Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Revolutionary Love
I am not what you would call an active church-goer. I was raised in a faith and still believe in it, but do not feel that I must attend church regularly to practice it. That and I have started coveting my weekend free time since I have gotten so busy during the week.
For some reason today was different. I got up and did my usual leisure morning routine and checked out the websites for the two Unitarian Universalist fellowships I sometimes attend. They both had interesting sermons going on today, but one of them was in 15 minutes and I hadn't even taken a shower yet. So I opted for the "Revolutionary Love" choice. If you don't already know, Unitarian Universalism is a pretty liberal, activist kind of faith. The description of the sermon conjured Che Guevera in the best possible way. While I had some reservations, I decided it would be fun.
I was completely blown away. I don't even feel like I could come close to doing the talk justice by trying to repeat it. Luckily they are available on MP3. Unfortunately, the last sermon on the site was from January 20. So I'm not sure if this one will be listed, since it was a guest speaker. Charlotte is too lucky. When I was in college there, they were in their interim minister period and I only wish they had found Rev. Melissa Mummert sooner so I could have had the chance to hear her each week.
She spoke of the power of love not just in romance, but in the ability to change the world. She referenced her personal experience in ministry with incarcerated women that brought me to tears. She successfully produced a documentary about it. She made each person feel the "I am one, but still I am one. Although I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." She tugged on the heart strings and hopes of making the world a better place for everyone, and she empowered each person to hope and to act in love.
I don't think this could have come at a better time for me. My job and my personal life have been a little tumultuous lately, but I have been doing what I can to make it better. This last week held a good deal of transition, anguish, and of course hope for the future. Life just seems so much more full of possibility when it is based on love-- love for one another, for humankind, love for the earth, and love of life and opportunity.
This may all sound too lovey-dovey, but I'm ok with that right now.
"Never doubt that a small group of committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead
For some reason today was different. I got up and did my usual leisure morning routine and checked out the websites for the two Unitarian Universalist fellowships I sometimes attend. They both had interesting sermons going on today, but one of them was in 15 minutes and I hadn't even taken a shower yet. So I opted for the "Revolutionary Love" choice. If you don't already know, Unitarian Universalism is a pretty liberal, activist kind of faith. The description of the sermon conjured Che Guevera in the best possible way. While I had some reservations, I decided it would be fun.
I was completely blown away. I don't even feel like I could come close to doing the talk justice by trying to repeat it. Luckily they are available on MP3. Unfortunately, the last sermon on the site was from January 20. So I'm not sure if this one will be listed, since it was a guest speaker. Charlotte is too lucky. When I was in college there, they were in their interim minister period and I only wish they had found Rev. Melissa Mummert sooner so I could have had the chance to hear her each week.
She spoke of the power of love not just in romance, but in the ability to change the world. She referenced her personal experience in ministry with incarcerated women that brought me to tears. She successfully produced a documentary about it. She made each person feel the "I am one, but still I am one. Although I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." She tugged on the heart strings and hopes of making the world a better place for everyone, and she empowered each person to hope and to act in love.
I don't think this could have come at a better time for me. My job and my personal life have been a little tumultuous lately, but I have been doing what I can to make it better. This last week held a good deal of transition, anguish, and of course hope for the future. Life just seems so much more full of possibility when it is based on love-- love for one another, for humankind, love for the earth, and love of life and opportunity.
This may all sound too lovey-dovey, but I'm ok with that right now.
"Never doubt that a small group of committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Om
It's my new mantra. Yoga is really the only thing holding me together today. I'm so glad I started Yoga. It reminds me of my philosophy and religion classes in college and just thinking about bigger things than me and my little day-to-day worries.
I love my yoga class. I go to this studio that is pretty private and authentic. It is very meditation-focused and my yogi likes to teach us something new about the theory behind yoga each time. I am the only non-Indian person there, so he keeps looking over at me to see if I get it. I'll have to go early next class and tell him that I was brought up Unitarian Universalist and knew more about Buddhism than Christianity when I was 10. Not to mention all of the philosophy and religion classes that I took and oh yeah, the trip to Tibet and the Potala Palace. But he's very nice and considerate to me. I particularly like the focus on meditation and bringing awareness to control of your own reactions. It's a little post-Freudian psycology too (I know the guy's name- it starts with an S- but cannot for the life of me remember it right now).
So when I wake up at 5am starting to think of all the things I have to get done in the day and try to remind myself not to forget "X," I've started going into the exercise room and doing my yoga series. I start with a few sun salutations and then go into various poses. I started getting the Yoga Journal lately, and that's given me a wider variety to choose from. I usually only get to about 4 or 5 poses before either my alarm goes off and I go to get ready for the day or I give up and move into deep relaxation.
I'm so looking forward to next weekend, though. I go to Blue Lotus Yoga Studio for their partners yoga class. I have a friend who is about the same size I am and so we are well matched. We only did 1 "flying" pose last weekend, but are assured to do more in the next class. I had so much fun it doesn't even feel like exercise. So that's what's probably going to keep me sticking to it. That and I have to meet for a class. I just can't let myself skip out when people are expecting me.
So I guess, in the end it does just come down to me me me. :)
I love my yoga class. I go to this studio that is pretty private and authentic. It is very meditation-focused and my yogi likes to teach us something new about the theory behind yoga each time. I am the only non-Indian person there, so he keeps looking over at me to see if I get it. I'll have to go early next class and tell him that I was brought up Unitarian Universalist and knew more about Buddhism than Christianity when I was 10. Not to mention all of the philosophy and religion classes that I took and oh yeah, the trip to Tibet and the Potala Palace. But he's very nice and considerate to me. I particularly like the focus on meditation and bringing awareness to control of your own reactions. It's a little post-Freudian psycology too (I know the guy's name- it starts with an S- but cannot for the life of me remember it right now).
So when I wake up at 5am starting to think of all the things I have to get done in the day and try to remind myself not to forget "X," I've started going into the exercise room and doing my yoga series. I start with a few sun salutations and then go into various poses. I started getting the Yoga Journal lately, and that's given me a wider variety to choose from. I usually only get to about 4 or 5 poses before either my alarm goes off and I go to get ready for the day or I give up and move into deep relaxation.
I'm so looking forward to next weekend, though. I go to Blue Lotus Yoga Studio for their partners yoga class. I have a friend who is about the same size I am and so we are well matched. We only did 1 "flying" pose last weekend, but are assured to do more in the next class. I had so much fun it doesn't even feel like exercise. So that's what's probably going to keep me sticking to it. That and I have to meet for a class. I just can't let myself skip out when people are expecting me.
So I guess, in the end it does just come down to me me me. :)
Monday, February 4, 2008
Return from Sabbatical
Hello again. So 6 months later is a pretty good time to pick up writing my blog again. Let's see, in the last half year I got a new job, successfully pulled off my first golf tournament, my sister got pregnant, I went to Arizona for Christmas, started yoga, and now I'm renewing my blog posting. I think it's the yoga. mmmm Zen mmmm.
So the real reason I haven't written is that I've been pretty frustrated with life lately. It's cycled between work, family, friends, etc. Seems like they can't all be good at one time and usually one was keeping me going while the other two were seriously stressing me out. So no one wants to hear whining and orneryness, so I held off on the blog-posting.
But now I'm back! It's not perfect, but it's manageable and I want to share my excitement. Also, tomorrow is SUPER TUESDAY and you better believe I will be a the polls bright and early. GO VOTE!
Also, if you haven't seen it yet (or heard about it from me), please check out shelfari.com. It's the BEST semisocial networking site out because it's like an internet book club. I am always craving new books to read and my friends are usually pretty good judges of what's good, but the discussion doesn't just come up in everyday conversation. I've been going through a new book about every week or two and people get a little annoyed at me constantly asking for book recommendations. So I have found my answer.
That's all for my first night back. Will update soon. I'll go email you all now and let you know that I'm writing my blog again. Thanks for reading.
So the real reason I haven't written is that I've been pretty frustrated with life lately. It's cycled between work, family, friends, etc. Seems like they can't all be good at one time and usually one was keeping me going while the other two were seriously stressing me out. So no one wants to hear whining and orneryness, so I held off on the blog-posting.
But now I'm back! It's not perfect, but it's manageable and I want to share my excitement. Also, tomorrow is SUPER TUESDAY and you better believe I will be a the polls bright and early. GO VOTE!
Also, if you haven't seen it yet (or heard about it from me), please check out shelfari.com. It's the BEST semisocial networking site out because it's like an internet book club. I am always craving new books to read and my friends are usually pretty good judges of what's good, but the discussion doesn't just come up in everyday conversation. I've been going through a new book about every week or two and people get a little annoyed at me constantly asking for book recommendations. So I have found my answer.
That's all for my first night back. Will update soon. I'll go email you all now and let you know that I'm writing my blog again. Thanks for reading.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Sympathy for the People in Mexico
It's that time of year again. And what a way to start it off right-- Category 5 Hurricane beats on 5 countries. It makes me glad that I don't live in Florida anymore and have to coordinate my vacation schedule with hurricane season. No kidding-- my parents just got back from San Francisco and are glad they didn't have to fly home sooner (or in the case of a Cat 5, stay longer). So they are sitting at home for all of September and early October just in case. They have it down to a science now. All of the major financial and identifying information is already packed up in rubbermaid boxes easy to just pick up and throw in the car, family jewelry and photos are likewise in pre-packed containers, and they have a new speed record on packing food and clothes in the car for an 18 hour drive.
Remember when you were in elementary school and you had to pretend that if a fire started in your house what 1 item would you take with you? I think the whole exercise was to try to get you to remember your siblings and pets, but my family is practiced in it. We do not just take one thing, but one pre-packed waterproof container that has everything we really value and can absolutely not be replaced.
So now my sympathy goes out for all those people living in the Caribbean, Jamaica, and Mexico (and possibly Belize, depending on where Dean lands). They are going to get demolished. I don't think people truly understand the power that wind and rain can cause, but when you've seen thick steel signs (the highway ones that are 20ft high and about 5 feet in diameter) twisted like a pretzel on the side of the road after a hurricane, all you can do is cower to the power of mother nature. I'm always amazed at people who say they're going to stay in their house and "protect it" from the elements. All I have to say is- dearie, the steel, cement, and wood frame of your house is a LOT stronger than your bones and don't believe for a second you're really that strong to push back the sea. Because, really, that's what you're fighting.
I read that Dean will be pushing 25-30 foot waves onto the beach. I've seen waves half that size pick up houses out of their foundation (and these were SECURE foundations) and lift them out into the sound. When the homeowners came back, they found their house 1,000 feet away sitting in the water. Yes, everyone wants to live "on" the water, but not quite literally.
Anyway, this time of year always brings out the melancholy helplessness in me. Best of luck to all those people who have to face Dean. I hope you make it through.
Remember when you were in elementary school and you had to pretend that if a fire started in your house what 1 item would you take with you? I think the whole exercise was to try to get you to remember your siblings and pets, but my family is practiced in it. We do not just take one thing, but one pre-packed waterproof container that has everything we really value and can absolutely not be replaced.
So now my sympathy goes out for all those people living in the Caribbean, Jamaica, and Mexico (and possibly Belize, depending on where Dean lands). They are going to get demolished. I don't think people truly understand the power that wind and rain can cause, but when you've seen thick steel signs (the highway ones that are 20ft high and about 5 feet in diameter) twisted like a pretzel on the side of the road after a hurricane, all you can do is cower to the power of mother nature. I'm always amazed at people who say they're going to stay in their house and "protect it" from the elements. All I have to say is- dearie, the steel, cement, and wood frame of your house is a LOT stronger than your bones and don't believe for a second you're really that strong to push back the sea. Because, really, that's what you're fighting.
I read that Dean will be pushing 25-30 foot waves onto the beach. I've seen waves half that size pick up houses out of their foundation (and these were SECURE foundations) and lift them out into the sound. When the homeowners came back, they found their house 1,000 feet away sitting in the water. Yes, everyone wants to live "on" the water, but not quite literally.
Anyway, this time of year always brings out the melancholy helplessness in me. Best of luck to all those people who have to face Dean. I hope you make it through.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Clothes Horse
Alright, enough with the over-indulgent philosophizing and time to get down to what really matters--CLOTHES!
Ok, I admit, I'm a clothes horse. But this time I had to. As I was trying to think about what I would wear on my first day of work, I decided to go try on all those dress pants that I haven't worn for the last 8 months. Oh yeah, none and I mean NONE of them fit. It's a tad depressing, but I've sworn that I'm not going to freak out about going up from a 2 to a 4 (I have more issues about not buying any 6s, but that's another story). So, yay for me, I get to console myself buying clothes.
It really just isn't fair when all of the stores are having sales at the same time. You lose your focus, get distracted by all the beautiful things and all the crazy discounts. That and none of the Banana Republic pants fit me properly. What the hell kind of models are they using on these skinnier pants anyway? size 4 hips do not correspond to size 2 waist and thighs, and it doesn't work going up a size either. It's really bizarre. I mean tailoring is all about fitting the individual, not mass producing the Barbie fit.
Anyway, I gave up and was sucked into United Colors of Benetton. It's not usually a place I shop, since trying to figure out and remember my European size is a bit more confusing, but as I said they were having this fabulous sale. So I got sucked into 2 suits, 2 pairs of pants (beyond the suit pants), 2 skirts, 3 tops and 1 dress. Not too shabby. Yes, it feels like a totally new wardrobe, but then it's a totally new job. And I did need pants.
Ok, I admit, I'm a clothes horse. But this time I had to. As I was trying to think about what I would wear on my first day of work, I decided to go try on all those dress pants that I haven't worn for the last 8 months. Oh yeah, none and I mean NONE of them fit. It's a tad depressing, but I've sworn that I'm not going to freak out about going up from a 2 to a 4 (I have more issues about not buying any 6s, but that's another story). So, yay for me, I get to console myself buying clothes.
It really just isn't fair when all of the stores are having sales at the same time. You lose your focus, get distracted by all the beautiful things and all the crazy discounts. That and none of the Banana Republic pants fit me properly. What the hell kind of models are they using on these skinnier pants anyway? size 4 hips do not correspond to size 2 waist and thighs, and it doesn't work going up a size either. It's really bizarre. I mean tailoring is all about fitting the individual, not mass producing the Barbie fit.
Anyway, I gave up and was sucked into United Colors of Benetton. It's not usually a place I shop, since trying to figure out and remember my European size is a bit more confusing, but as I said they were having this fabulous sale. So I got sucked into 2 suits, 2 pairs of pants (beyond the suit pants), 2 skirts, 3 tops and 1 dress. Not too shabby. Yes, it feels like a totally new wardrobe, but then it's a totally new job. And I did need pants.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Fate
Yes, it's that 3am time when you know you should really be in bed sleeping because tomorrow is going to be a really long day, but there's just too much on your mind to rest before you get it out. So here 'goes. . .
I'm not really one for believing in destiny or "plan" for my life. I generally see things as the result of hard work and dedication, but every once in a while you sit back and think that fate is a curious thing, particularly when you don't believe in it.
That doesn't mean that only good things happen, but sometimes it feels like even the bad things happened for a reason, or at least taught you something that you wouldn't have seen otherwise. Perhaps it's just conjecture or the need to feel like it all has a purpose, but it's enough to make me wonder.
I have been job hunting for about six months now and was right on the verge of getting very discouraged. I had been working a part-time spot which was going well and enjoyable, but not exactly on my "career path." It's one of those double-edged situations where I was happy with how things were going, succeeding, but also wondering "is this really as well as I can do right now" and "why did I go to college, again?" Just when those doldrums started to hit, I got a call from a job possibility I'd been waiting for (crossing my fingers and wishing for). Not only had I been waiting for this job, I'd been dreaming about it. It is my ideal job (or at least second to working for the state department and travelling the world as an American diplomat). When I first started looking I was wondering "how do I get into this field" and whoosh it happened. Now I am an event planner. I mean, could there really be anything more perfect for me?! I LOVE to plan, especially plan parties, and working for great nonprofits, and planning fundraisers for them!
Somehow it just feels like the stars aligned for me this time. I wasn't looking for it. No, I was looking to be an analyst of some kind and use all that great political science knowledge in data manipulation. But this one just couldn't be turned down. I'll still have to see how it goes, since I haven't actually started yet, but I have great hopes and worlds of possibility.
Wish me luck.
I'm not really one for believing in destiny or "plan" for my life. I generally see things as the result of hard work and dedication, but every once in a while you sit back and think that fate is a curious thing, particularly when you don't believe in it.
That doesn't mean that only good things happen, but sometimes it feels like even the bad things happened for a reason, or at least taught you something that you wouldn't have seen otherwise. Perhaps it's just conjecture or the need to feel like it all has a purpose, but it's enough to make me wonder.
I have been job hunting for about six months now and was right on the verge of getting very discouraged. I had been working a part-time spot which was going well and enjoyable, but not exactly on my "career path." It's one of those double-edged situations where I was happy with how things were going, succeeding, but also wondering "is this really as well as I can do right now" and "why did I go to college, again?" Just when those doldrums started to hit, I got a call from a job possibility I'd been waiting for (crossing my fingers and wishing for). Not only had I been waiting for this job, I'd been dreaming about it. It is my ideal job (or at least second to working for the state department and travelling the world as an American diplomat). When I first started looking I was wondering "how do I get into this field" and whoosh it happened. Now I am an event planner. I mean, could there really be anything more perfect for me?! I LOVE to plan, especially plan parties, and working for great nonprofits, and planning fundraisers for them!
Somehow it just feels like the stars aligned for me this time. I wasn't looking for it. No, I was looking to be an analyst of some kind and use all that great political science knowledge in data manipulation. But this one just couldn't be turned down. I'll still have to see how it goes, since I haven't actually started yet, but I have great hopes and worlds of possibility.
Wish me luck.
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