One of my favorite movies of all time was Les Miserable. When it came out in theaters several years back, I had never before read it or seen it onstage. I had only heard that it was good and knew that it was a classic, so I decided to go and see it. I LOVED the story line! It tells about a man who in France who was thrown into years of hard labor because he had stolen a morsel of food because he and his family were starving. In prison he is treated like a piece of garbage. When he is finally released, his traveling papers label him as a convict, so he is unable to find a job or even a place of lodging. Finally, he asks for lodging at a parish and is admitted. The priest treats him like an honored guest. In the middle of the night, Jean steals the gold silverware and splits. He is caught by the law and brought back to the priest, who suprisingly tells the officers that the silverware was a gift, and that Valjean had forgotten to take the candlesticks, which he then gives to him. The officers then release Valjean. Valjean is confused and the priest explains to Valjean that he has now been redeemed and has the opportunity and obligation to make something out of his life. From this beginning, Valjean works hard, always sacrificing and helping his fellowman. Even though he is always humble and does not seek attention or fame, he becomes very successful in business and society, accomplishing much good for his town.
This is a very short and simple synopsis. The play and book are even better.
It is one of my favorites because I love this example of how faith in God, in one's fellowman, and in oneself can make a monumental difference, not only to one individual, but to all the lives that he touches. This is how I try to live my life.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Octuplets
I never expected to post a rant, but here it is.
I just read a story on Yahoo about a woman in Southern California, Nadya Suleman, who gave birth to octuplets at the end of January. Well, octuplets isn't even the shocking part. The shocking part was learning about her life situation. She has 6 other children, ages 7 and under (so now she has 14 children age 7 or less)! On top of this, she is single, lives with her parents, owes $50,000 in school loans, has been unemployed for several years and is currently collecting several forms of welfare from the state of California. While I can understand finding yourself in a situation where you're temporarily unable to provide for yourself and your family, I do not understand purposely compounding the situation. What in the world is she doing in a fertility clinic? I personally love being a parent and understand and support the whole pursuit of happiness thing, but not at the expense of others. What about personal responsibility? Why should your and my tax dollars be spent on someone who is being so irresponsible. Isn't there some reasonable way to protect society from this kind of insanity without curtailing the freedoms of reasonable people? While I have compasion for them as people and hope that they get the help that they need, I also hope that part of that is getting her the help that she needs to be responsible for her actions.
I just read a story on Yahoo about a woman in Southern California, Nadya Suleman, who gave birth to octuplets at the end of January. Well, octuplets isn't even the shocking part. The shocking part was learning about her life situation. She has 6 other children, ages 7 and under (so now she has 14 children age 7 or less)! On top of this, she is single, lives with her parents, owes $50,000 in school loans, has been unemployed for several years and is currently collecting several forms of welfare from the state of California. While I can understand finding yourself in a situation where you're temporarily unable to provide for yourself and your family, I do not understand purposely compounding the situation. What in the world is she doing in a fertility clinic? I personally love being a parent and understand and support the whole pursuit of happiness thing, but not at the expense of others. What about personal responsibility? Why should your and my tax dollars be spent on someone who is being so irresponsible. Isn't there some reasonable way to protect society from this kind of insanity without curtailing the freedoms of reasonable people? While I have compasion for them as people and hope that they get the help that they need, I also hope that part of that is getting her the help that she needs to be responsible for her actions.
Monday, February 9, 2009
AGE
Some of you may have noticed that I included my age in my personal description. In our culture it may be a bit suprising that a woman of my (haha) "advance" years is willing to reveal that information. Personally, I find age an item of great interest. It can be a type of benchmark to give you a more complete understanding of a person's experiences, young or old(er). I'm also of the opinion that in many areas of life, it is not chronological age that makes a person old. Attitude, perspective, maturity, behavior, knowledge, wisdom - these are some of the many factors that can be used in assessing one's "age".
I've really enjoyed my 44 years, even though some of them have been extremely difficult, and am pleased with the way they were spent, so I don't mind claiming each and every one of them.
I'm also one of those "strange" women who doesn't color her hair. I do have gray hairs, and I've earned each and every one of them. In fact, if earning were a factor, I'd have quite a few more. I've decided that I love them, partly because mine aren't gray - they're silver. I love shiny things. They're beautiful. So when I see my silver hairs in the mirror, it feels like a celebration - like putting tinsel on a tree at Christmastime.
I think that age, in some ways, could be compared with a tower in a large garden. The view of the garden at the bottom of the tower is beautiful. The climb to the top of the tower can sometimes be difficult and tiring. But once you get to the top and take a look around, the view is breath-taking. Never could you say that the view from the bottom is more beautiful than the view from the top of the tower. I think it's marvelous that life is give us the opportunity to enjoy both views, and, if we're wise enjoy the journey in between.
I've really enjoyed my 44 years, even though some of them have been extremely difficult, and am pleased with the way they were spent, so I don't mind claiming each and every one of them.
I'm also one of those "strange" women who doesn't color her hair. I do have gray hairs, and I've earned each and every one of them. In fact, if earning were a factor, I'd have quite a few more. I've decided that I love them, partly because mine aren't gray - they're silver. I love shiny things. They're beautiful. So when I see my silver hairs in the mirror, it feels like a celebration - like putting tinsel on a tree at Christmastime.
I think that age, in some ways, could be compared with a tower in a large garden. The view of the garden at the bottom of the tower is beautiful. The climb to the top of the tower can sometimes be difficult and tiring. But once you get to the top and take a look around, the view is breath-taking. Never could you say that the view from the bottom is more beautiful than the view from the top of the tower. I think it's marvelous that life is give us the opportunity to enjoy both views, and, if we're wise enjoy the journey in between.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
My best friends
OK, so my son has helped me figure this out just a little bit. I actually tried to do a post before this one, but it didn't show up. He also taught me how to put a picture on my profile. Yay! It's not the best one, but I don't have a large inventory of digital photographs of me.
So, I think I'll start with an introduction of my kids, since I'll probably refer to my kids alot while I'm blogging. They all live close and are a HUGE part of my life. I have five children and they are all girls except four. I feel really blessed they all think that I'm cool and like to hang out with me.
The oldest is Dustin. He's the one who helped with the blog. He is 24 years old and married to Megan (who' a sweetie). He's tall and thin and loves learning! When he was 18 he had major surgery at Shriners for Pectus Excavatum and nearly died a couple of times.
Next is Dallin. He's 21 and just got back in October from serving a 2-year mission in Arizona & Texas where he learned to speak spanish fluently. In high school he wrestled and won 2 state championship, one in free-style and one in Greco-Roman which he then went on to the national championships. He also went to the California State championship for collegiate wrestling @ 130 lbs.
Third is Dean. He's 21, same as Dallin. He missed being #2 by only 7 minutes. They are biologically identical, but they diverge from there. Those two have been quite an adventure! I contribute most of the gray hair that I have to them, although the others have each taken their share, including their dad. Anyway, back to Dean. He is currently doing construction, to support his music habit. Dean LOVES music and plays the drums. I am in awe of his natural talent, and I'm not simply biased. He's good. He is always introducing me to different styles of music and "new" bands to share his passion and educate me about what is out there.
Next is Desi, short for Desiree. Her name means long hoped for, which after 3 boys is self-explanitory. She is an amazing daughter. She is 19 and in November, she married Junior, whose real name is Raul. He is originally from Mexico and is a very hard-working, conscientious young man working toward becoming a doctor. Desi is attending FLC for Early Childhood Education while working in pre-school childcare. Megan is also in childcare and they hope to someday open a day-care together.
Lastly, there is Drew. He just turned 18 in November. He's working at Subway and trying to get his car up and running and prepare for the GED.
One of these days I'll see if I can figure out how to add pictures in here.
We all have wacky senses of humor (I wonder how that happened) and laugh like crazy when we're all together. I love that they are honest and open and share their hearts and lives with me. We have learned so much together through the years.
Yes, I have other friends, too, but my children are definitely the best.
So, I think I'll start with an introduction of my kids, since I'll probably refer to my kids alot while I'm blogging. They all live close and are a HUGE part of my life. I have five children and they are all girls except four. I feel really blessed they all think that I'm cool and like to hang out with me.
The oldest is Dustin. He's the one who helped with the blog. He is 24 years old and married to Megan (who' a sweetie). He's tall and thin and loves learning! When he was 18 he had major surgery at Shriners for Pectus Excavatum and nearly died a couple of times.
Next is Dallin. He's 21 and just got back in October from serving a 2-year mission in Arizona & Texas where he learned to speak spanish fluently. In high school he wrestled and won 2 state championship, one in free-style and one in Greco-Roman which he then went on to the national championships. He also went to the California State championship for collegiate wrestling @ 130 lbs.
Third is Dean. He's 21, same as Dallin. He missed being #2 by only 7 minutes. They are biologically identical, but they diverge from there. Those two have been quite an adventure! I contribute most of the gray hair that I have to them, although the others have each taken their share, including their dad. Anyway, back to Dean. He is currently doing construction, to support his music habit. Dean LOVES music and plays the drums. I am in awe of his natural talent, and I'm not simply biased. He's good. He is always introducing me to different styles of music and "new" bands to share his passion and educate me about what is out there.
Next is Desi, short for Desiree. Her name means long hoped for, which after 3 boys is self-explanitory. She is an amazing daughter. She is 19 and in November, she married Junior, whose real name is Raul. He is originally from Mexico and is a very hard-working, conscientious young man working toward becoming a doctor. Desi is attending FLC for Early Childhood Education while working in pre-school childcare. Megan is also in childcare and they hope to someday open a day-care together.
Lastly, there is Drew. He just turned 18 in November. He's working at Subway and trying to get his car up and running and prepare for the GED.
One of these days I'll see if I can figure out how to add pictures in here.
We all have wacky senses of humor (I wonder how that happened) and laugh like crazy when we're all together. I love that they are honest and open and share their hearts and lives with me. We have learned so much together through the years.
Yes, I have other friends, too, but my children are definitely the best.
Monday, January 26, 2009
NEW EXPERIENCE!
This is my first experience with blogging, other than visiting my son's blog for the first time a couple of days ago. I hope that you'll be patient with me as I embark on this new adventure and I'll try to make it worth your while.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
