The cats got a bunch of new catnip toys for Christmas. They are officially overstimulated. Did I mention that many of these toys are filled with catnip? Good times...
Little Miss Neurotic (Moxy) has licked herself a bald spot between her shoulder blades that doubled in size overnight. That earned her a trip to the vet today, and got me out of work early -- just before they brought in a patient with active tuberculosis! I'd call that perfect timing. I'd rather not be exposed to TB any time soon. The Moxinator got herself a round of antibiotics and a cortisone shot. We'll see how it goes with her. If she won't leave it alone, we may be pulling out the e-collar. The horror.
Thanks to Kat, I've got another meme to do. This one is the “Brought to you by the letter…” game. I'll let Kat tell you how it works:
"You leave a comment on this post, and I’ll assign you a letter. You write about ten things you love that begin with your assigned letter, and post it at your place. When people comment on your list, you give them a letter, and the chain continues on and on."
Kat assigned the letter P, which turned out to be harder than I thought. But it all worked out. Here are ten things that make me happy AND start with a P.
Physics - I liked it enough to major in it three times and to make it my career.
Planets - I don't know how anyone can look at the Voyager or Cassini mission photographs of moons and planets and not be in awe. Or how about Saturn, eclipsing the sun with the night side illuminated by its own ring system? Wow.
Pandora - I've been exposed to dozens of artists and hundreds of songs through Pandora in the last year and a half. In that same time period, I discovered exactly one new song by hearing it first on the radio (not counting NPR, which is also a decent source of exposure to new music, especially on the NPR Music website). Pandora is by far the most effective way to find new music that you'll love on our blue planet's world wide web. By "new", I mean new to me, not necessary a recent recording.
Pinot noir - I like almost all of the red wines. This variety boomed in popularity after being favorably mentioned in the movie Sideways. It's a good movie, but don't take every line in it so seriously. I still drink "fucking Merlot". Seriously.
Peppercorns - the finest of the seasonings. My favorite. Freshly ground (coarse, of course) pepper will perk up any dish.
Peaches and pecans - that's Georgia food, y'all. There is nothing like homemade peach ice cream on the 4th of July. Except maybe a big slice of pecan pie.
Planting - I love gardening. From picking out the plants to getting my hands in the dirt, there is no better way to ground yourself than plant and take care of a garden. Can be herbs or veggies, a wild cottage garden or a small container garden. I will always have a garden of some sort.
Paul Johnson - Georgia Tech's first year football coach who made football on The Flats fun again, PLUS he beat Georgia for the first time in what seemed like forever. Superman wears Paul Johnson pajamas.
Photography and Photoshop Elements - I've always enjoyed photography. I may have gotten this bug from my Dad. Now I have his old cameras, along with a small collection of vintage models that are fun to play with if you can find the film. Digital photography makes it easy and cheap to experiment and try new things. And since I got Photoshop Elements, I can rid my photos of many of the flaws and limitations of both camera and photographer. And maybe even make some art. Or lolcats. There is room in my life for both...
PDM - saved the best for last! He puts up with my crap AND he cooks for me. Plus there is that crazy little thing called wub.
Showing posts with label meme. Show all posts
Showing posts with label meme. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday, December 01, 2008
Pic Four
It's been a while since I've been tagged. Dr. Sardonicus did the honors this time.
The deal is to look at your "My Pictures" directory, pick the fourth photo no matter what it is, post it and then write four things about the photo. Then you tag four other people. I had to create a workaround, since my "My Pics" directory is full of a hierarchy of subdirectories. Instead, I looked into an image archive location on my D-drive that has a more or less random selection of stuff in it. That directory has some of my cropped and retouched images for posting and also is a bit of a dumping ground for images I grab off the internet for whatever reason.
1. These Adirondack chairs were hand-crafted for me by my former next-door-neighbor in Massachusetts. They are identical to a set that he has been using daily in his yard for years. They are very comfortable to sit in.
2. The first Adirondack chairs were designed over a hundred years ago and were made of 11 pieces of wood that were cut from a single board. The deep slant of the seat accommodated placement on a steep slope. Originally they had a straight back and seat, but today's versions usually feature rounded seats and backs. The wide arm rests have been retained, and are a great place to rest food and drinks.
3. Since I moved these chairs to Georgia, they have an irresistible attraction for carpenter bees. Even though these bees do not sting, they still freak me out.
4. This amount of snow has been known to cause mass panic in Atlanta, Georgia.
I won't tag anyone specifically - if this meme appeals to you, then do it. Many of my blogger friends have been tagged already.
The deal is to look at your "My Pictures" directory, pick the fourth photo no matter what it is, post it and then write four things about the photo. Then you tag four other people. I had to create a workaround, since my "My Pics" directory is full of a hierarchy of subdirectories. Instead, I looked into an image archive location on my D-drive that has a more or less random selection of stuff in it. That directory has some of my cropped and retouched images for posting and also is a bit of a dumping ground for images I grab off the internet for whatever reason.
1. These Adirondack chairs were hand-crafted for me by my former next-door-neighbor in Massachusetts. They are identical to a set that he has been using daily in his yard for years. They are very comfortable to sit in.
2. The first Adirondack chairs were designed over a hundred years ago and were made of 11 pieces of wood that were cut from a single board. The deep slant of the seat accommodated placement on a steep slope. Originally they had a straight back and seat, but today's versions usually feature rounded seats and backs. The wide arm rests have been retained, and are a great place to rest food and drinks.
3. Since I moved these chairs to Georgia, they have an irresistible attraction for carpenter bees. Even though these bees do not sting, they still freak me out.
4. This amount of snow has been known to cause mass panic in Atlanta, Georgia.
I won't tag anyone specifically - if this meme appeals to you, then do it. Many of my blogger friends have been tagged already.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Fermiology
I ripped this off from LL, who stole it from Sunshine. No tagging, just a meme with some random questions. (It was either this, or I was going to rant about how irritating "self check" is at the grocery store.) Feel free to use it on your own blogs! Copy the list, edit the answers, and call it your name with "ology" on the end.
MOUTHOLOGY
Q. What is your salad dressing of choice?
A. My homemade herb vinaigrette.
Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
A. The only fast food I eat is Chick-fil-A.
Q. What is your favorite sit down restaurant?
A. Bombay Grill
Q. On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?
A. >20%
Q. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
A. Pit barbecued pork ribs, PDM's jalapeño cornbread, southern style vegetables and Brunswick stew.
Q. What are your pizza toppings of choice?
A. Sausage, onion and jalapeño
Q. What do you like to put on your toast?
A. Butter and honey
TECHNOLOGY
Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A. An aurora at home, and a Hubble photo of a nebula at work.
Q. How many televisions are in your house?
A. One. That's all we need.
BIOLOGY
Q. Are you right-handed or left-handed?
A. Right.
Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
A. Teeth, tonsils, and lots of splinters.
Q. When was the last time you had a cavity?
A. About 25 years ago when I was a teenager.
Q. What is the last heavy item you lifted?
A. An "electron cone" at work.
Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
A. No.
BULLCRAPOLOGY
Q. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
A. Hell, no!
Q. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
A. I can't think of anything I'd like any better than my real name.
Q. What color do you think looks best on you?
A. Burgundy.
Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
A. Gum, little bits of candy wrapper... stuff like that.
Q. Have you ever saved someone’s life?
A. No.
Q. Has someone ever saved yours?
A. No.
DAREOLOGY
Q. Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100?
A. Why not?
Q. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000?
A. No freaking way.
Q. Would you never blog again for $50,000?
A. OK.
Q. Would you pose naked in a magazine for $250,000?
A. Nah.
Q. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
A. I would try to.
Q. Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for $1,000,000?
A. Not for any price.
DUMBOLOGY
Q. What is in your left pocket?
A. No pockets right now, so nothing.
Q. Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
A. Never saw it.
Q. Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?
A. Beautiful hardwoods.
Q. Do you sit or stand in the shower?
A. Stand.
Q. Would you live with roommates?
A. Only the feline variety.
Q. How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
A. Not sure, probably around 3-4.
Q. Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
A. December 2005, speeding.
Q. Who is number 1 on your Top 8?
A. Huh?
LASTOLOGY
Q: Last Friend you talked to?
A: PDM. Sure, we're married, but he is also my best friend.
Q: Last person who called you?
A: Barbara
Q: Last person you hugged?
A: PDM
Q: Last person to stick their foot in your face?
A: Zima. She gets really restless in the early morning.
FAVORITOLOGY
Q: Number?
A: 2
Q: Season?
A: Summer
CURRENTOLOGY
Q: Missing someone?
A: Dad.
Q: Mood?
A: Quiet, winding down.
Q: Listening to?
A: A water fountain.
Q: Watching?
A: The cats and my computer screen.
Q: Worrying about?
A: It is after 11 and I am not sleepy yet.
RANDOMOLOGY
Q: First place you went this morning?
A: Grocery store (but it was long past morning when I ventured out).
Q: What can you not wait to do?
A: Finish that damn bathroom project!!
Q: What's the last movie you saw in theater?
A: I think it was Stardust, but it has been so long I am not entirely certain.
Q: Do you smile often?
A: Yes.
Q: Are you a friendly person?
A: Yes, but I'm reserved until I get to know you.
MOUTHOLOGY
Q. What is your salad dressing of choice?
A. My homemade herb vinaigrette.
Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
A. The only fast food I eat is Chick-fil-A.
Q. What is your favorite sit down restaurant?
A. Bombay Grill
Q. On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?
A. >20%
Q. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
A. Pit barbecued pork ribs, PDM's jalapeño cornbread, southern style vegetables and Brunswick stew.
Q. What are your pizza toppings of choice?
A. Sausage, onion and jalapeño
Q. What do you like to put on your toast?
A. Butter and honey
TECHNOLOGY
Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A. An aurora at home, and a Hubble photo of a nebula at work.
Q. How many televisions are in your house?
A. One. That's all we need.
BIOLOGY
Q. Are you right-handed or left-handed?
A. Right.
Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
A. Teeth, tonsils, and lots of splinters.
Q. When was the last time you had a cavity?
A. About 25 years ago when I was a teenager.
Q. What is the last heavy item you lifted?
A. An "electron cone" at work.
Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
A. No.
BULLCRAPOLOGY
Q. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
A. Hell, no!
Q. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
A. I can't think of anything I'd like any better than my real name.
Q. What color do you think looks best on you?
A. Burgundy.
Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
A. Gum, little bits of candy wrapper... stuff like that.
Q. Have you ever saved someone’s life?
A. No.
Q. Has someone ever saved yours?
A. No.
DAREOLOGY
Q. Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100?
A. Why not?
Q. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000?
A. No freaking way.
Q. Would you never blog again for $50,000?
A. OK.
Q. Would you pose naked in a magazine for $250,000?
A. Nah.
Q. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
A. I would try to.
Q. Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for $1,000,000?
A. Not for any price.
DUMBOLOGY
Q. What is in your left pocket?
A. No pockets right now, so nothing.
Q. Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
A. Never saw it.
Q. Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?
A. Beautiful hardwoods.
Q. Do you sit or stand in the shower?
A. Stand.
Q. Would you live with roommates?
A. Only the feline variety.
Q. How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
A. Not sure, probably around 3-4.
Q. Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
A. December 2005, speeding.
Q. Who is number 1 on your Top 8?
A. Huh?
LASTOLOGY
Q: Last Friend you talked to?
A: PDM. Sure, we're married, but he is also my best friend.
Q: Last person who called you?
A: Barbara
Q: Last person you hugged?
A: PDM
Q: Last person to stick their foot in your face?
A: Zima. She gets really restless in the early morning.
FAVORITOLOGY
Q: Number?
A: 2
Q: Season?
A: Summer
CURRENTOLOGY
Q: Missing someone?
A: Dad.
Q: Mood?
A: Quiet, winding down.
Q: Listening to?
A: A water fountain.
Q: Watching?
A: The cats and my computer screen.
Q: Worrying about?
A: It is after 11 and I am not sleepy yet.
RANDOMOLOGY
Q: First place you went this morning?
A: Grocery store (but it was long past morning when I ventured out).
Q: What can you not wait to do?
A: Finish that damn bathroom project!!
Q: What's the last movie you saw in theater?
A: I think it was Stardust, but it has been so long I am not entirely certain.
Q: Do you smile often?
A: Yes.
Q: Are you a friendly person?
A: Yes, but I'm reserved until I get to know you.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Seven
I've been tagged by Jeni to list seven things about me. Err, thanks, I think.
1. I procrastinate. A lot. In fact, half of the stuff I listed last December is still not done. I knocked out one of them just today (local cell phone number, a mere 3.5 years after moving). Another one (the window treatments for the not-so-new house) was completed just a few weeks ago. That is the way it works. Nothing happens for months (or years), and then all of a sudden I decide to "just do it" and have a spurt of productivity.
2. Back in 1984, during my first quarter in college, the only "A" I got was in Marching Band. Lets just say high school was way too easy for me and I had NO IDEA how to study, and not much inclination to do so because I was busy having fun. It got better as time went on.
3. When I went back to Tech in 2004 to work on a second MS degree, I didn't get any final grades less than an "A". Older + wiser + genuinely interested + good work ethic = CURVEBUSTER!
4. I lived in Massachusetts for over twelve years, but never went to a Red Sox game. Meant to. Procrastinated... At least I got to see a Celtics game in the old Boston Garden.
5. When I was a kid, I wanted to be an astronaut. Things didn't quite work out that way, but space travel isn't exactly the way I had imagined it either. The food and sanitary facilities are far superior in my current occupation.
6. I've been debt free (except mortgage) since 2003. Love it! My best advice is to not get into debt in the first place. It was hard to get out of. But doable. If you don't know how to do it, this book will show you the way.
7. I've been growing my hair out so that I can donate it to Locks of Love. I started well over a year ago, and my hair is about as long as it has ever been in my adult life. It will take another six months to a year before I have the minimum 10" ponytail that they ask for and still have enough hair left for me to not freak out.
1. I procrastinate. A lot. In fact, half of the stuff I listed last December is still not done. I knocked out one of them just today (local cell phone number, a mere 3.5 years after moving). Another one (the window treatments for the not-so-new house) was completed just a few weeks ago. That is the way it works. Nothing happens for months (or years), and then all of a sudden I decide to "just do it" and have a spurt of productivity.
2. Back in 1984, during my first quarter in college, the only "A" I got was in Marching Band. Lets just say high school was way too easy for me and I had NO IDEA how to study, and not much inclination to do so because I was busy having fun. It got better as time went on.
3. When I went back to Tech in 2004 to work on a second MS degree, I didn't get any final grades less than an "A". Older + wiser + genuinely interested + good work ethic = CURVEBUSTER!
4. I lived in Massachusetts for over twelve years, but never went to a Red Sox game. Meant to. Procrastinated... At least I got to see a Celtics game in the old Boston Garden.
5. When I was a kid, I wanted to be an astronaut. Things didn't quite work out that way, but space travel isn't exactly the way I had imagined it either. The food and sanitary facilities are far superior in my current occupation.
6. I've been debt free (except mortgage) since 2003. Love it! My best advice is to not get into debt in the first place. It was hard to get out of. But doable. If you don't know how to do it, this book will show you the way.
7. I've been growing my hair out so that I can donate it to Locks of Love. I started well over a year ago, and my hair is about as long as it has ever been in my adult life. It will take another six months to a year before I have the minimum 10" ponytail that they ask for and still have enough hair left for me to not freak out.
Monday, October 08, 2007
"SEO Theory" Is Just A Theory
But so is gravity, knucklehead. So listen up! Tiff was spreading bloggerly, linky love last week and some of it came my way. This meme is way to read some very fine posts and promote a few of your own. Below, you will find a list of blogs with three of their very best posts (or at least the three they most want to promote). To participate, simply copy the existing list and add your own blog and three stellar posts to the end. Tag a few people and you're done! You might pick up a few new readers or get hooked on one of the other blogs on the list. If nothing else, you'll increase your Technorati rank and authority and help your blog's self esteem.
Oh yeah, and "SEO" stands for search engine optimization, just in case you were wondering and too lazy to look it up.
Instructions from the originator:
Instructions from Tiff:
"Links to posts inside your blog are more important than links to your home page. The players of the seo meme select three posts they want to promote, and adds their name and chosen posts to a list of links in their "taggers" post, then posting the whole list inside their blog. A minimum of 5 people are tagged by each new player. The new players are encouraged to read posts from everyone so that the work of fellow bloggers can be discovered and enjoyed."
The list of primo posts:
Revellian dot com - SEO Keywords For Beginners, Content: The Kings Illegitimate Stepchild, Tales of Blogger-X Illusion
Mariuca - Wishing On A Falling Star - Love In Disarray, In Love With A Dream, The Good Client
Mariuca’s Perfume Gallery - Perfume Shopping Spree, Defining Beauty, In Full Splendour
Speedcat Hollydale Page - Rocket Boy in Hawaii - DC9, Speedcat’s Death Ride into Terror!, The Boy Inside All Men
Terri Terri Quite Contrary - Just How Immature Are We?, Finding a Voice, So Much More to See than the Game
Mahala- Uncle Huberts Custom Cows, Pray for the Child at Big Lots, The Legend of Saushie's Crotch
Tiff - How am I like Ron Weasley, A Social Experiment, Absolutely Boring Entry 101
Cosmic Cat - Just An Ordinary Thursday Night..., Not Gone With The Wind. Just Gone., The "Weekly Thoughtful Reminder" And Other Hazards Of Working
Now for the fun part: Who do I tag? Well, I think everyone on my links list deserves recognition and awareness. I will name a few, but anyone who wants to do this meme should do it, invite or not. I will leave my fifth and upwards tags open to all who wish to participate. The other four tags are magnetbabe, dr. sardonicus, beth, and dave. Among other things, I am damn curious to see which three posts y'all pick to share with the world! One more thing.. Once all is said and done, add your post at Bobby’s site by leaving a comment at Revellian’s Best Posts SEO Meme.
Edited: I will be adding links that my tagged bloggers post so as to maximize all of the linky benefits! Just added magnetbabe's contribution.
Here are the Fantastic Posts from the friends I tagged, so check 'em out!
Field Lines - Even MIT Girls Get the Blues, Bye Bye, Friend, Bad Hair Day
Pole Hill Sanitarium: 756, Stocking Stuffer, Why It Matters
dave: Tryptophan and Thanksgiving Walls and History The More Things Change
Oh yeah, and "SEO" stands for search engine optimization, just in case you were wondering and too lazy to look it up.
Instructions from the originator:
"This seo meme was conceived and designed by Bobby at Revellian .com. This is a new fun seo meme ride for us all. This is based on the seo theory that links to posts inside your blog are more important than links to your home page. I have selected three posts I want to promote along with my site’s name. You will do the same thing.
Let’s keep it simple and spread our good work around to both share and build some ratings! Make sure you pick three posts that you feel are your best. You could also select 3 posts you simply want to promote. Your site name is listed with your 3 selected posts beneath.
Once you have your post up: Add the sites and post links of the folks you tagged onto your post. Try to add the site and post links to anyone involved to maximize the effectiveness. Tag a minimum of 5 people.
Try your best not to double tag people so it will spread better! Please actually read the posts from everyone so you can see some really good work from our beloved blogging friends! Make your title a little different from mine to avoid repetitive titles."Instructions from Tiff:
"Links to posts inside your blog are more important than links to your home page. The players of the seo meme select three posts they want to promote, and adds their name and chosen posts to a list of links in their "taggers" post, then posting the whole list inside their blog. A minimum of 5 people are tagged by each new player. The new players are encouraged to read posts from everyone so that the work of fellow bloggers can be discovered and enjoyed."
The list of primo posts:
Revellian dot com - SEO Keywords For Beginners, Content: The Kings Illegitimate Stepchild, Tales of Blogger-X Illusion
Mariuca - Wishing On A Falling Star - Love In Disarray, In Love With A Dream, The Good Client
Mariuca’s Perfume Gallery - Perfume Shopping Spree, Defining Beauty, In Full Splendour
Speedcat Hollydale Page - Rocket Boy in Hawaii - DC9, Speedcat’s Death Ride into Terror!, The Boy Inside All Men
Terri Terri Quite Contrary - Just How Immature Are We?, Finding a Voice, So Much More to See than the Game
Mahala- Uncle Huberts Custom Cows, Pray for the Child at Big Lots, The Legend of Saushie's Crotch
Tiff - How am I like Ron Weasley, A Social Experiment, Absolutely Boring Entry 101
Cosmic Cat - Just An Ordinary Thursday Night..., Not Gone With The Wind. Just Gone., The "Weekly Thoughtful Reminder" And Other Hazards Of Working
Now for the fun part: Who do I tag? Well, I think everyone on my links list deserves recognition and awareness. I will name a few, but anyone who wants to do this meme should do it, invite or not. I will leave my fifth and upwards tags open to all who wish to participate. The other four tags are magnetbabe, dr. sardonicus, beth, and dave. Among other things, I am damn curious to see which three posts y'all pick to share with the world! One more thing.. Once all is said and done, add your post at Bobby’s site by leaving a comment at Revellian’s Best Posts SEO Meme.
Edited: I will be adding links that my tagged bloggers post so as to maximize all of the linky benefits! Just added magnetbabe's contribution.
Here are the Fantastic Posts from the friends I tagged, so check 'em out!
Field Lines - Even MIT Girls Get the Blues, Bye Bye, Friend, Bad Hair Day
Pole Hill Sanitarium: 756, Stocking Stuffer, Why It Matters
dave: Tryptophan and Thanksgiving Walls and History The More Things Change
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Another Trip to Memeville, USA
I stole this from Kat. The idea is to answer the pre-colon words/phrases using one word.
Yourself: full
Your partner: sleeping
Your hair: long
Your mother: loved
Your father: missed
Your favorite item: cats
Your dream last night: forgotten
Your favorite drink: wine
Your dream car: Prius
Dream home: comfy
The room you are in: kitchen
Your fear: mistake
What you are great at: learning
Where you want to be in 10 years: home
Who you hung out with last night: PDM
You're not: trendy
One of your wish list items: Photoshop
The last thing you did: changed
You are wearing: PJs
Your favorite weather: fair
Your favorite book: tattered
Last thing you ate: vindaloo
Your life: mundane
Your mood: hopeful
Your best friend: PDM
What are you thinking about right now: plans
Your car: Camry
What are you doing at the moment: blogging
Relationship status: happy
What is on your t.v: nothing
When is the last time you laughed: tonight
Yourself: full
Your partner: sleeping
Your hair: long
Your mother: loved
Your father: missed
Your favorite item: cats
Your dream last night: forgotten
Your favorite drink: wine
Your dream car: Prius
Dream home: comfy
The room you are in: kitchen
Your fear: mistake
What you are great at: learning
Where you want to be in 10 years: home
Who you hung out with last night: PDM
You're not: trendy
One of your wish list items: Photoshop
The last thing you did: changed
You are wearing: PJs
Your favorite weather: fair
Your favorite book: tattered
Last thing you ate: vindaloo
Your life: mundane
Your mood: hopeful
Your best friend: PDM
What are you thinking about right now: plans
Your car: Camry
What are you doing at the moment: blogging
Relationship status: happy
What is on your t.v: nothing
When is the last time you laughed: tonight
Monday, September 10, 2007
My "One Things"
I'm finally participating in Beth's "One Thing" meme. This was a difficult assignment, because I generally have a hard time picking only one of anything. So I've done the best I can. Read it with the caveat that if I were to write this list again in a day or a week, or even an hour, some of the answers would be different.
1. If you could recommend only one book for others to read, what would it be and why?
Watership Down by Richard Adams. It is a wonderful book. If you’ve read it, then you know what I mean. If you haven’t, it sounds almost silly – a book about a bunch of rabbits – but it is a compelling adventure that will keep you turning pages. There is plenty of excellent science fiction that I could recommend, but that doesn't float everyone's boat (plus I'd have to pick just one). I think anyone could enjoy Watership Down.
2. What is your one favorite song? Why?
Oh jeez. I like all kinds of music and what I most want to hear at any given time is mood-dependent. There is no way I could pick ONE favorite. But what I can do is pick one song that I don’t get tired of and that never fails to improve my mood: "Jessica" by the Allman Brothers Band. No words, just happy music (so technically, it isn't a "song" since it cannot be sung). Makes me want to do a Snoopy dance. It doesn't hurt that it is one of PDM's favorite songs, so it makes me think of him.
3. What is the one thing that is the biggest time saver in your life?
My dishwasher, because it actually cleans dirty dishes, which means that there is no need to wash (or even rinse) them before loading. Messy, sloppy, dried on, caked on, baked on… all of it comes off in the wash. Love that!
4. What is one gadget you couldn't live without and why?
My notebook computer with wireless internet. I love having portable, battery-powered access to all of the information available on the internet, plus all the cool stuff on my computer. Neat!
5. If you could recommend one film for others to see, what would it be and why?
Serenity. Because it was a great movie, and did not get enough attention (or attendance) when it came out. It got rave reviews for the most part, and also good audience reviews. Good plot, lots of action and suspense, some morality and ideas to think about, happiness, sadness, and a satisfying end. What more do you want in a film?
6. What is the one cure or preventative measure you believe in and for what ailment?
You can nearly always prevent a hangover if you drink copious amounts of water before going to bed. A pre-emptive aspirin doesn't hurt either, but it won't help without the water. Rehydration is the key.
7. What is the best advice you've ever received and from whom?
"Don't get married until you are at least 30." Mom. I was 29 the first time, and apparently that wasn't old enough not to make a mistake.
8. If you could introduce the entire world to just one band/musical artist, who would it be and why?
Kelly Joe Phelps. He is a fantastic blues musician and songwriter and deserves to be much more widely known. I discovered his music by chance, through one of those end of year "best of..." lists on Amazon when I was exploring blues artists. I bought Shine Eyed Mister Zen on the strength of the reviews it had. His slide guitar playing and honey/gravel voice hooked me. Loved that CD, and then went to see him live at the Iron Horse in Northampton, MA. What a great experience! That was enough to induce me to buy the rest of his stuff and to keep an eye out for new releases and any performances in my area.
9. If you could convince others you meet or know of one thing, what would it be?
Don't get into credit card debt. Ever. Be very careful about borrowing money in general. Getting out from under credit card debt was one of the best things I ever did. The only debt I have now is my fixed rate, 15 year mortgage. Develop some patience. You don't need to have everything right away. Save first, then buy.
10. What do you believe is one of the greatest ways of wasting money and how do you combat it?
Recreational shopping. I just don't do it. We shop when we need something. It is OK to shop for something you want as well, if you keep it within reason and stick to your list. But shopping "just to look" is bound to make you want more stuff, or make an impulse buy, and before you know it you are spending real money. It is a lot easier to not spend money if you stay out of the stores!
If you like the meme and want to do it on your blog, consider yourself tagged.
1. If you could recommend only one book for others to read, what would it be and why?
Watership Down by Richard Adams. It is a wonderful book. If you’ve read it, then you know what I mean. If you haven’t, it sounds almost silly – a book about a bunch of rabbits – but it is a compelling adventure that will keep you turning pages. There is plenty of excellent science fiction that I could recommend, but that doesn't float everyone's boat (plus I'd have to pick just one). I think anyone could enjoy Watership Down.
2. What is your one favorite song? Why?
Oh jeez. I like all kinds of music and what I most want to hear at any given time is mood-dependent. There is no way I could pick ONE favorite. But what I can do is pick one song that I don’t get tired of and that never fails to improve my mood: "Jessica" by the Allman Brothers Band. No words, just happy music (so technically, it isn't a "song" since it cannot be sung). Makes me want to do a Snoopy dance. It doesn't hurt that it is one of PDM's favorite songs, so it makes me think of him.
3. What is the one thing that is the biggest time saver in your life?
My dishwasher, because it actually cleans dirty dishes, which means that there is no need to wash (or even rinse) them before loading. Messy, sloppy, dried on, caked on, baked on… all of it comes off in the wash. Love that!
4. What is one gadget you couldn't live without and why?
My notebook computer with wireless internet. I love having portable, battery-powered access to all of the information available on the internet, plus all the cool stuff on my computer. Neat!
5. If you could recommend one film for others to see, what would it be and why?
Serenity. Because it was a great movie, and did not get enough attention (or attendance) when it came out. It got rave reviews for the most part, and also good audience reviews. Good plot, lots of action and suspense, some morality and ideas to think about, happiness, sadness, and a satisfying end. What more do you want in a film?
6. What is the one cure or preventative measure you believe in and for what ailment?
You can nearly always prevent a hangover if you drink copious amounts of water before going to bed. A pre-emptive aspirin doesn't hurt either, but it won't help without the water. Rehydration is the key.
7. What is the best advice you've ever received and from whom?
"Don't get married until you are at least 30." Mom. I was 29 the first time, and apparently that wasn't old enough not to make a mistake.
8. If you could introduce the entire world to just one band/musical artist, who would it be and why?
Kelly Joe Phelps. He is a fantastic blues musician and songwriter and deserves to be much more widely known. I discovered his music by chance, through one of those end of year "best of..." lists on Amazon when I was exploring blues artists. I bought Shine Eyed Mister Zen on the strength of the reviews it had. His slide guitar playing and honey/gravel voice hooked me. Loved that CD, and then went to see him live at the Iron Horse in Northampton, MA. What a great experience! That was enough to induce me to buy the rest of his stuff and to keep an eye out for new releases and any performances in my area.
9. If you could convince others you meet or know of one thing, what would it be?
Don't get into credit card debt. Ever. Be very careful about borrowing money in general. Getting out from under credit card debt was one of the best things I ever did. The only debt I have now is my fixed rate, 15 year mortgage. Develop some patience. You don't need to have everything right away. Save first, then buy.
10. What do you believe is one of the greatest ways of wasting money and how do you combat it?
Recreational shopping. I just don't do it. We shop when we need something. It is OK to shop for something you want as well, if you keep it within reason and stick to your list. But shopping "just to look" is bound to make you want more stuff, or make an impulse buy, and before you know it you are spending real money. It is a lot easier to not spend money if you stay out of the stores!
If you like the meme and want to do it on your blog, consider yourself tagged.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Everyone Else Is Doing It
Yes, it's another meme. But why not? They're fun. This is borrowed from kat, and beth, and trinamick.
IF YOUR LIFE WAS A MOVIE, WHAT WOULD THE SOUNDTRACK BE?
So, here's how it works:
1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing.
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool...
Opening Credits: Piece of the Rock (Mother's Finest)
Waking Up: Bell Bottom Blues (Eric Clapton)
First Day at School: I Have The Touch (Peter Gabriel)
Falling in Love: D'Yer Mak'er (Led Zeppelin)
Fight Song: Choctaw Hayride (Alison Krauss & Union Station)
Breaking Up: Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing (Chris Isaak)
Prom: Second Hand News (Fleetwood Mac)
Mental Breakdown: Blue Sky (Allman Bros.)
Driving: Sweet Emotion (Aerosmith)
Flashback: Send Me On My Way (Rusted Root)
Getting Back Together: Cold Shot (Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble)
Wedding: If I Fall You're Going Down With Me (Dixie Chicks)
Birth of Child: Come On In My Kitchen (Robert Johnson)
Final Battle: Two Trains (Little Feat)
Death Scene: Red Rain (Peter Gabriel)
Funeral Song: Eight Piece Box (Southern Culture on the Skids)
End Credits: What It Is (Mark Knopfler)
I'm shocked that iTunes did not try to slip in some Nickel Creek.
I'm no doubt supposed to tag some of you. If you like this meme and it sounds like a fun thing to do, consider yourself tagged.
IF YOUR LIFE WAS A MOVIE, WHAT WOULD THE SOUNDTRACK BE?
So, here's how it works:
1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing.
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool...
Opening Credits: Piece of the Rock (Mother's Finest)
Waking Up: Bell Bottom Blues (Eric Clapton)
First Day at School: I Have The Touch (Peter Gabriel)
Falling in Love: D'Yer Mak'er (Led Zeppelin)
Fight Song: Choctaw Hayride (Alison Krauss & Union Station)
Breaking Up: Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing (Chris Isaak)
Prom: Second Hand News (Fleetwood Mac)
Mental Breakdown: Blue Sky (Allman Bros.)
Driving: Sweet Emotion (Aerosmith)
Flashback: Send Me On My Way (Rusted Root)
Getting Back Together: Cold Shot (Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble)
Wedding: If I Fall You're Going Down With Me (Dixie Chicks)
Birth of Child: Come On In My Kitchen (Robert Johnson)
Final Battle: Two Trains (Little Feat)
Death Scene: Red Rain (Peter Gabriel)
Funeral Song: Eight Piece Box (Southern Culture on the Skids)
End Credits: What It Is (Mark Knopfler)
I'm shocked that iTunes did not try to slip in some Nickel Creek.
I'm no doubt supposed to tag some of you. If you like this meme and it sounds like a fun thing to do, consider yourself tagged.
Monday, June 04, 2007
10 Gees
Magnetbabe has covered the letter B in her latest blog entry. Why? It's another meme, silly! Why else would someone do it? And since it is a meme, it lives to be passed on to other bloggers. I was game and got assigned the letter G. The gist of it is that I should list ten of my favorite things that start with G. Got it? OK. Here goes.
1. Georgia Institute of Technology. This was an easy one. Kind of a softball pitch to get things rolling. Anyone who has spent any time here knows that I like Georgia Tech. Between the two of us, my husband and I have five degrees from Tech. I grew up in a Tech house. It's in my blood. My Dad had three degrees from Tech and worked there as a research scientist for 33 years until his death in 1993. He had football season tickets for most, if not all of that time. He was a Ramblin' Wreck from Georgia Tech and a helluva engineer (and scientist, and administrator). College sports are fun, but I am more proud of Tech's academic reputation. And I put my money where my loyalties are: this will be my 20th consecutive year of giving to support the institute.
2. Geeks. I'm a geek. I'm married to a geek. Many of my friends are geeks. There are all kinds of geeks out there -- science geeks, computer geeks, music geeks, movie geeks, sci-fi geeks. There is nothing wrong with souping up your calculator and proudly displaying that pocket protector. Embrace your inner geek. It's hip to be square.
3. Gatos. Just 'cause my letter is G doesn't mean I won't find a way to work cats into my list. Dogs drool. Cats rule. [Disclaimer - I really like dogs, too. Especially big, goofy, sloppy dogs. Just not quite as much as cats.]
4. Gort. Gort is the robot from the classic 1950s sci-fi movie The Day the Earth Stood Still. He's in my list representing the science fiction genre in general. There is something very powerful and enduring about the older science fiction books and movies. Don't get me wrong. I like a lot of the newer science fiction as well. I grab a lot of books on their first day of publishing. Many of the newer TV series are extremely good (B5, Farscape, Battlestar Galactica, Heroes, Doctor Who), and who can resist the astounding special effects of movies like Independence Day or Men In Black? But there is something about old sci-fi movies and stories that appeals to me. I love the early visions of the future that were created when most of the technology was still just a glimmer in man's imagination. They were so imaginative and interesting. Way off base on some ideas, but eerily prescient on others.
5. Geometry. It may seem like a strange entry into a favorite things list, but geometry was the first math subject that I actually liked. I hated the elementary school math class material - memorizing multiplication tables and doing long division by hand was so mind-numbingly boring. But when junior high rolled around and we got to geometry, I lit up. I loved the logic of it, and enjoyed working out proofs. This new enthusiasm for math carried over into other advanced classes. I loved trigonometry, algebra, and even calculus. It was all so elegant and logical and beautiful. My careers in engineering and physics would not have been possible without a love of mathematics, and I didn't find that until geometry struck my fancy. Geometry is also something that, along with trig, I have consistently used over the years. Both at home and at work, it is handy to know how shapes relate to each other and to be able to calculate arc lengths, volumes, areas and angles.
6. Gardening/Green Thumb. This year hasn't been a good year for it, but normally I spend many of my summer evenings and weekends doing some sort of gardening project. It is a hobby that evolves on a different timescale than most other things in my life. The years I spend in a place are marked by ever-growing flower beds and landscaping. By the time I left my former home in Massachusetts, the yard had been totally transformed into a lush paradise (winter months excepted). I hear from my old neighbor that the flowers I planted still come back every year, better than ever. Gardens are fairly forgiving, and working in them can be a great stress reliever. There is always something that needs doing, but the demands are gentle and not urgent. I enjoy the work (except the part where I get poison ivy and can't sleep because it itches so bad), and love to live with the results. Steadily over the years, I leave my mark on a patch of land by making it just a little bit like an Eden.
7. Galileo. The list wouldn't be complete without a great scientist. Father of astronomy? Father of modern physics? Father of science? He was all of these and more. Galileo pioneered the use of the scientific method - using experiments to prove or disprove a hypothesis. He was the guy who figured out that the earth revolves around the sun. He designed and built the improved telescopes that allowed him to make the accurate observations to prove it. He was persecuted as a heretic for daring to suggest that the earth was not the center of the universe. Galileo was brilliant and had the courage to stand up for his discoveries.
8. Gargoyles. I wish these were still used in architecture. Gargoyles are just cool. Twisted, strange, beautiful. I enjoy seeing them on old buildings, and in homes and gardens. There was (is?) this cool shop on Newbury Street in Boston that sold gargoyles. I always liked walking through it - it was like another world. The interior was moody and gloomy, with dead leaves scattered around as if it were always late October there. It was a bit hard to find, which only added to the mystique.
9. Getaways. It's good to change your horizons, even if it is just for a day or two. PDM and I like to go places off-season. The less crowded it is, the better we like it. Beaches, forests, waterfalls, mountainsides, lakes, caves, rustic cabins, country roads... they all have their place. I hope I can always make time to get away, relax and recharge.
10. Google. Yes, Google's definitely on my list of favorite things. There are other online sites that I rely on for instant info (Wikipedia, IMDB, etc.), but no one place is quite as useful as Google. Maps, images, blogs, news, info, satellite, email... there is a lot to love about Google.
So that's my list. If you'd like to join the fun, and haven't asked Magnetbabe or someone else further up the meme chain for a letter, ask for one in the comments and I will assign you a letter to run with.
1. Georgia Institute of Technology. This was an easy one. Kind of a softball pitch to get things rolling. Anyone who has spent any time here knows that I like Georgia Tech. Between the two of us, my husband and I have five degrees from Tech. I grew up in a Tech house. It's in my blood. My Dad had three degrees from Tech and worked there as a research scientist for 33 years until his death in 1993. He had football season tickets for most, if not all of that time. He was a Ramblin' Wreck from Georgia Tech and a helluva engineer (and scientist, and administrator). College sports are fun, but I am more proud of Tech's academic reputation. And I put my money where my loyalties are: this will be my 20th consecutive year of giving to support the institute.
2. Geeks. I'm a geek. I'm married to a geek. Many of my friends are geeks. There are all kinds of geeks out there -- science geeks, computer geeks, music geeks, movie geeks, sci-fi geeks. There is nothing wrong with souping up your calculator and proudly displaying that pocket protector. Embrace your inner geek. It's hip to be square.
3. Gatos. Just 'cause my letter is G doesn't mean I won't find a way to work cats into my list. Dogs drool. Cats rule. [Disclaimer - I really like dogs, too. Especially big, goofy, sloppy dogs. Just not quite as much as cats.]
4. Gort. Gort is the robot from the classic 1950s sci-fi movie The Day the Earth Stood Still. He's in my list representing the science fiction genre in general. There is something very powerful and enduring about the older science fiction books and movies. Don't get me wrong. I like a lot of the newer science fiction as well. I grab a lot of books on their first day of publishing. Many of the newer TV series are extremely good (B5, Farscape, Battlestar Galactica, Heroes, Doctor Who), and who can resist the astounding special effects of movies like Independence Day or Men In Black? But there is something about old sci-fi movies and stories that appeals to me. I love the early visions of the future that were created when most of the technology was still just a glimmer in man's imagination. They were so imaginative and interesting. Way off base on some ideas, but eerily prescient on others.
5. Geometry. It may seem like a strange entry into a favorite things list, but geometry was the first math subject that I actually liked. I hated the elementary school math class material - memorizing multiplication tables and doing long division by hand was so mind-numbingly boring. But when junior high rolled around and we got to geometry, I lit up. I loved the logic of it, and enjoyed working out proofs. This new enthusiasm for math carried over into other advanced classes. I loved trigonometry, algebra, and even calculus. It was all so elegant and logical and beautiful. My careers in engineering and physics would not have been possible without a love of mathematics, and I didn't find that until geometry struck my fancy. Geometry is also something that, along with trig, I have consistently used over the years. Both at home and at work, it is handy to know how shapes relate to each other and to be able to calculate arc lengths, volumes, areas and angles.
6. Gardening/Green Thumb. This year hasn't been a good year for it, but normally I spend many of my summer evenings and weekends doing some sort of gardening project. It is a hobby that evolves on a different timescale than most other things in my life. The years I spend in a place are marked by ever-growing flower beds and landscaping. By the time I left my former home in Massachusetts, the yard had been totally transformed into a lush paradise (winter months excepted). I hear from my old neighbor that the flowers I planted still come back every year, better than ever. Gardens are fairly forgiving, and working in them can be a great stress reliever. There is always something that needs doing, but the demands are gentle and not urgent. I enjoy the work (except the part where I get poison ivy and can't sleep because it itches so bad), and love to live with the results. Steadily over the years, I leave my mark on a patch of land by making it just a little bit like an Eden.
7. Galileo. The list wouldn't be complete without a great scientist. Father of astronomy? Father of modern physics? Father of science? He was all of these and more. Galileo pioneered the use of the scientific method - using experiments to prove or disprove a hypothesis. He was the guy who figured out that the earth revolves around the sun. He designed and built the improved telescopes that allowed him to make the accurate observations to prove it. He was persecuted as a heretic for daring to suggest that the earth was not the center of the universe. Galileo was brilliant and had the courage to stand up for his discoveries.
8. Gargoyles. I wish these were still used in architecture. Gargoyles are just cool. Twisted, strange, beautiful. I enjoy seeing them on old buildings, and in homes and gardens. There was (is?) this cool shop on Newbury Street in Boston that sold gargoyles. I always liked walking through it - it was like another world. The interior was moody and gloomy, with dead leaves scattered around as if it were always late October there. It was a bit hard to find, which only added to the mystique.
9. Getaways. It's good to change your horizons, even if it is just for a day or two. PDM and I like to go places off-season. The less crowded it is, the better we like it. Beaches, forests, waterfalls, mountainsides, lakes, caves, rustic cabins, country roads... they all have their place. I hope I can always make time to get away, relax and recharge.
10. Google. Yes, Google's definitely on my list of favorite things. There are other online sites that I rely on for instant info (Wikipedia, IMDB, etc.), but no one place is quite as useful as Google. Maps, images, blogs, news, info, satellite, email... there is a lot to love about Google.
So that's my list. If you'd like to join the fun, and haven't asked Magnetbabe or someone else further up the meme chain for a letter, ask for one in the comments and I will assign you a letter to run with.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Eight Random Things
I've been tagged by Beth for another meme. I'm supposed to list eight facts about myself, and then tag eight more lucky bloggers. I put it off for the holiday weekend, but that's over now, so here goes:
1. I have an unusual educational background. Oh, my education was normal enough through high school, and even part of college, but at some point it skittered off the tracks a bit. I'm a dropout. A PhD dropout, that is. After four years of graduate school, all the required classes, passing the comprehensive exam, and doing some research, I got tired of how damn long everything was taking and quit. I had a MS Physics degree so I went out and found a job. More than a decade later at age thirty eight, I went back to school full time and got a second MS - this one is in Medical Physics. I think I'm probably done with school, but you never know... one day I might get a hankerin' to finish that PhD.
2. I'm on my second career. This is somewhat related to #1 above. I spent 12+ years living in Massachusetts working as an optical design engineer. It was OK, but when I decided to move back to Atlanta, I knew I would have trouble finding work doing the kind of engineering I had the most experience with. That is when I decided to go back to school. I chose Medical Physics because I was looking for something I could do using my physics background. Georgia Tech had a brand new masters program in MP, so I signed up with the first group of grad students. I've been working as a medical physicist for about two years now, and I like it better than engineering. It will take me at least another two years of working and test taking to attain board certification in this field.
3. You probably already know that I read a lot of science fiction. You may not know that I have a goal to read all of the Hugo and Nebula Award winning novels. (Stand-alone novels, anyway. I'm skipping the ones that are part of a series, unless it is the first one or I have read the other books in the series.) I've read 33 Hugos and 20 Nebulas. I've still got a long way to go, but I'm discovering a lot of good books and authors this way, especially some of the older sci fi from the 50s and 60s.
4. I was a band geek. I played oboe in concert band (one of the geekiest of all the instruments). I was also in marching band, and you can't march with an oboe. After playing cymbals for the first football season (boring for those of us used to playing melodies), I joined the flag corps for the remaining high school football seasons. It was partly because it was fun and partly because of the uniforms; not as slutty as the drill team uniforms, but WAY cuter than a band uniform. Perfect! In college, I played oboe in concert band and orchestra, and piccolo in marching band (not very well, I might add, but back then at Tech they didn't care - if you were conscious on game day and could march while holding an instrument, you were in). I spent my last year in the GT marching band as the 'ADADM' (Assistant Dumb-Ass Drum Major).
5. When The Empire Strikes Back came out, I loved it beyond the point of obsession. I must have been too young to get a fan crush on Star Wars when it came out, but Empire really struck a chord with me. I saw it countless times, read everything I could get my hands on, joined the fan club, bought a metric crapload of trading cards and books, and basically wished I could live a long time ago in that galaxy far away so I could ride around in space ships and fight in space battles.
6. I inhaled. I don't any more. 'Nuff said.
7. I'm divorced. That's right. I was married to someone before I was married to PDM. I made a very bad choice and it turned out to be a horrible mistake. It took years to dig out of the hole I ended up in afterwards, but now things are much better. PDM and I are best friends and we're well-suited for each other. We like a lot of the same stuff, but not so much that it gets boring. I don't forsee any more divorces in my future. If you are single, my advice is to take your time finding the right person and don't get married if you don't - even if you think it is 'time' or you want babies, or a big wedding, or whatever it is that seems so important. Also don't ignore that shy person who doesn't seem like your type (I met PDM many years ago and did just that) - if you dig a little deeper, you might find that they are exactly your type.
8. Today is my birthday. I took a vacation day and Mom is coming over to help me celebrate. I like my job, but I like not working even more.
I tag thewritegirl, wa11z, jim, dave, kat, bc, taylor, and ctheokas to do the meme if you want to. If not, that's cool too. If anyone else wants to do the meme and didn't get tagged, consider yourself tagged now (make it a baker's eight).
1. I have an unusual educational background. Oh, my education was normal enough through high school, and even part of college, but at some point it skittered off the tracks a bit. I'm a dropout. A PhD dropout, that is. After four years of graduate school, all the required classes, passing the comprehensive exam, and doing some research, I got tired of how damn long everything was taking and quit. I had a MS Physics degree so I went out and found a job. More than a decade later at age thirty eight, I went back to school full time and got a second MS - this one is in Medical Physics. I think I'm probably done with school, but you never know... one day I might get a hankerin' to finish that PhD.
2. I'm on my second career. This is somewhat related to #1 above. I spent 12+ years living in Massachusetts working as an optical design engineer. It was OK, but when I decided to move back to Atlanta, I knew I would have trouble finding work doing the kind of engineering I had the most experience with. That is when I decided to go back to school. I chose Medical Physics because I was looking for something I could do using my physics background. Georgia Tech had a brand new masters program in MP, so I signed up with the first group of grad students. I've been working as a medical physicist for about two years now, and I like it better than engineering. It will take me at least another two years of working and test taking to attain board certification in this field.
3. You probably already know that I read a lot of science fiction. You may not know that I have a goal to read all of the Hugo and Nebula Award winning novels. (Stand-alone novels, anyway. I'm skipping the ones that are part of a series, unless it is the first one or I have read the other books in the series.) I've read 33 Hugos and 20 Nebulas. I've still got a long way to go, but I'm discovering a lot of good books and authors this way, especially some of the older sci fi from the 50s and 60s.
4. I was a band geek. I played oboe in concert band (one of the geekiest of all the instruments). I was also in marching band, and you can't march with an oboe. After playing cymbals for the first football season (boring for those of us used to playing melodies), I joined the flag corps for the remaining high school football seasons. It was partly because it was fun and partly because of the uniforms; not as slutty as the drill team uniforms, but WAY cuter than a band uniform. Perfect! In college, I played oboe in concert band and orchestra, and piccolo in marching band (not very well, I might add, but back then at Tech they didn't care - if you were conscious on game day and could march while holding an instrument, you were in). I spent my last year in the GT marching band as the 'ADADM' (Assistant Dumb-Ass Drum Major).
5. When The Empire Strikes Back came out, I loved it beyond the point of obsession. I must have been too young to get a fan crush on Star Wars when it came out, but Empire really struck a chord with me. I saw it countless times, read everything I could get my hands on, joined the fan club, bought a metric crapload of trading cards and books, and basically wished I could live a long time ago in that galaxy far away so I could ride around in space ships and fight in space battles.
6. I inhaled. I don't any more. 'Nuff said.
7. I'm divorced. That's right. I was married to someone before I was married to PDM. I made a very bad choice and it turned out to be a horrible mistake. It took years to dig out of the hole I ended up in afterwards, but now things are much better. PDM and I are best friends and we're well-suited for each other. We like a lot of the same stuff, but not so much that it gets boring. I don't forsee any more divorces in my future. If you are single, my advice is to take your time finding the right person and don't get married if you don't - even if you think it is 'time' or you want babies, or a big wedding, or whatever it is that seems so important. Also don't ignore that shy person who doesn't seem like your type (I met PDM many years ago and did just that) - if you dig a little deeper, you might find that they are exactly your type.
8. Today is my birthday. I took a vacation day and Mom is coming over to help me celebrate. I like my job, but I like not working even more.
I tag thewritegirl, wa11z, jim, dave, kat, bc, taylor, and ctheokas to do the meme if you want to. If not, that's cool too. If anyone else wants to do the meme and didn't get tagged, consider yourself tagged now (make it a baker's eight).
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Tag! You're it!
I've been tagged by Beth, who was in turn tagged by Dr. Sardonicus, in a book-themed meme. Say *that* ten times, fast!
The rules are simple:
1. Find the nearest book.
2. Name the book.
3. Name the author.
4. Turn to page 123.
5. Go to the fifth sentence on the page.
6. Copy the next three sentences and post to your blog.
7. Tag three more lucky souls.
The nearest book to me at this moment is Clinical Anatomy and Physiology for the Angry Healthcare Professional by Joseph Stewart, MD. [Yes, I am at work. What of it? I've done all my work for the day and it isn't time to go home yet.] Turning to page 123, fifth sentence, I quote:
"The subclavian artery becomes the axillary artery at the clavicle. Near the head of the humerus, the axillary artery becomes the brachial artery. Importance: the brachial artery is the main blood-pressure taking artery."
A thrilling read, no? It is better if you can see the illustrations. This might have been more interesting at home with my collection of science fiction. On the bright side, at least the nearest book wasn't one of my physics books!
Now that I've done my part, it is time to spread the love. I tag NYPinTA, Lord Loser, and trinamick.
The rules are simple:
1. Find the nearest book.
2. Name the book.
3. Name the author.
4. Turn to page 123.
5. Go to the fifth sentence on the page.
6. Copy the next three sentences and post to your blog.
7. Tag three more lucky souls.
The nearest book to me at this moment is Clinical Anatomy and Physiology for the Angry Healthcare Professional by Joseph Stewart, MD. [Yes, I am at work. What of it? I've done all my work for the day and it isn't time to go home yet.] Turning to page 123, fifth sentence, I quote:
"The subclavian artery becomes the axillary artery at the clavicle. Near the head of the humerus, the axillary artery becomes the brachial artery. Importance: the brachial artery is the main blood-pressure taking artery."
A thrilling read, no? It is better if you can see the illustrations. This might have been more interesting at home with my collection of science fiction. On the bright side, at least the nearest book wasn't one of my physics books!
Now that I've done my part, it is time to spread the love. I tag NYPinTA, Lord Loser, and trinamick.
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