I have a newfound appreciation for a good old fashioned ladies night. Not the type where you set out on the town with a group of ladies all hoping to meet some men, but the ones where you go out with only the intention of having fun with your friends and not eagerly seeking male attention. I was blessed with two of those this past weekend and I havent had that much fun in a REALLY long time. That and I have a newfound drink...The Dirty Martini. It's the only way I can get vodka down & who doesnt love a drink that comes with a snack?
Both nights were spent in Hermosa and we just hopped about never staying in one place for too long. I'm hoping tonight is just as fun.
I've been here with the fam for a week now and I haven't gotten any writing done. There's just too many fun things going on. And I'm seriously hating school right now and wishing I didnt have to go back to class after this vacay. Things better get better next semseter.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
12:30 am
I should be sleeping by now but I'm in the middle of so many things. I've been packing, writing, downloading music (Limewire is finally up & runing again after 6 months of not cooperating), and I even booked my shuttle for Wednesday morning.
I'll be in LA for almost 2 weeks. I have so much to look forward to. A few events that stand out are dinner with Jen Wed night, Dominique's party Saturday, dinner with Megan on the 21st, Thanksgiving & time off work, and Megan, RC & Patricks party on the 24th. But I also love the in between time when I can just hang out with the people (and doggy) that I love. I am truly blessed. You realize how much people mean to you when you only get to see them once every so often.
I'll be in LA for almost 2 weeks. I have so much to look forward to. A few events that stand out are dinner with Jen Wed night, Dominique's party Saturday, dinner with Megan on the 21st, Thanksgiving & time off work, and Megan, RC & Patricks party on the 24th. But I also love the in between time when I can just hang out with the people (and doggy) that I love. I am truly blessed. You realize how much people mean to you when you only get to see them once every so often.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
FALL Back
I'm spending an awful lot of time prepping for my family's upcoming visit. I've bought new flannel sheets, a few throw blankets, I've spent $20 doing 4 loads of laundry. And not to mention all the cleaning I have ahead of me. I have to take out several loads of cardboard boxes (yes, I'm still unpacking), about 3 trashbags full of garbage, and I have two huge tupperware containers full of soup that I made that I need to toss. I guess I'm just not that big into soup, (nor am I into juice).
But I think it would make my mother proud to know that after all of her efforts in raising us, she rubbed off on me more than I'd like to admit. If she were reading this, she'd tell me that I didnt need to go to the trouble, that it's only one night, and that they don't care how neat my room & apt are. And I'd answer back with her all too familiar line, "But I care." Emphasis on the I.
I've been looking forward to this visit all week. I know I saw them about two weeks ago, but I just can't wait to have them to MY place. And this is one of my favorite weekends of the year. It isn't fall until we have our weekend at the Baham's.
But I think it would make my mother proud to know that after all of her efforts in raising us, she rubbed off on me more than I'd like to admit. If she were reading this, she'd tell me that I didnt need to go to the trouble, that it's only one night, and that they don't care how neat my room & apt are. And I'd answer back with her all too familiar line, "But I care." Emphasis on the I.
I've been looking forward to this visit all week. I know I saw them about two weeks ago, but I just can't wait to have them to MY place. And this is one of my favorite weekends of the year. It isn't fall until we have our weekend at the Baham's.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
An Amish Lesson...For Jen
As promised, here is a little background on the Amish. I found the following on a FAQ link on this site: http://www.800padutch.com/atafaq.shtml. There was also information on an Amish wedding...all I can say is bull honkey. I still dont feel like all of our questions have been answered, but this kind of helped put things into perspective. Kind of.
"Why don't the Amish use electricity?"
"Amish people interpret linking with electrical wires as a connection with the world - and the Bible tells them they are not to be "conformed to the world." (Romans 12:2) In 1919 the Amish leaders agreed that connecting to power lines would not be in the best interest of the Amish community. They did not make this decision because they thought electricity was evil in itself, but because easy access to it could lead to many temptations and the deterioration of church and family life.
Most of us today would think it impossible to live without the modern conveniences such as electricity and cars. What makes the Old Order Amish unique is not that they get along without modernity, but that they choose to do without it when it would be readily available. The Amish value simplicity and self-denial over comfort, convenience and leisure. Their lifestyle is a deliberate way of separating from the world and maintaining self-sufficiency. (Amish are less threatened by power shortages caused by storm, disaster, or war.) As a result there is a bonding that unites the Amish community and protects it from outside influences such as television, radios, and other influences."
"Why do Amish men have beards, but not mustaches?"
"There are quite a few scripture that mention beards in the Bible. An example would be Psalm 133:1,2. An Amishman does not shave his beard after he becomes married; a long beard is the mark of an adult Amishman. Mustaches, on the other hand, have a long history of being associated with the military, and therefore are forbidden among the Amish people."
"Is it true that dolls for girls have no faces?"
"Our understanding is that years ago, most of the dolls for little girls were rag dolls without faces. The Amish have retained this custom. We believe the reason is similar to the refusal to have pictures of people and is linked to the second commandment. (Exodus 20:4-6) At an early age children are learning not to have images, likenesses, idols
"I know that the Amish don't own automobiles, but in our area it is common to see them riding in other peoples' vehicles. Some even have made a business of offering rides, for a fee, to them. If the Amish don't believe in owning automobiles, it seems strange that they would ride in them. Seems inconsistent to me. Why is this?"
"Maintaining Amish standards, but accepting some modernization to meet needs of living, requires compromise that must not disrupt the social structure. By rejecting certain types of modernity and accepting others, some Amish appear to the outside world to be contradicting themselves - hypocrites. However, from the viewpoint of Amish culture, there is no contradiction. One of the more pronounced inconsistencies is the use of an automobile...although he may not own a car, a member may accept rides and willingly hires an automobile with a driver to transport him from place to place. There was little hesitation when the Amish decided "no" to car ownership. It would separate the community in various ways. If only wealthy members could afford it, the car would bring inequality. Proud individuals would use it to show off their status, power and wealth. Cars would speed things up dramatically, disrupting the slow pace of Amish living. So, they will use them but not own them, for then things will surely get out of control."
"Do the amish believe in gas power?"
"Yes, the Amish use gas. Bottled gas is used to operate water heaters, modern stoves and refrigerators. Gas-pressured lanterns and lamps are used to light homes, barns and.shops."
"Why don't the Amish use electricity?"
"Amish people interpret linking with electrical wires as a connection with the world - and the Bible tells them they are not to be "conformed to the world." (Romans 12:2) In 1919 the Amish leaders agreed that connecting to power lines would not be in the best interest of the Amish community. They did not make this decision because they thought electricity was evil in itself, but because easy access to it could lead to many temptations and the deterioration of church and family life.
Most of us today would think it impossible to live without the modern conveniences such as electricity and cars. What makes the Old Order Amish unique is not that they get along without modernity, but that they choose to do without it when it would be readily available. The Amish value simplicity and self-denial over comfort, convenience and leisure. Their lifestyle is a deliberate way of separating from the world and maintaining self-sufficiency. (Amish are less threatened by power shortages caused by storm, disaster, or war.) As a result there is a bonding that unites the Amish community and protects it from outside influences such as television, radios, and other influences."
"Why do Amish men have beards, but not mustaches?"
"There are quite a few scripture that mention beards in the Bible. An example would be Psalm 133:1,2. An Amishman does not shave his beard after he becomes married; a long beard is the mark of an adult Amishman. Mustaches, on the other hand, have a long history of being associated with the military, and therefore are forbidden among the Amish people."
"Is it true that dolls for girls have no faces?"
"Our understanding is that years ago, most of the dolls for little girls were rag dolls without faces. The Amish have retained this custom. We believe the reason is similar to the refusal to have pictures of people and is linked to the second commandment. (Exodus 20:4-6) At an early age children are learning not to have images, likenesses, idols
"I know that the Amish don't own automobiles, but in our area it is common to see them riding in other peoples' vehicles. Some even have made a business of offering rides, for a fee, to them. If the Amish don't believe in owning automobiles, it seems strange that they would ride in them. Seems inconsistent to me. Why is this?"
"Maintaining Amish standards, but accepting some modernization to meet needs of living, requires compromise that must not disrupt the social structure. By rejecting certain types of modernity and accepting others, some Amish appear to the outside world to be contradicting themselves - hypocrites. However, from the viewpoint of Amish culture, there is no contradiction. One of the more pronounced inconsistencies is the use of an automobile...although he may not own a car, a member may accept rides and willingly hires an automobile with a driver to transport him from place to place. There was little hesitation when the Amish decided "no" to car ownership. It would separate the community in various ways. If only wealthy members could afford it, the car would bring inequality. Proud individuals would use it to show off their status, power and wealth. Cars would speed things up dramatically, disrupting the slow pace of Amish living. So, they will use them but not own them, for then things will surely get out of control."
"Do the amish believe in gas power?"
"Yes, the Amish use gas. Bottled gas is used to operate water heaters, modern stoves and refrigerators. Gas-pressured lanterns and lamps are used to light homes, barns and.shops."
Friday, November 2, 2007
Did You Know?
And now for today's Did You Know...
Did You know:
-that ballroom dance competitions are shown on tv? On PBS? On a Friday night? Betcha didn't.
-that Washington insurance policies are rated on credit and whether or not a person has a mortgage on their home? Neither did I. Today was one rough day at the "office" when I realized that the last 25 quotes I've sent out are all incorrectly rated. Really looking forward to those phone calls from angry customers!
-that the recipe for chicken noodle soup called for 64 oz of Fat Free Chicken Broth and not 32 oz? Neither did I. Made for one mean nearly brothless soup.
-not having trick-o-treaters visit your house means one huge bowl full of leftover candy. Not good for the waistline. And it's not mine to throw out (in case you were going to suggest that)... my skinny roommate bought it.
So many lessons...all in one day.
Did You know:
-that ballroom dance competitions are shown on tv? On PBS? On a Friday night? Betcha didn't.
-that Washington insurance policies are rated on credit and whether or not a person has a mortgage on their home? Neither did I. Today was one rough day at the "office" when I realized that the last 25 quotes I've sent out are all incorrectly rated. Really looking forward to those phone calls from angry customers!
-that the recipe for chicken noodle soup called for 64 oz of Fat Free Chicken Broth and not 32 oz? Neither did I. Made for one mean nearly brothless soup.
-not having trick-o-treaters visit your house means one huge bowl full of leftover candy. Not good for the waistline. And it's not mine to throw out (in case you were going to suggest that)... my skinny roommate bought it.
So many lessons...all in one day.
El Dia De Los Muertos
Otherwise known as Mike Riggs' birthday. How do I still remember that after 8 years?
So next Thursday my Mom, Dad & Mary will be driving up here. They'll stay with me in the city Thursday night and then Friday we'll drive to Concord to stay with the Baham's all weekend. My first official visitors!!
I dont get the feeling that Mom wants to stay too long in the city...not sure why. Or maybe she feels that this weekend is about the Baham's and not San Francisco? So I'm hoping they get in early enough so that I can take them to my fave local restaurant Park Chow on 9th & Lincoln. In fact, I plan on taking every single visitor there because they have the best wedge salad in town. Yummm. Oh and everything they have on the menu you can order in small, med, or large...Ive never seen that before. Genius.
I've decided to drop one of my classes...my Tuesday night Lit of Trauma class. It was either drop one or all. I just started feeling extremely overwhelmed to the point that I was reconsidering grad school. I am tired of going to workshop every week only to hear non-stop negativity. These people tear everyones work down and there is rarely a positive thing said. That's not the kind of workshopping I'm used to. And not that I'm used to nice, but these people are mean just for the sake of being mean.
Plus things with my job are getting more hectic and exciting and I'd really rather focus on that for a bit seeing as I've never felt this way about my job before. I'm still up in the air with everything. I registered for two classes next semester and I got my top picks with the best teachers in the program. So if that doesnt change my mind, I think I've got my answer. Here's hoping!
So next Thursday my Mom, Dad & Mary will be driving up here. They'll stay with me in the city Thursday night and then Friday we'll drive to Concord to stay with the Baham's all weekend. My first official visitors!!
I dont get the feeling that Mom wants to stay too long in the city...not sure why. Or maybe she feels that this weekend is about the Baham's and not San Francisco? So I'm hoping they get in early enough so that I can take them to my fave local restaurant Park Chow on 9th & Lincoln. In fact, I plan on taking every single visitor there because they have the best wedge salad in town. Yummm. Oh and everything they have on the menu you can order in small, med, or large...Ive never seen that before. Genius.
I've decided to drop one of my classes...my Tuesday night Lit of Trauma class. It was either drop one or all. I just started feeling extremely overwhelmed to the point that I was reconsidering grad school. I am tired of going to workshop every week only to hear non-stop negativity. These people tear everyones work down and there is rarely a positive thing said. That's not the kind of workshopping I'm used to. And not that I'm used to nice, but these people are mean just for the sake of being mean.
Plus things with my job are getting more hectic and exciting and I'd really rather focus on that for a bit seeing as I've never felt this way about my job before. I'm still up in the air with everything. I registered for two classes next semester and I got my top picks with the best teachers in the program. So if that doesnt change my mind, I think I've got my answer. Here's hoping!
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