It’s about the kids….

8:15 pm. Christmas eve 2009, (last night). Cooper is stoked. Showered and tucked in with his NHL blanket (thanks Sherry, Brad, Connor and Sarah), we determine that the quickest way for him to get to sleep, is to watch the “Fireplace” channel on TV.

…8:30 pm. The familiar beckon from upstairs, “Daaaad!” Up I go. I see Coop on his side, his face pushed into the pillow, he laments, ”I can’t get to sleep! I’m too excited about Santa coming!”  I advise him to actually watch the video of the burning fire on TV. “It’s hypnotic. Stare at the flames. You’ll soon be asleep”, I say in my most comforting tone. “Will that really work Daddy?”  Cooper asks. “Absolutely!” I answer.

Not halfway down the stairs am I…..”Daddy!” …..”Yes Cooper?”…..”Can I blink?”

Merry Christmas.

Knowlton Edward Carson  having a bit of fun

So…still letting last night sink in.  Feeling pretty good.  I’m very tired, and looking forward to going to bed early tonight.  Feeling strangely like I am “in a relationship.”  A little odd.  Over the past months I’ve spent alot of time protecting my freedom, regardless of whatever physical boundaries were crossed.  Making out, did not mean being exclusive.  Yet, I’ve held his hand once and kissed him twice, and already jonesing when I can’t see him.  I won’t see him until tomorrow, and I’m already wishing it was…well…tomorrow.  Pathetic!

So what happens over the past two days…the men of my year have been streaming into my text, email, and popping up on chat.  Odd…I thought I deleted him!  I have gotten Christmas wishes from Larry and Michael  (I need to go back and change names throughout I think.  People are gonna get lost).  Very sweet.  I still adore Larry, but am very glad he’s on task in his relationship.  Michael, however…I will keep an ongoing polite distance.  Best that way.  Nothing good will come out of that.

I also got a chat up from someone I briefly chatted with, and have continually shut down….Ryan…who comes on like a freight train.  He just desperately wants to make out.  Makes me crazy.  But he’s cute…and persistant.  If I wasn’t kicking off a relationship here, I could be sorely tempted by a military boy.  Damnit!!!  Couldn’t I hang on to being slutty for just a few more months?

I have also been hearing alot from Keith lately.  Really strange.  I haven’t heard from him in months either.  Lately he’s been sending alot of messages.

I haven’t gone out with either Keith or Ryan.  We’ve talked about it…but it’s history.  All of a sudden, I’m being inundated.  But honestly, as flattering as that is…I am content.  Not sure how to handle the awkwardness though.

Off I go to get a pedicure.

KP

Last night superstar, RIHANNA, performed at the ROCKEFELLER CENTRE in NYC during a snow storm for the pre-taping of NBC’s “NEW YEAR’S EVE with CARSON DALY SHOW” Here are some photos and video footage from the event. Enjoy!!!

Fellow artist and “BOSS”, JAY-Z, was also there to support RIRI !

Images sourced from RihannaDaily.com

MORE PHOTOS WHEN YOU READ THE REST!!!!

Images sourced from RihannaDaily.com

I have to admit, when I hear or read the brand name Ingenue, I pretty much immediately think of the typical retro stuff you’ll see in fashion mags and google searches:  sweet, pillowy skirts made of generous helpings of tulle; bobby socks, oxfords, and poodle skirts; Esther Williams style pinup swimsuits that were daring decades ago but are now modest by today’s standards.

What I generally don’t think of are items such as jeans and overalls, which is precisely what Betty Doyle released a little while ago.  And I love them!

Click the images to see larger versions.

I wore Ingenue’s Marguerite sweater top and Jane jeans for this look.  The Marguerite top has excellent knit texturing with an argyle detail on the chest area, and what I really love is the sculpted blousing prim that goes right above the waist.

The high-waisted Jane jeans are organized in several layers for mixing and matching, allowing you to wear your shirts tucked or untucked. One of the things I immediately noticed about the jeans were the leg sculpts; they’re the perfect skinny jeans! <3  The sculpts are modifiable, too, so even if you have a bit more thickness/muscle tone in your leg area you’ll be able to edit these to fit.  I also wore one of my bigger shapes just to check if the prims could be modded to fit and I forgot to take a picture of the result for this blog, but I think the jeans sculpts looked just fine with a few tweaks.  ^_^

My friend Gogo told me I was channeling my inner Minnie Mouse when I paired Ingenue’s red Judy blouse with the Rosie overalls, lol.  The overalls are very 40s and look great; they come with sculpted rolled-up cuffs that are modifiable.  I’m probably going to wear these again with some of my favorite old standby tank tops from Celestial Studios and a cute, short hairstyle.   The Judy top comes complete with puffy sleeves and a cute round collar attachment.

I’m also wearing something that is very, very special with my Ingenue outfits:  It’s a necklace that my partner, Carson, had custom made just for me!!  <3 I really love the thought that he put into it; it features my birthstone at the center, and of course the hibiscus represents my beloved home, Hawaii.  This is actually part of a set that includes an anklet and shorter necklace, and all of it was designed by the ever-so-lovely Caroline Apollo of Caroline’s Jewelry.  (She currently does not do custom designs, but you should check out what she does have available )

Thank you, Carson, for being one of my best friends in SL, for making my SL more fun, for watching old musicals with me, and for being Don Lockwood to my Kathy Selden. 

Other credits…
Skin – LAQ – Trisha; LAQ – Molly
Hair – 69 – Omnia 10; fri.day – Eloise; fri.day – Neva.2
Shoes – In Her Shoes – Bows Bows Distressed Red flats
Poses are all from my store (Mela’s), except for the last one; I think that’s from Reel Expression. ^_^

Can it be another year is already gone?  I just can’t believe it!  Wow, so much has happened in our world lately.  The BIGGEST news is that my awesome husband was ordained last month!  He is now a pastor at Northern Hills and I am a pastor’s wife!  I am so proud and excited for my man!  God has us on such an amazing journey…God’s grace is a beautiful and undeserved mystery.  Never in our wildest dreams did we see ourselves here.  Here are some of my favorite pictures from that memorable day…Courtesy of Maria Mitchell, Life Clicks Photography (edited by me:)

Another crazy thing is that my Carson turned 1!  I can’t believe it!!!  He is walking everywhere and getting quite fast.  And I’m VERY pleased to share that his first word was “mama”!  My first/last son to say “mama” before “dada”.  I think he’s working on “no-no”…it sounds like “na-na!”  He eats more than Ryan and AJ together and he loves his milk.  I still think investing in a milk cow would be a wise thing!  Pictures are courtesy of Maria Mitchell, Life Clicks Photography.  (Edited by me:)

!!!

And finally…my sweet boy, AJ, turns 4 tomorrow!  Wow, he is such a blessing.  He is just full of love.  I have to share a video I found the other day.  This was when AJ turned one:)  Seriously…how stinkin’ cute is this boy???

Then:

Now:

Former Gold Medal Olympian Calvin Harrison...currently homeless

Calvin Harrison (born January 20, 1974) was a former Olympic gold medalist, famously winning the 4×400 relay with his twin brother Alvin, and legendary sprinter Michael Johnson, at the 2000 Summer Olympic games that were held in Sydney,Australia.  At the 2000 Olympics, Alvin Harrison and Calvin Harrison made history by becoming the first twins ever to compete and win Olympic gold medals together on the same relay team since the inception of the modern Olympic Games.

In fact ,Calvin Harrison  ran the third leg of the 4×400 meter relay, eventually handing the baton off to Michael Johnson for the gold.

After those great Olympics, Calvin and Alvin were the toast of the town, as they were celebrated for being the champions that they are. America consistently loves our gold medal winners, and all the riches that go along with that prestigious title, were bestowed upon them.

The brothers, who had been homeless for a time while growing up, as well as when they attended college, had a compelling story to tell about believing in yourself, and overcoming insurmountable odds to achieve success.

They wrote a book entitled ”Go to Your Destiny”, which debuted on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2001, and is a very inspirational tome that is designed to motivate people to achieve their success, even if the current situation appears to be impossible to overcome. http://www.amazon.com/Go-Your-Destiny-Alvin-Harrison/dp/0786867884

I read it, and I can attest to the fact that it is an awesome story that is the hallmark of American success.

This is why the news concerning Calvin’s current homelessness is distressing.

Local San Diego news is reporting that Calvin Harrison is broke and homeless living on the streets of San Diego with his wife and 5 children. To be accurate, they are currently living in a homeless shelter, after being on the streets.

Watch video report here- http://www.webcastr.com/videos/news/gold-medal-olympian-now-homeless.html

Luckily for them, after sleeping on the streets, they were able to get accepted into a homeless shelter that allows families to stay together,which many do not. Calvin’s youngest child is just 5 months old.

Calvin’s current dilemma started with him testing positive for a banned stimulant in 2004, which got him a two-year suspension from track and field events, and he also had to return all of his medals and prize money he won from the events that he tested positive in.

He also was stripped of the Olympic gold medal from the Sydney Olympic, when it was discovered that a team-mate on the relay team, Antonio Pettigrew, admitted to taking banned steroids to assist him in the competition. The whole team was asked to return the medals, but Calvin gave his to his father.All of the other members of that relay team returned their medals, even though none of them had taken steroids.

Calvin subsequently spent his whole life’s savings on a failed legal battle to clear his name, which he lost. He was not allowed to compete in the 2004 Olympic games in Athens, Greece due to the suspension, and in turn, lost the ability to make a living doing what he knows best, and that is track and field.

Ironically, the substance that he was banned for taking, is no longer on the illegal substance list, since it is a common ingredient in over the counter cough medications.

Calvin, faced with mounting bills, a wife, and children to support, did what men do, and that is going to work.

He traveled the country working in construction jobs, and eventually landed a steady job as a personal trainer at a gym in Arizona, that supported him at the level to pay his rent and to feed his family.

Due to the recession, he was laid off from that job,…and like many Americans today, he was unable to pay his rent, and soon found his family evicted and on the street.

They moved to San Diego in the hopes of finding steady employment, but soon found out that it is as bad in California as it is in Arizona.

Calvin  made the following statement to NBC San Diego…”I’m in a position now where I do need to ask, and I’m not afraid of the pride being in the way,” Harrison said. “Before I was. I didn’t want to ask, wanted to do it on my own, but I’m in a position now where I do need some help.”

To read the full story about Calvin’s dilemma, click on this link to NBC San Diego… http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/sports/Gold-Medal-Olympian-Now-Homeless-79007597.html

This is a hard story to report on, because there are so many people who are in this position because of the recession that never had the opportunities that Calvin had, even though he had a challenging time to get there, but I do not have all the facts about his case, and it is not my place to judge his actions.

I am certain that Calvin would make different choices in retrospect, we all could say that, but now he has to deal with the future.The future for his wife and minor children rest on what he is able to do next.

His wife Charlotte made this statement in reference to their future…”I’m just hoping for an awesome job and to be able to get a house,” Charlotte said. “I know it’s big hopes, but we’re just dreaming of a house and a place for our kids to grow up in.”

I do not know what type of marketable skills the two of them have outside of the track and field game, but if they do get assistance, hopefully they will get help with some job training so they can develop some marketable skills that will support their family in the long run.

If you are able to help, and want to help Calvin and his family, they are currently living at the YWCA Cortez Hill shelter in San Diego. The contact information for the shelter is:

I hope it all works out for Calvin and his family, as well as all the other Americans that find themselves in need of assistance from their fellow-man.

Happy Holidays…

For more information on Calvin and this story, click on these sources…

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_Harrison

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/11/former-olympic-gold-medal_n_389106.html

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/08/03/SPGOP81HVQ1.DTL

The Toys for Tots Drive with The Bike Lane in 2008.

The Marines will be here in Town Center today to accept unwrapped toys and cash donations for Toys for Tots during the MIX 107.3 live broadcast from Fountain Square. Come out to see Mix’s Chilli & Carson during the live broadcast from 3-7pm! The Bike Lane is also collecting donations for youth bikes and helmets. For more details visit http://bit.ly/80ug6P

Next to my husband and my son’s, right now Knowlton “Tote” Carson is the most important man in my life.

I was introduced to Tote by way of an old photo album, and have been researching him for the past few weeks. It’s slow going but I have managed a few high points.

I have managed to contact one of his daughters and interviewed her twice. She provided the death date of her mother and the nicknames of her maternal grandparents (always good to have notated in the family history). She also clued me in on why I couldn’t locate any info on Tote’s mother…apparently she and his father divorced in the 20’s (that’s the NINEteen 20’s, folks) while Tote was in college. Wow.

She also explained that why I hadn’t been able to contact the oldest daughter. She’s apparently in a nursing home due to illness.

On the plus side (it’s a plus from a research perspective, but it’s also kind of sad on a historic level), I found more Tote treasures at a local thrift store. I found an alumni medal presented to a “Mrs. K.E. Carson” of Kansas during the 1959 reunion of the Rainbow Division (42nd Division of the US Army). I also found two small silver pocket knives that were inscribed with Knowlton’s nickname and last name. One of them also had the birthdates of Mrs. Knowlton Carson, his two daughters, one son and three grandaughters (two of which have since passed.) I personally loved them, but I was sad that they were in a thrift shop, having been sold for a pittance.

I suppose I might have to get used to this.

Originally from Spain, Indie-rocker Nico Stai’s home town is Los Angeles. Having spent a long time as the frontman for various bands, he’s no stranger to the spotlight, but even he has to be shocked by how much he’s taken off. His music is intense and and heartfelt. It has a certain honest rawness about it. He’s been compared to Elliott Smith, Leonard Cohen, The Shins, Bob Dylan, and post Sgt. Pepper Beatles. He remains an unsigned artist, and although his recording methods have improved, from his original 8-track system his first album was recorded on, his heart’s in the same place. In an interview with Carson Daly he smiles modestly but genuinely and says, “I’m doing what I want every day.” We wish him the best of luck as his music career continues to take off. Check out his music. Thanks for reading.

Nico Stai performing “Dead Pony” live

Its Pasko sa Carson Celebration at the Old St. Philomena Church This event was hosted by the Philippine Independence Day Foundation (PIDF) along with the Confederation of Filipino American Association (CONFAA).

Dear Genea-Santa:

I know I don’t have a lot to show, but I really have been a really good Genea-Girl this year….It was a slow start.

I decided that I want to pursue my certification (CGRS) and possible start researching family histories professionally. I joined ProGen, and the National Genealogical Society. I have used my love for social networks to join Geneawise to learn from others.

I know that there are right ways and wrong ways to research, Genea-Santa…but I believe that networking with other Genealogists is a good way to learn what do to and how to get past stumbling blocks.

I also developed a new non-familial project. I found a photo album from a Knowlton Carson, and am going to be researching that family line. I hope to use him as the basis for my certification. So far I have found his parents, his Paternal Grandparents, his wife, her parents, and his children. I have even attempted to contact both of his daughters and am hoping that they will be gracious enough to let me interview them.

So there you have it my dear Genea-Santa, all I really want for Christmas is an interview with both of his daughters to provide some more clues.

Sincerely,

Staci
(AKA, Da Momma)

⁴As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

⁵For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

⁶But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

⁷Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

⁸But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

⁹But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

¹⁰For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

¹¹And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

¹²But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

¹³Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

1 Corinthians 8:4-13 (KJV)

I was listening to a sermon recently by D. A. Carson entitled “That By All Means I Might Win Some“. He was covering 1 Corinthians 9:20-22, discussing what Paul meant when he said he became “as a Jew, that [he] might win the Jews”. Almost in passing, he brought up an interesting point about those with weak consciences, as mentioned here in 1 Corinthians 8. Besides his statements about becoming “as a Jew” or as those “without the law”, he also says “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22 KJV)

Carson points out, first of all, that Paul was a Jew in nearly every sense! He lists his accomplishments in Philippians 3, and by all appearances, he’s more Jewish than most Jews. So what does he mean by “unto the Jews I became as a Jew”? Well, Carson argues, the sense in which he was different from the other Jews is in the sense that he was a Christian and they were a Jew. Thus, given the parallel construction, both those who are not under the law and those who “are weak” are not Christians.

So who are these “weak” people, if not Christians? Well, he suggests, they were probably the God-fearing Gentiles. Having heard enough of God from the Jews to have a sense of His holiness and the immorality of paganism, their consciences convicted them on the issue of eating meat sacrificed to those statues which they still viewed as gods.

But Paul, in chapter 9, is giving those categories–the Jews, those under/not under the law, and the weak–as categories of people who were brought out of those categories into Christianity. The Jew is no longer (in that sense) a Jew, just as Paul wasn’t a Jew in that sense. Those under the law were no longer under the law (though, as Paul says, lawless). And the weak, logically, were no longer weak. Their consciences are to be molded to a more accurate understanding of God’s law, not left where they are!

Now, this of course doesn’t provide an excuse for breaking the commands given in chapter 8 regarding causing a weak brother to sin. As Paul says, we should rather give up those liberties than cause our brother to partake in something contrary to his conscience. But nonetheless, it seems clear (to me, at least) from these passages that God doesn’t intend those with weak consciences to remain weak, but to continue to grow and adjust more fully to His revealed will.

And, for a slight change, I’d like to make a couple comments about the most common misuse of the “weak conscience” passages.

Quite frequently someone will point to these passages and say (for example) “I don’t believe Christians should have a TV, so you can’t have a TV because that would offend me!”

The first problem with this is that very few people who say that actually have a weak conscience. The fact that he’s already made up his mind and is trying to make other people go along with him is a sign of a strong conviction on that issue.

The second problem is that this isn’t talking about being “offended” in the sense we commonly use it today. It’s talking about being led into sinning against your conscience–in this case, buying a TV if your conscience convicts you on the issue. Which, again, usually isn’t really that big of a problem for these people.

So, now it’s your turn–am I right? Wrong? Or am I unclear on something? Ask questions, post corrections. I won’t bite.

Oh, and listen to that sermon I linked to above–it’s well worth the listen. Carson is a very, ah, dynamic speaker.

Jon

Delilah is hot, with her lilting l sounds and the chart-topping Plain White Tees single.  But what of the legendary strongman she brought down?

Thanks to Laura for suggesting Samson as Name of the Day.

The Biblical Samson had the strength of Hercules.  In one story, he tears apart a lion with his bare hands; in another, he fells one thousand attackers with a weapon fashioned from a small bone.

Samson is usually pitted against the Philistines.  They’re the ones who bribe the fair Delilah to learn the secret of his strength.  When she learned that Samson’s never-been-trimmed hair fueled his strength, Delilah called for the shears.

He gets the last laugh, though.  The Phillistines fail to keep up the manscaping while he’s in prison.  His locks grow back.  When Samson is summoned to their temple, he’s strong enough to bring down the house, killing his captors – and himself.

Besides the Old Testament tale, Samson appears in the Tanakh and the Talmud.  Basque mythology includes tales of the giant Sanson, who did things like kick up mountain ranges.

Sanson was apparently based on Samson, and Samson probably came from the Hebrew word for sun – shemesh.

You’ll find him in use in Medieval England, but the source is a Welsh-born saint.  The future Saint Samson established monasteries and evangelized much of Brittany.  He died sometime in the 5th century.  There’s a second Saint Samson from around the same time – Saint Samson the Hospitable, of Constantinople.

But it is the first Samson commemorated on the map throughout France.  He’s also the reason the name was in use amongst the Normans who came to England.  You’ll spot him in the historical record, most notably in the eleventh century as the given name of an influential Bishop of Worcester.

Samson fell out of favor over the years, possibly as artists embraced the Biblical tale.  John Milton published Samson Agonistes in 1671; Rembrandt was just one of many to depict Delilah’s legendary betrayal.

Even as parents discover more and more obscure Old Testament choices for their sons – Hezekiah and Zevidiah, anyone? – odds are that the Bible isn’t inspiring parents to pick Samson.

Instead, Samson started to appear in the US Top 1000 in the 1970s – the same time several now-popular picks surfaced.  Also spelled Sampson, he could strike many parents as a legitimate surname choice, similar to:

• Jackson has artistic style and offers parents a fresh take on the evergreen John.  He ranked #32 in 2008;
• Farther behind are I’m-just-wild-’bout Beatlesque Harrison, at #219;
• Newcaster Anderson, at #326;
• Surname/whiskey Jameson, at #382;
• Other ends-in-son surnames in favor include Carson, Mason and Tyson.

Samson’s best showing was #829 in 1988.  As of 2008, he stood at #948.  Odds are that many parents dismiss Samson in favor of one of his style-siblings when they think of the Biblical tale.

But Top 25 favorite Samuel has been bestowed on more than 125,000 newborn boys since 2000 alone.  Another 5,000 boys were named Sam – and that’s without considering Samantha and company.

If you’re comfortable disregarding the Biblical tale – and inevitable first-haircut jokes, Samson fits nicely with current trends and manages to be quite unusual without being too different.

“It’s my antiversary…A year of idealistic hopes, disappointing heart breaks, brief respites, false starts, changes in directions, faded fantasies, and peaceful new beginnings. Ended the year with the best week I can remember….and it’s only getting better! Humbled, blessed, happy, grateful… “Do I hear an AMEN !?!” – Kirsten’s Facebook Status 12/1/09

I think it sums it up.  We are precisely one month away from what would have been my 19th wedding anniversary.  And it is today a year ago that I was lying in my bed in the dark, sobbing.  Mourning the death of my marriage.  This was the day my divorce was final.  And as a seeming paradox to that…one of the happiest days of my life.  For no other conceivable reason than, I’m happy.  I’m happy!

To understand this life affirming moment you must realize whose mouth these words eminate from. I came into this world screaming at the top of my lungs, two weeks late.  I broke my mothers pelvis when I was forced into this world.  The umbilical cord was wrapped around my neck, and I was pulling on it.  As I imagine my mini self entering the world with such a vengeful spirit, I can only imagine, how reluctant I was to return to this world.  Despite the Mormon belief that we choose our parents, and so many other philosophies, that genuinely believe we willingly come to this earth to get bodies and learn, and despite whatever purpose I came into this world to fulfill, I did it ambivalently.  And…I have lived my life under a very unhappy sky.  Life didn’t get better.

Every stage of my life has been summed up with my favorite descriptors…”frustration, sorrow, anger, pain, angst, chaos, drama, ambivalence, contention, sadness….”  The themes that seemed to be tattooed on my soul.

Today…I can’t help a smirky smile, as I reiterate “I’m happy.”  Life seems to continue to delight me with it’s dancing.  I can’t plan things this good.  Fascinating.

So what are the themes today?  “Fascinating, playful, creative, passionate, intriguing, patient, loving, thoughtful, compassionate, delightful.”  What have I done to deserve this goodness?

My slate has been wiped clean.  The ghosts of boyfriends past seem to have disappeared with the moonlight.  Myk, is no longer the fascinating dark horse he was for me.  Light has revealed him to me over the past months.  I saw glimpses over time, in sortof a passive aggressive, “there must be something wrong with him” way.  Now…I get it.  I see him.  And he isn’t for me.  He can rest easy in my choir box of friends and cheerleaders.  Taking his place, as my friend.

Garrett, too has dissolved in significance.  Though he still elicits response, he is one that now, isn’t my responsibility.  He’s my childrens father.  No longer my husband.

Larry, has made a fine decision.  I applaud him for finally stepping up like a man, and fully facing his relationship.  I don’t think he will be pursuing his lusty ambitions for me anymore.  He has been humbled, and sees the value in respecting his commitments.  Though Karma played a pretty heavy handed role.

Michael (I’m using real names now, not the made up ones) has been cast out.  I don’t respect him.  I don’t value his friendship, or his attention.  I don’t respect his decisions to pursue me outside of his marriage.  We are no longer friends.  I guess I better send him the memo.

Ray, I have told him not to contact me any further.  His attention to me at work was distracting and inappropriate.

One by one, I’m cleaning house. Throwing out the insignificant distractions, placing my priorities in proper order and perspective, and I am so proud of myself.

There is one, I have not cast aside.  The jury is still out.  My sweet movie night friend, is eliciting interest in me.  I feel like a sheepish school girl.  We have plans this weekend, and I’m excited to see him.  We don’t touch, don’t hold hands, rarely hug.  He has never kissed me, and has kept a respectful distance.  Now…I feel the stirrings.  I want to know him better.  I want him to know me better.  I want to hold myself to a higher standard.  I don’t know that our friendship will ever move to the next level.  I think the religious difference is an issue, the drinking is an issue.  He’s been a sober alcoholic for 18 months.  And I drink.  What he doesn’t know, and that I didn’t know, is the level of sacrifice I’m willing to make for an equal partner.  If alcohol sacrifice is required, so be it.  Doesn’t seem such a big deal.

I’m toying with exploring further into the realm of graduate school.  I think I might need to seriously consider that as an option.  I might stay put until Marin goes to college, then go to school myself.  It’s an exciting challenge.  I am considering teaching after that.  Being a professor isn’t a bad life for a working mom. Not at all.  In fact….it could be ideal.

I love my life.  I’m so proud of where I am.  Looks like the diet has been more useful than I thought.  I’m content.  I’m ok in my own skin.  I’m on the right path.  And I know that given time, my Shiva will appear, and seduce my Shakti, we will find Shambhala, entwined in a divine partnership.

I love, loving.  Good night.

KP

Are you looking for a unique place to hold your small gathering, of blowing off some steam before your big day? Well I have two for you! Carson City Saloon and Easy Street bar & restaurant. I love these two legendary Pittsburgh hot-spots. You can host your bachelor/bachelorette party in the private room at Carson City, or run a muck with with the crowd, in one of the nation’s best sports bars!!
Easy Street (Brought to you from the Carson City brain-trust) is a nice venue for your smaller wedding receptions, or special celebrations, but don’t let me tell the story….

Whether you’re in something borrowed and blue, turning the big 4-0 or landing a new account at work. Easy Street can provide the perfect setting for you! With our outside patio and family style seating, we provide a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff to set the mood for any occasion large or small. Our patio can accommodate up to 150 people and our entire bar/restaurant can accommodate up to 300 people. We customize every event to ensure we deliver exactly what you need. Join us, roll your windows down, relax and take a ride down Easy Street.

Our event planning is perfect for: Corporate Functions, Wedding Receptions, Rehearsal Dinners, Bridal Showers and much more.
Contact our event coordinator Laura Wilcox today by email easystreetpghevents@yahoo.com or by phone at

412-235-7984 or 724-554-5488
to book your next private event.

http://www.easystreetpittsburgh.com
http://www.carsoncitysaloon.com/