Another reason why my mother in law is a jerk

Okay, I know some of you hear my regular complaints about my mother in law in private emails. But I just have to share this one publicly.

Obama came to Japan on Saturday, and Lauren, as chair of Democrats Abroad Japan, negotiated some tickets for a few DAJ officers and members to attend the speech. We were 7 rows back, front and center from his podium, and he even addressed us in his speech by pointing to our section and saying, "There are even a few Americans in the crowd." You all know I'm not very sentimental, and we've all met famous people in our line of work, but I have to say, the whole thing was pretty cool. When I came home, Tim was on the phone with Molly and he told her all about my experiences. I don't know what her reaction was, probably nothing since Tim didn't say anything to me. But today, I get this email, an invitation that she received last year--no explanation, no words at all, just the attachment. And you have to know that since this summer's debacle, Molly and I have not corresponded by email. So this is the first email I get from her since this summer.

She's so petty. How did Tim turn out to be so great, I wonder?

So I know some of you have similar relationships with your mother in law. Care to share? Any one have a good relationship?

Linda

Public Porn

I just read an article in the Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/11/AR2009111127404.html?wpisrc=newsletter) about people watching porn in public places on their laptops and iphones and such. The article mentioned that it is so prevalent on subways, in airplanes, and in libraries! I have to ask you all if you have encountered that kind of thing and what you did? If you haven't encountered it, what do you think about it? Read the article if you want to see how some people handled it.

I don't know. Not that long ago, someone I used to work with sent me a link to a porno site and asked if I thought the girl in the pink teddy looked like me. I'm not a prude, but I was sooo put off by that. First, why would someone ask me to watch that? Second, are they getting off on the idea that I may be watching a porno video? And what did they expect me to say? Yeah, that's me, I used to do porn; yeah, that does look like me, so now you can think of me whenever you watch this; no, it doesn't look like me, and why are you thinking of me when you are watching porn? I told Tim about it and we agreed that I wouldn't even respond to that person's email or any subsequent emails. It is just inappropriate, so how much more inappropriate is it to watch that in a public place.

Linda

Pre-Race Prep

I just finished off a big plate of pasta and bread, along with my 12th 16-ounce glass of water of the day. I've spent most of the last 24 hours mentally and physically (or, really, organizationally) preparing for tomorrow's running of the Marine Corps Marathon. This will be my 7th marathon in as many years, but I am a nervous wreck. Probably just as nervous as I was the night before my first race. (At least this time I don't have bronchitis to contend with and I'm not in a different time zone.)

Yesterday afternoon I headed to the DC Convention Center for "packet pickup" to get my race # (I'm 16929), my timing tag, a (very ugly) MCM shirt, and all sorts of other things that the race sponsors threw into the goodie bags. I also purchased a great running shirt that says "I know I run like a girl. Try to keep up." I can't wait to wear it! The pre-race expo was really great - there was an energy and excitement that really got me pumped. It made me realize that, after months of training, it's really race time. There was also fun stuff to do - sampling free beer (in the name of carb-loading, of course) - and see - more running gear and equipment than you've ever seen anywhere. My favorite thing this year (other than my shirt) was a pair of toe socks. Shoeless running is apparently really taking off, so you wear these socks instead of just going barefoot. I'm skeptical, but I'm hoping to see someone on the course tomorrow with them on. Especially the rainbow striped ones! (Last time I ran this race I did meet a barefoot runner who told me he's never worn running shoes and runs a marathon every weekend. Perhaps there's something to it...)

I started today by gathering all my gear for tomorrow. And, boy, is there a lot! I've got the stuff I'll wear to run, plus sweats to wear to the race since it'll be cool tomorrow morning, gloves just in case, power food for breakfast and along the course, Body Glide to prevent chafing, Gatorade, gum, Band Aids, Advil, and flip flops for the way home. I always tell people that one of the reasons I love running is that you don't need a lot of equipment. Today made me question that rationale!

After getting my gear together, I was still a bundle of nervous energy. I set out to distract myself. I cleaned and did laundry, grocery shopped, went out for a protein-and carb-filled brunch, reorganized a closet, took my trash and recycling out a day early, cleaned the cats' litter box, and even ordered a couple Christmas gifts.

I plan to turn in early tonight since I have to get up before 5:00 tomorrow for the race. I just hope I can sleep. I've already mentally run the race about a dozen times today and have gone through every possible scenario of what could go wrong - I get a flat tire on the way to the start, I wake up sick, my hip (which has been giving me trouble) locks up, I lose my way along the course, I collapse and die from a heart attack which happened three times over in last weekend's Detroit Marathon. Yikes.

I'm sure the race will be great and even though (because of my hip) I've pretty much given up setting a personal record, I am still really excited. I can't wait for the gun to go off tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. and set off on another 26.2 mile journey with 30,000 other people who, like me, have just one goal - to finish.

It Really Does Take a Village

While I was at home today, I heard some odd noises in my carport, then Sparky started barking. Before I could get to the window to see what was up, I heard a little, weak voice at my door saying, "Sensei." That's teacher in Japanese, and it was one of my students who is about 7 years old. He said he had fallen on his way home from school and showed me his injuries on his hand and his knee. I had to look really close to see anything, but sure enough, in both places there was a little scratch; no blood, and the skin barely broken, but I sat him down with Sparky, ran to the back of the house for neosporin and bandaids, then fixed him up.

The reason this is such a cute story, though, is because his house is about 5 minutes from mine, but my house, I guess, was the first one where he knows someone, so he stopped here for a quick fix. Tim says this is the perfect example of how we are living the "It Takes a Village" life here. And this is the second time this has happened, although the last time, the girl really had fallen and cut herself. I really like that the kids feel so comfortable with us that they see us as being just another part of the community. You may all take that for granted, but as a foreigner here, we aren't always so welcome. At least the kids and their moms have embraced us.

Linda

Don't you love, love, love this time of year?

I am soooooo happy that fall is here. Right now, the sun is shining, the sky is crystal, the leaves are starting to turn, I am not sweating, and I feel energized.

On top of that, Halloween is almost here (my favorite holiday), I'm working on a haunted house for my English students (and loving it) and planning for the other events coming up. And except for the fact that I have a cold, I don't feel tired. IN fact, I feel like I could do more, more, more!!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this time of year.

What do you think of David Letterman's situation?

What do you think of the scandal? I have always liked Letterman but thought the announcement was a bit weird. The audience obviously thought he was kidding. There hasn't been any mention of when he had sex with these women. I assume it was while he was married or it wouldn't be such a big deal. Or, maybe he pressured an employee(s) to have sex. The news reports seem to focus on the simple fact that there was sex. Anyone else think that's strange?

Sue

P.S. Last time I tried to post it appeared as someone else's post. Perhaps we're using the same password. I'm not listed as an author and don't know how to be.

So its September, what's on your list?

Ok, I admit it, I'm a list person- I have the big in my lifetime list, the this year list, the this week list and the today list. Oh, and of course, there are two sets of these lists- personal and business.
So my personal list (abridged somewhat lest I make you guys way too bored) for September through December.
1. Finish writing my online and face to face to classes for Wilmington University.
2. Lose 5 pounds- I've given up thinking I'll lose what I really need to lose, right now I'll settle for five freaking pounds.
3. Plan trip to Florida - bless my horse trimmers heart she and her husband are going to let Gerry and I use their Orlando, FL condo the week after Xmas and they are only going to charge us peanuts, so it will be a relaxing vacation that won't break the bank.
4. Ride, ride, ride - find more time to ride.
5. Figure out a way to do Xmas without spending three months getting ready- there has got to be an easier way, would love some ideas.
6. Try to carve out some time to spend in the studio- I've got so many ideas for new jewelry designs and no time to try executing them.

OK, ladies, that's my list, what's on yours?

Is Anybody Out There?

I can't believe the summer is almost over. And I can't believe how much has happened this summer--good and bad. In fact, I've thought about three times a week of things I wanted to write here, then didn't. I guess the rest of you are like that, too, huh? Well, now that summer is almost over and I'm getting back to a regular schedule of some sort, I'm going to try to post here more regularly.

For starters, here is how my August went.

1) Returned from the States on the 5th, said good bye to Tim on the 6th. Okay, maybe you all already know this kind of thing, but I'm slower than the rest of you. I really missed my husband this summer. Of course I've always loved Tim, but for the first time, I understand what people mean when a spouse dies and they say there is a hole in their lives as a result. In the 16 years of our marriage, Tim and I have never been separated for more than a day or two. It was weird Whenever something happened, he wasn't here to tell, when I read something of interest, he wasn't there to share it with, we didn't have our long discussions about politics or kids or work or whatever, he wasn't around to make us laugh, and he wasn't here to hook up the computer to the TV! There was literally something missing in my life, but it didn't have the permanency with it that a death or divorce would entail, so it was like being in limbo. And then, when he came back, everything just fit back into place. It was a real eye-opener for me.

2) I had another fight. This time with some jerk involved with Democrats Abroad. Maybe it was because of my trip home and all the emotions that went with going through some old papers that included the emails, memos and missives that Jeff and I sent back to each other, but when this guy with DAJ started acting like a jerk and making accusations, I just latched on and went after him. Maybe I over reacted, and quite honestly, most of you don't even know what I'm writing about, but the details don't matter, because the thing that bothers me is that I, once again, got involved in a fight/discussion with someone that was not that important. I always say that when someone (like Molly) always has similar relationship problems or recurring fights with someone, then that person should look to themselves to see how they are causing and/or contributing to the problem. Well, that means me, too. Tim always tells to be a duck, let it roll off, and that is a good philosophy, but when I feel something is unfair or just wrong, I can't do that. This guy wrote to a bunch of people insinuating that I and some other members involved in DAJ were acting unfair, undemocratically and unethically. It sounds like something that needed a response, and had he sent it to our membership, then it probably would have required a response. But it was to a small group of people, in the overall scheme of things, it wasn't that important, but at the time, I couldn't let it go. Not because I was offended or angry, but because it was just wrong and I hate passive aggressive people who insinuate and imply things and dirty a situation with negative, subtle undertones. I guess that is why I hate Molly so much. So the real question is, did I take out on that guy all the frustration and negative emotions that I brought back to Japan from my stay with Molly? The simple answer would be yes, but then since I often jump at the same bait, I'm not sure the answer is so simple. Anyway, maybe this is all a little too personal for this kind of blog, but thanks for letting rant/vent. You should have heard my internal discussions two weeks ago--they were NOT so reasonable or logical.

3) All kinds of weird things have happened to me this month. I got a weird, weird, weird, sexually suggestive email from a person who I admire and respect but who is a work contact, and I still don't know how to respond to this. I waited until Tim got home, but now I'm afraid to talk to Tim about it because he knows this person. I found out that a friend of mine, who broke his neck two years ago actually did it by crashing his head through the wall of his apartment and then he had to lay there, with his head in the wall and unable to call for help, for 26 hours until someone stopped by to see why he wasn't answering his phone. Another person who I don't know that well ask me for a lot of money. My leg still hurts...

4) Enough of the bad stuff. On the plus side, I soooooooo enjoyed seeing my friends again this summer. You all have a life full of each other and your dear friends, but it really meant so much to me to be able to spend time, even of only a few hours, with all of you. It's the thing that helped me get through all the other crap that happened while back home. Laura and I had a wonderful time together doing girly things, I started a new hobby of making beads I'm uploading pictures of them next time), and Laura and I are hooked on Project Runway. We saw Tim Gunn on the Daily Show a couple of weeks ago and checked out season 1. We just finished season 2 last night, and I don't know if we'll have time to watch anymore, but it was a fun thing for us to do together. And I was elected again to be Secretary of Democrats Abroad Japan. Those things don't have as much to write about, but they are the things that daily life is made up of, and the things that we'll remember much longer than the bad stuff.

Linda

Earthquakes and typhoons

I don't usually have long term trouble with jet lag, but I've been home now for a week and am still not sleeping properly. I've been waking up at 4/4:30 every day, and since I'm wide awake, I just get out of bed. Laura has been having a hard time falling to sleep, but the little devil sleeps until 9 or 10 in the morning.

So, since I've been home, we've had two earthquakes and a typhoon. The epicenter of one earthquake was just about 20 miles from our area so it was felt pretty strongly. Have any of you felt an earthquake? It is a weird feeling. I get a momentary rush of adrenalin, then depending on the strength of the quake, either sit still and wonder if I'm going to have to rush to a doorway or I immediately rush to a doorway. The kids always seem to be asleep when we experience a quake, so then I worry about whether I'll be able to get to them in the case of a severe quake. Yesterday, morning, I was sitting in my undies, so then I had the added worry about whether there were any clothes nearby to jump into in case the quake was severe. Anyway, all of that is the mental part. Then, it is a freaky feeling to have your house shaking. If you live in a high rise, I imagine it must be an awful feeling to see everything swaying so much. My legs get wobbly and stay that way for about a half hour after the quake stops. And my brain feels the same way after a short quake (yesterday's was about 20 seconds, the night before about 10) as it does after an afternoon of sailing. In other words, I feel like the ground is still moving.

Before I moved to Japan, I always wondered how people could live in a place that has such frequent quakes, where they know that it is inevitable that they will someday experience a big one. But now that we live here, I realize that you don't even think about it until it happens. I mean, we may think about the possibility of a quake when we put breakable items out on a shelf, or when moving furniture to make sure heavy things aren't over the bed or anything, but otherwise. I never think or worry about the possibility of a big quake. Even after the earthquakes, as soon as the physical symptoms disappear, I don't think of them anymore.

How about you all? For those of you who live in Japan, do you worry about them? Has anyone else experienced a big quake or natural disaster that upset you mentally and disturbed you physically?

Linda

Sorry to Be Absent

work on the wine bar and catering kitchen continue!

here- take a look at our new logo. We are going for art-deco 1920's-30's Japan.

More about siblings

I was talking with Jocelyn the other day about sibling relationships. We were talking about how our parents handled or didn't handle sibling rivalry and how that may have affected our later relationships with our siblings. This is important to me because my parents, as I recall, never really stopped me from teasing my sister, and didn't really talk to me about respecting my younger sister. And to this day, I don't have a close relationship at all with my sister. I can't help but think that my disrespecting her when we were young has had some impact on how we relate to each other as adults, and maybe even how she relates to people she does have relationships with.

Because of my own experiences, Tim and I try really hard to talk to our kids about their treatment of each other. Despite years of talking about it, there isn't any visible difference in their behavior to each other, but Jocelyn said she thinks it will make a difference later in life.

I'm curious what you all think about this. Did your parents leave you all to work it out for yourselves or did they try to explain how respect for each other is important because it will affect future relationships with each other and those you love? Do you feel there is a relationship between how your parents handled your arguing with siblings and your current relationship with them? Do you think that the way your parents handled sibling rivalry has had any impact on how your love and friendship relationships have gone?

Linda

Insomnia

Over the last 10+ years, I have suffered from bouts of insomnia. Sometimes episodes are triggered by stress but other times - like now - I have no idea what brings them on. I'm busy but not stressed at work, I'm looking forward to vacation in just over a week, I've been working out like mad (marathon training does that to you!), and eating well. No clue why I can't sleep.

I used to lie in bed, tossing and turning and waiting to fall back to sleep but after years of experience I've learned to get up and try to do something productive. So tonight (this morning, actually) I decided to post to the blog!

Anyone else out there deal with sleeplessness? And if so, how do you cope?

(Interesting side note - I was searching for an image to use with this post and almost all of the images I found under "insomnia" or "insomniac" were of men. And yet all of the insomniacs I know are women.)

Cookbooks

I am looking for some new cookbooks as we plan the wine bar menu. Anyone have any favorites or seen anything good. We are especially looking for some nice tapas and appetizer type books. Thoughts?

I am enjoying "Surreal Gourmet Bites" a fun one, but a bit too short.

Happy 4th of July

A happy and safe holiday to one and all. What are your plans for the day?

Michael Jackson

Yes, Michael Jackson is all over the place right now, and I don't usually care enough when a celebrity dies to write about it, but the death of Michael Jackson is so surprising and shocking to me that I can't help myself.

I mean, Michael Jackson has been part of my life ever since I can remember. I remember watching the Jackson 5 on TV, listening to their music when growing up, the movie Ben (about the killer rat) was the first movie I ever saw in a theater, you can't not like some of his music and it was huge when I was in my 20s and listening to music, his videos were amazing, his sense of style was memorable and influential, he has been a constant source of entertainment to the media and so whether you actively followed his controversies and face changes or not, you couldn't avoid knowing about them. He was kind of like smoke in the sense that there is a source of the smoke, but even if you weren't near that source, you still sense it and smell it and something of it lingers long after the smoke has actually cleared.

So how about you all? Does this have any meaning to you other than just a famous person dying?

Linda

Your Thoughts on the Perfect Wine Bar

Not sure I have told anyone here but Linda, but I am starting a new company. And now, as a part of that endeavor, it looks like I'll be running an evening wine bar on a nice little street with restaurants and other eating places. So, my question to you fabulous ladies is-- if you wanted to go out for a nice glass of wine or cocktail and enjoy it in a good atmosphere- what would you be looking for? What makes you happy in that kind of spot? What is the feeling you want to come away with? Thanks in advance for your ideas.

View from a Balcony

A couple of months ago I thought about entering a flash-fiction contest. Your work had to either start or include the phrase "the view from the balcony." This is what I wrote, but I got busy, forgot about the contest and never sent it in. So this will never see the light of day anywhere except this blog, but at least my friends will get to see it. 

She was lost, but the view from the balcony showed her the way out. A shaft of sunshine sliced through the roiling clouds that had just dumped their burden and temporarily halted her journey. It pointed to a spot just below the balcony, as if suggesting, when the time came, she begin her journey there. It was a good place: a cobblestone path lined with flowers that had only minutes before drooped from thirst and the weight of their dust shrouds. Now, they glistened with crystal water droplets that, pierced by the sunlight, tossed rainbows of confetti onto the cobblestone path, as if celebrating her decision to leave.

With the storm now over, rivulets of rainwater streamed away from the flowers, flowing through the cracks that divided the cobblestones, outlining the various paths that she might take. Below her apartment, a neighbor’s window opened. Voices and laughter drifted up to her and floated around her head, teasing her with their happiness, before soaring skywards on their own journey. Would she be able to catch up with them, she wondered? Perhaps if she hurried.

A breeze kicked up scents of dust, age, and death that sullied the moment of rebirth that the storm had brought. She sighed, resigned. When even your dreams of hope were weighted down by reality, it was time to go. She gazed skywards and whispered to the happy voices: "Wait for me. Please."

She lifted her face to the breeze and let it cool her hot trail of tears. She found the sunlit spot on the path, bent her knees, and jumped. She had been lost, but the view from the balcony showed her the way out. The darkening rivulets of red coursing through the cracks between the bricks indicated that her journey had begun.

Linda

blood donation

The local blood bank is in need of O negative, it's universal. So I sign up. While they are asking me my entire life history the guy in the next cubicle starts moaning, then throwing up, repeatedly (a lot.) Poor guy was taken away by paramedics just as they say, "Ms. Frost, we're ready for you."

Needless to say this hindered recruiting Gary as a blood donor possibly forever. He saw the whole thing from the lobby in horror.

The strange thing is, the way everyone responded, or didn't. Everyone just keep on doing what they were doing like no one was having a crisis. Kind of odd don't you think?

A Fascinating article about our Education System

I think of all of us on this blog, except maybe Sue, are involved with education in some way--either now or in the past. Here is an article that is absolutely fascinating, and I think it mirrors some of what Trish was saying in her blog about the narcissism epidemic.

http://www.truthout.org/052809EDA

My favorite part of the article is this:

"If you view education in purely instrumental terms as a way to a higher-paying job - if it's merely a mechanism for mass customization within a marketplace of ephemeral consumer goods - you've effectively given a free pass to the prevailing machinery of power and those who run it."

Linda

Sisters and Brothers

My oldest sister is very ill and I'll be going to visit her in Seattle so I won't be posting again for a while. My other two sisters will be joining me there, and it is very likely the last time the four of us will be together. Without going into too much detail, I admit to very, very mixed emotions about this trip and seeing my sisters. I wish things were easier for my sisters and me. The loyalty and support that other siblings seem to enjoy has always been kind of elusive for us and that makes me terribly sad. What about you and your brothers and sisters? Great relationships or awful?

Guess what I did this week...?

I tore my calf muscle while doing aerobics. Am walking for the next two weeks on crutches, but am STILL teaching yoga. I had a blast today. I sat in a chair with wheels and rolled around helping my students do their yoga. It was kind of fun. I hate the f**%$ing crutches, though, because they hurt my hands. Plus, Tim laughed at me for the first two days until I figured out how to walk on them right.

Do you have any idea how much it hurts to tear your calf muscle? I can't even move my ankle without searing pain. Okay, it wasn't as bad as the pain I felt when my ribs punctured my lung after a car accident, but that pain went away after I got to hospital and was treated. This hurts all the friggin' time, plus I have the added pain of the crutches on my ribs and my hand and the blisters on my hand too.

So how about you all. What was your worst injury?

Linda

Celebrations continued, kind of....

As he always does, Gerry woke me up Wednesday morning to say good-bye before leaving for work. He changed the routine up a tad however, by having the nerve to ask me a question- (come on now, he knows I need a solid 45 minutes of silence in which to wander around the house aimlessly before I'm capable of speech!) still, he asks me, "Do you know what day it is?" My groggy mind fumbles around and then it hits me, it's our anniversary. Year 26 to be exact.

Somewhere around year 12 or 15 we stopped exchanging presents, around year 18 or 20 we were still exchanging cards and having a dinner out, but in the last couple of years the card and dinner thing have kind of crept out the door. We seem to be busier now than ever and happier. Truth is, I've never been much for this whole official celebration thing -be it birthday, wedding or whathaveyou. Does it tell you something about me that Halloween is my favorite holiday --no gifts- just cool decorations and candy!!! and costumes!!!!! I have way more Halloween decorations than I do Christmas ones.)

So share with me, how you "do" special event days - major extravaganza or barely notice?

A clarification about forgetting Byron's age

I realized after writing this that even though you all know me reasonably well, you may not understand why I forgot how old my own flesh and blood son is. I have this odd quirk that I can't remember people's ages--even my own. Every time someone asks how old I am, and for some reason that happens more than I'd like, I have to calculate my age. It's the same with my anniversary. It's so bad that I went through my mid life crisis twice because for half a year, I was depressed about turning 40, and then my friend Kathy reminded me in one of our infrequent email conversations that I was only 39 that year! So then, I had to be bummed out for another year!

So, it isn't that I'm THAT bad of a mother/wife/friend. It's just some mental block. I think it is because I still feel 25, and it is mentally impossible for me to reconcile myself being middle aged and having 14 and 11 (?) year old kids and being married for some number of years ( I'll have to ask Tim to give you a specific number on that anniversary thing).

Linda

Every Day is an Adventure

A couple of years ago, I started writing a book called Every Day is an Adventure about the crazy things that happen to us as a family here in Japan. I gave it up, but there are still a few things that are worth writing about so friends and family back home can get an idea of how different things are here, and for those living in Japan to commiserate with. Here are a couple of things that happened this week.

1) We spent our Japanese stimulus money on a new dishwasher--pictured above. Yeah, that's a dishwasher. It sits on our countertop, holds 5 plates, 6 glasses and a few odds and ends. Having a dishwasher is a luxury here, mainly because the kitchens are so small that there isn't enough space to put even this miniscule dishwasher. We are lucky in our perfect and beautiful house because we actually have counter space, but I figure those of you back home will get a laugh at the size of it compared to your own.

2) Byron and I had an argument about the quality of food I prepare for breakfast and dinner, so I made him cook for a whole day. We went together to the grocery store, and the check out lady, who usually sees me alone, asked if he was my son and then commented on how tall Byron is. Being my chatty Cathy self, I answered, "Yes, and he is only 13." Of course, Byron has been 14 since January 16th, so when he corrected me, I said, "I mean 14." Motherhood is the primary responsibility of women in Japan; women so often give up their work in order to stay home with their children until the children are all in school, so the idea that a mother doesn't know how old her children are is unheard of. When I corrected myself, there was only possible reason that I would forget my own child's age. Her response: "Oh, Happy Birthday! Are you having a party?" I didn't realize why this woman thought it was Byron's birthday, so I naturally answered honestly. "It's not his birthday, I just forgot his age." It is one of only two times that I've witnessed the true feelings of confusion or disbelief cross a Japanese person's face before they caught themselves. Byron, of course, was mortified.

The other time a person couldn't hid their true feelings? I met the mother of one of Laura's friends at the gym on her first day there. A couple of days later, I met her again and asked her if her muscles hurt? The poor woman looked so confused and at a loss for words, she just smiled weakly, nodded and walked away. I realized too late that I had used the wrong word. The word for muscle is kinniku. I had said ninniku, which means garlic. Does your garlic hurt?

Linda

Morning People vs. Night People

This is what I look like in the morning- kid you not.
not.a.morning.person.
You?

What are your favorite non-political, non-work-related websites? One of my favorites is galaxyzoo.org. You get to identify galaxies, and it is really hard. I keep worrying that I'll mis-categorize the galaxies I'm given, but then, I guess that isn't too important in the overall scheme of billions of galaxies.

Linda

Alas, I don't like summer

I grew up in Louisiana, so summer, to me, means humidity, sweat, and mosquitoes. And recently that means killer mosquitoes in Louisiana, complete with West Nile Virus. Right now, I'm living in Japan, and I'm trying to gear up for the same routine. My summer memories are of finding ways to stay cool. (This summer, I'll be escaping to the UK.) When I was a child, my mother dropped us off at the community pool when it opened and picked us up when it closed. We were living in a small town in North Louisiana--Ringgold--and we knew everyone at the pool. Of course, these were the 1960s, so that meant "everyone" was white. As soon as integration hit this small, bigoted town, the pool closed rather than admitting blacks. We moved back to South Louisiana around that time, so I have no personal memories of dealing with the pool's closing, but I feel a general sense of loss for how poorly that town dealt with--and is still dealing with--racial integration.

And now I'll offer the terrifying grasp of the obvious: writing is such a process of discovery! When I began this, I thought I'd be talking about humidity, sweat, and killer mosquitoes. I wound up talking about racial tensions in a North Louisiana town. Who knew!

An answer to Lauren's blog

Lauren asked: What says summer to you? What plants and flowers do you like?

Summer to me is clover. It brings back memories of running barefoot through the field where the neighborhood kids played all summer long. I think we went the whole two months of summer break without wearing shoes, and those little flowers were always present. They would get stuck between our toes, we would get stung by the bees, we'd make bracelets from them, and shoot the flower heads at each other. The bank along the river just behind our house is full of them right now, and even the bees are there. No one plays there like we did in our field, but I walk Sparky along this bank every day, and even though it is spring and the weather is perfect, I think of those summers past whenever we go there.

I like lots of flowers, but these are the only kind that really bring back fond memories. I never had a problem with dandelions, but I remember my mom hated them and always made we kids pull them out of her garden. It was surprising to me the first time (as an adult) that I learned you can eat them.
Linda

Embarrassing albums: What are your most shameful musical secrets?

Read the following article and then add to the list below!

http://music-mix.ew.com/2009/05/embarrassing-al.html?cnn=yes

Here are the 5 most embarrassing albums I've owned (to date, anyway):

1. Styx - Paradise Theater - Becky Burrows gave this to me for my birthday in 6th grade
2. Kenny Rogers' Greatest Hits - I purchased this in high school and my girlfriends and I used to belt out "Lucille" and "You Were a Good Friend" as we cruised around town in my super-cool Colt Vista.
3. New Edition - New Edition - I had this on tape. And I still know all the lyrics to "Cool It Now."
4. Wham! - Make It Big - Who didn't love "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go"?
5. Huey Lewis and the News - Sports

Summer is Coming

It is just the beginning of May, but I saw my first dandelion today (the little guy in the picture above) and that means summer is just around the corner. I know these happy little flowers are just weeds (edible ones at that) but they are cheery and speak to me of indefatigable life-- pushing through the sidewalk cracks, growing on the little league field, peeping out around any untended corner. They make me happy.

What says summer to you? What plants and flowers do you like?

Are We in a Narcissism Epidemic?

I read this article on Newsweek's site and it really resonated with me. I'm wondering if anyone else can relate? As a preview, here's my favorite line:

"Treating the whole world as if it works for you doesn't suggest you're special, it means you're an ass."

Generation Me
A new book says we're in a narcissism epidemic. Why you're not so special.

By Raina Kelley | NEWSWEEK

Growing up, my literary heroines were those who, like me, struggled to be good: Jo from "Little Women," Harriet the spy, Laura Ingalls and Pippi Longstocking. A strong-willed (and loud) child, I craved examples of unruly knuckleheads tethered to a loving family that encouraged us to be our best selves despite our natural inclinations. Precocious but naive, I thought of myself as an ugly duckling—misunderstood in my youth but destined for a beauty and stature completely impossible for my loved ones to comprehend. I shudder to think what a monster I would have become in the modern child-rearing era. Gorged on a diet of grade inflation, constant praise and materialistic entitlement, I probably would have succumbed to a life of heedless self- indulgence.

Perhaps, one day, we will say that the recession saved us from a parenting ethos that churns out ego-addled spoiled brats. And though it is too soon to tell if our economic free fall will cure America of its sense of economic privilege, it has made it much harder to get the money together to give our kids six-figure sweet-16 parties and plastic surgery for graduation presents, all in the name of "self esteem." And that's a good thing, because as Jean Twenge and W. Keith Campbell point out in their excellent book "The Narcissism Epidemic," released last week, we've built up the confidence of our kids, but in that process, we've created a generation of hot-house flowers puffed with a disproportionate sense of self-worth (the definition of narcissism) and without the resiliency skills they need when Mommy and Daddy can't fix something.

Indeed, when Twenge addressed students at Southern Connecticut State University a couple weeks back, their generation's narcissism was taken as a given by her audience. The fact that nearly 10 percent of 20-somethings have already experienced symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder, compared with just over 3 percent of the 65-and-over set? Not surprising. That 30 percent of college students agree with the statement: "If I show up to every class, I deserve at least a B"? Didn't get much of a rise either. When they're faced with the straight-out question—do you agree with this research, that you guys are the most narcissistic generation ever—there are uniform head nods and knowing grins to each other. "At the end of the day I love me and I don't think that's wrong," says Sharise Tucker, a 21-year-old senior at Southern Connecticut State, a self-professed narcissist. "I don't think it's a problem, having most people love themselves. I love me."

But as Twenge goes on to illustrate, all that narcissism is a problem that can range from the discourteous—residential advisers at Southern lament students disregarding curfews, playing dance music until 3 a.m., demanding new room assignments at a moment's notice and failing to understand why professors won't let them make up an exam they were too hung over to take—to the disastrous—failed marriages, abusive working environments and billion-dollar Ponzi schemes. Seems that the flip side of all that confidence isn't prodigious success but antisocial behavior.

Armed with a steady influx of trophies just for showing up, "I Am Special" coloring books and princess parties, it is hard for kids to understand why an abundance of ego might be bad for them. Hot off their own rebellions in the late '60s, my parents struggled to give me the freedom to be me while also teaching me generosity, compassion and humility. I didn't make it easy on them. I was the kind of kid who threatened to drink Drano if asked to load the dishwasher. "Don't get cocky, kid," was the response from my dad when I declared my grades too good for my behavior to be monitored. "Pretty girls are a dime a dozen," my mother would remind me when I came up with the brilliant idea that school was getting in the way of my social life. My mom would also trot out fables to keep me in check. Ever read the original ending to Cinderella? The evil stepsisters get their eyes plucked out by pigeons and end up beggars. But it worked, mostly, and "Don't believe your own bulls––t" became my mantra. Of course, I still hate to be told what to do, dislike following rules and will waste hours trying to get out of the simplest household task; but hey, I'm a work in progress.

But no matter how you were raised, the handiest cure for narcissism used to be life. Whether through fate, circumstances or moral imperative, our culture kept hubris in check. Now, we encourage it. Pastors preach of a Jesus that wants us to be rich. The famously egocentric wide receiver Terrell Owens declares at a press conference that being labeled selfish is fine with him. Donald Trump names everything he owns after himself and calls his detractors "losers." We live in a world where everyone can be a star—if only on YouTube. The general sense among students on that New Haven campus is that with the world being such a competitive, cutthroat place, they have to be narcissists. Well, you may need a supersize ego to win "America's Next Top Model" or to justify your multimillion dollar bonus. But last I checked, most of our lives don't require all that attitude. Treating the whole world as if it works for you doesn't suggest you're special, it means you're an ass. As an antidote to a skyrocketing self-worth, Twenge recommends humility, evaluating yourself more accurately, mindfulness and putting others first. Such values may seem quaint, maybe even self-defeating, to those of us who think we're special, but trust me: it gets easier with practice.

With Sarah Kliff

© 2009

Does anyone else have this problem?

You know what I did today? I had a list of things to get done, and most of them required a little time and effort--like doing my bookkeeping for the business, sewing more eye pillows for my students, vacuuming the house,etc--but they absolutely have to get done. So what did I do? Answered a couple of emails (not a real priority), searched my photo library (to post here becasue Lauren asked in her post about Obama's dog to see a photo of my dog), boiled some eggs (definitely not a priority), and designed an evaluation form for my high school, which wasn't even on my list of things to do because it isn't in any way a priority and it isn't my job to do it. I just happened to think of it this morning when in the shower.

This happens to me all the time. I will get emails from friends, and because it takes a little time and effort, I'll put it off until I have some free time. Yeah, right. Months go by, the emails get buried further and further down in my mailbox, then when I'm cleaning out my emails, I realize I never answered. BUT, I'll answer unimportant emails quickly because it takes only a moment of my time.

But what is really the problem is that I end up with a list of things that all require time, and then I feel overwhelmed that there is so much to do.

Sue will most likely have a litany of ways to organize myself and my day to avoid this, but I actually know already what those things are. Do it when it comes in to avoid a huge inbox pile. I know what to do, I just don't do it.

Does anyone else have this problem?

Linda

Break out the Butter, Cheese, and Wine

It turns out that low saturated fat as a way of reducing heart disease is not supported by scientific evidence. AT ALL. none. nadda. nothing.

The notion that low fat high carb is good is exactly the opposite of reality as many of us foodies have long suspected.

there is a new study out which leads to the following conclusion;

Taken as a whole, I think the findings of this systematic review can be summarised as follows: a low fat, high carb diet is bad for the heart. And, again, a close inspection of the science gives us no reason at all to cut back on saturated fat.

References: 1. Mente A, et al. A Systematic Review of the Evidence Supporting a Causal Link Between Dietary Factors and Coronary Heart Disease. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(7):659-669. DrBriffa.com

In fact if you want to reduce your risk of heart disease- the list of positives is pretty much opposite from what most of us have been told for decades.

fat good (except for the evil manufactured trans-fat) vitamins E and C, Fish esp. salmon and other omega-3 fatty fishes, fruits, veggies, whole grains, fiber, nuts and wine!

Anyone want to join me in a baguette, some creamy cheeses and a good burgundy? YUM

crossposted from my life- and political blog www.fightingliberals.com

What Not to Wear...to Work

I am continually amazed at the things people will wear to work. I know lots of workplaces have casual dress these days and I wholeheartedly embrace that. But, come on, folks, there are certain things you should never wear to work. On my commute this morning I saw the following...



1) Crocs - great for gardening, not for work
2) 99 cent drugstore flip flops with a suit - is it only in DC where this look is so 'in'?
3) Ripped pantyhose - I'm not talking one tiny run, I'm talking several huge holes and runs on both legs. There's no way this woman didn't notice.
4) Ripped jeans
5) Tank tops with bra straps hanging out - That is never a good look and particularly not in an office (especially when it's 50 and raining).
6) A beer t-shirt

Surprises and Disasters, Angels and Enemies

Some short sketches from my online writing class this month.

Surprises;
Surprise! I look at this as a positive- happy surprise happily unexpected happenings. My friend is a bit of pessimist-- and to her- Surprises are usually bad news. Surprises are something to be worried over-- dreaded. I find it hard to put myself in her shoes. I am not sure why she is like this-- she has had some bad news in her life, we all have. But she's had some wonderful surprises too.


Disasters;
I live in japan where the real chance of a major earthquake is a real daily possibility. It informs how buildings are built, how your dishes are stored, how you react to even incidental shaking -- like when a heavy truck passes by. I come from a place where this is not a common thing, and even after years living in Japan I can't really adjust.


Weirdoes;
My friends and I are weirdoes. We are proudly strange. And we recognize and make space for others of our tribe. Weirdoes unite! Austin, Texas has a great city slogan. "Keep Austin Weird!" I love it. I think there are infinite lessons to be learned from infinite diversity.

Enemies;
Sometimes I am too direct. Too pushy. Too opinionated. It gets me in trouble. And it makes enemies where I least expect them. There is a woman on the board of my women's group with me-- she's taken my outspoken opinions as a reason for a pitched battle. It is exhausting. But I don't want to be one of those people who hides what I am thinking. Shouldn't I be able to tell her what I think without her taking it as a measure of her self worth?

Angels;
My better angels are the little lessons I can play in my head. Like downloadable video, given to me by my mom, grandmom, friends, and family. Little lessons I've learned from them or with them as we travel through life. Like a library of positive youtube videos that I can play whenever I want. (except with better resolution).

Dreams;
I have so many dreams- so many aspirations. I hope I can achieve even 10% of my dreams. It would be a life well lived. If I had a room of my own-- an office or play space-- I would make the walls all made of blackboards and I would write all of my dreams all over them in different colored chalk. Adding and filling in my whole environment with my dream ideas and projects. Creating a constant reminder of what really matters to me.

Help! I need questions to ask Kevin Spacey and others

I have an opportunity to go to the Common Wealth Awards banquet at the Hotel Du Pont (Delaware) in a week. The 2009 Common Wealth Awards of Distinguished Service will honor four world-renowned individuals at a special ceremony in Wilmington, Delaware. This year's recipients, who will share a prize of $200,000 will appear at a press conference.

Honorees will be available as a group for media questions and photographs during the press conference. he awards are given to:

-Kevin Spacey, Academy Award-winning actor and artistic director of London’s Old Vic Theatre Company, for Dramatic Arts

· Doris Kearns Goodwin, presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, for Mass Communications
· Col. Buzz Aldrin, USAF (Ret.), Sc.D., legendary astronaut and lunar explorer, for Science
· Don DeLillo, preeminent American novelist and a leading figure of postmodern literature, for Literature
Five journalists/free lancers from the Delaware Press Association are given the chance to ask questions and I get to be one of them.

Now I need to come up with some worthy questions.

Any ideas?

Sue

Bo-Bama And Doggie Envy

There is study after study that indicates that having a pet- and especially having a dog helps people reduce their stress, lowers blood pressure, and creates happy and relaxed thinking. So I think it is GREAT that our new president and First Family have a new dog.

I LOVE this photo of President Obama and the new first dog. What a joyous shot. They are clearly already bonding. And he (the president I mean) looks positively buoyant- his feet are not even touching the ground as he races down the hall! How totally cute.

One of the things I am sad about in my life-- is not having a dog. We had a dog in my family from when I was born-- straight through to when I moved to Japan- and I have been dogless for 11 years now. It is a sad state of affairs but my lifestyle and small small small apartment won't allow for a pooch- esp. since I like mid to large sized dogs. I am left then to live vicariously through the doggies of others. And through LOL dogs of course.

Tricia's answers

What did you eat for Easter dinner and where? Homemade whole wheat pasta with pesto and tomatoes and fresh baked bread

What is the most recent movie that you have seen? Mamma Mia

Where were you born? Dallas, TX

Name three places where you have lived: Dallas, TX; Roanoke, VA; Arnold, MD

Have you ever been in a car accident (explain briefly, if answer is yes). Yes, a couple. Two when I was growing up (one with my mom - we slid on an icy street and were part of a 15 car pile up; one with my dad - some guy ran a light and hit us). Luckily, neither was very serious. I was in one other of my own doing - a woman stalled in front of me and I ran into her. I was only going about 10 MPH and did no damage to her car, but she sued me anyway, claiming pain and suffering. She lost.

What is your favorite day of the week and why? Sunday. I usually have all my errands and chores done by the afternoon and have time to spend by myself, doing whatever I want.

What is your favorite flower? Daisy

What is your favorite sport to watch? Football or golf. The Master's last weekend was great!

What is your favorite ice cream? I'm not a huge ice cream fan, but I guess Rocky Road is my fave.

Have you ever been on a ship? Yes.

How many times did you fail your driver's test? Once. My mom watched the whole thing and couldn't figure out what I did wrong. The tester's claim that I hit a cone parallel parking was, according to my mother, incorrect. She contends that he failed me because I was the first test of the day and he was grumpy. Whatever the reason, I went back the next day - in the afternoon - and passed with flying colors.

What do you do when you are bored? I am rarely bored, but I guess I'd say I read or take the dog for a walk.

Park or Zoo? Definitely the park.

Pearls or diamonds? Neither these days, but in high school I never went anywhere without my strand of pearls!

Beach or Mountains? I like both, but would probably pick beach before mountains.

How spicy do you like your food (1= not spicy, 5= get the fire extinguisher)? 5+++

Do you have pets? If so, what kind? Yes, I have a dog named Crazy Legs, a cat named Boo and another (very expensive) cat named Sister.

What do you want to do before you die? Wow - too many things to list here. I have a list of 100 things that I am slowly working my way through.

Do you still have your tonsils? Yep.

What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done? I guess skydiving, although I didn't really think it was dangerous at the time. Trapeze school was kind of dangerous too.

What is your favorite smell? Fresh cut grass

Do you consider yourself strong? Yes.

What book are you reading now? The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan

What is your favorite book? It's hard to pick a favorite, but I was really inspired by Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortensen, and I'd have to say that Ellen Gilchrist is my favorite author.

Four places you have been on vacation: Alaska, Maine, Italy, Denmark

Three things you do every day (not including hair combing, teeth brushing, etc.): Feed the pets, check e-mail, do some sort of physical activity

Three things you are passionate about: Family (to include my pets), running, education

Jocelyn's answers

What did you eat for Easter dinner and where? I actually forgot it was Easter Sunday because a) I live in Japan and b) I was busy figuring out visa papers so that I can stay in Japan for another 3 years


What is the most recent movie that you have seen:
The Matador--saw it last night

Where were you born:
Thibodaux, Louisiana

Name three places where you have lived:
1. Lafayette, Louisiana
2. Le Mans, France
3. Hadano, Japan

Have you ever been in a car accident
yes


What is your favorite day of the week and why: Don't have one, really

What is your favorite flower:
Hydrangea


What is your favorite sport to watch:
none, really


What is your favorite ice cream:
Bluebell: Banana Split

Have you ever been on a ship:
We took our first cruise in February: 4 days on the Nile

How many times did you fail your driver's test:
none

What do you do when you are bored:
wonder how to stop being bored


Park or Zoo:
both

Pearls or diamonds:
both

Beach or Mountains:
mountains: preferably the Lake District


How spicy do you like your food
lots of flavor, a little fire, if necessary

Do you have pets?
We had to give away 3 cats to move to Japan. It still hurts.

What do you want to do before you die?
See as much of the world as possible, while also going home, wherever that is.

Do you still have your tonsils?
Yes

What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
driving Louisiana roads after a football game

What is your favorite smell?
fresh flowers

Do you consider yourself strong?
yes


What book are you reading now?
Away, by Amy Bloom

What is your favorite book:
Hard to say. Recently, I've really liked Mr. Pip

Four places you have been on vacation:
1. Paris
2. Bangkok
3. England & Wales
4. Egypt



Three things you do every day
1. email & surf web
2. eat
3. think

Three things you are passionate about
1. my husband
2. teaching
3. pleasure

Lauren's Answers

What did you eat for Easter dinner and where?

I worked Brunch at our restaurant- we served a ham special, and some other tasty brunch specials including quiche and eggs florentine.

What is the most recent movie that you have seen:
The Watchmen- very good but pretty bloody.

Where were you born:
Bloomsburg Pennsylvania

Name three places where you have lived:
1. St. Thomas USVI
2. Philadelphia Pa.
3. Tokyo Japan

Have you ever been in a car accident
nope.


What is your favorite day of the week and why: Changes all the time.
Right now I like fridays! I am off all that day and usually keep it free of meetings and obligations.

What is your favorite flower:
Star Gazer lilies, lilac, and painted daises


What is your favorite sport to watch:
live-- baseball
TV- football


What is your favorite ice cream:
rum raisin

Have you ever been on a ship:
YUP my family used to sail A LOT
and I also went on a cruise with my mom and my grandma before she passed away.


How many times did you fail your driver's test:
none

What do you do when you are bored:
I am never ever bored


Park or Zoo:
both for me too.

Pearls or diamonds:
Pearls

Beach or Mountains:
the beach ABSOLUTELY


How spicy do you like your food
4 Pretty hot but not so bad you can't taste anything else.

Do you have pets?
I want pets soooooooo badly it is painful. But my lifestyle and tiny apartment make it impossible.

What do you want to do before you die?
See as much of the world as possible.

Do you still have your tonsils?
Yes

What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
Rock Climbing-- Big rock faces. Lots of fun.

What is your favorite smell?
coffee, bacon, chocolate chip cookies baking.

Do you consider yourself strong?
yes- too much so at times


What book are you reading now?
Growing the Green Economy

What is your favorite book:
I don't really have a fav. too many that I love.

Four places you have been on vacation:
1. Sydney
2. Munich
3. Vienna
4. Austin



Three things you do every day
1. email, email and more email
2. some writing
3. long long hot hot showers in the morning

Three things you are passionate about
1. politics
2. food
3. community

-Lauren

Sue's answers

What did you eat for Easter dinner and where?
Chicken at home. Gary didn't eat. We had gone to a big brunch with friends and neither of us had much of an appetite later in the day.

What is the most recent movie that you have seen: Henry Poole is here.

Where were you born: Manhattan, NY

Name three places where you have lived:
1) Queens, NY
2) Newark, DE
3) Wilmington, DE

Have you ever been in a car accident (explain briefly, if answer is yes): three, in the car with my mother as a kid. Someone ran a stop sign she had to stop abruptly (pre-seatbelt law) my head cracked the windshield. Yes, explains a lot. Minor rear end collision in a spring break incident (passenger) and a minor fender bender about 20 years ago when car in front stopped for no apparent reason.

What is your favorite day of the week and why: Friday, the promise of the weekend.

What is your favorite flower: Lilacs and Lilly of the Valley

What is your favorite sport to watch: Not very sports oriented anymore. The occasional minor league baseball game and a hot dog is fun.

What is your favorite ice cream: Can't eat chocolate anymore, so probaby coffee or Hagen Daz dulce du leche

Have you ever been on a ship: A bon voyage party for my grandparents on the QE2. Does a ferry on the English Channel count?

How many times did you fail your driver's test: once

What do you do when you are bored: Doesn't happen much. Catch up, read, or return calls.

Park or Zoo: Park

Pearls or diamonds: My favorite pieces are neither. I love my antique and costume jewelry. Most belonged to my mother but a few pieces from flea markets.

Beach or Mountains: Beach first, mountains a nice second.

How spicy do you like your food (1= not spicy, 5= get the fire extinguisher)? 5

Do you have pets? None. Now allergic to cats and not home enough for a dog.

What do you want to do before you die? Travel more.

Do you still have your tonsils? No

What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done? Dangerous or stupid? Dangerous: Hitchhiking. Stupid: Driving a stolen car

What is your favorite smell? many - Lilacs, Lily of the Valley, vanilla (during baking prep), the beach, Gary (not necessarily in that order.)

Do you consider yourself strong? Yes, physically, emotionally...Most of the time.

What book are you reading now? David Allen, Getting things done.

What is your favorite book: can't decide.

Four places you have been on vacation:
1) Maui
2) Italy
3) France
4) Austria

Three things you do every day (not including hair combing, teeth brushing, etc.)
1) Eat breakfast/dinner with Gary
2) work
3) drive

Three things you are passionate about
1) my business - organizing
2) my marriage
3) Lew's wellbeing

I'll play!

What did you eat for Easter dinner and where? Ham at my niece's home.

What is the most recent movie that you have seen: "Eagle Eye" - not too bad

Where were you born: La Grange, Illinois

Name three places where you have lived: Westchester, Illinois; Newark, Delaware; Wilmington Delaware

Have you ever been in a car accident (explain briefly, if answer is yes): Yes, my first car just days after I bought it.


What is your favorite day of the week and why: The day that I don't have to get up and put on make-up and do my hair and dress nicely-that's my favorite day.


What is your favorite flower: Bird of Paradise and Lilly of the Valley-me too!!!

What is your favorite sport to watch: Beach Volleyball and the Cross Country section of eventing.

What is your favorite ice cream: Pcono Paws by Green's Ice Cream

Have you ever been on a ship: Yep, a couple of cruises.

How many times did you fail your driver's test: couldn't happen I was the driver ed teacher's pet : ) We'd get in the school car and drive to Jack-in-the-Box (where I worked) and get him free tacos- oh yeah, I passed with flying colors!

What do you do when you are bored: Get busy, I hate being bored.

Park or Zoo: Park on horseback

Pearls or diamonds: Both please!

Beach or Mountains: beach, whenever I'm in mountains I'm either freezing my ass off or lost.

How spicy do you like your food (1= not spicy, 5= get the fire extinguisher)? 4

Do you have pets? If so, what kind? only one dog now :( 2 horses and tons o' fish

What do you want to do before you die? Break from a starting gate and ride once around a race track on a horse- don't care if it's my quarter horse and I'm in a western saddle, I just want to feel once what it is like.

Do you still have your tonsils? Yes

What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done? Dangerous or stupid? Kayaked places that were stupid dangerous and it was just the grace of god we didn't kill ourselves.

What is your favorite smell? bread baking

Do you consider yourself strong? So-so physically, very strong emotionally

What book are you reading now? "Eat.Pray.Love."

What is your favorite book: "Like Water for Elephants"

Four places you have been on vacation: Scotland, Hawaii, Wyoming, England


Three things you do every day (not including hair combing, teeth brushing, etc.)
1. Smoke (stupid me, Im doing that again)
2. Read the paper
3. Check my e-mail

Three things you are passionate about
1) Horses
2) Making Art
3) Writing

My indulgence

Hi all,
I hope you'll copy these questions and answer them for yourselves. That will also help us to get to know each other. Most are kind of simple and maybe a little stupid, but some are a little more revealing. Plus, it is my indulgence, so please indulge me!

Linda

What did you eat for Easter dinner and where? It was just a normal day for us. We ate at home but it was nothing special--chicken, rice, broccoli

What is the most recent movie that you have seen: Religulous by Bill Maher

Where were you born: Wilmington, Delaware

Name three places where you have lived:
1) Vienna, Austria
2) Cape Town, South Africa
3) Melbourne, Australia

Have you ever been in a car accident (explain briefly, if answer is yes): Three, but none of them were my fault ;-) Two while I was driving and someone hit me (no injuries, but my mustang was totaled), one while riding in a taxi (three broken ribs and a punctured lung)

What is your favorite day of the week and why: Friday, and I don't know why because Saturday is a regular work day for me, but Friday always seems like a party day.

What is your favorite flower: Bird of Paradise and Lilly of the Valley

What is your favorite sport to watch: American football, but I never get to watch it anymore

What is your favorite ice cream: Mint chocolate chip

Have you ever been on a ship: yes, 30-days across the Atlantic. Loved the trip, hated the ship

How many times did you fail your driver's test: none

What do you do when you are bored: I wish I had time to be bored.

Park or Zoo: both

Pearls or diamonds: neither

Beach or Mountains: both (it seems like I have a hard time making up my mind)

How spicy do you like your food (1= not spicy, 5= get the fire extinguisher)? 10

Do you have pets? If so, what kind? 1 dog and about 20 fish

What do you want to do before you die? Fly into space

Do you still have your tonsils? Yes

What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done? Dangerous or stupid? Dangerous= skydiving, Stupid= driving to the desert without enough water

What is your favorite smell? cooking garlic

Do you consider yourself strong? Yes, physically, emotionally...Sometimes

What book are you reading now? I'm reading every Agatha Christie story in order because I've read nothing but serious stuff for the last 8 years.

What is your favorite book: Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

Four places you have been on vacation:
1) Scandinavia
2) Namibia
3) Okinawa
4) Italy/Greece

Three things you do every day (not including hair combing, teeth brushing, etc.)
1) Eat breakfast/dinner with the whole family
2) Walk the dog
3) Listen to Democracy Now! podcast

Three things you are passionate about
1) Yoga
2) Politics
3) Family

Hanami Heaven

I live in a neighborhood in Tokyo called Nakameguro. My tiny rabbit-hutch apartment is next to the Meguro Gawa (Meguro River.) The river is more like a water canal but it is still pretty though not in a very natural way. The wonderful thing though is that the length of the river is lined on both sides with cherry trees and celebrating "Hanami" or flower viewing festival there is an annual bit deal. This year was one of the best Hanami seasons in recent history. The weather was mild- the blossoms lasted a full two weeks and the throngs were thronging every night! So many people. Food vendors set up little stalls all along the street, and people stroll and look at the trees. During the day it is mostly older couples, young moms, and college girls. At night, after work the bands of office groups and salary men-- louder and more drunk-- join the walking talking and strolling flower viewers.

We enjoy this time a lot- but we are also glad when it finished as our neighborhood goes back to being peaceful and pretty quiet for such a big city. Last night there were still some lingering Hanami-celebrants... but the trees are turning green now and almost all the blossoms have fallen. It is a little sad but it also means I will be able to get a seat in all my neighborhood restaurants again. Yeah!

Collage above is from this year- (with my new camera) - Lauren

Our First Post

Well, I'll get the ball rolling with some news. After 4 years, I'm coming home! Actually, it is just Laura and me this time. Why is a long, long story (and an uninteresting one). We'll be home for three weeks. July 14 to August 4, but at some point, I think Laura and I will take a girl's trip to Canada to see Niagara Falls. That's the plan, anyway. Who knows what will happen once the grandparents learn of this trip.

Linda