I have been neglecting this blog lately. But I have a good excuse.
My NEW blog! It is called 25 x 50 and I hope you'll take a look. I've been working on it for well over a month now.
When you click on the link above to visit the blog, you may ask yourself "WHAT exactly have you been working on?"
Well, I spent a good 2 weeks trying to get a picture to fit in the title box without making the title box HUGE or tiny.
To no avail.
So, if any of you dear readers know how to accomplish this seemingly impossible feat, please let me in on the secret.
I hope to continue my blogging on this blog very soon!
Read early and often!
5.07.2008
3.21.2008
I am so so so glad it is the weekend.
I have decided that, if I can't be independently wealthy, I'm looking forward to the day that I can have a career where I don't count the days, hours, minutes, seconds to the weekend.
Hopefully, after satisfactorily completing the GRE, I am well on my way.
Pregnant sister and brother-in-law coming in this weekend for the Easter holiday (or, really, an excuse to go to Sunday brunch at the Clinton library. Yum.)
Otherwise, no big plans.
But it looks like the weather is going to cooperate and be quite lovely. Perhaps my car will finally dry out after this week's deluge.
Interesting quote from Barak Obama that is worth-your-while:
"The point I was making was not that my grandmother harbors any racial animosity, but that she is a typical white person. If she sees somebody on the street that she doesn't know (pause) there's a reaction in her that doesn't go away and it comes out in the wrong way."
Um....what?!? I thought Obama was all about bringing us together, building us up and all that crap. Well, this "typical" white person isn't buying it.
It reminds me of how I felt upon entering college in New York after growing up in the South. Some people, upon finding out I was from Arkansas, just assumed I had my white hood hanging in the closet back in the dorm room.
Sorry to disappoint, but not all Southerners are racist. On the contrary, I have noticed more mixed-race friendships/marriages/etc in the South than I ever saw in New York.
Or Oregon for that matter.
And maybe I am naive and somewhat out-of-touch with the racist people in this country, having met only a few in my lifetime. But, I would argue that for Obama to make a statement such as this, he is out-of-touch as well.
And he's running for President.
I have decided that, if I can't be independently wealthy, I'm looking forward to the day that I can have a career where I don't count the days, hours, minutes, seconds to the weekend.
Hopefully, after satisfactorily completing the GRE, I am well on my way.
Pregnant sister and brother-in-law coming in this weekend for the Easter holiday (or, really, an excuse to go to Sunday brunch at the Clinton library. Yum.)
Otherwise, no big plans.
But it looks like the weather is going to cooperate and be quite lovely. Perhaps my car will finally dry out after this week's deluge.
Interesting quote from Barak Obama that is worth-your-while:
"The point I was making was not that my grandmother harbors any racial animosity, but that she is a typical white person. If she sees somebody on the street that she doesn't know (pause) there's a reaction in her that doesn't go away and it comes out in the wrong way."
Um....what?!? I thought Obama was all about bringing us together, building us up and all that crap. Well, this "typical" white person isn't buying it.
It reminds me of how I felt upon entering college in New York after growing up in the South. Some people, upon finding out I was from Arkansas, just assumed I had my white hood hanging in the closet back in the dorm room.
Sorry to disappoint, but not all Southerners are racist. On the contrary, I have noticed more mixed-race friendships/marriages/etc in the South than I ever saw in New York.
Or Oregon for that matter.
And maybe I am naive and somewhat out-of-touch with the racist people in this country, having met only a few in my lifetime. But, I would argue that for Obama to make a statement such as this, he is out-of-touch as well.
And he's running for President.
3.20.2008
I am GRE'd
The GRE is over!
Aaand, I surpassed my goal by 10 whole points!
Probably the most difficult obstacle I faced on the morning of the test was figuring out what to wear. The GRE material said to wear something comfortable but to also wear layers in case the room was cold or hot.
Comfortable and layers. To me, those terms are mutually exclusive.
I've never figured out the whole layering thing. The spring and fall seasons wreck havoc on my sense of style and my body temperature.
If you try to wear an outer lay that will fit over other layers, the outer layer is too big.
If you try to wear non-bulky inner layers so that the outer layer fits without being too big, then the inner layers are too small.
It's too confusing!
So, I ended up going to the GRE looking like a bag lady with pajamas. But that's okay since I wasn't there to win any fashion awards. I was simply there to take a test, survive that test, and pass that test.
And I accomplished all three of those goals.
And then I celebrated with Mexican food and sangria.
Aaand, I surpassed my goal by 10 whole points!
Probably the most difficult obstacle I faced on the morning of the test was figuring out what to wear. The GRE material said to wear something comfortable but to also wear layers in case the room was cold or hot.
Comfortable and layers. To me, those terms are mutually exclusive.
I've never figured out the whole layering thing. The spring and fall seasons wreck havoc on my sense of style and my body temperature.
If you try to wear an outer lay that will fit over other layers, the outer layer is too big.
If you try to wear non-bulky inner layers so that the outer layer fits without being too big, then the inner layers are too small.
It's too confusing!
So, I ended up going to the GRE looking like a bag lady with pajamas. But that's okay since I wasn't there to win any fashion awards. I was simply there to take a test, survive that test, and pass that test.
And I accomplished all three of those goals.
And then I celebrated with Mexican food and sangria.
3.18.2008
Double Standards
Obama is talking out of both sides of his mouth.
On the one hand, he says this election is not about race. Oh and he didn't "vote" for the war in Iraq. And the election is not about race. It's about the fact that he was against the Iraq war "from the beginning." Oh, and, the election isn't about race.
But then he makes it about race.
First the whole Geraldine Ferraro hoopla. I read the article in which that quote was given. She wasn't being racist. She was comparing her role as "The First Female Vice-Presidential Candidate" to Obama's run as "The First Black Presidential Candidate."
And while she should have known better than to say a few forceful words that, invariably, can be taken out of context and used against her, she wasn't saying anything that hasn't already been said.
Obama is black. He is running for President. Many people are attracted to his candidacy. Some may be attracted to it because he is black. (Just as some may be attracted to Clinton because she is a woman.)
Why has Obama's campaign decided we can't talk about these issues? Anytime anyone wants to bring it up, air it out, what-have-you, the Obama camp says the election "should not be about race."
Effectively cutting off the discourse.
UNLESS, of course, you happen to be Obama.
Which brings me to my second point.
Today, he holds a press conference to talk about race and how it is an issue in many people's lives.
Basically repeating things that Ferraro said. Saying things that, until just-before-the-press-conference, were off-limits because that isn't what the election "should be about."
But that doesn't make him racist. It makes him....revolutionary (?!)
And he tries to excuse the hateful, bigoted message of his pastor by saying that the anger is wrong but "very real."
Interesting.
I wonder if homophobes or anti-Semites or religious zealots or...racists have ever used the argument that their hatred is based on fake anger.
Don't think so.
Now I have to go back to my studying.
On the one hand, he says this election is not about race. Oh and he didn't "vote" for the war in Iraq. And the election is not about race. It's about the fact that he was against the Iraq war "from the beginning." Oh, and, the election isn't about race.
But then he makes it about race.
First the whole Geraldine Ferraro hoopla. I read the article in which that quote was given. She wasn't being racist. She was comparing her role as "The First Female Vice-Presidential Candidate" to Obama's run as "The First Black Presidential Candidate."
And while she should have known better than to say a few forceful words that, invariably, can be taken out of context and used against her, she wasn't saying anything that hasn't already been said.
Obama is black. He is running for President. Many people are attracted to his candidacy. Some may be attracted to it because he is black. (Just as some may be attracted to Clinton because she is a woman.)
Why has Obama's campaign decided we can't talk about these issues? Anytime anyone wants to bring it up, air it out, what-have-you, the Obama camp says the election "should not be about race."
Effectively cutting off the discourse.
UNLESS, of course, you happen to be Obama.
Which brings me to my second point.
Today, he holds a press conference to talk about race and how it is an issue in many people's lives.
Basically repeating things that Ferraro said. Saying things that, until just-before-the-press-conference, were off-limits because that isn't what the election "should be about."
But that doesn't make him racist. It makes him....revolutionary (?!)
And he tries to excuse the hateful, bigoted message of his pastor by saying that the anger is wrong but "very real."
Interesting.
I wonder if homophobes or anti-Semites or religious zealots or...racists have ever used the argument that their hatred is based on fake anger.
Don't think so.
Now I have to go back to my studying.
3.10.2008
I finally made the reservation for my GRE.
So next Wednesday at approximately 11:45am Central Time I will begin to bang my head against a desk somewhere in Little Rock.
I feel ambivalent about this test. One the one hand, I feel good about my prospects because I've actually been studying for it. I did not study for the SAT or ACT (well, not really anyway) but I managed to do okay on those tests.
I also feel not-so-good about my prospects because I have not been in school for FIVE years! No tests, no studying, no evaluations for FIVE years.
And I haven't been in a math class in about eight years.
That does not bode well.
I think the math section of any test should consist of the following question:
1. You are here to spend 4 hours taking a test in order to go to grad school so that you can get a job in your chosen career. Assuming you have carefully researched said chosen career (and why would you be taking a 4-hour test if you hadn't?), how often do you think your job (or your life) will require you to do math in your head when you could, instead, use a calculator?
A. All the time - I'm a masochist!
B. Sometimes - Just to feel the burn.
C. Almost Never - except for when I'm counting cards in Vegas
D. Why would I do math in my head when I could use a calculator?
If you answer A to that question, you have to take the math test. If you answer B, C or D....you don't.
Because honestly (honestly) when am I ever going to use algebra?
Or geometry?
Or even long division?
Never.
Not so for the verbal section. Everyone uses words. And people will fault you for your lack of vocabulary.
But who will fault you for not knowing the answer to this?
If x/3 - x/6 + x/9 - x/12 =1 - 1/2 + 1/3 - 1/4 then x=
No one worth knowing, that's for sure.
So next Wednesday at approximately 11:45am Central Time I will begin to bang my head against a desk somewhere in Little Rock.
I feel ambivalent about this test. One the one hand, I feel good about my prospects because I've actually been studying for it. I did not study for the SAT or ACT (well, not really anyway) but I managed to do okay on those tests.
I also feel not-so-good about my prospects because I have not been in school for FIVE years! No tests, no studying, no evaluations for FIVE years.
And I haven't been in a math class in about eight years.
That does not bode well.
I think the math section of any test should consist of the following question:
1. You are here to spend 4 hours taking a test in order to go to grad school so that you can get a job in your chosen career. Assuming you have carefully researched said chosen career (and why would you be taking a 4-hour test if you hadn't?), how often do you think your job (or your life) will require you to do math in your head when you could, instead, use a calculator?
A. All the time - I'm a masochist!
B. Sometimes - Just to feel the burn.
C. Almost Never - except for when I'm counting cards in Vegas
D. Why would I do math in my head when I could use a calculator?
If you answer A to that question, you have to take the math test. If you answer B, C or D....you don't.
Because honestly (honestly) when am I ever going to use algebra?
Or geometry?
Or even long division?
Never.
Not so for the verbal section. Everyone uses words. And people will fault you for your lack of vocabulary.
But who will fault you for not knowing the answer to this?
If x/3 - x/6 + x/9 - x/12 =1 - 1/2 + 1/3 - 1/4 then x=
No one worth knowing, that's for sure.
3.04.2008
Snow Snow Snow
I woke up this morning and peered out the window to see snow.
On the ground.
On the street.
On the cars.
Falling from the sky.
Since this is Little Rock and I work for the government, I somewhat smugly (and quite happily) turned on the TV to verify my assumption that work would be canceled.
Well, we all know what happens when we assume.
Not one Little Rock school was closed. Ditto for the State Government.
No worries...it was just 6am. Surely in about 30 minutes or so they will come to their senses and cancel everything.
And so my morning went in 20-30 minute increments.
1. Fall asleep.
2. Wake up and turn on the TV.
3. Frown (scream / pound my pillow / weep) and go back to sleep.
Until finally, at 7:15ish, I had to face the fact that the city would remain open.
I was shocked!
When I was in school, everything would be canceled at the drop of one flake. One time in high school, classes were canceled because of a chance (a chance!) of freezing rain.
Needless to say, it didn't freezing rain that day....it just rained. And it was awesome.
But no. We all had to schlep to work like a bunch of idiots.
And was I in my nice, comfortable, all-wheel-drive Subaru? No. I was in my finicky, wet / cold, slide-on-dry-pavement Volkswagen.
And you want to know who I blame for this sudden shift in thinking?
Yankees. Northerners. Westerners. Not-Southerners.
They move here for jobs, retirement or what-have-you and they bring their studded tires, their tire chain thingies and their shovels. And, before you know it, everyone starts to think that it is okay to go to work when the whole sky is cascading down in snow flakes.
But we're Southerners! We don't drive in snow. We play in it.
We don't shovel sidewalks. We wait a day or two until the sun comes out, the temperature jumps to 70 and it melts on its own.
If we have to contend with tornadoes, Redneck jokes, earthquakes and Bible-Belters....the least we can get is one sweet snow day!
So my message is this: if you move to the South, leave your crazy "I'll drive in a blizzard and like it" attitude at home.
(Note: Luckily, the Yankee I married was just as appalled at the thought of going to work today. It could be on account of the fact that he stayed up till 3am playing the Wii last night. But I'd like to think it was the snow.)
3.02.2008
Penelope and Vocabulary
We saw Penelope last night and it was so good. Probably the best movie I've seen in a while. Perhaps I liked it so much because I, too, have the nose of a pig and a huge forehead like Christina Ricci.
And I'm in love with a McEvoy (or McAvoy...whatever).
Plus, the music was really good. I'm not sure of any of the artists...as Adam can attest to since I kept leaning over to him and asking, "Who sings this?" or "I like this song...who is it?"
Adam, who is usually my music encyclopedia, unfortunately did not know any of the artists either.
And since neither one of us could stay until the end of the credits due to the large amounts of liquid consumed during the movie, I will have to remain in the dark for the foreseeable future.
Today is kind of cloudy and gross which actually works to my advantage since I'm supposed to be studying for the GRE.
The GRE that I'm taking this coming Saturday.
The GRE that doesn't allow calculators.
The GRE that could make or break my graduate school application process.
But, I'm not suffering from a neurasthenia or anything.
(neura=nerves / asthenia=loss of strength / neurasthenia=loss of strength of nerves= loss of nerves)
And I'm in love with a McEvoy (or McAvoy...whatever).
Plus, the music was really good. I'm not sure of any of the artists...as Adam can attest to since I kept leaning over to him and asking, "Who sings this?" or "I like this song...who is it?"
Adam, who is usually my music encyclopedia, unfortunately did not know any of the artists either.
And since neither one of us could stay until the end of the credits due to the large amounts of liquid consumed during the movie, I will have to remain in the dark for the foreseeable future.
Today is kind of cloudy and gross which actually works to my advantage since I'm supposed to be studying for the GRE.
The GRE that I'm taking this coming Saturday.
The GRE that doesn't allow calculators.
The GRE that could make or break my graduate school application process.
But, I'm not suffering from a neurasthenia or anything.
(neura=nerves / asthenia=loss of strength / neurasthenia=loss of strength of nerves= loss of nerves)
3.01.2008
So, I took Ellen's advice and went to the websites of the 2 candidates I care about (Clinton and Obama) to see what their stance is on the issue.
Unfortunately, neither candidate has anything about gay rights in the "issue" section of their websites.
But after some Googling, I discovered that both candidates want to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy in the military. Yea!
Both are against hate crimes and workplace discrimination. Yea!
Both are pro-civil unions instead of gay marriage. Booo.
However, there is one BIG difference in their stance on gay marriage.
Obama is against gay marriage because...well, here's just a direct quote he gave to the Chicago Tribune:
"I'm a Christian. And so, although I try not to have my religious beliefs dominate or determine my political views on this issue, I do believe that tradition, and my religious beliefs say that marriage is something sanctified between a man and a woman."
Clinton isn't so much anti-gay marriage as she is pro-civil unions.
She has said that she believes civil unions have a greater likelihood of passing into law and providing equal rights than do gay marriages.
However, she has also said she would not stand in the way of gay marriages, which makes me think she isn't against them morally.
It's interesting that Obama's stance is so conservative. Indeed, as far as gay marriage is concerned, there isn't much difference between him and Mike Huckabee.
Granted, Obama does believe in civil unions and gay rights (which Huckabee, obviously, doesn't) but the underlying feeling is the same.
In both of their minds, God doesn't condone same sex relationships. The Bible doesn't condone same sex relationships.
I wonder in what other areas Obama allows his religious ideas to permeate into his civil actions.
It brings to mind all of his "not-present" votes he gave on abortion issues while in the Illinois Senate...
2.21.2008
Debate: Regurgitated
The debate was okay.
It seems like they've talked about the same things over and over and over again.
Obama, of course, talked for 5 minutes (okay, maybe it wasn't quite 5 minutes...but it seemed like it) about "his opposition to the Iraq war."
Whatever that's worth.
I REALLY wish Hillary would call him out on that. I guess she's being advised not to since it would require her to admit to making a mistake.
Heaven forbid a politician admit to making a mistake, let alone actually make one!
Oh and the health care issue. So confusing. The economics of it are so....boring, I must admit. Why can't they just say, "Poof! Everyone gets health care!"
I went right over to FactCheck.org to get everything straight. (LOVE Fact Check!)
Here is their report on it....they make it as straight forward (and non-biased) as possible.
It is thundering and sleeting here in Little Rock and I am ready for the weekend!
It seems like they've talked about the same things over and over and over again.
Obama, of course, talked for 5 minutes (okay, maybe it wasn't quite 5 minutes...but it seemed like it) about "his opposition to the Iraq war."
Whatever that's worth.
I REALLY wish Hillary would call him out on that. I guess she's being advised not to since it would require her to admit to making a mistake.
Heaven forbid a politician admit to making a mistake, let alone actually make one!
Oh and the health care issue. So confusing. The economics of it are so....boring, I must admit. Why can't they just say, "Poof! Everyone gets health care!"
I went right over to FactCheck.org to get everything straight. (LOVE Fact Check!)
Here is their report on it....they make it as straight forward (and non-biased) as possible.
It is thundering and sleeting here in Little Rock and I am ready for the weekend!
Nothing I can say....
Did everyone catch the Total Lunar Eclipse last night?!
Yeah, me neither.
Damn those overcast skies!
The next time we will "see" one is 2010...I'll be 30 with (maybe / hopefully / no way in hell) a kid (or two) and will probably be too exhausted to go outside at that god-forsaken hour...clouds or no.
Big dilemma tonight: watch the debate on CNN.com or watch Lost? Its a toughie but I think we've decided to watch the debate and record Lost for a later viewing.
Happy debate-ing!
2.19.2008
Erm.....Twice?!?!
First this:
And now this:
After the first one hit, you'd think he would have said something like, "Oh, and I might have plagiarized other speeches as well."
But he didn't....which, to me, is the most disconcerting part about all of this.
Not so much because he was less-than-honest (let's face it...ALL politicians fudge the truth now and then) but because it shows his naivete / hubris / arrogance.
Because obviously he knew he had done it. He just didn't think the press would pick up on it.
But the press almost always picks up on stupid things like this.
Just ask Bill Clinton.
And now this:
After the first one hit, you'd think he would have said something like, "Oh, and I might have plagiarized other speeches as well."
But he didn't....which, to me, is the most disconcerting part about all of this.
Not so much because he was less-than-honest (let's face it...ALL politicians fudge the truth now and then) but because it shows his naivete / hubris / arrogance.
Because obviously he knew he had done it. He just didn't think the press would pick up on it.
But the press almost always picks up on stupid things like this.
Just ask Bill Clinton.
2.12.2008
No politics for today's post. No bitching. No ranting. No raving. No complaining.
So, what to talk about....
I made banana bread yesterday. It was good. I used the Kitchen-Aid stand mixer that I got for my wedding / Christmas. That was also good. I felt like Barefoot Contessa.
(Only, my Kitchen-Aid mixer is orange while Barefoot's is white. Borrring.)
I also made lentil loaf. It was good. I'm trying to get a good base of recipes in my repertoire that I can make on a whim. So far I have:
1. Lentil loaf
2. Spaghetti with "Neatballs" and Red Sauce
3. "Not-Turkey-Roast" with Rosemary Polenta
4. Asparagus, Pepper, Cashew & Pineapple Stir-Fry
Yea! I almost have a work-week's worth of recipes under my belt! Also good.
If I can build it up to 10 recipes/2 work-weeks then I'll be better-than-good. I'll be a regular Donna Reed.
(Incidentally, when I was younger I wanted to name my kids Jeff and Mary. So that I could yell up the stairs, "Jeff, Mary, clean your rooms!" a la Mrs Reed.)
Let's see, what else.
Valentine's Day came early this year when Adam brought me home a bunch of daisies and chocolate on Thursday. Then, we went to our neighborhood's "First Thursday" which is when all the shops/art galleries stay open late. And give away free food. And free wine.
I was all over it.
For the actual V-Day we have reservations at Ciao Baci, a neighborhood restaurant that (allegedly) has good vegetarian fare. Even better, it is literally around the block from our apartment. So we can walk and drink copious amounts of....whatever. Yea!
So, that is my life sans politics, bitching, rantings, ravings, and complaining.
All in all, it's pretty good.
So, what to talk about....
I made banana bread yesterday. It was good. I used the Kitchen-Aid stand mixer that I got for my wedding / Christmas. That was also good. I felt like Barefoot Contessa.
(Only, my Kitchen-Aid mixer is orange while Barefoot's is white. Borrring.)
I also made lentil loaf. It was good. I'm trying to get a good base of recipes in my repertoire that I can make on a whim. So far I have:
1. Lentil loaf
2. Spaghetti with "Neatballs" and Red Sauce
3. "Not-Turkey-Roast" with Rosemary Polenta
4. Asparagus, Pepper, Cashew & Pineapple Stir-Fry
Yea! I almost have a work-week's worth of recipes under my belt! Also good.
If I can build it up to 10 recipes/2 work-weeks then I'll be better-than-good. I'll be a regular Donna Reed.
(Incidentally, when I was younger I wanted to name my kids Jeff and Mary. So that I could yell up the stairs, "Jeff, Mary, clean your rooms!" a la Mrs Reed.)
Let's see, what else.
Valentine's Day came early this year when Adam brought me home a bunch of daisies and chocolate on Thursday. Then, we went to our neighborhood's "First Thursday" which is when all the shops/art galleries stay open late. And give away free food. And free wine.
I was all over it.
For the actual V-Day we have reservations at Ciao Baci, a neighborhood restaurant that (allegedly) has good vegetarian fare. Even better, it is literally around the block from our apartment. So we can walk and drink copious amounts of....whatever. Yea!
So, that is my life sans politics, bitching, rantings, ravings, and complaining.
All in all, it's pretty good.
2.06.2008
Tornadoes, Politicians and Power Outtages
Rest assured, all is well on the home front.
We were a bit battered yesterday but had nowhere near the harrowing experience that the communities of Atkins, Mountain View and Clinton, Arkansas endured.
This is the first time in a long time that I can remember so many deaths in Arkansas due to a tornado.
Yikes.
Our power went out but we were able to stay at my parents' house since they magically still had power. We have been living in our new apartment for all of 2.5 months and this is the third time we've dealt with a power outtage.
If that doesn't make you want to go off-the-grid, I don't know what will.
Despite the craziness, the polls remained open. And it looks like Clinton did well in the Super Tuesday primaries despite the fact that everyone and their brother in the media kept predicting that Obama would make a sweep.
She even got Massachusetts despite the fact that every Kerry, Kennedy and their brother endorsed Obama.
(For someone who is supposed to be "anti-establishment", Obama certainly has a lot of "establishment" endorsements.)
I received an email from one of my readers who, among other things, accused me of being racist and close-minded in my lack of support for Obama.
Here is my "defense" against stupid allegations:
1. I initially supported Obama. My support was primarily based on his speeches which are, needless to say, rousing.
However, when I went to his website and read his platforms, I realized that they are very similar to Clinton's. In the areas where they differ, I agree more with Clinton.
2. A vote for Clinton does not equal a vote for racism. Just as a vote for Obama does not equal a vote for sexism. They are simply people running for office. Their race and/or gender does not enter in it for me.
(I would suggest that those who assume so are the true "racists" or "sexists.")
3. I get pissy whenever I hear Obama say that he didn't "vote for the war in Iraq." No shit. He didn't have a vote. He wasn't in the Senate.
I am, and have always been, very anti-Iraq-war. I have been verbally attacked because of my stance on the war which makes me sensitive to anyone being similarly attacked...even if it is for a stance that is opposite my own.
That was the past. I'm so sick of talking about the past....get over it already. We went to war. It was a HUGE mistake. Period.
But, since we can't change the past, what are we going to do now? I think Clinton's Iraq-withdrawal plan is far more detailed than Obama's.
4. I don't think Obama knows the first thing about being President. As I said before, his speeches are rousing but where is the substance? What has he actually done? What will he actually do?
I think he needs to be VP for 4-8 years first. Then, I'll vote for him for President. No problem.
5. Neither Clinton nor Obama satisfy my environmental prerequisites for a candidate. But then, I'm used to that. It always seems to be "cross your fingers and hope for the best" whenever the environment and politics mix.
6. Obama keeps saying that Clinton will rouse the Republican base. He says she is a divider. She'll make people angry.
I say, too bad. Now is not the time to worry about stepping on people's toes. Sometimes, there is a right and a wrong. Sometimes, you are going to make enemies. And, sometimes, it is worth it.
And, honestly, if the Democrats can't handle a bunch of angry Republicans then they have no business being in power.
Those are my reasons. I've made up mind. I've voted. Call me a racist if you must but I hope that, at the end of the day, you VOTE!
2.04.2008
So, who watched the Super Bowl last night?
After last week's decidedly estrogen-centric post, I'm adding a little (very little) testosterone to the mix this Monday.
I watched most of the game and I was thrilled the Giants won. I wanted them to win for the following reasons:
1. I always root for the underdog (unless they are playing the Razorbacks)
2. I think Tom Brady is a cad
3. I think Eli Manning is not-a-cad
4. I like the Giants' mascot better
So much for testosterone!
Those are quite possibly the four girliest reasons I've seen for rooting for a particular sports team. But they are mine and I won't take them back.
Before the game, I told myself that if my unlikely Super Bowl pick did not win it would mean that my Super Tuesday pick would win.
My fear now is that the inverse will be true.
After last week's decidedly estrogen-centric post, I'm adding a little (very little) testosterone to the mix this Monday.
I watched most of the game and I was thrilled the Giants won. I wanted them to win for the following reasons:
1. I always root for the underdog (unless they are playing the Razorbacks)
2. I think Tom Brady is a cad
3. I think Eli Manning is not-a-cad
4. I like the Giants' mascot better
So much for testosterone!
Those are quite possibly the four girliest reasons I've seen for rooting for a particular sports team. But they are mine and I won't take them back.
Before the game, I told myself that if my unlikely Super Bowl pick did not win it would mean that my Super Tuesday pick would win.
My fear now is that the inverse will be true.
1.29.2008
Know your Aunt Flo
Attention Men. Do not read this particular post. It has information for women and will (probably) gross you out.
I have never been able to keep track of my menstrual cycle. Whenever I go to the doctor, and they ask the inevitable 'when was your last period,' I have to give a ball-park figure. If it weren't for PMS, I would be utterly surprised when my period actually started.
I've always been somewhat in awe of women who know, practically to the hour, when their last period started and when their next period is expected. For a brief while, I tried putting stars on the Big Day on my calendar.
Then I realized that I don't actually look at my calendar that often. So it didn't really work.
I am happy to say that those days are long gone.
Today, in my spare time, I found this marvelous website.
You enter the first date of your last 2 periods (lucky for me those days were Christmas Day and last Tuesday...thus easy to remember) and then it will send you an email to alert you of your upcoming period.
You can set it up so that it will send an email up to 10 days before your period. I chose to receive the email 1 day before because, honestly, I dread it enough already.
And, when it is time to start trying for a little one, I can have it send me an email 1 day before my most fertile day(s).
This modern technology. Finally it is put to a good use.
I have never been able to keep track of my menstrual cycle. Whenever I go to the doctor, and they ask the inevitable 'when was your last period,' I have to give a ball-park figure. If it weren't for PMS, I would be utterly surprised when my period actually started.
I've always been somewhat in awe of women who know, practically to the hour, when their last period started and when their next period is expected. For a brief while, I tried putting stars on the Big Day on my calendar.
Then I realized that I don't actually look at my calendar that often. So it didn't really work.
I am happy to say that those days are long gone.
Today, in my spare time, I found this marvelous website.
You enter the first date of your last 2 periods (lucky for me those days were Christmas Day and last Tuesday...thus easy to remember) and then it will send you an email to alert you of your upcoming period.
You can set it up so that it will send an email up to 10 days before your period. I chose to receive the email 1 day before because, honestly, I dread it enough already.
And, when it is time to start trying for a little one, I can have it send me an email 1 day before my most fertile day(s).
This modern technology. Finally it is put to a good use.
1.28.2008
Throwing Sticky things at Bush
I can remember watching the Winter Olympics in my junior year of college.
My house-mates and I were rooting for Michelle Kwan. We wanted her to win the gold because she's cute, she seems nice and, let's face it, she got screwed in the whole Kerrigan-Harding broo-ha-ha.
You know that moment, when the skater is gliding backwards, looking over their shoulder, and obviously preparing for an imminent jump? Well, whenever one of those moments began for any of Kwan's competitors we launched these gummy-things at the television.
I guess we were hoping the smack of the gummy-thing against the tv screen would somehow throw the skater off and cause them to fall.
And I don't even think we were drunk when we were doing this.
Unfortunately, it didn't work. Kwan lost. Hughes won. We were disappointed.
I was tempted to try this strategy again tonight during the "State of the Union." Especially whenever Bush dared to downplay the death in Iraq. Or suggested nuclear power (yet again) as the cure-all to our energy problems.
Or whenever he got that smug look on his face.
But, luckily, I didn't have to resort to the throwing-the-gummy-thing-at-the-tv strategy. Because this was Bush's last State of the Union address. (Yea!!!)
And it doesn't really matter what he thinks anymore.
My house-mates and I were rooting for Michelle Kwan. We wanted her to win the gold because she's cute, she seems nice and, let's face it, she got screwed in the whole Kerrigan-Harding broo-ha-ha.
You know that moment, when the skater is gliding backwards, looking over their shoulder, and obviously preparing for an imminent jump? Well, whenever one of those moments began for any of Kwan's competitors we launched these gummy-things at the television.
I guess we were hoping the smack of the gummy-thing against the tv screen would somehow throw the skater off and cause them to fall.
And I don't even think we were drunk when we were doing this.
Unfortunately, it didn't work. Kwan lost. Hughes won. We were disappointed.
I was tempted to try this strategy again tonight during the "State of the Union." Especially whenever Bush dared to downplay the death in Iraq. Or suggested nuclear power (yet again) as the cure-all to our energy problems.
Or whenever he got that smug look on his face.
But, luckily, I didn't have to resort to the throwing-the-gummy-thing-at-the-tv strategy. Because this was Bush's last State of the Union address. (Yea!!!)
And it doesn't really matter what he thinks anymore.
1.27.2008
The view from where I sit
Barack Obama talking about Clinton politics on This Week.
He says that, because of Clinton, we can no longer have a "sensible dialogue" about the environment, for example.
Is he talking about Hillary Clinton? No. He's talking about Bill Clinton.
Funny, I thought it was Hillary, not Bill, running for President.
Obama says he is the candidate of change and I suppose he's right.
Because he has changed the identity of his opponent.
He says that, because of Clinton, we can no longer have a "sensible dialogue" about the environment, for example.
Is he talking about Hillary Clinton? No. He's talking about Bill Clinton.
Funny, I thought it was Hillary, not Bill, running for President.
Obama says he is the candidate of change and I suppose he's right.
Because he has changed the identity of his opponent.
1.22.2008
I have a complaint to make.
I realize that this blog, of late, has been mostly a litany of complaints. Honestly, I am a happy person. Even when I'm bitchy, like today, I am happy. But something has been building in me and I have to let it out.
I went to college and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. I did this because I care about the environment and I wanted to have a profession in which I could do some good. Make a difference. Heal the world and make it a better place.
For you and for me and the entire human race.
Since graduating from college, I have held a variety of jobs. Two "real" jobs at non-profits and some temporary positions in between. Needless to say, I have been on a number of interviews. Time after time, I am asked if I have any "business" experience. Or I'm told that they are really seeking someone with a background in "communications."
In other words, people with science backgrounds need not apply.
It seems like most environmental groups would rather hire a marketing person and teach them about the issues instead of hiring an environmental person and teaching them about marketing.
Every time I was told this, I flash-backed to the various 3-hour science labs I endured all through college.
Biochemistry.
Inorganic chemistry.
Microbiology.
Phycology.
I think about those awful, painful courses and wonder what it was all worth. I could have been sitting in an hour-long lecture on business models instead. I could have taken a course on the history of the radio to satisfy a communications major.
I'm not saying that a Business or Marketing or Communication major is easy for everybody. I am saying it would have been easy(er) for me.
But I didn't think that a major in one of those fields would open doors for me in the environmental field. So, I struggled through the science.
And what, exactly, do I have to show for it? Put me up against some Business-major people I know who have been working for environmental firms or magazines. Who, in that light, is the more successful?
Not me.
The salt in the wound is that they make far more money (and actually have benefits!) than I ever made working at a non-profit.
So, I had an idea. Perhaps the doors to the environmental field are not open to people with environmental backgrounds but that doesn't mean I can't somehow sneak in the back.
Today I interviewed for a receptionist position at a company that will remain nameless (pending results from the interview). This company is an "environmental" company in central Little Rock.
During this interview, I was told, in so many words, that I was overqualified. I have a degree in Environmental Science....why do I want to be "just" a receptionist? Aren't I going to be using my degree sometime in the future?
I wanted to scream.
"Yes!" (I screamed in my head), "I'd love to use my degree. I'd love to put those 4 years of experience to the test. But, the environmental community has decided that actual schooling in this area is now a mark in the Con Column. So here I am. Applying to be a receptionist. Hoping for a piece of the organic tofu pie. Give it to me. I'll do a good job."
Instead, I once again had to downplay the importance/difficulty of my degree. I said that I didn't want to be in science. I said that my degree really has no impact on my job search. I said I'd love to be a receptionist.
And I did that all before the cock crowed for the third time.
I realize that this blog, of late, has been mostly a litany of complaints. Honestly, I am a happy person. Even when I'm bitchy, like today, I am happy. But something has been building in me and I have to let it out.
I went to college and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. I did this because I care about the environment and I wanted to have a profession in which I could do some good. Make a difference. Heal the world and make it a better place.
For you and for me and the entire human race.
Since graduating from college, I have held a variety of jobs. Two "real" jobs at non-profits and some temporary positions in between. Needless to say, I have been on a number of interviews. Time after time, I am asked if I have any "business" experience. Or I'm told that they are really seeking someone with a background in "communications."
In other words, people with science backgrounds need not apply.
It seems like most environmental groups would rather hire a marketing person and teach them about the issues instead of hiring an environmental person and teaching them about marketing.
Every time I was told this, I flash-backed to the various 3-hour science labs I endured all through college.
Biochemistry.
Inorganic chemistry.
Microbiology.
Phycology.
I think about those awful, painful courses and wonder what it was all worth. I could have been sitting in an hour-long lecture on business models instead. I could have taken a course on the history of the radio to satisfy a communications major.
I'm not saying that a Business or Marketing or Communication major is easy for everybody. I am saying it would have been easy(er) for me.
But I didn't think that a major in one of those fields would open doors for me in the environmental field. So, I struggled through the science.
And what, exactly, do I have to show for it? Put me up against some Business-major people I know who have been working for environmental firms or magazines. Who, in that light, is the more successful?
Not me.
The salt in the wound is that they make far more money (and actually have benefits!) than I ever made working at a non-profit.
So, I had an idea. Perhaps the doors to the environmental field are not open to people with environmental backgrounds but that doesn't mean I can't somehow sneak in the back.
Today I interviewed for a receptionist position at a company that will remain nameless (pending results from the interview). This company is an "environmental" company in central Little Rock.
During this interview, I was told, in so many words, that I was overqualified. I have a degree in Environmental Science....why do I want to be "just" a receptionist? Aren't I going to be using my degree sometime in the future?
I wanted to scream.
"Yes!" (I screamed in my head), "I'd love to use my degree. I'd love to put those 4 years of experience to the test. But, the environmental community has decided that actual schooling in this area is now a mark in the Con Column. So here I am. Applying to be a receptionist. Hoping for a piece of the organic tofu pie. Give it to me. I'll do a good job."
Instead, I once again had to downplay the importance/difficulty of my degree. I said that I didn't want to be in science. I said that my degree really has no impact on my job search. I said I'd love to be a receptionist.
And I did that all before the cock crowed for the third time.
1.20.2008
New year, new perspective. New lease-on-life. Blah. Blah. Blah.
New picture.
In honor of Oregon, my until-recent home, I updated my picture to that of a dahlia. In case you did not know it, and there is no reason you should, Oregon is the #1 dahlia grower in the country (world?) and I took this photo at a farm in that great state.
But that was the past and this is the present. Onward and upward (or southern-ward as it were).
This is a new year.
I've got a new relationship (a husband vs a fiance), a new apartment, new crap to fill it with, a new career goal, a new winter coat and, of course, a new obsession.
It seems like every year I have something to obsess over. Last year it was money.
The year I graduated from college it was farm animals (can't explain it in this post but I'll be sure to elaborate in a future one).
One particularly golden year in elementary school it was Bonnie Bell lip gloss.
This year is a two-fer. Women's literature and sugar-free Jelly Bellies. The women's lit thing....I don't know how to explain except to say that this year I have read The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs and The Friendship Test by Elizabeth Noble.
Two books may not seem like an obsession to you but I've read those books in 20 days. While looking for employment. And unpacking. And studying.
Neither of these books are my norm. The thought of women's lit always gave me a rash. Don't get me wrong...I love Bridget Jones's Diary the MOVIE. I couldn't get past page 1 of the book.
And if you tell me that Jane Austen is in the Women's Lit genre I'll force you to listen to Renee Zellweger's British accent ad nauseam.
But for some reason both of these books struck a cord with me at this time in my life. I've already purchased my next book....Knitting Under the Influence by Claire LaZebnik.
As for sugar-free Jelly Bellies, that one is easy to explain.
I love Jelly Bellies. I should stop eating so much sugar. Hence, sugar-free Jelly Bellies.
That's my life in 2008....sugary books and sugar-free candy.
New picture.
In honor of Oregon, my until-recent home, I updated my picture to that of a dahlia. In case you did not know it, and there is no reason you should, Oregon is the #1 dahlia grower in the country (world?) and I took this photo at a farm in that great state.
But that was the past and this is the present. Onward and upward (or southern-ward as it were).
This is a new year.
I've got a new relationship (a husband vs a fiance), a new apartment, new crap to fill it with, a new career goal, a new winter coat and, of course, a new obsession.
It seems like every year I have something to obsess over. Last year it was money.
The year I graduated from college it was farm animals (can't explain it in this post but I'll be sure to elaborate in a future one).
One particularly golden year in elementary school it was Bonnie Bell lip gloss.
This year is a two-fer. Women's literature and sugar-free Jelly Bellies. The women's lit thing....I don't know how to explain except to say that this year I have read The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs and The Friendship Test by Elizabeth Noble.
Two books may not seem like an obsession to you but I've read those books in 20 days. While looking for employment. And unpacking. And studying.
Neither of these books are my norm. The thought of women's lit always gave me a rash. Don't get me wrong...I love Bridget Jones's Diary the MOVIE. I couldn't get past page 1 of the book.
And if you tell me that Jane Austen is in the Women's Lit genre I'll force you to listen to Renee Zellweger's British accent ad nauseam.
But for some reason both of these books struck a cord with me at this time in my life. I've already purchased my next book....Knitting Under the Influence by Claire LaZebnik.
As for sugar-free Jelly Bellies, that one is easy to explain.
I love Jelly Bellies. I should stop eating so much sugar. Hence, sugar-free Jelly Bellies.
That's my life in 2008....sugary books and sugar-free candy.
1.02.2008
Huck Fuckabee
I know, I haven't posted in months and now I'm about to post twice in one day. But watching Mike Huckabee on Leno tonight has spurred me to action.
The unbelievable rise of Huckabee in the past month has been a seriously disturbing development for me and many other Arkansans. I cannot quite believe that he has suddenly become so popular. And that people are actually considering voting for the guy! It is absurd!
I can't even begin to list my reasons for hating Mike Huckabee and all he stands for. Wouldn't know whether to start with his bigotry, his ignorance or his self-importance. So, I'll let Max Brantley of the Arkansas Times do it for me. Read this article....you won't find any of this information in the mainstream media.
And after you read it...share it. Because we simply cannot have another four (or, good heavens, eight!) years of someone unwilling to take responsibility for their mistakes.
Because if Mike Huckabee becomes president there will be mistakes aplenty.
The unbelievable rise of Huckabee in the past month has been a seriously disturbing development for me and many other Arkansans. I cannot quite believe that he has suddenly become so popular. And that people are actually considering voting for the guy! It is absurd!
I can't even begin to list my reasons for hating Mike Huckabee and all he stands for. Wouldn't know whether to start with his bigotry, his ignorance or his self-importance. So, I'll let Max Brantley of the Arkansas Times do it for me. Read this article....you won't find any of this information in the mainstream media.
And after you read it...share it. Because we simply cannot have another four (or, good heavens, eight!) years of someone unwilling to take responsibility for their mistakes.
Because if Mike Huckabee becomes president there will be mistakes aplenty.
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