"What religion am I?"
For a long time, I struggled with this question. But as time passed, I realized it wasn't the religion part of the question that was the struggle for me, but how I was choosing to answer.
BACKGROUND
I was raised Christian. Both my parents were raised Catholic. However our family attended the Episcopal Church for most of my childhood. When I was in late middle school, my parents and us kids made the switch back over to Catholicism. But as I started to become an adult, I put into use a lesson I had learned along the way....to question things. So I started questioning things; all sorts of things, not just my religious beliefs. But this was certainly an area of significant interest to me. The more I thought about religion and challenged what I had learned as well as my own beliefs, I found myself coming up with a growing number of questions, and a shrinking number of answers.
Until very recently, I still identified myself as a Christian when asked. What does this mean? It means that while I've done a good amount of growing in the area of spirituality and religious philosophy, I haven't focused enough on how I present myself to others. To call myself a Christian is a lie. Although I have many more questions than before I started this spiritual journey, I've come up with several key answers that clearly identify me as NOT Christian. Once I got to that point (a handful of years ago), I did some searching in hopes of being able to identify with some religion. I really craved (and still do) that association with people of similar belief. As a result of my research, I did briefly associate myself with a named religion (or quasi-religion). I considered myself a transcendental universalist...for a few days. Then I called myself a secular humanist for another few days. I also contemplated calling myself a naturalist. In each case, it didn't feel right. My beliefs didn't truly align with any of them. Since then, I've abandoned the search for a name to my "religion" and focused my attention on the ideas and thoughts themselves that work together to form my belief system. And given what my beliefs are, perhaps it's quite appropriate that I don't associate with a named religion after all.
MY BELIEFS
*I do not believe in Jesus Christ as the son of God, messiah, etc. He may have existed as a man, but in either case it has no bearing on my beliefs.
*I don't believe that there is a predetermined plan for each of us.
*I don't believe that when we die, there are different paths we take based on how we lived in this life. (i.e. heaven and hell)
*I lean toward thinking there is no afterlife, but am open to the possibility that there may be something that comes after death. And since I acknowledge the possibility, of course I hope it is true.
*If there is an afterlife, then I believe all life on Earth is subject to it regardless of religion or even species.
*If there is an afterlife, I don't believe anything differently happens to those who believe in it compared to those who don't.
*I don't believe that humans are in any way more "important" than other animals. Our consciousness sets us apart from other species, but I don't believe it means we are closer to divinity as a result.
*I do believe that there is life on other planets. I have no expectations or assumptions about what that life may be like.
*I do believe that there is more than we can see and understand. There seem to be too many amazing coincidences and events for there not to be something more to the story. How big is the universe? How did all this come to be?
*I get the feeling that there is something larger than us that understands more than we do. For lack of a better name, I refer to this as God. And for all I know, there may even be more than one "being" that is larger than us in this way. They may be equals, or some may be "higher" than others.
*If there is a "God" as I've described, I do not believe that it has infinite abilities.
*I believe that the "meaning of life" for humans is the same as for all other species....Survival.
*I don't believe that any one "religion" has it all figured out. I think that mystery, speculation, and man's ability to fill in gaps has resulted in the different religions that history has known. That being said, I also think that there is some amount of truth to every religion.
GUIDING PRINCIPLESI've come up with some principles that, based on my beliefs, would be wise to follow. They encourage a healthy balance on different levels. As with most any religion, putting your values into practice isn't, and shouldn't be, easy. While I've come up with these principles, adhering to each and every one of them on a daily basis is a huge challenge; one that I freely admit I need to do better at.
Interspecies Principles for Humanity
(how we as a species relate to the rest of the world)
1. Because we have the ability to cause harm on so many levels, we have the responsibility to control ourselves and act in the best interest of all life on Earth. On the flip side, we also have the ability, and therefore the responsibility, to live sustainably, peacably, and in harmony with the planet and its inhabitants.
2. We should grow and better ourselves as a society, but always keeping in mind that knowledge is power, and power is dangerous.
3. The more we keep the long-term survival of our co-habitants on this planet in mind, the more we will help to ensure our own long-term survival.
4. The more we stay on the same page within our species, the easier it will be to remain on the same page. For example, a World Peace Treaty might not be a bad idea.
Interspecies Principles for Individuals
(how we as individuals relate to the rest of the world)
1. Animals harm and kill members of other species out of hunger or fear. But humans harm and kill members of other species also out of inconvenience and for sport. From deforestation to killing a spider in the kitchen to fishing for fun, it happens all the time. However it is never ok.
2. Live within your means. If you can increase your means, by all means change how you live. But don't live beyond your means.
3. The Golden Rule, modified. Treat other species the way you would have them treat you.
Interpersonal Principles for Individuals
(how we as individuals relate to each other)
1. The Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
2. We can learn as many lessons from our children as we teach them. But just like our children, we have to be willing to learn.
3. Diversity is one of our society's greatest attributes. We should not only allow, but embrace the differences that set us apart. This includes religious differences.
4. As parents, we must be mentor, disciplinarian, and friend to our children. It is critical that we be all three. Otherwise, our children are missing out on a crucial part of the parent/child relationship.
5. As spouses, we must be supportive, patient, flexible, compassionate, and open with our partners. We must also be a friend, which encompasses everything from being silly to giving/taking constructive criticism.
6. Show love to your loved ones. Affection helps build and sustain the special bond that can only exist for those closest to our hearts.
Intrapersonal Principles for Individuals
(how we as individuals relate to ourselves)
1. Your actions don't define you. But it is up to you to make your actions reflect who you are. If you don't, the incongruity between your actions and your true self will hold you back, as others can only associate you with the identity you present them with.
2. Make time for personal reflection. Whether it be in the form of prayer, meditation, or some other means, gaining perspective on your life and your decisions is key in living as the person you are.
3. Acknowledge the negative, but don't dwell on it. You can be both optimistic and realistic at the same time. Positivity thinking is contageous.
4. Enjoy life and contribute to the world in some way. We only have so long to make the most of the time that is given to us.
CONCLUSION
Subscribers of most religions would say that their belief in some sort of afterlife gives their life meaning and purpose. Once I realized that I didn't necessarily believe in any sort of afterlife, I had to do some serious thinking. Without that belief, what motivation is there to live a good, healthy, productive life? Once I came to understand my belief of life being about Survival on multiple levels, it was only a few short steps before I had all the motivation I needed to not only merely survive, but to live a wonderful life. It's very easy to live well when you keep in mind that how you live has an impact on not only the people your life touches, but for future generations, as well as the world you leave for them to live in. I believe I'll be able to die in peace even without any solid belief in an afterlife, provided I feel good about the life I've led and knowing I've done my part well in contributing to the survival of my loved ones, the human species, the balance between humans and other species, and the Earth.
Now that I have a child of my own, I wonder how we will raise her. What will we tell Asha about religion? What values will we try to enstill in her? Rina and I haven't done a lot of thinking about about it yet. After all, our daughter is 5 months old. But I want her to know that different people believe different things. I want her to be able to combine her own intellect and reasoning with the knowledge she picks up along the way, so that she can arrive at her own beliefs. I think that will give her the best chance to find her own ideas about all these mysterious and wonderful things. And that is a very happy thought.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
I'm back! And this time, I brought a baby!
Since it's been 26 months since my last blog post, I figure it's time for a new one. Now what to write about? Like any new parent, the first thing that pops into my mind is my baby. So like every new parent, that's what this blog will be about. So if you don't like babies, or just don't like MY baby, now's your chance to click away from this page before you regret reading further.
As this is my first blog about Asha, who is already 4-1/2 months old, I'm going to just write one huge paragraph about things she likes, hates, things she does, etc.
Asha likes putting everything in her mouth. She doesn't like being read to when she's tired. She sings, or it seems like singing anyway. She doesn't know her times tables yet. She has slept through the night ever since 2 days before her 3 month birthday. She mostly sleeps in the car, otherwise she just looks around a lot. Except for a couple times at the beginning to see if she'd like it, she hasn't used a pacifier. However, she will use Daddy's finger quite often. Asha has an innie. Her eyes are still blueberry blue, and her hair is light brown/dirty blond, although both may change over the next 6 months or so. She likes hearing the sound of her legs stomping on the mattress. She never liked having her arms swaddled. We swaddled her for awhile, but she always managed to get her arms free. She can roll onto her front and then back again. Usually she rolls to the right. We think Asha is a lefty. She loves playing the piano, or at least hitting the keys and hearing the noise it makes. Since we've taken many thousands of photos of her already, she is very used to the camera. She seems to know what the baby monitor camera is. We'll wake up and find her in a strange contorted position so that she's able to stare directly into the monitor. It's quite freaky. She gets a lot of toejam from her socks. She gets some boogers, but not too many. She likes to be moving more than staying still. As a result, she's not much of a cuddler....unless she's tired. She has been scared a couple times when seeing certain men. We're still figuring out what it is about them that scares her. Maybe certain features? It might be facial hair, althout since I have facial hair quite often, I'd think she'd be ok with it. She likes whistling. She loves music. Even as a brand new baby, she'd immediately pay full attention when being sung to. She has tasted grapes, and seems to like it. She likes animals. She doesn't mind bathtime. Asha stares at Rina and I when we eat. We'll give her real food soon. Mashed sweet potatoes will be first. She pretty much doesn't cry. Even though they are very small, her feet stink sometimes. She grew 6 inches in her first 4 months. I don't know if that's unusual, but it's funny that she has basically grown by the height of her head since being born. She has a flat spot on the back of her head and might need to wear a helmet for a couple of months. We'll find out in a couple of days what the story is with that. She likes to flail her arms, scratching anything her razor-like fingernails come in contact with...especially Mommy's face. When she's tired, she squeals a lot. She left the hospital weighing 6 pounds, 3 ounces. 4 weeks later, she weighed exactly 10 pounds.
As this is my first blog about Asha, who is already 4-1/2 months old, I'm going to just write one huge paragraph about things she likes, hates, things she does, etc.
Asha likes putting everything in her mouth. She doesn't like being read to when she's tired. She sings, or it seems like singing anyway. She doesn't know her times tables yet. She has slept through the night ever since 2 days before her 3 month birthday. She mostly sleeps in the car, otherwise she just looks around a lot. Except for a couple times at the beginning to see if she'd like it, she hasn't used a pacifier. However, she will use Daddy's finger quite often. Asha has an innie. Her eyes are still blueberry blue, and her hair is light brown/dirty blond, although both may change over the next 6 months or so. She likes hearing the sound of her legs stomping on the mattress. She never liked having her arms swaddled. We swaddled her for awhile, but she always managed to get her arms free. She can roll onto her front and then back again. Usually she rolls to the right. We think Asha is a lefty. She loves playing the piano, or at least hitting the keys and hearing the noise it makes. Since we've taken many thousands of photos of her already, she is very used to the camera. She seems to know what the baby monitor camera is. We'll wake up and find her in a strange contorted position so that she's able to stare directly into the monitor. It's quite freaky. She gets a lot of toejam from her socks. She gets some boogers, but not too many. She likes to be moving more than staying still. As a result, she's not much of a cuddler....unless she's tired. She has been scared a couple times when seeing certain men. We're still figuring out what it is about them that scares her. Maybe certain features? It might be facial hair, althout since I have facial hair quite often, I'd think she'd be ok with it. She likes whistling. She loves music. Even as a brand new baby, she'd immediately pay full attention when being sung to. She has tasted grapes, and seems to like it. She likes animals. She doesn't mind bathtime. Asha stares at Rina and I when we eat. We'll give her real food soon. Mashed sweet potatoes will be first. She pretty much doesn't cry. Even though they are very small, her feet stink sometimes. She grew 6 inches in her first 4 months. I don't know if that's unusual, but it's funny that she has basically grown by the height of her head since being born. She has a flat spot on the back of her head and might need to wear a helmet for a couple of months. We'll find out in a couple of days what the story is with that. She likes to flail her arms, scratching anything her razor-like fingernails come in contact with...especially Mommy's face. When she's tired, she squeals a lot. She left the hospital weighing 6 pounds, 3 ounces. 4 weeks later, she weighed exactly 10 pounds.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Change Begets Change
With all the changes I've experienced over the past several months, I've noticed something happening to me that I didn't anticipate but can't deny. In changing my job, I made a change I had been looking to make for a long time. Once that happened, I've noticed desires to make other changes coming seemingly out of nowhere. For example, I had toyed around with the idea of removing email from my everyday means of communicating with people. But never gave the notion much of my time or attention. But a month ago, the idea popped back into my head, but with a new kind of energy. I hadn't gone through any processs where the idea went from mild interest to that of serious consideration, but somehow the idea took on that status as soon as it re-entered my mind on that particular day. I couldn't ignore it as the idea stayed with me and seemed more appealing (and even necessary) the more I allowed it to stay part of my consciousness. A week later, I took action on the idea, and was rewarded with an immediate sense of personal congruousness that hasn't subsided.
I have noticed another idea that has recently presented itself as one to be taken seriously. I've thought about it before, but no more than to merely imagine what my life would be like without eating meat. If you know me, then you know that vegans and I are on extreme opposite ends of a spectrum. To illustrate my point, I cite that I once ate nine hamburgers for lunch. I am not considering becoming vegan, however I find myself very seriously contemplating taking several significant strides from where I have lain on that spectrum. Rina has been receptive to the idea herself and would consider making the same dietary changes I make, which I don't take for granted as it would be almost impossible for me to make this change without her being affected.
I don't look to banish meat completely from my diet. I want to avoid eating meat that has come from slaughterhouses and into grocery stores. I am speaking of meat that is NOT wild caught. Buying a chunk of cow (or other animal) reminds me that this piece of meat I am looking to purchase (along with Cheerios, toilet paper, and mouthwash) is merely a product, not an animal belonging to an active species. My body probably utilizes the beef just the same, but I morally have gotten to the point where I can no longer overlook this fact and simply enjoy my hamburger or pork chop. Of course I feel for these animals and the inhumane treatment they endure, no matter how "organic" the conditions they are kept in. However, I don't just feel bad for these animals and the conditions they live in. To me, they are extinct. At this point, their species' have been reduced to products for humans. Cows, pigs, chickens, sheep, and others are merely shadows of what used to be species'. Humans have caused this, and it is our cross to bear. And I can't bear that cross while I'm trying to decide if I want two or three packages of hamburgers for my next cookout. At this point in time, I believe that the right thing for me to do is stop buying "product" meat. I want to come to terms with the damage we have caused these species', and taking this action I think will allow me to take a step toward doing so.
I find it funny that people are concerned with the blue whale becoming extinct. If we could easily tie off part of the ocean and use it as our own slaughterhouse where we could raise and then kill the whales for the products we can use them for, the ruling majority of human society would be perfectly fine with allowing the ones in the wild to vanish. They probably wouldn't even think of it. Disagree with me? Tell me where I can go to find a cow living in the wild.
Perhaps people have changed since cows went extinct. Perhaps people would be concerned enough with blue whales surviving naturally that I'm wrong about my previous statement. But if that is the case, a LOT more growing is necessary since we still enjoy reaping the "benefits" of killing off cows except as products. I'd rather see cows die out completely than survive merely out of their use as products in human society, and I think cows would agree.
I have no timetable yet for this decision to curb my meat consumption, but it is likely to be made. I probably will not stop eating meat when we are guests at dinner, and perhaps occasionally at restaurants. At least not at first. An appropriate and realistic place to start is by ceasing to purchase meat at grocery stores. I'll still purchase meat that is caught in the wild, which I gather will mostly be fish that are wild caught.
This blog entry really wasn't meant to be focusing this much on one aspect of change in my life. I want to get back to my point. Since I left the bowling alley, somehow, I feel that my life has a motion to it that hadn't been in quite some time. I hadn't realized it while I was still working there, but it seems that I am making up for lost time. I feel that I am growing, and at a rapid rate. I appreciate the support of those around me, and also any inconveniences my growth causes anyone (i.e. people that are used to emailing with me). And I am excited to see what further changes might come with this new growth!
I have noticed another idea that has recently presented itself as one to be taken seriously. I've thought about it before, but no more than to merely imagine what my life would be like without eating meat. If you know me, then you know that vegans and I are on extreme opposite ends of a spectrum. To illustrate my point, I cite that I once ate nine hamburgers for lunch. I am not considering becoming vegan, however I find myself very seriously contemplating taking several significant strides from where I have lain on that spectrum. Rina has been receptive to the idea herself and would consider making the same dietary changes I make, which I don't take for granted as it would be almost impossible for me to make this change without her being affected.
I don't look to banish meat completely from my diet. I want to avoid eating meat that has come from slaughterhouses and into grocery stores. I am speaking of meat that is NOT wild caught. Buying a chunk of cow (or other animal) reminds me that this piece of meat I am looking to purchase (along with Cheerios, toilet paper, and mouthwash) is merely a product, not an animal belonging to an active species. My body probably utilizes the beef just the same, but I morally have gotten to the point where I can no longer overlook this fact and simply enjoy my hamburger or pork chop. Of course I feel for these animals and the inhumane treatment they endure, no matter how "organic" the conditions they are kept in. However, I don't just feel bad for these animals and the conditions they live in. To me, they are extinct. At this point, their species' have been reduced to products for humans. Cows, pigs, chickens, sheep, and others are merely shadows of what used to be species'. Humans have caused this, and it is our cross to bear. And I can't bear that cross while I'm trying to decide if I want two or three packages of hamburgers for my next cookout. At this point in time, I believe that the right thing for me to do is stop buying "product" meat. I want to come to terms with the damage we have caused these species', and taking this action I think will allow me to take a step toward doing so.
I find it funny that people are concerned with the blue whale becoming extinct. If we could easily tie off part of the ocean and use it as our own slaughterhouse where we could raise and then kill the whales for the products we can use them for, the ruling majority of human society would be perfectly fine with allowing the ones in the wild to vanish. They probably wouldn't even think of it. Disagree with me? Tell me where I can go to find a cow living in the wild.
Perhaps people have changed since cows went extinct. Perhaps people would be concerned enough with blue whales surviving naturally that I'm wrong about my previous statement. But if that is the case, a LOT more growing is necessary since we still enjoy reaping the "benefits" of killing off cows except as products. I'd rather see cows die out completely than survive merely out of their use as products in human society, and I think cows would agree.
I have no timetable yet for this decision to curb my meat consumption, but it is likely to be made. I probably will not stop eating meat when we are guests at dinner, and perhaps occasionally at restaurants. At least not at first. An appropriate and realistic place to start is by ceasing to purchase meat at grocery stores. I'll still purchase meat that is caught in the wild, which I gather will mostly be fish that are wild caught.
This blog entry really wasn't meant to be focusing this much on one aspect of change in my life. I want to get back to my point. Since I left the bowling alley, somehow, I feel that my life has a motion to it that hadn't been in quite some time. I hadn't realized it while I was still working there, but it seems that I am making up for lost time. I feel that I am growing, and at a rapid rate. I appreciate the support of those around me, and also any inconveniences my growth causes anyone (i.e. people that are used to emailing with me). And I am excited to see what further changes might come with this new growth!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Kars for Kids
1-877-KARS-4-KIDS
K-A-R-S KARS-4-KIDS
1-877-KARS-4-KIDS
Donate your car today!
This is the coolest, catchiest song I've ever heard in my life. It's part of a commercial for a car donation company that I hope you all have had the fortune of hearing. The first time around, there is a kid who sings it. Presumably a boy of perhaps 7 or 8 years, this kid has a voice made for this commercial. Then some dipshit goofball who is supposed to be the kid's father takes his turn at singing the jingle. Then finally after hearing a blurb about the company, they end with a third and final go-around sung by both the kid AND the "father".
Instead of me just going on about how fabulous this thing is, take a moment to open a new web browser and find it on youtube or google. Don't come back here until you've found and experienced it. ............. Did you do it? Yes? Isn't it so good?!?!?! I told you!!! Now play it again and again until it sticks in your head. Make sure you memorize it. Then go around singing it for people. Lots of people. People you don't even know. I like to call people I know and leave voicemails for them where I just sing that song a few times. Sort of like a token of good fortune next time they check their messages. And everyone I sing it to, they all LOVE it too! I haven't found anyone that doesn't like it so far, and by now I have pretty much sang it to everyone that I know and don't know.
Feel free to sing it loud and clear anytime you are around me. And don't be surprised if you hear me join in for a verse or two. The verse is just so good that they just keep repeating it!! It's just too good to switch it up and sing about something else. They don't even tell you what the money they make off your car goes towards specifically. It goes to kids so we're told. That could be the CEO's kids for all I know though. I don't have a clue. And you know what? I don't care at all. I love this song so much I wouldn''t even care if they used the money to buy a few rounds of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti wine for every maximum-security prisoner in America.
In short, I know this jingle kicks ass. And I know you do too. So if you, like so many others, try to tell me you hate it, I can see through your feeble lies. Something of such greatness can't possibly be ridiculed or scorned without it being quite obvious that the accusor is merely speaking out of simple jealousy. I can't even really blame them. I wish I could have come up with that brilliant verse. I wish I could sing it like that kid. I wish they took out that goofball of a "father" from the commercial. Let me be clear and say that this nincompoop deserves plenty of criticism. He sucks. But no criticism can be justly given of the jingle or of the kid who sings it. I hope it stays stuck in my head all day tomorrow. 1-877-KARS-4-KIDS. Donate your car today!!!
Here are a few links to show you how much others love this jingle...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_mNO6KRmEY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqIEv3Awfww&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnyrxiV_jTA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYjWYRHSAGc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EAP9A8dwrU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvmBK-wISCI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oCw_hS3-ms&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dK5LOjlN3kw&NR=1
K-A-R-S KARS-4-KIDS
1-877-KARS-4-KIDS
Donate your car today!
This is the coolest, catchiest song I've ever heard in my life. It's part of a commercial for a car donation company that I hope you all have had the fortune of hearing. The first time around, there is a kid who sings it. Presumably a boy of perhaps 7 or 8 years, this kid has a voice made for this commercial. Then some dipshit goofball who is supposed to be the kid's father takes his turn at singing the jingle. Then finally after hearing a blurb about the company, they end with a third and final go-around sung by both the kid AND the "father".
Instead of me just going on about how fabulous this thing is, take a moment to open a new web browser and find it on youtube or google. Don't come back here until you've found and experienced it. ............. Did you do it? Yes? Isn't it so good?!?!?! I told you!!! Now play it again and again until it sticks in your head. Make sure you memorize it. Then go around singing it for people. Lots of people. People you don't even know. I like to call people I know and leave voicemails for them where I just sing that song a few times. Sort of like a token of good fortune next time they check their messages. And everyone I sing it to, they all LOVE it too! I haven't found anyone that doesn't like it so far, and by now I have pretty much sang it to everyone that I know and don't know.
Feel free to sing it loud and clear anytime you are around me. And don't be surprised if you hear me join in for a verse or two. The verse is just so good that they just keep repeating it!! It's just too good to switch it up and sing about something else. They don't even tell you what the money they make off your car goes towards specifically. It goes to kids so we're told. That could be the CEO's kids for all I know though. I don't have a clue. And you know what? I don't care at all. I love this song so much I wouldn''t even care if they used the money to buy a few rounds of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti wine for every maximum-security prisoner in America.
In short, I know this jingle kicks ass. And I know you do too. So if you, like so many others, try to tell me you hate it, I can see through your feeble lies. Something of such greatness can't possibly be ridiculed or scorned without it being quite obvious that the accusor is merely speaking out of simple jealousy. I can't even really blame them. I wish I could have come up with that brilliant verse. I wish I could sing it like that kid. I wish they took out that goofball of a "father" from the commercial. Let me be clear and say that this nincompoop deserves plenty of criticism. He sucks. But no criticism can be justly given of the jingle or of the kid who sings it. I hope it stays stuck in my head all day tomorrow. 1-877-KARS-4-KIDS. Donate your car today!!!
Here are a few links to show you how much others love this jingle...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_mNO6KRmEY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqIEv3Awfww&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnyrxiV_jTA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYjWYRHSAGc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EAP9A8dwrU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvmBK-wISCI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oCw_hS3-ms&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dK5LOjlN3kw&NR=1
Sunday, August 2, 2009
New Puppy!
Today I picked up Buster, a 2-month old Great Dane. He's still really small, but he won't be for long! My friends all seem to think I'm crazy for getting such a big dog. Of course they have little tiny accessory dogs, which is fine, but I always wanted a big dog. I think it's inspired by Barkley from Sesame Street. I always loved him. So big and fluffy and red! Anyway, I just remind them that I'm a 100-pound girl and while he might outweigh me before too long, he'll never catch up to my 5'0" height. Plus he's a dog. And he's cute as hell! Well, I mean he's not potty trained yet, so I know there will be some tough times ahead. But I'm a strong girl and if he poops on the floor, I'll poop on his face! Hahaha, j/k. As long as I keep my A+++++ sense of humor, we'll be just fine! I wonder if he likes beer??
Well, just wanted people to know about Buster's arrival, and everyone's invited to visit anytime! Loves! xoxo
Well, just wanted people to know about Buster's arrival, and everyone's invited to visit anytime! Loves! xoxo
Saturday, August 1, 2009
A Trip to the Zoo
Yesterday was one of those rare days where our family had nothing planned at all. We try to have breakfast as a family when we're all together. So as the pancakes were being tossed around to various plates, Rachel asked the kids what they wanted to do today. After Katie suggested France and we surprisingly shot down the idea, Annie asked about going to the zoo. It's an interesting moment when you realize your kids are old enough for certain things. Rachel and I had thought about the zoo before, but never really considered it because one of the kids (or both in the case of the twins) was always more interested in being attached to Mom's boob for a snack than looking at the lion exhibit but seeing no lion because he hides all day in that little wooden structure they made for him.
Now the kids were all old enough to enjoy the zoo, even if I always hated them. Tommy and Timmy had gone to a birthday party before at the zoo. But they were into the idea and we decided to pile in the mini-van and go. I could just see this day being a complete disaster. Rachel was confident things would go well though, so I clung to the hope that she would be right. As it turned out, she was!
Rachel and I had been to the San Diego zoo once before any of the kids were born, and it was as hot as a metal slide in the baking sun. But today was perfect. Mostly cloudy and maybe 75 degrees. Once we got in the park, we were surprised to see that it wasn't even that busy. With Annie being only 4, I was wondering how long it would be before she lost interest. But for the most part, the animals actually showed their faces, and the kids all had a great time. It was 5 years ago that the twins had been so I think it still felt pretty new to them. We ate lunch at the "Crocodile Cafe" and other than Katie spilling some of her milk on Annie's shorts, things went without a hitch.
The best part about it was that the kids all fell asleep as soon as we all got back in the car. So the 2 hour ride home was so nice and peaceful. We asked the kids what their favorite things about the zoo were. Annie said the white tigers. Katie liked the bird sanctuary most because a little red bird landed on her head. Thank the lucky stars he didn't take a crap. Tommy said his favorite was the hippo. Timmy's favorite was Crocodile Cafe. That kid loves food way too much. I think I can speak for both Rachel and I in saying that our favorite thing was that everything came together so well and we all had a terrific time.
Now the kids were all old enough to enjoy the zoo, even if I always hated them. Tommy and Timmy had gone to a birthday party before at the zoo. But they were into the idea and we decided to pile in the mini-van and go. I could just see this day being a complete disaster. Rachel was confident things would go well though, so I clung to the hope that she would be right. As it turned out, she was!
Rachel and I had been to the San Diego zoo once before any of the kids were born, and it was as hot as a metal slide in the baking sun. But today was perfect. Mostly cloudy and maybe 75 degrees. Once we got in the park, we were surprised to see that it wasn't even that busy. With Annie being only 4, I was wondering how long it would be before she lost interest. But for the most part, the animals actually showed their faces, and the kids all had a great time. It was 5 years ago that the twins had been so I think it still felt pretty new to them. We ate lunch at the "Crocodile Cafe" and other than Katie spilling some of her milk on Annie's shorts, things went without a hitch.
The best part about it was that the kids all fell asleep as soon as we all got back in the car. So the 2 hour ride home was so nice and peaceful. We asked the kids what their favorite things about the zoo were. Annie said the white tigers. Katie liked the bird sanctuary most because a little red bird landed on her head. Thank the lucky stars he didn't take a crap. Tommy said his favorite was the hippo. Timmy's favorite was Crocodile Cafe. That kid loves food way too much. I think I can speak for both Rachel and I in saying that our favorite thing was that everything came together so well and we all had a terrific time.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Lucky Charms, Ice Cream, and the Demise of our Society
This morning I decided to have some cereal for breakfast. I chose one of my current favorites, Lucky Charms. While some people eat Oreos in funny ways, I eat Lucky Charms differently than most. I pour a bowl of cereal, and before I add the milk, I eat all the marshmallows first. Then I eat the rest with milk. I’ve done this hundreds of times since I first ate Lucky Charms in 2001, all with very satisfying (and tasty) results…..until today.
On this day, as I opened the new box and watched the cereal flow into my customary big blue bowl I bought at Christmas Tree Shop, I had to mentally pinch myself to see if I was merely having a horrible nightmare or if this was really happening. The blasted marshmallows were less than miniscule! What happened? Did the guy from Beetlejuice sprinkle Shrinking-Head stuff on the marshmallows? They were tiny!!! I looked at the front of the box, and sure enough, it said “now with more mini marshmallows!”. Not only was I not as excited as the box indicated I should be, but I was downright pissed off! How could they do this? Take a magnificent cereal and then shrink the part responsible for 99% of its magnificence? There may have been more marshmallows, but there was far less overall marshmallow mass. I tried to eat the cereal as I had always done in the past, picking out each marshmallow, but it was no use. They were just too small. It wasn’t the same. I sadly reached for the milk and for the first time, ate the marshmallows WITH the rest of the cereal. I’m sad to report that it’s not nearly as fulfilling an experience as eating Lucky Charms MY way.
They should rename them Unlucky Charms because receiving such small marshmallows in ones cereal seems like a very unlucky thing. It’s like being fed one molecule of the best steak ever made, or being forced to clip only one toenail. Needless to say it was an overwhelmingly underachieving experience for me.
On a similarly different note, has anybody noticed that half-gallon containers of ice cream are now tiny as well? I picked up a carton of Breyer’s Ice Cream (not my favorite), and it almost slipped right between my fingers! The base was narrower than the top on all 4 sides, and it was thin….really thin. It no longer contains a half gallon. It still costs the same as a half gallon, but you only get three-quarters of a half gallon (or 1.5 quarts). At first I felt like Breyer’s couldn’t get away with this and people wouldn’t be dumb enough for them to pull off their not-so-clever scheme to make more money. But then I looked around and saw that ALL of the brands had 1.5-quart containers instead of the old standard of 2 quarts. I had heard of cracker companies having smaller packages, or simply putting less product in each package, but I hadn’t seen this coming. This is collusion! This is blaspheme! This is an outrage! Somebody do something!!!!
Changes like this will bring about the demise of our society, and for obvious reasons.
On this day, as I opened the new box and watched the cereal flow into my customary big blue bowl I bought at Christmas Tree Shop, I had to mentally pinch myself to see if I was merely having a horrible nightmare or if this was really happening. The blasted marshmallows were less than miniscule! What happened? Did the guy from Beetlejuice sprinkle Shrinking-Head stuff on the marshmallows? They were tiny!!! I looked at the front of the box, and sure enough, it said “now with more mini marshmallows!”. Not only was I not as excited as the box indicated I should be, but I was downright pissed off! How could they do this? Take a magnificent cereal and then shrink the part responsible for 99% of its magnificence? There may have been more marshmallows, but there was far less overall marshmallow mass. I tried to eat the cereal as I had always done in the past, picking out each marshmallow, but it was no use. They were just too small. It wasn’t the same. I sadly reached for the milk and for the first time, ate the marshmallows WITH the rest of the cereal. I’m sad to report that it’s not nearly as fulfilling an experience as eating Lucky Charms MY way.
They should rename them Unlucky Charms because receiving such small marshmallows in ones cereal seems like a very unlucky thing. It’s like being fed one molecule of the best steak ever made, or being forced to clip only one toenail. Needless to say it was an overwhelmingly underachieving experience for me.
On a similarly different note, has anybody noticed that half-gallon containers of ice cream are now tiny as well? I picked up a carton of Breyer’s Ice Cream (not my favorite), and it almost slipped right between my fingers! The base was narrower than the top on all 4 sides, and it was thin….really thin. It no longer contains a half gallon. It still costs the same as a half gallon, but you only get three-quarters of a half gallon (or 1.5 quarts). At first I felt like Breyer’s couldn’t get away with this and people wouldn’t be dumb enough for them to pull off their not-so-clever scheme to make more money. But then I looked around and saw that ALL of the brands had 1.5-quart containers instead of the old standard of 2 quarts. I had heard of cracker companies having smaller packages, or simply putting less product in each package, but I hadn’t seen this coming. This is collusion! This is blaspheme! This is an outrage! Somebody do something!!!!
Changes like this will bring about the demise of our society, and for obvious reasons.
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