Saturday, August 9, 2014
This Hand Basket Needs An Addition
Since I am the only one who apparently reads this, I will surprise myself with a new post.
***SURPRISE***
(Wow, I handled that remarkably well)
Much has happened world. First, I am still married... which surprises me because I was sure I would somehow screw things up for myself.
Second, because the cat decided to attack Shannon's legs like they contained Catnip, we gave him to a great home and he was renamed (in all likelihood) Boris.
Third, I graduated with a BA in Anthropology; though considering the amount that I wrote, it should have be a BS, cause I certainly contributed my fair share of it.
Fourth, Shannon and I became the proud parents of one of the most amazing little girls the world has ever seen. No, I know what you are thinking. "Everyone says that about their kid. He is just exaggerating." Well, I am not, because y'all haven't met my daughter, so you can't pass judgement... so, HA! But seriously, she is one of the cutest babies I have ever seen in my life, and she is HUGE! Right now at 7 months, her thigh is bigger than Shannon's bicep.
Fifth, I am on the path to becoming certified to teach, which is what I want to do with my life. In the words of Jack Black, "Those who can't do teach; and those who can't teach, teach gym". Well, I know what I can do, and that is teach. I am certifying to teach Special Ed. There is a shortage in this world of teachers (because they aren't paid nearly enough for the amount of work and influence that they do and have, but I will save that for a future post) and there is a shortage within a shortage of Special Ed teachers. Kind of like Russian Stacking Dolls.
Well, It is 10 'o'clock, and since my wife has reset my clock to neither night owl nor early bird, I am tired and must leave you with this list of changes made since the last post. Hopefully I will write again soon.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Oh that is right, I Am In A New Hand Basket, And Boy Do I Like It Better
Well, there has been much that has happened in recent months. Most notably, I did something that I thought that I would NEVER do. I got a cat. But, I have also done some other new things, chief among them, I got married to my sweetheart. (to be continued...)
Monday, October 24, 2011
Since no one will see this, i am totally awesome... :)
Here are the instructions: The first 3 people to respond to this post will get something made by me! However, there are some rules, which are:
1. I get to decide what it is.
2. But I will keep you in mind and it will be personalized. I'm not going to make you a teapot if you don't drink tea. I wouldn't make a teapot anyway, I have no clue how.
3. You'll probably have to wait until after the wedding. I'm too insanely busy to get it done beforehand. That ok?
4. It can be anything. Maybe I'll paint you a picture (on canvas), maybe I'll embroider something for you, maybe I'll bake you something...It all depends!
The catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 3 people who do the same on your blog. The first 3 people to leave a comment telling me they will win it forward get a fabulous homemade gift by me! Oh, and if you have a blog, be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Relief and Happiness are Relatives
30 minutes ago, I was slightly (ok, really) a mess; but I wasn't about to show it. I had just opened a can of worms, and there were only two ways that it could turn out. The question "What do you mean by that?" was that can of worms. The two ways it could end: I either lose the girl who has recently become my best friend (one of a few, but the only one that I would date), or I get to go to sleep that night knowing that I am dating my best friend. I acted calm, but I was slightly panicked inside. When the subject came up, I thought things were going south, due to them having gone south so many times before.
I will have roughly what I said not in quotations, what she said in quotations, and my thoughts in parentheses.
We started in, and what a quick relief it was. I asked what she thought. "I think you like me." (Awesome, I haven't been obscure) Then I asked what she was thinking. "I like you." (Good... I'm glad the feeling is mutual!) but... "I'm kind of confused." (Uh Oh, where is this going?) Confused about FS stuff? "Yeah." (Phew... wait...) Like, you don't want to cause a scandal? "Yeah." (ok...) So what do you want to do about it? "I don't know." (May I make a suggestion?" Should we just keep it quiet and low key until FS is over? "Yeah." (Good one...) "At least you don't ignore me in public..." (You are incredible, how could I ignore you, I have to keep myself in check just so that I don't give you too much attention; ignore you, psha) Feel better? "Much." (As am I) " I seem to always pick the wrong guys. You're a breath of fresh air." (As are you, but you don't know that; yet) [more talking] "You're the best." (No, you're the best; never forget that).
So, I go to bed happy, and so relieved. I am now dating the most amazing girl I have ever been interested in, and I couldn't be happier.
I know why I am in this handbasket, and I am on the highway to heavenly bliss, not hell. Now the question is, how long do we last. I personally want it to last indefinitely, because I have never been happier. I hope that feeling is mutual as well.
I will have roughly what I said not in quotations, what she said in quotations, and my thoughts in parentheses.
We started in, and what a quick relief it was. I asked what she thought. "I think you like me." (Awesome, I haven't been obscure) Then I asked what she was thinking. "I like you." (Good... I'm glad the feeling is mutual!) but... "I'm kind of confused." (Uh Oh, where is this going?) Confused about FS stuff? "Yeah." (Phew... wait...) Like, you don't want to cause a scandal? "Yeah." (ok...) So what do you want to do about it? "I don't know." (May I make a suggestion?" Should we just keep it quiet and low key until FS is over? "Yeah." (Good one...) "At least you don't ignore me in public..." (You are incredible, how could I ignore you, I have to keep myself in check just so that I don't give you too much attention; ignore you, psha) Feel better? "Much." (As am I) " I seem to always pick the wrong guys. You're a breath of fresh air." (As are you, but you don't know that; yet) [more talking] "You're the best." (No, you're the best; never forget that).
So, I go to bed happy, and so relieved. I am now dating the most amazing girl I have ever been interested in, and I couldn't be happier.
I know why I am in this handbasket, and I am on the highway to heavenly bliss, not hell. Now the question is, how long do we last. I personally want it to last indefinitely, because I have never been happier. I hope that feeling is mutual as well.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Oblivious, Fortunate, and Confused
Indulge me as I relate a particular incident that I observed some time ago, and recorded; like a good anthropologist would. I wrote this from my notes, which may cause the tense in which I write to change between past and present.
At the moment at which I start my notes, there are three individuals in particular that I notice in the larger group that I was studying. The got my attention due to the apparent relationship between the three of them. Through luck, I know some history of the three individuals, and where applicable, I will mention what I know.
Currently, the girl, who is Oblivious (from which I derive her identifier), is displaying publicly her affection for her chosen potential mate, who I will call Fortunate. This display appears to be bothering the crap out of the third individual, a male whom I will identify as Confused; which identifier will become clearer as you progress in the account. Oblivious is the common factor between Fortunate and Confused, though it is very well likely Fortunate and Confused would become friends had they met independent of Oblivious.
Confused has been interested in Oblivious since their first encounter, which was several months previous to this incident. Fortunate has been the chosen potential mate of Oblivious for two to three months (depending on your source), and has known Oblivious for nearly twice as long as Confused; though he only became a viable candidate as a potential mate around the same time as Confused. Confused (I discovered once I interviewed him about the incident, after the fact) has not given up his hope that Oblivious may decide that Fortunate is no longer suitable as a potential mate, and go in search of a replacement. Confused hopes that, if this occurs, he can get in and win the attention of Oblivious, which would allow him to take the current spot of Fortunate. Fortunate, on the other hand, hopes that Oblivious will not choose to seek a new potential mate, and stay with him until she feels ready to bear offspring. At the current time, Confused has retreated to the social station of inferior male, and has only been able to associate with what Oblivious as non-sexually motivated interaction; which, he related to me, he is willing to do until his opportunity presents itself. I was able to have a few short conversations with Fortunate, but Oblivious would not comment on the situation.
From previous observations, and first hand accounts, Fortunate and Oblivious are still trying to understand if they see an actual partnership in their combined future; but are pursuing the possibility of such until they determine otherwise. Confused spends supposedly non-sexually motivated time with Oblivious on a regular basis; and both enjoy the others company. I have noted that Oblivious, and to an extent Confused as well, has become more friendly and increasingly flirtatious as they continue to get to know each other. This has become much more prevalent in the days leading up to this incident. Confused has said that he wishes not to interfere due to societal taboos against tampering with established relationships. But, he also mentioned that he occasionally will have trouble if a good opportunity to intercede on his own interest's behalf. Confused has also mentioned that the increase in flirtation by Oblivious, and her references to Fortunate, have created an attitude and feeling of confusion for Confused. Confused is unsure of whether Oblivious is really oblivious or not to the effect of her actions. From my limited opportunities of observation, my best guess is that Oblivious is only partially oblivious; but instead seems to be priming Confused as a back up should Fortunate prove inadequate, and is only oblivious to how effective her priming actually is.
At the time of this incident, Oblivious and Fortunate are displaying affection for each other in moderate amounts. Confused mentioned that he recalls that at this point that he reflected on the thought that, had circumstances leading up to this incident been slightly different, Fortunate's and Confused's positions would have been reversed. As I continue watching all three of them, as Fortunate and Oblivious continue their displays, Confused begins to show signs of illness, as the apparent jealously and angst build up inside, not unlike steam in a kettle. Confused, when later interviewed, stated that this was the most jealous that he had ever felt up to that point in is life. I note as I watch, that I seem to repeatedly catch Oblivious' glances (of which Fortunate mentioned he had no knowledge of) in the direction of Confused, as she and Fortunate cuddle and coo (which Fortunate concluded was most likely the reason for his lack of observations). It seems to me that Oblivious desires to gauge just what kind of reaction her antics produce among her confused (and rightly so) audience.
Oblivious' face seems to communicate a confusion of her own. Though she seems to be enjoying the attention and affection of Fortunate, her gazes at Confused have brought to light an unexpected realization. The growing look of illness and stifled longing that Confused attempts to keep from breaking the surface of his normally happy and congenial demeanor is having an unforeseen effect on her emotions.
At this point, the thought that full disclosure is the best way to keep anyone from getting hurt surfaces in my mind; the product of a anthropologist's worse enemies, conscience and human emotion. I feel the emotional tug of the situation of Confused and I can see the brewing chaos that could ensue among this unsuspecting trio. I want desperately to tell Oblivious (the obvious shot caller of this group) all that I know, from my little perch. I could let Oblivious know to what degree she is affecting Confused. I could extol Confused's virtues and redeeming qualities, on his behalf. Yet, at the same time, I could defend the preeminence of Fortunate's position compared to Confused's. Or, I could suggest to her that she should tell Fortunate and let him know of the Plan B. Or, suggest that she seriously consider both, and decide which she wants; since polyandry is not accepted in her culture. But, then I remind myself of the first rule of anthropological observation: DO NOT interfere or get involved. And if I were to talk to Oblivious, I would be breaking that rule.
I continue to watch the situation progress, as Fortunate continues to establish dominance and ownership of Oblivious' attention and affection. Fortunate later commented to me when Confused's situation was brought to his knowledge that had he known, he would have at the very least, been much more discreet with his public displays of affection, in order to not cause the hurt and pain to a fellow male; which is much to the credit of his character. Confused, apparently not wanting to subject himself to their displays, busies himself with a menial task. When necessity, or desire, compel him to focus his attention on Oblivious and Fortunate, he seems to direct his comments to Oblivious only; unless joking with Fortunate. This continues until the time comes for Oblivious and Fortunate to leave.
At this point, Confused begins to slowly recover from the ordeal. Yet, Confused still apparently feels burned. And, just like it's physical cousin, even after the initial burn occurs, the wound his pride and self image sustained by Oblivious' (and to a lesser degree Fortunate's) hand continues to smolder long after the hot iron she pressed to it is gone.
I have lost track of Confused, Oblivious, and Fortunate; having moved out of their ward at the end of that semester. Though I wish I had a resolution to this situation, I am positive that what ever the eventual outcome of this trio's social interactions was, the best solution for all was reached. It is also my hope that all involved felt fulfilled with the resolution.
Currently, the girl, who is Oblivious (from which I derive her identifier), is displaying publicly her affection for her chosen potential mate, who I will call Fortunate. This display appears to be bothering the crap out of the third individual, a male whom I will identify as Confused; which identifier will become clearer as you progress in the account. Oblivious is the common factor between Fortunate and Confused, though it is very well likely Fortunate and Confused would become friends had they met independent of Oblivious.
Confused has been interested in Oblivious since their first encounter, which was several months previous to this incident. Fortunate has been the chosen potential mate of Oblivious for two to three months (depending on your source), and has known Oblivious for nearly twice as long as Confused; though he only became a viable candidate as a potential mate around the same time as Confused. Confused (I discovered once I interviewed him about the incident, after the fact) has not given up his hope that Oblivious may decide that Fortunate is no longer suitable as a potential mate, and go in search of a replacement. Confused hopes that, if this occurs, he can get in and win the attention of Oblivious, which would allow him to take the current spot of Fortunate. Fortunate, on the other hand, hopes that Oblivious will not choose to seek a new potential mate, and stay with him until she feels ready to bear offspring. At the current time, Confused has retreated to the social station of inferior male, and has only been able to associate with what Oblivious as non-sexually motivated interaction; which, he related to me, he is willing to do until his opportunity presents itself. I was able to have a few short conversations with Fortunate, but Oblivious would not comment on the situation.
From previous observations, and first hand accounts, Fortunate and Oblivious are still trying to understand if they see an actual partnership in their combined future; but are pursuing the possibility of such until they determine otherwise. Confused spends supposedly non-sexually motivated time with Oblivious on a regular basis; and both enjoy the others company. I have noted that Oblivious, and to an extent Confused as well, has become more friendly and increasingly flirtatious as they continue to get to know each other. This has become much more prevalent in the days leading up to this incident. Confused has said that he wishes not to interfere due to societal taboos against tampering with established relationships. But, he also mentioned that he occasionally will have trouble if a good opportunity to intercede on his own interest's behalf. Confused has also mentioned that the increase in flirtation by Oblivious, and her references to Fortunate, have created an attitude and feeling of confusion for Confused. Confused is unsure of whether Oblivious is really oblivious or not to the effect of her actions. From my limited opportunities of observation, my best guess is that Oblivious is only partially oblivious; but instead seems to be priming Confused as a back up should Fortunate prove inadequate, and is only oblivious to how effective her priming actually is.
At the time of this incident, Oblivious and Fortunate are displaying affection for each other in moderate amounts. Confused mentioned that he recalls that at this point that he reflected on the thought that, had circumstances leading up to this incident been slightly different, Fortunate's and Confused's positions would have been reversed. As I continue watching all three of them, as Fortunate and Oblivious continue their displays, Confused begins to show signs of illness, as the apparent jealously and angst build up inside, not unlike steam in a kettle. Confused, when later interviewed, stated that this was the most jealous that he had ever felt up to that point in is life. I note as I watch, that I seem to repeatedly catch Oblivious' glances (of which Fortunate mentioned he had no knowledge of) in the direction of Confused, as she and Fortunate cuddle and coo (which Fortunate concluded was most likely the reason for his lack of observations). It seems to me that Oblivious desires to gauge just what kind of reaction her antics produce among her confused (and rightly so) audience.
Oblivious' face seems to communicate a confusion of her own. Though she seems to be enjoying the attention and affection of Fortunate, her gazes at Confused have brought to light an unexpected realization. The growing look of illness and stifled longing that Confused attempts to keep from breaking the surface of his normally happy and congenial demeanor is having an unforeseen effect on her emotions.
At this point, the thought that full disclosure is the best way to keep anyone from getting hurt surfaces in my mind; the product of a anthropologist's worse enemies, conscience and human emotion. I feel the emotional tug of the situation of Confused and I can see the brewing chaos that could ensue among this unsuspecting trio. I want desperately to tell Oblivious (the obvious shot caller of this group) all that I know, from my little perch. I could let Oblivious know to what degree she is affecting Confused. I could extol Confused's virtues and redeeming qualities, on his behalf. Yet, at the same time, I could defend the preeminence of Fortunate's position compared to Confused's. Or, I could suggest to her that she should tell Fortunate and let him know of the Plan B. Or, suggest that she seriously consider both, and decide which she wants; since polyandry is not accepted in her culture. But, then I remind myself of the first rule of anthropological observation: DO NOT interfere or get involved. And if I were to talk to Oblivious, I would be breaking that rule.
I continue to watch the situation progress, as Fortunate continues to establish dominance and ownership of Oblivious' attention and affection. Fortunate later commented to me when Confused's situation was brought to his knowledge that had he known, he would have at the very least, been much more discreet with his public displays of affection, in order to not cause the hurt and pain to a fellow male; which is much to the credit of his character. Confused, apparently not wanting to subject himself to their displays, busies himself with a menial task. When necessity, or desire, compel him to focus his attention on Oblivious and Fortunate, he seems to direct his comments to Oblivious only; unless joking with Fortunate. This continues until the time comes for Oblivious and Fortunate to leave.
At this point, Confused begins to slowly recover from the ordeal. Yet, Confused still apparently feels burned. And, just like it's physical cousin, even after the initial burn occurs, the wound his pride and self image sustained by Oblivious' (and to a lesser degree Fortunate's) hand continues to smolder long after the hot iron she pressed to it is gone.
I have lost track of Confused, Oblivious, and Fortunate; having moved out of their ward at the end of that semester. Though I wish I had a resolution to this situation, I am positive that what ever the eventual outcome of this trio's social interactions was, the best solution for all was reached. It is also my hope that all involved felt fulfilled with the resolution.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Pressure
HOLY CRAP!
Talk about pressure! I took my first exam for Archaeology of the Ancient Aegean and Greece today, and I was totally overwhelmed by it. Not only did it contain things that were not covered in the reading (yet) or in class, but went way beyond what was explained in class. Of the 9 students in the class, I think a great many of us failed that test. I am so scared that I am going to have a bad academic year this semester because of all of these crazy hoops!
Then, on top of academics, I feel as though I am either Derek Shepherd or Finn Dandridge competing for Meredith Grey... yeah, that is right, I am now hooked on Grey's Anatomy thanks to someone I know... ahem. So that doesn't help the stress factor.
And, lovely finances, those suck as well, since I can't seem to find a job on or off campus that can pay more than $7.65 an hour; and I have to study so much just to get mediocre grades apparently, so I can't work as much as I would like or need to. But I think that I can blame Obama for the job issue, since he has no hold on the concept of economic stimulus. Hint hint: It doesn't work if you take the 4 trillion and give it right back to yourself; lower the tax rate for the upperclass, get rid of Medicaid and Medicare and restructure them, scrap social security, and severely cut down the bargaining rights and powers, including lobbying rights, of the unions.
Ok, that was a rant. Sorry, that is just how I have been feeling right now.
Anyway, I guess I am going to get off an get some sleep, since I have to work, go to class, then work my other job, and then write up a whole annotated bibliography about the economic situation of Troy and Athens.
I am so in a handbasket right now...
Talk about pressure! I took my first exam for Archaeology of the Ancient Aegean and Greece today, and I was totally overwhelmed by it. Not only did it contain things that were not covered in the reading (yet) or in class, but went way beyond what was explained in class. Of the 9 students in the class, I think a great many of us failed that test. I am so scared that I am going to have a bad academic year this semester because of all of these crazy hoops!
Then, on top of academics, I feel as though I am either Derek Shepherd or Finn Dandridge competing for Meredith Grey... yeah, that is right, I am now hooked on Grey's Anatomy thanks to someone I know... ahem. So that doesn't help the stress factor.
And, lovely finances, those suck as well, since I can't seem to find a job on or off campus that can pay more than $7.65 an hour; and I have to study so much just to get mediocre grades apparently, so I can't work as much as I would like or need to. But I think that I can blame Obama for the job issue, since he has no hold on the concept of economic stimulus. Hint hint: It doesn't work if you take the 4 trillion and give it right back to yourself; lower the tax rate for the upperclass, get rid of Medicaid and Medicare and restructure them, scrap social security, and severely cut down the bargaining rights and powers, including lobbying rights, of the unions.
Ok, that was a rant. Sorry, that is just how I have been feeling right now.
Anyway, I guess I am going to get off an get some sleep, since I have to work, go to class, then work my other job, and then write up a whole annotated bibliography about the economic situation of Troy and Athens.
I am so in a handbasket right now...
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