The blogger is down right now for me (probably because I haven't gotten the new interface) so this is the picture that will soon grace my header:
2011-12-13
2011-12-07
Grey skies and clear horizons
It has been tough toward the end of the quarter. Work piles up and has a looming and approaching due date. Crises occur. Parties are planned. Other obligations interject. Yoga loses its everyday practice. Brushing teeth turns into a luxury. Time is short.
And then... BOOM! After lots of coffee, tea and chocolate, minimal sleep but maximum hours toiling in front of a computer screen... it's over. Another school term complete. And a break. I'll do some work during my vacation, but it is personal and enjoyable especially because it'll be on my time and my interests. What the hell, I may even be able to celebrate my birthday!
Snowboarding, birding, reading, writing, Jake in town, birthdays, sleeping, eating, cooking, plotting, planning and dreaming. Should be a full 25 days!
And then... BOOM! After lots of coffee, tea and chocolate, minimal sleep but maximum hours toiling in front of a computer screen... it's over. Another school term complete. And a break. I'll do some work during my vacation, but it is personal and enjoyable especially because it'll be on my time and my interests. What the hell, I may even be able to celebrate my birthday!
Snowboarding, birding, reading, writing, Jake in town, birthdays, sleeping, eating, cooking, plotting, planning and dreaming. Should be a full 25 days!
2011-12-01
a poem that saved my life today
"When I Am Among the Trees"
from Thirst: Poems By Mary Oliver. Boston, MA: Beacon Press. (2006):
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, "Stay awhile."
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, "It's simple," they say,
"and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine."
Thank you Mary Oliver, though I may never meet you.
from Thirst: Poems By Mary Oliver. Boston, MA: Beacon Press. (2006):
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, "Stay awhile."
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, "It's simple," they say,
"and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine."
Thank you Mary Oliver, though I may never meet you.
2011-11-30
lingering cough and food coma
Cough won't go away. I am in a good place though. Went out to dinner... too much food. An hour evening nap... Writing this blog and then to bed rather early! One week to go in this quarter and the work laid out in front of me. Start chippin' away tomorrow.
One for my hommie, the real Eagle
This is for last night!
Inspirational night... getting through my sickness. Almost there. Rather quick recovery... that is a great sign about how healthy I (think I) am.
Nice to speak with Scott about our dreams to transform our homeland into a greener one... albeit still densely populated.
Caught sight of an owl around 10pm and stalked it (though it wasn't fooled at all) as it flew and perched in gloomy conifers.
Thanked and appreciated the woman whose garden inspires me every time I walk by it. She was rather scared (I am rather unkempt and it was late at night) but smiled as she shut the door quickly. Oh well, got that feeling out of my head.
Sleep was good and my project work is done... a small presentation to do today, and I will sort of "wing it." I have some things I'd like to say, but I am by no means an expert... just a curious reader.
Two years ago I applied for this grad program. And here I am. With much more insight and content than I would have ever imagined.
Pete died about three years ago. He would be 29 today. I would be laughing about how the Eagles won't make the playoffs and he would be telling me to fuck off while downplaying the Steelers. It would be nice to talk with him.
May I live in a way today that would make him proud to be my friend.
Inspirational night... getting through my sickness. Almost there. Rather quick recovery... that is a great sign about how healthy I (think I) am.
Nice to speak with Scott about our dreams to transform our homeland into a greener one... albeit still densely populated.
Caught sight of an owl around 10pm and stalked it (though it wasn't fooled at all) as it flew and perched in gloomy conifers.
Thanked and appreciated the woman whose garden inspires me every time I walk by it. She was rather scared (I am rather unkempt and it was late at night) but smiled as she shut the door quickly. Oh well, got that feeling out of my head.
Sleep was good and my project work is done... a small presentation to do today, and I will sort of "wing it." I have some things I'd like to say, but I am by no means an expert... just a curious reader.
Two years ago I applied for this grad program. And here I am. With much more insight and content than I would have ever imagined.
Pete died about three years ago. He would be 29 today. I would be laughing about how the Eagles won't make the playoffs and he would be telling me to fuck off while downplaying the Steelers. It would be nice to talk with him.
May I live in a way today that would make him proud to be my friend.
2011-11-29
blast- another two days
Oy, I have been under the weather. so, no blogging. Moreover, Elaine was visiting from Vancouver and I spent most of my time on the couch reading and writing a paper for class and away from the internet. Thus, no blog. Oy. I even said out loud that I wouldn't forget to do it last night. But I certainly did!
Getting through this sickness, caused certainly by lack of sleep before Thanksgiving, in relatively short time. And back to the grind. Another paper done, another presentation to create, more paper to write and more presentations to deliver. I can see the end and it looks awesome. I can see the tremendous workload for next quarter looming in the distance, waiting for January to unleash a torrent of busy-ness onto me... but even that is kind of exciting!
Jake gets here in just over two weeks and we will have a good time up here together. It will be cold, but there may be snow to ride, birds to see, Vancouver to visit and other things to eat, see and do in Bellingham for 10 days. Looking forward to that, for sure!
Getting through this sickness, caused certainly by lack of sleep before Thanksgiving, in relatively short time. And back to the grind. Another paper done, another presentation to create, more paper to write and more presentations to deliver. I can see the end and it looks awesome. I can see the tremendous workload for next quarter looming in the distance, waiting for January to unleash a torrent of busy-ness onto me... but even that is kind of exciting!
Jake gets here in just over two weeks and we will have a good time up here together. It will be cold, but there may be snow to ride, birds to see, Vancouver to visit and other things to eat, see and do in Bellingham for 10 days. Looking forward to that, for sure!
2011-11-26
2011-11-23
weird sleep... not a lot of it and BEAUTIFUL CALIFORNIA!
Slept at 11:20pm... woke up at 2:45AM! Drove to the airport for my 5am flight, connected in Seattle (pouring rain) slept on a bench in front of the gate and then again on the airplane. Thought I might actually die on the first leg because the turbulence was non-stop, I felt sick to my stomach (never had happened to me on a plane before) and the plane teetered a dozen times as we landed and eventually slowed down into strong winds and driving rain. Arrived 9:30am... & GO!
Love Mom for picking me up (and for busting my balls all day). Drew and I went to Newport, got fabulous fish burritos at Bear Flag, spent some time by the beach... I almost grabbed a Great Blue Heron (the closest I have ever gotten to one, actually), saw the PELICANS! Some tiny cormorants, and even some dolphins glistening in the 78-degree sun! Great day.
Some reading, dinner with the family.. it's awesome to be with Mom, Dad, and Jake. No Charlie... so that is kind of sad. But I saw his ashes and his water/food bowls are there still-- nostalgia indeed. RIP to you kind, quiet, black friend.
Love Mom for picking me up (and for busting my balls all day). Drew and I went to Newport, got fabulous fish burritos at Bear Flag, spent some time by the beach... I almost grabbed a Great Blue Heron (the closest I have ever gotten to one, actually), saw the PELICANS! Some tiny cormorants, and even some dolphins glistening in the 78-degree sun! Great day.
Some reading, dinner with the family.. it's awesome to be with Mom, Dad, and Jake. No Charlie... so that is kind of sad. But I saw his ashes and his water/food bowls are there still-- nostalgia indeed. RIP to you kind, quiet, black friend.
2011-11-22
Shame on Nancy Steiger, Shame on St. Joseph's Medical Center in Bellingham, Shame on PeaceHealth
Shame on Nancy Steiger Chief Executive Officer of St. Joseph's Medical Center in Bellingham, Washington. Her selfish efforts to make money have undermined the mission and core values of the hospital and its partners.
No longer is PeaceHealth St. Joseph's providing relief to pain and suffering; rather is is enabling pain and suffering. PeaceHealth is irresponsible for permitting her actions that deny support for the nurses who comfort patients in its care.
Their negligent behavior to make a profit puts my life and the lives of my friends at risk. Their monetary gain is not justifiable in undercutting community health and risking lives.
Shame on Nancy Steiger, St. Joseph's Medical Center in Bellingham, and PeaceHealth for endangering the lives of those who live in Bellingham and Whatcom county.
No longer is PeaceHealth St. Joseph's providing relief to pain and suffering; rather is is enabling pain and suffering. PeaceHealth is irresponsible for permitting her actions that deny support for the nurses who comfort patients in its care.
Their negligent behavior to make a profit puts my life and the lives of my friends at risk. Their monetary gain is not justifiable in undercutting community health and risking lives.
Shame on Nancy Steiger, St. Joseph's Medical Center in Bellingham, and PeaceHealth for endangering the lives of those who live in Bellingham and Whatcom county.
too busy to blog...
ahh, I was so busy, I forgot to write this 10 minutes ago to get it in for November 21st!
Oy missed two days in a row... yesterday I didn't even remember to do it. Today I have been utterly swamped trying to type myriad papers, resumes, letters, emails, etc. and today has already turned into tomorrow... which is actually today. A little bit of sleep and more writing all day tomorrow.. and some reading... and some packing and then a 3:15am departure on Wed morning for a super early flight... to get me to orange county. Maybe it will be warmer at my parents' house.
And the huge gusts blow loudly late into this evening... in the form of flatulence AND stormy northern latitude winds
Oy missed two days in a row... yesterday I didn't even remember to do it. Today I have been utterly swamped trying to type myriad papers, resumes, letters, emails, etc. and today has already turned into tomorrow... which is actually today. A little bit of sleep and more writing all day tomorrow.. and some reading... and some packing and then a 3:15am departure on Wed morning for a super early flight... to get me to orange county. Maybe it will be warmer at my parents' house.
And the huge gusts blow loudly late into this evening... in the form of flatulence AND stormy northern latitude winds
2011-11-19
short but sweet
again didnt do any of the work I have to do... oy. But the farmer's market was great and all of the people I ran into were fun to chat with. A short nap and then laundry and dinner with Scott. Football too! Now, onto the work!
2011-11-18
missed yesterday but good for today!
Got to be crazy/madness yesterday... all busy with class and yoga, tea with CeCe and then folks kept arriving and then social support took over and then I went over to Kate and CeCe's for group studying... eventually found myself home at 11:15pm, pretty tired, with reading to do still. So I went to bed.
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It has been a fulfilling week, with much social and community connectedness. Recently folks have been struggling or looking for guidance. Or simply an ear, or a shoulder. I have been in a very good space recently, so I have no tears to shed besides the empathetic ones. It is because of my present flourishing that I am not only able to help others cope with their troubles, but excited to spend time doing so.
I have put off some work and will have to bust my arse to catch up. I even have to forgo snowboarding this weekend (despite 2 feet of fresh powder!) on the opening of Mt. Baker. And you know what... it is OK. Community needs support and it provides comfort. It is our responsibility to provide that when we are able and to lean on community when we need it.
And I will slow down again, not drive to the mountains (and use the gas), this weekend. More fresh produce from the farmer's market... hopefully to get stuff for another wonderful potato-leek-cabbage soup and make it. Also, this afternoon I went down to the harbor and bought two salmon. A Coho (Keta) [6.5 lbs] and a Pink [3.5 lbs] . For a total of $20. Unbelievable! From the fisherman who caught them last summer outside of Petersberg, Alaska. That's about as "local" as one could do.
-----------------
It has been a fulfilling week, with much social and community connectedness. Recently folks have been struggling or looking for guidance. Or simply an ear, or a shoulder. I have been in a very good space recently, so I have no tears to shed besides the empathetic ones. It is because of my present flourishing that I am not only able to help others cope with their troubles, but excited to spend time doing so.
I have put off some work and will have to bust my arse to catch up. I even have to forgo snowboarding this weekend (despite 2 feet of fresh powder!) on the opening of Mt. Baker. And you know what... it is OK. Community needs support and it provides comfort. It is our responsibility to provide that when we are able and to lean on community when we need it.
And I will slow down again, not drive to the mountains (and use the gas), this weekend. More fresh produce from the farmer's market... hopefully to get stuff for another wonderful potato-leek-cabbage soup and make it. Also, this afternoon I went down to the harbor and bought two salmon. A Coho (Keta) [6.5 lbs] and a Pink [3.5 lbs] . For a total of $20. Unbelievable! From the fisherman who caught them last summer outside of Petersberg, Alaska. That's about as "local" as one could do.
2011-11-16
did everything but what I needed to read~!
Exactly that. I am bubbling with positude currently. I am not "happy" and my emotions are more down than up, but I am flourishing and excelling in my attitude and actions. Lots of checking in with people today. I met with the majority of my colleagues and spread the good vibes around. We all need it and some of us have it, so it is a good time to share the wealth. At least for me. Lots of tea tonight with different parties and good discussions. But no reading for class, like I wanted to do.
Per usual Yoga was an amazing start to the day, class and morning work went on just fine and the gym was a tough but rewarding. More pull ups than usual and lots of sweat pouring from the bike regiment. Yoga in the AM tomorrow too and getting up for it is good reason to get some rest now!
I am finally becoming American Dave again. It's weird to recognize the changes in my actions, thoughts, feelings and mannerisms. It almost feels natural to "be myself" after so much time from it. Some very crucial elements still resonate with "other" cultures in my head, but I laughed on the walk home at my Americanized self. It is not good or bad, better or worse... but blending in and now I have the freedom to explore that self, sustain its commonalities compared with other contexts and flourish in my energy passions and knowledge. Makes sense to me.
Per usual Yoga was an amazing start to the day, class and morning work went on just fine and the gym was a tough but rewarding. More pull ups than usual and lots of sweat pouring from the bike regiment. Yoga in the AM tomorrow too and getting up for it is good reason to get some rest now!
I am finally becoming American Dave again. It's weird to recognize the changes in my actions, thoughts, feelings and mannerisms. It almost feels natural to "be myself" after so much time from it. Some very crucial elements still resonate with "other" cultures in my head, but I laughed on the walk home at my Americanized self. It is not good or bad, better or worse... but blending in and now I have the freedom to explore that self, sustain its commonalities compared with other contexts and flourish in my energy passions and knowledge. Makes sense to me.
2011-11-15
excellence
Today was superb. Though I didn't get out of bed early like I could have and felt that I was running late, I managed to indeed cook the Spanish omelet that I had prepared for. Thus, I didn't waste food. I got to Yoga early which was a grounding experience (and lately has been). Class was nice and then just got it done today. Reading, resume, assignments and then got a SWIM in! That was awesome.
I forgot how wonderful it is to glide in the water. I was definitely out of breath really fast, but my form is improving slowly in just two sessions! I can see and feel the differences. I have to work on stamina, but it is a fun activity. Yet another way to utilize the gym, keep myself active and break up the lulls in studying, reading and class. Another great, although late, evening class also.
Today was excellent.
I forgot how wonderful it is to glide in the water. I was definitely out of breath really fast, but my form is improving slowly in just two sessions! I can see and feel the differences. I have to work on stamina, but it is a fun activity. Yet another way to utilize the gym, keep myself active and break up the lulls in studying, reading and class. Another great, although late, evening class also.
Today was excellent.
2011-11-14
ahhh, didnt read today!
OK, So I didn't read this evening like I had anticipated. Nick came over and we conversed for a LONG time. That's OK. I didn't go to the gym either. But that's OK. I realized how far behind I am in class... and that is OK. OK.
Calmly to sleep and early to wake up? Plenty of work that I have to do... and it is out for me to see. Boy is it intimidating!
Calmly to sleep and early to wake up? Plenty of work that I have to do... and it is out for me to see. Boy is it intimidating!
2011-11-13
long up and a lull and then an up
I totally felt the energy flow and ebb today. Woke up and got a lot done (probably ill-timed) with a certification I am trying to earn with the Institute. One more requirement left and then I have to compile all of the work I've done. I have the blueprint, but have to go through and save all of the files to a CD... as soon as I am done with an article (that I need to write and get published!)
Then on to a great smelling soup. Potato-leek... with garlic and then in with celery and cabbage. I am gonna blend it in the morning and it should be ample thick! I hope it tastes good... it certainly smells that way.
Lulled in the afternoon. Nick came over for a cup of tea and then went on his way. I tried to do schoolwork but closed my eyes. And then I woke up to try again, so I read for another 4 minutes... then off to sleep. After a 24 minute cat nap, I knew I had to get up. Went to the gym.. first time out of my apartment was at 4:05pm... but I got on that bike and pushed it and did some exercises and stretching and then felt awesome after a shower. Remembered to turn off the water while soaping up! That was awesome too.
On my way to the bus stop when Clint and Alexandra stopped their car and offered to drive me. Instead of going home I had them drop me at the co-op because I needed ground chicken. Got to the bus stop and realized that there were no more buses for the night. So I called them up, joined them for dinner at Boundary Bay and watched the Pats beat the Jets handily. That made Clint just giddy.
I prepped some veggies for tomorrow and am ready to rock. Still way behind on my reading, but that is OK. I am in a good place, even though I can't readily smile. Well-being is high, even though the positive emotion aspect of that is a bit lower than last week. Relationships, Achievements and the other two aspects are good.
Ready for 7am Yoga with Maya and a swim sometime tomorrow before class too... lots of reading and studying to do. Set to go!
Then on to a great smelling soup. Potato-leek... with garlic and then in with celery and cabbage. I am gonna blend it in the morning and it should be ample thick! I hope it tastes good... it certainly smells that way.
Lulled in the afternoon. Nick came over for a cup of tea and then went on his way. I tried to do schoolwork but closed my eyes. And then I woke up to try again, so I read for another 4 minutes... then off to sleep. After a 24 minute cat nap, I knew I had to get up. Went to the gym.. first time out of my apartment was at 4:05pm... but I got on that bike and pushed it and did some exercises and stretching and then felt awesome after a shower. Remembered to turn off the water while soaping up! That was awesome too.
On my way to the bus stop when Clint and Alexandra stopped their car and offered to drive me. Instead of going home I had them drop me at the co-op because I needed ground chicken. Got to the bus stop and realized that there were no more buses for the night. So I called them up, joined them for dinner at Boundary Bay and watched the Pats beat the Jets handily. That made Clint just giddy.
I prepped some veggies for tomorrow and am ready to rock. Still way behind on my reading, but that is OK. I am in a good place, even though I can't readily smile. Well-being is high, even though the positive emotion aspect of that is a bit lower than last week. Relationships, Achievements and the other two aspects are good.
Ready for 7am Yoga with Maya and a swim sometime tomorrow before class too... lots of reading and studying to do. Set to go!
misc photos
Don't know the name of this flower
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
A fly-by
Mt. Baker looms to the east from Semiahmoo Spit2011-11-12
yoga, gym, sushi
Yoga in the morning. Gym from 11:20~2:00: basketball, SWIMMING, jacuzzi, and some other games in the gym. Boy I am OUT OF SHAPE! Maybe fit-looking, but certainly winded by the lightest workout. I have work to do. A nap after I gorged myself and then sushi with Scott, Clint and Alexandra. Wanna go to sleep, but I am awake now... and have work that I could do too. Oy. Ohh, where to begin with the workload at 8:20pm? From right here!
2011-11-10
good thursday
Went to be super early last night and thought I met get up at 5:15... not quite what happened, in fact I was still tired at 6:30 when I actually got up.
Did my reading, which is still enjoyable and then yoga (I love!) and class. Elizabeth came back here with me and we had a simple lunch and an afternoon on Bellingham Bay- just shooting the shit. Then I joined my colleagues from Ad theory at a middle school where I learned from the principal about what life is like as the head administrator at a unique school. I don't know if that kind of work is for me... it was good to see what it can be like!
Not much to report besides an overall sense of happiness and good feelingness. That is something important to recognize because I have downer days too. It's valuable to recognize that life is peaches and cream... so when it is more mushrooms and shellfish I can remember the sweet times too.
Did my reading, which is still enjoyable and then yoga (I love!) and class. Elizabeth came back here with me and we had a simple lunch and an afternoon on Bellingham Bay- just shooting the shit. Then I joined my colleagues from Ad theory at a middle school where I learned from the principal about what life is like as the head administrator at a unique school. I don't know if that kind of work is for me... it was good to see what it can be like!
Not much to report besides an overall sense of happiness and good feelingness. That is something important to recognize because I have downer days too. It's valuable to recognize that life is peaches and cream... so when it is more mushrooms and shellfish I can remember the sweet times too.
2011-11-09
sleep early
Long day yesterday, kinda loopy at the end of it all and trying to converse with Wayne about winter plans... fail on my part. No energy left.
Spoke with Gordo today about good work that he is doing, that I am doing, that we are all (capable of) doing.
Yoga this morning with Maya was lovely. Some school work... not nearly enough! and some paperwork which is done forever I hope. And a killer workout... I was in the gym for much longer than I anticipated, but shredded the bike and got in an extra set of push-ups too--- that was rad. Jacuzzi where I ran into Teresa and chatted for a minute. Then home to food that was ready to go. Gotta read before going to class tomorrow, but I think going to bed is the better option and then waking up early (and probably naturally) to get the work done. Listen to the body...
Spoke with Gordo today about good work that he is doing, that I am doing, that we are all (capable of) doing.
Yoga this morning with Maya was lovely. Some school work... not nearly enough! and some paperwork which is done forever I hope. And a killer workout... I was in the gym for much longer than I anticipated, but shredded the bike and got in an extra set of push-ups too--- that was rad. Jacuzzi where I ran into Teresa and chatted for a minute. Then home to food that was ready to go. Gotta read before going to class tomorrow, but I think going to bed is the better option and then waking up early (and probably naturally) to get the work done. Listen to the body...
2011-11-08
Post #300
Or so the counter says.
Flourish by Martin Seligman. Worth your while.
I'm tired again. A long Tuesday. But I am getting through the work and enjoying it... and it is hard to be a graduate student. A life-long student. And it is a worthwhile life to always be learning. I hope to carry this theme with me... and to never stop. Even when I am tired.
And in Zen tradition... when we are the most tired is the best time to practice. When we are too cold or too hot it is the best time. When we are busy, it is the best time to practice. It is always the best time to practice (or to study, read and be good.)
Flourish by Martin Seligman. Worth your while.
I'm tired again. A long Tuesday. But I am getting through the work and enjoying it... and it is hard to be a graduate student. A life-long student. And it is a worthwhile life to always be learning. I hope to carry this theme with me... and to never stop. Even when I am tired.
And in Zen tradition... when we are the most tired is the best time to practice. When we are too cold or too hot it is the best time. When we are busy, it is the best time to practice. It is always the best time to practice (or to study, read and be good.)
2011-11-07
blocked
meant to write earlier when I was feeling energetic. didn't happen. got to cooking. too much time on my feet today in the kitchen. new chicken soup recipe. too much effort. i need a bigger pot! that would have halved the time! Still not done. do it in the morning.
tomorrow i have to teach a lesson on a chapter in a book. the moral of the chapter: you can prepare and study (myriad lists provided) leadership but it doesn't matter when the push comes to shove. What is there to teach? how can I do it with some activities? power point is BORING and I refuse to use it for my presentation. even though it is for adults, I KNOW they need some action and innovation in their lives right now... I certainly do. But I am not sure how to make it work! And I am sitting on my arse trying to figure it out... errgh.
today was a remarkable day though. Lots of positive accomplishments and lucky timings too. And still trying not to use the heat.
Mental block. Oy.
tomorrow i have to teach a lesson on a chapter in a book. the moral of the chapter: you can prepare and study (myriad lists provided) leadership but it doesn't matter when the push comes to shove. What is there to teach? how can I do it with some activities? power point is BORING and I refuse to use it for my presentation. even though it is for adults, I KNOW they need some action and innovation in their lives right now... I certainly do. But I am not sure how to make it work! And I am sitting on my arse trying to figure it out... errgh.
today was a remarkable day though. Lots of positive accomplishments and lucky timings too. And still trying not to use the heat.
Mental block. Oy.
2011-11-06
fun day and all about me
So selfish I was today...
Woke up at 5:15, thinking it was 6:15... yay daylight savings time.
Shaved and cleaned up my apartment, filled up my tank (hopefully for the month) and picked up Clint. Swung by to get CeCe also and we went to Semiahmoo Spit to look at birds. It is a small strip of land in Blaine, WA directly across from the Canadian border. Sure was cold first thing in the morning, but we managed to see lots of cool winged ones: Great Blue Heron, Harlequins, Buffleheads, Grebes, both White-winged and Surf Scoters, Northern Harriers, Black-capped Chickadees, Spotted Towhee, Crested Merganser, Mallards, Pelagic Cormorants, Gulls of all sorts, a Bald Eagle, Ravens, Starlings, two different sparrows, Northern Flickers (and a dead one in my trunk... ahh, I gotta go get that!) and a couple more that I don't remember right now. Wow, we sure did see a bunch, now that I look over that list!
Dropped them off and got ready for a rock climbing class. One of the perks of university is that there are a bunch of cheap classes for students... so I am trying to take what I can! Lead Climbing and Belay was it today. And I was the only one who signed up! So, I had a 2.5 hr private lead climbing lesson (for only $25.) Whooo-weeee, was it scary! And then I had to belay my instructor (who I am sure was ten years younger than me!) I got to set anchors for myself and self-rappel as he looked over my shoulder, but I got it done on my own! I still have some practicing to do in order to make it go smoother, but I managed all the gear properly. Such a great feeling. But it adds another dynamic to my rock climbing activity.
Got to listen to and watch some Steelers/Ravens while making and eating dinner. Fried & breaded rainbow trout, homemade french fries, sauteed Brussels sprouts and rice... and I am a little more full than I ought to be. I want to watch the rest of the game, but I probably should read because I obviously did no school work today. Pretty pumped.
Another note: it would be nice to pick up cute ladies on Friday and Saturday nights. But that is not my style... so I will go about climbing and gyming and reading and working and not worry about the "social" life that bothered me so much over the weekend. Like that Z-trip track, "Just Doin' My Thang."
Woke up at 5:15, thinking it was 6:15... yay daylight savings time.
Shaved and cleaned up my apartment, filled up my tank (hopefully for the month) and picked up Clint. Swung by to get CeCe also and we went to Semiahmoo Spit to look at birds. It is a small strip of land in Blaine, WA directly across from the Canadian border. Sure was cold first thing in the morning, but we managed to see lots of cool winged ones: Great Blue Heron, Harlequins, Buffleheads, Grebes, both White-winged and Surf Scoters, Northern Harriers, Black-capped Chickadees, Spotted Towhee, Crested Merganser, Mallards, Pelagic Cormorants, Gulls of all sorts, a Bald Eagle, Ravens, Starlings, two different sparrows, Northern Flickers (and a dead one in my trunk... ahh, I gotta go get that!) and a couple more that I don't remember right now. Wow, we sure did see a bunch, now that I look over that list!
Dropped them off and got ready for a rock climbing class. One of the perks of university is that there are a bunch of cheap classes for students... so I am trying to take what I can! Lead Climbing and Belay was it today. And I was the only one who signed up! So, I had a 2.5 hr private lead climbing lesson (for only $25.) Whooo-weeee, was it scary! And then I had to belay my instructor (who I am sure was ten years younger than me!) I got to set anchors for myself and self-rappel as he looked over my shoulder, but I got it done on my own! I still have some practicing to do in order to make it go smoother, but I managed all the gear properly. Such a great feeling. But it adds another dynamic to my rock climbing activity.
Got to listen to and watch some Steelers/Ravens while making and eating dinner. Fried & breaded rainbow trout, homemade french fries, sauteed Brussels sprouts and rice... and I am a little more full than I ought to be. I want to watch the rest of the game, but I probably should read because I obviously did no school work today. Pretty pumped.
Another note: it would be nice to pick up cute ladies on Friday and Saturday nights. But that is not my style... so I will go about climbing and gyming and reading and working and not worry about the "social" life that bothered me so much over the weekend. Like that Z-trip track, "Just Doin' My Thang."
2011-11-05
slow down, sleep, rest... really and reset
That's what it took. Sleep... rest, waking up late into an already gorgeous sunny Bellingham morning. To the farmer's market where I ran into a lot of colleagues. Got food for the next week or so and lots of plans for great soups: potato-leek-kale, homemade chicken soup. I got home and picked up my book and after a chapter took a nap. Next thing I know it is 4pm and gorgeous still. Perfect situation for a kayak... but my shoulder feels weird and I didn't have time to warm-up or stretch. So I decided a walk along the coast was better. Lots of people, lots of concrete on the dock and sidewalks, but the birds still fly and swim looking for fish. They reminded me that I love the coast and the wildlife and that I should make an effort to get there more often.
Enter a conflict: I am trying to use less gasoline. I don't want to drive far at all and make efforts to not use my car. In fact, I haven't put gas in my car tank since the end of September. But tomorrow I'll have to fill up as I want to head to the birds at the border... and center myself again.
I wrote yesterday about not being the social butterfly I once was. Well, that was a REALLY long time ago actually. If I accurately recall, then I'll see the pattern that indeed I am a loner. Lots of traveling solo, bird watching and dinners by myself, random snowboard and hiking days just me. So, I can accept that I have spent much of my life on my own. And that is OK too. So, I now have a better perspective of where I am. And it took the coast and the birds (not to mention some sunshine and rest) to remind me that all is well and that there are no stressful aspects of my life anyhow.
And not to worry about finding or making friends. It is a slow process for me. And the friends I make are gems also, so I shouldn't go about making some just to fill the time and space. The true energy will arrive and maintain me when it does. :) And then I look to the quote on the side of my blog from Castaneda and I settle down even more. Energy is what is important... not how it is decorated.
Enter a conflict: I am trying to use less gasoline. I don't want to drive far at all and make efforts to not use my car. In fact, I haven't put gas in my car tank since the end of September. But tomorrow I'll have to fill up as I want to head to the birds at the border... and center myself again.
I wrote yesterday about not being the social butterfly I once was. Well, that was a REALLY long time ago actually. If I accurately recall, then I'll see the pattern that indeed I am a loner. Lots of traveling solo, bird watching and dinners by myself, random snowboard and hiking days just me. So, I can accept that I have spent much of my life on my own. And that is OK too. So, I now have a better perspective of where I am. And it took the coast and the birds (not to mention some sunshine and rest) to remind me that all is well and that there are no stressful aspects of my life anyhow.
And not to worry about finding or making friends. It is a slow process for me. And the friends I make are gems also, so I shouldn't go about making some just to fill the time and space. The true energy will arrive and maintain me when it does. :) And then I look to the quote on the side of my blog from Castaneda and I settle down even more. Energy is what is important... not how it is decorated.
2011-11-04
great day and the deeper reflection...
Killed it today. Finished the book, finished the paper, ran the seminar (with a great team) and felt good after a solid fist pump in the late afternoon sun as I walked home. Cleaned up my apartment for the most part, organized life for the next week, and took care of business for my personal life. Did not go to the gym, but got a couple of walking minutes in today. And look forward to a rest tomorrow.
Was invited for dinner with Nick and Teresa. Played a board game called something "of Catan." It was fun indeed, in part, because I won. But it was nice to get together with some good folks... really. I missed the social aspect of my week. And probably in my life.
It is hard to be so honest in a public forum, but this is the way this blog is designed. I am in a difficult place because personally I am succeeding. I am following my passion, I am in a good location and am safe and secure. But I have a hard time in the social world.
From being away in my own country and abroad, I feel like I am where I left off after university. Basically, after seven years of putzing around and adventuring, I feel like I am 23 still. Problem is that I am not. I am nearly 30. The numbers don't matter so much, but the experience and differences in my head do. Combine this with being intellectually stimulated currently about environmental and large-scale issues and being well-traveled and I begin to think and talk like I am older than my age.
The massive gap in my developments (or my perceived feelings about it) renders me slightly helpless. I still can't fit into the culture that surrounds me. It seems awkward and I can't even fake wanting to be a part of it or understanding it. Further, I pigeonhole myself and haven't put myself out there to look for groups that share similar hobbies.
I am turning into the "individualistic" person that I read about this week without really wanting to. I appreciate the collective culture especially when it has similar intentions to those I hold, but I am struggling to find a fit into a community in which I feel comfortable. I know that they are out there, but something inside me is holding me back which holds me back even more... Awkward, I know. And I entrench myself into the good feelings that I evoke from following my passions... and that relegates me even further from groups of people.
Maybe the book just got to me; but maybe it brought to light that I am successful in one arena in my life and abysmal in another. (Not to be hard on myself; I chose that word because it is cool!) Whereas I used to be a social butterfly, I find myself now flying upward towards truth and meaning and less side-to-side meeting others. The more I climb, the fewer there are to the side with whom to relate. And I am doing it myself. I used to be able to break the ice, but lost that ability and am curious as to where it went or how to re-learn it.
I have gotten really shy. I have come to value listening and am OK with silence... I guess this isn't appropriate in a social setting, but that is where I am at. I don't want to belabor the point. Getting this out is good. Putting it in public makes me more forward (or perhaps more shy because it is in written words and not vocalized...?)
When I go out in public I rush to get home because I feel weird in those spaces. Never used to be like that. I guess I liked cafes in Europe, so I'd spend time in them. I enjoyed riding my bike around Japan, so I would frequent restaurants and have routines. But I am really struggling to find a groove in the country that I call home.
The same debate flares up... it is about staying put or moving around. I think I am a nomad and have been trying to avoid those traits. But I also like the easy sedentary lifestyle of staying in one place. It just doesn't feel right. I get the urge to go and then the urge to settle down. This is hard to balance. Maybe I need to stop typing and simply get some sleep...
Was invited for dinner with Nick and Teresa. Played a board game called something "of Catan." It was fun indeed, in part, because I won. But it was nice to get together with some good folks... really. I missed the social aspect of my week. And probably in my life.
It is hard to be so honest in a public forum, but this is the way this blog is designed. I am in a difficult place because personally I am succeeding. I am following my passion, I am in a good location and am safe and secure. But I have a hard time in the social world.
From being away in my own country and abroad, I feel like I am where I left off after university. Basically, after seven years of putzing around and adventuring, I feel like I am 23 still. Problem is that I am not. I am nearly 30. The numbers don't matter so much, but the experience and differences in my head do. Combine this with being intellectually stimulated currently about environmental and large-scale issues and being well-traveled and I begin to think and talk like I am older than my age.
The massive gap in my developments (or my perceived feelings about it) renders me slightly helpless. I still can't fit into the culture that surrounds me. It seems awkward and I can't even fake wanting to be a part of it or understanding it. Further, I pigeonhole myself and haven't put myself out there to look for groups that share similar hobbies.
I am turning into the "individualistic" person that I read about this week without really wanting to. I appreciate the collective culture especially when it has similar intentions to those I hold, but I am struggling to find a fit into a community in which I feel comfortable. I know that they are out there, but something inside me is holding me back which holds me back even more... Awkward, I know. And I entrench myself into the good feelings that I evoke from following my passions... and that relegates me even further from groups of people.
Maybe the book just got to me; but maybe it brought to light that I am successful in one arena in my life and abysmal in another. (Not to be hard on myself; I chose that word because it is cool!) Whereas I used to be a social butterfly, I find myself now flying upward towards truth and meaning and less side-to-side meeting others. The more I climb, the fewer there are to the side with whom to relate. And I am doing it myself. I used to be able to break the ice, but lost that ability and am curious as to where it went or how to re-learn it.
I have gotten really shy. I have come to value listening and am OK with silence... I guess this isn't appropriate in a social setting, but that is where I am at. I don't want to belabor the point. Getting this out is good. Putting it in public makes me more forward (or perhaps more shy because it is in written words and not vocalized...?)
When I go out in public I rush to get home because I feel weird in those spaces. Never used to be like that. I guess I liked cafes in Europe, so I'd spend time in them. I enjoyed riding my bike around Japan, so I would frequent restaurants and have routines. But I am really struggling to find a groove in the country that I call home.
The same debate flares up... it is about staying put or moving around. I think I am a nomad and have been trying to avoid those traits. But I also like the easy sedentary lifestyle of staying in one place. It just doesn't feel right. I get the urge to go and then the urge to settle down. This is hard to balance. Maybe I need to stop typing and simply get some sleep...
2011-11-03
Battling through cold and sickness and heavy work load, but with a positive mental attitude!
Heat Wave by Eric Klinenberg is a book about the failure of a society to support its citizens. With over 733 deaths, many of whom were elderly citizens, communities did not respond. And reading about a mass burial of 68 of them, all without next of kin or family to identify them, is the final thought I have before crawling into bed tonight... to pray for some sleep so that I can wake up early and write a short report about the book. Eight hours of reading... just three hours left to write three pages and another three hours of facilitating class. The end of this week is near. I yearn for Shabbat and the rest that it demands.
on overdrive
lots of reading and writing. From 6:15am to 12:45am (next day)... and a couple more minutes to go still. Tomorrow is gonna be a rough one too... but I'm getting there. Alive and kicking. Thank you electronic music (including BT right now) and caffeine (roasted green tea)!
2011-11-01
tired
I knew it was coming and I am tired... about to brush the teeth and head to sleep. Early wake-up, lots of reading and writing. Class. Finish a paper and read as much as possible. Then it'll be another similar post tomorrow asking myself to do it yet again. It's OK, in fact, enjoyable. Just a lot of work and long days. Almost back to full health... by this Shabbat I will be able to rest and relax- the way the day was designed.
2011-10-31
busy busy
no joke. back to the grind. read, write, read, class, read, errands, read.
tomorrow is more of the same: wake-up early, read, class, class, read, class, sleep. Long day(s) a'comin'!
tomorrow is more of the same: wake-up early, read, class, class, read, class, sleep. Long day(s) a'comin'!
2011-10-30
forgot my camera
Went to the airport at 4am last Saturday morning. Clint asks if I have forgotten anything... I say a four-letter word when realizing that my camera was not packed. Gave me an opportunity to focus on teaching and following-through with a successful week on the annual national parks tour. Great to teach students, great to teach teachers, great to see friends, great to be in the desert Southwest United States, one of the coolest (temperature varied!) places on earth.
2011-10-21
no time to blog
gotta run... off to Harker for a week!
Tomorrow is Phoenix.... then Sedona, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Kayenta, Navajo reservation, Monument Valley, Kanab, Bryce Canyon, Zion Canyon, Las Vegas, Red Rocks.
Catch you on Halloween! Peace. Dave.
Tomorrow is Phoenix.... then Sedona, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Kayenta, Navajo reservation, Monument Valley, Kanab, Bryce Canyon, Zion Canyon, Las Vegas, Red Rocks.
Catch you on Halloween! Peace. Dave.
2011-10-20
better but not?
Back is feeling better. Jacuzzi, yoga, repeat. I have to take it easy and focus on each movement. Conscious behavior is the only way to health.
I have a canker sore developing... does that mean I am getting sick? I noticed it yesterday and perhaps some recent cold weather has encouraged this. And not sleeping as well as I should be...? A toast to health... I would like it to last for a while.
Tomorrow is another strong end to the week. A long day of errands, class and a speaker I'd like to see. Then packing up and shipping off to the desert for a week with the gang.Looking forward to another great national parks tour and gonna try a bunch of stuff I learned this year!
Today was another strong day. Up at 5:15 out of bed at 5:30. I could use more sleep, but I was ready to go. A couple of small naps this afternoon helped me catch up on the day. Funny note about napping recently. I have been crashing really hard after lunch. I'm sure it has to do with my body lacking resources from a small breakfast and workout before class. I need to eat a little more in the morning so that I can sustain through the long Tuesday and Thursday morning blocks I have scheduled for myself.
In the dehydrator currently: carrots and turnips. I have never eaten turnips before... so I will make them into chips. I misread the directions and thought it could go overnight. turns out it will be a 2 hours project and I'll have to stay up later than expected. I can move the morning back slightly to accommodate.
My Yoga instructor this morning reminded us about things that hold us back from enjoying the present moment. I visualized the stack(s) of books in my room. And how I wrote yesterday about reading them and so on. Well, one day at a time. It is nothing to worry about. And neither is using all of the food I bought. These are small issues and certainly nothing that should cause stress. The books will get read and the food will get used or composted (hopefully not). I have to slow down, stretch it out and go about my business.
Another thing to read now, but it's for fun!
I have a canker sore developing... does that mean I am getting sick? I noticed it yesterday and perhaps some recent cold weather has encouraged this. And not sleeping as well as I should be...? A toast to health... I would like it to last for a while.
Tomorrow is another strong end to the week. A long day of errands, class and a speaker I'd like to see. Then packing up and shipping off to the desert for a week with the gang.Looking forward to another great national parks tour and gonna try a bunch of stuff I learned this year!
Today was another strong day. Up at 5:15 out of bed at 5:30. I could use more sleep, but I was ready to go. A couple of small naps this afternoon helped me catch up on the day. Funny note about napping recently. I have been crashing really hard after lunch. I'm sure it has to do with my body lacking resources from a small breakfast and workout before class. I need to eat a little more in the morning so that I can sustain through the long Tuesday and Thursday morning blocks I have scheduled for myself.
In the dehydrator currently: carrots and turnips. I have never eaten turnips before... so I will make them into chips. I misread the directions and thought it could go overnight. turns out it will be a 2 hours project and I'll have to stay up later than expected. I can move the morning back slightly to accommodate.
My Yoga instructor this morning reminded us about things that hold us back from enjoying the present moment. I visualized the stack(s) of books in my room. And how I wrote yesterday about reading them and so on. Well, one day at a time. It is nothing to worry about. And neither is using all of the food I bought. These are small issues and certainly nothing that should cause stress. The books will get read and the food will get used or composted (hopefully not). I have to slow down, stretch it out and go about my business.
Another thing to read now, but it's for fun!
2011-10-19
worthless wednesday
I woke up well-rested and ready to go. it was 5:47am. I chose not to get up... until 8am.
That set the day in a way that made me feel like I was running late. A sense of urgency that never amounted to much. I came home in a rush to save my laundry from the rain that only started to fall as I write this at 10:30pm. Then I figured to get some reading done... and took a small nap instead. So, I am still in a bind to read it all.
I guess life could be worse. I have food in my belly, and a roof over my head. And blankets to keep me warm. If I don't read everything that I am assigned or that I would like, is it really that bad? No. No, it is not.
I just want to keep pressing on. One day at a time. And read as much as I can!
That set the day in a way that made me feel like I was running late. A sense of urgency that never amounted to much. I came home in a rush to save my laundry from the rain that only started to fall as I write this at 10:30pm. Then I figured to get some reading done... and took a small nap instead. So, I am still in a bind to read it all.
I guess life could be worse. I have food in my belly, and a roof over my head. And blankets to keep me warm. If I don't read everything that I am assigned or that I would like, is it really that bad? No. No, it is not.
I just want to keep pressing on. One day at a time. And read as much as I can!
2011-10-18
another good day
jacuzzi and yoga to start today also. a long day of classes and a great afternoon with Elizabeth and then Elaine. Eliz and I had tea and then Elaine, who I met 10 years ago at UCLA, stopped by on her way from Seattle back to her new home in Vancouver. We lunched and tea'd and talked and it was delightful. Sunny afternoon patio experience. Lots of sun today. Who would have thought? It was fun to talk about Uganda, Japan, Chile, Costa Rica... and all the other places we have been and lived in the past 10 years. And oddly enough we are involved in similar studies now even though our paths divulged so differently in the past. For "the nature."
2011-10-17
strong showing today
my back still aches, but that yoga... man, I'll tell you. Stretch it out and breathe into every tendon. Inhale the pain and exhale the deepness of the depth of fabric in interlocking cells that make up the muscles... a calm breathing and intentional focus on the body leads to a strong showing. Even getting up at 5:30am after not sleeping well because a cauldron of sauce is brewing through the night- worried about it burning or a fire... all for naught. Jacuzzi to loosen up that cold, northwest body and then into the yoga practice. May everyday start off so calmly and focused. Feeling confident about a day that I thought was doomed from the beginning. Release into sleep.
2011-10-16
still pain
My back still hurts. Ow. I sat and read all morning and then wrote a paper till the mid afternoon. Boy was my back frozen in place. I am on the Ibuprofen train and plan to keep that constant in my life until the tenderness subsides somewhat. Went to the gym and straight to the jacuzzi. That might be a good remedy too and slowly stretching it out. Yoga tomorrow morning is the plan too.
I was sad today because it would was the PERFECT day for kayaking. Sunny, no wind all day. Clear. Alas, I sat docked. Such is life. Gotta take care of myself and it's a humbling reminder that I can't always do what I want. I have to slow down sometimes. Grrrr.
So, I embarked on the tomato sauce adventure. Borrowing a CAULDRON from Kate, I put in all the required ingredients. I think it's 22 lbs (pounds) of tomatoes, 2.5 lbs of onions, 4 head of garlic, a head of celery, six large carrots, two bunches of fresh basil, six bay leaves (laurel) which I took out after not too long, small amounts of salt and pepper- though this was wasteful because it isn't needed until the VERY end, and a lot of washing to do!
Now for the grandest experiment of all... turn it to low/simmer and go to bed. Expecting the water to slowly evaporate and not burning while I sleep. I'll get up early and check on it too. Fortunately, the smoke detector is just outside the kitchen and it will let me know if there are any major problems!
I was sad today because it would was the PERFECT day for kayaking. Sunny, no wind all day. Clear. Alas, I sat docked. Such is life. Gotta take care of myself and it's a humbling reminder that I can't always do what I want. I have to slow down sometimes. Grrrr.
So, I embarked on the tomato sauce adventure. Borrowing a CAULDRON from Kate, I put in all the required ingredients. I think it's 22 lbs (pounds) of tomatoes, 2.5 lbs of onions, 4 head of garlic, a head of celery, six large carrots, two bunches of fresh basil, six bay leaves (laurel) which I took out after not too long, small amounts of salt and pepper- though this was wasteful because it isn't needed until the VERY end, and a lot of washing to do!
Now for the grandest experiment of all... turn it to low/simmer and go to bed. Expecting the water to slowly evaporate and not burning while I sleep. I'll get up early and check on it too. Fortunately, the smoke detector is just outside the kitchen and it will let me know if there are any major problems!
2011-10-15
kayaks and cantelopes
Got a little bit of reading done today. I keep finding themes of ethics and morals involved in teaching and in environmental education. So be it. I will teach people how to be good people. I dig that.
Long walk along the coast again this morning. To the Farmer's Market where I spent quite a bit more time than I had expected. Stopped past the Co-op first because the F.M. still wasn't open and got some good fish, per my usual requests- Coho and a whole rainbow trout again (more expensive but they went and got it for me specially... it's also bigger than the last one!)
Upon returning to the Market, I went straight to the lady with the best melons in the joint (excuse the crude humor) and proceeded to buy $17 worth of melons. Only one honeydew in the bunch of 12 that I bought in total. Later on why I bought so much of this particular fruit.
Then I saw a box of tomatoes and thought about making sauce. Well, long story short is that the entire box was for sale... so I bought the whole thing (22 pounds). Then I bought huge onions, garlic aplenty, basil, celery and carrots so that the sauce can happen. It turns out to be about $50 worth of stuff now that I think of it. I'll get some ground chicken which should set me back another $25 and then I'll have $75 worth of homemade, organic, healthy tomato sauce for pasta. My goal is to dehydrate it and have it ready for camping.
After reading this afternoon, I had some daylight and space on my patio. So I cut all of the melons and prepped them for dehydration:
They averaged about the size of a shot put "ball"
One of eight trays. About one melon per tray.
Here are the honeydew slices.
The wind had slowed down, but it was still rather wavy on the water. After towing my kayak for 15 minutes, I got to the water, and nearly went into it! I have a long way to go with my balance yet. The water was gorgeous and my kayak didn't leak. So everything is cool. Really cool. I got rather wet in the process of loading and bigger waves crashing over the dock.
Long walk along the coast again this morning. To the Farmer's Market where I spent quite a bit more time than I had expected. Stopped past the Co-op first because the F.M. still wasn't open and got some good fish, per my usual requests- Coho and a whole rainbow trout again (more expensive but they went and got it for me specially... it's also bigger than the last one!)
Upon returning to the Market, I went straight to the lady with the best melons in the joint (excuse the crude humor) and proceeded to buy $17 worth of melons. Only one honeydew in the bunch of 12 that I bought in total. Later on why I bought so much of this particular fruit.
Then I saw a box of tomatoes and thought about making sauce. Well, long story short is that the entire box was for sale... so I bought the whole thing (22 pounds). Then I bought huge onions, garlic aplenty, basil, celery and carrots so that the sauce can happen. It turns out to be about $50 worth of stuff now that I think of it. I'll get some ground chicken which should set me back another $25 and then I'll have $75 worth of homemade, organic, healthy tomato sauce for pasta. My goal is to dehydrate it and have it ready for camping.
After reading this afternoon, I had some daylight and space on my patio. So I cut all of the melons and prepped them for dehydration:
They averaged about the size of a shot put "ball"
One of eight trays. About one melon per tray.
Here are the honeydew slices.Then I got word from my landlady that the local garden was closing for the season. I rushed over there 30 minutes before close and just went for it. A 30 pound box of red potatoes to get my through the winter and for all of the experiments I want to try. A 20 pound box of honeydew apples for drying and eating. Garlic at $0.10/head. And a couple of those scrumptious donut peaches. We'll see if they are any good.
All in all, I probably spent $200 today on 100 pounds of food including items like: grapes, turnips (never eaten one before-it'll be a fun experience), a whole chicken (from a different local farmer) and eggs from a sweet little old lady (who told me that she won't name her chickens because she doesn't want to have to worry about anything bad happening to them). It will be nice to prepare all of this food eventually and eat like a king in the following weeks as well as on the trail months from now. I'll have to make sure my products last!
---
The sun was setting and I didn't think I'd get to the gym. With the weather being so nice, I decided to go for my first excursion in the kayak. I am still missing the spray skirt, but thought the effort would be worth it.
The wind had slowed down, but it was still rather wavy on the water. After towing my kayak for 15 minutes, I got to the water, and nearly went into it! I have a long way to go with my balance yet. The water was gorgeous and my kayak didn't leak. So everything is cool. Really cool. I got rather wet in the process of loading and bigger waves crashing over the dock.I decided to turn back after only 5 minutes to make sure I could get out with sunlight left. After all, this was only a test run. Well, I struggled getting the boat out of the water and tweaked my back. Lugging it back uphill didn't help either. A long day of lifting and awkward carrying: fruits, vegetables, kayaks... and I finally had it. I even dug in the soil to bury my compost... so, my back has told me that enough is enough. I am icing my lower back, after sustaining a small strain perhaps. I plan to take it easy and let the body re-coop from a lot of work. On to some reading and resting.
The last picture is from the maiden voyage.... it was really pretty out there!
2011-10-14
sunny and nice sunset
it was a pretty sunset. calm pink, orange, yellow sandwich on the horizon. afternoon tea and discussion with Codi was wonderful. urban naturalizing- corvids, a raptor (sharp-shinned hawk or maybe the Merlin--- now I am not sure what I saw last week!), gulls, looking at coloring leaves. Japanese and big leaf maples are quickly changing. ahh... not a lot to report. Lots of reading... lots of reading! More reading to do, boy I'll tell ya.
I hope to buy a lot of stuff tomorrow that I can dry in the new dehydrator. And most of the kayak gear is in! So, hopefully, I'll be able to take the boat out on Sunday! Lots of reading to do because I have to get ahead an entire week. Next Saturday I'm heading to the Southwest for the annual Harker trip. Excited to see the crew and to spend time in the desert!
It'll be nice to sleep early and rock it tomorrow! Here's to the end of a long week.
I hope to buy a lot of stuff tomorrow that I can dry in the new dehydrator. And most of the kayak gear is in! So, hopefully, I'll be able to take the boat out on Sunday! Lots of reading to do because I have to get ahead an entire week. Next Saturday I'm heading to the Southwest for the annual Harker trip. Excited to see the crew and to spend time in the desert!
It'll be nice to sleep early and rock it tomorrow! Here's to the end of a long week.
2011-10-13
oops, missed one
i missed blogging yesterday. i erased it on my planner and was in the process of doing it... but that involves signing onto email which must have played a part in my forgetting.
A bird just flew into the window in front of me as I was typing.
Dehydrator arrived yesterday. The rest of the kayak stuff should arrive shortly. My toys are in and now it's time to use them!
With Erin and Maya: Yoga yesterday and in 15 minutes I leave for Yoga class today. It's so nice to stretch in the morning... reawakening the soul and putting the body in position to be successful in its endeavors of transportation, action, sitting... whatever comes its way, it should be ready.
Here is my thought for the day: Watch the crows play from a window-side computer seat... they are truly inspiring. That, and go outside to breathe the same air that they do. What's it like to be a Corvid? (that is a term worth looking up!)
A bird just flew into the window in front of me as I was typing.
Dehydrator arrived yesterday. The rest of the kayak stuff should arrive shortly. My toys are in and now it's time to use them!
With Erin and Maya: Yoga yesterday and in 15 minutes I leave for Yoga class today. It's so nice to stretch in the morning... reawakening the soul and putting the body in position to be successful in its endeavors of transportation, action, sitting... whatever comes its way, it should be ready.
Here is my thought for the day: Watch the crows play from a window-side computer seat... they are truly inspiring. That, and go outside to breathe the same air that they do. What's it like to be a Corvid? (that is a term worth looking up!)
2011-10-11
stretch it out
Moonsetting over the Puget Sound around 6:45am. It is the harvest moon but bidding us farewell instead of reminding us that it autumn approaches.
Clouds and rain remind us that we are alive and that the world is a dynamic flow of energy and forces we can't control.
Get out early, train the body to rise early to test its limits, to elongate the physique. Stretch out that body fully from the crown of the head down the in-line spine and through the coccyx. Extending opposite arms and legs tests that capability and ability to relax the shoulders that tighten up so quickly. Not easy?
Humbling first thing in the morning to remind us that we should not take for granted even one second of the day, too much to do and enjoy. Break open the chest and drop those oh-so-tight shoulders again. You are not as good at this as you think. There is much to learn.
Listen and observe. Contribute where you can, but two ears should double the amount of usage as one mouth, if not more. Ask questions. Volunteer. Pour out the energy and see where it will get you. Read in those free moments... if not to be prepared for class, then to grow that grey jelly in the head!
Enjoy sips of coffee in the evening. It is a drug, to be used selectively. The taste is nice, but too much and you won't sleep well! Enjoy discussion late into an already elongated day and embrace technology. Texts, headphones and an mp3 player. But, remember that the hill on which you walk is full of living critters and foliage.
The ocean you can't make out too well in the evening pitch of light breathes with energy and it calms all nerves. Indeed it is a cooling down as you walk down. Down, downhill to home. Clean up after a long day and try to put things in their place, but know that tomorrow is another day, full and ready for us to enjoy, extend and stretch out.
Call it for the evening. Be a good person. Floss. Stretch. Sleep well. Follow your heart.
Clouds and rain remind us that we are alive and that the world is a dynamic flow of energy and forces we can't control.
Get out early, train the body to rise early to test its limits, to elongate the physique. Stretch out that body fully from the crown of the head down the in-line spine and through the coccyx. Extending opposite arms and legs tests that capability and ability to relax the shoulders that tighten up so quickly. Not easy?
Humbling first thing in the morning to remind us that we should not take for granted even one second of the day, too much to do and enjoy. Break open the chest and drop those oh-so-tight shoulders again. You are not as good at this as you think. There is much to learn.
Listen and observe. Contribute where you can, but two ears should double the amount of usage as one mouth, if not more. Ask questions. Volunteer. Pour out the energy and see where it will get you. Read in those free moments... if not to be prepared for class, then to grow that grey jelly in the head!
Enjoy sips of coffee in the evening. It is a drug, to be used selectively. The taste is nice, but too much and you won't sleep well! Enjoy discussion late into an already elongated day and embrace technology. Texts, headphones and an mp3 player. But, remember that the hill on which you walk is full of living critters and foliage.
The ocean you can't make out too well in the evening pitch of light breathes with energy and it calms all nerves. Indeed it is a cooling down as you walk down. Down, downhill to home. Clean up after a long day and try to put things in their place, but know that tomorrow is another day, full and ready for us to enjoy, extend and stretch out.
Call it for the evening. Be a good person. Floss. Stretch. Sleep well. Follow your heart.
2011-10-10
rainy evening
With a raincoat a walk in the morning drizzle is not only bearable, but rather enjoyable. To stay dry amidst the softwetness (one word in my world). Then the Great Blue Heron sweeps her long neck to eye you, making sure that you don't get too close. Past the GBH is a floating gull. And the gull on the shore behind you lifts his young head to cry out your presence. But you look at him, "Hey buddy, I'm just passing through."
Continuing along the coast one might then come across a harbor seal with its head floating, looking around, no, wait, there are two of them and it looks like they are dog-paddling to stay at the surface. Of course, they glide quickly and drop below the surface and then they're gone. The walk goes only a little bit further until the railroad tracks. So, turn around, say hello to the same people you greeted on the walk down (you've both reached your ends and have turned back) and then up the hill to home. Stretch it out and practice those new and still awkward Yoga poses and start the day. That seems like a peaceful and energetic way to go about things.
Continuing along the coast one might then come across a harbor seal with its head floating, looking around, no, wait, there are two of them and it looks like they are dog-paddling to stay at the surface. Of course, they glide quickly and drop below the surface and then they're gone. The walk goes only a little bit further until the railroad tracks. So, turn around, say hello to the same people you greeted on the walk down (you've both reached your ends and have turned back) and then up the hill to home. Stretch it out and practice those new and still awkward Yoga poses and start the day. That seems like a peaceful and energetic way to go about things.
2011-10-09
reading and living
Just read The Road by Cormac McCarthy and it was interesting. The writing style was unique, he didn't use apostrophes in any of his contractions. All of the language was morose and any glimmer of hope was quickly flipped. An example was that all the containers were half-empty, as opposed to half-full. I think the word "ash" was used hundreds of times. It was an interesting tale. I'm not sure what else to write about it. I am happy to have read it. Thanks Jake for giving it to me such a long time ago.
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I can't write right now. Laundry-lists of things done... that is what I have been writing. That is not a way to go about things.That is what my planner is for- to plan for and to keep track of things done. This needs to change to more creative measures I hope. I need a little inspiration besides hard work and accomplishing tasks.
------------
I can't write right now. Laundry-lists of things done... that is what I have been writing. That is not a way to go about things.That is what my planner is for- to plan for and to keep track of things done. This needs to change to more creative measures I hope. I need a little inspiration besides hard work and accomplishing tasks.
2011-10-06
animal dreams
So, I woke up after a second dream in which an animal was approaching me with the desire to attack. In the first dream it was a pair of wolves in the snow. The second one was a mountain lion in suburbia.
I woke up after both. The first one occurred at 5:37am and the second one was around 6:13am. Maybe it was time for me to get up and my unconscious was telling me that I had slept enough. After the first one I was woke up to feeling rather rested, so I pondered it for a minute before allowing the darkness to overwhelm me once again.
My alarm went off after the second one anyways so I used that excuse to get up.
Why animals? I will have to search through Jung to come up with some leads on that. I have never been approached by (wild) animals in dreams. Two predators. One hunts in packs (except for those lone wolves) and the other is a solitary stalker. One is a canine, the other feline. I'll have to ruminate on this a little bit.
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in the P.M. before reading one more article for tomorrow's class.
I did a small internet search. There was discussion of "You should use your will power" and "you need to release some aggression." I don't know. I forgot what I read this morning and this evening's search is not something I have patience to explore. My schoolwork is more important at this point. Thus, I will leave it at this. I lived today like it would be my last day ever... like if I were attacked by an animal then I would have been satisfied with my actions and attitude today.
Basketball in the morning was nice followed by Yoga which has been putting me in a great mood. Every Tuesday and Thursday I feel elated. My body feels healthier (except when I douse it with loads of cheese) and freer- to move and to breathe and to be. That puts me in a good mood and then my tasks are enjoyable and fun. And morning workouts are the way to go because there aren't a lot of people in the gym, freedom to use any area without feeling rushed or scrunched.
Got some work done after class and feel good about future appointments with professors to discuss my projects and ideas for the term. Had a nice tea with CeCe at her and Kate's place on the other side of town. Got lots of fresh food for the upcoming week and even saw a Merlin, Falco columbarius, on the way home from the library late in the evening. It was cool because as it flew from tree to tree while I was stalking it (visibly!) I had a chance to observe its behavior and flying habits. (I think it is a Merlin and not a sharp-shinned hawk. It was eyeing a neighbor's yard that is full of chickens, turkeys and other birds!
Then it flew into a tree near a house and as I turned the corner, I saw a Calico house cat stalking on the roof toward the bird! It was a wild situation and it happened 3 minutes walk from my house! I am still involved in nature so long as I open my eyes and look at it! A great feeling for me because I felt overwhelmed last night... stemming from feeling detached from nature. This plugged me right back in!
Reading on through the evening and had a nice dinner- salmon pasta with slices of Parmesan and a basil/tomato salad (no more cheese left!). It was perfect; I loaded up on more veggies by sauteing spinach again... ohh, and FRUIT- I got some more of those delicious pluots! Yum. Gotta read a bit more in order to head to bed at a reasonable hour. Apollo 13 in the morning and maybe a trip to REI before class to get this cool beanie that I didn't buy today (yes, I went there to look for kayak stuff.)
Tomorrow night is Kol Nidrei- chances are I won't write tomorrow or on Shabbat (Yom Kippur). Time to finish a week of reflection. I think I am on the right track. Trying to be conscious of my words- focusing on the truth and being a good person. I make mistakes too, but I recognize them and try to correct them. One day at a time. One action at a time. One moment at a time.
If I have done anything in the past year (or more) to upset you, I am sorry. I think I wrote this in a previous post, but I want to make sure that I say it again. I ask for your forgiveness and will do good this year.
L'Shana Tova :)
I woke up after both. The first one occurred at 5:37am and the second one was around 6:13am. Maybe it was time for me to get up and my unconscious was telling me that I had slept enough. After the first one I was woke up to feeling rather rested, so I pondered it for a minute before allowing the darkness to overwhelm me once again.
My alarm went off after the second one anyways so I used that excuse to get up.
Why animals? I will have to search through Jung to come up with some leads on that. I have never been approached by (wild) animals in dreams. Two predators. One hunts in packs (except for those lone wolves) and the other is a solitary stalker. One is a canine, the other feline. I'll have to ruminate on this a little bit.
----------
in the P.M. before reading one more article for tomorrow's class.
I did a small internet search. There was discussion of "You should use your will power" and "you need to release some aggression." I don't know. I forgot what I read this morning and this evening's search is not something I have patience to explore. My schoolwork is more important at this point. Thus, I will leave it at this. I lived today like it would be my last day ever... like if I were attacked by an animal then I would have been satisfied with my actions and attitude today.
Basketball in the morning was nice followed by Yoga which has been putting me in a great mood. Every Tuesday and Thursday I feel elated. My body feels healthier (except when I douse it with loads of cheese) and freer- to move and to breathe and to be. That puts me in a good mood and then my tasks are enjoyable and fun. And morning workouts are the way to go because there aren't a lot of people in the gym, freedom to use any area without feeling rushed or scrunched.
Got some work done after class and feel good about future appointments with professors to discuss my projects and ideas for the term. Had a nice tea with CeCe at her and Kate's place on the other side of town. Got lots of fresh food for the upcoming week and even saw a Merlin, Falco columbarius, on the way home from the library late in the evening. It was cool because as it flew from tree to tree while I was stalking it (visibly!) I had a chance to observe its behavior and flying habits. (I think it is a Merlin and not a sharp-shinned hawk. It was eyeing a neighbor's yard that is full of chickens, turkeys and other birds!
Then it flew into a tree near a house and as I turned the corner, I saw a Calico house cat stalking on the roof toward the bird! It was a wild situation and it happened 3 minutes walk from my house! I am still involved in nature so long as I open my eyes and look at it! A great feeling for me because I felt overwhelmed last night... stemming from feeling detached from nature. This plugged me right back in!
Reading on through the evening and had a nice dinner- salmon pasta with slices of Parmesan and a basil/tomato salad (no more cheese left!). It was perfect; I loaded up on more veggies by sauteing spinach again... ohh, and FRUIT- I got some more of those delicious pluots! Yum. Gotta read a bit more in order to head to bed at a reasonable hour. Apollo 13 in the morning and maybe a trip to REI before class to get this cool beanie that I didn't buy today (yes, I went there to look for kayak stuff.)
Tomorrow night is Kol Nidrei- chances are I won't write tomorrow or on Shabbat (Yom Kippur). Time to finish a week of reflection. I think I am on the right track. Trying to be conscious of my words- focusing on the truth and being a good person. I make mistakes too, but I recognize them and try to correct them. One day at a time. One action at a time. One moment at a time.
If I have done anything in the past year (or more) to upset you, I am sorry. I think I wrote this in a previous post, but I want to make sure that I say it again. I ask for your forgiveness and will do good this year.
L'Shana Tova :)
2011-10-05
From the Transition Hike- Sept 18th ish
So this is an overdue post about a 3-day, 2-night transition hike that half of the cohort took in order to get our minds wrapped around moving from a rural, remote location where we had been for a year to the big city where there are people everywhere. We had a lot of fun going to the dry, east side of the Cascades... where it was supposed to be warmer but wasn't!
Codi smells deeply into a Ponderosa Pine, Pinus ponderosa. She will kill me when she sees this photo! This tree smells like vanilla or butterscotch (maybe Molasses!) when warmed by the sun.
We hiked to Tiffany Mountain (from 6500 at the trail head to 8100 feet at the summit). This is a famous burn-out zone from a huge forest fire (Tripod Fire) that torched thousands of acres in 2006.
Among the dead trees were flowers... even this late in the blooming season. It was a reminder that even in the midst of death, life exists. In fact, there would be no life without death.
Codi is not my muse, but she was in a good place for me to take a picture. John is in the background, walking towards us. We are at the easternmost point of the Cascades as the mountain range transitions to rolling hills and eventually the Okanagan plateau (high elevation, but flat) behind us. In the background of this picture (looking west) is the northern third of the North Cascades Mountain range (south is left). It was an impressive view as glaciers and snow are still visible. Perhaps a good year for glaciers to have grown. In fact I collected some snow around the corner and threw snowballs at all of my colleagues!
The next morning we stopped by the Cinnamon Twisp Bakery. This is one of the famous "Cinnamon Twisps" though it came out sideways :( Lots of butter, nuts, sugar, cinnamon and dough baked to perfection. It is called a "twisp" instead of a "twist" because that is the name of the town: Twisp.
Four of us walking toward the Beaver Pond: Steph, me, Teresa and Kate
A Mourning Cloak butterfly, Nymphalis antiopa, fluttered about as we walked in the autumn sunshine.
This view made me think of Japan. Even in America there are places designed for observing and recognizing the exquisite views that nature provides. The only thing missing is a small shrine or gate. Still, it was rather "Zen," I felt.
Codi smells deeply into a Ponderosa Pine, Pinus ponderosa. She will kill me when she sees this photo! This tree smells like vanilla or butterscotch (maybe Molasses!) when warmed by the sun.
We hiked to Tiffany Mountain (from 6500 at the trail head to 8100 feet at the summit). This is a famous burn-out zone from a huge forest fire (Tripod Fire) that torched thousands of acres in 2006.
Among the dead trees were flowers... even this late in the blooming season. It was a reminder that even in the midst of death, life exists. In fact, there would be no life without death.
Codi is not my muse, but she was in a good place for me to take a picture. John is in the background, walking towards us. We are at the easternmost point of the Cascades as the mountain range transitions to rolling hills and eventually the Okanagan plateau (high elevation, but flat) behind us. In the background of this picture (looking west) is the northern third of the North Cascades Mountain range (south is left). It was an impressive view as glaciers and snow are still visible. Perhaps a good year for glaciers to have grown. In fact I collected some snow around the corner and threw snowballs at all of my colleagues!
The next morning we stopped by the Cinnamon Twisp Bakery. This is one of the famous "Cinnamon Twisps" though it came out sideways :( Lots of butter, nuts, sugar, cinnamon and dough baked to perfection. It is called a "twisp" instead of a "twist" because that is the name of the town: Twisp.
Four of us walking toward the Beaver Pond: Steph, me, Teresa and Kate
A Mourning Cloak butterfly, Nymphalis antiopa, fluttered about as we walked in the autumn sunshine.
This view made me think of Japan. Even in America there are places designed for observing and recognizing the exquisite views that nature provides. The only thing missing is a small shrine or gate. Still, it was rather "Zen," I felt.If pictures could describe my transition, then these would do it. Did some camping and cooking, American-style, and it was a lovely way to settle into life in Bellingham after three wonderful weeks in Japan.
2011-10-04
slight evening headache
My head started hurting as I consumed mac and cheese in a restaurant this evening. Ow. I bet it is the quantity (and perhaps quality) of cheese I have eaten lately. I should watch that a bit closer. And I should have gone with fish tacos tonight. Maybe a lack of protein is the cause of this ringing? I'll have a small piece of fish too right now. (I cooked Coho again last night!)
Tomorrow I'll turn in some paper that I have written. FINALLY finished my summer paper. Due only 5 1/2 weeks ago! It's as ready to go as it's gonna be. Along with the 3-page works cited reference list and a lesson plan. It's a nice project that I am proud of.
Also tomorrow is the first paper for THIS quarter. A short reflection for "Foundations of Environmental Education" class on Richard Louv's Nature Principle. It's a good read and inspiring for those of us with any inclination towards the natural world. It is a compilation of various things that folks are doing to integrate their lives more with nature, save money, create peaceful and safe communities and raise the value of life. There are lots of ideas that each of us can pull from this book to make our lives more fulfilling. Really.
Something I read in "Conservation Psychology" class really bugs me. In Clayton and Myers' Conservation Psychology (2009), from a poll to college students, "Although there were some differences depending on the behavior being examined, conservation behaviors were uniformly seen to indicate lower status" (67). These behaviors include: drying clothes on a clothesline, taking public transportation, and recycling.
This explains how I want to live. I suppose that means in the eyes of my peers or neighbors or others, I will be deemed a lower status. Ooooh. Not a big deal for someone like me who is always doing the opposite of everyone anyways. But it bothers me that others, who might be more inclined to care about image, will purposefully NOT do these things because of what "it might say about them to others." I will not hate on those people; indeed image is what some folks need. But the idea that these elements creates a "lower" image SHOULD change because it is wrong.
These actually say: "I care about the earth," "I care about my health," "I care about you and your health too," or simply, "I care." This image must change, and post-haste, because it is false. So, if you see anyone recycling, or drying clothes on a line, composting, taking public transportation, growing vegetables in a garden or raising chickens, then the first thought should be, "that person cares about me because they are minimizing our human impact on this planet." A second thought could be, "how might I mimic them to show others that I care too?"
Wow, I got preachy. But this is it. This is the web space that I have to share my truth. Good night moon!
Tomorrow I'll turn in some paper that I have written. FINALLY finished my summer paper. Due only 5 1/2 weeks ago! It's as ready to go as it's gonna be. Along with the 3-page works cited reference list and a lesson plan. It's a nice project that I am proud of.
Also tomorrow is the first paper for THIS quarter. A short reflection for "Foundations of Environmental Education" class on Richard Louv's Nature Principle. It's a good read and inspiring for those of us with any inclination towards the natural world. It is a compilation of various things that folks are doing to integrate their lives more with nature, save money, create peaceful and safe communities and raise the value of life. There are lots of ideas that each of us can pull from this book to make our lives more fulfilling. Really.
Something I read in "Conservation Psychology" class really bugs me. In Clayton and Myers' Conservation Psychology (2009), from a poll to college students, "Although there were some differences depending on the behavior being examined, conservation behaviors were uniformly seen to indicate lower status" (67). These behaviors include: drying clothes on a clothesline, taking public transportation, and recycling.
This explains how I want to live. I suppose that means in the eyes of my peers or neighbors or others, I will be deemed a lower status. Ooooh. Not a big deal for someone like me who is always doing the opposite of everyone anyways. But it bothers me that others, who might be more inclined to care about image, will purposefully NOT do these things because of what "it might say about them to others." I will not hate on those people; indeed image is what some folks need. But the idea that these elements creates a "lower" image SHOULD change because it is wrong.
These actually say: "I care about the earth," "I care about my health," "I care about you and your health too," or simply, "I care." This image must change, and post-haste, because it is false. So, if you see anyone recycling, or drying clothes on a line, composting, taking public transportation, growing vegetables in a garden or raising chickens, then the first thought should be, "that person cares about me because they are minimizing our human impact on this planet." A second thought could be, "how might I mimic them to show others that I care too?"
Wow, I got preachy. But this is it. This is the web space that I have to share my truth. Good night moon!
2011-10-03
overcast day and moderately windy
It was dark when I woke up at 6:17 this morning. I thought that I ought to sleep later, but that would have been counter-intuitive. I had to get up. I had to force myself out of bed. That is a goal of mine- to get out and live- regardless of weather, light or trains blaring horns at 3:30am.
An early gym workout was a great idea too. I had it lined up for my make-up yoga class. Got in some good stretching and blood flow and then changed for yoga. Except, I arrived and was told that the class was not where I thought it was! Oy. Fortunately, I figured out where it was, got permission to change it to the 10am class and then enjoyed learning about Warrior 1. Things always work out if we let them.
Met Nick at the gym on the way home- I wanted to get in some pull ups and push ups before lunch. The short is that we came back to my place and he played the piano (wonderfully!) I had a cup of tea with him, and then another one with Teresa who stopped by to get Nick. And then with Kate who came over to go through some homework. Now it's late in the day and I am full of liquid and still have the second half of Richard Louv's, The Nature Principle to read!
I am looking into the kayaking materials I need now. A skirt and a paddle. Oh, and a set of wheels to get it up and down the hill!
Last night I had a delightful dinner with Clint and Alexandra. I brought over a Caprese salad (using the last of my materials) and we enjoyed Romanian soup (stew) and toasted baguettes with melted brie, roasted garlic butter and sliced prosciutto. It was just perfect. Really. Then we had at it in Scrabble (I pour out some of my 40 for Wendy-chan)... and I had to settle their previous-night's Scrabble-squabble by taking the game by 35 points. "Q-U-I-Z," with "Q" on the double-letter score did me real good!
I have a bunch of paper to read and write this quarter. So much for that personal time I was hoping for! One day at a time... and everyday I can make time for me and for work. I need to remember this lesson. And the balance is dynamic... go with the flow.
An early gym workout was a great idea too. I had it lined up for my make-up yoga class. Got in some good stretching and blood flow and then changed for yoga. Except, I arrived and was told that the class was not where I thought it was! Oy. Fortunately, I figured out where it was, got permission to change it to the 10am class and then enjoyed learning about Warrior 1. Things always work out if we let them.
Met Nick at the gym on the way home- I wanted to get in some pull ups and push ups before lunch. The short is that we came back to my place and he played the piano (wonderfully!) I had a cup of tea with him, and then another one with Teresa who stopped by to get Nick. And then with Kate who came over to go through some homework. Now it's late in the day and I am full of liquid and still have the second half of Richard Louv's, The Nature Principle to read!
I am looking into the kayaking materials I need now. A skirt and a paddle. Oh, and a set of wheels to get it up and down the hill!
Last night I had a delightful dinner with Clint and Alexandra. I brought over a Caprese salad (using the last of my materials) and we enjoyed Romanian soup (stew) and toasted baguettes with melted brie, roasted garlic butter and sliced prosciutto. It was just perfect. Really. Then we had at it in Scrabble (I pour out some of my 40 for Wendy-chan)... and I had to settle their previous-night's Scrabble-squabble by taking the game by 35 points. "Q-U-I-Z," with "Q" on the double-letter score did me real good!
I have a bunch of paper to read and write this quarter. So much for that personal time I was hoping for! One day at a time... and everyday I can make time for me and for work. I need to remember this lesson. And the balance is dynamic... go with the flow.
2011-10-02
now I need a skirt...
This stack will keep me busy for the next eight weeks. And there are some articles on my computer to read also. I am a professional reader!
The reason for needing a (spray) skirt: 
It is beat up and maybe broken in many places. But, if it floats (still haven't checked!) then I'll be good to go. 16' Carolina Perception. It is probably seven years old, based on my reckoning.
The reason for needing a (spray) skirt: It is beat up and maybe broken in many places. But, if it floats (still haven't checked!) then I'll be good to go. 16' Carolina Perception. It is probably seven years old, based on my reckoning.Nothing much to report on a misty morning on South Hill
2011-10-01
after Shabbat
I had planned not to post tonight, but felt inspired by the sunset:
Inspired by going to the farmer's market this afternoon also. I will still celebrate summer, despite its being so cold nowadays, so long as I can still buy raspberries, melons and basil! So, I bought some small heirloom tomatoes to boot and a package of fresh mozzarella... and did a Caprese salad for the first time in years. It had black pepper but it wasn't the fresh cracked kind. The sea salt from Yakushima hopefully made up the difference in taste. And combining this Italian delicacy with a pot of hot green tea with roasted rice, I was able to combine my favorite cuisines.
From the other night... it was a 6-pound (LOCAL & REAL) chicken (in brine for 24 hours) roasted with onions and garlic and carrots. I have to reconsider how I did the carrots... I suppose they would be better steamed next time, but the juice from the whole process is outstanding if I say so myself:
I also roasted some potatoes in olive oil and thyme so as to use the oven's energy for multiple uses.
The finished product, tasted better than pictures or words describe. Now I have chicken for days! Slightly problematic in that today I bought Coho salmon to cook for this week... but I will just have to work out a little more so that I can eat a little more!
And to end this post, I will say that I did something naughty today. I will post a picture of it tomorrow. It's red, and I owe Mr. Mikula a shout-out (I already took him out to lunch) for saving it for me while I was busy this morning so that I could swoop in and buy it!
Inspired by going to the farmer's market this afternoon also. I will still celebrate summer, despite its being so cold nowadays, so long as I can still buy raspberries, melons and basil! So, I bought some small heirloom tomatoes to boot and a package of fresh mozzarella... and did a Caprese salad for the first time in years. It had black pepper but it wasn't the fresh cracked kind. The sea salt from Yakushima hopefully made up the difference in taste. And combining this Italian delicacy with a pot of hot green tea with roasted rice, I was able to combine my favorite cuisines.
From the other night... it was a 6-pound (LOCAL & REAL) chicken (in brine for 24 hours) roasted with onions and garlic and carrots. I have to reconsider how I did the carrots... I suppose they would be better steamed next time, but the juice from the whole process is outstanding if I say so myself:
I also roasted some potatoes in olive oil and thyme so as to use the oven's energy for multiple uses.
The finished product, tasted better than pictures or words describe. Now I have chicken for days! Slightly problematic in that today I bought Coho salmon to cook for this week... but I will just have to work out a little more so that I can eat a little more!
I spent the morning at the Temple. I went to the Torah study and then participated in the Shabbat meditation service. It was nice. I don't know if I'll make it every week, but it was a nice reminder back into Judaism... American-style. It only took me an hour and 10 minutes to walk there. I think the total was 3.5 miles. It was nice to know that I can WALK across down and that it really doesn't take that long!
And to end this post, I will say that I did something naughty today. I will post a picture of it tomorrow. It's red, and I owe Mr. Mikula a shout-out (I already took him out to lunch) for saving it for me while I was busy this morning so that I could swoop in and buy it!
2011-09-30
acceleration
More intense dreams involving suffering. This time, I even warned the guy who fell and he looked back and then fell anyway. It seems that I can even tell folks that what they are about to do is not a good idea and then they do it regardless. It seems then it is my job to mitigate the pain and help relieve the suffering... well, it doesn't matter. These are only dreams, right?
Already feeling behind the eight-ball today. Got to sleep a little bit later than expected and struggled to get up. In large part because my muscles won't function! My arms, chest and back are so sore- especially my left tricep. Ouch. Gotta stretch it all out today and NOT work them until Sunday.
Got a ton of reading done yesterday. Backup- first, I went to services and that was a refreshing experience. The service was nice and this congregation is so sweet. Not too big, not too small (at least for High Holidays) and a good mix of folks. Though there seemed to be a lack of young people... I guess Bellingham doesn't host the biggest Jewish population around.
Got a ton of reading done yesterday. It was wonderful. Sitting outside and studying. I was able to comprehend much more because I was outside. The ironic part is that I was reading about how vitamin N (Nature) is important in our lives. It's Richard Louv's new book, The Nature Principle. Not gonna plug it, but he says what I feel (and instinctively know- actually we all know it and still don't do it): Get outside, it is therapeutic and healthy.
Straight up. Go outside right now. Leave this computer behind. We don't balance our technological uses with enough nature and that imbalance is unhealthy. Wanna get in shape? Go outside. Wanna perform better at work? Go outside. Wanna be a better person? Go outside. Want to live? Go outside.
Just sit or stand for a minute or five. It is good for you. Creative juices start to flow, energy comes back, motivation gets stronger. It's cold? Put on a jacket and a hat. It's hot? Take off your jacket. The sun is not the important factor, nor even the fresh air. If you are in a city, go outside. If you are in the country, go outside. Give your body what it needs.
Yup, I am feeling behind and the need to go on with things today. Gym, class, library, evening services... and you know what? I'll spend as much of the time in transit... outside. Outside. It's the next big drug. Prozac and Ritilin got nothin' on Nature. It's like Shel Silverstein's poem, "The Curse of Gimmesome Roy":
'Well, that is that,' says Baba Fats, sitting back down on his stone,
Facing another thousand years of talking to God alone.
'It seems, Lord,' says Fats, 'it's always the same, old men or bright-eyed youth,
It's always easier to sell them some shit than it is to give them the truth.'
You'll find me overdosing on nature while there is still some to go around. Accelerating into Shabbat. It will be nice to rest this week. No post tomorrow.
Already feeling behind the eight-ball today. Got to sleep a little bit later than expected and struggled to get up. In large part because my muscles won't function! My arms, chest and back are so sore- especially my left tricep. Ouch. Gotta stretch it all out today and NOT work them until Sunday.
Got a ton of reading done yesterday. Backup- first, I went to services and that was a refreshing experience. The service was nice and this congregation is so sweet. Not too big, not too small (at least for High Holidays) and a good mix of folks. Though there seemed to be a lack of young people... I guess Bellingham doesn't host the biggest Jewish population around.
Got a ton of reading done yesterday. It was wonderful. Sitting outside and studying. I was able to comprehend much more because I was outside. The ironic part is that I was reading about how vitamin N (Nature) is important in our lives. It's Richard Louv's new book, The Nature Principle. Not gonna plug it, but he says what I feel (and instinctively know- actually we all know it and still don't do it): Get outside, it is therapeutic and healthy.
Straight up. Go outside right now. Leave this computer behind. We don't balance our technological uses with enough nature and that imbalance is unhealthy. Wanna get in shape? Go outside. Wanna perform better at work? Go outside. Wanna be a better person? Go outside. Want to live? Go outside.
Just sit or stand for a minute or five. It is good for you. Creative juices start to flow, energy comes back, motivation gets stronger. It's cold? Put on a jacket and a hat. It's hot? Take off your jacket. The sun is not the important factor, nor even the fresh air. If you are in a city, go outside. If you are in the country, go outside. Give your body what it needs.
Yup, I am feeling behind and the need to go on with things today. Gym, class, library, evening services... and you know what? I'll spend as much of the time in transit... outside. Outside. It's the next big drug. Prozac and Ritilin got nothin' on Nature. It's like Shel Silverstein's poem, "The Curse of Gimmesome Roy":
'Well, that is that,' says Baba Fats, sitting back down on his stone,
Facing another thousand years of talking to God alone.
'It seems, Lord,' says Fats, 'it's always the same, old men or bright-eyed youth,
It's always easier to sell them some shit than it is to give them the truth.'
You'll find me overdosing on nature while there is still some to go around. Accelerating into Shabbat. It will be nice to rest this week. No post tomorrow.
2011-09-29
take it easy
The Rabbi reminded me last night that there are strict laws/rules and that there is a flowing world. You can't have a world if you are too stuck on rules. I appreciate what she was getting at. I am pretty stuck on rules and formality... I think they are fun and good ideas. But if I get too strict with it all, it turns into irritation. And that is no fun at all. What is life and the world, if not fun?
She also discussed "being lost." There are lots of steps to getting found, but an important one is standing still. And waiting. And the right signals will clue us in. And then there was the falldowngetup, which is one word. You fall down and immediate get up. That's gonna happen too. I suppose that one will come later according to her timeline of events. But is important to bounce up. To keep going. To have fun. To open our hearts and develop compassion.
----
If I have done you wrong in the past year (or more) I sincerely apologize and ask for your forgiveness. I am a human being learning everyday to become more compassionate and it is an on-going struggle and lesson to learn. I am not perfect and never will be. But I will keep working at it.
----
At a relatively empty (in attendance) morning gym session, I did some pull-ups and push-ups yesterday and my body feels it big time. Pain in all the right muscles. Ouch.
----
Weird dreams last night. I watched as a horse emptied its carcass out of a hole in its skin and then convulse as it was dying. I was there to comfort some friends as they dealt with the traumatic experience. As for me, it was just another creature going the way of life and death, I wasn't too moved by the scene- more moved by my friends who were in shock after the event. They changed as a result and I woke up after offering to escort one home.
Another one, late morning (after the alarm of course) was about my second Toyota Camry. I had parked it in a place weeks before I left on vacation. It was behind a grocery store because it was lit, as opposed to my apartment complex from which I assumed it would get towed (which is counter-intuitive). After walking around for a bit in a parking lot, I remembered where it was and got with a friend to walk in the dark to get there. We almost got hit by a car on the way, but we were actually very far from it. I remember being irritated at the car lights that had seemed close- but when I turned around to see the car, it was far away and we were in no danger.
I guess that says something about me being jumpy or paranoid and my ability to get irritated easily with no necessary cause. This is a lesson I was reminded of last night at services and that I should take it easy, trust people a little more and not be so quick to respond or judge others. (And even the perfect humans can't be perfect all the time, so we may always be seeing perfect people in their momentary of lapse from perfection.) I woke up never having gotten to the car, but I knew that we were on the right track. And I feel that way as I type this out, eating some granola from well over a year ago and prepare to leave for Rosh Hashanah morning services.
She also discussed "being lost." There are lots of steps to getting found, but an important one is standing still. And waiting. And the right signals will clue us in. And then there was the falldowngetup, which is one word. You fall down and immediate get up. That's gonna happen too. I suppose that one will come later according to her timeline of events. But is important to bounce up. To keep going. To have fun. To open our hearts and develop compassion.
----
If I have done you wrong in the past year (or more) I sincerely apologize and ask for your forgiveness. I am a human being learning everyday to become more compassionate and it is an on-going struggle and lesson to learn. I am not perfect and never will be. But I will keep working at it.
----
At a relatively empty (in attendance) morning gym session, I did some pull-ups and push-ups yesterday and my body feels it big time. Pain in all the right muscles. Ouch.
----
Weird dreams last night. I watched as a horse emptied its carcass out of a hole in its skin and then convulse as it was dying. I was there to comfort some friends as they dealt with the traumatic experience. As for me, it was just another creature going the way of life and death, I wasn't too moved by the scene- more moved by my friends who were in shock after the event. They changed as a result and I woke up after offering to escort one home.
Another one, late morning (after the alarm of course) was about my second Toyota Camry. I had parked it in a place weeks before I left on vacation. It was behind a grocery store because it was lit, as opposed to my apartment complex from which I assumed it would get towed (which is counter-intuitive). After walking around for a bit in a parking lot, I remembered where it was and got with a friend to walk in the dark to get there. We almost got hit by a car on the way, but we were actually very far from it. I remember being irritated at the car lights that had seemed close- but when I turned around to see the car, it was far away and we were in no danger.
I guess that says something about me being jumpy or paranoid and my ability to get irritated easily with no necessary cause. This is a lesson I was reminded of last night at services and that I should take it easy, trust people a little more and not be so quick to respond or judge others. (And even the perfect humans can't be perfect all the time, so we may always be seeing perfect people in their momentary of lapse from perfection.) I woke up never having gotten to the car, but I knew that we were on the right track. And I feel that way as I type this out, eating some granola from well over a year ago and prepare to leave for Rosh Hashanah morning services.
2011-09-28
Sunny again... L'shana Tova
Happy New Year folks.
I write this a couple of hours before going to services. I didn't do the morning writing today, as I was hoping to get to the gym at a reasonable and early hour. The past two days I thought it was would be nice to refocus and calm down by shooting baskets at the gym. That is a favorite pastime. But it was packed. Simply a zoo. I can't go to the gym after noon because there are way too many folks there. I will be doing my activity in the morning and maybe having to adjust sleeping patterns in order to accommodate morning writing (and reading!)
I have been writing a lot about myself recently- both jovial times and tribulations (although the suffering is usually self-imposed as opposed to persecution.) This will continue, but I hope to also add some more creative bits too.
I just read that humans may be psychologically predisposed to living in open spaces and near water sources. This allows our basic needs to be met. We can have access to drinking supply and probably food. We can also affirm our security in that no predators may sneak up on us. The view from my patio/perch where I read this information is a nice red-brick area. There is a matching brown/red fence that surrounds the yard and generally protects me from vision of passers-by. I hear them laugh or drive or walk and then see them through slivers in slats along the fence, but they are undisturbed not knowing that I am there reading and briefly glancing at them. Of course my landlord can peer down and see me, but I never look up to check!
I sit in a plastic patio chair (you know the kind) as my laundry and kitchen towels dry behind me. It is late in the summer, indeed the beginning of autumn, so there is long light and it hangs at 50-degrees and stays pretty far to the south. I know that the angles will get even lower and the southern range of its pattern will only deepen. Meanwhile, my laundry dries and I absorb as much Vitamin D as is possible, while still staying warm under a fleece blanket. A cup (actually a pot) of fresh green tea with roasted rice (thank you Naoko-sensei) keeps my mind alert as I start to doze off in the late afternoon rays. I have a lot of reading to do so I can't sleep right now. My chair is not so comfortable, and according to my Yoga instructor (god-bless her!) most American chairs are not designed for our health. I am hyper vigilant to my back and making sure it is getting stronger. I sit up straight and become aware as I slouch into it or lean forward too much. In the end, I am happy sitting on this chair, basking in the September sun, reading about conversation psychology- despite it's currently dense disposition.
I am paying to be a student. I pay and professionals give me things to read. It's kind of silly, you know that I can't just pick up these works and read them on my own. But the discussions, the constant barrage of work, and the schedule is indeed important. I pay for this freedom of time and do my reading and convert all of these factors into yet another piece of paper. It's a funny thing to consider. In the end, however, it is the opportunity to read, to enjoy reading and to share my thoughts about the reading with others (or sit in the class and affirm/ change my beliefs as others discuss the topics because I am not quick enough to speak up).
The chicken I bought (6 pounds of local organic bird) is sitting in brine. I hope to bake it tomorrow with onions and carrots and potatoes... Enough writing for now. It's time to get ready for services, taking the bus and another chapter of good reading.
I write this a couple of hours before going to services. I didn't do the morning writing today, as I was hoping to get to the gym at a reasonable and early hour. The past two days I thought it was would be nice to refocus and calm down by shooting baskets at the gym. That is a favorite pastime. But it was packed. Simply a zoo. I can't go to the gym after noon because there are way too many folks there. I will be doing my activity in the morning and maybe having to adjust sleeping patterns in order to accommodate morning writing (and reading!)
I have been writing a lot about myself recently- both jovial times and tribulations (although the suffering is usually self-imposed as opposed to persecution.) This will continue, but I hope to also add some more creative bits too.
I just read that humans may be psychologically predisposed to living in open spaces and near water sources. This allows our basic needs to be met. We can have access to drinking supply and probably food. We can also affirm our security in that no predators may sneak up on us. The view from my patio/perch where I read this information is a nice red-brick area. There is a matching brown/red fence that surrounds the yard and generally protects me from vision of passers-by. I hear them laugh or drive or walk and then see them through slivers in slats along the fence, but they are undisturbed not knowing that I am there reading and briefly glancing at them. Of course my landlord can peer down and see me, but I never look up to check!
I sit in a plastic patio chair (you know the kind) as my laundry and kitchen towels dry behind me. It is late in the summer, indeed the beginning of autumn, so there is long light and it hangs at 50-degrees and stays pretty far to the south. I know that the angles will get even lower and the southern range of its pattern will only deepen. Meanwhile, my laundry dries and I absorb as much Vitamin D as is possible, while still staying warm under a fleece blanket. A cup (actually a pot) of fresh green tea with roasted rice (thank you Naoko-sensei) keeps my mind alert as I start to doze off in the late afternoon rays. I have a lot of reading to do so I can't sleep right now. My chair is not so comfortable, and according to my Yoga instructor (god-bless her!) most American chairs are not designed for our health. I am hyper vigilant to my back and making sure it is getting stronger. I sit up straight and become aware as I slouch into it or lean forward too much. In the end, I am happy sitting on this chair, basking in the September sun, reading about conversation psychology- despite it's currently dense disposition.
I am paying to be a student. I pay and professionals give me things to read. It's kind of silly, you know that I can't just pick up these works and read them on my own. But the discussions, the constant barrage of work, and the schedule is indeed important. I pay for this freedom of time and do my reading and convert all of these factors into yet another piece of paper. It's a funny thing to consider. In the end, however, it is the opportunity to read, to enjoy reading and to share my thoughts about the reading with others (or sit in the class and affirm/ change my beliefs as others discuss the topics because I am not quick enough to speak up).
The chicken I bought (6 pounds of local organic bird) is sitting in brine. I hope to bake it tomorrow with onions and carrots and potatoes... Enough writing for now. It's time to get ready for services, taking the bus and another chapter of good reading.
(Funny, reading this now, after I posted it... This is randombling at its finest. I never DID get to the point of my post. And I didn't connect like thoughts either. I missed some transition sentences and glue to make my ideas make sense. That is a GOOD realization- I have to slow down!)
2011-09-27
early morning
Tuesday is rough. Gotta catch up on reading for today's class. Yoga at 9 and then class at 10. Today is the first meeting of an evening class that I registered for. We'll see if I should even be in it...
This blog is helping me with my thoughts and expressions. Yesterday I articulately and comically expressed myself in class. I am happy with what I said and the conversation it spurred.
Prior to that, I received a call about how my attempt to excuse myself from classes on Thursday was an "inexcusable" absence. A little bit shocked, I spoke without anger but with eloquence something along the lines of "disappointed with the University's lack of recognition for cultural diversity..."
I felt bad unleashing my verbal venom on the woman who had tried to help me only an hour earlier. So, after class I went to her to apologize for my curtness towards her. However, she reassured me that I was indeed, in the right. We worked out the steps I need to take (there has to be a paperwork trail) to get the absence excused and I will be able to make up my 1-credit yoga class after all. She was very nice and helpful and I am glad that it all worked out.
It's not that REALLY care, but I don't want to have an "unsatisfactory" grade because I missed class. On a bigger scale, frankly, missing class for a Jewish holiday in this day and age in the United States should be recognized as excused. I guess that is a difference with what I am used to from my days at UCLA. There, the school shuts down as there are (at least, used to be) so many Jews in the establishment- teaching and taking classes. Here, I may be in the company of rather few...
Nick came over yesterday afternoon and jammed on my piano in between bouts of reading. We made dinner in the form of burritos and he disappeared into the night after 11 with his black coat and black bowler hat hiding a John Muir-esque facade of red beard and mountain man hair. Good conversation and it was nice to relax with a friend.
Anyways, blogging in the morning has cleared my head and let me tell a story so far. No "valued" outcome results from it, but peace of mind is worth the "price" of time "spent."
This blog is helping me with my thoughts and expressions. Yesterday I articulately and comically expressed myself in class. I am happy with what I said and the conversation it spurred.
Prior to that, I received a call about how my attempt to excuse myself from classes on Thursday was an "inexcusable" absence. A little bit shocked, I spoke without anger but with eloquence something along the lines of "disappointed with the University's lack of recognition for cultural diversity..."
I felt bad unleashing my verbal venom on the woman who had tried to help me only an hour earlier. So, after class I went to her to apologize for my curtness towards her. However, she reassured me that I was indeed, in the right. We worked out the steps I need to take (there has to be a paperwork trail) to get the absence excused and I will be able to make up my 1-credit yoga class after all. She was very nice and helpful and I am glad that it all worked out.
It's not that REALLY care, but I don't want to have an "unsatisfactory" grade because I missed class. On a bigger scale, frankly, missing class for a Jewish holiday in this day and age in the United States should be recognized as excused. I guess that is a difference with what I am used to from my days at UCLA. There, the school shuts down as there are (at least, used to be) so many Jews in the establishment- teaching and taking classes. Here, I may be in the company of rather few...
Nick came over yesterday afternoon and jammed on my piano in between bouts of reading. We made dinner in the form of burritos and he disappeared into the night after 11 with his black coat and black bowler hat hiding a John Muir-esque facade of red beard and mountain man hair. Good conversation and it was nice to relax with a friend.
Anyways, blogging in the morning has cleared my head and let me tell a story so far. No "valued" outcome results from it, but peace of mind is worth the "price" of time "spent."
2011-09-26
Food blog and a happy start to the week
Now that I live on my own, it's pretty important for me to cook. And I love to do it. creativity, efficiency, tasty... my favorite adjectives all rolled into one. I think; what tastes good? what is going bad first? and how can I make it all work?
My landlord gave me a zucchini last week. I don't even like zucchini. fortunately I had garlic... this might be the first time I have eaten it, let alone make it for myself. Almost 30 and still growing up!
I purchased an incredible piece of steel in Japan... it looks like this:
That was the Rainbow Trout that I bought- gutted not filleted. It was much better to buy the whole fish and fillet it myself. I did it and only had one small bone in my mouth during the meal. That Toyokatsu knife really did the trick!
My landlord gave me a zucchini last week. I don't even like zucchini. fortunately I had garlic... this might be the first time I have eaten it, let alone make it for myself. Almost 30 and still growing up!
I purchased an incredible piece of steel in Japan... it looks like this:
That was the Rainbow Trout that I bought- gutted not filleted. It was much better to buy the whole fish and fillet it myself. I did it and only had one small bone in my mouth during the meal. That Toyokatsu knife really did the trick!Sauteed in the same garlic pan as the zucchini (saved washing something else). Plus, the fish head, spine, bones and tails make great fertilizer for the compost. This experience was worth the "trouble" of cutting a real animal and using its parts effectively. And doing the math, for the same price as the Coho I ate two nights ago, I got twice as much fish to eat with this Rainbow Trout. Maybe it's a cheaper fish, but I didn't have to pay for "labor" of filleting the fish.
Tasted much better than pictures or words describe. Of course served with Thai Jasmine rice and a side salad of tomato, carrot and mixed greens.
And this morning's breakfast. Like the woman at the Farmer's Market told me, "This is a $3 melon. I don't even have to weigh it." Well, I took her word for it, but she was wrong. I would have sold it for $10 knowing how good this thing was. Juicy, but not overly. Sweet, but not bowl-you-over. Delicate but fleshy enough to fill me up. Perfect. Really. Half for now and half for an after-school snack!
Yesterday I wrote my paper. Now I'll spend a couple of days editing it and then I can turn in the whole thing. I think it will be the longest paper that I have ever written! Go figure. It took all day and I was pretty drained by mid-afternoon.
Tasted much better than pictures or words describe. Of course served with Thai Jasmine rice and a side salad of tomato, carrot and mixed greens.And this morning's breakfast. Like the woman at the Farmer's Market told me, "This is a $3 melon. I don't even have to weigh it." Well, I took her word for it, but she was wrong. I would have sold it for $10 knowing how good this thing was. Juicy, but not overly. Sweet, but not bowl-you-over. Delicate but fleshy enough to fill me up. Perfect. Really. Half for now and half for an after-school snack!
Yesterday I wrote my paper. Now I'll spend a couple of days editing it and then I can turn in the whole thing. I think it will be the longest paper that I have ever written! Go figure. It took all day and I was pretty drained by mid-afternoon.
After prepping for dinner, I hiked up to school with a lot of heavy Falcon and Eagle-related books in my backpack (it wasn't raining, so I decided to go for it.) I turned them in after holding onto them for nearly six months. Then I went to the gym. Just to shoot around again... and then found myself in the middle of a four-on-four full-court game. My team lost 11-8, but I definitely scored 6 of those points. It is a good feeling to know that I am a smart basketball player and in the right places to get rebounds. I was playing with more fit, younger undergraduate students and able to hold my own. I wasn't as quick, but I played angles and a little bit smarter. I got two steals and even a block to keep my team in it for another possession. Then 3-on-3 in the half court. Again, my team lost. But the guy I was guarding (a good 6 inches taller than me) only got two points. I scored two also- so that was a draw. Another block in there for me too.
My apartment is clean. It's almost ready for me to mess it up again with my myriad of projects. But I am confident that it is good for Rosh Hashanah on Thursday. I hope to go to services at the reform congregation here and I am still working on getting an excused absence for my 1-credit Yoga class which is based solely on participation! More importantly... Happy New Year to those who are celebrating... may it be joyous and sweet.
Another busy week of school starts today, but I hope to get reading to stay on course. And I still hope to catch up on three overdue blog posts and various other errands. I love my life. I love this program. I love this blog. Love.
2011-09-25
Day three in a row
Yesterday was not as productive as I would have like regarding my overdue paper. I broke the ice though and that was good enough. I will grill it out today and to the editing over the next couple of days.
Yesterday was great though toward the end of the day. Well, first, the Farmer's Market was great- met lots of farmers (you can tell by looking at their hands) and bought good stuff. Some sun melons which I've never eaten before as well as an oriental cucumber. I also bought a whole chicken and while the prices for all of this stuff and the other stuff I bought was a bit high I am pretty sure that the quality is also high and my health will also be elevated. Well worth the price and still cheaper than Japan, so I am in a good place with food.
Yesterday I was in a funk so I rushed off to the gym in the evening before it closed. It is sooo nice to shoot around on a nice indoor basketball court. I yearn for the fresh air of my outdoor Diablo court, but this was sticky floors and fast-paced basketball. Even my shots were faster. Promptly after shooting the lights out, I met some Japanese foreign exchange students and introduced myself in Japanese. We played for about 20 minutes together before the gym was shut down. It was a lot of fun and NOT competitive. Like Vinnie said once, it's nice to play in Japan because no one cares about winning more than actually playing. I got to experience that again and it was great. I even woke up with a dream about walking away from competition, so I know that this feeling is resonating in me somehow.
Yesterday I spoke to my parents. They sound good and it was nice to touch base with them. As usual we are plotting and dreaming of the future, while talking about our past events. New vacations are in the works and old vacations have been shared too. That was calming.
Yesterday I ate well. Lots of green, continued. Some instant stuffing (not so healthy) was easy and I am eating up remnants from the summer. I came back here with a lot of backpacking meals and I will be going through them slowly too, not only eating the healthiest local organic stuff I buy. A small piece of Coho pan-fried-steamed in teriyaki/soy sauce with a small salad of mixed chards and a tomato with the last of my sesame dressing. I found the perfect dressing container while walking to school the other day- being given away in a "free" box. So I hope to get some recipes to make my own dressing. In the meantime I can revert to the balsamic vinegar and olive oil goodness that has sustained me in other places.
Yesterday is over. Today has begun. Got enough sleep, though I woke up dehydrated. I look to the stuffing for the salt-overdose and my water deficiency upon opening my eyes. It is windy and the laundry I put out to dry yesterday afternoon is seemingly dry. There has been no heat nor sun, but the wind must have done some good work through the night. I like that I can continue to NOT use a dryer, it is a waste of electricity so long as I have the ability to air dry my clothes. Plus they will last longer and soak up vital earth energy, as opposed to electric charges. Now if only I had an iron... or knew how to use it.
I have to write my paper today and it is going to be a toil. But I can sprinkle good small meals in between writing bouts. and there is still the gym where I can spend a couple of hours (including the 45-min round-trip walk) getting my body some needed energy release. And the stretch I was doing has fallen short. Perhaps I can spend a bit of time with that today and get back on track by including that into the routine. Come to think of it, I am excited for this paper today. It marks the end of my summer and the culmination of lots of work.
UCLA won. USC lost. And the best part is that I didn't spend more than 15 minutes watching any football. And I really don't care that much. And as I wrote before (or told some people) I am having a hard time watching American football. It is so slow and not really that exciting. Basketball and especially soccer and rugby are moving all the time and reflect proper ebbs and flows in human energy flow.
Last thought is a small one about American politics. Obama will win the next election. Why? Republicans are sending in nutjobs. Even the nutjobs know better than to vote for them. The psychos will, but they are a tiny minority. The Republican Party is not dumb. They want Obama to win so that he can continue to try to clean up the mess that they made. He will get close and then his second term will be over and at that time the shining new Republican leader (who will appear to be normal) will save the day! This is because they will be working with a majority Republican Congress- just you watch. Obama's work will be handed over to this new guy (and it isn't going to be a woman, considering historical precedence) and then he will go about fucking it all up again. So, the economy will be shite for another three years and then we will all get jobs when the Republicans come in to rescue us from the despotic hands of "Big Government" (which actually seems smaller than when Bush was leading us to war... HA. Just expect another small war/conflict as soon as Obama gets us out of Afghanistan. There. Documented.
And with that, I will go to my breakfast and disconnect from the internet to write my paper! Eagles and Falcons (no, not football), though last week we saw the Falcons out-gun the Eagles. In fact, last week was part of my final project... just kidding. Enough "randombling." Yes, I just coined that word!
Yesterday was great though toward the end of the day. Well, first, the Farmer's Market was great- met lots of farmers (you can tell by looking at their hands) and bought good stuff. Some sun melons which I've never eaten before as well as an oriental cucumber. I also bought a whole chicken and while the prices for all of this stuff and the other stuff I bought was a bit high I am pretty sure that the quality is also high and my health will also be elevated. Well worth the price and still cheaper than Japan, so I am in a good place with food.
Yesterday I was in a funk so I rushed off to the gym in the evening before it closed. It is sooo nice to shoot around on a nice indoor basketball court. I yearn for the fresh air of my outdoor Diablo court, but this was sticky floors and fast-paced basketball. Even my shots were faster. Promptly after shooting the lights out, I met some Japanese foreign exchange students and introduced myself in Japanese. We played for about 20 minutes together before the gym was shut down. It was a lot of fun and NOT competitive. Like Vinnie said once, it's nice to play in Japan because no one cares about winning more than actually playing. I got to experience that again and it was great. I even woke up with a dream about walking away from competition, so I know that this feeling is resonating in me somehow.
Yesterday I spoke to my parents. They sound good and it was nice to touch base with them. As usual we are plotting and dreaming of the future, while talking about our past events. New vacations are in the works and old vacations have been shared too. That was calming.
Yesterday I ate well. Lots of green, continued. Some instant stuffing (not so healthy) was easy and I am eating up remnants from the summer. I came back here with a lot of backpacking meals and I will be going through them slowly too, not only eating the healthiest local organic stuff I buy. A small piece of Coho pan-fried-steamed in teriyaki/soy sauce with a small salad of mixed chards and a tomato with the last of my sesame dressing. I found the perfect dressing container while walking to school the other day- being given away in a "free" box. So I hope to get some recipes to make my own dressing. In the meantime I can revert to the balsamic vinegar and olive oil goodness that has sustained me in other places.
Yesterday is over. Today has begun. Got enough sleep, though I woke up dehydrated. I look to the stuffing for the salt-overdose and my water deficiency upon opening my eyes. It is windy and the laundry I put out to dry yesterday afternoon is seemingly dry. There has been no heat nor sun, but the wind must have done some good work through the night. I like that I can continue to NOT use a dryer, it is a waste of electricity so long as I have the ability to air dry my clothes. Plus they will last longer and soak up vital earth energy, as opposed to electric charges. Now if only I had an iron... or knew how to use it.
I have to write my paper today and it is going to be a toil. But I can sprinkle good small meals in between writing bouts. and there is still the gym where I can spend a couple of hours (including the 45-min round-trip walk) getting my body some needed energy release. And the stretch I was doing has fallen short. Perhaps I can spend a bit of time with that today and get back on track by including that into the routine. Come to think of it, I am excited for this paper today. It marks the end of my summer and the culmination of lots of work.
UCLA won. USC lost. And the best part is that I didn't spend more than 15 minutes watching any football. And I really don't care that much. And as I wrote before (or told some people) I am having a hard time watching American football. It is so slow and not really that exciting. Basketball and especially soccer and rugby are moving all the time and reflect proper ebbs and flows in human energy flow.
Last thought is a small one about American politics. Obama will win the next election. Why? Republicans are sending in nutjobs. Even the nutjobs know better than to vote for them. The psychos will, but they are a tiny minority. The Republican Party is not dumb. They want Obama to win so that he can continue to try to clean up the mess that they made. He will get close and then his second term will be over and at that time the shining new Republican leader (who will appear to be normal) will save the day! This is because they will be working with a majority Republican Congress- just you watch. Obama's work will be handed over to this new guy (and it isn't going to be a woman, considering historical precedence) and then he will go about fucking it all up again. So, the economy will be shite for another three years and then we will all get jobs when the Republicans come in to rescue us from the despotic hands of "Big Government" (which actually seems smaller than when Bush was leading us to war... HA. Just expect another small war/conflict as soon as Obama gets us out of Afghanistan. There. Documented.
And with that, I will go to my breakfast and disconnect from the internet to write my paper! Eagles and Falcons (no, not football), though last week we saw the Falcons out-gun the Eagles. In fact, last week was part of my final project... just kidding. Enough "randombling." Yes, I just coined that word!
2011-09-24
After the Equinox and a rant
A day of rest- happy Saturday. Got to sleep late. It's good because I was out till 12:30 last night, driving home drunk friends. It was nice to go out on the town, to see Bellingham get a little bit crazy in the evening. Downtown is a boppin' scene, or at least it was last night because the weather was fine. Flip flops for me too- that is how nice it was. It was really nice to have dinner with Barbara and Jyoti last night too. We had chili and some nice discussion before I left early and met with some colleagues and friends.
A bit weirded out by my landlord telling me how to live. He has to come down here every once in a while and he was quick to see a fan on and the heat on (set at 65). He is right in saying that I don't need those things on while I am gone. But the heat didn't even kick on for two days until after it was set. And he ought not tell me that the fan only needs to be on for 15 minutes. I can tell it needs to be on longer. The gist is that it was just weird coming home to a note on my desk last night. This is not that big of a deal, but I wrote it out anyway because it was streaming through my head.
I will sit and write a long overdue paper this gorgeous sunny weekend. That is OK. It's time I did it. Other folks are going to the Institute for an anniversary picnic.
Here is my opportunity to rail against that place. These are my feelings and they are not wrong or right. But they should be set free. I worked hard for a year and never got a thank you. Not a little note. I don't expect it, but I guess I thought it would be nice. You pay $15,000 to work and basically give another $15,000 free labor (more?) to a place, you think they'd have the class and tact to write a thank you note. I suppose I will earn a "certificate" in March, but small details are very important. A good lesson for me to have learned- small thank you's matter.
The last piece is that I feel slighted. I worked pretty hard but did one thing that I probably shouldn't have done. That one thing did no harm to anyone, but I "bragged" about it to others. It was blown out of proportion by two people I trusted. They were quick to turn on me and "tell on me" and after that the attitude of other folks changed. I am disgusted that after all that time, they didn't even talk to me first. That shows me that they saw me as a free laborer instead of a person. With the change of the administration's attitude toward me soon thereafter, without remembering the good work I had done, I feel like my work was for naught. Fortunately, the Institute can continue its system of free labor under the guise of education while they milk the federal government for money unknowingly too. There, I said it. It's true. They wonder why the poorer conservative community hates their existence. It is a beacon of flourishing and money, like a nature hotel, while tourists drive by their rural poverty and drug-stricken communities.
I sound bitter. I guess you get stepped on enough, you are bound to say something. And while the Institute's celebration of 25 years begins in a couple of hours, it would be wiser to reflect and see that their growing business is losing track of the familiarity that made it strong in the first place. Money rules, even in the non-profit sector, and mission comes second. It's a funny lesson to learn and another reminder that if I am going to work hard when money is involved it should be for big bucks. I shouldn't try to nickel and dime others in the sake of "good will."
Wow, this blog went wild. I guess those thoughts had to be expressed after all. I feel better after having written it out. I am glad I had the experience of a year up there, and so perhaps I should have written nothing at all. But I woke up and this all continued to weigh on me. Instead of letting it sit, I decided to write. I want to write some positive vibes to start the day- after all it is gorgeous and should be nice at the farmer's market. But I don't look at this as negative. More just an opportunity to get out feelings. on to breakfast.
A bit weirded out by my landlord telling me how to live. He has to come down here every once in a while and he was quick to see a fan on and the heat on (set at 65). He is right in saying that I don't need those things on while I am gone. But the heat didn't even kick on for two days until after it was set. And he ought not tell me that the fan only needs to be on for 15 minutes. I can tell it needs to be on longer. The gist is that it was just weird coming home to a note on my desk last night. This is not that big of a deal, but I wrote it out anyway because it was streaming through my head.
I will sit and write a long overdue paper this gorgeous sunny weekend. That is OK. It's time I did it. Other folks are going to the Institute for an anniversary picnic.
Here is my opportunity to rail against that place. These are my feelings and they are not wrong or right. But they should be set free. I worked hard for a year and never got a thank you. Not a little note. I don't expect it, but I guess I thought it would be nice. You pay $15,000 to work and basically give another $15,000 free labor (more?) to a place, you think they'd have the class and tact to write a thank you note. I suppose I will earn a "certificate" in March, but small details are very important. A good lesson for me to have learned- small thank you's matter.
The last piece is that I feel slighted. I worked pretty hard but did one thing that I probably shouldn't have done. That one thing did no harm to anyone, but I "bragged" about it to others. It was blown out of proportion by two people I trusted. They were quick to turn on me and "tell on me" and after that the attitude of other folks changed. I am disgusted that after all that time, they didn't even talk to me first. That shows me that they saw me as a free laborer instead of a person. With the change of the administration's attitude toward me soon thereafter, without remembering the good work I had done, I feel like my work was for naught. Fortunately, the Institute can continue its system of free labor under the guise of education while they milk the federal government for money unknowingly too. There, I said it. It's true. They wonder why the poorer conservative community hates their existence. It is a beacon of flourishing and money, like a nature hotel, while tourists drive by their rural poverty and drug-stricken communities.
I sound bitter. I guess you get stepped on enough, you are bound to say something. And while the Institute's celebration of 25 years begins in a couple of hours, it would be wiser to reflect and see that their growing business is losing track of the familiarity that made it strong in the first place. Money rules, even in the non-profit sector, and mission comes second. It's a funny lesson to learn and another reminder that if I am going to work hard when money is involved it should be for big bucks. I shouldn't try to nickel and dime others in the sake of "good will."
Wow, this blog went wild. I guess those thoughts had to be expressed after all. I feel better after having written it out. I am glad I had the experience of a year up there, and so perhaps I should have written nothing at all. But I woke up and this all continued to weigh on me. Instead of letting it sit, I decided to write. I want to write some positive vibes to start the day- after all it is gorgeous and should be nice at the farmer's market. But I don't look at this as negative. More just an opportunity to get out feelings. on to breakfast.
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