Cowboy Boots

It is amazing the lesson one can learn from a simple pair of cowboy boots! Last night, I came to realize that I gravitate towards THINGS that are reliable. Funny, because I seem to do the opposite with people…

It is rodeo time again …time to cowgirl up! Thus, I dusted off my boots for the BBQ cook-off and as always, they fit like a glove. It is sad that they do not get significant use anymore. However, since I quit volunteering for the Special Olympics as an equestrian coach, they barely see the light of day! I love these boots though. In all honesty, they are not remotely attractive but they are smooth like butter and ever reliable. Once, I attempted to wear a fancy new pair and I still have the scars to prove it. I trust my old boots as I know they can weather all conditions. So why do I neglect them? In the past 11 years the only considerate thing I have done for them is an occasional resole and polish.

I hope that I do not treat the reliable people in my life as I do these pair of boots. Reflecting, I think I just might and that really bothers me. I am making a conscious effort to change. You see, I gravitate towards excitement; which leads me towards people who are not always trustworthy or steadfast. Maybe because they seem much more interesting if they are free spirited and go with the flow or it might be because I am a giver and thus I push away people who want to do for me and delight in helping others. Regardless, in the end I usually end up with scars similar to the ones I received from the fancy boots. I guess it all goes back to my theory that your wardrobe accessories resemble relationships with others!!!

Attack of the Killer TP!!!!

Everyone knows to check for toilet paper on their feet before exiting a public restroom, right? Today I begin analyzing this and I am clueless as to why it would be on the floor in the first place. Seriously, is it a difficult process to take a couple of squares, perform your business and exit the stall the same as you entered? NO! So, why do our public places resemble a middle school kid’s night on the town? Every home I enter (save the FRAT houses) does not have a problem with loose teepee. So why is it such an uncontrollable problem in public places? Do nasty “TP fairies” exist who are out to embarrass us? Or are people just that messy and lazy when they are not responsible for the environment? And for those bar flies out there, ever notice how as the night progresses so does the bathroom debris? I actually thought about this today at work b/c I looked down and there it was... attached to my foot like super glue. What was I to do? I wasn’t about to touch it with my hands and when I tried to remove it with one foot it would just transfer to the other. I only work with 6 or so girls; who is the slob? Just a mindless thought to begin the weekend; I know...trivial!!!

A Metaphor??????

Although most wish the Cheney hunting accident was put to bed when Whittington left the hospital, the media has yet to drink the NyQuil. Yesterday morning at the political roundtable during “This Week”, Katrina Vanden Huevel asserted that Cheney’s hunting accident was a “metaphor for the administration.” Many believe that the White House it too secretive and sluggish to involve the nation on every issue. I am still searching for an explanation defining the necessity for the general public to be informed of each and every issue that occurs between the white walls? Likewise, if information alters the security of the nation should it be divulged in its entirety?

Back to the metaphor issue! Well, hello…if the Cheney delay in releasing the hunting information was a metaphor to the current administration’s stance on delivering information to the nation then what kind of metaphor can be applied to the Clinton scandal? Just an interesting thought! At least this metaphor only implies delay or ommitance instead of the lying, deceit, and unfaithfulness that could be ascribed to the Monica affair.

I am still at a loss of how VP Cheney’s hunting accident affects anyone other than the families directly involved. If it had been any normal American citizen responsible for such an accident, wouldn’t they have wanted to keep it a private matter due to shame and regret? Moreover, even if it was publicized, would it have surfaced as more than a blurb on the afternoon news, if it even made the cut? However, as we all know, celebrities and national figures are never treated as equal to the average man.

And what about the lack of a bird stamp which Cheney failed to secure before his hunt? What is the significance of this stamp other than to pay money to the Parks and Wildlife system? It is not as if you have to attend a class or verify you are competent to hunt the animal in question. Instead, for a monetary trade one is suddenly legal to hunt. If Cheney had attempted to purchase the stamp, they probably would have handed it over to him free of charge. Isn’t that how most political transactions work? So, why even bring up that he did not purchase a stamp. WHO CARES??

Back to the Liberal’s view that this scandal is the tipping point of the administration…when will they be able to focus on the important issues afflicting America? Maybe when they stop expecting that the government should provide for their happiness and instead start pursuing it on their own. The best advice I can give them is that it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.

COMPLETELY RANDOM!!!!

Today, I had lunch with my mom and on the way out, I grabbed a toothpick. Strange b/c I never do this…maybe a mint but never a small sliver of wood for my drive away. For those who have ridden with me, it is completely understandable as I am a horrible driver. Anyway, back to my thought. So halfway back to my office I realize that I never used it for its proper function but have been chewing on it the entire time. WHY? In my head I traced back and I think I have come to a conclusion. When my brother was in junior high (which would have placed me in elementary school) he used to make these flavored toothpicks (cinnamon mostly) and sell them at school. I used to love them, especially when he would soak them in lots of flavor so they were extra hot! Crazy stuff…I wonder where I can get a box of those these days!

Childhood Music Memories…

“Come on baby light my fire” – the phrase stops time and takes me back to the summer of 1987. A hot Oklahoma week at a rundown church camp – seriously, I think the cabins had dirt floors! I was eleven and my “camp boyfriend” who I had snatched for the week was twelve. Funny though because we looked more like counselors; he was really big at 6”2’ and I was already 5”6’ with a C cup. For some reason, at the A-frame (which was literally just that, wood framed out in the shape of an A with no walls or AC) the P.A. system was left on around the clock. My camp boyfriend (who I had just met a couple of days before) would grab the microphone and sing this to me…. solo style! I think it is CRAZY I even remember this stuff.

Before Boner (yeah, that was his nickname…I think it was during the Kirk Cameron years if that is any excuse) sang this song to me, well…I had never heard it before and now for some strange reason, whenever I hear it I am instantly taken back to another time and place and only that place, despite the numerous other times I have listened to it since.

Music is such a useful tool in life!!!! Numerous studies have been performed on its ability to help patients suffering from pain or who have poor memory. Many observations prove that music can serve as well as or better than sedation to relieve pain as well as help evoke long forgotten memories of Alzheimer and dementia patients. I am just thankful it can take me back to my days as a carefree innocent youth. "Try to set the night on fire..."

BODY WORLDS 3

SOOOOOO excited about this!

http://www.hmns.org/exhibits/special_exhibits/BodyWorlds.asp

Call me crazy but I am really psyched about this exhibit as I am a sucker for museums, not to mention history and health. Also, this may sound selfish but I am anticipating that some people will be disgusted by the topic and items thus making the lines shorter than the normal exhibit.

What is Body Worlds 3? Gunther von Hagens' BODY WORLDS: The Anatomical Exhibition of Real Human Bodies is a fascinating exhibit; or so I have heard. Visitors learn about anatomy, physiology and health by viewing REAL human bodies. The primary goal of the show is health education: to show good vs. bad & promote healthy living. After last weekend, I might shudder at the liver example.

It features 200 authentic human specimens, individual organs and transparent body slices as well as entire bodies. Using the revolutionary process of plastination, the body specimens are preserved with special plastics that enable views of the many organs and systems under the skin. Around 18 million people around the world have viewed BODY WORLDS exhibits and I am excited to join the club.

My Space or NOT?

Why is it that sometimes one hears about something and then it seems as after that point you run across the item repeatedly every where you turn. This is true for me and “My Space.” Lately, my friends have sent invitations to join My Space or I guess actually add ‘my space’ to ‘their space’. Yes, I always DECLINE! Why? Not 100% sure but the whole concept gives me a strange vibe.

Maybe its too close and personal into another’s life… Maybe I have my own network of friends and do not feel that commingling them is best all the time (learned that back in college)… Maybe I choose to keep my friend’s comments private…Maybe it is that I might just get addicted and begin believing I can hang out at home and thus would never exit to network…Maybe I feel as if I would spend useless hours reading “nothingness” when I could be gaining knowledge on important events, policies, and such.

Yes, as evident, I BLOG; however, I would like to think the topics or feelings portrayed in my rants are fundamentally based in knowledge, inner thoughts, and/or reason and not intended for socialization. Who knows why I choose not to join but all that aside, recently increasing controversies over the site and its lack of commitment to the safety of minors have surfaced. I even have a personal friend (sorry, don’t even ask as I am sworn to secrecy) placed on probation from their teaching career because minors (who should have never been allowed access) entered the site. The parents complained that the other “friends” on the site were questionable in nature. I complain that the parents were enabling their children admittance to the profiles. Today the AP released the following article in regards to the social networking site.

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=1575129

So, yes, ultimately it is the responsibility of parents to ensure the safety of their own while outside and INSIDE the home but lets get real and take a swift look around!!!!! Even in the suburbs where you would anticipate parental guidance to be of utmost importance, it is failing. This past month, in my own hometown, a mother was accused of throwing a huge party including alcohol and numerous minors. So even though Internet Privacy and Security Lawyers list tips such as those found in the below link, it would not surprise me in the least if the majority of parents with children on these sites never take the time to research and ensure proper procedures are in place.

http://www.myspace.com/misc/tipsForParents.html


Back to my friends… do I think any less of those who choose to partake in the exchanges of the site? Heck NO, I believe to each there own; that is what makes us all unique in our own little ways. If others want to hang out and network, socialize, what ever, I am fine with that – it is just NOT really my cup of tea (I prefer plain black when cold & green when hot - thanks.) Okay, all humor aside, just as I would not invite EVERYONE I know to the same get-together (for reasons I am sure you all can imagine); likewise, I do not wish to gather everyone in the same environment in cyberspace. And to make matters worse, anyone can attempt to crash the “Private Party” or at the least, view & research your sanctified circle. Oh, the DYNAMICS AND DRAMA that brings to the table! As my New Years resolution was to stay away from drama and my progress report is already appearing obstinately dim, My Space is the last thing I need in my life. Okay, so maybe I am just selfish!!!! Or worse yet, I guess it is just because I am plain weird (in a good way I think.)

Usually when people meet me in a social setting they write me off as just your average girl. Evidently, it becomes evident I am not! While others are pounding the track at the gym with their new Ipods & jamming to their latest crazes, I am listening to news radio. In fact, yesterday during my work out I was educated on the Dream Act, http://www.nilc.org/immlawpolicy/DREAM/Dream001.htm.

Topics also included: what Texas is doing to aid in pollution control, the trouble the Texas Parks system is facing and the history of Al Jazeera. It has been this way my whole life, back when I was forced to swim the mile, I would compose speeches in my head on current affairs. Meanwhile, I believe most of my friends were mentally singing their favorite CD. Others keep thinking it will change, but it never does - this is how I am wired. Last July when my best friend came to town, she rifled through my magazines and asked “Is this for real, where are the good ones?” For some strange reason she still can not fathom that I would rather read “Industry Weekly”, “World Oil”, & “Fortune Small Business” over “In Touch” & “Style.”

"Nightline"

I miss him; I REALLY miss him! I used to anticipate his arrival each evening before retiring to bed; sometimes he would intellectually stimulate me enough to sustain my consciousness while other evenings his strong steady speech would ease me to sleep. He was the late night alternative to the funnies and a staple in my daily life. I learned so much from him and respected his ability to seek his angle while exploring the propensity to speak his mind. And then one day, he is gone. Oh, I had fair warning – I knew that he was phasing out, but the day he left for good, I was forced to go cold turkey. Ted Koppel, I really miss you!

And the replacement…if that is an appropriate word…well, it took three of them Martin Bashir, Cynthia McFadden, and Terry Moran…in my opinion they do not even compare. What happened to my “Nightline”? It is just not the same anymore! While watching last night I think I deciphered what the huge difference is. Ted used to investigate one story (usually one that did not get much television attention) and explore it to the very depths within 30 minutes. Well, I give him the credit; however, as we all know there is a vast team behind every great individual & his was led by the show’s longtime executive producer, Tom Bettag, who left the show simultaneously with Ted.

At first I thought maybe I just missed the deliverance and decisiveness of his voice but it is more than that. Now, three individuals at uncertain intervals report segments of stories from all over the world. I say segments because that is what they are…slices, fragments, splinters, scraps. Moreover, to my disappointment, the show always seems to lead off with the hottest media tagline; it is easily comparable to a recap of the hot news stories of the day. I feel so slighted and malnourished!! At the conclusion of each broadcast I once felt competent and knowledgeable on a subject; now, I feel as if I need to research each headline because I was not provided the full account. Listen, I can watch the news each evening from 5-7, but before bed give me an in-depth story with steadiness and heart allowing me to slow down yet learn!

ABC news has experienced many losses from its broadcast family this year including the exit of Ted Koppel, the death of Anchor Peter Jennings and resignation of GMA weatherman, Tony Perkins. The recent serious injury of the evening news co-anchor Bob Woodruff, led me to contemplate one of the most depressing thoughts ever to cross my mind, what will I ever do without my morning GMA anchor, Charlie Gibson? For those who do not know, he is my favorite “TV personality/celebrity” ever. Strangest thing for a young woman to say, I know. People laugh when I tell them my dream guy would look like Gruden and have the personality of Gibson. I think it is just that he is so real, which I believe is the most desirable characteristic an individual can behold.

After an assessment of my friends, I have concluded that I seek this characteristic in my relationships with others. Without it, I begin to question the validity. I enjoy someone that will lay it on the line and tell me like it is. As I have mentioned previously, I have no problem speaking my mind, call me Simon (a reference to "American Idol" for those of you non-reality T.V. connoisseurs.) So, how does someone become “real”??? Are we born into this type of personality or is it developed with our experiences of loss and achievement?

I usually believe stronger in nature over nurture; however, after analyzing this topic, I find it hard to dispute that the portrayal of ourselves directly results from life experiences and the trials we endure. Being “real” involves understanding no one is above everything, entitled to everything, and protected from failure. Which makes me wonder if our new society and younger generation are failing to learn this lesson? Many of kids, teenagers, and young adults today are sheltered from rejection, failure, or being assessed honestly. Instead, they are being taught to just play without focusing on winning or losing or are constantly provided with material items and amazing praise despite their actual achievements. Is our society instructing the new generation to be above “realness”?????

It would be par for the course; modern technology teaches us we can tweak anything to obtain the optimum result, reverse unattractive factors, or change a potential outcome. We live in an age of plastic surgery, corporate corruption, and cloning debates. A Houston organization at Bayou Bend Park cheated Mother Nature this week in an attempt to sustain the blossoms of their Azaleas until their show in March. Since azaleas bloom due to the temperature and not the light of the sun and Houston has been unusually warm this winter; the Club poured 8,000 lbs. of ice over the beds of these famed flowers.

What credo does this introduce to our youth? Is it okay to fool others to obtain the outcome you desire even it is not in the stars or cards (whichever you are inclined to read)?????? Is it okay to ice down friendship, work, and emotional relationships until you are ready to “deal with” it instead of facing the reality of the present situation and taking ownership of the dynamics that exist? What ever happened to just letting things be, taking a deep breath, moving forward, and accepting the fate of events?

Now days we bring snow to the tropics, reroute waterways through desert lands, and build hotels under water! These things are exhilarating and grand but if you compare these extravagancies to a person’s personality…well, you answer me…are we intrigued or put out by those who are not real? Do we just want to be around people who are down to earth or are the high & mighty exalted? Just something to think about! It all comes back to the ultimate question, where do we draw the line?

I will be the first to admit that I love to change nature whether it is with hair highlights or color contacts. My ex-boyfriend used to reprimand me each time I sported green contacts and would beg me to exchange them for clear ones which he swore allowed my true soul to shine through. What are the alterations witnessed in society and applied to lives that inhibit the true self from being evident to the world? And most importantly, what lessons and values can we instill in future generations which will allow them to understand that the world is not always fair and they are not entitled to whatever they want just for the sheer fact that they desire it. I believe we need to refocus on age old lessons such as there is a winner and loser in each game and nothing worthwhile is obtained without hard work and desire. Isn’t victory so much sweeter when you understand the hurt and humiliation of defeat!?