Oscar! Oscar!

Well, it is that time of year again...time to celebrate the movies and all the artistic expression of this industry. I absolutely love going to, renting, discovering once again the venue of the arts called cinema. We like making fun of all the celebrities in their pre-show posturing (I think they take themselves WAY TOO SERIOUSLY), and it is always a good opportunity to have great friends over for a party. There's the ballot contest, trivia games...and my favorite part of the evening, the "Memoriam" video clip. I must say, Billy Crystal is my favorite host. I was, however, recently impressed with Jon Stewart last year and am looking forward to him again. Then there's the favorite clips of previous years--Shirley Temple and the streaker with David Niven are at the top of my list--and this year is sure to be plentiful since it's the 80th.

We host this annual event (poor Garland married into this and is quite the supportive husband!) and have a great time! The food is themed with the current Best Picture nominees, we dress up or in a favorite character hoping for a nod, and just have a great time.

So, in anticipation, enjoy the following:

Is the best defense a good offense?

No pictures, you-tube's, or any visual elements today. Yes, it's the day to celebrate Love, and in that spirit I have a current dilemna before me:

When you're not feeling the love from someone always considered a friend, and in fact are being knived in the back, what do you think should be done?

1. Show unconditional love, even at your own demise.
2. Tough love.
3. Protection of yourself because you know the truth.
4. Ignore the behavior.
5. (Open for suggestions)

"There is no greater love than to lay your life down for your friends." "Love your enemies." If I live what I claim, in following Christ, how do I exactly handle this situation?

A Work in Progress

I am working with our advanced vocal jazz ensemble on this piece right now...

Things are not always as they seem

Aunt Ruth recently went back to the town she grew up in to take a look back. I was reminded of the story my mother frequently told of her first experience going around the block.

She was the new girl in 5th grade, moving to the "big city" of a few thousand people. She had never lived anywhere with blocks to travel around. As she was telling her new friends that she didn't understand what they meant to "ride your bike around the block", they explained the simple process. You go to the end, turn left, go another length, turn left, and so on until the 4th turn when you will end up where you began.

So off she went. Side 1, 2, 3, 4--and she wasn't back where she started! So she retraced her steps, and explained it didn't work! After all going together, they discovered she lived on a 5 sided block! Actually, in Grand Ledge, MI there are 3, 4, and 5 sided blocks all over town!

click on the above link to view a map!

That story reminds me that what appears to be true isn't always reality. For the past several months, if not possibly over a year, I have not felt well or been myself. I attributed my multiple ailments to peri-menopause, doing too much, turning 40, etc... However, it was suggested this past fall that I get my thyroid checked. I became very discouraged--yet one more thing possibly wrong with me!


After testing, it has been discovered I have B-12 anemia and hypothyroidism. The interesting thing is that the B-12 problem is probably inherited from my Scandinavian descent. Apparently I'm missing an important enzyme in my stomach that will convert this vitamin from my food into my body. Hypothyroidism is very common. Many symptoms of both overlap each other! Things like emotional, cognitive, physical symptoms are all affected by these two things.

This explains what I've been dealing with--tachycardia, exhaustion, moods, anxiety, tremors, menstrual changes, unexplained weight gain, not thinking clearly, forgetfulness--

Thankfully I have a doctor who listened to me and connected the dots. Now we're working on the right combination of meds, but already I feel like a fog is lifting!

I'm hoping to be back to my old self soon. We're all ready for that to happen!