Trauma

trauma, n. : an experience that produces psychological injury or pain.

I found my first white hair.  Not gray.... Pure. White.  Like Santa's beard.  Talk about an experience that produces psychological injury. 

Winter Song

What I'm currently listening to on repeat...

Of cellos, books, and things...

Thanks to my musikaphile of an oldest sister, I've been listening to this band called Crooked Still for the past 24 hours. If you share my interest in bluegrass/acoustic/folksy music, you should listen to some of their stuff. Still not sold? Crooked Still has a cello as one of their instruments. Any band with a cello has to be good.

In the 24 hours between Friday noon and Saturday noon, I read this book and truly loved it. Over the past few days, I've been thinking about why I enjoyed it so much and decided it's because it gives hope to the introverts in the world (comme moi) and their ability to make a strong, lasting connection with at least one person during their lifetime. I've kind of always approached my introverted-ness as more of a character flaw than a character trait, but maybe it isn't a flaw after all. Maybe it lends itself to making one more loyal and sincere than the average joe (or jane). Anyway, if you're looking for a good read, I highly recommend it. If you're the crying type, make sure to bring along a box of Kleenex.

In just about 24 hours, I'll be leaving for Indiana to see my peeps. Do you know what that means? Another chance to try and learn this little diddy of a dance for the next talent show we enter. Happy Tuesday!

In memoriam...

My maternal grandfather joined the Navy just in time to be sent to Japan to help with post "Fat Man" and "Little Boy" cleanup. He rarely talked about what he saw because he did not want to relive the horrific experiences. He was a deeply patriotic man and even though he didn't express his emotions readily, I distinctly remember him tearing up as he watched the color guard march past at the Fourth of July parade each summer. My grandfather passed away earlier this year while I was in Ghana. So on this Veterans Day, I am especially grateful for my grandpa. I am grateful for the sacrifices he made as a military man and as a family man so that I personally could live a more comfortable life.


I am extremely thankful for all those who served and continue to serve in the military in order to help protect my liberties. May God Bless America!

randomness

I'm going on five days sober. And by sober I mean caffeine-free. The dull throb in my head that has been my constant companion these past 120 hours is beginning to wane. Perfect timing considering the fact that I'm teaching eighteen teenagers Seminary at 6:30 in the morning tomorrow and Friday. I'm going to need all the brain power I can muster.

Two weeks from today, I will be landing in the South Bend airport to spend Thanksgiving with my beloved sisters and some dear friends. I received an email from the hostess (Fo) asking for menu requests and making sure we were all okay with a pasture-fed heritage turkey on the table come feasting time. If only all decisions were as easy as choosing between said heritage turkey and one found a the grocery store. Sadly, they are not. But life continues.

Yet another person made the observation that I consistently look angry because my brow is furrowed more often than not. I've received this comment on numerous occasions and I don't mean to look mean, I guess it just happens. I'm actually rarely in a bad mood, but I analyze most situations and think about "heavy" topics often. So I'm not angry, just ponderous. There's today's insight to the inner-workings of me.

I miss my dog.

ave maria

i haven't had caffeine in 24 hours and i already have a headache. serves me right for drinking so much diet coke. time to get off of it. for good. forgive my crankiness in the coming days.