One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me
Wow! Today has been a hell of a day. I started out not sleeping well. It was not a good night for me to sleep. Then I get up, and the shower is all screwed up. I've started that time of the month and the only thing I LOVE is taking a nice, hot shower. Not a scalding shower, and NOT a cold one...
Then I get to work- I think, okay, it's all good. But no, in the first 30 minutes at work, I drop a table on my foot. If you really want to know, I'll tell you, but it's not pretty.
So I spend the rest of the day with a pained foot. I go to the doctor and thankfully it's not broken or fractured. Then I get what I think is a lucky break... the doc tells me to GO HOME! WOOT!
I get in the car, excited to put my foot up, watch some tv. But no- it takes me FOREVER to get home. Talk about a CRAPPY day to get out early.
It's going to be okay- I'm going to San Jose. I'll get my toes painted, go in the pool, go shopping and write my paper.
It's going to be okay....
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Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
What do you think?
One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me
I'm trying something new... I've always wanted there to be three columns on this blog. I found the template here: http://weblensblogs.blogspot.com/ (exact link below)
I'm having a few issues, but in general I like it... do you like the new pictures too? I also added a cute 'Print Page' but really I want to be able to happily format each posting for printing, like it's done here: http://cupcakeblog.com/
Issues:
I'm trying something new... I've always wanted there to be three columns on this blog. I found the template here: http://weblensblogs.blogspot.com/ (exact link below)
I'm having a few issues, but in general I like it... do you like the new pictures too? I also added a cute 'Print Page' but really I want to be able to happily format each posting for printing, like it's done here: http://cupcakeblog.com/
Issues:
- I can't seem to get the left/right under the header right. I really want it to be centered nicely.
- I wish that I didn't have to have a white header, but the title of my blog only wants to be in black. Any suggestions on how to change that/fix that?
- I wish that I was able to adjust the actual locations of things more- how much space they take up.
Don't be suprised as the blog takes on more changes. I really like the new format, but the actual styling may need to be tweaked while I decide what I like.
Any suggestions or comments WOULD BE APPRECIATED!
http://weblensblogs.blogspot.com/2006/02/build-three-column-blogger-template.html
Print PageWednesday, August 29, 2007
1:30am, and I was discussing life, liberty and a country's pursuit of politics.
One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me
Last night was fabulous. Every so often I am able to find someone who happens to tolerate me well who is willing to allow me a little silly time. Where I can ask asinine things, point out oddities, be a little bit mean, and allow my mind to wander. Last night I was lucky enough to have this fun-loving attitude devolve into a 3 hour discussion about... well... about everything.
All I know about the discussion is that I won. I don't know if we were debating anything, but I still won.
History, religion, politics, education, stereotypes...nothing was off limits. Those of you who know me might be a little shocked...me talk about politics??? We discussed religion and NO ONE got upset. My roommate came in and got some water; in those brief moments she became so engrossed by the complex train of thought we created that she sat listening for 20 minutes before we even noticed.
I think the conversation started with me, while eating a strawberry popsicle, how great it would have been if Holocaust victims had strawberry popsicles in the concentration camps. Now, don't judge me, but the basis of this comment was that if they had strawberry popsicles (i just LOVE those words) they wouldn't have had to prick their fingers to try to make their lips and cheeks red and rosy. That's why you eat strawberry popsicles. They make your lips pretty!
While the conversation may have started on a rather ridiculous notion, it progressed and progressed and just kept going. It started at around 10:30pm, and ended at 1:30am. It could have gone on, but we were tired.
It's these conversations that let me know that love is not about sex or romance; intimacy can be a long conversation on a couch. I am definitely in love.
Print Page
Last night was fabulous. Every so often I am able to find someone who happens to tolerate me well who is willing to allow me a little silly time. Where I can ask asinine things, point out oddities, be a little bit mean, and allow my mind to wander. Last night I was lucky enough to have this fun-loving attitude devolve into a 3 hour discussion about... well... about everything.
All I know about the discussion is that I won. I don't know if we were debating anything, but I still won.
History, religion, politics, education, stereotypes...nothing was off limits. Those of you who know me might be a little shocked...me talk about politics??? We discussed religion and NO ONE got upset. My roommate came in and got some water; in those brief moments she became so engrossed by the complex train of thought we created that she sat listening for 20 minutes before we even noticed.
I think the conversation started with me, while eating a strawberry popsicle, how great it would have been if Holocaust victims had strawberry popsicles in the concentration camps. Now, don't judge me, but the basis of this comment was that if they had strawberry popsicles (i just LOVE those words) they wouldn't have had to prick their fingers to try to make their lips and cheeks red and rosy. That's why you eat strawberry popsicles. They make your lips pretty!
While the conversation may have started on a rather ridiculous notion, it progressed and progressed and just kept going. It started at around 10:30pm, and ended at 1:30am. It could have gone on, but we were tired.
It's these conversations that let me know that love is not about sex or romance; intimacy can be a long conversation on a couch. I am definitely in love.
Print Page
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Who would have guessed I could actually have a fantastic spiritual moment in the Holy Land...well I DID!
"One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent"- Me
I had a moment this morning. Actually it was a moment recalling a moment. I haven't shared much about my journey thorough Israel, and this morning I recalled an absoultely perfect Jerusalem moment. Let me set the scene:
It was Shabbat morning (saturday) and I had been kicked out of the Hostel at 10am. In all my wisdom and belief in the Lonely Planet guide I got all dressed up and attempted to see the Temple Mount. Turns out my Lonely Planet was a liar and they aren't open for non-Muslims on Saturday. Please don't get me started about how annoyed I am that ANYONE can go to the Western Wall 24/7 but only Muslims can enter Temple Mount about 80% of the time (and from all 6gates!). Needless to say I was annoyed. So I took myself to the Church of the Holy Speluchure. Now don't be mad at me, but no, I didn't go in and touch Jesus's tomb. The line was WAY to long. Back to the point at hand, my moment. I decided to go read, but there aren't any Jewish Cafe's open, so I settled for the benches over looking the Western Wall...at around between 12-1pm (not sure exactly) my MOMENT happened:
Sitting there, reading, the church bells started sounding...maybe 5 seconds later the Muslim call to prayer started rushing out the speakers on Temple Mount...the men in the temple started singing their hearts out. In that specific moment all three religions of Jerusalem were sounding in my head.
The pure power of being in that city hit me. It filled my soul, my heart, my ears...
I must have been overly consumed by the awesome place I was in for awhile...the next thing I remember is an elderly gentleman asking me if I needed somewhere to make Kiddush. Obviously I looked Jewish, or he wouldn't have asked, but was so engrossed in the moment he started to explain what Kiddush was to me (blessing over wine, a mitzvah on Shabbat).
I don't think I could have had this particular spiritual moment anywhere else. In that single instant I forgot about the tensions, the destroyed signs, the hostile attitudes and just relished in the awesomness of man's dedication to G-d.
I was reminded of this moment because of, shock, a sappy country song. Not sure if you've heard it, but Sunday Morning in America is actually a GREAT song. I was really moved by it this morning. Well, Saturday morning in Israel is the thing....
Print Page
I had a moment this morning. Actually it was a moment recalling a moment. I haven't shared much about my journey thorough Israel, and this morning I recalled an absoultely perfect Jerusalem moment. Let me set the scene:
It was Shabbat morning (saturday) and I had been kicked out of the Hostel at 10am. In all my wisdom and belief in the Lonely Planet guide I got all dressed up and attempted to see the Temple Mount. Turns out my Lonely Planet was a liar and they aren't open for non-Muslims on Saturday. Please don't get me started about how annoyed I am that ANYONE can go to the Western Wall 24/7 but only Muslims can enter Temple Mount about 80% of the time (and from all 6gates!). Needless to say I was annoyed. So I took myself to the Church of the Holy Speluchure. Now don't be mad at me, but no, I didn't go in and touch Jesus's tomb. The line was WAY to long. Back to the point at hand, my moment. I decided to go read, but there aren't any Jewish Cafe's open, so I settled for the benches over looking the Western Wall...at around between 12-1pm (not sure exactly) my MOMENT happened:
Sitting there, reading, the church bells started sounding...maybe 5 seconds later the Muslim call to prayer started rushing out the speakers on Temple Mount...the men in the temple started singing their hearts out. In that specific moment all three religions of Jerusalem were sounding in my head.
The pure power of being in that city hit me. It filled my soul, my heart, my ears...
I must have been overly consumed by the awesome place I was in for awhile...the next thing I remember is an elderly gentleman asking me if I needed somewhere to make Kiddush. Obviously I looked Jewish, or he wouldn't have asked, but was so engrossed in the moment he started to explain what Kiddush was to me (blessing over wine, a mitzvah on Shabbat).
I don't think I could have had this particular spiritual moment anywhere else. In that single instant I forgot about the tensions, the destroyed signs, the hostile attitudes and just relished in the awesomness of man's dedication to G-d.
I was reminded of this moment because of, shock, a sappy country song. Not sure if you've heard it, but Sunday Morning in America is actually a GREAT song. I was really moved by it this morning. Well, Saturday morning in Israel is the thing....
Print Page
Fun Fun Tips
As I interview and hire new students for the year, here are 7 things NOT to do when you want a work-study job:
1. DON'T call people at 7am. The work day starts at 9am AT THE EARLIEST! So please, give us a break and unless something is really an emergency, let me sleep
2. Don't show up to an interview drunk or hungover. I know, it seems like a REALLY basic principle. I was suprised by how many people missed this memo this year.
3. Don't have a three page resume. Chances are good that I probably don't even need your resume, but coming straight out of high school your resume should be ONE PAGE at the most. NO EXCEPTIONS!
4. Don't ask me if you can have special priviledges in the interview. I don't want to hear you asking to use the theatre for ANY reason before I've even hired you.
5. Don't show up to an interview without shoes. It's a ridiculous notion to think that you won't need them at work, and if you don't start out with them, how do I know you even OWN them?
6. Asking about pay is perfectly okay in an interview for a student job. Making a sigh or a snide remark or face about the pay, means I won't hire you. Good luck!
7. Don't show up late. It's just bad manners. Give yourself enough time to find the location, and figure out where you need to be BEFORE the interview.
As people hire student work-studies around the country I can only hope that their experiences with these students aren't as poor as mine...
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1. DON'T call people at 7am. The work day starts at 9am AT THE EARLIEST! So please, give us a break and unless something is really an emergency, let me sleep
2. Don't show up to an interview drunk or hungover. I know, it seems like a REALLY basic principle. I was suprised by how many people missed this memo this year.
3. Don't have a three page resume. Chances are good that I probably don't even need your resume, but coming straight out of high school your resume should be ONE PAGE at the most. NO EXCEPTIONS!
4. Don't ask me if you can have special priviledges in the interview. I don't want to hear you asking to use the theatre for ANY reason before I've even hired you.
5. Don't show up to an interview without shoes. It's a ridiculous notion to think that you won't need them at work, and if you don't start out with them, how do I know you even OWN them?
6. Asking about pay is perfectly okay in an interview for a student job. Making a sigh or a snide remark or face about the pay, means I won't hire you. Good luck!
7. Don't show up late. It's just bad manners. Give yourself enough time to find the location, and figure out where you need to be BEFORE the interview.
As people hire student work-studies around the country I can only hope that their experiences with these students aren't as poor as mine...
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Monday, August 27, 2007
Somebody SUE ME!
Sorry I missed Friday- I am such a bad blogger... and to think that this semester I have to keep a blog for classes too!
So- where am I... The weekend review:
I went home this weekend. I THOUGHT I was going to be going home to share the stories of all of my adventures... alas- my parents 30th anniversary.
Don't get me wrong- that's GREAT! I just sort of wanted to tell all my stories. Instead I got to dress up pretty and dance with my dad...that was fun too!
Friday: I worked 12 hours and when I finally got home to the OC I fell RIGHT ASLEEP... i couldn't even stay awake to eat my dad's shrimp dish.
Saturday: Lazy day- had lunch/b-fast at about 1pm. Then onto the nice dinner at Valentinas.
Sunday: Lazy day- good conversation with my parents, breakfast with my cousin, and then GREAT conversation with my wonderful friend Cathy... yeah!
Interesting tidbits today: my first GIRL POWER lunch. It rocked!
My first GRAD SCHOOL CLASS; it also rocked!
So- $100 for books lighter, I'm off to cheer on kickballers!
So- where am I... The weekend review:
I went home this weekend. I THOUGHT I was going to be going home to share the stories of all of my adventures... alas- my parents 30th anniversary.
Don't get me wrong- that's GREAT! I just sort of wanted to tell all my stories. Instead I got to dress up pretty and dance with my dad...that was fun too!
Friday: I worked 12 hours and when I finally got home to the OC I fell RIGHT ASLEEP... i couldn't even stay awake to eat my dad's shrimp dish.
Saturday: Lazy day- had lunch/b-fast at about 1pm. Then onto the nice dinner at Valentinas.
Sunday: Lazy day- good conversation with my parents, breakfast with my cousin, and then GREAT conversation with my wonderful friend Cathy... yeah!
Interesting tidbits today: my first GIRL POWER lunch. It rocked!
My first GRAD SCHOOL CLASS; it also rocked!
So- $100 for books lighter, I'm off to cheer on kickballers!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Political Jobs
This is a post about politics. Don't get to excited...it's about office politics.
Here's the "low-down." My Boss is going to be leaving this job sometime in the next 6 months. While getting ready to leave, it appears as if people are trying to make the exit extremely uncomfortable. There seems to be a political rift forming in my office...my Boss against the world.
I just don't know what to do... I'm afraid to align myself to closely with my Boss, for fear that when she leaves they won't promote me because I was to much 'her person.' At the same time, don't I need to start exerting some independance- proving that I don't need a boss to do this job....?
To much to think about... and so much to do!
Here's the "low-down." My Boss is going to be leaving this job sometime in the next 6 months. While getting ready to leave, it appears as if people are trying to make the exit extremely uncomfortable. There seems to be a political rift forming in my office...my Boss against the world.
I just don't know what to do... I'm afraid to align myself to closely with my Boss, for fear that when she leaves they won't promote me because I was to much 'her person.' At the same time, don't I need to start exerting some independance- proving that I don't need a boss to do this job....?
To much to think about... and so much to do!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Adjusting and back in LA
So, I promise, posts for everyone!
I'm back in LA, trying to adjust to JetLag. I just can't even get over how hard it is to try to adjust back to this time zone.
I'm in my office, trying to get a handle on all the work I have to do...it's just a TAD BIT overwhelming.
I miss my friends in Israel, I miss vacation, and I miss being able to think.
I'm so pleased, at the end of the day, about the trip that I had. It was a TREMENDOUS and wonderful adventure. I'll start to post pictures either later today or tomorrow. Wow- I can't believe it's over.
On another note- credit card companies charge A LOT of money for a single screw-up. $80 because I tried to pay my bill and failed. that sucks!
I'm back in LA, trying to adjust to JetLag. I just can't even get over how hard it is to try to adjust back to this time zone.
I'm in my office, trying to get a handle on all the work I have to do...it's just a TAD BIT overwhelming.
I miss my friends in Israel, I miss vacation, and I miss being able to think.
I'm so pleased, at the end of the day, about the trip that I had. It was a TREMENDOUS and wonderful adventure. I'll start to post pictures either later today or tomorrow. Wow- I can't believe it's over.
On another note- credit card companies charge A LOT of money for a single screw-up. $80 because I tried to pay my bill and failed. that sucks!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
In the airport.... for a really long time
My plane was supposed to leave at 6:20am, and I was supposed to be in Business class.
I'm still in the airport, and when I finally get on the plane I won't be in Business anymore.
A long flight, I'm annoyed...grrr...
I'm still in the airport, and when I finally get on the plane I won't be in Business anymore.
A long flight, I'm annoyed...grrr...
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Is it really time to get on the plane?
That's a wrap folks...This will be my last foreign location post...
It was incredible. Please, take the time to get out of the country...expand your horizons.
-Elizabeth
It was incredible. Please, take the time to get out of the country...expand your horizons.
-Elizabeth
Thursday, August 16, 2007
I wish to tell you more
I wish that I could relate my experiences....the heart-felt love of a new place, the intense ideas that make a new place interesting, the religious ideas that swirls through my head...
I promise you all that I will not come back the states an ultra-religious jew, or an Israel advocate/lover/obsessive. Unless something truly magnificent happens right now, tomorrow....
My brain has been through so many different transformations...from questions, to answers only to lead to many, many more questions. I can only hope that there are many more questions and answers in the making.
I wish that there were4 people I could talk to about this experience... I know I can discuss the revelations with Matt, but Hallie, Caitlin, the others in my life I love... I wish only the best for them, their own religious ideas and concepts and the ability to see how my revelations have changed me. I wish this experience upon the whole world...
Well- that's all I can say tonight... I hope that I get the chance to explain my relevations to everyone...
-Lala tov, Elizabeth
I promise you all that I will not come back the states an ultra-religious jew, or an Israel advocate/lover/obsessive. Unless something truly magnificent happens right now, tomorrow....
My brain has been through so many different transformations...from questions, to answers only to lead to many, many more questions. I can only hope that there are many more questions and answers in the making.
I wish that there were4 people I could talk to about this experience... I know I can discuss the revelations with Matt, but Hallie, Caitlin, the others in my life I love... I wish only the best for them, their own religious ideas and concepts and the ability to see how my revelations have changed me. I wish this experience upon the whole world...
Well- that's all I can say tonight... I hope that I get the chance to explain my relevations to everyone...
-Lala tov, Elizabeth
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
No time!
Quick two second post. I'm in Tiberias after seeing Haifa for a few days. I come home on monday and promise a big post then...
Dorry loyal readers i promise daily posting back soon!
Dorry loyal readers i promise daily posting back soon!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
I'm BACCCKK!
Well....sort of. I'm sure that my posting will still be a bit spontaneous- which actually makes me a little annoyed. I tried to make sure that everyday there would be a post... I had no idea I would be bringing my readership into the hundreds. For those of you who check with dedication, I am sorry for the continued absence of something new to read...
I am in Tel Aviv, trying to understand a city, a culture and a country that I feel so connected to, yet I have such a hard time trying to get. I have more questions now than when I started... the foremost of which today being if Israel is a country of Jews (this is an assumption, not a fact for my money), then does their Jewish connection to each other actually get diminished?
Let me try to explain. In AMerica, or any where in Diaspora, when I meet someone Jewish I feel an instant attraction and like for them. We share a special bond. Here in Israel everyone is Jewish...does the special bond that Diaspora feels actually diminish because there are our specialness lessens?
I think that G-d loves the Holy land more. The sun literally shines brighter...and not just because it is a desert. The desert in Jordan didn't have the happy sun the way Israel does...
I have so many questions, and so many concerns. I fear that those friends of mine that I try to explain the profound effect this trip has on me, will never be able to understand. THe love that the people here have shone... They look me straight in the eye and tell me WELCOME HOME! And they mean it... I am, if I so choose to be, at home. They say "we need you" and they mean it. They need me, here, in Diaspora. I have been told these two things by 70 year olds, 12 year olds and everyone in between...
The question that I haven't even begun to answer...do I call this place home?
Shalom....lala tov
I am in Tel Aviv, trying to understand a city, a culture and a country that I feel so connected to, yet I have such a hard time trying to get. I have more questions now than when I started... the foremost of which today being if Israel is a country of Jews (this is an assumption, not a fact for my money), then does their Jewish connection to each other actually get diminished?
Let me try to explain. In AMerica, or any where in Diaspora, when I meet someone Jewish I feel an instant attraction and like for them. We share a special bond. Here in Israel everyone is Jewish...does the special bond that Diaspora feels actually diminish because there are our specialness lessens?
I think that G-d loves the Holy land more. The sun literally shines brighter...and not just because it is a desert. The desert in Jordan didn't have the happy sun the way Israel does...
I have so many questions, and so many concerns. I fear that those friends of mine that I try to explain the profound effect this trip has on me, will never be able to understand. THe love that the people here have shone... They look me straight in the eye and tell me WELCOME HOME! And they mean it... I am, if I so choose to be, at home. They say "we need you" and they mean it. They need me, here, in Diaspora. I have been told these two things by 70 year olds, 12 year olds and everyone in between...
The question that I haven't even begun to answer...do I call this place home?
Shalom....lala tov
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Through Foreign Eyes...
You know those mornings when you wake up and find five shirtless
Italian men wandering around your apartment, cooking pasta, chain
smoking, and dancing to Europop?
Italian men wandering around your apartment, cooking pasta, chain
smoking, and dancing to Europop?
Oh wait. I forget this is not a normal occurrence for most people.
In fact, it's not for me, either, but as of Saturday it's been my
daily life, bizarre as it might be.
My guests arrived Saturday evening, claimed their respective places on
my couches, floors, and spare beds, changed clothes, and set out to
see, for the very first time, America--land of opportunity, chain
stores, and five-lane highways. Cameras in hand, they've set out with
energy and exuberance to see, to learn, to experience everything
"typicalo Americana". And observing them observing has been easily
the high point of the summer.
A few insights in to American culture, courtesy of my guests:
1) Hamburgers are a waste of perfectly good meat--why add crappy bread
and overly processed sauce when a good dose of olive oil would've done
the trick?
2) American women can't dress sexy. Cute, maybe. Unique, yes.
Scandalous, sometimes. Sexy, no. And really, how can one argue
fashion with a man wandering around in a light blue tracksuit, top
unzipped, tattoo of the insignia de Florencia displayed with utmost
pride?
3) Trucks are, and I quote, with the help of a pocket English-Italian
dictionary "giant, ugly, beasts". In Italy, apparently, real men
don't drive trucks, they wear matching tracksuits and suntan
regularly.
In all seriousness, though, I feel I've spent the past few days with
new eyes. So my advice? Make foreign friends. Watch them watch us,
and in watching, you will learn.
--a., in Randomgirl's stead...
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Tip Tuesday: The measure of success?
A friend passed along the following quote, an old Swedish proverb, she thinks. I think it makes a good tip:
"Fear less, hope more.
Eat less, chew more.
Whine less, breathe more.
Talk less, say more.
Love more, and all good things will be yours."
As with all helpful tips, it's so hard to actually apply them to everyday life. We are so set in our ways sometimes, aren't we?
Though I have to say that Randomgirl one of the people I have seen most actively (and successfully) incorporate new ways of working into her life. To tell the truth, I'm a bit jealous.
I've been reading a book called Animal, Vegetable, Miracle that is the story of a family that decided to only eat locally grown foods for one year. It talks principally about the importance (and relative ease) of eating locally grown food as a way of helping your local economy, cutting down on oil and gasoline waste, and generally living a healthier lifestyle. It's funny, but I'd never really considered the amount of gas and energy involved in getting a tomato in January (a lot of produce in winter is trucked up from South America, which I guess makes total sense but I'd never really considered it), so the book provided a few good moments of reflection. There's all this talk about "oil addiction", and it's interesting to think that while we're all trying to cut back on our personal use of energy we could easily help by not picking up a bunch of bananas at the grocery store.
So I suppose that's my other tip to you: Check around and see if there's a farmer's market nearby (August is a great month to get all sorts of surprisingly cheap local produce) and help out the small businesses in your region. In my case, it turns out there was one only a few blocks away from my apartment every Tuesday and Friday, and really if there's a market in my neighbourhood there's bound to be one in yours too. I got local, organic onions, basil, and tomatoes cheaper than if I'd walked just a few blocks down to the enormous grocery store on the corner. So get out there while the weather''s nice and flip the bird to Safeway, Pathmark, and the GEagle by buying a tasty, locally grown zucchini or tomato for your dinner this week!
making a seriously good pasta sauce,
-Misha
Eat less, chew more.
Whine less, breathe more.
Talk less, say more.
Love more, and all good things will be yours."
As with all helpful tips, it's so hard to actually apply them to everyday life. We are so set in our ways sometimes, aren't we?
Though I have to say that Randomgirl one of the people I have seen most actively (and successfully) incorporate new ways of working into her life. To tell the truth, I'm a bit jealous.
I've been reading a book called Animal, Vegetable, Miracle that is the story of a family that decided to only eat locally grown foods for one year. It talks principally about the importance (and relative ease) of eating locally grown food as a way of helping your local economy, cutting down on oil and gasoline waste, and generally living a healthier lifestyle. It's funny, but I'd never really considered the amount of gas and energy involved in getting a tomato in January (a lot of produce in winter is trucked up from South America, which I guess makes total sense but I'd never really considered it), so the book provided a few good moments of reflection. There's all this talk about "oil addiction", and it's interesting to think that while we're all trying to cut back on our personal use of energy we could easily help by not picking up a bunch of bananas at the grocery store.
So I suppose that's my other tip to you: Check around and see if there's a farmer's market nearby (August is a great month to get all sorts of surprisingly cheap local produce) and help out the small businesses in your region. In my case, it turns out there was one only a few blocks away from my apartment every Tuesday and Friday, and really if there's a market in my neighbourhood there's bound to be one in yours too. I got local, organic onions, basil, and tomatoes cheaper than if I'd walked just a few blocks down to the enormous grocery store on the corner. So get out there while the weather''s nice and flip the bird to Safeway, Pathmark, and the GEagle by buying a tasty, locally grown zucchini or tomato for your dinner this week!
making a seriously good pasta sauce,
-Misha
Monday, August 6, 2007
Randomguy's post: Readership up by 1, minimum
Since I'm sending this post by email, I guess I shouldn't use any words that would flag my message as being dangerous to the country. Yikes, I've got to say I'm a little taken aback by the way the new-and-terrifyingly-improved FISA just sailed on through; first they track my money transfers and now they're reading my email and tapping my phone ("legally" this time).
Today was also the anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, and I didn't realise that until less than an hour ago. I feel like a bit of a jerk for not knowing: It's certainly one of the events that changed how everyone everywhere saw the world and I'm always amazed at the small amount of coverage (and criticism of militarization) it garners annually in the media. I worked at a performing arts camp for a number of summers, and each year we would make the traditional origami paper cranes that represent peace, and have a moment of silence to remember the one (and and sadly not the only) time a nuclear weapon has been used, and on a civilian population to boot. I sincerely hope that we don't have to experience a nuclear conflict ever, but with so many itchy fingers... Incidentally, those American reporters should really stop annoying the President of France on his vacation, and for the love of G-d would the politicians please stop talking about invading Pakistan!?
As I was walking around downtown today I heard a crow, which struck me as odd. How could a crow overpower all the ambulances and traffic? As I looked around I saw a man dressed quite normally with the exception of a large hat, from which sprouted a number of large feathers. He was making bird calls over the traffic, pausing for several seconds between each, and startling the urbanites as they walked past. The really funny thing is that he sounded very realistic. I started to think about what he was doing: It's easy to dismiss him as a nut (and really, odds are he was), but the act of forcibly injecting an incongruously loud "natural" cry over the mechanical and electronic noise of the city made me think about the relationship we have with nature, how it's funny that only through someone's active participation (those us us stuck in the concrete jungle anyway) that we remember it's out there.
I live in a predominantly black neighbourhood, and when I moved here I initially felt very, very apprehensive. In previous city I lived there were very few black people: the majority of times I saw a black person was on TV, and a lot of TV paints black people (particularly black youths) in a very negative light. The population in my city is more than 50% asian, and it was interesting for me to notice that I was more comfortable being the minority there than here. Over the past year I was periodically shocked at the realisation of the depth of my own ignorance about black people and black culture, and the utterly silly stereotypes that were running around in my head. Not to say I'm an expert on black culture by any means, but it's nice to know I've knocked some prejudices into the trash can, and to feel comfortable in my own neighbourhood again. Anyways, I was walking home from the subway the other night and there was this rather large black guy walking in front of me, about 15 yards ahead. He was wearing a uniform of some kind, maybe a postal worker, I'm not sure. It became clear after a while that we were walking the same route to similar destinations, and he was aware of my being there because the street was quiet and he checked over his shoulder a couple of times when he heard me there. I guess I'd been following him for a few minutes when he quickly looked over his shoulder at me, then took off full-tilt running. He ran until he was out of sight, and I couldn't help but think that this was kind of funny: of all the people who would, stereotypically have to be worried about walking in my neighbourhood at night it's the short white guy... and besides, he was about 6'2 and had at least 50 lbs on me.
I guess that's been pretty random, hasn't it? Don't fret, if I remember correctly there's only only one more post from me and then Randomgirl will be back!
-Misha
Today was also the anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, and I didn't realise that until less than an hour ago. I feel like a bit of a jerk for not knowing: It's certainly one of the events that changed how everyone everywhere saw the world and I'm always amazed at the small amount of coverage (and criticism of militarization) it garners annually in the media. I worked at a performing arts camp for a number of summers, and each year we would make the traditional origami paper cranes that represent peace, and have a moment of silence to remember the one (and and sadly not the only) time a nuclear weapon has been used, and on a civilian population to boot. I sincerely hope that we don't have to experience a nuclear conflict ever, but with so many itchy fingers... Incidentally, those American reporters should really stop annoying the President of France on his vacation, and for the love of G-d would the politicians please stop talking about invading Pakistan!?
As I was walking around downtown today I heard a crow, which struck me as odd. How could a crow overpower all the ambulances and traffic? As I looked around I saw a man dressed quite normally with the exception of a large hat, from which sprouted a number of large feathers. He was making bird calls over the traffic, pausing for several seconds between each, and startling the urbanites as they walked past. The really funny thing is that he sounded very realistic. I started to think about what he was doing: It's easy to dismiss him as a nut (and really, odds are he was), but the act of forcibly injecting an incongruously loud "natural" cry over the mechanical and electronic noise of the city made me think about the relationship we have with nature, how it's funny that only through someone's active participation (those us us stuck in the concrete jungle anyway) that we remember it's out there.
I live in a predominantly black neighbourhood, and when I moved here I initially felt very, very apprehensive. In previous city I lived there were very few black people: the majority of times I saw a black person was on TV, and a lot of TV paints black people (particularly black youths) in a very negative light. The population in my city is more than 50% asian, and it was interesting for me to notice that I was more comfortable being the minority there than here. Over the past year I was periodically shocked at the realisation of the depth of my own ignorance about black people and black culture, and the utterly silly stereotypes that were running around in my head. Not to say I'm an expert on black culture by any means, but it's nice to know I've knocked some prejudices into the trash can, and to feel comfortable in my own neighbourhood again. Anyways, I was walking home from the subway the other night and there was this rather large black guy walking in front of me, about 15 yards ahead. He was wearing a uniform of some kind, maybe a postal worker, I'm not sure. It became clear after a while that we were walking the same route to similar destinations, and he was aware of my being there because the street was quiet and he checked over his shoulder a couple of times when he heard me there. I guess I'd been following him for a few minutes when he quickly looked over his shoulder at me, then took off full-tilt running. He ran until he was out of sight, and I couldn't help but think that this was kind of funny: of all the people who would, stereotypically have to be worried about walking in my neighbourhood at night it's the short white guy... and besides, he was about 6'2 and had at least 50 lbs on me.
I guess that's been pretty random, hasn't it? Don't fret, if I remember correctly there's only only one more post from me and then Randomgirl will be back!
-Misha
Friday, August 3, 2007
Weekend Plans
Well, this wraps up my posting on RandomGirl's blog. I have tried to be random. I haven't tried to be a girl. I probably wouldn't be any good at being a girl. On the other hand, I feel that I am very good at being random.
Right, moving on.
Saturday I'm going with three other people to the Gig Harbor Ren Faire. ( http://www.washingtonrenfaire.com/ ) This will be the third year I've gone to this faire.
I'm highly curious to see how the Heir of Heather Alexander is shaping up. Two years ago I knew of the March of Cambreath, but none of Heather's other songs. Two years ago I spotted her name on the list of performers while at Gig Harbor and said "Hey, I should catch a show." I learned there that Heather is a true Bard, and she became one of my favorite musicians. Heather has now moved on, but "The magic never dies..."
I'll be going in garb, and trying for the first time how well wearing a sword that is not a gladius works out. A gladius is a short sword that is carried vertically high on your dominant hand side. It is thus very easy to move around with and almost never gets tangled on things, people, or your own cloak. Most swords, however, are suspended at an angle rather closer to horizontal on one's weak hand side. Hopefully I will not maim anyone, including myself.
Sunday I intend to call a few people and that's about it.
Farewell, good gentles, it has been a pleasure stopping by your fire.
--
And a time for every purpose under Heaven
Gridley, signing off
--
And a time for every purpose under Heaven
Gridley, signing off
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Fanatical, Obsessive, or just Smart?
I ran across this site this morning:
It is a series of quizes about particular movies. I linked in from a Serenity fan site, and was somewhat surprised that I scored above average - after all, the questions seemed pretty easy. So I did half a dozen other movies (Apollo 13, 2 Harry Potters, Office Space, a couple others). Again, above average on each.
Now the question of the day is, do I spend too much time watching movies? Am I an obsessive-compulsive freak with an eye for detail? Or am I just smarter than the average movie goer?
Given the movies that seem to do well and the ones that don't, I'd like to believe the last is true.
--
And a time for every purpose under Heaven
Gridley, signing off
--
And a time for every purpose under Heaven
Gridley, signing off
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Go North, young man!
The arctic's full of oil, gas, and... well, probably not women.
As if Russia didn't have enough semi/un-inhabitable territory already, now they are trying to claim a good chunk of the arctic as an economic zone.
But don't worry, the Canadians and Danes are uniting to hold them back.
I don't know why, but something about this topic fascinates me. Maybe it is the image of bunch of nations squabbling over an ice sheet because it might melt sometime in the next century or three and if it does there might be oil under it. Now, I'm all in favor of taking the long view, but don't the Russians have anything better to do than drop titanium capsules with their flag where no one will ever be able to find them again?
--
And a time for every purpose under Heaven
Gridley, signing off
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