Two of our guys that I've know for a while just received judicial appointments.
The sun is coming out.
Army ten miler is in a few days and I can run.
My new music is back. I missed you laptop.
The Ron Chernow bio on Washington is a must-read.
Even if no one comes to our election night party, we will still have a good time.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
New Tunes
The laptop is up and running and all of my very precious, valuable music has been restored. No, it would not have been the end of the world if I had to re-upload some pieces, but I would have been very unhappy.
I am enjoying new tunes by Tired Pony, Lissie, Angus & Julia Stone, Guster, Pete Yorn, and many other finds. Almost too many to recall right now. And I'm listening to the new Kings of Leon right now on Spinner, and I agree that the single Radioactive is quite catchy and maybe worthwhile of purchase.
I really could spend hours organizing and re-organizing my music. In about 10 weeks, I will get to come up with my long-awaited best of 2010. I have a few ideas of what definitely will go on, like Frightened Rabbit, Shout Out Louds, the National, Delta Spirit, etc. but it will require a great deal of music reviewing to come up with the final list.
I am enjoying new tunes by Tired Pony, Lissie, Angus & Julia Stone, Guster, Pete Yorn, and many other finds. Almost too many to recall right now. And I'm listening to the new Kings of Leon right now on Spinner, and I agree that the single Radioactive is quite catchy and maybe worthwhile of purchase.
I really could spend hours organizing and re-organizing my music. In about 10 weeks, I will get to come up with my long-awaited best of 2010. I have a few ideas of what definitely will go on, like Frightened Rabbit, Shout Out Louds, the National, Delta Spirit, etc. but it will require a great deal of music reviewing to come up with the final list.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Empire of Liberty
Last night, I finished Gordon Wood's Empire of Liberty, the second book of the Oxford History series. I've previously read What Hath God Wrought and Battle Cry of Freedom, which covered much of the 19th century.
Like those two volumes, which I enjoyed immensely, I liked the refresher course on the time shortly at the American Constitution. I'm about to embark upon Ron Chernow's latest on George Washington, and to have a bit of a refresher on Washington's presidency and the 1790s was great. I read quite a bit of this on the train to NY last weekend. It was a quick, easy read. I was a little enthralled with the sections on religion and art, caring more about political history. I enjoyed the chapter on the War of 1812, and it gave me my first good glimpse into the Madison presidency. Other than his contributions to the Federalist Papers, which Hamilton really deserves the most credit for, I wasn't sure what to think about Madison, other than he was the so-called Father of the Constitution, a close crony of Jefferson's, and someone who promoted a form of republicanism that philosophized on certain ideas while governed on others. Wood thought the War of 1812 really contributed to strengthening the nation, as opposed to being pointless. Granted, there weren't many casualties, but previously, I really thought the War's greatest effect was in heralding Andrew Jackson's role in political Americana.
Politics was certainly as divided then as it is now, on the eve of the election. There was only one real party at the turn of the 19th century, because the Federalists were nearly no more. I think most folks forget their history when they discuss today's current divisiveness. The Civil War, the 1800 election, the 1876 election, and of course, the 1860 election demonstrate that divisiveness has existed long before the Age of Obama.
Like those two volumes, which I enjoyed immensely, I liked the refresher course on the time shortly at the American Constitution. I'm about to embark upon Ron Chernow's latest on George Washington, and to have a bit of a refresher on Washington's presidency and the 1790s was great. I read quite a bit of this on the train to NY last weekend. It was a quick, easy read. I was a little enthralled with the sections on religion and art, caring more about political history. I enjoyed the chapter on the War of 1812, and it gave me my first good glimpse into the Madison presidency. Other than his contributions to the Federalist Papers, which Hamilton really deserves the most credit for, I wasn't sure what to think about Madison, other than he was the so-called Father of the Constitution, a close crony of Jefferson's, and someone who promoted a form of republicanism that philosophized on certain ideas while governed on others. Wood thought the War of 1812 really contributed to strengthening the nation, as opposed to being pointless. Granted, there weren't many casualties, but previously, I really thought the War's greatest effect was in heralding Andrew Jackson's role in political Americana.
Politics was certainly as divided then as it is now, on the eve of the election. There was only one real party at the turn of the 19th century, because the Federalists were nearly no more. I think most folks forget their history when they discuss today's current divisiveness. The Civil War, the 1800 election, the 1876 election, and of course, the 1860 election demonstrate that divisiveness has existed long before the Age of Obama.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Feel Good
The ongoing Chilean miner rescue is in the news today. I watched a few moments of it this morning, and I was struck at how profound and almost spiritual the operation was. The gratitude, the faith in God--truly, the celebration that each and every rescue was an event--it does feel good. Many have expressed that God was with them over these past two plus months, and in a time when that level of faith is not emphasized, it is a good day.
I am sure Hollywood will dramatize this somehow, but there's no need. What a wonderful story, and as the rest are rescued, I hope things continue to go so smoothly.
And here's one sweet angle:
I am sure Hollywood will dramatize this somehow, but there's no need. What a wonderful story, and as the rest are rescued, I hope things continue to go so smoothly.
And here's one sweet angle:
Richard Villaroel, 26, said by phone that he was excited about reuniting with his wife, who is expecting a baby this week. "I didn't sleep at all last night," he said. "I couldn't."
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Birthdays
Not sure I want to write about the latest wedding. So here's a mini tribute to two important from my life:
Grandma would have turned 98 years old on Saturday. She was a beautiful woman, with beautiful skin, who always had grace and integrity even though she was so sick for so long. She loved her Charlie perfume. She loved her fashion and her handbags. She held such deep religious beliefs, and she is a role model for all Catholic women--all Catholics, really. Her name, Mary, symbolized the role model she was. She was great with crossword puzzles. She was a fantastic cook and baker, and I wish I could remember more of her meals, but they were always a treat. She loved Grandpa, and was a wonderful partner in their marriage. She had a beautiful smile, and I will always remember her sitting at the back of St. Mark's in her wheelchair, cheerfully greeting everyone. She was a card shark, pinochle, and I wish she could have taught me to play.
Paul is my youngest brother, and today he turns 31. He was a cute kid, a great smile, and irresistible. He's now a devoted husband, hard-worker, a great fantasy football opponent, and a people pleaser, but that is a good thing. He is hospitable. He is friendly. He is a great sports fan, U-M or Cincinnati or Detroit teams alike. He likes movies, like Grandpa did. I am a bit sad that we've been living apart now for over half of our lives, since he was not quite 15 when I started college. I am a lucky girl to have such great brothers.
Grandma would have turned 98 years old on Saturday. She was a beautiful woman, with beautiful skin, who always had grace and integrity even though she was so sick for so long. She loved her Charlie perfume. She loved her fashion and her handbags. She held such deep religious beliefs, and she is a role model for all Catholic women--all Catholics, really. Her name, Mary, symbolized the role model she was. She was great with crossword puzzles. She was a fantastic cook and baker, and I wish I could remember more of her meals, but they were always a treat. She loved Grandpa, and was a wonderful partner in their marriage. She had a beautiful smile, and I will always remember her sitting at the back of St. Mark's in her wheelchair, cheerfully greeting everyone. She was a card shark, pinochle, and I wish she could have taught me to play.
Paul is my youngest brother, and today he turns 31. He was a cute kid, a great smile, and irresistible. He's now a devoted husband, hard-worker, a great fantasy football opponent, and a people pleaser, but that is a good thing. He is hospitable. He is friendly. He is a great sports fan, U-M or Cincinnati or Detroit teams alike. He likes movies, like Grandpa did. I am a bit sad that we've been living apart now for over half of our lives, since he was not quite 15 when I started college. I am a lucky girl to have such great brothers.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Nobels gets it Right, This Time
The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Liu Xiaobo, the Chinese dissident.
He is someone far more deserving than last year's winner. He is imprisoned, for his beliefs, because he supports human rights and democracy in China. And China is aggrieved at this award, threatening relations with Norway.
Good. This is the kind of person to honor, someone who seeks to create a better world despite facing horrible sanctions. He is a hero.
He is someone far more deserving than last year's winner. He is imprisoned, for his beliefs, because he supports human rights and democracy in China. And China is aggrieved at this award, threatening relations with Norway.
Good. This is the kind of person to honor, someone who seeks to create a better world despite facing horrible sanctions. He is a hero.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
No Title Necessary
I am not having a good day.
I've kept my door closed until recently, so I don't appear anti-social.
I'm having a hard time.
I am so worn out, I just want to call my mom and dad and go to them and just be with people who love me, unconditionally and without anything asked in return.
I want to be with people who don't demand my constant apologies, who don't demand that I prostrate myself at my feet and spend a day in tears. Because I need to be the one to forgive. I can't have someone call me horrible names, horrible horrible names, and tell me I deserve it.
All I have ever wanted was love. And I thought marriage would be enough, marriage would bring me that. Instead I am constantly compromising myself, crying bitter tears and wondering if I deserve to be alone, like they told me so many years ago.
And now my door is closed again.
I've kept my door closed until recently, so I don't appear anti-social.
I'm having a hard time.
I am so worn out, I just want to call my mom and dad and go to them and just be with people who love me, unconditionally and without anything asked in return.
I want to be with people who don't demand my constant apologies, who don't demand that I prostrate myself at my feet and spend a day in tears. Because I need to be the one to forgive. I can't have someone call me horrible names, horrible horrible names, and tell me I deserve it.
All I have ever wanted was love. And I thought marriage would be enough, marriage would bring me that. Instead I am constantly compromising myself, crying bitter tears and wondering if I deserve to be alone, like they told me so many years ago.
And now my door is closed again.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Marie Claire Blogger Controversy
This Marie Claire piece in the November issue has generated loads of attention around the blogosphere, with loads of bloggers alleging author bias, libel, jealousy, hypocrisy etc.
I read the blogs in question, and I agree that the piece does not accurately represent the full picture. None of the women profiled are overly skinny, and none of them portray themselves as fitness/health experts, though I do think some good points are made.
For example, I questioned their motives for the "Healthy Living Summit" because frankly, only one of them had any real credentials on health, and that was only recently. A few of them have freely taken corporate endorsements, free trips, ego trips in magazines, etc. A few of them do appear to have some issues with eating, excessive exercise--it always irritates me to read of "easy-peasy six mile morning runs" without them appearing to have unlimited appetites later. A few of them have alluded to health problems. And a few aren't the greatest writers, either.
I hate the culture of groupthink on the comments to the blogs as well, because any criticism is immediately refuted and "trolls" are chastised for being mean girls. Seriously. Yeah, these girls blog their private lives, never seeking celebrity, but because they accept payment, they are doing a job and are subject to criticism. If you want fawning, switch to a private blog where only fans can respond.
Nothing was libelous in the piece, though the author did selectively report on statements designed to fit the angle of the story she was writing. Seriously, who unquestioningly trusts an author? You had to be deeply naive to not realize she had an agenda: everyone easily googled her earlier pieces critical of the healthy living movement. And she appeared to have her own issues as well.
It's been interesting being a fly on the wall to this, because while I read, I don't actively participate. And yeah, it's partly because I can get caught in those comparison traps myself. I'm a decade-ish older, several inches taller, and several pounds heavier than most of these healthy living blogger types. I have no desire to run a marathon, mostly, though there are times I wonder why I lack that motivation. I see the toll that it takes on their bodies, and a few of them constantly complain about long runs. Why in the hell do you need to run a sixth marathon when you don't enjoy it? And I do think some of them hold superior attitudes about their eating habits, but when you work at home all of the time, of course you have more flexibility in what you eat. But not all of us have that luxury. And yes, a couple of them appear to have wealthy families backing them up. Such is life.
Interesting to see if MC responds. I actually think they are the best of all of the woman's magazines. Yes, they are a bit hypocritical, especially with an anorexic looking Victoria Beckham on the cover. But they routinely run social/human interest stories, talk about jobs/careers/money issues, and they certainly don't pander to the Cosmo crowd. Those who are so critical probably haven't picked up an issue. And I certainly have no intention of canceling my subscription because of this. Frankly, Self's awful airbrushing of Kelly Clarkson and its anorexic/orthorexic editor in chief offend me far, far more.
I read the blogs in question, and I agree that the piece does not accurately represent the full picture. None of the women profiled are overly skinny, and none of them portray themselves as fitness/health experts, though I do think some good points are made.
For example, I questioned their motives for the "Healthy Living Summit" because frankly, only one of them had any real credentials on health, and that was only recently. A few of them have freely taken corporate endorsements, free trips, ego trips in magazines, etc. A few of them do appear to have some issues with eating, excessive exercise--it always irritates me to read of "easy-peasy six mile morning runs" without them appearing to have unlimited appetites later. A few of them have alluded to health problems. And a few aren't the greatest writers, either.
I hate the culture of groupthink on the comments to the blogs as well, because any criticism is immediately refuted and "trolls" are chastised for being mean girls. Seriously. Yeah, these girls blog their private lives, never seeking celebrity, but because they accept payment, they are doing a job and are subject to criticism. If you want fawning, switch to a private blog where only fans can respond.
Nothing was libelous in the piece, though the author did selectively report on statements designed to fit the angle of the story she was writing. Seriously, who unquestioningly trusts an author? You had to be deeply naive to not realize she had an agenda: everyone easily googled her earlier pieces critical of the healthy living movement. And she appeared to have her own issues as well.
It's been interesting being a fly on the wall to this, because while I read, I don't actively participate. And yeah, it's partly because I can get caught in those comparison traps myself. I'm a decade-ish older, several inches taller, and several pounds heavier than most of these healthy living blogger types. I have no desire to run a marathon, mostly, though there are times I wonder why I lack that motivation. I see the toll that it takes on their bodies, and a few of them constantly complain about long runs. Why in the hell do you need to run a sixth marathon when you don't enjoy it? And I do think some of them hold superior attitudes about their eating habits, but when you work at home all of the time, of course you have more flexibility in what you eat. But not all of us have that luxury. And yes, a couple of them appear to have wealthy families backing them up. Such is life.
Interesting to see if MC responds. I actually think they are the best of all of the woman's magazines. Yes, they are a bit hypocritical, especially with an anorexic looking Victoria Beckham on the cover. But they routinely run social/human interest stories, talk about jobs/careers/money issues, and they certainly don't pander to the Cosmo crowd. Those who are so critical probably haven't picked up an issue. And I certainly have no intention of canceling my subscription because of this. Frankly, Self's awful airbrushing of Kelly Clarkson and its anorexic/orthorexic editor in chief offend me far, far more.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Texas
Julie's wedding, despite a little drama, was fantastic. Having mom and dad there was special, and I miss them already. They arrived Thursday and we drove to South Padre and had dinner at Dirty Al's and drinks at Wahoo's--mom really liked the Wahoo drink! Friday was more food, stuffing ourselves at Los Alsados, and watching Aly enjoy his ribs at their rehearsal dinner. Saturday was the wedding, with a touch service at church followed by a buffet dinner at the Harlingen Museum. Really very special few days.
It has been a tough couple of weeks. I'm exhausted, feeling fat through this inexplicable weight gain, and I don't like the change of season. I wish someone would just admit that Fall isn't the best season! I prefer spring, when days grow longer and warmer, instead of shorter and colder. It's cold out today, and it's been rainy and dreary. It was great being back to summer in Texas, and I rather appreciated that. I'm tired of looking out at gray skies in the 36 hours or so we've been home.
And it was nice having family nearby. It's so hard without it, so hard not having familiar faces to vent to nearby. It was cute seeing mom and dad dancing; I'll remember that. It was great having a baby and kids running around, and it made my heart yearn for that. It was great to feel comfortable. At least the holidays are just around the corner.
It has been a tough couple of weeks. I'm exhausted, feeling fat through this inexplicable weight gain, and I don't like the change of season. I wish someone would just admit that Fall isn't the best season! I prefer spring, when days grow longer and warmer, instead of shorter and colder. It's cold out today, and it's been rainy and dreary. It was great being back to summer in Texas, and I rather appreciated that. I'm tired of looking out at gray skies in the 36 hours or so we've been home.
And it was nice having family nearby. It's so hard without it, so hard not having familiar faces to vent to nearby. It was cute seeing mom and dad dancing; I'll remember that. It was great having a baby and kids running around, and it made my heart yearn for that. It was great to feel comfortable. At least the holidays are just around the corner.
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