A Thing that Amazes Me (and other tales from the recent past)

A Thing that Amazes Me...

1) The number of people who keep a pen, paper, AND tape in their cars. I can understand a pen and paper - in case of an accident, to jot down a grocery list item, or to pen the idea for the next great American novel, but tape? I am amazed when I see notes taped to meters noting they are broken and just wonder, who keeps tape in their car?

Other tales...

I gave money to a random man the other day. I got stopped on the way home - I truly thought the man was asking for directions, which is why I stopped to listen. He was clean cut, dressed well (shorts, shirt, belt, backpack, baseball cap), and was articulate. He started with a story - something about the bus down the street, missing a bus, working at the zoo for the past three days. Once the nature of the request started coming together I realized I was trapped. Sure, I could have just walked away, but I felt that my time frame for doing so had already passed. So, I reached into my bag and gave him $1. And, if I read his expression correctly as he took my dollar, I think he was thinking, "that's it?" Perhaps since I haven't been in the business of giving out money to everyone on the street who asks, I haven't picked up on inflation!

And to end this random post, some pictures from biking around D.C.:

Lost in Time

I know, you are eagerly wondering whether this post is about the hit song by Stellastarr* or a recap of last night's Lost episode. While both are tops on my list (and who can resist the repetitive dream sequence/ time traveling of Horace Goodspeed?) this post is actually about my watch. And how it failed me. Two days ago.

"You don't know what you got until it's go-oone..." Someone sang that once and let me tell you how true it is. I never knew, until my watch battery puttered to a slow painful death, how much I relied on my watch. Clearly we live in a society that follows the clock. We work 9-5 (well, I work 9-5 at least...), we have breakfast, lunch, and dinner generally within the same 2 hour time spans, we wake up at the same time, go to bed at the same time - we are creatures of habit. And even though I'm certain we could rely on our "inner timepieces" to get through the day, we have meetings and appointments and other activities that rely on precise time knowledge.

To have a broken watch is bad. To have a dying watch is worse. A dying watch is one whose step is becoming a little shaky, whose breaths are becoming labored. A dying watch is one who can't quite keep up the pace. For two days I woke up (at 7am) to my watch displaying 11:45. For two days, it couldn't quite make it to the end of the day and just gave up in the last 15 minutes, retiring for an early shut eye. Both days, I corrected the time (and date) in the morning and for a while, it was like I had administered a shot of caffeine. It kept pace. But slowly, throughout the day, it would lose a minute here and there. As if it wasn't such a big deal. I mean, what's a minute amongst old friends? Well, as we learned in grade school, seconds become minutes and minutes become hours and before you know it, you're totally screwed.

Yesterday, my watch gave up. And for a whole day, I was lost in time. Stuck at 9:15am on May 8. Today, I got myself to the jeweler. And would you believe the irony? When I handed over my watch (the very instrument that has kept me in line with the schedules of others), I was told to come back in 30 minutes.

All In The Family

This weekend I attended a mini family reunion. Believe it or not, I hadn't seen (or talked to for that matter) my uncle and cousins in over 10 years. Just one of those funny family things that happens I guess. How that much time can go by without seeing family seemed normal to me before this weekend - I didn't really know any differently - but after spending some time getting to know each other again, catching up, laughing, and reminiscing on old times, I felt like I had discovered a new part of me.

It got me to thinking about family. "You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family..." What is it about family (I'm talking extended here, not the people who actually raised you) that brings about the good, bad, and the ugly? Why is it that just by the very nature of someone being related through a bloodline to you, it changes the very nature of your relationship with him/her for better or for worse?

Yesterday, I had a somewhat nostalgic moment. I was en route to the doctor and stopped to get a slice of pizza on GW's campus. There I was enjoying my lunch outside, sitting directly across from a GW dorm. The very one, in fact, where my mother spent her freshman year almost 50 years ago. It was nostalgic not because I experienced any time in that dorm, but because one of my family members did and I felt that connection. I was trying to imagine what college was like when she was there. Yesterday, students in shorts and tank tops were packing up boxes and hauling their rooms away in rented vans. When my mom was in school, they had to wear skirts and had curfews. The dorm was all girls.

All of this family reflection got me to thinking about how I could connect/ reconnect with others in my family line. Like all great ideas, mine wound up on Facebook. :) I've created a group for my maiden last name. I've noticed that there are about 20 people on Facebook with the same name (it's quite unusual so I've always thought that anyone else with it must be related to each other). I'm trying a little experiment to see if we can all connect and share stories over Facebook, and maybe even determine if we are all related. These people come from all over the world and share something important to my family - our name.

I'll keep you posted!

PS - as an update to the previous post - I haven't joined the work page yet.

Where to Draw the Line?

My office has created a Facebook page. We're a non-profit and looking to engage the GenX/ Geny Y/ Millennial generations in our programs. Now I face the dilemma: do I "become a fan" of said organization? At what point do too many worlds collide? I started this blog hoping to keep anonymity. Then I attached it to my Facebook page - but still, its only my friends who read it, so that's fine.

I have a Facebook page, one that I largely try to keep out of the work domain. Yes, a few of my work friends also moonlight as Facebook friends (and a large handful of them have left the organization so at that point, its free game, right?). But for the most part, I like to keep these worlds separate.

Problem is, I've been a big advocate of getting our organization into the Web 2.0 world and using sites like MySpace and Facebook to attract new participants and to spread the word of our work. Is it hypocritical if I don't "join" the group? Fortunately, the office's page is not a network, which means that those who join can not necessarily view my profile, without me deeming them a "friend" first. But, if those in our office with Facebook pages become a fan of the organization, will there be an instant link among us - will everyone in the office want me as a Facebook friend, and then will I feel compelled to add them? I'm not trying to make it seem like I am the most desirable Facebook friend in the office, not by a longshot. At this point, I'm a fair amount older than a lot of my colleagues (they probably joined Facebook in college and surely don't belong to the group "Unlike 99.99% of the Facebook population, I was born in the '70s.") Yet, I won't easily be able to ignore their requests as I work with them - everyday.

Then is there a certain stigma with the older group in the office? Will they be talking amongst themselves as to who in the office has a Facebook page? Will they start looking over my shoulder?

As social networking sites like Facebook become more popular, start engaging the older population, and start filtering into the work environment as just another marketing tool, maybe a Facebook page will become as common as the business card. Until then, I've got some thinking to do. I may watch this one from afar for a while, and see how it plays out.

Keep you posted!

Oh, If I Had More Time...

Ever since attending a friend's bridal shower this weekend (that's you L!) and learning of this secret band of devotees to this blog (and you J!), I have been yearning to get back into writing. Coupled with an exhibits conference this weekend that was highly focused on Web 2.0 and the use of technology, I have had numerous blog ideas swimming around in my head. (Now if you all could just read my mind, that would make things a lot easier, wouldn't it?)

Oh, if I just had more time...

I promise to get back on track soon.

Thanks for your patience!!

Facebook Reminded Me: It's My Birthday

31 is something of a non-birthday. At least in the few hours I've been experiencing it thus far. Coming off of the excitement, despair, celebration and amazement of turning 30, 31 is like the new 22. You're just moving deeper into the next decade without an age milestone in sight.

In the days leading up to today, people were wishing me (or sending me) an (early) happy birthday. Why? Because they were notified on Facebook. For me, whether it was denial, being busy at work, or just plain disregard, I was completely taken aback during these encounters. "Right! My birthday is coming up!" with genuine surprise.

Hence, I come to my conclusion... through the myriad of people who referenced my birthday over the past few days, some of whom, but not all, would probably have not known or remembered it was my birthday without a reminder - I credit Facebook for keeping me on track. One of the many wonders of Facebook!

However, Facebook - maybe for those of us who belong to the "Unlike 99.99% of the Facebook population, I was born in the 70s" group, you know, those of us who are getting up in age... maybe you could post a birthday reminder on our pages too.

I've had a day...

Yes, I have. I'm not even sure where to start but it seems that every random person is against me today. I've had the strangest interactions and what's worse, is that I haven't been able to find the appropriate "come-backs" in time and I wind up leaving the situation dumbfounded and looking lame.

So....

To the woman behind the cash register at CVS:

You have to open your mouth and emit sound in order for me to know you've said something. I can not be expected to read your mind. The last I checked, humans haven't been endowed with that power yet. So when you thought about asking me (twice as you said) about whether I wanted a bag to carry the 4 items that I bought out of the store, the catch is... YOU ACTUALLY HAVE TO SAY THE WORDS. And should it have actually been MY fault, and if I really didn't hear you (which I know is not the case anyway), when I asked you for a bag, there is no need to lash out on me with, "You said 'no bag' that's why I asked you twice" in the rudest of all snotty tones.


And to the customer ordering next to me at Firehook Bakery at lunchtime, who offered his unsolicited advice to me:

No, I do not want an oatmeal cookie, even if you seemed to determine by the quickest observation of me that I need a "healthier option" than the peanut butter cup cookie I ordered. [I ordered my cookie and he turned to me and said, "You really should get an oatmeal cookie. It's healthier."] You have no idea what my eating habits are, nor when my last cookie was. I'm 5'2", 100 lbs, and have consistently low cholesterol and blood pressure. I go to the gym several times a week and walk 2 miles roundtrip to/from work every day. For all you know, mister, I gave up cookies years ago and this was my special treat. (not true, but he wouldn't have known that). So, mind your own business, get your own damn oatmeal cookie, and leave me to enjoy my Friday afternoon treat in peace.

Thank you.

The People Are Ready For Change

Got you there, didn't I?

You thought this was going to be another blog post dedicated to Barack Obama or our messed up electoral/ delegate vote system, or the news that Ralph Nadar has decided to ruin our election - again. Well, you are wrong. No politics here. At least not today. I'd like to talk about the Spring fashions I see popping up on the street around me. And it's still only in the 40s.

Yes, the people are ready for change. For a change in the actual climate (among others such as the economic climate and political climate, but we'll save that for another post.) Enough of the dreary 40 degree weather days. Either snow, or be sunny. But the hazy cool mist is getting old already.

Peep toed shoes have made their way back into my office and I've seen several women walking around with skirts on - sans hose. I'm even guilty of running out to lunch without my jacket on lately. Feels like it should be Spring already, even though it's not even March yet. (And even at that, the true Spring weather typically doesn't arrive until May.)

But as global warming persists, our seasons lack demarcation and somehow Fallwinterspring has become the norm. The slightest hint of snow brings everyone into a tizzy and I'm sure a forecast for a 60 degree day would be cause for shorts and flip flops. Yet, somehow, regardless of the forecast, we're left with the gray misty cool humidity. Not cause for an umbrella per se, but definitely enough for a bad hair day.

Get Out The Vote

The Potomac Primaries. The Chesapeake Challenge. Whatever you want to call it, it's a busy day here in the D.C. area. Voter turnout is expected to be a record high, so accordingly, I made sure I was at my voting location at 7am. (Ok, I also had a 7:30 yoga class to attend, so I was up anyway.) My thought was: 7am, in, vote, and out. No more than 10 minutes tops. Joke on me.

My voting place is just a few steps away from my house. Really couldn't be easier. I peeked out the window this morning to see if the canvassers were in place, giving me a good indication that voting was about to begin. I bundle up, walk 10 steps down the sidewalk and there I am. Confronted with a line! At 6:59am, I was already 15th in a line of eager voters. Doors didn't open until 7:05am and when we all filed in, the realization hit quickly. There was only ONE person at the check-in table. A-G, H-P etc. Irrelavent. One person = one line. After check-in, you were funneled to another line - with one poll attendant - handing out the ballots. This was going to be a while.

Very quickly the line started increasing - two fold, four fold, until there were about 70 people in line by the time I left at 7:30am. Still, one person at the check-in table. At this rate, I can't imagine what it will be like at 6pm. Just remember, if you are in line by 8pm - the designated close of polls - they have to let you vote!

So, my advice to voters - bring a paper, bring a cup of joe, be friendly to your neighbors in line and just be patient. This is a huge day for us and worth savoring the impact we can have on this election.

Announcing a New Endeavor

Announcing the very preliminary, very unofficial, very soft launch of Draw Me A Sheep on Cafepress.com. Click the button to the right to view the first pieces in the Drawing Sheep clothing line. Yes, there are only two, and yes, they are both for babies, but stay tuned! More to come!

Direct link: www.cafepress.com/drawingsheep

A Wake Up Call

I admit that I am completely wrapped up in this presidential election. It is all that I've been talking about it, I stayed up to watch the Super Tuesday returns, and I'm counting down the days until I get to vote on the 12th.

I also admit that I live in somewhat of an insular bubble. I often like to think that I'm in touch with other people and groups who are not just like me, but the truth of the matter is that I stick to my circles and social conversation often revolves around the interests that we share. That being said, I do look forward to moments, like the one I'm about to describe, that offer me a well-needed wake up call into what goes on in greater society.

I walk home from work every day passing a church on the corner of my block. I often stop to talk to the parking attendant (he inquires on why I haven't moved my car in days primarily so he can offer to buy it from me and I ask him what upcoming events are going on at the church, mainly so I can be sure that my car is not boxed in if I do need it.) Last night, after inviting me to a pancake breakfast and inquiring about my work-out regimin, I asked him if he was ready for the election this coming Tuesday (the church also happens to be my polling place and as the parking attendant, I figured he'd be busy since the predictions are for record crowds.)

The following is the conversation:

me: So, are you ready for the election on Tuesday?
him: Yeah, I'll be coming in on Monday night to help set up the machines. Is this the Obama - Hinton thing? (I'm fairly sure he said "Hinton" - I know he didn't say "Clinton.")
me: Yes, the presidential primary. Its going to be a busy voting day since the votes have been so close.
him: Oh, I thought it might be a school board election.

I walked away after our conversation reminded of the "everyone else," which is in fact a very large number of people, who do not know of or have no interest in this election. In 2004, only 64% of the registered voters actually voted. (This number has increased from 58% in 1996). As a democracy, we allow people to choose if they want to vote - which is, of course, a good thing - but the risk involved is that although our leaders are elected by a majority, they may be chosen by the few, not the many.

Then I wondered where the disconnect is. Is it that this person belongs to a social circle in which discussion of the upcoming election is not prominent, or does he not have access to the information?

I came out of the conversation remembering some words from my grandfather when we would jokingly disagree on our favorite candies, ice creams, food etc. "That's why they make vanilla and chocolate!"

It's all about choice.

Resolutions

It seems that the majority of people in D.C. have resolved to be more friendly in the New Year. I don’t know if it is an actual resolution or the fact that people got some rest over the holidays but everyone seems to be particularly friendly today. I’ve seen big smiles, jubulent “happy new years” in the hallways, at the front desk, and the cash registers. Meanwhile, I can barely keep my eyes open and smiling today seems to take more effort than normal (not that I’m not happy, its just that I’m exhausted!). [Random fact of the day – this guy posits on whether it takes more energy to smile or frown.]

To what do I attribute my lethargy?

1) The holidays, for one, are tiring for me. Being an “introvert,” I’ve learned that I must store up energy to be social as opposed to extroverts who gain energy from being social, in fact some even thrive on it.

2) I may be fighting a cold, I’m not quite sure yet.

3) And finally, I became addicted to Heroes last night. A “late-bloomer” to the Heroes scene (as we were labeled by the Blockbuster check out guy), my husband and I watched about 5 episodes of season one last night and I subsequently spent the night tossing and turning, wondering if the cheerleader would be saved and what would become of the fate of the world. I worried about alter egos and the identity of Sylar and just how creepy is the creepy guy in the wire rim glasses? For those who know me, this behavior is quite reiminscent of my Lost addiction when we watched almost three seasons in two weeks to catch up for the season finale. Now, Lost returns on January 31 and would you believe it? I’ll be in Belize. Is it too late to ask for Tivo?

So as the new year commences, I’m not sure what my resolution will be. I’ve thought of eating healthier, listening more, and “going green”. For now, I’ve got Heroes to watch and sleep to catch up on.

Happy Holidays!

Just a quick note to wish everyone a happy holiday weekend! I'll be out of touch for a few days as I hang out with the in-laws (not that these posts have been too regular, but I'm sure you'll all manage just fine for a few days without my "deep and insightful observations into the meaning of life.") :)

I could have made this post into a whole debate on Christmas vs. Hannukah or what its like to be Jewish at Christmastime (even though half my family celebrates Christmas), or the "joys" of having to split holidays between two families... but those have all been done before.

This, on the other hand...

Store Rewards Those Who Say Merry Christmas


And finally, a BIG thank you to Elyssa for the great recommendation of where to donate my I-pod. It was so obvious! I'm headed to Walmart today to drop it off in a Toys for Tots box. I hope that it brings a lot of joy to someone this season.

I Want to Donate My I-Pod

I have a brand new I-Pod Nano that I want to donate to a good cause and after googling every possible combination of "I want to donate my I-pod," I've come up with nothing.

Does anyone out there know an organization or cause seeking I-pods? I would think especially around the holidays this would be popular. Although, I'm well aware that the recipient also requires a computer which unfortunately I do not have available to donate.

Thanks! Please leave any suggestions you have in the comments section.

Brrr... It's Cold in Here

We have no heat. I'm waiting for the repairman to arrive to save me from this frigid condo. With a few inches of snow still on the ground and temperatures not to exceed 37 degrees today, this is not the best day for our radiator to fail us. The small space heater in the bedroom is doing next to nothing.

We had the first indication that our heat was on the fritz two nights ago. Yesterday, we found respite from the cold at work but today I've been tasked to wait for the repairman. The appliance company originally gave us the time frame of "morning." When we called to confirm this morning, we were told "mid-day."

Brrr.... [teeth chattering]

I snapped this picture the other night with my NEW digital camera:


Even thoughts of summer aren't working today.

Signs, Signs, Everywhere Are Signs...

I've seen some pretty great ones over the past few weeks. If only my camera would hold a charge, I would have taken pictures to share with you. I'll do the best I can to explain:

Nordstrom - Tyson's Corner

We'll be decking our halls on November 23.

Why?

Because at Nordstrom, we like to take one holiday at a time.

KUDOS, Nordstrom!! If only other stores would take your lead. There is no need for Christmas to start in October, which yes, is when I saw the first signs of it at my local CVS. Even the store employee who was stocking the card aisle with Christmas cards looked bewildered.


Bumper Sticker - Mclean, VA

This one is hard to type out and get the right effect

Any

DEMOCRAT '08

(It looked like a specific candidate bumper sticker, where the "Any" would be replaced by the candidates last name).


Deli - 17th between L and M

Serving Hotdogs!

Now with proper sanitizing.

This sign was up for weeks, and I couldn't understand why this was something you'd want to announce. I mean, if in fact you were serving food without proper sanitizing that's a) gross but b) not necessary to broadcast to those customers who may not have known in the first place.

About a week ago I noticed that the second line had been erased.

Portraits

The camera batteries are finally charged and here are a few updates from my drawing class. This is the first time I've drawn a figure with this much detail. I clearly still have some work to do!

The Most Un-Halloween Halloween Ever

It's like Christmas in Florida. The date says December 25, but that's about it. Yesterday was my most un-Halloween Halloween ever.

Maybe it is the time-warp, twilight zone kind of black hole I'm in called "in between marriage and babies." Halloween, between marriage and babies, is really a non-holiday. You've stopped going out to Halloween parties, all-night drunken affairs where you can get away with anything because you are in costume. And, you don't have kids to parade around the neighborhood in their pumpkin onesies.

Typically Halloween in the northeast (or, I guess, we're technically in the mid-Atlantic) is crisp. Children argue with their parents over wearing turtlenecks under their genie costumes or coats over their glittery princess gowns. Leaves are changing. Last night, it was close to 70 degrees.

The past few years one of the four members of our condo building has taken the lead on getting candy for our building and organizing who will sit outside on the stoop to hand it out to the kids in the neighborhood. This year, no one stepped up to the plate and instead, I went to a spin class at my gym. On the way home, I looked for trick-or-treaters and saw none.

Typically I would have started my Reeses indulgence weeks ago. Our office has been good this year - no Halloween candy at the front desk in the days leading up to the 31st. Instead this year, I had my first peanut butter cup of the season today. The day AFTER Halloween.

So a favorite holiday of mine has come and gone. No celebrations, no witches costumes, and barely any candy. I guess you could say I'm growing up. I guess this is why people have kids.

I owe you an update

but it is waiting on my rechargeable camera batteries. I started drawing the human head in my drawing class last week. I now have two heads under my belt and will post them soon. What I won't post, though, is a picture of the model because I want you to think that my drawings really do look like my subjects. There is a slight resemblance, but really I've probably unearthed a long lost cousin instead. Hang tight!

I Take Up Space Too

I had one of those days today where everyone got in the way of my personal space. The most noted offender was this guy at the Chipotle in Dupont Circle. He was behind me in line, and it was as if I wasn't there at all. In addition to invading the personal space of the condiments (he was leaning way over the sneeze guard to get an up close look at the salsas), he continued to side-step down the line and when he bumped into me, he didn't stop - as if he was trying to bulldoze me aside so that he could get a look at a topping that was a bit out of his line of sight. He reminded me a bit of those old video game characters - a Mario or Luigi - who just continue to move their feet when they've hit a wall. I guess I was the wall.

I wanted to say, "Dude! I take up space, too." But instead I just shot him nasty looks. It didn't work.

At at mere 5' 2", I realize that I don't take up a lot of space and I definitely don't have one of those flamboyant personalities that announces "I'm here!" at my every turn. But I do take up space. I am composed of water and atoms and molecules and so forth and by the laws of physics, I displace air when I walk (I think!?!).

And I like my space.

I read a study once (I wish I could find it now to share with you) that people who engage in casual touch wind up happier than those who are never touched by others. For example, if your hand brushes a cashier's hand when he/she gives you your change, or you brush against a co-worker's arm while passing in the hallway, you are probably happier than someone who never receives the sense of touch.

This was not casual touch though. It was downright obtrusive bulldozing into my personal space.

I shouldn't be surprised that there is a Wikipedia entry on personal space. And it is interesting to note that, "Those who live in a densely populated environment tend to have smaller personal space requirements." In the entry, they compare someone who lives in India to someone who lives in the Mongolian Steppe. I'm not going to be that extreme - but maybe this guy came from New York City.