I have not written in a while peeps, but not to worry, I am fine. Our weekend consisted of lots of outdoor time in our 70 degree weekend weather which is unseasonably warm for this time of the year, a boring church service, talk of environmental solutions in sunday school, cleaning the studio, painting, walking through the woods, helping my son #2 build steps up the tree, and now to write an essay on why it is important to educate youth in art - at bedtime I'm doing this.
I hope to be writing a post this week. Some of the subjects I'm thinking about:
• Black history celebrations at the Memphis City Schools - beautiful, inspiring
• corporal punishment by parents and the controversy of that
• Why I care nothing about food anymore but yet will not drop weight
Until I can write more.....
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Things I've had to learn the hard way in life
This is a list of the things I've had to learn the hard way in life. Funny how the longer I live, the more I realize I don't have all the answers. It is something I've had to come around to, as when I was young, I really thought I had life figured out.
1. No matter what religion tells you, feelings are really important.
2. Never judge anyone or say you would not do something. You really have no idea what you would do until you've been put into the situation.
3. Life, God, and raising children are way to big to fit into any book. (see # 1)
4. Marriage is hard work, but even harder if you never had the deep connection and love you should have. Don't listen to people who say romantic love fades and you just need to make a decision to work hard. Hard work is NOT enough, you need love and hard work.
5. Adapting to change is the single important skill one can have in life.
6. The saying "blood is thicker than water" - bologny. My (real) friends have proven to be more to me than my family.
7. If you find a real friend in this world, be the best and most loyal friend you can. Real friends are very hard to come by.
8. Children feed off of our feelings. If we feel ok about something, they will be ok about it. (most of the time)
9. Children need structure and discipline. ie: they must hear NO from time to time- this from a hippie, free thinking mom who explained WAY too much to her children up to this point.
10. Trust is really important. Not having it can screw a person up; having it can help a person make it through the worst of times.
1. No matter what religion tells you, feelings are really important.
2. Never judge anyone or say you would not do something. You really have no idea what you would do until you've been put into the situation.
3. Life, God, and raising children are way to big to fit into any book. (see # 1)
4. Marriage is hard work, but even harder if you never had the deep connection and love you should have. Don't listen to people who say romantic love fades and you just need to make a decision to work hard. Hard work is NOT enough, you need love and hard work.
5. Adapting to change is the single important skill one can have in life.
6. The saying "blood is thicker than water" - bologny. My (real) friends have proven to be more to me than my family.
7. If you find a real friend in this world, be the best and most loyal friend you can. Real friends are very hard to come by.
8. Children feed off of our feelings. If we feel ok about something, they will be ok about it. (most of the time)
9. Children need structure and discipline. ie: they must hear NO from time to time- this from a hippie, free thinking mom who explained WAY too much to her children up to this point.
10. Trust is really important. Not having it can screw a person up; having it can help a person make it through the worst of times.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
I'm still here, barely
Well, I know it's been a while since I posted. I, as you can guess have been busy. I have felt very weird and vulnerable lately. I know this job was a blessing, (since my old job is now disolved) and it will turn out in the end, but all of the hoops I've had to jump through have been a little much. I am amazed at the amount of paperwork one must fill out for the government. It is such overkill. I spent 6 hours on Monday night just filling out forms for my upcoming evaluation. And I'm not finished. And I will have to fill out more when I'm done being evaluated. And I will be evaluated 2 more times before May. I am making it through this maze, but barely I feel. I sort of have a dark and heavy feeling about me right now and can't explain why.
There are multiple "irons in the fire" as they say. This is just one of many worries.
here are a few:
money worries since we are paying college tuition x 2 (we've been eating chicken noodle soup for days waiting for a pay check)
it's bitter cold here and I'm worried my heater will go out and I'll have no money to fix it
I'm worried I can't save money for the summer
I have to wait in line at the local school board to try to get my son #2 into a new school (more hoops)
we're both taking a college course
I feel really fat
I can't find time to exercise
I'm worried about my van breaking down
I have 2 classes at school that are more like guarding a prison than teaching. no teaching takes place. (this item could be elaborated on later. It is a really big and sad problem with no solution. depressing. scary. )
I have not made a single friend at my school and I really need one
taxes are coming up
I'm worried my ex will try to re-calculate my child support
I feel like I look so old
anyway... this is a very disjointed post, I know. It is just a brainstorm, because that's what my brain is like lately, a storm. I just need to talk to someone and do have some friends. but they are busy. and I don't want to call them and complain.
maybe some medication is in order??
later,
L
There are multiple "irons in the fire" as they say. This is just one of many worries.
here are a few:
money worries since we are paying college tuition x 2 (we've been eating chicken noodle soup for days waiting for a pay check)
it's bitter cold here and I'm worried my heater will go out and I'll have no money to fix it
I'm worried I can't save money for the summer
I have to wait in line at the local school board to try to get my son #2 into a new school (more hoops)
we're both taking a college course
I feel really fat
I can't find time to exercise
I'm worried about my van breaking down
I have 2 classes at school that are more like guarding a prison than teaching. no teaching takes place. (this item could be elaborated on later. It is a really big and sad problem with no solution. depressing. scary. )
I have not made a single friend at my school and I really need one
taxes are coming up
I'm worried my ex will try to re-calculate my child support
I feel like I look so old
anyway... this is a very disjointed post, I know. It is just a brainstorm, because that's what my brain is like lately, a storm. I just need to talk to someone and do have some friends. but they are busy. and I don't want to call them and complain.
maybe some medication is in order??
later,
L
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Dr King and faith
Well, I just couldn't resist, RSG was becoming a student, I had too also. Not really, I had been working on it for a while, ever since I took the teaching job. But it is official, I have been accepted into graduate school for art! I have always dreamed of taking more art classes now that I am a more appreciative mature grown up. When I was in school, they were just nuisance's, art classes that is. I am so excited about taking art again and learning about teaching it. W and I are enrolled in a great art school that is just around the corner from house. It is small and in the middle of a historic city park and beautiful. We will now be able to take part in all of their shows as well. Class starts this Tuesday night. Then in May, we have to take a class that lasts for only 3 weeks, but meets every night from 5:30 til 9. That will be interesting. All of these requirements put on us to keep our jobs are very tough, but all along the way, there have been gifts that have been given, like having a man at our church agree to update W's disability testing status so she can have an un-timed test. I do believe that these are blessings from God because we took a leap of faith in doing this.
We just went to church this morning and every time I go it ends up being a blessing. My pastor did a sermon today about Dr. King and how, he would not have been the same man if it had not been for his faith, and the work he did might not have happened. That struck a cord with me. When he was preaching and leading the civil rights movement, many "Christians" were misguided and thought the things he was saying were against the teaching of God and the bible. That belief was largely based on fear. Likewise, today we have many people who are Christians who are so afraid of loving gay couples changing what they falsely believe to be the "right way to live."
My faith has always been a strong part of who I was. For some time, organized religion was not, but I now believe that if we listen to what is in our hearts, and strive to do no harm, that this IS God's spirit working in us. I was then able to embrace my faith and religion and hopefully be the change I want to see in organized religion. There are so many people out there who are devout and sensitive Christians being told their lifestyle is not compatible with God's teachings.
This needs to change and it is changing. Even the mainstream religions are starting to question this as more and more evidence is pointing to the fact that being gay is really genetic, and also that some of the passages previously thought to be anti-homosexual in the bible are really anti- casual promiscuity.
Anyway, I am not a scholar in this subject and will stop before I go too far, but I do know what is in my heart and that I feel closer to my God now than I ever have. I spent many hours in prayer when all of my changes were taking place. I begged for a sign if it was not what was supposed to happen.
Not too long ago in my Sunday school class, we talked about how Christians should stop trying to figure out the details of what is right and wrong, and just love everyone the way Christ did. After that, trust that the holy spirit will work in people's lives. We are not here to judge, we are here to show God's love, the spirit will take care of the rest.
PS: I apologize for my overly spiritual tone if you do not agree. But this is a blog about my feelings and this is what I am moved to write today.
We just went to church this morning and every time I go it ends up being a blessing. My pastor did a sermon today about Dr. King and how, he would not have been the same man if it had not been for his faith, and the work he did might not have happened. That struck a cord with me. When he was preaching and leading the civil rights movement, many "Christians" were misguided and thought the things he was saying were against the teaching of God and the bible. That belief was largely based on fear. Likewise, today we have many people who are Christians who are so afraid of loving gay couples changing what they falsely believe to be the "right way to live."
My faith has always been a strong part of who I was. For some time, organized religion was not, but I now believe that if we listen to what is in our hearts, and strive to do no harm, that this IS God's spirit working in us. I was then able to embrace my faith and religion and hopefully be the change I want to see in organized religion. There are so many people out there who are devout and sensitive Christians being told their lifestyle is not compatible with God's teachings.
This needs to change and it is changing. Even the mainstream religions are starting to question this as more and more evidence is pointing to the fact that being gay is really genetic, and also that some of the passages previously thought to be anti-homosexual in the bible are really anti- casual promiscuity.
Anyway, I am not a scholar in this subject and will stop before I go too far, but I do know what is in my heart and that I feel closer to my God now than I ever have. I spent many hours in prayer when all of my changes were taking place. I begged for a sign if it was not what was supposed to happen.
Not too long ago in my Sunday school class, we talked about how Christians should stop trying to figure out the details of what is right and wrong, and just love everyone the way Christ did. After that, trust that the holy spirit will work in people's lives. We are not here to judge, we are here to show God's love, the spirit will take care of the rest.
PS: I apologize for my overly spiritual tone if you do not agree. But this is a blog about my feelings and this is what I am moved to write today.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Juno
Oh my gosh! I almost forgot, Juno. We saw Juno over the Christmas break and it was amazing. Definitely see Juno if you haven't. It is getting oscar buzz but even without that, it was a really great storytelling movie. By that, I mean, it was a movie that told a simple story. No special effects, no action, just a well acted story. Ellen Page was incredible and you left feeling a little better about the .... ahem.. much younger generation. and educated about all the new teen lingo too I might add.
See it!
later,
L
See it!
later,
L
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Puccini for beginners
We watched a movie last night I had from Netflix. It was called Puccini for beginners. I heard about it on this website. I must say, it was a funny, well done, romantic comedy about a lesbian or bisexual who falls for both a guy and a girl at the same time. I won't say any more about the plot that that, but I would highly recommend it. I thought the main character played by Elizabeth Reaser was adorable and the actress did a fantastic job. She is the same actress who played the patient on Grey's anatomy that had an accident and they had to rebuild her face.. and the cute Dr. Corev fell for her.
And that my fellow bloggers is my first movie review done while blogging.
Actually it is my first movie review ever, unless you count running my mouth a lot.
Watch it and let me know how you like it!
later,
L
And that my fellow bloggers is my first movie review done while blogging.
Actually it is my first movie review ever, unless you count running my mouth a lot.
Watch it and let me know how you like it!
later,
L
Monday, January 14, 2008
crazy weekend update
Friday afternoon I realized I was signed up for a national board exam for teachers on Sat. morning. I had not studied. I would have to cram all Friday night instead of have a nice date night.
Then I got an email that said some things were due to my proposed college that I need to attend in order to keep my job. W and I are in the process of being admitted into graduate school for our art teacher certification. We found out a deadline was Friday for some things. That's ok I said, we'll just rush home at 3:30 and get it togeter
Then after school W called and had locked her keys in her van! I had to drive across town to get her, then we had to rush home to get said items. We could not make it in the traffic. School closed at 4:30. made many phone calls to try to let someone know. turned out it was ok.
whew! But the van! the locksmith had to be called. we called. he could not open it. we called another, he came and 2hrs and $45 later we had the keys. drove back home.
Study till 11:30 then pass out.
Up at 6 to go take test. The test went ok, I think. I am one to the weirdest people in the world obviously. I actually like taking these kind of tests. It is fun to me. Now, I have no idea whether I did pass it or not. I had to guess at several answers. I mean, it's been 25 yrs since I knew which painting ushered in the dutch expressionist movement in the 18th century... or.. whether Degas and Mary Cassat shared a studio or they just both like to paint the human form. It is kind of like trivial pursuit to me. except it cost $100 and my livelyhood depends on it. Seriously though, I get more chances to take the test so I will be fine. I would be so pumped it I passed it though.
Home again. Saturday night we had an old friend over. She is going through a divorce and has been separated for 2 years. She needs to move on but is stuck. W and I tried to give her some confidence that she would make it. I know she will. She is a sharp lady and a great Mom. She stayed over drinking wine until 12:30 though and we were tired.
Sunday to do:
take Christmas tree down (not done)
make lesson plans (check)
grocery shop (check)
decide a major life decision about what school my kids should go to next year. (ended up talking to the ex H for 2 hours on the phone about it -- still not decided)
get extra key made for W's van (not done)
watch the last dvd of the L word we had (ended up staying up until 12:30 doing so)
Whew! I am tired and looking forward to tonight
Then I got an email that said some things were due to my proposed college that I need to attend in order to keep my job. W and I are in the process of being admitted into graduate school for our art teacher certification. We found out a deadline was Friday for some things. That's ok I said, we'll just rush home at 3:30 and get it togeter
Then after school W called and had locked her keys in her van! I had to drive across town to get her, then we had to rush home to get said items. We could not make it in the traffic. School closed at 4:30. made many phone calls to try to let someone know. turned out it was ok.
whew! But the van! the locksmith had to be called. we called. he could not open it. we called another, he came and 2hrs and $45 later we had the keys. drove back home.
Study till 11:30 then pass out.
Up at 6 to go take test. The test went ok, I think. I am one to the weirdest people in the world obviously. I actually like taking these kind of tests. It is fun to me. Now, I have no idea whether I did pass it or not. I had to guess at several answers. I mean, it's been 25 yrs since I knew which painting ushered in the dutch expressionist movement in the 18th century... or.. whether Degas and Mary Cassat shared a studio or they just both like to paint the human form. It is kind of like trivial pursuit to me. except it cost $100 and my livelyhood depends on it. Seriously though, I get more chances to take the test so I will be fine. I would be so pumped it I passed it though.
Home again. Saturday night we had an old friend over. She is going through a divorce and has been separated for 2 years. She needs to move on but is stuck. W and I tried to give her some confidence that she would make it. I know she will. She is a sharp lady and a great Mom. She stayed over drinking wine until 12:30 though and we were tired.
Sunday to do:
take Christmas tree down (not done)
make lesson plans (check)
grocery shop (check)
decide a major life decision about what school my kids should go to next year. (ended up talking to the ex H for 2 hours on the phone about it -- still not decided)
get extra key made for W's van (not done)
watch the last dvd of the L word we had (ended up staying up until 12:30 doing so)
Whew! I am tired and looking forward to tonight
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