For some reason whenever my birthday is drawing near I start reflecting a lot more on my life and what I'm doing and where do I see myself and all that jazz. I took a mental health day on Saturday and headed off to Long Beach to think about things and meditate.
Later I talked to my friend Lauren about something I had been thinking about. I was telling her that my friend Lisa is less than 2 years older than I am and she is married with 3 children and one on the way and they are buying a house and she is sooo responsible. She is who I go to for advice or just some good common sense when I'm having a problem. I said that next year I'll be the same age she is now and I said there is no way I could be as mature and responsible as she is to which Lauren laughed and said neither could she. I was telling her my sister is also 17 months older than I am and she also has 4 children and she pays mortgage and takes care of all these children and deals with all these responsibilities.
I thought will I ever be ready for that sort of thing. Man! It's just tough thinking about getting older let alone doing it. I don't mean to say that I haven't enjoyed my life because I have and I like the level of responsibilities that I have. Sometimes I wish I had less, but I always wonder if this is the way it will always be....Anyway that's just what I was thinking about. Have a good day and as always enjoy.
Tanika's Relationship Tip #3: Don't let other people set the pace of your relationship. I think this is pretty self-explanatory, but to avoid confusion I will elaborate. A lot of times in relationships people feel pressure from society, family, or friends to take their relationship to the "next level" whatever that means for each person. For example if two people get along really well and have been dating for 6 months people start jumping down their throat "so when are you getting married?" As if they don't have enough to think about. Or sometimes before you are ready you will start sleeping with/move in with/ build a life with someone when you aren't ready to move that quickly. The next thing you know you have been dating for 2 weeks and it feels like you have been together 2 years (2 incredibly long years). I think you should enjoy the process of getting to know someone, but that's just me. I've usually rushed into things in relationships because I felt that there were these "relationship markers" I had to get to based on what friends/family or society said. Then I would be miserable. I think the only people that should be setting the pace of a relationship are the people who are actually in it. Don't be afraid to let the other person know how you feel about the pace of your relationship. That's part of honesty and communication which I feel are key to any healthy relationship.
I am 50% Left Brain and 50% Right Brain. Interesting...
| You Are 50% Left Brained, 50% Right Brained |
 Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports. |
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Monday, April 04, 2005
Bocce Ball Madness...
I've heard of March Madness even Reefer Madness, but Bocce Ball Madness?!? Well I knew I heard it all when I talked to my friend Jason on Friday and he told me the lengths he was willing to go to just to play a little bocce ball.
For a hot second I was a little skeptical that it might be an April Fool's story, but then I remember how much Jason loves it. He told me that he found out there was a new bocce ball court/field/lawn (sorry I don't remember the exact term) near him. He had been practicing as often as he could on his own even though it is a team sport, but he said it wasn't the same as getting out there on a good green lawn. Whatever that means. Well anyway he slipped stealthily onto the bocce ball green Thursday and it seemed as though it was in use. He called to see and found out that they would be open for business on Friday. He said he was so eager to start playing that he contemplated sneaking back over later that evening and trying to play a little ball that night before they even opened. By this point I was laughing so hard. I mean really would you go to these lengths for bocce ball?
He said he was so excited that he was going to get to play on Friday that he couldn't sleep that night. He got up bright and early Friday morning and took his bocce balls and special gloves and headed out . Unfortunately they weren't open yet. It's a good thing that it was walking distance because the car park was still locked up. So he just walked around to the shop and waited for someone to come along and open up. When someone finally showed up there he was eagerly waiting with all his things and the guy asked Jason, "Hey are you lost?". I mean it was 7 am. Jason said no, but he was ready to play some bocce ball. Unfortunately it had rained the night before and the lawns were pretty wet. He had to wait (impatiently) for 15 minutes for them to "rake" I guess the term is some of the water out of the grass. He told me he enjoyed it. I thought he was a bit excessive, but hey aren't we all at times.
I have to admit I always thought bocce ball was something old Italian men played, but Jason has taught me that isn't true. I have to be honest and say that I have become very interested in bocce ball myself and am mildly interested in learning how to play.
Tanika's Relationship Tip#2: Don't string someone along, i.e. if you are or about to be in a relationship with someone be honest with the other person about your motives. If you aren't seriously trying to pursue something that's fine, but let the other person know. Especially if the depth of their feelings are greater than your own. For some reason this particular subject has been the topic of at least 5 conversations I have had this week. I know I have been guilty of this, especially with the most recent guy I dated. I wasn't in love with him and I knew I didn't want to spend the rest of my life with him. Grief I didn't even want to spend the rest of the week with him, but I felt bad because he kept telling me I wouldn't give the relationship a chance. So instead of being straight with him I let things go on and on and when he said he loved me I almost flipped. (For the record I haven't ever been in love with anyone before). I realized that I had allowed things to go so far because of my cowardice and that I didn't know what to do without hurting his feelings. The point is there are people who are with someone else for reasons that aren't honest. Whether it's just the case that you enjoy the attention the other person gives you or you would rather have someone than be alone, or maybe you just like being a player. It isn't cool, because it's only a matter of time before the other person figures it out and gets hurt. As long as you both know where you stand then things are cool, but the moment games come into it well...there's no telling what might happen.
For a hot second I was a little skeptical that it might be an April Fool's story, but then I remember how much Jason loves it. He told me that he found out there was a new bocce ball court/field/lawn (sorry I don't remember the exact term) near him. He had been practicing as often as he could on his own even though it is a team sport, but he said it wasn't the same as getting out there on a good green lawn. Whatever that means. Well anyway he slipped stealthily onto the bocce ball green Thursday and it seemed as though it was in use. He called to see and found out that they would be open for business on Friday. He said he was so eager to start playing that he contemplated sneaking back over later that evening and trying to play a little ball that night before they even opened. By this point I was laughing so hard. I mean really would you go to these lengths for bocce ball?
He said he was so excited that he was going to get to play on Friday that he couldn't sleep that night. He got up bright and early Friday morning and took his bocce balls and special gloves and headed out . Unfortunately they weren't open yet. It's a good thing that it was walking distance because the car park was still locked up. So he just walked around to the shop and waited for someone to come along and open up. When someone finally showed up there he was eagerly waiting with all his things and the guy asked Jason, "Hey are you lost?". I mean it was 7 am. Jason said no, but he was ready to play some bocce ball. Unfortunately it had rained the night before and the lawns were pretty wet. He had to wait (impatiently) for 15 minutes for them to "rake" I guess the term is some of the water out of the grass. He told me he enjoyed it. I thought he was a bit excessive, but hey aren't we all at times.
I have to admit I always thought bocce ball was something old Italian men played, but Jason has taught me that isn't true. I have to be honest and say that I have become very interested in bocce ball myself and am mildly interested in learning how to play.
Tanika's Relationship Tip#2: Don't string someone along, i.e. if you are or about to be in a relationship with someone be honest with the other person about your motives. If you aren't seriously trying to pursue something that's fine, but let the other person know. Especially if the depth of their feelings are greater than your own. For some reason this particular subject has been the topic of at least 5 conversations I have had this week. I know I have been guilty of this, especially with the most recent guy I dated. I wasn't in love with him and I knew I didn't want to spend the rest of my life with him. Grief I didn't even want to spend the rest of the week with him, but I felt bad because he kept telling me I wouldn't give the relationship a chance. So instead of being straight with him I let things go on and on and when he said he loved me I almost flipped. (For the record I haven't ever been in love with anyone before). I realized that I had allowed things to go so far because of my cowardice and that I didn't know what to do without hurting his feelings. The point is there are people who are with someone else for reasons that aren't honest. Whether it's just the case that you enjoy the attention the other person gives you or you would rather have someone than be alone, or maybe you just like being a player. It isn't cool, because it's only a matter of time before the other person figures it out and gets hurt. As long as you both know where you stand then things are cool, but the moment games come into it well...there's no telling what might happen.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
The Squirrel Chronicles...ft. Dawson and Tommy
In a follow-up to my most recent post I would like to add just a wee bit more. After our lovely moment with the squirrels yesterday morning, disaster struck at the Racek bathroom window. In addition to the Raceks 3 children, the children of their good friends came over. Tommy and Evvy are around the same age as the other children. Well... during nap time we were trying to separate the children so they would actually go to sleep. Since we knew Tommy and Dawson, both age 3, probably wouldn't sleep we set them up in the bathroom so they wouldn't disrupt the other kids. (Just in case you think this is cruel or unusual to put children in the bathroom the Raceks bathroom is the size of a normal sized bedroom so it's not too horrible.)
Anyway I was checking my email in Lisa's office which is across the hall from the bathroom. I was listening to the boys giggles and bumps. All of a sudden I heard a really loud BUMP! But afterward no one was crying so I figured they just knocked something over. Well Lisa came down the hall and swung open the door. To our surprise the boys had climbed onto the counter, opened the window, busted out the screen and had dumped all the bath toys onto the squirrels nest. We look out and the mama squirrel was looking pretty upset. When questioned as to why they had done this the boys replied, "We wanted to cheer them up so we were letting them play with our toys!" I had to vacate the room immediately before I broke into hysterical laughter.
We were all just happy the mama squirrel didn't attack the boys because they threw all the toys in the nest. We also had to check the house for squirrels in case the babies had come in. Joe retrieved the toys by attaching duct tape to the end of a stick (Lisa's idea) but kept dropping the big green plastic frog on the nest.
When all is said and done the mama and babies are doing ok a little shook up but hanging in there. Today we took a nature walk and had a picnic lunch in the botanical gardens at UCLA. I think the squirrels must be communicating because we were accosted by 7 squirrels who kept trying to get food. I know the mama squirrel must have told on us.
And now for something completely different. I was hanging out with two of my guy friends last night and surprise surprise we were talking about dating. I got into it with one of them about why he wasn't pursuing a relationship with someone and one thing led to another and well here goes...They both said it would be interesting if I put relationship (romantic) tips at the end of my blog entries so I can share with you all the sage advice I shared with them. now realize I clearly don't have a romantic relationship, but who cares...It's my blog.
Tanika's Relationship Tip#1: Consistency. When interested in someone of the opposite sex be consistent in your behavior towards them. If you are interested in them and would actually like to pursue them then make some APPROPRIATE advances or if they make advances toward you then respond. Don't respond one day then the next act like you aren't interested. All you'll do is complicate matters and make life difficult for the both of you. On the other hand if you like someone and aren't interested in pursuing them. Get out of the way and let someone else have an opportunity. If you don't have the guts to start a relationship with someone then move on. Don't act like you like them today then go "Oh my god! what did I do?" Then act stone cold the next time. That's sophomoric and annoying. (I'm talking to both guys and girls here.) Unless you are particularly close treat your same sex friends the same. Unless it's understood don't single out one person for special attention. That's confusing. As I said unless it is understood what is going on. If you are good pals, fine, but please make sure all parties know this. DTRs can be a good thing. That's it for today and as always enjoy.
Anyway I was checking my email in Lisa's office which is across the hall from the bathroom. I was listening to the boys giggles and bumps. All of a sudden I heard a really loud BUMP! But afterward no one was crying so I figured they just knocked something over. Well Lisa came down the hall and swung open the door. To our surprise the boys had climbed onto the counter, opened the window, busted out the screen and had dumped all the bath toys onto the squirrels nest. We look out and the mama squirrel was looking pretty upset. When questioned as to why they had done this the boys replied, "We wanted to cheer them up so we were letting them play with our toys!" I had to vacate the room immediately before I broke into hysterical laughter.
We were all just happy the mama squirrel didn't attack the boys because they threw all the toys in the nest. We also had to check the house for squirrels in case the babies had come in. Joe retrieved the toys by attaching duct tape to the end of a stick (Lisa's idea) but kept dropping the big green plastic frog on the nest.
When all is said and done the mama and babies are doing ok a little shook up but hanging in there. Today we took a nature walk and had a picnic lunch in the botanical gardens at UCLA. I think the squirrels must be communicating because we were accosted by 7 squirrels who kept trying to get food. I know the mama squirrel must have told on us.
And now for something completely different. I was hanging out with two of my guy friends last night and surprise surprise we were talking about dating. I got into it with one of them about why he wasn't pursuing a relationship with someone and one thing led to another and well here goes...They both said it would be interesting if I put relationship (romantic) tips at the end of my blog entries so I can share with you all the sage advice I shared with them. now realize I clearly don't have a romantic relationship, but who cares...It's my blog.
Tanika's Relationship Tip#1: Consistency. When interested in someone of the opposite sex be consistent in your behavior towards them. If you are interested in them and would actually like to pursue them then make some APPROPRIATE advances or if they make advances toward you then respond. Don't respond one day then the next act like you aren't interested. All you'll do is complicate matters and make life difficult for the both of you. On the other hand if you like someone and aren't interested in pursuing them. Get out of the way and let someone else have an opportunity. If you don't have the guts to start a relationship with someone then move on. Don't act like you like them today then go "Oh my god! what did I do?" Then act stone cold the next time. That's sophomoric and annoying. (I'm talking to both guys and girls here.) Unless you are particularly close treat your same sex friends the same. Unless it's understood don't single out one person for special attention. That's confusing. As I said unless it is understood what is going on. If you are good pals, fine, but please make sure all parties know this. DTRs can be a good thing. That's it for today and as always enjoy.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Domestically challenged...
Or as my friend Eric said last night what's it like living in a transition home? Do I get to go out for a little bit after my chores are done? I told him as long as I make sure every last spot is dusted I can stand on a little square patch of grass. I'm just kidding. I'm actually quite happy and comfortable at the Raceks. I've been missing having a family around me. I don't mean all the cool supportive friends I have. I mean that feeling like I'm loved, supported, and accepted everyday. It's definitely had a positive affect on my attitude. When I get home sometimes I wanna talk and sometimes I don't, but Lisa is so cool that she seems to get that and is always loving and supportive of me despite my moods.
I've officially been switched over and am watching Alias. It's the first "new" show that I have started watching. I mostly watch shows that are in syndication only. Although I'm only watching old episodes. It's all out of order. I watched the second season, then half of the third season, and now I'm watching the first and 3rd season simultaneously.
I had a really cool moment this morning though. I was getting dressed and I look out the bathroom window and a squirrel was looking me dead in the eye. Upon closer inspection I noticed that there was a pile of leaves to the right of the window and right outside the window was a mother squirrel and her 3 babies. Where the Raceks live the bathroom window is protected by this kinda "cage" about 1 1/2 ft away from the window. Inside the squirrel had made a nest and had babies. I ran out and told them to come quick there were squirrels at the window. Lisa, Katie, and Will came in and we watched the little family. The mother was nursing the babies. She was looking all exhausted. Squirrel babies can be very trying apparently. One bit her tail and she started screeching at it. They didn't seem to scared of us. I told Lisa, "See everyone likes staying here. Even the squirrels."
Anyway just wanted to share that little story. Have a good day and enjoy.
I've officially been switched over and am watching Alias. It's the first "new" show that I have started watching. I mostly watch shows that are in syndication only. Although I'm only watching old episodes. It's all out of order. I watched the second season, then half of the third season, and now I'm watching the first and 3rd season simultaneously.
I had a really cool moment this morning though. I was getting dressed and I look out the bathroom window and a squirrel was looking me dead in the eye. Upon closer inspection I noticed that there was a pile of leaves to the right of the window and right outside the window was a mother squirrel and her 3 babies. Where the Raceks live the bathroom window is protected by this kinda "cage" about 1 1/2 ft away from the window. Inside the squirrel had made a nest and had babies. I ran out and told them to come quick there were squirrels at the window. Lisa, Katie, and Will came in and we watched the little family. The mother was nursing the babies. She was looking all exhausted. Squirrel babies can be very trying apparently. One bit her tail and she started screeching at it. They didn't seem to scared of us. I told Lisa, "See everyone likes staying here. Even the squirrels."
Anyway just wanted to share that little story. Have a good day and enjoy.
Monday, March 28, 2005
Hail, Mary
This past week I was reading an article titled "Hail, Mary" in Time magazine written by David Van Biema. Since yesterday was Easter he was pointing out that though she was at the cross "Protestants seldom talk about Jesus' mother at Easter-or at most other times. But they are starting to now." (check out some of the links on the page especially Virgin Faith)
Biema was talking about a pastor, Rev. Brian Maguire, who had a brainstorm due to a scheduling conflict involving Good Friday (the Day Jesus was crucified) and the day of Annunciation when Mary learns from Gabriel that she will give birth to the Messiah. This year both fell on Friday March 25. While Roman Catholics are prepared for this eventuality celebrating the Annunciation on April 4th. Most other Christians weren't. Maguire said instead of just preaching about Jesus this Good Friday he would also bring in Mary as well. "She should play a part in that-because she was the first and last disciple to reach out during his life." Biema says throughout the article there has been a movement in the Protestant faith to recognize Mary as she should be.
I have to say that when I first became a Christian there was a lot of emphasis on Jesus. Which isn't a bad thing, however when broaching the subject of Mary it seemed to be a policy of "Silence is Golden." Biema says, and I also agree, that this has largely to do with a reactionary position that Protestants took when separating from the Catholic church. Because Mary had been elevated to a position of near worship, which some Protestants view as idolatry they have chosen to downplay Mary's significance in the Bible.
What was kinda cool was that last year on Mother's Day Joe and Lisa Racek, two really good friends of mine (Joe is also a pastor at Kairos), gave a teaching about Mary. One of the books that Lisa said she found most helpful was titled "Jesus called her mother". She was saying that when she was a girl there was definitely an anti-Mary sentiment. Like other denominations they felt that there is something we can learn, by studying the character of Mary, just like there is something when learn by study other people of the Bible.
When writer Kathleen Norris talked about her upbringing she said, " We dragged Mary out at Christmas...and...packed her safely in the creche box for the rest of the year. We...denied [her] place in Christian tradition and were disdainful of the reverence displayed for her, so public and emotional, by Catholics. I personally am always interested in women in the Bible so Mary has featured largely in my studies, but only insomuch as finding out what roles women should play in the church. In that sense I've tried to look at Biblical women as character models.
I think that in reaction to so many years of denigrating Mary, there is a chance that she might have too much emphasis placed on her...if that is possible. I was discussing with my friend Mark the other day and he was saying that he thinks that Mary should be more recognized, but that there could be a reactionary backlash that brings Mary into too much prominence i.e. bringing her to a position equivalent with Christ. I don't know whether that is true or not.
According to Biema a critic of Protestant Faith said that it seems that the treatment of Mary is odd because Protestants claim that they are trying to get an accurate view of the Bible though they seem to leave Mary out of it. Biema finishes by saying there is a pro-Mary movement in the Protestant church. He says when thinking on this subject, "It gives us a chance to look at our doctrine and to ask, 'What do we actually teach?"
It all made for some interesting reading. Please feel free to share your thoughts. As always have a good day and enjoy.
Biema was talking about a pastor, Rev. Brian Maguire, who had a brainstorm due to a scheduling conflict involving Good Friday (the Day Jesus was crucified) and the day of Annunciation when Mary learns from Gabriel that she will give birth to the Messiah. This year both fell on Friday March 25. While Roman Catholics are prepared for this eventuality celebrating the Annunciation on April 4th. Most other Christians weren't. Maguire said instead of just preaching about Jesus this Good Friday he would also bring in Mary as well. "She should play a part in that-because she was the first and last disciple to reach out during his life." Biema says throughout the article there has been a movement in the Protestant faith to recognize Mary as she should be.
I have to say that when I first became a Christian there was a lot of emphasis on Jesus. Which isn't a bad thing, however when broaching the subject of Mary it seemed to be a policy of "Silence is Golden." Biema says, and I also agree, that this has largely to do with a reactionary position that Protestants took when separating from the Catholic church. Because Mary had been elevated to a position of near worship, which some Protestants view as idolatry they have chosen to downplay Mary's significance in the Bible.
What was kinda cool was that last year on Mother's Day Joe and Lisa Racek, two really good friends of mine (Joe is also a pastor at Kairos), gave a teaching about Mary. One of the books that Lisa said she found most helpful was titled "Jesus called her mother". She was saying that when she was a girl there was definitely an anti-Mary sentiment. Like other denominations they felt that there is something we can learn, by studying the character of Mary, just like there is something when learn by study other people of the Bible.
When writer Kathleen Norris talked about her upbringing she said, " We dragged Mary out at Christmas...and...packed her safely in the creche box for the rest of the year. We...denied [her] place in Christian tradition and were disdainful of the reverence displayed for her, so public and emotional, by Catholics. I personally am always interested in women in the Bible so Mary has featured largely in my studies, but only insomuch as finding out what roles women should play in the church. In that sense I've tried to look at Biblical women as character models.
I think that in reaction to so many years of denigrating Mary, there is a chance that she might have too much emphasis placed on her...if that is possible. I was discussing with my friend Mark the other day and he was saying that he thinks that Mary should be more recognized, but that there could be a reactionary backlash that brings Mary into too much prominence i.e. bringing her to a position equivalent with Christ. I don't know whether that is true or not.
According to Biema a critic of Protestant Faith said that it seems that the treatment of Mary is odd because Protestants claim that they are trying to get an accurate view of the Bible though they seem to leave Mary out of it. Biema finishes by saying there is a pro-Mary movement in the Protestant church. He says when thinking on this subject, "It gives us a chance to look at our doctrine and to ask, 'What do we actually teach?"
It all made for some interesting reading. Please feel free to share your thoughts. As always have a good day and enjoy.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
That's all I was trying to say...
Just wanted to point out that I have officially started the restaurant review section of my blog. Off to the side you will see that there is a new category. Restaurant Reviews. If there is something more interesting you would like me to do please let me know, i.e. more sarcasm, pictures, map links. I'm trying to make this something interesting for you to see. Also if there is a review you would like to share please let me know. This is all experimental.
Other than that things are have been pretty interesting. I've actually had interviews for two jobs this past week. One at the Starbucks that Tim Fescoe (a really cool guy I know) works at and also another one for a position as property manger for a company named GLB Properties. Both went really well I think. I had a second interview with GLB. So we'll see. In case you didn't know I'm not leaving the Mathnasium, but since I only work about 20 hours a week I need something else to do and I also could use the cash flow. Sista gotta eat you know.
Anyway I'll keep you posted on Jobquest 2005. Other than that not much else. I've mostly been commenting on other people's blogs and working on another site where I write more mundane things about myself. (Hey no one asked for that smart comment). And yes it is more mundane than this. Feel free to check it out. I'm trying to get some pictures up there, but I'm camera shy so I don't have many photos digital or otherwise, but I'm back so get ready.
As always have a good day and enjoy.
Other than that things are have been pretty interesting. I've actually had interviews for two jobs this past week. One at the Starbucks that Tim Fescoe (a really cool guy I know) works at and also another one for a position as property manger for a company named GLB Properties. Both went really well I think. I had a second interview with GLB. So we'll see. In case you didn't know I'm not leaving the Mathnasium, but since I only work about 20 hours a week I need something else to do and I also could use the cash flow. Sista gotta eat you know.
Anyway I'll keep you posted on Jobquest 2005. Other than that not much else. I've mostly been commenting on other people's blogs and working on another site where I write more mundane things about myself. (Hey no one asked for that smart comment). And yes it is more mundane than this. Feel free to check it out. I'm trying to get some pictures up there, but I'm camera shy so I don't have many photos digital or otherwise, but I'm back so get ready.
As always have a good day and enjoy.
Friday, March 18, 2005
Erin go braugh...Good Times and green chips!
Yesterday I headed for the nether regions of the Los Angeles universe (i.e. The Valley). I was really tired and not quite feeling 100% because of a recent cold, but upon my arrival I found out that I was going to attend the tradition Kelsy Grace St. Patrick's Day celebration. Because I'm currently between residences I didn't have any green clothing to wear. I know I know. My favorite color is green. 90% of what I own is green and yet I was still greenless. As a result of having Michelle almost pinch my arm off upon arrival I was franticly searching my friend's apt looking for something green to wear lest I get pinched within an inch of my life. I finally found a postcard with some grass on it and tucked it into my shirt.
When Shannon got there she was like, "no this won't do my family is going to be there and and will pinch you to death." (My worst fears realized). So she offered me a fluffy decorative green scarf to wear. You know the ones girls wear with tank tops because they are fashionable. Well it went against everything I believe in to wear clothing that doesn't serve a functional purpose, but as Shannon and Michelle pointed out I was preserving my very life. So I threw it on and tossed one end over my shoulder and walked out the door with my head high.
We had a great time. We bought green chips and green salsa and pretty much anything else at the store that was green. We had a "traditional" Irish dinner( and by traditional I mean this is what they do) of cornbeef, cabbage and floury white potatoes. It was really tasty except the cornbeef part. I'm not a big meat eater and meat that is still pink is not high on my list. We had apple martinis and heinekens(because they were green and cheap) and good times listening to Irish music and dancing jigs.
I've never been big into celebrating St. Patty's Day. Last year was different, Will was born and I joined my coworkers for a "liquid lunch", but other than that I wear green and pretty much chill out. It was good getting into a festive mood.
I've decided to pick up where I left off in blacksburg. So I'm going to post a weekly restaurant review. So stay tuned for my next post. For those of you who live in a L.A. or will visit it in the near future I'm going to review some good and not so good restaurants in the Los Angeles County. Have a good day and as always enjoy.
When Shannon got there she was like, "no this won't do my family is going to be there and and will pinch you to death." (My worst fears realized). So she offered me a fluffy decorative green scarf to wear. You know the ones girls wear with tank tops because they are fashionable. Well it went against everything I believe in to wear clothing that doesn't serve a functional purpose, but as Shannon and Michelle pointed out I was preserving my very life. So I threw it on and tossed one end over my shoulder and walked out the door with my head high.
We had a great time. We bought green chips and green salsa and pretty much anything else at the store that was green. We had a "traditional" Irish dinner( and by traditional I mean this is what they do) of cornbeef, cabbage and floury white potatoes. It was really tasty except the cornbeef part. I'm not a big meat eater and meat that is still pink is not high on my list. We had apple martinis and heinekens(because they were green and cheap) and good times listening to Irish music and dancing jigs.
I've never been big into celebrating St. Patty's Day. Last year was different, Will was born and I joined my coworkers for a "liquid lunch", but other than that I wear green and pretty much chill out. It was good getting into a festive mood.
I've decided to pick up where I left off in blacksburg. So I'm going to post a weekly restaurant review. So stay tuned for my next post. For those of you who live in a L.A. or will visit it in the near future I'm going to review some good and not so good restaurants in the Los Angeles County. Have a good day and as always enjoy.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Freality Television
I don't know about you but I enjoy the Geico commercials. They are funny and the stick in your head. The one that got me most recently was the Tiny House commercial. It shows a couple who have agreed to live in a small house for one year. I laughed so hard at the end. I don't watch reality television at all. Sorry missed that boat. But for the length of the commercial I thouhgt hmmm maybe I'll watch this one. It seems like it could have great comedy potential. Watch it here.
Monday, March 14, 2005
A life less ordinary
At Kairos we are currently in the middle of a six part series called Hollywood and the Ancient Text. What the series does is take films and the Ancient Text (scripture) and bring them into dialogue with each other. This is the second year we have done this. We usually have a time during the message where we interact with each other and share our thoughts about the movie or scripture.
This past week JR talked about Maria Full of Grace. When this movie first came out I wasn't very eager to watch it because it is difficult for me to watch movies with strong thematic plot lines involving issues that I'm sensitive about. Maria Full of Grace is definitely one of those movies. For those of you who haven't seen it check out the link above.
Maria's story is one of tragedy and heartache. Forced to take employment at one of the few honest jobs in her town she spends her entire day de-thorning roses. She lives in social and economic oppression from the government with no hope of improving her situation. At least not legally. I don't want to give to much of the movie away, but basically she ends up working for the drug cartel in Columbia because it is an opportunity for her to earn enough money for her family. JR brought up a lot of good points during his talk. One I particularly thought about was how much I actually have with respect to others. Socially, politically, and economically. Living in a place like L.A. it is easy to look at the people with all the big houses and fancy cars and say. Look how hard my life is. I don't have 5 cars and my own private jet. Man does my life suck. It's easy for me to look in one direction when it comes to poverty. JR pointed out that 1.3 billion people live in desperate poverty (i.e. on a dollar a day) Then another 2 billion live on 2 dollars a day. He was sharing with us statistics not just about Columbia, but also about other countries like India and Kenya with respect to the United States. He also shared about groups and organizations that are helping to improve the situations of these people. It was encouraging to think that I could be a part of helping improve the life of my fellow man.
I have taken several trips to Haiti and have seen first hand the state of people who live in desperate poverty. I worked at an orphanage where the children were the result of deaths of parents or abandonment from violence or starvation. The gov't is always on the cusp of being overthrown and the people are kept in social, economic, and political oppression. I worked through an organization that helps people in 3rd world/developing countries. It was frustrating because no matter how much you gave and worked it felt like it wasn't enough. I would go back the next year and it seemed like everything I had done would be gone. The basic problem was that the people had no opportunities. No chance for making a life better for themselves or their children. They couldn't see the point of trying to make any improvement because nothing was going to change. Even though they would try to overthrow the government their mindset hadn't changed.
I was going home with a friend of mine later that evening and he was telling me what his solution would be to someone like Maria. He said he would tell her to go somewhere to the midwest maybe and find a good church / humanitarian organization that could help her. I didn't want to burst this person's bubble so I chose not to say anything negative about this solution. I didn't point out that there are billions of people in the same situation as Maria. We can't send them all to the midwest. It is difficult to see what the best way is to improve the condition of life for an individual let alone a country.
My friend Mike mentioned a legend about Prometheus who wanted to help man by giving him the tools he thought man needed to advance. But if man wasn't also given foresight and training the eventually it would lead to his destruction. Anyhoo that's enough of that. Have a good day and as always enjoy.
This past week JR talked about Maria Full of Grace. When this movie first came out I wasn't very eager to watch it because it is difficult for me to watch movies with strong thematic plot lines involving issues that I'm sensitive about. Maria Full of Grace is definitely one of those movies. For those of you who haven't seen it check out the link above.
Maria's story is one of tragedy and heartache. Forced to take employment at one of the few honest jobs in her town she spends her entire day de-thorning roses. She lives in social and economic oppression from the government with no hope of improving her situation. At least not legally. I don't want to give to much of the movie away, but basically she ends up working for the drug cartel in Columbia because it is an opportunity for her to earn enough money for her family. JR brought up a lot of good points during his talk. One I particularly thought about was how much I actually have with respect to others. Socially, politically, and economically. Living in a place like L.A. it is easy to look at the people with all the big houses and fancy cars and say. Look how hard my life is. I don't have 5 cars and my own private jet. Man does my life suck. It's easy for me to look in one direction when it comes to poverty. JR pointed out that 1.3 billion people live in desperate poverty (i.e. on a dollar a day) Then another 2 billion live on 2 dollars a day. He was sharing with us statistics not just about Columbia, but also about other countries like India and Kenya with respect to the United States. He also shared about groups and organizations that are helping to improve the situations of these people. It was encouraging to think that I could be a part of helping improve the life of my fellow man.
I have taken several trips to Haiti and have seen first hand the state of people who live in desperate poverty. I worked at an orphanage where the children were the result of deaths of parents or abandonment from violence or starvation. The gov't is always on the cusp of being overthrown and the people are kept in social, economic, and political oppression. I worked through an organization that helps people in 3rd world/developing countries. It was frustrating because no matter how much you gave and worked it felt like it wasn't enough. I would go back the next year and it seemed like everything I had done would be gone. The basic problem was that the people had no opportunities. No chance for making a life better for themselves or their children. They couldn't see the point of trying to make any improvement because nothing was going to change. Even though they would try to overthrow the government their mindset hadn't changed.
I was going home with a friend of mine later that evening and he was telling me what his solution would be to someone like Maria. He said he would tell her to go somewhere to the midwest maybe and find a good church / humanitarian organization that could help her. I didn't want to burst this person's bubble so I chose not to say anything negative about this solution. I didn't point out that there are billions of people in the same situation as Maria. We can't send them all to the midwest. It is difficult to see what the best way is to improve the condition of life for an individual let alone a country.
My friend Mike mentioned a legend about Prometheus who wanted to help man by giving him the tools he thought man needed to advance. But if man wasn't also given foresight and training the eventually it would lead to his destruction. Anyhoo that's enough of that. Have a good day and as always enjoy.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Hmmm...
In follow-up to my last post and also in response to an excellent blog Lauren posted I have been thinking a lot about some of the thoughts I've had concerning male/female relationships. Upon reflection I think I should apologize for the comment I made in my previous blog when I said that some of my guy friends are like girl friends. I guess I get so used to guys referring to me as "Just one of the guys." that I have adopted that phrase to refer to my guy friends as "Just one of the girls." I don't mind a guy feeling comfortable around me, but as Lauren stated I don't want him to forget I'm a woman. (i.e. scratching, and belching and being vulgar and disrespectful of women). I mean I still have confidence as a woman, but man does my ego take a beating. On the other hand when I refer to a guy with similar terms it can seem pretty harsh. I mean let's get real, no guy wants a woman to think of him in feminine terms.
But when I refer to a guy as just one of the girls I still regard him as a man. For example, I have a friend Mark, who I feel extremely comfortable with and would think of as just one of the girls. I usually go to him with questions concerning guys. Whether I just wanna bounce ideas or if I'm trying to figure out why guys are the way they are. The only difference between Mark and most other guys is that I feel comfortable enough with him that I know I can be open and honest and not have to stress about him thinking I'm interested in him or worrying about if he is just trying to get ...well you know.
I was talking to my friend Mary about the fact that I have a lot of guy friends and they usually confide in me about things. She was saying that with some guys they have girls they feel safe with. Girls they don't have to stress about romantic involvement with and can just be themselves around. Her husband Todd walked in as we were talking and agreed with her saying before he was married he had girl friends like that. So I feel that for my guy friends who think I'm a safe girl, I think of them as a safe guy. I also know that my safe guy friends don't get all freaked out if feminine issues come up. Like I don't get squeamish if guy issues come up. It's just life, deal with it!
My only real stress is when I'm interested in a guy and I don't wanna end up in the safe girl zone. Because once there it's hard to get out. Although there is always a possibility...Guys I know have definitely gone from safe guy zone to the ummm...we can't hang out with each other as much or it's gonna cause me some problems zone. HAHAHAHA! You know who you are.
Alas that's all I have to say about that. Have a good day and enjoy.
But when I refer to a guy as just one of the girls I still regard him as a man. For example, I have a friend Mark, who I feel extremely comfortable with and would think of as just one of the girls. I usually go to him with questions concerning guys. Whether I just wanna bounce ideas or if I'm trying to figure out why guys are the way they are. The only difference between Mark and most other guys is that I feel comfortable enough with him that I know I can be open and honest and not have to stress about him thinking I'm interested in him or worrying about if he is just trying to get ...well you know.
I was talking to my friend Mary about the fact that I have a lot of guy friends and they usually confide in me about things. She was saying that with some guys they have girls they feel safe with. Girls they don't have to stress about romantic involvement with and can just be themselves around. Her husband Todd walked in as we were talking and agreed with her saying before he was married he had girl friends like that. So I feel that for my guy friends who think I'm a safe girl, I think of them as a safe guy. I also know that my safe guy friends don't get all freaked out if feminine issues come up. Like I don't get squeamish if guy issues come up. It's just life, deal with it!
My only real stress is when I'm interested in a guy and I don't wanna end up in the safe girl zone. Because once there it's hard to get out. Although there is always a possibility...Guys I know have definitely gone from safe guy zone to the ummm...we can't hang out with each other as much or it's gonna cause me some problems zone. HAHAHAHA! You know who you are.
Alas that's all I have to say about that. Have a good day and enjoy.
Monday, March 07, 2005
You say she's just a friend...
This weekend I hung out with a lot of fellow Hokies and we had good times and interesting conversations. Of course you know when you get together in a large group of guys and girls interesting comments will start to fly.
I was telling everyone about plans I was making to hang out with some friends of mine. When I said the list of people who were going some of the guys said, "Hey aren't any guys going with you?" I said , "No it was gonna be a girls weekend." Then I said, "Well there are a couple of guys who could go with us because I don't really think of them as guys. They are just like having girl friends." Of course the guys got all upset when I said this. Now I know there is at least one girl out there who will agree with me when I say there are guys in most girls lives that we will only ever view as a platonic friend. And as far as I'm concerned they are asexual. Some of the guys nearly blew a fuse. They were all yelling at me saying I couldn't say that about guys.
When I got home I started thinking about it and I started reflecting back on all the times that a guy has STRESSED it to me how he only ever viewed me as a friend and would NEVER have any romantic interest in me. This generally didn't bother me as I had no romantic interest in them either. It did bother me if I did, but I managed to get over it. I know there are other girls out there who have had this happen to them as well. The guy never said I was asexual, but trust me I knew I was. The only difference was I actually SAID I thought of my guy friends as asexual. I know of 3 guys in that room who if I had challenged them and they were HONEST then they would say they viewed me as a platonic friend and would never be romantically interested in me. I have known those guys long enough to know this.
Knowing that none of those guys are the least bit interested in me besides friendship I can't help but wonder why they were all upset when I made my comments. I guess it was the other girls chipping in saying they had guy friends they viewed the same way. Now in all fairness I think it is important to be up front and honest with people about your feelings. Especially if you are a guy and girl and spend a lot of time with each other. I feel it is important to know where you stand. Because sometimes when you are innocently hanging out with someone, wanting only friendship, they might develop feelings for you and because your relationship isn't clearly defined as only friendship it could cause some serious problems. But it seems to me that it's cool for a guy to say hey this girl is only my friend to other people, stressing how he could never, ever ever be possibly interested in her because heaven forbid a girl he might be interested in think he would actually want to date his friend. On the other hand when I say that and say there is no way I would ever want to date my guy friend they get all huffy and say I'm hating on guys. Maybe it was just the guys I was hanging out with.
Or maybe it's just another example of me emasculating the men in my life. Right Mark? Well anyway have a good day and enjoy.
I was telling everyone about plans I was making to hang out with some friends of mine. When I said the list of people who were going some of the guys said, "Hey aren't any guys going with you?" I said , "No it was gonna be a girls weekend." Then I said, "Well there are a couple of guys who could go with us because I don't really think of them as guys. They are just like having girl friends." Of course the guys got all upset when I said this. Now I know there is at least one girl out there who will agree with me when I say there are guys in most girls lives that we will only ever view as a platonic friend. And as far as I'm concerned they are asexual. Some of the guys nearly blew a fuse. They were all yelling at me saying I couldn't say that about guys.
When I got home I started thinking about it and I started reflecting back on all the times that a guy has STRESSED it to me how he only ever viewed me as a friend and would NEVER have any romantic interest in me. This generally didn't bother me as I had no romantic interest in them either. It did bother me if I did, but I managed to get over it. I know there are other girls out there who have had this happen to them as well. The guy never said I was asexual, but trust me I knew I was. The only difference was I actually SAID I thought of my guy friends as asexual. I know of 3 guys in that room who if I had challenged them and they were HONEST then they would say they viewed me as a platonic friend and would never be romantically interested in me. I have known those guys long enough to know this.
Knowing that none of those guys are the least bit interested in me besides friendship I can't help but wonder why they were all upset when I made my comments. I guess it was the other girls chipping in saying they had guy friends they viewed the same way. Now in all fairness I think it is important to be up front and honest with people about your feelings. Especially if you are a guy and girl and spend a lot of time with each other. I feel it is important to know where you stand. Because sometimes when you are innocently hanging out with someone, wanting only friendship, they might develop feelings for you and because your relationship isn't clearly defined as only friendship it could cause some serious problems. But it seems to me that it's cool for a guy to say hey this girl is only my friend to other people, stressing how he could never, ever ever be possibly interested in her because heaven forbid a girl he might be interested in think he would actually want to date his friend. On the other hand when I say that and say there is no way I would ever want to date my guy friend they get all huffy and say I'm hating on guys. Maybe it was just the guys I was hanging out with.
Or maybe it's just another example of me emasculating the men in my life. Right Mark? Well anyway have a good day and enjoy.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Good Times...Noodle Salad
It's been a very interesting couple of days. Although I am currently a domestic free spirit (i.e. I don't have an apartment anymore) I have been entertaining out of town guests. Lauren, who hasn't been to L.A. in many a long year, and by many a long year I mean she was here like 2 weeks ago. Also have a girl I went to university with, named Anne, is staying with me as well.
Saturday we spent the day at Venice beach, soaking up the salt air and enjoying the rhythmic drums of a protest. We also had four guy friends hanging with us who are visiting from Virginia for Spring Break. A couple of them are planning on moving out here in a couple of months, which I am really excited about. For all of these guys it was there first time in L.A.
One guy who I have known for quite a few years was born and raised in the small town where we all went to university. It was actually his first plane trip, which I also thought was pretty cool since I love flying so much. I asked him what he expected when got to L.A. and he said. He expected to get mugged, maybe see some shootings, and he expected there to be crazy homeless people everywhere. I started laughing. He said, "Why are you laughing?" I said because I have lived in L.A. a little over 2 years and I still haven't seen that stuff yet. Yeah there are a few crazy homeless people, but most of them just happened to get into a situation they didn't know how to get out of. They are just like everyone else wanting a better life.
Most people that I talk to who have never been to L.A. or any other major city before think the same thing about L.A. I guess if you watch t.v. shows that portray L.A. as a crime infested city. While there is crime it is pretty much the same as anywhere else. The only part of L.A. that can be eye opening is Hollywood. If you have never been to L.A. I won't spoil it for you. But it isn't what you think it is. Just like any other part of Los Angeles. However I think that everyone is enjoying their stay in sunny southern California. They are all just happy they don't have to wear coats or jackets. Anne can't seem to stop commenting on the people here that wear coats and hats even though it is sunny and warm outside. I told her that in Los Angeles fashion knows no temperature. Leather jackets are cute, so what if you have a heat stroke. At least you look good going to the hospital. I'll keep you updated on any hijinks of Spring Break Los Angeles 2005.
Have a good day and as always enjoy.
Saturday we spent the day at Venice beach, soaking up the salt air and enjoying the rhythmic drums of a protest. We also had four guy friends hanging with us who are visiting from Virginia for Spring Break. A couple of them are planning on moving out here in a couple of months, which I am really excited about. For all of these guys it was there first time in L.A.
One guy who I have known for quite a few years was born and raised in the small town where we all went to university. It was actually his first plane trip, which I also thought was pretty cool since I love flying so much. I asked him what he expected when got to L.A. and he said. He expected to get mugged, maybe see some shootings, and he expected there to be crazy homeless people everywhere. I started laughing. He said, "Why are you laughing?" I said because I have lived in L.A. a little over 2 years and I still haven't seen that stuff yet. Yeah there are a few crazy homeless people, but most of them just happened to get into a situation they didn't know how to get out of. They are just like everyone else wanting a better life.
Most people that I talk to who have never been to L.A. or any other major city before think the same thing about L.A. I guess if you watch t.v. shows that portray L.A. as a crime infested city. While there is crime it is pretty much the same as anywhere else. The only part of L.A. that can be eye opening is Hollywood. If you have never been to L.A. I won't spoil it for you. But it isn't what you think it is. Just like any other part of Los Angeles. However I think that everyone is enjoying their stay in sunny southern California. They are all just happy they don't have to wear coats or jackets. Anne can't seem to stop commenting on the people here that wear coats and hats even though it is sunny and warm outside. I told her that in Los Angeles fashion knows no temperature. Leather jackets are cute, so what if you have a heat stroke. At least you look good going to the hospital. I'll keep you updated on any hijinks of Spring Break Los Angeles 2005.
Have a good day and as always enjoy.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Off without a hitch..
As you know I previously posted about the movie hitch that I saw recently. It was very funny. I was talking to my friend Anna about planning to go see it and she saw it recently as well. Please go see her thoughts on the subject. This is merely a response to the post she made. I felt like my comment on her blog did get a touch long.
As I said in my previous post I'm not one for modern romances for various reasons. And yes I'm a hater. But Anna brought up and interesting point about the movie Hitch. I won't give the movie away, but she said that while most guys and of course supermodel girls can identify with the characters in this movie it's hard for the average girl to find a character to identify with. Not that it's necessary to identify with characters in a movie. It would just be nice. I pointed out there was one country girl a friend of the main character who kept dating jerk guys. I guess the Hitch director, Andy Tennant, didn't want to make a movie that focused to much on jerk guys. They had one jerk guy and that pretty much covered it. It wouldn't have been too much of a comedy if they actually showed how the average girl somehow seems to end up with the jerk guy.
This past week my good friend Macia's boyfriend, they just started dating, but who I have known for two years, lost his mind and they broke up. He didn't give any reasons he just flipped out lost it treated her like crap and that was it. I'm sure there are women out there who do this to men. Doesn't make it right. I talk to my fair share of guys and girls. I'm that kind of person, but I can't even attempt to count the number of girls I have heard say that they would rather be single because the types of guys who try to pursue them turn out to be...well you know the word. I can count on one hand the number of guys who have said the same. Most of the guys who I know who want to stay single, want to for personal reasons, because they aren't ready for relationships, or because they haven't found the right girl. Not because women are jerks and treat them so bad. Sorry to be such a hater, but alas it's me. But as I said it wouldn't quite be a comedy if you maybe a movie like that. That is why Hitch is soooo funny. As always have a good day and enjoy.
As I said in my previous post I'm not one for modern romances for various reasons. And yes I'm a hater. But Anna brought up and interesting point about the movie Hitch. I won't give the movie away, but she said that while most guys and of course supermodel girls can identify with the characters in this movie it's hard for the average girl to find a character to identify with. Not that it's necessary to identify with characters in a movie. It would just be nice. I pointed out there was one country girl a friend of the main character who kept dating jerk guys. I guess the Hitch director, Andy Tennant, didn't want to make a movie that focused to much on jerk guys. They had one jerk guy and that pretty much covered it. It wouldn't have been too much of a comedy if they actually showed how the average girl somehow seems to end up with the jerk guy.
This past week my good friend Macia's boyfriend, they just started dating, but who I have known for two years, lost his mind and they broke up. He didn't give any reasons he just flipped out lost it treated her like crap and that was it. I'm sure there are women out there who do this to men. Doesn't make it right. I talk to my fair share of guys and girls. I'm that kind of person, but I can't even attempt to count the number of girls I have heard say that they would rather be single because the types of guys who try to pursue them turn out to be...well you know the word. I can count on one hand the number of guys who have said the same. Most of the guys who I know who want to stay single, want to for personal reasons, because they aren't ready for relationships, or because they haven't found the right girl. Not because women are jerks and treat them so bad. Sorry to be such a hater, but alas it's me. But as I said it wouldn't quite be a comedy if you maybe a movie like that. That is why Hitch is soooo funny. As always have a good day and enjoy.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Fish with the black tail...
Why fish, oh fish with the black tail
You won't let the others eat, it's enough to make me wail
As I drop the food inside, I'm trying not to waste
But you eat it so quickly, the others can't get a taste
I'm angry at you fish, do you want to know why?
The way you eat all the food the other fish will die.
I'm taking care of Dawson's fish while he is gone. Every time I put food in the tank the big one with the black tail eats all the food before the other smaller ones get a taste. I try to distract him while I feed the others.
You won't let the others eat, it's enough to make me wail
As I drop the food inside, I'm trying not to waste
But you eat it so quickly, the others can't get a taste
I'm angry at you fish, do you want to know why?
The way you eat all the food the other fish will die.
I'm taking care of Dawson's fish while he is gone. Every time I put food in the tank the big one with the black tail eats all the food before the other smaller ones get a taste. I try to distract him while I feed the others.
Friday, February 25, 2005
...Of Mice and Men...
As I have stated to some people I have been highly frustrated over the past couple of days trying to post some blogs and through technical difficulties and my own stupidity I kept deleting my blogs. And though I say it myself I felt like all those blogs were some of my finest writing ever. (Yes I know I'm modest). I told Lauren today I give up I'm not blogging anymore. Clearly I was just kidding.
I figure as long as I don't try to say anything I think anyone would actually want to hear then my blog will turn out just fine right? Right!
I went to see the movie Hitch last night. It was hilariously funny. I laughed so loud that if everyone else hadn't been laughing so loud as well then I would have been a serious disruption. I definitely want to see it again. And for those of you who hate romantic comedies it's has so many funny parts that you can almost forget about the romance, almost. I'm not sure who wrote the script, but they were definitely on point about the things they had the characters saying. There are some guys AND girls who I really want to see it. You will know who you are when I ask you if you want to go to the movies with me.
Even though I can't stand modern romance movies (I'm not talking about romantic comedies with funny bits) I'm talking stuff like the Closer. I do enjoy some romance. Some of you might not know it but I love movies based on books written by British authors during the 17th/18th-century. This also might be shocking to some people who don't know me well, but Jane Austen is my favorite author. Having a bad day. Break out a little Austen and everything is just a little better. Some of my friends know me so well that when they see me carrying an Austen novel they immediately ask me what's wrong. Sometimes I just like reading them again you guys. I've read everything she has ever written (multiple times) and seen every movie based on her novels. But somehow I can't stand modern romance movies. They get on my nerves soooooo much. Why? I don't know. It's like everyone in the movie is trying to hook-up with someone. They met on a Friday, slept with each other on Saturday, had a huge fight, realized they were in love on Sunday and are ready to get married by Monday. Everything is cliches and the intelligent conversation is kept to a minimum. Where is the ROMANCE. I didn't see it. All I saw were people hooking up.
Alas I'm a romantic at heart. However most movies focus on hooking up not wooing. That's why I like period pieces. I like the idea of someone courting another person. Actually taking the time to realize what that person likes and doesn't like. Doing little things that bring happiness and pleasure without taking. I guess when I'm interested in someone I enjoy focusing on them and learning things about that person, but I like it to be like a Chinese puzzle box. Everyday you find a new compartment. Being constantly surprised. It's like a treasure hunt where the treasure is a new deeper level of intimacy. But maybe people don't really want that. Maybe people like to keep things as superficial as possible. I know I'm probably the only one who feels this way, but that's cool. I'm holding out for Mr. Darcy anyway.
Blactoid: Growing up I've been asked a lot of interesting questions by people who aren't black about black people's hair. Some were joking, confused, borderline rude, and downright offensive. This subject has caused a lot of division especially among the black community. Some people have become obsessed with having long hair that is perfectly straight while others are obsessed with wearing theirs natural. The whole concept of "nappy" has caused more arguments than a little bit. People hate on nappy hair and people who are happy to be nappy hate on people who straighten theirs. People ask me why don't I do all these crazy things to my head. 1st: I don't like just any old person touching my head. 2nd: It's expensive. I was telling Lauren today that to get your hair styled starts at about $100. You think I'm paying for that! psshh! please! 3rd: And what I feel is most important is I don't care. I just want my hair to be manageable enough for me to comb it. Function over form my friends, function over form. But here is your opportunity. Any questions you want to ask me about my hair or black people's hair in general now is the time. Post it on this blog and I'll answer all queries. Also feel free to ask me in person. Have a good day and as always enjoy.
I figure as long as I don't try to say anything I think anyone would actually want to hear then my blog will turn out just fine right? Right!
I went to see the movie Hitch last night. It was hilariously funny. I laughed so loud that if everyone else hadn't been laughing so loud as well then I would have been a serious disruption. I definitely want to see it again. And for those of you who hate romantic comedies it's has so many funny parts that you can almost forget about the romance, almost. I'm not sure who wrote the script, but they were definitely on point about the things they had the characters saying. There are some guys AND girls who I really want to see it. You will know who you are when I ask you if you want to go to the movies with me.
Even though I can't stand modern romance movies (I'm not talking about romantic comedies with funny bits) I'm talking stuff like the Closer. I do enjoy some romance. Some of you might not know it but I love movies based on books written by British authors during the 17th/18th-century. This also might be shocking to some people who don't know me well, but Jane Austen is my favorite author. Having a bad day. Break out a little Austen and everything is just a little better. Some of my friends know me so well that when they see me carrying an Austen novel they immediately ask me what's wrong. Sometimes I just like reading them again you guys. I've read everything she has ever written (multiple times) and seen every movie based on her novels. But somehow I can't stand modern romance movies. They get on my nerves soooooo much. Why? I don't know. It's like everyone in the movie is trying to hook-up with someone. They met on a Friday, slept with each other on Saturday, had a huge fight, realized they were in love on Sunday and are ready to get married by Monday. Everything is cliches and the intelligent conversation is kept to a minimum. Where is the ROMANCE. I didn't see it. All I saw were people hooking up.
Alas I'm a romantic at heart. However most movies focus on hooking up not wooing. That's why I like period pieces. I like the idea of someone courting another person. Actually taking the time to realize what that person likes and doesn't like. Doing little things that bring happiness and pleasure without taking. I guess when I'm interested in someone I enjoy focusing on them and learning things about that person, but I like it to be like a Chinese puzzle box. Everyday you find a new compartment. Being constantly surprised. It's like a treasure hunt where the treasure is a new deeper level of intimacy. But maybe people don't really want that. Maybe people like to keep things as superficial as possible. I know I'm probably the only one who feels this way, but that's cool. I'm holding out for Mr. Darcy anyway.
Blactoid: Growing up I've been asked a lot of interesting questions by people who aren't black about black people's hair. Some were joking, confused, borderline rude, and downright offensive. This subject has caused a lot of division especially among the black community. Some people have become obsessed with having long hair that is perfectly straight while others are obsessed with wearing theirs natural. The whole concept of "nappy" has caused more arguments than a little bit. People hate on nappy hair and people who are happy to be nappy hate on people who straighten theirs. People ask me why don't I do all these crazy things to my head. 1st: I don't like just any old person touching my head. 2nd: It's expensive. I was telling Lauren today that to get your hair styled starts at about $100. You think I'm paying for that! psshh! please! 3rd: And what I feel is most important is I don't care. I just want my hair to be manageable enough for me to comb it. Function over form my friends, function over form. But here is your opportunity. Any questions you want to ask me about my hair or black people's hair in general now is the time. Post it on this blog and I'll answer all queries. Also feel free to ask me in person. Have a good day and as always enjoy.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Valentine Weekend Extravaganza...
This past weekend Lauren came to visit me for fun and festivities in L.A. We had such a good time talking and catching up I lost my voice on Tuesday. Taking the dubious advice of a coworker I got it back by Wednesday. I always enjoy having Lauren down for a visit because we always have some sort of adventure and hijinks. Plus she is one of the few people who I can relax around and be as goofy as I want to be and know I'll still be loved. Not very many people would enjoy spending a Saturday playing on the beach except maybe Kevin (because he did too).
She also allows me to indulge my idiotsyncrasies as much as I like as I do the same for her. Good times. The funny part is I spend a lot of time trying to figure out fun things for us to do. Then when it's time for her to go I realize all the things I wanted us to do together. I did feel mildly bad this visit there were a few times I wanted to do my own thing and left Lauren to fend for herself. But goodness she has been to L.A. so many times she can take care of herself. Plus with the help of Kevin Liu and Tim Fescoe we both had a really good time. Special shout out to Tim Fescoe for being so amazingly wonderful, if you want to know why check out Lauren's blog.
Anyhoo as my time at Sawtelle comes to a close I reflect back over the ups and downs of this past year and try to assess what my priorities should be for the next year. I've been doing a lot of heavy thinking about the direction of my life and where I see myself...alas I won't bore you with all those details you'll read about my misadventures as I have them.
I found out recently that some new people have been reading my blog. I won't name names to protect the innocent and not so guilty. I hope you found it an interesting experience and I hope you will feel free to leave comments you have. For those who are new to my blog I would like to reiterate the disclaimer that I gave in the beginning. Life is not for the faint hearted and neither is my blog. Have a good day and as always enjoy.
Blactoid: While many people who live in Los Angeles don't have much respect for them traffic signals are integral part of American infrastructure. Garrett Morgan and African-American inventor decided to invent a traffic signal to help deal with the growing number of accidents that occurred as a result of motorized vehicles. Aren't we all glad he did? (Was that a "no" I heard?)
She also allows me to indulge my idiotsyncrasies as much as I like as I do the same for her. Good times. The funny part is I spend a lot of time trying to figure out fun things for us to do. Then when it's time for her to go I realize all the things I wanted us to do together. I did feel mildly bad this visit there were a few times I wanted to do my own thing and left Lauren to fend for herself. But goodness she has been to L.A. so many times she can take care of herself. Plus with the help of Kevin Liu and Tim Fescoe we both had a really good time. Special shout out to Tim Fescoe for being so amazingly wonderful, if you want to know why check out Lauren's blog.
Anyhoo as my time at Sawtelle comes to a close I reflect back over the ups and downs of this past year and try to assess what my priorities should be for the next year. I've been doing a lot of heavy thinking about the direction of my life and where I see myself...alas I won't bore you with all those details you'll read about my misadventures as I have them.
I found out recently that some new people have been reading my blog. I won't name names to protect the innocent and not so guilty. I hope you found it an interesting experience and I hope you will feel free to leave comments you have. For those who are new to my blog I would like to reiterate the disclaimer that I gave in the beginning. Life is not for the faint hearted and neither is my blog. Have a good day and as always enjoy.
Blactoid: While many people who live in Los Angeles don't have much respect for them traffic signals are integral part of American infrastructure. Garrett Morgan and African-American inventor decided to invent a traffic signal to help deal with the growing number of accidents that occurred as a result of motorized vehicles. Aren't we all glad he did? (Was that a "no" I heard?)
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Mama Drama...
This past week was an emotionally stressful one as some of you know. I was innocently going on my way on Tuesday when I got a phone call from my older sister. She told me that my mother had gone into the doctor for a check-up and in the middle of it she started having a problem with her heart and they thought she might be having a heart attack. She went immediately to the hospital which is where she was when my sister called.
I tried to get as much information from my sister as possible, but she didn't know much and when I asked if I could speak with my mother she said she wasn't in a place where she could use a phone. She said she would call me back later with more details. I was on my way into work at the mathnasium and I must say that I was in a severe case of shock. I didn't know what to do or think and I must admit that a lot of thoughts were going through my mind. I was going to try to go to work any way because there wasn't much I could do except pray and wait. When I got into the mathnasium I tried to talk to my director and immediately burst out crying. To say I was stressed is a mild understatement. When I could finally get out what I was trying to say my director was like you don't have to work today just let me know what's going on. I left and started walking down the street. Walking is my cure all for stress, but it wasn't going to work. I need some serious alone time. I went to Santa Monica beach and just sat there staring out at the water waiting for my sister to call back. By the end of the night I had a monster of a headache.
I finally talked to both my mom and my sister and they both told me the same thing. The doctors weren't sure what caused it so more tests. The next day she was still in the hospital and waiting for the results of more tests. The tests she took came back abnormal so more tests. This afternoon she is supposed to be released from the hospital because they said that it was mostly stress related but it was causing her to have physical symptoms and they pretty much just kept her pumped full of drugs and stuff. The end result is she is going to be ok, but of course she is gonna need some medication and some lifestyle changes. Unfortunately the things that aren't going well aren't that easy to change. For those of you who know the Evans Drama. Anyway so suffice to say we are all worn out in more ways than one and I'm happy that my mom gets to come home from the hospital today. Otherwise I would already be on the east coast. You guys know how impetuous I can be.
The irony of it as is that my mom has been having chest pains and dizziness for a while. She doesn't like to tell me because she knows how stressed out and worried I get about her. Well anyway she was trying to go to the doctor, but because she doesn't have insurance it is difficult especially when they can't figure out what is wrong. They kept giving her the run around and the money started to add up. Well suffice to say she stopped going. Not because she was feeling better, but because she couldn't afford it or the time off work. My mom is a woman who would refuse and ambulance. For me it's frustrating to know that my mom needs medical care, but can't get it and there isn't anything I can do about it. Anyhoo...
To end on a good note I found out at the age of 25 I'm gonna be a big sister again. My stepmom is pregnant. That makes 8 of us chil'ren. Isn't that special. That made my mom laugh the hardest when she was in hospital. Anyway I hope you all have a good day and as usual enjoy.
Blactoid: Last night I was talking in the car with Judy and we were discussing race relations and various things of that nature. I told her about the blactoids and the things I was trying to share on my blog. Because of a new bogus law that just passed in VA I was telling her about other bogus laws in black history. Like the Jim Crow Laws. She couldn't believe what I was telling her. So I thought I'd share some with you.
I tried to get as much information from my sister as possible, but she didn't know much and when I asked if I could speak with my mother she said she wasn't in a place where she could use a phone. She said she would call me back later with more details. I was on my way into work at the mathnasium and I must say that I was in a severe case of shock. I didn't know what to do or think and I must admit that a lot of thoughts were going through my mind. I was going to try to go to work any way because there wasn't much I could do except pray and wait. When I got into the mathnasium I tried to talk to my director and immediately burst out crying. To say I was stressed is a mild understatement. When I could finally get out what I was trying to say my director was like you don't have to work today just let me know what's going on. I left and started walking down the street. Walking is my cure all for stress, but it wasn't going to work. I need some serious alone time. I went to Santa Monica beach and just sat there staring out at the water waiting for my sister to call back. By the end of the night I had a monster of a headache.
I finally talked to both my mom and my sister and they both told me the same thing. The doctors weren't sure what caused it so more tests. The next day she was still in the hospital and waiting for the results of more tests. The tests she took came back abnormal so more tests. This afternoon she is supposed to be released from the hospital because they said that it was mostly stress related but it was causing her to have physical symptoms and they pretty much just kept her pumped full of drugs and stuff. The end result is she is going to be ok, but of course she is gonna need some medication and some lifestyle changes. Unfortunately the things that aren't going well aren't that easy to change. For those of you who know the Evans Drama. Anyway so suffice to say we are all worn out in more ways than one and I'm happy that my mom gets to come home from the hospital today. Otherwise I would already be on the east coast. You guys know how impetuous I can be.
The irony of it as is that my mom has been having chest pains and dizziness for a while. She doesn't like to tell me because she knows how stressed out and worried I get about her. Well anyway she was trying to go to the doctor, but because she doesn't have insurance it is difficult especially when they can't figure out what is wrong. They kept giving her the run around and the money started to add up. Well suffice to say she stopped going. Not because she was feeling better, but because she couldn't afford it or the time off work. My mom is a woman who would refuse and ambulance. For me it's frustrating to know that my mom needs medical care, but can't get it and there isn't anything I can do about it. Anyhoo...
To end on a good note I found out at the age of 25 I'm gonna be a big sister again. My stepmom is pregnant. That makes 8 of us chil'ren. Isn't that special. That made my mom laugh the hardest when she was in hospital. Anyway I hope you all have a good day and as usual enjoy.
Blactoid: Last night I was talking in the car with Judy and we were discussing race relations and various things of that nature. I told her about the blactoids and the things I was trying to share on my blog. Because of a new bogus law that just passed in VA I was telling her about other bogus laws in black history. Like the Jim Crow Laws. She couldn't believe what I was telling her. So I thought I'd share some with you.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Collecting Pigs for Dummies
A couple of weeks ago I was sitting around on a Friday night watching novelas (Spanish soap operas) with my roommate Manola and we started talking about the types of people we were. I was telling her about a recent personality test I had taken that actually came out fairly accurate. One of the things it said people of my type did as a child was have collections. I said that was true. Some of you know I collected Spiderman comics during my teenage years (for obvious reasons). For the past 6 years I've been collecting stubs from movies I've been to see. I know this sounds weird, but if you want to know why feel free to ask me. I'm in the process of making them into a scrap book.
Some people know about my oddest collection however. I collect pigs. I know what your thinking...did she just say she collects pigs. And yes I said I collect pigs. Manola was like, "WHY?" clearly she like most people aren't very interested in pigs so why collect them. I have to admit I don't just collect any pig. It has to be special. So I usually only get one or two a year. In the general irreverent style that is Tanika I like to give my pigs Jewish names. Anyway most people don't know why I started collecting pigs. I thought I'd give you a brief glimpse into my personality by telling you why. The nature of most people's collections tell you a little bit about themselves. I have to admit I already had a fondness for pigs before I started collecting them. They are intelligent, hardworking, and loyal. Who wouldn't love that. I also think they are cute in a weird pig way.
Anyway when I was about 13 and I was looking into one of those mechanical arm machines you put a quarter in and get a cheesy prize or stuffed animal out of. I was with some friends who were all trying to get a cool prize out of the machine. Of course they all wasted their quarter. I told them they didn't understand the premise behind the machine, the trick is you have to find the ugliest thing that no one in the world could possible think was cute or remotely attractive. That would be the only thing the arm would ever pick up. They didn't believe me. We all looked inside. Suddenly half buried in the back corner I saw him, soon to be called Levin, with his patchwork bum sticking in the air. He was the ugliest pig I had ever seen. I knew immediately he was the one I had been looking for. I deposited my quarter and manipulated the mechanical arm over him. Soon I had him clutched in my arms with a triumphant smile on my face. I skipped all the way home not knowing then what I had just started. Over the years I have been collecting various pigs that while not pleasing to the eye hold a special place in my heart.
I was telling Manola that somehow I have equated in my mind my love of ugly pigs to my love of people. Sometimes on the outside a person might be difficult or not someone people would immediately think to hang around or love, but I think if I look deeper they could be intelligent hardworking, loyal, and lovable . Not saying that I don't appreciate beauty, I do. But I don't let lack of beauty stop me from looking deeper. I was hanging out with my friend Mark the other night and I was telling him about someone who I thought was attractive. He told me the person wasn't. I was like how can you tell me who I think is attractive. Mark said I was lowering my "standards". I thought about this when I got home. I was thinking I wasn't lowering my "standards". It's just that my standards weren't his standards. Maybe they aren't anybody else's standards either. I got my philosophy from collecting pigs. I'm looking for something special. I guess to me things become more or less beautiful/attractive by what is inside not what is outside. I could try to change, but who am I kidding I have more chance of changing as I do of growing six inches taller. Anyway I guess that's it for that.
If you are feeling game and would like to take a pig personality test. First take out a blank sheet of paper and draw a picture of a pig on it. After please look at the interpretation of your drawing.
Have a good day and enjoy the Blactoid of the day.
Blactoid: A period of history that I've always found fascinating was the period after the Civil War know was the Reconstruction. It was a time when slaves were freed and the Freedman's Bureau was established in order to help slaves to become integrated into society. Black people actually participated in politics and some even were in elected positions. However in an attempt to help reconcile the confederate states with the union states the gov't gave governing power back to the states and they instituted things called Black Codes that restricted the rights of blacks and things quickly deteriorated back to the way they were before the Reconstruction period.
Some people know about my oddest collection however. I collect pigs. I know what your thinking...did she just say she collects pigs. And yes I said I collect pigs. Manola was like, "WHY?" clearly she like most people aren't very interested in pigs so why collect them. I have to admit I don't just collect any pig. It has to be special. So I usually only get one or two a year. In the general irreverent style that is Tanika I like to give my pigs Jewish names. Anyway most people don't know why I started collecting pigs. I thought I'd give you a brief glimpse into my personality by telling you why. The nature of most people's collections tell you a little bit about themselves. I have to admit I already had a fondness for pigs before I started collecting them. They are intelligent, hardworking, and loyal. Who wouldn't love that. I also think they are cute in a weird pig way.
Anyway when I was about 13 and I was looking into one of those mechanical arm machines you put a quarter in and get a cheesy prize or stuffed animal out of. I was with some friends who were all trying to get a cool prize out of the machine. Of course they all wasted their quarter. I told them they didn't understand the premise behind the machine, the trick is you have to find the ugliest thing that no one in the world could possible think was cute or remotely attractive. That would be the only thing the arm would ever pick up. They didn't believe me. We all looked inside. Suddenly half buried in the back corner I saw him, soon to be called Levin, with his patchwork bum sticking in the air. He was the ugliest pig I had ever seen. I knew immediately he was the one I had been looking for. I deposited my quarter and manipulated the mechanical arm over him. Soon I had him clutched in my arms with a triumphant smile on my face. I skipped all the way home not knowing then what I had just started. Over the years I have been collecting various pigs that while not pleasing to the eye hold a special place in my heart.
I was telling Manola that somehow I have equated in my mind my love of ugly pigs to my love of people. Sometimes on the outside a person might be difficult or not someone people would immediately think to hang around or love, but I think if I look deeper they could be intelligent hardworking, loyal, and lovable . Not saying that I don't appreciate beauty, I do. But I don't let lack of beauty stop me from looking deeper. I was hanging out with my friend Mark the other night and I was telling him about someone who I thought was attractive. He told me the person wasn't. I was like how can you tell me who I think is attractive. Mark said I was lowering my "standards". I thought about this when I got home. I was thinking I wasn't lowering my "standards". It's just that my standards weren't his standards. Maybe they aren't anybody else's standards either. I got my philosophy from collecting pigs. I'm looking for something special. I guess to me things become more or less beautiful/attractive by what is inside not what is outside. I could try to change, but who am I kidding I have more chance of changing as I do of growing six inches taller. Anyway I guess that's it for that.
If you are feeling game and would like to take a pig personality test. First take out a blank sheet of paper and draw a picture of a pig on it. After please look at the interpretation of your drawing.
Have a good day and enjoy the Blactoid of the day.
Blactoid: A period of history that I've always found fascinating was the period after the Civil War know was the Reconstruction. It was a time when slaves were freed and the Freedman's Bureau was established in order to help slaves to become integrated into society. Black people actually participated in politics and some even were in elected positions. However in an attempt to help reconcile the confederate states with the union states the gov't gave governing power back to the states and they instituted things called Black Codes that restricted the rights of blacks and things quickly deteriorated back to the way they were before the Reconstruction period.
Friday, February 04, 2005
Please!...Don't call 911
As some of my former roommates and most of my friends can attest, there was a time in my life when I suffered from a fate worse than death...Bad Health Insurance. I'm not talking about the HMO nightmare, "But I don't want to take generic drugs!" I'm talking about there was only one doctor in town who took my insurance and he had a tooth growing out of his ear. That's why when walking across a street I used the phrase, "Please don't hit me, my insurance is bad."
My insurance was so bad it didn't cover the cost of an ambulance (at the time $400). All my roommates knew the drill. DO NOT call an ambulance for me unless you thought I was really going to die...and was unconscious...and not breathing...and you'd already tried CPR. Because I knew I couldn't afford the cost of the ambulance and I didn't want anyone to be able to ask me for my insurance card. Sample conversation:
(Me holding a napkin to a gushing head wound)
Kumiko: Tanika do you want me to call an ambulance?
Me: No that's ok I'm good.
Kumiko:(worried) but you're losing blood fast and could die.
Me: I'm good the bus is coming in 45 minutes.
And until yesterday I thought I was one of a kind. While working at the mathnasium a kid came in and told us that while he was walking up a lady fell from the top of the building a couple doors down and was laying on the sidewalk. I asked if anyone had called for an ambulance. He said yes, but she told them not too. The woman was clearly hurt but didn't want an ambulance to come. When the ambulance showed up I saw something I didn't expect to see in my entire life. When the ambulance came the woman refused it. I said the woman REFUSED THE AMBULANCE! Clearly needed the ambulance, but refused it. WHY in the name of all that's good and holy did she refuse? Because she couldn't afford it. I just wanna say to the lady with the broken back. I hear you sista, I hear you.
Now this is totally random but my friend Anna posted on her blog about an all to frequent occurence that happens when you have a crush on someone, but spend just a little too much time with them. As this has happened to me recently I found it all too true.
Blactoid: As an avid reader two of my favorite author's are Toni Morrison and Mildred D. Taylor. Toni Morrison was the first black woman to recieve a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993. While both authors portray the life of black women living in an extremely racist environment, Morrison's writing is grittier and more poignant. As a budding writer on occasion, I'm encouraged to read work by women who aren't afraid to talk about contraversial subjects especially during a time when people would rather sweep things under a rug and forget about them.
My insurance was so bad it didn't cover the cost of an ambulance (at the time $400). All my roommates knew the drill. DO NOT call an ambulance for me unless you thought I was really going to die...and was unconscious...and not breathing...and you'd already tried CPR. Because I knew I couldn't afford the cost of the ambulance and I didn't want anyone to be able to ask me for my insurance card. Sample conversation:
(Me holding a napkin to a gushing head wound)
Kumiko: Tanika do you want me to call an ambulance?
Me: No that's ok I'm good.
Kumiko:(worried) but you're losing blood fast and could die.
Me: I'm good the bus is coming in 45 minutes.
And until yesterday I thought I was one of a kind. While working at the mathnasium a kid came in and told us that while he was walking up a lady fell from the top of the building a couple doors down and was laying on the sidewalk. I asked if anyone had called for an ambulance. He said yes, but she told them not too. The woman was clearly hurt but didn't want an ambulance to come. When the ambulance showed up I saw something I didn't expect to see in my entire life. When the ambulance came the woman refused it. I said the woman REFUSED THE AMBULANCE! Clearly needed the ambulance, but refused it. WHY in the name of all that's good and holy did she refuse? Because she couldn't afford it. I just wanna say to the lady with the broken back. I hear you sista, I hear you.
Now this is totally random but my friend Anna posted on her blog about an all to frequent occurence that happens when you have a crush on someone, but spend just a little too much time with them. As this has happened to me recently I found it all too true.
Blactoid: As an avid reader two of my favorite author's are Toni Morrison and Mildred D. Taylor. Toni Morrison was the first black woman to recieve a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993. While both authors portray the life of black women living in an extremely racist environment, Morrison's writing is grittier and more poignant. As a budding writer on occasion, I'm encouraged to read work by women who aren't afraid to talk about contraversial subjects especially during a time when people would rather sweep things under a rug and forget about them.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
One night at P. Diddys...
Last night after dinner some of my friends and I headed off to a local Westwood hangout spot called Diddy Reise (sp? which we also affectionately refer to as P. Diddys) to get their world famous $1 ice cream sandwich. Eagerly anticipating the sweet taste of ice cream and cookies melting in my mouth I was devastated to discovery that they weren't serving the ice cream sandwiches. Apparently there was some sort of waste contamination of the water supply in the area and they couldn't rinse the ice cream scoops with the water. I offered to go get a one gallon jug so that I could still have some. I was respectfully denied.
As we sat outside nibbling cookies and some of us (not me) drinking milk the owner of P. Diddys came out to explain the situation and why we couldn't have the ice cream sandwiches. One of the guys with me asked was his name Reise. The owner said no actually the store is named after his grandmother who was named Reise. He said her first name was Diedre, but that they fondly referred to her as Did. Then he went further to explain that his grandmother had a taste for "The Drink" and after a few nips of the sauce she would get a little tipsy or "Diddy" so they would call her Diddy. I thought, "How sweet they named the ice cream shop after his drunk granny." Anyway it was kinda cool learning the history of the name and a little bit more about one of my favorite hangouts.
And now for something completely different. In the time honored tradition of the American public school system I have decided to devote a "small" portion of my blog to the celebration of black history month. So whenever I post a blog during the month of February I will put what I like to call a Blactoid (Black Factoid) at the end of each one. I'll attempt to share with you interesting tidbits about the history of black people in the united states.
Blactoid: As a fellow mathematician I thought it was interesting that Benjamin Bannaker was appointed as one of the designers of Washington D.C. by Thomas Jefferson. He was a farmer, astronomer, Mathematician, and historian. Some historians believe after the head of the design to resigned and left the city with the plans, Benjamin was apply to reproduce them completely from memory. (I guess Thomas Jefferson wasn't all bad.)
As we sat outside nibbling cookies and some of us (not me) drinking milk the owner of P. Diddys came out to explain the situation and why we couldn't have the ice cream sandwiches. One of the guys with me asked was his name Reise. The owner said no actually the store is named after his grandmother who was named Reise. He said her first name was Diedre, but that they fondly referred to her as Did. Then he went further to explain that his grandmother had a taste for "The Drink" and after a few nips of the sauce she would get a little tipsy or "Diddy" so they would call her Diddy. I thought, "How sweet they named the ice cream shop after his drunk granny." Anyway it was kinda cool learning the history of the name and a little bit more about one of my favorite hangouts.
And now for something completely different. In the time honored tradition of the American public school system I have decided to devote a "small" portion of my blog to the celebration of black history month. So whenever I post a blog during the month of February I will put what I like to call a Blactoid (Black Factoid) at the end of each one. I'll attempt to share with you interesting tidbits about the history of black people in the united states.
Blactoid: As a fellow mathematician I thought it was interesting that Benjamin Bannaker was appointed as one of the designers of Washington D.C. by Thomas Jefferson. He was a farmer, astronomer, Mathematician, and historian. Some historians believe after the head of the design to resigned and left the city with the plans, Benjamin was apply to reproduce them completely from memory. (I guess Thomas Jefferson wasn't all bad.)
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Monday, January 31, 2005
The Handshake...
Since I have had some interesting questions about who is Frank and Sam and even Judy I have decided to write a follow-up to a previous entry that I wrote about Frank, Sam, Judy and myself. I want to say something about the meaning of the interpretation of a handshake by a woman. What I was trying to say was simply this it isn't necessarily about dating the guy who has a good handshake. It's more of a filter mechanism.
Ladies please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but most of us have had no account guys talking to us trying to get over on us in some shape form or fashion. See not every guy is all sweet and innocent like Kairos guys. Some guys actually are nasty slime balls. Since when we meet guys we can't say "Hey, You triflin'?" We use other methods. For example body language can tell you a lot about a person, just like a handshake. It's just one of the ways we separate guys who are about something from guys who aren't.
As always have a good day and enjoy.
Ladies please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but most of us have had no account guys talking to us trying to get over on us in some shape form or fashion. See not every guy is all sweet and innocent like Kairos guys. Some guys actually are nasty slime balls. Since when we meet guys we can't say "Hey, You triflin'?" We use other methods. For example body language can tell you a lot about a person, just like a handshake. It's just one of the ways we separate guys who are about something from guys who aren't.
As always have a good day and enjoy.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
No room in the inn...
Here's a little story that happened today, now I know how Mary and Joseph felt...
Woke up like any other Sunday morning and started on my way to Kairos. Every other Sunday I sing at church. Because I live so far from church I usually hang out there all day so that I won't have to make that long trek back to the A-P-T. Usually I read and take a nap in the Fountain Room (the place where we have church). Today I was really looking forward to it because I have been exhausted these past couple of days, but when we get to the Fountain Room they were having a Bridal Shower. So I along with my friend let's call him Jason look all over the building for another place to rest and take a nap, but there aren't any. Finally this guy I know tells us we should go over to the building behind ours and take a nap in a room they have on the second floor because it has couches. WELL ...this building belongs to the church we share a building with and it serves as a transitional house. Well I was just drifting off to sleep with my jacket over my face when someone comes in and says "Hey you aren't supposed to be in here." They didn't recognize Jason and so when I pulled my jacket from my face they were like, "Oh hey Tanika didn't realize it was you. Go ahead and stay as long as you like." Well needless to say both Jason and I were a little uncomfortable after this and didn't want to stay in the room any longer.
Well we left, but we couldn't figure out a place to go so we could sit and wait out the bridal shower and so Jason could get back and practice his bassoon. See Jason stays around at church to take a nap as well and practice his bassoon. Since Jason has fair skin like I do he didn't want to stay out in the sun. So eventually we ended up outside the door of the Fountain Room sitting on plastic patio furniture. It was good times. If any of you guys know me when I go somewhere I like to find a place I feel comfortable and tuck myself into that spot and the chill out there. If I can't make myself comfortable then I want to go home. I think Jason is the same way. So there we were sitting in the hall saying , "Man, I feel displaced" I felt all unwanted and unloved. Well now I'm writing to you from inside the Fountain Room where I'm enjoying the sounds of Jason practicing his bassoon and the company of my good friend Nate.
I think I have traumatized Jason permanently. I'm not sure he wants to hang out with me anymore. After I started off the day so well by getting him a cup of water. Well I guess you never really know. Anyway as always enjoy.
Woke up like any other Sunday morning and started on my way to Kairos. Every other Sunday I sing at church. Because I live so far from church I usually hang out there all day so that I won't have to make that long trek back to the A-P-T. Usually I read and take a nap in the Fountain Room (the place where we have church). Today I was really looking forward to it because I have been exhausted these past couple of days, but when we get to the Fountain Room they were having a Bridal Shower. So I along with my friend let's call him Jason look all over the building for another place to rest and take a nap, but there aren't any. Finally this guy I know tells us we should go over to the building behind ours and take a nap in a room they have on the second floor because it has couches. WELL ...this building belongs to the church we share a building with and it serves as a transitional house. Well I was just drifting off to sleep with my jacket over my face when someone comes in and says "Hey you aren't supposed to be in here." They didn't recognize Jason and so when I pulled my jacket from my face they were like, "Oh hey Tanika didn't realize it was you. Go ahead and stay as long as you like." Well needless to say both Jason and I were a little uncomfortable after this and didn't want to stay in the room any longer.
Well we left, but we couldn't figure out a place to go so we could sit and wait out the bridal shower and so Jason could get back and practice his bassoon. See Jason stays around at church to take a nap as well and practice his bassoon. Since Jason has fair skin like I do he didn't want to stay out in the sun. So eventually we ended up outside the door of the Fountain Room sitting on plastic patio furniture. It was good times. If any of you guys know me when I go somewhere I like to find a place I feel comfortable and tuck myself into that spot and the chill out there. If I can't make myself comfortable then I want to go home. I think Jason is the same way. So there we were sitting in the hall saying , "Man, I feel displaced" I felt all unwanted and unloved. Well now I'm writing to you from inside the Fountain Room where I'm enjoying the sounds of Jason practicing his bassoon and the company of my good friend Nate.
I think I have traumatized Jason permanently. I'm not sure he wants to hang out with me anymore. After I started off the day so well by getting him a cup of water. Well I guess you never really know. Anyway as always enjoy.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Race Relations at the Mathnasium...
As most people know I work at a place called the Mathnasium. It's a math learning center that caters to children from the ages of 8-18. We assess the children then design a math program that targets individual math needs. Well anyway I enjoy working there. It's in the heart of the Westwood Jewish community so needless to say most of the children who go there are Jewish. We actually have holidays based on Jewish holidays and I'm realizing there are a lot of holidays. That's o.k. by me.
Anyhoo there are other children who go there mostly private school students. There are a couple of students who go to Le Lycee Francais which is a very exclusive bilingual French/English school. One particular 8 year old boy frome that school named Timothy has caught my eye since I started working at the mathnasium. This kid is a trip. He wears a tie and blazer to school everyday and on his casual days (once a month) he wears and oxford shirt with a tie and penny loafers. Did I mention this kid is 8 years old. He puts business men to shame. I have no clue what his parents do, and his mother who is white, is from some francophone country in Africa. Well anyway Timothy is very precocious. He spends most of his time trying to figure out a way not to do his work or he'll try to tell you stories about his previous life. Sometimes we speak in French together because he listens if I tell him to sit down and shut up in French. Well anyway about a month ago he asked if the rest of my family still lived in Africa. I said no my family lives in the united states. He said, "No I mean the rest of your family back in Africa." I said I don't have any family in Africa. He said but your black and you speak French. I said yes I'm black but I'm American and I learned French in school like he did. My family all lives here in the United States and has for years. He said there is a new kid in his class from Senegal. So he figures that must be where all the other black people came from. Needless to say I had to school little Timothy. Then yesterday he asked me was this other little back girl my daughter. I said no I don't have any children. He said sometimes he sees black people when he's out and he thinks they are my sisters and brothers and children because we are all black. I said sorry I know we all look alike but believe or not black people aren't all related.
Then he said well don't you and your husband want children. I told him I wasn't married. And he said, "What!?! your not married. Being married is so fun. You get to kiss and hug each other all day long. It looks like a lot of fun to me. Don't you wanna do that Tanika?" I have to admit the kid has a point. Kissing and hugging all day might be nice. However I said, "Timothy what's 13 - 4" and he said, "What?" I said it's time to do some math Timothy.
Timothy is utterly outrageous. I find myself in the weirdest conversations with this kid. Maybe he has been here before. I wonder if I was ever like that. Well have a good day and as always enjoy.
Anyhoo there are other children who go there mostly private school students. There are a couple of students who go to Le Lycee Francais which is a very exclusive bilingual French/English school. One particular 8 year old boy frome that school named Timothy has caught my eye since I started working at the mathnasium. This kid is a trip. He wears a tie and blazer to school everyday and on his casual days (once a month) he wears and oxford shirt with a tie and penny loafers. Did I mention this kid is 8 years old. He puts business men to shame. I have no clue what his parents do, and his mother who is white, is from some francophone country in Africa. Well anyway Timothy is very precocious. He spends most of his time trying to figure out a way not to do his work or he'll try to tell you stories about his previous life. Sometimes we speak in French together because he listens if I tell him to sit down and shut up in French. Well anyway about a month ago he asked if the rest of my family still lived in Africa. I said no my family lives in the united states. He said, "No I mean the rest of your family back in Africa." I said I don't have any family in Africa. He said but your black and you speak French. I said yes I'm black but I'm American and I learned French in school like he did. My family all lives here in the United States and has for years. He said there is a new kid in his class from Senegal. So he figures that must be where all the other black people came from. Needless to say I had to school little Timothy. Then yesterday he asked me was this other little back girl my daughter. I said no I don't have any children. He said sometimes he sees black people when he's out and he thinks they are my sisters and brothers and children because we are all black. I said sorry I know we all look alike but believe or not black people aren't all related.
Then he said well don't you and your husband want children. I told him I wasn't married. And he said, "What!?! your not married. Being married is so fun. You get to kiss and hug each other all day long. It looks like a lot of fun to me. Don't you wanna do that Tanika?" I have to admit the kid has a point. Kissing and hugging all day might be nice. However I said, "Timothy what's 13 - 4" and he said, "What?" I said it's time to do some math Timothy.
Timothy is utterly outrageous. I find myself in the weirdest conversations with this kid. Maybe he has been here before. I wonder if I was ever like that. Well have a good day and as always enjoy.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Don't hate the player...
O.k. to break up the previous entries with something a little lighter. I was wondering if you guys remember Will Smith from back in the day. I'm talking DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air neon clothes and goofy looking smile Will Smith.
I was thinking about how he went from the goofy class clown type to smooth super stud. I was watching the production diaries for Bad Boys II and he was talking about the first time he realized he was attractive to women. He was sitting in the back of a screening for the movie Bad Boys and it was the scene where he is running down the street with his shirt flapping open and he hears a woman in front of him say, "Yeah you go ahead and run Will, mmmm-hmmm". Well needless to say after that movie if he wasn't famous enough Will Smith blew-up.
What prompted these thoughts you might add well it was a combination of two things:
One: Maybe because I live in L.A. they just have a lot more advertisements up so we get bombarded by marketing for various movies, services, and products. Well anyway I kept seeing advertisements for this movie Hitch starring Will Smith. I was very amused by the website. I really think it would be interesting for others to check it out as well especially guys trying to get dates with women. And for women wondering what in the world is a guy thinking when he asks me out.
Two: My friend Lauren has recently posted in her blog about love, dating and relationships. So naturally I've had dating and relationships on the brain.
So when the movie stated that Hitch was the cure for the common man I naturally went to the website to find out what was going on. Surprise, surprise it's about dating. Well I started thinking this is really funny. Will Smith portrays the smooth operator when he started off so goofy and awkward. I guess he knows something. I actually think most guys have the smooth operator in them they just don't know how to let it out.
For example I have a good friend lets call him Frank. My friend Frank actually has quite a few general things about women figured out. I would like to stress general here. We barely understand ourselves. I know this from conversations I've had with him. Well one day I was standing with my friend ummm...Judy yeah Judy and my other friend Sam. Frank came up and shook hands with Judy and myself and I introduced him to Sam. They shook hands. Frank has a very firm handshake. And Sam said to Frank, "Do you shake a woman's hand like that?" Frank said of course, women like it when a man has a good firm handshake don't they Tanika and Judy. Judy and I could barely speak we were nodding our heads so vigorously. See Frank knew something Sam didn't. Women respond different to a man depending on his handshake. A weak handshake says, "Ladies forget this guy he doesn't know what he's about and he doesn't know how to handle business" but the firm handshake says "Ladies you need to get to know this guy better" Unfortunately Frank doesn't know what to do once he's made the initial first handshake and made a good impression. Maybe he should check out this website as well. If anyone sees Frank let him know. Anyway have a good day and enjoy.
I was thinking about how he went from the goofy class clown type to smooth super stud. I was watching the production diaries for Bad Boys II and he was talking about the first time he realized he was attractive to women. He was sitting in the back of a screening for the movie Bad Boys and it was the scene where he is running down the street with his shirt flapping open and he hears a woman in front of him say, "Yeah you go ahead and run Will, mmmm-hmmm". Well needless to say after that movie if he wasn't famous enough Will Smith blew-up.
What prompted these thoughts you might add well it was a combination of two things:
One: Maybe because I live in L.A. they just have a lot more advertisements up so we get bombarded by marketing for various movies, services, and products. Well anyway I kept seeing advertisements for this movie Hitch starring Will Smith. I was very amused by the website. I really think it would be interesting for others to check it out as well especially guys trying to get dates with women. And for women wondering what in the world is a guy thinking when he asks me out.
Two: My friend Lauren has recently posted in her blog about love, dating and relationships. So naturally I've had dating and relationships on the brain.
So when the movie stated that Hitch was the cure for the common man I naturally went to the website to find out what was going on. Surprise, surprise it's about dating. Well I started thinking this is really funny. Will Smith portrays the smooth operator when he started off so goofy and awkward. I guess he knows something. I actually think most guys have the smooth operator in them they just don't know how to let it out.
For example I have a good friend lets call him Frank. My friend Frank actually has quite a few general things about women figured out. I would like to stress general here. We barely understand ourselves. I know this from conversations I've had with him. Well one day I was standing with my friend ummm...Judy yeah Judy and my other friend Sam. Frank came up and shook hands with Judy and myself and I introduced him to Sam. They shook hands. Frank has a very firm handshake. And Sam said to Frank, "Do you shake a woman's hand like that?" Frank said of course, women like it when a man has a good firm handshake don't they Tanika and Judy. Judy and I could barely speak we were nodding our heads so vigorously. See Frank knew something Sam didn't. Women respond different to a man depending on his handshake. A weak handshake says, "Ladies forget this guy he doesn't know what he's about and he doesn't know how to handle business" but the firm handshake says "Ladies you need to get to know this guy better" Unfortunately Frank doesn't know what to do once he's made the initial first handshake and made a good impression. Maybe he should check out this website as well. If anyone sees Frank let him know. Anyway have a good day and enjoy.
Friday, January 21, 2005
A Minstrel Show
In my previous entry I mentioned something called a minstrel show. For those of you who don't know what that is it's when white people put black on their faces and put on variety shows imitating black people. Usually not in a positive light.
Now for you fellow hokies they used to put on minstrel shows at Virginia Tech during the early 1900's. It was really popular and of course socially acceptable. That's kinda what I was talking about in my previous post. Anyway have a good day.
Enjoy!
Now for you fellow hokies they used to put on minstrel shows at Virginia Tech during the early 1900's. It was really popular and of course socially acceptable. That's kinda what I was talking about in my previous post. Anyway have a good day.
Enjoy!
The Cliffhanger...
Sorry to keep you dangling yesterday with my previous post, but I had some places I need to be and I cut the story off in the most appropriate place I could find. Now where was I...
oh yes I was holding the stack of papers thinking. O.k. this is what white people do when there are no black people around. I guess everyone was waiting for me to blow my stack, but I must admit I didn't. I mean I was upset that they would leave this out knowing I was coming over. I found out later they didn't leave it out on purpose. That doesn't make me feel better, but I realize they weren't deliberately trying to antagonize me.
Well anyhoo we started talking after that. I said well I wish I could say that when black people or other ethnic people get together we don't tell jokes or say mean things about white people because that is really not true. We talked a little bit more about how we were raised and how for them as well as myself it was acceptable to ridicule other ethnic groups. I think in general that in this country, considering our history, black people have harbored negative feelings for white people. However until recently we haven't felt able to voice these opinions. It wasn't like slaves could tell their masters off. And until the civil rights movement if we were denied access to something we could say how we really felt. So there has been this whole mentality of keeping your opinions to yourself. My point is, when you are trying to gain access to something the last thing you want to do is bite the hand feeding you. But recently as black people in this country have become more successful overall, our confidence has grown and we feel like we can start sharing how we feel more freely. Whether or views are right or wrong.
On the flipside for a long time it was socially acceptable for white people to ridicule blacks and other ethnic minorities. They could ridicule people, put on minstrel(sp?) shows, or display derogatory pictures with impunity. It hasn't been until the civil rights movement where blacks started standing up for their rights that this behavior on a more national level was viewed as offensive. So I think a mentality of ridiculing and making physical representations was established. However now it isn't socially acceptable to display them which explains why my friend and her friends felt free to enjoy this in their own company, they were embarrassed when I saw their jokes.
This leads me to the other thought from my previous post. Is it the case that these same thoughts are underlying the Zambian culture where the class system provides a structure to express socially acceptable behavior while underneath there are really other views and issues in tension...to be continued...
As always have a good day. Enjoy!
oh yes I was holding the stack of papers thinking. O.k. this is what white people do when there are no black people around. I guess everyone was waiting for me to blow my stack, but I must admit I didn't. I mean I was upset that they would leave this out knowing I was coming over. I found out later they didn't leave it out on purpose. That doesn't make me feel better, but I realize they weren't deliberately trying to antagonize me.
Well anyhoo we started talking after that. I said well I wish I could say that when black people or other ethnic people get together we don't tell jokes or say mean things about white people because that is really not true. We talked a little bit more about how we were raised and how for them as well as myself it was acceptable to ridicule other ethnic groups. I think in general that in this country, considering our history, black people have harbored negative feelings for white people. However until recently we haven't felt able to voice these opinions. It wasn't like slaves could tell their masters off. And until the civil rights movement if we were denied access to something we could say how we really felt. So there has been this whole mentality of keeping your opinions to yourself. My point is, when you are trying to gain access to something the last thing you want to do is bite the hand feeding you. But recently as black people in this country have become more successful overall, our confidence has grown and we feel like we can start sharing how we feel more freely. Whether or views are right or wrong.
On the flipside for a long time it was socially acceptable for white people to ridicule blacks and other ethnic minorities. They could ridicule people, put on minstrel(sp?) shows, or display derogatory pictures with impunity. It hasn't been until the civil rights movement where blacks started standing up for their rights that this behavior on a more national level was viewed as offensive. So I think a mentality of ridiculing and making physical representations was established. However now it isn't socially acceptable to display them which explains why my friend and her friends felt free to enjoy this in their own company, they were embarrassed when I saw their jokes.
This leads me to the other thought from my previous post. Is it the case that these same thoughts are underlying the Zambian culture where the class system provides a structure to express socially acceptable behavior while underneath there are really other views and issues in tension...to be continued...
As always have a good day. Enjoy!
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Another interesting conversation...
Last night I was talking to my good friend Derek, who was born and raised in Zambia, about some of the things I wrote about in my previous entry. As friends we think it's funny that he is American African and I'm African American (Sorry if this offends Mimi or Precious). We were saying that we experienced reverse lives. Where I would be the only black person in a group of white people. He was the only white person in a group of black people And I was asking him did he ever experience any racism or notice racism when he was growing up in Africa. Because I was curious how things were over there. At least in Zambia.
He was explaining to me that he really never experienced much. He wasn't sure if he was just naive and because he didn't have a command of the language then maybe some things they said or thought he just never heard. He also was explaining to me since Zambia was colonized by the British they instituted a class system. Which separated the Africans from white people. They also had an established mode of conduct under which most people operated. He said because of this everyone pretty much knew what was expected of them and acted out on these assigned roles.
This lead me to think about the issue of whether or not the racial tensions where merely hidden underneath the socially constructed norm. I was thinking about a particular incident that occurred a couple of years ago. I was working in Southwest Virginia and I became friends with a white coworker of mine. We both attended Virginia Tech and worked at the same store so we had some things in common. Most of the people who read this know me, but Sally (that's what I'm gonna call her) was born and raised in Southwest Virginia. She's white around the same age as I am, but had very little interaction with black people. Well after a few months she told me how some over her friends would come over on a Friday night to play cards and have drinks. Then one day she invited me over. Not really sure why. I will tell you that I later found out that neither she nor any of her friends that I met that night had ever hung out with any black people socially. Well we got over to her place and I met some of her friends. I'm not really sure what they had been doing before we got there, but I walked over to the kitchen table and sitting on top was a huge stack of jokes that were basically all racial slurs against black, jewish, and polish people (they had accompanying pictures). Well I lifted up the stack and everyone noticed what I was doing. It seemed like everyone froze waiting for my response. Well I'll tell you a lot of things went through my mind...I'll tell you about it in the next post. Have a good day.
Enjoy!
He was explaining to me that he really never experienced much. He wasn't sure if he was just naive and because he didn't have a command of the language then maybe some things they said or thought he just never heard. He also was explaining to me since Zambia was colonized by the British they instituted a class system. Which separated the Africans from white people. They also had an established mode of conduct under which most people operated. He said because of this everyone pretty much knew what was expected of them and acted out on these assigned roles.
This lead me to think about the issue of whether or not the racial tensions where merely hidden underneath the socially constructed norm. I was thinking about a particular incident that occurred a couple of years ago. I was working in Southwest Virginia and I became friends with a white coworker of mine. We both attended Virginia Tech and worked at the same store so we had some things in common. Most of the people who read this know me, but Sally (that's what I'm gonna call her) was born and raised in Southwest Virginia. She's white around the same age as I am, but had very little interaction with black people. Well after a few months she told me how some over her friends would come over on a Friday night to play cards and have drinks. Then one day she invited me over. Not really sure why. I will tell you that I later found out that neither she nor any of her friends that I met that night had ever hung out with any black people socially. Well we got over to her place and I met some of her friends. I'm not really sure what they had been doing before we got there, but I walked over to the kitchen table and sitting on top was a huge stack of jokes that were basically all racial slurs against black, jewish, and polish people (they had accompanying pictures). Well I lifted up the stack and everyone noticed what I was doing. It seemed like everyone froze waiting for my response. Well I'll tell you a lot of things went through my mind...I'll tell you about it in the next post. Have a good day.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
A Race...it's not just for running.
As most people know Monday we celebrated Martin Luther King's Birthday. Well I was riding in the car with a married couple I'm friends with and their two small children(btw they are white). While we were traveling they asked me if I could tell their daughter some things about MLK. They said they really didn't know that much, but was wondering if I could shed some light on his life for her.
Of course the first thing I thought was o.k. so I know I'm black, but does that automatically mean that I know about MLK. Is that why they are asking me? Did they ask anybody else that day? Well the truth is I do know a lot about Martin Luther King, but I of course was trying to figure out how to make it understandable to a 6-year old. Not quite the same thing as talking to an adult. I remember when I first started learning about the not some great history of the United States. I thought I should leave the emotional scarring to her parents.
When I got home I started thinking... Next month is Black History Month. I started reflecting over the years and different things I used to do in school during that month to learn about the history of Africa and the history of African Americans in the United States. Because my father was in the military my family used to move around a lot. And there were quite a few times where I would be in a class and we were learning about black history. I would not only be the only black person in class, but sometimes the only ethnic person in class. And the moment the issue of slavery, the struggle of blacks, or the civil rights movement would come up, everyone would turn around and look at me. I was like I'm 9. I don't know anything about the struggle of the black man in this country. I just learned how to read last year. (Just kidding there). Just last week a friend of mine was asking me what was it like growing up as a black person in this country. I didn't know exactly what to say. I mean it's not like I have the option of growing up white in this country so I'm not sure what he wanted to hear. I told him some of my experiences. I think he was shocked because he didn't expect to hear the things I said. Anyhoo...
I'm not sure where everyone who is reading this is from, but I used to live in a place in the south that had some very interesting views on the celebration of this month. I lived in a town where people drove around with confederate flags and bumper stickers that said, "Some of us don't think the North won!" I even would hear people say things like, "Where do they get off devoting a whole month to Black History?" There isn't a white history month. I would think "Ummm...every month is white history month". I would think why don't we have Native American Month (which I later found out we do, it's just not focused on in the school system). I don't mind learning about Europe per se, but I wouldn't mind learning about the history of other people groups as well.
Anyway just sharing some thoughts...to be continue...
Of course the first thing I thought was o.k. so I know I'm black, but does that automatically mean that I know about MLK. Is that why they are asking me? Did they ask anybody else that day? Well the truth is I do know a lot about Martin Luther King, but I of course was trying to figure out how to make it understandable to a 6-year old. Not quite the same thing as talking to an adult. I remember when I first started learning about the not some great history of the United States. I thought I should leave the emotional scarring to her parents.
When I got home I started thinking... Next month is Black History Month. I started reflecting over the years and different things I used to do in school during that month to learn about the history of Africa and the history of African Americans in the United States. Because my father was in the military my family used to move around a lot. And there were quite a few times where I would be in a class and we were learning about black history. I would not only be the only black person in class, but sometimes the only ethnic person in class. And the moment the issue of slavery, the struggle of blacks, or the civil rights movement would come up, everyone would turn around and look at me. I was like I'm 9. I don't know anything about the struggle of the black man in this country. I just learned how to read last year. (Just kidding there). Just last week a friend of mine was asking me what was it like growing up as a black person in this country. I didn't know exactly what to say. I mean it's not like I have the option of growing up white in this country so I'm not sure what he wanted to hear. I told him some of my experiences. I think he was shocked because he didn't expect to hear the things I said. Anyhoo...
I'm not sure where everyone who is reading this is from, but I used to live in a place in the south that had some very interesting views on the celebration of this month. I lived in a town where people drove around with confederate flags and bumper stickers that said, "Some of us don't think the North won!" I even would hear people say things like, "Where do they get off devoting a whole month to Black History?" There isn't a white history month. I would think "Ummm...every month is white history month". I would think why don't we have Native American Month (which I later found out we do, it's just not focused on in the school system). I don't mind learning about Europe per se, but I wouldn't mind learning about the history of other people groups as well.
Anyway just sharing some thoughts...to be continue...
Friday, January 14, 2005
Winter Storm 2005...Snow if LA County?
Recently Los Angeles County has been blanketed by a heavy curtain of rain and in some areas even snow. I have received many phone calls from the hysterical to the humorous wondering if we were actually getting snow in Los Angeles. I would like state categorically and for the record that the media, for dramatic effect (who would have thought) likes to play on peoples emotions for the largest possible effect, uses the term Los Angeles to refer to not just the city, but also the county and any outlying municipalities that they could label "Los Angeles".
I don't mean to belittle any of the damage or loss of lives that has occurred as a result of this recent storm, but for the most part those things happened extremely far away from the city of Los Angeles. There was a mudslide in Ventura County and some severe flooding, but for most of LA it was just rain and a little flooding. And where I live it was just rain. I would like to repeat the City of Los Angeles didn't get any snow.
I would like to thank all of you who called for your concern. I will keep you all posted of any developments as a result of Winter Storm 2005.
I don't mean to belittle any of the damage or loss of lives that has occurred as a result of this recent storm, but for the most part those things happened extremely far away from the city of Los Angeles. There was a mudslide in Ventura County and some severe flooding, but for most of LA it was just rain and a little flooding. And where I live it was just rain. I would like to repeat the City of Los Angeles didn't get any snow.
I would like to thank all of you who called for your concern. I will keep you all posted of any developments as a result of Winter Storm 2005.
Oh Baby!
For those of you who don't have the privilege of knowing him. I know a wonderful guy named Nate Towery. Under-valued and I think under-appreciated, he is known for hovering behind the scenes making sure that everything goes off without a hitch. And unlike most guys I know he is known for his affection for children, babies in particular. Nate is one of the few guys I know who actually enjoys holding and playing with babies. Most guys I know avoid them like the plague.
Well this past Monday Nate took it into his head that he wanted to give my good friends the Raceks a break and babysit their 3 wonderful children for a couple of hours on Tuesday afternoon. He called me and asked would I assist him in this endeavor. Now I would like to first state that while Nate loves the babies he doesn't have much experience with them. And of course my first reaction to his phone call was, is this guy serious? Does he really want to take on the Racek 3 as his first serious babysitting adventure? I guess he was thinking the same thing which is why he called me. Well...I have to tell you I was extremely curious as to how things were going to go. As a connoisseur of human folly I was anxious to observe what was going to happen once the Raceks left and Nate was in charge of the children. I told myself before going over there that Nate was in charge and I was only going to be assisting him. So whatever he said goes.
Well about 5 minutes into our babysitting time Nate goes...Ummm...I don't think I like children as much as I thought I did...about 10 minutes later he said ...I don't know about having children...and by the time it was over he said...I think I need to get back to adult world. Now to be fair, I don't really think Nate was aware of the difference between playing with a child when you still have a visual on his/her parents and when you take responsibility for their well being when the parents are gone. I have to admit that he held his own a lot better than I thought. Considering baby Will cried a significant portion of the time and Katie decided it was time to have diarrhea. I will admit that since I have extensive experience with the Racek children I of course lent a hand. I'm not completely heartless.
My favorite part about the entire time had to have been Nate's observations about children. He kept asking me about when he should put his foot down and what not with the kid's and I was like well it's simple...If Dawson accidentally spills some juice, no big deal. Even if it ruins the rug. But on the other hand if Dawson smacks Katie upside the head then maybe it's time for some punishment. He also made observations about how their little personalities were developing based on the neurotic behavior they observe in adults. And he was all worried that he would do something to scar them for life. I told him that kids are pretty resilient and they would be ok. He also was flipping out because I let Dawson climb on the roof of the house in their room. But as I observed to Nate. Kids need to fall on their heads every once in a while. It's good for them. Anyway. Just thought I'd bring a little reality into an otherwise crazy world. Have a good day.
Well this past Monday Nate took it into his head that he wanted to give my good friends the Raceks a break and babysit their 3 wonderful children for a couple of hours on Tuesday afternoon. He called me and asked would I assist him in this endeavor. Now I would like to first state that while Nate loves the babies he doesn't have much experience with them. And of course my first reaction to his phone call was, is this guy serious? Does he really want to take on the Racek 3 as his first serious babysitting adventure? I guess he was thinking the same thing which is why he called me. Well...I have to tell you I was extremely curious as to how things were going to go. As a connoisseur of human folly I was anxious to observe what was going to happen once the Raceks left and Nate was in charge of the children. I told myself before going over there that Nate was in charge and I was only going to be assisting him. So whatever he said goes.
Well about 5 minutes into our babysitting time Nate goes...Ummm...I don't think I like children as much as I thought I did...about 10 minutes later he said ...I don't know about having children...and by the time it was over he said...I think I need to get back to adult world. Now to be fair, I don't really think Nate was aware of the difference between playing with a child when you still have a visual on his/her parents and when you take responsibility for their well being when the parents are gone. I have to admit that he held his own a lot better than I thought. Considering baby Will cried a significant portion of the time and Katie decided it was time to have diarrhea. I will admit that since I have extensive experience with the Racek children I of course lent a hand. I'm not completely heartless.
My favorite part about the entire time had to have been Nate's observations about children. He kept asking me about when he should put his foot down and what not with the kid's and I was like well it's simple...If Dawson accidentally spills some juice, no big deal. Even if it ruins the rug. But on the other hand if Dawson smacks Katie upside the head then maybe it's time for some punishment. He also made observations about how their little personalities were developing based on the neurotic behavior they observe in adults. And he was all worried that he would do something to scar them for life. I told him that kids are pretty resilient and they would be ok. He also was flipping out because I let Dawson climb on the roof of the house in their room. But as I observed to Nate. Kids need to fall on their heads every once in a while. It's good for them. Anyway. Just thought I'd bring a little reality into an otherwise crazy world. Have a good day.
Friday, January 07, 2005
Random Comments...
As some of you know I have a wonderful friend named Danielboggs (one word please). He has written the absolute funniest blog about the sock bandit. If you have any spare time please go and read it. Anyway that's it.
Oh and ice cream is good. And so is cheese. And you know what the japanese have figured out a way to bring those two wonderful things together. The ice cream brand Aya in japan has a wine and chese flavored ice cream and it is off the chain. Have a nice day. Enjoy.
Oh and ice cream is good. And so is cheese. And you know what the japanese have figured out a way to bring those two wonderful things together. The ice cream brand Aya in japan has a wine and chese flavored ice cream and it is off the chain. Have a nice day. Enjoy.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
More Corny Jokes
After the previous horrible riddle that we had at the Mathnasium the children realized how much I loved corny jokes and today they had a bunch to share with me and one girl even said that she found one particular very amusing. (I guess she is going to be a Mathematician). I told her I would put them on my blog so all my friends could enjoy them.
Anyway here are a few.
What did the filling say to the donut?
-It's jam packed in here!
Why is it dangerous to get your picture take?
-Because they shoot you!
What does the sun drink out of?
-Sun Glasses (get it, sunglasses! yeah I laughed 'til milk squirted out my nose too!)
and for the grand finale
What award did the Jolly Green Giant receive?
give up...the Nobel Peas Prize! HaHa! (Hold on a sec I have to wipe the tears of laughter from my eyes)...
Ok, but seriously I do love corny jokes so if you have any to share with me feel free to post them as comments on your blog or on my blog or on anybody's blog.
Anyway here are a few.
What did the filling say to the donut?
-It's jam packed in here!
Why is it dangerous to get your picture take?
-Because they shoot you!
What does the sun drink out of?
-Sun Glasses (get it, sunglasses! yeah I laughed 'til milk squirted out my nose too!)
and for the grand finale
What award did the Jolly Green Giant receive?
give up...the Nobel Peas Prize! HaHa! (Hold on a sec I have to wipe the tears of laughter from my eyes)...
Ok, but seriously I do love corny jokes so if you have any to share with me feel free to post them as comments on your blog or on my blog or on anybody's blog.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
The Winter of Tanika
Sorry it has been so long since my last post. I have recently had many-a-vister staying at my place. I felt like a regular "Holidae Inn" exept without Chingy and Snoop Dogg.
I had some good fun playing hostess to my friends visiting from both the east coast and Arizona. And even though so many people were out of town we still managed to have a large Christmas celebration at my place because so many people were visiting. I have now entered into my rest period and have taken some much needed time off to rest and recooperate. It must have been that wild crazy time I had in Vegas (sorry I can't tell anyone what I did, because as you know what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas), but I think I did something to my hip because it's been hurting me recently so I'm just gonna spend the next week takin' it easy.
Some high points of my visit with my friends Sandra and Stephen were taking them around to all the ethnic food places where I like to eat. They are both adventurous eaters and put themselves completely in my hands and we had some good times and some not so good times. Especially in the middle of the night. A high point from my visit with Tomma was not only introducing here to public transportation but introducing her to Los Angeles public transportation. She actually went to a wedding on the bus. I was very proud of her. The first time she took the bus it had a detour but she stuck with it got off at a different stop and still managed to catch the bus she needed to catch and get to her appointed place on time. She is a woman after my own heart. Between everyone it felt like I went to Santa Monica a million times. I also feel like I never want to see another tourist spot again. But we had a good time together and I hope they all enjoyed themselves as much as I did.
So as I look back over the previous year I have been assessing my life and misadventures. Trying to figure out somethings I want to change and somethings I would like to stay the same. I'm not one for making New Years' Resolutions because I hate spending January 2nd and 3rd feeling bad about myself. So I just pick something I would like to focus on and deal with as each year comes. I'm still trying to figure that out, but I'm not sure where to start there are some many things I want to do this year. Places I want to go (Scotland) and people I want to see (William H. Macy). Just kidding about the latter.
There are also quite a few things I want to change namely my job. That means no more Savongirl stories and my place of residence. Those are probably the most high priority for me right now. Sorry I'm not ambitious like most. Of course I'll try to eat right and exercise more, but I'm just gonna take it one day at a time. See were life takes me. If you have any new year's rezies you wanna share feel free to post and as always...enjoy.
I had some good fun playing hostess to my friends visiting from both the east coast and Arizona. And even though so many people were out of town we still managed to have a large Christmas celebration at my place because so many people were visiting. I have now entered into my rest period and have taken some much needed time off to rest and recooperate. It must have been that wild crazy time I had in Vegas (sorry I can't tell anyone what I did, because as you know what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas), but I think I did something to my hip because it's been hurting me recently so I'm just gonna spend the next week takin' it easy.
Some high points of my visit with my friends Sandra and Stephen were taking them around to all the ethnic food places where I like to eat. They are both adventurous eaters and put themselves completely in my hands and we had some good times and some not so good times. Especially in the middle of the night. A high point from my visit with Tomma was not only introducing here to public transportation but introducing her to Los Angeles public transportation. She actually went to a wedding on the bus. I was very proud of her. The first time she took the bus it had a detour but she stuck with it got off at a different stop and still managed to catch the bus she needed to catch and get to her appointed place on time. She is a woman after my own heart. Between everyone it felt like I went to Santa Monica a million times. I also feel like I never want to see another tourist spot again. But we had a good time together and I hope they all enjoyed themselves as much as I did.
So as I look back over the previous year I have been assessing my life and misadventures. Trying to figure out somethings I want to change and somethings I would like to stay the same. I'm not one for making New Years' Resolutions because I hate spending January 2nd and 3rd feeling bad about myself. So I just pick something I would like to focus on and deal with as each year comes. I'm still trying to figure that out, but I'm not sure where to start there are some many things I want to do this year. Places I want to go (Scotland) and people I want to see (William H. Macy). Just kidding about the latter.
There are also quite a few things I want to change namely my job. That means no more Savongirl stories and my place of residence. Those are probably the most high priority for me right now. Sorry I'm not ambitious like most. Of course I'll try to eat right and exercise more, but I'm just gonna take it one day at a time. See were life takes me. If you have any new year's rezies you wanna share feel free to post and as always...enjoy.
Friday, December 10, 2004
Who am I...I'm a Savonologist...
We tune in to find our superhero, Savon-girl, keeping peace, justice and order in the town of Savontopia. As she looks out on the town she sees shoppers franticly scurrying to finish their holiday season shopping. She has just finished saving a town member from one of her arch-villains Super-nasty Attitude Man. He though he could get the Preferred Card Savings without his card or phone number, when he found out he couldn't, he whipped out his nasty-attitude laser gun which he uses to belittle people and make them feel inferior. But Savon-girl defeated him with her high level of professionalism and courtesy. He left with a smile and his savings.
But little did Savon-girl know that evil was lurking just around the corner. The evil villains Sticky-Fingers Mcgee and Five-Finger Discount Fred had just broken out of prison and were looking for their next big score. They had heard about the little town of Savontopia and how it was filled with extra goodies just brought in for the holiday season for the delight of all the townspeople. As they skulked around the town figuring out the things they would take for themselves they spied Savon-girl and knew that they would have to come up with an evil scheme to get the loot past her. So they plotted and planned and late one night as Savon-girl was keeping watch they came to Savontopia to execute their evil scheme. Sticky-Fingers and Five-Finger filled a basket with all the delights of Savontopia and took them to Savon-girl saying they would like to buy these wonderful presents for their family. When Savon-girl asked for payment. Sticky-Fingers pulls out a credit card with an sinister smile on his face. Savon-girl immediately realizes this card is stolen so she tells Five-Finger to stay where he is she needs to call the mayor to verify the transaction as it is larger than usual. While her back is turned Five-Finger takes the cart full of goodies and runs past the elderly night patroller who watches the borders of the town. When she turns back she notices only Sticky-Fingers is there and Five-Finger is no where to be found. The mayor comes running up in his flapping robe and pajamas wiping the sleep from his eyes. And Savon-girl says quick Five-Finger is getting away. Sticky-Fingers says I'll go call him back. As they all rush out to the edge of town Sticky-Fingers makes a break to the left and they see him hop into a car with Five-Finger. The villains had used their evil cunning to get over on Savon-girl...luckily they got a license plate number which they take to the police chief to run through the system...
Do Sticky-Fingers and Five-Finger get brought to justice, will the people of Savontopia ever feel safe again, does the mayor ever find his missing slipper? Stay tuned for more adventures of Savon-girl.
I hoped you enjoyed the adventures of Savon-girl her stories are based on true events. The names were changed to protect the innocent and not so guilty. As always enjoy.
But little did Savon-girl know that evil was lurking just around the corner. The evil villains Sticky-Fingers Mcgee and Five-Finger Discount Fred had just broken out of prison and were looking for their next big score. They had heard about the little town of Savontopia and how it was filled with extra goodies just brought in for the holiday season for the delight of all the townspeople. As they skulked around the town figuring out the things they would take for themselves they spied Savon-girl and knew that they would have to come up with an evil scheme to get the loot past her. So they plotted and planned and late one night as Savon-girl was keeping watch they came to Savontopia to execute their evil scheme. Sticky-Fingers and Five-Finger filled a basket with all the delights of Savontopia and took them to Savon-girl saying they would like to buy these wonderful presents for their family. When Savon-girl asked for payment. Sticky-Fingers pulls out a credit card with an sinister smile on his face. Savon-girl immediately realizes this card is stolen so she tells Five-Finger to stay where he is she needs to call the mayor to verify the transaction as it is larger than usual. While her back is turned Five-Finger takes the cart full of goodies and runs past the elderly night patroller who watches the borders of the town. When she turns back she notices only Sticky-Fingers is there and Five-Finger is no where to be found. The mayor comes running up in his flapping robe and pajamas wiping the sleep from his eyes. And Savon-girl says quick Five-Finger is getting away. Sticky-Fingers says I'll go call him back. As they all rush out to the edge of town Sticky-Fingers makes a break to the left and they see him hop into a car with Five-Finger. The villains had used their evil cunning to get over on Savon-girl...luckily they got a license plate number which they take to the police chief to run through the system...
Do Sticky-Fingers and Five-Finger get brought to justice, will the people of Savontopia ever feel safe again, does the mayor ever find his missing slipper? Stay tuned for more adventures of Savon-girl.
I hoped you enjoyed the adventures of Savon-girl her stories are based on true events. The names were changed to protect the innocent and not so guilty. As always enjoy.
It all finally makes sense...
I just finish reading a blog my friend Lauren posted about her fascination with a Star Trek: The Next Generation Star, Wil Wheaton. She went further to outline her other geek crushes which I thought was very brave and it has helped me to realize something. Girls like geeks.
Every since I was a little girl I have always had geek crushes. It's what started that whole nerd equation and the verification of the coefficients of said equation, for those of you who were involved in that. For those of you who know me, the geekier the better. After reading lauren's blog I realized that other girls are into geeks too. That's why you see a geek guy with a non-geek girl and you are wondering, "How did he end up with her?" It's the geek factor. One of the funny things that seems to happen to me quite frequently as some of you know is that I will have a crush on a guy, who even by his own standards realizes he is a geek/nerd whatever. Then I will find out two or more girls have a crush on the same guy. The whole time the guy will be completely oblivious to the fact that he is a serious lady magnet. But now it doesn't seem so strange. See fellas there is hope for everyone. I just wish it worked in reverse. No guy out there is going man I'm looking for a really geeky girl. If only she enjoyed large systems of non-linear equations, enjoys geeky/corny jokes, and would prefer to read to pretty much anything else. If there are some guys like that out there just let me know, we can have a relationship made in geekdom. Anyway that's all I have to say about that. As always enjoy.
Every since I was a little girl I have always had geek crushes. It's what started that whole nerd equation and the verification of the coefficients of said equation, for those of you who were involved in that. For those of you who know me, the geekier the better. After reading lauren's blog I realized that other girls are into geeks too. That's why you see a geek guy with a non-geek girl and you are wondering, "How did he end up with her?" It's the geek factor. One of the funny things that seems to happen to me quite frequently as some of you know is that I will have a crush on a guy, who even by his own standards realizes he is a geek/nerd whatever. Then I will find out two or more girls have a crush on the same guy. The whole time the guy will be completely oblivious to the fact that he is a serious lady magnet. But now it doesn't seem so strange. See fellas there is hope for everyone. I just wish it worked in reverse. No guy out there is going man I'm looking for a really geeky girl. If only she enjoyed large systems of non-linear equations, enjoys geeky/corny jokes, and would prefer to read to pretty much anything else. If there are some guys like that out there just let me know, we can have a relationship made in geekdom. Anyway that's all I have to say about that. As always enjoy.
Thursday, December 09, 2004
I've been dreaming...
I was talking to my good friend Lauren today about a bizarre dream she had last night and it got me thinking again about a subject that has been floating around the back of my brain as of late. She said that in general she usually doesn't remember her dreams. But that the times where she does remember them it is because she has thought about them during the day.
I've been asking some of my friends recently do they remember their dreams and the resounding answer seems to be no. This seems very odd to me because I usually remember at least part of my dream vividly the next day and usually for a long time after. Even if I get a good long nap I'll remember the dream that I had then to. I generally have dreams that are so complex and complicated that when I start to share them people look at me really weird. I can't help it if I'm the only one who is able to reactivate the national security defense system. Is it my fault that I was sent into France to infiltrate the Russian spy network that was trying to destroy the European economy. I thought not. So I took it to the internet (the ultimate source of truth to see what they had to say about remembering dreams. I found one interesting link http://mentalhealth.about.com/cs/mindandbody/a/dreamcreate.htm. Which made me kinda happy because maybe I'm more creative than I thought.
I guess in my family we talk about our dreams a lot more than other people do. To get a little more unconventional than I have been, in my family especially my mom, we write down our dreams especially ones we think have some deeper significance. My mom has a dream book where she writes these down and sometimes she tells people about them. The weird part is when these dreams actually happen. My mom has weirded out a lot of her friends since sometimes it has taken months or years since she had the dream for them to happen. She will show them her book at the time and then remind them about when she told them when it happens. This has happened with me as well where I will dream something and then feel the need to tell someone about it. And then at some later time it will happen. Not exactly like my dream, but close enough to weird out my friends.
I've always wondered how this happens. My mom's explanation is that sometimes God will tell you things through your dreams that are meant for you to tell other people. I've always thought that (and this may sound a little new agey) people on some level are connected with each other, whether supernaturally or on some higher level of consciousness. And that some people are more "in tune" with this level of consciousness. And no I'm not talking about "The Force". Although I do love Star Wars. I learned how to read tarot cards a couple of years ago and for some reason I'm really good at it. Some people were asking me if I was psychic which I am not. But it made me think that maybe some people practice being more aware of what's going on with people in more non-verbal ways, which I like to do. I think maybe that could explain the dream thing too. Maybe it's something completely different from either what I think or what my mom thinks I don't know. Feel free to share your thoughts and as always, enjoy.
I've been asking some of my friends recently do they remember their dreams and the resounding answer seems to be no. This seems very odd to me because I usually remember at least part of my dream vividly the next day and usually for a long time after. Even if I get a good long nap I'll remember the dream that I had then to. I generally have dreams that are so complex and complicated that when I start to share them people look at me really weird. I can't help it if I'm the only one who is able to reactivate the national security defense system. Is it my fault that I was sent into France to infiltrate the Russian spy network that was trying to destroy the European economy. I thought not. So I took it to the internet (the ultimate source of truth to see what they had to say about remembering dreams. I found one interesting link http://mentalhealth.about.com/cs/mindandbody/a/dreamcreate.htm. Which made me kinda happy because maybe I'm more creative than I thought.
I guess in my family we talk about our dreams a lot more than other people do. To get a little more unconventional than I have been, in my family especially my mom, we write down our dreams especially ones we think have some deeper significance. My mom has a dream book where she writes these down and sometimes she tells people about them. The weird part is when these dreams actually happen. My mom has weirded out a lot of her friends since sometimes it has taken months or years since she had the dream for them to happen. She will show them her book at the time and then remind them about when she told them when it happens. This has happened with me as well where I will dream something and then feel the need to tell someone about it. And then at some later time it will happen. Not exactly like my dream, but close enough to weird out my friends.
I've always wondered how this happens. My mom's explanation is that sometimes God will tell you things through your dreams that are meant for you to tell other people. I've always thought that (and this may sound a little new agey) people on some level are connected with each other, whether supernaturally or on some higher level of consciousness. And that some people are more "in tune" with this level of consciousness. And no I'm not talking about "The Force". Although I do love Star Wars. I learned how to read tarot cards a couple of years ago and for some reason I'm really good at it. Some people were asking me if I was psychic which I am not. But it made me think that maybe some people practice being more aware of what's going on with people in more non-verbal ways, which I like to do. I think maybe that could explain the dream thing too. Maybe it's something completely different from either what I think or what my mom thinks I don't know. Feel free to share your thoughts and as always, enjoy.
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Random Thoughts by T.T. Evans
As some people know I enjoy observing human behavior and the interactions that exist between individuals and groups. I also love making projects out of these observations and using my friends as unknowing test subjects. As a budding sociologist I feel it is my duty to record/analyze the follies...ooops! I meant activities of my fellow man for the betterment of society.
I have been observing some very interesting behavior in my friends and associates of late. For those of you who know me well that means it's experiment time. As I continue to formulate a more concrete hypothesis I will keep you posted. And there will be graphs! If you would care to know the subject of this experiment you will immediately be excluded from the project and will be required to sign a non-disclosure form. As always have a good day and enjoy.
I have been observing some very interesting behavior in my friends and associates of late. For those of you who know me well that means it's experiment time. As I continue to formulate a more concrete hypothesis I will keep you posted. And there will be graphs! If you would care to know the subject of this experiment you will immediately be excluded from the project and will be required to sign a non-disclosure form. As always have a good day and enjoy.
Friday, December 03, 2004
With a little help from my friends
As most people know I'm an avid lover of the corny joke. I prefer to leave the sophisticated anecdote to the intellectuals. Give me something simple like:
What did one sick casket say to the other sick casket?
-Is that you, coffin?
and I'll laugh for hours. As a matter of fact I'm chuckling right now. However sometimes it takes me a little longer to get jokes than it does other people. A friend of mine once said I'm on a 5 second joke delay. A joke is told and everyone laughs, about 5 seconds later I get it and start laughing. One time it took me 6 months and randomly in the middle of work I started laughing at a joke. I know I need help.
Well anyhoo, the other day I was working at the Mathnasium and I was helping a girl do her homework. In the process of completing the homework we would use the correct answers to eliminate letters at the bottom of the page. The remaining letters would be used to form the punchline of a joke. It went like this...What is the difference between a cheap hamburger and a pulled tooth? After repeated checkings to make sure we had eliminate the correct letters the ones we ended up with in this order were: oneistoo. Now it seems to me that that looks like: One is too. But if that's the case then I don't get it. What does it mean? I asked my fellow mathnasium coworkers and we were all stumped. If there is anyone out there who can help me , please help. I stayed awake late last night thinking about this question to no avail. So if someone could explain:
Joke recap:
What is the difference between a cheap hamburger and a pulled tooth?
One is too.
As always have a good day and enjoy. (Still not laughing yet)
What did one sick casket say to the other sick casket?
-Is that you, coffin?
and I'll laugh for hours. As a matter of fact I'm chuckling right now. However sometimes it takes me a little longer to get jokes than it does other people. A friend of mine once said I'm on a 5 second joke delay. A joke is told and everyone laughs, about 5 seconds later I get it and start laughing. One time it took me 6 months and randomly in the middle of work I started laughing at a joke. I know I need help.
Well anyhoo, the other day I was working at the Mathnasium and I was helping a girl do her homework. In the process of completing the homework we would use the correct answers to eliminate letters at the bottom of the page. The remaining letters would be used to form the punchline of a joke. It went like this...What is the difference between a cheap hamburger and a pulled tooth? After repeated checkings to make sure we had eliminate the correct letters the ones we ended up with in this order were: oneistoo. Now it seems to me that that looks like: One is too. But if that's the case then I don't get it. What does it mean? I asked my fellow mathnasium coworkers and we were all stumped. If there is anyone out there who can help me , please help. I stayed awake late last night thinking about this question to no avail. So if someone could explain:
Joke recap:
What is the difference between a cheap hamburger and a pulled tooth?
One is too.
As always have a good day and enjoy. (Still not laughing yet)
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Noh thigh selph...
I was hanging out yesterday with my favorite Los Angeles family the Raceks and having good times and hijinks with their 3 wonderful children and Joe's mom. While in the kitchen talking with Lisa and Joe's mom we got around to the inevitable subject of myself and the man in my life (or the lack thereof).
It was funny because Joe's mom was telling me that she was thinking about me on the plane on her way over here wondering if I had finally got something going with some guy out here in L.A. and when I told her no, her face seemed so crestfallen that I was highly tempted to make something up in my attempt to give her something to go away with on her trip home. As we were talking we kinda got into some more personal subjects which can have a tendency to turn into "True Confessions" time. In the process I revealed a secret that I thought I had kept fairly hidden. Lisa said, "Tanika do you realize that is the first time you ever said that out loud" I said "What do you mean, you knew?" She was like of course I knew it was completely obvious I was just waiting for you to say something. It was then that I remembered talking to Lauren while she was here and I felt like I was revealing something deep about my character to her and she was like "Yeah Tanika I knew that already."
When I got home last night I started thinking about this and remembered something that JR said a couple of months ago. How we as people really want to be known. But we spend all this time hiding our real selves in order to keep people knowing things we feel are our problems or major flaws so that we won't be as vunerable. But when we finally do decide to open up we realize that the people we are close to already know those things about us and still love us anyway...I guess it took all this time for me to realize that no matter how hard I try to hide it my friends know the real me. They may not know all the messy details, but they know what I'm like and they still love me. The truth is the only person I'm really hiding from is myself. Trying to act like the things that I don't like about me, my flaws, and my issues don't exist. But when I open myself up and make myself vunerable that allows the people who already love me help me to deal with those things and not let them undermine my life. It's kinda funny that it took a really goofy conversation to show me that. Well anyway as always have a good day and...enjoy.
It was funny because Joe's mom was telling me that she was thinking about me on the plane on her way over here wondering if I had finally got something going with some guy out here in L.A. and when I told her no, her face seemed so crestfallen that I was highly tempted to make something up in my attempt to give her something to go away with on her trip home. As we were talking we kinda got into some more personal subjects which can have a tendency to turn into "True Confessions" time. In the process I revealed a secret that I thought I had kept fairly hidden. Lisa said, "Tanika do you realize that is the first time you ever said that out loud" I said "What do you mean, you knew?" She was like of course I knew it was completely obvious I was just waiting for you to say something. It was then that I remembered talking to Lauren while she was here and I felt like I was revealing something deep about my character to her and she was like "Yeah Tanika I knew that already."
When I got home last night I started thinking about this and remembered something that JR said a couple of months ago. How we as people really want to be known. But we spend all this time hiding our real selves in order to keep people knowing things we feel are our problems or major flaws so that we won't be as vunerable. But when we finally do decide to open up we realize that the people we are close to already know those things about us and still love us anyway...I guess it took all this time for me to realize that no matter how hard I try to hide it my friends know the real me. They may not know all the messy details, but they know what I'm like and they still love me. The truth is the only person I'm really hiding from is myself. Trying to act like the things that I don't like about me, my flaws, and my issues don't exist. But when I open myself up and make myself vunerable that allows the people who already love me help me to deal with those things and not let them undermine my life. It's kinda funny that it took a really goofy conversation to show me that. Well anyway as always have a good day and...enjoy.
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