What shall we call you?

Blogging is really just an expression of our living in hope that we will be published some day. After the contract negotiations and editorial wrangling there's that one nagging question, "What shall we call you?"

My uncle, who was to be a famous musician, always wanted to be called Pierre Shastikovich. When I play lazer tag I'm known as Xena, Princess Warrior. But were I to be published in print that would open a whole other realm.

Perhaps I would choose just one name like Madonna, or the symbol formerly known as Prince. Cher almost had a commanding sound to it.

Or I could use my first and middle names as if they were all I had: Kristin Leigh. Then there's the possibility of a derivation of my husband's first name and I would be Kris Jefferson. My maiden name would provide a modicum of recognition in the world for anyone who knew me more than 25 years ago, but Kris Surface just doesn't ring for me any more.

I guess this question will have to remain unanswered for the time being.

Sleep disorder

Ever really look at your pillows? I did when I changed the sheets this weekend. They're really kind of sorry looking. Why don't I just buy new ones? They aren't that expensive. Maybe that answers the birthday question.

Speaking of pillows... Jeff and I have developed a new system of space allocation. It's working great, I highly recommend it. We have a "barrier pillow" that takes up the space between us. No, it's not a signal for no access. It's more of a speed bump to keep us from taking up each other's space. Just turn one pillow sideways between you. It's a good thing.

New trend in home building, master suite with separate sleeping rooms. That could work too! More expensive than a barrier pillow, but the idea has merit.

Money for nothing

My birthday is stressing me out, and it's not for almost a week.

What do I do with the birthday money I know I'll be getting from my Mom and my inlaws? Jeff's birthday money funded our trip to Colorado, which we shared. I need something to wear to my inlaws 50th in August. There are so many cute dresses out this year, just check out Erin's blog! Would love to get something decadent like tanning minutes. There's this divine chair at Target, yes Target, that would look smashing in our office. I'll only have my Target discount two more weeks, so maybe that's a good choice. We could share the furniture and then I wouldn't feel so guilty about Jeff not getting anything for his birthday.

What to do, what to do?

Life Partner

Following are 5 criteria for the selection of a life partner. I wrote these for my daughter. Hope they're useful to you.

#1. Shared values
#2. Do you fit in their family and do they fit in yours
#3. Can you see this person as the parent of your children
#4. Are you proud of their behavior at all times
#5. Do they challenge you intellectually

UtiliKilt

Yessiree Bob, you read that right. UtilaKilt. First one I've ever seen up close and personal.

We noticed him right away as he strode onto the green. He, along with several thousand others, brought their chairs, blankets, and multicourse meals to enjoy an evening of jazz outside the campus art museum. He was noticeable not just for his fabulous main of hair, or the distinctive way he commanded the space around him, but for his ensemble. He was wearing an open neck white linen shirt, a leather thong necklace with a crystal pendant, and a kilt.

Not your average kilt, but one that looked like it could have been made by Carhart for wear on the job. It had pleats in all the right places which made it hang just right. The rows of utility pockets were a complete mystery. We knew right away he was not a Target shopper! But where would one find such a thing?

The answer came as he stepped to the table to have the artist sign his CD. His name is Randolph. Just when I was conjuring up a question in my head about where he might find such apparel, there it was - the tag, stitched into the side seam. UtiliKilt.

If anyone could wear a UtiliKilt it's a guy named Randolph.

The RUSH of Adrenaline

I used to love the rush of adrenaline. That 'zing' you get by just sneaking in under a deadline. That creative surge that happens when you're not sure you're going to make it, but the ideas are fairly leaping from your head, each one seeming better than the previous.

Not so any longer. I still wait, I still put off whatever I can. Not because I want to, but because it's become a pesky habit. Now that rush that used to give me added spark leaves me with a nasty hang over and a load of self-doubt.

Oh the joys of having burnt out my entire central nervous system leaving nothing but a few arcs of excitement and an occasional spark of glory.

Communing with other beings. Does it happen? Are there angels and demons all around us?

Reading an amazing novel, "Demon: a Memoir" referenced at the bottom of this page. The short story is that a book editor is approached by a demon who asks that his memoirs be published. The writer makes it seem that most of us are aware of the presence of spirit-beings around us all the time. She also makes the point that when most people think they've had contact with an angel, it's actually a demon posing as an angel.

I encourage you to get a copy and read it. Meditate on it. Look at the scripture references in the back and find some friends with whom you can chew on the study questions over some yummy food. This book is worth your time, it will change your life.