Secret passions

Well, most of you probably do not know that I have a small obsession with the sport of NASCAR Auto Racing--specifically the Nextel Cup. Yeah, I know there are all these stereotypes that go along with NASCAR fans--and I may even fit some of them. The funny thing is I do not get into anything but the races on Sunday--no car stickers, flags, t-shirts. I guess it really is the sport that is my secret passion. I started to watch the sport in 2000, and then got really sucked in after Dale Earnhardt, Sr., died during the Daytona 500 in 2001. My favorite driver is Dale, Jr., and I get a bit over excited when he is winning. My friends and family laugh at my interest in this sport because it does seem highly uncharacteristic of me...but the excitement of watching 43 cars run in a circle (actually an oval in most cases) at 190 miles per hour is amazing to me. I know it does not sound so great, but once you watch and learn, it is better than anything. To me it is a combination of a soap opera (the continuation of drama each week and between the drivers/teams) and sports--two of my favorite things! I guess I really come by it honestly. I can remember watching the Browns as a child with my mom, and she used to scream at the TV like they could actually hear her. I guess my verbal cheers for Dale, Jr., through the TV is a natural event for me. Well, as I finish watching today's race, I will embrace my inherited exuberance! I hope you find something to be as secretly passionate about. Peace and blessings, Lauren

Peace and Pain

This week I had the wonderful privilege to view a video about Palestine...Specifically about the wall being put up by the Israeli government on Palestinian land (inside the "Green Line"). Let me preface this by saying my knowledge and understanding is not extensive regarding the issues of this land, and it has only been recently that I have made a diligent effort to seek out information. However, I know pain and suffering when I see it...Especially when it is seen on the faces of those who desire peace. Think for a moment how you would feel if the land your family lived on for generations, that gave you income through farming, you could now not even set foot on just because it was on the other side of a "line"--now a wall. You cannot feed your family and you cannot see your relatives because they live on another side of the wall (this wall is not straight). I would be mad, sad, angry, and ready to fight! But in the faces of those I listened to on this video was a true desire for peace. I wish that one day I can have the same passion for peace. I own a piece of the Berlin Wall from when it fell in 1989. Though I was a pre-teen at the time, I understood the significance of that event, and knowing that peace had prevailed. Have we not learned anything from putting up walls? IT DOES NOT WORK!! Only through love and understanding of one another can true peace come--by breaking down the walls.

Dana' Birthday Photos

Here are some fun photos from my sister Dana's 30th bithday party. Lots of fun!!!

Life, Friends, and Family

I continued to be surprised by all of the events of my life. I have spent the last two weeks traveling, celebrating, and mourning. It all began when I traveled back to Ohio to surprise my sister for her 30th birthday. It was a huge surprise to her--my presence and the intricately planned surprise party in her honor. After 48 hours of lots of fun and celebrating, I traveled back to NYC . I had become sick, so I did not work the day after I returned, and that evening I received a telephone call from my mother telling me my grandmother had passed away. Thankfully my Step-father, Mother, and Sisters were able to be with her. For me, this meant another trip back to Ohio the next day--after only being home for about 50 hours. Needless to say, I am still sick, tired, worried about deadlines at work, and my cat was ready to kill me! I was able to stay in Ohio for a week to spend time with my family. Family came in from Texas for the services, and my nephew was one of pallbearers. All went well and the time I was able to spend with family and friends gave me a renewed sense of connection to them all. My life has provided me with the amazing blessing of wonderful family and friends. These individuals are a VERY central point in my life. Many times it is difficult to be so far away from so many--all of my family is in Ohio, and I have friends scattered all of the US. I try to stay connected--at least more than just an email--but so often we all get caught up in our daily lives. One thing I make a point to do daily is talk to my mom--usually while I walk to the bus. This keeps me in touch with what is going on, and after the ups and downs of the last few weeks, this connection remains important. I know that my relationships with my family and friends are different than many others, but I do believe that it is through those I love that I see the best of me. Thanks to all of you who continue to keep me connected to you and provide my life the chance to love, laugh, vent, celebrate, and mourn. Peace and blessings, Lauren