*New pictures on the Ceiva frame last night, mostly from Amelia's birthday
*A long visit on the phone last night with Erich (that's how the Ceiva got fixed!)
*A surprise Howard and I have for Tricia S this morning
*The anticipation of lots of talking time with my daughter Tricia
*Baking cookies yesterday; haven't had the energy to stand in the kitchen for that process in months
*Anticipating the annual gala tomorrow night where I will get to see all my St. Mary's family\
*Leaves actually turning colors and temperatures in the 50' and 60's.
*Thinking about Florida and the privilege of living there 3 months.
*Orbitz airline ticket info on my desk for New York next week!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Let me be the first
Merry Christmas everyone/have you been shopping lately? No other time of the year stirs up so many mixed emotions and the retail race has triggered the mental machinations already for me.
On the one hand, who can be against good cheer and charity projects and mitten trees and little children filled with joy....wait, let's think about that last phrase. What could possibly fill a child with joy at Christmas when he/she already has everything? Our abundance is embarrassing. Every child I know has so many examples of Chinese imports they can barely find the space to play with them. And I admit, as Nana, I contribute to that pile in Delmar, NY. What excites children about Christmas today?
And of course that's the secular Christmas we're talking about. The one that almost forces Jewish parents to have a green decorated tree in the house. What about the Christian holy day that more and more of our citizens in this country don't share. Are they expected to "get in the Christmas spirit" too? Do their children expect their piece of the goodies being hawked everywhere one goes?
There is so much negative for me in this holiday. I thought my feelings would change when I had grandkids but I still count it as my least favorite holiday. Don't think I'm a complete sourpuss. I love the Christmas story, even though I doubt it all happened that way, but who doesn't rejoice in the birth of an innocent babe? Who isn't cheered by the fact that the days are beginning again to get longer rather than shorter? It's a great time to celebrate and enjoy your love ones. It's what we endure from now to then that I find depressing.
Once lovely songs piped into every store and ground down into meaninglessness; trying to think of original gifts that people will actually not exchange or regift; trying to convince your family that you really do not need another single thing to put into a house (that in fact you are trying to get rid of half of the stuff already there) that is full of the things you love.
And the pressure on young families who have multiple sets of parents and are expected to travel all over with little ones. I think there ought to be a rule at Christmas that families with children must stay home and any relatives who feel they must share the holiday can do the traveling. If they're are too old or infirm they're probably not all that interested in another hectic holiday.
And don't forget the decoration expectation; in our neighborhood if you don't have little white lights all over the shrubs you are out of it. And the lights are pretty, don't get me wrong. But do I have to every year? I don't think so. Watch, by Thanksgiving I will give in.
Thanksgiving! That's my idea of a perfect holiday. The only preparation necessary is grocery shopping and baking pies. My kids know that that is the special holiday for me...being grateful for all we have, especially each other. Menu is already decided for you and the only negative is the massive clean up.
And I'm actually glad the retailers ignore Thanksgiving...that way it has managed to stay the truly spiritual celebration all Americans can share (except, of course, the real Americans we stole the country from, but don't let me get started on that!)
So let me be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas!
On the one hand, who can be against good cheer and charity projects and mitten trees and little children filled with joy....wait, let's think about that last phrase. What could possibly fill a child with joy at Christmas when he/she already has everything? Our abundance is embarrassing. Every child I know has so many examples of Chinese imports they can barely find the space to play with them. And I admit, as Nana, I contribute to that pile in Delmar, NY. What excites children about Christmas today?
And of course that's the secular Christmas we're talking about. The one that almost forces Jewish parents to have a green decorated tree in the house. What about the Christian holy day that more and more of our citizens in this country don't share. Are they expected to "get in the Christmas spirit" too? Do their children expect their piece of the goodies being hawked everywhere one goes?
There is so much negative for me in this holiday. I thought my feelings would change when I had grandkids but I still count it as my least favorite holiday. Don't think I'm a complete sourpuss. I love the Christmas story, even though I doubt it all happened that way, but who doesn't rejoice in the birth of an innocent babe? Who isn't cheered by the fact that the days are beginning again to get longer rather than shorter? It's a great time to celebrate and enjoy your love ones. It's what we endure from now to then that I find depressing.
Once lovely songs piped into every store and ground down into meaninglessness; trying to think of original gifts that people will actually not exchange or regift; trying to convince your family that you really do not need another single thing to put into a house (that in fact you are trying to get rid of half of the stuff already there) that is full of the things you love.
And the pressure on young families who have multiple sets of parents and are expected to travel all over with little ones. I think there ought to be a rule at Christmas that families with children must stay home and any relatives who feel they must share the holiday can do the traveling. If they're are too old or infirm they're probably not all that interested in another hectic holiday.
And don't forget the decoration expectation; in our neighborhood if you don't have little white lights all over the shrubs you are out of it. And the lights are pretty, don't get me wrong. But do I have to every year? I don't think so. Watch, by Thanksgiving I will give in.
Thanksgiving! That's my idea of a perfect holiday. The only preparation necessary is grocery shopping and baking pies. My kids know that that is the special holiday for me...being grateful for all we have, especially each other. Menu is already decided for you and the only negative is the massive clean up.
And I'm actually glad the retailers ignore Thanksgiving...that way it has managed to stay the truly spiritual celebration all Americans can share (except, of course, the real Americans we stole the country from, but don't let me get started on that!)
So let me be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Bright Idea
Number one problem in churches and non profit agencies these days is getting people to accept leadership and finding people who have the skills and knowledge to take over leadership roles.
We tried here in Kankakee to form a civic group that would groom younger generation to take over elected positions and it died a sudden death when the seniors told the freshmen "you take it from here".
In the past the chamber has conducted leadership training for young people in business. I have no idea if that's been successful (not much that chamber does is successful!)
We need a training program through the churches that would teach people how to become lay leaders even if they have never held positions of leadership before. If the training were for faith based people they might be more open to giving it a chance. Those same people would then make good candidates for non-profit boards.
In fact, my guess is that some denomination has already put together such a program and developed the curriculum, etc. I've looked at the UCC resources (called the Leaders Box) and they are a little pedantic and dry, but could probably serve as a starting point. It would still take the effort to pull it together and implement it, but if what is true in our church is true elsewhere this could be done!
How many people are scared off from taking those jobs because they don't feel they know enough or how to do it? This is not a community of sophisticated people but that doesn't mean there aren't people out there who have the potential and even the willingness if they had the confidence that comes from experience. I have always said what I enjoyed about my KCC job the most was the younger people I mentored. (And I was fortunate to have some outstanding mentors). Maybe I could mentor a group...that would be a worthy effort.
Ah, another challenge; just what I need!
We tried here in Kankakee to form a civic group that would groom younger generation to take over elected positions and it died a sudden death when the seniors told the freshmen "you take it from here".
In the past the chamber has conducted leadership training for young people in business. I have no idea if that's been successful (not much that chamber does is successful!)
We need a training program through the churches that would teach people how to become lay leaders even if they have never held positions of leadership before. If the training were for faith based people they might be more open to giving it a chance. Those same people would then make good candidates for non-profit boards.
In fact, my guess is that some denomination has already put together such a program and developed the curriculum, etc. I've looked at the UCC resources (called the Leaders Box) and they are a little pedantic and dry, but could probably serve as a starting point. It would still take the effort to pull it together and implement it, but if what is true in our church is true elsewhere this could be done!
How many people are scared off from taking those jobs because they don't feel they know enough or how to do it? This is not a community of sophisticated people but that doesn't mean there aren't people out there who have the potential and even the willingness if they had the confidence that comes from experience. I have always said what I enjoyed about my KCC job the most was the younger people I mentored. (And I was fortunate to have some outstanding mentors). Maybe I could mentor a group...that would be a worthy effort.
Ah, another challenge; just what I need!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Brain junk
The more you love the more you hurt.
There's nothing more important to my state of health right now than a good night's sleep.
Shit happens.
Hugs help me thru the "shit happens" times.
At our interfaith service Tuesday I think I got at least 50 hugs.
Behind everything going thru my mind right now there is this refrain "new york and the girls in jsut 10 days".
I still haven't come up with any bright ideas about Christmas.
Got my flu shot yesterday.
I know it doesn't help to worry about grown kids. I worry anyway.
I have done nothing about preparing yard/garden for winter. Don't care.
It is late October and leaves have not fallen yet...Al Gore must be ri ght about something.
Gotta start the treadmill today...it's now been six weeks since knee surgery.
This is the flotsam clogging up my brain this morning...just thought I'd unload it whether it made any sense to anyone else or not.
There's nothing more important to my state of health right now than a good night's sleep.
Shit happens.
Hugs help me thru the "shit happens" times.
At our interfaith service Tuesday I think I got at least 50 hugs.
Behind everything going thru my mind right now there is this refrain "new york and the girls in jsut 10 days".
I still haven't come up with any bright ideas about Christmas.
Got my flu shot yesterday.
I know it doesn't help to worry about grown kids. I worry anyway.
I have done nothing about preparing yard/garden for winter. Don't care.
It is late October and leaves have not fallen yet...Al Gore must be ri ght about something.
Gotta start the treadmill today...it's now been six weeks since knee surgery.
This is the flotsam clogging up my brain this morning...just thought I'd unload it whether it made any sense to anyone else or not.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Scary
In the middle of a manicure I get the call;
"I am in the emergency room at St. Mary's".
How fast can Becky finish this?
I tear thru Bradley, over the speed limit
In the biggest speed trap around.
When I get there I can't find my way;
the whole first floor is torn up for remodeling!
this is my place, how can this be?
I've spent 20 years on this board;
How can I still be lost?
Found at last, hooked up to moniters,
The most frustrating man in my life.
And it's ok, they are joking and the numbers
on the screen are looking good.
His cardiologist is on the way.
I think he should stay, Sue agrees.
But the doctor is comfortable
sending him home and that night
he is out tooling his way to a dinner
and bitching about the tree guy!
There's nothing like a reality check
On whether or not you care
When you see someone plugged in
to all that machinery in ER.
Take care of yourself, mister!
"I am in the emergency room at St. Mary's".
How fast can Becky finish this?
I tear thru Bradley, over the speed limit
In the biggest speed trap around.
When I get there I can't find my way;
the whole first floor is torn up for remodeling!
this is my place, how can this be?
I've spent 20 years on this board;
How can I still be lost?
Found at last, hooked up to moniters,
The most frustrating man in my life.
And it's ok, they are joking and the numbers
on the screen are looking good.
His cardiologist is on the way.
I think he should stay, Sue agrees.
But the doctor is comfortable
sending him home and that night
he is out tooling his way to a dinner
and bitching about the tree guy!
There's nothing like a reality check
On whether or not you care
When you see someone plugged in
to all that machinery in ER.
Take care of yourself, mister!
Kankakee, multi-cultural?
Last night was our interfaith community service like we did last year, but with a difference. There wasn't a seat left in the house! It was held at the Jewish temple and some people couldn't find parking spaces for blocks. There were over 120 people there and about 25 of them signed up to join our Tent of Abraham.
This is another tough one for me. Syed and I have been the founders and organizers for these past three years. I have wanted to back away from leadership on this, but if we double our membership we are at a critical point and ready to create a more formal structure that could grow and last as part of this community. I know I won't be able to let go at this point.
When we moved here this was a bland look alike place; I missed the ethnic diversity of Joliet. Now we have so many people from other lands; Muslims, Hindus, etc. This is the only place and event where we come together and agree that we have much in common. I really feel like I am making a difference in one small way, although it's hard to separate that ego needs.
This is another tough one for me. Syed and I have been the founders and organizers for these past three years. I have wanted to back away from leadership on this, but if we double our membership we are at a critical point and ready to create a more formal structure that could grow and last as part of this community. I know I won't be able to let go at this point.
When we moved here this was a bland look alike place; I missed the ethnic diversity of Joliet. Now we have so many people from other lands; Muslims, Hindus, etc. This is the only place and event where we come together and agree that we have much in common. I really feel like I am making a difference in one small way, although it's hard to separate that ego needs.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Thank you, Elliot
Have returned from a lovely visit to Ohio family; five hours of driving is much more exhausting than it used to be, but glad that I can still do it. Isabelle and Sophia (otherwise known as produce) are charming and delightful and it was a treat to spend that much time with them. Six adults in one house and nobody punched anyone out. Great meals from the best sister-in-law around. But the real unsung hero of the visit was Elliot who made the major sacrifice of staying in the basement the entire time we were there. Everyone in the family extolled his virtues and did their best to convince me that Elliot was really harmless but after being around 65 years I know my limitations and one of them is the inability to live with the likes of Elliot.
So without even meeting you, I thank you again, Elliot for making my visit possible. You are a true blue guy, ur, cat.
So without even meeting you, I thank you again, Elliot for making my visit possible. You are a true blue guy, ur, cat.
Monday, October 8, 2007
A rambling rant
I have absolutely nothing to say, but if I write here than I can give myself permission to not work on the memoir today; I really dislike the rewrite and editing part and of course this requires neither.
I am still pondering my assignment for this coming Sunday's planning session, but I suppose if I had enough faith I would just count on the spirit guiding me. Somehow, I think I have to spend time preparing anyway. The arrogance of human pride! What concerns me is that I think Barb is hoping I can pull off something I'm not sure anyone could pull off. But I think I've reached the point in life that I either will or will not please her and it will work out as it does; I don't feel that I will have let her down either way. I still struggle with that female disease "need to please" but not nearly to the extent that I used to.
I am even more concerned with finishing this project of revising trust/will business so that all is in order. I am tired of dwelling on it and I always get antsy with things hanging when I am getting ready for a trip.
Another item weighing on the mind is the curseed holidays...look out, here comes the grinch in me! I hate the pressure it puts on the kids and all that travel for them (i spend the whole time worrying about them on the road!). I do not want any gifts....I spend too much time shopping for myself..I have no room for anything more...and I certainly don't want anything with calories. If there is any family our there wondering what to get me the answer is easy....family pictures, fresh flowers, a CD of my granddaughters singing, liposuction,,,you get the idea.
Why does Christmas have to be such an ordeal? We are buying into the consumer mentality; I feel so pressured to like all the hoopla. It's even hard to enjoy the gift giving to grandkids who already have so much and do we really want to reinforce the greed thing?
Every year about this time I start thinking how could we do Christmas differently? What would be a meaningful way to celebrate life and the days beginning to grow longer? I have never come up with anything that could buck the force of the culture.
Well, I have vented on enough subjects for one day and managed to avoid my real work for a while. Mission accomplished!
I am still pondering my assignment for this coming Sunday's planning session, but I suppose if I had enough faith I would just count on the spirit guiding me. Somehow, I think I have to spend time preparing anyway. The arrogance of human pride! What concerns me is that I think Barb is hoping I can pull off something I'm not sure anyone could pull off. But I think I've reached the point in life that I either will or will not please her and it will work out as it does; I don't feel that I will have let her down either way. I still struggle with that female disease "need to please" but not nearly to the extent that I used to.
I am even more concerned with finishing this project of revising trust/will business so that all is in order. I am tired of dwelling on it and I always get antsy with things hanging when I am getting ready for a trip.
Another item weighing on the mind is the curseed holidays...look out, here comes the grinch in me! I hate the pressure it puts on the kids and all that travel for them (i spend the whole time worrying about them on the road!). I do not want any gifts....I spend too much time shopping for myself..I have no room for anything more...and I certainly don't want anything with calories. If there is any family our there wondering what to get me the answer is easy....family pictures, fresh flowers, a CD of my granddaughters singing, liposuction,,,you get the idea.
Why does Christmas have to be such an ordeal? We are buying into the consumer mentality; I feel so pressured to like all the hoopla. It's even hard to enjoy the gift giving to grandkids who already have so much and do we really want to reinforce the greed thing?
Every year about this time I start thinking how could we do Christmas differently? What would be a meaningful way to celebrate life and the days beginning to grow longer? I have never come up with anything that could buck the force of the culture.
Well, I have vented on enough subjects for one day and managed to avoid my real work for a while. Mission accomplished!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
In Honor of A Birthday
When asked what I believe to be
my greatest task that could be praised,
I never hesitate or ponder:
without a doubt, the men I raised.
Grown men, no more my boys,
share so many traits I treasure.
Claiming a little of the credit
is one of my life pleasures.
So with a mother's pride
I will tell you what I see
when these handsome men
stop and visit with me.
So many traits they share:
they are thoughtful and kind
with a great sense of humor
that comes from a bright mind.
As husbands they appear to be
partners with love and loyalty.
Feminists both, no surprise,
treat their wives like royalty.
Patient and playful with kids,
still in touch with their game.
Erich's already a great dad;
soon Carl will prove the same.
Loving, smart, gentle men.
A mother's pride and joy.
Love each other always;
you'll always be my boys.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ERICH!
my greatest task that could be praised,
I never hesitate or ponder:
without a doubt, the men I raised.
Grown men, no more my boys,
share so many traits I treasure.
Claiming a little of the credit
is one of my life pleasures.
So with a mother's pride
I will tell you what I see
when these handsome men
stop and visit with me.
So many traits they share:
they are thoughtful and kind
with a great sense of humor
that comes from a bright mind.
As husbands they appear to be
partners with love and loyalty.
Feminists both, no surprise,
treat their wives like royalty.
Patient and playful with kids,
still in touch with their game.
Erich's already a great dad;
soon Carl will prove the same.
Loving, smart, gentle men.
A mother's pride and joy.
Love each other always;
you'll always be my boys.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ERICH!
Friday, October 5, 2007
Energy
The single most important change in my life has been the gradually disappearing force of energy available to me to do all that I want to do. I can't tell if it is the PD or just aging or probably a combination of things (can't forget the effects of 6 months of chemo). My latest challenge is really bringing this home to me.
A week from Sunday I am going to lead a group from our church in a planning session. Should be a piece a cake for me, right? It's what I did for a living for years with all types of groups. But it takes a lot of energy. And this time it will especially.
In planning for this Barb and I realized that the "takeaway" we want/need from this half day session is a renewal of passion, energy and commitment from those there. Our problem is a lack of willingness to commit to leadership and a lack of enthusiasm for change. But we are bucking the trend for mainline protestant churches because we are growing. That means changing needs for programming and a "revival" of sense of mission.
I am writing about this because it is taking up such a huge space in my mind and by sharing it with others I am hoping the spirit will help me find the energy and the intended path to help me guide this process. So I need your response to this.....how do I facilitate this renewal of passion for our church?
A week from Sunday I am going to lead a group from our church in a planning session. Should be a piece a cake for me, right? It's what I did for a living for years with all types of groups. But it takes a lot of energy. And this time it will especially.
In planning for this Barb and I realized that the "takeaway" we want/need from this half day session is a renewal of passion, energy and commitment from those there. Our problem is a lack of willingness to commit to leadership and a lack of enthusiasm for change. But we are bucking the trend for mainline protestant churches because we are growing. That means changing needs for programming and a "revival" of sense of mission.
I am writing about this because it is taking up such a huge space in my mind and by sharing it with others I am hoping the spirit will help me find the energy and the intended path to help me guide this process. So I need your response to this.....how do I facilitate this renewal of passion for our church?
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Happy Birthday, Heather!
Today is Heather's birthday, which prompts me to count my blessings in the daughter-in-law department. I am blessed.
The first thing I think of that I like about Heather is the fact that she loves my son and he has been a happier person for that relationship. That would be enough, but there is more.
Heather is bright, serious about her work, determined to achieve her goals, and yet is not pushy. She works hard (sometimes too hard) at whatever she is doing. She is talented, witness the jewelry she makes and the food she cooks. She definitely is a feminist, but one with a domestic side.
And did I mention she is beautiful? I've watched her with the granddaughters and she has a way with children too. I am sure she'll be a wonderful mom when the time is right.
I am happy to have her part of my family....Happy Birthday with love from Char.
The first thing I think of that I like about Heather is the fact that she loves my son and he has been a happier person for that relationship. That would be enough, but there is more.
Heather is bright, serious about her work, determined to achieve her goals, and yet is not pushy. She works hard (sometimes too hard) at whatever she is doing. She is talented, witness the jewelry she makes and the food she cooks. She definitely is a feminist, but one with a domestic side.
And did I mention she is beautiful? I've watched her with the granddaughters and she has a way with children too. I am sure she'll be a wonderful mom when the time is right.
I am happy to have her part of my family....Happy Birthday with love from Char.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
