Today's posting may seem callous, callow, and, perhaps, insensitive, but I am going to ask the rhetorical question: Where is humanity's collective perspective?
As of late, the news' crawl has informed us that famous people have died, a jilted young woman has found romance....yet again, two selfish people with lots of children are taking a break, a white-collar thief received legal punishment, politicians have been unfaithful to their spouses and constituents, and Mr. and Mrs. Famous have had yet another spat.
And then there is the soldier in Iraq that is/was on his third tour of duty, recovered from a previous duty-related wound, proudly serving his country, whose vehicle was attacked and, it is reported, has lost both legs and, instead of fighting for his country is now fighting for his life. Sadly, this is an all-too-familiar story that we hear almost daily.
Has our collective consciousness become so immune to these stories that we, instead, focus more on the deaths (however sad and untimely) of famous people, their estate spats and will-searches? Or, is it that the stories and pictures of war are so horrific that we escape in the trivial news that is placed before us?
I certainly do not have an answer and I am most certainly not vaccinated against the pursuit of trivial information.
What I am, at this moment, is ashamed and embarrassed of myself. I need to examine my perspective with a different perspective.
Ancora imparo
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Just What Constitues A Problem?
Discussions, news programs and phone calls today prompted me to consider just what is a problem?
Periodically, it is most certainly 'human' to feel as if we are besieged with problems. I know I have succumbed to that feeling. Fortunately, as a rule, my problems are of an insignificant nature when I survey the grand scheme of life. Today was no exception. I realized, once again, that the issues I was considering as problematic were simply a blip on the problem horizon.
In less than twelve hours, here are life issues for others I learned about that put my life issues in perspective:
The inability to get in and out of a car without extreme pain.
The sudden loss of a job.
The planned departure of a job and accompanying loss of income.
A growing sense of isolation from others.
The loss of both legs.
A devastating change of heart from a 'birth mother'.
Even though the above list is relatively short, its import is not lost on me. I do have much to be thankful for, elated about, and grateful for.
I hope, on this day and every day, that you can say the same thing.
Ancora imparo
Periodically, it is most certainly 'human' to feel as if we are besieged with problems. I know I have succumbed to that feeling. Fortunately, as a rule, my problems are of an insignificant nature when I survey the grand scheme of life. Today was no exception. I realized, once again, that the issues I was considering as problematic were simply a blip on the problem horizon.
In less than twelve hours, here are life issues for others I learned about that put my life issues in perspective:
The inability to get in and out of a car without extreme pain.
The sudden loss of a job.
The planned departure of a job and accompanying loss of income.
A growing sense of isolation from others.
The loss of both legs.
A devastating change of heart from a 'birth mother'.
Even though the above list is relatively short, its import is not lost on me. I do have much to be thankful for, elated about, and grateful for.
I hope, on this day and every day, that you can say the same thing.
Ancora imparo
Sunday, June 28, 2009
The Long and Winding Road
The past forty-eight hours has held so many different conversations in so many places that my head is spinning.
The long and winding road has taken us from the birth of a new grandchild (BCH), to a crowded grocery store filled with hurried, harried shoppers - all scurrying to get to their cars before the threatening-looking sky let loose, to a celebration of a ten-year ministry serving one congregation, to encounters with good friends, to the high school graduation open house for a young woman who has her life before her, to an hour-long chat with strangers who were surprisingly easy to visit with and, finally, back to home base where tasks were plentiful and abundant.
The weather has been just about as varied, with scorchingly hot temperatures accompanied by equally high humidity levels that made your air passages feel as if they had been attacked by cotton candy webs and now today's moderate temps with low humidity and brisk winds, giving the feeling of being lakeside at a cottage.
Conversations have run the gamut, too.
Discussions about diapers and bodily-waste elimination, to boating and the weather, to laundry methods and products, to a church mission trip and the intended recipients' desires to improve their surroundings, to post high school plans, to high school pranks and activities, to beer production, to home sales, to the sluggish economy's effect on the recreational-vehicle industry, to why a casserole took so long to cook in the oven, to why a married public official with children would take off for multiple days and not tell anyone where he was going, to how a fifty-year old was really old (ouch, that one hurt!). Whew!
My head is spinning, my heart is strangely warmed, my sinuses a bit clearer, my belly waaaaaaay to full, and my eyelids are becoming droopy.
It is a bit early. Maybe that remark about fifty-year olds wasn't that far off?
I told a friend today that for the past seventy-two hours I had played like a three-year old but last night I slept like a one-hundred-and-three-year old.
Hmmm, Rip Van Winkle......................
Ancora imparo
The long and winding road has taken us from the birth of a new grandchild (BCH), to a crowded grocery store filled with hurried, harried shoppers - all scurrying to get to their cars before the threatening-looking sky let loose, to a celebration of a ten-year ministry serving one congregation, to encounters with good friends, to the high school graduation open house for a young woman who has her life before her, to an hour-long chat with strangers who were surprisingly easy to visit with and, finally, back to home base where tasks were plentiful and abundant.
The weather has been just about as varied, with scorchingly hot temperatures accompanied by equally high humidity levels that made your air passages feel as if they had been attacked by cotton candy webs and now today's moderate temps with low humidity and brisk winds, giving the feeling of being lakeside at a cottage.
Conversations have run the gamut, too.
Discussions about diapers and bodily-waste elimination, to boating and the weather, to laundry methods and products, to a church mission trip and the intended recipients' desires to improve their surroundings, to post high school plans, to high school pranks and activities, to beer production, to home sales, to the sluggish economy's effect on the recreational-vehicle industry, to why a casserole took so long to cook in the oven, to why a married public official with children would take off for multiple days and not tell anyone where he was going, to how a fifty-year old was really old (ouch, that one hurt!). Whew!
My head is spinning, my heart is strangely warmed, my sinuses a bit clearer, my belly waaaaaaay to full, and my eyelids are becoming droopy.
It is a bit early. Maybe that remark about fifty-year olds wasn't that far off?
I told a friend today that for the past seventy-two hours I had played like a three-year old but last night I slept like a one-hundred-and-three-year old.
Hmmm, Rip Van Winkle......................
Ancora imparo
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Thoughts From the Garden
Over the past few days, I had the opportunity to spend a little time gardening, which is an activity I used to indulge in on a regular basis, years ago. This garden area was not large but had quite a few weeds that had taken up residence over the past weeks. Recent heavy rains had washed out some seeds and seedling plants but many tomato and pepper plants had survived. All that was needed was the removal of the weeds, a little working up of the soil and the fledgling plants would be able to thrive.
During the first weeding session I had some very pleasant company and conversation as two grandmas weeded together. We laughed, groaned a little and lamented that we didn't get up from a kneeling position as quickly as we once did. We attacked the weeds with fervor, enthusiasm and quite a bit of energy, considering the heat and humidity. Of the three descriptors, two remained and one ebbed.....just a bit. I'll leave it to the reader's imagination as to which one of the three disappeared faster than the others.
The next weeding session found my co-grandma busy inside helping out and I headed outside, determined to make a further dent in the weed population. I intended to only weed a short while but with the removal of each weed, I became possessed to eradicate all weeds from the face of the earth and became a weeding fiend. If the weed couldn't be pulled by hand then I chopped and chopped with a hoe-like instrument. Soon I discovered that hoeing and chopping at the hard earth was very therapeutic and I would chop with more determination. Even after I left the garden area, I could not walk past a weed anywhere on the property without bending over to pluck it from the ground.
Now, if you know anything about weeding and gardening, you will be aware that you spend a lot of time on your knees or possibly bending over at the waist for extended periods of time. Because it had been years since I had done any substantive gardening, my body was not quite used to the positions that I coaxed and cajoled it into. All I can say is that it seemed like a good idea at the time. In fact, I was quite proud of myself outside doing all those contortion moves......and at my age!
What I did discover is that there are muscles hidden deep within the body. Muscles that I have never heard of, cannot possibly pronounce, and never realized that my skeleton even had these muscles attached to it.
Here are some other points of self-discovery that came while in the garden:
I think Henry David Thoreau would be inspired by my garden-inspirations, don't you?
Ancora imparo
During the first weeding session I had some very pleasant company and conversation as two grandmas weeded together. We laughed, groaned a little and lamented that we didn't get up from a kneeling position as quickly as we once did. We attacked the weeds with fervor, enthusiasm and quite a bit of energy, considering the heat and humidity. Of the three descriptors, two remained and one ebbed.....just a bit. I'll leave it to the reader's imagination as to which one of the three disappeared faster than the others.
The next weeding session found my co-grandma busy inside helping out and I headed outside, determined to make a further dent in the weed population. I intended to only weed a short while but with the removal of each weed, I became possessed to eradicate all weeds from the face of the earth and became a weeding fiend. If the weed couldn't be pulled by hand then I chopped and chopped with a hoe-like instrument. Soon I discovered that hoeing and chopping at the hard earth was very therapeutic and I would chop with more determination. Even after I left the garden area, I could not walk past a weed anywhere on the property without bending over to pluck it from the ground.
Now, if you know anything about weeding and gardening, you will be aware that you spend a lot of time on your knees or possibly bending over at the waist for extended periods of time. Because it had been years since I had done any substantive gardening, my body was not quite used to the positions that I coaxed and cajoled it into. All I can say is that it seemed like a good idea at the time. In fact, I was quite proud of myself outside doing all those contortion moves......and at my age!
What I did discover is that there are muscles hidden deep within the body. Muscles that I have never heard of, cannot possibly pronounce, and never realized that my skeleton even had these muscles attached to it.
Here are some other points of self-discovery that came while in the garden:
- I really enjoy weed removal.
- Removing weeds from the ground is symbolic for removing weeds from life.
- Whacking the ground with a hoe is fun.
- You should keep your toes a safe distance from the hoe.
- Flies bite through cloth.
- When you bend over most of the time there is one large part of the body readily available for flies to bite.
- Some spiders jump.
- Other spiders get in your hair.
- Ants crawl anywhere they like.
- Flannel works best for wiping sweat from your eyes.
- Grandsons like to spray grandmas with the hose.
- Grandmas like to be sprayed with the hose by their grandsons.
I think Henry David Thoreau would be inspired by my garden-inspirations, don't you?
Ancora imparo
Friday, June 26, 2009
Day Two Petting Zoo
TLV, I, and my SO took the morning off from Bahbee duties and went to a petting zoo sponsored by a local city park system. BCH, her mom and grandma went for a new bahbee check-up. Papa Bear biked off to his last day of class.
The petting zoo was a great adventure for TLV even though the temperature was beastly hot. The three of us sought shade at every opportunity, as did the animals. The donkey was the smartest. He found a slice of shade plus a fence to lean against as he rested from the heat wave. The water fowl were all in water - gee, what a surprise! The koi and goldfish had the perfect place to chill.
TLV made a horsey-face mask for his craft and was having great fun designing a second mask when the bell rang for treat time and he was off. Multi-colored, fish-shaped crackers were a hit and he went back for seconds and thirds. Story-time was a hoot as the reader began with an audience of about forty listeners and by the time she finished the second book, her audience had dwindled to zero.
The actual petting part of the zoo didn't quite go as planned because the young calf decided to become very frisky which, in turn, made the pygmy goats become frisky as well. The children had to leave the petting pen while the wayward calf was shepherded out for the safety of the children. Once the calf made his exit, the goats settled down and all was well.
We three left the petting-zoo park over-heated but happy. The automobile's air conditioning was a lifesaver as we went home to more air conditioning AND BCH.
Ah, a grand morning with a grandchild. Is there anything better?
Ancora imparo
The petting zoo was a great adventure for TLV even though the temperature was beastly hot. The three of us sought shade at every opportunity, as did the animals. The donkey was the smartest. He found a slice of shade plus a fence to lean against as he rested from the heat wave. The water fowl were all in water - gee, what a surprise! The koi and goldfish had the perfect place to chill.
TLV made a horsey-face mask for his craft and was having great fun designing a second mask when the bell rang for treat time and he was off. Multi-colored, fish-shaped crackers were a hit and he went back for seconds and thirds. Story-time was a hoot as the reader began with an audience of about forty listeners and by the time she finished the second book, her audience had dwindled to zero.
The actual petting part of the zoo didn't quite go as planned because the young calf decided to become very frisky which, in turn, made the pygmy goats become frisky as well. The children had to leave the petting pen while the wayward calf was shepherded out for the safety of the children. Once the calf made his exit, the goats settled down and all was well.
We three left the petting-zoo park over-heated but happy. The automobile's air conditioning was a lifesaver as we went home to more air conditioning AND BCH.
Ah, a grand morning with a grandchild. Is there anything better?
Ancora imparo
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Sheeeeeeeeee's Here!
Scene One of my screen play:
BGH has arrived, although her initials are now BCH. As I described in my earlier synopsis, she is a great beauty and all who see her are instantly smitten with her charm and personality. She spent a great deal of her visit with all this morning with her eyes open, watching everyone who held her very intently.
The highlight of the morning's tete a tete was her conversation with her brother, TLV, who delighted in holding her, showering her with kisses and singing to her. While he was crooning tunes, she returned the favor with vocalizations of her own. She never closed her eyes, preferring to look intently into the eyes of whomever was holding her, or looking over the room, taking in every detail.
Her mother and father have remained constantly at her side, monitoring her every need and desire. Soon she will leave the safety and quietude of the hospital and make the trip home to join the family, once a three-person unit, now a four.
Of course, she is perfect in every way and detail. Her new life has begun. May the wind be always at her back, the sun always in her face, the rain fall softly upon her fields, and may the good Lord always hold her safely in the palm of His hand.
Ancora imparo
BGH has arrived, although her initials are now BCH. As I described in my earlier synopsis, she is a great beauty and all who see her are instantly smitten with her charm and personality. She spent a great deal of her visit with all this morning with her eyes open, watching everyone who held her very intently.
The highlight of the morning's tete a tete was her conversation with her brother, TLV, who delighted in holding her, showering her with kisses and singing to her. While he was crooning tunes, she returned the favor with vocalizations of her own. She never closed her eyes, preferring to look intently into the eyes of whomever was holding her, or looking over the room, taking in every detail.
Her mother and father have remained constantly at her side, monitoring her every need and desire. Soon she will leave the safety and quietude of the hospital and make the trip home to join the family, once a three-person unit, now a four.
Of course, she is perfect in every way and detail. Her new life has begun. May the wind be always at her back, the sun always in her face, the rain fall softly upon her fields, and may the good Lord always hold her safely in the palm of His hand.
Ancora imparo
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Attempting Hospitality
My SO and I have an uninvited guest residing somewhere outdoors. I discovered 'it' last night when I was stepping in the bushes, pulling weeds, as I have been doing on a regular basis. Keeping this task in the present tense will be a challenge for a while.
You see, after I'd been wading about, here and there, happily reaching down into the soil, pulling weeds out by their roots, I heard a sudden rustling by my feet. Surprised, I immediately looked down to see the last foot and a half of a fairly wide-diameter snake slither by. His (I've decided it must be a he.) movement ceased when I stepped back or when he heard my sharp intake of air. I stood still and watched the snake for a few seconds. It moved a little more, then curled up in the density of the bushes. During the time I ran inside to tell my SO of our visitor, the snake had disappeared. We looked and looked but to no avail. Now we have a real snake in the grass.
I will attempt continued and cordial hospitality for this uninvited guest because I know the snake is not poisonous. Well, I'm fairly certain the snake is not poisonous???? and I know that snakes are helpful in terms of rodent control and heaven knows we have an over-abundance of ground squirrels and chipmunks. But - it does make me a bit more leery of simply walking about in my shrubs and idly pulling weeds. It also doesn't help that my SO first informed me that the type of snake we think it is will 'charge' after a person if it feels threatened. He later told me he was kidding but it is a thought I will keep parked in my cerebrum.
On the other hand, maybe I'll just let the weeds grow.
I think I'll slither out of my chair now and go hiss at someone or something.
Ancora imparo
You see, after I'd been wading about, here and there, happily reaching down into the soil, pulling weeds out by their roots, I heard a sudden rustling by my feet. Surprised, I immediately looked down to see the last foot and a half of a fairly wide-diameter snake slither by. His (I've decided it must be a he.) movement ceased when I stepped back or when he heard my sharp intake of air. I stood still and watched the snake for a few seconds. It moved a little more, then curled up in the density of the bushes. During the time I ran inside to tell my SO of our visitor, the snake had disappeared. We looked and looked but to no avail. Now we have a real snake in the grass.
I will attempt continued and cordial hospitality for this uninvited guest because I know the snake is not poisonous. Well, I'm fairly certain the snake is not poisonous???? and I know that snakes are helpful in terms of rodent control and heaven knows we have an over-abundance of ground squirrels and chipmunks. But - it does make me a bit more leery of simply walking about in my shrubs and idly pulling weeds. It also doesn't help that my SO first informed me that the type of snake we think it is will 'charge' after a person if it feels threatened. He later told me he was kidding but it is a thought I will keep parked in my cerebrum.
On the other hand, maybe I'll just let the weeds grow.
I think I'll slither out of my chair now and go hiss at someone or something.
Ancora imparo
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Thinking Outside "The Box'
Not too long ago, my SO, when asked by moi to 'talk' to moi, responded that a man cannot simply make himself 'talk' - to which I responded "Poppycock", at least that is my story and I'm sticking to it.
This same man, who had just proclaimed that a man cannot simply 'talk' on demand, could not resist the urge to educate me and then launched into an explanation of how men have this box inside their brains to where they mentally retreat and simply think about nothing......to which I replied "Poppycock", at least that is my story and I'm sticking to it.
I wonder if this is why the Big-Box stores are so popular with men?
I politely (that is my story and I'm sticking to it) pointed out to him that, after thirty-eight years of marriage, he should be able to find something to talk about, which, then apparently, rendered him speechless.
Now, if you have been following my blog, you will know that I am fond of making lists. I am now compiling a series of Post-It notes with conversation topics written on them. I feel a calling to enable my SO to 'think outside the box'. After thirty-eight years of marriage, I have a long list of conversation topics. I can hardly wait to share my list with him.
I thought our first topic of conversation could be the art of sharing 'deep and meaningful' thoughts. I wonder how that discussion will go..............................?
Ancora imparo
This same man, who had just proclaimed that a man cannot simply 'talk' on demand, could not resist the urge to educate me and then launched into an explanation of how men have this box inside their brains to where they mentally retreat and simply think about nothing......to which I replied "Poppycock", at least that is my story and I'm sticking to it.
I wonder if this is why the Big-Box stores are so popular with men?
I politely (that is my story and I'm sticking to it) pointed out to him that, after thirty-eight years of marriage, he should be able to find something to talk about, which, then apparently, rendered him speechless.
Now, if you have been following my blog, you will know that I am fond of making lists. I am now compiling a series of Post-It notes with conversation topics written on them. I feel a calling to enable my SO to 'think outside the box'. After thirty-eight years of marriage, I have a long list of conversation topics. I can hardly wait to share my list with him.
I thought our first topic of conversation could be the art of sharing 'deep and meaningful' thoughts. I wonder how that discussion will go..............................?
Ancora imparo
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Fathers' Day
Today is the Hallmark date set aside to honor current fathers and to remember our fathers who have gone before us. While not desiring to post a 'sappy' blog today, I would like to be reflective about fathers in general.
There was a brief discussion in my Sunday School class this morning about fathers and how they come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments......which caused me to reflect on my own father and other men who have been and are fathers. Fathers come in two other types as well: Biological and symbolic. As our class was waxing poetic about fatherhood, I realized that there was at least one man in the room who never had biological or adoptive children, yet had 'fathered' many men, both young and old, in one way or another. It is this type of father that our Hallmark 'day' totally misses the mark on and, perhaps, fosters a feeling of inadequacy in men (and women on Mothers' Day) who do not fall into the Hallmark category of parenthood.
And so I say to all card companies and well-meaning folk who innocently put the spotlight on what 'they' consider to be 'real' fathers, let us all remember that Every Man can be a father, whether he shares a genetic code with any offspring.
Here's to all kinds of fathers, everywhere.........thank you.
Ancora imparo
There was a brief discussion in my Sunday School class this morning about fathers and how they come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments......which caused me to reflect on my own father and other men who have been and are fathers. Fathers come in two other types as well: Biological and symbolic. As our class was waxing poetic about fatherhood, I realized that there was at least one man in the room who never had biological or adoptive children, yet had 'fathered' many men, both young and old, in one way or another. It is this type of father that our Hallmark 'day' totally misses the mark on and, perhaps, fosters a feeling of inadequacy in men (and women on Mothers' Day) who do not fall into the Hallmark category of parenthood.
And so I say to all card companies and well-meaning folk who innocently put the spotlight on what 'they' consider to be 'real' fathers, let us all remember that Every Man can be a father, whether he shares a genetic code with any offspring.
Here's to all kinds of fathers, everywhere.........thank you.
Ancora imparo
Saturday, June 20, 2009
More About Listing
Recently I posted an innane blog about lists. The funny thing is, I've made so many lists, as of late, that my brain feels as if it is listing. Not even listening to Franz Liszt is helping the sensation that I've done so much right or left brain cogitating that I continually lean in one direction or another.
This has led me to ponder the act of list-making.
Many people, men and women alike, make lists, so this is not an isolated concept. Lists are created on a variety of surfaces - among the more creative surfaces I've utilized are my hand, toilet paper, paper toweling, paper bags from stores, tiny pieces of paper torn from envelopes and the like, paper table covers from wedding receptions and restaurants, concert programs, church bulletins, store receipts, the inside of gum wrappers, the bottom of tissue boxes, the outer margin of car maps, the multitude of those annoying small advertising inserts stapled into ALL magazines these days, and the tags removed from clothing purchases. I'm confident that there are more examples but with my listing head, these examples are not coming immediately to mind.
The categories of lists are as endless as the material they are created upon.
Not too long ago, I stumbled upon a company that makes little binders of mini lists. I ordered two types, each style containing three different list categories, so I had a total of six in all. I used these daily for a period of time until I decided that I needed more categories. I began subdividing each of the six flip sheets so that I had twelve sub-categories of list titles running at all times. When I realized what I was doing I truly scared myself and wondered what kind of mind would need to continue this pathological need to make lists.
(To my readers: This is a dirty little secret that I have tried to hide from my family. I'll thank the reader not to alert any of my familial members as to my list fetish.)
The question is now - where do I go from here?
I already own a controlling stock in the company that makes those cute, small (and large), sticky, posting-type notes. My office and work area is decorated with cornea-burning, electric-colored square and rectangular-shaped pieces of paper that self-stick to most surfaces. This terrific invention works well for marking pages of books or catalogs, but it seems to be yet one more method of classification, closely related to list-making.
I'll have to give this some thought - on where to go from here - which will probably cause my head to list to an even greater angle.
In the meantime, did I mention that different colored pens make great tools for sub-sub classifications on the sub-classified lists?
Just passing on a little tip.............
Ancora imparo
This has led me to ponder the act of list-making.
Many people, men and women alike, make lists, so this is not an isolated concept. Lists are created on a variety of surfaces - among the more creative surfaces I've utilized are my hand, toilet paper, paper toweling, paper bags from stores, tiny pieces of paper torn from envelopes and the like, paper table covers from wedding receptions and restaurants, concert programs, church bulletins, store receipts, the inside of gum wrappers, the bottom of tissue boxes, the outer margin of car maps, the multitude of those annoying small advertising inserts stapled into ALL magazines these days, and the tags removed from clothing purchases. I'm confident that there are more examples but with my listing head, these examples are not coming immediately to mind.
The categories of lists are as endless as the material they are created upon.
Not too long ago, I stumbled upon a company that makes little binders of mini lists. I ordered two types, each style containing three different list categories, so I had a total of six in all. I used these daily for a period of time until I decided that I needed more categories. I began subdividing each of the six flip sheets so that I had twelve sub-categories of list titles running at all times. When I realized what I was doing I truly scared myself and wondered what kind of mind would need to continue this pathological need to make lists.
(To my readers: This is a dirty little secret that I have tried to hide from my family. I'll thank the reader not to alert any of my familial members as to my list fetish.)
The question is now - where do I go from here?
I already own a controlling stock in the company that makes those cute, small (and large), sticky, posting-type notes. My office and work area is decorated with cornea-burning, electric-colored square and rectangular-shaped pieces of paper that self-stick to most surfaces. This terrific invention works well for marking pages of books or catalogs, but it seems to be yet one more method of classification, closely related to list-making.
I'll have to give this some thought - on where to go from here - which will probably cause my head to list to an even greater angle.
In the meantime, did I mention that different colored pens make great tools for sub-sub classifications on the sub-classified lists?
Just passing on a little tip.............
Ancora imparo
Friday, June 19, 2009
Infinite Wisdom
Today's story out of Washington D.C. is so loopy that I'm surprised it did not originate in the "Onion" or the syndicated column, "News of the Weird" that apprears in some newspapers across the nation.
The latest Congressional wisdom has given birth to the "cash for clunkers" program that the Senate approved and is now headed for The Great Illusionist's desk for a signature.
A while ago, I conjured up a blog posting about the National Mall being turned into a mega car dealership. Unfortunately, I wasn't far off, except that now the National Mall will become a mega used-vehicle lot. The "cash for clunkers" program is designed to encourage consumers to turn in their gas guzzlers and receive vouchers for predetermined amounts based upon the mpg of the vehicle turned in and the vehicle purchased.
But wait! What is to become of the surrendered vehicles?
Will they become scrap metal or will, perhaps, they get sold again at yet another used-vehicle establishment and still end up on the road?
Hmmm, let me guess the answer to this pressing question?
Maybe all of the surrendered vehicles can be used to transport the politicians and the Great Illusionist to Las Vegas as the transition of our nation's capital morphs to a place where no one expects reality. We know that is one campaign promise that our politicians can deliver on!
Ancora imparo
The latest Congressional wisdom has given birth to the "cash for clunkers" program that the Senate approved and is now headed for The Great Illusionist's desk for a signature.
A while ago, I conjured up a blog posting about the National Mall being turned into a mega car dealership. Unfortunately, I wasn't far off, except that now the National Mall will become a mega used-vehicle lot. The "cash for clunkers" program is designed to encourage consumers to turn in their gas guzzlers and receive vouchers for predetermined amounts based upon the mpg of the vehicle turned in and the vehicle purchased.
But wait! What is to become of the surrendered vehicles?
Will they become scrap metal or will, perhaps, they get sold again at yet another used-vehicle establishment and still end up on the road?
Hmmm, let me guess the answer to this pressing question?
Maybe all of the surrendered vehicles can be used to transport the politicians and the Great Illusionist to Las Vegas as the transition of our nation's capital morphs to a place where no one expects reality. We know that is one campaign promise that our politicians can deliver on!
Ancora imparo
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Screenplay
The current hit Broadway play, "Waiting For Godot" has inspired me to write a screenplay I've entitled "Waiting For Bahbee". Since all the characters are fictional and have not yet 'come alive', come with me into the depths of my imagination for a condensed version of "Waiting For Bahbee".
The central character is a young female, Bernadette Godiva Hall. I'm seeing her as a tall, olive-skinned, dark-haired beauty. She will be unaware of her classic beauty but those around her will be besotted with her at all times. When she makes her first appearance, in the last half of the first act, it will be a noisy, almost shrieking entrance, as she has long been living in a warm, dark climate - most likely the Rain Forest region of Central America. Her parents are internationally acclaimed mathematicians and physicists who are teaching abroad for a Big Ten University, striving to bring math and sciences to the Amazon natives. She has an older brother, Thaddeus Lombard Vincent Hall who has demonstrated great skill as a concert pianist at a very young age. When TLVH is not playing the piano, he is playing on his Central American Youth softball team, or taking helicopter flying lessons. Her other, slightly older brother's name is Davidson, David for short. David excels at linguistics, even at his young age and is also an accomplished mountain climber.
Bernadette Godiva Hall, affectionately known as BGH to her family and friends, has her parents to thank for her stunning looks and great intellectual capacity. Her physicist father is also fluent in Pennsylvania Dutch and is a world-renowned trainer of English Springer Spaniel dogs. Her mother, besides being a gifted mathematician, is the president and CEO of several start-up, online businesses that are internationally recognized.
"Waiting For Bahbee" is a screenplay that has been a work in progress for about nine months now and I expect it will be finished within the next seven to ten days.
Stay tuned to my blog for further updates on "Waiting For Bahbee" and the next installment in the life of BGH as my screenplay 'comes to life'.
Ancora imparo
The central character is a young female, Bernadette Godiva Hall. I'm seeing her as a tall, olive-skinned, dark-haired beauty. She will be unaware of her classic beauty but those around her will be besotted with her at all times. When she makes her first appearance, in the last half of the first act, it will be a noisy, almost shrieking entrance, as she has long been living in a warm, dark climate - most likely the Rain Forest region of Central America. Her parents are internationally acclaimed mathematicians and physicists who are teaching abroad for a Big Ten University, striving to bring math and sciences to the Amazon natives. She has an older brother, Thaddeus Lombard Vincent Hall who has demonstrated great skill as a concert pianist at a very young age. When TLVH is not playing the piano, he is playing on his Central American Youth softball team, or taking helicopter flying lessons. Her other, slightly older brother's name is Davidson, David for short. David excels at linguistics, even at his young age and is also an accomplished mountain climber.
Bernadette Godiva Hall, affectionately known as BGH to her family and friends, has her parents to thank for her stunning looks and great intellectual capacity. Her physicist father is also fluent in Pennsylvania Dutch and is a world-renowned trainer of English Springer Spaniel dogs. Her mother, besides being a gifted mathematician, is the president and CEO of several start-up, online businesses that are internationally recognized.
"Waiting For Bahbee" is a screenplay that has been a work in progress for about nine months now and I expect it will be finished within the next seven to ten days.
Stay tuned to my blog for further updates on "Waiting For Bahbee" and the next installment in the life of BGH as my screenplay 'comes to life'.
Ancora imparo
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
An Impatient World
We are a world of impatient people, aren't we?
We are a world of "I want it and I want it now!".
Seconds seem like minutes and minutes feel like hours.
We honk our horns at each other when we wait for what we think is 'too long' at a traffic light. We stomp our feet, shift our body weight or sigh frequently when we find ourselves in a slow checkout lane in a retail establishment. We finish each others' sentences. We channel surf with impatient zeal. We have people who watch over our shoulders, literally and figurtively, observing our every move, making unspoken demands and displaying body language that brings the 'watchee' close to tears. We see parents take something from a child in exasperation and proceed to complete the task the child was attempting. Computer 'experts' snatch mice from people who may move more slowly than the 'expert' can tolerate. We complain if worship services last more than sixty minutes.
Where did tolerance and patience go in our society?
Yet we display tolerance and patience for the ludicrous.
We'll talk for hours on the phone. We'll wait for an hour or more to get into our favorite restaurant or amusement park attraction. We insist on driving ourselves into and out of cities for work -drives that last hours - instead of taking public transportation. We spend hours online.............. We attend boring cocktail parties and listen to self-important people drone on and on.
I guess it does all come down to personal choice and personal style. Some humans are built with slower internal clocks than others, although it does seem that most of these people live closer to the equator. Those of us who live in northern climes are a busy bunch, hurrying and scurrying to our next task.
Ooops! Gotta go. My timer went 'ding'. I'm on to my next task!
Ancora imparo
We are a world of "I want it and I want it now!".
Seconds seem like minutes and minutes feel like hours.
We honk our horns at each other when we wait for what we think is 'too long' at a traffic light. We stomp our feet, shift our body weight or sigh frequently when we find ourselves in a slow checkout lane in a retail establishment. We finish each others' sentences. We channel surf with impatient zeal. We have people who watch over our shoulders, literally and figurtively, observing our every move, making unspoken demands and displaying body language that brings the 'watchee' close to tears. We see parents take something from a child in exasperation and proceed to complete the task the child was attempting. Computer 'experts' snatch mice from people who may move more slowly than the 'expert' can tolerate. We complain if worship services last more than sixty minutes.
Where did tolerance and patience go in our society?
Yet we display tolerance and patience for the ludicrous.
We'll talk for hours on the phone. We'll wait for an hour or more to get into our favorite restaurant or amusement park attraction. We insist on driving ourselves into and out of cities for work -drives that last hours - instead of taking public transportation. We spend hours online.............. We attend boring cocktail parties and listen to self-important people drone on and on.
I guess it does all come down to personal choice and personal style. Some humans are built with slower internal clocks than others, although it does seem that most of these people live closer to the equator. Those of us who live in northern climes are a busy bunch, hurrying and scurrying to our next task.
Ooops! Gotta go. My timer went 'ding'. I'm on to my next task!
Ancora imparo
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Definitions
To List:
The act of taking pencil/pen to paper to record cerebral details that are trying to
escape.
A useful definition when preparing for any event, occasion, vacation, concert, dinner,
shopping trip, gift-buying, or organizational effort.
When a watercraft takes in water and shifts perilously in one direction.
A useful definition when you find yourself looking at the horizon from a sixty-degree angle.
If you need to consider this definition then you need to consider making lists immediately!
The act of creating beautiful orchestral music.
This definition is only appropriate if you spell list the European way - Liszt - AND your
first name is Franz.
Fortunately, I am only dealing with definition number one, seemingly lost in lists. My mind tries to categorize everything and, with every new category comes a new list. Definition number two is one that I hope I never have to consider because if I do, I'm confident that I will come face-to-face with Franz Liszt - a great fellow who wrote breathtakingly exquisite music - but I'd rather read about than meet!
Ancora imparo
The act of taking pencil/pen to paper to record cerebral details that are trying to
escape.
A useful definition when preparing for any event, occasion, vacation, concert, dinner,
shopping trip, gift-buying, or organizational effort.
When a watercraft takes in water and shifts perilously in one direction.
A useful definition when you find yourself looking at the horizon from a sixty-degree angle.
If you need to consider this definition then you need to consider making lists immediately!
The act of creating beautiful orchestral music.
This definition is only appropriate if you spell list the European way - Liszt - AND your
first name is Franz.
Fortunately, I am only dealing with definition number one, seemingly lost in lists. My mind tries to categorize everything and, with every new category comes a new list. Definition number two is one that I hope I never have to consider because if I do, I'm confident that I will come face-to-face with Franz Liszt - a great fellow who wrote breathtakingly exquisite music - but I'd rather read about than meet!
Ancora imparo
Monday, June 15, 2009
Picnic Lunches of Yore
The first picnic lunch that I remember sharing with my yet-to-be SO was on a river bank that meandered its way through our college campus. The spring day was idyllic and we were young and in love. Our cuisine consisted of a canned ham, a large chunk of cheese, a loaf of sourdough bread, and a bottle of Boone's Farm. (Editorial Note: Boone's Farm was the student community's vintner-of-choice during our college years due to the cost, probably around a $1.00 a bottle and the taste, which resembled a fruity, carbonated beverage.) The setting was perfect for a riverside assignation.
Over the years we've had other memorable picnic lunches, such as the home-fried chicken, biscuits, potato salad and cookies lunch on the Camp Pendleton Marine Base; peanut butter and jelly on sourdough bread overlooking San Francisco Bay's Golden Gate Bridge. Some of these lunches were just for the two of us, other lunches were shared with friends, our children (also friends), and even our dog, Max, although he and I just shared ice cream cones when I thought no one was looking.
Segue to present day, as my SO and I have just concluded our yearly contract renewal discussion, otherwise known to others as our anniversary. For thirty eight years now, we've had an annual conversation regarding whether or not to renew our marital contract for another year. It's always been love that has kept us together and, now, another layer of marital glue is present as we cannot agree who would get the cat if we decided to end our contract. Long live Frances!
Here is where I bring my posting back to full circle with the picnic lunch topic.
We decided to observe the day with a picnic lunch......or at least that was the thought.......but once we realized that is was easier to eat plain, non-fat yogurt with cranberries and almonds in a bowl at home, the picnic lunch idea was shelved. Instead we've resurrected our memories about picnic lunches of yore, when the food choices were endless and our waistlines were not. The only thing that seems to shrink as age-years collect are one's arteries - hence the plain, non-fat yogurt, to which I privately say "yuck"!
Today's blog posting is dedicated to all readers who can still eat whatever they desire, to young lovers who are getting older and to felines everywhere.
Ancora imparo
Over the years we've had other memorable picnic lunches, such as the home-fried chicken, biscuits, potato salad and cookies lunch on the Camp Pendleton Marine Base; peanut butter and jelly on sourdough bread overlooking San Francisco Bay's Golden Gate Bridge. Some of these lunches were just for the two of us, other lunches were shared with friends, our children (also friends), and even our dog, Max, although he and I just shared ice cream cones when I thought no one was looking.
Segue to present day, as my SO and I have just concluded our yearly contract renewal discussion, otherwise known to others as our anniversary. For thirty eight years now, we've had an annual conversation regarding whether or not to renew our marital contract for another year. It's always been love that has kept us together and, now, another layer of marital glue is present as we cannot agree who would get the cat if we decided to end our contract. Long live Frances!
Here is where I bring my posting back to full circle with the picnic lunch topic.
We decided to observe the day with a picnic lunch......or at least that was the thought.......but once we realized that is was easier to eat plain, non-fat yogurt with cranberries and almonds in a bowl at home, the picnic lunch idea was shelved. Instead we've resurrected our memories about picnic lunches of yore, when the food choices were endless and our waistlines were not. The only thing that seems to shrink as age-years collect are one's arteries - hence the plain, non-fat yogurt, to which I privately say "yuck"!
Today's blog posting is dedicated to all readers who can still eat whatever they desire, to young lovers who are getting older and to felines everywhere.
Ancora imparo
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Scheduled Outage
My Blogger.com dashboard says that a scheduled outage will occur within the next twenty-four hours. This message precipitated thoughts about scheduling my own outage (not permanent), when it would be and what I would do while I was 'out'. Upon careful reflection, I realized that the possibilities were endless but I did settle on my dream scenario.
I'd depart for the month of April - just before swimsuit season. My destination would be a Golden Door Salon and Spa. Any one of their locations would be acceptable as long as I could take my dog with me. While there, I'd be fed a vegetarian diet prepared by a personal chef, pampered upon my request by my personal pamperer, attend yoga and Pilates sessions with a personal trainer - followed by a daily massage, receive weekly manicures and pedicures, receive multiple make-overs until I 'got it right', have a hair stylist and colorist work on my unruly hair, engage a stylist to help me with my choice of clothes, read books whenever I chose and have access to a personal laptop computer at all times.
As you can see, my desires are small but my dream is huge. I'm quite confident that this dream will never materialize but I had great fun conjuring it. For a short while, I was transported to another world and that was a vacation in and of itself. I am temporarily renewed and refreshed.
I invite you to schedule your own temporary outage. I'm already imagining my next one!
Ancora imparo
I'd depart for the month of April - just before swimsuit season. My destination would be a Golden Door Salon and Spa. Any one of their locations would be acceptable as long as I could take my dog with me. While there, I'd be fed a vegetarian diet prepared by a personal chef, pampered upon my request by my personal pamperer, attend yoga and Pilates sessions with a personal trainer - followed by a daily massage, receive weekly manicures and pedicures, receive multiple make-overs until I 'got it right', have a hair stylist and colorist work on my unruly hair, engage a stylist to help me with my choice of clothes, read books whenever I chose and have access to a personal laptop computer at all times.
As you can see, my desires are small but my dream is huge. I'm quite confident that this dream will never materialize but I had great fun conjuring it. For a short while, I was transported to another world and that was a vacation in and of itself. I am temporarily renewed and refreshed.
I invite you to schedule your own temporary outage. I'm already imagining my next one!
Ancora imparo
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Curious Phenomenom
Last night brought the second night, in our parking spot, with our aqua RV.
Predictably, because this was a Friday night, more aqua RVs joined us. As the dinner hour (whatever that is) proceeded and then proceeded to conclude, more people seeking adventure joined our merry little band. When we decided to turn in, a total of ten aqua RVs were present. Sometime after dark one more arrived.
Here's the curious phenomenon of which I hinted.
We are parked in a not-small area of water........lots of space. During the day, one other aqua RV and we were at constant anchor. As my SO and I ate dinner, enjoyed some games of cribbage ('Enjoyed' is a relative term........I got royally trounced twice!), did some twilight reading and chatting, we watched, with fascination, the new aqua RVs find their spots for anchorage. Finding an anchorage point is much like a dog doing its circle dance, readying itself for a comfortable sleep position. By the time the ten aqua RVs were 'set', we noticed that a near-circle had been created, much like the covered wagons of the How-The-West-Was-Won years. We were all 'tucked' in for night, protected from whatever the demons, marauders, underwater covert operatives might spring upon us.
When daylight broke, all were safe, still - thankfully - in their original places.
We had fended off the demons, marauders, underwater covert operatives for one more night!
Ancora imparo
Predictably, because this was a Friday night, more aqua RVs joined us. As the dinner hour (whatever that is) proceeded and then proceeded to conclude, more people seeking adventure joined our merry little band. When we decided to turn in, a total of ten aqua RVs were present. Sometime after dark one more arrived.
Here's the curious phenomenon of which I hinted.
We are parked in a not-small area of water........lots of space. During the day, one other aqua RV and we were at constant anchor. As my SO and I ate dinner, enjoyed some games of cribbage ('Enjoyed' is a relative term........I got royally trounced twice!), did some twilight reading and chatting, we watched, with fascination, the new aqua RVs find their spots for anchorage. Finding an anchorage point is much like a dog doing its circle dance, readying itself for a comfortable sleep position. By the time the ten aqua RVs were 'set', we noticed that a near-circle had been created, much like the covered wagons of the How-The-West-Was-Won years. We were all 'tucked' in for night, protected from whatever the demons, marauders, underwater covert operatives might spring upon us.
When daylight broke, all were safe, still - thankfully - in their original places.
We had fended off the demons, marauders, underwater covert operatives for one more night!
Ancora imparo
Friday, June 12, 2009
Finding a Parking Space
It was 5:00 p.m., Central Daylight Time, when we found a parking space for our aqua RV. Due to the time of year and 'coolish' weather, we had no problem securing a perfect spot to spend one or two nights. We found ourselves among three other aqua RVs who had chosen the same location to tuck in for the night.
Our backdrop is a breathtaking, picturesque state park, where pine trees abound and clear, blue water goes as far as the eye can see. Last night we watched as campfire after campfire was lit and the sounds of voices carried far from shore. Excited, small voices, mostly, carried far from shore - likely in anticipation of the roasted hot dog or marshmallow to come. Hours later the smoke and smell from the many fires would drive us into an enclosed space where conversation and book reading became the activities of the evening.
There is nothing like expansive water to soothe the troubled soul and calm the over-agitated mind. Being on or near water invites relaxation and contemplation.
Our dinner was prepared without the assistance of electricity, pressing the propane grill into full service. The grate had nary a bare inch open as we grilled Vidalia onion slices, fresh aparagus, baked potatoes and pork chops. As with any form of camping, everything seems to taste better when cooked and eaten out-of-doors. Sleep would be slightly elusive as wave action kept constant movement against the hull of our aqua RV.
Morning, today, brought freshly brewed coffee, the chance to read a newspaper from cover to cover and an almost two-hour, lively conversation as a neighboring aqua-RVer came for a visit. Such can be the nature of aqua RVing.
Ancora imparo
Our backdrop is a breathtaking, picturesque state park, where pine trees abound and clear, blue water goes as far as the eye can see. Last night we watched as campfire after campfire was lit and the sounds of voices carried far from shore. Excited, small voices, mostly, carried far from shore - likely in anticipation of the roasted hot dog or marshmallow to come. Hours later the smoke and smell from the many fires would drive us into an enclosed space where conversation and book reading became the activities of the evening.
There is nothing like expansive water to soothe the troubled soul and calm the over-agitated mind. Being on or near water invites relaxation and contemplation.
Our dinner was prepared without the assistance of electricity, pressing the propane grill into full service. The grate had nary a bare inch open as we grilled Vidalia onion slices, fresh aparagus, baked potatoes and pork chops. As with any form of camping, everything seems to taste better when cooked and eaten out-of-doors. Sleep would be slightly elusive as wave action kept constant movement against the hull of our aqua RV.
Morning, today, brought freshly brewed coffee, the chance to read a newspaper from cover to cover and an almost two-hour, lively conversation as a neighboring aqua-RVer came for a visit. Such can be the nature of aqua RVing.
Ancora imparo
Thursday, June 11, 2009
I May Not Have Majored In Math, But....
This posting is dedicated to Washington D.C.'s politicians.
I may not have majored in math.....or econ......or accounting......or business but........as a music major, I did learn the value and necessity of having the correct number of beats per measure, per the time signature. I also learned that musicians who cannot perform music with the correct number of beats per measure or give note values their correct amounts of time will never make it above the description of "poor performers".
So it was with a jaundiced ear and an over-abundance of skepticism and cynicism that I listened to a national news report last evening explaining the 'unusual vortex' of events that have come into play resulting in the nation's rising gas prices. A multitude of 'experts' were quoted - allow me to paraphrase:
OPEC is ..................
Oil companies are responding........
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah
My responses went something like this:
Our gas prices rise because the oil companies can raise them under the guise of many an outside influence. How do you spell collusion? Food corporations and dairy companies have known the sting of collusion and price-fixing charges and are subject to stringent rules and regulations. Why are not our oil companies subject to the same rules and regs?
I wasn't born yesterday on that answer, either.
It is only in Washington D.C. that two plus two does not have to equal four and that a time signature of four-over-four can routinely have five beats per measure.
Ancora imparo
I may not have majored in math.....or econ......or accounting......or business but........as a music major, I did learn the value and necessity of having the correct number of beats per measure, per the time signature. I also learned that musicians who cannot perform music with the correct number of beats per measure or give note values their correct amounts of time will never make it above the description of "poor performers".
So it was with a jaundiced ear and an over-abundance of skepticism and cynicism that I listened to a national news report last evening explaining the 'unusual vortex' of events that have come into play resulting in the nation's rising gas prices. A multitude of 'experts' were quoted - allow me to paraphrase:
OPEC is ..................
Oil companies are responding........
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah
My responses went something like this:
- Hello?
- Do you think I was born yesterday?
- And you have underwater property for sale where?
- You must be kidding!
- Unbelievable
- Wha.....the......?????
- Right...........
- I do have all my oars in the water!
- I'm smarter than I look!
- I may be short but.......
Our gas prices rise because the oil companies can raise them under the guise of many an outside influence. How do you spell collusion? Food corporations and dairy companies have known the sting of collusion and price-fixing charges and are subject to stringent rules and regulations. Why are not our oil companies subject to the same rules and regs?
I wasn't born yesterday on that answer, either.
It is only in Washington D.C. that two plus two does not have to equal four and that a time signature of four-over-four can routinely have five beats per measure.
Ancora imparo
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Sometimes I Wonder...............
Do you ever have moments, in your daily allotment of twenty-four hours, where you wonder why or why-is-that or why-do-we......?
Being a naturally curious person, I often have such moments and questions. Usually I keep my questions to myself because to speak them aloud would simply be utterances of rhetorical questions to no one in particular and, if anyone should overhear me, I'd most likely be institutionalized for dementia.
But, wonder, I do. Allow me to share some of my life-questions with you.
Since I started typing, I've been muttering all of these questions and now there are people in white clothing, armed with butterfly nets, at my front door. I think someone made a phone call.
Do you have questions? I'd love to hear yours and I promise not to call anyone!
Ancora imparo
Being a naturally curious person, I often have such moments and questions. Usually I keep my questions to myself because to speak them aloud would simply be utterances of rhetorical questions to no one in particular and, if anyone should overhear me, I'd most likely be institutionalized for dementia.
But, wonder, I do. Allow me to share some of my life-questions with you.
- Why is mediocrity rewarded?
- Why do I devalue my mind with television trash?
- Does my trash hauler really sort through all of the co-mingled rubbish? I take the time to carefully prepare my trash for pick-up and then my hauler simply dumps it all into one receptacle and I watch the giant arm move the bucket up over the truck and - voila! - it all goes into the gaping mouth of the garbage truck. This is recycling?
- Why do some individuals relish their role of the shock-and-awe queen or king?
- Why do some individuals know how to push others' buttons better than anyone else?
- Why are so many recreational vehicles painted mostly white?
- Why do SO MANY societal institutions reward mediocrity?
- Has the grading system in our public learning institutions become over-inflated?
- What happened to personal responsibility?
- Why is there so much conflicting information among the medical community?
- What does "a day" really mean in the Bible?
- Do blondes really have more fun?
- Do high standards and expectations have to negate having fun?
- Why am I not in charge of what happens to, within, and without my body?
- Why are some people better at follow-through than others?
- Why are we drawn to people who talk a good line rather than people who walk the straight line?
- What happened to common decency?
- What happened to manners?
Since I started typing, I've been muttering all of these questions and now there are people in white clothing, armed with butterfly nets, at my front door. I think someone made a phone call.
Do you have questions? I'd love to hear yours and I promise not to call anyone!
Ancora imparo
Monday, June 8, 2009
The Latest Pet Craze
A story in today's newspaper was fascinating for several reasons. First, it was an example of how to have a pet at your workplace. Secondly, it demonstrated that pets can, indeed, work for humans, and lastly, it was just plain weird to think about.
What, you may ask, am I speaking about?
Keeping a worm colony under your work desk. Really.
This article explained how to keep a worm colony at your workplace.
Why a worm colony? It acts as a mini compost area.
Take-a-pet-to-work concept. Fascinating to think that - indoors, no less - these tiny, crawly, slimy creatures can actually munch away, literally eating their way through a work day. How many human workers would love to be able to do the same? But these invertebrates accomplish great work while eating, unlike most company hires in their tiny cubicles or in a large corral-type room where dozens of desks line up like checkers on a checkerboard.
Nature has given humankind yet another example of how to work efficiently, that our jobs don't have to be glamorous to be worthwhile, that the simple way is sometimes the best way,
that the quiet and the meek often outperform the loud and the flashy, and that Mother Nature will always rule the world - no matter how many engineers try to reign her in or regardless of the hubris scattered about the globe among politicians, scientists, and think tanks.
M.I.T. eat your heart out! (Literally and figuratively.)
Ancora imparo
What, you may ask, am I speaking about?
Keeping a worm colony under your work desk. Really.
This article explained how to keep a worm colony at your workplace.
Why a worm colony? It acts as a mini compost area.
Take-a-pet-to-work concept. Fascinating to think that - indoors, no less - these tiny, crawly, slimy creatures can actually munch away, literally eating their way through a work day. How many human workers would love to be able to do the same? But these invertebrates accomplish great work while eating, unlike most company hires in their tiny cubicles or in a large corral-type room where dozens of desks line up like checkers on a checkerboard.
Nature has given humankind yet another example of how to work efficiently, that our jobs don't have to be glamorous to be worthwhile, that the simple way is sometimes the best way,
that the quiet and the meek often outperform the loud and the flashy, and that Mother Nature will always rule the world - no matter how many engineers try to reign her in or regardless of the hubris scattered about the globe among politicians, scientists, and think tanks.
M.I.T. eat your heart out! (Literally and figuratively.)
Ancora imparo
Sunday, June 7, 2009
The End Consumer
I heard the phrase 'end consumer' this morning on a radio talk show. A definition of 'end consumer' ensued and left me with more questions than answers.
I understand the concept but it seems that we 'end consumers' get lost in the shuffle, are left blowin' in the wind, and, worse yet, get shot at sunrise. The example of 'end consumer' was given in relation to the designer fashion industry, an industry that I deal little with and care less about. What I do care about is the 'end consumer' in health insurance.
So much is being written and spoken these days about the health insurance industry, with all the politicians tripping over themselves in an effort to seem caring, informed, and earnest in their desire to fix the brokenness of a troubled part of our economy. What gets in the pols' way is the fact that this problem doesn't affect Washington D.C.
Our political figures have the latest and greatest health insurance coverage in the world. These people wouldn't recognize poor coverage or no coverage if it slapped them in their faces. Until our legislators and other politicians can experience the same frustrations and fears that the self-insured, under-insured, and non-insured experience, health care reform will not take any viable form.
What about it, Washington? Any takers out there willing to try the poor coverage or lack-there-of coverage or rising coverage costs to the self-insured, under-insured or non-insured constituents you supposedly serve?
I'll believe it when I see it.
Ancora imparo
I understand the concept but it seems that we 'end consumers' get lost in the shuffle, are left blowin' in the wind, and, worse yet, get shot at sunrise. The example of 'end consumer' was given in relation to the designer fashion industry, an industry that I deal little with and care less about. What I do care about is the 'end consumer' in health insurance.
So much is being written and spoken these days about the health insurance industry, with all the politicians tripping over themselves in an effort to seem caring, informed, and earnest in their desire to fix the brokenness of a troubled part of our economy. What gets in the pols' way is the fact that this problem doesn't affect Washington D.C.
Our political figures have the latest and greatest health insurance coverage in the world. These people wouldn't recognize poor coverage or no coverage if it slapped them in their faces. Until our legislators and other politicians can experience the same frustrations and fears that the self-insured, under-insured, and non-insured experience, health care reform will not take any viable form.
What about it, Washington? Any takers out there willing to try the poor coverage or lack-there-of coverage or rising coverage costs to the self-insured, under-insured or non-insured constituents you supposedly serve?
I'll believe it when I see it.
Ancora imparo
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Masting My Wind
This morning's walk with my SO delivered a stunning personal discovery for moi.
We were conversing about a wide variety of topics, among them being part of a group or leadership team for an organization and the various possibilities for affecting influence. In other words, how to win friends and influence people.
This particular topic has been of particular interest to me since I gave up my job as a public school educator. Granted, the decision was a voluntary one......one that I have second-guessed since the moment I tendered my resignation......one that I have still not made peace with.
My SO knows this only too well as it is a frequent topic of whining, lamentation, and bemoaning on my part. I'm sure he has deep, permanent bite marks in his tongue from frequent personal verbal restraints on his part.
Today was just another entry in the long sequences of bemoaning and lamentation from moi regarding my feelings of having my mind wasted. (This is why I blog - an effort to keep my mind stimulated.) We were walking and I was talking and he was listening - at least giving the appearance of listening, bless his heart - the final blow was delivered to my fears of "if you don't use it, you'll lose it" syndrome. As I was concluding my soliloquy, my tongue got all twisted up and I exclaimed, "I am masting my wind", which is "wasting my mind" in tongue-twist language. Discouraged as could be, I instinctively knew it was time to cease talking and privately ponder whether or not I could converse or discourse effectively in the future.
Which is where I find myself currently, masting my wind or minding fyself, fichever comes whirst.
Imparo ancora
We were conversing about a wide variety of topics, among them being part of a group or leadership team for an organization and the various possibilities for affecting influence. In other words, how to win friends and influence people.
This particular topic has been of particular interest to me since I gave up my job as a public school educator. Granted, the decision was a voluntary one......one that I have second-guessed since the moment I tendered my resignation......one that I have still not made peace with.
My SO knows this only too well as it is a frequent topic of whining, lamentation, and bemoaning on my part. I'm sure he has deep, permanent bite marks in his tongue from frequent personal verbal restraints on his part.
Today was just another entry in the long sequences of bemoaning and lamentation from moi regarding my feelings of having my mind wasted. (This is why I blog - an effort to keep my mind stimulated.) We were walking and I was talking and he was listening - at least giving the appearance of listening, bless his heart - the final blow was delivered to my fears of "if you don't use it, you'll lose it" syndrome. As I was concluding my soliloquy, my tongue got all twisted up and I exclaimed, "I am masting my wind", which is "wasting my mind" in tongue-twist language. Discouraged as could be, I instinctively knew it was time to cease talking and privately ponder whether or not I could converse or discourse effectively in the future.
Which is where I find myself currently, masting my wind or minding fyself, fichever comes whirst.
Imparo ancora
Friday, June 5, 2009
Slightly Off Center
I just had the pleasure, no - thrill, of watching a well-known band play live on early morning television. This group has been around for, maybe, two decades. Being a musician, I've always enjoyed the band's distinctive sound as well as the complex rhythms that are the band's signature. The lead singer, for which the band is named, has a most identifiable voice and, this morning, demonstrated why the band has had such staying power.
Watching the group strut their stuff, particularly the lead singer, I was once again struck by how many truly brilliant and talented performers and artists are slightly off center.
Which makes me wonder: Are these people brilliant because of their SOC traits or do their SOC traits enable and enhance their brilliance? Perhaps it is a delicate combination of both possibilities. Whatever the reason, passion, talent, brilliance, skill, and intensity combine into a powerful combination that delivers an unbeatable cocktail of electricity when performing.
The performance stages of the world are filled with individuals and groups with varying levels of skill and talent. To each his own in preference for musical style and genre, but for this old cat, stages are littered with subpar singers who sound more like injured felines stranded in tall trees. Today's performance proved that this particular band and lead singer have had staying power for one reason - talent. Undeniable talent and skill that is only enhanced by playing live. A litmus test that too many of today's singers cannot pass.
Ancora imparo
Watching the group strut their stuff, particularly the lead singer, I was once again struck by how many truly brilliant and talented performers and artists are slightly off center.
Which makes me wonder: Are these people brilliant because of their SOC traits or do their SOC traits enable and enhance their brilliance? Perhaps it is a delicate combination of both possibilities. Whatever the reason, passion, talent, brilliance, skill, and intensity combine into a powerful combination that delivers an unbeatable cocktail of electricity when performing.
The performance stages of the world are filled with individuals and groups with varying levels of skill and talent. To each his own in preference for musical style and genre, but for this old cat, stages are littered with subpar singers who sound more like injured felines stranded in tall trees. Today's performance proved that this particular band and lead singer have had staying power for one reason - talent. Undeniable talent and skill that is only enhanced by playing live. A litmus test that too many of today's singers cannot pass.
Ancora imparo
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Right In Front Of Us
Sometimes good stuff, places, products, and people are right in front of us, aren't they?
We don't have to drive long distances for the greatest shopping experiences. For a good shopping day we can often stay home, driving short distances. It just takes a companion who is familiar with different businesses and localities and can guide others to previously overlooked establishments.
Occasionally it takes outsiders who move into our neighborhoods and communities to show us what jewels and gems we have right in our own backyards. These newcomers fill their hours and days exploring and visiting parks, other recreational sites, restaurants, performing arts troupes that 'locals' often dismiss or overlook.
New faces in our lives not only guide us to appreciate what we have but those same new faces also bring fresh conversations, perspectives, and the possibility of friendships.
I've had the pleasure over the past months to find new people in my life that have added immeasurably to the quality of my life. I am a better person because of new faces who have introduced me to new places.
Ancora imparo
We don't have to drive long distances for the greatest shopping experiences. For a good shopping day we can often stay home, driving short distances. It just takes a companion who is familiar with different businesses and localities and can guide others to previously overlooked establishments.
Occasionally it takes outsiders who move into our neighborhoods and communities to show us what jewels and gems we have right in our own backyards. These newcomers fill their hours and days exploring and visiting parks, other recreational sites, restaurants, performing arts troupes that 'locals' often dismiss or overlook.
New faces in our lives not only guide us to appreciate what we have but those same new faces also bring fresh conversations, perspectives, and the possibility of friendships.
I've had the pleasure over the past months to find new people in my life that have added immeasurably to the quality of my life. I am a better person because of new faces who have introduced me to new places.
Ancora imparo
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The States of.........
Just as each of our fifty United States have their own personality and flavor, I've given some thought about fifty states of being we humans may find ourselves in from time to time. Granted, not all of these states of being are desirable, but they are real for the human condition of the world. Perhaps you will find a state or two (or three) that you will identify with. Some states would invite an infinite stay......others a brief stay, if any at all.
Please remember that no liberals or conservatives were harmed in the composition of this list......................
Consider the states of:
Confusion
Denial
Ecstasy
Bewilderment
Apoplexy
Astonishment
Wonderment
Mind
Mindlessness
Lawlessness
Poverty
Delusion
Corruption
War
Forgiveness
Matrimony
Consumption
Fascination
Cooperation
Determination
Degradation
Simplification
Elongation
Intrepidation
Transformation
Unification
Perplexity
Diversification
Consternation
Mortification
Retribution
Carelessness
Callousness
Corrosiveness
No Where
Somewhere
Homelessness
Improvement
Merriment
Loneliness
Futility
Productiveness
Atonement
Relaxation
Motherhood
Fatherhood
Sisterhood
Brotherhood
Consciousness
Unconsciousness
Suspended Animation
Now that I've finished my blog posting for this day, I'd better take myself to the state of productivity!
What state(s) will you find yourself in today?
Ancora imparo
Please remember that no liberals or conservatives were harmed in the composition of this list......................
Consider the states of:
Confusion
Denial
Ecstasy
Bewilderment
Apoplexy
Astonishment
Wonderment
Mind
Mindlessness
Lawlessness
Poverty
Delusion
Corruption
War
Forgiveness
Matrimony
Consumption
Fascination
Cooperation
Determination
Degradation
Simplification
Elongation
Intrepidation
Transformation
Unification
Perplexity
Diversification
Consternation
Mortification
Retribution
Carelessness
Callousness
Corrosiveness
No Where
Somewhere
Homelessness
Improvement
Merriment
Loneliness
Futility
Productiveness
Atonement
Relaxation
Motherhood
Fatherhood
Sisterhood
Brotherhood
Consciousness
Unconsciousness
Suspended Animation
Now that I've finished my blog posting for this day, I'd better take myself to the state of productivity!
What state(s) will you find yourself in today?
Ancora imparo
Monday, June 1, 2009
Graduates
I love this time of year. High school seniors are eagerly awaiting the outward sign of the progression of time (thirteen years, in most cases) that acknowledges the achievement of a major milestone; i.e. their high school diploma.
The last semester, for most high school seniors, is one mile-marker after another. Ordering caps and gowns and all the accompanying graduation 'schtuff' that parents' pocketbooks can afford; the spring prom, honors nights, last concerts, sports dinners, senior trips, bus trips into cities to attend Broadway shows, Baccalaureate.....if their schools allow the ceremony, the actual graduation ceremony, graduation open houses, getting in touch with future college roommates, buying all the gear necessary to adequately 'equip' the typical college dorm room, saying goodbye to friends and classmates as everyone goes their separate ways into the next phase of their lives, saying the final goodbye to family as the graduate becomes a college or university student. The list is long and the list differs for each graduate.
Some graduates will choose to enter the military and serve their country, others will remain at home and attend the excellent and underrated junior college system, others will enter the work force immediately upon graduation, a few will marry, and others will travel. Life-changing and life-altering decisions will be made - some with a great deal of forethought and other decisions will be made under duress.
The common thread binding all graduates together is that their 'whiteboard', if you will, gets to be wiped clean and, for that one moment in time, all graduates get to chose what will be written for them and about them. The opportunity is fleeting, so the choice of text, font, color, and word selection is vitally important.
To all the graduates that may read this, know that you have a once-in-a-lifetime chance right now, right this very minute. Take time making your choices, trust your instincts, chose your friends carefully, keep your 'frenemies' at arm's length, try to remember that your parents may have helpful input and insights, and please, don't text while driving. There is a natural order in this world that purports that young people should live to ripe, old ages, and that older people should die first.
Stick to the plan.
Ancora imparo
The last semester, for most high school seniors, is one mile-marker after another. Ordering caps and gowns and all the accompanying graduation 'schtuff' that parents' pocketbooks can afford; the spring prom, honors nights, last concerts, sports dinners, senior trips, bus trips into cities to attend Broadway shows, Baccalaureate.....if their schools allow the ceremony, the actual graduation ceremony, graduation open houses, getting in touch with future college roommates, buying all the gear necessary to adequately 'equip' the typical college dorm room, saying goodbye to friends and classmates as everyone goes their separate ways into the next phase of their lives, saying the final goodbye to family as the graduate becomes a college or university student. The list is long and the list differs for each graduate.
Some graduates will choose to enter the military and serve their country, others will remain at home and attend the excellent and underrated junior college system, others will enter the work force immediately upon graduation, a few will marry, and others will travel. Life-changing and life-altering decisions will be made - some with a great deal of forethought and other decisions will be made under duress.
The common thread binding all graduates together is that their 'whiteboard', if you will, gets to be wiped clean and, for that one moment in time, all graduates get to chose what will be written for them and about them. The opportunity is fleeting, so the choice of text, font, color, and word selection is vitally important.
To all the graduates that may read this, know that you have a once-in-a-lifetime chance right now, right this very minute. Take time making your choices, trust your instincts, chose your friends carefully, keep your 'frenemies' at arm's length, try to remember that your parents may have helpful input and insights, and please, don't text while driving. There is a natural order in this world that purports that young people should live to ripe, old ages, and that older people should die first.
Stick to the plan.
Ancora imparo
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