Something has been bothering me for a little over a week now and as I've done in the past, if something is on my mind, I bring it here. I mostly do this to get it off my chest, but it also helps me to get different perspectives and insight by the comments that are left. So let me know what you think.
I know this will sound judgemental. Even though I try very hard not to judge others, I'm having a hard time not judging in this situation. I'm talking about the mother who had octuplets last week.
My first thoughts must have been what most people hearing the news would have thought; eight babies.... what a handful, or glad it's not me or that's incredible. I kept waiting for the pictures; of the babies, of the happy mother and father. I wanted to hear how this extraordinary event was going to change the lives of those involved - in challenging and wonderful ways.
As one day turned into the next and information about the mother started emerging, I became even more intrigued, and disturbed. It ends up that the mother is a single unemployed mom who already has six kids, all under the age of eight. She lives with her mom in a small (probably a two bedroom) house. Not ideal circumstances.
I can't help but wonder how she's going to manage giving the necessary care to fourteen children, eight of them infants. I want to know what kind of fertility clinic would help to impregnate a woman with her particular set of circumstances. I can only speculate why this woman would want another child and take the chance of having more than one.
I can't be the only one that thinks she acted irresponsibly and that those eight precious babies may be in trouble. I've heard she wants a TV deal, something like Jon & Kate plus 8. I guess if that happened, it would change her financial situation, but little else. I truly hope that it all works out some how. I really don't want to judge this woman. I just want what's best for those babies, as well as her other children.
Showing posts with label hot topics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hot topics. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
words can never hurt me.....
Let me say up front that if you are a sarcastic person, I don't mean to offend you by what I write here. I write about sarcasm today because I don't quite understand why people have to be sarcastic. I've been bothered by this characteristic lately so I did some research on the subject. Let's start with the definition:
sar·casm (sär'kāz'əm):
1. A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
2. A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.
"According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word "sarcasm" derives from ancient Greek for "to tear flesh, gnash the teeth, speak bitterly." Its first definition is "a sharp, bitter, or cutting expression or remark; a bitter gibe or taunt." Although sarcasts may just intend to be funny, their words can also be very hurtful to the intended target."
I guess that's why I don't understand why people use sarcasm. I, personally, would never dream of trying to hurt someone else through the words I use. So in that way, sarcasm is so far from my way of talking or writing.
I've heard sarcastic people who say that they don't intend on hurting their target - it's just who they are. Do they not realize that even though it's not their intention to hurt, their word do just that. Are they blind to this or do they just not care that they actually do hurt people with their words? I read this online and found it useful in trying to understand:
"Though they may not be aware of it, sarcasm is their means of indirectly expressing aggression toward others and insecurity about themselves. Wrapping their thoughts in a joke shields them from the vulnerability that comes with directly putting one's opinions out there. "Sarcastic people protect themselves by only letting the world see a superficial part of who they are," says Steven Stosny, a Washington, D.C.-based therapist and anger specialist. "They're very into impression management."
Because humor and hostility often come mixed together, it can be difficult to pinpoint a wisecracker's primary intent. "Sometimes sarcasm is humor—purely a Don Rickles kind of joking—and sometimes it's just innocently insensitive," Stosny says. "But other times, it's devaluing." Everyone benefits from a wisecracker's comic relief, but if you are the target of regular swipes, it's best to assertively call the joker out. His hilariousness doesn't give him the right to belittle you." (source)
Don't get me wrong - I can take some sarcasm and even find the humor in it. I can be sarcastic myself, even though I try not to be. It's when a person constantly uses sarcasm that makes me want to turn away and not listen to a thing he or she has to say. I find it annoying and degrading. But maybe it's just me.
sar·casm (sär'kāz'əm):
1. A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
2. A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.
"According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word "sarcasm" derives from ancient Greek for "to tear flesh, gnash the teeth, speak bitterly." Its first definition is "a sharp, bitter, or cutting expression or remark; a bitter gibe or taunt." Although sarcasts may just intend to be funny, their words can also be very hurtful to the intended target."
I guess that's why I don't understand why people use sarcasm. I, personally, would never dream of trying to hurt someone else through the words I use. So in that way, sarcasm is so far from my way of talking or writing.
I've heard sarcastic people who say that they don't intend on hurting their target - it's just who they are. Do they not realize that even though it's not their intention to hurt, their word do just that. Are they blind to this or do they just not care that they actually do hurt people with their words? I read this online and found it useful in trying to understand:
"Though they may not be aware of it, sarcasm is their means of indirectly expressing aggression toward others and insecurity about themselves. Wrapping their thoughts in a joke shields them from the vulnerability that comes with directly putting one's opinions out there. "Sarcastic people protect themselves by only letting the world see a superficial part of who they are," says Steven Stosny, a Washington, D.C.-based therapist and anger specialist. "They're very into impression management."
Because humor and hostility often come mixed together, it can be difficult to pinpoint a wisecracker's primary intent. "Sometimes sarcasm is humor—purely a Don Rickles kind of joking—and sometimes it's just innocently insensitive," Stosny says. "But other times, it's devaluing." Everyone benefits from a wisecracker's comic relief, but if you are the target of regular swipes, it's best to assertively call the joker out. His hilariousness doesn't give him the right to belittle you." (source)
Don't get me wrong - I can take some sarcasm and even find the humor in it. I can be sarcastic myself, even though I try not to be. It's when a person constantly uses sarcasm that makes me want to turn away and not listen to a thing he or she has to say. I find it annoying and degrading. But maybe it's just me.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
unbelievable
I have literally watched hours of the Olympics and listened to the endless commentary on the events and athletes. The word that is repeated by all the commentators over and over is unbelievable. It's an appropriate word because whether it's a phenomenal feat or a shattering disappointment, it describes perfectly what is taking place in these Olympic games.
I find these Olympic stories unbelievable...
The picture perfect school girl who sang as the Chinese flag entered the stadium at the opening ceremonies was actually lip syncing to a pre-recorded version of the song sung by a seven year old who won a grueling competition for the privilege of singing at the ceremonies. Evidently, she just wasn't cute enough because of her buck teeth (which I don't even think she has) and was told she could not perform live. source
UNBELIEVABLE that China feels it that important to give the illusion that they are without flaws.
All you have to do is look at a few of the Chinese gymnasts to wonder to yourself, "how old are they?" You have to be 16 (or turn 16 in the Olympic year) to be eligible to compete and the Chinese team members' passports claim they are 16. But several have questioned this. Associated Press tracked down a Chinese government story stating that one of the gymnasts was 13 at the time of the story, last November. source
UNBELIEVABLE that China feels that they have to win, and they will cheat to achieve that goal.
A Swedish wrestler who won a bronze medal threw it to the floor after it was awarded to him. It was in protest to his opinion of corrupt judges. I read several articles on this situation and it seems that a lot of athletes and coaches in the wrestling community feel that this sport is all political and has become corrupt. source
So... is it UNBELIEVABLE that an athlete would show such bad sportsmanship as to throw down his medal ... or ... is it UNBELIEVABLE that an Olympic sport can be so obviously corrupt and nothing has been done to rectify it.
Michael Phelps wins 8 gold medals.
Truly UNBELIEVABLE!!!
I find these Olympic stories unbelievable...
The picture perfect school girl who sang as the Chinese flag entered the stadium at the opening ceremonies was actually lip syncing to a pre-recorded version of the song sung by a seven year old who won a grueling competition for the privilege of singing at the ceremonies. Evidently, she just wasn't cute enough because of her buck teeth (which I don't even think she has) and was told she could not perform live. source
UNBELIEVABLE that China feels it that important to give the illusion that they are without flaws.
All you have to do is look at a few of the Chinese gymnasts to wonder to yourself, "how old are they?" You have to be 16 (or turn 16 in the Olympic year) to be eligible to compete and the Chinese team members' passports claim they are 16. But several have questioned this. Associated Press tracked down a Chinese government story stating that one of the gymnasts was 13 at the time of the story, last November. source
UNBELIEVABLE that China feels that they have to win, and they will cheat to achieve that goal.
A Swedish wrestler who won a bronze medal threw it to the floor after it was awarded to him. It was in protest to his opinion of corrupt judges. I read several articles on this situation and it seems that a lot of athletes and coaches in the wrestling community feel that this sport is all political and has become corrupt. source
So... is it UNBELIEVABLE that an athlete would show such bad sportsmanship as to throw down his medal ... or ... is it UNBELIEVABLE that an Olympic sport can be so obviously corrupt and nothing has been done to rectify it.
Michael Phelps wins 8 gold medals.
Truly UNBELIEVABLE!!!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
the hope in it
Thank you to everyone who commented to my last two posts. You all brought some good stuff to the table. Not only do I appreciate hearing the different views, but I think it benefits all who read them. Here are the rest of my thoughts on this subject.
Yesterday I wrote about the reality of middle school and the kids who attend. I believe most of the girlfriend-boyfriend relationships are in name only. And even though they're in name only, they can turn out bad.
Many times a boy and girl who were friends and then decided to become a boyfriend-girlfriend find themselves not talking to each other at all because they don't know how to handle the expectations of having this status. They "break-up" quickly and unfortunately, their friendship can't withstand the fallout.
Even though I believe most of these relationships (and I obviously use that term loosely), there are those kids who take it to a deeper level. Since they are so young, most of it is experimenting and doing what they think is expected of them, since being in a "relationship." But as all adults know, that usually leads to trouble. The facts is; there are sexually active kids in middle school.
That is why it's important to be in touch with what's happening in your child's environment and lay a foundation of communication, discipline, respect and trust - and all this has to happen before your child goes into his/her middle school years.
I'm a firm believer in communication - mutual communication. I needed to know what my kids were thinking and feeling and experiencing in order to know why they reacted in a certain way or how to help them with something. Likewise, I wanted my kids to know why we made certain decisions, why we had to say no, and what we expected from them. If you have this foundation already in place when your child gets to middle school, it helps to navigate through this turbulent and bewildering period.
If you have guidelines for dating, you should communicate that as early as possible. I have a friend whose kids knew, from the time they learned to talk, that they were not allowed to date one on one until they were 16. There was never any need to try to negotiate. That's just the way it was. It worked because that rule wasn't all of a sudden sprung on them when they were at the age when they were watching their peers have boyfriends and girlfriends. They also communicated to their children why they had this policy and why it was important to them. They didn't just say, "because I'm the parent and I say so." They did it will love and logic.
My son had a girlfriend when he was 13, but we did a lot of talking about what it meant to be a boyfriend and was was expected from him. We met her family and got to know them very well (luckily, we liked them a lot). He and his girlfriend only did things in a group setting, most of the time with other friends and then other times with one of the families. I truly believe he learned personal, relational, and social skills during this time. They were allowed some freedom within a closely watched and regulated environment.
Did I know everything that went on - no. Did he tell me everything that was on his mind - I'm sure not. But we were able to talk about a lot that I think helped him understand relationships. I honestly don't think we would have had some of those same conversations if he were in high school. By that time, kids think they know it all and don't need their parents.
What I didn't address here, but what I feel is true, is that there is a difference between boys and girls when it comes to this subject. How much self esteem a girl has, and how empowered she feels, will play a role when it comes to wanting the acceptance and fitting in, thus having a boy friend. I could write another post on this subject, so I'm not going to go on. This post is long enough =)
I wouldn't presume to tell anyone how to parent their children. And I sincerely hope no one feels that way by what I've written. I recognize that we all parent differently and no one knows our kids better than we do, as parents. These are just my thoughts, personal opinions, and experience. Thank you again for your input. I enjoy reading each and every comment.
Yesterday I wrote about the reality of middle school and the kids who attend. I believe most of the girlfriend-boyfriend relationships are in name only. And even though they're in name only, they can turn out bad.
Many times a boy and girl who were friends and then decided to become a boyfriend-girlfriend find themselves not talking to each other at all because they don't know how to handle the expectations of having this status. They "break-up" quickly and unfortunately, their friendship can't withstand the fallout.
Even though I believe most of these relationships (and I obviously use that term loosely), there are those kids who take it to a deeper level. Since they are so young, most of it is experimenting and doing what they think is expected of them, since being in a "relationship." But as all adults know, that usually leads to trouble. The facts is; there are sexually active kids in middle school.
That is why it's important to be in touch with what's happening in your child's environment and lay a foundation of communication, discipline, respect and trust - and all this has to happen before your child goes into his/her middle school years.
I'm a firm believer in communication - mutual communication. I needed to know what my kids were thinking and feeling and experiencing in order to know why they reacted in a certain way or how to help them with something. Likewise, I wanted my kids to know why we made certain decisions, why we had to say no, and what we expected from them. If you have this foundation already in place when your child gets to middle school, it helps to navigate through this turbulent and bewildering period.
If you have guidelines for dating, you should communicate that as early as possible. I have a friend whose kids knew, from the time they learned to talk, that they were not allowed to date one on one until they were 16. There was never any need to try to negotiate. That's just the way it was. It worked because that rule wasn't all of a sudden sprung on them when they were at the age when they were watching their peers have boyfriends and girlfriends. They also communicated to their children why they had this policy and why it was important to them. They didn't just say, "because I'm the parent and I say so." They did it will love and logic.
My son had a girlfriend when he was 13, but we did a lot of talking about what it meant to be a boyfriend and was was expected from him. We met her family and got to know them very well (luckily, we liked them a lot). He and his girlfriend only did things in a group setting, most of the time with other friends and then other times with one of the families. I truly believe he learned personal, relational, and social skills during this time. They were allowed some freedom within a closely watched and regulated environment.
Did I know everything that went on - no. Did he tell me everything that was on his mind - I'm sure not. But we were able to talk about a lot that I think helped him understand relationships. I honestly don't think we would have had some of those same conversations if he were in high school. By that time, kids think they know it all and don't need their parents.
What I didn't address here, but what I feel is true, is that there is a difference between boys and girls when it comes to this subject. How much self esteem a girl has, and how empowered she feels, will play a role when it comes to wanting the acceptance and fitting in, thus having a boy friend. I could write another post on this subject, so I'm not going to go on. This post is long enough =)
I wouldn't presume to tell anyone how to parent their children. And I sincerely hope no one feels that way by what I've written. I recognize that we all parent differently and no one knows our kids better than we do, as parents. These are just my thoughts, personal opinions, and experience. Thank you again for your input. I enjoy reading each and every comment.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
another weigh in
As I was perusing blogs today, I came across Is It Just Me?, a well written blog by JustRandi. A week ago or so, she posted a question that generated much conversation and has kept me reflecting on it the rest of the day. So I thought I'd pose the question here as I'm curious as to what you think about the issue.
So here's the question JustRandi posed: Is it appropriate for a 13 year old to have a boyfriend or girlfriend? And I'll add; at what age is it appropriate for your child to have a boyfriend or girlfriend?
I'd encourage you to read the comments left for JustRandi's post and then JustRandi's followup post explaining her feelings. It's interesting and thought provoking reading. As with the other weigh-ins, I ask that you be considerate and respectful in your comments.
***************
link of the day:
http://www.politics4moms.blogspot.com/
So here's the question JustRandi posed: Is it appropriate for a 13 year old to have a boyfriend or girlfriend? And I'll add; at what age is it appropriate for your child to have a boyfriend or girlfriend?
I'd encourage you to read the comments left for JustRandi's post and then JustRandi's followup post explaining her feelings. It's interesting and thought provoking reading. As with the other weigh-ins, I ask that you be considerate and respectful in your comments.
***************
link of the day:
http://www.politics4moms.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
my two cents
Thank you to everyone who participated in the conversation yesterday on the hot topic of punishment, discipline, and spankings. I enjoyed reading each and every comment and am glad you all felt comfortable to share your opinions.
Although I don't think I would have put my kid out on the corner holding a sign, like the situation discussed, I can understand why the mother did it. As many of you said, a mother [and father] knows her/his kid best and knows what kind of discipline works best.
I think there is a difference between discipline and punishment, though. And I think that's important to keep in mind. In my opinion, it should be our goal to discipline a child in order to teach them self-control and direct them to better choices. I found this site that expresses my feelings on discipline vs. punishment. Please read it - it's short. I was going to articulate it myself but realized I couldn't write it any better (or differently).
I do think it's important to discipline our children. There are too many parents who don't take this part of their job seriously, and it shows in their children, who grow up with all sorts of troubles and issues.
There you go... there's my two cents.
-----------------------------------------------
This is a long time in coming, but I just wanted to thank Heather of Not a DIY Life for awarding me with this Excellent Blog award. I am most appreciative and very honored.
The originator of this award asks that each recipient pass it on to 10 more bloggers. After some thought, I've decided I'm not going to do this. I always have a hard time passing on awards. I never want to leave anyone out. Plus, I feel like all the blogs I read are "excellent." Who am I to judge that one blog is more excellent than another. So, if I read your blog and comment on a regular basis, please consider your blog EXCELLENT.
***************
link of the day:
http://www.coloring-page.net/book/valentine/index.html
Although I don't think I would have put my kid out on the corner holding a sign, like the situation discussed, I can understand why the mother did it. As many of you said, a mother [and father] knows her/his kid best and knows what kind of discipline works best.
I think there is a difference between discipline and punishment, though. And I think that's important to keep in mind. In my opinion, it should be our goal to discipline a child in order to teach them self-control and direct them to better choices. I found this site that expresses my feelings on discipline vs. punishment. Please read it - it's short. I was going to articulate it myself but realized I couldn't write it any better (or differently).
I do think it's important to discipline our children. There are too many parents who don't take this part of their job seriously, and it shows in their children, who grow up with all sorts of troubles and issues.
There you go... there's my two cents.
-----------------------------------------------
This is a long time in coming, but I just wanted to thank Heather of Not a DIY Life for awarding me with this Excellent Blog award. I am most appreciative and very honored.The originator of this award asks that each recipient pass it on to 10 more bloggers. After some thought, I've decided I'm not going to do this. I always have a hard time passing on awards. I never want to leave anyone out. Plus, I feel like all the blogs I read are "excellent." Who am I to judge that one blog is more excellent than another. So, if I read your blog and comment on a regular basis, please consider your blog EXCELLENT.
***************
link of the day:
http://www.coloring-page.net/book/valentine/index.html
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
weigh in
on the Hot Topic
I saw something on Good Morning America yesterday that I wanted other opinions on. It was a story of a little 8 year old boy who had got in trouble at school. As punishment, his mom made him stand on a corner in front of the school holding a double sided sign. On one side, it stated that he was rude to his teacher and that he was sorry, and on the other was a statement about making better choices. He was shown with tears rolling down his face while holding this sign for three hours (read whole story here).
The story goes on to say that the original story (aired last Friday) had generated a lot of viewer feedback; some from people who applauded the mother for taking a strong stand with her son and others who felt it was degrading and embarassing for the young boy.
And I'll throw another question in the mix: Do you believe in spanking?
I would love to hear your opinions on the subject. As before, please be courteous in your comments and open to other's thoughts. You might want to read the article and/or watch the video before you weigh in, as there's a lot of information to take into account.
***************
link of the day:
http://cpyu.org/Default.aspx
I saw something on Good Morning America yesterday that I wanted other opinions on. It was a story of a little 8 year old boy who had got in trouble at school. As punishment, his mom made him stand on a corner in front of the school holding a double sided sign. On one side, it stated that he was rude to his teacher and that he was sorry, and on the other was a statement about making better choices. He was shown with tears rolling down his face while holding this sign for three hours (read whole story here).
The story goes on to say that the original story (aired last Friday) had generated a lot of viewer feedback; some from people who applauded the mother for taking a strong stand with her son and others who felt it was degrading and embarassing for the young boy.
And I'll throw another question in the mix: Do you believe in spanking?
I would love to hear your opinions on the subject. As before, please be courteous in your comments and open to other's thoughts. You might want to read the article and/or watch the video before you weigh in, as there's a lot of information to take into account.
***************
link of the day:
http://cpyu.org/Default.aspx
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
one more comment...
Last week I wrote a post about Hillary Clinton and her emotional response to a question posed to her (link to post) and I thanked everyone for sharing their personal opinions on the issue. I received an email from my dad asking me if it was okay for him to leave a comment with his two cents, not knowing if I was welcoming a male opinion.
After telling him I would love to hear his opinion and his comments are always welcomed on my blog, he said he would gather his thoughts and leave a comment. He sent me an e-mail, with an attached document, a couple of days later saying he thought that what he wrote was too long to be a comment. I can see why he thought this but I was so touched with what he wrote, I asked him if I could publish it as a stand-alone post. He finally agreed to my request and here's what he wrote:
...So I'll attach what I wrote to this for you alone to ponder. Bear in mind that my comments, as they stand alone probably would indicate my support for her politically. But nothing could be further from the truth. I believe we must respect even our adversaries, but given a choice in voting for her, my thoughts go along those of what Mammy T said in your Rays...
Wow, where do I weigh in on all this? Trying to go along with the excellent responses that you’ve gotten from your fellow bloggers isn’t the answer as they’re all good comments yet somewhat disagreeing. I can only offer my opinion, that I doubt that Hillary’s emotion break was staged. Tears come to all of us when we get emotional and particularly when we’re tired.
Men are usually criticized for not showing the emotion any more than they do. Maybe it’s the macho image that they feel they must maintain. And I would imagine that Hillary has tried her best to parallel that macho image with the men. But she is human, and to let out a little emotion at the time she did, I think is understandable.
And casting her tears (such as they were) aside, she really came up with some great, touching words about our country, and who is going to be ready to run it? I would love to know just how she felt about releasing her emotions that way. If we knew the truth of that, we might be better able to evaluate whether she staged those tears or not.
But I can only relate to my own circumstances and history when I’ve let down during emotionally stressful times. Tears have flown from my being many times during my years of living: when I lost a cat during my childhood, I cried; when I had to leave your mother at a most critical time of her pregnancy with Steve and flew off to Morocco during the Cuban Crisis, I cried; when I had to leave Steve over night in the Vandenberg AFB hospital after he fell off the slide there in Lompoc and broke his arm, I cried; when I left you all (family) at the Long Beach airport as I separated and flew off to Vietnam for a year, I cried; when I lost your mom to a divorce and was further impacted by not being able to keep you girls with me when we moved to Colorado, I cried; and when my mom and dad passed away and I saw them for the last time in their caskets, I cried.
And as I get older the tears flow from emotional times even more. Anything patriotic, anyone that I see in church committing their life to Christ, any compassionate act by one human upon another, etc. will bring tears to my eyes, a lump to my throat, and an inability to speak when I only wish that I could. And it’s getting worse with age.
So why do we criticize a politician, a woman at that, for something that God has inbred into us. I don’t think we control those things. It just comes out. Someday, when we’re on the other shore, in our heavenly bodies, we won’t have to worry about emotions. But as for this life, we must accept them, and to criticize anyone for displaying them is wrong. Did she stage hers? I doubt it. She was only being human, and I can relate to that.
Thanks Dad.
***************
link of the day:
http://tanusha.livejournal.com/785637.html
After telling him I would love to hear his opinion and his comments are always welcomed on my blog, he said he would gather his thoughts and leave a comment. He sent me an e-mail, with an attached document, a couple of days later saying he thought that what he wrote was too long to be a comment. I can see why he thought this but I was so touched with what he wrote, I asked him if I could publish it as a stand-alone post. He finally agreed to my request and here's what he wrote:
...So I'll attach what I wrote to this for you alone to ponder. Bear in mind that my comments, as they stand alone probably would indicate my support for her politically. But nothing could be further from the truth. I believe we must respect even our adversaries, but given a choice in voting for her, my thoughts go along those of what Mammy T said in your Rays...
Wow, where do I weigh in on all this? Trying to go along with the excellent responses that you’ve gotten from your fellow bloggers isn’t the answer as they’re all good comments yet somewhat disagreeing. I can only offer my opinion, that I doubt that Hillary’s emotion break was staged. Tears come to all of us when we get emotional and particularly when we’re tired.
Men are usually criticized for not showing the emotion any more than they do. Maybe it’s the macho image that they feel they must maintain. And I would imagine that Hillary has tried her best to parallel that macho image with the men. But she is human, and to let out a little emotion at the time she did, I think is understandable.
And casting her tears (such as they were) aside, she really came up with some great, touching words about our country, and who is going to be ready to run it? I would love to know just how she felt about releasing her emotions that way. If we knew the truth of that, we might be better able to evaluate whether she staged those tears or not.
But I can only relate to my own circumstances and history when I’ve let down during emotionally stressful times. Tears have flown from my being many times during my years of living: when I lost a cat during my childhood, I cried; when I had to leave your mother at a most critical time of her pregnancy with Steve and flew off to Morocco during the Cuban Crisis, I cried; when I had to leave Steve over night in the Vandenberg AFB hospital after he fell off the slide there in Lompoc and broke his arm, I cried; when I left you all (family) at the Long Beach airport as I separated and flew off to Vietnam for a year, I cried; when I lost your mom to a divorce and was further impacted by not being able to keep you girls with me when we moved to Colorado, I cried; and when my mom and dad passed away and I saw them for the last time in their caskets, I cried.
And as I get older the tears flow from emotional times even more. Anything patriotic, anyone that I see in church committing their life to Christ, any compassionate act by one human upon another, etc. will bring tears to my eyes, a lump to my throat, and an inability to speak when I only wish that I could. And it’s getting worse with age.
So why do we criticize a politician, a woman at that, for something that God has inbred into us. I don’t think we control those things. It just comes out. Someday, when we’re on the other shore, in our heavenly bodies, we won’t have to worry about emotions. But as for this life, we must accept them, and to criticize anyone for displaying them is wrong. Did she stage hers? I doubt it. She was only being human, and I can relate to that.
Thanks Dad.
***************
link of the day:
http://tanusha.livejournal.com/785637.html
Friday, January 11, 2008
this, that, and the other thing
Thank you to everyone who commented on my previous post about Hillary Clinton. It was nice to read everyone's opinion and I appreciated them all.
I've been thinking, for a while now, of posting occasionally about hot topics that are being talked about. Probably not much on politics. I'm not a very political person and I know politics, more than any other subject, is very personal and can spark heated debates - which wouldn't be my intention. I just think it's interesting to hear people's opinions on different issues. We'll see. But thanks again to everyone who participated in the discussion.
Speaking of future posts, I'm trying to decide if I want to continue the More of Him Mondays. Please let me know if you have strong feelings either way.
I saw the movie P.S. I Love You today. I really liked it. A lot more than I thought I would. It's just one more case where the previews make a movie look one way and not necessarily the way it really is. It's a lot more serious and thought provoking than I thought it would be. It even made me tear up a couple of times. I would recommend it.
And lastly, Don was in a car accident last night on his way home from work. He's okay and thankfully, no one was hurt. On the freeway, in stop and go traffic, he was hit from behind and then pushed into the car in front of him. The impact in front of him barely left a scratch on the other car but did quite a bit of scrunching to Don's jeep. The impact from behind did some damage to the back of the jeep but so much to the other car that it had to be towed away. We're just thankful that no one was hurt.
***************
link of the day:
http://www.r2d2translator.com/
I've been thinking, for a while now, of posting occasionally about hot topics that are being talked about. Probably not much on politics. I'm not a very political person and I know politics, more than any other subject, is very personal and can spark heated debates - which wouldn't be my intention. I just think it's interesting to hear people's opinions on different issues. We'll see. But thanks again to everyone who participated in the discussion.
Speaking of future posts, I'm trying to decide if I want to continue the More of Him Mondays. Please let me know if you have strong feelings either way.
I saw the movie P.S. I Love You today. I really liked it. A lot more than I thought I would. It's just one more case where the previews make a movie look one way and not necessarily the way it really is. It's a lot more serious and thought provoking than I thought it would be. It even made me tear up a couple of times. I would recommend it.
And lastly, Don was in a car accident last night on his way home from work. He's okay and thankfully, no one was hurt. On the freeway, in stop and go traffic, he was hit from behind and then pushed into the car in front of him. The impact in front of him barely left a scratch on the other car but did quite a bit of scrunching to Don's jeep. The impact from behind did some damage to the back of the jeep but so much to the other car that it had to be towed away. We're just thankful that no one was hurt.
***************
link of the day:
http://www.r2d2translator.com/
Thursday, January 10, 2008
i can't decide how i feel
Today is a rare day. I'm doing two things that I don't usually do in my posts. One, embedding a YouTube video (I usually just leave a link) and two, talk politics. But today I'm doing both.
You may have already seen what's on the video. It's been all over the news and is currently a hot topic. The day before the New Hampshire primary, Hillary got emotional as she spoke with voters about how hard it is to balance a busy campaign life and her passion for the country's future.
I'm writing about this because I honestly don't know how I feel about it. We've had a few discussions here in my home on the subject. And there's been a lot of talk online where both sides of the issue have been very vocal about their feelings. A lot of people think it was staged. I DO NOT think it was staged.
It does show her as being vulnerable. But maybe that's a good thing. I like seeing her show some of her heart and not just her brain. I think her answer (shown on the video) shows passion and compassion. I just don't know if it also gave the impression of weakness. No one wants any signs of weakness in a president. I haven't decided who I'm voting for and this just makes it a little harder for me.
I'd love to hear what you think. But, please... don't get up on your soapbox or use this as a venue to promote your candidate of choice (I will delete comments if necessary). I'm just curious of how other women are feeling about this issue.
***************
link of the day:
http://www.panoramas.dk/fullscreen5/f52-times-square.html
(thanks Tee)
You may have already seen what's on the video. It's been all over the news and is currently a hot topic. The day before the New Hampshire primary, Hillary got emotional as she spoke with voters about how hard it is to balance a busy campaign life and her passion for the country's future.
I'm writing about this because I honestly don't know how I feel about it. We've had a few discussions here in my home on the subject. And there's been a lot of talk online where both sides of the issue have been very vocal about their feelings. A lot of people think it was staged. I DO NOT think it was staged.
It does show her as being vulnerable. But maybe that's a good thing. I like seeing her show some of her heart and not just her brain. I think her answer (shown on the video) shows passion and compassion. I just don't know if it also gave the impression of weakness. No one wants any signs of weakness in a president. I haven't decided who I'm voting for and this just makes it a little harder for me.
I'd love to hear what you think. But, please... don't get up on your soapbox or use this as a venue to promote your candidate of choice (I will delete comments if necessary). I'm just curious of how other women are feeling about this issue.
***************
link of the day:
http://www.panoramas.dk/fullscreen5/f52-times-square.html
(thanks Tee)
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