Lintefiniel Musing...formerly Jen Speaks!

Tuesday, July 22, 2003

Insurance & Weight

I wasn’t actively listening when I heard a brief snippet of Neil Cavuto’s interview with...

Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson will join us to talk about new health insurance plans that would be based on your weight, eating and lifestyle habits. Is that fair? I didn’t hear the whole thing, so I can’t claim to know what Thompson is promoting or supporting, but on the face of it I don’t like it. My fear is that premiums will increase and it will be harder for folks to get and maintain health insurance if they do this kind of (and I hate to use this word, but it’s the only one I can think of) discrimination. Because I know plenty of skinny people who eat like pigs, have high cholesterol and high blood pressure because it’s in their family, and are completely sedentary. And I also know some heavier people who are very healthy eaters and exercise, have low cholesterol and blood pressure, but for some reason they carry more weight on their bones. So basing a person’s health plan on those things seems just a little wrong to me.

And I think this is coming out of the fact that Americans are getting fatter. Here’s my assessment of that problem:

1. We eat too much - portion size is ridiculous today. I know that at most restaurants we go to the portions served are enough to feed two or three people, not just one. But we feel compelled to eat it all to get our monies worth. Right?

2. We eat too much processed food - we don’t eat whole foods anymore and the low-fat, low-sugar, low-taste crap we’re eating isn’t helping us to lose weight or eat healthier. I’ve stopped eating margarine and use mostly butter because while it may be higher in fat, it’s real food and the fat is less “dangerous” than the trans-fatty acids in margarine. I don’t buy much low-fat food, I do buy 1% milk and part-skim ricotta and sour cream, but everything else I buy is fully loaded. Why? So that I’ll eat less of it, because I am one of those people who will see a label that says “1/3 less fat” and eat three times the serving (I’m thinking of cookies).

3. We are sedentary - we watch too much TV, play too many video games, and spend too much time in front of our computers. This is where I’m the most guilty - I’m lazy.

Posted by at 12:05 PM
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Monday, July 21, 2003

The Underblog

Darren at The Living Room is taking nominations for Underblogs. What is an Underblog?

Who links Who

The Blogosphere Ecosystem

It got me thinking though - so many of the blogs on the lists I’ve never seen or heard of. Many of them don’t attract a whole heap of links - yet many of them are posting great material.

So I thought I’d start a campaign to unearth some of these ‘underblogs’.

Yes, it’s similar to TTLB’s New Weblog Showcase, but looking mostly at Christian blogs (at least judging from the nominees I saw when I posted my own list). Darren has two follow up posts here and here.

Posted by at 10:43 PM
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Vacations

I’m not taking a vacation per se this summer. I’m saving my leave for a trip to The Happiest Place on Earth™ with my former employer (and that’s a whole story unto itself how that came to be). I’ll be taking a day here and there for long weekends until holiday season starts.

Anyway, I bring this up because at lunch we were discussing vacations and I shared about the < sarcasm > fantastic vacation < /sarcasm > my family went on when I was in junior high. It was a fun vacation, but we had some problems along the way, with much bickering and some tears.

We never really took many family vacations. We moved. And we lived in so many places, that we never had the chance to develop any traditional places to go as a family. Besides, each move was an adventure in itself.

But when I was in junior high, we lived in Washington state, and we knew that my Dad would be getting orders for our next move soon. There was an assumption made that we would be heading back east, so one Christmas my parents decided to give us a family trip to sunny California - fully loaded with promises of San Fransisco, Hollywood/Los Angeles, DisneyLand, Universal Studios, San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and a visit to Dad’s ship (USS Kitty Hawk, which was based in San Diego). The plan was to go during Spring Break with a couple extra days out from school after the break. We would be driving down, to enjoy the sights along the west coast.

For the rest of the story, click

Still Speaking...

So the time was nearing and my parents asked some folks in our church if we could borrow their van (this was a full size van, before minivans existed). It was great, Jane and I each had our own bench to stretch out on. which minimized fighting and maximized sleeping. The only bad thing was that rather than a cassette player it had an 8-track player. Yes, this was in 1981 - the dying days of 8-track and disco. My family never had an 8-track - my Dad was prescient enough to know it was not a technology that would last (but he was not so lucky on the Betamax idea).

I had a sense of pending disaster when, on the day before or the morning of our departure, Dad was backing the van out of the garage and managed to swipe the passenger side mirror off. Oops.

The second “issue” came when we were piled into the van and ready to go. I think we were a block or two down the road when Mom casually ran through her final checklist of things that needed to be done before departure...

“Turn on the dishwasher...”

“What? We can’t leave with the diswasher running. What if it leaks?” So began a litany from Dad of possible disasters in our house if we were to continue on our merry way while the dishwasher ran it’s cycle. And there followed a ~~fight~~ discussion between our parents on whether or not we needed to turn around. Jane and I huddled in the back, scared that this vacation might not happen after all and that we’d have to go back to school on time. Common sense prevailed, however, and we continued on our merry way.

I won’t bore you with the details of our trek south through Washington (although we did pass not too far from the area near Mt. St. Helens and saw the piles of ash still on the side of the road) and Oregon. Honestly, I don’t remember anything in particular about those days of the trip. Maybe Mom, Dad, or Jane could fill in anything I miss in the comments.

And I don’t really have any specific memories tied to that vacation from northern California. I think it’s because, ironically, we ended up moving to northern California (Monterey) rather than back east, and so I have vivid memories of that area from our 18 months of living up there. Maybe sometime I’ll write about our day trip to San Fransisco/Oakland when Dad lost something valuable on the BART train and how we inadvertently got high at the A’s baseball game.

I will say that another thing that was consistent on the trip was the angst over meals. Dad would ask where we wanted to eat. Mom would say it didn’t matter, where did he want to go? Jane and I were happy for anything, but kept silent. Dad said he didn’t care either and to just pick a place. I don’t think they managed to pick a single restaurant without that 20-30 minute debate. It’s still that way today, a little bit. We’re all so laid back, we may have a preference but we’re willing to do what the others want. It’s not that we’re indecisive, it’s that we want to be considerate of the desires of the others since we don’t have a preference. It’s a vicious circle that involved much eye-rolling and sighing.

Back to the vacation...my main memories are in southern California. I think we’d all agree that we were a little underwhelmed with Hollywood and LA. We did the typical touristy things - Grauman’s Chinese Theater, the Walk of Fame, etc. We were even underwhelmed with DisneyLand. It’s much smaller than I expected - just the Magic Kingdom portion with a few extra rides thrown in. Plus, I was a jaded teenager who wasn’t excited to be seen having a good time with my parents in a childish amusement park.

Universal Studios was cooler, there’s a picture of me with one of the Battlestar Gallactica Cylons. (I’m not a complete geek, I had to look that up. And no, I will not be posting that picture.) I wasn’t happy about having my picture taken with him or at all, for that matter.

We toured the NBC Studios, saw where Day of Our Lives was filmed - this was exciting for us gals since we all watched Days... religiously. We saw The Tonight Show studio, but there weren’t tickets for the show that night available so we didn’t get to see Johnny Carson do his thing.

We went to Knott’s Berry Farm, which at that point in my life was the best amusement park ever. They had the best rides and we had a great time. And I was introduced to the new favorite flavor of mine - boysenberry. I think Mom or Dad got a boysenberry cobbler or similar dessert for one of our meals and I have loved boysenberry ever since. Funny what you remember, huh?

The most memorable portion of the trip came in San Diego. We enjoyed the tour of Dad’s ship - an aircraft carrier is enormous, their rooms are tiny, and that place is loud, all the time. I had a whole new respect for Dad after that visit, knowing that he had spent the better part of 3 years in that tiny little room with a roommate and under the flight deck with the constant booms and crashes of jets taking off and landing.

We went to the San Diego zoo where, before we could even enter the gates, a bird decided to poop right on my mother’s head. If we had had a video camera that video would have won us the $10,000 prize on AFHV. Of course, she was terrible upset. And we found it hilarious - being callous youth, my sister and I howled with laughter. Mom, I’m sorry we laughed. Well, not really, it was too stinking funny.

That was potential disaster #1 at the zoo. Disaster #2 occurred in one of the gift shops and involved my sister. She and I were bored, we’re also tactile - so we were constantly touching stuff and being told not to touch anything. I didn’t see the following event, just heard it. I was nearing my mother when we heard a crash. Dad asked, “Where’s Jane?” to which I shrugged, “I dunno,” like any self-respecting teenager would. And I helpfully pointed in the general direction of where I had left her, looking at a wall of refrigerator magnets.

It was, literally, a wall. With hundreds of tiny ceramic magnets shaped like zoo animals, of course. Apparently, Jane had pressed one of the magnets a little too hard and the wall came crashing down. Did I mention that the magnets were ceramic? Yes, there were many broken magnets - and these were days of “You break it, You buy it” rather than “the customer is always right.” So Dad shelled out an undisclosed amount of money for magnets that were not only not wanted, but broken. (On a happier note, my mother is very resourceful and a big believer in garage sales. She managed to sell just about all of them in various garage sales later.)

We also went to Sea World where we were happily drenched by Shamu #362 and my father was spat upon by a walrus. That’s all I remember about that. Heh.

One other family-insider tidbit I remember: beep-beep - and if one of the others feels like sharing what that means, they can in the comments.

So that’s the tale of the Jen Speaks Family Vacation of 1981. We moved to California in 1982 and then back east in 1983. Our move in ‘83 is a week-long tale as well, of our driving trek across the most boring parts of the USA - to one of the hottest summers I had experienced in my life to that point.

Done Speaking...

Posted by at 05:30 PM
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Magic Opal

I colored my hair this weekend - to touch up the roots. I usually buy my stuff at Sally’s Beauty Supply, but I didn’t make it there, so I just bought a whole kit at Wal-Mart. I picked a color I though matched my current color and a differnt brand (I usually use L’Oreal but went with Clairol Herbal Essences).

I like this brand - it doesn’t have the typical chemical smell, it didn’t make my scalp itch, and the color is great. And my hair is softer too. Overall, I’m pleased.

And this is how boring it is today...that I have nothing to say, but feel the need to post something anyway. Maybe I’ll submit this to the Bonfire of the Vanities this weekend.

Posted by at 01:42 PM
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Sunday, July 20, 2003

Memory Lane

Alan K. Henderson reminded me that today is the anniversary of the moon landing/walk - July 20, 1969.

I have a pretty good long term memory - I can remember details from my childhood that you wouldn’t believe. My first true memory is of watching the men on the moon on TV. I was two years old.

We lived in Oak Harbor, WA. My sister was exactly one month old. My mother’s parents were visiting. I was sitting on my Granddad’s lap, watching the coverage on the console TV we had. I can’t remember if it was color or black & white, although I remember the picture being black & white, of course. I remember understanding that what we were watching was a very big deal, it was years later that I knew exactly why.

So on this day, it makes me sad to think that we somehow lost the vision and passion to continue exploring the moon, space as we did in the 60s. And in light of the Columbia tragedy this year, I’m even more saddened that we may never get that vision and passion back.

If you’re interested in learning more about NASAs quest to get to the moon, rent From the Earth to the Moon - it’s one of the best TV miniseries, entertaining and educational all at once.

Btw, my sister thinks the moon landing was made up - complete fiction ala Capricorn One. I’ve mentioned this before, but I thought I would again because she is a freak, of course.

Posted by at 11:05 PM
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Economics Bible-Style

James at Outside the Beltway has a great post about the Bible and economics - he actually refers to a post at A Fearful Symmetry.

The first nine Commandments concern the theological principles and social law: Thou shalt not make graven images, steal, kill, etc. Fair enough. But then there’s the Tenth Commandment: “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.”

Here are God’s basic rules about how we should live, a very brief list of sacred obligations and solemn moral precepts, and right at the end of it is, “Don’t envy your buddy’s cow.”

What is that doing in there? Why would God, with just ten things to tell Moses, choose, as one of them, jealousy about the livestock next door? And yet, think about how important to the well-being of a community this Commandment is. If you want a donkey, if you want a pot roast, if you want a cleaning lady, don’t ##### about what people across the street have. Go get your own.

The Tenth Commandment sends a message to socialists, to egalitarians, to people obsessed with fairness, to American presidential candidates in the year 2000—to everyone who believes that wealth should be redistributed. And that message is clear and concise: Go to hell.

Then in the comments, Scott has this to say:

UPDATE: Just to clarify that the above quote is from P.J. O’Rourke. Thanks, Bill.

Still Speaking...

Done Speaking...

Posted by at 09:07 PM
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Frogs Are Great

Jared,

You might want to sit down, brace yourself…

I was wrong about Magnolia.

What a great movie. So layered and great acting - even Tom Cruise, who imho overacts a lot. John C. Reilly was wonderful and Phillip Seymour Hoffman - they are fantastic character actors. William H. Macy is amazing, in everything he does. Good, good movie. Thanks for pushing me to watch it.

So...there’s no debate here.

(Mom you will like it, but you need to wait for it to be on regular TV.)

Posted by at 07:58 PM
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Saturday, July 19, 2003

Comments or Links

I know a lot of bloggers have posted about how to get linked around the blogosphere. I’ve thought about it some this week, and I think I prefer comments from readers over links to other blogs. Not that I don’t appreciate getting linked, but I’d rather have the interaction with the folks who read what I write or rant or link.

I’m noticing an increase in the amount of comments I’m getting. Thank you for speaking up, by the way! And I welcome differing opinions from my own - I’ve had some interesting conversations here and at a couple other blogs. I’ve learned some new stuff through those debates. And I’ve learned a little more how the opposition thinks.

So tell me, what interests you more as a blogger - links or comments?

Posted by at 11:30 PM
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The Good Sgt

I’ve been meaning to add Sgt. Hook to my blogroll. I finally got around to it.

If you want a good read about a mission his unit undertook, read here.

Posted by at 10:22 PM
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Happy Birthday

Timothy had a birthday this week.

And it’s Jim’s birthday today.

Happy birthday fellas!

UPDATE (Sun 6:20pm): I forgot to mention that Bryan was having a birthday as well. Happy Birthday, Bryan.

Posted by at 04:49 PM
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Praise vs Worship

The worship band had a discussion last week about the difference between “praise” songs and “worship” songs and our use of each. We tend to use those words interchangeably all the time, and I think there are differences in meaning, intent. But knowing how to articulate it was a challenge, and putting it in the context of songs was as well.

All week I meant to look up the definitions of each word. Here they are:

praise

n.

Archaic.

tr.v. praised, prais�ing, prais�es
1. To express warm approbation of, commendation for, or admiration for.
2. To extol or exalt; worship.

--------------------------------------------------

wor�ship
n.

1. The reverent love and devotion accorded a deity, an idol, or a sacred object.
2. The ceremonies, prayers, or other religious forms by which this love is expressed.
3. Ardent devotion; adoration.

v. wor�shiped, or wor�shipped wor�ship�ing, or wor�ship�ping wor�ships or wor�ships
v. tr.
1. To honor and love as a deity.
2. To regard with ardent or adoring esteem or devotion.

[via dictionary.com]

Ok, I see clear differences.

How do the differences translate to some of the music churches use?
How do we educate folks to the differences?
Does it matter?

Discuss. (Please!)

Posted by at 11:32 AM
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Today’s Events

Here’s the list of exciting stuff I’ll be doing today:

1. Shopping for stuff at Wal-Mart. I may just thow on some clothes (sans shower) and go over now to avoid the crowds. I also need to buy groceries. done

2. I need to watch Magnolia, rented from Blockbuster. Jared and I had a discussion going about bad Tom Cruise movies, this one came up, and I need to watch it so we can discuss this one. Get ready, Jared...a post will be put up this weekend with my review.

3. I have a pot luck dinner at my small group leader’s home tonight. I’m in a small group Bible study (this isn’t the same one I lead, instead I’m merely a participant) from my church, but I didn’t attend much this year because of other obligations. I do like to hang out with them though, so I’m looking forward to the dinner tonight. this was supposed to be at 6pm. It’s been moved up to 4pm

4. I need to do laundry, preferably before the pot luck. The pants I want to wear need to be washed. half done

That’s it.

Posted by at 11:19 AM
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Friday, July 18, 2003

Kobe, Adultery, and Some Advice

I didn’t hear about his indictment until I was in the car, driving to church, and caught the follow-up discussions on talk radio.

He admits to adultery. Does adultery = rape? Not necessarily. We’ll have to wait to hear the evidence presented at his trial.

Here’s my advice to married men (and women for that matter). Don’t put yourself in a position to be tempted by another woman (or man). You may think you would never do the unthinkable. But think of the many, many men who have succumbed to the apparently irresistable temptation to sleep with a women who is not his wife. No one is immune from the temptation - pastors have fallen, Presidents have fallen, teachers, plumbers, accountants, fishermen, basketball players.

People mock Billy Graham for his precautions against this kind of temptation. And yet, they’ve served him well in his long, long ministry and marriage. He refuses to get on an elevator if there’s just one woman on there. He has folks check his hotel room before he enters it. He won’t counsel a woman alone. Because he knows that as much as he loves God, as much as he loves his wife Ruth, he can be tempted.

When you find yourself in this kind of situation there are just two words you need remember. RUN AWAY!

Posted by at 10:27 PM
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New Quote Added

I’ve added a new Quote of the Moment to the rotation. It’s from Tony Blair’s speech to Congress from yesterday. I found the quote at Wizbang.

Tell the world why you’re proud of America. Tell them when “The Star-Spangled Banner” starts, Americans get to their feet—Hispanics, Irish, Italians, Central Europeans, East Europeans, Jews, Muslims, white, Asian, black, those who go back to the early settlers, and those whose English is the same as some New York cab drivers I’ve dealt with—(laughter)—but whose sons and daughters could run for this Congress. Tell them why Americans, one and all, stand upright and respectful. Not because some state official told them to, but because whatever race, color, class or creed they are, being American means being free. That’s why they’re proud. That’s good stuff. Posted by at 06:21 PM
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Quiet Today

I don’t have much to say today.

That said, I still need to respond to David’s latest comments at this post of mine regarding the Constitution, religion, and wackos. (However, if you read the post itself, his comments make no sense because they’re completely unrelated. He clicked on the wrong link. It happens sometimes.) He wrote some lengthy stuff that I need to reread before formulating my stunningly intelligent riposte. *that’s a joke, because I’m not feeling stunningly intelligent at the moment*

It’s Friday, and I would normally have worship band practice tonight. However, our leader is having some kind of procedure done on his throat to ~~save his marriage~~ cure his snoring. Anyone have this done? They inject some kind of solution into the soft palette that is supposed to create scar tissue and reduce snoring. Sounds icky and weird.

Anyway, he won’t be leading the singing in church on Sunday, so we have a back-up leader, no band, and accompaniment tapes ahead. It’s Christian Karaoke! Seriously...and this is how we used to worship in song (for 12 years) before our worship leader came to us last summer. It’s very scary.

So, we’re only practicing Sunday morning, but we’ve started meeting as a team to pray and discuss stuff before the Friday night practices. We’re still meeting tonight. But I’ll be home at a reasonable hour, so I might just hop online when I get home.

Then again, I might not...ah, the suspense. And I know you’ll all be noses to your monitors tonight, anxiously awaiting the ping of a new post from me. Right? Right?!

So much for me not having anything to say…

Posted by at 05:00 PM
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