When Etan Patz dissappeared on the two block was to his schoolbus, New York City was forever changed forever. His disapperance in 1979 put the spotlight on the missing in a national way, and in the process wound up helping kids who went missing around country. Etan’s father, Stanley and his wife, Julie, didn't only look for their son, but wanted to help find all the other missing kids.
Because of their efforts, President Ronald Reagan signing the Missing Children Act in 1982. It required the FBI to keep track of such cases. ( How odd that prior to 1982 this was not a requirement…) Etan became was the first milk carton kid- his face was eveywhere.
Today iss the 33rd anniversary of the day Etan disappeared. And today, 33 years later, there has been an arrest in the case. Perhaps now Etan's parents will find peace.
Remember the missing today.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
DWTS
Katherine and her 90 out of 90 did not have the fan base needed to win...
Donald- who pulled out all the stops in this final week- was backed by the Packer Nation and took home his Mirrorball.
What a GREAT season!
Donald- who pulled out all the stops in this final week- was backed by the Packer Nation and took home his Mirrorball.
What a GREAT season!
Fleet Week
Carrie Bradshaw, it is once again Fleet Week...
Till Wednesday, the US Navy will have many of their boys in white visiting NYC, just in time for Memorial Day Monday.
This annual migration was one of the best events of the Hunter College school year, along with the Village Halloween parade. Just another reason to love living in my Manhattan dorm...
To all my NYC friends... ENJOY the view!
Till Wednesday, the US Navy will have many of their boys in white visiting NYC, just in time for Memorial Day Monday.
This annual migration was one of the best events of the Hunter College school year, along with the Village Halloween parade. Just another reason to love living in my Manhattan dorm...
To all my NYC friends... ENJOY the view!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
SB 310 passed and Awaits signature
So we lost our battle
A post on http://www.ohiovma.org/news/:
On May 22, 2012, The Ohio House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 310, the dangerous and wild animal bill, by an 87-9 vote. The Senate subsequently concurred in House amendments in its session yesterday, sending the bill to Gov. Kasich for signature. The law will go into effect 90 days after being signed, and 60 days after that, owners of species of wild and dangerous animals and dangerous snakes will be required to register with the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
And a 30 million dollar a year industry is brought to it's knees.
You can read about the political fight here: http://usark.org/?p=986
So what animals are affected by this:
(2) Gray wolves, excluding hybrids;
(3) Lions;
(4) Tigers;
(5) Jaguars;
(6) Leopards, including clouded leopards, Sunda clouded leopards, and snow leopards;
(7) All of the following, including hybrids with domestic cats unless otherwise specified:
(a) Cheetahs; (b) Lynxes (including Canadian lynxes, Eurasian lynxes, and Iberian lynxes)(c) Cougars, also known as pumas or mountain lions; (d) Caracals; (e) Servals (excluding hybrids with domestic cats commonly known as savannah cats)
(8) Bears;
(9) Elephants;
(10) Rhinoceroses;
(11) Hippopotamuses;
(12) Cape buffaloes;
(13) African wild dogs;
(14) Komodo dragons;
(15) Alligators;
(16) Crocodiles;
(17) Caimans, excluding dwarf caimans;
(18) Gharials;
(19) Nonhuman primates other than these nonhuman primates:
(a) Golden lion, black-faced lion, golden-rumped lion, cotton-top, emperor, saddlebacked, black-mantled, and Geoffroy’s tamarins; (b) Pygmy, white-tufted-ear, silvery, and black-pencilled marmosets;
(c) Squirrel monkeys, including Central American squirrel monkeys; (d) Southern and northern night monkeys; (e) Dusky titi and masked titi monkeys; (f) Muriquis; (g) Goeldi’s monkeys; (h) Brown, white-faced, weeping, and white-fronted capuchins; (i) White-faced, black-bearded, white-nose bearded, and monk sakis;(j) Bald and black uakaris; (k) Black-handed, white-bellied, brown-headed, and black spider monkeys; (l) Common woolly monkeys; (m) Red, black, and mantled howler monkeys.
(21) Any other animals designated by the director of agriculture in rules.
(1) All of the following constricting snakes that are twelve feet or longer:
(a) Green anacondas; (b) Yellow anacondas; (c) Reticulated pythons; (d) Indian pythons; (e) Burmese pythons; (f) North African rock pythons; (g) South African rock pythons; (h) Amethystine pythons.
(2) Species of the following families:
(a) Atractaspididae; (b) Elapidae; (c) Viperidae;
(3) Boomslang snakes;
(4) Twig snakes;
(5) Any other snakes designated by the director in rules.
From USARK:
"SB 310 passed in the Ohio House of Representatives by a vote of 89-9. Those that voted against it were: Representatives Boose, Buchy, Conditt, Damschroder, Goodwin, Christina Hagan, Martin, Newbold, and Uecker. It immediately moved to the Senate the same day, where it passed by a vote of 30-1. The sole senator voting against it was Senator Jordan."
I will remember this when I vote in the fall.
A post on http://www.ohiovma.org/news/:
On May 22, 2012, The Ohio House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 310, the dangerous and wild animal bill, by an 87-9 vote. The Senate subsequently concurred in House amendments in its session yesterday, sending the bill to Gov. Kasich for signature. The law will go into effect 90 days after being signed, and 60 days after that, owners of species of wild and dangerous animals and dangerous snakes will be required to register with the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
And a 30 million dollar a year industry is brought to it's knees.
You can read about the political fight here: http://usark.org/?p=986
Because of the cost and insurance requirements that cannot be met- this is a de-facto ban on exotic wildlife ownership
So what animals are affected by this:
“Dangerous wild animal”
(includes hybrids unless otherwise specified)
(1) Hyenas;(2) Gray wolves, excluding hybrids;
(3) Lions;
(4) Tigers;
(5) Jaguars;
(6) Leopards, including clouded leopards, Sunda clouded leopards, and snow leopards;
(7) All of the following, including hybrids with domestic cats unless otherwise specified:
(a) Cheetahs; (b) Lynxes (including Canadian lynxes, Eurasian lynxes, and Iberian lynxes)(c) Cougars, also known as pumas or mountain lions; (d) Caracals; (e) Servals (excluding hybrids with domestic cats commonly known as savannah cats)
(8) Bears;
(9) Elephants;
(10) Rhinoceroses;
(11) Hippopotamuses;
(12) Cape buffaloes;
(13) African wild dogs;
(14) Komodo dragons;
(15) Alligators;
(16) Crocodiles;
(17) Caimans, excluding dwarf caimans;
(18) Gharials;
(19) Nonhuman primates other than these nonhuman primates:
(a) Golden lion, black-faced lion, golden-rumped lion, cotton-top, emperor, saddlebacked, black-mantled, and Geoffroy’s tamarins; (b) Pygmy, white-tufted-ear, silvery, and black-pencilled marmosets;
(c) Squirrel monkeys, including Central American squirrel monkeys; (d) Southern and northern night monkeys; (e) Dusky titi and masked titi monkeys; (f) Muriquis; (g) Goeldi’s monkeys; (h) Brown, white-faced, weeping, and white-fronted capuchins; (i) White-faced, black-bearded, white-nose bearded, and monk sakis;(j) Bald and black uakaris; (k) Black-handed, white-bellied, brown-headed, and black spider monkeys; (l) Common woolly monkeys; (m) Red, black, and mantled howler monkeys.
(21) Any other animals designated by the director of agriculture in rules.
“Restricted snake”
(1) All of the following constricting snakes that are twelve feet or longer:
(a) Green anacondas; (b) Yellow anacondas; (c) Reticulated pythons; (d) Indian pythons; (e) Burmese pythons; (f) North African rock pythons; (g) South African rock pythons; (h) Amethystine pythons.
(2) Species of the following families:
(a) Atractaspididae; (b) Elapidae; (c) Viperidae;
(3) Boomslang snakes;
(4) Twig snakes;
(5) Any other snakes designated by the director in rules.
From USARK:
"SB 310 passed in the Ohio House of Representatives by a vote of 89-9. Those that voted against it were: Representatives Boose, Buchy, Conditt, Damschroder, Goodwin, Christina Hagan, Martin, Newbold, and Uecker. It immediately moved to the Senate the same day, where it passed by a vote of 30-1. The sole senator voting against it was Senator Jordan."
I will remember this when I vote in the fall.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Cancelled
The cancellation list is out once again, and I know there are views that are brokenhearted that nobody else liked the crap you loved. Happens to me all the time. I tune in, get into it, and then I am left high and dry…
To prevent disappointment, I often wait a couple (or five) years before committing to a show. NCIS and Bones had both been on for YEARS before I tuned in. Of course, they are nearing the end, just like House and CSI Miami, but at least all four will live on in syndication. But what about the newbies?
First season cancellations are a running joke in my family… If my younger sister likes a show I am watching, they cancel it. If she thinks it is the best show ever…it is a goner. There are rare exceptions. She failed to kill LOST and The Good Wife, and ER lasted ten years… sorry, I digress.
Yesterday, I learned that three more of my favorite newbies got chopped (Prime Suspect was an early goner in January). You know I called her. She claims that Unforgettable and The Finder were not her fault… She never watched them. Well apparently my son and I were the only folks who did. So Carrie will never find out who killed her sister and Walter will stay in jail, and Leo will always regret not saving Willow…
GCB- now that one is my sister’s fault. And okay maybe it was an over the top look at the far right, but it was FUNNY! I was totally ready for more. Ain’t gonna happen. What is a girl to do?
At least now there is the option of buying the only season of these favorites on Amazon… So even though they will never be in syndication, it is possible to visit them periodically when the mood strikes.
To prevent disappointment, I often wait a couple (or five) years before committing to a show. NCIS and Bones had both been on for YEARS before I tuned in. Of course, they are nearing the end, just like House and CSI Miami, but at least all four will live on in syndication. But what about the newbies?
First season cancellations are a running joke in my family… If my younger sister likes a show I am watching, they cancel it. If she thinks it is the best show ever…it is a goner. There are rare exceptions. She failed to kill LOST and The Good Wife, and ER lasted ten years… sorry, I digress.
Yesterday, I learned that three more of my favorite newbies got chopped (Prime Suspect was an early goner in January). You know I called her. She claims that Unforgettable and The Finder were not her fault… She never watched them. Well apparently my son and I were the only folks who did. So Carrie will never find out who killed her sister and Walter will stay in jail, and Leo will always regret not saving Willow…
GCB- now that one is my sister’s fault. And okay maybe it was an over the top look at the far right, but it was FUNNY! I was totally ready for more. Ain’t gonna happen. What is a girl to do?
At least now there is the option of buying the only season of these favorites on Amazon… So even though they will never be in syndication, it is possible to visit them periodically when the mood strikes.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Ohio State Bill 310
From USARK (United States Association of Reptile Keepers)
OHIO ACTION ALERT
Please take action today!
The office of the Speaker of the House (William Batchelder) is being bombarded with calls and emails from proponents of SB310, insisting that amendments to SB310 not be accepted, but that the bill be passed in its current form. Opponent testimony before the House committe...e was so persuasive that the AR groups and other proponents have panicked; apparently, the volume of proponent calls and emails is enormous.
Please send our own emails today to Speaker Batchelder to counteract this campaign; OPPONENT EMAILS NEED to be extremely professional and courteous. This is not the time to try and persuade Speaker Batchelder one way or the other; our only mission is to let him know how impressed we were with the House committee hearings, we felt the committee heard our concerns, and we trust that the bill will be satisfactorily amended so that it addresses public safety without doing harm to professional animal facilities.
We have included some suggested wording below (drafted by Polly Britton), but please tailor it to fit your situation so that the Speaker doesn’t receive a “form letter” type email from everyone. It should be sent to: district69@ohr.state.oh.us and please address him as “Speaker Batchelder”. Subject line should be “Hearings of House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee“.
My name is _________________ and I live in ______________ (city in Ohio). I attended the committee hearings on Senate Bill 310 and would like to take just a moment to express my sincere
appreciation for the manner in which the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee conducted these hearings. Throughout the three days of hearings this week, two of which went until
midnight, the members of the committee listened attentively to all the testimony that was given, asking many questions of the witnesses in order to gain a better understanding of all the issues
involved. Senate Bill 310 is a very complex piece of legislation, and the only way to fully understand it is to do just what the committee did --- ask many questions of many different witnesses.
As an Ohio constituent, I feel that my concerns were truly heard; and not only mine, but those of everyone who testified and those who submitted letters to be entered into the public record. No one can say SB310 has not received a fair hearing in the House; the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee went above and beyond to afford all sides ample opportunity to be heard. The committee was patient, professional, and above all, genuinely interested in hearing how this legislation will affect Ohio’s citizens -- those who own exotic animals and those who do not. We look forward to seeing what amendments are adopted by the committee to further improve the bill.
Sincerely,
(Name, address and phone #)
Thank you very much for doing this today. The timing is critical. There are developments in Columbus today that are very encouraging. Please forward this message to your friends in Ohio and ask everyone to get involved.
Please take action today!
The office of the Speaker of the House (William Batchelder) is being bombarded with calls and emails from proponents of SB310, insisting that amendments to SB310 not be accepted, but that the bill be passed in its current form. Opponent testimony before the House committe...e was so persuasive that the AR groups and other proponents have panicked; apparently, the volume of proponent calls and emails is enormous.
Please send our own emails today to Speaker Batchelder to counteract this campaign; OPPONENT EMAILS NEED to be extremely professional and courteous. This is not the time to try and persuade Speaker Batchelder one way or the other; our only mission is to let him know how impressed we were with the House committee hearings, we felt the committee heard our concerns, and we trust that the bill will be satisfactorily amended so that it addresses public safety without doing harm to professional animal facilities.
We have included some suggested wording below (drafted by Polly Britton), but please tailor it to fit your situation so that the Speaker doesn’t receive a “form letter” type email from everyone. It should be sent to: district69@ohr.state.oh.us and please address him as “Speaker Batchelder”. Subject line should be “Hearings of House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee“.
My name is _________________ and I live in ______________ (city in Ohio). I attended the committee hearings on Senate Bill 310 and would like to take just a moment to express my sincere
appreciation for the manner in which the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee conducted these hearings. Throughout the three days of hearings this week, two of which went until
midnight, the members of the committee listened attentively to all the testimony that was given, asking many questions of the witnesses in order to gain a better understanding of all the issues
involved. Senate Bill 310 is a very complex piece of legislation, and the only way to fully understand it is to do just what the committee did --- ask many questions of many different witnesses.
As an Ohio constituent, I feel that my concerns were truly heard; and not only mine, but those of everyone who testified and those who submitted letters to be entered into the public record. No one can say SB310 has not received a fair hearing in the House; the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee went above and beyond to afford all sides ample opportunity to be heard. The committee was patient, professional, and above all, genuinely interested in hearing how this legislation will affect Ohio’s citizens -- those who own exotic animals and those who do not. We look forward to seeing what amendments are adopted by the committee to further improve the bill.
Sincerely,
(Name, address and phone #)
Thank you very much for doing this today. The timing is critical. There are developments in Columbus today that are very encouraging. Please forward this message to your friends in Ohio and ask everyone to get involved.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Grief
Go ahead and mention my child,
The one that died, you know.
Don't worry about hurting me further.
The depth of my pain doesn't show.
Don't worry about making me cry.
I'm already crying inside.
Help me to heal by releasing
The tears that I try to hide.
I'm hurt when you just keep silent,
Pretending she didn't exist.
I'd rather you mention my child,
Knowing that she has been missed.
You asked me how I was doing.
I say "pretty good" or "just fine".
But healing is something ongoing
I feel it will take a lifetime.
~ Elizabeth Dent ~
I work with families with sick children. Many of these families face the death of their children. Some grieve out loud and in writing. Some suffer more quietly. They are in my thoughts always and I remember them today.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
DWTS
It is really crunch time now... Double elimination and Three-ways this week... Another perfect 30...
The Quarter-final is here.
After Monday night, this is what my thoughts were:
My choices for top three in the finals: Donald Driver, Maria Menounos, William Levy
My choices for bottom two this week: Melissa Gilbert, Roshon Fegan, Katherine Jenkins
It isn’t that I don’t think Katherine isn’t an amazing dancer- she just may not have the fan base to keep her alive. In my opinion she is a huge underdog.
So about the stars:
Donald said it best about the quarter finals: “You either go to the semifinals or you’re going to see Jimmy Kimmel and I ain’t ready to see Jimmy…” Dancing for his life, he was powerful in his first dance and then came the two girl Jive. It was a hoot- wow!
Maria & Derek danced a Viennese Waltz to the song “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri. “ I would die every day waiting for you… I love you for a thousand years…” The dancing was lovely and the song made me cry. The Bollywood number was wildly creative in my mind and the choreography was really challenging and I think Maria and her boys were just wonderful. If it needed more Samba content, I didn’t care.
William did a fine foxtrot, although he seemed nervous to me. The Paso was impressive and I thought risking cape work in unison after it went wrong in the group dance was impressive. And who can’t see William as Zorro…
Katherine's Viennese Waltz was so elegant but they should have done without the lift- Katherine’s fear showed in the lead-up. It was not a good move for them- they are better at content than tricks. Katherine’s Cha Cha costume mishap showed her to be unflappable- she just kept on dancing while her pants leg was stuck to her foot. I really wish she could win.
Roshon Fegan got high scores for his foxtrot and his Paso Doble with Chelsie and Sasha was brilliant. (And I liked that some of the professionals gave troupe members time in the spotlight.) They rotated and highlighted all of Roshon’s skill (running on your knees cannot be easy even when you are young). Len’s line of the night: "You were like two skinny fries chasing the ketchup." Two fries chasing the Ketchup? I still don’t know what that means.
Melissa Gilbert’s Foxtrot got off to a rocky start but once she relaxed it was strong and she looked beautiful – it had a high level of difficulty that I think she pulled off with grace. And Melissa’s Samba with Maks and Val has to be every girl’s dream scenario. I’m sure women everywhere were wishing they had that chance. Hot, classy- not mutually exclusive. It ended with one of Gilbert's hands on both brothers' bottoms. Now that is the way to go out on DWTS.
Because, yes folks, Melissa went home. And Roshon went home… because somebody has to go home.
And I have no idea who will be the last one standing. It is too close to call...
The Quarter-final is here.
After Monday night, this is what my thoughts were:
My choices for top three in the finals: Donald Driver, Maria Menounos, William Levy
My choices for bottom two this week: Melissa Gilbert, Roshon Fegan, Katherine Jenkins
It isn’t that I don’t think Katherine isn’t an amazing dancer- she just may not have the fan base to keep her alive. In my opinion she is a huge underdog.
So about the stars:
Donald said it best about the quarter finals: “You either go to the semifinals or you’re going to see Jimmy Kimmel and I ain’t ready to see Jimmy…” Dancing for his life, he was powerful in his first dance and then came the two girl Jive. It was a hoot- wow!
Maria & Derek danced a Viennese Waltz to the song “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri. “ I would die every day waiting for you… I love you for a thousand years…” The dancing was lovely and the song made me cry. The Bollywood number was wildly creative in my mind and the choreography was really challenging and I think Maria and her boys were just wonderful. If it needed more Samba content, I didn’t care.
William did a fine foxtrot, although he seemed nervous to me. The Paso was impressive and I thought risking cape work in unison after it went wrong in the group dance was impressive. And who can’t see William as Zorro…
Katherine's Viennese Waltz was so elegant but they should have done without the lift- Katherine’s fear showed in the lead-up. It was not a good move for them- they are better at content than tricks. Katherine’s Cha Cha costume mishap showed her to be unflappable- she just kept on dancing while her pants leg was stuck to her foot. I really wish she could win.
Roshon Fegan got high scores for his foxtrot and his Paso Doble with Chelsie and Sasha was brilliant. (And I liked that some of the professionals gave troupe members time in the spotlight.) They rotated and highlighted all of Roshon’s skill (running on your knees cannot be easy even when you are young). Len’s line of the night: "You were like two skinny fries chasing the ketchup." Two fries chasing the Ketchup? I still don’t know what that means.
Melissa Gilbert’s Foxtrot got off to a rocky start but once she relaxed it was strong and she looked beautiful – it had a high level of difficulty that I think she pulled off with grace. And Melissa’s Samba with Maks and Val has to be every girl’s dream scenario. I’m sure women everywhere were wishing they had that chance. Hot, classy- not mutually exclusive. It ended with one of Gilbert's hands on both brothers' bottoms. Now that is the way to go out on DWTS.
Because, yes folks, Melissa went home. And Roshon went home… because somebody has to go home.
And I have no idea who will be the last one standing. It is too close to call...
Monday, May 7, 2012
Talladega
So last weekend was Talladega and as always, it was unpredictable. And the Nationwide race was scary.
I actually held off writing about it till Eric McClure was actually discharged from the hospital. And okay after an awful wreck. Thank God he hit the safer barrier... Thank God he is okay... And good for Tony Stewart for mocking those who complain about the lack of crashes. The poor boy had to be cut out of his car... Not okay.
In the Sprint Cup race, Jimmie went from 1st to DNF in the blink of an eye and I am disappointed. Brad did win over Kyle though, so the day was not a total loss. Tony and Jeff and just about everyone else played bumper cars at nearly 200 mph with the expected results.
And that is Talladega.
In other sporting news, "I'll Have Another" won the Kentucky Derby... A horse after my own heart...
I actually held off writing about it till Eric McClure was actually discharged from the hospital. And okay after an awful wreck. Thank God he hit the safer barrier... Thank God he is okay... And good for Tony Stewart for mocking those who complain about the lack of crashes. The poor boy had to be cut out of his car... Not okay.
In the Sprint Cup race, Jimmie went from 1st to DNF in the blink of an eye and I am disappointed. Brad did win over Kyle though, so the day was not a total loss. Tony and Jeff and just about everyone else played bumper cars at nearly 200 mph with the expected results.
And that is Talladega.
In other sporting news, "I'll Have Another" won the Kentucky Derby... A horse after my own heart...
Friday, May 4, 2012
Perspective...
Hi, it's Geri, I can't remember where I first found this, but wanted to share.It seems 45 is big for a lot of women. My "45 New Things" stemmed from the desire to celebrate my 45th year. When Regina Brett, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio turned 45 years old, ... She wrote this list...
(My comments will be in blue cause it is my favorite color).
(My comments will be in blue cause it is my favorite color).
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
Fair just seems relative... some folks are asked to handle more. And I think life is good most of the time, and truely great for moments... it is these moments we will remember.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
This year I am jumping in with both feet- I keep asking myself...What do you have to lose?
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
True... Always... but hard, some days are really, really hard...
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
I cherish my family and my friends who are family... but need to write and tell them so.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
Working on it... but not there yet...
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
You need to accept that some folks are not capable of hearing your opinion if it doesn't agree with their own...
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
This is what the girlfriends are for... Thankfully I have a big bunch of amazing wwomen to lean on.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
But don't walk away. Or stay away. Cause He really loves you.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
I wish I had... And I am sure I am not alone.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
But try... Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels...
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
Moving on... easy to say and incredibly hard to do. Refer back to #2
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
And they have... Tears of joy, of sorrow. Life is real.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
Everyone has stuff going on, some are just better at keeping it quiet. Coping alone. Grieving in silence.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
I wish I didn't know this from personal experience.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
Change can be subtle, but it can also be shockingly sudden. Hold on to your faith, whichever it is, and the people you love. Even the worst storm passes...eventually.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
It can also keep you from saying something you can never take back.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
Clutter... My neverending battle...
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
This is especially true of teenagers... The teen years don't last forever, even when it feels like they will never end.
19. It is never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
My happy childhood took place during my college years- a good time had by all. I cherish the memories.20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
I have to disagree or amend this one... Don't take no for an answer if Yes is truely an option... And you have to know when it isn't an option.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, and wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
Mom died with some gifts still in their gift boxes. It made me sad to think she saved stuff for a time that didn't come.
22. Over prepare, and then go with the flow.
Things will go wrong with the best laid plans. And sometimes those are the best memories. Like camping out in April and having it snow...23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
Way ahead on this one. I am me, for better or worst.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
And the heart runs a close second.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
Step away from those who routinely cause you pain. Get closer to those who build you up and bring you joy.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
Very little does...
27. Always choose life.
Death is forever, and your family and friends will miss you even if they are mad or disappointed with you in this moment.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
Harder to do than say...but much more important for you than them.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
Loads of folks will base their opinion on a moment or a word. Be true to you.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time the time it needs.
This is a really hard thing... I need daily reminders that the path can be curved and double back, even as I am moving forward.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
Like death and taxes, change is inevitable.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
Laugh at youself when you are being ridiculous. It is good for the soul.
33. Believe in miracles.
They happen every day. I've seen them.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
I believe He is a lot more flexible than most people I know but that He expects us to live a good life and serve as a benefit to the world...
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
With only one shot, you want to participate. I for one don't want to regret not trying something, not going somewhere... so dance like nobody is watching, even when they are.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
Dying young is a tragedy for those left behind.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
Try not to screw it up...
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
Being remembered as a good person is essential to that, I think...
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
And walking to and from your front door and car door DOES NOT COUNT!!!
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
Most days, mostly true.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
Clutter clutter... way more than we need...
42. The best is yet to come.
Really totally hoping this is true. If it isn't I AM DISAPPOINTED!!!
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
Be a person who honors their word, does what they say they will...
44. Yield.
Seriously... in life and when driving, sometimes you just need to be the bigger person...
45. “Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
Hi again! I just wanted to let you all know that some reports have Regina as 90 when she wrote this list- the stuff of urban legend, I assure you. Thanks Regina for this wonderful food for thought. I will be looking for your books...
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Vision
I have amblyopia. Amblyopia, or "lazy eye," is the loss of one eye's ability to see details. I was diagnosed in first grade. (I might have been diagnosed in kindergarten, but when I couldn’t read the eye chart, I thought I would be in trouble, so I peeked with my right eye…)
Amblyopia occurs when the nerve pathway from one eye to the brain does not develop correctly during childhood. This occurs because the abnormal eye sends a blurred image or wrong image to the brain, confusing the brain, and the brain learns to ignore the image from the weaker eye.
In my case I was far sighted in my left eye, and had normal vision in my right… when my right eye is closed, I see only a blur of color. Nothing is defined. And I have no depth perception. (This may be why I had no trouble jumping out of a plane- just can’t see how high I am…)
Glasses don’t help. Nothing really helps. I actually was told by an eye doctor that I would slowly lose vision over my lifetime and eventually be unable to see. I was still in grade school. I didn’t go back to an eye doctor till after college. (The Peace Corps required the visit as part of my physical.) That is when I met Ray Nisi. He told me the other doctor (a man he knew and was not impressed by) was wrong. That my risk was an injury or illness to my good eye, that for me it was more important to have an eye exam yearly.
Oopps…
So I did go… every year I was in New York, I would see Ray and get checked. Until 2006.
Then I moved to Ohio… And my vision plan did not cover Ophthalmologists, only Optometrists… And since I needed a dilated exam…(that in NY can only be done by Ophthalmologists who are pricy) I didn’t go… The only time I even thought about it is when I renewed my driver’s license.
Then about a year ago, I started having trouble reading. So I bought the cheap readers at Walmart, 3 pair for $15…
Which helped a bit. But I found myself putting down books to rest my eyes. Using the larger font at work and enlarging with the zoom-out on my computer. I increased my lighting and read less at night.
I needed to see the eye doctor. I added it to MyHealthPlan at work- which tracks healthy behaviors. And I made an appointment. And had to cancel. And made a second appointment. And cancelled again.
I meant to read 52 books this year (My record is 83 in a year so it was not an impossible goal) but I just could not get through.
It was becoming a real problem. I love to read.
Not to mention the 50 points I get on MyHealthPlan. Another couple of hundred points and I earn a half day off…
So I went to the Optometrist at the Sears Optical next to Jungle Jim’s. A really nice guy. He did an extensive exam and will dilate my eyes at my follow-up (They have a wider scope of practice here in Ohio).
I have an astigmatism up and down and an astigmatism side to side that almost but don’t quite cancel each other out. So real reading glasses are on the way. And with a 2 for $99 special, I will have a pair for home and a pair for work
45- oh the joy…
Amblyopia occurs when the nerve pathway from one eye to the brain does not develop correctly during childhood. This occurs because the abnormal eye sends a blurred image or wrong image to the brain, confusing the brain, and the brain learns to ignore the image from the weaker eye.
In my case I was far sighted in my left eye, and had normal vision in my right… when my right eye is closed, I see only a blur of color. Nothing is defined. And I have no depth perception. (This may be why I had no trouble jumping out of a plane- just can’t see how high I am…)
Glasses don’t help. Nothing really helps. I actually was told by an eye doctor that I would slowly lose vision over my lifetime and eventually be unable to see. I was still in grade school. I didn’t go back to an eye doctor till after college. (The Peace Corps required the visit as part of my physical.) That is when I met Ray Nisi. He told me the other doctor (a man he knew and was not impressed by) was wrong. That my risk was an injury or illness to my good eye, that for me it was more important to have an eye exam yearly.
Oopps…
So I did go… every year I was in New York, I would see Ray and get checked. Until 2006.
Then I moved to Ohio… And my vision plan did not cover Ophthalmologists, only Optometrists… And since I needed a dilated exam…(that in NY can only be done by Ophthalmologists who are pricy) I didn’t go… The only time I even thought about it is when I renewed my driver’s license.
Then about a year ago, I started having trouble reading. So I bought the cheap readers at Walmart, 3 pair for $15…
Which helped a bit. But I found myself putting down books to rest my eyes. Using the larger font at work and enlarging with the zoom-out on my computer. I increased my lighting and read less at night.
I needed to see the eye doctor. I added it to MyHealthPlan at work- which tracks healthy behaviors. And I made an appointment. And had to cancel. And made a second appointment. And cancelled again.
I meant to read 52 books this year (My record is 83 in a year so it was not an impossible goal) but I just could not get through.
It was becoming a real problem. I love to read.
Not to mention the 50 points I get on MyHealthPlan. Another couple of hundred points and I earn a half day off…
So I went to the Optometrist at the Sears Optical next to Jungle Jim’s. A really nice guy. He did an extensive exam and will dilate my eyes at my follow-up (They have a wider scope of practice here in Ohio).
I have an astigmatism up and down and an astigmatism side to side that almost but don’t quite cancel each other out. So real reading glasses are on the way. And with a 2 for $99 special, I will have a pair for home and a pair for work
45- oh the joy…
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
DWTS
Classical Week on DWTS featured some of my favorite classical pieces, but while William danced to Ave Maria… The young girl Jackie Evancho singing stole the show… And to take it from William… That is something. She had the voice of an angel.
I loved Katherine. She was in her element dancing to music she knew, “Canon in D Major” (which I love) that was a part of her . She and Mark click and it shows.
Roshon did very well and they kept going even after what I suspect was a significant costume slip for his sweet lady. They danced to “Bad Romance”- classical Lady Gaga? Odd, but not off-putting.
Melissa and Maks stepped up the degree of difficulty which is impressive considering how much pain Maks must be in. I loved his brother helping , ready to step in as needed. “Marriage of Figaro” is not easy music, and I think Melissa, who had had SERIOUS back surgery, was CRAZY to attempt so many complicated lifts. (But she succeeded even if the judges weren’t impressed)
Donald danced well, Peta gave him a tough routine and and they were powerful, impressing the judges. “La Donna è Mobile” was sung by Vittorio Grigolo… Can I say WOW!!! Sorry Donald, but Vittorio had all my attention.
Jaleel did well. As expected… “Did I Make the Most of Loving You?” is not a piece I knew, but was lovely. I am loving Classical Week…
And now we come to Maria and Derrick. They performed a Paso to “Montagues and Capulets” that reminded me of the intensity of Drew Lachey's in what became one of DWTS’ best moments. They were AMAZING. Far and away The Best Performance of the night. The bar was raised and the judges recognized it with the first perfect score of the season. Maria and Derrick were elated, as was Katherine (seated behind them when scores were shown). I think she was as excited for them a she would be if she scored a perfect 30.
The team dances were very good and high caliber but I can’t see how you judge a Paso against a Tango.
Team Tango consisted of Katherine and Mark, Roshon and Chelsie and Jaleel and Kym, and Maria and Derek. They danced to “Toccata from Symphony No. 5″. The Pros did a great job on planning the dance movements and the stars lived up to the challenge. It was lovely to watch.
Team Paso consisted of William and Cheryl, Melissa and Maks, and Donald and Peta. Three very powerful men- the dance suited them. They danced to “O Fortuna” by Vittorio Grigolo and the combination was powerful. They got knocked on the cape work, but I have danced with veils and know how hard that is to do, never mind doing in time with others…
Both groups did well, with Tango having a single point lead…
Tradition said one of the Paso team would go home, so when Donald and William were safe early, I thought Melissa was headed straight to the bottom two dance-off. When she was announced safe I think she and Maks both were stunned. I know I was.
The Rumba dance-off saw Roshon and Jaleel as our bottom two. Roshon… Again. I have lost count of how many times he has been in the bottom two. And it showed how much Roshon took to heart the earlier corrections the judges gave him on his Rumba. He and Chelsie were elegant and connected. Jaleel did well, but Roshon was the clear winner. Poor Jaleel went home…
And then there were six…
I loved Katherine. She was in her element dancing to music she knew, “Canon in D Major” (which I love) that was a part of her . She and Mark click and it shows.
Roshon did very well and they kept going even after what I suspect was a significant costume slip for his sweet lady. They danced to “Bad Romance”- classical Lady Gaga? Odd, but not off-putting.
Melissa and Maks stepped up the degree of difficulty which is impressive considering how much pain Maks must be in. I loved his brother helping , ready to step in as needed. “Marriage of Figaro” is not easy music, and I think Melissa, who had had SERIOUS back surgery, was CRAZY to attempt so many complicated lifts. (But she succeeded even if the judges weren’t impressed)
Donald danced well, Peta gave him a tough routine and and they were powerful, impressing the judges. “La Donna è Mobile” was sung by Vittorio Grigolo… Can I say WOW!!! Sorry Donald, but Vittorio had all my attention.
Jaleel did well. As expected… “Did I Make the Most of Loving You?” is not a piece I knew, but was lovely. I am loving Classical Week…
And now we come to Maria and Derrick. They performed a Paso to “Montagues and Capulets” that reminded me of the intensity of Drew Lachey's in what became one of DWTS’ best moments. They were AMAZING. Far and away The Best Performance of the night. The bar was raised and the judges recognized it with the first perfect score of the season. Maria and Derrick were elated, as was Katherine (seated behind them when scores were shown). I think she was as excited for them a she would be if she scored a perfect 30.
The team dances were very good and high caliber but I can’t see how you judge a Paso against a Tango.
Team Tango consisted of Katherine and Mark, Roshon and Chelsie and Jaleel and Kym, and Maria and Derek. They danced to “Toccata from Symphony No. 5″. The Pros did a great job on planning the dance movements and the stars lived up to the challenge. It was lovely to watch.
Team Paso consisted of William and Cheryl, Melissa and Maks, and Donald and Peta. Three very powerful men- the dance suited them. They danced to “O Fortuna” by Vittorio Grigolo and the combination was powerful. They got knocked on the cape work, but I have danced with veils and know how hard that is to do, never mind doing in time with others…
Both groups did well, with Tango having a single point lead…
Tradition said one of the Paso team would go home, so when Donald and William were safe early, I thought Melissa was headed straight to the bottom two dance-off. When she was announced safe I think she and Maks both were stunned. I know I was.
The Rumba dance-off saw Roshon and Jaleel as our bottom two. Roshon… Again. I have lost count of how many times he has been in the bottom two. And it showed how much Roshon took to heart the earlier corrections the judges gave him on his Rumba. He and Chelsie were elegant and connected. Jaleel did well, but Roshon was the clear winner. Poor Jaleel went home…
And then there were six…
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