We have a plant lady here at Triumph D.
I have asked her, everytime she's in on her weekly watering/pruning, if she could please get me an aloe plant for my office space, and everytime she says yes.
This has been going on for,
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm,
5 months.
The aloe plant is not that important.
I mean, yes, it's an important plant,
but no it's not important for me to have one right this second goddammit.
But, I mean, come on, Jan. Your only job is to go to offices, water their plants, and successfully fulfill new-plant orders.
And I understand if it's not aloe season.
It could very well be the exact opposite time of year in which aloe and aloe plants are harvested. Also could just simply not available to the community as a whole at this current time.
I also understand if you keep forgetting the aloe plant.
I'm sure you see a lot of people whose flora needs are above those of mine.
I also understand if you hate me because I slept with your husband and then stuffed your kitty in the laundry chute.
But still.
It's your job.
31.5.05
17.5.05
readership poll
hey there, blog-readin' buds!
as the 6-month anniversary of em approaches, I've been wondering a few things:
-does anyone care what I'm talking about
-if so, how many people
Thus I have a small favor to ask you, special friend. It's like REALLY small considering all the 'hard work' I put in to possibly entertaining/amusing you (or boring, or angering...).
So, if you read this, please leave a comment with:
-your initials
-when you think going commando is appropriate, if at all.
I will take a blogging break as the results trickle in (probably very slowly).
Cheers,
-egc
-personally, I'm without undies most of the time. except never (OK, rarely) with skirts and never-ever if I'm riding my robotic stegosaurus-camel, Buckwheat II.
And never-ever-ever during that 'time.'
ps-I'm not worried about the results of this poll b/c it's not like I'm racking in the comments anyway
as the 6-month anniversary of em approaches, I've been wondering a few things:
-does anyone care what I'm talking about
-if so, how many people
Thus I have a small favor to ask you, special friend. It's like REALLY small considering all the 'hard work' I put in to possibly entertaining/amusing you (or boring, or angering...).
So, if you read this, please leave a comment with:
-your initials
-when you think going commando is appropriate, if at all.
I will take a blogging break as the results trickle in (probably very slowly).
Cheers,
-egc
-personally, I'm without undies most of the time. except never (OK, rarely) with skirts and never-ever if I'm riding my robotic stegosaurus-camel, Buckwheat II.
And never-ever-ever during that 'time.'
ps-I'm not worried about the results of this poll b/c it's not like I'm racking in the comments anyway
16.5.05
triple play
In my series of baseball firsts, this weekend marked my first series and, consequentially, a further realization of just how applicable and exemplary baseball truly is to my (and any American's) life.
How can I feel a connection to a team I never knew? To a sport that, on the surface, seems so different from my actual existence? And, perhaps more important, what made me think that Bud Lite is worth $6 a bottle?
I'll probably expand on these questions more throughout the season, but for now the answer, I'm finding, is simple:
it's fun.
And unlike any other fun I've ever had.
How can I feel a connection to a team I never knew? To a sport that, on the surface, seems so different from my actual existence? And, perhaps more important, what made me think that Bud Lite is worth $6 a bottle?
I'll probably expand on these questions more throughout the season, but for now the answer, I'm finding, is simple:
it's fun.
And unlike any other fun I've ever had.
11.5.05
misc. wednesday
This will update as the day continues...
-After 10 years of wanting to do so, last night I finally got to tell Emily Saliers 'thank you.' She is my personal hero.
-The Golden Rule rarely works for me. If it did, I'd see more respect and compassion from others.
-However, I will still treat those others with respect and compassion until the day I die.
-I am so happy Uchenna and Joyce (husband and wife) won The Amazing Race! Not only because Boston Rob and Amber are schmucks and Ron and Kelley are just plain idiots, but because U & J kept a positive mindset during the whole thing, and it's good to see that pay off.
$1 million to be exact.
-I think I would win The Amazing Race, no matter who my partner was.
-Sometimes I really miss driving. I love driving and singing.
-I'm glad I'm not petrol-dependent right now.
-Arianna Huffington has a blog now. It's not as good as ours, though. In fact, I think it kind of sucks.
If I'm going to read some lady's take on things, I'd rather it be Ann Coulter's. At least it's interesting.
-The Mountain Goats recently came to town. I passed up the opportunity to see them.
Not because I don't like their music; actually, I've yet to hear them.
It's just that knew it I wouldn't be able to enjoy it at this time. I know my limits.
-I've found that adding goat cheese and/or avocado to any meal will make it 6-7 times better, depending on what the meal is in the first place.
-I hate the terms "chick rock" and "bleeding vagina music."
Not only is the latter offensive (see: genital mutilation), but
if you were part of a population who had been marginalized for centuries and you finally found widespread liberty of creative power and voice, only to still be marginalized by
male-dominated social thought, you'd be a little angry, too.
Then only to have your anger be written off by the nomenclature above...
Sheesh, give the gals a break.
I'm not sayin' it's all good music or that it can't be joked about, but there's a reason for it and it's OK to understand that.
Plus, it just takes a little weeding through to find the good stuff.
-On a similar note, I know some guys who could definitely work on getting in touch with their feminine side.
Yes, you have one.
-I've had no reason to complain about anything in quite a while now.
-The Ford Foundation is going to give millions of dollars to NPR and PBS in the next year.
That makes NPR's biggest recent funders McDonald's and Ford Motors. Hmmm...
I guess that's OK.
-I have somehow managed to get the best people as my friends. For that I am truly bless-ed.
-A friend recently told me "I'd love to be a vegetarian; it's just that I hate vegetables."
I think you could fill in 'vegetarian' and 'vegetables' with any other two related things and this statement could be one way of explaining human nature:
fear/hatred of what we could be.*
-I believe understanding one's feelings is fundamental to clear decision making and, ultimately, understanding one's self. Dan thinks there's no need to understand one's feelings because he believes they are fleeting and distractionary apparitions. Perhaps they are fleeting (not distractionary), but I still think I'm right about what to do with them.
-I'm looking very forward to Friday's happy hour and Nats game! $4 pitchers of ML & seeing the home team...what could be better?
Oh yeah, respect and compassion from others.
-It's a beautiful day!
*This doesn't apply to everyone, myself included. It's just one possiblity of many.
-After 10 years of wanting to do so, last night I finally got to tell Emily Saliers 'thank you.' She is my personal hero.
-The Golden Rule rarely works for me. If it did, I'd see more respect and compassion from others.
-However, I will still treat those others with respect and compassion until the day I die.
-I am so happy Uchenna and Joyce (husband and wife) won The Amazing Race! Not only because Boston Rob and Amber are schmucks and Ron and Kelley are just plain idiots, but because U & J kept a positive mindset during the whole thing, and it's good to see that pay off.
$1 million to be exact.
-I think I would win The Amazing Race, no matter who my partner was.
-Sometimes I really miss driving. I love driving and singing.
-I'm glad I'm not petrol-dependent right now.
-Arianna Huffington has a blog now. It's not as good as ours, though. In fact, I think it kind of sucks.
If I'm going to read some lady's take on things, I'd rather it be Ann Coulter's. At least it's interesting.
-The Mountain Goats recently came to town. I passed up the opportunity to see them.
Not because I don't like their music; actually, I've yet to hear them.
It's just that knew it I wouldn't be able to enjoy it at this time. I know my limits.
-I've found that adding goat cheese and/or avocado to any meal will make it 6-7 times better, depending on what the meal is in the first place.
-I hate the terms "chick rock" and "bleeding vagina music."
Not only is the latter offensive (see: genital mutilation), but
if you were part of a population who had been marginalized for centuries and you finally found widespread liberty of creative power and voice, only to still be marginalized by
male-dominated social thought, you'd be a little angry, too.
Then only to have your anger be written off by the nomenclature above...
Sheesh, give the gals a break.
I'm not sayin' it's all good music or that it can't be joked about, but there's a reason for it and it's OK to understand that.
Plus, it just takes a little weeding through to find the good stuff.
-On a similar note, I know some guys who could definitely work on getting in touch with their feminine side.
Yes, you have one.
-I've had no reason to complain about anything in quite a while now.
-The Ford Foundation is going to give millions of dollars to NPR and PBS in the next year.
That makes NPR's biggest recent funders McDonald's and Ford Motors. Hmmm...
I guess that's OK.
-I have somehow managed to get the best people as my friends. For that I am truly bless-ed.
-A friend recently told me "I'd love to be a vegetarian; it's just that I hate vegetables."
I think you could fill in 'vegetarian' and 'vegetables' with any other two related things and this statement could be one way of explaining human nature:
fear/hatred of what we could be.*
-I believe understanding one's feelings is fundamental to clear decision making and, ultimately, understanding one's self. Dan thinks there's no need to understand one's feelings because he believes they are fleeting and distractionary apparitions. Perhaps they are fleeting (not distractionary), but I still think I'm right about what to do with them.
-I'm looking very forward to Friday's happy hour and Nats game! $4 pitchers of ML & seeing the home team...what could be better?
Oh yeah, respect and compassion from others.
-It's a beautiful day!
*This doesn't apply to everyone, myself included. It's just one possiblity of many.
9.5.05
'cemb'rists
1). the concert. watching a group of dorks on stage playing their melodies, singing their tales, living their lives, I felt that energy they exuded-- confirming within me that I, too, can take my life anywhere I want it to go.
...excepting fate's mighty gusts, which may very well lead me into a belly of a whale.
It would be scary, but I think I'd make it out OK.
I mean, I've made it this far.
2). Colin Meloy and I are friendster friends
...excepting fate's mighty gusts, which may very well lead me into a belly of a whale.
It would be scary, but I think I'd make it out OK.
I mean, I've made it this far.
2). Colin Meloy and I are friendster friends
4.5.05
media pt.2
From my comment in the below post, media, which I've chosen to add as a new post...
Let's break this down.
News is supposed to be "what's going on right now."
What people decide to report is where the bias factor comes in, because choice/discretion is involved. For example, and like Michael Moore pointed out in "Bowling for Columbine," the Canadian news reports on things like potholes or new community gardens.
Perhaps more "positive" than crime, fires and death, it's still "biased" towards what those news directors believe is newsworthy.
Obviously when the news is "tied" to the free market, it has to produce a successful "product" if it wants to earn those advertising revenue dollars. Even if it's "public" radio or TV it has to appease what its supporters (the listener/viewer) want to be covered.
You (Spooner) asked in your comment:
"How plausible is it to attempt to provide news for both sides, or do we abandon that idea entirely?"
Not only is this a leading question (it makes the answer have to be either 'plausible' or an admission that we've 'abandoned the idea'), but a good one. I think it's completely plausible for news to cover both sides, if that's what the listener/viewer wants.
"Is it better to know the leanings of your media source than have them hide it?"
Obviously it's better, but who's going to admit "Our media is liberal" or "Our news covers conservative goings-on in a positive manner"?
I ask:
Should a news organization's "leanings" be defined by that organization, or by outside organizations, like it is now?
What makes a media outlet "liberal" or "conservative" in the first place?
Using traditional definitions of the terms, "liberal" media would be covering a vastly wide array of topics with an equally-as-vast range of angles, sources, commentary and such. "Conservative" media would cover the basics using only strictly-factual information.
In this light, every news media I've seen is by nature "liberal."
Getting back to the issues at hand (also prompted by your comment), the yeomanification of media and information makes it ironically possible for
A) many more perspectives to be added to our daily choice
and, at the same time,
B) the prospect that people could become even more narrow-minded
My solution, like everything, lies in personal choice. And don't get me wrong, I've wrestled with the devil's-advocate query of "but how can uneducated people tell the difference? Aren't they being manipulated/taken advantage of? They don't really have a choice"
Perhaps, but in a sense that's not my problem. My problem is producing good news or being a good teacher and hope that my good/educational programming reaches out to a thirsty mind somewhere. Of course what I think is "good" or "educational" is, in essence, biased, and that's why you can either listen to it or not.
I've reached a point here in this comment where my original post began:
the "media" is such an interesting concept. It's just regular ol' people "informing" other regular ol' people about some thing or another.
The way this is happening is changing, and I think it's completely fascinating.
Might I also add here that all of this is why, in my mind, spelling, punctuation and grammar are so very important, even in personal web logs. Contrary to some's opinion, by attempting to correct these things I'm not trying to be annoying or nitpicky. Perhaps it has to do a little with my inherited eye for detail (not my fault).
But more importantly, it just keeps some sort of 'standard' running through the ba-gillions of data out here in bloggerland.
Let's break this down.
News is supposed to be "what's going on right now."
What people decide to report is where the bias factor comes in, because choice/discretion is involved. For example, and like Michael Moore pointed out in "Bowling for Columbine," the Canadian news reports on things like potholes or new community gardens.
Perhaps more "positive" than crime, fires and death, it's still "biased" towards what those news directors believe is newsworthy.
Obviously when the news is "tied" to the free market, it has to produce a successful "product" if it wants to earn those advertising revenue dollars. Even if it's "public" radio or TV it has to appease what its supporters (the listener/viewer) want to be covered.
You (Spooner) asked in your comment:
"How plausible is it to attempt to provide news for both sides, or do we abandon that idea entirely?"
Not only is this a leading question (it makes the answer have to be either 'plausible' or an admission that we've 'abandoned the idea'), but a good one. I think it's completely plausible for news to cover both sides, if that's what the listener/viewer wants.
"Is it better to know the leanings of your media source than have them hide it?"
Obviously it's better, but who's going to admit "Our media is liberal" or "Our news covers conservative goings-on in a positive manner"?
I ask:
Should a news organization's "leanings" be defined by that organization, or by outside organizations, like it is now?
What makes a media outlet "liberal" or "conservative" in the first place?
Using traditional definitions of the terms, "liberal" media would be covering a vastly wide array of topics with an equally-as-vast range of angles, sources, commentary and such. "Conservative" media would cover the basics using only strictly-factual information.
In this light, every news media I've seen is by nature "liberal."
Getting back to the issues at hand (also prompted by your comment), the yeomanification of media and information makes it ironically possible for
A) many more perspectives to be added to our daily choice
and, at the same time,
B) the prospect that people could become even more narrow-minded
My solution, like everything, lies in personal choice. And don't get me wrong, I've wrestled with the devil's-advocate query of "but how can uneducated people tell the difference? Aren't they being manipulated/taken advantage of? They don't really have a choice"
Perhaps, but in a sense that's not my problem. My problem is producing good news or being a good teacher and hope that my good/educational programming reaches out to a thirsty mind somewhere. Of course what I think is "good" or "educational" is, in essence, biased, and that's why you can either listen to it or not.
I've reached a point here in this comment where my original post began:
the "media" is such an interesting concept. It's just regular ol' people "informing" other regular ol' people about some thing or another.
The way this is happening is changing, and I think it's completely fascinating.
Might I also add here that all of this is why, in my mind, spelling, punctuation and grammar are so very important, even in personal web logs. Contrary to some's opinion, by attempting to correct these things I'm not trying to be annoying or nitpicky. Perhaps it has to do a little with my inherited eye for detail (not my fault).
But more importantly, it just keeps some sort of 'standard' running through the ba-gillions of data out here in bloggerland.
27.4.05
media
Not to be obvious, but I can definitely feel a big change happening in the media.
The way we get our 'information' has always been/is evolving, but right now I feel a major shift. I feel it deep in my bones.
And it's making me excited...
I can't wait to go back to San Francisco.*
Do you think it's changing? If so, how?
*I'm just really excited for this upcoming project, which happens to be in SF.
It's more the project than SF itself.
The way we get our 'information' has always been/is evolving, but right now I feel a major shift. I feel it deep in my bones.
And it's making me excited...
I can't wait to go back to San Francisco.*
Do you think it's changing? If so, how?
*I'm just really excited for this upcoming project, which happens to be in SF.
It's more the project than SF itself.
22.4.05
inquiry into existence
Thinking a lot lately about existence.
I'm familiar with 'cogito, ergo sum' and how, after most philosophical queries, one necessarily ends up at Descartes' famous conclusion.
(Real quick-my math teacher in high school would refer to Descartes as "Dis-cartees". He was being serious.)
Indeed, it is tough for us to imagine a world in which we don't exist.
And I'm not ready to tackle whether or not we would 'exist' if we didn't think we did.
That being said, I am more interested right now in answering the question:
does our existence matter? Or, for all intents and purposes, does what we do matter?
I've always had a deeper feeling about my actions.
Liken it to Karma or the Golden Rule, whatever, but I can never escape that feeling of 'pay it forward.' And not only between other humans and myself, but also myself vis-a-vis all living creatures and our planet. I've always just tried to do 'good.'
Similarly, I tend to find 'good' in every situation.
Not Panglossian optimism, mind you, but more an appreciation for what 'life' brings. Indeed, everytime I learn something new, I label that as 'good,' and inside me arises a 'positive' feeling. This can get rather 'ridiculous' as I've even felt appreciation for the lessons learned by 'bad' things such as The Holocaust.
But why?
In a recent discussion, a question arose:
Could we have just made it all up based on the instinctually survivalist notion of self-preservation? Our religions, our jobs, our rules, even seemingly sincere things like heroism (underlying basic premise that the human race must survive) and love (need to feel complete rather than alone)?
Rationally speaking, yes. I can see this argument holding weight. Nothing can really be 'good' or 'bad' because it just 'is.' Also, according to this view, there is no such thing as 'good' or 'bad' ramifications of behavior. Karma doesn't exist and it doesn't matter if I drive a gas guzzler.
(I should point out that this possible reality isn't necessarily a 'bad' thing either.)
But how do I explain my feelings of 'good' mentioned above? If they don't really exist, how can I feel them? And, should I feel them and should I be doing things for the 'greater good'?
Or, rather, should I be living a life whose purpose may not actually be real?
(I'm sure there will be discussion of existentialism here, which is fine if it's not just based on nomenclature).
I'm careful not to enter a purely cynical camp of 'nothing matters.' At least not right now.
For starters, I can't change that I naturally feel these things. Indeed, I can say confidently that I'm a "hopeless romantic" of sorts and it wouldn't follow to simply shun my feelings.
Secondly, I'd rather explore further the origins and reasons for these feelings before I just conclude that they don't exist or matter.
Or, on the other hand, that they do exist or matter.
Of course, until then, I'll err on the side I've been living on.
Any thoughts?
21.4.05
um, me
been reading people's surveys here and there. here's mine:
about you
name: emilie grace cole
nicknames: emcole, emiliecole, em, eeems (southern family), emmie (emmy shank)
heritage: scottish, welsh, british
birthplace: richmond, va
live now: DC
hair: light blonde (summer), light brown/dark blonde (winter)
eyes: blue
height: 5.5 ft
weight: 130-5
race: Aryan. I'm totally kidding here. Since I don't believe in race, I'd say, um, HUMAN
disabilities: none that I'm aware of. but my left knee is like a 70-year-old's
vision: huh? contacts in the -4 range. I just got new glasses last week and they are def. stronger. I can't see the big 'E' on the chart without help.
hearing: excellent
likes/dislikes
Your favorite physical features: hands, legs, back
Could be better: feet. I blame it on the miles ran.
Favorite food(s):
sheesh. I like pretty much all foods, but I'd say...
-2 eggs over medium w/tad cheddar & toast
-mac-n-cheese
-salad
-anything thai coconut curry
-sushi (specifically, salmon nigiri, rainbow roll, spicy tuna roll)
-veggie burgers
-celery
Least favorite food(s):
-beets
Favorite drinks(s):
-WATER
-cold, light beer after a run
-mix juices
-ketel one cosmo
Least favorite drinks:
-beet juice
Favorite TV show: AbFab, Jeopardy. If only they had AbFab Jeopardy.
Favorite movie: willy wonka
Favorite book: don't have one yet
Favorite music: anything I can dance to. it may not be pretty at times, but I can dance to almost anything
Favorite sport to play: If I could, soccer. good thing I like running!
Favorite sport to watch: now it's baseball
Perfect day? any day can be perfect. some ethereal notions include sunny parks, Sunday NYtimes, frisbee, bbq's, drunken charades...summer's right around the co'na!
significant other
hair: don't care
eyes: don't care
height: not shorter than me. the last thing I need is some pipsqueak following me around
weight: don't care. as long as they can be active with me
personality: whatevs. as long as we 'fit'
style: don't care, but absolutely NO pleated pants (I can help if need be)
current relationship? nicole
fits above? for most part. nobody's perfect
you
Things you're good at: caring, helping, keeping in touch, making the world a good place (one way or another), most sports/running; understanding everyone's point of view; chugging Guinness (Imperial pints)
Things you could be better at: 'thinking before I speak'; resisting urge to be sarcastic with
more-simple coworkers; I could always be more chill
Things you'll succeed at:
motherhood; spouse-hood; teaching; marine corps marathon; being a friend
Things you'll fail at:
I don't quite 'believe' in failure, since I think everything's a learning experience
Comforts: i randomly find comfort. like this morning on the bridge over looking the plush green Rock Creek Park.
Fears: airplane turbulence/crash; other people's umbrella spokes
Proud of? myself, my friends, family, humanity
Regrets? not writing an honor's thesis; sometimes I put my self out on a limb and becoming vulnerable/how I ended up getting there. But again, see "failure" question.
Grateful for? how I was raised; you
Short-term goals:
have fun; read; save money/build investments; marine corps marathon; set up audioluxe; better posture; figure stuff out
Mid-term goals:
have fun; fluent in Spanish; conversational in French; literate in Latin; knowledge of Arabic; understand theory of relativity; start family; become more flexible (physically); learn to sail; own a fixer upper; figure stuff out
Long-term goals:
raise family; have cabin/cottage owned by friends and I; travel; teach; give back; HAVE FUN
my new glasses.
glasses were invented by humans just like the chair i'm sitting in, the polymer desk behind me, and those rolled up building plans, because we also decided we needed concrete structures in which to conduct our equally-as-made-up business.
come to think of it, we've totally made up a lot of shit!
about you
name: emilie grace cole
nicknames: emcole, emiliecole, em, eeems (southern family), emmie (emmy shank)
heritage: scottish, welsh, british
birthplace: richmond, va
live now: DC
hair: light blonde (summer), light brown/dark blonde (winter)
eyes: blue
height: 5.5 ft
weight: 130-5
race: Aryan. I'm totally kidding here. Since I don't believe in race, I'd say, um, HUMAN
disabilities: none that I'm aware of. but my left knee is like a 70-year-old's
vision: huh? contacts in the -4 range. I just got new glasses last week and they are def. stronger. I can't see the big 'E' on the chart without help.
hearing: excellent
likes/dislikes
Your favorite physical features: hands, legs, back
Could be better: feet. I blame it on the miles ran.
Favorite food(s):
sheesh. I like pretty much all foods, but I'd say...
-2 eggs over medium w/tad cheddar & toast
-mac-n-cheese
-salad
-anything thai coconut curry
-sushi (specifically, salmon nigiri, rainbow roll, spicy tuna roll)
-veggie burgers
-celery
Least favorite food(s):
-beets
Favorite drinks(s):
-WATER
-cold, light beer after a run
-mix juices
-ketel one cosmo
Least favorite drinks:
-beet juice
Favorite TV show: AbFab, Jeopardy. If only they had AbFab Jeopardy.
Favorite movie: willy wonka
Favorite book: don't have one yet
Favorite music: anything I can dance to. it may not be pretty at times, but I can dance to almost anything
Favorite sport to play: If I could, soccer. good thing I like running!
Favorite sport to watch: now it's baseball
Perfect day? any day can be perfect. some ethereal notions include sunny parks, Sunday NYtimes, frisbee, bbq's, drunken charades...summer's right around the co'na!
significant other
hair: don't care
eyes: don't care
height: not shorter than me. the last thing I need is some pipsqueak following me around
weight: don't care. as long as they can be active with me
personality: whatevs. as long as we 'fit'
style: don't care, but absolutely NO pleated pants (I can help if need be)
current relationship? nicole
fits above? for most part. nobody's perfect
you
Things you're good at: caring, helping, keeping in touch, making the world a good place (one way or another), most sports/running; understanding everyone's point of view; chugging Guinness (Imperial pints)
Things you could be better at: 'thinking before I speak'; resisting urge to be sarcastic with
more-simple coworkers; I could always be more chill
Things you'll succeed at:
motherhood; spouse-hood; teaching; marine corps marathon; being a friend
Things you'll fail at:
I don't quite 'believe' in failure, since I think everything's a learning experience
Comforts: i randomly find comfort. like this morning on the bridge over looking the plush green Rock Creek Park.
Fears: airplane turbulence/crash; other people's umbrella spokes
Proud of? myself, my friends, family, humanity
Regrets? not writing an honor's thesis; sometimes I put my self out on a limb and becoming vulnerable/how I ended up getting there. But again, see "failure" question.
Grateful for? how I was raised; you
Short-term goals:
have fun; read; save money/build investments; marine corps marathon; set up audioluxe; better posture; figure stuff out
Mid-term goals:
have fun; fluent in Spanish; conversational in French; literate in Latin; knowledge of Arabic; understand theory of relativity; start family; become more flexible (physically); learn to sail; own a fixer upper; figure stuff out
Long-term goals:
raise family; have cabin/cottage owned by friends and I; travel; teach; give back; HAVE FUN
my new glasses.
glasses were invented by humans just like the chair i'm sitting in, the polymer desk behind me, and those rolled up building plans, because we also decided we needed concrete structures in which to conduct our equally-as-made-up business.
come to think of it, we've totally made up a lot of shit!
20.4.05
either or
sometimes in life i'm faced with the following choice:
go running or eat macaroni and cheese*
well, folks, tonight it's the big m-c for me
*annie's organic shells and cheddar
**i never blog about eating salad. maybe i'll start doing that more.
go running or eat macaroni and cheese*
well, folks, tonight it's the big m-c for me
*annie's organic shells and cheddar
**i never blog about eating salad. maybe i'll start doing that more.
the big 2-1
happy 21st birthday to my younger brother (and one of the coolest guys i know), james bernard cole!
cheers & love!!!
cheers & love!!!
19.4.05
free
s p r i n g t i m e = winter's weight off my shoulders
= lightness
= freedom
= a smile
maybe it wasn't winter
there was a weight, though
and it's gone
'free
like a bird out in the wind in the night
like a 747 to LA that's in flight
free
like a garden flourishing in the wind
like a student bout to do it when he's graduatin'...'
first in flight, blackalicious
= lightness
= freedom
= a smile
maybe it wasn't winter
there was a weight, though
and it's gone
'free
like a bird out in the wind in the night
like a 747 to LA that's in flight
free
like a garden flourishing in the wind
like a student bout to do it when he's graduatin'...'
first in flight, blackalicious
18.4.05
weekend/happy/pointless post/etc
I'm not kidding when I say that DC keeps getting better!
Absolutely gorgeous weekend numero dos
.... spent almost all weekend outside in the wonderful sunshine.
Friday got my iPod (40GB, color) and enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the local Italian bistro.
Saturday biked to Georgetown & browsed the shop(pe)s then watched the Nats game at Brad's. Sometimes there's nothing better than just going over to Brad's.
Yesterday biked along the river (Potomac) with Nicole all the way down to Old Town Alexandria--a quaint historic downtown area--about a 10 mile ride. On the way we stopped near Reagan National Airport where you can lay in a field as the incoming jumbo jets are about to land--they fly over at literally 30 feet!
Once there we enjoyed a hearty brunch and let me tell you that eggs chesapeake (like benedicte but w/crab meat) is my new favorite breakfast item.
After walking around for a few hours, it was nap time by the river. With the sound of boats and gulls, and the colonial streets nearby, I felt like I was back at Cape Cod.
Went for an early evening run then finished off the day with the handsome boy modeling school show (which actually was just 'ok' because the venue kind of screwed up the audio).
All in all, an excellent end to a great week.
Or the start of a new one.
this cup is more than half full
Absolutely gorgeous weekend numero dos
.... spent almost all weekend outside in the wonderful sunshine.
Friday got my iPod (40GB, color) and enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the local Italian bistro.
Saturday biked to Georgetown & browsed the shop(pe)s then watched the Nats game at Brad's. Sometimes there's nothing better than just going over to Brad's.
Yesterday biked along the river (Potomac) with Nicole all the way down to Old Town Alexandria--a quaint historic downtown area--about a 10 mile ride. On the way we stopped near Reagan National Airport where you can lay in a field as the incoming jumbo jets are about to land--they fly over at literally 30 feet!
Once there we enjoyed a hearty brunch and let me tell you that eggs chesapeake (like benedicte but w/crab meat) is my new favorite breakfast item.
After walking around for a few hours, it was nap time by the river. With the sound of boats and gulls, and the colonial streets nearby, I felt like I was back at Cape Cod.
Went for an early evening run then finished off the day with the handsome boy modeling school show (which actually was just 'ok' because the venue kind of screwed up the audio).
All in all, an excellent end to a great week.
Or the start of a new one.
this cup is more than half full
15.4.05
baseball and me
I usually don't like being a number.
Even in crowds, my natural tendency is to find some sort of individuality (sometimes, unfortunately, this has to do with a few too many drinks and a conviction that I am "funny").
But last night I was proud to be just one of thousands.
A sober one, and of 45,596, to be exact.
A short while ago, you might've likened my knowledge/care of baseball to, oh, say (can you see?) the US Tax Code's 2004 Amendments and Adjustments.
Indeed, a large portion of my apathy stemmed from my own perceived inability to understand the material at hand. It just felt like too much and, to be honest, there was really no incentive for me to give a crap. I also felt like a poser moving every year and half and trying to be a fan of whatever local team there was.
Then, however, enter: the Nats.
The only way my interest was piqued in the first place was (nerd alert) the debate surrounding their arrival and the DC municipal money involved therein. For months I followed the 'battle' of baseball v. public infrastructure (schools, hospitals, THE LIKE).
If you know me at all (or at least read the preceding paragraph), it wouldn't be hard to figure out which side I was rooting for.
But slowly something inside of me changed. I was getting excited and I couldn't figure out why! I started caring less and less about the sick, the poor and DC's children, and more and more about stuff like Livan Hernandez, statistics and this new, non-female definition of the word 'cycle.'
I even tried to go to espn.com a few times.
Now, the day after I experienced baseball's neatly-starched history 'unfold' at a sold-out RFK stadium (and, ironically, on tax day), I can say that I'm a true Nationals fan.
Even more so, I'm a baseball fan.
And it wasn't the F-16s and the fireworks.
It wasn't Renee Fleming.
It certainly wasn't President Bush.
No, I've seen my share of patriotic fanfare; all that mess wasn't the razzle-dazzle for me last night.
For me it was a pure and fresh feeling of experiencing something I hadn't before,
including that $4 hotdog (real meat, not tofu).
Simply satisfying.
Even in crowds, my natural tendency is to find some sort of individuality (sometimes, unfortunately, this has to do with a few too many drinks and a conviction that I am "funny").
But last night I was proud to be just one of thousands.
A sober one, and of 45,596, to be exact.
A short while ago, you might've likened my knowledge/care of baseball to, oh, say (can you see?) the US Tax Code's 2004 Amendments and Adjustments.
Indeed, a large portion of my apathy stemmed from my own perceived inability to understand the material at hand. It just felt like too much and, to be honest, there was really no incentive for me to give a crap. I also felt like a poser moving every year and half and trying to be a fan of whatever local team there was.
Then, however, enter: the Nats.
The only way my interest was piqued in the first place was (nerd alert) the debate surrounding their arrival and the DC municipal money involved therein. For months I followed the 'battle' of baseball v. public infrastructure (schools, hospitals, THE LIKE).
If you know me at all (or at least read the preceding paragraph), it wouldn't be hard to figure out which side I was rooting for.
But slowly something inside of me changed. I was getting excited and I couldn't figure out why! I started caring less and less about the sick, the poor and DC's children, and more and more about stuff like Livan Hernandez, statistics and this new, non-female definition of the word 'cycle.'
I even tried to go to espn.com a few times.
Now, the day after I experienced baseball's neatly-starched history 'unfold' at a sold-out RFK stadium (and, ironically, on tax day), I can say that I'm a true Nationals fan.
Even more so, I'm a baseball fan.
And it wasn't the F-16s and the fireworks.
It wasn't Renee Fleming.
It certainly wasn't President Bush.
No, I've seen my share of patriotic fanfare; all that mess wasn't the razzle-dazzle for me last night.
For me it was a pure and fresh feeling of experiencing something I hadn't before,
including that $4 hotdog (real meat, not tofu).
Simply satisfying.
13.4.05
fables
The origin of this post was the fact that last night I had the pleasure of seeing Aesop Rock. Strike that. 'Seeing' should be replaced with experiencing.
Watching the words pour out of him like a waterfall of dreams, hopes and sorrows was second only to when I saw Gift of Gab do the same, only faster and with a bit more playful logic and wit (the latter tickling my fancy just a wee bit more). Also, that Blackalicious show was only $3 (thanks, SU!) whereas Aes & Co came up in the twomp range. But both made me dance and made me happy.
When I experience performances like these--or any performance, really--I just can't help feeling so good about life. I mean, these people have this incredible talent and I'm so grateful I get to see it. Is this really cheesy? (don't answer that)
Even really 'bad' performances. I mean, not if they cost me a ton, because then I'd be a little miffed. But for the most part, even watching a sucky performance gives me this same appreciation for everything.
It's still just a wonder to me that people create, and on top of that, create good stuff.
We even created fables.
A double thanks to Aesop.
Watching the words pour out of him like a waterfall of dreams, hopes and sorrows was second only to when I saw Gift of Gab do the same, only faster and with a bit more playful logic and wit (the latter tickling my fancy just a wee bit more). Also, that Blackalicious show was only $3 (thanks, SU!) whereas Aes & Co came up in the twomp range. But both made me dance and made me happy.
When I experience performances like these--or any performance, really--I just can't help feeling so good about life. I mean, these people have this incredible talent and I'm so grateful I get to see it. Is this really cheesy? (don't answer that)
Even really 'bad' performances. I mean, not if they cost me a ton, because then I'd be a little miffed. But for the most part, even watching a sucky performance gives me this same appreciation for everything.
It's still just a wonder to me that people create, and on top of that, create good stuff.
We even created fables.
A double thanks to Aesop.
12.4.05
fugitive
"now it’s coming to you
the lessons i’ve learned
won’t do you any good
cause you’ve got to get burned
the curse and the blessing
they’re one in the same
baby it’s all
such a treacherous gain"
the lessons i’ve learned
won’t do you any good
cause you’ve got to get burned
the curse and the blessing
they’re one in the same
baby it’s all
such a treacherous gain"
9.4.05
tasty
one of the tastiest meals is two eggs over medium with melted sharp cheddar on hearty toast.
and cold orange juice.
it's a great day!
and cold orange juice.
it's a great day!
8.4.05
power outtage
This is actually what I had planned to write about before my upcoming-events excitement took hold of my blog.
Public transportation.
It's a great thing if you're physically fit enough to handle it.
My commute today was going as usual...walk to Metro, rush to oncoming train at expense of woman-in-front-of-me's heels, getting thrown around inside train car due to driver's inability to... drive. Et cetera.
When I got to my destination, even the dark and cavernous station seemed normal. Until I realized it was a little too dark.
Being an adaptable gal who eats her carrots, I peered around for the ticket turnstile, and once I found it I slid my SmarTrip Card across the reader (that was easy!) and proceeded to....well, the escalator,
but what looked more like what the army likes to call a "cluster fuck."
With about 200 people being offloaded every 2 minutes, it's already enough that we only have two moving escalators in the direction of commute. And if for some reason--say, typical mechanical failure--we're all relegated to only one moving escalator, it's like the LA-Ventura Freeway at the 1-405 interchange. But replace those metal boxes and empty-threat horn blows with real people and real evil eyes.
That being said, I'm sure you can imagine what it was like this morning to see not only all escalators at a stand still, but only one of them available for the up direction. Essentially what we had was one hell of a staircase on our hands.
Enter: mass confusion and wheezing.
What I saw was absolutely hilarious and disgusting at the same time.
For me, the 200-step climb was a breeze. Even on fully-functioning days I don't just "ride" the escalator, I "walk" it, and today people like myself were finally recognized for their daily efforts: we made it out of Bethesda station with nary an aberrant breath, nor droplet of sweat on brow or bosom.
I wish I could say the same for my fellow commuters.
People were stopping, coughing, bitching, panting, gasping, gulping, squawking, heaving, and choking--mostly for air--and I seriously thought some of them were going to faint. There were a lot of innocent "phew"s and a lot more of their expletive counterparts. And there was no feeling of pulling through this uphill battle together. It was every commuter for himself.
Just to make myself feel good, I walked back down to the bottom and made a second ascension. I actually think I lapped some folks.
Beyond my own personal amusement and eduction, what I saw was very disturbing in a broader sense.
Thankfully this occured on a regular day, but what if it we had to get to the top because of an emergency? Many out-of-shape bodies would be laid to waste...either from the disaster at hand or the no-rest-stop climb itself.
I think today's Metro mishap exposed more than just a pudgy midriff:
some people definitely have to reevaluate their lifestyles.
If not for their own well-being, then for that of our homeland security.
Public transportation.
It's a great thing if you're physically fit enough to handle it.
My commute today was going as usual...walk to Metro, rush to oncoming train at expense of woman-in-front-of-me's heels, getting thrown around inside train car due to driver's inability to... drive. Et cetera.
When I got to my destination, even the dark and cavernous station seemed normal. Until I realized it was a little too dark.
Being an adaptable gal who eats her carrots, I peered around for the ticket turnstile, and once I found it I slid my SmarTrip Card across the reader (that was easy!) and proceeded to....well, the escalator,
but what looked more like what the army likes to call a "cluster fuck."
With about 200 people being offloaded every 2 minutes, it's already enough that we only have two moving escalators in the direction of commute. And if for some reason--say, typical mechanical failure--we're all relegated to only one moving escalator, it's like the LA-Ventura Freeway at the 1-405 interchange. But replace those metal boxes and empty-threat horn blows with real people and real evil eyes.
That being said, I'm sure you can imagine what it was like this morning to see not only all escalators at a stand still, but only one of them available for the up direction. Essentially what we had was one hell of a staircase on our hands.
Enter: mass confusion and wheezing.
What I saw was absolutely hilarious and disgusting at the same time.
For me, the 200-step climb was a breeze. Even on fully-functioning days I don't just "ride" the escalator, I "walk" it, and today people like myself were finally recognized for their daily efforts: we made it out of Bethesda station with nary an aberrant breath, nor droplet of sweat on brow or bosom.
I wish I could say the same for my fellow commuters.
People were stopping, coughing, bitching, panting, gasping, gulping, squawking, heaving, and choking--mostly for air--and I seriously thought some of them were going to faint. There were a lot of innocent "phew"s and a lot more of their expletive counterparts. And there was no feeling of pulling through this uphill battle together. It was every commuter for himself.
Just to make myself feel good, I walked back down to the bottom and made a second ascension. I actually think I lapped some folks.
Beyond my own personal amusement and eduction, what I saw was very disturbing in a broader sense.
Thankfully this occured on a regular day, but what if it we had to get to the top because of an emergency? Many out-of-shape bodies would be laid to waste...either from the disaster at hand or the no-rest-stop climb itself.
I think today's Metro mishap exposed more than just a pudgy midriff:
some people definitely have to reevaluate their lifestyles.
If not for their own well-being, then for that of our homeland security.
event horizon
I'm unusually ecstatic at the current moment because I just acquired Nats opening day tickets for a very reasonable price--$40 each!
(The only drawback is that Dubya might mistake all of our hats for another "mandate." Look for the Ten Commandments in your grocer's freezer).
This tops off my recent spree of ticket-getting. Other upcoming events I will be attending:
-aesop rock
-handsome boy modeling school
-the decemberists
-a lecture by emily saliers (50% of the indigo girls) and her dad (a minister) on music in religion and religion in pop culture
-alison krauss & union station
DC is turning out to be not all that lame!
(The only drawback is that Dubya might mistake all of our hats for another "mandate." Look for the Ten Commandments in your grocer's freezer).
This tops off my recent spree of ticket-getting. Other upcoming events I will be attending:
-aesop rock
-handsome boy modeling school
-the decemberists
-a lecture by emily saliers (50% of the indigo girls) and her dad (a minister) on music in religion and religion in pop culture
-alison krauss & union station
DC is turning out to be not all that lame!
6.4.05
teachers
Sometimes a day comes along in which I don't really want to blog, or rather, I don't really have anything specific I need/want to blog about, but there are continuous peripheral thoughts relating to a certain subject matter vis-a-vis myself, and I feel compelled to address them.
Today's lesson is about teachers.
While I find the teaching profession one of the most noble (and potentially one of the most rewarding, though I can't say it is the most rewarding because I haven't been a teacher...yet. And, ya know...this gig ain't too shabby), I am made painstakingly aware as each day passes that it is most certainly a profession which I have little desire to enter into at this time.
This temporary conclusion comes after many conversations with and observations of my girlfriend and friends' (non) lives. For starters, Nicole comes home everyday looking like she just ran a marathon on beans and a nap. Secondly, she rarely has the energy to do much (sad face) and her weekends are spent planning next week's lesson. This might have a lot to do with the fact that she was hired as a 9th-grade bio teacher in a mostly-Spanish-speaking HS and she neither studied biology nor teaching beforehand.
But still, no thanks.
My friend Molly works at a special high school tucked away in the Rocky Mountains, which I'm sure is heaven and a dream come true. But seeing as how her work week averages 80 hours, she might as well be a prisoner at Alcatraz.
She can see, hear, and smell the Barbary Coast, but she can't go out and play.
Friends Randy and, newly, Dan might have it better off not working in a crappy urban district nor with kids like Molly's (although their district/school is still really bad) but, nope. It seems that their lives, too, are consumed by their work; from the 'miracle moments' to the disappointments, to the people they date and befriend, being a teacher has become their raison d'être.
I should point out again, for fear of backlash from said individuals, that A) they are good strong people who are living life optimistically, doing their best, etc; B) I am proud of these individuals and want to thank them for their service; and C) I, at some point, also want to join this special clique, and not just for clique-membership's sake.
In addition, I hold special reverence for my own teachers. I remember quite vividly those who played a large part in my education and development, especially my second grade teacher, Mrs. Flohr. She believed in me down to her core and provided me with the tools I have used throughout my life (I even plan on relegating part of one of my children's name to "Flohr").
I truly believe in the power of the classroom and I am fully aware of my destiny to be an educator of some sort. In fact, I almost was committed to two years working with special education students in Anacostia! But at this time I feel damn happy having a balanced, outside life.
No, no no. A real balanced, outside life.
Today's lesson is about teachers.
While I find the teaching profession one of the most noble (and potentially one of the most rewarding, though I can't say it is the most rewarding because I haven't been a teacher...yet. And, ya know...this gig ain't too shabby), I am made painstakingly aware as each day passes that it is most certainly a profession which I have little desire to enter into at this time.
This temporary conclusion comes after many conversations with and observations of my girlfriend and friends' (non) lives. For starters, Nicole comes home everyday looking like she just ran a marathon on beans and a nap. Secondly, she rarely has the energy to do much (sad face) and her weekends are spent planning next week's lesson. This might have a lot to do with the fact that she was hired as a 9th-grade bio teacher in a mostly-Spanish-speaking HS and she neither studied biology nor teaching beforehand.
But still, no thanks.
My friend Molly works at a special high school tucked away in the Rocky Mountains, which I'm sure is heaven and a dream come true. But seeing as how her work week averages 80 hours, she might as well be a prisoner at Alcatraz.
She can see, hear, and smell the Barbary Coast, but she can't go out and play.
Friends Randy and, newly, Dan might have it better off not working in a crappy urban district nor with kids like Molly's (although their district/school is still really bad) but, nope. It seems that their lives, too, are consumed by their work; from the 'miracle moments' to the disappointments, to the people they date and befriend, being a teacher has become their raison d'être.
I should point out again, for fear of backlash from said individuals, that A) they are good strong people who are living life optimistically, doing their best, etc; B) I am proud of these individuals and want to thank them for their service; and C) I, at some point, also want to join this special clique, and not just for clique-membership's sake.
In addition, I hold special reverence for my own teachers. I remember quite vividly those who played a large part in my education and development, especially my second grade teacher, Mrs. Flohr. She believed in me down to her core and provided me with the tools I have used throughout my life (I even plan on relegating part of one of my children's name to "Flohr").
I truly believe in the power of the classroom and I am fully aware of my destiny to be an educator of some sort. In fact, I almost was committed to two years working with special education students in Anacostia! But at this time I feel damn happy having a balanced, outside life.
No, no no. A real balanced, outside life.
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