He wanted to see if the presidents hair felt like his.
Map Thursday, June 4, 2009
This is the kind of thing that makes liberals drool...like me
He wanted to see if the presidents hair felt like his.Saturday, May 23, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
I've been waiting to post about this until after I spoke with the woman who interviewed me for the last job I applied for.
So basically, I have earnestly been searching for a part-time job for about 4 months and there are very very few to apply for in my field. I think I've applied for about 5 or 6 jobs. I interviewed for a job at the place I used to intern and they called me a few days later to tell me the entire department had been laid off--BUT she knew of an agency looking for a temporary part time case manager (not my thing--I'm not a social worker--but beggars can't be choosers) . So I got an interview there and it was between me and one other woman. After not hearing from them for over a week I sent an email asking what up and she told me that they were choosing the other candidate but that she would call me and let me know why. I thought that was very kind of her b/c I have actually been asked that same question and I was not comfortable enough to tell the candidate why I did not hire them.
Anyway, she called me this afternoon and she was very very nice. She told me that overall the reason I was not hired was because the other candidate was fluent in Spanish (this is the 3rd time I have been the second runner up for that reason) but that she wanted to share with me that in future interviews I should be more energetic. She asked if I had been sick because it seemed like I had low energy. I practically laughed out loud because this was when my morning sickness began and I had to remove my sea-sickness bands for the interview so that I did not look like a weirdo --so I was pretty green and I did have low energy. She also mentioned that there was one question I stunk up the room on and that was when I was asked to describe a time when I've worked with a difficult client. This was very hard for me to answer because 1. I haven't worked in 2 years so specific clients are not fresh in my mind right now. 2. All clients are difficult. That's the nature of our work. I recall pausing FOREVER which I've never done in an interview before and my mind was just a complete blank. I rambled out some answer and when I left the interview I knew I'd bombed that question.But overall, I'm so grateful for her call and I feel like I have a better idea of what to expect in future interviews.
It's really weird to try and dip my toe back in after I've been out so long and now with #2 coming I fear what I worked so hard for in graduate school was for naught. I just don't see any way for me to work again for at least 2 more years. I can't leave my newborn baby with other people--I tried that with Henry and it was a disaster. I was sick with worry and I KNEW I could take better care of him than anyone else -AND-- I missed him like crazy. I couldn't concentrate at work (which is not okay in my line of work--providing therapy) so it wasn't fair to my clients, the employees I was supervising, my employer, myself, or to Henry. I know my/our decision to quit my job was the best decision I/we ever made in our lives. Henry is thriving. He is such a loving, sweet, fun and happy little boy, he learns easily, he is securely attached to us and also comfortable at school away from us. So--I do not regret any of this---but OF COURSE I worry about my career. I know my babies will benefit for a lifetime b/c of our choices and I know this is such a blip in time--I have my whole life to work and I should cherish every moment of this time--and I do--but ....
So basically, I have earnestly been searching for a part-time job for about 4 months and there are very very few to apply for in my field. I think I've applied for about 5 or 6 jobs. I interviewed for a job at the place I used to intern and they called me a few days later to tell me the entire department had been laid off--BUT she knew of an agency looking for a temporary part time case manager (not my thing--I'm not a social worker--but beggars can't be choosers) . So I got an interview there and it was between me and one other woman. After not hearing from them for over a week I sent an email asking what up and she told me that they were choosing the other candidate but that she would call me and let me know why. I thought that was very kind of her b/c I have actually been asked that same question and I was not comfortable enough to tell the candidate why I did not hire them.
Anyway, she called me this afternoon and she was very very nice. She told me that overall the reason I was not hired was because the other candidate was fluent in Spanish (this is the 3rd time I have been the second runner up for that reason) but that she wanted to share with me that in future interviews I should be more energetic. She asked if I had been sick because it seemed like I had low energy. I practically laughed out loud because this was when my morning sickness began and I had to remove my sea-sickness bands for the interview so that I did not look like a weirdo --so I was pretty green and I did have low energy. She also mentioned that there was one question I stunk up the room on and that was when I was asked to describe a time when I've worked with a difficult client. This was very hard for me to answer because 1. I haven't worked in 2 years so specific clients are not fresh in my mind right now. 2. All clients are difficult. That's the nature of our work. I recall pausing FOREVER which I've never done in an interview before and my mind was just a complete blank. I rambled out some answer and when I left the interview I knew I'd bombed that question.But overall, I'm so grateful for her call and I feel like I have a better idea of what to expect in future interviews.
It's really weird to try and dip my toe back in after I've been out so long and now with #2 coming I fear what I worked so hard for in graduate school was for naught. I just don't see any way for me to work again for at least 2 more years. I can't leave my newborn baby with other people--I tried that with Henry and it was a disaster. I was sick with worry and I KNEW I could take better care of him than anyone else -AND-- I missed him like crazy. I couldn't concentrate at work (which is not okay in my line of work--providing therapy) so it wasn't fair to my clients, the employees I was supervising, my employer, myself, or to Henry. I know my/our decision to quit my job was the best decision I/we ever made in our lives. Henry is thriving. He is such a loving, sweet, fun and happy little boy, he learns easily, he is securely attached to us and also comfortable at school away from us. So--I do not regret any of this---but OF COURSE I worry about my career. I know my babies will benefit for a lifetime b/c of our choices and I know this is such a blip in time--I have my whole life to work and I should cherish every moment of this time--and I do--but ....
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
2nd US Swine flu death...this makes me so sad...
The pregnant woman, Judy Trunnell, 33, was hospitalized for two weeks until she died Tuesday. The teacher was in a coma, and her baby girl was delivered by cesarean section. According to the report, she had asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, a skin condition called psoriasis and was 35 weeks pregnant.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
I married a good man...
I was feeling particularly exhausted today and so after Justin went back to work (after having lunch with us) I texted him asking if he could come back home because I did not feel well. He did and then he took Henry out for $2 Tuesdays (gelato) and to the playground. They were gone for hours and when he came home he made us a tasty and nutricious dinner, did all the dishes, took out the trash, gave Henry a bath and after H was asleep he went to HEB for the 3rd time today to get me some icecream.
I don't even know why I'm writing this because it's nothing special...he is always bending over backwards for me/us. I just wanted to share how lucky I am am.
I don't even know why I'm writing this because it's nothing special...he is always bending over backwards for me/us. I just wanted to share how lucky I am am.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Henry wishes...
If I had to pick today what Henry wants be when he grows up, just based solely on his current personality and reaction to seeing this I'm going to say something dealing with music.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Mama's baby...
I just showed Henry this picture and told him that that's what the baby in mama's belly looked like and he said, "Go away baby, go away."
This is going to be awesome.
This is going to be awesome.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Maternal rage...
Yesterday morning I took Henry to the library for storytime. Afterwards, Ms. Elizabeth brought out her box of puppets and the kids took turns trying them on. Henry loves putting on puppets and making the sounds of the various animals. He was showing this mom who was sitting next to him his rhino and she did not acknowledge his existence. He kept putting the puppet in her face and saying, "Rhino." and she ignored him while watching her son. This was not an issue of her not seeing him, she just did not feel it her duty to acknowledge any other child but her own and I wanted to slap her. I'm not sure if this was just my hormones or what, but it really really made me mad. Like so mad I almost got tears in my eyes and contemplated saying something nasty. Of course I did not, thank goodness.
Henry began playing with the stuffed "Big Red Dog" and this woman's son wanted it. Henry is pretty good about sharing but of course this child was not asking and tried to take it. Henry was not going to let that happen and so this little boy screamed his head off. I've heard tantrums before but this was over the top screaming. The mom told him that Henry was playing with the dog and that he would share when he was finished and this boy howled even louder. The mom had to pick her son up and hold him, while my son stood at this woman's feet trying to give the dog to her and she actually had to leave the library with her son. (Again ignoring mine--but this time I understood).
So maybe she wasn't a jerk --just an overwhelmed mom. But still....how hard is it to say, "Yeah, Rhino".
Henry began playing with the stuffed "Big Red Dog" and this woman's son wanted it. Henry is pretty good about sharing but of course this child was not asking and tried to take it. Henry was not going to let that happen and so this little boy screamed his head off. I've heard tantrums before but this was over the top screaming. The mom told him that Henry was playing with the dog and that he would share when he was finished and this boy howled even louder. The mom had to pick her son up and hold him, while my son stood at this woman's feet trying to give the dog to her and she actually had to leave the library with her son. (Again ignoring mine--but this time I understood).
So maybe she wasn't a jerk --just an overwhelmed mom. But still....how hard is it to say, "Yeah, Rhino".
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
If I were not a mom...
This would be my job. It's at LifeWorks where I did my internship. It's basically the closest thing to having a private practice but without the hassle of the business end of things. I did couples counseling, play therapy, group, individual, family, the whole shebang. It's basically an awesome job and they never have openings...so this particularly stings to see open.
Counselor I - Austin, TX
Posted:
Description: Youth and Adult Counseling assists individuals, youth and families in dealing with the stress of day-to-day living by improving and utilizing their existing coping skills and creating effective solutions. Focusing on strengths, the program helps identify goals for short-term therapy and works with each client to explore issues and create effective solutions. The ideal candidate will provide strengths-based, solution-oriented counseling and crisis intervention services to individual adults, couples, children, adolescents, families and groups, in English and Spanish. They will also need to be able to maintain thorough, accurate, and timely documentation of files in accordance with program, agency, and funder requirements; provide intake, assessment, follow-up, and community outreach. The ideal candidate must have the ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced, high-demand environment; learn and use database software quickly and accurately; work independently and follow program and agency policies and procedures consistently without continuous supervision. This position provides the opportunity to gain hours toward licensure in a clinical setting, crisis intervention skills, and a supportive team based atmosphere. SOME EVENINGS REQUIRED. REQUIRED: 6 months experience providing direct counseling to individuals, adults, couples, children, adolecents, families and group in English and Spanish. Masters degree in Counseling, Social Work or related field; licensure as an LMSW or LPCi. Proficiency with PC and Microsoft Office products. PREFERRED: 3+ years experience providing direct counseling services; advanced licensure, board-approved supervisor certification. Bilingual English/Spanish. *Provides individual, couples, group and/or family counseling. *Provides crisis intervention with clients based on individual program needs. *Administers client services providing: intake, assessment, treatment planning, record keeping and documentation, case management, evaluation and follow-up, and by contacting necessary collaterals. Provides appropriate referrals; keeps apprised of available community resources. *Monitors program participants and maintains documentation of all services in accordance with agency and funding requirements. *Provides community outreach as required by individual program. *Follows licensure requirements as determined by program, agency, and/or grants.
Counselor I - Austin, TX
Posted:
Description: Youth and Adult Counseling assists individuals, youth and families in dealing with the stress of day-to-day living by improving and utilizing their existing coping skills and creating effective solutions. Focusing on strengths, the program helps identify goals for short-term therapy and works with each client to explore issues and create effective solutions. The ideal candidate will provide strengths-based, solution-oriented counseling and crisis intervention services to individual adults, couples, children, adolescents, families and groups, in English and Spanish. They will also need to be able to maintain thorough, accurate, and timely documentation of files in accordance with program, agency, and funder requirements; provide intake, assessment, follow-up, and community outreach. The ideal candidate must have the ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced, high-demand environment; learn and use database software quickly and accurately; work independently and follow program and agency policies and procedures consistently without continuous supervision. This position provides the opportunity to gain hours toward licensure in a clinical setting, crisis intervention skills, and a supportive team based atmosphere. SOME EVENINGS REQUIRED. REQUIRED: 6 months experience providing direct counseling to individuals, adults, couples, children, adolecents, families and group in English and Spanish. Masters degree in Counseling, Social Work or related field; licensure as an LMSW or LPCi. Proficiency with PC and Microsoft Office products. PREFERRED: 3+ years experience providing direct counseling services; advanced licensure, board-approved supervisor certification. Bilingual English/Spanish. *Provides individual, couples, group and/or family counseling. *Provides crisis intervention with clients based on individual program needs. *Administers client services providing: intake, assessment, treatment planning, record keeping and documentation, case management, evaluation and follow-up, and by contacting necessary collaterals. Provides appropriate referrals; keeps apprised of available community resources. *Monitors program participants and maintains documentation of all services in accordance with agency and funding requirements. *Provides community outreach as required by individual program. *Follows licensure requirements as determined by program, agency, and/or grants.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Home birth...
"The largest study of its kind has found that for low-risk women, giving birth at home is as safe as doing so in hospital with a midwife."
full story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7998417.stm
"In the UK, the government has pledged to give all women the option of a home birth by the end of this year."
full story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7998417.stm
"In the UK, the government has pledged to give all women the option of a home birth by the end of this year."
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
My friend Shawna is nice
She sent me ginger tea and preggy-pops. They are helping. Only 4.5 more weeks to go!
(Till the nausea is supposed to end)
(Till the nausea is supposed to end)
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Feeling better now...
Justin and Henry foraged all over town Sunday to find me some "Sea Bands" for nausea. They work incredibly well. It's not 100% but it's manageable now.
Just in time for us to all get some sort of cold or allergies.
Just in time for us to all get some sort of cold or allergies.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Another day...
of feeling hungover. Only today Henry has diarrhea so that makes my tender stomach all the more tender. Justin's been doing 99% of the diaper changes but I bravely did one and had to call Justin in for back-up. I actually felt faint when I saw what was in the diaper. And then it felt like a sphincter in my stomach locked up and clogged for a second and the feeling passed.
Justin is out right now trying to find me some sea-bands. They helped tremendously the last time I was pregnant.
Justin is out right now trying to find me some sea-bands. They helped tremendously the last time I was pregnant.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Today's misery
Okay...I've put my finger on "morning" sickness. It feels like I was out all last night drinking tequila and then I cam home at 4 AM and vomited for 2 hours and then got 30 minutes sleep and then had to wake up to start my day. And just like when I've been hungover, I feel like I need to eat and perhaps I'll feel better if I do, but every kind of food known to humanity makes me want to wretch...so I don't eat...and then I feel worse and worse and worse.
Only six more weeks of this (if I'm lucky). Yay!
Only six more weeks of this (if I'm lucky). Yay!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
But I want an umpa lumpa noooooooooow
Since this is my blog..just for me..I'm going to use it to whiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine.
Beginning yesterday, I have started to feel like crap. My stomach constantly feels like it's 5 AM and I've been up for an hour and am so hungry my stomach aches and yet absolutely nothing sounds good to eat and the energy required to prepare food is so unreasonable that I'd rather just sit here in my own pee than get up.
I want to lay down and go to sleep for about 12 to 14 hours and when I wake I want buffet tables of food brought to me that I could pick over like Queen Elizabeth. And then I want the court jester to entertain me and when he's no longer funny I'll have him executed and then I'll roll over and go back to sleep.
Luckily I have Justin.
Beginning yesterday, I have started to feel like crap. My stomach constantly feels like it's 5 AM and I've been up for an hour and am so hungry my stomach aches and yet absolutely nothing sounds good to eat and the energy required to prepare food is so unreasonable that I'd rather just sit here in my own pee than get up.
I want to lay down and go to sleep for about 12 to 14 hours and when I wake I want buffet tables of food brought to me that I could pick over like Queen Elizabeth. And then I want the court jester to entertain me and when he's no longer funny I'll have him executed and then I'll roll over and go back to sleep.
Luckily I have Justin.
Monday, March 16, 2009
My gym...
is probably unlike any other gym...on this earth...just like my grocery store. I've mentioned before how where we live, in the center of the city, is a crossroads between affluence and poverty. Throw in the whole UT student body and you get a strange and always entertaining grocery shopping experience. But what's even more entertaining is my gym, which is just behind the grocery store.
Now that Henry's in school 12-15 hrs a week, and I haven't found a job yet (that's a whole different post)I've been spending more time at the gym. Just 3xs a week, maybe an hour and a half or 2 hrs. I see the Vietnamese lady who waxes my eyebrows there, I see the old old, super blond haired HEB lady who has been greeting people at the grocery store at least since I was an undergrad, I see Doug --my former co-worker who is now retired but used to be the attorney for the State Auditor, I see legions of anorexic college girls (sometimes I wonder what the obligation of the gym is b/c I'm so tired of watching people killing themselves in front me...but I guess it's no different than seeing someone morbidly obese at a Wendy's...same killing, just a different weapon). I see lots and lots of Hyde Park moms who come to deposit their children in the daycare while they go to their yoga class.
Henry just woke...time to get to work.
Now that Henry's in school 12-15 hrs a week, and I haven't found a job yet (that's a whole different post)I've been spending more time at the gym. Just 3xs a week, maybe an hour and a half or 2 hrs. I see the Vietnamese lady who waxes my eyebrows there, I see the old old, super blond haired HEB lady who has been greeting people at the grocery store at least since I was an undergrad, I see Doug --my former co-worker who is now retired but used to be the attorney for the State Auditor, I see legions of anorexic college girls (sometimes I wonder what the obligation of the gym is b/c I'm so tired of watching people killing themselves in front me...but I guess it's no different than seeing someone morbidly obese at a Wendy's...same killing, just a different weapon). I see lots and lots of Hyde Park moms who come to deposit their children in the daycare while they go to their yoga class.
Henry just woke...time to get to work.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Can't. Stop. Thinking....
Justin already wrote on his blog about this movie...but it's been days and I can not stop thinking about Zachary.
We watched this documentary on Netflix the other night, called Dear Zachary. I have seen probably hundreds of documentaries by now...it is my favorite type of filmmaking...and this one...is really sticking to me. It's so so so so so unbelievable...how could this story be true? When it's over you wish so badly it was just a movie but since it's real, it makes you ache so much. If you really want to know what it feels like to have a rock stuck in your throat for an hour and a half, watch this film. I broke down crying at least 3 times, and four times since the movie ended. And yet, I'm so glad I saw it. Like how I felt after seeing Schindler's List.
Okay, in a nutshell...
This guy was finishing his medical residency in Family practice...in Latrobe, PA. He'd been dating this older woman briefly and kept trying to get rid of her. He was not interested. He finally had to put her on a plane and send her back to her home town.
You know what, you're just going to have to rent it.
We watched this documentary on Netflix the other night, called Dear Zachary. I have seen probably hundreds of documentaries by now...it is my favorite type of filmmaking...and this one...is really sticking to me. It's so so so so so unbelievable...how could this story be true? When it's over you wish so badly it was just a movie but since it's real, it makes you ache so much. If you really want to know what it feels like to have a rock stuck in your throat for an hour and a half, watch this film. I broke down crying at least 3 times, and four times since the movie ended. And yet, I'm so glad I saw it. Like how I felt after seeing Schindler's List.
Okay, in a nutshell...
This guy was finishing his medical residency in Family practice...in Latrobe, PA. He'd been dating this older woman briefly and kept trying to get rid of her. He was not interested. He finally had to put her on a plane and send her back to her home town.
You know what, you're just going to have to rent it.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
I was hoping they's send me free product....o-well
..and from the receptionist?
Hi Diane,
Thank you for taking the time to e-mail us. We really appreciate your
feedback and we're so glad that your son and his friends enjoy Veggie
Booty so much! We will be coming out with some delicious new snacks this
spring, so keep checking our website for updates!
Have a great day!
Jessie Biele
Receptionist
Robert's American Gourmet, LLC
100 Roslyn Ave
Sea Cliff, NY 11579
t 516.656.4545 ext 10
f 516.759.2713
Hi Diane,
Thank you for taking the time to e-mail us. We really appreciate your
feedback and we're so glad that your son and his friends enjoy Veggie
Booty so much! We will be coming out with some delicious new snacks this
spring, so keep checking our website for updates!
Have a great day!
Jessie Biele
Receptionist
Robert's American Gourmet, LLC
100 Roslyn Ave
Sea Cliff, NY 11579
t 516.656.4545 ext 10
f 516.759.2713
Sunday, March 8, 2009
I have ...like...nothing to say
And I know you're coming here looking...because I can see on the counter how many people click on here in a day...and I know how hard it is to slog through a day at the office...you need blogs to pass the time. i understand that. And I could write a gillion things about Henry...or about my glamorous life as a stay at home mom, but I am too content to do that. I think I need to be angry or miserable or really excited to write and lately I'm just....good.
I'll check in again when I feel something. Until then, read Justin's blog.
I'll check in again when I feel something. Until then, read Justin's blog.
Friday, February 27, 2009
I just can't believe it
It's sooooooooooo weird to have my values represented....my vote to count. And newspapers to actually not just spout talking points. This comes from the Philadelphia paper and it's not even an op-ed piece.
[Obama] sought to put his imprint on the coming decade with an agenda sharply different from that of the eight years under Republican George W. Bush, including universal health care, broad tax cuts, and a helping hand for the working and middle classes; greater regulation of business, and an aggressive plan to limit emissions that cause global warming.
House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R., Ohio) countered, "The era of big government is back, and Democrats are asking you to pay for it."
The era of big government never went away; spending and debt grew under Republican rule from 2001 to 2007. There was little doubt, however, that the role of that government is poised to change.
Am I dreaming? We went from the folksy forces of good vs. evil nonsense to the black guy wanting to actually focus on the problems in America? Wow...I say.
[Obama] sought to put his imprint on the coming decade with an agenda sharply different from that of the eight years under Republican George W. Bush, including universal health care, broad tax cuts, and a helping hand for the working and middle classes; greater regulation of business, and an aggressive plan to limit emissions that cause global warming.
House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R., Ohio) countered, "The era of big government is back, and Democrats are asking you to pay for it."
The era of big government never went away; spending and debt grew under Republican rule from 2001 to 2007. There was little doubt, however, that the role of that government is poised to change.
Am I dreaming? We went from the folksy forces of good vs. evil nonsense to the black guy wanting to actually focus on the problems in America? Wow...I say.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Slumdog won...
...and I wonder if the Indian govt. is embarrassed by that? A film pointing out that 65 MILLION of their people live in those slums? Where health care is nonexistent, child labor is rampant and the poverty is inescapable.
But if you really want to be depressed, watch a documentary about the 20,000 homeless, parent-less children in Romania (Children Underground). These are little boys and girls running around...some as young as 5--completely orphaned and living on the streets by themselves or with other children. They commit suicide b/c their lives are so bad. Why are there so many homeless and unwanted children in Romania, you ask? Their govt. outlawed contraception. Cry here.
But if you really want to be depressed, watch a documentary about the 20,000 homeless, parent-less children in Romania (Children Underground). These are little boys and girls running around...some as young as 5--completely orphaned and living on the streets by themselves or with other children. They commit suicide b/c their lives are so bad. Why are there so many homeless and unwanted children in Romania, you ask? Their govt. outlawed contraception. Cry here.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Everyone on facebook is doing it...
For those of you who do not have facebook (crackbook), everyone is posting these lists of 25 things about themselves. It's actually really cool b/c most people have hundreds of facebook friends b/c it's a lot of people you used to go to school with. It's really interesting to read these things about people you would NEVER otherwise know. I especially like these lists but that's because I am so curious about people--to the point of being nosy.
Anyway, here's my list plus a few more I had to edit out because it was too many.
1. I married a guy I had a crush on since 9th grade. I knew we would be together one day when I held his hand during a school play we were both in.
2. Until 2 weeks ago, and with the exception of bedtime, I have never been away from my 20 month old longer than 3 hours. Now it’s 5.5 hours.
3. If I had to choose a different life for myself, I would be living somewhere rural or a small college town, working outdoors (farming or as a wilderness instructor again). I am not really a city girl. It would not be TX and there would have to be moutains or water nearby.
4. I think my husband is the hottest, funniest, easiest person to talk to. And I know a lot of hot, funny, easy going people.
5. I am really glad I did not die as a teenager b/c the song played at my funeral would have been Stairway to Heaven (I wrote specific instructions in my diary).
6. My favorite movies are usually documentaries and foreign stuff. I don’t necessarily think that foreign films are better than American films, I just enjoy removing my ability to judge people’s acting—which is easier to do when actors speak a language I do not understand (and also explains why I like documentaries, since they are not actors).
7. When I travel, I never care to see the tourist attractions. I like to rent a bike and ride around in neighborhoods to look at people’s houses. I will go to tourist attractions if the person or people I am with want to, but I tend to focus more on people watching and overhearing what other people are talking about--except when I saw Anne Frank's house. That was meaningful to me.
8. When I was younger I used to connect better with guys and now I feel the opposite is true. I have really grown to love (need) and appreciate the company of women. They get funnier with age.
9. I reguarly rocked and sang myself to sleep until I was about 18. My college roomie once walked in on me in the dorms and said, “That looks like it hurts.” I did not completely stop altogether until I was 25.
10. I doubt that “Everything happens for a reason”.
11. The thought of heaven seems really tedious to me and the traditional description of Hell seems absurd and simplistic and something an adult came up with to scare children from doing wrong. I’d prefer to just have this life and make the most of it now.
12. My best example to describe becoming a mother (to anyone who isn’t) is it’s like when you get a new car or new pair of jeans that fit you perfectly—and you go about your day with a little extra spring b/c you own that new awesome thing. It makes you feel giddy like you got a new car—everyday.
13. My favorite types of food are Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indian and Mediterranean (in that order). I also like a good Jewish deli.
14. I spend about $200-$250 a week on groceries. This is our one and only luxury.
15. When Henry was 3 months old I returned to work and I was miserable. Justin and I were spending more time at Henry’s daycare than at work. So after much encouragement from Justin, I quit and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
16. I have the reading tastes of a high school English teacher. David Copperfield is one of my all-time favorite books. When I’m not reading Steinbeck or Maugham, etc. I am reading a biography. My most recent fav was a bio about Winston Churchill’s mother. I know—his mother? She was American. It intrigued me.
17. I’m a matchmaker. There’s nothing that unsettles me more than meeting an intelligent cool and attractive person who is single. I get all worked up about who they would be good with.
18. I don’t watch TV (not because I’m above it but because if I have free time I’d rather watch a movie or read) but I was initially obsessed with the show The Bachelor (see number 17). I’ve since lost interest though.
19. I’ve recently become obsessed with the German Stassi...breadmaking and learning to play the drums.
20. I am almost incapable of buying anything impractical. I will LABOR over any non-food purchase and measure if I really need this thing, or just want it. The rare times I have to shop, I get really anxious and usually come home empty handed. I truly suffer when I have to buy a gift for someone—b/c gifts are usually by nature, impractical.
21. I’ve been in the same monthly book club since 2000 and have never, not one time, read the book. But I love those girls.
22. My sons birthday is 31 years and 364 days after mine.
23. When I was 24, three times I got last min deals for airfare about 3 hours before departing, to go to a city where I had never been and knew no one (San Diego, Denver, and San Francisco). All three trips turned out to be life altering experiences.
24. I once spent a weekend at a Carmelite Monastery outside of Dallas (Mt Carmel). I’d read on the internets you could stay at Monasteries like you would a hotel. I was the only one there besides the monks and I got poison ivy.
25. I got my private pilot’s certificate in September 2001. Bad timing.
26. Had I not become a therapist, I think I would have enjoyed being a nutritionist, personal trainer, or esthetician. I like helping people feel good about themselves.
27. There is not one day that goes by that I do not think about at least one of my grandparents.
28. I kept a journal from 7th grade until a few months after I graduated from college.
29. I made a piss poor effort in high school until I went to the guidance counselor at my high school and asked to be switched into AP and honors classes. She was confused because my grades were so abysmal that she did not think this was a good idea. I won her over and my grades improved DRAMATICALLY after that. My explanation is that I was just flat out not going to do work sheets or answer questions at the end of the chapter and so I got zero after zero. They don't make you do work sheets in AP classes. You take tests and you write papers. This also explains why I did so well in college and grad school.
30. I used to know a lot about music and bands. Then I married a guy whose enthusiasm for music vastly exceeded mine, and so now I just rely on him for keeping me up on things. Lame, isn't it?
Anyway, here's my list plus a few more I had to edit out because it was too many.
1. I married a guy I had a crush on since 9th grade. I knew we would be together one day when I held his hand during a school play we were both in.
2. Until 2 weeks ago, and with the exception of bedtime, I have never been away from my 20 month old longer than 3 hours. Now it’s 5.5 hours.
3. If I had to choose a different life for myself, I would be living somewhere rural or a small college town, working outdoors (farming or as a wilderness instructor again). I am not really a city girl. It would not be TX and there would have to be moutains or water nearby.
4. I think my husband is the hottest, funniest, easiest person to talk to. And I know a lot of hot, funny, easy going people.
5. I am really glad I did not die as a teenager b/c the song played at my funeral would have been Stairway to Heaven (I wrote specific instructions in my diary).
6. My favorite movies are usually documentaries and foreign stuff. I don’t necessarily think that foreign films are better than American films, I just enjoy removing my ability to judge people’s acting—which is easier to do when actors speak a language I do not understand (and also explains why I like documentaries, since they are not actors).
7. When I travel, I never care to see the tourist attractions. I like to rent a bike and ride around in neighborhoods to look at people’s houses. I will go to tourist attractions if the person or people I am with want to, but I tend to focus more on people watching and overhearing what other people are talking about--except when I saw Anne Frank's house. That was meaningful to me.
8. When I was younger I used to connect better with guys and now I feel the opposite is true. I have really grown to love (need) and appreciate the company of women. They get funnier with age.
9. I reguarly rocked and sang myself to sleep until I was about 18. My college roomie once walked in on me in the dorms and said, “That looks like it hurts.” I did not completely stop altogether until I was 25.
10. I doubt that “Everything happens for a reason”.
11. The thought of heaven seems really tedious to me and the traditional description of Hell seems absurd and simplistic and something an adult came up with to scare children from doing wrong. I’d prefer to just have this life and make the most of it now.
12. My best example to describe becoming a mother (to anyone who isn’t) is it’s like when you get a new car or new pair of jeans that fit you perfectly—and you go about your day with a little extra spring b/c you own that new awesome thing. It makes you feel giddy like you got a new car—everyday.
13. My favorite types of food are Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indian and Mediterranean (in that order). I also like a good Jewish deli.
14. I spend about $200-$250 a week on groceries. This is our one and only luxury.
15. When Henry was 3 months old I returned to work and I was miserable. Justin and I were spending more time at Henry’s daycare than at work. So after much encouragement from Justin, I quit and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
16. I have the reading tastes of a high school English teacher. David Copperfield is one of my all-time favorite books. When I’m not reading Steinbeck or Maugham, etc. I am reading a biography. My most recent fav was a bio about Winston Churchill’s mother. I know—his mother? She was American. It intrigued me.
17. I’m a matchmaker. There’s nothing that unsettles me more than meeting an intelligent cool and attractive person who is single. I get all worked up about who they would be good with.
18. I don’t watch TV (not because I’m above it but because if I have free time I’d rather watch a movie or read) but I was initially obsessed with the show The Bachelor (see number 17). I’ve since lost interest though.
19. I’ve recently become obsessed with the German Stassi...breadmaking and learning to play the drums.
20. I am almost incapable of buying anything impractical. I will LABOR over any non-food purchase and measure if I really need this thing, or just want it. The rare times I have to shop, I get really anxious and usually come home empty handed. I truly suffer when I have to buy a gift for someone—b/c gifts are usually by nature, impractical.
21. I’ve been in the same monthly book club since 2000 and have never, not one time, read the book. But I love those girls.
22. My sons birthday is 31 years and 364 days after mine.
23. When I was 24, three times I got last min deals for airfare about 3 hours before departing, to go to a city where I had never been and knew no one (San Diego, Denver, and San Francisco). All three trips turned out to be life altering experiences.
24. I once spent a weekend at a Carmelite Monastery outside of Dallas (Mt Carmel). I’d read on the internets you could stay at Monasteries like you would a hotel. I was the only one there besides the monks and I got poison ivy.
25. I got my private pilot’s certificate in September 2001. Bad timing.
26. Had I not become a therapist, I think I would have enjoyed being a nutritionist, personal trainer, or esthetician. I like helping people feel good about themselves.
27. There is not one day that goes by that I do not think about at least one of my grandparents.
28. I kept a journal from 7th grade until a few months after I graduated from college.
29. I made a piss poor effort in high school until I went to the guidance counselor at my high school and asked to be switched into AP and honors classes. She was confused because my grades were so abysmal that she did not think this was a good idea. I won her over and my grades improved DRAMATICALLY after that. My explanation is that I was just flat out not going to do work sheets or answer questions at the end of the chapter and so I got zero after zero. They don't make you do work sheets in AP classes. You take tests and you write papers. This also explains why I did so well in college and grad school.
30. I used to know a lot about music and bands. Then I married a guy whose enthusiasm for music vastly exceeded mine, and so now I just rely on him for keeping me up on things. Lame, isn't it?
Sunday, January 18, 2009
I've been here
A Walk Through New Zealand’s Watery Wild
James Frankham for The New York Times
For more than 30 miles of the Fiordland National Park on New Zealand's South Island, the Milford Track rambles through a landscape haunted by waters.
IN 1908, The Spectator magazine called the 33.5-mile Milford Track through Fiordland National Park in New Zealand “the finest walk in the world,” an honorific still credible to knowledgeable hikers — one fan was Sir Edmund Hillary — a full century later.
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New Zealand Travel Guide
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James Frankham for The New York Times
A hiker explores the 33.5 mile Milford Track through Fiordland National Park in New Zealand. More Photos »
The park, part of the Te Wahipounamu Unesco World Heritage Site, is of jaw-dropping beauty, a rare combination of rain forest, rushing rivers and glacially carved alpine heights that yields vistas that make you think you’ve stepped into a picture postcard. What’s more, novices as well as hardened trekkers can fully enjoy the delights of the Milford, which offers as much solitude as you could want and ambient water so pure you’re actually encouraged to drink whatever you can reach.
When I was there last February (the New Zealand summer) as part of a guided group of 50 travelers on a five-day trip that included three days of serious walking, the two words I heard uttered most often as we trekked through the wilderness were “awesome” and “incredible.”
The Milford Track, what Americans call a trail, is promoted as physically neither easy nor difficult, with only children under 10 excluded by guide-company policy and hikers over 70 asked just to check their fitness with their doctor. Perhaps it is best put this way: City folks unaccustomed to walking more than a few minutes at a time will likely find the going hard while experienced hikers will consider the Milford, at least in favorable weather, not particularly challenging.
But so much depends on the utter unpredictability of the weather — frequent rain and perhaps even snow during summer in the southwest corner of New Zealand’s South Island.
The number of hikers who can walk the full Milford Track in peak season is limited to 90 a day — 50 with the private guide company Ultimate Hikes New Zealand, which holds an exclusive franchise, and 40 who register as independent walkers with the New Zealand Department of Conservation.
Each sponsor has its own overnight accommodations, and everyone walks in the same direction, north from the head of Lake Te Anau to Sandfly Point on Milford Sound, the route dating from 1888 when two Scots, Quintin Mackinnon and Ernest Mitchell, first struggled up a half-dozen steep switchbacks and through the mountain pass now bearing Mackinnon’s name and his memorial topped with a cross.
Partly because boat transportation is required at both ends, by far the most practical way for travelers to walk the Milford is to sign up with Ultimate Hikes, which sends groups out every day of the six-month season from its headquarters in Queenstown.
It supplies four guides, the considerable bus and boat transportation needed, all meals and modern overnight accommodations in lodges with flush toilets, hair dryers and rooms for fast-drying of clothes for an inclusive fee. Prices are highest in December through March, a bit less in November and April.
For independents, who carry all their own food and bedding as well as clothing, the peak season is from late October to late April, but they may walk without bookings — and in either direction — in the particularly hazardous off-peak and winter months.
Although being part of a group overseen by a company that operates with regimented efficiency may appear confining, there is no pressure to walk at anything other than your own comfortable pace, stopping whenever you want to gawk at the landscape, to take pictures or simply to rest.
“This is not a race; there is no prize for getting there first,” said Anneke, the woman who conducted the required briefing on the afternoon before my friend Anne and I started. “There can be up to two or three hours between the first person and the last person” on the trail, she added, implying that four dozen hikers had almost complete freedom to absorb things on their own terms, with companionship or without.
Indeed, one of my very few uneasy moments came after I stopped to chat with an American diplomat accompanying her fisherman husband on a day’s outing and no fellow hikers passed me in 15 minutes. When I resumed walking, it was in an open area where the trail was a bit ill-defined, and I thought I might have lost it. I had turned back about 100 yards when, to my relief, a couple of my party came along.
One of the guides always remains behind the slowest walker, so help will eventually arrive as long as you stay on the main trail. If you take one of the brief side excursions, you leave your pack on the trail so the “sweeper” guide won’t overtake you.
One thing a skittish tenderfoot need never worry about is dangerous wildlife; the Milford Track has no mammals or snakes, the chief threat being merely that the kea, a large and brazen New Zealand parrot, will make off with your lunch.
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Saturday, January 17, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Happiness
Facebook has gotten me thinking about happiness lately. There's a section called "About Me" and people write a short summary of what they do or describe the makeup of their family, etc. A few of my friends have written things such as, "I have a wonderful life! I'm so happy!". Or on their status updates there's mention of "What a glorious day it is!".
Ever since becoming a mother I have had many realizations that this is the pinnacle of happiness for me. Henry is the most important thing to ever happen or will happen to me. Everything else pales in comparison and I really find it difficult to imagine topping this. I know not everyone feels that way about having kids, but I do and I am very happy with this being my hugest ambition. Very happy.
But I would not be able to say, "I'm so happy!"
Yes, my personal life is a great success. My marriage, my career, my friends, my son etc. But because of the suffering of so many others, no, I am not happy. No, it's not a glorious day. Right now, as we speak, there's a 2 year old in Zimbabwe in PRISON, being kept in solitary confinement and only taken out to be beaten in front of his mother.
Read about it if you can:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/14/zimbabwe-allegedly-tortur_n_157779.html
And the crimes against humanity being committed in Gaza right now. The horrible suffering in Darfur. I mean, suffering is everwhere all the time. I try to put it in the back of my mind and just enjoy what I have and many times I'm succesful, but it's always there, and there's nothing I can do about it....but I for damn sure can't be happy.
Boooooooooo.....Diane's blog is a bummer.
Ever since becoming a mother I have had many realizations that this is the pinnacle of happiness for me. Henry is the most important thing to ever happen or will happen to me. Everything else pales in comparison and I really find it difficult to imagine topping this. I know not everyone feels that way about having kids, but I do and I am very happy with this being my hugest ambition. Very happy.
But I would not be able to say, "I'm so happy!"
Yes, my personal life is a great success. My marriage, my career, my friends, my son etc. But because of the suffering of so many others, no, I am not happy. No, it's not a glorious day. Right now, as we speak, there's a 2 year old in Zimbabwe in PRISON, being kept in solitary confinement and only taken out to be beaten in front of his mother.
Read about it if you can:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/14/zimbabwe-allegedly-tortur_n_157779.html
And the crimes against humanity being committed in Gaza right now. The horrible suffering in Darfur. I mean, suffering is everwhere all the time. I try to put it in the back of my mind and just enjoy what I have and many times I'm succesful, but it's always there, and there's nothing I can do about it....but I for damn sure can't be happy.
Boooooooooo.....Diane's blog is a bummer.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Liza calls bullshit...I disagree
My friend Liza is up in arms about me being an "introvert". She swears I can't be because of how I act when we go to Karaoke.
BUT
I counter with this:
Everyone at karaoke I've known for years. Some even since teenage-hood. And, it's a small group--maybe 6 of us at the most.
Also, our gang plans stuff to do all the time...and I probably respond about once every 6 requests.
So, I may not be shy...but I most definitely prefer to be at home with the family, or just with one friend, the vast majority of the time.
Eh?
BUT
I counter with this:
Everyone at karaoke I've known for years. Some even since teenage-hood. And, it's a small group--maybe 6 of us at the most.
Also, our gang plans stuff to do all the time...and I probably respond about once every 6 requests.
So, I may not be shy...but I most definitely prefer to be at home with the family, or just with one friend, the vast majority of the time.
Eh?
Saturday, January 10, 2009
I'm an INFJ..a rare type Yoda says
I just took an online Myers Briggs test. We did these in grad school when we were studying Jung and then when I took a career counseling class. A friend of mine recently asked me what I was and I could not remember so I just retook it and I think it's pretty accurate. So accurate, my type is called a "counselor". Yay, I found my calling.
This is a very flattering type, I must say. Gandhi and I, we're practically twins.
This is a very flattering type, I must say. Gandhi and I, we're practically twins.
Idealist Portrait of the Counselor (INFJ)
Counselors have an exceptionally strong desire to contribute to the welfare of others, and find great personal fulfillment interacting with people, nurturing their personal development, guiding them to realize their human potential. Although they are happy working at jobs (such as writing) that require solitude and close attention, Counselors do quite well with individuals or groups of people, provided that the personal interactions are not superficial, and that they find some quiet, private time every now and then to recharge their batteries. Counselors are both kind and positive in their handling of others; they are great listeners and seem naturally interested in helping people with their personal problems. Not usually visible leaders, Counselors prefer to work intensely with those close to them, especially on a one-to-one basis, quietly exerting their influence behind the scenes.
Counselors are scarce, little more than one percent of the population, and can be hard to get to know, since they tend not to share their innermost thoughts or their powerful emotional reactions except with their loved ones. They are highly private people, with an unusually rich, complicated inner life. Friends or colleagues who have known them for years may find sides emerging which come as a surprise. Not that Counselors are flighty or scattered; they value their integrity a great deal, but they have mysterious, intricately woven personalities which sometimes puzzle even them.
Counselors tend to work effectively in organizations. They value staff harmony and make every effort to help an organization run smoothly and pleasantly. They understand and use human systems creatively, and are good at consulting and cooperating with others. As employees or employers, Counselors are concerned with people's feelings and are able to act as a barometer of the feelings within the organization.
Blessed with vivid imaginations, Counselors are often seen as the most poetical of all the types, and in fact they use a lot of poetic imagery in their everyday language. Their great talent for language-both written and spoken-is usually directed toward communicating with people in a personalized way. Counselors are highly intuitive and can recognize another's emotions or intentions - good or evil - even before that person is aware of them. Counselors themselves can seldom tell how they came to read others' feelings so keenly. This extreme sensitivity to others could very well be the basis of the Counselor's remarkable ability to experience a whole array of psychic phenomena.
Mohandas Gandhi, Sidney Poitier, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jane Goodall, Emily Bronte, Sir Alec Guiness, Carl Jung, Mary Baker Eddy, Queen Noor are examples of the Counselor Idealist (INFJ).
This from another website---it explains why most people would think I'm an extrovert---but they're wrong and here's why:
INFJs are deeply concerned about their relations with individuals as well as the state of humanity at large. They are, in fact, sometimes mistaken for extroverts because they appear so outgoing and are so genuinely interested in people -- a product of the Feeling function they most readily show to the world. On the contrary, INFJs are true introverts, who can only be emotionally intimate and fulfilled with a chosen few from among their long-term friends, family, or obvious "soul mates."
Perhaps this explains why I would really like to support you and go to your parties or your large group functions, but I will probably just stay home and read, talk to Justin for hours on end, or watch a movie. Please have a lot of fun without me. I want you to--I SWEAR.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Sick sick sick sick sick..I am SICK of it
Israel shelled Gaza Palestinians after evacuating them, UN says
Killing of 30 people in house full of evacuees 'one of gravest incidents' since Gaza operations began
The body of a girl who was found in the rubble of her destroyed house following an Israeli air strike on a house in Zeitoun Photograph: Mohammed Abed/AFP/Getty Images
At least 30 people were killed in the Zeitoun district of Gaza after Israeli troops repeatedly shelled a house to which more than 100 Palestinians had been evacuated by the Israeli military, the UN said today.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said it was "one of the gravest incidents since the beginning of operations" against Hamas militants in Gaza by the Israeli military on 27 December.
OCHA said the incident took place on 4 January, a day after Israel began its ground offensive in Gaza.
According to testimonies gathered by the UN, Israeli soldiers evacuated around 110 Palestinians to a single-storey house in Zeitoun, south-east Gaza. The evacuees were instructed to stay indoors for their own safety but 24 hours later the Israeli army shelled the house with rockets. Around half the Palestinians sheltering in the house were children, OCHA said.
The OCHA report does not accuse Israel of a deliberate act but calls for an investigation.
Among the dead were six members of the Samouni family; a picture of three of the family's children in blood-stained clothing laid on a morgue floor and in front of their grieving father were shown in the Guardian on Tuesday. The father, Wael Samouni, said dozens of people had been sheltering in the house after Israeli troops ordered them and neighbours to stay inside.
More than 750 Palestinians have died since the Israeli military operation began. Around 42% of the casualties have been children, according to the Palestinian ministry of health. More than half of Gaza's population are children.Thursday, January 8, 2009
Food, glorious food.
Okay, I'm already slacking on this blog. I forgot why I started it. Justin's already outshining me with his 17 posts to my 2.
Here's something you don't know about me. I am incapable of tolerating hunger.
1. I used to cheat my fellow 4th graders out of snack. Why? Because I would always forget to bring snack on Thursday, when we did a snack swap and I didn't want to miss out. So I would just take out my lunch, peel the slice of orange processed American cheese off my bologna, and slap it in a brown paper bag, mayonnaise and all. Then my snack would go into the rotation and I would get to participate in snack swap (and no one would know it was me!). I'd always get some delicious home made cinnamon roll and some poor sucker got my cheese. I've told everyone I know this story ..why am I telling it again? That shit is funny!
2.One time Justin and I spent the night at a friends house out of town and when I woke in the morning I was so hungry I went searching and they had NOTHING. I ransaked their fridge and all I could come up with was a tomato. I ate it. Justin caught me. I felt shame.
3. When I agreed to work at this remote farm in Utah, I pictured all the delicious farm food I'd be eating, but it turned out that the husband and wife were anorexics (or somthing). They had adopted an older child from India, so he was apparantly used to eating 500 calories a day, but I was seriously suffering. I would spend all day clearing a field of wood and lunch woud be, "Oh, look Diane, there are there some berries over there". Dinner would be, "Oh, we're not very hungry, how about we just eat this can of refried beans and I think I have a tortillia somewhere under the couch". The only respite for me was Sundays when we'd drive into town and go to church. It was one of those fanatical, 15 member deals and it was located in an old house. I asked to use the restroom and was lead to the basement. I noticed one of the cabinets was open and I peeked inside and found an open package of dusty generic vanillia cookies. You know the kind, where it's like 99 cents for a thousand cookies. There's just rows and rows of them. I ate as many as I could and each Sunday I'd go down there and polish off another row. Heaven!
Here's something you don't know about me. I am incapable of tolerating hunger.
1. I used to cheat my fellow 4th graders out of snack. Why? Because I would always forget to bring snack on Thursday, when we did a snack swap and I didn't want to miss out. So I would just take out my lunch, peel the slice of orange processed American cheese off my bologna, and slap it in a brown paper bag, mayonnaise and all. Then my snack would go into the rotation and I would get to participate in snack swap (and no one would know it was me!). I'd always get some delicious home made cinnamon roll and some poor sucker got my cheese. I've told everyone I know this story ..why am I telling it again? That shit is funny!
2.One time Justin and I spent the night at a friends house out of town and when I woke in the morning I was so hungry I went searching and they had NOTHING. I ransaked their fridge and all I could come up with was a tomato. I ate it. Justin caught me. I felt shame.
3. When I agreed to work at this remote farm in Utah, I pictured all the delicious farm food I'd be eating, but it turned out that the husband and wife were anorexics (or somthing). They had adopted an older child from India, so he was apparantly used to eating 500 calories a day, but I was seriously suffering. I would spend all day clearing a field of wood and lunch woud be, "Oh, look Diane, there are there some berries over there". Dinner would be, "Oh, we're not very hungry, how about we just eat this can of refried beans and I think I have a tortillia somewhere under the couch". The only respite for me was Sundays when we'd drive into town and go to church. It was one of those fanatical, 15 member deals and it was located in an old house. I asked to use the restroom and was lead to the basement. I noticed one of the cabinets was open and I peeked inside and found an open package of dusty generic vanillia cookies. You know the kind, where it's like 99 cents for a thousand cookies. There's just rows and rows of them. I ate as many as I could and each Sunday I'd go down there and polish off another row. Heaven!
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