Life Is
Taking the first thing that comes to your mind, complete the sentence:
Life is ...
Even better, write down that sentence and use it as a response (comment) below.
Back during the "Happiness is..." era, I had a housemate who collected phrases starting with "life is...". It was a quirky hobby, but it was also entertaining what people came up with. He would just ask and wait for a response. The first time he asked me (completely out of the blue, as always) I remember that I was feeling a bit of a curmudgeon with my work and school load and mumbled something like "life is inflicted on us". I don't think he expected something that dark from me, paused a moment, and then wandered off jotting it down. Normally I'm much more of a "life is good" guy. Plain and simple and optimistically upbeat. Years later...
A favorite of my wife and I is Jake, the "life is good" guy that we now have on a number of our shirts. A worthy message. Because, in spite of all the detractors, life is good.
The results of completing that phrase often reflects on moods or philosophical pondering. Over the years I've run across some good additions to the collection and made note...
My list along the way:
-----------------------------------------------
Life is like a handkerchief sandwich.
Life is a bitch, then you die.
Life is a long and winding road.
Life is a game where the object of the game is to figure out the rules.
Life is what you make of it.
Life is a small boat tossed about in a big sea of hopes.
Life is a miracle.
Life is a Long Song (Jethro Tull).
Life is killing me.
Life is too short for cheap beer (booze, chocolate, etc).
Life is for living.
Life is but a dream (childrens song; Row, Row, Row Your Boat)
...life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get. (Forrest Gump)
Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans. (John Lennon)
Life is your story, and if you aren't going to be the hero then who is?
Life is good!
Please add yours below...
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Friday, March 25, 2005
Little Squaw with Big Eagle Feathers
My eldest daughter is studying Native American history in her 3rd grade class. Earlier this week she came home wearing a headdress that was a headband with feathers she made out of decorated construction paper. The next day she wore it back to school again. While I was tempted to ask "aren't you too old to wear stuff like that", I also remember back to when I was her age and the fun imaginary times I enjoyed. Given the chance, I would have worn Batman or some other superhero garb through most of early grade school. I know someday she will outgrow it, which makes it that much more precious today. Plus I can get those embarrassing photos to show later...
The reason she was wearing it? She was playing "Cops and Indians" with the boys. She was one of the chiefs that the cops had to catch. The total mismatch and disregard of stereotypes had me chuckling.
After she headed out to play I got the chance to talk with her teacher who was monitoring the playground. She told me about how careful they have to be with the materials so that they are "politically correct" and age-relevant. While I hope my daughter does learn the truthful history, I also realize that the truths of the European territorial aggression, subjugation, slavery and genocide of the native peoples that led to the North American nations we have today raises a lot of philosophical and humanity questions that she isn't ready for. So Cops and Indians it is, for now.
Yes, I do call her "little squaw with big eagle feathers" when she puts the headdress on. Sure there's a little poke of fun in there and I think she knows it. But there is also a good dose of acknowledgment and respect in there too.
My eldest daughter is studying Native American history in her 3rd grade class. Earlier this week she came home wearing a headdress that was a headband with feathers she made out of decorated construction paper. The next day she wore it back to school again. While I was tempted to ask "aren't you too old to wear stuff like that", I also remember back to when I was her age and the fun imaginary times I enjoyed. Given the chance, I would have worn Batman or some other superhero garb through most of early grade school. I know someday she will outgrow it, which makes it that much more precious today. Plus I can get those embarrassing photos to show later...
The reason she was wearing it? She was playing "Cops and Indians" with the boys. She was one of the chiefs that the cops had to catch. The total mismatch and disregard of stereotypes had me chuckling.
After she headed out to play I got the chance to talk with her teacher who was monitoring the playground. She told me about how careful they have to be with the materials so that they are "politically correct" and age-relevant. While I hope my daughter does learn the truthful history, I also realize that the truths of the European territorial aggression, subjugation, slavery and genocide of the native peoples that led to the North American nations we have today raises a lot of philosophical and humanity questions that she isn't ready for. So Cops and Indians it is, for now.
Yes, I do call her "little squaw with big eagle feathers" when she puts the headdress on. Sure there's a little poke of fun in there and I think she knows it. But there is also a good dose of acknowledgment and respect in there too.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Life's Frailty
When does life start? When does life end? These are cosmic questions and I won't pretend to know the answer. They are questions that we may never understand the true answer to. It is the realm of beliefs and faiths. With so many different beliefs, it is certain that some must be wrong but there is no certainty that any are right.
There is a time to welcome life. There is a time to let life go. Just as it is noble to welcome a newborn, or to save a life, it is noble to accept someone's passing. It does not decrease the value of life. It accepts that a life that has ebbed will end. It celebrates a life that hopefully was well lived, while accepting that it is or will soon be gone. Death is the antithesis of life. No matter how much we resist or deny it, it is inevitable. We enjoy the life we have, and our interactions with others. For there is no other course.
No parent should outlive their kids. Many children have to deal with the passing of their parents, and the passing can never happen too late. We are reminded of the frailty of life daily. We may not want to face it or admit it, but the end is not in our control. I wish my parents would live forever but know they won't. I hope my kids outlive me and do my best to assure it, but know that it is not mine to say. And so I look forward to enjoying as long a life with them as I can.
Now we are faced with the all too sensationalized news of the parents and loved ones at odds over the fate of Terri Schiavo. Is it nobler to insert a feeding tube to keep her from starving to death? Or to let this severely brain damaged woman's body die naturally? She can not do anything to keep herself alive. But the doctors can keep her body alive. They have for over a third of her ... existence. She may have passed away 14 years ago. We can't know. But we know her body is alive. How long should they sustain her? Sometimes it is hard to let go of hope. Sometimes it is hard to let go... Her husband has let go. Her parents haven't. It has become a press and politics circus.
My condolences to all involved. May they find solace.
When does life start? When does life end? These are cosmic questions and I won't pretend to know the answer. They are questions that we may never understand the true answer to. It is the realm of beliefs and faiths. With so many different beliefs, it is certain that some must be wrong but there is no certainty that any are right.
There is a time to welcome life. There is a time to let life go. Just as it is noble to welcome a newborn, or to save a life, it is noble to accept someone's passing. It does not decrease the value of life. It accepts that a life that has ebbed will end. It celebrates a life that hopefully was well lived, while accepting that it is or will soon be gone. Death is the antithesis of life. No matter how much we resist or deny it, it is inevitable. We enjoy the life we have, and our interactions with others. For there is no other course.
No parent should outlive their kids. Many children have to deal with the passing of their parents, and the passing can never happen too late. We are reminded of the frailty of life daily. We may not want to face it or admit it, but the end is not in our control. I wish my parents would live forever but know they won't. I hope my kids outlive me and do my best to assure it, but know that it is not mine to say. And so I look forward to enjoying as long a life with them as I can.
Now we are faced with the all too sensationalized news of the parents and loved ones at odds over the fate of Terri Schiavo. Is it nobler to insert a feeding tube to keep her from starving to death? Or to let this severely brain damaged woman's body die naturally? She can not do anything to keep herself alive. But the doctors can keep her body alive. They have for over a third of her ... existence. She may have passed away 14 years ago. We can't know. But we know her body is alive. How long should they sustain her? Sometimes it is hard to let go of hope. Sometimes it is hard to let go... Her husband has let go. Her parents haven't. It has become a press and politics circus.
My condolences to all involved. May they find solace.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Adventure...
After I posted the blog with the Carpe Diem snippet I mentioned to my dear wife that I had a new blog up. She read that snippet and questioned my motives... Was I saying I had the urge for a mid-life crisis? What was all this about wanting an adventure?
Hmmm, what were my motives?
Now, I do have to admit that there are certain 2 seater roadsters that look more appealing lately, but I was joking about my wife's pointing out on several occasions that she is my "mid-life" crisis and how it is good to have it (just the crisis part, not the wife or life part) behind me. Always meant in good humor.
Adventure is calling. Heck, it always is. You just have to stop and listen... We all have outings or adventures that beckon us. The "spice of life" kind of stuff. Sometimes they are simple and in our own backyards. Sometimes they are complex and halfway around the world. The challenge becomes making them happen.
...and yes honey, you're invited.
The TV Trap
The broadcast marketing machine is alive and well with Americans watching more TV than ever.
Are you ready for TV-Turnoff Week : April 25 - May 1, 2005? A token statement, if you ask me. But it does bring attention to one of our societal compulsions.
The best statistics I can find online are outdated. This is ironic, considering the networks have very recent numbers. But then, they pay big bucks for them.
According to 2000 Nielsen Media Research study estimates, televisions were on 7 hours a day in the typical home and the average American spent nearly 4 hours a day watching TV. The average child spent more time over the course of a year watching TV than they spent in school. By the age of 65, if you are average, you will have spent 9 years of your life watching television! This does not count time spent watching videos or playing video games. Yikes! And apparently these numbers have gone up since then.
Other interesting TV related snippets:
House of Representatives Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2005
Facts and Figures about our TV habits (pdf)
...it sure does look like a good day to get outside!
After I posted the blog with the Carpe Diem snippet I mentioned to my dear wife that I had a new blog up. She read that snippet and questioned my motives... Was I saying I had the urge for a mid-life crisis? What was all this about wanting an adventure?
Hmmm, what were my motives?
Now, I do have to admit that there are certain 2 seater roadsters that look more appealing lately, but I was joking about my wife's pointing out on several occasions that she is my "mid-life" crisis and how it is good to have it (just the crisis part, not the wife or life part) behind me. Always meant in good humor.
Adventure is calling. Heck, it always is. You just have to stop and listen... We all have outings or adventures that beckon us. The "spice of life" kind of stuff. Sometimes they are simple and in our own backyards. Sometimes they are complex and halfway around the world. The challenge becomes making them happen.
...and yes honey, you're invited.
The TV Trap
The broadcast marketing machine is alive and well with Americans watching more TV than ever.
Are you ready for TV-Turnoff Week : April 25 - May 1, 2005? A token statement, if you ask me. But it does bring attention to one of our societal compulsions.
The best statistics I can find online are outdated. This is ironic, considering the networks have very recent numbers. But then, they pay big bucks for them.
According to 2000 Nielsen Media Research study estimates, televisions were on 7 hours a day in the typical home and the average American spent nearly 4 hours a day watching TV. The average child spent more time over the course of a year watching TV than they spent in school. By the age of 65, if you are average, you will have spent 9 years of your life watching television! This does not count time spent watching videos or playing video games. Yikes! And apparently these numbers have gone up since then.
Other interesting TV related snippets:
House of Representatives Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2005
Facts and Figures about our TV habits (pdf)
...it sure does look like a good day to get outside!
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Fashion Statements
It's not that my wife and I don't set a good example or try to dress our girls well. It's that my daughters are trend setters. It must be.
Take the youngest one. She has always had fussy feet. We've gotten her those special socks with the almost undetectable smooth seams so that she will wear socks at all. She likes to pull them up tight. No bunching or wrinkles allowed. So tight that most of her socks have developed holes where toes stick through. She has even taken to pulling them up over her pants legs. That may be a bit outside the norm, but isn't that how most fashion trends start?
My elder daughter likes colorful but well worn clothes. Flowered pants and striped shirt are common. The more worn the better. Sometimes we have to insist they go in the wash. Sometimes we have to insist she go in the wash.
But alas, I look at how some of the older kids in the neighborhood dress and count my blessings.
It's not that my wife and I don't set a good example or try to dress our girls well. It's that my daughters are trend setters. It must be.
Take the youngest one. She has always had fussy feet. We've gotten her those special socks with the almost undetectable smooth seams so that she will wear socks at all. She likes to pull them up tight. No bunching or wrinkles allowed. So tight that most of her socks have developed holes where toes stick through. She has even taken to pulling them up over her pants legs. That may be a bit outside the norm, but isn't that how most fashion trends start?
My elder daughter likes colorful but well worn clothes. Flowered pants and striped shirt are common. The more worn the better. Sometimes we have to insist they go in the wash. Sometimes we have to insist she go in the wash.
But alas, I look at how some of the older kids in the neighborhood dress and count my blessings.
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