This morning I was digging through my dresser looking for something gold for Francis to wear to "maroon and gold" day at her school and came across my Cayuco Race Patch. For those of you who don't know, I lived in Panama from ages 11 to 15 and consider it to be the best years of my childhood. It was truly a unique and beautiful place to grow up. In so many ways, I am who I am because of that experience.
There is an annual race there called the Cayuco Race. It's a 3 day race through the Panama Canal via dug out canoes that somehow end up being a cross between a canoe and a kayak. Participants prepare months in advance; preparing the boats and training physically. I remember vividly getting up before school and going paddling.
Year after year, the same boats would be in the race with different crews and new paint jobs. Certain boats had a legacy of winning and came with extra pride and expectation. Some boats were all about having fun. I paddled in a boat called "The Short Cut" (featured at 1:36 of this video)and I'm not sure where we stood historically, but we were definitely out to win. An all girl boat, I think we came in 5th in the girl category. Not bad, but no trophy. ;) That said, every participant received a patch and although it doesn't sound like much, wearing the patch in Panama meant something. Seeing it in my drawer this morning reminded me of that feeling of pride - being apart of something so unique and challenging. It's fun to have one.
In 2000, the canal was handed back to the Panamanians and the US left. All of the bases are now prime real estate and what used to be my house is now the Nicaraguan Embassy! It's a bit emotional to go back and see so many changes. Typically, when visiting an old hometown, you can find connection and comfort in all of the things that have stayed the same and enjoy the few things that have changed. Panama is a different world. What used to be the Canal Zone is now a booming resort area. Truly bizarre and sad for many of us who grew up there. And I'm saying that as a Army brat who only lived there for only 4 years. Many of my friends spent their entire lives there - generations of their family lived there. Their grandparents built the canal and their parents worked for the canal as well.
Watching this video today and seeing the "Short Cut," I got a little teary knowing it was the same boat. There is meaning in that somehow. Legacy and history in a place that is so mixed up and lacking it due to the turnover in 2000.
I'm looking forward to the day when I can tell Francis and George about it...maybe even go stay at the "Grand Hyatt" in Gamboa (which used to be the base/neighborhood my friend lived) and see it in person.
*I'll see if I can get some pics from my race posted.
Showing posts with label Sally's musings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sally's musings. Show all posts
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Cayuco Race
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Rockstar Roadtrip Workshop
In the land of iphones. Envy does not describe.
Yesterday, I had the absolute pleasure of attending the Rockstar Roadtrip Photo workshop taught by Corey McNabb and Amber Holritz. We spent the day talking shop in the downtown Hilton Towers (the same Hilton Towers that banned me as a college student for sneaking up to the roof.) I'm pretty sure I slipped in under the radar and fortunately for me, because I learned a ton and had a great day meeting a room full of other great photographers. After our workshop we spent the last 30 minutes or so rockin' out to Guitar Hero (you gotta love a workshop planned by Creatives!) and then headed to Chicago's favorite, The Billy Goat Tavern, for beers and burgers. Thanks again, Corey and Amber! (more pics at greyfinch.blogspot.com)
Yesterday, I had the absolute pleasure of attending the Rockstar Roadtrip Photo workshop taught by Corey McNabb and Amber Holritz. We spent the day talking shop in the downtown Hilton Towers (the same Hilton Towers that banned me as a college student for sneaking up to the roof.) I'm pretty sure I slipped in under the radar and fortunately for me, because I learned a ton and had a great day meeting a room full of other great photographers. After our workshop we spent the last 30 minutes or so rockin' out to Guitar Hero (you gotta love a workshop planned by Creatives!) and then headed to Chicago's favorite, The Billy Goat Tavern, for beers and burgers. Thanks again, Corey and Amber! (more pics at greyfinch.blogspot.com)
Sarah Regrets the Burger.
After the rockstar roadtrip workshop yesterday, we all headed to Chicago's famous Billy Goat Tavern for some dinner. My new pal, Sarah Anne Barlow, showed up a few minutes after we got there and it was so nice to see a familiar face! Sarah, not at all a fan of fast food, ordered a Billy Goat double burger - I warned her - but I think she just must have been mighty hungry. Too bad for her, later, as we walked back to her car (thanks for the ride) she confessed that she regretted it. The greasy nastiness of the Billy Goat burger is not for all. I was telling Matt about this as we were brushing our teeth this morning and he said "Man, I love that place, we used to eat there all the time after work." Case in point: Gulde will eat ANYTHING.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Earth Hour in Chicago
Tonight from 8-9pm Chicago turned it's lights out for Earth Hour 2008. People around the world were asked to turn off lights and non-essential electrical items as a way of conserving energy.
These photos were taken by a flickr member and I loved that they show the comparison of 10 minutes before the lights went out and then after. I think it's neat to see the lights off in the Sears Tower. Check out the difference in the sky. I'm actually a little surprised the sky is blue. We live a block from Chicago city limits and the night sky is typically orange-ish due to the downtown lights. In fact, on our last trip to Texas, Francis freaked out at the first sighting of stars! it blew her mind! Pretty sad.
We had our lights off, did you?
These photos were taken by a flickr member and I loved that they show the comparison of 10 minutes before the lights went out and then after. I think it's neat to see the lights off in the Sears Tower. Check out the difference in the sky. I'm actually a little surprised the sky is blue. We live a block from Chicago city limits and the night sky is typically orange-ish due to the downtown lights. In fact, on our last trip to Texas, Francis freaked out at the first sighting of stars! it blew her mind! Pretty sad.
We had our lights off, did you?
My girl is growing up.
Yesterday Francis turned to me and said, "Mom, I'm really growing up aren't I?" I smiled and snuggled her in close to me and said, "Yes, Francis you are growing up." As I hugged her and was thinking how much I loved her, she spoke up again and said, "Mom, when I grow up, I'm gonna have a big booty just like you!" Unable to deny the facts, I just said, "Yes Francis, if you're lucky, you'll have a big booty just like mom." That's my girl... just tellin' like she sees it. Back to Weightwatchers I go!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
RECIPE: Maple Salmon
A dear friend of mine, Rachel, has a friend - who has a sister - who has a friend named "D." D puts together a detailed weekly meal plan and grocery list for herself. Recently, Rachel found herself on the receiving end of this email blast of recipes and was telling me how great it was.
Being no dummy, I asked her to forward them to me. I could use some serious love in the meal planning kitchen. I'm terrible at it and given that the rest of my life is plenty distracting, I end up making the same 'ole stuff all the time. It's only been a couple of weeks, and already I've loved trying some new things. Thank you friend of friend 's sister friend, D. you are making my life so much better.
Knowing how pleasant this has been, I thought I'd share the wealth and occassionally add some recipes here that I like. With, of course, photography - because who likes a recipe book with just words. Blah. Not me. I'm a visual person. I've got to SEE if I'll like it. So, if you try 'em and like 'em let me know. And if you've got a great recipe that I need - please, please, send it on. I'll make it and feature it on our site. My hope is that someday all of my favorite recipes will be on here and I'll be able to click on the "recipe" tag and see all of my favorites - no more hunting for the "pumpkin torte" recipe at Thanksgiving or calling my mom to find out how long to bake the Turkey.
So here it goes, the first recipe:
Found at allrecipes by the friend of friend, D -
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Maple-Salmon/Detail.aspx?src=etaf
MAPLE SALMON: (with stirfry veggies and asian noodles)
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound salmon
DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, garlic salt, and pepper.
Place salmon in a shallow glass baking dish, and coat with the maple syrup mixture. Cover the dish, and marinate salmon in the refrigerator 30 minutes, turning once.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, and bake salmon uncovered 20 minutes, or until easily flaked with a fork.
As far as the veggies and noodles go, I just went to the bagged salad section of the grocery store. They had a pre-bagged assortment of stirfry veggies and I just followed the directions. Same with the noodles, pre-packaged/cooked noodles. "D" suggested adding sesame seeds to the stirfry last minute and using peanut oil to stir fry with. Both were great suggestions. Super quick and easy - and not to mention, kinda purty.
Being no dummy, I asked her to forward them to me. I could use some serious love in the meal planning kitchen. I'm terrible at it and given that the rest of my life is plenty distracting, I end up making the same 'ole stuff all the time. It's only been a couple of weeks, and already I've loved trying some new things. Thank you friend of friend 's sister friend, D. you are making my life so much better.
Knowing how pleasant this has been, I thought I'd share the wealth and occassionally add some recipes here that I like. With, of course, photography - because who likes a recipe book with just words. Blah. Not me. I'm a visual person. I've got to SEE if I'll like it. So, if you try 'em and like 'em let me know. And if you've got a great recipe that I need - please, please, send it on. I'll make it and feature it on our site. My hope is that someday all of my favorite recipes will be on here and I'll be able to click on the "recipe" tag and see all of my favorites - no more hunting for the "pumpkin torte" recipe at Thanksgiving or calling my mom to find out how long to bake the Turkey.
So here it goes, the first recipe:
Found at allrecipes by the friend of friend, D -
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Maple-Salmon/Detail.aspx?src=etaf
MAPLE SALMON: (with stirfry veggies and asian noodles)
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound salmon
DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, garlic salt, and pepper.
Place salmon in a shallow glass baking dish, and coat with the maple syrup mixture. Cover the dish, and marinate salmon in the refrigerator 30 minutes, turning once.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, and bake salmon uncovered 20 minutes, or until easily flaked with a fork.
As far as the veggies and noodles go, I just went to the bagged salad section of the grocery store. They had a pre-bagged assortment of stirfry veggies and I just followed the directions. Same with the noodles, pre-packaged/cooked noodles. "D" suggested adding sesame seeds to the stirfry last minute and using peanut oil to stir fry with. Both were great suggestions. Super quick and easy - and not to mention, kinda purty.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Trying to win a pedal car
They're giving away a cute retro pedal car on this mom site and well, somebody's gotta win, right? Why not the Chicago Guldes?
Check it out and try and win yourself.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Billions served
Flickr hit two billion photos today. That means the 8,400 photos that Sally and I have uploaded account for just over 4 ten thousandths of a percent of the total Flickr.com user space. Actually, by volume, I'd bet that our percentage is slightly higher. For a long time, we've been uploading high-resolution images to Flickr as a complete backup to our home drives and disks, so our 8,400 probably take up more space than the average.
Here's the 2,000,000,000th picture, by the way.
Also by the way, why is it that a search for TERRIBLE IMAGE on flickr produces this fantastic set? Am I missing something?
Further by the way, I was searching "terrible image" to make the joke, "at least the 2 millionth image wasn't this one." I couldn't find anything appropriate in a quick search.
Here's the 2,000,000,000th picture, by the way.
Also by the way, why is it that a search for TERRIBLE IMAGE on flickr produces this fantastic set? Am I missing something?
Further by the way, I was searching "terrible image" to make the joke, "at least the 2 millionth image wasn't this one." I couldn't find anything appropriate in a quick search.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
It's video week here at mattandsally.com
Here's another one that Matt pointed out to me by the band, OK Go. The song is "Here We Go Again." Do you guys have any favorites I should know about? Also, let me know if all of these videos are slowing down the site load time.
The guy in the pink shirt, who appears to be the lead, looks suspiciously like Kurt Lightner, a friend from college.
The guy in the pink shirt, who appears to be the lead, looks suspiciously like Kurt Lightner, a friend from college.
Monday, October 22, 2007
An Old Favorite
Posting the Feist video yesterday got me thinking about my favorites. This one might just top my list. Great song, great video. Just try not to smile and shake your groove thang. See...you're smiling. It's just good.
I don't know jack about the latest rap music, but don't you love that this 2003 DJ Format video is sans booty and bling - how refreshing. It's just creative and addictive - and like I said, one my favorites.
I don't know jack about the latest rap music, but don't you love that this 2003 DJ Format video is sans booty and bling - how refreshing. It's just creative and addictive - and like I said, one my favorites.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
This makes me happy
Recently Matt and I were doing our nightly sit on the couch, watch TV and surf the web routine when he paused the TV, turned his computer in my direction and said, "Hey, have you seen this? I think you'll really like it." (I love it when he says stuff like this to me...I love it because he's usually right and I usually haven't seen it. What I have seen, however, is the latest Curious George exhibit at the Chicago Children's museum and I've seen Dancy Nancy's latest appearance on Jack's big music show... but that's another blog entry.) So this is what he showed me. The latest Feist video, "1234". It's simple, creative, and beautiful. All things I love.
FYI: check out the other Feist video links at the end of this one. They're all pretty interesting and fun to watch.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
I love me some George.
He's growing up. He's really walking these days and starting to "say" things. My neighbor Maureen suggested George said "staircase" today just before he raced her son up her stairs. I appreciate her confidence in him, but I wouldn't bet money on it. I can tell you, however, that he has been pointing and TRYING to say things. And of course, he is a GULDE so he's gonna be part genius. (That would be the Carns part of Gulde.)
Friday, August 17, 2007
Tag, I'm it.
I was just "tagged" by my dear friend Kristen. The funny thing is, I learned NOTHING new about Kristen through this exercise. KB, you're gonna have to dig a little deeper. Anyway, I really hate these things, but I also really love Kristen so here it goes:
My eight random facts and/or habits:
1. I didn't make 5th grade choir. I was 1 of 3 out of 50 that didn't make it. Myself and two others (Mary and Chris) played the recorder instead.
2. Despite the fact that I didn't make 5th grade choir. I did grow up and win a Grammy.
3. I was Captain of the kick line/drill team in high school. For those of you who don't know, Oklahoma and Texas take their kick lines pretty seriously. I used to kick so high that my shins would have lipstick on them when I would walk off the football field. Ah, those were the days.
4. I'm terrible with plants. I kill them all.
4. I love wrapping presents. I love using unusual papers and flea market treasures to make them little pieces of art.
5. I was the women's Lacrosse goalie in college.
6. I love all things handmade.
7. I'll pay $5 for a pen, but I won't pay more than $1 for shampoo.
8. I have a deep need to learn how to play the guitar.
My eight random facts and/or habits:
1. I didn't make 5th grade choir. I was 1 of 3 out of 50 that didn't make it. Myself and two others (Mary and Chris) played the recorder instead.
2. Despite the fact that I didn't make 5th grade choir. I did grow up and win a Grammy.
3. I was Captain of the kick line/drill team in high school. For those of you who don't know, Oklahoma and Texas take their kick lines pretty seriously. I used to kick so high that my shins would have lipstick on them when I would walk off the football field. Ah, those were the days.
4. I'm terrible with plants. I kill them all.
4. I love wrapping presents. I love using unusual papers and flea market treasures to make them little pieces of art.
5. I was the women's Lacrosse goalie in college.
6. I love all things handmade.
7. I'll pay $5 for a pen, but I won't pay more than $1 for shampoo.
8. I have a deep need to learn how to play the guitar.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Beautiful Things
Found these at Modishoppe tonight and thought I'd share the love. I love this too. There are so many beautiful things there. Enjoy!
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Ladies Night
Last Friday night myself and a crew of my girlfriends, all mommas, went dancing in downtown Chicago. (Mind you, I haven't been dancing in over 6 years and this girl likes to shake her groove thang. ) You'd think, that I would have been out of my mind excited, but to tell you the truth, I had all kinds of anxiety about going.
First, I had NOTHING to wear. At least I'm smart enough to know that Tevas and cargos aren't appropriate for a night on the town. Currently, my wardrobe is a sad, sad state of affairs. It's full of maternity/post maternity/loosing weight after baby t-shirts and jeans. That, combined with my life consisting of going to the library and the park with two kids, let's just say...not so sexy.
And if you're going out once every 6 years, sexy is a must. Enter, friend Rachel and neighbor Maureen. These ladies always look like a million bucks. Rachel came over with a pile of clothes and Maureen gave me some sparkly earrings to wear. I typically wear fake pearls or diamond studs...both of which are lost at the moment and I've been wearing nothing for months now. I am a lost cause. What can I say? I've got to get better at this. At any rate, mission "Transform Sally" was complete. I had something to wear and felt much better about going.
Nevermind, I am 33, married, and now have the glorious post pregnancy "muffin top" waistline...maybe now, with the right clothes and club lighting, I would blend in.
We arrived at the Funky Buddha around 9:45. How did we decide where to go? I wish I could post the string of emails (there were 32) that were exchanged among this group of ladies. It was so funny. There was a lot of internet research and consulting of younger siblings and coworkers. After having to ditch our first choice of going to the Underground (because Kanye West was having a private party there) we settled on the Funky Buddha. The website said the age range was 25-50...ha.
We had a great time. A little out of practice, Lauren forgot her ID and had to drive all the way home to get it. And a little rusty on the dance floor, but soon it was all laughs and good times. I created a new dance move... it was the "look at my ring finger" dance. That seemed to weed out most of the creeps. One guy, in fact, appreciating my effort, bought me a drink and said, "Have a great time with your girlfriends tonight." So, I count that as a success. A free drink. I still got it. ;)
It was a great time. Not more fun than eating breakfast everyday with Francis and George or watching back -to-back episodes of 24 on the couch with Matt, but a different kind of fun. Just a great night out by myself, with my girlfriends. Thanks Ladies. I needed it.
First, I had NOTHING to wear. At least I'm smart enough to know that Tevas and cargos aren't appropriate for a night on the town. Currently, my wardrobe is a sad, sad state of affairs. It's full of maternity/post maternity/loosing weight after baby t-shirts and jeans. That, combined with my life consisting of going to the library and the park with two kids, let's just say...not so sexy.
And if you're going out once every 6 years, sexy is a must. Enter, friend Rachel and neighbor Maureen. These ladies always look like a million bucks. Rachel came over with a pile of clothes and Maureen gave me some sparkly earrings to wear. I typically wear fake pearls or diamond studs...both of which are lost at the moment and I've been wearing nothing for months now. I am a lost cause. What can I say? I've got to get better at this. At any rate, mission "Transform Sally" was complete. I had something to wear and felt much better about going.
Nevermind, I am 33, married, and now have the glorious post pregnancy "muffin top" waistline...maybe now, with the right clothes and club lighting, I would blend in.
We arrived at the Funky Buddha around 9:45. How did we decide where to go? I wish I could post the string of emails (there were 32) that were exchanged among this group of ladies. It was so funny. There was a lot of internet research and consulting of younger siblings and coworkers. After having to ditch our first choice of going to the Underground (because Kanye West was having a private party there) we settled on the Funky Buddha. The website said the age range was 25-50...ha.
We had a great time. A little out of practice, Lauren forgot her ID and had to drive all the way home to get it. And a little rusty on the dance floor, but soon it was all laughs and good times. I created a new dance move... it was the "look at my ring finger" dance. That seemed to weed out most of the creeps. One guy, in fact, appreciating my effort, bought me a drink and said, "Have a great time with your girlfriends tonight." So, I count that as a success. A free drink. I still got it. ;)
It was a great time. Not more fun than eating breakfast everyday with Francis and George or watching back -to-back episodes of 24 on the couch with Matt, but a different kind of fun. Just a great night out by myself, with my girlfriends. Thanks Ladies. I needed it.
Monday, May 21, 2007
It's been awhile...
Big apologies for the delay of posting. Life has me chasing my tail these days. So I will do my best to catch you up to speed.
1. Went to Galveston at the end of April. Got back and started looking for my cell phone. After 2.5 weeks of thinking it was going to show up, I bought a new phone and began immediately receiving calls for "Robert." "Rob" has apparently been enjoying the use of my phone the past few weeks. Being the thoughtful guy he is, he also took the liberty to download some ringers for me: Money On My Mind, I'm Straight, Booty Call, Telephone Love, G Code by the Geto Boys, Ol English-The Game and lastly, the screensaver titled: Stewie, Where's My Money?.
400 minutes and $35 bucks in ringers later... not to mention having to buy a new phone and sign another 2 year contract, I'm thankful it wasn't worse. My good attitude wanes however, when I answer my phone and hear, "Yo, Rob...."
2. Tooth update: George seems to be doing better and we remain hopeful that he won't lose it. Our 3 week appointment is this Thursday so we'll see...
3. We've all been sick. Within the last week we have had some kind of throw-up/poopy bug hit us. I literally spent my Mother's Day over a toilet and in bed trying to rest. It was a total bummer, but I think most of it has left the building. Georgie still has a little left in his system, but hopefully he'll recover fully soon. Oh and on the upside, as a result of being so sick I finally hit my Weight Watchers 10% weight loss goal! Ha.
4. Photographed a friend's daughter and in exchange got some amazing plants from her yard that she was wanting to get rid of. At the end of the day I walked away with about 8 big hostas and 2 day lillies. I'll post pics soon. They really classed up our front yard and I am now the envy of my neighbors. If I had more time, I think I would really enjoy gardening.
5. Francis continues to crack me up. I was talking to her this morning about potty training. Again, I was explaining to her how big girls go poo-poo in the potty. She looked at me, as if to say "Let me get this right:" and said "So, big girls go poo-poo in the potty?" and I said, "Yes, that's right." And she paused for a moment and said, "In-ter-est-ing."
1. Went to Galveston at the end of April. Got back and started looking for my cell phone. After 2.5 weeks of thinking it was going to show up, I bought a new phone and began immediately receiving calls for "Robert." "Rob" has apparently been enjoying the use of my phone the past few weeks. Being the thoughtful guy he is, he also took the liberty to download some ringers for me: Money On My Mind, I'm Straight, Booty Call, Telephone Love, G Code by the Geto Boys, Ol English-The Game and lastly, the screensaver titled: Stewie, Where's My Money?.
400 minutes and $35 bucks in ringers later... not to mention having to buy a new phone and sign another 2 year contract, I'm thankful it wasn't worse. My good attitude wanes however, when I answer my phone and hear, "Yo, Rob...."
2. Tooth update: George seems to be doing better and we remain hopeful that he won't lose it. Our 3 week appointment is this Thursday so we'll see...
3. We've all been sick. Within the last week we have had some kind of throw-up/poopy bug hit us. I literally spent my Mother's Day over a toilet and in bed trying to rest. It was a total bummer, but I think most of it has left the building. Georgie still has a little left in his system, but hopefully he'll recover fully soon. Oh and on the upside, as a result of being so sick I finally hit my Weight Watchers 10% weight loss goal! Ha.
4. Photographed a friend's daughter and in exchange got some amazing plants from her yard that she was wanting to get rid of. At the end of the day I walked away with about 8 big hostas and 2 day lillies. I'll post pics soon. They really classed up our front yard and I am now the envy of my neighbors. If I had more time, I think I would really enjoy gardening.
5. Francis continues to crack me up. I was talking to her this morning about potty training. Again, I was explaining to her how big girls go poo-poo in the potty. She looked at me, as if to say "Let me get this right:" and said "So, big girls go poo-poo in the potty?" and I said, "Yes, that's right." And she paused for a moment and said, "In-ter-est-ing."
Friday, February 09, 2007
Painful hooks
I was driving home from George's 6 month apt. the other day in -1ยบ snowy weather. Not surprisingly, traffic was moving at a snail's pace and so I had plenty of time to listen to this story on NPR. It's about Turkish author, Elif Shafak and her new book, The Bastard of Istanbul. Because of the subject matter in her book she was accused of "public denigration of Turkishness" and was arrested and fortunately later acquitted. In her interview, she talks about the main theme, "the duality of memory and amnesia" and it got me thinking.
She writes about the Turkish genocide of the Armenians in the early 1900's. Apparently, many Turks, even today, deny it even happened. That said, Elif emphasizes the importance of remembering their history (regardless of how bad) and in the interview, discusses her fascination with the "simple fundamental duality of memory and amnesia." As a society, Armenians tend to be past/memory-oriented (not wanting to forget the genocide) and Turks tend to be future-oriented (at the extreme, denying it ever happened). According to Elif, the Turks suffer from a collective amensia. In doing so, they have a loss of continuity of their history.
Alrighty, well that's Turkey and we could talk a lot about that and how the duality applies to the good 'ole selective American memory, but I'm not interested in a political or sociological debate. Although the sociology major in me is intrigued... the interview mostly just left me thinking about my own life.
As individuals, we all experience bad stuff in our lives: mistakes, regret, painful curve balls. It's fact. Life is hard...sometimes really hard. I'm not talking about a glass of milk on your computer or a new radiator in your brand new car. I'm talking about that stuff we don't talk about. The stuff that's too hard to talk about. The stuff that you only tell your closest friends amidst lots of tears. Hard stuff. As an individual, to borrow words from Elif, "If your past is gloomy, is it better to know more about it or is it better to know less about it and let bygones be bygones? Is it better to probe and know more or let the past be just that... the past?"
I tend to want to bury all things painful and bad. I've even gone through my stages of wanting to pretend things never happened. Who wants to think about that stuff? It's hard... and no fun. However, we wouldn't be who we are if only good things happened to us. As crazy as it sounds, hardship makes us better people. In many ways, it inspires us and teaches us what's important. As much as amensia sounds like a cool drink of water (or a handy pill, if you watched Boston Legal night before last) when you're dealing with a painful hook life sends you, experience tells me that you can run, but you can't hide.
With every new day that passes, the hard stuff slowly becomes a part of your past. I say, choose to remember your painful past and turn it into an inspired future.
She writes about the Turkish genocide of the Armenians in the early 1900's. Apparently, many Turks, even today, deny it even happened. That said, Elif emphasizes the importance of remembering their history (regardless of how bad) and in the interview, discusses her fascination with the "simple fundamental duality of memory and amnesia." As a society, Armenians tend to be past/memory-oriented (not wanting to forget the genocide) and Turks tend to be future-oriented (at the extreme, denying it ever happened). According to Elif, the Turks suffer from a collective amensia. In doing so, they have a loss of continuity of their history.
Alrighty, well that's Turkey and we could talk a lot about that and how the duality applies to the good 'ole selective American memory, but I'm not interested in a political or sociological debate. Although the sociology major in me is intrigued... the interview mostly just left me thinking about my own life.
As individuals, we all experience bad stuff in our lives: mistakes, regret, painful curve balls. It's fact. Life is hard...sometimes really hard. I'm not talking about a glass of milk on your computer or a new radiator in your brand new car. I'm talking about that stuff we don't talk about. The stuff that's too hard to talk about. The stuff that you only tell your closest friends amidst lots of tears. Hard stuff. As an individual, to borrow words from Elif, "If your past is gloomy, is it better to know more about it or is it better to know less about it and let bygones be bygones? Is it better to probe and know more or let the past be just that... the past?"
I tend to want to bury all things painful and bad. I've even gone through my stages of wanting to pretend things never happened. Who wants to think about that stuff? It's hard... and no fun. However, we wouldn't be who we are if only good things happened to us. As crazy as it sounds, hardship makes us better people. In many ways, it inspires us and teaches us what's important. As much as amensia sounds like a cool drink of water (or a handy pill, if you watched Boston Legal night before last) when you're dealing with a painful hook life sends you, experience tells me that you can run, but you can't hide.
With every new day that passes, the hard stuff slowly becomes a part of your past. I say, choose to remember your painful past and turn it into an inspired future.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Ah... I feel better.
Last weekend we were taking a walk in our neighborhood and came across this amazing performance-art theatre group called Redmoon putting on a show in our neighborhood park. Well, I say it's our "neighborhood park," but it's huge. Columbus park is a Chicago parks district gem designed by Jens Jensen that features a picturesque lagoon, some classic Chicago architecture, and a nine-hole golf course.
What we happened upon was Redmoon's annual spectacle event. It was truly outstanding. At twilight, they transformed the park with all kinds of performers and scenes. They weren't jugglers and stilt walkers, but actors playing out surreal vignettes. In one corner there was a woman dressed up as a swan in a giant nest. She would sleep in her nest for a few minutes and then awake and move and sway to the sounds of a deep cello. Around the pathway, there was a guy dressed as a bird reading books on his perch, whistling like a bird, and operating a complex pulley system to open and close book covers. There was a "sea creature" rowing oars from a clawfoot tub, a victorian courtship balcony scene where each of the characters were covered in mirrors, a giant fish that lit up and roamed around the park, a chess match between goth clowns who constantly switched sides - and so so much more. Everything was so elaborate and beautiful: concept, lighting, color, music, wardrobe. I wish I were a better writer, able to paint a picture that captured the scene.
It made me feel so alive and reminded me that, aside from being a momma, I'm an artist as well. It's been a long time since I've fed that part of myself. Matt and I both share a love for these things. I think the performance aspects resonate for him and the colors and costuming excite me. It was such a fun night and such an unexpected thing to bump into just two blocks from our house. Francis loved it too. This is why I love living here. Nevermind that it snowed yesterday.
Click the blog title to be taken to a full set of photos.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Emergency Manicure
So I did my best to keep my mouth shut and I thought it was actually working.Yesterday evening we went over to Amy and Steve's house for dinner (thank you, thank you, thank you) and while we were eating I kept getting mild contractions. In an effort to keep hope alive, Amy and I walked back to my house after dinner, and the contractions continued. Then, about an hour later - in true Kmart form - they stopped. I decided to take a deep breath and a hot bath and call it a night. At about midnight I woke up with contractions that continued every four minutes till about 5:30am. I knew for sure that this was it. I got up and put my contacts in, double-checked to make sure the cameras and phones were charging, and curled my hair (I know, silly girl, but I was just positive). And then.!.!. they stopped again. Pfffft.
So in case you're wondering a woman who is 6 days overdue can have false labor. Who knew? I didn't.
In my dispair this morning, I called Amy for a pep talk. She is not only a midwife, but she was 2 weeks overdue with her son a year ago - so a woman like me has a real friend in Miss Amy. She knows just what to say and how to say it because she's been there. She showed up at my house within 30 minutes and told me to get lost. It was amazing. She watched Francis for a couple of hours and told me to go eat lunch and get a manicure and that's exactly what I did and I feel much better.
I'm scheduled to see my doctor tomorrow at 10am and I imagine we'll talk about induction possibilities. At this point I'm still not sure if I want to do that. On one hand I'm on the edge of tears at all times because I want so badly to have this kid and on the other hand, I can't believe I'm already a week overdue. This week actually went by pretty fast in hindsight. So maybe I can actually make it another week? I don't know... if I keep having rollercoaster nights like last night I might just go insane.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Shhh...
Another day past my due date it seems. This morning I went to Kmart to look for a basket to hold size 1 diapers and the entire time I admired Martha Stewarts empire I kept having all kinds of crazy aches and pains. Having never actually had a baby ala' natural I haven't really known what to expect, but there was definitely stuff happening that hadn't happened with Francis. In any case, I got all excited and called Matt and told him to stay close to the phone because we might have a baby today. Wouldn't you know almost the second I hung up that phone... it all stopped. My Wednesday-July 26th-Strategy is to keep my mouth shut. Wish me luck.
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