*soft laugh* I have lived within a 70 mile radius of Chicago my entire life. I've visited a lot of places, but I always "come home". With that bias in mind, it shouldn't be a surprise that my first pick is:
Chicago, IL
I do mean in the city proper, generally northside...Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Uptown, Lakeview, Edgewater, Rogers Park...these are my stomping grounds. I love the culture, the diversity, the opportunities. I love my lake, and I miss it fiercely!!! A quick look, and real estate looks to be double my home's value, minimal. Oh well...I can dream!
The Rocks, Australia
This is another place that I spent very little time, but I would return in a heartbeat. The Rocks is the oldest part of Sydney, and it is just amazing. It is almost like every day is a festival, with live music in the streets. I don't think I've been anywhere that could match the number of SMILING people, either. Maybe it is something to do with the wild parrots that live in the city? I also love the water taxis, the museums, the food. If you get to visit Australia, try to visit Parliament. I know, it's in Canberra, but if the US Congress could take some lessons from the humor in those sessions! If I can't have Chicago, Sydney would be my second choice for major metropolis.
Denver, CO
I spent much of my early adolescence summering in Denver with my older cousins. My first "job" was in a greenhouse in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. I took tennis lessons and my first creative writing class out there. I adored the trips up to the mountains themselves...Pikes Peak, Breckenridge, Aspen. If I couldn't have my water, I would accept my mountains.
Astoria, OR
Scenic, historic, a mix of both woods and water. It's where I first tasted kettle corn and where I had true "fish'n'chips" served out of a lunch wagon. The farmer's market closes down one of the main streets downtown...you have to park and walk. And the gardens...oh, the gardens!!! I've only spent a day in the city, but I think I could find a good home there.
Fifth? hmmmm...there are a lot of places I would like to explore before I declared them places I'd like to live. At the same time, I am a creature of habit, so for my fifth place, I will say
my house
I like the house that Beloved and I have been working on for seven years. I like the energy. I like how versatile it is...how easy it is to move the furniture and change everything about the rooms here. There are major things I would do to the house still...de-siding it, repair/replace windows, build out the attic. I wish we could pick it up and move it somewhere else. I wish it had an acre of land to work with instead of the tiny lot. I wish there weren't so many questions about the neighborhood and I wish more of our neighbors were friendly. But for all of that, home is where the heart is, and I live with my Beloved.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Five Favorite Things About The Internet
Goodness! This one is a pretty easy one to answer!
diversity
I love how vast the Interest it, how limitless the diversity is. If you can think of something you are interested it or would like to know, you are almost sure to find out more on the Internet!
communication
From e-mail to FaceBook to individual interest groups, the communication made possible by the World Wide Web is remarkable. It's sad that hand-written letters are being phased out, although I honestly wouldn't communicate with as many people as often if I had to hand-write and mail.
education
Similar to the diversity, it is so easy to look something up. A few years ago, World Book was trying to sell us a $4000 set of encyclopedias. Really? There's the Internet! The educational value here, from accessing academic journals to zeroing in on zany words, is priceless.
current events
I read both the local and international papers online. I look up movie times. I find out about kink events. I follow political developments. The Internet connects me to all kinds of current events that I might not otherwise follow.
entertainment
How many hours have I spent chatting, blogging, gaming, watching Netflix online? Beloved STILL teases me because I didn't embrace the Internet until the summer he and I lived apart...1998, I think. Now, it is hard to unplug because the Web has become my primary source of individual entertainment.
diversity
I love how vast the Interest it, how limitless the diversity is. If you can think of something you are interested it or would like to know, you are almost sure to find out more on the Internet!
communication
From e-mail to FaceBook to individual interest groups, the communication made possible by the World Wide Web is remarkable. It's sad that hand-written letters are being phased out, although I honestly wouldn't communicate with as many people as often if I had to hand-write and mail.
education
Similar to the diversity, it is so easy to look something up. A few years ago, World Book was trying to sell us a $4000 set of encyclopedias. Really? There's the Internet! The educational value here, from accessing academic journals to zeroing in on zany words, is priceless.
current events
I read both the local and international papers online. I look up movie times. I find out about kink events. I follow political developments. The Internet connects me to all kinds of current events that I might not otherwise follow.
entertainment
How many hours have I spent chatting, blogging, gaming, watching Netflix online? Beloved STILL teases me because I didn't embrace the Internet until the summer he and I lived apart...1998, I think. Now, it is hard to unplug because the Web has become my primary source of individual entertainment.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Five Names You Wish Were Yours
huh. This is an interesting question. In grade school, I wanted to be a "Kate" or "Anna", partly because those girls were pretty, popular, and smart. So it isn't as though I have never thought about it, but I think the question is a little different today. I like my name(s). So...I will explain things I wish were different about my name(s).
momma
Do I really need to explain what I wish was different about this name? *half smile* I have struggled for more than five years to understand that Momma should not define who I am or what I do. It should not limit me. I wish people would not blank out when I tell them I am a stay-at-home mom.
given name
My parents gave me an unusual first name. It wasn't until college that I met a stranger who had the same name I did. That is pretty cool, now...but as a kid, I wished I wasn't so different.
nickname
I have two nicknames that are based on my given name. My family knows me as one name. Beloved gave me the other when I was eighteen. There is a funny story about how I moved out and gave my family my new phone number. For the first month or two, when they called asking for me by my childhood nickname, my family was told "Sorry...there is no one here by that name." Talk about frustration and confusion! Most everyone has figured it out NOW, but sometimes I wish I could resolve my dilemma about how to sign family letters.
lifestyle names
I have from time to time considered adopting a more unusual screen/lifestyle name, but at this point, people KNOW me. I came to those each of my screen names for my own reasons, not because they were cutesy or popular. *shrug* I suppose most people who claim them would say the same thing. Still, I wish there were fewer people who claimed the same names I do.
pagan name
I utilize my middle name as my power/pagan name. Again, I really like my middle name. It has been handed down through generations of my family and is tied to Welsh royalty. Unfortunately, it is also the name of a popular pagan publisher. I wish no one had suggested that it was cliche that I use my own birthright name.
momma
Do I really need to explain what I wish was different about this name? *half smile* I have struggled for more than five years to understand that Momma should not define who I am or what I do. It should not limit me. I wish people would not blank out when I tell them I am a stay-at-home mom.
given name
My parents gave me an unusual first name. It wasn't until college that I met a stranger who had the same name I did. That is pretty cool, now...but as a kid, I wished I wasn't so different.
nickname
I have two nicknames that are based on my given name. My family knows me as one name. Beloved gave me the other when I was eighteen. There is a funny story about how I moved out and gave my family my new phone number. For the first month or two, when they called asking for me by my childhood nickname, my family was told "Sorry...there is no one here by that name." Talk about frustration and confusion! Most everyone has figured it out NOW, but sometimes I wish I could resolve my dilemma about how to sign family letters.
lifestyle names
I have from time to time considered adopting a more unusual screen/lifestyle name, but at this point, people KNOW me. I came to those each of my screen names for my own reasons, not because they were cutesy or popular. *shrug* I suppose most people who claim them would say the same thing. Still, I wish there were fewer people who claimed the same names I do.
pagan name
I utilize my middle name as my power/pagan name. Again, I really like my middle name. It has been handed down through generations of my family and is tied to Welsh royalty. Unfortunately, it is also the name of a popular pagan publisher. I wish no one had suggested that it was cliche that I use my own birthright name.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Five Books
I love to dodge with question, insisting that authors are a better way to cover my preferences. The truth is, I still have favorite books from the authors that I enjoy reading. So...here goes...
* Fifth Sacred Thing by Starhawk
This is probably my all-time favorite book. It is a story of hope, possibility, magic, hardship, politics, sex, and assumptions. It was the book that allowed me to skip out of English 101 in college. It is one of the books that I pick up when I am slipping in my own life...although I didn't realize that until Beloved pointed it out. If there is one book on this list you are going to read, pick this one!
* Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel
I think this book was important in how I built my own foundation. I identify with the heroine, Ayla, as a survivor. I enjoy her spirit and courage. I adore the plant lore and discussions on medicine and healing. I like the historical fiction aspects.
* By the Sword by Mercedes Lackey
Probably the hardest book to choose from Lackey's wide array of Valdemar books, this is yet another powerful female protagonist who takes her own path, studies, and achieves goals by being honest and making friends in unusual places. Fun, fluffy, tween fantasy stuff.
* My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
Yes, a "children's book" about a 12-year old boy who runs away from home and learns how to survive in the wilderness of upstate New York. This book actually won a Newbery Medal Honor in 1960, so I feel somewhat justified in enjoying it as much as I do.
* Caretakers of Wonder by Cooper Edens
This is about the secret activities of the Caretakers of Wonder. They are the ones who raise the sun into it's place and sow dewdrops at night. The book ends with the suggestion that some day YOU will be asked to become a Caretaker of Wonder. *teary eyes* The priest read this aloud as a part of the eulogy at my mother's funeral, and the simple beauty fit my mom so well. I have gone on to "collect" Cooper Eden's books and (cheating!) would highly recommend "If You're Afraid Of The Dark, Remember The Night Rainbow" also.
* Fifth Sacred Thing by Starhawk
This is probably my all-time favorite book. It is a story of hope, possibility, magic, hardship, politics, sex, and assumptions. It was the book that allowed me to skip out of English 101 in college. It is one of the books that I pick up when I am slipping in my own life...although I didn't realize that until Beloved pointed it out. If there is one book on this list you are going to read, pick this one!
* Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel
I think this book was important in how I built my own foundation. I identify with the heroine, Ayla, as a survivor. I enjoy her spirit and courage. I adore the plant lore and discussions on medicine and healing. I like the historical fiction aspects.
* By the Sword by Mercedes Lackey
Probably the hardest book to choose from Lackey's wide array of Valdemar books, this is yet another powerful female protagonist who takes her own path, studies, and achieves goals by being honest and making friends in unusual places. Fun, fluffy, tween fantasy stuff.
* My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
Yes, a "children's book" about a 12-year old boy who runs away from home and learns how to survive in the wilderness of upstate New York. This book actually won a Newbery Medal Honor in 1960, so I feel somewhat justified in enjoying it as much as I do.
* Caretakers of Wonder by Cooper Edens
This is about the secret activities of the Caretakers of Wonder. They are the ones who raise the sun into it's place and sow dewdrops at night. The book ends with the suggestion that some day YOU will be asked to become a Caretaker of Wonder. *teary eyes* The priest read this aloud as a part of the eulogy at my mother's funeral, and the simple beauty fit my mom so well. I have gone on to "collect" Cooper Eden's books and (cheating!) would highly recommend "If You're Afraid Of The Dark, Remember The Night Rainbow" also.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Five Excuses
One of the challenges about blogging is that I fall off the band-wagon. I start thinking I'm whining or depressed all the time and who wants to hear about that?! So, I found a new 30-day Challenge...My Top Fives. It will at least get me back in the habit of writing, even if you aren't all that interested... :P
Day One: Top Five Favorite Excuses
* I can't...
Total crap. I CAN. If I make it a priority, I can do anything I want to. This isn't to mean that it will be easy, but it probably CAN be done. End of subject.
* I don't want to...
Perhaps a better excuse, but still questionable. There are lots of things that people don't want to do, but that doesn't mean you can get off the hook with this one. Especially in line with "learning complaisance", saying I don't want to is a lame excuse.
* I am afraid...
ooo...good one, don't you think? Fear is a powerful force and it can be crippling. Fear can drive us to do things that are nonsensical or prevent us from growing. Some times we don't even realize it is fear that is blocking us. Fear is still an excuse, though. Indigo Girls had it right...Chase all the ghosts from your head. {You're}stronger than the monster beneath your bed. Smarter than the tricks played on your heart. Well look at them together and then take them apart...
* I can't decide...
This is a close cousin to the fear excuse. Usually we can't decide because we are afraid of making the wrong choice. Often, we try to not decide by doing nothing, and yet that is also a decision. Realize it, own it, DECIDE it.
* I am too busy... or There isn't enough time... or I'm too tired...
This one is one that I find myself using a lot. I do have a lot going on, all the time. Mother of two, involved in my family, host of Grand Central Station, support for more people than I can count... And yet, I have major huge time eaters in my life. Please note that I didn't say wasters. I am trying to modify my own language...it is an interesting exercise. Instead of wasting time, activities can eat time. Maybe there isn't a huge difference, but it makes it more of a conscious choice on my part. *chuckles* Blogging is one of my time eaters! So is gaming. *wink* I am considering a time log to see what more of my time eaters are. Another strategy...change your wording. Instead of saying "I don't have time" try saying "it's not a priority," and see how that feels. Often, that's a perfectly adequate explanation. I have time to iron my sheets, but that is not a priority. But other things are harder. I need to prioritize how I spend my time. Consider where you spend your time? What do you do all day? Are these reasons you are "too busy"?
Today's challenge summary:
Can I dare to PRIORITIZE my DECISIONS without being AFRAID of being "wrong"? Even if I DON'T WANT to, CAN I do it?
Day One: Top Five Favorite Excuses
* I can't...
Total crap. I CAN. If I make it a priority, I can do anything I want to. This isn't to mean that it will be easy, but it probably CAN be done. End of subject.
* I don't want to...
Perhaps a better excuse, but still questionable. There are lots of things that people don't want to do, but that doesn't mean you can get off the hook with this one. Especially in line with "learning complaisance", saying I don't want to is a lame excuse.
* I am afraid...
ooo...good one, don't you think? Fear is a powerful force and it can be crippling. Fear can drive us to do things that are nonsensical or prevent us from growing. Some times we don't even realize it is fear that is blocking us. Fear is still an excuse, though. Indigo Girls had it right...Chase all the ghosts from your head. {You're}stronger than the monster beneath your bed. Smarter than the tricks played on your heart. Well look at them together and then take them apart...
* I can't decide...
This is a close cousin to the fear excuse. Usually we can't decide because we are afraid of making the wrong choice. Often, we try to not decide by doing nothing, and yet that is also a decision. Realize it, own it, DECIDE it.
* I am too busy... or There isn't enough time... or I'm too tired...
This one is one that I find myself using a lot. I do have a lot going on, all the time. Mother of two, involved in my family, host of Grand Central Station, support for more people than I can count... And yet, I have major huge time eaters in my life. Please note that I didn't say wasters. I am trying to modify my own language...it is an interesting exercise. Instead of wasting time, activities can eat time. Maybe there isn't a huge difference, but it makes it more of a conscious choice on my part. *chuckles* Blogging is one of my time eaters! So is gaming. *wink* I am considering a time log to see what more of my time eaters are. Another strategy...change your wording. Instead of saying "I don't have time" try saying "it's not a priority," and see how that feels. Often, that's a perfectly adequate explanation. I have time to iron my sheets, but that is not a priority. But other things are harder. I need to prioritize how I spend my time. Consider where you spend your time? What do you do all day? Are these reasons you are "too busy"?
Today's challenge summary:
Can I dare to PRIORITIZE my DECISIONS without being AFRAID of being "wrong"? Even if I DON'T WANT to, CAN I do it?
Monday, February 27, 2012
Anonymous poking and choices abound
Does it count as consensual if you weren't even aware of it? hmmmm....
Someone poked a comment about missing me and it made me smile. I've been thinking about it; I stopped writing here because "everyone" is on FetLife these days, and double-posting was annoying because Fet doesn't accept html so the formatting had to be changed either way I went. I didn't get much feedback here, so I figured there was where I should post. Now, I'm reconsidering. I could just post here and leave a link there. Blah blah blah. More CHOICES.
I am having a tough time with all the choices I have. Job hunting or school? If school, which area of study? What is for dinner and how can I remake the recipe to reflect high protein counts? Should I spend more time going through more crap to make boxes for the charity pick-up next week? Where can cuts be made so Montessori schooling is possible for TWO children? Are my moods because of physical sickness, SAD issues, or withdrawal from the Zoloft? Can my back handle going back to the gym yet? What can I afford to buy for the garden this year?
*wry smile* I'm a little overwhelmed and have spent a goodly part of the last week moving piles around and not really accomplishing anything. New day, new start...I'm trying to address this...and yet it's already 1pm, and I haven't done much at all. Maybe I should give it a shot, eh?
Someone poked a comment about missing me and it made me smile. I've been thinking about it; I stopped writing here because "everyone" is on FetLife these days, and double-posting was annoying because Fet doesn't accept html so the formatting had to be changed either way I went. I didn't get much feedback here, so I figured there was where I should post. Now, I'm reconsidering. I could just post here and leave a link there. Blah blah blah. More CHOICES.
I am having a tough time with all the choices I have. Job hunting or school? If school, which area of study? What is for dinner and how can I remake the recipe to reflect high protein counts? Should I spend more time going through more crap to make boxes for the charity pick-up next week? Where can cuts be made so Montessori schooling is possible for TWO children? Are my moods because of physical sickness, SAD issues, or withdrawal from the Zoloft? Can my back handle going back to the gym yet? What can I afford to buy for the garden this year?
*wry smile* I'm a little overwhelmed and have spent a goodly part of the last week moving piles around and not really accomplishing anything. New day, new start...I'm trying to address this...and yet it's already 1pm, and I haven't done much at all. Maybe I should give it a shot, eh?
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Polycule
This is our tribe. Together, we are a colossal force of love, laughter, and life.
Beloved and I have a solid marriage and a great friendship. Each of us have developed secondary relationships that are very involved with the whole family. His girlfriend and I are best friends, and my boyfriend and Sam hang out regularly without me.
Branching out from there, our partners are both married and their spouses have outside relationships as well. I also have some romantic friendships that add to the richness of our lives. In general, everyone is willing to jump into whatever chaos life brings us...from real crisis to hosting parties to childcare to housecleaning.
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