Tip tap on the window,
the frost raps
as the wind announces
the induction of winter.
Drops of fluffy white
float down the sky like wisps
of manna--
nourishing our souls,
reminding us that
life, like the flakes, is ephemeral
and distinct.
The world is preparing
to be re-born, nature
laboring under a
blanket of frost.
With one last push
towards the new year,
the Son is crowned
and exhales--
warming us for eternity.
Edited from a past poem, L'Hiver
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Time Machine
I was asked to attend my friend's daughter's 9th birthday party tonight at the Skate-N-Fun Zone in Manassas.
When I was 9, this place was called the "Skate Ranch" and it was THE place to be. I can remember begging my Mom to drop me off there so I could meet up with friends and each time she would tell me, "No, it is too dangerous there -- you will get kidnapped!" On a few occasions, instead of dropping me off, she would take me there on Thursdays after school (Thursdays were 1:30 early dismissals back then) and I would skate for a few hours under her watchful eye with my best friend of the week listening to Cindy Lauper and Madonna songs.
Tonight when I walked in, I couldn't believe how much the place had NOT changed. Everything was pretty much the same, except instead of the brown and orange paint and carpeting, everything was painted in 90's neon colors with black carpet. And instead of Madonna playing, it was Britney.
Since I was there purely as a guest, I took the opportunity to bring my Rollerblades and take a ride back in time on the still slick wooden rink. After about 2 times around, I heard my name being called from my 9 year old neighbor.
"Michelle! Can you help Ragan put on her skates?"
I rolled over to a 6 year old tow headed little girl who was sitting on the ground trying with all her might to get those cinder blocks with wheels onto her feet. While I was lacing her up, her blue eyes looked up at me and she said all excited, "I've never been skating before!"
This caused me to instantly calculate in my brain the following: If her parents aren't around to help her with her laces, who the heck is going to teach her how to skate?!
So I very calmly asked, "Ragan, is your Mommy here?"
And she goes, "No, she dropped me off. My big sister is here, but she doesn't know how to skate either!"
At that, I turned around and noticed another blue-eyed, blond haired angelic face stumbling and clunking her way around the rink. With the laces tied, I resigned myself to the fact that I would be this child's new tutor and I promptly grabbed her hand and said, "Let's start out slow, k?"
My lord. I never knew how impossible it would be to teach a kid to roller skate. Since I had not roller bladed in two years, I was pretty wobbly myself and I had this 40 pound slippery piece of linguine attached to my hand that was clinging to me as if her life depended on it!
After about 4 trips around the rink of Ragan pulling and slipping and falling -- she looked up at me beaming and goes, "I think I'm getting better!" Bless her heart. After another trip around, I escorted her over the "wall of safety" and instructed her to hold onto it and I would be back for her. Turns out, letting her go was the best thing I could have done. She mustered up a lot of confidence after that and managed to skate the rest of the time by herself -- granted she was more stumbling around than rolling, but at least she was doing that on her own. I admired her for that -- I am not sure I would have been able to have a total stranger teach me to rollerskate at that age without my parents around.
At the end of the party, she came up to me and said, "What's your name?" I told her it was Michelle. She just looked at me and said, "Hi." Too cute. I told her she did really well skating and she just radiated a huge smile.
It was a fun time overall -- I'm glad I went. And since I am 29 and 11.5/12ths right now and NOT 30, I figured I could still get away with skating with a bunch of 9 year olds and still have fun.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Obama in the News: What the World is Saying
- Venezuela to mend fences with U.S. following Obama's victory
- ``A black man may become president of the U.S., and we can say that's no small thing,'' Chavez said in a speech on state television. ``Hopefully, the next government of the U.S. will listen to the mandate, not just of morals, ethics and the times, but also the mandate of the UN that days ago voted, once more, asking the U.S. to eliminate its savage blockade of Cuba.''
- Israel cautions against Obama dialogue with Iran
- IRNA quoted Ahmadinejad as calling on Obama to make significant changes to America's approach to its role in the world. "You are generally expected to make a fast and clear response to the demands for basic... change in US domestic and foreign policy, which all people in the world and Americans want on top of your agenda,” the Iranian president wrote to his new counterpart. Ahmadinejad went on to discuss his views on the extent of American involvement in the world. "They also want US intervention to be limited to its borders, especially in the Middle East. It is highly expected to reverse the unfair attitude towards restoring the rights of the Palestinians, Iraqis and Afghans,” he said.
- China Looking at Possible Meeting Between Hu, Obama
- President Dmitri A. Medvedev of Russia greeted his future American counterpart, Senator Barack Obama, with bristling language on Wednesday, promising to place short-range missiles on Russia's western border if Washington proceeded with its planned missile defense system in Eastern Europe....
- Obama Faces Tests in Japan and Korea--From security issues to trade, multinational executives from Korea and Japan aren't yet sure whether to celebrate the Democrat's victory or not
- Iraq's prime minister Nouri al-Maliki has claimed privately that embracing Barack Obama's plans to withdraw from Iraq was instrumental in securing the US presidency for the Democratic candidate.
- Palestinians expect US president-elect, Barack Obama, to play a more efficient role in enhancing peace and stability in the world in general and in Palestine in particular, says Saadi Altumaizi, Palestine’s Ambassador to Ghana. “We would fully co-operate with the incoming American Administration to work for peace and implement all signed agreements and accords between the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel,” he said.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Ronald Reagan, 1975 Address
This speech was much longer, so I took out some parts. However, reading this speech from 1975 is quite shocking that the Republican Party (and America) is in the exact same place now as it was 33 years ago.
**********
… we have been through a disastrous election. It is easy for us to be discouraged, as pundits hail that election as a repudiation of our philosophy and even as a mandate of some kind or other. But the significance of the election was not registered by those who voted, but by those who stayed home…
In another recent survey, of 35,000 college and university students polled, three-fourths blame American business and industry for all of our economic and social ills. The same three-fourths think the answer is more (and virtually complete) regimentation and government control of all phases of business—including the imposition of wage and price controls. Yet, 80 percent in the same poll want less government interference in their own lives!
Our task is to make them see that what we represent is identical to their own hopes and dreams of what America can and should be. If there are questions as to whether the principles of conservatism hold up in practice, we have the answers to them. Where conservative principles have been tried, they have worked.
Without inflation there would be no recession. And unless we curb inflation we can see the end of our society and economic system. The painful fact is we can only halt inflation by undergoing a period of economic dislocation—a recession, if you will.
We can take steps to ease the suffering of some who will be hurt more than others, but if we turn from fighting inflation and adopt a program only to fight recession we are on the road to disaster.
Inflation has one cause and one cause only: government spending more than government takes in. And the cure to inflation is a balanced budget. We know, of course, that after 40 years of social tinkering and Keynesian experimentation that we can’t do this all at once, but it can be achieved. Balancing the budget is like protecting your virtue: you have to learn to say “no.”
This is no time to repeat the shopworn panaceas of the New Deal, the Fair Deal and the Great Society. John Kenneth Galbraith, who, in my opinion, is living proof that economics is an inexact science, has written a new book. It is called “Economics and the Public Purpose.” In it, he asserts that market arrangements in our economy have given us inadequate housing, terrible mass transit, poor health care and a host of other miseries. And then, for the first time to my knowledge, he advances socialism as the answer to our problems.
Shorn of all side issues and extraneous matter, the problem underlying all others is the worldwide contest for the hearts and minds of mankind. Do we find the answers to human misery in freedom as it is known, or do we sink into the deadly dullness of the Socialist ant heap?
Those who suggest that the latter is some kind of solution are, I think, open to challenge. Let’s have no more theorizing when actual comparison is possible. There is in the world a great nation, larger than ours in territory and populated with 250 million capable people. It is rich in resources and has had more than 50 uninterrupted years to practice socialism without opposition.
We could match them, but it would take a little doing on our part. We’d have to cut our paychecks back by 75 percent; move 60 million workers back to the farm; abandon two-thirds of our steel-making capacity; destroy 40 million television sets; tear up 14 of every 15 miles of highway; junk 19 of every 20 automobiles; tear up two-thirds of our railroad track; knock down 70 percent of our houses; and rip out nine out of every 10 telephones. Then, all we have to do is find a capitalist country to sell us wheat on credit to keep us from starving!
Our people are in a time of discontent. Our vital energy supplies are threatened by possibly the most powerful cartel in human history. Our traditional allies in Western Europe are experiencing political and economic instability bordering on chaos.
Can we live with ourselves if we, as a nation, betray our friends and ignore our pledged word? And, if we do, who would ever trust us again? To consider committing such an act so contrary to our deepest ideals is symptomatic of the erosion of standards and values. And this adds to our discontent.
We did not seek world leadership; it was thrust upon us. It has been our destiny almost from the first moment this land was settled. If we fail to keep our rendezvous with destiny or, as John Winthrop said in 1630, “Deal falsely with our God,” we shall be made “a story and byword throughout the world.”
Americans are hungry to feel once again a sense of mission and greatness.
I don‘t know about you, but I am impatient with those Republicans who after the last election rushed into print saying, “We must broaden the base of our party”—when what they meant was to fuzz up and blur even more the differences between ourselves and our opponents.
It was a feeling that there was not a sufficient difference now between the parties that kept a majority of the voters away from the polls. When have we ever advocated a closed-door policy? Who has ever been barred from participating?
Our people look for a cause to believe in. Is it a third party we need, or is it a new and revitalized second party, raising a banner of no pale pastels, but bold colors which make it unmistakably clear where we stand on all of the issues troubling the people?
Let us show that we stand for fiscal integrity and sound money and above all for an end to deficit spending, with ultimate retirement of the national debt.
Let us also include a permanent limit on the percentage of the people’s earnings government can take without their consent.
Let our banner proclaim a genuine tax reform that will begin by simplifying the income tax so that workers can compute their obligation without having to employ legal help.
And let it provide indexing—adjusting the brackets to the cost of living—so that an increase in salary merely to keep pace with inflation does not move the taxpayer into a surtax bracket. Failure to provide this means an increase in government’s share and would make the worker worse off than he was before he got the raise.
Let our banner proclaim our belief in a free market as the greatest provider for the people.
Let us also call for an end to the nit-picking, the harassment and over-regulation of business and industry which restricts expansion and our ability to compete in world markets.
Let us explore ways to ward off socialism, not by increasing government’s coercive power, but by increasing participation by the people in the ownership of our industrial machine.
Our banner must recognize the responsibility of government to protect the law-abiding, holding those who commit misdeeds personally accountable.
And we must make it plain to international adventurers that our love of peace stops short of “peace at any price.”
We will maintain whatever level of strength is necessary to preserve our free way of life.
A political party cannot be all things to all people. It must represent certain fundamental beliefs which must not be compromised to political expediency, or simply to swell its numbers.
I do not believe I have proposed anything that is contrary to what has been considered Republican principle. It is at the same time the very basis of conservatism. It is time to reassert that principle and raise it to full view. And if there are those who cannot subscribe to these principles, then let them go their way.
**********
… we have been through a disastrous election. It is easy for us to be discouraged, as pundits hail that election as a repudiation of our philosophy and even as a mandate of some kind or other. But the significance of the election was not registered by those who voted, but by those who stayed home…
In another recent survey, of 35,000 college and university students polled, three-fourths blame American business and industry for all of our economic and social ills. The same three-fourths think the answer is more (and virtually complete) regimentation and government control of all phases of business—including the imposition of wage and price controls. Yet, 80 percent in the same poll want less government interference in their own lives!
Our task is to make them see that what we represent is identical to their own hopes and dreams of what America can and should be. If there are questions as to whether the principles of conservatism hold up in practice, we have the answers to them. Where conservative principles have been tried, they have worked.
Without inflation there would be no recession. And unless we curb inflation we can see the end of our society and economic system. The painful fact is we can only halt inflation by undergoing a period of economic dislocation—a recession, if you will.
We can take steps to ease the suffering of some who will be hurt more than others, but if we turn from fighting inflation and adopt a program only to fight recession we are on the road to disaster.
Inflation has one cause and one cause only: government spending more than government takes in. And the cure to inflation is a balanced budget. We know, of course, that after 40 years of social tinkering and Keynesian experimentation that we can’t do this all at once, but it can be achieved. Balancing the budget is like protecting your virtue: you have to learn to say “no.”
This is no time to repeat the shopworn panaceas of the New Deal, the Fair Deal and the Great Society. John Kenneth Galbraith, who, in my opinion, is living proof that economics is an inexact science, has written a new book. It is called “Economics and the Public Purpose.” In it, he asserts that market arrangements in our economy have given us inadequate housing, terrible mass transit, poor health care and a host of other miseries. And then, for the first time to my knowledge, he advances socialism as the answer to our problems.
Shorn of all side issues and extraneous matter, the problem underlying all others is the worldwide contest for the hearts and minds of mankind. Do we find the answers to human misery in freedom as it is known, or do we sink into the deadly dullness of the Socialist ant heap?
Those who suggest that the latter is some kind of solution are, I think, open to challenge. Let’s have no more theorizing when actual comparison is possible. There is in the world a great nation, larger than ours in territory and populated with 250 million capable people. It is rich in resources and has had more than 50 uninterrupted years to practice socialism without opposition.
We could match them, but it would take a little doing on our part. We’d have to cut our paychecks back by 75 percent; move 60 million workers back to the farm; abandon two-thirds of our steel-making capacity; destroy 40 million television sets; tear up 14 of every 15 miles of highway; junk 19 of every 20 automobiles; tear up two-thirds of our railroad track; knock down 70 percent of our houses; and rip out nine out of every 10 telephones. Then, all we have to do is find a capitalist country to sell us wheat on credit to keep us from starving!
Our people are in a time of discontent. Our vital energy supplies are threatened by possibly the most powerful cartel in human history. Our traditional allies in Western Europe are experiencing political and economic instability bordering on chaos.
Can we live with ourselves if we, as a nation, betray our friends and ignore our pledged word? And, if we do, who would ever trust us again? To consider committing such an act so contrary to our deepest ideals is symptomatic of the erosion of standards and values. And this adds to our discontent.
We did not seek world leadership; it was thrust upon us. It has been our destiny almost from the first moment this land was settled. If we fail to keep our rendezvous with destiny or, as John Winthrop said in 1630, “Deal falsely with our God,” we shall be made “a story and byword throughout the world.”
Americans are hungry to feel once again a sense of mission and greatness.
I don‘t know about you, but I am impatient with those Republicans who after the last election rushed into print saying, “We must broaden the base of our party”—when what they meant was to fuzz up and blur even more the differences between ourselves and our opponents.
It was a feeling that there was not a sufficient difference now between the parties that kept a majority of the voters away from the polls. When have we ever advocated a closed-door policy? Who has ever been barred from participating?
Our people look for a cause to believe in. Is it a third party we need, or is it a new and revitalized second party, raising a banner of no pale pastels, but bold colors which make it unmistakably clear where we stand on all of the issues troubling the people?
Let us show that we stand for fiscal integrity and sound money and above all for an end to deficit spending, with ultimate retirement of the national debt.
Let us also include a permanent limit on the percentage of the people’s earnings government can take without their consent.
Let our banner proclaim a genuine tax reform that will begin by simplifying the income tax so that workers can compute their obligation without having to employ legal help.
And let it provide indexing—adjusting the brackets to the cost of living—so that an increase in salary merely to keep pace with inflation does not move the taxpayer into a surtax bracket. Failure to provide this means an increase in government’s share and would make the worker worse off than he was before he got the raise.
Let our banner proclaim our belief in a free market as the greatest provider for the people.
Let us also call for an end to the nit-picking, the harassment and over-regulation of business and industry which restricts expansion and our ability to compete in world markets.
Let us explore ways to ward off socialism, not by increasing government’s coercive power, but by increasing participation by the people in the ownership of our industrial machine.
Our banner must recognize the responsibility of government to protect the law-abiding, holding those who commit misdeeds personally accountable.
And we must make it plain to international adventurers that our love of peace stops short of “peace at any price.”
We will maintain whatever level of strength is necessary to preserve our free way of life.
A political party cannot be all things to all people. It must represent certain fundamental beliefs which must not be compromised to political expediency, or simply to swell its numbers.
I do not believe I have proposed anything that is contrary to what has been considered Republican principle. It is at the same time the very basis of conservatism. It is time to reassert that principle and raise it to full view. And if there are those who cannot subscribe to these principles, then let them go their way.
Trying to See the Glass Half-Full
The Good:
- An African American was voted President for the first time.
- At least Joe Biden isn't President.
- We still live in a country where we can have a free election without riots, wars, or injustices.
- It's only 4 years.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Monday, November 03, 2008
Election Eve Ad -- WTF?
Obama's Moving Tax Threshold: $250,000? $200,000? $150,000? What Next?
Obama's position in the past was that he would raise taxes on families making more than $250,000 a year and individuals making more than $200,000. But in his new ad, "Defining Moment," he seems to lower it to $200,000 for families. "Here's what I'll do as president," Obama says in the ad. "To deal with our current emergency I'll launch a rescue plan for the middle class That begins with a tax cut for 95 percent of working Americans. If you have a job, pay taxes and make less than $200,000 a year, you'll get a tax cut." That seems kind of ambiguous, but the graphic on the screen says clearly: "Famlies making less than $200,000 get tax cut." Now, the McCain campaign is pointing out something that Joe Biden said in a Pennsylvania TV interview yesterday:
What we’re saying is that $87 billion tax break doesn’t need to go to people making an average of 1.4 million, it should go like it used to. It should go to middle class people — people making under $150,000 a year.”
This morning, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, McCain started pushing hard:
Senator Obama has made a lot of promises. First he said people making less than 250,000 dollars would benefit from his plan, then this weekend he announced in an ad that if you're a family making less than 200,000 dollars you'll benefit — but yesterday, right here in Pennsylvania, Senator Biden said tax relief should only go to "middle class people — people making under 150,000 dollars a year." It's interesting how their definition of rich has a way of creeping down. At this rate, it won't be long before Senator Obama is right back to his vote that Americans making just 42,000 dollars a year should get a tax increase. We can't let that happen.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
What's on my Kindle
I am loving my Kindle. To any book fanatics, I highly encourage you to get this device. Gone are the stacks and stacks of books on my nightstand -- they are now replaced with my kindle.
Now, instead of waiting the 5-7 days (Amazon super saver shipping) to get my books, I can get them in under 60 seconds by downloading them instantly.
The books I have downloaded thus far:
Now, instead of waiting the 5-7 days (Amazon super saver shipping) to get my books, I can get them in under 60 seconds by downloading them instantly.
The books I have downloaded thus far:
- The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, David Wroblewski
- The Revolution, Ron Paul
- Dicey's Song, Cynthia Voigt
- The Shack, William P. Young
- The Douay-Rheims Bible
- Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution--and How It Can Renew America, Thomas L. Friedman
Monday, October 27, 2008
My new toy...
Just an FYI, I wanted this even before Oprah's endorsement. The extra $50 off put me over the edge, however, so I broke down and ordered it yesterday.
There's always that one idiot...
My friend was at the bank today and he saw the following sign:
"For everyone's safety during Halloween, please refrain from wearing masks in this facility."
"For everyone's safety during Halloween, please refrain from wearing masks in this facility."
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Criminals, Drugs and Pollution
I hate them all. What better argument to get rid of illegal aliens and illegal drugs than this?
http://www.dailynews.com/ci_10693384
Save our Forests by kicking out the illegals and the the pot!
http://www.dailynews.com/ci_10693384
Save our Forests by kicking out the illegals and the the pot!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Slum Crew 2009?
Should we order this for the camping trip? I'm wondering how it would look hooked to the back of my Benz?
Monday, October 06, 2008
Sorry, Gill...
But I had to copy one of your posts. Gill posted a link to a site called www.bookmooch.com earlier this year. I really didn't pay too much attention to it until he mentioned it to me over lunch a few weeks ago. This is the coolest site!
The concept is this: you post all of your books that you don't want anymore. Then people email you and request them. You mail them the book for free. For every book you mail, you get a point. You then use those points to ask other people to mail you free books. How cool is that??? All you pay is book rate shipping (which is about $3 or $4 per book depending on weight). I've already mailed out 5 books and I have my first one on its way. What a great way to recycle old volumes that would otherwise collect dust on your bookshelves.
Thanks for the tip, Gill!
The concept is this: you post all of your books that you don't want anymore. Then people email you and request them. You mail them the book for free. For every book you mail, you get a point. You then use those points to ask other people to mail you free books. How cool is that??? All you pay is book rate shipping (which is about $3 or $4 per book depending on weight). I've already mailed out 5 books and I have my first one on its way. What a great way to recycle old volumes that would otherwise collect dust on your bookshelves.
Thanks for the tip, Gill!
Friday, October 03, 2008
I want this.
Not sure if I've posted this before, but the prices have dropped and I really want one.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Fall Madness
One of the things I hate (and love) about Fall is all the new television shows that are on. For the first time, my dvr/time ratio is growing out of control. It seems I must spend hours in front of the tube to catch up on all the great programs that are out. This is, one: pretty cool as it gives me something to do and two: really pathetic that I have nothing else better to do.
Since Bailey was sick today (prognosis - getting better), I was able to catch up on last week's shows. Some of my Season Passes include:
Since Bailey was sick today (prognosis - getting better), I was able to catch up on last week's shows. Some of my Season Passes include:
- Mad Men (a new fav)
- Heroes (getting to be oddly like 4400)
- Dexter
- Entourage
- LOST
- Californication
- Weeds (just ended)
- Jon & Kate Plus 8 (don't knock it)
- Gossip Girl (sorta the 90210 of NYC- I blame JD for getting me hooked)
- New 90210
- Desperate Housewives (getting to be really lame)
- Grey's Anatomy
- How I Met Your Mother
- Rules of Engagement (love the Putty character)
- It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (dark comedy)
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Sunday, September 07, 2008
From, "The Rock Cries Out to Us Today"
...
Lift up your faces, you have a piercing need
For this bright morning dawning for you.
History, despite its wrenching pain,
Cannot be unlived, and if faced with courage,
Need not be lived again.
Lift up your eyes upon
The day breaking for you.
Give birth again
To the dream.
Women, children, men,
Take it into the palms of your hands.
Mold it into the shape of your most
Private need. Sculpt it into
The image of your most public self.
Lift up your hearts.
Each new hour holds new chances
For new beginnings.
Do not be wedded forever
To fear, yoked eternally
To brutishness.
The horizon leans forward,
Offering you space to place new steps of change.
Here, on the pulse of this fine day
You may have the courage
To look up and out upon me,
The rock, the river, the tree, your country.
No less to Midas than the mendicant.
No less to you now than the mastodon then.
Here on the pulse of this new day
You may have the grace to look up and out
And into your sister's eyes,
Into your brother's face, your country
And say simply
Very simply
With hope
Good morning.
Maya Angelou
Lift up your faces, you have a piercing need
For this bright morning dawning for you.
History, despite its wrenching pain,
Cannot be unlived, and if faced with courage,
Need not be lived again.
Lift up your eyes upon
The day breaking for you.
Give birth again
To the dream.
Women, children, men,
Take it into the palms of your hands.
Mold it into the shape of your most
Private need. Sculpt it into
The image of your most public self.
Lift up your hearts.
Each new hour holds new chances
For new beginnings.
Do not be wedded forever
To fear, yoked eternally
To brutishness.
The horizon leans forward,
Offering you space to place new steps of change.
Here, on the pulse of this fine day
You may have the courage
To look up and out upon me,
The rock, the river, the tree, your country.
No less to Midas than the mendicant.
No less to you now than the mastodon then.
Here on the pulse of this new day
You may have the grace to look up and out
And into your sister's eyes,
Into your brother's face, your country
And say simply
Very simply
With hope
Good morning.
Maya Angelou
Goals
My friend Henry sent me his lifetime goals today. I was so impressed with the idea, I asked him if I could post them here -- he said that was fine. Reading these goals really made me want to write my own, but I think I also want to include the goals I have already accomplished as well. What a great way to put one's life into perspective.
Henry's Personal Goals
Short- to mid-term
1) Complete Master’s degree in Applied Economics at Johns Hopkins
2) Fund scholarship for first-generation college students
3) Visit the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu with my Dad
4) Visit the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza
Mid- to long-term
1) Attend a Summer Olympics
2) Attend a Winter Olympics
3) Live in South America for at least 2 years
4) Live in Asia for at least 2 years
5) Live in Africa for at least 2years
6) Live in France for at least 2years
7) Live in Spain / Portugal for at least 2years
8) Learn Spanish
9) Learn French
10) Teach a class in Finance / Economics
11) Visit Vancouver
12) Visit Bhutan
13) Marry the girl of my dreams
14) Walk on the Egyptian pyramids
15) Go sky-diving
16) Hike the Appalachian Trail from start to finish
17) Help a non-relative achieve one of his/her life ambitions
18) Work in a non-profit for at least 3 years in service to a cause I believe in
19) Write a book
20) See a polar bear in the wild
21) Witness a volcano erupt first-hand
22) See the stars miles from the nearest city / lights
23) Achieve financial independence by age 50
24) Start my own school
25) Hike the Columbia River gorge
26) Bike / hike across a country
27) To add to my list of ambitions and never complete the list
Henry's Personal Goals
Short- to mid-term
1) Complete Master’s degree in Applied Economics at Johns Hopkins
2) Fund scholarship for first-generation college students
3) Visit the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu with my Dad
4) Visit the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza
Mid- to long-term
1) Attend a Summer Olympics
2) Attend a Winter Olympics
3) Live in South America for at least 2 years
4) Live in Asia for at least 2 years
5) Live in Africa for at least 2years
6) Live in France for at least 2years
7) Live in Spain / Portugal for at least 2years
8) Learn Spanish
9) Learn French
10) Teach a class in Finance / Economics
11) Visit Vancouver
12) Visit Bhutan
13) Marry the girl of my dreams
14) Walk on the Egyptian pyramids
15) Go sky-diving
16) Hike the Appalachian Trail from start to finish
17) Help a non-relative achieve one of his/her life ambitions
18) Work in a non-profit for at least 3 years in service to a cause I believe in
19) Write a book
20) See a polar bear in the wild
21) Witness a volcano erupt first-hand
22) See the stars miles from the nearest city / lights
23) Achieve financial independence by age 50
24) Start my own school
25) Hike the Columbia River gorge
26) Bike / hike across a country
27) To add to my list of ambitions and never complete the list
Saturday, September 06, 2008
RIP Randy Pausch
Some quotes from Randy's "Last Lecture" and other speeches:
- Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted.
- We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play them.
- Brick walls are there to let us prove how badly we want something.
- Wait long enough and people will surprise and impress you.
- Don't bail - the best gold is at the bottom of barrels of crap.
- Don't complain, just work harder.
- Be good at something, it makes you valuable.
- You might have to wait years, but people will eventually show you their good side - not everyone is all evil.
- Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.
- We beat the reaper by living well and living fully.
- It's not the things we do in life we regret on our deathbed, it's the things we don't.
- When people ride you hard, it means they care. When you're doing a bad job and no one says anything, it means they've given up on you.
- It's not about how to achieve your dreams, its about how you live your life. Live your life right, the dreams will come to you.
- The pioneers are the ones that have arrows in their backs.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Drum Roll Please!
So for the past 4 weeks, I've been eagerly awaiting the DNA test results for Bailey to determine what the heck he is! They finally arrived today (complete with certificate of authentication) and I must say, I was a bit surprised. Most of him (but less than 50%) is Border Collie. But he actually has three other minor influences of: Alaskan Malamute, Mastiff (wtf?!) and Lab. Bizarre.
The documentation states:
Primary – This category is intended to help owners recognize when their pet’s DNA contains a majority of a specific breed (i.e. 50% or greater). If your dog has a strong match to one of our validated breeds, then it is categorized as primary. Most mixed breed dogs will not usually have a breed in this category unless one or both of their parents are purebred.
Secondary – This category reports breeds that are easily recognizable within your dog. While these breeds may have a strong influence on your pet, each breed listed makes up less than the majority of your dog’s DNA.
In the Mix – This final category identifies breeds that have the least amount of influence on your pet’s composition, however, they still appear, at a low and measurable amount, in your pet’s DNA.
(And yes, I realize we are now officially D.I.N.Ks by doing this...)
The documentation states:
Primary – This category is intended to help owners recognize when their pet’s DNA contains a majority of a specific breed (i.e. 50% or greater). If your dog has a strong match to one of our validated breeds, then it is categorized as primary. Most mixed breed dogs will not usually have a breed in this category unless one or both of their parents are purebred.
Secondary – This category reports breeds that are easily recognizable within your dog. While these breeds may have a strong influence on your pet, each breed listed makes up less than the majority of your dog’s DNA.
In the Mix – This final category identifies breeds that have the least amount of influence on your pet’s composition, however, they still appear, at a low and measurable amount, in your pet’s DNA.
(And yes, I realize we are now officially D.I.N.Ks by doing this...)
Monday, July 07, 2008
Gotta Love the HOA...
The South Riding Proprietary is known for their bizarre regulations and their Nazi-ish implementation of said regs (reference: Peerenbooms vs. South Riding, 2002 – the infamous deck slicing). Well, John and I are having a sprinkler system installed next month. So before the back hoes show up ready to tear up our lawn, I thought I better read the “Design and Maintenance Standards” of good ol’ South Riding to make sure we’re in compliance. While perusing the 44 pages, I found some of the passages quite humorous and thought I would share with my [two] readers. It appears that the Proprietary drove around West Virginia for the day and then proceeded to list all the things we SHOULDN’T do:
• The display of any dead animals or animal carcasses on the exterior of the home is not permitted under any circumstance.
• Clotheslines or similar apparatus are not permitted outside a house.
• The use of doghouses is discouraged. However, Applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Committee. Doghouses must be located in the rear of the property and be screened from view of the street and adjoining lots.
• Approval will be required for all exterior decorative objects including natural and man-made objects. Placement of decorative objects in the front yard is discouraged. Exterior decorative objects include, but are not limited to, such items as sculptures, fountains, pools, gnomes, stumps and driftwood. Any exterior decorative object greater than 12 inches in height or width or numbering more than three (3) will require approval of the Committee.
• Electronic insect traps will be regulated based on the same criteria as for exterior lighting. In addition, no device shall be installed or maintained in such a way as to become a noise or visual nuisance to adjacent owners, and may only be operated during those times when the immediate area protected by the trap is occupied by the owner or guests.
• Firewood shall be kept neatly stacked and shall be located to the rear of the property in such a manner as to avoid adverse visual impacts for adjoining properties or open space. The use of brightly colored tarps will not be permitted.
• An Application is required for rock gardens. All rocks shall be left in their natural color.
• Mailboxes primarily serve a functional necessity and are not necessarily a decorative asset to a Lot. Ornamentation (e.g., decorative covers, lighting, plants, etc.) are not permitted on mailboxes, posts, or the ground surrounding them.
• All vehicles must be parked only in areas (driveways, streets, garages, etc.) designated for such purpose and in full conformity with all applicable laws. At no time may residential lawns, yards, open space, general turf areas, etc. be used for parking, storage, or other recurring use to support vehicles of any type.
• No signs may be posted on any Lots, other than one real estate sign, not to exceed six (6) square feet, listing a property For Sale or Rent and a maximum of one security sign.
• Winter holiday decorations may not be installed prior to Thanksgiving Day and must be removed from the exterior of Lots by the last day of January.
• The display of any dead animals or animal carcasses on the exterior of the home is not permitted under any circumstance.
• Clotheslines or similar apparatus are not permitted outside a house.
• The use of doghouses is discouraged. However, Applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Committee. Doghouses must be located in the rear of the property and be screened from view of the street and adjoining lots.
• Approval will be required for all exterior decorative objects including natural and man-made objects. Placement of decorative objects in the front yard is discouraged. Exterior decorative objects include, but are not limited to, such items as sculptures, fountains, pools, gnomes, stumps and driftwood. Any exterior decorative object greater than 12 inches in height or width or numbering more than three (3) will require approval of the Committee.
• Electronic insect traps will be regulated based on the same criteria as for exterior lighting. In addition, no device shall be installed or maintained in such a way as to become a noise or visual nuisance to adjacent owners, and may only be operated during those times when the immediate area protected by the trap is occupied by the owner or guests.
• Firewood shall be kept neatly stacked and shall be located to the rear of the property in such a manner as to avoid adverse visual impacts for adjoining properties or open space. The use of brightly colored tarps will not be permitted.
• An Application is required for rock gardens. All rocks shall be left in their natural color.
• Mailboxes primarily serve a functional necessity and are not necessarily a decorative asset to a Lot. Ornamentation (e.g., decorative covers, lighting, plants, etc.) are not permitted on mailboxes, posts, or the ground surrounding them.
• All vehicles must be parked only in areas (driveways, streets, garages, etc.) designated for such purpose and in full conformity with all applicable laws. At no time may residential lawns, yards, open space, general turf areas, etc. be used for parking, storage, or other recurring use to support vehicles of any type.
• No signs may be posted on any Lots, other than one real estate sign, not to exceed six (6) square feet, listing a property For Sale or Rent and a maximum of one security sign.
• Winter holiday decorations may not be installed prior to Thanksgiving Day and must be removed from the exterior of Lots by the last day of January.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
San Diego Diary - Full Boxed Set
April 17, 2008
John and I departed from Dulles around 5:00 and landed in San Diego around 8:00 pm West Coast time. This was the first time I had stepped foot in California, even though Jen and I were about 20 minutes away on our trip to Lake Tahoe. We rented a Prius (thank God -- the gas prices here are $4.00+ per gallon for regular) and made our way to the Park Manor Suites, right across from Balboa Park. Once checked in, we were starving so John went exploring to find some food. He came back with an awesome pizza from Bronx Pizza -- quite a tasty treat to have at about midnight East Coast time.
April 18, 2008
We decided to sleep in and relax a bit before adventuring out to sunny San Diego. The weather was beautiful and we couldn't resist having "breakfast" around 11:00 at In-N-Out Burger -- yum! After eating our cheeseburgers, fries and root beer floats, we decided to visit Coronado Island to dip our feet in the Pacific Ocean. The view was amazing, the beach smooth and glittering with gold (Warren -- why the heck is it like that???) and the weather was perfect.
After Coronado, we drove out to Seaport Village to do some tourist shopping, look at the water and see the sights. In one of the sections of the village, there was a guy there who rescues parrots. If you give a donation to his rescue, you could take a picture of them (and hold them if you wanted too). Below were two of them that were walking around -- so cool!
After the parrots, we were getting hungry and stopped at a restaurant on the water. I had a seafood salad and John had seafood linguine. Mmmmm. After that, a trip to Starbucks was needed so I could get a Cinnamon Latte and then we crashed back at the hotel.
April 19, 2008
Again, we decided to sleep in (what's the rush?). Our first meal of the day was at Hash House A Go Go, per recommendation from Mat P.
The wait was about 45 minutes, but DEFINITELY worth it. The portions were HUGE (below is a picture of my 14" pancake).
I had eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy and a blueberry coconut pancake that was the size of a frying pan. John had mashed potatoes topped with spinach topped with tomatoes topped with biscuits topped with two friend chicken breasts topped with bacon and scrambled eggs. It was quite the show of gluttony. The plates were not plates -- they were serving platters as wide as the table. It was good.
After Hash House, we walked around the Gas Lamp District and did some light shopping, making sure to stop in the Ghiradelli Chocolate Ice Cream Shop for mint chocolate chip ice cream and a Coke float. We then took the Prius out to Escondido to visit Orfila Vineyard to do a wine tasting. I am happy to report that San Diego wine is nothing special -- I still love my Virginia wines.
On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at La Jolla Cove (pronounced La Hoya) to watch the sunset -- although the sky was overcast and we were not able to see anything other than a crazy man swimming in the freezing ocean and a beautiful view of some rocks and birds. Below is a picture of John calling his Mom from La Jolla on her birthday.
Back at the hotel, we were starving, so John went out to get Mexican from Jimmy Carter's Mexican Restaurant (no affiliation with the President) it was tastilicious!
April 20, 2008
We started the morning by eating our leftovers from the Hash House (our hotel used to be an apartment building so we had a small kitchen with fridge and microwave to heat up leftovers). After eating we ended up going to church at Saint Joseph's cathedral. It was a nice service and the priest was good.
After St. Joe's it was time for the San Diego zoo! We had a blast looking at all of the animals and enjoying the nice weather. Below are some shots from our day there. If you notice the pic of the panda, you'll see she's nursing. Apparently its pretty rare for them to do that in public
After the zoo, we were starving so we went to La Jolla again (I kept wanting to pronounce it "La Holla") to grab some food and see if we could catch the sunset. We ended up going to Whisknladle which was a really really cool place. Everything there was organic and most of their food is made onsite to include their own cured meats, cheese, mustard, mayo, ice cream, pasta, butter and bread. We had a fantastic plate of meats and cheese followed by swiss chard and ricotta ravioli and John had some spicy shrimp. There were lightbulbs hanging above us with curled filaments in them that I though were too cool not to photograph.
After our meal, we went out to the water to watch the sunset. I took over 100 pictures of the sunset over 2 days, below is one of my more favorite shots.
April 21, 2008
Unfortunately, I had to work on this particular day (I guess I owed it to my company to put in at least one day of work, eh?). I spent the majority of the day auditing our San Diego office and preparing them for their next government security inspection. The day went pretty well and when I was finished, John and I had some time to kill before catching the red-eye back to the coast. We had dinner at another restaurant in La Jolla and I took MORE photos of the sunset. One thing we did not realize the previous two days, was that this beach is home to "pupping" sea lions. After walking a bit, we found the beach and were able to get within 20 feet of 100+ sea lions basking on the beach! What a cool cool thing!
After that, we headed to the airport and got home around 6:00 am on the 22nd. We had a blast - I'm so glad I went.
John and I departed from Dulles around 5:00 and landed in San Diego around 8:00 pm West Coast time. This was the first time I had stepped foot in California, even though Jen and I were about 20 minutes away on our trip to Lake Tahoe. We rented a Prius (thank God -- the gas prices here are $4.00+ per gallon for regular) and made our way to the Park Manor Suites, right across from Balboa Park. Once checked in, we were starving so John went exploring to find some food. He came back with an awesome pizza from Bronx Pizza -- quite a tasty treat to have at about midnight East Coast time.
April 18, 2008
We decided to sleep in and relax a bit before adventuring out to sunny San Diego. The weather was beautiful and we couldn't resist having "breakfast" around 11:00 at In-N-Out Burger -- yum! After eating our cheeseburgers, fries and root beer floats, we decided to visit Coronado Island to dip our feet in the Pacific Ocean. The view was amazing, the beach smooth and glittering with gold (Warren -- why the heck is it like that???) and the weather was perfect.
After Coronado, we drove out to Seaport Village to do some tourist shopping, look at the water and see the sights. In one of the sections of the village, there was a guy there who rescues parrots. If you give a donation to his rescue, you could take a picture of them (and hold them if you wanted too). Below were two of them that were walking around -- so cool!
After the parrots, we were getting hungry and stopped at a restaurant on the water. I had a seafood salad and John had seafood linguine. Mmmmm. After that, a trip to Starbucks was needed so I could get a Cinnamon Latte and then we crashed back at the hotel.
April 19, 2008
Again, we decided to sleep in (what's the rush?). Our first meal of the day was at Hash House A Go Go, per recommendation from Mat P.
The wait was about 45 minutes, but DEFINITELY worth it. The portions were HUGE (below is a picture of my 14" pancake).
I had eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy and a blueberry coconut pancake that was the size of a frying pan. John had mashed potatoes topped with spinach topped with tomatoes topped with biscuits topped with two friend chicken breasts topped with bacon and scrambled eggs. It was quite the show of gluttony. The plates were not plates -- they were serving platters as wide as the table. It was good.
After Hash House, we walked around the Gas Lamp District and did some light shopping, making sure to stop in the Ghiradelli Chocolate Ice Cream Shop for mint chocolate chip ice cream and a Coke float. We then took the Prius out to Escondido to visit Orfila Vineyard to do a wine tasting. I am happy to report that San Diego wine is nothing special -- I still love my Virginia wines.
On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at La Jolla Cove (pronounced La Hoya) to watch the sunset -- although the sky was overcast and we were not able to see anything other than a crazy man swimming in the freezing ocean and a beautiful view of some rocks and birds. Below is a picture of John calling his Mom from La Jolla on her birthday.
Back at the hotel, we were starving, so John went out to get Mexican from Jimmy Carter's Mexican Restaurant (no affiliation with the President) it was tastilicious!
April 20, 2008
We started the morning by eating our leftovers from the Hash House (our hotel used to be an apartment building so we had a small kitchen with fridge and microwave to heat up leftovers). After eating we ended up going to church at Saint Joseph's cathedral. It was a nice service and the priest was good.
After St. Joe's it was time for the San Diego zoo! We had a blast looking at all of the animals and enjoying the nice weather. Below are some shots from our day there. If you notice the pic of the panda, you'll see she's nursing. Apparently its pretty rare for them to do that in public
After the zoo, we were starving so we went to La Jolla again (I kept wanting to pronounce it "La Holla") to grab some food and see if we could catch the sunset. We ended up going to Whisknladle which was a really really cool place. Everything there was organic and most of their food is made onsite to include their own cured meats, cheese, mustard, mayo, ice cream, pasta, butter and bread. We had a fantastic plate of meats and cheese followed by swiss chard and ricotta ravioli and John had some spicy shrimp. There were lightbulbs hanging above us with curled filaments in them that I though were too cool not to photograph.
After our meal, we went out to the water to watch the sunset. I took over 100 pictures of the sunset over 2 days, below is one of my more favorite shots.
April 21, 2008
Unfortunately, I had to work on this particular day (I guess I owed it to my company to put in at least one day of work, eh?). I spent the majority of the day auditing our San Diego office and preparing them for their next government security inspection. The day went pretty well and when I was finished, John and I had some time to kill before catching the red-eye back to the coast. We had dinner at another restaurant in La Jolla and I took MORE photos of the sunset. One thing we did not realize the previous two days, was that this beach is home to "pupping" sea lions. After walking a bit, we found the beach and were able to get within 20 feet of 100+ sea lions basking on the beach! What a cool cool thing!
After that, we headed to the airport and got home around 6:00 am on the 22nd. We had a blast - I'm so glad I went.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Prayers, Please
I don't normally post items here that are personal in nature about my family, but I think now is an appropriate time.
As many of you know, my father has been battling diabetes and congestive heart failure for 7 years now (he was diagnosed with CHF 1 week after John and I were married). We have just come to learn that he is now in Stage 3 Renal Failure. This has been a strain on my mother - taking him back and forth to heart and kidney specialists for the past two months and I know this is just the beginning of a long road ahead.
Please keep my parents and my family in your prayers. Caring for a loved one that is very ill is never easy on anyone and the Lambiasi family would appreciate any prayers you can send our way.
Thanks.
As many of you know, my father has been battling diabetes and congestive heart failure for 7 years now (he was diagnosed with CHF 1 week after John and I were married). We have just come to learn that he is now in Stage 3 Renal Failure. This has been a strain on my mother - taking him back and forth to heart and kidney specialists for the past two months and I know this is just the beginning of a long road ahead.
Please keep my parents and my family in your prayers. Caring for a loved one that is very ill is never easy on anyone and the Lambiasi family would appreciate any prayers you can send our way.
Thanks.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Latest Cakes
These were made for Genevieve's 4th "Princess Party". Doll and Castle are cakes -- the lollipops are white chocolate in the shape of crowns and castles. Last pic is the birthday girl!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Miche for Michelle
Jen and I were at Tyson's today when we discovered the best invention known to all women-kind that has hit a mall kiosk in the past 20 years. It's called the Miche. Invented by a woman named Michelle, this black and/or brown basic purse is equipped with magnets. In less than the time it takes to say "Miche", you can slap on a new "shell" (if I were her, I would have called them "chelles") on the outside of the purse to completely change the entire look. I bought one brown and one black purse today and got 6 shells -- which means I can have 14 different purses for less than $150. I am in love. And how could I pass up a purse named for and invented by a woman named Michelle?
For those ladies that want to check it out, go here: www.michebag.com.
For those ladies that want to check it out, go here: www.michebag.com.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Sad.
These past two weeks have probably been some of the hardest two weeks of my life. I have had difficulties with family and I have had some terrible experiences at work. I am constantly being tested and it seems everyday is a struggle between doing what I think is right and doing what others think is right. I now find myself questioning all my previous actions and wondering if I have EVER done anything correctly, and if I should continue in the line of work that I am in.
The last time I felt this way was in high school when my entire lunch table decided to turn against me and tell me they all hated me. In order to show this united display against me, they all brought oranges in for lunch (my most hated fruit enemy). I can remember locking myself in the bathroom stall at school and crying on the floor -- the history teacher had to coax me out.
Although a funny and petty story now, it was the end of my world then. I am just hoping I will look back on these two week 10 years from now and think the same thing.
The last time I felt this way was in high school when my entire lunch table decided to turn against me and tell me they all hated me. In order to show this united display against me, they all brought oranges in for lunch (my most hated fruit enemy). I can remember locking myself in the bathroom stall at school and crying on the floor -- the history teacher had to coax me out.
Although a funny and petty story now, it was the end of my world then. I am just hoping I will look back on these two week 10 years from now and think the same thing.
Friday, February 22, 2008
An Email from John Last Friday...
There was a woman at lunch today eating a big plate of Kung Pow chicken and reading Catholicism for Dummies. I guess she hadn’t gotten to the chapter about Lent yet.
I had shrimp fried rice.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Bridal Shower
I had a bridal shower for my cousin, Emily, on Saturday. Em's getting married in May. We had a great time and my cousin Nicole was a saint being my Sous Chef -- helping me to prepare a million dishes. Emily's friend, Catherine, is a photographer in training and managed to get some fantastic shots. Two of my favs are below (yeah, I had to include the one of Bailey cause he's really adorable).
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Angry
I am so mad. I left work early today because of the weather. Jennifer called me right before and asked me to come get her because she almost got into an accident on the bridge and didnt want to drive home. So I left work to go get her and proceeded to get into an accident on the bridge. The bridge was a sheet of ice and this lady in front of me slammed on her breaks. I, in turn, slammed on my brakes. The anti-locks went on, but the car still slid...right into her. It was like ice skating with a Highlander and a Rav4. Ugh.
So we pulled into the police station (that happened to be right there) and the guy at the station told us it would be 4-5 hours before a cop could get to us (as they were all out at accident scenes!). So he gave us a report and we wrote up our own report and exchanged info. She was really nice -- if I was going to hit anyone, I was glad it was her.
So my car has like $4,000 worth of damage and I'm just really shook up right now. Sigh.
Stupid ice.
So we pulled into the police station (that happened to be right there) and the guy at the station told us it would be 4-5 hours before a cop could get to us (as they were all out at accident scenes!). So he gave us a report and we wrote up our own report and exchanged info. She was really nice -- if I was going to hit anyone, I was glad it was her.
So my car has like $4,000 worth of damage and I'm just really shook up right now. Sigh.
Stupid ice.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Promoted.
I got promoted last week. Although my company has been preparing me for the past year to take over my current supervisor's position, I really didn't think it would actually happen. But it did. My new official title is Director, Corporate Security. I am really excited about the new role, but a little hesitant as well about all of the challenges that it will bring. It seems I will have pretty large shoes to fill, and for some reason I feel like I'm wearing a pair of those toddler Nikes with the velcro straps.
I also recently got elected as the Chapter Chair of my non-profit security organization as well. So this week I am flying up to New England for a Board of Directors meeting for my non-profit and am combining it with a security site visit for one of my offsites. I feel so... old.
I also recently got elected as the Chapter Chair of my non-profit security organization as well. So this week I am flying up to New England for a Board of Directors meeting for my non-profit and am combining it with a security site visit for one of my offsites. I feel so... old.
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