Why Are You On My Blogroll?

This is a new installment at APOG. I'm going to share the "hook" that caused me to add someone to my blog list. Why? Well, you ask too many questions first of all, and secondly, I thought it would be fun. So there.

I may post their original entry in it's entirety or just a little snippet of why I couldn't resist linking to them. I'll start with Matt. Some people have a knack for hitting my funny bone just right. I don't know Matt well, only been reading his blog for a few weeks now, but I enjoy his sense of humor. His post entitled "How Do It Know?" is a great example. This really, really cracked me up.

"Dear Microwave,

How did you get so smart? I'm not just talking about spinning a carousel, I'm talking about asking me how many pieces of pizza I'm reheating. It's things like this that make me appreciate you. Thanks again,

Matt

PS. You are hot."

How could I not put him on my blogroll?

Go Away, Beavers!

Wrenn has had a "beaver" all day today. (That's a fever.) If she wasn't feeling so bad, it would be funny to see her earnest little face turned up to you telling you that "it's okay, mommie, my beaver is going away!". Unfortunately, it's not funny and it went away just briefly, and came back with a vengeance. Now she's throwing up, too. Anybody deal with a 3 year vomiting? It ain't pretty. Props to Patrick for handling that one. (You rock, honey.) But, of course it won't end there, as Eli was beginning to feel warm as well right before bedtime.

So, we're tightening the sails, tying ourselves to the masts, and preparing for the storm.

Help.

Take Me To The Movies

pleazzzze?

I'll supply my own goobers.
I'll be real quiet.
I won't get up to go to the bathroom.
I won't yawn and put my arm around you.
I won't even slurp on my straw if that bothers you.
.

.

.

.

.
(come on... how can you resist the puppy-dog eyes?)

The Cosmic Why

Big questions tonight.

I believe God is all-knowing. Why, then, did He do... well, everything? Why create an angel that He knew would fall? Why allow the birth of sin and evil? If God knew what Lucifer would do, and it is in His ability to control life (in that He could simply will for Lucifer to cease existing), why not do it? Obviously, God is all-powerful and He can do whatever He wants- He is not bound or limited by anything but His own divine will. Is His will being done when He is passive, i.e. letting Lucifer live? When He doesn't heal someone? When He allows evil to be done? Does God do things, by not doing them?

Even the idea of free will does not cover this question. Free will is something that God gave to us because that was HIS will. We wouldn't have it if God didn't want us to. So... knowing that our choices will be sinful, knowing that Lucifer would choose to become Satan- why even give us the choice?

It's obviously not wrong of God to do anything. What He says is right, because He is God. I am not questioning the morality of His judgements and decisions. God does not sin, He is not the author of evil. Everything He does, no matter our human interpretation of it, is good. But, I have the curiosity of mortal man, the confusion of a simpler intellect, and to be honest, the limitations and leanings of a sinful heart. I know God is just and He is right, because of who He is. So how can we understand God? We cannot, in many ways. As smart as we may be, we still don't have the mind to comprehend Something so great. At some point, we must admit that our understanding can go no farther, that our minds have stretched into the incomprehensible as far as humanly possible.

I'm not saying we shouldn't strive to know and understand God. Of course we should. I guess what I'm saying is that when it doesn't make sense to us, when the answers to those cosmic questions seem distant or vague, what are we left to do?

Enter faith. Such a small word, so easy to overlook... But it's the cornerstone of the Christian life. Take that away, and the rest just crumbles. Because if we're looking for all the answers to justify our faith, well, that's not faith. We won't find all the answers in this earthly world.

Paul says, "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

Answers await us, and that is the comfort faith gives us. I don't know right now why God does or doesn't do certain things... but I do know that He loves me, and works all things for good.

Big questions seem like they should have really big answers. And some do. But others, they are just five letter words.

Faith.

Cool!

Tied for First Runner-up, y'all! I was happily surprised. Thanks, Isa.

Knowing Smiles

[motivational rambling]

As a teenager, I did not have many friends in their 20's. They were at college, getting married, becoming certified, grade-a grownups. I watched from afar, and dreamt of the day I turned 21, and became a card carrying member of the group. So, when that day finally came, I naturally assumed that I was done "maturing". I was, after all, no longer a child. It wasn't arrogance really, it was just an assumption based on, well, everything that society tells us. No one told me differently, so I was quite sure of myself. I look back now, and laugh goodnaturedly at those thoughts. As I traversed the 20's, I was shocked that I didn't have everything about life figured out- that I knew far less than I had imagined. It was not necessarily an easy lesson. But now, as I get closer to starting the very last year of my 20's, I am glad that I'm not done maturing. I understand now, that you're never really done. The 30's will be a reflection of that maturing process, just like the 40's and 50's and on and on until my days are spent. There is always more to learn, more to change, more to grow. I am grateful for that! Life would be so boring otherwise!

It's funny though. While I smile knowingly at those 20somethings, enjoying their youthful confidence and exuberance, there is a 30 or 40 year old smiling knowingly at me too, thinking the same thing, or something. I know this because I catch them with that glint in their eye, before they turn away to keep the unwritten secret, the same way I do. It's reassuring in a strange way.

So, for you teenagers, this is a friendly heads-up. And for those of you in the midst of those turbulant early 20's, I write as well. I know this time is built up like the pinnacle of adulthood, but my-oh-my, that's a misconception. It's just the beginning! Adulthood is not the reward at the end of adolescence (though you've certainly earned one by surviving it). Instead, it's a whole new challenge. You're standing before the dawn of a new day. Don't expect to have all the answers. Don't think the rest of us "grown-ups" expect you to have them. We're here, cheering you on. We remember, with vivid clarity, how hard it can be in the first leg of the race. It's an unfamiliar road. But the good news is, once you get that second wind, when your stride is long and confident, you'll come around a new bend, and another, and another.

The scenery is ever-changing, just like you will be, and life stretches out sweet and promising. It's even better than you imagined.

[/motivational rambling]

The Shannon Report

And now, the news.

I had a brutal tension headache Friday. It began shortly after I got to work, and escalated rapidly into a teeth grinding, light hating, naseau-fest. I whimpered enough that my boss finally said, "Go home, you big baby!" So I limped home, took a lovely pill, crawled into bed, and made like Sleeping Beauty. I felt better the next day, thank goodness!

I'm all a-twitter about this upcoming weekend. I am Houston-bound with my cousin Joey, to that promised land: the Ikea store. He needs to completely furnish his new house, and I'm tagging along for moral support and my keen sense of style. Oh alright, I'm going for the meatballs, too. You know it's going to be good shopping when there's a resturaunt in the store.

The kids will roll in Sunday night, after a week of vacationing. I've missed them! The sad thing is though, they'll be facing Trisler Bootcamp when they get back. I've noticed some behavior issues with both of them the last few weeks, and Patrick and I decided we need to address it before school starts. It's nothing too bad, and it's normal stuff for their age, but it needs to be corrected. Wrenn has been willfully disobedient a few times, -- I know, GASP! It's shocking! She's always been happy to be obedient, but she's acted sulky and stubborn lately. So, hopefully with some extra attention to training, they'll both come through it okay. I really do feel a little sorry for them, though. It's going to be a rather rude awakening for the Short Ones, who've been living the good life. They probably won't like the buzz cuts either. (Hey, this IS bootcamp- I wasn't messing around)

And lastly, I would like to say, what the heck happened to July? I've never seen a month go by so fast! Did it have a party to go to or something? Are we too lame for it to stick around the normal amount of time? Sheesh! Some months, they think they're sooo much better than the rest of us.

Memology 101

Memes occasionally come in handy for lazy bloggers like myself. So without further ado, I give you, 27 Questions.

1. Do you try to look hot when you go to the grocery store just in case someone recognizes you from your blog? Oh absolutely. Flip-flops are hot, right?

2. Are the photos you post Photoshopped or otherwise altered? No. They are the real deal. Even that one of me with the Queen of England. Seriously, she invites me to Windsor Castle every summer. We go way back.

3. Do you like it when creeps or dorks email you? Hey- those are my friends you’re talking about! No, I’m kidding. I mostly laugh at that kind of thing. Well, it’s a nervous laugh, but still.

4. Do you lie in your blog? I do not. I only lie in person, face to face. Kidding. But if I wasn't- you wouldn't know, because I would be lying. Ah, circular reasoning- gotta love it.

5. Are you passive-aggressive in your blog? Not any more than anybody else. At least I can be honest about it, unlike some people... mumble mumble...

6. Do you ever threaten to quit writing so people will tell you not to stop? Oh, that’s so nauseating! No, I DON’T do that. But I might now that it’s occurred to me.

7. Are you in therapy? If not, should you be? If so, is it helping? I’m not in therapy. And you don’t have to look so surprised.

8. Do you delete mean comments? Do you fake nice ones? I delete spam. I also deleted one REALLY bad comment because it had a link to the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen. [shudder] But, I don’t delete comments because people disagree with me or hurt my feelings. I have NEVER faked a good comment before—that’s so wrong!

9. If your readers knew you in person, would they like you more or like you less? More. I have a strong physical magnetism. (well, what else could I say, less?)

10. Do you have a job? I do. Aren’t you proud?

12. If someone offered you a decent salary to blog full-time without restrictions, would you do it? Yup. As a matter of fact, I’m considering paying MYSELF to do it.

13. Which blogger do you want to meet in real life? Bob.

14. Which bloggers have you made out with? Wil Wheaton. Seriously, Wil, you never called! What’s up with that? (Disclaimer: This is pre-Patrick, of course.)

15. Do you usually act like you have more money or less money than you really have? I act like I have less. I’m really fantastically rich. I’m typing on a solid gold keyboard even as we speak.

16. Does your family read your blog? Obsessively. Since I don’t live at home, they can’t read my journals anymore, so this is the next best thing. I’m kidddding, y’all. (Well, not for all of you- you know who you are! Joey!)

17. How old is your blog? One year—isn’t she a big girl now?

18. Do you get more than 1,000 page views per day? Do you care? HAHAHAHA- I do NOT get that many page views. I cared at first though, to be honest. I think all new bloggers go through that phase- trying to build up readership. Then you start freaking out if people aren’t reading, like maybe you’ve lost your “edge” and that you are never going to amount to anything in this world. Hm—or maybe that was just me.

19. Do you have another secret blog in which you write about being depressed, immoral, or a liar? I’m really Isa. Seriously. Don’t tell my dad where I am, okay?

20. Have you ever given another blogger money for his/her writing? Why does that sound so naughty? Anyway, no. It’s all I can do to fund my OWN blogging.

21. Do you report the money you earn from your blog on your taxes? You can earn money with these things? Why wasn’t I told?

22. Is blogging narcissistic? Oh remember the stir that comment caused a while back? It can be, but everything has the potential to be narcissistic. Depends on the person.

23. Do you feel guilty when you don't post for a long time? I do. I feel guilty about MOST things. (even that last statement--- I’m so sorry!! Forgive me!!)

24. Do you like John Mayer? Who- the singer? How is this question relevant in any way? Is that you, J.M.? Did you sneak this question in?

25. Do you have enemies? No. I vanquish all my enemies. Oh, alright, that’s not true. I don’t have enemies—I’m not that contrary. Make love not war, she says sheepishly.

26. Are you lonely? Yikes- get personal, will ya? Is that you again, John Mayer? You're kinda creeping me out.

27. Why bother? Hm. I want to do what all the cool kids are doing, I guess. Oh, I can give a better answer. I blog because it's fun! I have a place to say what I think, what I like, what I don't like, what makes me laugh or cry. It organizes my thoughts, and that's never a bad thing.

Okay- there you have it. Fascinating, wasn't it?

Shannon out.

A Peck of Pop Culture

I made this with Typogenerator, a nifty little tool snatched from The Presurfer. It's a good time killer. I mean, if you're into that sort of thing. Which I am. Die, Time!

Mississippi Yearnin'

If you spend much time at APOG, you know that I have an abiding love for Louisiana. You'd think I was even born there. But, you'd be wrong. (Fancy that, huh?) I sprang forth from the rich soil of Mississippi, where magnolias and manners abound! I have been feeling a bit disloyal to the Hospitality State lately with all my ramblings about LA, so I thought I'd post some of the reasons I love Mississippi, too. Ah, you’re surprised at this, right? You’ve only heard bad things about Mississippi? I’m not surprised. It’s easy to focus on the poverty and the social problems that have troubled the state for many years. But, it is a great tragedy to overlook the quiet dignity and beauty that graces this land. Mississippi has a gentle, sensual manner that soothes her social and economic wounds, if you will only look.

One of my favorite sights as I drive the country roads of Mississippi is the garden. Long rows of produce grace the hillsides beside homes, carefully tended in the cool of the day. They yield ripe vegetables that fill bellies all year round, still canned and put up like the old days, filling the pantry, and shared with neighbors. A perfume of southern aromas rises from heavy laden tables—fried chicken, steaming roasted potatoes, hot-buttered corn bread, field peas, slices of ripened tomatoes and cucumbers, warm pecan pies and cool lemon meringues, and sweet tea to wash it all down. These cherished recipes are family heirlooms, shared with each generation, their value immeasurable. The food is the heart of the Southern gathering, but the true joys are found when the plates have been cleared away. The dominos come out and stories from the old folks are told or retold. Family stories and lore are planted tenderly in young minds. Eventually, everyone migrates outside, retreating to porch swings and rocking chairs. A game of horseshoes or volleyball starts up in the shade, and the children play in home-made forts and castles. When everyone is sufficiently recovered from the big meal, a juicy watermelon appears and the slices deliciously drip and disappear amidst smiling faces.

Kinships are strengthened and renewed in the simple act of sharing a meal, but it’s sharing the time that really matters.

The state moves slowly from season to season, gliding across the year in all her finery. Rolling hills draped in lush climbing kudzu, the sound of crickets on hot summer nights, the scent of honeysuckle wafting on the breeze; these are the shared memories of all Mississippians. Our childhoods were painted with the reds of magnolia seeds, the greens of clover and mimosa leaves, the silver of minnows in creeks, the purple of blackberries, the pink of azaleas. Our minds are filled with the deltas, bluffs, riverbeds, hills, marshes, and beaches- the places our parents grew up, the places we grew up, the places our children grow up—all rich with history and stories. Our history. Our stories.

Mississippi is strong because her people are strong. That strength comes from our connections with each other, and inevitably with the land. The roots put down with our families sink deep into Mississippi soil. They are not so easily transplanted.

--Louisiana may be in my blood, but Mississippi will always be in my heart--

As My 19 Year Old Sister Says, "Buy-bye"

I'm off to Monroe for a few days, everybody. Please talk amongst yourselves.

A Needy Superhero

I am the only one in the country, besides Patrick and Lorne Micheals, who still watches SNL. It's not that I have a rabid loyalty to the show, but it's the only thing on at 10:30 on a Saturday night. So, I watch.

Anyway, while watching Spiderman 2, I thought of a funny skit for them to do. Every time Spidy hears sirens, he swings off to save the day. But, what if he gets there, and the cops have it well under control?

Police officer: Um, hi Spiderman.
Spiderman: I heard the sirens! What's the emergency?
PO: Well, looks like this traffic light is out. I'm just directing the cars.
SM: Okay, I'll spin a web from the top there and-
PO: That's really not necessary, sir.
SM: Yeah, but somebody might-
PO: Really Spiderman, I've got it under control.
SM: Really?
PO: Yes.
SM: Well then. If you're sure. I mean, I could stand on the other-
PO: Honestly, it's fine.
SM: Alrightie then. Guess I'll just be going.... you're SURE about this?
PO: Spiderman, seriously dude. It's COOL.
SM: I'm just a swing away if you need me though- you know that, right?
PO: Yeah, yeah, we know.
SM: Okay, so I'll be seeing ya then... [reluctantly swings off]

PO: Sheesh. That guy has issues.

My spidy sense tells me that could be a very funny skit.

Having The Fun

The Short Ones are vacationing this week- honestly, they get way more r&r; than dear old mom! I wanna go to the beach! Who's gonna take ME? Anyway, I whine. I will stop.

This week they are funning it up at a belated graduation party for my cousin, then some country living at the in-laws, then to the beach with my parents. Patrick and I will be working extra hours to pay for a much needed weekend getaway brand new transmission!! Whoohoo! Life rocks!!

We do actually get to spend some time together tomorrow, and we plan to start the day by blacking out the windows and sleeping until high noon. Yeah, you heard it. Sleep, baby. The stuff gold is made of.

Then, we're going to sneak in the side door of Spiderman2, which I am extremely excited about. I love a good sneak. No, I'm kidding. I hate it. But Patrick still makes me do it. Ah, she ees so funny! (french accent required for full effect).

Then, if we're REALLY feeling un-frugal, we're going to eat something spicy, fried, thoroughly fattening, and recently swimming in a local body of water. Maybe we'll head to our favorite spot, Poor Boy Lloyds, where we can sit outside and look up at the stars and into each others eyes, and wonder what our kids are doing.

Ha! Shannon is funny.

Now, I am off to have the fun. Have a good weekend, folks.