Cats of various types have been in news lately.
Feral kitty cats have been recruited to clear Los Angeles police stations of rodent pests. This approach has been successful at several other locations, including the LA Flower Market. Installing cats as a deterrent to pest infestation is being hailed as a safe, humane, natural, and environmentally friendly method for removing rats and mice, as opposed to traps, glue, poisons, etc. Furthermore, shelters are eager to offer viable candidates for the program, as it moves cats from their facilities and prevents them from having to put the cats down. For their part, the cats (who are fixed, microchipped, and treated by a vet when selected for the program) gain a safe place to live out their lives, somewhat naturally, being cared for but with a minimum of human interaction.
Read more about the Working Cats program here.
We have all heard that a Siberian tiger somehow escaped from her enclosure and killed a zoo visitor in San Francisco. The questions on a lot of people's minds have been things like, "How could this happen? Why?!" I wouldn't venture to answer the "how" question, especially with the police investigation still underway. But the answer to the "why" question is obvious: Tigers (and all cats, really) are powerful, lethal predators. They are natural, elegant killing machines. While humans are not their preferred food, tigers can easily overpower and slaughter even an armed person. When provided with opportunity and motivation, a tiger will attack. IT'S WHAT THEY DO. I've always felt safe in zoos and animal parks, but I have never failed to respect the instincts and abilities of cats, big and small. Lions and tigers, and other wild animals, do not actually belong in concrete and wire enclosures, being gawked at by locals, far away from their natural habitats. Have we gone too far in trying to assert our dominance as humans over the rest of the creation? I wonder if this will prompt all of us to re-examine our relationships with the physical world in general, and foster changes in our attitudes toward our roles as stewards.
29 December 2007
28 December 2007
Decisions, et al
Well, the poll numbers are in (you can still see, in the upper left corner).
11 people voted that they would consider reading a bloggy 'zine type thing on rental life.
5 people voted that they wouldn't.
So there was greater than 2:1 ratio of yes-to-no votes.
I've been thinking a lot about it, and I'd have at least a tiny audience, but I'd want to do a good job and actually work out articles that would be useful and interesting, and it would be something of a commitment, in terms of both time and brain cells. So, I'm not sure what I'll be doing, yet. I'll keep you posted.
11 people voted that they would consider reading a bloggy 'zine type thing on rental life.
5 people voted that they wouldn't.
So there was greater than 2:1 ratio of yes-to-no votes.
I've been thinking a lot about it, and I'd have at least a tiny audience, but I'd want to do a good job and actually work out articles that would be useful and interesting, and it would be something of a commitment, in terms of both time and brain cells. So, I'm not sure what I'll be doing, yet. I'll keep you posted.
To Do (posted here so I don't forget)
On the docket for today:
Things to do after the New Year holiday (writing them here so I don't forget):
- Trip to the yarn store
- Working on some knitting projects
Things to do after the New Year holiday (writing them here so I don't forget):
- Get new AZ driver license
- Sign up for childbirth class w/ Jeff
- Complete our baby registries (I've been putting this off because I HATE to shop)
- Pre-register at hospital where we plan for delivery
- Research for good pediatrician in our insurance network
- Side note: Egad, I'm becoming a responsible adult!!!!!!
- Write thank-you notes for Christmas gifts we received
- Make sure to send out those few remaining Christmas presents I haven't gotten yet to their recipients (again, I'm cutting myself some slack because I just moved; don't make me play the pregnancy card, too)
- Get together with Sharon
- Get together with Bekah
- Put together calendar and contact information
- Notify friends and family of new address and phone #
- Clean, simplify, organize our home
- Get our home set up for Fuzzy's arrival into the outer world
- Contact local school(s) regarding tutoring
- Spend time with Hobbes and Touchy so that they don't get a complex when Fuzzy shows up
Happy Christmas Days
Well, this is the fourth day of Christmas. Keep that jolly post-solstice cheer flowing! I've been busy in the past few days. I've been working on setting up the apartment (still), puttering around the house, hanging out with the cats, and occasionally leveling my various characters in WoW. Jeff went to Mt. Shasta on business travel on the morning of Dec 26, and was gone for a few days. So in the meantime, I have ended up taking an impromptu trip with Dan and Jennifer. I initially had not intended to go, when they invited me to hitch a ride with them to SoCal to see our family there. But Jeff reminded me that he would be working out of town, then working in-town, during the days (Dec 27-30) that I'd be gone, and ALSO, it is just about my last chance to just drop everything and go visit the fam on a spur-of-the-moment whim.
SoCal friends, I decided to come along late during the night before we left, so I didn't get a chance to contact you and make plans. I will call as many of you as I can, and see if I can work with Dan and Jennifer to meet up with you (I don't have a car to drive myself, so I'm dependent on them). We're staying with Mumsie Willow and Dad, and Mike is here, too, along with one of his nice friends from HMC (seriously, I almost always like Mike's college friends). We will see Mia and Tim on the weekend, when they've returned from visiting Tim's family in OR.
In other news: Yesterday before I left, I had another visit with the ob/gyn (it's lame, but in the final two months, I guess a pregnant woman has to have doctor visits every two weeks). The verdict is good: Both the baby (nicknamed Fuzzy) and I are in great health, my blood pressure is normal (120/70, when it is usually in the 90/60 range), my blood chemistry is fine, and my gestational diabetes test was negative.
Well, as far as Holidailies is concerned, there isn't much I've offered that is in tune with the festive holiday time. In the exchange of gifts, I must admit that my favorite present this year was Super Scrabble, from Jeff. I'm really looking forward to playing with friends and family.
SoCal friends, I decided to come along late during the night before we left, so I didn't get a chance to contact you and make plans. I will call as many of you as I can, and see if I can work with Dan and Jennifer to meet up with you (I don't have a car to drive myself, so I'm dependent on them). We're staying with Mumsie Willow and Dad, and Mike is here, too, along with one of his nice friends from HMC (seriously, I almost always like Mike's college friends). We will see Mia and Tim on the weekend, when they've returned from visiting Tim's family in OR.
In other news: Yesterday before I left, I had another visit with the ob/gyn (it's lame, but in the final two months, I guess a pregnant woman has to have doctor visits every two weeks). The verdict is good: Both the baby (nicknamed Fuzzy) and I are in great health, my blood pressure is normal (120/70, when it is usually in the 90/60 range), my blood chemistry is fine, and my gestational diabetes test was negative.
Well, as far as Holidailies is concerned, there isn't much I've offered that is in tune with the festive holiday time. In the exchange of gifts, I must admit that my favorite present this year was Super Scrabble, from Jeff. I'm really looking forward to playing with friends and family.
26 December 2007
Is it too soon to say "I told you so"?
Finally! Research has confirmed what I've been saying for years: Extreme low-carb diets can be very hazardous to your health!!
Of course, my dietary opinions are coming from a person whose motto could be "I never met a carb I didn't like." But still, I think it is intuitively obvious that it is unhealthy to eat an imbalanced diet of any kind. Our bodies were designed to subsist on certain types of fuel (carbohydrates, proteins, fats), in certain proportions, and severely cutting one's intake of any one of the three can only lead to bad things. Moderation in all things, I tell you!
Of course, my dietary opinions are coming from a person whose motto could be "I never met a carb I didn't like." But still, I think it is intuitively obvious that it is unhealthy to eat an imbalanced diet of any kind. Our bodies were designed to subsist on certain types of fuel (carbohydrates, proteins, fats), in certain proportions, and severely cutting one's intake of any one of the three can only lead to bad things. Moderation in all things, I tell you!
Employment Spam
One aspect of seeking gainful employment, in this day and age, is the searching through and logging into job websites such as CareerBuilder. This being the twenty-first century, many companies are doing recruiting and hiring almost exclusively online, so putting one's resume up is de rigueur and presumably useful. In my case, of course, it has gotten me nothing but spam, the majority of which is poorly written and moderately incomprehensible.
I don't really understand why anyone would generate spam with fake offers of employment. What is the payoff in that? I suppose they're just hoping that you'll follow their links, and either get some sort of virus or Trojan horse, or give them your e-mail address and more information about yourself. In any case, I just delete the spam, which is easy to spot anyway because (as I stated above) it is usually unfortunate and nonsensical.
On occasion, however, I have to stop and wonder at WHY people bother to send me certain "employment offers", because they are so outlandish and fake that it is obvious that the spambot neglected to actually troll my resume before generating the message.
For example, the other day, I received a message that included this:
"While looking through online resumes, yours caught my eye and I believe your background is what my client needs. X Gym is currently seeking a Personal Trainer, and I would like to invite you to apply for the position."
My readers who know me even a little bit will be very aware that my resume has NO MENTION of anything related to personal training or a gym. And I cannot believe that anyone with my background is what X Gym really needs. Unless X Gym has a business model centered around hiring personal trainers who are pudgy, lazy pregnant women who hate to exercise. In which case, X Gym is a lousy gym anyway, and not one with which I'd like to be associated at all.
I don't really understand why anyone would generate spam with fake offers of employment. What is the payoff in that? I suppose they're just hoping that you'll follow their links, and either get some sort of virus or Trojan horse, or give them your e-mail address and more information about yourself. In any case, I just delete the spam, which is easy to spot anyway because (as I stated above) it is usually unfortunate and nonsensical.
On occasion, however, I have to stop and wonder at WHY people bother to send me certain "employment offers", because they are so outlandish and fake that it is obvious that the spambot neglected to actually troll my resume before generating the message.
For example, the other day, I received a message that included this:
"While looking through online resumes, yours caught my eye and I believe your background is what my client needs. X Gym is currently seeking a Personal Trainer, and I would like to invite you to apply for the position."
My readers who know me even a little bit will be very aware that my resume has NO MENTION of anything related to personal training or a gym. And I cannot believe that anyone with my background is what X Gym really needs. Unless X Gym has a business model centered around hiring personal trainers who are pudgy, lazy pregnant women who hate to exercise. In which case, X Gym is a lousy gym anyway, and not one with which I'd like to be associated at all.
25 December 2007
23 December 2007
Good Stuff Galore
Futurama sends you Xmas cheer:
Haha, Robot Santa is funny. You have to see the Xmas episodes to understand.
Always call ahead:
This can't be embedded, but:
See a cute Christmas-themed Bones video set to music.
Haha, Robot Santa is funny. You have to see the Xmas episodes to understand.
Always call ahead:
This can't be embedded, but:
See a cute Christmas-themed Bones video set to music.
22 December 2007
More Good Stuff
Found this whilst trolling through Christmas-related videos on Youtube (I sort through Youtube so you don't have to).
More than half a century later, Eartha Kitt can still get whatever she wants from Santa. He's one of her biggest fans!
More than half a century later, Eartha Kitt can still get whatever she wants from Santa. He's one of her biggest fans!
Good Stuff 3
Your daily dose of Christmas cheer!
Yakko, Wakko, and Dot are their usual crazy selves, yet never irreverent. Their pageant of carols and popular songs manages to catch the joy and quirky humor of the Incarnation ("God? Coming to earth as a baby? A virgin, you say?"), without diluting the fact that the little child born in Bethlehem was unique and worthy of praise and worship.
21 December 2007
Good Stuff 2
The one and only Boney M, singing a lovely Christmas number in their distinctive style. This comes from one of my family's favorite Christmas albums. And please notice that where other women would look ridiculous, the ladies of Boney M simply look composed and gorgeous in their long white feathery/furry robe thingies. Impressive, indeed!
20 December 2007
Finally!
I finished reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, nearly five months after almost everyone else on the planet finished reading it. But no matter: I did read it, and it was pretty decent. I discovered that I had correctly predicted several key plot points related to the ending, which makes me wonder whether it was just really obvious to everybody or I happen to think the way J.K. Rowling does.
Now on to find my next reading project.
Now on to find my next reading project.
Interesting... or not
I talked with someone at a party last night. No, really. I had an actual conversation with someone I don't actually know.
Jeff and I went to his company's Christmas party, which was held basically outdoors, at the Phoenix Zoo. Now, Phoenix is warmer than, say, Chicago in December, but it still gets CHILLY at night. My friends and family know very well my aversion to anything even remotely resembling cold. Fortunately, the event planners had made certain that there were heaters in the seating area, and I plopped myself down right next to one. A bit later, one of Jeff's coworkers came in with his wife, and she plopped herself down on the other side of the heater. One or the other of us made some introductory remark, and we soon discovered that we share the same medical condition!
See, I'm not totally a singular and bizarre freak of nature. Though it is a rather rare condition, there are others who also have Raynaud's disease. We lose circulation in our extremities (usually hands and feet, but sometimes nose and ears, as well) very easily; we often wear gloves/mittens* and heavy socks to insulate our hands and feet; we also have to keep our entire bodies, particularly the bodies' cores, warm, to prevent blood from being mistakenly drawn from our extremities back to our vital organs. If we don't stay warm enough, we can get frostbite, in weather where other people might be comfortable wearing only a sweater. I myself have primary Raynaud's, which is more severe and is "stand-alone", i.e. not a secondary symptom of another disease or disorder.
Further chatting with this woman revealed that we share some other medical conditions, too: hypoglycemia and low blood pressure. I haven't found it in any literature (let's face it, nobody is handing out huge grants for Raynaud's research anyway), but I wonder if there is some sort of correlation. The low blood pressure thing makes sense: One mightn't have enough blood pressure to combat the constricting vessels and push the needed blood to extremities.
Well, it was nice to just hear from someone else who really understands what life is like, day in and day out, for me. Raynaud's is not like a major disease (e.g. polio) or a severe handicap, in that it doesn't really impact my life in an extreme way. I am mobile, and can function normally from day-to-day. Yet it really does impact my life in ways I don't always remember. For example, I make conscious choices about living in hotter, drier areas of the world; I might dream of doing brilliantly on the GRE and getting offered a fellowship at some big-name school back east, but realistically, health-wise, I'm not going to be able to live anywhere in a location that gets much more than slightly cold at any time of the year (so that pretty much leaves Hawaii, Florida, and the Southwest, which is where I currently reside). Air conditioning is literally a pain for me and can make me cry, and it's often an ordeal to just walk through a refrigerated aisle at the grocery store. I really don't wear short pants, or even many skirts or dresses, because they just don't keep me warm enough. I have to tote an extra wrap, plus gloves and hat, almost everywhere I go, so I'm always hauling around more stuff than I want. [I ought to carry a balanced snack, such as a protein bar, with me at all times, to combat blood sugar issues, but I've gotten lazy about that lately...] It's the little things that other people might not even notice, but they add up sometimes.
So I'm glad I met a fellow Raynaud's sufferer, even if it was just once at a company party. I'm glad that I was reassured that Phoenix really is a great place for people like us, as long as we can stay outside in the summer, to avoid the crazy air conditioning. If she's survived this long, there's hope for me, too.
*I believe that this is how Wendy first recognized me during our first year of college: I was "that weird girl who always wears gloves in class".
Jeff and I went to his company's Christmas party, which was held basically outdoors, at the Phoenix Zoo. Now, Phoenix is warmer than, say, Chicago in December, but it still gets CHILLY at night. My friends and family know very well my aversion to anything even remotely resembling cold. Fortunately, the event planners had made certain that there were heaters in the seating area, and I plopped myself down right next to one. A bit later, one of Jeff's coworkers came in with his wife, and she plopped herself down on the other side of the heater. One or the other of us made some introductory remark, and we soon discovered that we share the same medical condition!
See, I'm not totally a singular and bizarre freak of nature. Though it is a rather rare condition, there are others who also have Raynaud's disease. We lose circulation in our extremities (usually hands and feet, but sometimes nose and ears, as well) very easily; we often wear gloves/mittens* and heavy socks to insulate our hands and feet; we also have to keep our entire bodies, particularly the bodies' cores, warm, to prevent blood from being mistakenly drawn from our extremities back to our vital organs. If we don't stay warm enough, we can get frostbite, in weather where other people might be comfortable wearing only a sweater. I myself have primary Raynaud's, which is more severe and is "stand-alone", i.e. not a secondary symptom of another disease or disorder.
Further chatting with this woman revealed that we share some other medical conditions, too: hypoglycemia and low blood pressure. I haven't found it in any literature (let's face it, nobody is handing out huge grants for Raynaud's research anyway), but I wonder if there is some sort of correlation. The low blood pressure thing makes sense: One mightn't have enough blood pressure to combat the constricting vessels and push the needed blood to extremities.
Well, it was nice to just hear from someone else who really understands what life is like, day in and day out, for me. Raynaud's is not like a major disease (e.g. polio) or a severe handicap, in that it doesn't really impact my life in an extreme way. I am mobile, and can function normally from day-to-day. Yet it really does impact my life in ways I don't always remember. For example, I make conscious choices about living in hotter, drier areas of the world; I might dream of doing brilliantly on the GRE and getting offered a fellowship at some big-name school back east, but realistically, health-wise, I'm not going to be able to live anywhere in a location that gets much more than slightly cold at any time of the year (so that pretty much leaves Hawaii, Florida, and the Southwest, which is where I currently reside). Air conditioning is literally a pain for me and can make me cry, and it's often an ordeal to just walk through a refrigerated aisle at the grocery store. I really don't wear short pants, or even many skirts or dresses, because they just don't keep me warm enough. I have to tote an extra wrap, plus gloves and hat, almost everywhere I go, so I'm always hauling around more stuff than I want. [I ought to carry a balanced snack, such as a protein bar, with me at all times, to combat blood sugar issues, but I've gotten lazy about that lately...] It's the little things that other people might not even notice, but they add up sometimes.
So I'm glad I met a fellow Raynaud's sufferer, even if it was just once at a company party. I'm glad that I was reassured that Phoenix really is a great place for people like us, as long as we can stay outside in the summer, to avoid the crazy air conditioning. If she's survived this long, there's hope for me, too.
*I believe that this is how Wendy first recognized me during our first year of college: I was "that weird girl who always wears gloves in class".
19 December 2007
It Just Goes to Show
So, Britney Spears is a mess: a divorced single mom with (confirmed) custody problems, (sort of alleged) substance abuse problems, and an apparent inability to do anything correctly within the framework of the legal system.
Now, Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant and on her way to becoming a single teen mother.
It seems almost too easy to take a pot shot at their parents, since obviously something went wrong somewhere. It's even easier to snicker and say, "You can take the girl out of the trailer park, but you can't take the trailer park out of the girl."
But in defense of Britney and Jamie Lynn, I'd like to point out a very salient fact: Whether pregnant, drugged-up, being visited by social services, or just running around town looking trashy, neither of the Ms. Spears is on welfare. Thank you.
Now, Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant and on her way to becoming a single teen mother.
It seems almost too easy to take a pot shot at their parents, since obviously something went wrong somewhere. It's even easier to snicker and say, "You can take the girl out of the trailer park, but you can't take the trailer park out of the girl."
But in defense of Britney and Jamie Lynn, I'd like to point out a very salient fact: Whether pregnant, drugged-up, being visited by social services, or just running around town looking trashy, neither of the Ms. Spears is on welfare. Thank you.
17 December 2007
Christmas List Thoughts
I have made a list of things I'm getting for others, heavily peppered with questions marks for those people for whom I have no idea what to get. Yes, I'm a bit behind on the shopping and shipping, but cut me some slack--I've been a bit busy.
People have asked me what I want for Christmas, and I haven't had many good answers. I don't expect that too many folks are buying stuff, but just in case (and for my own memory-jogging), here's a little list with some ideas:
Weekly calendar / daily planner - one with nice pictures , to help me manage life
Monthly calendar - for planning and scheduling all our important activities as a family
Baby items - onesies, t-shirts, diaper starter kit, more diapers
Baby books - not sure exactly which ones, though
Baby food mill - something like this
[Yes, I guess there's a definite baby theme this year.]
Harry Potter books - we don't own any of the seven
New slippers - my current (Hello Kitty) ones are worn down at the heel
I can't really think of anything more, although I'm sure there is plenty more that I need.
People have asked me what I want for Christmas, and I haven't had many good answers. I don't expect that too many folks are buying stuff, but just in case (and for my own memory-jogging), here's a little list with some ideas:
Weekly calendar / daily planner - one with nice pictures , to help me manage life
Monthly calendar - for planning and scheduling all our important activities as a family
Baby items - onesies, t-shirts, diaper starter kit, more diapers
Baby books - not sure exactly which ones, though
Baby food mill - something like this
[Yes, I guess there's a definite baby theme this year.]
Harry Potter books - we don't own any of the seven
New slippers - my current (Hello Kitty) ones are worn down at the heel
I can't really think of anything more, although I'm sure there is plenty more that I need.
Linguistics
Twice in the past few weeks, I've had vivid dreams in which I am holding conversations in Bahasa Indonesia. It is said that when one dreams in a particular language, it is an indication of fluency. While I have been fluent in Bahasa Indonesia in the past, I haven't really used it for years, so I don't know from whence comes this sudden resurgence. Could the baby hormones be stirring up memories and confusing my brain?
Aneh sekali!
Aneh sekali!
ROFLMAO
Pardon the acronym, but I really had to post this homage to both Muppets and World of Warcraft.
PWN N00BS FTW
PWN N00BS FTW
16 December 2007
Keep Reading!
See? I said I would post more, and I've posted nearly every day, and when I haven't posted, I've tried to post multiple times on the days following, to make up for it.
I hope I haven't lost most of the few readers I had. Don't stop reading! I'll be more funny and interesting, I promise.
I put a poll in my upper left sidebar. Please vote!
I hope I haven't lost most of the few readers I had. Don't stop reading! I'll be more funny and interesting, I promise.
I put a poll in my upper left sidebar. Please vote!
...But where do the SKINNY women shop?
Yesterday, Jeff took me to Motherhood Maternity (which sells the only maternity clothing I have found to be acceptable) to get me a few more items of clothing, which were sorely needed at this point, because I can no longer fit into ANY of my pre-pregnancy clothes. We had budgeted for it, and it was nice to get cute clothes, even if I'll wear them for only a few more months. But our experience there had me wondering: "Where do really thin women buy maternity clothes?" I am not extremely slender--in fact, I'm just on the slim side of average. However, I wear size small trousers at Motherhood. I wear mostly small tops, too, although I have had to get a medium-sized sweater, thanks to some shifts in my weight distribution. So, basically, at 5'7" and 150 lbs, I am considered "small". And it's difficult to find clothes labeled with that essential S on any of the clothing racks (Maybe all the other "small" people got there before me?), but L and XL are plentiful.
Motherhood does carry petite sizes, of course, but anyone 5'5" or greater would be too tall for them.
Also of note: They do not carry brassieres, for maternity or nursing, in any size smaller than 34. Thus, any woman with a narrow back and/or small torso is probably out of luck.
So, the question remains: "Where do average-to-tall skinny women get their maternity clothes?"
Motherhood does carry petite sizes, of course, but anyone 5'5" or greater would be too tall for them.
Also of note: They do not carry brassieres, for maternity or nursing, in any size smaller than 34. Thus, any woman with a narrow back and/or small torso is probably out of luck.
So, the question remains: "Where do average-to-tall skinny women get their maternity clothes?"
Bah humbug 3!
One thing that many people really like about this festive solstice-related and often religiously-overtoned Christmas season is the proliferation of culturally valued "holiday movies" that are broadcast on all sorts of TV stations. I have no objection to many of such films, particularly if I haven't seen most of them. [Case in point: Apparently, Charlie Brown's Christmas is famous; I heard of it a few years ago, have yet to see it, and am still wondering if it is devoted to the exploration of the Great Snowball myth.] I like White Christmas as much as the next old movie buff, and my fondness for Meet Me in St. Louis is already well-documented. However, two films that I absolutely cannot stand are It's a Wonderful Life (No, Mr. Capra, it's not a wonderful life if I have to sit through this painful and misdirected movie during yet another year, Jimmy Stewart notwithstanding. How did it get any Oscar nominations, really?) and A Christmas Story (It's not charming or funny. It's just not. What are people smoking when they say they like this movie?). I can't tell if people actually watch these films because they are deluded enough to enjoy them, or if they just go through the motions annually, because they feel obligated due to some sort of participation in an undocumented but universally understood North American social ritual.
15 December 2007
Another Survey, non-Christmas
Mom sent this to me on e-mail, and rather than replying to it, I thought I'd post it here.
Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. software technician at Intel
2. lab assistant at Biola
3. rocket scientist
4. construction administration assistant
Four movies I've watched more than once:
1. It Happened One Night
2. UHF
3. Alexander's Ragtime Band
4. Legally Blonde
Four Places I've Lived
1. Sentani, Indonesia
2. Portland, OR
3. Wheaton, IL
4. Fullerton, CA
Four T.V. Shows I Watch:
1. Bones
2. Stargate SG-1
3. Charmed
4. Veronica Mars
Four Places I've Been:
1. Jakarta, Indonesia
2. Petra, Jordan
3. Thessaloniki, Greece
4. Tijuana, Mexico
Four People Who Email me regularly:
1. Spam originators
2. Mom
3. Jeff
4. Debbie
Four of my favorite foods:
1. fried rice
2. ice cream
3. fresh-baked apple pie
4. green guava
Four Places I'd rather be right now:
1. Darwin, Australia (never been there, but sure, why not?)
2. Santorini, Greece
3. Rome, Italy
4. Singapore
Four things I'm Looking forward to in 2008:
1. being a mom
2. improving in knitting and sewing
3. taking up dance again
4. living in the southwest desert
14 December 2007
Christmas Meme
Stolen from Wendy.
A Christmas Meme
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Gift bags: They appeal to my laziness but still look classy.
2. Real tree or artificial?
Artificial, to avoid trouble, needles in the carpet, fire hazard, etc.
3. When do you put up the tree?
Meh. Some years, never. Other years, mid-Decemberish.
4. When do you take the tree down?
Probably early January.
5. How/When did you find out about Santa?
What do you mean, "find out about Santa"? I can't remember when I first heard of Santa Claus. However, I always knew he wasn't real. I can't believe that anybody actually ever has believed that Santa Claus is real, but apparently, it is a consistent phenomenon in the Western world.
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Anne of Green Gables books, received when I was 9 and 10.
7. Do you have a Nativity scene?
Yes, but it's still packed.
8. Hardest person to buy for?
Everyone is difficult for me. I'm a terrible shopper and can never figure out what to get for anyone.
9. Easiest person to buy for?
No one. Everyone is difficult.
10. Worst Christmas Gift you ever received?
Can't think of any horrible presents. I've gotten a few inexplicable ones, like this weird purple stone and wire sculpture in the shape of a tree...
11. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Neither. I'm too lazy. Although I hope to change that.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Not technically, 100% a Christmas movie, but Meet Me In St. Louis. Best Christmas scene ever, best Christmas song ever coming from a movie.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
December.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Can't remember if I have. I don't think so.
15. Favorite things to eat at Christmas?
Cookies. Fudge. All the good things.
16. White lights or colored on the tree?
White on a dark green tree!
17. Favorite Christmas song?
I like a lot of Christmas songs, and one we don't sing nearly enough is "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus".
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
It depends on where I'd be traveling.
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?
No. But I can look it up on Google if I really need to know, and that's almost as good, right?
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Whatever. I have no preference. I seldom have a tree.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas morning. If I had it my way, we'd wait till the Feast of the Wise Men, but everyone else gets so impatient.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
See all my Bah humbug! posts.
23. What is the “silliest” family tradition you do, or miss doing?
The silliest thing we would do was "put milk and cookies out for Santa," because to the best of my knowledge none of us believed in Santa. It was just a fun, funny tradition. We also liked to leave a carrot out for Rudolph.
24. Ugliest Christmas decoration ever invented?
Big plastic snowmen and Santas with lights inside. Hideous!
25. Which looks best, theme trees or homey trees?
This question makes no sense. Isn't a homey tree a kind of theme tree? As in, the theme itself is "homey"?
26. Gingerbread or sugar cookies?
Sugar cookies, all the way.
27. Do you like Fruitcake?
No.
A Christmas Meme
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Gift bags: They appeal to my laziness but still look classy.
2. Real tree or artificial?
Artificial, to avoid trouble, needles in the carpet, fire hazard, etc.
3. When do you put up the tree?
Meh. Some years, never. Other years, mid-Decemberish.
4. When do you take the tree down?
Probably early January.
5. How/When did you find out about Santa?
What do you mean, "find out about Santa"? I can't remember when I first heard of Santa Claus. However, I always knew he wasn't real. I can't believe that anybody actually ever has believed that Santa Claus is real, but apparently, it is a consistent phenomenon in the Western world.
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Anne of Green Gables books, received when I was 9 and 10.
7. Do you have a Nativity scene?
Yes, but it's still packed.
8. Hardest person to buy for?
Everyone is difficult for me. I'm a terrible shopper and can never figure out what to get for anyone.
9. Easiest person to buy for?
No one. Everyone is difficult.
10. Worst Christmas Gift you ever received?
Can't think of any horrible presents. I've gotten a few inexplicable ones, like this weird purple stone and wire sculpture in the shape of a tree...
11. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Neither. I'm too lazy. Although I hope to change that.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Not technically, 100% a Christmas movie, but Meet Me In St. Louis. Best Christmas scene ever, best Christmas song ever coming from a movie.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
December.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Can't remember if I have. I don't think so.
15. Favorite things to eat at Christmas?
Cookies. Fudge. All the good things.
16. White lights or colored on the tree?
White on a dark green tree!
17. Favorite Christmas song?
I like a lot of Christmas songs, and one we don't sing nearly enough is "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus".
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
It depends on where I'd be traveling.
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?
No. But I can look it up on Google if I really need to know, and that's almost as good, right?
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Whatever. I have no preference. I seldom have a tree.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas morning. If I had it my way, we'd wait till the Feast of the Wise Men, but everyone else gets so impatient.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
See all my Bah humbug! posts.
23. What is the “silliest” family tradition you do, or miss doing?
The silliest thing we would do was "put milk and cookies out for Santa," because to the best of my knowledge none of us believed in Santa. It was just a fun, funny tradition. We also liked to leave a carrot out for Rudolph.
24. Ugliest Christmas decoration ever invented?
Big plastic snowmen and Santas with lights inside. Hideous!
25. Which looks best, theme trees or homey trees?
This question makes no sense. Isn't a homey tree a kind of theme tree? As in, the theme itself is "homey"?
26. Gingerbread or sugar cookies?
Sugar cookies, all the way.
27. Do you like Fruitcake?
No.
Guilteeeeeee!!!!!!
Murder in the First.
We can now go from stating that Larissa Schuster allegedly murdered her husband to simply saying that she is a convicted murderer.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22920701-5012748,00.html
Remember, whether you are an active agent in a murder, or simply an accomplice after the fact, hiding the victim's body in your rented storage locker is an idea that's all kinds of bad.
We can now go from stating that Larissa Schuster allegedly murdered her husband to simply saying that she is a convicted murderer.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22920701-5012748,00.html
Remember, whether you are an active agent in a murder, or simply an accomplice after the fact, hiding the victim's body in your rented storage locker is an idea that's all kinds of bad.
Bah humbug 2!
One thing I really enjoy about Christmas is the music. One might not immediately realize, as I do not have Christmas carols or solstice songs playing round the clock from Thanksgiving through the Feast of the Wise Men. However, I love singing the good old music, and listening to quality renditions of these songs.
One aspect of the Christmas musical tradition that I DETEST is one peculiar, I am afraid, to the North American Protestant Christian subculture. I HATE the ubiquitous Amy Grant Christmas album. I am not one to listen to Amy Grant in the first place, and then the poor woman's Christmas album has been overplayed, ad nauseum, since its inception in the late 1980s or early 1990s. I have been known to remark that the most effective and insidious torture that could ever be inflicted upon me would be to immerse my body in cold water while playing Amy Grant's Christmas album on repeat.
One aspect of the Christmas musical tradition that I DETEST is one peculiar, I am afraid, to the North American Protestant Christian subculture. I HATE the ubiquitous Amy Grant Christmas album. I am not one to listen to Amy Grant in the first place, and then the poor woman's Christmas album has been overplayed, ad nauseum, since its inception in the late 1980s or early 1990s. I have been known to remark that the most effective and insidious torture that could ever be inflicted upon me would be to immerse my body in cold water while playing Amy Grant's Christmas album on repeat.
12 December 2007
Rube Goldberg
Some people have WAY too much time on their hands.
I want to look away, but I can't...
I want to look away, but I can't...
Missed
So I missed another day of posting. Well, dear readers, I guess you'll have to take what you can get.
I am immersed in unpacking and organizing. So much to do! I can't imagine trying to do this while gainfully employed at the same time.
Let's see.
-The cats are pretty much completely adjusted by now. Now they both love sleeping on the bed with us. Hobbes sleeps at my feet (keeps them warm), and Touchy tucks into the crack between Jeff and me (I am trying to think of how to tactfully encourage him to move to another spot, since he could get squished). There's not really room for five in the bed, but oh, well.
-My ob/gyn visit yesterday gave me a lot of confidence. First of all, Jeff and I had considered finding a nurse midwife and/or birthing center, for a more low-key and natural (but not drug-free, oh no) birth experience. However, we discovered that none of the above are covered in our insurance network in the Phoenix area. Boo! But we found that we like the doctor we picked (I chose her solely because when I looked up my options, her office was closest to our apartment and she practices at the hospital closest to the apartment); she is competent, down-to-earth, and open to dialoguing with patients. We think we just might stick with her. Second of all, both the baby's and my vitals were pronounced to be good and healthy, so that was encouraging.
-Ultrasound and blood test scheduled for 1:30 pm tomorrow (this dr office does not lose any time, let me tell you).
-Have an appointment with OfficeTeam in Scottsdale for 4:00 pm tomorrow.
Still working on:
-Calling other employment possibilities.
-Calling schools about tutoring.
-Setting up kitchen and other rooms in the house.
I am immersed in unpacking and organizing. So much to do! I can't imagine trying to do this while gainfully employed at the same time.
Let's see.
-The cats are pretty much completely adjusted by now. Now they both love sleeping on the bed with us. Hobbes sleeps at my feet (keeps them warm), and Touchy tucks into the crack between Jeff and me (I am trying to think of how to tactfully encourage him to move to another spot, since he could get squished). There's not really room for five in the bed, but oh, well.
-My ob/gyn visit yesterday gave me a lot of confidence. First of all, Jeff and I had considered finding a nurse midwife and/or birthing center, for a more low-key and natural (but not drug-free, oh no) birth experience. However, we discovered that none of the above are covered in our insurance network in the Phoenix area. Boo! But we found that we like the doctor we picked (I chose her solely because when I looked up my options, her office was closest to our apartment and she practices at the hospital closest to the apartment); she is competent, down-to-earth, and open to dialoguing with patients. We think we just might stick with her. Second of all, both the baby's and my vitals were pronounced to be good and healthy, so that was encouraging.
-Ultrasound and blood test scheduled for 1:30 pm tomorrow (this dr office does not lose any time, let me tell you).
-Have an appointment with OfficeTeam in Scottsdale for 4:00 pm tomorrow.
Still working on:
-Calling other employment possibilities.
-Calling schools about tutoring.
-Setting up kitchen and other rooms in the house.
10 December 2007
Arrived
I was trying to post every day of December, in the spirit of Holidailies. However, I have to think that there can be a teensy bit of grace extended to people who put posting on hold for a weekend while packing up and moving to another state.
Yes, I survived, and so did the cats. The move was accomplished due primarily to my parents (who gave up two weekends to come help pack and clean), Jeff's parents (who helped me so much that it would be impossible to list everything that they did, and who have been as good to me as any human beings can be to another), many helpful young Tulare County homeschoolers (names unlisted to protect their underaged identities), and some people whose names I do not even know who volunteered their time to load the truck on Friday afternoon (while I was still working).
Jeff flew in on a redeye flight Saturday morning; it wasn't supposed to be a redeye, but it kept getting delayed. Jerry volunteered to pick Jeff up at the airport so that I could sleep. Rob and Candace had (Jeff's brother and sister-in-law) had driven up from Whittier the night before, so we all met up at Mimi's for Rosalee's birthday breakfast later on Saturday morning, then finished packing and loading up the final miscellaneous items. Then we figured out how to fit two human adults and two (unhappy) cats in pet carriers into the cab of the truck. and were off. I didn't think I would be emotional about leaving, but I cried a little bit.
The drive was long and bumpy, but we survived, and with only three stops (Gorman, Ontario, Blythe). Jeff had the harder part, as he had to handle the driving. I just sat there and tried to shift positions every so often, to keep my back and legs from cramping up. We enjoyed listening to KFI AM 640 when we were driving through the LA area. It's hard to find good talk radio that we both like. The worst part of the drive, by far, was dealing with the cats. I was terribly worried about them, and Jeff said it stressed him out to have me fussing about them all the time. I tried to relax. Touchy was such a good little traveler, overall. He mewed a few times, but then just huddled down in his cage and was quiet, although he did seem to look out of the window while it was still light. Hobbes, however, was loudly miserable. Mrow mrow mrow! I would talk to him and put my hand down by his carrier, so that he would know I was there, and that seemed to help. Eventually, he must have just given up hope, since he was mostly quiet during the latter half of the trip. I offered them water and comfort when we stopped for our breaks, but they were too traumatized for anything. They are resilient, however, because within 15 minutes of being introduced to their new home, they were cautiously nosing around, and within an hour or so, they were frisking about and exploring with perfect ease. Neither of them seems to hold a grudge.
Yesterday (Sunday), there was the big task of unloading the truck. Fortunately, we had great help from Sam and Mel and Dan and Jennifer. Everything got unloaded and into the apartment. Jeff said, "We have too much stuff!" Yes. Yes, we do. It won't happen overnight, but we are on our way to simplifying our lives!
I am working on setting up the kitchen today, as well looking at some other tasks. On the agenda for the rest of the week: going to the ob/gyn (we'll let you know if we have an ultrasound that provides us with the sex of the baby), finishing unpacking, getting into a good schedule with Jeff in our new home, calling OfficeTeam (for whom I have worked in the past, and who have done a great job placing me in employment, so far), calling other potential employers, contacting schools in the area to find out about tutoring, and seeing about re-establishing myself in WoW.
Yes, I survived, and so did the cats. The move was accomplished due primarily to my parents (who gave up two weekends to come help pack and clean), Jeff's parents (who helped me so much that it would be impossible to list everything that they did, and who have been as good to me as any human beings can be to another), many helpful young Tulare County homeschoolers (names unlisted to protect their underaged identities), and some people whose names I do not even know who volunteered their time to load the truck on Friday afternoon (while I was still working).
Jeff flew in on a redeye flight Saturday morning; it wasn't supposed to be a redeye, but it kept getting delayed. Jerry volunteered to pick Jeff up at the airport so that I could sleep. Rob and Candace had (Jeff's brother and sister-in-law) had driven up from Whittier the night before, so we all met up at Mimi's for Rosalee's birthday breakfast later on Saturday morning, then finished packing and loading up the final miscellaneous items. Then we figured out how to fit two human adults and two (unhappy) cats in pet carriers into the cab of the truck. and were off. I didn't think I would be emotional about leaving, but I cried a little bit.
The drive was long and bumpy, but we survived, and with only three stops (Gorman, Ontario, Blythe). Jeff had the harder part, as he had to handle the driving. I just sat there and tried to shift positions every so often, to keep my back and legs from cramping up. We enjoyed listening to KFI AM 640 when we were driving through the LA area. It's hard to find good talk radio that we both like. The worst part of the drive, by far, was dealing with the cats. I was terribly worried about them, and Jeff said it stressed him out to have me fussing about them all the time. I tried to relax. Touchy was such a good little traveler, overall. He mewed a few times, but then just huddled down in his cage and was quiet, although he did seem to look out of the window while it was still light. Hobbes, however, was loudly miserable. Mrow mrow mrow! I would talk to him and put my hand down by his carrier, so that he would know I was there, and that seemed to help. Eventually, he must have just given up hope, since he was mostly quiet during the latter half of the trip. I offered them water and comfort when we stopped for our breaks, but they were too traumatized for anything. They are resilient, however, because within 15 minutes of being introduced to their new home, they were cautiously nosing around, and within an hour or so, they were frisking about and exploring with perfect ease. Neither of them seems to hold a grudge.
Yesterday (Sunday), there was the big task of unloading the truck. Fortunately, we had great help from Sam and Mel and Dan and Jennifer. Everything got unloaded and into the apartment. Jeff said, "We have too much stuff!" Yes. Yes, we do. It won't happen overnight, but we are on our way to simplifying our lives!
I am working on setting up the kitchen today, as well looking at some other tasks. On the agenda for the rest of the week: going to the ob/gyn (we'll let you know if we have an ultrasound that provides us with the sex of the baby), finishing unpacking, getting into a good schedule with Jeff in our new home, calling OfficeTeam (for whom I have worked in the past, and who have done a great job placing me in employment, so far), calling other potential employers, contacting schools in the area to find out about tutoring, and seeing about re-establishing myself in WoW.
07 December 2007
Bah humbug!
Not to dampen the solstice-related, holiday good cheer, but you know what I really hate about this season of the year? Salvation Army bell-ringers. They should be banned from all public places.
Your jingle bells are not festive, people. The constant jangling gets on my nerves. And then, after irritating me and at least two of my five senses (because the tacky red aprons are also an affront to aesthetic decency), you have the nerve to want me to give you money in your little buckets. MONEY? If you want money for the Salvation Army, get a freaking job like the rest of us!
Your jingle bells are not festive, people. The constant jangling gets on my nerves. And then, after irritating me and at least two of my five senses (because the tacky red aprons are also an affront to aesthetic decency), you have the nerve to want me to give you money in your little buckets. MONEY? If you want money for the Salvation Army, get a freaking job like the rest of us!
06 December 2007
Countdown
In just three days, I will be an actual resident of Phoenix, AZ! I'll be moving my possessions into my new apartment, just in time to feel as though I ought to be decorating for the holidays. So hard to believe, and it doesn't seem real.
I will also be sans employment, again. *sigh* I think I'll be looking for some temp work to fill time, as it will be difficult to find a permanent job in the next few months, thanks to (1) the holidays and (2) my now-obvious impending lack of availability. My preference, and my prayer, is to be able to work part-time from home. I know, it's everybody's dream, right? But I would really like to find several hours per week of tutoring, that I can do before and after the baby comes. Believe it or not, I am very good at what I do, and thriving communities always need excellent math and science tutors. Do you hear that, Phoenix?! I tutor MATH (kindergarten-level through first-year calculus)!! I can also do all core subjects, plus standardized test prep, but math seems to be most highly desired. *ahem* A little self-promotion never hurts, right? Click here to contact me for an appointment.
Currently, aside from the logistics of loading our worldly possessions into the moving van and then driving several hundred miles, our greatest concern is how to transport Touchy and Hobbes, without scaring or traumatizing them to death and also without going crazy ourselves. The kitties do NOT like traveling, AT ALL. They have been moved in cars before, though never so far as from Visalia to Phoenix, and they have always made it clear that they hate, loathe, and abominate moving. =^.^= My poor furry babies!
I will also be sans employment, again. *sigh* I think I'll be looking for some temp work to fill time, as it will be difficult to find a permanent job in the next few months, thanks to (1) the holidays and (2) my now-obvious impending lack of availability. My preference, and my prayer, is to be able to work part-time from home. I know, it's everybody's dream, right? But I would really like to find several hours per week of tutoring, that I can do before and after the baby comes. Believe it or not, I am very good at what I do, and thriving communities always need excellent math and science tutors. Do you hear that, Phoenix?! I tutor MATH (kindergarten-level through first-year calculus)!! I can also do all core subjects, plus standardized test prep, but math seems to be most highly desired. *ahem* A little self-promotion never hurts, right? Click here to contact me for an appointment.
Currently, aside from the logistics of loading our worldly possessions into the moving van and then driving several hundred miles, our greatest concern is how to transport Touchy and Hobbes, without scaring or traumatizing them to death and also without going crazy ourselves. The kitties do NOT like traveling, AT ALL. They have been moved in cars before, though never so far as from Visalia to Phoenix, and they have always made it clear that they hate, loathe, and abominate moving. =^.^= My poor furry babies!
04 December 2007
Photographic evidence
This sweater is the famous Mommy Snug, made by Willow (the premiere designer/creator of custom knitted goods) over at Willow's Cottage.When I first put it on, I said, "Oh, no!! This sweater is no good. It makes me look dumpy and pear-shaped!" It took only a few seconds before reality hit me upside the head, and I said, "Wait a minute, it's not the sweater's fault. I'm pregnant. I AM dumpy and pear-shaped!" The sweater is actually very flattering, and the color (selected by Willow) is perfect for me, although you can't see that as well, this picture having been taken at night in artificial light.
The picture was taken by Debbie in her living room, and Hobbes, usually camera-shy, makes a cameo appearance.
Frustrations
I'm having technical difficulties with my laptop.
It makes it difficult to post. I'm still trying to update daily, though.
It makes it difficult to post. I'm still trying to update daily, though.
02 December 2007
Putting the X in Christmas
The sermon this morning was entitled "Get Thee Behind Me Santa" (sic). It was slightly muddled, and Debbie and I spent time after church discussing it, trying to figure out exactly what the pastor's point had been. We eventually concluded that he was really trying to convey, "Don't get all bent out of shape about the world supposedly taking the Christ out of Christmas until you make sure there is clearly a Christ in the Christian of your own life."
Debbie and I had some long talks about which of the traditional Christmas activities are mere cultural trappings (answer: most, and often with pagan origins), and which ones actually have anything to do with the birth of Christ (answer: almost none). If I see a sign advertising "Xmas Trees", why should it bother me? I don't care if people remove mention of the Christ child in their commercialization of a fir tree that is totally irrelevant to Jesus the Anointed Messiah. In fact, I'd prefer it. Feel free to leave Christ (who was probably not even born on or near December 25) out of your decorative traditions drawn from various ancient Europeans practices of pagan celebration of the winter solstice.
Please note: I am not against participation in culturally relevant festivities, even those with pagan origins. I am fully in support of having a good, solid festive atmosphere, celebrating the arrival of the winter solstice, leading to a new year while remembering the bounty of the old, etc. etc. etc. I am just opposed to the conflation of such traditions with the celebration of the commemorative holy Christ Mass. The pagan and Christian celebrations can (and do) happen simultaneously, and we need only to take care to distinguish between what is sacred and what is secular (which is not to say, bad), so that we as Christians can lead balanced lives of spiritual and intellectual integrity. It's okay, nay even good, to go a-wassailing, if you know what such activity does and does not entail, and if you are comfortable with the spirit that you are representing in your activity. You can accept that humans participate in human activities together, and embrace that aspect of God's creation of humankind. And you can know what it means that from darkness came a great Light, and a Child was born who is the Savior for all humanity, if we will accept Him. If there is Christ in you as a Christian, then your life will offer worship at a Christ Mass that lasts all year long, not just on one day. And you can feel free to light a menorah for Hanukkah, burn a Yule log or hang holly, pretend to believe in Santa, or do... well, whatever it is that people do for Kwanzaa, because your heart is right with God and you can enjoy all His good gifts to His people.
And that is why I don't mind if a non-Christian celebrates Xmas instead of Christmas, or refers only to "the holidays". After all, it's only natural that he would be seeing only the human side of the party season. It is not our duty as Christians to press such a person with criticisms and accusations about something he doesn't even recognize. Rather, we should present him with an invitation to go to the heavenly party, as well as displaying to him a clear reason why he would want to join us. Show an unbeliever Christ, with actions and words.
Debbie and I had some long talks about which of the traditional Christmas activities are mere cultural trappings (answer: most, and often with pagan origins), and which ones actually have anything to do with the birth of Christ (answer: almost none). If I see a sign advertising "Xmas Trees", why should it bother me? I don't care if people remove mention of the Christ child in their commercialization of a fir tree that is totally irrelevant to Jesus the Anointed Messiah. In fact, I'd prefer it. Feel free to leave Christ (who was probably not even born on or near December 25) out of your decorative traditions drawn from various ancient Europeans practices of pagan celebration of the winter solstice.
Please note: I am not against participation in culturally relevant festivities, even those with pagan origins. I am fully in support of having a good, solid festive atmosphere, celebrating the arrival of the winter solstice, leading to a new year while remembering the bounty of the old, etc. etc. etc. I am just opposed to the conflation of such traditions with the celebration of the commemorative holy Christ Mass. The pagan and Christian celebrations can (and do) happen simultaneously, and we need only to take care to distinguish between what is sacred and what is secular (which is not to say, bad), so that we as Christians can lead balanced lives of spiritual and intellectual integrity. It's okay, nay even good, to go a-wassailing, if you know what such activity does and does not entail, and if you are comfortable with the spirit that you are representing in your activity. You can accept that humans participate in human activities together, and embrace that aspect of God's creation of humankind. And you can know what it means that from darkness came a great Light, and a Child was born who is the Savior for all humanity, if we will accept Him. If there is Christ in you as a Christian, then your life will offer worship at a Christ Mass that lasts all year long, not just on one day. And you can feel free to light a menorah for Hanukkah, burn a Yule log or hang holly, pretend to believe in Santa, or do... well, whatever it is that people do for Kwanzaa, because your heart is right with God and you can enjoy all His good gifts to His people.
And that is why I don't mind if a non-Christian celebrates Xmas instead of Christmas, or refers only to "the holidays". After all, it's only natural that he would be seeing only the human side of the party season. It is not our duty as Christians to press such a person with criticisms and accusations about something he doesn't even recognize. Rather, we should present him with an invitation to go to the heavenly party, as well as displaying to him a clear reason why he would want to join us. Show an unbeliever Christ, with actions and words.
More Papuan pictures, just because
West Papua is a gorgeous tropical paradise, with palmy beaches of snow-white sand, exotic coral reefs, and lush vegetation.
There are rugged mountains and rolling hills, such as these around Lake Sentani.
Most people live in villages (kampung-kampung) in remote areas.
Some live high above the jungle floor, in tree houses or houses on stilts.
These people are often fierce, proud warriors who follow the way of life their ancestors experienced for thousands of years. A fair number of them are cannibals (or ex-cannibals, more recently), such as the famous Asmat of the south coast.
There are rugged mountains and rolling hills, such as these around Lake Sentani.
Most people live in villages (kampung-kampung) in remote areas.
Some live high above the jungle floor, in tree houses or houses on stilts.
These people are often fierce, proud warriors who follow the way of life their ancestors experienced for thousands of years. A fair number of them are cannibals (or ex-cannibals, more recently), such as the famous Asmat of the south coast.
1 December
Today has been widely celebrated as World AIDS Day.
It is less widely known that this is the day celebrated as West Papuan Independence Day. Curiously enough, Papua has not yet gained independence, but that does not hinder many Papuans from celebrating anyway. There have been flag-raisings, both in Papua and at various embassies around the globe, and repercussions have followed. In the interest of being cautious but a teensy bit political, I can safely raise the Morning Star here on my blog to show my support of my people on the other side of the planet.
It is less widely known that this is the day celebrated as West Papuan Independence Day. Curiously enough, Papua has not yet gained independence, but that does not hinder many Papuans from celebrating anyway. There have been flag-raisings, both in Papua and at various embassies around the globe, and repercussions have followed. In the interest of being cautious but a teensy bit political, I can safely raise the Morning Star here on my blog to show my support of my people on the other side of the planet.
01 December 2007
Times They Are A-Changin'
Well, dear readers (if I have any readers left), you may have noticed that I have been VERY inconsistent about blogging during the past few months. And even more unforgiveable: I've been boring.
Well, readers, I have been occupied with many things of much importance. I've been gainfully employed, of course, with my construction administration job at the Medium-sized Consulting Architecture and Engineering Company (MCAEC), and that has been fun, and I've enjoyed learning about the construction industry as part of a full-service architectural firm. I try to keep my employers anonymous, for their sake as well as my own, but I will say that this particular company is classy and professional, and they're really good at what they do. I've had some great coworkers, and none of my bosses are psycho, nor is there any probability that ethical scandals will land our company on the front pages of newspapers and threaten our stock values (for one thing, the MCAEC is not a publicly traded company anyway). With all my satisfaction with the work and the people, it's sad that I have to move on from there.
As most of you are aware, Jeff was placed for work in Phoenix, AZ. We've spent almost all of our time apart for more than two months, due to this circumstance, and it's been really difficult, but now the time has come for us to finalize a move to Phoenix. Yes, we're really almost there! In one week, we'll be all moved and starting to settle into the desert. Many thanks to my parents and Jeff's parents, who have really helped us in so many ways to pack and get the house ready. I'm just ready to be done with it now.
One thing that has kept me super-busy is yet another changing circumstance in our lives. Again, most of my readers already know, but for those who have not yet heard: Believe it or not, we are expecting a baby! I've not posted it on my blog for a few reasons. First of all, I'm paranoid. It's my first pregnancy, and I know of many people who have lost babies even several months along, and I just didn't want to be publishing it for the internet to read, and then having to write and report a miscarriage or something. And second, I really do not want to be one of those women who is obsessed with her pregnancy ("OH, MY GOSH. I'm PREGNANT! It's all about ME! And it's like NOBODY has ever been PREGNANT before.") and thinks everyone needs to hear all about it for more than nine months. Yes, I'm having a baby. And billions of women have had babies before. Anyway, Baby is due mid-February, and it has been an adventure for the past few months. It really is such a strange thing to grow another human being inside your own body. Yes, it is like having a parasite (I've had enough parasitic diseases to speak with authority on this matter). Also, I am pretty much huge by now. I might post some pictures, if I overcome my self-consciousness.
The prospect of me being a parent is amusing, of course, for those who know me and my attitude toward children in general (they should be seen and not heard, and preferably not anywhere close to me), but I expect that I'll gain some affection for my own child. If nothing else, becoming a mother will teach me a lot and lead me to become more Christ-like (I hope). All of our friends and families are so supportive and excited. It is the first grandchild on both sides, and one of the first babies in my group of friends. [Sherida, of course, has just had her little Caleb, and Amanda is going to have her baby just a little before me!]
I'm planning to post more regularly (finally!), and life will actually become easier when I'm living in Arizona with my husband, so I might have good things to write again.
Well, readers, I have been occupied with many things of much importance. I've been gainfully employed, of course, with my construction administration job at the Medium-sized Consulting Architecture and Engineering Company (MCAEC), and that has been fun, and I've enjoyed learning about the construction industry as part of a full-service architectural firm. I try to keep my employers anonymous, for their sake as well as my own, but I will say that this particular company is classy and professional, and they're really good at what they do. I've had some great coworkers, and none of my bosses are psycho, nor is there any probability that ethical scandals will land our company on the front pages of newspapers and threaten our stock values (for one thing, the MCAEC is not a publicly traded company anyway). With all my satisfaction with the work and the people, it's sad that I have to move on from there.
As most of you are aware, Jeff was placed for work in Phoenix, AZ. We've spent almost all of our time apart for more than two months, due to this circumstance, and it's been really difficult, but now the time has come for us to finalize a move to Phoenix. Yes, we're really almost there! In one week, we'll be all moved and starting to settle into the desert. Many thanks to my parents and Jeff's parents, who have really helped us in so many ways to pack and get the house ready. I'm just ready to be done with it now.
One thing that has kept me super-busy is yet another changing circumstance in our lives. Again, most of my readers already know, but for those who have not yet heard: Believe it or not, we are expecting a baby! I've not posted it on my blog for a few reasons. First of all, I'm paranoid. It's my first pregnancy, and I know of many people who have lost babies even several months along, and I just didn't want to be publishing it for the internet to read, and then having to write and report a miscarriage or something. And second, I really do not want to be one of those women who is obsessed with her pregnancy ("OH, MY GOSH. I'm PREGNANT! It's all about ME! And it's like NOBODY has ever been PREGNANT before.") and thinks everyone needs to hear all about it for more than nine months. Yes, I'm having a baby. And billions of women have had babies before. Anyway, Baby is due mid-February, and it has been an adventure for the past few months. It really is such a strange thing to grow another human being inside your own body. Yes, it is like having a parasite (I've had enough parasitic diseases to speak with authority on this matter). Also, I am pretty much huge by now. I might post some pictures, if I overcome my self-consciousness.
The prospect of me being a parent is amusing, of course, for those who know me and my attitude toward children in general (they should be seen and not heard, and preferably not anywhere close to me), but I expect that I'll gain some affection for my own child. If nothing else, becoming a mother will teach me a lot and lead me to become more Christ-like (I hope). All of our friends and families are so supportive and excited. It is the first grandchild on both sides, and one of the first babies in my group of friends. [Sherida, of course, has just had her little Caleb, and Amanda is going to have her baby just a little before me!]
I'm planning to post more regularly (finally!), and life will actually become easier when I'm living in Arizona with my husband, so I might have good things to write again.
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