A Tribute to Life

Choices, Choices, Choices

2012-02-10T07:01:00.002-05:00

I'm not sure it's always been the case, but as a modern-day American, I feel like I have a plethora of options, regardless of what decision is at hand. I would say, in most cases, that this is fabulous and even a sign of progress. But, are there times when not so many options would be better?

I encountered this question as I shopped for a new digital camera. Not only are there a zillion makes to choose from, but there are a dozen considerations to first narrow down before you can even start deciding on a maker and model. There's point and shoot under $200, point and shoot over $200, compact zoom, extended zoom, advanced compact, compact mirrorless, dSLR for entry-level, mid-level and enthusiast as well as the full-frame dSLR. And just like cars, it seems like every new year, if not half or quarter year, will bring with it a whole new set of models and improvements. So, while the decision to invest in a new camera was seemingly simple, the next step of actually choosing a camera seems so incredibly complex.

Sometimes it's nice to only have an "A" or "B." Even throwing a "C" in there can make things a little crazy. But, I wonder if this seemingly complex state of choices is just a manifestation of our ever-evolving world. For instance, before there were digital cameras and life was a little less busy and advanced, were there zillions of new options all the time when considering a simple camera purchase? Before there was the internet, were there infinite ways to find the exact shirt or other random item you wanted? Were people as overwhelmed by every single choice as we can be today?

It's these moments that the phrase "keep it simple" seems way out of step with where the world is today. It's also these moments that remind me of how the stage is set to make it really easy to forget to be grateful for the everyday small stuff. With so many choices and so much "noise," it is so easy to be distracted and move on to the next complicated choice. Today, I will observe as many "choice intermissions" as possible. It's okay to take a break.

Best Practices in Being Human

2012-02-07T18:34:00.001-05:00

You probably don't recognize the man in the image above. I wouldn't have before last week. He's democratic senator Ed Murray from Washington state. One morning last week, as I was driving in to work, I heard a story on NPR, detailing the recent passage of a bill in Washington, which would legalize same-sex marriage there. Granted, there's all kinds of chatter in the news right now on this topic, especially today after the federal appeals court in California determined the voter-approved ban on gay marriage there to be unconstitutional. But, my reflections tonight are not on all of that buzz, they are focused on the words of Truth that Senator Murry declared as the Washington bill was being passed.

The senator was quoted as saying the following:

[Lawmakers who vote against gay marriage]"...are not, nor should they be accused of bigotry...Those of us who support this legislation are not, and we should not be, accused of undermining family life or religious freedom...Marriage is how society says you are a family."

I found this statement to be profound because it was an expression of tolerance too seldom heard--in politics or any other sphere of our modern-day society. After thinking further about the words uttered, I decided I think this statement deserves to be counted as a best practice in politics. In legal marketing, we often refer to and encourage the sharing of "best practices." As such, we often discuss our experiences with one another, pointing out issues encountered and resolved, obstacles happened upon and overcome, etc. Overall, best practices (and especially the communication of best practices) places everyone on the same plane of knowledge, encourages success in approach and places an undeniable focus on the common goals we share.

Sen. Murray's statement above places everyone on the same plane. We're all human, and we all will require tolerance from someone (or a bunch of people) at one point or another. His approach demonstrates a willingness to encourage success, regardless of differences, and that success would be in the form of living peacefully and equally. Is there anyone who doesn't want that?

In politics today, it's very rare to actually witness peaceful conciliation of partisan differences. But, I think Sen. Murray did this amazingly well with his words above. It places a hugely controversial topic on such a basic level of human understanding. For any given moral priority or personal freedom, we should all be willing to exchange with one another and respect differences. I'll give anyone their religious freedom and worry-free happiness in return for my personal freedom and worry-free happiness. See how this works? Tolerance. Understanding. Best practices in being human.

The Wondrous Weekend

2012-02-04T14:43:00.000-05:00

Weekends--what everyone lives for, Monday through Friday. I don't know if everyone is the same about them, but I know in my own case, they're an obsession. I wake up each day, thinking about how much closer I have gotten to its start. I go to sleep each night, again reassuring myself that it is almost here. I've never heard anyone be excited about weekdays. Unless, that is, a weekday stands for an early entry into their weekend. A few friends and I regularly celebrate "hump day" Wednesdays, but I definitely don't embrace them as I do Friday night, Saturday or Sunday.

I think weekends fit into the "supply and demand" concept common in consumerism. It's what we get least of, so we naturally want more. When we are given more, we just want more again. Is this a genetic slip in all of us? Are we programmed to only want what we cannot have? To always view the grass as being greener on the other side? What a conundrum!

I wonder if it's possible to tackle time, and the busy way of life, and embrace a weekend way of living seven days a week. I don't know about your weekends, but mine are marked with contentment through cooking what I want, coming and going as I want, taking moments I don't normally take to appreciate the everyday light in my world and lots of other breathable things. I think I will tackle this. Yes, work will consume lots of hours it doesn't on the weekend, but as I've learned through an amazing boss with an amazing outlook, those hours don't have to be filled with stagnancy and unhappiness or stress. Full-time weekends. I like it.

Punxsutawney...Donald?

2012-02-02T18:29:00.000-05:00

It is not a common occurrence that A Tribute to Life post will include blatant political instruction. However, I have to beg of you, vote for whoever you want in the upcoming presidential election. But, please, whatever you do, please do not look to The Donald as your voting compass. I would argue that you should probably do your research and vote based on your own conclusions, not necessarily voting based on any one's endorsement.

This man is a towering figure in popular culture. He has a reality television show (the sole thing keeping him from running for president, so maybe, just maybe, once May comes, he'll toss his hat in), he is a business mogul, he has a litter of children and has had numerous wives, he has bad hair, he relentlessly pursued further on the Obama birth debate (as if this country should prioritize that in the last portion of Obama's presidency and at an otherwise pretty busy time of real concerns). You can do better. Seriously. Be bold.

In fact, on this day of annual celebration of Groundhog Day, perhaps we can just quickly ask Punxsutawney Phil to let us know which Republican should be on the ticket. Now that sounds like a more acceptable solution.

Seeing Stars

2012-01-31T20:24:00.001-05:00

Ever experience one of those days when the world seems a little too close? In a cramping your style sort of way? I'm pretty sure they're not a rarity in this world that grows exponentially busier with each passing day.

Today was a beautiful spring-like day that reminded me I should be missing the sunshine during these winter doldrums. The experience is no different than being reminded of the never-ending assortment of totally unhealthy food out there smack-dab in the middle of your newest diet. In any case, due to the impeccably clear conditions of the day, which lasted a good portion of the day (at least up until the moment I stepped out of the doors of work), I was able to spot some stars burning in the night sky. As I gazed up, I inhaled a deep breath of warmer-than-usual air and was grateful for the moment of space and gentle reminder that we're so stinking small. This helped me conclude that the worries of the day are even smaller, making them insignificant in the final analysis. It also made me think of Don McLean's song, "Vincent," which was an unknown song to me for way too many years of my life. And then there's Vincent Van Gogh's "Starry Night" painting. So many great treats these fundamental elements of our world afford us.

If worries are measured in importance against the stars that burn beautifully for us in the night sky, the worries quickly melt to nothingness. I chuck this up to be a great little note to self: Self, it all gets better if you just look at the stars.

Living Passionately: Part Deux

2012-01-30T18:37:00.001-05:00

Not long ago, I dedicated an entry to the acknowledgement of Gabby Giffords' bravery and greatness as a result of living passionately. Today, I want to take the time to acknowledge a recent loss in the world of freestyle skiing, which also demonstrates another flavor of passionate living.

Sarah Burke, a freestyle skier and Canadian native, seems by all accounts to have been a pioneer, amazingly talented athlete and also a good human being (which, in my opinion, trumps all). Her tragic end came as the result of a bum landing while practicing in her long-time domain of the halfpipe. I've skimmed several different stories, telling her story and the story of that day, and the best and most comprehensive I've found was published online by SportsNet. Of all I've read, this was simply a case of someone going through the motions of their workday and unexpectedly encountering a split-second, random complication that proved fatal.

The part of Sarah's story most interesting to me is that which tells of her intense sense of self. She was dedicated to perfecting her practice of the sport, but she also expanded on this passion and worked very hard to advance opportunities for women in the sport. She married a fellow skier and, together, they enjoyed what most would consider extreme fun (speaking for myself only, helicopter skiing is not on my list of pastime activities). But, the theme throughout her story is one of passionate living.

The safety of the sport, as a whole, was of course called into question after Sarah's accident. But, with some reflection, I fall on the side of personal freedom in this. My father was a coal miner his entire career, and he similarly walked into dangerous conditions every single day of his time as a miner. I'm sure there are many other examples of individuals serving professional roles that entail danger, but as with many, Sarah seemed to simply want to live her passion. Who can blame her?

From the day we're delivered into this (sometimes) unforgiving world, we begin a journey as an ironically fragile (and yet superior) participant of that world. Life is quite a miraculous feat when successful. Just because there are 6.8 billion of us, it doesn't change the fact that there are a million internal and external forces of nature that must flow in harmony for us to sustain life. So, in reflecting on the life of Sarah Burke, I will be reminded of the intense and lasting force of passionate living, but I will also be reminded of the intense fragility inherent in each and every human life.

Sunrise Songs

2012-01-29T19:42:00.001-05:00

I can't think of a better way to start the day, than to wake up in the morning with a song playing so loudly in your head, minus any technological intervention, you can't ignore it. This happened to me this morning, and as I reflected on it, it seemed like my subconscious DJ that chose the track had exercised some musical genius. On a day when the sun was bursting through the window as I woke, Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds" song was on loop in my mind. What a great way to start the day with a sense of ease, happiness and optimism. (As the 45 mph wind gusts blew the snow early in the evening, the tune had somehow faded, but it was an awesome start!)

I'm curious now to track these sunrise tracks and see if there's any rhyme or reason to them. Are they dependent on mood at bedtime? Will the sunshine always encourage some awesomely optimistic and happy track? These are the times I wish I could search through volumes of records of general population to find out such things about the wider world. This is like the 100% certified organic of the iPod/iTunes shuffle setting.

As I go to sleep tonight, I will beg my mind's DJ to not get stage fright and to please treat me to a brand new and enjoyable track tomorrow.

Furry Friday

2012-01-27T23:48:00.001-05:00

Meet Lotus. This is my favorite feline and best pal. I adopted him a year and a half ago from the Belmont County Animal Shelter. They, in fact, warned me of his eccentric ways, gently nudging one another and mumbling, "She's taking the bad kitty." This was not an overwhelmingly encouraging sign for a soon-to-be-owner-who-just-lost-her-beloved-cat, but I thankfully chose to follow through with the adoption and was madly in love with Lotus shortly thereafter.

It didn't take me long to choose a name for my new addition. I had, sadly, lost my other cat, Lewis, very suddenly due to what appeared to be a congenital heart defect. So, going through the motions of adopting a new friend was something very therapeutic. In doing so, however, I definitely didn't want to lose sight of what I had just lost. I wanted to honor my previous experience but also capture some sense of renewal. Deep, I know, for naming a cat. In any case, I loved the idea of the lotus flower, which grows out of the muddy bottoms of ponds and yet breaks the surface with a glorious flower bloom. My hope was to have the same experience with this new little spirit.

Lotus has become a hallmark of home for me. He's very dog-like in many ways, playing fetch with his favorite stuffed mouse and bird, greeting me at the door, hanging out with friends (because cats need friends, too!). But, sometimes, at the end of a long workday or long day, period, I'm pretty sure he has no idea the humbling reminder he hands me. His entire life is built around my comings and goings and the time I make for him. And regardless of how often I leave, he's always at the ready when I return...full of love and kitty vigor. What more can a kitty mama ask for?

Small Town-ness

2012-01-26T10:43:00.002-05:00

Growing up in a small town comes with such a mixed bag of experience, an unmistakable flavor. While many will vehemently argue that the small town experience encourages cultural isolation or inexperience an insular ways, I've realized recently that there is a certain emotional phenomenon that, I think, results from this same small town experience. For lack of a better description, I guess it's just a small town-ness that can't be dismissed.

I recently watched a documentary called Hey, Boo: Harper Lee & To Kill A Mockingbird. This novel was a repeating theme in my life from elementary school up through a book club I attended in the not-so-distant past, but I never really knew a whole lot about Harper Lee. So, this documentary motivated me to learn some more about her by reading the transcripts of the few interviews she's ever done. One of Harper Lee's key concepts in her writing of this novel was to capture and preserve rural Southern culture. She elaborated on its differences from urban culture. Everything from its (former) lack of industrialization, resulting in more interaction between people and less distraction, to its lack of cultural events came up as things that helped shape the rural cultural landscape. She also stated many times that she wanted to capture the universality inherent in this culture, just as many authors had formerly captured universality in other (particularly urban) instances. This made me think about growing up in Wheeling and what could be drawn from that as particularly unique and also universal.

One thing that I kept returning to is how, in this small town setting, everyone knows everyone. This is not always true in Wheeling, but it's almost guaranteed that if you don't know someone, there is someone in your close circle who knows that person. And sometimes, there's even a realization that you do actually know the person. In any case, after some reflection, I finally arrived at a "so what?" about this small town phenomenon. This is where the small town-ness comes in. I believe, in my own case at least, it created a strong sense of empathy from a young age. The empathy grows out of the fact that you usually do have some personal tie to almost everyone, so when anything happens, there is a closeness to it that you don't always have in larger cities and towns. You grieve with families on a regular basis, as they lose loved ones, young and old. You share in their joys with the addition of generations and promotions and other successes. You rally with the community in concern when an outcome is in limbo, threatening.

In any case, what this experience created for me was a universal sense of empathy. There is a closeness that I feel to all people, regardless of where they reside on this great planet, because all I've known is to feel this closeness. I think that it creates a rich sense of community and unity, regardless of whether this is at work, at home or abroad. It is my nature to meet someone new and desire a closeness, often dismissing any sense of competition, superiority or sense of "other." It could easily be interpreted more widely as a form of gossip or drama, but in reflecting on my own experience, I think I would say I feel fortunate to have lived this experience. It has instilled in me an unwaivering sense of appreciation and interconnectedness with others. And that, my friends, is a fulfilling experience.

Political Ennui

2012-01-25T10:30:00.000-05:00

For any audience member taking in last night's State of the Union Address, it was difficult to miss the overt displays of boredom, smug disagreement and overall lack of interest. Whether it was Eric Cantor's epic struggle to mute any facial expression or the mechanical and empty applause of others, the clear message was that Washington, DC, and the United States leadership has become so wrought with bipartisan fervor that there's no longer a common theme or purpose to be found anywhere.

Everything now is a debate, and within the various debates, meaning seems to be lost and individual or partisan vendettas reign. Even this traditional report, which is meant to inform and rally the members of Congress and present an opportunity for thoughtful consideration or even (scandalous!) unity in purpose, includes the opposing party's response. The fact that this began happening in the 60s and continues today proves the undoing of our nation's leadership has been incubating for some time. And why this would ever seem like a good idea, I'm not really sure. Taking just a minute for consideration, it immediately becomes clear that this "response" is never going to be someone standing to profess their alliance with and belief in the nation's president and his parties legislative goals. It's simply another medium of disagreement and chaos. How can anyone keep track of what issues are truly at hand when there's a constant volley that makes the core set of facts a moving target? It would be like every news report being countered by a "response" or competing news unit's interpretation of the facts. This happens frequently, too, but just imagine if this lack of grounding was found in every area of life. Never mind the fact that it seems to have the greatest hold in one of the most important areas--our nation's leadership both on the domestic and international stages.

When reading articles, watching news reports, listening to radio commentary, the only common theme these days seems to be the disunion in politics and nation-building. This trend undoubtedly leads to a common disinterest and lack of confidence in the system. It seems a systemic collapse into political ennui, which has reached record heights and has affected most everyone--both representatives and constituents alike. Rebuilding a sense of confidence and recovering a state of balance and progress seems just out of reach. But, for the well being of our nation and world, let's hope that someone steps up and helps end this "waiting for Godot" moment in politics.

Striking Your Own Fancy

2012-01-24T15:48:00.000-05:00

The dawning of the newest season of "Oscar buzz" has caused me to ponder the question of whether our quickly growing information technology arsenal is speeding up the extinction of individualism.

One of the easiest ways to denote the importance of any object you describe is to add the tag of "...it was nominated for..." or "...he/she was endorsed by..." or "...it was highly rated by Consumer Reports..." Have you ever wondered what the world's people did before this information was easily attained? More importantly, could it be that these easily accessible resources make us think a little less about what we actually like?

I am a true lover of the "Flixster" app on my iPhone, which handily provides the daily movie times for virtually all movie theaters within my reach. The app also includes all commentary offered via the Rotten Tomatoes web, which provides movie reviews far and wide. All movies have a percentage approval from both everyday viewers as well as the elite critics circle. If you see a red ripe tomato, you have a winner, if you see the green splatter of what once was a tomato, then you're going to have to suffer through the potential film of choice. I find myself often trusting these ratings without hesitation, and I've not had a problem in doing so, for the most part, but I wonder how people made movie decisions before this all existed.

This movement reminds me of the overarching theme of globalization of all things. In the sharing of ideas, it seems we run the risk of perhaps having fewer promoted for consideration. And then we run the risk of becoming a world of followers. So, in this ever-condensing world of ideas, I think I will actively work to seek out opportunities to differentiate. Not to the extreme or so as to become counterculture, but perhaps just a enough so that I can look at some of these measures of success (the Oscars, the Emmys, the Grammys, the Nobel prize in literature, the Booker Awards, film critics, newspaper editorials, etc.) and occasionally recognize that something has been missed. Something that I perhaps stumbled across all on my own and can appreciate, minus all of the buzz.

Living Passionately

2012-01-22T19:06:00.000-05:00

Today marked a day of at least two major headlines. One of those two was the announcement that Gabrielle Giffords would step down from Congress. Ever since the unfortunate events of January 8, 2011, I've paid fairly close attention to the progress the congresswoman has made. I listened and watched to find out that she survived. I listened and watched to find out that she was progressing as needed. I listened and watched to find out if Mark was going to, indeed, make his last mission in space. I listened and watched as Gabrielle gave her first interview with Mark by her side. Gabby and Mark went from a couple of people I had never heard of to a couple of people I am grateful to have in this world every day.

Strip down the public personae, and at the heart of this couple, you have an amazing amount of love, first, but in the backdrop, you also have incredible demonstrations of work ethic, bravery, loyalty, patriotism and inspiration. It was no surprise, for instance, when I viewed Gabrielle's videotaped message today and instead of feeling disappointed or shocked, there was an overwhelming feeling of excitement for what's to come for her. Her outlook is contagious and inspiring, and that has never changed.

While the face of politics contains indelible blemishes from adulterous acts committed and bipartisan disrespect, this undercurrent of hope and bravery that Gabrielle Giffords has introduced to the dialogue seems almost misplaced. This is not to say that she doesn't have or never had any mistakes to contribute, political or otherwise, but rather to say that out of all the stories we endure with regard to our political system and those participants within it, this one is one that brings unbelievable value to the table for adults and children alike.

As Gabrielle Giffords dedicates herself to the current task assigned to her, my hope is that her story can bring others to their feet and inspire action. Gabrielle's story has taught me that to live passionately is to do so across all areas of one's life. We've heard the stories of her constantly visiting her constituents, dedicating herself to their needs and causes, but what we've had the precious opportunity to also see is how that same spirit of passion has lived on in her survival and recovery.

I have not seen any stories in which she and her husband are dissecting what happened that day last January or stating what should or should not happen to the shooter. What I see is two people living passionately, despite an awful situation, and continuing to light up the room with their optimism. I see two people redirecting their attention from what they did over a year ago to what they must now...but happily so. Making the best of it. And if Mark Kelly and Gabrielle Giffords can make the best of a gunshot to the head, then I have great hope that I, too, can make the best of all of the little complications (comparatively speaking) each day brings. It is also a great reminder that this spirit of hope and optimism is contagious. Think about this the next time a "downer" conversation comes up and try just a brief application of positive thinking. The rippling outward of good is amazing to watch.

When Nature Inspires

2012-01-13T17:45:00.000-05:00

Thanks to a free birthday day off that my firm allows all employees, I was able to start an extra long weekend today. Because I didn't have to worry about hitting the office, I decided to catch up on some items in my Netflix instant queue. I was so inspired by both, I have to share the recommendations with any Tribute readers out there.

Last night, I watched a documentary produced by National Geographic, called The Appalachian Trail, or the AT as many hiking/outdoors aficionados would refer to it. My first reaction was one of awe at the assortment of flora, fauna and landscapes available to those who take this trek. On a recent trip to Colorado, two Ohio Valley natives and I discussed the grandeur of the Rockies in the context of how distinctively different they are from the Appalachians. But, not once, would any of us utter a word about a lacking of any sort on the part of the Appalachians. Nor could anyone argue that any of the rolling mountain ranges along the AT are lacking. The images of the mountain landscape National Geographic offered were nothing short of breathtaking--and I don't even own a fancy TV that would've made them extra special. The other thing that struck me about the thru-hikers (or those who undertake the entire trail) is that there is a distinct culture that has developed as a result of this trail, and it affects each and every hiker who takes to its paths. Not only that, there are amazing samples of wildlife to also add to its charming existence. For instance, in the segment of the trail that cuts through Virginia and the Shenandoahs, there are packs of wild horses that hang out along the trail. According to the documentary, they came about simply as the result of some random horse escapes and comings together. Isn't nature just awesome? Left to its own devices, it's far more creative and complex than any man-made anything.

The other film I watched is called 180° South, and this film featured the journey of one adventurer (Jeff Johnson) in which he made a similar pilgrimage as that of two of his idols, Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkin, to Patagonia. This film was great because it offered amazing images and scenery, but it also told a really interesting story of the climbing/surfing culture of the 1960s and the modern day culture of outdoors enthusiasts. The really awesome message underlying this entire film is that nature is worth it. It's worth putting everything down, it's worth fighting for and protecting and, most of all, it can offer some of the most rewarding gifts in return. At the core of nature is a certain simplicity, compared to our incredibly fast-paced and technological world, and yet it takes a lot of hard work to achieve this simplicity as a human communing with nature. The men (and women) featured in this film offer such inspiration for putting the hard work in and living the simplicity.

Maybe it's the New Year spirit, or the spirit of a new decade, but I see some serious potential for the adoption of some of the tenets from each of these films in my life. Hope you can take a watch and walk away even half as blown away.

Upon Turning Thirty

2012-01-11T07:05:00.000-05:00

Upon Turning Thirty

Every day is an adventure, taking me here and there,

I never know where it might stop or if I should even care.

But on this day, I ring in thirty, and more humbled I couldnot be,

I only hope the next ten are as fruitful as the first three.

My wishes are quite simple, I have only three,

To give to this world and receive of this world and havegreat company.

When the sun sets and the moon takes its place, when thirty is nolonger new,

I will be lying in bed wondering what, in this decade, lies in lieu.

And then a wise thought will slip gently into mind,

Reminding me of that something much more important to find.

That in my day, my every day, the most valuable thing thatwaits

Is the present moment at my hest, the one taking beautifulshape.

~ c.e. chase

Consuming War

2012-01-10T19:16:00.000-05:00

As I made the commute home from work this evening, listening to All Things Considered on NPR, a thought occurred to me. Every time I turn on the news, regardless of medium, I hear at least one reference to war. Sometimes this is a part of a human interest story, part of an economics story or part of a politics story. But, just as often, it is the entire story. In other words, the story--or the news--wouldn't exist were it not for war existing. Perhaps I have a faulty memory, but I tend to believe it hasn't always been this way.

It did make me wonder, though, what the news could possibly be like without any wars on which to report. And, this day in age, would this be better or worse for the news industry? Already, it seems that at every turn, the news is reporting on random acts of violence, transportation accidents and other deflating happenings. War is definitely not a happier story, but without the subject, would our news grow even more dim and superficial? I am probably a news snob, as I prefer outlets like NPR and PBS Newshour to any other network reporting, and I enjoy sitting down, old-school style, with the New York Times on Sunday mornings. But, even the outlets that are known for more in-depth reporting or those that focus on the arts or intelligentsia, as a whole, are riddled with stories from or about the various war fronts. So, now that we've arrived in this historical moment when war is such a large part of our every day culture, is it possible to go back to a time of peace? While 5-10 years ago, this may have been a somewhat absurd question to ask, it seems valid.

Business, economics, the media, society--these are all immersed in the war culture. Just as the economic crash of 2008 has forever changed the way global economics works, it is very possible that the chronic states of war have done the same. There really isn't a foreseeable end to the general state of unrest. And it could be possible that the changing politics, encouraging a more constant state of unrest, is a result of the newer generations of men and women who have grown used to the thought.

So, will war ever be over? Or are we destined to now become full-time war consumers? Day-by-day, soaking in more and more of the war culture through our media outlets and, one day, no longer noticing that so much of our news surrounds an unfortunate and completely avoidable state of unrest. While this seems totally plausible, I will continue to hope not.

Sink or Swim?

2012-01-04T12:54:00.000-05:00

Have you ever watched swimming competitions on television? Have you noticed how easy the athletes make swimming look? Next time you catch a glimpse, you should take a moment to appreciate the effort that goes along with the smooth, competitive swim stroke that these athletes demonstrate.

Over the holidays, a couple of friends and I ventured to the pool at a local gym. Due to issues stemming from a foot injury, one of the two friends wanted to learn to swim in order to compensate for the unfortunate loss of ability to engage in any other form of cardiac exercise. The other of the two friends, a kind and patient soul, offered to assist in teaching the basics of the freestyle form of swimming. I joined in simply because I had time off from work and couldn't think of any better way to kill some time. I figured it would be fun and, if nothing else, healthy.

We arrived at the pool, two of us craving our morning java and the third strolling in a few minutes late due to her unwavering respect for coffee first thing in the morning. After several iterations of the mechanics of breathing as you swim, I thought that I would surely be able to complete at least one lap competently. I was so wrong! The intersection of the correct arm motion, correct leg motion (don't dare kick from the knee...only from the hip!) and coordinated breathing proved too much for me. For some reason, my out breath extended beyond the time of my face being in the water, which meant that my in breath stretched beyond the time of my face being out of the water...which meant I partially drowned with each stroke. Combine this struggle with goggles that kept bursting off of my head at every turn, and you had the makings of the perfect, not to mention hilarious, silent movie. While I may not have taken the trophy for fastest learner, I'm quite sure I proved most entertaining to all in and around the pool, which included many regulars.

The lesson learned was to have respect for athletes across all sports because you simply never know until you try it, exactly what efforts and skills are required. My guess is that my next pool experience will be reserved for that time, hopefully way down the road, when I must resort to "aquacise" classes due to the deterioration of my joints. But, should I decide I'm really up for a challenge before then, a true test of coordination and cardio endurance, then swimming will be just the ticket.

Photographic Grandeur

2012-01-01T22:20:00.001-05:00

As a friend and I embarked on our inaugural New Year's Day hike at Tomlinson Run State Park, we shared a laugh about how many pictures both of us are apt to take during the course of any given event. We also happen to take many of the same pictures. In the end, the only difference is we each walk away with a collection of pictures that feature the other of the two of us. So, we eventually combine and have the comprehensive snapshot of our outing.

While this habit may be one that seems a bit tedious to others, I started to reflect on why it is that we would be this way. My only answer is that we both revel in the novel perspective we gain with pretty much every step. It doesn't matter how many fallen trees we see on any number of forest floors. Each new one we come across offers a hidden world to be explored visually. Whether a new color, a unique flaw or a simple expression of beauty, it's like my eyes crave the novelty, something new to scan and absorb.

The great gift in this appetite for the visual is that there is almost always something in our presence that can be new and appreciated. And every once in a while, it's this type of fresh vision that can help renew our overall appreciation for the complexities and beauty available in the world around us. Go ahead and try it sometime. Pause amidst your busy day and just find one thing to take in. I promise that while not every thing spotted will be fascinating or full of beauty, it will connect you with the world around you. And this can be very satisfying.

Creativity + Socialization

2012-01-01T21:45:00.001-05:00

In small town living, there is rarely an opportunity like the one I experienced with a few friends one evening over the weekend. In a totally indirect way, I came to find out about a new program in Wheeling called "Paint n' Sip." I came across a flyer for the December offering and, with great excitement, asked a friend if she'd be interested in joining. Since my New Year's Eve weekend would be, otherwise, pretty mellow, it was the lone item of major interest, and it did not disappoint!

The idea of Paint 'n Sip is to have about 35 individuals reserve spots, in advance, for an evening of painting. The most important note is that absolutely no talent is required. The only requirement is that participants show up, pay the reasonable $35 to paint, and bring along a beverage of choice (the most common beverage of choice in our class was wine) as well as a creative and enthusiastic spirit. All materials are provided, so we arrived to two large rooms stocked with canvases on easels, a large assortment of brushes, paint colors and other various tools. There is a single image that the class is instructed to paint. In our case, it was a guitar amidst a fantastically colored backdrop. One of my friends and I slightly modified ours to be violin images since we both play and adore the instrument. In addition to the common theme of image, the background music for the night was Beatles music (how can any beginning go awry when Beatles music is involved?).

So, we arrived, got positioned at our respective easels and immediately started getting into the Beatles groove. The instructor provided details in very manageable doses and walked everyone through the mechanics of producing the common image. The instruction was minimalist so as to promote personal exploration and creations. At the midpoint of the evening, we took a break and snacked on a delicious assortment of crackers, cheeses and fruit as well as hot apple cider. Afterwards, everyone returned to put the finishing touches on their pieces and gathered for the group photo.

I've been told this type of program is available in other places around the U.S., and I would highly recommend it as a fun way to spend time with friends. It's so unique and free-spirited, and you walk away with your piece as well as very fond memories of an evening spent allowing your creative spirit to reign.

Milestones in Life's Marathon

2011-12-29T10:27:00.000-05:00

I'm turning thirty this year. And you know the saying, a woman over thirty is more likely to get hit by an A bomb than find a man. (Fanny Fink)

Birthday milestones are everywhere you turn. You're either hitting your double digit years, becoming old enough to drive, old enough to claim independence, old enough to drink alcohol or old enough to know you're getting old. This year will mark one in my series of milestones, with this one being my 30th. The funny thing about turning 30 is that there really isn't anything ground-breaking that accompanies its arrival.

Some say that by 30, one should be more settled into life. Married. Raising a family. Progressing in their career. Others vehemently argue that 30 is just a continuation of the glorious 20s. I have a feeling these beliefs are largely formulated around one's own experience and whether it was a good or bad one. Regardless, it's a very fuzzy milestone. At 21, no one can really argue about what you're supposed to be doing. Get thee to the bar and order as many drinks (legally) as possible! Just not the case with 30. I think someone really needs to put together the "owner's manual" for 30.

What am I supposed to be doing after I turn 30? Should I be panicked that I'm not married, raising a family and following the favored, mainstream American path? Am I going to feel more wise? That's the lone theme I could find in researching various reflections on turning 30. I'm about to learn a lot of important lessons on life. And here I thought I'd learned a lot to this point! I guess the concept of learning more sends a shiver down my spine. Between my own reality and the onslaught of reality television, I'm just not sure how much more reality and lessons in life my soul can handle.

And so, as my 30th birthday nears, I guess I will sit back, 3-D glasses in hand, and prepare myself for the new wave of reality that is about to hit. I resolve to take all that life has to offer in stride and maybe compose the owner's manual for turning 30.

Our Dance with Time

2011-12-25T22:19:00.000-05:00

I realize seasons are geographically relative. However, as an East Coast/Midwest fixture, I cannot help but appeal to my own sensibilities. In the case of the holiday season, I find it somewhat entertaining that the warmth of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and new year fall at the deadest time of the year. Just as the natural world decides to break for a brief sabbatical, ceasing to provide us the necessary sunshine and warm temperatures, we humans decide it's time for celebration, travels near and far for time together and a fresh start. Amidst the cold and dreary backdrop of winter, we engage in retail therapy (an extended and largely guilt-free session given that we're often buying for others), culinary indulgences and many other forms of self-satisfaction.

Is it possible that this is mere coincidence? As a 29 year veteran of the wintertide, I must admit that I think it's fascinating and am not sure what this long, dreary season would be like without the predictable break from school/work, gift giving and receiving and, perhaps most of all, the new-found hope of the new year. As the days and years seem to pass more quickly in pace, with the growth of technology and its expansion into virtually all areas of life, perhaps this time is the perfect time to stop and appreciate our origins and the time when not everything was quite so straightforward. A time when stopping for reflection on the meaning of the present moment was one of the few options. Before Facebook, iTunes, Netflix, Twitter or any number of the other more recent entries on our great stage demanded constant attention.

While sometimes an intimidating dance partner, time can also be a great motivator, an inspiration and, more than anything, a great gift. So, during this winter season, my hope is to fall better into step with time. After three eventful decades, I figure it's the least I can do.

Hibernation: Not Just for the Wild Things

2011-12-18T09:42:00.001-05:00

hibernation (n.) to pass the winter in a dormant or torpid state.

What can we learn from the world of hibernating animals, such as bears, bats and chipmunks? They call it a wrap for the winter months and enter into a sleep state that could fool some into thinking they're dead. This natural means of survival during the extreme season(s) of the year is one of those phenomenons of nature that reminds us how amazing the natural order of things can be.

While some humans can definitely enter into similar sleep states for various reasons, life seems to only continue to move faster and faster about the Earth for us. So, perhaps it's worth considering the value of slowing down, allowing our bodies the proper care and downtime they need. Also, it brings to the forefront the concept of life designed around necessity. This seems an appropriate consideration as well since we oftentimes get mixed up in the fast pace of life, prioritizing work, social expectations and family expectations over the fundamental needs of our bodies. Ironically, none of these other three priorities can even be a thought unless we have our health and well being.

As we drift into another New Year, and the time for the year's resolutions comes, take a moment to think about all of the wildlife out there, yielding to the natural order, and consider doing so yourself. In doing so, you're bound to find a happier, healthier balance as a new calendar begins.

In Memoriam: Furry Lessons on Life

2011-12-13T20:52:00.002-05:00

Meet Bella. Bella was a loyal member of my family who came into my life early last fall and, sadly, departed last Friday. Her brief but precious presence has left me with several new and beautiful insights about this life.

Life is truly a miracle. Bella suffered a terrible case of hepatitis/pancreatitis. We're not positive what caused the issue and never will be. But, in a very real way, Bella's struggle reminded me of how miraculous it is when our bodies operate properly and fully. There is such an incredible balance and impeccably designed framework that maintains our every day on Earth.

Life is connection. Connections can be a double-edged sword. They sustain us, foster happiness and lend meaning to our lives. But, they can also result in extreme heartache and struggle. A friend's words conjured up real meaning for me in the seemingly senseless loss of my connection with Bella. "Just remember these things are part of life and ensure we experience the total depth of life as humans in our short time on this little blue marble." So, connection is depth, and that depth carries through to the end, regardless of outcome.

Life is love. When I think of this phrase, I think of what I learned about the symbolism of the cross in Christianity. The vertical portion is about our relationship with God (or your choice of higher power). The horizontal is about our relationships with one another. This is the overarching meaning in life. Know these relationships and support them with all the love you have to give.

Life is mercy. Giving of ourselves what we can in order to lessen the loads of others is so important always. But, as I look back at the times I've had to care for the sick, those times mark the pinnacle of purpose in this world. In my own experience, I can say I've lost total sense of self and become consumed only by a concern for other. Again, this can be a very painful experience, but also an incredibly meaningful one.

Life is beauty. I don't speak of this in a materialistic sense but more a philosophical or aesthetic sense. Bella was a sample of God's amazing artistry in my eyes. Her physical beauty was stunning. But, even more, her gentle nature and elegant movements never ceased to catch my attention and remind me of how beautiful this life really is.

And so I close with a heavy but humbled heart. My hope is that many many others have the same opportunity to experience amazing and beautiful souls in this world. In my view, this "little blue marble" sure has the potential to support a large number of them.

What is the What

2011-12-04T19:49:00.001-05:00

There's a fascinating work by Dave Eggers titled What is the What. While the story, itself is an amazing tale of resilience, persistence and incredible resourcefulness, it's also a powerful account of what seemingly results from the human will to always choose the "what." What is the what, you ask? I can best explain it as what is commonly referred to as "the road less traveled." This is a sweeping generalization, but hold onto it for the purpose of clarity.

I've recently experienced a series of events that have made me stop and re-evaluate where I am and what I'm doing in life. This is not at all uncommon and even less so when one speaks of a twenty-about-to-be-thirty-something. In any case, my recent reflections have reminded me of the experience found in the beginning of Eggers' book. In very watered down terms, a legend in the protagonist's village holds that their God offered cattle or the What as a gift at the beginning of time. Instead of taking the cattle--the sure thing, the concrete beginning--the villagers chose the What. The What is not defined, has no certainty about it and lacks the centering affect that the former traits can offer. One could even venture to say that the choice of the What leaves the villagers with future troubles and civil unrest.

There is a trend in our world to be innovative and "self-made (wo)men." But, this cultural phenomenon can leave us, at times, wondering what exactly it is we're chasing after. So, whether through meditation, writing or otherwise, it seems a good idea to explore this concept put forth in Eggers' book on a regular basis. Perhaps it's even a good way to begin each morning...after all, how do we put one foot after the other day in and day out without knowing, personally, what is our what? Think about it (and then pick up Eggers' book!).

The Aesthetics of a Hometown

2011-11-29T22:06:00.001-05:00

Growing up in a super small town with little entertainment and lots of time on my hands, I never thought I'd actually desire to live here as an adult...or even in the state for that matter. But, as time has passed and my perspective has changed, I've quickly learned the value of waking up each morning and having the gift of looking out the window at the surrounding hills and what they carry into the early morning hours from the night that has passed. The neighborhood that I grew up in is one of the prime spots to get a bird's eye view of the hills and valley, so it's made it quite difficult to live elsewhere, abandoning such amazing sights. I'm positive I never considered this as a child or teen, so it's funny to me now that it means so much. I've, on two occasions, left the region for educational and professional opportunities, but it's simply the aesthetics and accompanying peace that always brings me back.

The quiet and still of the mornings always beckon such a feeling of well being and balance. Whether it's beautiful sunshine bathing the hilltops or solemn raindrops, quenching the earth's thirst, the morning is a time of appreciation and contentment.

The nighttime is not much different, except it will oftentimes offer dazzling colors or gentle patterns of twinkling stars. The beauty of the sky and surroundings almost always causes the melodies of the highway to fade into the background or disappear. So, whether from the busy East Coast, laid back West Coast, chill Midwest or various other geographies of the States, I would recommend the next time you're "home," you find a moment to fall madly in love with your surroundings. In the busy world that is ours, I have found this to be one of the few ways to briefly make time stop and immerse myself in the stillness that is ours as well.

From Black Friday to Cyber Monday

2011-11-28T20:24:00.001-05:00

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It's that time of year again...the holiday season. Within a blink of an eye, the iconic turkey day has already passed. And after a mere four weeks of time, Christmas will have done the same. As I've settled into adulthood, I can't help but feel that the "fast forward-ness" of life only becomes more so around this time of year. I oftentimes wonder if it was always this way for past generations as well. When there weren't families of iGear to keep us distracted and countless opportunities to abandon quality time in the name of huge holiday savings, did the time fly quite as quickly? I think this is worth investigating.

We humans are so good at creating debates of all kinds. So, with this year's holiday season came the debate about whether it's reasonable for retailers to open on Thanksgiving night to start the crazed gift buying process. I am of the mind in most cases that we all deserve the right to decide for ourselves what works and what doesn't, always with some thought about those around us. However, I struggle with this one a bit because it seems to fit into the larger trends of consumerism and materialism, which seem to always only weaken the somewhat antiquated tradition of family and quality time. The temptation to run out and catch the amazing sales seems even more of an issue now that the economy has tanked and decided to laze in the hammock named ebb for a time. Even those with the best intentions of keeping company with friends and family, watching the holiday football offerings, eating leftovers, taking walks, etc., can hardly pass up an offer to reward those same loved ones with the fruits of Black Friday. And then, just in case we happen to miss anything in our supermarket sweep on Black Friday, we thankfully have Cyber Monday to make up for our mistakes.

Perhaps it's too idealistic or old-fashioned to think this way, but what if we invested all of this time we put into Black Friday, Cyber Monday, the perfect gift, the perfect decorations, etc., into coming up with the best way to spend the holiday season with our families and friends? Plan a game night or two, plan a special dinner where everyone can pitch in and have fun doing so, find some time to just be with those around us instead of desperately searching for the perfect gifts? It's amazing what a little time together can do, so take an evening or two this holiday season and try it out!

The Classic Brillo

2008-07-01T11:27:00.002-04:00

I had a small mishap on my stovetop last week, and I tried cleaning it up with several household cleaners. It was useless, the milk that had boiled over and out of a pot had decided it would forever stay caked on my smooth stovetop. Then, as I was cleaning up my kitchen over the weekend, it dawned on me (no kitchen pun intended) that I should try the classic brillo or S.O.S. So, while out at Target this weekend, I grabbed a box. A simple wetting of the pad and a few swipes later, and my stovetop had returned to its shiny and clean condition. Since this first use, I have already started grabbing for the fearless clean up pad for difficult dishwashing and sink cleaning. It makes me wonder...how could I have been so brillo ignorant all of this time?

Tribute Recommends: 30 Days

2008-06-05T08:45:00.005-04:00

I have heard much buzz, moreso in the past, over the eye-opening Super Size Me. I have never taken a particularly close look at it simply because the terrible nutritional value of fast food is a given for me. The closest I got to paying attention was witnessing the McDonald's-free feasting campaign of my fellow blogger friend at The Midwestern Position.

Little did I know, however, that Morgan Spurlock, the creative genius behind Super Size Me, is a fellow West Virginian, born in Parkersburg and raised in Beckley. My Spurlock obsession was sparked by the viewing of his current project, 30 Days, a show on FX. I had not even heard of this show when I saw my first preview for it last week.

The premise for the show is to see what change can come about from walking in the shoes of another for 30 days. What grabbed my attention and made me watch this week's episode was that it placed Spurlock in a West Virginia coal mine for 30 days. My father has been a coal miner since before my birth, so this has always been a part of my life, but more on the periphery due to an inability to conceptualize exactly what it's like to go into the Earth for work everyday. So, it was very interesting to watch the show, both because it was definitely something close to Spurlock and something close to me.

Spurlock's discussions, both with just the camera as well as with others, are very engaging and smart. In addition to walking in the steps of a miner, he chose to do a segment on the issue of mountain top removal and surface mining, a very hot topic in the state. The emotion the surfaced in those interviews and expression of the facts were expertly captured. The hidden beauties of the state are many; the mountains hold most of them. Yet, these coal companies blow up the mountains to access coal that would be next to impossible to mine. A unique situation yet all too common theme of the human condition: do we curb our consumption habits or just continue to consume, assuming that by some miracle of God the environment will renew itself?

The show is in it's 3rd season. It's on Tuesdays at 10pm, with an encore at 11pm. I highly recommend choosing one to which you can relate and checking it out. Informative and entertaining.

Step it up, Associated Press!

2008-06-03T17:40:00.004-04:00

How many times in our lives do we hear that the fact checking of a story is based on the work of the Associated Press? An incident during my dose of daytime television today made me question this agency--not just its existence but its accuracy in the context of its ever-present and dominating cultural force.

As I anxiously awaited Colin Firth's appearance on The View, the ladies were discussing various "hot topics" when Whoopi Goldberg announced that there was breaking news coming in from the AP. It was the announcement that Hillary Clinton would concede this evening that Obama has won the proper number of delegates in order to take the Democratic nomination. This, of course, is a hugely anticipated milestone in the presidential campaign. This news is so anticipated that Barbara Walters asked Whoopi to repeat the announcement before breaking for commercial, which she did. They return from commercial and continue on chatting when Whoopi suddenly interrupts the flow for yet another AP announcement. The Clinton camp wanted to squash the former AP announcement and confirmed that Hillary would not be conceding this evening.

How does this happen with such a respected and leading news authority? Within 5 or 10 minutes time a seemingly straightforward claim is proven completely unfounded and false. This is a case of black and white that needs to remain that way--either one will concede or she will not. There is no in between or wiggle room for debate.

To read up on just how powerful the AP has grown to be, check out this article. It demonstrates the breadth of influence the agency holds and may lead you to question, based on the atrocity above, exactly why it continues to be such a force in reporting.

Addiction: America's Next Top Model

2008-06-01T22:50:00.003-04:00

I am treading dangerous waters, apparently. Just last week, I saw a segment on Good Morning, America, which featured a woman who professionals would say is addicted to reality television. She DVR's and views somewhere around 38 a week. That's steep, even by the homebound standard. I don't think I quite qualify for the reality television addiction just yet, though.

I am, however, admittedly becoming more and more attracted to crazy marathons. Before, it was much less likely that I could watch them in their entirety because of timing. Being stuck home for 3 weeks has, however, changed this. Ironically, my first full marathon was America's Next Top Model, Cycle 5. The key to this viewing was, thankfully, the great DVR technology. I think part of my motivation for watching was to get them out of my DVR queue. How many folks would you want to see upwards of 8 episodes of America's Next Top Model in yours?

In any case, I thought this was a one time occurence. However, as I flipped through the trusty cable guide today, I noticed it was a new day of ANTM marathon on MTV! I will leave it a mystery whether or not I repeated the recording and viewing like above! Some things are just better left to secret.

A Plug

2008-05-23T00:38:00.004-04:00

Charlie Rose. The sound of that to me is similar to Lawrence Welk or Hee Haw. Something more aged and less of interest. Some nostalgic value in them, of course, but just not something I thought I would ever become a fan of. But, here I am, obsessing over its greatness. It is pure, and it is fact. Perhaps, to be fair, a little opinion is tossed in there to avoid total dryness. But, with a world of sensationalism that robs us of every accurate news source, this hour long program provides a true escape from that. It is a refreshing reminder of what news, reporting and journalism are meant to be.

So, if you haven't before, check it out.

Political Monogamy: 21st Century Oxymoron

2008-03-19T18:25:00.003-04:00

What is happening in New York? Is it really possible that the two leaders of one of our most prominent states are both cheaters?

I know we had Clinton, a respectable and very strong leader, who had to dodge the storm of public opinion that followed the uncovering of his tryst with Monica Lewinsky. While completely revolting, disappointing and shocking, for some reason that incident played out without getting under my skin too terribly much. Perhaps it was that there was some small bit of consequence being paid. Instead of such extreme focus on the rest of the political package and legend and a blind eye to the moral wrong (as is the case with JFK), there was some acknowledgement of wrong and reaction to that wrong.

When Gov. Spitzer of New York came out about being nabbed by the feds for participation in a prostitution ring, it was even more revolting. A lawmaker fell to the ranks of a lawbreaker in addition to a major wrongdoer, morally speaking. Now, David Paterson and his wife have come foreward to air their dirty laundry, admitting to affairs on both ends due to a rocky marriage. Are we supposed to think it's better that they apparently agreed that they should both branch out? I do not quite understand all of this cheating and inability to be a loyal partner. And what part of these actions is meant to lead us to believe that they will be loyal leaders for us if they don't even do that with those whom they pledge their lives to andexchange vows.

As our elected lawmakers and leaders, they should know best the laws of moral and legal conduct. Why they all have chosen to be involved in legal marriages, only to violate the very basis of those marriages, is beyond me. It's optional people! It's also perfectly acceptable this day in age to get a divorce or at the very least separated...before you've violated what was to be your lifetime partner and, in many cases, the fellow parent of your children. So, why not just make it legal. Curb those apparently unforgiving human impulses and practice a little self-control. While the Governor Spitzers, Governor Patersons and many others in the world make it seem unbelievable...it really is possible. I think we should consider getting a handle on this before the future generations of America sit in their various history classes, learning of the defunct attempts to join the concepts of politics and monogamy.

Beware iTunes Junkies

2008-03-18T08:55:00.002-04:00

I am an iTunes junkie.

As a proud iPhone owner and user, I have discovered new features of the phone nearly every month that make me love it more. One thing I know I had been told of early on but obviously breezed over was the new iTunes feature on the phone. The phone contains all of the great iPod features, but the added bonus is that you can download music from iTunes straight to the iPod included in the phone. I'm guessing that my breezing over this initially was divine intervention in order to avoid financial collapse!

Usually, this takes more time and effort since the typical iPod owner must login on their computer and explore the iTunes store, download and then synch that new music on their iPod. The bonus feature of the iPhone makes it so that you simply go into the iTunes Store, using the wireless internet connection and click buy.

I just discovered this and used it for the first time a couple nights ago. I have two words to describe the experience...awesome...and...dangerous. All music is a simple click away, providing you've got the wireless connection available to do so. This is probably the one area of shopping that definitely makes me the typical American consumer with an insatiable appetite.

Sleepy Hollow

2008-02-27T12:26:00.002-05:00

I have been aware of the tale of Sleepy Hollow and the headless horseman for some time. In fact, my introduction to the stage was in 3rd grade as the great Katrina Van Tassel from the tale. Then, there was the making of the movie with one of my favorites, Johnny Depp. However, it was not until yesterday that I came to know yet another incarnation of Sleepy Hollow.

I got to visit Sleepy Hollow, NY, or at least the immediate vicinity as I went on a site visit for work at the Tarrytown House. There was some talk at the close of the tour about how the headless horseman makes an annual visit to the estate, blowing through to the fascination of kids and adults alike. Instead of scoffing at this and laughing at the gullibility of those who would participate in such a silly thing, I thought to myself: "How cool is that for the imagination?" Just goes to show the magic of legend remains steadfast despite the passing of my years!

Expiration Worries

2008-02-22T13:09:00.003-05:00

I am wasteful. I hardly ever put a dent in, let alone finish, a meal out. It's borderline painful for me to go out and eat a normal meal because I leave with such a feeling of guilt for not finishing my food, considering how many people in our country and worldwide could really use that food. On top of that, I am not that great at eating leftovers. I've had to practically go through a self-help program just to remember to pick up my bag or box that sits on the table after getting my food wrapped. So, in those cases I forget, I am also being wasteful on top of wasteful by wasting the plastic (bag) and styrofome or whatever synthetic makes up the carry out container. I believe the pinnacle of my shame came in Philadelphia when I finally remembered to pick up a container off of the table, strolled out to my car, drove home and realized as I went into my house that I had placed the container on top of my car and had driven off. Add littering to that wasteful offense.

One of the ways I've found to help rehabilitate my ways and perhaps compensate in some way is through my milk purchases. At first glance, organic milk is expensive. To look at a carton of milk and think of paying over $3 for that milk makes one wince. However, first, there truly is a difference in taste. Organic milk is very cold and fresh tasting. That, alone though, does not validate the purchase. What does is the fact that the expiration date on organic milk gives you another good two weeks than you would otherwise get out of your milk purchase. I have been a repeat offender in the area of wasting milk as well...for years. As soon as I started buying it while in the dorm, I realized there would not be too many times that I would even polish off a half gallon within its fresh period. But, to downgrade meant possibly not having enough. And who wants to get stuck with a dry bowl of cereal in the sleepy mornings?

I have learned since this discovery that ultrapasteurization (heating the milk to a higher temp) is what extends the expiration. There is speculation, however, that you should still ditch the milk a week after opening.

Gilbert's Tenets

2008-02-19T11:32:00.003-05:00

It's taken me quite some time to both fully get into and appreciate Elizabeth Gilbert's book, Eat Pray Love, but it's one of those reads better once it steaps a bit. And, actually, that's one of the inspirations of the book...it makes you want to tuck a little bit of time away each day just to think a little more. Whether on the way you're doing things, why you're doing them as you are, what you're eating, with whom you're talking, what you're talking about or simply where to go to next, this book validates your every thought.

This life has such potential, especially now, to make you want to move ultra fast, sometimes forgetting all together what your motivations are or what you want them to be. What Gilbert says, and most eloquently so, is that we all need to put some more thought into things. For her, it's about her yoga practices and spirituality, but at the base of those like most other things is really just inspiration. What inspires you? And is that inspiration centered as it needs to be? Or is it sort of reckless?

Throughout the book, you get an intimate look at Gilbert's (sometimes incredibly embarrassing) thought processes, motivations and inspiration. She makes amazing leaps in the areas of honesty (both with herself and others) and love. She takes down the artifice and suffers through the journey to getting real. I am close to the end, not yet finished, but I can safely say at this point that this book is a good guide to being human and becoming better at being just that...human.

Whether looking for a good laugh, clever writing or just an adventure to Italy, India and Indonesia, you will probably enjoy this read. The title definitely wins the prize for three great tenets around which we could all stand to organize our lives. Try it out.

Another Reason to Love NY...

2007-09-06T17:43:00.000-04:00

There are so many reasons to love New York City. Today, however, I had a chance meeting with a lady that made me add a new reason to my list. With all of the speculation outside of New York about New Yorkers and their distant and oftentimes cold dispositions, I met a lady today who proves them all wrong. I ran to an appointment downtown, and as I waited for the elevator, latest read in hand (A Thousand Splendid Suns), I noticed her kind of staring at me in my peripheral vision. My first response, as I think most would have it as well, was to think to myself, "Why do people have to stare? It's so rude." Now, mind you, if I'm the one doing the staring, then there must be a very good reason for it, but if I'm the object of inspection, then I have very different feelings about it.

In any case, she broke the awkward elevator anticipatory silence with a question: "How is that one? I read The Kite Runner and loved it." I told her I wasn't too far in, but that I really enjoyed getting Hosseini's powerful writing from the perspective of a female protagonist after such a powerful account from his male protagonist in The Kite Runner. She went on to tell me about how much she loved The Bookseller of Kabul as well, perhaps even more. She also added an anecdote about her friend's Afghani husband, but for some reason that didn't mean quite as much to me.

The moral of the story: New Yorkers are not distant and cold. They've been more apt than perhaps any other group of people in any of my other globetrotting experiences to strike up a conversation--and those conversations are usually pretty interesting. Case in point!

Bookswim

2007-08-30T13:02:00.000-04:00

Because I have not been able to hop right into my new digs and begin living as the New Jersian and NYC commuter that I now am, I have had a few things pop up as problematic. Trust me, a permanent address takes you far in this world, and the absence of one can be pretty frustrating. For the most part, the things that have been most bothersome are those that are the most normal everyday type things.

One of my favorite things, and to be completely honest probably the top thing on my list of favorite things, are books. Ever since I was a young kid, I've marveled at books as most do at money or big star sightings. In fact, as I've slowly moved from West Virginia to New Jersey, one of my biggest concerns has been where or how I will find the perfect bookcase on which I can display my collection. I resolved to invest in a "grown up" bookcase, so I passed on my set of bookshelves from Staples to my niece. So, now I have lots of boxes of books and no way to display them. To me, this is a big deal because they're all hidden away, not giving me half of the pleasure I get from merely seeing them all lined up on their shelves.

In any case, I used to love heading to the library to grab up a few good reads each month. However, I really don't have a good way of proving I'm a permanent resident, well, anywhere. So, I have had difficulty doing anything that requires that proof--like getting a library card. So, when I asked a friend at work, who lives in the city, if she had a library card that I may be able to use for one round before I get permanently settled, she presented a fabulous idea. She said she would forward to me the name of an online service that's like Netflix but for books. Can you imagine the excitement that I felt? I had never even considered this concept because I always had my library sitting conveniently nearby, and I worked hours that made it very convenient to pop in and out.

I went on the Internet to surf and find the service my friend spoke of, and sure enough it was there! It's called Bookswim. I realize that both the DVD mail service and this newly discovered service really only support the claim that we're becoming a people with insatiable appetites for anything and everything material, but I have to give them both two thumbs up. There promises to be a future blog entry, describing the Bookswim experience!

The Workplace: Is Its Time Up?

2007-08-28T17:46:00.000-04:00

A conversation at work today brought something to my attention that I hadn't really considered before now. There is not a real big reason for folks to come to work anymore.

With the internet and all of the other forms of technology that have been developed, anyone can telecommute from just about anywhere. The concept of office settings was the natural result of needing a team of employees, working separate aspects of projects, to come together in order to communicate needs or offer support to one another. Now, we have phones, PDAs, the BlackBerry, computers, etc. Many of my co-workers and others spend so much time outside of the office anyhow. But, whether on travel or taking time off, they manage to keep in touch and things, for the most part, remain on track. It seems, on the surface at least, that a new organizational set up such as more working from home wouldn't create that much of a change. Think about the ramifications of this who trend: commercial real estate, office supplies and furniture industry, mass transit. They would all experience huge changes.

So, I ask, what is the value add of the office setting this day in age? Can we safely say that it's at the beginnings of being phased out?

Hello, Fall...Goodbye, Summer?

2007-08-26T20:42:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure there's anyone who can say they truly dislike summer. But, I will admit that I am not its biggest fan. The extremes--both summer and winter--tend to make me long for the more moderate and unpredictable days of fall and spring. There's nothing I completely dislike about summer or winter, but they seem to get old much more quickly for me while the other two seasons don't seem quite long enough. A lot of people have commented on how quickly this summer has passed, and I guess it has. However, I am not mourning its end as some do.

Some sure signs that summer will soon be history...

I like the fact that my new fellow Jersians are waiting with bated breath for the summer shore population to go home and stop intruding on their turf. I like it that fall clothes are starting to show up in stores and that magazines are showcasing the new fall fashion trends. I have a friend from home who reminded me that WVU's football season will kick off next week, and I have been able to catch a few takes of preseason NFL games hitting the networks. Another friend of mine has already started her search for the ideal Halloween costume for this year's celebration. And last, but surely not least, there's the fact that pumpkin is slowly working its way back into menues nationwide; one of its first appearances--Dunkin' Donuts' pumpkin donut.

In addition to all of this, I highly anticipate the return of television. Summer has proven a great time to catch some new trial run shows like Heartland and The Closer. I've also had the chance to try out the 1st season of Weeds due to the summer hiatus that all of my regular shows take. All of this TV novelty has been great, but I have to say that the return of the Grey's Anatomy crew as well as Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters will be just a smidge more fulfilling.

Back to School

2007-08-23T22:00:00.000-04:00

There's definitely one thing that has never changed for me: I love school. I love virtually every aspect of it. There were always those days I really wished it were optional rather than mandatory--just think of how great that would be. But, other than those days, I am an academic addict.

I began to realize how true this really is as the same old back to school fever lit up inside of me despite the fact that...well...I am a student no more. There's no classroom in my near future. But, as the back to school ads have geared up, and the stories of preparations for the school year have been told to me, I have taken on this permanent state of nostalgia for anything connected.

Years ago...almost 20 to be exact...I started to walk the couple of neighborhood blocks late in August to jump into the school year fun. I would go roam the halls of Park View Elementary School, helping everyone to get their bulletin boards all set and decorated. It was as if I wanted to hurry them along so that we could just start the year already. I can literally smell the halls of the school that is now a professional building. I can see the gymnasium where I learned to master the art of running under the collapsing parachute as my classmates hoisted it in the air. That same gymnasium held the stage where I played the lead female role of Katrina Van Tassel in The Headless Horseman--my 3rd grade theater debut.

Even in high school, some of my best memories are those from playing the part of lab assistant to the Chemistry teacher--she shall remain anonymous, but she was the best teacher because a) she made chemistry fun and b) she told us stories of going to see The Doors in concert and told cautionary tales wisely disguised as edgy stories from the days of the hippies. Why is it that so many high school kids love hippies? Maybe it was just an era during my years.

Now, I have friends who are teachers. I have friends who are lucky enough to still be stalling the brave new world of adulthood, basking in the eternal youth that comes with academia and grad classes. I have young people around me who are preparing for their return. And I'm totally envious of them all. Happy trails to all who will soon be journeying down the path of the 2007-08 school year!

Beachin' Solo

2007-08-22T22:39:00.000-04:00

I went to a beach called Sea Bright in New Jersey today. If you happened to wake up in virtually any part of New Jersey today, you would have wondered why any fool would've headed to the shore. All I can say is a red flag day at a Jersey beach can be a perfect day of bliss for those who prefer the less busy shore--like empty. To me, though, rough waves and an empty beach is just as beautiful as any pristine day at the shore. To look up and look down the shore and see no one in sight and only beach and sea as far as the eye can see is perfect. I definitely suggest it for something different to do on a rainy day. Pull up the hoodie, set the iPod on shuffle and just walk. It will be just you, the gulls and the ocean.

Here's Looking at You

2007-08-20T11:52:00.000-04:00

A new pitfall of public transportation: being stuck for something to look at for the ride. This is probably the worst while on the subway. You're in such close quarters usually, and everyone is painfully searching for something that they can focus on. This is usually a successful move if gazing at the various advertisements in your car. You're golden if you've brought along your own reading or entertainment. But, in the case that you're stuck going in search of your focus, it can be a downright desperate search. I am a fan of the advertisements, regardless of how boring they are or how far from my interest the advertised product or service is from my own, they always pull through when you need them most. The worst, though, is when you go in search and either due to your position or your car, there is absolutely nothing to turn to for gazing. As a result, I usually start out looking down, but then I realize that others probably look at me and think I'm in some deep mourning or something. If this does happen, and I'm stuck looking down, then I've found it's important to look as though you're in deep thought. That look also lends to your credibility as a seasoned traveler, I think.

In any case, I usually try to find something...anything...to get fixed on. In the process of searching, if I happen to meet the eyes of another commuting New Yorker, then I am quickly reminded that the myth of New Yorkers who don't stare is just that...a myth. In fact, just about everytime I have met the eyes of another, it's me who has to break the eye contact. They're kind of intimidating like that. But, then again, I always remind myself, they're just another passenger on the same train, looking for something to stare at for a few stops. And if I can be of service in providing myself as a focal point, then I'm happy to oblige. I just hope when I do happen to choose another person as my focus that they aren't quick to judge me as strange or rude. After all, appreciating the beauty of others (or quirks) is a cornerstone of culture!

The History of Today

2007-08-15T16:26:00.000-04:00

Today is an important day. I'm sure that can be said for most, if not all days. But, I decided today was a day to be commemorated on A Tribute to Life. Little did I know how much had happened on this day. So, jump into my time machine and enjoy the journey...

In 1875: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor was born

In 1914: Panama Canal opens to traffic

In 1935: Will Rogers was killed in a plane crash

In 1939: The Wizard of Oz premiered in Hollywood, CA. Judy Garland became famous for the movie's song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

In 1940: Air battles and daylight raids over Britain began in WWII.

In 1945: WWII ended

In 1948: CBS-TV inaugurated the first nightly news broadcast with anchorman Douglas Edwards.

In 1961: East Germans began construction of the Berlin Wall

In 1965: The Beatles set a record for having the largest single crowd at a concert at Shea Stadium in New York. Attendance was 56,000.

In 1969: The Woodstock Music and Art Fair began in Bethel, NY. The three-day concert featured 24 bands and drew over 400,000 people

In 1972: A dear friend of mine, Cindy Whitecotton, whose flame would be blown out all too early was born.

In 1991: Paul Simon played a free concert at New York's Central Park in front of an estimated 750,000 people

In 2001: Chandra Levy's parents appeared on CNN's "Larry King Live." They discussed Levy's disappearance on April 30, 2001.

Morning Obsession

2007-08-13T08:34:00.001-04:00

My new morning life requires an earlier rise, minus a homemade pot of coffee and minus the time to eat breakfast...or the desire to at that early hour. So, over the past month, I've tried some different ideas. I've brought food in with me, I've gotten coffee at the train station, and I've gone without both some mornings. None of these got it for me.

Then, one morning, I decided to try a street vendor on the 53rd Street side of our building since a co-worker had suggested it. He had said that the coffee was the best, so I ventured there with high expectations. Dangerous, I know, but in the end, I found the coffee to be completely delightful. Every sip tastes just the way I like my coffee to taste. Bold, but not too bold, smooth and made to order with cream and sugar. This was phase one of the building of my breakfast routine.

A few days after falling into this routine, I decided to venture out once again. This time, I decided I would not just get my coffee, I would try a morning treat that the vendor had to sell. This was quite the decision since the cart is packed full of all of the best morning goodies--muffins of every kind, bagels of every kind and donuts of most kinds. I decided, though, that I would go with the plane Jane of them all...the croissant. This morning marked the official start of a breakfast utopia for me.

I now visit this vendor each and every morning, asking for the same order most if not all mornings. The only deviation is my occasional passing on the croissant. However, I can admit that from the time I wake until I'm walking into 666 Fifth Avenue, brown bag in hand, all I can think about is taking in the luscious coffee and croissant.

Opening Pandora's Box in the World of Music

2007-08-08T15:15:00.000-04:00

I introduce you to my newest obsession. To some, it will be a great find, I hope. To others, it's probably old news. In any case, as my officemate and I went in search of some tunes for the day, I opted for some internet radio. I headed for MSN.com to use they're radio, and to my surprise, this new-fangled message popped up, informing me that MSN has now partnered with Pandora to provide better radio service. Let me tell you that this is some fantastic stuff! A sample of the player or radio screen is above--very easy to use. Perhaps the best feature of the tool is that you can type in an artist or song and a customized mix of songs is automatically created for you, and that mix mirrors the style of that artist or song you typed in.

I think this is fantastic. Try it out!

What Are We Thinking?

2007-08-07T09:25:00.000-04:00

Several world events have caused me to start thinking more about what we all think about all day, every day. Whereas I used to look at events such as violent acts and disasters or tragic events with sadness, I have begun to think very differently about them. Now, I look at events such as the Minneapolis bridge collapse and the senseless murder of three teens and wounding of one other in Newark, NJ, and I wonder what we are all doing. There have been so many convincing statements that things will now change since these things have happened, but why would it take the things happening for our brilliant breed to realize that some action is required? Are we not smart enough to see with every new invention, there needs to be plans to help ensure safety and improve on the original ideas as we continue to study the inventions evolution? Are we not smart enough to devise plans for violence prevention, especially in those areas most prone to it? Why does it take death and destruction for us to shape up?

Another tiresome example of this theory would, undoubtedly, be our post 9/11 behavior. Okay, so we create this brilliant task force for Homeland Security. However, I read on a news ticker last week that very few, if any, of the state programs are indicating success in their programs. So, will we wait to come up with an alternative after some other disaster of epic proportions hits? It's as though the human race has decided it does its best thinking during crises. I am pretty sure this theory has been proven wrong, however our eternal commitment to progress seems to be lagging in this particular case.

So, if we are doing our best thinking during crises, my only question left is what are we thinking about the rest of the time? It seems a huge waste to me to spend all of our time reacting and none of it preventing. It's along the same lines as only appreciating something once it's gone. Brings to mind the saying of "Too little, too late."

A New Chapter

2007-08-05T20:07:00.000-04:00

The past few months have led up to the official start of a brand new chapter in my life. After returning to my hometown for a brief reprieve, I have accepted a new position in the Marketing department of the international law firm for which I work--Orrick. This was no small change, for I have gone from the small and insular Wheeling, WV, to New York, NY. Just a hop, skip and a jump, right?!

After much debate, I opted for suburban living in Belford, NJ. So, I commute into the city each day of the week to our Midtown office. It's been a whole lot of change in very little time, so as a brief summary, I've come up with the following list of things that never entered my mind but are now a part of the very fabric of my life:

1. Shore Season. Living in a land-locked region rather than a coastal area is a drastic difference in setting for several obvious reasons. However, the Jersey shore season pretty much dictates any major traffic and/or driving decisions. Now that I live within 10-15 minutes from the beach, I have to remain constantly aware of the looming possibility that shore traffic could present major delays--mostly on Thursday and Sunday evenings.

2. Public Transportation. My days of hopping in my garage-kept car, only to drive about 5 minutes in a traffic-free setting to get to work are gone. In their place lies trains, buses and subways. Due to a slight delay in moving into my new apartment, my public transportation adventures have pretty much run the gamet. Overall, it's spelled out very early mornings, patient waits, and the occasional very late nights. Also, I will never need to invest in a gym membership again. No matter how early or on time I am, New Yorkers and my other fellow commuters have taught me that it never means you're off the hook for a panicked run through the subway station, Port Authority or Penn Station. Who cares if you're on time...you could make the earlier subway, train or bus if you haul it!

3. Philadelphia. That's right, the city of brotherly love that was once where I called home has now reentered my daily conscience. Since it's now just a couple hours off, I have made two trips down, enjoying time with those who made me miss the city most.

4. Jughandles and Roundabouts. The only other time in life when I thought of these was when I was studying abroad in Ireland. Little did I know that they would become second nature for me. Apparently, New Jersey shares the great love of left turn avoidance that Ireland also acknowledges. They're kind of fun...keep you on your toes and switches it up a bit. I hear they're supposed to make for safer roads, but then I am puzzled as to why car insurance in New Jersey is known for being astronomically expensive and complicated.

Philosophical Theory of the Day

2007-01-11T17:11:00.000-05:00

I admittedly ponder all things deep probably way too often. In fact, the most natural major in school for me probably would have been philosophy, but literature added a little pizzazz and ended up being a great choice.

In any case, I spent most of this week horizontal on my couch due to the dreaded flu. I got more than a good dose of daytime TV as a result. I rarely watch Oprah, if ever. She kind of just rubs me the wrong way, but I do admit that she can occasionally touch on things that are pretty good. One of those "things," as I discovered yesterday is Rabbi Shmuley. This man is incredibly dynamic and exciting to listen to. He often returns to a core message, which can be annoying on some level, but the message is a good one: "Much of the disintegration that has taken place in American society rests in a poor and rigid definition of success." He went on many tangents with this, some that I agreed with and others I didn't.

If you take a few minutes, though, and think about the larger implications of this statement, it's a terrible downward spiral to be stuck within. If you pigeonhole yourself within one definition of success, then you totally lose touch with your everyday little successes. On top of that, you become one miserable and terribly driven person (not that I can at all relate). For instance, most would look at their careers or schooling as their indicators of success. But, if you put your all into that, then you drain yourself for all other successes you should work on as well--family, self, etc.

So, the next time you hear someone babbling on about their degrees or what not, take a moment to drill them on the concept of success. Go ahead, be a good friend and do so.

An Unlikely Lineup

2007-01-09T22:34:00.000-05:00

As I have gradually slipped out of school mode, a mode that demanded lots of my time both inside and outside of the classroom, I have started to use a bit more of my time to take in some shows. Many of the shows that I have ended up really enjoying are those that no one has recommended to me. This is a major feat for me because there were times before when I clearly remember having absolutely no idea what was on TV. I never watched! And when I did, it was to tune into CNN or the Weather Channel. Thank goodness, those habits have since been placed on the backburner, and I am now building my TV repretoire. In addition to some recommendations, I have branched out. And what's most interesting to me is the random and, for the most part, unrelated selections I make. Drumroll, please...here are my top 5 shows for this season:

1: Extreme Home Makeover. I know, I know. I'm sorry, but this show is like a drug for me. Not only do I get a good dose of humanity and generosity from some very attractive men, but I get a few good tips on decorating my new place!

2: House. Probably one of the most messed up and unrealistic samples of medical drama. However, I think this is what draws me to it. You get the medical mystery that makes you watch to the end, but you also have these super weird dynamics between characters. Fascinating.

3: Scrubs. Always a great dose of comedy and, again, some medical mystery. Looking back, maybe I was meant to go into the field!...Nah...it's much more fun when the stakes are no higher than me liking or disliking an episode.

4: Ugly Betty. And for the wild card...In all honesty, it's another example of duality. On the one hand, it's about the struggle for one to remain who they are despite their changing surroundings. And the other part is simply the tacky and incredibly pathetic goings on with the others in the workplace.

5: Grey's Anatomy. It's just good. The sex, the medical drama, the incredibly good looking hospital staff. Maybe people wouldn't mind the hospital so much if all doctors and support staff looked this way for real!

It's been good TV karma so far this year. And when you throw in the occasional Saturday mornings of oldies like Spin City and Dharma and Greg, you've got endless entertainment!

Details

2006-12-28T13:11:00.000-05:00

Nothing gets me more than thinking people. And I should add that those who have to pay attention to the smallest of details truly blow my mind on a regular basis.

Through work, I received a BlackBerry device. This little gadget has several functions--e-mail, internet, phone--and it has become my newest and most beloved appendage. A co-worker gave me the grand idea of nicknaming it the CrackBerry rather than BlackBerry, which is most fitting. In any case, I recently upgraded from the 7000 to the 8000 series. It was my Christmas gift to myself. Merry Christmas to me. Little did I know that this move would be blogworthy.

It's not so much that the actual change is blogworthy. It's more a feature on the new BlackBerry that is blogworthy. As you can see on the picture, there are icons on the homescreen. They cover everything from e-mail to tasks to settings. My two favorite, though, are for the alarm and the calendar. When you scroll over these two, they display a magic that is only second to that of Harry Potter. The calendar page lifts, showing a different day when you're on it, and the alarm time displayed on the icon actually changes from "7:14" to "7:15." I don't know if this is as amazing to you as it was to me, but it made me think long and hard about whose job it is to come up with such ideas. Who was sitting where when they thought, "Hey! The calendar icon should switch from 1 to 2 when you scroll over it and the alarm clock should change time--and that time should be 7:14 and 7:15." Ahh the depths and abilities of the human mind.

Is Knowledge Really Power?

2006-12-26T15:47:00.000-05:00

I happened to pick up a copy of The Know-It-All by A.J. Jacobs on my last trip to the library. Ironically, Jacobs struck a nerve for me, which he surely didn't mean to do, but the entire reading choice lapsed into eternal irony as a result. The premise for his book is that after he finished his college years, he began to feel himself dumbing down in a way. He felt like he had gone from learning and expanding his cache of knowledge to a static state on the couch, absorbing the images flashing before him on TiVo. So, he ventures to read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica to cure his bout of intellectual ague.

Well, I picked up Jacobs' book knowing only that it was the narrative of a man who had read the EB, hoping that this meant I could absorb all of his knowledge in a Cliffs Notes version of the intimidating volumes of knowledge. So, as I continue to drift through the chapters (all 26--each representing a letter of the alphabet), I'm seeing that this book has really benefitted me on several levels:

1. I'm not alone. I've realized that virtually all college-educated individuals go through the shock of feeling dumb after years of intellectual stimulation and usually follow that up with some stint of overcompensation.

2. Learning can be fun...and completely self-motivated. I was convinced that school was required to force one to continue progressing forward on the learning curve. This book has proven me wrong.

3. Books can make you laugh. I've laughed out loud more times that I care to admit in reading Jacobs' book. Just ask my downstairs neighbor.

4. Knowledge is nothing on its own. One of Jacobs' lessons and one that's hitting home for me as I move through the book is that simply taking in facts means absolutely nothing. Instead, the association of knowledge and the world at large is what brings wisdom to life.

5. Encyclopedias are eternally old. The information recorded in each edition of encyclopedias is outdated literally at publication. The times are what define the information and set the context. So, why aren't encyclopedias in the history section rather than reference?

Welcome Back, Blogger!

2006-12-25T18:41:00.000-05:00

In gearing up for the New Year, along with all of the crazy resolution talk that accompanies it, my dusty old Tribute to Life came first to mind. I have undoubtedly missed the familiar white screen with its snazzy blue, white and orange banner at the top. But, the adjustment to full-time work and disillusionment with the non-academic life came as a shock, sending me into a brief yet all-encompassing stalemate. The past couple of months are a blurred mix of waking up, going to work, talking to way too many people on the phone, coming home exhausted, skipping dinner for a few extra minutes of pure couch time and bedtime. Sound boring? Well, it was! Interspersed in there was a trip to Seattle, which was very cool, but not nearly enough to compensate for the incredible drop in life excitement.

I am happy to report, however, that I have fully recovered and plan to get everything back on track (or to join my track in the case of new and great things). Probably the largest lesson learned is that transitions are definitely not about shedding the old and jumping into the new. It's about retaining much of the old and finding ways to incorporate the new. I got this all wrong. But, as my boss has told me many times, we unfortunately learn and retain the most in times of mistakes and lessons learned from those mistakes. Since I'm all about this human train of martyrdom, I guess I not only believe him but have experienced first hand how this works.

There will be plenty of blogs to catch up on all of that...but, I would like this blog to commemorate the incredible joy that comes from having kids around Christmas. This is not my secret blog code for "I want kids and now feel my biological clock ticking," it's merely a realization I fully experienced last night and today. My niece is 4 now while my nephew is 18 months. The two of them together, opening gifts and tinkering with all of their new toys, was nothing short of fulfilling. Their pure looks of happiness and excitement was all it took to complete my holiday. The gifts I received were great, but nothing held quite the impact of their displays. Probably my two favorite parts were when Sydni got tired of waiting for my brother and I to finish our X-Box game of Madden 2003, plopping down on my lap, blocking my view and refusing to move until I handed the controller over to her. It was similar to the moment she came to me last night during the adult gift exchange and wanted so badly to open my gifts. Thinking back to how much I was exactly like her as a kid, I handed them over. Not only did I get the joy of watching her...I got the gifts in the end!

Favorite moment number two was definitely Seth wanting to be shown how to play with some of his toys. He would patiently hand them over, looking at me, without any words, and just watched as I demonstrated. He would then calmly take back over like a pro. He also is the type that loves playing but loves staying close. So, as his play partners would move about, he would get up, move closer to them, and plop down next to their feet, legs or whatever was closest and resume his focused play. Fantastic to watch, I tell you.

This concludes the Christmas rambling. The title, by the way, is stolen from the late great "Welcome Back, Kodder!" which I saw for the very first time over this holiday weekend. What can I say? The greatest Christmas gifts don't come in packages at all. They're improvised moments--untouched by human modification.

Country Roads, Take Me Home

2006-10-01T08:37:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I took some time to do something I haven't done in awhile. While out in Philadelphia, it felt like every trip out of the house afforded a chance for me to explore and see new sights. What I seem to have forgotten in all of this is that there are so many sights and adventures that I've always loved back in West Virginia. So, I set out yesterday to rediscover some of these.

What I love about this area is that I can literally think of a point A and a point B, and I can make it from one to the next without ever encountering a stop light and sometimes I can even avoid encountering other drivers! There's a place that a good friend and I used to always go almost a decade ago, called Oklahoma Road. This road, probably more so than any other road I'm aware of, holds a huge cache of memories for me. I hadn't been on it for upwards of 7 years. The route to Oklahoma Road is called Stone Church Road. This was a place I spent lot of time as a child. My father's family was from up this road, out in the quiet and still of the country, and I also spent a lot of time out here because it was where my close friend, Cindy, was from. I love it that this was a place you could hit golfballs and never have a further thought of where they could have gone...but this does demand an endless supply.

Anyhow, I came to Oklahoma Road, which is a dirt/gravel road, so I turned onto it and set out on a blast to the past. While it may have always just been a road before where many memories are stored, yesterday there was something more to it. What I realized was that this road connects two very familiar areas for me--Stone Church and Dallas Pike. These are places that I could navigate probably blindfolded. However, towards the midpoint of this road, there's literally nothing but trees, grass, wildlife, etc. No houses. Barely traceable tire tracks. So, what's held in this road for me is a whole slew of memories and familiarity, but it also houses this unknown and unrecognizable aspect as well.

So, the country roads of West Virginia are nice for several reasons. They can take you home, as John Denver would argue, or they can lead you to places of serenity and still where it seems nothing exists but the road.

Oldies Discontent

2006-09-29T09:34:00.000-04:00

As a friend and I had a conversation last night, which by the way cracked me up, I realized a very sad fact: TV Land just isn't what it set out to be. I used to watch Nick at Nite religiously because they always had the absolute best old shows on--I Love Lucy, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Mister Ed, Bob Newhart, The Dick Van Dyke Show. Now, you tune into Nick at Nite, and you get Full House, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Cosby Show, etc. These are not classics yet! As a 24-year-old, I should not be seeing shows that were on the regular networks as I grew up on Nick at Nite--a spot for the oldies but goodies. And I would also argue that shows like Full House have absolutely no business being slated there. Wonder Years? Possibly.

TV Land seems to be suffering from the same sort of nostalgic bust--in a slightly different context. I just think that the shows they are showing time and again are "bottom of the barrel" types from the classic TV era. While I'm sure Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie and the Jeffersons are all held in high regards in the minds of some, I happen to think they're "off hour" type shows. Primetime on TV Land should not include this lineup. Primetime should be those shows that I like! And I also disagree with having the same lineup every weeknight. This lacks variety, creativity and entertainment value.

Some shows have apparently slipped through the cracks completely. As I discussed Halloween costumes with my friend, Leslie, last night, we were laughing at some of her ideas, not so much because they're funny within themselves...more because they seem antiquated. And the inspiration was what seemed more antiquated than any other part of her ideas. The one that she brought up that got me on this TV Land kick was her mention of a hideous waitress costume she has. I made a random comment that if we had two, we could be a pair of waitresses from an old show...but that I didn't think there were any pairs of two waitresses. She begged to differ and asked if I hadn't ever heard of Alice. Alice? No. Mel's Diner? Vera? Flo? No. I had never even heard mention of this show! How could this be? The ignorance was well worth the laugh, but this helps to prove my point that a network like TV Land really owes it to its viewers to branch out!

Bottom line: I think TV Land and Nick at Nite need to both work to keep the real classics alive for sprouting generations. Just like some other priceless aspects of our 20th century culture (literature, history, etc.), this, too, will be lost if it's not kept alive.

Television's Homecoming

2006-09-22T10:26:00.000-04:00

Fall is fantastic for several reasons. One of my favorite parts, though, is jumping back into the lives of my favorite casts. The month of September is always great because it's also a chance to check out either brand new shows or some shows that you've been meaning to catch but never could. And if the producers are suave and looking to gain a wider audience, then they do like the producers of Grey's Anatomy and recap the last season in clips and preview some of the coming storylines the hour before the season premier.

My favorites from last night had to be The Office and Grey's Anatomy. I have been a viewer of the BBC version of The Office; however, I have not stayed up on the happenings of the American version, which makes no sense because I really get the laugh out loud humor even more so on it than the BBC version. I like the BBC version (obviously, or I wouldn't have watched it), but it lacks those like Jim (who awesomely communicates with the camera), who really make the American version. For another fine review of last night's episode, check out The Midwestern Position.

Grey's Anatomy was one of those shows I sort of found by accident. I had heard others talk about it, but it didn't really sound like something I'd get into that easily. But, then I tuned in over the summer and watched virtually all repeats from last season. Dr. McDreamy is a major reason I continue to tune in, but the rest of the cast really catches the drama, irony and sarcasm that I enjoy in entertainment.

So, a wonderful night of TV...always a welcome change.

What Makes Home, Home

2006-09-16T09:47:00.000-04:00

I've always been a huge fan of pets. Growing up, we always had a dog, the occasional cat, hermit crabs, fish, etc. I remember when we had to put a fairly young Brittany Spaniel pup down because she had epilepsy that just got progressively worse over time. My mom and I, especially, were devastated. I immediately began my campaign to get a new family dog. Eventually, Mom agreed, and we got Pete--the legendary Brittany Spaniel who's still around and will live on in the Chase family forever. I think Pete made me realize how I felt about animals...I agreed to stay home with him to train him while the family would go out for dinner outings, etc. It didn't bother me a bit! What mattered more to me at the time was that Pete was helping home feel more like home that it would have without him around.

This past month has been such an exciting one for me with getting my first big job, my first place of my own, etc. Perhaps my favorite part, though, just took place this past week when I took in my two men. Lewis (right in the picture above) and Clark (left in the picture above) are the official beginnings of my own nuclear family. I brought them home this past Wednesday, and they've already proven to me what loyal companions they will prove to be. They wrestle, practially run up and down the walls, eat their kitten food, play with anything that is mobile. But, the more tender times expose their affectionate side. They stand to wait for me to get ready in the mornings, they wander from room to room with me, they purr instantly upon contact, they crawl up onto my lap and bed down for some quiet time. These two boys have brightened my life.

Stay tuned for future adventures of Lewis 'n' Clark!

Explain this One

2006-09-14T08:40:00.000-04:00

I am not posting a picture with my blog today. It's mainly because there's really no picture that deserves to be posted with such a topic. The topic to which I'm referring is the story of schoolteacher Debbie LaFave. Not only has this woman redefined the necessary mental and emotional capacities of our country's schoolteachers, she has also redefined sex offender--literally. She claims that she, indeed, committed a sexual offense; however, she denies being a sex offender. If someone could be so kind to explain this to me...it obviously breaks all rules of English vocabulary that I've ever been taught. Perhaps she has been taught differently.

It's unbelievably revolting to me that this woman would have the guts to try to deny that she's a sexual offender. She attempts to excuse for herself with the justification that she was suffering from bipolar disorder. This brings up two issues. One, when will the citizens of this country ever return to the original state of accountability in our judicial system? Ever since the dawning of modern-day psychology, our judicial system has become entangled in a mess of justifications and excuses for human behavior. Newsflash: there always has been and always will be mental strife in the human race, but it's personal responsibility to properly handle it...oneself. The second thing I wonder is when our media will stop giving those the spotlight who should not have it. I firmly believe that this was a situation where the interview should have taken place off camera and relayed through the reporter. This lady has absolutely no credibility anyhow...or so I hope...so why place her in front of the camera?

This situation of denial closely parallels the outlandish situation currently underway in an Iraqi courtroom where Saddam Hussein's judge is alleging, or rather confirming, that Hussein was not a dictator. He was only made to appear as if he were a dictator. Again, notice the shift in accountability. For me, both of these stories only serve to confirm that there is taking place a revolution, and I wouldn't call it a positive one. The world's leaders--presidents, teachers, etc.--are redefining the threshold for crimes against humanity. Unfortunately, no one seems to be putting a stop to it. Speaking of accountability...

Watch Your Temper, George

2006-09-12T16:11:00.000-04:00

As I watched an exclusive interview that George W. Bush recently did with Matt Lauer for the special 9/11 edition of the Today Show, I realized something. What has gone out the window with past American leaders (like Clinton, for instance) is the distinguished, polished and diplomatic tastefulness that George W. Bush undeniably lacks.

As Matt Lauer questioned him about the CIA prisons where many terrorist suspects have been held, Bush grew more and more reactive and distasteful. It reminded me of how a small child reacts when you question them about something they shouldn't have been doing. He kept reiterating how the methods had been lawful. Matt Lauer, as any responsible journalist would, questioned Bush's definition of lawful in this instance. If the international community is questioning these methods, then why not give our leader the chance to defend those actions? Instead, Bush kept insisting, "I'm not going to discuss techniques, Matt." He also played the very poor line of refusing to answer only to help protect our people. He didn't want to give away any secrets that would help future terrorists override CIA tactics.

The overarching question since 9/11 has been that of political and civil ethics. Does the unjustifiable deaths of thousands of Americans justify political and civil injustice? Just as the terrorists tainted American life and freedom, I'm afraid this administrations actions have also become self-defeating and destructive. So, I guess this is what you get when I party's platform rests mostly on religion and being down-to-earth. I think for future reference, these traits should be reserved for judging neighbors and acquaintances rather than our President.

Fall is Moving In

2006-09-02T12:21:00.000-04:00

Nothing makes me happier than to go to bed with the windows open and waking up in the morning to the sounds of the outdoors. While I'm a huge fan of white noise and its perks, I have to say that the birds and the smells of late summer/early fall mornings are money. Even further, it was a relief to wake up this morning, grab my favorite sweatshirt and cuddle up on the couch with my blanket and coffee. I would argue that although you can pull this routine off in the luxury of air conditioning, it's just not the same as doing it in the autumn chill.

For some reason, I have become a major anomaly in today's society. Everyone makes comments, and rightfully so, about how the invention of air conditioning was one of the wonders of the world. I love air conditioning; I have especially loved it through this summer when Wheeling and apparently everywhere else in the country became the fiery gates of hell, with temps soaring into the upper 90s, day in and day out. But, back to why I've become an anomaly, which is totally related to this air conditioning tangent. I seem to be going against the grain as I segway into my adult life. While most make a point of having air conditioning, it seems an option to me. To show this, my car has no air conditioning, and my apartment has no whole house air. I did invest in an air conditioner, but it's so funny to see others react both to the fact that my car is not equipped with it and that I am actually using the seemingly stone age technology of a room air conditioning unit.

What excites me about the change of seasons just as much as being able to sleep with the windows open is having this topic of discussion go into hibernation. Perhaps it's because I'm naturally cool, perhaps it's just that I'm not the air conditioning type or old fashioned...but it seems a detail to me, so why worry? I see it this way...I would way prefer my car and my apartment to not having either; so, with or without air conditioning, they both suffice and fulfill my needs. The fact that fall is coming will help out in my accidental mission to prove air conditioning is a non-issue. And it also means football season(s), changing leaves, and the crisp fall air!

Come posso saperlo? (How should I know?)

2006-08-29T21:58:00.000-04:00

The first part of my title for today is in Italian...and it's actually not too terribly random! After several weeks of settling, I have decided to take the plunge and start creating my life here in Wheeling. The job and housing were kind of mandatory parts. But, I'm now starting down a novel Wheeling path. My time here in the past was very structured, so there was not too much choice involved in my life. It was pretty much school, work, and more work. Now, however, I'm getting used to days at work and some reprieve from that routine. A friend at work the other day mentioned how she was taking a class or two at Oglebay Institute this fall. I was more excited in this moment than I have been in awhile. So, I have decided to join her for one of the two classes she's taking.

I am going to be learning the Italian language. My co-worker and friend, Tara, is taking the class so that someday she can take a trip to Italy, eat the food, and speak the language. All of these sound like fabulous reasons to me! I've wanted to jump into some foreign language for some time...this is quite the opportunity for me. I look very much forward to this experience! Will I actually have the tools upon leaving this class to embark on my own Under the Tuscan Sun adventure? Come posso saperlo?!

Things Need to Change

2006-08-18T07:27:00.000-04:00

When will the American media ever learn? Or perhaps a better question is will they even learn or do they even see the fundamental flaw in their approach to news stories? The latest example of the American media's incompetence shines through in the developments in the JonBenet Ramsey case.

The American media has scrutinized and taunted the Ramsey family; they have declared their guilt; they have repeatedly peppered the newspapers and magazines, as well as the news networks, with images of Patsy, John, and JonBenet. This family has not had peace for nearly a decade. They were not even given the proper respect to grieve in their own space and time. Patsy Ramsey has now passed away, never fully redeemed by the same media that was only all-too-eager to condemn her as a mother. Now, they media has decided to swarm the likes of John Mark Karr. Now, if one is not below even average intelligence, then it's obvious that this man is crazy. Sick and crazy. So, what is the media doing? They break a story, announcing that he's the killer. (Notice the pattern: according to our media, you're guilty until proven innocent). In my opinion, our media has very little, if any, integrity.

Speculation is damaging. Invasion of privacy is damaging. As everyone bashes Bush and the suspect legislation of his White House, maybe, just maybe, they should also take a look into the workings of American media. I'm sure they could find just as much looming in its past and present just as they have John Mark Karr's.

Some of the Newest Perks

2006-08-17T13:09:00.000-04:00

Life has changed. But, with these changes, I have also inherited some pretty cool perks. Let me tell you about a few.

A book room. I love books. I love bookcases. I have an entire room in my new apartment just for these things. I love this.
A chair with a view. I have an aunt with incredible aesthetic taste. Her son recently constructed a pond in her backyard. It's a nice-sized pond with beautiful landscaping (variety of grasses, flowers, lily pads, etc.) and includes pond life such as turtles, fish, and frogs. The perk? My aunt lives just around the corner from me now, so times like last night, I simply stroll down the alley, and have myself an evening chat with her by the pond...margarita in hand.
The Annual Greek Food Fest. My Big Fat Greek Wedding was great. Greek food is even better. The annual food fest is going on in downtown Wheeling, just a couple blocks up from my work, so I get to reap the benefits of that over the next few days. I picked up dinner just a little bit ago...a gyro with Galatobouriko for dessert. My next Greek goal: go to the Greek Isles. I know--it's thinking big.
Boot Camp. As the weeks quickly pass, I'm learning how to be an assistant in the truest sense. If you've seen The Devil Wears Prada then you know that this can be a bumpy process. My boss is no where near the Miranda type, but learning to speak for someone or literally be someone else is a challenge. However, with each successful step, I feel better and better. It has helped for me to reference Heather Beckel's great "how to" book, titled Be a Kickass Assistant. She was on the Clinton campaign and transitioned into the White House as George Stephanopolous' assistant.

These are the highlights of life at the moment. More to come...

If I Were a Superhero...

2006-08-12T23:05:00.000-04:00

...I would tackle the task of ending office politics. Although I feel strongly that I defy just about all rules of office politics, I do have to say that I find the concept of them fascinating. In my opinion, it's like the most practical application of Darwin's "Survival of the Fittest." Anyone will rat anyone out in order to get ahead; there is a seemingly sinister sigh of relief when one of the office powerhouses ceases to remain employed; there is a constant ring of gossip, some of the most vicious out there; and there never seems to be a complete picture of content regardless of where you are.

As I sat at my desk on Friday and had repeated interactions with the Knowledge Management crew as well as the Help Desk crew, it occurred to me that I may have stumbled upon the answer to the devastating state of the office atmosphere. I watched this group of "techies," and I've decided that they're one of the most docile, easygoing strains of office employees. They have fun, they make fun, and they make everyone laugh in the process. And if you think about it, they really truly stand as the one group of people with every reason to feel frustrated and angry at others. They are almost like foreigners in that they speak almost a whole other language, and they rarely come across equals outside of their "tech crew" perimeter.

This group invited me to lunch, but I already had plans. They also have invited me to a luau that's being held at one of their homes. If my workplace was a World War, then these techies would be Switzerland. Thus, I have decided that they will be my chums here. When was the last time you heard gossip that originated with one of these guys? Nuff said.

Why I Miss the Dudleys

2006-08-11T14:00:00.000-04:00

A lazy Friday afternoon canon...

1) The Dudleys are like chocolate...you can never have too much of them.

2) They're fantastic individuals and their marriage demonstrates Jack Johnson's "We're Better Together"...double the Dudley, double the fun.

3) They came to Wheeling, they conquered Wheeling, and they appreciated Wheeling.

4) The Dudleys are also like wine...as they age (or as our relationship ages), they just keep getting better and more valuable.

5) They don't mind riding in Dot.

6) They make the best of every situation, making one forget that it's anything less than the best.

7) They're worldly.

8) They're down-to-earth.

9) They define good people.

10) They're the Dudleys.

A Little Bit of Mambo

2006-08-11T11:21:00.000-04:00

The famous lines (or not-so-famous ones) from Lou Bega's "A Little Bit of Mambo" song keep ringing through my head, especially in recent weeks. As I indicated in the brief note in my last post, I have settled back into a normal life in Wheeling. I had enough time off to "catch up" from the last year of being away, I hunted down the perfect apartment, and I got a great job. These things together have made life so good. I am the type that if I do not really feel to the core that things are going the way I want them to be going, then I will scoot off onto my next path to happiness. In the end, this keeps me happy because I know, at the very least, that I'm fulfilling my role as a proactive human being.

Since being home, I've had the opportunity to reconfirm friendships, expand on already fruitful ones, and rid myself of those that no longer conveyed hope. I am normally not the hopeless type, but sometimes you just have to let yourself off the hook. I will usually put myself through a tremendous amount of grief before causing another pain, but it unfortunately seems that a lot of other human beings will not hesitate to cause grief. You can probably expect a rant on the "non-responder" type in the future. These are the ones who really drive me nuts. It's not so much that they're ignoring me, in particular, it's the idea that they don't embody enough respect for others to either assert their unhappiness with things as they are or take on the responsibility of being a good friend. Regardless, it's email. It's a few seconds of your incredibly long and laborious life...

Back to why Lou Bega's song came to mind. I've found, more than anything, in my move back home that there's not one thing I regret from my past years and decisions. The materialization of this opinion shows in my daily life here. I don't and will never be able to revert back to the daily routine of pre-Philly days. But, nor will I be able to go with being straight Philly here in Wheeling. So, everyday I find myself incorporating both Wheeling and Philly states of mind..."A little bit of this and a little bit of that/You can get what you see, you can see what you get." I feel I've finally broken free of the black and white perception/thinking that plagued me before, and this move is just one great moment to see this.

More to come...thanks for sticking around.

Trying to Stay Above Water

2006-08-08T22:34:00.000-04:00

This is just a brief blog note to catch everyone up. After a recent comment from my friendly blogger supporter, pat, I had to at least leave this much of a post.

The reason I have not written lately is that I have acquired a new job at an international law firm, better known as Orrick. It's a fantastic job, and I'm having the time of my life right now. However, at the same time, I'm preparing to move into my first apartment this weekend. So, working 40 hours a week and attempting to put a home together on the side is proving a challenge. In this mix, A Tribute to Life has come to a halt. The tumbleweed will cease blowing, however, as soon as I get settled into life.

I apologize for this inexplicable disappearance. But, please don't give up...there will be plenty more.

Yuengling Freak

2006-07-12T19:52:00.000-04:00

Still tightly holding onto my year of Pennsylvania living, I ventured across state lines to seek out some good 'ol Yuengling lager. In Philly, there was a beverage store on every corner and a wine & spirits store between each of those. Now that I'm home, though, the closest PA town I can venture to for such stock would be Washington, PA, or as the locals call it, "Little Washington." Why this nickname? The only thing I can figure is it settles any confusion that you may be setting out to Washington, D.C., rather than the town about 30 minutes up I-70.

Anyhow, a friend of mine from undergrad, Scott, was in last week from his new home at Texas A&M where he's a grad student in Chemistry. As we sat reminiscing and such over coffee at The Second Cup coffee shop, we struck up conversation about beer and liquor. I began telling tales of Yuengling, and that's all it took. Scott decided he wanted to take some back to Texas with him. So, he sneakily stuck a proposition into our conversation; he intimated that we should no longer kid about going for some Yuengling, we needed to go, and we needed to do so together...right then. Thus, we filled the CD player in his car with appropriate tunes and set out on the road. After several loops and a bundle of luck, we drove right up to this beverage store that was pretty nice. In addition to any and all beer and beer-like substances, it had candy and chips in bulk! I saw another favorite of mine, Woodchuck Cider, there, and we both grabbed our Yuengling. The catch in PA is that unless you purchase at a bar, you have to purchase a case at a time of beer. Ironically, this law seems to both discourage and enable alcoholism all at once. Think about it. You have to travel further distances for your goods (can't get 'em in the grocery store), but once you travel there, you're rewarded with the standard 6 pack times 4. Come on Pennsylvania!

So, my family got a new side of me. The one who is forced to store a case of Yuengling in her bedroom, slyly sneaking through the living room and dining room en route to the kitchen, with an armful of beer to chill. The supremely cool part of this whole purchase was sharing the case with my good friend Mikey. Sitting on the deck, chatting, and watching some good flicks...all in the company of Yuengling has definitey been a highlight.

The Only Bug I'm Not Afraid Of

2006-07-09T21:39:00.000-04:00

As a kid, did you ever crave those summer nights when you could catch lightning bugs as their momentary flashes created an atmosphere full of twinkles? I participated in this activity every summer of my childhood years. In fact, I can remember it being a favorite of mine because it was one of the few times that I could fearlessly hang out with my big brother who also dug lightning bugs. Last night reminded me of these times as my niece asked me to join her on one of her first hunts. Suddenly, I remembered what summer is like for a child. So full of great outdoor fun, and a time to explore things that, someday, will fade away into the distance as more important things move to the forefront.

But, perhaps even more present than this resulting nostalgia was my curiosity. If I blog about this, can everybody relate? Are lightning bugs found everywhere? And, why are lightning bugs...well...lightning bugs? Why do they light up? So, I took a spin on the Fire Files. This helpful website is found on Ohio State's website, and I found it pretty fascinating, especially since it kept things simple and provided answers to all of my lightning bug trivia.

First, lightning bugs are not found any further west than mid-Kansas. There is the occasional one spotted out West, but they're not nearly in the numbers as they are here in the East. And they light up due to a complicated chemical phenomena that I would never be able to properly communicate. But, they do use this aspect of their biology in the mating process. So, next time you see the lightning bugs twinkling all around you, know that they're hearing the sweet music of Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get it On." The site even went so far as to say that the female bugs tend to prefer the males who have the capacity to flash their lights faster. Wonder what the human equivalent of a fast flasher would be?

Long story short, I enjoyed this new spin on an old favorite. And as I encountered one of my worst natural enemies, an eight-legged freak, last night in the bathroom, I thought of how much better the world would be if all bugs were as harmless as my childhood friend, the lightning bug.

Anyone?

2006-07-07T23:40:00.000-04:00

As another 4th of July passes, I wonder one thing: Is there anybody who truly digs fireworks displays? I suppose there has to be since it's a huge money-making industry in our country, and random stands pop up all over the place each year, peddaling their best.

I grant the fact that they're kind of like technology. They're kind of awe-inspiring in that someone was able to come up with the idea, create a formula for perfection, and create this trend and tradition. But, when it comes down to it, is one display really any better than another? Is there a real essential difference in fireworks? And are there fireworks afficianados?

I, personally, cannot imagine feeling too terribly connected to something that creates a deafening sound and a brightness barely observable. Again. Fascinating concept. Shoot things in the air that create a scattering of light and explode in the process. But, just as I cannot comprehend folks who take photographs of the stuffed animals at Cabela's, I cannot really comprehend the annual hype surrounding these displays.

Bad Characters...Who Remind You of Someone

2006-07-06T23:33:00.000-04:00

Nothing feels better than flattering a friend or family member. Like if you go see a movie and you think, "Wow, that awesome character reminds me of __________." It's always a pleasure to share this information. One of my classic examples of this, and this is because I've used this one quite a few times...Jack Nicholson's character in As Good as it Gets. The poor man is plagued by OCD. Is he an adorable or easy-to-love type? Probably not. Yet, when you spot someone with OCD-like tendencies and they're familiar with this character, they don't feel offended by the fact that I compare them to Jack in this movie. In fact, it usually sets forth a flood of laughs due to some of the situations in the movie.

When I went to the movies tonight and witnessed the embodiment of a truly evil-spirited and self-serving character, I wondered about the effects of breaking the news to someone that they have those same tendencies. Now, I would never do this. But, as I pondered it, I decided it creates quite the divide. While it's totally acceptable to do the one, it's pretty wrong to do the other. But just imagine the damage you could do. This made me wonder who the worst character is to compare someone to. What do you think? I would have to say those such as the druggies in Veronica Guerin or the real sinister type like that. Help me think of others.

Jane Austen is My Girl...Still

2006-07-05T22:31:00.000-04:00

After watching the newest version of Pride and Prejudice, I have discovered perhaps the most laudable talent of Jane Austen. I was worried that since I have viewed the A&E version of the story several times that I would not feel this was anything that great; however, I almost immediately fell under Austens still very organic spell.

As I watched the strained interactions between the couples, and especially Elizabeth and Darcy, I realized what I so treasure about these stories and what sets them apart from many stories from the present. The sexual tension and feelings of passion and love that teem these couples' interactions are all clearly communicated through words and actions--but those actions are not nearly what you see on the screen now. The looks, the small movements, the elegant dances, and the eloquently worded letters...these are what tell the story of love in Austen. My preference for this does not at all indicate that I am feeling conservative and prudish about sex on the big screen these days. It's simply that Austen's route, by far, takes much more than some of the modern day stuff. Put two people together who feel very stongly about one another and make them show that love or hate without any self-explanatory or extreme actions that spell out the situation. This is a challenge.

Jane Austen, the filmakers, and the actors and actresses all successfully teased out this rare quality through the making of this brilliant film. Here's to the subtleties of love that make you fall in love with the idea of love all over again.

More than a Sinking Ship

2006-07-04T11:56:00.000-04:00

I've been on a nearly 10 year strike, refusing to watch one of the most raved about movies of last century, Titanic. I had no intention of watching this movie straight through...ever. As flocks of my young teenage friends migrated to the movie theaters two, three, and four times to see the movie, I became a martyr, insisting that I would not see it. Admittedly, most of those young women were going simply because Leonardo DiCaprio was starring in it; but, they went all the same.

Then, during the NCAA basketball tournament, a friend with whom I was watching the sports action kept flipping between the games and this movie. The few scenese I watched that day almost convinced me that I needed to rent it and watch it through. However, I had not followed through with that thought. Then, last night, as I was enjoying my dad's big screen HDTV, flipping through the listings for programming, I came across HBO-HD, which was featuring Titanic at 9:30pm. Late for a 3 1/2 hour movie? Sure. Did I watch? Absolutely.

I have the same thought as my friend, Sara. If you know what happens, there's really no need to watch it. However, what I learned by letting go of my stubborness last night was that the movie was about so much more than the ending of the great ship's journey. The love story and somewhat accurate historical perspective offered through this movie is nothing short of satisfying and entertaining--what movies should be.

Basically, I'm glad I waited to watch the movie until I was older and could appreciate the underlying themes and storylines.

I Got Air!!!

2006-07-03T09:41:00.000-04:00

I never had a trampolene as a kid. I don't think I even had the small version of one...remember those predecessors to the now monsterous ones? Part of that was that my mother was a firm believer that you could get seriously injured on one, and another part of it was just that I don't think they were quite as popular then. Now they are.

So, last night, as we held the annual 4th of July gathering at my brother, Ryan's, I finally had a real run-in with the world of the giant trampolene. Sydni was very bored with the group of adults, who found sitting around with beer in hand much more fun than swinging on the swingset or running through the yard with her. Finally, I felt real guilt about her being bored, so I walked back to the back of the yard with her to jump on the big trampolene. We had a blast! I couldn't believe how much air you can get on those things...no wonder kids dig 'em so much! We finished and returned to the house. But, that wasn't the end of the trampolene...

When it was time for the Bethlehem fireworks, a group of us migrated to the back of the yard in order to have a prime spot for seeing the display. Well, my brother and I lacked all patience in waiting for the display, so we decided to take our turn together on the trampolene. And he taught me something fun and new. He told me to sit in the middle of the trampolene while he proceeded to jump very close to me...I flew feet in the air, and neither of us could stop laughing during this time. Oh...and did I mention that we're 24 and 27?

What I learned from this is that it's never too late to experience those things you may have missed as a kid. I never even lamented the fact that I had missed this activity...just think of what else I could have missed!

Nicknames Gone Wild

2006-07-01T09:45:00.000-04:00

Nicknames hold a very special place in my family. There are certain family members who are real pros at getting the creative juices flowing and designating such names to individuals. Now, sometimes the names are playful. These nicknames make you laugh or they can be a little game of affection that may be awkward to show otherwise. Unfortunately, there also have to be the times when these names are a little on the cruel side, marking an instance of conflict. In any case, I've recently realized that nicknames undoubtedly hold a definite space in my life...and here's an unforgettable example of how pervasive this habit can be.

My sister's family--she, her son, and her husband--are all members of the Our Lady of Lebanon Church here in Wheeling. The rest of us have grown accustomed to holding activities at the church and have gotten to know the priest there. When this all started, however, everything was very foreign to us...or so I thought. My dad and brother are great at talking with others because they're champion storytellers, especially when the discussion surrounds hunting or fishing. So, at our first gathering where the priest was present, they chatted it up with him. I found this to be very interesting...my dad and brother hanging out with a dude in a collar. Turns out, though, that this guy hunts on the same land that they hunt on occasionally. While I was recovering from the fact that priests are permitted to hunt, my brother was telling of a couple of encounters with the priest on this land during hunting season. The priest allegedly has an issue with practicing moderation in his hunting, so my brother nicknamed him Fr. Slaughter. Because this has a great ring to it and went very well with his stories about the priest, this has been the name that has stuck in my mind since.

This all came back to haunt me the other night as I sat with my college roommate, discussing her job which includes directing the religious education programs at a parish just across the river in Ohio. We were just commenting on a few of the local parishes, and I went to talk about Our Lady of Lebanon and realized that I had no idea what Fr. Slaughter's real name is. When I told her the story, we both got a huge laugh out of it. So, I guess this is a cautionary tale of how nicknames can sneak in place of real names!

Daytime Television

2006-06-29T18:19:00.000-04:00

It's been a long time since I've gotten a good dose of daytime television. Over these past couple of weeks, though, I have had some major exposure to this niche of American programming. Here are the highlights of my viewing:

1.) Oprah is truly convinced that she's like a prophet of some sort, I think. The woman pulls people on her show, then gets all spiritual elitist with them. I am not arguing that, on occasion, she has a good show that turns out very informative. For instance, yesterday, she had Leonardo DiCaprio and a scientist from Princeton on, discussing environmental issues--something that definitely needs discussing. Another day, however, she had a set of parents on who were talking about the damaging consequences of having a stripper over for their son's 16th birthday party. If you find MTV's Sweet 16 juicy, this was something that far surpassed those rich spectacles. Overall, the hugest problem I have with Oprah is that she's getting way too self-aggrandizing in my opinion. Yes, she is very giving...yes, she follows through with her causes...but, she has some poor taste in words and such on her show most of the time.

2.) Phil McGraw also believes he has all answers. I think his show is like a more tasteful version of Montel or Maury. He has these bickering people on, and it turns into a three ring circus, and then he gives his lecture. The saddest I saw was a mother and two daughters, and the daughter said this was the only way to try to solve their problems because her mother always follows Dr. Phil's advice. Hello!? He's a talk show host! He may have a counseling Ph.D....but please...if my mother listened to Dr. Phil moreso than any other authority, I would be more concerned about that than our bickering.

3.) Last, but certainly not least, there has been the ongoing feud between Star Jones and ABC, Star Jones and Rosie O'Donnell, Star Jones and the View executives, and the very visible feud between Star Jones and Barbara Walters. The picture included here seems all too outdated for the show because only two of these five still remain on the show. But, the juiciest of the exits had to be Star Jones, and it totally heated up this week. There were rumblings when the show first signed Rosie O'Donnell to replace Meredith Viera in the fall, but that tension grew to a climactic degree this week as first Star took "on air" time to announce that she would not return. To boot, she interrupted a discussion to do so and also had not discussed this with executives prior to the live show. The following day, she was not back and Barbara Walters took her time in the spotlight to explain, in very tasteful terms I might add, that Star would not return again. I found this drama fascinating. I'm convinced that Star really just wanted a summer vacation as I have set up for myself!

In any case, I am psyched to see what other absurdities I will get to be witness to in these coming weeks.

Breaking Habits

2006-06-26T00:08:00.000-04:00

When it comes to dining out, I'm a major creature of habit. In fact, I can name at least one place here at home where I have not once deviated from my original menu choice from years back when I first visited the establishment. Am I proud of this? No. But, my theory has always been that if you find something good, then you should stick with it. I blew my own theory to shreds last night as I ordered and ate my meal at Outback Steakhouse. And as the sign above indicates, breaking habits can be tough.

For years, I have eaten the same thing at Outback. I would order the potato soup as an appetizer, which went fabulously with the bread there, and I would round out the meal with the appetizer-size portion of coconut shrimp. Delicious combination. Last night, though, I went out on a limb and not only ordered something completely different but something that is making a trial run.

I ordered the bronzed chicken meal that comes with corn cakes. It has a vermouth sauce over it, and this was something that caught my attention. I love corn and vermouth sauce both, so I didn't think I could go wrong with this choice; I was, however, slightly concerned with the concept of bronzed chicken. What could this mean? Humans use bronzer to look tan...what on Earth could a chef be doing with chicken to bronze it?

To my satisfaction, I received a plate full of deliciously seasoned chicken with delicious corn cakes, and it was a very good portion. So, I guess sometimes it's good to try something new...even when you have no idea what the process is that takes place in order to present you with the result. I love food.

Say That Again?

2006-06-24T01:15:00.000-04:00

I met with my friend Mikey tonight...he's my friend who joined me throughout my undergraduate experience, including on my trip to Ireland. We began the night by having dinner at this very small German restaurant The Keg and Kraut. It was a delicious dinner of sauerkraut balls and German potato pancakes, among other things, but the ultimate moment came at the close of the Keg and Kraut experience.

As a preface, Mikey has made the decision to enter seminary school and proceed on to become a member of the priesthood. The very elderly woman who happens to be the one waitress that you'll get each and every trip to the Keg and Kraut asked Mikey how she might know him...recognize him. So, he explained that he went to WJU and frequented the restaurant oftentimes during his undergraduate years. She questioned what he's doing now, so he explained his current path. Following this, she first blurted out that she hopes he changes his mind and ultimately backs out of this. Then, she followed it up by looking at me and asked if I was going to be a nun.

It's when people say things like this and wave a very sincere goodbye (as this woman did) that I realize that I need to pass through life more guilt-free. She had no shame, and I would have to say I'm glad. I love the entertainment value of such stuff.

For the Love of Techies

2006-06-22T15:29:00.000-04:00

Before yesterday, I was not a particular fan of technical support. In fact, I pretty much did everything I could possibly do in order to avoid having to use it. It's not even that I had much prior experience with it, I think it was just that I didn't want to take the chance of looking incredibly ignorant. The other thing was that I couldn't imagine being successful with it because I'm a very visual person, so the thought of taking purely verbal directions over the phone while also having to precisely explain problems unknown to me was completely intimidating.

So, when I got my wireless router Monday night, I decided that I could easily install it using the provided wizard. Not surprisingly, however, I failed at this attempt. As a result, I boxed the router back up and was ready to seek out alternatives to even using it. After unpacking it and trying again only to fail again Tuesday morning, I finally broke down and called the Netgear number for help. As I did so, I felt zero ounces of confidence that this would end up good. After talking to the tech agent, though, and about an hour of doing so, I had officially installed a wireless network in my parents' home.

This experience was eye-opening. I will never view technical support the same way, and I may even call it much more often. Who knows! Maybe I'll never have to decipher the meaning behind a set of directions ever again!!!

Menaces to Society

2006-06-20T09:25:00.000-04:00

Mother Nature is usually so good to me. I thoroughly enjoy virtually every aspect...wildlife, flora, seasons, weather, etc. Yesterday, however, a small corner of Mother Nature showed its wrath and made itself felt in my life.

Upon my return to West Virginia, I had to have my car inspected. This is the yearly responsibility that never really comes of anything for me. It's just a matter of getting the new sticker. This year, however, was different because I had noticed about a week ago that my reverse lights were not functioning. My dad had gone through my fuses with me to make sure it was not a blown fuse, but that did not remedy the problem. So, when I scheduled my appointment at the dealership for yesterday, I mentioned that I would need them to fix the lights as well. I dropped the car off, then I received a call from the very courteous (very hot) man..."Ms. Chase? It appears you have rodent damage on your car." What damage?! Rodent?! After his explanation that the wires for my reverse lights had been chewed up near the transmission, thus deeming them defunct, I realized what had happened.

Bryn Mawr was full of a squirrel population like you wouldn't believe unless you witnessed it. I have decided that what happened was one took up residence in my car, chewing these wires. Whatever the case, this was one expensive brush with the evils of Mother Nature, costing about $165. Even worse, the warranty wouldn't cover it because it was damage to the car and the insurance couldn't cover it because I have a $250 deductible. So, while squirrels have never been a favorite for me...they're now totally down on the list...like at the bottom.

Give A Little of Yourself

2006-06-17T12:44:00.000-04:00

As I prepared for my move this week, I had several generous friends give me things that made me reconsider gift-giving etiquette. What these folks made me realize is how important it is to both give what's appropriate and meaningful but also something with which the essence of yourself is hovering. I will not lie, I absolutely adore receiving gifts, and I often present them to myself; I do, however, hesitate to open gifts in front of others. I believe this is just one of the many results of my effort to stay out of the spotlight in a group...I'm more of an observer. In any case, let me highlight those gifts I received this week that have my stamp of approval for thought and originality.

The first of the gifts was a journal. This is, indeed, a standard sort of gift, but the giver personalized it by writing on the first page of the journal. This message was a emotionally powerful and meaningful message meant to leave a clear mark of her spirit. Another gift I received was a group of three toy pigs. While I do not maintain a collection of toy farm animals with which to entertain myself, these pigs will remain a staple part of my belongings for time. This gift was given by an individual who was familiar with German tradition, so the pigs were given under the German assumption that the pig brings fertility, good fortune, and sustenance. I received three, just so that no one pig had to take the burden of all three. As a result, I will be carrying well wishes with me, and with those well wishes (the pigs), I will also carry memories of a precious person from my time in Philadelphia. Another gift was a bunch of burnt DVDs and one with a huge volume of music--my favorite. This gift was given, based on my musical and television tastes, but they also are indelibly marked by the tastes of the giver. Hope's Cookies were also given to me. Now, while the actual cookies are already half gone, I will never forget that I received these from a person to whom I admitted, "I have a love affair with Hope's Cookies." Another one of my favorites from the week was a meal with a friend, it was her treat. But, it was something we both truly enjoyed.

Basically, what these people have proven to me is that they not only appreciate my interests and favorite things, but they also are interested in me remembering their places in my life. I, of course, would have remembered them without these gifts, but there's nothing like the material to serve as a post-it note reminder that things did and continue to exist--just like my interactions with the givers.

Saying Farewell

2006-06-13T13:04:00.000-04:00

In these final Philadelphia days, I have quite a few farewells to wish. I have to say goodbye to the fine friends I've met here, my co-workers, and I cannot forget the great eating establishments that I will have to disengage from with my departure. Considering these farewells, I came to the conclusion that stuff here in Philadelphia took on a completely different meaning for me since I had none of my elements of comfort when I first came here. This, however, has also changed the mood of the farewells.

One of my first farewells came last night. Unfortunately, Sara and Tim Dudley took off this morning for their summer Midwestern post--Tim's research gig in Ames, IA. So, Sara and I took yesterday evening to do it up well one last time here on the Main Line; what I should really say is that we did it up well for the last time, with us both being Main Line residents. We went to Primavera Pizza Kitchen in Ardmore, where we had Caesar salads and shared an entree of tri-colored tortellini in a delicious white sauce with mushrooms and ham. Then, we shared a tiramisu dessert and had coffee. Afterwards, we made our way to Old Navy and Borders. At the end of the night, Sara handed off one of her delicious loafs of banana bread, squeezes were exchanged, and farewells were expressed.

Last August, I detested farewells; now, however, I see them in a pretty different way. They're not all laden with sadness and discontent. Now, I'm learning that they're just part of the movement into a new phase. Those who stick around for the next phase will prove just as special and as much a part of my life as before; those who will fade away in my timeline will always hold their place in my life. Sara's instruction gave me major perspective when I told her I may be sad for the first few days after our split: "How about more like 15 minutes?" By last night, she had decided there was no reason for either of us to spend a moment being sad, and she's right. Saying farewell is not an end. It's really just an opportunity to take inventory of what has been most satisfying up to the present, agreeing to hold tight to that, and allowing the separation of things that no longer remain satisfying.

Fear the Familiar

2006-06-11T23:59:00.000-04:00

As I sat in the office of the Managing Editor of the Wheeling News-Register and Intelligencer last Friday, interviewing for a reporter position, I pondered how incredibly uncomfortable interview situations can be. The very backwards aspect of this was the fact that what made this interview most uncomfortable were those things that were meant to "personalize" it. All of the stock questions were not ones to sweat for me. After all, I have had my share of interviews and have grown rather confident, self-assured, and convincing. The first sign of internal struggle and coming undone surfaced with Mike Myer's question, "What would you say is the greatest American novel ever written?" This threw me all off. In a casual discussion with a friend or friends, I could go on forever about this. Mr. Myer, however, stumped me. Now, I did not choke, I presented my answer and even provided a well-formed answer to his follow-up question, "Why do you think that?" But, just as I thought the interview would abandon this uncomfortable foreign yet strangely familiar and personal stage, it strayed from the normal, run of the mill questions once again, moments later...

Mr. Myer was attempting to grasp my general Ohio Valley knowledge, so he did so by asking three rather strange and unbelievably obscure questions. The first caught me way off guard...he asked, "What is the difference between a shot gun and a rifle?" Internal me: "Huh?" I quickly rebounded from my disbelief and mentioned my belief that it had to do something with the ammo of each. He was surprised at my expertise, and I explained that I have a father and brother who both are outdoor sports enthusiasts. He went on to provide the exact answer he was searching out. Next, he asked who the three representatives in Congress are for West Virginia. I threw out Mollahan and Byrd, but I wasn't positive on the third...the legendary Jay Rockefeller. We both sort of laughed this off since I came up very quickly with the most obscure of the three-Mollahan--yet remained stumped on the infamous. Finally, and perhaps the strangest question I will ever be asked, "What is the definition of sewage versus sewerage?" Again, internal me: "Huh?" I was armed with the answer, however, after a tip-off from a former newspaper interviewee. So, I answered the questions without so much as a heartbeat passing.

Still, I have been unable to shake the feeling of irony surrounding the juxtaposition of the familiar and personalization of this professional must with some of the most intense discomfort. One would assume that the opposite were true, making a stiff, standard questions situation the most uncomfortable. I guess it's the concept of sitting with a total stranger yet attempting to display your most comfortable and together self.

Back Off!

2006-06-07T10:42:00.000-04:00

For the first time ever, I made a trip to the Dunkin' Donuts on Lancaster Avenue in Bryn Mawr for an early morning, pre-work treat. As I was en route to my luscious destination, I felt as though I were on cloud 9. I've made my own hazelnut coffee at home in the morning, but I had never made the pilgrimmage to the actual Dunkin' Donuts establishment to buy an early morning cup to take to work. Most of this stemmed from pure laziness and lack of motivation to wake up a few minutes earlier to allow the time.

In any case, as I approached the store, I drove past the most crowded Starbucks in existence only to see that the parking lot was, for once, virtually empty. So, my confidence that I could make my trip an easy in and out at Dunkin' Donuts skyrocketed. What I failed to take into consideration was the very loyal and obviously earlier risers who support the Dunkin' Donuts establishment. Then, as I am attempting to turn into the parking lot, a very fancy unnecessarily fancy car comes into view over the horizon. The driver seemed to be on a mission, so I waited for him to pass...only to find that he, too, was headed for his Dunkin' D's. I felt severely cheated since this man did end up in line in front of me.

As I tried to exit the building, the line was backed up to its normal place, so my exiting required the woman standing in the doorway to move in order to permit me to get through. Would she do this? No. Would she even attempt to move a few centimeters so I could pass as I stood virtually nose-to-nose with her? Of course not.

My case in point here is that rude people are always out there. However, I have to say this was one of my rudest Dunkin' Donuts experiences, and I am going to totally blame it on the fact that it was early in the morning and no one had had their coffee yet. Thus, while the hazelnut experience is usually worth it, I have to say that I will probably avoid ever placing myself in this situation again. I just don't like doing the two-step with people quite so early in the morning.

To the Dumpster

2006-06-05T20:54:00.000-04:00

With the ever-popular summer weeks of vacation and the most regular week of Chase family vacations, the Fourth of July, quickly approaching, I've been reminiscing of the unique character of our more recent past years of vacation in Canaan Valley, WV. For those who have never seen this area, it's the typical mountain resort area: a golf course, a resort that includes a pool and restaurant, a variety of recreational activities, including whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking, and scenic overlooks. The combination of Blackwater Falls, WV, and Canaan Valley, WV, the two being just minutes apart, are really quite the treat regardless of the season.

In any case, the great blog tale really stems more from a restaurant in Canaan Valley, called Tuckers. This is the best compromise between really casual and fancier dining available. And it's a place where you go, and you know you're surrounded by friendly folks. In fact, one of the favorite activities at this restaurant is to leave your table while waiting for your food because many gather at the huge windows at the back of the place. The reason is because the restaurant borders a vast field that's famous for it's bear inhabitants. So, you definitely become friendly and familiar with those around you as you peer out the windows, watching for the ever-elusive black creatures. This is not where the bear adventure ends, though, because after you finish your meal, you are to wander around to the side of the building to check out the dumpster area--yes, I know, a common post-dinner destination. In any case, it is pretty much "how you do it" at Tuckers.

This bear phenomena actually looms behind many other aspects of one's visit to Canaan Valley. Those who are most avid internet researchers can look further into this. But, for now, let's suffice to say that the most popular vacation homes in the area are those who serve as typical outposts for visits from bear families as well as human ones. For a sneak peek of the sights, visit either the Canaan or Blackwater websites.

Departure City: Philadelphia, PA Arrival City: Wheeling, WV

2006-06-01T22:08:00.000-04:00

What a year! As I pack up to head home, I thought the most appropriate blog entry would be one, paying equal time to both of my geographical love affairs.

10 Best Things about Philadelphia

1) The chance to experience a socially divergent strain of people whom I would have never experienced elsewhere...Philadelphians and especially Main Liners are truly one-of-a-kind.

2) Villanova--it has taught me how to stand on my own, using discretion and personal preference in educational decisions.

3) Sara Dudley. This is another person I would have never met otherwise, and she is perhaps one of the best people with whom I've ever come into contact.

4) Tim Dudley. This is a dude who has made his way in academia, and very successfully so, and yet he's one of the most well-rounded and kind men I've met.

5) Borders in Bryn Mawr. This, my friends, is the place for psychological study. If you need a project, I beg you to start here.

6) Springfield. Affectionately referred to as "the Midwest" by Sara and I, this suburb of Philadelphia allowed us the shopping options and layout with which we were much more familiar.

7) Plymouth Meeting. Target...the one place that I needed to have be accessible to me at all times, and the Plymouth Meeting location permitted my naive self the indulgent pleasure of Target shopping whenever the urge hit.

8) Philly Cheesesteaks. While I did go all out and do the regular cheesesteaks for several of my first weeks, mostly at Pizzi's on Lancaster, I have found my one cheesesteak true love in the Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak at Campus Corner.

9) Variety. No matter what it was that we came up with, Philadelphia seemed capable of meeting the challenge. Whether meeting Nicholas Sparks or Dan Aykroyd or just wanting to try a random Cuban meal, Philly proved the means to do so.

10) Thai Pepper. I will miss this so much. It was my weekend companion many weeks, and it's flavor was a true taste sensation.

10 Best Things about Wheeling

1) Sydni Shannon. This little girl is the one thing capable of putting a smile on my face regardless of my mood or the situation.

2) The remainder of my family. Things change a lot with time. I feel fortunate to have, at my age, realized what I want to accomplish within this sphere of my life as well as my professional life.

3) The Italian Festival. Funnel Cakes, several food vendors, and many familiar faces.

4) Wheeling Coffee Shop. Yes, I've experienced several new, and probably better, venues for this...but, there's something about my first coffee shop on Washington Avenue.

5) Ohio County Public Library. A place I love to go and just wander through the stacks.

6) Oglebay Park. Whether it be a meal at Wilson Lodge or some time at Schenk Lake, this is one of my favorite places out of everywhere I've been.

7) Uncertainty. Yes, I think this is a good thing...for me. I occasionally get carried away with planning, and I think that this move will reintroduce variables--something that's good.

8) Perkins. Breakfast is so good, but so are the late-nite Sante Fe Mini Chimis.

9) Nogales. Great little Mexican restaurant that many have underestimated.

10) The Hills. I miss being surrounded by hills at all times.

So, now you know what I like best from both of these locations. I will miss Philly just as I missed Wheeling this past year. And I will never forget that Philly was home for some time. It taught me a lot, and it has prepared me for this next phase. Best case scenario? I will find success and a new meaning behind my origins. Worst case scenario? I will miss school like crazy and return sooner than planned.

As a result of this impending move, I may not be updating frequently until I settle back in. But, this blog is not going to disappear.

Travel Log, Entry #2: Black Mountain, NC

2006-05-23T19:37:00.000-04:00

As originally promised, I am going to move to my next entry in my blog travel log. The photo to the right was taken during my Spring Break 2005 trip to Black Mountain, North Carolina, with my friend Rachel and another one of her friends, Amanda. We drove down on a Sunday, stayed with some of Rachel's family in Black Mountain, and we returned to West Virginia on Wednesday of that week. Looking back, I think this was a great trip to take. It was a great prelude to my coming year of change and relocation, and, best of all, I got to visit a place where I had never been, see new things, and bond with some folks I would have never had the chance to bond with otherwise.

On the drive down to NC, I got to see parts of West Virginia I had not, see parts of Virginia never seen before, and indulge in some of the best parts of roadtrips--very unhealthy snacks and fun conversation. I remember one of my hugest concerns at the time was signing a lease for the apartment I was to move into in Pittsburgh...needless to say, I never got there. In any case, I'm not usually one to confidently dive into situations where I'll be surrounded by very new people--especially if I will not have the chance to take breathers. This was one of those times, though, so I was a little hesitant, but as I saw new scenery and roadsigns, marking towns formerly unknown to me, I knew I was doing the right thing by going along.

While in Black Mountain, a very laid back and quaint town that also serves as home to the long-time Evangelical preacher, Billy Graham, we did lots of fun yet self-reflective sort of activities, since all three of us were there to try to find some clarity. Amanda and I chose to hang at a great little coffee shop, the Dripolator, the first day...I read The Handmaid's Tale and Amanda studied for some upcoming finals in her graduate-level Physical Therapy program. Then, Rachel's family took us to dinner in Asheville after a day of hiking trails and observing waterfalls. Asheville quickly became my favorite tourist destination in the U.S. I love the layout of the city...sort of hippie-style yet a real city, with city-like buildings and businesses. And it's tucked amidst this amazing lay of land. We also hiked the area surrounding the family's home, and in the evenings, we enjoyed some fun like board games and cards.

As we drove out of Black Mountain, it was a beautiful sunny morning, and all three of us hated to leave yet knew at the very same time that it had served its purpose and must be preserved as one of those sacred places that we will escape to for relief from the complexities of life. As we drove away, U2's "Beautiful Day" blared over the car stereo, and I actually could feel tears in my eyes, amazed how the mere beauty of nature and new surroundings can renew your perspective on life. I will never forget the lessons of Black Mountain...

I Revisited...

2006-05-22T21:57:00.000-04:00

The place where my Philly adventure began--Cape May, NJ. Sort of funny that my Philly adventure began in New Jersey, but I love it that that is the case. The highlights from a glorious Sunday spent on the beaches of Cape May:

How often is it that a native West Virginian gets to drive a couple of hours, park on an oceanfront street, climb a few stairs, and walk on the beach? I'll answer that...not very often because the drive has always been more like about 8 hours to reach the shore of the Atlantic.
It was monsoon week in Philadelphia last week. So, the unbelievably clear Sunday was a great blessing for a beach trip. We held our breath almost up to the last moment, but Mother Nature pulled through in the end.
Two semi-inexperienced East Coast drivers made it through on MapQuest directions. The last time I tried this with Pamela, it was a disaster beginning like 4 miles away on Lancaster Avenue. This time, Sara and I took a different way, using the Ben Franklin rather than Walt Whitman Bridge, and we still made it--even through the rather trashy streets of Camden, NJ. On the way home, however, we expanded our sense of adventure by going blindly via the Walt Whitman rather than Ben Franklin...deep down, it was just that I favor the purely literary rather than historical literary.
The ocean never ceases to please me. If you think about it, it's a pretty reliable crutch. The smell of salt that permeates the shore, the sound of crashing waves, and the ocean breeze will all remain my favorite beach elements.
Crabcakes are delicious. Crabcakes on a screened in porch, overlooking Cape May shores are like gold.
Driving home to the same home I departed from just hours before rather than crashing in a not-so-homey motel makes the trip even better.
What I will remember for the next trip: sunscreen...probably SPF 80.

As I laid just as I did 8 months ago, contemplating life and the sounds of the shore, I realized that I have almost made it through the first year. My reaction to that? Just a big wow. I look back to last August 17th, and I wonder how much more a person can change in a year and still be the same person. Life has been good to me...Philadelphia has definitely been good to me...and I'm glad that I can look forward to many times of allowing Cape May to be good to me.

Change in Attitude, Change in Taste

2006-05-20T10:53:00.000-04:00

Is it possible to affect change in one's taste if there is a change of attitude? This question came to my mind the other day as I was pondering my incredible change in taste since even a few years back. So, thinking of this made me formulate this question. Many adults describe themselves as picky childhood eaters...many kids are picky. But, I just wonder what stimulates the drastic changes in taste. Here's the "for example"... As a teenager, I would go to dinner with my family fairly often at a local restaurant called Christopher's Cafeteria. This also happened to be the first place of employment for all three Chase children...Erin, Ryan, and I all worked for the catering side of the restaurant. But, Christopher's was oftentimes a place for us to gather for dinner. They had choices that all of us could enjoy, and the atmosphere was that of family. But, just to prove my point, my Christopher's cuisine never changed or altered in all hundreds of the visits we made, here's what I got: noodles (thick homemade ones) and mashed potatoes with beef gravy over them, and a dinner roll with butter. That's it...I was not a fan of protein, I obviously was not at all interested in taste. This high carb, highly bland dinner was pretty much my mainstay. I would have to say that my attitude and worldly aspirations pretty much mirrored that meal. Not a lot of adventure, not a lot of willingness to diverge from the norm. Now, however, I've of course blossomed into a fairly adventurous person with lots of worldly curiosities and willingness to try new and exotic stuff. What are my tastes now, just years later? Well, my two favorite cuisines would be Mexican and Thai...the more spice the better. My other runners up would include Chinese and Italian. My last choice? Those American, homemade recipes that lack spice and flavor. I do eat them still, of course, I just prefer the others. So, this total flip-flop just made me wonder about the human mind and what it does to steer cravings and tastes. Fairly interesting topic, I think.

My Own Season of Big Brother

2006-05-19T08:19:00.000-04:00

Funny story. I've mentioned on here before, I believe in the posting on luck, how I ended up living and working with Madonna. I just have to say, though, now that I will be staying in the same housing for the next year, I think I have unknowingly created my own season of Big Brother. You know that terrible show where everyone ends up totally annoyed with one another because that's all they are around? That's the show I'm talking about.

Living with your boss is pretty unique and probably fairly uncommon, I'd say. We're doing perfectly fine with it thus far, and I don't foresee any problems. But, as I was running errands on campus yesterday, I thought of how much our real lives mirror the lives of those who participate on Big Brother. We wake up...see eachother as we make our breakfast and coffee. We say farewell before leaving the house, just like we won't see eachother all day. We go to work, say good morning all over again, this time in the professional persona. Our offices are side-by-side, and we see eachother fairly often throughout the day. At the end of the day, we say goodnight, just like everyone else is doing. Except...wait...we come home and there we are...totally a faux goodnight.

There are interesting boundaries, erected by sheer silence...like at work, we usually do not discuss home. At home, the questions pour out...it's actually a very interesting process to observe both of us independently finding ways to make this situation as normal as possible.

A List

2006-05-15T22:31:00.000-04:00

So, I had it suggested to me to do a 100 things about me posting...this will be a work in progress, so despite my publishing new blogs, not dealing with the list, you can return to this original post, which I will add to each night. I propose to do 10 things a night because I think the "things about me" kind of morph with each day. Who knows? Maybe I'll even know me better after this!

1~ I sleep best when I have the sound of white noise.
2~ I have a major fear of flying, but I am not afraid of heights.
3~ I eat Goldfish snack crackers more than any child I know.
4~ While I am not religious, I find theology a truly fascinating subject.
5~ I take rejection very hard.
6~ I feel love in a visceral way.
7~ I define intimacy as knowing someone's every quirk and appreciating them all.
8~ Emotional intelligence is far more important to me than intellect.
9~ I can sit in the presence of someone without saying a word for an incredible period of time.
10~ The warmth of sunshine is my favorite type of warmth.
11~ Observing nature makes me think.
12~ I am a workoholic.
13~ Holding a baby almost makes me feel as content as academic work.
14~ I prefer thunder to lightening.
15~ I prefer red wine to white.
16~ I prefer early morning to late night.
17~ My favorite color is green.
18~ When I make people laugh, I feel like a million bucks.
19~ I don't like close talkers; they make me feel very uncomfortable.
20~ My first drink of coffee in the morning is the official start to my day...everything before that is basically autopilot, lacking consciousness.
21~ I enjoy waking up to the sound of rain hitting my windows.
22~ I prefer softserve to regular ice cream.
23~ I like to save voicemail messages from those who I love so that when I'm having a down day, it's kind of like having them here with me.
24~ I sleep on my stomach.
25~ I think I own too much stuff...I would like to downsize.
26~ I am very intuitive when it comes to people. Without words, I usually can sense exactly what they're feeling.
27~ Lunch is my least favorite meal.
28~ Breakfast and dinner tie for my favorite meal.
29~ My sense of smell is my most keen sense.
30~ Chocolate owns my soul.
31~ I love waterfalls.
32~ What I most want to do in the next year is start learning a new language.
33~ The thing I haven't taken the time to learn that I'd like to is paint.
34~ I wish I had less fears.
35~ The oddest thing I've ever eaten and loved was carrot soup in Dublin.
36~ The moment that I participated in the most PDA was on a random dance floor in Dublin, with a strange guy with whom I made out to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" song. Yes. I did it.
37~ The object I hate most is the plastic saucer that kids use to sledride.
38~ One thing that I've never done that I'd love to try is parasailing.
39~ My favorite instrument is the cello.
40~ I love looking up at the stars.
41~ Everytime I hear a lawn mower, I think of my dad.
42~ I am open-minded and accepting.
43~ I want to have kids in this lifetime.
44~ My favorite childhood memories are of the softball fields and the different teams I was on.
45~ My favorite outdoor activity has always been riding a bike.
46~ My favorite place I've ever traveled was Asheville, NC.
47~ Of all of my senses, I would never want to lose my hearing.
48~ I used to want to follow in the footsteps of Reba McEntire.
49~ My favorite form of transportation is probably the train--I like staying on the ground.
50~ If I could, I would like to travel more.
51~ My most prized possession would be my collection of photographs.
52~ My next most prized possessions would be the iBook and the iPod.
53~ I love the sight of a sleeping child.
54~ I often pray when I'm afraid.
55~ I like to watch movies when I'm sad.
56~ I wish I had been born in the 50s, so I could have grown up in the 60s.
57~ The places I've most often visited on vacations include Ocean City, MD, Canaan Valley, WV, and, now, Wheeling, WV.
58~ I would much prefer love over lust.
59~ My favorite cartoons as a kid included Doug, Scooby-Doo, and Inspector Gadget.
60~ A place I've never been where I'd like to visit would be the West Coast.
61~ Sense of humor is of utmost importance to me...probably even with food in importance because it sustains me.
62~ My favorite coffee is hazlenut coffee...
63~ The place I'd most like to travel to outside of the United States is the Greek Islands.
64~ My favorite childhood memory would have to be me standing on the tile in the entryway to my parents' home, singing my heart out to Billy Joel, Carly Simon, and Carol King.
65~ The craziest thing I've done is stand in the pouring rain on a random New York City street, missing half of a Broadway production in order to be sure to get my playbill signed by Rose O'Donnell.
66~ I love trying to figure people out...especially the more guarded ones.
67~ If I weren't pursuing my M.A. in English and working at Rosemont, I would probably still be in Wheeling, trying to figure out what to do with my life.
68~ I can see myself one day writing a book.
69~ It always makes my day when I receive a postcard from friends on their travels.
70~ I want to see more concerts in the coming year.

Retail Therapy

2006-05-15T22:14:00.000-04:00

I was talking with a friend at work today, and she threw this phrase out that I found to be hilarious. What she described, I have surely done more than a few times...yet I had never put such a perfect label on it. We were talking about stress, and she spun around in her chair, pointed to a lone bag on her floor and said, "I know...the stress is horrible today...Ridge (soon-to-be husband) is buying a kayak, so I think I deserve some new workout shoes. Sure, they were $80 workout shoes, but still. I mean, sometimes, I just need to go for the retail therapy." I do this very thing all of the time. I admit that I usually do the combination Target/Genuardi's trip so that I'm, by default, also purchasing needs and won't regret the move too terribly much. But, this also got me thinking. I've written times before about Borders horror stories. So, I'm wondering if maybe the retail horror stories stem from everyone else in the world going through with retail therapy...they're just having a bad day, and trying to fix that fact when things just go awry. As a friend said to me last week: "I think this was a good plan gone bad." Regardless of these reflections, I will now have a label for my crazy retail behavior. I love buyage...it's just one of the many extensions of my love affair with...well...money.

Anger Management

2006-05-15T08:19:00.000-04:00

Did you see this movie? Sure, it left a lot to be desired. But, I do adore both Jack Nicholson and Adam Sandler, so I must act like I at least sort of liked it. But, I'm not about to blog on a totally undesirable flick from long ago...this is just a segway into the real drama...
This past Saturday, I did a one day gig at Borders because there was an author signing, and I had agreed to do so quit awhile ago. At one point much later in the day, more towards the end of my shift, I took a page that called for register help. Of course, the line had gotten fairly backed up, so I ended up checking out quite a few customers. As I was doing so, however, I noticed another cashier, Greg, raising his voice to a customer. While Greg seems a soft-spoken, easy-going type, I have to say that both times I've witnessed him raising his voice, customers have walked away very unhappy...kind of ironic.

So, it turned out that he was arguing with a customer who was purchasing books from the 3 for 2 table. And the customer wanted the most expensive book to be free while Greg was trying to explain that it's built into the register to take the least expensive off. The customer did not want to accept this. So, then one of the supervisors, Jen, steps in and explains the situation to the customer. He still didn't want to accept it. It ended with him walking away, Jen yelling that he forgot his credit card, and him telling her to keep it. She insisted that that was not possible. Use your imagination to fill in the blanks, but the next thing I hear over the headset is Jen calling for the general manager to come help because there's an emergency situation--a customer is threatening her.

Next thing I know, there are 4 cops coming into the store, intending to take care of the customer. All of this over the 3 for 2 table!!! So, they take statements from everyone and leave. Then, Jen tells me that as soon as the cops saw the man that they said, "Oh, we know this guy...he's a regular troublemaker down at the tire shop." The what? The tire shop? As I said to Jen, 1) Why the tire shop? and 2) How many times do you frequent the tire shop in a year's or, in his case, month's time?

I think I'm very relieved to have my quiet corner in Main Building at Rosemont. It's just me and the ivy...thank God.

Travel Log, Entry #1: Oh Canada

2006-05-14T22:50:00.000-04:00

I think it would be a fun thing to do a travel spotlight every once in a while on here. So, I'm going to start now.

Now, I must admit that Canada was not top on my list to visit at any point. I've heard a lot about the beautiful wilderness and such, but I was surrounded by plenty of that in WV. But, before even becoming an English major, my friend Lori and I decided that we would go on the trip with the English department to The Stratford Festival, which features several Shakespeare plays each theater season in Ontario, Canada. We knew no one else going (it was a somewhat exclusive group of majors who usually took the trip), but we both thought it'd be a fun trip. We were so right.

After a fairly simple drive, we arrived in this town that reminded me of a quaint little tourist town plopped amidst farm country. The city of Stratford sits conveniently along a river, thus its similarity with Stratford-Upon-Avon in England. Are you feeling the Shakespeare motif yet? Anyhow, it's a wonderful town, and we sat in the very theater, pictured above, for our very first Stratford experience of Pericles. It was spectacularly done, and I will always remember my first true theatrical experience...it was like I had fallen temporarily outside of reality and into this intense world of the imaginary. In this same theater, we would see Taming of the Shrew, MacBeth, and A Much Ado About Nothing. At another theater down the road, we would see The Birds, King John, and Timon of Athens. These all spanned two trips to the festival, but each year, we'd leave on a Thursday, go to two Friday shows and two Saturday shows. That's a lot of Shakespeare in very little time. But, it was so much fun.

I will definitely take this trip again in the future. Because in addition to outstanding theater, there's always the Boar's Head Pub where Lori and I were graced with the presence of a rodeo rider and clown with whom we threw a few rounds of darts. And the town also affords a great chance to shop at some very unique shops...especially great for jewelry aficianados like myself--most of which is fashioned and designed by local artisans, making it even better.

Mission-Oriented

2006-05-13T08:41:00.000-04:00

Everything doesn't have to be this way. Goals are good. Future plans are even good. But, I think being mission-oriented around the clock can be bad.

Life, however, does tend to encourage such a way of life, I suppose. If you think about it, from the time you enter the school system, your only there so that you can graduate from high school with a diploma--establishing your ability to enter the American workforce. If you choose to go to college, then you, again, work towards graduation. These tendencies, however, pour over into many other areas of life. Before you even start dating, you are looking for your type--your ultimate mate. Thus, there's an end in mind before there's a now. Then, you are dating someone and it's working out, so you start looking forward to a wedding. In your career, you're feeling the natural flux of being forced towards the top. Do you know anyone who enters a job nowadays and says "I want to go no further...this is my end"?

All this is an attempt to do is point out how easily one can lose the present due to a focus on an ultimate mission that is not the now. I think it's fine to look forward to things, and I'm one of the worst about always wanting to persevere and push forward in every situation. But, I think that sometimes such thinking can warp life. For instance, when applying goal-oriented behavior to personal situations that don't really warrant it--i.e., career tactics applied to dating scene--it makes the situation uncomfortable and unnatural. So, I guess it's a fine line...between planning ahead and forgetting the now.

Luck

2006-05-12T10:16:00.000-04:00

Over the past several weeks, I've been pondering the concept of luck. I have definitely realized that luck, now, is very different for me than luck was when I was younger. As a young dame, I only considered it in relation to things such as getting Mom to buy me an extra sweet treat at the store, finding money on the ground, or getting a really good grade on a test or quiz I totally hadn't studied for (we're talking high school).

Luck for me today is so much different. Most of my luck, today, comes from issues of timing. I would say it probably played a huge part in just about every major life change I've made over the past few years. Like as I was working in the hospital as a nursing student and decided that I just couldn't go on in that field, I was taking my Lit-250 requirement and consequently had literature at the forefront in making my change of major decision. Then, just as I got settled into the idea of moving to Pittsburgh and attending Duquesne for grad school, I received an email from Heather Hicks at Villanova, informing me that I had been accepted there. Despite great nerves, I emailed a couple of random people on the off-campus housing lists, and I decided to meet Madonna and see what kind of place she had to offer. I chose to live with her without any other meetings, and I moved in August. I got a job at Borders at the same time as Sara Dudley, someone who initially provided a granola bar to me in a time of nutritional need but who has proven my rock here in Philly from that point on--and what an incredibly fun rock she is. Madonna has gotten me a great job, and I've continued to have such great timing here...largely a product of ongoing luck.

What made me think of this issue even more was viewing Match Point this week. You can check out The Midwestern Position for details on the movie experience, but with luck as the major theme behind the events in the movie, one cannot help but think of what a role it does play. And I'm finally convinced that to think that things happen as they should, like all of these events are pre-planned, is absolutely ridiculous. Life is like a name your own adventure story...you create it as you go, decision by decision.

Everybody, Meet MAC

2006-05-09T20:53:00.000-04:00

I have a confession. After FedEx comes through with my 2 day expedited delivery, I will have my first real child. My laptop, a loyal Dell laptop, has indeed been my precious since I first bought it, and then there have been the iPods. But, I think the upcoming delivery will be the big one. I'm getting my very first Apple computer--an iBook--in the next couple of days, and I'm anticipating its arrival like a mother anticipating her first born.

Why would something like this mean so much to me? I'm not quite sure why, but I'm really looking forward to the arrival. I've thought about the fact that it's going to look very good juxtaposed with my sage green wall. I've thought about accessories I may have to get--case, printer, etc. I've thought of visits...will I be the type not wanting to take this new very vulnerable virtual life out? Or will I be a pround, confident type...ready to help this social butterfly begin to spread its wings?

Think the best Christmas in May ever, and that's what this is.

How Cool

2006-05-07T22:44:00.000-04:00

Your Birthdate: January 11

Spiritual and thoughtful, you tend to take a step back from the world. You're very sensitive to what's going on around you, yet you remain calm.Although you are brilliant, it may take you a while to find your niche.Your creativity is supreme, but it sometimes makes it hard for you to get things done.
Your strength: Your inner peace
Your weakness: You get stuck in the clouds
Your power color: Emerald
Your power symbol: Leaf
Your power month: November

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

The Shore

2006-05-07T22:10:00.000-04:00

Being from West Virginia, I normally made references to going "downstate" for vacation. There were also many people around me who would refer to the same. Upon my arrival in Philadelphia, I learned new vacation jargon: the shore. Everyone refers to the shore, and everyone goes to the shore. And my first inclination upon hearing this reference was to ask, "Which part of the shore? In fact, what shore? Are we on the shore?" Well, the obvious answer to the last one is no. But, we are within a very reasonable distance from the Jersey shore. In fact, the first day that I woke up in my new Philadelphia home, my friend, Pamela, and I hit the road for the Jersey shore.

Did I know what a huge Philly step I was taking? Heck no! I had suggested we put off going downtown to save my nerves any further permanent damage. So, after thinking on it during the drive out, I suggested we go to the beach for a day instead. I was never even a huge fan of the beach as a kid because I'd get all sunburned, my feet would get burnt from walking on the hot sand--to sum it up, I was a miserable beach companion. But, after endless nights of no sleep in preparation for my move, I thought that a day of lounging on the beach, listening to the seagulls and the crashing waves would be good. And it was.

The other part of that story is that I have become obsessed with the shore now. I have yearned to go back since my one day in Cape May. But, what I've realized is that the Jersey shore is a concept of epic proportions here in Philadelphia. And what makes me happy is that, seemingly overnight, I have turned from a cold-hearted beach-hater to one who adores it. In addition to holding great sentimental value, I will always look at the Jersey shore as something that helped make me feel like I fit out here.

Switching Gears

2006-04-29T20:25:00.000-04:00

I've learned a lot since moving, of course, but my new job has really introduced me to some new exciting realms. First, and foremost, I'm learning the art of the business known as fundraising. This is for higher ed, so it's a little different, but it's still a huge switch for me. I always insist that I couldn't go the sales route if my life depended on it; however, after working my first big fundraising event, the Cresset Dinner, last Saturday (picture above), I've realized I am not so bad at it as I first assumed.

In any case, more discussion on this at a later date...when I'm not cranking out huge papers.

It's the Small Things

2006-04-20T16:44:00.000-04:00

Today, I realized that while I totally divulge myself in all kinds of intellectual stimulation, there's really a lot to be said for simplicity and mindlessness. I guess you could point out a faint trace of creativity in this particular segment of my memoir, but that would definitely be stretching it.

As I was cleaning up my office towards the end of my work day, I came across the drawer that happens to be stuffed with all of the rubber bands that I receive each day from Roy, the campus mailman. Roy delivers the department's mail to me each day around 11am, and it's usually this mixed bundle of envelopes, carefully bunched together with high quality yet very monotonously colored rubber bands. Upon unpacking the mail bundle, I've made a habit of stuffing the 4 or 5 rubberbands in my desk drawer. So, today, when I opened that drawer, I immediately recognized the very uncleanly and disorganized aesthetic that the drawer gave off as a result of the scattered mass of rubberbands. It was then that I thought to myself how I've always enjoyed the genius behind those balls of rubberbands one can construct. But, I had no idea how to begin such a project. So, who did I turn to? Only one of my closest and most consistent friends: Google. After finding a "family fun" sight that gave the simple directions on how to start one, that's what I did. As a result, I have my very own rubberband ball creation and a clean drawer to kick it off. Ahhh...office life is good.