Tuesday, October 13, 2009

That's how it is...

We are funny little creatures. My mom recently started a blog and in doing so, read my blog and The Sister's blog. Her observations about it all made me chuckle because it is so true. She commented on how each of our blogs so acturately represent our current lives and current focus. The Sister's blog (or most recent post) is all about her son and his humor, which by the way is hilarious! My most recent posts are about things going on...programming stuff. My mom's is about abstract thoughts. Her words were "Family", "Organization", and "Artist". That's probably about right.

I guess we all have to write about what we know - or at least what we find interesting. I do love programming and organizational development. The Sister loves family above all else (not that I don't, but whatever). My mom is definately an Artist in practice and mind.

No this in no way ties any of us down to our specific area of interest. That's the joy of blogging. We can write about just about anything we want. Who doesn't love that!?!?!

So, for a short entry tonight...I love blogging, even if it is irregular. It is a great outlet and even if I am the only one who reads it, it makes me feel good to write about the things I love. On that note...I'm out - to blog another time.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

What is beauty?

I have thought about these issues many times over the years, and recently I saw a link to a Dove video that made me think about them again. What is beauty? Why are we obsessed with it looking a particular way? When does this obsession begin?

Dove has a campaign that builds self-esteem for girls and teens. They are a company I am totally willing to support because of this. Check out some of their vidoes at www.dove.com (go to the Features tab and then videos). The one I love the most is called Amy...it is so sweet and so true.

As women (girls) we are so much more critical of ourselves and of other women. In reality, men are not as mean as we are in this area. Men may be "shallow" but really, we do so much of this to ourselves. What we tell ourselves, what we allow into our lives, what we allow ourselves to believe becomes true.

Watch the videos and think about what you tell yourself regarding your beauty. You are beautiful! I hope you know that.

On that note...I'm out - to think of positive things. : )

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Are we crazy or what?

Homecoming in the Oklahoma/Texas panhandles has to be one of the most hit and miss weather situations of all time. You literally "never know what you're gonna get." Last year, it was cooler and windy. Not bad for October. This year it is a whooping 34 degrees outside with drizzle and wind.

Here's the crazy part...we are still participating in the Homecoming activities. Maybe not to the same degree that we would if it were a nicer day outside, but still participating. So, at 9:30 this morning, The Husband climbed up into the attic to find our winter gear. After layering The Wee One in tights, jeans, long-sleeve onesie, two beanies, and finally her snow suit from last year, we load her into the stroller (with a blanket on her legs and one over the top of the stroller) and head off to the small town parade. It was kind of fun and we all actually stayed warm. Our faces might have been a little red from the cold, wind, and drizzle, but other than that, no harm. We did manage to load up on candy from the parade and no don't have to buy Halloween candy for trick-or-treaters....Yea!

The Wee One is down for a nap and as soon as she awakes, we are off to the cookout (which thankfully has been moved indoors). She and I will probably miss the game - or just watch parts of it from our kitchen window, but The Husband has to go since he is announcing the Homecoming Court and winners. Lucky him...at least he'll be in the box for that.

I really feel bad for both of the teams today. While I love a nice cold football game, this seems a little much. We have already reached the high for today - if the newscasters are correct - so it's not going to be pleasant for them out on the field. I wish both teams the best of luck for staying warm, but gonna save my lucky charms for winning for my Aggies! Go OPSU!

Guess that's it...I'm out - into the cold!

Friday, October 02, 2009

While I'm on here

I thought I would post a simple note about the upcoming events at WT. I know I should promote OPSU more, but in this case, I'm gonna have to talk about WT. I will say that anyone looking for an afforable 4-year degree with good teachers who truly care about their students and have the time to give you personal attention should check out www.opsu.edu (Oklahoma Panhandle State University).

Okay, that said...here's what's coming at WT that I am so excited about! The author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns (Khaled Hosseini) is the keynote speaker at WT's freshman convocation this year. It is open and free to the public so for anyone who wants to go it is at the Event Center in Canyon on Oct. 15 at 5pm. These are two of my all-time favorite books so I am totally there!

That same weekend, the WT theater department will be putting on a producation of Fiddler on the Roof. Yep, totally gonna be there as well! Another FAVORITE!

So, that's my scoop...don't know if you care, but it's out there now and so am I.

October is Awareness Month

While this may not be true, it seems like October has become THE month for awareness. I know most other months have several month-long observances as well, but this one is big. I have included the list I found on Wikepedia below.

Last Saturday, I went to the Amarillo Race for the Cure with THE SISTER #1 (I have a few now). I LOVED it! One, it was refreshing to think about others for a while instead of myself. Two, it was a nice fall morning. Three, I was there with The Sister. Four, it totally took me back to my peer ed days. I just love giving information to people to help them make better informed decisions for their life. Ideally, I love doing this with college students, but I'll take what I can get - oh, and we did actually get to talk to some college kids so that was a bonus!

So, for those who didn't know breast cancer is not just about genetic disposition. Things like healthy eating, not smoking, and limiting alcohol actually reduce your chance of getting breast cancer. This is something that not everyone automatically knows. Yeah, we know that we should live well, but most of us assume that breast cancer is genetic or totally accidental. A lot of it is, but taking care of yourself makes a difference as well. : ) Oh, and the other thing - if you feel a lump of any sort contact your doctor IMMEDIATELY!!!! As The Sister says "you may just be lumpy," but it is better to ask and find out that it's nothing instead of doing what a lot of us (women) do. You know, the "I don't have time for this right now" or the "If I don't go and find out, then I don't have to worry about cancer." Don't do that! Go get checked!
If you go to this site and click on the donate now, sponsors will donate free mamograms to women who are underpriviledged (www.thebreastcancersite.com).

Something different...October is also National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week (usually the 3rd week in the month). This is a big one since we have a lot of irresponsible behavior regarding alcohol on college campuses. If you know a college student, talk to them about responsibility (relating to alcohol). 1 - if you are under 21 it is illegal to drink, 2 - don't drink & drive, 3 - have reasonable limits to your intake and stick to them, 4 - don't participate in things like keg stands as that gets you drunk quicker and it is more damaging to your brain, 5 - eat a good meal before you drink, 6 - alternate your drinks between alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Simple things. More information can be found at this link (http://www.bacchusgamma.org/documents/09NCAAW_AlcInfoEd.pdf).



MONTH-LONG OBSERVANCES - enjoy...many have links so you can educate yourself on the issue or culture

Filipino American History Month (in United States)
National Arts & Humanities Month (in United States)
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) History Month (in United States)
German American Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15 in the United States)
National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15 in the United States)
Italian American Heritage Month: Italian Heritage and Culture Month
Polish American Heritage Month
Celiac Sprue Awareness Month
Health Literacy Month
Healthy Lung Month
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (in United States and Canada)
National Dental Hygiene Month (in United States)
National Down Syndrome Awareness Month (in United States)
National Infertility Awareness Month (in United States)
National Lupus Erythematosus Awareness Month (in United States)
National Physical Therapy Month (in United States)
National Spina Bifida Awareness Month (in United States)
Rett Syndrome Awareness Month (in United States)
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month (in United States)
World Blindness Awareness Month
American Pharmacist Month

So, that's about it...I'm out.