Whatever is True...

I am always trying to live up to the fish on the back of my car. However, sometimes I get frustrated in traffic and can't help but think things that are unkind about fellow drivers.

This morning on my way to work, I had just exited from the expressway. I need to get over about three lanes in order to make my turn and I ordinarily do this with ease. However, this morning, I couldn't, as a woman was driving very focused only on her straight-ahead destination and wouldn't let me in. I literally had to stop to get behind her so I wouldn't miss my turn. While behind her, I noticed her license plate had a version of the word "Whatever". I thought to myself, "yeah, whatever works for me and forget about you!". Then, as she started to turn into the parking lot of the Catholic church, I caught a glimpse of her cross decal. I thought to myself ...well, I guess she was so focused on whatever is true, honest, just, pure,...she didn't have a chance to notice me.

Later, when I got to my e-mail still feeling somewhat ashamed for getting upset at her, I opened my daily devotion which was about serving God in all that you do, from cleaning toilets and changing diapers to "Graciously allowing a vehicle to merge in front of you."

While I still should have just taken the morning's incident in stride, I feel a little better knowing that I do personally try to do just that and see it as part of serving God.

Tiny Sapphire Cross

I'm almost ashamed of the tiny little cross that I'm wearing today. As a Protestant, I celebrate the Resurrected Christ, so my crosses are empty as Christ has risen. However, the impact that woman's crucifix had on me today is nothing short of amazing.

The Golden Crucifix

A young, tall, slim nursing student came into the library today. She was dressed in a orangy warm-up suit and white t-shirt. Her blond hair was pulled back in a bun. What intrigued me most about her ensemble was the large gold crucifix on a thick, long gold chain...yes, like a male rapper might wear.

On her,it made such a statement...to remind everyone that Jesus SUFFERED DEATH for us and in HIM there is hope. I don't know if she wears this everyday, but I hope that during her nursing career she is able to display this symbol of eternal truth for all to see, especially in spiritual and physical need.

I am a Michigander...

Yes, I was born and raised in the Great Great Lakes State. I love my state.

To most Michiganians, yesterday was not a good day in the sporting world...well maybe for hunting or figure skating...

However, while my beloved Michigan State Spartans blew TWO big games and my usually reliable Detroit Red Wings hocky team lost, a couple of "my teams" celebrated victories:

First, Congratulations to The Ohio State University Buckeyes! Yeah! Saturday afternoon, we were dropping my daughters off at my parents to attend the aforementioned Red Wings game. We arrived in time for my husband to turn on the end of the OSU/UM game. My parents aren't sports people, but boy did their Ohio roots show by the end of THAT game! Even my quiet Mom said a little cheer. And to quote my dad, who has an MBA from the UM, "There will be a lot of sad intellectuals in Michigan this week!" (He was quite pleased at this, mind you!)

Even sweeter than this was to see the score of my little brother's Alma Mater come up on the screen: Vanderbilt 28-Tennessee 24!!! Yeah, Vandy!!!! Big little girl was really excited to call her Aunt and Uncle to congratulate them!

I was looking forward to hockey and basketball season, but if I'm relying on the Wings and Spartans, I might want to broaden my horizons...I hear Nashivlle's got a couple good teams... Vandy and the Predators (NHL)!

Go Bucks!

It is that time of year again, when the University of Michigan/The Ohio State University rivalry comes to a head. I have heard it is one of the biggest rivalries in all of college sports.

In these parts (Michigan) it is assumed that if you live in Michigan and did not move here from Ohio, you cheer for the "UM". And, with a (Michigan State) Spartan Season like the one I just lived through, you would think that I would join the other Michigan natives and cheer on the Wolverines as they face the Buckeyes.

WRONG!!!!!

Here is my list of perfectly good reasons to cheer for The Ohio State University Buckeyes this coming Saturday:

#1 and Most Important: True Michigan State Spartan fans NEVER cheer for the University of Michigan Wolverines.

However, my scarlet and gray leanings run much deeper...

#2 My mom was born, raised, and educated in Ohio (Ashland [College]University)

#3 My dad was born, raised and mostly educated in Ohio. (Case Western Reserve [Case Institute of Technology] and University of Michigan)

Note: While my dad used to sing Victors (UM Fight Song) to me as a child, it didn't take. He was granted an MBA by the UM, but never was a Wolverine.

#4 My Paternal Grandfather attended The Ohio State University in 1929, but had to quit due to the Great Depression. He was a big football fan.

#5 My Paternal Grandmother~while she didn't attend The Ohio State Unviersity and wasn't a great sports fan, Grandma W. is really my true connection to The Ohio State University football program.

Here is the family legend:

Woody Hayes was once a football coach of the New Philadelphia High Quakers. This is the Alma Mater of my Grandma, Great Aunt Kate, and Great Uncle Bill. My Great Uncle Bill played Junior Varsity under Woody's coaching. Uncle Bill graduated in 1938 and the following fall, Woody became head coach.

From espn.go.com

"...He [Woody] remained there for two seasons before moving to New Philadelphia High School, also in Ohio, as an assistant coach there. While at New Philadelphia, he met Anne, the woman who would become his wife.

In 1938, Hayes was promoted to head coach at New Philadelphia. Three years later, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he developed a passion for military history..."

Anne and my Great Aunt Kate were classmates and good friends. Such good friends that sometime back in the day, Woody and Anne, along with my Aunt Kate and Uncle Carl, had dinner at my Grandma and Grandpa's home.

Ever the Ohioan, my dad likes to point out that Bo Schembechler has strong Ohio roots too, include in Master's Degree from The Ohio State University. However, I think, in spite of his 40+ years in Michigan and UM degree, Dad is still inclined to silently root for The Ohio State University.

As for me, I am a graduate of Michigan State University. I NEVER cheer for U of M. However, I am confident that I meet the criteria to be a Buckeye fan on this one Saturday each fall.

Go Bucks!

Observations

I really don't have the time or desire right now to write eloquent pieces of prose. However, I don't really want to quit writing out here in the blogosphere. I like being part of a community and hope that I might contribute in some small way. So, my writing will not be all that pretty, but it will be real, stream of consciousness writing. Just observations along the way. And sometimes, I might come up with something profound...