I was listening to the "Late Show" tonight and found myself chuckling at David Letterman wishing Dick "Boom Boom" Cheney a Happy Birthday. Most of the country, maybe even most of the world, knows of the hunting accident that involved Mr. Cheney shooting a hunting companion in the face. I think partly I laughed at the cleverness of this roasting under the pretense of good wishes and partly I laughed at the bold naughtiness of Mr. Letterman's comments. Then it occurred to me, as light-hearted as he wanted us to believe his comments were intended, he was still poking fun at what had to be a very traumatic event in Dick Cheney's life. Dick Cheney likely is expected to take it all as a good natured ribbing, yet it must dig deeper than we could ever imagine.
I think it would be most difficult to force a smile, even superficially about a mistake I made that caused another person pain and suffering. Of all the pain I have experienced in my life, that which I have inflicted is more of a burden to me than that which has been inflicted upon me. So in retrospect I question why I would find myself giggling at the misfortune of another, especially of this magnitude.
I don't find other people's suffering at all funny. In fact it causes me great distress. I can only surmise this type of humor must be a measure of self preservation, a way to keep oneself from being consumed by the pain of others.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
New Year
Just celebrated another birthday after the start of the New Year. It was difficult as a young child with a birthday right after Christmas and New Year's celebrations because most everyone is ready to get back into a slower pace and a little quiet. My birthday was pretty understated. As a child it was rather disappointing. As an adult I think I prefer understated. It goes along with my desire to be average. Sounds strange doesn't it!? It's the result of having an other than average life so far (as I see it).
Because of the chronology of events I'm guessing, the turn of the New Year followed almost immediately by marking another year of my life feels like a chance to start fresh. All cliches aside, I like the hope of something better. It's a chance to succeed at becoming a better, more organized, happier, and healthier me. My focus is always on the little things; making my checkbook a better record of our finances so we can budget at a glance if needed; stocking the cupboards with healthier foods that all of us can incorporate into our daily diets without feeling deprived; encouraging my family to start fresh and get excited about their own plans and goals.
One thing at which I've not been good, that I want to focus on this year, is begin to do more of the 'just for me' things that I've delayed so I could take care of my family's needs. But they're all grown and now pretty much on their own, or will be shortly.
The types of things I'd do have changed a bit over the years, but there is still a list of them. On top is to get my degree. I stopped going to school to have children, then put off going back so Jim could finish his schooling. Well, then the rest of life got in the way. You know the story. It's certainly not unique to me. It isn't unusual for mothers/wives to put the rest of the family first. Certainly my own mother put all of us before her own wishes. And in fact, my Mother-In-Law is my inspiration for this goal. She was quite the 'go-getter'. This might just be the year for some serious consideration. Happy 2012!
Because of the chronology of events I'm guessing, the turn of the New Year followed almost immediately by marking another year of my life feels like a chance to start fresh. All cliches aside, I like the hope of something better. It's a chance to succeed at becoming a better, more organized, happier, and healthier me. My focus is always on the little things; making my checkbook a better record of our finances so we can budget at a glance if needed; stocking the cupboards with healthier foods that all of us can incorporate into our daily diets without feeling deprived; encouraging my family to start fresh and get excited about their own plans and goals.
One thing at which I've not been good, that I want to focus on this year, is begin to do more of the 'just for me' things that I've delayed so I could take care of my family's needs. But they're all grown and now pretty much on their own, or will be shortly.
The types of things I'd do have changed a bit over the years, but there is still a list of them. On top is to get my degree. I stopped going to school to have children, then put off going back so Jim could finish his schooling. Well, then the rest of life got in the way. You know the story. It's certainly not unique to me. It isn't unusual for mothers/wives to put the rest of the family first. Certainly my own mother put all of us before her own wishes. And in fact, my Mother-In-Law is my inspiration for this goal. She was quite the 'go-getter'. This might just be the year for some serious consideration. Happy 2012!
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