A Woman Without Measure

"Nothing at my house is free". Shanna had taken in a dog at her house and commented that she would be keeping the stray if her oldest daughter did her share of the chores. I teased she was a mean momma. She remarked, "Nothing at my house is free."

Many times we take things for granted. When something is given, without cost, it can have little lasting value. But those things in our lives that have a price (whether it is a monetary, physical or emotional price) have an impact that is, at times, immeasurable.

Shanna carried many burdens. She shouldered the needs of others selflessly. But, that's not to say she was soft. For the families she worked with, Shanna had a clear, bright line. She set out expectations that defined success. If a client progressed, Shanna was a cheerleader and driving force for their success. Shanna believed every child deserves a safe home. The importance of this belief can be seen in both her professional and personal lives. Giving so much - to so many.

From Proverbs -
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. She worketh willingly with her hands. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. Her candle goeth not out by night. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Gotta give up hot chocolate... leads to deep thinking.

Respect. Isn't that the most basic commodity? It can't be held in your hand or stuffed into a pocket. It can't be accurately measured. Certainly it is traded, discounted and stolen. Sometimes you lose it. Sometimes you give it to someone who doesn't deserve it. A few people are worth a lot of it. Some quiet souls are like hidden treasures - not everyone has discovered their worth. It's usually hard-earned and most valuable to yourself. That's my deep thought for the day. My new system to overhaul society (see I DO want to take-over the world). Respect as a basic commodity. Later, folks.

Call Me Hettie

Grandma Hettie loved to people watch. Because palsy had limited her ability to talk, she often communicated with few words and gestures in those later years. But, she would watch people for hours. Observing them as they interact with each other and the world bustling around.  She watched. Sometimes shaking her head slightly or smiling easily. But she watched. Often our minds run at hyperspeed on twelve different channels while we observe or hear others.  Our minds zoom with thoughts of what we will say in response or what three zillion things remain on our itinerary for the week/day/hour. We never really watch or listen anymore; only seeing and hearing - and even then we only see or hear what those that affect us or ours. Instead of processing at the speed of light what we will say, or do perhaps we have a responsibility to LISTEN and WATCH. How many needs are out there waiting to be really seen or heard. Later, folks.

AG McDaniel on All Things Considered? What next?

All Things Considered has long been influencing my position on social, political and trivial matters. Like so many other NPR programs, they often seek out not only remarks from obvious "big-ticket" personalities, but also from stake-holders and academics. So, when I heard AG McDaniel's interview on the health care reform act, I was impressed. He quickly focused this on the legal issues and the responsibility for execution. This next era is about to an example of the interplay between the branches of our government with judicial examinations in to the constitutional nature of the Act. And a challenge in the execution of the federal mandate at a state level. Big points out to McDaniel for his citations to landmarks of this classic clash. These are historic times. These basic, primary issues are the monuments and landmarks for the future. Again, impressed. Later folks.

¿Dónde Está la Biblioteca?

It's been a difficult transition, back to the real world after taking vacation.
As for the chance to speak some Spanish? Utter disappointment. After years, mind you, YEARS of diligent study -in the windowless, concrete block classroom with the low table and pillow in the corner with the dimmed lights, eccentric music and cluster/bunch seating arrangements - but still YEARS of diligent study, I didn't use that phrase a single time while I was on the Yucatán peninsula. All of those words, I flaunted with ease for years still remain untested. I could not find (and I tried) a single situation in which to use "¡Albóndigas! No te dije?" or Tegucigalpa. Why didn't someone warn me? Could it be that the Spanish-speaking world I experienced in that windowless, concrete block classroom with the low table and pillow in the corner with the dimmed lights, eccentric music and cluster/bunch seating arrangements wasn't reflective of an expected experience in Latin America? But, looking back on those years, that room WAS kind of a foreign land with it's own language and culture. Oh yeah, and those strange rituals.
But hey, I got to say Xtabentún and I even bought a nice-sized bottle and brought it home. Later folks.

Why can't trace particles be random and where did I leave my keys?

I had the pleasure of reviewing and abstracting about 370 pages of medical records today. A revelation hit me - I can trace all the major events in this person's life by her medical records. If there was a visit to the ER with lacerations and bruises, it was a domestic scuffle with her significant other. She had a baby. She had substance abuse issues. From looking at these records alone, I can see her job history, her residence history and even how many sexual partners she had.

Now that most medical records and purchases are electronic, information is catalogued that details not only the date of my last tetanus shot, but also what variety of Ovaltine I buy. Because I routinely use a debit card, my household purchases are tracked. Because I am insured with a prescription plan all of my prescription purchases are recorded in a database.

Because I take things to extreme, follow me down this rabbithole....

My Nokia 6790 is a gps enabled device and, with the right Symbian compliant coding, can provide real-time mapping of where I am, where I was and how long I stood in line at Wal-Mart.

So, what does my digital thumbprint say about me?
Maybe if I empty the recycle bin and turn my phone off, I don't have to know. I'm just trying to keep up with my keys. Later folks.

1988 Chishirodai-nishi, Chiba, Japan

Ancient history lesson for you here. This is a photo someone sent me from 1988 during my foreign exchange to Japan. This is actually at a baseball game for the high school I attended (at least a few days). We had to wear uniforms to school, so that's why there's lovely matching outfits. Just looking at this picture reminds me of simpler times. I was so much taller than everyone else. But looking back on it now, at least three inches of that was my hair! Later folks!

A List to Prove I Don't Belong on the List?

If we've learned anything about the expansive nature of executive powers, it is that they are, well, expansive. Executive agencies can exert oversight, insight and control into almost every aspect of our once perceived "private" lives. So, when executive programs, the Patriot Act and several other executive orders and patchwork legislative acts developed the DHS Watchlist, lots of folks found themselves flagged as "of concern" when trying to travel based upon their public library selections, names-sakes and other ridiculous criteria. In classic legistlative style, Congress is now stepping in with a solution to the problem. If your name appears on the Watchlist, you now have the opportunity to petition to have your name not removed from the Watchlist, but instead added to another list of persons wrongfully listed on the Watchlist. So, if your name is Kate Baker and there is a notorious Kate Baker on the DHS Watchlist, you have to petition and must show you are not THE terroristic rightfully belonging on the Watchlist. If you prove you are harmless, then all of your personal data gets added to the "no longer belongs on the Watchlist" Watchlist. Isn't that rich? Congressional action will develop a list of people that don't belong on the executive agency's list. But, you've got to ask to be re-listed. If you are successful, you aren't removed from the Watchlist. You are simply added to another list saying you don't belong on the Watchlist. Huh?
Wired magazine has a great article on the Feb. 4th House action that explains the process. So, when I get ready to fly over to Barcelona for my 3-week vista with Stanley, I am prepared to explain that I am NOT the Nancy Leigh that should be on the terror Watchlist. In fact, I am not even a "person of interest". Call me Hettie. Later Folks.