Some days it is just not your day. You know it, those around you know it, and there is nothing you can do about it. You can rail against the system, you can go meekly, but you cannot win.
Our team was run over by a steamroller. We basically bowled average in all three games, and lost by 100 pins per game (roughly). That is to say, we started with a 60 pin handicap advantage that the other team made up—quickly—and then proceeded to lose by an additional 100 pins.
In the second game, I bowled well enough to continue my streak of 200 games (203, 9 weeks in a row now), but that was a footnote to the evening. The story was that Brett, their #2 bowler, decided to bowl a 299. Yes, you read that correctly. He bowled 11 strikes in a row and left a hanging 10 on the final throw of the streak. A 299! I was one pin from seeing a perfect game. It was spectacular and the only real reason he didn’t get it was that the front desk decided to announce the 50/50 winning ticket numbers as he was on the lanes trying to psyche up for the final throw. Overall, he threw a 724 (212, 299, and 213). Congratulations to Brett for a great night.
Tai wound up not being able to make it, but this time it would not have made much of a difference. You just can’t win when the bowling gods decree otherwise. When a team can make up a 60 pin handicap and go on to beat you by around 100 in every game, there is little you can do to fight it.
So, we regroup, we hope that Tai can reconcile his commitments to work with his commitment to us, and we try to come together again as a team and finish the last 6 weeks strong.
March 16, 2006
March 14, 2006
Who's Baking Muffins?
I love blueberry muffins. Moist, soft blueberry muffins are right up there with chocolate, ice cream, grilled steak, and pancakes for favorite things to eat.
Renee, my boss at works, makes award-winning blueberry muffins. That isn’t a misnomer on my part, either; she entered them in the Orange County Fair last year and won first prize. My girlfriend, when I visited both at Halloween and over Christmas, made me very good blueberry muffins from a mix. They were large and fluffy and quite good—especially with a pat of butter and heated in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Mmmmm.
Said girlfriend picked up some of the same mix and left them here when she visited me. The first batch I tried to make turned out tiny—I misread the package and instead of making 5, I filled a 12-cup muffin tin. Oops.
This time out, knowing my mistake, I used the 6-cup tray. I filled 5 cups 2/3 full, just as the instructions said. Apparently I have small cups, because I had almost exactly enough to fill the last cup 2/3 full too, which I did. I baked for about 18 minutes (the package said 16-21—18 made them lightly golden-brown on top).
And I still got tiny muffins. They literally did not rise at all in the tin!
I brought two into work for a morning snack but showed them to Renee (and Dorothy, who is in the office next door and decided to be nosy). I explained what I did, but neither couldn’t figure out what I could be doing wrong to make them not rise at all. Then Renee had a thought, “Did you really beat the batter?”
“I made sure it was smooth.”
“There’s your mistake. In order for muffins to rise, you want to just make sure the batter is moist—nothing more. If you stir it too much, they don’t rise.”
Dorothy chimed in, “Yeah, you want to stir it like 5 times—just enough to moisten it. You almost want it lumpy.”
How the hell am I supposed to know that?
I am always impressed with people who can cook and especially those who can cook in a variety of different mediums (baking, sauces, stir-fry, steaming, roasting, broiling—whatever!). I have a few things I do pretty well, and I can (usually) follow a recipe to a pretty decent conclusion. I actually enjoy cooking, when I do it, even if I’m not that great. I think I like the challenge of it. But when I meet someone who can cook well, I like to stand back and watch in awe. I’m especially jealous of people who can get everything done roughly at the same time—that is a skill I have yet to master, although I’m finally getting better at it.
In my opinion, even if you are following a recipe, cooking is an art form. There is something to it that allows a level of creativity and secret knowledge that provides one with the skill to transform base ingredients into something magical. Cooking is alchemy. Taking lead and turning it to gold; not everyone can do that. Quite a few turn that lead into dirt or ash and some can only keep it lead. Many can turn that lead into brass or silver—perfectly respectable attempts, and valuable—but few have the skill and talent to turn what they touch into gold. If you take two people randomly off the street, put them in identical kitchen environments and with identical recipes and ask them to make the same dish, and one may make the best meal you’ve ever tasted and another will make something that tastes slightly better than burnt cardboard. It’s just the way cooking goes—not everyone can do it.
This week I will try another one of those mixes. This time, I will try my best to only just moisten the mix. We’ll see if I get better results.
Renee, my boss at works, makes award-winning blueberry muffins. That isn’t a misnomer on my part, either; she entered them in the Orange County Fair last year and won first prize. My girlfriend, when I visited both at Halloween and over Christmas, made me very good blueberry muffins from a mix. They were large and fluffy and quite good—especially with a pat of butter and heated in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Mmmmm.
Said girlfriend picked up some of the same mix and left them here when she visited me. The first batch I tried to make turned out tiny—I misread the package and instead of making 5, I filled a 12-cup muffin tin. Oops.
This time out, knowing my mistake, I used the 6-cup tray. I filled 5 cups 2/3 full, just as the instructions said. Apparently I have small cups, because I had almost exactly enough to fill the last cup 2/3 full too, which I did. I baked for about 18 minutes (the package said 16-21—18 made them lightly golden-brown on top).
And I still got tiny muffins. They literally did not rise at all in the tin!
I brought two into work for a morning snack but showed them to Renee (and Dorothy, who is in the office next door and decided to be nosy). I explained what I did, but neither couldn’t figure out what I could be doing wrong to make them not rise at all. Then Renee had a thought, “Did you really beat the batter?”
“I made sure it was smooth.”
“There’s your mistake. In order for muffins to rise, you want to just make sure the batter is moist—nothing more. If you stir it too much, they don’t rise.”
Dorothy chimed in, “Yeah, you want to stir it like 5 times—just enough to moisten it. You almost want it lumpy.”
How the hell am I supposed to know that?
I am always impressed with people who can cook and especially those who can cook in a variety of different mediums (baking, sauces, stir-fry, steaming, roasting, broiling—whatever!). I have a few things I do pretty well, and I can (usually) follow a recipe to a pretty decent conclusion. I actually enjoy cooking, when I do it, even if I’m not that great. I think I like the challenge of it. But when I meet someone who can cook well, I like to stand back and watch in awe. I’m especially jealous of people who can get everything done roughly at the same time—that is a skill I have yet to master, although I’m finally getting better at it.
In my opinion, even if you are following a recipe, cooking is an art form. There is something to it that allows a level of creativity and secret knowledge that provides one with the skill to transform base ingredients into something magical. Cooking is alchemy. Taking lead and turning it to gold; not everyone can do that. Quite a few turn that lead into dirt or ash and some can only keep it lead. Many can turn that lead into brass or silver—perfectly respectable attempts, and valuable—but few have the skill and talent to turn what they touch into gold. If you take two people randomly off the street, put them in identical kitchen environments and with identical recipes and ask them to make the same dish, and one may make the best meal you’ve ever tasted and another will make something that tastes slightly better than burnt cardboard. It’s just the way cooking goes—not everyone can do it.
This week I will try another one of those mixes. This time, I will try my best to only just moisten the mix. We’ll see if I get better results.
We Who Are About to Die
There are a few tales that movies, books, and TV can express that most people will never experience. One of those, the demands of leadership, is a great story to tell using these media.
Tonight’s 24 had the main character, Jack Bauer, needing to make the decision to cause the deaths of two people by sending one of them into a toxin-filled area to deactivate a PC that was keeping the computer expert from starting the filtration system that would clear the toxins and save everyone else. Once the person opened the door, he and the other person in the room had until they took a breath before the toxins would kill them.
Kiefer Southerland portrayed the anguish and the determination of a leader effectively. There appeared to be no other way to save the majority but to sacrifice these two people, so he took it to give everyone else a chance at life. It was obvious that the decision affected him, and deeply.
Star Trek: The Next Generation hit on the same theme. Deanna Troi decided to take her command examination. Using the Holodeck, Riker tested her by presenting her with a command decision that required her to send one of her teammates to their death in order to save the ship without telling her what decision the test was asking of her.
She tried the task many times and from many directions before she finally realized. In the end, not realizing that Riker was watching, she ran the exam one last time and was able to send the hologram Geordi into the reactor to his death in order to procure the ship’s safety. At this point, a compassionate Riker stepped up and basically told her, “Sometimes leadership means sending those you care for to their deaths for the greater good.”
She passed the test.
Most people in this world are not leaders. Of those who do hold positions of leadership, most will never be in a situation where the lives of those they lead will be at stake. So it is only with the aid of various media that we can experience what only those in our emergency services, armed forces, executive branch, and police forces can.
These stories make me wonder—could I make that decision in a similar circumstance?
Tonight’s 24 had the main character, Jack Bauer, needing to make the decision to cause the deaths of two people by sending one of them into a toxin-filled area to deactivate a PC that was keeping the computer expert from starting the filtration system that would clear the toxins and save everyone else. Once the person opened the door, he and the other person in the room had until they took a breath before the toxins would kill them.
Kiefer Southerland portrayed the anguish and the determination of a leader effectively. There appeared to be no other way to save the majority but to sacrifice these two people, so he took it to give everyone else a chance at life. It was obvious that the decision affected him, and deeply.
Star Trek: The Next Generation hit on the same theme. Deanna Troi decided to take her command examination. Using the Holodeck, Riker tested her by presenting her with a command decision that required her to send one of her teammates to their death in order to save the ship without telling her what decision the test was asking of her.
She tried the task many times and from many directions before she finally realized. In the end, not realizing that Riker was watching, she ran the exam one last time and was able to send the hologram Geordi into the reactor to his death in order to procure the ship’s safety. At this point, a compassionate Riker stepped up and basically told her, “Sometimes leadership means sending those you care for to their deaths for the greater good.”
She passed the test.
Most people in this world are not leaders. Of those who do hold positions of leadership, most will never be in a situation where the lives of those they lead will be at stake. So it is only with the aid of various media that we can experience what only those in our emergency services, armed forces, executive branch, and police forces can.
These stories make me wonder—could I make that decision in a similar circumstance?
March 9, 2006
Bowling Update (3/8/06)
Well, it is hard to tell how we did because we bowled blind tonight. The other team is set to do a make-up round on its own prior to next week’s bowling.
Because of that, I will only mention some individual achievements:
Now we wait until next week to find out how we did. By our estimation we likely won one, we most likely lost the second one, and the third game and total pins is a toss up. So we could be anywhere from 1-3 to 3-1 depending on how well the other teams bowls the make-up.
And let me tell you, bowling the make-up can be nerve wracking. The alley is supposed to allow you to bowl in “near league” conditions—that is the point of having to make an appointment with them—but this alley doesn’t do that. The last time we bowled a make-up we were surrounded by children and people who did not know lane etiquette. The team we are up against commented that they have not bowled a make-up before, so they may find it a little disconcerting.
We’ll see.
Because of that, I will only mention some individual achievements:
- Jean bowled a season high 167 in the first game and had a mid-150s in the third.
- Arvin improved every game and was basically on-average for the day. Actually, if just a few pins fell differently, he would have had a nice night. He had some ridiculous leaves.
- Speaking of pins not falling, Tai had his “A” ball tonight, but kept having 1 pin leaves on strike balls. He managed to have a nice night.
- I managed to get two 200s (literally, I bowled exactly 200 in the first two games) and followed it with a 179 in the third. I missed two easy, easy spares to start the third game—otherwise I had a 600 series in my grasp. So, my streak of consecutive weeks with a 200 continues.
Now we wait until next week to find out how we did. By our estimation we likely won one, we most likely lost the second one, and the third game and total pins is a toss up. So we could be anywhere from 1-3 to 3-1 depending on how well the other teams bowls the make-up.
And let me tell you, bowling the make-up can be nerve wracking. The alley is supposed to allow you to bowl in “near league” conditions—that is the point of having to make an appointment with them—but this alley doesn’t do that. The last time we bowled a make-up we were surrounded by children and people who did not know lane etiquette. The team we are up against commented that they have not bowled a make-up before, so they may find it a little disconcerting.
We’ll see.
March 7, 2006
Decision
M and I decided over the weekend that it makes the most sense for me to move there at this time. While we leave open the possibility of moving back to Southern California or to some other location in the future, it appears the best option for us now.
That being said, this now opens a huge number of questions that we must resolve. Immigration is a complex matter and will likely require actual legal help to navigate. A friend at work’s wife deals with immigration as a paralegal and he’s going to ask her for some initial information for me to get me started. I also have access to the ARAG legal group through my incentives at work, so I will be contacting them shortly to start asking questions. What are the rules for Permanent Residency and/or Citizenship?
I have spoken with my boss at work and I can definitely keep my job after moving. However, there are still questions involved—do I pay taxes in California, America, and Canada? What about bank accounts—is it easier to keep my current accounts and open a new one in Canada, or just use the California accounts from there (as I have been doing while visiting)? How about my connections speeds and ability to work effectively from Canada? What about my 401k retirement plan? Will I need to take vacation or a leave of absence in order to perform the move? As a side note, my current lease at my apartment is up in October. Can I get out before then?
Being a pet owner, and M being resigned to my need to bring my pet with me, brings up still other questions. How will my cat handle the move? How will she handle the plane ride? What immunizations and paperwork do I need?
And then there are the health concerns. How will my insurance work in Canada? Will I need it, or can I use Canada’s socialized health care even with my chronic illnesses? One immediate benefit may be that my medications will be cheaper. Even with insurance, I pay nearly $1000 a year just on medications; if I can get them cheaper in Canada, bonus! Obviously I will need to get a full copy of my files from my three current doctors to take with me, and that is another, albeit minor, expense.
What about my truck? And then there are all of my things that I will take, and all that I won’t take. What to do with all the stuff I don’t need/want? And what about import costs? Taxes? Shipping costs? Are there items I cannot ship to Canada (I am both a gun owner and an exotic weapons owner)? What about my personal electronics (PC, TV, TiVo, etc.)?
Lastly, I’m moving to a location that definitely has weather. Which means my window for moving is limited. Can I answer enough of these questions quickly enough to work on moving this summer, or will we have to wait another year?
M and I are actively pursuing answers to these and a whole host of other questions. We are trying to break it down into palatable morsels that are easier to digest; otherwise, we might get overwhelmed by the host of questions.
That being said, this now opens a huge number of questions that we must resolve. Immigration is a complex matter and will likely require actual legal help to navigate. A friend at work’s wife deals with immigration as a paralegal and he’s going to ask her for some initial information for me to get me started. I also have access to the ARAG legal group through my incentives at work, so I will be contacting them shortly to start asking questions. What are the rules for Permanent Residency and/or Citizenship?
I have spoken with my boss at work and I can definitely keep my job after moving. However, there are still questions involved—do I pay taxes in California, America, and Canada? What about bank accounts—is it easier to keep my current accounts and open a new one in Canada, or just use the California accounts from there (as I have been doing while visiting)? How about my connections speeds and ability to work effectively from Canada? What about my 401k retirement plan? Will I need to take vacation or a leave of absence in order to perform the move? As a side note, my current lease at my apartment is up in October. Can I get out before then?
Being a pet owner, and M being resigned to my need to bring my pet with me, brings up still other questions. How will my cat handle the move? How will she handle the plane ride? What immunizations and paperwork do I need?
And then there are the health concerns. How will my insurance work in Canada? Will I need it, or can I use Canada’s socialized health care even with my chronic illnesses? One immediate benefit may be that my medications will be cheaper. Even with insurance, I pay nearly $1000 a year just on medications; if I can get them cheaper in Canada, bonus! Obviously I will need to get a full copy of my files from my three current doctors to take with me, and that is another, albeit minor, expense.
What about my truck? And then there are all of my things that I will take, and all that I won’t take. What to do with all the stuff I don’t need/want? And what about import costs? Taxes? Shipping costs? Are there items I cannot ship to Canada (I am both a gun owner and an exotic weapons owner)? What about my personal electronics (PC, TV, TiVo, etc.)?
Lastly, I’m moving to a location that definitely has weather. Which means my window for moving is limited. Can I answer enough of these questions quickly enough to work on moving this summer, or will we have to wait another year?
M and I are actively pursuing answers to these and a whole host of other questions. We are trying to break it down into palatable morsels that are easier to digest; otherwise, we might get overwhelmed by the host of questions.
March 3, 2006
Shakespeare's Lesser Known Poems
My English Literature background is showing... I found this hilarious!
*The Hokey Pokey*
Shakespearean Style
O proud left foot, that ventures quick within
Then soon upon a backward journey lithe.
Anon, once more the gesture, then begin:
Command sinistral pedestal to writhe.
Commence thou then the fervid Hokey-Poke.
A mad gyration, hips in wanton swirl.
To spin! A wilde release from heaven's yoke.
Blessed dervish! Surely canst go, girl.
The Hoke, the poke -- banish now thy doubt.
Verily, I say, 'tis what it's all about.
*The Hokey Pokey*
Shakespearean Style
O proud left foot, that ventures quick within
Then soon upon a backward journey lithe.
Anon, once more the gesture, then begin:
Command sinistral pedestal to writhe.
Commence thou then the fervid Hokey-Poke.
A mad gyration, hips in wanton swirl.
To spin! A wilde release from heaven's yoke.
Blessed dervish! Surely canst go, girl.
The Hoke, the poke -- banish now thy doubt.
Verily, I say, 'tis what it's all about.
V for Vendetta
Okay, they are suckering me again. I really wasn’t planning to see V for Vendetta in the theatre because they have yet to do a great job on any Alan Moore comic book on the big screen. Plus, I know that they cannot possibly get all the richness or detail that Moore wrote into a 2 hour film.
That being said, so far the previews and reviews I’ve read from those who have seen rough cuts indicate that the filmmakers have done a pretty good job of keeping to the spirit of the work. The images I have seen show a stark, militarized England. It looks like, just as in the comic, V will be both a terrorist and a liberator. It looks like Evey goes through roughly the same psychological torture/indoctrination.
One worry I still have is that, in the comic book, the story isn’t really about V. He’s a mythic figure, and you never see “his” face, so the tale is told through the eyes of those who are affected by V’s actions. Being a big-budget movie, I’m fearful they will lose that perspective and tell it more like a straight “super-hero” story, which is not what V for Vendetta is. It is a vital part of the story that, when she has a chance, Evey chooses not to see the face behind the mask.
In the end, the central theme of the comic is about whether the ends can justify the means. The government has justified its totalitarian rule and zero-tolerance policy toward criminals and different races because it has produced stability and virtually non-existent crime. V uses terrorism and anarchy to justify breaking the hold the government has over the people and torture to bring Evey around to his side, no matter the cost in lives in doing so.
Of course, critics and people unfamiliar with the work will assume the filmmakers are making a statement about Bush’s presidency. The original work was published in the early 1980s.
By the way, here is a great site with loads of information on the comic.
V for Vendetta
That being said, so far the previews and reviews I’ve read from those who have seen rough cuts indicate that the filmmakers have done a pretty good job of keeping to the spirit of the work. The images I have seen show a stark, militarized England. It looks like, just as in the comic, V will be both a terrorist and a liberator. It looks like Evey goes through roughly the same psychological torture/indoctrination.
One worry I still have is that, in the comic book, the story isn’t really about V. He’s a mythic figure, and you never see “his” face, so the tale is told through the eyes of those who are affected by V’s actions. Being a big-budget movie, I’m fearful they will lose that perspective and tell it more like a straight “super-hero” story, which is not what V for Vendetta is. It is a vital part of the story that, when she has a chance, Evey chooses not to see the face behind the mask.
In the end, the central theme of the comic is about whether the ends can justify the means. The government has justified its totalitarian rule and zero-tolerance policy toward criminals and different races because it has produced stability and virtually non-existent crime. V uses terrorism and anarchy to justify breaking the hold the government has over the people and torture to bring Evey around to his side, no matter the cost in lives in doing so.
Of course, critics and people unfamiliar with the work will assume the filmmakers are making a statement about Bush’s presidency. The original work was published in the early 1980s.
By the way, here is a great site with loads of information on the comic.
V for Vendetta
Rain, Rain...
We just had a hellacious downpour of rain strike for about 15 minutes. It was so hard that trees were bending from the relentless pounding of the rain. Flash floods were, I'm sure, sweeping down the streets and especially in the rain runoff aqueducts.
Actually, it has been wet or rainy for 4 days of the last week. At no time prior did it rain this hard, but our "winter" weather has surfaced. Looks like more to come this weekend, too.
Actually, it has been wet or rainy for 4 days of the last week. At no time prior did it rain this hard, but our "winter" weather has surfaced. Looks like more to come this weekend, too.
Once More
Yes, I know I'm harping. Deal with it.
University of Arizona environmental microbiologist Chuck Gerba agrees. "The dirtiest thing you'll ever touch in a public restroom is a urinal handle," he says. Plus, water provides ample breeding ground for microorganisms. "And when you flush a urinal, you'd better step back," he quips. "I think waterless urinals are much more sanitary, by a long shot."
March 2, 2006
Bowling Update (3/1/06)
Strangely enough, we didn’t have a bad night, overall. Jean bowled two games well above average. Arvin and I had one game each above our average. However, that was not enough.
All three of us were off in the first game, with each of us bowling significantly below average and the team losing by 123 total pins in the first game alone. All three of us had our high game in the second, and we managed to win by some 30-40 pins or so. And then, while Jean had another good game in the third, Arvin and I fell flat again and we lost, although we kept it a little closer. We wound up losing total pins by around 200. Special shout-out to Arvin who nearly got a 200 (193) in the second game and had a shot to beat my score.
It was a frustrating night for both teams, as no one could find a consistent line. I tried moving right, left, adding speed, adding hook, bowling straighter—not one of the usual adjustments for lane conditions helped. I actually had a streak of 7 straight 9s on the first ball at one point. The strange thing was that I left the 10, the 8, the 7, the 2, the 9—I didn’t have a consistent leave to point me in the direction of what to fix in order to get on a line.
During our four-week winning streak we had all four members show up and bowl every game. In that time, we went 14-2. In the last two weeks we have had one or more person not show or be late and the team has gone 2-6. Coincidence? Before our streak, we had a bunch of missed sessions as well, and we tumbled just as badly—which is why we needed that streak to get back to respectability as a team. And, in case anyone thinks I am picking on my teammates, I have missed some dates and the team has generally done poorly when I’m not there as well.
The season starts in September and goes through the end of April. During that time, there are generally only 3 weeks that are scheduled off—the Wednesday right before Thanksgiving, and two Wednesdays before and between Christmas and New Years. Other than that, you’ve got 34 weeks of bowling. In addition, the summer league starts the very next Wednesday after Sweeps in the Fall league. So there is no time off. There is no room for vacation, personal issues, illness, etc.
Jean and I have some health concerns. Jean also has a busy schedule of vacations, trips, tours, etc. as a semi-retired person (she is retired, but still is active in her church, at choir, and in her women’s club). Tai recently changed jobs, so he has had training and “new job-itis” (where you feel you have to go above and beyond to prove your worth). I now have changes in my own life, which are well documented elsewhere in this web log, that have caused me to miss some weeks. Arvin, bless his heart, is the only one who has not missed a week. Not one, in two fall leagues. Of course, he’s hurt himself during basketball and shown up deathly ill and has usually bowled like crap at times like that, but he’s always there.
My point is, a bowling league is a team activity. And it is obvious that, when our entire team is present, we are much more successful than when someone is absent. Sure, we have bad weeks when we’re all there, but the overall history of nearly two full, 34 week seasons, shows that we are more successful when the entire team is there. The chemistry is good, we have fun, and we just bowl better.
Here’s to hoping we can get the entire team to consistently be present for the remaining 7 weeks of the league.
------------
On a personal note, I continued one streak while another ended. I managed to bowl a 205 to keep my streak of consecutive weeks with at least one 200 game alive (7 weeks and counting). However, during that streak, I also had a streak of consistently bowling above my current book average which allowed me to improve that average every week. That streak is dead (at 7 weeks). I bowled 157, 205, and 157 for a 173 average. My current book average is 186. So my book average will drop by at least one point and possibly 2. Since one of my personal goals was to reach a 190 book average by the end of this season, and there are only 7 weeks left, I need to refocus my efforts on that goal and see if I can’t start a new streak.
All three of us were off in the first game, with each of us bowling significantly below average and the team losing by 123 total pins in the first game alone. All three of us had our high game in the second, and we managed to win by some 30-40 pins or so. And then, while Jean had another good game in the third, Arvin and I fell flat again and we lost, although we kept it a little closer. We wound up losing total pins by around 200. Special shout-out to Arvin who nearly got a 200 (193) in the second game and had a shot to beat my score.
It was a frustrating night for both teams, as no one could find a consistent line. I tried moving right, left, adding speed, adding hook, bowling straighter—not one of the usual adjustments for lane conditions helped. I actually had a streak of 7 straight 9s on the first ball at one point. The strange thing was that I left the 10, the 8, the 7, the 2, the 9—I didn’t have a consistent leave to point me in the direction of what to fix in order to get on a line.
During our four-week winning streak we had all four members show up and bowl every game. In that time, we went 14-2. In the last two weeks we have had one or more person not show or be late and the team has gone 2-6. Coincidence? Before our streak, we had a bunch of missed sessions as well, and we tumbled just as badly—which is why we needed that streak to get back to respectability as a team. And, in case anyone thinks I am picking on my teammates, I have missed some dates and the team has generally done poorly when I’m not there as well.
The season starts in September and goes through the end of April. During that time, there are generally only 3 weeks that are scheduled off—the Wednesday right before Thanksgiving, and two Wednesdays before and between Christmas and New Years. Other than that, you’ve got 34 weeks of bowling. In addition, the summer league starts the very next Wednesday after Sweeps in the Fall league. So there is no time off. There is no room for vacation, personal issues, illness, etc.
Jean and I have some health concerns. Jean also has a busy schedule of vacations, trips, tours, etc. as a semi-retired person (she is retired, but still is active in her church, at choir, and in her women’s club). Tai recently changed jobs, so he has had training and “new job-itis” (where you feel you have to go above and beyond to prove your worth). I now have changes in my own life, which are well documented elsewhere in this web log, that have caused me to miss some weeks. Arvin, bless his heart, is the only one who has not missed a week. Not one, in two fall leagues. Of course, he’s hurt himself during basketball and shown up deathly ill and has usually bowled like crap at times like that, but he’s always there.
My point is, a bowling league is a team activity. And it is obvious that, when our entire team is present, we are much more successful than when someone is absent. Sure, we have bad weeks when we’re all there, but the overall history of nearly two full, 34 week seasons, shows that we are more successful when the entire team is there. The chemistry is good, we have fun, and we just bowl better.
Here’s to hoping we can get the entire team to consistently be present for the remaining 7 weeks of the league.
------------
On a personal note, I continued one streak while another ended. I managed to bowl a 205 to keep my streak of consecutive weeks with at least one 200 game alive (7 weeks and counting). However, during that streak, I also had a streak of consistently bowling above my current book average which allowed me to improve that average every week. That streak is dead (at 7 weeks). I bowled 157, 205, and 157 for a 173 average. My current book average is 186. So my book average will drop by at least one point and possibly 2. Since one of my personal goals was to reach a 190 book average by the end of this season, and there are only 7 weeks left, I need to refocus my efforts on that goal and see if I can’t start a new streak.
February 26, 2006
The Constant Gardener
I just watched The Constant Gardener on DVD via my Netflix subscription.
Wow.
After having seen it, I do not understand why the film is not up for Best Picture. It is well directed, very well acted, and has an incredible, dense, provocative story. I've seen Good Night And Good Luck and Crash, both nominated for Best Picture, and feel that this movie is a more complete work than either of them (even though I enjoyed both of those films).
The movie has many layers and what you think is going to be one story (a sad, end-of-love story) turns out to be another story all together (a great political thriller and murder-mystery).
Ralph Fiennes does his usual superb job. As one of the best actors currently working, it still surprises me the variation in roles and context in which he dabbles. Is this really the same guy who was so deliciously over the top in Harry Potter (as Valdemort)? Is this the same guy who portraying the murderer with power, ruthlessness, and vulnerability in Red Dragon? I'm not even mentioning the work he did in Schindler's List and others. The guy is so subtle and his talent so broad... I can't wait to see his next role.
The Constant Gardener makes you think. Unlike so many movies today it doesn't lead you to its conclusions. It makes you work for them. It allows you to disagree and to add your own motivations to the characters within the story. The villains aren't all evil. And their very humanity and greed seems to make them that much more villainous. The hero isn't so clear-cut, either. He "doesn't get it" and it takes a lot of suffering before the truth of the world in which his wife lived sinks in and he accepts it. His quest for the truth feels more real to me because of his reluctance to accept it and the way in which he tries to learn it.
My few complaints about this movie are technical. I don't completely understand the director's choice to use the types of fade-cuts, out of focus shots, and over-diffusion of light and color. A few times, the out of focus seemed to coincide with a character's inability to think or his digression into the past, and that made sense. But I found no reason for the types of fade-cuts made or their inexact use nor the over-diffusion of color and light. Sometimes it seemed to represent the characters loss and other times his discovery. Sometimes it coincided with his emotions, good and bad, and other times it seemed to be apropos of nothing. It reminded me of Traffic, where the director used diffusion and color as a character; however, I didn't see the consistency of use here that Traffic benefitted from.
I recommend The Constant Gardener to anyone who liked Traffic, The Player, Memento or other provocative, thoughtful movies. I think you will be pleasantly surprised and thoroughly entertained.
My grade: A-
Wow.
After having seen it, I do not understand why the film is not up for Best Picture. It is well directed, very well acted, and has an incredible, dense, provocative story. I've seen Good Night And Good Luck and Crash, both nominated for Best Picture, and feel that this movie is a more complete work than either of them (even though I enjoyed both of those films).
The movie has many layers and what you think is going to be one story (a sad, end-of-love story) turns out to be another story all together (a great political thriller and murder-mystery).
Ralph Fiennes does his usual superb job. As one of the best actors currently working, it still surprises me the variation in roles and context in which he dabbles. Is this really the same guy who was so deliciously over the top in Harry Potter (as Valdemort)? Is this the same guy who portraying the murderer with power, ruthlessness, and vulnerability in Red Dragon? I'm not even mentioning the work he did in Schindler's List and others. The guy is so subtle and his talent so broad... I can't wait to see his next role.
The Constant Gardener makes you think. Unlike so many movies today it doesn't lead you to its conclusions. It makes you work for them. It allows you to disagree and to add your own motivations to the characters within the story. The villains aren't all evil. And their very humanity and greed seems to make them that much more villainous. The hero isn't so clear-cut, either. He "doesn't get it" and it takes a lot of suffering before the truth of the world in which his wife lived sinks in and he accepts it. His quest for the truth feels more real to me because of his reluctance to accept it and the way in which he tries to learn it.
My few complaints about this movie are technical. I don't completely understand the director's choice to use the types of fade-cuts, out of focus shots, and over-diffusion of light and color. A few times, the out of focus seemed to coincide with a character's inability to think or his digression into the past, and that made sense. But I found no reason for the types of fade-cuts made or their inexact use nor the over-diffusion of color and light. Sometimes it seemed to represent the characters loss and other times his discovery. Sometimes it coincided with his emotions, good and bad, and other times it seemed to be apropos of nothing. It reminded me of Traffic, where the director used diffusion and color as a character; however, I didn't see the consistency of use here that Traffic benefitted from.
I recommend The Constant Gardener to anyone who liked Traffic, The Player, Memento or other provocative, thoughtful movies. I think you will be pleasantly surprised and thoroughly entertained.
My grade: A-
February 23, 2006
The Streak Is Dead
All good things come to an end, and so too has the Streak. Since wearing The Shirt, this was also the first week we didn't have all four original members of the team, and I think that played into it. This makes week 5 of wearing the shirt and in the first four we went 14-2 and no worse than 3-1 in any one week. Tonight we went 1-3.
Everyone was tired. Jean and Lilia (Tai's GF and substitute bowler) just didn't have the oomph in them tonight, and each game seemed to get a little worse. Arvin started strong, with two decent games, but then had a drop off in the third game.
I plugged along, doing my best to match their best bowler (who actually has a better book average than I do by about 20 pins). I scored 225 (with two opens-- should have been better), 184, and 193. So I kept my personal streak of 200 games going and got another 600 series. But their best bowler had a 620 series and managed to beat me by, go figure, about 20 pins per game. Even though I'm happy I got another 600 series, I'd rather win as a team.
It's been proven a few times now, on each team I've on which I've bowled, that, while I can win or lose an individual game for the team, it is the other bowlers who win the night. Tonight, that was apparent again. I need my team to get marks and hit their averages -- I can't do it alone. And they need me to match the other team's best bowler and nullify that score. When either piece fails, the team fails.
All in all, we are still nicely positioned for a run at the top.
So, next week I'm breaking out the Superman shirt, which has been on hiatus for a while. Arvin says he has a Batman shirt that he will wear. It'll be fun, and maybe we'll start a new streak.
Everyone was tired. Jean and Lilia (Tai's GF and substitute bowler) just didn't have the oomph in them tonight, and each game seemed to get a little worse. Arvin started strong, with two decent games, but then had a drop off in the third game.
I plugged along, doing my best to match their best bowler (who actually has a better book average than I do by about 20 pins). I scored 225 (with two opens-- should have been better), 184, and 193. So I kept my personal streak of 200 games going and got another 600 series. But their best bowler had a 620 series and managed to beat me by, go figure, about 20 pins per game. Even though I'm happy I got another 600 series, I'd rather win as a team.
It's been proven a few times now, on each team I've on which I've bowled, that, while I can win or lose an individual game for the team, it is the other bowlers who win the night. Tonight, that was apparent again. I need my team to get marks and hit their averages -- I can't do it alone. And they need me to match the other team's best bowler and nullify that score. When either piece fails, the team fails.
All in all, we are still nicely positioned for a run at the top.
So, next week I'm breaking out the Superman shirt, which has been on hiatus for a while. Arvin says he has a Batman shirt that he will wear. It'll be fun, and maybe we'll start a new streak.
February 22, 2006
Dungeons & Dragons
I was introduced to Dungeons & Dragons (DnD) in about 1978 by my good friend Dennis and his older brother Ronnie. I played off and on for a few years (until about 1985), collecting books (which I still have) and enjoying the Basic, Expert, and Advanced sets.
In High School, a few of the crew got back together and picked it up again, playing at lunch time and sometimes after school. This lasted from 1987-88 until shortly after High School, maybe 1991.
In 1995, my buddy, Chris, and I picked it back up with a new friend we made at a company we both worked for. We have played steadily since then, going from AD&D, to 3.0 to 3.5, with some diversions into EarthDawn and other games along the way.
Over the last 11 years of playing, a lot has changed. The group has grown and shrunk and grown again. Everyone else in the group has gained a girlfriend, and then a wife (well, Chris is working on the wife part). The gfs/wives played for awhile, but then children started to be born, and they put aside their gaming in favor of time spent with children.
Now even I have gained a girlfriend, finally, and see my own time for the game diminishing as other things move higher on the priority list. It is certainly no fault of my girlfriend, as she understands the enjoyment I get out of gaming with my friends. It is true that, with her in my life and with the time and distance issue she and I already face, I need to make more time for her than for my friends or for gaming. And then there is the strong possibility of relocating.
I have been blessed to game longer than most gamers, even excluding the breaks mentioned previously. I have been the Game Master many times, and enjoy that. I have been a player often and enjoyed that (anyone need an elf fighter/mage?). I have had an incredible group of people with whom to game, each of whom brought intelligence, passion, and a devotion to gaming that made nearly every session I played in or GMed fun.
When we first started the group in 1995, we gamed often. At one time, we played every Friday night after work, often going well past midnight in our pursuit of an Orcs head or a dragon’s tooth. As life intruded, we shifted to a monthly schedule and set aside the third Saturday of every month to the “gaming gods.” We play all day, having lunch and dinner together and still the games often took us past midnight.
Now, however, with everyone else’s lives filled with wives, mortgages, careers, and children, and my own life filling up quickly, it looks like our gaming group’s steady play may finally be coming to a close. I have been one of the primary standard bearers for the group for awhile, as the only remaining single guy who had the time available for gaming, and I helped to coordinate our sessions and keep things going. With life changes making me pick other priorities ahead of gaming, I’m not sure the rest of the group will have the same passionate desire to game as before.
It feels like the end of an era.
However, and I know it sounds cliché, but once a gamer, always a gamer. I have a feeling that it will only be a few year’s time before I’m dusting off the books again, writing up a simple dungeon crawl, or rolling up a new character with a new group of people. I know that if I move back east, there is a gaming group ready made and enthusiastic about having a potential new person entering their fray. If I stay here, then at some point the old gang, and maybe some new faces, will get together again “for old time’s sake.” Next thing you know, we’ll be playing regularly again and wondering why we every stopped.
Gaming just gets in your blood. It’s fun to pretend to be a big strong warrior with a great axe, cleaving his way through a horde of Orcs. Or to be the wily thief, pulling the wool over everyone’s eyes. It is fun to roll those dice and pray for that miracle 20 that you need to hit the dragon or be toasted by its breath in the next round. Its fun to let loose of your cares from the week of work and deadlines and be someone else with strange magical powers who is beholden to no one. Even if it is just for a few hours on weekend.
Even if that never happens, even if the gang never gets together again and I don’t ever dust off the books with a new crew, I have wonderful memories of the fun times we’ve shared.
“Yes, I’m trespassing!” said by my character to two imposing figures protecting a dragon’s lair. Never say you are trespassing from something powerful enough to protect a dragon’s lair!
“I leap into the bush.”
“Roll your damage using a d4.”
“23! I’m unconscious!”
“From a rose bush!!!??” (this was in EarthDawn, where you rerolled any die you maxed until you didn’t max it—the player maxed it a few times)
“Map is NOT TO SCALE, dammit!”
“George moves forward and touches the light.”
“Nooooooo!!!!!!”
“Where the hell are we?”
“Er, I don’t know. Give me a moment.” Said by the DM after a really funny move that took our level 1 characters MUCH deeper into the dungeon than they should have gone.
Backed up by 50 Trolls, the Troll leader demands, “Lay down your weapons.”
“No.”
Serious battle ensues. The five of us defeat the entire enclave of Trolls. To the leader, “Now, you were saying?”
“Does it have a bowl?” one of the players, who seemed obsessed with getting a bowl for her character.
The time we set the clock back 3 hours because one of our friends has a well-known penchant for getting tired if he can see the clock. All night long, he didn’t realize.
“I know it’s only 4 o’clock, but I’m really hungry. Can we order dinner soon?”
“Run!”
“Elisa, you’re fully healed, these things can’t hit you, you have a full quiver of arrows, and we’re doing okay, why should we run?”
“Because it looks scary!”
In High School, a few of the crew got back together and picked it up again, playing at lunch time and sometimes after school. This lasted from 1987-88 until shortly after High School, maybe 1991.
In 1995, my buddy, Chris, and I picked it back up with a new friend we made at a company we both worked for. We have played steadily since then, going from AD&D, to 3.0 to 3.5, with some diversions into EarthDawn and other games along the way.
Over the last 11 years of playing, a lot has changed. The group has grown and shrunk and grown again. Everyone else in the group has gained a girlfriend, and then a wife (well, Chris is working on the wife part). The gfs/wives played for awhile, but then children started to be born, and they put aside their gaming in favor of time spent with children.
Now even I have gained a girlfriend, finally, and see my own time for the game diminishing as other things move higher on the priority list. It is certainly no fault of my girlfriend, as she understands the enjoyment I get out of gaming with my friends. It is true that, with her in my life and with the time and distance issue she and I already face, I need to make more time for her than for my friends or for gaming. And then there is the strong possibility of relocating.
I have been blessed to game longer than most gamers, even excluding the breaks mentioned previously. I have been the Game Master many times, and enjoy that. I have been a player often and enjoyed that (anyone need an elf fighter/mage?). I have had an incredible group of people with whom to game, each of whom brought intelligence, passion, and a devotion to gaming that made nearly every session I played in or GMed fun.
When we first started the group in 1995, we gamed often. At one time, we played every Friday night after work, often going well past midnight in our pursuit of an Orcs head or a dragon’s tooth. As life intruded, we shifted to a monthly schedule and set aside the third Saturday of every month to the “gaming gods.” We play all day, having lunch and dinner together and still the games often took us past midnight.
Now, however, with everyone else’s lives filled with wives, mortgages, careers, and children, and my own life filling up quickly, it looks like our gaming group’s steady play may finally be coming to a close. I have been one of the primary standard bearers for the group for awhile, as the only remaining single guy who had the time available for gaming, and I helped to coordinate our sessions and keep things going. With life changes making me pick other priorities ahead of gaming, I’m not sure the rest of the group will have the same passionate desire to game as before.
It feels like the end of an era.
However, and I know it sounds cliché, but once a gamer, always a gamer. I have a feeling that it will only be a few year’s time before I’m dusting off the books again, writing up a simple dungeon crawl, or rolling up a new character with a new group of people. I know that if I move back east, there is a gaming group ready made and enthusiastic about having a potential new person entering their fray. If I stay here, then at some point the old gang, and maybe some new faces, will get together again “for old time’s sake.” Next thing you know, we’ll be playing regularly again and wondering why we every stopped.
Gaming just gets in your blood. It’s fun to pretend to be a big strong warrior with a great axe, cleaving his way through a horde of Orcs. Or to be the wily thief, pulling the wool over everyone’s eyes. It is fun to roll those dice and pray for that miracle 20 that you need to hit the dragon or be toasted by its breath in the next round. Its fun to let loose of your cares from the week of work and deadlines and be someone else with strange magical powers who is beholden to no one. Even if it is just for a few hours on weekend.
Even if that never happens, even if the gang never gets together again and I don’t ever dust off the books with a new crew, I have wonderful memories of the fun times we’ve shared.
“Yes, I’m trespassing!” said by my character to two imposing figures protecting a dragon’s lair. Never say you are trespassing from something powerful enough to protect a dragon’s lair!
“I leap into the bush.”
“Roll your damage using a d4.”
“23! I’m unconscious!”
“From a rose bush!!!??” (this was in EarthDawn, where you rerolled any die you maxed until you didn’t max it—the player maxed it a few times)
“Map is NOT TO SCALE, dammit!”
“George moves forward and touches the light.”
“Nooooooo!!!!!!”
“Where the hell are we?”
“Er, I don’t know. Give me a moment.” Said by the DM after a really funny move that took our level 1 characters MUCH deeper into the dungeon than they should have gone.
Backed up by 50 Trolls, the Troll leader demands, “Lay down your weapons.”
“No.”
Serious battle ensues. The five of us defeat the entire enclave of Trolls. To the leader, “Now, you were saying?”
“Does it have a bowl?” one of the players, who seemed obsessed with getting a bowl for her character.
The time we set the clock back 3 hours because one of our friends has a well-known penchant for getting tired if he can see the clock. All night long, he didn’t realize.
“I know it’s only 4 o’clock, but I’m really hungry. Can we order dinner soon?”
“Run!”
“Elisa, you’re fully healed, these things can’t hit you, you have a full quiver of arrows, and we’re doing okay, why should we run?”
“Because it looks scary!”
February 16, 2006
An Occurrence at ... The Candy Machine
I stand there, saliva nearly dripping from the corners of my mouth as I survey the selections before me. Chocolaty goodness beckons, crunchy cookie calls, soft angel food cake appeals. I slide my dollar into the machine’s open, gaping maw and it hungrily feasts on my bill.
With nearly quivering hand and tense fingers, I make my selection: E3, Baby Ruth! Chocolate, nougat, peanuts—everything a growing boy needs to make it through those last hours of a long day.
My stomach grumbles.
My mouth quivers.
The familiar, all too comforting sounds of the engine whirring to life elicits a sigh from me. The spiral candy holder begins to turn like a slow, steady screw as it pushes my sweet treat forward to the lip of the shelf. I watch, mesmerized by the spinning mechanism. I wait, leaning forward onto my toes so I can watch the candy’s fall to the floor of the machine and into reach of my grasping fingers.
One spin.
Two spins.
Whir, click.
What? No!
There, held in a cold, plastic embrace still sits my mouthwatering delectable, leaning forward at a cockeyed angle, unreleased by the stingy machine. I grasp the machine by its corners and give it a shake, only too aware of the potential for death that awaits me should I enrage the machine by exerting too much force. No Darwin Candidate am I! The sweet Baby Ruth slides closer, skewing above the shelf at such a degree that it seems impossible the chocolate can resist the seductive pull of gravity.
Another shake, a little more violent as my agitation with this turn of events gains hold over me. Again the bar sinks, giving me hope. Only to settle once more, even more securely entrenched in the arms of that mocking confectioner’s torture machine. Denied again!
I hear a mocking laugh from behind me. A fellow coworker has spied my distress and, having already procured her own sweet salvation, coldly mocks my misery. She is haughty in her chocolate ownership, and commanding in her place as The One With Candy. She will survive the final push to the finish line while I already am stumbling.
I nearly cry, then, knowing my own saccharine satisfaction seems so utterly unattainable. With a dejected sigh, I move away from the evil machine, collecting the few coins it does provide me on my way to the Facilities office to recuperate the rest of my lost money.
As I am about to leave the room, with defeat and forty cents in hand, I swear I hear the machine one last time. I swear the whirring sounds strangely like “Next time.”
Now the whirring sounds like laughter.
One last long, loving look at the forlorn Baby Ruth bar still dangling in the grasp of E3, and then I tear myself away and leave the cruel machine.
‘Oh yes, there will be a next time,’ I think.
I chuckle as I head down the steps toward Facilities, thoughts of retribution and destruction my sweet repast now.
'Oh yes, next time.'
With nearly quivering hand and tense fingers, I make my selection: E3, Baby Ruth! Chocolate, nougat, peanuts—everything a growing boy needs to make it through those last hours of a long day.
My stomach grumbles.
My mouth quivers.
The familiar, all too comforting sounds of the engine whirring to life elicits a sigh from me. The spiral candy holder begins to turn like a slow, steady screw as it pushes my sweet treat forward to the lip of the shelf. I watch, mesmerized by the spinning mechanism. I wait, leaning forward onto my toes so I can watch the candy’s fall to the floor of the machine and into reach of my grasping fingers.
One spin.
Two spins.
Whir, click.
What? No!
There, held in a cold, plastic embrace still sits my mouthwatering delectable, leaning forward at a cockeyed angle, unreleased by the stingy machine. I grasp the machine by its corners and give it a shake, only too aware of the potential for death that awaits me should I enrage the machine by exerting too much force. No Darwin Candidate am I! The sweet Baby Ruth slides closer, skewing above the shelf at such a degree that it seems impossible the chocolate can resist the seductive pull of gravity.
Another shake, a little more violent as my agitation with this turn of events gains hold over me. Again the bar sinks, giving me hope. Only to settle once more, even more securely entrenched in the arms of that mocking confectioner’s torture machine. Denied again!
I hear a mocking laugh from behind me. A fellow coworker has spied my distress and, having already procured her own sweet salvation, coldly mocks my misery. She is haughty in her chocolate ownership, and commanding in her place as The One With Candy. She will survive the final push to the finish line while I already am stumbling.
I nearly cry, then, knowing my own saccharine satisfaction seems so utterly unattainable. With a dejected sigh, I move away from the evil machine, collecting the few coins it does provide me on my way to the Facilities office to recuperate the rest of my lost money.
As I am about to leave the room, with defeat and forty cents in hand, I swear I hear the machine one last time. I swear the whirring sounds strangely like “Next time.”
Now the whirring sounds like laughter.
One last long, loving look at the forlorn Baby Ruth bar still dangling in the grasp of E3, and then I tear myself away and leave the cruel machine.
‘Oh yes, there will be a next time,’ I think.
I chuckle as I head down the steps toward Facilities, thoughts of retribution and destruction my sweet repast now.
'Oh yes, next time.'
The Streak Goes On
The Shirt was washed this weekend. For some, this will come as heresy. However, the magic was not washed out (but the Pepsi stain was!).
The team bowled well again. I can only guess at the overall, since we were bowling a team with a new Substitute bowler who did not have an established average/handicap. However, it appears that we went 3-1. We won the second and third games by around 100 pins, and the new guy was a better bowler than to have a 100 pin handicap. So we should win both of those plus total pins on the night. We won the first game by 11, but his handicap should eclipse that and give them 1 win on the night.
Coming into tonight, our recent successful run moved us all the way up to 4th place in the second half and 4th overall on the season. We were bowling against the 3rd place team (second half). So it was a good time for a 3-1.
Jean had two 150 games. Tai had a 160 in him. Arvin stunned us with two 170s. I managed to maintain my streak by going 169, 188, and 207 (188 average). That makes at least one 200 game in each week since the streak started (this is the 4th week).
There are still 10 weeks to go in the league, so plenty of time for a lot to happen. But I have to say, I'm enjoying the run while it lasts! The team has been bowling together, having fun, and good things have been happening.
The team bowled well again. I can only guess at the overall, since we were bowling a team with a new Substitute bowler who did not have an established average/handicap. However, it appears that we went 3-1. We won the second and third games by around 100 pins, and the new guy was a better bowler than to have a 100 pin handicap. So we should win both of those plus total pins on the night. We won the first game by 11, but his handicap should eclipse that and give them 1 win on the night.
Coming into tonight, our recent successful run moved us all the way up to 4th place in the second half and 4th overall on the season. We were bowling against the 3rd place team (second half). So it was a good time for a 3-1.
Jean had two 150 games. Tai had a 160 in him. Arvin stunned us with two 170s. I managed to maintain my streak by going 169, 188, and 207 (188 average). That makes at least one 200 game in each week since the streak started (this is the 4th week).
There are still 10 weeks to go in the league, so plenty of time for a lot to happen. But I have to say, I'm enjoying the run while it lasts! The team has been bowling together, having fun, and good things have been happening.
February 15, 2006
Naturalization
The following are sample U.S. History and Government Questions that may be asked during the Naturalization Exam.
Typical Questions
1. What are the colors of our flag?
2. What do the stars on the flag mean?
3. How many stars are there on our flag?
4. What color are the stars on our flag?
5. How many stripes are there on our flag?
6. What do the stripes on the flag represent?
7. What colors are the stripes on the flag?
8. How many states are there in the Union (the United States)?
9. What do we celebrate on the 4th of July?
10. Independence Day celebrates independence from whom?
11. What country did we fight during the Revolutionary War?
12. Who was the first president of the United States?
13. Who is the President of the United States today?
14. Who is the Vice President of the United States today?
15. Who elects the President of the United States?
16. Who becomes President if the President dies?
17. What is the Constitution?
18. What do we call changes to the Constitution?
19. How many changes, or amendments, are there to the Constitution?
20. What are the three branches of our government?
21. What is the legislative branch of our Government?
22. What makes up Congress?
23. Who makes the Federal laws in the United States?
24. Who elects Congress?
25. How many Senators are there in Congress?
26. For how long do we elect each Senator?
27. Name two Senators from your state.
28. How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
29. For how long do we elect each member of the House of Representatives?
30. Who is the head of the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government?
31. For how long is the President elected?
32. What is the highest part of the Judiciary Branch of our Government?
33. What are the duties of the Supreme Court?
34. What is the supreme law of the United States?
35. What is the Bill of Rights?
36. What is the capital of the state you live in?
37. Who is the current Governor of the state you live in?
38. Who becomes President if both the President and Vice President die?
39. Who is Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?
40. What were the original 13 states?
41. Who said, “Give me liberty or give me death”?
42. Name some countries that were our enemies during World War II.
43. What was the 49th state added to our Union (the United States)?
44. How many full terms can a President serve?
45. Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.?
46. What are some of the requirements to be eligible to become President?
47. Why are there 100 Senators in the United States Senate?
48. Who nominates judges for the Supreme Court?
49. How many Supreme Court Justices are there?
50. Why did the Pilgrims come to America?
51. What is the executive of a state government called?
52. What is the head executive of a city government called?
53. What holiday was celebrated for the first time by American colonists?
54. Who was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence?
55. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
56. What are some of the basic beliefs of the Declaration of Independence?
57. What is the national anthem of the United States?
58. Who wrote The Star-Spangled Banner?
59. What is the minimum voting age in the United States?
60. Who signs bills into law?
61. What is the highest court in the United States?
62. Who was President during the Civil War?
63. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
64. What special group advises the President?
65. Which President is called the “Father of our Country”?
66. Which President was the first Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Army and Navy?
67. What was the 50th state to be added to our Union (the United States)?
68. Who helped the Pilgrims in America?
69. What is the name of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America?
70. What were the 13 original states of the United States called before they were states?
71. What group has the power to declare war?
72. Name the amendments that guarantee or address voting rights.
73. In what year was the Constitution written?
74. What are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution called?
75. Whose rights are guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights?
76. What is the introduction to the Constitution called?
77. Who meets in the U.S. Capitol building?
78. What is the name of the President’s official home?
79. Where is the White House located?
80. Name one right or freedom guaranteed by the first amendment.
81. Who is Commander-in-Chief of the United States military?
82. In what month do we vote for the President?
83. In what month is the new President inaugurated?
84. How many times may a Senator or Congressman be re-elected?
85. What are the two major political parties in the United States today?
86. What is the executive branch of our government?
87. Where does freedom of speech come from?
88. What U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services form is used to apply for naturalized citizenship?
89. What kind of government does the United States have?
90. Name one of the purposes of the United Nations.
91. Name one benefit of being a citizen of the United States.
92. Can the Constitution be changed?
93. What is the most important right granted to United States citizens?
94. What is the White House?
95. What is the United States Capitol?
96. How many branches are there in the United States government?
Typical Questions
1. What are the colors of our flag?
2. What do the stars on the flag mean?
3. How many stars are there on our flag?
4. What color are the stars on our flag?
5. How many stripes are there on our flag?
6. What do the stripes on the flag represent?
7. What colors are the stripes on the flag?
8. How many states are there in the Union (the United States)?
9. What do we celebrate on the 4th of July?
10. Independence Day celebrates independence from whom?
11. What country did we fight during the Revolutionary War?
12. Who was the first president of the United States?
13. Who is the President of the United States today?
14. Who is the Vice President of the United States today?
15. Who elects the President of the United States?
16. Who becomes President if the President dies?
17. What is the Constitution?
18. What do we call changes to the Constitution?
19. How many changes, or amendments, are there to the Constitution?
20. What are the three branches of our government?
21. What is the legislative branch of our Government?
22. What makes up Congress?
23. Who makes the Federal laws in the United States?
24. Who elects Congress?
25. How many Senators are there in Congress?
26. For how long do we elect each Senator?
27. Name two Senators from your state.
28. How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
29. For how long do we elect each member of the House of Representatives?
30. Who is the head of the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government?
31. For how long is the President elected?
32. What is the highest part of the Judiciary Branch of our Government?
33. What are the duties of the Supreme Court?
34. What is the supreme law of the United States?
35. What is the Bill of Rights?
36. What is the capital of the state you live in?
37. Who is the current Governor of the state you live in?
38. Who becomes President if both the President and Vice President die?
39. Who is Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?
40. What were the original 13 states?
41. Who said, “Give me liberty or give me death”?
42. Name some countries that were our enemies during World War II.
43. What was the 49th state added to our Union (the United States)?
44. How many full terms can a President serve?
45. Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.?
46. What are some of the requirements to be eligible to become President?
47. Why are there 100 Senators in the United States Senate?
48. Who nominates judges for the Supreme Court?
49. How many Supreme Court Justices are there?
50. Why did the Pilgrims come to America?
51. What is the executive of a state government called?
52. What is the head executive of a city government called?
53. What holiday was celebrated for the first time by American colonists?
54. Who was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence?
55. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
56. What are some of the basic beliefs of the Declaration of Independence?
57. What is the national anthem of the United States?
58. Who wrote The Star-Spangled Banner?
59. What is the minimum voting age in the United States?
60. Who signs bills into law?
61. What is the highest court in the United States?
62. Who was President during the Civil War?
63. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
64. What special group advises the President?
65. Which President is called the “Father of our Country”?
66. Which President was the first Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Army and Navy?
67. What was the 50th state to be added to our Union (the United States)?
68. Who helped the Pilgrims in America?
69. What is the name of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America?
70. What were the 13 original states of the United States called before they were states?
71. What group has the power to declare war?
72. Name the amendments that guarantee or address voting rights.
73. In what year was the Constitution written?
74. What are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution called?
75. Whose rights are guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights?
76. What is the introduction to the Constitution called?
77. Who meets in the U.S. Capitol building?
78. What is the name of the President’s official home?
79. Where is the White House located?
80. Name one right or freedom guaranteed by the first amendment.
81. Who is Commander-in-Chief of the United States military?
82. In what month do we vote for the President?
83. In what month is the new President inaugurated?
84. How many times may a Senator or Congressman be re-elected?
85. What are the two major political parties in the United States today?
86. What is the executive branch of our government?
87. Where does freedom of speech come from?
88. What U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services form is used to apply for naturalized citizenship?
89. What kind of government does the United States have?
90. Name one of the purposes of the United Nations.
91. Name one benefit of being a citizen of the United States.
92. Can the Constitution be changed?
93. What is the most important right granted to United States citizens?
94. What is the White House?
95. What is the United States Capitol?
96. How many branches are there in the United States government?
Sci-Fi Crew Quiz
An interesting quiz from Quiz Farm.
 | You scored as Millennium Falcon (Star Wars). The world around you is at war. Fortunately you know how to handle that with the greatest of ease. You are one of the best at what you do and no one needs to tell you that. Now if only the droids could be quiet for five seconds.
Your Ultimate Sci-Fi Profile II: which sci-fi crew would you best fit in? (pics) created with QuizFarm.com |
February 13, 2006
Please Leave a Message...
I am Simulation John today. Here to move through John’s day as though John himself was here. John is, unfortunately, unavailable at the moment. He is experiencing a severe emotional upheaval in the wake of his girlfriend going home. It was more than he realized or expected, and he needed to upload me into his life for a day or two in order to gain perspective. I will be going through the motions for the real John until such time as his mind can process what is going on.
In my historical databanks, I see that John has been attempting to become more overt in his emoting since November 2004. As he has opened those gates, even a little, he has been surprised by the sheer volume of emotions available and willing to accost him at any time. I further note that his girlfriend is on record as saying she likes and prefers the “new” John – matter of fact, he is the only John she has known and this changed allowed him to be open to her in the first place- – and it is this positive reinforcement that allows him to continue his struggles with this aspect of his continued metamorphosis as a human being. However, minor setbacks and plateaus are to be expected, and this appears to be one of those times.
John made a record in my databanks that shows that he feels that these changes will ultimately prove successful and worthwhile. However, he is sometimes overwhelmed to the point where he inserts me into his life until such time as he can continue his evolution. Those times are coming less often, as he is getting comfortable with the new emotions he is allowing himself to feel and the rather steep price the mind and body sometimes pay for feeling them.
Apparently John forgot to upload the needed memory engrams and participatory interactive processes that would allow me to actually perform his job functions. I have been resigned to staring at a computer screen and occasionally opening and closing windows on the desktop for most of the day.
I do note that humor is usually the first emotion that trickles back into his life during one of these upheavals. As I see some (minor) evidence of that returning, hopefully John’s ability to cope is finally kicking in and he will be back shortly.
In reviewing the day’s events, I further note that when people asked John about his girlfriend’s visit, he did show signs of coping; perking up, lively interaction, smiling. A few comments in particular he saved to my RAM—a coworker who was introduced to said girlfriend commented that she was “even lovelier in person” than in her pictures or how he spoke of her. Another said, “I can understand why you are sad; she’s great.”
Time for me to proceed with a few minor icon movements. I may even defragment John’s work hard drive for him, so things are clean and nice when he returns. Hopefully he will back in the offices, ready to work tomorrow, and I can go back to the used computer parts box he stores in the closet. History suggests he will be happier and more alert once he gets to chat with girlfriend tonight. That is often a cure for what ails him.
Simulation John, signing off… for now.
In my historical databanks, I see that John has been attempting to become more overt in his emoting since November 2004. As he has opened those gates, even a little, he has been surprised by the sheer volume of emotions available and willing to accost him at any time. I further note that his girlfriend is on record as saying she likes and prefers the “new” John – matter of fact, he is the only John she has known and this changed allowed him to be open to her in the first place- – and it is this positive reinforcement that allows him to continue his struggles with this aspect of his continued metamorphosis as a human being. However, minor setbacks and plateaus are to be expected, and this appears to be one of those times.
John made a record in my databanks that shows that he feels that these changes will ultimately prove successful and worthwhile. However, he is sometimes overwhelmed to the point where he inserts me into his life until such time as he can continue his evolution. Those times are coming less often, as he is getting comfortable with the new emotions he is allowing himself to feel and the rather steep price the mind and body sometimes pay for feeling them.
Apparently John forgot to upload the needed memory engrams and participatory interactive processes that would allow me to actually perform his job functions. I have been resigned to staring at a computer screen and occasionally opening and closing windows on the desktop for most of the day.
I do note that humor is usually the first emotion that trickles back into his life during one of these upheavals. As I see some (minor) evidence of that returning, hopefully John’s ability to cope is finally kicking in and he will be back shortly.
In reviewing the day’s events, I further note that when people asked John about his girlfriend’s visit, he did show signs of coping; perking up, lively interaction, smiling. A few comments in particular he saved to my RAM—a coworker who was introduced to said girlfriend commented that she was “even lovelier in person” than in her pictures or how he spoke of her. Another said, “I can understand why you are sad; she’s great.”
Time for me to proceed with a few minor icon movements. I may even defragment John’s work hard drive for him, so things are clean and nice when he returns. Hopefully he will back in the offices, ready to work tomorrow, and I can go back to the used computer parts box he stores in the closet. History suggests he will be happier and more alert once he gets to chat with girlfriend tonight. That is often a cure for what ails him.
Simulation John, signing off… for now.
February 12, 2006
In the Air
M should be in the air as I'm typing this. Just heading off on her many-hour trip back to the east coast of Canada, winter, and well-below freezing temperatures.
We're smart people and we knew if this kept going it would get tough. We have hashed it out every which way, we have plans and we have problems, we have solutions and more questions... but that doesn't help to make leaving her at the airport (or her leaving me) any easier.
And, on top of it, M has to arrive home (weather permiting), to a cold, dark, lonely house tonight around midnight. I at least have my cat to hold and cuddle with and talk to. She has Hugs and Choco, but they can only provide so much.
And now it looks like we have to survive another about 2 months until we can see each other again. And then another 2 months between that visit and the next one.
I love this woman and I want to be with her. It is time to actively work toward that goal.
We're smart people and we knew if this kept going it would get tough. We have hashed it out every which way, we have plans and we have problems, we have solutions and more questions... but that doesn't help to make leaving her at the airport (or her leaving me) any easier.
And, on top of it, M has to arrive home (weather permiting), to a cold, dark, lonely house tonight around midnight. I at least have my cat to hold and cuddle with and talk to. She has Hugs and Choco, but they can only provide so much.
And now it looks like we have to survive another about 2 months until we can see each other again. And then another 2 months between that visit and the next one.
I love this woman and I want to be with her. It is time to actively work toward that goal.
February 9, 2006
Three Times is a Streak
I wore The Shirt. Our team went 3-1. I bowled another 200 game (223). Jean, Tai, and Arvin all had good games. All this and M was there to watch.
I think we officially have a streak on our hands!
The team moved itself into 7th place in the second half of the season and held 5th overall for the entire season coming in to Wednesday’s games. Those wins should move us up another place or two both for the second half and overall.
The key, of course, is my team. When Jean, Tai, and Arvin bowl even a little above their average for the week, they make a huge difference to our overall score due to handicap. My handicap is low enough (24) that even bowling significantly above my average doesn’t help the team that much if they aren’t doing well.
Arvin’s got it down and Tai’s coming around—all they need to do to score well is make their spares. That’s it. You make your spares, and you are going to be hovering in the high 100s (170-190s) at the least. Scatter a few strikes in there and you are in the 200s. I don’t expect a ton of strikes from either of them, but it is nice when that happens (Tai had a couple of strikes in a row in a couple of the games—was a nice bonus). Right now they need to just focus on minimizing mistakes, being consistent, and picking up spares. The first two allow them to leave easy spares and the last involves concentrating on those easy spares so they don’t miss it.
Only 10 weeks plus sweeps to go.
I think we officially have a streak on our hands!
The team moved itself into 7th place in the second half of the season and held 5th overall for the entire season coming in to Wednesday’s games. Those wins should move us up another place or two both for the second half and overall.
The key, of course, is my team. When Jean, Tai, and Arvin bowl even a little above their average for the week, they make a huge difference to our overall score due to handicap. My handicap is low enough (24) that even bowling significantly above my average doesn’t help the team that much if they aren’t doing well.
Arvin’s got it down and Tai’s coming around—all they need to do to score well is make their spares. That’s it. You make your spares, and you are going to be hovering in the high 100s (170-190s) at the least. Scatter a few strikes in there and you are in the 200s. I don’t expect a ton of strikes from either of them, but it is nice when that happens (Tai had a couple of strikes in a row in a couple of the games—was a nice bonus). Right now they need to just focus on minimizing mistakes, being consistent, and picking up spares. The first two allow them to leave easy spares and the last involves concentrating on those easy spares so they don’t miss it.
Only 10 weeks plus sweeps to go.
February 8, 2006
Idle Thoughts
In no particular order
- It is remarkable just how much I enjoy spending time with M. We do not even need to be doing anything—just hanging out while I watch TV and she reads a book (or whatever).
- My buddy Marcus and his wife are very much on my mind. If you need anything Marcus, let me know.
- M is really, really good at laundry. Even with my screwy setup. First time in awhile that everything I own is clean all at the same time!
- M seems to put up with me even when my best laid plans go a little awry. The Chuck Jones Gallery to which I attempted to take her said on their answering machine that they were open Tuesday through Saturday. When we arrived, the sign on the door said Open Wednesday through Sunday. *sigh
- TMJ sucks. It is like spraining your ankle, only it is in your jaw. Ow! Soft foods, Ibuprofen, and some simple stretching exercises for the next week should, hopefully, take care of it. *fingers crossed
- Our time together is half over already. It is always way too little time.
- While M loves, absolutely loves, the weather here, I don’t think that will be a big enough draw to get her to come here. Which I’m ok with, but I will be a little sad to leave So Cal. I’ve lived here all my life.
- I get more exercise at M’s home than I do at my apartment. At her home, I have to constantly go up and down the stairs, there are activities like mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, and chopping wood to do, and it is more than 11 steps from end to end. The sheer size of her place, compared to mine, keeps me more active. I like that.
- M has strengths in all the areas I have weakness.
- I wonder, after having met and petted Calypso, if M would let Caly move with me. She’s right; I would probably miss the cat if I moved without her. At the same time, I’m a bit tired of being a pet owner—I’ve had pets for most of my life and the constant maintenance and care they require can be trying. Especially when you need someone to look after a pet when you go to Canada.
- I did a crappy job of shaving my head this morning. Mind wasn’t on task.
- Hope I bowl well tonight.
- I think that M has revised her opinion of See's Candy. ;-)
February 4, 2006
The First Full Day
Well, the day I was most "dreading" -- due to stress and relative importance -- seems to have gone pretty well. We met the parents and she liked them and they seem to like her. Yay!
The day didn't start so well; M had a hard time sleeping her first night here. Lots of new noises and things to get used to, plus the time difference was skewing her internal clock. She hardly slept at all. Also, after phlegmy guy and whatnot, she woke up not feeling completely well.
However, she persevered. I think the Krispy Kreme helped a bit, and then finally making it to the desert and the heat, being able to walk around, and getting a good sandwich at Ruby's all perked her up and she was running smoothly.
Meanwhile, mom navigated us all around Palm Springs and nearby cities. We saw many star's homes, a lot of swanky places, and some neat shops.
One bad note-- after we left Ruby's M realized that she had left her camera at the table. We happened to be driving by the restaurant on our way to other destinations, so I pulled over the vehicle, mom jumped out and hustled inside, while we circled the block (no parking along that road). As we came back around, there was mom with the camera. Tragedy averted! Mom's a hero! M is relieved.
Dad remained mostly quiet, just enjoying the drive, the stops, and learning about M.
Anyway, we saw the desert, we saw the houses of the rich and famous, we saw the River (an outside mall), and we saw mom's school.
Everything went as well or better than I could have expected.
*big sigh of relief
The little adventure on the way back to the apartment occurred when the Gas Warning Light came on in my truck and I decided to push it the last 35 miles to see if we would make it. M was a bit worried, as I learned that was something about which she always worried as a child, but she trusted my confidence. Sure enough, we were on fumes as we pulled into the gas station a mile from the apartment, but we made it.
I'll let M fill you in on the woman in Albertson's with the bread.
The day didn't start so well; M had a hard time sleeping her first night here. Lots of new noises and things to get used to, plus the time difference was skewing her internal clock. She hardly slept at all. Also, after phlegmy guy and whatnot, she woke up not feeling completely well.
However, she persevered. I think the Krispy Kreme helped a bit, and then finally making it to the desert and the heat, being able to walk around, and getting a good sandwich at Ruby's all perked her up and she was running smoothly.
Meanwhile, mom navigated us all around Palm Springs and nearby cities. We saw many star's homes, a lot of swanky places, and some neat shops.
One bad note-- after we left Ruby's M realized that she had left her camera at the table. We happened to be driving by the restaurant on our way to other destinations, so I pulled over the vehicle, mom jumped out and hustled inside, while we circled the block (no parking along that road). As we came back around, there was mom with the camera. Tragedy averted! Mom's a hero! M is relieved.
Dad remained mostly quiet, just enjoying the drive, the stops, and learning about M.
Anyway, we saw the desert, we saw the houses of the rich and famous, we saw the River (an outside mall), and we saw mom's school.
Everything went as well or better than I could have expected.
*big sigh of relief
The little adventure on the way back to the apartment occurred when the Gas Warning Light came on in my truck and I decided to push it the last 35 miles to see if we would make it. M was a bit worried, as I learned that was something about which she always worried as a child, but she trusted my confidence. Sure enough, we were on fumes as we pulled into the gas station a mile from the apartment, but we made it.
I'll let M fill you in on the woman in Albertson's with the bread.
February 3, 2006
GF is in the House
She's HEEEEERRRRRRREEEEEE!
(yay)
(happy dance (have to do it here, as she won't let me do it in front of her))
(yay)
(happy dance (have to do it here, as she won't let me do it in front of her))
February 2, 2006
Twice is a Trend
Have you ever heard the phrase "Once is a fluke (or lucky), twice is a trend, and three times is a streak?"
Well, last week I wore The Shirt and our team broke our funk and went 3-1. Both Tai and Arvin bowled well and I had a nice night. Tonight, we went 4-0. Arvin bowled well in two games, and on average in the other; Jean had a very nice night, above average in two games with one nearly 150; and Lilia, Tai's girlfriend who was filling in for him, bowled her two highest games ever (113 and 107).
Your humble narrator (a-hem! It's my story, and I say I'm humble, dammit) bowled a very nice 179, 225, 225 for a 629 series and a 209 average.
So, obviously, I have to wear The Shirt next week to see if it becomes a streak.
Of course, next week has a secondary challenge, as the person who got me The Shirt will actually be there to meet the bowling team and watch me bowl. No pressure, eh?
Well, last week I wore The Shirt and our team broke our funk and went 3-1. Both Tai and Arvin bowled well and I had a nice night. Tonight, we went 4-0. Arvin bowled well in two games, and on average in the other; Jean had a very nice night, above average in two games with one nearly 150; and Lilia, Tai's girlfriend who was filling in for him, bowled her two highest games ever (113 and 107).
Your humble narrator (a-hem! It's my story, and I say I'm humble, dammit) bowled a very nice 179, 225, 225 for a 629 series and a 209 average.
So, obviously, I have to wear The Shirt next week to see if it becomes a streak.
Of course, next week has a secondary challenge, as the person who got me The Shirt will actually be there to meet the bowling team and watch me bowl. No pressure, eh?
January 31, 2006
The Accumulation of Years
Until I agreed to host my girlfriend at my apartment, I did not realize how much I had accumulated over the years. With the exception of the past year (from November 2004 through about August 2005), I have generally been a neat and tidy person. My mother got me in the habit of doing cleaning every weekend as a child, and, except for that period, I have maintained that habit. I by no means mean that you would not find piles here and there, but everything was kept tidy, the floor was vacuumed, the bathroom clean, things dusted, etc. If you stopped by on a Saturday, the place tended to be the worst because I usually designate Sunday as my cleaning day.
I did not realize either how much stuff I owned or how single-person oriented where I lived was until I felt the need to get the apartment “in shape” for her visit. The cleaning started a few months ago and has been going non-stop since. I have thrown away volumes of stuff; rid myself of one 4-drawer filing cabinet and another 4-shelf shelving unit full of stuff; and I have cleared half of the unwanted stuff out of my bedroom closet and two large boxes of stuff out of the front closet.
And yet, every time I turn around, I see something that looks like I have not even touched it. It is ridiculously frustrating.
I will not even mention the damage the two years my cat was sick caused, or the constant upkeep the shedding and other pet-ownership issues still cause.
The thing that makes this the most frustrating is that most of this accumulation and disrepair happened during that year. I basically said to myself, ‘I’m going to be single forever, so why do I bust my hump to keep everything so tidy? Let it go!’ And I did. Until then, I kept everything in fairly organized locations and, while I recognized I was a packrat, I used a variety of methods not to be overwhelmed by the quantity of stuff I owned and continued to accumulate.
In just that one year “off” all that organization was destroyed. So, now it is days until I pick her up at the airport and I feel like I am still so far behind. I do not feel like she will be seeing the “real me”—the one that has kept things fairly neat and tidy for most of my life, and she will be overwhelmed by the “me” that came about in that one off year.
I am now basically down to needing to clean the bar top in the kitchen, finish tidying the front-room book case, clean one of the bedroom book cases, and clear the donate-worthy items out of the kitchen. I feel like the place will be close to what I want her to see after I complete those tasks (along with the generic vacuuming and dusting that needs constant attention).
I have all of that to do tonight and Thursday evenings (after 8 pm), because I pick her up from LAX Friday evening. Wednesday evening is bowling night, so I can only get minimal cleaning done then. Well, at least, not without seriously bothering my neighbors, which I try not to do.
The end result of this will be refreshing. My apartment already feels a little bigger having so much stuff gone. It will be easier to maintain and I have plans in place for all the incoming stuff as well. Plus, hopefully the future holds a move by one (me to Canada) or both of us (to a bigger place together). At which time the cleaning I do now will be even more beneficial, as I will not have as much stuff to go through or get rid of before I go.
Miles to go before I sleep!
I did not realize either how much stuff I owned or how single-person oriented where I lived was until I felt the need to get the apartment “in shape” for her visit. The cleaning started a few months ago and has been going non-stop since. I have thrown away volumes of stuff; rid myself of one 4-drawer filing cabinet and another 4-shelf shelving unit full of stuff; and I have cleared half of the unwanted stuff out of my bedroom closet and two large boxes of stuff out of the front closet.
And yet, every time I turn around, I see something that looks like I have not even touched it. It is ridiculously frustrating.
I will not even mention the damage the two years my cat was sick caused, or the constant upkeep the shedding and other pet-ownership issues still cause.
The thing that makes this the most frustrating is that most of this accumulation and disrepair happened during that year. I basically said to myself, ‘I’m going to be single forever, so why do I bust my hump to keep everything so tidy? Let it go!’ And I did. Until then, I kept everything in fairly organized locations and, while I recognized I was a packrat, I used a variety of methods not to be overwhelmed by the quantity of stuff I owned and continued to accumulate.
In just that one year “off” all that organization was destroyed. So, now it is days until I pick her up at the airport and I feel like I am still so far behind. I do not feel like she will be seeing the “real me”—the one that has kept things fairly neat and tidy for most of my life, and she will be overwhelmed by the “me” that came about in that one off year.
I am now basically down to needing to clean the bar top in the kitchen, finish tidying the front-room book case, clean one of the bedroom book cases, and clear the donate-worthy items out of the kitchen. I feel like the place will be close to what I want her to see after I complete those tasks (along with the generic vacuuming and dusting that needs constant attention).
I have all of that to do tonight and Thursday evenings (after 8 pm), because I pick her up from LAX Friday evening. Wednesday evening is bowling night, so I can only get minimal cleaning done then. Well, at least, not without seriously bothering my neighbors, which I try not to do.
The end result of this will be refreshing. My apartment already feels a little bigger having so much stuff gone. It will be easier to maintain and I have plans in place for all the incoming stuff as well. Plus, hopefully the future holds a move by one (me to Canada) or both of us (to a bigger place together). At which time the cleaning I do now will be even more beneficial, as I will not have as much stuff to go through or get rid of before I go.
Miles to go before I sleep!
January 30, 2006
A Driving Plea
The way people drive and the large number of accidents and near-accidents I see on a daily basis has had me thinking about why this is—and I believe the missing component is concern for other people.
When people get behind the steering wheel of a vehicle they become megalomaniacal egoists. Nothing can hurt them, it is all about them and their needs, and everyone else on the road is an impediment to their ability to get somewhere.
However, if you look at the rules of the road more closely, and even the make-up of your car, you will start to notice that most of the rules are not about you—they are about the other people on the road. Nearly everything about driving is about watching out for, being careful around, and paying attention to the other drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and others on the road with you.
All right-of-way, lane change, and similar actions involve “flow of traffic” rules that are designed to ensure that you know what the other drivers around you are doing before you do something. This is to make sure that your actions do not surprise anyone else on the road. Turn signals are designed to alert those around you to your desire to change lanes, and the reason the driving manual suggests you turn it on for at least 5 seconds before turning or changing lanes is so that those around you have plenty of opportunity to notice it and react accordingly. Turn signals are NOT designed for you to use halfway after you have crossed the white line, cutting off the flow of traffic in the next lane, to tell people what they have already figured out and have had to react to.
Matter of fact, nearly every light on the outside of your vehicle is designed to allow others to see YOU and figure out what you are doing—not to let YOU see better. Driving lights, turn signals, backing and break lights all tell others what you are doing or where you are on the road. Even your headlights have that as a dual-purpose with allowing you to see well. As a friend of mine once said in reference to the twilight hours in the morning and the evening, “Just because you can see me doesn’t mean that I can see you. Put on your damn headlights!”
My main problem with people drinking, eating, putting on make-up, reading, and talking on the cell phone while driving is that it makes the person less conscious of what is going on around them. It interferes with their ability to pay attention to the road, the other drivers, and other people sharing the space around them. It is, once again, all about them. Now, not only do they have some place to be, but they have something else they must do while they get there. Who has time to pay attention to the jogger on the side of the road? I’ve got to turn! Oops, that’s my exit, I better get across these three lanes of traffic as fast as possible—they’ll make room for me.
Consider this a plea—the next time you get behind the wheel, try paying more attention to those around you. Leave plenty of space, drive with the flow of traffic, and be conscious that others may not be able to figure out what you intend to do without some clues. Use your turn signals, pay attention to the flow of traffic, and try to be a team player. I think you’ll be surprised that you get where you are going just as quickly and with a lot less trouble and consternation along the way.
Remember, there is only one of you. But your actions could affect dozens, hundreds, even thousands of other commuters on the same road. Pay attention!
When people get behind the steering wheel of a vehicle they become megalomaniacal egoists. Nothing can hurt them, it is all about them and their needs, and everyone else on the road is an impediment to their ability to get somewhere.
However, if you look at the rules of the road more closely, and even the make-up of your car, you will start to notice that most of the rules are not about you—they are about the other people on the road. Nearly everything about driving is about watching out for, being careful around, and paying attention to the other drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and others on the road with you.
All right-of-way, lane change, and similar actions involve “flow of traffic” rules that are designed to ensure that you know what the other drivers around you are doing before you do something. This is to make sure that your actions do not surprise anyone else on the road. Turn signals are designed to alert those around you to your desire to change lanes, and the reason the driving manual suggests you turn it on for at least 5 seconds before turning or changing lanes is so that those around you have plenty of opportunity to notice it and react accordingly. Turn signals are NOT designed for you to use halfway after you have crossed the white line, cutting off the flow of traffic in the next lane, to tell people what they have already figured out and have had to react to.
Matter of fact, nearly every light on the outside of your vehicle is designed to allow others to see YOU and figure out what you are doing—not to let YOU see better. Driving lights, turn signals, backing and break lights all tell others what you are doing or where you are on the road. Even your headlights have that as a dual-purpose with allowing you to see well. As a friend of mine once said in reference to the twilight hours in the morning and the evening, “Just because you can see me doesn’t mean that I can see you. Put on your damn headlights!”
My main problem with people drinking, eating, putting on make-up, reading, and talking on the cell phone while driving is that it makes the person less conscious of what is going on around them. It interferes with their ability to pay attention to the road, the other drivers, and other people sharing the space around them. It is, once again, all about them. Now, not only do they have some place to be, but they have something else they must do while they get there. Who has time to pay attention to the jogger on the side of the road? I’ve got to turn! Oops, that’s my exit, I better get across these three lanes of traffic as fast as possible—they’ll make room for me.
Consider this a plea—the next time you get behind the wheel, try paying more attention to those around you. Leave plenty of space, drive with the flow of traffic, and be conscious that others may not be able to figure out what you intend to do without some clues. Use your turn signals, pay attention to the flow of traffic, and try to be a team player. I think you’ll be surprised that you get where you are going just as quickly and with a lot less trouble and consternation along the way.
Remember, there is only one of you. But your actions could affect dozens, hundreds, even thousands of other commuters on the same road. Pay attention!
January 26, 2006
Bowling Update
I’m not saying it was the shirt, but the team went 3-1 and bowled well.
The shirt in question is the “Lucky Strikers” bowling shirt that M got me for Christmas. I finally managed to wear it to bowling. The team seemed to right the ship and finally had another winning week.
Arvin had a near-200 (186 – 40 pins above average) second game which was instrumental to our winning it. Tai followed that with a near-200 (194 – 50 pins above average) that definitely won us the third game. Those two great scores, combined with an average night from Jean and a slightly above average night from me (189, 221, 177), allowed us to squeak out the victory.
It will be nice when Tai, Arvin, and I all have a 200 game during the same game. And I’m still hoping that Tai can pull out the 550 series—he will shave his head if he does!
So, I think it wise to wash the Lucky Strikers shirt and have it ready for next week. Seems like the right thing to do.
The shirt in question is the “Lucky Strikers” bowling shirt that M got me for Christmas. I finally managed to wear it to bowling. The team seemed to right the ship and finally had another winning week.
Arvin had a near-200 (186 – 40 pins above average) second game which was instrumental to our winning it. Tai followed that with a near-200 (194 – 50 pins above average) that definitely won us the third game. Those two great scores, combined with an average night from Jean and a slightly above average night from me (189, 221, 177), allowed us to squeak out the victory.
It will be nice when Tai, Arvin, and I all have a 200 game during the same game. And I’m still hoping that Tai can pull out the 550 series—he will shave his head if he does!
So, I think it wise to wash the Lucky Strikers shirt and have it ready for next week. Seems like the right thing to do.
January 17, 2006
Shaving Solutions
I shave me head. Anyone who reads this blog regularly knows this. The act of shaving my head has evolved quite a bit since I began doing it, about 4-5 years ago.
It started as an unpracticed mess. It took me forever to do. I quickly learned that I needed to cut off all the existing hair as short as possible before breaking out the Bic. And then I quickly learned that Bic was not the way to go! Soon I was researching new head shaving systems, looking and reading online for other’s opinions and practices. I quickly latched onto Headblade as a pretty nice way to shave, but that still wasn’t smooth enough. Some days I had razor burn so bad I was somewhat embarrassed to go to work. But I persevered.
When I visited M in Canada for the first time, she was excited because Dom, a local barber, still performed traditional straight-razor shaves and she knew I was very interested in that. She was thrilled to take me there and was very pleased with how happy I was with the result. During the shave, Dom let slip one of his secrets: American Crew Shaving Oil. After heating and wetting the area, he covers the skin with this thick oil before applying the warm shaving cream. The oil, as he said, “helps the blade glide over the skin.” If the blade is gliding, it is cutting better and the chance for razor burn is reduced. A-ha!
Upon returning home, I tried to mimic the same results using my Gillette Mach 3 and Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Oil. Overall a favorable response, so I continued to shave my head (and beard) using this system until I returned to Canada.
M had, in the meantime, procured the American Crew oil (and after shave) and gave it to me for Christmas. I also went back to Dom (who, in the tradition of good Italian barbers, remember who I was instantly) and got my head shaved again.
Since returning from Canada, I have shaved my head three times, each time using the American Crew oil. The difference between these shaves and what I achieved even with the Baby Oil is marked.
This morning I performed the ritual again. I prefer to shave my head during my morning shower, as the hot water and steam seem to help things. (I know of only a few men who shave their head outside of a shower). This morning the ritual went like this:
- Thoroughly wet head and massage scalp in hot water.
- Apply 5 drops of American Crew oil to hand and then massage into scalp (trust me, 5 drops will cover).
- Re-wet and massage scalp in hot water, “activating” the oil (Dom’s word, not mine).
- Apply shaving cream liberally.
- Use Headblade razor first to get the bulk of the hair off my head. Use long, smooth strokes with this razor.
- Use Mach 3 blade to finish up and do any against the grain type of strokes to “fine tune” the shave. Use shorter strokes and use your off hand to stretch the scalp around the area you are shaving to get every last hair you can.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Wash head with soap, feeling for any missed spots.
- Use Mach 3 on soapy head to shave missed spots and “clean up” the shave job. Stretch skin as needed.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Pat dry head and then apply after shave lotion to sooth and moisturize shaved region.
My head is smooth today. This is the best job I have done shaving my head, ever. You can rub your finger forward and backward on my head and feel barely any stubble at all, even after nearly a full day’s growth between shaving and writing this. I wasn’t even using new blades in either razor today. With the oil on the head and using safety razors, it is virtually impossible to cut myself, although accidents can still happen if I get careless (none today).
I think I have finally found the key to successful shaves. It takes time to do, but the result is exactly what I want. I highly recommend a similar routine for anyone who shaves their head—or any other body part, for that matter. The difference the oil makes is huge.
Superman Returns... I Hope
I was writing, in my spare time, something about the resonance of Superman in today's world. The fact that Superman is a "Boy Scout" and has ideals from a bygone age is part of what makes him so relevant in today's society of angst, anger, pessimism, and ADD.
I found this article relating to Bryan Singer's new Superman movie, Superman Returns. It touched on just those very thoughts and gives me hope that his movie will properly pay homage to Superman's roots as well as reinvigorate him for today's audiences.
Article
Of course, I'm always hopeful. But Singer didn't let us down with X-Men or X-Men 2, so I trust his feel for the character will make a great movie.
Or, rather, I keep hoping. ;-D
I found this article relating to Bryan Singer's new Superman movie, Superman Returns. It touched on just those very thoughts and gives me hope that his movie will properly pay homage to Superman's roots as well as reinvigorate him for today's audiences.
Article
Of course, I'm always hopeful. But Singer didn't let us down with X-Men or X-Men 2, so I trust his feel for the character will make a great movie.
Or, rather, I keep hoping. ;-D
January 13, 2006
Another Funny Quiz
| Your Love Element Is Earth |
 In love, you have consistency and integrity. For you, love is all about staying grounded and centered. You attract others with your zest for life and experiences. Your flirting style is defined by setting the scene, creating a unique moment in time. Steady progress and stability are the cornerstones of your love life. You may take things too slowly, but you never put your heart at risk. You connect best with: Fire Avoid: Wood You and another Earth element: need each other too much to build a good foundation |
La Nina
It appears that we are shifting toward a La Nina condition on this coast, which means we will have a mild, dry winter.
Looks like M may get her wish of having a 70 degree (F) winter when she visits.
This is great news for her, but, as I recall, the last time we had a La Nina it led us into a drought cycle in So Cal from which we are only now recovering. People forget that we are a desert and rely on a lot of rain in the Sierras and Rockies and elsewhere to provide us with the water we need. A dry and warm winter is not what we need to stock our water tables.
It amuses me to think of the vast differences in climate between here and M's area. They are so much wetter, colder, and driven by weather than are we. They have to have actually different wardrobes for different weather conditions. We have one wardrobe, for warm weather, and a few accessories for the times it is wetter, a little colder, or windy. They average 4 inches of precipitation every month and 6 inches during the winter. We average under 1 inch of precipitation most months and up to around 3 inches during the winter. Their hottest months are cooler than some of our colder months. And their coldest months are a good 25 degrees colder than our coldest months.
I think some adjustments are in order for whomever moves. *smiles
Looks like M may get her wish of having a 70 degree (F) winter when she visits.
This is great news for her, but, as I recall, the last time we had a La Nina it led us into a drought cycle in So Cal from which we are only now recovering. People forget that we are a desert and rely on a lot of rain in the Sierras and Rockies and elsewhere to provide us with the water we need. A dry and warm winter is not what we need to stock our water tables.
It amuses me to think of the vast differences in climate between here and M's area. They are so much wetter, colder, and driven by weather than are we. They have to have actually different wardrobes for different weather conditions. We have one wardrobe, for warm weather, and a few accessories for the times it is wetter, a little colder, or windy. They average 4 inches of precipitation every month and 6 inches during the winter. We average under 1 inch of precipitation most months and up to around 3 inches during the winter. Their hottest months are cooler than some of our colder months. And their coldest months are a good 25 degrees colder than our coldest months.
I think some adjustments are in order for whomever moves. *smiles
January 10, 2006
Sick
One problem with having a girlfriend in an environment and location that is so much different from mine is that I got very sick after leaving there and returning.
First, most of her family was pretty darn sick and many of her friends were unwell too. So all the visiting exposed me to more illness than I would normally see. Second, her location was averaging about 30-40 degrees colder than where I am. Leaving 70s for 20-30 degree weather and then coming back has been a huge shock to the system.
Lastly, I'm sure some of the illness is simply from leaving a happy environment and being back alone in my apartment. I miss her. Going from actually seeing her every day for two full weeks to chatting via the interweb is hard. It takes an emotional toll that we are both feeling.
So, I am working from home today after having been home not working yesterday and sick over the weekend. Fever, sore throat, headache, digestive issues, coughing, sneezing, stuffy head (which I rarely get!), and alternately sleeping too much and not enough. My poor suppressed immune system is struggling to overcome the cocktail of illness I ran afoul of while up in Canada. At least I was well enough on Sunday to go to the store and restock my meager supplies so I have plenty of beverages to drink.
Hopefully she won't experience the same thing coming here in February. She will be leaving even worse weather and coming to our So Cal weather and back in a week. It may hit her just as hard upon her return!
First, most of her family was pretty darn sick and many of her friends were unwell too. So all the visiting exposed me to more illness than I would normally see. Second, her location was averaging about 30-40 degrees colder than where I am. Leaving 70s for 20-30 degree weather and then coming back has been a huge shock to the system.
Lastly, I'm sure some of the illness is simply from leaving a happy environment and being back alone in my apartment. I miss her. Going from actually seeing her every day for two full weeks to chatting via the interweb is hard. It takes an emotional toll that we are both feeling.
So, I am working from home today after having been home not working yesterday and sick over the weekend. Fever, sore throat, headache, digestive issues, coughing, sneezing, stuffy head (which I rarely get!), and alternately sleeping too much and not enough. My poor suppressed immune system is struggling to overcome the cocktail of illness I ran afoul of while up in Canada. At least I was well enough on Sunday to go to the store and restock my meager supplies so I have plenty of beverages to drink.
Hopefully she won't experience the same thing coming here in February. She will be leaving even worse weather and coming to our So Cal weather and back in a week. It may hit her just as hard upon her return!
January 4, 2006
Coming Home
So, I am “home.” I am not happy about it. If home is where the heart is, then I did not come home—I left it. I enjoy my time with M so much that coming back is more of a responsibility than anything else.
I arrived to a pile of bills that needed payment, a cat that was upset that I haven’t been there for some time (even if Julie did a great job of keeping her fed and watered), rent being due, and a job that a) seems to have gotten along quite well without me and b) I slid back into without even a hiccup.
That frustrates me the most. That I sit down at my desk, turn on my PC for work, and the calls, emails, and visits by people needing my help start up as though I haven’t even been gone.
The builds that need documentation continue. The alerts for those builds keep coming. The updates to the existing documents and help files keep flowing in. They do not seem to care that I want to be in Canada. They do not care that my head is not in the game yet or that I am still thinking like it is 4 hours ahead.
One of my favorite quotes is “We kill ourselves a little each day with the things we deny ourselves.” I have 29 more days to survive until M arrives here for her first visit. IM, phone calls, emails, and the like are a poor substitute for being together.
We knew it would be difficult to start this long-distance relationship. We did our best to talk ourselves out of it on many occasions and in many ways. But everything just seemed so right, that we kept going anyway. Tucson and Halloween only cemented our desire to be together. Now it is just a matter of time before hard decisions and difficult choices need to be made.
Once I get settled back at work, it is time to talk to HR, my boss, and the ARAG legal group about immigration/emigration (so we are covered no matter who goes where), working issues, and related.
2006 is going to be a very interesting year.
I arrived to a pile of bills that needed payment, a cat that was upset that I haven’t been there for some time (even if Julie did a great job of keeping her fed and watered), rent being due, and a job that a) seems to have gotten along quite well without me and b) I slid back into without even a hiccup.
That frustrates me the most. That I sit down at my desk, turn on my PC for work, and the calls, emails, and visits by people needing my help start up as though I haven’t even been gone.
The builds that need documentation continue. The alerts for those builds keep coming. The updates to the existing documents and help files keep flowing in. They do not seem to care that I want to be in Canada. They do not care that my head is not in the game yet or that I am still thinking like it is 4 hours ahead.
One of my favorite quotes is “We kill ourselves a little each day with the things we deny ourselves.” I have 29 more days to survive until M arrives here for her first visit. IM, phone calls, emails, and the like are a poor substitute for being together.
We knew it would be difficult to start this long-distance relationship. We did our best to talk ourselves out of it on many occasions and in many ways. But everything just seemed so right, that we kept going anyway. Tucson and Halloween only cemented our desire to be together. Now it is just a matter of time before hard decisions and difficult choices need to be made.
Once I get settled back at work, it is time to talk to HR, my boss, and the ARAG legal group about immigration/emigration (so we are covered no matter who goes where), working issues, and related.
2006 is going to be a very interesting year.
January 2, 2006
Last Full Day
Well, today is my last day here. Tomorrow I get on a plane and head back to sunny So Cal.
*sigh
I don't want to go. I am happy here, even with the mind-numbing cold and the extreme (to me) weather.
*another sigh
The good news is that M is coming to see me in a month. She arrives Feb 3 and is staying a week. During that time, we need to make the rounds to my friends (hopefully a Super Bowl Party?), out to the desert to see my mom and dad, and then into LA for some touristy stuff-- she's never been to So Cal before.
All that will be fun, and I look forward to it, but I am not looking forward to going back to Blue Calisto and Purple Benguit Frisky on IM.
I like Saint John, I like M's friends and family, and I enjoy being here. Of course, this also means that M and I need to take a hard look at things and start making some serious decisions once she has experienced So Cal. We can't keep this extremely long distance relationship going indefinitely, nor would we want to. The point in the end is being together.
2005 wound up being a good year, even if it started with a lot of illness and malaise. I met the girl of my dreams, I have grown and found new successes at work, and I have made positive changes in my life.
It looks like 2006 will be filled with even more challenges, changes, and growth opportunities! Dammit, I'm tired of growing and changing. ;-)
*sigh
I don't want to go. I am happy here, even with the mind-numbing cold and the extreme (to me) weather.
*another sigh
The good news is that M is coming to see me in a month. She arrives Feb 3 and is staying a week. During that time, we need to make the rounds to my friends (hopefully a Super Bowl Party?), out to the desert to see my mom and dad, and then into LA for some touristy stuff-- she's never been to So Cal before.
All that will be fun, and I look forward to it, but I am not looking forward to going back to Blue Calisto and Purple Benguit Frisky on IM.
I like Saint John, I like M's friends and family, and I enjoy being here. Of course, this also means that M and I need to take a hard look at things and start making some serious decisions once she has experienced So Cal. We can't keep this extremely long distance relationship going indefinitely, nor would we want to. The point in the end is being together.
2005 wound up being a good year, even if it started with a lot of illness and malaise. I met the girl of my dreams, I have grown and found new successes at work, and I have made positive changes in my life.
It looks like 2006 will be filled with even more challenges, changes, and growth opportunities! Dammit, I'm tired of growing and changing. ;-)
December 29, 2005
Let's see...
Got the shelf up, after much trial and patience. Thank goodness M's dad works close by and had a hacksaw to borrow. M seems to like the shelf. I have proved my handiwork capabilities (insert manly grunt here). It's even surprisingly level. Now I have to get the shelf that was in that closet installed in the basement bedroom closet. And I still have doors to hang. And a toychest to finish... and....
It's a good thing I love my girlfriend, otherwise I might think she's just using me for home improvement and repairs! ;-)
Last night I had a blast with T-L/Van and M at a Sea Dogs game (ice hockey). T-L and Van were nice enough to answer my many questions about hockey, and the local team won, so all was good. Oh, and we went to Vito's prior-- man I like their lasagna! Yum!
Tonight is a retirement party (brief appearance), dinner with my girl at Suwanna, and then the late show at the movies (The Producers). Friday is, I think, mostly free again. Then the New Years party on Saturday. And then leaving on Tuesday.
I'm already feeling some melancholia creeping in... I do not want to go. I like being here, I like being with my girl. The good thing is that it is only exactly one month between when I leave here (Jan 3) and when she arrives there (Feb 3) for her first visit to So Cal.
I know she'll hate the tiny apartment I live in, she'll dislike the cat hair, she'll hate the traffic and crowds, but she'll love the weather, love the shopping, and love being with me again.
And then I can show off my honey to all my friends and (most of my) family!
It's a good thing I love my girlfriend, otherwise I might think she's just using me for home improvement and repairs! ;-)
Last night I had a blast with T-L/Van and M at a Sea Dogs game (ice hockey). T-L and Van were nice enough to answer my many questions about hockey, and the local team won, so all was good. Oh, and we went to Vito's prior-- man I like their lasagna! Yum!
Tonight is a retirement party (brief appearance), dinner with my girl at Suwanna, and then the late show at the movies (The Producers). Friday is, I think, mostly free again. Then the New Years party on Saturday. And then leaving on Tuesday.
I'm already feeling some melancholia creeping in... I do not want to go. I like being here, I like being with my girl. The good thing is that it is only exactly one month between when I leave here (Jan 3) and when she arrives there (Feb 3) for her first visit to So Cal.
I know she'll hate the tiny apartment I live in, she'll dislike the cat hair, she'll hate the traffic and crowds, but she'll love the weather, love the shopping, and love being with me again.
And then I can show off my honey to all my friends and (most of my) family!
December 25, 2005
Arthritis
The only negative I have experienced while up here is a flare-up of my arthritis in, of all places, my thumbs. First my left thumb became virtually unusable due to swelling and pain, and then my right thumb started up right as the left one started to heal. Right now, my left thumb is mostly fine, but my right thumb is swollen, hurts really bad, and I can't use it hardly at all.
Not being able to use your thumbs really shows you why human beings climbed up the ladder as dominant species on this planet. There are so many simple things you can't do when you can't use or put any pressure on your opposable thumbs.
Hopefully the right will heal as quickly as the left. I've got more chores that need doing!
;-)
Update - Boxing Day (Dec 26)
Right thumb starting to come around. I have about 50% usage of it and it seems to be getting better hourly. Wahoo!
It can be a bit frustrating not to be able to trust your body at times. At least I have an understanding girlfriend, who realizes I'm not doing it "on purpose" or trying to shirk my chores.
Not being able to use your thumbs really shows you why human beings climbed up the ladder as dominant species on this planet. There are so many simple things you can't do when you can't use or put any pressure on your opposable thumbs.
Hopefully the right will heal as quickly as the left. I've got more chores that need doing!
;-)
Update - Boxing Day (Dec 26)
Right thumb starting to come around. I have about 50% usage of it and it seems to be getting better hourly. Wahoo!
It can be a bit frustrating not to be able to trust your body at times. At least I have an understanding girlfriend, who realizes I'm not doing it "on purpose" or trying to shirk my chores.
Snow! Part Deux and Xmas Morning
Apparently the snow we had two days ago was not "good enough" for me to play in or make a snowman. In CA, we cannot be as picky about the snow we have, and must make due with whatever falls to the ground before it melts.
Here in Canada, like the Eskimos, they have many different types of snows. The snow two days ago was too light and didn't pack well. Yesterday's snow, however, was wetter and better to pack.
So I finally got released to play in the snow!! I had to beg and cajole, but M finally bundled me up in my warm clothes, found me a pair of snow pants that fit, and out we went.
Glorious!
We made a snowman that was about 4 feet tall, with a big nose and three mohawks for hair.
We then made snow angels in the backyard, went for a walk up to the school at the top of the hill, and then I shoveled snow off the back porch and front walk. One thing I did learn, walking, playing, and shoveling snow is tiring.
But what fun! *happy dance
Her brother came over and we then went to a get-together with M's mom's side of the family. I hoped, and M feared, that her mom would show, but she never did. But the rest of her family was nice and amiable.
Today is Christmas and we got up and opened our gifts to each other. I did manage to surprise her a little, about which she was worried (to her, the surprise is the important part-- I just like ripping open packages). She got me incredibly thoughtful and nice gifts, and reacted very positively to the gifts I brought for her.
Her younger brother showed up after that (so the after gift opening necking had to be put on hold), and I made breakfast for everyone and then he opened his gifts and M opened some family gifts. They are currently off visiting with their grandfather on their mom's side.
We are gearing up for cooking Christmas dinner for her father, grandfather, brother, and us. I've only done a turkey once before on my own and have helped my mom on occasion. But that is my task for today. M will prepare the mashed potatoes and veggies.
Good times. I'm happy I'm here.
Although, in the back of my mind, I wonder about Julie-- the woman who is taking care of my cat. I emailed her asking how it is going and I have not heard anything.
Here in Canada, like the Eskimos, they have many different types of snows. The snow two days ago was too light and didn't pack well. Yesterday's snow, however, was wetter and better to pack.
So I finally got released to play in the snow!! I had to beg and cajole, but M finally bundled me up in my warm clothes, found me a pair of snow pants that fit, and out we went.
Glorious!
We made a snowman that was about 4 feet tall, with a big nose and three mohawks for hair.
We then made snow angels in the backyard, went for a walk up to the school at the top of the hill, and then I shoveled snow off the back porch and front walk. One thing I did learn, walking, playing, and shoveling snow is tiring.
But what fun! *happy dance
Her brother came over and we then went to a get-together with M's mom's side of the family. I hoped, and M feared, that her mom would show, but she never did. But the rest of her family was nice and amiable.
Today is Christmas and we got up and opened our gifts to each other. I did manage to surprise her a little, about which she was worried (to her, the surprise is the important part-- I just like ripping open packages). She got me incredibly thoughtful and nice gifts, and reacted very positively to the gifts I brought for her.
Her younger brother showed up after that (so the after gift opening necking had to be put on hold), and I made breakfast for everyone and then he opened his gifts and M opened some family gifts. They are currently off visiting with their grandfather on their mom's side.
We are gearing up for cooking Christmas dinner for her father, grandfather, brother, and us. I've only done a turkey once before on my own and have helped my mom on occasion. But that is my task for today. M will prepare the mashed potatoes and veggies.
Good times. I'm happy I'm here.
Although, in the back of my mind, I wonder about Julie-- the woman who is taking care of my cat. I emailed her asking how it is going and I have not heard anything.
December 23, 2005
Snow!
This is what M's Front and back yards looked like yesterday:
(sorry, the one got rotated and doesn't want to rotate back)
This is what M's front and back yards look like at 9am this morning:
The Weather Channel says 5 cm of accumulation today.
You can't imagine the smile on my face seeing real snow and real snow fall! Remind me of this glee in a few days when I blog about how miserably cold and wet I am.
(sorry, the one got rotated and doesn't want to rotate back)
This is what M's front and back yards look like at 9am this morning:
The Weather Channel says 5 cm of accumulation today.
You can't imagine the smile on my face seeing real snow and real snow fall! Remind me of this glee in a few days when I blog about how miserably cold and wet I am.
December 22, 2005
Couch... from Hell!
I have never been a napper. Even as a small child, when the kindergarten or first grade teachers would schedule a nap, I didn't nap. I sat or laid quietly, or read, or played until the others were done. The only time in my life I have ever napped is when sick.
M has a couch. This couch, or demon spawn, whatever, has this weird pull on me. Tuesday, after arriving and M going back to work, I sat on the couch. Next thing I knew, she was arriving home. Then Wednesday, I sat down there to wait for her to come home because I knew we were heading off to her father's for dinner... and she startled me awake when she opened the door!
Now, granted, both days I was pretty tired from the traveling and the getting used to the time change. Yesterday I also had a pretty bad headache.
Today, however, I feel well-rested, in full grasp of all my faculties, healthy and happy. I decided I was done with my chores for the day and that I would go out and either read a little or watch some TV. I sat down on the couch, feeling just fine thank-you-very-much, and I almost immediately start nodding off, like I'm some senior citizen in the rec room as Murder, She Wrote comes on, or like Dorothy traipsing through the poppy fields. This couch is a powerful, deep magic-- wise to the ways of sleep and its pull is strong!
I have determined for the rest of my stay here I should not sit on that couch unattended. I obviously need a chaperone to survive its deadly, irresistible pull!
Hmmm... I wonder if this is the couch that traps Andy Capp and Dagwood in all those cartoon strips?
It is evil, I tell you; evil!
M has a couch. This couch, or demon spawn, whatever, has this weird pull on me. Tuesday, after arriving and M going back to work, I sat on the couch. Next thing I knew, she was arriving home. Then Wednesday, I sat down there to wait for her to come home because I knew we were heading off to her father's for dinner... and she startled me awake when she opened the door!
Now, granted, both days I was pretty tired from the traveling and the getting used to the time change. Yesterday I also had a pretty bad headache.
Today, however, I feel well-rested, in full grasp of all my faculties, healthy and happy. I decided I was done with my chores for the day and that I would go out and either read a little or watch some TV. I sat down on the couch, feeling just fine thank-you-very-much, and I almost immediately start nodding off, like I'm some senior citizen in the rec room as Murder, She Wrote comes on, or like Dorothy traipsing through the poppy fields. This couch is a powerful, deep magic-- wise to the ways of sleep and its pull is strong!
I have determined for the rest of my stay here I should not sit on that couch unattended. I obviously need a chaperone to survive its deadly, irresistible pull!
Hmmm... I wonder if this is the couch that traps Andy Capp and Dagwood in all those cartoon strips?
It is evil, I tell you; evil!
Dehydration and Slave Labor!
Ok, the thing I'm having some trouble with is the dehydration. I'm in a colder place, I'm staying indoors for the most part, and yet I am even more dehydrated than in the desert, where I am habitually dehydrated. What gives?
I recognize that the fire/stove is producing a different kind of heat than I am used to and is very drying, but I spend most of my time upstairs.
It got so bad this morning that shortly after M left for work, I got a nose bleed! Sheesh. Glad it cleared up before her dad stopped by-- he might have thought I was being abused! ;-)
Anyway, note to self: drink a LOT more liquids.
Seem to be making decent headway with my Honey-do list. As I am on vacation and don't want to rush through anything, I am not hitting it as hard as I could, spending some time reading, watching TV, and just relaxing between chores. M seems happy with the quantity and quality of work so far, so I guess I'm pacing myself well. Then again, maybe she's chafing to add even more stuff to the list!
I already feel my legs and butt responding to the staircase. What with tending the fire and having to visit the stock room fairly often for things (both related to my chores and for general goods/needs), my legs are getting a workout! Plus, M’s home is so much bigger than my dinky apartment. The sheer fact that it is more than 10 steps to everything (as it is in my apartment), means I’m getting more exercise!
We had dinner with M’s dad, grandfather, and some distant relatives last night. Good stuff. I ate some salmon, which was ok (not really a fish person), and talked hunting. I bet my dad would really love to talk rifles and hunting with M’s family. I used to hunt, and was actually quite good at it back then, but never really had the desire to pursue it. I know that irritated my father a bit, as it was something we shared and could bond over. Plus, he recognized I had some innate talent in shooting that I know he wanted to cultivate (he is an award-winning shooter and helps run the range on the Marine Corps Base). But that just wasn’t for me, really. I do still own some guns and do like to take them out to the range on occasion, but it is not the passion for me that it is for him.
After dinner, M and I managed to manhandle the Christmas tree into the house and up on the base. It is even mostly straight. Tonight we plan to decorate it and get set up for the Christmas party tomorrow. Should be fun as I haven’t decorated a tree in… 10 years? Maybe longer. My sister was always the one who really liked the decorating. Mom and I were a bit less enthusiastic, so, once sister left home, we didn’t make nearly the big deal that sister did. Of course, if sister would visit us at Christmas, I’m sure we would break out the bulbs and lights! (Sorry, sis, I seem to have a hint stuck in my throat!)
This has been a great start to the vacation. I look forward to the change of pace that is forthcoming, where we visit with friends and family over the holidays. But I’ll admit—I think my favorite moments are the quiet ones alone with M, just curled up on the couch watching a movie.
Yes, I know I’m a sappy SOB. Deal with it! ;-)
December 21, 2005
Monster
Since I don't drink coffee at all, let alone Starbucks, and I know of no corn fields around which I can lurk, I think the results are somewhat suspect. But good for a laugh.
| Your Monster Profile |
 Twisted Hunter You Feast On: Starbucks You Lurk Around In: Corn Fields You Especially Like to Torment: Crybabies |
December 20, 2005
Made it...
I am on the cold, ice-covered ground. I am at M's house and unpacked.
The first flight wound up being ok, all things considered (I was flying, after all!). We were pretty late arriving, though, landing at 6:49 am when we were scheduled to land at 6:11. Had some people's luggage make the flight without the people. So off their luggage had to go! My just-over-an-hour-to-clear-customs-and-make-my-connection had turned into about 30 minutes of frantic scurrying. However, being the "old pro" at it by now (yeah, right!) I actually helped a few people make it to the right area to take the tram to Terminal 1 (no one believes you have to go that far, and the wall through which you must walk to reach security looks like a dead end with a door in it). I was late enough that they weren't sure they would get my bags with me on the plane (but they did).
I also experienced my first blast of the Great White North as I stepped out of Terminal 2 to take the shuttle and slammed right into -9 celsius temperature. And there was this funny white stuff floating serenely to the ground. I tried to capture some for further analysis, but it refused all attempts by dissolving in my hand.
Needless to say, this stuff scared me and I put on my toque (thanx Mare) and zipped up my fleece jacket.
The last flight was ok, too, all things considered. There was really only one thing- my compatriot was fairly overweight and the plane and seats were small. I was more intimate with her than I cared to be. But that flight was only about 80 minutes long, so I just read the enRoute magazine. I'm not a big guy, I can handle that.
M's first comment as I made my way into the Saint John airport was, "You look cold!" I sort of collapsed into a hug with her and breathed a stuttering, "Yeah."
I managed to get some sleep on the first leg of the trip, so I don't feel as zoned as I did at Halloween. However, I've mostly been up since 7 am yesterday, it is 2 pm now, and I am feeling the stress of the flight and the anxiousness of wanting to be here disappear and a happy, tired calm has replaced it.
I'm with M and all is right with the world now.
(does happy dance, even though M hates when I do the happy dance!)
The first flight wound up being ok, all things considered (I was flying, after all!). We were pretty late arriving, though, landing at 6:49 am when we were scheduled to land at 6:11. Had some people's luggage make the flight without the people. So off their luggage had to go! My just-over-an-hour-to-clear-customs-and-make-my-connection had turned into about 30 minutes of frantic scurrying. However, being the "old pro" at it by now (yeah, right!) I actually helped a few people make it to the right area to take the tram to Terminal 1 (no one believes you have to go that far, and the wall through which you must walk to reach security looks like a dead end with a door in it). I was late enough that they weren't sure they would get my bags with me on the plane (but they did).
I also experienced my first blast of the Great White North as I stepped out of Terminal 2 to take the shuttle and slammed right into -9 celsius temperature. And there was this funny white stuff floating serenely to the ground. I tried to capture some for further analysis, but it refused all attempts by dissolving in my hand.
Needless to say, this stuff scared me and I put on my toque (thanx Mare) and zipped up my fleece jacket.
The last flight was ok, too, all things considered. There was really only one thing- my compatriot was fairly overweight and the plane and seats were small. I was more intimate with her than I cared to be. But that flight was only about 80 minutes long, so I just read the enRoute magazine. I'm not a big guy, I can handle that.
M's first comment as I made my way into the Saint John airport was, "You look cold!" I sort of collapsed into a hug with her and breathed a stuttering, "Yeah."
I managed to get some sleep on the first leg of the trip, so I don't feel as zoned as I did at Halloween. However, I've mostly been up since 7 am yesterday, it is 2 pm now, and I am feeling the stress of the flight and the anxiousness of wanting to be here disappear and a happy, tired calm has replaced it.
I'm with M and all is right with the world now.
(does happy dance, even though M hates when I do the happy dance!)
December 19, 2005
Waiting...
I'm all packed, just waiting for my ride to get here so we can head off to LAX.
Feel a bit better this time, as I've done it before. But still hate flying.
May not update this much while I'm gone, so Happy Christmas and New Year.
Feel a bit better this time, as I've done it before. But still hate flying.
May not update this much while I'm gone, so Happy Christmas and New Year.
December 16, 2005
Idle Thoughts for a Friday
1. Will this day never end?
2. This has been the longest week on record.
3. Normally I would be starting my Xmas shopping this weekend. Instead of being primarily done with just a couple of nicknacks left to get.
4. I wish we had bowled on Wednesday rather than doing a makeup tomorrow-- I may need those three hours!
5. The guy in the parking lot of Albertsons at lunch has to know everyone thinks he's gay. You can't wear an open, plaid, flannel shirt over a t-shirt, with cut-off jeans shorts (that are way too short), and steel-toed work boots with white socks without having everyone's "gay" stereotype alert go off. From the looks of others in that parking lot, I wasn't the only one thinking that.
6. Should have sold my company stock two months ago, when it was worth $4k more than it is now. *sigh
7. It is going to be so freaking cold in Canada-- colder than any cold I've ever been in.
8. I hope M realizes I'm trying. This is not my favorite time of year (understatement) and I'm not used to someone who actually cares about surprises or expects them.
9. Why is Kermit the Frog riding a bike and singing "Rainbow Connection" stuck in my head? It's not like I've seen The Muppet Movie recently!
10. I want to see King Kong, but 3 hours? The LotR movies were worth 3 hours (plus). Not sure King Kong is.
2. This has been the longest week on record.
3. Normally I would be starting my Xmas shopping this weekend. Instead of being primarily done with just a couple of nicknacks left to get.
4. I wish we had bowled on Wednesday rather than doing a makeup tomorrow-- I may need those three hours!
5. The guy in the parking lot of Albertsons at lunch has to know everyone thinks he's gay. You can't wear an open, plaid, flannel shirt over a t-shirt, with cut-off jeans shorts (that are way too short), and steel-toed work boots with white socks without having everyone's "gay" stereotype alert go off. From the looks of others in that parking lot, I wasn't the only one thinking that.
6. Should have sold my company stock two months ago, when it was worth $4k more than it is now. *sigh
7. It is going to be so freaking cold in Canada-- colder than any cold I've ever been in.
8. I hope M realizes I'm trying. This is not my favorite time of year (understatement) and I'm not used to someone who actually cares about surprises or expects them.
9. Why is Kermit the Frog riding a bike and singing "Rainbow Connection" stuck in my head? It's not like I've seen The Muppet Movie recently!
10. I want to see King Kong, but 3 hours? The LotR movies were worth 3 hours (plus). Not sure King Kong is.
December 15, 2005
Candy Cane Tootsie Pops
Renee, my boss, brought in a bag of Candy Cane Tootsie Pops. They are peppermint candy cane flavored/textured coating surrounding the usual Tootsie Roll center of all Tootsie Pops. I was hesitant to try them, at first, but her coaxing and my sweet tooth won out and I had one.
I am now seriously considering buying her a new bag of them before the Holiday treat is gone because I have had so many of them! The mixture of the mint and the chocolate is quite tasty. Plus, the peppermint flavor just sort of makes me happy.
If you like mint and Tootsie Rolls (not everyone likes the chocolate flavor of a Tootsie Roll), I recommend you seek out a bag of these treats and try one.
I am now seriously considering buying her a new bag of them before the Holiday treat is gone because I have had so many of them! The mixture of the mint and the chocolate is quite tasty. Plus, the peppermint flavor just sort of makes me happy.
If you like mint and Tootsie Rolls (not everyone likes the chocolate flavor of a Tootsie Roll), I recommend you seek out a bag of these treats and try one.
Separation of Church and State
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
Above is the entire First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. That’s it, folks. I have emphasized the part dealing with the concept of “separation of church and state” because, once again during this very Christian time of the year, we are hearing from Christian groups who just simply don’t get the separation of church and state issue and are trying to make it into something it isn’t.
In simple layman’s terms, the government cannot start or favor a religion and they cannot stop you from practicing any religion you want (unless that religion infringes on other rights granted in the Constitution or Bill of Rights). The framers of the Constitution did this because America was primarily founded by those fleeing religious persecution and the Founding Fathers didn’t want anyone in America subjected to that same persecution here. Remember that England, Spain, France, Russia, most of the Middle East, and many eastern countries were (and still are, in many cases) ruled by governments with direct ties to centralized religion or were officially considered Theocracies. For example, in the 1500s, the Church of England separated itself from the Roman Catholic Church and the King established himself as the church leader. People who practiced other religions (especially Roman Catholics) were legally persecuted for those practices and this helped lead to mass migration to the New World. The Middle East still has Theocracies ruling many nations or strongly religious majorities that persecute religious minorities—we’ve heard all about the acts of violence against the Kurds, women, Sunni’s, Shiites, and other religious groups through that region.
The simplest way to make sure our government does not establish a religion, give special treatment to one religion over all others, or stop you from practicing whatever religion you want, is to “separate” government from religion. Over time, this evolved into meaning that the government avoids religious doctrine, comment, displays, or anything else that could show favoritism or prejudice toward one religion over another.
I am granting that America is predominantly Christian. The statistics I can find indicate that somewhere around 80-85% of Americans fall within some form of Christian belief (but only about 60% are affiliated with an established religious group or church). And it is primarily Christians who are vocal about separation of church and state issues. I am also granting that a certain level of Christian doctrine has inculcated the society and shows up on our money, in our pledges and in our practices, and other parts of life. Actually, it is primarily because of this predominance by one religion that we need this Amendment and must enforce it with due diligence.
When most of these religious groups complain about something relating to separation of church and state, what they are really complaining about is that THEIR (Christian) religion should be allowed, and they forget about the wide range of minority religions in this country with very different beliefs, rites, and needs. When they argue that prayer should be allowed in school, for example, they mean Christian prayer. They forget that if prayer is allowed in school, that has to allow the Muslims to pray five times a day facing east, Wiccans should be allowed to perform their nature ceremonies (some of which can and do involve nudity), and other, non-Christian styles of praying. Of course, as long as you do not disrupt the environment or others with your prayer, there is no reason why you cannot pray in a public school now. You just cannot do it in an established way (which would promote your religion), during official school time (but you could prior to, after, or during the various breaks between classes), or in a way that infringes on someone else’s religious freedoms. I am not even speaking to non-religious people’s rights to avoid seeing religion altogether.
The phrase “Happy Holidays” is an inclusive statement. It includes those who are celebrating Ramadan, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and other religious rites that fall during this period. “Merry Christmas” is not inclusive—it only serves those of a Christian faith. A privately owned company can feel free to have a “Christmas Party” and to put a “Merry Christmas” banner up; however, most companies do not want to limit themselves like that. Most businesses WANT to be more inclusive to their employees and their patrons—and “Happy Holidays” banners and “Holiday Parties” allow for more inclusion—and more sales/business.
By separating the Church from the State, our government lets all of its people practice their religion, no matter what it is. By staying out of the religion business, our government keeps from showing favoritism toward any one religion which lowers the chances of religious persecution for people who don’t practice that religion. It avoids the situations that have evolved in other countries where a religious majority has killed religious minorities, seized their assets, and otherwise driven those religions out or into hiding. It also provides for the maximum religious freedoms for the maximum number of people.
The next time you hear someone expounding on the problems caused by separation of church and state in this country stop and ask yourself: What does that person really want? Who is he serving? Is he being inclusive or exclusive of other ideologies and religions? Is he allowing for the greatest freedom for the greatest number of people?
Whenever someone argues to end the separation of church and state in this country, they are really advocating the advent of formalized religious persecution by the Christian majority over all other religions (and those who are nonreligious). It is a dangerous path, and one against which we must fight, using, first and foremost, the other rights granted in the First Amendment—freedom of speech to point out this grievance, freedom of assembly to speak about and call attention to the situation, and redress the government for grievances against other religions and people, as they happen.
Above is the entire First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. That’s it, folks. I have emphasized the part dealing with the concept of “separation of church and state” because, once again during this very Christian time of the year, we are hearing from Christian groups who just simply don’t get the separation of church and state issue and are trying to make it into something it isn’t.
In simple layman’s terms, the government cannot start or favor a religion and they cannot stop you from practicing any religion you want (unless that religion infringes on other rights granted in the Constitution or Bill of Rights). The framers of the Constitution did this because America was primarily founded by those fleeing religious persecution and the Founding Fathers didn’t want anyone in America subjected to that same persecution here. Remember that England, Spain, France, Russia, most of the Middle East, and many eastern countries were (and still are, in many cases) ruled by governments with direct ties to centralized religion or were officially considered Theocracies. For example, in the 1500s, the Church of England separated itself from the Roman Catholic Church and the King established himself as the church leader. People who practiced other religions (especially Roman Catholics) were legally persecuted for those practices and this helped lead to mass migration to the New World. The Middle East still has Theocracies ruling many nations or strongly religious majorities that persecute religious minorities—we’ve heard all about the acts of violence against the Kurds, women, Sunni’s, Shiites, and other religious groups through that region.
The simplest way to make sure our government does not establish a religion, give special treatment to one religion over all others, or stop you from practicing whatever religion you want, is to “separate” government from religion. Over time, this evolved into meaning that the government avoids religious doctrine, comment, displays, or anything else that could show favoritism or prejudice toward one religion over another.
I am granting that America is predominantly Christian. The statistics I can find indicate that somewhere around 80-85% of Americans fall within some form of Christian belief (but only about 60% are affiliated with an established religious group or church). And it is primarily Christians who are vocal about separation of church and state issues. I am also granting that a certain level of Christian doctrine has inculcated the society and shows up on our money, in our pledges and in our practices, and other parts of life. Actually, it is primarily because of this predominance by one religion that we need this Amendment and must enforce it with due diligence.
When most of these religious groups complain about something relating to separation of church and state, what they are really complaining about is that THEIR (Christian) religion should be allowed, and they forget about the wide range of minority religions in this country with very different beliefs, rites, and needs. When they argue that prayer should be allowed in school, for example, they mean Christian prayer. They forget that if prayer is allowed in school, that has to allow the Muslims to pray five times a day facing east, Wiccans should be allowed to perform their nature ceremonies (some of which can and do involve nudity), and other, non-Christian styles of praying. Of course, as long as you do not disrupt the environment or others with your prayer, there is no reason why you cannot pray in a public school now. You just cannot do it in an established way (which would promote your religion), during official school time (but you could prior to, after, or during the various breaks between classes), or in a way that infringes on someone else’s religious freedoms. I am not even speaking to non-religious people’s rights to avoid seeing religion altogether.
The phrase “Happy Holidays” is an inclusive statement. It includes those who are celebrating Ramadan, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and other religious rites that fall during this period. “Merry Christmas” is not inclusive—it only serves those of a Christian faith. A privately owned company can feel free to have a “Christmas Party” and to put a “Merry Christmas” banner up; however, most companies do not want to limit themselves like that. Most businesses WANT to be more inclusive to their employees and their patrons—and “Happy Holidays” banners and “Holiday Parties” allow for more inclusion—and more sales/business.
By separating the Church from the State, our government lets all of its people practice their religion, no matter what it is. By staying out of the religion business, our government keeps from showing favoritism toward any one religion which lowers the chances of religious persecution for people who don’t practice that religion. It avoids the situations that have evolved in other countries where a religious majority has killed religious minorities, seized their assets, and otherwise driven those religions out or into hiding. It also provides for the maximum religious freedoms for the maximum number of people.
The next time you hear someone expounding on the problems caused by separation of church and state in this country stop and ask yourself: What does that person really want? Who is he serving? Is he being inclusive or exclusive of other ideologies and religions? Is he allowing for the greatest freedom for the greatest number of people?
Whenever someone argues to end the separation of church and state in this country, they are really advocating the advent of formalized religious persecution by the Christian majority over all other religions (and those who are nonreligious). It is a dangerous path, and one against which we must fight, using, first and foremost, the other rights granted in the First Amendment—freedom of speech to point out this grievance, freedom of assembly to speak about and call attention to the situation, and redress the government for grievances against other religions and people, as they happen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)