From Secrets in the Dark by Frederick Buechner:
Lord Jesus Christ, thou Son of the Most High, Prince of Peace, be born again into our world. Wherever there is war, wherever there is pain, wherever there is loneliness, wherever there is no hope, come, thou long-expected one, with healing in thy wings.
Holy Child, whom the shepherds and the kings and the dumb beasts adored, be born again. Wherever there is boredom, wherever there is fear of failure, wherever there is temptation too strong to resist, wherever there is bitterness of heart, come, thou Blessed One, with healing in thy wings.
Savior, be born in each of us as we raise our face to thy face, not knowing fully who we are or who thou art, knowing only that thy love is beyond our knowing and that no other has the power to make us whole. Come, Lord Jesus, to each who longs for thee even though we have forgotten thy name. Come quickly. Amen.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
The consolation prize (fanfic)
So...I'm frustrated. So what's the cure for frustration? Yes, the beach. ::looks around at the desert and pokes a cactus:: Um, yeah... so...hiking! :: considers the weight loss, illness and fatigue:: Uh...fanfic?
Here are a couple of oldies and goodies:
Supernatural: There'll Be Peace When You Are Done by lyra_wing-- Lovely, achy gen story of Sam and Dean. Very short but perfect. (You know, I actually started watching Supernatural because of the fanfic, and I like the (good) fic more than the actual show.)
Veronica Mars:
In Case of Emergency by bigboobedcanuck-- Premise: A couple of days after the S2 finale, Logan is in an accident while Veronica is out of town. Having no one else to call, he contacts Keith. Care-taking ensues. This is such an incredibly sweet fic, and the best part? Everyone remains in character.
ETA: My post title reminded me of R.J. Anderson's short-but-fabulous Alias fic, Consolation Prize. Her longer fic, What You Never Knew You Wanted," was the first fic that made me really think about Weiss and understand why people liked the idea of him and Syd together.
Here are a couple of oldies and goodies:
Supernatural: There'll Be Peace When You Are Done by lyra_wing-- Lovely, achy gen story of Sam and Dean. Very short but perfect. (You know, I actually started watching Supernatural because of the fanfic, and I like the (good) fic more than the actual show.)
Veronica Mars:
In Case of Emergency by bigboobedcanuck-- Premise: A couple of days after the S2 finale, Logan is in an accident while Veronica is out of town. Having no one else to call, he contacts Keith. Care-taking ensues. This is such an incredibly sweet fic, and the best part? Everyone remains in character.
ETA: My post title reminded me of R.J. Anderson's short-but-fabulous Alias fic, Consolation Prize. Her longer fic, What You Never Knew You Wanted," was the first fic that made me really think about Weiss and understand why people liked the idea of him and Syd together.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Summary of what the Mayo endocrinologist said
You have hyperthyroidism. No, wait, you have HYPOthyroidism. No, that's just because we did the nuclear scans too soon after your CT. You have hyperthyroidism. You probably have Grave's disease. Take this medicine. No, wait, you probably DON'T have Grave's disease. You have thyroiditis. Don't take the medicine. Just get your blood drawn in two weeks.
So, basically, something's wrong with my thyroid, but they don't think it's all that related to THE BIG PROBLEM that no one can seem to diagnose. The thyroiditis may have been triggered by THE BIG PROBLEM, but seems to be slowly resolving on its own.
So...what now? I have no idea.
So, basically, something's wrong with my thyroid, but they don't think it's all that related to THE BIG PROBLEM that no one can seem to diagnose. The thyroiditis may have been triggered by THE BIG PROBLEM, but seems to be slowly resolving on its own.
So...what now? I have no idea.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Another health update
I got a call from Mayo clinic and will be going up again this coming Thursday and Friday for nuclear scans. I am testing positive for hyperthyroidism so they are trying to determine the cause. Unfortunately, I will be radioactive for a few days, and Pippin will have to stay with a neighbor. :( Hopefully, the tests will lead to some answers though.....
Friday, December 5, 2008
Books
Thank you to everyone who has helped with the book collection! All books have been purchased. Over forty kids will be enjoying fun, new books over Christmas vacation. Thanks! :)
Medical update & book drive
I was up at the Mayo Clinic again this week and no definite answers, but they've added an endocrinologist to my team. The Mayo GI had suspected some type of endocrinological involvement, and apparently, my TSH levels came back "as abnormal as is possible" on the hyperthyroidism end. However, neither the GI nor the endocrinologist feel that hyperthyroidism, in and of itself, could cause the severity of my symptoms....so they're doing more tests. I call in a week to get the results back from the endocrinologist's blood tests, and based on the results, I'll either go back up for a couple days of nuclear medicine scans...or have tests for malabsorbtion (spelling?) affecting my small intestine.
I'm not losing weight, have actually gained a couple of pounds, but I still can't eat much and generally don't feel too good. I'm not getting worse, but I'm not really getting better either.
In other news, if you want to help out with the adopt-a-family (needy families at the middle school where I work) book collection, please do so ASAP. I need the books to be at my house by next weekend so I can wrap and sort them for delivery to families. We just had a couple of families added to the list. Here's my registry, but remember, you may also choose your own books: Book Registry
(The number of purchased items also includes things that were purchased for last year's drive, just FYI.) Thanks in advance for any help! If you can't participate though, I understand.
I'm not losing weight, have actually gained a couple of pounds, but I still can't eat much and generally don't feel too good. I'm not getting worse, but I'm not really getting better either.
In other news, if you want to help out with the adopt-a-family (needy families at the middle school where I work) book collection, please do so ASAP. I need the books to be at my house by next weekend so I can wrap and sort them for delivery to families. We just had a couple of families added to the list. Here's my registry, but remember, you may also choose your own books: Book Registry
(The number of purchased items also includes things that were purchased for last year's drive, just FYI.) Thanks in advance for any help! If you can't participate though, I understand.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Books for kids
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
A HUGE thanks to those who have ordered books already! The books are starting to arrive, and it's so much fun opening the boxes and sorting them for families. Pretty soon, I'll start wrapping. The deadline for books to arrive at my house is DEC. 13.
This year, we have ten "adopted" families with a total of 36 kids. As a whole school, over 80% of our kids qualify for free or reduced lunch. The selected families are the neediest of that group. To give you some guidance if you want to select different/additional books, 7 of the 10 families are Spanish-speaking (parents only speak Spanish). One of the families speaks Somali. The other two families speak English. My goal is to collect enough new books so that each student receives at least one book of their own for the holidays.
Thank you again to all of Santa's "elves" who are using Amazon to get some fun books to kids in need! (If you can't participate, that's okay too.)
To help out, go to Amazon.com and put my name into the Baby Registry search engine. You'll find my list of books for kids and can click to buy and send.
A HUGE thanks to those who have ordered books already! The books are starting to arrive, and it's so much fun opening the boxes and sorting them for families. Pretty soon, I'll start wrapping. The deadline for books to arrive at my house is DEC. 13.
This year, we have ten "adopted" families with a total of 36 kids. As a whole school, over 80% of our kids qualify for free or reduced lunch. The selected families are the neediest of that group. To give you some guidance if you want to select different/additional books, 7 of the 10 families are Spanish-speaking (parents only speak Spanish). One of the families speaks Somali. The other two families speak English. My goal is to collect enough new books so that each student receives at least one book of their own for the holidays.
Thank you again to all of Santa's "elves" who are using Amazon to get some fun books to kids in need! (If you can't participate, that's okay too.)
To help out, go to Amazon.com and put my name into the Baby Registry search engine. You'll find my list of books for kids and can click to buy and send.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Cute, funny, amzing parrots
Some of the best parrot videos that Pippin & I have found on YouTube:
Snowball the Cockatoo Dancing
Einstein animal impressions
Amazon parrot sings opera
Why you should not have a parrot and a baby at the same time
Talking budgie
A very narcissistic talking budgie
Baby African Grey
It doesn't do anything; it's just cute. :)
Leo the Conure's Blanket Trick
Alex, the famous African Grey (research subject)
Although Alex's intelligence is amazing, this is kind of sad to watch because Alex is clearly not enjoying himself and keeps asking to "go back." Also, Alex passed away unexpectedly last year.
Snowball the Cockatoo Dancing
Einstein animal impressions
Amazon parrot sings opera
Why you should not have a parrot and a baby at the same time
Talking budgie
A very narcissistic talking budgie
Baby African Grey
It doesn't do anything; it's just cute. :)
Leo the Conure's Blanket Trick
Alex, the famous African Grey (research subject)
Although Alex's intelligence is amazing, this is kind of sad to watch because Alex is clearly not enjoying himself and keeps asking to "go back." Also, Alex passed away unexpectedly last year.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Another meme
01) Are you currently in a serious relationship?
Nope.
02) What was your dream growing up?
I wanted to be a marine biologist and work at Marine World. I loved dolphins (well, I still do).
03) What talent do you wish you had?
I wish I could draw.
04) If I bought you a drink what would it be?
Root beer.
05) Favorite vegetable?
Mushrooms
06) What was the last book you read?
And the Band Played On
07) What zodiac sign are you?
Scorpio
08) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where.
Just ears
09) Worst Habit?
Not sure about the WORST. Sulking?
10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?
I used to give people rides a lot...and then I decided that giving random strangers a ride was probably not the smartest idea.
11) What is your favorite sport?
Yoga
12) Do you have a Pessimistic or Optimistic attitude?
I'm often told that I'm overly optimistic (particularly related to the kids I work with), but I think I lean towards pessimism.
13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
Smile & say "hi."
14) Worst thing to ever happen to you?
Let's skip that one.
15) Tell me one weird fact about you.
I like to brush my teeth in the shower.
16) Do you have any pets?
Yes, my dear Pippin.
17) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly?
I don't answer the door when people come unannounced (but since the complex has a security gate, people don't really come without calling first...though a couple of my friends know the code).
18) What was your first impression of me?
Can't really answer this one generically. :-)
19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
Scary
20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
One thing?? I guess my nose.
21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
Conscience
22) What color eyes do you have?
Brown
23) Ever been arrested?
Nope
24) Bottle or can soda?
Bottle...I can put the cap back on and keep the fizz.
25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
Hmmm...well, Suzie Orman says I should wait to pay back student loans, but I think I would put some of the money toward loans anyway. Maybe I could go on vacation.
27) What's your favorite place to hang out?
Sabino Canyon
28) Do you believe in ghosts?
Not really. I believe in spirits but not ghosts, per se.
29) Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Read, relax, spend time with friends just talking.
30) Do you swear a lot?
Not too much
31) Biggest pet peeve?
People who are fake, especially those that are nice to me in person and then say bad things about me behind my back.
32) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
Multifaceted
33) Do you believe/appreciate romance?
Um...yes. I believe in romance.
34) Favorite and least favorite food?
Favorite: Cookies or ice cream or cookies in ice cream Least Favorite: Red meat
35) Do you believe in God?
Yes!
Nope.
02) What was your dream growing up?
I wanted to be a marine biologist and work at Marine World. I loved dolphins (well, I still do).
03) What talent do you wish you had?
I wish I could draw.
04) If I bought you a drink what would it be?
Root beer.
05) Favorite vegetable?
Mushrooms
06) What was the last book you read?
And the Band Played On
07) What zodiac sign are you?
Scorpio
08) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where.
Just ears
09) Worst Habit?
Not sure about the WORST. Sulking?
10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?
I used to give people rides a lot...and then I decided that giving random strangers a ride was probably not the smartest idea.
11) What is your favorite sport?
Yoga
12) Do you have a Pessimistic or Optimistic attitude?
I'm often told that I'm overly optimistic (particularly related to the kids I work with), but I think I lean towards pessimism.
13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
Smile & say "hi."
14) Worst thing to ever happen to you?
Let's skip that one.
15) Tell me one weird fact about you.
I like to brush my teeth in the shower.
16) Do you have any pets?
Yes, my dear Pippin.
17) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly?
I don't answer the door when people come unannounced (but since the complex has a security gate, people don't really come without calling first...though a couple of my friends know the code).
18) What was your first impression of me?
Can't really answer this one generically. :-)
19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
Scary
20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
One thing?? I guess my nose.
21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
Conscience
22) What color eyes do you have?
Brown
23) Ever been arrested?
Nope
24) Bottle or can soda?
Bottle...I can put the cap back on and keep the fizz.
25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
Hmmm...well, Suzie Orman says I should wait to pay back student loans, but I think I would put some of the money toward loans anyway. Maybe I could go on vacation.
27) What's your favorite place to hang out?
Sabino Canyon
28) Do you believe in ghosts?
Not really. I believe in spirits but not ghosts, per se.
29) Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Read, relax, spend time with friends just talking.
30) Do you swear a lot?
Not too much
31) Biggest pet peeve?
People who are fake, especially those that are nice to me in person and then say bad things about me behind my back.
32) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
Multifaceted
33) Do you believe/appreciate romance?
Um...yes. I believe in romance.
34) Favorite and least favorite food?
Favorite: Cookies or ice cream or cookies in ice cream Least Favorite: Red meat
35) Do you believe in God?
Yes!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Meme
Here we present a list. Highlight those tasks that you have accomplished in your life. And then add a new task to the list of something memorable that you've done that isn't on the list yet.
01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree (on New Year's Eve on a commune in Marin with Dani!)
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris (well, the airport)
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s nappy
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten tipsy on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse of both the sun and moon
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states (
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had/Have amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business (when I was about 10!)
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days (with an IV in the hospital)
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest (4-headed sea monster)
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted a river
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage (many times...and once at the Kennedy Center)
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in a Rocky Horror Picture Show
96. Raised children (just other peoples')
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth (well, helped Pippin lay eggs)
112. Won money on a TV game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept 30 hours in a 48 hour time frame
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read “The Iliad”
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident (a very little one)
150. Saved someone’s life (I've been told that I have)
151. Organized a HUGE event!
152. Seen something you can't explain with science.
153. Had a book published.
And my addition...
154. Tried to rescue an orphaned animal.
01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree (on New Year's Eve on a commune in Marin with Dani!)
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris (well, the airport)
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s nappy
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten tipsy on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse of both the sun and moon
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states (
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had/Have amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business (when I was about 10!)
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days (with an IV in the hospital)
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest (4-headed sea monster)
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted a river
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage (many times...and once at the Kennedy Center)
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in a Rocky Horror Picture Show
96. Raised children (just other peoples')
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth (well, helped Pippin lay eggs)
112. Won money on a TV game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept 30 hours in a 48 hour time frame
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read “The Iliad”
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident (a very little one)
150. Saved someone’s life (I've been told that I have)
151. Organized a HUGE event!
152. Seen something you can't explain with science.
153. Had a book published.
And my addition...
154. Tried to rescue an orphaned animal.
Sort of new news (but not really)
The Mayo doctor sent me a copy of the summary he sent to my local GI, which included his ideas about possible diagnoses. These were the possibilities he listed:
1. rule out inflammatory bowel disease (Crohns/colitis)
2. celiac disease (but he says he doesn't think that's what it is)
3. eosinophilic gastroenteritis (http://www.apfed.org/egid.htm)
4. auto-immune enteropathy (http://www.cancer.gov/templates/db_alpha.aspx?CdrID=560647)
5. hormonal-related diarrhea (example only: http://www.emedicine.com/MED/topic2379.htm)
6. rule out neoplasia (tumor/cancer)
So...I'm waiting for insurance to approve more tests related to those possibilities.
That's all. Not too new, not too exciting.
I'd like to offer some media reports, but I regret to inform you that I don't have anything to provide. I'm currently listening to Brisingr (the last of the Eragon) books on audio CD. It's so-so. I'm also very slowly reading Outlander by Diane Gabaldon. I'm not very far though, and the book is, like, a million pages so I can't give a true opinion yet. Oh, I did read Define Normal (by Julie Anne Peters) for our middle school mother-daughter book club! It's a great book for that audience. :) Right now, I am frequently accosted by Twilight-crazed teens begging me to find them a copy of Twilight (our library is out) or let them watch trailers for the movie. I expect it will only get worse as the release date approaches!
1. rule out inflammatory bowel disease (Crohns/colitis)
2. celiac disease (but he says he doesn't think that's what it is)
3. eosinophilic gastroenteritis (http://www.apfed.org/egid.htm)
4. auto-immune enteropathy (http://www.cancer.gov/templates/db_alpha.aspx?CdrID=560647)
5. hormonal-related diarrhea (example only: http://www.emedicine.com/MED/topic2379.htm)
6. rule out neoplasia (tumor/cancer)
So...I'm waiting for insurance to approve more tests related to those possibilities.
That's all. Not too new, not too exciting.
I'd like to offer some media reports, but I regret to inform you that I don't have anything to provide. I'm currently listening to Brisingr (the last of the Eragon) books on audio CD. It's so-so. I'm also very slowly reading Outlander by Diane Gabaldon. I'm not very far though, and the book is, like, a million pages so I can't give a true opinion yet. Oh, I did read Define Normal (by Julie Anne Peters) for our middle school mother-daughter book club! It's a great book for that audience. :) Right now, I am frequently accosted by Twilight-crazed teens begging me to find them a copy of Twilight (our library is out) or let them watch trailers for the movie. I expect it will only get worse as the release date approaches!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Back from Mayo
I'm back from my appointment at the Mayo Clinic. Because my insurance won't cover services at Mayo, I primarily went for consultation, and I'm going to have the recommended tests done through my gastroenterologist in Tucson. The Mayo GI said he isn't sure what's wrong, but he thinks it is either an autoimmune disease affecting my small intestine (but probably not Crohn's) or something hormonal such as a tumor secreting some kind of hormone that it shouldn't. So...I need to schedule a special type of CT scan, along with some other tests. I'll be going back to Mayo in a few weeks. I may need to have another endoscopy done at Mayo, as the Mayo GI wants to take a lot more biopsies and go further into my small intestine using their special equipment. So...that's the news.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Thanks
Thanks to everyone who has called, e-mailed or prayed for me recently (or supplied me with the ever-so-tasty Neocate). I appreciate the support. I have an appointment with an allergist on Monday, and then Tuesday night, my mom & I will head up to Scottsdale for my 7:40 AM appointment at the Mayo Clinic on Wednesday. I will probably have other appointments at Mayo on Wednesday (and maybe Thursday or Friday). Hopefully, this will lead to some answers & treatment plans.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Media Update
Books
*Towelhead (Alicia Erian)-- Basically, this is a modern day Lolita. Although at times heartbreaking and touching, overall, it seems primarily exploitative. I only read the book because the Six Feet Under guy was making a movie out of the book...but after reading the book, I don't want to see the movie.
*And the Band Played On (Randy Shilts)-- This is the book I wanted to read this summer...but I was unaware of its existence. It's an excellent and gripping account of the beginning of the AIDS epidemic and the blunders that cost tens of thousands of lives.
*A Great and Terrible Beauty (Libba Bray)-- Parts of this book are very well-written...but overall, it lacks cohesion...and is just kind of weird.
*Fables Volume 1: Legends in Exile (Bill Willingham and Lan Medina)-- A fairy tale themed, whoodunit comic. Pretty pictures.
Movies
*Into the Wild-- I really enjoyed about 3/4 of this. The last quarter, not so much...but I won't go into details. At one point, Chris writes something along the lines of "Happiness must be shared to be real." I think that's a lot of the point of this movie-- people give life meaning. In isolation, our lives are empty.
*Flash of Genius-- This was okay. It's a biopic so I can't really complain about plot, but I do wonder whether the end result was worth the cost in his life.
*Nick & Norah's Ultimate Playlist-- I saw this during a sneak preview about a month before the movie came out. Thus, I had not read any reviews which all seem to warn about the vomit gum. Therefore, I was not forewarned. But...you can be. Once the friend goes into the subway bathroom, leave the theater for 5 minutes or so. Go get popcorn, visit the restroom, check out the promo posters. Whatever. Trust me. You don't want to see that scene. However, that little storyline aside, Nick & Norah's Ultimate Playlist is a sweet, fun romantic comedy. C'mon, it's got Michael Cera. What's not to love? (Besides the vomit gum.)
*Death at a Funeral--My mom wanted to rent this British comedy. It's pretty funny. Like Pineapple Express, I think that large quantities of drugs were used in the making of this movie.
TV
*Brothers & Sisters-- Did I miss the part where Justin & Rebecca confirmed that they are not siblings? I hope so!
Are there any decent new shows??
*Towelhead (Alicia Erian)-- Basically, this is a modern day Lolita. Although at times heartbreaking and touching, overall, it seems primarily exploitative. I only read the book because the Six Feet Under guy was making a movie out of the book...but after reading the book, I don't want to see the movie.
*And the Band Played On (Randy Shilts)-- This is the book I wanted to read this summer...but I was unaware of its existence. It's an excellent and gripping account of the beginning of the AIDS epidemic and the blunders that cost tens of thousands of lives.
*A Great and Terrible Beauty (Libba Bray)-- Parts of this book are very well-written...but overall, it lacks cohesion...and is just kind of weird.
*Fables Volume 1: Legends in Exile (Bill Willingham and Lan Medina)-- A fairy tale themed, whoodunit comic. Pretty pictures.
Movies
*Into the Wild-- I really enjoyed about 3/4 of this. The last quarter, not so much...but I won't go into details. At one point, Chris writes something along the lines of "Happiness must be shared to be real." I think that's a lot of the point of this movie-- people give life meaning. In isolation, our lives are empty.
*Flash of Genius-- This was okay. It's a biopic so I can't really complain about plot, but I do wonder whether the end result was worth the cost in his life.
*Nick & Norah's Ultimate Playlist-- I saw this during a sneak preview about a month before the movie came out. Thus, I had not read any reviews which all seem to warn about the vomit gum. Therefore, I was not forewarned. But...you can be. Once the friend goes into the subway bathroom, leave the theater for 5 minutes or so. Go get popcorn, visit the restroom, check out the promo posters. Whatever. Trust me. You don't want to see that scene. However, that little storyline aside, Nick & Norah's Ultimate Playlist is a sweet, fun romantic comedy. C'mon, it's got Michael Cera. What's not to love? (Besides the vomit gum.)
*Death at a Funeral--My mom wanted to rent this British comedy. It's pretty funny. Like Pineapple Express, I think that large quantities of drugs were used in the making of this movie.
TV
*Brothers & Sisters-- Did I miss the part where Justin & Rebecca confirmed that they are not siblings? I hope so!
Are there any decent new shows??
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Update on me
I didn't realize how long I'd gone without updating my Facebook page or this blog.....
Anyway, for those who are interested, here's what's going on with me:
I've been quite ill for several months. I've lost over 30 lbs and get sick whenever I try to eat anything other than rice. I've been going through various medical tests, but we still don't know what's wrong. I have inflammation in my stomach (but we don't know why), a hiatus hernia (probably caused by the puking rather than vice versa) and some weird heart stuff....but as far as we can tell, no real reason for all the other symptoms. I'll be seeing an allergist in a couple of weeks, and food allergies seem likely to me, since the symptoms seem so food-related. I'm also going to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale in a couple of weeks. I don't actually feel that bad if I only eat rice....except that I'm really tired, bruising and obviously malnourished...and underweight. My mom is staying with me for a few weeks to help out. Anyhow, prayers and positive thoughts are all appreciated! Everyone has been really caring and wonderful.
Anyway, for those who are interested, here's what's going on with me:
I've been quite ill for several months. I've lost over 30 lbs and get sick whenever I try to eat anything other than rice. I've been going through various medical tests, but we still don't know what's wrong. I have inflammation in my stomach (but we don't know why), a hiatus hernia (probably caused by the puking rather than vice versa) and some weird heart stuff....but as far as we can tell, no real reason for all the other symptoms. I'll be seeing an allergist in a couple of weeks, and food allergies seem likely to me, since the symptoms seem so food-related. I'm also going to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale in a couple of weeks. I don't actually feel that bad if I only eat rice....except that I'm really tired, bruising and obviously malnourished...and underweight. My mom is staying with me for a few weeks to help out. Anyhow, prayers and positive thoughts are all appreciated! Everyone has been really caring and wonderful.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Media Update
This weekend has been so heavy and sad that I feel the need to "talk" about light things for a few minutes before I go to bed.
So...here's my update on what I've read and seen:
DVDs
Netflix has been happy to have me as a customer for the last month or so. I haven't viewed many DVDs. I'm still working my way through Season 1 of Torchwood...and still enjoying it quite a lot. It reminds me a lot of Supernatural....except it's set in Wales, doesn't have the Winchesters and involves aliens. But other than that, they're almost identical. ;) A word of warning-- it's not rated (because it's a BBC show), but it's not for the kiddies. It would probably be TV-14 here. I'm going to take a little break from Torchwood to watch Season 2 of Dexter, everyone's favorite serial killer, now that the second season is out on DVD.
TV
TV has been quite disappointing. Now that I watch so many shows on DVD, I have little tolerance for things like commercials.
Books
My reading has slowed down a bit since the school year started, but I've read a couple of books in the past month.
*Breaking Dawn (Stephenie Meyer)-- This book is truly awful. So awful, that at times I wonder if Meyer is being ironic...but I don't think so. However, I still enjoyed reading it, and I'm not sure why. I don't normally like books that I don't see as well-written. Still, it was a guilty pleasure. I saw an icon yesterday that said, "I cried when I read Twilight because I felt parts of my brain dying." Yeah. Also, for a teen-oriented novel (written by a Mormon!) this latest installment had a surprising amount of sex. Vampire sex, no less. If I were a parent, I don't think I'd have a problem with a 7th or 8th grade student reading it (no graphic sex, mind you), but as someone who works in a school, I would not give this book to the kids or read it with them. Too close to call, and some parents will have a problem with it.
*The Complete Persepolis (Marjane Satrapi)-- A friend gave this to me last week, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It's an autobiography written in graphic novel format about a girl growing up in Iran. When I worked in the preschool autism class, I had a co-worker who was a political refugee from Iran, and while we were cutting out shapes for the next art project, she would tell me stories about her country, the war, her friends who were killed for opposing the government, how she and her husband fled to Pakistan, etc. Reading Persepolis, I was reminded of this co-worker and her love for her country...to which she cannot return while the current regime remains. Anyway, even if graphic novels aren't your "thing," I suggest you take a chance on this one.
Movies
*Pineapple Express-- This movie was described as a "stoner action film." I'd say that's a pretty accurate description. I think that a lot of pot was involved in the writing and filming of the movie. However, I thought it was fairly funny, if silly and lacking any "take-away" value.
*Hamlet 2-- Not only did I not like this movie, I found it kind of offensive. First, I didn't think it was funny. The main character became irritating so fast that I really didn't care if he succeeded or not. If I were his wife, I would have left him too. Second, making fun of rape is not my idea of amusing. Rape is not, in any way, funny. Third, some of the religious stuff offended me as well. Overall, I'd give it two thumbs down.
Music
I haven't purchased any new music lately, but I've been on kind of a Rent kick. In light of this weekend, some of the lyrics are even more poignant. "No day but today......."
So...here's my update on what I've read and seen:
DVDs
Netflix has been happy to have me as a customer for the last month or so. I haven't viewed many DVDs. I'm still working my way through Season 1 of Torchwood...and still enjoying it quite a lot. It reminds me a lot of Supernatural....except it's set in Wales, doesn't have the Winchesters and involves aliens. But other than that, they're almost identical. ;) A word of warning-- it's not rated (because it's a BBC show), but it's not for the kiddies. It would probably be TV-14 here. I'm going to take a little break from Torchwood to watch Season 2 of Dexter, everyone's favorite serial killer, now that the second season is out on DVD.
TV
TV has been quite disappointing. Now that I watch so many shows on DVD, I have little tolerance for things like commercials.
Books
My reading has slowed down a bit since the school year started, but I've read a couple of books in the past month.
*Breaking Dawn (Stephenie Meyer)-- This book is truly awful. So awful, that at times I wonder if Meyer is being ironic...but I don't think so. However, I still enjoyed reading it, and I'm not sure why. I don't normally like books that I don't see as well-written. Still, it was a guilty pleasure. I saw an icon yesterday that said, "I cried when I read Twilight because I felt parts of my brain dying." Yeah. Also, for a teen-oriented novel (written by a Mormon!) this latest installment had a surprising amount of sex. Vampire sex, no less. If I were a parent, I don't think I'd have a problem with a 7th or 8th grade student reading it (no graphic sex, mind you), but as someone who works in a school, I would not give this book to the kids or read it with them. Too close to call, and some parents will have a problem with it.
*The Complete Persepolis (Marjane Satrapi)-- A friend gave this to me last week, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It's an autobiography written in graphic novel format about a girl growing up in Iran. When I worked in the preschool autism class, I had a co-worker who was a political refugee from Iran, and while we were cutting out shapes for the next art project, she would tell me stories about her country, the war, her friends who were killed for opposing the government, how she and her husband fled to Pakistan, etc. Reading Persepolis, I was reminded of this co-worker and her love for her country...to which she cannot return while the current regime remains. Anyway, even if graphic novels aren't your "thing," I suggest you take a chance on this one.
Movies
*Pineapple Express-- This movie was described as a "stoner action film." I'd say that's a pretty accurate description. I think that a lot of pot was involved in the writing and filming of the movie. However, I thought it was fairly funny, if silly and lacking any "take-away" value.
*Hamlet 2-- Not only did I not like this movie, I found it kind of offensive. First, I didn't think it was funny. The main character became irritating so fast that I really didn't care if he succeeded or not. If I were his wife, I would have left him too. Second, making fun of rape is not my idea of amusing. Rape is not, in any way, funny. Third, some of the religious stuff offended me as well. Overall, I'd give it two thumbs down.
Music
I haven't purchased any new music lately, but I've been on kind of a Rent kick. In light of this weekend, some of the lyrics are even more poignant. "No day but today......."
A sad weekend
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Update on me
I'm still around, just busy working and such. I'm also still having health problems and would appreciate your prayers. I don't really feel sick, but I have stomach pain and keep losing weight (now below 100 lbs). Of course, that makes me very tired. I don't know what's wrong though....
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Love-- Part 2
From Frederick Buechner:
In the Christian sense, love is not primarily an emotion, but an act of the will. When Jesus tells us to love our neighbors, he is not telling us to love them in the sense of responding to them with a cozy emotional feeling. You can as easily produce a cozy emotional feeling on demand as you can a yawn or a sneeze. On the contrary, he is telling us to love our neighbors in the sense of being willing to work for their well-being even if it means sacrificing our own well-being to that end, even if it means sometimes just leaving them alone. Thus in Jesus' terms, we can love our neighbors without necessarily liking them. In fact liking them may stand in the way of loving them by making us overprotective sentimentalists instead of reasonably honest friends....
This does not mean that liking may not be a part of loving, only that it doesn't have to be. Sometimes liking follows on the heels of loving. It is hard to work for people's well-being very long without coming in the end to rather like them too.
In the Christian sense, love is not primarily an emotion, but an act of the will. When Jesus tells us to love our neighbors, he is not telling us to love them in the sense of responding to them with a cozy emotional feeling. You can as easily produce a cozy emotional feeling on demand as you can a yawn or a sneeze. On the contrary, he is telling us to love our neighbors in the sense of being willing to work for their well-being even if it means sacrificing our own well-being to that end, even if it means sometimes just leaving them alone. Thus in Jesus' terms, we can love our neighbors without necessarily liking them. In fact liking them may stand in the way of loving them by making us overprotective sentimentalists instead of reasonably honest friends....
This does not mean that liking may not be a part of loving, only that it doesn't have to be. Sometimes liking follows on the heels of loving. It is hard to work for people's well-being very long without coming in the end to rather like them too.
Pippin's Hatch Day
Today, I am celebrating Pippin's 6th Hatch Day! We're having cornbread for the occasion. I'm really thankful I have such a wonderful, smart, affectionate feathered friend, and I'm grateful for her efficient hatching (as I was promised the first bird who hatched in her clutch).
Happy Hatch Day, baby bird!
Happy Hatch Day, baby bird!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Love: The Litmus Test
I Cor. 13-- the love chapter-- is one of those things that's great to quote and really hard to live. Part of it is hard just because it's HARD to love others effectively. Another reason is that sometimes I equate loving people with having to put up with behavior that's really rather harmful. More on that in a minute.....
Anyway, here is I Cor. 13:1-7 in The Message version of the Bible:
1 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. 2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. 3-7If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Okay, I'm decent at doing some of those. I don't give up on people easily. I can put others first. I rarely "fly off the handle." However, I keep score and tend to hold a grudge...unless I feel that the person has apologized "appropriately" (that being my definition). I'm working on that. Now..."puts up with anything...." I think I do that too much....and I don't think that's the best translation there.
Here's verse 7 in the Amplified Bible: "Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]." The difference is subtle, but important, I think. I see it as the distinction between putting up with bad behavior...versus loving someone through that, even if that means drawing limits.
Overall, what I think this passage highlights is the need for a supernatural work of God. I can't love like this on my own. I don't know anyone who can. When I used to work in special ed, changing diapers of 12 year olds, I remember clearly coming to the end of my love and affection for these kids....and realizing that was okay because God has limitless love for them. I prayed that God would give me HIS love for them, and He did. I still pray that a lot, particularly when working with more challenging (& obnoxious!) students.
I need God to give me His love and perspective for the people in my life. Mother Teresa: "People are illogical, unreasonable and self-centered. Love them anyway." It's hard though.....
Anyway, here is I Cor. 13:1-7 in The Message version of the Bible:
1 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. 2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. 3-7If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Okay, I'm decent at doing some of those. I don't give up on people easily. I can put others first. I rarely "fly off the handle." However, I keep score and tend to hold a grudge...unless I feel that the person has apologized "appropriately" (that being my definition). I'm working on that. Now..."puts up with anything...." I think I do that too much....and I don't think that's the best translation there.
Here's verse 7 in the Amplified Bible: "Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]." The difference is subtle, but important, I think. I see it as the distinction between putting up with bad behavior...versus loving someone through that, even if that means drawing limits.
Overall, what I think this passage highlights is the need for a supernatural work of God. I can't love like this on my own. I don't know anyone who can. When I used to work in special ed, changing diapers of 12 year olds, I remember clearly coming to the end of my love and affection for these kids....and realizing that was okay because God has limitless love for them. I prayed that God would give me HIS love for them, and He did. I still pray that a lot, particularly when working with more challenging (& obnoxious!) students.
I need God to give me His love and perspective for the people in my life. Mother Teresa: "People are illogical, unreasonable and self-centered. Love them anyway." It's hard though.....
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Random meme
On the Outside...
Name: Stephanie
Birthday: Nov. 8
Current Status: single
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Brown
On the Inside...
My Fear: How long have you got?
My Weaknesses: being too idealistic/unrealistic, perfectionism...lots more!
My Perfect Pizza: How does this fit into the "on the inside" category? Well, whatever. I love pizza with mushrooms and pineapple together. Yum.
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow:
My thoughts first waking up: %&#@*
My bedtime: Right now? 2:00ish.
My most missed memory: What I miss the most? Maybe beach bonfires.
My Pick...
Pepsi or Coke: Pepsi....but preferably, root beer.
Single or group dates: single
Adidas or Nike: Nike
Tea or Nestea: Tea
Chocolate or Vanilla: chocolate
Cappuccino or Coffee: neither
Do You...
Smoke: No
Curse: Yes but only when alone or with certain people...and never at work.
Take a shower: No...so if you were wondering what that smell was.... Yes, obviously I shower!
Have a crush: Currently? No.
Think you've been in love: No
Go to school: Well, I work at a school.
Want to get married: Yes...with qualifications.
Believe in yourself: sometimes....and believe in myself to do/be WHAT?
Think you're a health freak: no
In the Past...
Smoked: Nope, I've never tried it, and I've never had any desire to try.
Gone to the mall: Yes. (Of course.)
Been on stage: Yes.
Eaten sushi: only California rolls, and I didn't like them.
Dyed your hair: yes, a few times (never dramatically different...just more red)
Have You Ever...
Played a stripping game: No, and since I suck at poker, I would only play strip poker if my end goal was to be naked in front of whoever I was playing with (which is unlikely).
Changed who you were to fit in: of course
Done something your kids will never know about (at least till they are adults): probably
Age You're Hoping To...
Get married: If it happens, it happens, and I'll be happy whatever my age.
Take your dream vacation: I don't have a specific "dream vacation" so I don't know.
In a guy:
Best eye color: blue or green
Best hair color: blonde, dark brown or black
Short hair or long hair: usually short
Clean cut or scruffy: scruffy
Best attribute: good sense of humor, loves me
What Were You Doing...
A minute ago: this
An hour ago: bathing Pippin (sooo cute!)
A month ago: finishing up the Strengthening Family classes
A year ago: wondering if I would have a job (if the grants would go through)
Finish the sentences:
I love: my bird, hiking by myself, chocolate, reading, fresh-from-the-wash sheets
I feel: ready to go to bed
I hate: cleaning, getting up early, reality shows, game shows
I hide: boxes under my bed and lots of stuff in the laundry room
I miss: the ocean, my relatives in Maine, friends scattered around the country, Novato
I need: to figure out what I'm doing and where I'm headed.
Name: Stephanie
Birthday: Nov. 8
Current Status: single
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Brown
On the Inside...
My Fear: How long have you got?
My Weaknesses: being too idealistic/unrealistic, perfectionism...lots more!
My Perfect Pizza: How does this fit into the "on the inside" category? Well, whatever. I love pizza with mushrooms and pineapple together. Yum.
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow:
My thoughts first waking up: %&#@*
My bedtime: Right now? 2:00ish.
My most missed memory: What I miss the most? Maybe beach bonfires.
My Pick...
Pepsi or Coke: Pepsi....but preferably, root beer.
Single or group dates: single
Adidas or Nike: Nike
Tea or Nestea: Tea
Chocolate or Vanilla: chocolate
Cappuccino or Coffee: neither
Do You...
Smoke: No
Curse: Yes but only when alone or with certain people...and never at work.
Take a shower: No...so if you were wondering what that smell was.... Yes, obviously I shower!
Have a crush: Currently? No.
Think you've been in love: No
Go to school: Well, I work at a school.
Want to get married: Yes...with qualifications.
Believe in yourself: sometimes....and believe in myself to do/be WHAT?
Think you're a health freak: no
In the Past...
Smoked: Nope, I've never tried it, and I've never had any desire to try.
Gone to the mall: Yes. (Of course.)
Been on stage: Yes.
Eaten sushi: only California rolls, and I didn't like them.
Dyed your hair: yes, a few times (never dramatically different...just more red)
Have You Ever...
Played a stripping game: No, and since I suck at poker, I would only play strip poker if my end goal was to be naked in front of whoever I was playing with (which is unlikely).
Changed who you were to fit in: of course
Done something your kids will never know about (at least till they are adults): probably
Age You're Hoping To...
Get married: If it happens, it happens, and I'll be happy whatever my age.
Take your dream vacation: I don't have a specific "dream vacation" so I don't know.
In a guy:
Best eye color: blue or green
Best hair color: blonde, dark brown or black
Short hair or long hair: usually short
Clean cut or scruffy: scruffy
Best attribute: good sense of humor, loves me
What Were You Doing...
A minute ago: this
An hour ago: bathing Pippin (sooo cute!)
A month ago: finishing up the Strengthening Family classes
A year ago: wondering if I would have a job (if the grants would go through)
Finish the sentences:
I love: my bird, hiking by myself, chocolate, reading, fresh-from-the-wash sheets
I feel: ready to go to bed
I hate: cleaning, getting up early, reality shows, game shows
I hide: boxes under my bed and lots of stuff in the laundry room
I miss: the ocean, my relatives in Maine, friends scattered around the country, Novato
I need: to figure out what I'm doing and where I'm headed.
I think that our culture keeps us so busy, we think that busy-ness is a sign of importance...and friends just fit in where they can.
In times of trouble, it’s always interesting who is there for you…and who isn’t. This time around, this sickness, I’ve felt really alone, and it kind of scares me about the gaps in my life. Last time I was really sick like this, I lived in California, and my friends were so amazing. But…my life was also more tightly woven with theirs. I had roommates…and many of those who came around to help, take me to the doctor’s, keep me company, bring me Gatorade, etc. were former roommates. Here, I don’t have family, and maybe my friends aren’t as close as I thought. It’s kind of disappointing. The other hard thing is that when you’re sick, it’s really not the easiest time to go make new friends or even deepen relationships with existing friends. My friends are, for the most part, passively supportive…but I really need friends who are proactively supportive.
One surprising person has been my neighbor…who continually offers to go to the store for me, has called to check on me, invites me over, etc….and I don’t really know why. She’s probably in her late 60’s, has children and grandchildren nearby. She doesn’t need me in any way. She’s just being kind. I think about the parable of the Good Samaritan and how Jesus asked, “Which one of those BECAME a neighbor to him?”
Another supportive person is my aunt. She’s terrible about calling, but when I do talk to her, she just “gets it” so fully. Almost always. It is such a refuge to have someone who understands.
Anyhow, added to my “to do” list for when I feel better….
1. Re-think my relationships.
2. Be there for someone else.
One surprising person has been my neighbor…who continually offers to go to the store for me, has called to check on me, invites me over, etc….and I don’t really know why. She’s probably in her late 60’s, has children and grandchildren nearby. She doesn’t need me in any way. She’s just being kind. I think about the parable of the Good Samaritan and how Jesus asked, “Which one of those BECAME a neighbor to him?”
Another supportive person is my aunt. She’s terrible about calling, but when I do talk to her, she just “gets it” so fully. Almost always. It is such a refuge to have someone who understands.
Anyhow, added to my “to do” list for when I feel better….
1. Re-think my relationships.
2. Be there for someone else.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
I Shall Believe
I'm not a huge Sheryl Crow fan (overall), but this is one of my favorite songs:
"I Shall Believe"
Come to me now
And lay your hands over me
Even if it's a lie
Say it will be alright
And I shall believe
I'm broken in two
And I know you're on to me
That I only come home
When I'm so all alone
But I do believe
That not everything is gonna be the way
You think it ought to be
It seems like every time I try to make it right
It all comes down on me
Please say honestly you won't give up on me
And I shall believe
And I shall believe
Open the door
And show me your face tonight
I know it's true
No one heals me like you
And you hold the key
Never again
would I turn away from you
I'm so heavy tonight
But your love is alright
And I do believe
That not everything is gonna be the way
You think it ought to be
It seems like every time I try to make it right
It all comes down on me
Please say honestly
You won't give up on me
And I shall believe
I shall believe
"I Shall Believe"
Come to me now
And lay your hands over me
Even if it's a lie
Say it will be alright
And I shall believe
I'm broken in two
And I know you're on to me
That I only come home
When I'm so all alone
But I do believe
That not everything is gonna be the way
You think it ought to be
It seems like every time I try to make it right
It all comes down on me
Please say honestly you won't give up on me
And I shall believe
And I shall believe
Open the door
And show me your face tonight
I know it's true
No one heals me like you
And you hold the key
Never again
would I turn away from you
I'm so heavy tonight
But your love is alright
And I do believe
That not everything is gonna be the way
You think it ought to be
It seems like every time I try to make it right
It all comes down on me
Please say honestly
You won't give up on me
And I shall believe
I shall believe
Yeah, I guess I'm kind of lame.....
Okay, so, as you probably know, I've been sick a lot this year. And really sick this summer. I went to the doctor's today, and the doctor agreed, yeah, I'm pretty sick. He ordered a whole bunch of tests and mentioned a plethora of possibilities for my illness. One was systemic valley fever (which isn't, technically, valley fever if it spreads beyond the respiratory system but it's the same fungus...and isn't that lovely). Anyhow, I was looking up symptoms of systemic infection, and one is "lameness." Huh. Yep, that would be me. ;) Who knew there was a medical explanation for my perpetual lack of cool-ness........
Anyway, if you pray, I'd appreciate prayers that we'd get to the bottom of this sooner rather than later, and that I will be well. I don't want to have a million tests. I had some x-rays today, lab work tomorrow and an electrocardiogram later in the week. I would like them to find something very easily treatable. Thanks for your prayers.
Anyway, if you pray, I'd appreciate prayers that we'd get to the bottom of this sooner rather than later, and that I will be well. I don't want to have a million tests. I had some x-rays today, lab work tomorrow and an electrocardiogram later in the week. I would like them to find something very easily treatable. Thanks for your prayers.
Media Report
DVDs
*Hellboy-- I didn't like it. I tried to, but I actually found it really boring. The beginning-- with the Nazis and the occult links-- was intriguing....but then it degenerated into l-o-n-g fight sequences between various monsters. I got bored and went to go check my e-mail.
*Torchwood-- I just started watching this British series on DVD. So far, I've only seen three episodes, but I really like it! It's kind of like Alias crossed with X-Files. The series is a spin-off from Dr. Who, but I've never seen Dr. Who and am having no trouble following Torchwood's plot.
*Prime Suspect: The Final Season-- Another British drama, I think I've watched all of the "seasons" (more like mini-series, by American standards). To be honest, the ones in the middle all blur together. However, this last one is about a murder rooted in things that happened in Bosnia. I don't know very much about the Bosnian genocide, but I appreciated the chance to learn a little bit more.
Books
*Seductive Poison (Deborah Layton)-- This has gotten almost 100% 5-star reviews on Amazon. I'd give it a 3 or a 4, but I think that's because I already know so much about Jonestown and cults, in general. I was hoping for new insights, which this didn't really provide. However, if I had read it without that background, I probably would have found the story more interesting.
*Spiderwick Chronicles (Holly Black and Tommy DiTerlizzi)-- I was hoping that this fantasy series would have cross-age appeal like Harry Potter. Unfortunately, it really doesn't. However, it seems like an enjoyable enough series for kids 7-11ish.
*The Book of Three (Lloyd Alexander)-- I hadn't read any of the Chronicles of Prydain so I decided to give it a try. I enjoyed this book. I can't say I adored it, but it was a typical hero's quest.
*Borrowed Time: An AIDS Memoir (Paul Monette)-- This is a memoir about Paul Monette's experience of his lover's battle with AIDS. His lover, Roger Horwitz was diagnosed with AIDS in the early 80s, when so much of the disease still remained a mystery. Monette has significantly more self-awareness than most autobiographers, and he frequently qualifies his perspective. The memoir, drawn from Monette's extensive diaries, frequently reads like an extended diary. This is both a positive and a negative. On the negative side, sometimes it gets bogged down in references to a plethora of people in Monette's social and business circles, as well as an overabundance of little details and daily schedules. On the positive side, it captures the ordinariness of their lives, as well as the subtle effects of AIDS on that life. Monette acknowledges (and I don't think it can be stressed enough) that they weren't "typical" in terms of people in the first wave of the AIDS epidemic. They were both well-educated, well-to-do and well-connected. Their financial resources alone meant that they could afford private nurses, private hospital rooms and time without work. Their connections (to well-connected doctors and scientists) proved to be an even greater boon. Roger was one of the patients in a clinical trial for an early AIDS drug, suramin, which ultimately proved to hasten the progression of AIDS. According to Monette, Roger was also the first person west of the Mississippi to get AZT. However, despite all of that, Roger died about a year after his diagnosis. Monette, who learned of his HIV+ status during Roger's illness, died in 1995.
*Hellboy-- I didn't like it. I tried to, but I actually found it really boring. The beginning-- with the Nazis and the occult links-- was intriguing....but then it degenerated into l-o-n-g fight sequences between various monsters. I got bored and went to go check my e-mail.
*Torchwood-- I just started watching this British series on DVD. So far, I've only seen three episodes, but I really like it! It's kind of like Alias crossed with X-Files. The series is a spin-off from Dr. Who, but I've never seen Dr. Who and am having no trouble following Torchwood's plot.
*Prime Suspect: The Final Season-- Another British drama, I think I've watched all of the "seasons" (more like mini-series, by American standards). To be honest, the ones in the middle all blur together. However, this last one is about a murder rooted in things that happened in Bosnia. I don't know very much about the Bosnian genocide, but I appreciated the chance to learn a little bit more.
Books
*Seductive Poison (Deborah Layton)-- This has gotten almost 100% 5-star reviews on Amazon. I'd give it a 3 or a 4, but I think that's because I already know so much about Jonestown and cults, in general. I was hoping for new insights, which this didn't really provide. However, if I had read it without that background, I probably would have found the story more interesting.
*Spiderwick Chronicles (Holly Black and Tommy DiTerlizzi)-- I was hoping that this fantasy series would have cross-age appeal like Harry Potter. Unfortunately, it really doesn't. However, it seems like an enjoyable enough series for kids 7-11ish.
*The Book of Three (Lloyd Alexander)-- I hadn't read any of the Chronicles of Prydain so I decided to give it a try. I enjoyed this book. I can't say I adored it, but it was a typical hero's quest.
*Borrowed Time: An AIDS Memoir (Paul Monette)-- This is a memoir about Paul Monette's experience of his lover's battle with AIDS. His lover, Roger Horwitz was diagnosed with AIDS in the early 80s, when so much of the disease still remained a mystery. Monette has significantly more self-awareness than most autobiographers, and he frequently qualifies his perspective. The memoir, drawn from Monette's extensive diaries, frequently reads like an extended diary. This is both a positive and a negative. On the negative side, sometimes it gets bogged down in references to a plethora of people in Monette's social and business circles, as well as an overabundance of little details and daily schedules. On the positive side, it captures the ordinariness of their lives, as well as the subtle effects of AIDS on that life. Monette acknowledges (and I don't think it can be stressed enough) that they weren't "typical" in terms of people in the first wave of the AIDS epidemic. They were both well-educated, well-to-do and well-connected. Their financial resources alone meant that they could afford private nurses, private hospital rooms and time without work. Their connections (to well-connected doctors and scientists) proved to be an even greater boon. Roger was one of the patients in a clinical trial for an early AIDS drug, suramin, which ultimately proved to hasten the progression of AIDS. According to Monette, Roger was also the first person west of the Mississippi to get AZT. However, despite all of that, Roger died about a year after his diagnosis. Monette, who learned of his HIV+ status during Roger's illness, died in 1995.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Random quotes
Random quotes recently added to my collection....
*To escape criticism-- do nothing, say nothing, be nothing. -Elbert Hubbard
*This is not a novel to be tossed aside lightly. It should be thrown with great force. -Dorothy Parker
*Insanity doesn't run in my family. It gallops. -Cary Grant
*The length of this document defends it well against its chance of being read. -Winston Churchill
*If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one. -Mother Teresa
*Charity sees the need not the cause. -German proverb
*Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through the snow. -Jeff Valdez
*Make yourself necessary to somebody. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
*Truly great madness cannot be achieved without significant intelligence. -Henrik Tikkanen
*I don't really trust a sane person. -Lyle Alzado
*Reality continues to ruin my life. -Bill Watterson
*People who get nostalgic about childhood were obviously never children. -Bill Waterson
*Most conversations are simply monologues delivered in the presence of witnesses. -Margaret Millar (This is extremely true!)
*The man who says he is willing to meet you halfway is usually a poor judge of distance. -Laurence J. Peter
*Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives. -C.S. Lewis
*If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning. -C.S. Lewis
*We are all on earth to help others. What on earth the others are here for, I can't imagine. -John Foster Hall
*As scarce as the truth is, the supply has always been in excess of the demand. -Josh Billings
*To escape criticism-- do nothing, say nothing, be nothing. -Elbert Hubbard
*This is not a novel to be tossed aside lightly. It should be thrown with great force. -Dorothy Parker
*Insanity doesn't run in my family. It gallops. -Cary Grant
*The length of this document defends it well against its chance of being read. -Winston Churchill
*If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one. -Mother Teresa
*Charity sees the need not the cause. -German proverb
*Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through the snow. -Jeff Valdez
*Make yourself necessary to somebody. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
*Truly great madness cannot be achieved without significant intelligence. -Henrik Tikkanen
*I don't really trust a sane person. -Lyle Alzado
*Reality continues to ruin my life. -Bill Watterson
*People who get nostalgic about childhood were obviously never children. -Bill Waterson
*Most conversations are simply monologues delivered in the presence of witnesses. -Margaret Millar (This is extremely true!)
*The man who says he is willing to meet you halfway is usually a poor judge of distance. -Laurence J. Peter
*Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives. -C.S. Lewis
*If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning. -C.S. Lewis
*We are all on earth to help others. What on earth the others are here for, I can't imagine. -John Foster Hall
*As scarce as the truth is, the supply has always been in excess of the demand. -Josh Billings
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Fandom Meme
List 6 fandoms before looking at the questions:
1. Alias
2. Supernatural
3. Harry Potter
4. Veronica Mars
5. Prison Break
6. Dexter
1. Who is your favorite character from #6? [Dexter]
Dexter
2. Who is your least favorite character from #4? [Veronica Mars]
Madison
3. What would a crossover between #1 and #5 include? [Alias, Prison Break]
Actually, they would intersect quite easily. Conspiracies, lots of conspiracies.
4. Who is your favorite ship from #1? [Alias]
Sydney/Vaughn
5. If you were to set one person from #3 and one person from #6 on a blind date, who would they be? [Harry Potter, Dexter]
Well, it would be helpful to send Dexter on a date with any of the female villains from Harry Potter....as Dexter could find a way to make them disappear!
6. If you could meet one person from #4 and spend the day with them, who would it be, and what would you do? [Veronica Mars]
I'd hang out with Logan. Maybe he could teach me to surf. Well, we'd think of something.....
7. If you could change one thing about #2's plotline, what would you change? [Supernatural]
I haven't liked any of the female recurring characters. Just get rid of all the girls.
8. Explain a relationship between two people (not necessarily romantic) from show #5, and why you like the relationship between them. [Prison Break]
Prison Break has several really intriguing relationships, but one of the sweetest is the friendship between Michael Scofield and (former) cellie Fernando Sucre. Sucre's character is adorable, and even his reason for being in prison is funny (well, kinda). Anyway, he's a good foil for Michael's intensity, and he's an extremely loyal friend with a heart of gold.
9. If the lead title characters (first name in the credits) from #1 and #3 were both drowning, and you could only save one, who would it be? [Alias, Harry Potter]
Sydney and Harry Potter? I'm sure Sydney would be fine. She'd just siphon air from tires or Jack would save her or something like that. I'd save Harry.
10. If you were able to add a new character, any kind of character you wanted, to the storyline for #6, what would the character be like and what would their role be? [Dexter]
I think Dexter needs a roommate! Preferably a very nosy one.....
11. What happens in your favorite episode of show #2? [Supernatural]
I'm not sure that I have a favorite episode. I like the brotherly stuff that happens in between the "monster of the week" crises.
12. If you could kill off one of the characters of #1, who would it be and how would you do it? [Alias]
Lauren. Well, they already killed her, but it needed to happen much, much sooner (like, 10 seconds after her character was introduced). Any type of death would be fine so long as she stays dead!
13. If you got the chance to visit the set for either show #3 or show #5, which would you choose? [Harry Potter, Prison Break]
Prison Break. Two words: Wentworth Miller
14. So, I saved the best question for last. If you could date anyone from any of these shows, which show and which person?
As much as I love Michael Scofield, he's a dangerous guy to date. I think I would be most compatible with Will Tippin (Bradley Cooper) from Alias.
1. Alias
2. Supernatural
3. Harry Potter
4. Veronica Mars
5. Prison Break
6. Dexter
1. Who is your favorite character from #6? [Dexter]
Dexter
2. Who is your least favorite character from #4? [Veronica Mars]
Madison
3. What would a crossover between #1 and #5 include? [Alias, Prison Break]
Actually, they would intersect quite easily. Conspiracies, lots of conspiracies.
4. Who is your favorite ship from #1? [Alias]
Sydney/Vaughn
5. If you were to set one person from #3 and one person from #6 on a blind date, who would they be? [Harry Potter, Dexter]
Well, it would be helpful to send Dexter on a date with any of the female villains from Harry Potter....as Dexter could find a way to make them disappear!
6. If you could meet one person from #4 and spend the day with them, who would it be, and what would you do? [Veronica Mars]
I'd hang out with Logan. Maybe he could teach me to surf. Well, we'd think of something.....
7. If you could change one thing about #2's plotline, what would you change? [Supernatural]
I haven't liked any of the female recurring characters. Just get rid of all the girls.
8. Explain a relationship between two people (not necessarily romantic) from show #5, and why you like the relationship between them. [Prison Break]
Prison Break has several really intriguing relationships, but one of the sweetest is the friendship between Michael Scofield and (former) cellie Fernando Sucre. Sucre's character is adorable, and even his reason for being in prison is funny (well, kinda). Anyway, he's a good foil for Michael's intensity, and he's an extremely loyal friend with a heart of gold.
9. If the lead title characters (first name in the credits) from #1 and #3 were both drowning, and you could only save one, who would it be? [Alias, Harry Potter]
Sydney and Harry Potter? I'm sure Sydney would be fine. She'd just siphon air from tires or Jack would save her or something like that. I'd save Harry.
10. If you were able to add a new character, any kind of character you wanted, to the storyline for #6, what would the character be like and what would their role be? [Dexter]
I think Dexter needs a roommate! Preferably a very nosy one.....
11. What happens in your favorite episode of show #2? [Supernatural]
I'm not sure that I have a favorite episode. I like the brotherly stuff that happens in between the "monster of the week" crises.
12. If you could kill off one of the characters of #1, who would it be and how would you do it? [Alias]
Lauren. Well, they already killed her, but it needed to happen much, much sooner (like, 10 seconds after her character was introduced). Any type of death would be fine so long as she stays dead!
13. If you got the chance to visit the set for either show #3 or show #5, which would you choose? [Harry Potter, Prison Break]
Prison Break. Two words: Wentworth Miller
14. So, I saved the best question for last. If you could date anyone from any of these shows, which show and which person?
As much as I love Michael Scofield, he's a dangerous guy to date. I think I would be most compatible with Will Tippin (Bradley Cooper) from Alias.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Jello, poetry, and entertainment update
*Okay, since you asked (yes, YOU :), here are my thoughts on "The More Loving One":
There’s a Felicity episode where Felicity quotes this poem: “If equal affection cannot be, let the more loving one be me.” I don’t even remember the context, but that couplet has stuck with me.
Me, I tend to be rather intense. I care very deeply about the people who are important to me. Oftentimes, I’m not going to find “equal affection,” and if that’s the case, yeah, I would rather care too much than too little.
Okay, so that’s why I like this poem.
Here's my best little paraphrase: We love the stars, but the stars couldn't care less about us. But just think if they could? What if they were radiating love to us every night, and we couldn't return that same passion? Indifference is less painful. In reality though, as much as we think we love the stars, we don't really pine for them during the day. If they suddenly disappeared, we could learn to love the dark night sky just as much. We are fickle.
Here's an analysis of meter and meaning (more meter than meaning, though he does say the theme is the "ambivalence of affection").
*Because I've been sick, I got some Jello cups, which is not a usual food item for me. As I was eating one, Pippin kept looking curiously at the Jello. I pointed to it and said, "Jello." She cocked her head and answered, "Hello!" It was very cute. :) I guess Jello does sound like "hello."
*Atonement-- I recently watched this on DVD. I love the cinematography and the color and feel of the film. It is well-written and well-acted. However, I felt rather let down by the movie. It reminded me of Cold Mountain, though I liked Atonement better.
*Frontline: The Age of AIDS-- I got this 4-hour documentary from Netflix. It is very informative, tracing the international spread of and reaction to AIDS. I was looking for something with more personal stories, which this didn't really address, but it's very good for what it is.
*The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver-- I've liked the Kingsolver books I've read (The Bean Trees and Pigs in Heaven), but it took me multiple attempts to start this book, something I've heard from other readers. The beginning is very slow. However, once I got several chapters into this book, I quickly fell in love. This is a complicated, fascinating novel about a missionary family who travels to the Congo right before Congo's declaration of independence...and the decades of aftermath. It's very good. I highly recommend it.
*Rent: The Broadway Soundtrack-- Awesome!
"The opposite of war isn't peace; it's CREATION!"
"No day but today."
"Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes. How do you measure a year?"
There’s a Felicity episode where Felicity quotes this poem: “If equal affection cannot be, let the more loving one be me.” I don’t even remember the context, but that couplet has stuck with me.
Me, I tend to be rather intense. I care very deeply about the people who are important to me. Oftentimes, I’m not going to find “equal affection,” and if that’s the case, yeah, I would rather care too much than too little.
Okay, so that’s why I like this poem.
Here's my best little paraphrase: We love the stars, but the stars couldn't care less about us. But just think if they could? What if they were radiating love to us every night, and we couldn't return that same passion? Indifference is less painful. In reality though, as much as we think we love the stars, we don't really pine for them during the day. If they suddenly disappeared, we could learn to love the dark night sky just as much. We are fickle.
Here's an analysis of meter and meaning (more meter than meaning, though he does say the theme is the "ambivalence of affection").
*Because I've been sick, I got some Jello cups, which is not a usual food item for me. As I was eating one, Pippin kept looking curiously at the Jello. I pointed to it and said, "Jello." She cocked her head and answered, "Hello!" It was very cute. :) I guess Jello does sound like "hello."
*Atonement-- I recently watched this on DVD. I love the cinematography and the color and feel of the film. It is well-written and well-acted. However, I felt rather let down by the movie. It reminded me of Cold Mountain, though I liked Atonement better.
*Frontline: The Age of AIDS-- I got this 4-hour documentary from Netflix. It is very informative, tracing the international spread of and reaction to AIDS. I was looking for something with more personal stories, which this didn't really address, but it's very good for what it is.
*The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver-- I've liked the Kingsolver books I've read (The Bean Trees and Pigs in Heaven), but it took me multiple attempts to start this book, something I've heard from other readers. The beginning is very slow. However, once I got several chapters into this book, I quickly fell in love. This is a complicated, fascinating novel about a missionary family who travels to the Congo right before Congo's declaration of independence...and the decades of aftermath. It's very good. I highly recommend it.
*Rent: The Broadway Soundtrack-- Awesome!
"The opposite of war isn't peace; it's CREATION!"
"No day but today."
"Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes. How do you measure a year?"
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
The More Loving One
Looking up at the stars, I know quite well
That, for all they care, I can go to hell,
But on earth indifference is the least
We have to dread from man or beast.
How should we like it were stars to burn
With a passion for us we could not return?
If equal affection cannot be,
Let the more loving one be me.
Admirer as I think I am
Of stars that do not give a damn,
I cannot, now I see them, say
I missed one terribly all day.
Were all stars to disappear or die,
I should learn to look at an empty sky
And feel its total dark sublime,
Though this might take me a little time.
-- W. H. Auden
That, for all they care, I can go to hell,
But on earth indifference is the least
We have to dread from man or beast.
How should we like it were stars to burn
With a passion for us we could not return?
If equal affection cannot be,
Let the more loving one be me.
Admirer as I think I am
Of stars that do not give a damn,
I cannot, now I see them, say
I missed one terribly all day.
Were all stars to disappear or die,
I should learn to look at an empty sky
And feel its total dark sublime,
Though this might take me a little time.
-- W. H. Auden
Huh.
About three things I was absolutely positive.
First, Edward was a vampire.
Second, there was a part of him-- and I don't know how dominant that part might be-- that thirsted for my blood.
And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.
-Twilight
Oh, please! Could we be more cheesy and melodramatic?? I wasn't really looking forward to reading Twilight, but I did promise some of the girls (Twilight-crazed 13-year-olds) that I would read it over the summer. So anyway, I've been sick-- really sick-- for the past three weeks and finally broke down and started Twilight a few days ago. Um, yeah, now (about 1500 pages later) I'm almost done with the third book in the series and eagerly anticipating the fourth.
How did this happen? I don't know. Let's blame it on the illness.
Seriously, the books ARE cheesy and melodramatic and not exceptionally well-written. (I wouldn't say they are poorly written, but there's no subtlety or even vocabulary.) They are ADDICTIVE though! There's a lot of suspense....and they vibrate with teenage girl energy.
So...do I recommend them? Eh, not to most of you. But...they are kind of fun.....especially if you are sick...and like vampires and werewolves and blood...oh my!
First, Edward was a vampire.
Second, there was a part of him-- and I don't know how dominant that part might be-- that thirsted for my blood.
And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.
-Twilight
Oh, please! Could we be more cheesy and melodramatic?? I wasn't really looking forward to reading Twilight, but I did promise some of the girls (Twilight-crazed 13-year-olds) that I would read it over the summer. So anyway, I've been sick-- really sick-- for the past three weeks and finally broke down and started Twilight a few days ago. Um, yeah, now (about 1500 pages later) I'm almost done with the third book in the series and eagerly anticipating the fourth.
How did this happen? I don't know. Let's blame it on the illness.
Seriously, the books ARE cheesy and melodramatic and not exceptionally well-written. (I wouldn't say they are poorly written, but there's no subtlety or even vocabulary.) They are ADDICTIVE though! There's a lot of suspense....and they vibrate with teenage girl energy.
So...do I recommend them? Eh, not to most of you. But...they are kind of fun.....especially if you are sick...and like vampires and werewolves and blood...oh my!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Slightly worrisome
Today, in the teen portion of the family group program, we had the teens write letters of appreciation to their parents. We will mail the letters for parents to receive in a month or so. The kids did a great job writing the letters. However, it became clear to me that the whole idea of sending a letter was quite foreign to them:
-A number of kids didn't know their full address.
-Few kids knew how to address a letter (what to write and where, i.e. "To Mom," won't get it to your house).
-Some didn't know where to put the stamp.
-Most stared at the sheet of paper and the legal-sized envelope and weren't sure how to get the letter into the envelope.
Maybe we should just have the kids send their parents a text message.
-A number of kids didn't know their full address.
-Few kids knew how to address a letter (what to write and where, i.e. "To Mom," won't get it to your house).
-Some didn't know where to put the stamp.
-Most stared at the sheet of paper and the legal-sized envelope and weren't sure how to get the letter into the envelope.
Maybe we should just have the kids send their parents a text message.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Are you sure that's what you want to say??
I can't stop laughing about an online profile where the person described himself as having a "self-defecating" sense of humor. Really? Isn't there a medication for that?? If you want to use big words, make sure you use the right ones! ;) (When you don't, your writing can be kind of shitty. Sorry. Couldn't resist!)
Quick Media Update
*Kung Fu Panda (movie)-- With movies like this, I try to picture the scene as the idea was pitched to studio executives. Yeah, I'm not quite sure why they went for this one. It's mildly entertaining, well-animated, but completely lacking in subtlety, layers or nuances in the plot. And I still don't know how the duck is the panda's dad.
*The Happening (movie)-- This movie is truly awful. So awful, it manages to be a bit funny (unintentionally). It is poorly acted, poorly filmed, poorly edited and poorly written. We get many close up shots of not-so-attractive actors making exaggerated expressions of shock, horror and dismay....along with excessive shots of malevolent plants, leaves moving threateningly in the breeze (yeah, don't ask). Just don't go see it....or wait until it's at The Loft for Mondo Mondays or something like that, where you can openly mock the story during the movie.
*Rachel and Her Children: Homeless Families in America (Jonathan Kozol)-- Although I am familiar with Kozol's other books, the only one I'd actually read was Ordinary Resurrections, which was touted as his most uplifting book. Compared to Rachel and Her Children, I'd have to agree. This is definitely a depressing book. It was written in the 1980s and focuses on the stories of specific homeless families in NYC, as well as homelessness in the USA, in general. Kozol is an excellent writer and is particular adept at reflecting the speech of those he interviews. In addition, his work is always well-researched, and he is meticulous about noting discrepancies, additional factors and supporting evidence in his detailed footnotes. Further, he shows genuine compassion. Despite all that, this book was not all that impacting for me. I'm not entirely sure why. If I have more insight, I'll share it.
Quick Media Update
*Kung Fu Panda (movie)-- With movies like this, I try to picture the scene as the idea was pitched to studio executives. Yeah, I'm not quite sure why they went for this one. It's mildly entertaining, well-animated, but completely lacking in subtlety, layers or nuances in the plot. And I still don't know how the duck is the panda's dad.
*The Happening (movie)-- This movie is truly awful. So awful, it manages to be a bit funny (unintentionally). It is poorly acted, poorly filmed, poorly edited and poorly written. We get many close up shots of not-so-attractive actors making exaggerated expressions of shock, horror and dismay....along with excessive shots of malevolent plants, leaves moving threateningly in the breeze (yeah, don't ask). Just don't go see it....or wait until it's at The Loft for Mondo Mondays or something like that, where you can openly mock the story during the movie.
*Rachel and Her Children: Homeless Families in America (Jonathan Kozol)-- Although I am familiar with Kozol's other books, the only one I'd actually read was Ordinary Resurrections, which was touted as his most uplifting book. Compared to Rachel and Her Children, I'd have to agree. This is definitely a depressing book. It was written in the 1980s and focuses on the stories of specific homeless families in NYC, as well as homelessness in the USA, in general. Kozol is an excellent writer and is particular adept at reflecting the speech of those he interviews. In addition, his work is always well-researched, and he is meticulous about noting discrepancies, additional factors and supporting evidence in his detailed footnotes. Further, he shows genuine compassion. Despite all that, this book was not all that impacting for me. I'm not entirely sure why. If I have more insight, I'll share it.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Misc
I have felt really "on-edge" this weekend. I guess that's the best way to explain it. I just feel very agitated in a somewhat energized sense. It's frustrating.
Anyway, various and sundry.....
*I recently re-re-stumbled upon this fic, Coping Mechanisms by svilleficrecs, which remains one of the best Prison Break fanfics that I have read. Of course, I haven't read anything Post-Season 2 (because the show doesn't really exist for me Post-S2), and for such an interesting and convoluted show, there seems to be a surprisingly sparse amount of fanfic. Be that as it may, this is a short, well-executed coda to the prison riot episodes of Season 1.
Well, I decided to skip the various and just give you the sundry for now.....
Anyway, various and sundry.....
*I recently re-re-stumbled upon this fic, Coping Mechanisms by svilleficrecs, which remains one of the best Prison Break fanfics that I have read. Of course, I haven't read anything Post-Season 2 (because the show doesn't really exist for me Post-S2), and for such an interesting and convoluted show, there seems to be a surprisingly sparse amount of fanfic. Be that as it may, this is a short, well-executed coda to the prison riot episodes of Season 1.
Well, I decided to skip the various and just give you the sundry for now.....
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Our schools may be low-ranking, but our suicide rate is one of the highest....
...and other dubious distinctions.
According to this week's Tucson Weekly, the Tucson metro area has the 3RD highest suicide rate of any metro area in the nation!! Isn't that awful? The article is about why no one really talks about it or does anything about that fact. As they point out, if two Arizonans were dying everyday from West Nile, it would be major news. But an average of two Arizonans die from suicide everyday, and no one seems to know.
According to this week's Tucson Weekly, the Tucson metro area has the 3RD highest suicide rate of any metro area in the nation!! Isn't that awful? The article is about why no one really talks about it or does anything about that fact. As they point out, if two Arizonans were dying everyday from West Nile, it would be major news. But an average of two Arizonans die from suicide everyday, and no one seems to know.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Entertainment Update
Movies
*Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull-- This is not a movie to inspire deep (or any) thought. However, it's a moderately enjoyable action movie that will likely serve its probable purpose-- acting as a bridge from the Indiana Jones franchise to the Son of Indiana Jones franchise.
*Prince Caspian-- Although I did not like this movie as much as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, I still thought it was pretty good. There are a lot of changes from the book though, some understandable (such as beginning the movie with the birth of Miraz's son) and some not. For instance, take this quote from Aslan to Lucy:
Movie: "Every year you grow, so will I."
Book: "Every year you grow, you will find me bigger."
At first blush, the statements seem the same, but on deeper analysis, the intent is quite different. This is an example of inexplicably changing dialog from a book...when the original would have fit just as well and conveyed the true meaning more accurately.
I also felt that the movie could have been shorter. Some of the sword fighting seemed to drag on a bit. Despite those qualms, I feel that the movie still conveys at least one of the themes of the book-- that God has not abandoned us even when life is difficult. Now I know a lot of people don't want to take the book in that allegorical context, and that's fine. However, C.S. Lewis was rather clear about the Chronicles of Narnia and the values he hoped to convey. Authors-- even authors of contemporary fiction-- are necessarily architects of their own world. The creation and structure of these worlds always betrays their world view. Some authors are just more explicit about it than others.
*Juno--I just watched this on DVD and found it immensely enjoyable. It has the right mix of sweetness, humor and seriousness that is rather hard to come by.
*God Grew Tired of Us-- This is another documentary about the Lost Boys of Sudan. It's really depressing. I may comment on it more later.
TV
*Dexter Season One-- I like this show a lot. Although Dexter's personality is psychologically improbable (those traits would not co-exist within the same person), it's an interesting show that reminds me of both CSI and The Pretender. I think people relate to Dexter because his greatest dilemma is that no one really knows who he is...and if they did, they would reject him. Even though (most of us) are not going around killing people, we tend to think the same thing.
Books
*I Speak for This Child-- I'm in the middle of reading this nonfiction account of a Guardian Ad Litem (aka Court Appointed Special Advocate). It's compelling, if not particularly hopeful.
*The Time Traveler's Wife-- I am almost exactly in the middle of this book. I really like it. I may say more when I finish.
*Wicked-- I'm listening to this on audio book in the car. It's very different than I expected and the "feel" reminds me a bit of the Canterbury Tales, for some odd reason. I think it's the bawdiness. Anyway, it's interesting and keeps my attention...but I wouldn't say I actually like it. Partly, I don't find the characters very likable. Maybe the second half will change my opinion.
All for now....
*Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull-- This is not a movie to inspire deep (or any) thought. However, it's a moderately enjoyable action movie that will likely serve its probable purpose-- acting as a bridge from the Indiana Jones franchise to the Son of Indiana Jones franchise.
*Prince Caspian-- Although I did not like this movie as much as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, I still thought it was pretty good. There are a lot of changes from the book though, some understandable (such as beginning the movie with the birth of Miraz's son) and some not. For instance, take this quote from Aslan to Lucy:
Movie: "Every year you grow, so will I."
Book: "Every year you grow, you will find me bigger."
At first blush, the statements seem the same, but on deeper analysis, the intent is quite different. This is an example of inexplicably changing dialog from a book...when the original would have fit just as well and conveyed the true meaning more accurately.
I also felt that the movie could have been shorter. Some of the sword fighting seemed to drag on a bit. Despite those qualms, I feel that the movie still conveys at least one of the themes of the book-- that God has not abandoned us even when life is difficult. Now I know a lot of people don't want to take the book in that allegorical context, and that's fine. However, C.S. Lewis was rather clear about the Chronicles of Narnia and the values he hoped to convey. Authors-- even authors of contemporary fiction-- are necessarily architects of their own world. The creation and structure of these worlds always betrays their world view. Some authors are just more explicit about it than others.
*Juno--I just watched this on DVD and found it immensely enjoyable. It has the right mix of sweetness, humor and seriousness that is rather hard to come by.
*God Grew Tired of Us-- This is another documentary about the Lost Boys of Sudan. It's really depressing. I may comment on it more later.
TV
*Dexter Season One-- I like this show a lot. Although Dexter's personality is psychologically improbable (those traits would not co-exist within the same person), it's an interesting show that reminds me of both CSI and The Pretender. I think people relate to Dexter because his greatest dilemma is that no one really knows who he is...and if they did, they would reject him. Even though (most of us) are not going around killing people, we tend to think the same thing.
Books
*I Speak for This Child-- I'm in the middle of reading this nonfiction account of a Guardian Ad Litem (aka Court Appointed Special Advocate). It's compelling, if not particularly hopeful.
*The Time Traveler's Wife-- I am almost exactly in the middle of this book. I really like it. I may say more when I finish.
*Wicked-- I'm listening to this on audio book in the car. It's very different than I expected and the "feel" reminds me a bit of the Canterbury Tales, for some odd reason. I think it's the bawdiness. Anyway, it's interesting and keeps my attention...but I wouldn't say I actually like it. Partly, I don't find the characters very likable. Maybe the second half will change my opinion.
All for now....
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Natural Remedies
There's such an abundance of "natural" treatments and concoctions, & it's hard to know what's going to work and what's just pretty packaging. Here are a handful of things that have worked for me:
(1) Heather's Tummy Tamers Peppermint Oil Capsules with Ginger and Fennel-- You can get peppermint oil capsules at just about any health food store or natural food market, and I find all brands helpful. However, this is the brand that works best for me, and I think it's the addition of ginger and fennel. Take it for general lower GI disturbance, stomach cramps, etc. (I've heard that peppermint oil should NOT be used if you have problems with gastric reflux or heartburn, as it can exacerbate the condition.) You can get this brand at some health food stores, Amazon.com or helpforibs.com.
(2) get relief by The Republic of Tea--- This tea is part of The Republic of Tea's Wellness Red Tea line and is also for tummy troubles. I think it works best for general indigestion/ yucky feeling. Besides rooibos, it has cinnamon, anise and peppermint. I find the taste pleasant enough, though not the most delicious tea I've ever tried. However, I start to feel better within minutes...so I'll take it! Also, The Republic of Tea is based in Novato, California, which is a very special place to me. You can get the tea at upscale markets, health food stores, their website....probably Pottery Barn and places like that!
(3) EmergenC-- I'm not sure why the mega dose of C and B vitamins must be delivered via fizzy drink mix, but this stuff really helps fight illness and general blahs. I don't think the taste is repulsive, but I don't particularly like it either. (I've had orange, tangerine and raspberry...and feel the same about all.) However, Trader Joe's recently came up with their own (cheaper) version, and it is SO disgusting!! I'll stick with EmergenC. You can get this at a lot of drug stores, health food stores, Trader Joe's, etc. Usually at health food stores, you can buy one or two single packets to see if you like it. (If you have a sensitive stomach, like me, know that mega doses of vitamin C can cause diarrhea. So...don't take more than one packet per day...and maybe take it along with a low dose of Immodium.)
(4) oona PMS2-- The title is a little misleading because it's really not for PMS. (oona has another product-- PMS1, in a green tin-- that's for PMS symptoms. No idea if it works. They also have a menopause product, and again, haven't tried it.) This one is for menstrual cramps. It says it helps with a bunch of other things too-- like muscle aches and nausea-- but it doesn't really. However, it does help with cramps to a very significant degree, particularly if I follow the directions and start taking it a couple of days before my period. The active ingredients are Cramp Bark Extract (apropos!) and ginger. This product can be a little difficult to find, but try your local health food stores and/or natural markets. You can also get it at Amazon.com or www.oonausa.com, though buying it from either of those places will generally cost more than trying to find it in town.
Okay, enough for now, but feel free to share your own "finds" in natural health!
(1) Heather's Tummy Tamers Peppermint Oil Capsules with Ginger and Fennel-- You can get peppermint oil capsules at just about any health food store or natural food market, and I find all brands helpful. However, this is the brand that works best for me, and I think it's the addition of ginger and fennel. Take it for general lower GI disturbance, stomach cramps, etc. (I've heard that peppermint oil should NOT be used if you have problems with gastric reflux or heartburn, as it can exacerbate the condition.) You can get this brand at some health food stores, Amazon.com or helpforibs.com.
(2) get relief by The Republic of Tea--- This tea is part of The Republic of Tea's Wellness Red Tea line and is also for tummy troubles. I think it works best for general indigestion/ yucky feeling. Besides rooibos, it has cinnamon, anise and peppermint. I find the taste pleasant enough, though not the most delicious tea I've ever tried. However, I start to feel better within minutes...so I'll take it! Also, The Republic of Tea is based in Novato, California, which is a very special place to me. You can get the tea at upscale markets, health food stores, their website....probably Pottery Barn and places like that!
(3) EmergenC-- I'm not sure why the mega dose of C and B vitamins must be delivered via fizzy drink mix, but this stuff really helps fight illness and general blahs. I don't think the taste is repulsive, but I don't particularly like it either. (I've had orange, tangerine and raspberry...and feel the same about all.) However, Trader Joe's recently came up with their own (cheaper) version, and it is SO disgusting!! I'll stick with EmergenC. You can get this at a lot of drug stores, health food stores, Trader Joe's, etc. Usually at health food stores, you can buy one or two single packets to see if you like it. (If you have a sensitive stomach, like me, know that mega doses of vitamin C can cause diarrhea. So...don't take more than one packet per day...and maybe take it along with a low dose of Immodium.)
(4) oona PMS2-- The title is a little misleading because it's really not for PMS. (oona has another product-- PMS1, in a green tin-- that's for PMS symptoms. No idea if it works. They also have a menopause product, and again, haven't tried it.) This one is for menstrual cramps. It says it helps with a bunch of other things too-- like muscle aches and nausea-- but it doesn't really. However, it does help with cramps to a very significant degree, particularly if I follow the directions and start taking it a couple of days before my period. The active ingredients are Cramp Bark Extract (apropos!) and ginger. This product can be a little difficult to find, but try your local health food stores and/or natural markets. You can also get it at Amazon.com or www.oonausa.com, though buying it from either of those places will generally cost more than trying to find it in town.
Okay, enough for now, but feel free to share your own "finds" in natural health!
The only place outside of heaven.......
I've been thinking about this quote from C.S. Lewis:
If you want to make sure of keeping your heart intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket of your selfishness. But in that casket — safe, dark, motionless, airless — it will change. It will not be broken — it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. The only place outside of Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from the dangers of love is Hell.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Enough of this
I have felt like crap all day and just got home and noticed how HOT my face was feeling and took my temperature. Yeah, I have a fever. Again. I feel like I've been sick since Dec.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
I want to go
I want to go to Bonnaroo....but WOW, it's expensive. There's no way I'm paying that. Maybe I'll win tickets, though, and that would be awesome!
I also want to go to the Hilton El Conquistador 4th of July Extravaganza again this year. No Lifehouse (and no false hopes of a Kiefer Sutherland appearance), but I thought the whole experience was fun. Jason Mraz is headlining. I don't lovelovelove his music, but I like it. Anyone in town want to join me? C'mon...what else are you going to do? You don't really want to go to the Sidewinders......
I also want to go to the Hilton El Conquistador 4th of July Extravaganza again this year. No Lifehouse (and no false hopes of a Kiefer Sutherland appearance), but I thought the whole experience was fun. Jason Mraz is headlining. I don't lovelovelove his music, but I like it. Anyone in town want to join me? C'mon...what else are you going to do? You don't really want to go to the Sidewinders......
Friday, April 25, 2008
Handlebars
The first time I heard this song, I thought, "Okay, kind of catchy." The second time I heard this song, I really listened. Wow. It still blows me away.
Handlebars by Flobot
I can ride my bike with no handlebars
No handlebars
No handlebars
I can ride my bike with no handlebars
No handlebars
No handlebars
Look at me, look at me
hands in the air like it's good to be
ALIVE
and I'm a famous rapper
even when the paths're all crookedy
I can show you how to do-si-do
I can show you how to scratch a record
I can take apart the remote control
And I can almost put it back together
I can tie a knot in a cherry stem
I can tell you about Leif Ericson
I know all the words to "De Colores"
And "I'm Proud to be an American"
Me and my friend saw a platypus
Me and my friend made a comic book
And guess how long it took
I can do anything that I want cuz, look:
I can keep rhythm with no metronome
No metronome
No metronome
I can see your face on the telephone
On the telephone
On the telephone
Look at me
Look at me
Just called to say that it's good to be
ALIVE
In such a small world
All curled up with a book to read
I can raise funds open up a thrift store
I can make a living off a magazine
I can design an engine sixty four
Miles to a gallon of gasoline
I can make new antibiotics
I can make computers survive aquatic conditions
I know how to run a business
And I can make you wanna buy a product
Movers shakers and producers
Me and my friends understand the future
I see the strings that control the systems
I can do anything with no assistance
I can change the nation with a microphone
With a microphone
With a microphone
I can split the atoms of a molecule
Of a molecule
Of a molecule
Look at me
Look at me
Driving and I won't stop
And it feels so good to be
Alive and on top
My reach is global
My tower secure
My cause is noble
My power is pure
I can hand out a million vaccinations
Or let'em all die in exasperation
Have'em all grilled leavin lacerations
Have'em all killed by assassination
I can make anybody go to prison
Just because I don't like'em and
I can do anything with no permission
I have it all under my command
I can guide a missile by satellite
By satellite
By satellite
and I can hit a target through a telescope
Through a telescope
Through a telescope
and I can end the planet in a holocaust
In a holocaust
In a holocaust
In a holocaust
In a holocaust
In a holocaust
In a holocaust
I can ride my bike with no handlebars
No handle bars
No handlebars
I can ride my bike with no handlebars
No handlebars
No handlebars
There's a link to the You Tube video for this song HERE.
Handlebars by Flobot
I can ride my bike with no handlebars
No handlebars
No handlebars
I can ride my bike with no handlebars
No handlebars
No handlebars
Look at me, look at me
hands in the air like it's good to be
ALIVE
and I'm a famous rapper
even when the paths're all crookedy
I can show you how to do-si-do
I can show you how to scratch a record
I can take apart the remote control
And I can almost put it back together
I can tie a knot in a cherry stem
I can tell you about Leif Ericson
I know all the words to "De Colores"
And "I'm Proud to be an American"
Me and my friend saw a platypus
Me and my friend made a comic book
And guess how long it took
I can do anything that I want cuz, look:
I can keep rhythm with no metronome
No metronome
No metronome
I can see your face on the telephone
On the telephone
On the telephone
Look at me
Look at me
Just called to say that it's good to be
ALIVE
In such a small world
All curled up with a book to read
I can raise funds open up a thrift store
I can make a living off a magazine
I can design an engine sixty four
Miles to a gallon of gasoline
I can make new antibiotics
I can make computers survive aquatic conditions
I know how to run a business
And I can make you wanna buy a product
Movers shakers and producers
Me and my friends understand the future
I see the strings that control the systems
I can do anything with no assistance
I can change the nation with a microphone
With a microphone
With a microphone
I can split the atoms of a molecule
Of a molecule
Of a molecule
Look at me
Look at me
Driving and I won't stop
And it feels so good to be
Alive and on top
My reach is global
My tower secure
My cause is noble
My power is pure
I can hand out a million vaccinations
Or let'em all die in exasperation
Have'em all grilled leavin lacerations
Have'em all killed by assassination
I can make anybody go to prison
Just because I don't like'em and
I can do anything with no permission
I have it all under my command
I can guide a missile by satellite
By satellite
By satellite
and I can hit a target through a telescope
Through a telescope
Through a telescope
and I can end the planet in a holocaust
In a holocaust
In a holocaust
In a holocaust
In a holocaust
In a holocaust
In a holocaust
I can ride my bike with no handlebars
No handle bars
No handlebars
I can ride my bike with no handlebars
No handlebars
No handlebars
There's a link to the You Tube video for this song HERE.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
More evidence of my bird's brilliance
Yesterday, I slept in late (Saturday) and didn't want to get out of bed. Pippin tried chirping at me, but I wouldn't respond. So...she made the EXACT "beep, beep, beep" that my alarm makes! Pretty smart, eh?
The other day, I was laying on the couch (really, I do move occasionally), and Pippin was perched on the cushions with me. I must have rolled onto the remote because it switched from CNN to a Spanish station. Pippin perked up, flattened her feathers and turned her head toward the tv. She definitely noticed a change when the language changed. Very interesting. I'd like to do some more experimenting with that!
The other day, I was laying on the couch (really, I do move occasionally), and Pippin was perched on the cushions with me. I must have rolled onto the remote because it switched from CNN to a Spanish station. Pippin perked up, flattened her feathers and turned her head toward the tv. She definitely noticed a change when the language changed. Very interesting. I'd like to do some more experimenting with that!
If
I was reminded of this poem while taking the Never-Ending Book Quiz on Facebook. Right now, my global rank is 1509. That's pretty good, I think, since people start out at around 40,000.
Anyhow....
If by Rudyard Kipling
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!
Anyhow....
If by Rudyard Kipling
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
After the End
I think I've mentioned this before, but really, if you're a Harry Potter fan, you MUST read this novel-length story here. It's so good. It was written somewhere around the time of Goblet of Fire's publication, but it's set after Voldemort's death. Honestly, I think I like it better than Deathly Hallows...and MUCH better than the Epilogue. Yeah, it's long, but it's well worth the time!
ETA: If you want to download the whole enchilada (aka, the complete PDF version of After the End), click on this helpful link. Oh, and what I said about it being long? It's only 826 pages. :) But I promise you, if you're a Harry Potter fan, you will thank me for sharing this with you.
ETA: If you want to download the whole enchilada (aka, the complete PDF version of After the End), click on this helpful link. Oh, and what I said about it being long? It's only 826 pages. :) But I promise you, if you're a Harry Potter fan, you will thank me for sharing this with you.
As Good As It Gets?
God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that You will make all things right
If I surrender to Your will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with You
Forever in the next.
-attributed to Niebuhr
Someone close to me just re-entered AA after a long period of sobriety and then a period of relapse. As this person told me about getting a white chip, I could hear the resignation and disappointment. Yeah, it's good to be back in AA. Yeah, it really sucks to need to be back in AA. I know that feeling (though not with alcohol). I call it my "Sick Cycle Carousel" feeling, from the Lifehouse song by that title: "Never thought I'd end up here/ Never thought I'd be standing where I am/ Guess I kind of thought it would be easier than this/ I guess I was wrong now one more time."
I think most people can relate in some way. Most of us have some problem (or many!), some issue that just seems to resurface, and we can't believe that we're back HERE again. Again. Still.
Sigh.
Sorry, I don't have much of an answer for that one. Um...keep praying the Serenity Prayer? And keep trying for "reasonably happy".....
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that You will make all things right
If I surrender to Your will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with You
Forever in the next.
-attributed to Niebuhr
Someone close to me just re-entered AA after a long period of sobriety and then a period of relapse. As this person told me about getting a white chip, I could hear the resignation and disappointment. Yeah, it's good to be back in AA. Yeah, it really sucks to need to be back in AA. I know that feeling (though not with alcohol). I call it my "Sick Cycle Carousel" feeling, from the Lifehouse song by that title: "Never thought I'd end up here/ Never thought I'd be standing where I am/ Guess I kind of thought it would be easier than this/ I guess I was wrong now one more time."
I think most people can relate in some way. Most of us have some problem (or many!), some issue that just seems to resurface, and we can't believe that we're back HERE again. Again. Still.
Sigh.
Sorry, I don't have much of an answer for that one. Um...keep praying the Serenity Prayer? And keep trying for "reasonably happy".....
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Not dead yet
Just sayin'. I felt like I was going to die from that stomach bug (and kind of wanted to die), but I'm still here. Word at school is that I look too pale and too thin. But not dead. Yet. :P
Walmart called me to say they would donate something for the drop-out prevention program I run. (I had previously asked a zillion places, but I didn't hear back from quite a few...so whatever.) So...I went over there and waited FOREVER but was very polite and patient, and they gave me a check for $1000!! Heck yeah! I was expecting a couple of $10 gift certificates. I may have to re-consider my hatred of Walmart. Now I have to find out how to cash the check through the district. I'm really excited because we can't use any grant money for incentives....and these kids need incentives (besides the intrinsic value of education). Now I can buy some really good stuff!
BTW, I recently put together a website for one of my programs at school. Clicky-clicky if you want to see it.
Walmart called me to say they would donate something for the drop-out prevention program I run. (I had previously asked a zillion places, but I didn't hear back from quite a few...so whatever.) So...I went over there and waited FOREVER but was very polite and patient, and they gave me a check for $1000!! Heck yeah! I was expecting a couple of $10 gift certificates. I may have to re-consider my hatred of Walmart. Now I have to find out how to cash the check through the district. I'm really excited because we can't use any grant money for incentives....and these kids need incentives (besides the intrinsic value of education). Now I can buy some really good stuff!
BTW, I recently put together a website for one of my programs at school. Clicky-clicky if you want to see it.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Detention
One of the Language Arts teachers for the 7th grade is having students write acrostic poems. He shared this one that his 5th period class wrote about detention:
Down in a small room
Empty and quiet
Time ticks slowly
Elsa watches
Need to escape
The light bulb turns on
Illness is faked
On my way to the nurse
No more detention for me…
Down in a small room
Empty and quiet
Time ticks slowly
Elsa watches
Need to escape
The light bulb turns on
Illness is faked
On my way to the nurse
No more detention for me…
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Media Report
It’s been a while since I’ve done this so here’s a look at what I’ve been watching, listening to and reading:
Movies
-Definitely Maybe—This was definitely cute and different enough from the usual romantic comedy that I enjoyed it. I didn’t love it, but I was entertained. It’s bittersweet, but the story will resonate with many young single parents. (Sometimes the happy endings are different from our expectations.) Good music.
-Stop Loss—Another “good-not-great” movie. I liked the premise, music and style, but the movie suffered from a little too much melodrama and some overacting.
TV
-I’ve been getting home so late that I pretty much miss prime time. With the writers’ strike and the general quality of the broadcast offerings, I don’t think it’s much of a loss. I do like House, though I haven’t caught much of it this year. (I’ll rent the DVDs.) I’m a little ashamed to say it, but I like what I’ve seen of Dexter (the “good” serial killer). I’ve thought about getting the DVDs from Netflix, but I need to find out if the broadcast version is significantly edited from the Showtime/DVD version (because I don’t want any more gore). The main character (Michael C. Hall) was also a main character on Six Feet Under, and he’s a good actor (especially for playing really weird characters).
Does anyone else think there has been an extreme proliferation of game shows?? I hate game shows.
DVDs
-I actually put my Netflix subscription on hold because I just wasn’t watching enough DVDs. Right now, I’m watching Season 2 of Arrested Development (a gift from a friend). I think he’s going to loan me Torchwood next.
Books
-Coraline (Neil Gaiman)—This book is odd and creepy. I’ve heard it compared to Alice in Wonderland, and I suppose there are some similarities. It’s more like an alternate/parallel universe though. There were places where I thought the author could have gone in a different (and better, IMO) direction, and sometimes it seemed like he was being weird for the sake of weirdness. Overall, though, it’s effective as a creative, almost-horror story…without ever becoming bloody or gory. I’m ordering some copies for the middle schoolers because I think it will especially appeal to that age. (I believe the book is being made into a movie.)
-Secrets in the Dark (Frederick Buechner)—This is a collection of sermons, but it’s so awesome. I’ll write more about it when I finish the book.
Music
-Little Voice (Sara Bareilles)—Yes, I got the CD because of “Love Song.” The whole CD is pretty good though.
-Nevermind (Nirvana)—Okay, so I never said anything about this being new music. I’ve recently re-discovered Nirvana. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” reminds me of the middle schoolers: "Here we are now/ Entertain us."
Exercise DVDs
-Yoga Quick Fixes—I really like this DVD. It’s a collection of short, Kundalini yoga sets targeting specific health concerns (like headaches, anxiety, PMS, back pain, etc.). The creators are so “cheesy hippy” that I actually find them funny. (For instance, they have these little rhyming sayings like, “Be kind and grind.” Okay, can anyone listen to that and not laugh at the innuendo?) I could see how people might find them annoying though. A lot of other yoga dvds are not good for me in the morning, as they make me sleepier. I find these dvds more energizing. The music is kind of yoga trance/dance. Another thing I like is that Anna is not excessively muscular with a fake tan. No, she’s white and pink, just like me! That makes me feel better. Also, she does most of the exercises on a pink shag carpet.
-Hot Body Cool Mind- Embark on the Journey (Jennifer Kries)—I like this DVD too. As with the one above, the segments can be combined or done separately, meaning lots of flexibility in workout length and intensity. This one has exercises from Chi Gung, hatha yoga, Taoist yoga, jazz, ballet and pilates. Jennifer seems saner (or more sober) than Anna and Brett. However, she is also tan and muscular.
Movies
-Definitely Maybe—This was definitely cute and different enough from the usual romantic comedy that I enjoyed it. I didn’t love it, but I was entertained. It’s bittersweet, but the story will resonate with many young single parents. (Sometimes the happy endings are different from our expectations.) Good music.
-Stop Loss—Another “good-not-great” movie. I liked the premise, music and style, but the movie suffered from a little too much melodrama and some overacting.
TV
-I’ve been getting home so late that I pretty much miss prime time. With the writers’ strike and the general quality of the broadcast offerings, I don’t think it’s much of a loss. I do like House, though I haven’t caught much of it this year. (I’ll rent the DVDs.) I’m a little ashamed to say it, but I like what I’ve seen of Dexter (the “good” serial killer). I’ve thought about getting the DVDs from Netflix, but I need to find out if the broadcast version is significantly edited from the Showtime/DVD version (because I don’t want any more gore). The main character (Michael C. Hall) was also a main character on Six Feet Under, and he’s a good actor (especially for playing really weird characters).
Does anyone else think there has been an extreme proliferation of game shows?? I hate game shows.
DVDs
-I actually put my Netflix subscription on hold because I just wasn’t watching enough DVDs. Right now, I’m watching Season 2 of Arrested Development (a gift from a friend). I think he’s going to loan me Torchwood next.
Books
-Coraline (Neil Gaiman)—This book is odd and creepy. I’ve heard it compared to Alice in Wonderland, and I suppose there are some similarities. It’s more like an alternate/parallel universe though. There were places where I thought the author could have gone in a different (and better, IMO) direction, and sometimes it seemed like he was being weird for the sake of weirdness. Overall, though, it’s effective as a creative, almost-horror story…without ever becoming bloody or gory. I’m ordering some copies for the middle schoolers because I think it will especially appeal to that age. (I believe the book is being made into a movie.)
-Secrets in the Dark (Frederick Buechner)—This is a collection of sermons, but it’s so awesome. I’ll write more about it when I finish the book.
Music
-Little Voice (Sara Bareilles)—Yes, I got the CD because of “Love Song.” The whole CD is pretty good though.
-Nevermind (Nirvana)—Okay, so I never said anything about this being new music. I’ve recently re-discovered Nirvana. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” reminds me of the middle schoolers: "Here we are now/ Entertain us."
Exercise DVDs
-Yoga Quick Fixes—I really like this DVD. It’s a collection of short, Kundalini yoga sets targeting specific health concerns (like headaches, anxiety, PMS, back pain, etc.). The creators are so “cheesy hippy” that I actually find them funny. (For instance, they have these little rhyming sayings like, “Be kind and grind.” Okay, can anyone listen to that and not laugh at the innuendo?) I could see how people might find them annoying though. A lot of other yoga dvds are not good for me in the morning, as they make me sleepier. I find these dvds more energizing. The music is kind of yoga trance/dance. Another thing I like is that Anna is not excessively muscular with a fake tan. No, she’s white and pink, just like me! That makes me feel better. Also, she does most of the exercises on a pink shag carpet.
-Hot Body Cool Mind- Embark on the Journey (Jennifer Kries)—I like this DVD too. As with the one above, the segments can be combined or done separately, meaning lots of flexibility in workout length and intensity. This one has exercises from Chi Gung, hatha yoga, Taoist yoga, jazz, ballet and pilates. Jennifer seems saner (or more sober) than Anna and Brett. However, she is also tan and muscular.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter and emptiness
"Each of us, for instance, carries around inside himself, I believe, a certain emptiness -- a sense that something is missing, a restlessness, the deep feeling that somehow all is not right inside his skin. Psychologists sometimes call it anxiety, theologians sometimes call it estrangement, but whatever you call it, I doubt that there are many who do not recognize the experience itself, especially no one of our age, which has been variously termed the age of anxiety, the lost generation, the beat generation, the lonely crowd, Part of the inner world of everyone is this sense of emptiness, unease, incompleteness, and I believe that this in itself is a word from God, that this is the sound that God's voice makes in a world that has explained him away. In such a world, I suspect that maybe God speaks to us most clearly through his silence, his absence, so that we know him best through our missing him." -Frederick Buechner
I read something else by Buechner, and he was talking about the empty tomb and emptiness. It's stuck with me. The first feeling on Easter morning was one of profound loss and emptiness.
And so what are we supposed to hear in that silence??
I read something else by Buechner, and he was talking about the empty tomb and emptiness. It's stuck with me. The first feeling on Easter morning was one of profound loss and emptiness.
And so what are we supposed to hear in that silence??
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The blackhole that is Facebook
Okay, so I was just going to check my e-mail, check Facebook and go to bed. That was two hours ago. Instead, I got sucked into rating hundreds and hundreds of books for my new & exciting Facebook application-- iRead! Why? I really couldn't tell you. And even now, I'm tempted to go add more.
I went on a longish (for me) hike today-- a real hike, where I had to forge streams and climb up rocks. It was only 5 miles, but it felt like more. Anyway, I'm quite proud of myself (and sunburned). I'm tired though.......
I went on a longish (for me) hike today-- a real hike, where I had to forge streams and climb up rocks. It was only 5 miles, but it felt like more. Anyway, I'm quite proud of myself (and sunburned). I'm tired though.......
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Quote
"Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't." -Eleanor Roosevelt
And maybe I'm not right. Maybe I'm wrong. But I'm trying. I'm really making an effort to do what I feel is right, and I'm just tired. I'm going to go to bed now, I think.
And maybe I'm not right. Maybe I'm wrong. But I'm trying. I'm really making an effort to do what I feel is right, and I'm just tired. I'm going to go to bed now, I think.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Random meme
1. What curse word do you use the most?
I mostly swear when I'm alone, and since I know some of my friends are offended by swearing, I won't type what I say. ;)
2. Do you own an iPod?
No, I would like one, but then I'd really need high-speed internet.
3. What person on your Flist do you talk to the most?
I don't use my LJ anymore, really.
4. What time is your alarm clock set to?
It depends on the day. I go to work at different times on different days.
5. [not answering]
6. Do you remember where you were on 9/11/01?
Yes, I was living in California so it was much earlier PST when the planes hit. I got up at 6-something and showered and was getting ready for work, and I wouldn't have heard about it at all if my roommates hadn't turned on the tv.
7. Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture?
I like taking pictures.
8. What was the last movie you watched?
Definitely Maybe
9. Do any of your friends have children?
Yep, quite a few.
10. Has anyone anyone ever called you lazy?
Probably. I call myself lazy sometimes.
11. Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep?
Yep!
12. What CD is currently in your CD player?
The last disc from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire auidobook.
13. Do you prefer regular or chocolate?
Milk? I don't drink milk very much, but I put regular milk on my cereal.
14. Has anyone told you a secret this week?
Yes, I seem to be the designated secret-keeper.
15. When was the last time you had Starbucks?
Um...maybe September?? I don't go to Starbucks very much. I try to patronize local coffee shops. (Also, I don't drink coffee so I just go for tea and company.)
16. Can you whistle?
Yes....but I can only snap with my left hand.
17. What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?
Smile, eyes, openness in his face
18. What are you looking forward to?
Sleeping in tomorrow
19. Did you watch cartoons as a child?
Yes, but I wasn't as big of a cartoon fan as many of my friends.
23. Do you own any band t-shirts?
Yep
24. What will you be doing in one hour?
Coloring
25. Is anyone in love with you?
I don't know.
26. What was the last song heard?
"America the Beautiful" at an outdoor concert tonight.
27. Last time you cried?
Probably a few weeks ago
28. Are you on a desktop computer or a lap top?
Laptop
29. Are you currently wanting any piercing or tattoos?
I've been tossing around the idea of getting a little tattoo, but I doubt I'll do it anytime soon.
30. What's the weather like?
70s, cloudy and windy
31. Would you ever date a girl/guy covered in tattoos?
That wouldn't be a deal-breaker....especially if the guy were, say, Michael Scofield and needed all of the tattoos to help his wrongly-condemned (and also hot) brother escape from prison, avoid the death penalty and expose a vast conspiracy.
32. What did you do before this?
Watched Saturday Night Live
33. When is the last time you slept on the floor?
Well, I fall asleep on the floor occasionally, but then I wake up and move to my bed. I fell asleep on the floor of a classroom a couple of months ago. After school, I had a migraine and was trying to escape noise and light (and the custodians were vacuuming near my office) so I went to a friend's classroom and lay down on the floor in the dark and slept for a bit until I felt well enough to finish up the essentials and drive home. (The classroom's carpet really needs washing.)
34. How many hours of sleep do you need to function?
I can function on 2-3 hours of sleep, but I don't function especially well.
35. Do you eat breakfast daily?
Yes, I always eat breakfast, but I frequently skip lunch.
36. Are your days fast-paced?
At work? Yes. At home, rarely.
37. What did you do last night?
Watched tv, read, played with my bird
38. Do you use sarcasm?
Well, my welcome mat says, "Go Away."
39. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
31
40. Are you picky about spelling and grammar?
Yes
41. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
No
43. Do you get along better with the same sex or the opposite sex?
I think it depends on the individual. I'm probably more comfortable with women I don't know as opposed to men I don't know.
44. Do you like mustard?
I like regular mustard, but I don't like dijon or fancy mustard.
45. Do you sleep on your side?
Yes. I also sleep on my stomach and on my back. I don't think I have a preferred sleeping position.
46. Do you watch the news?
Yes, but not everyday
47. How did you get one of your scars?
I have a scar on the middle finger of my right hand. I had to get three stitches when I was 11 because I pulled on the lid of a can when the can opener didn't fully remove it.
48. Who was the last person to make you mad?
A friend who lied to me. (I'm not mad anymore.)
49. Do you like anybody?
I hate everyone. :P
50. What is the last thing you purchased?
Food at Trader Joe's
I mostly swear when I'm alone, and since I know some of my friends are offended by swearing, I won't type what I say. ;)
2. Do you own an iPod?
No, I would like one, but then I'd really need high-speed internet.
3. What person on your Flist do you talk to the most?
I don't use my LJ anymore, really.
4. What time is your alarm clock set to?
It depends on the day. I go to work at different times on different days.
5. [not answering]
6. Do you remember where you were on 9/11/01?
Yes, I was living in California so it was much earlier PST when the planes hit. I got up at 6-something and showered and was getting ready for work, and I wouldn't have heard about it at all if my roommates hadn't turned on the tv.
7. Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture?
I like taking pictures.
8. What was the last movie you watched?
Definitely Maybe
9. Do any of your friends have children?
Yep, quite a few.
10. Has anyone anyone ever called you lazy?
Probably. I call myself lazy sometimes.
11. Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep?
Yep!
12. What CD is currently in your CD player?
The last disc from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire auidobook.
13. Do you prefer regular or chocolate?
Milk? I don't drink milk very much, but I put regular milk on my cereal.
14. Has anyone told you a secret this week?
Yes, I seem to be the designated secret-keeper.
15. When was the last time you had Starbucks?
Um...maybe September?? I don't go to Starbucks very much. I try to patronize local coffee shops. (Also, I don't drink coffee so I just go for tea and company.)
16. Can you whistle?
Yes....but I can only snap with my left hand.
17. What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?
Smile, eyes, openness in his face
18. What are you looking forward to?
Sleeping in tomorrow
19. Did you watch cartoons as a child?
Yes, but I wasn't as big of a cartoon fan as many of my friends.
23. Do you own any band t-shirts?
Yep
24. What will you be doing in one hour?
Coloring
25. Is anyone in love with you?
I don't know.
26. What was the last song heard?
"America the Beautiful" at an outdoor concert tonight.
27. Last time you cried?
Probably a few weeks ago
28. Are you on a desktop computer or a lap top?
Laptop
29. Are you currently wanting any piercing or tattoos?
I've been tossing around the idea of getting a little tattoo, but I doubt I'll do it anytime soon.
30. What's the weather like?
70s, cloudy and windy
31. Would you ever date a girl/guy covered in tattoos?
That wouldn't be a deal-breaker....especially if the guy were, say, Michael Scofield and needed all of the tattoos to help his wrongly-condemned (and also hot) brother escape from prison, avoid the death penalty and expose a vast conspiracy.
32. What did you do before this?
Watched Saturday Night Live
33. When is the last time you slept on the floor?
Well, I fall asleep on the floor occasionally, but then I wake up and move to my bed. I fell asleep on the floor of a classroom a couple of months ago. After school, I had a migraine and was trying to escape noise and light (and the custodians were vacuuming near my office) so I went to a friend's classroom and lay down on the floor in the dark and slept for a bit until I felt well enough to finish up the essentials and drive home. (The classroom's carpet really needs washing.)
34. How many hours of sleep do you need to function?
I can function on 2-3 hours of sleep, but I don't function especially well.
35. Do you eat breakfast daily?
Yes, I always eat breakfast, but I frequently skip lunch.
36. Are your days fast-paced?
At work? Yes. At home, rarely.
37. What did you do last night?
Watched tv, read, played with my bird
38. Do you use sarcasm?
Well, my welcome mat says, "Go Away."
39. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
31
40. Are you picky about spelling and grammar?
Yes
41. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
No
43. Do you get along better with the same sex or the opposite sex?
I think it depends on the individual. I'm probably more comfortable with women I don't know as opposed to men I don't know.
44. Do you like mustard?
I like regular mustard, but I don't like dijon or fancy mustard.
45. Do you sleep on your side?
Yes. I also sleep on my stomach and on my back. I don't think I have a preferred sleeping position.
46. Do you watch the news?
Yes, but not everyday
47. How did you get one of your scars?
I have a scar on the middle finger of my right hand. I had to get three stitches when I was 11 because I pulled on the lid of a can when the can opener didn't fully remove it.
48. Who was the last person to make you mad?
A friend who lied to me. (I'm not mad anymore.)
49. Do you like anybody?
I hate everyone. :P
50. What is the last thing you purchased?
Food at Trader Joe's
What about when there are no good answers?
It's one thing when I know what I should do, but I don't want to do it. Right now though, I'm just not sure. It seems like any move would be the wrong one, and I'm not even sure what I want. It's kind of scary because it seems like what I do will affect so many other people. I think I over-analyze things (okay, I know I do), but I can't just impulsively act. It's not who I am, and it doesn't usually play out too well.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
I smell like baby
For over an hour, I held the 9 month old sibling of one of the middle school students (so the parents could speak with Spanish-speaking parenting specialists), and I still smell like him...in a good way!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Circle of friends
There are advantages to having a group of friends who are also friends with one another. For instance, it can simplify planning. However, there are definite disadvantages. One such disadvantage could be knowing too many secrets about too many people who are lying to each other. Another disadvantage could be knowing that at least some of those people are lying to me as well because their stories don't match at all. A third disadvantage? Where am I supposed to go with all of this? I can't think of any solution that won't make things more of a mess (and involve breaking confidences)...but I'm really....almost offended.
Anyhow.....
One of the radio stations I frequent has been playing Edie Brickell's song, "Circle of Friends," and I like it a whole lot:
...But, I quit. I give up.
Nothing's good enough for anybody else
it seems.
And I quit. I give up.
Nothing's good enough for anybody else
it seems.
And being alone
is the best way to be.
When I'm by myself it's
the best way to be.
When I'm all alone it's
the best way to be.
When I'm by myself
nobody else can say goodbye.
Everything is temporary anyway.
When the streets are wet --
the color slip into the sky.
But I don't know why that means you and I are
- that means you and....
I quit -- I give up.
Nothin's good enough for anybody else it seems....
Anyhow.....
One of the radio stations I frequent has been playing Edie Brickell's song, "Circle of Friends," and I like it a whole lot:
...But, I quit. I give up.
Nothing's good enough for anybody else
it seems.
And I quit. I give up.
Nothing's good enough for anybody else
it seems.
And being alone
is the best way to be.
When I'm by myself it's
the best way to be.
When I'm all alone it's
the best way to be.
When I'm by myself
nobody else can say goodbye.
Everything is temporary anyway.
When the streets are wet --
the color slip into the sky.
But I don't know why that means you and I are
- that means you and....
I quit -- I give up.
Nothin's good enough for anybody else it seems....
Monday, February 25, 2008
Why my bird is the smartest budgie bird. Ever.
Well, of course Pippin's cage is palatial and not well-suited for taking outside (too bulky) so last spring, I bought a little $10 cage for taking her out on the porch. She enjoys going out when the weather is nice, and the sunshine is good for her. For the past few months, the weather hasn't been warm enough when I'm home so she hasn't been out. So...on Sunday, when I tried to put her in the little cage to go outside, she had a birdie freakout.
After trying to bribe her with her favorite food (to no avail), I took her on my shoulder and brought her over to the sliding glass door that leads to the porch. She got excited listening to the birds and feeling the sun. So...I pointed to the cage and explained to Pippin that if she wanted to go out on the porch, she would need to go in the cage. She sat on my hand and let me put her in the cage immediately and waited patiently for me to get a magazine and open the door so we could go out.
Pretty smart, huh? :)
After trying to bribe her with her favorite food (to no avail), I took her on my shoulder and brought her over to the sliding glass door that leads to the porch. She got excited listening to the birds and feeling the sun. So...I pointed to the cage and explained to Pippin that if she wanted to go out on the porch, she would need to go in the cage. She sat on my hand and let me put her in the cage immediately and waited patiently for me to get a magazine and open the door so we could go out.
Pretty smart, huh? :)
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Imaginary compatibility
Awww...but Dean is prettier....and I think some other quiz said he would be a great tv boyfriend for me! I think the deal-breaker was that I said I didn't care about the Impala. Oh, well-- Sammy actually IS more like me, though I don't know if that really means we're more compatible. (For example, there could be excessive brooding, and if neither of us care about cars, will we have to go to Jiffy Lube?)
Anyway, Supernatural tonight was classic Supernatural! I watched it and felt productive because I just got $30 from the Nielsens Ratings people to watch tv and complete a tv diary. Cool, huh? What I watch will affect the ratings. I'm going to go feel superior now......
ETA: I keep trying to fix the quiz results, but it's just not working. The quiz said I was "not compatible" with Dean but "probably compatible" with Sam.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Here's what I'm watching......
*Prison Break-- I'm sad to say that I haven't been all that impressed this year. I sincerely hope this season is the last, because, really? How many prisons can these guys break out of? Also, they killed my second favorite character...and sunk my 'ship.
*House--I love Dr. House! He's ornery and unethical and self-centered...and hilarious! I don't really care about any of the other characters, but I love Dr. House.
*Brothers & Sisters-- I knew that this show could be great, and this season, it's finally getting there. As I said before, they have the dream cast for an intergenerational drama, and the writers are finally making use of the considerable talent at their disposal. One caveat-- This show seems to suffer from the same "infidelity virus" as Grey's Anatomy. It seems like half of the characters are cheating on their spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend...which gets old. As much as its depicted in tv shows and movies, I wonder if infidelity really is as prevalent as they would have us believe. My guess (or hope?) is that it's not.
*Supernatural-- I love this show. There are fleeting moments of depth, but for the most part, I agree with svmadelyn (on LJ) when she writes,
*Sigh* Yep.
And that's about it......
*House--I love Dr. House! He's ornery and unethical and self-centered...and hilarious! I don't really care about any of the other characters, but I love Dr. House.
*Brothers & Sisters-- I knew that this show could be great, and this season, it's finally getting there. As I said before, they have the dream cast for an intergenerational drama, and the writers are finally making use of the considerable talent at their disposal. One caveat-- This show seems to suffer from the same "infidelity virus" as Grey's Anatomy. It seems like half of the characters are cheating on their spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend...which gets old. As much as its depicted in tv shows and movies, I wonder if infidelity really is as prevalent as they would have us believe. My guess (or hope?) is that it's not.
*Supernatural-- I love this show. There are fleeting moments of depth, but for the most part, I agree with svmadelyn (on LJ) when she writes,
Oh, Supernatural..... You have lowered me as a person, quite possibly, and I am content to roll about in the dirt, and *thank you* for it. For you feature Sam 'stormcloud on stilts' and Dean 'good with knives, guns and his hands' Winchester (the former descriptive from some story that resonated with me that I cannot seem to recall just now, lalalala and la) and I am happy to watch you glazed eyed, in all your pretty, pretty splendor.
*Sigh* Yep.
And that's about it......
Friday, February 15, 2008
Proud to be an American (well, thankful for bathrooms, anyway)
I have not had a good week. And this morning, when it was pouring rain and I was trying to get to a conference about an hour away, I was sooo sick. (When it got to be that I was stopping every 2 miles to use a bathroom, I decided that I would not be making it to work today.) Anyhow, as miserable as I was, it reminded me that I am thankful for plentiful public bathrooms in this country! A lot of countries don't have that. Also, if you really look like you're going to vomit at any moment, pretty much every establishment will take you to their bathroom without delay. How nice of them.
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