We recently rented "An Inconvenient Truth". This was the documentary on global warming done by Al Gore. I had dismissed it when I first heard of it because...well, come on, Al Gore (who I've always heard said that he invented the Internet) and global warming (which I've heard so many contradictory things about over the years, and hey, I recycle).
I did think the title was rather catchy because most truth is inconvenient, but I left it at that. Al Gore made a movie with a clever title. Woo hoo.
Then, a little foundation that I have tremendous respect for regarding other inconvenient truths (related to food and nutrition and the USDA and FDA), had showings of it listed on their event calendar. "Intriguing," thought I. "I shall add it to my Netflix queue."
Meanwhile I put out feelers to see if other had seen it. I got the feeling that people thought it was emotionally manipulative and sensational and that it made no good case that anything mankind was doing was related to what the planet was doing.
So, it arrived, and it took a couple days to convince my hubby it was worth watching, but he acquiesced. It was here after all, and the foundation did seem to give it praise.
It was very well done. Al Gore was straightforward, likable, respectable, and intelligent. The presentation was factual and not sensational in the least. He made an excellent case that we are facing global issues of catastrophic proportions, and that it is due to modern man. We were struck by the ethical significance of ignoring this kind of information at the national level. Andrew exclaimed, "This movie might change the way I live".
I think it will. We will strive to 'reduce, reuse, and recycle'. As we can afford it, we will choose to purchase our goods from environmentally considerate corporations.
While this environmental posture is important, it brings me to my title, "A Convenient Lie". As a disclaimer - I am not suggesting that Al Gore, or the movie, is making the following argument. I am merely reflecting on the temptation that I think people face when convicted about issues like this. Choosing to be environmentally ethical does not make you an ethical person. Global ethics often detracts from actual ethics.
It is tempting to think that we can weigh out our decisions based on a global measuring scale (i.e. 'not buying this or not doing this is saving an average of x amount of lives in Botswana, therefore it is the ethical decision'). We need to love the actual people in our lives and our actual community more than people across the world from us. I am not suggesting that if you do find out that a certain company is unethical that you should not make it a personal policy to stop supporting them. By all means, please stop supporting them. But if you are patting yourself on the back for not owning a car, only buying 7th Generation products, and locally grown food and feeling like you are such an ethical person, you have bought into a convenient lie. A convenient lie that tells you that "a good cause" is "the good cause" to be committed to. It is far more important to do what is ethical by the people immediately put in front of you. If that means putting Nike sneakers on a homeless man, you might have to get over your scruples with Nike, and do right by the "least of these" God has put in front of you. If that means feeding and clothing your family with the result that you are supporting companies that might be contributing to dangerous carbon levels for the earth...what are you going to do? Drink some purple Kool-Aid together so that you don't risk using any more of the earth's resources?
Okay, perhaps this is a simple point and I didn't need to blog so much about it. I just have to battle myself to remember that my ultimate cause here on earth is to have faith, my next priority is to my family, and then to help others understand that their ultimate purpose is to make a decision about God, and then somewhere after that I can (and should) worry about my environmental footprint. I am not belittling thinking about global warming, I think it is very significant, and I truly want to do my part. But I think there is pressure to take this on as an ultimate project, and it cannot and should not be our ultimate project.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
More Silliness
Yesterday my mom sent me one of those silly forwards about why moms are afraid of having boys. I laughed. This picture epitomizes my fears:
But there were plenty of other laughable ones. I finished the email and then went to see what my son was doing in my bedroom and found this:
With my son announcing proudly, "Boob On!" while trying to stuff it with my underwear.
Ah yes, the wonder of children.
But there were plenty of other laughable ones. I finished the email and then went to see what my son was doing in my bedroom and found this:
With my son announcing proudly, "Boob On!" while trying to stuff it with my underwear.
Ah yes, the wonder of children.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Bringing Sexy Back
"So, Justin Timberlake has a song out called 'Bringing Sexy Back,'" Husband tells me.
"I didn't know it was missing," I respond.
"I know, that's because I've had it here all along. He hasn't shown up yet. I'm not going to part with it that easy," He assures me.
"Good," I say, "It's why I married you."
"I didn't know it was missing," I respond.
"I know, that's because I've had it here all along. He hasn't shown up yet. I'm not going to part with it that easy," He assures me.
"Good," I say, "It's why I married you."
Saturday, July 21, 2007
4 Days and 692 Miles Later
Did I forget my camera? No, just my brain! Søren and Elliot had so many firsts on our adventure last weekend, and I captured not one of them on anything more lasting than my memory...which is pretty lasting, but hard to share.
My children will not have good photo documentation of their childhood (well, compared to their peers, not to previous generations, the digital thing makes it all too easy), but I hope that they will at least have some written record of the fun we have so that they know I really do think of them and want them to know about their early years! Luckily for me - and you, dear reader - Meg did take some and posted them here.
Our adventuring started Thursday night as we spent 1 1/2 hours making it about 12 hours south in the midst of rush hour traffic in Bellevue. That did include meandering off the road to find some dinner. After that we did make good time and arrived at Andrew's mom's house by 10. Søren slept enough in the car to make him good company upon arrival. He was greeted with Grandma K and Papa's assortment of grandkid toys and a few new books and matching brother outfits to take home.
After a slumber party with Dad on the living room floor he hit the backyard and pretty much stayed there until we had to leave. He was joined by a good handful of cousins and got to dig in the dirt with tractors and shovels, and play in the pool, and practice baseball, and basically have the full run of the place.
Then it was off to Uncle Kraig's house to see more cousins, their dog and cat, and another toddler-haven of a backyard. Andrew got to do some much needed golfing with his best friend (Kraig) while we got a few hours of down time.
The next afternoon found us loading up again headed to my personal Mecca, Eugene OR. Upon arrival to Ryan and Cassie's lovely home Søren found a very friendly dog, and a cat that he could tackle and hug. This was my first sign that Søren actually missed home and our cats. That faded quickly, because here, too, was a big backyard filled with sticks and rocks and fun nooks to explore. Our poor apartment kid had no idea that some people have exclusive parks right outside their doors!
In wonderful news, my dear friend's Ryan and Cassie are expecting a baby! It will be the the third Gutenberg baby (actually, I think one of the early graduates has gone on to have a couple of kids...but still, it's exciting). I, of course, brought my spoon, and it announced that they are expecting a little man! I love boys. (On a side note, it was never okay for me to admit that I was boy crazy when I was in Jr. High and High School, but it is SO much fun to admit to it now.)
At Ryan and Cassie's there was a little BBQ party in celebration of Cassie and Andrew's birthdays (one 25 and one 39, I'll leave you to do the guessing) and we got to see our dear friends Andy and Meg too! Lovely lovely. At one point I saw Ryan and Andy discussing something across the backyard and my whole being compelled me to go join them, soaking in a minute or five of being back in the throws of our Gutenberg. After four years together, my classmates are more like siblings to me, and it was wonderful to introduce them to their newest nephew.
The next morning found us juggling kids at a breakfast outing, and then off to church. It was so richly filling to pull up and see David Crabtree, hand him Elliot and walk in the door with Søren and take him to the toddler activities and know that Elliot was happily taken care of by family, i.e. by a village we trust to help us raise our children. We found him later with Susan, and we got to spend an uninterrupted service listening to Jack Crabtree teach on the parables of the prodigal son, the lost coin, and the missing sheep. Quite insightful. He was basically asking the Pharisees why, if they were so godly, they did not seem to rejoice at the things that God rejoices at. Friends of God have joy at his joy...if no joy...perhaps you're not really a friend. There was much good pondering from this message, you can find it here in a couple of weeks when it is posted.
At church I was able to see more dear friends and old classmates. I wielded the spoon over the large belly of another friend and pronounced "It's a girl", to be expected in about 2 months. Sadly we had to leave far more quickly than I would have liked. It did make me quite convicted that I need to go spend a little week vacation down there with the boys before the summer is over.
Our next stop was at Andrew's cousin's house (and now goat farm!) outside of Portland. This was unquestionably Søren's favorite stop. Not only are the goats and chicken free ranging, but Søren was basically free-ranging too. He had free grazing among the berry hill, which is loaded with blueberry, raspberry, blackberry (the non-invasive ones), boysenberry, and gooseberry bushes. The kid was in heaven. Their dogs Omicron and Zeta adopted him and went with him everywhere. The little barn kittens also kept pace with him and seemed to enjoy being picked up and tossed at his will. Here we were finally able to drink milk again because there was ample raw goat's milk, not to mention cheese and even ice cream!
Something about the country slows you down enough for good visiting, even though it also was far too short a stay. I think the boys will need to have annual trips to go stay on the farm with their Aunt Summer and the goats when they get a little older.
Though the return trip took 6 hours, we managed to accept that travel with kids is an adventure in itself, and one quite worth taking...though not too often =)
My children will not have good photo documentation of their childhood (well, compared to their peers, not to previous generations, the digital thing makes it all too easy), but I hope that they will at least have some written record of the fun we have so that they know I really do think of them and want them to know about their early years! Luckily for me - and you, dear reader - Meg did take some and posted them here.
Our adventuring started Thursday night as we spent 1 1/2 hours making it about 12 hours south in the midst of rush hour traffic in Bellevue. That did include meandering off the road to find some dinner. After that we did make good time and arrived at Andrew's mom's house by 10. Søren slept enough in the car to make him good company upon arrival. He was greeted with Grandma K and Papa's assortment of grandkid toys and a few new books and matching brother outfits to take home.
After a slumber party with Dad on the living room floor he hit the backyard and pretty much stayed there until we had to leave. He was joined by a good handful of cousins and got to dig in the dirt with tractors and shovels, and play in the pool, and practice baseball, and basically have the full run of the place.
Then it was off to Uncle Kraig's house to see more cousins, their dog and cat, and another toddler-haven of a backyard. Andrew got to do some much needed golfing with his best friend (Kraig) while we got a few hours of down time.
The next afternoon found us loading up again headed to my personal Mecca, Eugene OR. Upon arrival to Ryan and Cassie's lovely home Søren found a very friendly dog, and a cat that he could tackle and hug. This was my first sign that Søren actually missed home and our cats. That faded quickly, because here, too, was a big backyard filled with sticks and rocks and fun nooks to explore. Our poor apartment kid had no idea that some people have exclusive parks right outside their doors!
In wonderful news, my dear friend's Ryan and Cassie are expecting a baby! It will be the the third Gutenberg baby (actually, I think one of the early graduates has gone on to have a couple of kids...but still, it's exciting). I, of course, brought my spoon, and it announced that they are expecting a little man! I love boys. (On a side note, it was never okay for me to admit that I was boy crazy when I was in Jr. High and High School, but it is SO much fun to admit to it now.)
At Ryan and Cassie's there was a little BBQ party in celebration of Cassie and Andrew's birthdays (one 25 and one 39, I'll leave you to do the guessing) and we got to see our dear friends Andy and Meg too! Lovely lovely. At one point I saw Ryan and Andy discussing something across the backyard and my whole being compelled me to go join them, soaking in a minute or five of being back in the throws of our Gutenberg. After four years together, my classmates are more like siblings to me, and it was wonderful to introduce them to their newest nephew.
The next morning found us juggling kids at a breakfast outing, and then off to church. It was so richly filling to pull up and see David Crabtree, hand him Elliot and walk in the door with Søren and take him to the toddler activities and know that Elliot was happily taken care of by family, i.e. by a village we trust to help us raise our children. We found him later with Susan, and we got to spend an uninterrupted service listening to Jack Crabtree teach on the parables of the prodigal son, the lost coin, and the missing sheep. Quite insightful. He was basically asking the Pharisees why, if they were so godly, they did not seem to rejoice at the things that God rejoices at. Friends of God have joy at his joy...if no joy...perhaps you're not really a friend. There was much good pondering from this message, you can find it here in a couple of weeks when it is posted.
At church I was able to see more dear friends and old classmates. I wielded the spoon over the large belly of another friend and pronounced "It's a girl", to be expected in about 2 months. Sadly we had to leave far more quickly than I would have liked. It did make me quite convicted that I need to go spend a little week vacation down there with the boys before the summer is over.
Our next stop was at Andrew's cousin's house (and now goat farm!) outside of Portland. This was unquestionably Søren's favorite stop. Not only are the goats and chicken free ranging, but Søren was basically free-ranging too. He had free grazing among the berry hill, which is loaded with blueberry, raspberry, blackberry (the non-invasive ones), boysenberry, and gooseberry bushes. The kid was in heaven. Their dogs Omicron and Zeta adopted him and went with him everywhere. The little barn kittens also kept pace with him and seemed to enjoy being picked up and tossed at his will. Here we were finally able to drink milk again because there was ample raw goat's milk, not to mention cheese and even ice cream!
Something about the country slows you down enough for good visiting, even though it also was far too short a stay. I think the boys will need to have annual trips to go stay on the farm with their Aunt Summer and the goats when they get a little older.
Though the return trip took 6 hours, we managed to accept that travel with kids is an adventure in itself, and one quite worth taking...though not too often =)
Thursday, July 19, 2007
A blog-hopping dialog on divorce
Meg posted a blog about her thoughts on marriage after reading my last blog. Then in response to an emailed comment, she has posted another blog pertaining to adultery and divorce. Rather than leave a blog of a comment, I thought I would put some preliminary thoughts here, and open the conversation up further.
Andrew and I have this conversation (about adultery and divorce) from time to time. He is 100% in agreement with meg. I....well, it's not that I disagree, it's just that I wonder if there is a difference between an adulterer and a case of adultery. I've known marriages that have survived adultery. I can't really imagine doing it, but I know it's been done. Andrew flat out assures me that if I were to cheat, he would leave, period. I think that's because he has had too many friend's marriages destroyed due to cheating. I'm not looking for an excuse, I have no intentions or desire to cheat, but I am trying to flush out what is really biblical, and what kind of council I would give those who actually face this kind of situation.
Meg raises an interesting question as to whether it is possible to have a "momentary lapse in judgment" (or in some cases, momentary period of lapsed judgment). I'm going out on a limb here, but I think that this is within the realm of possibility.
It seems that what is significant to a marriage is whether the person has abandoned the marriage or not. We fall short - sometimes very short - of our vows from time to time in lots of ways, some of those ways being more forgivable than others. What I'm curious about is whether adultery is qualitatively different from the other ways we fall short or if it is just quantitatively different. I think that adultery itself is not the evil, but rather it is what underlies it. Is it a terrible situational failure/weakness/mistake or is it symptomatic of a heart that has long left it's vow?
We humans are so weak and folly is so quick to ensnare. My husband has, in moments of stress, made decisions (be it financial, or emotional, or practical) that have been a temporary lapse of recognition of his vows and thus disrespected and hurt me as his spouse. I have done the same (see my previous post). All short lived occurrences, yes, and all quickly resolved, yes. Yet, still momentary lapses in judgment.
I think adultery can come on sneakily (further, I think there is an emotional adultery that precedes most physical cases). I can imagine how life pulls you away from your spouse (which is a failure to strive towards our vows and goodness in itself - see my previous post) and then sets another in your path who fulfills the void that ought to be met by your spouse. For a minute (a night? a month? I don't know) you somehow justify having your needs met...emotional or otherwise, in ways that are extramarital (read: NOT OKAY). You lose it. Then, something happens and everything is made clear again. You love your spouse. You are committed to your spouse. You deeply regret everything that lead up to this predicament. You repent. You ask for forgiveness. You allow for the time it might take to earn the right to even ask for such a thing.
What would I do if this happened to me, if Andrew confessed to such a crime? I would have a hard time leaving him if he still had the heart that I know and love. It would take time most certainly, but if he was still committed to pursuing oneness together...how could I leave? If it happened again, yes, I would leave, I don't have any sympathy for calling cheating the "thorn in your flesh". But once...it can be survived can't it? There is no sin so unforgivable, right? God still hates divorce, right?
So, if adultery is just the evidence of someone who has already left and divorced their spouse emotionally and spiritually (though not legally or physically) and now transgresses in a concrete way, then by all means leave them legally and physically and move on emotionally and spiritually. BUT, if there was a transgression without the heart divorce...shouldn't we forgive?
I really am still rolling this about in my mind...so I do look forward to hearing the thoughts of others (married or not), and hopefully of those who are a bit more seasoned at this whole marriage thing.
Andrew and I have this conversation (about adultery and divorce) from time to time. He is 100% in agreement with meg. I....well, it's not that I disagree, it's just that I wonder if there is a difference between an adulterer and a case of adultery. I've known marriages that have survived adultery. I can't really imagine doing it, but I know it's been done. Andrew flat out assures me that if I were to cheat, he would leave, period. I think that's because he has had too many friend's marriages destroyed due to cheating. I'm not looking for an excuse, I have no intentions or desire to cheat, but I am trying to flush out what is really biblical, and what kind of council I would give those who actually face this kind of situation.
Meg raises an interesting question as to whether it is possible to have a "momentary lapse in judgment" (or in some cases, momentary period of lapsed judgment). I'm going out on a limb here, but I think that this is within the realm of possibility.
It seems that what is significant to a marriage is whether the person has abandoned the marriage or not. We fall short - sometimes very short - of our vows from time to time in lots of ways, some of those ways being more forgivable than others. What I'm curious about is whether adultery is qualitatively different from the other ways we fall short or if it is just quantitatively different. I think that adultery itself is not the evil, but rather it is what underlies it. Is it a terrible situational failure/weakness/mistake or is it symptomatic of a heart that has long left it's vow?
We humans are so weak and folly is so quick to ensnare. My husband has, in moments of stress, made decisions (be it financial, or emotional, or practical) that have been a temporary lapse of recognition of his vows and thus disrespected and hurt me as his spouse. I have done the same (see my previous post). All short lived occurrences, yes, and all quickly resolved, yes. Yet, still momentary lapses in judgment.
I think adultery can come on sneakily (further, I think there is an emotional adultery that precedes most physical cases). I can imagine how life pulls you away from your spouse (which is a failure to strive towards our vows and goodness in itself - see my previous post) and then sets another in your path who fulfills the void that ought to be met by your spouse. For a minute (a night? a month? I don't know) you somehow justify having your needs met...emotional or otherwise, in ways that are extramarital (read: NOT OKAY). You lose it. Then, something happens and everything is made clear again. You love your spouse. You are committed to your spouse. You deeply regret everything that lead up to this predicament. You repent. You ask for forgiveness. You allow for the time it might take to earn the right to even ask for such a thing.
What would I do if this happened to me, if Andrew confessed to such a crime? I would have a hard time leaving him if he still had the heart that I know and love. It would take time most certainly, but if he was still committed to pursuing oneness together...how could I leave? If it happened again, yes, I would leave, I don't have any sympathy for calling cheating the "thorn in your flesh". But once...it can be survived can't it? There is no sin so unforgivable, right? God still hates divorce, right?
So, if adultery is just the evidence of someone who has already left and divorced their spouse emotionally and spiritually (though not legally or physically) and now transgresses in a concrete way, then by all means leave them legally and physically and move on emotionally and spiritually. BUT, if there was a transgression without the heart divorce...shouldn't we forgive?
I really am still rolling this about in my mind...so I do look forward to hearing the thoughts of others (married or not), and hopefully of those who are a bit more seasoned at this whole marriage thing.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Road Reflections
As wearied travelers sometimes do, my husband and I reached a little tiff-point on day two of travel. After about an hour of not speaking to each other, both spinning through processing and justifications and over analyzing, I had a little realization and decided to journal it - still not speaking to my husband. Upon finishing my entry I was ready to look at him again, hold his hand, and talk.
July 14th, 2007
I have frequently wondered how it is that compatible people who love each other end up divorced. We start off so well. Most people aren't thinking that their vows are temporary when they make them, and yet for so many of those well-meaning people they are. This is how it happens:
Life reaches a place of frequent high stress. Perhaps the kind that accompanies having multiple small, wonderful, children running around. Then some additional stress, perhaps invited or uninvited, enters the picture such that both parties are quite taxed.
A fight or disagreement occurs - it does not necessarily have to be of major significance (for example, what rule you are bending for your child, or what time you should leave for something) because there is so much happening under the surface for both parties and neither is capable of reading the other's mind.
Then, due to stress, the two decide it is not worth the effort to explain themselves. So, they "let it go" or "move on". This is precisely the failure. This is where they fail their vows. The stresses and fights are somewhat unavoidable as you share your lives together. It's what you do with them that makes a difference. In a vow of commitment to "become one" you are vowing to do more than "stick around" or "stick it out," you are vowing to continually pursue the things that facilitate becoming one and sticking it out.
Part of doing this means you have to take the opportunity that conflict brings to further bare your soul to one another. You have to explain to your spouse why things escalated to the point they did. You have to explain why something seemingly trivial (to the one) had such significance (to you). When life is not so stressful, the two might manage to stay in touch enough not to need to be so thoroughly filled in and easily remain on the same page. However, it is marriage under stress that matters.
It is not that you can never agree to "move on". There may be impasses that have to be left and perhaps revisited later in your history. But if there are opportunities to expose yourself to the other, and you CHOOSE not to (due to pride, or anger, or fear of rejection, etc.) then over the course of time, as you continue to practice this "forget about it", "let it go", and "move on" mentality, it leads to so many missed opportunities to bare your soul and explain your heart that one day you wake up and realize you don't really know one another any more. It is hard to survive the stresses life brings to a couple if they don't know each other or if they don't feel known by the other. It is hard to stay committed to a person you don't know or who doesn't know you.
Thus over time the foundation of the marriage erodes, or shifts, and the whole edifice crumbles. This happens not for lack of love, or liking, or intended commitment, but because of a failure to be committed to the smaller details that make the larger ones possible.
July 14th, 2007
I have frequently wondered how it is that compatible people who love each other end up divorced. We start off so well. Most people aren't thinking that their vows are temporary when they make them, and yet for so many of those well-meaning people they are. This is how it happens:
Life reaches a place of frequent high stress. Perhaps the kind that accompanies having multiple small, wonderful, children running around. Then some additional stress, perhaps invited or uninvited, enters the picture such that both parties are quite taxed.
A fight or disagreement occurs - it does not necessarily have to be of major significance (for example, what rule you are bending for your child, or what time you should leave for something) because there is so much happening under the surface for both parties and neither is capable of reading the other's mind.
Then, due to stress, the two decide it is not worth the effort to explain themselves. So, they "let it go" or "move on". This is precisely the failure. This is where they fail their vows. The stresses and fights are somewhat unavoidable as you share your lives together. It's what you do with them that makes a difference. In a vow of commitment to "become one" you are vowing to do more than "stick around" or "stick it out," you are vowing to continually pursue the things that facilitate becoming one and sticking it out.
Part of doing this means you have to take the opportunity that conflict brings to further bare your soul to one another. You have to explain to your spouse why things escalated to the point they did. You have to explain why something seemingly trivial (to the one) had such significance (to you). When life is not so stressful, the two might manage to stay in touch enough not to need to be so thoroughly filled in and easily remain on the same page. However, it is marriage under stress that matters.
It is not that you can never agree to "move on". There may be impasses that have to be left and perhaps revisited later in your history. But if there are opportunities to expose yourself to the other, and you CHOOSE not to (due to pride, or anger, or fear of rejection, etc.) then over the course of time, as you continue to practice this "forget about it", "let it go", and "move on" mentality, it leads to so many missed opportunities to bare your soul and explain your heart that one day you wake up and realize you don't really know one another any more. It is hard to survive the stresses life brings to a couple if they don't know each other or if they don't feel known by the other. It is hard to stay committed to a person you don't know or who doesn't know you.
Thus over time the foundation of the marriage erodes, or shifts, and the whole edifice crumbles. This happens not for lack of love, or liking, or intended commitment, but because of a failure to be committed to the smaller details that make the larger ones possible.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Me, sinner
The last few weeks have been filled with frustration at a loved one, and at myself for momentarily (for 3 weeks) disliking said loved one. It is hard to be a sinner in a world of sinners. As I have learned from a wise woman, sometimes kindness requires silence, but I long to vent eloquently to ears other than my husband's and to find solace in others who know this pain. I want to process about what I think this particular relationship ought to look like. I want to explore the deep caverns of what unhappiness and stress can do to a person with certain traits, and how that effects the others around them. Alas, I must be vague, and find some comfort in knowing that I have said all I can for the moment. Perhaps there is room for a blog about the difficulty of extending grace time and time again, but failing to do so with joy, then marveling at how unceasingly our creator does it for me without the complaining. Perhaps, but not today.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Another Favorite Song
I've got daddy.
I've got Søren.
I've got Elliot.
Who could ask for anything more?!
They make me smile,
When it's raining.
I've got my guys,
Who could ask for anything more?!
I get kisses.
I get hugs, too.
So much loving,
Who could ask for anything more?!
Who could ask for anything more?!
I've got Søren.
I've got Elliot.
Who could ask for anything more?!
They make me smile,
When it's raining.
I've got my guys,
Who could ask for anything more?!
I get kisses.
I get hugs, too.
So much loving,
Who could ask for anything more?!
Who could ask for anything more?!
Thursday, July 5, 2007
People's Salvation
I received a lovely offer from People magazine in the mail today. I had NO idea all that they have to offer. Below I have written VERBATIM what they wrote, though the parentheses are mine =) No offense intended to those of you who may read and enjoy this magazine, but I think you'll have to agree that the promises of this letter are a little over the top for what it really has to offer.
Dear Friend (Friend? Really?),
It seems life is more hectic than ever. When you finally manage to wind down, the time is often fleeting. A quick manicure on your way home from work (you've got the wrong demographic info on me, People). A phone cal to your best friend between errands.
Well, you deserve more time to your self than these fleeting moments (someone told you I'm only showing once a week huh?) - and we want to treat you to the relaxation remedy you need... (is this a Yoga magazine?)
Each issue of PEOPLE provides a refreshing mix of celebrities and real-life heroes. Just 4 star-studded issues will make you feel like a new person (actually, it would make me feel like a failure as a person, fat, poor, and ugly). And since they're FREE, you can enjoy the luxury without the guilt! (come now, the guilt of reading a gossip magazine has nothing to do with the price)
Steal moments with George Clooney or Patrick Dempsey over your morning coffee (I have milk in the morning, and a husband. Though he admits that George Clooney is so good looking that even he'd date him, I don't think he really wants me stealing moments with him). While dinner's in the oven, treat yourself to the photo spreads in Star Tracks...the celebrity tidbits in Chatter...the glamour of Style Watch (while dinner's in the oven I treat myself to unloading the dishwasher and trying to find my counters again)...or the newsworthy stories of regular people who inspire us (or cause us to despair over our own existence, coveting theirs).
Then, for an afternoon of pure bliss (no joke, they choose the words "pure bliss"), curl up in your favorite armchair and catch up with friends old and new - like Julia Roberts or Jennifer Aniston (Yeah, who needs real relationships with real people whom I actually know and can TALK to).
For best results (oh, right, this is the formula for relaxation and pure bliss), read all 4 of your FREE issues. Then, consider making PEOPLE a part of your regular routine (right, right, in lieu of the showers). Your heart and soul will reap the benefits (People magazine is good for my soul?! Who needs Jesus!?).
P.S. Simply return the Gift Certificate enclosed to accept your 4 FREE issues with our compliments.
Enjoy a 4 FREE Issue
Mini-Subscription to PEOPLE
and Feel Your Stress Melt Away...
Mini-Subscription to PEOPLE
and Feel Your Stress Melt Away...
Dear Friend (Friend? Really?),
It seems life is more hectic than ever. When you finally manage to wind down, the time is often fleeting. A quick manicure on your way home from work (you've got the wrong demographic info on me, People). A phone cal to your best friend between errands.
Well, you deserve more time to your self than these fleeting moments (someone told you I'm only showing once a week huh?) - and we want to treat you to the relaxation remedy you need... (is this a Yoga magazine?)
PEOPLE
Once a week for 4 weeks.
The perfect therapy for your mind, heart, and soul.
(Who knew a gossip rag could be so good for you!)
Once a week for 4 weeks.
The perfect therapy for your mind, heart, and soul.
(Who knew a gossip rag could be so good for you!)
Each issue of PEOPLE provides a refreshing mix of celebrities and real-life heroes. Just 4 star-studded issues will make you feel like a new person (actually, it would make me feel like a failure as a person, fat, poor, and ugly). And since they're FREE, you can enjoy the luxury without the guilt! (come now, the guilt of reading a gossip magazine has nothing to do with the price)
Steal moments with George Clooney or Patrick Dempsey over your morning coffee (I have milk in the morning, and a husband. Though he admits that George Clooney is so good looking that even he'd date him, I don't think he really wants me stealing moments with him). While dinner's in the oven, treat yourself to the photo spreads in Star Tracks...the celebrity tidbits in Chatter...the glamour of Style Watch (while dinner's in the oven I treat myself to unloading the dishwasher and trying to find my counters again)...or the newsworthy stories of regular people who inspire us (or cause us to despair over our own existence, coveting theirs).
Then, for an afternoon of pure bliss (no joke, they choose the words "pure bliss"), curl up in your favorite armchair and catch up with friends old and new - like Julia Roberts or Jennifer Aniston (Yeah, who needs real relationships with real people whom I actually know and can TALK to).
The quiet moments you spend with PEOPLE
are yours to savor all month long.
are yours to savor all month long.
For best results (oh, right, this is the formula for relaxation and pure bliss), read all 4 of your FREE issues. Then, consider making PEOPLE a part of your regular routine (right, right, in lieu of the showers). Your heart and soul will reap the benefits (People magazine is good for my soul?! Who needs Jesus!?).
Enjoy!
Jennifer Reese
Consumer Marketing Director
Jennifer Reese
Consumer Marketing Director
P.S. Simply return the Gift Certificate enclosed to accept your 4 FREE issues with our compliments.
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