Pensamientos

Christian Ecologist???

2006-04-04T11:45:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know it's hard to believe, but hey, since when was I your normal Bible belt conservative? I am anti-death penalty but pro-life. I drink wine and Martinis but don't cuss like a sailor. What're ya gonna do? And now, I am promoting that as Christians, we have the responsibility moreso than anyone else to protect the Earth that God has given us. In fact, the organization that made this add is actually a bunch of crazy Christians too. So check it out!

Train

That Hansel's So Hot Right Now

2006-03-12T18:08:00.000-06:00

OK, make that Peter. And I think he's hot anyway. I mean, look at me,

I can barely control myself.

Hi hunny!!! Have fun in Guate-la-mala!

Spanish Saga, Part Dos

2006-03-12T17:37:00.000-06:00

I know, I know. It's been months and you've been hanging on the edge of your seat waiting to see what was so intriguing about the people to the left. You will not be dissapointed, as here is the second installment in the Spanish saga...

So, the people on the left. Well, they were nude. Not a spec of clothing to be seen. And you can imagine that at this point, I am not only frustrated and confused, but am starting to worry as well. Wouldn't you? Out and about in the mountains north of Madrid with people you don't know, driving to gawd knows where, meeting the local residents of the nudist colony... I think it was a healthy fear. However, much to my relief (I suppose) we only said our "holas" to the happy naked peeps and kept on driving.

We finally got to a point where I am not sure that we were really on a road anymore. It was really more like a trail. We went on anyway. After a looong treck down the trail in the sardine can, the first thing that comes into view is a mud hut. (Now I've looked and looked on the web for a picture of a mud hut that looked like the ones I saw, and well, I guess I am the only individual with internet access who has ever seen this people group up close and personal, and wouldn't you believe it, I didn't take my camera that day!) (What I mean by that is, there are no pictures on the web of said mud huts.) And then a few more come into view. I suppose that en totale there were probably 4 or 5 huts. ANd of course, now it was all coming together in that little brain of mine - what with the mentioning of "mud" and "hay", and, I forgot to mention, the happy Spaniards had been talking about a "yogi" quite a bit since we left Madrid.

So what did I do that day? You'll have to find out in a few months or so. :)

BTW, the picture above is kind of what the area I was in looked like.

Spanish Saga, Part Uno

2006-01-17T12:02:00.000-06:00

Did I ever tell you my commune story? I probably did. But I felt that being a great moment in my life, I should include it here for the whole world to see.

I lived in Madrid, Spain, for a little over three months of my life. While there, I lived with two families. The first of these was a short but harrowing experience. They had two young boys from the 9th circle of Hell, whom I had the pleasure of teaching English, and a housekeeper from Bolivia who really had it in for me. I didn't last long there. That's when I met the Serranos.

The Serranos are a family that lives in the south of Madrid, a little subdivision called Getafe. They are Hindu, to an extent, anyway. They are probably the only practicing vegetarians in the whole of Madrid. Well, my Senora, Teresa, was a semi-practicing vegetarian. (She used me as an excuse to eat meat while I lived with them. And while that makes an interesting anecdote in and of itself, that is not why I am writing today.) The first weekend I ever met the Serranos, I didn't speak much Spanish. And they didn't speak much English. When I left the Serranos after several months, I spoke more Spanish. I don't think they spoke more English. (Also not the point of my story.) Anyway, it is important that they did not speak English for this story, or at least it is important that I did not speak Spanish. Either way, the movie “Lost in Translation” totally applies to the scenario which is about to unfold.

The first weekend we met, they invited me to “el campo”, which to me, sounded like going camping, but upon consultation with a friend of mine more practiced in Spanish than myself, I discovered the meaning to be “the country side” which I thought most likely to be one of the surrounding towns around Madrid. Going to visit the abuelos or something… Never mind that when I tried to ask more about it that they mentioned things like “hay” and “mud” which didn’t clarify anything for me.

So, the morning of the adventure dawns, and we awake with that dawn, and pile into the car (which is really more like a sardine can mounted on wheels) and head off into the Spanish unknown. And the happy Spanish people continue to chatter away for hours and hours and we drive and drive into the mountains in the north, and the roads get bumpier and bumpier, and my ass gets sorer and sorer… Until finally we are on a dirt road driving over rocks, fallen tree limbs, and yes, fence posts, in the sardine can on wheels. The first people we have seen in miles appear to our left in front of a house, and as we approach, I notice something quite intriguing about these people.

But, to find out what that is, you will have to return to my blog to read the next installment in this saga, as I am tired of typing now.

Hasta Pronto!

I'm A Dorkus-Malorkus

2006-01-13T13:30:00.000-06:00

I got this idea from my friend Erin's blog (btw, she rocks). Anyway, I am a bit of a voracious reader, and I am always on the prowl for new things to read. My favorite authors are C.S. Lewis, Amy Tan, and Dr. Seuss. Not necessarily in that order - though - maybe. Anyway I wanted to make a list of the books I've read lately and let you know how they faired. And then, I hope, if anyone reads my blog, they can let me in on some other good books to read. I will use the good old-fashioned star rating method. (Though why stars are the universal symbol for whether something is good or bad is beyond me. Nevertheless, I will conform to society's conventions for the sake of time.)

1. Amy Tan, The Bonesetter's Daughter (*** - but I haven't finished it yet)

2. Shannon Ethridge , Every Woman's Battle (***)

3. Pearl S. Buck, The Good Earth (*****)

4. Laura Esquivel, Like Water for Chocolate (***)

5. Nicholas Evans, The Horse Whisperer (** - Sorry, but this man thinks he knows women and is terribly wrong. BTW, there are a couple racy scenes in here for those looking to avoid that type of thing.)

6. C.S. Lewis, The Magician's Nephew (****)

Anywho, those are the books that have crossed my path the last 2 months. Commentary is welcome. Unless you're going to call me a dorkus-malorkus.

Michael Gaido thinks I'm hot

2006-01-12T16:28:00.000-06:00

I am totally and unabashedly bragging here, but I thought it was funny that the owner of the famous seafood restaurant was staring at me throughout the whole of our board meeting held at said restaurant this afternoon.

And if he doesn't think I'm hot, he's got a problem, because if he was checking out the Distric Attorney (man with pot-belly in early 50's) sitting next to me, that's not the way to produce heirs to take over your 100 year old seafood restaurant.

And I know I can write this here and not worry because my boyfriend never reads this thing. In fact, I doubt many people read this thing... Watch me be wrong and everybody and their dog in summit come up to me next Sunday asking if I can get them discounts for stuffed flounder. (The answer is no. Well, the answer is no, I am not going to try. Who knows if I could or not.) (Man, I am feeling awfully saucy today, aren't I?)

Actually, as much as I want to be like, "oh yeah, he was checking me out and I totally winked at him" it was actually embarrassing. I felt really uncomfortable. He's pretty much as famous as the Fertitta's or Moody's on this island, and I wonder if he doesn't sit there smugly thinking to himself, "oh yeah, she thinks I'm the hottest thing since (pick a menu item)". Don't get me wrong gals, Michael Gaido is a really good looking guy in his 30's. I am sure he has no problem with the ladies. But this lady is taken, and she prefers Chinese to seafood.

Update before New Year's

2005-12-27T09:05:00.000-06:00

3 Families, 1 CHRISTmas. Would it work?

Indeed, it did, despite all odds.

CHRISTmas Eve Eve was spent with old old friends. (Not that they are old, but we go way back.) We played pool at Dave and Buster’s and then played basketball. This is when we discovered that perhaps we are old. You shouldn’t be winded after 10 minutes if you’re under 30. At least, that is my opinion. I like to think that perhaps we were just playing a really intense game. However, if I am going to be honest, I don’t think that is really what was happening.

CHRISTmas Eve with the dad and brother (step mom not interested in attending – she’s a tad odd) at Luby’s and Tinseltown. Harry Potter’s stint with the Goblet of Fire was overrated in my opinion. I wish we had seen the new Jim Carrey flick instead… Went to CHRISTmas Eve service with boyfriend and saw more old friends. Again, felt old when I wanted to elbow the young man sitting next to me for making too much noise during the entirety of the service. However, in my defense, the young man was 20 and should know better than to giggle and wrestle with his younger brother throughout the entire duration of a service as special as CHRISTmas Eve. Really, any service for that matter. Me and boyfriend then went and had traditional CHRISTmas dinner at local Japanese restaurant.

CHRISTmas day. Went to church, saw more friends. Even one I had not expected to see. He’s joining the army, which I think may not be quite so grand as he imagines. And somehow, I think many are deluded into thinking that it teaches discipline and increases your moral aptitude. Honestly, I can’t say that I agree, but I won’t get on my soapbox here…Anyway, after church, had tamales with boyfriend, took a nap, read a little. Then went to boyfriend’s parents house. Had dinner (not weird this time – in fact, very tasty) exchanged gifts (this was the first CHRISTmasy CHRISTmas for these folks) and then learned to play Mah Jong. Turns out I have an aptitude for the game, which made it even more enjoyable for me. J If we had been betting money, I could have walked away a wealthier woman than I am today. Boyfriend got me a beautiful, but way too expensive coat. And other friends got me other wonderful things, but this is getting long and I am doubting many readers will make it this far, so I will end my CHRISTmas story here. Overall, it was one of the best I’ve had, and I am thankful for it. But what I am more thankful for is the reason we have CHRISTmas and that because of that, I have a freedom and security that many don’t have. Merry CHRISTmas everyone!

I am Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

2005-10-19T14:59:00.000-05:00

You Are Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

You are kind, popular, and generous.
You tend to be successful at anything you try.
A social butterfly, you are great at entertaining a crowd.
You are most compatible with strawberry ice cream.

What Flavor Ice Cream Are You?

I have to agree with this. I am very kind and popular. However, unlike ice cream, I am also way hot.

Creepy-Dude Tattoos

2005-10-10T12:33:00.000-05:00

My co-workers are getting into the Halloween spirit this morning, which apparently involves pulling out all the stops – including a badly done recording of witch-cackling and ghost-moaning. (Only 3 more weeks to go.) This is what happens when you work with children. Apparently it gives you free reign to act like one sometimes. I am wondering if we will be instructed to don costumes at the end of this month. But that is another discussion for another time.

All the creepiness of these Halloween festivities reminded me of something that happened this past Sunday.

I have an interesting problem, as do many of my female friends. I attract creepy dudes. I am not sure why. I think there is perhaps a tattoo on my forehead that says “Please harass”, but is in invisible creepy-dude ink, so that only they can read it. More often, it is creepy old men, but I also attract some of the younger variety. Anyway, my story this Sunday involves one of the many creepy dudes, whom we will refer to as #437 from now on. So, I am at an undisclosed location, and I am waiting for some young children I am assisting the boyfriend baby-sit to scarf down food they’re not supposed to eat, when I see #437 out of the corner of my eye.

This is not my 1st experience with #437. I am not sure the exact date of my last encounter, but it went something like this:

#437: Wow, you sure do have beautiful hair. It is just lovely.

Me: (Flattered. Thinking #437 is just a nice old guy with a granddaughter possibly my age) Oh, thank you! That’s sweet of you to say!

#437: And that’s a very nice skirt.

Me: (A little less flattered) Thank you.

#437: They should put you here in the front to greet people every Sunday. You’re so pretty. Look at those eyes!

Me: (Now sensing this is another encounter with a creepy dude. Beginning to go into panic-mode. Looking for an escape route. None to be found. Starting to feel helpless and small. Where is the knight-in-shining-armor when you need him?) Uh, thanks.

This Sunday’s encounter was different. I had the boyfriend with me. It went like this:

Me: (To the boyfriend, in a whisper.) Hey, there’s #437. I was telling you about him.

The Boyfriend: (Assessing situation) Hmm.

Me: (I return to watching the boys and try not to look directly at #437. Too late.)

#437: Oh, wow, you have such pretty hair. (They don’t generally change tactics. They are skilled in the art of creeping one out, and don’t need to find new ways to do it.)

Me: Uh, thanks.

#437: Hey, we’ve met before, haven’t we? I don’t forget a pretty face.

The Boyfriend: (Lowering his voice an octave and adding some bravado. Introduces himself to #437.) Hi, I’m the boyfriend.

Todd R.: (Man-giggles under his breath.)

#437: (Appears to be unthreatened) Hi. Nice to meet you. (Continues watching me.)

Me: (to the boys) OK, we have to go. (Boys ignore me.) Let’s go. (Boys ignore me.) Time to go, now!!! (Boys stuff faces and we exit scene).

So, I am not sure anything can be done about creepy dudes. Whether or not there is another male involved in your life matters not, children witnessing such interactions matter not. Women’s uninterest matters not.

Like I said, it’s a real problem.

For the love of October

2005-10-06T10:04:00.000-05:00

October is my favorite month.

This could be for several reasons. My last name is German in origin. Perhaps somewhere deep inside my genetic code, part of me is rejoicing that this is the month where many of my ancestors would have participated in a drunken frenzy of smelly German people. (I can say that, because I am descended from them, and I do not have xenophobia-phobia, which is the fear of having fear of other races. If you think I am a prejudiced since I wrote "smelly German people", well, maybe you have it...) I like to think it is because I have (and if I am condemned to, as part of my penance for some heinous act that I am am completely unaware of, always will) lived in or near metropolitan Houston for the whole of my existence. True, I did live in Spain for a short stint, and I lived in a town 90 miles away for 4 years. But, in Houston, summer as we know it lasts for 9 out of the 12 months. The other 3 months consist of a semi-fall like state and a lot of rain. I think October is my favorite month due to the fact that this is when we Houstonians as a people are initiated into the semi-fall like state. (OK, OK, I know I am currently a Galvestonian by locale. But there is actually some sort of weird pride-like feeling that I come from the 4th largest city in the nation. And I am a Houstonian by birth...) Yeah, I definitely think it has more to do with temperature than booze.

Adventures in Inter-racial Dating

2005-09-28T14:16:00.000-05:00

I'm white. My boyfriend is Chinese. This makes for interesting scenarios and sometimes breakdowns in communication. I am obviosly not anti-inter-racial-dating, but I think it perhaps requires a very open mind.

For instance, I have come to find the Chinese (or at least the Shanghainese) to be excessively blunt. Not 3 months into our dating relationship, he had no qualms about telling me I had B.O. one evening. He has called, and when I have said "you sound like you're in a good mood" he has replied, "Yes, well it's not because of you." And the funny thing is, these quips don't hurt my feelings. That's just how he is.

Of course, it can prove frustrating. The bluntness I mean. For instance, when holed up with his very Chinese family during hurricane Rita... I do have culture and an open mind, but my tastebuds don't acclimate nearly as quickly as my brain when faced with completely new things. So when I am sitting at the dinner table surrounded by persons who don't speak my language and don't eat my food, it's a little overwhelming. And Chinese momma is constantly putting things on my plate, and I am having to rely on boyfriend for translation. But then again, what good is a translation when boyfirend gets lazy and isn't translating exaclty what's said? And whatif there is not translation to be had? So mom puts some strange thing on my plate, and to avoid hurting her feelings, I put it back in the bowl when she's not looking. I think, "aha, I have spared this poor overworked woman's feelings!" when my boyfriend tells me she wants to know how it was. I say "Tell her it was different" He says, "Oh, too late. I already told her you put it back. You might as well be honest." Hoping to spare the poor woman's feelings, and perhaps the wrath of a future mother-in-law was too much to hope for, I suppose.