Is that a word?
Commonality?
I think it is.
But I've been know to make up a few along the way.
The year I turned 30, I finally left the county.
I went to Ghana in Africa.
I know, right?
Go big or go home!
I will never forget who I saw walking along the streets.
I saw me and my best friend with our kids.
I saw us catching up while the kids played.
I saw us getting dinner ready and keeping kids in place.
I saw women giving birth.
I saw sisters sharing.
I saw mothers mothering.
I saw the same damn things I see at home.
Just in different clothes,
and with different hair,
in different homes.
I look around sometimes and can't help but wonder...Would we treat eachother differently if we really saw our commonality rather than focused on the differences? I've had my moments of feeling more superior, more righteous, part of the exclusive croud, better than you. I've also been the black sheep in your eyes.
I see it in religion, sports, work, life.
It's not unique to one croud.
It belongs to us all.
We all hold the power.
And we all take turns abusing it.
It's naive-I know.
To think it's possible is to believe in world peace.
But if for one day only, if we looked for the commonality I wonder if we would love better, understand more and hate less.
Just curious.
Aren't you?
-McGee
My thoughts... Based on my own ordinary existance. And sometimes extraordinary experiences.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
unconditional love.
I love lots of things
and lots of people
conditionally.
I love fewer things and people unconditionally.
Unconditional love is a tricky thing.
Can you unconditionally love something or someone that is not exactly how you want it or who you want them to be? And like we've always been told, can't love someone else unless you love yourself. So what about you? Are you unconditionally loving yourself?
I'm starting to think it's a catch 22.
Here's what got me thinking...
(lest you read this and think I'm talking about loving you!)
I'm not a fan of my body.
I surely don't love it unconditionally.
I'm guessing I'm not alone in this biting truth.
Sure, I love it when it's bronzed and trim.
When it's not creaking and cracking.
When the creases and lines in my skin are hidden.
But as soon as it betrays me, isn't capable,
or isn't the shape and size I would like it to be.
I'm done.
Totally conditional.
But then tonight as my critical eye came out I wondered...
If I don't love my body now...
How am I supposed to love it enough to pay it the atttention it needs to be more like what I want it to be? I am more likely to sabatoge it with neglegence and something bad for my health.
If I can change that feeling...
If I can love my body for the things it can do
And what it looks like, right now, as it is...
I would feel different.
And treat it differently.
Right?
Hmmmm.
My body.
Circumstances around me.
Other people.
Makes me wonder what an adjustment on MY part would do.
-McGee
and lots of people
conditionally.
I love fewer things and people unconditionally.
Unconditional love is a tricky thing.
Can you unconditionally love something or someone that is not exactly how you want it or who you want them to be? And like we've always been told, can't love someone else unless you love yourself. So what about you? Are you unconditionally loving yourself?
I'm starting to think it's a catch 22.
Here's what got me thinking...
(lest you read this and think I'm talking about loving you!)
I'm not a fan of my body.
I surely don't love it unconditionally.
I'm guessing I'm not alone in this biting truth.
Sure, I love it when it's bronzed and trim.
When it's not creaking and cracking.
When the creases and lines in my skin are hidden.
But as soon as it betrays me, isn't capable,
or isn't the shape and size I would like it to be.
I'm done.
Totally conditional.
But then tonight as my critical eye came out I wondered...
If I don't love my body now...
How am I supposed to love it enough to pay it the atttention it needs to be more like what I want it to be? I am more likely to sabatoge it with neglegence and something bad for my health.
If I can change that feeling...
If I can love my body for the things it can do
And what it looks like, right now, as it is...
I would feel different.
And treat it differently.
Right?
Hmmmm.
My body.
Circumstances around me.
Other people.
Makes me wonder what an adjustment on MY part would do.
-McGee
Friday, May 27, 2011
Mini-McGee makes me older.
Memorial Day reminds me of one thing
And one thing only…
The first time I was more than 9 months pregnant
And SO ready to burst.
I can’t believe it’s been 15 years!
It’s so odd to have a child so much like me.
I look at her and feel every moment of high school all over!
It’s like my heart walks around all day outside my body.
Although it should be said, for sure,
This kid has her head screwed on far tighter than I did,
And her grades are not reflective of her genes!
I was smart but lazy.
Mini McGee is smart, lazy with chores...
But crazy diligent with her school work.
I catch glimpses sometimes of the woman she is becoming
(I can already see her cringing reading this)
And it’s an incredible sight.
Mini-McGee is…
A brilliant, beautiful, athlete.
Fun to be around with a silly giggle.
Has incredible hair I would pay to have.
Is often wise beyond her years,
And yet fantastically happy being just 15.
A leader.
A loyal friend.
And my favorite 15 year old in the world.
Can’t wait to see what comes next.
This girl will do something, peeps!
Mark my words.
I’m a fan and a believer!
Happy birthday sweet girl!
-McGee
And one thing only…
The first time I was more than 9 months pregnant
And SO ready to burst.
I can’t believe it’s been 15 years!
It’s so odd to have a child so much like me.
I look at her and feel every moment of high school all over!
It’s like my heart walks around all day outside my body.
Although it should be said, for sure,
This kid has her head screwed on far tighter than I did,
And her grades are not reflective of her genes!
I was smart but lazy.
Mini McGee is smart, lazy with chores...
But crazy diligent with her school work.
I catch glimpses sometimes of the woman she is becoming
(I can already see her cringing reading this)
And it’s an incredible sight.
Mini-McGee is…
A brilliant, beautiful, athlete.
Fun to be around with a silly giggle.
Has incredible hair I would pay to have.
Is often wise beyond her years,
And yet fantastically happy being just 15.
A leader.
A loyal friend.
And my favorite 15 year old in the world.
Can’t wait to see what comes next.
This girl will do something, peeps!
Mark my words.
I’m a fan and a believer!
Happy birthday sweet girl!
-McGee
Thursday, May 26, 2011
there's an app for that.
So untrue.
There isn't an app for how to be a grownup.
There's no app for living a successful life.
There's not even an app with all the answers out there.
dangit.
Being a grown up is overrated!
-mcgee
There isn't an app for how to be a grownup.
There's no app for living a successful life.
There's not even an app with all the answers out there.
dangit.
Being a grown up is overrated!
-mcgee
Monday, May 23, 2011
bipolar.
Saw this somewhere else on another blog and it struck my fancy.
So I borrowed it.
But I can't remember from who...so sorry.
I hate...
spiders
uncomfortable silence
mean people
brussel sprouts (sorry baby)
fighting...most of the time
black licorice
losing
being wrong
being lost. literally. hate it.
I love...
long chats with good friends
bacon wrapped hot dogs after a concert
good podcasts
tweeting. on twitter.
fighting...occassionally
a great salad
swimming in the rain
digging toes in the sand
good news
a great song that makes you smile
And apples.
I love apples.
So I borrowed it.
But I can't remember from who...so sorry.
I hate...
spiders
uncomfortable silence
mean people
brussel sprouts (sorry baby)
fighting...most of the time
black licorice
losing
being wrong
being lost. literally. hate it.
I love...
long chats with good friends
bacon wrapped hot dogs after a concert
good podcasts
tweeting. on twitter.
fighting...occassionally
a great salad
swimming in the rain
digging toes in the sand
good news
a great song that makes you smile
And apples.
I love apples.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Little Man Grows Old(er)
Yup.
True story.
Two birthdays, two days in a row.
Ahhhhh...my little man.
I remember vividly the May 4th he was born, late at night.
I teased I would have to name him Juan if he was born on the 5th.
And I don't know a lot of blonde Juans.
Little Man is the comedic relief in this family, generally unintentionally. It's so much fun to have a boy amidst the gaggle of girls in this family, albeit a tender hearted one. He's a head taller than the kids his age and a master of handball. He is the best cuddler around, by far and no, you may not take him home with you.
Little Man can rough it up with the best of them but is a momma's boy at heart. I know it won't last so I'll enjoy it while I have it! It's so fun watching him come into his own as a big brother, too. He's a sweetheart!
Happy birthday to my little man!
-McGee
P.S. And now back to your regular McGee postings...three birthday's down, one to go!
True story.
Two birthdays, two days in a row.
Ahhhhh...my little man.
I remember vividly the May 4th he was born, late at night.
I teased I would have to name him Juan if he was born on the 5th.
And I don't know a lot of blonde Juans.
Little Man is the comedic relief in this family, generally unintentionally. It's so much fun to have a boy amidst the gaggle of girls in this family, albeit a tender hearted one. He's a head taller than the kids his age and a master of handball. He is the best cuddler around, by far and no, you may not take him home with you.
Little Man can rough it up with the best of them but is a momma's boy at heart. I know it won't last so I'll enjoy it while I have it! It's so fun watching him come into his own as a big brother, too. He's a sweetheart!
Happy birthday to my little man!
-McGee
P.S. And now back to your regular McGee postings...three birthday's down, one to go!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Soapy D Grows Up
It's birthday time again!
Today Soapy D turns 4.
It's hard to believe-time sure flies!
Soapy D (her ganster name) is by far the Princess of the house, almost by default. She doesn't walk into a room without someone paying attention to her, she's quite sure that's how the world works. She has the most honest giggle in the entire house and has a never ending series of big sisters and brother trying to make her laugh.
Although-it's best when she just cracks herself up.
Which she does.
Daily.
It's so fun to watch her grow from a little toddler to a precocious, daring, brave, fun, entertaining, opinionated, giggly little girl who loves being the little sister of the house.
Without her, our family would not be the same!
Besides...
Who doesn't love a little girl in pigtails?
Happy Birthday Soapy D!
-McGee
Today Soapy D turns 4.
It's hard to believe-time sure flies!
Soapy D (her ganster name) is by far the Princess of the house, almost by default. She doesn't walk into a room without someone paying attention to her, she's quite sure that's how the world works. She has the most honest giggle in the entire house and has a never ending series of big sisters and brother trying to make her laugh.
Although-it's best when she just cracks herself up.
Which she does.
Daily.
It's so fun to watch her grow from a little toddler to a precocious, daring, brave, fun, entertaining, opinionated, giggly little girl who loves being the little sister of the house.
Without her, our family would not be the same!
Besides...
Who doesn't love a little girl in pigtails?
Happy Birthday Soapy D!
-McGee
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