"Let us live and move in harmony. Let us grow together. Let us cherish the wisdom that we have acquired together. Let us live in complete harmony without any misunderstanding." - Sri Sathya Sai Baba
One of the most beautiful things I saw on my trip to Disney was turning to see where my parents were behind and saw the picture of them walking together, hand in hand. My parents have never been too outwardly emotional with the love for each other or other emotions for that matter. How I got to be so outward is a bit of a mystery. (lol) It is in their older years that I see their bond in small moments and big, like when my father burst into tears at the news that my mom's tumors were benign. It makes me smile. It makes me want that for myself. I know that their relationship has not been perfect, but I want all of that too. How wonderful to grow old with someone and make a life and be a partner and love one another in every sense of the word. What a wonderful lesson my parents have taught me. Something true and string to aspire for.
A quick shout out to my Mommy too - Happy Birthday! You are my best friend and I love you. You only get better with age!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Lent
"If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire. Let the truth be your delight...proclaim it...but with a certain congeniality." - St. Catherine of Siena
Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and it marked the beginning of the period of Lent on the Christian calendar. I, as many of you know, am a recovering Catholic. It is an ongoing process for me as I try to reconcile my deep adoration for God and his lessons, the traditions of the Roman Catholic church that are ingrained into my very DNA (i.e. knowing when to kneel or stand during mass, or when to cross myself.) with my real life - i.e. I am divorced and I am sure have also gone blatantly against tenants of the Catholic church. *gasp* My son's godfather is a homosexual! *double gasp* And for you who know what else will be sending me to hell, please feel free to contact me offline ;)
I find peace in my faith. But I also find chaos as I try to find the balance. It is not as easy for me as it is for some. I have thought about 'changing' religions. But I like 'my' God. I like the big guy with white hair, I like his son, Jesus. Mary has always been a sort of hero to me, and this Holy Spirit - well, one day I hope to be filled with it because it seems like a really great deal! It is not the rules or structure of the church that has been established over these years that holds me, but the lessons and, what I believe to be, the original purpose of religion - faith, hope, family, community, tradition - that makes my heart calm and my vision clear.
So Lent is upon us. This year I have decided that I will take upon me two old traditions I have not practiced in quite some time - eat no meat except fish on Friday, give something up for Lent. BB said he would join me in this. (I love being in a relationship with a shared faith...more than you know...but that is for a different post). I am going to try and give up cursing. For everytime I curse, I will put $.50 in a bucket and donate it to a charity - let's say St. Jude's Children's. I am going to let the kids in on my plan so that they can keep me honest. And maybe they will give something up as well. If they want to. We'll see.
By bringing these two traditions back into my life I am hoping to bring God back into my life a little more, keep him more at the forefront of my mind. Seek his peace and guidance as we leave winter behind and welcome spring and all of its colors. And yes, I meant that as a metaphor.
Now I am off to find fish recipes that I think the kids will eat :)
Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and it marked the beginning of the period of Lent on the Christian calendar. I, as many of you know, am a recovering Catholic. It is an ongoing process for me as I try to reconcile my deep adoration for God and his lessons, the traditions of the Roman Catholic church that are ingrained into my very DNA (i.e. knowing when to kneel or stand during mass, or when to cross myself.) with my real life - i.e. I am divorced and I am sure have also gone blatantly against tenants of the Catholic church. *gasp* My son's godfather is a homosexual! *double gasp* And for you who know what else will be sending me to hell, please feel free to contact me offline ;)
I find peace in my faith. But I also find chaos as I try to find the balance. It is not as easy for me as it is for some. I have thought about 'changing' religions. But I like 'my' God. I like the big guy with white hair, I like his son, Jesus. Mary has always been a sort of hero to me, and this Holy Spirit - well, one day I hope to be filled with it because it seems like a really great deal! It is not the rules or structure of the church that has been established over these years that holds me, but the lessons and, what I believe to be, the original purpose of religion - faith, hope, family, community, tradition - that makes my heart calm and my vision clear.
So Lent is upon us. This year I have decided that I will take upon me two old traditions I have not practiced in quite some time - eat no meat except fish on Friday, give something up for Lent. BB said he would join me in this. (I love being in a relationship with a shared faith...more than you know...but that is for a different post). I am going to try and give up cursing. For everytime I curse, I will put $.50 in a bucket and donate it to a charity - let's say St. Jude's Children's. I am going to let the kids in on my plan so that they can keep me honest. And maybe they will give something up as well. If they want to. We'll see.
By bringing these two traditions back into my life I am hoping to bring God back into my life a little more, keep him more at the forefront of my mind. Seek his peace and guidance as we leave winter behind and welcome spring and all of its colors. And yes, I meant that as a metaphor.
Now I am off to find fish recipes that I think the kids will eat :)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Mouse, the myth, the legend
"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. " - Walk Disney
We had the most brilliant time at DisneyWorld last week with my parents, sister and her husband. Stresses of 5 adults & 2 children traveling together aside, it was a memorable week and one that I will not soon forget, as I also have 400+ pictures from the trip. To see my children 'meet' their favorite characters, watch their faces as they discovered new things and hear their laughter mixed with the laughter of their grandparents is a gift I will hold in my heart forever. I will try and follow-up this post with more detailed ones with some travel tips and reviews, but for now here are some pictures of our times at DisneyWorld and SeaWorld. (which, btw, was just as fantastic. The shows were breathtaking and we saw a manatee poop...they call them cows of the sea for a reason!)
At SeaWorld! (thank you Brendan!)
You can see the killer whales in the background. The kids later went down closer with their auntie so that they could get wet. Pickle realized her error and quickly came back up shivering. We were warned! They keep the water at about 52 degrees F!
The whole gang! Breakfast with Mickey is a must to meet the major characters without waiting in line at the parks. Plus the buffet is delish!!! I have to figure out how to make the corn beef hash with cornbread topping.
nummy nummy.
We made it! Mouse ears acquired we made it to the most magical place on earth! never did I think that my 'baby' boy would get this big. And yes, I got teary watching their reactions to their fairy tales coming true.
My mom's favorite ride - Small World! We all loved it.
(that's my mom, you all know Mo and in the background my dad in the white tshirt)
And finally....
The three pictures below were taken with my eyes filled with tears. I cry, it's what I do. :P I thought my heart would burst at the site of such sweet and wonderful wonder.
When I grow up, I want to be a Disney Princess too!
But now, I an autograph book that needs scrapbooking.
We had the most brilliant time at DisneyWorld last week with my parents, sister and her husband. Stresses of 5 adults & 2 children traveling together aside, it was a memorable week and one that I will not soon forget, as I also have 400+ pictures from the trip. To see my children 'meet' their favorite characters, watch their faces as they discovered new things and hear their laughter mixed with the laughter of their grandparents is a gift I will hold in my heart forever. I will try and follow-up this post with more detailed ones with some travel tips and reviews, but for now here are some pictures of our times at DisneyWorld and SeaWorld. (which, btw, was just as fantastic. The shows were breathtaking and we saw a manatee poop...they call them cows of the sea for a reason!)
At SeaWorld! (thank you Brendan!)You can see the killer whales in the background. The kids later went down closer with their auntie so that they could get wet. Pickle realized her error and quickly came back up shivering. We were warned! They keep the water at about 52 degrees F!
The whole gang! Breakfast with Mickey is a must to meet the major characters without waiting in line at the parks. Plus the buffet is delish!!! I have to figure out how to make the corn beef hash with cornbread topping.nummy nummy.
We made it! Mouse ears acquired we made it to the most magical place on earth! never did I think that my 'baby' boy would get this big. And yes, I got teary watching their reactions to their fairy tales coming true.
My mom's favorite ride - Small World! We all loved it.(that's my mom, you all know Mo and in the background my dad in the white tshirt)
And finally....
The three pictures below were taken with my eyes filled with tears. I cry, it's what I do. :P I thought my heart would burst at the site of such sweet and wonderful wonder.
When I grow up, I want to be a Disney Princess too!
But now, I an autograph book that needs scrapbooking.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Donde esta Jennita bonita?
"Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow'." - Mary Anne Radmacher
Yep, I have been a bit quiet here on 'da pig'. I have been feeling more in a quiet mode as opposed to the roar mentioned above. I have come to type about various things but I found myself pulling it back for various reasons. But Faith has a very good point - how can she stalk me if I do not post? So, here's an update for your reading enjoyment...
1. The kids & I are going to DisneyWorld tomorrow with my parents, sister & her husband. I cannot properly express my excitement.
2. Parenting has been a challenge as of late as Mo struggles with properly expressing his feelings and making sense of life. This means of course that we have had some doozies of battles. I decided it was time for some outside help. So he is talking with a therapist. It seems to be helping as I have noticed a change in dynamic with he and I. And he has no issue in telling people that he is talking with someone - which makes me happy. I do not want him to feel anything less than, well, strong and confident - hence the need for outside help. I keep my focus on him and his sister and just do the best I can in dealing with their father. Every step I think I have in moving forward with all of that, I feel half a step back. But forward I go with my eye on the prize - raising two strong and loving children.
3. Amore - things with BB and I are very good. Odd to be in a functional relationship. Do not trust it completely but every day feels better. Only thing I have to complain about is time - between our schedules time gets a little scarce. But we make it work. He is such a good friend first and foremost what a wonderful thing! And well, I could kiss him for hours and never get bored. (wink wink)
4. Work - is going very well. Business is great, especially for this economy. My motivation comes in spurts but I think that is due to all of us going at such a fast pace. Hoping this holiday brings some spark back to my work.
5. Holiday - did I mention that I am going to Disney tomorrow?
6. Books - finished the Twilight series. I really enjoyed it. Yes it is book candy- but it was fun! Reading Eat Pray Love right now. These books tend to find me when I need their story/message the most. It's about a woman's healing after a divorce. It is written cleverly and nicely which I enjoy just as much as the message.
7. Missing my friends! It always seems that after the holidays I do not see my friends for like 2 months. And this year with the bad weather I did not see much of them over the holidays either. I am thinking a dinner/game night is in order soon.
8. Tomorrow is Valentine's Day - lovely snuggly time with the kids on the plane to DISNEY!
OK, I think that covers life right now. I will be sure to keep everyone posted (Faith) of my holiday in the world of all things happy and magical upon my return.
Yep, I have been a bit quiet here on 'da pig'. I have been feeling more in a quiet mode as opposed to the roar mentioned above. I have come to type about various things but I found myself pulling it back for various reasons. But Faith has a very good point - how can she stalk me if I do not post? So, here's an update for your reading enjoyment...
1. The kids & I are going to DisneyWorld tomorrow with my parents, sister & her husband. I cannot properly express my excitement.
2. Parenting has been a challenge as of late as Mo struggles with properly expressing his feelings and making sense of life. This means of course that we have had some doozies of battles. I decided it was time for some outside help. So he is talking with a therapist. It seems to be helping as I have noticed a change in dynamic with he and I. And he has no issue in telling people that he is talking with someone - which makes me happy. I do not want him to feel anything less than, well, strong and confident - hence the need for outside help. I keep my focus on him and his sister and just do the best I can in dealing with their father. Every step I think I have in moving forward with all of that, I feel half a step back. But forward I go with my eye on the prize - raising two strong and loving children.
3. Amore - things with BB and I are very good. Odd to be in a functional relationship. Do not trust it completely but every day feels better. Only thing I have to complain about is time - between our schedules time gets a little scarce. But we make it work. He is such a good friend first and foremost what a wonderful thing! And well, I could kiss him for hours and never get bored. (wink wink)
4. Work - is going very well. Business is great, especially for this economy. My motivation comes in spurts but I think that is due to all of us going at such a fast pace. Hoping this holiday brings some spark back to my work.
5. Holiday - did I mention that I am going to Disney tomorrow?
6. Books - finished the Twilight series. I really enjoyed it. Yes it is book candy- but it was fun! Reading Eat Pray Love right now. These books tend to find me when I need their story/message the most. It's about a woman's healing after a divorce. It is written cleverly and nicely which I enjoy just as much as the message.
7. Missing my friends! It always seems that after the holidays I do not see my friends for like 2 months. And this year with the bad weather I did not see much of them over the holidays either. I am thinking a dinner/game night is in order soon.
8. Tomorrow is Valentine's Day - lovely snuggly time with the kids on the plane to DISNEY!
OK, I think that covers life right now. I will be sure to keep everyone posted (Faith) of my holiday in the world of all things happy and magical upon my return.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Happy New Year!
I dub this year....Year of Simplification!
Typically I do not make resolutions as I do not want to 'fail' and not reach them. But this year I find it important to set some goals and reminders of the priorities in my life as days pass and things can get blurred. So here are my 10 resolutions for the Year of Simplification ~ 2009! (yes, I know some of these are quite simple and I may even knock them off in the next couple of days, but it is good to set easy goals amidst the bigger ones so as to celebrate the small triumphs as well) :)
1. Simplify. Keep it simple. Don't over plan or over schedule.
2. Keep it close to home and heart.
3. Get more active! I had a good kick start with this over the summer/fall of '08 - '09 will bring a gym membership and twice a week trips and more biking and hiking with the kids.
4. Lose 15-20 lbs. Pretty reasonable I think. This will help my blood pressure, my mood, my overall good looks and well being.
5. Focus on work - get fresh with programs and stay positive. And with that keep work at work. Minimize the overflow into my home life.
6. Hang the bedrooms blinds.
7. Organize the basement and a play area in the basement for the kids.
8. Organize desk and files for neatness/de-clutter factor and also not losing important documents.
9. Fix finances - pay down debts, SAVE, make better money choices
10. Look ahead, not back.
Typically I do not make resolutions as I do not want to 'fail' and not reach them. But this year I find it important to set some goals and reminders of the priorities in my life as days pass and things can get blurred. So here are my 10 resolutions for the Year of Simplification ~ 2009! (yes, I know some of these are quite simple and I may even knock them off in the next couple of days, but it is good to set easy goals amidst the bigger ones so as to celebrate the small triumphs as well) :)
1. Simplify. Keep it simple. Don't over plan or over schedule.
2. Keep it close to home and heart.
3. Get more active! I had a good kick start with this over the summer/fall of '08 - '09 will bring a gym membership and twice a week trips and more biking and hiking with the kids.
4. Lose 15-20 lbs. Pretty reasonable I think. This will help my blood pressure, my mood, my overall good looks and well being.
5. Focus on work - get fresh with programs and stay positive. And with that keep work at work. Minimize the overflow into my home life.
6. Hang the bedrooms blinds.
7. Organize the basement and a play area in the basement for the kids.
8. Organize desk and files for neatness/de-clutter factor and also not losing important documents.
9. Fix finances - pay down debts, SAVE, make better money choices
10. Look ahead, not back.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Home Sweet Home
"Home is not where you live, but where they understand you" - Christian Morganstern
We had a lovely Christmas Eve & Day. I got everything wrapped, I got everything baked and cooked and we had a wonderful day. It feels a bit of a blur now, as it does every year. But I have the vivid memory of smiles and squeals of holiday glee from Mo & Pickle to remind me that yes Virginia, there is indeed a Santa Claus. I did not want for anything material this year. I honestly did not want a thing. What I asked my Santa for was peace - peace of spirit, peace of mind, peace for my heart. And I feel that peace coming just around the bend. But my loved ones were kind enough to grace me with very thoughtful gifts that warmed my heart indeed. I thank them for those, thank you!
Saturday the kids and I went home to my hometown to visit with my parents for a few days. It was wonderful, as always. Not only did we get nice grandparent time (which also includes my mothers letting me sleep as long as I want by occupying the kids) but I also got to visit with lifelong family friends and two school chums. If life permitted I would move back to Monroe to raise the kids. No where else on earth do I feel so at home and at peace. I feel strong and sure and grounded. I hope that 2009 brings me closer to having that in my life up here in the north. And I ran into some people at the Big Y, as I am known to do when I look my worst.
I have been away from home for about 15 years now, have created my own home for my children, but they are always homes with a small 'h'. Home is in Monroe.
We had a lovely Christmas Eve & Day. I got everything wrapped, I got everything baked and cooked and we had a wonderful day. It feels a bit of a blur now, as it does every year. But I have the vivid memory of smiles and squeals of holiday glee from Mo & Pickle to remind me that yes Virginia, there is indeed a Santa Claus. I did not want for anything material this year. I honestly did not want a thing. What I asked my Santa for was peace - peace of spirit, peace of mind, peace for my heart. And I feel that peace coming just around the bend. But my loved ones were kind enough to grace me with very thoughtful gifts that warmed my heart indeed. I thank them for those, thank you!
Saturday the kids and I went home to my hometown to visit with my parents for a few days. It was wonderful, as always. Not only did we get nice grandparent time (which also includes my mothers letting me sleep as long as I want by occupying the kids) but I also got to visit with lifelong family friends and two school chums. If life permitted I would move back to Monroe to raise the kids. No where else on earth do I feel so at home and at peace. I feel strong and sure and grounded. I hope that 2009 brings me closer to having that in my life up here in the north. And I ran into some people at the Big Y, as I am known to do when I look my worst.
I have been away from home for about 15 years now, have created my own home for my children, but they are always homes with a small 'h'. Home is in Monroe.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Not a creature was stirring...not even a mouse...
"Best of all, Christmas means a spirit of love, a time when the love of God and the love of our fellow men should prevail over all hatred and bitterness, a time when our thoughts and deeds and the spirit of our lives manifest the presence of God." ~Unknown but apparently someone who knows their stuff
Getting ready today for tomorrow, the day that is known as Christmas. I am still baking for A's party this evening. I have to wrap 95% of my presents and clean...yeah, clean. Trying to keep the light of the holiday spirit in my head and my heart, but I find that it is hard and not very easy, it takes effort. Noticeable effort for me. I accept it though and work through it. There's a few reasons, mental, emotional and physiological. And I know that so I can work through it. I am really good at hiding it too from those around me - though my mother always knows. Every year gets a little better though and this year I am so looking forward to seeing the kids faces light up in the morning when they open their presents and to welcome my family and my friend Erik into my home. The people who mean the most to me. Ken, the other person who means the world to me will be here Friday morning. Next year I imagine our families being a little more combined, but this year we will be apart for the day. I will honestly miss him. He better call! (hint!) Ham, homemade mac & cheese, green beans and some chicken curry (for my brother in law) are on the menu with some yummy cheeses and shrimp cocktail. And, yes, you guessed it...cookies! I hope you all enjoy your cookies too!
And with almost 2 feet of snow outside it is a white Christmas indeed!
May the magic of the season bless you and yours with love, joy & peace. And of course...cookies!
Merry Christmas!
Getting ready today for tomorrow, the day that is known as Christmas. I am still baking for A's party this evening. I have to wrap 95% of my presents and clean...yeah, clean. Trying to keep the light of the holiday spirit in my head and my heart, but I find that it is hard and not very easy, it takes effort. Noticeable effort for me. I accept it though and work through it. There's a few reasons, mental, emotional and physiological. And I know that so I can work through it. I am really good at hiding it too from those around me - though my mother always knows. Every year gets a little better though and this year I am so looking forward to seeing the kids faces light up in the morning when they open their presents and to welcome my family and my friend Erik into my home. The people who mean the most to me. Ken, the other person who means the world to me will be here Friday morning. Next year I imagine our families being a little more combined, but this year we will be apart for the day. I will honestly miss him. He better call! (hint!) Ham, homemade mac & cheese, green beans and some chicken curry (for my brother in law) are on the menu with some yummy cheeses and shrimp cocktail. And, yes, you guessed it...cookies! I hope you all enjoy your cookies too!
And with almost 2 feet of snow outside it is a white Christmas indeed!
May the magic of the season bless you and yours with love, joy & peace. And of course...cookies!
Merry Christmas!
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