I'm taking this idea from These Little Moments who, in turn, took it from Not That You Asked (which I think is one of the best blog titles I've ever heard - it's so simple yet SO perfect for nearly any blog - because, really, who's asking?).
7 Quick Things (it's more things than takes today) is perfect for me today because my head is utterly swimming with issues and concerns and preoccupations. (And now I'm really interested in unpacking the word "preoccupation" - it's a job before a job or something that prevents a job... and my preoccupations prevent my work for sure. Hm. But I digress.)
One
My sister's dog died yesterday. He was a stray that my brother-in-law rescued. When he found the dog abandoned in a warehouse, he was all dusty so they named him Dusty. The vet told them he was pretty sure Dusty had been significantly abused as a puppy and his jaw had definitely been broken, so for years they cooked soft foods for him like scrambled eggs and boiled chicken. With time, he grew stronger and grew to love his daily cookies, even asking for them by saying, "I want one." I swear, the dog talked. "I want one" sounded like, "Ah wahn wun." Honest. He was sweet and loving, letting all the family kids flop all over him and play with his toys. TJ won't remember him but definitely missed him this morning. He walked around the house with Dusty's regular morning cooking with his hand on his head, which is his sign for, "Where is it (he)?" We'll miss you Dusty.
Two
I feel unqualified to understand what is going on in Iran. Yes, there was an election. Yes, the results seem questionable. Yes, people are rioting and protesting and lives are being lost. But I feel like the lies told to the American people over the past decade have made us incapable of addressing this intelligently. Lumping someone into an Axis of Evil doesn't really lead one to understanding. All I know is that what is going on there both worries and frightens me and I can only hope that the Obama administration is being seemingly quiet on the issue for a good reason.
Three
Candidate Obama stated he was a "fierce advocate" of gay rights. Soooo... whattup with that? Yesterday his administration defended the Defense of Marriage Act. I do not understand what's going on here and really hope they step up on this very soon, like... oh, well, like immediately. This action and their general inaction is unacceptable.
Four
I nearly devoured a book last night: Rockabye by Rebecca Woolf of Girls Gone Child. After one evening of reading, I am on page 177 of 283. (I will be done tonight; I'd be done now if I wouldn't get in trouble for reading at work.) There will be a longer post about her forthcoming, but long story short: she is my current girl-crush. Like, if she was in BOP magazine, I'd have her picture all over my wall. I think she is smart, gutsy, beautiful, stylish, funny, and truly inspirational - but really, more on her to follow. (I am obsessed!) Have I mentioned that her kids' names are Archer and Fable? Couldn't you just fall over? I want to name my daughter Fable.
(BTW - check out her current blog post about gun control and the ensuing comments. Good for her for standing up for gun control and the idea of keeping violent entertainment out of one's children's lives. It's a shame that she had to close comments. She even had to take down her Google ads because the posts caused them to switch to ads about guns and gun lessons.)
Five
I wish the ASPCA and State Farm weren't so adept at creating commercials that make me cry. The woman who lost her home to a storm? Crying. The disheveled shih-tzu? Crying. They get me every time.
Six
Stuff about my job is going to change and I'm looking forward to it. That's all I can say about that, though. I'm not changing jobs, really - just the focus will be shifting and it's a positive move. That's always a good thing.
Seven
I have a pear and a banana to eat as snacks today. This makes me happy. Over and out.
