to lack a little rock n roll

you gotta have the BALLS to change

2008-04-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

Ours is a generation of world-changers. We have talked over coffee for hours covering the "what-ifs" and "how comes" of our schools, economy, politics, media, and countless other social injustices. We see the states and cities separated by income levels, the healthy from the sick, the fit from the fat, republicans from the democrats. MTV versus PBS. Sure, we are a generation of world-changers, a population craving something more. Visionaries. But how does this translate to our day-to-day activities? We shop organic, we turn off the TV sometimes. But how do ensure our good intentions live through and past our lives? The answer is simple. Those of us who wish this "screwed up world could change" must raise our children as if our own hopes are in fact reality. We are already climbing the fence, one side being raised on McDonald's and dessert, the other side being the reality of impending death. Sound harsh? We all know its true. As my broad introduction funnels into my main points, allow me to share some examples. When McDonald's is invited to the YMCA Healthy Kid's Day Fair - something is wrong. When children are raised thinking fried chicken parts and apples dipped in caramel sauce are a good meal - something is wrong. When a eight-year-old boy cannot run for 3 minutes without being out of breath - something is wrong. When Wal-mart advertises a "good life," but encourages its employees to use state welfare programs for health insurance - something IS WRONG. No wonder people are angry. No wonder people are sick. No wonder people are fat. Did somebody you know die early of a heart disease - ever wish they could have made it just one more year? Grandpa could have seen you get your degree, Mom could have been there for the birth of your first child. This is an invitation to true change, a desperate and sincere plea to the first generation of world-changers - raise your children to be intolerant. Teach them to not tolerate food that literally destroys their body, no matter how much more affordable it is. Teach them to not tolerate unethical businesses and to never shop there, no matter how much more affordable it is. Where did all this pollution start? Did we demand too much convenience, cheaper prices? Look at the price we have paid now. How many children do you see with pot bellies? NOT NORMAL. Average, yes. But not NORMAL. Teach your children that too much fried chicken makes the body sick and slow, teach them it is so sad that business would sell so much fried chicken to people. Make them gawk when some kid brings chips to school for a snack. Teach them that hydrogenated oils in their foods is unacceptable. Teach them high fructose corn syrup is not necessary. A majority of the foods marketed as healthy or a smart choice, contain at least one of these deadly culprits. Teach them to turn over the box and READ what is in their food - STOP the blind purchase of processed "food." Instill your hope for healthy food, honest programs, ethical business, LOVE. Teach your children all of your hopes for the future, whether they are similar to these or not. Teach them as if your hope is already a reality, and that not everybody knows it yet. Does this make us revolutionists? Yes - This is an invitation to change, and the truth is - you gotta have the balls to change.

Note from the author: If you made it through this post, first of all THANK YOU. Second, repost this if you think someone on your friends list may want or need a little extra encouragement on topics that feel uncontrollable. We may not be able to stop these business giants, but if we raise our children right, they have a hell of a chance. You may feel like you sound crazy at first, like a mad revolutionist. But you know what? I am. I am mad - and there must be a revolution.

say WHAT?

2007-08-03T21:14:00.001-07:00

i don't know how dangerous it is to hyperventilate once a day every day for over a month, but i just may do it. damien m f rice is coming to t-town in mid september. hopefully the section for the weeping hysterical girls is roped off.

ok, so maybe i won't be that bad...

damien m f rice.

HEY YOU!

2007-07-31T16:52:00.000-07:00

can YOU pass the idiot test?

sanguine

2007-07-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

Word History: The similarity in form between sanguine, "cheerfully optimistic," and sanguinary, "bloodthirsty," may prompt one to wonder how they have come to have such different meanings. The explanation lies in medieval physiology with its notion of the four humors or bodily fluids (blood, bile, phlegm, and black bile). The relative proportions of these fluids was thought to determine a person's temperament. If blood was the predominant humor, one had a ruddy face and a disposition marked by courage, hope, and a readiness to fall in love. Such a temperament was called sanguine, the Middle English ancestor of our word sanguine. The source of the Middle English word was Old French sanguin, itself from Latin sanguineus. Both the Old French and Latin words meant "bloody," "blood-colored," Old French sanguin having the sense "sanguine in temperament" as well. Latin sanguineus was in turn derived from sanguis, "blood," just as English sanguinary is. The English adjective sanguine, first recorded in Middle English before 1350, continues to refer to the cheerfulness and optimism that accompanied a sanguine temperament but no longer has any direct reference to medieval physiology.

partial

2007-07-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

"... As sure as the sun brings life - my love abounds,

and it's only desire is to exist within your world."

2007-06-17T06:35:00.001-07:00

you may roll your eyes at me for posting this -

2007-06-14T16:22:00.000-07:00

Why Can't I Own a Canadian?
October 2002

Dr. Laura Schlessinger is a radio personality who dispenses advice to people who call in to her radio show. Recently, she said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned under any circumstance. The following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a east coast resident, which was posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative:

Dear Dr. Laura:
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them:

When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15:19- 24. The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?

Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?

I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? - Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Your devoted fan,

Jim

you came here for a reason

2007-06-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

Your mind needs a good twist every now and then. Lately, these sites have been helping me achieve that goal:

http://pleix.net/films.html - short movies sure to take you through a wide variety of emotions.

http://www.tinygigantic.com - two dudes who blog. oh and they are pioneers in the whole marketing jag. they get paid, too. always something great: see last blog for their most recent project, Replate.

http://corporatehack.com - if you wardrobe is lacking authenticity and innovation, try these on for size.

http://www.notcot.org - this chick is dedicated. thousands of photos with links to the newest and craziest gadgets and artists. maybe she sits there all day - i have no idea. and i still have no idea what "NOTCOT" means...

replate

2007-06-08T18:04:00.000-07:00

2007-05-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

Charlie the Unicorn

2007-05-22T16:00:00.001-07:00

2007-05-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

"Where is your sense of adventure?"

"I left it in that nebula and I am

not going back for it."

What Garth Brooks Really Meant In 'Unanswered Prayers'

2007-05-11T10:59:00.000-07:00

i am not in control.

i can't produce my own show

planets and dreams collide

and this universe is not on my side

when the answers are given,

i fall further still

some things should never be.

You are unique, Lord.

You won't even answer my prayers

the way i want You to.

it's a good thing

thank you

it's a good thing

i am not in control

PIZ ZOW

2007-05-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

You Are Lightning

Beautiful yet dangerous
People will stop and watch you when you appear
Even though you're capable of random violence

You are best known for: your power

Your dominant state: performing

What Type of Weather Are You?

the Boys

2007-05-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

sweet feet retreat
to a hideaway beyond the wall
down the hall where
dinosaurs and witches
hide among the cars

small faces race to embrace
a moment sure to go too fast
a quick blast to the past
and i remember a day
where passion was the best kind of play

a stride in time and
a stride inside means
moments made eventually fade
but the sweet feet retreat don't cease
when marching in Imagination's fleet

2007-05-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

The forecast for Mother's Day/Dan Quinten Band is Awesome Day

is mostly sunny with the high at 80 degrees. I am so excited!!

4:30pm

2007-04-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

I remember days like this.

I open my car door and step into the warm downpour and

Remember that it's days like these that

Nourish the the skin with spring

and it's balmy and decadent air that comes in and

exhales a stale-winter's-love where

Fake fires and pleasant memories were one in the same

(it looks like a log but is not from a tree).

And so with the clearing rain, I too can see.

I can't tell you precisely how the sensation of warm air reminds me of you,

but it does.

And I can't tell you why even my own reflection reminds me of you,

but it can.

So the small things like warm air and rippled reflections signify more

than the aftermath of a torrential rain; they

suggest real fires and standing in that rain with someone

who should be there too.

Barren

2007-04-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

Well Elijah is off to his dad's again. Last time he went he spent several nights and it was a strange adjustment. I realized I had never experienced young adulthood without a child in tow. It wasn't as pleasant as I had imagined it would be, but I knew next time around I would be more prepared to take advantage of the time I had to just "be me." Granted, when Elijah is with me I am still me, but it's a strange feeling when I don't have to worry about getting him from school or finishing my school work and day's work before 3 o'clock-ish, for several days in a row. So this time he will spend Wednesday night and Thursday night in Edmond. I look forward to the time I'll have to catch up on some school work and prepare for..duhn duhn duhnn...finals week! Also, this summer, along with my business calculus class, I will be taking Acting 1. I'm so excited!! My friend Mesha has also decided to take the acting class with me. Who knows what we will learn in there, but it's sure to be a nice break from business calc. Here's to sunshine and free time, Cheers.

Yesterday While I Was...

2007-04-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday while I was walking around the RSU campus to apply and enroll, people were being killed by the dozens at a university down the road.

There were no locks on the classroom doors so students and professors had to use their bodies for protection.

There is a blog set up by ACUI, some sort of student resource net, where individuals representing whole communities comment their sorrow. I think it's a WordPress site. Anyways, I've only read a small portion so far, but one caught my attention because it's from a guy who experienced Columbine.

"We were heartbroken to hear of the tragedy that has fallen upon your campus community. Our son is a survivor of Columbine, so may you know that we truly do understand what you are feeling and going through right now. One of our son's best friends died and many were injured. Our prayers are with you as you heal. Just a thought ... "Normal" is the button on your dryer. You never return to what you were before. You just have a greater understanding and compassion for others. May God Bless you all. John and Janie, Littleon, COPosted by: John and Janie ( email ) on 04/17/2007 06:57 PM"

alter-emo

2007-04-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the things I deal with suck, and the only way for me to process it is to write some of the nasty things going through my mind. I choose writing because the alternative would not really further me on my journey to being a better person. The alternative might involve, "I hate you, you freaking idot," and "how are you so stupid, does that hurt?" So intsead of saying those things I choose to write high-school level poetry, full of angst and simple thoughts. And because I don't want to say anything directly, I launch it into cyberspace as a way of communicating; I've heard that's important. Uhh, but only if I know they won't read it, because that's important too.

your cold steel gears
don't work very well -
you inhuman thing,
what keeps you going?
it's only sad, your shortcomings
are faulty weapons and armor.
i'd only hope it short and sweet for you:
this life you cannot master.

Go Team!

2007-04-10T12:27:00.000-07:00

Today I went back to the SOB coffee shop, where our gaggle of girls hasn't really had an official meeting since our ferocious leader had been wounded in battle. The Battle of Wisdom, teeth for the most part. It's so nice to have a place like that, it becomes some hippie version of Cheers. They may not remember your name, but relaxing there is way easy. Afterwards, I went to a mini-conference facilitated by a leadership development effort in the Cherokee Nation. A beautiful and young blonde woman introduced herself and the purpose of the class. We were there to learn about teamwork, but most importantly we were there to score 35 bonus points for our Intercultural Communication course. The lecture turns from lecture to Double-Dare. 18 adults, ages 20 to 60, had to form two giant lines, linked only by fun-noodles. What, you didn't see that coming? Well neither did I. It turned out to be a lot of fun, and I attribute the success to my favorite phenomenon: crisis-bonding. The team I was on? Rocked. We won the first challenge, the chain thing, and so we had some time to build tee-pees (TP's?) and cabins while the other team tried to finish. They never did. Next our teams competed to build the tallest, free-standing structure using only 10 fun-noodles (those bright-colored pool toys) and a roll of masking tape. No one really won, but our's was the only one to be free-standing for any substantial amount of time. So, score 2. After that was over, we talked about the lessons we learned and blah, blah, blah.

So, after pretend-summer-camp, I am home taking some silly online quizzes. You know, the "How ____ are you?" Or, "What is your ____ _____?" I took several, turns out I am 71% Tortured Genius. But we all knew that. The last quiz I chose was "How Capricorn Are You," because astrologically, I would be a Capricorn. I ought to get 100%. Here comes the toughy, "Are you typically a person who would rather "follow the rules," or "rock the boat?" What? You understand that I can't answer that, right? I feel I should rock the boat while following the rules. Rules, like, laws? Tradition? And what kind of boat-rocking? Criminal, anarchial, or conceptual? I feel like rules are a part of the game. I've said it before as playing their game, my way. Well I never could decide so I just picked one. Turns out I am only 53% Capricorn.

2007-04-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

Alison Krauss 6/20 in OKC

Blues Traveler May 12 in Thackerville, OK

good morning, good friday

2007-04-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

In an eggshell

2007-04-05T15:03:00.000-07:00

A MOVEABLE FEAST
-patti smith

"Took branches of palm trees and went forth to meet him, and cried Hosanna..."

This morning when I awoke I listened to "Palm Sunday," by the Jerry Garcia Band. It's very pretty and is a comfort to hear.I have always loved Palm Sunday. As a child I would sit on the curb on our street in Germantown and watch as the Catholics emerged from church holding dried palm leaves that symbolized Jesus's triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. As portrayed in scripture he entered on a donkey and the people spread palms and their coats on the path before him.Palms were traditionally spread upon the path of someone deemed worthy of the honor. A revolutionary such as Jesus Christ whose essential message was to love one another was more than worthy of the palms that proceeded his passion.And so we enter Easter week. A time of mystery, contemplation and renewal. Tomorrow will be a full moon. Celebrated as Passover. Whatever one's faith these are mystical days. A bit of red wine and unleavened bread and the consideration of the possibilities of universal love is in the air. The same air smelling of poverty and war also carries the scent of love. How shall we choose to fill our senses?

2007-04-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

Time for no man stands

certainly not me.

Pushing to appease or

I tap my foot in the longer minutes.

Time ne'er strides to my side.

2007-03-19T07:55:00.000-07:00

our terrain stretches from the american
heartland to the streets of baghdad.
our boots are well worn and the sack we toss over
our shoulder is filled with tears and grain.
we unbutton our coats, for spring
is upon us and the air is thick with promise.
let us shake the gold upon the fields
for it is spring, a good time for trampin'.
-patti smith

at the cabana

2007-03-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

well we have our wireless internet up and running here at the homestead, laptops and all. now all we need is a pretty blue pool inset a red-stained deck. oh wait, it's right there. this is a pretty good set up for creativity and relaxation. i spent the morning at a coffee shop with a good friend and lunch with another - a quick nap and now i am ready to get back to reality. only somewhat though, i'm working at staying arm's length away for the time being until ... well i don't know when. but then there's the beauty of it.

on a less selfish note, dear caedmon is doing well and getting some deserved rest. kyle mentioned, "sometimes the lord has to shut down our outsides to work on our insides," or something to that effect. he always knows just what to say and thats why he's such an effective messanger of the lord. so let's add another neccessity to the list of life: rock n roll, and smart, caring friends.

aannndd go

2007-03-07T08:24:00.000-08:00

the tear that rolls on the arch of my neck

and down my breast

should be replaced by the hand of a noble man.

i'm ready to rejoice a fine prince,

one who explores the depths of our cave;

this life waiting to begin.

for starters

2007-03-07T08:20:00.000-08:00

I guess I'll start by explaining the title, "to lack a little rock n roll." I feel a lack of rock n roll can really screw a girl up. a suppressed artist is not a happy artist. (hmm, happy artist...) Anyways, now my posts and my blog will probably be a repeat of the beginnings of "now that i've joined the mom club" but less about infant-try and more about mommy's loss of sanity, stability, and sameness. So if you fear I may be going off the deep end, just stand back and toss a rope if I look worried. Otherwise I'm just gonna play by the edge here while, okay ma?