Thursday, March 7, 2013

This day



What can we do together today? I want to invest this day in working with one another. To really collaborate instead of push my weight around. To listen. No, really. To listen to someone else with apprecaiation for both their moment to talk and the quality of the communication they are offering. I want to smile as a message, as opposed to a nervous reaction or a nicety.

We can only truly do great things when we do them together. So what are we going to do today?

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Midweek perspective


 
It's Wednesday, and that means that we are midweek, and March 5th, which means that we are a hop, skip and a jump away from spring, that amazing season where I trade in my hatred of coats for my hatred of pollen. It's a time of year before spring fever really breaks where I just feel restless, because new things are about to start, but not. really. yet.
 
So, I bring you, for such a time as this, a news story about an obese cat swimming, and then several minutes of Anderson Cooper laughing at a very high pitch.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

First Lady's Let's Move! Fireside Hangout

This is fanastic! Well, okay, I haven't watched it yet, but after I run my 27th-30th miles of the year, you can bet your butt that I will be. :)


Sunday, March 3, 2013

Just Wait


Take it from John Popper and Nike - Just Wait...Just Do It.

If ever you are feeling like you're tired
And all your uphill struggles leave you headed downhill
If you realize your wildest dreams can hurt you
And your appetite for pain has drunken it's fill

I ask of you a very simple question
Did you think for one minute that you were alone
And is your suffering a privilege you share only
Or did you think that everybody else feels completely at home

Just wait
Just wait
Just wait
And it will come

If you think I've given up on you you're crazy
And if you think I don't love you well then you're just wrong
In time you might take to feeling better
Time is the beauty of the road being long

I know that now you feel no consolation
But maybe if I told you and informed you out loud
I say this without fear of hesitation
I can honestly tell you that you make me proud

Just wait
Just wait
Just wait
And it will come
Just wait
Just wait
Just wait
And it will come

If anything I might have said now has helped you
If anything I might have just said helped you just carry on
Your rise uphill may no longer seem a struggle
And you appetite for pain may all but be gone

I hope for you and cannot stop at hoping
Until that smile has once again returned to you face
There's no such thing as a failure who keeps trying
Coasting to the bottom is the only disgrace

Just wait
Just wait
Just wait
And it will come
Just wait
Just wait
Just wait
And it will come
Just wait
Just wait
Just wait
And it will come

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Outrageous

This is an interesting and useful article to consider, and perhaps for me to apply in my own life.

I tend to find it baffling that the people who comment on and philosophize so often on popular media figures 1) think they are entitled to judge people...period...but especially those they really don't know, 2) think that the fleeting thought they have about someone's words, dress or other behavior merit such strong feelings, and 3) think that their feelings, thoughts or attitudes are that smart, right, or worth espousing to the whole of the internet, their co-workers, their families, etc. etc.


On a serious note, the author is right - why aren't we outraged online and in real life by the truly outrageous - hunger, poverty, abuse?

I am going to claim my voice right here and now to say that I am indeed outraged that there is such an unequal distribution of wealth in the world. I am outraged that we don't respect the elderly more, that we don't take care of the sick with compassion, and that we don't vote for children's rights and well being. Those are the top four  things that outrage me today, and maybe by being truthful today about that, I'll be doing my part to question whether the lyrics of a pop song or the joke of a comedian are worth as much attention (or more) than really issues.

And if that doesn't work, I'll make fun of Canada. (My favorite line in the article - "Just to be clear, I have nothing against Canada. In fact, it's my third favorite country in North America.")

Friday, March 1, 2013

This just in...


...from the Bill Wilson House.

My friend's friend surprised me with a trip there when I was in Vermont.

I need lots of serenity, courage and wisdom this weekend. Lots of time to think.

Wish me luck with all the pondering, and I hope you have a great weekend!