Random Thought #1
I was looking at some photos of my niece's wedding cake and realized how amazingly skilled my sister and my nephew are...they created the wedding cake and the groom's cake, layered them, made icing, iced them, and decorated them. I may post photos of the cakes, despite saying I would post only one from the blessing of the marriage.
Random Thought #2
It is a law of nature: If I close my office to ensure that my staff will not have to cope with treacherous icing conditions on the roads (like I did today at about 11:00 am or so), there will be little to no icing conditions; if I do not close the office, driving conditions will be deadly.
Random Thought #3
Sixteen year-old washing machines can look like they are brand new, but trying to find parts for them is damn near impossible...it looks like we'll be getting a new one. But, new washers are deeper than older ones...and so will not fit in the same spaces. I think appliance manufacturers may be colluding with home remodelers. It's possible. Well, it IS possible!
Random Thought #4
A nice dish of creamed canned salmon over rice, with just the right amount of white pepper, is wonderful on a cold night. I'm stopping this post to enjoy just such a dish, in fact.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Shivering Laundromats!
This morning started out very warm...70 degrees...and remarkably humid. The early clouds burned off quickly and, by mid-morning, the sky was clear and bright. That lasted only a short while, though, as another set of clouds drifted in, setting off a series of rain showers.
The trees all over Dallas have been in a hurry to drop their leaves over the past week, so that almost all at once the streets and lawns are filled with massive piles of orange and brown and crimson debris. Such a sudden and dramatic drop is unusual, in my memory, and a little bewildering. Why all at once?
Late in the day we experienced what may have, in some odd fashion, precipitated the leaf dump. Just after 6:30 pm, as my wife and I were crossing the parking lot of a restaurant to join a couple for dinner, a cold, cold wind ripped into us. It was the cold front the meteorologists have been talking about for several days. "Get ready for an icy winter front," they told us, "and be on the lookout for ice and snow."
When we left the office at 6:15, the temperature was 74 degrees. By the time we finished dinner at about 7:30 (it was a quick one), the temperature had dropped to 51. According to Weather Underground, it's now hovering around 43 degrees.
While the cold snap could have been the perfect opportunity to come home, make a hot toddy, and get ready for the onslaught of winter in our nice, dry house, it was not to be tonight. My wife put in a load of laundry, only to notice a few moments later that water was pouring out from under the machine. A quick check of the hoses revealed no external leaks. A closer look revealed that the leak is inside the machine...possibly just a hose that needs replacement. But, the machine is 16 years old, so it may be time for a replacement. I'll take a look tomorrow afternoon, if I have enough strength to battle the monster and win my attempt to move it so I can open the back.
The clothes that were in the washer when it began its tantrum were soppy, soapy, and generally a mess. My wife was satisfied to let them sit overnight...we could take them out, put them on towels until they were dry enough to put in the dryer, and then dry them. I argued that it was not a good idea...I should take the wet mess to a laundromat and wash them to be sure the soap did not do any damage to the clothes as the soap dried into the fabric. She reluctantly agreed and insisted on going along. I found a laundromat nearby, by looking online, and we drove down to it. It has been years since I have used a laundromat; it brought back memories of being a nearly destitute student and subsequently a nearly destitute post-student worker. It also make me think that we too often get very, very isolated from the real world when we rely on the comforts and conveniences of home.
A trip to the laundromat made me think about how much it costs to wash a load of laundry ($1.75 for the smaller of the washers that were available) and how much of an effort it is to use a laundromat, versus the convenience of a laundry room in one's home or apartment building. Not only that, going to the laundromat forces one (if one is a middle-aged geezer) into an environment that is foreign...an environment in which most of the people are poor and live a completely different lifestyle than mine.
It would behoove people like me...and certainly those with far more money than I...to make it a point to get a reality check from time to time. Here are a few things that could bring the real world into sharper focus (I'm preaching here...cannot say I have done these things, but should):
There's more, of course, but you get the drift. I should take my own advice. I know it would bring the luxuries of my life into sharper perspective and teach me to better appreciate the challenges that face less fortunate people.
I'm climbing down now. Good night.
The trees all over Dallas have been in a hurry to drop their leaves over the past week, so that almost all at once the streets and lawns are filled with massive piles of orange and brown and crimson debris. Such a sudden and dramatic drop is unusual, in my memory, and a little bewildering. Why all at once?
Late in the day we experienced what may have, in some odd fashion, precipitated the leaf dump. Just after 6:30 pm, as my wife and I were crossing the parking lot of a restaurant to join a couple for dinner, a cold, cold wind ripped into us. It was the cold front the meteorologists have been talking about for several days. "Get ready for an icy winter front," they told us, "and be on the lookout for ice and snow."
When we left the office at 6:15, the temperature was 74 degrees. By the time we finished dinner at about 7:30 (it was a quick one), the temperature had dropped to 51. According to Weather Underground, it's now hovering around 43 degrees.
While the cold snap could have been the perfect opportunity to come home, make a hot toddy, and get ready for the onslaught of winter in our nice, dry house, it was not to be tonight. My wife put in a load of laundry, only to notice a few moments later that water was pouring out from under the machine. A quick check of the hoses revealed no external leaks. A closer look revealed that the leak is inside the machine...possibly just a hose that needs replacement. But, the machine is 16 years old, so it may be time for a replacement. I'll take a look tomorrow afternoon, if I have enough strength to battle the monster and win my attempt to move it so I can open the back.
The clothes that were in the washer when it began its tantrum were soppy, soapy, and generally a mess. My wife was satisfied to let them sit overnight...we could take them out, put them on towels until they were dry enough to put in the dryer, and then dry them. I argued that it was not a good idea...I should take the wet mess to a laundromat and wash them to be sure the soap did not do any damage to the clothes as the soap dried into the fabric. She reluctantly agreed and insisted on going along. I found a laundromat nearby, by looking online, and we drove down to it. It has been years since I have used a laundromat; it brought back memories of being a nearly destitute student and subsequently a nearly destitute post-student worker. It also make me think that we too often get very, very isolated from the real world when we rely on the comforts and conveniences of home.
A trip to the laundromat made me think about how much it costs to wash a load of laundry ($1.75 for the smaller of the washers that were available) and how much of an effort it is to use a laundromat, versus the convenience of a laundry room in one's home or apartment building. Not only that, going to the laundromat forces one (if one is a middle-aged geezer) into an environment that is foreign...an environment in which most of the people are poor and live a completely different lifestyle than mine.
It would behoove people like me...and certainly those with far more money than I...to make it a point to get a reality check from time to time. Here are a few things that could bring the real world into sharper focus (I'm preaching here...cannot say I have done these things, but should):
- Use a public laundromat for a month, in place of your own private washer and dryer;
- Do not use the dishwasher for a month, instead doing dishes by hand;
- Take public transportation to work for a month...especially if, like me, public transportation to the office requires a 2 hour time commitment one way, and changing vehicles at least 4 times and waiting at bus stops or light-rail stations for some time between rides;
- Rely on only the of-air television stations for news and entertainment...or, better yet, pretend the television is broken for a month;
- Make lunches to take to work every day for a month...something simple, like tuna sandwiches;
- Do not go out to restaurants for a month...or, if you must go, go to the cheapest places you can find and then only once or twice during the month;
- Turn off the computer and forget Internet access for a month...pretend you cannot afford it;
- When shopping for groceries, buy only what you absolutely must have...clip coupons like a madman and buy only what you can get cheap
There's more, of course, but you get the drift. I should take my own advice. I know it would bring the luxuries of my life into sharper perspective and teach me to better appreciate the challenges that face less fortunate people.
I'm climbing down now. Good night.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
5 Days of Silence and Then...
It's almost embarrassing that I have let five days go by without blogging. Obviously, I cannot relate all that has happened in these last five days, but will give a brief and utterly incomplete synopsis.
I took pictures, too. Lots of them. The only one I will post is this one, the 'bride' and 'groom' exchanging a kiss outside the church:
I enjoyed myself alot during the few days I was with my family. It was great to see brothers, sisters, niece, nephew, in-laws of various stripes, etc. I would like to do that more often. As a geezer, I see the value in it that I sometimes did not before.
My first book may be entitled, "Be a Good Geezer." People don't seem to understand the term as I intend it. I want my book to explain. It will explain more of me, too, and will reveal a softer side that only a few know about. Generally, I am a crusty old bastard, but just beneath the surface is someone most people would not know. He's the one who will actually write the book. He's the one who will offer the advice, give the guidance, and accept the ridicule of everyone around him for having written the book. All that having been said, I think my message and the way I want to say it can be breathtaking, if I have the right editor with the right motives and skills. What I have to say could inform the Democratic party's message, but probably won't. What I have to say is more likely to bring the fringe good people to the center of the table, and give them the audacity to say what they think.
If I ever write that book, look for a blinding condemnation of organized religion, coupled with a call for tolerance and appreciation and acceptance of the faithful. Look for a soft-hearted socialist with a hard-hearted insistence on financial performance and business performance. Look for someone who wants to offer tolerance and integration as ideals, but who will stop hard and firm at the more rigorous and more ridiculous tenets of any...of every...religion.
I want to write that book, because tonight I feel like I have something to say. We'll see if that lasts.
My friends, the Perils, are coping with snow and cold weather and things foreign and strange to me. According to the weatherpeople, my favorite wife and I can expect something akin to the Perils' experience in the not-too-distant future. But in Dallas, freezing temperatures mean ice...and ice means drunken drivers (and sober drivers who are paralyzed with fear when the temps drop below 50)...and that adds up to ugly. I hope Isbelita and Phil stay safe and warm and drink just enough warming alcohol to enjoy the scenery. I hope I can either plan to be in the office with a full contingent of staff...or incapable of getting in and, so, excused for my absence.
Let's see...what else? My sister from California and I had some really interesting conversations while she was visiting...philosophical interchanges and discussions of liberal and conservative philosophy and comments and conversations about living in foreign lands. I'm pumped about going to Mexico again soon. Maybe my lovely wife and I wlll stay this year...probably not, though. Unless we find a hotel to buy that we can afford...and that my sister wants to buy, as well.
I took pictures, too. Lots of them. The only one I will post is this one, the 'bride' and 'groom' exchanging a kiss outside the church:
I enjoyed myself alot during the few days I was with my family. It was great to see brothers, sisters, niece, nephew, in-laws of various stripes, etc. I would like to do that more often. As a geezer, I see the value in it that I sometimes did not before.
My first book may be entitled, "Be a Good Geezer." People don't seem to understand the term as I intend it. I want my book to explain. It will explain more of me, too, and will reveal a softer side that only a few know about. Generally, I am a crusty old bastard, but just beneath the surface is someone most people would not know. He's the one who will actually write the book. He's the one who will offer the advice, give the guidance, and accept the ridicule of everyone around him for having written the book. All that having been said, I think my message and the way I want to say it can be breathtaking, if I have the right editor with the right motives and skills. What I have to say could inform the Democratic party's message, but probably won't. What I have to say is more likely to bring the fringe good people to the center of the table, and give them the audacity to say what they think.
If I ever write that book, look for a blinding condemnation of organized religion, coupled with a call for tolerance and appreciation and acceptance of the faithful. Look for a soft-hearted socialist with a hard-hearted insistence on financial performance and business performance. Look for someone who wants to offer tolerance and integration as ideals, but who will stop hard and firm at the more rigorous and more ridiculous tenets of any...of every...religion.
I want to write that book, because tonight I feel like I have something to say. We'll see if that lasts.
My friends, the Perils, are coping with snow and cold weather and things foreign and strange to me. According to the weatherpeople, my favorite wife and I can expect something akin to the Perils' experience in the not-too-distant future. But in Dallas, freezing temperatures mean ice...and ice means drunken drivers (and sober drivers who are paralyzed with fear when the temps drop below 50)...and that adds up to ugly. I hope Isbelita and Phil stay safe and warm and drink just enough warming alcohol to enjoy the scenery. I hope I can either plan to be in the office with a full contingent of staff...or incapable of getting in and, so, excused for my absence.
Let's see...what else? My sister from California and I had some really interesting conversations while she was visiting...philosophical interchanges and discussions of liberal and conservative philosophy and comments and conversations about living in foreign lands. I'm pumped about going to Mexico again soon. Maybe my lovely wife and I wlll stay this year...probably not, though. Unless we find a hotel to buy that we can afford...and that my sister wants to buy, as well.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Traditional?
A non-traditional Thanksgiving morning so far...more like Spring cleaning. We started with a breakfast of poached eggs atop corned beef hash, then jumped into clean-up mode. The house is in dire need of much cleaning, and today is one of the first days in months that we've been in the mood. But, my wife tires easily and so she decided to take a nap a couple of hours ago. I continued with the cleaning energy until a short while ago...after this respite to write, I'll go back at it. We may have a turkey tenderloin later in the day...that's more traditional, I guess.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
3,000 Years Ago
Watch the sunrise, on a clear, cool morning, and try to imagine what that sunrise must have been like 3,000 years ago. Look at the ocean or a lake or an old-growth forest and imagine what they were like 3,000 years ago.
Imagine the earth without the trappings of civilization and try to imagine how clean and pure and uncluttered it was then.
Picture yourself where you are now, but turn back time 3,000 years, and imagine your life then.
Would a life defined by electricity and butane gas and SUVs and stainless steel gas grills and designer cloths have been imaginable then? Probably not. Would that life have been easy and uncomplicated? Probably not. But would life have been simpler and richer and more attuned the world around you...the world that lets you live or die? I think the answer is 'yes.'
I would love the opporunity to take a brief journey back in time to learn what it was really like. I know it would teach me things. I could impart wisdom I don't possess.
The point of this rambling? Try to look at every problem through a lens from the past. Interpret laws from an experienced perspective...a REALLY experienced perspective.
I don't have answers, but I have an idea...that everyone should listen to the the Christians, the Jews, the Muslims. Speak simply and directly an without pulling punches...we can deal with it.
Imagine the earth without the trappings of civilization and try to imagine how clean and pure and uncluttered it was then.
Picture yourself where you are now, but turn back time 3,000 years, and imagine your life then.
Would a life defined by electricity and butane gas and SUVs and stainless steel gas grills and designer cloths have been imaginable then? Probably not. Would that life have been easy and uncomplicated? Probably not. But would life have been simpler and richer and more attuned the world around you...the world that lets you live or die? I think the answer is 'yes.'
I would love the opporunity to take a brief journey back in time to learn what it was really like. I know it would teach me things. I could impart wisdom I don't possess.
The point of this rambling? Try to look at every problem through a lens from the past. Interpret laws from an experienced perspective...a REALLY experienced perspective.
I don't have answers, but I have an idea...that everyone should listen to the the Christians, the Jews, the Muslims. Speak simply and directly an without pulling punches...we can deal with it.
Thanky Happsgiving
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. Despite the fact that I consider it, on some level, to be a religious holiday, I consider it on another level to be simply a celebration of our good fortunes, even those that are interspersed with bad fortune.
I don't feel comfortable with religious holidays of any kind. I supposed religious holidays make me feel something akin to the way I'd feel if asked to preside over a ritual in which I expressed humble respect and awe of the powers of bamboo figurines...nuts. But, again, the people who buy into religious holidays...if they don't get in my face about it, that's OK. I still think there is a surprising amount of mass delusion going on...and it's the intelligent people in the midst of it that makes me feel embarrassed for them. OK, enough of that.
The weather has turned unseasonably warm, just in time for a Fall holiday...doesn't that just squeeze the celebration out of a rock! I do not like 70+ temperatures when it's supposed to be Fall. There should be a nip in the air. I spoke to a guy the other day from Dell, who talked to me about my notebook computer's hard disk. He lives in Nova Scotia, about 80 miles from Halifax, he said. He's a technical support person who happens to be in the hinterlands. He said the weather there was very cool and that it will quickly become much, much colder. He was intrigued with the idea of coming to Dallas; I suggested trading houses for a week, but I think he was focusing on the DST Short test that confirmed the death of my hard drive.
I've been thinking...what if I could outsource some of my company's functions to India? I know, globalization kills, but I'm serious. I've dealt with several technical support reps, etc. from India and many of them were absolutely fluent in English. They struck me as being very bright...capable enough to do most of the work my clients need. People in the U.S. who can do the kind of job I need are asking $65-$90K. I just cannot afford that. I think I could get someone in India for $30-$40K. Logistics would have to be worked out...but why not? People here seem to be in love with their own value, despite the fact that it's just not there for me. Most of this stuff can be done remotely, but...I don't know.
My two notebook computers still lay silent like corpses. Damn them! And over a long weekend!
Enough bellyaching! Have a happy Thanksgiving...be safe and love your family and friends.
I don't feel comfortable with religious holidays of any kind. I supposed religious holidays make me feel something akin to the way I'd feel if asked to preside over a ritual in which I expressed humble respect and awe of the powers of bamboo figurines...nuts. But, again, the people who buy into religious holidays...if they don't get in my face about it, that's OK. I still think there is a surprising amount of mass delusion going on...and it's the intelligent people in the midst of it that makes me feel embarrassed for them. OK, enough of that.
The weather has turned unseasonably warm, just in time for a Fall holiday...doesn't that just squeeze the celebration out of a rock! I do not like 70+ temperatures when it's supposed to be Fall. There should be a nip in the air. I spoke to a guy the other day from Dell, who talked to me about my notebook computer's hard disk. He lives in Nova Scotia, about 80 miles from Halifax, he said. He's a technical support person who happens to be in the hinterlands. He said the weather there was very cool and that it will quickly become much, much colder. He was intrigued with the idea of coming to Dallas; I suggested trading houses for a week, but I think he was focusing on the DST Short test that confirmed the death of my hard drive.
I've been thinking...what if I could outsource some of my company's functions to India? I know, globalization kills, but I'm serious. I've dealt with several technical support reps, etc. from India and many of them were absolutely fluent in English. They struck me as being very bright...capable enough to do most of the work my clients need. People in the U.S. who can do the kind of job I need are asking $65-$90K. I just cannot afford that. I think I could get someone in India for $30-$40K. Logistics would have to be worked out...but why not? People here seem to be in love with their own value, despite the fact that it's just not there for me. Most of this stuff can be done remotely, but...I don't know.
My two notebook computers still lay silent like corpses. Damn them! And over a long weekend!
Enough bellyaching! Have a happy Thanksgiving...be safe and love your family and friends.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Leaves
Leaves clog the street in front of my home and they clog the rain gutters all around the house. If I were able and willing to take a day off work, I'd clean out the gutters before rain and cold weather turn dry leaves into muck that will take hours to dislodge. If I were able and willing to take a day off work, I'd sweep the street and tidy up my lawn.
I've been unwilling to take time off. If I do, I'd miss that one time I am absolutely required. My clients would be upset. I'd have a revolt on my hands. Or not.
I do not know why I feel 'guilty' about coming home early or staying home on occasion. It's my company. I should get the perks from time to time. So should my wife. We spoke tonight about whether the close the office on the Friday before Christmas; the decision was NO, we don't want to give people the idea that they are entitled to more time than they earn. That's too bad. I'd like to do it, but she's right. Some people, including current staff, have a sense of entitlement about time off. I'm one with mixed feelings. I pay them to do a job and that pay is based on working a certain time-frame and accomplishing a certain set of performance criteria. But wouldn't it be nice to throw in a 'goodie' from time to time? It would, but having been a 'boss' for a lot of years, I know how many people take advantage of the little things. I'm a Democrat who has been Republicanized in some ways by little bastards who Republicans loathe and who Democrats seem to think don't exist.
My employee who had the brain tumor surgically removed...may have gone home today. If not, soon. Not sure about what the prognosis is...not sure she'll tell me.
I'm trying to introduce to my wife the idea that a trip to Italy and Croatia next year might be a good use of vacation time. I have to be subtle and I have to suggest a short window of time that does not interfere with a client's monthly meeting. Maybe we need to get rid of that client, or at least give someone else the responsibility for dealing with it so we can widen our window.
My periodic readers from Seattle haven't been by for awhile, nor have my periodic readers from California. That's OK. Just feeling a little unread. There have been plenty of posts of late that should have been unread. Maybe even this one. I'm feeling the leaves clogging up my brain.
I've been unwilling to take time off. If I do, I'd miss that one time I am absolutely required. My clients would be upset. I'd have a revolt on my hands. Or not.
I do not know why I feel 'guilty' about coming home early or staying home on occasion. It's my company. I should get the perks from time to time. So should my wife. We spoke tonight about whether the close the office on the Friday before Christmas; the decision was NO, we don't want to give people the idea that they are entitled to more time than they earn. That's too bad. I'd like to do it, but she's right. Some people, including current staff, have a sense of entitlement about time off. I'm one with mixed feelings. I pay them to do a job and that pay is based on working a certain time-frame and accomplishing a certain set of performance criteria. But wouldn't it be nice to throw in a 'goodie' from time to time? It would, but having been a 'boss' for a lot of years, I know how many people take advantage of the little things. I'm a Democrat who has been Republicanized in some ways by little bastards who Republicans loathe and who Democrats seem to think don't exist.
My employee who had the brain tumor surgically removed...may have gone home today. If not, soon. Not sure about what the prognosis is...not sure she'll tell me.
I'm trying to introduce to my wife the idea that a trip to Italy and Croatia next year might be a good use of vacation time. I have to be subtle and I have to suggest a short window of time that does not interfere with a client's monthly meeting. Maybe we need to get rid of that client, or at least give someone else the responsibility for dealing with it so we can widen our window.
My periodic readers from Seattle haven't been by for awhile, nor have my periodic readers from California. That's OK. Just feeling a little unread. There have been plenty of posts of late that should have been unread. Maybe even this one. I'm feeling the leaves clogging up my brain.
Computers Still Hate Me and Laugh at Me When I Threaten Them
I'm just delighted. My brand new (purchased Saturday) laptop computer, a Sony Viao, will no longer boot. I'm sitting at my wife's computer, growling and snarling like a rabid Jack Russell terrier, ready to launch myself at the little computer's small shiny screen and tear it to pieces. But, because I have promised myself that I will be mellow, I'll instead use this opportunity to practice meditation.
I'm back. It didn't work well, but I'm feeling a bit better.
Tomorrow, I'll finish up my conversations with Dell about my other dead notebook, then will give my pals at Sony a call.
C'est la vie, as some people might say. Or, as Roger Miller once sang, "You can't roller skate in a buffalo herd." I have a Roger Miller LP. One day I'll transfer it to an MP3 so that I can, if I have access to a working computer, I can pop it in and give it a listen.
I'm back. It didn't work well, but I'm feeling a bit better.
Tomorrow, I'll finish up my conversations with Dell about my other dead notebook, then will give my pals at Sony a call.
C'est la vie, as some people might say. Or, as Roger Miller once sang, "You can't roller skate in a buffalo herd." I have a Roger Miller LP. One day I'll transfer it to an MP3 so that I can, if I have access to a working computer, I can pop it in and give it a listen.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Moods...Understanding...Jokes.
It's still the 19th and I've not written anything new for awhile. I haven't have any coffee for awhile, either. But I think I'm smelling coffee (though I have no idea where the odor is coming from)...I'm not smelling written words.
There are times when I feel closer to knowing myself at my core than other times...tonight is one of them. I don't know why, I just have a sense. And it's always a time in which I do NOT feel like I'm a born association executive...it's more likely that I feel I was born to write. Too bad I'm not better at it.
Tonight, I know that I am very different from most people with whom I come in contact. That's not good or bad, just a fact. I am different. So, I have very few friends. I think I could have friends, but I would need to be in the right environment. Those people could be carpenters or fishermen or professors or police officers or politicians. But they're not association executives and they're not people who would fit easily into a Republican fundraiser. Similarly, they would not fit easily into a deep-left conversation. I have 'issues' with both camps, issues with which I am afraid I would be unable to bend to reach compromise.
The people I might fit with best are people who are absolutely certain of their beliefs, but are willing to assume those beliefs are wrong for the sake of conversation and argument. And those people are apt to be harsh and sharp and certain of their positions on any given argument, yet able to change positions in a heartbeat when the right argument strikes the right nerve.
Sometimes, I want to be close to people and have deep conversations and find the place where we 'touch' one another's souls. Other times...most of the time...I am satisfied to be distant and know that I will never be a true friend...because I couldn't tolerate the requirements for consistency and steadfastness and unwaivering support. But that's what I'm after. So, it's rather tough to live in this world of fierce insistence and equally fierce resistance.
Tonight, I read my sister-in-law's forwarded joke that I found wildly hilarious and painfully sad. I'll include the entire thing here...tell me what you think:
20 Ways to Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity.
I'm in a wierd mood tonight...partly good, partly uncomfortable. Tomorrow, it will be something I can understand.
There are times when I feel closer to knowing myself at my core than other times...tonight is one of them. I don't know why, I just have a sense. And it's always a time in which I do NOT feel like I'm a born association executive...it's more likely that I feel I was born to write. Too bad I'm not better at it.
Tonight, I know that I am very different from most people with whom I come in contact. That's not good or bad, just a fact. I am different. So, I have very few friends. I think I could have friends, but I would need to be in the right environment. Those people could be carpenters or fishermen or professors or police officers or politicians. But they're not association executives and they're not people who would fit easily into a Republican fundraiser. Similarly, they would not fit easily into a deep-left conversation. I have 'issues' with both camps, issues with which I am afraid I would be unable to bend to reach compromise.
The people I might fit with best are people who are absolutely certain of their beliefs, but are willing to assume those beliefs are wrong for the sake of conversation and argument. And those people are apt to be harsh and sharp and certain of their positions on any given argument, yet able to change positions in a heartbeat when the right argument strikes the right nerve.
Sometimes, I want to be close to people and have deep conversations and find the place where we 'touch' one another's souls. Other times...most of the time...I am satisfied to be distant and know that I will never be a true friend...because I couldn't tolerate the requirements for consistency and steadfastness and unwaivering support. But that's what I'm after. So, it's rather tough to live in this world of fierce insistence and equally fierce resistance.
Tonight, I read my sister-in-law's forwarded joke that I found wildly hilarious and painfully sad. I'll include the entire thing here...tell me what you think:
20 Ways to Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity.
- At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.
- Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.
- Every Time Some one Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries with that.
- Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It "In."
- Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.
- In The Memo Field Of All Your Cheques, Write "For Smuggling Diamonds"
- Finish All Your sentences with "In Accordance With The Prophecy."
- Don't use any punctuation
- As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.
- Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.
- Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go."
- Sing Along At The Opera
- Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme
- Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play tropical Sounds All Day.
- Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You're Not In The Mood.
- Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.
- When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream "I Won!, I Won!"
- When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking lot, Yelling "Run For Your Lives, They're Loose!!"
- Tell Your Children Over Dinner. "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."
- And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity...... Send This E-mail To Someone To Make Them Smile.
I'm in a wierd mood tonight...partly good, partly uncomfortable. Tomorrow, it will be something I can understand.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Emotion and Information and Ideas
I spent a good portion of the day coping with a computer corpse, ultimately deciding to have the old notebook repaired (and hoping the hard drive can be recovered), but also deciding to buy a new notebook. So, I bought a Sony Vaio...god knows what submodel (subversion?)...that's considerably lighter than the Dell it's replacing. And, glory of glories, it has a video camera so that I can, if others on Skype are similarly equipped, see the people I speak to via Skype. We'll see.
I really did spent the vast majority of the day on getting the new computer set up. I learned, of course, again, that I should have backed up the old notebook. I am an idiot. I deserve the crap I'm dealing with.
Late today, my wife and I went to visit my staffer who just had brain surgery. It was surprising to me that the "old person" was there again. We've never been close, but I could tolerate her and vice versa...tonight, that same mutual tolerance was there again. I don't know the prognosis...probably won't for a time...but I hope she recovers completely and has a long and productive life ahead.
Tonight, after visiting the hospital and a nearby liquor store, we went to dinner...my wife suggested either Indian or Ethiopian, so we visited Laliberta, one of our favorite Ethiopian spots. As usual, we were the only Whites in the place. I wonder why...the food is fabulous, so you'd think other White people would visit, too. I learned that k'rt is another dish I want to try; it's raw beef, served as a steak, that the diner trims and then dips into sauce. We did not have it, but others in the place did...they trimmed the raw beef, cut off chunks, then dipped it into aswaze sauce and ate it. Looked yummy!
Only three more work days until Thanksgiving. That's good, but I am horribly behind. I have to develop a budget for Tuesday (and finish minutes from a recent Board meeting), get blood testing on Wednesday, meet a glass & mirror guy at the house on Tuesday mid-day, and get untold other things done. I should have spent today on many of those things, but bought a new computer instead. Idiot!
I'm getting concerned that no one from Farmers Branch has responded to my message about their idiotic ordinance making English the official language of the city and requiring landlords to confirm legal residency to rent...scary they haven't acknowledged me.
My read of Democrats of late is that they are doing their best to fuck up what we have given them. If they do, I'm taking the highway to the next new political landscape. Goddamn it, why can't they be BETTER than the Republicans? Independent is, I decided long ago, the way to go...but now, the Dems are really forcing it. Republicans have their share of good ideas, but I cannot imagine me ever adopting their social stances...nor most of their economic positions. Democrats just seem to have a nice focus on the right issues...but it's coupled with unscrupulous and unsavory interactions.
Enough for now. Who thinks what about any of this crap?
I really did spent the vast majority of the day on getting the new computer set up. I learned, of course, again, that I should have backed up the old notebook. I am an idiot. I deserve the crap I'm dealing with.
Late today, my wife and I went to visit my staffer who just had brain surgery. It was surprising to me that the "old person" was there again. We've never been close, but I could tolerate her and vice versa...tonight, that same mutual tolerance was there again. I don't know the prognosis...probably won't for a time...but I hope she recovers completely and has a long and productive life ahead.
Tonight, after visiting the hospital and a nearby liquor store, we went to dinner...my wife suggested either Indian or Ethiopian, so we visited Laliberta, one of our favorite Ethiopian spots. As usual, we were the only Whites in the place. I wonder why...the food is fabulous, so you'd think other White people would visit, too. I learned that k'rt is another dish I want to try; it's raw beef, served as a steak, that the diner trims and then dips into sauce. We did not have it, but others in the place did...they trimmed the raw beef, cut off chunks, then dipped it into aswaze sauce and ate it. Looked yummy!
Only three more work days until Thanksgiving. That's good, but I am horribly behind. I have to develop a budget for Tuesday (and finish minutes from a recent Board meeting), get blood testing on Wednesday, meet a glass & mirror guy at the house on Tuesday mid-day, and get untold other things done. I should have spent today on many of those things, but bought a new computer instead. Idiot!
I'm getting concerned that no one from Farmers Branch has responded to my message about their idiotic ordinance making English the official language of the city and requiring landlords to confirm legal residency to rent...scary they haven't acknowledged me.
My read of Democrats of late is that they are doing their best to fuck up what we have given them. If they do, I'm taking the highway to the next new political landscape. Goddamn it, why can't they be BETTER than the Republicans? Independent is, I decided long ago, the way to go...but now, the Dems are really forcing it. Republicans have their share of good ideas, but I cannot imagine me ever adopting their social stances...nor most of their economic positions. Democrats just seem to have a nice focus on the right issues...but it's coupled with unscrupulous and unsavory interactions.
Enough for now. Who thinks what about any of this crap?
Friday, November 17, 2006
Dinner
Mediterranean dinner (tried an old Italian restaurant converted into a bar...not so good). Thyme pie, babba ghonouosh, etc., etc. It was wonderful.
OK, enough about dinner. How about you?
OK, enough about dinner. How about you?
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Six tips to increase your blog traffic
Cool temperatures today, but little time to be outdoors to enjoy them. A quick dinner with my wife and a staff member, then returned to the office...my staffer and I had an 8:00 pm "live chat" event for a client and my wife had plenty of work to keep her busy.
A staff member had brain surgery this morning, three and a half hours. Eighty to ninety percent of the tumor removed...but don't know what they means. I'll try to see her after she gets out of ICU, possibly over the weekend.
Tomorrow, I facilitate a strategic planning session for another association, something I typically enjoy doing...not sure of this one, though, as I don't feel my heart's in it.
Saw the tail end of a food show tonight, late, after returning from my very, very long day. It concerned beets. Turned my life around...now I want to cook beets and experiment with them and their root vegetable brethren.
I must wander over to see how KathyF is doing this evening...she's into veggies and politics and whatever happens to be of interest to her in the moment. The title of this post is attributable to her...read her November 16 posts (I just did) and you'll get the drift.
Bedtime.
A staff member had brain surgery this morning, three and a half hours. Eighty to ninety percent of the tumor removed...but don't know what they means. I'll try to see her after she gets out of ICU, possibly over the weekend.
Tomorrow, I facilitate a strategic planning session for another association, something I typically enjoy doing...not sure of this one, though, as I don't feel my heart's in it.
Saw the tail end of a food show tonight, late, after returning from my very, very long day. It concerned beets. Turned my life around...now I want to cook beets and experiment with them and their root vegetable brethren.
I must wander over to see how KathyF is doing this evening...she's into veggies and politics and whatever happens to be of interest to her in the moment. The title of this post is attributable to her...read her November 16 posts (I just did) and you'll get the drift.
Bedtime.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Monkey Fart...or something
The City of Farmers Branch, a Dallas suburb, recently adopted two ordinances/resolutions that irritate me no end. One makes English the official language of Farmers Branch (oh, that makes a big difference...what it does is offend people) an the other institutes requirements for landlords and others to require proof of citizenship to renters. In my opinion, both are intended to slap Hispanics and others who have flooded into the city in recent years...slap them silly. It pisses me off. I wrote a long and, I believe, basically conciliatory letter (albeit blunt in places), suggesting I will no do business in the city after my current lease expires as long as such laws are on the books. Like they could give a shit.
Tilting at windmills is not my trademark. But I do get so disgruntled when I learn of mindless bullshit such as that being undertaken by the Farmers Branch city council. The result, I suspect, of my letter to City Hall will be for me to be harrassed by the City's 'finest' and for me to be put on someone's watch list. What, me, cynical?
On another topic, utterly unrelated. As a curmudgeonly old fart, I get peeved at certain things. Like hearing, "No problem" instead of "You're welcome." I know, I am behaving like a geezer. I AM ONE! Get over it! It just annoys me. To me, "No problem" in response to "thank you for the lovely flowers" is insane! It's like another language! So, maybe I will make up my own. For me, 'monkey fart" will mean, in today's English, "you're welcome." And to me, the appropriate response to "how are you?" will be "Ready to rip the flesh from a newborn's throat." That means, incidentally, "fine, how are you?"
So, here goes:
"Mr. Smith, thanks so much for helping me with my English homework."
"Monkey fart!"
"Hey Jim, so nice to see you! How's the wife?"
"Ready to rip the flesh from a newborn's throat. How 'bout Nancy?"
If we all spoke the language of dinosaurs, we'd be happier and less complex.
Tilting at windmills is not my trademark. But I do get so disgruntled when I learn of mindless bullshit such as that being undertaken by the Farmers Branch city council. The result, I suspect, of my letter to City Hall will be for me to be harrassed by the City's 'finest' and for me to be put on someone's watch list. What, me, cynical?
On another topic, utterly unrelated. As a curmudgeonly old fart, I get peeved at certain things. Like hearing, "No problem" instead of "You're welcome." I know, I am behaving like a geezer. I AM ONE! Get over it! It just annoys me. To me, "No problem" in response to "thank you for the lovely flowers" is insane! It's like another language! So, maybe I will make up my own. For me, 'monkey fart" will mean, in today's English, "you're welcome." And to me, the appropriate response to "how are you?" will be "Ready to rip the flesh from a newborn's throat." That means, incidentally, "fine, how are you?"
So, here goes:
"Mr. Smith, thanks so much for helping me with my English homework."
"Monkey fart!"
"Hey Jim, so nice to see you! How's the wife?"
"Ready to rip the flesh from a newborn's throat. How 'bout Nancy?"
If we all spoke the language of dinosaurs, we'd be happier and less complex.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
My Accent
It's not unusual for people I meet to express surprise when they learn I am from Texas. I think this is the reason:
| What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Midland "You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio. | |
| The South | |
| Philadelphia | |
| The Inland North | |
| The Northeast | |
| The West | |
| Boston | |
| North Central | |
| What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes | |
Thinking Well Past Midnight
I just glanced at the clock; it's 2:47 am. I should be in bed, luxuriating in restorative sleep that will enable me to take on anything the light of day throws at me. Instead, I've been visiting CNN and NPR websites, reading things that I should have listened to yesterday. I read The Ground We Lived On, a piece about the last days a daughter shared with her 85 year-old father who was dying of lung cancer. I read Untold Stories of Kindness, from the This I Believe series, which presents the beliefs of Sgt. Ernesto Haibi, an Army Medic in Iraq. I read about Rudy Giuliani's formation of an 'exploratory' committee to raise funds and test the waters for a potential run for president in 2008. I'm not sorry I read those things; I learned from them. But I do wish I had been able to sleep. I know that, without more sleep tonight, I'll again run into a wall tomorrow and become unproductive and grouchy.
It's too late to have a glass of wine to encourage sleep. I'd likely wake up with the unpleasant taste of an overnight binge were I to sip on some wine now. And I dare not make a cup of coffee at this hour, though it does sound inviting, for fear of institutionalizing my inappropriate alertness. Maybe a cup of tea will do the trick. I brought some nice green tea back for my wife from my recent trip...maybe my wife would not mind if I tried some myself. Or, at least, I could try some of her regular decaf tea...it's actually rather good. By the time I decide to stop writing, though, I may not be in the mood to sip something...I may be sleepy enough to go back to bed and drift off to sleep.
I can't get my mind off my staffer who just learned she has a brain tumor. I've been getting increasingly upset with her over her poor performance. 've even thought it must be caused by a medical condition. Yet still I was upset with her for not recognizing that possibility and taking steps to deal with it. When I did take steps to force the issue by demanding she see a doctor and telling her she was on leave until that happened, I was advised by the HR professionals from the PEO I deal with that I had overstepped my bounds. When is it OK to force such an issue? There is an ill-defined line between privacy and performance, I've found.
Soon...a week and a few days from now, I think, my wife and my sister (who is flying in from California) and I will drive to Texarkana to participate in the 'blessing of the marriage' of my niece and her husband. It's not often that I go into a church; it's not often that I'm willing to do so. But, on this occasion, I'm willing to ignore my feelings about organized religion and simply go with the flow that will make my niece and her family happy. I recognize, sometimes, that my attitudes about religion are not the most important thoughts on the planet...although those 'sometimes' seem infrequent to some who know me.
It's after 3:15 am now, which means I've been at this for about half an hour. I will stop now...maybe try to go back to sleep, but more likely I will explore the contents of the refrigerator and wash a dish or two. I do have such an exciting nightlife.
It's too late to have a glass of wine to encourage sleep. I'd likely wake up with the unpleasant taste of an overnight binge were I to sip on some wine now. And I dare not make a cup of coffee at this hour, though it does sound inviting, for fear of institutionalizing my inappropriate alertness. Maybe a cup of tea will do the trick. I brought some nice green tea back for my wife from my recent trip...maybe my wife would not mind if I tried some myself. Or, at least, I could try some of her regular decaf tea...it's actually rather good. By the time I decide to stop writing, though, I may not be in the mood to sip something...I may be sleepy enough to go back to bed and drift off to sleep.
I can't get my mind off my staffer who just learned she has a brain tumor. I've been getting increasingly upset with her over her poor performance. 've even thought it must be caused by a medical condition. Yet still I was upset with her for not recognizing that possibility and taking steps to deal with it. When I did take steps to force the issue by demanding she see a doctor and telling her she was on leave until that happened, I was advised by the HR professionals from the PEO I deal with that I had overstepped my bounds. When is it OK to force such an issue? There is an ill-defined line between privacy and performance, I've found.
Soon...a week and a few days from now, I think, my wife and my sister (who is flying in from California) and I will drive to Texarkana to participate in the 'blessing of the marriage' of my niece and her husband. It's not often that I go into a church; it's not often that I'm willing to do so. But, on this occasion, I'm willing to ignore my feelings about organized religion and simply go with the flow that will make my niece and her family happy. I recognize, sometimes, that my attitudes about religion are not the most important thoughts on the planet...although those 'sometimes' seem infrequent to some who know me.
It's after 3:15 am now, which means I've been at this for about half an hour. I will stop now...maybe try to go back to sleep, but more likely I will explore the contents of the refrigerator and wash a dish or two. I do have such an exciting nightlife.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Back into the Jolt of Everyday Life
I'm back from Beijing and my brief stop in Tokyo. My trip, albeit a very short one, was interesting...it gave me a taste for more of both China and Japan. I'll not write much until I try to manipulate my photos so they might work on the blog. That may take awhile because it appears my computer has finally died...I'm using the computer that resides in the office of my favorite spouse.
I tried to overcome the jet lag blues by staying awake on the return flight, which got me home at 9:30 am, and then staying awake until an early bedtime (9:00 pm), with only a 2 hour nap to interrupt my 'awakeness.' Didn't work. I awoke at 1:30 am and could not get to sleep until after 5:00 am. When my alarm sounded at 6:00 am, I was dead to the world...my wife had to practically beat me about the head and ears to awaken me. I dragged myself out of bed by about 6:30, took a shower, dressed and went to work. There, I accomplished quite alot until I hit a wall about 3:00 pm...I finally left the office at 4:30, convinced I could not function any longer. But, fortunately, I found me way home.
During my time away from the office, I learned that an employee with whom I had been having severe performance issues that I thought were health related had an 'incident.' She fell in the parking lot, putting a nasty cut in her chin. Thanks to another employee, she was convinced to allow the paramedics to take her to the hospital for an assessment. Through a variety of manipulations, she was given a CAT scan, which discovered a large brain tumor. She will undergo surgery this Thursday, followed by 6 months of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. I thought something must be wrong with her, physically, but learning of this was really upsetting. I hope she overcomes it. I hope I'm able to keep a position open for her to return to, but being a tiny company, that will be damn hard.
I finally read The Year of Magical Thinking on the flight back from Tokyo to Dallas. It gives one pause...it gives one encouragement to face reality and live life to the limits every day.
But it forces the reader to face up to things that one would rather leave buried in the subconscious. We're all going to die. I will die. I would rather not, but I will. All the people I love will die. I don't want them to, but they will. That's just the way it is. Some of us will leave just memories, some will leave a legacy. In the end, none of us will matter much. We'll matter to those close to us and will be irrelevant to those we don't touch in some way. Oh boy, how cheery I am right now! I am, in some odd way, cheery. I think positively of my organs being used to perfect a drug or save a life. It feels good being a donor. I hope my wonderful wife and fabulous family will permit my organs, skin, elbows, knuckles, and kneecaps, etc. to be harvested. Then, get the cheapest legal cremation available, then have a party to celebrate agnosticism and liberalism and wishes for the future. If only I could share in the celebration!
I tried to overcome the jet lag blues by staying awake on the return flight, which got me home at 9:30 am, and then staying awake until an early bedtime (9:00 pm), with only a 2 hour nap to interrupt my 'awakeness.' Didn't work. I awoke at 1:30 am and could not get to sleep until after 5:00 am. When my alarm sounded at 6:00 am, I was dead to the world...my wife had to practically beat me about the head and ears to awaken me. I dragged myself out of bed by about 6:30, took a shower, dressed and went to work. There, I accomplished quite alot until I hit a wall about 3:00 pm...I finally left the office at 4:30, convinced I could not function any longer. But, fortunately, I found me way home.
During my time away from the office, I learned that an employee with whom I had been having severe performance issues that I thought were health related had an 'incident.' She fell in the parking lot, putting a nasty cut in her chin. Thanks to another employee, she was convinced to allow the paramedics to take her to the hospital for an assessment. Through a variety of manipulations, she was given a CAT scan, which discovered a large brain tumor. She will undergo surgery this Thursday, followed by 6 months of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. I thought something must be wrong with her, physically, but learning of this was really upsetting. I hope she overcomes it. I hope I'm able to keep a position open for her to return to, but being a tiny company, that will be damn hard.
I finally read The Year of Magical Thinking on the flight back from Tokyo to Dallas. It gives one pause...it gives one encouragement to face reality and live life to the limits every day.
But it forces the reader to face up to things that one would rather leave buried in the subconscious. We're all going to die. I will die. I would rather not, but I will. All the people I love will die. I don't want them to, but they will. That's just the way it is. Some of us will leave just memories, some will leave a legacy. In the end, none of us will matter much. We'll matter to those close to us and will be irrelevant to those we don't touch in some way. Oh boy, how cheery I am right now! I am, in some odd way, cheery. I think positively of my organs being used to perfect a drug or save a life. It feels good being a donor. I hope my wonderful wife and fabulous family will permit my organs, skin, elbows, knuckles, and kneecaps, etc. to be harvested. Then, get the cheapest legal cremation available, then have a party to celebrate agnosticism and liberalism and wishes for the future. If only I could share in the celebration!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Jots from Japan
This is surprising. There are more English-language television stations available in the Crowne Plaza Beijing than there are in the Narita Hilton, 3 or 4 in Beijing compared to one here. In Beijing, I was able to listen to CNN, BBC, and one or two other English-language stations. Here at the Tokyo airport, I can listen to idiot programs on FOX...nothing more. [UPDATE: I was wrong...just didn't know which buttons to push...I can get CNN, etc. on the TV here in Narita.]
On the other hand, in Beijing I could not view this blog...apparently everything at blogspot.com is blocked by the Communist censors in China. I had no trouble posting, but was not permitted to read...so I had to go in through the back door, using GoToMyPC to log in to my office, then open a browser to view the blog. Pain in the ass, but I was willing to do it to circumvent the Communist censors. I do not like censors of any stripe...Republicans, Communists, Democrats...if they withhold information from me or prevent me from hearing what others have to say, they earn my wrath.
My computer, which I thought had died, has not...yet. It occasionally acts like the hard drive is cooked, but then later I can log in and use it just fine. But it's getting closer to being 'done,' so I need a replacement ASAP. I'm able to continue reading and blogging...and crossing my fingers and toes.
For breakfast this morning, I had baked salmon, grated radish, baked tiny tomatoes, an odd little sausage, a potato 'cake,' and a little omelet. It sounds like more than it was. I wanted to try some other stuff, including rice with a variety of pickled veggies, but I didn't want to overdo it. I do not know what is a typical Japanese breakfast, but I wanted to come as close as I could...so I watched what others got from the buffet and followed suit. Lots of people got salads...lettuce, bean sprouts, etc...but I do not digest such things well, thanks to surgery many years ago that snatched about 5 feet of intestines. That's off-topic. Back to breakfast. It's interesting to see breakfast that is utterly, completely, and totally different from the typical fare in the U.S. I'd like to see (or open?) a restaurant called "Breakfast Around the World." It would serve just what it says...and with breakfast you would get a little book that gives a brief summary of breakfast practices the world over. Note to self: research and write that book if it hasn't been done.
I'd like to have some nice sake since I'm so close to the source, but it's early in the day here (about 9:00 am), so it would be a bit odd to order it now. Maybe I'll get some on the plane. Or, I could wait until I get to Dallas and go to one of our favorite sushi places that sells a variety of the stuff.
On the other hand, in Beijing I could not view this blog...apparently everything at blogspot.com is blocked by the Communist censors in China. I had no trouble posting, but was not permitted to read...so I had to go in through the back door, using GoToMyPC to log in to my office, then open a browser to view the blog. Pain in the ass, but I was willing to do it to circumvent the Communist censors. I do not like censors of any stripe...Republicans, Communists, Democrats...if they withhold information from me or prevent me from hearing what others have to say, they earn my wrath.
My computer, which I thought had died, has not...yet. It occasionally acts like the hard drive is cooked, but then later I can log in and use it just fine. But it's getting closer to being 'done,' so I need a replacement ASAP. I'm able to continue reading and blogging...and crossing my fingers and toes.
For breakfast this morning, I had baked salmon, grated radish, baked tiny tomatoes, an odd little sausage, a potato 'cake,' and a little omelet. It sounds like more than it was. I wanted to try some other stuff, including rice with a variety of pickled veggies, but I didn't want to overdo it. I do not know what is a typical Japanese breakfast, but I wanted to come as close as I could...so I watched what others got from the buffet and followed suit. Lots of people got salads...lettuce, bean sprouts, etc...but I do not digest such things well, thanks to surgery many years ago that snatched about 5 feet of intestines. That's off-topic. Back to breakfast. It's interesting to see breakfast that is utterly, completely, and totally different from the typical fare in the U.S. I'd like to see (or open?) a restaurant called "Breakfast Around the World." It would serve just what it says...and with breakfast you would get a little book that gives a brief summary of breakfast practices the world over. Note to self: research and write that book if it hasn't been done.
I'd like to have some nice sake since I'm so close to the source, but it's early in the day here (about 9:00 am), so it would be a bit odd to order it now. Maybe I'll get some on the plane. Or, I could wait until I get to Dallas and go to one of our favorite sushi places that sells a variety of the stuff.
Snarls from Tokyo
The criminal bastards at T-Mobile lied to me about my cell phone being usable in Tokyo. Not so. I tried during my stopover on the way to Beijing with no luck, then called the service number from Beijing, only to be told that my Blackberry Pearl would not work in Japan because it does not work with G3 systems. That was after they told me, when I bought it, that it would work in both Beijing and Tokyo. And, when I called from Beijing, I was initially told it would work in Tokyo, only to be told by the same guy later in the conversation that it would not. Naturally, this pisses me off. I am going to get T-Mobile to either credit my account for a hunk of money or, if they refuse, I will give them their phone back, pay their return fees, and notify the entire population of the earth that the company makes a habit of lying to its customers. Damn, that annoys me!
I'm in Tokyo overnight, staying at the overpriced Hilton. It's like an airport hotel in the USA, only pricier and with less service. Maybe I'm just in a piss-poor mood. Tomorrow, I head home. I'm lookikng forward to it, despite wishing I could have seen more of Beijing and Tokyo. Next time, I suppose.
I'm in Tokyo overnight, staying at the overpriced Hilton. It's like an airport hotel in the USA, only pricier and with less service. Maybe I'm just in a piss-poor mood. Tomorrow, I head home. I'm lookikng forward to it, despite wishing I could have seen more of Beijing and Tokyo. Next time, I suppose.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Leaving Beijing
Last night's dinner a the Great Hall of the People was impressive. Aside from being a great dinner (more on that another time), it was amazing to be inside the huge, impressive building. I took a few photos outdoors, but my camera battery has since conked out, so I'll have to wait to post them. The Great Hall of the People is across a huge boulevard from the Forbidden City and across another enormously wide boulevard from Mao's mausoleum. I wish I had time to see those sites...just from a distance, they were worth seeing.
The dinner followed an afternoon jaunt to the Great Wall, an even more impressive structure. The spot we visited is about 1-1/2 hour away by bus...but more like 2-1/2 hours return by bus in the unimaginably heavy traffice of Beijing on a Friday afternoon. Beijing is a city with 12 million people...and it's by no means the largest city in China. I'm afraid I really had little time to learn about, much less see, much more during my brief visit here, but I sampled enough to know that it is well worth seeing.
Now, I need to finish packing for my flight to Tokyo, where I'll overnight at hotel near Narita airport, then catch a flight on Sunday back to Dallas.
The dinner followed an afternoon jaunt to the Great Wall, an even more impressive structure. The spot we visited is about 1-1/2 hour away by bus...but more like 2-1/2 hours return by bus in the unimaginably heavy traffice of Beijing on a Friday afternoon. Beijing is a city with 12 million people...and it's by no means the largest city in China. I'm afraid I really had little time to learn about, much less see, much more during my brief visit here, but I sampled enough to know that it is well worth seeing.
Now, I need to finish packing for my flight to Tokyo, where I'll overnight at hotel near Narita airport, then catch a flight on Sunday back to Dallas.
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Bloggings from Beijing
It's approaching 4:00 pm on Wednesday afternoon in Beijing, but back home the clock has yet to hit 2:00 am on Tuesday. While most of the USA sleeps, I've taken a few minutes available to me after a meeting to turn on CNN in my room and take a look at Dallas area news station websites.
I've learned that Rick Perry was re-elected Governor of Texas, which I consider evidence that the voting citizens of Texas are, by and large, idiots. Democrats have captured a majority of governorships and have, finally, re-captured the House of Representatives, or so it seems. The Senate is still too close to call; CNN and others say it comes down to two races: Virginia and Montana. I'm not feeling optimistic.
The surge of sanity that seems to be sweeping across the land has not reached the beaches of Texas; my home state continues to be blood red, the same color their favorite-son-president has on his hands. I try not to be so judgemental, but the crap I hear from red-state voters is just so utterly out of touch with reality and so juiced, instead, by Republican and reactionary Christian swill that I cannot help myself.
Democrats have an opportunity to prove they are different...that they truly represent a different and better philosophy and that they can execute it better than the Republicans. They have an opportunity to blow it, too. If they are utterly partisan, like their Republican counterparts have been, they will blow it. If they fail to latch onto and loudly promote a theme that truly captures their philosophy, they can blow it. If they allow themselves to hate everything Republican, even the good ideas, they will blow it...at least they will with me.
I'll try to keep up with the news to learn more.
In the interim, here is my interesting news: on Friday evening, I am scheduled to go to dinner with a small group of people in the Great Hall of the People (Parliament Building) in Beijing, which is on or near Tiannamen Square and Mao's mausoleum. I'm told only high-level Communist party elite get to go there, but one of the people here at the meeting has high contacts that enable him to get it set up. I do look forward to that!
I've learned that Rick Perry was re-elected Governor of Texas, which I consider evidence that the voting citizens of Texas are, by and large, idiots. Democrats have captured a majority of governorships and have, finally, re-captured the House of Representatives, or so it seems. The Senate is still too close to call; CNN and others say it comes down to two races: Virginia and Montana. I'm not feeling optimistic.
The surge of sanity that seems to be sweeping across the land has not reached the beaches of Texas; my home state continues to be blood red, the same color their favorite-son-president has on his hands. I try not to be so judgemental, but the crap I hear from red-state voters is just so utterly out of touch with reality and so juiced, instead, by Republican and reactionary Christian swill that I cannot help myself.
Democrats have an opportunity to prove they are different...that they truly represent a different and better philosophy and that they can execute it better than the Republicans. They have an opportunity to blow it, too. If they are utterly partisan, like their Republican counterparts have been, they will blow it. If they fail to latch onto and loudly promote a theme that truly captures their philosophy, they can blow it. If they allow themselves to hate everything Republican, even the good ideas, they will blow it...at least they will with me.
I'll try to keep up with the news to learn more.
In the interim, here is my interesting news: on Friday evening, I am scheduled to go to dinner with a small group of people in the Great Hall of the People (Parliament Building) in Beijing, which is on or near Tiannamen Square and Mao's mausoleum. I'm told only high-level Communist party elite get to go there, but one of the people here at the meeting has high contacts that enable him to get it set up. I do look forward to that!
Sunday, November 5, 2006
Beijing Bloggery
My bag is packed, my briefcase is stuffed with snack crackers, individually packed 'wet wipe hand cleaners,'and other assorted stuff for a long, long flight. I leave tomorrow morning at 10:10 am and arrive in Tokyo at 2:45 pm on Tuesday, at which time according to my calculations the clocks in Dallas will be 11:45 pm on Monday night, which means the Dallas-Tokyo flight is about 13-1/2 hours long. After arriving in Tokyo, I hang around for about 4 hours and then fly to Beijing, arriving there at 9:20 pm Tuesday evening. Translated to Dallas time, that is 7:20 am on Tuesday (Beijing is 14 hours ahead of Dallas, Tokyo is 14.)
I plan to finally get around to reading The Year of Magical Thinking, by Joan Didion, while in flight. Of course, if I am as smart as I ocassionally think I am, I will try to sleep as much as possible on the way to Tokyo so I can adjust more quickly when I get there. Maybe I'll stay up late tonight, try to sleep a few hours early in the flight, then try to adjust my internal clock to something approximating Beijing time. Then, of course, when I return home next weekend, it will be another bit of adjusting; I arrive back home at 9:30 am next Sunday morning.
As I was reading a bit this morning about taking taxis from the airport in Beijing to the city, I wondered how in the world a map printed in English (which is all I have) and a hotel address, also printed in English, will do me any good when I get into a taxi that's driven by someone who does not know any English...and I know no Chinese? Fortunately, I found a smart travel & tour company that had the good sense to produce the hotel name and address in Chinese, so I copied the file that contained the Chinese text image, pasted it into a Word document, and printed a copy. Now, I am feeling a bit more comfortable knowing I can explain where I want to go. But that little journey looking for a way to communicate my desired drop-off address made me think...why don't hotel companies that cater to international guests provide more assistance to their guests?
I searched the hotel web site, all in English, and found absolutely nothing with Chinese characters in it. All the instructions, including driving instructions from the airport, are in English. That doesn't help the visitor who cannot communicate to the Chinese taxi driver. In the U.S., we're guilty of the same thing. We are happy to accommodate international visitors, provided they speak and read English. Rarely are accommodations made for other languages. I listened recently to a speech by Paco Underhill, who commented on the fact that many European retailers will gladly accept payment for goods in their stores in any currency...Euros, dollars, Yuans, etc. They accommodate their guests; if a guest tries to pay for something in the U.S. with Euros or peso or some other 'odd' form of money, he or she is surrounded by store security brandishing weapons.
I hope the Chinese are accommodating to me, the uninitiated first-time traveler to Asia. Once I get to the hotel in Beijing, I will breathe a sigh of relief...assuming they have my room reservation.
With luck, I will have Internet access in my Beijing hotel. And, with luck, my new Blackberry Pearl will allow me to call back to the U.S. and receive calls from the U.S. and allow me to receive email. No doubt some of the other people from the U.S. who will also be there will have email and phone access, even if for any reason my email and phone service don't work.
Enough blogging. I'm excited about my trip, but wish my wife could come along with me. Travel is not nearly as satisfying without her presence as it is when she's with me.
I plan to finally get around to reading The Year of Magical Thinking, by Joan Didion, while in flight. Of course, if I am as smart as I ocassionally think I am, I will try to sleep as much as possible on the way to Tokyo so I can adjust more quickly when I get there. Maybe I'll stay up late tonight, try to sleep a few hours early in the flight, then try to adjust my internal clock to something approximating Beijing time. Then, of course, when I return home next weekend, it will be another bit of adjusting; I arrive back home at 9:30 am next Sunday morning.
As I was reading a bit this morning about taking taxis from the airport in Beijing to the city, I wondered how in the world a map printed in English (which is all I have) and a hotel address, also printed in English, will do me any good when I get into a taxi that's driven by someone who does not know any English...and I know no Chinese? Fortunately, I found a smart travel & tour company that had the good sense to produce the hotel name and address in Chinese, so I copied the file that contained the Chinese text image, pasted it into a Word document, and printed a copy. Now, I am feeling a bit more comfortable knowing I can explain where I want to go. But that little journey looking for a way to communicate my desired drop-off address made me think...why don't hotel companies that cater to international guests provide more assistance to their guests?
I searched the hotel web site, all in English, and found absolutely nothing with Chinese characters in it. All the instructions, including driving instructions from the airport, are in English. That doesn't help the visitor who cannot communicate to the Chinese taxi driver. In the U.S., we're guilty of the same thing. We are happy to accommodate international visitors, provided they speak and read English. Rarely are accommodations made for other languages. I listened recently to a speech by Paco Underhill, who commented on the fact that many European retailers will gladly accept payment for goods in their stores in any currency...Euros, dollars, Yuans, etc. They accommodate their guests; if a guest tries to pay for something in the U.S. with Euros or peso or some other 'odd' form of money, he or she is surrounded by store security brandishing weapons.
I hope the Chinese are accommodating to me, the uninitiated first-time traveler to Asia. Once I get to the hotel in Beijing, I will breathe a sigh of relief...assuming they have my room reservation.
With luck, I will have Internet access in my Beijing hotel. And, with luck, my new Blackberry Pearl will allow me to call back to the U.S. and receive calls from the U.S. and allow me to receive email. No doubt some of the other people from the U.S. who will also be there will have email and phone access, even if for any reason my email and phone service don't work.
Enough blogging. I'm excited about my trip, but wish my wife could come along with me. Travel is not nearly as satisfying without her presence as it is when she's with me.
Saturday, November 4, 2006
My Saturday
Last night's experiences with our DVD player led us to do the routine things: clean the lens on the DVD player, clean the DVD with alcohol, etc. That had some effect, as we were able to watch the bulk of The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada on the big-screen TV. I say the bulk of it because the film stopped in mid-stream about 3/4 of the way through. We did what we could to resurrect it, but no luck. So, we moved to another room...smaller TV, but the DVD worked...for about 10 minutes. Much, much effort later, we were able to watch the balance of the film. It was interesting, though not the best of Tommy Lee Jones' work. I'd rate it a 3 or 4 out of 10; but it was enough to keep me in my chair.
I bought a money "belt" today. Actually, it's a small zippered pouch that I can attach to my belt and slip inside my pants. I will need it, as I am taking considerable cash with me on my trip, thanks to the local leaders pleas, saying they need cash since it's hard to pay for anything with a credit card.
I'm listening to Saturday Night Live in the background. I keep hearing a voice that sounds like Dan Rather, saying things like: "CBS News has confirmed that Walter Cronkite has scurvy" and "CBS News is now projecting that Walter Chronkite has gonnorhea." "CBS has now confirmed that, despite our earlier reports, nobody has antrax," the latest skit says. Wierd stuff to hear, especially when not paying close attention.
I bought a neat little case for my new Blackberry Pearl phone/email/etc. device. I'm not convinced I will find this device as great as I originally envisioned, but if it comes through to let me call from China to the USA and allows me to get calls from the USA, it will have been worth the price.
OK, it's time for me to listen to my neat new iPod Shuffle for awhile. I've become a devotee overnight. But I'd really like the iPod verson that lets me select songs instead of listening to a random listing. I'm too materialistic, I know.
Only 36 hours until I board a plane for China.
I bought a money "belt" today. Actually, it's a small zippered pouch that I can attach to my belt and slip inside my pants. I will need it, as I am taking considerable cash with me on my trip, thanks to the local leaders pleas, saying they need cash since it's hard to pay for anything with a credit card.
I'm listening to Saturday Night Live in the background. I keep hearing a voice that sounds like Dan Rather, saying things like: "CBS News has confirmed that Walter Cronkite has scurvy" and "CBS News is now projecting that Walter Chronkite has gonnorhea." "CBS has now confirmed that, despite our earlier reports, nobody has antrax," the latest skit says. Wierd stuff to hear, especially when not paying close attention.
I bought a neat little case for my new Blackberry Pearl phone/email/etc. device. I'm not convinced I will find this device as great as I originally envisioned, but if it comes through to let me call from China to the USA and allows me to get calls from the USA, it will have been worth the price.
OK, it's time for me to listen to my neat new iPod Shuffle for awhile. I've become a devotee overnight. But I'd really like the iPod verson that lets me select songs instead of listening to a random listing. I'm too materialistic, I know.
Only 36 hours until I board a plane for China.
Friday, November 3, 2006
Dentro la tasca di un qualunque mattino
Here are the words, in Italian, of one of my favorite songs from a new CD I got recently (Gianmaria Testa is the artist, and the name of the album is Il valzer di un giorno). This song is entitled, Dentro la tasca di un qualunque mattino. Though I do not speak or read or understand Italian, the music is obviously powerful and some of it is sad. I have tried freetranslation.com to understand the song...a bad translation, but it gets the message across, I think, though a translation by someone bilingual in English and Italian would help me understand it better. So, if anyone reading this blog can translate the Italian, below, into English so that it makes sense, I'll be grateful!
Dentro la tasca di un qualunque mattino
dentro la tasca ti porterei
nel fazzoletto di cotone e profumo
nel fazzoletto ti nasconderei
Dentro la tasca di un qualunque mattino
dentro la tasca ti nasconderei
e con la mano, che non veda nessuno
e con la mano ti accarezzerei
Salirà il sole del mezzogiorno
passerà alto sopra di noi
fino alla tasca del pomeriggio
ti porto ancora
se ancora mi vuoi
Salirà il sole del mezzogiorno
e passerà alto, molto sopra di noi
fino alla tasca del pomeriggio
dall'altra tasca ti porto
se vuoi
Dentro la tasca di un qualunque mattino
dentro la tasca ti porterei
col fazzoletto di seta e profumo
col fazzoletto ti coprirei
Dentro la tasca di un qualunque mattino
dentro la tasca ti nasconderei
e con la mano, che non veda nessuno
e con la mano ti accarezzerei
e con la mano, che non veda nessuno
con questa mano ti saluterei.
Dentro la tasca di un qualunque mattino
dentro la tasca ti porterei
nel fazzoletto di cotone e profumo
nel fazzoletto ti nasconderei
Dentro la tasca di un qualunque mattino
dentro la tasca ti nasconderei
e con la mano, che non veda nessuno
e con la mano ti accarezzerei
Salirà il sole del mezzogiorno
passerà alto sopra di noi
fino alla tasca del pomeriggio
ti porto ancora
se ancora mi vuoi
Salirà il sole del mezzogiorno
e passerà alto, molto sopra di noi
fino alla tasca del pomeriggio
dall'altra tasca ti porto
se vuoi
Dentro la tasca di un qualunque mattino
dentro la tasca ti porterei
col fazzoletto di seta e profumo
col fazzoletto ti coprirei
Dentro la tasca di un qualunque mattino
dentro la tasca ti nasconderei
e con la mano, che non veda nessuno
e con la mano ti accarezzerei
e con la mano, che non veda nessuno
con questa mano ti saluterei.
Political Dialogue
Tonight, my wife and I planned to sit at home and watch a movie entitled, The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada. No such luck. The DVD was inoperable, much to my chagrin. So, instead, we started to watch another DVD movie, Constantine, with Kenneau Reeves. After about 2 minutes of that, I'd had enough. Fantasies about people possessed by the devil aren't my thing.
Yesterday, on NPR (I don't recall the program), I had the opportunity to listen to a couple of political pundits, one a Democrat and one a Republican, talk about politics in a more or less rational way. While I took issue with the Republican's positions on most issues, I found one thing he said to be worth thinking about. He said, and I'll paraphrase here, "People tend to listen to and watch news for affirmation, rather than information." He pointed out that Republicans tend to watch Fox and that Democrats tend to watch CNN...and he pointed out, correctly in my view, that their political leanings are apparent. Sure, CNN airs a conservative program on Headline News opposite Larry King, and Fox probably has its share of less right-wing crap than is its typical fare, but the big picture says the media does have a point of view. I don't argue that the media should hold no political perspective, but it would be refreshing to hear them admit it. NPR and PBS are the only ones that, I think, try hard to present all angles, but I think they lean toward left, and I'm on that side.
Back to his point...people listen for affirmation instead of information. I am afraid that is true, even of me. While I do enjoy hearing right-wing extremists being excoriated by the media, I would really rather hear rational arguments or positions presented so I can make up my own mind.
On occasion, I do hear a reasonable, rational, persuasive argument from a conservative that makes me take note and think. The only time it happens is when the conservative is respectful and thoughtful and lucid. I think liberals will be more effective in making their cases about things that are important (in my view) when they behave respectfully and argue forcefully, rationally, and persuasively. I'm guilty, far too often, of simply dismissing conservatives as imbeciles...that's not the way to make friends and influence people.
Off the soapbox. Getting ready for a whirlwind overseas trip next week...it's going to be an experience! I do look forward to getting back home on November 12.
Yesterday, on NPR (I don't recall the program), I had the opportunity to listen to a couple of political pundits, one a Democrat and one a Republican, talk about politics in a more or less rational way. While I took issue with the Republican's positions on most issues, I found one thing he said to be worth thinking about. He said, and I'll paraphrase here, "People tend to listen to and watch news for affirmation, rather than information." He pointed out that Republicans tend to watch Fox and that Democrats tend to watch CNN...and he pointed out, correctly in my view, that their political leanings are apparent. Sure, CNN airs a conservative program on Headline News opposite Larry King, and Fox probably has its share of less right-wing crap than is its typical fare, but the big picture says the media does have a point of view. I don't argue that the media should hold no political perspective, but it would be refreshing to hear them admit it. NPR and PBS are the only ones that, I think, try hard to present all angles, but I think they lean toward left, and I'm on that side.
Back to his point...people listen for affirmation instead of information. I am afraid that is true, even of me. While I do enjoy hearing right-wing extremists being excoriated by the media, I would really rather hear rational arguments or positions presented so I can make up my own mind.
On occasion, I do hear a reasonable, rational, persuasive argument from a conservative that makes me take note and think. The only time it happens is when the conservative is respectful and thoughtful and lucid. I think liberals will be more effective in making their cases about things that are important (in my view) when they behave respectfully and argue forcefully, rationally, and persuasively. I'm guilty, far too often, of simply dismissing conservatives as imbeciles...that's not the way to make friends and influence people.
Off the soapbox. Getting ready for a whirlwind overseas trip next week...it's going to be an experience! I do look forward to getting back home on November 12.
Thursday, November 2, 2006
Tired
Today is my sister's birthday...so, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to her!
Not much on the blogger's mind tonight. I wrote a couple of paragraphs earlier, but Blogger ate them, so they are not posted.
I still enjoy Gianmaria Testa's music, despite the fact that I do not speak a word of Italian.
OK. I'm done. Even Bill Clinton's call to my home phone tonight doesn't warrant more than a mention.
Not much on the blogger's mind tonight. I wrote a couple of paragraphs earlier, but Blogger ate them, so they are not posted.
I still enjoy Gianmaria Testa's music, despite the fact that I do not speak a word of Italian.
OK. I'm done. Even Bill Clinton's call to my home phone tonight doesn't warrant more than a mention.
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
Music and such
I spent a good 25 minutes preparing a post this evening, only to have Blogger lose it. I'm not happy about that, but will admit that I have had sufficient experiences of this kind with Blogger that I should have known that I should have saved a copy elsewhere before depending on Blogger. But I did not. God Damn Blogger!
So, I'll ignore what Blogger has done and will simply not post tonight about my appreciation of the music of Gianmaria Testa (but look at the info on the CD I have (my sister-in-law gave me this album that I really love). I'll write later how much I appreciate his music, as well as some of my other favorites including:
So, I'll ignore what Blogger has done and will simply not post tonight about my appreciation of the music of Gianmaria Testa (but look at the info on the CD I have (my sister-in-law gave me this album that I really love). I'll write later how much I appreciate his music, as well as some of my other favorites including:
- Leonard Cohen
- John Prine
- Willy Nelson
- John Williams
- Leo Kottke
- Joan Baez
- Enya
- Crash Test Dummies
- Greg Brown
- Rick Danko
- Jonas Fjeld
- Loudon Wainwright
- Too many others to name