So I just realized what a negligent blogger I've been. I have every intention of writing the randomness of my day, but at work I hate to log-on and blog (though I will waste my time with online sudoku and crosswords) and often when I get home I hate looking at a computer since I spent most of my day staring at one for work.
I'm going to try and be better about this (for the very few of you who read this thing) much like I'm trying to be better about writing a journal for my own benefit. This is my year of change and improvement (or so I tell myself)and I'm going to put this blog into an area for improvement.
I want to be a better blogger. For me, that means being a well rounded blogger. Not just blogging about frustration and bad stuff, or too focused on the random. I want to try and be like me, honest but with a fair amount of geek/nerd randomness thrown in.
Here's hoping I will be a better blogger! We'll see how it goes. Fun, fun!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Random Political Sighting!
Yes, yes, I have been a naughty blogger. Too many things good, bad and in between have kept me busy enough that posting has fallen by the wayside, but today I had a geektastic moment! I saw a famous political person out and about, and that really never happens to me.
While walking from my apartment to Georgetown I passed Donald Rumsfeld leaving Church. He looks like he always does and when I heard his voice, that was the clincher. It was just kind of surreal. Of all people, Rummy! At a church none the less. Very random, and no, I did not yell anything or heckle hime. The man had left church, and to be honest I was a little excited to see him.
In my 4ish years of DC area living I have only had 2 sightings of the famous, political or otherwise. One sighting was of Anderson Cooper walking in the DuPont. Yes, I was sure it was him and he was dressed casually just out and about. I did a double take, but there was no doubting who it was. In the time after that sighting, I had a drought.
My friend Princezz O'Phun has had many cool sightings. Chelsea Clinton, McCain and many more. DC is so freaking small, that my drought of seeing the famous/important is a bit odd. That will probably change with work and other outings! I will content myself with my Rummy sighting and hope for more excitement down the line. Fun, fun!
While walking from my apartment to Georgetown I passed Donald Rumsfeld leaving Church. He looks like he always does and when I heard his voice, that was the clincher. It was just kind of surreal. Of all people, Rummy! At a church none the less. Very random, and no, I did not yell anything or heckle hime. The man had left church, and to be honest I was a little excited to see him.
In my 4ish years of DC area living I have only had 2 sightings of the famous, political or otherwise. One sighting was of Anderson Cooper walking in the DuPont. Yes, I was sure it was him and he was dressed casually just out and about. I did a double take, but there was no doubting who it was. In the time after that sighting, I had a drought.
My friend Princezz O'Phun has had many cool sightings. Chelsea Clinton, McCain and many more. DC is so freaking small, that my drought of seeing the famous/important is a bit odd. That will probably change with work and other outings! I will content myself with my Rummy sighting and hope for more excitement down the line. Fun, fun!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Wow, Time Flies!
I'd say time flies when your having fun, but not all of the last few weeks was a laugh riot. Nothing terrible, just the usual busy, busy! In the last three weeks I've done the following: Moved, unpacked, started a job and in general squeezed in a life.
My move went shockingly well over Labor Day weekend. My job started with few hitches and only a little first day angst. The last few weeks have been a whirl of Federal Govt forms, admin stuff, lots of reports/information to absorb and joining/attending the Govt. Agency gym. Gotta say, being able to hit the gym over lunch or really whenever I think of it is great!!! It's nice to be employed again, and in a place full of benefits and tolerable work environment.
I still need to get a real grocery store run in, but overall being closer to friends and in the city has been good. Can't promise tons of blogging for a while but we'll see!
My move went shockingly well over Labor Day weekend. My job started with few hitches and only a little first day angst. The last few weeks have been a whirl of Federal Govt forms, admin stuff, lots of reports/information to absorb and joining/attending the Govt. Agency gym. Gotta say, being able to hit the gym over lunch or really whenever I think of it is great!!! It's nice to be employed again, and in a place full of benefits and tolerable work environment.
I still need to get a real grocery store run in, but overall being closer to friends and in the city has been good. Can't promise tons of blogging for a while but we'll see!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Moving On: No More Suburbs Just the Swamp!
After much preparation and anticipation FroggerGirl has officially moved lily pads from the Swamp Suburbs into the Swamp proper! I absolutely hate to move. So much time, money and resources have to be wasted on packing up and hauling my crap from one place to another. On the plus side everything went swimmingly! Only one minor hiccup involving elevators and some fellow tenants trying to poach my reserved move-out/elevator time, but it was amicably resolved and didn't mess with the process too much. Plenty of help provided by friends and while I'm still exhausted from it all, I am moves and that's what's important.
The move has had a funny side effect. I haven't been able to obsess or stress about my first day of work tomorrow because too much else has been going on. Now with about 12 hours until I report to work it's all starting to set in. I'm not stressed, more excited and a touch freaked out, but it's all the natural and good emotions. I've been to focused on unpacking and organizing all of my life so I feel comfortable in my new space...and it's sort of working. Any move makes me feel a bit disjointed. A new building to get used too with different neighbors (one of which is the fantabulous Princezz O'Phun!) and news things to remember. Twice this weekend I had to remind myself I live in the Swamp and switching my route back to my new digs, not the old place in the 'burbs.
So before my total exhaustion sets in I have a few more papers to look over, fill in and in general get myself centered for the big day tomorrow. The lily pad is almost gilded to my satisfaction, so I'm sure before long this will feel like home, which will be very grand indeed!
The move has had a funny side effect. I haven't been able to obsess or stress about my first day of work tomorrow because too much else has been going on. Now with about 12 hours until I report to work it's all starting to set in. I'm not stressed, more excited and a touch freaked out, but it's all the natural and good emotions. I've been to focused on unpacking and organizing all of my life so I feel comfortable in my new space...and it's sort of working. Any move makes me feel a bit disjointed. A new building to get used too with different neighbors (one of which is the fantabulous Princezz O'Phun!) and news things to remember. Twice this weekend I had to remind myself I live in the Swamp and switching my route back to my new digs, not the old place in the 'burbs.
So before my total exhaustion sets in I have a few more papers to look over, fill in and in general get myself centered for the big day tomorrow. The lily pad is almost gilded to my satisfaction, so I'm sure before long this will feel like home, which will be very grand indeed!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Rock on Hillary!
Dude, Hillary....Holy Crap! Good work! I'm not easily moved by Politicians and speeches. Michelle Obama's speech at DNC '08 last night was very good, but Hillary tonight was magic. She hit all the right points and I actually cried...at a speech...by a politician. That kids, does not happen! My friend Politichica is in Denver and texted to tell me she was there in the auditorium and for once I am very jealous that she got to be there in person. Hard to tell what the overall impact of her speech will be with angry Hillary Supporting Dems, but she certainly gave a pretty sweet speech. Now I need to turn off the pundits before the dissect the speech to the point where it looses all meaning.
What I Did on My Summer Vacation!
In honor of school starting here in MD I figure the old stand-by start of school theme was appropriate. I took a weeks vacation to visit home to see family and relax a bit before all of my move into DC, new job and general life craziness kicked in. It was busy, but a nice way to wind down after weeks that had a mixture of anxiety, sickness, happiness and all the other emotions transition creates. So with no further rambling ado:
1.) I ran the 2 mile portion of a charity walk run AND came in 2nd for my age group! Hopefully next year if I'm home at the right time I may be in good enough shape to run the 5 mile race, but the 2 mile length was just perfect this summer! I even averaged the 10 min miles that had eluded me on my other training runs. Very fun!
2.) Attended the 26th annual Thresheree (think antique farm equipment, small town fair vibe) and went to the horse pull. I've been going to the Thresheree with my parents since they discovered it and the horse pull is the highlight. Gorgeous Belgian draft horses pulling weighted sleds. Now, this is not something that holds my attention the whole time, but it is fun to observe. I also got to see the Door County local color, eat some good food and got a sunburn...I could have lived without the sunburn.
3.) Got to spend lots of quality time with my family, especially my ever growing niece and nephew. My nephew at 12 is becoming a gigantaur having attained 5'9" and still growing, which gives him 3 inches on Auntie Froggergirl. Along with Mom (Grandma to the young'uns) Frogger we got to have ice cream, see a movie, visit Bay Beach (I even braved motion sickness to ride the Scat) and in general got some good quality time. I also got to see Sister Flickey (their Mom) and my Grandma Frogger who at almost 98 is still kicking and living in her home like the tiny dynamo she always has been.
4.) I got to eat all of my favorite things (and fear not, I kept up my running to counter act the high calorie goodness) like ice cream, the good stuff you only get in WI, which I ate a few times twice in a day. Most critical good food: Cheese Curds! I swear that is the hardest thing about living here in the Swamp, no cheese curds, no squeaky goodness when fresh, no cheese goo when fried. I could happily go my whole life never eating a crab again (the Mid-Atlantic fixture) but the thought of no cheese curds ever again would make me cry!
There were other sundries of fun while I was home, but I hit the big stuff. It was a wonderful time, and while I was home my official Govt Agency job offer came through. I could share that happiness with family and it felt great! Now I get to re-shift, finish packing/moving and all that other good stuff!
1.) I ran the 2 mile portion of a charity walk run AND came in 2nd for my age group! Hopefully next year if I'm home at the right time I may be in good enough shape to run the 5 mile race, but the 2 mile length was just perfect this summer! I even averaged the 10 min miles that had eluded me on my other training runs. Very fun!
2.) Attended the 26th annual Thresheree (think antique farm equipment, small town fair vibe) and went to the horse pull. I've been going to the Thresheree with my parents since they discovered it and the horse pull is the highlight. Gorgeous Belgian draft horses pulling weighted sleds. Now, this is not something that holds my attention the whole time, but it is fun to observe. I also got to see the Door County local color, eat some good food and got a sunburn...I could have lived without the sunburn.
3.) Got to spend lots of quality time with my family, especially my ever growing niece and nephew. My nephew at 12 is becoming a gigantaur having attained 5'9" and still growing, which gives him 3 inches on Auntie Froggergirl. Along with Mom (Grandma to the young'uns) Frogger we got to have ice cream, see a movie, visit Bay Beach (I even braved motion sickness to ride the Scat) and in general got some good quality time. I also got to see Sister Flickey (their Mom) and my Grandma Frogger who at almost 98 is still kicking and living in her home like the tiny dynamo she always has been.
4.) I got to eat all of my favorite things (and fear not, I kept up my running to counter act the high calorie goodness) like ice cream, the good stuff you only get in WI, which I ate a few times twice in a day. Most critical good food: Cheese Curds! I swear that is the hardest thing about living here in the Swamp, no cheese curds, no squeaky goodness when fresh, no cheese goo when fried. I could happily go my whole life never eating a crab again (the Mid-Atlantic fixture) but the thought of no cheese curds ever again would make me cry!
There were other sundries of fun while I was home, but I hit the big stuff. It was a wonderful time, and while I was home my official Govt Agency job offer came through. I could share that happiness with family and it felt great! Now I get to re-shift, finish packing/moving and all that other good stuff!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Chronicle of the Underinsured
I have lamented this before, but until my new job starts I am among the millions of under-insured Americans. When I lost my job the whole $275+ a month to keep my insurance under COBRA seemed so insane and I'd had almost a full year of great health, so I went another route. I knew Government Agency job was lining up, so I decided on a mid-grade deductible on a short term policy, not cheap, but affordable. Now, that $250 a month seems like such a good idea. Doctor visits covered and prescription plan, that just seems like bliss to me!
In the last 2 1/2 weeks I have had to go to the Doctor twice and both times resulted in prescriptions, because I am a lucky, lucky adult who gets ear infections. I have never had a sinus infection, UTI...heck most of the normal adult health gripes I have avoided, yet I get an ailment that little kids get. Seriously, I'm almost 30 and I get ear infections? Urgh!
Two weeks ago I went to the Doctor and once she confirmed the oh so fun diagnosis of infected ears, we went to the next phase: prescriptions! Thanks to overuse of Amoxicillin in my youth, it now does nothing for me. This fact I have told my Doc almost every time antibiotics come up for discussion. What is the most common treatment for ear infections? Amoxicillin. So this time I reminder her, "Do you remember my bronchitis that turned into an ear infection and how useless Amoxicillin was?" She did and so she prescribed Augmentin, whose primary ingredient I come to find out is....Amoxicillin. Now I like my Doc, she is normally so good and cautious with antibiotics (which I totally appreciate) so I figure she prescribed it for a reason, yet I knew within 3 days of finishing the course of drugs that something was still not right.
Cut to today. I'm stuck at this useless mandatory training so I can keep my unemployment, I'm in pain and when I call the Doc's office I find out she is out. "Never fear" I'm told, her partner can see me. Now, Doc 2 is qualified, but he is very difficult to understand. His accent is very thick and he is much slower in the exam than my Doc. There was also the fun moment when he jabbed the lovely ear looking devise so far in my ear I shouted out from pain and pulled back. He attributed this to my ear infection, I attributed it with his trying to pierce my eardrum on the stupid ear looker! Not cool!
Now I have the very expensive, but very effective antibiotics, that cost twice as much as the last one (thank you no prescription coverage!) and now for the first time ever, Ear Drops! I fly home to WI for a quick visit this weekend and I knew if I didn't fix this ear thing I would be a screaming mess on the plane....and there is also that whole ear infections can lead to hearing loss thing. I shall happily take my antibiotics and put drops (ewwww....the worst feeling ever) in my ears all in an effort to fix the issue. Now comes the effort to stay healthy until job starts, insurance gets upgraded and I can confidently get meds and care without feeling worse with fear about the bill! Fun, fun!!
In the last 2 1/2 weeks I have had to go to the Doctor twice and both times resulted in prescriptions, because I am a lucky, lucky adult who gets ear infections. I have never had a sinus infection, UTI...heck most of the normal adult health gripes I have avoided, yet I get an ailment that little kids get. Seriously, I'm almost 30 and I get ear infections? Urgh!
Two weeks ago I went to the Doctor and once she confirmed the oh so fun diagnosis of infected ears, we went to the next phase: prescriptions! Thanks to overuse of Amoxicillin in my youth, it now does nothing for me. This fact I have told my Doc almost every time antibiotics come up for discussion. What is the most common treatment for ear infections? Amoxicillin. So this time I reminder her, "Do you remember my bronchitis that turned into an ear infection and how useless Amoxicillin was?" She did and so she prescribed Augmentin, whose primary ingredient I come to find out is....Amoxicillin. Now I like my Doc, she is normally so good and cautious with antibiotics (which I totally appreciate) so I figure she prescribed it for a reason, yet I knew within 3 days of finishing the course of drugs that something was still not right.
Cut to today. I'm stuck at this useless mandatory training so I can keep my unemployment, I'm in pain and when I call the Doc's office I find out she is out. "Never fear" I'm told, her partner can see me. Now, Doc 2 is qualified, but he is very difficult to understand. His accent is very thick and he is much slower in the exam than my Doc. There was also the fun moment when he jabbed the lovely ear looking devise so far in my ear I shouted out from pain and pulled back. He attributed this to my ear infection, I attributed it with his trying to pierce my eardrum on the stupid ear looker! Not cool!
Now I have the very expensive, but very effective antibiotics, that cost twice as much as the last one (thank you no prescription coverage!) and now for the first time ever, Ear Drops! I fly home to WI for a quick visit this weekend and I knew if I didn't fix this ear thing I would be a screaming mess on the plane....and there is also that whole ear infections can lead to hearing loss thing. I shall happily take my antibiotics and put drops (ewwww....the worst feeling ever) in my ears all in an effort to fix the issue. Now comes the effort to stay healthy until job starts, insurance gets upgraded and I can confidently get meds and care without feeling worse with fear about the bill! Fun, fun!!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Olympic Crossroads
I love the Olympics, every 4 (now really 2) years there was the big international spectacle of global unity mixed with competition to watch and enjoy. Always some inspiring story and great feat of physical achievement to view and remember. A event meant to bring hope and peace into an often tense and dangerous world.
I realized last night that 4 years ago when the Athens Summer Games opening ceremonies were on TV, I was busy assembling IKEA furniture in my new apartment. I had just made the big move after Grad School down to the burbs of DC. I was about to start a new job, freaking out after the whole move process as I tried to get organized and adjusted... In general it felt like a major crossroads in my life. I didn't feel confident in myself, I hated the idea of my new job, but wanted to pay the bills and the crossroads made me very uneasy. However, the path I was treading wasn't all bad, just not as direct or clear as I would have liked. Lots of opportunities came and went and adventures were had, but it was so very strange. Now, 4 years later, it's a bit of history repeating itself.
The Olympics will start this evening and before they are over my life will have changed again. After a few months of crazy and the last four years spent trying to be an adult and building towards the better job and life choices, things are finally falling into place. Before the end of the month I will be moving again, this time into DC to be closer to friends and more connected to life, work and in general a better place for me right now. I'm in the final stages of being employed again, this time in a job that fits my interests and education, a first since moving to DC. I'm 29 and it feels like I'm finally entering adulthood. This time my crossroads doesn't seem so scary and awful. No matter what I'm heading in a better direction. I've learned and grown in the last few years and I finally feel like my life is getting itself ordered and on the right track. My confidence is back and after weathering this phase of upheaval and unemployment, I feel stronger and better than I have in years. Physically, I'm better and making my health and physique a priority so that I can build the long life full of vitality and strength that I want for myself. 30 will be here before I know it, and even that doesn't scare me because it's a number I can't avoid and it will be wonderful too, so long as I make it that way!
Tomorrow I will watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics and do it with a smile. It's a nice bookend, the Olympics were a backdrop when I first started my DC adventure and now they will mark the next phase of the journey. This phase will be even more exciting than the last. Even with a world full of uncertainty I feel hopeful. There may be war and pain in the world, but there is also peace and unity, so I'll focus on those happier ideals as the fuel for the hope I need to keep moving forward. So hope, don't fail me now because there is still a lot to do and I need you more than ever!
I realized last night that 4 years ago when the Athens Summer Games opening ceremonies were on TV, I was busy assembling IKEA furniture in my new apartment. I had just made the big move after Grad School down to the burbs of DC. I was about to start a new job, freaking out after the whole move process as I tried to get organized and adjusted... In general it felt like a major crossroads in my life. I didn't feel confident in myself, I hated the idea of my new job, but wanted to pay the bills and the crossroads made me very uneasy. However, the path I was treading wasn't all bad, just not as direct or clear as I would have liked. Lots of opportunities came and went and adventures were had, but it was so very strange. Now, 4 years later, it's a bit of history repeating itself.
The Olympics will start this evening and before they are over my life will have changed again. After a few months of crazy and the last four years spent trying to be an adult and building towards the better job and life choices, things are finally falling into place. Before the end of the month I will be moving again, this time into DC to be closer to friends and more connected to life, work and in general a better place for me right now. I'm in the final stages of being employed again, this time in a job that fits my interests and education, a first since moving to DC. I'm 29 and it feels like I'm finally entering adulthood. This time my crossroads doesn't seem so scary and awful. No matter what I'm heading in a better direction. I've learned and grown in the last few years and I finally feel like my life is getting itself ordered and on the right track. My confidence is back and after weathering this phase of upheaval and unemployment, I feel stronger and better than I have in years. Physically, I'm better and making my health and physique a priority so that I can build the long life full of vitality and strength that I want for myself. 30 will be here before I know it, and even that doesn't scare me because it's a number I can't avoid and it will be wonderful too, so long as I make it that way!
Tomorrow I will watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics and do it with a smile. It's a nice bookend, the Olympics were a backdrop when I first started my DC adventure and now they will mark the next phase of the journey. This phase will be even more exciting than the last. Even with a world full of uncertainty I feel hopeful. There may be war and pain in the world, but there is also peace and unity, so I'll focus on those happier ideals as the fuel for the hope I need to keep moving forward. So hope, don't fail me now because there is still a lot to do and I need you more than ever!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Favre: No, you do not get a do over!
Ummm, Brett Favre all I can say to you is, "What the hell?" Dude you retired! Don't you remember? The tearful press conference, the goodbye to Green Bay? You actually made grown men (and of course women) of WI and all other Packer lovers cry for you! They were happy to see you go so that you can retire and our team can move on. Don't you remember? Your old, have some lingering injuries, and despite your boffo performance last year, you are often a hit or miss guy. So you retired of your own free will, and now you want a do over? Really? I mean, your a good guy, and you'd probably get a street in Green Bay named after you if you stayed retired, but come on!
I'm not the biggest football fan ever, but I love and will forever be a fan of the Packers. Mama and Papa Frogger gifting the Frogger Kids with Packer Stock back when Lambeau was being improved and while my stock is symbolic at best, it still makes me linked to the team and it's a nice feeling. Favre, you are making me feel not so nice. You had your time in the sun, and it was great! Now, you just seem like a spoilsport who dragged your team and fans through the wringer for nothing. I mean geez!
I kind of wish I knew some good sports cliches to wrap this up...so in stead I shall give a virtual raspberry to Brett. :-p "Pthppppppppppppppp!!!!" I know, I'm super mature. ;-)
I'm not the biggest football fan ever, but I love and will forever be a fan of the Packers. Mama and Papa Frogger gifting the Frogger Kids with Packer Stock back when Lambeau was being improved and while my stock is symbolic at best, it still makes me linked to the team and it's a nice feeling. Favre, you are making me feel not so nice. You had your time in the sun, and it was great! Now, you just seem like a spoilsport who dragged your team and fans through the wringer for nothing. I mean geez!
I kind of wish I knew some good sports cliches to wrap this up...so in stead I shall give a virtual raspberry to Brett. :-p "Pthppppppppppppppp!!!!" I know, I'm super mature. ;-)
Back on Track? Geting there....I think...
I've had a kind of nutty week (and some change) since my last post. I fell like I'm switching to the right track after a month of upheaval, and that is a nice feeling, but also a bit odd.
Last Thursday I made a bit of an ass of myself after being given not quite official notice that I (probably) got my Government job. When my friend Defence Guru passed on the good word I started to jump around like a total idiot on the sidewalks of Mt. Pleasant, getting me more than a few looks that clearly said, "What the hell is she doing?". All I can say in my defense is, I have been watching a lot of The Price is Right and finding out job news was kind of like winning the always popular new car. The only down side to all of this was is I still have to wait for my official notice and it is just killing me! I want to be able to take a jump back to the old Wisconsin Lillypad for a visit before I start working and the sooner my notice comes the better. I haven't seen any Frogger Family in 6 months so a quick visit before the rest of my month goes crazy would be nice.
Adding to my nuttiness is that after my looking at places in DC and starting to feel a bit overwhelmed, I had success. In fact, in less than 24 hours I applied to a new apartment, was approved, gave my notice on my current place, booked the truck to move (over Labor Day Weekend, blah!) and sent out the call for moving help. The building is great, my dear friend the Princezz O'Phun lives there and it will be very convenient for work, friends and DC city life. Again, there is the downside of having to pack/move. I really hate the moving process, but after 4 years of living in the burbs it's time to make the change. This weekend I already made some progress in the organizing/purging process and I have plenty of time to pack and prep for the move.
In general this feels like a very strange, but good time. I've been a bit better at creating structure and feeling productive. Today I restarted Week 6 of my running program (again) and it felt so good to be back running. I hit Whole Foods for a tasty salad and picked up yummy desert too as a reward for my hard work lately. I've lost over 15 lbs since June and I feel great! Despite all of the craziness, things are coming together the way they are supposed to. It makes me feel like the Little Engine That Could getting over the hill and starting the next phase of my journey ready adn willing to face what's coming and knowing things will work out, someway or another!
Last Thursday I made a bit of an ass of myself after being given not quite official notice that I (probably) got my Government job. When my friend Defence Guru passed on the good word I started to jump around like a total idiot on the sidewalks of Mt. Pleasant, getting me more than a few looks that clearly said, "What the hell is she doing?". All I can say in my defense is, I have been watching a lot of The Price is Right and finding out job news was kind of like winning the always popular new car. The only down side to all of this was is I still have to wait for my official notice and it is just killing me! I want to be able to take a jump back to the old Wisconsin Lillypad for a visit before I start working and the sooner my notice comes the better. I haven't seen any Frogger Family in 6 months so a quick visit before the rest of my month goes crazy would be nice.
Adding to my nuttiness is that after my looking at places in DC and starting to feel a bit overwhelmed, I had success. In fact, in less than 24 hours I applied to a new apartment, was approved, gave my notice on my current place, booked the truck to move (over Labor Day Weekend, blah!) and sent out the call for moving help. The building is great, my dear friend the Princezz O'Phun lives there and it will be very convenient for work, friends and DC city life. Again, there is the downside of having to pack/move. I really hate the moving process, but after 4 years of living in the burbs it's time to make the change. This weekend I already made some progress in the organizing/purging process and I have plenty of time to pack and prep for the move.
In general this feels like a very strange, but good time. I've been a bit better at creating structure and feeling productive. Today I restarted Week 6 of my running program (again) and it felt so good to be back running. I hit Whole Foods for a tasty salad and picked up yummy desert too as a reward for my hard work lately. I've lost over 15 lbs since June and I feel great! Despite all of the craziness, things are coming together the way they are supposed to. It makes me feel like the Little Engine That Could getting over the hill and starting the next phase of my journey ready adn willing to face what's coming and knowing things will work out, someway or another!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Structure: My Missing Link?
So in the last few weeks the one thing that has been really bugging me is my lack of structure. Freedom is fun and all, but it has it's place, like on vacation or if you ever get truly financially independent. For my personality, I do like some level of routine and responsibility and that is sorely lacking these days. Structure and routine are with us our whole lives. When you are young structure comes from parents and of course school with extracurriculars. As you get older work sets the structure because it takes up the majority of your weekly time, friends and family fill the gaps.
Well, my no work has led progressively to less and less structure. Today I realized that has been factor in any funks I've been having. Last week really messed things up with being sick, interview stress and of course Mr. Man's situation. The sick part made me tired, cranky and threw off my morning run routine. All the other stress and busyness just compounded my structureless mess!
Today I've made a resolution of sorts: Get control of the day! No more oversleeping and getting hypnotized by daytime TV. I was able to restart week 6 of running with no ill effects, which is the cornerstone of routine re-establishment plan. Since job search is still part of my day I will do that early, and then by God I'm going to start using my time better. There will be visits to museums and parks. DC summer is pretty wicked unpleasant, but my building has a pool, so I should utilize it. There are still movies to see and books to read. Really plenty of things are out there for me to enjoy and to help structure my day more.
Getting control of the day will be a challenge, but it has to happen. If I'm going to be out of work I might as well enjoy some of this time. Sometime in the next few weeks I will get a job offer and then work will be back to help enforce structure. In the mean time I need to be a wee bit more motivated to set my own structure. Better to enjoy my time than be be annoyed by it!
Well, my no work has led progressively to less and less structure. Today I realized that has been factor in any funks I've been having. Last week really messed things up with being sick, interview stress and of course Mr. Man's situation. The sick part made me tired, cranky and threw off my morning run routine. All the other stress and busyness just compounded my structureless mess!
Today I've made a resolution of sorts: Get control of the day! No more oversleeping and getting hypnotized by daytime TV. I was able to restart week 6 of running with no ill effects, which is the cornerstone of routine re-establishment plan. Since job search is still part of my day I will do that early, and then by God I'm going to start using my time better. There will be visits to museums and parks. DC summer is pretty wicked unpleasant, but my building has a pool, so I should utilize it. There are still movies to see and books to read. Really plenty of things are out there for me to enjoy and to help structure my day more.
Getting control of the day will be a challenge, but it has to happen. If I'm going to be out of work I might as well enjoy some of this time. Sometime in the next few weeks I will get a job offer and then work will be back to help enforce structure. In the mean time I need to be a wee bit more motivated to set my own structure. Better to enjoy my time than be be annoyed by it!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Midwestern Crisis Response Team Activate!
So the last week has been more than a bit nutty. Good and bad blurred together and it's been a lot for me to process. One of the funnier things to come out of this whole experience was the reaffirmation that being from the Midwest gives me a warm fuzzy feeling when I see how my fellow WI kids all pulled together to help our friend, and more importantly, the way in which we are driven to help.
Upon sharing the news of Mr. Man's attack and hospitalization with PolitiChica we realized we had a similar response mechanism. What should we do? The answer: Cook. PolitiChica was ready to break out the casserole and hotdish makings and I was ready to start baking a cake. Why? Because that is what you do to help those in pain. You feed them and care for them so they can focus on what is important. That can be grief around a funeral, healing after an accident, whatever the situation calls for. Mr. Man's broken jaw and the upheaval around where his family was staying made feeding the problem a bit tricky, but the sentiment was what counted. We wanted to help ease the pain and offer comfort, mind you in the form of food, but that is just what we were raised to do.
The practical aspects of our Midwestern minds came out too. I have this thing about flowers, I hate to give them. They are often expensive and, well, they die. The only time I will gladly give flowers or donate towards them is for a funeral. For some reason in that circumstance of death and remembrance flowers seem right, but otherwise I'm not a big fan. With this whole Mr. Man situation I didn't want to give flowers. He couldn't really have them in his room, and, well, they die! Mr. Man was upset because he thought his watch was stolen. Practical, happy, something useful...so PolitiChica and I got a watch. Mr. Man was thrilled and it was a nice feeling. Another WI friend was trying to think of a gift for Mr. Man and also wanted to avoid flowers. He is also focusing on the practical and kind categories for gifts. We want to give something, but usefulness is our guiding light.
The Midwestern Crisis Response Team (MCRT for short) has now moved onto what we can do for our friend once he is released from the hospital. His jaw is wired shut for the next 4-8 weeks, so that means all sustenance will come through a straw. Yum, yum, fun, fun, liquid diet! That means, our goal is to switch back to feeding the situation so he can focus on healing. Soup recipes that can be blended are being searched out, ideas for nutrient additives to help Mr. Man (who is very tiny already) keep on some weight and get healing nutrition are being researched. In short we are in full care giving mode. No MCRT member wants to smother Mr. Man, but we are ready and willing to do what has to be done and that makes my heart feel lighter than it has in a while.
It also gives me comfort to know that even though I am far away from my home base and family, the MCRT will be there for me too. This post is not a slam on any other region of the US. I know warm fuzzy folks on the East and West coasts and Southern Hospitality is legendary. However, to me, the Midwestern ethos is very special and unique and I wouldn't switch my upbringing or my Midwestern people for anything!
Upon sharing the news of Mr. Man's attack and hospitalization with PolitiChica we realized we had a similar response mechanism. What should we do? The answer: Cook. PolitiChica was ready to break out the casserole and hotdish makings and I was ready to start baking a cake. Why? Because that is what you do to help those in pain. You feed them and care for them so they can focus on what is important. That can be grief around a funeral, healing after an accident, whatever the situation calls for. Mr. Man's broken jaw and the upheaval around where his family was staying made feeding the problem a bit tricky, but the sentiment was what counted. We wanted to help ease the pain and offer comfort, mind you in the form of food, but that is just what we were raised to do.
The practical aspects of our Midwestern minds came out too. I have this thing about flowers, I hate to give them. They are often expensive and, well, they die. The only time I will gladly give flowers or donate towards them is for a funeral. For some reason in that circumstance of death and remembrance flowers seem right, but otherwise I'm not a big fan. With this whole Mr. Man situation I didn't want to give flowers. He couldn't really have them in his room, and, well, they die! Mr. Man was upset because he thought his watch was stolen. Practical, happy, something useful...so PolitiChica and I got a watch. Mr. Man was thrilled and it was a nice feeling. Another WI friend was trying to think of a gift for Mr. Man and also wanted to avoid flowers. He is also focusing on the practical and kind categories for gifts. We want to give something, but usefulness is our guiding light.
The Midwestern Crisis Response Team (MCRT for short) has now moved onto what we can do for our friend once he is released from the hospital. His jaw is wired shut for the next 4-8 weeks, so that means all sustenance will come through a straw. Yum, yum, fun, fun, liquid diet! That means, our goal is to switch back to feeding the situation so he can focus on healing. Soup recipes that can be blended are being searched out, ideas for nutrient additives to help Mr. Man (who is very tiny already) keep on some weight and get healing nutrition are being researched. In short we are in full care giving mode. No MCRT member wants to smother Mr. Man, but we are ready and willing to do what has to be done and that makes my heart feel lighter than it has in a while.
It also gives me comfort to know that even though I am far away from my home base and family, the MCRT will be there for me too. This post is not a slam on any other region of the US. I know warm fuzzy folks on the East and West coasts and Southern Hospitality is legendary. However, to me, the Midwestern ethos is very special and unique and I wouldn't switch my upbringing or my Midwestern people for anything!
Friday, July 18, 2008
The Bitter and The Sweet
It's fascinating how the Universe seems to work. For all things good there are things bad and the equilibrium of it all sometimes makes no sense. My day yesterday had both sweet and bitter and I still can't quite sort through it all.
Yesterday was my big day, the interview I have been waiting and hoping for since March was finally going to happen. I have been sick all week, so I was stressed that I would look and sound awful, completely blank on a question, and a million other pre-interview worries. By 10:30 a.m. that was all wiped from my mind and a big dose of perspective replaced all the worries and fears.
I received an email via Facebook that changes everything. A roommate of my dear friend Mr. Man could only think of one way to get a hold of me to tell me some terrible news and that was Facebook. So in a Friend Request was one of the worst things I could have imagined: Mr. Man has been attacked and robbed Wednesday night and he was in the hospital, his long term prognosis was good, but he was in a bad way. Not many details, just he was robbed, possibly targeted for being gay, but who knows? Could have been bored thugs bent of bullying and beating. There was shock and the immediate need to pass along the message to others who know and love Mr. Man. Then a weird sense of calm. What did I have to worry about? An interview is daunting, but at least I'm safe and healthy enough to live my life and have the interview. I decided then and there my interview would be fine, but Mr. Man may not be fine, so all prayers and calls for help needed to go to him, not me.
I went to my interview, and I know this will sound immodest, but I rocked it! At the end of my interview on of my panelists even told me, "You did good!" which made me feel great. After the fact my friend Defense Guru followed up with some of his contacts and gave me the best feedback of all: The interviewers had said I was a definite hire. Mind you, I still have to wait and see if this all comes together, but it felt so good to know I had done well, and that this long hoped for opportunity may actually happen. Mama Frogger was so proud of me when I called to update her that it almost made me cry. I could tell she was just happy for me and the opportunity I may well get after a few weeks of uncertainty and fear. Friends were nothing but supportive and I was really happy...until I wasn't. The sheer happiness was dampened because it was mixed with worry about Mr. Man.
I know I have every right to be thrilled and jump for joy, but at the same time one of my closest friends is in a bad way and it's hard to feel both the worry and the happy at the same time. This strange bittersweet will be with me for a while. Mr. Man would have been one of the first I told my my interview success, but I can't right now. I want to visit him, but I worry about my germs, his family needing the time with him and everything else. To see he is as OK as he can be will help, so a visit will happen very soon.
I understand and in a strange way can accept that bad things happen to good people. So much in our lives is out of our control. I take comfort in the fact that Mr. Man has loving family and friends to support him. I have to believe that even the worst of things can make us stronger in the long run if we let them. So I will learn from the bittersweet that the good and the bad often come together. Yet, in my heart of hearts, I wish I didn't have to learn this lesson at all, but I can't change the past or the lesson, so I learn.
Yesterday was my big day, the interview I have been waiting and hoping for since March was finally going to happen. I have been sick all week, so I was stressed that I would look and sound awful, completely blank on a question, and a million other pre-interview worries. By 10:30 a.m. that was all wiped from my mind and a big dose of perspective replaced all the worries and fears.
I received an email via Facebook that changes everything. A roommate of my dear friend Mr. Man could only think of one way to get a hold of me to tell me some terrible news and that was Facebook. So in a Friend Request was one of the worst things I could have imagined: Mr. Man has been attacked and robbed Wednesday night and he was in the hospital, his long term prognosis was good, but he was in a bad way. Not many details, just he was robbed, possibly targeted for being gay, but who knows? Could have been bored thugs bent of bullying and beating. There was shock and the immediate need to pass along the message to others who know and love Mr. Man. Then a weird sense of calm. What did I have to worry about? An interview is daunting, but at least I'm safe and healthy enough to live my life and have the interview. I decided then and there my interview would be fine, but Mr. Man may not be fine, so all prayers and calls for help needed to go to him, not me.
I went to my interview, and I know this will sound immodest, but I rocked it! At the end of my interview on of my panelists even told me, "You did good!" which made me feel great. After the fact my friend Defense Guru followed up with some of his contacts and gave me the best feedback of all: The interviewers had said I was a definite hire. Mind you, I still have to wait and see if this all comes together, but it felt so good to know I had done well, and that this long hoped for opportunity may actually happen. Mama Frogger was so proud of me when I called to update her that it almost made me cry. I could tell she was just happy for me and the opportunity I may well get after a few weeks of uncertainty and fear. Friends were nothing but supportive and I was really happy...until I wasn't. The sheer happiness was dampened because it was mixed with worry about Mr. Man.
I know I have every right to be thrilled and jump for joy, but at the same time one of my closest friends is in a bad way and it's hard to feel both the worry and the happy at the same time. This strange bittersweet will be with me for a while. Mr. Man would have been one of the first I told my my interview success, but I can't right now. I want to visit him, but I worry about my germs, his family needing the time with him and everything else. To see he is as OK as he can be will help, so a visit will happen very soon.
I understand and in a strange way can accept that bad things happen to good people. So much in our lives is out of our control. I take comfort in the fact that Mr. Man has loving family and friends to support him. I have to believe that even the worst of things can make us stronger in the long run if we let them. So I will learn from the bittersweet that the good and the bad often come together. Yet, in my heart of hearts, I wish I didn't have to learn this lesson at all, but I can't change the past or the lesson, so I learn.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Reading Rainbow
I discovered something very fun to me. Reading Rainbow, one of my favorite PBS programs when I was a kid, is still on the air. The PBS station I watch the most (I get 3 of them on my bunny ears) shows Reading Rainbow after Sesame Street. I loved this show when I was a kid. They still use some of the super cheesy 80's clips (like LaVar Burton getting a wax model of himself made) and some books they profiled when I was a kid are still shown, but newer books are profiled too. I actually remember how psyched I got when I was given a Reading Rainbow book (it even had the sticker on the corner) as a birthday gift. A show all about reading hosted by Geordi La Forge, what is better? I mean seriously, Reading Rainbow kind of defines a bit part of my life because it focuses on a love a books and the way they can open minds to new things.
Reading was/is one of those critical values my parents instilled in their Frogger Kids and we in turn are drilling into the next generation. My parents never really censored what we read because they could appreciate we had different tastes and we weren't reading anything too nasty. Mama Frogger let me read all the V.C. Andrews' books and no one got overly concerned when I went through a lit phase filled with Stephen King and Anne Rice. My Sister-in-Law once admitted that on her first visit to meet our family, we freaked her out. All the Froggers in one room and all of us happily reading, she had never seen such a thing in her own family and it threw her. No one was angry or avoiding talk, we just decided it was a good time to relax and read and we all had good books we were enjoying. Didn't seem wierd to us.
In this state unemployment I have turned into Cookie Monster's cousin, Reading Monster. I have finished more books in the last 3 weeks than I have in about 3 months. I just finished When You are Engulfed in Flames last night, and I only started it two days ago. Now I need to find another book to fill my time. I figure better to devour books than watch scary daytime TV like soaps, or worse, the hypnotizing traffic wreck that is Maury Povich and his daily Who's the Father episode of his talk show. Shudder. After my interview today I am totally getting a new book to read. I'll need something to keep my mind occupied while I stress about if I got the job. Maybe another classic, or a different genre...God, I love reading!
Reading was/is one of those critical values my parents instilled in their Frogger Kids and we in turn are drilling into the next generation. My parents never really censored what we read because they could appreciate we had different tastes and we weren't reading anything too nasty. Mama Frogger let me read all the V.C. Andrews' books and no one got overly concerned when I went through a lit phase filled with Stephen King and Anne Rice. My Sister-in-Law once admitted that on her first visit to meet our family, we freaked her out. All the Froggers in one room and all of us happily reading, she had never seen such a thing in her own family and it threw her. No one was angry or avoiding talk, we just decided it was a good time to relax and read and we all had good books we were enjoying. Didn't seem wierd to us.
In this state unemployment I have turned into Cookie Monster's cousin, Reading Monster. I have finished more books in the last 3 weeks than I have in about 3 months. I just finished When You are Engulfed in Flames last night, and I only started it two days ago. Now I need to find another book to fill my time. I figure better to devour books than watch scary daytime TV like soaps, or worse, the hypnotizing traffic wreck that is Maury Povich and his daily Who's the Father episode of his talk show. Shudder. After my interview today I am totally getting a new book to read. I'll need something to keep my mind occupied while I stress about if I got the job. Maybe another classic, or a different genre...God, I love reading!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Hello, My Name is Sniffleupagus
I have a case of the sniffles, and yes, sniffles is a medical term in my world. It;s the awful congestion, post-nasal drip sore throat ick. Nothing so wrong, no fever or anything, just a snuffy, sniffy head. I think I sound and feel a bit like Snuffleupagus. My voice is a bit off and congested and I feel all big and lumbering, however much like Snuffy, I'm still a sweetheart. 
I did somehow manage to run today. I used the Neti and that combined with some over the counter drug help made me feel almost ok for a few hours. So while I still felt ok, I did Day 1, Week 6 of my running plan. During and after my run I felt ok, but of course then the snuffy head came back with a vengeance. So my afternoon, while productive, was a bit more uncomfortable. I tried on my interview suits and applied for some jobs, so all in all my sniffles haven't held me back too much. Now it's time for tea, Dr. Who and some more reading...and hopefully a clearing of the head.
Weekend Round-up:Fun Fun
I had an unusually active and friend filled weekend, so I figured Id hit the high points in on post.
Friday
Pretty much chill. Stayed in, watched some TV (PBS was replaying Masterpiece Theatre, I know, I'm a dork!) and then came lots of reading before I went to sleep. Honestly over this weekend I got over half of Lady Chatterley's Lover read.
Saturday
Started early, got up before 8 to have time to relax a little, listen to NPR and start prepping for my day of Movie Madness. I met-up with my friends Jack and Jill, a great married couple who love movies as much as I do, and we made our own double feature. We went to the 11 am Wall-E (seriously nothing is better than a morning movie) had a break for a snack and a few drinks, then back for Journey to the Center of the Earth 3-D. Oh, so much fun!
Morning movies are my new favorite because you can see a movie and have lunch and still have most of your day open for other fun, or for more movies. Wall-E was fantastic, seriously Pixar's best movie and just so well done. The only downfall was one group of Mom's who teamed up to bring their kids...and then did nothing to shut them up when they started talking. Journey 3-D was just good cheesy fun. I hadn't seen a 3-D movie since one of the Imax nature films at the Smithsonian. If this movie hasn't been in 3-D is would not have been worth watching, but the 3-D just added the cheap thrills and cheesy effects that made it engaging. A few moments where focusing was hard, but overall it was just silly fun.
As often happens when I hang out with Jack and Jill our outings turn into day long hang-out sessions. Inevitably we head out for more food, drinks, or occasionally an afternoon of games. Saturday was a stop at Trader Joe's to pick up snacks and then back to Jack and Jill home base to eat, chat and play XBox. I learned I suck at Halo, but am better at a few other games. I think I'm too used to the Wii controller...but I digress.
The only down side was I was so tired at the end of the day (combine drinks and early start with my ever increasing age) that I had to miss another outing with friends. I had to miss an outing organized by Princezz to see our friend VeganAvenger, and I had to be all old and lame...sigh. Oh well, it was still a good day.
Sunday
Sunday was BooKlub. A very small turnout, Jack and Jill were there and my friend PolitiChica, everyone else had last minute plans or were tired from VeganAvenger night. As per the usual, not a ton of book talk, but lots of chat and good food. Lasted a few hours and then it was back home to read and relax. By evening a case of the sniffles had settled in. I have had a remarkable streak of good health, so this apparently mild case of sniffles won't be that awful, but it is annoying.
Overall, I had a damn fine weekend filled with generous friends, good movies and lots of activity. Hopefully next weekend will be a just a nice!
Friday
Pretty much chill. Stayed in, watched some TV (PBS was replaying Masterpiece Theatre, I know, I'm a dork!) and then came lots of reading before I went to sleep. Honestly over this weekend I got over half of Lady Chatterley's Lover read.
Saturday
Started early, got up before 8 to have time to relax a little, listen to NPR and start prepping for my day of Movie Madness. I met-up with my friends Jack and Jill, a great married couple who love movies as much as I do, and we made our own double feature. We went to the 11 am Wall-E (seriously nothing is better than a morning movie) had a break for a snack and a few drinks, then back for Journey to the Center of the Earth 3-D. Oh, so much fun!
Morning movies are my new favorite because you can see a movie and have lunch and still have most of your day open for other fun, or for more movies. Wall-E was fantastic, seriously Pixar's best movie and just so well done. The only downfall was one group of Mom's who teamed up to bring their kids...and then did nothing to shut them up when they started talking. Journey 3-D was just good cheesy fun. I hadn't seen a 3-D movie since one of the Imax nature films at the Smithsonian. If this movie hasn't been in 3-D is would not have been worth watching, but the 3-D just added the cheap thrills and cheesy effects that made it engaging. A few moments where focusing was hard, but overall it was just silly fun.
As often happens when I hang out with Jack and Jill our outings turn into day long hang-out sessions. Inevitably we head out for more food, drinks, or occasionally an afternoon of games. Saturday was a stop at Trader Joe's to pick up snacks and then back to Jack and Jill home base to eat, chat and play XBox. I learned I suck at Halo, but am better at a few other games. I think I'm too used to the Wii controller...but I digress.
The only down side was I was so tired at the end of the day (combine drinks and early start with my ever increasing age) that I had to miss another outing with friends. I had to miss an outing organized by Princezz to see our friend VeganAvenger, and I had to be all old and lame...sigh. Oh well, it was still a good day.
Sunday
Sunday was BooKlub. A very small turnout, Jack and Jill were there and my friend PolitiChica, everyone else had last minute plans or were tired from VeganAvenger night. As per the usual, not a ton of book talk, but lots of chat and good food. Lasted a few hours and then it was back home to read and relax. By evening a case of the sniffles had settled in. I have had a remarkable streak of good health, so this apparently mild case of sniffles won't be that awful, but it is annoying.
Overall, I had a damn fine weekend filled with generous friends, good movies and lots of activity. Hopefully next weekend will be a just a nice!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Am I the Walrus? No, I am the Tortoise…Coo Coo Ca Choo
And no, I am not the Eggman, just the Tortoise of Aesop’s fables. I am slow and steady and if I don’t win the race I sure as sugar finish it! Today was Day 3 of Week 5 in the 9 week Couch to 5K series. This was a tough one and even though a few times I wanted to stop I hung in there and made it through. The reason today was so hard is twofold.
1.) This was the longest run time to date, 20 minutes non-stop and I haven’t done that in over a year making it seem very daunting.
2.) My head and body were not in sync, meaning a few times a slight side ache or other diversion almost made me stop. My body just felt slower/heavier than it did on Wednesday like it wasn’t quite awake. I think my head got so caught-up in the longer time it started to bog me down in the first half of the run, but I got over it.
A few times my mind wandered and I realized a speed walker might lap me, so I had to speed up. The first 5 minutes were fine, but then a slight side ache crept in (Princezz, you are not alone) and I had to focus on breathing and ignoring the pain (which was mild and annoying) to keep going. I also had to face my own Heartbreak Hill of course my Heartbreak Hill is not very long or very steep, but it came at about the 12 minute point when my legs practically screamed at me “What the Hell are you doing? We don’t like you right now! Stop running uphill, we mean it!” Yet up the hill I went and the later little dips and rises were much easier to take after I got up the more challenging slope.
I kept telling myself to keep going, distracted myself a few times with nature (a few pretty cardinals and suddenly appearing squirrel), occasionally reminded my legs to pick up the pace, and before I knew it I was done. Whew! It was tough, but I feel like it was a good challenge and next weeks even longer runs will hopefully be better now that I have made it over this hurdle. So now it’s time for the Tortoise to get on with her day. There is work to be searched for, interviews to prep for, and of course plenty of horribly daytime TV to amuse me if I am so inclined…but hopefully I can resist that until the work part is done. So onward and upward I shall plod on!
1.) This was the longest run time to date, 20 minutes non-stop and I haven’t done that in over a year making it seem very daunting.
2.) My head and body were not in sync, meaning a few times a slight side ache or other diversion almost made me stop. My body just felt slower/heavier than it did on Wednesday like it wasn’t quite awake. I think my head got so caught-up in the longer time it started to bog me down in the first half of the run, but I got over it.
A few times my mind wandered and I realized a speed walker might lap me, so I had to speed up. The first 5 minutes were fine, but then a slight side ache crept in (Princezz, you are not alone) and I had to focus on breathing and ignoring the pain (which was mild and annoying) to keep going. I also had to face my own Heartbreak Hill of course my Heartbreak Hill is not very long or very steep, but it came at about the 12 minute point when my legs practically screamed at me “What the Hell are you doing? We don’t like you right now! Stop running uphill, we mean it!” Yet up the hill I went and the later little dips and rises were much easier to take after I got up the more challenging slope.
I kept telling myself to keep going, distracted myself a few times with nature (a few pretty cardinals and suddenly appearing squirrel), occasionally reminded my legs to pick up the pace, and before I knew it I was done. Whew! It was tough, but I feel like it was a good challenge and next weeks even longer runs will hopefully be better now that I have made it over this hurdle. So now it’s time for the Tortoise to get on with her day. There is work to be searched for, interviews to prep for, and of course plenty of horribly daytime TV to amuse me if I am so inclined…but hopefully I can resist that until the work part is done. So onward and upward I shall plod on!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The Wheels on the Bus
OK, so in an attempt to save gas/mileage and in general be a good citizen I have been on the DC Metro/MetroBus system a lot more lately. I never have much issue with the Metro (by that I mean the actual train/subway) because it's usually on time, I can deal with crowds around rush hour and the stations are clearly mapped out.
The MetroBus system is a bit more of an adventure. It's really hard to get a clear map of a bus's route. You have to hope you have one of the buses that announces intersections or a sense of a neighborhood to know where you are sometimes. Now that it's summer one word describes all of my MetroBus experiences: Hot! I realize AC hurts the mileage, environment and gas prices are high, but when it's past 90 degrees and no one can open the windows, well that is just cruel! No air flow in a large metal can pressed against other humans is just not a helpful way to commute. The bus driver gets a nice big open window to help with the heat, but those of us in the back get the deafening noise of the bus rattling and no open windows. Oh well, public transport never promised to be perfect.
Case in point: my adventures on the bus to the garage where my car was getting a check-up. The garage is in Kensington (a town pretty close to home base) and there are a number of buses I can take to get back home after the drop off. I took RideOn Bus 5 back to home base. It's a very clear-cut route, I'd been on it before and I was riding it to the terminus of Silver Spring Station. It was a pretty smooth (hot) ride overall. My ride back to pick-up my car the next day was more of an adventure. I got RideOn Bus 4 and dear me was it a mystery. The route was even longer, more winding (the bus driver was awful lots of jerky stops and starts) and the ride actually involved me getting an ID check. The bus cuts through one of the Walter Reed outposts and apparently we had to prove we belonged on the bus to the security guard. The funniest part was that one stop before the stop I needed the bus driver just pulled over by a park and turned off the bus. She didn't even bother to tell me what was going on, just sat in silence. Not a huge deal, I was close enough to my final destination, but it was still weird. I then saw the driver just walking around in the park. I'm guessing it was her break, but that was still odd, I mean a passenger was still on the bus and nothing in the schedule said, "10 minute stop for bus driver to take a stroll".
I'll keep using the Metro System, bus lines included, for the rest of my time here in DC. Like with everything else in life there are good parts and bad parts to the system. I'm sure the more I use the buses the easier it will be to figure the out. In the meantime I shall think cool thoughts when I'm pressed in a bus or Metro car with no AC.
The MetroBus system is a bit more of an adventure. It's really hard to get a clear map of a bus's route. You have to hope you have one of the buses that announces intersections or a sense of a neighborhood to know where you are sometimes. Now that it's summer one word describes all of my MetroBus experiences: Hot! I realize AC hurts the mileage, environment and gas prices are high, but when it's past 90 degrees and no one can open the windows, well that is just cruel! No air flow in a large metal can pressed against other humans is just not a helpful way to commute. The bus driver gets a nice big open window to help with the heat, but those of us in the back get the deafening noise of the bus rattling and no open windows. Oh well, public transport never promised to be perfect.
Case in point: my adventures on the bus to the garage where my car was getting a check-up. The garage is in Kensington (a town pretty close to home base) and there are a number of buses I can take to get back home after the drop off. I took RideOn Bus 5 back to home base. It's a very clear-cut route, I'd been on it before and I was riding it to the terminus of Silver Spring Station. It was a pretty smooth (hot) ride overall. My ride back to pick-up my car the next day was more of an adventure. I got RideOn Bus 4 and dear me was it a mystery. The route was even longer, more winding (the bus driver was awful lots of jerky stops and starts) and the ride actually involved me getting an ID check. The bus cuts through one of the Walter Reed outposts and apparently we had to prove we belonged on the bus to the security guard. The funniest part was that one stop before the stop I needed the bus driver just pulled over by a park and turned off the bus. She didn't even bother to tell me what was going on, just sat in silence. Not a huge deal, I was close enough to my final destination, but it was still weird. I then saw the driver just walking around in the park. I'm guessing it was her break, but that was still odd, I mean a passenger was still on the bus and nothing in the schedule said, "10 minute stop for bus driver to take a stroll".
I'll keep using the Metro System, bus lines included, for the rest of my time here in DC. Like with everything else in life there are good parts and bad parts to the system. I'm sure the more I use the buses the easier it will be to figure the out. In the meantime I shall think cool thoughts when I'm pressed in a bus or Metro car with no AC.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Bright and Shiney Day!
Today did not really start out as a promising day. I was feeling kind of gross, tired, not motivated to pop-up and run like I planned. Overall a slower start to the day than was intended, but in some ways fate meant for me to start slower today. Fate/God/Universe...whatever it may be...meant for me to still be home at 8:05 prepping for my run.
Why do I think this way? Because at 8:05 I got a phone call that just transformed my day. A certain Government Office, that I applied to many moons ago, and who over the last few weeks of stress and fear have been teasing me with their presence and possible employment, finally called. I got THE call I have been waiting on for over a week. The call to schedule an interview. Whew! I had been in such a high state of fear/concern the past few days and this call just gave me perspective. The Govt caller was very nice and said the best thing ever. Govt Office is VERY interested in people who can start "right away", and what better defines my life right now than that?
Nothing is certain, but this feels very right indeed. I'll still keep up my searches for jobs as a back-up, and I try to tell myself to settle down a little, but it's hard to do. Last week I tried on my suits, and since I have dropped close to 15 lbs in the last month an a half they fit better than ever and look great. I'm getting my haircut tomorrow to keep the style looking polished for the interview, and interview prep will start ASAP. Need to make sure I'm fully prepared to Wow the interview panel.
I'll still be on high alert until after my interview next week and the time it takes them to decide if I get an offer. Nothing is a guarantee, but I keep on smiling and feeling that my Pollyanna thoughts were right, things really do happen for a reason.
Why do I think this way? Because at 8:05 I got a phone call that just transformed my day. A certain Government Office, that I applied to many moons ago, and who over the last few weeks of stress and fear have been teasing me with their presence and possible employment, finally called. I got THE call I have been waiting on for over a week. The call to schedule an interview. Whew! I had been in such a high state of fear/concern the past few days and this call just gave me perspective. The Govt caller was very nice and said the best thing ever. Govt Office is VERY interested in people who can start "right away", and what better defines my life right now than that?
Nothing is certain, but this feels very right indeed. I'll still keep up my searches for jobs as a back-up, and I try to tell myself to settle down a little, but it's hard to do. Last week I tried on my suits, and since I have dropped close to 15 lbs in the last month an a half they fit better than ever and look great. I'm getting my haircut tomorrow to keep the style looking polished for the interview, and interview prep will start ASAP. Need to make sure I'm fully prepared to Wow the interview panel.
I'll still be on high alert until after my interview next week and the time it takes them to decide if I get an offer. Nothing is a guarantee, but I keep on smiling and feeling that my Pollyanna thoughts were right, things really do happen for a reason.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
What is in a name? All sorts of stuff!
So I was giving into my love of entertainment gossip yesterday by clicking on CNN and People.Com and what was one of the headlines: Nicole Kidman had her baby. Awww cute. Then I saw what they named their sweet little bundle of baby: Sunday Rose. Sunday, but she was born on a Monday...so Sunday? Really? Mmmhmm and no one is going to pick on this kid for being named after a day of the week? Just like I'm sure Gwyneth's little Apple will never have variations of taunts with "sauce, cart, sour" or heck anything else my perverse little mind is thinking up right now. I mean if you looked through the names celebrities have dropped on their children, (Banjo, Pilot Inspektor, Kal-El) well Sunday is pretty mild by comparison.
Granted, parents have to pick a name that is special to them for their child. There are traditional names you couldn't pay me to name my child. No offense to any who have these names, but there are already tons of Sara, Jennifer, Emma babies, and it's never fun to have too many kids with the same name in the same class. I also realize all names run the risk of teasing. FroggerGirl's real name is also the name of a doll that performs a specific bodily function, which made for all sorts of fun in the childhood teasing/name calling department. It made me stronger in some ways, but it really made me hate that freaking doll. I can't fault my parents, they gave me a good name, not their fault the Toy Gods messed it up.
The other reason weird names are on my mind, beyond the strange need celebrities have to make the offspring media targets/butt of jokes, was because I was up too late on Sunday and gave into one of my guilty pleasure. Watching Jack Van Impe Presents for fun. I don't watch it because I believe a damn word he says or prophecies. Hell, I watch it because I don't believe a damn word he says. I watch it for his weird, blond, skeleton skinny, super face lifted, kind of dumb sounding wife, Rexella. Oh yes, her name is Rexella, Rexella Van Impe. Is there a better name than that for sheer giggles. It also helps that she sounds like a bubble head on Valium. I hear Rexella and I automatically think of Barbarella, or some other intergalactic space hooker.
OK, sometimes even I have to make fun of a name. I guess it's not her fault Rexella sounds like a Star Trek name. Just like it's not Sunday's fault her Mom and Dad have a twisted name plan. As Juliet said, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet."
Granted, parents have to pick a name that is special to them for their child. There are traditional names you couldn't pay me to name my child. No offense to any who have these names, but there are already tons of Sara, Jennifer, Emma babies, and it's never fun to have too many kids with the same name in the same class. I also realize all names run the risk of teasing. FroggerGirl's real name is also the name of a doll that performs a specific bodily function, which made for all sorts of fun in the childhood teasing/name calling department. It made me stronger in some ways, but it really made me hate that freaking doll. I can't fault my parents, they gave me a good name, not their fault the Toy Gods messed it up.
The other reason weird names are on my mind, beyond the strange need celebrities have to make the offspring media targets/butt of jokes, was because I was up too late on Sunday and gave into one of my guilty pleasure. Watching Jack Van Impe Presents for fun. I don't watch it because I believe a damn word he says or prophecies. Hell, I watch it because I don't believe a damn word he says. I watch it for his weird, blond, skeleton skinny, super face lifted, kind of dumb sounding wife, Rexella. Oh yes, her name is Rexella, Rexella Van Impe. Is there a better name than that for sheer giggles. It also helps that she sounds like a bubble head on Valium. I hear Rexella and I automatically think of Barbarella, or some other intergalactic space hooker.
OK, sometimes even I have to make fun of a name. I guess it's not her fault Rexella sounds like a Star Trek name. Just like it's not Sunday's fault her Mom and Dad have a twisted name plan. As Juliet said, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet."
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Run FroggerGirl, Run....
Despite all the stress and everything else going on I absolutely refuse to loose the hard fought and won ground of physical and health improvement. So this morning, despite feeling a wee bit icky and unmotivated, I made myself get up and out for yet another round of Couch to 5K running fun. Week Four is of course a challenge. More running, less down time, and it leads up to the larger milestones ahead. I ran on Tuesday, inside, where AC and the treadmill make the whole running experience easier and a bit more comfortable. Today I went back outside to get back on track for all my goals.
Outside it was warmer, borderline hot, but thankfully it was still early enough in the day that true heat had not yet settled over DC and humidity was low...which will really not last at all! Instead of my usual bright and early, it was more like bright and mid-morning, but I was still proud to be up and out instead of feeling like I did yesterday.
I'm very pleased with the trail by my apartment. The route I've been taking lately is mostly shaded and cool. Despite a pretty steady stream of cars that pass though the area, the paths are peaceful. My Podcast provides music and verbal encouragement when I run, but I keep the volume low to allow some of the quiet to surround me despite the sounds.
The funniest thing about my run is that for the the final run, the Podcast is set to this kind of innocuous rock inspired song, but every time I hear it the words "More Cowbell" pop into my head. The main percussion of the song is an unfailing regular and surprisingly loud cowbell. I think it's supposed to help my pace and feel upbeat, but all I can hear is the cowbell and pictures of the SNL sketch flash in my head. At least that little giggle helps raise the spirits!
Outside it was warmer, borderline hot, but thankfully it was still early enough in the day that true heat had not yet settled over DC and humidity was low...which will really not last at all! Instead of my usual bright and early, it was more like bright and mid-morning, but I was still proud to be up and out instead of feeling like I did yesterday.
I'm very pleased with the trail by my apartment. The route I've been taking lately is mostly shaded and cool. Despite a pretty steady stream of cars that pass though the area, the paths are peaceful. My Podcast provides music and verbal encouragement when I run, but I keep the volume low to allow some of the quiet to surround me despite the sounds.
The funniest thing about my run is that for the the final run, the Podcast is set to this kind of innocuous rock inspired song, but every time I hear it the words "More Cowbell" pop into my head. The main percussion of the song is an unfailing regular and surprisingly loud cowbell. I think it's supposed to help my pace and feel upbeat, but all I can hear is the cowbell and pictures of the SNL sketch flash in my head. At least that little giggle helps raise the spirits!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
The Power of Positive Thinking
Well, it appears the day is not so dark as I had thought! Good things do happen. After the fear and everything else, comes better news. The ever hoped for Government job, applied to many, many months ago, has finally had some progress. After much waiting and vague confirmation emails, finally a message of hope...they want to schedule an interview. While there are no guarantees, the slow hire process will continue at least there is a major ray of hope in the process. I will continue to apply myself to all avenues I can, but the hopeful feeling was very nice indeed!
the ugly, The Bad and THE GOOD!!!
OK, reverse order, because I find that it's better to address the less pleasant things first to make the good shine brighter. So here it goes.
the ugly
- FroggerGirl for the first time in her life, not at her own choosing or because of school, is without gainful employ for a (hopefully) brief period of time.
The Bad
- I have discovered that loosing a job triggers a feeling a of grief and panic I hope to never feel again, or at least not have to feel for a long time.
- FroggerGirl had to back out of the Mexico Wedding she was supposed to be a Bridesmaid for. That truly hurts my heart because I had to disappoint a dear friend at a time that should be nothing but sunshine and lollipops for her as she sets up her new life.
- There are still some lingering feelings of doubt and fear clouding my mind, but since barely 24hrs have passed since the great ax fell, well it's to be expected.
THE GOOD
- I have the unshakable love and support of my family, the Frogger Ma and Pa quickly closed ranks to offer support and ideas to help ease their little Frog's mind, and like much of life, Ma and Pa can make things better with a word.
- An outpouring of support by friends, both far and near, offering ideas, leads for jobs and in general the go-get-em-tiger, you will kick-butt kind of pep talks and thinking that help to raise even the lowest of feelings.
- I am ( and I realize this is immodest/egotistical, but to hell with it) wicked smart and in my life have worked in enough random places and had enough education that even if it's stocking books at Border's I will find a job.
- An organization of Government affiliation has passed my job application (made many months ago) through to the interview phase...so maybe they will finally call (I totally feel like a High School girl waiting for her crush to call her on the phone) and grant me a face to face to show them how awesome I am.
- This morning, even though my spirits were still a bit damp I got up and started a productive day. I won't let this deter me from my running plan (which went very well this morning, possibly because I was working off some stress) or lead to too great a depression of mood, to use what some may call a cliche, "This too shall pass."
Overall the GOOD outweighs the Bad and the ugly. I am not so trite or calm as to think this process is going to be easy or without down moments, but I have to focus on positive things.
Frogger Pa said it best, "This is one of those character builders you don't really want, but that happen anyway and help you in the long haul." So, back to the grindstone I must go, to press my nose against it, and hopefully end up with more than a ground-down nose!
Monday, June 30, 2008
FroggerGirl's Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day....
Have you ever had a day that starts with a bad feeling? Inauspicious signs seem to be there? That would be my day today. I had a call from a friend that kept me up late, and thus made me decide to sleep instead of run this morning, but in resetting my alarm, I screwed up and overslept. My morning was rushed, traffic seemed against me and now that I think about it wheels were in motion for the bad that was to come.
I got to work and it was eerily quiet. Things have been slow, so this was not totally a surprise, but my co-worker (daughter of the boss) was kind of weird with me. My Boss was not very engaged, but I assumed our slow business had her down more than usual. Then came the bomb, and try though she might to set it down gently, all bombs sent on a mission seem to explode no matter how careful you are. She asked what I had heard about my Govt job prospects, then came sentences involving the words, numbers crunched, business low, overhead not met, Boss Lady taking a pay cut, co-worker is taking a pay cut...so I volunteer I can take one too...except that is not to be. Blood is thicker than age, skill or the bills I have to pay, so co-worker will keep her job...mine, well not so much. Then boss lady kind of trailed off, no timeline had been set, she was going to try to make some calls for me, but we both new no easy job fix would come. By the time I left the office I knew that this week I would have income, but next week, well there is the mystery for FroggerGirl.
Emails went out in a call to arms to friends who can help in my interim search for temp work, ideas and aid were received and pep talks and hope given. Then other spectres of dread...my desire to move into DC, job panic, a wedding I am supposed to attend...followed by tears. Tears I desperately don't want to shed because I am strong, this is not the end of the world, and tears will not help...but tears come anyway. Tears that make my head hurt, my nose stuff up and my body ache. Tears keep coming unbidden in fits and starts, but I guess that is what sheer terror can do to a girl out of a job who has never been in quite this position before.
Plans are being laid and lists are being drawn up and I can cope with this...perhaps after more tears. Unpleasantness will follow, but that too shall pass. I knew in some back part of my mind that this economic crumble in the housing market would hurt me directly. I knew in some way that challenges I did not want, but must face was looming...and now here they are...KABOOM...in my face. I have survived it and will soon rebuild. Hopefully better and stronger than how I feel now, which is hurt and a bit scared, but determined to overcome and triumph, even though I know it will be hard.
Pollyanna is in my head too, whispering that everything will be OK. Everything happens for a reason. Tears are acceptable for today, but tomorrow they have to go away. Too much to do to wallow in the muck of self-pity. Jobs and apartments need to be found and tasks accomplished.
I would give anything to trade my Terrible, Horrible etc... Day with Alexander. his seems a hell of a lot better than mine! ;-)
I got to work and it was eerily quiet. Things have been slow, so this was not totally a surprise, but my co-worker (daughter of the boss) was kind of weird with me. My Boss was not very engaged, but I assumed our slow business had her down more than usual. Then came the bomb, and try though she might to set it down gently, all bombs sent on a mission seem to explode no matter how careful you are. She asked what I had heard about my Govt job prospects, then came sentences involving the words, numbers crunched, business low, overhead not met, Boss Lady taking a pay cut, co-worker is taking a pay cut...so I volunteer I can take one too...except that is not to be. Blood is thicker than age, skill or the bills I have to pay, so co-worker will keep her job...mine, well not so much. Then boss lady kind of trailed off, no timeline had been set, she was going to try to make some calls for me, but we both new no easy job fix would come. By the time I left the office I knew that this week I would have income, but next week, well there is the mystery for FroggerGirl.
Emails went out in a call to arms to friends who can help in my interim search for temp work, ideas and aid were received and pep talks and hope given. Then other spectres of dread...my desire to move into DC, job panic, a wedding I am supposed to attend...followed by tears. Tears I desperately don't want to shed because I am strong, this is not the end of the world, and tears will not help...but tears come anyway. Tears that make my head hurt, my nose stuff up and my body ache. Tears keep coming unbidden in fits and starts, but I guess that is what sheer terror can do to a girl out of a job who has never been in quite this position before.
Plans are being laid and lists are being drawn up and I can cope with this...perhaps after more tears. Unpleasantness will follow, but that too shall pass. I knew in some back part of my mind that this economic crumble in the housing market would hurt me directly. I knew in some way that challenges I did not want, but must face was looming...and now here they are...KABOOM...in my face. I have survived it and will soon rebuild. Hopefully better and stronger than how I feel now, which is hurt and a bit scared, but determined to overcome and triumph, even though I know it will be hard.
Pollyanna is in my head too, whispering that everything will be OK. Everything happens for a reason. Tears are acceptable for today, but tomorrow they have to go away. Too much to do to wallow in the muck of self-pity. Jobs and apartments need to be found and tasks accomplished.
I would give anything to trade my Terrible, Horrible etc... Day with Alexander. his seems a hell of a lot better than mine! ;-)
Thursday, June 26, 2008
What a Difference A Day Makes!
Yesterday there was a small cloud of anxiety and doubt hanging out over my very weary little head...until 4:00pm EST! Then that cloud totally went away, not in a burst of rainy tears, but the proverbial sun broke through the cloud! The slow wheels of Govt. that I have been anxiously waiting to see turn...turned!!! Hope has helped defer the stress and fear of uncertainty and that is a wonderful thing that makes a lot of problems seem to melt away. To make this post full of every Pollyanna cliche:
There is Light at the End of the Tunnel
My Glass is Half-Full
My Glasses are Truly Rose colored!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
PBR on NPR? Infomercials on PBS? Really?
So since my last few posts have been focused on heavier life type topics, I think it's far better to focus/rant on some of the more ridiculous and odd things I observe. Far lighter and happier fair indeed.
The first observation is one I enjoy, PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon) is apparently a regular sponsor of the NPR programing I listen to. When they do their little mini-commercial promos for sponsors, all of a sudden I hear about Pabst (PBR) it's sponsorship of a musical event and of course proud sponsor of the news and programming. In the last 2 years I have seen a sudden re-emergence of PBR in bars and on menus...of good restaurants. Now offence to those who love PBR and its cans, but it's not the best beer from WI. I grew up being told PBR is a low tier beer, but if they are supporting NPR I may have to reconsider it's tier placement. Either way there is something that makes me giggle about hearing the serious news announcer talk about Pabst Blue Ribbon right before the news. Kind of doesn't fit the picture.
This observation is more of a rant. When did PBS need to start using full on infomercials as a fund raising tool? I mean I can live with fund raising time, and right now I'm a freeloader (not with NPR thankfully) who deals with the specials as par for the course of life with no cable I lead. However, when I see some of the same faces hocking How to Play the Piano and Rich Dad Poor Dad, that I see late at night on regular infomercials...well something just doesn't sit right. I mean PBS still has the annoying specials like Celine Dion Vegas and Celtic Tiger, which is in the same Irish obsession vein as RiverDance, and those I know people snap up. I can live with the brief flashes of the infomercial like programs balanced with the remembered PBS wares for fundraising...but when they do it every weekend for a month and a half? That is just punishment! I mean how many times do you need to show How to Play a Piano w/out a Piano...because God knows that's how I want to learn how to play. And Rich Dad Poor Dad, a program largely predicated on Real Estate Investment? That just seems irresponsible. I can have some relief that fundraising doesn't come around too often and when it does I may have to consider increasing my Netflix disks. I just can't take the infomercial Celine Dion madness for another month and a half, I just love myself too much to suffer that much.
The first observation is one I enjoy, PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon) is apparently a regular sponsor of the NPR programing I listen to. When they do their little mini-commercial promos for sponsors, all of a sudden I hear about Pabst (PBR) it's sponsorship of a musical event and of course proud sponsor of the news and programming. In the last 2 years I have seen a sudden re-emergence of PBR in bars and on menus...of good restaurants. Now offence to those who love PBR and its cans, but it's not the best beer from WI. I grew up being told PBR is a low tier beer, but if they are supporting NPR I may have to reconsider it's tier placement. Either way there is something that makes me giggle about hearing the serious news announcer talk about Pabst Blue Ribbon right before the news. Kind of doesn't fit the picture.
This observation is more of a rant. When did PBS need to start using full on infomercials as a fund raising tool? I mean I can live with fund raising time, and right now I'm a freeloader (not with NPR thankfully) who deals with the specials as par for the course of life with no cable I lead. However, when I see some of the same faces hocking How to Play the Piano and Rich Dad Poor Dad, that I see late at night on regular infomercials...well something just doesn't sit right. I mean PBS still has the annoying specials like Celine Dion Vegas and Celtic Tiger, which is in the same Irish obsession vein as RiverDance, and those I know people snap up. I can live with the brief flashes of the infomercial like programs balanced with the remembered PBS wares for fundraising...but when they do it every weekend for a month and a half? That is just punishment! I mean how many times do you need to show How to Play a Piano w/out a Piano...because God knows that's how I want to learn how to play. And Rich Dad Poor Dad, a program largely predicated on Real Estate Investment? That just seems irresponsible. I can have some relief that fundraising doesn't come around too often and when it does I may have to consider increasing my Netflix disks. I just can't take the infomercial Celine Dion madness for another month and a half, I just love myself too much to suffer that much.
Operation News Blackout
OK, a news blackout is probably a bit extreme, but me thinks it's time I reduced my news/mass media intake a bit. I think a giant MUTE button for talking heads and doom/gloom journalism and reporting is sorely needed. I've noticed a spike in my anxiety level, and I believe the amount of news I read, watch, click though on the Internet and listen to on NPR is messing with my head. The news is dominated with talking heads and stories screaming about human misery, a collapsing/weather-crazed planet and war. It always seems that some talking head's screaming about how Americans (and by extrapolation me) will be homeless because of the credit crunch, or die of/suffer from starvation/malnutrition because of food prices (OK that's a bit extreme, but it could effect a lot of low-income Americans), or loose jobs because of oil prices and the economy. I happen to work in the great big world of Real Estate right now, and any good news in housing is quickly drowned out by bad. I hear about high oil prices and then see pictures of horrible floods (which are tragic and legitimate news) followed by screaming headlines about how said floods are going to screw our economy and the whole world...and it just makes me tense, sad and, even right now, ready to cry.
I never used to sit at home in dread of driving to work, dealing with bills or buying groceries....this is a very new and to be honest not very rational. I have a wedding in Mexico next month and I'm having a hard time being excited (which I really want to be) because all I can see is the $$$ involved that I don't have or should be saving for the economic Apocalypse the news keeps forecasting. Yesterday as I was partially filling my gas tank (thank you $4.09 a gallon, which I am grateful for after I see almost $5 in CA) they had the NPR Marketplace report playing over the PA system. The Marketplace Evening Report were talking about consumer confidence and the story was fairly lame about how we have it so much better than in the 70's because we are suffering an economic crisis but we are doing it without disco music. Seriously, disco jokes are lame to begin with, and that lame joke did nothing to make my mood lighter, in fact it ticked me off a bit. The only good point in the story was the reporters admitted they (the Media) were partly responsible for American feeling like poo and living in a state of Economic fear because of how and what channels decide to cover.
So to cure this anxiety spike and try to restore balance to my news needs and mental health I'm going to massively cut-back on the mass media news machine for a while. I can't totally release my addiction to NPR, but I can stop watching the massive blocks of evening news and reduce my news site surfing. I don't have cable and I feel overwhelmed by the news, imagine what 5+ channels of 24 hour non-stop news at my fingertips would do to me! Sheesh! I still hope to know what's going on in the world, but just find the balance in it all!
I never used to sit at home in dread of driving to work, dealing with bills or buying groceries....this is a very new and to be honest not very rational. I have a wedding in Mexico next month and I'm having a hard time being excited (which I really want to be) because all I can see is the $$$ involved that I don't have or should be saving for the economic Apocalypse the news keeps forecasting. Yesterday as I was partially filling my gas tank (thank you $4.09 a gallon, which I am grateful for after I see almost $5 in CA) they had the NPR Marketplace report playing over the PA system. The Marketplace Evening Report were talking about consumer confidence and the story was fairly lame about how we have it so much better than in the 70's because we are suffering an economic crisis but we are doing it without disco music. Seriously, disco jokes are lame to begin with, and that lame joke did nothing to make my mood lighter, in fact it ticked me off a bit. The only good point in the story was the reporters admitted they (the Media) were partly responsible for American feeling like poo and living in a state of Economic fear because of how and what channels decide to cover.
So to cure this anxiety spike and try to restore balance to my news needs and mental health I'm going to massively cut-back on the mass media news machine for a while. I can't totally release my addiction to NPR, but I can stop watching the massive blocks of evening news and reduce my news site surfing. I don't have cable and I feel overwhelmed by the news, imagine what 5+ channels of 24 hour non-stop news at my fingertips would do to me! Sheesh! I still hope to know what's going on in the world, but just find the balance in it all!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Runing Rockstar? Not yet, but soon!
So the FroggerGirl Feelings Funk has lifted! Happy Hour w/Princezz, a decent nights sleep and putting a few ducks in a (mental) row have been immensely helpful! And oddly enough the same thing that helped trigger some funkage on Sunday also helped to lift it, and that is my newish morning run routine.
I've always had a bit of an athletic inclination, emphasis on bit, yet in the past few years I've been in an out of regular physical activity and I decided enough was enough! For my 29th year I've decided to refocus on me, get my career goals a bit more in focus, look at my life and friends and really nurture and grow the good relationships and feelings, and most importantly, get my ass in gear to prep my inexorably aging body for the long haul ahead!
When I moved to DC four years ago I dropped about 20 lbs (thank you elliptical machine!) and got myself to my current state, I'm in decent/OK shape, and I occasionally reach good/great status for brief flashes. Yoga has been great for me on mental and physical levels, but right after my Birthday I started my new challenge, The Couch to 5K Running plan.
One brief history disclosure, I have started and stopped the Couch to 5K plan 2 other times. Both times I made almost to eh 9 week finish mark, but ended up wimping out b/c of illness or scheduling excuses. This time I will make it to the end and keep it up! I like this program, it is easy to follow (when I'm no wussing out) and the Ullery Podcast makes it pretty idiot proof. All I needed was a new iPod Shuffle (my old iPod was offially skunked/dead), downloaded podcast (which is set to music AND tells me when to do what interval) and the mental toughness to force myself to wake-up early. The waking up early part is the toughest for me, a natural night owl, but once I did a few times I discovered it's not nearly as awful as I had feared! :)
Sunday I finished Week 2, and it was a good run. I felt good, the weather was nice, and I finished my last running interval strongly. Yet, when I got home fatigue, muscle soreness and my own hormonal/stressed mind started in on my and my physically tired state caused by meh sleep and the run just made the funk creep in. I tried to focus on the good stings, like hey, I have consistently gotten-up at the crack of dawn to run for 2 weeks, but it was hard to do.
Today, Week 3, more running than walking is creeping into the training, and the challenge is rising. Today the weather was great, low humidity, still in the 60's, just enough sun. The trail I run is relatively busy, so I pass a lot of people out for their morning walks, runs, or bike rides. It makes the morning feel brighter to see so many folks out and about, plus I get to see lots of dogs and since i can't have one of my own yet, I get the vicarious thrill of dog walking/running. I finished my lat run interval strong, I felt great. As the day has moved on I am a bit sleepy, but I still feel good.
I think this whole morning exercise thing will work out just dandy! This time I will make it to the 5K mark and then I can start thinking about The Race for the Cure or other actual event runs.. I have moral support in the form of runner friends including the Princezz who is running the same plan, so this time I think I may actually make it to the "great Shape" mark.
I think 29 is going to be one hell of a year for FroggerGirl! One of her best yet! ;)
I've always had a bit of an athletic inclination, emphasis on bit, yet in the past few years I've been in an out of regular physical activity and I decided enough was enough! For my 29th year I've decided to refocus on me, get my career goals a bit more in focus, look at my life and friends and really nurture and grow the good relationships and feelings, and most importantly, get my ass in gear to prep my inexorably aging body for the long haul ahead!
When I moved to DC four years ago I dropped about 20 lbs (thank you elliptical machine!) and got myself to my current state, I'm in decent/OK shape, and I occasionally reach good/great status for brief flashes. Yoga has been great for me on mental and physical levels, but right after my Birthday I started my new challenge, The Couch to 5K Running plan.
One brief history disclosure, I have started and stopped the Couch to 5K plan 2 other times. Both times I made almost to eh 9 week finish mark, but ended up wimping out b/c of illness or scheduling excuses. This time I will make it to the end and keep it up! I like this program, it is easy to follow (when I'm no wussing out) and the Ullery Podcast makes it pretty idiot proof. All I needed was a new iPod Shuffle (my old iPod was offially skunked/dead), downloaded podcast (which is set to music AND tells me when to do what interval) and the mental toughness to force myself to wake-up early. The waking up early part is the toughest for me, a natural night owl, but once I did a few times I discovered it's not nearly as awful as I had feared! :)
Sunday I finished Week 2, and it was a good run. I felt good, the weather was nice, and I finished my last running interval strongly. Yet, when I got home fatigue, muscle soreness and my own hormonal/stressed mind started in on my and my physically tired state caused by meh sleep and the run just made the funk creep in. I tried to focus on the good stings, like hey, I have consistently gotten-up at the crack of dawn to run for 2 weeks, but it was hard to do.
Today, Week 3, more running than walking is creeping into the training, and the challenge is rising. Today the weather was great, low humidity, still in the 60's, just enough sun. The trail I run is relatively busy, so I pass a lot of people out for their morning walks, runs, or bike rides. It makes the morning feel brighter to see so many folks out and about, plus I get to see lots of dogs and since i can't have one of my own yet, I get the vicarious thrill of dog walking/running. I finished my lat run interval strong, I felt great. As the day has moved on I am a bit sleepy, but I still feel good.
I think this whole morning exercise thing will work out just dandy! This time I will make it to the 5K mark and then I can start thinking about The Race for the Cure or other actual event runs.. I have moral support in the form of runner friends including the Princezz who is running the same plan, so this time I think I may actually make it to the "great Shape" mark.
I think 29 is going to be one hell of a year for FroggerGirl! One of her best yet! ;)
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Even a Small Victory is a Good Victory....Right?
So FroggerGirl has had a bit of a funk this week/week-end. Nothing serious, just overtired, post-Birthday week, work is nuts and everything else...so long ramble short, I have a low-grade funk that is easily treated with friends, exercise and happy thoughts.
To treat this funk (which may also have hormonal origins) I'm focusing on all the good things going on. Like, hey next week my hormones will calm down! That will be lovely. Almost the end of the month, so that means work may be busy in a good way instead of boring yet stressful. A certain government agency may finally email me good news, or some news, anything is possible. :)
A bigger happy spot, I have actually gotten up way early to do my Couch to 5K Running podcast for the last two weeks AND I've done well with it! Even this morning I got up early to run. No collapsing with fatigue and in general I feel the better on those active days. I have finally gotten to the point where I can hold a half handstand in my yoga class for more than a few seconds AND I'm in the correct alignment without teacher assistance. Maybe by the end of summer I'll be able to test doing a for real handstand, something I wasn't even able to do when I was a kid.
I have friends, a good book to read and in a few weeks I will have an adventure to Mexico for a friend's Wedding. Never been to Mexico and still lots to do, but I've always been a glass-half-full kind of lady!
OK, sleep helps treat funks, so off to dreamland! I'm already seeing a bit more rose-tint in my glasses, so maybe by tomorrow I'll be at full-blown pair of rose-colored glasses for the day! :)
To treat this funk (which may also have hormonal origins) I'm focusing on all the good things going on. Like, hey next week my hormones will calm down! That will be lovely. Almost the end of the month, so that means work may be busy in a good way instead of boring yet stressful. A certain government agency may finally email me good news, or some news, anything is possible. :)
A bigger happy spot, I have actually gotten up way early to do my Couch to 5K Running podcast for the last two weeks AND I've done well with it! Even this morning I got up early to run. No collapsing with fatigue and in general I feel the better on those active days. I have finally gotten to the point where I can hold a half handstand in my yoga class for more than a few seconds AND I'm in the correct alignment without teacher assistance. Maybe by the end of summer I'll be able to test doing a for real handstand, something I wasn't even able to do when I was a kid.
I have friends, a good book to read and in a few weeks I will have an adventure to Mexico for a friend's Wedding. Never been to Mexico and still lots to do, but I've always been a glass-half-full kind of lady!
OK, sleep helps treat funks, so off to dreamland! I'm already seeing a bit more rose-tint in my glasses, so maybe by tomorrow I'll be at full-blown pair of rose-colored glasses for the day! :)
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Birthdays
What's better than a Birthday? Not much! FroggerGirl had a lovely time with friends for her 29th (yes, I turned what is a false age for many, but the real deal for me) and it was craziness and great all in one!
I always new I had great friends, and they were willing to deal with cabs, some planning Snafus and a few location changes, but they were all troopers and we had a great time. The restaurant we ended up in by complete chance was named Argonauts was surprising good, located in a borderline neighborhood of DC, but the food and service was great and I'll definitely head back to the area for food again. The evening ended with a side trip to Adams Morgan to people watch and sit outside was also lovely.
I can't stop this whole ageing process, but at least I can enjoy myself with friends and fun to ease the passage of time! Good stuff! :-)
I always new I had great friends, and they were willing to deal with cabs, some planning Snafus and a few location changes, but they were all troopers and we had a great time. The restaurant we ended up in by complete chance was named Argonauts was surprising good, located in a borderline neighborhood of DC, but the food and service was great and I'll definitely head back to the area for food again. The evening ended with a side trip to Adams Morgan to people watch and sit outside was also lovely.
I can't stop this whole ageing process, but at least I can enjoy myself with friends and fun to ease the passage of time! Good stuff! :-)
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Vanity
OK, so I've been thinking about this topic a lot lately. I've never considered myself a vain person, but I've come to realize my sense of vanity has developed more as I age. Back in High School and College I was more concerned with make-up and some fashion, but never really obsessed or anything and I certainly never pulled mush off with flair. College then degraded to me really not giving 2 sh*ts about lots of appearance factors like my weight etc... Yet in the last few years things like skin condition, weight and fashion have started to mean more to me.
An example? I got a haircut last month that literally left me in tears...twice! The hair wasn't terrible by any means, but it felt boring, like middle-aged-overweight-Mom hair! NOT COOL! I dealt with it until I saw the ever lovely Princezz sporting great hair and I too had to reclaim my head! Now after $80 I'm sporting a mighty fine do, and I will just have to continue splashing out for fabulousness from now on. In my earlier 20's (and to be honest at many points in adolescents) I sported some wicked awful/weird hair, but now it actually affects my mood. I had tears over HAIR! And no, it was not hormones, it was the haircut that caused the tears.
I've given in to my need to moisturize, sunscreen my super pale self, and even check for grey hair and fine lines. Make-up and I are still in a strange detente where I will wear it on rare occasions, but so far have been able to look fine w/out it. According to others my fashion sense is better than I give it credit for...and my ego/vanity center is very happy about that. ;) I will soon (so very soon) be 29, the gateway to 30, and I'll be damned if I look prematurely older or preternaturally younger than my age.
However friends and loved-ones, if you see me acting too crazy vain please help a FroggerGirl out and give me a wake-up call. :)
An example? I got a haircut last month that literally left me in tears...twice! The hair wasn't terrible by any means, but it felt boring, like middle-aged-overweight-Mom hair! NOT COOL! I dealt with it until I saw the ever lovely Princezz sporting great hair and I too had to reclaim my head! Now after $80 I'm sporting a mighty fine do, and I will just have to continue splashing out for fabulousness from now on. In my earlier 20's (and to be honest at many points in adolescents) I sported some wicked awful/weird hair, but now it actually affects my mood. I had tears over HAIR! And no, it was not hormones, it was the haircut that caused the tears.
I've given in to my need to moisturize, sunscreen my super pale self, and even check for grey hair and fine lines. Make-up and I are still in a strange detente where I will wear it on rare occasions, but so far have been able to look fine w/out it. According to others my fashion sense is better than I give it credit for...and my ego/vanity center is very happy about that. ;) I will soon (so very soon) be 29, the gateway to 30, and I'll be damned if I look prematurely older or preternaturally younger than my age.
However friends and loved-ones, if you see me acting too crazy vain please help a FroggerGirl out and give me a wake-up call. :)
No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth...just sat around at the edge and chilled.
Oh Dear...I knew I had been a neglectful blogger to all three ( I may be overestimating here) of you who read this meandering spewing of brain goo that FroggerGirl calls a blog, but I had no idea how neglectful I had been. I have not posted since February? Really? So Sorry...I must have been keeping all of my brain goo to myself...or something. Sorry to have been so remiss and I shall endeavor to be better.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Frog From Hell
Now how can you name something so cute a Frog from Hell? So what if he is practically armor plated, 10 lbs, 16 in long and had razor sharp teeth? I’m not saying I want him to be my pet Herbie II, but that is still a pretty sweet frog. Makes Frogger Girl think she should re-invest in a pet frog…maybe a smaller, non-fossilized one…with fewer teeth.
When Life Happens
Have you ever noticed how, despite your great, wonderful/fantastic intentions, life has a way of happening and changing things? Like my plans to actually blog...which totally never happen lately. Or better yet my Yoga Rock Star plans thwarted yet again by my inflexible hamstrings! All of these things I can accept, but a good gripe can be a nice stress releiver. Life, I love ya, but you can be damned tricky!
Friday, February 8, 2008
When Yoga Attacks...
OK, it's not THAT bad, but darn if Yoga didn't kick my butt last night. I went to a make-up class, taught by a a slightly dippy substitute, who usually focuses on Yoga for Abs...so guess what we did? I'm not a Yoga Rockstar (last night I was playing with the term SuperYogiFly as a possible goal to aim for or theme song to write) but I am improving.
I like the new challanges and I'm trying to get to two 1.5 hr classes a week now. We'll see if that keeps up. Last night we were back again trying to do "crow pose" the one pose I can't seem to get my head around, or more precisely I almost fall on my head. A lot of the Ab work kills today, but last night was actually pleasant.
Hopefully me regualr Sunday class will be a nice challenge. Maybe we'll do the fun half-handstand, which I'm actaully getting good at! No matter what, I'm pretty sure Yoga is going to keep kicking me in the back-end for a while, but it's worth the pain.
I like the new challanges and I'm trying to get to two 1.5 hr classes a week now. We'll see if that keeps up. Last night we were back again trying to do "crow pose" the one pose I can't seem to get my head around, or more precisely I almost fall on my head. A lot of the Ab work kills today, but last night was actually pleasant.
Hopefully me regualr Sunday class will be a nice challenge. Maybe we'll do the fun half-handstand, which I'm actaully getting good at! No matter what, I'm pretty sure Yoga is going to keep kicking me in the back-end for a while, but it's worth the pain.
Friday, February 1, 2008
So terribly wrong....
I was reading an update on the suicide bombings in Baghdad today. The first reports this morning on the radio said it was two women, and now the situation is even worse. The suicide bombers now appear to be two women with Downs Syndrome used as unwitting pawns who were blown-up from afar. This is so terribly wrong...
In general, I believe in the inherent goodness of people. There are of course evil deed and terrible people in this world, but at our cores I still think people are good. Events like this shake my belief in humanity. How could anyone hurt a person who so depereatly needs to be protected and taken care of? Over my lifetime I have had many encounters with the mentally retarded, and those with Down Sydrome are usually the sweetest and most kind of them all. Like abuse of children, cruelty to those adults unable to think and care for themselves is reprehensible to me. My gloomy Mid-Atlantic Friday just got gloomier. This news is just so terribly wrong...
In general, I believe in the inherent goodness of people. There are of course evil deed and terrible people in this world, but at our cores I still think people are good. Events like this shake my belief in humanity. How could anyone hurt a person who so depereatly needs to be protected and taken care of? Over my lifetime I have had many encounters with the mentally retarded, and those with Down Sydrome are usually the sweetest and most kind of them all. Like abuse of children, cruelty to those adults unable to think and care for themselves is reprehensible to me. My gloomy Mid-Atlantic Friday just got gloomier. This news is just so terribly wrong...
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Civic Duty
I’m officially a good citizen, or at the very least a responsible citizen, I fulfilled my Jury Duty requirement for the next 3-5 years. I’ve never had to deal with jury duty before, so on some levels I was excited, but I had a feeling this experience would be more ass pain then learning experience. My feeling was spot on. Let’s recap the joy of Jury Duty:
1.) Had to be in the Jury Lounge by 8:30 in Rockville, which meant a very early morning, rush hour traffic and a scramble for parking in the limited jury lot. Oh, and it was raining, which did not make the day (or traffic) seem promising at all.
2.) Had to deal with inept security trying to run 1 metal detector/x-ray machine with a massive line out the door and of course get the obligatory bonus scan/pat-down. I realize security is important, but these guards were so scattered people could get past them and a few did. This was followed but the additional joy of another long line that wrapped all over the Jury Lounge just to check in and be counted.
3.) After all that waiting and early rising, with no hope of caffeine, the jury handlers turned off the lights and had us watch a special video. It started with actors re-enacting the Medieval justice system of throwing people in water to see if they would float and other fun stuff, then cut to Ed Bradley who gave us the short History of Jury Trails. Then on came Diane Sawyer to help us know what to expect in our own trial. This was a seriously old and poorly constructed info tape, so it just made the morning seem longer.
4.) After sitting for about 2 hours my number (Good Old 79) was called. Off my group went to the 7th floor courtroom, only to be told to wait a few more minutes and then be told to go back down to our lounge, the trail was dismissed.
5.) More waiting with no cell phone (it had a camera and that’s a no-no) in mostly silent room (though those who had cell phones certainly used them) and no access to the computers (thanks to other juror’s bogarting them). The waiting was broken up by lunch followed by more waiting.
6.) Finally by mid afternoon, we got the word we could collect of $15 and go home. YEAH!
What did I learn? Nothing except the one day, one trial system usually means sitting around doing nothing. At least I got my French homework done which made me feel useful. I’m also glad I wasn’t dealing with jury duty in DC where you only get paid $4 and have the same useless waiting. Good thing I don’t have to even think about this again for the next 3-5 years.
1.) Had to be in the Jury Lounge by 8:30 in Rockville, which meant a very early morning, rush hour traffic and a scramble for parking in the limited jury lot. Oh, and it was raining, which did not make the day (or traffic) seem promising at all.
2.) Had to deal with inept security trying to run 1 metal detector/x-ray machine with a massive line out the door and of course get the obligatory bonus scan/pat-down. I realize security is important, but these guards were so scattered people could get past them and a few did. This was followed but the additional joy of another long line that wrapped all over the Jury Lounge just to check in and be counted.
3.) After all that waiting and early rising, with no hope of caffeine, the jury handlers turned off the lights and had us watch a special video. It started with actors re-enacting the Medieval justice system of throwing people in water to see if they would float and other fun stuff, then cut to Ed Bradley who gave us the short History of Jury Trails. Then on came Diane Sawyer to help us know what to expect in our own trial. This was a seriously old and poorly constructed info tape, so it just made the morning seem longer.
4.) After sitting for about 2 hours my number (Good Old 79) was called. Off my group went to the 7th floor courtroom, only to be told to wait a few more minutes and then be told to go back down to our lounge, the trail was dismissed.
5.) More waiting with no cell phone (it had a camera and that’s a no-no) in mostly silent room (though those who had cell phones certainly used them) and no access to the computers (thanks to other juror’s bogarting them). The waiting was broken up by lunch followed by more waiting.
6.) Finally by mid afternoon, we got the word we could collect of $15 and go home. YEAH!
What did I learn? Nothing except the one day, one trial system usually means sitting around doing nothing. At least I got my French homework done which made me feel useful. I’m also glad I wasn’t dealing with jury duty in DC where you only get paid $4 and have the same useless waiting. Good thing I don’t have to even think about this again for the next 3-5 years.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Media, WTF!
Do you know what has been seriously pissing me off for the last few weeks? The way media pundits are forcing race and gender into the democratic primaries. I realize the candidates have both had sly comments on both race and gender, but for the most part they want this kind of focus to be minimized. Issues, not genetic characteristics, should be what the media and voters focus on. I realize that race and gender are influencing factors to many, but it shouldn’t be the only factor. To imply that genetics (Male vs Female, Black vs. White) are the end all and be all of this election is utterly disgusting!
A few media outlets, apparently most notably CNN, posted stories implying black women in South Carolina were going to have the toughest time, because they must decide to vote color or gender. WTF! What, issues don’t exist? Why would white women democrats be any less at a loss for a decision? How the hell does that affect a black woman who wants to vote for Edwards? Is she a race/gender traitor? Am I a bad woman if I vote for Obama or Edwards? Does my XX genetic code mean I MUST vote for Hillary, even if I question her policies? For me race and gender is the furthest thing from my mind when I think of the president. I want a leader who can fix the foreign policy screw ups of the Bush White House. I want a leader who offers solid economic policies and starts to implement major Health Care reform. Media at large, you are so busy telling me about the obvious genetics of the candidate you have yet to even try to present an actual policy analysis or force indepth policy ideas from candidates.
When I vote I will vote for the person I think can best run this country. If Hillary gets the nod and can convince me she is the one, then fine. Same holds true for Obama or Edwards, hell even McCain has a (long) shot at my vote. Please leave chromosomes and color out of this election and let me focus on who can best run this country. The US is significantly more diverse than the media is portraying it right now. STOP DUMBING DOWN THIS COUNTRY'S ELECTORATE!
A few media outlets, apparently most notably CNN, posted stories implying black women in South Carolina were going to have the toughest time, because they must decide to vote color or gender. WTF! What, issues don’t exist? Why would white women democrats be any less at a loss for a decision? How the hell does that affect a black woman who wants to vote for Edwards? Is she a race/gender traitor? Am I a bad woman if I vote for Obama or Edwards? Does my XX genetic code mean I MUST vote for Hillary, even if I question her policies? For me race and gender is the furthest thing from my mind when I think of the president. I want a leader who can fix the foreign policy screw ups of the Bush White House. I want a leader who offers solid economic policies and starts to implement major Health Care reform. Media at large, you are so busy telling me about the obvious genetics of the candidate you have yet to even try to present an actual policy analysis or force indepth policy ideas from candidates.
When I vote I will vote for the person I think can best run this country. If Hillary gets the nod and can convince me she is the one, then fine. Same holds true for Obama or Edwards, hell even McCain has a (long) shot at my vote. Please leave chromosomes and color out of this election and let me focus on who can best run this country. The US is significantly more diverse than the media is portraying it right now. STOP DUMBING DOWN THIS COUNTRY'S ELECTORATE!
Civic Duty
Well, for the first time ever in her adult life, FroggerGirl has been called to Jury Duty. A few months back I got the questionnaire that dictates eligibility and of course I was eligible. Next week is the call in to see if I really have to show up followed by an 8:30 appearance at the courthouse to see if I get called onto a jury. I have mixed feelings. This is my civic duty and in theory after one day I'm done for 2 years. The suck part is I get $15 for the day and no guarantees it will only last one day. I must suck it up and embrace my civic duty to show-up for jury duty and try to muster up the same enthusiasm I have for voting. Sigh....
Friday, January 18, 2008
Baby Mama
So I'm a 'tard and can't get the widget to load correctly (or so my computer tells me) for this trailer to display on my blog, so instead I've embedded the link to this movie in it's title. Baby Mama looks like a solid comedy with great women in it and a pretty funny premise. The preview had me in giggles and them some. Anything with Amy Poehler AND Tina Fey deserves a look! Perhaps this will be the chick flick of the future, one that isn't all about dating angst or sad romances.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Snow!
It's snowing down here in the swamp, and not just wimpy flurry snow, real snow! Supposedly the frozen crud of Sleet and it's friend Freezing Rain are supposed to swing by later, I see hints of them now, but for the time being it's just pretty fluffy wet snow! At least 2 inches already...so that means schools are being let out early and people are already planning their commutes home. It's still nice in winter to actually have signs of winter instead of the crazy weird warm weather we have had lately. I'll try to keep my dread about the evening traffic at a minimum, and instead stare and smile at the pretty peaceful curtain of white outside my window.
Fear the Super Bug!
OK, the media drives me nuts, every day there is some super-bug or disease I must live in fear of or at least they really want me to live in fear of. In years past it was Super-Strep (the flesh eating kind), SARS, Bird Flu, West Nile Virus and of course the affliction du jour MRSA. Now there is a new drug resistant and even nastier strain of MRSA that is affecting gay men in high density population centers (San Francisco, Boston etc…). Now the warning is that it’s likely to make the jump to the general population (insert the words "imminent jump" if you’re on CNN or one of its brethren) and it’s been shown to be sexually transmitted.
I realize this is a serious issue, but at the same time I feel like it’s being twisted by the media to add fear to my life. If it isn’t a disease, it’s the recession (or lack there of) or it’s the war or some other thing that adds stress and pain to my psyche, but racks up ratings and money for them. MRSA is avoidable with good hygiene and vigilance, but the media likes to ignore that completely or hide it at the end of a story. Instead the news is spending a lot of time on the gory details of the MRSA infections. I realize the media needs to report on public health issues and I would hate to not know that there is a threat. Yet, here is the issue to me, I think the media exaggerates and misleads us about the seriousness or spread of a lot of these issues because it helps them score ratings and ad money. If you’ll excuse me, I now must buy some sanitizer for my desk so I can avoid the regular flu that is hitting my co-workers, but not that's not getting any news time. I’m also going to price out full body condoms and the going rate of a fall-out shelter or some other remote piece of real estate as the ultimate protection…you can never be too safe, right? ;-)
I realize this is a serious issue, but at the same time I feel like it’s being twisted by the media to add fear to my life. If it isn’t a disease, it’s the recession (or lack there of) or it’s the war or some other thing that adds stress and pain to my psyche, but racks up ratings and money for them. MRSA is avoidable with good hygiene and vigilance, but the media likes to ignore that completely or hide it at the end of a story. Instead the news is spending a lot of time on the gory details of the MRSA infections. I realize the media needs to report on public health issues and I would hate to not know that there is a threat. Yet, here is the issue to me, I think the media exaggerates and misleads us about the seriousness or spread of a lot of these issues because it helps them score ratings and ad money. If you’ll excuse me, I now must buy some sanitizer for my desk so I can avoid the regular flu that is hitting my co-workers, but not that's not getting any news time. I’m also going to price out full body condoms and the going rate of a fall-out shelter or some other remote piece of real estate as the ultimate protection…you can never be too safe, right? ;-)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Mitt's Hair Tells All?
OK, I found it hysterical and mildly disappointing this morning that an NPR reporter while describing Romney's appearance at his MI Primary winner's speech actually said, "His usually perfect hair was mussed, but that didn't take the shine off the moment." I don't have the exact audio file, but I'm sure some clicking on the NPR news story would find it. Really, that's news? Mitt's hair is somehow embodying his status in the GOP race? I mean, I hate Mitt's hair, but who am I? Just some random person with Ken Doll Hair issues and a general dislike for Mitt, NOT an NPR reporter. It just felt weird to have a legitimate journalist slam Mitt's hair. This wasn't the brainless partisan pundits or random bloggers like me that I expect to slam a hairdo, this was media I usually respect. I guess that should tell you how odd this election is going to be, Mitt's hair is now the bellwether of results. At least it's an interesting angle and possibly more accurate than polls, right?
Smurftastic!
Underneath the blaring headline featuring the train wreck of Brittany was a much more heartening story: The Smurf’s turned 50! The cute, blue staples of my childhood cartoon time are still around and better yet, they are teaming with my favorite branch on the UN (yes, I realize this is a major sign of my geekiness), UNICEF! Smurfs are still super popular in the EU nations. I ate the blue Schtroumpf (French/Dutch name for Smurf) Ice cream a few times in France and saw plenty of comics/books of Smurf adventures in stores. Thank goodness some vestige of my childhood is still pretty much unchanged and still popular. Smurfette and Papa Smurf keep up the smurfing good job!!
How to Win a Fight...Blog Style?
OK, I saw this link about really winning a fight, more as a rebuttal to weak artivles in Men's Magazines and as I read it and laughed, I realized I know this information and have learned the lessons kind of painfully. I’ve never been in real fight (ie no pads, with malice of forethought), but I did do Krav Maga for almost a year and that involved voluntarily (and with aid of some padding for certain drills) getting may ass kicked for fitness and of course safety. I agree with one of the comments, which is it is a bit misguided/macho to think via pictures and half-assed advice you can teach someone to punch/fight is a bit off. There also the no kicking advice that is totally for crap. I learned some pretty brutal/effective kicks, and let’s face it, kicking in the right place is the primary defense taught to women everywhere. I get the sense the no kicking is more because guys want to be Bruce Lee and a lot of guys have the no kicking in the balls rule of fighting. I’m still a fan of avoidance and non-violence, but at least I have some external affirmation that in a pinch, I could save my own ass. I still hope I never have to prove it...
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Oui, Wii!
OMG, my super fantastic Christmas present from Mom and Dad Frogger was the Nintendo Wii. I grew up with Nintendo and the Gameboy among other toys, holds a special place in my nerdy heart. For my 21st B-day I asked for and got my purple Gameboy Color, which to date is really only used to play Tetris. Nintendo already had and still has my brand devotion (I guess I’m a corporate sheep on that point). The Wii was the first game system in a long time to hold any appeal and I’ve been trying to get one since the summer when the Wii scarcity was in full swing. Well, no longer do I have to suffer.
Beyond my mild irritation that everyone seems to be sold out of the Wiimote/Nunchucks I need to get any multi-player games going, the Wii is the most fun ever!!! You get to bounce around and move....it's great! Thank you Universe and of course Parents, for the Wii fun. Now I just need to make sure I don't get too addicted. ;-)
Beyond my mild irritation that everyone seems to be sold out of the Wiimote/Nunchucks I need to get any multi-player games going, the Wii is the most fun ever!!! You get to bounce around and move....it's great! Thank you Universe and of course Parents, for the Wii fun. Now I just need to make sure I don't get too addicted. ;-)
Golden Globes, Bye-Bye?
As many know, FroggerGirl is a bit of a movie junkie. I love going to the movies, watching Netflix DVDs of those I missed and I even watch the Golden Globes and Oscars. I have fun with the awards season and enjoy the frothy nonsense of pretty dresses and film stars. Now word comes that there will be no Golden Globes this year. WGA, SAG and Producers Guild, you just shot yourself in the foot big time. I get it, there is a strike, but one of the few showcases to help all of your causes, keep the media money maker moving and get fan interaction is the one award show where many participants drink too much, people are wiling to be goofy and in general be kooky Hollywood for a night. My life will move on and missing drunk/crazy celebs is not the end of the world, but it’s still a bummer for a movie fan like me.
PS: This little rant on EW.com has my favorite smacks to both sides of this strike on the Golden Globes issue!
PS: This little rant on EW.com has my favorite smacks to both sides of this strike on the Golden Globes issue!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Boredom...
I'm so bored! Like watching paint dry might be an improvement to my day bored. There are still a few work things I could do, but honestly, they will add to my boredom and I just don't think that is a positive step to the day. It's Friday, the work week was only 3 days and it's 4 pm, which means I'm within 2ish hours of going home and it feels like the clock is moving backwards! This does not make sense...GAH! It's not like I have big exciting plans or anything else to motivate this weird bored/antsy feeling. Universe, work with me here!
Darwin Awards
What's better than lists that cap off a year. Like this is a strange combination of pity, mirth and of course perverse approval of stupid people dieing in stupid ways. Here is the 2007 Darwin Award Winners, Enjoy!
The Primaries are Moving Along...Thank God!
Everything I wrote yesterday is still true today about Iowa. However, I was pleased and surprised by the record voter turnout and the unusually close race it produced for both parties. New Hampshire should be interesting to watch, but I think the later primaries will be the truly fun fights to watch. Big voter states like Florida and California might also be crazy. It could be the first time in decades that the conventions are not pre-determined months in advance. I might be annoyed at this never ending election season, but at least it will be interesting AND with political action like last nights the headlines might stay socially and politically relevant instead of focusing on the ever imploding Spears clan or other random uselessness. Here’s to hoping!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Iowa...Really?
I’m originally from the Midwest and I know this is somewhat biased but…who gives a flying flip about Iowa? I mean seriously that State, along with New Hampshire who also deserves the same comments, is forever the bellwether for the Presidential elections? Really? I appreciate History and the importance of traditions, but in 2008 Iowa and its caucus system feels ridiculous to me. So much time, energy and money is being spent on a system that may only give us a false leader board to work off for the coming primaries. If the weather is too cold there will be low voter turnout, the system is so complicated a lot of younger voters avoid it and let’s be honest, Iowa is not exactly diversity, economic or racial, incarnate. How is it possible then that Iowa (and again not to seem to evil on one state New Hampshire is in this too) is the place that will often help determine who runs for President? Is it not scary to anyone else the Iowa is helping Huckabee?
As I watch Nightline and listen to NPR give me almost constant Iowa updates all I feel is a rising sense of frustration with the system and anger at how much effort is spent on such a small fraction of the US population. I have met very nice Iowans and I realize there are relevant issue for everyone (immigration, health care, global warming) to be found in Iowa, but overall it just feels limited in scope and power for the Presidential elections. Maybe I’m just bitter, but I know I’m not alone!
The only good thing right now with the Iowa caucuses is that they will be over with today. Now we can see if the other states like Michigan and Florida will really be punished for trying to challenge Iowa and New Hampshire for dominance. I hope to God the next election some of these shenanigans will have worked themselves out. I'm suffering from election burnout and nothing has even started to happen yet. America, what the hell are we doing?
As I watch Nightline and listen to NPR give me almost constant Iowa updates all I feel is a rising sense of frustration with the system and anger at how much effort is spent on such a small fraction of the US population. I have met very nice Iowans and I realize there are relevant issue for everyone (immigration, health care, global warming) to be found in Iowa, but overall it just feels limited in scope and power for the Presidential elections. Maybe I’m just bitter, but I know I’m not alone!
The only good thing right now with the Iowa caucuses is that they will be over with today. Now we can see if the other states like Michigan and Florida will really be punished for trying to challenge Iowa and New Hampshire for dominance. I hope to God the next election some of these shenanigans will have worked themselves out. I'm suffering from election burnout and nothing has even started to happen yet. America, what the hell are we doing?
The Traveler
I discovered something on my travel misadventures this Holiday season…I’ve become an honest to God traveler. I fly so much and have encountered so many random situations that it takes a lot to shake me up or mess with my head. I hadn’t realized how much of a traveler I had become until others started to say how they would have freaked out, or how good it was that I was a traveler. Heck, my Mom even said she doesn’t worry about me or my Big Brothers when we travel because we do it so much. This is the same woman who almost re-arranged a visiting family members trip to WI because she was worried about me driving through Chicago alone on my way to Ohio. I have never thought I was a bad traveler, I just never thought I was great at it. Apparently I should reassess.
This trip was the first time I’ve ever had a flight all out canceled due to weather with no immanent hope of a correct connection/fix-it flight to my final destination. I’ve been canceled before and I’ve missed flights and had to spend nights around airports, but never like this. In years past this kind of seemingly hopeless situation would have reduced me to tears and self-pity. This time I had a few emotional thoughts and moments, mostly because of the Holiday factor to the travels, but I could rein them in, still be polite to the airline folks that could help me and be focused on my task.
In one of my not so proud moments on the phone with customer service I pretended to get choked up to ratchet up the sympathy factor and get more help…and it worked! I was super polite to desk agents and the luggage people and you know what, they all helped me gladly and thanked me for being so patient and polite. If they could read minds they would know some of the not-so-polite thoughts rushing around my head, but thank goodness not a one of them appeared to be psychic.
While I would never pick nightmare flights and trips, at least now when they happen I know what to do. I have the ability to navigate the system and that is actually a good thing. Now if only the airline industry would start making some improvements, that would be a travel miracle for everyone! Now if I could only afford more exotic or even not so exotic travel…that would be even better!
This trip was the first time I’ve ever had a flight all out canceled due to weather with no immanent hope of a correct connection/fix-it flight to my final destination. I’ve been canceled before and I’ve missed flights and had to spend nights around airports, but never like this. In years past this kind of seemingly hopeless situation would have reduced me to tears and self-pity. This time I had a few emotional thoughts and moments, mostly because of the Holiday factor to the travels, but I could rein them in, still be polite to the airline folks that could help me and be focused on my task.
In one of my not so proud moments on the phone with customer service I pretended to get choked up to ratchet up the sympathy factor and get more help…and it worked! I was super polite to desk agents and the luggage people and you know what, they all helped me gladly and thanked me for being so patient and polite. If they could read minds they would know some of the not-so-polite thoughts rushing around my head, but thank goodness not a one of them appeared to be psychic.
While I would never pick nightmare flights and trips, at least now when they happen I know what to do. I have the ability to navigate the system and that is actually a good thing. Now if only the airline industry would start making some improvements, that would be a travel miracle for everyone! Now if I could only afford more exotic or even not so exotic travel…that would be even better!
A Kind of Christmas Miracle
My trip back North to the Frozen Pond for the Holidays was filled with all sorts of issues. Leaving the Swamp was no issue, heck Detroit was a breeze it was that final leg into Packer Country that proved difficult. Fog, snow, ice and general icky weather meant no flights into my final destination airport Saturday the 22nd…which totally sucked. What was worse? That Northworst’s only solution when I left the airport was to fly me to Minneapolis late in the afternoon on the 23rd and hope they could connect me to my final destination knowing that weather would mean a night in Minneapolis too because weather warnings were already popping up about my final destination airport. Northworst Airline was screwing with me and so was God with the weather and it sucked!
One bright side was I met up with 3 other stranded women trying to get to the same general area and we were able to split the discount hotel room and give each other moral support the nest day when we started to play the stand-by game to see if we could get to our respective families. Bright side number two, after a good chunk of time on the phone and schmoozing the Northworst Ticket agent I was able to secure a mid-day flight to Milwaukee, which was at least in the correct state and with-in 2 hours of the Frozen Pond! Then came the rest of the cosmic joke and somewhat miraculous ending.
My Big Brother B started to drive down to get me to salvage some of the Christmas togetherness we were planning…then the weather had different ideas. He hit ice not far from the Frozen Pond, hit the guard rail and found the ditch. He was safe and sound, but the car needed to return home for an assessment. Once in Milwaukee I found out it would be at least 3-5 hours before anyone would be able to get to me and get me home. Bright sides popped up again, my aunt and uncle lived in the area. I was able to hang out at their house, and while there 5 big Golden Retrievers were a bit much, it beat the airport.
Finally my parents were able to retrieve me and we slogged our way North. Northworst continued to play with my emotions by promising me imminent arrival of my luggage, but that didn’t happen. Thankfully my luggage did arrive on Christmas Eve and we were able to hit up Target for the major requirements of underoos and PJs! I was able to see Big Brother J for about 24 hours and there was still quality time to be had with the rest of the family. All in all, the hassle didn’t poison the trip.
No matter how messy and awful my trip might have been, it was totally worth it to have Christmas at the Frozen Pond with family. Plus, it seems low level miracles like getting home can happen even when the weather wants it to happen differently.
One bright side was I met up with 3 other stranded women trying to get to the same general area and we were able to split the discount hotel room and give each other moral support the nest day when we started to play the stand-by game to see if we could get to our respective families. Bright side number two, after a good chunk of time on the phone and schmoozing the Northworst Ticket agent I was able to secure a mid-day flight to Milwaukee, which was at least in the correct state and with-in 2 hours of the Frozen Pond! Then came the rest of the cosmic joke and somewhat miraculous ending.
My Big Brother B started to drive down to get me to salvage some of the Christmas togetherness we were planning…then the weather had different ideas. He hit ice not far from the Frozen Pond, hit the guard rail and found the ditch. He was safe and sound, but the car needed to return home for an assessment. Once in Milwaukee I found out it would be at least 3-5 hours before anyone would be able to get to me and get me home. Bright sides popped up again, my aunt and uncle lived in the area. I was able to hang out at their house, and while there 5 big Golden Retrievers were a bit much, it beat the airport.
Finally my parents were able to retrieve me and we slogged our way North. Northworst continued to play with my emotions by promising me imminent arrival of my luggage, but that didn’t happen. Thankfully my luggage did arrive on Christmas Eve and we were able to hit up Target for the major requirements of underoos and PJs! I was able to see Big Brother J for about 24 hours and there was still quality time to be had with the rest of the family. All in all, the hassle didn’t poison the trip.
No matter how messy and awful my trip might have been, it was totally worth it to have Christmas at the Frozen Pond with family. Plus, it seems low level miracles like getting home can happen even when the weather wants it to happen differently.
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