I Am TooTired

I have been very busy at work, and this week, I have had an activity every evening.  So, as I sit here, I am very tired. And, I know I have a long day again tomorrow.

Sometimes, this happens. There are just a lot of things happening at once. I can manage these activities, especially because I know about them and work on a mind set that welcomes, and eagerly anticipates these activities.  But, as I age, the physical wear and tear takes its toll, and it becomes harder for me to recover from the exertions.  But, I do. Because that is what we do.

I Was Late

I rarely plan or accept commitments that mean that I will be more than an hour late feeding the cats.  I feel a responsibility to feed the cats on a regular basis. Having said that, there is plenty of dry food and water available for them, if I do not feed the moist foods and treats they especially like, in the time frame they like. 

On January 29, 2013, it could not be helped that I would arrive home some 2 or 3 hours later than usual, and the cats would be fed late. I was surprised that my cupboards were not all open, and the dresser drawers were not opened, as usually, when I am late, these are signs of displeasure with me.

So, I fed as usual.  There was no high drama about a late dinner.  The girls seemed content to just get dinner.

What is wrong with this picture? Or, what is right with this picture?

Trolling

I watch the statistics of who is viewing my blog.  I do not believe anyone follows it regularly, except maybe one very dear friend.

For a long time, my viewership was largely in Russia, and China. But for some months, that  has changed, and the viewership is dominantly in the United States, with China second.  But my viewership is very small.  And, mostly, I think, commercial sites trolling for something.  What, I do not know.

But not anything I have on my blog.

Beef Stew

I decided to make beef stew today.  I frequently cook a large volume item on the weekend, and eat it during the week, although I sometimes get tired of it before I finish it.  If the food freezes well, I might do that.

I still had some food from last week pending, so I had that for dinner tonight, but cooked the beef stew. I did that in part because I have plans for Sunday, and waiting to cook on Sunday may not have been convenient.  And, because beef stew will freeze, if I decide to do that. 

I used lots of herbs and spices in this beef stew, so as it is cooking it makes the house smell really good.

I used a potato for a thickener. There are other options for thickener, but I like potato.  The stew is still simmering. Ummmmmm.

Loyal Fan Customer - Not!

I have to admit that I am not a loyal fan customer.  Just because the Texas Tech Lady Raiders http://www.texastech.com/sports/w-baskbl/text-w-baskbl-body.html, or NASCAR http://www.nascar.com/en_us/sprint-cup-series.html, or NASCAR driver Joey Logano http://www.joeylogano.com/ or NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick http://kevinharvick.com/ promote a product or service, I do not use that product or service. 

I do not make my decisions about products or services based on heavy advertising.  I love the GEICO http://www.geico.com/ commercials. They are so much fun, but I do not think I want to try GEICO insurance. I love the Liberty Mutual  Insurance commercials http://welcome.libertymutual.com/campaigns/search/v1/auto-insurance.html?cmpgncde=289&keyCode=ISPMA0G0&src=im-dpds-aut-ggl1208125038&s_kwcid=TC|17321|liberty%20insurance||S|b|16571841427 that demonstrate responsibility. They demonstrate "pay it forward" and "what goes around comes around."

But as much as I love those commercials, they do not convince me to switch from my tried and true insurance company that has come through, time and again, when I needed it to. You can not substitute cute commercials for tried and true service. Or, you can, and take a chance on what you will get.

The same is true for other products and services. If I have a positive history with a product or service, I am hesitant to change for the unknown, no matter what the advertising says. I am much more likely to give credence to an endorsement from someone I know and trust than a professionally produced commercial.

So, not matter how much advertising I see, I make my choices based on more personal experience. 

Connecting

Today was a day of connecting.  At work, we came off lock down, so I was able to meet with many patients who had been waiting to have a session regarding their situation.  The physician assistant and I saw several patients.  Most importantly, we saw one who had been in a fight, and needed a referral to the infirmary for his injuries (why that was not "automatic" I do not know.  But it got done.)

My niece has travelled to China to teach English. She is with a friend. Since she has left the country, I had not heard from her.  No emails, no Facebook, no Goodreads.  Her father had not heard much, but her mother told me she had received a few brief emails. My niece sent one out tonight, so I am relieved.

Today is the birthday of my former supervisor and administrator, who is now retired. I called, and we had a nice phone visit. We talked about going to a movie together. That sounds like fun.

I am a solitary person. I like being able to be in my house and live my life according to my plan. (And the plan of the cats.) But, I am concerned about my family and friends. However, I do not reach out well, nor do I connect well. But sometimes, I just have to do it.

Time Line

The Lady Raider's Basketball game http://www.texastech.com/sports/w-baskbl/text-w-baskbl-body.html tonight started at 6 PM.  They played West Virginia http://www.texastech.com/sports/w-baskbl/text-w-baskbl-body.html.  The game started this early in Lubbock, because it was 7 PM in Morgantown, WV.  Well, it was a squeaker, but the Lady Raiders won in overtime.  Wow! Whew!

The time difference is not much, but it is enough to throw us off kilter.  I am not sure if that was a factor, as the Lady Raiders were off their game in the first half of the game.

Little things can throw us off kilter.  I spent 12 years officing on the west side of the Montford Prison. I moved my office to the east side of the building in 2007. The first night I left the building from the east side, I had an attack of vertigo. I had walked about the building, back and forth between the east and west side of the building during the day. But, as I left for the day, I was disoriented. Literally, I experienced vertigo.  It was transitory, but disconcerting, nevertheless.  Little things can throw us off. 

It is not yet 9 PM. The Lady Raider Basketball game is finished. This is unusual for me. Usually, the Texas Tech basketball games, men's or women's, do not finish until 9 PM or later. I did not see anything else on TV that I want to watch. So, I will move to the living room and read.  I am not unhappy about the opportunity to read.  But I have to adjust my time line.  Usually, I do not start reading until much later in the evening.  So, I am feeling off kilter.

Patience

I am not known for my patience.  In fact, I am very impatient, and that leads to some very abrupt, inappropriate and down right rude interactions or reactions by me. 

This has been a problem for me as I use the computer.  I get tired of waiting for a computer as it churns out results, so I often click, click, click, and cause more problems for myself. I click before I fully read a dialogue box.  I click and cause the computer to freeze from too many commands. I click and click incorrectly or inadvertently on something or another.

One of the things that has helped me manage my impatience while using the computer is Solitaire http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solitaire.

I first learned to play Solitaire when I was in the  8th or 9th grade.  At that time, I was playing Solitaire with hard copy decks, not on the computer.  And, I have played a lot of Solitaire over the years. I have even kept score when I play Solitaire.  I played Solitaire to help me to relax so I could go to sleep, in high school and college.  A friend from college reminded me how much I played Solitaire when we were talking about how the computer sucked up our time. She was right. Before computers, I played Solitaire a lot.  I can not imagine how much time I have wasted over the years, playing Solitaire. But I played Solitaire waiting for classes in college, I played Solitaire while watching TV or listening to music or the radio. I played Solitaire in airports and bus stations, waiting to travel. I played Solitaire when I was waiting for whatever.

I have played a LOT of Solitaire in my life.

My favorite types of Solitaire are Klondike Solitaire and, on the computer Spider Solitaire. 

There are lots of types of Solitaire.  In the movie The Hellfighters http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063060/, Madelyn Buckman tells her daughter Tish Buckman that Hoyle called Solitaire "Patience" and it had a number of variations (I do not recall how many, maybe 52).  Madelyn said she had played them all.

Well, sometimes, Solitaire is my savior.  When I click on applications and programs that load slowly on my computer, I usually go to a Solitaire game.  I play Solitaire while things are loading. That prevents me from multiple clicking and freezing up the computer. It just helps me to be patient while waiting for something to load.

So, while Solitaire may be a waste of time, for me, it serves a purpose.  Because I have so little patience.

Power Outage

It was about 3:15 PM today, when I heard a poofy kind of pop, and the power went out. I went out the front door to check with my neighbors.  The two houses to the west did not have power, either, and neither family had a cell phone with them.  I told them I would call into the power company, Lubbock Power and Light http://lpandl.ci.lubbock.tx.us/. 

When I made the call, the dispatcher said a technician was working on another call, but would be sent to us next.  Less than an hour and 15 minutes later, power was restored: the LP&L dispatcher called and checked on my status. Power was restored.  I then checked with my neighbors. Power was restored.

We take our utilities for granted. Water, electricity, gas.  I have written in the past about calling the fire department because the motor of my heater burned out, and an I wanted to be sure there was no smoldering fire in the heater closet.  The response was almost immediate, and I did not receive a bill. 

Today, the power was restored. I know there will be no cost to me, because any service outside of the box on my house is tended to by the power company.

I am so grateful for the community services from which I benefit. I am willing to pay taxes for these services. 

Basketball

I am watching ESPN Sports Center tonight http://espn.go.com/video/sportscenter.  The reason is the Lady Raiders http://www.texastech.com/sports/w-baskbl/text-w-baskbl-body.html won against 21 or 23 ranked Kansas State http://www.kuathletics.com/sports/w-baskbl/kan-w-baskbl-body.html . This is the second time the Lady Raiders have won against a nationally ranked team http://www.texastech.com/sports/w-baskbl/sched/text-w-baskbl-sched.html. 

I am wondering what ESPN will say about NCAA women's basketball tonight. Not just about the Lady Raiders, but about the sport. They have a lot to say about the National Football League http://www.nfl.com/, and the National Hockey League http://www.nhl.com/.  They have highlighted some NCAA men's basketball http://www.ncaa.com/sports/basketball-men/d1. but so far, no mention of the women's games http://www.ncaa.com/sports/basketball-women/d1.

Although 2012 saw the 40th anniversary of Title IX http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_IX, which was suppose to give equality to women's sports to men's sports in federally funded educational institutions, there is no equality. And, this is recognized http://espn.go.com/espnw/title-ix/7729603/five-myths-title-ix.  As are other myths about men's and women's sports.

But, I want to hear about  NCAA women's basketball on ESPN.  If that does not happen, I may have to let them know about my dissatisfaction.  However, the show is less than half finished.

A Changed Perpective

Last night, Sake was on the sofa. She had positioned herself so she was smack dab in the middle, and stretched lengthwise, so there was no room for me on either side of her. I moved a floor lamp to one end of the futon, and sat there to read.  It was not as comfortable as the reclining sofa, but was comfortable enough for me to stay there reading. The biggest concern was that I had no place to put my drink except on the arm of the futon, and my fear that a cat would knock it over.

So, I had a change of perspective last night.  It was good. I need to change things up sometimes in my life:  I get too set in my ways.  I can be flexible, but I tend to be entrenched.

Drains, Floods and Other Plumbing Stuff

Less than 8 years ago, I had the sewer line at my house replaced.  I went with a company that had a higher bid than others, but said they could do it one day, and they would not have to dig a trench in my back yard.  Some five or six years earlier, I had had to replace the gas line: it was done at a reasonable price. But it was winter, took three days, and they never came back to fill in the trench they dug.  I was in the process of renting out the house, and the renter was gracious to be okay with the 3 day delay (she stayed with her mother, out of town) and she and I filled in the trench.

Last September, there was a drainage back up. I called a different plumber and they came out quickly, and cleaned out the sewer line. The next weekend, the washing machine flooded the house. So I called the same people back.  It was my fault.  I recalled, after the flooding event, from earlier years, that the drain line for the washing machine would also flood when the main drain line flooded.  The plumber gave me a discount, anyway.

Saturday, the 12th, once again I had a drainage problem: sewer water backup into the half bathroom, and into the bathtub of the other bathroom.  It took me most of Saturday afternoon to clean out and dry out the half bathroom, and the bath tub. Also , the washing machine drain overflowed, which required cleaning the kitchen floor.  So I went to the laundromat on Sunday to finish washing the laundry.

The plumbing company that replaced the sewer line offers a really low cost drain clean out, with a discount on a second line, if done the same day.  So, I called that company early Monday morning, before business hours.  They did not call me back by about 9 AM, and when I called them, again, they admitted they did not have their faxes from the answering service. They were very vague about a time they could get to my problem, and wanted to call me at work.  I said this was not possible.  (It might be, but I am never certain where I need to be in the building, there is no guarantee I would hear a page if someone did page me, I may or may not be in my office to take a call, I may or may not be able to disengage from a patient interview, and it can take me anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes to get from my office to my house. My experience in the past is that some service people do not wait, others do.) 

I asked to be placed on the morning schedule for Tuesday. The receptionist was not sure she could do this, but after checking, said she would. So, Tuesday morning, when I did not hear from the plumbing company by 9:15, I called them. I was told I was on the schedule, but there was no guarantee when I would be called. When I explained my concern about waiting all day, again the receptionist suggested I go to work and wait for a call.  Do these people not get it?  What if I were a mail carrier?  And there are many positions of employment where people are unavailable in the course of their work day: meetings, classes, traveling from job to job, in the middle of programs, procedures or what have you.

Shortly there after, I received a call from a perky, upbeat sounding plumber.  He came to the  house, and we discussed the problem which included that I knew when the bathroom plumbing backed up, I could count on the washing machine drain to overflow, as it did Saturday, and both needed to be cleaned out. He said he would work in the backyard from the alley. I also told him that his company had replaced the sewer line sometime since 2005.

He suggested I fill the washing machine, so we could check out the drain when he cleaned it out.  It took him a very long time to clean out the sewer line, and he got some serious root clumps out of it.  Then we drained the washing machine, which immediately flooded the kitchen. Well, of course, he had not worked on the drain line for the washing machine.  He felt badly about flooding the kitchen.  I told him I had plenty of experience in cleaning it up, so no big problem. (Besides, that is clean water, and not sewer backup like the flooding of the bathroom.)

But, I think he was embarrassed enough that he worked and worked and worked, on the main drain and the one associated with the washing machine.  He worked on both of them for quite some time, and even called to see if their cameraman was in the area to look at the drain.  Well, after some time, we tried the washing machine drain again, and it worked. Before he left, I flushed both commodes. He had already run water down the tub and kitchen sink. We pretty much checked everything out. 

He said he wanted the camera technician to come out, anyway, to see if they could find the problem, and talked about making arrangements for that. He agreed that there should not be a problem with the sewer line, since it was so newly replaced.  Hmmm. We shall see if I hear from them about the camera tech checking the line.

We shall see how long this drain cleaning lasts. One of my coworkers suggested getting crystals that help to keep the drains cleaned of roots. That is a good idea.

Lotions and creams.

At this time of year, my skin really dries out.  I use a body wash with a moistener, against my doctor's advise, because I can not stand to slather my entire body with lotion.  And, in this part of the world, with the very harsh water and the very low humidity, a shower can dry out the skin significantly. There have been times when my skin was so raw, the shower water felt like little grits of sand pelting my body.  And, there are times when my skin is so dry and scaly, it cracks.  My hands have cracked in places this year.

I have discovered, years ago, on a very cold day that a layer of lotion actually helped to keep me warm when I first leave the house. As the day progresses, the protection diminishes.

I so dislike lotion, though, that I use it rarely and sparingly.   I have been know to use lotion, then immediately wipe or even wash my skin, because I cannot stand the feeling of the greasiness of the lotion.

One of the things I have learned is to buy a high quality lotion.  The other thing I have learned, especially with lower quality lotions, but even with the high quality lotions, is to use a minimal amount. With lotions, less is more, because if I use too much, it all has to come off.  Whereas, if I use just a little, I can tolerate the feeling of greasiness.

Some years ago, someone told me that the lotions we use for our face, hand, body or feet varies in viscosity.  I think that is probably true.  Yet, I use them interchangeably:  I have a good foot cream that I like for my hands, too. It has a pleasant odor, and is not too greasy.

I guess I do not generally use creams.  They are thicker than lotions.

Mmmm.   

http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/moisturizing/products/creams-and-lotions-different.htm

Trash and Tissue

For a large part of her life, Taki has had a fascination with trash and tissue.  I had a tapered wicker trash can near the computer, and it tipped easily. Taki would strew the trash all over the place. I swapped that out for a more solidly standing trash can. Taki does not empty it as much. But this weekend, I put a lot of trash in it, and Taki has taken to playing with the trash.  The contents are mostly empty old envelopes, and other paper.

Taki likes tissue, also.  She has been known to strew strands of bathroom tissue throughout the house.  Lately, she has been taking facial tissue out of the box, tearing it up and leaving it throughout the house.

I do not understand the fascination she has for this.  The trash crinkles, so that may be an attraction. 

Whatever, it is basically harmless play. 

Incoming Stimulation

There was nothing I really wanted to watch on TV tonight.  I was hoping for something entertaining but mindless, but it was not there.

I completed the newspaper puzzles, read blogs and newspaper headlines and obituaries on online, did the daily games, and even added some additional word games to me my repertoire tonight.

I turned on some Gregorian chants and read for a while. The book has not grabbed me, but it is for one of my book clubs, and I do want to read as much as I can before we meet. 

I am reminded I need to find the next book for another book club. The library only has sound recordings, which do not do much for me either. But maybe, I should think about that, as I have several hand craft projects that need doing.

It does not hurt to expand our horizons.

Connected

There are a lot of wonderful features to being on the Internet.  I really like being connected to my family and friends. Some of the connection is by email. Some of the connection is by social media such as Facebook. 

I like being connected. I have discovered that by these Internet connections, I sometimes know more about what is happening in my family that other members.  I also learn that sometimes, I am the last to know about what is happening.

But I would rather be the last to know, than not know at all.  So, being connected by one aspect of the Internet or another is still a way of being connected.

Racings, chasings, and other cat stuff

The cats know my routine. And when I break it. On January 9, 2013, I broke my routine because after I fed the cats and had a quick dinner, I left the house to go to the Lady Raider basketball game http://www.texastech.com/sports/w-baskbl/text-w-baskbl-body.html.

On January 10, 2013, I again went out, to go to dinner and the Barnes and Noble Mystery Book Club meeting. The girls were a little distressed at my preparations to leave, but the worst part was that not one cat was allowed garage privileges.  A minor problem. For them.

When I returned, all three cats were animated. Sake wanted to be petted, and sat on the kitchen counter and the dining table demanding attention. She got tired of the attention as I petted her and combed out mats. Haiku just cried, and asked for treats. Of course, if anyone is asking for treats, Taki is, so she got treats with Haiku.  

Taki started racing and chasing around the house. Haiku joined her for a while, but then decided she had enough.  All of a sudden, Taki grabbed my foot, wrapped her paws around my ankle, and fell asleep. Still very much a baby, she sometimes just wears herself out and drops where she is. Too funny.

Later in the evening, Taki was sitting at my feet.  I started sneezing. Sometimes, when I sneeze, Taki mews and trills.  It seems my sneezing upsets her.

Now, Taki and Haiku are in some sort of Mexican stand-off and doing more racing and chasing.

I love to watch and try to analyze the cat antics.

The Texas Tech Museum

When I first came to Lubbock, I could not get enough of the Texas Tech Museum. Among other things, it was free, and it still is!  But, after a while, it became stagnant in my mind.  Over the years, I have only gone to a highly touted exhibit or two... Until a few years ago, a dear coworker talked about going to the museum. He opened my world and re-introduced me to the museum.  I will say that over the years, I have gone to the Ranching Heritage Museum http://www.depts.ttu.edu/ranchhc/, the Lubbock Lake Landmark http://www.depts.ttu.edu/museumttu/lll/,  the Silent Wings Museum http://www.silentwingsmuseum.com/, and occasionally, the Science Spectrum http://www.sciencespectrum.org/new/home.shtml.  But now, I watch for and try to attend the Texas Tech Museum exhibits
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/museumttu/exhsch11.html#aug12. .  It looks like there will be some really good exhibits in 2013.

Thanks, Mike.

Cat pans and food dishes

Hmmmm.  I just wrote about my newspaper dilemma.  I do not need newspapers for mats under the cat pans and cat food dishes.  I am thinking that I could buy washable shower curtains, cut them into appropriate sizes, and change them out and wash them weekly, instead of changing out newspapers. 

Why did I not think about that a long time ago?  Hmmmm.

The Lubbock Avalanche Journal

I have long been a subscriber to the Lubbock Avalanche Journal http://lubbockonline.com/.  I remember when there was the Lubbock Avalanche (where would there be an avalanche in Lubbock?) and the Lubbock Journal, and there was a morning edition and an evening edition. Sometimes I got one, sometimes I got both. When Lisenby and I were together, we got both. One of the endearing charms he had was to read the newspaper, and he read it front and back, more intensely than I did then or do now: I read headlines, and what stores that interest me.

I have not always been a subscriber, but I dare say that I have been a subscriber more years than not since I have lived in Lubbock. 

Over the years, when I have talked about local community activities and events, people have wondered how I know about these.  That is a large part of why I read the newspaper.  I do not read the newspaper for state, national or international news.  And, as I have been at local events, and my interpretation of such events was very different than the newspaper story, I do not rely on the newspaper for reports of local events.  But, I have used it for schedules and announcements. 

Until the last couple of years.  More and more increasingly, the reporting of local activities and events has been incorrect.  So, I have had to double check information on line, with independent sources, including web sites for the activities, sporting events, and TV listings.

But, I continued to subscribe to the local newspaper.  I enjoy doing the crossword, word jumble and sudoku.  I use the newspaper for "mats" under the 3 cat litter pans, and food dishes.  But I have struggled with myself in regards to whether or not I was getting my money's worth.

I received the renewal invoice for the newspaper this week.  Last year, I paid $133 for a year's subscription. I thought long and hard about paying that amount, which was about $17 more than the few years previous.  But the invoice, this year, is $180.  Almost $50 more.

I have thought long and hard again about paying that amount.  I had thought to pay the same amount as for last year, and see how long the subscription would last.  Tonight, at a confluence of mystery reading buddies, we discussed this. One of the members said his invoice had last year's amount, so when he called in to renew, and they tried to charge him the new amount, he held fast at the old amount, and they agreed to that.

I am not sure what I am going to do. But, I know I am not going to pay $180 for a year's subscription.

And, I am hatching a plan for mats under the cat pans and cat food dishes.

Rain in Lubbock, Texas

The prediction for rain in Lubbock, Texas was that it would arrive late morning, or at the latest, early afternoon on 1/9/13.  It arrived late morning.  I wore my winter coat to work this morning, because it was so cold. So, when I walked to my car in the afternoon, my winter coat, funnel and gloves got soaked. I keep a poncho in my desk,  but did not think to use it over over my other clothes, to keep me dry.   Dummy me, I did not think to dry my jacket, funnel and gloves in the clothes dryer while I as feeding cats and having dinner before I went out to watch the Lady Raider Basketball Team.

There was a time in my life when bad weather would have disuaded me from going out for an activity.  Maybe it was because I had already paid for the ticket, maybe it was because my mind set was to go to the game, I do not know. But I am glad I motivated myself to get out and do something fun.

Walking from the parking lot to the basketball arena, I got very wet again. I decided to sit in an area of the arena where I could spread out my coat and gear to let it dry. My season tickets are for an area of the arena that is well populated. I like the people I sit near, but there is no space to spread out. My coat dried some, but not much. It was not raining as hard after the game, but it was still pretty steady.  I stopped at the grocery store on the way home, and my clothes got wet again.

When I got home, I put my coat, funnel, and gloves in the dryer.  It did not take long to dry them, and I put them in the house, vs. let them stay in the dryer overnight to get cold again.

I have not checked the rain gauge.  But as I drove home, I went through some areas of street flooding. That is not surprising.  Lubbock has poor street drainage, and even a very small amount of rain can cause street flooding. Most of the time, such flooding disappears when the rain stops. 

I will check the rain gauge tomorrow. The prediction was for about .5 inches of rain. I think we might have received more.  But that will remain to be seen.

Even when there is flooding, I always think that rain in Lubbock is a blessing.

Three Cats

It took three cats to get me out of bed Monday morning, and even at that, I arose very late, and was late for work.  I had a very dark night, Sunday night. 

It is amazing to me what impacts me. I read a lot of mysteries, often well into the night.  I read about blood and guts and gore; home invasions; beatings; murders; death and dying; kidnappings; and all kinds of sinister doings.  What I read rarely effects my ability to sleep.

I watch a lot of serious TV: Lockup, Bones, NCIS, CSI, Law and Order to name a few. I watch very little comedy.  I watch PBS: Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife, Doc Martin,  Antiques Roadshow. I watch the History Channel a lot: Pawn Stars and Modern Marvels, The Story of Us or Man or whatever, How the States Got Their Shapes among others. I watch The Weather Channel a lot.  I do not watch much of their serial programming, although I did like How Weather Changed History.  But, I get a lot of my news and sports from The Weather Channel.

Sometimes, I watch movies.

But, Sunday, I went to see the movie Lincoln http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443272/.  I went to the first showing, so was out of the movie theater before 4 PM.  Yet scenes from that movie played over and over in my mind.

I watched Downton Abbey Sunday night, but could not focus on it. (I rewatched it last night online.) Scenes from Lincoln just kept intruding into my thoughts.  It was late when I finally went to bed, after watching TV, knitting and trying to shake off the intrusive thoughts.  But, they came back, in dreams, very dark dreams. 

I slept well last night. So, I am not worried about sleeping tonight.  But I find it amazing what impacts my mind.  I knew the story of Lincoln.  I knew about his marital strife, his depressive episodes, his political dealings, and of course, his assassination.  Why did that movie have such an impact on me. I do not know.  But, I know the signature of good art is to have an emotional impact on the viewers.  So, I do have to believe the movie Lincoln is good art.

Democracy Is Not Chaos

I saw the movie Lincoln http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443272/ today. I rarely go to movies, but I had heard so much about this one, I knew I needed to view it.  I have been a Lincoln fan since before I can remember.  Sometime, in the early 1980s I read Gore Vidal's Lincoln http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8716.Lincoln.  That book really impacted me.  It ensconced me as a Lincoln fan, but I already was a Lincoln fan.

There were so many emotions that the movie evoked within me today.  The sorrow of the loss of life and limb, Union and Rebel soldiers. The impact on Lincoln's family. The fear and sadness that the Union was at risk. This was so predominate:  Lincoln could not negotiate with the confederate states, because they were not a separate nation.

But, when Lincoln talked about the fact that Democracy is not Chaos, I had so many flashes of thought:  The first was the national response to the 9-11-2001 terrorist attacks on our country. We were in confusion, we had to endure some very strict and stringent changes on our otherwise accepted freedoms. But we did not crumble, we did not fail, we did not fall, we did not disintegrate as a nation.  I think our enemies did not understand that their assault would actually unite and coalesce us as a nation. Although some things were chaotic, we were not in chaos.

From 9-11, as we abbreviate the tragedy, so much has occurred, good and bad.  I do not agree with the government's presumption that it can invade my privacy in the name of national security. 

But, from 9-11, we have added respect and homage to the recognition of first responders: Firefighters, EMTs and police.  Since 9-11, we have added respect to the men and women who serve our country.  Before 9-11, we would not have publicly thanked military personnel for their efforts on behalf of our country.  Now, we do that publicly and frequently.  Individually as well as ceremonially.

Since the 1960s, because of the civil rights movement and the anti-Vietnam War movement, the police in this country were really considered as "pigs" and "the enemy." 9-11 changed that. Now our officials are seen and honored as heroes. As it should be.

Democracy is not chaos:  The assassination of John F. Kennedy is a perfect example of that. Surely, we were confused.  But the orderly succession of Lyndon B. Johnson http://americanhistory.about.com/od/lyndonbjohnson/p/plbjohnson.htm as president quelled the fears of chaos. 

Nixon's resignation could have lead to chaos. But the appointment of Gerald Ford http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/geraldford also quelled the fears of chaos.

Since then, whomever has been president has reigned supreme. Even during the Bush vs. Gore http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bush_v._Gore presidential election of 2000, and the  confusion afterwards about the popular vote vs. the electoral vote, there was no chaos. 

And, of course, since 9-11-2001, there has been no chaos due to financial undoing, although our country has had some financial crises. 

This is not to say that there have not been riots and chaos in our country:  of course there have been.  Riots due to problems on Wall Street, unemployment,and poverty http://libcom.org/history/1930-1939-unemployed-workers-movement.

Riots due to civil rights movements: http://afroamhistory.about.com/od/timelines/a/timelinelate60s.htm.

Riots protesting the Vietnam War: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protests_against_the_Vietnam_War 

But there has never been overwhelming governmental chaos. 

So, all of this is to say that Democracy is Not Chaos.

Cats

I was out this afternoon, and returned home about 4 PM.  I was surprised by my homecoming:  only Taki was awake, and asking for a treat. I treated her.  Sake was asleep in the living room on the futon (she really likes the futon) and Haiku was no where to be found. Usually, if I have been out and return home close to a meal time, all three girls are telling me it is meal time. I guess 4 PM is far enough away from 5:30 PM (typical workday mealtime), and having the house to themselves (quiet) on a Sunday afternoon, Sake and Haiku were well ensconced in their naps, so they did not wake up when I got home.

It is now dinner time, and Haiku has come into the office to remind me. I do not mind. She is such a sweet girl . She is fairly laconic, but she wants dinner.  And Taki is telling me that it is dinner time, even though she recently had a treat.

My Favorite Movies

I have a long and varied list of my favorite movies. When I review it, if offers me some surprises.  But I will share this list with you, and the why and wherefores.

Guys and Dolls http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048140/ . This was the senior play for my high school senior class. I was not involved in the production of the play, but I bonded to move and the play, and have, ever since. 

White Christmas http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047673/ Of course, I love this movie. It is a classic.  As much as I love White Christmas,  I love the movie Holiday Inn http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holiday_Inn_(film) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034862/ even more.  This is the movie that debuted the song, "White Christmas."  It is a wonderful story and a fun film to watch.

Another musical I have to mention is Fiddler on the Roof http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067093/.  My best friend from college, our freshman year, introduced me to this musical.  Not only is the musical great, but it always reminds me of our friendship, which has endured over the years, and is a real treasure to me.

Okay, so while I am writing about musicals, I have to name all the ones I love:  The Sound of Music, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059742/;  West Side Story,http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055614/ and http://www.westsidestory.com/;   South Pacific http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052225/ and My Fair Lady  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058385/.  I have to mention that not only do I like West Side Story and South Pacific for the music, but for the social commentary they present.  And, the reality is, the message is not outdated, even today, although the groups change.

For more years than I want to claim, I have identified myself with Bunny Watson, the Katharine Hepburn character in the movie The Desk Set http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050307/. As the years have passed, the computer vs. person issues have remained the same, which gives the movie its timelessness.  Also the stalemated romance that gets jarred by a new character is a classic theme.

Speaking of Katharine Hepburn, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061735/ is another favorite.  And of course, in both The Desk Set and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner Spencer Tracy is the other star. 

Another star of Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, of course, is Sidney Poitier.  He has two other movies that are favorites of mine:  Lilies of the Field http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057251/ and To Sir With Love http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062376/.


I must of loved John Wayne even when I was very young. I remember wanting to go to the movie theater to see The Alamo http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Alamo_(1960_film) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053580/.  And, I remember my brother warning me that John Wayne gets killed in the movie.  I said that was okay.  It really was not, but we went to see the movie, anyway.  I do not think I have ever watched The Alamo again.

It surprises me how many John Wayne movies are on my favorites list. And, yet, The Alamo is the only western, and it really is not on my favorites list. 

I really like the movie The Hellfighters http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063060/. Before I moved to Texas, I do not know if I knew who Red Adair was, except because of the movie.  But, in this part of the world, the oil field characters are known. 

Two other John Wayne movies I really like are Donavan's Reef http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057007/ and In Harm's Way http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059309/.  The latter is not only a John Wayne movie, but an Otto Preminger movie.  Hmmm.

The last of the movies that include John Wayne, and that is on my list is The Longest Day. http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8675958481662196827#editor/target=post;postID=8894037072001502841The story is about D-Day.  I do not know if I would call it a John Wayne movie per se, because his story is only one part of the movie.  And, look at the cast.  It is a veritable who's who of Hollywood.

Okay, I mentioned Otto Preminger.  If you read my blog, you read my entry about The Moon is Blue http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046094/fullcredits#cast., also an Otto Preminger movie.

The last movie on this list is The American President http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112346/.  I learned about this movie when I was in a fun relationship, and it is a fun movie.  I also think it is interesting that some of the cast (Martin Sheen, Anna Deveare Smith) of this movie ended up in The West Wing http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0200276/.  I am a West Wing junkie. 

I can not end a piece about favorite movies without saying that I love the Busby Berkeley production numbers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIO9y1xMPIA.  This was not done with trick photography.  What a genius!

The Moon is Blue

Some years ago, I can not even begin to think when, I lucked on a movie called The Moon is Blue http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046094/.   While it was directed by Otto Preminger, and the male leads are William Holden and David Niven, it does not seem to be a well known movie. Yet, in 1953, it apparently caused some notoriety because of "offending language" i.e. "virgin" and "pregnant."

Given today's standards, this is a hilarious, goofy, funny movie.  I just watched it and giggled and chuckled through it.

It is so much fun.... 

Using An Interpreter

I have a smattering of Spanish at my beck and call, but am required to use a certified interpreter to communicate with my patients. I know that the appropriate way to use an interpreter includes introducing the interpreter, then addressing my comments and questions to the other party in the interview.  Then, the interpreter does the job of interpreting our comments.

Years ago, I was in a treatment team meeting at work, and we had to use an interpreter.  I was the only one who addressed the patient directly, at first. 

Part way through the session, the psychologist present mentioned that I was the only who was addressing the patient appropriately, versus addressing the interpreter. He commented that that showed respect for the patient.  He then changed his approach, and did the same.  Even though he commented on this, almost everyone else continued to address the interpreter.

I have seen some interpreters who are very uncomfortable if they are not addressed, instead of the person being interviewed.  I think part of what qualifies an interpreter is not just can they interpret the language, but can they treat the parties in the conversation with respect.

Texas Tech Lady Raider's Women's Basketball

Sometime in the late 1980's, I started paying attention to Texas Tech Lady Raider's basketball.  Casually.  I did not plan to listen to the games, and just sort of paid attention to the team and results.

As the years progressed, I became more interested, and by the time the Lady Raiders won the national championship in 1993, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993_NCAA_Women's_Division_I_Basketball_Tournament   http://www.amazon.com/1993-Division-Womens-Basketball-Championship/dp/B000NO2FUQ I was hooked.  I even attended the 'welcome home champions rally' at Jones Stadium for the championship team.

But, I did not go to the games.  I think the first time I went to a game was in the late 1990's or early 2000's. The games had already moved from the Coliseum to the United Spirit Arena.  In 2005, I was going through some life changes, and a dear friend asked me to start going to the games with her. I think she was trying to take care of me.  Bless her, it was a good activity for me.  I became hooked on going to the games.  Since then, there have been some years that I have had season tickets, and some years, I pay as I go, taking advantage of the promotions.   Let's face it, the Lady Raiders have not had the best season results and their attendance has dramatically declined, so there are a lot of promotions to try to increase attendance. 

Last year, I missed one game due to a medical problem. The year before, I was so disgusted at the uneven performance of the team, I missed attending that last 2 or 3 home games, but I did watch on TV or listen on the radio.

This year, as I did last year, I bought season tickets.  I was not going to buy season tickets this year, because, once again, I was disgusted at the results of the team last year.  But, as an employee of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, I could get a really good discount, so I bought season tickets.   (I think I would have done better to take advantage of the promotions, and buy as you go.)

I do not think Coach Kristi Curry http://www.texastech.com/sports/w-baskbl/mtt/curry_kristy00.html is the same caliber coach that Coach Marsha Sharp http://www.texastech.com/sports/w-baskbl/mtt/sharp_marsha00.html was.  I question the style of play used by Coach Curry. 

When Coach Curry was new, she infused her teams with a lot of junior college players. I questioned this: it does not allow for a real development of team spirit.  In the last couple of years, although there may be one or two junior college players on the team, Coach Curry is recruiting and promoting from within.  This allows for the team to develop team spirit and gel over the course of several years, as players come and go due to recruiting and graduating.

The other question I have is style of play.  Maybe I do not understand changes in the game, but when Coach Sharp ran the team, it was not unusual for one or more players to have a triple double in a game:  points, rebounds and assists.  I do not think I am wrong in thinking more assists would improve the level of play for the Lady Raiders:  as I listen to NBA team announcements, assists is an important statistic, and the more assists, the better the team performance.

Well, because I enjoy Lady Raider basketball, I also watch other women's teams on TV.  Just because I enjoy keeping up with what other teams are out their and how they are doing.

Chores

I have already commented on the fact that I am tired, due to the return to work after the holiday season.  I have spent much of the holiday season staying up late, and sleeping in. But that is not now possible.  I have to get up to go to work.  Last night, I set two alarm clocks, to make sure I did not sleep through the regular alarm.  I was doing that during the holidays.  But, I think my mental state allowed that.

I recall when I was young, adults told me I could train myself to wake up at a particular time. I did not understand that years ago, but as I became an adult, I did realize I could train myself to keep a schedule, or do something special regarding waking up, if I went to bed with my mind set as to what needed to happen.

Tonight, I am very tired.  I will probably set a second alarm again.  But before I go to bed, I have some chores to do. They are mindless and will not take very long.  But if I take care of them tonight, I will not have to face them in the morning.

That is the best thing to do. 

Return to Work

This is the holiday season.  We have had lots of time off, but today was the return to work.  It is going to be a short week, of course, only Wednesday through Friday.  That means the days feel off, and trying to get a week's worth of work done in three days is tough.

But, it was return to work:  It was a busy day.  I covered for a coworker, and had several tasks to do for the patients on her caseload. I had a couple of unique things on my ward that I needed to tend to.

It was not a particularly long day.  But, I am tired.  It will be time to get some rest soon.