wan·der·lust
A very strong or irresistible impulse to travel
I seem to be plagued with an insatiable wanderlust. No matter how much I travel, I want to travel more. When I get back from a vacation, I want to leave again. I suppose to have the travel bug is better than some other obsessions. I shouldn't be complaining.
In January everyone from the office is going to the Poconos to go skiing. Timoni and I are going to Scotland in February. Kim and I are going to Prague in May. Could I be more excited? Oh and Michelle and I are going to move to Israel in 2007. But that's too far off to get excited about just yet.
My friend Chris is moving to Germany THIS WEEK and I'm currently suffering from large amounts of jealousy. I should look into getting over that. But seriously, who gets to live in Germany for 7 months for practically free? I'm in the wrong line of work.
Tonight is Melting Pot with Rebecca. That's not exactly a destination, but I am certainly looking forward to the yummy fondue. Speaking of food, I haven't been grocery shopping in just under 3 months. I'm about to tie an old record. So I made plans to go out for dinner every night this week and next. If I've planned well enough, I won't have to go shopping until at least January.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Friday, November 25, 2005
Mass Commercialism??
Crowds Get Out of Hand at Two Wal-Marts
This critique is everything I want to say about commercialism. Don't get me wrong, I'm not innocent of this cultural madness. I own a TV, an MP3 player (although not an IPOD because I find them ridiculous), and a laptop, etc. But that doesn't mean that I don't find commercialism incredibly invasive and more than just a little annoying. What will we do next, turn love and happiness into an enterprise too? Oh wait...we already have.
In Cascade Township, east of Grand Rapids, Mich., a woman fell as dozens of people rushed into a store for the 5 a.m. opening. Several stepped on her, and a few became entangled as a man pushed them to the ground to keep them away.
Tempers flared at a Wal-Mart in Orlando, Fla., where a man allegedly cut in line to buy a bargain notebook computer and was wrestled to the ground, according to a video shown by an ABC affiliate, WFTV-TV.Is this the kind of society we want to be? Commercialism has infected America. Every holiday is a sales event. Every Christmas I grow more weary of commercialism. Just read the Wal-Mart stories above. Who do you think these people are who are trampling each other for a sale? They're people who can't afford the shopping they're doing. They aren't "buying" these products, they're "charging" them. Just stand at Wal-Mart on a Saturday in December. Watch the lower-middle class of America stand in lines with their two carts full of commercialized products. Why? Do the kids really NEED that toy? Do you really NEED that 52-in. TV? People try to fill voids by purchasing *things*.
This critique is everything I want to say about commercialism. Don't get me wrong, I'm not innocent of this cultural madness. I own a TV, an MP3 player (although not an IPOD because I find them ridiculous), and a laptop, etc. But that doesn't mean that I don't find commercialism incredibly invasive and more than just a little annoying. What will we do next, turn love and happiness into an enterprise too? Oh wait...we already have.
Word of the Day: Arctic
arc·tic
adj.
Extremely cold; frigid.
The day began with a below-freezing and solitary walk to work. Where are all the people? Why am I the only one going to work on this post-Thanksgiving day? Oh I just answered my own question. Everyone else is out enjoying the fruits of a much deserved day off while I attend meetings where the only words spoken are "nothing from me today". So why are we all here? If the writers have nothing to write, then I have nothing to put on the webpage. I'd rather be at home folding laundry (one of my least favorite activities).
With what I felt was a fairly positive attitude, given the circumstances, I sat down at my desk and dutifully clicked around the website looking for stuff to do. Before long, I realized my fingers were going numb, one-by-one. Exactly how cold is it in here? Ali's trusty thermometer would not lie, would it? It can't actually be 68 degrees. They wouldn't do that to us...would they?
Dressed in our arctic gear: hats, scarfs, mittens and earmuffs...we triumphantly made it though the day. Hey at least we aren't blanketed in snow like some people in upstate New York. ;)
adj.
Extremely cold; frigid.
The day began with a below-freezing and solitary walk to work. Where are all the people? Why am I the only one going to work on this post-Thanksgiving day? Oh I just answered my own question. Everyone else is out enjoying the fruits of a much deserved day off while I attend meetings where the only words spoken are "nothing from me today". So why are we all here? If the writers have nothing to write, then I have nothing to put on the webpage. I'd rather be at home folding laundry (one of my least favorite activities).
With what I felt was a fairly positive attitude, given the circumstances, I sat down at my desk and dutifully clicked around the website looking for stuff to do. Before long, I realized my fingers were going numb, one-by-one. Exactly how cold is it in here? Ali's trusty thermometer would not lie, would it? It can't actually be 68 degrees. They wouldn't do that to us...would they?
Dressed in our arctic gear: hats, scarfs, mittens and earmuffs...we triumphantly made it though the day. Hey at least we aren't blanketed in snow like some people in upstate New York. ;)
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Thanksgiving Word of the Day: Tradition
Main Entry: tra·di·tion
1 : an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior
2 : the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction
On the advent of Thanksgiving, I've been thinking about all the holiday traditions I have to forego due to the fact that I live approximately 2500 miles from my family and $700 plane tickets prohibit me from going home twice in (basically) one month. In the four years I've lived here, I've only gone home once, so I've learned to supress my desire for tradition. However, there is one tradition my family has developed over the four years that continues even when (and especially because) I can't go home.
Every year growing up, my aunt Wendy would make sweet rolls for our Thanksgiving dinner. After the first taste, we were all overwhelmingly addicted, which led to us saying such things as "Aunt Wendy better bring the rolls or we're not letting her in the house," and "I'll die without the rolls!". She never failed us. The famous rolls were always plentiful.
Then came the time for us all to leave home and face the cold, harsh real world devoid of Aunt Wendy's Rolls -- a legend, practically a myth. The first year was harsh. The withdrawals were fierce. The second year, bitterness and anger set in. By the third year we were staging a revolt. Aunt Wendy could at least send us rolls in the mail. There's a FedEx in Walla Walla. And a UPS. There's really no excuse!
In order to stave off civil unrest in the family, Aunt Wendy promptly did the only thing she could. She sent us the...recipe. "Wait," I said upon opening the envelope, "What am I supposed to do with this? This isn't edible."
Thus began the tradition of the girls making their own Thanksgiving rolls. But oh no, the story does not end there. I know you wish it would. But alas...
The first year I made rolls, the effort was harrowing, if not poignant. They looked like this when I pulled them out of the oven:
The second year the Grocers Association of America led a campaign to discontinue active yeast sales in stores and my rolls took on the nature of a clump of dirt.
But now...in the third year, I am glad to report that I have finally managed not to destroy the rolls. Aunt Wendy would be proud, though I'm afraid she wouldn't endorse the use of her name in conjunction with my rolls.
So now... I give you the amazing, miraculous, delicious (I hope) Thanksgiving rolls:
1 : an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior
2 : the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction
On the advent of Thanksgiving, I've been thinking about all the holiday traditions I have to forego due to the fact that I live approximately 2500 miles from my family and $700 plane tickets prohibit me from going home twice in (basically) one month. In the four years I've lived here, I've only gone home once, so I've learned to supress my desire for tradition. However, there is one tradition my family has developed over the four years that continues even when (and especially because) I can't go home.
Every year growing up, my aunt Wendy would make sweet rolls for our Thanksgiving dinner. After the first taste, we were all overwhelmingly addicted, which led to us saying such things as "Aunt Wendy better bring the rolls or we're not letting her in the house," and "I'll die without the rolls!". She never failed us. The famous rolls were always plentiful.
Then came the time for us all to leave home and face the cold, harsh real world devoid of Aunt Wendy's Rolls -- a legend, practically a myth. The first year was harsh. The withdrawals were fierce. The second year, bitterness and anger set in. By the third year we were staging a revolt. Aunt Wendy could at least send us rolls in the mail. There's a FedEx in Walla Walla. And a UPS. There's really no excuse!
In order to stave off civil unrest in the family, Aunt Wendy promptly did the only thing she could. She sent us the...recipe. "Wait," I said upon opening the envelope, "What am I supposed to do with this? This isn't edible."
Thus began the tradition of the girls making their own Thanksgiving rolls. But oh no, the story does not end there. I know you wish it would. But alas...
The first year I made rolls, the effort was harrowing, if not poignant. They looked like this when I pulled them out of the oven:
The second year the Grocers Association of America led a campaign to discontinue active yeast sales in stores and my rolls took on the nature of a clump of dirt.
But now...in the third year, I am glad to report that I have finally managed not to destroy the rolls. Aunt Wendy would be proud, though I'm afraid she wouldn't endorse the use of her name in conjunction with my rolls.
So now... I give you the amazing, miraculous, delicious (I hope) Thanksgiving rolls:
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Word of the Day: Thankful
thank·ful (adj.)
Aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful.
Expressive of gratitude
I went to a bible study last weekend and the speaker asked us all to say the ONE thing that we are thankful for this year. I quickly scanned the list running through my head for the most appropriate answer, while staring quizzically at the man who suggested there might be only ONE thing in a year for which to be thankful. I have a list. One way too long to express here (although I am going to be cheesy and list a few), but the most important reason for me writing this entry is to let everyone who reads this blog (my parents, my sister, my friends) know that I'm especially thankful for you. I am not me without you.
My (shortened) list:
Aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful.
Expressive of gratitude
I went to a bible study last weekend and the speaker asked us all to say the ONE thing that we are thankful for this year. I quickly scanned the list running through my head for the most appropriate answer, while staring quizzically at the man who suggested there might be only ONE thing in a year for which to be thankful. I have a list. One way too long to express here (although I am going to be cheesy and list a few), but the most important reason for me writing this entry is to let everyone who reads this blog (my parents, my sister, my friends) know that I'm especially thankful for you. I am not me without you.
My (shortened) list:
I am thankful for my nephew who is five years old and leaves me voice messages where all I can hear is his breathing. It makes me incredibly happy to know that he called just because he loves me in an unconditional way that only a child possesses.
I am thankful that I have a God who is infinitely good to me. Who enables me to buy a house, to take a trip to Israel and meet incredible people, to support myself, to just be me and to continually be amazed by what he gives me.
I am thankful for health and passion and integrity and honesty.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Word of the Day: Rara Avis
rara avis \RARE-uh-AY-vis\, noun
A rare or unique person or thing.
This story about the poor Dead Sea drying up is nothing new. In fact, it's indelibly recycled. And of course that's because it's an interesting story. I think everyone should have the chance to float in the Dead Sea before the whole thing dries up because it's the most unique thing you'll ever experience (coming from someone who went skydiving and floated in the dead sea in the same month). Watch the Video on ABC News.
So my heartrate has been racing for two days now. Racing. Like 110 beats per minute after sitting at my desk for 8 hours straight doing nothing but typing. It's not worrying me (like call the doctor, I'm having a heart attack) but it's definitely bothering me. It's annoying to feel this wound up for hours on end.
A rare or unique person or thing.
This story about the poor Dead Sea drying up is nothing new. In fact, it's indelibly recycled. And of course that's because it's an interesting story. I think everyone should have the chance to float in the Dead Sea before the whole thing dries up because it's the most unique thing you'll ever experience (coming from someone who went skydiving and floated in the dead sea in the same month). Watch the Video on ABC News.
Hidden in the world's deepest valley and protected by majestic desert mountains, the Dead Sea is one important feature in a land of mysteries, miracles and biblical legends that we must see before it's too late.On a totally unrelated topic, I'm currently writing a story about three chickens and a picnic table. Is it beyond reasonable suspension of disbelief to imagine someone would roast a chicken with the feathers still on? I've written one short story and this is my second, that I will enter into the short short contest with Writer's Digest. I keep telling a certain person who is probably reading this blog that he must enter the contest as well, but he has yet to produce a story. Clock, ticking...
So my heartrate has been racing for two days now. Racing. Like 110 beats per minute after sitting at my desk for 8 hours straight doing nothing but typing. It's not worrying me (like call the doctor, I'm having a heart attack) but it's definitely bothering me. It's annoying to feel this wound up for hours on end.
Friday, November 18, 2005
Not just another ID rant
One more thing today before I shut up and enjoy the rest of my Friday. I wanted to comment on this op-ed by columnist Charles Krauthammer (what an awesome last name) in the post today.
'Intelligent Design' Foolishly Pits Evolution Against Faith
Krauthammer makes a very good point about these Intelligent Design proponents who try to juxtapose Evolution and Creationism against each other. Since intelligent design is a concept based almost entirely on religion and the existence of God, why would they want to suggest that God was not in control of evolution, which seems like a much better case to make. Like he says here:
Einstein and Newton no longer have to answer that question. They spent their entire lives stretching for an answer they were freely given as a parting gift from this world. I wonder if they got the last laugh.
'Intelligent Design' Foolishly Pits Evolution Against Faith
Krauthammer makes a very good point about these Intelligent Design proponents who try to juxtapose Evolution and Creationism against each other. Since intelligent design is a concept based almost entirely on religion and the existence of God, why would they want to suggest that God was not in control of evolution, which seems like a much better case to make. Like he says here:
How ridiculous to make evolution the enemy of God. What could be more elegant, more simple, more brilliant, more economical, more creative, indeed more divine than a planet with millions of life forms, distinct and yet interactive, all ultimately derived from accumulated variations in a single double-stranded molecule, pliable and fecund enough to give us mollusks and mice, Newton and Einstein? Even if it did give us the Kansas State Board of Education, too.People, both atheist and religious, spend so much time and energy trying to determine the answer to life as a riddle, when every second they see life pass them by without even noticing.
Einstein and Newton no longer have to answer that question. They spent their entire lives stretching for an answer they were freely given as a parting gift from this world. I wonder if they got the last laugh.
Word of the Day: Cacophonous
ca·coph·o·nous
adj. Having a harsh, unpleasant sound; discordant.
I'm feeling the full force of the word today because my office is full of cacophonous sounds. For the past 2 years, every single friday without fail, a band of misfits bearing musical instruments borrows the conference room next door for their weekly practice session. I'm all for people pursuing their passion for music or writing or studying -- whatever that may be -- however, I'm not sure my benevolence includes band practice. The worst part of this story is that the misfits practice with a goal in mind. They attempt to enrich our lives with their soulful melodies during two of what should be the best parties of the year for our office. Christmas and the Summer Picnic.
No one wants to be present in the office on band rehearsal day. I’ve given myself a headache clenching my teeth over the increasing pain of listening to them butcher Puff the Magic Dragon. So there are only 8 brave souls in the office today. That might also be in direct relation to the dentist-like drilling that's going on outside our windows. Yes, people are HANGING from ropes outside our windows with dentist drills. Man I love this place.
In other news, Timoni passed along this blog that I find hilarious. I could write a whole book on the stuff that happens in my office (huh Michelle) so I'm intrigued by this blog that essentially does the same thing only relatively annonymously.
adj. Having a harsh, unpleasant sound; discordant.
I'm feeling the full force of the word today because my office is full of cacophonous sounds. For the past 2 years, every single friday without fail, a band of misfits bearing musical instruments borrows the conference room next door for their weekly practice session. I'm all for people pursuing their passion for music or writing or studying -- whatever that may be -- however, I'm not sure my benevolence includes band practice. The worst part of this story is that the misfits practice with a goal in mind. They attempt to enrich our lives with their soulful melodies during two of what should be the best parties of the year for our office. Christmas and the Summer Picnic.
No one wants to be present in the office on band rehearsal day. I’ve given myself a headache clenching my teeth over the increasing pain of listening to them butcher Puff the Magic Dragon. So there are only 8 brave souls in the office today. That might also be in direct relation to the dentist-like drilling that's going on outside our windows. Yes, people are HANGING from ropes outside our windows with dentist drills. Man I love this place.
In other news, Timoni passed along this blog that I find hilarious. I could write a whole book on the stuff that happens in my office (huh Michelle) so I'm intrigued by this blog that essentially does the same thing only relatively annonymously.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Word of the Day: Alleviate
alleviate • \uh-LEE-vee-ayt\ • verb
: relieve, lessen: as *a : to make (as suffering) more bearable b : to partially remove or correct
I love this story because this sort of thing only happens in an Iraqi courtroom...
Have I mentioned lately how much I love teleworking? I'm currently hanging out on my couch with my laptop, the thermostat turned to exactly where I want it, no annoying coworkers (sorry guys). Plus my music sounds much nicer over the speakers than those stupid headphones.
Okay...back to work.
: relieve, lessen: as *a : to make (as suffering) more bearable b : to partially remove or correct
I love this story because this sort of thing only happens in an Iraqi courtroom...
Court Workers Attack Saddam, Iraq TV ReportsHow horrible would it be to live a life for which you are despised. How do you live with yourself? I'd say if the guy didn't have more pride than he knows what to do with he'd be a prime suicide candidate.
BAGHDAD, Iraq (Nov. 17) - Two court employees attacked Saddam Hussein and punched him several times after he cursed two Shiite Islam saints, state-run Iraqi television reported Wednesday.
Have I mentioned lately how much I love teleworking? I'm currently hanging out on my couch with my laptop, the thermostat turned to exactly where I want it, no annoying coworkers (sorry guys). Plus my music sounds much nicer over the speakers than those stupid headphones.
Okay...back to work.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Pledge of Allegiance
If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll remember a post a few months ago about how the Pledge of Allegiance was being challenged in court by an atheist. The post fueled a two-day debate between a few of my regular readers and a stranger posting to the blog for the first time. I was forwarded this story by a friend of mine and felt it worth of adding to reiterate my own personal opinion. The pledge is so much more than one word that an atheist wants striken from society. In fact, it isn't about God at all. Why can't we see that?
Senator John McCain's Flag Story
As you may know, I spent five and one half years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. In the early years of our imprisonment, the NVA kept us in solitary confinement or two or three to a cell. In 1971 the NVA moved us from these conditions of isolation into large rooms with as many as 30 to 40 men to a room.
This was,as you can imagine, a wonderful change and was a direct result of the efforts of millions of Americans on behalf of a few hundred POWs 10,000 miles from home. One of the men who moved into my room was a young man named Mike Christian. Mike came from a small town near Selma, Alabama. He didn't wear a pair of shoes until he was 13 years old. At 17, he enlisted in the US Navy. He later earned a commission by going to Officer Training School. Then he became a Naval Flight Officer and was shot down and captured in 1967. Mike had a keen and deep appreciation of the opportunities this country and our military provide for people who want to work and want to succeed.
As part of the change in treatment, the Vietnamese allowed some prisoners to receive packages from home. In some of these packages were handkerchiefs, scarves and other items of clothing.
Mike got himself a bamboo needle. Over a period of a couple of months, he created an American flag and sewed on the inside of his shirt. Every afternoon, before we had a bowl of soup, we would hang Mike's shirt on the wall of the cell and say the Pledge of Allegiance.
I know the Pledge of Allegiance may not seem the most important part of our day now, but I can assure you that in that stark cell it was indeed the most important and meaningful event.
One day the Vietnamese searched our cell, as they did periodically, and discovered Mike's shirt with the flag sewn inside, and removed it. That evening they returned, opened the door of the cell, and for the benefit of all of us, beat Mike Christian severely for the next couple of hours. Then, they opened the door of the cell and threw him in. We cleaned him up as well as we could. The cell in which we lived had a concrete slab in the middle on which we slept. Four naked light bulbs hung in each corner of the room.
As I said, we tried to clean up Mike as well as we could. After the excitement died down, I looked in the corner of the room, and sitting there beneath that dim light bulb with a piece of red cloth, another shirt and his bamboo needle, was my friend, Mike Christian. He was sitting there with his eyes almost shut from the beating he had received, making another American flag. He was not making the flag because it made Mike Christian feel better. He was making that flag because he knew how important it was to us to be able to Pledge our allegiance to our flag and country.
So the next time you say the Pledge of Allegiance,you must never forget the sacrifice and courage that thousands of Americans have made to build our nation and promote freedom around the world. You must remember our duty, our honor, and our country.
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible,with liberty and justice for all."
Monday, November 14, 2005
Word of the Day: Wage
Main Entry: [1]wage
Date: 14th century
1 a : a payment usually of money for labor or services usually according to contract and on an hourly, daily, or piecework basis
It's Monday. Our regular happy hour night. Steve and I were the only two who showed up tonight (although we already had a hunch this would be the case since the other two diehards -- David and Michelle -- are out of town). We met at RFD as usual, only this time the place was not deserted as usual and we were joined by two others, one being Steve's friend from grade school who now lives in Scotland. We had a very good time (particularly hearing about the peanut butter, cigs and toilets). And we got into this discussion about salaries that just mystifies me.
The two have doctoral degrees in Science and are now doing post-doc work as scientists. They informed us that a normal starting salary for a scientist (studying such things as malaria) is a mere $35K. The profession maxes out at around $80K. I had a similar discussion recently with a pilot from the Israel trip, who said I'd be shocked to learn what commercial pilot's starting salaries are. $20K??? I don't understand this. A writer or webeditor with roughly 3 years of experience (and a BA degree) makes around $45K. Add three years of experience and that salary jumps to around $75-$80K. The cap being about $120K. How is this possible? Someone trying to find a cure for cancer makes half what someone posting useless information on the internet makes? The person I trust to fly me from coast to coast makes half what I make? We certainly have our priorities out of order in this world.
I heard from my new friend Adam this weekend, whom I met at Steveoween. I am very impressed with the follow-through. It's been nearly a month since I met him and yet he still called. People just don't seem to understand the integrity of follow-through these days. For every 10 people you meet (and that's a high number) around 2 will actually call. At least I've learned this lesson and don't really anticipate the follow-up call anymore, but kudos to Adam for calling.
Thursday is a big event -- if anyone's interested in something to do. A bar in Cleveland Park and a Vodka company both owned by my coworker and bartender extrordinaire, Ric, are hosting a grand opening with a 5-piece swing band and free admission. Sounds cool.
Date: 14th century
1 a : a payment usually of money for labor or services usually according to contract and on an hourly, daily, or piecework basis
It's Monday. Our regular happy hour night. Steve and I were the only two who showed up tonight (although we already had a hunch this would be the case since the other two diehards -- David and Michelle -- are out of town). We met at RFD as usual, only this time the place was not deserted as usual and we were joined by two others, one being Steve's friend from grade school who now lives in Scotland. We had a very good time (particularly hearing about the peanut butter, cigs and toilets). And we got into this discussion about salaries that just mystifies me.
The two have doctoral degrees in Science and are now doing post-doc work as scientists. They informed us that a normal starting salary for a scientist (studying such things as malaria) is a mere $35K. The profession maxes out at around $80K. I had a similar discussion recently with a pilot from the Israel trip, who said I'd be shocked to learn what commercial pilot's starting salaries are. $20K??? I don't understand this. A writer or webeditor with roughly 3 years of experience (and a BA degree) makes around $45K. Add three years of experience and that salary jumps to around $75-$80K. The cap being about $120K. How is this possible? Someone trying to find a cure for cancer makes half what someone posting useless information on the internet makes? The person I trust to fly me from coast to coast makes half what I make? We certainly have our priorities out of order in this world.
I heard from my new friend Adam this weekend, whom I met at Steveoween. I am very impressed with the follow-through. It's been nearly a month since I met him and yet he still called. People just don't seem to understand the integrity of follow-through these days. For every 10 people you meet (and that's a high number) around 2 will actually call. At least I've learned this lesson and don't really anticipate the follow-up call anymore, but kudos to Adam for calling.
Thursday is a big event -- if anyone's interested in something to do. A bar in Cleveland Park and a Vodka company both owned by my coworker and bartender extrordinaire, Ric, are hosting a grand opening with a 5-piece swing band and free admission. Sounds cool.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Word of the Weekend: Listless
Main Entry: list•less
: characterized by lack of interest, energy, or spirit : LANGUID a listless melancholy attitude
I'm sitting at Common Grounds (aka Murky Coffee -- which I refused to acknowledge as the actual name) and have been here for four hours in an attempt to write a noticable amount on my latest novel. What I managed to do was a.) delete three paragraphs b.) write one paragraph and c.) oh wait, there is no c. How is it that when I have time to write, I can't find the inspiration and when I do have inspiration I can't find the time? I suppose it's all part of that vicious cycle called life. I also attempted to find a ticket home for Christmas, which I found, but once I determined I *could* find a ride home from Baltimore at 12am, the ticket had gone up by $150. Sure. Now I'm realizing that I've had too much caffeine in my four hours here and I'm shaking. Why do I feel so listless? It's gorgeous outside. So why do I feel so alter-universe today?
I had a very nice weekend. On Friday (day off, yay!!) I went to Fredericksburg with Kim to have lunch with Starr from the Israel trip and she invited me to have Thanksgiving dinner with her family. Saturday I saw the rest of the Israel crew, which felt like going home. By that I mean that it was like you'd been apart from your family for three years and you were just now getting to see them again for the first time. That was the really awesome part about the trip. The people. I love them all. I'm already planning the next trip I'll go on with the group, The Footsteps of Moses in 2007.
I had the strangest dream last night involving two of my coworkers (Steve and Todd -- who also happen to be the inspiration for two of the characters in my novel). We were sitting in a car together talking about our favorite flavor of bubblegum (Todd's was carrot), only we were parked in the middle of the street. So all of a sudden these men in labcoats start coming out of the trees and are walking toward the car. Todd started up the engine and raced out of there, and we would have been homefree if he hadn't made a wrong turn that led us through a field. Somehow the men chased us all the way through the field and cornered us. At this point I realized I was freaking out and had to wake myself up.
The music they are playing here right now is making me want to cry, literally, so it's now officially time to head home.
: characterized by lack of interest, energy, or spirit : LANGUID a listless melancholy attitude
I'm sitting at Common Grounds (aka Murky Coffee -- which I refused to acknowledge as the actual name) and have been here for four hours in an attempt to write a noticable amount on my latest novel. What I managed to do was a.) delete three paragraphs b.) write one paragraph and c.) oh wait, there is no c. How is it that when I have time to write, I can't find the inspiration and when I do have inspiration I can't find the time? I suppose it's all part of that vicious cycle called life. I also attempted to find a ticket home for Christmas, which I found, but once I determined I *could* find a ride home from Baltimore at 12am, the ticket had gone up by $150. Sure. Now I'm realizing that I've had too much caffeine in my four hours here and I'm shaking. Why do I feel so listless? It's gorgeous outside. So why do I feel so alter-universe today?
I had a very nice weekend. On Friday (day off, yay!!) I went to Fredericksburg with Kim to have lunch with Starr from the Israel trip and she invited me to have Thanksgiving dinner with her family. Saturday I saw the rest of the Israel crew, which felt like going home. By that I mean that it was like you'd been apart from your family for three years and you were just now getting to see them again for the first time. That was the really awesome part about the trip. The people. I love them all. I'm already planning the next trip I'll go on with the group, The Footsteps of Moses in 2007.
I had the strangest dream last night involving two of my coworkers (Steve and Todd -- who also happen to be the inspiration for two of the characters in my novel). We were sitting in a car together talking about our favorite flavor of bubblegum (Todd's was carrot), only we were parked in the middle of the street. So all of a sudden these men in labcoats start coming out of the trees and are walking toward the car. Todd started up the engine and raced out of there, and we would have been homefree if he hadn't made a wrong turn that led us through a field. Somehow the men chased us all the way through the field and cornered us. At this point I realized I was freaking out and had to wake myself up.
The music they are playing here right now is making me want to cry, literally, so it's now officially time to head home.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Word of the Day: Meaning?
I was listening to the radio on the way home from bible study last night and heard an advertisement for Match.com. Some girl wrote a manual on how to find the love of your life in 90 days. Ignoring the preposterousness of that claim (I almost want to try it just to prove them wrong), what I was most interested to learn was the claim that you could "Find the ONE THING that means something in this world." Whoa! You mean I have been participating all this time in things that don't mean anything in this world?
I knew I could not escape it forever. The impossibly horrible writing group meets on Sunday and I had to be quick in forming my reason for not being able to attend despite my availability in reality. There is no way I'm going back to a writing group where a guy who writes smut tells me he's going to steal my idea because he believes he can write it better. Here's a clue: NO YOU CAN'T. GET OVER IT.
I knew I could not escape it forever. The impossibly horrible writing group meets on Sunday and I had to be quick in forming my reason for not being able to attend despite my availability in reality. There is no way I'm going back to a writing group where a guy who writes smut tells me he's going to steal my idea because he believes he can write it better. Here's a clue: NO YOU CAN'T. GET OVER IT.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Just a funny article, or two
AP ran this story today about a bank robber who had a sudden attack of conscience and tried to return the money he stole to the bank. I was thinking perhaps he was starving or had housing problems and by robbing the bank and returning it he was thinking he'd solve his problem by being put in jail where he'd get food and shelter for free. What other reason would one have for returning cash you just stole?
German police baffeled by Bush poo-flags
A friend of mine actually printed up some flags of his own last night and is currently on a mission to plant his own poo-flags. I know, really mature right? But for some reason he makes it a reasonable endeavor.
Robber goes back to bank to return moneyAlso in the news...
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
A man who allegedly robbed a bank of $1,100 yesterday made it easy on police.
Authorities said that just minutes after Andre M. Ellis, 39, robbed an ESB Bank in Ambridge, they caught him standing in front of the bank trying to return the money.
"He felt bad about it so he tried to do the right thing," said Ambridge Police Chief David Sabol. "I've never seen anything like it."
German police baffeled by Bush poo-flags
A friend of mine actually printed up some flags of his own last night and is currently on a mission to plant his own poo-flags. I know, really mature right? But for some reason he makes it a reasonable endeavor.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Word of the Day: Megiddo
Megiddo is an ancient city in northern Israel in the valley of Armageddon. I was in Megiddo exactly 12 days ago. We drove right by that prison and the tour guide even pointed it out to us. Little did we know at the time they were uncovering the remains of the oldest church in Israel (perhaps in history).
One of the best things about my trip to Israel is that now when I read about these archeological findings, I recognize all the locations and understand the geography so much better.
MEGIDDO PRISON, Israel - Israeli prisoner Ramil Razilo was removing rubble from the planned site of a new prison ward when his shovel uncovered the edge of an elaborate mosaic, unveiling what Israeli archaeologists said Sunday may be the Holy Land’s oldest church.--MSNBC article
One of the best things about my trip to Israel is that now when I read about these archeological findings, I recognize all the locations and understand the geography so much better.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Word of the Weekend: Jocund
jocund \JOCK-und; JOE-kund\, adjective:
Full of or expressing high-spirited merriment; light-hearted; pleasant, cheering, delightful.
This weekend we had the best weather. It was 75-80 degrees both Saturday and Sunday. Michelle took me out to lunch on Saturday to celebrate my 28th birthday. Afterwards we went apartment hunting. I will be listing my condo hopefully this week. If anyone's looking for a place, have I got a deal for you! Kidding. I would never buy this place today due to the exorbatant price. Good for me, bad for buyers. When God's on your side, even this seems small. I found an awesome apartment though. It's in Clarendon and, um, they have a movie theater. And jacuzzi tubs in the bathroom. I'm so there. Anyone want to help me move?
So Saturday was my birthday. A few key people forgot. Kim and I were discussing how sometimes it sucks to be the person who remembers everything. I never forget a birthday. Call me gifted, or cursed. Because I remember, I expect others to remember and in all fairness, well, that's just not fair of me to expect. Anyone who forgot, it's okay I forgive you, just don't forget next year. ;) Here's my horoscope, which clearly means nothing, but is fun to read anyway:
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The planets seem to sprinkle your day with dreams of greatness -- it's OK to believe them! Thinking with even 10 percent more optimism will attract new and helpful people into your realm.
(Michelle, I think this means we have to instate "positive Monday" just for good measure.)
Thanks to everyone who came out Saturday night. I need a do-over! You guys are the best!
Full of or expressing high-spirited merriment; light-hearted; pleasant, cheering, delightful.
This weekend we had the best weather. It was 75-80 degrees both Saturday and Sunday. Michelle took me out to lunch on Saturday to celebrate my 28th birthday. Afterwards we went apartment hunting. I will be listing my condo hopefully this week. If anyone's looking for a place, have I got a deal for you! Kidding. I would never buy this place today due to the exorbatant price. Good for me, bad for buyers. When God's on your side, even this seems small. I found an awesome apartment though. It's in Clarendon and, um, they have a movie theater. And jacuzzi tubs in the bathroom. I'm so there. Anyone want to help me move?
So Saturday was my birthday. A few key people forgot. Kim and I were discussing how sometimes it sucks to be the person who remembers everything. I never forget a birthday. Call me gifted, or cursed. Because I remember, I expect others to remember and in all fairness, well, that's just not fair of me to expect. Anyone who forgot, it's okay I forgive you, just don't forget next year. ;) Here's my horoscope, which clearly means nothing, but is fun to read anyway:
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The planets seem to sprinkle your day with dreams of greatness -- it's OK to believe them! Thinking with even 10 percent more optimism will attract new and helpful people into your realm.
(Michelle, I think this means we have to instate "positive Monday" just for good measure.)
Thanks to everyone who came out Saturday night. I need a do-over! You guys are the best!
Friday, November 04, 2005
Word of the Day: Ridiculous
What is up with Michael Brown? I take back everything I once said in defense of him being blamed for everything. Because clearly he does deserve the blame. I mean:
"Thanks for update," Brown wrote. "Anything specific I need to do or tweak?"Tweak? Are you serious? Hundreds of people lost their lives on your watch Mr. Brown. How do you feel about that? If you wanted out of office so bad that you wouldn't even give dying people what they needed to live, then you should be blamed. And to get up on the stand and testify that it was someone else's fault after what you did... Ridiculous.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Word of the Day: Telecommute
Main Entry: tele·com·mute:
to work at home by the use of an electronic linkup with a central office
Today was my first day of telecommuting from home. What wonderful timing too. I needed to unpack my suitcase and do laundry (which I did over my 'lunch break' of course).
How did they come up with the word telecommuting? Shouldn't it be teleworking or tele'not'commuting? I'm not commuting anywhere. That's the joy of it.
According to the ITAC telework survey:
I'm going to Kim's tonight to eat Pad Thai and watch our Israel video. This activity is very counterproductive. I'm already sad enough, should I really be emmersing myself in more memories?
to work at home by the use of an electronic linkup with a central office
Today was my first day of telecommuting from home. What wonderful timing too. I needed to unpack my suitcase and do laundry (which I did over my 'lunch break' of course).
How did they come up with the word telecommuting? Shouldn't it be teleworking or tele'not'commuting? I'm not commuting anywhere. That's the joy of it.
According to the ITAC telework survey:
45.1 million Americans worked from home last year according to the 2004-2005 ITAC American Interactive Consumer Survey.conducted by the Dieringer Research Group. Out of 135.4 million US workers, 45.1 million worked from home; 24.3 million worked at a client's or customer's place of business; 20.6 million work in their car; 16.3 million work while on vacation and 15.1 million work at a park or outdoor location, Some 7.8 million work while on a train or airplaneSeriously, people work from their cars?
I'm going to Kim's tonight to eat Pad Thai and watch our Israel video. This activity is very counterproductive. I'm already sad enough, should I really be emmersing myself in more memories?
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Word of the Day: Effulgence
effulgence \i-FUL-juhn(t)s\, noun:
The state of being bright and radiant; splendor; brilliance.
Wow. So I'm back from Israel. Not so happy to be back, but back all the same. I almost stayed in Israel to live in a kibbutz and work for their socialist/zionist community. How hard would it be to give up your whole life in the U.S. to move to Israel to live commune-style? I think it would be a very interesting experience. Who's going with me?
Kudos to Michelle for holding down the fort while I was gone. Didn't she do a great job? I told you you'd like her! Mini-me. Hahah.
Here's a link to my Kodak Gallery in case you haven't seen the photos yet. I have to recommend Israel as a destination of choice for your next vacation. What an amazing trip. I'm practically glowing (hence: effulgence). I've never felt better. I mean, how rare is it to feel completely content and happy in a moment?
Here are a few token photos from the gallery. More are available on Kodak.
Me and my trusty camel
Kim and me overlooking the Sea of Galilee on our first day
The state of being bright and radiant; splendor; brilliance.
Wow. So I'm back from Israel. Not so happy to be back, but back all the same. I almost stayed in Israel to live in a kibbutz and work for their socialist/zionist community. How hard would it be to give up your whole life in the U.S. to move to Israel to live commune-style? I think it would be a very interesting experience. Who's going with me?
Kudos to Michelle for holding down the fort while I was gone. Didn't she do a great job? I told you you'd like her! Mini-me. Hahah.
Here's a link to my Kodak Gallery in case you haven't seen the photos yet. I have to recommend Israel as a destination of choice for your next vacation. What an amazing trip. I'm practically glowing (hence: effulgence). I've never felt better. I mean, how rare is it to feel completely content and happy in a moment?
Here are a few token photos from the gallery. More are available on Kodak.
Me and my trusty camel
Kim and me overlooking the Sea of Galilee on our first day
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)