Anticipated Stranger,
by John Ashbery
as read in The New Yorker
the bruise will stop by later.
For now, pain pauses in its round,
notes the time of day, the patient's temperature,
leaves a memo for the surrogate: what the hell
did you think you were doing? I mean...
Oh well, less said the better, they all say.
I'll post this at the desk.
God will find the pattern and break
it.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Another Survey
Why don't you date your ex?
I don't want to. She's an ex for a reason.
Have you been kissed by someone who's name starts with a T?
yes
Does anyone call you babe or baby?
yes
Have you ever liked someone older than you?
yes
Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with?
Zoe
Have you ever regretted letting someone go?
no
Have you heard a song that reminds you of anyone today?
no, not really
Is there a person of the opposite sex who means a lot to you?
my dad and Josh
Do you regret going out with any of your exs?
not really. I learned from it.
Are your parents religious?
yes
Are you wearing any patterns right now?
no, just polar bear pajamas
If you were to get up from your computer, and turn to the right and take four steps...?
I would still be in the living room
How many pictures are currently stored in your digital camera?
30-some?
Did anything surprising happen today?
I went to a movie.
Did anyone see you kiss the last person you kissed?
no, I don't think so. No one said anything at least.
What exactly are you wearing right now?
pajamas
Did you dance today?
no
What does your hair look like right now?
brown
What all happened today?
teaching, grading, office hours, chatting with Zoe, nap, chatting with Zoe, movie, chatting with Zoe, Golden Girls
Who was the last person that called you?
Zoe
Are you male or female?
female
How often do you listen to music?
usually every day
Did you cry today?
no
Where is your cell phone?
plugged in in the kitchen
Name a friend who has the same cell phone provider that you do:
nearly everyone does. Judith, Zoe, my family
Did you run anywhere today?
no
Have you ever kissed anyone 30 or older?
yes
Have you held hands with somebody in the past week?
yes
Do you think you're approachable?
yes, I try to be
Has someone of the opposite sex ever told you they loved you and meant it?
just my dad
How did you get your scars?
tape dispenser, scissors, stupid accidents
Have you ever had pink eye?
nope
Did the last person you made out with have piercings or tattoos?
one tattoo and pierced ears although no earrings
How many different Bands/Artists have you seen live?
i don't know
When you last got dressed, did you put on your bottoms or your top first?
bottoms
Do you ever wish you could go back and change the friends you picked?
no, never
Name one person you don't see as much as you wish:
Zoe
Ready for kids?
not yet, but in a couple of years
If you had to choose to be an animal, which one would you be?
a cat
Last myspace message was from?
my cousin Mike
Is anyone over protective over you?
Zoe, my parents
Ever kissed someone you regretted after?
yes
Have you kissed anyone when their name started with J?
yes
Will you be in a relationship next month?
I sure hope so. I'm planning on it.
What were you doing at 10pm Saturday night?
spending time with Zoe
Does anyone love you?
yes
Have you done anything sneaky lately?
no
What time did you go to bed last night?
11
I don't want to. She's an ex for a reason.
Have you been kissed by someone who's name starts with a T?
yes
Does anyone call you babe or baby?
yes
Have you ever liked someone older than you?
yes
Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with?
Zoe
Have you ever regretted letting someone go?
no
Have you heard a song that reminds you of anyone today?
no, not really
Is there a person of the opposite sex who means a lot to you?
my dad and Josh
Do you regret going out with any of your exs?
not really. I learned from it.
Are your parents religious?
yes
Are you wearing any patterns right now?
no, just polar bear pajamas
If you were to get up from your computer, and turn to the right and take four steps...?
I would still be in the living room
How many pictures are currently stored in your digital camera?
30-some?
Did anything surprising happen today?
I went to a movie.
Did anyone see you kiss the last person you kissed?
no, I don't think so. No one said anything at least.
What exactly are you wearing right now?
pajamas
Did you dance today?
no
What does your hair look like right now?
brown
What all happened today?
teaching, grading, office hours, chatting with Zoe, nap, chatting with Zoe, movie, chatting with Zoe, Golden Girls
Who was the last person that called you?
Zoe
Are you male or female?
female
How often do you listen to music?
usually every day
Did you cry today?
no
Where is your cell phone?
plugged in in the kitchen
Name a friend who has the same cell phone provider that you do:
nearly everyone does. Judith, Zoe, my family
Did you run anywhere today?
no
Have you ever kissed anyone 30 or older?
yes
Have you held hands with somebody in the past week?
yes
Do you think you're approachable?
yes, I try to be
Has someone of the opposite sex ever told you they loved you and meant it?
just my dad
How did you get your scars?
tape dispenser, scissors, stupid accidents
Have you ever had pink eye?
nope
Did the last person you made out with have piercings or tattoos?
one tattoo and pierced ears although no earrings
How many different Bands/Artists have you seen live?
i don't know
When you last got dressed, did you put on your bottoms or your top first?
bottoms
Do you ever wish you could go back and change the friends you picked?
no, never
Name one person you don't see as much as you wish:
Zoe
Ready for kids?
not yet, but in a couple of years
If you had to choose to be an animal, which one would you be?
a cat
Last myspace message was from?
my cousin Mike
Is anyone over protective over you?
Zoe, my parents
Ever kissed someone you regretted after?
yes
Have you kissed anyone when their name started with J?
yes
Will you be in a relationship next month?
I sure hope so. I'm planning on it.
What were you doing at 10pm Saturday night?
spending time with Zoe
Does anyone love you?
yes
Have you done anything sneaky lately?
no
What time did you go to bed last night?
11
Another Survey
What were you doing at midnight last night?
sleeping
Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket?
no
Is there one person in your life that can always make you smile?
yes, Zoe and my sister
What are you listening to right now?
Golden Girls
Have you kissed anybody in the last 5 days?
yes :)
How's your heart lately?
wonderful :)
Have you ever sent a text to the wrong person?
i don't text
Would you rather sleep with someone else or alone?
with Zoe
Will next friday be a good one?
it will be okay. I'll probably go to a reading.
When was the last time something bothered you?
Friday, at the creative writing meeting
Are you a jealous person?
sometimes
Done anything illegal lately?
no
Describe your life in one word?
happy :)
Do you think age matters in relationships?
yes, actually. I didn't use to think so, but I do now. I like dating someone who is so close to my age. We're only three months apart.
If you could make your lips bigger, would you?
no
Have you ever lived with a girlfriend/boyfriend?
yes
Who did you last eat Chinese food with?
I don't remember.
Where did you get the shirt you are wearing?
for Christmas two years ago
Are you wearing a necklace; who got it for you?
yes and Zoe
In the past week have you felt sad?
only when I left Zoe's yesterday
What were you doing at 9:00 am?
standing in line at Starbucks
When was the last time you cried?
I'm not sure
Do you have any obsessions right now?
netflix, cats
Would you like to put any night on repeat, and live it forever?
perhaps last Saturday
What’s the greatest thing that happened to you today?
I got to chat with Zoe :)
What do you wear to bed?
pajamas unless I'm sleeping in good company...
Is anything alive in your room?
Mr. Willie
Would you ever live with someone who didn't accept your pets?
no, my cats are part of the bargain if someone wants to live with me. luckily I'm with another cat lover
What is one thing you would love to happen tomorrow?
Zoe to show up on my doorstep :)
Where will you be 2 hours from now?
in bed
What are you doing tomorrow?
playing handbells, maybe watching Frost/Nixon, and of course chatting with the fabulous Zoe
What about the following day?
teaching, grading papers, chatting with Zoe
Do you have anything in your pockets right now?
I'm in pocketless jammies
What were you doing at 1 this afternoon?
teaching
Would you immediately look for someone right after you and your bf/gf broke up?
no, not usually, but if someone comes along I don't object.
Do you always have to have something to drink when you eat?
yes
What color is your digital camera?
silver
Where was your default picture taken?
in Venice or in my kitchen, depending on which you're looking at
Something you do a lot?
chat with Zoe and grade papers
Do you want to see somebody right now?
yes, Zoe
How many piercings do you have?
just my ears
How do you pronounce your name?
just like it's spelled?
Do you know anyone with the same middle name as you?
yes, but most people spell it differently
Do you like to take naps?
yes, but I don't take nearly as many as I used to
Do you get annoyed when you see someone you don't like?
not usually, but sometimes
How many pillows do you sleep with?
2
sleeping
Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket?
no
Is there one person in your life that can always make you smile?
yes, Zoe and my sister
What are you listening to right now?
Golden Girls
Have you kissed anybody in the last 5 days?
yes :)
How's your heart lately?
wonderful :)
Have you ever sent a text to the wrong person?
i don't text
Would you rather sleep with someone else or alone?
with Zoe
Will next friday be a good one?
it will be okay. I'll probably go to a reading.
When was the last time something bothered you?
Friday, at the creative writing meeting
Are you a jealous person?
sometimes
Done anything illegal lately?
no
Describe your life in one word?
happy :)
Do you think age matters in relationships?
yes, actually. I didn't use to think so, but I do now. I like dating someone who is so close to my age. We're only three months apart.
If you could make your lips bigger, would you?
no
Have you ever lived with a girlfriend/boyfriend?
yes
Who did you last eat Chinese food with?
I don't remember.
Where did you get the shirt you are wearing?
for Christmas two years ago
Are you wearing a necklace; who got it for you?
yes and Zoe
In the past week have you felt sad?
only when I left Zoe's yesterday
What were you doing at 9:00 am?
standing in line at Starbucks
When was the last time you cried?
I'm not sure
Do you have any obsessions right now?
netflix, cats
Would you like to put any night on repeat, and live it forever?
perhaps last Saturday
What’s the greatest thing that happened to you today?
I got to chat with Zoe :)
What do you wear to bed?
pajamas unless I'm sleeping in good company...
Is anything alive in your room?
Mr. Willie
Would you ever live with someone who didn't accept your pets?
no, my cats are part of the bargain if someone wants to live with me. luckily I'm with another cat lover
What is one thing you would love to happen tomorrow?
Zoe to show up on my doorstep :)
Where will you be 2 hours from now?
in bed
What are you doing tomorrow?
playing handbells, maybe watching Frost/Nixon, and of course chatting with the fabulous Zoe
What about the following day?
teaching, grading papers, chatting with Zoe
Do you have anything in your pockets right now?
I'm in pocketless jammies
What were you doing at 1 this afternoon?
teaching
Would you immediately look for someone right after you and your bf/gf broke up?
no, not usually, but if someone comes along I don't object.
Do you always have to have something to drink when you eat?
yes
What color is your digital camera?
silver
Where was your default picture taken?
in Venice or in my kitchen, depending on which you're looking at
Something you do a lot?
chat with Zoe and grade papers
Do you want to see somebody right now?
yes, Zoe
How many piercings do you have?
just my ears
How do you pronounce your name?
just like it's spelled?
Do you know anyone with the same middle name as you?
yes, but most people spell it differently
Do you like to take naps?
yes, but I don't take nearly as many as I used to
Do you get annoyed when you see someone you don't like?
not usually, but sometimes
How many pillows do you sleep with?
2
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Because I'm Not Going Anywhere Anytime Soon
The Year in Review
by Willie, the big and fuzzy black cat
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
adopted a Mommy and sister
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more
for next year?
I adopted a Mommy, so yes. This year, I've resolved to get a taller cat tree.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
no. but I saw a lot of little kittens. I'm not sure where they came from.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Sometimes that happens in cat shelters, but none of my good friends did.
5. What countries did you visit?
I visited the V.E.T., which is certainly on another planet. I have a major cross-state trip planned for tomorrow. I'm going to meet my two new big sisters and play with my second mother.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
a very tall cat tree, one that goes clear to the ceiling
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Feb. 22 because that was when I adopted my Mommy.
May 13 because I had my first birthday party
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
definitely adopting my family
9. What was your biggest failure?
I kept getting my nails trimmed. This boy does not like mani-pedi's, even if Mommy says they are manly.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, but I did get an icky shot that made me fevered and sluggish.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
definitely my Christmas mice, although Mommy says I didn't really buy those.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
my Mommy's clearly, because she saw right away what a handsome and loving boy I am
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
my sister's. She isn't sure if she likes me still :( I'm trying to charm her still. I even share my toys with her by putting them in her water dish!
14. Where did most of your money go?
was I supposed to have money?
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
getting a new Mommy!
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
"Ireland, I'm Coming Home" by Garth Brooks
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? much happier
b) thinner or fatter? fatter
c) richer or poorer? much richer
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
riding on Mommy's shoulders and telling her I love her
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
getting my nails trimmed
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent it home alone :( Mommy says next year, we'll all be together as a big furry family.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes!
22. How many one-night stands?
say what? I often stood on the back of the couch by myself at night. Does that count?
23. What was your favorite TV program?
anything on Court TV
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No.
25. What was the best book you read?
The Christmas Cat
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Jingle Cats
27. What did you want and get?
and new Mommy :)
28. What did you want and not get?
a very tall cat tree
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Mamma Mia!
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I got two new mice, ate Fancy Feast with my sister, and turned one!
31.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
a very tall cat tree and perhaps a long hallway to run up and down
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
black and chic
33. What kept you sane?
snuggle time with Mommy, numerous naps
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Barack Obama
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Prop. 8. I want my mommies to be able to get legally married.
36. Who did you miss?
my Mommy over Christmas break :( She's back now!
37. Who was the best new person you met?
My Mommy and then my second Mommy
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
When you find someone you can't live without, wrap yourself around her neck like a feather boa and purr your head off. It's irresistible.
by Willie, the big and fuzzy black cat
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
adopted a Mommy and sister
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more
for next year?
I adopted a Mommy, so yes. This year, I've resolved to get a taller cat tree.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
no. but I saw a lot of little kittens. I'm not sure where they came from.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Sometimes that happens in cat shelters, but none of my good friends did.
5. What countries did you visit?
I visited the V.E.T., which is certainly on another planet. I have a major cross-state trip planned for tomorrow. I'm going to meet my two new big sisters and play with my second mother.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
a very tall cat tree, one that goes clear to the ceiling
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Feb. 22 because that was when I adopted my Mommy.
May 13 because I had my first birthday party
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
definitely adopting my family
9. What was your biggest failure?
I kept getting my nails trimmed. This boy does not like mani-pedi's, even if Mommy says they are manly.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, but I did get an icky shot that made me fevered and sluggish.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
definitely my Christmas mice, although Mommy says I didn't really buy those.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
my Mommy's clearly, because she saw right away what a handsome and loving boy I am
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
my sister's. She isn't sure if she likes me still :( I'm trying to charm her still. I even share my toys with her by putting them in her water dish!
14. Where did most of your money go?
was I supposed to have money?
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
getting a new Mommy!
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
"Ireland, I'm Coming Home" by Garth Brooks
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? much happier
b) thinner or fatter? fatter
c) richer or poorer? much richer
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
riding on Mommy's shoulders and telling her I love her
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
getting my nails trimmed
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent it home alone :( Mommy says next year, we'll all be together as a big furry family.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes!
22. How many one-night stands?
say what? I often stood on the back of the couch by myself at night. Does that count?
23. What was your favorite TV program?
anything on Court TV
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No.
25. What was the best book you read?
The Christmas Cat
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Jingle Cats
27. What did you want and get?
and new Mommy :)
28. What did you want and not get?
a very tall cat tree
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Mamma Mia!
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I got two new mice, ate Fancy Feast with my sister, and turned one!
31.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
a very tall cat tree and perhaps a long hallway to run up and down
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
black and chic
33. What kept you sane?
snuggle time with Mommy, numerous naps
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Barack Obama
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Prop. 8. I want my mommies to be able to get legally married.
36. Who did you miss?
my Mommy over Christmas break :( She's back now!
37. Who was the best new person you met?
My Mommy and then my second Mommy
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
When you find someone you can't live without, wrap yourself around her neck like a feather boa and purr your head off. It's irresistible.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Year in Review
via frog
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
tried chemistry.com
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more
for next year?
I didn't make any last year, and I'm still deciding whether to make any for this year. I kind of have an ongoing list of goals anyway.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
a couple of college friends. three, actually.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
I don't think so. Not in 2008.
5. What countries did you visit?
none
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
I am planning on living with Zoe starting this summer.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
August 6, the day I starting corresponding with Zoe
November 8, the day I met Zoe in person
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I found the love of my life.
9. What was your biggest failure?
letting a previous relationship drag on for far, far too long. It's one I should never have been in anyway.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
yes. I was sick most of the spring with the flu/strep throat/bronchitis/some viral shit.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
my new computer
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Zoe's :)
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
my aunts'
14. Where did most of your money go?
food
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
meeting Zoe
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Shady Grove by Crooked Still
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? much happier
b) thinner or fatter? about the same, I think, maybe a tad pudgier
c) richer or poorer? poorer
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
swimming, hiking. I'd have loved to have spent more time with Zoe, as well, but I think we squeezed every ounce of joy out of 2008 that we could, honestly.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
the horrifically bad relationship
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent Christmas with my family.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes!
22. How many one-night stands?
zero
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Law and Order: SVU
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No.
25. What was the best book you read?
I read a lot of odd stuff this year.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Ingrid Michaelson, Crooked Still, and Girlyman
27. What did you want and get?
a relationship with Zoe :)
28. What did you want and not get?
more time with Zoe, but see #18.
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Juno
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
ate a big cookie and 29
31.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
more time with Zoe
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
more cleavage. I didn't know I had a chest until 2008. Sad, perhaps?
33. What kept you sane?
chatting with Zoe at the end, before that, biking and swimming.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Ellen Degeneres?
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
the election and Prop. 8
36. Who did you miss?
Zoe
37. Who was the best new person you met?
Zoe
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Love comes when you very least expect it, from very unusual places.
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
tried chemistry.com
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more
for next year?
I didn't make any last year, and I'm still deciding whether to make any for this year. I kind of have an ongoing list of goals anyway.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
a couple of college friends. three, actually.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
I don't think so. Not in 2008.
5. What countries did you visit?
none
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
I am planning on living with Zoe starting this summer.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
August 6, the day I starting corresponding with Zoe
November 8, the day I met Zoe in person
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I found the love of my life.
9. What was your biggest failure?
letting a previous relationship drag on for far, far too long. It's one I should never have been in anyway.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
yes. I was sick most of the spring with the flu/strep throat/bronchitis/some viral shit.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
my new computer
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Zoe's :)
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
my aunts'
14. Where did most of your money go?
food
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
meeting Zoe
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Shady Grove by Crooked Still
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? much happier
b) thinner or fatter? about the same, I think, maybe a tad pudgier
c) richer or poorer? poorer
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
swimming, hiking. I'd have loved to have spent more time with Zoe, as well, but I think we squeezed every ounce of joy out of 2008 that we could, honestly.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
the horrifically bad relationship
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent Christmas with my family.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes!
22. How many one-night stands?
zero
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Law and Order: SVU
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No.
25. What was the best book you read?
I read a lot of odd stuff this year.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Ingrid Michaelson, Crooked Still, and Girlyman
27. What did you want and get?
a relationship with Zoe :)
28. What did you want and not get?
more time with Zoe, but see #18.
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Juno
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
ate a big cookie and 29
31.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
more time with Zoe
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
more cleavage. I didn't know I had a chest until 2008. Sad, perhaps?
33. What kept you sane?
chatting with Zoe at the end, before that, biking and swimming.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Ellen Degeneres?
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
the election and Prop. 8
36. Who did you miss?
Zoe
37. Who was the best new person you met?
Zoe
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Love comes when you very least expect it, from very unusual places.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
25 Random Things
1. I am a cat snuggler at the local cat shelter. My favorite little cat is now on hold for adoption.
2. I marched with the lesbians from my church at Pride. We carried our church's banner, and it was fantastic.
3. I am dating the most beautiful, amazing woman I have ever met. I am going to marry her.
4. I am a crafting fool. I made a lot of my Christmas gifts this year.
5. My girl and I read books together aloud on the phone. We're reading The Secret Life of Bees right now.
6. I hate snow. A lot. It wrecks my travel plans.
7. I have been on my church's pastoral search committee for about a year and a half. We have found a pastor and will be voting on her as a congregation on Sunday.
8. I believe I have not yet found a full-time teaching job with benefits because I needed to see the pastoral search committee through and because I needed to meet the woman of my dreams first. I believe I will find something now.
9. I am a bicycle commuter.
10. My cats had catnip for the first time ever today.
11. I am only now reading Dykes to Watch Out For. Somehow I missed this lesbian phenomenon.
12. When my girl and I move in together next June or July, we will have four cats.
13. I have been lighting candles every night because they make my house smell good.
14. I have crossed the line from slob to neat in the last month. I'm hoping it stays that way.
15. The Christmas gift I am most excited about giving a member of my family was free.
16. I loathe one of my students this semester. I have never loathed any of them before, but this guy takes the cake.
17. I hired a cleaning service to clean my house once a month. It's one of the best decisions I have ever made.
18. I have two nieces that technically are not my nieces except that I call them that. They are cute as can be.
19. I have a refrigerator full of grapefruit.
20. I really miss two friends that I saw quite a lot of around here for a while. Neither lives here anymore.
21. I have an impressive tea shelf. I am betting I have more than 20 different kinds of tea currently in this apartment. Would you like a cup?
22. I cut the hell out of my hand this morning accidentally, when I was wrapping presents. I am now wearing six band-aids, and it hurts.
23. I have discovered that I really enjoy the new tread mills at the gym because they have tvs attached to them. I have also found that I walk for an hour instead of a half-hour because I want to watch all of SVU while I walk.
24. The first gift my girlfriend gave me was a pair of socks that she had knitted for me. This was before we were even dating, but I think I loved her from at least then. I may have loved her even earlier than that.
25. The Virgin of Guadalupe fascinates me. I'd really like to wear her picture as a necklace someday.
2. I marched with the lesbians from my church at Pride. We carried our church's banner, and it was fantastic.
3. I am dating the most beautiful, amazing woman I have ever met. I am going to marry her.
4. I am a crafting fool. I made a lot of my Christmas gifts this year.
5. My girl and I read books together aloud on the phone. We're reading The Secret Life of Bees right now.
6. I hate snow. A lot. It wrecks my travel plans.
7. I have been on my church's pastoral search committee for about a year and a half. We have found a pastor and will be voting on her as a congregation on Sunday.
8. I believe I have not yet found a full-time teaching job with benefits because I needed to see the pastoral search committee through and because I needed to meet the woman of my dreams first. I believe I will find something now.
9. I am a bicycle commuter.
10. My cats had catnip for the first time ever today.
11. I am only now reading Dykes to Watch Out For. Somehow I missed this lesbian phenomenon.
12. When my girl and I move in together next June or July, we will have four cats.
13. I have been lighting candles every night because they make my house smell good.
14. I have crossed the line from slob to neat in the last month. I'm hoping it stays that way.
15. The Christmas gift I am most excited about giving a member of my family was free.
16. I loathe one of my students this semester. I have never loathed any of them before, but this guy takes the cake.
17. I hired a cleaning service to clean my house once a month. It's one of the best decisions I have ever made.
18. I have two nieces that technically are not my nieces except that I call them that. They are cute as can be.
19. I have a refrigerator full of grapefruit.
20. I really miss two friends that I saw quite a lot of around here for a while. Neither lives here anymore.
21. I have an impressive tea shelf. I am betting I have more than 20 different kinds of tea currently in this apartment. Would you like a cup?
22. I cut the hell out of my hand this morning accidentally, when I was wrapping presents. I am now wearing six band-aids, and it hurts.
23. I have discovered that I really enjoy the new tread mills at the gym because they have tvs attached to them. I have also found that I walk for an hour instead of a half-hour because I want to watch all of SVU while I walk.
24. The first gift my girlfriend gave me was a pair of socks that she had knitted for me. This was before we were even dating, but I think I loved her from at least then. I may have loved her even earlier than that.
25. The Virgin of Guadalupe fascinates me. I'd really like to wear her picture as a necklace someday.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Hard Things
As I mention sometimes on here, I volunteer regularly at the interfaith homeless shelter in town. It has been a hard fall there. Since the end of September, we have lost five of our guests. One, in particular, I knew quite well. His name was Terrance, although I always addressed him as Mr. His Last Name. It just seemed right to do that. Mr. F had been at the shelter for as long as I can remember. He spent many a night in what we call the "drunk tank," or "inner sanctum" in more polite terms, not because he was drunk but because he was occasionally drunk and could not cope with changing the location of his sleeping place on the nights when he did need to be in the drunk tank. It was just easier on him to sleep there all the time. Mr. F would also get very upset if, in their drunken unawareness, one of the other men in the room would inadvertently roll into his traditional spot. He could not cope with sleeping in a place other than the one he always slept in. For those familiar with Aspberger's, this should be a familiar symptom. I always had a fondness for Mr. F because he reminded me a little bit of my cousin, who has Aspberger's, as well. I never knew Mr. F's story. I never asked. I find people will tell me if they want me to know. Many do. I received an email earlier this week from the director of the shelter. In it, she talked about the five men who have died, and I was startled and saddened to see Mr. F's name on the list. I have since found out that he died a very tragic and unnecessary death, the kind that keeps me coming back to the shelter because it is the only thing I can do to keep it from happening again. Tomorrow, I will be attending Mr. F's funeral as conducted by the non-homeless community, which will be very different from the one next week conducted by those who knew and appreciated Mr. F. Since I will not be in town for the second funeral, I am going to the first. I wonder if I will see his family there. I wonder if he had any family. I wonder what we could have done differently to keep him off of the street in the first place. Most of all, I wonder what we will do now. There is often much talk of change within the community after a tragedy like this. It never lasts long. My prayer is that this time, the conversation will not end.
Here & Now
by Mark Erelli
Cobblestone pillow
Newspaper sheets
Ten below zero
Sleeping on the street
Someday we all will have a home
A place to come in from the cold
Somewhere so high above the clouds
Why not here
Why not now
Pastures of plenty
For the tired and poor
Still too many hands empty
Behind the golden door
Someday we all will live the dream
There'll be no cracks to fall between
Somewhere where everyone will have enough
But here and now
It's up to us
Someday we all will be at peace
And all of our suffering will cease
There's more than enough to go around
Why not here
Why not now
Rest in peace, Mr. F. May you be the last to die on the street.
Here & Now
by Mark Erelli
Cobblestone pillow
Newspaper sheets
Ten below zero
Sleeping on the street
Someday we all will have a home
A place to come in from the cold
Somewhere so high above the clouds
Why not here
Why not now
Pastures of plenty
For the tired and poor
Still too many hands empty
Behind the golden door
Someday we all will live the dream
There'll be no cracks to fall between
Somewhere where everyone will have enough
But here and now
It's up to us
Someday we all will be at peace
And all of our suffering will cease
There's more than enough to go around
Why not here
Why not now
Rest in peace, Mr. F. May you be the last to die on the street.
Monday, November 17, 2008
How many texts are in your inbox?
none
Who was the first person you talked to today?
Zoe (this is what I'm going to call my girl)
Have you ever dated a soccer player?
nope
Do you tell your mom everything?
no
Have you ever done something outrageously dumb?
probably
Do you hate the last girl you had a conversation with?
No! I'm in love with her.
Do you delete people off your MySpace?
no
What are your initials?
VE
When was your last encounter with the police?
um, I saw a police car on the way home?
Do you like your name?
yes
Do you care if your socks are dirty?
um, yes
How many windows are open on your computer?
nine
How tall are you?
5'3"
Which one of your cousins is closest to you in age?
Susan
Will you be in a relationship next month?
I sure hope so :) I'm planning on it. I love her an awful lot :)
Love really is a beautiful thing, huh?
yes
How are you feeling at this exact moment?
a bit worried about Zoe. She is feeling sick this evening. And tired. We're both tired, I think.
What's the connection between you and the last person you text?
I don't text.
What does your hair look like today?
clean? I didn't do much else with it.
Is there anyone who doesn't like you?
probably
How long does it take you to shower?
15 minutes or so
If you could have one thing right now what would it be?
I would go visit Zoe and make sure she is okay.
Have you ever fallen asleep in someones arms?
yes, just recently
Who is the last person that called you?
Zoe
What if you had a baby with the last person of the opposite sex you hugged?
that would be weird. he's 70, and we're both gay.
Do you still talk to the person you fell hardest for?
yes. I'm in a relationship with her right now.
Do you prefer to take showers at night or in the morning?
either way
Do you hate the last person you kissed?
no!
Have you ever been depressed?
yes
Are you any good at math?
yes
When was the last time you had starbucks?
Saturday
Anything you want to ask someone?
probably
Where were you last night at midnight?
sleeping
Have you lost friends in the past year?
I hope not.
Who do you tell everything to?
Zoe and my sister
What are you feeling right now?
tired
Are you missing someone?
Zoe
Do you wear your feelings all over your face?
probably
Is there a guy that knows everything about you?
no. Josh knows me best, though.
Do you like surprises?
yes!
Do people underestimate you?
sometimes. they assume that quiet equals slow.
Do you hate being alone?
sometimes
In the past week have you felt sad?
I've been incredibly happy the last week or so.
Last person you texted?
don't text
What are you listening to?
Golden Girls
Name something that made you frown today:
Zoe being sick. I hope she feels better soon.
Did you give anyone a dirty look today?
once
Do/did you do good in school?
yes
If you could pack up and move, would you?
in with Zoe? yes.
When's the last time you said you were fine, but really weren't?
a few weeks ago.
What person annoys you most?
not really any one person that comes to mind.
none
Who was the first person you talked to today?
Zoe (this is what I'm going to call my girl)
Have you ever dated a soccer player?
nope
Do you tell your mom everything?
no
Have you ever done something outrageously dumb?
probably
Do you hate the last girl you had a conversation with?
No! I'm in love with her.
Do you delete people off your MySpace?
no
What are your initials?
VE
When was your last encounter with the police?
um, I saw a police car on the way home?
Do you like your name?
yes
Do you care if your socks are dirty?
um, yes
How many windows are open on your computer?
nine
How tall are you?
5'3"
Which one of your cousins is closest to you in age?
Susan
Will you be in a relationship next month?
I sure hope so :) I'm planning on it. I love her an awful lot :)
Love really is a beautiful thing, huh?
yes
How are you feeling at this exact moment?
a bit worried about Zoe. She is feeling sick this evening. And tired. We're both tired, I think.
What's the connection between you and the last person you text?
I don't text.
What does your hair look like today?
clean? I didn't do much else with it.
Is there anyone who doesn't like you?
probably
How long does it take you to shower?
15 minutes or so
If you could have one thing right now what would it be?
I would go visit Zoe and make sure she is okay.
Have you ever fallen asleep in someones arms?
yes, just recently
Who is the last person that called you?
Zoe
What if you had a baby with the last person of the opposite sex you hugged?
that would be weird. he's 70, and we're both gay.
Do you still talk to the person you fell hardest for?
yes. I'm in a relationship with her right now.
Do you prefer to take showers at night or in the morning?
either way
Do you hate the last person you kissed?
no!
Have you ever been depressed?
yes
Are you any good at math?
yes
When was the last time you had starbucks?
Saturday
Anything you want to ask someone?
probably
Where were you last night at midnight?
sleeping
Have you lost friends in the past year?
I hope not.
Who do you tell everything to?
Zoe and my sister
What are you feeling right now?
tired
Are you missing someone?
Zoe
Do you wear your feelings all over your face?
probably
Is there a guy that knows everything about you?
no. Josh knows me best, though.
Do you like surprises?
yes!
Do people underestimate you?
sometimes. they assume that quiet equals slow.
Do you hate being alone?
sometimes
In the past week have you felt sad?
I've been incredibly happy the last week or so.
Last person you texted?
don't text
What are you listening to?
Golden Girls
Name something that made you frown today:
Zoe being sick. I hope she feels better soon.
Did you give anyone a dirty look today?
once
Do/did you do good in school?
yes
If you could pack up and move, would you?
in with Zoe? yes.
When's the last time you said you were fine, but really weren't?
a few weeks ago.
What person annoys you most?
not really any one person that comes to mind.
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