tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-286718302024-03-06T20:46:53.894-08:00somewhere i have never travelledBringing it all together.Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.comBlogger1047125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-28951146896499144282010-05-23T12:26:00.000-07:002010-05-23T12:28:02.005-07:00Just a reminder, I've moved!If you haven't yet, please update your reader to:<div><br /></div><div>http://nevertravelled.wordpress.com</div><div><br /></div><div>See ya'll over there!</div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-51754191589636987082010-04-20T12:08:00.000-07:002010-05-02T10:11:50.206-07:00Moving! (new blog address)Well, just the blog. <div><br /></div><div>Decided to try WordPress:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://nevertravelled.wordpress.com/">http://nevertravelled.wordpress.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's really, really boring and ugly right now because I am still figuring it out. This blog will remain active, but please update your links/feeds to my new blog since I'll be posting over there now!</div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-26986881248979005572010-04-19T19:26:00.001-07:002010-04-19T19:44:23.856-07:00Vacation Day Two<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZAkxPgCffL002cKIA2ratgnd7yEcuejPdYmBltQ5_d1HI_wuoQP-0vuS-Pzp_rOi3vxybRXRkcKZ-V1EdxQ-DoVMGE_smKO42k99Y60DSPlQ3NX37m2YmRoldXEsaGLoJmiF/s1600/20100318_SOAR+Open+House_0103.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZAkxPgCffL002cKIA2ratgnd7yEcuejPdYmBltQ5_d1HI_wuoQP-0vuS-Pzp_rOi3vxybRXRkcKZ-V1EdxQ-DoVMGE_smKO42k99Y60DSPlQ3NX37m2YmRoldXEsaGLoJmiF/s400/20100318_SOAR+Open+House_0103.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462040483050671282" /></a>Well, I didn't perform at the Condor today, but I was topless and bottomless (albeit wrapped in a towel and covered in comfy soft blankies) for a lovely facial today. :)<div><ul><li>Woke up at 8:30 and headed out to Berkeley Bowl for provisions. I'm on vacation, but we've still got to eat, right? </li><li>Got home and lounged around, had coffee, read blogs (am sadly behind on all blog reading...)</li><li>Headed around the corner to the day spa (so nice that it's literally around the corner from my house) and had a very nice facial, and a manicure and pedicure. The facial I loved. I've only had maybe two facials before, but I think I'm going to get one each season (4x/year is reasonable, right?). My skin feels great and it was genuinely relaxing. The manicure I can do without. Frankly I don't care that much about my nails, which are short and unpolished (for some reason polish does not stay on my fingernails for more than a day, no matter what). I like the results of the pedicure but I always feel incredibly awkward being in the high chair with someone kneeling in front of me, pampering my feet. I just have a hard time relaxing. Although it was better today; the nail tech was very sweet and genuinely kind, so that helped. Still, I think next time I will just go for the facial. </li><li>Came home and Terri made brownies for me. Thanks, sweetie!</li><li>Went for a walk with my friend even though I really didn't want to. We went through the local rose garden park, which was lovely. I would have rather strolled through, taking time to smell the roses (literally), but we power-walked around the park twice (with me only stopping a *few* times...). I actually really enjoy exercising but lately I have just not been in the mood. I think I'd rather take a long slow hike with my camera than power-walk. </li><li>Am now home, where I am going to take a shower to clean all the facial gunk out of my hair, and have roasted potatoes and asparagus for dinner, and watch Buffy.</li></ul><div>Tomorrow it's supposed to thunderstorm and be cold and rainy. I think we are going to stay in bed all day and watch spooky movies. Includes:<i> The Orphanage, Let The Right One In, The Entity</i> and possibly<i> The Innocents</i> (based on <i>Turn of the Screw</i>). I haven't been able to read much, even though I'm really enjoying <i>Carry On, Jeeves</i>. I'm feeling incredibly overstimulated by everything, and can barely watch movies. My attention span just can't seem to handle a book. I'm hoping to feel better in the next day or two.</div><div><br /></div><div>Doesn't help that we heard today from the SSDI department that it could take as long as<b> six months </b>to get a decision (we are hoping there was some sort of misunderstanding, since originally we were told a week to 90 days), nor that Terri's doctor is recommending an out-of-the-country treatment which would cost <b>$20,000.</b> I don't know if that covers travel costs or what. You know what that means! Bake Sale of the Century! (do you think I could raise $20,000 by selling home baked brownies?)</div></div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-56137659879995757282010-04-19T08:43:00.001-07:002010-04-19T08:49:03.899-07:00Vacation Day One<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUrp5C9yBvEFOAZ_2pqmqwfAT05qCkTLJLO640cFYOF5Y__w8qixBLyiRf7GpmxNDODLUn6HnwvtzY_usHh3Ko6A3RrAK8guxg3OSzPpfL7TGz7aT_JmrNTUmtHPFXxeAORi9/s1600/20100408_SOAR+Open+House_0069.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUrp5C9yBvEFOAZ_2pqmqwfAT05qCkTLJLO640cFYOF5Y__w8qixBLyiRf7GpmxNDODLUn6HnwvtzY_usHh3Ko6A3RrAK8guxg3OSzPpfL7TGz7aT_JmrNTUmtHPFXxeAORi9/s400/20100408_SOAR+Open+House_0069.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461874845292539138" /></a>Ahhh. Vacation.<br /><br />Since I had to be busy all day up until 1 AM on Saturday, I didn't consider my vacation started until Sunday. So. Yesterday, I:<div><ul><li>Slept in until 10 (which was still only 8 hours since I went to bed at 2)</li><li>Had too much coffee</li><li>Read the paper</li><li>Half-watched a couple Lifetime movies</li><li>Went out with Terri to the garden center and got some plants for the porch, including a hanging strawberry plant, which I'm very excited about</li><li>Planted all the plants (which was maybe 3-4)</li><li>Did quickie sand/refinish to a small table I'm going to use for my jewelry (found at garage sale)</li><li>Made two more fancy necklaces for myself while watching another Lifetime movie</li><li>Made roasted new potatoes and asparagus for dinner</li><li>Watched a couple episodes of Buffy and then something on PBS about cemeteries</li></ul><div>I don't usually like Lifetime movies but they were kind of perfect yesterday. It was a gorgeous day, almost too warm, but so nice.<br /><br />Today I am going to have a facial and mani/pedi at the day spa around the corner from our house. And then come home and fall back into bed for a nap. Ahh.</div></div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-77177810238657144202010-04-17T10:35:00.000-07:002010-04-17T10:48:06.582-07:003/4 of a day to go... (plus, the painting)<div>A terrible photo of my latest painting, my first real foray into abstract, wherein I have no idea what I'm doing but just messed around. Am still not sure what I think. Anyway. Here it is. A decent first attempt, perhaps. (or not). I go between thinking it's okay and hating it. Oh well.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMH4jA6mD_MPw3u57XXBFczpeRx0CpwDKFe8KTUOWjh5AnO-0r14g-0Bx5_iX2fHiq2-E_Y7llZSGK7WjhhRnnJQaqIkf7ljocVFwkH8ZbQd3R5aRkr6YBWrkJy-jAnWlVFMsj/s1600/20100404_SOAR+Open+House_0075.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMH4jA6mD_MPw3u57XXBFczpeRx0CpwDKFe8KTUOWjh5AnO-0r14g-0Bx5_iX2fHiq2-E_Y7llZSGK7WjhhRnnJQaqIkf7ljocVFwkH8ZbQd3R5aRkr6YBWrkJy-jAnWlVFMsj/s400/20100404_SOAR+Open+House_0075.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461161743207249938" /></a>Tomorrow starts my week's vacation. No babysitting, petsitting, graphic design or day job, and no worrying or thinking about any of those things either. I can't WAIT. Today, I am still doing two of those four jobs, so it's not exactly a vacation <i>yet.</i><br /><br />Giant list of stuff I intend to do over the next week or so:<div><ul><li>Finish the companion painting to the one above</li><li>Study abstract art (I got a ton of library books on the subject as review)</li><li>Go to at least one museum or art gallery</li><li>Go to day spa around the corner for facial and mani/pedi</li><li>Have mid-30s makeover at fancy makeup store (I figure this is a good idea once a decade or so)</li><li>A few chores: wash all bedding, sort closet, etc.</li><li>Watch a bunch of movies</li><li>Work on my cross stitch project</li><li>Finish current TBR stack</li><li>Go to the city for T. medical test and hopefully a bit of city fun</li><li>Maybe a springtime hike in the hills</li><li>Oh yeah, and rest a bunch too</li></ul><div>Who knows what I'll manage to do off that list, but mostly I intend to catch up on rest and really do a lot of soul-nourishing stuff so I feel actually rejuvenated. We were *hoping* to have our good news by now so we could celebrate, but alas. Still, can enjoy ourselves in any case. </div></div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-81061469960952804012010-04-16T10:54:00.001-07:002010-04-16T10:55:45.882-07:00flowers make it better<div>I was in charge of purchasing and arranging flowers for a work-related event on Wednesday. So pretty. I think I need to go back to the flower market and get armfuls of lilacs for next week's vacation.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShdli72sHIULbFsX7UTywv8FTTX1a61PwjzvcAg2zIZQW-fAUQtBv02QZGcIxb7r2QcWwDUXZFL7a-eXqL0UiBIVOI3Pl8hTppimGiNEWDLkxP57hqeIOLyK9gQXS0d2lyYMO/s1600/open+house+flowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShdli72sHIULbFsX7UTywv8FTTX1a61PwjzvcAg2zIZQW-fAUQtBv02QZGcIxb7r2QcWwDUXZFL7a-eXqL0UiBIVOI3Pl8hTppimGiNEWDLkxP57hqeIOLyK9gQXS0d2lyYMO/s400/open+house+flowers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460795313880862290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZ_eFV_pUxsl_qT5NCUCOKvPJNtSyEdU-fzpu7lncb-TWSCn2qJtHiQ8JXHwou4lDn42ZIzhwDZBssIXmNCPb24F-blGbtO90J4z6Cd-YxWLH570lcvmVTqTcdcv998RlahzD/s1600/open+house+flowers+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZ_eFV_pUxsl_qT5NCUCOKvPJNtSyEdU-fzpu7lncb-TWSCn2qJtHiQ8JXHwou4lDn42ZIzhwDZBssIXmNCPb24F-blGbtO90J4z6Cd-YxWLH570lcvmVTqTcdcv998RlahzD/s400/open+house+flowers+3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460795305066493058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63HWRR273o48zxs3VmTkHvvb0Ks1UEr5EeHiVqaXF-KJK7Q7GilzDposp5oEg19twOh9twSSBVQSLgxEye_xTmZbSV5ZTjI0Y6h6YTghIrqDTL5CPsvc1Ad99w8OxJFtsDv5e/s1600/open+house+flowers+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63HWRR273o48zxs3VmTkHvvb0Ks1UEr5EeHiVqaXF-KJK7Q7GilzDposp5oEg19twOh9twSSBVQSLgxEye_xTmZbSV5ZTjI0Y6h6YTghIrqDTL5CPsvc1Ad99w8OxJFtsDv5e/s400/open+house+flowers+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460795298647076322" /></a>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-83125323249661529742010-04-16T09:14:00.000-07:002010-04-16T09:21:40.766-07:00small ranty post so I can get on with my day<b>Point #1:</b> receiving a grumpy email first thing in the morning does not set a good tone for the day. If you see an email in your inbox and suspect it might be grump-inducing, save it for later. I'm just sayin'. <div><br /></div><div><b>Point #2: </b>These generic Facebook posts about Day of Prayer and Christmas Trees and Healthcare and all that stuff drive me crazy. They are all about getting people riled up, based on untruths, and never serve any purpose except to make people all righteous and uppity. What strikes me as ironic and also detrimental is that there are never any posts about, say, the awesomeness that is the separation of church and state, or the fact that anyone can have a Christmas tree and call it a Holiday Tree or Solstice Tree or anything they damn well please, because, hello, it's a FREE COUNTRY. That is what it means = you can say Happy Holidays if you don't celebrate Christmas. You can have an freaking St. Patty's Tree if you want. So why no Facebook posts saying, "I'm thrilled that my country holds millions of points of view and that we all get to learn from one another and increase our tolerance for "otherness"? This stuff drives me crazy. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Point #3:</b> I am going on vacation on Sunday and apparently I need it, badly. Tears, anger, upset tummy, etc. All indications that perhaps a break is needed. One that includes a massage and a makeover and a trip to the museum and delicious smoothies and naps. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yep, that's about the size of it. </div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-26016430918829247122010-04-15T18:00:00.000-07:002010-04-15T18:00:00.280-07:00Stress Eating a la NY Magazine<div>(delicious latte from downtown Oakland... love the little heart on top!)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuwN9uf4CdV_hmYfO9UhsuOYqtHSFD8mH0ejZJNp_ykX3LfLHz2mE3ilqm2bk_vBufIXHZYBHy_dXYJzc0dhvGFv0serWlNcR2Tz577khUWGsLLON4uw_TW0Tz-2S9tyRfJla/s1600/20100414_SOAR+Open+House_0005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuwN9uf4CdV_hmYfO9UhsuOYqtHSFD8mH0ejZJNp_ykX3LfLHz2mE3ilqm2bk_vBufIXHZYBHy_dXYJzc0dhvGFv0serWlNcR2Tz577khUWGsLLON4uw_TW0Tz-2S9tyRfJla/s400/20100414_SOAR+Open+House_0005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460439176893404146" /></a><br /><div>Does anyone else love to read that NY Magazine feature about what people eat during the week?</div><div><br /></div><div>Like <b><a href="http://newyork.grubstreet.com/2007/03/model_missy_rayder_drinks_garl_1.html">this one</a></b>, or <b><a href="http://newyork.grubstreet.com/2010/03/supermodel_alessandra_ambrosio.html">this one</a></b>. They interview all kinds of people; I just happened to find two models, but it's not just about what models (don't) eat. I'm just fascinated by what people eat every day. I'm not talking about calories in and calories burned, I'm just talking about what people choose to eat every day. It's so interesting<br /><br />I did a little experiment to see what I ate in the days leading up to the hearing. I was stressed, tired, wiped out and needed comfort food. This is about as bad as my eating gets. I can tolerate this sort of diet for about a week and then I start craving vegetables (see: the last dinner entry). I wrote down everything that I ate for a few days, but, same as the article, did not write down exact quantities. Also, a few notes here and there about what I was eating. I refuse to calculate calories or to judge myself: crappy times call for crappy food (sometimes). </div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Friday, April 9, 2010</b></p> <ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Coffee + no-sugar-added hot chocolate mix (faux mocha)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Peppermint tea (plain, to combat tummy upset from coffee)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">2 small granola bars</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Taro bun (taro-stuffed sweet bun, brought in by sweet co-worker)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">handful cocoa-covered almonds (were in the office kitchen, and were delicious)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><i>Amy’s</i> frozen beans-and-rice burrito</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Small cup of coffee with cream</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Small bag of potato chips</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Giant salad (romaine, corn-onion mix, tomato, avocado, cilantro) (this was really good)</li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b> Saturday, April 10, 2010</b></o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list .5in">Pop-tart (1) (we don't usually have Pop-Tarts and so forth in the house, but Terri has had a hard time eating much of anything, so we've been going for easy-to-eat high-calorie foods. Unfortunately, for me, they are very easy to grab in the morning.)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list .5in">Granola and unflavored (plain) lowfat yogurt</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list .5in">Corn nuts (um, a lot of corn nuts. way too many corn nuts)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list .5in">Tortilla and very light cheese sprinkling, melted in micro (babysitting food)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list .5in">Couple bites BBQ chicken (don't usually eat chicken, but I sampled what the kids were eating. Two bites was enough for me)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list .5in">Zero-cal flavored sparkling water (black raspberry)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list .5in">Bowl of Weetabix cereal w/So Delicious (nondairy coconut “milk”) (got home and was starving)</li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b> Sunday, April 11, 2010</b></o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3;tab-stops:list .5in">Pop-tart (the other one from the pack I opened the day before)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3;tab-stops:list .5in">Coffee with evap. milk (I've been using evaporated milk rather than cream. Cheaper, lowfat, and tastes good)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3;tab-stops:list .5in">Granola and plain yogurt</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3;tab-stops:list .5in">Salad with romaine, tomato, avocado, cilantro</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3;tab-stops:list .5in">Small handful Panda raspberry licorice</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3;tab-stops:list .5in">Pop-tarts (succumbed to the cherry poptarts again in the afternoon. We really have to get these out of the house)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3;tab-stops:list .5in">Pizza (I decided to take the easy road and ordered pizza. Got roasted red pepper and garlic. Was delicious)</li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b> Monday, April 12, 2010</b></o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4;tab-stops:list .5in">Pizza for breakfast (slice) (Terri can't eat pizza right now so it was up to me to finish it all)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4;tab-stops:list .5in">Pizza for lunch (slice) (by now I am really sick of pizza)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4;tab-stops:list .5in">Coffee with evap milk</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4;tab-stops:list .5in">2 pc chocolate</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4;tab-stops:list .5in">Last piece of pizza (thank god) (felt crappy by this time)</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4;tab-stops:list .5in">More Weetabix, with soymilk</li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b> Tuesday, April 13, 2010 (Morning of the hearing, didn't eat until we got home at 10 am)</b></o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5;tab-stops:list .5in">Piece cranberry-orange bread (Terri's sister made this. It was amazing)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5;tab-stops:list .5in">Small piece poundcake (she also brought a ton of other goodies, so I had to sample some)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5;tab-stops:list .5in">Tea (plain)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5;tab-stops:list .5in">Chocolate chip cookie (also from her sister... dang you, Liz!!)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5;tab-stops:list .5in">Gigantic plate of steamed broccoli, carrots, Jasmine rice (I could not take any more sugar, flour, or processed food by this point. This plate of vegetables and rice tasted AMAZING!!)</li></ul><div><b>Thoughts from the experiment:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I know that this is a fairly skewed towards a highly-processed diet, which we usually do not eat. However, in times of great stress and exhaustion, apparently I am as susceptible as anyone to the easy and yummy, if sorta crappy. I also found that after eating all the dreck, I felt terrible and now just want to eat vegetables 24/7 for the next month.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>High points</b>: mmm, the salads were delicious. Need more of those. So yummy.<br /><br /><b>Low points:</b> corn nuts and pop-tarts? you know it's bad when...</div><div><br /></div><div>Onward to happy fresh spring eating and good news from the judge (crossing fingers!)</div></div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-5213262864474763952010-04-14T20:20:00.000-07:002010-04-14T20:56:30.664-07:00Book: Witches Abroad<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiZ3xkfG7QJPFQuZzGdAB3VkDca11CdppDbZc9XxD3WfDGtFtxUMcI_le8NqydVjnxUb0Zl-Z_Xdq0dl5ekopSbCLWM4OQ9tsB8WLMClN5R34PvyS9599T24pq4ev4p9bxj9J/s1600/witches-abroad-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiZ3xkfG7QJPFQuZzGdAB3VkDca11CdppDbZc9XxD3WfDGtFtxUMcI_le8NqydVjnxUb0Zl-Z_Xdq0dl5ekopSbCLWM4OQ9tsB8WLMClN5R34PvyS9599T24pq4ev4p9bxj9J/s200/witches-abroad-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460200843223780898" /></a>This is my first Terry Pratchett book (well, Terry Pratchett alone; I did read <i>Good Omens,</i> by him and Neil Gaiman). I knew a couple of things going into it: it was going to be funny, it was going to be fantasy, and that everyone adores Terry Pratchett. So how could it go wrong?<div><br /></div><div>Well... it didn't!</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a super-fun romp through Discworld, with witches Granny Weatherwax, Magrat Garlicke, and Nanny Ogg. When Magrat discovers that she is, in fact, a fairy godmother; and what's more, a fairy godmother with a mission to help fair Ella in far off Genua, the other two (slightly meddlesome, as of course the best witches would be) accompany her.<br /><br />The witches must travel across Discworld. None of them have traveled much before, so they are constantly adjusting to 'foreigners.' Along the way, they fall in and out of various well-known stories. Gollum makes an appearance, as does Red Riding Hood, the wolf, Dracula, etc. They finally reach Genua (obviously modeled after New Orleans... with a bit of The Frog Prince and Cinderella thrown in for good measure) and must help Emberella ("Ella" or "Ember"), who does NOT wish to marry the prince. Unfortunately, she has TWO fairy godmothers: the good one, and the bad one. But which witch is which?<br /><br />The only thing about this book is that I didn't immediately catch on that the whole thing was essentially parody after parody after parody, so at first I was like, "What is <i>Gollum</i> doing here?" The other thing is that sometimes this sort of humor, similar to Douglas Adams books or even Mel Brooks movies, sometimes doesn't really work for me. I don't know why... I have to be in just the right mood for this kind of playful absurdity.<br /><br />I started off <i>not </i>in the right mood and so was unsure if the book was going to work for me, but by the time I finished the book, it was exactly what I needed. Silly and smart and playful and pun-y and joke after joke after joke. I was feeling so stressed and anxious that I really needed this sort of lighthearted, goodnatured fun. </div><div><br /></div><div>So I ended up loving it.<br /><br />With great relief.<br /><br />After all, I have heard so many amazing things about Terry Pratchett and I didn't want to be the only one in the world not to "get" it! So, with a deep sigh of relief, I now include the amazing Terry Pratchett in my list of "Authors To Turn To In Times Of Need!" I am excited to read more Discworld novels. </div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-43925806310522264332010-04-13T11:14:00.000-07:002010-04-13T11:15:50.882-07:00...and the verdict is......not in yet. Sigh. But, the thing is DONE!<br /><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div>The lawyer said it went as well as it could have gone, so that's encouraging. The judge said he believed Terri's testimony, and I think that after all is said and done they proved that Terri cannot work a 40-hour week, which is what we were there to prove. I did not have to testify, as the judge felt he had enough information without my additional testimony (which the lawyer interpreted as a good sign). So... although we did not get a ruling today, we feel fairly optimistic that Terri will receive a favorable ruling and get her full benefits.<br /><br />We'll know anywhere from a week to 90 days; we'll get the results in the mail. Kinda frustrating, but at least it seems that things went well and it's DONE! Terri's sisters were there for support and overall, it went as well as we could have hoped.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, keep those good thoughts coming and I'll let you know when we finally DO hear. :)</div></span></div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-30416734613010686562010-04-12T16:55:00.001-07:002010-04-12T17:19:33.134-07:00National Library Week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg579czbjDG7FtiA7wVWFOpSCfFtsazGyMWFLxVsMYyanJ7ZraRaxkY-CM4d-xO3Gac3YEdcC8v2-oELeOc4o1uYUnXsI8K_Y96HG0vH6xHvtOvGyHftIoWPXckQmeXhC0Gr-EQ/s1600/NG.NLW.button2010.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg579czbjDG7FtiA7wVWFOpSCfFtsazGyMWFLxVsMYyanJ7ZraRaxkY-CM4d-xO3Gac3YEdcC8v2-oELeOc4o1uYUnXsI8K_Y96HG0vH6xHvtOvGyHftIoWPXckQmeXhC0Gr-EQ/s320/NG.NLW.button2010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459404045291865266" /></a><br />Let's distract ourselves with a little rambly post about libraries, in celebration of National Library Week, shall we?<br /><br />As any good book blogger worth her salt, I adore my local library and use it all the time. Like, weekly. Once I discovered that I could request books online and have them delivered -- for free -- to my local branch, I have been a frequent visitor to the little Piedmont Avenue library, which is, I think, both the smallest branch in Oakland but which also houses the largest collection of LGBT literature. Kind of awesome. Not that I read much LGBT lit (not sure why) but it's nice that's it's there. I always take a quick look in that section to see if anything looks interesting.<br /><br />So, let's see. Let's do a Top 10 Rambly Facts about Daphne and Libraries:<div><ol><li>From as far back as I can remember, I have used the library frequently. I learned to read very early and some of my earliest memories are of going to our little library (in my small town of 3000) and loading up with books. That was back in the days of stamping the cards and writing your name on the cards... there are still a lot of children's books in the Philomath collection with my name written on it multiple times. </li><li>We used to have those read-a-thon summer reading challenges and my librarian used to roll her eyes at me, because I usually reached the top count by around week two. </li><li>I volunteered at that same little local library a few summers when I was a teenager, helping kids do book-related crafts and such. I've always loved children's books and art, so the two together was an obvious choice for a summer volunteer job. </li><li>One time in college, I left my wallet in the city library bathroom. I was about to go on a trip so it was stuffed with cash (well, "stuffed" being a relative term since I was a college student). I realized that I had left it there in the middle of my Russian Literature final. Gah!! Thankfully, library patrons are wonderful people and someone returned it (all the cash intact)</li><li>The city library (in the larger town next to my small town) had a great reading room, full of big soft wingback chairs and tons of magazines. I used to go there and just read and be cozy when I had a break from class or before work (I worked at the newspaper and so worked in the afternoon/evening). Libraries need cozy reading rooms.</li><li>When I first moved to California, my local library (The Alameda Free Library) was housed in a really cool old building. Too bad it shut down within the first two months of my living here. The library moved to the high school temporarily, while the new library was constructed. I didn't go to the library much during this time. The temporary location was sort of depressing. </li><li>The new Alameda library is totally green -- insulated with shredded denim, uses solar panels, etc. It also has a nice little cafe inside and is an extremely cozy and nice library. I used it a lot until I moved to Oakland. I still go there sometimes on my lunch break from work (I work in Alameda).</li><li>The Oakland library system is so much larger than the Alameda system. I can find pretty much anything I want. Combine that resource with the Alameda library and the Berkeley library system, and there is an endless supply of books at my fingertips. Needless to say, I am delighted by this and take full advantage of it all the time. </li><li>My local library branch has been offering free handmade bookmarks at the checkout counter. I'm considering making up some and delivering them as I have taken and enjoyed quite a few myself. They are just simple cardboard bookmarks, sometimes just collaged paper or strips of children's art (which make lovely patterns), but it's fun to look to see what's available. I don't know who donates these. I think I'll make some on my vacation next week.</li><li>The final and most important fact about me and the library is that, well, I LOVE the library and would willingly lobby/fight/collect signatures/speak/go door-to-door for the library. There pretty much isn't anything else I would do these things for, but I consider the library a lifeline and I really don't know what I would do without it. I think I've only bought maybe two or three books (the "just for reading" kind, not reference books like health or cookbooks) in the past 2 years because of the library, and that certainly has helped my budget! It is a constant source of joy that I can get pretty much any book I want, for free, delivered to just a few blocks away, anytime. It's one of my favorite things ever. </li></ol><div>So... hooray for libraries and hooray for Neil Gaiman, this year's Library Week Chair! Am currently watching the Neverwhere series and it's quite campy good fun. </div></div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-77827511594506839282010-04-11T15:39:00.000-07:002010-04-11T15:56:47.673-07:00Counting DownWell, we've got two days to go until the SSDI hearing on Tuesday morning. I have a pretty good feeling about it, but we could use all the help we could get, so if you have a minute and wouldn't mind sending some good thoughts our way for Tuesday morning, we'd appreciate it!<br /><br />All the paperwork is filed, so all there is to do now is sit around and try not to be nervous. Ha!<div><br /></div><div>I sincerely feel for anyone who has to go through this process. It completely, totally sucks to have to document all the things that you or your loved one can't do anymore, and to go over the entire awful story in detail, and then have someone judge whether or not you are really that disabled (or, presumably, just trying to "mooch off the system.") It's terrible. I will be so glad when it's over.<br /><br />I'm actually doing pretty well. I'm tired, of course, and worried, but I really *do* have a good feeling, so I'm assuming that means the Universe is telling me that it will be fine and we'll have a favorable outcome. I really hope so. This is so important on so many levels. The income will help, of course, and then we'll be able to afford the $5500 OUT-OF-POCKET treatment that Terri needs (which is a bargain compared to the $20,000 it *could* cost if we went to Panama for it, which we won't be doing... yet). But it will really help Terri feel like she's contributing to our household, which is essential for someone who is such a 'do-er' as she is. Also, it would be very nice for me to have a little less pressure to keep working so much all the time. There is a lot at stake.<br /><br />In preparation, we are spending today and tomorrow pretty much in bed. Of course I have work to do, but I'm doing it while resting in bed. We're having crazy stormy weather, so at least that's an excellent excuse to turn up the little heater, snuggle under the covers, put on a dumb movie and have some tea while getting my work done. <div><br /></div><div>That's about it. We'll be single-mindedly trying to keep a lid on the anxiety and be thinking good thoughts. I will report back on Tuesday! With excellent, celebratory news, I'm sure.<br /></div></div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-47219327863963450322010-04-09T08:43:00.001-07:002010-04-09T09:09:23.366-07:00Book: Auntie Mame<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoYxf_2pS4cYaTSNy-qm0WWu489jQLZK0LF_B3qfB9mz8l7bciLgFn_nz_t5iCg8xJpTGIDZI8sRX5u6niKTM5fO7dbWjCyG-RxdMgqFmHKtHdWWSdkV0IIvuqumnyRxprj76/s1600/auntie-mame-cover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoYxf_2pS4cYaTSNy-qm0WWu489jQLZK0LF_B3qfB9mz8l7bciLgFn_nz_t5iCg8xJpTGIDZI8sRX5u6niKTM5fO7dbWjCyG-RxdMgqFmHKtHdWWSdkV0IIvuqumnyRxprj76/s200/auntie-mame-cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458164042575576322" /></a><i>"But darling... I'm your Auntie Mame!"</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Oh, who wouldn't love an Auntie Mame? I know I would. A rich, fabulous, irreverent, eccentric, idealistic, open-minded, quirky loving auntie to sweep you up and love you and concoct wild schemes and always, always come through for you... when she isn't pulling you into unfortunate escapades or making you break school rules or throwing you into inappropriate parties, that is.<br /><br />(but still, you know you love every minute of it)</div><div><br /></div><div>I've only ever seen the Rosalind Russell movie, so it was fun to read the book and have Mame a bit more fleshed out and her sharp, quirky ways elaborated upon. Mame is not <i>only </i>all about life's banquet (where at, she says in the movie but not the book, "most poor bastards are starving to death."), but she is about Art and all the good things life has to offer ALL people, not only the rich and fabulous. I loved that about Mame: she is open-minded and accepting to a fault (except there is NEVER a fault in that).<br /><br />Even in the 1930s and 40s (the book was published in 1955), Mame fought prejudice and closed-mindedness, as excellently portrayed in the scene with young-adult Patrick's intended in-laws (where they are discussing the prospect of a Jewish family moving to the property next door):<br /><br /><i>"Buster," Auntie Mame said, "What's come over you? They're charming people. She's very dark and vivacious and one of the best cooks in..."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"I'll bet she's dark and vivacious. A greasy, thick-lipped, loud-mouthed little..."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"Oh, but you're all wrong there. Sylvia's divine, really, and Abe went to Harvard in the same class with Samuel..."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"You mean you really know these people?" Mr. Upson asked.<br /><br />"But of course. He has a marvelous job with..."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"But they're Jews."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"Well, certainly they're Jews. She's related somehow to Rabbi Wise and he..."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"Can't you get it through your thick head that they're JEWS? That they want to move in right next to ME?" Mr. Upson said. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>(more vile vitriol from Mr. Upson, and then...)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"Just how many Jews do you know personally, Claude?"</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"I know all I want to, " he screamed. "Pushy, bossy, aggressive, loud..."<br /><br />"As loud as you're being at this moment?"</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"Goddamn it! I'm talking about a pack of kikes moving in and rubbing shoulders with nice people -- decent people!"</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"And this is an example of your nicety? Your decency? ... I've known dozens of Jews in my life and it has also been my sorry experience to have heard quite a few gentiles who have talked about Jews as you do. I know all the adjectives -- all of them. Jews, you will tell me, are Mean, Pushy, Avaricious, Possessive, Loud, Vulgar, Garish, Bossy people. But I've yet to meet one, from the poorest pushcart vendor on First Avenue to the richest philanthropist on Fifth Avenue, who could hold a candle to you when it comes to displaying all of those qualities."</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Wow. You tell him, Mame! I wanted to stand up and clap when I read this. To me, this is as good as any example of why it's so important continue to fight bigotry and ignorant hate, in whatever form it comes across your path. People who spew this sort of small-minded idiotic opinions are, as far as I'm concerned, simply reflecting the yuckiness inside themselves. And they need to be called on it, every single time. This sort of hatred creates evil in the world and we need as little of it as possible.<br /><br />Anyway. Along with being pure liberal awesomeness, Mame is funny, vulnerable, fashionable, fabulous, loving, unrealistic, and pure fun. I loved reading this book and actually feel I learned a lot about how to conduct oneself in life. Even when you have lost everything (<i>"Everything, darling!"</i>), one must continue to go out and fight and do the very best you can, and what's more, help everyone you meet in whatever way you are able.<br /><br />Mame is not perfect, not at all, and could be extremely maddening. And yet... how can you not love someone so full of life and goodwill and charm? Loved it, every sentence.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Fun fact: the author seems fascinating as well. A bohemian bisexual man, set loose in New York City (while still attempting to maintain a wife and children), he eventually retired from writing bestselling novels and became an "exemplary butler" to elite families in West Palm Beach and Chicago. So, apple perhaps not falling far from tree, if we can consider Mame an apple. (she's more of a peach, really)</div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-70380081414691724842010-04-08T07:31:00.000-07:002010-04-08T07:47:49.841-07:00random!<div><i>(I like this building, near North Beach, in SF. I wonder what the apartment upstairs is like...)</i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGFTbOT8mRVwSkEZyuAs_JRbIhOsKrXXI9Oj5E6IxSt-bMv2c4XVMGRe51MVGGAqy1ymaYMxNE4mqeduN5rndGb0AZzY7PA63JK3EpnKZ9vtufFhIMG-Zy0-gHMXSK6Mqj_sf/s1600/yellow+building.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGFTbOT8mRVwSkEZyuAs_JRbIhOsKrXXI9Oj5E6IxSt-bMv2c4XVMGRe51MVGGAqy1ymaYMxNE4mqeduN5rndGb0AZzY7PA63JK3EpnKZ9vtufFhIMG-Zy0-gHMXSK6Mqj_sf/s400/yellow+building.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457418717523468914" /></a>A few random thoughts:<div><br /></div><div>1. We are watching the last season of Buffy. Note to people who have not watched Buffy yet -- you MUST watch Buffy (no question) but be aware that the first half of the first season is a little slow, but then it gets REALLY good very quickly, so stick with it. And, I am being reminded, the last season is also a little slow and actually sort of depressing. But we need to see it through to the end. The middle 5 1/2 seasons are completely, totally amazing. YOU MUST WATCH IT.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. I'm on a madcap reading spree. Finishing <i>Auntie Mame</i> right now, and heading straight for <i>Jeeves and Wooster</i>. I need a little madcap to keep me from fidgeting and being anxious about next Tuesday. </div><div><br /></div><div>3. We have GOT to start eating something other than plain pasta (for Terri) or 3-ingredient quickie meals (me). Although strangely I really don't seem to mind. It's nice to take a break from cooking so much sometimes. However, it's spring and veggies must be consumed.<br /><br />4. I'm really, really tired. Have I mentioned this before? Yeah. Tired. My walking buddy (Jenn) and I are trying to walk three nights a week (about 3 miles each time). This is great. We are walking (maybe jogging some of it) the Bay to Breakers race in May (with my BFF Erin, who is coming down for it) so we have to keep doing it, but really all I want to do is come home and get in bed. Three nights a week is feeling like a lot, even though it's actually not that much. Have I mentioned that I will be glad when next Tuesday is over?<br /><br />We seem to be on minimal-use autopilot right now, just sort of skimming along until we know what next Tuesday will bring. That's okay, that's exactly what we need to be doing right now. Still, I'll be happy when we can start househunting in earnest, when we can eat more vegetables and real meals, and when I can devote more energy to my own fun stuff. It's been a really long year and a half of hard work and creative frugal-izing, and while I'm eternally grateful that I have the skills, talents, and knowledge to have made it work so well, I'll be happy to be able to relax just a wee bit.</div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-3076704558717882142010-04-06T18:22:00.000-07:002010-04-06T18:42:28.727-07:00good things<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_R9Hc6rL63fvuozsabH5zHDIEBFyambKRTJ9cSHHiWFnbfP28JGSYkD620JomPdjZCihLT5MjNbenXShANSD1hmlwLU_Wiwgj5GuDdbP-DCzOuTmIf3nN8ht9z32q91S-4ohH/s1600/transamerica+blg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_R9Hc6rL63fvuozsabH5zHDIEBFyambKRTJ9cSHHiWFnbfP28JGSYkD620JomPdjZCihLT5MjNbenXShANSD1hmlwLU_Wiwgj5GuDdbP-DCzOuTmIf3nN8ht9z32q91S-4ohH/s400/transamerica+blg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457201377897845442" /></a>A few happy things:<div><br /></div><div>* I have recently become (slightly) obsessed with Amanda Palmer and her various endeavors. I saw that her new project, <b><a href="http://www.evelynevelyn.com/">Evelyn Evelyn</a></b>, is coming to San Francisco in May, and I thought to myself, "Boy, I would love to go see that." And then I thought, "Well, why the hell not?" So today I bought tickets! My friend Shea is going to go with me. I can't wait. </div><div><br /></div><div>* I finished a painting! I'm sitting with it for a few days to see if it's really done or if it needs a little more tweaking. When it's really done, I'll post pictures. I tried abstract. I like it. I'm, as usual, terrified that it's crap. But really, who cares if it's crap? I mean really. Does it matter? Not at all. Who's to say if it's crap or not? Hello, earth to Daphne, you are not Picasso. </div><div><br /></div><div>* Am currently reading Auntie Mame and enjoying every sentence. We all need an Auntie Mame. Or maybe we need to<i> be</i> Auntie Mame. </div><div><br /></div><div>* Terri has talked things out with her doctor and feels MUCH better about things. There were some major problems with the office staff and he also admitted his own responsibility in the lack of response that had been happening. After apologizing sincerely multiple times, we forgave him and she feels good about him again. It's so frustrating when there aren't any answers... you never know what to think. Anyway... there is an exciting new treatment that she's going to try in May (or maybe June/July). It could be a big deal. Crossing fingers. In the meantime, it's enough to have faith in her doctor again. It was also a good lesson for us (for me, at least) in having faith and withholding judgment.<br /><br />* We watched the Ram Dass documentary <i><b><a href="http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/ramdass/">Fierce Grace</a></b></i>. Wow, that was powerful. We both cried and cried through it, both tears of sadness and empathy, and the sort of tears which come when you are deeply moved by something. Anyway, we loved it. I knew nothing about Ram Dass before this, but now we feel like that spiritual door has been pushed open a wee bit more. So that's sort of exciting too.<br /><br />* We just got a Netflix player (actually, it's a Blu-Ray DVD player, with NetFlix streaming capability). Woo! It's pretty fun. Our old DVD player broke, and we decided to splurge a little and get the fancy-pants gadget. Terri's home all day long and I keep thinking, if I were home all day long, I would want to be able to watch whatever the heck I wanted, and it would be awfully nice if it looked good and didn't skip or crap out on you. Yippee for new toys! This NetFlix streaming thing is pretty cool.<br /><br />That's about it. On a little upswing. The hearing is in a week and we are filled with good, hopeful thoughts. Please keep us in your good thoughts this week, through to next Tuesday. </div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-16384095100904804172010-04-04T01:42:00.000-07:002010-04-04T01:42:00.182-07:00Book: The Te of Piglet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpYxiAQc8ZxULulocjc62x9fZITGyYDiHSMJ8LxYQi4Pvufq-twnGVKeqs_K-yaaEzRZ6W-m5lbGxNXdQzyRcxMbCyITnqueNi8Zla_spC0RjVVfv8aNuZYW0EvGrA2kErPjl/s1600/the-te-of-piglet1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 141px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpYxiAQc8ZxULulocjc62x9fZITGyYDiHSMJ8LxYQi4Pvufq-twnGVKeqs_K-yaaEzRZ6W-m5lbGxNXdQzyRcxMbCyITnqueNi8Zla_spC0RjVVfv8aNuZYW0EvGrA2kErPjl/s200/the-te-of-piglet1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456014772685298114" /></a>Hmm. <div><br /></div><div>Well, as the residents of the Hundred Acre Wood might say, this was Not What I Expected. </div><div><br /></div><div>I really, really wanted to like this book. But I was continually, um, Rather Surprised that I didn't. It was a little Heavy Handed. I felt rather Beat Upon The Brow With An Iron Skillet.<br /><br />I haven't read The Tao of Pooh (and I'd still like to, even though I was sadly disappointed in Piglet's book), but for the uninitiated, basically these are books explaining the main tenets of Taoism through the simple stories of Pooh And Friends. A wee bit precious, but I love classic Pooh, so I thought, why not?<br /><br />Piglet, being A Very Small Animal, apparently embodies the taoist principle of Virtue very well. Being small, brave (in spite of being afraid), being helpful to everyone and not Making A Big Deal of things... all piglet-y goodness. I can get behind all this. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, the author, Benjamin Hoff, seems to be rather on A High Horse throughout, railing against Confucianism, feminism, capitalism, conservatives, critics, computers... for all his talk about avoiding the Eeyores of the world, I started to wonder if the pot was perhaps calling the kettle a Wee Bit Black. </div><div><br /></div><div>My first clue was when he started talking about the Eeyore Amazons. (really? Amazons?)<i> "They are emotionally descended from the Puritans -- those grim souls who considered femininity No Good, along with art, music, dancing, singing, the natural world, and practically everything else that makes life enjoyable."</i> Ok, so far, so good (sort of). But then he goes on to say, <i>"As do a number of other people (us included), the Eeyore Amazons call themselves feminists. But the word doesn't quite fit them, somehow. They don't like femininity. Instead, they covet masculinity. Strange. Very strange."</i><br /></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>We might also say, "Condescending. Very condescending." Basically, he doesn't like the so-called Femi-nazis (a term which really bugs me anyway -- he doesn't use this term, but clearly this is the group he's talking about). <i>"Beyond their antimasculine words, it's Over-Masculinity as usual... they break up Men's Clubs... then they establish Women's Clubs, to which men are not invited. They accuse men of being sexist, but then they behave like sexists. They say they want Sensitive Men. When they encounter such men, they shove them about."</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Wow. I didn't and don't even know what to think about this. I'm all for women (and men) embracing both sides of the coin: masculine and feminine. I'm all for men being softer and more grounded, and women being more powerful and in-charge (while still being able to do a damn cross-stitch if they feel like it). But while I agree that certain militant feminists are obnoxious and kind of perpetuate the problem, I'm not really sure why they are drawing such ire, since the reason that most extremely strong feminists feel they must overcompensate is because, hello, the balance of power is still heavily weighted in the corner of Men, sensitive or no.<br /><br />I don't know if this story reinforces or negates my point, but it reminded me rather strongly and uncomfortably of a time when I was in college and had made friends with the leader of the rather small and goofy LGBT group on campus. I liked her at first, and then... well, the tide sort of shifted and pretty soon I was being recruited to help with the Take Back The Night event. I am ALL for these sorts of events -- women (and everyone) should feel safe walking to their cars, etc. at night. But she wanted to ban men from the event, which just seemed silly to me. She asked me for my opinion about whether or not men should come (looking for support, I assume), and I said that I felt like we needed all the help we can get, so men should be involved. Well. That was the end of that friendship. Which is stupid.<br /><br />So I don't know what my point is, except to say that it annoyed me (both that event and this book). It even annoyed me when he railed against things upon which I actually agreed with him, such as the hypocrisy of (many) conservatives, the Gulf War(s), anti-environmentalism, etc. Mostly because he was using this sort of light, charming, fluffy shell (Piglet) to really be quite vitriolic in his own way against these groups. Which seems to me to be Kind Of The Same Thing.<br /><br />While I was hoping for some Enlightenment, I got a Rant. I would put this Rant in the same category as Woozles and Heffalumps. "To Be Avoided."</div><div><br /></div><div>The author might want to take a look at the Eeyore-mindset his is railing against, and then look in the mirror. </div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of Eeyore, Hoff is pretty hard on our favorite gloomy donkey. I felt like he was taking this character and twisting it and making Eeyore somehow unlovable. Come on! We all love Eeyore! We want to snuggle him! Not vilify him! Yes, he's gloomy and sad, but isn't compassion one of the main points of Taoism?<br /><br />Anyway. I ended up not liking this book at all, although I did enjoy the actual Taoist stories, and I do want to read the <i>Tao of Pooh</i>. I also was reminded that there is a Taoist Center in Oakland and I want to go try their free meditation classes.<br /><br />So, if you are feeling like you want an ally to rant with, by all means, pick up Te of Piglet. But otherwise, I'd skip it. </div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-40037080198072641472010-04-03T06:09:00.000-07:002010-04-03T06:09:00.498-07:00Quarterly Update; and, thoughts on creativityWell, here we are, already just over a quarter of the way through the year. Taking a cue from corporate culture, here's a quarterly report on yours truly:<div><br /></div><div><b>House Buying:</b></div><div>Oh, Oakland, you are breaking my heart. As much as we want to stay here, I'm not sure we're going to be able to buy in Oakland. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our choices are:</div><div>* crappy condos in (sometimes) OK (meh) neighborhoods</div><div>* falling-down dumps in OK (meh) neighborhoods</div><div>* incredibly adorable renovated perfect charmers in extremely dangerous neighborhoods (painful to see these and then look at crime reports)</div><div><br /></div><div>or sometimes</div><div>* incredibly tiny one-bedroom condo jewels in decent neighborhoods</div><div><br /></div><div>None of these really fit what we're looking for. So, we're looking east. Either we stay where we are (nice retro 1-bedroom apartment in fantastic neighborhood which we adore) and don't buy anything, or we move farther out to various suburbs. Which isn't a bad option, just... far.<br /><br />So, we are temporarily not really looking. We'll wait until the SSDI hearing to see what we've got to work with. And then start touring. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Art and Such</b></div><div>Who knew I was such a wimp? As previously noted, our house is COLD. There are no heaters in the room I use as art studio, and if I plug in a heater, it's a 50/50 chance that the fuse will blow (yes, fuses. See: retro apartment). So. It's been cold and rainy for a really long time now (which I like in theory, but not when our house is freezing) and so... i haven't been painting. However, I have one in progress. I decided to start playing around with abstracts, just to get creative-juices flowing (aside: does anybody else cringe when people over-use the word <i>juicy</i>? Bleck.) I was doing really good with it... and then I over-did it. So time to backtrack. And maybe turn it upside down. And try some gold leaf. Gold leaf makes everything better, don't you think?<br /><br />A few more words on creativity: sometimes it just KILLS me that I'm not messing around with art stuff every single day. Wasting time! Wasting talent! Waste! Waste! It breaks my own heart that I do this to myself. </div><div><br /></div><div>And yet: Cold! Worried! Working really, really hard! Really, really tired! Those things suck up creative energy very quickly.<br /><br />Still, as soon as it warms up, am totally going to resume at least one night a week of art, plus at least one afternoon per weekend of art. That should help. I may have to move my target of "art show" (meaning: have something up in a public space) back a few months, but that's okay. </div><div><br /></div><div>My other idea, which was a cookbook, has been put on-hold as my energy is being eaten up by all this other stuff. Not ditching that idea yet, however. Just... rationing out energy.<br /><br /><b>Other Stuff:</b></div><div>Feeling pretty good about progress in other areas. </div><div><br /></div><div>* I got both of my websites updated (although I am seriously not happy with the graphic design one and will be redesigning as soon as I figure out my options). Have been wanting to do this for over a year, so Yay Me!</div><div><br /></div><div>* Despite feeling discouraged, the ball is actually rolling in house-buying arena. Major accomplishment.</div><div><br /></div><div>* Despite feeling mad at myself, I'm thinking more about art than I have in a long time. I think as soon as I have warmth/energy/can quit worrying, I'll make some real progress. </div><div><br /></div><div>* Have had better luck with books so far this year. Am enjoying just reading "whatever I want."</div><div><br /></div><div>* Am feeling like after the SSDI hearing, I'm going to hop right back into that "Make Stuff Happen" mode and start... well, making stuff happen. </div><div><br /></div><div>* Although lately I have been really very tired and kinda crabby, my optimism remains firmly in place (only falling off the tracks every once in awhile). We have approximately one more week until the hearing, and then we'll know what's what.<br /><br />***</div><div>A few more thoughts on creativity.<br /><br />I have been thinking about what sorts of things foster creativity. I look at my own world and I see that although I have a very full, rich reading life, and I am great with cooking creatively, I'm not doing a whole lot visually. I don't go to art shows, I don't go to museums, I don't look at art books, I don't read artist biographies.<br /><br />There seems to be two schools of thought about this sort of thing. One is: don't look at anybody else's stuff, because you'll either start comparing yourself (and get paralyzed) or become overly influenced (and become unoriginal). The other school says to surround yourself with creative stimuli all the time: books, people, shows, classes, etc.<br /><br />I've been in a visual vacuum for awhile, so I'm going to try the other way and see how that goes. I got some books on abstract art (more instructional than theory), and I need to make a point of going around to local galleries and just seeing what's there. There is an Art Murmur in Oakland on the first Friday of the month, so maybe I ought to start going to that sometimes as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>I know part of why I don't do these things is because it breaks my heart to do them without Terri, but maybe I can do them sometimes anyway, just an hour or two here and there.<br /><br />So, as spring starts to warm things up around here, I'm going to try and step out of my own box. </div><div><br /></div><div>And I PROMISE to not start "marinating" in my own "juicy" creativity while "honoring" my "authentic self." People! Use regular words!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>(have I said lately that this tiredness is making me slightly crabby?)</div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-27564674767749531472010-04-02T06:38:00.000-07:002010-04-02T06:38:00.437-07:00in which our author has an IdeaSo, I'm sure other people have thought of this before me, but I saw <b><a href="http://astripedarmchair.wordpress.com/2010/04/01/home-sweet-home/">Eva's post</a></b> with the adorable pink cottage, and got to thinking: wouldn't it be fun to have a book blogger retreat? Nothing like <b><a href="http://www.blogher.com/">BlogHer</a></b> or anything crazy like that, but something warm and intimate and cozy.<div><br /></div><div>Other bloggers (crafty, small-business types, mostly) seem to have retreats <i>all the time</i>. They always sound fun, but kind of vaguely intimidating. Is it just me? Anyway.<br /><br />So I was thinking, what if I organized something actually relaxing? Like a slumber party for grownup girls who love books? The only criteria would be that you needed to love books, and either love reading book blogs or have one of your own. (I wouldn't be real strict about this)<br /><br />(eventually I would love to do a week-long summer camp for book lovers. Now wouldn't THAT be fun!)<br /><br />My loose idea:</div><div><ul><li>Rent a lovely cottage or house somewhere fun, like Calistoga. <b><a href="http://www.vrbo.com/217438">Something like this</a></b>?</li><li>That way, there are plenty of spa experiences available for those who want them. I could organize a few day trip options. </li><li>Lounging at the cottage (maybe there would be a pool?) would also be an option.</li><li>Other activities could include a "book club" where we all read a specified book in advance and then one evening have a "meeting" where we talk about the book in detail.</li><li>Book swap?</li><li>Book art project?</li><li>Perhaps it might be arranged around an author-speaking date?</li><li>Lots of time for reading!<br /></li><li>Game of <b><a href="http://www.djmcadam.com/authors-card-game.html">Authors</a></b> in the evening</li><li>Featuring of course fabulous food and coffee and literary gossip and possibly book-theme movie-viewing</li></ul><div>What do you think? Doesn't that sound nice? Maybe it's just me, craving some relaxing time to just lounge around with my books, and maybe have some yummy food and a massage.<br /><br />I don't know many bloggers here on the west coast, but I *could.* And maybe this could be enticing enough to lure folks from elsewhere.<br /><br />Thinking, thinking, thinking...</div></div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-45914495978412998082010-04-01T10:42:00.000-07:002010-04-01T10:51:19.388-07:00joke of all jokes? (possible TMI!)Happy April Fool's Day!<div><br /></div><div>We're all friends here, right? So: true confession. Most of my life I've had some sort of foot-and/or-toenail fungus thingie happening. I blame growing up in Oregon and wearing soggy shoes most of the year. Anyway, aside from being a minor annoyance, I've never really thought much about it. It never goes away, right? <div><br /></div><div>So, without going into detail, I have a new incentive to get rid of it once and for all. The doctor would like me to go on Lamisil, and recommended <i>getting rid of all my shoes. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Let me repeat that<i>: <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">getting rid of all my shoes. </span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Why could this not have happened when I was in college and had, like, three pairs of ratty shoes, all of which I hated? I finally grew up and now have a lovely shoe collection, all nicely cared for. You get older, you buy better shoes. As in, more-expensive shoes. Which you intend to keep for many years.<br /><br />I have to go back in next week for the test results and prescription, and I will clarify this with him. Do I have to get rid of ALL my shoes? All of them? Really? Or can I salvage the ones I only wear rarely, all my pretty dress-up shoes? I'm okay with replacing the ones I wear most often. That would be probably 3-4 pairs, maybe 5. Expensive, but, okay. Worth it. I'm not sure I can get rid of ALL of them. There's got to be an alternative, even if it means doing some sort of treatment before and after wearing them (since I only wear them each a couple times a year).<br /><br />On the plus side: shoe shopping! (he said he wished he could write me a prescription for Nordstrom's). On the down side: expensive!</span></span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Well, this will get me to do some serious shoe-sorting, anyway.<br /><br />And come this summer, I will have the cutest, prettiest feet EVAR. </span></span></b></i></div></div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-48710398749631407742010-04-01T06:46:00.000-07:002010-04-01T06:46:00.287-07:00let's not get crazy now<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsW4xzBcdhrfx0S-fkFEZxQEHPUY1JVcX96-G5ms4D_Fszh5zAJ3dT6udOevR01LQiQSDM1Vgh1O1i3Q51J1P2w7d_LhxMO5vfbeN9Xp6hrjUVI1tL3YKA1zpnduih8Su9sB-t/s1600/pet+page.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsW4xzBcdhrfx0S-fkFEZxQEHPUY1JVcX96-G5ms4D_Fszh5zAJ3dT6udOevR01LQiQSDM1Vgh1O1i3Q51J1P2w7d_LhxMO5vfbeN9Xp6hrjUVI1tL3YKA1zpnduih8Su9sB-t/s400/pet+page.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454855967194682962" /></a>...but I redid my <a href="http://daphnesonline.com/">pet-sitting website</a> too. Ahhh! So freaking cute!<div><br /></div><div>I have to say that Yahoo's site-building software (site-builder) is SO MUCH EASIER than GoDaddy's (which I used for my graphic design site, and which I am not very happy with). </div><div><br /></div><div>Dilemma. I already paid for my GoDaddy site (for TWO YEARS. I was thinking positively, what can I say? Thankfully, it was cheap). But it's really not the greatest, I'm not too happy with the design, and it's frustrating to work with. I am tempted to chalk it up to experience and trash it and rebuild it in Site Builder. What does a frugal small-business owner do? Sigh.<br /><br />Anyway. I'm very happy with my cutie-pie petsitting site. I think I need new business cards now. </div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-14298818408099720032010-03-31T09:35:00.000-07:002010-03-31T09:51:02.188-07:00Book: The Lace Reader<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJhPJS4kilFRY2TIeZPY4k2IET3lKvl0r3EjZSVsD38YyuZ6_W_7oufZNv2i-t7_DIeAUQvyCLM92yzv0n50fqaRkMzjyzCZqfXt_qv79uJPOUJUbh8NKtfTitl5nwSWOX4n-/s1600/lace-reader.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJhPJS4kilFRY2TIeZPY4k2IET3lKvl0r3EjZSVsD38YyuZ6_W_7oufZNv2i-t7_DIeAUQvyCLM92yzv0n50fqaRkMzjyzCZqfXt_qv79uJPOUJUbh8NKtfTitl5nwSWOX4n-/s200/lace-reader.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454837580224359602" /></a>This was this month's book-club pick. We met and discussed last night. Here's the consensus:<div><br /></div><div><b>What We Liked:</b></div><div>We loved the fantastic sense of place: modern-day Salem, Massachusetts. A very good feel for being a "local" in a very touristy town (not unlike living in San Francisco or any other highly popular city). A fantastic family mystery told in a page-turning style. A sympathetic and interesting main character. We all really enjoyed the book, being completely caught up in the story. </div><div><br /></div><div>Towner (real name: Sophya) is called back to Salem when her great-aunt (or is she her grandmother? another point of discussion last night) is missing. After having escaped Salem for so long (after innumerable family tragedies), Towner is loathe to return. However, she does, and is immediately swept back into her family drama. Having lost her twin sister when she was a teenager, Towner recoils from reconnecting with her past. But her past rushes up to greet her in the form of bewildered, heartbroken ex-boyfriends; horrifyingly abusive ex-uncles; reclusive, isolated mothers; and a deep mystery that just won't die.<br /><br /><b>What We Didn't Love So Much:</b></div><div>This book, while totally engrossing and enjoyable, was plagued by red herrings, trails to nowhere, and a confusing family tree. We spent a long time trying to figure out how everyone was related, and puzzling over the timeline of events. The main character, Towner, is admittedly an unreliable narrator (which leads to a big twist at the end, which I totally did not see coming, but other people picked up on clues more than I did), which makes the entire story the tiniest bit murky, but never once were we bored, or uninterested in the story.<br /><br />We wanted more about "lace reading" -- fortune-telling, using hand-tatted lace. We wanted more explanation about what exactly happened at certain points. We wanted resolution for some of these tantalizing side journeys which were never completed.<br /><br />In spite of all these small flaws, it was agreed: we all completely enjoyed the book.<br /><br />**</div><div>Pardon the terrible book review, but I am tired and unable to really come up with more to say about it. It was good. It would fall under the category of "great for travel" or "good vacation book" or "enjoyable vaguely gothic page-turner with a touch of romance, mystery, suspense."<br /><br />Book club, however, was fantastic. Great dinner, lovely friends, interesting discussion. I nearly fell asleep by 9:30 (even after a double espresso) so had to call it quits before I wanted to, but it was a lovely evening.<br /><br />Next book pick is still TBA. <i>Her Fearful Symmetry</i> was tossed out as a suggestion, and I threw <i>The Little Stranger</i> into the ring as well. A few others were named... we'll know by the end of the week what it'll be.<br /><br />Will now stop babbling incoherently. Ta!</div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-41740879529052656232010-03-30T09:35:00.000-07:002010-03-30T10:06:49.916-07:00Book: Forests of the Heart<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiNVRaPuZAy02ShXQ9TnMoAlGKxLtar8SfVGtbexBJlanyI0Q8okoWbTen3oMb3fg1HNh_Hsw_yOvtw-3p98O6Heu_KO9CI0ruqJGRGIa5edm4hFOKjJhOaKGETHen3GddRSn/s1600/forests.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 137px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiNVRaPuZAy02ShXQ9TnMoAlGKxLtar8SfVGtbexBJlanyI0Q8okoWbTen3oMb3fg1HNh_Hsw_yOvtw-3p98O6Heu_KO9CI0ruqJGRGIa5edm4hFOKjJhOaKGETHen3GddRSn/s200/forests.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454466560945526578" /></a>I was in a bit of a reading pickle, having read all my library books and not knowing what to read next, when I remembered I had this de Lint tucked away on my bookshelf, for "emergencies." Charles de Lint! Always good in a reading emergency.<br /><br />I'd picked this one up once or twice before, but for some reason couldn't get into it. However, this time it "took" and, as per usual when reading de Lint, was instantly swept up and away to Newford, where nobody does blending of myth, magic, and urban realism like de Lint.<br /><br />Bettina San Miguel, a Mexican-Indian (meaning Mexican Indian, I think) healer, has found herself in Newford, living in an eclectic artists' retreat, doing modeling for the artists and creating small healing charms for the residents. She is unsure what she is doing here, until one day she looks out the back window and sees a group of men standing around in the yard. She senses magic clinging to them, although they appear to be ordinary, slightly rough dark men. Through a series of rather dramatic events, it is revealed that they are actually homeless, roaming Irish spirits, brought over from the Old Country with the immigrants, now becoming harder and angrier and fiercer as they hatch plans to take the New World land from the native spirits which currently reside here.<br /><br />There were many storylines interweaving closer and closer together until they all came together in a single focal point, and all of them were interesting. However, unlike de Lint's older novels, I didn't feel as though there was quite as much introspection within the characters this time. I felt as though there were a few (small, but noticeable) holes in the character's inner lives (as revealed to us, anyway). For instance, Ellie, a sculptor who plays a key role in the book, apparently carries an astounding amount of power/magic inside her. She has been completely unaware of this until Bettina tells her... and even though she and her magic are essential to the story, we don't <i>feel</i> her magic. She never quite feels it either... apparently it just exists, whether she knows it or not.<br /><br />Which is what I assume happens usually anyway in real life. We all carry power and magic within us, and often we have no idea. But, when reading about it, I'd like to have a feeling of revelation, of magic blossoming. Still, that's a small quibble.<br /><br />Lots of action in this book, and lots of old familiar characters popping up here and there. I really enjoyed this book, more than I thought I would. It was sort of sad, however. Blending Celtic, Mexican, and Native American myths and spiritualism, I learned a lot while being completely engrossed in the story.<br /><br />One part in particular really got to me. In Bettina's past, she was trained in <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brujer%C3%ADa">brujera</a>, </i>magical healing arts,<i> </i>by her grandmother, in the New Mexico deserts. As part of her training, she was introduced to the myth-time, where the spirits live. On her first solo visit to the myth-time, she encounters a small band of brightly-colored<i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadejo"> los cadejos</a></i>, spirit-dogs. She is drawn to them, as they play and sing, so lively and cheerful. And yet, they are homeless, and wish nothing more than to have a home, to have someone know them. Bettina invites them and they leap into her chest, to be carried about with her always... until a tragedy turns her away from all spirit dogs, and they leave her. With an empty heart.<br /><br />In the end, they are reunited. This is what made me so happy and broke my heart, all at the same time.<br /><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; ">"Have you though more of our bargain?" she asked. "What you would like in return for the help you gave me?"<br />"Si. We want you to be our friend."<br />Bettina laughed and shook her head. "We are already friends."<br />"We want to be friends forever."<br />"That is not something friends bargain over," Bettina told them.<br />"That is all we want."<br />"Nothing more."<br />"!Nada, Nada, Nada!"<br />"But you have this already," Bettina said.<br />"Then we are content."<br />"Here in the forest of your heart."<br />"Where we have our beautiful home."<br />"La casa del cadejos."<br />"We are content."</span><br /><div><br /></div><div>For some reason this made me think of our sweet <b><a href="http://never-travelled.blogspot.com/2009/09/overcome.html">Tiger Lily</a></b>, whom I found as a little lost kitty, desperate for a home and love. She adopted me instantly and I fell in love with her on the spot. She left us, too soon, last September and I still find myself in tears often, missing her deeply. She was such a presence in our home and hearts. After finishing this book, late at night, I just cried and cried. I know she is living in my heart and keeping close tabs on us, but I still want her back, every day.<br /><br />Anyway. This was a great book, and if you like de Lint, you'll love this one as well. I wouldn't start here, however. Still, it reminded me of this little idea inside which has been tugging at me, saying that it wants to go to the desert. We will see. I am needing wide open spaces and clean air and quiet dark nights with brilliant stars. I'm not generally a desert person (preferring forests) but this has been nagging at me for awhile. Who knows what the next year will bring?<br /><br />I'm so tired and this SSDI crap is taking its toll on us. I've said it before and I'll say it again; I can't wait for April 13th so we can finally take a step forward. I'm exhausted (Terri is beyond exhausted) and trying to just keep my sights on what's immediately in front of me, placing a temporary hiatus on all worries, plans, "shoulds" and wishes. Two more weeks. We can do it. </div></div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-52958400580267024202010-03-26T06:55:00.000-07:002010-03-26T06:55:00.140-07:00library books and stuff<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbkdtNH-lWdEXHYVKKdNaHX-BcXB9gGTCOOtzTiUm688daJMD8uNZ4RIXe9XCT6YZgOrfIcl_aoO-yMA0m9PFNZ4ElxxLH5oA-sdxk5CmMWmsvFu-03Oww1kH-UtjYA5opbaZ/s1600/IMG_9424+impatiens.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbkdtNH-lWdEXHYVKKdNaHX-BcXB9gGTCOOtzTiUm688daJMD8uNZ4RIXe9XCT6YZgOrfIcl_aoO-yMA0m9PFNZ4ElxxLH5oA-sdxk5CmMWmsvFu-03Oww1kH-UtjYA5opbaZ/s400/IMG_9424+impatiens.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452693758731845874" /></a>Apparently I have worn myself out lately. I woke up on Thursday with a tummyache, felt horribly unrested, so decided to stay in bed a wee bit longer. A "wee bit" turned into 2-3 hours, and by the time I checked my email again my lovely boss had kindly suggested perhaps I just take the day off to rest. I took her advice. I think there is a lot of background stress happening and I'm having trouble slowing everything down enough to keep up with it all, so I end up spinning and spinning late into the night and not getting enough rest, etc. So, I rested. I slept in, then went to the library and got some great stuff:<br /><ul><li><i><b>Tropic of Cancer</b></i><b>, Henry Miller</b>. Have always wanted to read this. It popped off the shelf at me, so I figured it was time. Or, at least, time to bring it home and see how it goes. You know how it is with library books. Paris in the 30s; debauchery. Sign me up!</li><li><i><b>Witches Abroad</b></i><b>, Terry Pratchett. </b>The only Pratchett I've read so far is <i>Good Omens</i>, which of course I liked <i>a whole lot</i> but didn't <i>lose my mind</i> over, to the dismay of Pratchett/Gaiman fans the blogging-world over... still, was reminded by my walking buddy last night that he's very much worth reading, so I decided to give it a try. Can I just leap into Discworld or should I start somewhere else rather than here?<br /></li><li><i><b>Carry On, Jeeves</b></i><b>, PG Wodehouse.</b> Another classic author which I've never read. I started to read <i>Remains of the Day</i> last night, but it was just feeling too sad and melancholy (although of course beautifully written), so I decided to just return it and try again in a few months. However, I do love English-butler stories, so Jeeves and Wooster will be perfect, I think. </li><li><i><b>The Third Man</b></i><b>, Graham Greene.</b> Another author I've seen in library shelves FOREVER. My walking buddy (from hereon called Jenn) also recommended Greene. This looked not-too-taxing and sort of noir-ish and fun. I think actually I've seen the movie, now that I think about it. But it was so long ago, I have no idea what the book is about, but I'm sure I'll enjoy it. </li><li><i><b>The Te of Piglet</b></i><b>, Benjamin Hoff. </b>Because come on, it's Piglet! Perhaps a little Taoist Piglet-y philosophy will help carry me through until April 13. I like Taoist writings. This also just leapt off the shelf into my hand, so... how could I refuse? Also, anything classic-Pooh-related makes me happy.</li></ul><div>As I said, I had started to read <i>Remains of the Day</i> last night, but although it was beautifully written and although I could tell that I would like it (someday), I really need something not so slow and melancholy. I'm a little overtired, overstressed, overworried (all of this sort of in the background... I'm not fully aware of worrying and stressing, but I am tired and feeling distracted, so am taking body cues and assuming I am all of these things). I need something interesting, fun, on the light side (but still worth reading). Luckily I already had a copy of Charles de Lint's <i>Forests of the Heart,</i> which I've been saving for an emergency. I picked it up last night and it's, of course, perfect. This particular story seems to be especially perfect for some reason. Good enough. Thank you, yet again, Mr. de Lint.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, a <b><a href="http://teabird17.blogspot.com/2010/03/hope-and-love-jane-hirshfield.html">kind blogging friend</a></b> suggested I read some Jane Hirshfield, which I will be requesting from the library since my local branch didn't have any today.<br /><br />So, armed with a stack of excellent books, we hunker down to wait out the last few weeks before this dang hearing and getting on with the rest of the year already!<br /></div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-30409330710951496132010-03-24T20:52:00.000-07:002010-03-24T21:21:37.448-07:00Book: PUSH<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQzw0m4JCdvXTPBti737bs8pO-Q1gTTMuZcRx-UNYlJsQpa4FxzBi_0R1yRdFl3PLV3qK2kzp0r7aj20eh9CLmsU7SXxqXaiPj4y_q7uiXbXpZUL9_gcUOm5xcirGi8T-CSRz/s1600/push.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQzw0m4JCdvXTPBti737bs8pO-Q1gTTMuZcRx-UNYlJsQpa4FxzBi_0R1yRdFl3PLV3qK2kzp0r7aj20eh9CLmsU7SXxqXaiPj4y_q7uiXbXpZUL9_gcUOm5xcirGi8T-CSRz/s200/push.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452414678539063042" /></a>And now for something completely different.<br /><br />As per my usual habit when a novel-based movie gets good reviews, I want to read the book before watching the movie. I know the movie is pretty intense, so I was prepared for an intense book.<br /><br />And it was intense. And dense. And spare, at the same time. A little like the life it describes.<br /><br />Claireece Precious Jones is 16 years old and lives with her abusive mother in Harlem. She has already had one child (at 12) by her father. She is obese, illiterate, falling to the bottom of a well of a million poverties. And yet... she wants to be more. Despite the fact that she cannot read, she likes school. She likes math. She wants to do well. If only... how?<br /><br />Despite being pregnant with her second child (again by her father), she starts to do well at the new school her social worker has referred her to. Her teacher takes an interest in her, and she flourishes, learning to read, learning to write. She shows signs of being a poet.<br /><br />Once she has her second baby, she starts to make big changes. She lives in a half-way house. She refuses contact with her horrible mother. She takes care of her child. And then... she finds out that her father has just died of AIDS. And she has to take the test, herself.<br /><br />What more can you pile upon a single girl? Unfortunately, I know that this book is not an exaggeration for too many kids in this country. That alone makes me very sad. It's not an easy book to read. It's not an easy thought to have resting in your head.<br /><br />Was the book good? Yes. Did I like it? I don't know. But it was worth reading.<br /><br />Written by poet Sapphire, I am not quite sure what I think about the language, since I am completely ignorant of whether it feels true or not. Still, it was interesting.<br /><br />"...My name? Precious Jones. Claireece Precious Jones to be exact. Birth date? November 4, 1970. Where? "<i>Here</i>," I say, "right chere in Harlem Hospital." "<i>Nineteen seventy</i>?" the nurse say confuse quiet. Then she say, "How old are you?" I say, "Twelve." I was heavy at twelve too, nobody get twelve 'less I tell them. I'm tall. I jus' know I'm over two hundred 'cause the needle on the scale in the bathroom stop there it don't can go no further. Last time they want to weigh me at school I say no. Why for, I know I'm fat. So what. Next topic for the day."<br /><br />"I have to say sometimes I hate my muver. She don't love me. I wonder how she could love Little Mongo (thas my daughter). Mongo sound Spanish, don't it? Yeah, thas why I chose it, but what it is is short for Mongoloid Down Sinder, which is what she is; sometimes what I feel I is. I feel so stupid sometimes. So ugly, worth nuffin'. I could just sit here wif my muver everyday wif the shades drawed, watching TV, eat, watch TV, eat. Carl come over fuck us'es. Go from room to room, slap me on my ass when he through, holler WHEE WHEE! Call me name Butter Ball Big MamaTwo Ton of Fun. I hate hear him talk more than I hate fuck."<div><br /></div><div>It's not a gentle book. It's harsh but good reading.<br /><br />I am not at all sure I want to see the movie, however. Sometimes these things are more difficult to watch than they are to read about.<br /><br />Anyway. That sort of wore me out. I have <i>Remains of the Day</i> sitting here waiting to be read, but it's actually already overdue at the library, so maybe I should choose something else. I have <i>Of Human Bondage</i>, or that medieval mystery I never finished, or a couple other books which looked good until I got them home, and a whole stack of romantic/historical fantasy which a friend lent me (I'm always ambivalent about romance, but the books look fun...). What I want to read is more E. Von Arnim, and <i>Auntie Mame</i>, which I just requested from the library. I also need to make my Once Upon A Time challenge list, but I am plumb out of energy for that. It will happen this weekend.<br /><br />Sigh. Well, maybe I'll read <i>Remains of the Day</i> since I won't be returning it until Saturday at least anyway. May as well. I wish it were <i>Room With A View. </i></div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28671830.post-3749486196603239202010-03-24T09:21:00.000-07:002010-03-25T15:18:14.176-07:00restoring my faith in humanity<table style="font:11px arial; color:#333; background-color:#f5f5f5" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="360" height="353"><tbody><tr style="background-color:#e5e5e5" valign="middle"><td style="padding:2px 1px 0px 5px;"><a target="_blank" style="color:#333; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;" href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/">The Daily Show With Jon Stewart</a></td><td style="padding:2px 5px 0px 5px; text-align:right; font-weight:bold;">Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c</td></tr><tr style="height:14px;" valign="middle"><td style="padding:2px 1px 0px 5px;" colspan="2"><a target="_blank" style="color:#333; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;" href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-march-18-2010/conservative-libertarian">Conservative Libertarian</a></td></tr><tr style="height:14px; background-color:#353535" valign="middle"><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 5px 0px 5px; width:360px; overflow:hidden; text-align:right"><a target="_blank" style="color:#96deff; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;" href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/">www.thedailyshow.com</a></td></tr><tr valign="middle"><td style="padding:0px;" colspan="2"><embed style="display:block" src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:item:comedycentral.com:267816" width="360" height="301" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="window" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="autoPlay=false" allowscriptaccess="always" allownetworking="all" bgcolor="#000000"></embed></td></tr><tr style="height:18px;" valign="middle"><td style="padding:0px;" colspan="2"><table style="margin:0px; text-align:center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" height="100%"><tbody><tr valign="middle"><td style="padding:3px; width:33%;"><a target="_blank" style="font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;" href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes">Daily Show Full Episodes</a></td><td style="padding:3px; width:33%;"><a target="_blank" style="font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;" href="http://www.indecisionforever.com/">Political Humor</a></td><td style="padding:3px; width:33%;"><a target="_blank" style="font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;" href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/videos/tag/health">Health Care Reform</a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>(if it doesn't play and you haven't seen it yet and want to, <b><a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-march-18-2010/conservative-libertarian">click here</a></b>)<br /><div><div><br /></div><div>Also, I had written a, um, well, rather emotional response to that post on Facebook. I try to keep my mouth shut, but I have to say, when I read these upsetting, inflammatory conservative opinions (there are some rational ones, of course, but mostly the people speaking up are interested drawing direct lines from Obama to Hitler. People. COME. ON. That is so not okay.) -- that poem keeps running through my mind: </div><div><br /></div><div>"THEY CAME FIRST for the Communists,</div><div>and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.</div><div><br /></div><div>THEN THEY CAME for the Jews,</div><div>and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.</div><div><br /></div><div>THEN THEY CAME for the trade unionists,</div><div>and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.</div><div><br /></div><div>THEN THEY CAME for the Catholics,</div><div>and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant.</div><div><br /></div><div>THEN THEY CAME for me</div><div>and by that time no one was left to speak up."</div><div><br /></div><div>I strongly believe that I have to speak up when things are being said or done that I don't feel is right. I know that's what the extremist conservatives are doing, and that's totally fine. We have freedom of speech, even and especially when I don't agree with what's being said. However, I don't want them to be the only voice speaking. </div><div><br /></div><div>Enter Jon Stewart. Thank you!!!</div></div>Daphnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15394393707234499156noreply@blogger.com7