Gratitude, in all forms

Before I wax poetic, a little heads-up: I have a bizarre, embarrassing admission to make. But you have to read to the end to find out what it is. Love ya.

Topic 1
Monday afternoon I interviewed the executive director of our local battered women's shelter for a newspaper article I'm writing. She asked a resident of the shelter to join us for a bit to share her story. I spent about 30 minutes talking with this woman, and going to affect me for a very long time. I'm not sure I can put into words right now the depth of my horror, compassion, anger and guilt. Hannah (not her real name, but the one we chose for her in the article) started off her life with a silver spoon in her mouth and many privileges. She's college-educated, smart as a whip and loves her children. But somewhere along the way, the negativity from her husband became acceptable and she chose to stay, believing herself safer than if she left. When she did divorce him and move away, the situation disintegrated into something you would not be able to stomach. So last week she grabbed her children and ran many, many states and time zones away, hoping that this time, this location, this chance, would be the one that would set her free. I pray every day that she's right.

On the way to the interview I spoke with a friend by phone and complained about how much I want a certain car, but it would probably be another few years until I could get it. Please forgive me for being a spoiled brat. I am so very grateful for the life that I have: my religion and my family give me everything and more than I need. Please remind me of this the next time I whine.

Topic 2
We're at the beach right now, visiting my parents. I do love it here, so much. We visited a waterpark this morning and Ryan went down his first honkin' waterslide. We're hanging out inside a bit right now before we launch Make-Your-Own-Pizza-Night. I'm grateful my parents moved here and we have a quiet, restful place to come and sit and be near the sea.

The Embarassing Thing
Anna K and I were just listening to the radio when this super-catchy song came on. We found ourselves singing along with the chorus after one verse, even doing that head-bob thing. We started speculating on who was singing: Jewel? Carrie Underwood? (It was a country station.) The DJ came on, and his next words made me hit the floor:
"Didja like that song? So many people do - it's a great, catchy summer beach song called "Come on Over" by Jessica Simpson."

This is me, rocking back and forth holding my knees, trying to pretend that didn't really happen.


Bonus Part
We listened to the new Sugarland CD 3 times on the drive yesterday. Go. Buy. It. Now. One of the best CDs, beginning to end, I've ever heard. "Love on the Inside" is the title. Our fave tracks: 1 - "All I Want to Do"; 2 - "It Happens"; 11 - "Steve Earle." Their harmony is a joy to listen to, especially on "We Run." Love this band!