I want a general idea of how exmos feel about tattoos. Don't not comment, cause I want your opinion, even if you think I don't. Oh, and I do have administrator priviledges, which means I can delete comments as I see fit. :)
My take on tattoos:
Painful. Stuck with them forever, so be damn sure you're getting what you want. If I were to ever get one, it would be small (like 3" x 2" tops), and probably out of general sight. Maybe shoulder, or lower back/hip area.
K, your turn.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Day of Reviews, I guess
I'm here to tell the world that I have found the best salsa, EVER.
It's called Mi Abuelo Salsa Fresca, and it's found in a big-ass tub at Sam's Club, for $6.27. It is sheer heaven. OMG, I could sit here and eat it all night. With chips, on baked potatoes (or ANY potatoes, for that matter), in an omelet (which I'd only eat if the salsa were on it), or really, with most everything.
I want to buy lots and lots of it because then I'd always have it right here. Does salsa freeze? When thawed for use does it go bad more quickly? These are things I must learn.
Another yummy thing I wanna review: Chambord. Yep, it's like syrup. Except more delicious. Isn't it, like, currant liqueur? I have yet to purchase my own, but it's on the shopping list. Olive oil, parmesan cheese, and Chambord.
I've got to get back to salsa-eating. Have a great week, yo!
It's called Mi Abuelo Salsa Fresca, and it's found in a big-ass tub at Sam's Club, for $6.27. It is sheer heaven. OMG, I could sit here and eat it all night. With chips, on baked potatoes (or ANY potatoes, for that matter), in an omelet (which I'd only eat if the salsa were on it), or really, with most everything.
I want to buy lots and lots of it because then I'd always have it right here. Does salsa freeze? When thawed for use does it go bad more quickly? These are things I must learn.
Another yummy thing I wanna review: Chambord. Yep, it's like syrup. Except more delicious. Isn't it, like, currant liqueur? I have yet to purchase my own, but it's on the shopping list. Olive oil, parmesan cheese, and Chambord.
I've got to get back to salsa-eating. Have a great week, yo!
Week in Review
Many new things happened this week. Let's have a look:
*Hit the 80 post mark
*Went on 2, TWO, dates with a woman this week. Seriously girl-crushin'... :):):)
*Drank a bottle of White Zinfandel, all by myself
*Made a cheesy love-song CD
*Wrote some bad poetry (gawd, I'm making myself yack. sorry if you are too!)
*Met Doug (Eight Hour Lunch) and his family (which, btw, my daughter keeps asking which hill you guys live on!)
*Learned that, in addition to being Sun in Sagittarius, I'm a Moon in Cancer and Libra Rising
*And some other, ahem, new things, but there's no way in hell I'd write about them here.
All in all, it's been a fun week. Slow, hot, and fun.
*Hit the 80 post mark
*Went on 2, TWO, dates with a woman this week. Seriously girl-crushin'... :):):)
*Drank a bottle of White Zinfandel, all by myself
*Made a cheesy love-song CD
*Wrote some bad poetry (gawd, I'm making myself yack. sorry if you are too!)
*Met Doug (Eight Hour Lunch) and his family (which, btw, my daughter keeps asking which hill you guys live on!)
*Learned that, in addition to being Sun in Sagittarius, I'm a Moon in Cancer and Libra Rising
*And some other, ahem, new things, but there's no way in hell I'd write about them here.
All in all, it's been a fun week. Slow, hot, and fun.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Narrator Exercise
From the Scrambled Sage on Toast weekly exercise:
Write a brief (less than 250 words) narrative account of a defining moment in your life from two different and contrasting points of view. Example: buying your first car, told first in first person, and then in 3rd person from the salesman's p.o.v. Another example: meeting a significant other from your point of view and then from their point of view.
Here's a short exercise to help you sense what a difference a point of view makes. Write a short statement (less than 100 words) from the p.o.v. one ONE of these characters: Jean Luc Picard (Star Trek), Gandalf (Lord of the Rings), Buffy (Vampire Slayer), or Jean Grey (Xmen).
A million thoughts were racing through her mind, but only one thing kept her focus. He’s a vampire, she thought. He’s, like, 214 years older than me! Why do I melt when I look into his deliciously dark eyes? Oh, and that kiss!! Major yummy.
Her “spider sense” told her it was time to go to work. But even as she round-housed on the she-vampire in front of her, she didn’t need focus with this young demon, and thoughts of Angel did not get put on hold. She relished the taste of Angel in her mouth as she forced the wooden stake into the vampire.
A million thoughts were racing through her mind, but only one thing kept her focus. He’s a vampire, she thought. He’s, like, 214 years older than me! Why do I melt when I look into his deliciously dark eyes? Oh, and that kiss!! Major yummy.
Her “spider sense” told her it was time to go to work. But even as she round-housed on the she-vampire in front of her, she didn’t need focus with this young demon, and thoughts of Angel did not get put on hold. She relished the taste of Angel in her mouth as she forced the wooden stake into the vampire.
Write a brief (less than 250 words) narrative account of a defining moment in your life from two different and contrasting points of view. Example: buying your first car, told first in first person, and then in 3rd person from the salesman's p.o.v. Another example: meeting a significant other from your point of view and then from their point of view.
1- As he polished up the Speaking chapter, putting finishing touches on the last few edits before sending it off to the publisher for the last time, Scott felt immense satisfaction at how he was able to bring Ender into maturity, into Humanity.
There was a good bit of second-guessing also, however. He wasn't sure if he had clearly explained the web of relationships. He wanted his readers to love these characters of his heart. Would they be forgiving of his character's deep flaws? He hoped so.
It was a moment in which Scott was ready to release his work, his self, into the universe, to be judged however it would be. And he was content. Ender the Speaker would thrive.
2- Tears streaming down my face, I sobbed as I read through the chapter that narrated the Speaking of Marcão. It was raw, emotional, and it laid out all my greatest beliefs. I felt completely understood for the first time in my life.
As the pages unfolded, I loved Novinha and her stubbornness. I loved all their kids as if they were my own. I mourned in my heart for the loss they felt, for the misunderstanding of the whole situation. I felt pierced to the core that Novinha and Libo hid their love for so long; not denying themselves primal desires, but having to keep their love and lives separate.
I knew I had changed just by reading these words. I would forever be communicative; would forever wear my heart on my sleeve. It was a magical moment.
There was a good bit of second-guessing also, however. He wasn't sure if he had clearly explained the web of relationships. He wanted his readers to love these characters of his heart. Would they be forgiving of his character's deep flaws? He hoped so.
It was a moment in which Scott was ready to release his work, his self, into the universe, to be judged however it would be. And he was content. Ender the Speaker would thrive.
2- Tears streaming down my face, I sobbed as I read through the chapter that narrated the Speaking of Marcão. It was raw, emotional, and it laid out all my greatest beliefs. I felt completely understood for the first time in my life.
As the pages unfolded, I loved Novinha and her stubbornness. I loved all their kids as if they were my own. I mourned in my heart for the loss they felt, for the misunderstanding of the whole situation. I felt pierced to the core that Novinha and Libo hid their love for so long; not denying themselves primal desires, but having to keep their love and lives separate.
I knew I had changed just by reading these words. I would forever be communicative; would forever wear my heart on my sleeve. It was a magical moment.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Instead of posting a comment, I take my rant to my own blog
From JLO's blog: "A friend told me this morning that it's never simply a matter of severing all ties to maintain your integrity. Rather, you have to make your peace by compromising, by swallowing your pride and living with unpleasantness."
I certainly don't agree with that statement. To maintain integrity, one should not have to sever ties, true. Swallowing pride, though? And living with unpleasantness? Why should anyone have to submit to those things? One thing I take from my mormon experience is the concept of Individual Worth. I probably don't take it in the way the mormons intend, but still, the idea of placing value upon oneself is a very important lesson.
If JLO, or anyone else, compromises (in this case, integrity), swallows pride, and lives with unpleasantness, what are the compromises his family is making? What is the pride his family is swallowing? What unpleasantness is his family living with? What integrity and self-worth are they giving up? If JLO has to do those things (to maintain peace?) then all the others should have to also. It's unbalanced to make the problems and solutions in a situation fall upon only one individual.
One must absolutely live a life of integrity. If their family doesn't accept them, the problem therein lies with the family, not the individual. If the person is being true to theirself and their beliefs, only THEN can pride be swallowed and unpleasantness lived with. You can't ask someone to live a less-than-honest life and also to shut their mouths and accept it. My integrity comes first. Then we can compromise.
I certainly don't agree with that statement. To maintain integrity, one should not have to sever ties, true. Swallowing pride, though? And living with unpleasantness? Why should anyone have to submit to those things? One thing I take from my mormon experience is the concept of Individual Worth. I probably don't take it in the way the mormons intend, but still, the idea of placing value upon oneself is a very important lesson.
If JLO, or anyone else, compromises (in this case, integrity), swallows pride, and lives with unpleasantness, what are the compromises his family is making? What is the pride his family is swallowing? What unpleasantness is his family living with? What integrity and self-worth are they giving up? If JLO has to do those things (to maintain peace?) then all the others should have to also. It's unbalanced to make the problems and solutions in a situation fall upon only one individual.
One must absolutely live a life of integrity. If their family doesn't accept them, the problem therein lies with the family, not the individual. If the person is being true to theirself and their beliefs, only THEN can pride be swallowed and unpleasantness lived with. You can't ask someone to live a less-than-honest life and also to shut their mouths and accept it. My integrity comes first. Then we can compromise.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Welcome to my 80th post
I really should hold off any celebration until like 100 or something, but since it's my blog I can party when I want to.
Do you realize that I've averaged more writing here on my blog than in any previous journal? Plus when I take time to read my old journals I'm mostly embarrassed that I wasted time saying those things. I am proud of what I've had to say in this forum. I'm excited by my thoughts and feelings. I guess I feel like I'm growing up.
Life is great right now. You have to appreciate the time you've got--which is now--because living for "the next life" is plain ridiculous and you never know when this time might end. I'm happy I've learned that lesson!
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
In Memory:
(I hadn't thought of this in a long time, but mentioned it last night in referring to my extended family in Idaho. Today I'm thinking about it because of Destiny Norton being found murdered.)
It's been 13 years since my second cousin went missing one evening while collecting for her paper route.
Her name was Jeralee. She lived in Pocatello, Idaho. Her family was the "J Family". All the people in her family's names began with J. I remember them visiting our house in the summer, and she and her older brother Jamen would pick cherries from our magnificent cherry tree.
I can't say I knew them all that well. I only knew them in the way that you know their names, you know what they look like, and you usually see them once a year. We'd play at family reunions, but she was always the younger kid, hanging around us older ones. I was 15 that summer she disappeared; she was 11.
I absolutely remember the drama of the whole thing. She was abducted; the highway patrol was putting up check points; and I even remember hearing about it on the Salt Lake news. I can't remember how long it was until the whole thing ended. Like a week? We couldn't do much, living so far south in Utah. But our family kept us posted, and we grieved and worried right along with the more local family and friends.
When I learned her fate, I was wracked with sadness. I remember that as the first time I had feelings of support for capital punishment. And I still have them. This triggered my first attempt at raw, emotional writing. I cried when I wrote a story about her and her killer. I have a copy in my night-stand still.
The fucker who kidnapped and molested and murdered and dismembered her, and then threw her into the Snake River in a trash bag inside a cooler (if I remember correctly) was named James Wood. This is him:
He died in jail in 2004, from a heart attack. I just found that out this morning.
Well, my purpose in writing about this is only to memorialize my cousin, and to share deep sympathy for the families of kids who don't come home to their own beds at night.
It's been 13 years since my second cousin went missing one evening while collecting for her paper route.
Her name was Jeralee. She lived in Pocatello, Idaho. Her family was the "J Family". All the people in her family's names began with J. I remember them visiting our house in the summer, and she and her older brother Jamen would pick cherries from our magnificent cherry tree.
I can't say I knew them all that well. I only knew them in the way that you know their names, you know what they look like, and you usually see them once a year. We'd play at family reunions, but she was always the younger kid, hanging around us older ones. I was 15 that summer she disappeared; she was 11.
I absolutely remember the drama of the whole thing. She was abducted; the highway patrol was putting up check points; and I even remember hearing about it on the Salt Lake news. I can't remember how long it was until the whole thing ended. Like a week? We couldn't do much, living so far south in Utah. But our family kept us posted, and we grieved and worried right along with the more local family and friends.
When I learned her fate, I was wracked with sadness. I remember that as the first time I had feelings of support for capital punishment. And I still have them. This triggered my first attempt at raw, emotional writing. I cried when I wrote a story about her and her killer. I have a copy in my night-stand still.
The fucker who kidnapped and molested and murdered and dismembered her, and then threw her into the Snake River in a trash bag inside a cooler (if I remember correctly) was named James Wood. This is him:
He died in jail in 2004, from a heart attack. I just found that out this morning.Well, my purpose in writing about this is only to memorialize my cousin, and to share deep sympathy for the families of kids who don't come home to their own beds at night.
25th of July aka War on Jell-o
The sweet smell of cigar is still on my hands and shirt, and the taste is still in my mouth. There's nothing like sitting in the back yard, on a cool summer evening, with great friends and great conversation, enjoying a nice cigar. It's funny how no matter what, though, the topic always gets steered back to sex.
Exmos rock. Literally, there was a keyboard, bass, drums and guitar, and all of them were being played fantastically. Exmos really rock. I need to work on my lyrical skills, because I kept trailing off. Singing is very fun for me, and I wanted to sing, but it's stupid when you have to fill in the blanks with phrases like, "La, la, la, I don't know this line..." or "making up songs, is what I do best, cause I don't know the words, to songs that are real".
Every one of you non-Utahns needs to come to visit. The reason for this gathering tonight was because a guy (Hank Rearden on the Aimoo community and Exmoso) was in town from New Jersey, and he wanted to party with us cool people. So what I'm saying is this: visit us and we will throw a kick-ass party for you. Or not, if you're one of the shy, stay at home, types. We'll still have fun.
K, I'm nearly asleep, so I better stop writing. Speaking of writing, I'm getting jealous of all you bloggers that come up with inspiring, emotional, thought-provoking pieces. I wanna be like you. K really, this is the end now. Right now. K now. Good night.
Exmos rock. Literally, there was a keyboard, bass, drums and guitar, and all of them were being played fantastically. Exmos really rock. I need to work on my lyrical skills, because I kept trailing off. Singing is very fun for me, and I wanted to sing, but it's stupid when you have to fill in the blanks with phrases like, "La, la, la, I don't know this line..." or "making up songs, is what I do best, cause I don't know the words, to songs that are real".
Every one of you non-Utahns needs to come to visit. The reason for this gathering tonight was because a guy (Hank Rearden on the Aimoo community and Exmoso) was in town from New Jersey, and he wanted to party with us cool people. So what I'm saying is this: visit us and we will throw a kick-ass party for you. Or not, if you're one of the shy, stay at home, types. We'll still have fun.
K, I'm nearly asleep, so I better stop writing. Speaking of writing, I'm getting jealous of all you bloggers that come up with inspiring, emotional, thought-provoking pieces. I wanna be like you. K really, this is the end now. Right now. K now. Good night.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
I have no morals *sigh*
Today I was sleeping off a night of dancing and booze. Yeah, so I was sleeping a little late, I'll admit! But I was not hung over. Nuh-uh.
Anyway I felt a little tickle on my chest. I looked down and there was a little pale spider crawling on me. Just a little tiny one. I calmly grabbed it between my thumb and forefinger, and smushed its little life away. Then went back to sleep.
It was something I did without thought, but afterwards I felt really bad. I don't care about the spider, per se, but I do care that I could so thoughtlessly kill something that I've sworn to protect. How can I proclaim, with integrity, that I let spiders go free?!? I can't now. All is lost.
The spiders used to be able to count on me, for life, for freedom. They eat mosquitoes, I set them free. Easy peasy. And now? I think they'll set their mosquito-dinners free just so they can come suck out my blood. Just for revenge....
Ah, the despair!
Anyway I felt a little tickle on my chest. I looked down and there was a little pale spider crawling on me. Just a little tiny one. I calmly grabbed it between my thumb and forefinger, and smushed its little life away. Then went back to sleep.
It was something I did without thought, but afterwards I felt really bad. I don't care about the spider, per se, but I do care that I could so thoughtlessly kill something that I've sworn to protect. How can I proclaim, with integrity, that I let spiders go free?!? I can't now. All is lost.
The spiders used to be able to count on me, for life, for freedom. They eat mosquitoes, I set them free. Easy peasy. And now? I think they'll set their mosquito-dinners free just so they can come suck out my blood. Just for revenge....
Ah, the despair!
The Rhythm is Gonna Get You...
I had my dancing fix! None of you even showed up! :)
It was hot. I danced for a long time. I got really sweaty. My hair started to curl. It was SO good. This particular club sucks though because no one really dances until the last hour before it closes. So at one point, I may have been the only one out there. I'm not really sure. I remember feeling like I was in the spotlight. On a platform. All alone. Not giving a shit.
The point of dancing is to dance. It's not to be in proximity to some random person. It's not to connect with other people (for me). Well, this type of dancing anyway. This type of dancing is exercise; it's release.
One of the people we were with is a "goth" type person. She kept gagging at the hip-hop music. She "couldn't dance" to it. But here's what I said: It doesn't matter what the music is. You find the rhythm, you feel it, you move to it. It's not for show, it's not about anyone else but yourself. At least that's how it is for me.
It was hot. I danced for a long time. I got really sweaty. My hair started to curl. It was SO good. This particular club sucks though because no one really dances until the last hour before it closes. So at one point, I may have been the only one out there. I'm not really sure. I remember feeling like I was in the spotlight. On a platform. All alone. Not giving a shit.
The point of dancing is to dance. It's not to be in proximity to some random person. It's not to connect with other people (for me). Well, this type of dancing anyway. This type of dancing is exercise; it's release.
One of the people we were with is a "goth" type person. She kept gagging at the hip-hop music. She "couldn't dance" to it. But here's what I said: It doesn't matter what the music is. You find the rhythm, you feel it, you move to it. It's not for show, it's not about anyone else but yourself. At least that's how it is for me.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Saturday, shmaturday
I know none of you life-having people read blogs over the weekends. But oh freakin well. I just decided to sit down and say What up? to all you good people.
Since I started making a regular occurance out of going to Starbucks on Sunday (all, what, two whole weeks of that now??), I've had a couple of mid-week cravings for coffee. I've resisted them because it's a million degrees outside, and the last thing I want is a HOT drink.
Well it's still Saturday morning right now. The heat of the day hasn't set in yet, and our swamp cooler (be damned) is still keeping the house fairly cool. So I made a pot of coffee. Yep, I sure did. Some non-fat creamer and splenda were added, and now I'm enjoying--which is the key word--my first cup of homemade coffee. The dirt taste isn't so bad anymore.
I find it amusing how my tastes are evolving. I think I heard the phrase, "It's an acquired taste" about 1400 times regarding beer, liquor, coffee, and tea. Tea came as a natural like for me. But in regards to the others, I would just chuckle to myself and think, "Well, I've tried them all and you're flat out wrong." Heeheehee...
Oh, me of little faith! I must be surely losing the Spirit of Truth, because the further away from the church I feel, the more tasty the urine-flavored beer and dirt-flavored coffee are to me. Perhaps it's the opening I've left in my soul for the devil to dwell in. He's made himself nice and cozy in that nitch. With every sip of this coffee I can FEEL the mischievous grin slide across his evil devil face.
Bottom's up! Oh, and a toast to the caffeine high. On which the devil thrives. :)
Since I started making a regular occurance out of going to Starbucks on Sunday (all, what, two whole weeks of that now??), I've had a couple of mid-week cravings for coffee. I've resisted them because it's a million degrees outside, and the last thing I want is a HOT drink.
Well it's still Saturday morning right now. The heat of the day hasn't set in yet, and our swamp cooler (be damned) is still keeping the house fairly cool. So I made a pot of coffee. Yep, I sure did. Some non-fat creamer and splenda were added, and now I'm enjoying--which is the key word--my first cup of homemade coffee. The dirt taste isn't so bad anymore.
I find it amusing how my tastes are evolving. I think I heard the phrase, "It's an acquired taste" about 1400 times regarding beer, liquor, coffee, and tea. Tea came as a natural like for me. But in regards to the others, I would just chuckle to myself and think, "Well, I've tried them all and you're flat out wrong." Heeheehee...
Oh, me of little faith! I must be surely losing the Spirit of Truth, because the further away from the church I feel, the more tasty the urine-flavored beer and dirt-flavored coffee are to me. Perhaps it's the opening I've left in my soul for the devil to dwell in. He's made himself nice and cozy in that nitch. With every sip of this coffee I can FEEL the mischievous grin slide across his evil devil face.
Bottom's up! Oh, and a toast to the caffeine high. On which the devil thrives. :)
Friday, July 21, 2006
It's time to dance
I need to go out, do some dancing...
The really crazy kind where you don't care if anyone's watching. The kind you get sweaty from (and which curls my hair! yuck.). The kind that is a total release. Yep, I need some of that. Anyone care to join me??
The really crazy kind where you don't care if anyone's watching. The kind you get sweaty from (and which curls my hair! yuck.). The kind that is a total release. Yep, I need some of that. Anyone care to join me??
Ecstasy by ATB
Have you ever noticed,
That I’m not acting as
I used to do before?
Have you ever wondered,
Why I always keep on
coming back for more?
What have you done to me,
I’ll never be the same
I'll tell you for sure
I’ll never be the same
I'll tell you for sure
I’ll never be the same
I'll tell you for sure
You really are my ecstasy,
my real life fantasy, oh yeah.
Not that I’m complaining,
A more beautiful vision -
I have never seen
If you don’t mind me saying,
A lifelong ambition to fulfill my dream
What have you done to me,
I’ll never be the same
I'll tell you for sure
I’ll never be the same
I'll tell you for sure
I’ll never be the same
I'll tell you for sure
You really are my ecstasy,
My real life fantasy, oh yeah
(There can be no other
While we still have each other)
**For some reason I'm really in love with this song right now. I could listen to it over and over again. :) Thanks a million, Sideon, for introducing me to this!
That I’m not acting as
I used to do before?
Have you ever wondered,
Why I always keep on
coming back for more?
What have you done to me,
I’ll never be the same
I'll tell you for sure
I’ll never be the same
I'll tell you for sure
I’ll never be the same
I'll tell you for sure
You really are my ecstasy,
my real life fantasy, oh yeah.
Not that I’m complaining,
A more beautiful vision -
I have never seen
If you don’t mind me saying,
A lifelong ambition to fulfill my dream
What have you done to me,
I’ll never be the same
I'll tell you for sure
I’ll never be the same
I'll tell you for sure
I’ll never be the same
I'll tell you for sure
You really are my ecstasy,
My real life fantasy, oh yeah
(There can be no other
While we still have each other)
**For some reason I'm really in love with this song right now. I could listen to it over and over again. :) Thanks a million, Sideon, for introducing me to this!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Sincere Apologies
My nasty brother and his nasty wife can't lay off the comment section on this blog. I try very hard to keep up with deleting their vileness, but if you happen to run across something that's either deeply obscene or foul, please know that I don't condone it. In this setting.
I should start another blog, just for that side of my personality. This is getting ridiculous.
K bye.
**Side note**
You may think the tone of this blog is mean and unforgiving. It's SO not. There's no one I'd rather talk dirty with than my Mandoo and Paulbrowning. In fact, I may just go snuggle with them tonight so they know I'm not mad at them. Ok, really, k bye.
I should start another blog, just for that side of my personality. This is getting ridiculous.
K bye.
**Side note**
You may think the tone of this blog is mean and unforgiving. It's SO not. There's no one I'd rather talk dirty with than my Mandoo and Paulbrowning. In fact, I may just go snuggle with them tonight so they know I'm not mad at them. Ok, really, k bye.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Wanted: New Place of Employment
My dear, dear husband needs a different job. If I were to write his resume for him, it would go a little something like this:
He's really smart; he knows retail frontwards and backwards; he is a passionate salesperson; he had oodles of management experience; he basically RAN the community education program for UVSC; and he's really cute too. Though not formally trained, he knows computers like he knows his own hand. He has experience in building them from scratch, networking, trouble-shooting, word processors/spread sheets, Illustrator/Photoshop, a bit of html and programming, and basically can do anything that anyone needs him to do. Did I mention that he's cute? He's tall too, which comes in handy when light bulbs need replacing. Or to turn on very high ceiling fans.
What kind of job would that get him? A good one, with somewhat respectful employers, I hope!!!
He's really smart; he knows retail frontwards and backwards; he is a passionate salesperson; he had oodles of management experience; he basically RAN the community education program for UVSC; and he's really cute too. Though not formally trained, he knows computers like he knows his own hand. He has experience in building them from scratch, networking, trouble-shooting, word processors/spread sheets, Illustrator/Photoshop, a bit of html and programming, and basically can do anything that anyone needs him to do. Did I mention that he's cute? He's tall too, which comes in handy when light bulbs need replacing. Or to turn on very high ceiling fans.
What kind of job would that get him? A good one, with somewhat respectful employers, I hope!!!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Doctors don't know EVERYthing
It had been a relatively slow day. There had been nothing critical, nothing that could really be considered truly emergent: some abdominal pains, a superficial leg laceration, and several flu cases. Sometimes days like that were more difficult, because the mind tends to wander, and it’s much harder to bring focus onto the patient.
I was new to the area, having moved from the East Coast only a couple months prior. That the culture was unique and peculiar was common knowledge. Order a cup of coffee, and you get looks as if you just asked for absinthe, assuming the server even knows what absinthe is! But for the most part it was easily ignorable, and frankly, having Sundays be so slow and easy-going was very attractive. Especially having such a high-paced job in the emergency room.
The mountains were stunning, tall, snow-capped, and seemed to loom over the valley. On clear days the mountains were pristine, cutting across the deep blue sky. The brilliance of white against green-brown, blue against white was breath taking. Putting the quirkiness of the people aside, this really was a very lovely place to call home. But it was hard to put the quirkiness of the people aside.
A particular patient, on this particular slow day, made the quirkiness case in point quite nicely. The door of Room 7 was heavy as I pushed it against what I quickly learned was a thick fog of self-importance.
“Hi, I’m Dr. Brinley," I broke the ice. We’re seeing you today for a hand injury, right?”
It was puzzling that almost immediately he looked at me with annoyance.
“Yes, and you’re going to have to contact the orthopedic surgeon right away”, he stated, his voice bringing to mind my father.
Oh great, he's that kind of patient: the know-it-all kind. Joy. The thought appeared, and I couldn’t tuck it back down.
“Well I’d like to have a look at it first, just to assess the damage.”
Getting a bit obstinate, he declared, “It’s going to need a cast! You really should just call the surgeon.”
“I’m a doctor too, and I’d like to be able to explain to Ortho, when or if I contact them, what exactly the problem is.” At this point the term pompous far understated the stern look he had on his face.
“Don’t you know who I am? I’m a general authority!”
“Oh? On what?” History? Economics? And why does this pertain to anything we are talking about??
Visibly fuming, he clarified: “I’m a General Authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!”
“Ok, uhm, yeah…”, my voice trailed off. Escape couldn’t come fast enough! Jamie, the nursing team leader for that shift, proceeded to explain Mormon hierarchy, and why this person would be offended at my lack of respect for who and what he is.
Never returning to that room, rumor has it that he was indeed seen by the orthopedic surgeon, because at the next “General Conference” (whatever that is) he was on TV with a cast. He had apparently been right about the emergency of his injury. His yelling was entirely justified. My bad.
I was new to the area, having moved from the East Coast only a couple months prior. That the culture was unique and peculiar was common knowledge. Order a cup of coffee, and you get looks as if you just asked for absinthe, assuming the server even knows what absinthe is! But for the most part it was easily ignorable, and frankly, having Sundays be so slow and easy-going was very attractive. Especially having such a high-paced job in the emergency room.
The mountains were stunning, tall, snow-capped, and seemed to loom over the valley. On clear days the mountains were pristine, cutting across the deep blue sky. The brilliance of white against green-brown, blue against white was breath taking. Putting the quirkiness of the people aside, this really was a very lovely place to call home. But it was hard to put the quirkiness of the people aside.
A particular patient, on this particular slow day, made the quirkiness case in point quite nicely. The door of Room 7 was heavy as I pushed it against what I quickly learned was a thick fog of self-importance.
“Hi, I’m Dr. Brinley," I broke the ice. We’re seeing you today for a hand injury, right?”
It was puzzling that almost immediately he looked at me with annoyance.
“Yes, and you’re going to have to contact the orthopedic surgeon right away”, he stated, his voice bringing to mind my father.
Oh great, he's that kind of patient: the know-it-all kind. Joy. The thought appeared, and I couldn’t tuck it back down.
“Well I’d like to have a look at it first, just to assess the damage.”
Getting a bit obstinate, he declared, “It’s going to need a cast! You really should just call the surgeon.”
“I’m a doctor too, and I’d like to be able to explain to Ortho, when or if I contact them, what exactly the problem is.” At this point the term pompous far understated the stern look he had on his face.
“Don’t you know who I am? I’m a general authority!”
“Oh? On what?” History? Economics? And why does this pertain to anything we are talking about??
Visibly fuming, he clarified: “I’m a General Authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!”
“Ok, uhm, yeah…”, my voice trailed off. Escape couldn’t come fast enough! Jamie, the nursing team leader for that shift, proceeded to explain Mormon hierarchy, and why this person would be offended at my lack of respect for who and what he is.
Never returning to that room, rumor has it that he was indeed seen by the orthopedic surgeon, because at the next “General Conference” (whatever that is) he was on TV with a cast. He had apparently been right about the emergency of his injury. His yelling was entirely justified. My bad.
Adventurous
I really like a picture I saw of Sarah McLaughlin, and her hair was black. So I decided to go ahead and dye mine black too. This is a big thing for me, cause I've never been black before. Blonde-ish, red, brown, but never black.
What do you think? (Hmm...it just occured to me that I've asked twice today what you think. Am I becoming too dependant on my blogging friends? Uh-oh!! ;))
Oh, the babe over my shoulder is my niece, Sylp. She is NOT naked, so stop being perverted, people.
What do you think? (Hmm...it just occured to me that I've asked twice today what you think. Am I becoming too dependant on my blogging friends? Uh-oh!! ;))
Oh, the babe over my shoulder is my niece, Sylp. She is NOT naked, so stop being perverted, people.
To answer Sid's question:
Intermediate Writing--Humanities/Social Sciences
Explores interfaces between the personal and the public and invokes problems for exploration. Emphasizes the production of well-reasoned and carefully researched written arguments that embody the spirit of inquiry, explore and interrogate multiple perspectives, and negotiate meanings across a diverse array of positions. Three major research projects (with at least one mandatory, graded revision), annotated bibliography, oral presentations, portfolios, journals, in-class writing and collaboration.
Intermediate Writing--Science/Technology
Explores public issues involving science and technology. Invokes problems for exploration. Emphasizes the production of well-reasoned and carefully researched written arguments that inquire, interrogate, and negotiate meanings across a diverse array of positions and in a variety of contexts, including writing about science and technology issues, and technical and/or professional documents. Includes at least one major research project (possibly more), annotated bibliography and/or appendices, oral presentations (individual and/or group), portfolios, in-class writing, and collaboration. May include basic requirements for professional and technical documents (memos, letters, reports, and more).
Explores interfaces between the personal and the public and invokes problems for exploration. Emphasizes the production of well-reasoned and carefully researched written arguments that embody the spirit of inquiry, explore and interrogate multiple perspectives, and negotiate meanings across a diverse array of positions. Three major research projects (with at least one mandatory, graded revision), annotated bibliography, oral presentations, portfolios, journals, in-class writing and collaboration.
Intermediate Writing--Science/Technology
Explores public issues involving science and technology. Invokes problems for exploration. Emphasizes the production of well-reasoned and carefully researched written arguments that inquire, interrogate, and negotiate meanings across a diverse array of positions and in a variety of contexts, including writing about science and technology issues, and technical and/or professional documents. Includes at least one major research project (possibly more), annotated bibliography and/or appendices, oral presentations (individual and/or group), portfolios, in-class writing, and collaboration. May include basic requirements for professional and technical documents (memos, letters, reports, and more).
Two times Tuesday
I just completed my admissions for fall semester at UVSC. I'll probably only take 2 classes, due to my husbands ungodly work schedule. Or maybe I'll take them online. Anyhow, the current discussions on JLO's blog have me wanting (for the first time) to take the required general ed class, Ethics and Values. I've purposely avoided it thus far, but I think I'm at a good place in my life to appreciate its principles.
Probably I'll take a 200 level English class too. And I need another Bio or Phys Sci class. But maybe I don't... I went to an accredited massage therapy school a few years back, and took both Anatomy/Physiology and Pathology. Those will probably count towards the Phys Sci requirement.
For my English class, should I take one with an emphasis on Humanities/Social Science OR Science/Technology? What do you think?
Probably I'll take a 200 level English class too. And I need another Bio or Phys Sci class. But maybe I don't... I went to an accredited massage therapy school a few years back, and took both Anatomy/Physiology and Pathology. Those will probably count towards the Phys Sci requirement.
For my English class, should I take one with an emphasis on Humanities/Social Science OR Science/Technology? What do you think?
Monday, July 17, 2006
"God hasn't given up on you"
I just read JLO's new post. He talks about not being able to trust any particular mindview, because they're all based on feelings, and he doesn't trust his intuition anymore. But here, my friends, is the solution to that conundrum:
Don't give up on God. God hasn't given up on you. Well, at least I THINK he hasn't. I'll have to ask him to be sure, which means I'll speak my thoughts out loud and see what feeling I get afterwards.
< /sarcasm >
It's freakin hilarious to me that of all the posts where he got a Mormon response, this was it. A Mormon response is so totally and completely irrelevant to what JLO is feeling right now! JLO is grasping here. He's looking for something tangible. He's needing assurance that he can, indeed, trust himself, despite years of disillusion in the mormon church. This is his path of self-discovery, which cannot be understood by a TBM. The only self-reflection a TBM gives to himself is to wonder how straight and narrow is his way, or how many commandments he needs to "work on".
K rant over. *sigh*
Don't give up on God. God hasn't given up on you. Well, at least I THINK he hasn't. I'll have to ask him to be sure, which means I'll speak my thoughts out loud and see what feeling I get afterwards.
< /sarcasm >
It's freakin hilarious to me that of all the posts where he got a Mormon response, this was it. A Mormon response is so totally and completely irrelevant to what JLO is feeling right now! JLO is grasping here. He's looking for something tangible. He's needing assurance that he can, indeed, trust himself, despite years of disillusion in the mormon church. This is his path of self-discovery, which cannot be understood by a TBM. The only self-reflection a TBM gives to himself is to wonder how straight and narrow is his way, or how many commandments he needs to "work on".
K rant over. *sigh*
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Sunday night and the feeling's right!
I had a yummy day because of Starbucks, a hot day because of exmo picnics, a painful day because of foot-impalement, and a lame day because of whiney children.
Here's what I'm thinking:
I need a bachelor's in English (120 credits), and a minor in Math (25 credits). To teach, I'll need licensure in Secondary Education, so that's another 30 credits.
It looks like I have several of my generel ed requirements done, with 20 left. So that makes my bachelors like 104 credits away! That's ALL!! :)
Geez, this looks overwhelming. Ok ok, I need to take it one day at a time. I think I'll try to take a couple of classes this fall, just to put further dent in the generals. All this planning....!
**UPDATE**
Upon talking to Joe (henceforth referred to as Joe), if I go with the English Education degree then the licensure is included in the degree program. So it wouldn't be an extra 30 credits. Woo-hoo!!
Here's what I'm thinking:
I need a bachelor's in English (120 credits), and a minor in Math (25 credits). To teach, I'll need licensure in Secondary Education, so that's another 30 credits.
It looks like I have several of my generel ed requirements done, with 20 left. So that makes my bachelors like 104 credits away! That's ALL!! :)
Geez, this looks overwhelming. Ok ok, I need to take it one day at a time. I think I'll try to take a couple of classes this fall, just to put further dent in the generals. All this planning....!
**UPDATE**
Upon talking to Joe (henceforth referred to as Joe), if I go with the English Education degree then the licensure is included in the degree program. So it wouldn't be an extra 30 credits. Woo-hoo!!
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Just a few things
So the doctor called me yesterday, well the nurse did, and my blood work came back negative for low thyroid. Really good, yet really strange, news! I'm now seriously going to call up the doctor from LAST year, and see just exactly what level my thyroid was at then. At least I won't have to take medication daily for the rest of my life! I think I'm just going to make sure that I get some exercise every day, go easy on the caffeine, and really be aware of the nutrients I'm taking in. Those aren't bad ideas anyway, and if they can help alleviate this fatigue, it's all the better.
I spent part of my Friday night obsessing over Steve Sandvoss, my current celebrity drool toy. Here's a pic of him:
Today's To-do list:
*Get exercise
*Long for a vacation
*Get on Doug's case for not meeting yet (hey Doug, have you heard about that party in West Valley next week?)
*Find way to destroy all 6-legged creatures in my kitchen
*Be fabulous (you don't have to be gay to be fabulous!)
*Grocery shopping
*And maybe some random chore
I spent part of my Friday night obsessing over Steve Sandvoss, my current celebrity drool toy. Here's a pic of him:
Today's To-do list:
*Get exercise
*Long for a vacation
*Get on Doug's case for not meeting yet (hey Doug, have you heard about that party in West Valley next week?)
*Find way to destroy all 6-legged creatures in my kitchen
*Be fabulous (you don't have to be gay to be fabulous!)
*Grocery shopping
*And maybe some random chore
Thursday, July 13, 2006
An Essay
One of my brothers has a fear that a strange assassin will sneak into his bedroom at night, slaying him with arrows to the chest. Because of this he sleeps cuddling a pillow. He feels less vulnerable with a pillow. A pillow.
Being vulnerable feels like you’re against a wall, all alone, while the people who have any degree of negativity towards you are on the opposite side, ready with loaded weapons. Do you trust that they will have mercy? Do you rely on your own past behavior to save you? Or do you stand there, fear and all, and leave your fate in their hands?
I don’t hide much. I wear my emotions on my face. The mere idea of suppressing emotion gets me panicky, and I feel the very first tinges of an anxiety attack. It’s only when I’m hidden and smothered that I get these attacks. So I don’t hide, and please, for god’s sake, don’t smother me. ;)
So, you see, I face the world head on. Until I’m up against that wall. It’s only then that I feel the need to hide, a primal need to protect myself. In those situations, I don’t trust well, and I don’t rely on my dubious past. My ideal would be the ability to let things flow, and let things come as they may. “I’m a leaf in the stream”. Stand there, vulnerable, fate belonging to someone else, and be completely at peace with that.
Instead, I find myself running from the “threat”. I yearn for the familiar, the predictable. It’s like wandering through a dark, menacing forest, and desperately looking for those bread crumbs you dropped. Something that you recognize. Something that means you will make it through safe and unharmed. Something easy.
Right now? I’m looking for bread crumbs. A pillow. Assurance that, no, the random assassin in my bedroom at night will not be successful in piercing my heart.
Being vulnerable feels like you’re against a wall, all alone, while the people who have any degree of negativity towards you are on the opposite side, ready with loaded weapons. Do you trust that they will have mercy? Do you rely on your own past behavior to save you? Or do you stand there, fear and all, and leave your fate in their hands?
I don’t hide much. I wear my emotions on my face. The mere idea of suppressing emotion gets me panicky, and I feel the very first tinges of an anxiety attack. It’s only when I’m hidden and smothered that I get these attacks. So I don’t hide, and please, for god’s sake, don’t smother me. ;)
So, you see, I face the world head on. Until I’m up against that wall. It’s only then that I feel the need to hide, a primal need to protect myself. In those situations, I don’t trust well, and I don’t rely on my dubious past. My ideal would be the ability to let things flow, and let things come as they may. “I’m a leaf in the stream”. Stand there, vulnerable, fate belonging to someone else, and be completely at peace with that.
Instead, I find myself running from the “threat”. I yearn for the familiar, the predictable. It’s like wandering through a dark, menacing forest, and desperately looking for those bread crumbs you dropped. Something that you recognize. Something that means you will make it through safe and unharmed. Something easy.
Right now? I’m looking for bread crumbs. A pillow. Assurance that, no, the random assassin in my bedroom at night will not be successful in piercing my heart.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Days blur into nights into days...
This summer is flying by. Half over! And I have yet to go on a vacation. Blast it!
I've been very fatigued lately, so I went to see the doctor this morning. They are doing some bloodwork, which will be back in a couple of days, but he's fairly certain it's hypothyroidism. Last year a different doctor told me I had low thyroid levels, so thus, the new doctor's confidence.
UVSC's website isn't cooperating, so there's no news on the degree front. A co-worker of my husband's is just starting that program too, this fall. I think I'll talk to him about what it entails. See what info he can give me. I should go to U of U. I always wanted to! I love love love their football team!!! Isn't that reason enough?!?
Ok I'm going to do a bit of research about the U. :) Peace out, on this hump day!!!
I've been very fatigued lately, so I went to see the doctor this morning. They are doing some bloodwork, which will be back in a couple of days, but he's fairly certain it's hypothyroidism. Last year a different doctor told me I had low thyroid levels, so thus, the new doctor's confidence.
UVSC's website isn't cooperating, so there's no news on the degree front. A co-worker of my husband's is just starting that program too, this fall. I think I'll talk to him about what it entails. See what info he can give me. I should go to U of U. I always wanted to! I love love love their football team!!! Isn't that reason enough?!?
Ok I'm going to do a bit of research about the U. :) Peace out, on this hump day!!!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
"...You can tell he's been down for a while...
...But, my god, it's so beautiful when the boy smiles,
Wanna hold him,
Maybe I'll just sing about it.
Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable.
And life's like an hour-glass glued to the table.
No one can find the rewind button, boys,
So cradle your head in your hands,
And breathe...just breathe...
Oh breathe...just breathe..."
-Anna Nalick "2am (Breathe)"
This is what's on the listening menu for today :)
Wanna hold him,
Maybe I'll just sing about it.
Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable.
And life's like an hour-glass glued to the table.
No one can find the rewind button, boys,
So cradle your head in your hands,
And breathe...just breathe...
Oh breathe...just breathe..."
-Anna Nalick "2am (Breathe)"
This is what's on the listening menu for today :)
Monday, July 10, 2006
Living Into Our Futures
Last week, at a therapy session, our "life-coach" talked with us about a concept called Living Into Your Future. The basic idea is that you decide what you want for yourself in the future, and start acting like it will happen. When you put your energy into an idea, it will naturally come to pass. It was sort of a Karma discussion, in not-so-mystic terms.
So here's my first effort at living into my future. Here are the things that I personally want for myself, and things that I'm going to put energy into.
1- Living debt-free
2- Getting a college degree (Teaching Math or English is sounding interesting right now)
3- Having more patience, compassion and positivity as a parent
So there you have it. And there I have it. In print. Out for the universe to see. Ok, here we go...
So here's my first effort at living into my future. Here are the things that I personally want for myself, and things that I'm going to put energy into.
1- Living debt-free
2- Getting a college degree (Teaching Math or English is sounding interesting right now)
3- Having more patience, compassion and positivity as a parent
So there you have it. And there I have it. In print. Out for the universe to see. Ok, here we go...
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Morning Coffee, and Goodbye
We met at Starbucks this morning with our friend Rebecca. She's moving to sunny CA. We're going to miss her dry humor, dragging her out of her comfort zone, and her bringing surprise cookies to our house and leaving them!! ;)
Definately a trip to the Bay Area is in the works. My hubby and I have tossed around the idea of moving there ourselves. We are thinking Utah needs to be in our rear view mirror...
Becca, be safe! Talking with you was inspiring for me! Now I just have to formulate some plans...
Definately a trip to the Bay Area is in the works. My hubby and I have tossed around the idea of moving there ourselves. We are thinking Utah needs to be in our rear view mirror...
Becca, be safe! Talking with you was inspiring for me! Now I just have to formulate some plans...
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Stormy Fourth and Spiderman
There are dark clouds and strong winds outside right now. I'm sort of glad we had our bbq and fireworks yesterday. They went very well; thanks for asking. ;)
You know, there are very few movies I get excited about. BUT, when I do get excited, I get freakin fanatical (k not really). We've seen the midnight showings of several movies, which include but aren't limited to: Matrix Revolutions (hated it), LOTR Return of the King (loved it), and though not a midnight showing, but an early preview, X-men 3 (eh). None of the movies I see, however, hold a candle to my love for the Spiderman series. 1, 2, and now 3. All of them. Each one keeps getting better and better. Okay, so I haven't seen the 3rd yet, but talk to me in one year and I'll be foaming at the mouth describing it. I'm glad that my hubby, Eric, posted the trailer link on his blog. Now I can access the love at any time.
In this new movie, we're counting 3 villains: Goblin returns via Harry, Sandman, and Venom. Now I didn't read the comic books, but I hear that Venom is supposed to be a burly body type. Frankly, I don't care. I'm just excited to see Peter Parker battle something other than his desire for Mary Jane. I love that he looks creepy and evil in this installment. Ooh, this year will be torture for me!!!
"ooh, the rain is falling..." --electric light orchestra
You know, there are very few movies I get excited about. BUT, when I do get excited, I get freakin fanatical (k not really). We've seen the midnight showings of several movies, which include but aren't limited to: Matrix Revolutions (hated it), LOTR Return of the King (loved it), and though not a midnight showing, but an early preview, X-men 3 (eh). None of the movies I see, however, hold a candle to my love for the Spiderman series. 1, 2, and now 3. All of them. Each one keeps getting better and better. Okay, so I haven't seen the 3rd yet, but talk to me in one year and I'll be foaming at the mouth describing it. I'm glad that my hubby, Eric, posted the trailer link on his blog. Now I can access the love at any time.
In this new movie, we're counting 3 villains: Goblin returns via Harry, Sandman, and Venom. Now I didn't read the comic books, but I hear that Venom is supposed to be a burly body type. Frankly, I don't care. I'm just excited to see Peter Parker battle something other than his desire for Mary Jane. I love that he looks creepy and evil in this installment. Ooh, this year will be torture for me!!!
"ooh, the rain is falling..." --electric light orchestra
Monday, July 03, 2006
3rd of July festivities
The 4th of July, freedom, and independence certainly have a more acute meaning to me this year.
Today is our day of celebration and freedom-enjoying. We are having a family BBQ at my brother's house, then we'll come back here to my house for a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are courtesy of me (ok, and my bro and sis) driving to Evanston, WY and purchasing highly illegal fireworks. Shh....don't tell! We're just, uh, exercising our liberty. Yep.
What are all y'all doing to celebrate your freedom?
Today is our day of celebration and freedom-enjoying. We are having a family BBQ at my brother's house, then we'll come back here to my house for a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are courtesy of me (ok, and my bro and sis) driving to Evanston, WY and purchasing highly illegal fireworks. Shh....don't tell! We're just, uh, exercising our liberty. Yep.
What are all y'all doing to celebrate your freedom?
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