Who doesn't love monkeys?

As if this video wasn't amusing enough on its own, the Americans interviewed in it are family friends of ours. Enjoy =)

Who we really are...

Dear Friends...regardless of how you voted yesterday. I would appreciate it if you would take the time to read the article linked below that was written by a Republican. For those of you who believe our two party system represents two vastly different segments of society you might want to chat with a few people who voted differently from you and then decide if you really don't share similar values. Whether we like it or not both major parties in the United States tend to be rather centrist. As some college statistics class probably taught you all, deviating too far to the extreme does not align you with very many people (and certainly won't get you elected). Take the time to look back on the early history of our great nation. Our founding fathers rarely agreed, they argued hard and often, but they respected their differences and agreed that the ebb and flow of power being shared amongst all was paramount to our success. We are one nation made great by our diversity...do you agree?

Article:
GOP Viewpoint: We Got the Thumping We Deserve

Is Palin really John McCain's running mate or did she pop out of a cake somwhere and is blackmailing him?

I'm sure it's obvious at this point that during this upcoming election I'm supporting the Obama Biden ticket. Watching the vice presidential debate solidified this choice for me more than ever. I could start and go for quite a while about the things I found disturbing about Sarah Palin in this debate but I'd like to point out a couple of key things.

- Expecting countries who do not agree with our values and policies to agree to conditions prior to to even sitting down and talking with them seems improbable if not impossible and a naive notion

- I suspect that the reason people are asking for drilling has far less to do with turning to domestic energy sources and more to do with people not wanting to pay so much for gas. I mean, come on, none of these people are choosing to not shop at Wal-mart and the like in an effort to buy more American made products and discontinue our DEPENDENCE on Chinese products. I'm all for going local and domestic but let's get real, oil is the least of our worries in regards to dependence on foreign countries supplying our daily needs.

- Tax relief in order to create jobs too often equals tax relief for the rich. It doesn't trickle down like would be nice. Current research definitely shows that the people investing and keeping the economy lubricated is the average American making less thatn $100k per year, not the so called job creators.

- I have a lot of respect and appreciation for people who have served in our military and are convicted and dedicated to protecting our country and its values. However, stating that one man knows how to win a war by virtue of having served during war would qualify a lot of people I know to be commander-in-chief. I'm not really comfortable with that.

- I am afraid for this country right now. Am I really living in a country where a person who conducts themselves like Sarah Palin appeals to any significant portion of the population? We're talking about presidency of the country here people not of the PTA. This is serious!

Getting out of my comfort zone...

Today I volunteered for the Neighbor to Neighbor program supporting Barack Obama. This was not an easy decision for me. Those of you who know me are probably aware that I do not align myself with any particular party but I feel very strong about the outcome of this election. Anyway, I have a list of neighbors I am supposed to contact. It will definitely be a stretch for me to do this. I'm not anxious to approach people I don't know about something so sensitive and important. Who knows what will happen. I guess I'll find out. I'll keep you posted.

New lows...

Let me preface the following links with saying that I was pretty impressed with John McCain when he ran against GW. Let me also say that I do not have any party loyalties, I've voted for Republican, Democrats and Independents in past elections. However, I'm disappointed in the John McCain this presidential election is revealing. The following links show some of why I feel the way I do. The infamous Karl Rove comments on current election ads and a montage of the inaccuracies in the McCain attack ads. Feel free to comment...particularly if you disagree with me.

If you are interested in T. Boone Pickens, the guy in that montage check him out at the Wikipedia entry on him and his "Pickens Plan" website.

Today minus 7...

Wow, a two post day. That's huge! I'm sure many of you have had thoughts about this being the anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2001. At this time seven years ago Erik and I were in Mexio City, Mexio - stranded halfway home from our honeymoon. I think we actually may have been visiting the pyramids at this time, somewhat unaware of just how serious things really were and how despite being booked on flights several times a day for the next 4 we wouldn't be home for nearly a week. We were also unaware of how everything else would be different. Some changes were obvious as we we finally arrived home via our "around the mulberry bush" type return trip though Toronto, Windsor, Detroit, etc. Airport secuity was like we had never experienced - new searches, new questions, new fears. There were American flags everywhere - on people's houses, cars, along the roadside. There was a sense of togetherness, kinship and patriotism I had never known. I don't ever remember feeling so unified with citizens of this country who I could not see and would never meet. Erik commented many times on how the stress of the wedding was followed by a realxing few days in Costa Rica only to be thrust into far worse and disconcerting stress by being stranded from home and then returning to a home that was so different. Gradually over time, things returned to "normal," but not the same. There is a sense of vulnerability that changed how I think about our future: travel, home, work and dreams. This type of change seems to have been the only thing that continued and propegated after the attacks. That sense of unity ebbed away far too soon. In the wake of the Republican and Democratic national conventions I'm reminded of how much we've lost since that time. As I listened to many of the speeches I was disheartened by the lack of respect party enthusiasts have for their "opponents." It's as if the United States political culture has become so egocentric that they've really forgotten that we're one country. We all live, work, and vote as a single body of citizens. Now, we obviously don't all vote the same way or have the same values but when this election is over we are actually all citizens of the same place. Obama may be McCain's president or McCain Obama's. I know this seems obvious but our behavior sure doesn't indicate that. I guess I see the partisan bickering and divisiveness as seven years-worth of steps back from where we were after those horrible attcks seven years ago (hence the title "Today minus 7" - explanation provided for husband who was confused). We've forgotten we need to work together for the good of each other as countrymen and for the rest of the world and stop trying to just be the loudest and last one heard. That means speaking, thinking and acting with integrity, consiousness, honesty and open minds. I know it's a tall order at the moment but it would be nice for me to feel like I could write a blog post this time next year that was titled "Today plus 8" because we've made so much progress.

I found something I like...

Maybe everyone who reads this already knows about it and I'm just lame and out of touch. But, today I stumbled on this http://www.pandora.com/ I am enamored!! I've discovered numerous artists that I wouldn't have ever found just by them analyzing my tastes. I love it. The essence of what I like about this is not only that I'm finding music I like but the spirit behind this operation. Music seems less show-bizzy this way. I know that Pandora doesn't have the corner on this market movement but it's the electronic and digital age of music that I like. I like that I don't have to purchase entire albums anymore, I like that I can listen to stuff without waiting for it on the radio or listening to those endlessly annoying dj's. Music is supposed to be artistic...it's nice that it's being presented and sold as such rather than as mass media that must be crammed down our throats with the agenda of some super marketing/publishing company. These are exciting times, no?

I think I'm bad at blogging...

I haven't written anything in over two months. I just forget. Right now I'm marveling at the Facebook phenomenon. I am am getting in touch with people I didn't think I'd ever hear from again. I like it. But it's weird too. I know this is a simple concept, but I find it startling that these people that used to be a daily part of my life I no longer know much about and more importantly they're going about their lives at the same time I am - waking, eating, talking, learning, breathing, exploring, enjoying, grieving, sleeping. I know I can't actually maintain all those relationships with the intensity I did in high school and college but it sure is nice to have a glimpse now and then.

The great equalizer...

...is children. I'm not certain I've ever been force fed so much humility in my life as I have since having a child. Lots of what you believed or hoped was true about loving them, worrying about them, controlling them and caring for them is not true or is much harder than you ever imagined. Probably the biggest misconception I had was that my will would be stronger than his because I was the adult. That's definitely not how it works. I have to make a conscious decision to outlast him in any battle of wills because he will always push me past my usual breaking point. Now, I know that some of this is just unique to a strong-willed child, but there are lots of us out there that have those kind of children. The parents that don't have them are the ones who give you those loathsome looks in the store, church and other public places clearly trying to say with their eyes, "You do not know how to raise your child correctly, good thing I do!" Yeah, I know this sounds kinda paranoid but many of you know what I'm talking about. They're out there. Well, I've come to accept (sorta) that I just have to move past that. It's not easy. I still want to run and hide when my son lets loose one of his powerful attention grabbing tantrums in some public place and some mother with a completely docile little girl in clean clothes and sitting quietyly and demurely in her cart looks on with "THAT LOOK." Well, maybe one day I'll be rewarded for all this humliation. In some ways I already am. I now have sympathy and understanding for people I never would have. My heart goes out to that parent at the airport wrestling her screaming child with one arm while she fishes for money in her wallet to pay for the pizza that took the attendant 10 minutes to get. I have understanding for the parent checking out at the store as quickly as possible so she can go hide her embarrassment in the privacy of her car since everyone has been listening to her child wail and scream the whole time she shopped. I identify with the parent chasing her child down the mall/sidewalk/thoroughfare yelling, "STOP!" while she juggles bags and humiliation brought on by this tiny person having outsmarted her yet again. I feel for those people, and I didn't used to. I also understand how that same child can bring you to your knees with joy and love in a way I never imagined. I think it's all worth it, but boy it's hard.

The Blair...Project...

This week I was lucky enough to go and hear, in person, a speech by Tony Blair (for those of you completely out of it he's the former Prime Minister of England and N. Ireland). It was a fantastic speech. Given the media's reporting of his close relationship with G.W. I was wary at first. However, I am now, more than ever convinced that relationship was one strictly of necessity and a few common goals rather than similar thinking.

Anyway, his three major points centered around globalization, defense against terrorism, and the health of our Environment. He was fairly gentle and was great at softening his harder hitting points by adding some humor. However his overriding theme was that we need to develop a network of global relationships and alliances to better face the challenges of our future (the growing power in the far East, terrorism and environmental and engery crises). He said in no uncertain terms that coming together as citzizens of the world was the only way to conquer these looming challenges. I agree with him. I would imagine the majority of the audience did not. Or at minimum had no idea what he was talking about. Let me explain.

Tony Blair gives this terrific, sobering, inspiring speech about critical current events. The former Prime Minister is an expert/leader in politics and foreign relations/affairs: what would be the first question you would think someone would ask him after his speech? Well, I'll tell you! It was, "Who are your heroes?" I was dumbstruck. Are you serious? This earth shattering question was followed by, "Please tell us about why you converted to Roman Catholocism." And the next, even more stimulating audience contribution was someone personally thanking Mr. Blair for standing by the U.S. and President Bush and calling for a round of applause. I was embarrassed! I am fearful that Mr. Blair's perception of Southwest Michigan is now that we are a bunch of small minded childish imperialists who can't see beyond our own noses. Ok, maybe that's a little harsh. But, well I don't care.

Going green...

Ok...so this is the latest craze. I have to say I'm kinda annoyed about how it's going though. Our household has made lots of efforts to be more ecologically friendly and responsible (recycled paper towels, natural or organic laundry detergent, hand soap, toothpaste, personal care products and household cleaners, earthy friendly diapers and baby wipes, organic and natural foods, cloth reusable grocery bags, not using the plastic produce bags at the market, utilizing a recycling program). However, *warning I'm gonna be blunt* I don't think most people are intelligent enough to discern that lots of these supposedly "green" efforts by lots of huge companies are really just marketing. Not to mention how many people will be sucked into purchasing these wonderful "green" products but won't bother to recycle the plastic bottles they came in. (aka, the WALL of "green" Clorox products at the front door at Wal-Mart). Beleive you me, I am all for going "green" in a real genuine responsible way, not as a fad. But I guess the real question for me is... *here it comes - really blunt*: Why are most of us so willing to be so complacent and ignorant about our choices in life?

Now, I know this goes much deeper than your particular shade of "green." But really? What are we doing? I'm amazed at how upset people are about the prices of gas. Frankly I think it's wonderful (depsite the disruption to my spending money). What else is going to acutally make people take notice of the impending crisis our overuse and dependence on fossil fuel will create? Does it really not bother you to see yet another huge tract of land taken up by yet another strip mall where people can overextend their credit in yet another way? I guess what I'm getting at is where is our sense of stewardship in life? What do you think?

I-lub-oo...

So this week, for the first time of his own volition, my son told me that he loved me. Ok, it sounds more like "I Lub Oo," (said mostly as one word) but still! I'm am constantly awed at how pure and honest he is, sometimes painfully so. That's what makes these moments so overwhelming. There's no pretense, he doesn't hold back, he just expresses exactly what he thinks/wants/feels right now and as unadulterated as possible. He dances with wild abandon to pretty much any song he fancies. He's very fond of the ABC song at the moment, and that's definitely in the top 10 dance songs at our house. When you watch him, his movements are so natural, he tries new contortions and flailings spontaneously and without self conscious inhibition. What must it be like to be that free? I know I probably was at one time, but it was so long ago and I'm so inhibited by how I hope and fear other people perceive me that I'm never sure I'm myself anymore.

How does that happen? How do we start living outside ourselves so much? What makes us think we should? Is it reversible? I hope so. I think I'm gonna try it.

I feel...

...the pressure. I feel like I need to write something. And, I'm really self-conscious about what I write. Lots of things have been "going on" in my life, but none of them seem blog worthy. Leif got his first hair cut and did a lot of screaming, we got rid of our "spare" washer and dryer, Frasier got new feeding dishes. Clearly there's too much excitement in my life to report on any one thing. My friend Michael has the ridiculously obscure and clever market cornered in his blog (see "This is stupid" link) so I can't go that route.

Maybe I should just get down to what I'm avoiding. I'm turning 32 next week. Doesn't that seem outrageous? I am now an age that I at least vaguely remember my parents being. How could I be there already? Have I done enough already? Do I have enough energy to do anything else? Having a toddler definitely makes me question that last one.

Really, overall, I'm pretty satisfied with my life when I stop to think about it. I never had extremely specific expectations about my adulthood. I thought I'd grow up and be happy; the specifics of that were pretty up in the air. That probably accounts for my satisfaction: I haven't been disappointed. Sure I'd like some things to be different...

- I'd like my parents to live closer to me.
- I wish that I had gotten more sleep over the last 2.5 years.
- I'd like to live in a bigger/nicer house with more than one bathroom.
- I'd like to be in better physcial shape/health.

But mostly I have a lot of really great things in my life...

- I have an astonishingly smart, sweet and vivacious child
- I have an intelligent, loyal and well employed husband =)
- I am really close to my family
- I have some very good friends
- I finished my Masters degree
- I am LOVING what little work I do outside the home (teaching)
- We have a really comfortable bed
- Leif sleeps through the night pretty consitently.

What I notice is that I wouldn't trade any of those good things for things I want or would wish. Ok I'd probably trade the bed and maybe even my job for having my parents closer and being in better shape. That's not doing too bad for almost 32.

The catalyst: A memorial

One catalyst for the conversation I had with my Dad that resulted in him telling me to write more was the recent death of my husband's and my friend Scott Merkel.

Erik and I met Scott in May of 2001, a few months before we were married. He was the listing realtor for the house that we later bought (and still live in). We were immediately impressed with the house and being new to the home purchasing experience probably didn't conceal our enthusiasm very well. Scott later told us that he knew we were going to make an offer. He said, "It was obvious." We were also impressed with Scott. He was easy to be around, funny, smart and bluntly honest (something that those of you who know me will understand I appreciate). That was the beginning of our friendship with Scott. Even though througout the coming years we didn't actually see him often it was always with delight that we spent time with him, his wife and later his daughter Lexie. Amanda, his wife, is such fun and full of life. Their daugther Lexie, so smart, thoughtful and sweet. One of my most cherished memories of time spent with them was when after many hours of laboring on the new flooring in our living room - Scott, Amanda and Lexie stopped by with the intention of giving Erik some pointers on what to do to finish/fix the floor. They ended up spending the rest of the evening with us. Scott and Erik diligently working on the floor while Amanda, Lexie and I watched Disney movies. I remember telling Amanda how I felt guilty that Scott was spending all this time working on our house and that we hadn't intended for him to do that. She made it clear that it wasn't a bother by saying, "Are you kidding? This is what he would rather be doing."

Despite the fact that our contact over the last several years has been sporadic, I have been deeply grieved by the loss of Scott. Not a day has past since his death that I haven't thought of him, his wife, their daughter and his family. I try to imagine what it must be like to wake up in the morning with the realization that he is no longer here as a spouse, a parent, a son, a brother...but I can't. What little I have to offer in the area of spiritual support through prayer and good thoughts I've streamed their way as often as I've thought of them.

Scott will be sorely missed. However, no matter how cliche, he was definitely a bright spot in the world and left this world better than when he came into it, just by being who he was.

I'm certain this is an unconventional way of starting a blog, but none-the-less Scott's really the reason it has started so it seems fitting.

And so it begins...

During our recent vacation to Orlando my Dad told me that I should spend some time writing. I asked, "You mean like a blog." And he said, "Yes, blog." He is of the opinion that this may help me in my existential journey/angst/fear/uncertainty. I'm not so sure yet.

One of the reasons I hadn't started one before, despite how envogue they've become, was because I assumed I had to have a sense of importance about what I was going to write in order to commit it to type and screen. My husband pointed out to me that no one HAS to read it. So, with that caveat I guess I'll share my thoughts with whomever bothers to read this.