Build as for years.

We have been doing some projects in our house for the past year. This follows the pattern we set in our previous homes. I suppose this stems from the need for improvements, which, at least at the first part of each project, is spurred on by the enjoyment of doing them.

In both our two previous homes, we felt we could be there for years. In this home, we fully plan to move away. And so, in deciding on projects to do here, we must judge what makes sense to do based on the fact we plan on leaving. One approach would be just to do the minimum that makes things livable. Yet, we still have done some substantial work - new bedrooms for our children, bathrooms, etc. on the list we have done, and have a list of more to do (a list that seems to grow by itself). We are tempering our approach (and keeping a budget), but are doing more than just the minimum.

I think a large part of this comes from wanting to make this a home now. We have made this feel like home, have made some changes that have function, and that make this space our own.

A thought from scripture stays in my mind: build as for years. To me, this has implications for making a good physical home now, to build in a way that lasts. Moreover, do everything in a way that would last, most importantly in relationships with people.

Well, hope that's not too much intro for saying my son and I finished his closet door tonight. He used his own screwdriver on the doorknob.

Holiday Trees

Driving through downtown tonight:

"Look, they finally took the Christmas tree down."

"Yes, they have to get that done so they can get ready for the next holiday, Washington's birthday. They put a tree up for that one too, a cherry tree. But that one comes down promptly. They chop it down that very day."

Groan.

It's cold out there today..It's cold out there every day.

The other day was Groundhog Day. If the day is notable to me, it is less for animal weather prediction than as a reminder of a movie I truly enjoy. Yes, the movie Groundhog Day. My wife even reminds me that we need to watch it that day, as it has become somewhat of a tradition.

This year found me falling asleep before it was complete. But even without a full viewing, just having the day come reminds me of many of the, shall I say, morals to be taken from this story. Because the film is thought provoking, above its humor, it bears repeated viewing (though I still laugh every time).

Among the points I find in it, are the pitfalls of self-centeredness, yet paradoxically the benefits of personal growth and development. The need to connect with, care for, and serve our neighbors. The folly of seeking happiness and contentment in chasing pleasure, being inauthentic and manipulative. The importance of bringing out the best in others, and being your best self. Blooming where you are planted.

I am starting to sound cliche, yet I don't want to extend into any lengthy analysis. I always enjoyed more the reading of books than the belabored, often postured and amateur, analysis of them in English class. Maybe it was just the manner of that setting (though it wasn't uniformly unpleasant), for I do love to talk about ideas and to discuss meaning. Regardless, I don't feel up to extended exposition on the movie right now - maybe later. I need to go to sleep so the clock-radio doesn't find me groggy tomorrow.

("What if there is no tomorrow? There wasn't one today.")

Ten Happy Things

I was invited to share ten things that make me happy. I am glad to do so. Indeed having so many things to be grateful for, how could I not? To keep the list flowing, I list them in no particular order, without the strain of even designating them a top ten; they are ten good things, and there are more.

• The running, welcoming hug that I get when I come home and enter the door. Recently, it is most often daughter Maggie that greets me so joyfully. No matter what the day has contained prior to this, this moment feels so right.
  
• Liberty and choice. I can choose for myself. When I need or want a change, it is mine to attempt.
  
• Memory. I am glad for the continuity and meaning the past brings to my current moment, as well as for the occasions to just think back and remember good times.
• That cool, clean glass of water when I am thirsty that just hits the right spot. It satisfies and refreshes. Nothing could make it any better.
  
• Connection and conversation with another person. This grows even better with friendship.
  
• Music. What a way to transport into emotion, especially when you can participate in it. The variety and subtleties of the energies and feelings in it make me feel more alive.
• Faith. There is so much that could be said here. I will highlight the difference it makes to me to feel that God loves me, to know that whatever might be going on right now that it is going to be OK.
  
• Laughter. Would it be like having to explain a joke, to explain why laughter and humor enhance happiness?
• Work. There is something fulfilling about having something worth doing and trying to do it well.
• Of course I must say my family!
  

That is ten for now. Good night.

How cold is cold.

The other day, I had a coworker tell me that once it is below 20 degrees, it all feels the same.

That is easy to say until you have to go out in negative weather! Things can get colder, and no matter what someone tells me, I say that I can tell the difference.

I still remember the night I had to change a flat tire at minus 40. The air was still and heavy. My breath formed its own clouds of frost. My fingers began to feel separate from my body other than the sting they gave me and my (diminished) ability to control them. My nose began to rebel against its job as air warmer and lung protector. My toes began to tell all the other parts to quit complaining since at least they were still getting some blood flow. I was grateful to get the job done and get on my way.

I am sure several points could be made out of the above, but for now, I will just quote this very practical one my wife recently emphasized, "Promise me we will get to live somewhere warm someday, or at least be Snowbirds."

New Year, New Lists

I am not sure why, but while the new year season seems to bring numerous lists in the media of the year past, it makes me want to start lists for the new. Maybe it is because of thinking of all the things I did not keep track of the last year, I want to start new and keep better track.

This is particularly true of my days. I feel motivated to have a journal, to use my day planner, to set some goals. When I look back on the journals that I do have, January is the month with the most entries by far.

Well one list I do want to keep this year is a list of books read.

First entry: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby. This man suffered a stroke of some kind affecting his brain stem that left him without control of his body. (Reference locked-in syndrome). His means of communicating became by blinks of his left eye. By those means he was able to write a book.

In his last visit with his father before his stroke, he remembers giving him a shave. Now himself being the subject of being given shaves, he hopes that he was gentle with his father. He also reflects on how his over 90 year old father has his own "diving bell" of his apartment, due to stairs, frailty etc. His father cannot really come to visit him, so their most direct contact is the few words his father speaks over the phone.

His "butterfly" is how his mind can let him soar in memory and imagination.

I enjoyed this book, most especially how it served as a springboard for me to ponder. How happy I am to be able to give and receive hugs from my kids today!

Well, happy new year to all. Fill it with wonderful things.

Aught Not

I caught myself the other day referring to next year as "oh ten". That made me wonder aloud if the usage of "twenty ten" will start catching on for years this century. My wife said she will be keeping the "two thousand ten" phrasing. I said I like the sound of "twenty ten" and would personally advocate for it. So I must follow through.

Thus with this post, I hereby officially endorse this way of saying the year.

Now, I just need to decide how to refer to these "OH" years we are now leaving. Ought they not have a name with a nice ring? (not naught)