Upside Down Cats

I am the luckiest lady in the world to have found my husband, Scott. Ladies, I am sorry to break the news, but if you are looking for the perfect guy, he's been off the market for over 14 years...you'll just have to make do with second best.

What is so great about this man, you ask? I'll be happy to clue you in...

Scott is thoughtful. He's not going to give me flowers for a special occasion - they only last a few days. Besides, anyone can order flowers. Scott digs deep and gives meaningful gifts that reflect thought and care. His gifts always show that he was really thinking of me.

Scott is gentle. Physically and emotionally. He would never hurt anyone intentionally.

Scott is brave. Two years ago Scott abandoned the corporate world (good riddance!) and started his own business. He has grown it from a home-based operation into an office in town. His eSeMBe Technical Services helps people by optimizing technology to help them work more efficiently. These two years have been an adventure as he took the courageous leap into self-employment! We are both members of the I’m My Own Boss” club now!

Scott is intelligent. Sure, he’s a college graduate, but that’s not what I’m talking about. I mean he is interesting and curious and quick-witted – the natural components of inborn intelligence. He uses these abilities to learn new skills constantly. I advise anyone in search of a lifelong partner to move this quality to the top of your search criteria. Some of our best times together are discussing things…news, movies, TV, books, music, history…His mind really turns mine on! We are knowledgeable and skilled in different areas, so we teach each other, and that keeps our time together stimulating. Nothing stale or ‘old hat’ here!

Scott is funny. We do appreciate the comedy. Oh how we laugh! A sense of humor is a difficult thing to articulate…it’s like obscenity to some…”I can’t define it, but I know it when I see it.” Suffice it to say, “trust your funny,”…when your senses of humor mesh, it creates a whole new level of intimacy! I especially enjoy our inside jokes…I do believe some folks think we’re crazy when we burst out laughing for reasons known only to ourselves!

Scott is easy-going. Whereas I tend toward worry and fret (though I’m working to overcome that!), Scott takes things more in stride. He is not so much a “what if” thinker as I am. His outlook sets a healthier example for me, and his demeanor balances out my tendency to over-think. He’s awfully good at setting my worried mind at ease!

Scott is passionate. I know this one sounds like it contradicts the previous point, but it doesn’t. I define Scott’s passion as being deeply interested in and steadfastly loyal to certain things. Among his passions are music, technology and me. Check out some of Scott’s passions at his blog…you’ll be glad you did!

Scott is my best friend. We were fortunate enough to be great friends before becoming a romantic couple. I would put this item at or near the top of your search criteria too! Long before we were all caught up in hearts and flowers, we shared a beautiful friendship. It was built on the foundation of mutual respect and admiration. We enjoyed talking to each other, spending time with each other, and getting to know each other. Before we were making emotional and financial decisions together, we were familiar with one another’s point of view, taste, ‘modus operandi’ if you will. It has always been the case that we respect each other’s uniqueness, never imposing our expectations on the other. If there is one thing that has and will always sustain us as a couple it’s that we really, truly dig each other!

Scott is wonderful. All the things that make Scott my perfect guy that don't fit into the above statements can be included here: Scott is genuine, honest and moral. He is hard working when necessary and balanced enough to know when it’s time to play. Oh, and there’s that twinkle in his eye and the dimple in his cheek when he smiles…!

We share a wonderful partnership...there is no doubt that we are in this thing together. Even though our seas are sometimes rough, there is never any doubt about whom I want sailing along with me, and never a doubt that we'll get to dry land stronger and more in love for the voyage

So now you know my guy almost as well as I do…

...Money, apparently. It seems there are companies charging hundreds of dollars to parents- to-be for name consultation!!! Parents are unable to even name their own child now! I kid you not (I couldn't make this stuff up)! I read about this on News of the Weird.

If you are not up the the challenge of naming your child, what are the chances that you are going to be able to say, "No!" when he is fingerpainting on your living room wall, or help her decide how to deal with the bully who is picking on her? Parenting is a serious gig for adults who are capable of making decisions, not only for themselves, but for this new person for whom they are now responsible.

Continue reading "What's In A Name?" »

I know the title sounds menacing, but I'm fine as long as I am diligent about avoiding these depressing, soul-draining dirges. Be assured that I have already compiled a list of songs I absolutely love, but I have never committed these downers to a list. Here we go...

1. Stairway to Heaven

2. White Room

3. House of the Rising Sun

4. Hotel California

5. Nights in White Satin

Please note that these selections are song-specific and do not represent my opinion of the artist. For example, I love most songs by the Eagles...yet I despise Hotel California.

I will of course add to this list, but I thought this was a pretty good - or bad - start. For better or worse, isn't the power of music amazing?

Today we passed a sign that read "Try Being Content."

On the surface it seems like a uplifting thought...don't dwell on the negative, or on the things that aren't the way you wish. You know, in the immortal words of Bobby McFerrin, "Don't Worry, Be Happy."

But upon further analysis, this sentiment begins to vex me. If I actually have to put forth effort to "try" to be content, am I really content? Obviously if it requires me to try, then I'm not feeling the content.

Besides, isn't it a rather complacent mindset to just be "content" with the way things are? Don't I want to strive to be better, smarter, more successful? Why is this sign advocating mediocracy?!

Sometimes I think I'd be more content if I just didn't think so much.

My extremely internet-savvy husband found a great blog (e-i-e-i-o)...

But seriously, folks, Scott describes it on his blog as "Commentary by Michael Wade on Leadership, Ethics, Management, and Life."

I clicked over to Michael Wade's blog and found some very inspirational words that I need to take to heart. It begins, "If fear is driven by a lack - or perceived lack - of control, then what can be done to hold or regain control? Here are some strategies:" Read his entire list titled Gaining Control.

Most of the anxieties I've experienced throughout my life have been caused by exactly that "lack - or perceived lack - of control" of which he speaks.

The strategy that really speaks to me is #11 "Shun perfectionism. It is the enemy of reasonable control." I'm sure it's my fear of failure that fed my perfectionism. I thought that if I held myself to incredibly high standards, and lived up to them, then no one would ever be disappointed with my efforts, or the results thereof. It was a way of having control of people's opinion of me. The thought of anyone disapproving of me when I tried to please them would drive me to a helplessness-fueled anxiety attack. Continue reading "High Anxiety" »

Here's a quote from a story in "News of the Weird" that got my feathers in a bunch...

GapKids recently offered a "white, crocheted string bikini you'd likely see Anna Kournikova wearing on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue (except that it) was for a 12-month-old." [Arizona Republic, 6-28-07] Read the whole sordid story.

(Here insert my disgusted "sigh" at yet another sign of the downfall of civilization) ...What are manufacturers (and worse yet consumers who purchase this inappropriate crap) thinking? Is it really necessary to inform people that babies and little girls are not sex dolls to be dressed up like miniature women? Would anyone consider making Speedos for baby boys, or little leather chaps? I hope if (when) that happens we will all be as outraged as we should be about age-inappropriate clothing for little girls. I hope consumers would recognize this disgusting practice of sexualizing children. It is not cute...it's as degenerate as dressing little beauty pagent contestants in grownup fashion, complete with makeup and big hair! I feel really sorry for little girls growing up in a culture unwilling to let them ever be just a kid and nothing else. What ever happened to the carefree innocence of childhood? Oh yeah...that's appreciated later by the perverts want the grown women to dress in Mary Janes and pigtails...

...the words just may be absurd! I don't understand. What is up with seeing images of Jesus or Mary in things? It seems to me that God would have better uses of his time than playing some elaborate Where's Waldo game with us...

 

I came across this list of places Jesus has been spotted recently in an online feature called "News of the Weird." You can find the full article here.

There seems to be a neverending supply of weirdness in the world. I was looking for an alternative to the frustration of mainstream news, but this news doesn't make me feel any better about the fate of humankind...

Normally I am not a fan of reality TV. In general I think it brings out the worst in the people who participate, and turn the rest of us into voyeurs. Becoming overly interested in the lives of strangers diminishes our emotional energy to lead our own best lives. I find most of these shows depressing and downright creepy! Additionally, I simply don’t enjoy watching other people compete.

That being said, I did get interested in “The Next Food Network Star.” My rationale for this is twofold: First, I really do enjoy watching many of the shows on Food Network. Secondly, I wanted to hear what other people’s “food philosophy” is, as I have one of my own. It is nice to know that other folks are as passionate about food and cooking as I am, and although their outlooks differed from mine, they were interesting to learn about.

Continue reading "Food, Philosophy And Fanaticism" »

In honor of my theme, I dragged out the old photo album today and found some more upside down cat photos. Scanning them into the computer was a little bit emotional.

The pictures of my best gal pal Abbey when she was a wee one sure made me teary…”My, how much my baby has grown…!” She’s always been of the “upside down” persuasion, as you can see. Abbey has officially ‘adopted’ me as her favorite person in the whole entire world, and I must say that I have a particular soft spot for her as well. (Of course mothers can never pick favorites…)

Even more emotional were the photos of Penny… Continue reading "Ok, So I’m Going To Get This Blog Rolling…" »

Upside down cats…anyone who knows a cat is familiar with this pose. It says, “I feel so secure that I can assume this position of complete vulnerability. I am willing to expose my soft underbelly – at grave risk that it may be attacked – or worse yet – petted, kissed or nuzzled!” I wish I could feel as comfortable in my own skin as my cats do in theirs! Since the technique of lying around with the sun shining on my tummy waiting to feel at peace with myself and the universe probably won’t be as effective for me as it is for my cats, I will do what I know can help me find my bliss.

So I’m going to write - right here – about things that occupy my mind. By bringing my inner life out of my head I’ll be able to actually look at it as if I had an internal mirror. I think the key to finding my nirvana is to be at peace with that mirror’s reflection.

It’s worked for me before…
I have always turned to writing as a way to clarify my thoughts and keep myself on and even keel. I kept a diary when I was 10 and 11 years old. I didn’t know it at the time, of course, but it helped my deal with several traumatic events. As a teenager I was extremely introverted, and written words were my only form of true expression. In school, any time I was assigned to write an analysis or essay I would be thrilled for the opportunity to express myself. Journalling helped me through the roughest time of my life 17 years ago, helping me put some overwhelming feelings into perspective.

As life becomes more complicated every day, I find I not only enjoy breathing life into my mental ramblings, opinions and memories, but I crave the activity…I have a need to give these emotionally felt notions substance with actual words. My greatest aspiration is to become a metaphorical “Upside Down Cat,” comfortable in the world, with myself and willing to risk my soft underbelly...