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About this blog

Random musings on Romance

Entries in this blog

 

I'm just blown away

Ok, I'm not, really, but it makes for a great title.   I crack up anymore about meteorology and the news. If you're here in the States, and perhaps on some BBC newscasts, the weather here in Northern California made headlines. "Monster storm!" "Buckets of rain!" "Flooding!"   Yeah, ok. Let me 'splain some tings, Loocee: 1) January is usually a wet month for us. Usually November is, too, as is March...this time 'round November was kinda dry, but so far January's holding up its end of the bargain. Granted, it's only the 4th.   2) High winds aren't always usual--certainly not hurricane force winds, true enough. But it does happen. I remember one year my dad had no more gotten down out of the trees after pruning back the cypresses behind the house when the next day a huge storm came in, and possibly would have knocked some of them down. Like I said, it's not usual...but it's happened before.   3) Flooding...what people keep neglecting is that each place that floods is in a goddamn flood plane!!!. Therefore, every year, when storms hit, the tendency is for these areas to flood. Yet people build there...because 'they've always been there'...blah blah blah. Lookit, I do have sympathy for you that you lost your stuff...but whose idea was it to go and live in a natural flood plane? Did you not check the area out before you decided to live there? Oh, sorry, that requires common sense.   Basically, I figure that it has to be 'big news' (hell, it's taken over half of the newscasts locally) because news producers are bored...or perhaps they find this entertaining. Really, I don't need another 'story' about people loading up on supplies and sandbags, nor the trees that randomly came down. The bit about the tree falling in the BART tracks, yeah, that's important (BART, or Bay Area Rapid Transit, is our elevated/subway transit system). Closing of roads and bridges, that's very important. But notes on how a small creek is "20 feet from flood stage, and rising"??? Nope, really, that's ok.   FYI: I'm dry...but then again, I didn't go outside. Go figure.

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

I'm beginning to see the light

I just updated my FaceBook status to: Domani!! Domani!!!   Translation: Tomorrow!! Tomorrow!!!   Yes, tomorrow's the big day. I've been working on the list of things to pack. Today I have a couple of appointments, then it's laundry and cleaning the apartment. I haven't decided for sure, but I still have some stuff for a light dinner tonight. Then...the big day!   Tomorrow's shaping up to be a very long day...about a 36 hour day. In the morning I need to pack (unless I do it tonight, which is possible), do some yoga to stretch out and relax, take Bella to the kennel, and then go for the airport. It's a later flight (7:30pm), but because I'm flying international on the first leg and I'm checking a bag, I need to get there 2-3 hours early. The bad news in this is that I'll be taking public transportation...not my favorite option, but when flying out midweek during the workday, well, that's about it. I think I back tracked it so that I have to leave the house at 2pm. Eh, it's all good.   The only thing I'm not prepared for is the language. Sure, I'm fluent in Italian, but I haven't had the time to review anything. Remember, I speak Spanish and English every day...no real Italian. And while I've been forcing myself to think in Italian as much as possible, there are some definite lapses. I guess this means I'm bringing my review book on the plane.   I'm not nervous. I'm kinda surprised, really. But in a way, I'm not. How do I phrase this...I tend to get nervous leading up to major events, then the nerves seem to melt away when it's time to act. But it's all good...la vita

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

I'm a fish again!

I joined a new gym a week ago, and it's taken that long to get my shit together and get into the pool. Aw man, I forgot how awesome it is to get into a clean, clear pool and do my laps! It's been about 8 months, and this new gym is quite motivating...almost like the one I used to go to when I lived in San Mateo. Great equipment, full amenities, and nothing is overcrowded.   Ok, so I didn't do my usual mile and a half...to say the least, my body wasn't going to allow that. But still, 1200 yards is fine for a start. But it was just amazing to glide through the water again, to practice strokes that I've done for years and years...to feel my gills fling open with life! And to dry off in the sun afterwards...it feels just like it did a year ago at the old gym.   I tell ya, this new place (which is just 5 blocks from my apartment...if that's not reason enough to get my fat ass outta here) is the key to reaching that ultimate goal.

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

I Will Wait

*Shuffle into the room*   *Notice tons of dust on the blog*   *Pull out cleaning rag and wipe away dust*   There...that's better   So, uh, yeah, been a bit busy this year. Not that I have a ton of time to maintain this blog currently...and probably won't for another month. But at least I should make an effort, right?   Yeah, I hope so, too.   So, what and/or who has been taking up my time, you ask? Funny, that. In no particular order...   Boyfriend: Ok, that one is in a particular order...yes, the same one since January. Life is truly wonderful--especially since he respects my busy schedule (a first for me). At the end of October we're moving in together, even.   Accreditation: Lemme 'splain dis one, Lucy. Every academic institution, from K-12 to college, applies for accreditation. By receiving accreditation, said institution is eligible for state and federal financial aid, the degrees and learning are 'to minimum code,' to borrow a term from the building industry, and therefore will be accepted at any other academic institution. Accreditation is done by regional bodies, each of which have separate sub-bodies for various levels of education (K-12, Junior/Community Colleges, 4-year Universities). The one that my main campus falls under is known for being the most critical, and for giving out a ton of sanctions every year. So, what does this have to do with me? I'm the head writer for the campus' Self-Evaluation. Thankfully, most of the writing is done by sub-committees, and I just have to make it all one, cohesive unit. Seeing as how I was chosen because of my work on one of the sub-committees, I also have to help that group with their work. No small task.   ePortfolios: On top of that, a colleague in the ESL department pulled me in to work with her on student ePortfolios. Higher ed campuses are moving to this system of keeping track of certain student work, so that the Accreditation Powers That Be will be satisfied with the sacrificial offering. (Ooops, I probably shouldn't use so much snark there...oh well, it's out there.) Anyway, I'm new to that world, too, so I'm learning what I can, trying things out, and creating the workshops for that with my colleague.   Bay Honors Consortium: I got pulled into a group of Honors professors at the various community colleges in the Bay Area last academic year, and I love working with these people. We have 2 events every year: the Round Table in October (for faculty and administrators who want to pow-wow with their colleagues elsewhere in Northern California) and the Bay Honors Research Symposium in late April/early May (for students to present their research in a true academic conference). So, yeah, just a bit of work to do there.   Teaching: So, on top of working a full schedule at 2 different campuses (that are 35 miles apart), my spring schedule featured 3 private groups, and a private tutoring session that I did with a businessman. Thankfully, the full schedule at 2 campuses is still in play, and should be for some time. The private stuff is down to one group, the people I started out with, and who I want to finish up in their series. I doubt I'll be taking on any more work, because of the previously-mentioned stuff.   So, just a wee bit busy   Crap, it's nearing 8:30am. I still need to eat breakfast and get household chores done before I start prepping for this week's mountain.   (Yes, that's new Mumford & Sons...I'm kinda listening to that CD non-stop right now. Hey, it beats the drivel they're playing on the radio!)

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

I Will Follow

I will readily admit it: U2 is perhaps my favorite band, and certainly in my personal Top 5 of music acts who have musically impacted my life.   I was ready to write a blog entry about what's going on in the Eastern Mediterranean and North African, making comparisons with Post-Franco Spain and pondering the future of these newly-freed peoples, and suddenly started playing my entire U2 collection. (iTunes is great for that, doncha know.)   Of course, in doing due diligence, I looked up the video. Oh my, how long ago was this song released???   I know I remember this performance at Red Rocks of the same song...I remember seeing it on MTV as a kid, and being struck by wonder. I loved the song...had a na

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

I Love To Hate You

Another local headline, another news item about education, but yet this one strikes me as almost humorous. It has been reported that parents in the East Bay are suing the state. Why, you may ask? Because the state has not addressed the "broken" way that the education system is funded in the state, and these parents (as well as several school districts in the state, who filed a prior lawsuit in May) want to force the Governor and the Legislature to change and amend this.   So our society is so litigious that we now have to sue the state in order to initiate change? Quite comical, really.   As I was growing up, I was instructed by my parents that the three areas of government that must be funded and given priority were: education, infrastructure, and the penal system. We must make sure that everyone is educated through high school (and, in my view, at least a bit beyond), we must make sure that the roads and canals and such all are in best working order, and we must make sure that the baddies are locked up and can't get out. Once those areas are addressed, then you go on to the other items. And I would argue that most people wouldn't mind a rise in taxes for any of those purposes *if* the money was well spent and done in an effective manner. I think that's still true. And while technically there are laws in place protecting the spending (or preventing of major cuts) with regard to education in this state, they are often either ignored--at least, it seems to me to be that way. Meanwhile, the Legislature hasn't passed a budget on-time and in-balance in so long, I don't honestly know when the last time was...I'm not being facitious, I really don't think it's been in my adult life. It's not a pretty site in Sacramento right now, nor anywhere else for that matter. And the people are fed up. Weak leadership plus a Legislature that feels like they can stall all they want (to hell with the people), well, it leads to this.   Somehow I still expect the lawsuits will have no effect, that things will continue. Not that I'm a cynic...well, I am, but that's not the case here. I very much doubt that the Courts will find that they have jurisdiction to tell the Governor and the Legislature to get their heads out of their asses and fix anything. That would be legislating from the bench, something that the Courts are not allowed to do, and dare I say are not usually prone to doing. But will it lead to change regardless...I truly hope so.

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

I got the sleepies...

I want to take a nap...I've been so revved up, I couldn't sleep hardly at all last night, and now I'm finally starting to crash...but I leave Austin today! I gotta find a hole somewhere to sleep for a couple of hours.   Usually when I travel, the 'time difference' (2 hours between California and Texas) affects me for a day, and that's it. But my body won't let me work on 'Texas time' at all...my stomach is still ruled by Pacific Daylight Time, and getting to sleep last night was damn near impossible. After watching the Golden State-Dallas game (which was a helluva game), it was like 12:30a local time. I stayed up to 1a, thinking that I had planned on waking up at 9...7 hours is fine.   Yeah, right. I wasn't even remotely tired. Neither corporally nor mentally. Wide awake, full of energy. But with the weather as crap-tastic as it is (probably the only major negative to Austin...outside of the fact that it's in Texas), I didn't want to go down the street to a couple of pubs. Besides, they were only going to be open for another hour...why get all dolled up for nothing?   So I tried to lay in bed...to no avail. 1:45 I got out of bed, turned a light on, and went on the computer. Talked to an old friend for a while, and then at 2:30 I tried again. I still couldn't go to sleep, but at least this time I was 'calm' enough to be able to lay still.   Any odds on what time I woke up?   If you guessed "7am," you'd be right.   I tossed until 7:45...but still was way way earlier than I wanted. And I had good energy, too...not like I was dragging ass. So I took my time in getting showered and ready for the day...pakced my stuff up...etc. Check out is before 11am, so I decided to go down at 10, check out, leave my bags at the desk, and go down a couple of blocks to an old haunt for breakfast...after all, Katz's never kloses! Then walked a couple of blocks to take the bus to campus in order to print off some material.   Now I'm sitting here...it's 12:20p CDT...I've done everything I needed to do...I need to be back at the hotel by 4 in order to catch my ride to the airport...and I'm bushed. Jeez...will the ups and downs end?   (Answer: yes, after a little bit)

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

I felt the earth...move...under my feet...

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!   So, at 8:04pm PDT, there was about a 5.0 earthquake centered approximately 6 miles from my place. It were funnnn!!!   Ok, it wasn't fun...well, not 'not fun'...kinda thrilling. See, if you're born in 'earthquake country,' you know what to do in an instant: find a place to take cover (under a desk, in a doorway), make sure you have something on your feet, and ride it out...it doesn't last long. But this was the first one in my life that I really, really felt.   In 1989, the Loma Prieta earthquake shook us all...but I was on a hillside on granite and clay...behind my high school, waiting to be picked up after swim practice. I felt it...but I don't remember a big rock-and-roll before. The funny part was that there was swim practice for little kids going on at the time, and they were flying out of the pool. At the time, I couldn't stop laughing!   This time, I really felt it. I was just starting virtual office hours, sitting in my computer chair, and Bella on the bed. As soon as it hit, I was in the doorway, and she was under the bed. Maybe 5 seconds of shaking, and it was over. It felt like a rolling quake (up and down motion), not so much of an S-quake (side-to-side motion), but I could be wrong there. My jewelry box spit out its drawers, but other than that, nothing major fell. I went out to make sure that the others were ok (there's a band practicing in the studio on the lot), and everyone was. In fact, we were all outside, laughing, making jokes...I'm guessing because we were all somewhat nervous, and were trying to let it all out. I go to the USGS site...and the epicenter was really close.   Bella came out of the bed about 45 minutes later...and I've had to lay on the bed with her a bit. She's not purring like usual...a little too scared yet. But after about 5 treats, she's calmed and almost asleep. But what an exciting night!

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

I Did It My Way

On this day 97 years ago Josephine Ann Tapella was born to poor Italian immigrants on the kitchen table in P

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

Humility and blessings

I often count my blessings, noting that I've been smiled upon by Whoever Up There for the opportunities that I've had, and hopefully will continue to have. This year, 2007, is a huge year for me and my family, for so many reasons. This year I will finish my dissertation, and get some kind of full-time job;
My parents are about to move, having sold their house of 30 years and have bought a brand-new house in a new development;
My youngest brother, having finished another set of travels, seems to want to settle down here (for now);
My middle brother is attempting to buy a condo in his complex, and looks like he might do it.

But these are not the only reasons: This marks 100 years since the birth of my paternal grandmother (although she passed away in 1975);
This marks 100 years since 3 of my maternal great-grandparents emigrated here from Milan and Genoa (my grandmother's mother came in 1910).
My 4 great-grandparents came here with very little education in Italy--maybe to the 2nd or 3rd grade, enough to scribble their name and do basic math; their children all had a high-school education, and in the case of my grandmother and her sister, went onto a business (e.g. secretaries) college. My grandfather and his brothers were all business owners and professionals. Of their 5 great-grandchildren, 3 have college degrees, and one is about to finish a PhD.   But that's nothing.   My paternal grandparents came from Indian Territory--no doubt they have Indian blood in them, although documentation is negligible at best--and were quite poor. My grandmother had an 8th grade education--unheard of at that time, and it would have allowed her to teach at a school. My grandfather only got through the 2nd grade...was illiterate, and couldn't really do much beyond very rudimentary math. He couldn't even sign his name. Their granddaughter is about to finish a PhD.   I am truly humbled, even emotional, when I reflect upon that. My dad said I should mention it at my defense...I might. It'll definitely be in the forward of the dissertation. My roots are not exactly blue, but we as a people have fought to get the best that we could. Inside of 3 generations, we've gone from illiterate to highly educated. It's not just pride that I feel...it's honor.

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

How sweet it is

It's award season in academia...as the semester winds down, it's time to honor those whose work and effort did not go unnoticed. We have a 'power couple' as I like to call them, a duo who emigrated here from Mexico together, who study together, who will graduate together, who will transfer to a 4-year college together. Oh, and who rock. Check this out:   Aldo and Violeta win the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship   What the clip didn't mention is that this is the second year in a row that Ca

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

How not to spend NYE and your Birthday night

Let me tell you, folks, I had plans! First, a great steak dinner (NY Strip steak, medium rare, with sauteed green beans and a great pinot noir), followed by meeting up with neighbors for either one of two ideas: 1) hang out in the backyard bar area and be stupid drunk; or 2) go to the Japantown festivities and be stupid drunk. Either way, I had 2 bottles of Asti chilling, plenty of other potent potables to quench my thirst...to be surrounded by friends (both 'old' and 'new') to celebrate the bithday and upcoming new year. Sounds wonderful, right?   Um, yeah, it was wonderful...but never happened. Well, not for me.   The last few days I've been attending the Modern Languages Association convention in SF, and noticed on Tuesday that I had a tickle in my thoat. Not really sore, but something there. I purposely went to Trader Joe's and stocked up on orange juice and cherry cider, did mild workouts followed by time in the sauna...really tried to not get sick. Alas, my friends, it was to no avail.   Yesterday afternoon that tickle turned into a mild sore throat. No worries...if I could just hold off until tomorrow with the full-blown whatever-this-is, hey, I could at least enjoy the evening. But by 6pm my head was pounding, my body aching, and I could feel the congestion in my chest start to build. Ok, I still have my appetite, so I cooked the dinner I wanted, but instead of wine I opted for a hot toddy; that should help me feel better, right? Um, nope. By 7:30, I had a 102'F fever, was constantly cold, and felt like utter and complete crap. Yes, folks, I was sick. Even poor Bella knew I was not feeling well; along with cuddling next to me, my little feline nurse kept sniffing and licking my face, trying to get me to feel better. I had to call my neighbor upstairs to tell him to go on and party without me...no way in hell was I going to leave my bed, save to make another toddy or to use the bathroom.   Now here's the interesting part: ginger is a miracle drug.   See, my neighbor upstairs is a professional bassist, and has played for numerous wonderful musicians. He knows of various wonderful remedies which at first might sound hokie, but turn out to work. The one he told me last night was of a ginger infusion (well, that's what it is...he didn't know the infusion part). It really works: it reduces the fever, it calms your body, and you feel better. You don't feel 100%, but at least you can be managable. More importantly, you'll feel much better the next morning.   Now, I know that ginger does have a calming property for the digestion. It's used in parts of Asia as both a palate cleanser and a digestif; if you have stomach ailments, a ginger tea is often brewed. It works much like chamomille in that way. But, hey, why not?   Here's what you do: take at least 2 good sized fingers of ginger, peel and cut into small dice. Put it into a pot of water (about 4 cups), and boil for an hour. Then mash the ginger in the water...you need to extract every ounce that you can; strain and reserve the liquid. Now you have your ginger infusion: make a cup of tea with half of ginger infusion, half regular water (chamomille works really well), a slice of lemon if you wish. Not only does the ginger infusion seem to help your throat (I didn't cough but once or twice while drinking this stuff, unlike before), but it's a restorative elixir. Seriously, within an hour my fever had already reduced by a full degree, and I could feel the fever start to go away the rest of the night.   This morning I woke up (after sleeping 10 hours) with only the congestion in my chest. I'll take that, trust me. Ok, so I'm pretty phegmy today, but I've never been bothered by that. My body doesn't ache, my fever is gone, and for all intents and purposes, I'm almost at 100%. Ginger infusion works!!!

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

Heyyas, long time no see...

Well, I guess I should explain my absence and lack of participation. To say the least, I've been a very busy doc.   It breaks down like this: I've been doing more, although I haven't exactly been paid any more, but with the added responsability comes recognition and, hopefully, something more permanent. There were late classes thrown at me, various curriculum and planning duties. I do love it...I'm back to teaching an intro to linguistics class, which I haven't taught in over 10 years, along with my usual 2 Spanish courses at my main emplolyer. (This course is taught at a local charter high school, which has two AmeriCorps or something volunteers...basically, they're like Teaching Assistants, but I can't have them grade anything. But copying and stuff...it's all theirs...I mean, whoa. This is so hella cool! A girl could get used to this!)   I've also been recruiting potential clients for 4 different private courses, with more to come. It's amazing how this business is taking off, so much so that soon I may have to 'legitimize' it in the eyes of the government. Really, I'm quite amazed. I'm not suggesting that I've become a total small business owner, or anything, but pretty soon this is gonna take off, if I'm not careful.   Oh, and then there's the private life. Because my weekends are now filled with family, friends, and one loved one in particular, I'm working dilligntly during the week. In short, the free time I used to have farting around, well, just doesn't happen much anymore. Much less time is being devoted to all things InterWeb...sad, but true. My games are being neglected, my online toga parties are not being attended to...basically, I'm back to being a fun girl in the real word, but not so much in the virtual world.   But don't dispare, my UNRV friends...I'm still here. I'll always be here. Just be patient with me, please.

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Easter is a time of year when families comes together to eat. At least, that's what I always figured. I mean, we woke up to chocolate in the shape of gold coins, little egg-shaped chocolates, and other surprises that the Easter Bunny would leave for us while we slept. After going to Mass (perhaps the only time we went to Mass on Sunday instead of Saturday evening) when we actually had to wear really, really good clothes, we'd pose for pictures in the garden before a big brunch. Oh, and magically the Easter Bunny would pass by a second time while we were at Church, because there would be eggs strewn all over the garden and we'd all have chocolates in egg form from the local chocolatier. After goofing off all afternoon, there'd be some sort of dinner with many members of the Italian-side of the family, with a full multi-course Italian meal: appetizers, antipasto, pasta, and the entr

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

Hello

I know, I know, I haven't been very active on the blogs lately. No, I haven't fallen off into the deep end. Just that I moved to a new apartment, one right on campus to my main employer. This brand-new construction has had some glitches, including the fact that the powers that be forgot to hook it up to the internet and cable grid. So, it might be another week yet before I have internet at home, or tv for that matter. Mildly annoying, and it doesn't fit in with my plans, but what are you going to do?   Therefore, I am relegated to having to walk across the street with my laptop and hook up to the wifi several times a day. Like I said, mildly annoying. And to be honest, I've been bitching about it to a select group of people, who are like minded. Then it dawned on me yesterday...I need to really let this go. I can't do a thing about it. Patience is a virtue, one that I possess at times. I'll just have to take it for now.   Because, in all truthfulness, there is nothing about this place I don't like. It is damned near perfect. I have a view that I haven't had in years, of the Coastal Range; I see the fog pouring over the hills every night, and retreating back every morning. I walk to work, or have a very short drive for the private groups, so I use less than half of the gas as before. The apartment is twice the size, plus a garage, with brand-new everything, and high-efficiency appliances. It's no joke to say that my living situation has improved 100 fold.   Now it's time for me to run along to class. I'll fill you in later with more, and include some pictures in the gallery.

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

Hazy shade of winter

Let me tell you, we've had an amazing couple of weeks recently climate-wise. Glorious spring-like, even summer-like (for here) weather, with sunny skies, slight breezes, and wonderful temps. My plants have honestly been thriving in this weather...come to think of it, so have I.   And now for something completely different: a week of rain, cold, and clouds.   It seems that winter has decided not to leave us just quite yet. We need the rain, I know this...but we're not on schedule to get much from this round of storms. Just dampness, which isn't exactly something I enjoy. Roll with the punches, I guess.   This week is quite an easy one, but today is still a 12-hour day. Leave the house at 8:15am, come back about 8:30pm. Very long day...but tomorrow all I have is my night class. Just have to get through today, and then I'll be home free, both this week and next (Spring Break week).   Next up on the list: ordering cannoli for Easter Sunday dessert.

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

Happiness is...a bowl of soup

We're back to winter weather here in NorCal...either clear and cool or damp, windy and somewhat rainy. This is actually comforting; that stretch of 10 days with record warmth in San Jos

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

Gris Gris Gumbo Ya Ya

I don't know why, but I love gumbo.   Ok, I know why exactly: it's a stew served with rice...it's a combination of flavors that is captivating. It's both spicy and savory. It's got both pork and chicken...well, ok, my version does, since I can't have any shellfish. A pinch of cayenne, a bit of fil

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer

Just a little more than a day before Christmas, and all through the house, there was plenty of scurrying, but not by a mouse.   Ok, ok, ok...I can't do that...never was that good about reworking classics. But this song in particular has some great memories associated with it.   The song has undergone a 'modernization,' but it's still a good one:   See, when it came out 30 years ago, I was a wee lass, and didn't know of its existence at first. But within a couple of years, it became a permanent part of the personal Christmas repertoire. My mom instantly loved it, especially the hokiness of it. I mean, seriously, it's funny! It's not meant to be as serious as "White Christmas," or as merry as "Jingle Bells," and of course it's not religious in any way. But it reminds you that this is the season to be jolly, to be childlike with anticipation and goodwill. It's funny!   But...and there's always a but...there was Dad. When I was a kid he hated this song, and I do mean hate. If it came on the radio, he would turn it off, even if the radio in question was in my room and I was quietly enjoying it. He found it offensive, humorless, and overall a representation of the evils of modern society. I called him a killjoy several times, and I think Mom's stepping in finally killed his off-turning ways. But he always maintained that he hated the song, and his actions and body language certainly backed that up.   Fast forward several years...to 2 weeks ago. We're driving through a local farm that has a holiday light display every year...well, I take that back, this is the second year of it. But still, we were driving through, marveling at the creativity and beauty, and at the same time talking about Christmas songs. Dad then lays this bombshell: "You know, I haven't heard 'Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer' this year...I love that song! It's so funny!   Mom and I immediately interrogated him on that point, bringing up his actions and words of the past. His retort was simple, yet very un-Dad-like: "Well, I guess I grew used to it, and started to like it."   Dude, this is my dad...one of the most rigid of opinions. Literally heaven and earth has to move before he changes his usually well-informed opinion on something. And when it comes to popular culture, he is incredibly granite-like; this is a man who started his adulthood in 1960, and disliked essentially every major British rock band to ever create history, simply because they were British. (For the record, King Jimi Hendrix and Queen Janis Joplin rule his musical kingdom, and only Eric Clapton has cracked his lineup.) The only other time I ever heard him change his opinion on popular culture was on the usage of the word 'suck,' however I understood (later) why he hated us kids to use the word; he figured he could control us from cussing, despite the fact that he was a beautiful example of how to improper language in a most eloquent manner.   So, as I sit here and use my Christmas/Birthday gift from my parents (all 32" of LCD and HD-goodness), I start rolling the Christmas songs in my head again...and sing along to the tale of what happens when someone drinks too much eggnog and tries to walk home in the snow on Christmas Eve night.   Enjoy!

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

Golden Years

Well, it took 3 weeks, but I finished the Italy album. Every picture I took (which is over 900) has been worked on, identified, named, uploaded and then re-organized and labeled. A lot of work...but the end result is a wonderful collection of memories. I still need to get a few pictures from my parents, which I'll get in a couple of weeks. If you wish to check it out, click here, and use the side bar on the left to go to the various sub-albums. Hope you enjoy them.   Part of what took so long is that I've been a might bit busy. One has to be when one is on the dole...I don't sit idlely easily or nicely, and usually have to be involved in a few projects. Plus some of my friends have wanted to meet up to talk about the trip, and I have obliged willingly and eagerly. It's always good to know who your friends really are.   One such friend made a profound statement: she and I are in the the golden years of our lives, that they won't get better than what they are now. That the 30s and early 40s are the best years, ever.   Um, really?   I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm fully aware that I can work now harder and longer than I will be able to in the future, that I live in a part of the world that people flock to, that my health is good and so is that of my family, and that life is generally good. But if you took a snapshot of my life at this very instant and said it'll be like this for the next few years, and then said that it's the best it's going to ever get, I'd find a nice padded cell for you.   Nope, my life is not bad, but it will always be better in the future. How do I know? Because that's the way it is. I am one of those people who is always trying to improve, always looking forward to something in my life to be better. I don't really like to be complacent, as it tends to lead to boredom. And as I've said, I don't do well with such elements. Besides, there are so many goals yet to accomplish: finding a mate, having a family, being gainfully employed for some entity that I enjoy, watching said family grow and advance in life, traveling even more, enjoying my life for as long as I have it. And I'm only 35...I have at least half of my life left to live, if not more.   Life's going downhill from here? Steer manure. Life's only going up from here

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

Get On Your Boots

This has been a very busy week so far, one of many in the coming 8 weeks. My schedule is in full-throttle: 5 courses, meetings galore, students adding, dropping, needing help. I actually love it--to put it mildly, I don't have time to be bored--but it's ruining my reputation. Normally I'm an evening person...most of my energy comes after 3pm, and it's damned near impossible for me to fall asleep before 11:30 or, really, 12. But having to wake up at 5:30 each weekday morning, well, it puts a damper on that whole night-owl image. Last night I came back home from the night class at 8:30, and was wiped out...I barely stayed awake until 11. This just won't do. An acquaintance hipped me in on fish oil, that it helps with the mental synapses that get overfired when we're up and doing a lot of things for a long period of time. I need to try this.   Regardless, this semester I seem to have a great group of students, no dead weights as a friend calls them. These would be the folks who show up to class when they feel like it, participate when they want, and could give a care less about their grade. I tend to weed most all of them out by the first or second class; I don't teach easy classes, and I don't ever want my students thinking that they can sit and do nothing and still pass. But occasionally there's one or two who figure they can charm their way into making class easier for them--if I smile and compliment the professor, maybe she'll not care that I'm talking in the back of class to my friends and texting my homies at the same time. Um, nah, not gonna happen. They tend to drop about half-way through the class. It leaves me with the workers, those who want to learn and earn their grades, and that's just fine with me. Separating the chaff from the wheat, so to speak.   The weather here has returned to winter: cool and rainy for the next few days. I'm kinda happy about it, if for no other reason than the fact that I can wear my black leather knee-high boots. Yes, I love me some shoes, and despite a fixed income I still manage to get bang for my buck. Ok, my shoes serve many functions--I walk around in them all day so they must be comfortable, yet stylish as I don't ever want to be mistaken for the mousy bookworm who could care less about image. Dude, I stand in front of people all day long...I gotta look good. Not perfect--that's not obtainable for me--but well-put-together. And I hate always wearing pants on rainy days...so while I spent a little more on these boots than normal, I don't really care. I like them, I want them...they're mine!

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

Get on the good foot

My Yahoo! Horoscope for the day reads:   So I guess I should interpret this as a strong hint to add another blog entry, right? Seems only logical to me, really. Or does it mean that I should email my one brother, even though I know he won't get the email until tonight, when he's back home? Or does it mean I should G-Chat with my other brother, even though I talk to him all the time? Oh bother.   Nah, I'll stick to this entry, and then go for a walk. Then do a bunch of work. Then, perhaps a nap. I'm not really sure right now. All I know is, if I get most all of my work done today, not only will I have very little to do this coming week, but the following week (which happens to be my Spring Break) can be enjoyed fully. I like the sound of that. So, I shall forgo the pleasantries, and get on with my day.   Of course, it's such a pretty day today, and the next few days are shaping up to be quite stormy. March this year came in like a lamb, and definitely is going out like a lion--reverse of what it should be, from what "they" tell me. So maybe I should frolic and play while I can?   Gotta love spring in the SF Bay Area...one never quite knows what to expect!

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

Get it while you can

Well, a week (almost) being home, and I'm about halfway done with the pictures. This is taking a while...mostly because I have things to do this week and don't have as much time as I thought to go through them. But it's getting done, bit by bit.   World Cup has been incredibly interesting to me, now that I can finally watch it. I think the winner of Germany/Argentina has the tournament, but that's just my 2 cents. I can't wait to see that match! Should be amazing, if nothing else than to see Diego Maradona on the sidelines. I still can't get used to seeing him in a suit.   So now that I'm home, what have I taken away from the trip? What has changed, and what is still the same? Well, for one, I can't wait to get out of this apartment and into the new one; definitely my allergies (as well as my cat's) are reactivated, and the daily minutiae that goes on here are getting on my nerves. I'm so ready to move onto the next phase of my life, and yet there has been a minor setback, a month delay. Ugh. I was so ready to start packing and moving, but patience, grasshopper.   But despite that, there was so much good that came from the trip, and while I needed to get back home for economic reasons, I really could have stayed in Italy for a long, long time. It's the only place that I've been to outside of the Bay Area where I felt at home, amongst people who felt familiar to me. And not only with the cousins I met, but also with the locals that I met, the people that were at the piazze and other places. Very helpful, friendly, and accepting. Or to my eye, at least. In some ways it was like Spain, with the Mediterranean culture, but so very different in vibe. Spain can be cold if you don't seem like you can fit in; Italy didn't give off that feeling at all. Let's put it this way: with my dad's dark complexion and dark eyes, he wouldn't be readily accepted in Spain, but in Italy he was just fine. Weird how long-embedded feelings just don't seem to go away.   Hopefully soon I'll have the Rome pictures finished, and then I'll post the link. Pictures to capture a lifetime of emotions. More to come

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

 

Get Back

So...California, that fair state o'mine, has a new governor. Although, it should be pointed out, he's also a former governor; Edmund Gerald 'Jerry' Brown, Jr. was governor for two terms in the 70s, and overall wasn't bad. He also wasn't exactly good, either. His father was governor here for 8 years, too, in the 50s and early 60s.   The Jr. Brown, also known in his previous stint in Sacramento as "Governor Moonbeam," has some legendary characteristics. He's considered a bit of a free spirit, someone who went to seminary school, gave it up because he liked women (how horrible!), and instead went to Berkeley for a Classics degree before heading to Yale for a law degree. He wants people to follow rules, especially big corporations. He's been a governor, a Secretary of State, a District Attorney for the state, and Mayor of Oakland (oy vey). His is famously frugal; his is the only gubernatorial era in that the governor did not occupy the official Governor's Mansion, opting instead for a flat near the Capitol--this is happening again this time around. He slashes state budgets, cutting waste...or should I write it as 'waste', since one person's waste is another person's necessity. He's a bit of a power monger, as he is known to cut entire positions and take them on himself.   But you say, hey Doc, is that so bad? And my response is: eh, depends on who you are.   For example: while he wasn't exactly a great governor, either, Arnold Schwartzenegger was a friend to education, in particular higher education. It was his position that an educated populace is what will propel business and politics in the state--therefore, we need to make sure that while we are in a fiscal crisis, education would be best untouched, but at the very most it must not suffer huge cuts in spending. The education sector, especially higher education, did suffer reduced budgets, but mostly at the hands of the Legislature, who wanted to cut even more from our small purses. Ah-nuld didn't jive with that, and put back money where he could. He also introduced some pretty innovative and revolutionary legislation on how to fund education and infrastructure...but because he wouldn't exactly play ball with the incredibly-powerful lobbyists (with particular reference to the California Teacher's Association (union) and the nurses' unions), the propositions were downed in defeat, and he lost all possible political negotiation power. Ever since, the unions and the Legislature fought Ah-nuld all around.   When the 2010 Gubernatorial options were offered up, and it was down to two, most every Californian I know and listened to had to choose between what we considered to be two evils: a former governor who is known to slash budgets painfully all over to the point of bleeding, or a businesswoman who, while successful in that realm, has zero political experience and knows nothing about how Sacramento works and who admitted that for almost 20 years she never voted because 'she didn't have the time'. Hmmmm...Option A isn't exactly a great one, but we just had several years of another form of Option B, and that pretty much sucked. Besides, maybe some budget slashing could be in order?   Tomorrow (Monday) Governor Brown announces his budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year, and I for one am uneasy. He has already announced that there will be cuts everywhere, including education, and unless he means that there will be cuts to administrator salaries and/or benefits, that means cutting not fat, but meat and bone from already emaciated budgets. While the president of my college has been proactive in years past, and our district now has bond money to play with for the next handful of years, that doesn't mean that we have money to spare. In fact, we have lost so much in faculty, counseling and staff that are necessary, it's in those areas that we're spending money. So I'd like to ask the Guv, where exactly would you like us to spend less? Oh, and we have more students now than we ever have, so asking us to cut is also doing a disservice to the community at large. It's much the same story everywhere in the state.   I'm glad that he is starting with his own 'house' first, cutting positions and staff in the governor's office that are unnecessary and superfluous. Some of the benefits and privileges of the Legislature probably should be cut, too, but somehow I doubt that'll happen. I just hope that in the spirit of frugality the public is not forgotten.   On the other hand, we are talking about a career politician, who is also from a political family. I guess if anyone can massage egos in Sacramento, it'll be 'Good Ol' Jerr'.

docoflove1974

docoflove1974

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