January 18, 2007
Little Rock
Quick site visit, with some good findings. With any luck, I'll be on an early flight out of town tomorrow morning.
Cincinnatti
Because I grabbed some rogue WIFI and I can.
Downloaded mail, but can not upload mail. Grump. Pity, cause one of my client has some URGENT emails that need to go out.
Downloaded mail, but can not upload mail. Grump. Pity, cause one of my client has some URGENT emails that need to go out.
On All Cylinders
A busy kind of week. I'm off to Little Rock AR for a quickie - fly down mid morning today, get into town mid afternoon, and work after 5 p.m. at a customer site. Stay overnight, and head home tomorrow. I have mid afternoon flights booked but from the sounds of it I will be able to catch an earlier one if there are seats available; my client who is accompanying me to the site has a 7 am flight booked so he's planning to vamoose!
Tuesday's lightning trip up to Boston went well, Wednesday I spent a lot of the day entwined in the government - court, DMV, Social Security. MYA and I are drilling down on identity documents - she has hit the age of consent with almost zero official footprint (related to transient living through foster care) so we are laboring to get her a replacement social security card, a certified copy of her birth certificate, and a state identity card (no driver's license yet, that's on the list)
Saturday - we head back up to Boston for a conference. If I get back tomorrow at a reasonable hour I am going to fetch MYA and have her sleep over - so we can get an early start on Saturday. She's excited for the conference, to see my friend and her idol MB, and to connect with others. I have a list of people who want to meet me, catch up with me, etc so I suspect it will be a good day of conencting / reconnecting.
Tuesday's lightning trip up to Boston went well, Wednesday I spent a lot of the day entwined in the government - court, DMV, Social Security. MYA and I are drilling down on identity documents - she has hit the age of consent with almost zero official footprint (related to transient living through foster care) so we are laboring to get her a replacement social security card, a certified copy of her birth certificate, and a state identity card (no driver's license yet, that's on the list)
Saturday - we head back up to Boston for a conference. If I get back tomorrow at a reasonable hour I am going to fetch MYA and have her sleep over - so we can get an early start on Saturday. She's excited for the conference, to see my friend and her idol MB, and to connect with others. I have a list of people who want to meet me, catch up with me, etc so I suspect it will be a good day of conencting / reconnecting.
January 17, 2007
Privilege is Sweet
Standing in line at the Hartford SSA office this afternoon with MYA, getting her a replacement card. The line - maybe 15 persons, each holding a "place in line" ticket dispensed from a small printer. We're all pretty grumpy - the SSA office is civil service at its apex, the line is moving slowly. A fairly diverse crowd - perhaps 3/4 POC.
In walks a white woman, well dressed, expensive cell phone - and steps to the front of the line. She sweet-talks another white woman - she was in yesterday, she says, and had to get a letter or something, it will just be a minute. The older black man who was in line behind me (but sat down to give his back a rest) notices her, and starts to protest. I smile at him and say "She does not have a ticket, she will get sent to the back of the line"
A minute or so later, that's what happens. She steps to the window, is told she needs a ticket. Smiles from those in line. I look over at the seated guy, smile and wink. But the story was not finished. After a minute or two of argument, she gets in line, but less than a minute later, she stomps out.
She apparently goes out in the hall, calls the SSA office with her phone hoping to bypass the line, and seconds later she is back in the room, standing by the door, talking on the phone. A security guard comes out, talks with her, commiserates, but she cannot get in. The woman at the window looks out "I told her to take a ticket and get in line and she'll get her turn". Meanwhile, those of us in line continue to watch the soap opera, and she is not popular - I overhear "Barbie doll is too good to wait in line"
She finally gets in line. About a minute later she makes a very loud exit.
One good thing about bureaucracies - they tend to frustrate across boundaries of race, class, privilege. Everybody is treated like crap, equally.
For what its worth, MYA is getting her replacement SS card with a minimimum of hassle - she has never had legal ID, we had a photocopy birth certificate, a school ID, and the right answers to a few questions (middle name, mom's maiden name) - and they were happy to put an order in. Relief on our part - she has gotten to this point in her life with a minimum of legal footprint, and trying to get her a photo ID, replacement SSA card, and certified birth certificate is like putting together a puzzle where the order of the pieces is critical. I think we are on our way.
In walks a white woman, well dressed, expensive cell phone - and steps to the front of the line. She sweet-talks another white woman - she was in yesterday, she says, and had to get a letter or something, it will just be a minute. The older black man who was in line behind me (but sat down to give his back a rest) notices her, and starts to protest. I smile at him and say "She does not have a ticket, she will get sent to the back of the line"
A minute or so later, that's what happens. She steps to the window, is told she needs a ticket. Smiles from those in line. I look over at the seated guy, smile and wink. But the story was not finished. After a minute or two of argument, she gets in line, but less than a minute later, she stomps out.
She apparently goes out in the hall, calls the SSA office with her phone hoping to bypass the line, and seconds later she is back in the room, standing by the door, talking on the phone. A security guard comes out, talks with her, commiserates, but she cannot get in. The woman at the window looks out "I told her to take a ticket and get in line and she'll get her turn". Meanwhile, those of us in line continue to watch the soap opera, and she is not popular - I overhear "Barbie doll is too good to wait in line"
She finally gets in line. About a minute later she makes a very loud exit.
One good thing about bureaucracies - they tend to frustrate across boundaries of race, class, privilege. Everybody is treated like crap, equally.
For what its worth, MYA is getting her replacement SS card with a minimimum of hassle - she has never had legal ID, we had a photocopy birth certificate, a school ID, and the right answers to a few questions (middle name, mom's maiden name) - and they were happy to put an order in. Relief on our part - she has gotten to this point in her life with a minimum of legal footprint, and trying to get her a photo ID, replacement SSA card, and certified birth certificate is like putting together a puzzle where the order of the pieces is critical. I think we are on our way.
BDL to BOS and Back
Quick trip up to Beantown - first Logan to pick up Dr. B, then into the city where we manga'd at Maggiano's Little Italy. (Yummers, and I got the doggie bag!) Nice to sit and chat, catch up, get some face time, all that. Saturday will be way to hectic for us to really spend any quality time. Dropped her off at her hotel and hightailed it back here by midnight.
Tomorrow, some morning errands with MYA and family. Then to the office to get some work done. Then pack for a trip to Little Rock on Thursday and Friday. The good news - my Little Rock contact / client has booked a 7:00 a.m. flight out on Friday morning, so I guess i am free to try to push my flights up earlier. (I had an early afternoon departure booked)
Tomorrow, some morning errands with MYA and family. Then to the office to get some work done. Then pack for a trip to Little Rock on Thursday and Friday. The good news - my Little Rock contact / client has booked a 7:00 a.m. flight out on Friday morning, so I guess i am free to try to push my flights up earlier. (I had an early afternoon departure booked)
January 16, 2007
Pseudo Something
In M. Scott Peck's book "The Different Drum: Community Making and Peace" (strangely missing from my shelf, I wonder if I lent it to someone?) - he speaks of four stages of community, the first of which is Pseudo-community. I was thinking of that this morning.
I am planning to participate in another Enlightenment Intensive in March, and I was thinking about Pseudo-Enlightenment - how after I had a significant experience, I began to doubt that experience, to feel that surely I must be faking it, since I am so adept at playing games, building facades, hiding behind masks. I felt fully capable of orchestrating an enlightenment experience for the benefit of myself, for peers, for the workshop leaders. In fact, I left the Intensive mostly convinced that I had indeed been faking it.
It was only in hindsight, after the Intensive, when I began to integrate my weekend and others began to react to the post-experience me, that I understood that my experience had been authentic, that I had indeed gone through something real and emerged changed.
No particular point, just something I have been thinking about.
I am planning to participate in another Enlightenment Intensive in March, and I was thinking about Pseudo-Enlightenment - how after I had a significant experience, I began to doubt that experience, to feel that surely I must be faking it, since I am so adept at playing games, building facades, hiding behind masks. I felt fully capable of orchestrating an enlightenment experience for the benefit of myself, for peers, for the workshop leaders. In fact, I left the Intensive mostly convinced that I had indeed been faking it.
It was only in hindsight, after the Intensive, when I began to integrate my weekend and others began to react to the post-experience me, that I understood that my experience had been authentic, that I had indeed gone through something real and emerged changed.
No particular point, just something I have been thinking about.
January 15, 2007
Cold snap destroys most Calif. citrus
Story here.
So, is it time to start investing in companies that have figured out what the new weather patterns will mean in terms of agriculture, floods, heating & cooling, tourism, etc?
Is it time to strt taking global climate change seriously?
The latest freeze will likely surpass the damage done by a three-day cold snap in December 1998 that destroyed 85 percent of California's citrus crop, a loss valued at $700 million, Kawamura said.
So, is it time to start investing in companies that have figured out what the new weather patterns will mean in terms of agriculture, floods, heating & cooling, tourism, etc?
Is it time to strt taking global climate change seriously?
Shiny Bright Pen
Took MYA out for her birthday - Barnes & Noble to spend down a xmas gift card, and our favorite chinese buffet. About midway through the meal I happened to look into my purse and a promo light pen that I got from a client was lighted. (Thought it might have been a cell call coming in) So I pulled the pen out to turn it off, and within about 15 seconds two of the waitrons from the buffet were at our table, oogling.
MYA was much amused. She is enamored with all things asian (and this extends to people) so she was tickled to have them looking at the pen. I think one of them was trying to orchestrate a trade (pen for food). And for the rest of the meal, MYA kept saying "Gimme that pen" as if she might be able to lure the wait staff over at her command.
We laughed about it. A little laughter on her birthday is not a bad thing.....
January 14, 2007
Chimp Haven
Watching PBS Nature this evening, in a "Best of" show, we came across a piece on chimpanzee rescue, and the work of Linda Koebner who spent four years working with chimps rescued from medical testing. A scene where Linda visited rescued chimps, 18 years later, and the chimps seemed to recognize and greet her brought tears to my eyes. Soft sobbing really.
They are our kin, sharing 98% of our DNA, and although I believe that all life is connected and precious, the plight of these sentient beings moved me incredibly. Subsequent to the filming, Linda founded a chimpanzee sanctuary Chimp Haven. Next time I find a few extra bucks, I am going to make sure to send some that way.
Damn, and now there is a story on two elephants (Shirley and Jenny), who knew each other 25 years ago in a circus, reunited after all these years, and remembering each other. Fucking nature. So beautiful, so powerful, so righteous. We humans have no freaking idea.
They are our kin, sharing 98% of our DNA, and although I believe that all life is connected and precious, the plight of these sentient beings moved me incredibly. Subsequent to the filming, Linda founded a chimpanzee sanctuary Chimp Haven. Next time I find a few extra bucks, I am going to make sure to send some that way.
Damn, and now there is a story on two elephants (Shirley and Jenny), who knew each other 25 years ago in a circus, reunited after all these years, and remembering each other. Fucking nature. So beautiful, so powerful, so righteous. We humans have no freaking idea.
Indulgent and Blessed
A body reborn - the morning's aches and creaks have been tempered, lubed, massaged by an hour and a half of hot yoga. My reward - a bowl of oatmeal. With a sprinkling of chopped walnuts. And a handful of golden raisins. Who is more fortunate and blessed than I?
Vivid Dreams
Two connected dreams last night.
In the first part, I was back to school, in Worcester, MA. Going back for my masters, I think, I recall commenting that this time I was going to take advantage of the school and professors who specialized in my present area of expertise. I was setting up my "dorm space" which seemed more like office cubicals - very small. My old roommate Don was also there. What was particularly interesting was that the dream became semi-conscious, I remember (in the dream) thinking or commenting that dreaming about going back to college was interesting and a recurring theme, that I dreams about going back to school before, and I always take it as a sign that I need to learn something, go back to school, make life changes, etc.
Part two, I was considering driving back from school to my yoga studio (in the dream, it was maybe 30 minutes drive, vs. a few hours in real life) and decided to check out local options. I ended up at an old rambling worcester three-decker which was inhabited by a commune or new age community of sorts- they had yoga in a large roundish room. I was there, chatted and hung out with some of the residents, set up my mat, we were kind of talking and stretching and shared some bread before practice. The dream ended before I got to practice, but it was neat. I recall watching people in postures and wondering if I could keep up - I was trying to describe the practice I do now, not exactly sure how to qualify it in yogic terms (Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha, etc.)
I think its interesting that yoga has infused my unconscious. I awoke wondering if my yoga practice would be changing.....if I would be finding another outlet or place to practice.
In the first part, I was back to school, in Worcester, MA. Going back for my masters, I think, I recall commenting that this time I was going to take advantage of the school and professors who specialized in my present area of expertise. I was setting up my "dorm space" which seemed more like office cubicals - very small. My old roommate Don was also there. What was particularly interesting was that the dream became semi-conscious, I remember (in the dream) thinking or commenting that dreaming about going back to college was interesting and a recurring theme, that I dreams about going back to school before, and I always take it as a sign that I need to learn something, go back to school, make life changes, etc.
Part two, I was considering driving back from school to my yoga studio (in the dream, it was maybe 30 minutes drive, vs. a few hours in real life) and decided to check out local options. I ended up at an old rambling worcester three-decker which was inhabited by a commune or new age community of sorts- they had yoga in a large roundish room. I was there, chatted and hung out with some of the residents, set up my mat, we were kind of talking and stretching and shared some bread before practice. The dream ended before I got to practice, but it was neat. I recall watching people in postures and wondering if I could keep up - I was trying to describe the practice I do now, not exactly sure how to qualify it in yogic terms (Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha, etc.)
I think its interesting that yoga has infused my unconscious. I awoke wondering if my yoga practice would be changing.....if I would be finding another outlet or place to practice.
January 13, 2007
World According to Shorts
We caught the 5:30 pm show at RAW tonight. Interesting piece. The official site is here. Of special note:
* The Antichrist (Poland) was fierce and dark and powerful - downright scary.
* We Have Not Decided to Die (Australia) resonated with my own inner journey.
* The Antichrist (Poland) was fierce and dark and powerful - downright scary.
* We Have Not Decided to Die (Australia) resonated with my own inner journey.
India Oven - Park Road
Apres movie this evening, Zippy, AC, and I went to the fairly new India Oven on Park Road (right next to I LOVE SUSHI). It's small, it's BYOB. But the food is delightful. We loved everything we had (the Raita was particularly fresh and delicious - a perfect balm for the medium hot dishes we ordered). I had an eggplant dish (Baingan Bartha). AC and Zippy had Lamb Jalfraze and Chicken Jalfrazi respectively, both loved their choices. The Garlic Naan was also wonderful. And the staff (perhaps the owner) was extremely helpful and eager to please.
About the only complaint - the door opening let in a bit of the cold on this January night. But other than that - yum! Steve and Lisa Alcazari concur....
Not a lot of tables, so plan accordingly - and from what I hear, the lunch prices and meals are superb. And if you want some beer (a cold Kingfisher which would have been nice) or wine, plan ahead.
India Oven - a great addition to the local restaurant scene, and hopefully they will succeed and grow into more spacious (and more climate controlled) quarters!)
About the only complaint - the door opening let in a bit of the cold on this January night. But other than that - yum! Steve and Lisa Alcazari concur....
Not a lot of tables, so plan accordingly - and from what I hear, the lunch prices and meals are superb. And if you want some beer (a cold Kingfisher which would have been nice) or wine, plan ahead.
India Oven - a great addition to the local restaurant scene, and hopefully they will succeed and grow into more spacious (and more climate controlled) quarters!)
Assembling for War
I think the crows and the squirrels are up to no good. Driving down Hollywood, crows were spread out, maybe 1 or 2 on every lawn. Squirrels were suspiciously close to 'em, equally spaced.
Be afraid.
Be afraid.
A Weekend
Hm. A real honest to goodness weekend is upon us. No serious commitments, no conferences, no meetings or commitments, no huge work projects to try to crank out by Monday. Not sure what to make of it.
Minor commitments, of course. Jazzercise this morning, probably yoga tomorrow morning. Zippy has a meeting up in NoHo tomorrow afternoon that I usually end up driving to when I am around. MYA is overdue for a visit - probably today. And AC has been talking up The World According To Shorts at Real Art Ways this evening, although the film times (5:30 and 9:30) seem to be less than ideal.
But it's a weekend. Right now, I'm listening to NPR on my headset, drinking decaf, waiting for my oatmeal to cook, and blogging a little. Relaxing, yanno? Even though its 6:15 a.m.
Minor commitments, of course. Jazzercise this morning, probably yoga tomorrow morning. Zippy has a meeting up in NoHo tomorrow afternoon that I usually end up driving to when I am around. MYA is overdue for a visit - probably today. And AC has been talking up The World According To Shorts at Real Art Ways this evening, although the film times (5:30 and 9:30) seem to be less than ideal.
But it's a weekend. Right now, I'm listening to NPR on my headset, drinking decaf, waiting for my oatmeal to cook, and blogging a little. Relaxing, yanno? Even though its 6:15 a.m.
January 12, 2007
Will You Please Dance?
On the wall of my office. A piece by mary anne radmacher, circa 1996. I do not see this piece on her site anymore, but she has many other similar pieces.
No particular reason, I have had this sitting in a file for a while, I finally hung it up today.
No particular reason, I have had this sitting in a file for a while, I finally hung it up today.
Get Carter
Former president Carter is getting edgier and more opinionated as he ages. His recent book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid - is causing a ruckus - with charges of bias, being too pre-Palestinian, anti-Israel, etc. People who have gotten used to the softer and saintly version, the wimpy one that Ronald Reagan beat up on in 1980, are not happy.
I dunno, I do not have huge personal stake on either side of the Israeli-Arab conflict. Like George W. Bush, Israel has been a bully in the middle east, working from a premise of Might=Right. Unlike W and the present US policy, Israel is a small geographic country, surrounded on all sides by enemies often sworn to work towards its destruction. So a bit of bully and bluster is expected.But the expansion, the kibbutz building, the honeycombing of Palestinian territory with Israeli settlements, is extremely aggressive and problematic.
I dunno how I feel about it all. If I hadda choose, I'd probably come down ever so slightly on the Palestinian side. But only ever so slightly.
I dunno, I do not have huge personal stake on either side of the Israeli-Arab conflict. Like George W. Bush, Israel has been a bully in the middle east, working from a premise of Might=Right. Unlike W and the present US policy, Israel is a small geographic country, surrounded on all sides by enemies often sworn to work towards its destruction. So a bit of bully and bluster is expected.But the expansion, the kibbutz building, the honeycombing of Palestinian territory with Israeli settlements, is extremely aggressive and problematic.
I dunno how I feel about it all. If I hadda choose, I'd probably come down ever so slightly on the Palestinian side. But only ever so slightly.
Yankee Ukes
A fascinating story in the Hartford Courant this morning about Ukeleles in Connecticut - specifically the Magic Fluke Company (New Hartford) and Flea Market Music Inc. (Clinton)
Who knew?
Who knew?
January 11, 2007
Energy, Changes, Vitality
As befits a new year, LOTS of new energy and opportunities.
My trip to Wisconsin was both a good two day training gig, and a lot of connections, contacts, and ideas with a client I have been working with peripherally for a while. Lots of good energy. A follow-up trip to Little Rock (cancelled from December) is planned for next week.
An old friend, Ari Kane, called up - looking to do lunch at an upcoming conference. Another friend also mentioned lunch via IM. And of course MB will prolly want to nosh....I'll be zonked, will be traveling back from Little Rock and not getting back until late on Friday.
And a potential freelance writing opportunity seems to be simmering.
My trip to Wisconsin was both a good two day training gig, and a lot of connections, contacts, and ideas with a client I have been working with peripherally for a while. Lots of good energy. A follow-up trip to Little Rock (cancelled from December) is planned for next week.
An old friend, Ari Kane, called up - looking to do lunch at an upcoming conference. Another friend also mentioned lunch via IM. And of course MB will prolly want to nosh....I'll be zonked, will be traveling back from Little Rock and not getting back until late on Friday.
And a potential freelance writing opportunity seems to be simmering.
And now Detroit.....
Because I can, I guess. Bored, a bit of a layover, and knowing that if I wander areound I'll find something to eat and aggravate my sore knee. Booking tickets to Little Rock for next week. Catching up on emails. Stuff like that. The NW terminal here ate DTW is pretty slick, all in all. I am looking at a huge LCD display that is wonderfully visible from across the gate area, listening to the Roches, and blogging.
Could be worse, is all I'm saying.
Could be worse, is all I'm saying.
$ 6.95
Which is about what this post is costing me from the Madison WI airport, en route home via DTW (on NWA)
Actually, I logged in to grab all my accrued emails and see if there was anything urgent to deal with en route home; the hotel WiFi was erratic, slow, and unreliable. Nothing urgent, so some bloggishness.
I see via the blogosphere that things have been hopping in CT - between the Gov Rell / Ken Krayeske mess and W's speech. Sorry to miss it all. I'm going to keep missing it all - next week I am heading back out to Little Rock. Eek!
Actually, I logged in to grab all my accrued emails and see if there was anything urgent to deal with en route home; the hotel WiFi was erratic, slow, and unreliable. Nothing urgent, so some bloggishness.
I see via the blogosphere that things have been hopping in CT - between the Gov Rell / Ken Krayeske mess and W's speech. Sorry to miss it all. I'm going to keep missing it all - next week I am heading back out to Little Rock. Eek!
January 09, 2007
Not Very Bloggish
Apologies. I am out it Madison, WI doing some training. And the free WiFi in this hotel has been spotty / flaky - not letting me D/L email reliably, making web surfing a bit frustrating, etc. Nothing fatal, just annoying.
The trip out went very well - all my bad travel karma paid in December is hopefully going to protect me in 2007. Mostly fullish flight on MD-80's (Northwest) from BDL to DTW to Madison, but not horrible. Luggage here. Decent rental car. Hotel is reasonable.
I was able to get all my conference material printed out at a local Office Max and stuff the 20 binders and burn the presentations onto CD yesterday - so last night I had some down time - got a report out, messed with the computer, had a nice dinner at Applebee's (off the weight watcher's menu, although I treated myself to a margarita). Tried to do some yoga before dinner but between a long travel day, a not so optimum place to put my mat, and a sore knee (something new, maybe I strained it on Sunday, and exacerbated it through airport walking and airplane sitting), well, it just did not happen.
Off to the client site in a few for a long day of training - catch up tonight!
The trip out went very well - all my bad travel karma paid in December is hopefully going to protect me in 2007. Mostly fullish flight on MD-80's (Northwest) from BDL to DTW to Madison, but not horrible. Luggage here. Decent rental car. Hotel is reasonable.
I was able to get all my conference material printed out at a local Office Max and stuff the 20 binders and burn the presentations onto CD yesterday - so last night I had some down time - got a report out, messed with the computer, had a nice dinner at Applebee's (off the weight watcher's menu, although I treated myself to a margarita). Tried to do some yoga before dinner but between a long travel day, a not so optimum place to put my mat, and a sore knee (something new, maybe I strained it on Sunday, and exacerbated it through airport walking and airplane sitting), well, it just did not happen.
Off to the client site in a few for a long day of training - catch up tonight!
January 08, 2007
Back into the Breech
Off to Madison, WI this morning, heading to lead two days of training for a client. I am already wishing I had packed a different outfit for Day #2. (Day #1 is all set with a houndstooth slack suit, but I packed a funky skirt, kind of casual, for Day #2 and wish I had opted for a more professional black suit and slacks. Maybe I can go shopping....)
So far so good at the airport (parking, security, check-in) but one never knows - my two aborted trips in December loom large in my memory. I get into Madison right after lunch - way early, but lots of time for travel delays. I also have to assemble my training manuals once I get out there - just never got time here. I have a Kinko's and an OfficeMax mapped out near my hotel.
A little airport blogging. Sorry to be not so present over the weekend; I was rushing around doing stuff with MYA, getting ready for the training and travel, and the like. Not a lot of blog time.
I did grab a hot yoga class on Sunday, intended to hit Jazzercise on Saturday but I was not feeling well. And I brought my mat and yoga duds so I can practice in the hotel.
So far so good at the airport (parking, security, check-in) but one never knows - my two aborted trips in December loom large in my memory. I get into Madison right after lunch - way early, but lots of time for travel delays. I also have to assemble my training manuals once I get out there - just never got time here. I have a Kinko's and an OfficeMax mapped out near my hotel.
A little airport blogging. Sorry to be not so present over the weekend; I was rushing around doing stuff with MYA, getting ready for the training and travel, and the like. Not a lot of blog time.
I did grab a hot yoga class on Sunday, intended to hit Jazzercise on Saturday but I was not feeling well. And I brought my mat and yoga duds so I can practice in the hotel.
January 06, 2007
Ken Krayeske's Syrian Connection
Tracking back on some blog links here, I came across an interesting tidbit, heretofore unblogged or commented on with regard to the recent arrest. Ken spent some time in Syria in 2005 - here and here. Wonder if this got him noticed by the feds (Homeland Security), on some sort of federal watchlist, and that filtered down to CTIC.
I have to believe this is more than a simple state feud and abuse of power over politics, heckling, activism. I suspect that CTIC, focused on national security and terrorism threats, got Ken's name and face from above....
I have to believe this is more than a simple state feud and abuse of power over politics, heckling, activism. I suspect that CTIC, focused on national security and terrorism threats, got Ken's name and face from above....
January 05, 2007
Police on my Back
Reporter Arrested for Political Activism
by Christine Stuart, over at CT News Junkie
Apparently Ken Krayeske was arrested taking pictures of Gov Rell's Inaugural parade. His crime - being on a list of potential troublemakers, perhaps put out by the Connecticut Intelligence Center (CTIC). Apparently, being a liberal, politically active, and a reporter, makes one a potential trouble maker.
I know Ken, he was active in the Lamont campaign and I volunteered a little bit for them. Nice guy. Earnest, cleancut, passionate. Not a troublemaker.
Hey CTIC, yanno where you can get lots of pictures of potential troublemakers? Try here.
Uhm, this would be me on the right, schmoozing and sucking down a martini of some sort.
by Christine Stuart, over at CT News Junkie
Apparently Ken Krayeske was arrested taking pictures of Gov Rell's Inaugural parade. His crime - being on a list of potential troublemakers, perhaps put out by the Connecticut Intelligence Center (CTIC). Apparently, being a liberal, politically active, and a reporter, makes one a potential trouble maker.
I know Ken, he was active in the Lamont campaign and I volunteered a little bit for them. Nice guy. Earnest, cleancut, passionate. Not a troublemaker.
Hey CTIC, yanno where you can get lots of pictures of potential troublemakers? Try here.
Uhm, this would be me on the right, schmoozing and sucking down a martini of some sort.
Behind the Eight Ball
Gonna be a chaotic few days.
Socially, I have a special Kirtan with David Newman this evening, and I may be on tap to help him set up this afternoon. I am going to try to get some yoga in this morning; I have not been since Monday. Saturday morning is the Frozen Buns balloon rally (despite the warmth) in Southington (weather permitting), and the Kennedys in concert at the Sounding Board in the evening. Sunday is the True Colors mentoring party. Busy.
Work wise, I come home to a laundry list of tasks:
a) Invoice for the production gig
b) 4-5 reports for one client
c) 1 report for another client
d) Need to reformat, reorganize, and reassemble 4 training modules for Monday
e) Need to print out and assemble 15-20 training manuals for Monday
And one of my clients, historically a reliable payor, has gotten flaky - the Nov 1 2006 invoice got paid 50% (clerical error claimed, the balance is still outstanding) and the Dec 1 invoice has still not been paid (typically it comes in at the end of the month). Not sure if this is holiday lethargy or a dictate from the top to push out payments (which happens at the end of the calendar year now and then) or just an annoying coincidence. But between that, a slowish few months, and a bunch of airfares for cancelled flights that have still not bene reimbursed, finances are tight. Grumble.
Socially, I have a special Kirtan with David Newman this evening, and I may be on tap to help him set up this afternoon. I am going to try to get some yoga in this morning; I have not been since Monday. Saturday morning is the Frozen Buns balloon rally (despite the warmth) in Southington (weather permitting), and the Kennedys in concert at the Sounding Board in the evening. Sunday is the True Colors mentoring party. Busy.
Work wise, I come home to a laundry list of tasks:
a) Invoice for the production gig
b) 4-5 reports for one client
c) 1 report for another client
d) Need to reformat, reorganize, and reassemble 4 training modules for Monday
e) Need to print out and assemble 15-20 training manuals for Monday
And one of my clients, historically a reliable payor, has gotten flaky - the Nov 1 2006 invoice got paid 50% (clerical error claimed, the balance is still outstanding) and the Dec 1 invoice has still not been paid (typically it comes in at the end of the month). Not sure if this is holiday lethargy or a dictate from the top to push out payments (which happens at the end of the calendar year now and then) or just an annoying coincidence. But between that, a slowish few months, and a bunch of airfares for cancelled flights that have still not bene reimbursed, finances are tight. Grumble.
Corporate Giggishness Completed
Not a bad couple of days. Just boring as all heck. Lots of financial numbers and lots of acronyms. Sitting in a frigid back hallway babysitting two laptops, a beta deck, a DVD player and a graphics switcher, with a small speaker and a video monitor to remind me who is at the podium. And 20-some powerpoint presentations to load and attend to. And no internets to keep me company.
Two days of bad food - fast food en route down (breakfast) and back (dinner) - banquet food lunches and breakfasts, and a dinner culled from a local high end grocery store. Ick, should have just gotten room service.
The company in question is doing pretty well, they are nicely positioned to take advantage of the growing energy crisis, and are wall street darlings in terms of growth, execution, and margins. Every year I come back thinking "I ought to buy some stock for my IRA". And, per usual, out of 20 some speakers - no women. One POC. The crowd looked to be about 10% women, which still left for a bit of a line in the ladies room during the breaks.
It was good to be back in my own bed, with the zipster at my side and elo the dog at my feet. It's good to drink my own decaf this morning and eat a bowl of oatmeal.
Two days of bad food - fast food en route down (breakfast) and back (dinner) - banquet food lunches and breakfasts, and a dinner culled from a local high end grocery store. Ick, should have just gotten room service.
The company in question is doing pretty well, they are nicely positioned to take advantage of the growing energy crisis, and are wall street darlings in terms of growth, execution, and margins. Every year I come back thinking "I ought to buy some stock for my IRA". And, per usual, out of 20 some speakers - no women. One POC. The crowd looked to be about 10% women, which still left for a bit of a line in the ladies room during the breaks.
It was good to be back in my own bed, with the zipster at my side and elo the dog at my feet. It's good to drink my own decaf this morning and eat a bowl of oatmeal.
January 03, 2007
Hotel Room Blues
On the plus side: I am getting a couple of reports done. I got to watch Friday Night Lights. I am watching a wonderful PBS documentary on Annie Liebowitz on Thirteen. The bathroom is large enough to put down a yoga mat, if I were of a mind.
On the negative side: hotel room heat (dry). No zipster. I had a crappy dinner I picked up at D'agostino's (salad and grocery store sushi). I am probbaly not going to hit the mat tonight. And I have a 6:30 am call time.
On the negative side: hotel room heat (dry). No zipster. I had a crappy dinner I picked up at D'agostino's (salad and grocery store sushi). I am probbaly not going to hit the mat tonight. And I have a 6:30 am call time.
Grabbing WiFi
At the Ryetown Hilton, in Rye Brook, NY. Although I have to wander with my laptop away from my workstation and into the hall to get it reliably. Pout.
January 02, 2007
Ho Boy
Pat Robertson predicts 'mass killing'. Story here.
Of course not. The Lord would say NUCULAR. Like our dear president. Yanno, its stuff like this that makes me start to believe those who insist that the hole in the side of the pentagon was made by a cruise missile, and that the 9-11 attacks were orchestrated by our government. (Neither of which I believe, for the record)
Dylan said it best:
"I'm not necessarily saying it's going to be nuclear," he said during his news-and-talk television show "The 700 Club" on the Christian Broadcasting Network. "The Lord didn't say nuclear."
Of course not. The Lord would say NUCULAR. Like our dear president. Yanno, its stuff like this that makes me start to believe those who insist that the hole in the side of the pentagon was made by a cruise missile, and that the 9-11 attacks were orchestrated by our government. (Neither of which I believe, for the record)
Dylan said it best:
He got a sweet gift of gab, he got a harmonious tongue,
He knows every song of love that ever has been sung.
Good intentions can be evil,
Both hands can be full of grease.
You know that sometimes Satan comes as a man of peace.
From a walk to a run
The holiday downturn - of leisurely work days, daily yoga, household projects, movies and walks, is officially over. I spent most of the day down in Milford updating laptops (on one of them, there were 63 updates BEFORE getting around to the 75M Service Pack 2) - doing updates, renewing and upgrading virus scans, updating flash and PDF readers and the like. Lot of click and wait.
I did not get back home until 6:30 - after stops at Loew's, Office Depot, the ATM, and the office. And I need to sneak back to the office tomorrow morning to do a couple of quick things, as well as get gas en route to Rye Brook tomorrow.
So - no formal yoga practice until maybe Friday - I am taking a mat so I'll probably get something done in the hotel, but it's going to be a couple of long days.
I did not get back home until 6:30 - after stops at Loew's, Office Depot, the ATM, and the office. And I need to sneak back to the office tomorrow morning to do a couple of quick things, as well as get gas en route to Rye Brook tomorrow.
So - no formal yoga practice until maybe Friday - I am taking a mat so I'll probably get something done in the hotel, but it's going to be a couple of long days.
A Day Off
I had penciled in a 6 a.m. "Hour of Power" yoga class with an instructor I have not worked with. I have a work appoitnment down in Milford around 10 a.m. so will miss my semi-regular Tuesday morning power class.
Alas, the dogs got me up for a while around 3:00 a.m. - so when they (and I) regained consciousness, it was 5:55 a.m. - too late.
Truthfully, my body needs a day off - I did hot/power practices on Friday, Sunday, and Monday, snuck Jazzercise in there on Saturday, and went for two reasonably long hikes in there, Friday and Sunday. A well deserved day off. I just know that I will be off the grid, yoga wise, until Friday due to an out of town work gig (work? she blogs AND does yoga AND works?).
Next week, I am off to Wisconsin - heading out Monday and returning on Thursday. And the weekend in between looks full - with a special Kirtan on Friday night, Kirtan set-up Friday afternoon, a concert on Saturday night, and a True Colors holiday party on the 7th. If the weather cooperates, Saturday might also be the Frozen Buns rally (an annual new years tradition in the balloon world). And I have to prepare course material for the training next week in Wisconsin.
Nothing like being busy....
Alas, the dogs got me up for a while around 3:00 a.m. - so when they (and I) regained consciousness, it was 5:55 a.m. - too late.
Truthfully, my body needs a day off - I did hot/power practices on Friday, Sunday, and Monday, snuck Jazzercise in there on Saturday, and went for two reasonably long hikes in there, Friday and Sunday. A well deserved day off. I just know that I will be off the grid, yoga wise, until Friday due to an out of town work gig (work? she blogs AND does yoga AND works?).
Next week, I am off to Wisconsin - heading out Monday and returning on Thursday. And the weekend in between looks full - with a special Kirtan on Friday night, Kirtan set-up Friday afternoon, a concert on Saturday night, and a True Colors holiday party on the 7th. If the weather cooperates, Saturday might also be the Frozen Buns rally (an annual new years tradition in the balloon world). And I have to prepare course material for the training next week in Wisconsin.
Nothing like being busy....
Banned Words for 2007
Every year we get this list of overused, overwrought, and just plain tired words and phrases. This year I realized for the first time that the list is the product of a specific entity: Lake Superior State University.
I love that this small school has adopted this cause, has owned this concept. Yeah for them.
The words / phrases for 2006 (see the website for explanations): GITMO, COMBINED CELEBRITY NAMES (think Bragelina), AWESOME, GONE/WENT MISSING, PWN or PWNED, NOW PLAYING IN THEATERS, WE'RE PREGNANT, UNDOCUMENTED ALIEN, ARMED ROBBERY/DRUG DEAL GONE BAD, TRUTHINESS, ASK YOUR DOCTOR, CHIPOTLE, i-ANYTHING (e-Anything made the list in 2000), SEARCH ("Might as well banish it. The word has been replaced by 'google.'"), HEALTHY FOOD, BOASTS.
Lake Superior State University is Michigan's smallest public university with an enrollment of 3,000 students. It is known for its academic programs such as fisheries and wildlife management, engineering, teacher education, nursing, criminal justice, fire science and business management.
For admissions information, go to LSSU's web site, www.lssu.edu.
LSSU accepts nominations for the banished-words list throughout the year. To submit your nomination for the 2008 list, go to www.lssu.edu/banished.
I love that this small school has adopted this cause, has owned this concept. Yeah for them.
The words / phrases for 2006 (see the website for explanations): GITMO, COMBINED CELEBRITY NAMES (think Bragelina), AWESOME, GONE/WENT MISSING, PWN or PWNED, NOW PLAYING IN THEATERS, WE'RE PREGNANT, UNDOCUMENTED ALIEN, ARMED ROBBERY/DRUG DEAL GONE BAD, TRUTHINESS, ASK YOUR DOCTOR, CHIPOTLE, i-ANYTHING (e-Anything made the list in 2000), SEARCH ("Might as well banish it. The word has been replaced by 'google.'"), HEALTHY FOOD, BOASTS.
January 01, 2007
UFO Over ORD
Story here.
Or rather, a UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) which is the preferred term. Seems logical that it might have been some weather phenomenon, but hope springs eternal. I mean, gods or aliens, somebody or something better get down here and set us stupid humans straight in terms of pollution, global warning, renewable energy, etc.
Or rather, a UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) which is the preferred term. Seems logical that it might have been some weather phenomenon, but hope springs eternal. I mean, gods or aliens, somebody or something better get down here and set us stupid humans straight in terms of pollution, global warning, renewable energy, etc.
New Year's Magic
Again, at the hands of a powerful one. In the past, my deep moments have come face down, deep in my hips, body racked in grief. Today, something different - my heart.
During savasana, a poem. "When I Am Among the Trees" by Mary Oliver from her newest collection, Thirst. At the closing stanza:
My heart filled with light, and I felt myself pulled up off the mat as if a celestial string were reeling in my heart. I stayed there for some moments in wonder and delight, feeling the glow and the warmth and the yearning. And then, aware of my back arching, my chest reaching, I slowly settled back onto the mat.
For 2007, one single and simple resolution: to shine.
During savasana, a poem. "When I Am Among the Trees" by Mary Oliver from her newest collection, Thirst. At the closing stanza:
And they call again, "It's simple," they say,
"and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.
My heart filled with light, and I felt myself pulled up off the mat as if a celestial string were reeling in my heart. I stayed there for some moments in wonder and delight, feeling the glow and the warmth and the yearning. And then, aware of my back arching, my chest reaching, I slowly settled back onto the mat.
For 2007, one single and simple resolution: to shine.
Oh, and Happy New Year
By the way. 2007 and all. We were in bed - our friend AC stopped by around 9:00 pm - she called earlier hoping to cajole us into socializing but I was about an hour into my basement cleaning and had no desire to get out. So she stopped by, witnessed our new years eve lethargy, and headed out to a Shag Frenzt new years eve.
We headed in around 11:00 pm. I was up eary this morning, and did the dishes. The plan du jour. Some work at the office. Some late morning yoga of the sublime and sacred variety. Some shopping. Pretty much a regular day.....
We headed in around 11:00 pm. I was up eary this morning, and did the dishes. The plan du jour. Some work at the office. Some late morning yoga of the sublime and sacred variety. Some shopping. Pretty much a regular day.....
The Kennedys at the Sounding Board
Next Saturday, January 6th, at 6:00 p.m. Sounding Board information here. The Kennedys information here. I forget how gleeful, how joyous, how happy these two songsters make me feel. How open my heart is when I stand and listen to them, drinking in their music of optimism and faith.
WWUH is playing two songs right this moment to help me remember. I intend to be at the Sounding Board next Saturday evening....
WWUH is playing two songs right this moment to help me remember. I intend to be at the Sounding Board next Saturday evening....
December 31, 2006
Nothing Doing New Year
Just to report that we are officially "in" for the new years eve celebration. BORING.
Hot yoga this morning. We took a walk around the WH reservoir this afternoon. Some beefish thing in the crockpot for dinner. And I spent a few hours down cellar cleaning up - not finished, not even close, but I made a serious dent in the tool area and nobody is going to get killed tripping over things anymore.
Nothing else to report. Going to have a quiet night, and tomorrow I think some work (get my end of month invoices out, mostly - along with some reports and get my training program organized for next week) and a 10:00 am yoga class.
Hot yoga this morning. We took a walk around the WH reservoir this afternoon. Some beefish thing in the crockpot for dinner. And I spent a few hours down cellar cleaning up - not finished, not even close, but I made a serious dent in the tool area and nobody is going to get killed tripping over things anymore.
Nothing else to report. Going to have a quiet night, and tomorrow I think some work (get my end of month invoices out, mostly - along with some reports and get my training program organized for next week) and a 10:00 am yoga class.
Yoga Dream
I have not consciously dreamed of yoga, until last evening.
I was in a practice, which I perceived to be tomorrow's special new years day practice. We were doing a partner exercise, with one yogi in the posture and the partner assisting, doing an unfamiliar posture which I perceived to be a hip opener. The yogi was in table, doing something with a leg and arm on each side, and the partner was behind the yogi, pressing the leg or arm into the back.
In my case, there was an odd person in the room, and my partner (initially male) abandoned me to work with the odd person (another woman). It did not feel a conscious and deliberate rejection, but rather "I am going to try to work with you both" but in reality, I got short-changed. So I objected, and told my (male partner) I could not work with him and went to work with the odd person (woman)
Except that she also had another person to work with, and again, I was left out. In the course of it all, I realize that my yoga mats (which are in reality fairly new and in good condition) were ripping and shredding under me. Also I recall pushing back into pidgeon (a hip opener I can do alone, without a partner). Finally, I kind of left the studio in frustration, and was driving around. Ostensibly, I had left temporarily (just during this posture) but it seemed like I might not go back.
Wow. Lot's to chew on.
First off, in the studio, doing partner work, this sort of thing never happens. If one is the odd person (and that has happened to me on occasion) one ends up working with the teacher or an assistant - and tends to get a bit of extra attention, a bit more work (no need to reciprocate or trade places). So I do not think I can take the dream literally.
On the surface, it might simply be that I had such a magical new years day practice last year and I am afraid it will be less magical tomorrow.
There is a sexual / relationship aspect of it (first working with a man, then with a woman, being rejected by both) which might be meaningful, in terms of Zippy and myself and our physical relationship. (hip openers = genitals = sexuality)
There might be a "feeling like an outsider at the studio" perspective. And perhaps there is a looming crisis in my practice, an opportunity for misunderstanding, for rejection, for the possibility of me walking away.
Hm....stuff to ponder. Stuff to be conscious of.
Addendum: Ninty minutes of hot yoga later, a new spin on the dream. Perhaps the male partner who was not paying attention to me at first, and the subsequent female partner who was similarly outwardly focused are both me. Both of my life identities so far have spent a lot of time working with others, and perhaps not so much time working with myself. I mean. Duh.
Now who do I make the check for the co-pay out to?
I was in a practice, which I perceived to be tomorrow's special new years day practice. We were doing a partner exercise, with one yogi in the posture and the partner assisting, doing an unfamiliar posture which I perceived to be a hip opener. The yogi was in table, doing something with a leg and arm on each side, and the partner was behind the yogi, pressing the leg or arm into the back.
In my case, there was an odd person in the room, and my partner (initially male) abandoned me to work with the odd person (another woman). It did not feel a conscious and deliberate rejection, but rather "I am going to try to work with you both" but in reality, I got short-changed. So I objected, and told my (male partner) I could not work with him and went to work with the odd person (woman)
Except that she also had another person to work with, and again, I was left out. In the course of it all, I realize that my yoga mats (which are in reality fairly new and in good condition) were ripping and shredding under me. Also I recall pushing back into pidgeon (a hip opener I can do alone, without a partner). Finally, I kind of left the studio in frustration, and was driving around. Ostensibly, I had left temporarily (just during this posture) but it seemed like I might not go back.
Wow. Lot's to chew on.
First off, in the studio, doing partner work, this sort of thing never happens. If one is the odd person (and that has happened to me on occasion) one ends up working with the teacher or an assistant - and tends to get a bit of extra attention, a bit more work (no need to reciprocate or trade places). So I do not think I can take the dream literally.
On the surface, it might simply be that I had such a magical new years day practice last year and I am afraid it will be less magical tomorrow.
There is a sexual / relationship aspect of it (first working with a man, then with a woman, being rejected by both) which might be meaningful, in terms of Zippy and myself and our physical relationship. (hip openers = genitals = sexuality)
There might be a "feeling like an outsider at the studio" perspective. And perhaps there is a looming crisis in my practice, an opportunity for misunderstanding, for rejection, for the possibility of me walking away.
Hm....stuff to ponder. Stuff to be conscious of.
Addendum: Ninty minutes of hot yoga later, a new spin on the dream. Perhaps the male partner who was not paying attention to me at first, and the subsequent female partner who was similarly outwardly focused are both me. Both of my life identities so far have spent a lot of time working with others, and perhaps not so much time working with myself. I mean. Duh.
Now who do I make the check for the co-pay out to?
December 30, 2006
Year End Wrap-up
A day early - am I daring the universe to shatter my reality tomorrow by summing up tonight? So be it. The universe and I are dancing, and one cannot be too predictable a partner, eh?
2006 was a year of Spirit and Music for me.
I went to see more music than in recent years (two folk fests, lots of concerts), and I played more music than I had in a decade. I bought two new instruments. And I expect more growth and music to come in 2007.
I did more yoga in 2006, finding my practice grow into more challenging formal practices, and more personal exploration. I took a 10 week course on mindful eating (lots of meditation), and attended a life changing Enlightenment Intensive. I came to a couple of incredible awarenesses about myself and life. I chose to live this specific life. I am a small piece of the divine. Remarkable. Wonderful. Awesome.
I described my birthday in 2006 as the "best birthday ever". Until this year, perhaps. I had a marvelous and magical dinner. I made new friends. I kept one very special old one despite my stubbornness and misunderstanding. I healed some old wounds.
I spent a lot of time with a sweet, wounded, beautiful young woman who I hope to keep a part of my life throughout 2007. My adopted daughter perhaps. I can not save all, but I can damn sure try to save one.
I blogged all year.
I moved back into an office outside our home this year. I found new clients, kept old ones, and kept busy enough to remain challenged and solvent. I laid some foundation to begin to explore writing. My professional life feels reinvigorated (even with way too much morning yoga eating up working hours!)
2006 - thanks. You have been gentle with me and most generous. 2007, welcome. I eagerly await your sunrises and surprises.
2006 was a year of Spirit and Music for me.
I went to see more music than in recent years (two folk fests, lots of concerts), and I played more music than I had in a decade. I bought two new instruments. And I expect more growth and music to come in 2007.
I did more yoga in 2006, finding my practice grow into more challenging formal practices, and more personal exploration. I took a 10 week course on mindful eating (lots of meditation), and attended a life changing Enlightenment Intensive. I came to a couple of incredible awarenesses about myself and life. I chose to live this specific life. I am a small piece of the divine. Remarkable. Wonderful. Awesome.
I described my birthday in 2006 as the "best birthday ever". Until this year, perhaps. I had a marvelous and magical dinner. I made new friends. I kept one very special old one despite my stubbornness and misunderstanding. I healed some old wounds.
I spent a lot of time with a sweet, wounded, beautiful young woman who I hope to keep a part of my life throughout 2007. My adopted daughter perhaps. I can not save all, but I can damn sure try to save one.
I blogged all year.
I moved back into an office outside our home this year. I found new clients, kept old ones, and kept busy enough to remain challenged and solvent. I laid some foundation to begin to explore writing. My professional life feels reinvigorated (even with way too much morning yoga eating up working hours!)
2006 - thanks. You have been gentle with me and most generous. 2007, welcome. I eagerly await your sunrises and surprises.
Buying Books
It's been ages since I wandered into a bookstore to purchase books. I have been buying online for a while. But Zippy had a gift card from B&N and wanted to browse, so I tagged along. And bought:
* A collection of Mary Oliver poetry "New and Selected Poems, Volume 1". Seems like Mary Oliver has been haunting me for the past year - with certain poems (The Summer Day & Wild Geese) popping up repeatedly at meaningful moments. I owe myself the pleasure of exploring her work more deeply and deliberately.
* A little collection called Zen Inspirations, by Miriam Levering. Just looked like a beautiful little "greatest hits" collection - nice size, wonderfully packaged and illustrated.
* A geek book on PHP and MySQL; I bought one last year and it dod not get me over the hump in terms of developing a database for a client's ticketing system, so let's try this year.....
One last investment in me, to close the book (so to speak) on 2006.
* A collection of Mary Oliver poetry "New and Selected Poems, Volume 1". Seems like Mary Oliver has been haunting me for the past year - with certain poems (The Summer Day & Wild Geese) popping up repeatedly at meaningful moments. I owe myself the pleasure of exploring her work more deeply and deliberately.
* A little collection called Zen Inspirations, by Miriam Levering. Just looked like a beautiful little "greatest hits" collection - nice size, wonderfully packaged and illustrated.
* A geek book on PHP and MySQL; I bought one last year and it dod not get me over the hump in terms of developing a database for a client's ticketing system, so let's try this year.....
One last investment in me, to close the book (so to speak) on 2006.
David Newman / Durga Das
Is coming to West Harford Yoga for a special Kirtan this coming Friday (January 5th). I am looking forward to it. Shankara says "....David is a whole different kind of kirtan leader with a more cool and laid back, "folky" approach with guitar and Mira on drums. He is very devotional and takes you right into the heart. Hopefully he will be the first of many more to come....." - and as the guitar player for the WHY kirtan group, I hope to get some ideas and energy from his version of kirtan. Also, will be most fun to be part of the crowd and not up front - so as to be a bit more able to absorb energy.
Information about David Newman / Durga Das here
Information about Kirtan on January 5th here
Please do come! It should be a special evening....
Information about David Newman / Durga Das here
Information about Kirtan on January 5th here
Please do come! It should be a special evening....
Saddam Hussein
Apparently, Mr. Hussein has been hanged. In Pontius Pilate fashion, he was tried and found guilty and then turned over to the Iraqi's to do the deed - we wash our hands of the matter. Nice of them to take care of this matter near the end of the year, when we have holiday distractions and can start the new year fresh. Ick.
Not sure how I feel about this. Will it inflame the violence in Iraq or has it been an open wound that now can begin to heal?
Certainly, his trial was a sham, a kangaroo court. But surely too, he was a ruthless and evil tyrant who did some horrible things. I am not a huge fan of capital punishment under any circumstances. And I am distinctly ashamed of my country over this matter, but my level of disgust extends so far and deeply these days that I am not sure this one additional boulder added to the pile makes that much difference. What is the death of one man atop the 100's of thousand of Iraqi's killed in the last few years?
On the other hand, the hanging of former heads of state guilty of war crimes does set a nice precedent going into the future. So we got that going for us.
Not sure how I feel about this. Will it inflame the violence in Iraq or has it been an open wound that now can begin to heal?
Certainly, his trial was a sham, a kangaroo court. But surely too, he was a ruthless and evil tyrant who did some horrible things. I am not a huge fan of capital punishment under any circumstances. And I am distinctly ashamed of my country over this matter, but my level of disgust extends so far and deeply these days that I am not sure this one additional boulder added to the pile makes that much difference. What is the death of one man atop the 100's of thousand of Iraqi's killed in the last few years?
On the other hand, the hanging of former heads of state guilty of war crimes does set a nice precedent going into the future. So we got that going for us.
I Hates Fleeces to Pieces
Not really. But I have a lot of 'em (along with hoodie sweatshirts), and I am not loving most of 'em (in terms of fit and color), and they tend to collect in places (bedroom, closet floor, car) so they add to the clutter and mess in my life. A canonical list:
* A dark grey one with the corporate logo of one of my clients. Not bad for corporate gigs where there is weather involved, but its a size too large and it just hangs
* A forest green one for the balloonist I crew for. A pullover, which makes it less useful as a layer, and has a small seam rip (ballooning is a contact sport at times)
* A navy one with another corporate logo (no longer a client) but some nice maroon / green trip - this is my office fleece for when I get cold
* A black Columbia one I just bought for corporate gigs - for whne head to toe black is appropro
* A light grey one I bought in Colorado on one of my trips. No serious sentimental reason, and the pocket got chewed out from within (I foolishly left dog treats in there) and the zipper got broker so I cut the zipper out and now its lining the dog crate
* A red hooded one I picked up at some clearance or closeout; I was hoping it might become a good exercise cover up but it has not fallen into heavy rotation.
* A light blue snowflake hooded fleece that has become my automatic "toss it on in the morning to feed the dogs and putter around the not yet warm house" fashion choice
Those are the fleeces. In terms of hooded sweatshirts:
* A light grey, heavy cotten balloon crew sweatshirt that I still wear to chase - nice and warm albeit a bit frayed
* A dark grey TRINIDAD STATE sweatshirt - good quality, good sentimental meaning
* A dark green generic sweatshirt (good for lawn work and cleaning gutters)
* A (once) bright fushia Champion sweatshirt - kind of frayed and worn
* A dark blue BLOGGER logo sweatshirt - a freebie from when they switched over from a pay service (I had subscribed) to a free one, and kind of an "I was here early" trophy
* A light cotten, light grey colored sweatshirt of fairly indeterminate value and use
Too many damn possessions.
* A dark grey one with the corporate logo of one of my clients. Not bad for corporate gigs where there is weather involved, but its a size too large and it just hangs
* A forest green one for the balloonist I crew for. A pullover, which makes it less useful as a layer, and has a small seam rip (ballooning is a contact sport at times)
* A navy one with another corporate logo (no longer a client) but some nice maroon / green trip - this is my office fleece for when I get cold
* A black Columbia one I just bought for corporate gigs - for whne head to toe black is appropro
* A light grey one I bought in Colorado on one of my trips. No serious sentimental reason, and the pocket got chewed out from within (I foolishly left dog treats in there) and the zipper got broker so I cut the zipper out and now its lining the dog crate
* A red hooded one I picked up at some clearance or closeout; I was hoping it might become a good exercise cover up but it has not fallen into heavy rotation.
* A light blue snowflake hooded fleece that has become my automatic "toss it on in the morning to feed the dogs and putter around the not yet warm house" fashion choice
Those are the fleeces. In terms of hooded sweatshirts:
* A light grey, heavy cotten balloon crew sweatshirt that I still wear to chase - nice and warm albeit a bit frayed
* A dark grey TRINIDAD STATE sweatshirt - good quality, good sentimental meaning
* A dark green generic sweatshirt (good for lawn work and cleaning gutters)
* A (once) bright fushia Champion sweatshirt - kind of frayed and worn
* A dark blue BLOGGER logo sweatshirt - a freebie from when they switched over from a pay service (I had subscribed) to a free one, and kind of an "I was here early" trophy
* A light cotten, light grey colored sweatshirt of fairly indeterminate value and use
Too many damn possessions.
December 29, 2006
A Mile in Her Shoes
Actually 7.2 miles. Did the Farmington Canal Greenway this afternoon with a friend, wherein lots of talking, and reconnecting got done. Also a lot of serious walking. I was bushed when I got home - a pretty strenuous hot yoga class this morning, and a long walk. Feet tired. Legs tired. But good.
Kind of a lazy weekend ahead - no serious plans. Probably jazzercise tomorrow morning, probably yoga on Sunday (maybe) and Monday (most likely). Probably a movie tomorrow night. No serious New Years Eve plans. No serious New Years Day plans.
A couple of late in the day reports came in which I would love to bang out tomorrow so as to bill them this month. I could / would / should get over to the office and do some cleaning. Also on that list, crank out some work on a couple of days worth of training I am doing the week after next - been a while since I fired up the training cannons - need to pull up the old courses, integrate new material and new graphs, format and edit the training manuals, print it all out. Next week will be busy (two days in NY for a PPT gig, one day in Milford prepping show computers)
I suppose it might be a good time to do some year-end summaries or wrap-up or put together some resolutions or something. But.....nah. Life is going pretty well. I burned up my intentions at Kirtan - things to let go, things to manifest. Time to just relax, recoup, and get ready for 2007.
Kind of a lazy weekend ahead - no serious plans. Probably jazzercise tomorrow morning, probably yoga on Sunday (maybe) and Monday (most likely). Probably a movie tomorrow night. No serious New Years Eve plans. No serious New Years Day plans.
A couple of late in the day reports came in which I would love to bang out tomorrow so as to bill them this month. I could / would / should get over to the office and do some cleaning. Also on that list, crank out some work on a couple of days worth of training I am doing the week after next - been a while since I fired up the training cannons - need to pull up the old courses, integrate new material and new graphs, format and edit the training manuals, print it all out. Next week will be busy (two days in NY for a PPT gig, one day in Milford prepping show computers)
I suppose it might be a good time to do some year-end summaries or wrap-up or put together some resolutions or something. But.....nah. Life is going pretty well. I burned up my intentions at Kirtan - things to let go, things to manifest. Time to just relax, recoup, and get ready for 2007.
Gentle Twist
Home of the Turkey Asanas, apparently. Have not dug too deeply but looks like a fun read....
(and click on the turkey icon in the upper right, if you are a yogi who practices in a class or at a studio, you will be amused)
(and click on the turkey icon in the upper right, if you are a yogi who practices in a class or at a studio, you will be amused)
December 28, 2006
Ask and You Shall Receive
A week or so ago, my friend Yogababe commented on a post and mentioned:
And today I come home and find an email from someone who said:
I love when this stuff happens, but its usually not so rapid, obvious or concrete.
Also searching for the right 'om' charm or necklace. My vision is sterling, simple, possbily on a thin leather chord or delicate chain.
And today I come home and find an email from someone who said:
The blog writer was interested in finding someone that sells sterling silver OM necklaces. I do.
I love when this stuff happens, but its usually not so rapid, obvious or concrete.
December 27, 2006
Coming Around Again
Apparently, a web radio interview I was featured in back in 2003 has floated to the top of the blogosphere again ("Best of" and all that jazz)
You can run, but you can't hide.....
You can run, but you can't hide.....
Friday Night Lights
I am not sure if this has hit too many places in the blogosphere, but it strikes me that along with everything else, Friday Night Lights has an incredible sub-plot with Jason Street dealing with his paralysis. It's pretty incredible in terms of the guys in the wheelchair rugby league, his recovery, his wheelchair bound roommate, all that.
Coming out of a marginalized group myself, I can only imagine the furor that would ensue if the trans community had this sort of a sympathetic and substantial spotlight on a network television show. Not to mention having acting opportunities for a pile of wheelchair athletes.
Pretty damn good television.
Coming out of a marginalized group myself, I can only imagine the furor that would ensue if the trans community had this sort of a sympathetic and substantial spotlight on a network television show. Not to mention having acting opportunities for a pile of wheelchair athletes.
Pretty damn good television.
Bruce Stevens - WDRC 1360
Popping home from work today I had a deja vu moment - the dulcet tones of Mr. Bruce Stevens, subbing for Dan Lovallo on WDRC 1360 (and going head to head with his old partner Colin), as I scanned the AM dial. Was good to hear him back on the airwaves - here's hoping he finds a permanent spot on the dial soon.
A Clean Desk
I spent some minutes this morning remounting a shelf in my office (for the purpose of having a home for my new office stereo system). At the same time, I cleared off my desk - step 1 in what I hoped would be an office cleaning this week. I suspect the office is *not* going to get cleaned, since I am being hijacked tomorrow. But whatever.
Regardless, having a clean desk is, I think, helping me crank out a few end of the year projects. A lesson learned - investing time in keeping the office clean has some significant benefits in terms of productivity.
Regardless, having a clean desk is, I think, helping me crank out a few end of the year projects. A lesson learned - investing time in keeping the office clean has some significant benefits in terms of productivity.
Packaging Girlhood
Just heard a quick interview on CM's show with Lyn Mikal Brown, Ed. D - who recently co-authored a book called Packaging Girlhood: Rescuing Our Daughters from Marketers' Schemes.
Good interview, looks like a good book for parents of young women, there is a lot of online content and, well, yeah. I approve wholeheartedly.
Good interview, looks like a good book for parents of young women, there is a lot of online content and, well, yeah. I approve wholeheartedly.
December 26, 2006
Holiday Marathon Fini
Wound down four days of holiday madness today with a trip down and back to Westchester County to have lunch with the Zipster's mom. Was very nice - mom is an incredible cook (pork roast, celery root soup, oven glazed potatoes, string beans, roasted apples, a yummy brocollini salad, and coffee souffle for dessert. All I can say is "burp" - it was wonderful.
Lot of driving however - heading down late morning was not bad but coming home we hit traffic - 684, Danbury, Waterbury - so it took about 2.5 hours (I was driving). So not relaxing. I compensated by treating myself to a gentle class (which was more of a restorative class, truth be told) and it was a good way to wean myself from my holiday frantic self and move back into my yoga self.
So - back to the real world for a few days. Work mostly, will get some yoga in I am sure as well as some personal errands. Mostly need to finish up some projects before the end of the month, clean up and organize my office, start to do my year-end collecting of records, data, and paper, and work on putting together a training seminar for the beginning of January.
Lot of driving however - heading down late morning was not bad but coming home we hit traffic - 684, Danbury, Waterbury - so it took about 2.5 hours (I was driving). So not relaxing. I compensated by treating myself to a gentle class (which was more of a restorative class, truth be told) and it was a good way to wean myself from my holiday frantic self and move back into my yoga self.
So - back to the real world for a few days. Work mostly, will get some yoga in I am sure as well as some personal errands. Mostly need to finish up some projects before the end of the month, clean up and organize my office, start to do my year-end collecting of records, data, and paper, and work on putting together a training seminar for the beginning of January.
Disappointments
We spent some time yesterday - cooking, preparing, cleaning - for xmas day drop-ins. It ended up just being 3 of us: Me, Zippy, and our dear friend AC. While we had no firm commitments from anyone (we simply mentioned to people who seemed footloose that we were going to be home if they wanted to drop by), we also figured at least someone might visit. Nope. Understandable - no firm plan, verbal check-in, last minute, and people have things to do. But nonetheless, it was a little disappointing.
Continuing the trend, I popped by the studio this morning for a 6 a.m. "hour of power" class - which did not happen. There were only two of us waiting outside the studio (so clearly, it was cancel-worthy) but a note on the website might have been useful.
So I wandered into the office (where I am now) to set up my new stereo and crank out a report. We're heading down to Westchester this morning for lunch with Zippy's mother and sister.
Continuing the trend, I popped by the studio this morning for a 6 a.m. "hour of power" class - which did not happen. There were only two of us waiting outside the studio (so clearly, it was cancel-worthy) but a note on the website might have been useful.
So I wandered into the office (where I am now) to set up my new stereo and crank out a report. We're heading down to Westchester this morning for lunch with Zippy's mother and sister.
Buddha Boy Returns
I blogged back in March about the disappearance of Nepal's Buddha Boy. Apparently, sixteen-year-old Ram Bahadur Bamjon has returned."I have been wandering in the forests since then," Bamjon has reportedly said. "I am engaged in devotion which will continue for six years."
Very interesting. Also interesting, the tree under which the Buddha Boy has chosen to sit under looks to be the same or similar genus to the iconic scenic root under which I blog (at least looking at the roots).
Wow.
Very interesting. Also interesting, the tree under which the Buddha Boy has chosen to sit under looks to be the same or similar genus to the iconic scenic root under which I blog (at least looking at the roots).
Wow.
December 25, 2006
Slow and Steady
Lyrics from the song Birches, by Bill Morrissey. I have been thinking a bit about the slow and steady path - about commitment, energy, longevity.Oak will burn as long and hot as a July afternoon,
And birch will burn itself out by the rising of the moon.
I have watched recently as a number of support spaces and online communities flare into life, sputter and burn, and then quickly die out. I have become aware that my relationship with the Zipster - uncommitted, unwed, un-civil unionized, is nevertheless a long term one at this point - we have been dating for over 6 years, cohabitating for more than 5 years. One of my clients will soon face the task of replacing an assistant - the third person in this role in the years I have worked with her, and I suspect there will be some small chaos and upheaval in the interim. And in so many places and spaces in my life, I watch with a small smile as people panic, over-react, are quick to anger or judgement. I am patience.
My chinese birth year animal is the ox - and sometimes I feel just so - steady, strong, not so swift or svelte or flexible. But always pulling the plow, always yoked up. Sooner or later, we will get there. Being an ox is not always good - I am slow to anger but once I get there, its difficult to let that go. I carry long simmering grudges - with insufficient energy to flare up and burn off - just enough to keep them lit and warm.
I am not sure how I got to this point - age? wisdom? tempering? just being around long enough?
In any case - where I might have been thought a shallow and quick stream at one point in my life, I seem to have become a deeper and slower moving river as I inexorably make my way to the sea.
On the First Day of Christmas.....
....I cleaned the copper bottom pots and pans. It's been a while, they were pretty tarnished and dirty, and we're having guests over today. So, a holiday tradition is born.
We're having some friends over today which may end up being as few as one person and as many as 8. Have a small turkey, some sweet potatoes, and brocolli, along with some appetizers and leftover desserts. No big deal, but we are doing some above and beyond cleaning of the clutter and mess nevertheless. As good an opportunity as any. Might even fire up the fireplace today!
I am fretting about the lack of vino (Zippy is not a drinker and is fairly adamant about that; I have some beers left over from various functions but no wine, and no hard stuff).
Happy xmas to all. If you are feeling all punk today - go see a movie or go for a walk or hike - looks like it will be a nice day out there, at least during the first part of the day.
We're having some friends over today which may end up being as few as one person and as many as 8. Have a small turkey, some sweet potatoes, and brocolli, along with some appetizers and leftover desserts. No big deal, but we are doing some above and beyond cleaning of the clutter and mess nevertheless. As good an opportunity as any. Might even fire up the fireplace today!
I am fretting about the lack of vino (Zippy is not a drinker and is fairly adamant about that; I have some beers left over from various functions but no wine, and no hard stuff).
Happy xmas to all. If you are feeling all punk today - go see a movie or go for a walk or hike - looks like it will be a nice day out there, at least during the first part of the day.
December 24, 2006
Momisms
Part of the family lore is my mother's mangling of aphorisms and phrases. We call these "Momisms". She will say things like:
"He does not have two wooden nickels to rub together" (broke) or "She must have stepped in something" (lucky, implying that she stepped in dog poop and this is karma balancing out) or "Made out like a banshee indian" (a conjunction of "scream like a banshee" and "made out like a bandit")
Last year, we noticed that every gift from Mom for my brother Tom was labelled To Tom, Love Mom and every gift from Mom for my brother-in-law Tom was labeled To Tom, From Mom. Hilarity ensued.
Today's xmas Momism: She wrote nice card's to each of us, wishing us a merry xmas and a successful new year. My brother Kevin was specifically wished "All good things for 1907" Helluva big laugh.
Of course, both my sister and I left the price on gifts this year - also a mom tradition. Whenever one of us does that, we look at the other and mouth "MOM" - a silent acknowledgement that we are heading that way as well.
"He does not have two wooden nickels to rub together" (broke) or "She must have stepped in something" (lucky, implying that she stepped in dog poop and this is karma balancing out) or "Made out like a banshee indian" (a conjunction of "scream like a banshee" and "made out like a bandit")
Last year, we noticed that every gift from Mom for my brother Tom was labelled To Tom, Love Mom and every gift from Mom for my brother-in-law Tom was labeled To Tom, From Mom. Hilarity ensued.
Today's xmas Momism: She wrote nice card's to each of us, wishing us a merry xmas and a successful new year. My brother Kevin was specifically wished "All good things for 1907" Helluva big laugh.
Of course, both my sister and I left the price on gifts this year - also a mom tradition. Whenever one of us does that, we look at the other and mouth "MOM" - a silent acknowledgement that we are heading that way as well.
Day 1 of the Holiday
A fairly successful Saturday as we move into the holiday weekend. Started with Jazzercise (a regular sub who gave us a wonderfully aerobic workout!). After that, I went to fetch MYA, stopping at 2-3 package stores in a vain search for bottles of Pesce Vino, a rather inauspicious wine (I think) that comes in a noteworthy fish shaped bottle. My goal - gifting the wine, a bottle of dish soap, and a drink pourer stopper to by siblings - the fish bottle makes a decorative dish soap container. Thanks to MB for the concept, but the one place where I have seen the wine (Crazy Bruce's in West Hartford) was out, and nowhere else (including Crazy Bruce's in Bristol) carried it.
With MYA in tow, we stopped at the house to fetch Zippy and food (dump cake, cajun beans, and el cheapo rolls) for the support group holiday meal. That went OK - the food was delicious, the atmosphere was so-so (we should have bought some table clothes and set a formal table, IMHO) but it was nice. Afterwards, we boogied out a bit early (Zippy was falling asleep) and hung out at the house for a while before I took MYA home.
MYA liked her gifts (Hello Kitty pajamas and a book) and I also gifted her family with an inexpensive DVD player (she has DVD's to watch, her baby brother I am sure will benefit, and her mom by having the baby occupied). Not too pricey at Sears - I should have gotten one for the house (our DVD player is old, large, and finicky)
While I shuttled MYA home, CM stopped by after the meeting and we had a nice visit. She and Zippy got some time to talk before I came home. It was good to see her and spend some time with her.
Today, we head up north to Bolton MA for xmas eve with my family. We are taking a modest pile of giftage, some snackage (beef log, cheese, crackers), two bottles of wine, and ourselves. Should not be a long day - Mom and Bro's are heading to 6 pm mass and we will probably head back around then.
With MYA in tow, we stopped at the house to fetch Zippy and food (dump cake, cajun beans, and el cheapo rolls) for the support group holiday meal. That went OK - the food was delicious, the atmosphere was so-so (we should have bought some table clothes and set a formal table, IMHO) but it was nice. Afterwards, we boogied out a bit early (Zippy was falling asleep) and hung out at the house for a while before I took MYA home.
MYA liked her gifts (Hello Kitty pajamas and a book) and I also gifted her family with an inexpensive DVD player (she has DVD's to watch, her baby brother I am sure will benefit, and her mom by having the baby occupied). Not too pricey at Sears - I should have gotten one for the house (our DVD player is old, large, and finicky)
While I shuttled MYA home, CM stopped by after the meeting and we had a nice visit. She and Zippy got some time to talk before I came home. It was good to see her and spend some time with her.
Today, we head up north to Bolton MA for xmas eve with my family. We are taking a modest pile of giftage, some snackage (beef log, cheese, crackers), two bottles of wine, and ourselves. Should not be a long day - Mom and Bro's are heading to 6 pm mass and we will probably head back around then.
New Blogger
With abandon, I migrated to the new blogger interface. I say with abandon because I use blogger to manage content on about 20 webpages for clients. My recreational blog (here) is a more or less traditional blog but I also use blogger to manage news pages, manage front page marketing icons, manage small news scroll bar content. Lot of places to have to go patch and fix if the new interface is a problem.
So far, so good.
So far, so good.
December 23, 2006
High Functioning
Also, let it be known that on top of all the bloggishness being spewed forth this morning, I also made a jumbo batch of cajun-garlic green beans, crawled back under the covers for some snuggle time with the Zipster, and I am heading out to Jazzercise. It's 7:50 a.m.
No Spare Capacity
In which our heroine lays out her Nobel Prize winning (ha! right!) grand unifying theory of three systems that are getting broken by the information era (the ability to squeeze spare capacity out of the system), the drive for efficiency, and the free market. My targets: the passenger air system, the electric utility, and hospital beds.
Back in the bad old days before computers (and before the rising costs of energy) there was a certain excess capacity, a fudge factor built into these systems. Let's start with airlines. Planes rarely flew full - almost every flight had 10 or 20 empty seats, often in first class, but they were there. So a problem - a mechanical issue, weather, a late flight, dumped 100 or 200 passengers that were quickly absorbed into a reasonably robust system.
These days a single flight cancellation can cause major havoc to a system running at capacity, without the ability to absorb extra bodies. Twice in the past few weeks, I've been on late / cancelled flights, and instead of being told "we can get you there in a few hours" the answer has been "we can get you there late tomorrow". In both cases, my trips were not mission critical, I simply canceled them, and got reimbursed. So I (and other customers) end up suppplying the extra capacity - instead of the airlines, some passengers cross the threshold of arriving too late or not at all, and simply leave the system.
The recent blizzard debacle in Denver is good case. Weather is unpredictable - but one wonders if the impact of closing one airport sent too many shockwaves through the system. And how long will it be before those stranded (in Denver, or elsewhere) get to where they are going? My bet - a lot of the excess capacity will come from passengers - deciding not to fly this holiday, not getting home, taking alternate forms of transportation.
Trends to look out for as a result: alternate transportation channels (trains?) are going to begin looking more reasonable / realistic. And travel agencies (yahoo travelocity, in my case) are going to lose sales - since in both cases I could not get credited immediately from the airline. In future, I may find flights via a travel service but book direct with the airline.
That's the air travel industry. In the case of the electric utilities, the free market has split generation from distribution. So electric utilities are no longer able to paternally plan for capacity and reserves - they buy kilowatts on the free market, and market forces drive available capacity. But the result is that the system optimizes rather quickly to a capacity point which has no margin for error or for severe circumstances. The blackout of 2003 is one result. Another result is that utilities are switching power grids and capacitors more and more to maintain system reliability (impacting quality of the power). In the past, the system had extra capacity, had reserves.
Finally, in the case of hospital beds, the old days of subsidized hospitals with plenty of extra beds has given way to industry consolidation and specialization. Hospitals with extra beds are closed or consolidated or specialized. Elective procedures formerly done inpatient are pushed to clinics, hospital stays become convalescent stays. And the next time there is a serious health crisis - an epidemic, a pandemic, a new disease, a terrorist attack, a natural disaster - well, those in need of medical care will be out in the halls and in the streets.
My theory is that left to the free market, under cost pressures, and in the age of information systems, the excess capacity gets squeezed out of these systems pretty quickly. But perhaps a little bit of excess capacity is not a bad thing - to deal with extenuating circumstances, worst case scenarios. And unless the government steps in to mandate that capacity, to subsidize that capacity - well, it will not be there when we need it.
Back in the bad old days before computers (and before the rising costs of energy) there was a certain excess capacity, a fudge factor built into these systems. Let's start with airlines. Planes rarely flew full - almost every flight had 10 or 20 empty seats, often in first class, but they were there. So a problem - a mechanical issue, weather, a late flight, dumped 100 or 200 passengers that were quickly absorbed into a reasonably robust system.
These days a single flight cancellation can cause major havoc to a system running at capacity, without the ability to absorb extra bodies. Twice in the past few weeks, I've been on late / cancelled flights, and instead of being told "we can get you there in a few hours" the answer has been "we can get you there late tomorrow". In both cases, my trips were not mission critical, I simply canceled them, and got reimbursed. So I (and other customers) end up suppplying the extra capacity - instead of the airlines, some passengers cross the threshold of arriving too late or not at all, and simply leave the system.
The recent blizzard debacle in Denver is good case. Weather is unpredictable - but one wonders if the impact of closing one airport sent too many shockwaves through the system. And how long will it be before those stranded (in Denver, or elsewhere) get to where they are going? My bet - a lot of the excess capacity will come from passengers - deciding not to fly this holiday, not getting home, taking alternate forms of transportation.
Some travelers gave up hope of making it home for the holidays as airlines running at near-full capacity had little room on planes for thousands stranded after Denver International Airport closed amid a blizzard.
Trends to look out for as a result: alternate transportation channels (trains?) are going to begin looking more reasonable / realistic. And travel agencies (yahoo travelocity, in my case) are going to lose sales - since in both cases I could not get credited immediately from the airline. In future, I may find flights via a travel service but book direct with the airline.
That's the air travel industry. In the case of the electric utilities, the free market has split generation from distribution. So electric utilities are no longer able to paternally plan for capacity and reserves - they buy kilowatts on the free market, and market forces drive available capacity. But the result is that the system optimizes rather quickly to a capacity point which has no margin for error or for severe circumstances. The blackout of 2003 is one result. Another result is that utilities are switching power grids and capacitors more and more to maintain system reliability (impacting quality of the power). In the past, the system had extra capacity, had reserves.
Finally, in the case of hospital beds, the old days of subsidized hospitals with plenty of extra beds has given way to industry consolidation and specialization. Hospitals with extra beds are closed or consolidated or specialized. Elective procedures formerly done inpatient are pushed to clinics, hospital stays become convalescent stays. And the next time there is a serious health crisis - an epidemic, a pandemic, a new disease, a terrorist attack, a natural disaster - well, those in need of medical care will be out in the halls and in the streets.
My theory is that left to the free market, under cost pressures, and in the age of information systems, the excess capacity gets squeezed out of these systems pretty quickly. But perhaps a little bit of excess capacity is not a bad thing - to deal with extenuating circumstances, worst case scenarios. And unless the government steps in to mandate that capacity, to subsidize that capacity - well, it will not be there when we need it.
December 22, 2006
An unusual christmas gift
So, let's say you get to the holiday and you get an unexpected gift from someone. You want to reciprocate - but wht to get the person who has everything.
Might I suggest a copy of The Stray Shopping Carts of Eastern North America: A Guide to Field Identification (Hardcover)by Julian Montague
We saw an exhibition by this artist at REAL ART WAYS a few years back and were charmed - the book is a hoot - professionally done, well conceived and polished, and almost (Andy) Kaufmanesque - you never quite know if its serious or not.
We picked up a copy for Zippy's baby brother Adam, an artist in his own right. Adam tells a meanly funny story of a stint as a shopping cart wrangler at a grocery store in one of his lean periods, so we decided he needed this book badly. He was sorely impressed, and now we need to pick up copies for other family members. I mean - you just know this is a gift that they do not have, and is about the perfect coffee table conversation starter.
Two Musical Women
Zippy and I surfed the channels for a few minutes tonight before clicking off the television. In lieu of video, we've been sitting here together listening to music made by two friends.
Victoria Bouffard has a new CD out called All the Reasons. Find her on Myspace here. We camp with Victoria every year at Falcon Ridge - and we're excited for her new CD - we've been listening to a rough cut version that she sent around to get feedback a while back - so we are excited to get her final disk.
Following Victoria, we plunked in some CD's from an old and so very dear friend Jane Bolduc, who has an older acoustic disk out there as well as a more recent (and more produced) EP disk.
Really enjoying listening to both of these talented and wonderful women. If you have some spare bucks and want to support some independent musicians, you could do worse....and I think there are some freebie MP3's floating around out there on the web. Give 'em a listen!
Victoria Bouffard has a new CD out called All the Reasons. Find her on Myspace here. We camp with Victoria every year at Falcon Ridge - and we're excited for her new CD - we've been listening to a rough cut version that she sent around to get feedback a while back - so we are excited to get her final disk.
Following Victoria, we plunked in some CD's from an old and so very dear friend Jane Bolduc, who has an older acoustic disk out there as well as a more recent (and more produced) EP disk.
Really enjoying listening to both of these talented and wonderful women. If you have some spare bucks and want to support some independent musicians, you could do worse....and I think there are some freebie MP3's floating around out there on the web. Give 'em a listen!
A Slow Start
Worked this morning; got some reports out and a couple of letters of introduction. Good time to plant some seeds for the new year.
After lunch, Zippy and I went shopping - Apple Tree and Stop n' Shop. Getting ready for the holidays.
We have a gala four day streak ahead of us. Tomorrow, probably Jazzercise, then a support group dinner - need to pick up MYA beforehand and drop her off afterwards. Sunday, up to my sister's place for xmas eve. Monday, xmas day here will be quiet, although we are cooking a turkey and making dinner, and will have a few friends over (holiday strays). Tuesday, down to Westchester County for dinner with Zippy's mom and family. We all came in our cumberbunds.....
Hot yoga this night - although not the usual instructor and not so hot - between a lighter practice, a cooler room, and having fans going, I did not sweat much - and used a blanket during savasana (unheard of for a sweat-monkey like me). A good practice, and the blanketed savasana was snuggly. Not what I expected, but not a bad prelude to what will be a busy few days.
After lunch, Zippy and I went shopping - Apple Tree and Stop n' Shop. Getting ready for the holidays.
We have a gala four day streak ahead of us. Tomorrow, probably Jazzercise, then a support group dinner - need to pick up MYA beforehand and drop her off afterwards. Sunday, up to my sister's place for xmas eve. Monday, xmas day here will be quiet, although we are cooking a turkey and making dinner, and will have a few friends over (holiday strays). Tuesday, down to Westchester County for dinner with Zippy's mom and family. We all came in our cumberbunds.....
Hot yoga this night - although not the usual instructor and not so hot - between a lighter practice, a cooler room, and having fans going, I did not sweat much - and used a blanket during savasana (unheard of for a sweat-monkey like me). A good practice, and the blanketed savasana was snuggly. Not what I expected, but not a bad prelude to what will be a busy few days.
6:00 a.m. Phone Call
My cell phone just rang, its 5:55 a.m. I did not get to it in time, and do not recognize the CT number - waiting to see if there is a voice mail.
My suspicion - its MYA who tends to be on a goofy sleep pattern and calls me once in a while in the early morning expecting to get the voice mail.
My suspicion - its MYA who tends to be on a goofy sleep pattern and calls me once in a while in the early morning expecting to get the voice mail.
December 21, 2006
Creative Cocktail Hour, Holiday Edition
I have not gone much of late, for lots of reasons, but I went tonight. And it was a good night.
As I walked from my car to the door, I saw a friend Chris driving in. Waited for her, got a big hug, and had a schmoozing buddy for a while. Connected her to AC (Chris is thinking of relocating to AC's neck of the woods), and she and her BF might pop by on Xmas (our small dinner is turning into an open house for holiday strays, much to my delight, huzzah, hooray)
KC was there, so I got to schmooze with her a little. An old friend Bill was there (had not seen him in 5-6 years) and although I have certainly changed since we last met, he had as well. Nice to connect with him.
Also met many other people (between KC, AC, Bill, Chris, and the strangely gregarious Colin, there was a lot of mingling and networking and handing off of hangers on going on). It was the sort of "Wow, I know people and there is energy and synergy here" kind of thing that was really good. So...fun.
I did not actually get in to see the art, but I bet we end up at RAW sometime over the holiday, so I will catch it then in a quieter and more intimate time-frame.
As I walked from my car to the door, I saw a friend Chris driving in. Waited for her, got a big hug, and had a schmoozing buddy for a while. Connected her to AC (Chris is thinking of relocating to AC's neck of the woods), and she and her BF might pop by on Xmas (our small dinner is turning into an open house for holiday strays, much to my delight, huzzah, hooray)
KC was there, so I got to schmooze with her a little. An old friend Bill was there (had not seen him in 5-6 years) and although I have certainly changed since we last met, he had as well. Nice to connect with him.
Also met many other people (between KC, AC, Bill, Chris, and the strangely gregarious Colin, there was a lot of mingling and networking and handing off of hangers on going on). It was the sort of "Wow, I know people and there is energy and synergy here" kind of thing that was really good. So...fun.
I did not actually get in to see the art, but I bet we end up at RAW sometime over the holiday, so I will catch it then in a quieter and more intimate time-frame.
Polka Christmas
For some strange reason, courtesy of WWUH, 91.3, and F.M. On Toast (Pine Grove Blues, River City Slim)
Zippy just came into the living room. "Think I've had enough of this christmas shit" says she. Click, off goes the radio. I'll find a nice soothing CD.....
Zippy just came into the living room. "Think I've had enough of this christmas shit" says she. Click, off goes the radio. I'll find a nice soothing CD.....
December 19, 2006
World Yoga Championships
I practice with a few yoga instructors, all of them wonderful in their own way, and having access to them all is wonderful. One in particular is fond of saying "Yoga is not a competitive sport" usually, in the midst of a difficult or challenging posture that only a few in the room are able to get themselves into. The rest of us flail, strain, grunt, make funny faces, then look around the room to see if someone is actually able to get into the posture. Then we put on our complacent yoga faces to hide our burning yoga envy.
Except that, apparently, yoga is a competitive sport. The 15th annual World Yoga Championships have recently been conducted in Delhi India (Dec 12 - 16). A group of five young yogi's from Pune, India walked away with the lion's share of medals: 7 Gold, 2 Silver, and 2 Bronze. Story here. Who knew?
And who knew there was a yoga flag? Surely not I. I am even at this moment pondering the purchase of same and wondering how and where and when I might have the opportunity to unfurl it. Yoga Pride Day, maybe? The metaphysical conundrum of that concept is shattering my reality even as I type this. Heh.
Also linked in, the World Wide Yoga Council, which has so many names and faces among its emiritus, active members, teachers, and advisors that it makes me think twice about yoga - I mean, I've always perceived it to be a sort of nice little niche community. Dang. Yogi's run amok!
Except that, apparently, yoga is a competitive sport. The 15th annual World Yoga Championships have recently been conducted in Delhi India (Dec 12 - 16). A group of five young yogi's from Pune, India walked away with the lion's share of medals: 7 Gold, 2 Silver, and 2 Bronze. Story here. Who knew?
And who knew there was a yoga flag? Surely not I. I am even at this moment pondering the purchase of same and wondering how and where and when I might have the opportunity to unfurl it. Yoga Pride Day, maybe? The metaphysical conundrum of that concept is shattering my reality even as I type this. Heh.
Also linked in, the World Wide Yoga Council, which has so many names and faces among its emiritus, active members, teachers, and advisors that it makes me think twice about yoga - I mean, I've always perceived it to be a sort of nice little niche community. Dang. Yogi's run amok!
A Trip Deferred
Ah well, the best laid plans.
The USAir flight out to Charlotte was highly delayed - mechanical difficulties. At 6:40 (departure time) the flight was still on the ground at it origination city. So I could have gotten to Charlotte tonight, but not to Little Rock until past 4:00 pm tomorrow. (all the earlier flights were full). So I would have had to reschedule my return flights (instead of Thursday afternoon) but the flights were so full due to the holiday weekend that they could not guarantee me a seat untul after xmas.
No thanks. I cancelled, called the client, we will try to work remotely tomorrow. Pain in the neck - but I am glad to not be traveling.
This is the second time in two weeks I have been shut down, flight wise. Not really happy about that.....but what can you do. I am convinced that the air travel infrastructure is pretty close to being permanently broken.
The USAir flight out to Charlotte was highly delayed - mechanical difficulties. At 6:40 (departure time) the flight was still on the ground at it origination city. So I could have gotten to Charlotte tonight, but not to Little Rock until past 4:00 pm tomorrow. (all the earlier flights were full). So I would have had to reschedule my return flights (instead of Thursday afternoon) but the flights were so full due to the holiday weekend that they could not guarantee me a seat untul after xmas.
No thanks. I cancelled, called the client, we will try to work remotely tomorrow. Pain in the neck - but I am glad to not be traveling.
This is the second time in two weeks I have been shut down, flight wise. Not really happy about that.....but what can you do. I am convinced that the air travel infrastructure is pretty close to being permanently broken.
Good News / Bad News / Good News
Good news: since I got to the airport so early, I was able to claim an exit row aisle seat en route to Charlotte.
Bad news: The flight to Charlotte seems to be running late - with a scheduled 6:40 pm departure pushed back to 8:15 pm. Doh!
Good news: My connection to the Little Rock Flight is somewhat generous (scheduled for 75 minutes) so I have some fluff time to play with before I am faced with spending the night in Charlotte. I assume they will hold the Little Rock flight, although it looks close at this point.
Bad news: The flight to Charlotte seems to be running late - with a scheduled 6:40 pm departure pushed back to 8:15 pm. Doh!
Good news: My connection to the Little Rock Flight is somewhat generous (scheduled for 75 minutes) so I have some fluff time to play with before I am faced with spending the night in Charlotte. I assume they will hold the Little Rock flight, although it looks close at this point.
Episode VII: Off to Little Rock
In which our intrepid heroine sits at the gate at Bradley Airport, waiting for a USAir flight to Charlotte, with a connection to Little Rock, AZ.
Why Little Rock? Damned if I know. A client has equipment that is having problems. Or is not having problems, but a power quality report raised some flags. Or not. The wild goose chase du jour: grounding.
I suspect its a case of getting to the site, digging through the electrical system, making some measurements, taking some pictures. Go over some theory with the onsite engineers, then come home and write up a trip report. I am flying this evening and will not get into Little Rock until way late. I have return flights booked for Thursday that get me back into town after 9 p.m.; hope I can sneak onto an earlier flight.
If I had spoken to the site folks prior to today I might have been able to talk them out of a site visit. But I had booked things prior to conencting with the on site folks, so away I go. Not exactly the best way to spend the week before the xmas holiday, but its a living, no? One last billable for 2006.
2007 is shaping up to be busy - I have to do an end of year turnover for one of my clients websites; I also want to implement a better ticketing system with a database to permit more flexible ticketing. I have a production gig for the first week of January, and a training program in Wisconsin for the 2nd. Busy girl. Woman. Whatever.
In preparation for this week's trip, I pulled a yoga marathon, hitting three consecutive days of morning hot classes. Sunday was hard, Monday was sublime, and today was also delicious.
Crank du jour: I popped up hear very early (expecting Hartford traffic as well as Bradley crowds), thinking if I got here early I could grab a Fresh City wrap for dinner (always yummy) but did not realize that US Air shares the crappy, underconstruction United gate area which means my dinner became a rather bland salad and a meat (of dubious origin) lovers pizza. Yum. Not.
Why Little Rock? Damned if I know. A client has equipment that is having problems. Or is not having problems, but a power quality report raised some flags. Or not. The wild goose chase du jour: grounding.
I suspect its a case of getting to the site, digging through the electrical system, making some measurements, taking some pictures. Go over some theory with the onsite engineers, then come home and write up a trip report. I am flying this evening and will not get into Little Rock until way late. I have return flights booked for Thursday that get me back into town after 9 p.m.; hope I can sneak onto an earlier flight.
If I had spoken to the site folks prior to today I might have been able to talk them out of a site visit. But I had booked things prior to conencting with the on site folks, so away I go. Not exactly the best way to spend the week before the xmas holiday, but its a living, no? One last billable for 2006.
2007 is shaping up to be busy - I have to do an end of year turnover for one of my clients websites; I also want to implement a better ticketing system with a database to permit more flexible ticketing. I have a production gig for the first week of January, and a training program in Wisconsin for the 2nd. Busy girl. Woman. Whatever.
In preparation for this week's trip, I pulled a yoga marathon, hitting three consecutive days of morning hot classes. Sunday was hard, Monday was sublime, and today was also delicious.
Crank du jour: I popped up hear very early (expecting Hartford traffic as well as Bradley crowds), thinking if I got here early I could grab a Fresh City wrap for dinner (always yummy) but did not realize that US Air shares the crappy, underconstruction United gate area which means my dinner became a rather bland salad and a meat (of dubious origin) lovers pizza. Yum. Not.
December 17, 2006
Pleasant Valley Sunday
A quiet Sunday. Starting with hot yoga - a class of humility. Methinks the combination of kirtan on Friday (3 hours of fairly scrunched legs), Jazzercise on Saturday, Thursdays aborted trip (3 hours on a plane, going nowhere) and no serious strength yoga since Tuesday (a gentle-ish practice on Thursday) all added up to weakish legs. I got tired, and my legs were shaking at times. Ow!
After yoga, we puttered. I put together my client xmas gifts, and got those all mailed out today. For future reference, the Paypal / Ebay site has some mailing features that permit label printing, no fees or monthly service charge a la stamps.com (which is about as cost effective as a Pitney Bowes postage meter, that is to say, now very)
Zippy went out raking; she did most of it and I helped at the end. Between yesterday and today - 12 bags of leaves and rubbish to hit the rubbish bin over the past coming weeks.
I made a nice dinner; spaghetti squash with a tomato-ish sauce: peppers, onions, diced tomatoes, zucchini, and tofu. Topped with a bit of Mozzarella - yum.
After yoga, we puttered. I put together my client xmas gifts, and got those all mailed out today. For future reference, the Paypal / Ebay site has some mailing features that permit label printing, no fees or monthly service charge a la stamps.com (which is about as cost effective as a Pitney Bowes postage meter, that is to say, now very)
Zippy went out raking; she did most of it and I helped at the end. Between yesterday and today - 12 bags of leaves and rubbish to hit the rubbish bin over the past coming weeks.
I made a nice dinner; spaghetti squash with a tomato-ish sauce: peppers, onions, diced tomatoes, zucchini, and tofu. Topped with a bit of Mozzarella - yum.
December 16, 2006
Faith of our Fathers
Apparently, John Rowland is pinning his future on faith.
Call me cynical, but why is it that fallen politico's always seem to find salvation through Christianity, and more specifically, the bible quoting born again version? I mean, its not like its the official state religion of the republican party, or the best way to ween ones way back into the hearts of those in power, be they business leaders or politicians.
I'd believe a prison conversion if the former Gov came back a true believer in Falung Gong or Buddhism or Islam or Christian Science or Quakerism or Judaism. Something other than George W Bush's version of Chrisitanity, thank you. Something that does not smack of sucking up to the religious right.
Hell, I bet he could parley this into a run for the presidency (Can convicted felons hold high office?). Nothing plays better than a repentent sinner.....
Call me cynical, but why is it that fallen politico's always seem to find salvation through Christianity, and more specifically, the bible quoting born again version? I mean, its not like its the official state religion of the republican party, or the best way to ween ones way back into the hearts of those in power, be they business leaders or politicians.
I'd believe a prison conversion if the former Gov came back a true believer in Falung Gong or Buddhism or Islam or Christian Science or Quakerism or Judaism. Something other than George W Bush's version of Chrisitanity, thank you. Something that does not smack of sucking up to the religious right.
Hell, I bet he could parley this into a run for the presidency (Can convicted felons hold high office?). Nothing plays better than a repentent sinner.....
Saturday Afternoon
A warmish December day. Zippy and I spent some time outdoors, making a dent in the jungle that is the right side of our house - an overgrown perennial garden, lots of weeds and vines, unraked ground. Seven garbage bags later, we made a dent in it.
Kirtan was wonderful yesterday although it was a LONG day. Went over for set-up around 2:30 until 4:30, then home for dinner, then back at 7:15. We chanted from 8:10 to 11:10, then hung out and schmoozed, the cleaned up. I got home around 1:00 a.m.
S, M, and I went out afterwards to burn our intentions in the fire pit - things that we want to let go, things that we want to manifest. As we burned our last papers, a wind came up, swirled the burning ashes around and into the night sky, and blew shut the studio door. It felt very much as if energy had been released!
The chanting went well - guitar was much more in the mix this time (which people liked) and no major faux pas - one new chant that nobody had been told about (I found a key, and a verse or two in I found the chords). By the time we got to the Snatam Kaur song (lots of delicate guitar) I had been playing close to 2.5 hours non stop. Not too much subtlety left over.
This morning, Jazzercise. I stopped by WHY to drop off some food (yoga for food workshop today, but I decided to skip the yoga). We went shopping for food. I have a pot roast going in the crock pot for dinner.
Kirtan was wonderful yesterday although it was a LONG day. Went over for set-up around 2:30 until 4:30, then home for dinner, then back at 7:15. We chanted from 8:10 to 11:10, then hung out and schmoozed, the cleaned up. I got home around 1:00 a.m.
S, M, and I went out afterwards to burn our intentions in the fire pit - things that we want to let go, things that we want to manifest. As we burned our last papers, a wind came up, swirled the burning ashes around and into the night sky, and blew shut the studio door. It felt very much as if energy had been released!
The chanting went well - guitar was much more in the mix this time (which people liked) and no major faux pas - one new chant that nobody had been told about (I found a key, and a verse or two in I found the chords). By the time we got to the Snatam Kaur song (lots of delicate guitar) I had been playing close to 2.5 hours non stop. Not too much subtlety left over.
This morning, Jazzercise. I stopped by WHY to drop off some food (yoga for food workshop today, but I decided to skip the yoga). We went shopping for food. I have a pot roast going in the crock pot for dinner.
December 15, 2006
Not your usual vomiting forth of consumerism
This christmas season, that is.
Somewhere along the line, my family has developed a sort of christmas pathology. Gifts = love. I trace it back to two family stories that I know (there may be more)
1) When she was young and just out on her own and working as a nurse, my mother, with her own money for the first time, purchased gifts for her entire family (10 siblings!) - but the gifts were stolen from her car.
2) Around 1973, my father lost his job in York, PA at McCrory's, and that year we were prepped for a slim christmas. I specifically recall that year there were plenty of presents under the tree, and I literally cried because I had been all ready for a "Little House on the Prairie" christmas (I got an orange and a pair of socks!)
Anyway, my immediate family tends to overgift with abandon.
This year things seem to be different. Three family members (mom, brother, sister) have let it be known that they'd like something large - so we are all chipping in. So that leaves one brother, a neice, and two nephews to buy for.
I'll probably pick up some smallish things, maybe something personal for mom. And Zippy is getting a little something for the kitchen / health (although she and I do not formally gift). I have a boatload of balloon calendars for clients, and I will probably pick up some gift cards for the receptionists at work, my zapper, and my stylist. Oh, and MYA needs a little something.
But all in all, not a lot of holiday madness.
Somewhere along the line, my family has developed a sort of christmas pathology. Gifts = love. I trace it back to two family stories that I know (there may be more)
1) When she was young and just out on her own and working as a nurse, my mother, with her own money for the first time, purchased gifts for her entire family (10 siblings!) - but the gifts were stolen from her car.
2) Around 1973, my father lost his job in York, PA at McCrory's, and that year we were prepped for a slim christmas. I specifically recall that year there were plenty of presents under the tree, and I literally cried because I had been all ready for a "Little House on the Prairie" christmas (I got an orange and a pair of socks!)
Anyway, my immediate family tends to overgift with abandon.
This year things seem to be different. Three family members (mom, brother, sister) have let it be known that they'd like something large - so we are all chipping in. So that leaves one brother, a neice, and two nephews to buy for.
I'll probably pick up some smallish things, maybe something personal for mom. And Zippy is getting a little something for the kitchen / health (although she and I do not formally gift). I have a boatload of balloon calendars for clients, and I will probably pick up some gift cards for the receptionists at work, my zapper, and my stylist. Oh, and MYA needs a little something.
But all in all, not a lot of holiday madness.
Precious Breath
Went to Kelkolo's in Middletown last night to hear Peter Anthony. Always entertaining, Mr. Anthony. In the course of things, I imbibed in two double desserty latte-ish drinks (leaded) and when I went to bed the caffeine induced physiological affects were pretty evident. I slept OK (and was up early) but it was a lesson learned in the "wow, thats pretty much how you were all the time before you stopped drinking caffeine" vein.
Peter was Peter. Which is to say amusing, entertaining, tender, and occasionally touching on the sublime and divine. I owe a lot of my "less is more" picking and strumming from him, he has come to joke about two string songs (and noted that I have commented on that in the distant past). And I confess to knowing much of his canon by heart, simply from hearing these songs (the ones he writes, the ones he covers) so many times over the past 15 years.
Peter's friend K was there, who I run across at WHY. She works at a senior home, prompting Zippy to comment that she'll kill herself before going into one of those. Now maybe this is the response of a person who has enjoyed fairly good health, who has not dealt with a lifetime of discomfort, medical intervention, and juggling the effects and side effects of medications for multiple diseases. But at this point in life, I do not feel the same way. Each breath is a new learning experience, each breath is precious.
Yoga? Spiritual awakening? A lifelong optimism and hope? Or the overly optimistic and pollyanna-ish beliefs of someone who has yet to butt up against real pain, sufferring, and discomfort in her life. Not sure.
Peter was Peter. Which is to say amusing, entertaining, tender, and occasionally touching on the sublime and divine. I owe a lot of my "less is more" picking and strumming from him, he has come to joke about two string songs (and noted that I have commented on that in the distant past). And I confess to knowing much of his canon by heart, simply from hearing these songs (the ones he writes, the ones he covers) so many times over the past 15 years.
Peter's friend K was there, who I run across at WHY. She works at a senior home, prompting Zippy to comment that she'll kill herself before going into one of those. Now maybe this is the response of a person who has enjoyed fairly good health, who has not dealt with a lifetime of discomfort, medical intervention, and juggling the effects and side effects of medications for multiple diseases. But at this point in life, I do not feel the same way. Each breath is a new learning experience, each breath is precious.
Yoga? Spiritual awakening? A lifelong optimism and hope? Or the overly optimistic and pollyanna-ish beliefs of someone who has yet to butt up against real pain, sufferring, and discomfort in her life. Not sure.
December 14, 2006
Best Laid Plans
Well, I almost made it to Atlanta.
My 7:30 am flight was cancelled due to mechanical problems. SO I was booked onto a 9:00 a.m. flight. That flight got fogged in (at Bradley) for close to 2 hours - then as they were releasing us in Hartford, Atlanta had a hold on arrivals (weather and traffic) - I deboarded around 11:30 am - it was too late to get down there for my 1:30 pm meeting.
So, I am gonna do the meeting remotely (just tossed my slides online in PDF format, in case) and we'll go from there.
No biggie - gives me a bit of breathing room. A chance to practice for Kirtan, a chance to do some yoga or maybe jazzercise, and maybe go see my friend Peter Anthony trod the boards (or pluck the strings) at Klekolo this evening.
My 7:30 am flight was cancelled due to mechanical problems. SO I was booked onto a 9:00 a.m. flight. That flight got fogged in (at Bradley) for close to 2 hours - then as they were releasing us in Hartford, Atlanta had a hold on arrivals (weather and traffic) - I deboarded around 11:30 am - it was too late to get down there for my 1:30 pm meeting.
So, I am gonna do the meeting remotely (just tossed my slides online in PDF format, in case) and we'll go from there.
No biggie - gives me a bit of breathing room. A chance to practice for Kirtan, a chance to do some yoga or maybe jazzercise, and maybe go see my friend Peter Anthony trod the boards (or pluck the strings) at Klekolo this evening.
More Like It
....blogging from the airport. Now I'm fulfilling my minimum requirements as a blogger!
En route to Atlanta; I was up this morning at 4:30, hoping to be en roue at 5:30 am, but as I stepped out of the shower I got a robo-call from the good folks at Delta informing me that my 7:30 am flight was cancelled (BDL was pretty fogged in this morning, its still foggy out there) and so I was on a 9:00 a.m. flight. No biggie - my meeting is at 1:30 so I have a good 2 hours to get from the airport to the site. So I got to crawl back into bed for an hour.
I'm also drinking a cuppa leaded coffee - I have been off caffeine for a while now but one cup will not hurt - help get me started this morning.
Not much else to blog - today is fly / meeting / dinner (Malay - yum!), tomorrow is fly and then into busy bee mode for kirtan. No idea what is on tap for the weekend - I am not thinking that far ahead.
Rest of the trip down - I have some emails to clean up, and I have a powerpoint that I am going to tweak for the meeting this afternoon.
En route to Atlanta; I was up this morning at 4:30, hoping to be en roue at 5:30 am, but as I stepped out of the shower I got a robo-call from the good folks at Delta informing me that my 7:30 am flight was cancelled (BDL was pretty fogged in this morning, its still foggy out there) and so I was on a 9:00 a.m. flight. No biggie - my meeting is at 1:30 so I have a good 2 hours to get from the airport to the site. So I got to crawl back into bed for an hour.
I'm also drinking a cuppa leaded coffee - I have been off caffeine for a while now but one cup will not hurt - help get me started this morning.
Not much else to blog - today is fly / meeting / dinner (Malay - yum!), tomorrow is fly and then into busy bee mode for kirtan. No idea what is on tap for the weekend - I am not thinking that far ahead.
Rest of the trip down - I have some emails to clean up, and I have a powerpoint that I am going to tweak for the meeting this afternoon.
December 13, 2006
Hot-lanta
Not being a very good blogger, me.
It's been a busy week; I've had a largish work project in the works which I finally squeeked out today. And I am heading to Atlanta tomorrow morning for a quick trip (fly down tomorrow morning, fly back Friday morning). Not quick enough, apparently, one of my local friends / clients also happens to be in Atlanta tomorrow night so we've scheduled dinner with a third (local) friend.
Quick summary. Sunday was morning yoga and a balloon party. Monday was work and evening Jazzerise. Tuesday was work, morning yoga, more work, and a mentoring meeting. Today was work and zapping and a support group for the Zipster tonight. Tomorrow - Atlanta all day. Friday Atlanta in the morning, coming back late morning. At that point - errands, catch up, help set up the sound system for Kirtan, and then the big winter Kirtan at WHY.
Saturday and Sunday - I dunno. My PDA is at the office; I need to fetch it and directions and stuff on the way home from tonights meeting.
It's been a busy week; I've had a largish work project in the works which I finally squeeked out today. And I am heading to Atlanta tomorrow morning for a quick trip (fly down tomorrow morning, fly back Friday morning). Not quick enough, apparently, one of my local friends / clients also happens to be in Atlanta tomorrow night so we've scheduled dinner with a third (local) friend.
Quick summary. Sunday was morning yoga and a balloon party. Monday was work and evening Jazzerise. Tuesday was work, morning yoga, more work, and a mentoring meeting. Today was work and zapping and a support group for the Zipster tonight. Tomorrow - Atlanta all day. Friday Atlanta in the morning, coming back late morning. At that point - errands, catch up, help set up the sound system for Kirtan, and then the big winter Kirtan at WHY.
Saturday and Sunday - I dunno. My PDA is at the office; I need to fetch it and directions and stuff on the way home from tonights meeting.
December 10, 2006
Balloon Party
A holiday gathering of airheads, spiced up by the passing around of photo albums circa the late 70's, mid 80's, and mid-90's (balloonists are a particularly narcissistic bunch, and love to see pictures of their balloons).
Thankfully, no photos of your faithful correspondant (who has been crewing since around 1984, with some significant gaps) from those particular eras surfaced.
In other news, somebody found my blog with the search term "loonette the clown and paganism". Should I be more scared that someone was searching for this particular combination of terms, or that my blog popped up baed on this search?
Thankfully, no photos of your faithful correspondant (who has been crewing since around 1984, with some significant gaps) from those particular eras surfaced.
In other news, somebody found my blog with the search term "loonette the clown and paganism". Should I be more scared that someone was searching for this particular combination of terms, or that my blog popped up baed on this search?
More Colin More Gooder
I know it's been a period of upheaval for my favorite pundit, with his radio partner being canned, NE magazine disappearing, family stuff, dental stuff, etc.
But, for the record, having a weekly dose of Colin McEnroe in the Hartford Courant is not a bad thing. Unless, perhaps, you are Colin McEnroe, and are now facing a weekly (as opposed to biweekly) deadline.
This means his personal productivity has doubled, right, as measured as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product? Doing his part to help the American economy!
But, for the record, having a weekly dose of Colin McEnroe in the Hartford Courant is not a bad thing. Unless, perhaps, you are Colin McEnroe, and are now facing a weekly (as opposed to biweekly) deadline.
This means his personal productivity has doubled, right, as measured as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product? Doing his part to help the American economy!
Happy (sorta) Birthday to Me
Not my real birthday; for the record I am a Pisces (Piscean? Piscus?)
But December 10 is a day of some meaning, to me anyways.
But December 10 is a day of some meaning, to me anyways.
December 09, 2006
Goodwill (and all that Jazz) to Wo(men)
Well, not Goodwill. Salvation Army, actually. I've been thrift storing in Bristol, had some time to kill en route from dropping MYA off at home. I'm particularly happy with the funky print pants I am finding - kirtan wear, more festive work and party wear. I have a certain style developing. These are not my clothes, remember.....
Back at the homefront, I am listening to WMNR (Monroe based, but broadcasting in West Hartford at 91.9 FM) - which has been been airing totally outstanding jazz and swing: ‘Big Band Hall of Fame’ with Susan Kennedy from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and ‘Swing & Jazz’ with John Danscuk from 9:00 pm to Midnight. Definitely going to become a Saturday night tradition here.
In other news, I hit Jazzercise this morning for the first time in ages - a good workout. Definitely a different energy level than yoga - not as much sweat, but more aerobic. It felt good to be back - odd because a lot of new faces (in just a few months) but also some old friends who were happy to see me back. I think I need to be more careful at Jazzercise - to keep from pulling hamstrings, achilles tendon, or irritating my elbow / shoulder - might drop down to 5 lb hand weights. But I think I will cut back a teeny bit on yoga and try to Jazzercise 2x a week.....
Back at the homefront, I am listening to WMNR (Monroe based, but broadcasting in West Hartford at 91.9 FM) - which has been been airing totally outstanding jazz and swing: ‘Big Band Hall of Fame’ with Susan Kennedy from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and ‘Swing & Jazz’ with John Danscuk from 9:00 pm to Midnight. Definitely going to become a Saturday night tradition here.
In other news, I hit Jazzercise this morning for the first time in ages - a good workout. Definitely a different energy level than yoga - not as much sweat, but more aerobic. It felt good to be back - odd because a lot of new faces (in just a few months) but also some old friends who were happy to see me back. I think I need to be more careful at Jazzercise - to keep from pulling hamstrings, achilles tendon, or irritating my elbow / shoulder - might drop down to 5 lb hand weights. But I think I will cut back a teeny bit on yoga and try to Jazzercise 2x a week.....
Reverting to Form
Last night, crawling around on the floor in the spare bedroom to plug in a peripheral, Zippy noticed a pronounced "plumber's crack" (in my defense, I had my jammies on)
And later, I decided out of the blue, to have a beer.
please if you get a chanse put some flowrs on Algernons grave in the bak yard...
And later, I decided out of the blue, to have a beer.
please if you get a chanse put some flowrs on Algernons grave in the bak yard...
Back to Jazzericse
It's been a long time since I trod the wood in Ryka's and spandex. My last class card expired Sept 29th; I think I went to one class in November. But, been a while.
I was taking a workshop on Monday nights throughout the fall that conflicted with one of my regular Jazzercise nights. I was balloon chasing throughout the fall, usually on Saturday mornings, another regular session. I have been mindfully aware of being too much "out there" and not enough "in here" in terms of spending time, meals, energy, etc. with the Zipster. Finally, I have been too enamored of yoga.
But today, I am headed back to Jazzercise. And I am gonna buy a class card, and going to get there 1-2 times a week. Jazz hands! Chasse! Attitude!
I was taking a workshop on Monday nights throughout the fall that conflicted with one of my regular Jazzercise nights. I was balloon chasing throughout the fall, usually on Saturday mornings, another regular session. I have been mindfully aware of being too much "out there" and not enough "in here" in terms of spending time, meals, energy, etc. with the Zipster. Finally, I have been too enamored of yoga.
But today, I am headed back to Jazzercise. And I am gonna buy a class card, and going to get there 1-2 times a week. Jazz hands! Chasse! Attitude!
December 08, 2006
Friday Night
Quiet night; Zippy and I are hanging out, channel surfing. Waiting for AC to pop by. Should be a quiet weekend as well - Jazzercise and taking MYA to a support space on Saturday, yoga and a holiday get-together tomorrow. Maybe go pick up some balloon calendars (my annual holiday gift to clients) one day this weekend.
I'm headed to Atlanta next week - Thursday into Friday. A new client, connected with them at RSNA. So I have a report to crank out on Monday for them, and get some presentations together for visit. Along with some work for another newish client and my regular stuff - December is shaping up to be pretty busy. And I have a production gig the first week in January.
I'm headed to Atlanta next week - Thursday into Friday. A new client, connected with them at RSNA. So I have a report to crank out on Monday for them, and get some presentations together for visit. Along with some work for another newish client and my regular stuff - December is shaping up to be pretty busy. And I have a production gig the first week in January.
December 07, 2006
Bush in Tears
This story hit the media a few days back. Apparently, in a speech at a leadership forum in Tallahassee, George H. Bush broke down in tears while discussing the leadership, and his son Jeb's first gubernatorial loss in Florida.
Thomas de Zengotita has a great take on it here - which I pretty much agree with. But I will add a few thoughts. Jeb Bush *was* the chosen one, the one who should have carried the Bush standard (and maybe the gubernatorial loss that Dad was recalling was the moment he got untracked). Perhaps Bush I is suffering with the rest of the country under his son's so called leadership, more so for having created this monster.
And perhaps he is aware that for the rest of time, the country, the world, history is not going to recall 4 years of fairly moderate leadership under the Bush banner (I never disliked Bush I, he struck me as a decent man, somewhat patrician and privileged but he was neither a puppet nor an firm ideologue). Instead, the name of Bush will now and forever be associated with 8 years of mismanagement, idiocy, lying, waste, needless death and suffering.
In the arc of the saga, as historians note the influence of the Bush family on the world history, perhaps historians will note that 1994 election defeat as the moment it all started to go wrong. And Bush the First, I suspect, is a smart man. He know's his legacy started to die on that day, and any good thing he has done with his life has been overshadowed by the sins of his son.
To shift back into comedy and irrelevance - will Jenna and Barbara become the Luke and Leia of this saga - rising to the challenge, joining the rebellion, learning the ways of the force, avenging the evil emporer and saving the soul of their father gone over to the side of evil?
Not holding out much hope.....
Thomas de Zengotita has a great take on it here - which I pretty much agree with. But I will add a few thoughts. Jeb Bush *was* the chosen one, the one who should have carried the Bush standard (and maybe the gubernatorial loss that Dad was recalling was the moment he got untracked). Perhaps Bush I is suffering with the rest of the country under his son's so called leadership, more so for having created this monster.
And perhaps he is aware that for the rest of time, the country, the world, history is not going to recall 4 years of fairly moderate leadership under the Bush banner (I never disliked Bush I, he struck me as a decent man, somewhat patrician and privileged but he was neither a puppet nor an firm ideologue). Instead, the name of Bush will now and forever be associated with 8 years of mismanagement, idiocy, lying, waste, needless death and suffering.
In the arc of the saga, as historians note the influence of the Bush family on the world history, perhaps historians will note that 1994 election defeat as the moment it all started to go wrong. And Bush the First, I suspect, is a smart man. He know's his legacy started to die on that day, and any good thing he has done with his life has been overshadowed by the sins of his son.
To shift back into comedy and irrelevance - will Jenna and Barbara become the Luke and Leia of this saga - rising to the challenge, joining the rebellion, learning the ways of the force, avenging the evil emporer and saving the soul of their father gone over to the side of evil?
Not holding out much hope.....
December 06, 2006
Cell Phones and Cancer
OK, I am not a huge cell phone-ista. I own one, of course, and have for years, but I tend to use it sporadically - quick calls here and there, some longer calls while driving. I still have access to (and use, mostly) land lines at the office and at home. Hell, I even maintain a second fax line at the office, even through its been years since I did a lot of work via fax. Occasionally the memory function makes it useful (I have not reprogrammed my office speed dial in eons, and my home speed dial is not even programmed).
That being said, this news is good:
I do some freelance work in the video production field, and whenever a high profile media celeb (who presumably, is a heavy cell phone user) comes down with brain cancer, the looks go around and the words are silently mouthed "cell phone".
It's hard sometimes to set aside anecdotal evidence for hard epidemiological evidence. But I'm going to try to.
That being said, this news is good:
A huge study from Denmark offers the latest reassurance that cell phones don't trigger cancer. Scientists tracked 420,000 Danish cell phone users, including 52,000 who had gabbed on the gadgets for 10 years or more, and some who started using them 21 years ago.
They matched phone records to the famed Danish Cancer Registry that records every citizen who gets the disease — and reported Tuesday that cell-phone callers are no more likely than anyone else to suffer a range of cancer types.
I do some freelance work in the video production field, and whenever a high profile media celeb (who presumably, is a heavy cell phone user) comes down with brain cancer, the looks go around and the words are silently mouthed "cell phone".
It's hard sometimes to set aside anecdotal evidence for hard epidemiological evidence. But I'm going to try to.
December 05, 2006
Guilty Pleasure
Friday Night Lights. Yeah, that show. Damned if I know why, but I am hooked in a way that I rarely get, with television shows.
I noticed that Snuffy Waldrun has done the music. Hearkening back to 30-something, another addictive show a long time ago in a galaxy far far away.
I noticed that Snuffy Waldrun has done the music. Hearkening back to 30-something, another addictive show a long time ago in a galaxy far far away.
Coat Drive & Yoga for Food & Kirtan
If you have no longer worn but serviceable coats, consider brigning them down to West Hartford Yoga - the studio has a coat drive each holiday season.
On Saturday, December 16, the studio has a special power class, free with a bag of donated non-perishable food. The haul will go to the local Foodshare. Not 100% sure of the class time, think its in the late afternoon or early evening....will post details as I get 'em.
And on Friday, Dec 15th, join us for Kirtan, led by Shankara and Friends. I am proud to be among the "friends", playing guitar. This is a very special Kirtan, with a ceremonial burning of things we'd like to let go of, and things we would like to manifest. It can be very powerful and renewing, so please join us!
On Saturday, December 16, the studio has a special power class, free with a bag of donated non-perishable food. The haul will go to the local Foodshare. Not 100% sure of the class time, think its in the late afternoon or early evening....will post details as I get 'em.
And on Friday, Dec 15th, join us for Kirtan, led by Shankara and Friends. I am proud to be among the "friends", playing guitar. This is a very special Kirtan, with a ceremonial burning of things we'd like to let go of, and things we would like to manifest. It can be very powerful and renewing, so please join us!
December 04, 2006
Midway Through
Nice training setup they have here at CR Computing Service, Inc (CCS) - with internet access, shared presentation monitors, decent food, etc.
I am becoming wise in the ways of SSIDs, IPs, WEP, WPA, MAC Addresses, and assorted other wireless networking stuff. Well, wise enough to get myself into trouble, I imagine. Hopefully wise enough to either back out of jams or to find the hardware reset button.....
I am becoming wise in the ways of SSIDs, IPs, WEP, WPA, MAC Addresses, and assorted other wireless networking stuff. Well, wise enough to get myself into trouble, I imagine. Hopefully wise enough to either back out of jams or to find the hardware reset button.....
Forgot About That
I signed up for a subsidized course on Wireless Networking at Connecticut Computer Service, Inc. in Plantsville (Southington) today. Which I totally forgot about - until I got into the office and for some reason remembered.
More than enough time to get my sorry rear end down here, and they have net access at the workstations which is quite nice. Not 100% functional, but I can work a little in the downtime. Which is now....(class did not get started yet)
More than enough time to get my sorry rear end down here, and they have net access at the workstations which is quite nice. Not 100% functional, but I can work a little in the downtime. Which is now....(class did not get started yet)
Work Week Ahead
Monday morning dawns cold, with the threat of our first snow of the season (flurries or showers, perhaps). It's been a busy weekend and I am looking forward to getting into work and getting things done.
Last night, we went to see the Marriage of Figaro at Trinity on Main in New Britain. Our friend Laurentiu played two smallish parts (Antonio and Bartolo), but the opera itself was very enjoyable and the rest of the cast was excellant. Figaro especially was wonderful vocally and performance wise, Susanna was as well. Nice evening.
Still recovering from the yoga beating I took this week; I will probably hit the mat again on Tuesday. Tonight is a the first of two follow-up sessions (eating awareness) and tomorrow I see MYA for the first time in a while. Thursday night is Kirtan practice; I should spend some time practicing before that. Friday afternoon there is a DCF / Safe Harbors appreciation thing.
Goals for this week (outside of work) include doing something about the back porch (the holiday stuff ended up out there, a bunch of boxes of work / support group / life ephemera as well, and the hardware for the last "backyard flood" also - along with two bicycles. The basement too needs a lot of attention.
Last night, we went to see the Marriage of Figaro at Trinity on Main in New Britain. Our friend Laurentiu played two smallish parts (Antonio and Bartolo), but the opera itself was very enjoyable and the rest of the cast was excellant. Figaro especially was wonderful vocally and performance wise, Susanna was as well. Nice evening.
Still recovering from the yoga beating I took this week; I will probably hit the mat again on Tuesday. Tonight is a the first of two follow-up sessions (eating awareness) and tomorrow I see MYA for the first time in a while. Thursday night is Kirtan practice; I should spend some time practicing before that. Friday afternoon there is a DCF / Safe Harbors appreciation thing.
Goals for this week (outside of work) include doing something about the back porch (the holiday stuff ended up out there, a bunch of boxes of work / support group / life ephemera as well, and the hardware for the last "backyard flood" also - along with two bicycles. The basement too needs a lot of attention.
December 03, 2006
Wrung Out
On the clothesline, drying in the cold sunshine, are two yoga mats, two sets of yoga clothes, and a pair of leather work gloves.
Between a three hour yoga workshop yesterday and an hour and a half of hot yoga this morning, I am drained. The feeling is almost catharsis / mind altering.
Oh yeah, we got the gutters cleaned out. Even the high ones (we borrowed a ladder, both Zippy and I took turns at the top)
Between a three hour yoga workshop yesterday and an hour and a half of hot yoga this morning, I am drained. The feeling is almost catharsis / mind altering.
Oh yeah, we got the gutters cleaned out. Even the high ones (we borrowed a ladder, both Zippy and I took turns at the top)
December 02, 2006
Bollywood - Lagaan
We're about an hour into watching this 3.5 hour movie, courtesy of Netflix. And LOVING it.....
The musical / dance numbers are incredible - very fun.
Post Film Wrap-up: The music is infectious. The plot compelling. The actors skilled and good looking too. Lots of somewhat heavy handed moralizing but yanno, thats OK. We watched 3.5 hours of movie tonight - I have a hard time envisioning us watching that much of ANY genre, domestic, mainstream, foreign, independent, you name it.
Bollywood and Lagaan get two thumbs up in this household.
The musical / dance numbers are incredible - very fun.
Post Film Wrap-up: The music is infectious. The plot compelling. The actors skilled and good looking too. Lots of somewhat heavy handed moralizing but yanno, thats OK. We watched 3.5 hours of movie tonight - I have a hard time envisioning us watching that much of ANY genre, domestic, mainstream, foreign, independent, you name it.
Bollywood and Lagaan get two thumbs up in this household.
Friday Night Follies
We went to see Peter at the Interlude Cafe / Summit Studios. What a cozy little arts space! There is a small music shop with instrument rentals and used instruments, a cafe (which I suspect is primarily for parent's waiting for young'uns taking lessons) and a bunch of small studios. It felt very vibrant and alive. I saw a few kids coming and going from lessons, one had the score from WICKED with her. Music geeks. My people. Heh.
I also got to meet a friend of Peter's who has been stalking me. Not really - she just see's me around and tells Peter so he sort of knows I am still breathing even though he is incommunicado. Funny, small world thing.
Then, we got home (Zippy, me, MP, and AC) to find a message - my old friend RC (who I have not seen since Oct 2003) was in town and nearby in WH, as was another friend JK (have not seen her since 2000 or 2001. So I shamelessly abandoned my friends to go visit. It was good to see them, especially JK. While there, two other old friends (Jodi's former GF, and AP) came over which was weird - I had not seen AP in close to 10 years, she and her husband were particularly uncomfortable with my path.
Anyway, I stayed an hour or so, visited a little, had a beer. Came home around 11:30. Not sure if this is meaningful in terms of permanent re-engagement, but it was nice to be not excluded (which I have felt, over the years). These are friends of my ex-J, and I ceded them to her in the messy aftermath of the split, but it still felt a bit like I was cast off.
Who would have expected that going in to yesterday? Not I.....as K said "it feels lik e there is magic happening"
Last night's wind and rain and storminess brought in cold and clear - feels like winter out there. Not totally frigid, the high today is slated to be 48, although that might have come and gone already, but more seasonal anyway. This morning is gutter cleaning day - I am going to get the low hanging fruit, (er, muck) first, and then hopefully borrow a large ladder from across the street to get the upper gutters.
I also got to meet a friend of Peter's who has been stalking me. Not really - she just see's me around and tells Peter so he sort of knows I am still breathing even though he is incommunicado. Funny, small world thing.
Then, we got home (Zippy, me, MP, and AC) to find a message - my old friend RC (who I have not seen since Oct 2003) was in town and nearby in WH, as was another friend JK (have not seen her since 2000 or 2001. So I shamelessly abandoned my friends to go visit. It was good to see them, especially JK. While there, two other old friends (Jodi's former GF, and AP) came over which was weird - I had not seen AP in close to 10 years, she and her husband were particularly uncomfortable with my path.
Anyway, I stayed an hour or so, visited a little, had a beer. Came home around 11:30. Not sure if this is meaningful in terms of permanent re-engagement, but it was nice to be not excluded (which I have felt, over the years). These are friends of my ex-J, and I ceded them to her in the messy aftermath of the split, but it still felt a bit like I was cast off.
Who would have expected that going in to yesterday? Not I.....as K said "it feels lik e there is magic happening"
Last night's wind and rain and storminess brought in cold and clear - feels like winter out there. Not totally frigid, the high today is slated to be 48, although that might have come and gone already, but more seasonal anyway. This morning is gutter cleaning day - I am going to get the low hanging fruit, (er, muck) first, and then hopefully borrow a large ladder from across the street to get the upper gutters.
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