Don’t Worry, It’s Completely Normal…

Well fan-freakin-tastic. I’m completely normal. Who knew?

Wait! I’m getting ahead of myself here. OK, rewind the day a bit. No, better go back a bit farther than that. Hmmmm…

A few months ago, I realized that my world was out of focus. Nope, that’s not metaphorical [although you could make a case or two on that one]. I literally have not been seeing clearly for quite some time. 

For much of the time, I’ve been blaming my computer screen. It was, in fact, completely out of whack due to a funky driver issue – everyone said so. [I have witnesses. I like to have evidence that I'm not just making stuff up!] So, it was completely normal that I couldn’t see and had nothing to do with me. Our IT department would come in and correct my vision, er, my computer monitor and all would be well.

Humph. Not what happened at all.

I actually fixed the driver issue myself when I was troubleshooting something else. And voila .. yeh, still wasn’t clear. Turns out IT can’t fix vision problems. Again, I ask, who knew?

So, I come to grips with the fact that my eyes have finally just given up the fight and are begging for assistance. I make an appointment – humph, insurance problem. I’m now plaing the when-the-heck-is-the-new-year-getting-here-so-I-can-schedule-a-dang-appointment-and-get-some-glasses game. I’ve done it before. Like Gloria Gaynor, I will survive. [I may even break into song.]

Fast forward a few blurry months to today. It’s the new year and all of my insurance issues are cleared up. [As far as I know.] Whoo-hoo! I’m off to the eye appointment and a clearer, more focused existence! [Still not metaphorical in the slightest.]

After a harrowing trip [um, I forgot my keys first.  Then, my phone and credit cards. I had to call the office - to which I didn't know the number becuase it was in my phone - and have my wonderful admin bring them to me. I will not tell you what she said to me, unless you ask nicely and/or figure out a way to make chocolate a healthy food group.], I met my nice new doctor. We chat. He’s young, married with two kids, new to the practice, and … well, let’s just say that the “looks decent wagon didn’t pass him by.”  But, I digress.

He is a very good (looking) doctor and, during my vision exam, he patiently explained quite a bit about vision. [I would have found it interesting even if he wasn't cute - it was all very Discovery Channel.] We were having a very nice vision screening and then he went a ruined the whole thing.

“How,” you ask?

I’m so glad you want to know.

It seems that my deteriorating vision is – wait for it – completely normal for my age.

I didn’t kick him. I thought about it … still am, actually. I smiled and thanked him for the explanation and for the prescription that was going to make me see clearly [... once the rain has gone. Yeh, couldn't resist that one.]

Now, I’m not a spring chicken. [Really? Did I just write that? Yes, and I'm not going to delete it.] I’m aware that I’ve reached a certain stature point on the experience scale. But, really, I had a baby last year and even my OB didn’t tell me that things were normal (or good or typical) “for my age”.

This is the first time in my life that anyone has said that to me. I can’t say I liked it. [As indicated by the fact that I'm still considering kicking the very nice doctor.]

On the other hand, he was cute and nice. He is going to make it so I can see clearly again. And, it’s so rare that someone tells me that I’m normal – for my age or for any other.

Hmmm … thinking about embracing normal for my age.

I’ll get back to you to let you know how that’s workin’ for me!

Ready or NOT, Here it Comes…

2009 will be here soon. As I wander around and think about it coming, I have to say that I’m not all that thrilled with the prospect. I liked 2008. It was a pretty good year all-in-all and what I’m seeing coming at my family in 2009 is, frankly,  a little scary for my tastes.

It’s an odd place for me to be, actually. I usually like change. I like the adventure of it and the possibilities it brings. I like to take chances and tackle the big stuff. But, I have to say, that this is the first year I can remember where I didn’t anticipate the arrival of the next year. It’s the first time I can remember feeling more aprehension than anticipation. It’s not a good feeling. I’d like very much to snap out of it!

So, what gives?

The short answer? The world seems to be an absolute mess. [Yeh, mmmm .... that might be a gross understatement.]

In the past week, the news has told of a rapidly failing economy, violence in Gaza, a man who killed his ex-wife and much of her family while dressed as Santa,  troop movements in Pakistan, political unrest in several spots, and a man who shot a guy for talking during a movie. There’s more, of course, but it’s too depressing to list.

The good news? There wasn’t much – at least not that got top billing anywhere. To top it all off, it was reported the other day that President-elect Obama has said that it’s going to get worse before it gets better. [He was referring to the economy, but frankly, there are so many things tied to the economy that the cynic in me kicked in.]

My gut thought? [right after I vowed to stop watching CNBC] Great. Fabulous.  It’s madness now.

I think that the biggest struggle for me is that I have no idea what’s coming  next. There’s a lot that’s broken and I feel as if I’m powerless to fix it. I hate that feeling – that helplessness. It’s depressing and, if I let it, it will become debilitating.

So, 2009 is coming and I’d just as soon stay in 2008. Hmmm … new territory. What’s to be done?

I guess I’ll do what I’ve always done – the best I can.

• I’ll love my family and friends with all that I can.
• I’ll work at being a better wife, mom, manager, writer, human … a better me.
• I’ll try to learn something new every day.
• I’ll try to teach something new every day.
• I’ll go to work at a job I love and I’ll relish working with great people while I look forward to tackling new challenges and exciting possibilities (and there surely will be some of both – it’s one of the things I love about my job). 
• I’ll get up every day and participate in life.
• I’ll encourage others to do the same.

That’s really all any of us can do, isn’t it? Aren’t those really our resolutions?

All of this was floating around my subconscious when I opened a Christmas card from my Aunt. She’s always had a knack for the right words at the right time. This is what she wrote.

May the joy and peace of the Christmas season fill your hearts and home. May the new year find you happy and healthy. May the Lord guide our leaders and give them wisdom. May we all be up to the changes!

The last line grabbed me. So well said. So needed.

So, here’s to 2009 – challenges and all. Let’s feel the fear and do it anyway*!

May we all be granted wisdom when it’s needed and may we all be up to the changes!

 

*Note: Susan Jeffers wrote a book by this title in 1988 or so. I’ve never read it, although I think my mom has because this title was posted over the desk in her office for a time. That title - the power in those words - has served me well over the last 15 or so years!

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

There have been quite a few weekends in my life where I’ve ending them in wonder. When I’m lucky, it’s the type of wonder that is synonymous with awe. Most of the time, I’m just plain wondering where the heck the whole thing went and who was driving!

I considered writing about a whole bunch of things today, but I think I’ll just stick with three biggies.

The Good

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat…

…and that means Christmas decorations! (You are wondering if I’ve forgotten Thanksgiving, I know. I  haven’t. I’m just very thankful for Christmas!)

I think that this is going to be my favorite Christmas decoration this year. My mom made it and it will NOT be showing up on Craftastrophe!

Anyway, I just think this is stunning (even with the packing peanut that I didn’t see until I cropped the pic) and I want about three more just like it so I can decorate my bar counter with them! Thanks, Mom!

… and family pictures!

We got dressed up in our best Christmas duds – which I went out and bought for everyone – and headed to our favorite photog’s studio. I am so excited because I think that we got some really good shots. I’m scared because I know how much I’m going to want to buy! Meh, it’s all good!

Oh, and to close out the good section for today? A little tidbit I learned from Bob the Builder. Cashmere is made from goat hair. I must say I did not know that.

The Bad

Saturday started with a very lethargic baby and ended with a temper tantrum of ginormous proportions! The baby is fine. Little Man is still alive and has learned a valuable lesson. One he practiced today!

The Ugly

New wireless routers that replace currently working wireless routers should take no more than 10 minutes to set up. The fact that this was not the case for me is not the ugly of which I speak, however.

Ugly by another name is horrible technical support!

So, quick bit of unsolicited advice from me to the technical support folks of the world.

• If I’m calling you, I’ve tried all of the helpful troubleshooting techniques offered in any number of places. I realize not all customers troubleshoot before they call and I understand that not all customers are technically savvy, but when I tell you what I’ve done and why I’ve done it at the top of the call … take my word for it, listen to how I’m explaining my issue, and don’t repeat what I’ve just read and done!
• There is nothing more frustrating than not being listened to when you are having technical stress. I don’t mean do a crossword while I vent, I mean listen to me and attempt to follow what I’m saying! Oh, and if we happen to be in different countries, ask me if you don’t understand what I’ve just said, Because we need to understand each other.
• To extend this … if I don’t understand you, I’m  going to ask you to repeat yourself. If that makes you mad, you may need to reconsider your job choice. We need to understand each other.
• If you are having a crappy day, get over it (fake it if you have to). You are getting paid. I’m the one paying you and I will take my business elsewhere.
• To extend this … don’t speak sharply to me. It’s not OK. Ever.

You know what? I get that the customer isn’t always right and, in fact, they are sometimes dead wrong. However, a company lost by business forever today and it had nothing to do with their product. I went to a competitor for one reason only … horrible technical support. I am but one humble consumer, but I bet I’m not alone. The call may have been recorded for training, you know. I do hope it was!

Practice Makes … Ummm

Husband and I received our practice ballots in the mail recently. Let me just say that I’m a huge fan of these little wonders full of election jargon. Big fan.

See, I’ve tried to vote “cold” – you know, read the ballot for the first time when I step into the booth. While America as we know it didn’t end, I didn’t exactly hold up my end of the civic duty bargain. It was sort of the equivalent of phonin’ it in! Probably didn’t make those behind me in line too happy either.

Now, this post may be political as I’m gonna get in a public forum. Don’t worry, I don’t think you’ll need to turn the children away. As a matter of fact, I think I’d like everyone to pass this on!

I think I’ll jump into this with one of my more controversial political statements of the season. I don’t think this is “the most important election of our generation”. Yep, it’s true. I think the importance of this whole thing is a chip dip combination of media hype mixed with more than a little well-justified nervousness. Makes for yummy news coverage and lots of drama.

Yes, it’s true that we are very likely to elect either the first African-American president or the first female vice-president. The fact that this is true makes this election historic and, well, very cool.  (By the way, I say likely here because, according to my practice ballot, there are choices other than Obama and McCain. Who’s dissecting everything they say? Why weren’t they debating?)

Most important though? Ummm … not so much, I think. I have quite a few very politically active friends and I know this election is putting everyone on “high alert”. It’s actually been fascinating. Still, most important? …  sorry, not so much.

Here’s my thing. I think EVERY election is the most important election of any given generation. Why? Because, frankly, nobody has one clue what is going to happen in the future. Nobody knows how anyone running for election will repond to whatever the world throws their way (in quiet moments, I think all but the cockiest of candidates would tell you that truth). Nobody knows how well the combination of winners will work together in the highs and lows of this whole thing (there’s a rant for later in that statement).

Bottom line? Nobody knows. So, if we don’t stand ready to reconsider what we “know”, where we are, and how we got there? … well then we are in for one well-deserved smack right in the kisser. I think that’s the importance of this  and every election - consideration, thought, study, and THEN action. The order of that list is important.

In every time of choice, people choose to participate or abdicate. Yep, those are the ends … there’s a lot going on in the middle! But the point is that there are ripple effects to the choices each of us make (and I’m not just talking about the selections made in the voting booth). 

Where an individual falls on the participation continuum is a personal choice made for any number of reasons. Not voting doesn’t necessarily signal apathy any more than rabidly campaigning signals full participation in the system. The choices and the reasons behind them are just as telling as who we elect – and are maybe even more important for our furture successes.

So, I’m practicing. I’m reading and considering all manner of legislation and amendment options. I’m reading all about candidates who claim they know what to do to fix ________ (insert mess or perceived mess here). I’m looking at patterns and history and, yes, character. It all plays a role. I’m filling out my ballot so that I’ll be prepared when it’s time to give my opinions. Hopefully, they’ll be educated.

I’ve got no delusions (wait, yes I do, but they aren’t political in the slightest). Practice doesn’t necessarily make perfect here. That’s OK. Because my personal grade in this civics lesson is all about participation!

What a Croc!

There’s a new villian lurking in the high-stakes world of shoe fashion. A dastardly beast that is causing ire and discontent.  It’s a slipper … it’s a shoe … it’s a Croc.

OK … so, in the grand scheme of things, this ain’t headline news; (unless, of course, you watch Fox or Channel 3) however, I’m finding it amusing!

Crocs are not new. In fact, most of my friends have had them for quite a while and absolutely rave about them. I’ve always thought they were ugly. Add that to my smelly, sweaty feet phobia (OK, maybe not a full-fledged phobia, but I definately have a HUGE aversion to feet that are anything but freshly showered.) and it’s pretty much a given that I’m not going to invest in a pair of Crocs.

Enter scorpions. No, not the band (they rock, by the way), the insanely creepy nocturnal critters that have recently found my house a pleasent place to live. Among other things, these invaders have got me thinking a lot about the positive aspects of wearing shoes around the house!

So, in an odd way scorpions and crocs are directly related. What would the Darwinian folks say about that, I wonder?

My Crocs arrived today. This causes at least two friends of mine great distress. Husband isn’t a fan either actually. But, he’s lived with me a while and has pretty much just decided that on some things it’s just way easier to go with the flow!

They’re comfortable. They’re practical. I can wear the heck out of them and throw them in a bucket of bleach and water – boom, all clean. I can put them on quickly with or without socks and scorpions can’t sting me through them.

Seems like a no-brainer for me. But, while I’m enjoying egging on my anti-Croc friends, I have to admit that I’m not really a “fan” per se. They are sort of like underwear – you want a comfortable pair that fits well and will last a while. I know that goes against quite a few girl rules and may conjure up some unwanted images. Sorry …

But here’s the amazing part for me. There are people who hate Crocs so much that they have purchased URLs like ihatecrocs.com and crocsarehideous.com. There are people who hate Crocs so much that they say things like this on message boards.

i am filled with rage whenever i see crocs. i balloon and turn into a radish. crocs must DIE

But, then again, I equate them to underwear – ok, colorful, designer underwear but still!

So … any more middle of the roaders out there?

The Tony Romo Dilemma

Warning … this post is not about the important things in life. Wait, maybe it is. No, it shouldn’t be. Wait … have you ever been to my house during football season? Ok, I know, get on with it already.

I’ve been known to have a Tony Romo dilemma. It works something like this.

1. I like Tony Romo – fun to watch. Generally speaking, a good guy.
2. I can’t like Tony Romo – he plays for Dallas. I do not like Dallas almost as much as I do not like the Patriots. Jerry Jones makes me just NUTS!
3. But … I do like Tony Romo. He’s a good team player and sometimes reminds me of Farve.
4. I can’t like Tony Romo – Dallas won.
5. But … I do like Tony Romo.
6. OK … over it. Two words: Jessica Simpson. Simply … can … not … support.

Season ends, Green Bay gets beat. Dallas gets beat. Ahh … the dilemma gone for awhile.

The 2008 season starts. Farve is in NY. Rodgers is in Green Bay. Romo is still with Dallas AND Jessica Simpson. Ahhh … season without a Romo dilemma.

And then? Morning show hosts (I really should not listen to the radio in the morning!) do a story about this great guy who helped a lady fix a flat after getting 18 stitches during the Cleveland game IN Cleveland. (BTW, that’s a psycho link … I have NO idea if it’ll work.) The nerve!

1. I like Tony Romo – how could you not?

Uh Oh. Dang! Dilemma back.

Wait … just hold on there a minute. What was the score of tonight’s game? Dallas 27 Green Bay 16? Let me check. Yep, over it!

No dilemma here.

Alias

OK … I’m back! I’ve been an Alias fan for a couple of years now and there are few shows that have caused me as much grief in May. I simply cannot take the cliffhangers!

Break in thought here … I need to state this very clearly … CRAIG ROCKS!

On the night of the season finale this year, ABC 15 was apparently having trouble with its HD feed (argh). We were at home and watching live … not careful about what TIVO (which is instructed to tape every episode) was doing. We missed the last 30 seconds of the show. Doesn’t sound like much, does it? It totally is.

Now, since that time, I’ve pieced together what happened and Debra has filled me in. But, today, Craig found my lost last seconds. Even knowing what was coming – and that I would probably jump out of my skin – I freaked out! My heart is racing as I write this! Unreal!!!!!!

OK … last 2 minutes found on Alias Media.

AHHHHHHH!

The Lady on the Bus

OK … it’s been ages since I’ve been in here. It certainly hasn’t been for a lack of things to say – as my husband and many of my colleagues will certainly tell you. But, I’m sitting in a hotel room sort of waiting to go to sleep so…

So, back to the lady on the bus. Today, at the airport, we were taking the shuttle bus to the terminal. We were just hanging out on the short trip when the bus stopped. Now, there’s a bunch of construction in the parking area right now so this, in and of itself, is not a huge thing. And, to be fair, there were only about 7 people on the bus. But …

Is it OK for the bus driver to stop the bus in the middle of a route for a smoke break????

I’m not kidding. She stopped the bus in the middle of the lane, got out, smoked a cigarette, got back on the bus, and resumed the route.

We weren’t late and it was so shocking that it was actually funny. Still…

Over and out.

Insane Amount of Honey

The other night the sales staff at work catered in a meal from a local Mexican restaurant (I hate spelling that word). There was a ton of food left over so I brought some home for Husband to eat.

He started unpacking the bag and pulled out a vat (and I do mean a vat) of honey.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for being generous with the sides. But really, you drizzle honey over the sopapillas … you don’t drown it. How much honey is really needed to accomplish the task?

So we’ve got a pot o’ honey sitting on the window ledge. Wonder how long it will be there?

A Rant

I think the main problem might be that I think too much! Or, maybe it’s that I retain a lot of information in my head. Whatever the cause, certain things seem to niggle at me.

This is one of them.

This morning, I was doing my usual check on NFL news for the week. The typical stuff was there. Steve McNair is hurt; not going to play; thinking about retirement. The Brown’s players are pumped that Butch Davis resigned as coach. Peyton Manning is going to win again this weekend because … well, he rocks! Then I read an article about Ben Roethlisberger … new wonderkind of the league. Pittsburgh is not worried about his “slump” because they are 10-1. OK. Fine.

At the end of the article were these statements:

Roethlisberger knew the scrutiny would increase as the playoffs approached, and even the NFL has begun finding fault with its newest star.

He was told this week to no longer paint a small ”40” (for Pat Tillman) and `PFJ” (for “Play For Jesus”) on his shoes to avoid violating the league’s uniform code. He was told previously to stop wearing a yellow Lance Armstrong LiveStrong wrist band.

Now I don’t want to get off on a rant here (OK … I love Dennis Miller) but the whole thing about the LiveStrong wrist band drove me nuts.

So we’ve got a quarterback who paints 40 and Play for Jesus on his shoes each week AND wears the LiveStrong band. You say, “big freakin’ deal.” Well, you see here’s the rub. Lance Armstrong is an atheist. When he says that we need to live strong, he means that we need to do it ourselves … without God.

http://www.celebatheists.com/entries/ambiguous_0.htmlDon’t get me wrong. I’ve got nothing against Lance Armstrong. He’s an amazing athlete. He’s probably a really great guy (although I get the feeling he’s an ultracompetitive chauvinist). He’s a cancer survivor against seeming insurmountable odds.

He also believes he’s done all of this without God. Seems a bit cocky to me … a bit self-important. That’s what I have trouble with.

I first heard about Lance’s belief in self, medicine, and mental strength in an interview on TV. The interviewer asked him if he believed God pulled him through the cancer. He said no. At that moment, my perception of him changed. Now, he’s not so much someone to look up to. His star is somewhat less bright. Fair? Who knows? It just is.

That’s why the whole LiveStrong wrist band thing bugs me. Ben Roethlisberger makes a statement about his faith and then supports something that essentially says that you can do it on your own. He’s not the only one. There are some I work with (staunch Christians) proudly wearing the bands. I wonder if they know? My guess is no.

The gray area in all of this is what kills me. My mom is a cancer survivor … and, odds are, she shouldn’t be. She’d be the first to tell you that to beat cancer you have to “live strong.” She’d also be the first to tell you that the strength comes straight from God … as does the healing.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) is fighting to find a cure for cancer and someone surely needs to do that. The $1 cost of the bands goes into the funding for research … as does the $1 million Nike donated when it partnered with LAF to do the project. That’s a lot of money going to the right place for the right reason. Still, something doesn’t sit right with me on a personal level.

Gaylard Moore told me once that God gave us all the power to “subdue the earth” … even those who don’t believe. Perhaps this is another example of that. We don’t ignore the mathematic advances of pagan discoverers. We don’t discount scientific inventions made by those who didn’t believe. In fact, we embrace them and use them daily in the products that simplify our lives and in the ways we have long since stopped noticing. The upshot? The strength in Lance Armstrong came from God … whether he believes it or not. It’s a gift.

Still, there’s something not right. Something’s off kilter. I tend to do well when I go with those intuitions. So, I’ll send my $1 donation straight to the American Cancer Society or the Komen Foundation. No band for me, thanks.

Of course, that’s just my opinion. I could be wrong.