A Wild (But Entertaining) Memoir

From the first moment I read about Wild:  From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed, I was hooked.  Based on reviews I saw, this promised to be a memoir steeped in intrigue, adventure and, ultimately, personal growth.  The New York Times review gets it right by describing the book as having "...a punk spirit..."

I guess in picking it up, I had suspected it would be like a reinvention of the once popular Eat, Pray, Love ("once popular" as in before the movie was released and somewhat lacking).  I especially thought this as I started to read the book and came across a line referring to the main subject's impending marital doom.  However, rather than a writer erecting strife within her life, this story is a lot more real.  Cheryl Strayed is not some foodie in search of self-empowerment or a trendy travel tale of yoga and pasta-eating adventures.  This is real.  This is more like A Million Little Pieces meets Eat, Pray, Love.  It's gritty, it's set in the most natural of natural worlds, and it's about the struggle of (wo)man versus man and (wo)man versus nature.

One of the things I have read (including in the linked NYT review) is that there is suspicion surrounding the reliability of memories from events so far in the past.  A lot of years passed between Ms. Strayed's 1995 hiking adventure and her resulting memoir, so I can understand this point being raised.  However, just as was the case with all of the controversy surrounding the "truth" behind James Frey's A Million Little Pieces, I guess I can confidently say I don't care.  I don't select my reading, based on whether it's true or not.  I believe every story is told with a somewhat fictionalized perspective...it's called subjectivity.  But, whether or not Ms. Strayed's memories are 100% accurate or not will not affect me as a reader.  My second thought on this is that sometimes, and this is most especially true with the most monumental of life moments (which I'm pretty sure she was navigating during the time the memoir is set), one needs a lot of distance and time before being able to situate life experiences.  So, if it took her almost two decades to situate her experiences, then so be it.  Perhaps none of her experiences could have been projected as dynamically if she hadn't taken that time. 

In any case, I think if you enjoy the outdoors, communing with nature and self-reflection (especially in the midst of turmoil), then you will enjoy this book.  I know I am.  More than anything, it whets my appetite to one day explore the wilds of the Pacific Crest Trail.           

Spring Behavior Blossoming

Just as all of the shades of green and spring blooms are taking over, so are the natural tendencies towards spring behavior in humans.  I am generalizing, of course, but speaking for myself, all indications point to spring. 

First, allergy season has hit.  The stuffiness, dry eyes and accompanying symptoms of spring blossoms, which usually hit hardest in May or so, have settled in for a longer season this year.  The spreading blankets of color are captured like time elapse video in my mind, and while this is pleasing to the eyes aesthetically, it can also prove ironically irritating. 

Next, the winter activities employed during free time over the last several months have gently slid out of style in favor of those more appropriate for spring and summer.  The last few weeks have included weekly grass cutting, which is one of my favorite activities.  I get almost as excited about seeing the grass grow as I do about the spreading blankets of color because it means I'll have an excuse to break out the mower.  What is possibly more exciting than this thrill?!  Weed wacking, pulling weeds and putting careful thought into landscaping and some garden plants are just a few other fun activities taking center stage.  The latter two are in the slow lane until we discontinue the overnight freeze trend, but they rank pretty high for the excitement factor. 

Lastly, dinner menus are quickly changing.  The soups and stews of winter have taken the back seat to lighter and most enjoyable veggies and entrees.  The refreshing colors and tastes of spring vegetables and fruits are equally as pleasing as the birds and blooms of the warmer weather.  Last weekend included the exciting purchase of a new grill.  We barely got it situated on the porch before tossing several cobs of corn on for grilling.  What a delicious treat for a Sunday dinner!  Upcoming grill treats will include pineapple, salmon, asparagus and burgers.  Culinary delights abound when the grill comes into play.  While most grill food can be kept very simple, the results are almost always delicious, healthy and can be pleasantly diverse.

With plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, spring is off to a great start.  In fact, I wouldn't mind if the current temps and conditions would stick around rather than being chased off by high humidity and even higher temps.  But, I guess I'll take what Mother Nature has to give.

 

         

Easter 2012: The Year of Playing Like a Kid Again

This year, Easter was even more fun than usual.  It's been several years now since our family was blessed with its first grandchild.  But, it seems that this year, the three of them officially reached ages that make the holidays tremendously fun.  Some highlights from Easter 2012 deserve to be noted in order to demonstrate this point. 

At the start of our Easter celebration for the last several years, my mom has coordinated an Easter egg hunt for the kids.  As more grandchildren came, this effort grew larger.  I'm not sure how many eggs were hidden in the tradition's inaugural year, but I can confirm that there were more than 80 hidden this year.  Granted, we're catering to the sweet tooth needs of three kids.  But, we practically had too little real estate and hiding places for this year's challenge.  I'm fairly confident my parents will be finding Easter eggs for the next several weeks, but the kids had a blast and came up with quite the sweet loot! 

A second highlight would be that of the wiffle ball game.  I would like to say, first, that this was not wiffle ball as I would have known it.  It was some Nerf-like material bat and ball.  While I understand the impulse to protect the safety of our bat-wielding child population, I also have a deep appreciation (and affection) for the traditional wiffle plastic.  I can't even put a number to the amount of hours my brother, sister and I spent playing wiffle ball in our yard.  In any case, I believe the Easter 2012 wiffle challenge is best demonstrated in pictures:


What started off as a normal, run-of-the-mill, game of wiffle, which also included some very helpful instruction, bestowed upon the kids by myself and my brother....



...quickly dissolved into who can be most goofy?



...or who can bring on the most fierce laughter?



...or who has the best Superman pose?



...or who has the best form for rolling down the grassy hill?

 As I reflect on this year's Easter gathering, I think I've concluded it's not just for the kids after all.  They may have had the advantage over us in the egg hunt, but I'm pretty sure that the wiffle ball game and resulting shenanigans were owned by an earlier generation, reliving the fun and magic of playing like a kid.  The small difference may be that the true kids probably don't have aching backs from all of the fun...

Baking for the Bunny



Betty Crocker Easter Basket Cake

 One of my favorite parts of being "all grown up" is contributing to family gatherings and meals.  Despite the realization that any cooking or baking adventure could go terribly wrong, I fairly consistently choose to try new and exciting creations rather than old favorites.  This tactic could most definitely fail me at some point, but so far it's turned out well each time and it has proven a fun endeavor for me each time. 

I have been put in charge of dessert for Sunday's Easter dinner.  Initially, I thought of doing a pineapple upside down cake.  I am not sure why, but I remember that being one of my very first baking experiences.  I guess it must have seemed pretty basic to me at the time.  In any case, after some thought, especially about what could be a little more fun for the kids attending, I've decided to go with the Easter Basket Cake recipe from Betty Crocker (pictured above).   

Rather than going with the proscribed yellow cake with chocolate frosting, I'm going to instead go with a chocolate cake and vanilla frosting.  I haven't decided on a color yet, but my frosting will be some fantastic Easter basket color with equally fantastic Easter "grass" placed on top.  Lastly, in place of the large jelly beans pictured (since they're not a personal favorite), I will place Whopper Eggs on top instead. 

I'm not sure which to be more excited about:  serving my role of "hider" for the annual Easter egg hunt for the kids or my role of dessert extraordinaire.  I guess I'll decide after seeing the results and level of success of my efforts at the latter.

A Tribute to Life Favorite: Brother Thầy

It was only four years ago that I first realized how incredible Thich Nhat Hanh (also known as Brother Thầy) is as a Buddhist figure.  This was totally by accident as I, so appropriately, returned home from an evening yoga class.  I had tuned into the local NPR station and happened to catch part of a program he recorded with Krista Tippet on the American Public Media program, On Being.  The program was titled, "Brother Thầy: A Radio Pilgrimage with Thich Nhat Hanh."   The feeling that accompanied that small bit of listening is almost indescribable, but the the strongest feeling was that of peace.  I immediately went to the NPR web site to search out the full recording in order to reap the benefits of listening to all of it.

Brother Thầy was born in Vietnam and entered a monestary at the young age of 16.  His humanitarian work began as he assisted the School of Youth for Social Services, a grassroots organization, in its efforts to rebuild and provide relief for Vietnam in lieu of the state of war.  Since then, he has done a tremendous amount of work worldwide, promoting peace and educating people from all sorts of backgrounds on the foundations of Buddhism and the importance of mindfulness.  In 1967, Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the best known civil rights activists to live, nominated Hanh for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Brother Thầy's work has been tireless, as he has opened up the world of Buddhism, meditation and mindfulness to the Western world.  He has educated through the establishment of the Order of Interbeing as well as more than one hundred books and frequent talks.  I have read at least a few of his books, including The Energy of Prayer, Peace is Every Step and You Are Here, and whether you're searching out a peaceful escape from a busy life or in need of some serious decompression from stress, these are incredibly insightful readings.  There are also several podcasts available on iTunes and audiobooks as well. 

Brother Thầy's perspective is unique to this modern-day world and encourages tolerance, understanding and non-violent solutions to conflict.  I think all of these are very admirable goals and can think of more than just a few instances in current world events in which they could all be very helpful.

Lake Cottages, Beach Cottages and Dreams of Vacation

What is more fun than dreaming of all of the destinations to which you want to travel?  The problem is...that there are just so many!

It's that time of year when it's time to start brainstorming a couple of well-deserved getaways, and my wheels have definitely been turning.  Just like in so many other situations in life, my problem is that I'm so overwhelmed by all of the choices that I can hardly get started with the true planning, reserving, etc.  I think I blame most of this on the Internet.  It's got incredible breadth, offering endless details on any niche vacation choice you could possibly make.  The endless pages of information, available at any time of the day, makes me think about what this process used to look like. 

I'm pretty sure years ago, when my family used to plan annual summer treks to Ocean City, Maryland, that all planning was done via snail mail and telephone.  There was nothing impulsive or quick about it.  Realtors sent my mom catalogs of available properties, we perused (and dreamed) and narrowed down our choices.  Then, it was telephone time for my mom, and she eventually settled on a place for us.  Even more, I remember the necessary and strict timing of arrival and departure and the painstakingly long waits (after an 8 hour drive) to pick up the keys at realtor offices.  This process, looked at from this time in my life, seems like it had to be time consuming and not very fun.  Nobody would be in a realtors office when the kids were gone to bed and the house was quiet.  So, I feel sure there was a need to juggle crazy kids, dinner preparations or some other domestic chore and phone calls to realtors.  Now, though, you can hop onto the Internet and look at whatever you want whenever you have a few quiet minutes to do so.  And, if those few minutes happen to fall in the middle of the night, you can still make just as much progress by submitting your inquiries or continuing your collection of favorites.  As far as reservations, payment and key exchanges, we now have sites such as vrbo.com and flipkey.com as well as the traditional realtor sites.  These allow you to do everything electronically.  And keys can be mailed or there are many places with keyless entries.      

In any case, despite being mired in this momentary vacation planning nostalgia and all of the choices and possibilities, we have successfully settled on two destinations.  Our smaller trip will be more like a "hold me over" sort of trip, and it'll be to Deep Creek, Maryland.  This destination is perfect for a getaway to the mountains of western Maryland, with lots of wildlife and nature, and a focus on relaxation.  Also, it's a mere 2 hours away, so it's super easy to head down for a weekend and keep things simple.  Yet, there are many attractions, shopping and restaurants to take in while there.  Our bigger trip will be to the sandy shores of the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  I'm really excited about this one because I haven't been to the ocean since living next to it a few years ago.  The cute little beach cottages we've found are cozy and right on the water's edge, so I see several glorious mornings of slowly sipping coffee and watching the sunshine dance on the waters of the Atlantic.  Both trips will afford us the ability to take the pups along, so everyone in the household except Lotus (sorry, buddy!) will be packing up for some much needed rest and relaxation.   

As with so many things, this round of vacation planning has made me realize how much things have changed over time.  It's so easy to only look at the present and forget the evolution that has had to take place for us to be where we are.  I would've never dreamed that my vacation planning would've been one of those things to make me appreciate that evolution.  That is, of course, unless we're looking at the evolution of gas prices...

Travels with Steinbeck

I am reading a book right now that has me totally and completely enamored.  Travels with Charley, a travelogue written by the great John Steinbeck, is a beautifully written story.  In the simple and yet eloquent prose of an American master, you gain a glimpse into Steinbeck's desires for simplicity, companionship (both with people and his loyal Poodle, Charley) and a knowledge of authenticity in America.  He didn't want to only know of America what he already knew; instead, he wanted to expand that sphere of comfort and learn of the many fabrics that make up the whole. 

Most of what I've read of Steinbeck is packed with everyday types of characters that absorb my full attention as their stories unfold and dance into the telling of the overall plot.  While my last Steinbeck read, Cannery Row, had a bit more grit to its cast, Travels with Charley has a gentle and sentimental touch to it.  From the descriptions of preparations for the road trip to the meetings with various people along the way, every page includes something that, for me, connects to some of my own most fundamental desires to know more about the world around me.  He elaborates on the importance of not always being glued to a map as you travel and embracing what is to be found along any route.  But, he also reflects on some of the more disappointing realizations as a result of his travels, such as the disconnected nature between people.  Some of this is captured in the guarded waitresses and some is captured in the imagery of the abandoned inn.

I've learned through some brief research that Steinbeck's eldest son posits that this journey was taken because Steinbeck knew he would soon die and wanted to see his country.  This adds, of course, another layer of reflection to the prose and observations.  Also, not dissimilar from the book A Million Little Pieces by James Frey, there has been debate about whether Steinbeck's book can really be qualified as non-fiction.  To this, I say the same as I did about Frey's book:  I don't read a story because it's true or not true.  I read the story for the story.   

While I have not finished the book, I know that this will be one I will hate to complete.  The simple contentment that comes with each turn of the page is a rarity and something to be cherished in a good book.  It's always nice, too, to gain a little insight into the human behind the creator.     

Current Obsession: California Pizza Kitchen

I can confidently say that never before have I found an extremely delicious and satisfying frozen pizza.  There have been okay or good ones along the way, but there has always been something in the taste that would remind me with every bite that they had been frozen and not exactly fresh.  Then, California Pizza Kitchen frozen pizzas entered my life.  They have several different types, of course, but the only one I've tried (and fallen in love with) is the margherita.

I have determined the key to deliciousness is to follow the directions exactly and bake the pizza directly on the oven rack.  I've attempted to save the small mess a few times by placing a pan on the rack below or foil on the rack below to capture any droppings of cheese, but this prevents the full crispy potential of the pizza.  If the directions are followed, you end up with the crispiest and most fresh tasting frozen pizza out there.  Paired with a fresh veggie side, such as asparagus or sugar snap peas, this can also make for a not-too-unhealthy but quick dinner.

After I realized there is an actual restaurant chain behind the pizzas, I started to think about how much trouble I'd be in if I were to live near one.  (I would compare the danger to that I experienced while living in Philadelphia, where there was a building across the street from Borders--where I worked--that housed a Peace of Pizza in one end of the building and a Hope's Cookies in the other.)  If you go to the restaurant's web site and look at the menu offerings, it'll leave your mouth watering.  

So, next time you're in a pinch for a quick dinner fix or simply want a back-up for the unplanned late night at the office, I highly recommend one of these creations.

It Takes a Village

I am by no means new to the pet parenting world, as I've had at least one cat since I started living on my own.  But, when I recently entered the universe of dog ownership, the parallels between the demands of properly raising a pup and the 24-hour care of a child suddenly made sense.  Whereas with the cats over the years, I could fudge it at times it was necessary, there are many times this is just not possible with a dog.  The beauty of it, though, is that I feel I have just the combination of a village to keep Tucker a happy and healthy puppy. 

One of the first demands that cropped up was the conundrum of a midday break from the crate.  My office is a mere 10 minute drive from home.  The problem, though, is that in my universe, it always seems that those red flag double top priority demands hit the Inbox, just as I am standing up to walk away from my desk.  To avoid this situation, I'm employing the use of an amazing service called Critter Sitters.  This is a business that's been around Wheeling for 16 years, and the ladies come to your home at the appointed time, let your animals do what they must, love on them, talk to them, let them get a drink, and then place them back where they belong for the afternoon.  Tucker has, thankfully, grown to love his crate as well as all walks of life, so this arrangement is working out perfectly.  His needs are tended to, and my workday remains accommodating to all.

I had to take him for his first non-routine vet visit this week.  It turned out he simply was having some allergies flair up, but after the visit (and a day of worrying), I was thinking about how much I love it that the veterinarian has all the answers I do not.  I watched in amazement as he took the less than few minutes to examine the issue, asked for the appropriate medications and tools and set to his work.  This self-assured response was in stark contrast to my 4:00am search on Google and Wikipedia to try to diagnose the issue.  Every time I walk away from K.E.Y. Animal Hospital, I am thankful that there is someone around who loves all animals to the degree that I love my own and also that that person just happens to be certified to handle these types of situations I am not.  I, of course, appreciate him on the routine trips as well, but it's those non-routine moments that really shake things up.

And then there are those moments (yes, even blessed Tucker has them) when some random puppy behavior crops up, and I have absolutely no idea how to change it.  I have stumbled across a plethora of information on dog behavior and training through books (mainly The Art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of Skeet) and other internet resources (mainly those posted by Cesar Millan).  It astonishes me each time I type a randomly worded question into Google, and a zillion results pop up.  Granted, there are a lot of message boards and other not-so-useful resources, but I think back to pre-internet times and wonder how people did this stuff!    

Without all of these resources, puppy-rearing could be a lot harder and also feel a lot less accessible.  So, now when I hear someone utter the classic line about how it takes a village to raise [fill in the blank with animal, child, etc.], I will be in full agreement and have a much more solid appreciation for what that really means.

Slow Cookin'

Not since my days of working in our New York City office have I been so short on time...for everything.  Every day is a rubix cube of making it all work and fit.  There are the less flexible things (like work) and the more flexible things (like cooking).

In past lives, I probably would have opted for tossing raman noodles in the microwave and eating a peanut butter sandwich for good protein measure at a time like this.  However, I successfully pulled off cooking with my eyes closed...aka while sleeping...and I think I'm on to something to avoid the horrors of eating out too much and raman as well.

In order to prepare a healthy meal for at least 2-3 nights this week, I decided to break out the good old slow cooker/crockpot.  While this option proved invaluable for my schedule, it's also endorsed as a great "green" option, as it uses less energy than firing up your stove, and it also affords almost as many choices as other regular recipes.  As time grew tighter and tighter during the course of the day yesterday, the meal plan fluctuated.  I landed on pepper steak (a fabulous recipe find from a couple of years ago on http://www.allrecipes.com/ because I could make enough time to brown the meet necessary, and the slow cooker could do the rest of the work...as I slept!  The only quirk about this route is that it is a bit odd waking in the night to the aroma of a home-cooked meal. 

In the end, I have to endorse this as a great option for those days, weeks or months that more time consuming cooking just isn't possible.

The Power of Observation

Sometimes, when things get really busy, it can be tough to slow down the pace a bit and just observe.  The funny thing, though, is that it's when we slow down and observe that we have the chance to really take notice of how things work around us.  I've been blown away sometimes by realizations that slap me in the face about the most mundane things, and how they work.  For me, there's some fundamental sense of satisfaction that comes from doing this. 

I have found recently that my natural tendency to wonder about things has proven an asset, and this paired with a little time set aside for observation, makes for wonderful moments of innovation.  In my day job as a legal marketing specialist, I often have to find ways to tout the firm's "innovative" approach to law.  I think that this concept has sunk in by osmosis into the Clark Kent parts of my days because I now seem to come up with unique approaches to problem solving by simply thinking about how things work and how to leverage how they work. 

My best current example of this includes the transformation of closet space.  My house does not have a ton of closet space besides the one large one in the bedroom.  So, I constantly find myself working to reorganize my clothes and odds and ends in that space.  I realized a few days ago that the shelves in my bathroom closet, which is a solid couple of feet wide, were all able to be removed.  So, with one trip to Lowe's, I was able to pick up a closet bar to fit, remove the shelves, have the bar installed and introduce a whole new space for clothes storage.  These types of ideas feel great because they're simply about maximizing the potential of what you already have.

No matter how busy things get, it's always good to slow down and honor you own personal powers of observation.

Who Thought of That?

I was doing a fairly simple (and indulgent) thing today when it occurred to me that someone somewhere had done some major thinking in order for me to be having that simple (and indulgent) moment. 

My niece is officially of the age to be a girl scout.  Out of great loyalty to her cause, I bought a few boxes of girl scout cookies from her this year.  I am currently working on the Tagalongs, taking a couple as an afternoon treat each day at work.  Today, I decided to have a little coffee with them, and as I strolled back the quiet hallway to my desk, it occurred to me that my favorite chocolate combination is probably that with peanut butter.  And then it occurred to me that chocolate and peanut butter don't simply exist naturally.  Someone, somewhere, at some point in time (thank goodness!) thought of the brilliant combination.

Naturally, I traveled the interwebs to figure out the history.  First, I found out that the Reese's brand of peanut butter filled chocolate has only been around since 1927.  Shocking!  I can't find a lot of information on other brands of cups that may have existed prior, so I'm assuming this was the first creation.  Then, out of further curiosity, I searched and came to find that the modern day version of peanut butter was only founded a few centuries earlier.

Peanut butter is a staple food in my world.  So, this simple passing moment of wonder led me to realize that even the simplest of things required innovative thought by someone, somewhere.  It's pretty amazing to think of all the thoughts humanity has produced over time.  Granted, some of those thoughts have been below par on the morality scale, but the pairing of peanut butter and chocolate, in my book, rates up there pretty high.      

A Wicklow Retreat

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I thought I'd provide another brief tale from my adventures in Ireland. 

On one of the weekends during our stay in Dublin, I suggested we sign up for a hike in the Wicklow Mountains with an outfitter known as Dirty Boot Treks.  I'm fairly sure this company no longer exists, but the three of us who participated in the hike--myself and my two undergrad chums, Ellen and Mikey--couldn't say anything but good after the experience.

The adventure included a 14-16 mile hike through the Wicklow Mountains, and more particularly adjacent to lands owned by the Guinness family.  We met our guide at a random Dublin address and were whisked away by Land Rover to the remote hiking location.  I believe we had arrived home from our prior night's adventures somewhere around 2 or 3 in the morning, so the meeting time of 7am was a bit painful at first (and lacked enthusiasm to say the least).  But, our determination prevailed, and we were so pleased with the outcome.

Two Londoners joined us for the hike, and their company was a true pleasure.  We were all amateurs, enjoying the scenery and guide's tales as well.  It was on this hike that the guide pointed out that St. Patrick banished all snakes from Ireland, which made the hike, for some of us non-snake-loving-folks, that much more enjoyable.  There were patterns of brown where the beautiful purple heather had previously in bloom along the hillsides and amazing shades of green all around us.  (Based on the brown, it would be awe-inspiring to see the hillsides with the heather in bloom). 

When we reached the summit of our hike, which was about the midpoint, we were treated to a delicious lunch of hot creamy mushroom soup and brie sandwiches (we laughed later that this was one of the most gourmet meals experienced in our time there).  After eating, we were able to roam the mountaintop a bit, and this was when I realized I could view the Irish Sea in the distance.  This marked and still remains one of the most beautiful sites I've ever experienced.  There's something about being surrounded by mountain terrain and yet at rim of the sea.

The Irish countryside remains one of my favorite images to hearken back in my mind.  It was a day of great beauty and joy.  And I tip my non-snake-loving hat to St. Patrick for allowing me the extra pleasure of a hike without any fears of crossing paths with a slithery snake.        

Sounds of Life

Having a new puppy in my home affords me the pleasure of communing with nature at daybreak every morning.  I love this aspect of puppy rearing.  Tucker the Goldendoodle is a bedtime champion, sleeping through the night without a peep, so this makes for a much more happy meet and greet with the morning. 

My favorite moment of the day is stepping out into the morning's dawn and hearing the sweet songs of the birds.  I've noticed much more tunes being sung just over the last week or so.  Their notes are so full of optimism and excitement at the new day's start that I can't help but play along.  I may still be rubbing the sleep from my mind's eye, but their songs definitely enrich this process. 

Just as winter's calm silence can be fulfilling experience to take in, so too can spring's sounds rejuvenate.  Tonight, as we set out for our after work walk, the kids were playing, the dogs were barking and the light of day was presenting us with it's extra stretch of grandeur (insert a hesitant thanks to daylight savings here).  All of the sounds of spring exude life.  I think we've reached the spring awakening! 

On Being Trained by a Dog

"This is perhaps why animals (particularly our dogs) are so important to us and why we benefit from their companionship:  they root us in life."  

Staying in the present can be such a challenging thing.  It's always so easy to think of tomorrow, anticipating needs and wants.  It's also fairly easy to look back and dwell on decisions and actions from the past.  But, staying in the present is something that requires a lot of self-discipline and awareness.  Placed in this context, acquiring my new puppy, Tucker, has been much more a case of him training me than me training him. 

The quote above is taken from The Art of Raising a Puppy, a book written by The Monks of Skete.  I read this book in preparation for bringing Tucker home, and there were so many insights into the nature of dogs and the co-mingling of the human and canine spirits.  The quote above, though, struck me as particularly profound because I've struggled with staying in the present for as long as I can remember.  I lean much more to the side of preparing in advance for everything, even those things not very likely to pop up.  In the end, I usually have everything from Plan A to Plan E covered, including all associated variables.  But, after reading the above quote, I decided that I would immerse myself in this facet about which the monks write because losing the present to the future, in the end, is no fun.

So far, this has been such an enriching experience.  House training and all of the other tedious tasks of welcoming a new furry friend take on a totally new meaning when it's about the challenge of staying in the present.  You don't want to slip from the present only to find that your new friend has had an accident on the floor.  You don't want to slip from the present as those soulful eyes trace your movements, just waiting for that moment when you'll acknowledge him.  You don't want to stare off into space as your new companion discovers the leaves dancing across the grass as the wind is whipping.  In the first instance, it's simply bad for you both, but in the latter two instances, the bonding is unlike anything I've ever experienced before. 

I have found the old cliche to be true.  Dogs really are man's best friend because they can single-handedly rescue you from your self-obsessions and remind you how much amazing growth and beauty are around us all of the time, waiting to be observed.  With each new day, Tucker demonstrates new growth and understanding of the world around him.  Watching this is humbling because it's a reminder that all of those skills and processes we have in our own lives require a very elaborate balance and hundreds, if not thousands, of natural processes.  The monks were right:  they root us in life.

       

The Network of Networks

I've tried to remain as loyal to traditional ways as possible most of my life.  I feel a sense of nostalgia when it comes to pretty much anything and everything traditional.  While I get excited about electronics and technology, I try to resist serial buyage that only serves the consumerist concept of duplication behind it.  The current world seems to have the motto of "if you have it, spend it."  I come more from a background of "if you have it, save it."  This same hesitation has always existed for me when it comes to the various social networks and internet media in general.  A Tribute to Life would've never existed for this very reason had a friend in Philly never convinced me it was a super fun outlet for writing and creative thinking.  I believe it was the same friend who convinced me that a Facebook profile would be super fun.

For years, I've seen my blog and Facebook profile as sufficient internet mingling.  There have been so many other creations and social media pressures, including MySpace, Twitter, FourSquare, Pinterest, Tumblr, etc.  But, in my mind, I've never fully understood why one would need to mingle in so many different places.  It's not dissimilar from my phone situation.  When I decided years ago to have a cell phone, I never could convince myself that a land line was necessary.  What's the necessity there?  One or the other would surely suffice.  Similarly, the multiple social networking concepts all seemed like overkill to me.  And then I recently was forced to duplicate social media efforts.  Yes, forced, and it was most ironic looking back on it.

I was at work and tasked with doing some research on executives at a handful of companies.  There's an upcoming event, sponsored by Ernst & Young, and we were working to nominate entrepreneurs for the annual "Entrepreneur of the Year" awards.  As I searched all of the subscription databases for details on these individuals, I found few details.  However, when I moved to the general Google search, the first result for almost every one was his or her LinkedIn profile.  The catch?  In order to view their profiles and garner details for my partners, I had to subscribe and launch a profile.  So, I had to sacrifice my personal vendetta against social networking duplication in the name of work.  Since then, I've dabbled a bit on LinkedIn, but I must say that nothing feels like a greater waste of time than the idea of re-collecting all of my Facebook friends on a separate network, slightly diversified in its presentation, and keeping them up to date on a slightly different set of information about myself.

I guess this trajectory is the same across all industries, so I shouldn't be surprised.  Everybody must diversify a little bit to differentiate themselves from others and perpetuate the industry.  In the case of these social networks, though, it just seems like an awful lot of talking about oneself.  It's just getting harder and harder to remember where I should be posting what.  After all, it would be awful to get it mixed up and post what I'm doing at work on Facebook, what hobby I'm currently following on LinkedIn and something tedious or uninteresting on Pinterest. 

Natural Goodness

Beginning the day with sunshine, and I don't exactly mean Roger Hargreaves' Little Miss Sunshine title character, makes for an incredibly productive start.  I am not one to shun the rain or storms or snow, but the beginning of a new day with sunshine helps me climb that pre-breakfast and pre-caffeine period with confidence.  I don't even need it beyond, say, 9am.

Waking up to the sun's warm rays, dancing on the walls in my house,  and the trees, grass and hills outside, fills me with the desire to hop out of bed and feel the feeling that is being alive.  The mundane chores of morning take on a new meaning, one of well being and fulfillment.  Rather than a focus on work, it brings a focus on accomplishment.    

Waking up to a bright sunrise, like waking up to enthusiastic puppy kisses, is a reminder that life is really good.  Today started with sunshine.    

Something I Won't Share

During my time in Philadelphia, I fell in love with a lot of new food.  In all of my travels, I have to say that Philadelphia's food offerings still rate up there amongst the best of the best.  There is a lot of diversity and a lot of delicious goodness to be had. 

As a starving graduate student, it's not often that the budget allows for indulgences such as eating out.  But, with strong will and determination, I would manage to eek out the extra cash.  And besides a sushi flop, I can't think of any instances of serious disappointment. 

The restaurant that I will never forget and often long for is now known as Mikado Thai Pepper.  At the time, it was just the Thai Pepper Restaurant, and since then, it combined with the Japanese restaurant conveniently located next door.  When I moved, I had not had much Thai food.  In fact, I only recall one brush with it in Pittsburgh prior (and couldn't tell you the name of the place if that's any indication).  But, I stumbled across the Thai Pepper, and it became my weekly comfort food.  Two of the simplest menu selections, the spicy noodle (which has an incredibly yummy sauce with fat noodles, ground chicken, red and green pepper strips and basil leaves) and basil fried rice (just as it says with chicken), challenged me each week to save enough cash to go pick up carry out on Friday night and have study meals through the weekends.  While I ate this very combination for more weekends than I could count, the Thai Pepper remains a guaranteed stop on any return trips to Philadelphia.  

A good friend of mine who I met in my earliest days in Philly and who also happens to be a huge Thai Pepper fan, has said of me that I'm one of the most giving people she knows but I will not share my Thai Pepper food.  While my initial reaction to this was to fight it, I have to say it's the truth.  I don't want to go and share either dish.  In fact, I think I've even rejected offers to split.  I want every delicious and flavorful bite to myself, and this includes any and all leftovers.  If I could figure out a way, I would absolutely have these dishes delivered to my West Virginia doorstep.   

Resisting the (Impulsive) Fast Food Urge

I think of myself as a fairly fortunate person when it comes to eating habits.  Some genetic something determined that I would, for the most part, really enjoy fresh and healthy foods.  This does not mean I don't have my junk and unhealthy cravings.  Sometimes, it's all I can do to fight the urge to hit the McDonald's or Wendy's drive-thru windows.  And sometimes, I cave.

Most weeks, I try to plan out some semi-healthy meals for the week.  Admittedly, breakfast and lunch choices, given the work schedule, don't leave me in love or craving more.  But, I've found a general rotation of things that satisfies nutritional needs and that are satisfying enough.  Dinners, however, are extremely challenging.  I do my best to come up with some delicious Sunday dinner each week that will provide at least a couple or few nights of leftovers.  But, as life would have it, that can't always happen.  So, I've started being less stubborn about this and a little more flexible in finding quicker (less gourmet) choices.  One of my recent favorites has been burgers (using Laura's lean beef), a serving of Green Giant's amazingly delicious baby brussel sprouts in butter sauce (a favorite of Weight Watchers) and any brand of sweet potato fries.  I see this meal as one of the closest in perfect balance--a solid serving of pretty healthy protein, an appetizing veggie and a small indulgence.

However, in my dinner trials and tribulations, I've realized how difficult it is to eat healthy and also economically.  One of  my hugest gripes, based on the above sample quick meal, is having to buy a package of at least 8 hamburger buns in order to indulge in this meal.  How ridiculous is this?  I've tried to be as thoughtful as possible and coincide lunch choices that require buns with dinner choices that do, but do you realize how much time this takes to figure out?  And how much of the fun is taken out of the process?  Sure, I could freeze the remaining buns, but who really enjoys a defrosted bun?

This leads me to how sneakily fast food swoops in as the most awesome choice ever.  You can literally get one of anything, eliminating waste.  You can make an impulsive choice, literally striking whatever fancy hits you at the moment of consumption, eliminating all of the time and bother of planning meals.  And, the topper, is that you can usually make this really awful choice for cheaper than what your nibbles would've cost otherwise.  So, why is our nation's girth growing at a record rate as more and more fast food restaurants pop up everywhere?  Because the task of resisting the impulsive fast food urge is one of monumental challenge in this world seemingly and ironically more obsessed with health each day.  We can live longer and healthier lives.  We just need to be counterculture to do so and resist the tantalizing fast food urge.

Spring Sports

Every year around this time, a rush of spring excitement arrives for me.  I'm a rather big fan of winter, so it's not necessarily the changes in weather.  Instead, it's the excitement surrounding spring sporting events.  My two favorite, in particular, are March Madness and The Masters Golf Tournament.  

March Madness holds my attention because the games are amazingly fresh and underdogs so often prevail.  One never knows around what bracket corner they may find a new upset, so perpetual tuning in is so worth it.  And it's that general spirit of hope that accompanies such play.  I also have what seems to be a genetic predisposition to romanticize any and all institutions of higher education for unknown and usually unfounded reasons.  The carefully landscaped campuses, studious faculty and students, libraries offering walls and walls of knowledge; they all take me to this magical place that I'm pretty sure is the exact destination colleges and universities want me to go so that I'll purchase their game gear (or perhaps attend there, as was the case of the unbelievably perfect appearance of Villanova and its surrounding royal suburbs).  So, I love the tournament because it calls to my attention institutions I may or may not already know of, and it motivates me to learn something about those places.

The Masters is super fun because, again, you never really know for sure who may win.  The final day of play is always super exciting, and most times, the smells of spring are in the air, which makes for a lovely backdrop to the beautifully groomed course at Augusta.  I can smell spring here in West Virginia and see a more accurately matched visual through the shots of electric greens and offering of florals and trees.  Also, I see myself more with the level of patience of Happy Gilmore rather than the true masters in the area of golf, so I really enjoy watching them demonstrate their skills.

So, during this year's season of spring sports, I will watch with zeal as usual.  I will mourn the close of the excitement and immediately look to baseball and football (always such a long wait) to fill the void left.

Furry Friday Edition

Today was a big day!  Lotus the Cat and I introduced our newest furry family member to our happy little clan.  Tucker the Goldendoodle joined our household, and I couldn't be happier with the initial hours of his first day. 

The process of searching for and finding the right pup was fun from the beginning.  After finding Renee the Breeder at Yesteryear Acres, I knew phase one of the search was complete.  Renee exudes nothing but happy and positive vibes when it comes to her dogs, and she and her husband and three children have made the doodle breeding business into an incredibly warm and loving family business.  The dogs are all as much a part of their family as each human member is, which is what I envisioned for my own canine companion.

I started exchanging e-mails with Renee at the end of November, and by the time I received her announcement for the arrival of Tucker's litter, I knew I was ready to take the plunge.  Since confirming my puppy the second week of January, I've literally counted down the days until his arrival.  A further demonstration of my anticipation manifested this week as a "sleeps" countdown.  So, beginning Sunday, I had 5 sleeps until picking up my new baby Tucker.  Every week between his birth and arrival, Renee would provide new pictures, so Monday picture days also became exciting events that stirred anticipation as early as Fridays before.   

After an incredibly fun trip to visit the puppies last weekend, the fun continued on today's journey to meet Renee and retrieve Tucker.  My mom and young nephew joined me, and we started the day off with fresh donuts and plenty of laughter.  After an uneventful drive home, Tucker and I settled in with Lotus.  I wasn't sure how Lotus would react, but he put his game face on and was a trooper.  He showed initial moments of trepidation, but I pet his head and encouraged him to fully explore Tucker, which he did, and that was the end of the trepidation.  This may be his equivalent of "fake it till you make it," but I'm pleased with his ability to do so.  Tucker appeared almost relieved to see a fellow four-legged furry friend, so it looks as though a happy friendship will blossom. 

Today has been a humble reminder of how much love is in this world to embrace, and it can be found in the smallest little packages.  I can't wait to watch Tucker grow and discover more of the world, and with any luck, this will prove a very happy and healthy forever home for him.

A Guilty Pleasure Revealed

It's no secret to people I know.  I am a die-hard American Idol fan.  I've tried and failed to allow a season to pass, unwatched.  This season, however, I find myself to be incredibly entertained by Heejun Han, a top-24 contestant from New York. 

First, I love Heejun's voice.  I think part of it is that what comes out of his mouth is not really like anything I would imagine coming out.  He's a great singer, and I really look forward to seeing where he goes throughout the season. 

Perhaps more, though, I L-O-V-E his quirky personality.  As if the fact that he works with disabled children in real life wouldn't make you love him anyhow, the guy has such a subtle and deadpan sense of humor, I'm never sure whether he's serious or really messing around.  He constantly makes everyone giggle.  His interactions with cowboy Richie Lawson were particularly funny during group week.

He also gets incredibly nervous with each performance, wigglin' his arms like crazy to shake it out, but then he belts it out, and you'd never know he was at all rattled.  And perhaps the best?  Heejun reveals his incredibly tender and humble nature every time he makes it to the next round.  He cries like a baby each time, as if surprised that he's actually making it.

I can't wait to watch this season's contestants (especially my favorites) as they make their way through the competition.  Please, America, I beg you to leave something other than two country singers standing.  Embrace the unique!!!  

Lessons of the Antrim Rope Bridge

During the summer between my junior and senior years in college, I joined a six week study abroad program in Dublin, Ireland.  I kiddingly refer to this time as a glorified vacation because I didn't need any of the credits for graduation.  But soon afterward, I realized it was probably the richest experience of my entire college education, if not my entire life.  I was reminded of this time this past weekend, and there was one moment in particular that sticks with me as probably the most profound of the trip.

Pictured above is the Antrim coast of Ireland, and if you look really close, there is a rope bridge (the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge) that spans the space between that little island and the mainland.  A couple of friends and I took a day to go on a tour of the Antrim coast, and this was one of our stops along the way.  The bridge's framework is all rope and includes wooden steps along the way.  These rope bridges were built years and years ago near fishing communities so that the fishermen could more easily access the best fishing and regularly check their nets.  The scary part?  The drop down to the rocky coastline below is somewhere around 75 feet.  The fluidity of the rope infrastructure and massive plummet potential have a way of intimidating some.  But, we braved the danger and crossed.  When I reached the other side, I realized I could see Scotland from where I stood.  This, for whatever reason, made me stop and evaluate just how big and amazing the world is and how few moments have made me stop and feel that way.  It was also a very humbling moment because it made me realize how very small I am, as an individual, in this world.  Something about sitting on the coast of one country and looking across a huge watery expanse at another country really spoke to my core.  The overwhelming message?  It's not all about us.  There's so much more.

Ironically, the fact that we can turn on the television and see live feed from virtually anywhere on the planet makes this realization hard to grasp sometimes.  There are those surreal moments of watching war and conflicts abroad unfold as cameras roll.  There are the scenes of extreme poverty and illness that plagues communities the world over.  But, what is less frequently captured is the magic that the world has to give.  The sheer joys of better understanding our planet and all of its landscapes.  So, don't let the tube fool you.  Get out there and see what you want--whether that's lands abroad or destinations across state, city or county lines.  The first-hand experiences will be life-altering and humbling for sure.              

Public Commodities (with Human Spirits)

All of the news swirling since the death of beloved singer, Whitney Houston, has only added to my long-time thoughts surrounding celebrity culture.  Don't get me wrong, I understand that each and every television personality, movie star, pop icon, etc., has made a choice to take the path to stardom.  But, I guess it's the culture of how that celebrity is received that pains me on a regular basis.  The news media consistently fuels this growing encroachment of personal space.  And it's even more disappointing to think that people feel vindicated in wanting to know such information.  It's fine to mourn the loss of a celebrity, to celebrate their contributions to the industry, but isn't there a line that we should respect?  A line where the celebrity ends and the universal humanness begins?  A line where we can recognize that this was a real person who really died and that there are real people really hurting as a result?   

I found it to be rather ironic a few days ago when, on Good Morning America, Nancy Grace was scolded for her public speculation surrounding Whitney Houston's death, suggesting she had been pushed underwater.  Dan Abrams lit into her, asking why she simply would not take back what she had said or apologize for it.  But, what I wonder is how Nancy Grace's wild speculations are any different from the countless disrespectful comments and interviews that have aired across all news outlets since the singer's death.  CNN, Fox News, CBS, NBC, ABC and others have all grabbed the opportunity to speculate on countless topics not at all respectful during this time.  For instance, we've had a number of anonymous "eye witnesses" who apparently watched Whitney down countless numbers of alcoholic drinks in the morning hours the week before her death.  We've also got "insiders" who have openly commented on everything from her handling of finances to her every move leading up to the incident.  So, I guess my reaction to Dan Abrams trying to set Nancy Grace straight is one of indifference.  With such a sad state of media ethics across the board, how can you possibly wrong someone who only blends in with the antics that have been routinely employed for, what is now, way too long.  Nancy Grace embellishing her explanation of the death investigation is no different than all of the other outlets embellishing the factual reports on Houston's death.  Just as we don't need Grace's speculation (aka fiction) about certain aspects of the death investigation process (aka fact), we don't need [insert any reporter's name]'s stories of Houston's erratic behavior (aka fiction) that may or may not have led to her death (aka fact).  Surely, we can all see this parallel. 

In times of crisis and tragedy, it seems forgotten that these people are human at the core.  Sure, they have raked in unthinkable amounts of money for their talent(s) (or lack thereof), but they are truly owed the same respect and consideration that each of us is owed.  All it takes is a few minutes of stopping and reflecting on one of your own personal losses to put into perspective what Houston's family and many others have gone through at the hands of "reporting."  Is there some positive effect that can come out of us learning of Whitney's last days and financial situation?  Do we really need to see pictures of her room service table and bathroom floor time and time again?  Perhaps, someday, we will learn to relinquish our rights to scrutinize every aspect of the lives of these public commodities in the spirit of human kindness, empathy and respect and react to all instances of media mishaps the same as Dan Abrams reacted to his colleague, thus marginalizing such reporting practices.      

Bobbing for Books

I find it a very difficult task to choose books to read.  I have a very small selection of writers and stories that sit so near my heart, and there have been piles of others that, due to probably slightly unreasonable expectations, have fallen short.  The complicating factor is that I often need time after completing a read to really decide if the book falls into the favorites or not-so-favorites section.  The other complicating factor, as of late, is finding the will to force myself to get all the way through a book even if I'm not really feeling it.

Some other obstacles in this process come to mind.  Not all books have great covers, so a first impression may label them as dull, uninteresting, too wacky, not wacky enough, etc.  Not all books have great authors, so an interesting story may not bloom in all of its glory.  Not all books have a great story, so there may be a fantastic author behind it, but the story may be incredibly bad.  And this list can go on for what seems like forever.

My latest read was The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides.  As I dove into this book, I wasn't convinced I should be spending my time on it.  However, since it brought me a certain amount of sadness to reach the end, it obviously resonated with me on some level.  While this book probably will not go down as one of my all-time favorites, it struck me as I finished it up that I had become incredibly invested in the story's characters.  The story was not terribly complicated, but through the introduction and development of its characters, an enormously impressive texture resulted.  

So, the next time your book is falling flat on its face for you, take a moment to think about the characters you've met and whether any one of them may, in the end, reward you for continuing the journey.            

Dear Saint V

Some get chocolates or flowers,
Some get candies or cards,
Others find a way through the hours,
And choose their heart to guard.

But, on this sweetest day,
I reflect on love worldwide,
And hope that there is a way
To somehow unite the divide.

And so to Saint V, I render these requests,
Hoping he can lend the tools from his loving treasure chest.

Abate our worldly sorrows,
Let our collective love shine.
Bring us to our knees with hope,
Replace despair with the divine.

And when today winds down and the next morrow comes,
Remind us of our mission, our mission to love as one.

Winter Blues

And now for a shocking confession.  I am mourning the loss of old fashioned winters.

Over the past couple of months, the mere trickle of a few snowflakes has stirred great excitement.  But, that excitement has been very short-lived because instead of bringing their friends, those flakes were the long and the short of what winter has had to offer.  I am, by far, a better equipped person for the winter months than the summer months.  If it weren't for being such a huge fan of sunshine, I would take winter year round.  I am the champion wimp of all wimps in extreme heat, and I can't even be quieted by air conditioning because I'm not a lover of that either.  The artificial cold is always too cold, and the extreme heat is suffocating.  It doesn't help that I'm borderline albino, so the sun is not kind to my skin even when I slop on the best and strongest sun protection.

Some of my fondest memories from childhood are those when the snow fell...and fell...and fell.  I was lucky enough to grow up in a neighborhood that offered amazing terrain for sled-riding and also close proximity to local businesses, like a video rental store, drug store and fast food joint.  So, once old enough, we'd venture out into the snow, play and then walk to where we could to exploit the guilt-free pleasures of snow days.  In fact, I'm not sure where I got the money, but I clearly remember purchasing my copy of The Beatles Anthology 1 on one such jaunt because the video store happened to carry it.

As I grew up, I started to love going out into the snowy days and nights to listen and observe.  The quiet to be found after a really good snow is hard to capture in any other setting.  And then there are the amazing sights--piles of snow accumulating in the most amazing places, performing high-wire acts, birds in search of vittles, the splendid greens peeking through the otherwise white canvas.  And then there was my trip to Colorado, during which I got to see my first ever hoar frost (picture at right).  Amazing!

And so, as the days and months wear on, I hope that Old Man Winter will graciously give the Ohio Valley at least one solid dose of his grandeur this year.  Kids need to be reminded of the magic of snow days, and we adults need to be reminded of what wonderful gifts nature affords us year round. 

Choices, Choices, Choices

I'm not sure it's always been the case, but as a modern-day American, I feel like I have a plethora of options, regardless of what decision is at hand.  I would say, in most cases, that this is fabulous and even a sign of progress.  But, are there times when not so many options would be better?

I encountered this question as I shopped for a new digital camera.  Not only are there a zillion makes to choose from, but there are a dozen considerations to first narrow down before you can even start deciding on a maker and model.  There's point and shoot under $200, point and shoot over $200, compact zoom, extended zoom, advanced compact, compact mirrorless, dSLR for entry-level, mid-level and enthusiast as well as the full-frame dSLR.  And just like cars, it seems like every new year, if not half or quarter year, will bring with it a whole new set of models and improvements.  So, while the decision to invest in a new camera was seemingly simple, the next step of actually choosing a camera seems so incredibly complex.   

Sometimes it's nice to only have an "A" or "B."  Even throwing a "C" in there can make things a little crazy.  But, I wonder if this seemingly complex state of choices is just a manifestation of our ever-evolving world.  For instance, before there were digital cameras and life was a little less busy and advanced, were there zillions of new options all the time when considering a simple camera purchase?  Before there was the internet, were there infinite ways to find the exact shirt or other random item you wanted?  Were people as overwhelmed by every single choice as we can be today?

It's these moments that the phrase "keep it simple" seems way out of step with where the world is today.  It's also these moments that remind me of how the stage is set to make it really easy to forget to be grateful for the everyday small stuff.  With so many choices and so much "noise," it is so easy to be distracted and move on to the next complicated choice.  Today, I will observe as many "choice intermissions" as possible.  It's okay to take a break.          

Best Practices in Being Human

You probably don't recognize the man in the image above.  I wouldn't have before last week.  He's democratic senator Ed Murray from Washington state.  One morning last week, as I was driving in to work, I heard a story on NPR, detailing the recent passage of a bill in Washington, which would legalize same-sex marriage there.  Granted, there's all kinds of chatter in the news right now on this topic, especially today after the federal appeals court in California determined the voter-approved ban on gay marriage there to be unconstitutional.  But, my reflections tonight are not on all of that buzz, they are focused on the words of Truth that Senator Murry declared as the Washington bill was being passed.

The senator was quoted as saying the following:

[Lawmakers who vote against gay marriage]"...are not, nor should they be accused of bigotry...Those of us who support this legislation are not, and we should not be, accused of undermining family life or religious freedom...Marriage is how society says you are a family."

I found this statement to be profound because it was an expression of tolerance too seldom heard--in politics or any other sphere of our modern-day society.  After thinking further about the words uttered, I decided I think this statement deserves to be counted as a best practice in politics.  In legal marketing, we often refer to and encourage the sharing of "best practices."  As such, we often discuss our experiences with one another, pointing out issues encountered and resolved, obstacles happened upon and overcome, etc.  Overall, best practices (and especially the communication of best practices) places everyone on the same plane of knowledge, encourages success in approach and places an undeniable focus on the common goals we share.

Sen. Murray's statement above places everyone on the same plane.  We're all human, and we all will require tolerance from someone (or a bunch of people) at one point or another.  His approach demonstrates a willingness to encourage success, regardless of differences, and that success would be in the form of living peacefully and equally.  Is there anyone who doesn't want that? 

In politics today, it's very rare to actually witness peaceful conciliation of partisan differences.  But, I think Sen. Murray did this amazingly well with his words above.  It places a hugely controversial topic on such a basic level of human understanding.  For any given moral priority or personal freedom, we should all be willing to exchange with one another and respect differences.  I'll give anyone their religious freedom and worry-free happiness in return for my personal freedom and worry-free happiness.  See how this works?  Tolerance.  Understanding.  Best practices in being human.     

 

The Wondrous Weekend

Weekends--what everyone lives for, Monday through Friday.  I don't know if everyone is the same about them, but I know in my own case, they're an obsession.  I wake up each day, thinking about how much closer I have gotten to its start.  I go to sleep each night, again reassuring myself that it is almost here.  I've never heard anyone be excited about weekdays.  Unless, that is, a weekday stands for an early entry into their weekend.  A few friends and I regularly celebrate "hump day" Wednesdays, but I definitely don't embrace them as I do Friday night, Saturday or Sunday. 

I think weekends fit into the "supply and demand" concept common in consumerism.  It's what we get least of, so we naturally want more.  When we are given more, we just want more again.  Is this a genetic slip in all of us?  Are we programmed to only want what we cannot have?  To always view the grass as being greener on the other side?  What a conundrum! 

I wonder if it's possible to tackle time, and the busy way of life, and embrace a weekend way of living seven days a week.  I don't know about your weekends, but mine are marked with contentment through cooking what I want, coming and going as I want, taking moments I don't normally take to appreciate the everyday light in my world and lots of other breathable things.  I think I will tackle this.  Yes, work will consume lots of hours it doesn't on the weekend, but as I've learned through an amazing boss with an amazing outlook, those hours don't have to be filled with stagnancy and unhappiness or stress.  Full-time weekends.  I like it.

Punxsutawney...Donald?

It is not a common occurrence that A Tribute to Life post will include blatant political instruction.  However, I have to beg of you, vote for whoever you want in the upcoming presidential election.  But, please, whatever you do, please do not look to The Donald as your voting compass.  I would argue that you should probably do your research and vote based on your own conclusions, not necessarily voting based on any one's endorsement.

This man is a towering figure in popular culture.  He has a reality television show (the sole thing keeping him from running for president, so maybe, just maybe, once May comes, he'll toss his hat in), he is a business mogul, he has a litter of children and has had numerous wives, he has bad hair, he relentlessly pursued further on the Obama birth debate (as if this country should prioritize that in the last portion of Obama's presidency and at an otherwise pretty busy time of real concerns).  You can do better.  Seriously.  Be bold. 

In fact, on this day of annual celebration of Groundhog Day, perhaps we can just quickly ask Punxsutawney Phil to let us know which Republican should be on the ticket.  Now that sounds like a more acceptable solution.