Responsible Journalism - Questions……

July 25, 2008 at 9:39 am (A day in the life)
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Obama Pictures and McCain Pictures

Okay - so I was perusing the amusing photos and captions over at PunditKitchen.com and I came across this cover from the New Yorker that’s been causing all the stir.  I feel the need to chime in, so bear with me.

I understand the concept of satire.  I understand that generally, the media takes every opportunity to pick apart potential political candidates.  I get that.  My issue here is why go to such a degree?  It has been said that the New Yorker artist responsible for this cover was trying to draw attention to the common misconceptions Americans have drawn with regard to Obama’s political and religious beliefs.  Also, that they wanted to express issues that have been explored with regard to his wife as well.  I get that too. 

Here’s my issue:  Why, as a responsible periodical, albeit a satirical comedic periodical, attempt to enflame a country that’s already divided beyond historical proportions?  Should they not be examining these issues singularly, in an intelligent format, rather than bulking all the stereotypes of the Obamas in a single cover, that ignorant individuals who never even READ this document will take as a form of agreement?  That’s my issue - take it for what it is - an opinion, but feel free to give yours as well.  It’s STILL a free country.

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The ocean’s mystical powers of seduction

July 25, 2008 at 9:26 am (A day in the life)
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cat

What is it about the ocean or large bodies of water that have their own currents that draw us, as human beings, to spend large amounts of time indulging in them - either swimming, participating in water sports, or just pondering life’s greatest mysteries while gazing at their liquid wonder?  I have to ask this question because I have ALWAYS been drawn to the water.  I love it.  It has become one with my soul and something is just NOT right when I go prolonged periods of time without being near it and breathing in the ocean air. 

This past weekend, the crew took a trip to Virginia Beach, and we really only had a good 4 hours or so to dig our collective toes into the sand and do the dance with ocean waves.  Now, we did do some awesome body boarding as well, but in general, we crammed as much quality time between our selves and the salty loveliness that is the Atlantic Ocean as possible.  I miss it horribly.  It was every grain of sand of loveliness you could possibly imagine.  Yeah - there were hoards of tourists and random international people running around in their street clothes, soaking wet, because, quite possibly, it didn’t occur to them to bring shorts or an actual swim suit to the ocean in order to partake in a luscious, salt-filled dip, but that’s just my take on things.  I didn’t really mind the 3 year old Afghanistan boy running around in his boxer briefs, soaking wet and getting all saggy butt in public.  Hey - to each his own.  I was just enjoying writing my name in the sand and taking random snapshots of my victims - and by that I mean family and friends.

I just had to wonder at the powers of the sea.  Why are we so fascinated with it’s workings and why don’t we mind getting all nasty, filthy in order to play in its bounties of fun?  Do we not think of fish and other creatures that exist in that environment, and by exist, I reference the act of purging little fish bodies of its food and creating new little fish lives and all the bodily functions involved in that.  We swim with this stuff - gross - but we still love it.  It feels wonderful and it’s relaxing and it is a glorious experience for all….  Enjoy the water while we still have it clean and unpolluted - to a degree.

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Virginia Beach - weekend/vacation

July 18, 2008 at 9:43 am (A day in the life)
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 DSC00729.jpg sun sea and sand image by sweetlikechocolatexXx

I’m SO ready for this weekend to hurry up and get here, and for me, that will happen in T minus 88 minutes.  The countdown has begun and my toes are itching for some surf, sun and sand.  I haven’t hit the water since I’ve been in this state, and I have to say that, IT’s TIME! 

I’m from Western Washington State, home of the ocean in the sky.  It rains there 9 months out of the year, we live right next to the water, meaning the Puget Sound, and a hop, skip and a jump from the good ole Pacific Ocean.  Can’t go wrong, water everywhere and greenery abounds…..  NC is great, I like it, the thunder/lightning storms are cool, but we’re going through an extended DROUGHT - not my forte.  I’m not used to a lack of water or water restrictions.  That’s just abnormal in my world.  I’m not used to driving an hour to the “lake” which is an accumulation of a river, or 3 to 4 hours to the “beach” which is not called the ocean on this part of the country…lol.  It’s okay - cultural differences, I get it.

These last few weeks have been crazy hectic at work, my good bud got to go surf and sand it up and I felt the pangs of jealousy eating out my insides.  I’m so incredibly ready for this - physically and mentally.  Let’s go already.  Only 79 more minutes at work and then the movement begins.  Drive to the house, grab the kid and clothes, meet up with co-vacationers, and make the drive.  That will be the worst of it, but we will survive.  Hotel has been reserved and fun is waiting to be had.  Ahhhhh, happy Friday to you all - gotta bust arse some more around these parts.  Ciao!

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Sex, Sex, Sex - I guess

July 14, 2008 at 11:44 am (A day in the life)
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SEX-INSTRUCTOR-SMALL_1.jpg Sex ED image by kyleehenney

Apparently, lots of people search the web for items that contain the word “Sex” - either google, yahoo, msn, however you search….Even wordpress blogs - people want to know about sex.  Are they looking for a how-to blog?  Or do they want to know about your deepest, darkest desires and abnormalities? 

I’d like to know about the weirdness.  For some reason I am intrigued by people’s strange little quirks.  What is it you like to do that’s all kinds of freaky-deaky and you wouldn’t tell a soul about?  Funny enough, you can create a false name and comment here if you’d like.  I think that’s the reason this word is so often searched - I’m not the only person in the world who likes to see other peoples’ kink.  I’ll be honest about it - I don’t mind checking out some horribly scripted movies that involve a lot of skin from time to time.  I don’t use that as a means to pass my time in general, but it does hold a certain interest for me.  Yes, it objectifies women and yes, it plays into the culture of women having no power - I get that.  I’m really not a feminist though, and I enjoy a good time just as much as the next girl.  Not the Girls Gone Wild girls - not so much, but the average, American girl who likes to get raunchy from time to time - that kind of good time…hehehe. 

If you believe that’s a bad thing, I’m sorry you’re not in touch with your inner raunch, and I honestly hope you begin to accept your body and other bodies as a part of nature and that you learn to enjoy it as much as possible before it’s either burnt into oblivion or rotting in a deep hole with bugs feasting on its every nutrient.  Seriously.  Have some fun. 

Heck, if you’re married, that’s even better - have your partner take part in the fun.  Get some toys or some fluid-like substance to enhance the fun times.  Buy some books.  Buy some DVDs.  Consult a professional.  Okay - not sure I’d do that one, but learning your husband’s/wife’s body is just as important in a marriage as learning their mind.  Plus it’s just good exercise.  You can sweat without leaving the comfort of your own bed.  Gotta love that.  Try out a few different positions.  Missionary gets old, and that whole roll over and jump on top thing gets tired too - reverse it and see what happens, throw the ol’ doggy into the mix… whatever you do - have some fun, don’t take it too seriously, and don’t be afraid to laugh (as long as you’re not being personal). 

That being said, google away - sex, sex, sex….  be careful though - those darn pop ups can be a pain…..

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July 11, 2008 at 4:28 pm (A day in the life, love)
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song chart memes

Another little ditty from www.graphjam.com….  If you love music, there are some great charts.

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Mind-numbing existence

July 3, 2008 at 1:00 pm (A day in the life, Friends, Uncategorized)
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july4th.jpg 4th of July Fireworks image by grapeape416

As I sit here contemplating my pasta with little else mixed in, I’m checking the compartments in my mind for possible activities for this holiday weekend.  I could go fishing, which is my new funnest past time - only when I’m actually catching.  Notice it’s not called “catching”, it’s called fishing - hmmmm….  I could hit up the batting cages and work on my extremely weak swing since I haven’t swung a bat more than 3 times in a month and a half.  I could be a studious learner and get a jump on my reading for the summer course I’m enrolled in, but that would involve actually purchasing my books.  I could sit around the house and feel sorry for myself and the fact that I don’t earn enough money to thoroughly enjoy life.  I could harrass my friends and relatives on cell phones and computers all weekend long, but I’m truly not THAT desperate for entertainment.  Hmmmm - any ideas?

I normally really, really enjoy the 4th of July and the weekend that is generally attached to it.  For some reason this coming weekend feels almost anticlimactic.  What the heck?  It may be due to the unfathomable amount of work I’ve been saddled with this week and my sheer need for some quiet and solitude, or just plain old good snuggle time.  It may be the lack of softball in my life lately.  That would be strictly due to my attitude and random infections that have been plaguing my life.  UGH.

This is the time for fun cook outs, and fireworks, camping and bonfires, drunken silliness and jokes.  Why am I not feeling up to it?  It’s frustrating.  I’m not depressed and I’m certainly not lonely.  It could be related to this being my 1st Fourth in Charlotte and my lack of knowledge pertaining to the city and its traditions.  Back home, I could hit up any number of friends’ houses or the waterfront to check out the city fireworks.  I could go to the reservation and purchase ridiculous amounts of explosive devices that make all kinds of fun colors and loud noises, but I have no clue how things work around here.  Asking the natives doesn’t allow for a lot of options only because the standard response is:”there’s lots to do”…… okay???????????  so  exactly what is “lots”? 

I know we’ll find something fun to do - I’m a girl that knows how to enjoy herself - I’d just like to have a plan of some sort or another.  Heck, if I could have multiple fun things planned, that would be even better.

Well, enjoy your 4th - don’t forget to throw the firecracker, and don’t let it blow up in your hand.  That’s just messy.  Also, don’t burn yourself on a lighter or other lighting device for explosives.  Don’t drink and drive, and certainly, don’t go to sleep without doing a darn thing.

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Post blitz - again

July 3, 2008 at 8:58 am (A day in the life)
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Soooo, I’ve been over-inundated with work lately and have been a poor blogger, so I will attempt to add a good bunch of fun posts for you all to enjoy over the long weekend.  I will make every effort to avoid the computer while I’m off work, so therefore will not be enlightening you with my obscene witticisms and off-color antecdotes.  Sorry…..

 

Happy 4th of July!  Happy birth of a nation!  Happy red, white and blue!  Now, let’s blow some shit up!

) image by Leyluscious

 

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Thought Provoking - Forgiveness

June 17, 2008 at 10:00 am (A day in the life)
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This is another secret off the website: www.postsecret.com.  It’s a great site if you haven’t checked it out.  There are some incredibly honest truths that are shared anonymously via this man, his books, and his site.  Some are funny, while others hit closer to home.

This particular card was sent in time for Father’s Day, and it hit me.  Hard.  I am constantly struggling with my own inner demons, and this one brought back some memories that are not so warm and dear to my heart. 

I know that the bible says we should forgive.  I know that all of our sin debt was paid in full when Jesus died on the cross, and that I should not hold grudges.  My problem is that I am human and am constantly striving to learn the lessons I am given.  One of those lessons is learning to forgive.

My hope is that I will become this angelic creature that holds no ill will toward any other creature, living or dead.  My desire is that I can release myself from the torment that was placed in my soul by this individual.  My challenge is that I cannot let go enough to say, okay, you are forgiven.  The tentacles of the past still cling to my heart with a strength that seems to be beyond my own.  I tell myself that it will take time, and that could be the case, but my worry is that there is not enough time. 

I can forgive most people in this world.  There has only been one person in my life I have this struggle with and I hope to win this battle.  I refuse to give any more energy to the thought of him or the wreckage that he caused.  He has no power over me, and I will not allow even a breath to be given to him on my behalf. 

With that said, my own spiritual struggle is emphasized.  I should be a good enough person to forgive.  I can never forget, but I inch closer and closer to forgiveness.  Maybe, one day, I will have spent enought spiritual introspection to where I reach that pinnacle.  That is my desire.  I’ll have to think on it some more.

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June 17, 2008 at 9:47 am (A day in the life)
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cat

Ahhhh, fun with words and kittehs…..

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Commence working out and sweating

June 17, 2008 at 9:45 am (A day in the life)
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betty-1.jpg work it out image by tianderek

 

It’s ON boys and girls.  I wrote about two weeks ago about how I was to begin my new fitness regimen on Monday, the 2nd, but to my dismay, I came down with a random infection that left me handicapped for a prolonged period of time.  Thank goodness for drugs.  I am now back to normal and have begun rethinking the entire weight loss/diet/fitness schedule. 

Here’s the plan:  Eat smaller portions.  Work out more.

What do you think?  I think this is a winning equation.  I’m quite certain that if my body expells more calories than it intakes, the result will be a negative.  Anyone disagree?  Math 101 kids, I got an A.

Honestly, I started to get up yesterday to begin, but I got out of the bed, turned the alarm off, got back into bed, snuggled up and fell back to sleep.  That’s a pretty good morning.  I can think of one thing that would have made it better, but this blog is PG-13.  So, needless to say, Monday was not a good start date.

Today - I got out of bed, turned the alarm clock off, got back into the bed and laid there for a while.  After about 30 minutes, I was motivated to get my arse out of the house and head toward the gym, or at least take a good walk.  The decision was for the gym.  It was very pleasant, and the pool looked so inviting this morning, but I restrained myself.  I hit the elyptical trainer for 10 minutes.  It was pretty good, but also depressing considering I used to eat the elyptical for LUNCH - hit it up for a good 45 minutes, full steam, but today, I was pretty much pushing myself to complete a measly 10 minutes.  Ugh…  Then I went to the weight machine, which is multipurpose, and allows for all kinds of muscle groups to be worked to the point of spaghetti noodles.  I hit that up for about 20 minutes, 3 sets of whatever I was working.  Then I high-tailed my arse back to the house so I could make it to work on time.

I am feeling pretty accomplished this morning because I actually did what I’ve been wanting to do for some time.  The act of working out definitely releases all my happy endorphins that keep me the smiling, cheery girl you all know and love.  Okay, that’s a bit much, but it does make my day go better. 

My failure today is that I did not eat anything for breakfast, and I had to get a Coke because it sounded so darn good.  That will be tomorrow’s challenge - eat a sensible meal in the morning, take my daily vitamin, and get back on my water regimen.  No more Coke except once in a while.  Farewell, sweet, sugary pleasure.  You can be my drink booty-call, once in a while, with extreme moderation.

I’ll have to update you all tomorrow and see if I really get up on time…..  Cross your fingers for me, I need all the help I can get.

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