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.
Friday, June 30, 2006
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)