"Dear Music God:
I'm twelve years old and I like music, especially hip-hop and pop. I look up to musicians coz they look good and the music makes me wanna dance...but you know what, I don't git it?? Lately I've been hearing really, really stoopid stuff that get really, really popular and goes to the top of the illegal downloading lists and stuff, but the lyrics to these songs...um, they, they make my ears like bleed a little?
Um, like that "Beep" song from the Pussycat Dolls (these chicks who used to gyrate their bootieses at burlesque girlie music shows and now are like, doing videos. The thing that is WACK is the words to the songs are, like, purdy stoopid,! Dude, check this: "you got nice brains but I'm lookin' at yo "beep*, No, I don't mind that you lookin' at my *beep*, I know you're looking at my *beep*. I don't mind that you're looking at my *beep*"...and so on. Like, I GET it, *beep* is a swear word or it's sex. Ok!! It was cute the first twenty times they said it...
Another one, wuz that SUUUPPER popular "My Humps" song by The Black Eyes Peas. I mostly like their stuff, even tho they rip off other old fogie artists' riffs to make their song sound way cooler, but whatev! Anyway, that song about ladies' "bumps" was pro'bly reeeal easy to write. Like I could have written better...WHILE TAKING A MATH TEST..CHEWING GUM, AND WITH MY HANDS TIED BEHIND MY BACK, I bet. It's really nuthin' to get super hot over or even..to really listen to, you know?? I think I know all the lyrics already. Ok, um: "My humps, my humps, my lovely lady humps."
and then "my lumps, my lumps, my lovely lady lumps"...ya get the picture, right. This dirty lady named Peaches did her own funny take on this called "My Dumps" (but my mom won't let me cruise her website. Whatev!)
Anyway, I may not know much stuff being twelve and all, but I know music is suppposed to like, HAVE MUSIC IN IT and the words are suppposed to be compliminting..or complatementing...cumplement--well, GO TOGETHER with the music in a musical way ! Thing is: lyrics and stuff I hear is CR-AY_ZZ-EE!!
Anyway Music God, if you have TIME make it stop, ok?? Or maybe make people that are out there rakin in the 'greens' and flashing their "grills" and their *bling* and twenty badd cars, with their group of "hoes", in their pimped-out wheels , whatever--make 'em wake up, get away from the weed and try to like, grow some real lyrics, so people like me don't grow up and wonder why we got so screwed up with no sense of direction without our IPod's or diamond-studded cellphones, or just wind up caring about where the mall is so we can get our lady lumps tanned, yo.
I know it's a BIG job, but Music God, I have to have faith and I think we really, really could use your help here too!! I'm still young so I don't wanna get brain rot like, before I can drive?? I know there's a lot of dumb peeps out there who just don't care, coz well, they don't have to now that they're rich...
'K. I got homework to do now. Later!
Aurora"
Friday, May 05, 2006
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Online LABYRINTH
"(we) sometimes have difficulty quieting the chatter in our minds long enough to hear what our soul is trying to tell us. Meditation is the art of listening to your heart and learning to be present... Sometimes unconsciously, we withdraw from the present and live in the past or the future."click on link to follow the labyrinth
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
a "sensible" work week?
These days it's hard to get together with friends. During the week it's pretty much out of the question, no matter how well-intentioned the plans may have been. Usually they call back, feeling guilty because they are just plain too tired. Ah, yes. I've been there.
Some days I wonder if it is not totally implausible to alter the way we "productive", time-oriented westerners approach the work week. Some South American countries have a siesta mid-afternoon, sensible, since our bodies are naturally attuned to rest at this physical low-point of the day. Europeans in some lucky countries take as long as SIX WEEK holidays (nice!) or employ shorter work weeks(they also watch less tv, eat less crap, but that's another rant!).
Zooming back to N.A...in most cases, people that I know (and know of) go through the rut, er...routine of the 40 hr. week and at the end if it, are absolutely spent, physically, emotionally and mentally with very little feeling of personal "satisfaction". Why have we all been set up this way? Obviously the underlying reasons are more related to profitability and lessening of calculation and organizational effort (read: time).
The roots probably stem earlier than last century's "Taylorism", which put the grand idea that it might be a nifty time-saver to actually calculate and time the mechanics and precise movements of the (factory) labor worker while doing a task. Obviously, today there are too many human rights implications that this exact measuring, timing and thus, dehumanization of human beings gets into, yet some socioeconomically poorer countries are still employing these methods in an effort to "copy" the supposed economically "matured" capitalist systems. These nations are unfortunately still largely the pawns that were used in early colonialism and the victims of a power-over dynamic residue. Surely our "poverty" is still relative to their REAL life-and-death type poverty and the ever-increasing exploitation of their human and natural resources. Yes, poverty and exploitation does also exist in our backyard, I certainly won't negate that.
That is where my beef is at: the rest of us working Joes and Josephines who are employed by "North America Inc.", a rich and "privileged" continent by the world's standards, are still subject to being caught in the petty web of exploitation.
Somebody else made the rules and we (seemingly) have no choice but to play along and make our way, sure. But what disturbs me is "Why is our (collective) mentality still so tunnel-visioned and driven by our economic and capitalist systems that we cannot yet mature enough to see the err and shortcomings of not valuing the HUMAN worker (along with, of course the environment)?" (don't we gain any insight from past follies leading to wars, strife and revolution?) It almost feels like there is too much at stake for the powers-that-be to grant true value to the worker. Perhaps "Give 'em an inch, and they'll take a ruler" might be a silent fear? We get so caught up in fear we will lose our job, our standing, our favour with the boss, etc. that we start to believe the "screen". We act like they are doing us a favour by granting us a heavily loaded, fully stocked-up 40+ hour work week with no benefits (benefits, if we're *real lucky*). We thank our lucky stars that they are employing our sorry arses, but really, we've got it all wrong: we are doing THEM the favour!
Pushing people to the hilt to save a nickel is pathetic. In North America (esp. "Dubya's" US of A) we have the resources to obliterate exploitation altogether! Corporations would NOT be left crying. The politicians wouldn't have to scrimp on groceries either. (Capital could very diverted toward the social wage and away for the military efforts, for example). We could be, and should be setting an example of higher way to structure things, of a better, healthier life sustenance. This could be the real moment to shine and prove ourselves worthy of 'praise' as a great powerful nation, live up to the rep, beyond just buying our way in.
It's frustrating to see very little "advancement" (ie. change) beyond the ever-present dog-eat-dog system, and as part of this, the incredible demands placed upon the average person.
We have to become a two-income household to provide for our children, or to manage to scrape by off a teeny pension as a senior or a disabled person, or to survive hand to mouth, deeming ourselves "middle class", when we are really the "well-dressed poor" an ever-expanding large underclass. We are faced with so many OTHER responsibilities and a constant stream of stimulus at once attacking and demanding of our senses, on a moment by moment basis (ie. think of crossing the lights at a crowded intersection, with cars honking while confirming an appointment by cell phone). In this millenia, we, on average deal with three-fold more stimuli, distractions and demands on our energies than our grand-parents' generation.
We have to work to survive, granted, but not only that, we HAVE to work our asses off to survive. We have to work hard enough so that our bodies and minds are so spent, that we can barely remember why we were putting in these hours and energy in the FIRST PLACE! Does this seem logical?? Is this really just "human nature"?? Not to me, I'm not yet "sold" on that one (figuratively nor literally).
From the "elite" owners' perspective (for you Sociologist-minded) getting the most juice out of your people equals gain, but for the rest of us "worker bees", more often than not, there is little to be gained personally and much to be lost in terms of physical ailments, stress-related illness, and loss of quality of life.
When I myself was working steadily at a "low on the totem pole", yet centralized admin-graphics-do-it-all-and-smile-too job, all I started to want was that I would find a way to balance my life out and come out with strength and mental energy at the end of the day to delve more into the things I really cared about (volunteering, connecting with friends, reclaiming my social life, learning to date, working out, etc). I was lucky if I managed to muster enough snuff to go work out twice a week and make a few strategically-timed calls (between dinner and burn-out) out to the world.
I finally manifested my wish. One day, my boss (very nice man, all in all) talked to me about the struggling finances of the company. He asked me if I would mind that he had to shorten my hours per day. I bettered that one and offered to CUT OUT one full work day instead. He (gratefully) accepted. I had a bigger plan.
I found immeasurable quality earned by this one 'extra' day. In fact, I had time to think rather than 'react' into my automatic routines, to rest mentally, to read more, to go for walks, to assist my family. I even had the "luxury" of time, to really reflect on my life. I reflected so well in fact, that I decided to go back to school. I wanted to figure out how this wheel turned and where I was placed among the "cogs".
The next job I take, I will put my foot down on the issue of time and energy extracted at my expense. Let it be a slight "loss" monetarily to me and let others slightly smirk, and let it be a gain to my new (open-minded) boss who will save a nickel, but I will want to discuss the implementation of a 4 day work week or a job-sharing program. I intend to gain as much balance and peace out of my life. It starts with the decision to claim it back for my self, on my terms. Somebody out there, is gonna want to hire me. And betcha they'll be "my kind of peeps" too.
Here's to a 4 Day Work Week and "taking in" your space!
Some days I wonder if it is not totally implausible to alter the way we "productive", time-oriented westerners approach the work week. Some South American countries have a siesta mid-afternoon, sensible, since our bodies are naturally attuned to rest at this physical low-point of the day. Europeans in some lucky countries take as long as SIX WEEK holidays (nice!) or employ shorter work weeks(they also watch less tv, eat less crap, but that's another rant!).
Zooming back to N.A...in most cases, people that I know (and know of) go through the rut, er...routine of the 40 hr. week and at the end if it, are absolutely spent, physically, emotionally and mentally with very little feeling of personal "satisfaction". Why have we all been set up this way? Obviously the underlying reasons are more related to profitability and lessening of calculation and organizational effort (read: time).
The roots probably stem earlier than last century's "Taylorism", which put the grand idea that it might be a nifty time-saver to actually calculate and time the mechanics and precise movements of the (factory) labor worker while doing a task. Obviously, today there are too many human rights implications that this exact measuring, timing and thus, dehumanization of human beings gets into, yet some socioeconomically poorer countries are still employing these methods in an effort to "copy" the supposed economically "matured" capitalist systems. These nations are unfortunately still largely the pawns that were used in early colonialism and the victims of a power-over dynamic residue. Surely our "poverty" is still relative to their REAL life-and-death type poverty and the ever-increasing exploitation of their human and natural resources. Yes, poverty and exploitation does also exist in our backyard, I certainly won't negate that.
That is where my beef is at: the rest of us working Joes and Josephines who are employed by "North America Inc.", a rich and "privileged" continent by the world's standards, are still subject to being caught in the petty web of exploitation.
Somebody else made the rules and we (seemingly) have no choice but to play along and make our way, sure. But what disturbs me is "Why is our (collective) mentality still so tunnel-visioned and driven by our economic and capitalist systems that we cannot yet mature enough to see the err and shortcomings of not valuing the HUMAN worker (along with, of course the environment)?" (don't we gain any insight from past follies leading to wars, strife and revolution?) It almost feels like there is too much at stake for the powers-that-be to grant true value to the worker. Perhaps "Give 'em an inch, and they'll take a ruler" might be a silent fear? We get so caught up in fear we will lose our job, our standing, our favour with the boss, etc. that we start to believe the "screen". We act like they are doing us a favour by granting us a heavily loaded, fully stocked-up 40+ hour work week with no benefits (benefits, if we're *real lucky*). We thank our lucky stars that they are employing our sorry arses, but really, we've got it all wrong: we are doing THEM the favour!
Pushing people to the hilt to save a nickel is pathetic. In North America (esp. "Dubya's" US of A) we have the resources to obliterate exploitation altogether! Corporations would NOT be left crying. The politicians wouldn't have to scrimp on groceries either. (Capital could very diverted toward the social wage and away for the military efforts, for example). We could be, and should be setting an example of higher way to structure things, of a better, healthier life sustenance. This could be the real moment to shine and prove ourselves worthy of 'praise' as a great powerful nation, live up to the rep, beyond just buying our way in.
It's frustrating to see very little "advancement" (ie. change) beyond the ever-present dog-eat-dog system, and as part of this, the incredible demands placed upon the average person.
We have to become a two-income household to provide for our children, or to manage to scrape by off a teeny pension as a senior or a disabled person, or to survive hand to mouth, deeming ourselves "middle class", when we are really the "well-dressed poor" an ever-expanding large underclass. We are faced with so many OTHER responsibilities and a constant stream of stimulus at once attacking and demanding of our senses, on a moment by moment basis (ie. think of crossing the lights at a crowded intersection, with cars honking while confirming an appointment by cell phone). In this millenia, we, on average deal with three-fold more stimuli, distractions and demands on our energies than our grand-parents' generation.
We have to work to survive, granted, but not only that, we HAVE to work our asses off to survive. We have to work hard enough so that our bodies and minds are so spent, that we can barely remember why we were putting in these hours and energy in the FIRST PLACE! Does this seem logical?? Is this really just "human nature"?? Not to me, I'm not yet "sold" on that one (figuratively nor literally).
From the "elite" owners' perspective (for you Sociologist-minded) getting the most juice out of your people equals gain, but for the rest of us "worker bees", more often than not, there is little to be gained personally and much to be lost in terms of physical ailments, stress-related illness, and loss of quality of life.
When I myself was working steadily at a "low on the totem pole", yet centralized admin-graphics-do-it-all-and-smile-too job, all I started to want was that I would find a way to balance my life out and come out with strength and mental energy at the end of the day to delve more into the things I really cared about (volunteering, connecting with friends, reclaiming my social life, learning to date, working out, etc). I was lucky if I managed to muster enough snuff to go work out twice a week and make a few strategically-timed calls (between dinner and burn-out) out to the world.
I finally manifested my wish. One day, my boss (very nice man, all in all) talked to me about the struggling finances of the company. He asked me if I would mind that he had to shorten my hours per day. I bettered that one and offered to CUT OUT one full work day instead. He (gratefully) accepted. I had a bigger plan.
I found immeasurable quality earned by this one 'extra' day. In fact, I had time to think rather than 'react' into my automatic routines, to rest mentally, to read more, to go for walks, to assist my family. I even had the "luxury" of time, to really reflect on my life. I reflected so well in fact, that I decided to go back to school. I wanted to figure out how this wheel turned and where I was placed among the "cogs".
The next job I take, I will put my foot down on the issue of time and energy extracted at my expense. Let it be a slight "loss" monetarily to me and let others slightly smirk, and let it be a gain to my new (open-minded) boss who will save a nickel, but I will want to discuss the implementation of a 4 day work week or a job-sharing program. I intend to gain as much balance and peace out of my life. It starts with the decision to claim it back for my self, on my terms. Somebody out there, is gonna want to hire me. And betcha they'll be "my kind of peeps" too.
Here's to a 4 Day Work Week and "taking in" your space!
"POP! Goes the Bone-mass"
"Cola is fun, cola is fizzy. Stop drinking the pop til it makes you dizzy!..." This may be "old news" to us, but still bears repeating. (See full article at link.)"Animal studies...phosphorus, a common ingredient in soda...deplete bones of calcium."
"Diabetes...devastating and debilitating disease...eliminating soda from your diet is one of the easiest preventative measures you could take..."
"Soda...zero nutritional value...loaded with addictive sugars.
A study...those who drink soda...have a higher risk of developing esophageal (throat) cancer (ACE). The study showed a strong link between the accelerated rate of people drinking...soft drinks and the growing number of cases of esophageal cancer."
Don't get seduced by the company's "sexy" ad campaigns. quote: “In the search of wealth, we destroy our health”.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
"The Da Vinci Code" - online fun
(click "Uncover the Code" link)
excerpt from interview with author Dan Brown:
"WHERE DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR THE DA VINCI CODE?"
This particular story kept knocking on my door until I answered. I first learned of the mysteries hidden in Da Vinci's paintings while I was studying art history at the University of Seville in Spain. Years later, while researching Angels & Demons and the Vatican Secret Archives, I encountered the Da Vinci enigma yet again. I arranged a trip to the Louvre Museum where I was fortunate enough to view the originals of some of Da Vinci's most famous works as well as discuss them with an art historian who helped me better understand the mystery behind their surprising anomalies. From then on, I was captivated. I spent a year doing research before writing The Da Vinci Code.
"SOME OF THE HISTORY IN THIS NOVEL CONTRADICTS WHAT I LEARNED IN SCHOOL. WHAT SHOULD I BELIEVE?"Since the beginning of recorded time, history has been written by the "winners" (those societies and belief systems that conquered and survived). Despite an obvious bias in this accounting method, we still measure the "historical accuracy" of a given concept by examining how well it concurs with our existing historical record. Many historians now believe (as do I) that in gauging the historical accuracy of a given concept, we should first ask ourselves a far deeper question: How historically accurate is history itself?
I look forward to the discussion (and ensuing controversy, I assume) this might generate in the populace...it'll be interesting!- sylphiend
excerpt from interview with author Dan Brown:"WHERE DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR THE DA VINCI CODE?"
This particular story kept knocking on my door until I answered. I first learned of the mysteries hidden in Da Vinci's paintings while I was studying art history at the University of Seville in Spain. Years later, while researching Angels & Demons and the Vatican Secret Archives, I encountered the Da Vinci enigma yet again. I arranged a trip to the Louvre Museum where I was fortunate enough to view the originals of some of Da Vinci's most famous works as well as discuss them with an art historian who helped me better understand the mystery behind their surprising anomalies. From then on, I was captivated. I spent a year doing research before writing The Da Vinci Code.
"SOME OF THE HISTORY IN THIS NOVEL CONTRADICTS WHAT I LEARNED IN SCHOOL. WHAT SHOULD I BELIEVE?"Since the beginning of recorded time, history has been written by the "winners" (those societies and belief systems that conquered and survived). Despite an obvious bias in this accounting method, we still measure the "historical accuracy" of a given concept by examining how well it concurs with our existing historical record. Many historians now believe (as do I) that in gauging the historical accuracy of a given concept, we should first ask ourselves a far deeper question: How historically accurate is history itself?
I look forward to the discussion (and ensuing controversy, I assume) this might generate in the populace...it'll be interesting!- sylphiend
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Brace yourself....(this is DANGEROUSLY cute!)
"Before" and "After" the Pantene Pet Beauty Treatment
"you look like a good hugger"
"is it...safe yet?"
"hey, this party is really 'the cat's pyjamas'!
"I wuuuf you." "No, I wuf YOU."
it's a hard knock life...
"You are SO the smallest!"
"please don't hate me because I am bee-yoo-tee-ful"...(okay, this one makes me actually melt in front of the computer..........)
Feeling powerless in the face of global events?
Consider this statement by Dr. F. William Sunderman, active to age 104:
"How infinitesimal is the importance of anything I do, but how infinitely important it is that I should do it."
"How infinitesimal is the importance of anything I do, but how infinitely important it is that I should do it."
Why I like the Irish
"Fighting for peace is like screwing for virginity."
---The Irish Times, Washington, DC
---The Irish Times, Washington, DC
Joseph Rotblat, Nobel Peace Prize Winner - Remember Your Humanity
an excerpt: "I saw science as being in harmony with humanity. I did not imagine that the second half of my life would be spent on efforts to avert a mortal danger to humanity created by science. The practical release of nuclear energy was the outcome of many years of experimental and theoretical research. It had great potential for the common good. But the first the general public learned about the discovery was the news of the destruction of Hiroshima by the atom bomb. A splendid achievement of science and technology had turned malign ... Let me remind you that nuclear disarmament is not just an ardent desire of the people, as expressed in many resolutions of the United Nations. It is a legal commitment ... for the sake of humanity - we must get rid of all nuclear weapons." ---
What's amazing about this speech, as urgent and timely as it reads...is that it was written in 1955.
What's amazing about this speech, as urgent and timely as it reads...is that it was written in 1955.
and now a bit of sillyness "Painful Childhood Picture"
I was never a pretty child...
born hairy, was playful and sweet (I'm told). Although painfully shy, I was invincible on the monkeybars at recess!
This is my First Grade photo. I was quite camera-shy at first and trying to make my nose disappear in this shot.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
(click here) from the "Dept. of the MISGUIDED"- Baby Chicks in the Mail
Does (the above link) make you sick enough about how people can be so dazed?? The only one that thinks this barbaric act is a "good idea" is the idiot money-grubber who stands to gain a nickel off the naivete of some well-intentioned but NAIVE people. **ugh**
Please, if you know someone who thinks baby ducks and baby bunnies are cute for Easter, send them this this link (or something gentler). Don't buy animals like they are seasonal accessories. Living species should all be cared-for and the buyer should be prepared to stay with them and nurture them for a while LONG AFTER Easter Holiday and the chocolate egg easter hunt has come and gone...
Instead, why not take the kids to the SPCA and pet some needy doggies and kitties, even the odd rodent. Love the pets that are out there and are already so in need of attention.
Thanks, friends.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Poll
If a bunch of existentialists meet at a convention...are they really there?
A) No
0 / 0.00 %
B) Yes
0/ 0.00 %
C) F*** off and die, idle pigs
0 / 0.00 %
D) owww..my brain hurts now!!!
1 / 16.67 %
E) Yes and No
3 / 50.00 %
F) I don't answer existentialist-minded polls.
0 / 0.00 %
G) ...(no answer)
2 / 33.33 %
H) Other?
0 / 0.00 %
6 Total Votes Recorded.
A) No
0 / 0.00 %
B) Yes
0/ 0.00 %
C) F*** off and die, idle pigs
0 / 0.00 %
D) owww..my brain hurts now!!!
1 / 16.67 %
E) Yes and No
3 / 50.00 %
F) I don't answer existentialist-minded polls.
0 / 0.00 %
G) ...(no answer)
2 / 33.33 %
H) Other?
0 / 0.00 %
6 Total Votes Recorded.
uh, a "Memorable" last day of work...
I had written this in an email to my brother. He found it so ludicrous that I thought I would 'share' the shame.
How was my last day at the job, you ask?? heh. Well, this is a typical example of the *fine* treatment I received there. (ahem) On my last day the boss, very nicely took me out for lunch. Two other people from the orifice came too. All was going very nicely and was pleasant enough. WELL.
After lunch and hearing one office person in particular drone on and on about mushrooms and plants (OY!!) and me basically sitting there listening to this rather masturbatory solliloquy (sp?) for and hour and a half (you know the type: cant' get a friggin' word in edgewise..they hog the mike, etc.), my eyes were starting to roll back into my head.
Well, I thought things were suddenly picking up when a small package was then presented to me. I was happy and genuinely said "Thanks" to all. Inside it: (here is gets good!) inside that pretty package (gift bag recycled, but who cares)...are two "(co. name)" mugs. These mugs are free every time a (co. name)convention happens and the sales guys attend. I already have a "(co. name)" cloth bag and another "(co. name)" plastic letter opener (haha). The beauty part is that these babies were from a shelf IN THE OFFICE where I WORK and OFTENTIME actually DUST !!! In fact, when presented to me, there is still DUST IN THEM! lol!
How the F(lock of seagulls) do ya like that?! How f*%@ cheap and cheesy! The boss says "So, you'll never forget us". uh, don't worry I shant. (shudder~~ if I ever have to stare down into the face of that filthy mug for a morning coffee and have thoughts relating to (co. name) shoot me!! )"Go 'way!"
(Author's note: hours later before I was to leave, I discreetly replaced one mug back on the shelf. On that blessed shelf there was...(*deep breath here*) an actual DUST RING from it beign missing FROM THERE. How did they figure I would not notice that these "gifts" are free giveaways from the shelf in front of my glorious desk?? I, lady-like still kept one filthy mug for politeness. Don't let it be said I am not gracious. Gracious, yes. Stupid, nay.
Of course, when they had been presented to me I smiled and said thanks and had a nice time at lunch anyway. But, really after hearing the spouting off (er, 'talking') about gays being a 'nuisance to society', and how canadians are weak for not supporting Bush in the "war on terrorism" and assorted other bullshit...my eyes had glazed over enough that I happily felt that vacating that position is SO the right thing to do. Thank you Universe, for pointing me towards my stuff and my people again! **YAY***
Take care bro. Call me when you can. Love to the kitties and Steph (not nec. in THAT order). Kick in the pants to yeh!
How was my last day at the job, you ask?? heh. Well, this is a typical example of the *fine* treatment I received there. (ahem) On my last day the boss, very nicely took me out for lunch. Two other people from the orifice came too. All was going very nicely and was pleasant enough. WELL.
After lunch and hearing one office person in particular drone on and on about mushrooms and plants (OY!!) and me basically sitting there listening to this rather masturbatory solliloquy (sp?) for and hour and a half (you know the type: cant' get a friggin' word in edgewise..they hog the mike, etc.), my eyes were starting to roll back into my head.
Well, I thought things were suddenly picking up when a small package was then presented to me. I was happy and genuinely said "Thanks" to all. Inside it: (here is gets good!) inside that pretty package (gift bag recycled, but who cares)...are two "(co. name)" mugs. These mugs are free every time a (co. name)convention happens and the sales guys attend. I already have a "(co. name)" cloth bag and another "(co. name)" plastic letter opener (haha). The beauty part is that these babies were from a shelf IN THE OFFICE where I WORK and OFTENTIME actually DUST !!! In fact, when presented to me, there is still DUST IN THEM! lol!
How the F(lock of seagulls) do ya like that?! How f*%@ cheap and cheesy! The boss says "So, you'll never forget us". uh, don't worry I shant. (shudder~~ if I ever have to stare down into the face of that filthy mug for a morning coffee and have thoughts relating to (co. name) shoot me!! )"Go 'way!"
(Author's note: hours later before I was to leave, I discreetly replaced one mug back on the shelf. On that blessed shelf there was...(*deep breath here*) an actual DUST RING from it beign missing FROM THERE. How did they figure I would not notice that these "gifts" are free giveaways from the shelf in front of my glorious desk?? I, lady-like still kept one filthy mug for politeness. Don't let it be said I am not gracious. Gracious, yes. Stupid, nay.
Of course, when they had been presented to me I smiled and said thanks and had a nice time at lunch anyway. But, really after hearing the spouting off (er, 'talking') about gays being a 'nuisance to society', and how canadians are weak for not supporting Bush in the "war on terrorism" and assorted other bullshit...my eyes had glazed over enough that I happily felt that vacating that position is SO the right thing to do. Thank you Universe, for pointing me towards my stuff and my people again! **YAY***
Take care bro. Call me when you can. Love to the kitties and Steph (not nec. in THAT order). Kick in the pants to yeh!
"Breakin' a Sweat"
wearing a thirty-something suit
she seeks the Warrior athlete within
stepping up, pulses pounding
movement, expanse, breath anew
a task again! a new bright task...
to breathe, to work hard
the warrior's body,
rusty
with neglect, passivity of years
remembering still
she remembers the old work...
how the machine was oiled
the warrior walks faster,
arms lunging forward--back straighter, solid trodding
systems flood with light and energy,
redness coloring the skin, nerves tensing alive!
alive again...what a rush, what a power, what a grand pain to be...
now the task, more painful still,
the reluctant warrior lays on the back, hands clasped behind
she tilts a might forward...
repeatedly so....repeatedly so, repeatedly so...she does not know her limits this time...only stopping shy...of
smelling burnt toast
she seeks the Warrior athlete within
stepping up, pulses pounding
movement, expanse, breath anew
a task again! a new bright task...
to breathe, to work hard
the warrior's body,
rusty
with neglect, passivity of years
remembering still
she remembers the old work...
how the machine was oiled
the warrior walks faster,
arms lunging forward--back straighter, solid trodding
systems flood with light and energy,
redness coloring the skin, nerves tensing alive!
alive again...what a rush, what a power, what a grand pain to be...
now the task, more painful still,
the reluctant warrior lays on the back, hands clasped behind
she tilts a might forward...
repeatedly so....repeatedly so, repeatedly so...she does not know her limits this time...only stopping shy...of
smelling burnt toast
meeting "The Waltons"
Tonight I met "The Waltons". I don't mean the stars of the old show from the 70's- I mean the real-life thing. I was invited to this picnic out in a place in the forest, a long drive away. When I finally got there, I was greeted by "Joe". He was an old timer who wore his working overalls, had a white beard and tight, taut muscles belonging to an old navy guy (which he had been).
He came down the front porch steps and greeted me with a firm hug rather than a handshake. Behind him a tableful of people sat under a large veranda. They scavanged on turkey, gravy, beans, red and white wines. They had never met me and asked not one question, except to say:"Do you want some turkey?" and " What kind of wine would you like?" All these generous offers. Some reached out across my plate to grab a bowl of some kind, with an "''scuse me". No pretense about my presence. I think I was kind of in heaven. After bloating up on the food, yes- everyone complained about their bellies...
Then I was given a tour of the house "ornaments". The rustic little house was chock full of Dalmatians trinkets-in every room, and hundreds of them! (crazily cute!)
My favourite part was when I went for a ride on this great tire swing that was braced by this big old tree next to the house. I was 'pushed' so high that I flew over a garage roof! Marshmallows, wet dogs, outdoor fire...the whole thing seemed right out of a movie. I burned a marshmallow, sat by the brook, talked with Joe, petted wet dogs, smelled fresh cedar leaves, swung on a star.
Man, did I feel lucky.
He came down the front porch steps and greeted me with a firm hug rather than a handshake. Behind him a tableful of people sat under a large veranda. They scavanged on turkey, gravy, beans, red and white wines. They had never met me and asked not one question, except to say:"Do you want some turkey?" and " What kind of wine would you like?" All these generous offers. Some reached out across my plate to grab a bowl of some kind, with an "''scuse me". No pretense about my presence. I think I was kind of in heaven. After bloating up on the food, yes- everyone complained about their bellies...
Then I was given a tour of the house "ornaments". The rustic little house was chock full of Dalmatians trinkets-in every room, and hundreds of them! (crazily cute!)
My favourite part was when I went for a ride on this great tire swing that was braced by this big old tree next to the house. I was 'pushed' so high that I flew over a garage roof! Marshmallows, wet dogs, outdoor fire...the whole thing seemed right out of a movie. I burned a marshmallow, sat by the brook, talked with Joe, petted wet dogs, smelled fresh cedar leaves, swung on a star.
Man, did I feel lucky.
Braided Trunk
this little beauty lay coyly in some beautiful forest in Vancouver Island. I thought she needed some attention, so I took her picture.
This is me "Tempting the Fates" in Osoyoos...well, not really. It wasn't scary at all being lifted up there. It was exhilirating but more than that, it turned out to be kind of embarrassing....The first time around, I couldn't LAND! The guy had told me 'tug' on the ropes (attached to the balloon) with one hand in order to steer and ultimately land. WELL.
First time around I 'tugged' like he had instructed, but it a useless attempt as I couldn't tug down hard enough to bring the balloon lower. Ha ha! The boat had to go around again and give me another attempt to land (this time I would tug on the rope with both arms!)
Cool thing is, I got a second go around for free and an extra ten minutes thanks to my feeble spaghetti arms. *Yay* (I strongly recommend using this tactic.
(the *red* at the bottom of pic is from Rod's embarrasment while waiting for me to land.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)