Category: Uncategorized

The time has come for me to slack on writing for class, so I bring you some idle musings on the topic of gender.

Here there be slack.

So, I actually did the reading for class tomorrow. For tomorrow’s politics and public affairs, our professor included the first three chapters of “Bowling Alone”. I’ve been meaning to read it, and still haven’t read anything other than the first three chapters. But even in the midst of my end of semester slump it revitalized me. It’s a challenge. It says that we’re a dis-integrating society. That we are pulling out of our engagement in our community groups. And I want to pull us (well, some of us) back together. Obviously I can’t do anything on my own, and reknitting the social fabric is something that has to be done on a piecemeal basis rather than a single effort covering the entire country. But that’s something I’d very much like to be a part of.

Whether this is a book club, an outdoors group, or both of those and more, I still plan on participating. Whether I’ll drop my anti-social recreation to do this is a good question. But it’s a goal. And one that inspires me.

I think the big source of my mopiness and dissatisfaction of late has been my mourning of my academic career, which is nearly over, if not forever, certainly for a long time. Looking back over it, I can’t help but feel there are some many things I could have done better. Looking ahead to the next couple weeks, I know I’m going to cut more corners. And it makes me a little sad. If there is bitterness, it lies here. In the realm of things I would have liked to have accomplished, and probably even could have accomplished, but didn’t and won’t.

That’s probably part of why I slack to the extent I do. If I don’t turn it in, I don’t have to admit failure, yet. I could still make something great. Oh well, the moving finger writes.

Well, to pre-empt poll thievery I paid for my lj account. All so I can bring you, my loyal readers, this very important poll.

the very important poll

Tuesday, June 20 – OAKLAND CA(OAK) to CHICAGO-MIDWAY(MDW)
Flight 539 H
Depart OAKLAND CA(OAK) at 2:25PM and
Arrive in CHICAGO-MIDWAY(MDW) at 8:25PM

To keep my trip from being too outrageously expensive, I adjusted it so that I fly in to london, then from london to frankfurt. I plan on getting around Germany by train. And my trip back to the states will be out of Amsterdam. I’ll probably get a eurorail pass or something. So now my plans are London (maybe side trip to oxford), Germany (Scott has offered to put me up in Dusseldorf), and a few days in Amsterdam. Anyone interested in meeting me, and especially anyone who’d like to show me around or put me up, drop me a line. Thanks.

ticket details

So, a few months ago, I changed my AIM password, out of security fears. had recently had his Yahoo account jacked. So, I picked a secure password. Like so many of my passwords, it was based of a memorable (and obscene) phrase. I can remember the phrase, but I can no longer remember where I substituted numbers for letters, inserted capitalization, etc. And apparently, whatever email I registered it under is no longer around. So, time for a new aim id. Enh, oh well. My “buddies” list was over crowded anyway.

asked me…

1. One of the things that struck me about your user-info when I first added you was your statement “I talk to homeless people.” Any unusually-memorable conversation come to mind? And what are your thoughts on the way we handle/deal with homeless issues in this country?

2. When did you decide to become a vegan? I’m assuming that means no egg-products as well… but do you eat soy and tofu? (I LOVE soy and tofu…)

3. I work with the government a lot as well… as a contractor. My biggest frustration is the speed (or lack thereof) at which projects get off the ground and get completed. What is your biggest frustration???

4. Where do you see yourself in four and a half years???

5. Art and I almost moved to Minneapolis actually… it was on the list along with Portland, San Diego and Austin. Portland was too rainy (and too long of a flight to DC where I fly often) and San Diego was too damn expensive cuz we wanted to own after a while, not rent. We ruled out Minneapolis cuz I have a driving phobia (since a bad accident) and can’t stand snow/ice. It’s still, however, a beautiful city in my opinion. what brought you there and what do you like best about it???

here are my answers

here’s a little essay on gay marriage. It’s nothing new or fascinating. expressed an interest though, so here it is. (I’m using this to take care of a long overdue paper for my politics in public affairs class)

blah, blah, blah