On Religion, a Bit of a Melancholy Friday Things and Running Playlist

Religious is definitely not a word you'd use to describe me.  I think Miss Zoot did a fantastic post on summing up my beliefs, for the most part.  I suppose I'm a Humanist or Atheist, NOT a Gnostic Atheist.  I was baptized. I'm technically Protestant (Episcopalian to be precise).  And I do love going to churches, especially all of the older ones back home, made of stained glass and stone.  The church we were married in has Tiffany stained glass windows, and I loved being in there, surrounded by the history and beauty.  My sorority was around the corner from a Catholic church, and I loved going with my Catholic friends to do church aerobics (stand up, sit down, kneel) and the ritual of the services, the ethereal sound of the choir.  And, yes, this time of year I enjoy the rituals of Christmas and try to educate my kids on what it's all about so that they may learn and make their own decisions about what they believe.  I would not claim to believe there is no Deity, just that I'm not sure.  I think there's a certain sense of spirituality in the not knowing, the mystery of life.  Despite my lack of faith in one, as of late, I am finding myself quite literally praying to 'God.'  It's been a tough week.  My mom's facing some more battles, and a boy from my son's old playgroup is fighting for his life at Children's right now.  A sweet boy my son's age, just one day he's totally fine, and the next?  A random virus is attacking his heart.  Every parent I know is putting themselves in his mom and dad's shoes, and it's terrifying.  I find it especially horrific, and humbling, given that I walked those halls full of worry for a week straight this summer.  That stint seems to pale so starkly in comparison to what this family is going through.  I try to tell myself my own personal mantra that everything happens for a reason and everything will work out the way it's supposed to.  But when things are really pretty darn shitty, it's hard to see the forest for the trees.  

Mount Rainier is one of the most awe inspiring places.  Being on a hike can be a very spiritual experience, especially one that makes me feel so small (yes, I'm in the picture - can you find me?) and yet a part of something so much bigger than myself. 

If you are of the praying variety, please do send some good vibes toward Seattle Children's, and the vicinity of Chicago please.  Hey, and maybe towards my left hamstring while you're at it?  (LEVITY!)

OK, more levity and good internet finds this week:

• Ways to make your day better is always helpful.  I might have to put a piece of bread on my dog's head..
• I love any and all Friend's trivia
• OMG, this Joe Boxer Christmas ad!
• Yeah, being 66% right-brained was not a surprise to me (well, I'm surprised that percentage wasn't higher...) fun test
• Just in case you missed it, the puppy who naps with a toddler every day.
• If you've got a turtle, time to get them a Stegosaurus cozy.
• This Jon Stewart bit is gettin' me excited to get our annual shipment of Malnatis pizza

I'm adding Sepetember by Earth Wind and Fire to the playlist in honor of RunEMZ today.  I totally agree with her that it's a FANTASTIC pump-up song.  If you haven't listened to her podcast with Another Mother Runner on her 100 mile treadmill runs for charity, you should get on that - inspiring stuff.

Happy weekend, hug your loved ones close and say a wish or a prayer for those who are in need.

2013 Playlist
Move Your Feet by Junior Senior
Black Sheep by Metric
Still Into You by Paramore
Stay the Night by Zedd, featuring Hayley Williams
This is What it Feels Like by Armin vanBuuren
Pompeii by Bastille
Out of the Blue by System F
The Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi (Remixed by Steve Aoki)
Lose My Mind by Sebastian Ingrosso & Alesso
Better Off Alone by Alice Deejay
Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heroes

Mirrors  by Justin Timberlake

Wake Me Up by Avicii and Aloe Blacc

Hey Now by Martin Solveig

We Come Running by Youngblood Hawke

Take You Higher by Goodwill and Hook N Sling

Justice and Independence by John Mellencamp

Glowing by Nikki Williams

Easy  by Porter Robinson (and Matt Zo).

I Could be the One by Avicii featuring Nicky Romero

Pair of Dice by Tiesto

Ain't No Stoppin' by Ferry Corsten (featuring Ben Hague)

Come and Get It by Selena Gomez
Apollo by Hardwell featuring Amba Shepherd

This Head I Hold by Electric Guest

Castles in the Sky by Ian Van Dahl

Feel this Moment by Pitbull, featuring Christina Aguilera

Into Your Arms by the Lemonheads

Just Give me a Reason by Pink

I Love It by Icona Pop

Little Secrets Passion Pit

Sovereign Light Cafe by Keane, remixed by Afrojack

Clarity by Zedd

Years by Alesso

Something Good Can Work by Two Door Cinema Club
She Wolf by David Guetta, featuring Sia
Alive by Krewella
Illmerica by Wolfgang Garnter
Drowning by Armin van Buren
Give Me Your Hand by The Ready Set
Language by Porter Robinson
Cry for You by September
You Are My Diamond by Tiesto - featuring Kianna
Arguru - Deadmau5
We Are by Jus Jack & Oza, featuring Aeone