Throw me some beads, mister!

Happy Mardi Gras!
The quintessential day before lent when people world wide let it all hang out (some more literally than others). The day we indulge in Paczkis (those tasty little fruit or custard filled donut-type treats), eat red meat, do crazy things for those little strings of beads, and generally celebrate before the dark veil of Lent begins. It's called Shrove Tuesday (because we are supposed to confess our sins), Fat Tuesday (because, let's face it, we overeat today and then give up those sweets for the next 40 days until Easter) and Carnivale (because we celebrate like crazy).

For Catholics worldwide, it's the day we must look at Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter, and choose to sacrifice something. We are given so many good things in life, what's a little self-sacrifice now and again?

What am I giving up? The same things my father always gave up...underwater basket weaving and skydiving. (ha! I'll let you guess....)

Authenticity

I've tried to rent space on a blog I've enjoyed reading by Jac. We'll see if I get accepted or not. But I figure, I've written my thoughts here to share with the world, family, friends. I should be slightly more proactive about actually sharing them. Sometimes they are sheer babble, but isn't that the point? To have that expressive moment, that place in the internet world all your own? It's a crazy endeavour, but I thrive on commentary from others. I draw energy from it. And as a stay-at-home mom, I could really use it right now.

Some friends of mine use a phrase I like "being authentic". It means to be true to yourself & the world. Without pretense or agenda. I've tried hard to become that sort of person, and in doing so I think I've lost a few special people along the way. In attempting to reconnect not only to them, but to myself, I've been looking forward and trying not to draw off the past, but start anew. So when I read Jac's blog about being in the 101 in 1001 project I felt inspired. My own 101 in 1001 will be posted soon at http://kimba1001.blogspot.com I hope to accomplish alot.

Walls o' Stench...an odourous journey

Today I have the tedious task of driving my daughter to the Michigan border so she can meet her father at this half-way point, all for the joy of spending the weekend with him. Such is the life of divorced parents who live in different states. About once a month, and during vacation times, we meet half way, do the drop off/pick up task, then drive our respective route home. Only to turn around on Sunday to do the same again. It is alot of driving (typically about 6 hours, more or less) each time, but I don't mind. It's good for her to spend time with her dad. The only part of the drive I really dread...Indiana.

Now, I don't mean to offend anyone who lives in the state, I'm certain there has to be some good places to see...but must it stink? The I-94 corridor around Lake Michigan has three distinctive Walls o' Stench, as I prefer to refer to them. The first is somewhat like strapping a used diaper over your face. The second, slightly "sweeter" more like raw meat left out on the sidewalk in the heat. And last, a lingering odor I can liken only somewhat like the B.O. of the entire populous of Gary, IN.

What is it? Other cities don't have that problem. I drive through the entirety of Chicago with all the industry that is there, and there is no smell (well, save the exhaust from the endless back-up of cars). Do other cities export their stench to Indiana? Perhaps this is some sort of scheme I'm not aware of?

Faith

Today I have all sorts of fear & worry about getting prenant. Ok, more specifically about not getting pregnant. I'm trying to put my faith in God, that he will bless us when it's supposed to happen. However, my fears are great today. Has anyone had these same worries?? Anyone?

Scheherezade

Friday the hubby, daughter, and I spent a lovely evening at the Milwaukee Ballet. We have season tickets, and though there are only 4 ballets each year, it is a wonderful cultural break to the otherwise mundane world. This month's show was "Scheherzade" from Arabian Nights fame. The featured stories were not only her own, of how she told stories to the sultan for 1001 nights to prevent her own death, but "Sinbad", "Aladdin" and the prince & the lady in the moon. As always, with the Milwaukee Ballet, it was beautifully costumed, gorgeously danced, and several hours of delight to the senses. They really are a gem in the city. I'm proud to have the opportunity to support them.

My family and I are firm believers of the arts, and involve ourselves directly as often as possible...acting, directing, designing, etc. It's just a part of who we are. I find it sad and frustrating whenever I hear of arts programs being cut from schools and communities. I truly believe if more people not only learned to love & support their cultural communities, but bred that love in their children, there would be less violence. When you love and respect something, and learn to see the beauty in the world around you, it is only then you want to protect & cherish it.

Words of Wisdom

This was shared with me by a teacher today. I'd like to share it with you.

*When asking a question, wait at least 5 seconds before looking for answers.
*Read to your children every day
*Listen to your children every day
*Do things even if they don't appreciate them
*Try something new at least once a month
*Encourage every child to be an expert at something

Rain Rain Go Away

For anyone watching the news, you will hear weather reports that Wisconsin is being hit by a snow storm. This is true...for everywhere except where I live. Racine is in the southeastern tip of the state...and we have nothing but rain. And thunder. And lightening. It's February, for cryin' out loud!! Only 1/2 hour north of us lies big fluffy snow...several inches worth. Here...nada. For a family who likes winter...this has been the worst.

Yes, I'm perfectly aware of the fact my life is so incredibly dull I'm talking about the weather. That's what happens when you have nothing to occupy your time. Suggestions?

Lonely Wakes

I know yesterday was Valentine's Day, and I should be riding this high from love & passion. Truth is, today I feel alone. Our night was nice. Not bodice ripping passion, but nice. (Nice isn't a word I like very much, but I don't feel inclined to search for a better one, when it seems appropriate.) I guess I'm feeling like my life is unneeded. My daughter has become highly independent and will only continue to do so. My husband certainly has his own time & space, especcially with work. Me? I'm at home...all day, every day. I do work around the house, I'm working on a book (or at least the preliminaries of it), I blog mostly to write not because I think anyone actually reads this...though I'd like to think someone does. (lack of commentary makes me believe otherwise.) I used to be the kind of person who was always doing something, people were always stopping by. I'm alot more serious now, and in that seriousness, I wonder if I have really become so dull?

Who Could Doubt Mr. Darcy?

Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle in the BBC's "Pride & Prejudice"

Jane Austen's novel "Pride and Prejudice" was named the most romantic book of all time by an association of novelists in Britian this week. I think few people can really doubt this honour. I first read the book back when I was in middle school. I liked it, but it didn't speak to me. I read it again in college. It was something of fantasy. Today, in my 30s, I relate entirely to it, on every level.

I have had the odd fortune to have a relationship that is, sometimes disturbingly similar to that of Mr. Darcy & Miss Elizabeth Bennett's. My husband and I didn't start off on the best of terms. He was proud & reticent. I was (am) outspoken and bold and didn't need another relationship. Like the fictional characters, those are the qualities that eventually drew us to one another. He embodies so many of the characteristics of a Regency gentleman, his "old-fashioned" beliefs make others laugh, while I am desperatly glad for them. I, on the other hand, have grown into a Regency lady. I used to be different...I think some people would be a little surprised at how I've changed. Today I delight in being a lady, feminine, and knowledgeable.

I think Jane Austen would be pleased to have her novel gain the honours it has, but I think she'd be even more pleased to know the traditions of her time aren't entirely lost.

Winter at Last!

It's snowing!! I know, I live in Wisconsin and it's February, this shouldn't come as a bit surprise. But the reality of this winter has been dry and in the 40s! My husband, a skiier, has been highly disappointed, to say the least. So the fact there is a definate whiteness to the ground, and its continuing to fall, with more expected over the next 4 days, makes me thrilled! I can't wait to curl up on the couch w/my family on Friday to watch the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympics and actually have it be winter outside!

Mission Scratched

That'd be a No, Jim...the little guys didn't make it to their destination point. No baby this month. I'm rather sad about it, actually. Mentally I'm so ready, and just wanted this. I know that actually succeeding on the first try is rare. I know I shouldn't "try" and just let things happen. But still, I'm disappointed. *sigh* oh well.

Beauty Begins with Your Brain

In keeping with yesterday's day of praise, Dove corporation needs to be applauded with a standing ovation for their newest commercial that premiered during the SuperBowl. (Ok, no I don't watch football.) The ad shows various pre-teen & teen girls and taglines stating their insecurities about their body image.

Believe me, as the mother of a 12-year-old, its a sad reality of life. Hell, as a woman its a sad reality!! Our society places so much attention on some messed up idea of beauty! What happened to the ideal being natural, curvy women who looked like women? The fact that young girls suffer so much, and that it will effect them the rest of their lives, is pathetic. We need to not only have all girls & women learn to love themselves, and have that strength, but we need to change the mentality of boys & men. They are the ones who perpetrate this sick (literally) image.

I ask you to take a moment to encourage a young girl...even if its someone you don't even know. Stop a girl at the store and tell her she's beautiful...particularly if she is that geeky girl, or that chubby girl, or that shy girl. They are the ones who need to know they are unique and just as wonderful as everyone else...because they really are.

An expression of esteem, respect, or admiration

Today is officially Pay a Compliment Day!
I think we sometimes get so busy with the normal day to day we don't pay other the compliments they deserve. It's so easy to overlook even the smallest thing that made you smile, and we should thank them for that. It seems society is so full of negative things, on the news, on the radio, hell even most blogs are complaining about something (and I'm entirely to blame, as well!). Take a moment, and compliment someone. It will make them smile...and I bet you will too. It's my goal to compliment at least 5 people today. Are you up for the challenge??

The Fab Five

Today's random FRIDAY FIVE is all about music. Of course, I can't think of THE FAB FIVE - Duran Duran...long before the Queer Eye guys took over the moniker.

What is the first album you bought?
I think the first was Shaun Cassidy. I think it may have been called something like "Underwraps" or something equally cheesy. Hey, I was probably 8 at the time! My taste in music greatly improved.

What is the last album you bought?
The last "album" I bought was probably something by Duran Duran. The last CD I purchased was Jesse McCartney & Hillary Duff...a birthday gift for the 12-year-old.

What is your favorite “pick me up” song?
Hmmm...it really depends on the day. Today I'd probably say anything by Adam Ant.

What was the last song you sung out loud?
Right now, I'm singing along with "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper.

Name one song that no matter where you are, when you hear it, you have to dance.
"Bizarre Love Triangle" by New Order

What, no Popemobile?

Saturday I'm joining my husband and in-laws to visit the "St. Peter and the Vatican" exhibit at the Milwaukee Public Museum. I'm very excited about this, as I know the collection will be beautiful. Art & artifacts tell the tale of the 264 Popes who have headed the Roman Catholic Church.
Some of the exhibit includes:
A reproduction of the Tomb of Saint Peter
The Mandylion of Edessa, a third- to fifth-century image on linen considered the oldest known representation of Jesus
The Papa Tiara of Pope Pius IX, the symbol of the papacy, made of silver, gold, pearls and diamonds, emeralds and other precious stones
A 16th-century chalice encrusted with pearls, rock crystal, silver gilt and enamel
The first known map of Australia
A Buddhist Thanka of embroidered cloth and pearls, presented by the Dalai Lama as a gift to John Paul II.

I know in this current day and age alot of people have opinions about the Catholic church, most of which I find highly unjustified. I'm proud of my faith and the history and legacy it intales. I wasn't "damaged" by my Catholic upbringing, and had alot of priests in my life who encouraged my love of learning, and my need to question things.

I have educated myself about many world religions, and found one truth intrinsically true...we all have faith in a Higher Power, and the "Golden Rule" applies to everyone. We chose different ways of celebrating that faith. I respect others in their beliefs. With knowledge comes wisdom, after all.

I get sick of the attacks the Catholic church endures, usually from the uneducated, simply because it is one of the largest and oldest instituations in the world. When I hear these attacks, I am reminded that the Reformation didn't destroy the Church, and more importantly no man can destroy my faith and love in God or the community in which I choose to practice.

Once More Into the Fray

Ok, so we're trying to get pregnant.

It's maddening really...the wait. Wondering if those little guys can really swim blindly to the proposed destination. Wondering how society has continued all these years when its really such a hit or miss sort of game. Statistics say there are only two days each month a woman is ovulating. Of those two days your chances are about 12% on the first month of trial. Of course there is each passing year that we age which makes that even less.

And so we wait. Hoping, for the first time in my life, for that missed period.