Human Textuality | People + Words = Stories

June 11, 2014 · 1:00 pm

Two Against One

“Caaaaaaake” -Iris

My little family eats pretty well, and I don’t hesitate to take credit for that. We’ve drifted from the chicken McNuggets and greasy ground beef of 2005 to the leafy greens and local fruits of 2014, despite mac-n-cheese and ice cream pit stops along the way.

I feel like I retain decent control over Iris’ diet, and that helps me stay on track when the work is piling up and the hours are flying by. What example would I set by eating SpaghettiOs while pushing black beans and quinoa into her face? Still, I reeeeeeally love SpaghettiOs, and sometimes, we all give in to the siren song of those beautiful refined carbs.

The trouble now is that Iris is becoming more and more aware of how much junk food is out there, and how her chubby cheeks and big eyes are the perfect tools to help obtain it. I never planned to isolate her completely; I realize that wouldn’t work, and only make what she was missing that much more alluring. What I don’t want is for junk food to be part of the routine – an expected treat.

Of course, the world works against me. We give plasma twice a week, and the playroom attendants (whom we adore) keep suckers in one of their drawers. Last week, Iris found out about them, and now asks for one every time we pick her up. The husband and I are still in talks about how to approach this. Let’s just say Iris has a champion in her daddy, who harbors great affection for white sugar and food dye.

So, last night, I took back a little of that control. This lentil rice loaf satisfied a craving we’ve had for a while, and was the perfect excuse to make some roasted root veggies. We consider this comfort food, and it makes for great leftovers. Please don’t mistake me for an animal fat hater… I eat an egg everyday, and live for my husband’s homemade creamy pasta sauces. But sometimes, it’s good to ease up, especially when there’s half a DQ Oreo Blizzard in the freezer.

Now, do we think I can counter my babe’s habit of waking up asking for cake each morning? Didn’t think so.

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Filed under Recipes

Tagged as carbs, control, diet, family, husband, lentil rice loaf, roasted root veggies

May 28, 2014 · 1:00 pm

Culturally Acceptable Mutilation – Be Outraged

Egyptian teenage girl dead FGM

I’ve known about female circumcision, or Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) for a long time. When I was a college student, my hate for the practice was solidified when it was coincidentally discussed in two separate classes on the same morning.

After the talk in Geography gave me an upset stomach, the detailed written account in Child Psychology pushed me to the brink of faint. Even as my vision went black and my hearing faded, all I could think about was how wrong FGM is. If it could have such an impact on a 22 year-old white girl in hyper-Christian West Michigan, imagine what it does to the underprivileged Muslim women in Egypt.

Without going into too much detail, let me clarify what female circumcision is. Like male circumcision, it removes part of the genitalia. Unlike typical male circumcision in the west, female circumcision is often intended to preserve virginity, and perpetuate what you and I might see as oppressive and sexist tradition. More information is available on this Equality Now PDF.

Continue reading →

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Filed under Current Events, Health

Tagged as body, clitoris, Egypt, female circumcision, female genital mutilation, FGM, male circumcision, religion, Suhair al-Bata’a, V-Day, vagina, Vagina Monologues, virginity

May 26, 2014 · 1:00 pm

Remembering the Long Dead

interior Valley Forge cabin beds

I do not know anyone who has lost their life in military service, though I do know several veterans of war.

Regardless of how one may feel about military activity, war or the systems for bringing people into the armed forces, the willingness to risk everything for the people of the United States of America is to be respected. My hope is that those lives are risked only when it’s absolutely necessary, because their losses weigh heavily on the people and uncertain futures they leave behind.

Despite having a father, brother and step-father, and several uncles, cousins and friends who’ve served, I didn’t grow up within a “military family” culture. In fact, the veterans I know best so rarely refer to their service that we could almost be forgiven for forgetting it ever occurred.

Continue reading →

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Filed under Seasonal

Tagged as Memorial Day

May 21, 2014 · 1:00 pm

Not Curvy – Well Rounded

sphere rainbow colored I’m all for accepting our given body types, and not promoting the idea that only one body shape is truly beautiful.

But I’m not going to lie. I’ve always wished I was a bit more curvy. The gentle roundness of the female hip line is just beautiful, and the perfect model for so many pretty dresses and form-fitting pants. I may not be as beanpole-shaped as I once was, but I don’t think I’ll ever blossom into a grown lady with full hips that counter my generous rib cage.

Let me be clear – I am completely alright with my body, and probably more comfortable in it now than I was 20, 10 or even five years ago. Still in the spirit of complete honesty, I confide to you my wish for voluptuousness.

Since I can’t change my bone structure without drastic measures, I’m trying to make the most of what I do have: a healthy, 33 year-old system of organs and tissues. Since I can’t make it curvy, I’ll instead make it well rounded.

I’m referring to my exercise routines. You may have heard that doing the same exercise over and over, without variation, will give you limited benefit. Seems reasonable. At the moment, I’m doing Zumba once a week, yoga once or twice a week and running once a week. The Zumba flows at the whim of the instructor, while yoga at home and running tend to stay pretty predictable, outside of my pushing for that 5K goal (which, ahem, I surpassed on Friday!).

This is part of why I’m so glad I got a punch card for dropping in to the yoga classes at the Market. Assuming I can get myself there by 9am on at least most Saturdays this summer, I’ll get some good variation in that workout as well.

If optimal cardiovascular health, reliable strength, flexibility and stress management are all accomplished, this is a well roundedness I can accept, even if I still covet wider hips.

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Filed under Health

Tagged as curvy, exercise, healthy, hips, running, yoga, Zumba

May 19, 2014 · 1:00 pm

The Best of Two; The Worst of Two

toddler girl sunglasses outside pigtails We did a lot this weekend. A first birthday party on Saturday, and a bridal shower on Sunday. Both were lovely, with delicious food and great company.

During each, Iris and her parents experienced the best, and also the most challenging, things about two year-old existence. On days like these, I remember something I said back in my mid-20s, before I was thinking about having kids myself. The statement holds true, but carries a bit more weight these days:

“I’m looking forward to the good and the bad about having kids. It’s all part of the complete experience.”

Such utterances occurred when a customer’s child acted up in the restaurant where I worked, or a friend apologized for a naughty toddler. I never felt terribly uncomfortable around typical child behavior, and always had little patience for anyone who became visibly judgmental of another’s parenting. I figured approaching the “bad” with a relaxed attitude would make it easier, and it does. Still, my understanding of the 24/7 nature of parenting and the emotions it invokes was, understandably, limited.

Iris is at an age where she experiences life very intensely. When an activity is fun, it’s the best thing ever. When it’s over, the world might as well end. For example, two hours on the park jungle gym lead to delirious joy; when those two hours are up and it’s time to get in the car seat , my sweet babe turns into a banshee. The result is that every fun thing is followed by a meltdown. Fortunately, it’s also usually nap time.

Our weekend comprised repeating cycles of bliss and tragedy, though it ended on a high note with bean burgers, sidewalk chalk and movie night. It’s good to know that, while outings and cake (Iris’ favorite new word) are cause for elation, quiet evenings at home still mean contentment and balance for all three of us. I even managed to squeeze in 45 minutes of yoga.

That’s a feat if there ever was one. To your Monday!

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Filed under Of Family and Children

Tagged as behavior, birthday party, bridal shower, toddler, two year old

May 9, 2014 · 1:00 pm

Scotland Dreamscapes

scottish castle sky

I went to Scotland once. This travel journal makes me want to go back.

Our trip happened in the summer of 2003. The beauty of that place was like nothing I’d ever seen before, and the travel bug took root. I clearly remember our Scottish bus driver frequently referring to his homeland as “God’s Country.”

Enjoy!

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Filed under Searching

Tagged as beautiful, Scotland, travel

May 7, 2014 · 1:20 pm

Space Guru Sagan

carl sagan up close sitting I’ve mentioned Carl Sagan here and there, especially with the release of the new Cosmos.

A while back, I added this quote to the closing of my email signature, and the words continue to take on new and deeper meaning as I learn more about the universe(s?) and our position within it:

“The universe is not required to be in perfect harmony with human ambition.”

Although I recognized Sagan as the driving force behind the original Cosmos series, I knew very little about the man himself. In recent months, I’ve extended my interest to his widow and collaborator, Ann Druyan, an accomplished writer and enthusiast of her own merit.

Yesterday, while catching up on the March issue of Smithsonian, I turned to an article I’d forgotten was nestled within the magazine. I admit to still be working my way through it, but so far, it’s been a great insight into the man himself. I love how Carl Sagan is this guru space orator whom we put on a pedestal and, at the same time, a mere human.

I wish I’d been aware enough to pay attention while the man was still living, but feel so fortunate to exist in an era that’s open to not only his knowledge, but his musings.

So, why is Carl Sagan Truly Irreplaceable?

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Filed under Science

Tagged as Ann Druyan, Carl Sagan, Cosmos, Smithsonian, space

May 5, 2014 · 1:00 pm

Season Opener: Yoga and The Market

relaxed woman post yoga closeup A beam of light crossed my face. It is not a crooked, fresh wax (which the husband said it resembles).

On Saturday I woke up three hours earlier than usual to hang out in funny positions with strangers.

You’ve heard me talk about yoga, and I’ve already bent your ear on my love of the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. It was almost too much when I heard of a free event involving both.

The Market hosts yoga classes throughout the week in its greenhouse, banquet rooms and demonstration facilities. To make the most of the seasonal outdoor farmers’ market opening, they held an open and free session, offering attendees a great discount for future classes. I registered immediately.

It was my first time doing yoga with anyone other than my husband, mother or Iris, and, at the risk of sounding cheesy, there was energy and it was amazing. We faced a giant second floor window, and a hard rain as the class began. After an hour and 15 minutes of gently voiced instructions and soothing music, not to mention a well guided final relaxation, I was more chill than I’ve been in ages. And the sun was out.

After grabbing that discount for next time, I floated down to the first floor and stopped at a table to take it all in. Nothing but food and enthusiastic people in every direction. I bought a freshly made juice and some pitted dates. I gawked lustfully at the seafood counter and oyster bar. I experienced an affection for my city, which is trying to do something good for the food and small business culture here. Making my way to the front doors and terrace meant a great view of the outdoor market, and green park beyond. I bought a small loaf of bread. Such a beautiful way to start a Spring Saturday.

Sometimes, I really enjoy growing older, because it’s like gaining a new sense. Bliss is found in the simplest things – things that were always there, but require a certain… perception to be appreciated. Sometimes, innocence is reawakened when you thought it was long gone.

Have a wonderful week.

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Filed under Local, Seasonal

Tagged as bliss, farmers' market, food culture, Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Downtown Market, innocence, small business, spring, yoga

May 2, 2014 · 1:00 pm

Winning Freelance

mom glasses blonde toddler daughter If I’m being completely honest, I’ll say freelance writing is tough.

Sometimes it feels like a pointless chase, accompanied by an empty bank account and too many dead ends.

This is not one of those times.

Over the recent months, I’ve been fortunate to connect with a few new, amazing clients (and friends – you know who you are). In fact, I’ve actually turned down good work due to a full plate. Better yet, I’ve purchased items without worrying about dipping into the red. Rather than living like a poor college student, I’m beginning to organize my finances like a parent in her 30s.

Most happily of all, I haven’t searched local job listings in weeks. This is what it’s all about.

Perhaps the traditional employer-employee relationship isn’t for you. Maybe you have a skill that isn’t being used, and going stagnant in a job that doesn’t let you grow. Likely, you’re drawn to the idea of working on your own terms and schedule, and taking time off as needed, and wanted, to go live in the real world (or on the beach).

That’s going to mean hard work and time. It requires interacting with people who recognize and appreciate your skill, and developing real relationships with professionals who actually understand what you do. Further, you need to seek out the truly valuable opportunities, rather than swamp yourself with jobs that demand too much and pay too little.

Freelance writing is not making me rich. It’s not making me famous. But it is letting me control my own career, and see way more of my husband, daughter and friends than I would with a traditional job. Win. So much win.

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Filed under I'm a Professional

Tagged as clients, employer-employee relationship, freelance writer