Z tagged me with a meme, and I always complete my meme responsibilities, even while on vacation! So here it goes!
a. Four places I go over and over again:
1) School. Getting kids to school in the morning and picking them up in the afternoon. Preschool requires a drive; elementary school requires a walk.
2) She-ra's house. She feeds me, she gives me wine, so why not?
3) Starbuckies. Bad habits can be oh so hard to break.
4) My garden. Some days I just go and pace, wander, walk. I just need my time out there.
Four people who mail me regularly:
This is sad. I don't have too many "personal" people I connect with with a special regularity.
1) She-ra. Yes, I know she lives only a mile away. Sometimes email works.
2) Freecycle group digest mails.
3) My students for one reason or another, and blog readers with comments on my blog.
4) Anu Garg, with her Word-a-Day digest.
Four of my favorite places to eat, (apart from home):
1) Arties. And family (Coastal Flats, Sweetwater Tavern, etc.)
2) CPK. Killer salads, love the Margarita Neapolitan pizza.
3) La Tolteca. Authentic Mexican by Mexicans, not Hondurans or Salvadoreans.
4) Bombay Bistro. Love my Indian food.
Four places I'd rather be now.
This is hard because I'm on vacation at my friend's house, but I'll speak in general terms:
1) Perú.
2) Sitting in an outdoor natural hot spring in volcanic mountainous central Japan.
3) With friends drinking wine or coffee or tea...depending on the time of day.
4) Skiing.
Four favorite TV shows:
I don't watch too much TV. But here it goes:
1) Gray's Anatomy. I really need my smut fix.
2) AFV. The kids LOVE the funny videos and I love sharing the laughter and joy they get out of others' misfortunes...!!
3) The Electric Company. Grew up with it, those shows were awesome.
4) Three's Company. I loved that show. The Ropers rocked. John Ritter was a talented man.
Four movies I would watch over and over again.
1) Fantasia. Only the original...the 2nd isn't as good.
2) Foreign films that I use in class, like Motorcycle Diaries, La historia oficial, etc.
3) Japanese films like Tampopo, Kappa, etc. No samurai flicks.
4) Other good foreign movies, I suppose, or things I can relate to like Lost in Translation, or that can evoke memories, like At Play in the Fields of the Lord.
Four people I would like to tag:
We all know how tough this is!!!
1) She-ra! (since she's been mentioned so much here!)
2) The Exception
3) Old Crone
4) Harrassed Single Mom
Have fun, y'all!
Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta memes. Mostrar todas las entradas
Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta memes. Mostrar todas las entradas
martes, 30 de diciembre de 2008
jueves, 18 de diciembre de 2008
mindless meanderings
Citizen of the World had been tagged in a certain "99 experiences" meme and I decided to follow suit. A little mindless memory scan wouldn't hurt at this point in the game, anyway.
And maybe, just maybe, I'll actually sleep tonight! I am to put into boldface those experiences had. I don't think I will elaborate...unless questioned about something...
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch-hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon (I speed-walked one, not ran...?)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp (but have met various survivors, including Elie Wiesel)
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt (ha! right, me?)
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life (I once had to Heimlich my sister who was choking... Does that count? How does one know the life would have been lost otherwise??)
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit.
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
I can think of some other good ones, but it wasn't my meme. I guess I've done a lot...and there are things on that list you will NEVER read of me doing!
If interested, go on ahead and let me know! Feel free to elaborate as much or as little as you wish...Citizen elaborated and accented hers beautifully with some select photos!
And maybe, just maybe, I'll actually sleep tonight! I am to put into boldface those experiences had. I don't think I will elaborate...unless questioned about something...
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch-hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon (I speed-walked one, not ran...?)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp (but have met various survivors, including Elie Wiesel)
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt (ha! right, me?)
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life (I once had to Heimlich my sister who was choking... Does that count? How does one know the life would have been lost otherwise??)
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit.
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
I can think of some other good ones, but it wasn't my meme. I guess I've done a lot...and there are things on that list you will NEVER read of me doing!
If interested, go on ahead and let me know! Feel free to elaborate as much or as little as you wish...Citizen elaborated and accented hers beautifully with some select photos!
martes, 9 de diciembre de 2008
My letter V
The Exception tagged me on a letter meme that has had my head a-spinning! This is, indeed, a challenge, but an incrediby fun exercise!
She bestowed upon me the letter v.
Now to think of ten things that I love that begin with the letter v. If you leave me a comment, I will give you a randomly chosen letter in turn.
So: on to v!
1. V is for my violin, my first true love, my first traveling companion. My violin took me to Japan my first time, to All State Orchestra, and accompanied me throughout a youth filled with learning and loving in the purest sense. My virgin mind wrote a poem extolling my violin when I was but in high school, as an instrument of my love, through which this love shone forth in both a physical manifestation and an emotional outlet. My violin taught me self-discipline; I was self-taught on the violin and am proud that all I accomplished on my violin was due to my own hard work. I miss my violin--my fingers have lost their training but my heart has not lost the love.
2. V is for my voyages. I am a traveler. I have been to, not counting mere airport layovers, twenty-four countries, twenty-three of which before I turned 30. I have lived (long enough to have to change my visa) in Europe, South America and Asia. I have learned to respect the beliefs and the ways of life of so many who live in such a different way than the over-indulgent way North Americans tend to live, which has created in me a desire for much more simplicity in my life. When I sit for too long without traveling, I become extremely restless; my voyages are good for my soul.
3. V is for vivacity. I am extremely attracted to that quality in people and try as hard as I can to maintain my vivacity of spirit even when I feel beaten down by Life.
4. V is for Vegas. And the only reason I love Vegas is because my sister and her family lives there (as well as an old college roomie) and I have grown to love and really look forward to our once yearly visits.
5. V is for violets. Apart from adoring the vibrancy of violet, my imperfect lawn is filled with violets in the springtime. What most would consider a terrible plague infecting their grass, I adore the deep blue, purple and white violets that come out as a sure sign of spring. My children pick them and make me bouquets with these violets, which I put into mini-vases and decorate our tabletop with these springtime treasures.
6. V is for Vienna. It is the name of my town, that which I now call home. It surprises me, to be honest, that this would pop into my mind as I meditate upon this exercise. I have grown to love Vienna because this is the home my children know, and because my dearest adult friends live here. However, Vienna has also permitted me to follow a dream I never considered possible, that of starting my own school and even writing my own textbook, and I think there are few places where there would actually be an active market for what I do that is not already saturated by community college or other community outreach classes.
7. V is for vanilla, my most preferred candle scent and a most necessary ingredient in most Holiday baking recipes. I find the smell of vanilla intoxicating; it fills me with memories and warmth.
8. V is for variety. I become quickly bored with routine, and even if not capable of getting myself out of the daily routine, I seek out people who can grace my life with variety in some fashion--be it an impromptu coffee once in a while, a spontaneous drop-in at the house, or just a telephone conversation that makes me interrupt my norm/rut.
9. V is for velvet. I find the sensous feeling of that particular fabric glorious against my skin. My favorite dress is black velvet with a Chinese collar; unfortunately, I never have ocassion to wear it as I never go out! Velvet makes me feel like royalty. I love to feel like a queen.
10. V is for vicuña…after all, that is what I am. Even my latin name (Lama vicugna) tells you--I am Mama Llama, domesticated version of the wild vicuña that roam the Andean highlands and that give us such versatile wools to weave into sweaters or scarves, that keeps us so warm. They are sturdy, hearty, strong creatures that can handle the hardships of life on the altiplano and that give such comfort through their wool to others.
Funny, now that the floodgates have been opened, I can think of a variety of v variants that command my attentions.
She bestowed upon me the letter v.
Now to think of ten things that I love that begin with the letter v. If you leave me a comment, I will give you a randomly chosen letter in turn.
So: on to v!
1. V is for my violin, my first true love, my first traveling companion. My violin took me to Japan my first time, to All State Orchestra, and accompanied me throughout a youth filled with learning and loving in the purest sense. My virgin mind wrote a poem extolling my violin when I was but in high school, as an instrument of my love, through which this love shone forth in both a physical manifestation and an emotional outlet. My violin taught me self-discipline; I was self-taught on the violin and am proud that all I accomplished on my violin was due to my own hard work. I miss my violin--my fingers have lost their training but my heart has not lost the love.
2. V is for my voyages. I am a traveler. I have been to, not counting mere airport layovers, twenty-four countries, twenty-three of which before I turned 30. I have lived (long enough to have to change my visa) in Europe, South America and Asia. I have learned to respect the beliefs and the ways of life of so many who live in such a different way than the over-indulgent way North Americans tend to live, which has created in me a desire for much more simplicity in my life. When I sit for too long without traveling, I become extremely restless; my voyages are good for my soul.
3. V is for vivacity. I am extremely attracted to that quality in people and try as hard as I can to maintain my vivacity of spirit even when I feel beaten down by Life.
4. V is for Vegas. And the only reason I love Vegas is because my sister and her family lives there (as well as an old college roomie) and I have grown to love and really look forward to our once yearly visits.
5. V is for violets. Apart from adoring the vibrancy of violet, my imperfect lawn is filled with violets in the springtime. What most would consider a terrible plague infecting their grass, I adore the deep blue, purple and white violets that come out as a sure sign of spring. My children pick them and make me bouquets with these violets, which I put into mini-vases and decorate our tabletop with these springtime treasures.
6. V is for Vienna. It is the name of my town, that which I now call home. It surprises me, to be honest, that this would pop into my mind as I meditate upon this exercise. I have grown to love Vienna because this is the home my children know, and because my dearest adult friends live here. However, Vienna has also permitted me to follow a dream I never considered possible, that of starting my own school and even writing my own textbook, and I think there are few places where there would actually be an active market for what I do that is not already saturated by community college or other community outreach classes.
7. V is for vanilla, my most preferred candle scent and a most necessary ingredient in most Holiday baking recipes. I find the smell of vanilla intoxicating; it fills me with memories and warmth.
8. V is for variety. I become quickly bored with routine, and even if not capable of getting myself out of the daily routine, I seek out people who can grace my life with variety in some fashion--be it an impromptu coffee once in a while, a spontaneous drop-in at the house, or just a telephone conversation that makes me interrupt my norm/rut.
9. V is for velvet. I find the sensous feeling of that particular fabric glorious against my skin. My favorite dress is black velvet with a Chinese collar; unfortunately, I never have ocassion to wear it as I never go out! Velvet makes me feel like royalty. I love to feel like a queen.
10. V is for vicuña…after all, that is what I am. Even my latin name (Lama vicugna) tells you--I am Mama Llama, domesticated version of the wild vicuña that roam the Andean highlands and that give us such versatile wools to weave into sweaters or scarves, that keeps us so warm. They are sturdy, hearty, strong creatures that can handle the hardships of life on the altiplano and that give such comfort through their wool to others.
Funny, now that the floodgates have been opened, I can think of a variety of v variants that command my attentions.
domingo, 23 de noviembre de 2008
In Thanksgiving
This week we in the United States, as well as our citizens scattered throughout the world, celebrate Thanksgiving. Tradition calls for the turkey, cranberries, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and a plethora of fattening delicacies that, as tradition also mandates, we are to enjoy guilt-free regardless of how we might later pay for such indulgences.
Albeit something I ought to practice more readily in my life, I also find myself forced to slow down and reflect on all I have to be thankful for. This is a hard time of year for me in that blood-line family is located so far away that it is pretty much impossible for holidays to be spent together. The cold, dark weather always draws me into hibernation mode. Heartache that is inevitable with the dark memories surrounding my father's death at Christmastime also seeks me out no matter how hard I might try to hide from it. Two close friends both have their fathers critically hospitalized right now, both as of this week; it seems that others are starting to catch up and, although I want to be able to do what I so needed from others when my father died, I am finding it emotionally impossible for me to do anything but pray for the well-being of all involved.
Perhaps selfish, but I just cannot put myself through the wrenching emotions it all causes deep in my soul. At least their fathers got to know their grandchildren, have relationships with them and see them grow into beautiful young people while developing adult relationships with their own children. Much like me and both my grandfathers, my children never knew their grandfather. He was days away from receiving his first retirement check when he died. The two fathers now hospitalized are much older and have lived a much more complete life. Yes, it is sad but they have also come much closer to living our socially-defined full cycle of life. Yes, I think it's unfair, because I am selfish. But I also recognize Life is unfair and there isn't anything I can do about that. It all just hits too close to home for me still. So I stay my distance.
Funny how strong we can convince ourselves we are, but when said strength is tried our weaknesses shine forth with greater force.
*---*
I spent the weekend completely engaged with the little monkeys! As my weekends are currently running a Friday-Saturday schedule with Sunday-Thursday students, I do the best I can to maximize our time together on Friday evening as soon as Princesita is home from school. This time spent together made me reflect actively on the deep gratitude I feel for so much in my life. This will be my serious list, due to the tone of the post. In a couple of days I will then post my not-so-serious Thanksgiving list when I have a bit less work and a bit more cranberries and stuffing on my mind.
What am I thankful for? No elaboration needed:
My beautiful children
My God
My friends
My garden
My family
My health
My home
My business
My students
My talents to make this happen for me
My opportunities
My cat
The food on my table
Enough money to live on
Warmth
Music
Love
Peace
My emotions
All of you, some who come and go and others who stay and 'virtually' complete my life
The most sincere of Thanksgiving wishes, warmth, blessings and love, from Mama Llama to YOU!
Albeit something I ought to practice more readily in my life, I also find myself forced to slow down and reflect on all I have to be thankful for. This is a hard time of year for me in that blood-line family is located so far away that it is pretty much impossible for holidays to be spent together. The cold, dark weather always draws me into hibernation mode. Heartache that is inevitable with the dark memories surrounding my father's death at Christmastime also seeks me out no matter how hard I might try to hide from it. Two close friends both have their fathers critically hospitalized right now, both as of this week; it seems that others are starting to catch up and, although I want to be able to do what I so needed from others when my father died, I am finding it emotionally impossible for me to do anything but pray for the well-being of all involved.
Perhaps selfish, but I just cannot put myself through the wrenching emotions it all causes deep in my soul. At least their fathers got to know their grandchildren, have relationships with them and see them grow into beautiful young people while developing adult relationships with their own children. Much like me and both my grandfathers, my children never knew their grandfather. He was days away from receiving his first retirement check when he died. The two fathers now hospitalized are much older and have lived a much more complete life. Yes, it is sad but they have also come much closer to living our socially-defined full cycle of life. Yes, I think it's unfair, because I am selfish. But I also recognize Life is unfair and there isn't anything I can do about that. It all just hits too close to home for me still. So I stay my distance.
Funny how strong we can convince ourselves we are, but when said strength is tried our weaknesses shine forth with greater force.
*---*
I spent the weekend completely engaged with the little monkeys! As my weekends are currently running a Friday-Saturday schedule with Sunday-Thursday students, I do the best I can to maximize our time together on Friday evening as soon as Princesita is home from school. This time spent together made me reflect actively on the deep gratitude I feel for so much in my life. This will be my serious list, due to the tone of the post. In a couple of days I will then post my not-so-serious Thanksgiving list when I have a bit less work and a bit more cranberries and stuffing on my mind.
What am I thankful for? No elaboration needed:
My beautiful children
My God
My friends
My garden
My family
My health
My home
My business
My students
My talents to make this happen for me
My opportunities
My cat
The food on my table
Enough money to live on
Warmth
Music
Love
Peace
My emotions
All of you, some who come and go and others who stay and 'virtually' complete my life
The most sincere of Thanksgiving wishes, warmth, blessings and love, from Mama Llama to YOU!
martes, 4 de noviembre de 2008
dona nobis pacem
Dona nobis pacem
September, 1992
Belén, Ecuador
An old chapel built into the side of a mountain in this Andean town located on the picturesque road leading to Cuenca caught our eyes when we stopped to take a rest on the long drive from Guayaquil. A beautiful stone-colored dome sat atop the main edifice; it was unlike the many very colonial structures we had seen in the city.
We entered, quietly, carefully, always as if our gringo steps were as awkward in such places as they were on the dance floors of the discoteques when surrounded by suave latino feet.
The altar was stunning in that the backdrop was literally the wall of the mountain; indeed, the church had been build into the mountain, as if a most natural extension of God’s creation, not an ostentatious display of Catholic riches and worldly gold held as an offering to a Supreme Being that is supposed to see beyond such superficial shows.
I snapped my fingers in a mere test of acoustic quality. The echo of this simple sound reverbrated throughout the hall. Three of the seven of us were musically trained, in voice as well, and our eyes met. I began the rondo:
Noemí, our profesora/chaperone for this trip, sank into a pew in tears. The others sat, mesmerized by the beauty of our offering. We were certain we could be heard. This is the voice God would want to hear!
A great part of the lack of peace I feel in my life right now stems from the fact that I have no true music. I tried being involved in music at church, but my eyes were opened to a certain elitism that exists and to which those who participate are privy; namely, if what comes out of your mouth when you raise voice in honor to God is not worthy of God’s ears, then it is preferred that you shut your mouth and let the ones who know how to sing do it for you. I have let my violin’s bows go and they both are in desperate need of rehairing if I ever want to pick my beloved instrument up again. Time is hard to find, although easier now that I am working in the home. In my idealistic 20s, when I wanted to change the world and erase all ills, my purpose for playing or singing was much more outwardly focused than it is now. I feel that now I need music to assist me to feel the peace that I used to feel in my soul, to return to me an element of who I used to be and what took me so many places and permitted me to know and understand and learn on a level different than mere logic will take me.
Dona nobis pacem
Grant us peace. But I don’t need someone or something else to grant me this peace. I need to grant this to myself, to find my way and only in that way will I know true peace--of mind, of soul, of heart.
Dona nobis pacem. This was written for Blog Blast for Peace 2008. I am not savvy enough to come up with my own "seal" so I just use the one above. In my mind I sense peace when I look at that.
May you sense peace in your own way, in some way, today.
September, 1992
Belén, Ecuador
An old chapel built into the side of a mountain in this Andean town located on the picturesque road leading to Cuenca caught our eyes when we stopped to take a rest on the long drive from Guayaquil. A beautiful stone-colored dome sat atop the main edifice; it was unlike the many very colonial structures we had seen in the city.
We entered, quietly, carefully, always as if our gringo steps were as awkward in such places as they were on the dance floors of the discoteques when surrounded by suave latino feet.
The altar was stunning in that the backdrop was literally the wall of the mountain; indeed, the church had been build into the mountain, as if a most natural extension of God’s creation, not an ostentatious display of Catholic riches and worldly gold held as an offering to a Supreme Being that is supposed to see beyond such superficial shows.
I snapped my fingers in a mere test of acoustic quality. The echo of this simple sound reverbrated throughout the hall. Three of the seven of us were musically trained, in voice as well, and our eyes met. I began the rondo:
Dona nobis pacem, pacem
Dona nobis pacem.
B took up a tenor line when the rondo came to him, then A followed suit with the final third of the trio. We knew instinctively what to sing, what to do, the perfection of the tones and the resolution that particular round offers blending together in an echo that spiraled, slid up the mountainside, found its way up to the top of the dome.Dona nobis pacem.
Noemí, our profesora/chaperone for this trip, sank into a pew in tears. The others sat, mesmerized by the beauty of our offering. We were certain we could be heard. This is the voice God would want to hear!
Dona nobis pacem
The first time singing this refrain was in a mass concert that featured the Vienna Choir Boys, that I was honored to be a part of when I was in late elementary school. That was also the first time I can remember ever having felt truly moved in my soul by music. Music like that could create peace, I was then convinced.A great part of the lack of peace I feel in my life right now stems from the fact that I have no true music. I tried being involved in music at church, but my eyes were opened to a certain elitism that exists and to which those who participate are privy; namely, if what comes out of your mouth when you raise voice in honor to God is not worthy of God’s ears, then it is preferred that you shut your mouth and let the ones who know how to sing do it for you. I have let my violin’s bows go and they both are in desperate need of rehairing if I ever want to pick my beloved instrument up again. Time is hard to find, although easier now that I am working in the home. In my idealistic 20s, when I wanted to change the world and erase all ills, my purpose for playing or singing was much more outwardly focused than it is now. I feel that now I need music to assist me to feel the peace that I used to feel in my soul, to return to me an element of who I used to be and what took me so many places and permitted me to know and understand and learn on a level different than mere logic will take me.
Dona nobis pacem
Grant us peace. But I don’t need someone or something else to grant me this peace. I need to grant this to myself, to find my way and only in that way will I know true peace--of mind, of soul, of heart.
Dona nobis pacem. This was written for Blog Blast for Peace 2008. I am not savvy enough to come up with my own "seal" so I just use the one above. In my mind I sense peace when I look at that.
May you sense peace in your own way, in some way, today.
lunes, 27 de octubre de 2008
Part II: Animalistic sense
My second entry this week on yesterday's theme (don't worry ladies, I'm merely writing as the Spirit moves me--I do not have a planned writing for each day of the week!) has to do with what not only I but most women I have experienced when either bearing or having been a caregiver of young.
A heightened sense of awareness surrounds us when pregnant, as if our modern selves have assimilated a past trait, dormant until released by hormones, that creates in us an almost animalistic sense of who we are, what surrounds us and how we must protect that which grows deep inside of us. Some of us develop a very acute sense of smell, while others' hearing becomes extremely sensitive. I found myself wondering, at various points throughout my 2 1/3 pregnancies, how much of this was part of evolutionary design; just as our ancient relatives had to constantly be aware, sense danger, protect themselves from nature, flora and fauna that we present-day homo sapiens likewise have an innate sense of survival unlocked while childbearing. It was, in fact, the disappearance of this heightened sensitivity that signalled for me the end of the pregnancy I miscarried; my body told me it was over before modern medicine did.
My husband could not seem to comprehend this heightened sense of smell, as he would bring the stinkiest gyro sandwiches filled with onions, peppers and garlic; or organ meats grilled to perfection by his African classmates, and then wonder why I would run from the room with my hand over my mouth.
Just protecting me and my baby.
The basic senses return to normalcy following pregnancy, only to be replaced by learning to discern need from want from the tone of a cry, to be able to spot a lost child in a crowd of people and assist appropriately, and to become more patient toward children who cannot be quiet when inopportune to be, well, noisy children! Remember how loud we thought our newborns cried? Now we hear a newborn and think their cry is so tiny and precious, while we reassure the new parents that we are not bothered and that such a sound is so incomparable to what we now live with!
Our senses have adapted and evolved with our experiences.
I was reminded of this last night, when dining with my children in a small restaurant. A young child had cried out, squealing with what I heard was delight--I never even turned to look, as I didn't want the parents to feel they were bothering me. It was a family place, not a formal adult restaurant--taking setting into account, I could choose to go to a different place had I not wanted to be bothered by children's squeals. Yet my children had other opinions. Young Prince remarked, "Gee, it sure is noisy in here. Why is it so noisy in here?" while La Princesita, trained by her Mama Llama in tolerance etiquette, merely looked at her plate and continued eating silently ("When nothing nice to say, say nothing at all."). I explained with a siloloquy of reasons of which I am certain my 4 year old understood (or rather, listened to) 25%. However I knew, without even having to turn my head to look, that these were happy sounds.
This is not a gender-defined issue, but rather a skill that we all possess, some more inclined than others, and it is our choice to learn to hone this skill or not. We sense and, consequently, we learn and grow. Sometimes that is the key to survival.
A heightened sense of awareness surrounds us when pregnant, as if our modern selves have assimilated a past trait, dormant until released by hormones, that creates in us an almost animalistic sense of who we are, what surrounds us and how we must protect that which grows deep inside of us. Some of us develop a very acute sense of smell, while others' hearing becomes extremely sensitive. I found myself wondering, at various points throughout my 2 1/3 pregnancies, how much of this was part of evolutionary design; just as our ancient relatives had to constantly be aware, sense danger, protect themselves from nature, flora and fauna that we present-day homo sapiens likewise have an innate sense of survival unlocked while childbearing. It was, in fact, the disappearance of this heightened sensitivity that signalled for me the end of the pregnancy I miscarried; my body told me it was over before modern medicine did.
My husband could not seem to comprehend this heightened sense of smell, as he would bring the stinkiest gyro sandwiches filled with onions, peppers and garlic; or organ meats grilled to perfection by his African classmates, and then wonder why I would run from the room with my hand over my mouth.
Just protecting me and my baby.
The basic senses return to normalcy following pregnancy, only to be replaced by learning to discern need from want from the tone of a cry, to be able to spot a lost child in a crowd of people and assist appropriately, and to become more patient toward children who cannot be quiet when inopportune to be, well, noisy children! Remember how loud we thought our newborns cried? Now we hear a newborn and think their cry is so tiny and precious, while we reassure the new parents that we are not bothered and that such a sound is so incomparable to what we now live with!
Our senses have adapted and evolved with our experiences.
I was reminded of this last night, when dining with my children in a small restaurant. A young child had cried out, squealing with what I heard was delight--I never even turned to look, as I didn't want the parents to feel they were bothering me. It was a family place, not a formal adult restaurant--taking setting into account, I could choose to go to a different place had I not wanted to be bothered by children's squeals. Yet my children had other opinions. Young Prince remarked, "Gee, it sure is noisy in here. Why is it so noisy in here?" while La Princesita, trained by her Mama Llama in tolerance etiquette, merely looked at her plate and continued eating silently ("When nothing nice to say, say nothing at all."). I explained with a siloloquy of reasons of which I am certain my 4 year old understood (or rather, listened to) 25%. However I knew, without even having to turn my head to look, that these were happy sounds.
This is not a gender-defined issue, but rather a skill that we all possess, some more inclined than others, and it is our choice to learn to hone this skill or not. We sense and, consequently, we learn and grow. Sometimes that is the key to survival.
domingo, 26 de octubre de 2008
The ability to sense and learn new ways
The diamond-shaped girdle of Venus prominent on my right palm says that I have a very highly developed sixth sense. My Mars line is also prominent on both hands, dictating a high degree of sensitivity to my surroundings that is not only innate (left hand) but that I am living up to my potential (right hand).
I am sensing and sensitive, and sensibly so.
Open to new ideas but with my code of ethics intact, I enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone to stretch my senses, to experience all of that which Life has to offer and to discover ways of keeping that spark lit. I have allowed that spark to be extinguished once, and I suffered a complete breakdown. Never again will I permit my spirit to be dampened by another. Yet that agreement with myself comes with a comprehension that only I have the power to maintain, nourish and permit that spark to grow into a fire that pushes me into new experiences and out of comfortable complacency.
I cannot depend on any other to make me sense Life; others can only strengthen or discourage this power, depending on the positive or negative influence they exert over me.
I can give pages of examples of when my sixth sense has told me that somebody close was in grave danger, or has saved my life. Some stories I have to tell I may, one day, weave into a perhaps rather narcisstic short story collection. I can experience physical manifestations of pain and the great trials of my loved ones, those with whom I share a multi-leveled bond. In my musician days, I permitted that the music would enter my being and carry me; indeed I was not a master of technique but instead it was my ability to sense and learn to make others feel the music I could offer that made me a good musician.
I allowed my senses to empower me rather than to hold me back. Yet there is a certain degree of maturity and being open to learning new ways that must accompany this sensing. And I cannot speak for all here, as we are all following different paths, but the numbing of my senses through medication or a dictatorial brainwashing of right vs wrong that does not jive with my inner being creates in me conflict so great that I feel forced into hiding, away from that which I feel is a true danger to the good in my soul, to the marvelous and unique creation that I am.
If I inhibit, or allow the inhibition of, my power to sense, how will I be capable of feeling?
Trusting my senses guides me, most often than not, toward a path that I might not normally have taken. The free will of decision still exists, but that intuition exerts great influence over which steps I take next. This often is the fabled "road less traveled" so alluded to by Frost, but I have seen from an early age how that does, in fact, make all the difference.
*---*
In a combined thematic writing effort shared with The Quest for T and The Exception, this is the first theme put forth. I had so many thoughts I first typed, then deleted, then tried again. Some of those thoughts might come forth later--we shall see. This topic will be discussed throughout the week, I am sure, in posts and comments; for any parties interested in becoming involved or posting on this same topic, please link in so we all can derive the maximum benefit from each other's points of view.
I am sensing and sensitive, and sensibly so.
Open to new ideas but with my code of ethics intact, I enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone to stretch my senses, to experience all of that which Life has to offer and to discover ways of keeping that spark lit. I have allowed that spark to be extinguished once, and I suffered a complete breakdown. Never again will I permit my spirit to be dampened by another. Yet that agreement with myself comes with a comprehension that only I have the power to maintain, nourish and permit that spark to grow into a fire that pushes me into new experiences and out of comfortable complacency.
I cannot depend on any other to make me sense Life; others can only strengthen or discourage this power, depending on the positive or negative influence they exert over me.
I can give pages of examples of when my sixth sense has told me that somebody close was in grave danger, or has saved my life. Some stories I have to tell I may, one day, weave into a perhaps rather narcisstic short story collection. I can experience physical manifestations of pain and the great trials of my loved ones, those with whom I share a multi-leveled bond. In my musician days, I permitted that the music would enter my being and carry me; indeed I was not a master of technique but instead it was my ability to sense and learn to make others feel the music I could offer that made me a good musician.
I allowed my senses to empower me rather than to hold me back. Yet there is a certain degree of maturity and being open to learning new ways that must accompany this sensing. And I cannot speak for all here, as we are all following different paths, but the numbing of my senses through medication or a dictatorial brainwashing of right vs wrong that does not jive with my inner being creates in me conflict so great that I feel forced into hiding, away from that which I feel is a true danger to the good in my soul, to the marvelous and unique creation that I am.
If I inhibit, or allow the inhibition of, my power to sense, how will I be capable of feeling?
Trusting my senses guides me, most often than not, toward a path that I might not normally have taken. The free will of decision still exists, but that intuition exerts great influence over which steps I take next. This often is the fabled "road less traveled" so alluded to by Frost, but I have seen from an early age how that does, in fact, make all the difference.
*---*
In a combined thematic writing effort shared with The Quest for T and The Exception, this is the first theme put forth. I had so many thoughts I first typed, then deleted, then tried again. Some of those thoughts might come forth later--we shall see. This topic will be discussed throughout the week, I am sure, in posts and comments; for any parties interested in becoming involved or posting on this same topic, please link in so we all can derive the maximum benefit from each other's points of view.
viernes, 24 de octubre de 2008
my greatest teacher
I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher.
Constant example was perhaps key in this decision. My father was one of the best-known and well-respected teachers in the school district in which I was educated. I was thus raised with an awareness of the hours of behind-the-scenes work that teachers must employ to create magic in their classrooms, the exhaustion that follows a full day on your feet working to make that one lightbulb in the eyes of that student in the back corner desk to flicker on and to capture that child's attention, and the extras (the coaching, the extra-curricular activities) that all help to boost a teacher's salary so as to be able to financially raise a family, pay a mortgage, and live comfortably...on a meager teacher's salary.
I was thus raised with a high degree of respect, before I fully even understood the concept, for all my teachers and all they do--just for me.
I remember the names of each and every teacher of mine, and hold in my heart an enduring memory of each of them. Yet it was my father who was my first teacher. He taught me by example, not by endless lecture. He taught me of the qualities I would need to nurture in my soul to be able to be a truly great teacher, and that I can do anything I wanted, as long as my heart was in it. This lesson did not come through words; it came through a set example and implicit expectations.
Both my sister and I were pretty much straight-A students. I fell to one B+ in geometry Freshman year of high school one quarter, and that ruined my chances for any state school scholarships. Yet I was never chastized for grades; I was instead taught to take anything in which I may not have excelled and learn from it...indeed, often one learns more that way than through the mere memorization to be able to excel for the grade.
Cheating was unacceptable, and that was a question that would never cross my mind. Knowing that one of the class valedictorians, going off to Hahvahd in the fall was sitting with his jacket over his notebook page with calculus equations so he could move it with his foot and look made me lose all respect for him. It's not the school or the grades; it is the ethic you use to acquire the necessary information and apply it. Now, looking back, I feel bad for him--I know his mother put a huge amount of pressure on him to get the grade "or else". I know because she called me one night to complain to me about a B we had received on an Honors English project--so received as her darling son chose NOT to attend that class. I called the principal--evidently, so did she, and succeeded in getting his grade changed.
I have written on ethics in the educational workplace that do not jive with the simple ethic of teaching with which I was raised. It became increasingly difficult for me to mesh with an educational system that places higher priority on factors other than the ability to teach the students well.
Education has become an ego-driven profession, rather than one in operation for the best interests of the students. We see this now in so many ways:
Parents push for their students to be in the classes of those who teach for the test instead of those who teach--well, to teach. They fear that their child will be categorized as "stupid" if not in a GT program, or that they will not go to college if not pushed hard enough by grade 3. They forget that we all did just fine...without having an hour's worth of homework a night pushed on us until at least 5th or 6th grade, if not later.
Teachers feel the need to teach to the test for fear of losing funding, in *some* schools for a better salary as the teacher's salary and test scores are intertwined, for fear of parent fall-out when their children don't make the cut for GT programs, and for ensuring good student evaluations at the university level. The last parent night I attended left me disappointed at the highly defensive tone of my daughter's teacher; it was apparent to me that she felt need to defend her way of educating our children. I am in tune with my daughter and can see she is not only learning but also enjoying her experience, that couples education with a great emphasis on citizenship. Thus, I trust her teacher is doing a fine job.
When leaving the university two years ago, I was stunned that I had students who had the gall to say that they expected grades to be "given" if they complained loud enough. A close friend and colleague left Tulane for that same reason--this was a trustee's daughter who flunked and this professor was asked to "reevaluate" the grade. Evidently, these students have learned something from their parents...
Yet my father taught me that, when you love something enough, you will learn to capture your students and teach them in a way dictated through your passion. When he died, I had been teaching for almost ten years already, in some form or another. I didn't realize how many lives he had touched with his style, influence and humor until his funeral. The large church was filled with colleagues, recent students still in high school and even some of his very first students from 1967. He was lauded for his laughter and his ability to relate to the students at the junior high level--a true feat, learned from one who has taught middle school for three years. He was loved because he loved to teach.
Last night, my private student told me that he could always go find another Spanish class but that "you just don't find teachers like you." I am remembered and I am deeply honored when that occurs. I know people who are quitting their jobs, going back to school and earning their teaching certificates because they want to teach. That usually comes with a huge financial sacrifice. However, ask any teacher and s/he will tell you that we don't teach for the money, we teach for the love.
I can feel my father still guiding me in many steps I take daily. He taught me to ride a bike, to drive a stick and to not be afraid of the ball. He taught me to stand up and face consequences when I err, and to gracefully accept recognition when honored. I am blessed to have had my father as my greatest teacher, as were so many others with whom I shared my father.
Today is Blog Blast for Education. There is so much about which I could write. Instead, I ask that today you take a moment and think about the teacher who made the greatest impact on your life. And give thanks.
Constant example was perhaps key in this decision. My father was one of the best-known and well-respected teachers in the school district in which I was educated. I was thus raised with an awareness of the hours of behind-the-scenes work that teachers must employ to create magic in their classrooms, the exhaustion that follows a full day on your feet working to make that one lightbulb in the eyes of that student in the back corner desk to flicker on and to capture that child's attention, and the extras (the coaching, the extra-curricular activities) that all help to boost a teacher's salary so as to be able to financially raise a family, pay a mortgage, and live comfortably...on a meager teacher's salary.
I was thus raised with a high degree of respect, before I fully even understood the concept, for all my teachers and all they do--just for me.
I remember the names of each and every teacher of mine, and hold in my heart an enduring memory of each of them. Yet it was my father who was my first teacher. He taught me by example, not by endless lecture. He taught me of the qualities I would need to nurture in my soul to be able to be a truly great teacher, and that I can do anything I wanted, as long as my heart was in it. This lesson did not come through words; it came through a set example and implicit expectations.
Both my sister and I were pretty much straight-A students. I fell to one B+ in geometry Freshman year of high school one quarter, and that ruined my chances for any state school scholarships. Yet I was never chastized for grades; I was instead taught to take anything in which I may not have excelled and learn from it...indeed, often one learns more that way than through the mere memorization to be able to excel for the grade.
Cheating was unacceptable, and that was a question that would never cross my mind. Knowing that one of the class valedictorians, going off to Hahvahd in the fall was sitting with his jacket over his notebook page with calculus equations so he could move it with his foot and look made me lose all respect for him. It's not the school or the grades; it is the ethic you use to acquire the necessary information and apply it. Now, looking back, I feel bad for him--I know his mother put a huge amount of pressure on him to get the grade "or else". I know because she called me one night to complain to me about a B we had received on an Honors English project--so received as her darling son chose NOT to attend that class. I called the principal--evidently, so did she, and succeeded in getting his grade changed.
I have written on ethics in the educational workplace that do not jive with the simple ethic of teaching with which I was raised. It became increasingly difficult for me to mesh with an educational system that places higher priority on factors other than the ability to teach the students well.
Education has become an ego-driven profession, rather than one in operation for the best interests of the students. We see this now in so many ways:
Parents push for their students to be in the classes of those who teach for the test instead of those who teach--well, to teach. They fear that their child will be categorized as "stupid" if not in a GT program, or that they will not go to college if not pushed hard enough by grade 3. They forget that we all did just fine...without having an hour's worth of homework a night pushed on us until at least 5th or 6th grade, if not later.
Teachers feel the need to teach to the test for fear of losing funding, in *some* schools for a better salary as the teacher's salary and test scores are intertwined, for fear of parent fall-out when their children don't make the cut for GT programs, and for ensuring good student evaluations at the university level. The last parent night I attended left me disappointed at the highly defensive tone of my daughter's teacher; it was apparent to me that she felt need to defend her way of educating our children. I am in tune with my daughter and can see she is not only learning but also enjoying her experience, that couples education with a great emphasis on citizenship. Thus, I trust her teacher is doing a fine job.
When leaving the university two years ago, I was stunned that I had students who had the gall to say that they expected grades to be "given" if they complained loud enough. A close friend and colleague left Tulane for that same reason--this was a trustee's daughter who flunked and this professor was asked to "reevaluate" the grade. Evidently, these students have learned something from their parents...
Yet my father taught me that, when you love something enough, you will learn to capture your students and teach them in a way dictated through your passion. When he died, I had been teaching for almost ten years already, in some form or another. I didn't realize how many lives he had touched with his style, influence and humor until his funeral. The large church was filled with colleagues, recent students still in high school and even some of his very first students from 1967. He was lauded for his laughter and his ability to relate to the students at the junior high level--a true feat, learned from one who has taught middle school for three years. He was loved because he loved to teach.
Last night, my private student told me that he could always go find another Spanish class but that "you just don't find teachers like you." I am remembered and I am deeply honored when that occurs. I know people who are quitting their jobs, going back to school and earning their teaching certificates because they want to teach. That usually comes with a huge financial sacrifice. However, ask any teacher and s/he will tell you that we don't teach for the money, we teach for the love.
I can feel my father still guiding me in many steps I take daily. He taught me to ride a bike, to drive a stick and to not be afraid of the ball. He taught me to stand up and face consequences when I err, and to gracefully accept recognition when honored. I am blessed to have had my father as my greatest teacher, as were so many others with whom I shared my father.
Today is Blog Blast for Education. There is so much about which I could write. Instead, I ask that today you take a moment and think about the teacher who made the greatest impact on your life. And give thanks.
sábado, 18 de octubre de 2008
a spreader of the love
Harrassed Single Mom was spreading some around today, and I was graced with some of those droplets of goodness. Thank you.
In acceptance of the Love, and in accordance with the Rules, a meme must be completed. As I am completing this task along with a glass of Tempranillo, the responses might become quite wordy.
So here it goes:
1. Where is your cell phone? On my nightstand. Easily...too easily...within arm's reach.
2. Where is your significant other? Waaaay the hell too far away.
3. Your hair color? Chestnutty? Been described as "fawn" by a gay friend's boy toy in N'awlins once. Not kidding. My mother was actually with me--boy, her eyes were opened that night.
4. Your mother? Visiting my sister in Vegas. Some of us have all the luck...and then again...
5. Your father? Watching over me, my guardian angel.
6. Your favorite thing? I would have to say my music..and my ability to appreciate all music.
7. Your dream last night? Labrynth-esque. That's all I can seem to recall.
8. Your dream/goal? To live and love fully.
9. The room you’re in? My bedroom.
10. Your hobby? Drinking wine seems to be most apt to mention at this moment, although I do consider myself rather well-practiced in a variety of different hobbies.
11. Your fear? Being left all alone on this Earth.
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? I'll take this question as "where in life" as opposed to a geographic location. I want to be well into starting my life anew. Period.
13. Where were you last night? At home, where else? I really *don't* get out much.
14. What you’re not? A good cook. Healthy, yes, but not creative nor original en la cocina.
15. One of your wish-list items? I want my violin bows rehaired. Badly. Can't play again until that is done.
16. Where you grew up? Southern Oregon.
17. The last thing you did? After pouring myself a glass of wine, I engaged in a brief tickle-fight with my monitos.
18. What are you wearing? Heavy socks, heavy gray men's sweats from Old Navy, a magenta camisole under a heavy pink with dark pink flecked v-necked sweatshirt, with my hair pulled back in a bun. Three rings, two pair earrings, toe ring, anklet--they never come off--and I think that about covers things.
19. Your TV? PBS Brit-com reruns. Absolutely NOTHING else on Limited Basic Cable service on a Saturday night.
20. Your pets? My male binge-and-purge striped short-hair kitty cat.
21. Your computer? Mac and Mac. This one is a laptop; the other is a "desktop".
22. Your mood? So mixed--happy still in having met The Exception yesterday; jealousy of T and the great sex I know she is getting right at this very moment; cachonda from my extremely high libido that hasn't found any degree of relief lately; frustration resulting not only from the libido issues but the fact that today was my day with the kids but that He barged in and took them (I wrote IN INK on the calendar that next weekend is MINE); happy in that the wine is making me care less and less as I finish the current glass; relief that the game this morning is done; exhaustion just from The Day...oh, like always, just so damn moody!
23. Missing someone? Hell yeah.
24. Your car? Dark gray ever-so-slightly sparkly special from Subaru. Outback, to be exact. Saved our lives once--will never go back from Subaru.
25. Something you’re not wearing? A bra. Not that I really need one anyway. But perhaps that's too much information (insert wine-induced giggle here).
26. Favorite store? Depends upon that for which I am shopping. Sometimes Target, sometimes Old Navy, sometimes Restoration Hardware, sometimes Whole Paycheck, sometimes whatever online merchant can best fulfill my needs.
27. Your summer? Oh, not as hot as usual. Ought not complain since I'm freezing my ass off now.
28. Love someone? Oh, yes. Deeply.
29. Your favorite color? Purple. Black. Deep blue. Deep green. Deep red. When I'm in the mood, white does me good--in August. I like white linen. I also like some pinks, and fuschia works great in certain moods. No yellows or oranges, please. Nor puke greens. Ick. "Camo" ain't me.
30. When is the last time you laughed? Oh, dear. It has been a while. Perhaps I need another glass of wine.
31. Last time you cried? Oh, yesterday. Or was that earlier today? I forget. I cry much, much more than I laugh. Pretty sad, eh?
In acceptance of the Love, and in accordance with the Rules, a meme must be completed. As I am completing this task along with a glass of Tempranillo, the responses might become quite wordy.
So here it goes:
1. Where is your cell phone? On my nightstand. Easily...too easily...within arm's reach.
2. Where is your significant other? Waaaay the hell too far away.
3. Your hair color? Chestnutty? Been described as "fawn" by a gay friend's boy toy in N'awlins once. Not kidding. My mother was actually with me--boy, her eyes were opened that night.
4. Your mother? Visiting my sister in Vegas. Some of us have all the luck...and then again...
5. Your father? Watching over me, my guardian angel.
6. Your favorite thing? I would have to say my music..and my ability to appreciate all music.
7. Your dream last night? Labrynth-esque. That's all I can seem to recall.
8. Your dream/goal? To live and love fully.
9. The room you’re in? My bedroom.
10. Your hobby? Drinking wine seems to be most apt to mention at this moment, although I do consider myself rather well-practiced in a variety of different hobbies.
11. Your fear? Being left all alone on this Earth.
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? I'll take this question as "where in life" as opposed to a geographic location. I want to be well into starting my life anew. Period.
13. Where were you last night? At home, where else? I really *don't* get out much.
14. What you’re not? A good cook. Healthy, yes, but not creative nor original en la cocina.
15. One of your wish-list items? I want my violin bows rehaired. Badly. Can't play again until that is done.
16. Where you grew up? Southern Oregon.
17. The last thing you did? After pouring myself a glass of wine, I engaged in a brief tickle-fight with my monitos.
18. What are you wearing? Heavy socks, heavy gray men's sweats from Old Navy, a magenta camisole under a heavy pink with dark pink flecked v-necked sweatshirt, with my hair pulled back in a bun. Three rings, two pair earrings, toe ring, anklet--they never come off--and I think that about covers things.
19. Your TV? PBS Brit-com reruns. Absolutely NOTHING else on Limited Basic Cable service on a Saturday night.
20. Your pets? My male binge-and-purge striped short-hair kitty cat.
21. Your computer? Mac and Mac. This one is a laptop; the other is a "desktop".
22. Your mood? So mixed--happy still in having met The Exception yesterday; jealousy of T and the great sex I know she is getting right at this very moment; cachonda from my extremely high libido that hasn't found any degree of relief lately; frustration resulting not only from the libido issues but the fact that today was my day with the kids but that He barged in and took them (I wrote IN INK on the calendar that next weekend is MINE); happy in that the wine is making me care less and less as I finish the current glass; relief that the game this morning is done; exhaustion just from The Day...oh, like always, just so damn moody!
23. Missing someone? Hell yeah.
24. Your car? Dark gray ever-so-slightly sparkly special from Subaru. Outback, to be exact. Saved our lives once--will never go back from Subaru.
25. Something you’re not wearing? A bra. Not that I really need one anyway. But perhaps that's too much information (insert wine-induced giggle here).
26. Favorite store? Depends upon that for which I am shopping. Sometimes Target, sometimes Old Navy, sometimes Restoration Hardware, sometimes Whole Paycheck, sometimes whatever online merchant can best fulfill my needs.
27. Your summer? Oh, not as hot as usual. Ought not complain since I'm freezing my ass off now.
28. Love someone? Oh, yes. Deeply.
29. Your favorite color? Purple. Black. Deep blue. Deep green. Deep red. When I'm in the mood, white does me good--in August. I like white linen. I also like some pinks, and fuschia works great in certain moods. No yellows or oranges, please. Nor puke greens. Ick. "Camo" ain't me.
30. When is the last time you laughed? Oh, dear. It has been a while. Perhaps I need another glass of wine.
31. Last time you cried? Oh, yesterday. Or was that earlier today? I forget. I cry much, much more than I laugh. Pretty sad, eh?
sábado, 4 de octubre de 2008
my desktop tag
Okay, Z...here is MY desktop...
(sigh) You got me before I got to get things better organized. Now I'm embarrassed. Believe it or not, I TOTALLY know where everything is on my computer...!
Anyone else up for the challenge? Windy? T? OC? TE? Kay? Yeah, now I'm curious...and a bit nosy to boot!
(sigh) You got me before I got to get things better organized. Now I'm embarrassed. Believe it or not, I TOTALLY know where everything is on my computer...!
Anyone else up for the challenge? Windy? T? OC? TE? Kay? Yeah, now I'm curious...and a bit nosy to boot!
jueves, 21 de agosto de 2008
a-b-c...tagged
I echo OC in saying that I have not had the pleasure of doing a meme in quite some time. As it appears this particular meme does not require too much thought or brain power (3rd day running on this particular headache), I think I can muster.
A. Attached or single?
Attached.
B. Best friend?
Not as close as I wish you were-I wish you were here with me. This separate continent-thing does not work for me.
C. Cake or pie?
Cake. Make mine Chocolate.
D. Day of choice?
Thursday--I love anticipating the Friday and the good that usually occurs. Plus the memories of Thursday night partying warms my heart sometimes.
E. Essential item?
Internet access/computer
F. Favorite color?
Black. Purple. As long as it is deep, anything but orange or yellow.
G. Gummy bears or worm?
Gimme the worm (THAT from my tequila days).
H. Hometown?
Land of the Black Tornado and the Panthers.
I. Indulgence?
my yearly trip abroad
J. January or July?
July-I love the 4th, the firecrackers, the storms and the light.
K. Kids?
La Princesita (6 3/4) and Young Prince (4 on the 31st!)
L. Life isn’t complete without?
My Kids
M. Marriage date?
May 21 1999
N. Number of brothers & sisters?
One sister by blood, a sorority full of sisters in university and all those I love like brothers or sisters now in my life.
O. Oranges or apples?
Fuji apples
P. Phobias?
Having my face/eyes covered so that my breathing and eyesight is interrupted from normal operation. I also absolutely hate the feeling of anything touching the front of my neck, except for lips gently kissing where I love being kissed.
Q. Quotes?
"May you live all the days of your life." --Jonathan Swift
R. Reasons to smile?
My children, my friends, the butterflies in my garden, my flowers, my vegetables, the change of the seasons--so many, too many to mention.
S. Season of choice?
Spring
T. Tag seven peeps!
Seven?? I might have to think on that. I think anyone can do this if they feel up to it.
U. Unknown fact about me?
I believe in supernatural occurances, I am superstitious, and I believe that evil can be a great force but that good can always overcome evil if/when properly channeled.
V. Vegetable?
I force myself to eat beans and peas in soups, but love all other veggies.
W. Worst habits?
Interrupting. Not listening well (see, querido, I know my faults).
X. X-ray or ultrasound?
Ultrasound, the times I've had them I got to see my babies...but preferably nothing at all.
Y. Your favorite food?
Lasagna. Preferably Mom's.
Z. Zodiac sign?
Taurus. And stubbornly proud of it.
*---*
A. Attached or single?
Attached.
B. Best friend?
Not as close as I wish you were-I wish you were here with me. This separate continent-thing does not work for me.
C. Cake or pie?
Cake. Make mine Chocolate.
D. Day of choice?
Thursday--I love anticipating the Friday and the good that usually occurs. Plus the memories of Thursday night partying warms my heart sometimes.
E. Essential item?
Internet access/computer
F. Favorite color?
Black. Purple. As long as it is deep, anything but orange or yellow.
G. Gummy bears or worm?
Gimme the worm (THAT from my tequila days).
H. Hometown?
Land of the Black Tornado and the Panthers.
I. Indulgence?
my yearly trip abroad
J. January or July?
July-I love the 4th, the firecrackers, the storms and the light.
K. Kids?
La Princesita (6 3/4) and Young Prince (4 on the 31st!)
L. Life isn’t complete without?
My Kids
M. Marriage date?
May 21 1999
N. Number of brothers & sisters?
One sister by blood, a sorority full of sisters in university and all those I love like brothers or sisters now in my life.
O. Oranges or apples?
Fuji apples
P. Phobias?
Having my face/eyes covered so that my breathing and eyesight is interrupted from normal operation. I also absolutely hate the feeling of anything touching the front of my neck, except for lips gently kissing where I love being kissed.
Q. Quotes?
"May you live all the days of your life." --Jonathan Swift
R. Reasons to smile?
My children, my friends, the butterflies in my garden, my flowers, my vegetables, the change of the seasons--so many, too many to mention.
S. Season of choice?
Spring
T. Tag seven peeps!
Seven?? I might have to think on that. I think anyone can do this if they feel up to it.
U. Unknown fact about me?
I believe in supernatural occurances, I am superstitious, and I believe that evil can be a great force but that good can always overcome evil if/when properly channeled.
V. Vegetable?
I force myself to eat beans and peas in soups, but love all other veggies.
W. Worst habits?
Interrupting. Not listening well (see, querido, I know my faults).
X. X-ray or ultrasound?
Ultrasound, the times I've had them I got to see my babies...but preferably nothing at all.
Y. Your favorite food?
Lasagna. Preferably Mom's.
Z. Zodiac sign?
Taurus. And stubbornly proud of it.
viernes, 6 de junio de 2008
I'll play!
Only because 1. it's a Friday night, 2. it's getting hotter than h*ll, 3. I'm watching telenovelas on Univisión...great way to spend my Friday night, 4. I'm alone, 5. I'm without children climbing on me for the first time in...oh, let's see...weeks?..., 6. I've had two glasses of wine, and 7. I have eaten my chocolate quota for the day so I need to do something else with my hands.
And 8. I thought it might be fun. So here we go:
Questions:
1. What was I doing ten years ago?
10 years ago was 1998. June. I had just met who is now my husband, thinking I was secure and set for life. Had just finished my first term of grad school. Was working the Language Lab full time for the summer...one damn hot summer. Was feeling culturally stuck and confused, having been back in the States less than one year after three in Japan and spending much more time speaking Japanese and hanging with Japanese than speaking English or Spanish and hanging with Americans. But still having fun.
2. What are five things on my list to do today?
A) Coffee date with She-Ra.
B) Get frames for a couple calligraphy projects I need to finish by next week.
C) Check the bank accounts.
D) Don't forget to pick up the kids from school (!).
E) Drink some wine. It is Friday.
3. Snacks I enjoy?
A) chocolate-Dagoba 73% "Conocado", soy-free of course.
B) Kettle Chips-Lightly Salted
C) nuts: walnuts, almonds, pecans, cashews, pistachios--good protein and good for me.
D) Strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blackberries
E) a ton of stuff I can no longer eat since I'm allergic to it.
4. Things I Would Do If I Were A Billionaire?
Take my children and move to South America. Or Greece. Or Capri.
Anonymously donate to a variety of causes, domestic and international, in favor of improving education, alleviating poverty, supporting human rights and fighting injustice on all levels.
5. Three of my bad habits? (dude, only three????)
A) Interrupting.
B) Vanity.
C) Procrastination.
6. Five places I have lived?
A) Oregon.
B) Japan.
C) Sweden.
D) Ecuador.
E) New Orleans.
7. Five jobs I've had?
A) Popcorn Popper/Snack Bar Attendant at a local movie theater.
B) Telemarketer selling fruit for a local fruit company.
C) Teeny-bopper clothing store floor person/cashier/dressing rooms, etc.
D) Violin teacher for private students, conductor of a small orchestra.
E) Language teacher/translator/professor extraordinnaire.
8. How did you name your blog?
I'm kind of going about things in a way that I feel I am all thumbs right now...professionally things are going well, but personally I feel like every single step is guesswork, clumsy and questionable. And I stuck (green) in because I like double meanings, and I am a green thumb--I love my garden, working in Mother Nature gives my soul so much solace and my garden is the one place I really do not feel "all thumbs."
And 8. I thought it might be fun. So here we go:
Questions:
1. What was I doing ten years ago?
10 years ago was 1998. June. I had just met who is now my husband, thinking I was secure and set for life. Had just finished my first term of grad school. Was working the Language Lab full time for the summer...one damn hot summer. Was feeling culturally stuck and confused, having been back in the States less than one year after three in Japan and spending much more time speaking Japanese and hanging with Japanese than speaking English or Spanish and hanging with Americans. But still having fun.
2. What are five things on my list to do today?
A) Coffee date with She-Ra.
B) Get frames for a couple calligraphy projects I need to finish by next week.
C) Check the bank accounts.
D) Don't forget to pick up the kids from school (!).
E) Drink some wine. It is Friday.
3. Snacks I enjoy?
A) chocolate-Dagoba 73% "Conocado", soy-free of course.
B) Kettle Chips-Lightly Salted
C) nuts: walnuts, almonds, pecans, cashews, pistachios--good protein and good for me.
D) Strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blackberries
E) a ton of stuff I can no longer eat since I'm allergic to it.
4. Things I Would Do If I Were A Billionaire?
Take my children and move to South America. Or Greece. Or Capri.
Anonymously donate to a variety of causes, domestic and international, in favor of improving education, alleviating poverty, supporting human rights and fighting injustice on all levels.
5. Three of my bad habits? (dude, only three????)
A) Interrupting.
B) Vanity.
C) Procrastination.
6. Five places I have lived?
A) Oregon.
B) Japan.
C) Sweden.
D) Ecuador.
E) New Orleans.
7. Five jobs I've had?
A) Popcorn Popper/Snack Bar Attendant at a local movie theater.
B) Telemarketer selling fruit for a local fruit company.
C) Teeny-bopper clothing store floor person/cashier/dressing rooms, etc.
D) Violin teacher for private students, conductor of a small orchestra.
E) Language teacher/translator/professor extraordinnaire.
8. How did you name your blog?
I'm kind of going about things in a way that I feel I am all thumbs right now...professionally things are going well, but personally I feel like every single step is guesswork, clumsy and questionable. And I stuck (green) in because I like double meanings, and I am a green thumb--I love my garden, working in Mother Nature gives my soul so much solace and my garden is the one place I really do not feel "all thumbs."
miércoles, 21 de mayo de 2008
tagged...
The Rules:
Once you’ve been tagged, you have to write a blog with 10 weird, random, facts, habits or goals about yourself. At the end, choose 6 people to be tagged, list their names & why you tagged them. Don’t forget to leave them a comment saying “You’re it!” & to go read your blog. You cannot tag the person that tagged you, so since you’re not allowed to tag me back; let me know when you are done so I can go read YOUR weird/random/odd facts, habits and goals.
*-----*
Okay, so here we go!
1. When I was in kindergarten I got put in the corner for shushing Karla, the rather portent girl with curly piggytails who was talking when Mrs. S had specifically told us to be quiet. Hey, I was just enforcing the rules. But no, I was stuck right in that corner with Karla and have never, ever been so ashamed in my entire life. And I never, ever acted out of line in class ever, ever again because of it.
2. I have fantasized about fingerpainting with chocolate Jell-O pudding since the last time I did that--in Kindergarten. Nothing kinky--just fingerpainting, then being able to LICK MY FINGERS CLEAN when I was done.
3. I once ran to my first grade teacher and reported that "The boys have been playing in the girls' bathroom again." "Why, how do you know that?" she asked. In my 6-year old worldly wisdom, I rolled my eyes and responded, "Well, all the toilet seats are up again."
4. I stayed after school every day for two months to teach my sixth grade math teacher how to play cribbage. She still remembers that. (told you I'm a nerd...)
5. When I imbibe, I instinctively want to dance. Always. It is so incredibly hard for me to sit at a bar or even just have a glass of wine at someone's house and to have to quench my intense desire to dance. I therefore taught a lot of non-dancing Japanese to dance in my three years there. What can I say...I left my mark.
6. I honestly thought I could become vegetarian until I learned that I was allergic to soy...even with my history of anemia. I was almost there. Even though I am not vegetarian, however, my mindset in how I eat meat has changed considerably in the past 10 years, by respecting as much of the entire animal that gave its life to feed me and my family by using as much of it as I can, and by making better and healthier (especially for me) meat-purchasing decisions--you wouldn't believe the soy in deli meat, or in feed given to mass-produced meat. I have to watch out for all those variables now--which is a good thing. I have had to be forced to become more conscious about what and how I eat.
7. I think I am part pyromaniac. I could stare at a fire or a flame for hours on end, creating images in my mind, watching the flame(s) dance and admiring the grace of this living yet non-living element. I love fire. I love the heat with which fire fills my soul. I love to watch it dance. I have since I was very, very young and would sit in front of the fireplace on Sunday nights after bathtime in my pink homemade bathrobe and let my hair dry to the heat of the fire. I would sit there and stare at the flames. Once my father threw a clipboard in the fireplace in an effort to get rid of some things. That made the fire turn lots of pretty colors...but sparks flew out the chimney onto the roof and Dad ended up outside hosing down the roof so our house wouldn't go up in flames. Not his smoothest move--but a great memory.
8. I have only been awakened with an orgasm once in my life, by a beautiful man I was blessed to have in my life for a short time while living in Japan. We had a lovely friendship that, in our third year of knowing each other, turned into something more. He had a passion for Latin culture and was learning Spanish and how to dance. He loved to travel. He was a climber. We laughed--wow, how we laughed when we were together. His eyes always laughed. He loved Life and loved even more to experience Life with such passion that his family in small-town rural Japan just could not understand him. I was so young--but I will never forget that morning and often find myself wondering, "What if...?" What if I had followed this free spirit of his? What if I had (DARED) gone against the grain of parental expectation? What if I had not told him to stop contacting me because I had met who is my current husband? Would he have come for me as he was planning to? What if I had followed his passion and started climbing, too? Would I have conquered K2 by now as well? Would I be any happier in my personal life? Where would we be?
9. On the day of my university graduation, following the ceremony I was in the courtyard with my family and my boyfriend's mother. I had just been given a gift and had my hands full of stuff--degree certificate, cap, gifts, camera, the works--and nobody was offering to help me at all. Something happened-I am not sure what, as I also had horrible cramps that day and wasn't completely aware of my surroundings-but my camera ended up in a bucket of water. I had just graduated magna cum laude, with honors and double major-double double-minor all in 4 years from my university, and my parents shot me the most disapppointed look I have ever received from anybody in my life--all because plop! went my camera when I was just too overwhelmed with crap to be able to handle it all. They instead criticized me for not having the wrist strap on. My boyfriend's mother later confided that she then, at that moment, understood all I had told her about my relationship with my family--all summed up in one single communal look. It was as if everything I had just done, all I had just earned and the positive recognition back to my family did not mean diddly-squat. It all came down to the fact that I am just a frickin' clutz and that I could never, not even on my graduation day, do anything right in their eyes.
10. I rehearse what I should have said in various situations, or what I should say if certain occasions should arise, when I am alone. In my house, in my garden, in my mirror--wherever. I always talk to myself and sometimes think I live too much in the Land of What-If.
So, now that you think I am totally nuts-o, I hereby tag:
Z--I need that confirmation that you are, indeed, as quirky as I am!
She-Ra--dahling, you can't be as normal as you always appear!
Windy--I just like to have fun with you!
Brad--I imagine you would have fun with this, plus you are a great meme responder.
Val--if you have time, I don't want to impose!
...um, that's all I can come up with.
Once you’ve been tagged, you have to write a blog with 10 weird, random, facts, habits or goals about yourself. At the end, choose 6 people to be tagged, list their names & why you tagged them. Don’t forget to leave them a comment saying “You’re it!” & to go read your blog. You cannot tag the person that tagged you, so since you’re not allowed to tag me back; let me know when you are done so I can go read YOUR weird/random/odd facts, habits and goals.
*-----*
Okay, so here we go!
1. When I was in kindergarten I got put in the corner for shushing Karla, the rather portent girl with curly piggytails who was talking when Mrs. S had specifically told us to be quiet. Hey, I was just enforcing the rules. But no, I was stuck right in that corner with Karla and have never, ever been so ashamed in my entire life. And I never, ever acted out of line in class ever, ever again because of it.
2. I have fantasized about fingerpainting with chocolate Jell-O pudding since the last time I did that--in Kindergarten. Nothing kinky--just fingerpainting, then being able to LICK MY FINGERS CLEAN when I was done.
3. I once ran to my first grade teacher and reported that "The boys have been playing in the girls' bathroom again." "Why, how do you know that?" she asked. In my 6-year old worldly wisdom, I rolled my eyes and responded, "Well, all the toilet seats are up again."
4. I stayed after school every day for two months to teach my sixth grade math teacher how to play cribbage. She still remembers that. (told you I'm a nerd...)
5. When I imbibe, I instinctively want to dance. Always. It is so incredibly hard for me to sit at a bar or even just have a glass of wine at someone's house and to have to quench my intense desire to dance. I therefore taught a lot of non-dancing Japanese to dance in my three years there. What can I say...I left my mark.
6. I honestly thought I could become vegetarian until I learned that I was allergic to soy...even with my history of anemia. I was almost there. Even though I am not vegetarian, however, my mindset in how I eat meat has changed considerably in the past 10 years, by respecting as much of the entire animal that gave its life to feed me and my family by using as much of it as I can, and by making better and healthier (especially for me) meat-purchasing decisions--you wouldn't believe the soy in deli meat, or in feed given to mass-produced meat. I have to watch out for all those variables now--which is a good thing. I have had to be forced to become more conscious about what and how I eat.
7. I think I am part pyromaniac. I could stare at a fire or a flame for hours on end, creating images in my mind, watching the flame(s) dance and admiring the grace of this living yet non-living element. I love fire. I love the heat with which fire fills my soul. I love to watch it dance. I have since I was very, very young and would sit in front of the fireplace on Sunday nights after bathtime in my pink homemade bathrobe and let my hair dry to the heat of the fire. I would sit there and stare at the flames. Once my father threw a clipboard in the fireplace in an effort to get rid of some things. That made the fire turn lots of pretty colors...but sparks flew out the chimney onto the roof and Dad ended up outside hosing down the roof so our house wouldn't go up in flames. Not his smoothest move--but a great memory.
8. I have only been awakened with an orgasm once in my life, by a beautiful man I was blessed to have in my life for a short time while living in Japan. We had a lovely friendship that, in our third year of knowing each other, turned into something more. He had a passion for Latin culture and was learning Spanish and how to dance. He loved to travel. He was a climber. We laughed--wow, how we laughed when we were together. His eyes always laughed. He loved Life and loved even more to experience Life with such passion that his family in small-town rural Japan just could not understand him. I was so young--but I will never forget that morning and often find myself wondering, "What if...?" What if I had followed this free spirit of his? What if I had (DARED) gone against the grain of parental expectation? What if I had not told him to stop contacting me because I had met who is my current husband? Would he have come for me as he was planning to? What if I had followed his passion and started climbing, too? Would I have conquered K2 by now as well? Would I be any happier in my personal life? Where would we be?
9. On the day of my university graduation, following the ceremony I was in the courtyard with my family and my boyfriend's mother. I had just been given a gift and had my hands full of stuff--degree certificate, cap, gifts, camera, the works--and nobody was offering to help me at all. Something happened-I am not sure what, as I also had horrible cramps that day and wasn't completely aware of my surroundings-but my camera ended up in a bucket of water. I had just graduated magna cum laude, with honors and double major-double double-minor all in 4 years from my university, and my parents shot me the most disapppointed look I have ever received from anybody in my life--all because plop! went my camera when I was just too overwhelmed with crap to be able to handle it all. They instead criticized me for not having the wrist strap on. My boyfriend's mother later confided that she then, at that moment, understood all I had told her about my relationship with my family--all summed up in one single communal look. It was as if everything I had just done, all I had just earned and the positive recognition back to my family did not mean diddly-squat. It all came down to the fact that I am just a frickin' clutz and that I could never, not even on my graduation day, do anything right in their eyes.
10. I rehearse what I should have said in various situations, or what I should say if certain occasions should arise, when I am alone. In my house, in my garden, in my mirror--wherever. I always talk to myself and sometimes think I live too much in the Land of What-If.
So, now that you think I am totally nuts-o, I hereby tag:
Z--I need that confirmation that you are, indeed, as quirky as I am!
She-Ra--dahling, you can't be as normal as you always appear!
Windy--I just like to have fun with you!
Brad--I imagine you would have fun with this, plus you are a great meme responder.
Val--if you have time, I don't want to impose!
...um, that's all I can come up with.
viernes, 16 de mayo de 2008
quirkinesses
Hmmm...I liked this, sounds simple in theory...shout-out credit going to OC for this.
...now to think, what could POSSIBLY be quirky about moi?
HA! (says anyone who knows me)
1. There is absolutely NOBODY ELSE IN THE WORLD with the same name (only first and last counted here) as me. If you were to Google me, I am She who you will find. This is NOT to say that google is the utmost authority on existence on this planet. However, my name is rare enough, with the combination being as such that the possibility is highly dubious.
2. I can debate myself about something so hard that I can talk myself out of (or into) almost anything. And I can do it out loud, too--anyone listening to me would think me nuts.
3. I am extremely obsessive about all that which I have really strong convictions, and must be very careful to NOT come across as self-righteous...a typical Taurean trait, might I add...
4. I have had experiences with what could very well be called ghosts.
5. My purple rabbit's name is Peter...get it? Peter Rabbit? JA! (Shoulda bought it 3 years ago...it has been a loooooooong time.)
6. I have eaten anaconda, hippo, guinea pig, fish, live escargot, raw horsemeat, and whale both cooked and raw. I would TOTALLY eat all but the live escargot, raw horsemeat and whale again.
Okay, that was fun, too. Thanks, OC!
Happy Weekend to all!
...now to think, what could POSSIBLY be quirky about moi?
HA! (says anyone who knows me)
1. There is absolutely NOBODY ELSE IN THE WORLD with the same name (only first and last counted here) as me. If you were to Google me, I am She who you will find. This is NOT to say that google is the utmost authority on existence on this planet. However, my name is rare enough, with the combination being as such that the possibility is highly dubious.
2. I can debate myself about something so hard that I can talk myself out of (or into) almost anything. And I can do it out loud, too--anyone listening to me would think me nuts.
3. I am extremely obsessive about all that which I have really strong convictions, and must be very careful to NOT come across as self-righteous...a typical Taurean trait, might I add...
4. I have had experiences with what could very well be called ghosts.
5. My purple rabbit's name is Peter...get it? Peter Rabbit? JA! (Shoulda bought it 3 years ago...it has been a loooooooong time.)
6. I have eaten anaconda, hippo, guinea pig, fish, live escargot, raw horsemeat, and whale both cooked and raw. I would TOTALLY eat all but the live escargot, raw horsemeat and whale again.
Okay, that was fun, too. Thanks, OC!
Happy Weekend to all!
jueves, 15 de mayo de 2008
after a glass of merlot...
Yeah...after a glass, finishing up my work week this week, I can do this now.
Using the first letters (I decided on initial blends as my name, for those few souls who know Mama Llama's True Identity would realize that my name definitely does NOT begin with /s/ but with /sh/) of my name I answer all questions, not using my name ever--THAT would be easy--and not making anything up.
So here is my stab at it.
1. What is your name? Must leave blank as I am anonymously Mamita Llamita except to those who have asked. But I *do* start with Sh-
2. 4 letter word: Shit (a-hem...)
3. Vehicle: Shiny
4. City: Shanghai (yeah, been there done that!!)
5. Boy's Name: Shawn
6. Girl's Name: Shandra
7. Alcoholic beverage: Shiraz
8. Occupation: Shmuck (is that valid?) Shriner? Shoe store salesperson (if nothing else...)
9. Something you wear: Shoes (duh)
10. Celebrity: Shirley Temple
11. Food: Shrimp (oh I think I'm gonna hurl...)
12. Something found in a bathroom: ummmmm....sh--ower.
13. Reason for being late: Shagging (no, I am NOT British...but it sure would be a damn good excuse!!!)
14. Cartoon Character: Shaggy (Scooby's cohort, if anyone isn't of that generation)
l5. Something you shout: "Shosta-frickin'-kovich!!" (seriously, ask anyone who has known me since high school. I am SUCH a nerd.)
16. Animal: shark
17. Body Part: shin
18. Word to describe you: Shameless!!!!
Wow. That was fun!
Using the first letters (I decided on initial blends as my name, for those few souls who know Mama Llama's True Identity would realize that my name definitely does NOT begin with /s/ but with /sh/) of my name I answer all questions, not using my name ever--THAT would be easy--and not making anything up.
So here is my stab at it.
1. What is your name? Must leave blank as I am anonymously Mamita Llamita except to those who have asked. But I *do* start with Sh-
2. 4 letter word: Shit (a-hem...)
3. Vehicle: Shiny
4. City: Shanghai (yeah, been there done that!!)
5. Boy's Name: Shawn
6. Girl's Name: Shandra
7. Alcoholic beverage: Shiraz
8. Occupation: Shmuck (is that valid?) Shriner? Shoe store salesperson (if nothing else...)
9. Something you wear: Shoes (duh)
10. Celebrity: Shirley Temple
11. Food: Shrimp (oh I think I'm gonna hurl...)
12. Something found in a bathroom: ummmmm....sh--ower.
13. Reason for being late: Shagging (no, I am NOT British...but it sure would be a damn good excuse!!!)
14. Cartoon Character: Shaggy (Scooby's cohort, if anyone isn't of that generation)
l5. Something you shout: "Shosta-frickin'-kovich!!" (seriously, ask anyone who has known me since high school. I am SUCH a nerd.)
16. Animal: shark
17. Body Part: shin
18. Word to describe you: Shameless!!!!
Wow. That was fun!
viernes, 9 de mayo de 2008
I am SUCH a nerd!
This is the realization I came to this morning while pouring over my bookcases in an effort to figure out which is The Book I would take with me if I could only take one...the Book Meme from Brad.
My initial instinct, of course, is my textbook that I have written. For me, this is a huge accomplishment and yet, while not quite completed, I have been teaching from it for the past year and it is so symbolic of a huge leap of faith, of the self-confidence that I could actually follow my dream and make it real...which brings me precisely to my book of choice.
I also tried to figure out what book I would not have an easy time replacing. I think most in my library could be replaced in some fashion, so I then decided that would not be a good measure to use.
So I ended up with the Bill Moyers interview of Joseph Campbell in hand, entitled
The Power of Myth.
I was an honors student in my four years of undergrad out in The Grove in Oregon. My freshman year, we went from professor's to professor's home on Monday nights throughout the year and studied this text. It was monumental in the beginning of my self-definition--who I am, where I am going, what I need to be, what I believe, my spirituality, my drive, my motivation--and the single quote I use almost weekly in some capacity from this book, one that I have internalized so deeply into my being, is:
"Follow your bliss."
That has become my mantra. I wish sometimes I could live it more truly, but looking back over my life, my travels, my experiences and the fullness and fervor and passion with which I have lived my life and experienced my life, that this quotation from Joseph Campbell provided me with the courage to do exactly that--define and follow my bliss.
Z, She-ra, Chief and OC, I would love to hear from you.
Basics of the rules are:
If your entire library was about to burn up (think of the firefighters in Fahrenheit 451 invading your home) and you could only have one* book to take with you other than the Bible, what would that be and why?
Simple Rules: Answer the question. Offer one quote that resonates with you. Tag five (or four, in my case...) people whose response is of genuine interest to you and inform him or her that they have been tagged.
*And it cannot be an entire series of something, that’s cheating.*
Happy Friday!
I also tried to figure out what book I would not have an easy time replacing. I think most in my library could be replaced in some fashion, so I then decided that would not be a good measure to use.
So I ended up with the Bill Moyers interview of Joseph Campbell in hand, entitled
The Power of Myth.
I was an honors student in my four years of undergrad out in The Grove in Oregon. My freshman year, we went from professor's to professor's home on Monday nights throughout the year and studied this text. It was monumental in the beginning of my self-definition--who I am, where I am going, what I need to be, what I believe, my spirituality, my drive, my motivation--and the single quote I use almost weekly in some capacity from this book, one that I have internalized so deeply into my being, is:
"Follow your bliss."
That has become my mantra. I wish sometimes I could live it more truly, but looking back over my life, my travels, my experiences and the fullness and fervor and passion with which I have lived my life and experienced my life, that this quotation from Joseph Campbell provided me with the courage to do exactly that--define and follow my bliss.
Z, She-ra, Chief and OC, I would love to hear from you.
Basics of the rules are:
If your entire library was about to burn up (think of the firefighters in Fahrenheit 451 invading your home) and you could only have one* book to take with you other than the Bible, what would that be and why?
Simple Rules: Answer the question. Offer one quote that resonates with you. Tag five (or four, in my case...) people whose response is of genuine interest to you and inform him or her that they have been tagged.
*And it cannot be an entire series of something, that’s cheating.*
Happy Friday!
sábado, 5 de abril de 2008
linky love!
Val tagged me for this one. Hmmm...have to think about My Five Links for a few minutes...oh I have soooo many to share, but these are my toppies:
1. Language Latitudes LLC.
This is Mama Llama in the flesh. My business site (oh I am so proud of myself!).
2. Earthquake Watch!
I am such a nerd. I love to find out where the Earth is rockin' and rollin'.
3. Mah Jong
I have to waste time somehow. It's just natural. So this is one way I choose to do so. Like I said, I'm such a nerd. I used to Tetris all the time, but I got way too out of control on that...plus, it could really stress me out! jajaja
4. Quote of the Day
I love quotes. Since I do calligraphy, I have often calligraphized famous quotes as gifts. And there is so much humor and truth, often, in something so simply stated. I can learn so much from using less words...
5. The Daily Show
I do have various links to news sites all over the world, so as to have a relatively balanced view of things, not just a North American view. However, this is the site that keeps my perspective healthy, I think. I love Jon Stewart's satiric, sarcastic style and I need to laugh more, anyway!
The Small Print (the rules, cut-and-pasted from Val's site) is as follows:
I thought it would be cool to have a meme where we post links. We can post up to five. Then we tell five more people to share their links. If we all share who tagged us, our links are sure to be seen!
They can be business links, favorite sites, affiliate links, whatever you want…
There are some rules, as usual:
1. MUST be clean. No R rated sites.
2. Only FIVE links.
3. MUST tell 5 people.
4. A link back to the person who tagged you
1. Language Latitudes LLC.
This is Mama Llama in the flesh. My business site (oh I am so proud of myself!).
2. Earthquake Watch!
I am such a nerd. I love to find out where the Earth is rockin' and rollin'.
3. Mah Jong
I have to waste time somehow. It's just natural. So this is one way I choose to do so. Like I said, I'm such a nerd. I used to Tetris all the time, but I got way too out of control on that...plus, it could really stress me out! jajaja
4. Quote of the Day
I love quotes. Since I do calligraphy, I have often calligraphized famous quotes as gifts. And there is so much humor and truth, often, in something so simply stated. I can learn so much from using less words...
5. The Daily Show
I do have various links to news sites all over the world, so as to have a relatively balanced view of things, not just a North American view. However, this is the site that keeps my perspective healthy, I think. I love Jon Stewart's satiric, sarcastic style and I need to laugh more, anyway!
The Small Print (the rules, cut-and-pasted from Val's site) is as follows:
I thought it would be cool to have a meme where we post links. We can post up to five. Then we tell five more people to share their links. If we all share who tagged us, our links are sure to be seen!
They can be business links, favorite sites, affiliate links, whatever you want…
There are some rules, as usual:
1. MUST be clean. No R rated sites.
2. Only FIVE links.
3. MUST tell 5 people.
4. A link back to the person who tagged you
miércoles, 2 de abril de 2008
Why not?
Okay...the One Word Meme--from Annabel. Biggest challenge? Trying to fit wordy-ME into one-word only answers!
1. Where is your mobile phone? nightstand
2. Your significant other? kids
3. Your hair? permed
4. Your mother? far
5. Your father? dead
6. Your favorite thing? music
7. Your dream last night? Princesita
8. Your favorite drink? margarita
9. Your dream/goal? spy
10. The room you're in? bedroom
11. Your ex? still...
12. Your fear? disappointment
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? teaching
14. Where were you last night? teaching
15. What you're not? homemaker
16. Muffins? ick
17. One of your wish list items? windows
18. Where you grew up? Oregon
19. The last thing you did? answered
20. What are you wearing? jammies
21. Your TV? Univisión
22. Your pets? Tigre
23. Your computer? lifeline
24. Your life? fulfilling
25. Your mood? headachy
26. Missing someone? yep
27. Your car? Outback
28. Something you're not wearing? bra
29. Favorite Store? toy
30. Your summer? HOT
31. Like someone? sure
32. Your favorite color? purple
33. When is the last time you laughed? now
34. Last time you cried? today
35. Who will/would re-post this? anyone
Have fun! I'm still waiting for a few of your six-word memoirs...You Know Who You Are!!
1. Where is your mobile phone? nightstand
2. Your significant other? kids
3. Your hair? permed
4. Your mother? far
5. Your father? dead
6. Your favorite thing? music
7. Your dream last night? Princesita
8. Your favorite drink? margarita
9. Your dream/goal? spy
10. The room you're in? bedroom
11. Your ex? still...
12. Your fear? disappointment
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? teaching
14. Where were you last night? teaching
15. What you're not? homemaker
16. Muffins? ick
17. One of your wish list items? windows
18. Where you grew up? Oregon
19. The last thing you did? answered
20. What are you wearing? jammies
21. Your TV? Univisión
22. Your pets? Tigre
23. Your computer? lifeline
24. Your life? fulfilling
25. Your mood? headachy
26. Missing someone? yep
27. Your car? Outback
28. Something you're not wearing? bra
29. Favorite Store? toy
30. Your summer? HOT
31. Like someone? sure
32. Your favorite color? purple
33. When is the last time you laughed? now
34. Last time you cried? today
35. Who will/would re-post this? anyone
Have fun! I'm still waiting for a few of your six-word memoirs...You Know Who You Are!!
miércoles, 19 de marzo de 2008
Six Word Memoir
I suppose this just about sums up my Life...!
Tagging specifically Windy and She-Ra, Val and Annabel, Chief and Cyn.
Rules:
1. Write your own six word memoir.
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like.
3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post.
4. Tag (five) more blogs with links.
5. And don’t forget to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!
There are more I'd like to tag, but a lot of people going through some really hard times right now so I don't want to put any more on them than they have to think about already.
Tough to come up with and requires some introspection. As Z mentioned, a lot depended on mood, but this is what it all boils down to for me...interpret as figuratively as possible, please :)
Tagging specifically Windy and She-Ra, Val and Annabel, Chief and Cyn.
Rules:
1. Write your own six word memoir.
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like.
3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post.
4. Tag (five) more blogs with links.
5. And don’t forget to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!
There are more I'd like to tag, but a lot of people going through some really hard times right now so I don't want to put any more on them than they have to think about already.
Tough to come up with and requires some introspection. As Z mentioned, a lot depended on mood, but this is what it all boils down to for me...interpret as figuratively as possible, please :)
lunes, 11 de febrero de 2008
The 123 meme
Okay...a couple of my bloggy buddies have this up so I ought to follow suit.
As I am usually in my classroom for my computing time...hmmm...let's see what I have that isn't just a word list:
Manual de gramática, for my advanced students. No, p. 123 is just a list.
The text currently used at the local University that I am tutoring a few students with...no, p. 123 is simply oral exercises.
Okay...next is my intermediate text. Ah-JA! An actual article.
It's in español. (duh)
An article about "La vida anti-estrés" (Anti-stress Life): La tensión femenina (Feminine tension)...okay, this could just totally be me here:
So there you go.
Now you can SEE I did not cheat on the rules and go find something academic and extremely intellectual from my basement filled with mental masturbation--oh, I mean lit crit and theory.
I am sooooo beyond trying to sound smarter than I really am.
(That was sooooo my 20s!)
Below are the rules, let me know in a comment if you follow through or not--but I hate tagging others. Trying to rid "obligation" from my life, and thus I cannot fairly push obligation onto others!
Instructions:
1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open it at page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence/ phrase.
4. Blog the next four sentences/ phrases together with these instructions.
5. Don't you dare dig your shelves for that very special or intellectual book.
(6. Pass it forward to six friends.)
As I am usually in my classroom for my computing time...hmmm...let's see what I have that isn't just a word list:
Manual de gramática, for my advanced students. No, p. 123 is just a list.
The text currently used at the local University that I am tutoring a few students with...no, p. 123 is simply oral exercises.
Okay...next is my intermediate text. Ah-JA! An actual article.
It's in español. (duh)
An article about "La vida anti-estrés" (Anti-stress Life): La tensión femenina (Feminine tension)...okay, this could just totally be me here:
"Hay innumerables ejemplos de mujeres extenuadas." (There are innumerable examples of over-extended women.)Hmmmm...sounds like an article I should go back and read...
So there you go.
Now you can SEE I did not cheat on the rules and go find something academic and extremely intellectual from my basement filled with mental masturbation--oh, I mean lit crit and theory.
I am sooooo beyond trying to sound smarter than I really am.
(That was sooooo my 20s!)
Below are the rules, let me know in a comment if you follow through or not--but I hate tagging others. Trying to rid "obligation" from my life, and thus I cannot fairly push obligation onto others!
Instructions:
1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open it at page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence/ phrase.
4. Blog the next four sentences/ phrases together with these instructions.
5. Don't you dare dig your shelves for that very special or intellectual book.
(6. Pass it forward to six friends.)
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