You can call me MacGyver. Or at least that's what I told my mother in law last week.
We were on our fifth day of vacation when someone inadvertently locked her bedroom door shutting everyone out. I sprung into action as I heard the stress in her voice; I had to act quickly. Wielding only a straightened-out bobby pin, I fiddled with the tiny hole in the knob -- pretending more than knowing what to do.
But in the end, it opened. Yes; brownie points for at least 24 hours.
I must admit I felt strangely accomplished at the end. True, it didn't take much skill -- just patience and the ability to gingerly wiggle a tiny piece of metal. But I felt empowered, as if I had just checked off something big on life's little "before you die..." list. Next up: Get backstage at a rock concert using only confidence, a clipboard and a pen.
"The Notorious J.C."
I chuckled at the headline of this story on Foxnews.com. I'm more than a little surprised that "The Passion of the Christ" was dubbed the most controversial movie of all time.
Not that I put a ton of stock into what Entertainment Weekly says, but I don't think I would have picked it (of course, I think it's controversial to cast Audrey Hepburn instead of Julie Andrews in "My Fair Lady"). "The Last Temptation of Christ" would have been on there way before "Passion." I remember even as a kid that there were protesters in the streets, death threats -- it was a big deal.
"Passion" did ignite quite a bit of controversy, but a lot of that can be attributed to buzz. And buzz is not the same thing as controversy.
"Fahrenheit 9/11" stirred up truckloads of controversy. I wonder how they measured the controversy of a film in this list?
To my recollection, there is only ONE scene in "Passion" that riled people up. And while it can be viewed as a significant part of the film, it was over in a flash and even toned down by Mel Gibson in production. Not only that, but the dialog in question was taken directly from scriptural text widely accepted by Bible believers.
If we're talking faith-oriented films, those like "Temptation" or even "Da Vinci Code" win by default, if only because they call into question historical elements deemed sacred by "believers."
Thoughts, anyone?
Not that I put a ton of stock into what Entertainment Weekly says, but I don't think I would have picked it (of course, I think it's controversial to cast Audrey Hepburn instead of Julie Andrews in "My Fair Lady"). "The Last Temptation of Christ" would have been on there way before "Passion." I remember even as a kid that there were protesters in the streets, death threats -- it was a big deal.
"Passion" did ignite quite a bit of controversy, but a lot of that can be attributed to buzz. And buzz is not the same thing as controversy.
"Fahrenheit 9/11" stirred up truckloads of controversy. I wonder how they measured the controversy of a film in this list?
To my recollection, there is only ONE scene in "Passion" that riled people up. And while it can be viewed as a significant part of the film, it was over in a flash and even toned down by Mel Gibson in production. Not only that, but the dialog in question was taken directly from scriptural text widely accepted by Bible believers.
If we're talking faith-oriented films, those like "Temptation" or even "Da Vinci Code" win by default, if only because they call into question historical elements deemed sacred by "believers."
Thoughts, anyone?
If you can't be clever or thoughtful on your own...
...then have others do it for you. So says my motto for days like this, when it seems no original thought of any gravity exists in my brain. Thus I have put together a short list of some of my favorite posts from the people I link to (plus a couple others). Each sentence below is a sneak preview of the corresponding post. Just click on the one you want and enjoy!
The rest will think twice before suggesting a friendly game...of serious tennis.
And I would never categorize a song about two women, Marianne and Wanda, "both members of the 4H club, both active in the FFA" who poison Wanda's abusive husband with black-eyed peas, as "redneck."
They are building houses now in the foothills and the sun, when it is setting in a sky of clear blue-- which in turn is being enveloped in black rain clouds-- reflects in the vaulted windows of those houses.
Although they were probably standard issue for any street gang during the Eighties, I don't think anybody has actually bought one in the last ten years. The printed invoice even said: "Thank you for your purchase - welcome to 1987."
The ideal women of literature are Beatrice and Elizabeth Bennett.
I think that the misconception, at least that I’ve held for a while, is that we’re freer in every sense until marriage.
As if I needed another mindless timewaster in my life, a friend pointed me to this website.
The rest will think twice before suggesting a friendly game...of serious tennis.
And I would never categorize a song about two women, Marianne and Wanda, "both members of the 4H club, both active in the FFA" who poison Wanda's abusive husband with black-eyed peas, as "redneck."
They are building houses now in the foothills and the sun, when it is setting in a sky of clear blue-- which in turn is being enveloped in black rain clouds-- reflects in the vaulted windows of those houses.
Although they were probably standard issue for any street gang during the Eighties, I don't think anybody has actually bought one in the last ten years. The printed invoice even said: "Thank you for your purchase - welcome to 1987."
The ideal women of literature are Beatrice and Elizabeth Bennett.
I think that the misconception, at least that I’ve held for a while, is that we’re freer in every sense until marriage.
As if I needed another mindless timewaster in my life, a friend pointed me to this website.
"But your kids are gonna love it"
That's what Marty McFly announces at a 1955 high school dance in "Back to the Future" after failing to strike a chord (pun intended) with a rocked-out "Johnny B. Good." And I tend to think the same concept applies when people are deciding which albums to put on their lists of all-time best. Like a fine cheese -- or wine, if you will -- it seems a good rock album must age about a decade before it reaches truly cool status.
I was thinking about this awhile back, after I asked Lee what his faves were (if you haven't checked out his blog, by the way, I recommend you do so ASAP ... despite his failure to update, I caved and am adding him to my links because his humor is well worth the read). Anyway, there was a part of me that wanted to put U2's "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" on my list. But wouldn't I sound lame? Everyone knows "Joshua Tree" is the correct answer. Afterall, it did come first.
This situation didn't turn into too much of a dilemma, however, since it happens that "Achtung Baby" is probably my first choice. But back to my point -- why should people just nod in agreement when I fondly recall the greatness of Silverchair's "Frogstomp," but roll their eyes when I say "Diorama" really knocked my socks off? Can't they both be good, or do I have to wait another five years?
I realize by writing this, I'll probably be labeled for my rock 'n' roll naivete. Save yourself the trouble; I know I'm not an expert. But I know the score. Afterall, I had to wait 20 years before "Captain and Tennille's Greatest Hits" became super cool.
I was thinking about this awhile back, after I asked Lee what his faves were (if you haven't checked out his blog, by the way, I recommend you do so ASAP ... despite his failure to update, I caved and am adding him to my links because his humor is well worth the read). Anyway, there was a part of me that wanted to put U2's "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" on my list. But wouldn't I sound lame? Everyone knows "Joshua Tree" is the correct answer. Afterall, it did come first.
This situation didn't turn into too much of a dilemma, however, since it happens that "Achtung Baby" is probably my first choice. But back to my point -- why should people just nod in agreement when I fondly recall the greatness of Silverchair's "Frogstomp," but roll their eyes when I say "Diorama" really knocked my socks off? Can't they both be good, or do I have to wait another five years?
I realize by writing this, I'll probably be labeled for my rock 'n' roll naivete. Save yourself the trouble; I know I'm not an expert. But I know the score. Afterall, I had to wait 20 years before "Captain and Tennille's Greatest Hits" became super cool.
I am Cameron Diaz
Or so the neighbor children have deemed me. Upon exiting our vehicle the other night, my husband was met with the usual "Hi Justin Timberlake!" greetings. Then one girl broke away. "And look, it's Cameron Diaz!" Pause. "Can we call you Cameron?" she asks. Hmmm ... let me think about for a nano-second. "Yes, I can live with that."
ihearttexas requests, and I comply
The neighbor children have taken to calling my husband Justin Timberlake. And no, we don't know why.
It all started when the man returned from another night at the gym. I was sitting in the living room when I heard scrambling up the complex stairs and little voices ringing in the walkway. Then the door started to open. "Drat," I thought. "How did they manage to do that?"
But in walked my husband, bewildered yet smiling. "Goodnight Justin!" one girl says adoringly. I'm a little confused myself. "What the..." "Oh ya, the neighbor kids are calling me Justin Timberlake," he says ho-humedly. "OK, start from the beginning."
I expected a little explanation here, but there wasn't much of one. The minute he got out of our car and started up the sidewalk, two or three of these kids trolled around him, asking him all sort of questions about being a celebrity and whether he has a girlfriend, etc. etc.
I cannot imagine what's got into their little heads -- either it's an elaborate, nonsensical joke or the little girls think this is a good way to express their crush on my husband (who is handsome, by the way, but not a ringer for Timberlake). Then again, if he's Justin, does that make me Cameron Diaz? I suppose I can live with the fans a little longer.
It all started when the man returned from another night at the gym. I was sitting in the living room when I heard scrambling up the complex stairs and little voices ringing in the walkway. Then the door started to open. "Drat," I thought. "How did they manage to do that?"
But in walked my husband, bewildered yet smiling. "Goodnight Justin!" one girl says adoringly. I'm a little confused myself. "What the..." "Oh ya, the neighbor kids are calling me Justin Timberlake," he says ho-humedly. "OK, start from the beginning."
I expected a little explanation here, but there wasn't much of one. The minute he got out of our car and started up the sidewalk, two or three of these kids trolled around him, asking him all sort of questions about being a celebrity and whether he has a girlfriend, etc. etc.
I cannot imagine what's got into their little heads -- either it's an elaborate, nonsensical joke or the little girls think this is a good way to express their crush on my husband (who is handsome, by the way, but not a ringer for Timberlake). Then again, if he's Justin, does that make me Cameron Diaz? I suppose I can live with the fans a little longer.
Faith like a child
I thought about this phrase in a different way last night. The neighbor kids had knocked on our front door a total of five times, announcing their "yard sale" downstairs on the apartment's common lawn.
"Well, I'm making dinner right now" -- which I was -- "but I'll try to make it down after that" -- which I knew I probably wouldn't." Their faces lit up. "Thank you! Thank you!"
I can imagine their incredulity when it got dark outside and I had not yet shown. I remember that feeling. When you're young, a "try" or even solid "maybe" was as good as done. And when someone didn't follow through after promising the old college try, it was really pretty shocking. Why would someone say it's a possibility when it really isn't? What was stopping them?
If you're a kid with any decent childhood at all, it takes awhile for doubt to take root in our hearts.
I think this is what "child-like" faith is all about -- a strong sense of trust, if only because we have no reason to doubt. As a grown-up, I often find myself thinking exactly the opposite. When someone says they'll meet me at 5:30, I count on them being late (because they have been dozens of times). Then of course I'm bowled over when they make it.
Oh that I had that child-like faith -- not in the people around me, but in the only one who's never given me a reason to doubt.
"Well, I'm making dinner right now" -- which I was -- "but I'll try to make it down after that" -- which I knew I probably wouldn't." Their faces lit up. "Thank you! Thank you!"
I can imagine their incredulity when it got dark outside and I had not yet shown. I remember that feeling. When you're young, a "try" or even solid "maybe" was as good as done. And when someone didn't follow through after promising the old college try, it was really pretty shocking. Why would someone say it's a possibility when it really isn't? What was stopping them?
If you're a kid with any decent childhood at all, it takes awhile for doubt to take root in our hearts.
I think this is what "child-like" faith is all about -- a strong sense of trust, if only because we have no reason to doubt. As a grown-up, I often find myself thinking exactly the opposite. When someone says they'll meet me at 5:30, I count on them being late (because they have been dozens of times). Then of course I'm bowled over when they make it.
Oh that I had that child-like faith -- not in the people around me, but in the only one who's never given me a reason to doubt.
Quote of the day
For those of you keeping tabs -- and really, who isn't? -- "Wilmer (Valderrama) is definitely the new Ashton Kutcher." (Michelle Lee, executive editor of In Touch Weekly)
Good to know.
Good to know.
Why I love neighborhoods
While on a walk through our suburban neighborhood, I passed small clusters of children playing together outside (yes, kids still do that).
1. Two 10-ish-aged boys with a garden hose, dousing another boy and girl by the gutter. "You are NOT going to get me wet!" says the girl jump-roping with an escape route in every direction. Five seconds later: "Oh ... you did."
2. Three 12-year-old-looking boys shooting hoops from the road (for distance purposes, I assume). "There's a lady coming, get off the sidewalk." I like that he said "lady."
3. Two boys, age 10 or so, in the middle of the road, taking turns kicking a football into the air. "...Not even my dad can kick that far." "Do you think that one was 10 feet?" "Ten feet is nothing; watch this!"
4. This one just made me sad: A girl who looked to be about 9 was playing tether ball by herself. Just after I passed, I heard her dejectedly say to herself, "I suck."
5. Walking back upstairs to our apartment, I see one of our neighbor boys zooming around the sidewalk on a scooter, showing off a bit for the girl standing by. Five minutes later, my husband returns from the gym and meets me in the living room. "There's a kid down there with a bloodied-up knee and some girl is helping him put Neosporin on." Ah, to be young again.
1. Two 10-ish-aged boys with a garden hose, dousing another boy and girl by the gutter. "You are NOT going to get me wet!" says the girl jump-roping with an escape route in every direction. Five seconds later: "Oh ... you did."
2. Three 12-year-old-looking boys shooting hoops from the road (for distance purposes, I assume). "There's a lady coming, get off the sidewalk." I like that he said "lady."
3. Two boys, age 10 or so, in the middle of the road, taking turns kicking a football into the air. "...Not even my dad can kick that far." "Do you think that one was 10 feet?" "Ten feet is nothing; watch this!"
4. This one just made me sad: A girl who looked to be about 9 was playing tether ball by herself. Just after I passed, I heard her dejectedly say to herself, "I suck."
5. Walking back upstairs to our apartment, I see one of our neighbor boys zooming around the sidewalk on a scooter, showing off a bit for the girl standing by. Five minutes later, my husband returns from the gym and meets me in the living room. "There's a kid down there with a bloodied-up knee and some girl is helping him put Neosporin on." Ah, to be young again.
"Listen to Your Heart"
The song by Roxette is catchy. But is it good advice?
People are always spouting off about the importance of "following your heart." I usually nod in agreement because it sounds so right. But what if your heart isn't in the right place?
Let's "put a pin in" the fact that your physical heart isn't what all the fuss is about. It's what our heart represents: our truest selves. If we're true to it, however difficult, it will lead us to happiness and/or fulfillment. My question is, do we put too little or too much importance on our hearts?
At times, my emotional heart would have me pursue something that I intellectually know to be unwise. Does it make it OK to do just because "my heart" encourages it? Obviously, no. But then again, maybe it's not my heart afterall making these irrational gestures. Perhaps it's just a major artery?
This may be the most question marks I've ever used in a post. Not a great sign of certainty, on my part. That's OK. These are just a few thoughts that have been streaming through my mind during conversations with friends ... and myself. Feel free to weigh in to your heart's content :)
People are always spouting off about the importance of "following your heart." I usually nod in agreement because it sounds so right. But what if your heart isn't in the right place?
Let's "put a pin in" the fact that your physical heart isn't what all the fuss is about. It's what our heart represents: our truest selves. If we're true to it, however difficult, it will lead us to happiness and/or fulfillment. My question is, do we put too little or too much importance on our hearts?
At times, my emotional heart would have me pursue something that I intellectually know to be unwise. Does it make it OK to do just because "my heart" encourages it? Obviously, no. But then again, maybe it's not my heart afterall making these irrational gestures. Perhaps it's just a major artery?
This may be the most question marks I've ever used in a post. Not a great sign of certainty, on my part. That's OK. These are just a few thoughts that have been streaming through my mind during conversations with friends ... and myself. Feel free to weigh in to your heart's content :)
A rock star, an orator, a hero
If you're wondering why I'm such a Bono fan, check this out. It's long, but if you have the time, it's well-worth the listen. In my mind, this is what faith is all about.
This doesn't break my heart, to say the least
And no one was injured, so I don't feel guilty for saying it (click here).
The Golden Rule and my cashier at the department store
Well, I don't think we're so far gone in our society that we don't understand the concept of the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If we stop and think about it, this still guides many of our values -- "I wouldn't want to be cheated on, so I'm not going to cheat."
But is the Golden Rule enough to inspire good customer service any more? As the teenaged cashier set my receipt on the counter without so much as a "thank you" or "have a nice day," I stood in my usual judgment. Whatever happened to polite society? Wouldn't SHE want to be smiled at and thanked as she left the store? Then it hit me: Maybe not.
Could it be that we've gotten so accustomed to sub-par service that we don't even know how to show good service when the situations merits? That girl probably couldn't care less if someone put a receipt directly into her hand and smiled politely as she left a store. Would it be nice? Sure -- like someone's going the extra mile. But shouldn't it be more of a given?
Perhaps my husband is right and this is another aspect of outdated, pretentious etiquette we should drop. Afterall, it's not very convenient and will almost always set you up for disappointment. Should the standard be abandoned? I must confess I sort of like having a small semblance of social grace to hang onto.
But is the Golden Rule enough to inspire good customer service any more? As the teenaged cashier set my receipt on the counter without so much as a "thank you" or "have a nice day," I stood in my usual judgment. Whatever happened to polite society? Wouldn't SHE want to be smiled at and thanked as she left the store? Then it hit me: Maybe not.
Could it be that we've gotten so accustomed to sub-par service that we don't even know how to show good service when the situations merits? That girl probably couldn't care less if someone put a receipt directly into her hand and smiled politely as she left a store. Would it be nice? Sure -- like someone's going the extra mile. But shouldn't it be more of a given?
Perhaps my husband is right and this is another aspect of outdated, pretentious etiquette we should drop. Afterall, it's not very convenient and will almost always set you up for disappointment. Should the standard be abandoned? I must confess I sort of like having a small semblance of social grace to hang onto.
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