It's fun to get reacquainted with my Boyfriend's friends. And make new ones. Last Saturday morning I went to a neighborhood brunch by myself. (It was a golf morning.) I met several people but one was an artist who's married to an executive type Japanese woman whom I didn't meet because she's in Japan with their little seven year old daughter who's bilingual and will attend public school in Japan for the month of July.
Everybody has a story. Everybody's interesting.
My Boyfriend told me when I first arrived that he'd seen an old friend from the neighborhood who recently moved back - and he has a lady friend.
This morning I called him up, explained who I was, and invited them over for cake and coffee tonight.
When I'm at home I don't often do these things because there are already so many wonderful people in my life.
This afternoon I made the deluxe version of the recipe on the back of the Pillsbury Carrot Cake box. This required, in addition to the regular ingredients, pineapple, raisins, coconut and pecans. We worked on it together. It turned out well.
Maybe I'll make some new friends tonight.
***
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Meetings
I used to go to lots of meetings. Not so much anymore. When I sometimes ask my Boyfriend if he'd like to do something totally fun he says "Sure, I've got no meetings to go to!"
This morning I heard a man tell about 4 things he does to help him attend and conduct successful meetings and conferences. I agree with his list. Here it is. The comments are mine.
1. SHOW UP
I would add "Show up on time." A whole lot of getting things done is simply showing up. When I worked as a consultant I had to show up. No matter what. One time when I was really sick my Real Husband drove me to my meeting and practically carried me into my presentation. But I did it.
2. LISTEN
People who come off as really smart are actually listening very carefully to others before they speak.
3. TELL THE TRUTH
It needs to be done gently and with sensitivity but not telling the truth wastes a lot of time.
4. LOVE
This may not make sense to you for all kinds of meeting situations. But I see it as a way of life. I also believe this: "The most loving decision is usually the most businesslike decision." Even if somebody has to get fired.
***
This morning I heard a man tell about 4 things he does to help him attend and conduct successful meetings and conferences. I agree with his list. Here it is. The comments are mine.
1. SHOW UP
I would add "Show up on time." A whole lot of getting things done is simply showing up. When I worked as a consultant I had to show up. No matter what. One time when I was really sick my Real Husband drove me to my meeting and practically carried me into my presentation. But I did it.
2. LISTEN
People who come off as really smart are actually listening very carefully to others before they speak.
3. TELL THE TRUTH
It needs to be done gently and with sensitivity but not telling the truth wastes a lot of time.
4. LOVE
This may not make sense to you for all kinds of meeting situations. But I see it as a way of life. I also believe this: "The most loving decision is usually the most businesslike decision." Even if somebody has to get fired.
***
Friday, June 27, 2008
Learning to Love Evangelicals
Do you think "Evangelical" is a scary word? It actually means a person who finds salvation through the teachings of Jesus, i. e., giving ones self to Christ rather than, or in addition to, just taking the sacraments and doing good works.
The word "evangelical" is NOT synonymous with the "Religious Right."
According to polls taken in the past four years, more than half of all evangelicals have substantial differences with the Religious Right.
A whole new group of evangelical leaders is emerging. One of them is a man from my neighborhood, Joel Hunter. He heads up a remarkable church called Northland and each week preaches to 10,000 people.
Hunter came on the national scene when he was asked to be president of the Christian Coalition. But they soon parted ways citing differences in philosophy and vision.
Since then he's worked with a group of evangelicals and and others to try to establish common ground on polarizing issues such as the role of religion in public life.
He has condemned Bush Administration policies permitting torture and the inhumane treatment of detainees. He's attended the U.S.-Islamic World Forum.
He opposes government coercion on issues of private morality. He has a Biblically consistent pro-life agenda, i.e., one that includes war, poverty and human rights.
Another of the new evangelicals is Rick Warren. In '05 he called upon his huge congregation to support an effort in Rwanda to alleviate hunger, teach literacy and slow the spread of AIDS. His ultimate goal is to enlist Christians worldwide in the struggle against poverty, illiteracy and disease.
Bill Hybels, another evangelical and pastor of the mega church Willow Creek, is fighting AIDs and poverty worldwide.
Warren's been harshly criticized for inviting Barack Obama to an AIDs conference, and Bill Hybels was attacked for asking Jimmy Carter to speak at a conference on leadership.
(By the way, Jimmy Carter IS an evangelical.)
Most evangelicals are willing to work side by side with those of other faiths to do what the Gospel calls them to do.
Most evangelicals are expressing alarm about man-made global warming.
These evangelical leaders haven't endorsed a candidate or a political party. Parishioners are encouraged to make their own decisions.
In a paper called "For the Health of the Nation," they state that evangelicals see it as their duty "never to be completely equated with any party, partisan ideology, economic system or nationality," because that way faith loses its independence.
***
The word "evangelical" is NOT synonymous with the "Religious Right."
According to polls taken in the past four years, more than half of all evangelicals have substantial differences with the Religious Right.
A whole new group of evangelical leaders is emerging. One of them is a man from my neighborhood, Joel Hunter. He heads up a remarkable church called Northland and each week preaches to 10,000 people.
Hunter came on the national scene when he was asked to be president of the Christian Coalition. But they soon parted ways citing differences in philosophy and vision.
Since then he's worked with a group of evangelicals and and others to try to establish common ground on polarizing issues such as the role of religion in public life.
He has condemned Bush Administration policies permitting torture and the inhumane treatment of detainees. He's attended the U.S.-Islamic World Forum.
He opposes government coercion on issues of private morality. He has a Biblically consistent pro-life agenda, i.e., one that includes war, poverty and human rights.
Another of the new evangelicals is Rick Warren. In '05 he called upon his huge congregation to support an effort in Rwanda to alleviate hunger, teach literacy and slow the spread of AIDS. His ultimate goal is to enlist Christians worldwide in the struggle against poverty, illiteracy and disease.
Bill Hybels, another evangelical and pastor of the mega church Willow Creek, is fighting AIDs and poverty worldwide.
Warren's been harshly criticized for inviting Barack Obama to an AIDs conference, and Bill Hybels was attacked for asking Jimmy Carter to speak at a conference on leadership.
(By the way, Jimmy Carter IS an evangelical.)
Most evangelicals are willing to work side by side with those of other faiths to do what the Gospel calls them to do.
Most evangelicals are expressing alarm about man-made global warming.
These evangelical leaders haven't endorsed a candidate or a political party. Parishioners are encouraged to make their own decisions.
In a paper called "For the Health of the Nation," they state that evangelicals see it as their duty "never to be completely equated with any party, partisan ideology, economic system or nationality," because that way faith loses its independence.
***
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
They Could Bring Home the Bacon and Fry It Up in the Pan
Years ago I was asked to design a Bible study that would highlight women in the Bible who, in addition to being wives and mothers, made a difference for good in their world.
Yes, the roles of women were severely restricted. Yes, they were seen as the property of men.
But many of them broke out of the mold anyway.
Following are four of my favorite "take no prisoners" women from the Old Testament. I'm adding the Bible verses so you can look it up if you don't believe me.
Deborah - She was the only female Judge of Israel. Her hobbies were leading armies into battle and writing song lyrics. She told Barak to go to war. He was scared and said "You go with me." She did and they cleaned house.
Jael - (Same story) In the heat of battle, she lured the bad guy into her tent, put him to sleep with some warm milk, and then drove a tent peg through his head. End of battle. End of story. Judges 4 & 5
An interesting aside: When I was traveling in Israel my guide was named Jael. Only in Israel would parents name their little baby girl after this character.
Huldah - Some guys were repairing the Temple when they found an old scroll. What to do? Huldah, a prophet and the only person smart enough to interpret the scroll was called in. She read it, authenticated it and told the king he needed to make some big changes. He did. I Kings 22.
Abigail - She was married to this mean guy who disrespected David. This made him stupid as well. (His name means "fool.") When Abigail got wind of what he'd done she went to David and apologized profusely for her husband, thereby saving his life, her life and the lives of all their servants. When she got back home she told her husband what she'd done. He had a stroke and died. Then she married David. The end. I Samuel 25
***
Yes, the roles of women were severely restricted. Yes, they were seen as the property of men.
But many of them broke out of the mold anyway.
Following are four of my favorite "take no prisoners" women from the Old Testament. I'm adding the Bible verses so you can look it up if you don't believe me.
Deborah - She was the only female Judge of Israel. Her hobbies were leading armies into battle and writing song lyrics. She told Barak to go to war. He was scared and said "You go with me." She did and they cleaned house.
Jael - (Same story) In the heat of battle, she lured the bad guy into her tent, put him to sleep with some warm milk, and then drove a tent peg through his head. End of battle. End of story. Judges 4 & 5
An interesting aside: When I was traveling in Israel my guide was named Jael. Only in Israel would parents name their little baby girl after this character.
Huldah - Some guys were repairing the Temple when they found an old scroll. What to do? Huldah, a prophet and the only person smart enough to interpret the scroll was called in. She read it, authenticated it and told the king he needed to make some big changes. He did. I Kings 22.
Abigail - She was married to this mean guy who disrespected David. This made him stupid as well. (His name means "fool.") When Abigail got wind of what he'd done she went to David and apologized profusely for her husband, thereby saving his life, her life and the lives of all their servants. When she got back home she told her husband what she'd done. He had a stroke and died. Then she married David. The end. I Samuel 25
***
He is My...BOYFRIEND!
I've had a good bit of feedback from the "Movie Quotes I Like" posting. Seems everybody has their favorite movie lines. They've reminded me of many more that I like.
One of my favorite movies is Mel Brook's 1974 masterpiece "Young Frankenstein." Practically every line in the movie is quotable. But I have a very favorite.
When I started my blog I created names for the people I most often mention. I pondered for a while about what to call this very special man who's come into my life at this late date. I searched for a word that would connote the deep, deep feelings I have for him. It's hard for me because I'm not a romantic, mushy person.
Then I thought of my favorite line from "Young Frankenstein."
Young Dr. Frankenstein is having a conversation with the ancient, crazy housekeeper, Frau Blucher, played by Cloris Leachman. He discovers that his grandfather (the real Dr. Frankenstein) and Frau Blucher had been lovers.
Young Dr. F: Then you and Victor were...
Frau Blucher: YES, YES, say it. He vas my...BOYFRIEND!
***
One of my favorite movies is Mel Brook's 1974 masterpiece "Young Frankenstein." Practically every line in the movie is quotable. But I have a very favorite.
When I started my blog I created names for the people I most often mention. I pondered for a while about what to call this very special man who's come into my life at this late date. I searched for a word that would connote the deep, deep feelings I have for him. It's hard for me because I'm not a romantic, mushy person.
Then I thought of my favorite line from "Young Frankenstein."
Young Dr. Frankenstein is having a conversation with the ancient, crazy housekeeper, Frau Blucher, played by Cloris Leachman. He discovers that his grandfather (the real Dr. Frankenstein) and Frau Blucher had been lovers.
Young Dr. F: Then you and Victor were...
Frau Blucher: YES, YES, say it. He vas my...BOYFRIEND!
***
Monday, June 23, 2008
Running Shoes
I was a runner. I didn't run far and I didn't run fast but I ran for a very long time.
I got a lot of grief from people about my shoes.
I ran in Keds.
When the fancy new running shoes started coming out I tried them but they were way too heavy. By the time the lighter weight ones arrived I was too much in love with my Keds.
And, the more expensive athletic shoes became mandatory, the more I resisted. I used to remind people that, from the beginning of history - up to a couple of hundred years ago - we ran in our bare feet.
For about six months in the 90s I was a consultant for a man who owned nine athletic shoe stores. I taught him some things about how to treat his managers but I learned a lot too. New shoes come out every six months. High school kids have to have the latest. It's one thing to be killed for your shoes in a war torn country but it's astounding that it's fairly common in some areas of this country for a pair of Air Jordans.
Yes, I do understand the allure of the label. After all, I love my Chuck's.
But now today, of all things, I read in the paper that a growing number of runners are shedding their shoes and running barefoot!
Some experts are saying that it's a myth that cushioning in shoes is always better. That it's all about marketing! (The result of which has been shoes with gel pockets, air pumps and computer chips.) But for some runners they produce an unnatural gait where the heel, not the forefoot, absorbs the impact.
It's nice to be vindicated after all of these years but I would never run barefoot - except on the beach.
I'll stick to my lightweight, canvas tennies.
***
I got a lot of grief from people about my shoes.
I ran in Keds.
When the fancy new running shoes started coming out I tried them but they were way too heavy. By the time the lighter weight ones arrived I was too much in love with my Keds.
And, the more expensive athletic shoes became mandatory, the more I resisted. I used to remind people that, from the beginning of history - up to a couple of hundred years ago - we ran in our bare feet.
For about six months in the 90s I was a consultant for a man who owned nine athletic shoe stores. I taught him some things about how to treat his managers but I learned a lot too. New shoes come out every six months. High school kids have to have the latest. It's one thing to be killed for your shoes in a war torn country but it's astounding that it's fairly common in some areas of this country for a pair of Air Jordans.
Yes, I do understand the allure of the label. After all, I love my Chuck's.
But now today, of all things, I read in the paper that a growing number of runners are shedding their shoes and running barefoot!
Some experts are saying that it's a myth that cushioning in shoes is always better. That it's all about marketing! (The result of which has been shoes with gel pockets, air pumps and computer chips.) But for some runners they produce an unnatural gait where the heel, not the forefoot, absorbs the impact.
It's nice to be vindicated after all of these years but I would never run barefoot - except on the beach.
I'll stick to my lightweight, canvas tennies.
***
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Movie Quotes I Like
As you know, I love movies. There are endless numbers of movie quotes on line. I quote movies all the time when I'm at a loss for words. Here are just a few that I like - from movies I've seen.
My son knows the entire dialogue for "Blazing Saddles" (as do a number of men his age.) By the way, yes, he does have a job. A quote that comes in handy from "Blazing Saddles" when you're questioned about some decisions that have gone awry is,
"Mongo only pawn in game of life."
I like several quotes from "Fried Green Tomatoes." One of my favorites is when Kathy Bates has been taunted in the grocery store parking lot by some young skinny babes and she finally rams her car into theirs and yells,
"Face it girls, I'm older and I have more insurance."
My very favorite movie line is from "The Bill Chill." Jeff Goldblum says to his friend when she expresses concern that nobody will show up at her funeral,
"I'll come and I'll bring a date."
I've used the line many times to bring a little levity to the funeral situation. It's even more apropos now that I have a date to bring.
The two most quoted movie actors are Clint Eastwood and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The line of Clint's that I've used the most is,
"Do you feel lucky? Do you?"
That's not exactly the right quote but that's how I use it. Clint adds the word "punk."
My favorite Arnold quote is from "Kindergarten Cop."
"I have a headache."
Little kid says "Maybe it's a brain tumor."
(This is the quote I use.) "It's NOT a TUMuur."
A few years back I was listening to a friend of mine, a very prestigious professor, give his farewell speech. It was dry and scholarly. Besides that he has a heavy spanish accent. As he wrapped it up he said that he'd close, using both of his favorite languages, by quoting a famous immigrant who'd done well in politics. And he did by saying.
"Hasta Lavesta Baby."
***
My son knows the entire dialogue for "Blazing Saddles" (as do a number of men his age.) By the way, yes, he does have a job. A quote that comes in handy from "Blazing Saddles" when you're questioned about some decisions that have gone awry is,
"Mongo only pawn in game of life."
I like several quotes from "Fried Green Tomatoes." One of my favorites is when Kathy Bates has been taunted in the grocery store parking lot by some young skinny babes and she finally rams her car into theirs and yells,
"Face it girls, I'm older and I have more insurance."
My very favorite movie line is from "The Bill Chill." Jeff Goldblum says to his friend when she expresses concern that nobody will show up at her funeral,
"I'll come and I'll bring a date."
I've used the line many times to bring a little levity to the funeral situation. It's even more apropos now that I have a date to bring.
The two most quoted movie actors are Clint Eastwood and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The line of Clint's that I've used the most is,
"Do you feel lucky? Do you?"
That's not exactly the right quote but that's how I use it. Clint adds the word "punk."
My favorite Arnold quote is from "Kindergarten Cop."
"I have a headache."
Little kid says "Maybe it's a brain tumor."
(This is the quote I use.) "It's NOT a TUMuur."
A few years back I was listening to a friend of mine, a very prestigious professor, give his farewell speech. It was dry and scholarly. Besides that he has a heavy spanish accent. As he wrapped it up he said that he'd close, using both of his favorite languages, by quoting a famous immigrant who'd done well in politics. And he did by saying.
"Hasta Lavesta Baby."
***
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