Ponderings & Pensées

Diary of a Crazy Cajun Lady

2011-11-08T22:36:00.001-06:00

Well, first off I should admit that I'm not actually Cajun. I was born and raised in southeast Louisiana, on the dirty coast, between bayous and canals, an oyster shell beach and oil refineries. Dem der Cajuns live a bit furder west ;) ~ out in south central and southwestern Louisiana. So, I wasn't born Cajun... I earned the monicker "Crazy Cajun Lady" in Memphis, where I lived for 6 years after Hurricane Katrina. Now, whether or not I'm actually "crazy" is a bit beside the point here. Please hold your comments until later. What I slowly revealed to those closest to me, that which earned me the nickname, I will share with you now.

Woe to those who serve up injustice or speak or act unfairly toward someone I care about... Be ye mindful, lest the Crazy Cajun Lady show herself and deal with you swiftly...

Read more »

Hypotheticality

2011-10-13T21:35:00.000-05:00

hypotheticality – n. the inherent hypotheticalness of an idea, situation, etc. (e.g. The hypotheticality of the idea is what caused it to spiral out of control.)

Now that we’ve cleared up that definition (it’s official, and don’t you dare question me), let’s talk about what brought about this post, shall we? Come along into the random ramblings of Stacie encore une fois… Or, as the French would say, “once again.” ;)

Is What You Perceive What You Believe?

2011-09-22T21:56:00.001-05:00

Don’t believe everything you think.

Did you pause after reading that to consider what you’d just read? No, you didn’t, you naughty little reader. Be honest… come on… you just continued on reading, didn’t you? It’s ok. Stacie’s here.

Now I’m going to give you a chance to think about that for a second: What does it mean to not believe everything you think? And why?

Mini•Blog No. 1: The Most Beautiful Heart

2011-08-11T20:41:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I lament opening up a little too easily to people. It's a sure-fire way to give many pieces of your heart away and only have a few of those gaps refilled, leaving aching chasms from where love has gone out and has not been returned. However, when I find myself in the company of sweet friends that I've made over the years, I'm reminded of how much it's worth it.

A friend of mine once shared this very short story with me called "The Most Beautiful Heart." I encourage you to have a quick read (it'll take 2 minutes... maybe 3 if you read slowly like me), but the overall message is that it's best to love and sustain the inevitable hurt rather than keep all that love to yourself. The love of others is a treasure... and love given to others is even more rewarding still.

Seek to give it away without expecting the same amount in return - that's what love is about. :)

Chasing Sun

2011-07-19T17:03:00.000-05:00

Someone once said to me, "The only way I would run is if someone was chasing me." While that would be an excellent reason to book it quick time, running is actually something I use as an outlet for stress or sadness... and sometimes even fatigue. You might think that's strange, but the endorphin rush that follows a good run or workout can be AMAZING for the body, mind, and soul and can be so refreshing that it actually (whereas you might think it would drain your energy) wakes you up.

The other day, however, while I thought I had this great idea to go for a run to relieve some anxiety, what I soon found out was that the universe had planted this idea in my brain and was conspiring to teach me a lesson.

I am ME.

2011-07-12T17:19:00.003-05:00

One thing I've always been quite adept at is introspection. I'm always considering why I do, think, or feel a certain way; what is it that drives me; where my quirks come from; and why I react the way I do to different situations. And although I might not like all of it all the time, I accept that every little bit of my being adds up to the sum total of ME. So while I might be full of crazy-headed ideas and quirks and filled to the brim with mildly neurotic tendencies, at least I know who I am, and there's definitely something to be said for that.

When I was in middle school, as a punishment for certain minor infractions, we were forced to copy a self-esteem essay called I am me. This little gem of an essay is a complete load of horseshit and never helped me learn about who I am or how to appreciate myself. It just made me mad when I had to write it. What I'm talking about is real, true introspection - really getting to know who I am.

Lately, I've been faced with just that repeatedly, and reminders of my personality traits have come in the strangest forms: Observing a favorite insect, a movie trailer, and a movie review by my friend 2D. I'll explain them here - complete with pictures and video - and show you how I see glimpses of myself in all of these things.

I'd Rather Be Blogging

2011-06-29T13:40:00.001-05:00

It has been 4 weeks since my last post. An entire month. I do not like that, but there is a reason for this. And now, without much further ado, here goes another random rambling from me, Stacie P. See, the story goes like this...

Read more »

Take THIS for Granted

2011-06-02T17:31:00.001-05:00

When did taking things for granted become taboo? Who coined this phrase and brainwashed the world into believing that anyone who does this is an obnoxious jerk who does not value relationships, jobs, or possessions? Who did this?? Allow me to re-enlighten my little corner of the webiverse, as I show you how taking things for granted is really the optimistic perspective and should not be frowned upon - nay (dare I say), should possibly even be encouraged. Come along...

Read more »

Soapbox Shorty #2: Midday Roadwork

2011-05-13T14:18:00.005-05:00

Really? Really?! 3 of the 4 lanes of a major thoroughfare have to be blocked off, causing major congestion during the lunchtime rush hour, for what appears to be the FILLING OF A POTHOLE?? Who's the genius who thought, "Here we go. Let's fill a small pothole in the middle of the day-during the lunch rush hour-that requires us to block off several lanes of traffic on a major expressway"?? Really?? Now I realize that I'm overusing question marks here... but it's appropriate, considering the fact that there are only unanswered questions when examining this situation.

Read more »

Is it hot in here or is it the FIREMEN?!

2011-04-27T18:19:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to take a moment to express how very grateful I am to the servicemen we all know fondly as firemen. They are valiant, strong, selfless, and ready to lay it all on the line to save a life.

*Sigh* Now I just need to take a moment to catch my breath... 'cause I sure love me some firemen. :D

Now, in honor of these brave souls, Baskin-Robbins is offering 31¢ scoop night tonight from 5p to 10p all over the U.S. & Canada! Specifically, this promotion benefits both the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation (CFFF), respectively. So get a scoop and SUPPORT! :)

Also, isn't it appropriate that on this very day, firemen came rushing to the school where I teach to assess a potential fire. In the end, I think there was no fire, but the firefighters who showed up were looking strong! In honor of their service today, I drew a picture of one of them rescuing me & my friend and colleague.

All jokes aside, what they do day in and day out is commendable and for that I say: RESPECT. :)

What I learned at school today...

2011-04-25T20:00:00.001-05:00

I am a teacher, which for me means that every day is hard, some days I hate my job, some days I don’t dislike my job as much, but no day is like the one before it. Today was no exception.

Everyone at one point or another has heard a “teacher” story – either in a movie or from a friend or family member who is an educator. The truth is, though, teaching is a service-oriented profession like many, many others. There is a constant potential for impact on young lives, whether positive or negative, and maybe – just maybe – if you’re a teacher, you might get the opportunity to have a significant positive influence on a young person that he will carry into the rest of his life. That all being said, and all being wonderful, what doesn’t get spoken of enough is how impactful the lives of young people can be on those of us who endeavor to teach them.

This is what it feels like when you get love on Twitter, FB & your blog...

2011-04-23T15:10:00.000-05:00

Gilded heart ducats falling from the sky.

So thank you to those of you who follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and here at my humble home on the web, my blog. :) *Muah!*

The Great Internet Debacle of 2011

2011-04-23T01:33:00.002-05:00

The following is a true story.

I called to put my DSL internet account on pause for a while in between moves because I thought that would be easier than disconnecting and reconnecting service in a couple of months. Easier. If only I had realized that it would have been easier to manually remove the phone wires from the house I was moving from and physically drag them and replace them at the house I was moving to. Easier. What a concept…

Packing up emotional baggage...

2011-04-08T20:11:00.001-05:00

I was going to consult with a friend to ask whether I should reconsider writing a blog that's a little more emotional and a little more personal. The reason was that when I write really emphatically about silly things, I necessarily take a different tone than when I'm on a heavier topic, and I was afraid of making the friends who read my blog a little uncomfortable... after all, it's a lot nicer to read to silly, happy things. For that reason, I won't mind if you skip this one and check back another time when I've posted a crazy-headed rant or some such thing. But if you do choose to read on, know that I'm writing this for me right now because I'm yearning for an outlet. And what better outlet do I have than my very own blog.

Soapbox Shorty #1: Stupid Questions

2011-03-19T15:50:00.002-05:00

Your mama might have told you that there's no such thing as a stupid question. Or maybe she dropped this little gem on you at some point: "The only stupid question is the one you don't ask." Well, I feel like it's time you knew...

There is such a thing as a stupid question, regardless of what your mama told you. Yeah, I said it. Shall we consider some examples?

Read more »

Be an (Amateur) Rx-pert

2011-03-14T18:25:00.028-05:00

Knowledge is power, people. When it comes to over-the-counter meds, do not be fooled. If you've heard it once, you've heard it a thousand times... some things are not what they seem. Read more to find out how you, too, can become an amateur rx-pert - not to be confused with a real rx-pert like my baby brother, the pharmacist ;) //end shameless plug...

Read more »

Weather the Weather

2011-03-05T11:48:00.006-06:00

*Licks finger & holds it up in the air* Yep, the wind is definitely blowing from... who the hell knows where. Weathermen certainly don't. They can't be trusted.

Read more »

Got focus?

2011-03-01T21:12:00.001-06:00

I've had this idea for a while now (since I was 12 or so) that I'd like to write a book. The problem with wanting to write a book, though, is knowing what you want to write about because you can't very well write a book about nothing... or can you?

In other words, for example...

2010-11-22T22:37:00.008-06:00

In keeping with the random nature of this blog, I'd like to begin by saying that if I do actually write a book, it will necessarily be a book that does not take itself too seriously (i.e. I will not take it very seriously and am therefore not sure what the draw would be in reading it...).

On that note,... well, actually, this next bit is totally unrelated, but it's fun to lead into an idea with "on that note...". So, on that note, I have to admit that I enjoy figuring out where very common expressions came from originally. As a matter of fact, just yesterday I was putting those Google Guru skills to work looking up where "ok" or "okay" might have originated and was not too surprised to find out that no one really knows. I wasn't surprised because that is the nature of language... it's so fluid and evolves in the most bizarre way. Mispronunciations, perpetual misspellings, misunderstandings, the need to create a word for something that previously didn't exist or hadn't been quantified semantically... And there I just digressed into a nerdy wonderland of thoughts... coming back now... (Click "read more" to get the rest of the story!)

Revolutions

2010-11-14T19:46:00.001-06:00

Life seems to completely change every 6-12 months... I just can't figure out if that's interesting or scary...

Read more »

Bottlenecked Ideas (Part Deux) / Ode of a Semi-Annual Blogger

2010-05-27T15:35:00.001-05:00

Today is May 27, 2010, which means that the mid-year mark is already at my doorstep, and my head is still spinning from the first half. That can't be good.

So, I think I just need to write a bit and unravel some of these twisted up thoughts in my overworked brain. I don't want to think about politics, the Gulf oil spill, the economy, the still-sagging job market, money (or lack thereof), or the fact that my very smelly dog needs a bath. No, I'd rather think about much lighter things today... it's just that finding lighter things to think about is tough...

Read more »

It's Official...

2010-01-24T23:08:00.001-06:00

SUPERBOWL XLIV:
Indianapolis Colts v. New Orleans Saints

It's January... time to start the "aquirkaday" blogging year

2010-01-24T16:01:00.007-06:00

I have a certain appreciation for bizarre holidays and observances. So this blog is going to focus on the fact that it is International Quality of Life Month and that National Take Back Your Time Week (Jan. 25-29) is once again upon us.

And today is, of course, National Compliment Day, so I would like to take a moment to say that you look really nice. And you smell good too. :D

I'm all work and very little play these days, but since it is, in fact, International Quality of Life Month, I'm definitely making it a point to have a little fun and de-stress time. It would help, too, if the Saints would win the last game of the playoffs today against the Minnesota Vikings. That could definitely contribute to my feeling really, really happy. Brees, I'm lookin' at you.

So maybe that's not exactly a "quality of life" issue, but a if the Saints go to the Superbowl, there will be no underestimating the fierce pride that will well up in the hearts of every single New Orleanian both in the city and beyond (I had to include the "beyond" part 'cause that's where I am at the moment :P). Oh, and I should probably include this short letter to the city I love:

"Dear New Orleans,

If the Saints do make it to the Superbowl, please do not burn down the city. Thanks.

Love, Me"

On another note, I've already been hard at work making sure that I am able to participate in National Take Back Your Time Week, too. I finished planning the entire week already for the French 1010 classes I'm teaching - quizzes, PowerPoint presentations, assignments are posted online - everything! So that's me taking back my time. No last minute stressing, planning, trying to figure out what on earth I'm doing the next day in class... no sir. I'm taking back my time. And I'll have a little extra time to actually focus on reading and doing work for the classes I'm taking so I can finally finish this Master's degree! (And have a little fun too!)

Anyway, that's it for now. I'm getting back to work, so I can watch the game in a little bit...

The 3-Way Stop

2009-11-11T10:20:00.003-06:00

One of the things I like least in life is sitting at a red light. I know, I know... "Why so negative, Stacie?". Well, ok, maybe it's not the worst thing ever, but it's just not my favorite. And those pesky left-hand turns where you don't get an arrow to help a girl along and everyone decided that they needed to drive in the opposite direction at that very moment and before you know it your little green left-hand light is red again, which ultimately renders it useless... wow... sorry, I guess I got a little away from myself for a moment there. *Ahem* So, after all that ranting, I made an observation the other day (imagine that...). :)

I was driving down a road when suddenly I came to... you guessed it... a red light. Now, here I was, at the red light, needing to make a left turn, when I realized that there would be no arrow this time either. This time, however, I was content. Why, you might ask? Because, friends, this time I was sitting at the dead end road of a three-way stop, and I knew that when that light turned green, there would be nothing in my way. I was going to make that left-hand turn totally unobstructed, free as a bird. Oh yes...

So what is the moral of the story? the point even? There isn't really one actually. I just really felt vindicated right there, and decided that if all I can do to deal with my annoyance at the "other" left-hand turn traffic signals is to appreciate the ones that actually let me go somewhere, then that's just what I'll have to do.

Have yourself/ves a fabulous Veterans' Day! :)

Remember, bravery isn't not being scared; it's going anyway. Here's to you vets!

Cold Tangerines

2009-08-28T14:05:00.001-05:00

Cold Tangerines is a book by Shauna Niequist that I hope to have in a few days but which I started reading (at least the bits that are available) via Google Books. And already I am anticipating a nice dose of perspective to come from it.

The introduction really drew me in. It says,

"This book is a shameless appeal for celebration.

I know that the world is several versions of mad right now. I know that pessimism and grimness sometimes seem like the only responsible choices. I wake up at night and think about pesticides and international politics and fundamentalism and disease and roadside bombs and the fact that one day my parents will die. I had a hard year this year, the hardest I've yet known. I worry about the world we're creating for my baby boy. I get the pessimism and grimness.

And that's why I'm making a shameless appeal for celebration. Because I need to. I need optimism and celebration and hope in the face of violence and despair and anxiety. And because the other road is a dead end. Despair is a slow death, and a lifetime of anger is like a lifetime of hard drinking: it shows in your face and your eyes and your words even when you think it doesn't."

The intro. continues from there, but I can't help but breathe a little easier after just this short excerpt... finally, a book that isn't all doom and darkness, by a real person who is comfortable being honest about the fact that things aren't great in the world but that there is hope and a reason to be joyful. Someone who understands that even glints of hope, optimism, and kindness are a necessary spattering of light splashed on a world that is otherwise sketched with the tenebrous brush of gloom.

That's why I'll make time to read this one... it's overdue yet right on time. And I'd encourage you to read it too. Check out allbookstores.com whenever you want to compare prices on a book like that one - new & used copies - from all different online booksellers. Enjoy! :)