There is a quotation from W.H. Auden that one of my old high school teachers included in her yearbook entry, which randomly etched itself into my brain, and it comes to mind every now and then:
"Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: all of them make me laugh."
Last night, I had dinner with a couple of friends. One works for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the other just recently began a new job at Hands on Nashville. Both of them are beautiful women with big hearts--people who are passionate about helping other people. They both absolutely love their jobs, because each day carries the joy of knowing that what they do makes life better for someone else.
And as I basked in the love and the laughter that we shared over dinner, it hit me. My common denominator is big hearts. The people whom I love the most are those who love others well. If I see someone who spills out his/her life in service to others, I am smitten. People who almost give too much-- too much of their time, their money, and their resources to help others-- to me, they positively glow.
So, if you've ever been accused of caring too much, giving too much, or volunteering too much, then please, come sit by me. Chances are, I'm gonna love you and your big heart.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
mission accomplished
My goal? To run the half marathon in less than 2:30.
My final time? 2:15.
Now it's time for a long, hot bath and a glass of wine...
My final time? 2:15.
Now it's time for a long, hot bath and a glass of wine...
Thursday, April 24, 2008
gettin' ready
Ok, so you remember how, when you were about 8 years old, you would get really excited and nervous about the first day of school, so you would have your outfit picked out and ready to go days in advance?
Yep. There is a part of me that is still very much an 8 year-old.
So, Country Music 1/2 Marathon, all I have to say is...ready or not, here I come!
Yep. There is a part of me that is still very much an 8 year-old.
So, Country Music 1/2 Marathon, all I have to say is...ready or not, here I come!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
miss moneypenny
I sent an e-mail to a development colleague at a local school, and when she responded, I noticed something interesting at the bottom of her e-mail. Under her name, she had listed her title as "Donor Curator." Huh, I thought to myself, could this be a new development term/title that I am not yet familiar with?
So, I did what any curious person with internet access would do...I googled it. And I got nothing--except, of course, for those articles where the words "donor" and "curator" just happened to appear in close proximity to each other. Apparently, this was a title that she created for herself. Donor Curator. I had to chuckle, because it amuses me when people attempt to gussy up their job titles to make them sound more elegant and interesting.
I began to wonder how I could change my own title to make it sound a little more intriguing...but then I thought of a more interesting question: What if I tried to make my title sound worse ? I have sometimes heard development officers referred to as "professional beggars", so I tried to think of variations along those lines. Here are some that I came up with:
* Beggar with a Cause
* Pickpocket with a Purpose
* Cash Cultivator
* Fund Finder
* Schmooze Queen
* Dialer for Dollars
* Solicitor with Skillz
The possibilities are endless--let me know if you have any suggestions. I should be ordering my new business cards soon...
So, I did what any curious person with internet access would do...I googled it. And I got nothing--except, of course, for those articles where the words "donor" and "curator" just happened to appear in close proximity to each other. Apparently, this was a title that she created for herself. Donor Curator. I had to chuckle, because it amuses me when people attempt to gussy up their job titles to make them sound more elegant and interesting.
I began to wonder how I could change my own title to make it sound a little more intriguing...but then I thought of a more interesting question: What if I tried to make my title sound worse ? I have sometimes heard development officers referred to as "professional beggars", so I tried to think of variations along those lines. Here are some that I came up with:
* Beggar with a Cause
* Pickpocket with a Purpose
* Cash Cultivator
* Fund Finder
* Schmooze Queen
* Dialer for Dollars
* Solicitor with Skillz
The possibilities are endless--let me know if you have any suggestions. I should be ordering my new business cards soon...
Monday, April 21, 2008
stories
If you know me, you know that I love a good story. And if you have been to my house, you know that I love StoryPeople. I own 8 of the prints, and will likely someday buy one (or more) of the sculptures.
As a member of the mailing list, I receive the "Story of the Day" email, and it's like getting a smile in my inbox every day. I particularly liked one recent offering, called "Lost in Translation":
"There are some days when no matter what I say it feels like I'm far away in another country & whoever is doing the translating has had far too much to drink."
To check out more stories, you can visit the StoryPeople website--but watch out, browsing the stories is quite addictive, so don't say I didn't warn you.
As a member of the mailing list, I receive the "Story of the Day" email, and it's like getting a smile in my inbox every day. I particularly liked one recent offering, called "Lost in Translation":
"There are some days when no matter what I say it feels like I'm far away in another country & whoever is doing the translating has had far too much to drink."
To check out more stories, you can visit the StoryPeople website--but watch out, browsing the stories is quite addictive, so don't say I didn't warn you.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
does this mean I am nervous?
Last night, I dreamed that I was running a 1/2 marathon.
Inside a zoo.
It wasn't specifically the Nashville Zoo, just a generic zoo that also seemed slightly like an amusement park. And kind of dark and creepy as well.
In my dream, the race begins, and I am almost immediately separated from my running partners. So I just keep running, and before I know it, I am quite obviously off-course. (Apparently, it wasn't a very popular 1/2 marathon, because there weren't obvious throngs of runners that I could just follow). So I am running around alone, trying to locate a park worker with a map in order to figure out where I am supposed to be (again, not a very well-staffed race here in my dream). I finally get a map, which turns out to be utterly confusing--as many zoo maps are, or maybe, just as most maps are to me--so I keep running without any real direction.
By the time I get back on course, I have already run 15+ miles, and I am exhausted and have to stop and walk, even though the finish line is now in view. So I am angry at myself, because if I had stayed on course, I easily could have run the entire race (and then some), and I am also mad because I have no idea what my real time is, since I took such an insane detour.
Sigh. A week and a half out from the race, and I'm already having crazy dreams. I think my subconscious is nervous...
Inside a zoo.
It wasn't specifically the Nashville Zoo, just a generic zoo that also seemed slightly like an amusement park. And kind of dark and creepy as well.
In my dream, the race begins, and I am almost immediately separated from my running partners. So I just keep running, and before I know it, I am quite obviously off-course. (Apparently, it wasn't a very popular 1/2 marathon, because there weren't obvious throngs of runners that I could just follow). So I am running around alone, trying to locate a park worker with a map in order to figure out where I am supposed to be (again, not a very well-staffed race here in my dream). I finally get a map, which turns out to be utterly confusing--as many zoo maps are, or maybe, just as most maps are to me--so I keep running without any real direction.
By the time I get back on course, I have already run 15+ miles, and I am exhausted and have to stop and walk, even though the finish line is now in view. So I am angry at myself, because if I had stayed on course, I easily could have run the entire race (and then some), and I am also mad because I have no idea what my real time is, since I took such an insane detour.
Sigh. A week and a half out from the race, and I'm already having crazy dreams. I think my subconscious is nervous...
Monday, April 14, 2008
losing it
Some people lose umbrellas.
Others have a hard time keeping track of their keys.
As for me, I just can't seem to hold onto a pair of sunglasses. And I don't generally lose them in normal ways, like accidentally leaving them behind at a restaurant/bar (although I have done that, too)--I tend to lose them in very odd and random ways.
For example, I lost one pair on a golf course as I was frantically driving the golf cart to cover because tornado sirens were blaring, and a huge gust of wind blew the sunglasses off of my head and into a water hazard. Another pair I lost while visiting Marineland in Florida--because a dolphin ate them. No lie.
Most recently, I was volunteering with a Habitat for Humanity build last weekend, and as I was leaning over to dip my paint roller in the large 5-gallon paint bucket, my sunglasses took a swan dive off of my body and directly into the paint. Now, while I'm sure that the new layer of thick, white latex paint completely covering the glasses probably enhanced their level of UV protection, I decided that I should probably just let them go.
After all, I only paid $5 for them. I learned my lesson pretty quickly, and with my luck, I know it's best to stick with the cheapie sunglasses at Target.
So if you ever think my shades aren't very stylish, just wait a week or so, and I'll probably be sporting a different pair.
Others have a hard time keeping track of their keys.
As for me, I just can't seem to hold onto a pair of sunglasses. And I don't generally lose them in normal ways, like accidentally leaving them behind at a restaurant/bar (although I have done that, too)--I tend to lose them in very odd and random ways.
For example, I lost one pair on a golf course as I was frantically driving the golf cart to cover because tornado sirens were blaring, and a huge gust of wind blew the sunglasses off of my head and into a water hazard. Another pair I lost while visiting Marineland in Florida--because a dolphin ate them. No lie.
Most recently, I was volunteering with a Habitat for Humanity build last weekend, and as I was leaning over to dip my paint roller in the large 5-gallon paint bucket, my sunglasses took a swan dive off of my body and directly into the paint. Now, while I'm sure that the new layer of thick, white latex paint completely covering the glasses probably enhanced their level of UV protection, I decided that I should probably just let them go.
After all, I only paid $5 for them. I learned my lesson pretty quickly, and with my luck, I know it's best to stick with the cheapie sunglasses at Target.
So if you ever think my shades aren't very stylish, just wait a week or so, and I'll probably be sporting a different pair.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
it isn't always pretty in here...
I don't do this often.
I hate admitting weaknesses and struggles, and I really hate to show my inner ugly.
But, it's there.
I try to foster positive thoughts and emotions, but every now and then, the inner ugly rears its head.
Lately, I have been struggling with feelings of anger and disgust toward two people in particular. I have attempted to couch it in prettier rhetoric, calling it "righteous indignation", but when it comes down to it, it is truly just disgust and anger. There's nothing very pretty about it at all.
And I know, I know, that I have no right to judge...and I know that I should forgive them, and I should choose to love them anyway...but then I lie in bed at night and think about the situation, and the anger seethes inside of me and the disgust grows. And I hate it. I hate that I feel those emotions, and I hate that I have not yet been able to let it go.
And I am very afraid that if I should encounter these people under the right circumstances, the anger and disgust will rise up and form into words that I shouldn't say...words that I don't really have a right to say...words that will only cause hurt and more anger.
Sigh. I truly want to let it go, and I want to have a peace about all of this...
but sometimes, it just isn't that pretty in here.
I hate admitting weaknesses and struggles, and I really hate to show my inner ugly.
But, it's there.
I try to foster positive thoughts and emotions, but every now and then, the inner ugly rears its head.
Lately, I have been struggling with feelings of anger and disgust toward two people in particular. I have attempted to couch it in prettier rhetoric, calling it "righteous indignation", but when it comes down to it, it is truly just disgust and anger. There's nothing very pretty about it at all.
And I know, I know, that I have no right to judge...and I know that I should forgive them, and I should choose to love them anyway...but then I lie in bed at night and think about the situation, and the anger seethes inside of me and the disgust grows. And I hate it. I hate that I feel those emotions, and I hate that I have not yet been able to let it go.
And I am very afraid that if I should encounter these people under the right circumstances, the anger and disgust will rise up and form into words that I shouldn't say...words that I don't really have a right to say...words that will only cause hurt and more anger.
Sigh. I truly want to let it go, and I want to have a peace about all of this...
but sometimes, it just isn't that pretty in here.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
9 miles and change
We came, we ran, we conquered.
Thank you, lungs, for your support.
Now, we just have to add 4 more miles, and we'll have ourselves a 1/2 marathon...
Thank you, lungs, for your support.
Now, we just have to add 4 more miles, and we'll have ourselves a 1/2 marathon...
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
sleep noises
Every now and then, out of the midst of a deep sleep...
...Todd will let out a little whimper--a very sweet, vulnerable sort of sound,
...one of Levi's exhales will turn into a long, low moan,
...Tucker will give a soft "woof" (accompanied by a bit of leg twitching) that lets me know he's dreaming.
They are just tiny little noises that occasionally escape during sleep, and I sometimes happen to catch them when I am lying there awake.
And I love them.
...Todd will let out a little whimper--a very sweet, vulnerable sort of sound,
...one of Levi's exhales will turn into a long, low moan,
...Tucker will give a soft "woof" (accompanied by a bit of leg twitching) that lets me know he's dreaming.
They are just tiny little noises that occasionally escape during sleep, and I sometimes happen to catch them when I am lying there awake.
And I love them.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
unreal
First step of overcoming an addiction? Admitting that you are addicted.
(Deep breath)
I am addicted to "reality" shows.
I don't really mean to be, but I can't help myself. Give me a few minutes of watching the terrible, slightly-yet-badly-scripted drama unfold among a completely incompatible group of actor wannabes grasping for those 15 minutes of fame, and I am hooked.
I'm doing a little better, though, as I have drastically limited the number of these shows that I watch. In fact, I only have one guilty pleasure now--which is probably one of the guiltiest of them all--Big Brother 9. Please don't judge me. Hey, I'm obviously not the only one who has this problem, if they have managed to air nine seasons already. (yes, this is me trying to justify my bad habit with the argument "but everyone is doing it". Apparently, I still utilize the same arguing skills that I used when I was eight.)
However, tonight is the new season of Hell's Kitchen, and I will unashamedly be adding it to my roster of regularly watched shows. Drama + food + Gordon Ramsay = good times.
Not all addiction is bad, right?
(Deep breath)
I am addicted to "reality" shows.
I don't really mean to be, but I can't help myself. Give me a few minutes of watching the terrible, slightly-yet-badly-scripted drama unfold among a completely incompatible group of actor wannabes grasping for those 15 minutes of fame, and I am hooked.
I'm doing a little better, though, as I have drastically limited the number of these shows that I watch. In fact, I only have one guilty pleasure now--which is probably one of the guiltiest of them all--Big Brother 9. Please don't judge me. Hey, I'm obviously not the only one who has this problem, if they have managed to air nine seasons already. (yes, this is me trying to justify my bad habit with the argument "but everyone is doing it". Apparently, I still utilize the same arguing skills that I used when I was eight.)
However, tonight is the new season of Hell's Kitchen, and I will unashamedly be adding it to my roster of regularly watched shows. Drama + food + Gordon Ramsay = good times.
Not all addiction is bad, right?
Friday, March 28, 2008
a note to my lungs
Dear Lungs,
I am the type of person who likes to deal with issues head on, so I felt the need to write to you today. Frankly, I am disappointed with you.
When we began training for the half marathon, you were a great running partner. No matter how hard I pushed you, you kept up with me, never slowing me down. Sometimes, Ankles would be weak, and Knees would often complain...but you, you were the rockstar. You kept me going, and I was so proud of you.
But then yesterday, you faltered.
Now, I know that yesterday was hotter and more humid than any other day we've run, so I'm trying to cut you a little slack, but I feel like you gave up on me. You slowed me down, forcing me to walk...and you made me feel weak and defeated. Even Knees and Ankles have never gone that far.
And honestly, it hurts. I feel like I have always been good to you. I have exercised you often, and I have never led you into addiction or forced unhealthy habits upon you.
So, I'm asking you to buck up here. Get your act together. I really don't want to have to get Inhaler involved, you know? He'll whip you into shape in two seconds flat...but I don't entirely like his methods. I'd rather you figure this one out on your own.
We've got a big run coming up on Sunday, and I'm hoping you won't let me down again. I can't do this thing without you, so I need you to be strong.
Thanks for listening. I feel a little better now that I've gotten this off my chest.
love,
TT
P.S. I'm serious about Sunday. You better bring it, or I'm calling Inhaler. That's all I'm sayin'
I am the type of person who likes to deal with issues head on, so I felt the need to write to you today. Frankly, I am disappointed with you.
When we began training for the half marathon, you were a great running partner. No matter how hard I pushed you, you kept up with me, never slowing me down. Sometimes, Ankles would be weak, and Knees would often complain...but you, you were the rockstar. You kept me going, and I was so proud of you.
But then yesterday, you faltered.
Now, I know that yesterday was hotter and more humid than any other day we've run, so I'm trying to cut you a little slack, but I feel like you gave up on me. You slowed me down, forcing me to walk...and you made me feel weak and defeated. Even Knees and Ankles have never gone that far.
And honestly, it hurts. I feel like I have always been good to you. I have exercised you often, and I have never led you into addiction or forced unhealthy habits upon you.
So, I'm asking you to buck up here. Get your act together. I really don't want to have to get Inhaler involved, you know? He'll whip you into shape in two seconds flat...but I don't entirely like his methods. I'd rather you figure this one out on your own.
We've got a big run coming up on Sunday, and I'm hoping you won't let me down again. I can't do this thing without you, so I need you to be strong.
Thanks for listening. I feel a little better now that I've gotten this off my chest.
love,
TT
P.S. I'm serious about Sunday. You better bring it, or I'm calling Inhaler. That's all I'm sayin'
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
why?
Because we are crazy, that's why.
Because I felt like there just wasn't quite enough testosterone in the house.
Because Tucker seemed a little lonely.
All of the above are justifications for this:
Yes, we have officially crossed over to the dark side and have become a 2-dog family. Now, we are Tiffany, Todd, Tucker, and Levi.
3 hairy boys and me.
I am so outnumbered.
Because I felt like there just wasn't quite enough testosterone in the house.
Because Tucker seemed a little lonely.
All of the above are justifications for this:
Yes, we have officially crossed over to the dark side and have become a 2-dog family. Now, we are Tiffany, Todd, Tucker, and Levi.
3 hairy boys and me.
I am so outnumbered.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
first day of spring
Ahhhh...the first day of spring= first pedicure of the season. My feet are definitely loving me right now.
This glorious day also marks the date that, 50-something years ago, a totally amazing woman entered this world--my sweet mother.
Happy birthday, Momma.
I should totally get brownie points for not revealing your actual age. :)
This glorious day also marks the date that, 50-something years ago, a totally amazing woman entered this world--my sweet mother.
Happy birthday, Momma.
I should totally get brownie points for not revealing your actual age. :)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
spring un-break
I am officially on Spring Break. Now, the words "spring break" usually conjur up images of palm trees, sandy beaches, and fruity cocktails served with tiny umbrellas...or of snowy peaks, ski lifts, and cozy lodges, depending upon your vacation destination of choice. But, unfortunately, the images that will be filling my spring break are those of cleaning house, filing taxes, taking the dogs to the vet, standing in line to get my license tag renewed, visiting the eye doctor...and all of the other errands that I don't usually have time to do.
Sigh. Sometimes, this whole "being an adult" business isn't anywhere near as cool as I thought it would be when I was 12.
Sigh. Sometimes, this whole "being an adult" business isn't anywhere near as cool as I thought it would be when I was 12.
Monday, March 10, 2008
running without scissors
I have never been a runner in my life. I have actually used the cheesy joke before that "I only run if something is chasing me." I know...awful, right?
Don't get me wrong...I have played sports in the past that included an element of running, but that was running with a purpose. In soccer, I had a ball to chase. In basketball, I was busy dribbling. In track, I did hurdles, so I had to focus on jumping over large obstacles in my path, and that distracted me from the fact that I was running.
But the whole Forrest Gump notion of "hey, I'm just going to start running and see how far these legs will take me"--that never really appealed to me. If I needed to travel farther than 5 miles, that's why God gave me a car, right? I believe that the invention of the wheel was a good thing.
But then, on Saturday I found myself running 7 miles with some friends who are training for the Country Music 1/2 Marathon. Just running with no other reason except to run and to prove to myself that I could do it.
I wasn't sure if I could make it the whole 7 miles, but I did it. And I felt good about myself.
So now, I am officially registered to run the Country Music 1/2 Marathon on April 26th.
13.1 miles. That's like running from my house to Brentwood. That's totally a car trip.
Oh boy.
Don't get me wrong...I have played sports in the past that included an element of running, but that was running with a purpose. In soccer, I had a ball to chase. In basketball, I was busy dribbling. In track, I did hurdles, so I had to focus on jumping over large obstacles in my path, and that distracted me from the fact that I was running.
But the whole Forrest Gump notion of "hey, I'm just going to start running and see how far these legs will take me"--that never really appealed to me. If I needed to travel farther than 5 miles, that's why God gave me a car, right? I believe that the invention of the wheel was a good thing.
But then, on Saturday I found myself running 7 miles with some friends who are training for the Country Music 1/2 Marathon. Just running with no other reason except to run and to prove to myself that I could do it.
I wasn't sure if I could make it the whole 7 miles, but I did it. And I felt good about myself.
So now, I am officially registered to run the Country Music 1/2 Marathon on April 26th.
13.1 miles. That's like running from my house to Brentwood. That's totally a car trip.
Oh boy.
Monday, March 03, 2008
party of 13
Saturday night, three of my favorite things came together: friends, wine, and Italian food. Todd and I hosted an Italian dinner party in honor of Leap Year for a party of 13 people. I have never before cooked for that many people at the same time, so it was quite an experience (and except for one burned appetizer and one scorched hand, everything turned out well!)
Here was the menu:
Double Tomato Bruschetta
Double Tomato Bruschetta
Parmesan and Cheddar crisps
Salmon cakes (provided by Melissa)
Caesar Salad (provided by Sam)
Tuscan White Bean Soup
Sauteed Tiger Shrimp with Basil and Mint Pesto
Spinach Manicotti with Tomato and Bechamel Sauce
Bell Pepper Medley with Baby Portobellos and Capers
Proscuitto-wrapped Asparagus Bundles
Oven-braised Fennel
Dark Chocolate Cake with French Vanilla Ice Cream
...and a good bit of wine :)
Due to a running joke among some of the guys, the party was billed as "pants optional," and many of the guys chose the non-pants route. Sam wore one of Kimberly's skirts, Jeevan wore a dhoti kurta (sp?- traditional Indian dress), James wore his cargo kilt (modeled below), and Scott just showed up in boxers (thank goodness it was a warm night). I wish I had gotten a picture of the whole crew together-- but alas, I was too busy cooking!
We also celebrated Rescue Mary's birthday (she is so named because she is a champion of fostering stray animals and placing them in homes). She and Mary V. got the party started with a little jello:
Good times! :)
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Lucille
I love surprises.
I mean, L-O-V-E.
And last night, I got a totally fabulous birthday surprise.
I don't have a picture of it yet...but Todd bought me...
A BIKE!
I'm so excited. It's a hybrid road bike/mountain bike, but it has that very cool retro style that makes it seem like it should also have a little wire basket on the front with flowers in it. And it is a gorgeous shade of blue...kind of like the Tiffany blue (very appropriate), but slightly darker in shade and sparkly metallic.
It--is--gorgeous.
I named her Lucille, but I'm calling her Lucy Blue. And I can't wait to go tootin' around East Nashville with her.
As soon as I figure out how.
Ok, so I know how to ride a bike...I just haven't been on one since I was, oh, twelve. And that bike didn't have a lot of gears--and this one has 21 speeds. And, as many of you know, my balance is iffy at best. So, I think I have a bit of practice to do before I take ol' Lucy Blue out on any main roads.
So, if you see me wobbling down the road atop a beautiful set of wheels, just wave...and well, you might also want to get out of the way.
But, I can't wait! :)
I mean, L-O-V-E.
And last night, I got a totally fabulous birthday surprise.
I don't have a picture of it yet...but Todd bought me...
A BIKE!
I'm so excited. It's a hybrid road bike/mountain bike, but it has that very cool retro style that makes it seem like it should also have a little wire basket on the front with flowers in it. And it is a gorgeous shade of blue...kind of like the Tiffany blue (very appropriate), but slightly darker in shade and sparkly metallic.
It--is--gorgeous.
I named her Lucille, but I'm calling her Lucy Blue. And I can't wait to go tootin' around East Nashville with her.
As soon as I figure out how.
Ok, so I know how to ride a bike...I just haven't been on one since I was, oh, twelve. And that bike didn't have a lot of gears--and this one has 21 speeds. And, as many of you know, my balance is iffy at best. So, I think I have a bit of practice to do before I take ol' Lucy Blue out on any main roads.
So, if you see me wobbling down the road atop a beautiful set of wheels, just wave...and well, you might also want to get out of the way.
But, I can't wait! :)
Thursday, February 21, 2008
welcome to the family...
I finally have a nephew...of the canine variety.
Say hello to Denver, the newest member of my extended family:
Say hello to Denver, the newest member of my extended family:
Tara, Shawn and the girls adopted him from a rescue this week. He's five, and he has the sweetest face ever.
Now, if they can just get him to stop trying to hump my 2-year old niece, Sienna...
Side note: Rescue dogs are the greatest. If you are looking to add to your family, go to www.petfinder.org
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
