On Sunday, I gave a talk to our local UU group about the importance of fusing spiritual principles and communication practices. In essence, I suggested we need a shift in our cultural thinking, a shift that moves us away from aggressive, combative exchanges that we call "debate" to a more civil, life-affirming style of dialogue. Part of my talk centered on the idea of creating communicative space for differing opinions, for allowing people to have ideas contrary to our own. An essential component of this idea is that we can have differing opinions and nobody is wrong; we might see the world differently, but our prespective is the right one for us. This isn't anything all that original--numerous scholars within communication studies outline different approaches that move us toward a world in which conflict is more productive.
Anyway, immediately following my talk (which went very well), numerous people came up and thanked me for offering some thought-provoking ideas and suggested I need to talk with our lay leader about speaking again in the near future (which I'd love to do). One individual, however, walked up to me and said, "I take issue with much of what you said." And I responded, "That's okay. The world's large enough for many different views and, as I hope I made clear during my talk, my suggestions are just that: suggestions." As the conversation progressed she made it very clear that there wasn't room in our world for multiple views. In fact, she made of point of letting me know I was "wrong" on several points. Given my profession, I'm generally okay with people criticizing my work and engaging in a healthy discussion about weaknesses/strengths of my positions. What was particularly irksome about this instance was the fact that a number of the congregation were waiting to talk to me and this woman insisted on monopolizing all my time. Despite repeated attempts to put the interaction on hold--"I'd love to talk about this further over a cup of coffee or something"--she. just. wouldn't. quit.
It amazes me how people can sit through a talk about creating space for multiple perspectives and then turn around do the exact opposite. Seriously, this audience member listened to my talk for one simple reason: to discover flaws and prepare counter arguments. It's a church setting. Relax a little, eh?
Monday, August 14, 2006
Monday, August 07, 2006
Without Seeing, Speaking, Knowing
Only the man without desire
Sees without seeing,
Speaks without speaking,
Knows without knowing.
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:90
Sees without seeing,
Speaks without speaking,
Knows without knowing.
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:90
Friday, August 04, 2006
Feast
The Feast!
Appetizer--Name an actor or actress you think is totally underappreciated.
I'll offer a few, actually.
Actor: Tony Shalhoub. His portrayal of quirky characters is top notch. I also think the collected work of Rutger Hauer has been overlooked.
Actress: Natalie Portman. Yeah, she sucked in the SW prequels. The magnificent directing of George Lucas sucked the life right out of her. Still, she was most excellent in The Professional, Closer, and Garden State. The Charlies' Angels flicks aside, I think Drew Barrymore is grossly underappreciated. How could you not love her work the Wedding Singer and Never Been Kissed?
Soup--Impress us by using a big word in a sentence.
A good start to examining the field of rhetorical studies would be to trace the body of literature positioning rhetoric as epistemic, hermeneutic, and/or performative.
Salad--What is something inanimate that you've given a name to (such as a pet rock)?
Old car: The Cucumber Wagon
Condo: The Albatross
Main Course--What color would best represent your personality and why?
On many days, I'm a green. Green is very life affirming and supportive; I'd like to think I embody those ideas. On other days, I'm definitely more of a black. There's a nasty side to me that sneaks out now and again.
Dessert--Fill in the blanks: ____________ is so ____________.
As I've said before, the new Gap commercial is so damn cool.
Appetizer--Name an actor or actress you think is totally underappreciated.
I'll offer a few, actually.
Actor: Tony Shalhoub. His portrayal of quirky characters is top notch. I also think the collected work of Rutger Hauer has been overlooked.
Actress: Natalie Portman. Yeah, she sucked in the SW prequels. The magnificent directing of George Lucas sucked the life right out of her. Still, she was most excellent in The Professional, Closer, and Garden State. The Charlies' Angels flicks aside, I think Drew Barrymore is grossly underappreciated. How could you not love her work the Wedding Singer and Never Been Kissed?
Soup--Impress us by using a big word in a sentence.
A good start to examining the field of rhetorical studies would be to trace the body of literature positioning rhetoric as epistemic, hermeneutic, and/or performative.
Salad--What is something inanimate that you've given a name to (such as a pet rock)?
Old car: The Cucumber Wagon
Condo: The Albatross
Main Course--What color would best represent your personality and why?
On many days, I'm a green. Green is very life affirming and supportive; I'd like to think I embody those ideas. On other days, I'm definitely more of a black. There's a nasty side to me that sneaks out now and again.
Dessert--Fill in the blanks: ____________ is so ____________.
As I've said before, the new Gap commercial is so damn cool.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Popculturemania
As long as I'm on a pop culture kick . . .
From the WTF Department: Shower Shock Soap!
Added to my toy Wish List: diecast Battlestar Galactica and Viper Mark II.
Can't wait to read Straight edge: Clean-living youth, hardcore punk, and social change by Ross Haenfler. I knew Ross during graduate school and even guest lectured in his spectacular subcultures class.
If you're not watching Who Wants to be a Superhero you should be. Hysterical stuff. Tonight, our heroes had to race through a yard guarded by trained attack dogs. Yes, they wore protective gear. Monkey Woman took almost 10 minutes to reach the final objective, the dogs biting, attacking, shaking her the entire time. Impressive.
The Cubs still suck. Wait til next year!
From the WTF Department: Shower Shock Soap!
Added to my toy Wish List: diecast Battlestar Galactica and Viper Mark II.
Can't wait to read Straight edge: Clean-living youth, hardcore punk, and social change by Ross Haenfler. I knew Ross during graduate school and even guest lectured in his spectacular subcultures class.
If you're not watching Who Wants to be a Superhero you should be. Hysterical stuff. Tonight, our heroes had to race through a yard guarded by trained attack dogs. Yes, they wore protective gear. Monkey Woman took almost 10 minutes to reach the final objective, the dogs biting, attacking, shaking her the entire time. Impressive.
The Cubs still suck. Wait til next year!
Do Ya
I am absolutely obsessed with the new Jean Scene commercial for TheGap.com jeans. The music, the dancing, the animation, the morphing clothes all work for me. I bet I've played this thing 25 times. In fact, I even went to the website to check out some of the styles for myself. Check out the ad and tell me it doesn't catch your attention.
Jean Scene
One of the things I really like is the clash/fusion between the old and the new. The 70s style animation + contemporary fashion trends = hip new look. I also like the message: use our product as a palette and create a look that's your own. It's an interesting example of how syntagmatic and paradigmatic meanings work simultaneously to create a new meaning. I'll spare everyone a dissertation on structuralism.
Gap also gets props for incorporating the rock-a-billy woman.
Jean Scene
One of the things I really like is the clash/fusion between the old and the new. The 70s style animation + contemporary fashion trends = hip new look. I also like the message: use our product as a palette and create a look that's your own. It's an interesting example of how syntagmatic and paradigmatic meanings work simultaneously to create a new meaning. I'll spare everyone a dissertation on structuralism.
Gap also gets props for incorporating the rock-a-billy woman.
Coffee Geek
I saw this meme on a message board and couldn't pass it up.
1. Decaf or Caff?
Caffeinated, of course. Drinking decaf is like smoking without inhaling; what's the point?
2. How many cups a day?
12 cups. I have four in the morning, four in the early afternoon, and four between 9 PM and midnight. No, it doesn't keep me awake.
3. What do you put in your coffee?
A splash of half and half in the morning, a splash of soy creamer the rest of the day.
4. What do you like to eat with your coffee?
A good bagel with my morning coffee is a simple pleasure. The rest of the day, I don't eat anything with my coffee.
5. Do you drink it because you like the flavor or because you need the stimulant?
I LOVE the taste of coffee. The stimulant side effect, which really only lasts for about 20 minutes, is just icing on the cake.
6. What is your favorite brand/kind of coffee.
Kaladi Bros, without a doubt. I prefer the Trieste and Puravida blends, but the Sulawesi Toraja White Eagle is also divine. Dazbog has some good roasts, too, particularly the White Nights Espresso. Caribou Coffee is a distant third.
1. Decaf or Caff?
Caffeinated, of course. Drinking decaf is like smoking without inhaling; what's the point?
2. How many cups a day?
12 cups. I have four in the morning, four in the early afternoon, and four between 9 PM and midnight. No, it doesn't keep me awake.
3. What do you put in your coffee?
A splash of half and half in the morning, a splash of soy creamer the rest of the day.
4. What do you like to eat with your coffee?
A good bagel with my morning coffee is a simple pleasure. The rest of the day, I don't eat anything with my coffee.
5. Do you drink it because you like the flavor or because you need the stimulant?
I LOVE the taste of coffee. The stimulant side effect, which really only lasts for about 20 minutes, is just icing on the cake.
6. What is your favorite brand/kind of coffee.
Kaladi Bros, without a doubt. I prefer the Trieste and Puravida blends, but the Sulawesi Toraja White Eagle is also divine. Dazbog has some good roasts, too, particularly the White Nights Espresso. Caribou Coffee is a distant third.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Run Forrest Run
The results are in from the 15k and not only did I finish, I finished in far better shape than I would have ever imagined. Waking up at 5:45 AM is never easy for me, but I managed to drag my sleepy head out of bed and into my fluorescent running shoes.
One of the biggest obstacles when running is my inability to eat or drink without inducing horrible stomach cramps. In fact, I typically can't eat or drink anything for two hours before I run, not to mention during. For a nearly ten mile race, this posed something of a problem. After a few weeks trial and error, I discovered a breakfast of champions that could be consumed 1.5 hours before running without ill effect: 8 oz banana soy protein smoothie, quarter cup of honey nut toasty o's, and a handful of raisins. It's not a lot, but it works.
Stretched and ready to go by 6:45, STK, TLO, and I walked down to T's apartment. With T and I ready to run the race, we arrived at the starting line. While T dressed in a matching orange shirt and hat ensemble, I opted for my traditional running attire: shoes, running shorts, and sunglasses. I like to think by running sans shirt that I distract all the other runners with my pierced nipples and navel--the five tattoos probably help, too. I felt a little nervous right before the start. I'm not sure exactly how I did it--it may have been a little stumble going down a short flight of stairs--but I tweaked my ankle three days before the race. Despite my attempts at accelerated healing (arnica/birch oil, ice, tiger balm, wrap), my ankle proved more than little tender on Saturday morning. Once the race began, I put the ankle pain in the back of my mind and simply ran. After about a 1k warm up, I kicked into a comfortable and sustainable pace.
Without going into all the details of the race, I did extremely well on the hilly stretches never letting my pace dip. The significant flat sections were for cruise control. The numerous water stations provided an opportunity to splash a cup over my head--I didn't drink a drop. Stomach cramps, remember?! I resisted the temptation to glance at my watch and ran, ran, ran.
As I started down the last 2k, I felt awesome; my muscles were a little fatigued, but I wasn't straining for breath. I knew I'd had a great personal run, the best run in several weeks. When I crossed the finish line in 1:12, I surprised even myself. That's roughly a 7:30 minute/mile. In fact, I told STK not to even bother being at the finish line until 1:20. She and TLO missed my finish. Heh. I finished 44th overall and 4th in the 30-39 age group. Not bad for my first race, eh? Next year, I'm pushing for a 7:00 minute/mile pace.
Epilogue: My ankle has been a mess since Saturday morning. Two days of relative inactivity, and it's still screaming with almost every step. The only logical solution is to go out for 10K run tomorrow AM. Seriously. Would you believe I'm thinking of running a half marathon in a month? I figure I'm already in 10 mile shape. How hard could it be to add another 3 miles? If I cut back my pace a little, I could probably run 13 miles without any problem. T and STK think I'm nuts. Bah!
One of the biggest obstacles when running is my inability to eat or drink without inducing horrible stomach cramps. In fact, I typically can't eat or drink anything for two hours before I run, not to mention during. For a nearly ten mile race, this posed something of a problem. After a few weeks trial and error, I discovered a breakfast of champions that could be consumed 1.5 hours before running without ill effect: 8 oz banana soy protein smoothie, quarter cup of honey nut toasty o's, and a handful of raisins. It's not a lot, but it works.
Stretched and ready to go by 6:45, STK, TLO, and I walked down to T's apartment. With T and I ready to run the race, we arrived at the starting line. While T dressed in a matching orange shirt and hat ensemble, I opted for my traditional running attire: shoes, running shorts, and sunglasses. I like to think by running sans shirt that I distract all the other runners with my pierced nipples and navel--the five tattoos probably help, too. I felt a little nervous right before the start. I'm not sure exactly how I did it--it may have been a little stumble going down a short flight of stairs--but I tweaked my ankle three days before the race. Despite my attempts at accelerated healing (arnica/birch oil, ice, tiger balm, wrap), my ankle proved more than little tender on Saturday morning. Once the race began, I put the ankle pain in the back of my mind and simply ran. After about a 1k warm up, I kicked into a comfortable and sustainable pace.
Without going into all the details of the race, I did extremely well on the hilly stretches never letting my pace dip. The significant flat sections were for cruise control. The numerous water stations provided an opportunity to splash a cup over my head--I didn't drink a drop. Stomach cramps, remember?! I resisted the temptation to glance at my watch and ran, ran, ran.
As I started down the last 2k, I felt awesome; my muscles were a little fatigued, but I wasn't straining for breath. I knew I'd had a great personal run, the best run in several weeks. When I crossed the finish line in 1:12, I surprised even myself. That's roughly a 7:30 minute/mile. In fact, I told STK not to even bother being at the finish line until 1:20. She and TLO missed my finish. Heh. I finished 44th overall and 4th in the 30-39 age group. Not bad for my first race, eh? Next year, I'm pushing for a 7:00 minute/mile pace.
Epilogue: My ankle has been a mess since Saturday morning. Two days of relative inactivity, and it's still screaming with almost every step. The only logical solution is to go out for 10K run tomorrow AM. Seriously. Would you believe I'm thinking of running a half marathon in a month? I figure I'm already in 10 mile shape. How hard could it be to add another 3 miles? If I cut back my pace a little, I could probably run 13 miles without any problem. T and STK think I'm nuts. Bah!
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Actions, Speech, and Thought
The source of all good, evil, weal and harm lies with actions, speech and thoughts. Did you bring your actions, speech and thoughts with you today? Or have you left them at home? This is where you must look, right here. You don't have to look very far away. Look at your actions, speech and thoughts.
-Ajahn Chah, "Living Dharma"
-Ajahn Chah, "Living Dharma"
Monday, July 24, 2006
On the Run
Today was one of those mundane, yet very gratifying, days. While it doesn't feel like I accomplished much, I did. The day started with a 6 AM wake up call *cringe*; T and I met at 7 AM to run a practice 15k in advance of Saturday's real deal race. The run, which takes participants through our small midwest town, over the river and through the woods (literally), across several spring fed brooks, and up and down the local limestone bluffs, is absolutely beautiful. It's a nice combination of road running and trail running. The run went well and I know I'll have no problem finishing the race in a reasonable amount of time. I'm shooting for 90 minutes but really shouldn't have too many difficulties finishing closer to 80. Results will be posted!
Returning home around 9 AM to a quiet house--STK and TLO had already been up, eaten breakfast, and retired for the morning nap--I showered, ate a bagel, sipped some coffee, and caught up on world events (a more depressing exercise than usual these days). Feeling the fatigue of the run, I crawled back into bed around 10:30 and promptely fell asleep until 1:45 PM.*
After a quick lunch of yogurt, fruit, and Cocoa Roos, I set about completing several household tasks.
*Boxes/lids tied together and stored in garage rafters.
*Boxes delivered to T; cardboard recycling deposited.
*Boxes carried to basement.
*Garage re-arranged. Both cars now fit. w00t!
*Office television wired through stereo amplifier.
*Dog bathed and brushed.**
*Bathtub scrubbed.
*Litter boxes emptied.
*All garbage collected, bagged, and taken to curb.
*Lecture notes/discussion questions crafted.
At around 8 PM, STK and I finally put a halt to our activities (she'd been dusting, vacuuming, and generally cleaning while I was out in the garage--how gendered of us, eh?) and sat down to eat dinner and watch The 4400 and The Dead Zone.
The house is quiet again--STK and TLO are sound asleep. Time for me to join them.
*Very unusual for me. I'm not the long napping type. I've gotten better at it since TLO arrived on the scene.
**Did he ever need it. I scrubbed and brushed clump, after clump, after clump of hair from his itchy body. This is a lab, mind you, so there really isn't a ton of hair to begin with.
Returning home around 9 AM to a quiet house--STK and TLO had already been up, eaten breakfast, and retired for the morning nap--I showered, ate a bagel, sipped some coffee, and caught up on world events (a more depressing exercise than usual these days). Feeling the fatigue of the run, I crawled back into bed around 10:30 and promptely fell asleep until 1:45 PM.*
After a quick lunch of yogurt, fruit, and Cocoa Roos, I set about completing several household tasks.
*Boxes/lids tied together and stored in garage rafters.
*Boxes delivered to T; cardboard recycling deposited.
*Boxes carried to basement.
*Garage re-arranged. Both cars now fit. w00t!
*Office television wired through stereo amplifier.
*Dog bathed and brushed.**
*Bathtub scrubbed.
*Litter boxes emptied.
*All garbage collected, bagged, and taken to curb.
*Lecture notes/discussion questions crafted.
At around 8 PM, STK and I finally put a halt to our activities (she'd been dusting, vacuuming, and generally cleaning while I was out in the garage--how gendered of us, eh?) and sat down to eat dinner and watch The 4400 and The Dead Zone.
The house is quiet again--STK and TLO are sound asleep. Time for me to join them.
*Very unusual for me. I'm not the long napping type. I've gotten better at it since TLO arrived on the scene.
**Did he ever need it. I scrubbed and brushed clump, after clump, after clump of hair from his itchy body. This is a lab, mind you, so there really isn't a ton of hair to begin with.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Feast-o-rama
The Feast.
Appetizer--Fill in the blanks: I ____________ when I _____________.
I gag when I try to eat pudding.
I'm really not sure what that's about. I like the taste of most puddings but can't handle the consistency.
Soup--Name something you use to make your home smell good.
Nag Champa incense.
Salad--If you could receive a coupon in the mail for 50% off any product, what would you want it to be for?
I'd really like a coupon for World Market so I can buy this bookcase for our new house. Actually, I'd love two of these bookcases.
Main Course--Besides sleeping, what do you spend the majority of the hours of your typical day doing?
Teaching. I'll spend most of tomorrow, Saturday, taking care of the little one.
Dessert--What can you hear right now while answering these questions?
Dryer. Computer fan. Keyboard. Crickets out in the lawn.
Appetizer--Fill in the blanks: I ____________ when I _____________.
I gag when I try to eat pudding.
I'm really not sure what that's about. I like the taste of most puddings but can't handle the consistency.
Soup--Name something you use to make your home smell good.
Nag Champa incense.
Salad--If you could receive a coupon in the mail for 50% off any product, what would you want it to be for?
I'd really like a coupon for World Market so I can buy this bookcase for our new house. Actually, I'd love two of these bookcases.
Main Course--Besides sleeping, what do you spend the majority of the hours of your typical day doing?
Teaching. I'll spend most of tomorrow, Saturday, taking care of the little one.
Dessert--What can you hear right now while answering these questions?
Dryer. Computer fan. Keyboard. Crickets out in the lawn.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Popculturemania
T offer at Chickeny Goodness offers up a pop culture challenge. If you've seen three or more episodes, bold the show.
24
7th Heaven
Adam-12
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Alias
Animaniacs
Angel
Arrested Development
Batman: The Animated Series
Battlestar Galactica
Baywatch
Beverly Hills 90210
Bonanza
Boy Meets World
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Bug Juice
Chappelle’s Show
Charlie’s Angels
Charmed
Cheers
Columbo
Commander in Chief
Coupling
Cowboy Bebop
CSI: Miami
CSI: NY
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Danny Phantom
Dawson’s Creek
Dead Like Me
Deadwood
Degrassi: The Next Generation
Desperate Housewives
Doctor Who
Entourage
ER
Everwood
Family Guy
Farscape
Father Ted
Fawlty Towers
Felicity
Firefly
Frasier
Friends
Futurama
Get Smart
Gilligan’s Island
Gilmore Girls
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Grey’s Anatomy
Gunsmoke
Hannah Montana
Happy Days
Hogan’s Heroes
Home Improvement
Homicide: Life on the Street
House
I Dream of Jeannie
I Love Lucy
Inuyasha
Invader Zim
Invasion
JAG
Jackass
Joey
Justice League
Justice League Unlimited
Little House on the Prairie
Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
Lost
Lost in Space
Love, American Style
M*A*S*H
MacGyver
Malcolm in the Middle
Married… With Children
Melrose Place
Miami Vice
Mission: Impossible
Monk
Monty Python's Flying Circus
My Three Sons
My Two Dads
NCIS
Nip/Tuck
Numb3rs
One Tree Hill
Oz
Perry Mason
Pokemon
Power Rangers
Prison Break
Rescue Me
Roseanne
Roswell
Saved by the Bell
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?
Scrubs
Seinfeld
Sex and the City
Six Feet Under
Smallville
So Weird
South Park
Spongebob Squarepants
Star Trek
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Voyager
Star Trek: Enterprise
Stargate Atlantis
Stargate SG-1
Superman
Supernatural
Surface
Taxi
Teen Titans
That 70’s Show
That’s So Raven
The 4400
The Addams Family
The Andy Griffith Show
The A-Team
The Avengers
The Beverly Hillbillies
The Brady Bunch
The Cosby Show
The Daily Show
The Dead Zone
The Flintstones
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The Greatest American Hero
The Honeymooners
The Jetsons
The Love Boat
The Munsters
The O.C.
The Office
The Shield
The Simpsons
The Six Million Dollar Man
The Sopranos
The Suite Life of Zack and Cody
The Twilight Zone
The Waltons
The West Wing
The Wonder Years
The X-Files
Third Watch
Three’s Company
Twin Peaks
Veronica Mars
Whose Line is it Anyway?
Will and Grace
Wings
24
7th Heaven
Adam-12
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Alias
Animaniacs
Angel
Arrested Development
Batman: The Animated Series
Battlestar Galactica
Baywatch
Beverly Hills 90210
Bonanza
Boy Meets World
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Bug Juice
Chappelle’s Show
Charlie’s Angels
Charmed
Cheers
Columbo
Commander in Chief
Coupling
Cowboy Bebop
CSI: Miami
CSI: NY
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Danny Phantom
Dawson’s Creek
Dead Like Me
Deadwood
Degrassi: The Next Generation
Desperate Housewives
Doctor Who
Entourage
ER
Everwood
Family Guy
Farscape
Father Ted
Fawlty Towers
Felicity
Firefly
Frasier
Friends
Futurama
Get Smart
Gilligan’s Island
Gilmore Girls
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Grey’s Anatomy
Gunsmoke
Hannah Montana
Happy Days
Hogan’s Heroes
Home Improvement
Homicide: Life on the Street
House
I Dream of Jeannie
I Love Lucy
Inuyasha
Invader Zim
Invasion
JAG
Jackass
Joey
Justice League
Justice League Unlimited
Little House on the Prairie
Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
Lost
Lost in Space
Love, American Style
M*A*S*H
MacGyver
Malcolm in the Middle
Married… With Children
Melrose Place
Miami Vice
Mission: Impossible
Monk
Monty Python's Flying Circus
My Three Sons
My Two Dads
NCIS
Nip/Tuck
Numb3rs
One Tree Hill
Oz
Perry Mason
Pokemon
Power Rangers
Prison Break
Rescue Me
Roseanne
Roswell
Saved by the Bell
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?
Scrubs
Seinfeld
Sex and the City
Six Feet Under
Smallville
So Weird
South Park
Spongebob Squarepants
Star Trek
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Voyager
Star Trek: Enterprise
Stargate Atlantis
Stargate SG-1
Superman
Supernatural
Surface
Taxi
Teen Titans
That 70’s Show
That’s So Raven
The 4400
The Addams Family
The Andy Griffith Show
The A-Team
The Avengers
The Beverly Hillbillies
The Brady Bunch
The Cosby Show
The Daily Show
The Dead Zone
The Flintstones
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The Greatest American Hero
The Honeymooners
The Jetsons
The Love Boat
The Munsters
The O.C.
The Office
The Shield
The Simpsons
The Six Million Dollar Man
The Sopranos
The Suite Life of Zack and Cody
The Twilight Zone
The Waltons
The West Wing
The Wonder Years
The X-Files
Third Watch
Three’s Company
Twin Peaks
Veronica Mars
Whose Line is it Anyway?
Will and Grace
Wings
Divine Attire?
When I was younger and still under the oppressive regime of my parents (they used to refer to it as a "loving dictatorship"), my mother and I argued on a regular basis over what constitutes appropriate church dress. It always went something like this.
Mom: Go get dressed for Sunday school and church.
Me: ::groan:: Okay.
Mom: Your nice clothes, please. No jeans.
Me: Why do I have to get dressed up? God doesn't care how I'm dressed. Isn't the point that I'm there?
Mom: We dress up for church. Move.
Me: Why? Why can't I wear jeans?
Mom: Because no child of mine is going to be seen in church wearing jeans. Move. Now.
I'd inevitably stomp upstairs and change into my Sunday polyester finest. It was the 70s, after all.
Years later, as an adult, I carried on the tradition of dressing up for Sunday morning worship. I didn't go all out, typically, but went more for a snappy casual look (dockers, collared shirt, dress shoes). While it wasn't a conscious decision, I carried on the family tradition of paying reverance via my wardrobe.
When I left the fold of organized worship services, a practice that continued for the better part of seven years, I didn't give the topic much thought. During the ocassional full moon ceremony or meditation session, I wore whatever I had on at the time. Believe it or not, I didn't feel the least bit less spiritual.
Jeff's post over at Philosophy Over Coffee, coupled with my casual dress at a worship service this past weekend, got me thinking about the relationship between dress and spirituality. Since moving to the Midwest, STK, TLO, and I have been attending the local Unitarian Universalist group. It's a small group of folk, without a full-time reverend/minister/pastor, who meet every other week at a local community center. As it was unbearably hot on Sunday, I went to the service in my Sunday finest: olive drab army shorts, a white t-shirt, and combat boots. STK also dressed very casually. While we were probably the most casually dressed in the bunch, nobody batted an eye. Nobody cared. For me, there really isn't a link between dress and spirituality. As my conception of a higher power isn't a sentient entity, there's no judging from on high. The only critique of my apparel comes from me, STK, or those we encounter.
I will admit this: when I present the "sermon" to the UU group in August, I probably won't be wearing combat boots and army shorts. Instead, I'll probably go with the snappy casual look. While I don't think there's a link between dress and spirituality, I do think there's a link between dress and credibility. If I want to be taken seriously as a competent speaker, I need to appear professional. So, professory dress it is when I'm speaking in an offical capacity. When I'm in member of the congregation mode, just about anything goes.
Mom: Go get dressed for Sunday school and church.
Me: ::groan:: Okay.
Mom: Your nice clothes, please. No jeans.
Me: Why do I have to get dressed up? God doesn't care how I'm dressed. Isn't the point that I'm there?
Mom: We dress up for church. Move.
Me: Why? Why can't I wear jeans?
Mom: Because no child of mine is going to be seen in church wearing jeans. Move. Now.
I'd inevitably stomp upstairs and change into my Sunday polyester finest. It was the 70s, after all.
Years later, as an adult, I carried on the tradition of dressing up for Sunday morning worship. I didn't go all out, typically, but went more for a snappy casual look (dockers, collared shirt, dress shoes). While it wasn't a conscious decision, I carried on the family tradition of paying reverance via my wardrobe.
When I left the fold of organized worship services, a practice that continued for the better part of seven years, I didn't give the topic much thought. During the ocassional full moon ceremony or meditation session, I wore whatever I had on at the time. Believe it or not, I didn't feel the least bit less spiritual.
Jeff's post over at Philosophy Over Coffee, coupled with my casual dress at a worship service this past weekend, got me thinking about the relationship between dress and spirituality. Since moving to the Midwest, STK, TLO, and I have been attending the local Unitarian Universalist group. It's a small group of folk, without a full-time reverend/minister/pastor, who meet every other week at a local community center. As it was unbearably hot on Sunday, I went to the service in my Sunday finest: olive drab army shorts, a white t-shirt, and combat boots. STK also dressed very casually. While we were probably the most casually dressed in the bunch, nobody batted an eye. Nobody cared. For me, there really isn't a link between dress and spirituality. As my conception of a higher power isn't a sentient entity, there's no judging from on high. The only critique of my apparel comes from me, STK, or those we encounter.
I will admit this: when I present the "sermon" to the UU group in August, I probably won't be wearing combat boots and army shorts. Instead, I'll probably go with the snappy casual look. While I don't think there's a link between dress and spirituality, I do think there's a link between dress and credibility. If I want to be taken seriously as a competent speaker, I need to appear professional. So, professory dress it is when I'm speaking in an offical capacity. When I'm in member of the congregation mode, just about anything goes.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Leftovers
I missed The Feast last week so here it is!
Appetizer--Name one thing nice that you could do for someone else today.
I could pick up someone's errant attempt to throw their McDonald's refuse in the trash can. And I did.
Soup--When was the last time you were frightened by the weather?
Driving back to Colorado in late May and encountering a wicked thunderstorm. The rain/hail was so intense I couldn't see more than a few feet in front of the car; the lightning and thunder were absolutely non-stop. I kept thinking to myself, "There could be a tornado bearing down on us and we'd never see or hear it coming." Did I mention this was in the middle of the night?
Salad--What would you say is the most useful website or blog that you visit?
My own blog, of course. I use this site to link with all my other favorite blogs.
Main Course--Who was your favorite singer/group when you were a child?
As embarrassing as it might be, I loved the Captain and Tennille. I bet my sister and I played Song of Joy on our console stereo 1000+ times. Hurry on down to the butterscotch castle . . .
Dessert--Do you have any rituals? If so, what are they?
I have tons of rituals. For example, I eat one of three things for lunch every single day. This never varies. Never. If I'm going to be at work during lunch, I almost always bring a sack lunch.
Lunch One: yogurt w/grapenuts & raisins, fruit (banana, pear, or Granny Smith), and dry cereal (Crunchberry).
Lunch Two: Protein bar, fruit, dry cereal.
Lunch Three: Peanut butter & honey sandwich, fruit, dry cereal.
When I travel and my lunch routine gets disrupted, I actually get relatively stressed out about it.
Appetizer--Name one thing nice that you could do for someone else today.
I could pick up someone's errant attempt to throw their McDonald's refuse in the trash can. And I did.
Soup--When was the last time you were frightened by the weather?
Driving back to Colorado in late May and encountering a wicked thunderstorm. The rain/hail was so intense I couldn't see more than a few feet in front of the car; the lightning and thunder were absolutely non-stop. I kept thinking to myself, "There could be a tornado bearing down on us and we'd never see or hear it coming." Did I mention this was in the middle of the night?
Salad--What would you say is the most useful website or blog that you visit?
My own blog, of course. I use this site to link with all my other favorite blogs.
Main Course--Who was your favorite singer/group when you were a child?
As embarrassing as it might be, I loved the Captain and Tennille. I bet my sister and I played Song of Joy on our console stereo 1000+ times. Hurry on down to the butterscotch castle . . .
Dessert--Do you have any rituals? If so, what are they?
I have tons of rituals. For example, I eat one of three things for lunch every single day. This never varies. Never. If I'm going to be at work during lunch, I almost always bring a sack lunch.
Lunch One: yogurt w/grapenuts & raisins, fruit (banana, pear, or Granny Smith), and dry cereal (Crunchberry).
Lunch Two: Protein bar, fruit, dry cereal.
Lunch Three: Peanut butter & honey sandwich, fruit, dry cereal.
When I travel and my lunch routine gets disrupted, I actually get relatively stressed out about it.
Friday, July 14, 2006
What a Boar
I saw video clips of Curious George Obsesses Over a Pig on The Daily Show. I am embarrassed beyond belief that this man is the President of our nation. The Middle East is in turmoil and Curious George is thinking with his stomach. Ugh.
For what it's worth, I find The Colbert Report far more amusing than The Daily Show.
For what it's worth, I find The Colbert Report far more amusing than The Daily Show.
The Big Dig
TLO and I spent the morning watching an excavator rip buckets of dirt from our front lawn. Actually, we spent five minutes watching an excavator tear up the front lawn and then turned our attention to more pressing matters: a morning nap. Why was the excavator chomping bites of sod and loam from the front lawn? A simple plumbing replacement--the main shut off valve in the house had a slight leak--turned into a much bigger problem: a faulty exterior shut off valve between the water main and the interior of the house. The only way to reach the faulty part, unfortunately, was to dig down about 10 feet. Although a section of the lawn will probably need significant care over the next couple years to make a full recovery, the sidewalk and limestone wall escaped damage. Thank goodness for small things, I guess.
Never in a million years did I imagine I'd be posting to my blog about home repairs/improvements. Exciting stuff, eh? Did I mention I bought a shovel and heavy duty rake? I needed something to move around all that shifted dirt. Fun times.
Stay tuned for my weekend adventures mowing and weeding!
Never in a million years did I imagine I'd be posting to my blog about home repairs/improvements. Exciting stuff, eh? Did I mention I bought a shovel and heavy duty rake? I needed something to move around all that shifted dirt. Fun times.
Stay tuned for my weekend adventures mowing and weeding!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Livewired!
Much to my surprise (read: I was still in bed), an expert from Small Town Electric arrived at our door around 8:30 AM this morning to run the new internet cable. After scoping the situation for 15 minutes or so, he came to the conclusion that running the cable through an interior wall would be next to impossible. The only real option was to run the cable underneath the vinyl siding of the house and enter the office through an old cable outlet. He did an admirable job snaking the cable around a couple corners and managed to make it all the way to the other side of the house with only a tiny bit--maybe an inch--visible at one particularly tricky obstacle. The exterior integrity of the house remains unchanged, we have hardwired cable access in the office, and the crowd goes wild. I believe a trip to the local Radio Shack may be in order. I have a media center set up in the office for cueing video tapes, reviewing DVDs, and the like for school. If a cable signal splitter doesn't degrade the signal too much, I may run cable to the television.
I managed to put together a good portion of the office/library/den tonight. STK's laptop is up to speed and I only have a couple more boxes to unpack. Framed movie and comic book posters will likely be hung tomorrow night. We're making progress, people!
I managed to put together a good portion of the office/library/den tonight. STK's laptop is up to speed and I only have a couple more boxes to unpack. Framed movie and comic book posters will likely be hung tomorrow night. We're making progress, people!
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Moved!
Tired muscles and miscellaneous bumps and bruises aside, the recent move went amazingly well. All the major boxes were moved by the time friends and family arrived on a week ago Saturday for the furniture & appliance transfer. With two pickups, a minivan, and the Element, we had everything moved in right around four hours. I don't think STK and I have been to bed earlier than 2 AM since moving--way too many boxes to unpack and arts to hang. Eight days later and we're making significant progress. Few boxes remain in most of the rooms (kitchen, dining room, bedrooms). The den/office, however, is another matter.
Given the media/cable installation problem encountered a couple weeks back, I should have anticipated more trouble. I had in inkling there might be trouble, truth be told, but I decided to let it slide. As it turns out, the only way the cable guy could install high speed internet in the office was to drill a hole straight through the siding and into the room. Call me a crazy homeowner, but the idea of ruining the structural integrity of the house doesn't float my boat. If I was a renter, I wanted care one way or another. So, I called a recommended electrical company and they should be out to fish some high speed cable through an interior wall later in the week. Yes, it's a bit more expensive than having someone drill straight through an exterior wall. Since we plan on staying here a good long while, I'm willing to fork out the cash for someone to do it proper. I'm sure some will ask, "Why not do it yourself?" In my defense, I did fish a new cable connection through an interior wall to a first floor outlet. This installation, however, requires some maneuvering through a crawl space and up to the second floor. That's a bit too complicated for my home improvement skills.* And I'm not too thrilled about the prospect of worming my way through a cramped, damp, and icky crawl space, either. Anyway, several other rooms in the house are wired for high speed internet and I managed to find an old 50 foot ethernet cable packed away in my tech gear. For now, the ethernet cable leads from the master bedroom, down the hall, and to the office router . We have internet for both our computers but it's not very aesthetically pleasing. Waiting for the installation means we can't really fully unpack all my office boxes. Putting all the files back in my desk, not to mention the books, action figures, and statues that typically adorn the top, will make moving the desk a nightmare (the desk will need to be moved in order to install the cable outlet thingy). Once the new jack is installed, the desk will be place in permanent position and the remaining boxes will be emptied. For now, we're dealing with organized office chaos.
As for the place itself? We love it. TLO loves flying across the carpeted floors. Having dealt with hardwood floors for the better part of the year, the dogs are also in carpet heaven. A rug throughout the house makes for some great nappin' space. I'll post pictures, as promised, once have we all the artwork in place.
----
Did I mention STK landed another job? A local business that works with special needs folks asked her to put together a summer art program for the five weeks remaining of her summer. If things go well, the summer art program will become a regular thing. As it's only two hours a day, it's the perfect summer job. Of course, this also means that TLO has started attending daycare for two hours a day. Two hours is a good transition for the school year when he'll be attending for anywhere from 3-6 hours. So far, he seems to like it.
----
We attended the local county fair last week and gorged ourselves on funnel cake, caramel popcorn, and root beer floats. TLO is a big fan of caramel popcorn. I couldn't give him pieces fast enough. The livestock barns were the highlight of the fair. Having grown up in agricultural communities, I take dairy cattle, sheep, swine, etc for granted, I guess. I had friends who raised horses, cattle, and sheep--maybe even a bunny or two. STK, on the other hand, had never experienced livestock in close proximity. T, STK, TLO, and I spend an hour wandering around, looking at the various animals, and talking to the various animal caretakers. The vegetarian in me wanted to return under the cover of darkness and free my four-legged brothers and sisters. Freedom!
----
*I've already installed two new exterior doorknobs and have plans to do some major landscaping in the next few weeks. Just how I wanted to spend my summer! I never thought I'd say this, but all those summers working as an indentured servant on my father's construction/remodelling crew set me up with some pretty wicked handyman skills.
Given the media/cable installation problem encountered a couple weeks back, I should have anticipated more trouble. I had in inkling there might be trouble, truth be told, but I decided to let it slide. As it turns out, the only way the cable guy could install high speed internet in the office was to drill a hole straight through the siding and into the room. Call me a crazy homeowner, but the idea of ruining the structural integrity of the house doesn't float my boat. If I was a renter, I wanted care one way or another. So, I called a recommended electrical company and they should be out to fish some high speed cable through an interior wall later in the week. Yes, it's a bit more expensive than having someone drill straight through an exterior wall. Since we plan on staying here a good long while, I'm willing to fork out the cash for someone to do it proper. I'm sure some will ask, "Why not do it yourself?" In my defense, I did fish a new cable connection through an interior wall to a first floor outlet. This installation, however, requires some maneuvering through a crawl space and up to the second floor. That's a bit too complicated for my home improvement skills.* And I'm not too thrilled about the prospect of worming my way through a cramped, damp, and icky crawl space, either. Anyway, several other rooms in the house are wired for high speed internet and I managed to find an old 50 foot ethernet cable packed away in my tech gear. For now, the ethernet cable leads from the master bedroom, down the hall, and to the office router . We have internet for both our computers but it's not very aesthetically pleasing. Waiting for the installation means we can't really fully unpack all my office boxes. Putting all the files back in my desk, not to mention the books, action figures, and statues that typically adorn the top, will make moving the desk a nightmare (the desk will need to be moved in order to install the cable outlet thingy). Once the new jack is installed, the desk will be place in permanent position and the remaining boxes will be emptied. For now, we're dealing with organized office chaos.
As for the place itself? We love it. TLO loves flying across the carpeted floors. Having dealt with hardwood floors for the better part of the year, the dogs are also in carpet heaven. A rug throughout the house makes for some great nappin' space. I'll post pictures, as promised, once have we all the artwork in place.
----
Did I mention STK landed another job? A local business that works with special needs folks asked her to put together a summer art program for the five weeks remaining of her summer. If things go well, the summer art program will become a regular thing. As it's only two hours a day, it's the perfect summer job. Of course, this also means that TLO has started attending daycare for two hours a day. Two hours is a good transition for the school year when he'll be attending for anywhere from 3-6 hours. So far, he seems to like it.
----
We attended the local county fair last week and gorged ourselves on funnel cake, caramel popcorn, and root beer floats. TLO is a big fan of caramel popcorn. I couldn't give him pieces fast enough. The livestock barns were the highlight of the fair. Having grown up in agricultural communities, I take dairy cattle, sheep, swine, etc for granted, I guess. I had friends who raised horses, cattle, and sheep--maybe even a bunny or two. STK, on the other hand, had never experienced livestock in close proximity. T, STK, TLO, and I spend an hour wandering around, looking at the various animals, and talking to the various animal caretakers. The vegetarian in me wanted to return under the cover of darkness and free my four-legged brothers and sisters. Freedom!
----
*I've already installed two new exterior doorknobs and have plans to do some major landscaping in the next few weeks. Just how I wanted to spend my summer! I never thought I'd say this, but all those summers working as an indentured servant on my father's construction/remodelling crew set me up with some pretty wicked handyman skills.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Feastolicious
100 Feasts and Counting!
Appetizer--On average, approximately how many times per day do you yawn?
Four or five? I'll have to count.
Soup--What was your most memorable school field trip?
Band trip to Steamboat Springs. I vomited out the bus window on the way back.
"What's that noise!?"
Salad--Fill in the blank: I was extremely __________________ this week.
Sore and tired.
Main Course--Which color do you think of when you hear the word "soothing"?
Green. Or lavendar.
Dessert--What is something that, if you had to, you could save up the money to buy within one month?
Depends on the month, but I could probably scrape up enough $$$ to buy a new flat panel monitor. I probably should have done so a months back. My present monitor gets the wiggles every once in a while.
Appetizer--On average, approximately how many times per day do you yawn?
Four or five? I'll have to count.
Soup--What was your most memorable school field trip?
Band trip to Steamboat Springs. I vomited out the bus window on the way back.
"What's that noise!?"
Salad--Fill in the blank: I was extremely __________________ this week.
Sore and tired.
Main Course--Which color do you think of when you hear the word "soothing"?
Green. Or lavendar.
Dessert--What is something that, if you had to, you could save up the money to buy within one month?
Depends on the month, but I could probably scrape up enough $$$ to buy a new flat panel monitor. I probably should have done so a months back. My present monitor gets the wiggles every once in a while.
Off the Grid
Thanks to an unbelievable blunder by our local cable/internets provider, it looks like I'll be offline until next Wednesday. Three weeks ago, I called and made arrangements to transfer our cable/internets to our new home; the appointment was supposed to occur tomorrow between 8-12 PM. I called and confirmed the appointment two weeks ago. Tuesday of this week, I called to triple check the appointment. The company had a disconnect scheduled but no transfer. WTF? I'm not sure how they did it, but the company managed to drop the ball on that one. Seriously, how do you have an appointment scheduled and then the appointment just vanishes? As a result of the screw up, it will be Wednesday of next week before the tech can stop by our new place of residence.
Speaking of which, the moving is going well. Most of smaller stuff is moved and we've started shifting furniture and what not over. By the end of tomorrow, the only remaining items will be appliances and furniture; we're taking care of the big stuff Saturday morning. For all who wish to contact us, our phone number is supposed to remain the same (phone transfer is scheduled for Friday). We'll see if the transfer goes without any problems.
I'll still have internet access via school--I'll be at school all next week for the start of summer session--so I should be available via email.
Hope everyone has a wonderful 4th. Please be careful--the 4th of July is the second largest Amateur Day of the year. Any guesses to what I consider the Autentic Amateur Drinkers Day? By amateur I mean that everyone thinks he or she knows how to drink like a professional, er, alcoholic. The result is a lot of people drunk beyond their ability to maintain even a modicum of self respect. Yuck.
Speaking of which, the moving is going well. Most of smaller stuff is moved and we've started shifting furniture and what not over. By the end of tomorrow, the only remaining items will be appliances and furniture; we're taking care of the big stuff Saturday morning. For all who wish to contact us, our phone number is supposed to remain the same (phone transfer is scheduled for Friday). We'll see if the transfer goes without any problems.
I'll still have internet access via school--I'll be at school all next week for the start of summer session--so I should be available via email.
Hope everyone has a wonderful 4th. Please be careful--the 4th of July is the second largest Amateur Day of the year. Any guesses to what I consider the Autentic Amateur Drinkers Day? By amateur I mean that everyone thinks he or she knows how to drink like a professional, er, alcoholic. The result is a lot of people drunk beyond their ability to maintain even a modicum of self respect. Yuck.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Burn 'Em if You Got 'Em
A quick break from moving action* to comment on the Senate's complete waste of time debating, for the 100th time, a flag burning amendment. Of all the things our elected officials could be addressing--the war, health care, social security--they decide to waste their time on flag burning?! ::sighs:: At least one Senator friggin' gets it.
"Our country's unique because our dissidents have a voice," said Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, a World War II veteran who lost an arm in the war and was decorated with the Medal of Honor.
"While I take offense at disrespect to the flag," he said, "I nonetheless believe it is my continued duty as a veteran, as an American citizen, and as a United States senator to defend the constitutional right of protesters to use the flag in nonviolent speech."
Senator Inouye is my hero.
*Moving is going well. We should be completely relocated by Saturday afternoon.
"Our country's unique because our dissidents have a voice," said Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, a World War II veteran who lost an arm in the war and was decorated with the Medal of Honor.
"While I take offense at disrespect to the flag," he said, "I nonetheless believe it is my continued duty as a veteran, as an American citizen, and as a United States senator to defend the constitutional right of protesters to use the flag in nonviolent speech."
Senator Inouye is my hero.
*Moving is going well. We should be completely relocated by Saturday afternoon.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Wikipedia for Everyone!
A couple days ago I offered a caution regarding Wikipedia. This morning, I offer an example of an appropriate way to use a Wiki. I just started reading Jonathan R. Herman's I and Tao, a book that examines Martin Buber's writings and understandings of Taoism. During the introductory chapter Herman kept referring to "sinology," a term with which I'm not familiar. So, I pulled up the trusty Wikipedia this morning and gave it a search:
Sinology is the study of China using a combination of western and traditional Chinese methodologies, concepts, and theories. Some would date its origins as far back as Marco Polo in the 13th century. The systematic study of China began in the 16th century, when missionaries, notably Matteo Ricci, introduced Christianity to China. Early sinological research often concentrated on the compatibility of Christianity with Chinese culture.
Concise and to the point, no? If I ever do any formal writing and need to reference "sinology," I won't turn to Wikipedia. For my immediate need, however, Wikipedia offers a nice basic overview.
Go Wiki!
Sinology is the study of China using a combination of western and traditional Chinese methodologies, concepts, and theories. Some would date its origins as far back as Marco Polo in the 13th century. The systematic study of China began in the 16th century, when missionaries, notably Matteo Ricci, introduced Christianity to China. Early sinological research often concentrated on the compatibility of Christianity with Chinese culture.
Concise and to the point, no? If I ever do any formal writing and need to reference "sinology," I won't turn to Wikipedia. For my immediate need, however, Wikipedia offers a nice basic overview.
Go Wiki!
All is Sacred
Feelings, whether of compassion or irritation, should be welcomed, recognized, and treated on an absolutely equal basis; because both are ourselves. The tangerine I am eating is me. The mustard greens I am planting are me. I plant with all my heart and mind. I clean this teapot with the kind of attention I would have were I giving the baby Buddha or Jesus a bath. Nothing should be treated more carefully than anything else. In mindfulness, compassion, irritation, mustard green plant, and teapot are all sacred.
-Thich Nhat Hanh, "Miracle of Mindfulness"
This is one of those ideas that I love, but struggle to implement in my own life. The idea of finding the sacred in every single moment of my life, from eating a bagel, to sipping coffee, to playing with TLO, to walking with STK, to sitting quietly, is a beautiful notion. I catch glimpses of meaningful mindfulness when I'm on a long run, or walking the dogs late at night, or helping/watching TLO eat his dinner, but I really struggle with finding the sacred in vacuuming the rug or picking up dog crap. I suspect Thich Nhat Hanh could find something to celebrate in those moments, too. That's why he's a venerated monk and I'm just another person on a spiritual journey. At any rate, I suspect it's the journey, and not the destination, that's important when it comes to spiritual practice.
-Thich Nhat Hanh, "Miracle of Mindfulness"
This is one of those ideas that I love, but struggle to implement in my own life. The idea of finding the sacred in every single moment of my life, from eating a bagel, to sipping coffee, to playing with TLO, to walking with STK, to sitting quietly, is a beautiful notion. I catch glimpses of meaningful mindfulness when I'm on a long run, or walking the dogs late at night, or helping/watching TLO eat his dinner, but I really struggle with finding the sacred in vacuuming the rug or picking up dog crap. I suspect Thich Nhat Hanh could find something to celebrate in those moments, too. That's why he's a venerated monk and I'm just another person on a spiritual journey. At any rate, I suspect it's the journey, and not the destination, that's important when it comes to spiritual practice.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Squeaking By
As former residents of Adams county, STK and I are all too familiar with the stories highlighted in this article. The major difference is that our almost foreclosure--thank goodness we dodged that fate with our credit fully intact--was the result of a move and not a result of borrowing beyond our means. I will say this, however; lenders have a very distorted view of what constitutes a tight budget. As the article points out:
The problem now, experts say, is that too many working-class families take on crippling debt loads to seize their piece of the American dream. They overpay for starter homes. They take on extreme mortgage rates to avoid making a down payment with money they don't have.
"If you have a job and breath in your body, a builder will put you into a new home," said Jan Buckner, who invests in foreclosure properties in Colorado.
When STK and I approached our bank about purchasing a home in our current village of residence, I was astonished by how much they were willing to finance. Had we financed a mortgage before STK landed her new teaching gig, we would have had $500 left each month after paying all our bills. While $500 sounds like a lot, it goes very quickly when you're purchasing diapers and other miscellaneous baby stuff, pet supplies, food, and any incidental medical bills. I looked at our lender and said, "You're kidding, right? Tell me people don't actually live like this." Her response: "Oh, some people cut it more closely than that." Yikes! When you think it about, though, it makes perfect sense. A mortgage loan entails almost no risk to a lender; if you don't pay, they take your house and resell it. Not only did they collect on the payments/closing costs/etc. of the first buyer, they get to do it all over again. Yes, it's a legal hassle for the lender to go through the proceedings, but they really don't lose any money on the deal. The lender can't lose.
There's something to be said about an industry that operates with this business ethic, I suppose. Ultimately, however, the real responsibility rests with the buyer. Before applying for our current mortgage, I did something I've never done before: I put together a budget spreadsheet. I included everything--housing costs, utilities, cable, student loans, transportation, medical expenses, potential vet bills, daycare--and figured out exactly how much money we spend during a typical month. I then calculated how much we spend during a worst case scenario month, a month with unusual medical expenses, trips to the vet, etc. And that's the number I used to calculate how much we could realistically afford in terms of a mortgage. Plan for the worst, hope for the best.
The problem now, experts say, is that too many working-class families take on crippling debt loads to seize their piece of the American dream. They overpay for starter homes. They take on extreme mortgage rates to avoid making a down payment with money they don't have.
"If you have a job and breath in your body, a builder will put you into a new home," said Jan Buckner, who invests in foreclosure properties in Colorado.
When STK and I approached our bank about purchasing a home in our current village of residence, I was astonished by how much they were willing to finance. Had we financed a mortgage before STK landed her new teaching gig, we would have had $500 left each month after paying all our bills. While $500 sounds like a lot, it goes very quickly when you're purchasing diapers and other miscellaneous baby stuff, pet supplies, food, and any incidental medical bills. I looked at our lender and said, "You're kidding, right? Tell me people don't actually live like this." Her response: "Oh, some people cut it more closely than that." Yikes! When you think it about, though, it makes perfect sense. A mortgage loan entails almost no risk to a lender; if you don't pay, they take your house and resell it. Not only did they collect on the payments/closing costs/etc. of the first buyer, they get to do it all over again. Yes, it's a legal hassle for the lender to go through the proceedings, but they really don't lose any money on the deal. The lender can't lose.
There's something to be said about an industry that operates with this business ethic, I suppose. Ultimately, however, the real responsibility rests with the buyer. Before applying for our current mortgage, I did something I've never done before: I put together a budget spreadsheet. I included everything--housing costs, utilities, cable, student loans, transportation, medical expenses, potential vet bills, daycare--and figured out exactly how much money we spend during a typical month. I then calculated how much we spend during a worst case scenario month, a month with unusual medical expenses, trips to the vet, etc. And that's the number I used to calculate how much we could realistically afford in terms of a mortgage. Plan for the worst, hope for the best.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Feastilicious
Friday's Feast, June 16, 2006
Appetizer--What is a word that you use that would not be considered common?
Hegemony. Ideology. Subjectivity. I could go on and on. Big words are something of an occupational hazard.
Soup--What theme of calendar do you have on your wall this year?
Edward Gorey.
Salad--Name 3 people you speak with by telephone on a regular basis.
T. My Folks. J.
Main Course--If you could buy a new outfit for someone you know - who would it be and what would you purchase for them?
I'd by a t-shirt from the locally owned dairy queenish type place for my cousin, Hank Piece.
Dessert--What is the last beverage you drank?
Coffee. I'm enjoying a nightcap as I surf and complete the Friday's Feast.
Appetizer--What is a word that you use that would not be considered common?
Hegemony. Ideology. Subjectivity. I could go on and on. Big words are something of an occupational hazard.
Soup--What theme of calendar do you have on your wall this year?
Edward Gorey.
Salad--Name 3 people you speak with by telephone on a regular basis.
T. My Folks. J.
Main Course--If you could buy a new outfit for someone you know - who would it be and what would you purchase for them?
I'd by a t-shirt from the locally owned dairy queenish type place for my cousin, Hank Piece.
Dessert--What is the last beverage you drank?
Coffee. I'm enjoying a nightcap as I surf and complete the Friday's Feast.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Silly Students, Wikipedia's for Kids
I can't tell you how many times a year I glance at a Works Cited page and make a comment next to a Wikipedia citation. What part of "Encyclopedias are not appropriate references for college level writing" don't you understand? It appears I'm not the only teacher or professor who admonishes students for this practice. In fact, even the founder of Wikipedia is in on the action.
Founder of Wikipedia Advises Against Academic Use of Wiki
Wikipedia, which I access several times a week, is a great way to get a general overview of a topic. In other words, it's the perfect place to get a Cliff Notes version of a topic before launching into some serious inquiry.*
*Some entries, I will admit, are more rigorous than others. I've encountered some pieces that rival any academic text out there. I've also encountered pieces that wouldn't pass muster in Mrs. Irwin's third grade classroom.
Founder of Wikipedia Advises Against Academic Use of Wiki
Wikipedia, which I access several times a week, is a great way to get a general overview of a topic. In other words, it's the perfect place to get a Cliff Notes version of a topic before launching into some serious inquiry.*
*Some entries, I will admit, are more rigorous than others. I've encountered some pieces that rival any academic text out there. I've also encountered pieces that wouldn't pass muster in Mrs. Irwin's third grade classroom.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
About another stupid summer
I always envision summer as a leisurely three months during which time I'll sleep late, stay up late, work on potential journal articles, spend many a day with STK, and generally relax. Why doesn't it ever work out quite like I imagine?
I spent the last couple days dealing with identity theft issues. Someone has managed to pilfer my name and SS# and is trying to open various accounts, use my credit cards, and engage in financial nogoodery. Thankfully, every single one of my creditors detected the unusual activity, denied charges, and called me immediately. The opening of accounts is another matter. I received a credit card for which I never applied in yesterday's mail. This wasn't an offer, mind you, but a fully approved credit card with a $9000 limit. Somewhere along the line, the scofflaw screwed up and the card was sent to my old address, then forwarded to my current whereabouts. When I talked to the issuing company, the request for the card was received via an online application. To make a long story short, they cancelled the card immediately and I set about putting a fraud alert on my credit record. What a pain in the ass. I filed a formal identity theft report with the FTC, filled out a local police report (they can't do anything, really, but the report serves as formal documentation for the start of the trouble), contacted all existing creditors to request new cards, and checked with my bank about how to protect our checking/saving accounts. Despite the hassle, we're now about as protected as possible considering the cirumstances. STK and I will probably have to put some kind of extended potential fraud alert on our respective credit reports. We're covered for 90 days while we figure out how to do the long term thing. It's a bit scary that this is occuring but we haven't suffered any real financial damage. Thank The Powers That Be for that.
Everything looks good for the Monday closing on our new digs. By 12:30 PM Monday, we should have papers signed and keys in our possession. Can't wait to start the moving process. I LOVE moving. Fortunately, a move of 0.9 miles is infinitely better than a move of 879.3 miles. We'll spend two weeks moving most of our possessions and already have three pickups and a half dozen friends & family scheduled to help us move the furniture. Seriously, we're probably looking at three or four hours of work when it comes to the final move. Once we've signed the official paperwork on Monday, I'll post some pictures of the interior of our new home. I don't want to jinx anything.
Did I mention that STK received her offical Master Educator license? With that in hand, everything is 100% go on her new teaching position. Things are going to be a bit more hectic in our household come mid-August.
All that school work and writing I was going to do this summer? I've spent a total of 4 hours at the office in the last four weeks. Heh. Best laid plans and all that.
I spent the last couple days dealing with identity theft issues. Someone has managed to pilfer my name and SS# and is trying to open various accounts, use my credit cards, and engage in financial nogoodery. Thankfully, every single one of my creditors detected the unusual activity, denied charges, and called me immediately. The opening of accounts is another matter. I received a credit card for which I never applied in yesterday's mail. This wasn't an offer, mind you, but a fully approved credit card with a $9000 limit. Somewhere along the line, the scofflaw screwed up and the card was sent to my old address, then forwarded to my current whereabouts. When I talked to the issuing company, the request for the card was received via an online application. To make a long story short, they cancelled the card immediately and I set about putting a fraud alert on my credit record. What a pain in the ass. I filed a formal identity theft report with the FTC, filled out a local police report (they can't do anything, really, but the report serves as formal documentation for the start of the trouble), contacted all existing creditors to request new cards, and checked with my bank about how to protect our checking/saving accounts. Despite the hassle, we're now about as protected as possible considering the cirumstances. STK and I will probably have to put some kind of extended potential fraud alert on our respective credit reports. We're covered for 90 days while we figure out how to do the long term thing. It's a bit scary that this is occuring but we haven't suffered any real financial damage. Thank The Powers That Be for that.
Everything looks good for the Monday closing on our new digs. By 12:30 PM Monday, we should have papers signed and keys in our possession. Can't wait to start the moving process. I LOVE moving. Fortunately, a move of 0.9 miles is infinitely better than a move of 879.3 miles. We'll spend two weeks moving most of our possessions and already have three pickups and a half dozen friends & family scheduled to help us move the furniture. Seriously, we're probably looking at three or four hours of work when it comes to the final move. Once we've signed the official paperwork on Monday, I'll post some pictures of the interior of our new home. I don't want to jinx anything.
Did I mention that STK received her offical Master Educator license? With that in hand, everything is 100% go on her new teaching position. Things are going to be a bit more hectic in our household come mid-August.
All that school work and writing I was going to do this summer? I've spent a total of 4 hours at the office in the last four weeks. Heh. Best laid plans and all that.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Run, Forrest, Run
I started training for a 15k run, today. The "race" takes place at the end of July and, let me assure you, I have no intention of actually competing with the other runners. Running has always been more stress relief and mental health maintenance than any kind of competitive activity. When T mentioned an interest in the local race, I decided to participate. So, my regular running routine needs to gradually increase until July 29 (I think that's the day of the race--I can't find the formal schedule).
I'm actually in a great place to start a six week increased training program. During our trip back to Colorado, I started running almost every day; during the school year, I run about every other day. Since returning to Small Midwest Town, I've kept up my daily pace. After three weeks of daily running, I'm already in excellent shape and logging close to five miles a day (I'm terrible about actually keeping track of mileage--I typically run for a certain length of time). Still, I'll need to eke out another 4.3 miles over the course of the next several weeks. To reach that goal, a couple things need to happen.
First, I need to stick with a specific training program. The training program I'm modifying incorporates a combination of strength training/short runs (three miles), moderate runs (give to six miles), cross training, and long runs (seven to nine miles). The schedule I've put together looks something like the following.
Monday: Short run/strength training
Tuesday: Moderate run
Wednesday: 60 minutes cross training (biking or swimming)
Thursday: Short run/strength training
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Long run
Sunday: 60 minute cross training
Overall, my workout schedule won't be impacted greatly. I already stretch/run/cool down over the course of 1-1.25 hours. At the most, I'll be adding 15-30 minutes a day. No problem during the summer months. During the school year, that would be a definite problem.
Second, and this is no doubt a part of my training to which STK will grumble or outright object; I need to drop about five pounds of body weight. Over the course of the past year, I've allowed more junk food to enter my diet than I'd like. Couple that with the lack of weight lifting the past year and you'll get a redistribution of weight on my body. I've lost a few pounds of muscle and put on a few pounds of flab. Most people can't see a noticeable difference in my body shape, but I can. My weight remains the same, but I'm definitely not the leanest I've been. That was early last summer. Replacing some of the candy I eat with proteins and extra fruits/vegetables should do the trick. With the increased activity, I realize I'll have to increase calories a bit to keep myself from losing too much weight. If I cut out the candy and some of the ice cream (I just can't give up the occasional blueberry cheesecake tornado), I'll drop the weight within two weeks.
The reason for dropping a bit of weight is simple: I run better when I'm leaner. Dropping three percent of body weight alleviates many of the regular aches and pains I experience from running: runners knee, hip tendonitis (most likely associated with the knee problem), and the occasional sore ankle. With the increased strength training, I may not even lose any weight. The increased muscle mass may replace the small amount of flab that exists on my body.* Either way, the aches and pains disappear when I'm a tad bit leaner or musclier (is that even a word?).
Here's to pain free running. Yeah, right. Like that's happened at any time in the last five years.
*To my faithful readers who know me in person: yes, I realize I am skinner/scrawnier than most. What counts as a little extra weight on my body probably wouldn't be counted as extra anything by most others. This isn't a weight issue for me, but a performance issue. Trust me, STK won't let me drop too much before asking, "Are you losing weight? You need to eat more ice cream."
I'm actually in a great place to start a six week increased training program. During our trip back to Colorado, I started running almost every day; during the school year, I run about every other day. Since returning to Small Midwest Town, I've kept up my daily pace. After three weeks of daily running, I'm already in excellent shape and logging close to five miles a day (I'm terrible about actually keeping track of mileage--I typically run for a certain length of time). Still, I'll need to eke out another 4.3 miles over the course of the next several weeks. To reach that goal, a couple things need to happen.
First, I need to stick with a specific training program. The training program I'm modifying incorporates a combination of strength training/short runs (three miles), moderate runs (give to six miles), cross training, and long runs (seven to nine miles). The schedule I've put together looks something like the following.
Monday: Short run/strength training
Tuesday: Moderate run
Wednesday: 60 minutes cross training (biking or swimming)
Thursday: Short run/strength training
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Long run
Sunday: 60 minute cross training
Overall, my workout schedule won't be impacted greatly. I already stretch/run/cool down over the course of 1-1.25 hours. At the most, I'll be adding 15-30 minutes a day. No problem during the summer months. During the school year, that would be a definite problem.
Second, and this is no doubt a part of my training to which STK will grumble or outright object; I need to drop about five pounds of body weight. Over the course of the past year, I've allowed more junk food to enter my diet than I'd like. Couple that with the lack of weight lifting the past year and you'll get a redistribution of weight on my body. I've lost a few pounds of muscle and put on a few pounds of flab. Most people can't see a noticeable difference in my body shape, but I can. My weight remains the same, but I'm definitely not the leanest I've been. That was early last summer. Replacing some of the candy I eat with proteins and extra fruits/vegetables should do the trick. With the increased activity, I realize I'll have to increase calories a bit to keep myself from losing too much weight. If I cut out the candy and some of the ice cream (I just can't give up the occasional blueberry cheesecake tornado), I'll drop the weight within two weeks.
The reason for dropping a bit of weight is simple: I run better when I'm leaner. Dropping three percent of body weight alleviates many of the regular aches and pains I experience from running: runners knee, hip tendonitis (most likely associated with the knee problem), and the occasional sore ankle. With the increased strength training, I may not even lose any weight. The increased muscle mass may replace the small amount of flab that exists on my body.* Either way, the aches and pains disappear when I'm a tad bit leaner or musclier (is that even a word?).
Here's to pain free running. Yeah, right. Like that's happened at any time in the last five years.
*To my faithful readers who know me in person: yes, I realize I am skinner/scrawnier than most. What counts as a little extra weight on my body probably wouldn't be counted as extra anything by most others. This isn't a weight issue for me, but a performance issue. Trust me, STK won't let me drop too much before asking, "Are you losing weight? You need to eat more ice cream."
Friday, June 09, 2006
The Feast!
Friday's Feast: June 9, 2006
Appetizer--About how much money did you spend on gas this week?
Approximately $130, which is an unusually high amount for us. We were out of town and the return trip was about 900 miles, which we drove in one day. Typically, we spend less than $10 a week on gas. In an ordinary week, we probably put less than 10 miles on our vehicles.
Soup--What is your favortite brand of toilet paper?
Charmin. It's so soft on my bum.
Salad--When was the last time you discovered something that you thought was pure genius?
A blueberry cheesecake tornado made by a local frozen treats establishment (like a local Dairy Queen). Seriously, this place puts real cheesecake in with the ice cream and blends it up. Each tornado is topped by a scoop of the blanded contents. So, with a cheesecake tornado you get a big chunk of cheesecake on top. Pure heaven.
Main Course--What is the least amount of sleep you can get by on per night?
I can manage 3-4 hours a couple nights in a row before I need to recharge with a good 6 hours of sleep.
Dessert--June is a popular month for weddings. Do you know anyone who is getting married this month?
I think someone at my 20th high school reunion mentioned they were getting married later in the month. Or was it July?
Appetizer--About how much money did you spend on gas this week?
Approximately $130, which is an unusually high amount for us. We were out of town and the return trip was about 900 miles, which we drove in one day. Typically, we spend less than $10 a week on gas. In an ordinary week, we probably put less than 10 miles on our vehicles.
Soup--What is your favortite brand of toilet paper?
Charmin. It's so soft on my bum.
Salad--When was the last time you discovered something that you thought was pure genius?
A blueberry cheesecake tornado made by a local frozen treats establishment (like a local Dairy Queen). Seriously, this place puts real cheesecake in with the ice cream and blends it up. Each tornado is topped by a scoop of the blanded contents. So, with a cheesecake tornado you get a big chunk of cheesecake on top. Pure heaven.
Main Course--What is the least amount of sleep you can get by on per night?
I can manage 3-4 hours a couple nights in a row before I need to recharge with a good 6 hours of sleep.
Dessert--June is a popular month for weddings. Do you know anyone who is getting married this month?
I think someone at my 20th high school reunion mentioned they were getting married later in the month. Or was it July?
Saturday, June 03, 2006
You Can Never Go Home Again
I wonder if most people find their 20th high school reunion anticlimactic? To this point, I certainly have. Last night, STK and I joined many of my former classmates from the class of 1986 for an informal happy hour/meet and greet type thing. While it was nice to catch up with a handful of folks--a former college roomate, a Knowledge Bowl comrade, a fellow jazz band member, and a couple others with whom I really didn't associate--it was not so nice to bump into some others. Some people have changed dramatically; many haven't. The nice folk are still nice and the assholes are still assholes.
The most amusing aspect of the evening had to be people looking at me and trying to match my face with dated high school identity. Throughout the evening, STK and I glimpsed people pointing and whispering as they looked in my direction. A couple of times, I caught wind of the conversation:
Classmate 1: That's D.
Classmate 2: No fucking way.
Classmate 1: Yep.
Classmate 2: Holy shit.
I'm pretty sure that if the class presented someone with the "Most Changed" award, I'd be the recipient. That's two reunions in a row. Score! I'll have to come up with a mighty significant change for the 30 year reunion. I'm open to any and all suggestions.
The saddest moment of the evening occured when I reunited with a longtime friend and drinking buddy. We did almost everything together during high school. It was a safe bet that whatever we were doing--fishing, listening to the Celtics on the radio, roadin'--there'd be plenty of Old Milwaukee Light, Wild Turkey, and Snowshoe Grog (a vile brandy and peppermint schnapps concoction). Sadly, T still hammers away liquor like water . . . and it's taking a toll. We talked for about 15 minutes and I found myself pulling back as the conversation progressed. When I looked at him, I saw a reflection of myself had I not quit drinking and drugging 13 years ago: deep wrinkles around the eyes, slurred speech, spotty memory, and twitchy/lurching movement. He's drinking himself to death.
The rest of the evening consisted of typical reunion chit chat, I suppose. Where are you now? What do you do? Married? Family? How are your brothers, sisters, parents? Not a lot of substance to the discussions, really.
In all, I felt like an outsider most of the night. With all the major changes in my life over the last 20 years, I'm not the same person. Not even close. I felt like a stranger at a dinner party where everyone knows one another (many of those in attendance keep in contact and some still live in the same town). I never felt like I fit in with my classmates during high school and I feel even more alienated today. Is it possible I really don't have anything in common with these folks or am I focusing too much on our differences and not enough on our commonalities? I'm not sure. I've always been one to do a bit of self-alienation and maybe that process has skewed my perception of my place within the cohort of 1986. Many at last night's gathering implied that I was part of the popular crowd in our school. I commented to STK later, "I sure don't remember high school like that." The truth, I suspect, is somewhere in the middle.
The most amusing aspect of the evening had to be people looking at me and trying to match my face with dated high school identity. Throughout the evening, STK and I glimpsed people pointing and whispering as they looked in my direction. A couple of times, I caught wind of the conversation:
Classmate 1: That's D.
Classmate 2: No fucking way.
Classmate 1: Yep.
Classmate 2: Holy shit.
I'm pretty sure that if the class presented someone with the "Most Changed" award, I'd be the recipient. That's two reunions in a row. Score! I'll have to come up with a mighty significant change for the 30 year reunion. I'm open to any and all suggestions.
The saddest moment of the evening occured when I reunited with a longtime friend and drinking buddy. We did almost everything together during high school. It was a safe bet that whatever we were doing--fishing, listening to the Celtics on the radio, roadin'--there'd be plenty of Old Milwaukee Light, Wild Turkey, and Snowshoe Grog (a vile brandy and peppermint schnapps concoction). Sadly, T still hammers away liquor like water . . . and it's taking a toll. We talked for about 15 minutes and I found myself pulling back as the conversation progressed. When I looked at him, I saw a reflection of myself had I not quit drinking and drugging 13 years ago: deep wrinkles around the eyes, slurred speech, spotty memory, and twitchy/lurching movement. He's drinking himself to death.
The rest of the evening consisted of typical reunion chit chat, I suppose. Where are you now? What do you do? Married? Family? How are your brothers, sisters, parents? Not a lot of substance to the discussions, really.
In all, I felt like an outsider most of the night. With all the major changes in my life over the last 20 years, I'm not the same person. Not even close. I felt like a stranger at a dinner party where everyone knows one another (many of those in attendance keep in contact and some still live in the same town). I never felt like I fit in with my classmates during high school and I feel even more alienated today. Is it possible I really don't have anything in common with these folks or am I focusing too much on our differences and not enough on our commonalities? I'm not sure. I've always been one to do a bit of self-alienation and maybe that process has skewed my perception of my place within the cohort of 1986. Many at last night's gathering implied that I was part of the popular crowd in our school. I commented to STK later, "I sure don't remember high school like that." The truth, I suspect, is somewhere in the middle.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Sold!
At around 4:30 PM Mountain Standard Time, STK signed the paperwork to unload The Albatross. When we walked out of the Cherry Creek title office, I let out a WHOOP that echoed off of Nordstroms and caused many of the snotty Cherry Creek types to roll their eyes.* We celebrated our freedom with dinner at Gunther Toody's.
I had a most excellent mug of Kaladi Bros coffee this morning; a most excellent cranberry bagel complimented that most excellent mug of coffee. It was a most excellent morning. Tomorrow AM, I hope to get up early and go for a most excellent run in Washington Park before procuring another most excellent mug of coffee and bagel (I might get crazy and go for blueberry).
*When I lived in Denver proper, I used to get gothed out and walk through the Cherry Creek Mall just to watch the reactions of the shoppers. During one of my strolls through the mall, a security guard followed me into the bathroom and stood, watching, while I relieved myself.
I had a most excellent mug of Kaladi Bros coffee this morning; a most excellent cranberry bagel complimented that most excellent mug of coffee. It was a most excellent morning. Tomorrow AM, I hope to get up early and go for a most excellent run in Washington Park before procuring another most excellent mug of coffee and bagel (I might get crazy and go for blueberry).
*When I lived in Denver proper, I used to get gothed out and walk through the Cherry Creek Mall just to watch the reactions of the shoppers. During one of my strolls through the mall, a security guard followed me into the bathroom and stood, watching, while I relieved myself.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Bleh
I had a really horrible mug of coffee at the end-of-year faculty meeting. The banana bread wasn't bad, though.
We're Colorado bound in less than an hour. Condo closing on Thursday. There will be much rejoicing when that whole affair is concluded. Time with Denver friends and family over the weekend. We'll be heading north to Loveland early next week to frolic with Northern Colorado friends and family. My 20th high school is reunion is a week from Saturday. Where has the time gone? We'll make our return to SMT on June 4th or 5th. If you're in the Colorado area and want to reach me, call my folks--they're in the book.
I'm not sure how often I'll be able to post, but I'll try to keep up. Have a safe Memorial Day, everyone.
We're Colorado bound in less than an hour. Condo closing on Thursday. There will be much rejoicing when that whole affair is concluded. Time with Denver friends and family over the weekend. We'll be heading north to Loveland early next week to frolic with Northern Colorado friends and family. My 20th high school is reunion is a week from Saturday. Where has the time gone? We'll make our return to SMT on June 4th or 5th. If you're in the Colorado area and want to reach me, call my folks--they're in the book.
I'm not sure how often I'll be able to post, but I'll try to keep up. Have a safe Memorial Day, everyone.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Fleeting Existence
When a lute is played, there is no previous store of playing that it comes from. When the music stops, it does not go anywhere else. It came into existence by way of the structure of the lute and the playing of the performer. When the playing ceases, the music goes out of existence.
In the same way all the components of being, both material and nonmaterial, come into existence, play their part, and pass away.
That which we call a person is the bringing together of components and their actions with each other. It is impossible to find a permanent self there. And yet there is a paradox. For there is a path to follow and there is walking to be done, and yet there is no walker. There are actions but there is no actor. The air moves but there is no wind. The idea of a specific self is a mistake. Existence is clarity and emptiness.
-Visuddhi Magga
In the same way all the components of being, both material and nonmaterial, come into existence, play their part, and pass away.
That which we call a person is the bringing together of components and their actions with each other. It is impossible to find a permanent self there. And yet there is a paradox. For there is a path to follow and there is walking to be done, and yet there is no walker. There are actions but there is no actor. The air moves but there is no wind. The idea of a specific self is a mistake. Existence is clarity and emptiness.
-Visuddhi Magga
Saturday, May 20, 2006
House Call
Friends and family are under strict orders not to call our house before 9 AM. As someone who has difficulties sleeping, it's not uncommon for me to stay up until 3 AM. I'm usually in bed reading by 2 or 2:30, but I can't seem to find my way to the Land of Zzzzz until a bit later. I'm not sure what that's about and I've given up trying to discover an answer. Now that TLO has arrived in our family, I rarely get to sleep beyond 7:30 but there are days when he allows us to sleep late. So, no phone calls before 9 AM.
Given all that, I wasn't all that surprised to receive a phone call this morning at 8:45 AM. It was our realtor. Yesterday afternoon, after having a local contractor poke, prod, and climb in and about Possibility v2.0 , we made an offer. Our realtor called early this morning to let us know the sellers accepted. While it wasn't an emergency, per se, I can live with a pre-9 AM good news phone call. Provided there isn't some major snafu in the sale of The Albatross (buyer loan is approved, they've already been measuring the condo for window treatments, and our realtor says the deal is 99.9% done) or in our financing (we're pre-approved and the bank assures me there won't be any problem), we should close on our new place June 19. Yikes. I was planning on a nice, relaxing summer. I'm guessing I'll probably be moving and doing a bit of landscaping.
We walked by the place this evening and took a few exterior pictures. Here's a shot looking SW.
One looking NW.
NE
Almost directly North.
We're excited about the new adventure, of course. I'm a little freaked out by the whole affair. As a friend recently reminded me, I once made a commitment to avoid any legal contracts starting with an "M"--I signed a marriage license a couple years back and I'm about to sign a mortgage. Ooops.
Given all that, I wasn't all that surprised to receive a phone call this morning at 8:45 AM. It was our realtor. Yesterday afternoon, after having a local contractor poke, prod, and climb in and about Possibility v2.0 , we made an offer. Our realtor called early this morning to let us know the sellers accepted. While it wasn't an emergency, per se, I can live with a pre-9 AM good news phone call. Provided there isn't some major snafu in the sale of The Albatross (buyer loan is approved, they've already been measuring the condo for window treatments, and our realtor says the deal is 99.9% done) or in our financing (we're pre-approved and the bank assures me there won't be any problem), we should close on our new place June 19. Yikes. I was planning on a nice, relaxing summer. I'm guessing I'll probably be moving and doing a bit of landscaping.
We walked by the place this evening and took a few exterior pictures. Here's a shot looking SW.
One looking NW.
NE
Almost directly North.
We're excited about the new adventure, of course. I'm a little freaked out by the whole affair. As a friend recently reminded me, I once made a commitment to avoid any legal contracts starting with an "M"--I signed a marriage license a couple years back and I'm about to sign a mortgage. Ooops.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Return of the The Feast From 20,000 Fathoms
Friday's Feast, May 19, 2006
Appetizer--What is the last thing you had to have repaired?
I had to replace the windshield wiper blades on the Civic. Does that count as repairing? I actually replaced the blades myself.
Soup--If someone gave you $2,000 with the stipulation that you had to spend half of it on yourself and give the rest to charity, where would you spend the $1,000 and which charity would receive your remaining $1,000?
$1000 would go to a new Honda scooter for scooting around town.
$1000 would go a local Buddhist monastery.
Salad--What is one of your favorite songs from the 1980s?
Arabian Knights--Siouxsie and the Banshees
Main Course--You enter a pet store. Which section do you go to first?
Small pets. I usually pic up foood for Oz, the bunny, then make my way to pick up necessities for the cats. I complete the circuit by cruising to the dog food area.
Dessert--On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how athletic are you?
7. I'm not very graceful but can hold my own on a long run. As my runner's knee flared up a few weeks back, I'm also putting a few miles on the exercise bike. Run one day, bike the next, then a day off.
Appetizer--What is the last thing you had to have repaired?
I had to replace the windshield wiper blades on the Civic. Does that count as repairing? I actually replaced the blades myself.
Soup--If someone gave you $2,000 with the stipulation that you had to spend half of it on yourself and give the rest to charity, where would you spend the $1,000 and which charity would receive your remaining $1,000?
$1000 would go to a new Honda scooter for scooting around town.
$1000 would go a local Buddhist monastery.
Salad--What is one of your favorite songs from the 1980s?
Arabian Knights--Siouxsie and the Banshees
Main Course--You enter a pet store. Which section do you go to first?
Small pets. I usually pic up foood for Oz, the bunny, then make my way to pick up necessities for the cats. I complete the circuit by cruising to the dog food area.
Dessert--On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how athletic are you?
7. I'm not very graceful but can hold my own on a long run. As my runner's knee flared up a few weeks back, I'm also putting a few miles on the exercise bike. Run one day, bike the next, then a day off.
Pop Culture Travel
This article offers some interesting thoughts about popular culture and the phenomenon of popular culture related travel. I've heard of people following the wine-tasting tour of the two companions from Sideways, of people visiting the Field of Dreams, and Lord of the Rings fans treking to New Zealand to visit the faux Shire. I've developed my own list of potential pop culture tours. My top five popular culture travel destinations include the following.
Hardangerjøkulen Glacier, Norway.
Devils Tower National Monument.
The Empire State Building*
Ferris Bueller's Chicago Tour.
1776 History Tour (historical sites of Philadelphia).
The location where Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring was filmed. The location of the lake battle in Hero would be a close second.
Smallville. Wait, I think I live there. Okay, wrong state but similar size and geography.
*I visited NYC several years ago and didn't manage to visit the Empire State Building. WTF?
Hardangerjøkulen Glacier, Norway.
Devils Tower National Monument.
The Empire State Building*
Ferris Bueller's Chicago Tour.
1776 History Tour (historical sites of Philadelphia).
The location where Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring was filmed. The location of the lake battle in Hero would be a close second.
Smallville. Wait, I think I live there. Okay, wrong state but similar size and geography.
*I visited NYC several years ago and didn't manage to visit the Empire State Building. WTF?
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
The Walls Have Ears
More will be revealed:
Watching. Always Watching.
This smacks of the various Sedition Acts the government has instituted from time to time. Are those acts still in force? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? Regardless, I find it very disturbing that the government is cataloging phone numbers used by the press.
Perhaps it's time to revisit Robert M. La Follette's Free Speech in Wartime. It's an abridged version, but the only one I could locate quickly. I find the following passage poignant.
Rather, in time of war, the citizen must be more alert to the preservation of his right to control his Government. He must be most watchful of the encroachment of the military upon the civil power. He must beware of those precedents in support of arbitrary action by administration officials which, excused on the pleas of necessity in war time, become the fixed rule when the necessity has passed and normal conditions have been restored.
I suspect this phone number stuff is the tip of the iceberg. Is it time to start worrying about our rights?
Watching. Always Watching.
This smacks of the various Sedition Acts the government has instituted from time to time. Are those acts still in force? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? Regardless, I find it very disturbing that the government is cataloging phone numbers used by the press.
Perhaps it's time to revisit Robert M. La Follette's Free Speech in Wartime. It's an abridged version, but the only one I could locate quickly. I find the following passage poignant.
Rather, in time of war, the citizen must be more alert to the preservation of his right to control his Government. He must be most watchful of the encroachment of the military upon the civil power. He must beware of those precedents in support of arbitrary action by administration officials which, excused on the pleas of necessity in war time, become the fixed rule when the necessity has passed and normal conditions have been restored.
I suspect this phone number stuff is the tip of the iceberg. Is it time to start worrying about our rights?
Possibilities v2.0
STK talked me into looking at a house she's been admiring for a couple months. From the outside it really isn't all that special and I always responded with a, "meh."
Today, she called our realtor and set up a showing. I, believing the place to be an average fixerupper, consented to go along for what I knew was going to be a waste of time. Was I ever wrong. The place is amazing! Built in 1878, the place has undergone substantial additions and remodelings over the years. The latest remodel occured with the last year. The house has three bedrooms (we're talking huge rooms--one of the bedrooms is 15x14), a tremendous kitchen (with an island), a formal dining room, living room, sitting room, four bathrooms (2 half baths; 2 full), and a 2 car attached garage. New paint (in colors STK loves), windows, full insulation, and carpet add to the attractiveness of the place. The only quirky part about the place is that the basement can only be entered from an exterior door. During one of the various remodels, a narrow stairway leading to the basement was sealed shut. Accessing the water heater, boiler, and water softener requires a quick jaunt outside (a walk that will be much colder in the middle of the winter).
Before even leaving the place, we asked our realtor to check on average utility costs for the last couple years. He checked and called back with a reasonable number--a little less than what we paid in our current place over the winter. Since we liked the place so much, we're having a local contractor give the place an informal inspection on Thursday afternoon. If everything checks out, we'll probably make an offer over the weekend.
Today, she called our realtor and set up a showing. I, believing the place to be an average fixerupper, consented to go along for what I knew was going to be a waste of time. Was I ever wrong. The place is amazing! Built in 1878, the place has undergone substantial additions and remodelings over the years. The latest remodel occured with the last year. The house has three bedrooms (we're talking huge rooms--one of the bedrooms is 15x14), a tremendous kitchen (with an island), a formal dining room, living room, sitting room, four bathrooms (2 half baths; 2 full), and a 2 car attached garage. New paint (in colors STK loves), windows, full insulation, and carpet add to the attractiveness of the place. The only quirky part about the place is that the basement can only be entered from an exterior door. During one of the various remodels, a narrow stairway leading to the basement was sealed shut. Accessing the water heater, boiler, and water softener requires a quick jaunt outside (a walk that will be much colder in the middle of the winter).
Before even leaving the place, we asked our realtor to check on average utility costs for the last couple years. He checked and called back with a reasonable number--a little less than what we paid in our current place over the winter. Since we liked the place so much, we're having a local contractor give the place an informal inspection on Thursday afternoon. If everything checks out, we'll probably make an offer over the weekend.
Bits & Pieces
WTF are television executives thinking? Must everything be about the almighty dollar? There are rumblings that Everwood will not make the transition from the WB to the CW (the combined UPN/WB network that premieres this fall). Everwood is one of the few programs out there that actually deals with serious issues in complex ways; there are no easy answers for the characters on this program. They make tons of mistakes (don't we all), but eventually get where they're going and manage to learn a few life lessons along the way. It's also one of the few programs that treats seniors in high school for what they are: young adults. With the way that Smallville has le sucked this year, Everwood is the only remaining major network program we watch on a regular basis . . . and it looks like it's getting the axe. Figures.
The President is sending 6,000 troops to secure our borders from those dastardly Mexican immigrants. With the NSA collecting phone records, the continuing effort to bring democracy to Iraq, and National Guard troops protecting us from southern marauders, I feel safer slipping into my bed at night. A few weeks ago I thought V for Vendetta was a bit over-the-top; today, not so much.
I must have one of these shirts. In black, of course. While you're at that particular site, you should listen to MP3s by Hank Piece, Merrick Foundation, and Farmers Almanac. That's my cousin singing and playing guitar. He's a rock star!
One section of final exams/grades completed. Two sections to go. I'm hoping to be finished with final grades by Wednesday night.
The President is sending 6,000 troops to secure our borders from those dastardly Mexican immigrants. With the NSA collecting phone records, the continuing effort to bring democracy to Iraq, and National Guard troops protecting us from southern marauders, I feel safer slipping into my bed at night. A few weeks ago I thought V for Vendetta was a bit over-the-top; today, not so much.
I must have one of these shirts. In black, of course. While you're at that particular site, you should listen to MP3s by Hank Piece, Merrick Foundation, and Farmers Almanac. That's my cousin singing and playing guitar. He's a rock star!
One section of final exams/grades completed. Two sections to go. I'm hoping to be finished with final grades by Wednesday night.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Possibilities
With STK's recent employment news and the pending sale of The Albatross, we've started looking at potential permanent housing prospects. Unlike the overinflated market of Colorado, the local market is extremely reasonable. While there are a number of older homes we really like that are on the market, each needs some kind of significant modification. One needs new floors as a result of cats with poor litter training and another needs insulation from top to bottom (and all the appliances replaced). Each of these older homes has a great deal of character and would be a wonderful place to establish roots . . . at the cost of a mortgage + $20,000. We're just not keen on spending all that time and energy to make a place liveable.
There's another place, one that doesn't have nearly the character of the other two, but is reasonably priced. The place recently went through a major remodel and everything, I mean everything, was replaced or redone. From appliances, to bathroom tile, insulation (full attic and wall), to Central Air, to the wiring, everything has been replaced within the last five years. Three bedrooms, two full baths, an insulated garage, a decent yard, and an awesome location (10 minute walk from school; 15 minutes from downtown; 2 minutes from my regular running path) make the place incredibly attractive. One of the bedrooms would become a guest room and there's a loft like area that would serve well as a home office. We don't love the exterior (vinyl siding that can't be painted) and we'd need to strip some wallpaper and do some painting inside (all tasks within our ability), but that would be the extent of the work. Here's a pic:
We made an extrememly low offer a few weeks back and got a feel for where the price is likely to fall. It's well within our budget, even moreso now that STK has a position starting in the Fall. The sellers weren't thrilled about our "The CO Condo Must Sell" contingency and wanted a very flexible agreement that would essentially allow them to back out at almost any moment. We decided that wasn't for us and backed off the deal. Today, the realtor with whom we were working called and asked if we'd be interested in reopening negotiations on the place. The sellers apparently haven't found any other takers and would like to move the place by June 15. As STK stated earlier, "The ball is in our court."
There's another place, one that doesn't have nearly the character of the other two, but is reasonably priced. The place recently went through a major remodel and everything, I mean everything, was replaced or redone. From appliances, to bathroom tile, insulation (full attic and wall), to Central Air, to the wiring, everything has been replaced within the last five years. Three bedrooms, two full baths, an insulated garage, a decent yard, and an awesome location (10 minute walk from school; 15 minutes from downtown; 2 minutes from my regular running path) make the place incredibly attractive. One of the bedrooms would become a guest room and there's a loft like area that would serve well as a home office. We don't love the exterior (vinyl siding that can't be painted) and we'd need to strip some wallpaper and do some painting inside (all tasks within our ability), but that would be the extent of the work. Here's a pic:
We made an extrememly low offer a few weeks back and got a feel for where the price is likely to fall. It's well within our budget, even moreso now that STK has a position starting in the Fall. The sellers weren't thrilled about our "The CO Condo Must Sell" contingency and wanted a very flexible agreement that would essentially allow them to back out at almost any moment. We decided that wasn't for us and backed off the deal. Today, the realtor with whom we were working called and asked if we'd be interested in reopening negotiations on the place. The sellers apparently haven't found any other takers and would like to move the place by June 15. As STK stated earlier, "The ball is in our court."
Friday, May 12, 2006
Feastivus
Friday's Feast Ninety-Three
Appetizer--What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Pistachio Almond Fudge.
Soup--What are 3 things you would like to put in a time capsule?
My dissertation, my latest AA medallion (#13 on June 2), and a picture of STK, TLO, and myself.
Salad--Name something you are 100% sure of.
I am 100% sure that I am still learning.
Main Course--What is something you do to calm yourself when you're stressed or upset?
A long run does wonders.
Dessert--If you could receive an invitation to any important event, what would you like it to be?
The Skywalker Ranch holiday party.
Appetizer--What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Pistachio Almond Fudge.
Soup--What are 3 things you would like to put in a time capsule?
My dissertation, my latest AA medallion (#13 on June 2), and a picture of STK, TLO, and myself.
Salad--Name something you are 100% sure of.
I am 100% sure that I am still learning.
Main Course--What is something you do to calm yourself when you're stressed or upset?
A long run does wonders.
Dessert--If you could receive an invitation to any important event, what would you like it to be?
The Skywalker Ranch holiday party.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Recommends
I was going to write something really profound on my blog tonight and now I can't remember what I was going to write. Really profound, eh? I guess I'll go with a couple quick movie suggestions. Both films slipped beneath the mainstream radar. Nevertheless, I found them entertaining.
Danny Deckchair.
Saved!.
Enjoy.
Danny Deckchair.
Saved!.
Enjoy.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Consequences
Dangerous consequences will follow when politicians and rulers forget moral principles. Whether we believe in God or karma, ethics is the foundation of every religion.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Buy this car to drive to work; Drive to work to pay for this car
At approximately 12:30 PM, STK was offered the K-6 art teacher position at a kind-of-local school district. She accepted the position. Provided everything goes okay with state licensing and the school board, STK will return to the teaching fold in August.
Nice work STK. You're one of the best art teachers out there and it obviously shows. You go on one interview and get a job. For the baseball fans out there, that's what you call batting 1.000.
Nice work STK. You're one of the best art teachers out there and it obviously shows. You go on one interview and get a job. For the baseball fans out there, that's what you call batting 1.000.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Reboot & Retool
By this time next week, another semester of classroom time will be complete. Yes, I'll still have finals to give, but the majority of my work for the semester will be done. This hasn't been an easy semester by any stretch. Teaching a new course is extremely time consuming; teaching two new courses is doubly so. Still, I weathered the storm and I'm mostly intact.
Generally, I consider myself an excellent teacher. I know my material, I'm prepared for class each and every day, I provide a good mix of lecture/discussion/artifact analysis, and I'd like to think I'm entertaining. Most of the time. One of the new classes I'm teaching landed with a resounding "thud." About half way through the semester, I could feel myself and my students getting bored, bored, bored with the format. Unfortunately, as the syllabus and related work had already been assigned, there wasn't a lot I could do. The course turned into lecture, lecture, lecture, and more lecture. Boring. Boring. Boring. It's boring for the students and it's boring for me. There's nothing worse than a boring class.
I take my teaching very seriously. When a class doesn't go well, I think about it. A lot. All the time, actually. I don't ever want to be the professor about whom students say, "Ugh. Avoid that guy. Boring." So, I had a chat with my students today, took responsibility for the boring end to the semester, threw out some ideas for retooling the course, and solicited suggestions. In the course of about 5-10 minutes, we came up with some excellent ideas for making the course more interactive and scintillating. When I unveil the revamped version of the course next spring, I think the students will be pleasantly surprised. One of the major changes will be the amount of teaching done by the students themselves. Each day, for about 10 minutes or so, pairs of students will be responsible for setting up the context for the following lecture/discussion. I'll still prepare as if the students weren't teaching the class--you never know when students will simply drop the ball and put together a terrible presentation/discussion. The students also asked that we do more in class analyses. No problem there, either. I like hearing what students think about material I've perused dozens of times. I'm generally suprised by how many things my students see that I've somehow missed.
A fizzled course becomes an opportunity to learn and grow as a teacher. That can't be all bad, I think. That doesn't help the students who struggled through the class with me, but future classes should benefit from the experience.
Generally, I consider myself an excellent teacher. I know my material, I'm prepared for class each and every day, I provide a good mix of lecture/discussion/artifact analysis, and I'd like to think I'm entertaining. Most of the time. One of the new classes I'm teaching landed with a resounding "thud." About half way through the semester, I could feel myself and my students getting bored, bored, bored with the format. Unfortunately, as the syllabus and related work had already been assigned, there wasn't a lot I could do. The course turned into lecture, lecture, lecture, and more lecture. Boring. Boring. Boring. It's boring for the students and it's boring for me. There's nothing worse than a boring class.
I take my teaching very seriously. When a class doesn't go well, I think about it. A lot. All the time, actually. I don't ever want to be the professor about whom students say, "Ugh. Avoid that guy. Boring." So, I had a chat with my students today, took responsibility for the boring end to the semester, threw out some ideas for retooling the course, and solicited suggestions. In the course of about 5-10 minutes, we came up with some excellent ideas for making the course more interactive and scintillating. When I unveil the revamped version of the course next spring, I think the students will be pleasantly surprised. One of the major changes will be the amount of teaching done by the students themselves. Each day, for about 10 minutes or so, pairs of students will be responsible for setting up the context for the following lecture/discussion. I'll still prepare as if the students weren't teaching the class--you never know when students will simply drop the ball and put together a terrible presentation/discussion. The students also asked that we do more in class analyses. No problem there, either. I like hearing what students think about material I've perused dozens of times. I'm generally suprised by how many things my students see that I've somehow missed.
A fizzled course becomes an opportunity to learn and grow as a teacher. That can't be all bad, I think. That doesn't help the students who struggled through the class with me, but future classes should benefit from the experience.
Feast!
Friday's Feast, May 05, 2006
Appetizer--From which country(s) are some (or all) of your ancestors?
UK, Germany, Native America
Soup--How would you describe your sneeze?
Howard Deanish. Eaaaarrrrgggghhhh.
Salad--What is the last thing you cleaned?
Dinner plates. I rinsed them and popped them in the dishwasher.
Main Course--Who made the strongest first impression on you?
My wife. The first time I saw her dancing, it stopped me in my tracks. I crushed on her from afar for several years. How I wish I had approached her that first night. It all worked out in the end, but we both would have avoided a lot of grief had I screwed up the courage to talk to her.
Dessert--Name one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime.
You know, I'm pretty darn pleased with all the things I've accomplished to this point. As far as I'm concerned, everything else is bonus material.
Appetizer--From which country(s) are some (or all) of your ancestors?
UK, Germany, Native America
Soup--How would you describe your sneeze?
Howard Deanish. Eaaaarrrrgggghhhh.
Salad--What is the last thing you cleaned?
Dinner plates. I rinsed them and popped them in the dishwasher.
Main Course--Who made the strongest first impression on you?
My wife. The first time I saw her dancing, it stopped me in my tracks. I crushed on her from afar for several years. How I wish I had approached her that first night. It all worked out in the end, but we both would have avoided a lot of grief had I screwed up the courage to talk to her.
Dessert--Name one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime.
You know, I'm pretty darn pleased with all the things I've accomplished to this point. As far as I'm concerned, everything else is bonus material.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
More Odds and Ends
In preparation for the official sendoff of The Albatross, we needed to do a handful of minor repairs. That's difficult to do when you're 900+ miles away from the former residence in question. Thankfully, we have the most excellent friends on the planet. Or is that in the solar system? Maybe even the entire galaxy? A quick shout out to J & C and they jumped on the job. We called the Handy Boys Sunday evening and asked if they'd take a look at the minor repairs. Two days later, the repairs are complete. We owe them. Big time.
STK reports that her Monday interview went as well as it could have possibly gone. She had no problem with any of the posed questions and feels like she connected with all three interviewers. She also reports that everyone at the school exudes Midwest "nice". The district is interviewing additional candidates over the next couple days and should make a decision by the end of the week. According the Prinicipal, STK should hear something, one way or the other, by the end of the upcoming weekend.
I checked my upcoming final exam schedule earlier tonight. Small Midwest College has an odd testing schedule: Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. I've taught at five different schools and this is the only one where I've encountered Saturday testing. As luck would have it, all three of my final exams fall on Saturday. If I put my nose to the grindstone, I should have all tests graded and final grades calculated by Tuesday, May 16. Wouldn't that be nice?
STK reports that her Monday interview went as well as it could have possibly gone. She had no problem with any of the posed questions and feels like she connected with all three interviewers. She also reports that everyone at the school exudes Midwest "nice". The district is interviewing additional candidates over the next couple days and should make a decision by the end of the week. According the Prinicipal, STK should hear something, one way or the other, by the end of the upcoming weekend.
I checked my upcoming final exam schedule earlier tonight. Small Midwest College has an odd testing schedule: Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. I've taught at five different schools and this is the only one where I've encountered Saturday testing. As luck would have it, all three of my final exams fall on Saturday. If I put my nose to the grindstone, I should have all tests graded and final grades calculated by Tuesday, May 16. Wouldn't that be nice?
Friday, April 28, 2006
Salmagundi
STK has a job interview Monday afternoon at a school district that's fairly close (within an hour commute). Send postive interviewing vibes at 3:30 CST.
Nuggets finally won a playoff game against the Clippers. The game was one of the ugliest games I've seen this year. Absolutely painful to watch, especially the 3rd quarter.
We're spending the evening with Aunt J and Uncle G on Saturday. Cousin S will be in town from the Northwest and we really want to see him. So, we're piling in the Element and making the 3.5 hour drive to The Big City. It will be good to get out of town for a day or so.
The Two Week buzzer sounded today at 4 PM. That's right, the semester finally ends in two weeks. I think I'm done giving finals three or four days later. The finals schedule around here is kind of screwy. Better check on that. Regardless, I should have final grades calculated no later than May 18. I can't wait.
Nuggets finally won a playoff game against the Clippers. The game was one of the ugliest games I've seen this year. Absolutely painful to watch, especially the 3rd quarter.
We're spending the evening with Aunt J and Uncle G on Saturday. Cousin S will be in town from the Northwest and we really want to see him. So, we're piling in the Element and making the 3.5 hour drive to The Big City. It will be good to get out of town for a day or so.
The Two Week buzzer sounded today at 4 PM. That's right, the semester finally ends in two weeks. I think I'm done giving finals three or four days later. The finals schedule around here is kind of screwy. Better check on that. Regardless, I should have final grades calculated no later than May 18. I can't wait.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Friday, April 21, 2006
Friday's Feast. Friday, April 21, 2006
Appetizer--List 3 things you keep putting off.
Mailing a package to A.
Cleaning my desk.
Scanning an essay for students.
Soup--What do you feel is your greatest responsibility?
I would have said being kind/compassionate up until about 10 months ago. Now, my greatest responsibility is teaching my son to be gentle, compassionate, and kind.
Salad--If you could have starred in any movie, which one would you have wanted to be in and why?
Napolean Dynamite. I look cool in moon boots.
Main Course--What is an expectation you had as a child about being an adult and, now that you are grown up, you realize you were wrong?
I guess I probably felt that adults have more freedom. Boy, was that ever wrong. All the responsibilities we have in our lives actually curtails our freedoms quite a bit. Oh, we can make just about any old decision, but the consequences are amplified significantly as an adult.
Dessert--When was the last time you had your car serviced?
Monday.
Appetizer--List 3 things you keep putting off.
Mailing a package to A.
Cleaning my desk.
Scanning an essay for students.
Soup--What do you feel is your greatest responsibility?
I would have said being kind/compassionate up until about 10 months ago. Now, my greatest responsibility is teaching my son to be gentle, compassionate, and kind.
Salad--If you could have starred in any movie, which one would you have wanted to be in and why?
Napolean Dynamite. I look cool in moon boots.
Main Course--What is an expectation you had as a child about being an adult and, now that you are grown up, you realize you were wrong?
I guess I probably felt that adults have more freedom. Boy, was that ever wrong. All the responsibilities we have in our lives actually curtails our freedoms quite a bit. Oh, we can make just about any old decision, but the consequences are amplified significantly as an adult.
Dessert--When was the last time you had your car serviced?
Monday.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Denied!
A few weeks ago, I submitted a chapter proposal for an upcoming Science Fiction book. Today, I received a very nicely worded email informing me that my proposal wasn't right for the book.
Putting work out there and having it critiqued, and possibly rejected, is one of the few hazards of my profession. Even the best scholars typically receive several rejections a year. As a relatively new scholar, I'm always told the same thing: "don't take the rejections personally." I have a difficult time with that, I'm afraid. There's that part of me that always asks, "Why wasn't my work good enough?" Silly, I know, but that's my initial reaction. So, I spent the better part of today bummed that my proposal didn't make the cut. I'll give myself the rest of tonight to feel disappointed and then it's time to suck it up and move on. As I've been asked to participate on a panel at the upcoming national convention, some form of the essay will likely see the light of day (we're still waiting on acceptances for national convention panels). If the panel doesn't make the cut, I'll sit down and decide how much time and energy I want to put into submitting the essay to a journal.
Putting work out there and having it critiqued, and possibly rejected, is one of the few hazards of my profession. Even the best scholars typically receive several rejections a year. As a relatively new scholar, I'm always told the same thing: "don't take the rejections personally." I have a difficult time with that, I'm afraid. There's that part of me that always asks, "Why wasn't my work good enough?" Silly, I know, but that's my initial reaction. So, I spent the better part of today bummed that my proposal didn't make the cut. I'll give myself the rest of tonight to feel disappointed and then it's time to suck it up and move on. As I've been asked to participate on a panel at the upcoming national convention, some form of the essay will likely see the light of day (we're still waiting on acceptances for national convention panels). If the panel doesn't make the cut, I'll sit down and decide how much time and energy I want to put into submitting the essay to a journal.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Blowing Smoke
"I hear the voices, and I read the front page, and I know the speculation. But I'm the decider, and I decide what is best. And what's best is for Don Rumsfeld to remain as the secretary of defense."
There you have it. Exhibit A regarding the President's inability to admit he made a bad decision. Hearing voices is right. This President needs a good therapist as much, if not more, then he needs a new Secretary of Defense.
There you have it. Exhibit A regarding the President's inability to admit he made a bad decision. Hearing voices is right. This President needs a good therapist as much, if not more, then he needs a new Secretary of Defense.
Monday, April 17, 2006
The Elusive Academic Americano
Are you kidding me? This is my dream research. Why didn't I think of this as a research project?!
His research has taken him to 300 Starbucks in six countries for a caffeine-fueled opus titled "Consuming Starbucks" that's due for publication in 2008. He is one of several academics studying a type of 21st century cafe culture — Italian coffee in an American package — that has spread rapidly around the world.
I'm open to any and all suggestions regarding the intersection of coffee, popular culture, and rhetoric. Something about conspicuous consumption, perhaps?
His research has taken him to 300 Starbucks in six countries for a caffeine-fueled opus titled "Consuming Starbucks" that's due for publication in 2008. He is one of several academics studying a type of 21st century cafe culture — Italian coffee in an American package — that has spread rapidly around the world.
I'm open to any and all suggestions regarding the intersection of coffee, popular culture, and rhetoric. Something about conspicuous consumption, perhaps?
Monday, April 10, 2006
Scooby Dooby Doo, Where Are You?
I received a jury summons for U.S. District Court today . . . in Denver. Apparently, nobody in the District Court system is aware that my official residence changed eight months ago. Honest. I updated my address with the local DMV, the IRS, and everything. Thinking I should try and avoid the potential arrest warrant that comes from bailing out of jury duty, I made a quick call to the Clerk of the Denver U.S. District Court. The conversation went something like this.
Clerk: US District Court. May I help you.
Me: Yes. I received a jury summons for the Denver District Court. Unfortunately, I no longer live in the Denver area. I now live in the Midwest. Is there a way I can be excused from serving in Denver?
Clerk: You'll need to fill out the potential juror form and send it back. Indicate your new address and a request to be excused on the back.
Me: Uh, can't I just give you that information. My address officially changed eight months ago. I updated everything with the local DMV months ago.
Clerk: No. You need to fill out the potential juror form and mail it back.
Me: Uh, I'm not really a potential juror. I live 900 miles away.
Clerk: You still need to return the form. That's how we handle requests to be excused. Fill out the form and use the postage paid envelope.
Me: Okay. I guess I'll fill out the form.
Clerk: Thanks for calling.
Me: Sure
So, I spent 10 minutes filling out the silly bubble sheet form with my trusty No. 2 pencil. Mind you, this is a form that WILL NOT BE USED by lawyers when forming a jury pool BECAUSE I'M 900 MILES AWAY.
This goofy experience has shed a ton of insight into why our nation can't find such elusives as Osama bin Laden. If the U.S. District Court can't keep tabs on someone who voluntarily updates his legal residence information, then how on earth can we expect the federal government to track down someone who tries to evade detection?* Sheesh.
*I bet that last paragraph triggered some government internet tracking program.
Osama + evade detection = trigger. Count on it.
Clerk: US District Court. May I help you.
Me: Yes. I received a jury summons for the Denver District Court. Unfortunately, I no longer live in the Denver area. I now live in the Midwest. Is there a way I can be excused from serving in Denver?
Clerk: You'll need to fill out the potential juror form and send it back. Indicate your new address and a request to be excused on the back.
Me: Uh, can't I just give you that information. My address officially changed eight months ago. I updated everything with the local DMV months ago.
Clerk: No. You need to fill out the potential juror form and mail it back.
Me: Uh, I'm not really a potential juror. I live 900 miles away.
Clerk: You still need to return the form. That's how we handle requests to be excused. Fill out the form and use the postage paid envelope.
Me: Okay. I guess I'll fill out the form.
Clerk: Thanks for calling.
Me: Sure
So, I spent 10 minutes filling out the silly bubble sheet form with my trusty No. 2 pencil. Mind you, this is a form that WILL NOT BE USED by lawyers when forming a jury pool BECAUSE I'M 900 MILES AWAY.
This goofy experience has shed a ton of insight into why our nation can't find such elusives as Osama bin Laden. If the U.S. District Court can't keep tabs on someone who voluntarily updates his legal residence information, then how on earth can we expect the federal government to track down someone who tries to evade detection?* Sheesh.
*I bet that last paragraph triggered some government internet tracking program.
Osama + evade detection = trigger. Count on it.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Proceed with Guarded Optimism
I'm not sure if it's a result of all the thoughts, energy, prayers, or magick spells being directed our way, but we've received some very good news. STK spent early Friday afternoon seeking legal advice regarding the condo; STK spent late Friday afternoon going over the details of a real estate contract. We finally received on offer on The Albatross. It took until Saturday afternoon to get the formal contract faxed* and returned but, as of last evening, all parties had a signed contract in hand.
While we're relieved, we understand that it's not a done deal. According to our realtor, however, the loan won't be a problem with the lender (she already called to make sure the buyers are approved and ready to go)and the appraisal and inspection are nothing more than formalities. So, we cross our fingers and toes and proceed with guarded optimism. Since the buyers are in a lease through the end of May, the closing date is scheduled for May 25. As luck would have it, we're making another trip westward at the end of May for my 20th high school reunion. If all goes well, there will be much we-finally-sold-the-place celebrating before returning to the Midwest corn oven**.
Continued thoughts, energy, prayers, and magick spells would be much appreciated.
*Would you believe someone gave us a printer/copier/fax machine combo during our recent trip to Colorado. Weird.
**Mad props to my cousin S for coining the term "corn oven." If you haven't spent a summer in the Midwest, you probably won't understand the appropriateness of that term.
While we're relieved, we understand that it's not a done deal. According to our realtor, however, the loan won't be a problem with the lender (she already called to make sure the buyers are approved and ready to go)and the appraisal and inspection are nothing more than formalities. So, we cross our fingers and toes and proceed with guarded optimism. Since the buyers are in a lease through the end of May, the closing date is scheduled for May 25. As luck would have it, we're making another trip westward at the end of May for my 20th high school reunion. If all goes well, there will be much we-finally-sold-the-place celebrating before returning to the Midwest corn oven**.
Continued thoughts, energy, prayers, and magick spells would be much appreciated.
*Would you believe someone gave us a printer/copier/fax machine combo during our recent trip to Colorado. Weird.
**Mad props to my cousin S for coining the term "corn oven." If you haven't spent a summer in the Midwest, you probably won't understand the appropriateness of that term.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Feastivus
Appetizer--Name a trait you share with your parents or your children.
My son and I seem to share an inability to sleep. We'll both sleep, but we have to be absolutely exhausted to do so.
Soup--List 3 qualities of a good leader, in your opinion.
Compassion, passion, organization.
Salad--Who is your favorite television chef?
Jeff Smith, The Frugal Gourmet. He taught me how to cook, actually.
Main Course--Share a story about a gift you received from someone you love.
For our first anniversary, STK took us for an overnight visit to Gold Lake Spa. Heated marble floors in the cabin bathroom, gourmet meals, massage, lakeside hot pools? Are you kidding? I'd never experienced anything like that trip. Talk about rest and relaxation.
Dessert--How do you react under pressure?
I generally get very stressed out, have a meltdown or two, then get my act together and rise to the occasion.
My son and I seem to share an inability to sleep. We'll both sleep, but we have to be absolutely exhausted to do so.
Soup--List 3 qualities of a good leader, in your opinion.
Compassion, passion, organization.
Salad--Who is your favorite television chef?
Jeff Smith, The Frugal Gourmet. He taught me how to cook, actually.
Main Course--Share a story about a gift you received from someone you love.
For our first anniversary, STK took us for an overnight visit to Gold Lake Spa. Heated marble floors in the cabin bathroom, gourmet meals, massage, lakeside hot pools? Are you kidding? I'd never experienced anything like that trip. Talk about rest and relaxation.
Dessert--How do you react under pressure?
I generally get very stressed out, have a meltdown or two, then get my act together and rise to the occasion.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Krakatoa
Earlier today, I had a complete and utter meltdown regarding the condo situation. I'm not talking a profanity laced tirade--my normal meltdown--but a throwing things (thankfully, it was a piece of cardboard and plastic bag), screaming at the top of my lungs, shaking my fist at the sky, profanity laced eruption. STK talked with an attorney and he said she'll probably have to look at the B-word as an option if we want to protect our assets and income. If there's a deficiency judgment, and that's a regular occurance with a foreclosure, the bank will come after her for the remaining balance. Bankruptcy apparently forces the lender to look at other options (e.g. Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure). The condo is entirely in her name and she's going to be the one who takes the hit on the deal. I feel like a total schmuck for having asked her to move away from a decade long career and a situation in which we were having no problem making payments on the condo. Yes, I would have been an adjunct professor for the rest of my higher education career had we stayed in Colorado. Today, that doesn't seem like it would have been such a bad choice. Don't get me wrong, I love my present job. At the end of the day, however, I'm not sure it's worth the sacrifices.
Maybe the amazing will happen and the condo will sell in the next month. I'm not holding my breath.
Maybe the amazing will happen and the condo will sell in the next month. I'm not holding my breath.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Beginner's Mind
In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities; in the expert's mind there are few.
-Shunryu Suzuki, "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind"
-Shunryu Suzuki, "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind"
Reality Bites
The trip home was long, but uneventful, and we finally collapsed in an exhausted heap around 4 AM Sunday. After a few hours sleep, it was back to reality for me. School, school, and more school. Three days later and I'm almost caught up. I should know better than to take a vacation during Spring Break. Despite the stress of falling behind, I'm glad we made the trip as I really needed a city fix. Most of the time, we're okay living in a small community. Once in a while, however, we long for the hustle and bustle.
Unfortunately, school isn't the only source of stress in our lives. Since returning, we've had to face a few situations we wish we could avoid. M called last night and asked if I'd be able to attend the wedding at the end of the month. With a great deal of regret, I informed him that we just can't afford the trip. Skipping the celebration is killing me, actually. M and I have been friends for over 25 years; we've seen one another through extreme highs and dreadful lows. I would love nothing more than to be in SLC come April 21, but that just won't happen. Dammit.
Which brings me to the ugliest of the various reality checks: the condo. After a year on the market and thousands of mortgage dollars paid, the condo still hasn't sold. We've totally gutted one of our retirement accounts and have no additional $$$ from which to draw. The "F" word, and not the profane term that seems to upset the older generation, has been flowing freely in our home. That's right--foreclosure. If the condo doesn't sell by June 30, we'll have to let it go. STK and I aren't used to being in this situation as we both have perfect credit. We really don't have that much debt and while things are tight from time to time, paying the bills isn't a problem. Paying for two living spaces, one we occupy and one we don't, isn't feasible. We've considered everything possible to keep the place up-to-date until it sells which, given the poor state of the market, could be a good long time. We've considered walking away from my position and moving back: STK could land a job fairly easily. Unfortunately, college teaching positions aren't easy to come by--that's why we moved in the 1st place. We've thought about STK & TLO moving back, STK taking a teaching position, and me staying at my present position.* We'd commute back and forth on weekends once a month, maybe twice. We'd be able to spend all the various breaks together, too. That's one of the benefits of two teachers hookin' up. That arrangement would no doubt save the condo but I'd miss watching my son grow up and STK and I would have to learn how to negotiate a long-distance relationship. Ick. Losing the place isn't the end of the world. A condo is a material possession and in the long run those don't count for much. I think it's a matter of our pride more than anything else. When we make a commitment, we both like to fulfill our obligations.
When we accepted the position and made the move last summer, we thought we were doing the right thing for our family. A slower way of life, a safer place for our child, and a lower cost of living all seemed incredibly attractive. The only drawback we saw, and we did see this possibility, was the sale of our place. We convinced ourselves, however, that the place would sell. This was the perfect position for me. The stars aligned! Of course the condo would sell. Ooops. Today, I question whether we made the right decision. Yes, I love my job. In fact, I think it's safe to say there isn't another job out there that's more perfect. The students and administration seem to feel the same way about me, too. Yes, TLO is being raised in a way that wouldn't have been possible last year. He spends about six hours a month in the care of someone other than STK or myself. From almost every angle (lack of Kaladi Coffee and good bagels is another serious shortfall of our present location), this has been a good move. Financially, it's been a freakin' disaster. It will literally take us a decade or more to recoup the retirement $$$ through which we've burned. The only thing that keeps from totally losing my shit over all of this is that I know things could be much, much worse. Food could be difficult to come by, someone could be ill, etc. I keep repeating over and over: it's just a condo, it's just a condo, it's just a condo.
Can I take another vacation? For a week we were able to get away, play with friends and family, drink good coffee, eat terrific bagels, and relax. A few days later and reality returns. Reality is overrated.
*Family and friends in the area would help with TLO, no doubt. If he stayed with me, we'd be dealing with daycare 5 days a week. Another expense. Great.
Unfortunately, school isn't the only source of stress in our lives. Since returning, we've had to face a few situations we wish we could avoid. M called last night and asked if I'd be able to attend the wedding at the end of the month. With a great deal of regret, I informed him that we just can't afford the trip. Skipping the celebration is killing me, actually. M and I have been friends for over 25 years; we've seen one another through extreme highs and dreadful lows. I would love nothing more than to be in SLC come April 21, but that just won't happen. Dammit.
Which brings me to the ugliest of the various reality checks: the condo. After a year on the market and thousands of mortgage dollars paid, the condo still hasn't sold. We've totally gutted one of our retirement accounts and have no additional $$$ from which to draw. The "F" word, and not the profane term that seems to upset the older generation, has been flowing freely in our home. That's right--foreclosure. If the condo doesn't sell by June 30, we'll have to let it go. STK and I aren't used to being in this situation as we both have perfect credit. We really don't have that much debt and while things are tight from time to time, paying the bills isn't a problem. Paying for two living spaces, one we occupy and one we don't, isn't feasible. We've considered everything possible to keep the place up-to-date until it sells which, given the poor state of the market, could be a good long time. We've considered walking away from my position and moving back: STK could land a job fairly easily. Unfortunately, college teaching positions aren't easy to come by--that's why we moved in the 1st place. We've thought about STK & TLO moving back, STK taking a teaching position, and me staying at my present position.* We'd commute back and forth on weekends once a month, maybe twice. We'd be able to spend all the various breaks together, too. That's one of the benefits of two teachers hookin' up. That arrangement would no doubt save the condo but I'd miss watching my son grow up and STK and I would have to learn how to negotiate a long-distance relationship. Ick. Losing the place isn't the end of the world. A condo is a material possession and in the long run those don't count for much. I think it's a matter of our pride more than anything else. When we make a commitment, we both like to fulfill our obligations.
When we accepted the position and made the move last summer, we thought we were doing the right thing for our family. A slower way of life, a safer place for our child, and a lower cost of living all seemed incredibly attractive. The only drawback we saw, and we did see this possibility, was the sale of our place. We convinced ourselves, however, that the place would sell. This was the perfect position for me. The stars aligned! Of course the condo would sell. Ooops. Today, I question whether we made the right decision. Yes, I love my job. In fact, I think it's safe to say there isn't another job out there that's more perfect. The students and administration seem to feel the same way about me, too. Yes, TLO is being raised in a way that wouldn't have been possible last year. He spends about six hours a month in the care of someone other than STK or myself. From almost every angle (lack of Kaladi Coffee and good bagels is another serious shortfall of our present location), this has been a good move. Financially, it's been a freakin' disaster. It will literally take us a decade or more to recoup the retirement $$$ through which we've burned. The only thing that keeps from totally losing my shit over all of this is that I know things could be much, much worse. Food could be difficult to come by, someone could be ill, etc. I keep repeating over and over: it's just a condo, it's just a condo, it's just a condo.
Can I take another vacation? For a week we were able to get away, play with friends and family, drink good coffee, eat terrific bagels, and relax. A few days later and reality returns. Reality is overrated.
*Family and friends in the area would help with TLO, no doubt. If he stayed with me, we'd be dealing with daycare 5 days a week. Another expense. Great.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Midwest or Bust
After several fun filled days in the Rocky Mountain region, STK, TLO, and I are packing our bags and heading back to the Midwest tomorrow AM. To say this has been a busy trip would be an understatement. Thankfully, the business of it all has been offset by the thrill of spending time with friends and family. We managed to see J & T (who just happened to be back visiting T's daughter), all our Goth friends (J, C, M, TLR [the newest gothling], S, K, K's new boi, G, M), STK's family, and my family. We also managed to hit most of our favorite restaurants, coffee houses, CD stores, and a couple of used bookstores. Tattoos were inked, V for Vendetta consumed, and two flavors of taffy, banana & black licorice, procured.* I managed to finish my chapter proposal and even graded a handful of papers. Alas, I have many, many papers to grade in the Element during our long drive back tomorrow. Sunday afternoon and evening have already been designated official catch-up-on-school/grading hours. That's the price for traveling, I suppose. I think it's a price well worth paying.
We've decided that we'll give the entire drive a shot--it's about 15 hours with all the stopping required by the dogs and TLO. Fortunately, I have relatives about 11 hours or so into the trip. If we're tired, we've made arrangements to crash for the night. So, I should be back to my regular sporadic posts early in the coming week.
*More proof that Natalie Portman can act and that George Lucas somehow managed to suck the acting life of her.
We've decided that we'll give the entire drive a shot--it's about 15 hours with all the stopping required by the dogs and TLO. Fortunately, I have relatives about 11 hours or so into the trip. If we're tired, we've made arrangements to crash for the night. So, I should be back to my regular sporadic posts early in the coming week.
*More proof that Natalie Portman can act and that George Lucas somehow managed to suck the acting life of her.
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