A few things I have found out about myself, that I would normally be really aggravated or embarrassed about - but am learning to deal with:
1. I fit in in the city - but I prefer the country.
I don't know if it is my disdain for "fitting in" or if it is actual the rural appeal of farmland and green grass, but I have learned that, despite my avid love of the hustle and bustle, I truly am a country boy at heart. Nothing brings that out in me more than living in a big city.
2. Running is fun.
It's hard, it's painful and it makes me sweat (which I hate) - but damn, it's worth it. I feel healthy, toned and capable. The occasional sore muscle is now a good sign, instead of an indication of needing to back off. It clears my head.
If nothing else, running makes me feel better than all those people who don't run.
3. I like awful books.
Sure - I've read 100 Years of Solitude and Anna Karenina, but at my core I will always prefer to read Sweet Valley High and Harriet the Spy. I no longer need to read to enhance my knowledge. I need to read to escape what I already know.
4.16.2008
4.04.2008
The world runs on dunkin
A few times a week I get up entirely too early in order to get to the gym before work. I have never been a morning person (or a gym person for that matter) so it still takes a lot of work to get me out of bed. I have started using tricks such as guilt, empty promises of afternoon naps, music, notes to myself...but the one thing that really gets me going in the morning is Dunkin Donuts.
On my way from the gym to my office I pass 3 DDs (mind you, this is only 8 blocks). One morning, after my work-out, I decided to stop in for some Munchkins (donut holes) and a Coffee Coolatta (essentially a coffee milkshake)...like I said, I have never been a gym person.
Dunkins in the city are fast paced, high pressure places. They are a well oiled machine of coffee and donut producing fiends. It is important to know what you will order immediately upon entrance, as you are likely to be called upon even when you are 6-10 people back in the line. So, my first morning in the store, in my scattered flurry of options I blurted out, "A dozen Munchkins and a large Coffee Coolatta." (Ordering under pressure has never been my strong suit - which is why I grew up ordering Jr. Bacon Cheeseburgers...without bacon or cheese.)
Another thing about the Dunkin Donuts on 6th and Market - they always remember your order.
For the past month+ I have been "ordering" a large Coffee Coolatta and a dozen Munchkins. I want to branch out, I want to cut back...
I think I am going to have to change venues.
Yes, the world runs on Dunkin. Perhaps, however, not by choice.
On my way from the gym to my office I pass 3 DDs (mind you, this is only 8 blocks). One morning, after my work-out, I decided to stop in for some Munchkins (donut holes) and a Coffee Coolatta (essentially a coffee milkshake)...like I said, I have never been a gym person.
Dunkins in the city are fast paced, high pressure places. They are a well oiled machine of coffee and donut producing fiends. It is important to know what you will order immediately upon entrance, as you are likely to be called upon even when you are 6-10 people back in the line. So, my first morning in the store, in my scattered flurry of options I blurted out, "A dozen Munchkins and a large Coffee Coolatta." (Ordering under pressure has never been my strong suit - which is why I grew up ordering Jr. Bacon Cheeseburgers...without bacon or cheese.)
Another thing about the Dunkin Donuts on 6th and Market - they always remember your order.
For the past month+ I have been "ordering" a large Coffee Coolatta and a dozen Munchkins. I want to branch out, I want to cut back...
I think I am going to have to change venues.
Yes, the world runs on Dunkin. Perhaps, however, not by choice.
3.05.2008
Copy and paste
Everyone gets so uppity about plagiarism.
I realize the difference is quoting, referencing and plagiarizing has been discussed in many academic circles. However, it continues to elude high school students who honestly thought they were just paraphrasing the article. Why can you set off 4 pages worth in block quotes, but if something remains uncited it is plagiarism?
In my profession we consider research published more than 5 years ago to be "common knowledge." Why should that not be the case for more genres?
This subject is not particularly timely or relevant, I was just thinking back to the time when I considered becoming an english teacher. I would carefully plan out my strategy for encouraging plagiarism from my students. Using the work of others is how new work is eventually created. If the original author does not want his/her work to be used - don't publish. "But then nothing would ever get published." Exactly.
I realize the difference is quoting, referencing and plagiarizing has been discussed in many academic circles. However, it continues to elude high school students who honestly thought they were just paraphrasing the article. Why can you set off 4 pages worth in block quotes, but if something remains uncited it is plagiarism?
In my profession we consider research published more than 5 years ago to be "common knowledge." Why should that not be the case for more genres?
This subject is not particularly timely or relevant, I was just thinking back to the time when I considered becoming an english teacher. I would carefully plan out my strategy for encouraging plagiarism from my students. Using the work of others is how new work is eventually created. If the original author does not want his/her work to be used - don't publish. "But then nothing would ever get published." Exactly.
2.29.2008
My favorite days
September 24:
This day is a stand out for me. A day like no other. For many years I held "September 24" parties. Nothing special happened on this day, as far as I know. It is not my birthday (or my half birthday). I would imagine my love comes from the aesthetic appeal of the word "September" and my fondness for the number 24. Separately they are good things - together, they constitute my favorite day.
I am thoroughly jealous of anyone who has this birthday, and will likely force it to be an important day in my life somehow. (ie, demanding it as a wedding date, holding labor until this day, not pulling the plug on my dad until this day)
February 19:
This one is a bit more obvious. It is my birthday. As I have gone through life, many of the coolest people I have met have February birthdays - so I feel cosmically privileged to be predetermined for this group.
As a result of this special assignment, I have also become a bit obsessed with the number 19 (some might recall my 19th birthday party).
February 29:
This is a truly blessed day...or a completely screwed up concept - however you wish to look at it. The fact that someone along the way said "Hey, instead of making every day longer," or "Let's alter the calendar a bit" said "Every 4 years we will add a day!" is astounding to me. Even more mind-blowing is that others agreed ("Oh yes, brilliant idea!" "Here, Here!").
However, they gave the day to poor, short, slightly self-conscious February - and for that, we are thankful.
This day is a stand out for me. A day like no other. For many years I held "September 24" parties. Nothing special happened on this day, as far as I know. It is not my birthday (or my half birthday). I would imagine my love comes from the aesthetic appeal of the word "September" and my fondness for the number 24. Separately they are good things - together, they constitute my favorite day.
I am thoroughly jealous of anyone who has this birthday, and will likely force it to be an important day in my life somehow. (ie, demanding it as a wedding date, holding labor until this day, not pulling the plug on my dad until this day)
February 19:
This one is a bit more obvious. It is my birthday. As I have gone through life, many of the coolest people I have met have February birthdays - so I feel cosmically privileged to be predetermined for this group.
As a result of this special assignment, I have also become a bit obsessed with the number 19 (some might recall my 19th birthday party).
February 29:
This is a truly blessed day...or a completely screwed up concept - however you wish to look at it. The fact that someone along the way said "Hey, instead of making every day longer," or "Let's alter the calendar a bit" said "Every 4 years we will add a day!" is astounding to me. Even more mind-blowing is that others agreed ("Oh yes, brilliant idea!" "Here, Here!").
However, they gave the day to poor, short, slightly self-conscious February - and for that, we are thankful.
2.25.2008
The obligatory (post) birthday post
On February 19 I turned 25. In my mind this is a stellar age. The last age-related changes (excluding politics) are made this year; I can rent a car (without the outrageous underage fees), my car insurance goes down (or would if I owned a car), and I believe I can run for a house seat (though that is political).
I am not afraid of growing older. I don't dread it. I have very few regrets from my past - and everything is looking good for the future. However, after much contemplation, I have made the decision that this will be my last birthday for approximately five years.
It is not the progression of age I am hesitant to encounter - it is all the Ned Ryersons of the world that make me not want to continue my climb towards 30.
I detest the possibility of this scene:
Ned: "So, how old arya?"
Me: "27"
Ned: [elbow jab + chin chuck] "Almost 30!"
Me: "#@!*"
Grandma: "Ned said he ran into you at Wal-Mart..."
So, in order to avoid hurting my grandmother, I will continue to be 25 until I hit 30 (possibly 31, depending on how bitter I am in 5 years).
Note: This will, in no way, effect the necessity for birthday parties or gifts. I will simply continue to have 25 candles (or another arbitrary number).
I am not afraid of growing older. I don't dread it. I have very few regrets from my past - and everything is looking good for the future. However, after much contemplation, I have made the decision that this will be my last birthday for approximately five years.
It is not the progression of age I am hesitant to encounter - it is all the Ned Ryersons of the world that make me not want to continue my climb towards 30.
I detest the possibility of this scene:
Ned: "So, how old arya?"
Me: "27"
Ned: [elbow jab + chin chuck] "Almost 30!"
Me: "#@!*"
Grandma: "Ned said he ran into you at Wal-Mart..."
So, in order to avoid hurting my grandmother, I will continue to be 25 until I hit 30 (possibly 31, depending on how bitter I am in 5 years).
Note: This will, in no way, effect the necessity for birthday parties or gifts. I will simply continue to have 25 candles (or another arbitrary number).
2.12.2008
So, so, so cold
**This post is not suitable for any reader who might think I am still 12**
I love words. I honestly do. I am not a "word person" per say. I am not good at Scrabble, and crossword puzzles make me feel like an incompetent idiot. However, hearing and occasionally using great words can certainly ameliorate my affect. Words are elegant, they are recherché. An extensive vocabulary is not only impressive, it is worthy of envy.
The English language, for the most part, is capable of conveying an endless supply of feelings, meanings, ideas, actions, items...etc. The vast array of words provided are completely malleable and a bit ductile, more gaseous than solid - they can be manipulated to my whimsy and incorporated at my will.
Which brings me to this morning.
This morning when I left for the gym (545) it was 11 degrees Fahrenheit. I was wearing a t-shirt under a sweatshirt under a hoodie under a hooded overcoat. My face and neck were wrapped in a scarf. Under my pants I wore sweatpants and a pair of shorts. My feet and hands were appropriately encased in fabric.
A whole world of words at my disposal, but all I could say was, "Damn, it is cold. It is damn cold."
Ah. English.
I love words. I honestly do. I am not a "word person" per say. I am not good at Scrabble, and crossword puzzles make me feel like an incompetent idiot. However, hearing and occasionally using great words can certainly ameliorate my affect. Words are elegant, they are recherché. An extensive vocabulary is not only impressive, it is worthy of envy.
The English language, for the most part, is capable of conveying an endless supply of feelings, meanings, ideas, actions, items...etc. The vast array of words provided are completely malleable and a bit ductile, more gaseous than solid - they can be manipulated to my whimsy and incorporated at my will.
Which brings me to this morning.
This morning when I left for the gym (545) it was 11 degrees Fahrenheit. I was wearing a t-shirt under a sweatshirt under a hoodie under a hooded overcoat. My face and neck were wrapped in a scarf. Under my pants I wore sweatpants and a pair of shorts. My feet and hands were appropriately encased in fabric.
A whole world of words at my disposal, but all I could say was, "Damn, it is cold. It is damn cold."
Ah. English.
1.23.2008
Rime time
I would like to add to my list of sayings I abhor, "I'm a poet, and don't even know it." (Or any variation of.)
Sure it was clever in elementary school, but "up your nose with a rubber hose" was also a popular saying at one point and we got through that.
The biggest problem with the 'poet'/'know it' rhyme is the person who typically uses it is quite far from any form of a poet. Dr. Seuss is lost on these people yet they, along with Will Ferrell and the Bros, think it is hilarious to rhyme two bisyllabic words.
I am by no means a connoisseur of poetry, I wouldn't even consider myself a fan. However, I am intellectually capable of independent thought (e.g. I'm a bard, and it's not hard).
It is particularly important to end this silly rhyme as we head in to the new year. I foresee a year packed with "clever" sayings: "Don't Wait in '08," "It's Not Too Late in 2008," etc.
Sure it was clever in elementary school, but "up your nose with a rubber hose" was also a popular saying at one point and we got through that.
The biggest problem with the 'poet'/'know it' rhyme is the person who typically uses it is quite far from any form of a poet. Dr. Seuss is lost on these people yet they, along with Will Ferrell and the Bros, think it is hilarious to rhyme two bisyllabic words.
I am by no means a connoisseur of poetry, I wouldn't even consider myself a fan. However, I am intellectually capable of independent thought (e.g. I'm a bard, and it's not hard).
It is particularly important to end this silly rhyme as we head in to the new year. I foresee a year packed with "clever" sayings: "Don't Wait in '08," "It's Not Too Late in 2008," etc.
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