Seems like this year kinda flew past me and right out the window somewhere. But it was a good year, which for me is really kinda strange - I wasn't unemployed, I wasn't more broke than normal, nobody in my family (or extended family) died, and I got a good many of the things I wanted. That, my friends, is kinda astounding for me.
As a matter of fact, I'm currently sitting in a brand new coffeeshop, Coffee Haven, that is by my house and very nice (their music's kinda loud but so's mine), listening to my new Zune MP3 player and just liking myself and my world right now. Yes, that's rare enough to be something to blog about. A good portion of my "good year" is that I've been at the same job for 1.5 years now and, barring some issues with one of my Assistant Principals (that is another blog and a whole lot of anger I've decided to just let go), I still really love my job. Teaching suits me - 90% of the time.
Next year is going to be even more...interesting. Next year is "the move" to London and learning a new school system/curriculum/approach to teaching. It's going to be exciting, and scary, and unnerving, and all the things that I think life should be.
I love London and have wanted to live there since 1998 when I had to admit defeat and come home because I ran out of money and had a very bad case of culture shock. This time I know what to expect and will have about a thousand and one ways to try to work through it. D's agreed to call me weekly as well as IM and text constantly so I won't feel isolated. So I can't wait to start that new adventure.
2007 was great! 2008 will be better, I hope. Happy New Year!
Dec 31, 2007
Nov 23, 2007
Activism
You'd think teaching would be enough but I'd like to do more. I can't seem to figure out HOW to find an appropriate venue to correct my total lack of altruism.
It would probably help if I had any kind of idea about what I'm in. I am happy to take suggestions if ya got any.
It would probably help if I had any kind of idea about what I'm in. I am happy to take suggestions if ya got any.
Nov 12, 2007
You say Jeep, I say Lemon...
Today I am stranded at home researching Texas Lemon Laws seeing as how, a mere 12.5 months after I purchased it, my Jeep is once again dead in the garage.
The damn thing is driving me crazy! In the past year I've had it in for repairs 5 times, twice since June of this year. Saturday, D and I noticed that the fan was running, even after the engine was off. Saturday night when we went outside to leave for DD's pre-birthday drinks-fest, the truck was dead. WTF! We took D's Saturn and went to get toasted, silently stewing about the defective piece of crap I'm paying entirely too much for.
I take it back to the dealer today only to be told the service manager isn't there and sales doesn't open until 11. Now I'm waiting. I'm supposed to be at a training for work AND baking a cake for DD since today's her actual birthday. Can't do any of that since I: (a) can't drive the damn truck, (b) don't trust it not to die on in the middle of the freeway, and (c) may have to pay to have it repaired, which will piss me off even more.
Being at least 75% realistic about this situation, I'm going to see if I can get CarMax to buy the fucker off me and sell me a car. The recurring maintenance issues added to the current cost of gas just makes the Jeep a bad purchase and not one I'm willing to continue dealing with.
Looking online it looks like the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a shitetastic vehicle to begin with it and I never should have purchased it. Lesson learned. Time to move on.
The damn thing is driving me crazy! In the past year I've had it in for repairs 5 times, twice since June of this year. Saturday, D and I noticed that the fan was running, even after the engine was off. Saturday night when we went outside to leave for DD's pre-birthday drinks-fest, the truck was dead. WTF! We took D's Saturn and went to get toasted, silently stewing about the defective piece of crap I'm paying entirely too much for.
I take it back to the dealer today only to be told the service manager isn't there and sales doesn't open until 11. Now I'm waiting. I'm supposed to be at a training for work AND baking a cake for DD since today's her actual birthday. Can't do any of that since I: (a) can't drive the damn truck, (b) don't trust it not to die on in the middle of the freeway, and (c) may have to pay to have it repaired, which will piss me off even more.
Being at least 75% realistic about this situation, I'm going to see if I can get CarMax to buy the fucker off me and sell me a car. The recurring maintenance issues added to the current cost of gas just makes the Jeep a bad purchase and not one I'm willing to continue dealing with.
Looking online it looks like the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a shitetastic vehicle to begin with it and I never should have purchased it. Lesson learned. Time to move on.
Nov 9, 2007
Teaching & Racism
A colleague sent me this article: http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/
Excellent article. I have to say that many times even being black doesn't guarantee that connection that teachers often need to make. I know nothing of gang violence and almost nothing of going hungry and/or being afraid; I certainly can't speak to any idea of a "limited" future. I was told since age 6 that I was smart and therefore going to college. Every black experience is different and people tend to either forget or ignore that fact in favor of broad generalizations.
I can understand the writer's feelings, how do you teach any aspect of black history when you're a white teacher in a black classroom. But by the same token, how do you teach black history if you're a black teacher in a white classroom? In both scenarios someone is going to feel victimized and/or uncomfortable. There's no comfortable way to address racism in this country, particularly when no one wants to have that unpleasant conversation in the first place. It's a very delicate discussion to try to have in any case.
I suppose you do the best you can and hope the rest turns out all right.
Excellent article. I have to say that many times even being black doesn't guarantee that connection that teachers often need to make. I know nothing of gang violence and almost nothing of going hungry and/or being afraid; I certainly can't speak to any idea of a "limited" future. I was told since age 6 that I was smart and therefore going to college. Every black experience is different and people tend to either forget or ignore that fact in favor of broad generalizations.
I can understand the writer's feelings, how do you teach any aspect of black history when you're a white teacher in a black classroom. But by the same token, how do you teach black history if you're a black teacher in a white classroom? In both scenarios someone is going to feel victimized and/or uncomfortable. There's no comfortable way to address racism in this country, particularly when no one wants to have that unpleasant conversation in the first place. It's a very delicate discussion to try to have in any case.
I suppose you do the best you can and hope the rest turns out all right.
Nov 4, 2007
A Brief Bout with Honesty
The ease with which people lie to each other is only matched by the frequency with which they lie to themselves. The truth is tricky and often quite depressing, while lies feed the soul like fast food and have a fattening effect as well. Even a false sense of security is better than none, I suppose.
This probably sounds melodramatic and silly but ask yourself this: given an option between a harsh truth and a gentle lie, do you really even think about it? Between hearing ‘you’re under-qualified for this job’ or ‘we’ve decided to go in a different direction with the position’ which do you prefer? And be honest.
Subterfuge is the true skill that separates us from the animals, thumbs be damned. Some animals can learn to open doors but can they convince themselves of their superiority over every other thing on the planet? No. But I can.
Superiority is a mind fuck that requires a solid dose of lies to back it up, just ask the Third Reich (or the Republicans). There is safety in lies and disenchantment, just as there is security in paranoia and egomania. People cling to whatever mechanism makes the world a slightly less traumatic environment for them. Survival of the fittest in today’s world means the ability to rapidly delude oneself without having to muck about with a conscience or ideals. Screw or be screwed, so to speak.
The meek may inherit the earth but the strong will make sure it’s a pretty shitty place by the time they’re done with it.
This probably sounds melodramatic and silly but ask yourself this: given an option between a harsh truth and a gentle lie, do you really even think about it? Between hearing ‘you’re under-qualified for this job’ or ‘we’ve decided to go in a different direction with the position’ which do you prefer? And be honest.
Subterfuge is the true skill that separates us from the animals, thumbs be damned. Some animals can learn to open doors but can they convince themselves of their superiority over every other thing on the planet? No. But I can.
Superiority is a mind fuck that requires a solid dose of lies to back it up, just ask the Third Reich (or the Republicans). There is safety in lies and disenchantment, just as there is security in paranoia and egomania. People cling to whatever mechanism makes the world a slightly less traumatic environment for them. Survival of the fittest in today’s world means the ability to rapidly delude oneself without having to muck about with a conscience or ideals. Screw or be screwed, so to speak.
The meek may inherit the earth but the strong will make sure it’s a pretty shitty place by the time they’re done with it.
Former Blogs
Once I was angryblackchick.
It was cool but I lost interest. I've shut it down but you can still find it online. However there are some really fantastic rants on there and I've decided to move them over here. I still feel the same about those topics I wrote about and there's some great writing going on there.
So if you've read these previous rants just ignore them and stick to the newer stuff. If you've not read them, enjoy.
Feel free to leave a comment but try to at least remain civil.
It was cool but I lost interest. I've shut it down but you can still find it online. However there are some really fantastic rants on there and I've decided to move them over here. I still feel the same about those topics I wrote about and there's some great writing going on there.
So if you've read these previous rants just ignore them and stick to the newer stuff. If you've not read them, enjoy.
Feel free to leave a comment but try to at least remain civil.
Nov 2, 2007
Thinking Pink
My mentor at work was diagnosed with breast cancer in August.
It's weird but I've never known anyone with breast cancer. My great-grandmother had stomach cancer (and an iron will), my grandfather had brain tumors, and colon cancer took my uncle Robert before he turned 60 - so I'm no stranger to cancer. But breast cancer is new to me; I find myself unable to think of anything to say and kind of awkwardly hoping she's going to be okay.
I've never really given a lot of thought to breast cancer and/or the organizations searching to find a cure but now I notice the pink ribbons, etc. everywhere and I find myself thinking about ways to donate and/or benefit the research.
Why is it that people only become interested in areas like breast cancer research when they know someone personally going through the disease? Or is that just me?
It's weird but I've never known anyone with breast cancer. My great-grandmother had stomach cancer (and an iron will), my grandfather had brain tumors, and colon cancer took my uncle Robert before he turned 60 - so I'm no stranger to cancer. But breast cancer is new to me; I find myself unable to think of anything to say and kind of awkwardly hoping she's going to be okay.
I've never really given a lot of thought to breast cancer and/or the organizations searching to find a cure but now I notice the pink ribbons, etc. everywhere and I find myself thinking about ways to donate and/or benefit the research.
Why is it that people only become interested in areas like breast cancer research when they know someone personally going through the disease? Or is that just me?
Oct 25, 2007
Solitary Me
I was trying to define who I am and discovered that it's kinda hard to do. I came up with the basics:
Black. Female. Asexual (mostly). Boisterously loud - often to hide my fear of being...black...female...alone. I would say that I contradict my own expectations.
Then I began to work out this kinda poem. It's definitely a rough draft but I think it says more about who I am than any prose I've come up with. Enjoy.
Solitary
Alone - a chosen state.
Alone - my incurable malady.
I seek solitude because it is the safe place for me.
I despise my solitary state
because it is the safe choice,
the easy choice,
the way that guarantees freedom -
and boredom.
Freedom, a double-edged sword of convenience.
Am I really free or safely secured behind my loneliness?
What is the difference between alone and lonely?
Is there even really a difference?
I tell myself that I am not alone,
I am not lonely,
I am simply solitary.
copyright 2007
Black. Female. Asexual (mostly). Boisterously loud - often to hide my fear of being...black...female...alone. I would say that I contradict my own expectations.
Then I began to work out this kinda poem. It's definitely a rough draft but I think it says more about who I am than any prose I've come up with. Enjoy.
Solitary
Alone - a chosen state.
Alone - my incurable malady.
I seek solitude because it is the safe place for me.
I despise my solitary state
because it is the safe choice,
the easy choice,
the way that guarantees freedom -
and boredom.
Freedom, a double-edged sword of convenience.
Am I really free or safely secured behind my loneliness?
What is the difference between alone and lonely?
Is there even really a difference?
I tell myself that I am not alone,
I am not lonely,
I am simply solitary.
copyright 2007
Tribute
Charley
Laughter flowing forth,
richly timbered and
smooth as sunset over the ocean.
Creativity - ethereal and
free flowing as the breeze -
hammered into solid forms
and splashed across creamy expanses of canvas.
Thomas
Southern grace and cutthroat honesty.
Liquid silver laughter
melded with unexpected obscenities.
A soft heart - guarded
by the wicked mind of an aesthete -
crafting beautiful, tortured reality
from the ether.
Rosalyn K. Mack
copyright 2007
Laughter flowing forth,
richly timbered and
smooth as sunset over the ocean.
Creativity - ethereal and
free flowing as the breeze -
hammered into solid forms
and splashed across creamy expanses of canvas.
Thomas
Southern grace and cutthroat honesty.
Liquid silver laughter
melded with unexpected obscenities.
A soft heart - guarded
by the wicked mind of an aesthete -
crafting beautiful, tortured reality
from the ether.
Rosalyn K. Mack
copyright 2007
Oct 24, 2007
The sun is out. The sky is blue.
It's beautiful and so are you.
"Dear Prudence," one of the few Beatles songs that I think is genuinely beautiful no matter who sings it.
"Dear Prudence," one of the few Beatles songs that I think is genuinely beautiful no matter who sings it.
Oct 21, 2007
Been A Long Time
There's a time and place for Led Zeppelin...and this is it. To anyone reading, I kinda forgot I owned this blog. I'll try to keep up.
Aug 19, 2007
Making a Connection
You know I would love to say that I've rediscovered the poet Nikki Giovanni but the truth is that I'm just discovering Ms. Giovanni's work. There are two poems of hers that I am completely mad for right now - "Choices" and "Ego Tripping (there may be a reason why)."
The poem "Choices" really seems to tap into my current perspective on my life - when I examine my life decisions I usually feel like they've been made in reaction to some wayward stimuli (both internal and external). I also tend to become strangely unnerved when things are going in the direction I actually want them to - it usually takes me months to adjust to any outward signs of the "rightness" in any decision I've made. I always anticipate that I've made a bad call and will have to reboot and try again.
"Choices" by Nikki Giovanni
if i can't do
what i want to do
then my job is to not
do what i don't want
to do
it's not the same thing
but it's the best i can
do
if i can't have what I want...then
my job is to want
what i've got
and be satisfied
that at least there
is something more
to want
since i can't go
where i need
to go...then I must...go
where the signs point
though always understanding
parallel movement
isn't lateral
when i can't express
what i really feel
i practice feeling
what i can express
and none of it is equal
i know
but that's why mankind
alone among the mammals
learns to cry
"Ego Tripping (there may be a reason why)" by Nikki Giovanni
I was born in the congo
I walked to the fertile crescent and built
the sphinx
I designed a pyramid so tough that a star
that only glows every one hundred years falls
into the center giving divine perfect light
I am bad
I sat on the throne
drinking nectar with allah
I got hot and sent an ice age to europe
to cool my thirst
My oldest daughter is nefertiti
the tears from my birth pains
created the nile
I am a beautiful woman
I gazed on the forest and burned
out the sahara desert
with a packet of goat's meat
and a change of clothes
I crossed it in two hours
I am a gazelle so swift
so swift you can't catch me
For a birthday present when he was three
I gave my son hannibal an elephant
He gave me rome for mother's day
My strength flows ever on
My son noah built new/ark and
I stood proudly at the helm
as we sailed on a soft summer day
I turned myself into myself and was
jesus
men intone my loving name
All praises All praises
I am the one who would save
I sowed diamonds in my back yard
My bowels deliver uranium
the filings from my fingernails are
semi-precious jewels
On a trip north
I caught a cold and blew
My nose giving oil to the arab world
I am so hip even my errors are correct
I sailed west to reach east and had to round off
the earth as I went
The hair from my head thinned and gold was laid
across three continents
I am so perfect so divine so ethereal so surreal
I cannot be comprehended except by my permission
I mean...I...can fly
like a bird in the sky...
The poem "Choices" really seems to tap into my current perspective on my life - when I examine my life decisions I usually feel like they've been made in reaction to some wayward stimuli (both internal and external). I also tend to become strangely unnerved when things are going in the direction I actually want them to - it usually takes me months to adjust to any outward signs of the "rightness" in any decision I've made. I always anticipate that I've made a bad call and will have to reboot and try again.
"Choices" by Nikki Giovanni
if i can't do
what i want to do
then my job is to not
do what i don't want
to do
it's not the same thing
but it's the best i can
do
if i can't have what I want...then
my job is to want
what i've got
and be satisfied
that at least there
is something more
to want
since i can't go
where i need
to go...then I must...go
where the signs point
though always understanding
parallel movement
isn't lateral
when i can't express
what i really feel
i practice feeling
what i can express
and none of it is equal
i know
but that's why mankind
alone among the mammals
learns to cry
"Ego Tripping (there may be a reason why)" by Nikki Giovanni
I was born in the congo
I walked to the fertile crescent and built
the sphinx
I designed a pyramid so tough that a star
that only glows every one hundred years falls
into the center giving divine perfect light
I am bad
I sat on the throne
drinking nectar with allah
I got hot and sent an ice age to europe
to cool my thirst
My oldest daughter is nefertiti
the tears from my birth pains
created the nile
I am a beautiful woman
I gazed on the forest and burned
out the sahara desert
with a packet of goat's meat
and a change of clothes
I crossed it in two hours
I am a gazelle so swift
so swift you can't catch me
For a birthday present when he was three
I gave my son hannibal an elephant
He gave me rome for mother's day
My strength flows ever on
My son noah built new/ark and
I stood proudly at the helm
as we sailed on a soft summer day
I turned myself into myself and was
jesus
men intone my loving name
All praises All praises
I am the one who would save
I sowed diamonds in my back yard
My bowels deliver uranium
the filings from my fingernails are
semi-precious jewels
On a trip north
I caught a cold and blew
My nose giving oil to the arab world
I am so hip even my errors are correct
I sailed west to reach east and had to round off
the earth as I went
The hair from my head thinned and gold was laid
across three continents
I am so perfect so divine so ethereal so surreal
I cannot be comprehended except by my permission
I mean...I...can fly
like a bird in the sky...
Aug 16, 2007
Oops, sorry
Been distracted by the whole gotta go back to work thing, so sorry about the long break.
Jul 28, 2007
Indian Movies
Clearly I don't watch enough Indian movies and that is wrong!! If I did, perhaps I would see MORE scenes like this...
Jul 21, 2007
Yay, New Toys!
A few weeks ago I bought a scanner. Mostly it's for copying some of the materials I've received at school that I'll want to take with me wherever I go. Yes, I could just keep copies of the paperwork but that gets heavy and burdensome after a while. Now I can scan the sheets, turn them into PDFs, save an electronic copy, and BAM! Robert's your father's brother (as the English might claim).
Mostly I'm just playing around with it right now. What better to do on a rainy (and boring) Saturday afternoon?
Mostly I'm just playing around with it right now. What better to do on a rainy (and boring) Saturday afternoon?
Jul 10, 2007
Technical difficulties
My laptop needs to be updated...or I need to buy a new one. I'll probably update since I don't want to have to get used to a new one. Plus, I think it's cheaper. Right now my fave coffee haunt is having wi-fi issues and connection is spotty at best. Damn computers.
I'm bored. Any suggestions?
I'm bored. Any suggestions?
Jul 7, 2007
Live Earth...Marketing in Crisis
All week I've had to endure Sirius and the television nattering at me about the Live Earth concert. I've been avoiding the actual concert until about 5 minutes ago when I ran out of other things to watch. So I turned over to the concert and discovered...I still can't care.
I feel like Al Gore's waging a continuing assault on my apathy and I'm desperately supposed to care about the Earth and the environment (should that have a capital E?). But I'm thinking $348 (the cost of a ticket to the NYC concert) is roughly about the same as I spend for gas in a month and a half...there's irony in there somewhere, I think.
Well, what's your point, you're wondering. My point is...I hate most of the bands that played this thing and The Police were the only real draw for me and turns out...they're fucking boring in concert! At least on TV, in a stadium. YAWN. Great music, still boring.
Then they just went and ruined the whole thing by having Kanye West AND John Mayer join them on stage. I mean WTF! It's The Police!! Do they need these two hacks on the stage with them? (And I don't care how much you love Kanye - he's all fucking hype and very few actual skills. Okay, Mayer's just fucking boring - I need a nap just thinking about him.) Poor call on Sting's part. Now add Al Gore to this holier than thou fuckstorm! (Lemme just say, Al Gore in jeans...just...no. No. NOOOOOO!)
First of all, they'd better have used "green" electricity for this "event." And what about the parking and litter? I will be intensely annoyed and yet insanely amused if it turns out that Live Earth was less than eco-friendly.
Now here's a stupid question: what EXACTLY was the point of Live Earth? Nevermind the love, where's the money going? Or was the point simply to make the "greenies" feel better about themselves? Which they don't need - they're already so damn smug.
So...I saw a portion of Live Earth - all it really did was annoy me. I'm pretty sure I'm immune to the whole environmental hysteria - even if you get Duran Duran and The Police to sing at me about it.
I feel like Al Gore's waging a continuing assault on my apathy and I'm desperately supposed to care about the Earth and the environment (should that have a capital E?). But I'm thinking $348 (the cost of a ticket to the NYC concert) is roughly about the same as I spend for gas in a month and a half...there's irony in there somewhere, I think.
Well, what's your point, you're wondering. My point is...I hate most of the bands that played this thing and The Police were the only real draw for me and turns out...they're fucking boring in concert! At least on TV, in a stadium. YAWN. Great music, still boring.
Then they just went and ruined the whole thing by having Kanye West AND John Mayer join them on stage. I mean WTF! It's The Police!! Do they need these two hacks on the stage with them? (And I don't care how much you love Kanye - he's all fucking hype and very few actual skills. Okay, Mayer's just fucking boring - I need a nap just thinking about him.) Poor call on Sting's part. Now add Al Gore to this holier than thou fuckstorm! (Lemme just say, Al Gore in jeans...just...no. No. NOOOOOO!)
First of all, they'd better have used "green" electricity for this "event." And what about the parking and litter? I will be intensely annoyed and yet insanely amused if it turns out that Live Earth was less than eco-friendly.
Now here's a stupid question: what EXACTLY was the point of Live Earth? Nevermind the love, where's the money going? Or was the point simply to make the "greenies" feel better about themselves? Which they don't need - they're already so damn smug.
So...I saw a portion of Live Earth - all it really did was annoy me. I'm pretty sure I'm immune to the whole environmental hysteria - even if you get Duran Duran and The Police to sing at me about it.
Jul 4, 2007
Elephants
I love elephants. I've no idea why; I just do, always have. I have a very small collection of elephant figurines. I think they're amazing animals and there's something really intriguing about them - their size, their odd gracefulness, the society they create - it's all fascinating to me.
Did you know that elephants can be quite destructive? They strip trees of bark and leaves, which they eat; there are only a few trees, such as the baobab, which can survive this treatment. They also rub against trees to scratch itches. This causes the tree to lean rather precariously; some elephants have been seen to rub against a tree until they knock it completely down. Young males have been recorded knocking trees over just for fun. Weird, huh.
Check out the San Diego Wild Animal Park's Elephant Overlook for more information about the 10 African elephants in their care. Pretty cool.
While watching Planet Earth today, they showed elephants enjoying a swim and it was not a pretty sight at all. They look really awkward swimming - really, really awkward. Legs windmilling, trunk held just above the top of the water so they can breath, loose skin floating around - it looks a lot like some crazy kind of dancing. It made me laugh.
Do you have a favorite animal? Some animal you know waaaay, waaaay too much about? Well, share!
Did you know that elephants can be quite destructive? They strip trees of bark and leaves, which they eat; there are only a few trees, such as the baobab, which can survive this treatment. They also rub against trees to scratch itches. This causes the tree to lean rather precariously; some elephants have been seen to rub against a tree until they knock it completely down. Young males have been recorded knocking trees over just for fun. Weird, huh.
Check out the San Diego Wild Animal Park's Elephant Overlook for more information about the 10 African elephants in their care. Pretty cool.
While watching Planet Earth today, they showed elephants enjoying a swim and it was not a pretty sight at all. They look really awkward swimming - really, really awkward. Legs windmilling, trunk held just above the top of the water so they can breath, loose skin floating around - it looks a lot like some crazy kind of dancing. It made me laugh.
Do you have a favorite animal? Some animal you know waaaay, waaaay too much about? Well, share!
Rain + No Barbeque = Boredom
Here in Austin, we are currently experiencing one of the wettest summers in twenty years. Neat, huh. No.
My sister and I had planned a sort of family reunion (sort of because we didn't invite the ENTIRE family - that's pushing 30 or 40 people) at Quintana Beach down on the coast. However, she reported crazy downpours all morning so we've canceled. Damn. I wanted barbeque and beachiness today. Now I'm going to be bored and trying to find something to do all day.
Maybe I'll go shopping or actually give in to my urge to sleep all day. Yeah, that's what I'm going to do...sleep...or watch Discovery Channel's Planet Earth series. I love to watch this program - absolutely some of the most beautiful photographic work I've ever seen; plus it's really interesting.
What're your plans for the 4th of July?
My sister and I had planned a sort of family reunion (sort of because we didn't invite the ENTIRE family - that's pushing 30 or 40 people) at Quintana Beach down on the coast. However, she reported crazy downpours all morning so we've canceled. Damn. I wanted barbeque and beachiness today. Now I'm going to be bored and trying to find something to do all day.
Maybe I'll go shopping or actually give in to my urge to sleep all day. Yeah, that's what I'm going to do...sleep...or watch Discovery Channel's Planet Earth series. I love to watch this program - absolutely some of the most beautiful photographic work I've ever seen; plus it's really interesting.
What're your plans for the 4th of July?
Jul 1, 2007
Sleep at Last
A few days ago I wrote about how terrible my sleeping schedule has been for the last 3 days or so, I've only had about 9 hours of sleep.
Well Friday night I finally broke down and took a "sleep aid" which worked like a charm, provided you're clever enough to notice when your body shuts down, regardless or what you're brain is doing. I'm not that clever. Eventually I just plain conked out.
So now I'm on the way back to the land of the living (or at least day dwellers). Whoopee. I feel pretty certain that's way over-rated.
Well Friday night I finally broke down and took a "sleep aid" which worked like a charm, provided you're clever enough to notice when your body shuts down, regardless or what you're brain is doing. I'm not that clever. Eventually I just plain conked out.
So now I'm on the way back to the land of the living (or at least day dwellers). Whoopee. I feel pretty certain that's way over-rated.
Jun 25, 2007
2003 Jeep Grand Deathmobile
Mountainous terrain: check
Steep vertical assent: check
Equally steep vertical descent: check
Austin roads during a thunderstorm: not so much
Steep vertical assent: check
Equally steep vertical descent: check
Austin roads during a thunderstorm: not so much
Sleepless Nights
I've managed to get myself on a totally psycho sleeping schedule - awake until 6 a.m. and then sleep all day...this does not work for me or the dogs. Clearly I need to find something to do during the day.
I can't even begin to explain how I ended up on this sleeping schedule except I'm pretty sure that originally I was worry about all kinds of things that aren't even important so I just couldn't get to sleep until 5 or 6 a.m and now I'm stuck there. The hard part is breaking the pattern. It's going to involve going to bed before midnight (my usual hour) and getting up at 6 or 7 in the morning (followed by being sleepy all day).
What am I worrying about all night? Nothing really - I'm just thinking in circles OR reading blogs all night. I've been spending a huge amount of time reading other people's blogs. There's some excellent bloggers out there - wish mine was as interesting or up to date as the ones I read every day. I'm a major devotee of Go Fug Yourself as well as several baking blogs.
The baking blogs are fantastic - I've "borrowed" several recipes from Bake & Destroy, Bake and Break, and Baking Bites. Lately it's all about cupcakes and mini-cakes with me. Yum! Check'em out!
I can't even begin to explain how I ended up on this sleeping schedule except I'm pretty sure that originally I was worry about all kinds of things that aren't even important so I just couldn't get to sleep until 5 or 6 a.m and now I'm stuck there. The hard part is breaking the pattern. It's going to involve going to bed before midnight (my usual hour) and getting up at 6 or 7 in the morning (followed by being sleepy all day).
What am I worrying about all night? Nothing really - I'm just thinking in circles OR reading blogs all night. I've been spending a huge amount of time reading other people's blogs. There's some excellent bloggers out there - wish mine was as interesting or up to date as the ones I read every day. I'm a major devotee of Go Fug Yourself as well as several baking blogs.
The baking blogs are fantastic - I've "borrowed" several recipes from Bake & Destroy, Bake and Break, and Baking Bites. Lately it's all about cupcakes and mini-cakes with me. Yum! Check'em out!
Jun 7, 2007
WTF!!!!!
There is some seriously bizarre shit out in the sexual realm...I'm all for B/D, S&M, whatever you like but Pony Play! Seriously? What the fuck? Can't people find a less just plain bizarre way to get off? Generally speaking I'm a live and let live kinda gal but I just can't get a grip on this one. That being said there is an Equestrian Sex Play Society out there for anyone interested...just do me a favor and don't tell me about it.
Thanks HBO's Real Sex for the fact that I even know about this shit.
Thanks HBO's Real Sex for the fact that I even know about this shit.
May 6, 2007
Smarter than the average American?
I'm just happy to know I actually learned something during all my years of schoolin'!
| You Passed the US Citizenship Test |
 Congratulations - you got 10 out of 10 correct! |
May 3, 2007
Mechanics bite.
The Jeep is back in form; I'm broke; the kids are driving me NVTS - nuts! Is it summer yet?
Apr 30, 2007
Duelling Childishness
It's a craptastic day in IME land! My Jeep died on Thursday night/early Friday morning and stayed that way despite the tow boy's best efforts. Eventually I had it towed to the dealership's service (only open during the week) and was car-less all weekend, although D did let me drive the Saturn-mobile.
Today they call to tell me it's a short in the battery which ain't covered by the warranty and that'll be $200 for the towing, the new battery and some guy spending HALF AN HOUR under the hood "diagnosing" the problem. We live in BFE and the courtesy van don't come out this far so I'll have to hop the bus. No problem, except for the downpour and subsequent steady rain.
D calls, as I'm walking through the mall parking lot, and tells me it's going to "rain buckets" soon so if I'm going to catch the bus I'd better hurry! Which pissed me off. Seriously. Don't call to say it's going to rain unless you're also going to offer to pick me up and drop me off at the dealership.
But I didn't get rained on much, I caught the bus (multiple actually; we really do live in the middle of nowhere) and I finally got the truck back but I'm cold, damp, and hungry. When I finally got home, I see there's an email from D which clearly states that since I pissed her off by being snappy and huffy about her phone call, she was petty and didn't offer to come give me a ride.
How's that for mature behavior - from both of us. I didn't appreciate the weather update and she didn't appreciate my attitude caused by her weather update. This, dear reader, is why she and I are best friends.
Today they call to tell me it's a short in the battery which ain't covered by the warranty and that'll be $200 for the towing, the new battery and some guy spending HALF AN HOUR under the hood "diagnosing" the problem. We live in BFE and the courtesy van don't come out this far so I'll have to hop the bus. No problem, except for the downpour and subsequent steady rain.
D calls, as I'm walking through the mall parking lot, and tells me it's going to "rain buckets" soon so if I'm going to catch the bus I'd better hurry! Which pissed me off. Seriously. Don't call to say it's going to rain unless you're also going to offer to pick me up and drop me off at the dealership.
But I didn't get rained on much, I caught the bus (multiple actually; we really do live in the middle of nowhere) and I finally got the truck back but I'm cold, damp, and hungry. When I finally got home, I see there's an email from D which clearly states that since I pissed her off by being snappy and huffy about her phone call, she was petty and didn't offer to come give me a ride.
How's that for mature behavior - from both of us. I didn't appreciate the weather update and she didn't appreciate my attitude caused by her weather update. This, dear reader, is why she and I are best friends.
Apr 29, 2007
Great songs I've heard today!
So I'm listening to International Radio on Sirius - which I loooooove - and the music is mostly Reggaeton, Salsa, and Merengue. I'm grooving out and then this song, Gasolina, comes on by Daddy Yankee. I don't speak a fucking word of Spanish but it's got a great beat. Anyway, at the end of the song the singer says, IN ENGLISH, "I mean seriously, three dollars a gallon!" I love that!
I always forget just how much I love merengue and salsa music unless I'm hanging out with my friend DD's folks. And reggaeton is totally new to me. I love to dance and it's such great music to move to. I don't know about anyone else but I find it hard to sit still when there's merengue playing. Ah, good times.
Another great song was on a local station, 101X, and it was called "Thou Shalt Always Kill" by Dan le Sac v. Scroobius Pip. It's got the best lyrics I've heard in a long time. Here's the video from youtube. Check it out!
I always forget just how much I love merengue and salsa music unless I'm hanging out with my friend DD's folks. And reggaeton is totally new to me. I love to dance and it's such great music to move to. I don't know about anyone else but I find it hard to sit still when there's merengue playing. Ah, good times.
Another great song was on a local station, 101X, and it was called "Thou Shalt Always Kill" by Dan le Sac v. Scroobius Pip. It's got the best lyrics I've heard in a long time. Here's the video from youtube. Check it out!
Apr 20, 2007
Food Blogs & Recipe Harvesting
I have become totally obsessed with food blogs lately. I'd rather read about other people's efforts with cooking, and collect their fantastic recipes, than watch TV or read.
Some food blogs I check every day:
Ms. Glaze's Pommes d'Amour
Amuse Bouche
Poco-cocoa
The Paupered Chef
I'm also watching A LOT of Discover Channel lately. Maybe it's time to take a class or two...after I'm done teaching for the year. Only 20 more school days (26 calendar days)!
Some food blogs I check every day:
Ms. Glaze's Pommes d'Amour
Amuse Bouche
Poco-cocoa
The Paupered Chef
I'm also watching A LOT of Discover Channel lately. Maybe it's time to take a class or two...after I'm done teaching for the year. Only 20 more school days (26 calendar days)!
Apr 9, 2007
Dude, I flaked...
Seriously, I'm the worst blogger in the world...perhaps because I keep making wild stabs at having a life and shit. Anyway, I figure no one's reading this so why stay up to date, right? I've always been total shit at keeping journals and diaries. I'm like the anti-girl in that regard. But here's another attempt to put my thoughts down, while I still have down time.
Today, apparently, shit is the word!
Today, apparently, shit is the word!
Feb 6, 2007
Recently Retired Rodent
Daily Show guest tonight - Mike Rowe of Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs rocks! The man is amazing. You gotta admire a man who'll do anything at least once. He's got a truly great way with words as well. His description of owl vomit - recently retired rodent - will stay with me for a while.
Check out some past shows.
Check out some past shows.
Feb 4, 2007
Hiking
Today was absolutely gorgeous in Austin so I took my dog, Polo, to to the Bull Creek Dog Park. He splashed in the water, chased some other pups, and generally got wet and filthy. Then we went for a short hike on the trails behind the creek. I need to buy some hiking boots.
Polo loves hiking. He loves running through the underbrush, where applicable, and sniffing all the random scents he comes across. He also loves to sprint ahead of me and then run back as fast as possible, as if to say "You have got to see this! Come on! Hurry up." I am not fast enough for him apparently. We both enjoy it even though I'm out of shape and usually tired by the time we walk the entire uphill trail.
Just before we left we met the most unique looking dog I've ever seen. His owner, Jenna, said he was a goldendoodle. He was 14 months old, hyper and absolutely gorgeous. Now I want one! Polo loved him as well since here was someone who would run to be chased and then turn around and chase him...that's his secret dream in life (that, and commiting squirrelicide if he ever catches one). This dog was so smart and energetic, it was amazing. Seriously, I want one...I'm wondering if my roommate will let me have one. Probably not.
Feb 2, 2007
How black do ya gotta be?
Okay, so I'm seeing reports in the press that Black voters don't think Barack Obama is black enough to earn their support. Apparently some feel that he doesn't represent their experiences since his father was African and his mother is white and he wasn't raised under the banner of American racism. However, many of those same voters do back Hillary Clinton. Really? Seriously? How in hell's name is it possible to be prepared to support a WHITE woman over a BLACK man if you're Black? I'm sooooo confused.
I asked a white friend of mine if white people complain that a politician isn't white enough to represent them. She said not really, unless they're Neo-Nazis. So why do Black people think that's important? I can understand looking at their politics and deciding to go with one over the other. THAT makes sense, but when asked to consider race as the sole basis of their voting decision, I just don't get how any Black voter can honestly choose the White candidate over the Black one. Call me racist but I don't care. Being Black myself, I tend to get testy when people expect me to choose black over white in anything, HOWEVER, we (the Black community) have been complaining for years about the lack of a viable Black candidate for the presidency but as soon as one shows up, it's all about what he's lacking. That's total b-s. You can't have it both ways, people!
What makes this whole thing worse is the stupid idea that you need to have something in common with a Black candidate to vote for him. Why? What in hell's name could they possibly have in common with Sen. Clinton or Biden? Most Black Americans have nothing in common with those two since they're rich, white, and powerful. In my opinion, any Black voter who thinks either Biden or Clinton cares about the issues that are important to them is delusional. Obama might not care either, but at least I'd feel a little more optimistic that he might.
It's a total crock that Obama lacks experience with American racism. Trust me, he's met it and dealt with it at some point. It would have been difficult for him to avoid it, because in America the color of his skin is still important, regardless of who he is. Hell, the fact that it's making national newspaper helplines and I'm writing about it in this blog, tells you everything you need to know about "Black in America."
So to those Black voters who think he's not Black enough, congratulations, you've just thrust him solidly onto the color line. Does that make him Black enough now? Or does he need a cross burned on his front lawn to get the Black vote?
I asked a white friend of mine if white people complain that a politician isn't white enough to represent them. She said not really, unless they're Neo-Nazis. So why do Black people think that's important? I can understand looking at their politics and deciding to go with one over the other. THAT makes sense, but when asked to consider race as the sole basis of their voting decision, I just don't get how any Black voter can honestly choose the White candidate over the Black one. Call me racist but I don't care. Being Black myself, I tend to get testy when people expect me to choose black over white in anything, HOWEVER, we (the Black community) have been complaining for years about the lack of a viable Black candidate for the presidency but as soon as one shows up, it's all about what he's lacking. That's total b-s. You can't have it both ways, people!
What makes this whole thing worse is the stupid idea that you need to have something in common with a Black candidate to vote for him. Why? What in hell's name could they possibly have in common with Sen. Clinton or Biden? Most Black Americans have nothing in common with those two since they're rich, white, and powerful. In my opinion, any Black voter who thinks either Biden or Clinton cares about the issues that are important to them is delusional. Obama might not care either, but at least I'd feel a little more optimistic that he might.
It's a total crock that Obama lacks experience with American racism. Trust me, he's met it and dealt with it at some point. It would have been difficult for him to avoid it, because in America the color of his skin is still important, regardless of who he is. Hell, the fact that it's making national newspaper helplines and I'm writing about it in this blog, tells you everything you need to know about "Black in America."
So to those Black voters who think he's not Black enough, congratulations, you've just thrust him solidly onto the color line. Does that make him Black enough now? Or does he need a cross burned on his front lawn to get the Black vote?
Jan 28, 2007
DIY & Pain
I am suffering "DIY back," you know the aching, throbbing back you get from putting together all the crap you just had to have from Ikea. My roommate bought a desk and bookcase and we spent this morning putting them together, now my back hurts. And the whole time we're doing this I'm thinking about how much harder it would have been without my drill and all its attendant drill-bits. Seriously, with that little hex wrench it would have taken all day to tighten all the damn screws and bolts the desk came with. As it was it took about 3.5 hours (minus the stop for food)to put it all together and then move everything around.
I love to DIY but it almost always leads to lower back pain for me. Mostly because I tend to do it in the least organized, most crowded room in the house. I like to plan ahead, ya know. I have a standing goal of owning multiple power tools - circular saw, reciprocating saw, sander, belt sander, table saw - you name it, I want it. I want to build stuff, mostly things that it costs entirely too much to buy (especially when it's made of particleboard).
Anyway, Aleve is my friend and now it's off to grading again. Joy.
I love to DIY but it almost always leads to lower back pain for me. Mostly because I tend to do it in the least organized, most crowded room in the house. I like to plan ahead, ya know. I have a standing goal of owning multiple power tools - circular saw, reciprocating saw, sander, belt sander, table saw - you name it, I want it. I want to build stuff, mostly things that it costs entirely too much to buy (especially when it's made of particleboard).
Anyway, Aleve is my friend and now it's off to grading again. Joy.
Jan 21, 2007
Day Trippin'
I live in Austin and there's a lot to do...if you're into the outdoor lifestyle. I'm not. On the weekends when I have free time, I have a routine of sorts; it usually looks like this: sleep late (8 o'clock in the morning!), grab some breakfast, then go shopping or wandering around town looking for something to do. I'm not very creative some days. anyway, there are only three malls in Austin, and I've been to them all more times than I can count. It gets boring.
So yesterday the roommate and I decided it was time for a day trip. After much dithering about, we finally settled on driving to San Antonio to visit La Villita and the King William Historic District. The plan was to do a little window shopping and take some photos in KWHD. Of course this is winter in Texas and it was raining - we ended up at the mall any way. My urge is to say coulda done that at home but it was a different mall than we're used to and it had some interesting stores.
We decided to go to KWHD anyway and drive around to see what was there. This neighborhood has some really magnificent Victorian mansions, most of which are within walking distance of each other. (Check out their website to see some of them.)
I really wish I'd had the opportunity to get some photos of some of the homes. After the driving tour, we ate at a great Mexican restaurant called Posario's; it's located in the King William district and serves some of the absolute best food I've had in a long time. One of the reasons to visit San Antonio is the fantastic, and authentic, Mexican food.
On the way home we stopped in San Marcus at the Prime Outlets - an oasis of outlet mall shopping in San Marcos. You can get just about everything there but watch out for the driving - it gets truly creative.
By the time we were done, we'd been gone over 8 hours and were exhausted. Here's how we know we had a good time on a day trip: we come home and collapse. I love trips like that, especially when it's been raining all day!
So yesterday the roommate and I decided it was time for a day trip. After much dithering about, we finally settled on driving to San Antonio to visit La Villita and the King William Historic District. The plan was to do a little window shopping and take some photos in KWHD. Of course this is winter in Texas and it was raining - we ended up at the mall any way. My urge is to say coulda done that at home but it was a different mall than we're used to and it had some interesting stores.
We decided to go to KWHD anyway and drive around to see what was there. This neighborhood has some really magnificent Victorian mansions, most of which are within walking distance of each other. (Check out their website to see some of them.)
I really wish I'd had the opportunity to get some photos of some of the homes. After the driving tour, we ate at a great Mexican restaurant called Posario's; it's located in the King William district and serves some of the absolute best food I've had in a long time. One of the reasons to visit San Antonio is the fantastic, and authentic, Mexican food.
On the way home we stopped in San Marcus at the Prime Outlets - an oasis of outlet mall shopping in San Marcos. You can get just about everything there but watch out for the driving - it gets truly creative.
By the time we were done, we'd been gone over 8 hours and were exhausted. Here's how we know we had a good time on a day trip: we come home and collapse. I love trips like that, especially when it's been raining all day!
Jan 20, 2007
Getting started
About a year ago I started a blog and then lost interest and didn't keep at it (mostly because I couldn't tell if people were reading it). I later found out that several people were reading it...after I had stopped writing it. That's how it usually happens though, isn't it. But this time I have a specific purpose and reason for blogging. I want to use this blog as an online journal and marketing tool as I work on starting my freelance writing business.
I've been toying with the idea of freelance writing since 2002 and finally feel confident that I can do this. Why? I think it's because the Internet is a huge force now and I believe my chances for finding freelance work are better on the Web. Besides, I like instant gratification (like everyone else in the US) and the Web is definitely the place to get that fix.
Now that I'm ready to begin, I'm really excited about the process and my prospects. I'm terrified of marketing, like most writers, but I'm prepared to do what needs to be done. So here is phase one of my marketing attempt: I am available for freelance writing and editing work.
Wow, that wasn't hard at all. I've been dreading doing something like that for YEARS, and now I can't figure out why. All right, I know it's kind've harder than that but I choose to believe it won't be too much more. Allow me my dreams, folks.
I've been toying with the idea of freelance writing since 2002 and finally feel confident that I can do this. Why? I think it's because the Internet is a huge force now and I believe my chances for finding freelance work are better on the Web. Besides, I like instant gratification (like everyone else in the US) and the Web is definitely the place to get that fix.
Now that I'm ready to begin, I'm really excited about the process and my prospects. I'm terrified of marketing, like most writers, but I'm prepared to do what needs to be done. So here is phase one of my marketing attempt: I am available for freelance writing and editing work.
Wow, that wasn't hard at all. I've been dreading doing something like that for YEARS, and now I can't figure out why. All right, I know it's kind've harder than that but I choose to believe it won't be too much more. Allow me my dreams, folks.
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