One of the things that I can so geek out about is Broadway musicals. I was raised listening to Andrew Lloyd Webber and Fiddler on the Roof and Man of LaMancha. I have spent this week listening to musical soundtracks, watching documentaries and watching movies of some of these musicals. I have been (understandably) optimistic. I mean, seriously! Where else can a man who looks like Fred Astaire be a heartthrob? Where else can Rick Moranis get a bombshell like Ellen Greene? And where else can you see Tevye's If I Were A Rich Man shimmy? And where else can you get chills from a simple idea like No Day But Today? CHILLS!
ANYWAY... I love music. I love the way music invokes deep emotions of happiness or invokes the darkness of loneliness. I love the drama of music. I love the comedy of music.
One of the movies I watched this week was Funny Girl. Yes, Barbara Streisand. *sigh* I know. But... To hear her sing Don't Rain on My Parade is almost a religious experience. (I said ALMOST) I also watched Fiddler on the Roof. Far From the Home I Love still invokes tears from me. Even after hearing it for 30+ years. The Producers brought my warm feelings during That Face. Then the chills came while Mary Magdalene and Peter the Apostle asked Could We Start Again, Please? And then I get to drift away as the Phantom sings about The Music of the Night. And I always want to help Seymore get off of Skid Row. Watching all of these movies and hearing all this dramatic music is like a soundtrack to my life.
How can this genre be so "passe"? How is it that I feel like I need to hide the fact that I like all this. My brother says it's cause it makes me old. Lots of other people say it's cause it sucks and it doesn't make any sense. Why would people bust into song? But I return with "Why am I supposed to care about blue people?" (I did like Avatar... I am just saying, musicals are no more preposterous than Sci Fi.)
I am now going to go listen to my My Fair Lady soundtrack. Julie Andrews could have danced all night...
And I hope to join her!
GGC
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
And I am behind...
I really never thought when I made the deal to blog once a week with my friend, that I would be the first to fall behind. But here we are. Lol! I will be blogging extra this week to make up for it.
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I really love that day. Cause, no matter how bad things are, there is always something to be thankful for. Despite working a part-time job, I am THANKFUL to be working. Despite being allergic to MSG, I am THANKFUL to have food to eat at all. My car runs badly, but I am THANKFUL to have a car that is paid for.
I know that I capitalized every time I typed the word "THANKFUL," I did this for a reason. My life has been interesting for a while now. I have been extremely poor. I have been depressed about lots of things that I cannot do. Then I said something last week that really made me go "Whoa..." (Yes, all Keanu Reeves style.) I said that I was going to go focus on the positive in my life. I said it in semi-jest. But then I actually heard myself. No, better than that, I LISTENED to myself. I then sat down and thought about all the good people, good things, and good possibilities that I have in my life. Kinda gives one perspective.
SO, I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving with their loved ones. I also hope that you have finished (and enjoyed) all the leftovers.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS READERS!
GGC
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I really love that day. Cause, no matter how bad things are, there is always something to be thankful for. Despite working a part-time job, I am THANKFUL to be working. Despite being allergic to MSG, I am THANKFUL to have food to eat at all. My car runs badly, but I am THANKFUL to have a car that is paid for.
I know that I capitalized every time I typed the word "THANKFUL," I did this for a reason. My life has been interesting for a while now. I have been extremely poor. I have been depressed about lots of things that I cannot do. Then I said something last week that really made me go "Whoa..." (Yes, all Keanu Reeves style.) I said that I was going to go focus on the positive in my life. I said it in semi-jest. But then I actually heard myself. No, better than that, I LISTENED to myself. I then sat down and thought about all the good people, good things, and good possibilities that I have in my life. Kinda gives one perspective.
SO, I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving with their loved ones. I also hope that you have finished (and enjoyed) all the leftovers.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS READERS!
GGC
Friday, November 19, 2010
Blog? BLOG!
A blog is a place that I can share my opinions and thoughts on the touchy, right? So after I gather my thoughts and get them in an order that I can coherently share them, I plan to do just that.
And away. We. Go.
As I said in my previous post, social networking really is a lot of fun. Until it's not. I know. Cryptic as well. I'm trying to express my frustration with things without getting too personal. I have been trying to avoid posting my political views as my status updates. But then I post the link to this blog on my facebook. Therefore, I open myself up to criticism. I am ok with that. I got to witness a discussion on budgetary reform tonight that really was astounding. Both sides were passionate. It did start over a carbon tax. I know my feelings on this are irrelevant (but I will share them anyway, just how I roll). I think that I don't like the idea of breathing the crap some companies pump out. Nor do I like the idea of drinking it. Responsibility. I have to take it, why not big business? And it seems that the Almighty Dollar is the only thing that businesses seems to understand. So... draw your own conclusions from this. I dunno about the climate change dimension to all of that.
I also said that I was a bleeding heart liberal. I really am not. I am what I like to call moderately liberal. A cop out, you say? Perhaps. But... That's my story and I am sticking to it. I genuinely think that extremism is dangerous. Either way. Left or right. Glenn Beck personifies the worst of this extremism. As an entertainer, he is mildly amusing. As a historian, as a political pundent... he's dangerous. To hear lots and lots of people quoting him as an expert makes me CRAZY! (Seriously, I run around yelling "Snail phlegm ice cream trucks" cause I have no idea what I can say otherwise.)
I am getting off topic... Back to the original discussion.... I don't know what happened after the discussion I saw on facebook. All I know is that the discussion started to be really uncomfortable and personal. I am glad that it ended. And it allowed me to write this blog. Which, to be honest, was escaping me.
:D
Also, Something else on facebook has prompted me to state a few more things about me. I support many causes. The two that are nearest and dearest to me are HIV/AIDS research and breast cancer research. I will NOT, however, be posting any mass status updates about this. I have personally known people who have suffered from both and two (one AIDS and one cancer) who have passed away. So I felt the need to make this public. These are my causes. I don't believe that they are in opposition to each other. I think that good health and prevention is a great thing to promote.
My two cents for this week. Venting. And I am sorry. They can't all be winners.
GGC
And away. We. Go.
As I said in my previous post, social networking really is a lot of fun. Until it's not. I know. Cryptic as well. I'm trying to express my frustration with things without getting too personal. I have been trying to avoid posting my political views as my status updates. But then I post the link to this blog on my facebook. Therefore, I open myself up to criticism. I am ok with that. I got to witness a discussion on budgetary reform tonight that really was astounding. Both sides were passionate. It did start over a carbon tax. I know my feelings on this are irrelevant (but I will share them anyway, just how I roll). I think that I don't like the idea of breathing the crap some companies pump out. Nor do I like the idea of drinking it. Responsibility. I have to take it, why not big business? And it seems that the Almighty Dollar is the only thing that businesses seems to understand. So... draw your own conclusions from this. I dunno about the climate change dimension to all of that.
I also said that I was a bleeding heart liberal. I really am not. I am what I like to call moderately liberal. A cop out, you say? Perhaps. But... That's my story and I am sticking to it. I genuinely think that extremism is dangerous. Either way. Left or right. Glenn Beck personifies the worst of this extremism. As an entertainer, he is mildly amusing. As a historian, as a political pundent... he's dangerous. To hear lots and lots of people quoting him as an expert makes me CRAZY! (Seriously, I run around yelling "Snail phlegm ice cream trucks" cause I have no idea what I can say otherwise.)
I am getting off topic... Back to the original discussion.... I don't know what happened after the discussion I saw on facebook. All I know is that the discussion started to be really uncomfortable and personal. I am glad that it ended. And it allowed me to write this blog. Which, to be honest, was escaping me.
:D
Also, Something else on facebook has prompted me to state a few more things about me. I support many causes. The two that are nearest and dearest to me are HIV/AIDS research and breast cancer research. I will NOT, however, be posting any mass status updates about this. I have personally known people who have suffered from both and two (one AIDS and one cancer) who have passed away. So I felt the need to make this public. These are my causes. I don't believe that they are in opposition to each other. I think that good health and prevention is a great thing to promote.
My two cents for this week. Venting. And I am sorry. They can't all be winners.
GGC
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Shift to the right!
Is it just me, or is it funny how reactionary American voters tend to be? I actually laughed when the results for the elections came in.
I understand that the power to vote is a privilege and a way to express dissatisfaction with the status quo. Also, expressing approval for the status quo. But... I think I am starting to loose track of what the status quo actually is. Two years ago, we all wanted change. So we elected President Obama. NOW we want change and are dissatisfied with the administration so nationwide, we vote to the opposite side.
Now... Logically speaking, how are we gonna fix anything when each of the houses shifts every two years? How are lasting solutions going to be established if we aren't even patient enough to give our reps a full 4 years to work on it? *sigh*
Perhaps I am just jaded. I have been voting for candidates that best represent me since 1994. Many times, my candidate has lost the election. And yet I still go every year (most times twice a year) to cast my vote. This year I just got to the point that I was totally apathetic. I did it. But I was not excited to do it. For the first time in 16 years.
My two cents worth.
GGC
I understand that the power to vote is a privilege and a way to express dissatisfaction with the status quo. Also, expressing approval for the status quo. But... I think I am starting to loose track of what the status quo actually is. Two years ago, we all wanted change. So we elected President Obama. NOW we want change and are dissatisfied with the administration so nationwide, we vote to the opposite side.
Now... Logically speaking, how are we gonna fix anything when each of the houses shifts every two years? How are lasting solutions going to be established if we aren't even patient enough to give our reps a full 4 years to work on it? *sigh*
Perhaps I am just jaded. I have been voting for candidates that best represent me since 1994. Many times, my candidate has lost the election. And yet I still go every year (most times twice a year) to cast my vote. This year I just got to the point that I was totally apathetic. I did it. But I was not excited to do it. For the first time in 16 years.
My two cents worth.
GGC
Thursday, November 4, 2010
The Dude abides...
I made an agreement with a friend that I would blog once a week if he did the same... Seemed like an easy thing to do at the time. But now I am faced with an (almost) empty screen and one blog entry to finish before tomorrow is over. Nice, eh?
When I started this blog I was gonna use it to talk about many things that were important to me. I was gonna talk about being many kinds of geek and walking in the real world. I am not sure that I have come even close to doing a good job with that... But whatever. I write what comes to mind and go with it. I will say (on that geeky nature) that I have been trying to find a place to watch my PBS online (no I haven't tried PBS.org... I always do things the hard way) and have been looking forward to my Friday night gaming session a little more than usual this week. I have almost finished watching all of the episodes of the 2nd Doctor in the Classic Dr Who tv series, and have (finally) watched the last 3 episodes of the first season of the 10th Doctor. Wow. Matt Smith doesn't disappoint. I am also working (very slowly, might I add) through all of the X-Files, beginning to end.
With all that being said, my son is doing well. He is now in the middle of his fourth grade year and has been taking on some career advising. He asked last night what I was good at (you see, he has decided that I need a second job... He's not wrong...). I told him that I was good at talking to people, good at using a computer, and good at being a leader. I also told him that I could cross my eyes, roll my tongue and pat my head while rubbing my stomach ("Not job skills, Mom" Again, he's not wrong...). Do you know what he gets from that? "Mom, you should work at a game store. Cause you're kind of a gamer!" You see what he did there? And, wow. I am not sure how to think about all that, you know, now that I see it in print.
But the geeky inner me and the socially adjusted outer me I like to show the professional world are doomed to stay separate, alas! Cause, you see, none of the game shops are hiring right now. I checked. And the split personality that I have grown so accustomed to will remain.
And, yes, I did watch The Big Lebowski this week. All I ever needed to know from life, I learned from this movie. ... No, not really, but that sounded nice. Lol! I do so love this movie! "F*ck it! Let's go bowling!" has become my motto. I also watched a terrible movie called Bloodsucking Redneck Vampires. If you haven't seen it... You should! I think that my roomie and I are gonna grab our 15 minutes of fame and do a web movie as an homage! Redneck Zombies. Or Werewolves. Or even Frankenstein monsters. The list is truly endless.
And I think that is enough to keep my end of my bargain. Let's see if my friend does his part!
GGC
When I started this blog I was gonna use it to talk about many things that were important to me. I was gonna talk about being many kinds of geek and walking in the real world. I am not sure that I have come even close to doing a good job with that... But whatever. I write what comes to mind and go with it. I will say (on that geeky nature) that I have been trying to find a place to watch my PBS online (no I haven't tried PBS.org... I always do things the hard way) and have been looking forward to my Friday night gaming session a little more than usual this week. I have almost finished watching all of the episodes of the 2nd Doctor in the Classic Dr Who tv series, and have (finally) watched the last 3 episodes of the first season of the 10th Doctor. Wow. Matt Smith doesn't disappoint. I am also working (very slowly, might I add) through all of the X-Files, beginning to end.
With all that being said, my son is doing well. He is now in the middle of his fourth grade year and has been taking on some career advising. He asked last night what I was good at (you see, he has decided that I need a second job... He's not wrong...). I told him that I was good at talking to people, good at using a computer, and good at being a leader. I also told him that I could cross my eyes, roll my tongue and pat my head while rubbing my stomach ("Not job skills, Mom" Again, he's not wrong...). Do you know what he gets from that? "Mom, you should work at a game store. Cause you're kind of a gamer!" You see what he did there? And, wow. I am not sure how to think about all that, you know, now that I see it in print.
But the geeky inner me and the socially adjusted outer me I like to show the professional world are doomed to stay separate, alas! Cause, you see, none of the game shops are hiring right now. I checked. And the split personality that I have grown so accustomed to will remain.
And, yes, I did watch The Big Lebowski this week. All I ever needed to know from life, I learned from this movie. ... No, not really, but that sounded nice. Lol! I do so love this movie! "F*ck it! Let's go bowling!" has become my motto. I also watched a terrible movie called Bloodsucking Redneck Vampires. If you haven't seen it... You should! I think that my roomie and I are gonna grab our 15 minutes of fame and do a web movie as an homage! Redneck Zombies. Or Werewolves. Or even Frankenstein monsters. The list is truly endless.
And I think that is enough to keep my end of my bargain. Let's see if my friend does his part!
GGC
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Fall is here...
The leaves are turning and the evenings are getting cooler. I got out my hoodie last week. I am actually enjoying he changes around me. I remember at this time every year, as I grew up, I was planning my Halloween costume and looking forward to having ham and beans with corn bread.
I watch the leaves turn and know that another year is coming to a close. This feeling is bittersweet for me. I look forward to the new year and all the unexpected surprises that come. I also mourn the loss of the old year and all the potential not realized. I want to say that this next year will be different, but I say that every year. I always say that I will meet my goals, I will fulfill my potential to the best of my abilities. But then I end up in October, wondering where the hell the time has gone.
This is MY short coming. I am a procrastinator, and at times, just not that great of a person. I say every year that I will work to change that. And then, the leaves turn. And I look back and see that I have once again put off everything. I see that I am catty and mean and selfish by turns. I like to think that my good acts make up for those short comings... But I dunno.
SO... I am changing the ritual this year. I am starting today to work on my attitude. Work on my time management. Starting with the now. "What time is it? (correct answer is "Now.") Where are you? (correct answer is "Here.") If you see me out and about, ask me those questions. I need the reminder.
And the point of all that is... Maybe next year, I can REALLY enjoy the leaves turning and all the apple cider. Maybe... With a little help from my friends.
GGC
I watch the leaves turn and know that another year is coming to a close. This feeling is bittersweet for me. I look forward to the new year and all the unexpected surprises that come. I also mourn the loss of the old year and all the potential not realized. I want to say that this next year will be different, but I say that every year. I always say that I will meet my goals, I will fulfill my potential to the best of my abilities. But then I end up in October, wondering where the hell the time has gone.
This is MY short coming. I am a procrastinator, and at times, just not that great of a person. I say every year that I will work to change that. And then, the leaves turn. And I look back and see that I have once again put off everything. I see that I am catty and mean and selfish by turns. I like to think that my good acts make up for those short comings... But I dunno.
SO... I am changing the ritual this year. I am starting today to work on my attitude. Work on my time management. Starting with the now. "What time is it? (correct answer is "Now.") Where are you? (correct answer is "Here.") If you see me out and about, ask me those questions. I need the reminder.
And the point of all that is... Maybe next year, I can REALLY enjoy the leaves turning and all the apple cider. Maybe... With a little help from my friends.
GGC
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Social networking....
Today, I spent a good portion of my day thinking about facebook.com and what it means. Now, I know that we tell ourselves it means absolutely nothing to the real world. But really, it is SYMBOLIC of the real world.
This site allows us to reconnect with friends from our past, gives us another way to keep up with our friends of the present, and maybe even make a few new friends. It allows us to sink LARGE amounts of time and energy into pointless games and quizzes. It allows us to share pictures of us living our lives....
It also can be symbolic of the states of our friendships. What happens when an old friend "un-friends" you? This is symbolic of a friendship ending.
I admit, I am a facebook junkie. I really LIKE looking at the photos people share. I enjoy chatting it up with old friends. I even *gasp* use quite a few of those time sink apps. But, I also have observed that this site has allowed users to end friendships without ever talking to the people. Not even a phone call. So, in this world of technology, where does human connection fall in?
Although I LOVE using facebook, I have recently been going out of my way to make sure my actual relationships are in tact and strong. I have been spending many hours talking (yes! Face to face!) to my nearest and dearest. I have been "unplugging" and trying to work out my differences with those that I have fell out with.
Facebook is nice. And a constant group who is there to support you (even from a distance, yes, I have friends and family all over the country and some in other countries. This is another reason facebook is great.) is the most awesome thing ever! Last I looked, I have 248 friends on facebook. Most of them, I actually know! But, when things are really down and out, who will visit you in the hospital/pick you up/bail you out? The friends you actually spend time with.
Getting back to the idea that facebook is symbolic of real life... Un-friending people there can be as hurtful and irksome as ignoring them in person. I hate saying that. I would like to say that these things don't matter. But they kinda do. Most people would never end a relationship via text message or email... WHY would they do it by hitting a simple button on this website? No explanations. Is there a sense of detachment? I shouldn't have asked that. I think this is the issue. You can end things with seemingly no consequence. Seemingly, no mess.
It is a little scary how impersonal things have become. And so, I have been out and about more. Come look at my smiling face! In person!
Don't know where to find me?
Check my facebook status!
GGC
This site allows us to reconnect with friends from our past, gives us another way to keep up with our friends of the present, and maybe even make a few new friends. It allows us to sink LARGE amounts of time and energy into pointless games and quizzes. It allows us to share pictures of us living our lives....
It also can be symbolic of the states of our friendships. What happens when an old friend "un-friends" you? This is symbolic of a friendship ending.
I admit, I am a facebook junkie. I really LIKE looking at the photos people share. I enjoy chatting it up with old friends. I even *gasp* use quite a few of those time sink apps. But, I also have observed that this site has allowed users to end friendships without ever talking to the people. Not even a phone call. So, in this world of technology, where does human connection fall in?
Although I LOVE using facebook, I have recently been going out of my way to make sure my actual relationships are in tact and strong. I have been spending many hours talking (yes! Face to face!) to my nearest and dearest. I have been "unplugging" and trying to work out my differences with those that I have fell out with.
Facebook is nice. And a constant group who is there to support you (even from a distance, yes, I have friends and family all over the country and some in other countries. This is another reason facebook is great.) is the most awesome thing ever! Last I looked, I have 248 friends on facebook. Most of them, I actually know! But, when things are really down and out, who will visit you in the hospital/pick you up/bail you out? The friends you actually spend time with.
Getting back to the idea that facebook is symbolic of real life... Un-friending people there can be as hurtful and irksome as ignoring them in person. I hate saying that. I would like to say that these things don't matter. But they kinda do. Most people would never end a relationship via text message or email... WHY would they do it by hitting a simple button on this website? No explanations. Is there a sense of detachment? I shouldn't have asked that. I think this is the issue. You can end things with seemingly no consequence. Seemingly, no mess.
It is a little scary how impersonal things have become. And so, I have been out and about more. Come look at my smiling face! In person!
Don't know where to find me?
Check my facebook status!
GGC
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sappy, sappy tribute
As I write this, I am looking at my boyfriend, asleep wrapped in my purple fleece blanket (covered in smiling monkeys to boot). It has been a rough couple of weeks and I like that I have this man to depend on. Even when he freaks out, even when we fight. I love this man. Sappy as that is, and I haven't ever shared that with you in this blog before. When I am freaking out he is always there to tell me to stop it. Lol! I know that sounds really not helpful, but it is.
He's a neat freak, a germaphobe, and sort of blunt. I am a bit of a slob, germs don't even phase me... and I am passive-aggressive. But we aren't all that different. He just finished his degree in history, which will be what I graduate with when I am all done. I want to make my mark on the world, he wants to work for a not profit focusing on children. We both act, we both love to game, and more and more.
When I look ahead of me, I see a number of uncertainties about money and school and life in general. But I see him in it. All the time telling me that I am smarter than he is (although he believes this, it's not true) and cheering me on.
And most of all, sleeping with my monkey blanket.
GGC
He's a neat freak, a germaphobe, and sort of blunt. I am a bit of a slob, germs don't even phase me... and I am passive-aggressive. But we aren't all that different. He just finished his degree in history, which will be what I graduate with when I am all done. I want to make my mark on the world, he wants to work for a not profit focusing on children. We both act, we both love to game, and more and more.
When I look ahead of me, I see a number of uncertainties about money and school and life in general. But I see him in it. All the time telling me that I am smarter than he is (although he believes this, it's not true) and cheering me on.
And most of all, sleeping with my monkey blanket.
GGC
Thursday, August 26, 2010
School or "How I decided to stay poor"
My mind has been noisy this week and so I decided to dump some of the noise here. Have fun with it...
I have been thinking of changing my major when I go back to school next fall to Philosophy. What will I do with that degree you ask? Probably hang it on my wall and continue to work retail. Lol! I have been reading much in this realm in the past few years and really would love to keep reading it and discussing it forever. Especially ethics. I LOVE the study of ethics. And religious studies. The philosophy of religion has always been a draw for me... Maybe a double major. With my history maybe I can totally make myself unmarketable.
OR Maybe I can just stay in school forever and be that person in the corner of your favorite coffee house (you know the one...) reading the pretentiously thick book and discussing Kant's Categorical Imperative and how it applies to everyday ethics. I could invest in some wool sweaters and wear small glasses at the end of my nose and start drinking earl grey tea.
Frankly, next fall seems so far away. And I can hardly wait. I would love to just start collecting degrees and teach college. Staying in academia certainly sounds wonderful. It feels right to think of myself in school somehow for the rest of my life. Let the knowledge start flowing. Let the deadlines and syllabuses (syllibi?) flow like water and determine the ebb and flow of my life. *delighted sigh* Coming August, 2011: my new life as a career student!
I think that this is easily achieved. Even if I don't really stay in school forever. I have this unending thirst for knowledge. I read like my life depended on it. I research like it's going out of style. I love new ideas and concepts. I hope that never ends...
Speaking of all that, for the first time in almost 10 years, I am reading Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time. I tried a few times when I was at Ballstate, as my boyfriend and a few of my other friends read it and were often talking about it. I am not ashamed to admit that I felt inadequate when I couldn't make it through. I also want to get it finished so I can finally check it off my list of started but unfinished tasks. Wish me luck.
GGC
I have been thinking of changing my major when I go back to school next fall to Philosophy. What will I do with that degree you ask? Probably hang it on my wall and continue to work retail. Lol! I have been reading much in this realm in the past few years and really would love to keep reading it and discussing it forever. Especially ethics. I LOVE the study of ethics. And religious studies. The philosophy of religion has always been a draw for me... Maybe a double major. With my history maybe I can totally make myself unmarketable.
OR Maybe I can just stay in school forever and be that person in the corner of your favorite coffee house (you know the one...) reading the pretentiously thick book and discussing Kant's Categorical Imperative and how it applies to everyday ethics. I could invest in some wool sweaters and wear small glasses at the end of my nose and start drinking earl grey tea.
Frankly, next fall seems so far away. And I can hardly wait. I would love to just start collecting degrees and teach college. Staying in academia certainly sounds wonderful. It feels right to think of myself in school somehow for the rest of my life. Let the knowledge start flowing. Let the deadlines and syllabuses (syllibi?) flow like water and determine the ebb and flow of my life. *delighted sigh* Coming August, 2011: my new life as a career student!
I think that this is easily achieved. Even if I don't really stay in school forever. I have this unending thirst for knowledge. I read like my life depended on it. I research like it's going out of style. I love new ideas and concepts. I hope that never ends...
Speaking of all that, for the first time in almost 10 years, I am reading Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time. I tried a few times when I was at Ballstate, as my boyfriend and a few of my other friends read it and were often talking about it. I am not ashamed to admit that I felt inadequate when I couldn't make it through. I also want to get it finished so I can finally check it off my list of started but unfinished tasks. Wish me luck.
GGC
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Criticism vs Insulting
Today as I was reading the BBC front page headlines I found an interesting discussion. Question was "Was Obama right to fire Gen. McChrystal?" This has been an interesting topic today and I had just about tuned it out, cause I was trying to figure out why it bugged me that people were saying it just showed his "thin-skin." Then I ran across this comment by alan pelz-sharpe:
"...he did not criticize the Obama administration he made fun of it - criticism if its valid is one thing, outright disrespect is another thing altogether..."
(In case you missed it, here is a link to a summary of today's events: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/us_and_canada/10395402.stm )
THIS is why it wasn't sitting well with me. I do NOT like war. I don't know anyone who does. BUT in studying history I do know the necessity of a standing, volunteer army controlled by the civilian government. That being said...
In any job, most employers will tolerate and (if it's a reasonable person) take constructive criticism and use it. However, out and out insulting behavior is usually called insubordination and is grounds for dismissal. Some of the quotes I have seen from this article in Rolling Stone are so insulting it is comical. Seems to me that the good General was playing a game of Bad Decisions with his career... and he lost. Of course, the ONLY way to win Bad Decisions is NOT TO PLAY.
Paul Adams of BBC News, Washington wrote:
"...he did not criticize the Obama administration he made fun of it - criticism if its valid is one thing, outright disrespect is another thing altogether..."
(In case you missed it, here is a link to a summary of today's events: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/us_and_canada/10395402.stm )
THIS is why it wasn't sitting well with me. I do NOT like war. I don't know anyone who does. BUT in studying history I do know the necessity of a standing, volunteer army controlled by the civilian government. That being said...
In any job, most employers will tolerate and (if it's a reasonable person) take constructive criticism and use it. However, out and out insulting behavior is usually called insubordination and is grounds for dismissal. Some of the quotes I have seen from this article in Rolling Stone are so insulting it is comical. Seems to me that the good General was playing a game of Bad Decisions with his career... and he lost. Of course, the ONLY way to win Bad Decisions is NOT TO PLAY.
Paul Adams of BBC News, Washington wrote:
"This was not a clash over strategy. In the now infamous Rolling Stone profile, Gen McChrystal did not question the policy he himself helped to devise.
But it was a matter of authority. In their dismissive remarks about members of the administration, Stanley McChrystal and his unnamed colleagues fatally compromised their relationship with the commander-in-chief.
Not to get rid of him would have looked like weakness.
If the past year has turned Gen McChrystal into something of a legend, then his replacement is an even bigger and more celebrated figure.
As the head of US Central Command, David Petraeus is Gen McChrystal's boss. His military, diplomatic and political skills are hugely admired here in Washington."
Sounds about right, Mr. Adams. I say "Kudos" to Obama for understanding that he needed to make a stand here.
GGC
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Yes. I am a bleeding heart liberal.
I don't know how this happened, but I have found myself surrounded with outspoken politically conservative people. I wish I knew how this happened. I have lived my life being (at least in my opinion) pretty moderate. But I did vote for Obama. So this makes me a liberal in popular opinion, I guess.
If voting and expressing what I would consider common sense, makes me a liberal, so be it. If believing that our environment is worth saving makes me a liberal, sign me up. If wanting a change from the status quo (and if your are being honest with yourself, you GOTTA admit, the status quo was pretty damn awful) makes me liberal, well... You get the picture.
I grew up espressing my opinion. I have a hard time keeping it to myself. You can disagree. But I guess I am a dirty hippie. (I was called that the other day.) And I guess it's time I embrace that. So there you go...
Yes, I am a bleeding heart liberal.
I guess...
GGC
If voting and expressing what I would consider common sense, makes me a liberal, so be it. If believing that our environment is worth saving makes me a liberal, sign me up. If wanting a change from the status quo (and if your are being honest with yourself, you GOTTA admit, the status quo was pretty damn awful) makes me liberal, well... You get the picture.
I grew up espressing my opinion. I have a hard time keeping it to myself. You can disagree. But I guess I am a dirty hippie. (I was called that the other day.) And I guess it's time I embrace that. So there you go...
Yes, I am a bleeding heart liberal.
I guess...
GGC
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
A celebration of us
I watch a lot of sci-fi TV. My favorite show in this genre being Doctor Who. Recently, my favorite Doctor left the show (for those of you who don't watch, the actor's name is David Tennent. And he is just awesome.) After seeing the new Doctor.... Well.... I was skeptical. He looks really young. Like REALLY young. He has been cast as the last of the Time Lords. He is over 900 years old. He has an intensity under all his carefree traveling. I wasn't sure that Mr Matt Smith could pull it off... THEN I watched the show this past Saturday. BOY! Was I wrong!!!! He's kooky, funny, clever. All of the things that the Doctor SHOULD be. And he has the intensity (when needed) that shows he is, in fact, a Time Lord. Glad someone saw in him this potential. I think that I will enjoy him. Even if Tennent is MY Doctor. *shrug* I can like Mr Smith too... right?
I said all that, and that wasn't really what I wanted to say about all this. Lol! Classic me....
Before the season premiere on BBC America, they played a special called The Ultimate Guide. This was an exploration of the newer episodes of Doctor Who. The return happened in 2005. And it has been wildly popular with the sci-fi geeks ever since. Of course... it's been wildly popular with the sci fi crowd since it first was aired in 1963. Everyone who watches has their favorite Doctor. Mine, as I said, is David Tennent. It is the longest running sci fi series (1963-1989) and is critically acclaimed. Why? CAUSE IT'S FREAKIN AWESOME! THAT'S why!
Seriously though... The writing is amazing. The old series had wonderfully creative low budget special effects. And a setting that ANYTHING could happen in. The Doctor is a time traveller. He travels in the TARDIS ("Time And Relative Dimensions In Space"). This provides a means to go anywhere... Any time. Each episode could be scary, funny, historical, action-y... whatever. Through all of this, there is a overwhelming theme through the whole thing.
WHICH brings me to my point... The Doctor, despite having all this power and age, chooses to return to Earth. He has adopted us. Why? He loves our potential for mercy, compassion, creativity, adventure, and etc. He loves what makes humans great. No matter what the episode, no matter how alien the plot, it comes back to this celebration of the human race. And this is why I keep coming back for more.
No matter the medium, I like uplifting shows. Doctor Who makes me smile. It forces me to look at society from an outside perspective. AND I get all that and the stuff that sci fi geeks dream about all in ONE place! *sigh of contentment* What an amazing show!
If you don't watch it, you should. If you do... Well... I hope you are right there with me. LOVE the Doctor! Brilliant!
GGC
I said all that, and that wasn't really what I wanted to say about all this. Lol! Classic me....
Before the season premiere on BBC America, they played a special called The Ultimate Guide. This was an exploration of the newer episodes of Doctor Who. The return happened in 2005. And it has been wildly popular with the sci-fi geeks ever since. Of course... it's been wildly popular with the sci fi crowd since it first was aired in 1963. Everyone who watches has their favorite Doctor. Mine, as I said, is David Tennent. It is the longest running sci fi series (1963-1989) and is critically acclaimed. Why? CAUSE IT'S FREAKIN AWESOME! THAT'S why!
Seriously though... The writing is amazing. The old series had wonderfully creative low budget special effects. And a setting that ANYTHING could happen in. The Doctor is a time traveller. He travels in the TARDIS ("Time And Relative Dimensions In Space"). This provides a means to go anywhere... Any time. Each episode could be scary, funny, historical, action-y... whatever. Through all of this, there is a overwhelming theme through the whole thing.
WHICH brings me to my point... The Doctor, despite having all this power and age, chooses to return to Earth. He has adopted us. Why? He loves our potential for mercy, compassion, creativity, adventure, and etc. He loves what makes humans great. No matter what the episode, no matter how alien the plot, it comes back to this celebration of the human race. And this is why I keep coming back for more.
No matter the medium, I like uplifting shows. Doctor Who makes me smile. It forces me to look at society from an outside perspective. AND I get all that and the stuff that sci fi geeks dream about all in ONE place! *sigh of contentment* What an amazing show!
If you don't watch it, you should. If you do... Well... I hope you are right there with me. LOVE the Doctor! Brilliant!
GGC
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
GGC's Top Ten (part 2)
Not Star Wars related this time. Just been thinking about lots of stuff... And angry music is one of them! I have been through a lot of junk that has made me just plain mad over the past couple of years. I have found that music helps me through these times more than I ever thought possible. I guess "music sooths the savage beast"? Anyway... I have become a connoisseur of angry, aggressive music. So, here's my take on this "genre." (not really sure what else to call it!)
Top Ten Angry Songs (as I see it)
10) Linkin Park One Step Closer
Angriest Lyric "Shut up when I'm talking to you..."
GGC says "Nice to get those aggressions out... especially road rage."
9) Trapt Head Strong
Angriest lyric: (a tie for this one) "Back off, I'll take you on..." or "I see you're full of sh*t,
And that's alright, That's how you play, I guess you get through every night..."
GGC says "Aggressive in lyric as well as instrumentation. Angry all the way around. Nice."
8)Phil Collins In the Air Tonight
Angriest lyric: "If you told me you were drowning, I would not lend a hand..."
GGC says "Love this song. Mr Collins really was hating on someone when he wrote this one!"
7) Alanis Morissette You Oughta Know
Angriest lyric: Uhhh... Pretty much the whole song... Can't choose one.
GGC says "This song makes me wonder if it was Dave Collier who inspired this song... and what the HELL he did to her. Wow."
6)Sevendust Face to Face
Angriest Lyric: "There's not one thing you can say to make it right, Unless you say 'I'm
leaving,' And if you're not, then please tell me why"
GGC says "I really like Sevendust in general. But this song always makes me feel better when I am angry. That's what angry music is for, right??"
5) Anything by Crossbreed
GGC says "No, that is not a song. Seriously, I get a little angry and I listen to ANYTHING by
Crossbreed, this makes me feel either angrier (kinda feeding it, ya' know) or better
cause I was able to let it out by screaming and growling. And the electronic elements
are pretty darned amazing! Thank you Kevin Ford for introducing me to this band!"
4) The Who Behind Blue Eyes
Angriest lyric: "My love is vengeance that's never free..."
GGC says "A really angry song disguised as a beautiful song. I love deception in music!"
3) Nine Inch Nails Head Like A Hole
Angriest lyric: I can't choose one that's not obvious... so I guess I'll go with "Head like a hole,
Black as your soul, I'd rather die, than give you control..."
GGC says "I really should have said anything by Nine Inch Nails, but this song, of all the great songs by NIN, is what I gravitate to the most when angry."
2) Metalica Master of Puppets
Angriest lyric: "I'm pulling your strings, Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams..."
GGC says "I am really not a huge fan of Metalica. But this song makes the list. And near the top. And I challenge any of you to listen to Mr Hetfield's vocals and not FEEL his anger. So angry!"
1) Johnny Cash ... Couldn't choose just one song... So anything... Yeah...
GGC says "Johnny effin Cash! Bitter and angry at it's best! I love the lyric from Cry, Cry, Cry, "You'll call to me but I'm gonna tell you 'Bye, Bye, Bye,' When I turn around and walk away, you're gonna cry, cry, cry..." AND he "shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die." Yeah! Johnny
Cash. All angry all the time! Angry! :D"
GGC
Top Ten Angry Songs (as I see it)
10) Linkin Park One Step Closer
Angriest Lyric "Shut up when I'm talking to you..."
GGC says "Nice to get those aggressions out... especially road rage."
9) Trapt Head Strong
Angriest lyric: (a tie for this one) "Back off, I'll take you on..." or "I see you're full of sh*t,
And that's alright, That's how you play, I guess you get through every night..."
GGC says "Aggressive in lyric as well as instrumentation. Angry all the way around. Nice."
8)Phil Collins In the Air Tonight
Angriest lyric: "If you told me you were drowning, I would not lend a hand..."
GGC says "Love this song. Mr Collins really was hating on someone when he wrote this one!"
7) Alanis Morissette You Oughta Know
Angriest lyric: Uhhh... Pretty much the whole song... Can't choose one.
GGC says "This song makes me wonder if it was Dave Collier who inspired this song... and what the HELL he did to her. Wow."
6)Sevendust Face to Face
Angriest Lyric: "There's not one thing you can say to make it right, Unless you say 'I'm
leaving,' And if you're not, then please tell me why"
GGC says "I really like Sevendust in general. But this song always makes me feel better when I am angry. That's what angry music is for, right??"
5) Anything by Crossbreed
GGC says "No, that is not a song. Seriously, I get a little angry and I listen to ANYTHING by
Crossbreed, this makes me feel either angrier (kinda feeding it, ya' know) or better
cause I was able to let it out by screaming and growling. And the electronic elements
are pretty darned amazing! Thank you Kevin Ford for introducing me to this band!"
4) The Who Behind Blue Eyes
Angriest lyric: "My love is vengeance that's never free..."
GGC says "A really angry song disguised as a beautiful song. I love deception in music!"
3) Nine Inch Nails Head Like A Hole
Angriest lyric: I can't choose one that's not obvious... so I guess I'll go with "Head like a hole,
Black as your soul, I'd rather die, than give you control..."
GGC says "I really should have said anything by Nine Inch Nails, but this song, of all the great songs by NIN, is what I gravitate to the most when angry."
2) Metalica Master of Puppets
Angriest lyric: "I'm pulling your strings, Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams..."
GGC says "I am really not a huge fan of Metalica. But this song makes the list. And near the top. And I challenge any of you to listen to Mr Hetfield's vocals and not FEEL his anger. So angry!"
1) Johnny Cash ... Couldn't choose just one song... So anything... Yeah...
GGC says "Johnny effin Cash! Bitter and angry at it's best! I love the lyric from Cry, Cry, Cry, "You'll call to me but I'm gonna tell you 'Bye, Bye, Bye,' When I turn around and walk away, you're gonna cry, cry, cry..." AND he "shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die." Yeah! Johnny
Cash. All angry all the time! Angry! :D"
GGC
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
GGC's Top Ten (part 1)
I like lists. I do. I like making them, reading them. I just like that they exist. I especially like coundown lists. That is why when Steve shared this list with me a few evenings ago, I went into it pretty happy... But... Well... Just read it...
http://starwarsdakota.blogspot.com/2009/12/top-ten-coolest-star-wars-characters.html?spref=gr
You read it? WHAT WAS THAT??? After reading it, I was struck by how much of the expanded universe for Star Wars I really didn't know. My knowledge and fandom comes mostly from the movies and somewhat from the new cartoon series on Cartoon Network. I have also played Knights of the Old Republic (I and II) so I know some of the characters from there. BUT even given my limited knowledge, I think I came up with a better list...
TEN COOLEST STAR WARS CHARACTERS (By GGC)
10) Leia
"I happen to like nice men." A strong woman in a story of men. She started as the damsel in distress, but became a warrior woman Xena should have been proud of! :D As a girl, it's nice to see a feminine character able to use a gun. I am just sayin...
9) Captain Rex (from Clone Wars cartoon and animated movie)
"The mission comes first, sir." The embodiment of the perfect soldier. Although he is a clone, he does have a personality all his own. There is a dry wit about him. And it doesn't hurt that he is a total badass.
8) Mace Windu
"This party's over." Samuel L Jackson. Need I say more? His light saber is the one that says "Bad Motha F**ka". Another badass. And so very cool!
7) Qui Gon Jinn
"The ability to speak doesn't make you intelligent..." Liam Neison. Nuff said... I said "Nuff said!"
6) Darth Vader
"When I left you, I was but a learner. But now I am the master." The man in black with the swish cape is ALWAYS cool. The voice of James Earl Jones coming from this huge hybrid of man and machine is made of AWESOME!
5) Boba Fett
"... *standing there looking scarey*..." He had no lines (aside from his scream as he fell to his death... Thak you for that, George Lucas. *dripping sarcasm*). He had the coolest armor. He was menacing and said more in his silence than most characters can convey with thousands of lines. He's Bobba freakin' Fett!
4) Obi Wan Kenobi
"Your eyes can deceive you, don't use them." This character, whether "Old Ben" or a young apprentice, or jedi master, or military general is always cool. I like all incarnations of him. Even as an old man, he still holds off Vader long enough for the heros to escape. Well... at least buys them enough time to get to the ship. Those young people have to fight some of their own battles.
3) Yoda
"Mine! Or I will help you not!" Since I was a kid I have always loved this backward talking muppet. God BLESS Frank Oz for this character! I even liked the cg Yoda bouncing around fighting Dooku. Yoda. "He said 'Luke stay away from the darker side, And if you start to go astray let the force be your guide,' Oh my Yoda, Yo-Yo-Yo-Yo Yoda"
2) Han Solo
"Who's scruffy looking?" I have been in love with Han for what seems like my whole life. I love pirates, cowboys and mobsters. And he is all that and a hero all mixed together in a character that only Harrison Ford could play. *sigh* He is SO dreamy. The best pilot in the galaxy with the best side kick. Cool all the way around.
1) Lando Calrissian
"Well, what have we here?" I really can't believe that Lando was skipped on the original list. I know he betrayed Han. But he turned around and helped save him and then lead the successful attack on the second Death Star. AND BILLY D WILLIAMS!!! Lando is the COOLEST character in the Star Wars Universe. Hands down. No questions. The end.
That's MY list. There are a few "Honorable Mentions" but it's getting late and I will maybe have to share those names in a future blog. Night all!
GGC
http://starwarsdakota.blogspot.com/2009/12/top-ten-coolest-star-wars-characters.html?spref=gr
You read it? WHAT WAS THAT??? After reading it, I was struck by how much of the expanded universe for Star Wars I really didn't know. My knowledge and fandom comes mostly from the movies and somewhat from the new cartoon series on Cartoon Network. I have also played Knights of the Old Republic (I and II) so I know some of the characters from there. BUT even given my limited knowledge, I think I came up with a better list...
TEN COOLEST STAR WARS CHARACTERS (By GGC)
10) Leia
"I happen to like nice men." A strong woman in a story of men. She started as the damsel in distress, but became a warrior woman Xena should have been proud of! :D As a girl, it's nice to see a feminine character able to use a gun. I am just sayin...
9) Captain Rex (from Clone Wars cartoon and animated movie)
"The mission comes first, sir." The embodiment of the perfect soldier. Although he is a clone, he does have a personality all his own. There is a dry wit about him. And it doesn't hurt that he is a total badass.
8) Mace Windu
"This party's over." Samuel L Jackson. Need I say more? His light saber is the one that says "Bad Motha F**ka". Another badass. And so very cool!
7) Qui Gon Jinn
"The ability to speak doesn't make you intelligent..." Liam Neison. Nuff said... I said "Nuff said!"
6) Darth Vader
"When I left you, I was but a learner. But now I am the master." The man in black with the swish cape is ALWAYS cool. The voice of James Earl Jones coming from this huge hybrid of man and machine is made of AWESOME!
5) Boba Fett
"... *standing there looking scarey*..." He had no lines (aside from his scream as he fell to his death... Thak you for that, George Lucas. *dripping sarcasm*). He had the coolest armor. He was menacing and said more in his silence than most characters can convey with thousands of lines. He's Bobba freakin' Fett!
4) Obi Wan Kenobi
"Your eyes can deceive you, don't use them." This character, whether "Old Ben" or a young apprentice, or jedi master, or military general is always cool. I like all incarnations of him. Even as an old man, he still holds off Vader long enough for the heros to escape. Well... at least buys them enough time to get to the ship. Those young people have to fight some of their own battles.
3) Yoda
"Mine! Or I will help you not!" Since I was a kid I have always loved this backward talking muppet. God BLESS Frank Oz for this character! I even liked the cg Yoda bouncing around fighting Dooku. Yoda. "He said 'Luke stay away from the darker side, And if you start to go astray let the force be your guide,' Oh my Yoda, Yo-Yo-Yo-Yo Yoda"
2) Han Solo
"Who's scruffy looking?" I have been in love with Han for what seems like my whole life. I love pirates, cowboys and mobsters. And he is all that and a hero all mixed together in a character that only Harrison Ford could play. *sigh* He is SO dreamy. The best pilot in the galaxy with the best side kick. Cool all the way around.
1) Lando Calrissian
"Well, what have we here?" I really can't believe that Lando was skipped on the original list. I know he betrayed Han. But he turned around and helped save him and then lead the successful attack on the second Death Star. AND BILLY D WILLIAMS!!! Lando is the COOLEST character in the Star Wars Universe. Hands down. No questions. The end.
That's MY list. There are a few "Honorable Mentions" but it's getting late and I will maybe have to share those names in a future blog. Night all!
GGC
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Conversations over coffee
Now, I know that most of my friends just say things to get my goat. And my poor goat is so slow, it's gotten almost every time, no matter how hard he runs. Poor thing. But really, this can get to be rather old. I should be harder to get. Or my goat should be getting faster (if you will). But not so in my case. Enough of this imagery... I will cut to the chase.
Recently, I was having coffee and enjoying the company of friends, when the conversation turns to politics. *sigh* I know. But it did. And then it turns to religion. Again *sigh*. Again, I know. But then the conversation turned to religion AND politics. I know. WOAH. I really stepped in it. But I stayed with it. I was all good till my companion brought up "separation of church and state." I simply put it out there that although this has come to mean more, this part of the first amendment ("Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . .") was placed in the Constitution to prevent the government from becoming head of the "Church of America." Makes sense. Many of the early European colonists were fleeing religious tyranny. Many fleeing from the Church of England specifically.
This is not to say that religious tolerance was practiced here. Not many people less tolerant than the Puritans of Mass. Just look at the witch trials.
Ok. I digress. I just threw that (in my opinion) interesting tidbit out. My companion decided to argue that "State sponsored" religion includes all the Christian Right because they were able to get some legislation passed. This is NOT what I was talking about. NOT at all. And there. Did you see it? My goat is captive once again.
Dear friends... It is not fun for me to try to argue against you when you are just saying things you know will piss me off. If we discuss and debate, and even argue, I would like it to be in a logical way.
At least till I can replace my goat (who is apparently a fainting goat) with one that will actually run. Maybe even fight.
Thank you.
Recently, I was having coffee and enjoying the company of friends, when the conversation turns to politics. *sigh* I know. But it did. And then it turns to religion. Again *sigh*. Again, I know. But then the conversation turned to religion AND politics. I know. WOAH. I really stepped in it. But I stayed with it. I was all good till my companion brought up "separation of church and state." I simply put it out there that although this has come to mean more, this part of the first amendment ("Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . .") was placed in the Constitution to prevent the government from becoming head of the "Church of America." Makes sense. Many of the early European colonists were fleeing religious tyranny. Many fleeing from the Church of England specifically.
This is not to say that religious tolerance was practiced here. Not many people less tolerant than the Puritans of Mass. Just look at the witch trials.
Ok. I digress. I just threw that (in my opinion) interesting tidbit out. My companion decided to argue that "State sponsored" religion includes all the Christian Right because they were able to get some legislation passed. This is NOT what I was talking about. NOT at all. And there. Did you see it? My goat is captive once again.
Dear friends... It is not fun for me to try to argue against you when you are just saying things you know will piss me off. If we discuss and debate, and even argue, I would like it to be in a logical way.
At least till I can replace my goat (who is apparently a fainting goat) with one that will actually run. Maybe even fight.
Thank you.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Happiness
So. How are you guys? I am fine. Contemplative. But overall I am... Well... fine.
I have been thinking about the saying "money can't buy happiness." In the literal sence, of course, this is true. BUT (notice the capital letters... that's a BIG but!) money does buy things that make me happy. Or would. You know, if I had the money. Mainly, Security (yes, I capitalized that for a reason...). This is a HUGE deal to me. So that becomes number one on my list. Yes. I made a list. It's kind of what I do. Feel free to add to it if you feel the need.
Things money can buy that would make me happy:
1) Security (in the form of my debts being paid, my own place, etc, etc, etc)
2) John's college paid for. He wants to go to MIT. Robotics engineering. I know that this will probably change a million times over in the next nine years.... But best to be prepared.
3) A newer car with better gas mileage, in better repair, and over all more reliable
4) Coffee out every morning. A simple, fairly inexpensive one, but I miss being able to do this every day.
5) An ipod with all my music loaded on it. I have lots of music. And having it all at my fingertips anywhere... AHHH-MAZZINGG!!!!
6) A tub of Dream Cream and Dream Wash from Lush. Again, an attainable one. But Ellen NEEDS these things to be completely happy... ;P
7) Ben and Jerry's ice cream.
8) Membership to a gym to work off calories from #7.
9) New shoes... Nuff said.
10) New coffee maker... Again, nuff said.
11) Vacations with John and Steve
12) The FREEDOM to know that when I spend money on these things, I am not jeopardizing my future or that of my son.
All that being said... I have redoubled my efforts to get a better job. Instead of 10 apps and resumes put out a week, I put out 20-25. I have asked advice on my interview skills. I have organized my life. Or at least started the process. Wish me luck. Send me good thoughts. Whatever you do, do it! This is the real deal. I will be in a different place in my life soon. It is time to move foreward instead of treading water. It is TIME!
I have been thinking about the saying "money can't buy happiness." In the literal sence, of course, this is true. BUT (notice the capital letters... that's a BIG but!) money does buy things that make me happy. Or would. You know, if I had the money. Mainly, Security (yes, I capitalized that for a reason...). This is a HUGE deal to me. So that becomes number one on my list. Yes. I made a list. It's kind of what I do. Feel free to add to it if you feel the need.
Things money can buy that would make me happy:
1) Security (in the form of my debts being paid, my own place, etc, etc, etc)
2) John's college paid for. He wants to go to MIT. Robotics engineering. I know that this will probably change a million times over in the next nine years.... But best to be prepared.
3) A newer car with better gas mileage, in better repair, and over all more reliable
4) Coffee out every morning. A simple, fairly inexpensive one, but I miss being able to do this every day.
5) An ipod with all my music loaded on it. I have lots of music. And having it all at my fingertips anywhere... AHHH-MAZZINGG!!!!
6) A tub of Dream Cream and Dream Wash from Lush. Again, an attainable one. But Ellen NEEDS these things to be completely happy... ;P
7) Ben and Jerry's ice cream.
8) Membership to a gym to work off calories from #7.
9) New shoes... Nuff said.
10) New coffee maker... Again, nuff said.
11) Vacations with John and Steve
12) The FREEDOM to know that when I spend money on these things, I am not jeopardizing my future or that of my son.
All that being said... I have redoubled my efforts to get a better job. Instead of 10 apps and resumes put out a week, I put out 20-25. I have asked advice on my interview skills. I have organized my life. Or at least started the process. Wish me luck. Send me good thoughts. Whatever you do, do it! This is the real deal. I will be in a different place in my life soon. It is time to move foreward instead of treading water. It is TIME!
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