How do I love thee, let me count the ways.
In the morning I do desire thee
in thy deep purple adornment.
Gently and carefully slathered
upon an unsuspecting piece
of sprouted grain bread.
Thou art not a vice,
but a necessity.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
True Story
Tonight I am thinking about Dave. The last time we really interacted was probably in the fifth grade. We had a fifth-grade camping trip to Twin Bears and all three of our classes got to go do activities, hike what seemed like a death march, sing around campfires, make midnight trips to the outhouses and other general merry-making. We got to ponder such questions as, "Would I drink out of a mud puddle if I was thirsty enough?" There was the girl who had "thrown up twice, and if I can just force myself to do it a third time, they'll let me go home!" And all the people that, at night, got a lot friendlier and wanted to snuggle because it really was cold.
And then there was Dave. He was kind of a tough guy. But I had seen his softer side before. First when he wrote me my very first love note. It said, "I like you." And it was unsigned. But I saw him watching me as I found it and being eight and not six or something, I soon figured out it was from him when I saw the matching torn paper sticking out of his desk. He finally admitted it and I was extremely flattered though I was already crushing on the guy who had given me a quarter, and in those days, that was enough for half an ice cream sandwich. I had also seen him cry before. He got hurt and recess and I'll never forget how he looked when he cried. At my tender years I thought it was one of the most terrible things I'd ever seen.
Then at camp, something triggered him so deeply he almost had to go home. My dad was one of the teachers on the trip, and during one of the group singing sessions, decided to play John Denver's "I'm Leaving, on a Jet Plane"... don't know when I'll be back again, oh babe, I hate to go...
Dave and one of his best friends started sobbing uncontrollably. They couldn't stop the flow. They knew it was uncool and they couldn't stop it. They got so upset, Dad took them for a ride to calm them down. They came back, but according to rumor, they had to be convinced to stay. I'm still not sure exactly what happened but I think it was their awakening. It was when they really realized that sometimes partings happen, sometimes you're not home. Sometimes, your heart aches so badly you can barely breathe.
Dave died a few years ago. He was in a motorcycle accident. I didn't go to the service. For some reason I couldn't. I worked in the same building as his mother for several years and you could always see him in her eyes. I don't think she'll ever let him go. I wouldn't.
And then there was Dave. He was kind of a tough guy. But I had seen his softer side before. First when he wrote me my very first love note. It said, "I like you." And it was unsigned. But I saw him watching me as I found it and being eight and not six or something, I soon figured out it was from him when I saw the matching torn paper sticking out of his desk. He finally admitted it and I was extremely flattered though I was already crushing on the guy who had given me a quarter, and in those days, that was enough for half an ice cream sandwich. I had also seen him cry before. He got hurt and recess and I'll never forget how he looked when he cried. At my tender years I thought it was one of the most terrible things I'd ever seen.
Then at camp, something triggered him so deeply he almost had to go home. My dad was one of the teachers on the trip, and during one of the group singing sessions, decided to play John Denver's "I'm Leaving, on a Jet Plane"... don't know when I'll be back again, oh babe, I hate to go...
Dave and one of his best friends started sobbing uncontrollably. They couldn't stop the flow. They knew it was uncool and they couldn't stop it. They got so upset, Dad took them for a ride to calm them down. They came back, but according to rumor, they had to be convinced to stay. I'm still not sure exactly what happened but I think it was their awakening. It was when they really realized that sometimes partings happen, sometimes you're not home. Sometimes, your heart aches so badly you can barely breathe.
Dave died a few years ago. He was in a motorcycle accident. I didn't go to the service. For some reason I couldn't. I worked in the same building as his mother for several years and you could always see him in her eyes. I don't think she'll ever let him go. I wouldn't.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Strange Behavior
This morning is a little on the chilly side, a mild -31* F.... nothing we can't grit our teeth and bear. Just a chance to remind ourselves that the economy is really good here in comparison to some other places in the US and we have a lot to be thankful for.
On this cold morning I went to the gym where I struggled to catch up with my dear husband who is two miles ahead at this point. As I got out of the car to come up my walk and back home, some strange behavior caught my eye. A man was running, from the front of a house to the side of it; he looked like a burglar sneaking around. Then I realized the poor guy is just trying to get to his car faster because it is so freaking cold!!!
I also happened to catch a glance of my reflection in a window and... let's just say maybe I should have utilized a mirror before leaving the gym. Due to the cold, I put a hoodie on under my peacoat to keep my sweaty hair from freezing, and unintentionally popped the collar on my peacoat, so I looked like I was trying to make a fashion statement of some kind, which was not the case.
Cold weather makes people do strange things. Deep, isn't it? Time for caffeine, bye-bye.
On this cold morning I went to the gym where I struggled to catch up with my dear husband who is two miles ahead at this point. As I got out of the car to come up my walk and back home, some strange behavior caught my eye. A man was running, from the front of a house to the side of it; he looked like a burglar sneaking around. Then I realized the poor guy is just trying to get to his car faster because it is so freaking cold!!!
I also happened to catch a glance of my reflection in a window and... let's just say maybe I should have utilized a mirror before leaving the gym. Due to the cold, I put a hoodie on under my peacoat to keep my sweaty hair from freezing, and unintentionally popped the collar on my peacoat, so I looked like I was trying to make a fashion statement of some kind, which was not the case.
Cold weather makes people do strange things. Deep, isn't it? Time for caffeine, bye-bye.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The 500 Mile Challenge
We've started a new competition, this one is Jason's brainchild and so far I love it! Many of you have already heard about it but it's becoming quite encompassing so I wanted to blog about it as well. The 500 mile challenge is a competition between Jason and I, and we decided that whoever gets there first, either by arc, treadmill, elliptical, laps with a pedometer, or swimming... wins five hundred dollars to spend however the winner wants! I honestly can't think of any cons for this competition. Regardless of who wins, we will both be a lot more fit at the end of this then we are now. The motivation is there and in your face since we're constantly trying to keep up with the other person. And one of my favorite features is that it isn't about weight loss, it's about getting in shape and traveling the distance. We are very fortunate to live about two blocks from the gym so it really could not be easier.
Mentally this has been a really fun challenge as well. Yeah our gym is a "judgment free zone" but there's always someone who's in better shape than you. My technique for blocking this out and continuing to feel good and like I'm conquering something is to go somewhere else in my head, preferably with music. Right now I'm in a little bit of a hip-hop phase at the gym and let me tell you, if you keep up to the beat, you will go a lot faster than maybe you were planning to go. Here's my current play list, designed to not only make me feel like more of a bada** than a short girl, but also makes me feel high on life:
Hey Ya! - OutKast
Lose Yourself - Eminem
Not Afraid - Eminem
In the End - Linkin Park
Pump It - The Black Eyed Peas
Say Hey (I Love You) - Michael Franti & Spearhead
After about three or four times through this list, you'd better not look at me funny on my way out of the gym or I will take my inflated sense of strength and kick you with my little feet. Gersh I'm having fun with it!
I think watching Biggest Loser has had an influence as well. When I feel tired or like I want to slow down, I just say to myself, "Do you want this? DO YOU WANT THIS? Do you want to win!????" sort of like Jillian Michaels says to the contestants... it's highly motivating. And YES I want to win, of course. I've already spent the money in my head, the problem is, so has Jason. So the beat goes on, da da dum da dum da da da da....
Then there's Chariots of Fire, I love the music, always have, and rent the movie from time to time just to get inspired to work out... I think my favorite quote is from the main character Eric Liddell, "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure."
Using the strength we have is a good thing. I'm so excited to find something that's helping me make exercise a real habit in my life. I'll keep you posted.. buy your TEAM SHEILA t-shirts TODAY!!!! j/k ... sorry honey I'll try not to be a d-bag. But you know I love a good competition!
Mentally this has been a really fun challenge as well. Yeah our gym is a "judgment free zone" but there's always someone who's in better shape than you. My technique for blocking this out and continuing to feel good and like I'm conquering something is to go somewhere else in my head, preferably with music. Right now I'm in a little bit of a hip-hop phase at the gym and let me tell you, if you keep up to the beat, you will go a lot faster than maybe you were planning to go. Here's my current play list, designed to not only make me feel like more of a bada** than a short girl, but also makes me feel high on life:
Hey Ya! - OutKast
Lose Yourself - Eminem
Not Afraid - Eminem
In the End - Linkin Park
Pump It - The Black Eyed Peas
Say Hey (I Love You) - Michael Franti & Spearhead
After about three or four times through this list, you'd better not look at me funny on my way out of the gym or I will take my inflated sense of strength and kick you with my little feet. Gersh I'm having fun with it!
I think watching Biggest Loser has had an influence as well. When I feel tired or like I want to slow down, I just say to myself, "Do you want this? DO YOU WANT THIS? Do you want to win!????" sort of like Jillian Michaels says to the contestants... it's highly motivating. And YES I want to win, of course. I've already spent the money in my head, the problem is, so has Jason. So the beat goes on, da da dum da dum da da da da....
Then there's Chariots of Fire, I love the music, always have, and rent the movie from time to time just to get inspired to work out... I think my favorite quote is from the main character Eric Liddell, "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure."
Using the strength we have is a good thing. I'm so excited to find something that's helping me make exercise a real habit in my life. I'll keep you posted.. buy your TEAM SHEILA t-shirts TODAY!!!! j/k ... sorry honey I'll try not to be a d-bag. But you know I love a good competition!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Dear Mr. President...
Well we're about six months away from the day when, once again, you'll be invited along with your wife and kids to our house for my husband's birthday barbecue. Hopefully I'll be a little more organized and you'll get the letter executed with proper protocol instead of the last-minute email I sent you last year.
Politics aside, and really, I do mean politics aside, I just thought it might be nice for you to get away to a casual dinner and I'm sure we'd all find lots to talk about. Please let me know in advance how many secret service to make burgers and fruit salad for and we'll prepare accordingly. I don't need you to make a speech, get a gift for my husband, or anything like that. Just bring yourselves and relax in the backyard. It's still a little chilly that time of year so you'll want to pack a warm sweater or windbreaker, but usually the bugs aren't in full force yet so it's rather nice outside. Usually the kids kick around the soccer ball and most of the snow has melted.
Let me know if you have vegetarians/vegans among your crew and we can make my delicious veggie shish kabobs. And grilled corn. Also if there are any allergies that we need to be aware of. If you absolutely must bring something, a 6-pack of Alaskan Amber would be great, but don't stress out about it.
While you are in town you can visit the pipeline, take a walk at our local bird preserve, and check out the University Museum. The muskox farm might be fun for the girls.
No big deal if you can't make it but just wanted to let you know you're welcome. We're very laid back so don't worry about showing up early, or late either. I'm not planning a huge production so it will be mostly a few friends and neighbors plus some family. If it rains or snows we can play Wii sports inside.
This is a serious invitation, but the party will be very casual. I think it would be fun if you guys would come, and the reason it could be really fun for you is that you might feel a little human for one evening without all the pressures of a major function. Relaxing will be the operative word. Thanks for considering my invite and have a great week.
Sincerely,
Sheila G.
Politics aside, and really, I do mean politics aside, I just thought it might be nice for you to get away to a casual dinner and I'm sure we'd all find lots to talk about. Please let me know in advance how many secret service to make burgers and fruit salad for and we'll prepare accordingly. I don't need you to make a speech, get a gift for my husband, or anything like that. Just bring yourselves and relax in the backyard. It's still a little chilly that time of year so you'll want to pack a warm sweater or windbreaker, but usually the bugs aren't in full force yet so it's rather nice outside. Usually the kids kick around the soccer ball and most of the snow has melted.
Let me know if you have vegetarians/vegans among your crew and we can make my delicious veggie shish kabobs. And grilled corn. Also if there are any allergies that we need to be aware of. If you absolutely must bring something, a 6-pack of Alaskan Amber would be great, but don't stress out about it.
While you are in town you can visit the pipeline, take a walk at our local bird preserve, and check out the University Museum. The muskox farm might be fun for the girls.
No big deal if you can't make it but just wanted to let you know you're welcome. We're very laid back so don't worry about showing up early, or late either. I'm not planning a huge production so it will be mostly a few friends and neighbors plus some family. If it rains or snows we can play Wii sports inside.
This is a serious invitation, but the party will be very casual. I think it would be fun if you guys would come, and the reason it could be really fun for you is that you might feel a little human for one evening without all the pressures of a major function. Relaxing will be the operative word. Thanks for considering my invite and have a great week.
Sincerely,
Sheila G.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
the simple things
Today I've been thinking. Which is a somewhat frequent occurrence. But seriously, today I've been thinking about the simple things. I think about this quite often, due to not enjoying the simple things and not being able to enjoy the simple things, so when I can, I do.
One of my favorite simple things is picking out produce. I like to do this slowly when I can. I like to do it deliberately. I like to take the time to notice the firmness, the color, and even the scent of tomatoes. I like to pick the freshest, most delicious looking bunch of three or four and think about melted cheese and tomato sandwiches.
Grapes are a little less of a delicate procedure. I just flip over the bag and check for moisture, sliminess, and mold. Those of you in the lower 48 may have no idea what I'm talking about. Our produce gets shipped hundreds of miles and the produce clerks just put out on the shelves what they get in the trucks. And oftentimes what they get in the trucks is already moldy before they even put it out. I've actually had an employee at one of our local grocery stores tell me, "Oh, well, there's just a little mold." To which I replied, "Well if you want to take the risk of eating mold-infected grapes and get a disease where the end result is your face eats itself from mold then go ahead, but over my dead body will I buy these grapes or any in the immediate vicinity." (In my head, of course.) I think I just laughed politely and moved quickly away from the fuzzy grapes. Laughing politely works tremendously well in a variety of awkward situations. But you know, it's nice to be able to really take the time and check your grapes for mold, when sometimes you haven't had the luxury.
During my trip to New York, I visited a Whole Foods that had actual fresh figs in their produce section. Plump and purple-brown little packets of delight. Strawberries, unbelievable strawberries, not a damaged one in the whole package. Limes that were green and perfect. Not sure where I'm going with this but I couldn't ever say enough about the quality and the choices that I found there.
I don't know what it is about picking out produce that makes me feel like I'm having a pedicure, or treating myself to an expensive coffee, or buying something I don't really need, I just want. I feel that the produce department is my domain. I choose one, one stays behind. I see another that is above average, but sigh and carefully put it back for I have enough. I revel in the moment. The lack of panic. Perhaps for some there is nothing more mundane than picking out potatoes. Just remember, if you see a woman gently cradling an avocado with a far-away look in her eyes and a small smile on her lips, that's me. Don't bother saying hi until we get to the pasta aisle.
One of my favorite simple things is picking out produce. I like to do this slowly when I can. I like to do it deliberately. I like to take the time to notice the firmness, the color, and even the scent of tomatoes. I like to pick the freshest, most delicious looking bunch of three or four and think about melted cheese and tomato sandwiches.
Grapes are a little less of a delicate procedure. I just flip over the bag and check for moisture, sliminess, and mold. Those of you in the lower 48 may have no idea what I'm talking about. Our produce gets shipped hundreds of miles and the produce clerks just put out on the shelves what they get in the trucks. And oftentimes what they get in the trucks is already moldy before they even put it out. I've actually had an employee at one of our local grocery stores tell me, "Oh, well, there's just a little mold." To which I replied, "Well if you want to take the risk of eating mold-infected grapes and get a disease where the end result is your face eats itself from mold then go ahead, but over my dead body will I buy these grapes or any in the immediate vicinity." (In my head, of course.) I think I just laughed politely and moved quickly away from the fuzzy grapes. Laughing politely works tremendously well in a variety of awkward situations. But you know, it's nice to be able to really take the time and check your grapes for mold, when sometimes you haven't had the luxury.
During my trip to New York, I visited a Whole Foods that had actual fresh figs in their produce section. Plump and purple-brown little packets of delight. Strawberries, unbelievable strawberries, not a damaged one in the whole package. Limes that were green and perfect. Not sure where I'm going with this but I couldn't ever say enough about the quality and the choices that I found there.
I don't know what it is about picking out produce that makes me feel like I'm having a pedicure, or treating myself to an expensive coffee, or buying something I don't really need, I just want. I feel that the produce department is my domain. I choose one, one stays behind. I see another that is above average, but sigh and carefully put it back for I have enough. I revel in the moment. The lack of panic. Perhaps for some there is nothing more mundane than picking out potatoes. Just remember, if you see a woman gently cradling an avocado with a far-away look in her eyes and a small smile on her lips, that's me. Don't bother saying hi until we get to the pasta aisle.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
You Can Poop in the Potty Like Elmo...
PTT - Potty Training Trenches... this is Sheila. If you don't hear from me again, you'll know what happened to me. I am on day 3 of Potty Training Attempt no. 2 , 3? The first time I gave up and backed off for medical reasons. Apparently someone can "hold it" for several days in their aversion to the potty and I figured that was not a good long-term solution. So we are trying again. In potty-related news I have made up a new potty song:
You can poop in the potty like Elmo, like Alleke, and like Xaniel,
Like Mommy and Daddy...
You don't have to cry
And I'll tell you why
You can poop in the potty like Elmo! (Repeat song for several hours)
Alleke is a little girl who has a potty training video on YouTube... Mia loves the video and now can do several of the steps by herself. Xaniel is our neighbor who was visiting us yesterday and Mia was quite impressed that he went potty in the big potty. Along with peer pressure I am also using bribes extensively. Last night she stayed dry all night. One less load of laundry for me right now is equivalent to a voice from heaven. I will update when mission accomplished. If I never update... may God have mercy on my soul.
We finally had enough snow to build a snowman; today's temperatures in the thirties may be his death, but we had fun and so far he hasn't been vandalized. We also had a lot of fun Halloween weekend, a kid's costume party at a friend's house and chili contest at church on Saturday, dressing up and trick or treating, plus veggie lasagna at Dad's house. Jason carved our coolest jack-o-lantern ever and Mia and I (with a lot of time at home focusing on the potty) did some kid rolls yesterday that were really fun. The higher than normal temps feel wonderful but the roads are not the best. If the roads are bad, the skies are awesome to make up for it. I took a picture of the sunrise which was pink, orange, and yellow with the bare trees looking like black lace against it... that's for you Bethy!
You can poop in the potty like Elmo, like Alleke, and like Xaniel,
Like Mommy and Daddy...
You don't have to cry
And I'll tell you why
You can poop in the potty like Elmo! (Repeat song for several hours)
Alleke is a little girl who has a potty training video on YouTube... Mia loves the video and now can do several of the steps by herself. Xaniel is our neighbor who was visiting us yesterday and Mia was quite impressed that he went potty in the big potty. Along with peer pressure I am also using bribes extensively. Last night she stayed dry all night. One less load of laundry for me right now is equivalent to a voice from heaven. I will update when mission accomplished. If I never update... may God have mercy on my soul.
We finally had enough snow to build a snowman; today's temperatures in the thirties may be his death, but we had fun and so far he hasn't been vandalized. We also had a lot of fun Halloween weekend, a kid's costume party at a friend's house and chili contest at church on Saturday, dressing up and trick or treating, plus veggie lasagna at Dad's house. Jason carved our coolest jack-o-lantern ever and Mia and I (with a lot of time at home focusing on the potty) did some kid rolls yesterday that were really fun. The higher than normal temps feel wonderful but the roads are not the best. If the roads are bad, the skies are awesome to make up for it. I took a picture of the sunrise which was pink, orange, and yellow with the bare trees looking like black lace against it... that's for you Bethy!
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