iPOD Faux pa

My sister Becky hates computers....but loves her IPOD. I mean ..... LOVES her IPOD. It's all she uses. It's how she surfs the net, facebooks and emails.

I'm sitting in the living room with my laptop and she wants to know what the weather will be for the next few days, so I google the weather on my laptop and take it over to her to look at. I sit back down and look over....and she is dragging her finger across my screen trying to make it scroll like her IPOD. I don't have a touch screen....she knows this. My niece and nephew are sitting here with us...and now they start watching her as she continues to try and make my screen scroll. We are all trying very hard not to laugh....we are enjoying the moment too much.

Now this may not sound as funny as it was....but it's dark and in the glow from the laptop screen we see her facial expression as she becomes more and more perturbed with the uncooperative screen as she drags her finger over and over it. Finally I can't take it any more and crack up. Through my laughter I try to coherantly tell her it's not her IPOD.

The look on her face was priceless.

Man I needed a good laugh and I appreciate Becky letting me have one at her expense. Although she threatened me with my life if I blogged about it......

Vampires at the Blood Bank

So I'm at the blood bank, hooked up with a line in my arm and watching the DVD they have playing for donors to watch which happens to be "Twilight". The irony of watching of a vampire moving while giving blood makes me smile. I love irony. I loved the following conversation even more:

Male attendant:
So what's the big deal with Edward, nobody thought he was hot when he was in Harry Potter!

Female attendant:
I don't know, he's just hot....like mysterious and stuff.

Male attendant:
So a dead guy that sucks your blood is hot...yeah...you girls are crazy and man I just don't understand what you all want. You say you want a good guy...but every girl I know is going crazy over this bloodsucker...whatever....(exasperated - throwing hands up).

Female attendant:
No! Dude it's the mystery! It's the power! Not that he's dead....geez! He's like all in love with her and wants to protect her and he's really powerful and willing to risk anything for her! He loves her unconditionally!! That's really hot!

Male attendant:
Whatever...like we mortal men can compete against that.

Female attendant:
See you just don't get it, it's not his looks so much, even though he is hot....it's the way he treats her, he's respectful, he's protective, he's kind and sweet.....

Male attendant:
Ummm.....and he kills people!!!

Female attendant:
Umm....no! Edward doesn't! Gawd! (she stomps off)

Male attendant:
(Turns to me) What do women want?

I just smiled.
He wasn't listening very well. Typical man.




Yes, I love irony.

Addison Turned Two - Pics

Carpe Diem!

“Learn from the past, set vivid, detailed goals for the future, and live in the only moment of time over which you have any control: NOW.” – Denis Waitley



There are two days in every week about which we should not worry, two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension. One of these days is Yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back Yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed; we cannot erase a single word we said. Yesterday is gone.


The other day we should not worry about is Tomorrow, with its possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise, and poor performance. Tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control. Tomorrow’s sun will rise, either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds; but it will rise. Until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is as yet unborn.


This leaves only one day: Today. Anyone can fight the battles of just one day. It is only when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities – Yesterday and Tomorrow – that we break down. It is not the experience of Today that drives us mad, it is remorse and bitterness for something which happened Yesterday and the dread of what Tomorrow may bring. Let us, therefore, live this one full Today.

Faith

I was recently asked by someone very close to me to give an example of how a desire of mine came to fruition when initially I could not see any way my desire could be manifested.

I'm not a religious person in the common definition of religious, at least not any more. I pretty much define myself as a deeply spiritual person. I have great faith, and it has been tested, and tested.........and tested beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I've seen the miracles that result from great faith time and time again in my own life.

After Meagan had been in the hospital for 6 months it was time for her to be released. I was given two options. I was told she could not live independently and I should put her in a nursing home, or I could take her home and a home health aid could take care of her, a stranger. The state would pay for part of it and I would pay for the rest. I didn't like either option so I created a third choice. I found a loophole in the system that would allow me to take care of Meagan and get paid to do so, even though I was related to her, but first I needed somewhere to live. There was no choice in my eyes. I was going to take care of her, I just didn't know how yet.

There were many roadblocks. I knew what I wanted, but didn't see any way for it to happen. I was jobless, homeless, car-less, penniless, and had literally no income. How was I going to get a home with no job and no money. If I couldn't get a home then I couldn't get the job to take care of her. If I could figure out a way to get a home, then how was I going to get her to rehab, doctor appointments, go grocery shopping and was I going to make enough money to take care of us both.

The list of hurdles was overwhelming to me. I didn't see anyway to make it happen. I couldn't bear the thought of sending my 19 year old daughter to go live in a brain injury long term care facility that was 2 1/2 hours away for the rest of her life. I wanted her to have a chance, I'd lost two children, I didn't want to write off another child....it would have been a third loss and I wasn't ready to go there, to give up on her, to give up on all of it, yet I had no idea how I was going to do it. I just believed, I had faith.

I told them to prepare Meagan to leave and I had two weeks to figure it all out. Going down Rock Road one day in a borrowed car on my way to see Meagan, I saw some apartments. I got an overwhelming feeling to stop. I stopped. I had no idea what I was going to do, or ask or anything....I just knew I should stop. I happen to catch the manager just before she was going to lunch. She seemed stern and very professional, almost cold as she approached me. I suddenly wanted to turn around and walk away, but I couldn't. My feet felt planted like they were encased in cement. She stopped uncomfortably close to me, put her hand on my shoulder and asked me what she could do for me in the sweetest, kindest voice that was the exact opposite of her appearance. I started crying. Something about her voice, her hand on my shoulder, the feeling of being in this place and not really knowing why I was there at that moment so unplanned and unprepared - broke my emotional dam.

She took my hand and led me to a chair, sat me down and pulled up a chair next to me. Her face was soft as she handed me a tissue to wipe my tears and blow my nose. She smiled and asked if there was anything she could do to help me. I remember looking down at my feet while the story of the last few months came out of my mouth like verbal diarrhea.

I kept staring at my feet for what seemed like forever, a little afraid to look up. I heard a noise. She was crying. It was my turn to hand her a tissue. After a few moments she regained her composure, stood up and walked behind her desk. She said, "Let's see what I can do to help you get a home".

She was my miracle that day. She bypassed all the standard requirements and gave me an apartment, gave my family a chance. With the financial help of close family and even distant family that barely knew me, I was able to move in and bring Meagan home. Two weeks prior, I could not see a way, but a way was made.

A few years later, Meagan was ready to move out. My job as her personal care provider was at an end. I needed to find another job. For almost 4 years while I had taken care of Meagan I had riden my bike everywhere. I did my grocery shopping by loading up my bike panniers and managed to go everywhere I needed to on my bike. When Meagan had to go to the doctors, rehab or anywhere else, we used a van service provided through medicaid and I was able to ride along. I'd manage to survive without a car, but how was I going to get a job and get to work without a car. I didn't know, but I kept going.

Eventually I got an interview with a Great Plains Industries. I got a ride to and from the interview from the maintenance man at the apartments. I got a second interview and took a cab there and walked home because I couldn't afford to take the cab home. I got the job.

Now I was faced with the issue of getting to and from work. The first couple of days I talked a neighbor into taking me to work and I asked for a ride home from one of my coworkers. The third day at work, I asked around and found out that there was a shower in the lab. I talked the lab manager into letting me have a key to the lab and using the shower at work after riding my bike there. So that's what I did. Everyday for months and months I rode my bike to work with all my cloths and essentials in my backpack, unlocked the lab, took a shower, stored my bike in the lab and at the end of the day, changed and rode my bike back home. I told myself and everyone else I was doing it for the exercise, which in a way, it was.

One day a buyer I worked with, Chris Carillo, offered to give me rides to and from work and only asked that I help pay for gas. I jumped at it. Later on another coworker, Lynn Charlier, gave Chris a break and took over giving me rides. Lynn's hours changed and she couldn't give me rides any longer, so another kind soul and coworker, James Mabry, stepped up to help me with rides.

James picked me up one morning and told me he was getting married, "Oh and by the way, I told her about you and what you've been through and she offered to give you one of her vehicles". I think my heart stopped for a moment when he told me that. I had not had a vehicle for years! James fiance had no idea who I was. I was a stranger to her, yet she was willing to give me a car. I was beside myself with joy. A few weeks later, after more help from Lynn Charlier for some financial matters concerning the vehicle and licensing etc, I was given a van by Julia Mabry. The only thing Julia asked me to do was to "Pay it Forward".

It's amazing to me the things I've experienced. The hardships, the blessings, the people that have been put in my path, the miracles, the growth, the pain, the joy. I've learned to live in the moment, to live in a state of gratitude and acknowledge the abundance in life - all are gifts. I have tremendously hard days, days where my faith is tried, days I question myself and my purpose but they are fewer and far between now. My family is everything to me. My children, grandchildren, sisters and brothers, parents, aunts and uncles, nephews and nieces and daughter in law are all my oxygen. With the help of family, friends and strangers that bless me, even though I can't see the "whole staircase", I will keep trying to step forward in faith.

Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step."

- Dr Martin Luther King Jr

Kirkism...

My brother is in town for his high school reunion this weekend and Kirk decided to take me out to eat. We decided on Nu-way on the corner of 13th and Woodlawn. It was Friday evening and for some reason we were the only customers under 80 in the place. It was a good meal, the root beer rocked. We ate quickly and had great conversation about just about everything. I love talking to Kirk. He's insightful, intelligent, sensitive and empathetic. He and I are quite a bit alike in many ways, so it's always easy and comfortable to be with him. I told him if I could find a man like him I would marry him. This coming from a woman who said she would never marry again, but I would if I could find a man like my brother. Needless to say I think highly of him......

Well, among his many qualities - humor is one quality that stands out for me. As we were getting into the truck, we were talking about Seattle and how I would love to live in that area....let's face it, Kansas is flat and geographically boring. So he says.......

(here's the Kirkism) :

"Well, you know what they say about Kansas don't you?"

"no" I say.

With a barely perceivable grin he says.....

"If your dog runs away today....four day later, you will still be able to see him running."

yep......Kansas is that flat.

My untitled poetry

the thick gray veil if given permission
layers heavy with grief and trial
only strenghtens it to fight
wasted energy in rage

rather,

wisdom in asking for hearts desire
unfailing faith it will be given
always forgiving living in gratitude
then exists the gray veil no more

Subdued July

July is a beautiful summer month, but there's a couple of times during the month when I'm a little subdued. Not sad, or depressed....just.....subdued. My two sons that passed were both born in July. Adam was born July 25 and Bret was born July 3.

I'm still at risk of feelings of guilt and doing the "what if" thing to myself, but for the most part, I'm over that kind thinking. What I feel most now is just..... missing them. I'm not sure how to completely, accurately describe the feeling associated with their loss at this point. It's been 24 years since Bret has passed and 7 since Adam's passing. The immediate sting and severity suffered immediately after their passing does get better with time, but missing them does not. I thought it would.

I've heard many metaphors and analagies for the feelings of a parent over the loss of a child. Some come close, but none do it justice. I don't know when or if the feeling ever goes away. I'm not sure I want it to. Maybe that's why it's so profoundly with me.

I know that beyond those few days out of the year that bring out the "missing", there are many days that are full of joy, new beautiful experiences, rich life and tremendous abundance all around me. I allow myself those few days of being subdued so that I am able to be fully present for all the other days.

I don't want to be one of the walking dead, I don't want to be so taken by my trials that I don't see the blessings of my life. My beautiful, strong and extraordinarily perservering daughter Meagan who is one of the strongest people I know. My handsome, sweet, loving son Chris who has been my silent support and partner after Adams death and Meagans accident, he has been an unsung hero through these last few years. My precious grandchildren. There is something about my grandchildren that never fails to raise my spirits no matter what life is throwing at me. One smile from my children or grandchildren remove the gray filter of life to reveal it's true blessings and goodness. It's there, it's always there....some days it just harder to see.

Self Deprication

"Blessed are we who can laugh at ourselves, for we shall never cease to be amused".

Unknown.

Resilient Spirit

My sister Becky came by the other day and sat with me at my dining room table chatting about the minutia of daily life. It began as a superfluous conversation but quickly moved into a deeply personal topic. Me. She called me a resilient spirit and said the most wonderful, uplifting and deeply moving words to me that day at my table.

I'm usually uncomfortable talking about myself in any deep way to most people, but Becky is not most people. I trust my sister with every fiber of my being. I feel free and comfortable with her in a way I am not with any other human. I feel this way because she has earned my trust. She has kept my deepest thoughts and confessions confidential. She listens without judgement. She has never attempted to teach me through shame or manipulation but with soft words and understanding. She offers help without demanding that I take it and does the same with her advice. She is firm in her beliefs while allowing me to voice mine freely. When I have dark days, she is supportive, loving and never shames me for being human and having human moments in my human life. She's helped me to understand who I am, accept myself and love myself. She has done this through her total and unconditional acceptance of me...all of me....the good, the bad and the ugly. She's managed to teach me late in my life what I never learned growing up; what it means to love unconditionally.

It's not an easy feat to love unconditionally. It's a rare virtue. It takes the ability to forgive. Not just sometimes, but always. It takes a tremendous ability to put yourself in anothers place, to see through their eyes, and if possible, feel what the other feels, as Becky does so well. It sometimes takes long suffering, although as she has taught me, this doesn't mean accepting disrespect, as well as never disrespecting oneself, or others. It takes the willingness to teach if necessary, and to be taught-because none of us knows everything and we can all learn something from everyone. These are but a few of her attributes, a few of her gifts that she shares with me and others. I am blessed to have her as a sister. I hope someday I can repay her for helping to repair my broken heart and spirit, especially these last few years.

Becky, I want you to know it's amazing how you always seem to know what I need and when I need it. There were times when my resiliency was lost and I was breaking... you were there to remind me who I was and what I was capable of doing in this life, having unfailing faith in me. Thank you for always being there for me and knowing my heart and spirit so well. Thank you for your kind, supportive and loving words that help me to keep moving forward. You are my mother, sister, friend and confidant. Thank you for being my guardian angel here on earth. I don't know what I would have done without you in my life, I'm thankful I've not had to find out. Thank you for being you and for loving me so well. You help me believe in myself and help me believe that I am worthy of being loved by others. You have blessed me and continue to bless me in every way a human being is capable. I love you. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. I love you..............unconditionally.

Sebastain's First Communion (2008)

Happy Birthday Bret H Spackman

Yesterday was my son's birthday, Bret. He passed October 27th, 1984. I think of him nearly everyday and miss him terribly. Special thoughts and love you always son.

Found Christa!

I had a wonderful best friend in high school that I lost contact with for many years now. We've both lived in Kansas, and I ran into her once in JC Penny's in Towne East many years ago, but never connected after that. I've thought about her so often. She was so fun and funny; beautiful with her long legs, gorgeous skin and smile. I've missed her.

I just started twittering and facebook and found her through facebook. I'm so excited to have found her again. I remember her as being so full of life and almost fearless and so beautiful. She sent me a note today and everything I remembered about her is still there. Even in her short note it came through. Fighting breast cancer with an indominable spirit and still generous with her compliments. I've missed my dear high school friend. I'm so glad I found her again. I'm looking forward to getting to know her after all these years.

Dadism.....

Sitting with dad today eating this great ice cream cake Sariah picked up from Dairy Queen and having a "how many calories are there in this thing anyway" type of discussion. Then dad pops off with one of his "dadisms". He has many, but this was new and felt I needed to add it while it was fresh in my mind.


DAD:

"Well, yunno, once you cut the cake and lay it on the plate..... the air gets to it, releasing all the calories into the air....basically calorie evaporation....."

Works for me.

Happy Fathers Day Father. I love you.

Fathers Day

Happy Fathers Day to James Wayne. I love you dad. I love your kindness, and humor, your sensitivity and strong powers of empathy. I love your bear hugs, your huge grin and your ability to always make me laugh no matter what is going on. You've had a hard life with so many struggles....but you have managed to stay loving and kind. Not an easy feat. I'm on my way to Becky's to see you and give you a massage, although I suspect you may not let me, but I'll get one in somehow! I love you dad, thanks for being my father.

To My son Chris. Hmmm....I love you so much I don't think I can find the words to tell you. You are always respectful to me, always loving even when your angry with me...which doesn't happen often. I love your humor and I've been so impressed with how well you've matured without a man in your life, without a father, to be an example. Your ability to love unconditionally is amazing to me. Not many people can do that....you are rare. It's a wonderful gift you give to those you love. I'm blessed to have you in my life, I'm blessed to have you as a son, and Addison is blessed to have you as a father. I love you!

Fav Quote

This quote is from the movie "Chocolat"......

Père Henri:

I'm not sure what the theme of my homily today ought to be. Do I want to speak of the miracle of Our Lord's divine transformation? Not really, no. I don't want to talk about His divinity.

I'd rather talk about His humanity. I mean, you know, how He lived His life, here on Earth. His *kindness*, His *tolerance*... Listen, here's what I think......

I think that we can't go around... measuring our goodness by what we don't do. By what we deny ourselves, what we resist, and who we exclude. I think... we've got to measure goodness by what we *embrace*, what we create... and who we include.

Kat's Mother's Day 2009

I had a great mother's day this year. I was able to spend time with my son Chris, my daughter Meagan, my grandson Sebastain and my grand daughter Addison.

Sebastain's mom, Brandy was sweet enough to let me have Sebastain all weekend, giving up a mother's day with her son so I could have my sweet grandson all weekend. I love spending time with him. He's just the perfect kid, does everything I ask, he's respectful, funny, fun and has WAAAY too much energy.

He saved up all his money and bought himself a Wii game system. He's 8 years old and he was able to save $250 dollars for a Wii. I am so impressed with him. I know adults who can't save $5, but this young man has the foresight and self control to save to buy something he wants. He's got a great teaching mother as well.

He brings his Wii with him every time he comes and we go back and forth between his Wii and my XBox. I like Wii sports the best. I can play other games, but I have absolutely no chance to win at any of them. I suck at them. He's really good at them, but I suck more, and Wii sports is are the only games I have any chance of winning at all. But it's about being with him and having fun, and we do, but.....I still like to win every once in a while.

Chris seems to forget days like mothers day....or birthdays ....or anniversaries. He means well, he just has a really bad memory. His gift to me was to pick Meagan up from across town and then take her home at the end of the day. It was a great mothers day gift! Especially since I'm unemployed, money for gas is harder to come by. I love my son so much, he's so tender and kind and easy going and very handsome. I also love his sense of humor. I've enjoyed seeing the changes in him as a man and a father since Addison's come into the world. Thank you Chris for a great mothers day! I love you.

Meagan was sweet enough to treat Sebastain and myself to a movie on her. We all went to see Monsters vs. Aliens. I loved it. Meagan, Sebastain and I all love going to the movies. It was in 3D and Sebastain and I particularly enjoyed things jumping out of the screen at us. Some of the 3D effects made me a little nauseous. I felt as though I was riding a roller coaster, but that was part of the fun.

Addison is always a joy to be around. She has a joyfullness about her that I can't get enough of. I took Addison and Sebastain to a Special Olympics regional swim meet. I packed a lunch, some snacks and drinks thinking that we could stay for awhile and watch the athletes. Addison had other plans. The minute we got there she tried relentlessly to get into the water. She loves the pool here at home and it was all I could do sit for a minute without her darting for the water. I think we were there all of 20 minutes before I decided we should go before Addison got her way and took a dive into the water. We left and went to the park instead and her cousin Sebastain loved playing with her and showing her how to play on all the equipment. They are both so special to me. I'm not sure I could have had a better mothers day gift from any of my children or grand children. I'm very blessed.

This is spanky, my cat by default. He's really Chris's cat he found in a tree one night. He named him spanky after his brother Adam. "Spanky" was Adams nickname when he wrestled in high school. We found spanky around Adams birthday, so we gave him Adams birthday as well. At first I wasn't really excited about having him. He sheds, I have to clean his cat box, he whines at night and thinks he has to sleep with me under the covers right by my face. I've come to enjoy him and even look forward to him. Mothers day morning he was up in the window and had his tongue out. He stayed that way for awhile.......it made me laugh and was a good way to start the day.


Sebastain is really good with Addison, and she loves it when he comes to visit. Addison looks at him adoringly and Sebastain looks after her like she was his little sister, Nennie. I think Sebastain has a soft spot for girls. He's a caregiver for sure. He likes to have a purpose and is very unselfish. Addison hangs on him and sits right next to him whenever she can.

Meagan is great at entertaining Sebastain. I think she's telling Sebastain some tall tale and from the look on his face, he's not sure if he should believe her or not..........smart boy.

Sebastain is playing toss with his Uncle Chris. He loves Chris so much and everytime he's over, he has to go over to Chris's house pretty quick or I don't hear the end of it. Since Adam isn't here, Chris is the closest thing to his Daddy Adam he will ever have.

(Addison)..................." uuuuuhhh......another picture"!!

The two pretty girls. My babies......

Family Pictures and Links

My grandpa Everett Haselden. I love him so much. He was a character. He was crusty on the outside and a marshmellow (at least to me) on the inside. I don't think he could get through a sentence without a curse word, but even as a kid, I didn't think anything of it.....it just seemed to be a part of who he was and he didn't mean anything by it. I can tell where my dad got his good looks.

Here are some more pics from the Haselden Family Website.

http://www.haselden.org/

My brother Kirk created and maintains the website. It a great source for family connections, history, folklore and to veiw our crest as well as find and communicate with family members all over the world.

Kirk then......

Kirk now...........

Me then.......

My now pic is on the blog to the side, but here is one of me blond. I tend to go back and forth between the seasons. Darker in fall and winter and blonder in spring and summer. I get bored easily.

Here are some pictures of my grandpa haselden, parents, myself and kids. I hate taking pictures and always have, so pictures of me are hard to find.

Mom and dad......

Us six kids........then. The line up is (from left, oldest to youngest) Becky, Leah, Luann, David, Me, Kirk.

Us six kids now. Well, maybe not so now.....I think this was taken in the 80's but this is the last picture taken of all of us together. The line up is (from left, youngest to oldest) Kirk, me (what was I wearing!!) David, Luann, Leah and Becky.

Well, I was updating this post with more pics and I ran across this one of all of us, sans David. He lives in Florence, SC. and couldn't make it up to Kansas for this. I sure miss him. This picture was taken a couple of years ago on Kirks birthday.

My Mom with my granddaughter Addison. Mom is a wonderful, strong, tenacious woman with a great faith in God. She taught me through example how faith will get you through anything. She is a very small framed woman, but huge in determination. Once she sets her mind to something, there's no stopping her. I have some of that in me, thanks mom.

My son Chris on the right, grand daughter Addison in the middle, and Chris's fiance Angela opening presents at Addison's one year birthday party. She has daddy wrapped around her pinkie already. He's a great father and I am so proud of him and despite the lack of the presence of his father in his life, he has become a great dad and on his way to becoming a great man. I love that I have so much family around and can be a part of their lives. It's such a gift.

This is my dad James Wayne Haselden with my daughter Meagan Spackman. My dad is the kindest, sweetest most loving men I will ever know. He taught me compassion and what it means to have a sense of humor to get you through the rough times. That was an invaluable gift.This picture was taken about a year after her accident in 2002. I am so proud of all the progress Meagan has made. I love her so much.

My Brothers Opinion / My Opinion


This is an exerpt from my dear brothers blog which I read often. His is the first entry and mine is the response (2nd entry).

I admire him so much and think all men should be like my brother. I would love to find a man as kind, intelligent, gentle, spritual, loving, handsome, a great father and husband and brother who is highly motivated, accomplished and he even has a wonderful sense of humor. I think he broke the mold.....


A day in the life...
Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Paradoxical Observation :

Tatoos everywhere

I'm in San Francisco for a conference and just got back from going out to dinner. I went to a Chevy's right down from my hotel. San Francisco is such an enchanting place this time of the year. The fog is hanging low and my hotel room on the 5th floor is right at the fog line. In the mornings it's at street level. It's also a bit chilly right now, just perfect for me. Probably in the 50 degree F range. So, I'm quite comfortable walking around with my usual shorts and polo shirt. Stopping at a street crossing, a gal came walking up from a different direction all bundled up with a scarf around her neck and a knee length coat on. I chuckled cuz she was so bundled up. There's steem coming up out of the manholes because of the difference in temperatures above ground vs. in the mantunnels, I guess. As we were standing there a slight breeze wafted the steam coming out of the manhole in our direction. The lady standing next to me started waving her hand around her face as if to avoid the steam like you would camp fire smoke. I'm normally pretty sensitive to smells etc. but was unaffected by it and wondered why she was being so melodramatic about a little bit of steam. Then I started thinking, maybe she's really ultra health conscious or something. Maybe she's just trying to avoid getting sick, or maybe she's like the divas get upset anytime someone so much as coughs around them. Either way, I thought how concerned she seemed for her health. Then as the walk light turned green, I happened to glance down at her stylish jack boots and noticed a tatoo running basically from her angle to her knee on the outside of her left leg.Later while in the restaurant, I overheard two college girls talking about where one of them should get a tatoo. The one said, "You should get it on the back of your neck. That way nobody will see it. Unless you hack off all your hair or something." Now, that confuses me. Why get a tatoo if you're going to try to hide it? They discussed other locations as well, like around her belly button and a few unmentinable locations. That's about the time I tuned out and started watching the kids on the other side of my table who had multiple piercings, multiple shades of purple, neon yellow and blue hair. Oh, and yes, they had tatoos as well...There's so much about this world that I really don't understand...
posted by Kirk at 9:17 PM

1 Comments:

Kat Chrisman said...

(I got a giggle out of this one)....Here's why:

I have a tiny,tiny tattoo on the small of my back, probably no bigger than a half inch in diameter. One pink heart with a smaller red heart off set inside the pink one. The pink heart is for Adam and the red heart is for Bret,(two sons who passed). They are, for me, symbolic and personl.I have my navel pierced also; I wear a small diamond inside,like an earring for my belly, very pretty and feminine. It doesn't seem a lot different to me than ear piercing....(makes me keep my tummy in shape too)!These things were done later in life with much contemplation, and I must admit-I love them and I'm happy I did it. It was difficult for me, however, to do something that society still has such a stigma about. I've always been one to worry so much about what others thought of me.Having revealed all this-I have to admit-I'm not a big fan of gaudy tattos in very conspicuous places on the body and facial piercing. I guess maybe I'm a bit of a hypocrite. Then again I don't understand why anyone would paint their house neon yellow or hot pink, or drive a truck jacked up 8 feet in the air, or a barbell mustache......or, well............I could go on and on.............beauty is in the eye of the beholder.........self expression and all that jazz.........some people love their self expression so much that they want to share it and say to the world "this pink house is who I am, not the neighbor next door whose house looks like two hundred other houses, and my mustache is the same kind that my great, great grandfather sported and he was a great, great man that I admired, or the huge tattoo on my breast of a flowering rose bud is symbolic of my coming into my own and taking charge of my life after surviving breast cancer."I actually asked them - why did she paint her house pink, and why the barbell mustache, and "pretty rose, but why on the chest?" Those were the answers that I got. My thought was, "how brave."I'm with a lot of folks in my generation that don't understand rap, pants that bag down below knees (looks like they're wearing a diaper with a heavy load), or lip piercing that make a person look like Frankenstein's long lost cousin. I will never paint my house pink, put a lift kit on any vehicle, mustache myself in any way (maybe my body will have a different opinion on this one). But with age and my own self evolution, independance and voyage into self expression, I've softened my view.

Love,

your sisterKat Chrisman

8:53 AM
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