Today at church, Scott and I sang this great song by Lady Antebellum, an up and coming country group. The song is called "One day you will"... a great song about dealing with and overcoming adversity. Since this was our last Sunday in a series on Job, it seemed like an appropriate song. I thought I would share it with you guys...some of you could use a "pick me up" I'm sure.
One Day You Will...Lady Antebellum
You feel like you're falling backwards
Like you're slippin' through the cracks
Like no one would even notice
If you left this town and never came back
You walk outside and all you see is rain
You look inside and all you feel is pain
And you can't see it now
[Chorus]
But down the road the sun is shining
In every cloud there's a silver lining
Just keep holding on (just keep holding on)
And every heartache makes you stronger
But it won't be much longer
You'll find love, you'll find peace
And the you you're meant to be
I know right now that's not the way you feel
But one day you will
You wake up every morning and ask yourself
What am I doing here anyway
With the weight of all those disappointments
Whispering in your ear
You're just barely hanging by a thread
You wanna scream but you're down to your last breath
And you don't know it yet
[Repeat Chorus]
Find the strength to rise above
You will
Find just what you're made of, you're made of
[Repeat Chorus]
One day you will
Oh one day you will
I hope you enjoy. By the way, I give Lady Antebellum 5 stars in the Carmen rating system. Every song on their album is amazing. Get a copy!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
The joy of animals...
It has been a bad year for the Ledbetters/Copelands in terms of animals. First, my childhood dog, Belle (a beautiful golden retriever named for Belle from Beauty and the Beast) got to the point where my parents had to decide to put her down. Then my cat, Gorbachev, was killed by a coyote in my back yard. A couple of weeks ago, the dog that my sister and I adopted from a sorority sister at Auburn also had to be put to sleep. Gracie was a mutt in all sense of the word, but it was if she KNEW she was given a second chance at life and she never gave us or my parents a moment's trouble. She was only 9 years old, but we think she had cancer.
My sister Megan called me on Saturday and told me that my parents had put our childhood cat, Mada, to sleep that morning. Mada was given to my sister on her 15th birthday (June 10, 1995) by her boyfriend, Adam (Mada is Adam spelled backward.) Mada quickly established herself as my mother's cat. Whenever my mom sat down, Mada was in her lap, contentedly purring. She brought my mother (and all of us) much joy throughout the years. She was 14 years old and was in full kidney failure. (side note: I'm sure glad they don't put people down when they are in full kidney failure!) :)
After Gracie died, my mother and I were commiserating on the phone and tearfully my mom says, "Why do we put ourselves through this?" At the time, I couldn't agree with her more. I had just lost Gorby and was grieving him and Gracie. But the thought of life without domestic animals doesn't appeal to me. When I've had a horrible day at work with humans, I know that my animal family will love me unconditionally and cheer me up. There's nothing like being the greeted at the door by slobbering tongues and wagging tales... they always bring a smile to my face. With all the problems that animals bring,(i.e. immobility, unclean house, "accidents", vet bills, and short lives to name a few) they also bring a pure and simple joy. And I wouldn't trade it for the world.
I mean, how could you not love these faces:
Long live pets!
My sister Megan called me on Saturday and told me that my parents had put our childhood cat, Mada, to sleep that morning. Mada was given to my sister on her 15th birthday (June 10, 1995) by her boyfriend, Adam (Mada is Adam spelled backward.) Mada quickly established herself as my mother's cat. Whenever my mom sat down, Mada was in her lap, contentedly purring. She brought my mother (and all of us) much joy throughout the years. She was 14 years old and was in full kidney failure. (side note: I'm sure glad they don't put people down when they are in full kidney failure!) :)
After Gracie died, my mother and I were commiserating on the phone and tearfully my mom says, "Why do we put ourselves through this?" At the time, I couldn't agree with her more. I had just lost Gorby and was grieving him and Gracie. But the thought of life without domestic animals doesn't appeal to me. When I've had a horrible day at work with humans, I know that my animal family will love me unconditionally and cheer me up. There's nothing like being the greeted at the door by slobbering tongues and wagging tales... they always bring a smile to my face. With all the problems that animals bring,(i.e. immobility, unclean house, "accidents", vet bills, and short lives to name a few) they also bring a pure and simple joy. And I wouldn't trade it for the world.
I mean, how could you not love these faces:
Long live pets!
Monday, May 18, 2009
The big 3-1...
So today is my 31st birthday. And I have to say, it's been a little anti-climatic. How could it go anywhere but down after the week and a half I've had...
Last weekend (mother's day weekend) I left from a conference to drive to Chattanooga for what I thought was a weekend to celebrate Mother's Day. Scott met me up there and everything seemed pretty normal- that is until my mother says "hey, we are going to dinner tonight..." (which should have been a clue- why go out when your father is a gourmet chef?- we NEVER eat out at my parent's house...)
So we leave my house and mom says she needs to drop something my her best friend's new lake house and she wants to show it to me. We head down to their house, and when I walk in there's my little sister, saying "surprise, we are going to have a birthday cookout for you here!" Then they proceed to show me around the house... in every room a different couple pops out: first Alison and Garet (friends from college), then Joy and Alex (friends from college and work) and then Gina (friend from LIFE.) It had all been orchestrated by Scott for months to get me and my best girlfriends together. We cooked out and just talked all night. It was so nice to just relax with old friends in a great atmosphere... check out Joy's post about it here.
Click on the photo...it cut Garet off!
This past weekend we spent time with friends, saw Angels and Demons, went to dinner at Grits Cafe and adopted a new cat! Meet Rasputin (nicknames to be determined, but probably Raz)
He's the new addition to the Copeland household and he's fitting in perfectly! What a great birthday week!
Last weekend (mother's day weekend) I left from a conference to drive to Chattanooga for what I thought was a weekend to celebrate Mother's Day. Scott met me up there and everything seemed pretty normal- that is until my mother says "hey, we are going to dinner tonight..." (which should have been a clue- why go out when your father is a gourmet chef?- we NEVER eat out at my parent's house...)
So we leave my house and mom says she needs to drop something my her best friend's new lake house and she wants to show it to me. We head down to their house, and when I walk in there's my little sister, saying "surprise, we are going to have a birthday cookout for you here!" Then they proceed to show me around the house... in every room a different couple pops out: first Alison and Garet (friends from college), then Joy and Alex (friends from college and work) and then Gina (friend from LIFE.) It had all been orchestrated by Scott for months to get me and my best girlfriends together. We cooked out and just talked all night. It was so nice to just relax with old friends in a great atmosphere... check out Joy's post about it here.
Click on the photo...it cut Garet off!
This past weekend we spent time with friends, saw Angels and Demons, went to dinner at Grits Cafe and adopted a new cat! Meet Rasputin (nicknames to be determined, but probably Raz)
He's the new addition to the Copeland household and he's fitting in perfectly! What a great birthday week!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Spring in Macon
I've posted about this before , but there are few places in the world that are more beautiful than Macon, GA in springtime. Now, Macon's Springs usually begin in early, early March and ends in April - then the oppressive summers hit. This year, however, we've actually had a spring and it's been wonderful (minus the pollen, of course.)
Here are some images from our spring... First: POLLEN
Next, Cherry Blossoms from the cherry blossom capital of the world!
Next, scenes from the Copeland home.
For the rest of my "Springtime in Macon" pics, see my new set on flickr
Here are some images from our spring... First: POLLEN
Next, Cherry Blossoms from the cherry blossom capital of the world!
Next, scenes from the Copeland home.
For the rest of my "Springtime in Macon" pics, see my new set on flickr
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Seven Pounds
Scott and I didn't know what to do with ourselves this weekend. We've spent the last couple of weekends working in the yard and various other house projects. We have an open house (hopefully) NEXT sunday, so I'm sure we'll spend next weekend getting ready for that.
Anyway, we rented two movies and I loved both of them. Friday night we watched "Slumdog Millionare". I was a little wary of it because I don't usually like the movies that are "hyped" during Oscar season, but this one was worth a watch. Very inspirational and had a little bit of a "kharma" feel to it. My advice: Watch it with subtitles. Even though they speak English throughout, it can be hard to understand them.
Next we watched "Seven Pounds." This movie was recommended to me, and now I understand why. It goes perfectly with all my organ donation/organ transplantation topics. That's all I will give away. :) As Scott put it, "that movie really makes you think." Definitely worth a watch. Will Smith is amazing as usual. My advice : pay attention! It's confusing at first, but all comes together in the end.
In other news, I'm in LOVE with a health food/protein bar. I usually hate them and would rather eat dirt than these products that my husband lives on. He's always trying to get me to eat healthier and try these "healthy" protein bars. We both eat on the run a lot, he just makes much healthier choices than I do. :) If you are like me, you may like the Kashi ROLL protein/fiber bars. Try the Oatmeal Walnut. YUM. I had one for dinner tonight.
Anyway, we rented two movies and I loved both of them. Friday night we watched "Slumdog Millionare". I was a little wary of it because I don't usually like the movies that are "hyped" during Oscar season, but this one was worth a watch. Very inspirational and had a little bit of a "kharma" feel to it. My advice: Watch it with subtitles. Even though they speak English throughout, it can be hard to understand them.
Next we watched "Seven Pounds." This movie was recommended to me, and now I understand why. It goes perfectly with all my organ donation/organ transplantation topics. That's all I will give away. :) As Scott put it, "that movie really makes you think." Definitely worth a watch. Will Smith is amazing as usual. My advice : pay attention! It's confusing at first, but all comes together in the end.
In other news, I'm in LOVE with a health food/protein bar. I usually hate them and would rather eat dirt than these products that my husband lives on. He's always trying to get me to eat healthier and try these "healthy" protein bars. We both eat on the run a lot, he just makes much healthier choices than I do. :) If you are like me, you may like the Kashi ROLL protein/fiber bars. Try the Oatmeal Walnut. YUM. I had one for dinner tonight. That's my random post for the week. Has anyone seen these movies? What did you think? If you watch them because I recommended them, let me know what you think. :)
Monday, April 20, 2009
Controversial Subject
The topic of organ donation and transplantion is shrouded in controversy. I thought I would touch on a few of these topics over the next few blog posts. And I hope to do it as objectively as I can considering my situation and my feelings about organ donation.
There is a lot of discussion in the "transplant" community about the supply and demand issues with organ donation. The demand obviously outpaces supply and it always will with the current system. There are lots of people smarter than me out there trying to figure out new and innovative ways to deal with this grower problem. Presumed Consent, while a controversial subject, is one of these options to help with the growing need for more organs.
Presumed Consent is an "opt-out" model for organ donations, rather than the United States' current voluntary "opt-in" (Informed Consent) system (meaning you'd automatically be enrolled as an organ donor unless you specifically decided to opt-out.) Presumed Consent changes the nature of the consumer’s decision. It’s harder for consumers to actively choose not to help others in need than to passively let the opportunity to help slip by.
Presumed Consent for organ donations already exists in nine countries, including Austria, France, Spain, Sweden, and Italy (and is being considered in several others, including Great Britain.) In the “soft” opt-out system used by Spain and France, among others, you’re considered a donor unless you’ve instructed otherwise, but your family can refuse to allow the organ donation when you die. In the “hard” opt-out version, which exists in Austria, your family cannot say no. Several States in the United States are actually considering legislation to create an "opt-out" system.
It’s not likely that America would buy into to a “hard” opt-out system. If a Presumed Consent bill passed, it would probably allow a deceased’s family to veto organ donations. And there would also be plenty of safeguards so that no one would accidentally become a donor through sheer oversight.
A 2005 study published in Transplant International looked at 10 countries with either Presumed or Informed Consent for organ donations, and concluded that opt-out doesn’t necessarily guarantee higher donation rates. Other studies suggest that health education expenditures, death rates from accidents, and process and logistical issues may play a greater role.
Still, something needs to be done to boost the number of organs available. According to The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, some 98,000 people in the US are on waiting lists for organs (including about 74,000 for kidneys, 16,000 for livers, and 2,700 for hearts). It’s estimated that every 18 minutes, a patient dies for lack of an available organ.
Educating the public about the importance of organ donation may be the most reasonable approach.
I am a lucky one- someone didn't have to die for me to receive an organ transplant. But I do know what it's like to receive a life-changing transplant. These are people who (in most cases) did nothing to deserve the hand they've been dealt. And they want to be productive members of society. I don't know that presumed consent is the answer, but I do know that SOMETHING needs to be done. You never know if you or someone you love could be on "the list" one day. Think about it. (For more information, see http://www.organdonor.gov/.)
There is a lot of discussion in the "transplant" community about the supply and demand issues with organ donation. The demand obviously outpaces supply and it always will with the current system. There are lots of people smarter than me out there trying to figure out new and innovative ways to deal with this grower problem. Presumed Consent, while a controversial subject, is one of these options to help with the growing need for more organs.
Presumed Consent is an "opt-out" model for organ donations, rather than the United States' current voluntary "opt-in" (Informed Consent) system (meaning you'd automatically be enrolled as an organ donor unless you specifically decided to opt-out.) Presumed Consent changes the nature of the consumer’s decision. It’s harder for consumers to actively choose not to help others in need than to passively let the opportunity to help slip by.
Presumed Consent for organ donations already exists in nine countries, including Austria, France, Spain, Sweden, and Italy (and is being considered in several others, including Great Britain.) In the “soft” opt-out system used by Spain and France, among others, you’re considered a donor unless you’ve instructed otherwise, but your family can refuse to allow the organ donation when you die. In the “hard” opt-out version, which exists in Austria, your family cannot say no. Several States in the United States are actually considering legislation to create an "opt-out" system.
It’s not likely that America would buy into to a “hard” opt-out system. If a Presumed Consent bill passed, it would probably allow a deceased’s family to veto organ donations. And there would also be plenty of safeguards so that no one would accidentally become a donor through sheer oversight.
A 2005 study published in Transplant International looked at 10 countries with either Presumed or Informed Consent for organ donations, and concluded that opt-out doesn’t necessarily guarantee higher donation rates. Other studies suggest that health education expenditures, death rates from accidents, and process and logistical issues may play a greater role.
Still, something needs to be done to boost the number of organs available. According to The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, some 98,000 people in the US are on waiting lists for organs (including about 74,000 for kidneys, 16,000 for livers, and 2,700 for hearts). It’s estimated that every 18 minutes, a patient dies for lack of an available organ.
Educating the public about the importance of organ donation may be the most reasonable approach.
I am a lucky one- someone didn't have to die for me to receive an organ transplant. But I do know what it's like to receive a life-changing transplant. These are people who (in most cases) did nothing to deserve the hand they've been dealt. And they want to be productive members of society. I don't know that presumed consent is the answer, but I do know that SOMETHING needs to be done. You never know if you or someone you love could be on "the list" one day. Think about it. (For more information, see http://www.organdonor.gov/.)
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Birdie update
A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song. ~ Lou Holtz
The little birdies that have taken up residence in the wreath outside my front door are about to outgrow their nest. Below are the various stages:
Taken about two weeks ago:
Naked little things with their eyes closed.
Taken about a week ago... Notice the wall of poop surrounding them
(that will be fun to clean up when they leave!
Taken this afternoon. They are getting so big they barely fit in their nest! Hopefully I can get some shots once they leave the nest in a couple of days!
They are so cute. I'm so glad I don't have to worry about them like I would if Gorbs was still around. Now I just have to worry about snakes getting them!
The little birdies that have taken up residence in the wreath outside my front door are about to outgrow their nest. Below are the various stages:
Taken about two weeks ago:
Naked little things with their eyes closed.Taken about a week ago... Notice the wall of poop surrounding them
(that will be fun to clean up when they leave!
Taken this afternoon. They are getting so big they barely fit in their nest! Hopefully I can get some shots once they leave the nest in a couple of days!
They are so cute. I'm so glad I don't have to worry about them like I would if Gorbs was still around. Now I just have to worry about snakes getting them!
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