Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Tuesday Morning

This is the picture of the Blue Star Banner (in the window) I talked about yesterday. The blue star denotes a family member serving in a war. It is a custom that was started in World War I. It is not so widely in use now, but I find something very pleasing about it. I think it honors my son.

I need to get out of here and get a 12 mile bike ride in - and still get to work at least somewhat on time. I am feeling uninspired today. I turned off the AC in the middle of the night because I find something disconcerting about waking up in a still quiet house. So I opened the windows and listened to the crickets until I fell back to sleep - which took hours. Then the 19 year old kid next door came home minutes later, at 3:23 - pulled up at the end of my driveway, which isn't far from my bedroom window - with rap music blasting and sat in the car for probably 5 minutes listening to the music. I stood at my bedroom window and unfortunately I didn't handle my anger as I would have liked. I used the tool which always seems to be the easiest to find, but is least effective - sarcasm. "Thanks for waking me up AGAIN." I really wish I hadn't done that.

"Finally, we begin to see that all people, including ourselves, are to some extent emotionally ill as well as frequently wrong, and then we approach true tolerance and see what real love for our fellows actually means. It will become more and more evident as we go forward that it is pointless to become angry, or to get hurt by people who, like us, are suffering from the pains of growing up." -- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 92

12 comments:

Mama Dukes said...

all people

dAAve said...

Well, how else is he going to know that his behaviour is unacceptable?

Mary Christine said...

By being direct and telling him that his behavior is unacceptable... not by being sarcastic.

Gooey Munster said...

The Blus Star is memorable!

Although some of our old tools have rust on them, it is amazing that they just don't rott away -- blah. The beautiful thing is that you know you have more sturdy, dependable tools ready to be used at the next event.

I hope that tonight you will get continuous sleep and colorful dreams.

Unknown said...

I think sarcasm is good! Especially with nineteen year olds. I think they understand little else. I certainly didn't.

Anonymous said...

I would think that banner would indeed be a source of comfort and pride for you as a Mother.
I just love your porch too by the way..!
Thanks for sharing~

Shannon said...

dang understanding and compassion when dealing with other people who are emotionally imature... especially sucks when we are tired... LOL
I love you MC...
hugs

Alcoholic Brain said...

Some peoples kids! At least it could have been Rock...I hate that RAP stuff. It's a good reminder that kids suffer brain damage. What can ya do?....

Scott M. Frey said...

way to cap off the reaction to ding dong next door with the perfect reading... and there aint nothing wrong with letting people know when they are outta line... unfortunately, it rarely helps...

Mike said...

I think the star is great.

Thanks for letting me know about it.

What's with the crickets anyway, they are loud as hell, but they lull me to sleep better than Rock or Rap.

Progress not perfection. That's what I see.

lash505 said...

At least you didn't light his car on fire. I can't stand some kids as well. I really liked the star it is so powerful. Stay strong, we are with you.

Unknown said...

I am always glad to hear when people act human. I get a good giggle when the sponse throws me a bone and tells me something shes done.

Hugs to the lady in the window ;)
G`