I'm on a News Diet - Join me?

If you are like most Americans, the news is getting you down. Every day there is a barrage of headlines and in-depth discussions on topics that can upset the average person.  Not just the political mess that is unfolding, but the shootings, the natural disasters, racism and other deeply disturbing topics that impact our physiological state. It has been proven that the human brain is attracted to troubling information because it’s programmed to detect threats, not to overlook them. This can make it hard for us to ignore the negatives and seek out the positives around us. Studies have shown that 56% of Americans following the news regularly gives them stress. We tend to take the feelings from that stress and bring it into our personal lives.  If you are the type of person who can scan headlines with no adverse impact, then you are the minority.

I’m a passionate person and it hits me hard when I read about senseless deaths from maniacs. It takes me several days, and sometimes weeks to process it and get my balance back.  I have decided to change the way I get my news. The world is going to press on whether I check the headlines each hour or not. I have made the conscious decision to strategically capture news by removing the alerts and news applications on my phone; unlink to the newscasts and shut off the radio and television for most of the evening.  Giving up news entirely is not the answer, managing your input is. I have put myself on a news diet.

Finding positives for every negative is helpful. When you see or read something upsetting, make it a point to do something that makes you feel good and happy.  For me it is hopping in my Figaro, popping in a Sinatra or Doris Day CD and cruising around the lake with the top down. I believe this is keeping me from getting as upset when I read that someone has decided people need to die by their hands or a politician is ranting on television.

I hope that you too will decide to strategically capture the world’s news and reach out and find the things that make you feel good. Have a coffee with a friend, drop off food at the food bank, call a family member to tell them you love them or just get in your Figaro and drive while Sinatra is telling you “The Best Is Yet to Come”.

Kelly

My College Graduate

Wow! Time has flown.  Lindsey is working on her thesis at the University of Texas and enjoying a very nice life in Austin, Texas.  She was born but not raised in Austin so she always wanted to see what the city was all about.  She has fallen in love with it; like most.  This summer she will possess that piece of paper that will take her through the next door of her journey.  She started out thinking she wanted to be a medical doctor. Within her second year she realized one main thing about herself. She must be in a role in society that helps people. Now, she needed to figure out how that fit into a good career. One that she does not get too wrapped up in the bureaucracy. She will figure all of this out in due course. I love this girl.

A true gift from God

When I look at pictures of Lindsey from year to year I see such a beautiful person evolving, in and out. She has grown into a strong, smart, kind and giving person. As always, I'm reminded of how she is no longer a little girl when she dresses up to go to a dance or other formal events.  Then I'm reminded even more when the young man rings the doorbell to take her out.  Of course he is so nervous to be standing there at the threshold, (literally) of the next step of his life.

We are currently searching for the perfect college for Lindsey and that is difficult.  How do you find the perfect balance? As a parent you want the best for your child. Great academics, safe environment and a place that can replace home for 4 years.  BUT not be so good that she won't want to come home.  

We have visited, UT Austin, Northwestern, University of Chicago, Southwestern, Duke and University of Washington (Seattle).  She loves the University of Washington, but that is so far from me! And this is a bit about me too. Not really, but I like to think so. We have at least 2 more to visit and then she should have a good idea where she will go, if accepted. I'm proud of her 4.36 GPA and scoring 2230 on her first SAT but she has weaker areas that she feels the school will put a lot of weight on.  She is not a leader, she doesn't want to lead.  She wants to be a healer. She doesn't realize that she will eventually be a leader in that role but she will come to that conclusion her own, in time.Our next step is to get her to Germany this summer and allow her to have a European experience; without mom.  She will be there playing in the International Music festival. She loves playing the viola and she love Europe even more!  She only wishes it was in France where she could practice her French.  Maybe next summer.

Homecoming 2010

You don't realize how grown up your children are until they get dressed for a formal event.  They truly look like an adult in their grown up digs.  These more mature events call upon everything you have taught them in social etiquette and manners.  They dress up and step out the door leaving you in the background taking silent credit in their expected behavior.  This is based on what you have drilled into their little minds over the years - Say thank you, stand up straight, eye contact, chew with your mouth closed, and much more.  Lindsey was a picture of class and maturity on her homecoming dance night.  She wore a 1950's style dress that was flirty and fun.  She found her dress on-line while looking for a dress for different event.  I thought the most appealing about the dress was that I didn't spend hours in the mall to find the perfect dress.  Click! Click! Click!  Wa La!  We have a dress!

Her dad and I were at a little antique shop and we saw the most perfect necklace for her to wear with her dress. Her dad gave it to her for her birthday.  She loves old things and she was happy that we found such a perfect piece for her special night. 

Lindsey was escorted to the dance by a young man (notice I didn't say boy?) from her French class.  He was handsome (as much as you can be at 16) and well-mannered, but not someone she desires to date....at least that is what she is telling me.  ;-)

She and her date went to dinner and the dance with another couple.  The guy in the other couple was her date for last year's dance.  I had forgotten how small the circle of dating options are in high school. 

I did not talk to her about a curfew as I knew where she was and who she was with.  And it was a special night.  I just asked her to call when she left the dance and then when she got to the after party. She came home about 1:30am with endless chatter to tell me how much of a good time she had.  Another great memory for a great young lady.  More to come!

My baby is growing up.

The Sweet 16 party was wonderful.  Lindsey and Mckenna were delivered in a white horse drawn carriage.  Upon their arrival the party guest sang happy birthday and the dads helped them down from the carriage to begin the festivities.  The guest were in costume and mask.  Lamont, the DJ, kept the place hopping with great music.  They danced, ate, acted like teenagers and had a great time.  You could see that Lindsey and Mckenna were having a wonderful time.  They were so beautiful.  It was like looking at women and not young girls.  The girl's dad were getting a little nervous when they spotted the boys circling them and showing them a lot of attention.  One of them asked Lindsey to the next dance - homecoming. I don't think Mckenna wants to go to that dance. 

When Lindsey's head finally hit the pillow, she said she had a wonderful time and captured great memories of her Sweet 16 celebration.  She was one happy young lady when she fell asleep.  That's what it's all about. :-)

Violas Rock!

"Hey mom...school is asking me if I want to try playing an instrument in the orchestra".  "Hmmmm..sounds fun. You know.... I have strongly encouraged (actually... forced!) you to play the piano for years.  It's time you pick the instrument You want to play" I replied.  "Really?" she immediately bounced back.  That  was the beginning of her journey to find the perfect instrument.

One day during this search, I pulled up into the carpool line and saw her little framed body standing next to the curb holding a large black case.  It held her first candidate --- The Saxophone. She proudly shoved the over-sized case into the back seat and occasionally checked over her shoulder to see if it was still there.  I think she was trying to visualize herself playing this "thing".  I kept my input to myself and suffered through her attempts to make the noise sound like a song.   By the end of the week she determined that the Saxophone did not make the cut.  We went through this exercise for several weeks.  From saxophone to flute, to violin and finally to the viola.  Wa La!  She knew within a couple of days that this was going to be HER instrument of choice. I was pleased she was so happy to have found her connection to the music world.  It was going to be her way of expressing herself through music.

The first couple of years allowed her to get very comfortable with the instrument and It allowed me to see how much effort she was going to put into this.  By no way was is it a requirement from me.  But I do believe if you are going to do something, give it your best.  By the third year she was placed into Honors Orchestra.  This came with the requirement of getting a private teacher. Living near SMU gave us plenty of private teachers to pick from.  The downside was that they left after they graduated and we had to start all over again! Ugh.

With a lot of work and dedication Lindsey worked her way into Regionals where she got 2nd chair in her region! She then took it to the next level and qualified for State.  We flew down to Austin for the day for the competition (don't throw me in that briar patch!). This is when we learned she had major performing fright.  She totally froze and did not do well at the State competition.  She was not happy with herself and is now working on performing for individuals and audiences.  This is what has brought her to where we are today.  She was recommended to the LSYO (Lone Star Youth Orchestra) and within a couple of days was called for an audition.  I did not get to hear her audition but she said she thought she did "OK".  We got the call yesterday that she was accepted into the LSYO!  She was so proud of herself and sees how her hard work has paid off.

If for no other reason, I hope she continues to play the Viola to relieve stress in her life and express herself with music.  I am so proud of her!

Proud Mom

The Party is Getting Closer!

The party planning is going well.  Cream colored invitations with red velvet ribbon in an envelope that has been sealed with wax and a fleur de lis stamp will be hand delivered to the guest tomorrow.  I can't believe it is just a little over a couple of weeks away!  Where did last month go?  Lindsey is getting excited and she and Mckenna are on the phone or texting daily to put the final touches on the music list, food, hairstyle options, etc.  We found the perfect tiaras in a antique store. They are going to look so beautiful.  Mckenna's mom is hard at work making wonderful outfits for us to wear.  She is an amazing seamstress! 

The landscapers are at the house laying down flat stones in the back garden so the kids will have a nice clean surface to walk on. The guests will be in nice outfits and the young ladies will be wearing heels, so this will work out very well.  A few days before the party we are having lights hung in the back area.  There will be a professional tent installed down the driveway with carpet for the girls to make their grand entrance.  There's no turning back now --- They move into the next phase of their life!  I love it.

We have reserved the handwriting analysis lady for entertainment.  She will give the guest a paragraph to write and then she'll break it down either while they are with her or they can leave it for her to note the major characteristics.

Lamont Carlis will be the DJ for the evening.  He is ready to make this a great party for the girls and rock the house with great music.  Nothing goes together better than teenagers and good music...Remember those days?  I do. 

Kimberly (older sister) will be a guest and responsible for capturing this event in pictures.  She is the only grownup that looks young enough to fit into the crowd of teenagers without being called out as a "grownup". 

Stephen (Dad) is arriving tomorrow to spend time with Lindsey and be here for her birthday party.  There are not too many things Stephen enjoys more than watching Lindsey have a wonderful time and enjoying her life.  He wouldn't miss this for the world.  He will also be a big help at the party.  He's not too excited or even ready to get in the car with her and allow her to drive him around, but he knows it must be done.  She is doing really good on the driving after she realized that those parked cars are NOT going to move out of her way. 

Next week...We order the cake, reserve the chocolate fountain and find a few punch bowls.

Stay tuned!