Why Obamacare is sinking

Why Obamacare is sinking

Charles Krauthammer is a genius. Read all of it, to the end, because it ends with a great punchline.

5 weeks!

Until Dad gets home! I am counting the days! The days actually number 24--5 weeks is a rounded number.

Mama and Dad got me a 6 month membership to a ladies' gym for Christmas. I went every weekday this past week and I feel great!

Mama is having Ethan, Naomi, and Joshua read Paul Johnson's A History of the American People for their (wait for it) American history credit. So I volunteered to read it first and write tests, short essay questions and full essay questions for them. It's a great read. I'm really enjoying it! I have wanted to read it for a while now. I figured that volunteering to write a curriculum around it would be a good way to guarantee that I read it.

Hebrew class starts up again tomorrow. I'm so excited! I hope I haven't forgotten everything over the break.

I am Excite!

A Japanese exchange student named Miharu used to say that. And I am very much excited about opening Christmas presents and watching people enjoy what I'm giving them. I got a taste of it while exchanging gifts with the Teagues and now I can't wait for our belated Christmas!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Poor Dad is far away. Everybody over here doesn't have him but we have each other. Poor Dad only has Eric, which is better than nothing.

In other news, Claremore might actually get a white Christmas.

I know it's rude to brag about your own cooking, but the soup I just made smells really, really good. Can't wait for supper. Maybe I should make biscuits to go with it.

"Lots more lights!"

"Lots more lights!"
Originally uploaded by Purple Palindrome

So said Bob the Tomato as he played Cavis Appythart in Veggie Tales' The Star of Christmas. I love that movie. Cavis sets out how to teach London how to love with "lots more lights", as picture above, and ends up failing miserably, of course. At the end Cavis sees a very simple Nativity skit that shows the truth--love is a baby in a manger with a death sentence.

Any other part of Christmas is just like this picture--decorations, pretty lights to dazzle the eyes. Fun for sure but rather meaningless without that core of Agape Love.

"In Him was life; and The Life was the Light of men. And The Light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not...But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name."

Stuff and Stuff makes me happy

"Not that I depend on pleasant circumstances to govern my attitude toward life, but they do help."
-----John McCloy

Peace On Earth

I already posted this on Facebook, but it's worth a repeat. Best rendering and devotional of Longfellow's poem I've ever heard.

The Bravest Thing of All Is To Hope

"And in the dark we climb this slope
'cause the bravest thing is always hope."
Binary from The Light of Things Hoped For by Brave Saint Saturn

"Deepest oceans of despair
This vast and somber
Charcoal night of space
Have you given up yet?
What hope lingers in the crevasses and corners of your soul?
I know you
You haven't given up yet
You are brave in this darkness, Saint Saturn
Sometimes the bravest thing of all is to hope"
Atropos from The Light of Things Hoped For by Brave Saint Saturn

No profound thoughts to go with it. I'm just enjoying their music right now. I'm also enjoying having BonnieJean, Chera, Ethan, and Naomi all home and in the same room.

The headache and stupid feeling from yesterday is gone, praise God! I just have zip energy but I can handle that, kind of.

I'm rereading Jane Austen's Emma. I had forgotten how funny Mr. Woodhouse is. "Poor Isabella..."

I'm also finally reading Rodney Stark's Victory of Reason. It's been recommended to me for forever. I'm only in the first chapter but it's good so far. It's a deep enough book that you have to take it pretty slow.

I got some wrapping of Christmas gifts done today. I love wrapping paper and pretty bows, but I am so bad at it. In fact, right now I can see the lovely gold ribbon that matched BonnieJean's black gift bag so perfectly lying on the floor next to said classy black bag. *sigh*

I have an itch to go Christmas ornament shopping. I'm noticing some terrible holes on the tree right now. I want to get some pearlescent (sp?) gold balls and maybe some more red ones, too.

I've decided to quit the praise band. Sunday was the third or 4th time I've shown up for rehearsal and had no music stand, music, or microphone. So, I'm taking the hint. I'm trying to extricate myself quietly. I just have to come up with an innocent but honest answer for when everyone starts to ask me why I'm not playing anymore. BonnieJean and Dad both suggested finding another group to play with because it is something I have really enjoyed. Something to think and pray about.

Blonde Pills

Nothing makes me feel stupider than being sick or being in pain. I hope I have succeeded in not being grumpy. All I have is a headache but it has completely ruined what should have been a very pleasant day.

I really can' even comprehend how people with constant pain live semi-normal lives. Right now in my church Stephanie Marsh and Dena Olsen have pretty much constant headaches. Stephanie has already gone through brain surgery trying to fix her pains and it came back and they don't know why. The doctors aren't even sure what Dena has (perhaps Q Fever?) and have no way of treating it. And they live productive, pleasant lives. I would be a wreck.

Cello by Violins

Cello by Violins
Originally uploaded by Purple Palindrome

Experimenting.

I Miss You (and you and you)

and you and you...

When I'm world dictator I'm going to pass iron clad restrictions on nice people moving away from me, even if only temporary like Dad, longer temporary like the Teagues, and even restrictions for living far away from the beginning like Chera. Humph. So there all you nice people! Someday you'll understanding my reasoning. (I do pretty good channeling the spirit of Copenhagen, don't I?)

Trite

"A once effective phrase or idea that has been spoiled by long familiarity." according to Merriam Webster.

I've decided that I don't like this word. Just because something has been said before doesn't mean that it's not true any more. If a phrase or word expresses what you mean exactly who shouldn't you say it? I think the only words that are truly spoiled by familiarity are swear words. What people really mean when they say something in a conversation is trite is that I think the person insincere. People too often say something because they've heard other people say the same thing in a similar situation. They don't know what it really means or don't really mean what they're saying.

In writing, I try to avoid common phrases just because originality is one of the purposes of writing to me. It's also one of the most enjoyable things about reading. An original phrase is a delight. However, I don't discount a write for using something that is common effectively.

In art, particularly photography, there is absolutely no such thing as trite. People who use the word trite are just trying to push the framework of fashion into art. Fashion wants everything to be new and edgy so it rejects things that are good just because it's common. Therefore lots of good things such as photos of blue bonnets, paintings of landscapes, and bagpipes playing "Amazing Grace" are all discarded as 'trite'. Why? Just because lots of other people have taken pictures of lots of other blue bonnets doesn't make this photo a bad one. Just because lots of other people have painted lots of other landscapes doesn't make any one of them less beautiful. And just because it's traditional to play "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes doesn't make it sound bad. Tradition can be a good thing.

And certainly 'trite' has no place in talking about truth. If anything we need truths repeated over and over. "Peace on Earth! Goodwill to men!" "He is Risen" "Blessed be the Name of the Lord". As Kirk Youngblood said the other Sunday God won't care whether a church is innovative, creative, or on the cutting edge, but whether or not the sheep were fed the Word. Truth bears repeating and it never becomes trite.

I'm Back!

Hermione's power cord broke and I realized that I have forgotten how to share a computer. Instead of relearning I just stayed off the computer, almost entirely. After throwing up in front of the $80 power cord at Office Depot, I found one on E-bay for $14 and got it today. Sing with me--"I got it on E-Bay!"

I've been doing a lot of reading. I re-read "A Voice On the Wind" and "An Echo In the Darkness" and finally read "As Sure As the Dawn". I'm also reading "The Victory of Reason".

I did a deep cleaning of my desk--rearranged, filed, dusted, and threw a lot of stuff out. Now to maintain it.

Mama and Naomi had a joint, 68th birthday party Friday evening at the Pizza Hut. Lots of wonderful people came and we had a lot of fun. I'm glad we did a party. We don't often but we sure have fun when we do.

I have a lot more peace about my job hunt since the sermon mentioned in my last post. I haven't been very productive in my job hunt since but I don't think it's related. I think I've been under the weather, busy with other stuff (said birthday party and cleaning), and am now suffering doubly from menstrual cramps and a swollen throat. When it rains it pours. Despite that, I did do some networking tonight both for my job hunt and the county party--reception for a Ryan Leonard who is running for state attorney general.

I'm very excited about Christmas shopping. I sure hope everyone likes what they're getting! And I'm even more excited about Jen being here for our week-late celebration!

Lazy Sunday

It's been a cold and wet day so I've stayed inside, besides church, snuggled in warm, soft stuff reading Eclipse and appreciating art on Flickr.

Today's sermon was really good. Kirk Youngblood was down this weekend from Colorado to visit Brother Archie over Thanksgiving and preached just to give Scottie a break. I can't imagine having to prepare a strong, Scriptural message at least once a week. Kirk preached on the miracle feeding of 5,000. It's recorded in all 4 gospels but he spoke out of Luke http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Luke+9&version=9">9:10-17 He emphasized that God will put before you tasks and ministries too big to do on your own. When that happens we should not be overwhelmed, afraid, and feel like failures but cast ourselves on His might and trust Him to do His work through us. God is not surprised or strained at any situation that arises. He already knows what He is going to do and is already bringing it to past. I think this has particular application to me in my job hunt.

I went and saw New Moon last week. I actually liked it a lot better than the book. Jacob is much more heart wrenching in the movie than he was in the book. And the soundtrack is going on my wish list.

Flickr is just way too much fun!

Dad called today. He sounded tired which is scary when it's the beginning of his day. I miss him so much but I at least have plenty of sleep and the rest of my family. He's tired and by himself. :(

Here's hoping

that I won't have to point back at this blog post someday and say "I told you so!"

I can see the political reaction to the Ft. Hood shootings and Nidal Malik Hasan going two different ways. 1, the government will crack down on teachers of Muslim extremism. They will follow money trails from "peaceful" organizations like CAIR and harshly punish any money that gets spent for violence. Tax-free statuses should be revoked. Clerics will be more closely monitored.

2, civilians and soldiers' access to firearms will be restricted. Veterans will come under suspicion of possibly going postal. Studies and research will be done on whether or not military service makes you more likely to be violent. People will try to draw the link between Ft. Hood and the Beltway Sniper Shootings as a military connection instead of the obvious Muslim connection.

Obviously, I hope option #1 happens. Considering our current political environment, I'm very afraid that #2 is what will happen. But, as the title says, I'm hoping that I won't be proven right.

The weather here has been absolutely beautiful!! I just got back from a brisk 30 minute walk and my chest feels the better for it.

Vernise passed away Sunday, late. Her funeral was Wednesday in Fayetteville. Samuel and I house sat for the Kelleys while they went. I got a lot of reading and journaling done. It feels good to have some of my thoughts sorted out.

Hebrew classes are picking up speed. The rest of the class is beginning to understand phonics. I can tell that, for a lot of them, this is the first foreign language they've tried. They're still asking why questions, as if language has any kind of rhyme or reason to it. I told them they had to have faith like a child to accept things just as they are. :)

We continue to be amazed by how many people are praying for Dad so constantly. Thank you everyone! I know they're a help!

Meditation #17

From John Donne's Meditation #17:

"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the lss, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of they friend's or of thine own were. Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore, never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."

News from Afar

News from Afar
Originally uploaded by Purple Palindrome

From my Flickr...

Dad called this evening.

This pictures shows where we talk to Dad when he calls. The Army told us to always switch to a non-remote land line to talk to him to cut down on the chance of taps. This phone in his and Mama's room is the only non-remote land line phone we have.

The telecommunications where he is are really pathetic. The internet is irregular and slow. The phones break up, have time limits, and randomly cut us off. But he's really faithful to call and email regularly, which is a really good thing for this little gal. I need his support and wisdom so much. Today we talked about my job hunting and some alternatives to what I'm doing now.

Dad is such an amazing person and I'm so grateful to have him. Sadly, he's not a photographer or a blogger and he has expressed no interest in even just reading a photo stream. So, I doubt any of y'all will get to meet him or get to know him and you're the poorer for it. My sympathies.

Fringe

Fringe
Originally uploaded by Purple Palindrome

I think phrases such as "kinda out there on the fringe", "the fringes of society", etc. are such a great word picture. Certain behaviors are ok with a culture, but just barely. They still make people uncomfortable, but they're not outlawed. People who engage in fringe behavior are allowed to, but they're generally distrusted. They're on the edge, just barely part of the rug, but still dangerously close to the bare floor--they're the fringe.
My fringe behaviors include, on occasion, homeschooling, drinking raw milk, not shaving, and when I'm in Taiwan eating raw vegetables and swimming in the ocean.
So, what do you do that's on the fringe?

Nocturne in C Sharp Minor

I'm listening to Joshua Bell's Romance of the Violin. I believe it was a Christmas gift a couple of years back. I particularly like Nocturne, Track #3.

Vernise, he Teague's grandma, Mrs. Kelley's mother, had a stroke Friday. She's having a really rough recovery. Some of her symptoms include restlessness and disorientation which translates into her not sleeping, trying to get out of bed on her own and thus falling. This is dealt with by always having someone sit with her. We, as in the Bavidos, have gotten to help out with this a couple of times and are on call. The poor Kelleys really need their rest so I really hope they don't hesitate to call us. Another problem is getting enough liquids and nourishment down her because she's been having trouble swallowing. Please be praying for Vernise and her family.

The job hunt continues. I had a job interview earlier this week for a legal secretary that I've already been turned down for. I have an interview next week for a volunteer coordinator position. I emailed a reminder or followed up today with a career services position for a tech school. I need to send off a resume tomorrow for a case manager position. Praise God, I'm doing much better on the motivation and not-getting-discouraged/depressed in relation to job hunting.

I've discovered that when left to set my own schedule that I sleep from 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. and am most reflective and thoughtful between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. I'm not really sure when I'm the most productive--perhaps the early afternoon?

I continue to be shocked and horrified by my own selfishness. Mrs. Teague had asked me to get her copies of the Bavido originals that had been read at our poetry festival. I completely forgot that BonnieJean, Isaac, and Dad had read their own compositions and just printed off the ones by me that had been read. How terrible am I?!