Friday Five: Staving off the Gloom February 5, 2010

Sally writes:

Candlemass is past, and Christmas is well and truly over, here in the UK February looks set to be its usual grey and cold self.  Signs of spring are yet to emerge; if like me you long for them perhaps you need ways to get through these long dark days.  So lets share a few tips for a cold and rainy/ snowy day….

Introductory thoughts: Where I live, it’s not all that gloomy. It could be the pharmaceuticals, but I’m pretty happy most of the time. We’ve had the rain lately, but fortunately I don’t have to deal with life-altering weather all that often. Things have started to bloom here and I come from a place where it’s even less rain and spring has already sprung. That said, here’s my play for today.

1. Exercise, what do you do if you can’t face getting out into the cold and damp?

I’m a regular gym-goer b/c I need physical activity to keep my mood up and to help wear me out b/c I have sleep issues. There are times when I can’t be motivated, though, and those times I tell myself I’ll do something at home and then I watch a lot of TV. When the weather is nicer, I take advantage of my proximity to Golden Gate Park and do a nice long walk in the botanical gardens.

2. Food; time to comfort eat, or time to prepare your body for the coming spring/summer?

As an emotional eater, it’s always time to comfort eat. I’m trying to find recipes that warm & comfort but also are low in calories & prepare me for warmer weather. I’m a huge fan of Cooking Light and Weight Watchers recipe collections.

3. Brainpower; do you like me need to stave off depression, if so how do you do it?

My brain is always going. It’s the most exercised muscle (besides my tongue) that I have. When I’m trying to stave off difficult emotions I rely heavily on the “T” of my INTJ Meyers-Briggs to talk myself down from the ledge. I am fortunate to be of the disposition to be able a big-picture thinker and see all sides of an issue. It really helps when I need to get through difficulties or conflicts.

4. How about a story that lifts your spirits, is there a book or film that you return to to stave off the gloom?

All the films I love to watch center on strong women who’ve made it through difficult circumstances and come out on top. My go-to classics are Out of Africa, Funny Girl & Sound of Music. When I need some brain candy, it’s Kissing Jessica Stein or Legally Blonde.

5. Looking forward, do you have a favourite spring flower/ is there something that says spring is here more than anything else?

I don’t know anything about nature, but my birth month flower is the sweet pea, and I do love those. I’m just a HUGE fan of flowers in general. As previously mentioned, I love walking through the park and seeing all the unique floral expressions in nature. Can’t wait for all of them to come bursting forth!

Mad Conversation Skillz January 24, 2010

Ian: Hi, Auntie Tiffy!

Me: Hi, Buddy!

Ian: Guess what?

Me: What?

Ian: I WUV you!

Me: Awww…I love you too, Buddy!

Ian: Are you having fun at your house?

Me: Yes, I am having fun at my house.

Ian: Do you have a house.

Me: Yes, yes I do.

Me: So, did you just stick the Reese’s Pieces up your nose just to see what would happen?

Ian: Yeah.

Me: Well from now on, candy only goes in your mouth and not your nose, ok, dude?

Ian: Ok, dude.

REID-ing a LOTT of History January 24, 2010

Have we noticed that I’m into name-related puns?

The political world has been whipped into a frenzy over the book Game Change, which lays out a luscious banquet of tantalizing details of both sides of the 2008 presidential campaign, if you’re into that kind of thing. While Sarah Palin was portrayed as the least appetizing personality (duh), one of the bombshells of the book has been the comment of Senate Majority leader Harry Reid. Apparently he made a comment about Obama being electable b/c he’s “light-skinned” and has “no Negro dialect, unless he wants one”. If that makes someone electable, then I will most likely be the next President.

Harry said something that was, maybe not inaccurate when you consider the racist attitudes of some of the electorate, but at best an extremely poor choice of words & at worst pretty racist. It’s more of a head-shaker b/c outside of the 2010 census, you’re not likely to hear the word “negro” a lot.

Of course the ever rational Republican political leadership issued a cry of feigned outrage, calling for Reid’s resignation (by the same folks who brought you Barack the Magic Negro). Trent Lott was run out of town for less! They exclaim. But was it really less?

What Harry Reid said was not okay. What Trent Lott said speaks to an overarching ideology of racist, white supremacist politics & policy. Lott said that the country would be in better shape today had we elected Strom Thurmond to the Presidency 40 years ago. Thurmond ran as a Segregationist on a platform of “separate but equal” and continuing the Jim Crow laws that kept people separate but certainly not equal. Lott didn’t use any specifically racist language, while Reid did.

Why shouldn’t Reid step down? Because his poorly chosen words spoke to the electability of one candidate. Lott’s statements revealed a belief amongst conservative politicians (his remarks were wildly applauded by the event’s attendees) that had white men maintained the upper hand in all things (because they haven’t?) we wouldn’t be in this [insert crisis] predicament.

Another thing about this is how concerned we are with correct language and yet how content we are with institutional inequality. I’m speaking now not only of race but also of gender, religion, sexual orientation and ability. Politically correct language has evolved and devolved and gone in and out of fashion and it’s part of the issue, but not all. It’s like putting lipstick on the proverbial pig. Speaking to and about people is part of the equation but it doesn’t change people’s inner thoughts, feelings and motivations. If one is deft enough with the language one can justify any situation. I’d like to see this political gaffe used constructively to speak to why what Harry Reid said is true in some parts of the electorate and why it shouldn’t be.

Friday Five: Planes, Trains & Automobiles January 22, 2010

Songbird writes:

By the time you’re reading this, I’ll be en route to a Great Big City to see my son in a play. I’ll go by car and bus and train and no doubt cab and maybe even subway. Thus, our Friday Five.

1) What was the mode of transit for your last trip?

Airplane, unless you count my schelpping to Morgan Hill to get my hair done as a trip, in which case, car.

2) Have you ever traveled by train?

I have indeed. In Ireland I went from Dublin to Colerain by train.

3) Do you live in a place with public transit, and if so, do you use it?

Yes, and I do. I take the MUNI train to and from work every day.

4) What’s the most unusual vehicle in which you’ve ever traveled?

I have traveled in on a ATC (all terrain cycle, now illegal, I believe), monorail, gondola (air, not water), double-decker bus, and matatu (van/bus hybrid in Kenya). You decide if any of them are unusual.

5) What’s the next trip you’re planning to take?

Hawaii in March and San Diego in July.

Friday Five: If… January 16, 2010

1. If you were a color, what would you be?

Definitely red. Bright & fiery with the capability of great depth. (nice, no?)

2. If you were a flower (or plant), what would you be?

I wish I knew more about the plants and such. Is there such a thing as a high maintenance plant that maintains itself? I suppose that makes me more like a cat but I hate cats. I’d have to be a perennial, I think, because I go through phases, but definitely something bright and flowery.

3. If you were an animal, what kind would you be?

Definitely a shih tzu. I grew up with one of those. Short, discriminating, can’t be bothered, needs privacy and doesn’t like discomfort or the outdoors.

4. If you were a shoe, what type would you be?

I’d be one of those fancy Cole Haan heels but with the Nike Air technology that makes them comfortable. Or I’d be these, just because I love them.

5. If you were a typeface, which font would you be?

I know this is anathema in computer people circles but I’m just going to say it – I like those handwriting fonts, like Bradley, damnit. I’m sick of hiding. I like that they’re legible but still a little messy.

What to do about Haiti January 15, 2010

The world has had our chin grabbed and been forced to look in the direction of Haiti as we have watched in horror and disbelief as the devastation in the wake of the earthquake that has destroyed the already fragile island nation. The blogosphere has been lit up with eloquent postings, prayers and other sentiments on the issue and I’m glad it’s getting so much attention and help. I’m a doer. An action person. I want some sort of thing to do to help, so I’ve been brainstorming.

My company is matching donations (in any amount – normally it’s a minimum of $25) to Mercy Corps from now through February 28th and within my store we’re doing some things to raise money around a Valentine’s Day theme called “Sending Our Love to Haiti.” We’re selling little trinkets, perhaps a bake sale, auctioning off meals with management, etc.

On a personal note, I’d like to see if there’s something I could do with my own talents related to VDay so I had the idea of selling serenades. I can’t do much, but I can sing, so I thought, Hey, you donate $10 and I’ll serenade someone over the phone, $25 and I’ll do it in person. What do you think? And I know there are some singers out there as well. Who’s in?

For my next decade… January 14, 2010

Stuff I haven’t done but would like to do in the next decade:

1. Go to Italy & Hawaii

2. Go to a Cowboys game in Cowboys stadium

3. Sing the National Anthem at a professional sporting event

4. Go to a Super Bowl game

5. Eat at The French Laundry

6. Go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans

7. Take my niece & nephew to Disneyland

8. Buy a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes

9. See a couple of shows in NY

10.  Go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans

11. Write a book

I’m going to keep adding to this when I think of more. What about you? What’s on your list?

PAT answers & HUME-an Error January 14, 2010

First, let me get this out of the way:

Dear Pat Robertson,

You are an absolute IDIOT. You join Glenn Beck in the pantheon of what I like to call “unhinged buffoons.” There are few words in the English language that describe how truly awful you are and how bad your theology is.

Love in Christ,

Auntie Tiffy

Ok, now for the meat of what I have to say:

A week or two ago the world spun into a tizzy about Brit Hume’s comments that Christianity was superior to Buddhism on the issue of redemption and if only Tiger Woods would turn to Jesus, all his problems would be solved. Yes, Brit. That’s how it works. Just turn to Jesus and NOTHING WILL EVER GO WRONG AGAIN. First, I think it was an abuse of Brit’s position to endorse one religion over another in his role as an anchor on the air. If he wants to say that in public on his own time, that’s one thing. He’s totally free and entitled to believe that and say that as a civilian. Second, it totally pissed me off that in the days following his statements, he did a series of interviews claiming to be so brave to mention Jesus and his faith because Christians are so persecuted these days. Oh shut the hell up. Have you ever watched a sporting event of any time? Kurt Warner mentioning God could be a drinking game, let alone all the other ones who give God the glory when they win (but are conspicuously silent on the issue of religion when they lose.) Third, if he had proclaimed any other religion, ESPECIALLY Islam, as superior, he would be standing in the middle of a SHITSTORM of controversy, entirely from the religious right. There are many professional athletes and none of them mention their devotion to Allah when they win a game. You know why? I’m guessing it wouldn’t set well in the fly over states.

Here’s what’s going on – Christians are no longer the dominant force on the world’s religious stage. They no longer get to use their historic seat of power to oppress, subvert, subdue and manipulate. They have to act like EVERYONE ELSE, and try to get along and it’s KILLING THEM. (I’m speaking in the third person b/c I do not consider myself one of these kinds of Christians). You are not, in fact, losing you’re religious liberty, it’s just that everyone else is finally getting theirs. So, Brit, and all you other Christians who think you’re not free to talk about Jesus. Shut up. You’re going to be just fine.

Now, on to Pat.

Oh, Pat. Pat, Pat, Pat. What are we going to do with you? Pact with the devil to overthrow the French? Really? You don’t need a pact with the devil to overthrow the French, you just need to get up before noon. Where do you get this crap and what makes you think you need to say it on television? Does it mean that poor people are poor b/c they have made a pact with the devil? So then Mississippi & South Carolina made a pact with the devil at some point but New York and Massachusetts are fine?

If I could also point out the connected history between the US & Haiti. I’m guessing Pat wasn’t aware that Haiti is the second nation in the Western Hemisphere to gain their independence, after the US. Haiti’s drawn out revolution against the French made Napoleon think it was a good idea to sell the Louisana Territory to the US for $0.13 an acre. That’s THIRTEEN CENTS. We doubled the size of our country b/c they fought and beat the French. That would make us pretty endebted to the devil as well. Pat’s never been one to feel restrained by logic or reason, or apparently, US History. Well done.

These pictures of Christianity that have been presented in the public square are at least embarrassing and at worst damaging and off-putting. Many of these more pugnacious evangelical types will claim in their defense that Jesus was offensive so they can be too. Jesus did say things that ticked people off, but he was also someone with whom children felt very comfortable. He also was most compassionate to the poor and most hostile to the religious élite. The most irritating part of all this is that Pat & Brit assume they speak for all Christians and they most certainly do not. They’re so busy patting themselves on the back for their ” boldness” (which is actually jackassery) that they can’t see the consequences of their statements. I can only speak for myself and my faith journey and I wish others would do the same.

Friday Five: Dreams January 8, 2010

Sophia writes:

With the beginning of my college teaching semester I have been having some unusually intense and memorable dreams lately–especially related to my Women and Religion class. With the beginning of a new calendar year many of us are engaging with dreams of another kind: planning, brainstorming, setting intentions or resolutions, etc. And many churches will celebrate the baptism of Jesus this Sunday, reading the Gospel account of his vision of the Holy Spirit as a dove and the “beloved child” words of Godde that set him off on his mission sharing Godde’s dream for the world. So let’s take a few minutes on this (where I am at least) lovely snow-blanketed Friday morning and share about the many different dreams and visions in our lives.

Personal note: Before I start this, let me just say, odd that this week’s Friday Five would be about dreams since I’ve had such frustrating ones yesterday. I started a new job in Nov. and I am continually having dreams about my former job, particularly about my former boss. Apparently I was traumatized by that situation more than I thought. To be fair, I’m sure he could say the same about me. In any case, can a person get retroactive workers’ comp for that?

1. Do you tend to daydream?

Very much so. I have very vivid daydreams – what if dreams, vindication dreams, rectifying past relationship dreams, you name it. I’m very creative.

2. Do you usually remember your night dreams? Do you find them symbolic and meaningful or just quirky?

I do remember my night dreams and I have recurring ones as well. Some of them have meaning and some are bizarre. For years I had a recurring dream that my high school boyfriend would appear out of nowhere and decide that we were getting married. Plans were made, my mom was all into it, and I was horrified. I kept following him around and insisting that I didn’t want to get married and that after all these years he didn’t know who I was. In the dream, I follow him around and ask him if he even knows what my major in college was. I usually wake up before the wedding happens. Do with that what you will.

Lately, I’ve had dreams about my former job, as I mentioned above. Usually when I start a new job I have anxiety dreams about the new job. This time, it’s the other way around. Anxiety dreams about new jobs make sense, but anxiety dreams about former jobs are just annoying.

3. Have you ever had a life changing dream which you’ll never forget?

No.

4. Share a long term dream for one or more aspects of your life and work.

My long terms dreams for my life are always more travel. For work, it’s endless because it’s new and exciting. I hope to continue developing as a trainer and move up in my company to do corporate and regional stuff. The sky’s the limit with this one and it’s exciting.

5. Share a dream for 2010….How can we support you in prayer on both the short and long term dreams?

For this year I want to continue to improve in how I handle my finances so I can realize some of these travel dreams. Mom and I talk about trips but don’t take them and I’m tired of that. We’re doing one this year come hell or high water.

It’s been a decade? January 2, 2010

Ok, so as the year was drawing to a close, I completely spaced that we were also closing out a decade. I distinctly remember the close of 1979 and the big deal everyone was making over it. When I wondered out loud what all the fuss was about, my elementary school arch-nemesis Kim Siebert replied, “It’s the beginning of a new decade,” with characteristic disdain. So here I am again at the end of yet another decade. AZ said that at my next big decade birthday in 2 years I should get myself a big diamond. I’d rather take a big trip, but what the hell – I wouldn’t hate a big diamond either.

So what have I done for the last 10 years? Here’s what I can remember:

1. I have lived this entire decade in San Francisco. I moved here in 1998 and I practically can call myself a native. I love it and as I’ve said before, I think people who live anywhere else must be in some sense kidding.

2. I graduated from Seminary. It was a curious experience, in both positive and negative ways. The best part about it still is the relationships I have made and kept. The relationships that have not been maintained hurt at the time they were broken but in the end I’m glad they were severed because they were unhealthy to say the least.

3. I lived through one of the most toxic cesspool of ministry situations I ever care to and have come out better for it. It was a valuable learning experience but I still shudder when I think of it. Yikes.

4. I got to go work for the best company on the planet and I absolutely love my job. I can’t wait to see where it takes me.

5. I’ve been in spiritual direction for the better part of the decade and I know for certain I couldn’t have lived without it.

6. I became an aunt twice over and Chloe & Ian are the light of my life. Tonight they were completely into me and we had the best time playing, wrestling, singing, opening gifts, cooking, and coloring. My world is so much better with them in it.

7. I have moved a number of times and I hope I don’t move in this year. I like where I live and moving sucks.

8. I travelled to England, Ireland and Kenya. I hope for much more international travel in the near future, but those were the big excursions this decade and I was bitten by the travel bug for sure.

9. I have visited friends all over the US. We have such a fascinating country and I’ve seen almost all of the states now. This year I hope to do an east coast swing in May or so to visit folks in NY, PA, MD & DC.

10. I attended my first NFL game. I saw the Raiders play the Cowboys in Oakland. I would love to see the Cowboys in their new stadium in the next year or two and I have a couple of friends in the Dallas area and could possibly make that happen. We’ll see. Attending the Super Bowl is definitely on my bucket list.

11.  I bought a piece of jewelry at the mother ship in Manhattan. I want another one. Maybe for my birthday.

12. I started blogging. For me it’s a place to get my thoughts out of my head so I don’t rant to everyone around me. If no one ever read this, I’d be fine with it, but thanks for listening to those who do.

For my next entry, I’m working on a list of things that I’ve not yet done but would like to do in the next decade.