why I like my job. I get emails that say this:
"Just in case your windows are down - it looks like we are getting ready to have a storm."
How nice.
7.30.2007
7.28.2007
An Odd Cat
and yet, I find Oscar somehow comforting. Having had cats almost all my life, it completely makes sense to me that he'd have this special gift.
Photo (c) Dina Rudick, Boston Globe; Video (c) NBC Nightly News
Other links about Oscar: The Boston Globe story; Their photos; New England Journal of Medicine; AP/MSNBC.
7.26.2007
The Rules for Blogging
Today was the day of many topics to blog about. I can definitely say that I'm set for the week. Stay tuned for more on that later . . .
Nonetheless, the topic I'm going to pick for this evening is this: blogging rules. It's happened again that a good friend didn't define their rules completely before getting into the blogosphere (something I have to admit that I did as well) and thus, their presence in the blogosphere changed drastically and without warning.
Now, as many in the blogosphere know, such changes are completely unexpected and cause concern in your readers especially if you have a fairly large and/or loyal readership. I've got a blog I'm stalking right now that hasn't had a post in months, but they used to post several times a day! (No, you don't get that link. It's NWS and it speaks to #7 on The List.) It's upsetting, to say the least.
Ergo, here's the draft of The Rules for Blogging. In no way shape or form is this a complete or un-alterable list. Jump in and let me know what you'd change or what you'd add. (Yep, I learned some of these the hard way. Just ask my friend Jess or my friend Jim.)
1) If you've got a significant other, tell them you have/are starting a blog and how to get to it. If they never look at it, you've done your part. Might be good to share your rules for what goes on the blog with them, so they don't have to be concerned about what may or may not appear on the blog. Remember that your significant other (and everyone else in the world with an Internet connection) can see it whenever they want, if they can find it. Don't forget that.
2) In consideration of the significant other, DON'T post anything offensive or that could be perceived as too personal UNLESS you've got permission from them BEFORE you post. Now, if you don't so much care for that significant other and aren't concerned about helping to define the legality of social media and first amendment rights or aren't concerned about a libel or slander lawsuit, post away. Post it once, and it's always there (especially after the web spiders get to it).
3) Don't write stuff you wouldn't admit in public. For me, after I mentioned my duck (the post), I realized I wasn't ready to post about it. However, my perspective on sexuality has shifted and I don't mind at all now. Realize however that some things are still not public: i.e., #7 on The List.
4) Decide what's off-limits. For me, work is always off-limits; I don't need to be dooced. I need my job. (If you're interested, Heather Armstrong's experience provided the nomenclature for this phenomenon.)
Intimate conversations with friends are also off-limits, as well as any significant reference to their lives. My family is sometimes off, sometimes on; depends on the situation.
5) Decide on pictures and video content. What will you post? What won't you post? Why? If you don't know why, you won't stick with your decision. Beware of copyright laws - and know a lawyer.
6) Be fair and give credit where it's due. Don't steal someone else's blog post. Sure, if they've got a topic that gets your writing bristles up, go for it. But give them credit for having the idea first. Link. And consider a Creative Commons license. (They're free.)
7) Ask the blogger before you add a blog to your blog roll. Admittedly, I haven't done
this, but I should have. The people who read your blog may be some other blogger's worst nightmare. The only way they may have found that blogger was through your blog roll.
8) Admit when you're wrong and publicly correct the error. We're all human and we all know that eventually, you're gonna screw up. Deal. (Here's an example, courtesy of Cara Michele at Chosen Fast.)
9) Learn about your blog/hosting service. Know how it works. Know what the passwords do. Know what's public and what's not before you jump right in. And don't be afraid to use the knowledge base. Those people know everything about hosting/blog service. They developed it - and continue to improve it. Let them help.
10) When lurking/commenting on someone else's blog, follow their lead. If they don't cuss, you'd better not. If you know them IRL and they don't specifically mention or name parts of their life on the blog, don't dare. It might violate one of their blogging rules.
And, since 10 is a nice, round number and it's past my bedtime, that's where I'll stop. I expect to hear your thoughts or opinions on this. Chime in.
Nonetheless, the topic I'm going to pick for this evening is this: blogging rules. It's happened again that a good friend didn't define their rules completely before getting into the blogosphere (something I have to admit that I did as well) and thus, their presence in the blogosphere changed drastically and without warning.
Now, as many in the blogosphere know, such changes are completely unexpected and cause concern in your readers especially if you have a fairly large and/or loyal readership. I've got a blog I'm stalking right now that hasn't had a post in months, but they used to post several times a day! (No, you don't get that link. It's NWS and it speaks to #7 on The List.) It's upsetting, to say the least.
Ergo, here's the draft of The Rules for Blogging. In no way shape or form is this a complete or un-alterable list. Jump in and let me know what you'd change or what you'd add. (Yep, I learned some of these the hard way. Just ask my friend Jess or my friend Jim.)
1) If you've got a significant other, tell them you have/are starting a blog and how to get to it. If they never look at it, you've done your part. Might be good to share your rules for what goes on the blog with them, so they don't have to be concerned about what may or may not appear on the blog. Remember that your significant other (and everyone else in the world with an Internet connection) can see it whenever they want, if they can find it. Don't forget that.
2) In consideration of the significant other, DON'T post anything offensive or that could be perceived as too personal UNLESS you've got permission from them BEFORE you post. Now, if you don't so much care for that significant other and aren't concerned about helping to define the legality of social media and first amendment rights or aren't concerned about a libel or slander lawsuit, post away. Post it once, and it's always there (especially after the web spiders get to it).
3) Don't write stuff you wouldn't admit in public. For me, after I mentioned my duck (the post), I realized I wasn't ready to post about it. However, my perspective on sexuality has shifted and I don't mind at all now. Realize however that some things are still not public: i.e., #7 on The List.
4) Decide what's off-limits. For me, work is always off-limits; I don't need to be dooced. I need my job. (If you're interested, Heather Armstrong's experience provided the nomenclature for this phenomenon.)
Intimate conversations with friends are also off-limits, as well as any significant reference to their lives. My family is sometimes off, sometimes on; depends on the situation.
5) Decide on pictures and video content. What will you post? What won't you post? Why? If you don't know why, you won't stick with your decision. Beware of copyright laws - and know a lawyer.
6) Be fair and give credit where it's due. Don't steal someone else's blog post. Sure, if they've got a topic that gets your writing bristles up, go for it. But give them credit for having the idea first. Link. And consider a Creative Commons license. (They're free.)
7) Ask the blogger before you add a blog to your blog roll. Admittedly, I haven't done
this, but I should have. The people who read your blog may be some other blogger's worst nightmare. The only way they may have found that blogger was through your blog roll.
8) Admit when you're wrong and publicly correct the error. We're all human and we all know that eventually, you're gonna screw up. Deal. (Here's an example, courtesy of Cara Michele at Chosen Fast.)
9) Learn about your blog/hosting service. Know how it works. Know what the passwords do. Know what's public and what's not before you jump right in. And don't be afraid to use the knowledge base. Those people know everything about hosting/blog service. They developed it - and continue to improve it. Let them help.
10) When lurking/commenting on someone else's blog, follow their lead. If they don't cuss, you'd better not. If you know them IRL and they don't specifically mention or name parts of their life on the blog, don't dare. It might violate one of their blogging rules.
And, since 10 is a nice, round number and it's past my bedtime, that's where I'll stop. I expect to hear your thoughts or opinions on this. Chime in.
7.24.2007
I want this parrot
*Thanks to the people at Corona (and, inevitably, their ad agency) for such wonderful work.
Where does the time go?
Why is it that I hit upon the realization today that in about a week, it's AUGUST?
It's not so much that tournament is in August. I'm well aware of that and I know it's been charging at me with full force ever since I agreed to do it before last year's tournament had even begun. It's not that.
It's that I'm trying to figure out where my summer went. Why haven't I found my way to Carowinds yet? Or Emerald Pointe? Wasn't this the summer that I was actually going to go to the Bowman Gray track? Why hasn't Jimmy Buffet announced a concert here yet? Why is Dave Matthews coming so late - in September? Why haven't I been to the beach more often? Or to the mountains at all?
I'm sure this has something to do with the fact that I realized the days are getting shorter. When the alarm went off this morning, the second thought I had (after the obligatory curses of the clock) was this: "The sun's not streaming through my window this morning."
I'm also sure that it has something to do with the fact that it was a bit overcast today, and I have to admit that I'm probably susceptible to SAD, like my aunt is. I hate gloomy, overcast, dreary, yucky weather. Makes me feel like crap.
There's always a disconnect for me between the solstices and when they actually "happen" for me: I don't feel the days getting shorter or longer right after the solstice. Heck, this year, I didn't feel the change until damn near August, and the summer solstice is June 21.
Realizing that the summer solstice has actually passed upsets me. I'm a summer girl at heart. Always have been. Love the heat. Love the humidity.
Love what you can do in summer that just doesn't happen in the fall, winter or spring: like eat a really good, fresh, ripe tomato that you just pulled off of the plant 30 seconds ago. Or entertain that fantasy of skinny dipping - and maybe, just maybe, if the timing was right, do it. Or drink Coronas whenever you want because it just feels right. Or go to see the Grasshoppers or the Warthogs. Or go to Music in the Streets. Or stay up late, because your body thinks that 9:30 p.m. or 10 p.m. is too early. "Wasn't it just light a little bit ago?" it asks.
*Sigh.*
It's not so much that tournament is in August. I'm well aware of that and I know it's been charging at me with full force ever since I agreed to do it before last year's tournament had even begun. It's not that.
It's that I'm trying to figure out where my summer went. Why haven't I found my way to Carowinds yet? Or Emerald Pointe? Wasn't this the summer that I was actually going to go to the Bowman Gray track? Why hasn't Jimmy Buffet announced a concert here yet? Why is Dave Matthews coming so late - in September? Why haven't I been to the beach more often? Or to the mountains at all?
I'm sure this has something to do with the fact that I realized the days are getting shorter. When the alarm went off this morning, the second thought I had (after the obligatory curses of the clock) was this: "The sun's not streaming through my window this morning."
I'm also sure that it has something to do with the fact that it was a bit overcast today, and I have to admit that I'm probably susceptible to SAD, like my aunt is. I hate gloomy, overcast, dreary, yucky weather. Makes me feel like crap.
There's always a disconnect for me between the solstices and when they actually "happen" for me: I don't feel the days getting shorter or longer right after the solstice. Heck, this year, I didn't feel the change until damn near August, and the summer solstice is June 21.
Realizing that the summer solstice has actually passed upsets me. I'm a summer girl at heart. Always have been. Love the heat. Love the humidity.
Love what you can do in summer that just doesn't happen in the fall, winter or spring: like eat a really good, fresh, ripe tomato that you just pulled off of the plant 30 seconds ago. Or entertain that fantasy of skinny dipping - and maybe, just maybe, if the timing was right, do it. Or drink Coronas whenever you want because it just feels right. Or go to see the Grasshoppers or the Warthogs. Or go to Music in the Streets. Or stay up late, because your body thinks that 9:30 p.m. or 10 p.m. is too early. "Wasn't it just light a little bit ago?" it asks.
*Sigh.*
There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them;
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them;
a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.
A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away.
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak.
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace . . .
A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away.
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak.
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace . . .
I recognized that there is nothing better than to be glad and to do well during life.
-Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 12, NAB
7.22.2007
Focus, Peace, and Success
(January 20, 1999)
Pushmataha, Chief of the Choctaws, understood our weaknesses as well as our strengths. He knew how willing we are to give in to abuse for fear of having no peace at all.
Peace at any price is very familiar to the American Indian. And we know how a little success can do away with common sense - how it can remove the stops that keep us on the true path.
A stable attitude can offset the extremes where we sometimes find ourselves. GOOD peace is an inside job, a place where we cultivate the development of our own spirits before we look to our surroundings for strength and sustenance.
The heart and soul that loves peace wants others to be peaceful and will never miss the mark of excellence.
Never be elevated above measure by success . . . nor delighted with the sweets of peace to suffer insults.
Peace,
Tawanka
Pushmataha, Chief of the Choctaws, understood our weaknesses as well as our strengths. He knew how willing we are to give in to abuse for fear of having no peace at all.
Peace at any price is very familiar to the American Indian. And we know how a little success can do away with common sense - how it can remove the stops that keep us on the true path.
A stable attitude can offset the extremes where we sometimes find ourselves. GOOD peace is an inside job, a place where we cultivate the development of our own spirits before we look to our surroundings for strength and sustenance.
The heart and soul that loves peace wants others to be peaceful and will never miss the mark of excellence.
Never be elevated above measure by success . . . nor delighted with the sweets of peace to suffer insults.
Peace,
Tawanka
Finding My Focus
It's a topic about which I've written many times before, and perhaps only because I seem to have issues finding it on a consistent basis: focus. As a completely horrible procrastinator (which has kept me from church this morning, the shower that I should have already taken and perhaps from the chores I'd like to still accomplish this afternoon), I find that focus seems to evade me on a fairly regular basis.
And yet, I can't seem to figure out exactly why. It's not so much that I can't focus; there's no ADD or ADHD here. It's not that I'm not intrigued with what I'm doing. It is perhaps because I'm often thinking about what's ahead for me, what I will be doing, what I want to be doing - or perhaps about what's behind, what's happened and perseverating over the past.
It's that I oftentimes can't focus on the now. The present.
Several things in the past couple of days have brought this issue of focus into the spotlight for me:
(a) An amazing book, The Three Questions, given by my dear friend Jim to all of his tournament committee people. (If I told you why this book gave me nice little perspective on focus, I'd ruin the beauty of the book for you.)
(b) My sad inability to really have a good conversation with a friend who was hurting, because I couldn't get out of my own hurt for just a little bit and truly be the person she needed.
(c) Reading this from Melody and, more importantly, her Dad's comment on her blog, which just brought home the fact that I hadn't focused on God this morning, as I'd intended, and beginning to think about the repercussions of that specific lack of focus.
And yet, in my lack of focus this morning, I find that I must thank my dear friend Jess for finding this blog post and reminding me that:
"There is nothing wrong with me.
I don't need to be fixed, doctored, taped up or altered.
I have not always made good decisions in my life. I stayed in relationships that were not good for my soul or mental health. I spent too much money and didn't save enough in my 20s. I wasn't always the best daughter or granddaughter or friend that I could be.
But my essence, my spirit, the me that was born to my Mom and Dad almost (30) years ago, is perfect just the way she is. "
And yet, I can't seem to figure out exactly why. It's not so much that I can't focus; there's no ADD or ADHD here. It's not that I'm not intrigued with what I'm doing. It is perhaps because I'm often thinking about what's ahead for me, what I will be doing, what I want to be doing - or perhaps about what's behind, what's happened and perseverating over the past.
It's that I oftentimes can't focus on the now. The present.
Several things in the past couple of days have brought this issue of focus into the spotlight for me:
(a) An amazing book, The Three Questions, given by my dear friend Jim to all of his tournament committee people. (If I told you why this book gave me nice little perspective on focus, I'd ruin the beauty of the book for you.)
(b) My sad inability to really have a good conversation with a friend who was hurting, because I couldn't get out of my own hurt for just a little bit and truly be the person she needed.
(c) Reading this from Melody and, more importantly, her Dad's comment on her blog, which just brought home the fact that I hadn't focused on God this morning, as I'd intended, and beginning to think about the repercussions of that specific lack of focus.
And yet, in my lack of focus this morning, I find that I must thank my dear friend Jess for finding this blog post and reminding me that:
"There is nothing wrong with me.
I don't need to be fixed, doctored, taped up or altered.
I have not always made good decisions in my life. I stayed in relationships that were not good for my soul or mental health. I spent too much money and didn't save enough in my 20s. I wasn't always the best daughter or granddaughter or friend that I could be.
But my essence, my spirit, the me that was born to my Mom and Dad almost (30) years ago, is perfect just the way she is. "
7.14.2007
Good words
Because I'm at the beach:
"The weather is here, wish you were beautiful." -- Jimmy Buffet
And, I intend to get deeply into a good book this weekend:
"Do not read, as children do, to amuse yourself, or like the ambitious, for the purpose of instruction. No, read in order to live." -- Gustave Flaubert
"The weather is here, wish you were beautiful." -- Jimmy Buffet
And, I intend to get deeply into a good book this weekend:
"Do not read, as children do, to amuse yourself, or like the ambitious, for the purpose of instruction. No, read in order to live." -- Gustave Flaubert
7.09.2007
The Power of Joy
(January 20, 1999)
As a child, I wanted to sing at the supper table. It seemed the logical place to let the joy of life flow freely - since it was our habit to share happy stories at mealtime, never gripes. But my grandmother expected manners, not singing.
The food at our table was not as important as the stories. Some were far fetched yarns.
When we came together, laughter and joyful bantering took my mind off the ever-present greens that I had to close my eyes to eat. Grandmother said greens were a part of "making-do," but it seemed to me that I was "making-do" when I sang at the table.
Food should never be eaten when the throat is constricted and the spirit aches from hurt. Joy makes the most common food a feast - and it would not surprise me that Grandmother is sitting at supper in heaven, singing.
Peace,
Tawanka
As a child, I wanted to sing at the supper table. It seemed the logical place to let the joy of life flow freely - since it was our habit to share happy stories at mealtime, never gripes. But my grandmother expected manners, not singing.
The food at our table was not as important as the stories. Some were far fetched yarns.
When we came together, laughter and joyful bantering took my mind off the ever-present greens that I had to close my eyes to eat. Grandmother said greens were a part of "making-do," but it seemed to me that I was "making-do" when I sang at the table.
Food should never be eaten when the throat is constricted and the spirit aches from hurt. Joy makes the most common food a feast - and it would not surprise me that Grandmother is sitting at supper in heaven, singing.
Peace,
Tawanka
Randomness . . .
- The Tour is on! Stage 2 of 20 is complete. One American, George Hincapie with Team Discovery, is in the top 5. Given all the mess that Floyd Landis has been through after his win last year, it would be great to have an uneventful year. That said, it may not be uneventful until someone who's not American wins. And yes, I know what all the colored jerseys mean.
- I've gotten over 100 posts! This is technically post 101. Yeah!
- I might find all the photos I want off of Etsy, eventually. I've got great plans for my walls, I just need to find the right artists to get them done.
- Four days left until I leave the job I love for the unknown . . . and the apprehension grows.
Time for a few words from Grandma.
- I've gotten over 100 posts! This is technically post 101. Yeah!
- I might find all the photos I want off of Etsy, eventually. I've got great plans for my walls, I just need to find the right artists to get them done.
- Four days left until I leave the job I love for the unknown . . . and the apprehension grows.
Time for a few words from Grandma.
A Wedding and Wanderlust Weekend
Crazy, ridiculous weekend - and yet, completely fabulous. Here's the map. Yes, we drove close to 1000 miles. Yes, we only went an hour north of Richmond . . . but then we took a detour on the way home.
Wedding was absolutely fabulous. Nothing better than seeing a great friend and her fiance do their wedding, their way. And then, of course, there's nothing better than sitting around talking for hours on end - even if it is in 90+ degree heat.
On Sunday, Jess and I decided we had to see the beach.
This one, in particular - Buckroe Beach. Figured the area wouldn't be named after a beach if it didn't have one, seeing as how we'd been searching for one since finishing breakfast. Tappahannock just had the edges of the Rappahannock, most of which was private and inaccessible.
All in all, a great weekend.
I'm ready for another, already.
7.05.2007
Favorite Disney moments
Yes, I was a younger girl, once upon a time . . . There are probably more, but I can't spend all night surfing You Tube.
Hakuna Matata, The Lion King
A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes, Cinderella
Kiss the Girl, The Little Mermaid
Hakuna Matata, The Lion King
A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes, Cinderella
Kiss the Girl, The Little Mermaid
7.04.2007
More on Perspective
(January 19, 1999)
In the darkest day in winter, color is everywhere.
There are colors we do not expect to see, so we do not see them. They are on the early morning clouds that lie in the southern sky and in the hills at midday. In the evening, the western sky is purple - all shades of purple. The last rays of sunlight color the clouds with purple, rose and lilac.
A person loves color and is tuned in to its joy. If we are caught in moods that are drab, our eyes have little chance of seeing color.
A drab view can be changed. Even now a Jay and a brilliant Cardinal can stir us with their blues and reds - if we have the heart to see them.
Peace,
Tawanka
In the darkest day in winter, color is everywhere.
There are colors we do not expect to see, so we do not see them. They are on the early morning clouds that lie in the southern sky and in the hills at midday. In the evening, the western sky is purple - all shades of purple. The last rays of sunlight color the clouds with purple, rose and lilac.
A person loves color and is tuned in to its joy. If we are caught in moods that are drab, our eyes have little chance of seeing color.
A drab view can be changed. Even now a Jay and a brilliant Cardinal can stir us with their blues and reds - if we have the heart to see them.
Peace,
Tawanka
Two nights and counting . . .
Monday night was a great night. Up late, great wine, and the hot tub. Completely hung over the next day, but it was worth it.
Tuesday night ended up being a great night, too. The job that I love (that I'm leaving) sent everyone home at 2:30 p.m. - which meant I went shopping. Great sales: two dresses from Ann Taylor Loft, a skirt from The Limited, Japanese Cherry Blossom from Bath & Body Works, a cute blue halter sweater from New York & Co. Good stuff, cheap. I'll have to remember that there are always great sales in July!
Also picked up my desk from Bombay Company. The library is well on its way to looking like a library! Realized again that I have absolutely wonderful neighbors, too. They saw me drive up with the box hanging out of the back of the car and asked whether they could help!
Spent the rest of the evening at the Grasshoppers Game with the girls and some tourney people (10-1 over the Greenville Drive). A late dinner at Natty's and then home.
So, I'm 2-0 this week. Wonder if today will make it 3-0 . . .
Happy 4th!
Tuesday night ended up being a great night, too. The job that I love (that I'm leaving) sent everyone home at 2:30 p.m. - which meant I went shopping. Great sales: two dresses from Ann Taylor Loft, a skirt from The Limited, Japanese Cherry Blossom from Bath & Body Works, a cute blue halter sweater from New York & Co. Good stuff, cheap. I'll have to remember that there are always great sales in July!
Also picked up my desk from Bombay Company. The library is well on its way to looking like a library! Realized again that I have absolutely wonderful neighbors, too. They saw me drive up with the box hanging out of the back of the car and asked whether they could help!
Spent the rest of the evening at the Grasshoppers Game with the girls and some tourney people (10-1 over the Greenville Drive). A late dinner at Natty's and then home.
So, I'm 2-0 this week. Wonder if today will make it 3-0 . . .
Happy 4th!
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