So, the Grammy nominations came out Wednesday night. And I think that I'm pretty pleased overall. Eminem got a stellar 10 nominations. Lady Antebellum, Bruno Mars, and my boy Jay-Z got several as well. I could definitely pass on Lady Gaga, but I think it should be a good show!
In honor of the music, I thought I would do a blog that I never really thought I would do before. I've always heard people who talk about "albums that changed their lives". And I would always think, "Really? It changed your life?!" I mean I am a music lover to the core, but I never really got that statement. But now, I think I was being a little too broad, or a little to literal...or something. A life changing moment, or album for that matter, doesn't necessarily have to be something huge or noticeable to others. So keeping that in mind and keeping in the spirit of the facebook thing (that I somehow missed), this post is going to be about: Albums That Changed My Life!
Here's the criteria: any number of albums that either literally changed your life somehow (even in a small way) or the way you look at life (or looked at life at the time). They sucked you in and took you over. These are the albums that you use to identify time, people, places, memories, and emotions.
In an attempted order by date (of my appreciation, not necessarily it's release):
1) Ropin the Wind by Garth Brooks = This is the first album that I remember loving (I'm thinking around 5th and 6th grade). I can remember individual songs that I thought were awesome long before this, but we're talking albums here. I remember listening to this tape (yes, cassette tape) over and over. It was then that I made my life goal to see Garth Brooks live in concert. It's still a goal that I have, by the way...just in case you ever get an extra ticket. :)
2) the Forrest Gump Soundtrack = So we're flashing forward a few years to around 8th grade. I went to see this movie with my dad and my sister. I enjoyed the movie, but I didn't fall in love with it until high school (when it became one of my all-time favorites). But I was able to instantly fully appreciate the music. The music spanned the 50's, 60's, and 70's without being corny or cliche.
3) the 1996 Grammy Nominees compilation = I didn't actually get the CD until the summer before 10th grade, but the music was a showcase from my Freshman year. I can't even give this album a review that will do it justice, so check out this one on Amazon. That was a great year for music!
4) Big Ones by Aerosmith = So a lot of Aerosmith was before my time. I remember getting this CD for my cousin, Jeremy. Then a year or two after that I finally got my own, and I was in rock heaven. I would do some serious jamming out in my bedroom. But more importantly, this album got me interested in finding and listening to their earlier stuff. And it inspired me to make another life goal to see Aerosmith in concert. (So, ideally Garth Brooks and Aerosmith need to put on a show together...that sounds likely doesn't it?)
5) Crash by Dave Matthews Band = Ah, this is Junior year. I was 16, and I was sure that all the guys who had asked me out since middle school (who I had always turned down, because I wasn't old enough to date) would be ready to try again. I was sadly mistaken. They all had girlfriends, and so did the guys I actually liked...and so did just about everyone (or so it seemed). I spent many a night shut away in my room feeling sorry for myself and seeking solace in the unique music of DMB.
6) Conspiracy No. 5 by Third Day = This was still my Junior year. When I wasn't busy being depressed about my lack of dates, I was very involved in and loving my Life Teen youth group at church. It was the year that solidified my strong faith and the year of my confirmation. We went to a Third Day concert in Abilene, and it was the best thing I had ever been to. I bought the CD and never looked back. It is still one of my favorites: singing praise and rocking out at the same time...pretty awesome.
7) A Place in the Sun by Tim McGraw = Skip ahead a little to the summer after I graduated. This album was pretty much the soundtrack of my first year with Kevin. Virtually any time Kevin and I drove anywhere, this CD was playing. I vividly remember him singing the songs as he walked throughout the Pizza Hut while we were working. I would just rest my head on his shoulder and listen to him sing. Of course, I would also pretend to be Faith Hill and sing an awesome duet, but whatever. This one still makes me smile.
8) Monster Ballads by various awesome 80's rockers = So even though I grew up in the 80's, I was a little young to appreciate the sheer awesomeness of the rock from that decade. But it was at this point when my love and devotion to this music started. I remember playing Here We Go Again by Whitesnake over and over on the juke box at Pizza Hut. There's nothing like a good power ballad to help you really belt it out!
9) Country Grammar by Nelly = This was the summer after my Freshman year of college. I already had a general appreciation for rap and hip-hop from people like Snoop Dogg and Tupac. But this album, with it's sweet beats, smooth rhymes, and entertaining lyrics spoke to me. This was the beginning of my love affair with hip-hop. I don't do gangsta rap, but this album paved the way (for me) for: Jay-Z, Kanye West, Eminem (not slim shady), BOB, and others.
Now that I'm thinking about it, it seems rather strange that I don't have one for the last 10 years. Maybe I'll do some more thinking and save that for another day. But anyway, how about you? Do you have any albums that changed your life?
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
50 Favorite Things...
No, I'm not Oprah. And I don't have one of those fancy blogs that has sponsors who do give-aways. So, don't get your hopes up. There will be no things given away for free here. Sorry.
But I was inspired by a friend and parent of a former student of mine to come up with a list of 50 of my favorite things. It can include anything from the simple everyday things to the more rare or extravagant things. I think the purpose of this is to help give yourself a reminder of all of the good things you have in life that bring you joy. You should also have a goal to do at least one of those things each day (the more, the better).
So, here we go. In no particular order:
1) playing with my kids
2) reading
3) baking
4) watching movies at home
5) laughing (probably my #1 fav. and it goes hand-in-hand with many of the things on this list)
6) going to church
7) watching tv
8) visiting my family
9) playing board games (something I don't get to do very often anymore, but have loved since I was a kid)
10) staying in a hotel (I get relaxed just thinking about it)
11) date night
12) a good cry (you know, via a book or movie...or song or commercial...)
13) going on vacation
14) family pictures
15) hanging out with friends
16) singing
17) dancing
18) listening to music
19) doing anything or nothing in particular with Kevin
20) catching up with old friends (via facebook or get togethers)
21) blogging
22) doing small acts of kindness (just a little something to brighten someone's day)
23) brainstorming (I'm much better at coming up with ideas than I am acting on any of them)
24) word play
25) doing crafts with my kids
26) being pregnant (I never felt healthier than when I was pregnant)
27) short hot baths (so hot they hurt at first)
28) looking at old pictures
29) writing
30) listening (Ever since middle school, I've kind of been the one that people have come to with their problems or stories. I've always liked listening. I've felt honored to be the one they come to. I don't pass judgement, and I don't offer suggestions/solutions unless I'm asked. I think sometimes people just need to vent or get things off their chests and that sometimes that in-and-of-itself is more help than anything I could say anyway.)
31) taking a nap
32) passing on traditions/childhood favorites to my kids
33) holidays
34) pedicures (I've only had two in my whole life, but they were both wonderful.)
35) getting complimented
36) road trips
37) coloring (yes, in coloring books)
38) finding new clothes or shoes that actually fit
39) giving gifts
40) praying
41) sitting in silence
42) taking care of others (Even in high school, I was known as motherly.)
43) happy hour/girl's night
44) weekends away (whether with Kevin or with the girls)
45) watching movies at the theater
46) eating cereal at night
47) watching my kids sleep
48) cooking with Kevin for our friends and family
49) sleeping in a freshly made bed
50) watching football (I've watched the Cowboys since middle school. In high school, I was one of the few in the band that actually watched the games. I loved watching my little brother play when I could. As time consuming as it was, I was stoked to be able to start Mason down the football path this year as well.)
So, that's that. It took me much longer than I thought it would to make that list. I'm sure there are things that I left off. I'm sure that this list will change as time goes by. But for now (until I can think of anything better) this is it. So let's say that rather than being a list of my top 50 favorite things, it's really a list of 50 OF my favorite things. And at the very least, it has shown me just how much joy I take in doing the things that I do every day.
Any thoughts? Do you have a list of your own? The ball is in your court!
But I was inspired by a friend and parent of a former student of mine to come up with a list of 50 of my favorite things. It can include anything from the simple everyday things to the more rare or extravagant things. I think the purpose of this is to help give yourself a reminder of all of the good things you have in life that bring you joy. You should also have a goal to do at least one of those things each day (the more, the better).
So, here we go. In no particular order:
1) playing with my kids
2) reading
3) baking
4) watching movies at home
5) laughing (probably my #1 fav. and it goes hand-in-hand with many of the things on this list)
6) going to church
7) watching tv
8) visiting my family
9) playing board games (something I don't get to do very often anymore, but have loved since I was a kid)
10) staying in a hotel (I get relaxed just thinking about it)
11) date night
12) a good cry (you know, via a book or movie...or song or commercial...)
13) going on vacation
14) family pictures
15) hanging out with friends
16) singing
17) dancing
18) listening to music
19) doing anything or nothing in particular with Kevin
20) catching up with old friends (via facebook or get togethers)
21) blogging
22) doing small acts of kindness (just a little something to brighten someone's day)
23) brainstorming (I'm much better at coming up with ideas than I am acting on any of them)
24) word play
25) doing crafts with my kids
26) being pregnant (I never felt healthier than when I was pregnant)
27) short hot baths (so hot they hurt at first)
28) looking at old pictures
29) writing
30) listening (Ever since middle school, I've kind of been the one that people have come to with their problems or stories. I've always liked listening. I've felt honored to be the one they come to. I don't pass judgement, and I don't offer suggestions/solutions unless I'm asked. I think sometimes people just need to vent or get things off their chests and that sometimes that in-and-of-itself is more help than anything I could say anyway.)
31) taking a nap
32) passing on traditions/childhood favorites to my kids
33) holidays
34) pedicures (I've only had two in my whole life, but they were both wonderful.)
35) getting complimented
36) road trips
37) coloring (yes, in coloring books)
38) finding new clothes or shoes that actually fit
39) giving gifts
40) praying
41) sitting in silence
42) taking care of others (Even in high school, I was known as motherly.)
43) happy hour/girl's night
44) weekends away (whether with Kevin or with the girls)
45) watching movies at the theater
46) eating cereal at night
47) watching my kids sleep
48) cooking with Kevin for our friends and family
49) sleeping in a freshly made bed
50) watching football (I've watched the Cowboys since middle school. In high school, I was one of the few in the band that actually watched the games. I loved watching my little brother play when I could. As time consuming as it was, I was stoked to be able to start Mason down the football path this year as well.)
So, that's that. It took me much longer than I thought it would to make that list. I'm sure there are things that I left off. I'm sure that this list will change as time goes by. But for now (until I can think of anything better) this is it. So let's say that rather than being a list of my top 50 favorite things, it's really a list of 50 OF my favorite things. And at the very least, it has shown me just how much joy I take in doing the things that I do every day.
Any thoughts? Do you have a list of your own? The ball is in your court!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
When I Grow Up...
Now how cute is that?! Have I mentioned that I have baby fever? Anyway, I digress...
This is something that we've all thought about hundreds of time in our lives. When we're really little, it's usually the fantastical (super hero or princess). A little later, it's a little more practical (firefighter or ballerina). By the time middle school rolls around, we're starting to get a more realistic idea of what we want to be when we grow up that is actually based on our strengths and interests. Then comes High School and College. That's when we either solidify our previous aspirations, or completely change our minds.
For me, it went a little something like this:
Elementary School: (I can't seem to remember what I wanted to be before that) I always wanted to be a mom. I just idolized my mom (and still do). I wanted to have 4 kids like she did. I wanted to make Halloween costumes like she did. I wanted to sing and dance in the kitchen and make cookies like she did.
Middle School: Due to an assignment we had at school that required us to design, decorate, and make a scale model of a bedroom we'd love to have, I got it into my head that I would like to be an interior designer. Also due to that assignment and reflection on the kind of teacher that would give an assignment like that (and my other favorite teachers over the years: Mrs. Webb and Mr. Coffee), I figured I could also be a teacher. I didn't think the teacher/interior designer/mom was unrealistic at all.
High School: The prospect of having to decorate people's houses with gaudy florals or other things that weren't my taste kind of turned me off of the whole interior designer thing. But with having 2 more of my favorite teachers of all time (my band director, Mr. Gibson and my AP European History teacher, Mr. Thomesen), I was pretty sure that a teacher is what I wanted to be. I was either going to teach 1st grade or high school. I figured that in 1st grade they're still cute and sweet, and in high school they'd be able to understand and appreciate some sarcasm.
College: By this time, I was certain that teaching was what I wanted to do. But I still wanted to be a mom more than anything...I always did. And that dream came true a little sooner than planned. Then I finally narrowed it down to Elementary school and after observing in Kinder and 1st and student teaching in 3rd and 5, I was hoping for a job in 2nd grade. That dream, too, came true...at the last minute.
Now: I am so, SO lucky. I am so blessed to be able to say that I have become what I wanted to be when I grew up. But at the same time, I find myself asking, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" I know I've blogged (and ranted) about this before, but there it is. And I'm pretty confident that I'm not alone in that. I think that a lot of people love a career that they've chosen, but still come to a point when they want something different, too. So I still don't know the answer to that question: baker, nurse, lottery winner...who knows?! But I have faith that the answer will come soon enough. :)
So how about you? What did you want to be when you were little? How did that change over time? Is there anything else that you want to be now?
This is something that we've all thought about hundreds of time in our lives. When we're really little, it's usually the fantastical (super hero or princess). A little later, it's a little more practical (firefighter or ballerina). By the time middle school rolls around, we're starting to get a more realistic idea of what we want to be when we grow up that is actually based on our strengths and interests. Then comes High School and College. That's when we either solidify our previous aspirations, or completely change our minds.
For me, it went a little something like this:
Elementary School: (I can't seem to remember what I wanted to be before that) I always wanted to be a mom. I just idolized my mom (and still do). I wanted to have 4 kids like she did. I wanted to make Halloween costumes like she did. I wanted to sing and dance in the kitchen and make cookies like she did.
Middle School: Due to an assignment we had at school that required us to design, decorate, and make a scale model of a bedroom we'd love to have, I got it into my head that I would like to be an interior designer. Also due to that assignment and reflection on the kind of teacher that would give an assignment like that (and my other favorite teachers over the years: Mrs. Webb and Mr. Coffee), I figured I could also be a teacher. I didn't think the teacher/interior designer/mom was unrealistic at all.
High School: The prospect of having to decorate people's houses with gaudy florals or other things that weren't my taste kind of turned me off of the whole interior designer thing. But with having 2 more of my favorite teachers of all time (my band director, Mr. Gibson and my AP European History teacher, Mr. Thomesen), I was pretty sure that a teacher is what I wanted to be. I was either going to teach 1st grade or high school. I figured that in 1st grade they're still cute and sweet, and in high school they'd be able to understand and appreciate some sarcasm.
College: By this time, I was certain that teaching was what I wanted to do. But I still wanted to be a mom more than anything...I always did. And that dream came true a little sooner than planned. Then I finally narrowed it down to Elementary school and after observing in Kinder and 1st and student teaching in 3rd and 5, I was hoping for a job in 2nd grade. That dream, too, came true...at the last minute.
Now: I am so, SO lucky. I am so blessed to be able to say that I have become what I wanted to be when I grew up. But at the same time, I find myself asking, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" I know I've blogged (and ranted) about this before, but there it is. And I'm pretty confident that I'm not alone in that. I think that a lot of people love a career that they've chosen, but still come to a point when they want something different, too. So I still don't know the answer to that question: baker, nurse, lottery winner...who knows?! But I have faith that the answer will come soon enough. :)
So how about you? What did you want to be when you were little? How did that change over time? Is there anything else that you want to be now?
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Absence...
Is it true? Does absence really make the heart grow fonder? If so, then you must REALLY love me now. Sorry, it's been so long since I've blogged. Things have just been...well...not great lately. Work has been overwhelming, extra-curriculars for the kids have been exhausting, and my health (although still stable on the leukemia front) has been iffy at best (upper respiratory infections, an ear infection, acute gastroenteritis, and just overall yuckiness). Suffice it to say, I haven't had blogging on the brain much. Not that I haven't tried. I've sat and stared at a blank screen on many occasions. I've even started numerous blogs that I just didn't think were blog-worthy after all.
Work is still overwhelming, I'm still not feeling great, but we're on a bit of a hiatus from the extra-curriculars for a while, so I thought I'd try to catch up a little bit.
Some thoughts on absence:
Absence can be a breath of fresh air: a break from your kids that you love, the rare day that the most difficult and annoying child in your class is absent (because those are always the kids that have the best attendance), the moment your pain (physical, mental, emotional) goes away
Absence can be a strain: having your spouse work an opposite schedule and not be around to help with the kids and chores (I don't know how single parents do it), taking a day off of work (even if it's truly needed, it's such a pain to prep for a sub), the absence of money
Absence can be annoying: absent-mindedness (especially your own...it's so frustrating when I can't seem to remember anything), the absence of manners
Absence can be heartbreaking: the absence of faith (I think that would just be a very sad and lonely way to be), the death of a loved one
So, is it true? Does absence make the heart grow fonder? I think it depends on the situation. What do you think?
Work is still overwhelming, I'm still not feeling great, but we're on a bit of a hiatus from the extra-curriculars for a while, so I thought I'd try to catch up a little bit.
Some thoughts on absence:
Absence can be a breath of fresh air: a break from your kids that you love, the rare day that the most difficult and annoying child in your class is absent (because those are always the kids that have the best attendance), the moment your pain (physical, mental, emotional) goes away
Absence can be a strain: having your spouse work an opposite schedule and not be around to help with the kids and chores (I don't know how single parents do it), taking a day off of work (even if it's truly needed, it's such a pain to prep for a sub), the absence of money
Absence can be annoying: absent-mindedness (especially your own...it's so frustrating when I can't seem to remember anything), the absence of manners
Absence can be heartbreaking: the absence of faith (I think that would just be a very sad and lonely way to be), the death of a loved one
So, is it true? Does absence make the heart grow fonder? I think it depends on the situation. What do you think?
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Movie Mash-Ups...
So a while ago, there was this episode of Cougar Town (one of my favorite shows) where they played this game called Movie Mash-Ups. Of course, they used it as a drinking game, but I still thought it was a pretty awesome idea. Basically, you pick 2 movies that have a shared word in the title. But one of the movies has to have the word at the end, while the other has to have it at the beginning. Then you briefly describe the plot of the new combined movie for people to guess. For example: A single woman tries to stop her friend's wedding from being disturbed by 2 uninvited guests. ....(My Best Friend's Wedding Crashers)
Here's a clip you can check out if you want.
So, I thought we could give it a shot. I'll try to come up with some for you to guess:
1) An arrogant and outrageous leading man on a San Diego news station covers the story of a disfigured recluse who befriends and mentors a young boy.
2) A group of middle-aged men create a college fraternity that leads a group of children to compete in a battle of the bands competition.
3) Three bachelor's are left with the task of caring for a new baby who is then adopted by a successful business woman who moves to the country and develops her own brand of baby applesauce.
4) A group of office workers hate their jobs and while facing layoffs, they decide to rebel against their mono-toned boss. But then they must rescue a princess from another planet before the villain sucks all the air out of her planet's atmosphere.
5) A aging patriarch of a mafia family passes control of his empire to his reluctant son whose plans for his daughter's wedding get out of hand with the help of a flamboyant wedding planner.
6) A depressed middle-aged father gets a crush on his daughter's beautiful friend who has been held in an enchanted castle and has fallen for her beastly captor.
Now you give it a shot. Post your answers and some movie mash-ups of your own!
1) An arrogant and outrageous leading man on a San Diego news station covers the story of a disfigured recluse who befriends and mentors a young boy.
2) A group of middle-aged men create a college fraternity that leads a group of children to compete in a battle of the bands competition.
3) Three bachelor's are left with the task of caring for a new baby who is then adopted by a successful business woman who moves to the country and develops her own brand of baby applesauce.
4) A group of office workers hate their jobs and while facing layoffs, they decide to rebel against their mono-toned boss. But then they must rescue a princess from another planet before the villain sucks all the air out of her planet's atmosphere.
5) A aging patriarch of a mafia family passes control of his empire to his reluctant son whose plans for his daughter's wedding get out of hand with the help of a flamboyant wedding planner.
6) A depressed middle-aged father gets a crush on his daughter's beautiful friend who has been held in an enchanted castle and has fallen for her beastly captor.
Now you give it a shot. Post your answers and some movie mash-ups of your own!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
THE Moment...
So, I was watching one of our many TV shows last night. The younger brother was asking his older, wiser, married brother, "How did you Know?" You know, when was the moment when you knew that the person you're married to was the one you wanted to be with for the rest of your life. The older brother, of course, replied with a story about an ordinary, nothing special moment when he "just knew" she was the only woman he wanted to eat chili dogs with for the rest of his life. Totally cliche, but still very sweet.
Here's my moment:
It was the summer of 1999. Kevin and I had been dating for 3 months. I don't even think we were Cakes and Cakes, yet.
We went to see Notting Hill at the movie theater in the mall in Abilene. (I know, romantic right?) It was the first of many Hugh Grant movies that we would enjoy together. Something happened during that movie. I don't know if it was the scene where Julia Roberts said, "I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her." or the one where Hugh Grant was reading to a pregnant Julia Roberts on that park bench at the end...or maybe the one where we get to see half of that really weird roommate's butt hanging out of his underwear. :)
But when we came out of that theater and got to the car, there was a moment. Not just A moment...THE moment. Call me a walking cliche, but we both just KNEW. Yes, it had only been 3 months, and it's not like we didn't wait another 15 months before getting engaged, but it is the moment that we both knew we'd be together forever.
So, how 'bout it? When was YOUR moment? How did you KNOW?
Here's my moment:
It was the summer of 1999. Kevin and I had been dating for 3 months. I don't even think we were Cakes and Cakes, yet.
We went to see Notting Hill at the movie theater in the mall in Abilene. (I know, romantic right?) It was the first of many Hugh Grant movies that we would enjoy together. Something happened during that movie. I don't know if it was the scene where Julia Roberts said, "I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her." or the one where Hugh Grant was reading to a pregnant Julia Roberts on that park bench at the end...or maybe the one where we get to see half of that really weird roommate's butt hanging out of his underwear. :)
But when we came out of that theater and got to the car, there was a moment. Not just A moment...THE moment. Call me a walking cliche, but we both just KNEW. Yes, it had only been 3 months, and it's not like we didn't wait another 15 months before getting engaged, but it is the moment that we both knew we'd be together forever.
So, how 'bout it? When was YOUR moment? How did you KNOW?
Sunday, October 10, 2010
October...
October is a very important month for 3 reasons that have a special place in my heart. The first of which we are all very aware of:
Breast Cancer Awareness
This is a cause that is very important to most of us. It can be seen everywhere from batteries to yogurt and from soda to professional football. Susan G. Komen is practically a household name. I think it is WONDERFUL how aware we all are about this disease, especially given the statistic that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life. My Godmother, Eileen Roth was diagnosed with it 5 years ago. Thankfully, they caught it early, and she is cancer free now. My mother-in-law, Beth Prickett, died from it 19 years ago...when Kevin was only 14. I think about her often, never having met her. I can't imagine what it must be like for Kevin, his brother, and sisters (and everyone else who has ever lost someone to this disease, or any other for that matter). We must continue to pray for and support this cause.
The next 2 causes are not as well known:
Domestic Abuse Awareness
This covers so much more than just a husband hitting his wife. Yes, that is the most talked about. But it technically covers a much broader spectrum: physical and/or emotional abuse used by one person in a relationship (married, dating, friends, family, living together, or not, any age) to control the other. Going with this definition, I'm sure that many of us know people or may even be people who have been affected by this type of violence. 3 years ago this month, my Aunt Pam was shot and killed by her husband...a tragic end to a long abusive relationship. It has had an imeasureable affect on my family. My mom, sister, and I will be participating in a walk-a-thon to help raise money for this cause on Saturday, and thanks to many of you, we have each met and surpassed our fund-raising goal. Thank you for your continued prayers!
Diversity Awareness
As an educator, I see the importance of diversity awareness and acceptance in the school setting. And as a human being, I see the importance of it in life on a daily basis. This typically isn't something that people raise money for or wear ribbons for, but it is something that I believe in. Most of us know about the Beatitudes from the Bible (Blessed are the poor in spirit, etc...), well these "Beatitudes for Diversity" were included in my church's Sunday bulletin, and I thought they were quite moving:
~Blessed are you who take time to listen to difficult speech,
for you help us persevere until we are understood.
~Blessed are you who walk with us in public places and ignore the stares of strangers,
for we find havens of relaxation in your companionship.
~Blessed are you who never bid us to “hurry up,” and more blessed are you who do not snatch our tasks from our hands to do them for us,
for often we need more time—rather than help.
~Blessed are you who stand beside us as we enter new and untried ventures,
for the delight we feel when we surprise you outweighs all the frustrating failures.
~Blessed are you who ask for our help,
for our greatest need is to be needed.
So during the month of October let us remember our losses; pray for awareness, progress, and healing; and celebrate our successes and differences!
Breast Cancer Awareness
This is a cause that is very important to most of us. It can be seen everywhere from batteries to yogurt and from soda to professional football. Susan G. Komen is practically a household name. I think it is WONDERFUL how aware we all are about this disease, especially given the statistic that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life. My Godmother, Eileen Roth was diagnosed with it 5 years ago. Thankfully, they caught it early, and she is cancer free now. My mother-in-law, Beth Prickett, died from it 19 years ago...when Kevin was only 14. I think about her often, never having met her. I can't imagine what it must be like for Kevin, his brother, and sisters (and everyone else who has ever lost someone to this disease, or any other for that matter). We must continue to pray for and support this cause.
The next 2 causes are not as well known:
Domestic Abuse Awareness
This covers so much more than just a husband hitting his wife. Yes, that is the most talked about. But it technically covers a much broader spectrum: physical and/or emotional abuse used by one person in a relationship (married, dating, friends, family, living together, or not, any age) to control the other. Going with this definition, I'm sure that many of us know people or may even be people who have been affected by this type of violence. 3 years ago this month, my Aunt Pam was shot and killed by her husband...a tragic end to a long abusive relationship. It has had an imeasureable affect on my family. My mom, sister, and I will be participating in a walk-a-thon to help raise money for this cause on Saturday, and thanks to many of you, we have each met and surpassed our fund-raising goal. Thank you for your continued prayers!
Diversity Awareness
As an educator, I see the importance of diversity awareness and acceptance in the school setting. And as a human being, I see the importance of it in life on a daily basis. This typically isn't something that people raise money for or wear ribbons for, but it is something that I believe in. Most of us know about the Beatitudes from the Bible (Blessed are the poor in spirit, etc...), well these "Beatitudes for Diversity" were included in my church's Sunday bulletin, and I thought they were quite moving:
~Blessed are you who take time to listen to difficult speech,
for you help us persevere until we are understood.
~Blessed are you who walk with us in public places and ignore the stares of strangers,
for we find havens of relaxation in your companionship.
~Blessed are you who never bid us to “hurry up,” and more blessed are you who do not snatch our tasks from our hands to do them for us,
for often we need more time—rather than help.
~Blessed are you who stand beside us as we enter new and untried ventures,
for the delight we feel when we surprise you outweighs all the frustrating failures.
~Blessed are you who ask for our help,
for our greatest need is to be needed.
So during the month of October let us remember our losses; pray for awareness, progress, and healing; and celebrate our successes and differences!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
