I was that crazy woman today in the parking lot at Kroger. I couldn't pull into my parking space because someone pulled out of one and stopped, blocking the way for me to swing out to get to the spots. He WAITED for me to turn onto the row of cars. I tried waving him on, letting him know he needed to get out of the way. So I got in his way and couldn't make it into the spot. I tried THREE TIMES and still was horrifically stuck because the stupid person behind me tailgated me into the row. There were plenty of parking spaces, three in a row, if anyone would let me get to them. Instead, I just looked like a moron who can't park.
Later, in the grocery store, I kept dropping things. I kept running into people. I kept getting angry. People kept walking right into my path and stopping and then proceeded to get mad at me when I ran into them. When I finally got back to my car, I didn't have my keys. The genius who tailgated me to my parking spot was sitting in his car next to me, watching. I dug through my whole purse, took everything out. I realized that I'd used my keys to swipe my Kroger plus card. I went back inside -- my keys were lying in the bagging area behind a lip that I was too short to see over when I was paying.
Back into the parking lot. I'm backing out slowly because I'm at an awkward angle and I can't back out left very well. I back out straight, slowly, then start to turn. I have to back up into the empty parking spaces behind me. An Indian guy walks behind me with his cart, evidently expecting me to not back up that far. I almost hit him and he freezes like a deer directly behind me and glares at me. I wave him on and I think he mouthed a few curse words at me and moved on. It wasn't my fault he wasn't paying attention! I was backing up for 15 seconds and I'd looked everywhere and he wasn't there before. He didn't even bother to pay attention as he went through the parking lot....
I just had to tell myself a few times quietly to let it go. Let it go, let it go, let it go. It doesn't do anyone else any good for me to be upset. And I'll probably do something else seemingly stupid in the process of being angry, like actually hit someone in the parking lot on the way out....
I think the worst thing is that in moments like these, I moronically care what other people think of me. I see other people and I think they think I'm a crazy woman at the grocery store. Or an inconsiderate woman who can't park and doesn't look back when she's backing up. I know I'm not any of these things but for some reason, it's as if people think that, then it might make it somewhat true....
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
One-Minute Writer: The World Today
Is our world today a better or worse place than it was when you were a kid?
Given the violence in the world today, I could say that the world was a better place when I was a kid. But given the fact that I paid attention to only those things that I wanted to pay attention to when I was a kid, I really cannot say without a little research. Things always change and often in ways that people are either unprepared for or unhappy about. It is so easy to say that things used to be better. People say life was better in the 50s but I wonder if that was really true. Have people become sex-crazed and overtly violent since then or is it really just more socially acceptable? Who is to say that people weren't cheating on their spouses as often then? (particularly since divorce was a no no.) Women couldn't work and keep their self respect. There was segregation in the school system and racism was rappant and socially acceptable, among other things. These changes haven't created a violent society, though I'm sure some would argue that line of thinking. People have changed. The world has changed. It was one thing after another that brought us to where we are today. Better or worse, it's what we have today. If we want the future to be better instead of looking back at now as the "good times," then we all have a responsibility to make the world a better place.
Plus, when my mom was growing up, she couldn't wear jeans to school. And I definitely think that that made a giant impact on my childhood.
Given the violence in the world today, I could say that the world was a better place when I was a kid. But given the fact that I paid attention to only those things that I wanted to pay attention to when I was a kid, I really cannot say without a little research. Things always change and often in ways that people are either unprepared for or unhappy about. It is so easy to say that things used to be better. People say life was better in the 50s but I wonder if that was really true. Have people become sex-crazed and overtly violent since then or is it really just more socially acceptable? Who is to say that people weren't cheating on their spouses as often then? (particularly since divorce was a no no.) Women couldn't work and keep their self respect. There was segregation in the school system and racism was rappant and socially acceptable, among other things. These changes haven't created a violent society, though I'm sure some would argue that line of thinking. People have changed. The world has changed. It was one thing after another that brought us to where we are today. Better or worse, it's what we have today. If we want the future to be better instead of looking back at now as the "good times," then we all have a responsibility to make the world a better place.
Plus, when my mom was growing up, she couldn't wear jeans to school. And I definitely think that that made a giant impact on my childhood.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Putting the Guns Back in Christmas
I fired a gun for the first time on Christmas Eve. Prior to the experience, I had to hold back the urge to cry.
My lovely family has been visiting for the Christmas holidays. On Christmas Eve my brother-in-law took us to a shooting range to shoot guns for the first time. He having fired his first gun only weeks earlier made this a bit of a shock to the rest of us, never mind the physical shock of being around so many firearms being discharged in an echoey room.
We all donned our safety glasses and "headphones." and walked into the hallway separating the main storefront from the gallery proper. It was very important that both doors not be open at the same time. We all wandered in afraid, not really sure what to do. I was unsure of even making eye contact with the other men that were all in the gallery. Someone started firing with a new gun -- a shinier, louder gun that made me flinch rather awkwardly, almost like twisting my body diagonally in half in discomfort. As I did so, I made eye contact with one of the other men, perhaps the one closest to my age (who probably thought I was 16). I'm not sure what sort of look I gave him as we stared at each other and looked away but I would imagine it was one of half-hid shock as I worked to conceal my fear and pain at the entire experience [this is not to say that Alden took us shooting against our will but that I've always been more than a little afraid of firearms] and an expression that perhaps looked in askance: why do people do this? or even simpler: why is that gun so freaking loud?
I started out on a small rifle. It felt like nothing. And, in comparison with the other guns being fired, probably was nothing. Alden patiently taught me how to load it, how to work the safety. He showed me and then watched me do it; showed me how to cock the gun.
After waiting around for a while, I moved to the next line and got to use the handgun. It was a wood and metal number, I don't recall the specific type. I'm not sure I knew what it was or if I ever heard Alden give the description through my earplugs and protective "headphones." We went through the entire learning process again, Alden patiently explaining to me the gun mechanisms. This gun had a little more kick to it. I had my face so close to the gun when I was aiming that it almost hit me in the face a few times -- but didn't. This gun's noise was worse but still nothing in comparison of the virtually automatic guns that were being fired on either side of us at this point.
I'm glad for the experience -- it's always good to face a fear. And even though I had been ready to cry when we began, almost feeling like I wasn't ready for the experience, I was glad that we did it in the end. I'm still glad. Makes me want to face other fears, though which ones in particular I'm not quite sure....
After we went to the shooting range, Laura and I drove all the way down to Midtown to my office to get a Christmas present I left there, then to my apartment to get another one, then back up to Cumming to attend dad's chorale group's performance at a church service. We left that service and then went to Wednesday night church for our Church.
At church, the power was flickering on and off just after the readings were to finish and just as the second portion started, giving people the chance to stand and share testimonies of healing. The power went out for good. Normally, the ushers have microphones for people to talk into but instead, people just stood up and spoke in the mostly dark. It was a calm thing, really, and beautiful in its simplicity. Since the power was out, the organ was out of commission. Instead, we sang two carols, Joy to the World and Silent Night together in the dark. Just as we were finishing the last verse of Silent Night, the lights came back on. I rather preferred the dark, really. Such a lovely, quiet few moments of singing and listening.
Afterwards around 9 pm we went to IHOP to eat dinner before a marathon Christmas gift wrapping session at home.
Shooting guns, driving to Atlanta and back, 2 church services, singing carols in the dark, and IHOP. Not your typical Christmas Eve, huh?
My lovely family has been visiting for the Christmas holidays. On Christmas Eve my brother-in-law took us to a shooting range to shoot guns for the first time. He having fired his first gun only weeks earlier made this a bit of a shock to the rest of us, never mind the physical shock of being around so many firearms being discharged in an echoey room.
We all donned our safety glasses and "headphones." and walked into the hallway separating the main storefront from the gallery proper. It was very important that both doors not be open at the same time. We all wandered in afraid, not really sure what to do. I was unsure of even making eye contact with the other men that were all in the gallery. Someone started firing with a new gun -- a shinier, louder gun that made me flinch rather awkwardly, almost like twisting my body diagonally in half in discomfort. As I did so, I made eye contact with one of the other men, perhaps the one closest to my age (who probably thought I was 16). I'm not sure what sort of look I gave him as we stared at each other and looked away but I would imagine it was one of half-hid shock as I worked to conceal my fear and pain at the entire experience [this is not to say that Alden took us shooting against our will but that I've always been more than a little afraid of firearms] and an expression that perhaps looked in askance: why do people do this? or even simpler: why is that gun so freaking loud?
I started out on a small rifle. It felt like nothing. And, in comparison with the other guns being fired, probably was nothing. Alden patiently taught me how to load it, how to work the safety. He showed me and then watched me do it; showed me how to cock the gun.
After waiting around for a while, I moved to the next line and got to use the handgun. It was a wood and metal number, I don't recall the specific type. I'm not sure I knew what it was or if I ever heard Alden give the description through my earplugs and protective "headphones." We went through the entire learning process again, Alden patiently explaining to me the gun mechanisms. This gun had a little more kick to it. I had my face so close to the gun when I was aiming that it almost hit me in the face a few times -- but didn't. This gun's noise was worse but still nothing in comparison of the virtually automatic guns that were being fired on either side of us at this point.
I'm glad for the experience -- it's always good to face a fear. And even though I had been ready to cry when we began, almost feeling like I wasn't ready for the experience, I was glad that we did it in the end. I'm still glad. Makes me want to face other fears, though which ones in particular I'm not quite sure....
After we went to the shooting range, Laura and I drove all the way down to Midtown to my office to get a Christmas present I left there, then to my apartment to get another one, then back up to Cumming to attend dad's chorale group's performance at a church service. We left that service and then went to Wednesday night church for our Church.
At church, the power was flickering on and off just after the readings were to finish and just as the second portion started, giving people the chance to stand and share testimonies of healing. The power went out for good. Normally, the ushers have microphones for people to talk into but instead, people just stood up and spoke in the mostly dark. It was a calm thing, really, and beautiful in its simplicity. Since the power was out, the organ was out of commission. Instead, we sang two carols, Joy to the World and Silent Night together in the dark. Just as we were finishing the last verse of Silent Night, the lights came back on. I rather preferred the dark, really. Such a lovely, quiet few moments of singing and listening.
Afterwards around 9 pm we went to IHOP to eat dinner before a marathon Christmas gift wrapping session at home.
Shooting guns, driving to Atlanta and back, 2 church services, singing carols in the dark, and IHOP. Not your typical Christmas Eve, huh?
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
One Minute Writer: Chicken
Today's Writing Prompt: Chicken
Why did the chicken cross the road?
. . .
The chicken felt an uncontrollable urge to cross over to a new way of thought. The road, being only the representation of a physical crossroads in the chicken's journey of thought, needed to be chosen and contemplated before it could be traveled. Thus, the chicken had made a thoughtful analysis and decision to go on a different track in life.
=)
. . .
I've often wondered about the above joke and how it came to be perhaps the most popular corny joke of all time. I've often thought that the much more fun contemplation was "Which came first: the chicken or the egg?" My favorite response is that there were eggs long before there chickens. And to suppose that the statement implies that the egg is a chicken egg is an unmeritted assumption.
That being said, I love eggs. I always enjoyed those incredible, edible egg commercials. I'm ammused by the American Egg Board. I am also a big fan of breakfast.
Enough about eggs.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
. . .
The chicken felt an uncontrollable urge to cross over to a new way of thought. The road, being only the representation of a physical crossroads in the chicken's journey of thought, needed to be chosen and contemplated before it could be traveled. Thus, the chicken had made a thoughtful analysis and decision to go on a different track in life.
=)
. . .
I've often wondered about the above joke and how it came to be perhaps the most popular corny joke of all time. I've often thought that the much more fun contemplation was "Which came first: the chicken or the egg?" My favorite response is that there were eggs long before there chickens. And to suppose that the statement implies that the egg is a chicken egg is an unmeritted assumption.
That being said, I love eggs. I always enjoyed those incredible, edible egg commercials. I'm ammused by the American Egg Board. I am also a big fan of breakfast.
Enough about eggs.
Monday, December 15, 2008
One-Minute Writer: Nuts
Today's Writing Prompt: Nuts
In what way are you a little (or more than a little) crazy?
. . .
[This topic could certainly last longer than a minute for me]
I over-analyze everything. And I'm a little paranoid. And I project emotions on other people that aren't necessarily there. I'm also a 10-year-old trapped in a soon to be 26-year-old's body (as is evidenced by my love of VeggieTales, all things Disney, my fondness of skipping, and my high-pitched voice). And I never cry in front of people.
Let's get cracking on that first one: over-analyzation. I'll admit it, I do it. It can be helpful to contemplate things in an analytical way. I don't necessarily believe that every conclusion I come to is correct, but I enjoy doing it. I love talking about things with people and going through the possibilities of all the "whys" something may have happened (or not have happened, as is sometimes the case). I like to look at all sides of something. As a result, I go overboard. While I realize that this can be entertaining, I'm well aware that it can also be detrimental. This is why while I do over-analyze, I'm aware and try to curb myself from overreaching opinions. I'm also good at telling myself that things that are a big deal to me might be an infinitesimal deal to someone else.
The paranoia and the projections seem to go hand in hand. Sometimes I feel like the people driving around me hate me and are trying their best to hit me or ride my bumper. Thus I am both paranoid about what they think and projecting anger onto them. In reality, I know that the people driving around me probably aren't angry unless I commit some egregious driving act that puts their lives in danger....
As for the being a child thing, take that with a grain of salt. We all need to be better children. The world would be a better place if we were.
In what way are you a little (or more than a little) crazy?
. . .
[This topic could certainly last longer than a minute for me]
I over-analyze everything. And I'm a little paranoid. And I project emotions on other people that aren't necessarily there. I'm also a 10-year-old trapped in a soon to be 26-year-old's body (as is evidenced by my love of VeggieTales, all things Disney, my fondness of skipping, and my high-pitched voice). And I never cry in front of people.
Let's get cracking on that first one: over-analyzation. I'll admit it, I do it. It can be helpful to contemplate things in an analytical way. I don't necessarily believe that every conclusion I come to is correct, but I enjoy doing it. I love talking about things with people and going through the possibilities of all the "whys" something may have happened (or not have happened, as is sometimes the case). I like to look at all sides of something. As a result, I go overboard. While I realize that this can be entertaining, I'm well aware that it can also be detrimental. This is why while I do over-analyze, I'm aware and try to curb myself from overreaching opinions. I'm also good at telling myself that things that are a big deal to me might be an infinitesimal deal to someone else.
The paranoia and the projections seem to go hand in hand. Sometimes I feel like the people driving around me hate me and are trying their best to hit me or ride my bumper. Thus I am both paranoid about what they think and projecting anger onto them. In reality, I know that the people driving around me probably aren't angry unless I commit some egregious driving act that puts their lives in danger....
As for the being a child thing, take that with a grain of salt. We all need to be better children. The world would be a better place if we were.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Grocery Shopping
I absolutely adore grocery shopping. I didn't used to think so but when I look back on my past behavior, I notice that there are two things that I might do when I have a bad day: I either go to a bookstore or to a grocery store.
It might have something to do with the fact that a grocery store is one of the only places I don't feel awkward being alone. In many places, coffee shops, restaurants, movie theaters, etc., I feel awkward when I am by myself. I feel like I'm on display, like my aloneness is something that other people take notice of and scrutinize me for. But for some reason, bookstores and groccery stores don't make me feel that way. There is also the subtle act of picking out food. I like picking out the things that I will eat that night or that week, carefully choosing between different cuts of meats, different cheeses, different lunchmeats, and even between various snackfoods. There is something comforting about it, like putting order to chaos. Some people clean when they want to feel better -- the act of putting your life in order is comforting. Me? I like picking out food. And perhaps the most interesting part of that idea is that I like picking out healthy food. I enjoy putting together natural ensembles -- meat, cheese, fruit, vegetables, grains.
I become more calm after a trip to Publix. I don't know if it became my favorite grocery store before or after I worked there but the favoritism has remained. Maybe it started at some point when I was in middle school. Every Sunday afternoon around 4 or 5 my mom and I would do the family's grocery shopping together. I'm sure I was the one who ended up going because I was the easiest to cajole into the trip. And after a while it became a pattern, a habit. Plus, I learned that if I made the trip each week, I had the power to help choose the family meals and snacks. As a reward for going with her, my mom always let me pick things for my own lunch that my parents would ordinarily have said was unnecessary or too expensive. Suddenly the expensive butter cookies dipped in chocolate were no longer off limits. I could pick the lunch meat. And when we got home, I would try to see how many bags of grocceries I could carry in each trip from the car to the house, always trying to limit myself to two.
Maybe those repetitious trips to Publix have transitioned themselves into a comforting habit. But I know that I always feel better after I buy groceries. Not quite as good as when I buy books but then, how could food ever compete with books?
It might have something to do with the fact that a grocery store is one of the only places I don't feel awkward being alone. In many places, coffee shops, restaurants, movie theaters, etc., I feel awkward when I am by myself. I feel like I'm on display, like my aloneness is something that other people take notice of and scrutinize me for. But for some reason, bookstores and groccery stores don't make me feel that way. There is also the subtle act of picking out food. I like picking out the things that I will eat that night or that week, carefully choosing between different cuts of meats, different cheeses, different lunchmeats, and even between various snackfoods. There is something comforting about it, like putting order to chaos. Some people clean when they want to feel better -- the act of putting your life in order is comforting. Me? I like picking out food. And perhaps the most interesting part of that idea is that I like picking out healthy food. I enjoy putting together natural ensembles -- meat, cheese, fruit, vegetables, grains.
I become more calm after a trip to Publix. I don't know if it became my favorite grocery store before or after I worked there but the favoritism has remained. Maybe it started at some point when I was in middle school. Every Sunday afternoon around 4 or 5 my mom and I would do the family's grocery shopping together. I'm sure I was the one who ended up going because I was the easiest to cajole into the trip. And after a while it became a pattern, a habit. Plus, I learned that if I made the trip each week, I had the power to help choose the family meals and snacks. As a reward for going with her, my mom always let me pick things for my own lunch that my parents would ordinarily have said was unnecessary or too expensive. Suddenly the expensive butter cookies dipped in chocolate were no longer off limits. I could pick the lunch meat. And when we got home, I would try to see how many bags of grocceries I could carry in each trip from the car to the house, always trying to limit myself to two.
Maybe those repetitious trips to Publix have transitioned themselves into a comforting habit. But I know that I always feel better after I buy groceries. Not quite as good as when I buy books but then, how could food ever compete with books?
One Minute Writer
Today's Writing Prompt: One Minute
If you could have just one perfect minute today, what would it consist of?
...
I hate picking just one thing. Perhaps I have too many facets of my life or I over-analyze too much. I also vassilate between the possible and the impossible, the dreamer in me always wanting what I can't have or an object of fantasy. In my perfect minute I could fly. Or I could talk with my grandmother who has passed away and was a third parent to me. I could pray and have a demonstration simply from the idea that God is love. I could be in a room assembled with all my friends who live away from me, just smiling and hugging and being happy in each others' presence. I could have a crazy minute where I am drinking the best mocha I've ever had from Alaska, I write a few perfect lines of a poem, I tell everyone I love that I love the while having a massage therapist rub the deep tissue knots in my back while sailing on a yacht in an ocean in the caribbean that has that exquisite blue-green water....
But mostly, I think I would rather just hold someone and be held. Not necessarily in a romantic way, just holding. The physical act communicating anything. I could be a family member or a friend or someone I'm romantically involved with but it doesn't really matter WHO. There is no one person in my life who encapsulates all my ideas of love but I would like that one minute to be with someone who can represent all the others.
...
The blog where I find these daily writing prompts is engineered to make people write for literally a minute every day. And while I need help disciplining myself to write every day, once I get going, a minute is not enough.
Beth, Russ, and I were driving to Chick-fil-a on Saturday to get milkshakes in the midst of watching the SEC championship game and bewailing the idea of UF playing in the national championship. The topic came up of what was everyone's favorite movie. And I realized I still don't have one. I can't nail down everything that I love about movies in one movie. Every time I think I've picked one, another one comes to mind. I could maybe pick a top 5. I'm the same way about music and books. Some books appeal to my childhood and childlike ways. Some keep me entertained. Some are so beautifully written they make me cry. But just pick one? I love them all too much....
Top 10 movies (in no particular order)
-What Dreams May Come
-When Harry Met Sally
-Meet Joe Black
-Stranger Than Fiction
-Stargate
-Singing in the Rain
-The Matrix
-Shawshank Redemption
-Amelie
-Bed of Roses
Honorable Mention: Contact, Howl's Moving Castle, Sense and Sensibility, Big, The Godfather
Top 10 Books (in no particular order)
-Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
-The Alchemist by Paul Coelho
-Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy
-A Little Princess by Francis Hodges Barnett
-In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner
-Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
-The Bridge Across Forever by Richard Bach
-Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
-The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone
-The Small Rain by Madeline L'engle
Honorable Mention: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffeneggar, A Ring of Endless Light as well as A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'engle, All 4 Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants books by Ann Brashares, The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
It always seemed a better way to judge people by what they liked than by what they said. When people tell me something is their favorite whatever, I wonder what it is that spoke to them so clearly. Not that I don't understand why that was their favorite, but that I want to know WHY it is their favorite. I'm going around in a circle, I know, but I want to know why it spoke to them so that I know a true part of them as opposed to who they might be pretending to be....
Blah! Way too wordy and sloppily written. If you can determine why something is someone's favorite something, you can help determine who or a part of who they are.
There. Better.
If you could have just one perfect minute today, what would it consist of?
...
I hate picking just one thing. Perhaps I have too many facets of my life or I over-analyze too much. I also vassilate between the possible and the impossible, the dreamer in me always wanting what I can't have or an object of fantasy. In my perfect minute I could fly. Or I could talk with my grandmother who has passed away and was a third parent to me. I could pray and have a demonstration simply from the idea that God is love. I could be in a room assembled with all my friends who live away from me, just smiling and hugging and being happy in each others' presence. I could have a crazy minute where I am drinking the best mocha I've ever had from Alaska, I write a few perfect lines of a poem, I tell everyone I love that I love the while having a massage therapist rub the deep tissue knots in my back while sailing on a yacht in an ocean in the caribbean that has that exquisite blue-green water....
But mostly, I think I would rather just hold someone and be held. Not necessarily in a romantic way, just holding. The physical act communicating anything. I could be a family member or a friend or someone I'm romantically involved with but it doesn't really matter WHO. There is no one person in my life who encapsulates all my ideas of love but I would like that one minute to be with someone who can represent all the others.
...
The blog where I find these daily writing prompts is engineered to make people write for literally a minute every day. And while I need help disciplining myself to write every day, once I get going, a minute is not enough.
Beth, Russ, and I were driving to Chick-fil-a on Saturday to get milkshakes in the midst of watching the SEC championship game and bewailing the idea of UF playing in the national championship. The topic came up of what was everyone's favorite movie. And I realized I still don't have one. I can't nail down everything that I love about movies in one movie. Every time I think I've picked one, another one comes to mind. I could maybe pick a top 5. I'm the same way about music and books. Some books appeal to my childhood and childlike ways. Some keep me entertained. Some are so beautifully written they make me cry. But just pick one? I love them all too much....
Top 10 movies (in no particular order)
-What Dreams May Come
-When Harry Met Sally
-Meet Joe Black
-Stranger Than Fiction
-Stargate
-Singing in the Rain
-The Matrix
-Shawshank Redemption
-Amelie
-Bed of Roses
Honorable Mention: Contact, Howl's Moving Castle, Sense and Sensibility, Big, The Godfather
Top 10 Books (in no particular order)
-Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
-The Alchemist by Paul Coelho
-Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy
-A Little Princess by Francis Hodges Barnett
-In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner
-Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
-The Bridge Across Forever by Richard Bach
-Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
-The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone
-The Small Rain by Madeline L'engle
Honorable Mention: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffeneggar, A Ring of Endless Light as well as A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'engle, All 4 Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants books by Ann Brashares, The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
It always seemed a better way to judge people by what they liked than by what they said. When people tell me something is their favorite whatever, I wonder what it is that spoke to them so clearly. Not that I don't understand why that was their favorite, but that I want to know WHY it is their favorite. I'm going around in a circle, I know, but I want to know why it spoke to them so that I know a true part of them as opposed to who they might be pretending to be....
Blah! Way too wordy and sloppily written. If you can determine why something is someone's favorite something, you can help determine who or a part of who they are.
There. Better.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Christmasy Post
I'm known around the office as the gift wrapper. Don't get me wrong, that's not my nickname. People just know I wrap presents at Christmastime in my office. Two people, right after each other as I was walking around with folders, asked me if I was wrapping presents this year.
I have a round table in my office with an extra chair and as work inevitably slows down in December, I wrap presents. I bring in all the Christmas gifts that I give to anyone and I wrap them here. I also wrap presents for others. I LOVE wrapping presents. This year I am also sending Christmas cards. Tomorrow I'm bringing in my large supply of wrapping paper and boxes and boxes of Christmas cards and I'm getting my Christmas on.
[Auck, I'm such an awkward writer these days. I'm spitting out cliches like they're going out of sty.... you get the point.]
But hooray for Christmas! I've got almost all my shopping done already. I know, I'm one of those people everyone else hates. Don't worry, it's not a virtue in me. I loathe shopping around Christmas time in stores. I will do anything to avoid it, including starting my shopping in July. Plus, now I won't double over in pain at my credit card bill in January....
This is Alison, your resident gift wrapper, signing off for now. Merry Christmas!
I have a round table in my office with an extra chair and as work inevitably slows down in December, I wrap presents. I bring in all the Christmas gifts that I give to anyone and I wrap them here. I also wrap presents for others. I LOVE wrapping presents. This year I am also sending Christmas cards. Tomorrow I'm bringing in my large supply of wrapping paper and boxes and boxes of Christmas cards and I'm getting my Christmas on.
[Auck, I'm such an awkward writer these days. I'm spitting out cliches like they're going out of sty.... you get the point.]
But hooray for Christmas! I've got almost all my shopping done already. I know, I'm one of those people everyone else hates. Don't worry, it's not a virtue in me. I loathe shopping around Christmas time in stores. I will do anything to avoid it, including starting my shopping in July. Plus, now I won't double over in pain at my credit card bill in January....
This is Alison, your resident gift wrapper, signing off for now. Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Rusty
I'm a rusty writer these days. I struggle just to get down basic details, nevermind paint a beautiful picture with the English language. I am reading more, however, which is always a good start. Time and time again I hear writers proclaim that you can only write if you read -- there is no other way.
I'll admit -- this was easier on livejournal. I could talk about anything. There was that handy litle setting that let me control who could see the entries and who couldn't. So if Philip was the only person I trusted with the information, he was the only one that could see it. If I was frustrated about something in the sorority but didn't want anyone in the sorority to hear me vent in a public forum, I would pick all my friends with livejournal accounts who weren't in the sorority. The main point is that there was always a way to limit who would see it.
I don't have that here, which is good. If I can't write something that everyone can see, then I'm not really much of a writer. It requires backbone, really, being honest with anyone who happens to come by here and read this. And even if this post is so rudimentary in thought that I will look back on it in 2 years and groan, I should make it anyway. This is what I'm thinking about; this is what I'm trying to break through.
I've noticed that friendships for me do not last forever. They do not end in proverbial flames or gigantic fights; my groups of friends just shift. One day I look up and everything is different. I've noticed I seem to be hitting that 4-year mark again. Some friendships have already changed. There is hope, I suppose, in the fact that I've always managed to find friends, that I meet new people when other people leave my life. Cycles can be comforting; the idea that you've been here before and you'll be here again. A strange coming home. There was a quote I found once, something about history repeating itself over again and again. I would insert it here if I remebered who said it or the particular phrasing. I think the main difference between this quote and others with similar sentiment is that it wasn't a negative thought. It wasn't James Joyce....
Sometimes I just wish life didn't have to change this drastically. But some remain. I don't lose all my friends. It just bothers me that there is a cycle, as if it is something controlled.
Tristan & Isolde is on tv at the moment -- I realize I rented it a long time ago but never finished it. I would imagine there is a sad ending involved. Good love stories are exquisite but rarely happy; their beauty brightened by loss or sadness. Would love stories be told so often if they were all happy?
I wonder what I would have been like several centuries ago, if I would have been a submissive, obeying woman. Would I have been forced to marry a man I didn't love? Would I have a had a tragic or happy love story? Would I have felt the need to follow the conventions of society? Would I have cared what they were?
Silly questions, I suppose. But they're what I think of when I watch this movie.
I'll admit -- this was easier on livejournal. I could talk about anything. There was that handy litle setting that let me control who could see the entries and who couldn't. So if Philip was the only person I trusted with the information, he was the only one that could see it. If I was frustrated about something in the sorority but didn't want anyone in the sorority to hear me vent in a public forum, I would pick all my friends with livejournal accounts who weren't in the sorority. The main point is that there was always a way to limit who would see it.
I don't have that here, which is good. If I can't write something that everyone can see, then I'm not really much of a writer. It requires backbone, really, being honest with anyone who happens to come by here and read this. And even if this post is so rudimentary in thought that I will look back on it in 2 years and groan, I should make it anyway. This is what I'm thinking about; this is what I'm trying to break through.
I've noticed that friendships for me do not last forever. They do not end in proverbial flames or gigantic fights; my groups of friends just shift. One day I look up and everything is different. I've noticed I seem to be hitting that 4-year mark again. Some friendships have already changed. There is hope, I suppose, in the fact that I've always managed to find friends, that I meet new people when other people leave my life. Cycles can be comforting; the idea that you've been here before and you'll be here again. A strange coming home. There was a quote I found once, something about history repeating itself over again and again. I would insert it here if I remebered who said it or the particular phrasing. I think the main difference between this quote and others with similar sentiment is that it wasn't a negative thought. It wasn't James Joyce....
Sometimes I just wish life didn't have to change this drastically. But some remain. I don't lose all my friends. It just bothers me that there is a cycle, as if it is something controlled.
Tristan & Isolde is on tv at the moment -- I realize I rented it a long time ago but never finished it. I would imagine there is a sad ending involved. Good love stories are exquisite but rarely happy; their beauty brightened by loss or sadness. Would love stories be told so often if they were all happy?
I wonder what I would have been like several centuries ago, if I would have been a submissive, obeying woman. Would I have been forced to marry a man I didn't love? Would I have a had a tragic or happy love story? Would I have felt the need to follow the conventions of society? Would I have cared what they were?
Silly questions, I suppose. But they're what I think of when I watch this movie.
Surveys and Giftwrapping
Saturday I woke up extra early to take a very long MARTA ride into the city to administer surveys to the SEC championship football crowd at the World Congress Center. In addition to being paid, I also received a haught baseball-style Chick-fil-a shirt. Catherine and I pestered patrons about their milkshakes, promising them $5 Chick-fil-a gift cards if they took the time to fill out our surveys. Lots of fun. Perhaps the best part of the morning was interacting with UF fans that aren't insanely rude and mean....
Today I was at the Barnes & Noble at the Forum in Norcross wrapping presents to raise money for Good Mews. It was people interaction weekend apparently. I had fun chatting up the people who came to the table and wrapping a few presents slowly while Glenda and Shannon wrapped presents like it was going out of style. They apparently didn't like doing the whole schpeil about the shelter and the random conversations -- I was happy to oblige with my constant chatter and maven-like support of things I like.
I was happy to do the gift wrapping and I enjoy volunteering at Good Mews, but does anyone else know of a good nonprofit to get involved with? I find myself wishing I was involved with more. A simple google search will provide me with countless options but I want to hear some personal recomendations.
Today I was at the Barnes & Noble at the Forum in Norcross wrapping presents to raise money for Good Mews. It was people interaction weekend apparently. I had fun chatting up the people who came to the table and wrapping a few presents slowly while Glenda and Shannon wrapped presents like it was going out of style. They apparently didn't like doing the whole schpeil about the shelter and the random conversations -- I was happy to oblige with my constant chatter and maven-like support of things I like.
I was happy to do the gift wrapping and I enjoy volunteering at Good Mews, but does anyone else know of a good nonprofit to get involved with? I find myself wishing I was involved with more. A simple google search will provide me with countless options but I want to hear some personal recomendations.
Friday, December 5, 2008
One-Minute Writer: Design
Today's Writing Prompt: Design
You are designing your own house. Describe it.
My home would fit into the landscape of the land it's on -- it fit continulous into the land instead of just sitting on top of it. It would be made of brick or stone -- something that looks natural. There would be a host of windows and a porch on the roof. At least one large bay window will be on the side with a large window seat, perfect for reading in. There will be a few "open" rooms with ceilings that stretch to the 2nd story but in general, there are hallways instead of continuous openness. Sound carries too well in houses that are entirely open. There are built in bookshelves in places that make sense instead of places where the television should be. A few stretches of hardwood floors but mostly carpet with a little tile thrown in.
At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter. It just has to feel like a home. I have so many ideas of what I would like my home to be and what sort of decorative features it may have. There's a difference between a welcoming place and an unwelcoming one. I want to feel comfortable where I live. This may seem like an obvious idea but.... I'm willing to put the work into it.
You are designing your own house. Describe it.
My home would fit into the landscape of the land it's on -- it fit continulous into the land instead of just sitting on top of it. It would be made of brick or stone -- something that looks natural. There would be a host of windows and a porch on the roof. At least one large bay window will be on the side with a large window seat, perfect for reading in. There will be a few "open" rooms with ceilings that stretch to the 2nd story but in general, there are hallways instead of continuous openness. Sound carries too well in houses that are entirely open. There are built in bookshelves in places that make sense instead of places where the television should be. A few stretches of hardwood floors but mostly carpet with a little tile thrown in.
At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter. It just has to feel like a home. I have so many ideas of what I would like my home to be and what sort of decorative features it may have. There's a difference between a welcoming place and an unwelcoming one. I want to feel comfortable where I live. This may seem like an obvious idea but.... I'm willing to put the work into it.
Brandi Carlile in Kentucky!
Hey, who wants to go to the Brandi Carlile concert with the Kentucky symphony in February????
She and Sondre Lerche are performing with the Louisville Symphony!!! Tickets could be as low as $25. Plus, you get the wonderful company of fabulous me....
Click on the link in the title for more info.
She and Sondre Lerche are performing with the Louisville Symphony!!! Tickets could be as low as $25. Plus, you get the wonderful company of fabulous me....
Click on the link in the title for more info.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Fish
For someone who grew up only eating Gordon's Fishermen fillets and popcorn shrimp at Red Lobster, I'm eating a lot of fish lately. Tuesday night I had sushi (smoked salmon, raw salmon, raw tuna), last night I had lemon pepper tilapia, and tonight I believe I'm having pecan-encrusted tilapia.
Now I just want more sushi. Anyone have a favorite sushi place in Atlanta? Anyone want to eat sushi with me sometime? Or fish? Or steak.... (I still need to go back to Texas Roadhouse -- it's been way too long.)
If it's not already obvious, not only have I been noticing how much fish I've been eating lately but I also am ravenously hungry. I can't get away from it. Maybe I should consider eating a full breakfast.... one more reason to wake up early. I could even create a whole system where I get up, go do some sort of physical exercise, eat a good breakfast while watching The West Wing (which I discovered yesterday comes on at 8 and 9 AM every weekday). It could happen, right? This is the time that I need a roomate. Someone to do this with because I have trouble motiviating myself to wake up when I'm alone.
But fish -- for some reason, I have all kinds of motivation about fish....
Now I just want more sushi. Anyone have a favorite sushi place in Atlanta? Anyone want to eat sushi with me sometime? Or fish? Or steak.... (I still need to go back to Texas Roadhouse -- it's been way too long.)
If it's not already obvious, not only have I been noticing how much fish I've been eating lately but I also am ravenously hungry. I can't get away from it. Maybe I should consider eating a full breakfast.... one more reason to wake up early. I could even create a whole system where I get up, go do some sort of physical exercise, eat a good breakfast while watching The West Wing (which I discovered yesterday comes on at 8 and 9 AM every weekday). It could happen, right? This is the time that I need a roomate. Someone to do this with because I have trouble motiviating myself to wake up when I'm alone.
But fish -- for some reason, I have all kinds of motivation about fish....
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Putting the "distance" back in "Long-Distance Relationship"
Beth is leaving. This is not a surprise it just never really gets any easier. I'm so happy for Beth that she found her right place and that she will be in TX but.... I wish she wouldn't move. I don't begrudge her one growing/stupendous/fantastic experience that she will experience. I just wish she didn't have to do it so far away from where I am.
Jordan and I were talking about this recently, how difficult it is to create a new network for friends sans the college experience. I think part of the reason it is so hard is that you didn't choose to leave your other friends. You didn't drift apart (yet), you only moved further away in distance. There are people you know you would remain very close with if they were within an hour's drive of you.
My friends have scattered and scattered good. Philip ran all the way to Alaska to get away from me (love you Sparky); Phil is in Durham (sp?); Lyndsey DC; Jordan Colmbia, SC; Rob Viriginia; Laura Boston; Jen Newport Beach, CA; Toby Ann Arbor, MI; Brad LSU; Courtney, for all intents and purposes, Chattanooga; Chris has almost moved away several times for work; Christy and Alden Houston, TX; Jen Australia; Elspeth Germany....
It's actually a little strange that I haven't left Georgia yet. It wasn't really my intention to say, this just happened to be where I found a job I really enjoy. And the rest of sort of followed....
I'm listening to Sarah Blasko at the moment. She has yet to become magical but we shall see....
There was a point to this but I got distracted by honest-to-goodness work that just came across my desk and now I have forgotten. Ah well.
Couldn't have been that important -- people move. It's sad. The end.
Jordan and I were talking about this recently, how difficult it is to create a new network for friends sans the college experience. I think part of the reason it is so hard is that you didn't choose to leave your other friends. You didn't drift apart (yet), you only moved further away in distance. There are people you know you would remain very close with if they were within an hour's drive of you.
My friends have scattered and scattered good. Philip ran all the way to Alaska to get away from me (love you Sparky); Phil is in Durham (sp?); Lyndsey DC; Jordan Colmbia, SC; Rob Viriginia; Laura Boston; Jen Newport Beach, CA; Toby Ann Arbor, MI; Brad LSU; Courtney, for all intents and purposes, Chattanooga; Chris has almost moved away several times for work; Christy and Alden Houston, TX; Jen Australia; Elspeth Germany....
It's actually a little strange that I haven't left Georgia yet. It wasn't really my intention to say, this just happened to be where I found a job I really enjoy. And the rest of sort of followed....
I'm listening to Sarah Blasko at the moment. She has yet to become magical but we shall see....
There was a point to this but I got distracted by honest-to-goodness work that just came across my desk and now I have forgotten. Ah well.
Couldn't have been that important -- people move. It's sad. The end.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Music You Have to Become Acquainted With
Some songs are magical the first time you listen to them. You have to find out who the song is by and what album and why you've never heard it before because this is what's been missing in your life all this time. Other music requires time. It may take only a second listening or several more, but then it's just as good as other music you love.
Guster was like that for me. Laura came home from a John Mayer concert freshman year of college and told me I HAD to download music from Guster because she'd just seen them live and they were amazing. Laura and I generally have the same taste in music, so I found some Guster. On first listen, I was unimpressed. It sounded.... flat. But I kept the music on my winamp playlist and they came on in the background while I was studying. After a few weeks, I found myself singing along to these Guster songs. I looked up, surprised, when I realized I was doing it and I realized I liked the songs. Not just liked, loved. I could play them over and over and over again, singing along. Guster tends to sing with 2- and 3-part harmony and so I found various melodies and harmonies to enjoy. The bongo drums from Lost and Gone Forever were magical too. These guys love to sing.
Lately, I've found the same with Mieka Pauley. I went to a Josh Joplin concert with Toby and Erich several months ago and she opened at Eddie's Attic. She was amazing live -- just her and her guitar. And her cover of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah was aweinspiring. I'm not kidding -- I was floored. I bought her album and a separate CD of some acoustic versions of songs but when I listened to them in my car they didn't compare to the live performance to me. The magic was missing. I loved parts of them but.... they didn't speak to me the same way. I'm stubborn, however, and put her entire album on my iPod and stick it on sometimes when I'm proofing something at work. It was like falling in love with Guster all over again. She's playing in my office right now and I love the songs -- how familiar they seem, the rhythms, the different tones of her voice, etc. I LOVE her now on her album just as much as I loved her in person.
This is a good lesson to remember in other areas of life. I've learned to like all sorts of foods that used to be anathema to me: avacado, sushi, green peppers, spicy things, shrimp, just to name a few. They were the same way they had always been; I just took the time to become aquainted with them.
I need to remember this with people I don't like. You never know when you will discover someone magical.
Guster was like that for me. Laura came home from a John Mayer concert freshman year of college and told me I HAD to download music from Guster because she'd just seen them live and they were amazing. Laura and I generally have the same taste in music, so I found some Guster. On first listen, I was unimpressed. It sounded.... flat. But I kept the music on my winamp playlist and they came on in the background while I was studying. After a few weeks, I found myself singing along to these Guster songs. I looked up, surprised, when I realized I was doing it and I realized I liked the songs. Not just liked, loved. I could play them over and over and over again, singing along. Guster tends to sing with 2- and 3-part harmony and so I found various melodies and harmonies to enjoy. The bongo drums from Lost and Gone Forever were magical too. These guys love to sing.
Lately, I've found the same with Mieka Pauley. I went to a Josh Joplin concert with Toby and Erich several months ago and she opened at Eddie's Attic. She was amazing live -- just her and her guitar. And her cover of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah was aweinspiring. I'm not kidding -- I was floored. I bought her album and a separate CD of some acoustic versions of songs but when I listened to them in my car they didn't compare to the live performance to me. The magic was missing. I loved parts of them but.... they didn't speak to me the same way. I'm stubborn, however, and put her entire album on my iPod and stick it on sometimes when I'm proofing something at work. It was like falling in love with Guster all over again. She's playing in my office right now and I love the songs -- how familiar they seem, the rhythms, the different tones of her voice, etc. I LOVE her now on her album just as much as I loved her in person.
This is a good lesson to remember in other areas of life. I've learned to like all sorts of foods that used to be anathema to me: avacado, sushi, green peppers, spicy things, shrimp, just to name a few. They were the same way they had always been; I just took the time to become aquainted with them.
I need to remember this with people I don't like. You never know when you will discover someone magical.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Wind and Doors
Last night after I fell asleep, I dreamed that I was going to bed -- I remember vividly closing my bedroom door, the glow of the lamp in my room, the feeling of my hand as it closed. I remember the thought even, that I wanted it closed and then the moment's hesitation after doing it -- did I really want it closed?
I was so convinced that this actually happened that when I woke up this morning and saw my bedroom door open, I literally bolted up and gasped. Then I looked and realized I couldn't have closed my door -- the vacum cleaner is in the way, sitting right in front of it. So is my new purse. There is no way I could have closed my door with those items sitting in front of it. Dreams are interesting, aren't they?
The wind is gusting so loud oustide that it sounds like it's raining in periodic bursts. I seem to always find apartments in windy spots. In my last apartment, the wind got so strong that it literally knocked my satellite dish off of my balcony, ripping it loose from zip ties that held it in place. I suppose Windy Ridge Lane was an appropriate address....
I need more action in my life. Beth and I are going to Helen on Saturday for a few hours just to do something. I'm waking up early tomorrow to do something physically active, even if it's only walking up and down the hills of my apartment complex. I'm considering signing up for some sort of ballroom dance lessons. I think I'm going to take advantage of LA Fitness's New Year's membership discounts and finally join a gym.
I've renewed my passion for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
"Nothing that I can do will change the structure of the universe. But maybe, by raising my voice, I can help the greatest of all causes -- good will among men and peace on earth."
-Albert Einstein
I was so convinced that this actually happened that when I woke up this morning and saw my bedroom door open, I literally bolted up and gasped. Then I looked and realized I couldn't have closed my door -- the vacum cleaner is in the way, sitting right in front of it. So is my new purse. There is no way I could have closed my door with those items sitting in front of it. Dreams are interesting, aren't they?
The wind is gusting so loud oustide that it sounds like it's raining in periodic bursts. I seem to always find apartments in windy spots. In my last apartment, the wind got so strong that it literally knocked my satellite dish off of my balcony, ripping it loose from zip ties that held it in place. I suppose Windy Ridge Lane was an appropriate address....
I need more action in my life. Beth and I are going to Helen on Saturday for a few hours just to do something. I'm waking up early tomorrow to do something physically active, even if it's only walking up and down the hills of my apartment complex. I'm considering signing up for some sort of ballroom dance lessons. I think I'm going to take advantage of LA Fitness's New Year's membership discounts and finally join a gym.
I've renewed my passion for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
"Nothing that I can do will change the structure of the universe. But maybe, by raising my voice, I can help the greatest of all causes -- good will among men and peace on earth."
-Albert Einstein
Christmas Cards
Ok, for the approximately 4.4 of you that read my blog, I am finally going to mail Christmas cards this year. If you are interested in receiving one, kindly e-mail me your address (alison.boggsatgmail.com) so that my card knows where you live and how to find its way to you.
I'm getting into this Christmas spirit -- I baked cookies a few weeks ago and today I brought in chocolate chip muffins. I'm determined to send Christmas cards and actually bake things from scratch. The "from scratch" part hasn't really happened yet but I've gotten in the habit of baking things at least. Sparky, I still have the cook book that you "lent" to me several years ago with a cookie recipe in it that will be recreating this year. Too bad you didn't permanently lend me your nut grinder, because I need to grind up the chocolate-covered espresso beans again....
I'm getting into this Christmas spirit -- I baked cookies a few weeks ago and today I brought in chocolate chip muffins. I'm determined to send Christmas cards and actually bake things from scratch. The "from scratch" part hasn't really happened yet but I've gotten in the habit of baking things at least. Sparky, I still have the cook book that you "lent" to me several years ago with a cookie recipe in it that will be recreating this year. Too bad you didn't permanently lend me your nut grinder, because I need to grind up the chocolate-covered espresso beans again....
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Sunday's Ramblings
I saw Burn After Reading last night with Beth and Mike. It was good, though I was sleepy and a little antsy during parts. The Cohen brothers (sp?) didn't dissapoint. All in all it was a good movie.
I can't stop listening to What Can I Say by Brandi Carlile -- makes my head sway from side to side every time it plays on my iTunes list or on a CD in my car. Funny that I didn't pay attention to the words until like the 20th time I'd listened to it and in a generic way the words make sense for my life as well:
Written by Tim Hanseroth
Look to the clock on the wall
Hands hardly moving at all
I can't stand the state that I'm in
Sometimes it feels like the wall's closing in
Oh Lord what can I say
I'm so sad since you went away
Time time tickin' on me
Alone is the last place I wanted to be
Lord what can I say
Try and burn my troubles away
Drown my sorrow the same way
It seems no matter how hard I try
It feels like there's something just missing inside
Oh Lord what can I say
I'm so sad since you went away
Time time tickin' on me
Alone is the last place I wanted to be
Lord what can I say
Oh Lord what can I say
How many rules can I break
How many lies can I make
How many roads must I turn
To find me a place where the bridge hasn't burned
Oh Lord what can I say
I'm so sad since you went away
Time time tickin' on me
Alone is the last place I wanted to be
Oh Lord what can I say
I'm so sad since you went away
Time time tickin' on me
Alone is the last place I wanted to be
Lord what can I say
Oh Lord what can I say
It makes me oddly happy even though it seems to be a such a sad song wrapped up in dancing melody. There's something about Brandi Carlile that just hits me these days. Brandi Carlile and Patty Griffin.... my dream concert would headline both of them individually and then together at the end.
Today is one of my every other Sundays volunteering at Good Mews (cat shelter). Every time I go I want a cat more and more but I haven't found the right one for me just yet. Though Otis gave me a hug last week....
I can't stop listening to What Can I Say by Brandi Carlile -- makes my head sway from side to side every time it plays on my iTunes list or on a CD in my car. Funny that I didn't pay attention to the words until like the 20th time I'd listened to it and in a generic way the words make sense for my life as well:
Written by Tim Hanseroth
Look to the clock on the wall
Hands hardly moving at all
I can't stand the state that I'm in
Sometimes it feels like the wall's closing in
Oh Lord what can I say
I'm so sad since you went away
Time time tickin' on me
Alone is the last place I wanted to be
Lord what can I say
Try and burn my troubles away
Drown my sorrow the same way
It seems no matter how hard I try
It feels like there's something just missing inside
Oh Lord what can I say
I'm so sad since you went away
Time time tickin' on me
Alone is the last place I wanted to be
Lord what can I say
Oh Lord what can I say
How many rules can I break
How many lies can I make
How many roads must I turn
To find me a place where the bridge hasn't burned
Oh Lord what can I say
I'm so sad since you went away
Time time tickin' on me
Alone is the last place I wanted to be
Oh Lord what can I say
I'm so sad since you went away
Time time tickin' on me
Alone is the last place I wanted to be
Lord what can I say
Oh Lord what can I say
It makes me oddly happy even though it seems to be a such a sad song wrapped up in dancing melody. There's something about Brandi Carlile that just hits me these days. Brandi Carlile and Patty Griffin.... my dream concert would headline both of them individually and then together at the end.
Today is one of my every other Sundays volunteering at Good Mews (cat shelter). Every time I go I want a cat more and more but I haven't found the right one for me just yet. Though Otis gave me a hug last week....
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Music you should listen to
Brandi Carlile -- Josephine, The Story, Turpentine
L'Appuntamento -- From Ocean's 12 soundtrack
Mieka Pauley -- The Golden Room, Run, Marked Man, Hallelujah (only on video on youtube)
Holly Brook -- Like Blood Like Honey, Heavey
I also just finished Stephen King's "On Writing," which was fabulous. A must read if you enjoy writing in any capacity. Did you know that Stephen King and other writers have formed over the years some sort of a rock band? The Rockbottom Remainders -- Dave Barry on lead guitar, Ridley Pearson on bass, Barbara Kingsolver on keyboards, Robert Fulgham on mandolin, and backup singers The Dixie Cups: Kathi Kamen, Tad Bartimus, and Amy Tan. They were supposed to perform two shows at the American Booksellers Convention, get a few laughs, and that would be it. But the band never really broke up and they went on tour and wrote a book about it. They still play sometimes, now with Mitch Albom on keyboards and a few other newcomers.
I had read a reference to this band in sort of an autobiography by Amy Tan about her musings and philosophies, The Opposite of Fate. To hear about it again in another book and now to know they wrote a book about the band's tour, I must find that book!
*pause*
It is apparently called "Mid-Life Confidential: The Rock Bottom Remainders Tour America with Three Chords and an Attitude" It is out of print but I am sticking it on my online christmas list as a suggestion for certain family members as something that I desperately need at:
http://www.yourlistonline.com/showLists.php?listID=3888
Ok, shameless plug done. It's not so much that I want everyone to know what I want for christmas, it's just so much easier to make a list and put it online somewhere where my family members can readily access it instead of asking me over and over again what I want for Christmas, asif I'm being interrogated for murder and they're trying to see if my story changes....
See, I'm still more excited about Christmas than Thanksgiving. But Thanksgiving IS closing the gap a bit -- Friendsgiving may indeed happen this year!!!
L'Appuntamento -- From Ocean's 12 soundtrack
Mieka Pauley -- The Golden Room, Run, Marked Man, Hallelujah (only on video on youtube)
Holly Brook -- Like Blood Like Honey, Heavey
I also just finished Stephen King's "On Writing," which was fabulous. A must read if you enjoy writing in any capacity. Did you know that Stephen King and other writers have formed over the years some sort of a rock band? The Rockbottom Remainders -- Dave Barry on lead guitar, Ridley Pearson on bass, Barbara Kingsolver on keyboards, Robert Fulgham on mandolin, and backup singers The Dixie Cups: Kathi Kamen, Tad Bartimus, and Amy Tan. They were supposed to perform two shows at the American Booksellers Convention, get a few laughs, and that would be it. But the band never really broke up and they went on tour and wrote a book about it. They still play sometimes, now with Mitch Albom on keyboards and a few other newcomers.
I had read a reference to this band in sort of an autobiography by Amy Tan about her musings and philosophies, The Opposite of Fate. To hear about it again in another book and now to know they wrote a book about the band's tour, I must find that book!
*pause*
It is apparently called "Mid-Life Confidential: The Rock Bottom Remainders Tour America with Three Chords and an Attitude" It is out of print but I am sticking it on my online christmas list as a suggestion for certain family members as something that I desperately need at:
http://www.yourlistonline.com/showLists.php?listID=3888
Ok, shameless plug done. It's not so much that I want everyone to know what I want for christmas, it's just so much easier to make a list and put it online somewhere where my family members can readily access it instead of asking me over and over again what I want for Christmas, asif I'm being interrogated for murder and they're trying to see if my story changes....
See, I'm still more excited about Christmas than Thanksgiving. But Thanksgiving IS closing the gap a bit -- Friendsgiving may indeed happen this year!!!
Dr. Horrible, wrapping presents, and curry
This will be a random, rambling post. If you are not a fan of that variety of writing, I encourage you to stop and find something more palatable to your reading tastes on the internet. You might start at http://margaretandhelen.wordpress.com/ =)
I just found out about something called Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog, which sounds amazing. Apparently it stars Neil Patrick Harris, among others. I attempted to watch the video right here at work but was unfortunately detained by buffering issues. Nonetheless, I'm excited to find out why other people like it.
Glenda just called and we're going to wrap presents at Barnes & Noble on Dec. 7th, which combines several of my favorite things at once: BOOK STORE, wrapping presents, hanging out with Glenda, AND helping out Good Mews (which is what we're wrapping presents for).
In more random news, work bought my lunch today, massaman curry (yum) and being the small child that I am, I accidentally dipped my shirt sleeve in the beige/yellow curry....
I'm actually getting things done in my apt. I can now walk around my bedroom almost without tripping over something once. The work continues this evening. I have also almost mustered up enough will power to wake up early tomorrow and work out before I go to work. We'll see how that one goes....
Just finished reading "In the Time of Butterflies" which was a great book but left me feeling very depressed. It didn't help that I wasn't particularly happy anyway and had just watched the episode of Ally McBeal (via www.surfthechannel.com) where Billy dies in Ally's arms. I'd never seen the episode before, only heard to it alluded in future episodes. So Billy dying coupled with my already sad state with "Butterflies" was not a good combination. A little West Wing did me some good at home.
I've made a new friend thorugh Beth, Mike, who called West Wing something akin to "insanely liberal" after he watched part of an episode that aired on what I assume was Bravo a few weeks ago. I didn't say anything because it is very liberal but.... there's so much more there. In a tv show that depicts the goings on of the White House and its staff, it really has to pick one side or the other. There is either a Republican or a Democrat in power and that's how the show really has to play out. I think the saddest thing is that if the show had had a Republican president in power and running the country, the show probably wouldn't have worked. The West Wing tends to mirror real life or recent life and the West Wing was often mirroring the Bill Clinton era. The West Wing isn't just liberal -- it's about ideas and talking about them. I just don't see that from a conservative side. And maybe that's my own fault and not the conservatives -- maybe I'm just so disenfranchised from that part of the political spectrum over these last several years that I can't see anything positive there. Maybe I only look at things in stereotypes, which is very hypocritical when I complain that people stereotype liberalism. I guess, in the end, it was disheartening to see a show I love so much ignored by someone because it IS liberal. (And I'm not saying that Mike is a flaming conservative -- if I recall, he identifies best with Libertarianism. ) There is so much else going on in that show. There is excellent acting, hope, optimism, a discussion of political ideas, a scrutiny of a fairly mystic profession, and quality. Even if you disagree with the show's politics, you can't deny that it is a quality show that people put a lot of work into. There is magic there. I suppose that's why I love the show so much, why I want to own all the episodes on DVD -- so that when there is nothing else on television I can flip in a disc and put it on in the background as I go about my business. It's comforting to me.
You don't have to love the West Wing -- it can be very dry and boring at times and if you don't have the resolve to sit and watch an entire episode from beginning to end, this show is not for you. If you walk in the middle through channel surfing, you're bound to walk in on the middle of a consersation between two people about something that you don't understand because you missed the first half, be bored, and move on.
Isn't it funny how defensive we (I) get when we find something we love that other people don't? I think my mom tries not to hurt my feelings sometimes when I tell her about something she needs to try or buy her something new that I've found. I have so much enthusiasm for the things that I love. And when I find something new that I love, I feel the need to tell the whole world, because if I love something obviously everyone else should love it too. It's not like people have different tastes.... =)
I apologize for the rambling for any of you still reading but I seem to have the need to ramble as of late. I stopped writing for a great deal of time and I don't know why. Even worse, I seem to have bottled everything up in that period of time instead of letting it out. So even though the writing in this post and others and others to come in the future could be considered subpar, bear with me. I need to get back in the habit of just letting things go, putting things out there, putting things down on paper. It's been so long, I've almost forgotten how to do it.
Almost....
I just found out about something called Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog, which sounds amazing. Apparently it stars Neil Patrick Harris, among others. I attempted to watch the video right here at work but was unfortunately detained by buffering issues. Nonetheless, I'm excited to find out why other people like it.
Glenda just called and we're going to wrap presents at Barnes & Noble on Dec. 7th, which combines several of my favorite things at once: BOOK STORE, wrapping presents, hanging out with Glenda, AND helping out Good Mews (which is what we're wrapping presents for).
In more random news, work bought my lunch today, massaman curry (yum) and being the small child that I am, I accidentally dipped my shirt sleeve in the beige/yellow curry....
I'm actually getting things done in my apt. I can now walk around my bedroom almost without tripping over something once. The work continues this evening. I have also almost mustered up enough will power to wake up early tomorrow and work out before I go to work. We'll see how that one goes....
Just finished reading "In the Time of Butterflies" which was a great book but left me feeling very depressed. It didn't help that I wasn't particularly happy anyway and had just watched the episode of Ally McBeal (via www.surfthechannel.com) where Billy dies in Ally's arms. I'd never seen the episode before, only heard to it alluded in future episodes. So Billy dying coupled with my already sad state with "Butterflies" was not a good combination. A little West Wing did me some good at home.
I've made a new friend thorugh Beth, Mike, who called West Wing something akin to "insanely liberal" after he watched part of an episode that aired on what I assume was Bravo a few weeks ago. I didn't say anything because it is very liberal but.... there's so much more there. In a tv show that depicts the goings on of the White House and its staff, it really has to pick one side or the other. There is either a Republican or a Democrat in power and that's how the show really has to play out. I think the saddest thing is that if the show had had a Republican president in power and running the country, the show probably wouldn't have worked. The West Wing tends to mirror real life or recent life and the West Wing was often mirroring the Bill Clinton era. The West Wing isn't just liberal -- it's about ideas and talking about them. I just don't see that from a conservative side. And maybe that's my own fault and not the conservatives -- maybe I'm just so disenfranchised from that part of the political spectrum over these last several years that I can't see anything positive there. Maybe I only look at things in stereotypes, which is very hypocritical when I complain that people stereotype liberalism. I guess, in the end, it was disheartening to see a show I love so much ignored by someone because it IS liberal. (And I'm not saying that Mike is a flaming conservative -- if I recall, he identifies best with Libertarianism. ) There is so much else going on in that show. There is excellent acting, hope, optimism, a discussion of political ideas, a scrutiny of a fairly mystic profession, and quality. Even if you disagree with the show's politics, you can't deny that it is a quality show that people put a lot of work into. There is magic there. I suppose that's why I love the show so much, why I want to own all the episodes on DVD -- so that when there is nothing else on television I can flip in a disc and put it on in the background as I go about my business. It's comforting to me.
You don't have to love the West Wing -- it can be very dry and boring at times and if you don't have the resolve to sit and watch an entire episode from beginning to end, this show is not for you. If you walk in the middle through channel surfing, you're bound to walk in on the middle of a consersation between two people about something that you don't understand because you missed the first half, be bored, and move on.
Isn't it funny how defensive we (I) get when we find something we love that other people don't? I think my mom tries not to hurt my feelings sometimes when I tell her about something she needs to try or buy her something new that I've found. I have so much enthusiasm for the things that I love. And when I find something new that I love, I feel the need to tell the whole world, because if I love something obviously everyone else should love it too. It's not like people have different tastes.... =)
I apologize for the rambling for any of you still reading but I seem to have the need to ramble as of late. I stopped writing for a great deal of time and I don't know why. Even worse, I seem to have bottled everything up in that period of time instead of letting it out. So even though the writing in this post and others and others to come in the future could be considered subpar, bear with me. I need to get back in the habit of just letting things go, putting things out there, putting things down on paper. It's been so long, I've almost forgotten how to do it.
Almost....
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Christmas Before Thanksgiving
I've been looking forward to Christms a lot this year, which is a reversal for me. Thanksgiving is my favorite of all favorite holidays but I've been focusing on Christmas. I suppose it all began when I started thinking about people's Christmas gifts in July and August.
I hate Christmas shopping in December. Retails stores are always trying desperately to sell you products that your family members and friends would like desperately not to have to return. How many electric shavers can a dad want? If your mom wears perfume, doesn't she already have some? How many pictures frames with "sister" or "dad" or "mom" or "family" can you buy for your family members? And surely most people now already own a really expensive wine wine opener.... Plus, I always seem to find exactly what I want for someone 4 days before Christmas but I have to order it online. And there is no way to buy something 4 days before Christmas and expect it to arrive in time, even if you do pay a million dollars to ship it.
So I've been buying everything early. All the gifts are in a big plastic container in my apartment, just waiting to be wrapped and given. There is also the added bonus that I have bought these over time so there shouldn't be checking account shock in December this year.
I think one of the reasons I'm excited about Christmas is also because for Thanksgiving this year it's only my parents and me. No one else is coming and my parents are disinclined to cook for just the three of us. And I suppose lately I'm having a hard time being grateful.
Oh, I'm grateful for the physical and monetary things in my life. I'm grateful for family. But I'm so dissapointed in so many things and so many people that I find myself wanting to gloss over Thanksgiving this year. Normally, I'm most thankful for people and this year I find myself having a hard time being grateful.
This is not because all of my friends are awful or anything. If anything, I've been an awful friend to so many people. I've been forgetting to call Toby when it's not midnight for so long that I've taken to keeping a giant post-it note tacked onto my laptop with "CALL TOBY" written on it in thick, red Sharpie and underlined several times to further the point.
Last night I talked to my sister (twin) on the phone for almost two hours. This might not seem out of the ordinary to you, but I think the last time we talked on the phone may have been a month or two ago and the time before that as far removed as this one. We covered the full gamut of topics including politics, religion, abortion, sex, Christmas, Thanksgiving, family, the environment, our jobs, the future, etc. Every time we thought to get off the phone, one of us would ramble on about a new subject and then the phone conversation would last another 20 minutes.... until it was truly time to just get off the phone and go to sleep. I meant to get so much done last night but I can't complain about talking to my sister.
I'm just not grateful this year; I'm pessimistic. I'm doubtful. I wish Thanksgiving was in another part of the year this year so that it could just come at any other time than now. This whole entry might not make sense to anyone, and for that I apologize.
I hate Christmas shopping in December. Retails stores are always trying desperately to sell you products that your family members and friends would like desperately not to have to return. How many electric shavers can a dad want? If your mom wears perfume, doesn't she already have some? How many pictures frames with "sister" or "dad" or "mom" or "family" can you buy for your family members? And surely most people now already own a really expensive wine wine opener.... Plus, I always seem to find exactly what I want for someone 4 days before Christmas but I have to order it online. And there is no way to buy something 4 days before Christmas and expect it to arrive in time, even if you do pay a million dollars to ship it.
So I've been buying everything early. All the gifts are in a big plastic container in my apartment, just waiting to be wrapped and given. There is also the added bonus that I have bought these over time so there shouldn't be checking account shock in December this year.
I think one of the reasons I'm excited about Christmas is also because for Thanksgiving this year it's only my parents and me. No one else is coming and my parents are disinclined to cook for just the three of us. And I suppose lately I'm having a hard time being grateful.
Oh, I'm grateful for the physical and monetary things in my life. I'm grateful for family. But I'm so dissapointed in so many things and so many people that I find myself wanting to gloss over Thanksgiving this year. Normally, I'm most thankful for people and this year I find myself having a hard time being grateful.
This is not because all of my friends are awful or anything. If anything, I've been an awful friend to so many people. I've been forgetting to call Toby when it's not midnight for so long that I've taken to keeping a giant post-it note tacked onto my laptop with "CALL TOBY" written on it in thick, red Sharpie and underlined several times to further the point.
Last night I talked to my sister (twin) on the phone for almost two hours. This might not seem out of the ordinary to you, but I think the last time we talked on the phone may have been a month or two ago and the time before that as far removed as this one. We covered the full gamut of topics including politics, religion, abortion, sex, Christmas, Thanksgiving, family, the environment, our jobs, the future, etc. Every time we thought to get off the phone, one of us would ramble on about a new subject and then the phone conversation would last another 20 minutes.... until it was truly time to just get off the phone and go to sleep. I meant to get so much done last night but I can't complain about talking to my sister.
I'm just not grateful this year; I'm pessimistic. I'm doubtful. I wish Thanksgiving was in another part of the year this year so that it could just come at any other time than now. This whole entry might not make sense to anyone, and for that I apologize.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Mr. Bean on Telemundo
I was flipping through tv channels just now and came across Mr. Bean on Telemundo. I'm not entirely certain that a 10 or 15-year-old British television show comes across very well on the "Spanish" channel but it was entertaining. In particular, I loved that no one speaks on that show -- no translation necessary. While this may have been a smart production call, I still question the appropriateness of the show. British humor is very different from American and Latin humor.
I hope that the above statements don't sound.... prejudiced. Let me know if you think they are and that I need some sort of judgmental adjustment.
I'm watching Must Love Dogs now and wondering how to spend my evening. There is an endless list of things for me to get done. My apt is not in a presentable state; I'm a little ashamed when people come over. But I can always fix that and I can always make it better.
I hope that the above statements don't sound.... prejudiced. Let me know if you think they are and that I need some sort of judgmental adjustment.
I'm watching Must Love Dogs now and wondering how to spend my evening. There is an endless list of things for me to get done. My apt is not in a presentable state; I'm a little ashamed when people come over. But I can always fix that and I can always make it better.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Joshua Bell: Live and In Person
Last night I marveled in the glory of Joshua Bell and his lovely Strad. I bought tickets for my parents as well and we scurried into our upper balcony second-to-last row seats just as Robert Spano stepped onto the stage. After careful strategic planning, we met from three different directions at 285 to drive in one car. Sadly, we were victims of traffic due to an accident on 85S.
Aaron Copleand's Appalachian Spring was first. I knew I'd heard it somewhere in the back of my mind the entire time it was playing, like seeing an old friend after so many years. Listening, I kept hoping that Simple Gifts was part of the piece. There was a repetition of the melody that is called.....Goodness, I'm forgetting my musical terminology! The melody played in various instruments throughout out the orchestra, each instrument/section playing it and passing it along. The melodies also wove together and on top of each other, which is referred to in music by a specific term that escapes me at the present. All of my piano and violin teachers over the years would be apalled at this.... As I kept listening, I knew that eventually the entire string section would play the melody together slowly and as sort of a recap before ending the piece. I came to see Joshua Bell but in Copeland I got to savor all the memories of music from my life -- Simple Gifts has been a favorite song of mine since elementary school.
And then, Joshua Bell! These last few months I'm always stressed out about something and it was a wonderful gift to be so relaxed. The almost two hours of the symphony went by so quickly -- even Mom said at the end of the Bartok of the 2nd half, "is that all?" She echoed my sentiments.
Mom and I waited in line to have a CD signed (a CD we bought while in line.) I had used half my $20 to pay for parking while we were rushing in, so I only had enough for the $20 CD. Mom found a $10 in her purse. With our money powers combined, we bought a CD. We were almost at the end of the line and I marveled at how Joshua kept his composure. He came out what seemed immediately after the performance to sign CDs and pose for pictures so that as many people as possible could interact with him/buy CDs before intermission ended. Mom and I missed the first two movements of the Bartok waiting in line but it was worth it. As we stepped up, I was caught up in how relaxed he was. And patient. His smile was very kind and I couldn't do anything but look him in the eye and smile and say thankyou -- twice, once before and once after he signed the CD and mom had him sign the insert. I wasn't starstruck, only aware that there seemed to be very little I could tell him that he hadn't heard -- that he is a phenomenol musician, etc. I could have gushed. But I only looked him in the eye and smiled, giving thanks.
I wish I could have had something more to say but there were other people in line. I couldn't imagine pressing for more time with him after he had so much careful patience for every person in line.
Lyndsey, if he goes to Bloomington or DC or NY we should go see him. Maybe between now and then I can think of something better to say than "thank you" =)
Aaron Copleand's Appalachian Spring was first. I knew I'd heard it somewhere in the back of my mind the entire time it was playing, like seeing an old friend after so many years. Listening, I kept hoping that Simple Gifts was part of the piece. There was a repetition of the melody that is called.....Goodness, I'm forgetting my musical terminology! The melody played in various instruments throughout out the orchestra, each instrument/section playing it and passing it along. The melodies also wove together and on top of each other, which is referred to in music by a specific term that escapes me at the present. All of my piano and violin teachers over the years would be apalled at this.... As I kept listening, I knew that eventually the entire string section would play the melody together slowly and as sort of a recap before ending the piece. I came to see Joshua Bell but in Copeland I got to savor all the memories of music from my life -- Simple Gifts has been a favorite song of mine since elementary school.
And then, Joshua Bell! These last few months I'm always stressed out about something and it was a wonderful gift to be so relaxed. The almost two hours of the symphony went by so quickly -- even Mom said at the end of the Bartok of the 2nd half, "is that all?" She echoed my sentiments.
Mom and I waited in line to have a CD signed (a CD we bought while in line.) I had used half my $20 to pay for parking while we were rushing in, so I only had enough for the $20 CD. Mom found a $10 in her purse. With our money powers combined, we bought a CD. We were almost at the end of the line and I marveled at how Joshua kept his composure. He came out what seemed immediately after the performance to sign CDs and pose for pictures so that as many people as possible could interact with him/buy CDs before intermission ended. Mom and I missed the first two movements of the Bartok waiting in line but it was worth it. As we stepped up, I was caught up in how relaxed he was. And patient. His smile was very kind and I couldn't do anything but look him in the eye and smile and say thankyou -- twice, once before and once after he signed the CD and mom had him sign the insert. I wasn't starstruck, only aware that there seemed to be very little I could tell him that he hadn't heard -- that he is a phenomenol musician, etc. I could have gushed. But I only looked him in the eye and smiled, giving thanks.
I wish I could have had something more to say but there were other people in line. I couldn't imagine pressing for more time with him after he had so much careful patience for every person in line.
Lyndsey, if he goes to Bloomington or DC or NY we should go see him. Maybe between now and then I can think of something better to say than "thank you" =)
Alaska
Be happy Sparky, I'm going to talk about Alaska =)
For maybe the only person in the world who doesn't know that I went to Alaska for Philip's wedding, here we go!
[Note: for those of you unfamiliar with my nickname terminology, I sometimes address people in my life as "Sparky"; While in college, Philip in return started calling me Sparky and we've been calling each other Sparky ever since. Others have taken up this mantle and call me Sparky as well and I will respond to them in kind when addressed as "Sparky." For the purposes of this post, however, "Sparky" shall be in reference to a certain Philip Walters. This is my nickname for him -- if you want to call him something other than Philip, come up with your own nickname. As his lovely wife, Jamie is the only person who is exempt from this Sparky rule should she be inclined to also call him Sparky =)]
Anyway....
Sparky told me that he was going to propose -- I told him I would do whatever I could to be at his wedding. He told me, don't worry, I won't be getting married till a year from this summer, giving me plenty of time to save for the trip. To no surprise to me, he later told me he was engaged. What was surprising was that he was going to get married a the end of this summer. I'm not going to lie, I had a moment of panic. But hey, that's what stimulus checks are for.... I have to thank the U.S. Government for the trip of a lifetime. Without their generous $600 support, I would not have been able to finance my trip to Alaska and see Philip marry the love of his life.
And with that, I am tired. Tune in next time for actual details about my Alaska trip, including what actually happened as opposed to the details involved pre-trip.....
For maybe the only person in the world who doesn't know that I went to Alaska for Philip's wedding, here we go!
[Note: for those of you unfamiliar with my nickname terminology, I sometimes address people in my life as "Sparky"; While in college, Philip in return started calling me Sparky and we've been calling each other Sparky ever since. Others have taken up this mantle and call me Sparky as well and I will respond to them in kind when addressed as "Sparky." For the purposes of this post, however, "Sparky" shall be in reference to a certain Philip Walters. This is my nickname for him -- if you want to call him something other than Philip, come up with your own nickname. As his lovely wife, Jamie is the only person who is exempt from this Sparky rule should she be inclined to also call him Sparky =)]
Anyway....
Sparky told me that he was going to propose -- I told him I would do whatever I could to be at his wedding. He told me, don't worry, I won't be getting married till a year from this summer, giving me plenty of time to save for the trip. To no surprise to me, he later told me he was engaged. What was surprising was that he was going to get married a the end of this summer. I'm not going to lie, I had a moment of panic. But hey, that's what stimulus checks are for.... I have to thank the U.S. Government for the trip of a lifetime. Without their generous $600 support, I would not have been able to finance my trip to Alaska and see Philip marry the love of his life.
And with that, I am tired. Tune in next time for actual details about my Alaska trip, including what actually happened as opposed to the details involved pre-trip.....
Small Victories
I'm always talking or thinking about changing my life, about making better changes, about getting out of ruts. I always feel like I'm wishing I was a better person, more organized, got more sleep, was a better friend, that I wasn't lazy, that I wasn't late to anything, etc.
Today I woke up early and went to Kauffman Tire -- got my oil changed, tail light replaced, alignment done, two tires replaced (I have been putting this off). I did a little extra groccery shopping. I then went back to my apartment and met Beth there. I watched football with her and made lunch -- fajita chicken salad. I cooked the chicken and chopped all the veggies and laid everything out buffet-style for people to pick their toppings.
Last weekend I finally hung some paintings and did some more organizing. I cleaned out part of my car. Today I set up my wireless router and installed wireless capabilities on my desktop computer and am typing this via a wireless secured connection from my laptop. I reogranized my files and did laundry.
These activities may sound mundane and general, but they are the things I never get done. Despite my best intentions, I do not get things done. I'm working on it. Monday is for getting things dry cleaned and alterations done to all the pants I've bought that are too long for me to wear without being hemmed....
Today I woke up early and went to Kauffman Tire -- got my oil changed, tail light replaced, alignment done, two tires replaced (I have been putting this off). I did a little extra groccery shopping. I then went back to my apartment and met Beth there. I watched football with her and made lunch -- fajita chicken salad. I cooked the chicken and chopped all the veggies and laid everything out buffet-style for people to pick their toppings.
Last weekend I finally hung some paintings and did some more organizing. I cleaned out part of my car. Today I set up my wireless router and installed wireless capabilities on my desktop computer and am typing this via a wireless secured connection from my laptop. I reogranized my files and did laundry.
These activities may sound mundane and general, but they are the things I never get done. Despite my best intentions, I do not get things done. I'm working on it. Monday is for getting things dry cleaned and alterations done to all the pants I've bought that are too long for me to wear without being hemmed....
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I feel lost
I feel a little lost lately. Like I don't really know where my life is going, that I'm just sort of floundering. I'm a spectator in my own life. I'm always thinking I'm going to enact change and then.... here I am, still wanting to enact change.
I finally hung a few painting at my apartment; that was a start. I also became a notary (only took me 2 1/2 years).
Whatever. I must be the change I want to see in the world. Yeah yeah, Gandhi, I know....
I open the forum to the multitudes. How can I better my life? Seriously, I want suggestions. I spend 3 hours every two weeks cleaning/loving at a cat shelter. Any other charitable/non-profit organizations you think I should get involved with?
How is everyone else physically active? What is a good use of spare time? What can I do that is productive when I'm bored at work?
I need direction. Someone give me a few compass points.....
I finally hung a few painting at my apartment; that was a start. I also became a notary (only took me 2 1/2 years).
Whatever. I must be the change I want to see in the world. Yeah yeah, Gandhi, I know....
I open the forum to the multitudes. How can I better my life? Seriously, I want suggestions. I spend 3 hours every two weeks cleaning/loving at a cat shelter. Any other charitable/non-profit organizations you think I should get involved with?
How is everyone else physically active? What is a good use of spare time? What can I do that is productive when I'm bored at work?
I need direction. Someone give me a few compass points.....
Saturday, November 1, 2008
College Football Picks for the Day
And, here are my picks for today's college football games. I'll admit, some of them seem a long shot based on the statistics, but maybe I just have a feeling....
No. 1 Texas at No. 7 Texas Tech: Texas Tech
Arkansas State at No. 2 Alabama: Alabama
Nebraska at No. 4 Oklahoma: Oklahoma
Washington at No. 5 USC: Washington
(this pick is more out of hope because USC should not get a free pass for the rest of the season when their one loss was badly to Oklahoma St.
No. 8 Florida vs. No. 6 Georgia: Geogia
(but then, when would I not pick Georgia?)
Iowa State at No. 9 Oklahoma State: Oklahoma State
No. 10 Utah at New Mexico: New Mexico
No. 11 Boise State at New Mexico State: Boise State
No. 13 TCU at UNLV: UNLV
No. 14 Missouri at Baylor: Missouri
No. 15 Florida State at Georgia Tech: Georgia Tech
Northwestern at No. 17 Minnesota: Minnesota
No. 18 Tulsa at Arkansas: Arkansas
Tulane at No. 19 LSU: LSU
No. 20 BYU at Colorado State: Colorado State
Wisconsin at No. 21 Michigan State: Wisconsin
No. 23 South Florida at Cincinnati: Cincinnati
No. 24 Oregon at California: California
West Virginia at No. 25 Connecticut: West Virginia
No. 1 Texas at No. 7 Texas Tech: Texas Tech
Arkansas State at No. 2 Alabama: Alabama
Nebraska at No. 4 Oklahoma: Oklahoma
Washington at No. 5 USC: Washington
(this pick is more out of hope because USC should not get a free pass for the rest of the season when their one loss was badly to Oklahoma St.
No. 8 Florida vs. No. 6 Georgia: Geogia
(but then, when would I not pick Georgia?)
Iowa State at No. 9 Oklahoma State: Oklahoma State
No. 10 Utah at New Mexico: New Mexico
No. 11 Boise State at New Mexico State: Boise State
No. 13 TCU at UNLV: UNLV
No. 14 Missouri at Baylor: Missouri
No. 15 Florida State at Georgia Tech: Georgia Tech
Northwestern at No. 17 Minnesota: Minnesota
No. 18 Tulsa at Arkansas: Arkansas
Tulane at No. 19 LSU: LSU
No. 20 BYU at Colorado State: Colorado State
Wisconsin at No. 21 Michigan State: Wisconsin
No. 23 South Florida at Cincinnati: Cincinnati
No. 24 Oregon at California: California
West Virginia at No. 25 Connecticut: West Virginia
Monday, October 6, 2008
Ultimate Rejection letter
The Ultimate Rejection Letter
Herbert A. Millington
Chair - Search Committee
412A Clarkson Hall, Whitson University
College Hill, MA 34109
Dear Professor Millington,
Thank you for your letter of March 16. After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me an assistant professor position in your department.
This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field of candidates, it is impossible for me to accept all refusals.
Despite Whitson's outstanding qualifications and previous experience in rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet my needs at this time. Therefore, I will assume the position of assistant professor in your department this August. I look forward to seeing you then. Best of luck in rejecting future applicants.
Sincerely,
Chris L. Jensen
Herbert A. Millington
Chair - Search Committee
412A Clarkson Hall, Whitson University
College Hill, MA 34109
Dear Professor Millington,
Thank you for your letter of March 16. After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me an assistant professor position in your department.
This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field of candidates, it is impossible for me to accept all refusals.
Despite Whitson's outstanding qualifications and previous experience in rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet my needs at this time. Therefore, I will assume the position of assistant professor in your department this August. I look forward to seeing you then. Best of luck in rejecting future applicants.
Sincerely,
Chris L. Jensen
Reading Paulo Coelho and Hot Library Smut
Though I am constantly buying both new and used books, I am not a constant reader. It's like I forget I can read in getting so caught up in acquiring books. They make me happy just by being here, just by being published. Bookstores are quiet sanctuaries to me -- places of peace.
I just finished Tuesday Erotica Club which sounds like erotic literature but isn't. The book discusses sex a bit but the story is really about 4 different women in a writing club and their lives. Now I'm on to By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paulo Coelho.
I remember the first time I saw Beauty and the Beast (the animated film). The library in the Beast's mansion was heaven. I could never imagine having that many books to read. And so I identified best with Belle than any other Disney "Princess" because we both had long brown hair, and liked to sing, and LOVED books. And, like her, I always found myself very misunderstood by the general public.
My dream library in the mansion I will never have includes a library almost identical to the one in Beauty and the Beast -- all hardback or leatherbound books. Books on top of books from floor to ceiling with those ceiling-high climbing ladders attached to the bookshelves for easy access.
I thought I may never see anything like that library but it seems that even Disney gets its inspiration from somewhere.
http://thenonist.com/index.php/thenonist/permalink/hot_library_smut/
The above is HAUGHT. Some of the prettiest libraries in the world. I thought I had enough reasons to want to travel the world -- turns out I only perpetually add to the stack. I must go to these libraries.
I realized randomly tonight why I don't like being around drunk people. Losing control is such a giant fear of mine and the idea of being drunk has never appealed to me. It's like not being able to be myself. And when other people are drunk, it's like I can't see them anymore. I just have to wait until they come back. You'd think that something awful had happened to me involving alcohol but nothing ever has. Maybe one too many after school specials about the issues involving drinking got to me as a kid as there was no alcohol in my parents' house.
That being said, I don't have a problem when people drink. But it makes me afraid.
I just finished Tuesday Erotica Club which sounds like erotic literature but isn't. The book discusses sex a bit but the story is really about 4 different women in a writing club and their lives. Now I'm on to By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paulo Coelho.
I remember the first time I saw Beauty and the Beast (the animated film). The library in the Beast's mansion was heaven. I could never imagine having that many books to read. And so I identified best with Belle than any other Disney "Princess" because we both had long brown hair, and liked to sing, and LOVED books. And, like her, I always found myself very misunderstood by the general public.
My dream library in the mansion I will never have includes a library almost identical to the one in Beauty and the Beast -- all hardback or leatherbound books. Books on top of books from floor to ceiling with those ceiling-high climbing ladders attached to the bookshelves for easy access.
I thought I may never see anything like that library but it seems that even Disney gets its inspiration from somewhere.
http://thenonist.com/index.php/thenonist/permalink/hot_library_smut/
The above is HAUGHT. Some of the prettiest libraries in the world. I thought I had enough reasons to want to travel the world -- turns out I only perpetually add to the stack. I must go to these libraries.
I realized randomly tonight why I don't like being around drunk people. Losing control is such a giant fear of mine and the idea of being drunk has never appealed to me. It's like not being able to be myself. And when other people are drunk, it's like I can't see them anymore. I just have to wait until they come back. You'd think that something awful had happened to me involving alcohol but nothing ever has. Maybe one too many after school specials about the issues involving drinking got to me as a kid as there was no alcohol in my parents' house.
That being said, I don't have a problem when people drink. But it makes me afraid.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
A Bird
Kim, the receptionist, called me from her desk today after lunch. "There's a bird that flew into the window!"
She called me up to the front to take a look and see if I could help it, first asking me if I was afraid of birds. I don't normally consider myself an expert on birds, but I went to the front to see what I could do.
The bird was lying on the ground on its side and breathing heavily. When I approached it, it didn't seem to notice my presence. Even though Sam was on the other side of the door telling me not to touch it, I lightly stroked its head. It made no sign that it knew of my presence. I stood outside with it for a while staring at it, praying.
Sam was joking that I was just staring at a bird but I didn't want to leave it. Kim and I monitored the bird's progress for a while. Eventually, without warning, it rolled onto its feet and sat straight up, eyes closed. It stayed that way for two hours, occasionally opening and closing its beak or slightly moving its wings.
Just as Kim called me to tell me my boss was fine with me taking it to a wildlife sanctuary in a TG box, Joel was outside moving it into the bushes by sliding a newspaper under it. Complete with glove, Joel moved the bird. As he did the moment was priceless. The bird opened its eyes for the first time that we had noticed and turned its head to watch Joel as he moved him. He fluttered his wings a bit and flew/fell slowly into the bushes. Joel was met by a round of applause/happy noises from the haphazard group of employees assembled at the front of the building to watch.
Joel is the hero of the day.
She called me up to the front to take a look and see if I could help it, first asking me if I was afraid of birds. I don't normally consider myself an expert on birds, but I went to the front to see what I could do.
The bird was lying on the ground on its side and breathing heavily. When I approached it, it didn't seem to notice my presence. Even though Sam was on the other side of the door telling me not to touch it, I lightly stroked its head. It made no sign that it knew of my presence. I stood outside with it for a while staring at it, praying.
Sam was joking that I was just staring at a bird but I didn't want to leave it. Kim and I monitored the bird's progress for a while. Eventually, without warning, it rolled onto its feet and sat straight up, eyes closed. It stayed that way for two hours, occasionally opening and closing its beak or slightly moving its wings.
Just as Kim called me to tell me my boss was fine with me taking it to a wildlife sanctuary in a TG box, Joel was outside moving it into the bushes by sliding a newspaper under it. Complete with glove, Joel moved the bird. As he did the moment was priceless. The bird opened its eyes for the first time that we had noticed and turned its head to watch Joel as he moved him. He fluttered his wings a bit and flew/fell slowly into the bushes. Joel was met by a round of applause/happy noises from the haphazard group of employees assembled at the front of the building to watch.
Joel is the hero of the day.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
I heart Starbucks
I love walking into any Starbucks and ordering an iced, tall, sugar-free hazlenut latte. I love even more that the person behind the register will almost never look at me like I'm crazy.
Because having worked behind the coffee counter for several years myself, I know that there are far crazier people out there with much stranger requests than the drink above. Some people might think I order oddly-specific drinks -- but having my drink the way I want it is habit from working in coffee for so long. Just imagine having an unlimited amount of coffee drink ingredients at your disposal for free. When there's downtime at work, you can experiment with drinks and find out what you truly like. Then you get used to making those personalized drinks yourself on every shift for free. Later, when you no longer work at a coffee shop, you still want the same drinks. And when you're paying someone else to make something that used to be free, you want that drink to be perfect.
I'll admit it -- I'm a coffee snob. No excuses or denial about it. Which brings me back to my original point. Not all Starbucks are made the same but the company itself is not franchised -- there are systems for everything and the company's goal is to let you have the same cup of coffee or drink however you want it anywhere there is a Starbucks in the world. Theoretically, this is true. There are Starbucks I will not go back to without careful persuasion but generally I trust any Starbucks location.
Some people hate this about Starbucks. They think that it takes away from the local coffee shops and their elusive charm. Having worked at Starbucks, the obvious big chain, and Jittery Joes, the local college-town coffee shop, I have seen both worlds. I have observed that there are pluses and minuses to both but I can't deny Starbucks efficiency. They truly do have a system for anything. There are even entire teams of people who work for the company whose sole job is to walk into the office each day and come up with better systems and more efficient ways for Starbucks employees to get things done. A better way to clean something, a faster way to make whipped cream, a new coffee roast, new pastries, a new employee login system -- you name it, they think about ways to make it better. New chairs for the dining area, a better timing system to make sure the cream is always fresh, new ways to arrange the chairs, better decorative systems. And you can see their work even if you hate Starbucks -- it is flawless when you walk in in terms of atmosphere. I feel at home at Starbucks. It's my third place (you'd have to have worked there to understand that statement.)
Plus, to understand Starbucks and the environment, you need to understand how coffee is grown. Many of the perfect coffee beans are grown in semi-shade environments. In short, Starbucks needs the rain forest to not dissapear. So for everyone I've ever heard that Starbucks is bad for the environment, know that they are dedicated to preserving their core product. The company itself may not be a protector of the environment for the right reasons, butyou can't fault the company for not paying to attention to the environment.
I know, I know, this blog entry is reading like an ad to rejuvanate Starbucks' dwindling profits, but I promise you I have no agenda. I just love Starbucks and coffe. I want to go back to Europe now that I actually drink coffee. I want to sit in all the little cafes in Italy and France and just absorb everything and write and write and write. Except I feel like I'm already too old for that. Maybe I just need to spend a few months in Europe to get that experience. Maybe I can find a way to make being in Europe a job. Everyone wants to go to Europe and just write but maybe I can find a way to actually do it.
I'm rambling. I'm only writing this because I need to practice writing. Maybe one day if I write enough I'll be a pro at editing my rambling.
Because having worked behind the coffee counter for several years myself, I know that there are far crazier people out there with much stranger requests than the drink above. Some people might think I order oddly-specific drinks -- but having my drink the way I want it is habit from working in coffee for so long. Just imagine having an unlimited amount of coffee drink ingredients at your disposal for free. When there's downtime at work, you can experiment with drinks and find out what you truly like. Then you get used to making those personalized drinks yourself on every shift for free. Later, when you no longer work at a coffee shop, you still want the same drinks. And when you're paying someone else to make something that used to be free, you want that drink to be perfect.
I'll admit it -- I'm a coffee snob. No excuses or denial about it. Which brings me back to my original point. Not all Starbucks are made the same but the company itself is not franchised -- there are systems for everything and the company's goal is to let you have the same cup of coffee or drink however you want it anywhere there is a Starbucks in the world. Theoretically, this is true. There are Starbucks I will not go back to without careful persuasion but generally I trust any Starbucks location.
Some people hate this about Starbucks. They think that it takes away from the local coffee shops and their elusive charm. Having worked at Starbucks, the obvious big chain, and Jittery Joes, the local college-town coffee shop, I have seen both worlds. I have observed that there are pluses and minuses to both but I can't deny Starbucks efficiency. They truly do have a system for anything. There are even entire teams of people who work for the company whose sole job is to walk into the office each day and come up with better systems and more efficient ways for Starbucks employees to get things done. A better way to clean something, a faster way to make whipped cream, a new coffee roast, new pastries, a new employee login system -- you name it, they think about ways to make it better. New chairs for the dining area, a better timing system to make sure the cream is always fresh, new ways to arrange the chairs, better decorative systems. And you can see their work even if you hate Starbucks -- it is flawless when you walk in in terms of atmosphere. I feel at home at Starbucks. It's my third place (you'd have to have worked there to understand that statement.)
Plus, to understand Starbucks and the environment, you need to understand how coffee is grown. Many of the perfect coffee beans are grown in semi-shade environments. In short, Starbucks needs the rain forest to not dissapear. So for everyone I've ever heard that Starbucks is bad for the environment, know that they are dedicated to preserving their core product. The company itself may not be a protector of the environment for the right reasons, butyou can't fault the company for not paying to attention to the environment.
I know, I know, this blog entry is reading like an ad to rejuvanate Starbucks' dwindling profits, but I promise you I have no agenda. I just love Starbucks and coffe. I want to go back to Europe now that I actually drink coffee. I want to sit in all the little cafes in Italy and France and just absorb everything and write and write and write. Except I feel like I'm already too old for that. Maybe I just need to spend a few months in Europe to get that experience. Maybe I can find a way to make being in Europe a job. Everyone wants to go to Europe and just write but maybe I can find a way to actually do it.
I'm rambling. I'm only writing this because I need to practice writing. Maybe one day if I write enough I'll be a pro at editing my rambling.
Monday, September 15, 2008
General Statement to the World
I've realized as of late that my mannerisms or the way I argue or the image I portray to the world comes across as "I am never wrong." I suppose, argues the part of me that loves to give excuses, that this is in small part due to the fact that I only generally argue when I truly feel I am right, not just for argument's sake or to be right. I have so little self confidence these days but I still manage to be firm about the things I think I'm right about.
I'm rambling and this idea was so much clearer when I thought about making this post, but this is a public apology to anyone who ever thought I wasn't open to reason, listening. That is my fault -- for making you think that I thought I couldn't be wrong. This is my apology for every time I failed to listen. This is my statement that I will do my best to listen rather than dismiss the ideas or opinions of others. I can be wrong; I'm wrong a lot in my life. I try to be a good person, I try to avoid errors, I try to live my life correctly, I try not to hurt anyone else, I try to be there for my friends, I try to grow as a person, but I make mistake after mistake after mistake. I'm wrong a lot in my life.
I apologize -- I am not always right.
I'm rambling and this idea was so much clearer when I thought about making this post, but this is a public apology to anyone who ever thought I wasn't open to reason, listening. That is my fault -- for making you think that I thought I couldn't be wrong. This is my apology for every time I failed to listen. This is my statement that I will do my best to listen rather than dismiss the ideas or opinions of others. I can be wrong; I'm wrong a lot in my life. I try to be a good person, I try to avoid errors, I try to live my life correctly, I try not to hurt anyone else, I try to be there for my friends, I try to grow as a person, but I make mistake after mistake after mistake. I'm wrong a lot in my life.
I apologize -- I am not always right.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Olympics in China
I'll admit I may have been caught up in all the media hype, but I am currently uninterested in the 2008 Summer Olympics to be held in China.
I know I should face the matter with a little more skepticism -- is all of the reporting about China true? Have human rights violations increased since they lobbied for the games 7 years ago? Was Tibet mishandled by the government? Is China censoring the web, its own people, and foriegn press by silencing any critics to put forth a message of harmony for these games?
As a result of everything I've heard, I just don't have any interest in the games. They've been marred for me. In fact, if the Chinese government is attempting to fix these problems, they're doing the opposite for me -- they're adding to my own indifference. Silencing critics is not a way to deal with their criticism. Fix what's broken or show how critics are wrong.
I suppose there's also an additional concern -- how do I know when media outlets are lying?
I know I should face the matter with a little more skepticism -- is all of the reporting about China true? Have human rights violations increased since they lobbied for the games 7 years ago? Was Tibet mishandled by the government? Is China censoring the web, its own people, and foriegn press by silencing any critics to put forth a message of harmony for these games?
As a result of everything I've heard, I just don't have any interest in the games. They've been marred for me. In fact, if the Chinese government is attempting to fix these problems, they're doing the opposite for me -- they're adding to my own indifference. Silencing critics is not a way to deal with their criticism. Fix what's broken or show how critics are wrong.
I suppose there's also an additional concern -- how do I know when media outlets are lying?
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Anymore
I have always considered myself a guilty person -- not that I am always wrong or that I perpetually make mistakes, but I seem to carry my errors around with me. I loathe the past things I cannot change and feel, well, guilty. I was telling a friend that I always seem to be lost potential -- that I could have been good at so many things and a better person if I'd only applied myself. He told me that the past was never meant to be a record of our mistakes.
When I was growing up, I never wanted to grow up. But I wish someone had told me that it was worth doing, that we're always learning, always growing. That we get better as we get older. The "growing up" part can be difficult but that is what makes it worth it. Every day I can be a
better version of myself. I can look back on all of my past mistakes and flaws and say, See, I'm better than I was. For all the times that I failed people as friends and my seeming inability at times to communicate, the walls I build and my own self-consciousness, being judgmental and being afraid, avoiding conflict -- I don't have to be any of those things anymore.
This may not be an earth-shattering idea, but it's comforting nonetheless.
When I was growing up, I never wanted to grow up. But I wish someone had told me that it was worth doing, that we're always learning, always growing. That we get better as we get older. The "growing up" part can be difficult but that is what makes it worth it. Every day I can be a
better version of myself. I can look back on all of my past mistakes and flaws and say, See, I'm better than I was. For all the times that I failed people as friends and my seeming inability at times to communicate, the walls I build and my own self-consciousness, being judgmental and being afraid, avoiding conflict -- I don't have to be any of those things anymore.
This may not be an earth-shattering idea, but it's comforting nonetheless.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Green = Good
Apparently my blog is turning into a daily dose of things that I love or have started to love, but I guess that's the way it is. No apologies -- I am one of those people who wants to share the things I love with everyone else. What I love other people should love too, no questions asked.
And today the thing I love is Superfood. What is Superfood, you might ask?
According to Wikipedia (which we know is always right [note sarcasm]), "[a] superfood is a type of food believed to have health benefits beyond those of more common foods due to specific phytonutrient . For instance, blueberries are considered a superfood or superfruit because they contain significant amounts of antioxidants, anthocyanins, vitamin C, manganese and dietary fibre which are believed to provide important health benefits."
The particular Superfood that I love is by both Odwalla and Naked. Don't let the greenness fool you; I once was a fool who thought I couldn't possibly enjoy any beverage that was green. I was very wrong! Not only is it fabulous, it is sweet. It has the sweet of greatness.
The positive effects of so-called superfoods is still being questioned and studied by science. But who doesn't want a drink with grapes, blueberries, broccoli, apples, and all sorts of other things rolled int one that tastes good?
Future deliberations on the actual validity of the idea of superfoods to come at a later date.
**This superfood public anouncement was brought to you by the color green
and by
Air: It's Everywhere You Want to Be.
And today the thing I love is Superfood. What is Superfood, you might ask?
According to Wikipedia (which we know is always right [note sarcasm]), "[a] superfood is a type of food believed to have health benefits beyond those of more common foods due to specific phytonutrient . For instance, blueberries are considered a superfood or superfruit because they contain significant amounts of antioxidants, anthocyanins, vitamin C, manganese and dietary fibre which are believed to provide important health benefits."
The particular Superfood that I love is by both Odwalla and Naked. Don't let the greenness fool you; I once was a fool who thought I couldn't possibly enjoy any beverage that was green. I was very wrong! Not only is it fabulous, it is sweet. It has the sweet of greatness.
The positive effects of so-called superfoods is still being questioned and studied by science. But who doesn't want a drink with grapes, blueberries, broccoli, apples, and all sorts of other things rolled int one that tastes good?
Future deliberations on the actual validity of the idea of superfoods to come at a later date.
**This superfood public anouncement was brought to you by the color green
and by
Air: It's Everywhere You Want to Be.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
I love Starbucks
Say what you will about the massive corporation and coffee giant that is Starbucks, but I love it. I loved it when I was in high school because it was ellusive -- an alien place where I knew so little about coffee that it was impossible for me to order without the help of a friend.
I loved it my freshman year of college as the place where the Baristas were always happy and smiling.
I loved it that summer when I became one of those Baristas and learned not only the names of all the drinks but how to make them. I became an expert at steaming and foaming milk, pulling the perfect espresso shot, and how to talk someone into a drink that I think they should try. Coffee is a strange sort of love and it creates its own unique culture. When channel surfing, I can't help but stop on the Discovery Channel when it runs a special on coffee and where America got it from (Italy, in case you're wondering. Originally, the Middle East developed espresso and Italy stole the idea of the coffee bar and turned it into the culture that it is today.)
I then learned the love of a local coffee shop named Jittery Joes in Athens and became an employee as fast as I could.
And after graduation, when I desperately needed to pay off the last semester's debt, Starbucks welcomed me with open arms as an employer until the day I quit to work for TrialGraphix.
Starbucks strives to make itself your "third" place. (I apologize if it's a different number, I'm a bit hazy on the particulars) It's not work, it's not home, but it's the third place where you belong. In a way, it is one of your homes.
And, being a former employee, I know that they donate money to help save the rain forest and they pay their employees well. They also work to help small coffee farmers. It's a great company to work for and offers health benefits after three months of working 20 hours a week or more. It's one of the only companies I've ever heard of that lets you work part time and have health benefits. I know that the company truly cares about making good coffee and serving quality beverages, even if I do occasionally run into a negative experience at a store. Perhaps I drank the Kool-aid the management serve to me but I love the store.
I had registered a $25 Starbucks card online so that if I lost it I wouldn't lose the balance. I get e-mails from them every now and then about the company. And do you know what I found in my inbox this week?
A gift. The e-mail told me the next drink was on them. There was an additional $5 on my card, no action on my part required.
Starbucks gave me a free drink =)
Try to realize that Starbucks singlehandedly created most coffee markets that exist nationwide today and any local establishment is reaping the benefits of a coffee culture that Starbucks created. And it did it in the footsteps of Seattle's Best. Sure, coffee drinkers abound in the world with or without Starbucks. But the quality is amazing and with Starbucks came quality and the only reason that McDonald's and Dunkin Donuts no longer serve black sludge or bitterness in the mornings.
So you can think what you want about the massive, evil, giant corporation trying to take over the world. But I love it.
I loved it my freshman year of college as the place where the Baristas were always happy and smiling.
I loved it that summer when I became one of those Baristas and learned not only the names of all the drinks but how to make them. I became an expert at steaming and foaming milk, pulling the perfect espresso shot, and how to talk someone into a drink that I think they should try. Coffee is a strange sort of love and it creates its own unique culture. When channel surfing, I can't help but stop on the Discovery Channel when it runs a special on coffee and where America got it from (Italy, in case you're wondering. Originally, the Middle East developed espresso and Italy stole the idea of the coffee bar and turned it into the culture that it is today.)
I then learned the love of a local coffee shop named Jittery Joes in Athens and became an employee as fast as I could.
And after graduation, when I desperately needed to pay off the last semester's debt, Starbucks welcomed me with open arms as an employer until the day I quit to work for TrialGraphix.
Starbucks strives to make itself your "third" place. (I apologize if it's a different number, I'm a bit hazy on the particulars) It's not work, it's not home, but it's the third place where you belong. In a way, it is one of your homes.
And, being a former employee, I know that they donate money to help save the rain forest and they pay their employees well. They also work to help small coffee farmers. It's a great company to work for and offers health benefits after three months of working 20 hours a week or more. It's one of the only companies I've ever heard of that lets you work part time and have health benefits. I know that the company truly cares about making good coffee and serving quality beverages, even if I do occasionally run into a negative experience at a store. Perhaps I drank the Kool-aid the management serve to me but I love the store.
I had registered a $25 Starbucks card online so that if I lost it I wouldn't lose the balance. I get e-mails from them every now and then about the company. And do you know what I found in my inbox this week?
A gift. The e-mail told me the next drink was on them. There was an additional $5 on my card, no action on my part required.
Starbucks gave me a free drink =)
Try to realize that Starbucks singlehandedly created most coffee markets that exist nationwide today and any local establishment is reaping the benefits of a coffee culture that Starbucks created. And it did it in the footsteps of Seattle's Best. Sure, coffee drinkers abound in the world with or without Starbucks. But the quality is amazing and with Starbucks came quality and the only reason that McDonald's and Dunkin Donuts no longer serve black sludge or bitterness in the mornings.
So you can think what you want about the massive, evil, giant corporation trying to take over the world. But I love it.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Music I think everyone should listen to
I won't lie - I think there is a part of me that is satisfied by stumbling across something the masses haven't discovered yet. An even biggest satisfaction comes from loving something that perhaps the masses never will, being sort of a patron of unloved things that should be loved. I can admit this though I also feel that I will not love something simply because it is obscure or unloved by many. But still, I can recognize my own pride in advocating the unknown. Perhaps it's the part of me that is in everyone else: the discoverer (or archaeologist, scientist, detective, or whatever your personal seeker is called.)
That being said, here is some music I have stumbled upon recently or learned to love these last few years of discovery:
-Regina Spektor -- Anything really, though in particular "Fidelity," "On the Radio," and "Hotel
Song"
-A Fine Frenzy -- Anything really, though in particular "Almost Lover" and "Near to You"
-Colby Callait -- Bubbly from the radio is good, also "Realize" and "Magic"
-Holly Brook -- "Like Blood Like Honey" Album
-Eric Hutchinson
-Marie Digby -- Not so much unknown anymore, thanks to MTV, particularly "Umbrella" by
Rhiana
-Butterfly Boucher
-Imogen Heap (largely known, largely not); she is also part of Frou Frou (also LOVE)
-Josh Joplin
-Hope foraGoldenSummer
-Carrie Ann Hearst
-The Wandering Sons -- they sound like they're from GA or TN but are actually from Appleton,
WI
So, since I love them, I figured I would share.
That being said, here is some music I have stumbled upon recently or learned to love these last few years of discovery:
-Regina Spektor -- Anything really, though in particular "Fidelity," "On the Radio," and "Hotel
Song"
-A Fine Frenzy -- Anything really, though in particular "Almost Lover" and "Near to You"
-Colby Callait -- Bubbly from the radio is good, also "Realize" and "Magic"
-Holly Brook -- "Like Blood Like Honey" Album
-Eric Hutchinson
-Marie Digby -- Not so much unknown anymore, thanks to MTV, particularly "Umbrella" by
Rhiana
-Butterfly Boucher
-Imogen Heap (largely known, largely not); she is also part of Frou Frou (also LOVE)
-Josh Joplin
-Hope foraGoldenSummer
-Carrie Ann Hearst
-The Wandering Sons -- they sound like they're from GA or TN but are actually from Appleton,
WI
So, since I love them, I figured I would share.
Something Joel sent me that made him laugh and think of me....
The link in the title is to an amazingly funny podcast that has 3-4 different clips of audio, perhaps 59 minutes long, that seemingly have nothing to do with each other but are listed under the subject "Tough Crowd."
I LOVED this podcast and am now fervently searching through the Americanlife.org website for more gems. I cannot thank Joel enough for sharing [Thanks Joely =)]
I LOVED this podcast and am now fervently searching through the Americanlife.org website for more gems. I cannot thank Joel enough for sharing [Thanks Joely =)]
Friday, February 15, 2008
Scribbles on 2-8-08
Within me is the most exquisite poem
somewhere beneath the surface, just waiting to make you cry
It will burn you with its tenderness, its ecstasy, passion, paradox, heartbreak
Deep within me lie the words that you are waiting to hear
the very verses that your patient soul aches for
I am the one who understands
I am the one who can make sense of your madness,
give credence to your insanity
I have the words to soothe your troubled pain
your hidden dreams and your secret places
I hold you within me and I shelter in the quiet places of your life
I am in every breath of your silence
I am the wind talking
I am the jealous angel, a fallen demon
here only to protect, to forsee, to tell, to talk, to explain
I am your subtle poet -
you gave me your stars to hold
somewhere beneath the surface, just waiting to make you cry
It will burn you with its tenderness, its ecstasy, passion, paradox, heartbreak
Deep within me lie the words that you are waiting to hear
the very verses that your patient soul aches for
I am the one who understands
I am the one who can make sense of your madness,
give credence to your insanity
I have the words to soothe your troubled pain
your hidden dreams and your secret places
I hold you within me and I shelter in the quiet places of your life
I am in every breath of your silence
I am the wind talking
I am the jealous angel, a fallen demon
here only to protect, to forsee, to tell, to talk, to explain
I am your subtle poet -
you gave me your stars to hold
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
