I was a teenager once...

Contrary to the belief of my teenage son, I DO REMEMBER what it was like to be a teenager. Not a teenage boy, granted, but a teenager nonetheless.


I was the only child of a single mother (my dad died before I became a teenager). I lived before cable TV (we had a HUGE antennae), Computers, Internet and gaming stations.

Homework was assigned by teachers and turned in on paper. I don’t remember typing a paper for school until I was in college.

I had a license and a car and a job and friends and homework. I went to the football games, had a crush on the quarterback, went to dances and played volleyball. I performed with the choir and was painfully shy around everyone but my closest friends. I went to Youth Group, attended church; I loved the Bay City Rollers and the Monkee’s and Andy Gibb and Olivia Newton-John. We went to drive-in movies and movies in the theater too.

I went to a public and a private school during High School and carried B’s in most of my classes. I was disrespectful to my mom but never lied to her about anything. I had chores and responsibilities around the house. I had a curfew. I don’t EVER remember breaking it. I hung out with friends that were ‘good’ and friends that were ‘bad’, but didn’t get into trouble (unless you consider sneaking a friend or two into the drive-in ‘bad’).

I had no plans for the ‘future’ except to get married, have children and be a wife/mother. I took typing and shorthand, because I knew I’d likely have to work before or during marriage and I was good at secretarial things.

I left home at (barely) 18, attended college in another state and, again got pretty good grades. Math has always been an issue for me; it’s not my strongest subject. But I passed my classes (except Algebra in High School). I enjoyed what I learned, disliked (but not hated) homework and studied as much as I had to.

I would love to say I’m a great parent; but I’m not. It would be easy to say I’m a horrid parent, but I’m not that either. It would be effortless to blame the school or the counselor or the teachers; but it’s not their fault either. I’m just a confused, tired parent who doesn’t understand my teen’s attitude about his life. I don’t understand how to motivate or encourage him to do what’s expected of him.

I don’t know how to get him to understand the expectations aren’t mine; they’re the expectations of society. The opportunities he is so gladly, willingly squandering are prospects he can’t easily get back.

I’m not the prospective employer looking at just one more resume of yet another teenager who wants a job. I’m not the college admissions board reviewing school records. I’m only the parent who knows what a great kid he is; the great kid that doesn’t show up on school records or resumes.

Not sure who told me girls were more difficult than boys; that hasn’t been my experience at all. My girls held jobs, had boyfriends and passed their classes. They were motivated to do well – even if they hated a teacher or a class or an assignment.

It’s strangely comforting to know that I’m not the only parent with a senior that is possibly not going to graduate. It’s sad that the shared experience of the moms is that somehow WE’VE failed our children. The dads put on a good front and say “They’ll make it”. The mom’s search through their brains, lie awake at night pondering, spend the days trying to figure out at what point they knew their child would fail; but there isn’t a day or a moment or an event that flashed “Failure”! But we still hope they’ll make it. We still hope they’ll pull that miracle out of the sky.

I don’t know how to get past “He’s not going to graduate = I have failed as a mother”. It tears me up inside. I realize the reality is that he’s made choices and that he’ll have to deal with the consequences of those choices. He’s chosen not to do the work; chosen not to turn them in; chosen to be late, chosen to wait until the last minute; chosen to miss appointments with his school counselor. I realize that I have done what I can and that some things he has to learn for himself; the hard way. But it’s painful to watch him purposefully fail. Not because he doesn’t have the ability to succeed, but because he’s chosen to fail.

And that he doesn’t care.

He isn’t likely to graduate from High School. And it’s killing me.

History vs. Contemporary

There are quite a few churches and ‘Christians’ who seem to find the Bible out of date, old-fashioned and unfashionable. Some of the most common protests are that the Old Testament (OT) and New Testament (NT) are vastly different and because they were written about the times in those periods, they aren’t relevant for our times. For instance there are verses in the OT about stoning adulterous women, but no one would think of doing that in modern times.

And, when Paul spoke about marriage, homosexuality and other pitfalls of physical attractions and relationships, it’s said that Paul wasn’t married and couldn’t possibly know what he was talking about.

Besides, if the Bible is written by men, through dictation from God, how can we trust that those men didn’t bend his words a bit, change it to fit them?

Yesterday I read a passage in Romans regarding OT scriptures and their usage in then-modern day times. Romans 15:4 says “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” I have a NKJV version of the MacArthur Study Bible, which has notes and explanatory writings as well as cross-references to other verses in the footnote section throughout the Bible. The footnote for Romans 15:4 explains this passage: “The divinely revealed OT (written by man but the words are God’s), written for our learning. Although Christians live under the New Covenant and are not under the authority of the Old Covenant, God’s moral law has not changed and all Scripture is of spiritual benefit (1 Cor. 10:6, 10,11; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21).

What caught me here is that it doesn’t matter WHEN the words were written, or under which set of laws we follow from the Bible. What matters is that GOD’S MORAL LAW HAS NOT CHANGED.

To me, that means the 10 commandments are just as morally correct today as they were the day Moses brought them down from the mountain. Although I’ll admit I think stoning an adulterer is a bit much, I do think that most legalities discussed in both NT and OT are morally valid for ANY society; no matter the calendar year.

God’s moral law has not changed and will not change to keep from offending a society, no matter whom or how they read the words.

My Oscar Predictions

83rd Annual Academy Awards, February 27th, 2011

Best Picture: Black Swan, The Fighter, Inception, The Kids Are All Right, The King's Speech, 127 Hours, The Social Network, Toy Story 3, True Grit, Winter's Bone

Actor in a Leading Role: Javier Bardem, Jeff Bridges, Jesse Eisenberg, Colin Firth, James Franco

Actress in a Leading Role: Annette Bening, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lawrence, Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams

Directing: Black Swan, The Fighter, The King's Speech, The Social Network, True Grit



I haven’t seen 127 Hours, The King’s Speech, Toy Story 3, Inception or The Kids Are Alright. I will talk a bit about why and if I think they’ll win anything. I’m certainly not a critic or a professional; and I’ll likely not watch the Oscars show. Awards shows are a waste of good DVR time.

Movie’s I’ve seen:

“Black Swan” This was a movie I wanted to see because I had a secret fantasy of being a ballerina when I was a young girl. The reality of not having any rhythm and being too tall quashed my dreams but I love the fluidity of ballet and have been known to watch them when I can.

I should have clearly done more research before watching the movie; although my instincts on trailers are usually pretty good so I didn’t (I usually don’t). This movie was disgusting and fascinating in ways that I’m not sure I completely understand. The demise of the star’s mental state was frightening and understandable but some of the ways the insanity was portrayed was to be frank, repulsive to me. A graphic masturbation scene, several parts of the movie had more blood and wounds than a horror movie and the most repellent to me was the overtly explicit lesbian oral sex scene. I turned my head away more than once in this film and repeatedly was glad I had seen it alone and on a free pass. Why did I stay? Because I wanted some redeeming part of this film to explain all the madness, and in that, the film did justice to the story. The finale was psychologically filled with visions and madness and beauty and dancing that explained yet mystified at the same time. And as expected it had a tragic, yet understandable ending.

My vote: I believe it could win Best Picture and possibly Directing but I think the Best Actress will go elsewhere.

“The Fighter” I love Mark Wahlberg and detest Christian Bale but wanted to see this movie. I like boxing movies and because it was based on a true story I thought it would be interesting. Briefly, this was really more a movie about overcoming the odds of a dysfunctional family that it was really about boxing. The main family in the film has so many problems and the story would like to have you believe it’s mostly because of economy and social class, but in my mind the family brought most of the problems on themselves. Micky Ward is the younger brother of a boxer that almost made it but instead turned his life to cocaine and eventually a prison sentence. Micky’s mother has been married several times and has two boys and several daughters in the family; she manages her boys’ fighting careers like she manages the family and the children are all adult enough to do it themselves. The daughters always seem to be around the house and it’s not clear if any of them have a job but spend a lot of time trash-talking Micky’s new girlfriend (Amy Adams) who works at the bar in town. Micky gets a shot to make it big and after his brother is sent to prison, he takes on a new manager (after dumping mom and pissing off the entire family except his step-father). He eventually wins the World Light Welter-weight title after reconciling with his brother (who appears to make some lifestyle changes) and family.

Strong acting by all the players; Christian Bale really shone as an entitled, selfish, coke-head and prison trash. Amy Adams was soft yet strong and Mark Wahlberg had the chance again to show of his incredible body and acting talents. However, all of this was overshadowed for me by the fact that there was just too much swearing and too many Jerry Springer moments for me.

My vote: I don’t think it will win anything big; although Melissa Leo may win a supporting actress award.

“True Grit” I had seen the original years ago and although I’ve never been much of a John Wayne fan, I liked the movie. I also really don’t like Jeff Bridges. I mostly went because Russ wanted to go and the kids were seeing a movie we “adults” had no desire to watch.

The movie was fantastic and true to the original with some updated material (I just recently re-watched the original on TV last week). Bridges was terrific as Cogburn and Matt Damon was perfectly cast as the Texas Ranger; Hailee Steinfeld absolutely perfect for the role of Mattee. Completely enjoyed the movie and even the part towards the end with the snakes (even though I turned my head) didn’t ruin it for me.

My vote: I think Hailee Steinfeld may take the supporting actress award for this movie. I’m not sure the movie will win anything else.



“The Social Network” I had absolutely no desire to see this film; I usually detest documentaries or anything that closely resembles a “not true but based on true events” story. But, a friend wanted to see it and I was game (Yeah, I can be bought for Milk Duds and Cherry Coke). I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would and have garnered a lot of respect for the founder (even if parts of the movie aren’t completely factual). Geeks of the world should rejoice that Mark Zuckerberg has flown their flag high and proud and made billions from it. And the rich snobs like the Winkelvii twins (Winkelvoss times two should be Winkelvii) deserved everything they got. They keep their names in the news by complaining that Zuckerberg should still have to pay them more. Side note, I think legal battles over “intellectual property” are dangerous grounds and should have higher standards than just plain theft of a product.

My Vote: I’d love to say “The Social Network” will win best picture, but I think it will get beat out by “The King’s Speech” or “The Kids Are All Right”.



I haven’t seen the other movies for a variety of reasons; I chose not to see “The Kids Are Alright” for the same reason I’ve never seen “Brokeback Mountain” and don’t watch “Modern Family”. Whether I’m a hateful bigot or not in anyone’s eyes; I have chosen not to see movies and shows that glorify the homosexual lifestyle and expect viewers to condone it as normal and right.

I ran out of time to be able to see “The Kings Speech” and “Toy Story 3” as well as “127 Hours”. I will watch them on DVD when they come out. I’m undecided if I want to watch “Inception” but not for any reason I can put a finger on.

I think “The King’s Speech” will likely take best picture, although the visual graphics in “Inception” may win out. I think Colin Firth will take Best Actor and Annette Bening Best Actress.

I'm still here...

Well, it's been several weeks since I've put anything on the blog and I'm sure those of you that care (sniff) thought maybe you'd heard the last of me.  But never fear, I'm still here.

It's not that I haven't had anything to say, it's really more like I've had a lot to say, but nothing really cohesive or of coherent value.  And, well, who wants to read ranting and rambling (oh, wait, that's my whole blog).

So, today I have a few minutes to write and thought I'd 'prattle' on about a few things that are on my mind.

Abortion

I, like most people I know, are sickened by what's been called the "Philadelphia Horror".  You can type that phrase into your search engine and find any number of articles, opinions or news pieces on the issue.  What sickens me the most is that this man actually justified his actions by thinking he was helping people, and that the value of a human life has become so infinitesimal that a heartbeat is no longer proof of life.

I find it hard to accept that a woman's right to her own body means that another living being must have its life taken away.  This is an odd way to determine choice and rights vs. consequences and reality.  I'm sure that Margaret Sanger, from her window in the afterlife (that's another post completely), is giddily pleased at the progress her eugenics propaganda has made.  Freedom for the poor and downtrodden women by erasing the existence of those unwanted mouths was at the heart of her work.  It had less to do with easing the plight of the poor minority women and more to do with cleansing the population of filthy, uneducated and valueless lower class peoples. 

Much like the attitudes of the Doctor and his staff, these women were being saved from more unwanted children.  How they got pregnant or what happened to the babies was not their concern.  Their heartfelt service goal was the well-being of the poor mothers.  Filthy conditions, no safeguards, and a host of other medical atrocities were committed so that these women could be saved from themselves.

This will be another whipping post of party politics and the real victims will once again be forgotten.  The babies who were created for a purpose were murdered for no reason whatsoever other than convenience.

Education

The marriage of education and unions should have been dissolved decades ago.  As with any marriage where abuse is prevalent, the children are suffering and would benefit from new surroundings and environments.  We as the "in-laws" need to stop putting our fingers in the dike and stuffing it with more and more money that is mis-used and unnecessary. 

I still think the answer to education is vouchers.  Publicly funded education is not (necessarily) the problem; how the funds are spent is.  If parents had choices of where their children went, it would benefit the rich, the poor, the minority, the majority and -- most of all -- the children. 

Our children are the future and as teachers and administrators (and union reps) like to hold over our heads; they are being shortchanged.  But this isn't because there isn't enough money.  I think it has more to do with value than economy.  We used to focus on the basics of education; formerly called the "three R's".   Now it's all about visits from the author, experience learning, sex education and No Child Left Behind.  Instead it's EVERY CHILD left behind. 

I'm not against public funding for education.  I agree every child has the right to education.  What I disagree with is being forced into a "one curricula fits all" mentality.  Not every child learns, processes or progresses at the same level as every other child.  Smaller class sizes are a better fit for some, while others benefit from more classmates and more activities.   I believe that families should be allowed to make choices that fit each child, each "circumstance" in the best way possible. 

Vouchers would provide the same level of opportunity for every child and present education with the unique idea of competition.  Parents could use the school closest to them or the one that provided the best match to the parents' educational desires.  Children who lived in lower income environments would have the option of choosing schools that would possibly been financially out of reach.  Families that wanted more music or sports or academics could choose a school that met those wants; instead of paying twice for private schools.  Parents that didn't have an educational preference would likely choose a school that was convenient to their work or home or childcare facility.

Choice has been the mantra of politicians for many decades; however the choice they want is the choices THEY make; not the choices of the people it affects.



I'll try not to be so silent for such a long time next time.  And, as always, if you don't care for my opinions, you don't have to read them.  It's the beauty of the freedoms we have in the country.  The freedom of choice.

Happy New Year 2011

For the coming year, I hope, pray and wish the following for all my friends and family:

 

 

 

If you have a job, that you keep it

If you are unemployed, that you find a job

If you are in debt, that you pay it off

If you have “enough”, that you share it with those who are needy

If you are sick, that you are healed

If you are healthy, that you stay that way

If you are lonely, that you remember friends and loved ones to share with

If you are surrounded by love, that you remember to share some with others

If you are sure of your eternal life; that you share the good news with others.

If you aren’t sure of your ‘afterlife’, that you come to know the peace of God in your life

Happy New Year for 2011!

 

Letter to Eagles Owner, Jeffrey Lurie

December 27, 2010


Jeffrey Lurie, Owner
Administration and Staff
Philadelphia Eagles
NovaCare Complex
One NovaCare Way
Philadelphia, PA 19145

Mr. Lurie:

I’m not a person that boycotts against ideals that oppose my values or beliefs; realistically I believe that I am just one person among many and that one less item purchased, or one less gallon of gas used will no more change the tide or ethical standards of a company, person or community than the proverbial drop in a bucket. I do, however, believe in the strength of one voice, raised along with many others against a common wrong.

I, along with many of my friends, will continue to speak aloud our criticism of your choice in hiring Michael Vick as a member of your organization. I have, and will continue to refuse to watch any football game that includes the Eagles team in competition.

Living in the Seattle area, I am not much of an east-coast football fan; however I do enjoy a good game and the Eagles appear to be talented and competitive this season. It is true that your team possesses a number of gifted and capable athletes (according to statistics and media). In the midst of all that talent, however, your organization has chosen economics over ethics, and deals over decency.

You have a convicted criminal in your midst; standing at the helm of your team and commanding that team towards their (apparent) path of playoffs and possibly the Super Bowl. You have accepted a man on your roster that abused, neglected and in many instances killed or was responsible for the death of countless number of dogs. Yes, they were his dogs; yes he served some jail time for his offenses. But his transgressions to society cannot be paid through a small fine, a PSA for PETA and numerous good-will gestures. Those actions are for show and do not reflect the true change in the man.

The nature of a man who would willingly and knowingly be the leader and supporter of the abuse of helpless animals is, in my mind, no more capable of rehabilitation than a child abuser, molester or murderer. Less than two years served for the senseless slaughter of dogs does not provide the remedy or the compensation for his crimes. Yet it is said that he has paid his dues; he should be forgiven and allowed to take his place in society because of his talent, his skills, and his contribution to the game of football.

I wonder if, in the pursuit of winning, the publicity and the celebrity phone calls congratulating you on your forgiveness of this “star”, you have considered the unmistakable message ringing out to football fans, young people and your sponsors: Not only does justice defer to popularity, but crime pays well. Our culture is filled with actors, musical artists, and fame seekers that commit crimes while serving sentences that are far reduced than what “normal” people would have to serve. And they, like your star, return to their lives of fame and fortune amid the cheers and the applause for their gifts. You have perpetuated the myth that consequences are only required to be paid by those who possess the stuff of mere mortals; surely not by individuals of celebrity.

I realize this letter will not persuade you, the public or your fans to alter their views on Mr. Vick or his criminal past. I do hope that the affluence and recognition you receive will be enough to quiet your conscience throughout the remainder of your ownership of the team. This is one football fan that will be changing channels whenever the Eagles are on the field and cheering loudly for ANY team that plays against the Eagles for as long as Michael Vick is a member of your organization.

Sincerely,

Paige Norman
Seattle, Washington

Christmas 2010 Family Letter

Evolution of the Christmas letter: Once upon a time, there was a single girl who had a lot of friends she wanted to keep in touch with over the Christmas holidays. She scolded her friends (frankly, a bit smugly) that sent pre-printed and signed Christmas cards at how cold and impersonal they were, preferring instead to hand-sign with personalized notes each and every one of the over 60 Christmas cards she mailed out every year. Long before carpel-tunnel syndrome set in, this same single girl decided that, as she said almost the same thing every year to every person, a short Christmas paragraph would do instead of the hand-written notes; she still hand-signed every card, and hand-addressed every envelope.



This single girl married and soon found herself with over 100 cards to send out every year. Many of the receivers were friends of his family, some of her family, but most of them were friends AND family that didn’t keep in touch other times of the year because life just gets in the way of phone calls and letter writing. Cards were addressed and signed by hand, and a single page (one-sided) newsletter was sent to SOME of the people.


One year, due to life being busy and all, the girl did not get the letter written and mailed until after the New Year; thinking that one fewer card would surely not be missed, she mailed only cards and sent out very few letters. Such a fuss arose from her friends and family. Concerned that she had died or possibly been abducted by aliens; the widespread rumors and the furor over the “Missing Christmas Writer” was intense. Spurred on by the guilt and shame of her failure to provide kindling for her friends Yule fires, the girl determined to write a newsletter every year that would completely overwhelm any doubt that her friends and family might have that she was not dutifully carrying out her prescribed task.


And so, my friends and family, once again it is time for the Christmas Newsletter….

Hayden – Hayden celebrates his first year on December 24th. It will be a huge occasion, hosted at the church he and his family attend. Hayden’s first year has been such a tremendous testimony to the power of God and the love that he daily gives us. In October, Hayden had a heart transplant to correct his heterotaxy. He is a smiling and happy boy, crawling and keeping up with big sister.

Jaine is a 1st grader this year – time flies all too fast! Jaine is ever-patient with all the doctor visits and hospital stays of the last year for Hayden. She is a very accomplished artist and reads well above her class level. Jaine also enjoys playing outside with her uncles and going to various motocross and monster truck demonstrations.

Todd & Brie – have been blessed this year with fantastic employers, awesome insurance and the mercy and peace of God as they have travelled a very difficult rollercoaster with Hayden’s health issues. They have experienced the love and support of many friends and churches’ praying for them and for Hayden and it has been a very uplifting experience for them and their family.

Randy & Jessica – Randy continues to work for Emerald Heights and continues to receive opportunities for advancement. Jessica took advantage of a lay-off in the spring by going back to school for nursing; she has completed her certification in phlebotomy and is currently working as a lab assistant at Group Health in the region. They have hosted several family events at their lovely home and Jessica is enjoying her kitchen by showing off her cooking skills.

Blake – Blake is 12 this year and a 6th grader. His 5th grade experience was less than pleasant for our family and so we all decided (Blake included) to travel the home school path this year. He is enjoying his DVD lessons from Abeka Academy; however he’s not so sure his mother isn’t every bit as tough as his “real” school teachers. For his birthday this year we added a new family member to our menagerie – a purebred Boxer named “Norman’s Redmond Mustang” (‘Stang for short). He is 5 months old, whip smart and gives his boy a run for the money. It’s been a blessing to have Blake home during the days for housebreaking, walks and exercise.

James – A senior at Redmond High School this year, James is 17 years old. He is a Life Scout with only a few merit badges and a project standing between him and Eagle. In addition to Boy Scouts, he is active in our church AWANA and VBS programs. He has many decisions to make regarding his after high school life.

Russ & Paige – Russ observes his 10th year with Snohomish County PUD in their IT Department. He continues to commute to Everett each day (about 50 minutes one way) and is happy to have employment in our shaky economy. I continue to nanny several children: Hayden & Jaine, Chloe & Emma, Channing & Brayden and Anakin (not all of them every day, but usually 3-5 each day). Dropping off and picking up at three schools, as well as half-days, snow days, free-dress days and other activities keeps me busy and the Suburban practically always in “drive”.

The Zoo – As I mentioned before, we added ‘Stang to our already furry and scaly household that includes two cats and one Bearded Dragon. The cats are not overly fond of the new addition; however they are beginning to form a truce and possibly a visitation schedule for various rooms in the house that seems to be working well. The dragon (Jette) doesn’t seem to care who comes or goes as long as she gets her crickets and vegetables on a regular basis.


I hope that you are blessed with your family and friends around you this year, as well as the peace and love of our Lord, daily in your life. Remember that the season of Christmas isn’t just about presents and trees, lights and tinsel; it’s about the birth of a babe in a stable who died so that we may all live.