culture shock: I am watching my show

The other day my brother called. I was having a lazy day and catching up on a favorite TV series online. He asked if this was a bad time since I was watching my show. I laughed, mostly because the thought of such a thing was absurd to me. TV more important than people? Especially when I can pause it or watch it later online.

Do people really do that? Apparently. My brother said he doesn't take it personally.

In a week, will I even remember what the show, that was so important, was about? Probably not. In a month, will it even matter? Likely no, as the world moved on to more current events. Will the time missed with loved ones due to prioritizing television matter a week, month, or year from now? Absolutely. Relationships are built (or lost) on interpersonal connection.

One of the things that has me shaking my head in wonderment is the way American lives revolve around television. Television is the hearth of the home. Television is the primary source of entertainment. It is as if American's live through watching other people's lives (fiction or near-fiction often called "reality"). When did it become acceptable to disregard real people for those we are likely never to know?

I am sure this view is considered "old-fashioned" by some. Once again I am feeling like the woman that time forgot, as I am often displaced in my culture.

just Sheri, choosing real people over fiction

catching up: winter activities

As faithful readers have noticed...and commented - I don't post as often as I once did. I do, however, still carry my camera with me everywhere I go and take lots of pictures.  The winter months were filled with lots of time with girlfriends.

For New Year's Eve, my friend Lily and I had a night on the town. We had a nice dinner at a Thai restaurant, then headed to a late night improv comedy show. Along the way Lily found a guy who sold blinking 2012 eyeglasses and negotiated for a couple. Hands down the glasses were the hit of the night. We got LOTS of attention walking down the street with these on - people would stop and talk with us, or yell out car windows, etc. I have learned the secret to making friends with strangers on New Year's Eve - blinky glasses...who knew?

The next day we walked the town and happened upon an Occupier's camp. We talked with a few different people; none seemed to have the same story of why they were there. I assume the lack of a clear objective is problematic for a movement that wants to bring about change, but decided it unnecessary to point that out during our visit. A nice group of ladies came with lunch for the campers, that is when we made our exit.

There were also a couple of ice skating adventures. This one was outdoors and included s'mores over an open flame. The other was indoor and amounted to chaos. I hope to repeat the outdoor adventure next year.

There was also the welcoming of new life - Naomi and her beautiful mother Joyce. I enjoy hangin' with these two as often as possible.

Spring season and spring activities have arrived. I thought you might still like to see some of the photos from winter events and the people who make life a joyful journey.

just Sheri, blessed with great friendships

Aloe Vera - edible?

I learned something positively fascinating last week. My friend Vy came over with food one night. She cooked a fabulous dinner like she owned the place (at least the kitchen) and I got to be treated like a spoiled guest. Yeah, she's wonderful.

So, she had a drink I had never heard of...an Aloe drink. Made from the plant Aloe Vera. Imagine my surprise. I only thought aloe was something you rubbed on sunburned skin. Boy was I wrong!

Vy told me the drink is good for the skin. Apparently there are some Asian dishes where they also cook with it.  I must admit I NEVER considered eating Aloe Vera. Aren't there little spiky things on the leaves? Who wants to put that in their mouth?

When I posted this discovery on Facebook, I also learned it is good for upset stomachs too. Really? I thought the remedy for that was Sprite.

Anyway, I learn something new from Vy all the time. Thanks, girl, for expanding my horizons and teaching me things I wouldn't know without our friendship.

just Sheri, a life-long learner

home away from home

For those who don't know, I was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  If you have never had the pleasure of visiting - you are missing out!  The tag line for this state capital is: City Different...and it lives up to that.  On my recent visit I mentioned to my family that one of the things I love about New Mexico is it is hard to tell the homeless people from the millionaires. There are plenty of both, and they seem to have a similar style - disheveled hair, wrinkled, cotton clothing, and sandals. This isn't the only thing I love about New Mexico.

New Mexico is a part of who I am. It is where I was raised. Where I graduated from college. Where I go back to visit often. It holds such a special place in my heart that I decided to dedicate a room in our house to my "homeland."

After it was done I asked Kenyon what he thought. He said, "it looks like New Mexico." Mission accomplished - though I don't think I had told him that was what I was going for, which is even better.

We still have lots of empty spaces, but one room has made some progress.

just Sheri,  amateur decorator

In loving memory: Adra Irene Gettemy

Last week I attended the funeral of my adopted grandma - Adra Irene Gettemy. Known to me as Grandma Gettemy. I will always remember her for her hospitality and generosity. Grandma Gettemy had a long life - she was 97 years old. She had a good life - married for 60 years to a man she loved and alive long enough to be known by some of her great-grandchildren.

Her last few years were characterized by pain, discomfort and discontent. She was ready to go. While she will be missed dearly, the memorial service was a celebration of a life well-lived.

just Sheri, hoping I've met my quota of funerals for a while