Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for my new haircut and hair color that includes violet, red, bronze and blond highlights on my dark brown tresses.
Tomorrow, I turn 52. To celebrate my birthday, I decided to get a very trendy haircut with bold (but tasteful) highlights. My hairdresser is a talented artist who loves it when I give her almost free reign over my hair. Today, she exceeded my expectations.
Suddenly, I feel 20 years younger and, to my surprise and delight, more arty than intellectual. I also feel like dancing.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Monday, March 13, 2006
Monday, 13 March 2006 - Process Cycle
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the Process Cycle.
I'm cleaning out a file in which I've archived a potpourri of business-related materials. One dog-eared document catches my eye. It's simply titled, Process Cycle.
When I worked for Digital Equipment Corporation during the mid-1990s, we used the Process Cycle to plan meetings and projects. It helped me think through the task at hand and ensured that meetings were focused and results-oriented. Before a meeting, for example, we would send out the Process Cycle so all attendees would know know what to expect and the anticipated results.
I'm glad I found it - will come in handy with some of my current projects. Here it is just in case you're interested or curious. Note that I've edited some of the original sentences to enhance readability.
Process Cycle
(Use to design any new task, meeting, event, product, etc.)
Purpose
State the reason for doing the task in terms of value to the "customer." Provide a high level description of the purpose. This will serve as a framework for guiding process execution.
Results
State the desired outcomes. When the time is up, what do what you want to have accomplished Spell out the intended results. This will help determine whether or not the purpose was served.
Steps
Design the ideal steps to achieving the desired results. List the sequence of actions necessary to produce the results.
Capabilities
These are the "needs" for executing the steps. List the budget, resources, knowledge, skills, type of thinking, tools, preparedness and diversity of people required to execute the steps.
Feedback
Evaluate the task/meeting/event:
- What happened? Why?
- Compare actual versus expected results
- What did you learn?
- What will you change next time to improve the process and results?
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the Process Cycle.
I'm cleaning out a file in which I've archived a potpourri of business-related materials. One dog-eared document catches my eye. It's simply titled, Process Cycle.
When I worked for Digital Equipment Corporation during the mid-1990s, we used the Process Cycle to plan meetings and projects. It helped me think through the task at hand and ensured that meetings were focused and results-oriented. Before a meeting, for example, we would send out the Process Cycle so all attendees would know know what to expect and the anticipated results.
I'm glad I found it - will come in handy with some of my current projects. Here it is just in case you're interested or curious. Note that I've edited some of the original sentences to enhance readability.
Process Cycle
(Use to design any new task, meeting, event, product, etc.)
Purpose
State the reason for doing the task in terms of value to the "customer." Provide a high level description of the purpose. This will serve as a framework for guiding process execution.
Results
State the desired outcomes. When the time is up, what do what you want to have accomplished Spell out the intended results. This will help determine whether or not the purpose was served.
Steps
Design the ideal steps to achieving the desired results. List the sequence of actions necessary to produce the results.
Capabilities
These are the "needs" for executing the steps. List the budget, resources, knowledge, skills, type of thinking, tools, preparedness and diversity of people required to execute the steps.
Feedback
Evaluate the task/meeting/event:
- What happened? Why?
- Compare actual versus expected results
- What did you learn?
- What will you change next time to improve the process and results?
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Sunday, 12 March 2006 - The West Wing
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for The West Wing.
During the last Presidential primary season, a college student who was home on winter break attended one of our local "Wesley Clark for President" meetings. He told us that, at Columbia University, The West Wing was considered weekly therapy for Democrats.
He was right. This favorite television show has been an oasis and refuge for me, my husband and all of our liberal-thinking friends. Each week, it legitimized our way of thinking and nourished our hopes and dreams for our country.
When the series ends this spring, I'll celebrate its wit, insight and unforgettable characters. I'll also pray fervently for a new show to fill its honored place.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for The West Wing.
During the last Presidential primary season, a college student who was home on winter break attended one of our local "Wesley Clark for President" meetings. He told us that, at Columbia University, The West Wing was considered weekly therapy for Democrats.
He was right. This favorite television show has been an oasis and refuge for me, my husband and all of our liberal-thinking friends. Each week, it legitimized our way of thinking and nourished our hopes and dreams for our country.
When the series ends this spring, I'll celebrate its wit, insight and unforgettable characters. I'll also pray fervently for a new show to fill its honored place.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Saturday, 11 March 2006 - Audio books
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for audio books.
They are my literary companions, the loyal "friends" who read to me while I work on various knitting, sewing and beading projects.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for audio books.
They are my literary companions, the loyal "friends" who read to me while I work on various knitting, sewing and beading projects.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Friday, 10 March 2006 - Peace and quiet
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a peaceful and quiet morning.
Apparently, the workers who are turning our beloved trail into a housing development took the day off. Lucky for us. No annoying drone of heavy machinery. No perpetual dust cloud settling on everything. No diesel exhaust polluting the air.
Although I'm relishing the peace and quiet, I know that they are only visiting me on this very cold and breezy morning. By Monday, they will be gone.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a peaceful and quiet morning.
Apparently, the workers who are turning our beloved trail into a housing development took the day off. Lucky for us. No annoying drone of heavy machinery. No perpetual dust cloud settling on everything. No diesel exhaust polluting the air.
Although I'm relishing the peace and quiet, I know that they are only visiting me on this very cold and breezy morning. By Monday, they will be gone.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Thursday, 09 March 2006 - Home
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for our home.
Home is where you find your heart.
I've called many places home. The house in California where I grew up. My UCLA dorm room. Various apartments in West Los Angeles and Phoenix. Two houses in Austin, TX. And, for the past 19 years, our Colorado house.
Photo: Partial view of our house, the Rocky Mountain Front Range that rises behind the neighborhood, and a very blue winter sky. The plants that comprise my xeriscape garden are sleeping beneath the blanket of snow.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Wednesday, 08 March 2006 - Baseball memories
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for baseball memories.
I am watching, Field of Dreams, my favorite baseball movie in honor of Kirby Puckett, one of my all-time favorite players.
As a child growing up in Los Angeles, I learned to live and breathe baseball. Every late spring and summer weekend, my dad listened to the games on his transister radio while he worked in the yard or around the house. In second grade, I instantly became one of the "guys" when I voiced my passion for the LA Dodgers. Our teacher, Mrs. Germinder, was from Pittsburgh and favored the Pirates.
I learned to throw, catch, field, pitch and bat. I also learned the rules of the game and how to keep score. I wrote fan letters to several players including Wally Moon (I still have the postcard he sent me). And, although the boys dreamed of becoming the next Sandy Koufax, I aspired to be a teacher, writer and a Dodger wife. I guess that achieving two out of three isn't too bad. In baseball terms, my success translates to a .667 batting average.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for baseball memories.
I am watching, Field of Dreams, my favorite baseball movie in honor of Kirby Puckett, one of my all-time favorite players.
As a child growing up in Los Angeles, I learned to live and breathe baseball. Every late spring and summer weekend, my dad listened to the games on his transister radio while he worked in the yard or around the house. In second grade, I instantly became one of the "guys" when I voiced my passion for the LA Dodgers. Our teacher, Mrs. Germinder, was from Pittsburgh and favored the Pirates.
I learned to throw, catch, field, pitch and bat. I also learned the rules of the game and how to keep score. I wrote fan letters to several players including Wally Moon (I still have the postcard he sent me). And, although the boys dreamed of becoming the next Sandy Koufax, I aspired to be a teacher, writer and a Dodger wife. I guess that achieving two out of three isn't too bad. In baseball terms, my success translates to a .667 batting average.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Tuesday, 07 March 2006: Kirby Puckett and Dana Reeve
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for two special people: Kirby Puckett and Dana Reeve.
All mankind is of one author, and is one volume; when one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every chapter must be so translated... No man is an island, entire of itself...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. ~ John Donne
While in Minneapolis to attend a sales conference in 1987, I had the privilege of watching Kirby Puckett play in the "Homer Dome" against the California Angels. I will always remember the announcer's introduction: "Here's Kirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrbyyyyyyyyyy Puckett!" I became an instant Kirby Puckett fan. I also fell in love with the Twins and rooted for them during the 1987 and 1991 World Series (which they won). I am a diehard National League fan so it was quite unusual for me to support an American League team. I was shocked to learn of his stroke and subsequent death. Kirby Puckett was only 45 years old when he died yesterday.
I never met Dana Reeve - just know her because of her famous husband and her work supporting spinal cord injury research and therapies. When Christopher Reeve died in 2004, I felt relief for her since she was liberated in a way and could begin pursuing a different life. Who would have guessed that her life would end less than two years later? She was only 44 when she died yesterday. Someone once told me that God calls you home once you've fulfilled your destiny - an assignment that only you can perform here on earth. I like to think that Dana Reeve's assignment was to teach the definition of these words through her actions: sacrifice, selflessness, courage, duty, dignity, support, unconditional love, hope, faith, for better or worse. Indeed, she stepped into her destiny and completed her assignment in an extraordinary way.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for two special people: Kirby Puckett and Dana Reeve.
All mankind is of one author, and is one volume; when one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every chapter must be so translated... No man is an island, entire of itself...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. ~ John Donne
While in Minneapolis to attend a sales conference in 1987, I had the privilege of watching Kirby Puckett play in the "Homer Dome" against the California Angels. I will always remember the announcer's introduction: "Here's Kirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrbyyyyyyyyyy Puckett!" I became an instant Kirby Puckett fan. I also fell in love with the Twins and rooted for them during the 1987 and 1991 World Series (which they won). I am a diehard National League fan so it was quite unusual for me to support an American League team. I was shocked to learn of his stroke and subsequent death. Kirby Puckett was only 45 years old when he died yesterday.
I never met Dana Reeve - just know her because of her famous husband and her work supporting spinal cord injury research and therapies. When Christopher Reeve died in 2004, I felt relief for her since she was liberated in a way and could begin pursuing a different life. Who would have guessed that her life would end less than two years later? She was only 44 when she died yesterday. Someone once told me that God calls you home once you've fulfilled your destiny - an assignment that only you can perform here on earth. I like to think that Dana Reeve's assignment was to teach the definition of these words through her actions: sacrifice, selflessness, courage, duty, dignity, support, unconditional love, hope, faith, for better or worse. Indeed, she stepped into her destiny and completed her assignment in an extraordinary way.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Monday, 06 March 2006 - The bluest sky
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the bluest sky.
This morning
I notice how blue is the sky.
Not just any sky blue.
A perfect azure.
The one that sets the standard.
The one that all other blues envy.
A most remarkable blue.
Deeper than Paul Newman's eyes
But just as memorable.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the bluest sky.
This morning
I notice how blue is the sky.
Not just any sky blue.
A perfect azure.
The one that sets the standard.
The one that all other blues envy.
A most remarkable blue.
Deeper than Paul Newman's eyes
But just as memorable.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Sunday, 05 March 2006 - The movies
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the movies.
In my circle of friends, my claim to fame is that I very rarely view a movie during the year in which it is released. Still, despite my lack of first hand knowledge of the nominees, the Academy Awards ceremony captivates me. I guess it's because I grew up with the movies (no Internet or video games existed during my childhood). No wonder my favorites include classics from the 1930s and 1940s.
Yes, I am the 20-something person who sobbed uncontrollably at the theater when I thought ET was dying. Yes, I am the young girl who pretended to be Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, awaiting rescue in the wicked witch's castle. Yes, I am the UCLA coed who watched movie classics with her dorm roommate into the wee hours of the morning. And, yes, I am the best friend of Forrest (Forrest Gump), Carl (Sling Blade) and Truman (The Truman Show).
Ahhh, the movies. Yes, the movies. Always, the movies.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the movies.
In my circle of friends, my claim to fame is that I very rarely view a movie during the year in which it is released. Still, despite my lack of first hand knowledge of the nominees, the Academy Awards ceremony captivates me. I guess it's because I grew up with the movies (no Internet or video games existed during my childhood). No wonder my favorites include classics from the 1930s and 1940s.
Yes, I am the 20-something person who sobbed uncontrollably at the theater when I thought ET was dying. Yes, I am the young girl who pretended to be Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, awaiting rescue in the wicked witch's castle. Yes, I am the UCLA coed who watched movie classics with her dorm roommate into the wee hours of the morning. And, yes, I am the best friend of Forrest (Forrest Gump), Carl (Sling Blade) and Truman (The Truman Show).
Ahhh, the movies. Yes, the movies. Always, the movies.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Saturday, 04 March 2006 - Daydreams
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for daydreams.
A daydream is a meal at which images are eaten. Some of us are gourmets, some gourmands, and a good many take their images precooked out of a can and swallow them down whole, absent-mindedly and with little relish. ~W.H. Auden
I'm lost in a daydream as T and I circle the park for the nth time (I can't remember what lap we're on because I'm not paying attention). Sometimes, we return home and I can't recall anything specific about our walk or the park or the people we passed. Perhaps middle age has hijacked my mind, leading me to places far beyond the next mountain pass so I can find the seed of a poem or a fascinating plot for a story.
You can call me absent-minded or preoccupied or indifferent. Just don't accuse me of having no imagination or creativity or passion. I probably won't hear you anyway. I'm a million miles away, lost in a daydream.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for daydreams.
A daydream is a meal at which images are eaten. Some of us are gourmets, some gourmands, and a good many take their images precooked out of a can and swallow them down whole, absent-mindedly and with little relish. ~W.H. Auden
I'm lost in a daydream as T and I circle the park for the nth time (I can't remember what lap we're on because I'm not paying attention). Sometimes, we return home and I can't recall anything specific about our walk or the park or the people we passed. Perhaps middle age has hijacked my mind, leading me to places far beyond the next mountain pass so I can find the seed of a poem or a fascinating plot for a story.
You can call me absent-minded or preoccupied or indifferent. Just don't accuse me of having no imagination or creativity or passion. I probably won't hear you anyway. I'm a million miles away, lost in a daydream.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Friday, 03 March 2006 - Sure signs of spring
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for sure signs of spring.
Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn. ~ Lewis Grizzard
On our way to the park, T and I notice that the birds have returned in full force. Finches, sparrows, blue jays and robins chirp loudly while completing their morning chores.
We're all awaiting Mother Nature's artistry - her bold and magnificent brushstrokes that will soon transform dreary winter browns into lively spring greens. I can hardly wait to see this year's masterpiece.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for sure signs of spring.
Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn. ~ Lewis Grizzard
On our way to the park, T and I notice that the birds have returned in full force. Finches, sparrows, blue jays and robins chirp loudly while completing their morning chores.
We're all awaiting Mother Nature's artistry - her bold and magnificent brushstrokes that will soon transform dreary winter browns into lively spring greens. I can hardly wait to see this year's masterpiece.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Thursday, 02 March 2006 - Electricity
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for electricity.
The electric light has caused me the greatest amount of study and has required the most elaborate experiments.... Although I was never myself discouraged or hopeless of its success, I can not say the same for my associates.... ~ Thomas Edison
A blackout ended a few minutes ago. Whenever the lights go out without warning, I remember how dependent I am on electricity. We usually scramble for flashlights (batteries dead) and candles (can't find the matches). Anyway, the lights are back on and everything is back to normal.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for electricity.
The electric light has caused me the greatest amount of study and has required the most elaborate experiments.... Although I was never myself discouraged or hopeless of its success, I can not say the same for my associates.... ~ Thomas Edison
A blackout ended a few minutes ago. Whenever the lights go out without warning, I remember how dependent I am on electricity. We usually scramble for flashlights (batteries dead) and candles (can't find the matches). Anyway, the lights are back on and everything is back to normal.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Wednesday, 01 March 2006 - March
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the month of March.
For me, March celebrates important events including my birthday (the Ides of March), my parent's wedding anniversary (March 18), St. Patrick's Day (March 17), the anniversary of the date on which we closed on our house (March 9) and the first day of spring (March 20). March is also Women's History Month.
In Colorado, March and April are historically the snowiest months along the Front Range so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we get lots of spring snow (it'll be the heavy wet kind that's good for my garden). I won't plant anything in the garden until after the last hard frost (usually in April) but I will order new plants and fertilizer this month. The Goji berry bushes I ordered in December should arrive in early April. I'll plant them in pots initially before transplanting them in May after determining their perfect place in the backyard.
Speaking of spring ... I noticed a finch couple investigating potential nesting sites in one of the pine trees in our front yard. The past two years, a finch couple decided that the wreath on our front door was the perfect site for a nest. I hope they decide to return for a third year.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the month of March.
For me, March celebrates important events including my birthday (the Ides of March), my parent's wedding anniversary (March 18), St. Patrick's Day (March 17), the anniversary of the date on which we closed on our house (March 9) and the first day of spring (March 20). March is also Women's History Month.
In Colorado, March and April are historically the snowiest months along the Front Range so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we get lots of spring snow (it'll be the heavy wet kind that's good for my garden). I won't plant anything in the garden until after the last hard frost (usually in April) but I will order new plants and fertilizer this month. The Goji berry bushes I ordered in December should arrive in early April. I'll plant them in pots initially before transplanting them in May after determining their perfect place in the backyard.
Speaking of spring ... I noticed a finch couple investigating potential nesting sites in one of the pine trees in our front yard. The past two years, a finch couple decided that the wreath on our front door was the perfect site for a nest. I hope they decide to return for a third year.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
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