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docoflove1974

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Blog Entries posted by docoflove1974

  1. docoflove1974
    Wow, I finally finished. It took the better part of 5 weeks of planning, learning, and implementation, but the major summer project was finished as of Friday morning: the Workshop Site.
     
    Ok, I'll explain: like many community colleges (and often in 4-year universities), our college has workshops for those learning and/or improving their English reading and writing skills. Some of the workshops are grammar-based, others are study-skill-based, but they're all open to any student so that they can improve their chances at a higher grade in their courses. For the foreign language students, well, there ain't squat. We have been sending them to these grammar courses, since many times students will come in with questions on parts of speech and the like--the product of not having studied these elements since elementary school or, in very rare cases, middle school. The problem is that, since these courses are geared for those who either are learning English or who are very poor readers and writers, they aren't really helpful for those who are fully literate and capable English-speaking adults. They needed something a bit different...but we didn't have anything.
     
    So, I made it my mission to create an on-line solution, using the online course management software that we use in the district, which I have been using for the last several years extensively. It took a lot of time to conceptualize what I wanted it to look like, the content both on the site and in the movies/animated PowerPoint slides...but I finally got it done. And I did it on my own...as in, without pay. (Such a dedicated employee....) As a reward, I decided to take the weekend off.
     
    Yesterday, I packed some stuff to work on in my leisure (why can't I just lay on a beach and sleep???), a picnic lunch, and took off in my car. I started down Ca
  2. docoflove1974
    I know, I know...two consecutive blog entries...what has gotten into me? Well, a little of this, a little of that. Mostly, it's shame.
     
    I found it interesting that, because of the political in-fighting and stalemate in DC, the national news agencies and some of the local ones have been asking we, the people, to pipe up. They have wanted us to send a message to our Congressional Representatives and Senators, literally, and tell them how their political dueling has affected our lives. I guess the thought is that if enough people send direct messages to the Legislature, they might actually listen to us.
     
    I didn't bother...mostly because, being the cynic that I am, I don't think it would make an iota of a difference. But there was another reason, too: my Representatives and Senators were actually involved in the various versions of the bills being offered...they were being politically active in the process. In other words, they were doing their jobs.
     
    One of the local news stations has a slightly different tactic: they want us, the people, to send in a short video explaining how the economic downfall has personally impacted us. The hope is that both lawmakers and business leaders will listen, and help us out.
     
    Call it odd, but I find that exercise a bit insulting. Or, perhaps, it's a poke to my pride.
     
    See, as it is, people who know me well are aware that I'm only partially employed, and that the cuts to higher education over the last several years--let alone those that are set to come--by both the state and federal governments have pretty much led to this. They know that I'm not doing well financially. But why should I need to broadcast this? Nobody really wants to hear another story of someone who is down on her luck.
     
    I guess the other part that irks me is that I know there are many, many more who have it worse than I do. I mean, I live in faculty/staff housing where I pay rent at about half of market value--and these are really nice apartments with spectacular local views. I have enough money to put food on the table, pay my bills...sure, my discretionary spending is near-zero, but on rare occasions I do go to a movie or to dinner with friends and family. And regardless of how peeved I am at my lack of full-time employment or how little money is in my checking account, I seem to make things work regardless. Sure, I'd like to be more comfortable, and I'm working on that...but what else can I do now?
     
    And when I see some of my students who live in the ghetto, or in shelters...or worse yet, who are being foreclosed upon...all due to unemployment...some of them who have families to take care of...I'm supposed to go on video documenting how bad I have it? No thanks...that's not in me. I'm not saying I live in the lap of luxury, but I'm no where near Skid Row.
     
    (I was going to start sending my cat out to go hunt for food...but seeing as how she hasn't done that in about 4 years now, and even when she did her tendency was to play with her 'new friend' literally to death, well, I just don't think it's gonna work out.)
  3. docoflove1974
    Decisions, decisions. What is a girl to do? I have choices for my weekend entertainment, and even choices regarding who to spend it with.
     
    I'm dying to go to the beach...I haven't been all summer, although I did go in May. But it's not exactly beach weather: foggy, cold, windy. Actually, it's typical beach weather if we were in June. Oh, wait, this is July. Hmmmm...maybe not.
     
    Part of me wants to go to stay home to work on a new project--doing voice overs on PowerPoints for work. Yeah, yeah, yeah, nerdy, but I'm trying to finish this project by the end of next week, and there is work to do. Besides, I don't even know if I can do this properly here at home--I mean, my colleague-in-the-know said I could, but I don't entirely know what I'm doing. Meh...it can wait until Monday.
     
    I could meet up with a gentleman who wishes to take me out. The problem is that my Spidey-sense tingles just when I talk to him on the phone. You know the type, the ones who pretend like they're looking to build up a relationship, but all they really want is a roll in the hay. Sure, it'd be something to do, to meet up with Mr. Creepy, but I don't exactly want this guy picking me up...then he'd know where I live, and that's not something that a single girl gives up so quickly. Actually, I don't think I'd even want to meet up with him...no, he's just not my type. Ummmm...no, scratch that.
     
    Another 'friend'--or, someone who would like very much to be closer than a friend--wants to meet up. But there's just something odd about him, something I can't put my finger on. Kinda like he's trying to emerge from his cocoon, but has no idea how to do it. Do I give the guy the chance? Well, errr...sounds like a bit of a project, and I'm a bit old for those. (No, really...I gave up on trying to change potential mating partners a LOOOONG time ago...it can't be done, and I don't really want people trying to change me.)
     
    Oooh, with all this cool and foggy weather, I could go for a short hike! Sounds like a ton of fun, actually, and something that I've been trying to work myself up to. Yeah, that's the ticket! Now, which trail?....I'll save that to the morning.
     
    Or...maybe a dinner/movie night? Hmmm...kinda low on cash right now. Then again, I do have a coupon for free ice cream at a decent local chain...perhaps, perhaps, perhaps. Especially if I can get someone to join me in the fun. But not Mr. Creepy, and probably not Mr. Shy Guy. I need someone who will be a bit livelier.
     
    Then again...let's see what time I wake up tomorrow...I'm feeling like a good lie in would be a great thing. Yeah...that's about right. Ok, decision has been made...glad you guys could help me with that.
  4. docoflove1974

    Space Oddity

    By docoflove1974,

    So, NASA is ending an era with the last space shuttle launch. The 'nauts linked up with the International Space Station, there was good cheer to be had by all, and down here we're supposed to lament and cherish this last bit of space exploration by us 'Mericans for a bit. Hmmmm.
     
    Let's face it, I grew up at the very end of the Cold War, so this 'Space Race' stuff is beyond me a bit. Oh, sure, I love sci-fi movies and stuff, and would love to get a chance to see the earth and everything else from space. Mine is the generation that grew up with "Star Wars" over "Star Trek," but we all knew that space was cool because NASA told us so. Like Captain Kirk told us (actually, told our parents initially...we just got it in re-runs), space is the final frontier. But at the same time, I never understood the big hubbabaloo. I mean, so the government doesn't fund space exploration...so what?
     
    Now that I'm an adult, I'm glad that Sir Dickie Branson and other rich folk are taking up the slack. Isn't that the next step to what we saw in "Total Recall?"
     
    Now, on a different note...with the fog and the few high clouds on this beautiful summer day, we're set up to have a gorgeous sunset. I've got a half(ish) moon to gaze at, and perhaps some constellations. Wonder if the Vulcans are watching us?
  5. docoflove1974

    Radio GaGa

    By docoflove1974,

    Fellow sports fans, have you ever noticed how a radio or television broadcast of a sporting event can be made or broken solely on the skills and prowess of those calling the game?
     
    There's no question that I learned the game of baseball by listening to Giants' broadcasts on KNBR radio, whether I was at the game or at home. Later, yes, our television announcers fell into greatness, but growing up Hank Greenwald called play-by-play on the radio on our games, plus the national games were called on TV by Jack Buck or Vin Scully. These really were (or are, in the case of Vin, who is still calling Dodger games after 60 years with the team in that capacity) the cr
  6. docoflove1974
    It's been a while, I know. I was doing well with the weekly blog, but then comes the end of the semester...and the end of year festivities. But, the exams have been corrected, the grades have been awarded (can you really award someone a failing grade?), and I'm in recovery.
     
    Oh, don't worry, this is normal. I usually am cranking and churning out work at such a high rate of speed during finals week, and it takes about a week of moving slowly to 'recuperate'. Nothing gets done quickly, except for the cleaning of the apartment on Monday because of a last minute visit and stay over by my mother. Thankfully Monday was planned on as a cleaning day, but more was done than I thought. But at least it passed muster!
     
    To be honest, I'm in a bit of a funk. Perhaps it is just recovery from the year, but I think there some other issue. You see, part of what has been keeping me away from this blog is the fact that I've been trying to find part-time employment for the summer and the rest of the year. I originally thought I had something at a bakery in North Beach (the Italian neighborhood of San Francisco), but I've realized that it's just not going to work out. Not only is the management a bit on the creative side (and not in the positive way), but parking is atrocious, and it's a hassle of a commute. So, that's gone. I've put in for various banking jobs, office jobs...come to think of it, I've put in for most any kind of job. I've had a few bites, but nothing else has really stuck.
     
    So, just a bit ago, I re-applied for unemployment...or 'unenjoyment', as my friend Hank calls it. Sure, it'll cover the basics, but still, I wish I didn't have to. Even though I know that I'll be back teaching in August, and I have a bunch of projects lined up for the summer, there's something soul-deflating about signing up for 'gubmint cheese.' And how people like my youngest brother, who's been unemployed for over a year, or our own Caldrail make it through, I don't know. I apologize now for offending people...whining isn't becoming of me, I know. I guess it's just the blahs, or something else.
     
    Hmmmm...what to call the blog entry today...something that reflects my mood? Meh...nah...need a pick-me-up. Ah, yes, The Clash. That'll pick me right up!
  7. docoflove1974
    Mothers' Day. This was supposed to be a glorious day. Even though the wind has been howling since last night, the predicted showers stayed away from the City By The Bay. On my way to the Giants' game, I met a gentleman at the train station...a new friend, for now, but who knows. He invited me to join him for breakfast with his friends before the game. After a spirited and gregarious meal with my new friends, I met up with my parents in our seats, and we watched the Giants' new (yet old) pitcher take a no-hitter into the 5th, and ultimately sweep the Rockies. Although I missed my new friend--he ended up taking the train that left right as I got at the station--I still felt ok.
     
    Earlier in the day I noted that a mutual friend was sending condolences to Julia, a former high school and college classmate...but it was so vague that I didn't know what had happened. So as my train was pulling from the station, I went onto Facebook...and noticed that Julia posted a news article about an event.
     
    On the surface, it is tragic...an 18-year old kid killed in a car accident. Seemingly, he slammed into a tree, probably at high speed, given the horrific nature of the evidence. Anyone would read that, note that the date is the Saturday of Mothers' Day weekend, and be struck by the irony, that the extinguishing of a life on this weekend is even more tragic.
     
    Mois
  8. docoflove1974
    May Day...not a holiday here so much in the United States, but perhaps now that will change.
     
    My day started out a jubilant one just on general principle. I knew that I didn't have anything to do, and therefore I planned on going to the beach for a much needed respite. It was a gloriously sunny day here, and while it was still springlike and cool in the air temperature, the ocean salt air and the sun at my back made for a wonderful and tranquil day. I came back home a bit early to take in a couple of hockey playoff games (natch, the Sharks won ), and I had my notes all ready for what I was going to put in my next blog entry: thoughts that bubbled up as I watched the waves crashing along Pescadero State Beach, which happens to be my favorite.
     
    I follow President Obama on Twitter, mostly because he'll give a heads-up on some interesting tidbits that the news sources will 'scoop' shortly thereafter. At 8pm Pacific Daylight Time, he tweeted that he was about to address the nation, and I very honestly didn't think much about it. Shortly thereafter, I saw a tweet from ABC News, that Osama Bin Laden was dead, and that the President was about to address the nation.
     
    Um, what? Come again? Osama Bin Laden, that sonuvabitch who has directly or indirectly killed thousands of people around the world? He's dead? Really???
     
    Details are coming in through the news, and the tweets have been wonderful to read. Some have been smart-ass in nature, which I personally love. Others are more reverent, more subdued, and thankful for the thousands who had tracked this unholy man, and many of them lost their lives in doing so. The ones who are particularly annoying to me right now are those who are being overly cautious, pointing out that there will be retaliatory attacks and those who are insistent that we should never let our guard down...as if reminding us that cutting the head off the hydra will just create 2 new ones. Look, I know that there will be retaliatory attacks--I even said it in my post on P.Clod's post--and to think that they won't happen is foolish. There will also be more Al-Qaeda activity...the #2 guy is still out there. But this is truly a time for the world to rejoice, that justice did prevail.
     
    And the first person that I wanted to reach out to when I heard the news? An ex-boyfriend...the one that I talked to as I watched the second plane slam into the Tower on September 11th. I don't have his number or his email, and I don't know where he is right now. Yet for some reason that's the first person that I wanted to talk to...the person who I shared that stunned moment with almost 10 years ago.
     
    An hour after the announcement hit the airwaves, there are crowds of people coming to the White House, which they're showing on the news. People are singing the national anthem, chanting "USA!", and coming together as one. I wonder if the politicians will do so, too, and get stuff done in the government in a bi-partisan manner. Nah, that's too much to ask.
  9. docoflove1974
    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
  10. docoflove1974
    Another long absence. I know, I've missed you guys, too. Well, honestly, for the entire month of March I was so damned busy that I didn't miss anyone...that requires down time, a luxury that I had none of.
     
    The biggest issue lately has been getting colleagues to finish their work. The problem of this situation--mine being uncommon--is that my colleagues had very valid excuses for not getting their part of the projects in question done. One colleague had a family emergency--one of her teenaged sons suddenly had stroke-like symptoms, and after a myriad of doctor appointments the diagnosis was that the poor kid suffers from migraines, which are induced by stress. What stress, you might ask? Oh, the kind of stress that results in parents who are bitterly divorced, with one parent (my colleague) providing the discipline and guidance of a good parent, while the other (her ex-husband) not giving a flip about being a parent, and who instead would rather bicker about how much money he has to pay in child support and pretend that getting a job is the worst punishment that could be extolled upon him. So between visits to the doctors, the psychiatrist, and the courts, she's been burning the proverbial midnight oil to get things done...and I think she just caught up a few days ago.
     
    Another colleague is suffering from an unknown illness...and while she hasn't missed any teaching days, she's had to back out of some committee work in order to get her health in order. And since it's a digestion problem, well, you can imagine that her energy level isn't what it usually is.
     
    The third colleague is also a local politician, and is heavy into the budget of the city. Of course, if you get into such an arena, you should accept the fact that you have to balance the rest of your life accordingly, and he does. Regardless, it meant that his part of the data wasn't in to me when I needed it.
     
    So...all this swirling around my head, plus my private courses taking more of my time than I thought they would...oh, and 6 straight weeks of rain (ok, ok, the sun did come out for, like, 4 days in that stretch...so sue me), I was a right grouch. It was all I could do to just get my 40 winks in a night, with my mind whirling and deadlines approaching.
     
    Finally, everything finished up the very last week of March. Even Mother Nature started to cooperate, and the weather cleared up right as I entered into Spring Break. And the timing couldn't have been better; a week with no work, no projects, and sunshine! Sure, it was also cold and windy, but who cares! Spring was here!
     
    This week, I've been enjoying my 'normal' work load. Outside of one minor project in a couple of weeks, I'm done with special jobs, have most all of my major work projects done (just one more midterm to create, and then it's all grading from there). Even this weekend, I did a large chunk of my grading earlier in the week, and now just have a small stack of midterms to plow through. Looks like the rip-roaring rapids have slowed to a calm stream. Hmmm...maybe I'll go to the beach after all.
     
    Edited to add: Despite the title of the blog, the real song in my head right now is the following, based on the absolutely gorgeous spring day that we had here:
  11. docoflove1974

    Jungle Strut

    By docoflove1974,

    New month! New start! Newly deposited cash in bank account! (This last one being probably the most important.)
     
    These last 6-8 months have been disastrous on me financially. A lack of work combined with clients who pulled out at the last minute meant that I was scrambling for extra cash. Now I think I'm finally in the clear--oh, my proverbial boat didn't exactly come in, but I'm back to full paychecks, and debts have been paid off.
     
    Of course, I need to replace my glasses, my car needs servicing, and I just know that there's something else around the corner.
     
    So what does the resourceful person do when they need to augment their monthly cash flow? Go out and get a second job, of course. One that I can work part time, preferably on the weekends. Sure, I know that means that I don't have that much free time to play, but if I'm honest, I don't have much money to play with, so it's either sit at home and work (for free), or go out and work (and get paid). I'll take the latter, thank you.
     
    So why is it that I can't find a job? Evidently I'm supremely overqualified. No one wants a PhD to do a part time desk job on the weekends, not even data entry stuff. Seriously? I'm not even asking for extra compensation for my education--that's what the academic world is for--and I'm ready to work full time in the summer...let alone the fact that I don't have a possible full-time gig for some time, so I'll be around for a while. Really, I'll work for cheap...just give me some extra income!
     
    Still no go? Really? Feh. Drat and poo. (Stephen Fry's twittering has influenced me lately...dunno if that's a good or bad thing.)
     
    Eh, things will happen...they always do. Someone will magically come to me with a contract-based offer, a translation job that will pay me what I want. It usually happens that way...right when I'm most desperate, someone I know has some work for me. Of course, it's not steady, and I never know when it's coming. Nonetheless, I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth.
     
    So what exactly has this got to do with the song title of the blog? It's simply the song in my head, one of many that seems to pop up when I feel the urge to let go, relax, and roll with the punches. I mean, someone has to keep me from being a melancholic bore, and there's no one else here to do that. Besides, I'm pretty sure they'd charge
  12. docoflove1974
    Up until about a week ago, much of the North American continent was in a very gripping Arctic snap--so bad that it was likened to having a hurricane-type pattern of wave after wave of winter storms. Extreme bitter cold, snow measured in feet...yet on the West Coast we had nothing but gorgeous weather. Sunshine, spring-like temps...in February. Not really normal, although it was somewhat, in that we usually have a week or so of warm weather in this second month on the calendar. But not for like 2+ weeks. Eh, it was fun while it lasted, but I was very quick to not boast about it. Ya see, I know that Mother Nature is a fickle witch, and she doesn't like you to really get too happy about what you have. Boasters never prosper, kind of thing. I knew our turn was coming.
     
    So, for the last 5 days, we've had nothing but cold and rain. We've had steady soaking rain with temps in the 50s, thunderstorms with hail and temps in the 40s...it keeps going and going. It's supposed to end tonight, with chances of rain on Monday and Thursday, but at least we're set up to see the sun come tomorrow. I do hope so...my hyacinths are desperate for sun, and my baby lettuces are starting to get pale with lack of warmth.
     
    Not to mention, I'd like to get into the pool shortly...this mermaid likes to play in the water, not necessarily be sprinkled or doused with it.
  13. docoflove1974

    Little Lion Man

    By docoflove1974,

    Dammit, Mumford & Sons didn't win at the Grammies. Meh, no accounting for taste, really.
     
    I know, I've been gone a while. Work has been atrocious lately, and the private life has been run topsy-turvy. More details to come at a later point in time.
     
    But I will say this: It's never easy to let someone down, but when you have a floater, well, desperate times call for desperate measures. Why it is that people can't, or perhaps refuse to, understand, I don't know. But if after one or two dates there isn't much there, one needs to walk away, and the other needs to respect that. Alas, at times the best laid plans never quite work out.
     
    Ok, need to get ready for the day. Where did I put my umbrella? It looks like it's going to pour down.
  14. docoflove1974
    I'm in a right bouncy mood. It's the fact that I'm half Tigger, half Roo, to be sure. There are just certain days that I wake up and feel the need to bounce around all day, playing gaily and freely.
     
    What to do today...what to do today...
     
    Well, there's a pile of work to be done...but seeing as I have an aversion to work on my birthday, well, that's not exactly an option today.
     
    The apartment does need to be cleaned and the laundry done, but that's not much work, so I'll do that. It fits into the schedule, so to speak.
     
    Kinda wanna go for a walk...but kinda wanna be lazy. Maybe a lazy walk?
     
    Hmmmm...what else....what else...I know! I can send out all these Amazon orders that are stacking up! But that is work...and I need to go to the office supply store to get more CD envelopes. Eh, maybe...doesn't have to get done until Tuesday, so there's still time.
     
    Which reminds me...if anyone is interested in a pair of snow spikes for ladies' shoe size 6-10 (American), let me know...an unwanted Christmas gift...actually, an unneeded Christmas gift, since I don't live in a snowy place, nor do I go to such places. They tend to be cold. I'll totally trade...make me an offer I can't refuse.
     
    Well, tonight's plans are set, I know that: best friend coming over with Chinese food, then off to a local saloon for revelries. But what to do with this gloriously sunny morning? Eh, let me dwell further on it...don't rush me...I'm enjoying the day.
     
    Happy New Year to all! May the dawning of 2011 be like the dawning of my 36th year on earth: sunny and full of positive possibilities.
  15. docoflove1974
    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!
  17. docoflove1974

    Wings of a Dove

    By docoflove1974,

    Yes, GhostOfClayton, your entry talking about Human League has put me in a right 80s mood. Actually, to be fair, I was listening to a fair bit of Madness, Clash, and others this afternoon before reading the blog, but still.
     
    So, finals are over! Well, for me they are. I had everything graded by last night, 10pm...record time, I might add. Then again, it was pretty clear that many of my students just didn't do so well on the final paper. I mean, sure, it's an in-class essay, but when I give you a month to practice it, you should get darned good at it. Of course, if everyone did, then they'd all get As, and that's not exactly my thing. So, a good spread of grades overall.
     
    But it got me thinking of how I want to tweak the assignment. My intermediate Spanish students have to pick a movie off of a list (of course, the movies are Spanish-language), and write a specific essay which tests various linguistic elements. It's cumulative in the truest sense of the word, because it's meant to accurately encapsulate their capabilities at that time. Since the course is a 3-semester series, as students progress they do better. And interestingly, the native speakers in the class don't necessarily do better than the language learners; since I have the students type up the essays, they have to use spell-check, although many don't, or they choose incorrectly from the options that Microsoft Word offers up. Either way, good students tend to do well, while mediocre students don't. Poor students often don't show up, or they come to the final exam time with the "duh" look on their face...usually the result of them not watching a movie and following the instructions of the assignment.
     
    So, grades are in...let the games begin!
     
    Winter Break starts with me playing hostess and tour guide. My very good friend Alanna is out here visiting...her first visit to Northern California. The bad news is that tomorrow is the only day of her visit that is scheduled to be a dry day; the entire rest of the trip there are storms blowing in off the Pacific. At least tomorrow we'll get in a fair amount of sight-seeing in San Francisco. Friday we'll get some things in, perhaps, but Saturday is a complete howler of a day; 50 mph gusts and tons of rain are projected. Sounds more like a day to catch a movie locally, stay home and catch up. Then Sunday morning she takes off for her hometown in central Massachusetts.
     
    Anyone else wanna come along?
  18. docoflove1974
    This truly is the calm before the storm. Relaxing night tonight, after spending the day with a couple of friends. Tomorrow afternoon I head to the parents' place for the evening; we'll be going to the neighbor's farm, which is decked out with Christmas lights and winter wonderland-ness galore. Then a calm Sunday before...the whirlwind.
     
    Monday afternoon: office hours
    Monday evening: final exam #1
    Tuesday mid-morning: final exam #2
    Wednesday evening: good friend comes into town
    Sunday morning: good friend leaves
    Monday evening: holiday pot-luck party at my place.
     
    Just a bit of a full plate. And just the way I like it, I must say, although I would have liked to have another day between the finals and my friend coming in to town, but it's all good.
     
    My friend has never been to San Francisco or Northern California, so I have a wide-array of activities in the hopper. All that is required is good weather; if the weather turns rainy, as it is preliminarily projected to be, then plans can be changed. Of course we'll go to Union Square and the shops and such there, regardless of the weather. But if good weather prevails, then we'll definitely hit my favorite coastal spots, and perhaps a walk on my favorite trail, near a reservoir. I love playing tour guide!
     
    My local friends are asking about my New Years' Eve plans, as if I have my life planned that far. Many know that it's also my birthday, but some don't, or don't remember, and I'm not exactly inclined to remember. As far as I'm concerned, as long as my family remembers (and they do), that's all I need. No gifts needed...a phone call suffices. And I never got into New Years' parties, either...I mean, it's a new year for me, sure, but for everyone else? Eh, no biggie. On the other hand, I'm not gonna turn down an invite out of Bah Humbugism. And yet...they're stunned that I'm not hosting a party, or that I don't already have plans. Um, I never really have plans. How has this been different than the norm? Besides, something always comes up last minute.
     
    On a brighter note, my horoscope says that a large chunk of change is due my way tomorrow, and my employment and business goals will be fulfilled in the next 2-3 days. Wait...didn't it...um...didn't it say that last week? And this past weekend, too? It's as if the readers of the stars don't know me at all...feh. I'm going back to the tarot readers...they seem to know me better. *snicker*
  19. docoflove1974
    Some people read the daily comics in the morning to start their day. I read the horoscopes. 4 of them, mind you...the fact that 4 different 'readers of the stars' have 4 wildly different 'interpretations' of the same stars is hilarious to me. Not to mention what they mention will happen to me today.
     
    The last 4 days one in particular has been predicting that a 'windfall of money' is coming my way. Um, it's been 4 days now, and I haven't exactly seen an extra red cent come my way. Sure, on Friday I got money back from the store, but that's because I returned something. And I hardly think $20 is a windfall. With the exception of the income that I normally receive on the last working day of the month, I don't expect anything else to come in the next couple of days, either.
     
    Now, if I do end up getting some money in the mail, beautiful. I certainly will not look that gift horse in the mouth.
     
    Another one today said that I will face a series of decisions, and that all I need to do is choose the correct one, and not plan any contingencies. Well, I do have to finish my lineup for Fantasy Football...but there really aren't any contingencies to be made. Either I leave my lineup as is, or I switch a player for one on the bench. And I came to my decision a couple of days ago.
     
    Speaking of decisions...do I want to make soup today, or something else? Hmmmmmm...cold weather, the last of the turkey leftovers from Thanksgiving...eh, I'll go sit on the couch and watch some football. I'll leave the deciding to my cat later. She's good at that.
  20. docoflove1974
    Wow, didn't realize how lax I had become in my blogging duties. But times have become quite busy in the morning lately, what with work and new routines. I do wish I could be of a mind to do this in the evening, when I'm relaxing, but sadly it escapes my mind. How odd, as I'm usually doing so many other things at night which are equally as taxing. Oh well, I promise to myself that I'll check in more frequently.
     
    At any rate, this by far is my favorite holiday, and not just because of the dinner. No, it's one that actually still means something, one that doesn't require a religion, rather it is obligatory to have a sense of being grateful for what you have, no matter how much or how little it may be.
    In fact, that's how I started my day...cuddling Bella, watching the sunrise, and singing along. Of course, I've now moved on to an alternative mix on my iTunes, but that's neither here nor there. 
    I'm cooking this year, which is a first in a way. Oh, it's not the first time I've cooked Thanksgiving dinner, as I used to do it--by myself or shared with another friend--when I lived in Texas. But it is the first time I'm cooking this grand dinner for my family, something that has caused me quite a bit of excitement. I know I can cook this one well--honestly, the only 'holiday dinner' that's easier is to cook a ham. But it almost makes me feel like a grown up, the fact that my mom doesn't 'have' to cook it anymore, that we kids (who range from almost 36 to 28) can do this, that the torch has officially been passed. (Of course, my mom has already made the announcement that she and Dad are doing Christmas day...but that's another story.)
     
    And the best part of this day is the actual giving of thanks...of recognizing that there really is something great about life, and that we appreciate it. Many of my European friends who come from cultures without such an official holiday find it a refreshing concept, and one that they have included into their lives because of it. I know my Canadian friends already had theirs last month, but to me it doesn't matter when you celebrate this day, it's the act of celebration and gratefulness that is important.
     
    What am I thankful for? Well, if you must know...in no particular order...

    My family and friends--both those that I see/talk to on a regular basis and those who I don't. And Bella the Kitty is part of this, natch. My job...although it's not as full-time as I would like, at least it's income. My new apartment...seriously. Compared to the dump I lived in the 3 years prior, especially. My students, who teach me something everyday, seemingly. The fact that I am alive, that I walk, talk, breathe, move, think, see, hear, touch, taste and all that--FREELY. There's something else, something which may seem odd at first, but it is important. I'm thankful that, in this past year, I have loved and lost, that I have healed and moved on, and that I can tell the story. It seems weird to thank my former love for tearing my heart out and stomping on it, but then again I've never been a normal kind of girl. See, I'm thankful that I had the chance...that I had the opportunity and experience to love again, something that I hadn't had for quite some time before that. Also, the fact that I'm thankful that I can tell the story, even the funny bits--especially the funny bits. It's certainly helped my writing a lot
     
    So, to you and yours, regardless of your culture, I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving. May we all continue to be blessed.
  21. docoflove1974
    I've paid my dues -
    Time after time -
    I've done my sentence
    But committed no crime -
    And bad mistakes
    I've made a few
    I've had my share of sand kicked in my face -
    But I've come through
     
    We are the champions - my friends
    And we'll keep on fighting - till the end -
    We are the champions -
    We are the champions
    No time for losers
    'Cause we are the champions - of the world -
     
    I've taken my bows
    And my curtain calls -
    You brought me fame and fortuen and everything that goes with it
    -
    I thank you all -
     
    But it's been no bed of roses
    No pleasure cruise -
    I consider it a challenge before the whole human race -
    And I ain't gonna lose -
     
    We are the champions - my friends
    And we'll keep on fighting - till the end -
    We are the champions -
    We are the champions
    No time for losers
    'Cause we are the champions - of the world
    ________________________________________________
    The last time it happened was 1954. The boys were still living in New York, playing at the Polo Grounds. This kid Mays was patrolling centerfield, The Say Hey Kid made a catch in the first game that is still considered one of, if not the, greatest defensive play of all time. In that series, the boys from New York swept the boys from Lake Erie, and there was so much hope for the team. Surely they would win more championships. Alas, they didn't.
     
    In 1957 the ownership decided to be part of the expansion of baseball to the West Coast, along with their biggest rivals, Dem Bums. Dem Owners of Dem Bums at least bothered to tell the fan base at the beginning of the season, so their fans had a chance to say their goodbyes, albeit unwillingly. But the Boys from the 'Grounds, well, the owners sprung it on the fans very late...and were in such a rush to get out, they left the plaque honoring their Captain Eddie, who died fighting in the Great War. A curse was placed on the Boys, that they would never win as long as they were in California.
     
    1962...one of the greatest teams ever. Los Hermanos Alou patrolled the outfield, the only pair of brothers to do so in the World Series in the history of the sport, before or since. The Dominican Dandy could not be beat...or so we thought. Stretch hit the ball so hard and so far...but came up just shy. Peanut at third sucked in everything that came his way and threw out anyone who tried to run on him. Yet the Bronx Bombers knocked us down in 7. Maris, Mantle...yikes.
     
    1989...A team that was easy to like. Kruk, Big Daddy and the rest of the pitching staff was one of the best in baseball. Mitch, Will The Thrill...they hit the ball a country mile, reminding us of Stretch. An infield of Matty, OOOO-RIIIIBAY, Rockin Robbie and Will The Thrill made twin killings look like eating a slab of sourdough. Even our opponents were fortuitous...the Athletics from just across the Bay. But Mother Nature had other ideas, and on the 17th, just before the first World Series game at Candlestick since 1962, she decided to give us a great big shake. Some say she was in cahoots with Captain Eddie and the Boys already up at the Big 'Grounds in the Sky.
     
    2002...one of the greatest players of all time, the son of a great Giant and the godson of one of the Say Hey Kid, was on our side. Of course, we found out later that he was a bit more amped than usual...but oh well. He had a partner at second base that wasn't anyone to sneeze at. Great hitters...but they couldn't content with the Halos, who were managed by a former Bum. Of course, they lost...and in heartbreaking fashion.
     
    And now...with a pitching staff that is young, virile, and heart-breakingly good...with a collection of hitters and fielders who most everyone easily overlooked...against a bunch of Rangers who were considered the huge favorites...in 5 games we stomped them into the ground. Once again, the old adage is true: great pitching defeats great hitting. We beat the Bravos, we beat the Phighting Phils, and now we've beaten the Rangers.
     
    Not that it's noteworthy, but this year there were a series of plaques installed around AT&T Park, celebrating the great Giants of yore. Captain Eddies was one of the first installed.
     
    If you need me, I'll be on Market Street, celebrating with my boys.
  22. docoflove1974

    Electric Feel

    By docoflove1974,

    After the intros for all the other Giants, you hear the sound of
     
    In the bullpen, warming up...number 55...TIM!!!!! LINCECUM!!!!!!
     
    Yes, it's the post season for Major League Baseball, and my Giants are in, and looking strong. While I don't have tickets to any of the games, at least I can watch at home. Also, I won't be freezing at AT&T Park, whic his very and entirely possible to do during night games.
     
    Oh, I had some gripes on what manager Bruce Bochy concocted for the 25-man roster...like why the hell did he let Pablo Sandoval onto the roster? Mr. I Swing At Everything And Am Too Pudgy To Play Defense? On the other hand, 'Boch' left Barry Zito off, which pleased everyone in the Bay Area. But overall, hey, the dude knows what he's doing, right? Hope so.
     
    Everyone here is worked up in a frenzy over this; even Oakland A's fans are happy for us, sorta. It's the first time in 7 years that the Giants have been in the playoffs. The last time they went in as National League West champs, same as this year. But not much came of it, as they lost in the first round. It won't happen again this year! No, I tells ya!
     
    In my family, there is a bit of a tradition. We never would watch tv while eating dinner--a practice that I hope to continue in life once I live in a place where the dining and living areas aren't connected together. There, however, were two exceptions: the MLB All-Star Game, and the first game of the World Series. Oh, not like the Giants were in there often--1989 and 2002 are the only times in my lifetime--but if they were playing in the playoffs, my mom would re-arrange dinner time so that we would miss the least amount of time from the tv as possible. We even listened to the radio broadcast during dinner, as an appeasement--mostly to me, as I probably was the biggest baseball fan in the family. As we got older, we would set up tv trays in the living room and eat there...a HUGE event, to be sure, as eating in the living room was taboo.
     
    So, forgive me, all, if I seem a bit more daft than usual, but my mind's on baseball. I promise, it'll be all back to normal in November
  23. docoflove1974

    Rockin' The Suburbs

    By docoflove1974,

    Life has been busy lately, but somehow I've managed. I've had to get creative in order to make ends meet...it doesn't involve a street corner, but it does involve applying my talents in new ways. I have decided that I need to be called a 'consultant.'
     
    Why, you ask? Because for one, I live not in the city, but in the suburbs, and evidently all those minimally-employed or unemployed professionals who are looking to rectify their economic situation call themselves as such. I've been told that 'consultant' sounds more dignified and represents the level of education and experience possessed by people like me. Also, because a consultant can charge more for services rendered than the average Joe or Jane.
     
    Eh, whatever works. As long as I can earn enough to keep the roof over my head, the lights on, and the fridge with some food, then things will be ok.
     
    ___________________________________________________
     
    Very interesting discussion on BBC World News America tonight. Katty Kay did a report on economic troubles in Rhode Island, being representative of much of the rest of the country, but it was followed by an exchange between her and Matt Frei, the anchor. They made an interesting comparison between Europeans and Americans when it comes to these tough economic times. Both the Englishwoman and the German gentleman noted that Europeans have expected certain services by their governments--services for which they have been paying much higher taxes for a very long time--and now that the governments have to cut back some 20% on these services, the sense of entitlement that the government isn't helping the people is growing. By contrast, they noticed that most Americans aren't big on government help...we have never really expected the government to give us everything, but that probably is because we have a culture of wanting lower, not higher, taxes, along with a culture of do-it-yourself; we want to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps, not have the government do it for us. On the other hand, they both figured that if things get much worse here, Americans will start striking and protesting just like in France, Spain, Italy and other European countries. (Of course, our first protest will come on the first Tuesday of November, with the elections.)
     
    Are they right? Very probably. It seems like it's always been a land of independence--it's not that we don't want help, but we have a pride in taking care of ourselves that seems to run counter to socialism in the strictest sense. Even though polls are suggesting that more and more Americans are warming up to nationalized health care plans, we also don't want the government to interfere all the time with our lives. Perhaps that's as a consequence of our history--pioneers fending for themselves, and all that. And as for the comment on Europeans feeling entitled to certain services but paying higher taxes, that probably has truth in it, too, but my knowledge and impressions aren't that strong. I will say that being in Italy this summer, people were highly disgruntled with the government telling them to expect less for more, even though the austerity measures would still result in more coverage and services than the average American had. Pushing the age of retirement from 60 to 62 seems to be unheard of and unacceptable for most Europeans...but my parents' generation saw retirement somewhere between 62 and 65, and for my generation it probably will be 68, or maybe even later.
     
    I guess the bottom line is that we humans are creatures of comfort and habit. We really aren't that fond of change, particularly if it disrupts our lives so much. Yet we always seem to manage through, all the same.
  24. docoflove1974
    In watching the news today, one couldn't help but notice that the Holy See visited Scotland, met with Her Royal Highness, and held mass in a park in Glasgow, all before heading off to Londontown. The head of the Catholic Church made stronger remarks on the molestation scandal than he has in the past, he made a reference to the strength of the British will in the face of the Nazis, and in general played diplomat.
     
    And somehow, I couldn't care less.
     
    I mean nothing. Dude, the Vatican has not been a seat of real political power since the Reunification of Italy, and maybe one could argue even before that. The fact that this guy is the Pope, the head on one of the major religions in the world, gives him the right to high respect. No one would begrudge him that. But the way that it was covered on local, national, and international news tonight, one would have thought that God literally made an appearance, instead of his (her?) human representative on earth.
     
    When I went to the Vatican, and in particular once I stepped into St. Peter's Basilica, I was indeed awed. And let's face it, you are meant to be awed when you walk in. Sumptuous colors, huge statues paying homage to past Church leaders. And while it was an unforgettable experience, going into Santa Maria Maggiore, and hearing Mass there, was even more gripping for me. Oh, it was full of riches itself--it's evidently thought of as the Second Vatican, and I believe it's the oldest cathedral in Rome. It is full of relics, of gilding, and of beauty. But it was a feeling, an intangible force that I sensed that made it a much more pleasant, rewarding, and indeed humbling (in a positive way) experience. Certainly it cannot be said that I'm a faithful Catholic; I go to Mass when I want, and that's not very often, and there are some elements of dogma that I disagree with. But I was more at peace at Santa Maria Maggiore than I was at St. Peter's; one could even say that I was almost nervous at St. Peter's.
     
    Maybe the novelty of the Papacy has worn off. I'll still always be a Catholic--I don't plan on changing religions--but I just don't see myself being endeared to the current leader. Maybe that has to do with his past, or his current (and historic) stances on various issues to which I am diametrically opposed. But I just don't see how this is all a big deal.
  25. docoflove1974

    Connected

    By docoflove1974,

    Yes, folks, I am now reunited with the virtual world and the television world, and damn does it feel good. Even better, I got my couches today. So in all honesty, I can actually start having people over. What a concept!
     
    In all seriousness, I haven't had a place that I could entertain in since I left Austin in 2005. Living with my parents didn't exactly espouse positive feelings in that aspect. In theory the last apartment could have been wonderful, what with the unit leading to the backyard. The problem, however, was that the place needed so much work that I was too embarrassed to show it to many people. And even then, it was a quick "So, here it is, small and quaint. Thanks for stopping by!"
     
    But now, I have room for many to sit and relax. And next weekend I should get my dinette table in, which will help even more. Pretty soon it'll all be right as rain.
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