Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Jabberwocky

Isn't language a funny thing? It helps us communicate a whole range of emotions to one another. Albeit, not our only means of communication, nonetheless a vital one. Scholars have remarked on how languages change and adapt. Recently, these scholars bemoan the shrinking of the average person's vocabulary. While I would argue that the average person in modern society is far more educated and therefore truly has a much greater vocabulary than the counterpart of a century or so ago, I must admit that this brings me to another query.

Does language define our thoughts or do our thoughts define our language? Sadly, this is not my own brilliant question, but one that was raised in a particularly amazing history class that I can no longer remember it's real title and refer to it merely as "the meaning of life class." Anyway, I would tend to side with the former version of the question, having spent many instances writing a paper and trying to pull the word out of thin air. And yet, I am drawn back to my favorite poem ever since I had to memorize it for my 8th grade English class. It may be mostly nonsense, but you sure do know what it means.

`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.

"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!"

He took his vorpal sword in hand:
Long time the manxome foe he sought --
So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
And stood awhile in thought.

And, as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!

One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.

"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!'
He chortled in his joy.

`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.

--Lewis Carroll

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Presidential Campaign Review

According to the experts, it was the economy and the environment that led to Obama's victory. At least to the 5 panelists from both Republican and Democratic camps who were talking at the Smithsonian event this evening. It was a pretty exciting sold-out event.

I was probably the only person under 30; maybe one of 10 under 50.

It was funny sitting there and hearing about how my parent's generation described mine. According to them, I am multicultural, tired of political fighting, and more focused on issues that can be accomplished than arguing about the same old things time and again. Not a bad depiction, I'd say.

One thing I was surprised about was the vehemence about women's representation. I have to admit that I'm not much of a feminist when I look around me. Howard Dean felt more passion and exuberance for representing women than I felt. I am all for the issues: equal pay, birth control, owning my own property (did you know that women in the South couldn't open their own bank accounts even into the 1960s?).

But as far as being represented in intelligent spaces in government and business, I'm just less worried. Having been a graduate student and hearing PhD candidates planning out how to space having babies between dissertation and initial placement so that it doesn't impact achieving tenure was pretty harsh. I guess working in the more nonprofit side of things, though, I don't feel underrepresented. And I'm not all that torn up about fewer women ravagers on wall street and in board rooms. Perhaps I have my own built-in sexism, but I think there are brilliant women in some of the much more important jobs than what men consider: secretary of state, director of the Red Cross, hell even Carly Fiorina got into a tech company (a strongly male-dominated area, and maybe it didn't work out so well, but it was a significant move).

I think rather than asking why there aren't more women in high positions, we should look more to women excelling in math and technical fields, provide more support for working mothers, and teach college graduates to negotiate their starting salary (which is the number one reason for women making less than men in the long term of their career).

No matter how you look at it, I just don't see a woman in the White House as a particularly significant accomplishment. We have accepted women presidents across the world, women are often favored in gubernatorial races than men, and women executives are no longer characterized as man-eating bitches like they once were. Yes it's important to break the barriers and commit to promoting smart people who happen to be women, but then let's look at the causes for why the divergence exists instead of just asking why the results don't change.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

I was a brownie.

This weekend I went with friends to the Hershey Chocolate Spa. It was a fun indulgence and we had LOTS of chocolate. My favorite thing of the whole weekend was the chocolate fondue wrap. I was a brownie for an hour. I had mud and chocolate oil all over me and relaxed under a warm heat reflecting blanket.

Sadly what came to mind while I was under the blanket, was how great of an idea would it be to offer similar blankets to the homeless. They reflect your own body heat and keep you surprisingly warm and don't get saturated by rain and such. I sort of laughed at myself for thinking about such things while I was in a super luxurious environment feeling the height of self-indulgence. I guess I just can't help it sometimes.

So after floating home like a wet noodle, I'm dreading work this week which will be lots of work in a very tight deadline. It's not dreadful, and it's needed, but it's totally going to undo all my hard relaxation work. Somehow I'll have to manage.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Watching History

Today made headlines all across the nation and around the world. High turnout at the polls, excitement across the nation--makes me so proud to be an American today.

I did go vote on election day. I know, I live in DC, so it's pretty predictable. But I was still excited to stand in line for an hour and a half.

Just for a point of reference, this is my block. My polling place is about 100 yards away. I stepped out and had to walk down to the opposite end of my street, go around the corner and then stand in line. This was at 7am when they opened. Everything was moving and organized well, there were just more people than any school could reasonably handle.

Of course on my way home there was no line, but it was also raining by that point and I was glad I voted early.



So the excitement in town last night was unavoidable. People were literally dancing in the streets. Horns were honking, people were shouting "Obama" and "Change We Can Believe In." Whole groups of people just started walking the two miles down to the white house. This was all in the drizzly rain at 1am.


So today I realized just why I love living in this city so much, especially at this time. Part of it was the spontaneous excitement and celebration that happened last night, but also just the knowledge that we are living history.

We are living history in such a special way here in Washington, DC. We get to enjoy it while it's happening. It suddenly dawned on my at about 2pm this afternoon that the Newseum on Pennsylvania Ave. displays the front page of newspapers across the country and some from different nations of the world. The sight was just incredible. Here are a few images.

It's pretty remarkable.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Democracy Wins!

I just finished watching the presidential debates. My first impression-- how refreshing to hear two smart men talking about real issues. I haven't heard it in so long! I feel all elevated and challenged in the conversation.

Jim Lehrer did his darndest to create a more authentic Lincoln-Douglas, which was surprising since the media is the one who has worked so hard to get away from the candidates actually talking to each other. He's still an amazing moderator and kudos to him.

Oh the issues. There was so much to cover, and I honestly heard myself agreeing and disagreeing with both candidates. I can't wait to see the fact-checker reviews tomorrow.

So what everyone is really asking is: who won? I think the winner here was definitely democracy. Let's talk about issues and the distinctions of our candidates in depth and not just through snipes and sound-bites. Hooray for democracy, the freedom of speech, and the free press!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Locks of Love


Alright. I went and did it. I decided to cut my hair for locks of love today. It's unreal how quickly all that hair disappeared.

Of course I went to Beth at Fiddlehead's. She was great. I was so excited and she had fun with my bob. It's definitely a lot shorter than I was expecting, but hair will grow out.

I was asked if I'd start growing it out again. I said no. Let's keep it at my shoulders from now on. That is, once it gets back there, which may be a while.

On another note, I got my Dyson DC 18 today! I had so much fun playing with it (also known as vacuuming). You wouldn't believe how much cat hair came up in the first run. My carpet feels all new again now, though. It's small and pretty light and totally makes the wretched chore fast and easy-- so it's totally worth it to me. Oh yeah, and I got it for less than half the price on woot.com! I'm just all about the deals today.

Friday, September 12, 2008

National Book Festival

I didn't think I could get any more excited about the National Book Festival on the mall Saturday, September 27. Then I saw the list of authors and NEIL GAIMAN is going to be there!! Now it's just made my day. A totally frustrating week is vindicated by the mere fact that I will get to see and meet Neil Gaiman. I'm already excited to go back and read all his books, maybe even twice.

All the info is on the Library of Congress website http://www.loc.gov/bookfest/.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Why aren't they called Lies anymore?

The front page article of the Washington Post leads :

As Campaign Heats Up, Untruths Can Become Facts Before They're Undone

So why can't we just call them lies anymore? Is it just because they're Republicans? How one-sided is that? I propose the headline: Liar, Liars and the Stinking Lies They Tell.
Let's make it more point-0f-fact and call a spade a spade and stop ruminating on silly turns of phrase like "putting lipstick on a pig."

Can't we just bring back the common sense?

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

This is why I love living in DC

"Behind the Scenes of the 2008 Presidential Election"
It's a session with pollsters, campaign strategists, party chairmen, and chief liasons to the presidential candidates. I get a discounted ticket, even, for being part of the Smithsonian Young Benefactors group (which has monthly happy hours and the free drinks are totally worth joining by itself)! It's a week after the election, so what better time to go and hear all the stories, trials and tribulations than when it's over and everyone can kick back?

Yes, this and the "Evening with Presidential Chiefs of Staff" really does it for me. I realize I'm like a 65 year old woman stuck in a 25 year old body, but I think it's ok in this town. Just going and listening to these amazingly accomplished individuals is enough to knock your socks off, but for a political science junkie like me, it's like crack. I already know I won't be able to sleep after hearing these discussions and my mind will just be racing a thousand miles a minute.

Which is probably good, since I'm looking into the Johns Hopkins MA in Applied Economics. It's a part-time program here in DC and might actually get me that masters--finally. I know that 2 classes a semester while working will be a lot, but a program that's designed for working people, should be ok. Also, I have all that initial masters-level work behind me, so I'm kind of ahead of the game I'm thinking.

I'm pretty much stoked about the whole program-- Smithsonian and Johns Hopkins. So many smart people in such a small space is exciting. Did I mention I love DC?

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Where did July go?

Looking back, I realized I missed a whole month here. Well, I got a job, enjoyed SUUSI, and had a great 26th birthday. So that's a pretty good recap.

I'm also getting back into going to church. It's hard to make excuses when it's 2 blocks away. Next Sunday is the blessing of the animals, which will be interesting and hopefully lots of fun. I also met a new friend today. I love meeting new UUs. I may have to have a UU party at my apartment soon. Although it feels a little bit against the principles of inclusiveness, I'll have to justify it with myself in terms of size limit-- my apartment can only hold so many. And I'm already missing my SUUSI friends and want to catch up now that we are back home.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Everyday

All you want is, all you need is love.

Thanks Dave. It was a GREAT night. It seemed like everything was made to be perfect. The storms drifted south so we didn't get drenched, the air cooled off about 15 degrees, and you played for 2.5 hours!


So the Dave Matthews Band concert was great. It was funny getting all of us together and down there. We had SO much food. Everyone really went all out with the good stuff. And those drinks were yummy!

I made quite the entertainment for everyone in the car on the way there. I got picked up from the metro and then we met at Safeway to get ice for the cooler and our friend. Then we were on our way and someone said "Ok, now to see Dave." I brilliantly responded "Oh, who's Dave?" Seriously. I'm quick. Yup, thought we were picking up some guy named Dave that I didn't know. Priceless, these moments I provide for my dear friends' entertainment. We did get to see Dave, and he was great.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Welcome to the World

I'm a new aunt. I'm excited and thrilled, but also a little worried. I'm not what you would call a "baby person." Whenever people/friends have had their little babies, I'm content to admire from afar. It's around 5 when they start talking and reasoning that kids and I connect.

So at first I was feeling like it just wasn't real for me. My sister lives 1500 miles away and I am not exactly going to have day-to-day or even all that regular of contact with my niece. I went ahead and booked a plane trip to go visit. While I love my sister, I was pretty straightforward that this trip was all about me getting to know my new niece.

I don't know what it is about family that just totally sucks you in. Sascha had me hooked in 2 hours. It was the ride home from the airport while I sat in the back seat with her because it was really late and she was tired. She fell asleep as long as I had my arm around her in her car seat. Whenever I moved or pulled my arm away, she'd get upset again, but as long as I had my arm around her, she was ok.


For the rest of the week I'd hold her and feed her and just love her the whole time. Did I mention that my sister and I are not biologically related? Her dad (my step-dad) adopted me when I was 14. We have known each other since I was 5 and I don't really remember us not being sisters, but we have always known that we weren't biologically related. So what is it about family that makes a person want to take responsibility for a new baby?

I am hardly at the point in my life where I want kids. I even held out the great possibility that I might never want kids and that would be really fine with me. I still am not ready to have one for myself, but it's much more of a future thought. For now I'm hooked on Sascha. I want to see her grow and develop, learn new things, buy her gifts, and just watch how she lives her life. I'm not buying her baby clothes or anything (the girl already has a full closet until she's 18 months old!), but I'm already buying her books. Maybe it's because it's really books for my sister-- something to read while she's nursing or just a way to soothe Sascha to sleep. I'm into all the learning toys and growing, developing things too.

We put up a mobile on her crib while I was there. The transformation was unbelievable. Remember, she's only 6 weeks old, but she went from general stares at people and things to watching individual pieces rotating around. So now she seems to be noticing colors and actual objects a lot more. She also wants to be sitting UP in your arms, not laying down all the time, because she's looking at things not just the ceiling.




Basically, she's pretty perfect and precious. And I've never been so thrilled to have a niece that I get to spoil and love.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Young Souls Auction

I caved in and signed myself up for a singles auction. I know it sounds dreadfully tacky and horrible, but I was so taken in with the purpose. A girl at my church (All Souls) is going to do volunteer work in the Congo with Survivors of Sexual Assault by Armed Groups. They are doing a date auction to help raise money.

Part of me feels it's a little tacky to auction off a date for work in sexual assault, but the other side of me thinks that it makes sense to encourage respectfully aware gender-specific interactions to raise money for their work. I think the latter is winning out.

I knew All Souls was very gung-ho on the social action work. Never in a million years did I think this would be what I might get involved in. Of course that's the same thing my dad said when he signed our whole family up to stand at the corner of a busy street for the American Heart Association. Sometimes the need just comes along at the right time and you're willing to say "whatever I can do to help."

Honestly, I'm a little nervous about the whole thing. Everyone has a guaranteed minimum bid, and while I'm glad that at least that much will be going to the organization, the other part of me is scared that I'll only get the minimum. I guess I'll just have to work a little extra hard on the gussying up that night. Oh yes, and it's a Sunday night! So not exactly the "come out and buy a date" kind of atmosphere, but at least it's at The Reef, which is always a big party scene.

So if you're interested or just curious and want to help support the work of Survivors of Sexual Assault by Armed Groups in the Congo, then swing by The Reef on July 27 at 7:30pm. An entrance donation of $10 is suggested.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Home Sweet Home

I'm all settled and moved-in now. I LOVE my new apartment. It's been fun to get set up, arrange everything, and feel homey again. So here's a little tour for you. See my front door (notice the raptor-proof door handle-- the only one in the hall!) So I feel safe and completely raptor-free.


Welcome in my front door. I have a full bar! Very useful after a long day at work or coming in with friends. I will definitely have to have a couple wine parties. Maybe some girl's night poker is in store.

And my kitchen . . .
I LOVE the counter space! And all those cabinets. I know, the pink is a bit much. I'm not quite decided on what I'm going to do with it, though. I'm thinking I should paint it, but I'd have to get a sample so I can paint it back when I leave, which isn't an easy thing. But I'm also not sure what color I'd really want my kitchen. I've always had white or cream.
So do I want to go outrageous and do a burnt umber or terra cotta sort of shade? Something warm and inviting or just simple and basic? I'll have to spend some time at a paint store perusing the options I think.

Also, the bathroom is the same color. Do I want to use the same shade to cover both rooms? They have such different purposes and I don't want to get too crazy. We'll see. But right now I have lots of time to take on such a project, so I'm thinking I should go for it.


And my old familiar couch and batik wall hanging. It's nice that they go everywhere I do. Although now I have all kinds of plants. It's like they are taking over. I never realized how great they are to fill empty space, but when you have to use them in a small space it's totally different. I can't bring myself to just kill them, though. So they keep moving around the apartment. We'll see where they end up.

So that's my new home. Hope you enjoyed it. I still don't know how many square feet it is and I'm tempted to take a measuring tape and figuring it out. My guess is that it's somewhere around 650, but it's mine all mine!

My building is great. It's a new condo building, so everyone is really friendly and excited that I just moved in. There are a few families and some young couples as well. It might take me a while to meet people, but it's a pretty active place.

Did I mention I'm only 2 blocks to the metro? There's also a bus stop right at the end of my street. I love my neighborhood. All my fabulous Raleigh folk are welcome to come anytime!

Oh yes, and I joined the gym that has an indoor pool too. Doesn't that just feel like the height of luxury? So when it gets all hot this summer, I can go cool off AND exercise. Yup, I'm pretty stoked about the whole situation. I love DC.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Aaron Sorkin is a God

I moved into my new apartment last weekend and am almost completely done with all the unpacking. In celebration I decided to relax with a glass of wine and watch my Netflix video (because I still have not gotten a solid answer about who my cable company is or even been able to speak with any of the companies to set something up-- grrrrrr.)

So I put in Charlie Wilson's War. Ok, I'm a historical fiction junkie and this was the most wonderful movie for me. It had all the things I love--witty banter, smart, historical relevance, and humorous situations. I might just keep this one for a while and watch it a few more times. Of course, as I'm seeing the credits, Aaron Sorkin is responsible for this masterpiece. Will someone please give the man a production company and just let him run wild?

Everything he touches turns to gold and provides the kind of entertainment that never gets old. I could watch it over and over again and still be amazed by the craft and skill with which he tells a story. I'd like to create the Homer awards, in honor of the great master story-teller and honor Mr. Sorkin with a lifetime achievement award.

Also, Woohoo for our new Democratic Nominee! It seems like he's got history all wrapped up around him with this being the 40th year since RFK was shot. The man is a movement.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

The New Paradigm for Financial Markets

The genius and modern philanthropist George Soros has published a new book about the 2008 US recession. Obviously this man is a genius when he can publish a book (which takes time to write, edit, process, etc.) in the middle of the event he's published about. He's also an amazing humanist showing the spirit of giving and doing more than attaining wealth through the great works of the Soros Foundation.

So his new book is all about balancing government oversight with the free market, because too much control from either will create problems and shrink the market. I'd also like to take this opportunity to say "told you so" to my college macroeconomics professor who relished in dismissing anything I ever said about totally free markets being the light and the way. Booya.

My socialist tendencies are coming through. It's also exciting to see the general perception of the American public turning towards increased government oversight. Even Congress rallied in passing a bill letting the 70,000 barrels of oil set aside for the strategic oil reserve out into the market, rather than stockpiling for some worse day. At $3.75 a gallon, I'm wondering how much worse are we actually preparing for Mr. Bush? Eeeks--when power is in the hands of corporate robber barons. Any history folk feel like this smacks strongly of the 1860s, 1880s, and 1900s anti-monopoly and anti-trust eras? Hmm. I wonder why.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Saturday, May 10, 2008

I'm an Aunt!!

I just want to announce CONGRATULATIONS to Amanda & Eric on the arrival of Sascha Erica Lewis! She arrived at 5pm today, just in time for mother's day at 7lbs and 20 inches. She has black hair and blue eyes-- the perfect little princess.

This is the first baby in our family and I can't wait to go out and see her. Yay for Sascha!!

Friday, May 9, 2008

Double Happiness

So I started working on this one a week ago, and thought I should put it up now to send some extra care and concern for all the people in Chengdu and Szechuan province. You can always go to UNICEF and make a donation.

Weddings are always such wonderful things, especially when it's two friends who you've seen go through ups and downs together and come out happier and kinder to each other for it. I'm a bit late on my post, but enjoyed my college friends' wedding back in March. I did just now go order prints from the wedding, hence my return to the message.

There's something hopeful and reminiscent about weddings. It's partly a reflection of what love and relationships ought to be and partly a remembrance of how you have been a part of the relationship with two people. It's very transcending, I think and beautifully represented by the Chinese double happiness character. Because it really is two loves joined to each other, not some two becoming one. Each person is always that individual, but it's the joining of their love together that makes it so special.

I had a very interesting time with the groom (although he wasn't engaged at the time) wandering around Chengdu, China trying in very limited and probably badly accented Chinese asking for a calligraphy of the double happiness character. We got tons of looks as if we were complete idiots, and never actually got the calligraphy. But in proper form, the Double Happiness was on their wedding guestbook-- the perfect place for it.

It's just a beautiful symbol for a great moment and brings together the essence of romance--Double Happiness.

Republicans Vote Against Mothers

Well, it shouldn't be so surprising. It's not like many Republican bills haven't already done the same thing when fighting against family leave, equal pay for women, welfare support, and housing vouchers. But now they've gone and really done it this time. 178 House Republicans voted against HR 1113: "Celebrating the role of mothers in the United States and supporting the goals and ideals of Mother's Day."

The best part of it all is how there are still some journalists with a sense of humor. Hooray to Washington Post writer Dana Milbank for her article.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Revolutionary Love

I am not what you would call an active church-goer. I was raised in a faith and still believe in it, but do not feel that I must attend church regularly to practice it. That and I have started coveting my weekend free time since I have gotten so busy during the week.

For some reason today was different. I got up and did my usual leisure morning routine and checked out the websites for the two Unitarian Universalist fellowships I sometimes attend. They both had interesting sermons going on today, but one of them was in 15 minutes and I hadn't even taken a shower yet. So I opted for the "Revolutionary Love" choice. If you don't already know, Unitarian Universalism is a pretty liberal, activist kind of faith. The description of the sermon conjured Che Guevera in the best possible way. While I had some reservations, I decided it would be fun.

I was completely blown away. I don't even feel like I could come close to doing the talk justice by trying to repeat it. Luckily they are available on MP3. Unfortunately, the last sermon on the site was from January 20. So I'm not sure if this one will be listed, since it was a guest speaker. Charlotte is too lucky. When I was in college there, they were in their interim minister period and I only wish they had found Rev. Melissa Mummert sooner so I could have had the chance to hear her each week.

She spoke of the power of love not just in romance, but in the ability to change the world. She referenced her personal experience in ministry with incarcerated women that brought me to tears. She successfully produced a documentary about it. She made each person feel the "I am one, but still I am one. Although I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." She tugged on the heart strings and hopes of making the world a better place for everyone, and she empowered each person to hope and to act in love.

I don't think this could have come at a better time for me. My job and my personal life have been a little tumultuous lately, but I have been doing what I can to make it better. This last week held a good deal of transition, anguish, and of course hope for the future. Life just seems so much more full of possibility when it is based on love-- love for one another, for humankind, love for the earth, and love of life and opportunity.

This may all sound too lovey-dovey, but I'm ok with that right now.

"Never doubt that a small group of committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Om

It's my new mantra. Yoga is really the only thing holding me together today. I'm so glad I started Yoga. It reminds me of my philosophy and religion classes in college and just thinking about bigger things than me and my little day-to-day worries.

I love my yoga class. I go to this studio that is pretty private and authentic. It is very meditation-focused and my yogi likes to teach us something new about the theory behind yoga each time. I am the only non-Indian person there, so he keeps looking over at me to see if I get it. I'll have to go early next class and tell him that I was brought up Unitarian Universalist and knew more about Buddhism than Christianity when I was 10. Not to mention all of the philosophy and religion classes that I took and oh yeah, the trip to Tibet and the Potala Palace. But he's very nice and considerate to me. I particularly like the focus on meditation and bringing awareness to control of your own reactions. It's a little post-Freudian psycology too (I know the guy's name- it starts with an S- but cannot for the life of me remember it right now).

So when I wake up at 5am starting to think of all the things I have to get done in the day and try to remind myself not to forget "X," I've started going into the exercise room and doing my yoga series. I start with a few sun salutations and then go into various poses. I started getting the Yoga Journal lately, and that's given me a wider variety to choose from. I usually only get to about 4 or 5 poses before either my alarm goes off and I go to get ready for the day or I give up and move into deep relaxation.

I'm so looking forward to next weekend, though. I go to Blue Lotus Yoga Studio for their partners yoga class. I have a friend who is about the same size I am and so we are well matched. We only did 1 "flying" pose last weekend, but are assured to do more in the next class. I had so much fun it doesn't even feel like exercise. So that's what's probably going to keep me sticking to it. That and I have to meet for a class. I just can't let myself skip out when people are expecting me.

So I guess, in the end it does just come down to me me me. :)

Monday, February 4, 2008

Return from Sabbatical

Hello again. So 6 months later is a pretty good time to pick up writing my blog again. Let's see, in the last half year I got a new job, successfully pulled off my first golf tournament, my sister got pregnant, I went to Arizona for Christmas, started yoga, and now I'm renewing my blog posting. I think it's the yoga. mmmm Zen mmmm.

So the real reason I haven't written is that I've been pretty frustrated with life lately. It's cycled between work, family, friends, etc. Seems like they can't all be good at one time and usually one was keeping me going while the other two were seriously stressing me out. So no one wants to hear whining and orneryness, so I held off on the blog-posting.

But now I'm back! It's not perfect, but it's manageable and I want to share my excitement. Also, tomorrow is SUPER TUESDAY and you better believe I will be a the polls bright and early. GO VOTE!

Also, if you haven't seen it yet (or heard about it from me), please check out shelfari.com. It's the BEST semisocial networking site out because it's like an internet book club. I am always craving new books to read and my friends are usually pretty good judges of what's good, but the discussion doesn't just come up in everyday conversation. I've been going through a new book about every week or two and people get a little annoyed at me constantly asking for book recommendations. So I have found my answer.

That's all for my first night back. Will update soon. I'll go email you all now and let you know that I'm writing my blog again. Thanks for reading.