"The Arroyo" http://thearroyomovie.com/ is a movie that was developed in the Lubbock area. It is the story of an Arizona rancher who is tired of dealing with the crossing of illegal immigrants on his property. They cut his fences, scatter his herd, and he finds dead bodies and abused, scared, immigrants on his property. The authorities are not helping or helpful, or even trustworthy. So, he takes matters into his own hands, and things spiral out of control. It becomes a violent, bloody mess.
The director, Jeremy Boreing, is from Slaton, just outside of Lubbock. There are locals in the leading roles of the movie: Glenn Polk, Kenny Maines, David Armendariz, and Junior Vasquez.
Glenn Polk is the moving force behind the Ragtown Gospel Theater http://www.ragtown.com/.
Kenny Maines http://www.kennymaines.com/ is a member of the Maines Brothers Band, http://www.mainesbrothersband.com/, a Lubbock area singing group. And related to Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks http://www.dixiechicks.com/
David Armendariz is not a person with whom I am familiar. I have heard of Junior Vasquez, but I am not sure I know much about him, either.
I went to the movie to support the local artists who are involved. It premiered in Lubbock, and had a limited engagement, the length of which was dependent upon interest: the more interest, the longer the engagement.
I was discussing the movie at work today, and one of my coworkers, a knowledgeable Hispanic woman said the story was right on.
I would not normally watch or support a movie like this. Not because I disapprove of it, but it was very intense, violent and bloody. Generally, I do not watch that type of movie. But, there are exceptions. I have watched "Saving Private Ryan" which had these same characteristics. And is a great movie.
The acting was tolerable, the story intense. For the resources and budget, this is a really good movie.
It addresses a timely issue that is important to the states that border Mexico: Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The illegal crossing of immigrants between the border of Mexico and the United States is a serious problems. The "coyotes" are the scum of the earth. They charge exorbitant fees. They extort their clients to require them to carry drugs. They take people across the border in impossible conditions: no water, no shelter, no safety.
The drug cartels add insult to injury to this situation. They behave as if they are above the law, and anyone who counters their efforts is at risk.
This movie depicts a serious social problem in the southwestern states of the United States of America.
I hope that more people become aware of this situation, based on this movie. I hope it helps to raise social awareness
It is a good movie.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Weather Change
The weather in Lubbock, Texas has been really strange. Last Saturday, January 25, 2014, the temperature was 64° F. We have since had a cold front. Check this out http://www.srh.noaa.gov/data/obhistory/KLBB.html at 1:53 AM on January 29, 2014, the temperature in Lubbock was 15° F. At 3:53 PM on January 30, .2014, 26 hours later, the temperature was 76° F. That is a 61° change.
Today, it was warmer when I went to work this morning, at 46° degrees about 7:53 AM than it is was at 7:53 PM at 40°.
We are expecting, with this cold front, the possibility of some precipitation. We always need precipitation. Even when we are having flash flooding, we need precipitation. Because the water goes away so quickly.
But the temperature change affects people. Folks are more susceptible to respiratory infections. Especially when the temperature changes are accompanied with strong winds, as these changes have been. The strong winds bring in dust, and stir up other contaminants that cause sinus or bronchial infections. I am subject to that: usually it starts with sinus drainage. Then a cough, then bronchial infection. Sometimes it proceeds into laryngitis. I do not feel bad, but it is more difficult to breathe, and it tires me out. I do not have a fever. I just sound bad.
All of this, because of weather change. I am not the only one. It is a way of life in West Texas.
Today, it was warmer when I went to work this morning, at 46° degrees about 7:53 AM than it is was at 7:53 PM at 40°.
We are expecting, with this cold front, the possibility of some precipitation. We always need precipitation. Even when we are having flash flooding, we need precipitation. Because the water goes away so quickly.
But the temperature change affects people. Folks are more susceptible to respiratory infections. Especially when the temperature changes are accompanied with strong winds, as these changes have been. The strong winds bring in dust, and stir up other contaminants that cause sinus or bronchial infections. I am subject to that: usually it starts with sinus drainage. Then a cough, then bronchial infection. Sometimes it proceeds into laryngitis. I do not feel bad, but it is more difficult to breathe, and it tires me out. I do not have a fever. I just sound bad.
All of this, because of weather change. I am not the only one. It is a way of life in West Texas.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Writing
I haven't written in a couple of days. I was home on January 29th, 2014, and did not have any particular agenda after about 9 AM. I read most of the day, and did some cooking. On a day like that, it is usual for me to write about something.
My brain was filled with the book I was reading, One Summer, America 1927 http://www.billbryson.co.uk/index.php/one-summer-america-1927/#us. I really enjoyed reading this book and frankly found it as much a page turner as some of the good mysteries I have read.
I would recommend this book. And, if you go to the website, look at the UK Edition. I think the cover is much more interesting than the US Edition.
My brain was filled with the book I was reading, One Summer, America 1927 http://www.billbryson.co.uk/index.php/one-summer-america-1927/#us. I really enjoyed reading this book and frankly found it as much a page turner as some of the good mysteries I have read.
I would recommend this book. And, if you go to the website, look at the UK Edition. I think the cover is much more interesting than the US Edition.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Dinner
The cats and I have been snacking all afternoon. They still have snack food out, and I put out some human tuna, which is part of their dinner. But they have not asked for more dinner, so I have not put out more dinner.
If they ask for more dinner before I got to bed, they will surely be granted their request.
Sake has nibbled all day. This afternoon, I even smeared her paws with patéd liver and pureed baby food chicken to get her to eat. She was incensed. But, she decided the baby food chicken was okay, and came back to eat. That was the fourth time today she ate a little. And, she just a little later. It worries me that she is still such a picky eater, but if she nibbles throughout the day, I am relieved that she is eating something.
If they ask for more dinner before I got to bed, they will surely be granted their request.
Sake has nibbled all day. This afternoon, I even smeared her paws with patéd liver and pureed baby food chicken to get her to eat. She was incensed. But, she decided the baby food chicken was okay, and came back to eat. That was the fourth time today she ate a little. And, she just a little later. It worries me that she is still such a picky eater, but if she nibbles throughout the day, I am relieved that she is eating something.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Bolero
I really like Ravel's Bolero http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bol%C3%A9ro and some years ago purchased "Ravel's Greatest Hit: The Ultimate Bolero" https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ravels-greatest-hit-ultimate/id255027657 I know some musical snobs who would tell me that "Bolero" is boring and has no interest for the refined musical listener.
Well, I am not the refined music listener. I like the repetition of the piece. I like monotony of the piece when I am trying to relax. I like the monotony of the piece when I reading, or writing. I like the monotony of the piece when I am just being.
I think the kind of soothing monotony that is Bolero is an important addition to the world of culture and art. And a statement about how we live our lives.
Well, I am not the refined music listener. I like the repetition of the piece. I like monotony of the piece when I am trying to relax. I like the monotony of the piece when I reading, or writing. I like the monotony of the piece when I am just being.
I think the kind of soothing monotony that is Bolero is an important addition to the world of culture and art. And a statement about how we live our lives.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
The Aparment Sized Dishwasher
When I purchased my house, I did not care if it had a dishwasher, garbage disposal or trash compacter. My real estate agent told me to care, for negotiating purposes, so of course, I could play the game.
The kitchen in my house is old. I bought the house in 1992, and had to buy a new refrigerator. I had a washing machine and dryer that we had purchased in 1983. There was a built in oven, a stove top and dishwasher. There was also a range hood. I am not sure what year I sold the washer and dryer but they were close to if not 20 years old. In 2004, I changed the kitchen faucet, purchased a new stove top and dishwasher. In 2005, I purchased a new washer and dryer.
The dishwasher is called an apartment sized dishwasher. Well, I have lived in a couple of apartments that had full sized dishwashers, so I am not sure why it has that name, but it does. Very often, one shelf is filled before the other. Sometimes, I can re-position items so I can fit more in, but that is not possible when I have a lot of plastics to wash. They are only top shelf dishwasher safe. So, no matter how full the bottom shelf is, it is time to run the dishwasher when the plastics fill the top shelf. Or wash things by hand. I dislike washing plastic items by hand because I feel like I cannot get the water hot enough to remove the greasy film from the plastic. So, I run the dishwasher.
I do wash a lot of pots, pans, and other large cooking dishes by hand, simply because they take up so much room in the little dishwasher.
Several years ago, I had trouble with food particles being left on the dishes. I tried several things, including increasing the temperature of the water in the hot water heater, scraping and rinsing better before I put things in the dishwasher, changing soaps, and cleaning out the filter, which I had been doing since I had the machine. But, the filter system was put together in a way that I could not get it as clean as I wanted to. And these efforts did not work.
So, finally, I decided to spend the money on an appliance repair call. The repairman showed me how I needed to clean the filters. He took them apart and showed me how to put them back together. He also told me about a product called "Lemi Shine" http://www.lemishine.com/ and told me to use the product with each wash. It keeps the limescale from building up on the filter and preventing the water from passing through. He told me to scrub the small pore filter, also. From time to time, I soak the filter in CLR http://www.jelmar.com/CLRbasic.htm. The reason for that is the water in Lubbock is so hard, and filled with depositable minerals, that the limescale closes the pores on the filter, and water cannot pass through, and it prevents the food grinder from working properly.
I understand this. Before I started maintaining the dishwasher properly, food grunge built up inside the dishwasher. It was like having undigested food particles on the inside of the dishwasher. It smelled and looked bad. I cleaned it out regularly, but it was nasty.
A co-worker told me to use vinegar instead of Lemi Shine. I tried that for a while, but it was not as effective as Lemi Shine. So, the expense is worth it.
What really amazes me the most, when I clean the dishwasher filter, is the amount of Sake fur that is caught up in the filter. Sake fur flies everywhere in my house: the ceiling fan blades, the wall hangings, the TV screens, the refrigerator. Well, so keeping the filters clean of Sake fur is important.
So, I think having an apartment sized dishwasher is not as efficient as having a full sized dishwasher, but not matter, I use it. I was in an apartment once, and did not use the dishwasher regularly, and the seals dried up and cracked, so when I did use it, it leaked.
Besides, I have better things to do than wash dishes every day.
The kitchen in my house is old. I bought the house in 1992, and had to buy a new refrigerator. I had a washing machine and dryer that we had purchased in 1983. There was a built in oven, a stove top and dishwasher. There was also a range hood. I am not sure what year I sold the washer and dryer but they were close to if not 20 years old. In 2004, I changed the kitchen faucet, purchased a new stove top and dishwasher. In 2005, I purchased a new washer and dryer.
The dishwasher is called an apartment sized dishwasher. Well, I have lived in a couple of apartments that had full sized dishwashers, so I am not sure why it has that name, but it does. Very often, one shelf is filled before the other. Sometimes, I can re-position items so I can fit more in, but that is not possible when I have a lot of plastics to wash. They are only top shelf dishwasher safe. So, no matter how full the bottom shelf is, it is time to run the dishwasher when the plastics fill the top shelf. Or wash things by hand. I dislike washing plastic items by hand because I feel like I cannot get the water hot enough to remove the greasy film from the plastic. So, I run the dishwasher.
I do wash a lot of pots, pans, and other large cooking dishes by hand, simply because they take up so much room in the little dishwasher.
Several years ago, I had trouble with food particles being left on the dishes. I tried several things, including increasing the temperature of the water in the hot water heater, scraping and rinsing better before I put things in the dishwasher, changing soaps, and cleaning out the filter, which I had been doing since I had the machine. But, the filter system was put together in a way that I could not get it as clean as I wanted to. And these efforts did not work.
So, finally, I decided to spend the money on an appliance repair call. The repairman showed me how I needed to clean the filters. He took them apart and showed me how to put them back together. He also told me about a product called "Lemi Shine" http://www.lemishine.com/ and told me to use the product with each wash. It keeps the limescale from building up on the filter and preventing the water from passing through. He told me to scrub the small pore filter, also. From time to time, I soak the filter in CLR http://www.jelmar.com/CLRbasic.htm. The reason for that is the water in Lubbock is so hard, and filled with depositable minerals, that the limescale closes the pores on the filter, and water cannot pass through, and it prevents the food grinder from working properly.
I understand this. Before I started maintaining the dishwasher properly, food grunge built up inside the dishwasher. It was like having undigested food particles on the inside of the dishwasher. It smelled and looked bad. I cleaned it out regularly, but it was nasty.
A co-worker told me to use vinegar instead of Lemi Shine. I tried that for a while, but it was not as effective as Lemi Shine. So, the expense is worth it.
What really amazes me the most, when I clean the dishwasher filter, is the amount of Sake fur that is caught up in the filter. Sake fur flies everywhere in my house: the ceiling fan blades, the wall hangings, the TV screens, the refrigerator. Well, so keeping the filters clean of Sake fur is important.
So, I think having an apartment sized dishwasher is not as efficient as having a full sized dishwasher, but not matter, I use it. I was in an apartment once, and did not use the dishwasher regularly, and the seals dried up and cracked, so when I did use it, it leaked.
Besides, I have better things to do than wash dishes every day.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
The Missing Computer Key
There are a couple of loose keys on my keyboard. I keep replacing them, and sometimes, they stay a while, and sometimes, they do not. A couple of days ago, I noticed the page down button was missing, but I found it misplaced on the keyboard. I was not able to replace it properly on its setting. Sometimes, I get a good fit, sometimes, it is a wobbly fit. I got a wobbly fit.
This evening when I sat down at the computer, I noticed the page down key was missing. Well, I looked around on the computer desk but there is lots of stuff piled on the desk. It could be hiding anywhere. I looked int he trash, but it was not there. I suspect it is time to clean off the computer desk again. This generally only gets done out of necessity.
I am not sure when this missing key happened. It might have been today, when a cat found a new toy. If that is the case, the key could be anywhere. I can still use the function without the key. And, I discovered that at one time, when both the page up and page down keys were loose, I must have interchanged them. Well these are keys I rarely use. When I started using the computer last night, it was in its wobbly place.
I will continue to keep an eye out for the missing key. I have to wonder if it went missing last night, when Taki did a flying leap onto the computer desk, skated to a halt, and sent papers, books, pens and what have you flying. I am not sure how, but somehow, the missing key may have joined the menagerie of flying detritus.
I have done a precursory search. Including looking under furniture. Well, sometime, it may show up. Or, it may not. I can still use the function.
This evening when I sat down at the computer, I noticed the page down key was missing. Well, I looked around on the computer desk but there is lots of stuff piled on the desk. It could be hiding anywhere. I looked int he trash, but it was not there. I suspect it is time to clean off the computer desk again. This generally only gets done out of necessity.
I am not sure when this missing key happened. It might have been today, when a cat found a new toy. If that is the case, the key could be anywhere. I can still use the function without the key. And, I discovered that at one time, when both the page up and page down keys were loose, I must have interchanged them. Well these are keys I rarely use. When I started using the computer last night, it was in its wobbly place.
I will continue to keep an eye out for the missing key. I have to wonder if it went missing last night, when Taki did a flying leap onto the computer desk, skated to a halt, and sent papers, books, pens and what have you flying. I am not sure how, but somehow, the missing key may have joined the menagerie of flying detritus.
I have done a precursory search. Including looking under furniture. Well, sometime, it may show up. Or, it may not. I can still use the function.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
A Remembered Compliment
Although I have followed the Lady Raiders Basketball team since the late 1980's, I only started attending the Texas Tech Lady Raider Basketball http://www.texastech.com/sports/w-baskbl/text-w-baskbl-body.html games semi regularly in 2005. Some years, I am a season ticket holder. Some years, I just go to the games, look for promotions on tickets, and if I get discouraged with the performance (and I have) I stay home and watch on TV or listen to the games on the radio.
When I first started going to the games, the Texas Tech Lady Raider team was considered a basketball powerhouse and the arena was always crowded. Even if the uppermost tier was not full (which it often was in 2005) the lower seating was full.
I am a very vocal fan. I yell and scream and chant. I cheer the cheers, and do the claps, the "Guns Up" and sing the Matador Song at the end of the game. I yell "Raider Power" depending on what side of the arena I am sitting. Even though I am not a Tech graduate. I am a Tech employee. And a fan.
Well, years ago, I remember at one game, I was doing my usual yelling and cheering and exhorting, and a gentleman in the row in front of me turned around and told me he liked the way I cheered. One of the players had done something incorrect or bad on the court, and instead of disparaging the player, I yelled a positive "do" statement. He was right.
I do not disparage the players. My cheers are things like: "Get some points!" "Hold 'em!" "Get the stop!" "You can do it!" "Defense!" "Good hustle! (including when good hustle does not turn out well)" "Score!" "Go, Lady Raiders!" "Rebound!"
I cheer the Court Jesters http://www.orgs.ttu.edu/goinband/courtjesters.asp
The most negative thing I do is scream a protracted "Miss it!" when the opposing team is shooting free throws.
Other than that, I do not usually boo or disparage the opposing team. The exception was when Brittany Greiner of Baylor University took a roundhouse punch to Jordan Barncastle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtaPtQnu370. That was inexcusable, and frankly, I think the sanctions against Brittany Greiner were too mild.
I rarely boo the officials, although I will admit that I do, on occasion, when the call is so blatantly bad. And this year, at least twice, when a player has obviously been hurt (Tech or opposition) and the officials have allowed play to continue. What is that about? I would think one of the most important responsibilities of the officials is to make sure the players are safe, and if you have an injured player on the court and do not stop play, that is criminal.
And kudos to the ball girls. They are very well trained. They get out there and wipe up the areas of the floor where there is moisture, and they keep their heads up in case play comes back there way. The ball girls are young. They look to be elementary or junior high age. But guess what. When I compare their performance to the performance of the "ball boys" or assistants at the men's games, the ball girls' skill, agility, and game awareness are far and away better. Go Lady Raider ball girls!
When I first started going to the games, the Texas Tech Lady Raider team was considered a basketball powerhouse and the arena was always crowded. Even if the uppermost tier was not full (which it often was in 2005) the lower seating was full.
I am a very vocal fan. I yell and scream and chant. I cheer the cheers, and do the claps, the "Guns Up" and sing the Matador Song at the end of the game. I yell "Raider Power" depending on what side of the arena I am sitting. Even though I am not a Tech graduate. I am a Tech employee. And a fan.
Well, years ago, I remember at one game, I was doing my usual yelling and cheering and exhorting, and a gentleman in the row in front of me turned around and told me he liked the way I cheered. One of the players had done something incorrect or bad on the court, and instead of disparaging the player, I yelled a positive "do" statement. He was right.
I do not disparage the players. My cheers are things like: "Get some points!" "Hold 'em!" "Get the stop!" "You can do it!" "Defense!" "Good hustle! (including when good hustle does not turn out well)" "Score!" "Go, Lady Raiders!" "Rebound!"
I cheer the Court Jesters http://www.orgs.ttu.edu/goinband/courtjesters.asp
The most negative thing I do is scream a protracted "Miss it!" when the opposing team is shooting free throws.
Other than that, I do not usually boo or disparage the opposing team. The exception was when Brittany Greiner of Baylor University took a roundhouse punch to Jordan Barncastle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtaPtQnu370. That was inexcusable, and frankly, I think the sanctions against Brittany Greiner were too mild.
I rarely boo the officials, although I will admit that I do, on occasion, when the call is so blatantly bad. And this year, at least twice, when a player has obviously been hurt (Tech or opposition) and the officials have allowed play to continue. What is that about? I would think one of the most important responsibilities of the officials is to make sure the players are safe, and if you have an injured player on the court and do not stop play, that is criminal.
And kudos to the ball girls. They are very well trained. They get out there and wipe up the areas of the floor where there is moisture, and they keep their heads up in case play comes back there way. The ball girls are young. They look to be elementary or junior high age. But guess what. When I compare their performance to the performance of the "ball boys" or assistants at the men's games, the ball girls' skill, agility, and game awareness are far and away better. Go Lady Raider ball girls!
Monday, January 20, 2014
A Day Off
A day off. Today is a national holiday, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Like many holidays, we often do not acknowledge or celebrate the reason for the holiday. The past couple of years, I have watched TV shows about Martin Luther King, Jr. and his efforts on behalf of the disenfranchised peoples of the United States, not just the racially disenfranchised.
This year, I did not. I had some small tasks to do, and spent the rest of my day reading. I was glad for a day of leisure, however. I took myself out to lunch, and let someone wait on me. I have had some back, hip, and leg pain with toe tingling. I did not do much this weekend, and have not felt much pain, which is a blessing to me.
There are chores I could have done around the house, but would have exacerbated the pain. So, I chose not to do those things. I am anticipating a pain management procedure next week, and if it is successful, I may take a day or two off to do those chores I have delayed.
Last year, when I did my taxes, my tax provider gave me a gift certificate for a local restaurant in celebration of the numbers of years I have used them (5 or 10?). So, I went out to eat, took a book, ate lunch off the lunch hour prime time, and enjoyed being waited on while I relaxed and read.
So, I decided that I should do that about once a month. Over the last 2-3 years, I have taken my self to lunch intermittently, but often to a self serve buffet, or would buy some take out, and bring it home to eat. So having someone wait on me was really nice.
The experience varies. Today's experience was average. The waiter was fine, but near the end of my meal, acted like he was in a hurry for me to check out, and then came back and told me to take my time, sit back and enjoy my book. But he had ruined the atmosphere. I went to Red Lobster http://www.redlobster.com/ because I won several gift certificates for that restaurant. I will return to Red Lobster several more times, as a result.
Red Lobster is not my most favorite restaurant. I love sea food, but most of their sea food is not fresh. Today, the waiter told me what on the menu was fresh sea food, and, it was more than I wanted to spend for lunch. But I had a fine lunch.
I have been out to eat several times and brought a book. One of the best places is the Hong Kong Restaurant http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/203/1047280/restaurant/Hong-Kong-Restaurant-Lubbock. Typical of many Oriental restaurants, it does not always get good ratings from the health inspectors. But it has selections that I like. You can get Mongolian barbecue, sushi, and other Oriental selections off the buffet. They also have "American" selections including desert. I can eat enough soup, spring rolls, egg rolls, and Oriental selections to fill up my tummy. I order a pot of tea, and enjoy the meal. The thing about eating at the Hong Kong is that the pot tea is sufficiently large that I have tea left after I am done eating my meal. Since I am not in the restaurant during the rush hour, and not taking up a table they need for a waiting customer, I take my time to finish the tea and enjoy my book.
I have decided I will explore other restaurants where I might find a place where I can sit back and read and be waited on.
Sometimes, we just need to have someone take care of us, and a day off is a good day to do that.
This year, I did not. I had some small tasks to do, and spent the rest of my day reading. I was glad for a day of leisure, however. I took myself out to lunch, and let someone wait on me. I have had some back, hip, and leg pain with toe tingling. I did not do much this weekend, and have not felt much pain, which is a blessing to me.
There are chores I could have done around the house, but would have exacerbated the pain. So, I chose not to do those things. I am anticipating a pain management procedure next week, and if it is successful, I may take a day or two off to do those chores I have delayed.
Last year, when I did my taxes, my tax provider gave me a gift certificate for a local restaurant in celebration of the numbers of years I have used them (5 or 10?). So, I went out to eat, took a book, ate lunch off the lunch hour prime time, and enjoyed being waited on while I relaxed and read.
So, I decided that I should do that about once a month. Over the last 2-3 years, I have taken my self to lunch intermittently, but often to a self serve buffet, or would buy some take out, and bring it home to eat. So having someone wait on me was really nice.
The experience varies. Today's experience was average. The waiter was fine, but near the end of my meal, acted like he was in a hurry for me to check out, and then came back and told me to take my time, sit back and enjoy my book. But he had ruined the atmosphere. I went to Red Lobster http://www.redlobster.com/ because I won several gift certificates for that restaurant. I will return to Red Lobster several more times, as a result.
Red Lobster is not my most favorite restaurant. I love sea food, but most of their sea food is not fresh. Today, the waiter told me what on the menu was fresh sea food, and, it was more than I wanted to spend for lunch. But I had a fine lunch.
I have been out to eat several times and brought a book. One of the best places is the Hong Kong Restaurant http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/203/1047280/restaurant/Hong-Kong-Restaurant-Lubbock. Typical of many Oriental restaurants, it does not always get good ratings from the health inspectors. But it has selections that I like. You can get Mongolian barbecue, sushi, and other Oriental selections off the buffet. They also have "American" selections including desert. I can eat enough soup, spring rolls, egg rolls, and Oriental selections to fill up my tummy. I order a pot of tea, and enjoy the meal. The thing about eating at the Hong Kong is that the pot tea is sufficiently large that I have tea left after I am done eating my meal. Since I am not in the restaurant during the rush hour, and not taking up a table they need for a waiting customer, I take my time to finish the tea and enjoy my book.
I have decided I will explore other restaurants where I might find a place where I can sit back and read and be waited on.
Sometimes, we just need to have someone take care of us, and a day off is a good day to do that.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
NASW Steering Committee
I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) http://www.socialworkers.org/ http://www.naswtx.org/ South Plains branch. I have been on the steering committee for more than 10 years. I do not recall how long I have been on the steering committee. I have been helping with the yearly workshop we do since the early 1990's. We have a really good steering committee. We do not meet often, and we do a lot of business by email. We all know our duties and follow up on them as we understand our duties to be. We are a strong steering committee.
There is one downfall of having such a strong steering committee. Because we do, we do not bring in other members often. One of the ways to increase participation and activity in a group is to give people assignments and responsibilities. This give people ownership. We need to be more conscious of doing this.
There is one downfall of having such a strong steering committee. Because we do, we do not bring in other members often. One of the ways to increase participation and activity in a group is to give people assignments and responsibilities. This give people ownership. We need to be more conscious of doing this.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Racing and Chasing Cats!
Well, i got home a little later than usual, but not that much. I tend to leave work between 5 PM and 6 PM, and the drive home is only about 12 minutes, 15 if the traffic is heavy, and of course, more in bad weather.
So, tonight I had an errand to run, and was home before 6 PM. When I arrived home, there was much racing and chasing among the cats. Sake was slapping and hissing at Taki, and all three cats were racing around the house. As I started feeding, this behavior settled down some, but continued for a while longer. I am not sure what precipitated this behavior. But I see it as a good sign. If Sake feels well enough to take on the other two cats, then she is feeling better. She is reasserting herself as the Queen of the May, if you will.
It was actually quite fun to watch the cats race, chase and scramble. I think they are better off when they are more interactive, even if some of the interaction is not totally friendly. I don't want them to fight, but I want them to assert themselves and stand their ground.
So, tonight I had an errand to run, and was home before 6 PM. When I arrived home, there was much racing and chasing among the cats. Sake was slapping and hissing at Taki, and all three cats were racing around the house. As I started feeding, this behavior settled down some, but continued for a while longer. I am not sure what precipitated this behavior. But I see it as a good sign. If Sake feels well enough to take on the other two cats, then she is feeling better. She is reasserting herself as the Queen of the May, if you will.
It was actually quite fun to watch the cats race, chase and scramble. I think they are better off when they are more interactive, even if some of the interaction is not totally friendly. I don't want them to fight, but I want them to assert themselves and stand their ground.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
A Wonderful Surprise
Sake has been sick, and had lost quite a bit of weight during the time she was ill. She is still not eating really, really good, but she eats regularly, and asks for food when I am home on days off or the weekend. She might hide under a chair, and I have to feed her there, or sit in the cat stroller and I have to feed her there. She also eats on the table vs. eating with the other cats in the kitchen in their food nook. That is okay.
When she was ill, she seemed eager to eat, then walked away. She still does that some, but if I put the food dish near her, she will usually eat more than less.
When she was ill she was so light, I thought of her as having hollow bones. I could tell her weight gain and loss because her breast bone would be really prominent when she lost weight. Lately, her breast bone has been covered with more flesh than not.
Tonight, I went to a community service forum after work, so got home late. Only about an hour late. But later than the cats are used to. Haiku sat eating dry food, with a sulky pout on her face. Sake let me know she was hungry, and I put out chicken and liver for her, her two favorites that I have kept on hand since she has been ill. She went into the garage while I was dishing up the food, and when she came back into the house, I picked her up to put her on the table where her dishes were. She eats better if the other cats are not around. She used to hiss at them when they invaded her space, but while she was ill, she stopped that. She has begun to do so again. Well, the wonderful surprise was that when I lifted Sake to put her on the table near her food, she actually had some weight on her!
I am encouraged. I hated taking the drastic step of having her teeth removed, but I believe it has paid off.
When she was ill, she seemed eager to eat, then walked away. She still does that some, but if I put the food dish near her, she will usually eat more than less.
When she was ill she was so light, I thought of her as having hollow bones. I could tell her weight gain and loss because her breast bone would be really prominent when she lost weight. Lately, her breast bone has been covered with more flesh than not.
Tonight, I went to a community service forum after work, so got home late. Only about an hour late. But later than the cats are used to. Haiku sat eating dry food, with a sulky pout on her face. Sake let me know she was hungry, and I put out chicken and liver for her, her two favorites that I have kept on hand since she has been ill. She went into the garage while I was dishing up the food, and when she came back into the house, I picked her up to put her on the table where her dishes were. She eats better if the other cats are not around. She used to hiss at them when they invaded her space, but while she was ill, she stopped that. She has begun to do so again. Well, the wonderful surprise was that when I lifted Sake to put her on the table near her food, she actually had some weight on her!
I am encouraged. I hated taking the drastic step of having her teeth removed, but I believe it has paid off.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Playing With Yarn
I am a knitter. I have three cats. Two are older, and are not as inclined to grab and play with yarn like the younger cat is. In fact, the two older cats, even when they were young, did not show the intense interest in my knitting yarn as my youngest cat shows. When the older cats were younger, I would just distract them with some other yarn that I was not using for my knitting, and that was that. Not so Taki.
Taki can be in another room when I start knitting, and she just shows up. I suspect she hears the clicking of the knitting needles. But when she shows up, she is very intent on grabbing the yarn with which I am knitting. I struggle to finish the row on which I am working, then put my knitting up and get out a length of yarn, usually a small ball of scrap yarn, and just play with Taki. Sometimes we will play with yarn for a couple of hours. Tonight, she disappeared sooner than that. But, I suspect when I pick up the knitting needles, she will be back.
Taki can be in another room when I start knitting, and she just shows up. I suspect she hears the clicking of the knitting needles. But when she shows up, she is very intent on grabbing the yarn with which I am knitting. I struggle to finish the row on which I am working, then put my knitting up and get out a length of yarn, usually a small ball of scrap yarn, and just play with Taki. Sometimes we will play with yarn for a couple of hours. Tonight, she disappeared sooner than that. But, I suspect when I pick up the knitting needles, she will be back.
My Feet Are Cold
My house is really comfortable. I set the thermostat to keep it comfortable. In the summer, I do not keep the house cold because I am always so cold, but I set the thermostat so it is cool enough to sleep comfortably at night.
In the transition seasons, I frequently open the windows because I like the cool, fresh air in the house. Even, sometimes, in the summer, it is cool enough at night to open the windows and let the fresh air cool off the house.
Well, tonight, my feet are cold. My house has an unusual phenomenon: when the temperatures are mid-range, my house is uncomfortable. When it is really cold outside, the furnace keeps the house warm. When it is really hot, if I set the temperature low, the house can be cool. But with the mid-range temperatures, the heater does not come on as often, and I get cold. Especially my feet. I have really warm slippers, but my feet are still cold. I use space heaters to help with situation. I just do not like having cold feet.
In the transition seasons, I frequently open the windows because I like the cool, fresh air in the house. Even, sometimes, in the summer, it is cool enough at night to open the windows and let the fresh air cool off the house.
Well, tonight, my feet are cold. My house has an unusual phenomenon: when the temperatures are mid-range, my house is uncomfortable. When it is really cold outside, the furnace keeps the house warm. When it is really hot, if I set the temperature low, the house can be cool. But with the mid-range temperatures, the heater does not come on as often, and I get cold. Especially my feet. I have really warm slippers, but my feet are still cold. I use space heaters to help with situation. I just do not like having cold feet.
Trouble With Dates
I think it is safe to assume that with the change of the new year, some of us will have trouble with dates, remembering to write 2014 instead of 2013. This year, I have had some unusual problems with the date: I was remembering to change the date from 2013, but I kept writing 2004 instead of 2014 for the first week or so. That was weird.
Then, I have had some unusual trouble this week. I had no trouble writing 1-13-14 or 1-14-14, but today, I kept wanting to write 1-15-15. Hmmm.
Well, I will adjust in time and get it right, eventually.
Then, I have had some unusual trouble this week. I had no trouble writing 1-13-14 or 1-14-14, but today, I kept wanting to write 1-15-15. Hmmm.
Well, I will adjust in time and get it right, eventually.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Aquaphor
Last November, I developed a skin condition mostly on my hands. As the condition resolved, the skin over the joints of the fingers of my hands swelled, and split along the folding lines. The splits have grown and sometimes stayed open, and then resolved. And re-opened and resolved again. My mother used to have similar problems with her skin splitting the same way.
The splitting skin and resolving continues. My medical provider suggested I use a product called Aquaphor http://www.aquaphorhealing.com/. This is a product that is the consistency of petroleum jelly, and petroleum jelly is the primary ingredient But there are other ingredients. My provider said that this product would absorb into my skin. She was right.
This product has really helped my skin problem to resolve. That is good. It has also helped with the dry skin problems that I have on other parts of my body. This is good.
I have used it when my midsection feels dry. Rubbing Aquaphor into the skin on my midsection is amazing: It is like there is no ointment on my hand. The skin on my midsection is so dry, that even though I have the ointment on my hands, rubbing it in immediately dries out my hand.
This is a good product, as far as I am concerned. It seemed expensive when I purchased it. But a very little goes a long way. It is well worth it.
The splitting skin and resolving continues. My medical provider suggested I use a product called Aquaphor http://www.aquaphorhealing.com/. This is a product that is the consistency of petroleum jelly, and petroleum jelly is the primary ingredient But there are other ingredients. My provider said that this product would absorb into my skin. She was right.
This product has really helped my skin problem to resolve. That is good. It has also helped with the dry skin problems that I have on other parts of my body. This is good.
I have used it when my midsection feels dry. Rubbing Aquaphor into the skin on my midsection is amazing: It is like there is no ointment on my hand. The skin on my midsection is so dry, that even though I have the ointment on my hands, rubbing it in immediately dries out my hand.
This is a good product, as far as I am concerned. It seemed expensive when I purchased it. But a very little goes a long way. It is well worth it.
This is Dangerous
One of my favorite movies is Guys and Dolls http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048140/. I just stumbled onto it tonight, starting at 9 PM. This is dangerous. This is a long movie, and one I want to watch to the end.
So, if I stay up to watch the movie, it may be difficult for me to get up in time to go to work tomorrow.
But I want to watch the movie. Mmmm, this could be dangerous in terms of my getting up and going to work tomorrow.
Oh well. It will be enjoyable.
So, if I stay up to watch the movie, it may be difficult for me to get up in time to go to work tomorrow.
But I want to watch the movie. Mmmm, this could be dangerous in terms of my getting up and going to work tomorrow.
Oh well. It will be enjoyable.
A Wonderful Conversation
I was talking with a coworker today. We both live alone. We share such appreciation of being able to live alone, set our own schedules, and have our personal time. We both like time to read, journal, be introspective, and set our own schedules without demands from others.
We both agreed that we like the solitary but not lonely life. We have social activities, and friends, but on our own terms, times and schedules.
We talked about keeping our minds active and improving them through our reading and other mental gymnastics activities.
That was a really nice conversation.
We both agreed that we like the solitary but not lonely life. We have social activities, and friends, but on our own terms, times and schedules.
We talked about keeping our minds active and improving them through our reading and other mental gymnastics activities.
That was a really nice conversation.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Sitting on the Desk
Taki has taken to sitting on the computer desk when I am working on the computer. She likes to sit on the laptop, whether the cover is down or up. I think it is the warmth that attracts her. But she also likes to sit next to the computer and watch me type, and sometimes, watch the screen. I have not seen her watching the screen saver, however, which is entitled "Aquarium" so use your imagination.
Sometimes when Taki sits next to the computer, she likes to nuzzle my hands, rub her cheeks against the edge of the computer, chew on the papers on the desk and explore the contents of the pencil holder next to the computer. She also likes to sit on the top of the printer. All the cats sit on top of the printer. Haiku does it the least. To get down, they step on the paper tray, which is just an unsupported piece of plastic. Why it has not broken, I do not know.
And, sometimes, as she has just now done, Taki likes to touch the keys. She is just exploring, I know, but somethings kitties do not need to do.
I have a wooden TV tray to the right of my computer chair. That is also a favorite perch of my cats. They sit there, waiting expectantly, but for what, I am unsure. Certainly, they want attention. Haiku likes to play fetch, but she drops the time from the tray, and I fetch.
Well, I am thankful for their attention, but am not sure I meet the desires of my cats.
Sometimes when Taki sits next to the computer, she likes to nuzzle my hands, rub her cheeks against the edge of the computer, chew on the papers on the desk and explore the contents of the pencil holder next to the computer. She also likes to sit on the top of the printer. All the cats sit on top of the printer. Haiku does it the least. To get down, they step on the paper tray, which is just an unsupported piece of plastic. Why it has not broken, I do not know.
And, sometimes, as she has just now done, Taki likes to touch the keys. She is just exploring, I know, but somethings kitties do not need to do.
I have a wooden TV tray to the right of my computer chair. That is also a favorite perch of my cats. They sit there, waiting expectantly, but for what, I am unsure. Certainly, they want attention. Haiku likes to play fetch, but she drops the time from the tray, and I fetch.
Well, I am thankful for their attention, but am not sure I meet the desires of my cats.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Donation Requests and Mailing Lists
So, often in a memorial gesture for a deceased person who has meant something to me, I will do a donation to an organization of the family's suggestion or choosing. Which means, I end up on mailing lists for all kinds of organizations.
And, although I may never respond to these organizations again, I receive mail from them for sometimes years after I made the initial donation. It may be some months, or even years, between times that they contact me. But every once in a while, I will receive another feeler or request.
Sometimes, they even send me things, and request a donation back. Years ago, when I was a child, my mother was trying to return some such items. The local postmaster told her not to waste her time or money on postage. If you receive an item in the mail, unsolicited, with a request for a donation or payment, you are under no obligation to make a donation or payment. Well, I get all kinds of calendars (but only one this year), bookmarks, stickers and return address labels. What is most infuriating is when they cannot even bother to spell my name correctly on the return address labels.
I used to sort the mail for our department at work, and I noticed something really interesting. When the recession hit, all of a sudden, we were getting mailings from companies that had the names of people who had not worked at the agency for years. I figured that when times got tough, they expanded their mailing lists to try to fish for more customers.
I wonder how much that costs. I suppose that companies doing mass mailings get some sort of bulk rate discount. But, I think of the cost of paper, printing, and even paying someone to do design layouts. I guess the stuffing of envelopes is automated, but even so, to run the machine must cost something. I suspect there is an agency or organization out there that can give us statistics about what kind of result this mass mailing produces.
I have to admit that sometimes in the past, I was ugly about these mailings. In the time of postage paid return envelopes, I would sometimes stuff their materials into those envelopes and return it to the concern involved. I did not do that with not for profit social service or charitable organizations, but with businesses. I am not sure it had its desired effect.
So, although I do receive many, many donations requests, I have specific charities or causes that I primarily and regularly support. The rest are pretty much ignored. Not because I think their cause is unworthy, but because I am limited in what I can do to help, and I cannot help everyone.
And, although I may never respond to these organizations again, I receive mail from them for sometimes years after I made the initial donation. It may be some months, or even years, between times that they contact me. But every once in a while, I will receive another feeler or request.
Sometimes, they even send me things, and request a donation back. Years ago, when I was a child, my mother was trying to return some such items. The local postmaster told her not to waste her time or money on postage. If you receive an item in the mail, unsolicited, with a request for a donation or payment, you are under no obligation to make a donation or payment. Well, I get all kinds of calendars (but only one this year), bookmarks, stickers and return address labels. What is most infuriating is when they cannot even bother to spell my name correctly on the return address labels.
I used to sort the mail for our department at work, and I noticed something really interesting. When the recession hit, all of a sudden, we were getting mailings from companies that had the names of people who had not worked at the agency for years. I figured that when times got tough, they expanded their mailing lists to try to fish for more customers.
I wonder how much that costs. I suppose that companies doing mass mailings get some sort of bulk rate discount. But, I think of the cost of paper, printing, and even paying someone to do design layouts. I guess the stuffing of envelopes is automated, but even so, to run the machine must cost something. I suspect there is an agency or organization out there that can give us statistics about what kind of result this mass mailing produces.
I have to admit that sometimes in the past, I was ugly about these mailings. In the time of postage paid return envelopes, I would sometimes stuff their materials into those envelopes and return it to the concern involved. I did not do that with not for profit social service or charitable organizations, but with businesses. I am not sure it had its desired effect.
So, although I do receive many, many donations requests, I have specific charities or causes that I primarily and regularly support. The rest are pretty much ignored. Not because I think their cause is unworthy, but because I am limited in what I can do to help, and I cannot help everyone.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
LIpizzaner Horses
Tonight I watched a show on Nature, a show on PBS http://www.pbs.org/, called "The Legendary White Stallions." The blurb for this was "The history of the Lipizzaner stallion is chronicled. Included: their little-known rescue by the U.S. Army in 1945." For some history about this horse, click on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipizzaner.
I must not have been paying close attention, because I did not hear the part about the rescue by the U.S. Army in 1945. And, I take exception to the blurb, and suspect that many of my generation, who were raised on Disney films, will too. I immediately remembered the title of the Disney movie, "The Miracle of the White Stallions" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057312/ that we watched when we were little. I am not sure how accurate the movie was (I think the Disney studio has improved its accuracy, and does not take as much artistic license as it used to) but it was a good story.
I remember seeing the Lipizzaners when I was in college in the early 1970's. The leader of the troupe made a "love your country, be good patriots" speech at the end for which most of the students expressed their displeasure. You have to remember that it was not fashionable to be a patriot or good citizen during that time. I was saddened by that. This man was grateful to the United States for the continuation of this horse breed, and he was just expressing that, and that we should appreciate our country. Well, I am grateful that I got to see the horses and riders perform. It was awesome!
I must not have been paying close attention, because I did not hear the part about the rescue by the U.S. Army in 1945. And, I take exception to the blurb, and suspect that many of my generation, who were raised on Disney films, will too. I immediately remembered the title of the Disney movie, "The Miracle of the White Stallions" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057312/ that we watched when we were little. I am not sure how accurate the movie was (I think the Disney studio has improved its accuracy, and does not take as much artistic license as it used to) but it was a good story.
I remember seeing the Lipizzaners when I was in college in the early 1970's. The leader of the troupe made a "love your country, be good patriots" speech at the end for which most of the students expressed their displeasure. You have to remember that it was not fashionable to be a patriot or good citizen during that time. I was saddened by that. This man was grateful to the United States for the continuation of this horse breed, and he was just expressing that, and that we should appreciate our country. Well, I am grateful that I got to see the horses and riders perform. It was awesome!
Monday, January 6, 2014
Sometimes, I Just Have to Shut Off the Television
And, this is one of those nights. Actually, it happens more than I acknowledge. I very frequently just turn off the television so I can listen to music, watch a tape or DVD, or have no audio stimulation going, and just read, or write. Sometimes, I lhave a musical background while I read. Rarely, I like a musical background when I journal. However, when I blog, sometimes a musical background is okay.
But just having some peace and quiet is good.
But just having some peace and quiet is good.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Downton Abbey
I admit that I am hooked. I really enjoy the TV Series Downton Abbey on PBS http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/. Tonight is the start to season four. I have been anticipating this for some time. I am glad that PBS has reviewed the previous series. These shows are full of much detail, and every time I watch I learn something new, see something new, hear something new. They are very rich, detailed shows.
Thank you, PBS.
Thank you, PBS.
Blogging Statistics
My blog has recently seen an increase in the number of viewings or hits or whatever it is called. Over 300 on December 31, 2013. However, I get no comments, so I am thinking these are all electronic scanning hits and not real readers.
I am not sure how I feel about this. I write for me. But of course, writers want to be read.
Well, so be it. I will continue to write. For me.
I am not sure how I feel about this. I write for me. But of course, writers want to be read.
Well, so be it. I will continue to write. For me.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Blogging Daily
For the last few years, I have been trying to blog daily, but I have not been very successful at that. I may blog daily, but then will sometimes go for many, many days without blogging. I keep track of my blogs, so I know if I am "behind" or "even" or "ahead." Some days, I will write multiple blogs. Sometimes, it is because I have creative bursts. Sometimes, it is because I have "collected" ideas, and finally have time to blog. Mostly, it is because I have creative bursts. I just do not have the creative thoughts daily.
Sometimes. when I am blogging, I have a sort of "stream of consciousness" style, as one thought leads on to another. I sometimes think that I could break down these blogs, and make them into several topics, so that I will have multiple blogs, so that I have several days worth of blogs. But I do not do that. After all, the "stream of consciousness" is because of related topics, even if sometimes, the relationships are loose and the associations are loose.
Sometimes. when I am blogging, I have a sort of "stream of consciousness" style, as one thought leads on to another. I sometimes think that I could break down these blogs, and make them into several topics, so that I will have multiple blogs, so that I have several days worth of blogs. But I do not do that. After all, the "stream of consciousness" is because of related topics, even if sometimes, the relationships are loose and the associations are loose.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Lady Raider Basketball
I have been a fan of Lady Raider Basketball http://www.texastech.com/sports/w-baskbl/text-w-baskbl-body.html since the late 1980's. I listened to the games, or, rarely, watched them on TV, because they were rarely televised, but did not attend them. I discussed the games with friends and colleagues.
In 1993, when the Lady Raiders won the National Championship, I of course watched the game. There was a ceremony at Jones Stadium for them, when they returned to Lubbock, and I attended that. I continued to follow the Lady Raiders, and went to an occasional game.
In the spring of 2005, I started attending the games fairly regularly. Marsha Sharp ended her coaching career the next year. Kristy Curry took over as head coach of the Texas Tech Lady Raiders in March 2006. She continued as coach until the spring of 2013. I was never a Kristy Curry fan. There was something about her that made me not be a fan of her. Her teams were inconsistent. They played well and then went cold, all in the same game. The marketing for the games was geared to small children. I just was not a fan. But, I tried to continue to support the team.
In the spring of 2013, Candace Whitaker http://www.texastech.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/052013aac.html was selected as the head coach for the Lady Raiders Basketball team. She pledged that she was here to stay. I do not think she understood just how decimated the Lady Raider Basketball program was. There is little community support and less student support. I blame the lack of student support on a problem that occured with the Saddle Tramps that has never been resolved. And, I blame the lack of community support on the exorbitantly high cost of season tickets, and the poor performance of the teams. Candi Whitaker remembers the glory days of the Lady Raiders when there was mega-support. She willl not recoup that without a winning team, and a dedicated fan base. She is trying to recoup that. She has re-instituted the"Run and Gun Club" that provides interaction with the team after the game.
I would have liked to stay for that tonight, but I had other obligations after the game. And, I knew if I had stayed, my night would have been later than it already is.
Maybe I can stay for the "Run and Gun Club" some other day.
Mostly what will build the fan base for the Lady Raiders is winning. But the other thing that will build the fan base is outreach to the students, mending fences with the Saddle Tramps, and personal outreach to the community.
In 1993, when the Lady Raiders won the National Championship, I of course watched the game. There was a ceremony at Jones Stadium for them, when they returned to Lubbock, and I attended that. I continued to follow the Lady Raiders, and went to an occasional game.
In the spring of 2005, I started attending the games fairly regularly. Marsha Sharp ended her coaching career the next year. Kristy Curry took over as head coach of the Texas Tech Lady Raiders in March 2006. She continued as coach until the spring of 2013. I was never a Kristy Curry fan. There was something about her that made me not be a fan of her. Her teams were inconsistent. They played well and then went cold, all in the same game. The marketing for the games was geared to small children. I just was not a fan. But, I tried to continue to support the team.
In the spring of 2013, Candace Whitaker http://www.texastech.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/052013aac.html was selected as the head coach for the Lady Raiders Basketball team. She pledged that she was here to stay. I do not think she understood just how decimated the Lady Raider Basketball program was. There is little community support and less student support. I blame the lack of student support on a problem that occured with the Saddle Tramps that has never been resolved. And, I blame the lack of community support on the exorbitantly high cost of season tickets, and the poor performance of the teams. Candi Whitaker remembers the glory days of the Lady Raiders when there was mega-support. She willl not recoup that without a winning team, and a dedicated fan base. She is trying to recoup that. She has re-instituted the"Run and Gun Club" that provides interaction with the team after the game.
I would have liked to stay for that tonight, but I had other obligations after the game. And, I knew if I had stayed, my night would have been later than it already is.
Maybe I can stay for the "Run and Gun Club" some other day.
Mostly what will build the fan base for the Lady Raiders is winning. But the other thing that will build the fan base is outreach to the students, mending fences with the Saddle Tramps, and personal outreach to the community.
Watching Movies
I do not go to watch movies in movie theaters often, but I went January 1, 2014 to see Saving Mr Banks http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2140373/. This is the story of Walt Disney negotiating with Mrs. P J Travis for the rights to do Mary Poppins http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058331/. It has its sad moments, but over all, I thought it was a very good feel good movie. And Tom Hanks, as usual, was amazingly wonderful, this time as Walt Disney.
While I am familiar with the movie Mary Poppins I was not familiar with the books, nor with the story of creating the movie.
I loved "the culture" of the Disney Enterprises: first names, lots of comfort food, and informal working conditions, as well as showering Mrs. Travis with all kinds of Disney memorabilia. It was great.
My favorite character in the movie was Ralph, the chauffeur, played by Paul Giamatti http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0316079/?ref_=tt_cl_t6.
I loved the hairstyles of the women, the clothes, the glasses, the Disney "stuff." These are the trappings of my childhood and brought back wonderful warm memories for me.
I cried through much of the movie. Some tears of sadness, but mostly tears of connectedness. I suspect some people will think this movie was hokey or corny, but I really enjoyed it. From the sniffles I heard, I was not the only one who cried.
And interestingly enough, most people sat through most of the credits. The credits were interesting. This was based on a totally true story. So, the credits showed a picture of the "real" person, and the name of the actor who played that person. What a great way to show credits!
Before the feature started, as I watched the previews for upcoming movies, I was struck by the movie Heaven is For Real http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1929263/. A coworker recently told me about this book, Heaven is For Real http://heavenisforreal.net/ which is a true story about a small boy who has a near death experience. I had sort of put this book on the back burner of my "want to read list" but did not make it a priority. That has changed.
I was talking to a friend today, and told her about this book and movie. She told me her husband has the book, and thought it was a really good read. So it is now definitely on my must read list.
In the mid 1970's, there was a priest who filled in at our parish and his sermon was about Elisabeth Kubler-Ross' work On Death and Dying http://www.ekrfoundation.org/. This was before I decided to become a social worker. But I read her book, and read many other books about death and dying. I already had decided that when people died, there was an afterlife which was a better place so while we miss our loved ones, we would see them in the next world, in a better state. I still firmly believe this. So, dealing with death and dying of humans was something that I have had a peace with. This has helped me with my social work career. Most recently, that discussion has come up with my co-workers, and we have shared stories that re-enforce our belief in life after life.
I still have death and dying issues regarding pet animals, although those have lessened over the years, mostly because I have decided that our pets also have an after life in Heaven, as do our beloved humans.
Anyway, Heaven is For Real is on my list to see as a movie and read as a book.
I am also waiting for Labor Day http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1967545/ to be released on January 31, 2014. This movie, filmed in 2012, in part in communities close to my home town, is based on a book Labor Day by Joyce Maynard. I followed the news clips about the filming and read the book. I do not understand why they did not target national opening for the Labor Day holiday weekend. But they did not. However, it has been released at various film festivals.
I am so not a movie goer. Over the years, there have been movies that I have thought I wanted to see, but did not go to the movie theater to see, and then never followed up with. For a while, I had a Netflix https://signup.netflix.com/ subscription. But, because I did not watch the movies sent to me in a timely way, I decided I did not get my money's worth by having a Netflix subscription. Someday, I may want to reconsider this, but for now, I can access movies and books through the library, and I do not feel I need to access Netflix,or any other movie service.
Movies are good. Introspection indicates to me that I have a preference for movies that are based on a true story, while I know that even those movies take a lot of "artistic license."
I have, however, started going to the movie theater more: If there is a movie I really want to see, I do not rely on the library to make it available. I just go to watch the movie.
I am thankful I have so many options regarding watching movies.
While I am familiar with the movie Mary Poppins I was not familiar with the books, nor with the story of creating the movie.
I loved "the culture" of the Disney Enterprises: first names, lots of comfort food, and informal working conditions, as well as showering Mrs. Travis with all kinds of Disney memorabilia. It was great.
My favorite character in the movie was Ralph, the chauffeur, played by Paul Giamatti http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0316079/?ref_=tt_cl_t6.
I loved the hairstyles of the women, the clothes, the glasses, the Disney "stuff." These are the trappings of my childhood and brought back wonderful warm memories for me.
I cried through much of the movie. Some tears of sadness, but mostly tears of connectedness. I suspect some people will think this movie was hokey or corny, but I really enjoyed it. From the sniffles I heard, I was not the only one who cried.
And interestingly enough, most people sat through most of the credits. The credits were interesting. This was based on a totally true story. So, the credits showed a picture of the "real" person, and the name of the actor who played that person. What a great way to show credits!
Before the feature started, as I watched the previews for upcoming movies, I was struck by the movie Heaven is For Real http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1929263/. A coworker recently told me about this book, Heaven is For Real http://heavenisforreal.net/ which is a true story about a small boy who has a near death experience. I had sort of put this book on the back burner of my "want to read list" but did not make it a priority. That has changed.
I was talking to a friend today, and told her about this book and movie. She told me her husband has the book, and thought it was a really good read. So it is now definitely on my must read list.
In the mid 1970's, there was a priest who filled in at our parish and his sermon was about Elisabeth Kubler-Ross' work On Death and Dying http://www.ekrfoundation.org/. This was before I decided to become a social worker. But I read her book, and read many other books about death and dying. I already had decided that when people died, there was an afterlife which was a better place so while we miss our loved ones, we would see them in the next world, in a better state. I still firmly believe this. So, dealing with death and dying of humans was something that I have had a peace with. This has helped me with my social work career. Most recently, that discussion has come up with my co-workers, and we have shared stories that re-enforce our belief in life after life.
I still have death and dying issues regarding pet animals, although those have lessened over the years, mostly because I have decided that our pets also have an after life in Heaven, as do our beloved humans.
Anyway, Heaven is For Real is on my list to see as a movie and read as a book.
I am also waiting for Labor Day http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1967545/ to be released on January 31, 2014. This movie, filmed in 2012, in part in communities close to my home town, is based on a book Labor Day by Joyce Maynard. I followed the news clips about the filming and read the book. I do not understand why they did not target national opening for the Labor Day holiday weekend. But they did not. However, it has been released at various film festivals.
I am so not a movie goer. Over the years, there have been movies that I have thought I wanted to see, but did not go to the movie theater to see, and then never followed up with. For a while, I had a Netflix https://signup.netflix.com/ subscription. But, because I did not watch the movies sent to me in a timely way, I decided I did not get my money's worth by having a Netflix subscription. Someday, I may want to reconsider this, but for now, I can access movies and books through the library, and I do not feel I need to access Netflix,or any other movie service.
Movies are good. Introspection indicates to me that I have a preference for movies that are based on a true story, while I know that even those movies take a lot of "artistic license."
I have, however, started going to the movie theater more: If there is a movie I really want to see, I do not rely on the library to make it available. I just go to watch the movie.
I am thankful I have so many options regarding watching movies.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
That's Entertainment!
I am watching Turner Classic Movies http://www.tcm.com/ tonight. They are playing the That's Entertainment http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072272/ series. I love the big Metro Goldwyn Mayer http://www.mgm.com/ production musicals. I love musicals in general, but the MGM musicals were magical.
One of the things I really like are the Busby Berkeley http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000923/ musicals. They had wonderful synchronized production numbers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIO9y1xMPIA.
Another thing that I remember from my childhood is watching a lot of Esther Williams http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0930565/ movies. These involved lots of swimming, and even water skiing. I think we watched a lot of water skiing movies and shows when I was a child, set very often in Coral Gables or Cypress Gardens, Florida.
One thing that is interesting to me is how many songs were used in more than one movie. Of course, the authors were the same, so I guess it did not matter that much, and because of the way the movie companies "owned" talent, they could do what they wanted with the products of that talent.
What special entertainment these wonderful old movies and musicals are!
One of the things I really like are the Busby Berkeley http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000923/ musicals. They had wonderful synchronized production numbers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIO9y1xMPIA.
Another thing that I remember from my childhood is watching a lot of Esther Williams http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0930565/ movies. These involved lots of swimming, and even water skiing. I think we watched a lot of water skiing movies and shows when I was a child, set very often in Coral Gables or Cypress Gardens, Florida.
One thing that is interesting to me is how many songs were used in more than one movie. Of course, the authors were the same, so I guess it did not matter that much, and because of the way the movie companies "owned" talent, they could do what they wanted with the products of that talent.
What special entertainment these wonderful old movies and musicals are!
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