I, Lindsay Lee, am this day choosing of my own free will to take a wild and ridiculous plunge. I am going to attempt to learn how to cook... Sure, I can usually bake something edible if it comes out of a box with very detailed instructions, but aside from boiling water, that's the extent of my skills.
I'm not sure, but I think I may have woken up on the weird side of the bed. You know, that mouthy side that screams, "You now know the McAlisters, Panera, Soinc, and El Charro staff by name, and all those kids you juggle are probably getting tired of pizza and pancakes. Wake up, take out addict."
Pinterest is largely to blame for this endeavor. All those pins make Betty Crocker look like an amateur, while promising cookbook picture results in three simple steps. I guess I'll be the judge of that.
Thomas Edison failed a million times before he developed a working light bulb, so what's a few botched meals in my twenties? Here's to cooking, blanching, steaming, sauteing, browning, boiling, pan frying, eating, and a whole lot of dinner wine. I'm going to need it. Cheers!
Monday, June 17, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
The art of the juggle
Have you ever told someone you were on your very last nerve, only to find out that you possess one hundred other nerves you've never dreamed of?
You know that moment when half the world seems to be against you and the other half claims it can't function without your immediate and uninterrupted attention? Yeah, I'm talking about those days...
For me, it's those mornings when I have two people in my office, I'm three phone calls back, fighting the payroll deadline, dealing in the international marketplace via e-mail, and then, just in time for the chaos, the insurance salesman drops in to chat about renewals. Oh, and did I mention the fax machine jammed and the ADT system went on the fritz (now, of course, the sheriff is in route to lecture me about proper use of the security system. He's going to have to take a number.).
It's the same story everywhere, just different characters. My mom friends balance kids, the check book, the dog, the dentist, and the UPS delivery man all while cooking a nutritious lunch for their clan and the neighbor kids they offered to watch when life was calmer. Then there's my retired grandma friends who volunteer for three different organizations, keep a pristine yard, nurture a luscious garden, and still keep lunch dates with the red hat society. Heck, even my rock star friends have to manage tour dates, book signings, voice lessons, and VIP cocktails. The truth is, nobody escapes the demands of life.
So, how do we cope? How do we make it to 5 o'clock, nap time, the evening rerun of Jeopardy, or the next debut album? I have the answer! Are you ready.........?
We do whatever it takes.
Right, I know. That answer was a let down, but there is truth in simplicity. I don't know how to tell you to climb your mountain, but I can cheer you on during the climb. Life happens in seconds, minutes, and hours. Those measurements add up to days, and before you know it, twenty years has passed in a flash. When I'm 105 years old, I'm not going to think back to the 29th day of May, 2013 and think about how frustrating modern technology can be. You're not going to think back to the time when the kids were young and you fed them happy meals for a week straight because you never could find time to get to the grocery store.
So, here's to you, fellow jugglers. Embrace the moment, and cherish this day. After all, we're never promised tomorrow.
You know that moment when half the world seems to be against you and the other half claims it can't function without your immediate and uninterrupted attention? Yeah, I'm talking about those days...
For me, it's those mornings when I have two people in my office, I'm three phone calls back, fighting the payroll deadline, dealing in the international marketplace via e-mail, and then, just in time for the chaos, the insurance salesman drops in to chat about renewals. Oh, and did I mention the fax machine jammed and the ADT system went on the fritz (now, of course, the sheriff is in route to lecture me about proper use of the security system. He's going to have to take a number.).
It's the same story everywhere, just different characters. My mom friends balance kids, the check book, the dog, the dentist, and the UPS delivery man all while cooking a nutritious lunch for their clan and the neighbor kids they offered to watch when life was calmer. Then there's my retired grandma friends who volunteer for three different organizations, keep a pristine yard, nurture a luscious garden, and still keep lunch dates with the red hat society. Heck, even my rock star friends have to manage tour dates, book signings, voice lessons, and VIP cocktails. The truth is, nobody escapes the demands of life.
So, how do we cope? How do we make it to 5 o'clock, nap time, the evening rerun of Jeopardy, or the next debut album? I have the answer! Are you ready.........?
We do whatever it takes.
Right, I know. That answer was a let down, but there is truth in simplicity. I don't know how to tell you to climb your mountain, but I can cheer you on during the climb. Life happens in seconds, minutes, and hours. Those measurements add up to days, and before you know it, twenty years has passed in a flash. When I'm 105 years old, I'm not going to think back to the 29th day of May, 2013 and think about how frustrating modern technology can be. You're not going to think back to the time when the kids were young and you fed them happy meals for a week straight because you never could find time to get to the grocery store.
So, here's to you, fellow jugglers. Embrace the moment, and cherish this day. After all, we're never promised tomorrow.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
What is love?
The idea of love has long baffled me.
We live in a society where love is often not distinguished from like, obsession, or enjoyment, and the word itself is thrown around so frequently that it may often be void of any true value. There's an word usage lesson here, but that's not what I'm asking you to see.
Recently, I bumped into an old acquaintance (Walmart, of all places) I hadn't seen in ten years. We chatted for a minute or two and as we walked away, this person hugs me and says, "Oh I just love you so much!" Really?
Or my strung out neighbors, for example. Every Friday night they consume too many illegal substances, he beats the tar out of her, she throws glass bottles at him, and two hours later they're caressing and proclaiming their vibrant, undying love. I beg to differ.
I can accept that humanity is flawed, and I understand we often make mistakes and even hurt the ones we love. I'm not attacking mistakes, I'm waging war on empty words. I'm challenging you to love those around you with more than your mouth. Remember that age old phrase your mother taught you?
"Actions speak louder than words, honey."
Well, mama was right. Love is a verb. "An action requiring your involvement and your active participation," as my last Pinterest find pointed out. I'm so tired of "I love you" being a obligated phrase people feel compelled to recite. Let your yes be yes and your no be no, and let your words stand behind your actions.
When we put our money where our mouth is, our families will heal. Our marriages will blossom and our children will trust us. Let love win.
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
We live in a society where love is often not distinguished from like, obsession, or enjoyment, and the word itself is thrown around so frequently that it may often be void of any true value. There's an word usage lesson here, but that's not what I'm asking you to see.
Recently, I bumped into an old acquaintance (Walmart, of all places) I hadn't seen in ten years. We chatted for a minute or two and as we walked away, this person hugs me and says, "Oh I just love you so much!" Really?
Or my strung out neighbors, for example. Every Friday night they consume too many illegal substances, he beats the tar out of her, she throws glass bottles at him, and two hours later they're caressing and proclaiming their vibrant, undying love. I beg to differ.
I can accept that humanity is flawed, and I understand we often make mistakes and even hurt the ones we love. I'm not attacking mistakes, I'm waging war on empty words. I'm challenging you to love those around you with more than your mouth. Remember that age old phrase your mother taught you?
"Actions speak louder than words, honey."
Well, mama was right. Love is a verb. "An action requiring your involvement and your active participation," as my last Pinterest find pointed out. I'm so tired of "I love you" being a obligated phrase people feel compelled to recite. Let your yes be yes and your no be no, and let your words stand behind your actions.
When we put our money where our mouth is, our families will heal. Our marriages will blossom and our children will trust us. Let love win.
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Way back from yesteryear
I'm working on new material for you, my lovely readers. Until then, here's one of my favorite pieces from way back. Thankfully, none of this nonsense came to fruition, as she was later diagnosed with, "fake pregnancy." Who knew dogs could lactate due to a hormone imbalance? Anyhow, enjoy.
There's pregnant, and then there's porker!
Did you know that large breeds of dogs can have up to TWELVE puppies? Twelve. That's "doce" in Spanish, in case you didn't catch the sheer terror in my voice the first time around.
Much to my shock and dismay, Precious hasn't been so sweetly. We had a deal; if she kept her dress down I would spare her the pain of the, "snippety snip." Well, the joke's on me...at least until it's time to deliver.
Since I've had time to adjust to the fact I'm about to have a dozen more costly dependents and had to can all my pending travel arrangements, I have finally let minimal excitement set in. I mean, when is the last time you saw an ugly puppy?
In lieu of recent revelations, I've made significant changes to senorita preggo's daily diet, such as a necessary increase in caloric consumption. I've found even the most finicky eat has a soft spot for dog food smothered in warm cream of chicken soup. However, if it's cold, you can forget it.
The porker on the other hand, doesn't have the first qualm about eating three times a day. In fact, she's lobbying for a midnight snack, but I'm standing my ground. Under normal circumstances, it takes an act of Congress to get the fat little angle out of bed any time past breakfast, but make no mistake about it, break out the chicken soup and she is on her way.
So there you have it. Pregnant, porker, and soon to be pauper. Life is good.
There's pregnant, and then there's porker!
Did you know that large breeds of dogs can have up to TWELVE puppies? Twelve. That's "doce" in Spanish, in case you didn't catch the sheer terror in my voice the first time around.
Much to my shock and dismay, Precious hasn't been so sweetly. We had a deal; if she kept her dress down I would spare her the pain of the, "snippety snip." Well, the joke's on me...at least until it's time to deliver.
Since I've had time to adjust to the fact I'm about to have a dozen more costly dependents and had to can all my pending travel arrangements, I have finally let minimal excitement set in. I mean, when is the last time you saw an ugly puppy?
In lieu of recent revelations, I've made significant changes to senorita preggo's daily diet, such as a necessary increase in caloric consumption. I've found even the most finicky eat has a soft spot for dog food smothered in warm cream of chicken soup. However, if it's cold, you can forget it.
The porker on the other hand, doesn't have the first qualm about eating three times a day. In fact, she's lobbying for a midnight snack, but I'm standing my ground. Under normal circumstances, it takes an act of Congress to get the fat little angle out of bed any time past breakfast, but make no mistake about it, break out the chicken soup and she is on her way.
So there you have it. Pregnant, porker, and soon to be pauper. Life is good.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Are families a lost cause?
I may have blogged similar thoughts before, but I can't help myself. I'm afraid our society is failing.
My coworkers and I were at lunch today and I couldn't help but notice the family sitting across the way. The dynamic at the table was heart breaking. With exception of the fussy infant, they sat at the table in complete silence without so much as a hint of eye contact between them. Granted, I don't know the story, but I all to frequently see the trend. Why are our families failing?
The Old Testament closes with a promise, followed by a warning:
"Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse."
Malachi 4:5-6
Families were divinely created to be whole units where love and safety abounded, but the reality is American families appear to be crumbling. The good news is we have the power to choose. The question isn't about the war raging against us; the question is, "will we fight?".
Once we determine our answer, we can begin to develop our fight. Confucius is quoted saying, "To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right." I agree with this theology.
Our families won't be a lost cause if we make a commitment to change ourselves. I believe in restoration. I believe broken hearts can be mended and I believe we can know love again in America. We just have to want it. After all, love works.
My coworkers and I were at lunch today and I couldn't help but notice the family sitting across the way. The dynamic at the table was heart breaking. With exception of the fussy infant, they sat at the table in complete silence without so much as a hint of eye contact between them. Granted, I don't know the story, but I all to frequently see the trend. Why are our families failing?
The Old Testament closes with a promise, followed by a warning:
"Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse."
Malachi 4:5-6
Families were divinely created to be whole units where love and safety abounded, but the reality is American families appear to be crumbling. The good news is we have the power to choose. The question isn't about the war raging against us; the question is, "will we fight?".
Once we determine our answer, we can begin to develop our fight. Confucius is quoted saying, "To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right." I agree with this theology.
Our families won't be a lost cause if we make a commitment to change ourselves. I believe in restoration. I believe broken hearts can be mended and I believe we can know love again in America. We just have to want it. After all, love works.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Who might you be?
I often find it interesting how people describe themselves. As part of my job, I travel the country and engage in conversations with complete strangers, be it on an airplane, at a restaurant, or in the workplace. You might be amazed at the number of individuals who can't wait to tell their story to a willing ear.
More often than not, I hear all about people's careers first. Those stories usually boil down to two scenarios: they either love their job and can't imagine doing anything different or they hate their job but stand convinced it's all they'll ever do.
Family is a close second in topics for conversation. I love seeing proud mommas pulling out the iPhone and sharing pictures of little Suzie or proud daddies talking about little Jack's winning football game last Saturday. Occasionally I'll even hear a stellar love story that could be sold to Hollywood; those are always a welcomed surprise.
Finally, I all too frequently hear about people's assumed and actual failures. What they wish they would have done differently, or what they could have done better given an more conducive opportunity. Some individuals can't move past the mess ups. It's as if the failure is a cloud that constantly follows them, clothing them in shame. Others let the failure fuel them, be it positively or negatively; either way, they just can't let it go.
"What does all this have to do with personal description," you might ask. Well, in two years of steady traveling, I very rarely hear about others ambitions, hobbies, dreams, goals, or silly quirks. I can't help but wonder if modern day America has lost sight of personal identity.
While a job or family may contribute or influence your thoughts, behaviors, or mannerisms, I'm not convinced they should comprise your complete identity. If we allow failure (or fear of failure) to define us, we'll never win. But what about those shelved dreams? Hidden talents? Favorite hobbies? Personal commitments? What place do we allow those things in our lives?
Who are you today and what things have you adopted as your identity? I think it's a question worth thinking about.
More often than not, I hear all about people's careers first. Those stories usually boil down to two scenarios: they either love their job and can't imagine doing anything different or they hate their job but stand convinced it's all they'll ever do.
Family is a close second in topics for conversation. I love seeing proud mommas pulling out the iPhone and sharing pictures of little Suzie or proud daddies talking about little Jack's winning football game last Saturday. Occasionally I'll even hear a stellar love story that could be sold to Hollywood; those are always a welcomed surprise.
Finally, I all too frequently hear about people's assumed and actual failures. What they wish they would have done differently, or what they could have done better given an more conducive opportunity. Some individuals can't move past the mess ups. It's as if the failure is a cloud that constantly follows them, clothing them in shame. Others let the failure fuel them, be it positively or negatively; either way, they just can't let it go.
"What does all this have to do with personal description," you might ask. Well, in two years of steady traveling, I very rarely hear about others ambitions, hobbies, dreams, goals, or silly quirks. I can't help but wonder if modern day America has lost sight of personal identity.
While a job or family may contribute or influence your thoughts, behaviors, or mannerisms, I'm not convinced they should comprise your complete identity. If we allow failure (or fear of failure) to define us, we'll never win. But what about those shelved dreams? Hidden talents? Favorite hobbies? Personal commitments? What place do we allow those things in our lives?
Who are you today and what things have you adopted as your identity? I think it's a question worth thinking about.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
So long to yesterday!
Failure. It's an ugly word. An ugly word I've been mulling over the past few days...
Maybe you mess once. That's forgivable.
Twice? That makes you human.
A third time, whoa buddy. Or at least that's what we as humans are programmed to think.
Let me introduce a new idea to you. It's not my original thought, but it will be a life changing one if you let it. Are you ready?
"You don't have to live like yesterday."
That's it. Simple. Straightforward. Honest.
Messing up is inevitable, but failure is a choice. You, I, we, the human race, doesn't truly fail until we stop trying, give up, or quit. Failure is a lazy out. There, I said it.
I may sound preachy here, but I intended it to be that way...I need to hear this message.
I don't remember exact numbers, but somewhere in my early grade school career I learned that it took Thomas Edison a bazillion attempts to finally get the light bulb to work. I'm no math superstar, but that's a lot of opportunities for disappointment and crappy attitudes if you ask me. Thank God Edison was a relentless man!
What about you? What's your mountain? Are you living in the valley of defeat?
No? No mountains? No valleys? Only treetops and singing? That is fantastic! Appreciate and cherish it.
Yes? Okay then, welcome to good company. It's time to stand up, shake off the dust, find some treetops, and sing. So you messed up 500 times yesterday, who cares!!! It's not yesterday anymore! Today is full of promise and potential if you let it be.
Don't let failure define you. You're worth fighting for.
The end.
Maybe you mess once. That's forgivable.
Twice? That makes you human.
A third time, whoa buddy. Or at least that's what we as humans are programmed to think.
Let me introduce a new idea to you. It's not my original thought, but it will be a life changing one if you let it. Are you ready?
"You don't have to live like yesterday."
That's it. Simple. Straightforward. Honest.
Messing up is inevitable, but failure is a choice. You, I, we, the human race, doesn't truly fail until we stop trying, give up, or quit. Failure is a lazy out. There, I said it.
I may sound preachy here, but I intended it to be that way...I need to hear this message.
I don't remember exact numbers, but somewhere in my early grade school career I learned that it took Thomas Edison a bazillion attempts to finally get the light bulb to work. I'm no math superstar, but that's a lot of opportunities for disappointment and crappy attitudes if you ask me. Thank God Edison was a relentless man!
What about you? What's your mountain? Are you living in the valley of defeat?
No? No mountains? No valleys? Only treetops and singing? That is fantastic! Appreciate and cherish it.
Yes? Okay then, welcome to good company. It's time to stand up, shake off the dust, find some treetops, and sing. So you messed up 500 times yesterday, who cares!!! It's not yesterday anymore! Today is full of promise and potential if you let it be.
Don't let failure define you. You're worth fighting for.
The end.
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