Another item commanding my attention this Tuesday is the impending Thanksgiving holiday. It is the one day that I cook for my family, and while a small affair I still put significant thought into the menu. One has to decide on the courses before shopping occurs, and I am still in search of suitable recipes for sides.
Some items are staples on the Thanksgiving table. However, every year I experiment with a few dishes, hence the recipe quest. I will need to complete my research and make the decision in the next several days, then craft my shopping list. Oyster stuffing will make a return at this year's event and a "skinnied" version of traditional pumpkin pie. Beyond that, we'll have to see what I discover and devise.
Today's MUCH: Recipes here looked yummy!
Today's SUCH: We're 3 weeks away from this great feast! Wish it was tomorrow.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
The Finish Line
Wow has it really been 3 months since my last entry! Evidently time flies when mastering a new pursuit with a 3 hour daily commute inexorably attached.
It’s my inner Nascar driver that has been on my mind recently. How now (in the correct dialect, “haw naw”) that need for speed? Rising at the crack of dawn has always been something I’ve done in my work life, but is the genesis of this habit my desire to avoid other strange and much slower motorists on PA highways and byways? Or my impatience with life in general? In an era of instant gratification and fast food everything, it should probably not be a surprise that a sense of gratutious urgency and speed permeates most things. And yet, it is.
Maybe tomorrow I won’t look at my daily drive as a qualifier for some cosmic race. Maybe.
Today's MUCH: An amusing way to ascertain whether you have Road Rage.
Today's SUCH: (1) The Passing Lane is for PASSING. If you are not passing another vehicle GET OUT OF THE PASSING LANE. (2) Stop BEFORE you reach a Stop sign or Stop light. Stopping your vehicle a car’s length past these items (and into the intersection) is not stopping and is dangerous.
It’s my inner Nascar driver that has been on my mind recently. How now (in the correct dialect, “haw naw”) that need for speed? Rising at the crack of dawn has always been something I’ve done in my work life, but is the genesis of this habit my desire to avoid other strange and much slower motorists on PA highways and byways? Or my impatience with life in general? In an era of instant gratification and fast food everything, it should probably not be a surprise that a sense of gratutious urgency and speed permeates most things. And yet, it is.
Maybe tomorrow I won’t look at my daily drive as a qualifier for some cosmic race. Maybe.
Today's MUCH: An amusing way to ascertain whether you have Road Rage.
Today's SUCH: (1) The Passing Lane is for PASSING. If you are not passing another vehicle GET OUT OF THE PASSING LANE. (2) Stop BEFORE you reach a Stop sign or Stop light. Stopping your vehicle a car’s length past these items (and into the intersection) is not stopping and is dangerous.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Last Day of Freedom
Well today has been a long time in coming, 11 months to be exact. It's my last leisurely day before returning to the world of work. Corporate America has not been enthusiastic recently about adding new members to her fold, but through the grace of G-d and my charming personality I have secured a position of gainful employment.
Truthfully, while I much prefer leading a department with trusted business partners in my own company, a steady paycheck just cannot be overrated. However my experience in working diligently for others, unfortunately for me, feels alot like pimping or being babysitted. Here's to hoping that inept management exercising misguided control is a thing of the past.
TODAY'S MUCH: Some folks that got their bell rung and it's about time.
TODAY'S SUCH: Work kills more people than war.
Truthfully, while I much prefer leading a department with trusted business partners in my own company, a steady paycheck just cannot be overrated. However my experience in working diligently for others, unfortunately for me, feels alot like pimping or being babysitted. Here's to hoping that inept management exercising misguided control is a thing of the past.
TODAY'S MUCH: Some folks that got their bell rung and it's about time.
TODAY'S SUCH: Work kills more people than war.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Nemontemi, Mr. Dee, and Balance
Today has been a strange day. I took a pre-employment drug test and had my car hood flip open and block my windshield while I drove on a crowded highway. Did I mention it has been raining steadily all day as well? I retired to my office shook up but safe, started working, and now several of my first thoughts are eclectic at best.
I find myself noodling the empty or nameless days of the Aztec calendar, the Nemontemi, and also contemplating a very talented Philadelphia-based psychic I visited back in 1993. My familiarity with the nemontemi is in concept only; I certainly don't believe the world will end on 12/21/2012. Conversely, meeting Mr. Dee, the psychic, was an unexpected and awesome experience that left me almost speechless in its incredulity.
So I am mentally drawn to an ominous icon and a joyful memory, as if the idea of a plus and minus will balance out the sum total and lead me back to a clean, neutral square one. Hmmmm.
Today's MUCH: I am reminded of an obscure McCartney ditty called Cosmically Conscious
Today's SUCH: I am never that plugged into the "other" so today is a stumper for sure. All I know is all talents and blessings flow from G-d, so mayhap he is getting his point across in a novel way.
I find myself noodling the empty or nameless days of the Aztec calendar, the Nemontemi, and also contemplating a very talented Philadelphia-based psychic I visited back in 1993. My familiarity with the nemontemi is in concept only; I certainly don't believe the world will end on 12/21/2012. Conversely, meeting Mr. Dee, the psychic, was an unexpected and awesome experience that left me almost speechless in its incredulity.
So I am mentally drawn to an ominous icon and a joyful memory, as if the idea of a plus and minus will balance out the sum total and lead me back to a clean, neutral square one. Hmmmm.
Today's MUCH: I am reminded of an obscure McCartney ditty called Cosmically Conscious
Today's SUCH: I am never that plugged into the "other" so today is a stumper for sure. All I know is all talents and blessings flow from G-d, so mayhap he is getting his point across in a novel way.
Dog Days of Summer
I am beginning to think this summer is going to be a long, hot one.
Hot weather is associated with the star Sirius (which means "scorcher" in Greek) and is part of the Canis Major (big dog) constellation.
Here I am almost a month later than when I started this entry, and during that entire time I've been mostly shut inside my residence with the A/C blaring....guess I can concede that yes, this summer will be as sweltering as February was frigid. A scorcher indeed, and forecasted accurately by the Farmer's Almanac, or so I have been told. *Sigh* The older I get the less I really like being outside in the sticky, humid weather; not that I like paying PPL all of my $ to keep cool either.
I have only spent one full evening on my porch actually enjoying the onset of summer twilight with pleasant temperatures. Hopefully there will be one or two more before the end of August ensues.
Today's MUCH: Wishing I had a pool....
Today's SUCH: Oil spilling out for 85 DAYS! BP SUCKS.
Hot weather is associated with the star Sirius (which means "scorcher" in Greek) and is part of the Canis Major (big dog) constellation.
Here I am almost a month later than when I started this entry, and during that entire time I've been mostly shut inside my residence with the A/C blaring....guess I can concede that yes, this summer will be as sweltering as February was frigid. A scorcher indeed, and forecasted accurately by the Farmer's Almanac, or so I have been told. *Sigh* The older I get the less I really like being outside in the sticky, humid weather; not that I like paying PPL all of my $ to keep cool either.
I have only spent one full evening on my porch actually enjoying the onset of summer twilight with pleasant temperatures. Hopefully there will be one or two more before the end of August ensues.
Today's MUCH: Wishing I had a pool....
Today's SUCH: Oil spilling out for 85 DAYS! BP SUCKS.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Strawberries and Roses
Two good things about June in Pennsylvania: strawberries and roses. Since that delectable berry is my favorite type of fruit, June is a very good time of year. I remember my dad buying boxes and boxes of strawberries from a produce stand right outside of town so I got to eat quite a few. Once, I indulged too much, and actually broke out in hives from eating strawberries....true story.
Wildflowers and roses are also my favorites. It's not just the heavenly aromas that these flora share but the contrast of colors and shapes and sizes that I think are mesmerizing. I haven't received roses in such a long time that I went out to the local Rose Garden today to breathe in my fill of these beautiful blooms. MMMMMMMMM, ah. Several hours well spent.
So today my picnic had both strawberries and roses, and I ended the day with champagne. No special occasion, I just wanted to enjoy a sunny and hot day in June in NE PA.
Today's MUCH: I LOVE champagne...yum, yum, yum.
Today's SUCH: Think I should start planning a wildflower excursion.
Wildflowers and roses are also my favorites. It's not just the heavenly aromas that these flora share but the contrast of colors and shapes and sizes that I think are mesmerizing. I haven't received roses in such a long time that I went out to the local Rose Garden today to breathe in my fill of these beautiful blooms. MMMMMMMMM, ah. Several hours well spent.
So today my picnic had both strawberries and roses, and I ended the day with champagne. No special occasion, I just wanted to enjoy a sunny and hot day in June in NE PA.
Today's MUCH: I LOVE champagne...yum, yum, yum.
Today's SUCH: Think I should start planning a wildflower excursion.
Let's Go To The Movies
Escapism comes in many forms, and for me recently movies have been doing the trick. Other than my normal science fiction fetish, I seem to gravitate toward 'period pieces' of any era. Why do I like period pieces? As a history aficionado, I greatly admire the research and care taken to realistically reproduce the many details that together breathe life into a slice of time from the past.
Recently I've been in a more nostalgic mood so I've been watching things like Casablanca, Out of Africa, and Atonement. For most of May though I discovered the joy of Bruce Lee and Jet Li, becoming a huge fan of these early martial arts pioneers.
Between DVDs and VOD I don't seem to go to the movie theatre as often as in the past. That's just as well, I haven't felt like going out much lately anyway, and why bother when you can access it all from the comfort of your domicile?
Today's MUCH: YES I am a Twi-hard counting down the days until Eclipse makes its debut.
Another MUCH: Looking forward to viewing M. Night Shyamalan'sThe Last Airbender....martial arts and science fiction is a unbeatable combo!
Today's SUCH: I am still waiting for Ender's Game to be made into a movie. Tick tock folks, let's get on with it!
Recently I've been in a more nostalgic mood so I've been watching things like Casablanca, Out of Africa, and Atonement. For most of May though I discovered the joy of Bruce Lee and Jet Li, becoming a huge fan of these early martial arts pioneers.
Between DVDs and VOD I don't seem to go to the movie theatre as often as in the past. That's just as well, I haven't felt like going out much lately anyway, and why bother when you can access it all from the comfort of your domicile?
Today's MUCH: YES I am a Twi-hard counting down the days until Eclipse makes its debut.
Another MUCH: Looking forward to viewing M. Night Shyamalan'sThe Last Airbender....martial arts and science fiction is a unbeatable combo!
Today's SUCH: I am still waiting for Ender's Game to be made into a movie. Tick tock folks, let's get on with it!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
April's Return
The first line of the poem, Spring, by Edna St. Vincent Millay seems unusually poignant to me this year. Are the blooms and blossoms sprouting everywhere in PA truly insufficient to the larger goal?
To what purpose, April, do you return again?
Beauty is not enough.
You can no longer quiet me with the redness
Of little leaves opening stickily.
I know what I know.
The sun is hot on my neck as I observe
The spikes of the crocus.
The smell of the earth is good.
It is apparent that there is no death.
But what does that signify?
Not only under ground are the brains of men
Eaten by maggots.
Life in itself
Is nothing,
An empty cup, a flight of uncarpeted stairs.
It is not enough that yearly, down this hill,
April
Comes like an idiot, babbling and strewing flowers.
I took time to smell the roses, and the jasmine, and the hyacinths today at Longwood Gardens and it seemed lovely enough to me.
Today's MUCH: It's really quite stunning here, and the Italian Water Garden was open.
Today's SUCH: The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 SUCKS. I have to sign my life away every time I buy sinus meds which is OFTEN. Bastards.
To what purpose, April, do you return again?
Beauty is not enough.
You can no longer quiet me with the redness
Of little leaves opening stickily.
I know what I know.
The sun is hot on my neck as I observe
The spikes of the crocus.
The smell of the earth is good.
It is apparent that there is no death.
But what does that signify?
Not only under ground are the brains of men
Eaten by maggots.
Life in itself
Is nothing,
An empty cup, a flight of uncarpeted stairs.
It is not enough that yearly, down this hill,
April
Comes like an idiot, babbling and strewing flowers.
I took time to smell the roses, and the jasmine, and the hyacinths today at Longwood Gardens and it seemed lovely enough to me.
Today's MUCH: It's really quite stunning here, and the Italian Water Garden was open.
Today's SUCH: The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 SUCKS. I have to sign my life away every time I buy sinus meds which is OFTEN. Bastards.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Distelfink
Hex signs are cool, there I've said it. Maybe it was that wet-bottom shoefly pie I ate for breakfast this morning, but the PA Dutch in me has always admired this stylized folk art medium for its rainbow of colors and ingenuity. Case in point, the distelfink. A brightly-hued symbol of PA Dutch design, distelfinks are mythological avians based on the goldfinch who have thistle smorgasbords and also industriously use thistle to line their nests. Somehow 'thistlefinch' morphed into distelfink, our lucky bird of paradise (see the pix below, right-hand column, keep scrolling down, section called "About Me").
Since spring is officially here, maybe it's time for me to take a drive down to Lancaster County for the day and enjoy hex signs in their natural habitats, "chust for pretty."
Today's MUCH: Yes, but what do hex signs mean?
Another MUCH: Hex vex, or powwowing
Today's SUCH: Too bad I can't afford to take classes here...
Since spring is officially here, maybe it's time for me to take a drive down to Lancaster County for the day and enjoy hex signs in their natural habitats, "chust for pretty."
Today's MUCH: Yes, but what do hex signs mean?
Another MUCH: Hex vex, or powwowing
Today's SUCH: Too bad I can't afford to take classes here...
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Losing Track
A wistful composition that I love......
Losing Track by Denise Levertov
Long after you have swung back
away from me
I think you are still with me:
you come in close to the shore
on the tide
and nudge me awake the way
a boat adrift nudges the pier:
am I a pier
half-in half-out of the water?
and in the pleasure of that communion
I lose track,
the moon I watch goes down, the
tide swings you away before
I know I'm
alone again long since,
mud sucking at gray and black
timbers of me,
a light growth of green dreams drying.
Today's MUCH: One of the best poetry collections every written is
by Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda, at the tender age of 19: 20 Love Poems & A Song of Despair I passed by Neruda's house when visiting Vina del Mar, Chile back in 2003.
Another MUCH: I greatly admire one verse of Prologue of the Earthly Paradise by William Morris:
Dreamer of dreams, born out of my due time,
Why should I strive to set the crooked straight?
Let it suffice me that my murmuring rhyme
Beats with light wing against the ivory gate,
Telling a tale not too importunate
To those who in the sleepy region stay,
Lulled by the singer of an empty day.
Losing Track by Denise Levertov
Long after you have swung back
away from me
I think you are still with me:
you come in close to the shore
on the tide
and nudge me awake the way
a boat adrift nudges the pier:
am I a pier
half-in half-out of the water?
and in the pleasure of that communion
I lose track,
the moon I watch goes down, the
tide swings you away before
I know I'm
alone again long since,
mud sucking at gray and black
timbers of me,
a light growth of green dreams drying.
Today's MUCH: One of the best poetry collections every written is
by Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda, at the tender age of 19: 20 Love Poems & A Song of Despair I passed by Neruda's house when visiting Vina del Mar, Chile back in 2003.
Another MUCH: I greatly admire one verse of Prologue of the Earthly Paradise by William Morris:
Dreamer of dreams, born out of my due time,
Why should I strive to set the crooked straight?
Let it suffice me that my murmuring rhyme
Beats with light wing against the ivory gate,
Telling a tale not too importunate
To those who in the sleepy region stay,
Lulled by the singer of an empty day.
Monday, March 22, 2010
in time of daffodils (who know
I love poetry, and E.E. Cummings is one of my favorite American poets. Enjoy!
in time of daffodils (who know
the goal of living is to grow)
forgetting why,remembering how
in time of lilacs who proclaim
the aim of waking is to dream,
remember so (forgetting seem)
in time of roses (who amaze
our now and here with praise)
forgetting if, remember yes
in time of all sweet things beyond
whatever mind may comprehend,
remember seek (forgetting find)
and in a mystery to be
(when time from time shall set us free)
forgetting me, remember me
Today's MUCH: Here is a collection of Cummings' works.
Another MUCH: Another favorite.....i am a little church(no great cathedral)
Last MUCH: Maybe you are more partial to a good limerick? (warning: items are slightly X-rated)
in time of daffodils (who know
the goal of living is to grow)
forgetting why,remembering how
in time of lilacs who proclaim
the aim of waking is to dream,
remember so (forgetting seem)
in time of roses (who amaze
our now and here with praise)
forgetting if, remember yes
in time of all sweet things beyond
whatever mind may comprehend,
remember seek (forgetting find)
and in a mystery to be
(when time from time shall set us free)
forgetting me, remember me
Today's MUCH: Here is a collection of Cummings' works.
Another MUCH: Another favorite.....i am a little church(no great cathedral)
Last MUCH: Maybe you are more partial to a good limerick? (warning: items are slightly X-rated)
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Spring Serenade
Normally I am an early riser, and I like to be about my business before the sun is up. During the last 2 weeks I have awakened to birds singing, a sure sign that Spring has arrived. There is a loudness and persistence to their melodies which is difficult to ignore, as if they are trying desperately to communicate something important. And, as it turns out, they are......these males are warbling for sex.
If you are hoping to determine what type of bird is doing their best American Idol impression outside your windowsill, you need a few items. One, most of what you hear in the spring at dawn and twilight are calls and not songs....they are the vocalizations which our feathered friends use to attract mates. Additionally, the quality and pattern of the call as well as intervals between calls can be distilled into types that make identification easier. Of course, you can just peek out your window if you would rather enjoy the melody than scientifically dissect chirping and twitters. For right now I am delighted to hear so many men serenading outside my window!
Today's MUCH: Someone went to the trouble to describe and record bird melodies.
Another MUCH: Evidently, robins are persistent little buggers.
Last MUCH: Besides the robins, wrens and cardinals near my residence, there is one owl that hoots in daylight which I would like to see.
If you are hoping to determine what type of bird is doing their best American Idol impression outside your windowsill, you need a few items. One, most of what you hear in the spring at dawn and twilight are calls and not songs....they are the vocalizations which our feathered friends use to attract mates. Additionally, the quality and pattern of the call as well as intervals between calls can be distilled into types that make identification easier. Of course, you can just peek out your window if you would rather enjoy the melody than scientifically dissect chirping and twitters. For right now I am delighted to hear so many men serenading outside my window!
Today's MUCH: Someone went to the trouble to describe and record bird melodies.
Another MUCH: Evidently, robins are persistent little buggers.
Last MUCH: Besides the robins, wrens and cardinals near my residence, there is one owl that hoots in daylight which I would like to see.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Deserts
I've been thinking alot about deserts recently. Not a topic I normally ponder since it is pretty green and leafy in Pennsylvania. But I'm not talking solely about the natural environment per se....I have also been contemplating fecundity, and the birth of new things from nothingness.
Deserts conjur thoughts of dryness, sand dunes, extreme heat, vast and empty spaces, harshness, maybe even exile, punishment and death. There is a lack of life, a sense of isolation and even despair. I see it from a different vista....a representation of faith, a redemption or rescue, survival, a concentration of miracles, and a 'possible future oasis.' In literature the desert seems to be the place you put in your dues before you are led to the Promised Land. What if the desert IS the reward.....you just need to transform it into your version of paradise?
Today's MUCH: Stephen Crane said it best
Another MUCH: Hope from despair
Deserts conjur thoughts of dryness, sand dunes, extreme heat, vast and empty spaces, harshness, maybe even exile, punishment and death. There is a lack of life, a sense of isolation and even despair. I see it from a different vista....a representation of faith, a redemption or rescue, survival, a concentration of miracles, and a 'possible future oasis.' In literature the desert seems to be the place you put in your dues before you are led to the Promised Land. What if the desert IS the reward.....you just need to transform it into your version of paradise?
Today's MUCH: Stephen Crane said it best
Another MUCH: Hope from despair
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Here Comes the Sun
After a cold, dark, and snow-avalanched winter we are getting an early preview of Spring this week. PA temps in March average around 38, currently we are about 30 degrees above the norm, and it seems like years since it's been here. Walking on sunshine is a great source of Vitamin D, so get outside and commune with nature while you can.
The entire world seems happier in the sunshine, not sure exactly why....maybe because I am. Not many people actually believe that SAD is a legit disease, but I sure do. Yet another brain chemical deficiency screwing with my moods and general well being.
But soon I will come from the winter cave into the (almost) eternal sunshine....hmmm, will it be too bright? or will I enjoy the cactus/palm tree gardens?
Today's MUCH: I feel good in a special way
Today's SUCH: For those that don't believe in SAD
The entire world seems happier in the sunshine, not sure exactly why....maybe because I am. Not many people actually believe that SAD is a legit disease, but I sure do. Yet another brain chemical deficiency screwing with my moods and general well being.
But soon I will come from the winter cave into the (almost) eternal sunshine....hmmm, will it be too bright? or will I enjoy the cactus/palm tree gardens?
Today's MUCH: I feel good in a special way
Today's SUCH: For those that don't believe in SAD
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Dreams
Here is a fun exercise.....ready? Think of the top 5 dreams you have. Go on. Places you want to go, your dream date, a Ferrari, Superbowl tickets in your own private box, owning a baseball team, having a rocking body, climbing the Matterhorn, maybe attaining a fantasy job, walking a fashion runway, achieving Olympic gold, swimming the English Channel, perhaps winning millions...things you have been wishing for possibly your whole life. OK, you got it? Those 5 things?
4 of my 5 are about to come true in the next 3 months. I mean really, some folks wait a lifetime to attain just one dream, let alone multiple ones. I am not sure I know what to think about this development, to be honest. To say I am thankful just seems so inadequate. Promising to pay it forward is the very least I can do, so I will focus on that....and packing.
Wow lots of positive change is coming. Get ready for the roller coaster ride :-)
Today's MUCH: GEEZ, like where do I start? LOL
Another MUCH: First stop, wine country! How PERFECT is that!
Today's SUCH: Hmmmm, this one's a puzzler. 90% sunshine, heat and lots of Spanish are the downers. LOL LOL LOL
4 of my 5 are about to come true in the next 3 months. I mean really, some folks wait a lifetime to attain just one dream, let alone multiple ones. I am not sure I know what to think about this development, to be honest. To say I am thankful just seems so inadequate. Promising to pay it forward is the very least I can do, so I will focus on that....and packing.
Wow lots of positive change is coming. Get ready for the roller coaster ride :-)
Today's MUCH: GEEZ, like where do I start? LOL
Another MUCH: First stop, wine country! How PERFECT is that!
Today's SUCH: Hmmmm, this one's a puzzler. 90% sunshine, heat and lots of Spanish are the downers. LOL LOL LOL
Moving & Stuff
To paraphrase the late, great George Carlin, my apartment "...is just pile of stuff with a cover on it." Currently I don't own the cover, I rent it, and it may be time to change venues. I'm not saying Pennsylvania is undesirable, but compared to San Diego, well, no contest.
For the time being let's skip the preliminaries of cost and look at dealing with my belongings. Folks get attached to their things....it's understandable. Carlin quipped, "Have you noticed that their stuff is shit and your shit is stuff?" Hmmm, well maybe my stuff IS shit after all....and having less would make for an easier cross-country trip. Time for spring cleaning. If I've not worn it in a year, it will be donated. If it is just gathering dust (father's train set, guitar), it will be sold or gifted. A few days rooting through my storage units and the goal will be 50% reduction in volume.
I already took a dive in this direction, and thanks to Craigslist there are several happy people enjoying my formerly-coveted Coca-Cola signs and my 37" HDTV. Selling the rest now will probably just be anti-climatic.
My second main focus is my book collection. Rather large when I got here, it has grown by a conservative 25%. Packing and cataloguing those items will take a few days for sure. I've been told not to question how the move will happen but believe that indeed it will come to pass, and sooner than I know, so YALA (Hebrew for "get on with it already"). Alrighty then.
Today's MUCH: Carlin's Stuff Skit - a Classic!
Today's SUCH: Reality TV About Hoarding - Gross Alert
For the time being let's skip the preliminaries of cost and look at dealing with my belongings. Folks get attached to their things....it's understandable. Carlin quipped, "Have you noticed that their stuff is shit and your shit is stuff?" Hmmm, well maybe my stuff IS shit after all....and having less would make for an easier cross-country trip. Time for spring cleaning. If I've not worn it in a year, it will be donated. If it is just gathering dust (father's train set, guitar), it will be sold or gifted. A few days rooting through my storage units and the goal will be 50% reduction in volume.
I already took a dive in this direction, and thanks to Craigslist there are several happy people enjoying my formerly-coveted Coca-Cola signs and my 37" HDTV. Selling the rest now will probably just be anti-climatic.
My second main focus is my book collection. Rather large when I got here, it has grown by a conservative 25%. Packing and cataloguing those items will take a few days for sure. I've been told not to question how the move will happen but believe that indeed it will come to pass, and sooner than I know, so YALA (Hebrew for "get on with it already"). Alrighty then.
Today's MUCH: Carlin's Stuff Skit - a Classic!
Today's SUCH: Reality TV About Hoarding - Gross Alert
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Elusive Zzzzzs
Should I blame my sleeplessness on being unemployed? That hardly seems fair. But even strenuous daily exercise has not cured it, so what's a girl to do? Not count sheep, certainly. How about research? Who knew insomnia could trace its genesis to melatonin, cortisol and serotonin levels as well as exposure to bright light? I don't want a science degree, thanks, I just want to fall asleep.
No pills either....NO. Took a popular brand several years ago, and found out I was having full phone conversations without remembering a thing. Scary.
So I'm back to square one (a place I know well). Guess it's time for some chamomille tea and a good book.
Today's MUCH: All kinds of nifty chemical reasons why I can't sleep
Today's SUCH: Evgeni Plushenko is an ass
No pills either....NO. Took a popular brand several years ago, and found out I was having full phone conversations without remembering a thing. Scary.
So I'm back to square one (a place I know well). Guess it's time for some chamomille tea and a good book.
Today's MUCH: All kinds of nifty chemical reasons why I can't sleep
Today's SUCH: Evgeni Plushenko is an ass
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Beach Bunny
I long for the white sands of a beautiful beach, nestled near warm waters which are an enchanting shade of aquamarine....toes in the sand, laying on a towel and enjoying the heat of the sun kiss my back......a nearby frozen concoction to "help me hang on." If you close your eyes, you can hear the waves crashing on the shore....
I'm tired of the cold and the wind and the worry. I want to escape for a week, maybe two, and let the surf and the margaritas and the sunshine on my shoulder do the talking for me. Wish I had those tickets to paradise right about now because my bags would be packed in nanoseconds.
Today's MUCH: Moon Palace All-Inclusive Resort in Cancun ...had a FABULOUS time here.
Another MUCH: ahhhhhh, flip flops are optional
Today's SUCH: But NO I live in Pennsylvania
I'm tired of the cold and the wind and the worry. I want to escape for a week, maybe two, and let the surf and the margaritas and the sunshine on my shoulder do the talking for me. Wish I had those tickets to paradise right about now because my bags would be packed in nanoseconds.
Today's MUCH: Moon Palace All-Inclusive Resort in Cancun ...had a FABULOUS time here.
Another MUCH: ahhhhhh, flip flops are optional
Today's SUCH: But NO I live in Pennsylvania
Friday, February 19, 2010
Swim Into Shape
I've always been a "mental workout" kind of gal. My accumulated accolades include "Class Bookworm," lettering in Debate, "Most Innovative," winning multiple history awards (including an honorary DAR) and some Chairman's Awards....but not a one on the physical side. Nada. Zero.
Yes, I'm a wuss, and I know it. Working out can be so boring (and no, shopping does not count). But I do have some great features to work with, and some serious workout sessions will get me back to that celebrated shape. So more focus on the fruits and veggies, and my daily vigorous swim regimen. Deep water aerobics are very low impact (a comforting fact for the well-endowed) but provide outstanding muscle toning and cardiovascular results. After my 2nd full week I'm back into the groove, and again ready for circuit training with the ex-Marine.
Amazing to think that 2 generations out we've reached the dream.....white-collar managerial positions yet at the expense of a certain amount of physicality which is, as it turns out, a health requisite. Go figure. Anyway, time to suit up and go to swim.
Today's MUCH: A great place to swim when you are not in SoCal or Florida or the Yucatan.
Another MUCH: Marine circuit workout ....just double this and substitute water run and hydrobiking for bike/jog. Explore the site, lots of other invaluable fitness articles and advice.
Today's SUCH: Women who let their junk hang out during exercise sessions. Bikini-gal, are you trying to flash the instructor? You might want to discard the swim-floss in favor of something more appropriate.
Yes, I'm a wuss, and I know it. Working out can be so boring (and no, shopping does not count). But I do have some great features to work with, and some serious workout sessions will get me back to that celebrated shape. So more focus on the fruits and veggies, and my daily vigorous swim regimen. Deep water aerobics are very low impact (a comforting fact for the well-endowed) but provide outstanding muscle toning and cardiovascular results. After my 2nd full week I'm back into the groove, and again ready for circuit training with the ex-Marine.
Amazing to think that 2 generations out we've reached the dream.....white-collar managerial positions yet at the expense of a certain amount of physicality which is, as it turns out, a health requisite. Go figure. Anyway, time to suit up and go to swim.
Today's MUCH: A great place to swim when you are not in SoCal or Florida or the Yucatan.
Another MUCH: Marine circuit workout ....just double this and substitute water run and hydrobiking for bike/jog. Explore the site, lots of other invaluable fitness articles and advice.
Today's SUCH: Women who let their junk hang out during exercise sessions. Bikini-gal, are you trying to flash the instructor? You might want to discard the swim-floss in favor of something more appropriate.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Sidetracked
A dear friend had a "heart event" recently and I had a meltdown of sorts. Staring death in the face is never comfortable, and while my loved one is out of immediate danger I was left with emotional reverberations. All of this free time to think about the existential issues of life, death, love, etc. is draining to say the least.
So enough with the deep thinking for awhile because I've put in my quota pretty much for the entire year.
Today's MUCH: Lower Merion School Spied on Students, Their Families Are you kidding me?
Today's SUCH: Toyota Knew About Safety Issues But Didn't Tell
So enough with the deep thinking for awhile because I've put in my quota pretty much for the entire year.
Today's MUCH: Lower Merion School Spied on Students, Their Families Are you kidding me?
Today's SUCH: Toyota Knew About Safety Issues But Didn't Tell
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wilkum to my world
Finally, my first blog post....welcome, bienvenido, baruch haba, irashaimasu, foon ying.
I'm the granddaughter of a farmer, a proud Penn Stater, an executive, a divorcee, a world traveler, a tech geek, a marketing whiz, an eternal student, a hard-charger, a history lover, a sometimes clown but always stubborn and opinionated.
Currently I have way too much time on my manicured hands as I am unemployed and HATING all the downtime almost as much as my dwindling coffers. And so, my blog is born to commemorate items I find fascinating for one reason or another.....here we go:
Today's MUCH: Australians Are the Worst Sinners in the World......really??
Today's SUCH: Big Bright Moon Tonight!
I'm the granddaughter of a farmer, a proud Penn Stater, an executive, a divorcee, a world traveler, a tech geek, a marketing whiz, an eternal student, a hard-charger, a history lover, a sometimes clown but always stubborn and opinionated.
Currently I have way too much time on my manicured hands as I am unemployed and HATING all the downtime almost as much as my dwindling coffers. And so, my blog is born to commemorate items I find fascinating for one reason or another.....here we go:
Today's MUCH: Australians Are the Worst Sinners in the World......really??
Today's SUCH: Big Bright Moon Tonight!
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