What's Up Lonely

I can, without hesitation, state that April to November 2011 was the loneliest time of my life thus far.  I can also, without hesitation, take full responsibility for it.  Loneliness does not come easily for me.  Nor does making new friends.  I enjoy my independence and consistently try my darndest to not depend on anyone for emotional support.  But if I've started to learn one thing in the last eight months, it's that putting all this effort into being emotionally unattached could be better spent elsewhere.... like climbing a tree and going out on the occasional limb.  This is extremely difficult for me because I tend to be rather afraid of heights (metaphorically speaking).  But the past few weeks have reminded me that getting to know new people is really a pretty enjoyable experience.

Moral of today's story: I'm grateful for new friendships.  They tend to make life a lot less lonely.

Have you ever...

thought about what your life would be like if you'd been born a shepherd/shepherdess?  Well. I have.  And one thing is for sure: I most certainly would have joined these fine Welshmen in their creative outlet.

Isn't that incredible?!

Thinking about "have you ever" questions inevitably leads me to think of "would you rather" questions which inevitably leads me to pose the ULTIMATE (and perhaps uncouth) would you rather question to you.  Now, read this question carefully, twice if you have to, and then ponder it with great care before you decide your true response.  Your decision reveals much about who you truly are.... Okay. Enough build-up.  Here it is:

Would you rather eat poop that tastes like ice cream or ice cream that tastes like poop?

Think about it....

The Sound of Silence.

I read this today and found it extremely interesting.  Silence has become a cultural novelty and I am as guilty as anyone of plugging in during all waking hours of the day.  I can't even remember the last time I sat in complete silence and experienced what Virgina Woolf called "moments of being" where I could sit without the constant bombardment of activity and just BE.  Whenever I run I have an iPod in my ears or a person to talk to, in the car the radio is always on, and at home I always have either music or the TV in the background whether I'm listening/watching or not.  The world is loud.  Very loud.  Which means it's time to rediscover the merits of silence. 

Musicae

Music. Musique. μουσική.  Cerddoriaeth. Musiikki. .موسيقى

Música. Hudba. . 음악. музыка. Musik.

thanks google translator!

Christmas is a a joyous time of year for many reasons, but what really makes the season for me is the music.  Here are a couple of favorites:

 

"Quelle est cette odeur agreable"

"Jesus Christ the Apple Tree"

"Nativity Carol"

"In the Bleak Midwinter"

I hope your Christmas season is filled with joy, happiness, and absolutely beautiful music.

My Grown-up Christmas Wish

T or F: the correct term for a baby platypus is... wait for it.... a PUGGLE. 

 

TRUE!  I want one.

Happy Birthday Sophie!

Yesterday one Sophie Muriel Siebach (Peeps for short) turned the big 1-9.  In honor of this event, I feel it necessary to post 19 reasons why I heart my 'lil sis.

1.  I get to live vicariously through her as she lives out all of my dreams like going to Georgetown and visiting Yankee Stadium.  (No bitterness here.)

2.  Thanks to excellent grooming by her older siblings, she got a fantastically witty and fiery sense of humor.

3.  I've never seen anyone juggle so many different responsibilities with such grace and poise, despite the occasional nervous breakdown.

4.  She loves to cuddle.  She says it's because she's gifted.  I say it's because she strange.

5.  She hearts our Scottish terrier (Towser) as much or more than I do.   We are his greatest fans and plan to accessorize him when we both get home for Christmas.  Think tweed jacket, spectacles, and snow boots. Perhaps a scarf.

6.  She makes really embarrassing comments that usually involve anatomy of some sort. 

7.  She is a peacemaker.  All she really wants is for everyone to get along.

8.  I can make fun of her for having the nickname "Little Miss Perfect."

9.  She smart in every school subject, including Chemistry.

10.  She has a killer fashion sense.  I envy her for it.

11.  The G-string (and no it's not what you're thinking).

12.  She has friends named Naner and Ray ray.

13. She is definitely the most socially capable and --dare I say-- "normal" one in the family.  Again, I envy her.

14.  She is becoming more and more adventurous in her culinary exploits.

15.  She continues to endure my endless torture about anything and everything pertaining to her.

16.  She always gives people the benefit of the doubt.

17.  She is musically talented, even though she doesn't think so.

18.  She constantly strives to do the right thing.   

19.  I am grateful that after a tumultuous childhood relationship, I can call her one of my best friends.  I heart you, Peeps!  Happy Birthday!

Dear _____,

Dear Utah Valley Marathon,
Thanks for jump-starting my motivation to get back to running for realsies.  I'll see you June 9th.

Dear Appalachian Trail,
I'll visit you in my lifetime.  Promise.

Dear rain,
Love you.

Dear Westlake Academy,
Thanks for hiring me full-time.  You won't regret it.

Dear NCAA Football,
Thanks for keeping me company on this rainy Saturday night.