Adventures In Mass Transit

Papers

2011-08-02T07:08:00.002-04:00

I think it's telling that I still check the AJC daily, while I've visited the Baltimore Sun's website a total of maybe seven times since i moved 9 months ago.

Sometimes I wish I had my own Sorting Hat

2011-07-09T20:16:00.000-04:00

....so I could easily sort people into the appropriates areas. Such as -

great friend
casual acquittance
person I have no use for

Music Midtown is BACK!

2011-07-06T23:14:00.000-04:00

I've already got my plane ticket.

Looking forward to great tunes and seeing even better friends.

To find out who is going to be there visit: http://musicmidtown.com/

I sincerely hope they add Mumford & Sons.

Until then, this will have to tide you over:

Ray Charles - Oh Beautiful America

2011-07-04T00:28:00.000-04:00

How often we fail to realize our good fortune in living in a country where happiness is more than a lack of tragedy. ~Paul Sweeney

This is Where I am Going Tomorrow..

2011-07-01T19:43:00.000-04:00

http://www.nationalpinballmuseum.org/

and this is what I'll be listening to.....

So.....

2011-06-29T21:53:00.000-04:00

13 years ago today I started my first job in Atlanta.

The job taught me a lot about the kind of company I did, and did not, want to work for. It was stressful and it led to one of the biggest personal set backs of my life.

It wasn't all wine and roses that is for sure. But I learned a lot. About myself, about business, and about people in general. And I've carried those lessons with in every step I've taken since I left there.

The silver lining of this experience is that it led me to some wonderful people who are now dear friends. And so 13 years later I look back on that time and smile because if not for going there in the first place my life would be so very lacking. In so very many ways.

“I seldom end up where I wanted to go, but almost always end up where I need to be.”

I've gotten my new library card...

2011-06-26T19:25:00.000-04:00

and have three books on reserve already...so now it feels like I've moved for real.

“No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting. She will not want new fashions nor regret the loss of expensive diversions or variety of company if she can be amused with an author in her closet.”

^{- Lady Montagu}

If you have any suggestions of good titles for me to check out, toss them out in the Comments section. I'm always looking for a good read.

DC Metro baby!

2011-06-25T10:08:00.000-04:00

Meeting some out of town visitors down on The Mall today.

Given that the last few times I've driven into the District I either gotten stuck in terrible traffic or gotten a bullshit ticket, I've decided that I am Metro-ing in.

I am sure this will be way more time consuming as it takes about an hour to get to the Metro stop where I'll be parking. But if it saves me the aggravation of a traffic jam and $125 in fines, not to mention the whole parking situation, I am thinking it will be worth it.

I'll let you know how it goes....

Dear MARTA...I apologize

2011-06-24T19:59:00.000-04:00

because after witnessing the light rail cluster&^$( upon the conclusion of the U2 show on Wednesday here in Baltimore I can say, in all seriousness, you are LIGHT YEARS ahead of Charm City.

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/traffic/2011/06/why_cant_light_rail_handle_big.html

Seriously, it was out of control. I just wish my phone hadn't died so I could have capture the madness digitally.

13 Years Ago Today...

2011-06-24T07:24:00.000-04:00

I arrived in Atlanta. And this song was the #1 Modern Rock song in the land.

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end"

Indeed.

Summer by Vivaldi

2011-06-21T07:09:00.000-04:00

This is always a day of mixed emotions for me.

I love it because it's the longest day of the year.

I hate it because it means that Winter is on its way back.

Yin-yang in action.

Happy Father's Day...

2011-06-19T12:02:00.000-04:00

When you thought I wasn't looking

Author: Unknown

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator,
and I wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you feed a stray cat,
and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you make my favorite cake for me,
and I knew that little things are special things.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I heard you say a prayer,
and I believed that there was a God to talk to.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I felt you kiss me goodnight,
and I felt loved.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw tears come from your eyes,
and I learned that sometimes things hurt,
but it's alright to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw that you cared,
and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I looked....
and I wanted to say thanks for all the things
I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.

Thanks Dad.

It's good to know...

2011-06-18T00:06:00.002-04:00

that after all these years, my RECON skills are still in tip-top shape.

After yesterday's Pity Party Post

2011-06-15T20:36:00.000-04:00

I decided I needed to buck the hell up.....and who better than Xtina to get the job done.

Thank you Atlanta

2011-06-14T22:09:00.001-04:00

I want to thank you
for giving me the best day(s) of my life..............(so far...)

Just When I Think it's not Possible

2011-06-14T22:04:00.000-04:00

I find a new way to miss Atlanta and all the people in it.

Isn't it telling that I am having a harder time adjusting to being back in Maryland than I ever did adjusting to Georgia?

Next week would have been my 13th anniversary of my move to Atlanta. And while I am not typically the weepy sort, I think a few tears will be shed on the 24th. Tears of sadness that I am no longer there but also tears of happiness about how wonderful my experience was while I was there.

It's funny, I technically grew up here. But really, I became an adult in Atlanta.

How thankful I am for the brave girl who left the safety of her home to embark on a life far away from her comfort zone. Lots of ups and downs along the way, but all in all, it was a remarkable journey.

"You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself." - Alan Alda

Well said Alan. Well said.

Today's Food for Thought

2011-05-20T22:26:00.002-04:00

“Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you'll understand what little chance you have in trying to change others.”

Madagascar - I like to move it

2011-05-15T11:34:00.000-04:00

considering I wasted the better part of a Saturday waiting for my illustrious movers to show up (and they never did) I needed a tune to get me excited about the "unpacking" part of the program when they finally "move it" in today.

Happy Birthday Homey!

2011-05-10T22:16:00.000-04:00

That's it! You people have stood in my way long enough. I'm going to clown college!

Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand.

I'm normally not a praying man, but if you're up there, please save me Superman.

Maybe, just once, someone will call me 'Sir' without adding, 'You're making a scene.'

38 quotes

2011-05-10T22:08:00.001-04:00

38 - Never make someone a priority who only sees you as an option...

37 - We must be the change we want to see. - Mahatma Gandhi

36 – When you settle for less than you deserve you often times end up with less than you settled for…

35 - Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. - Theodore Roosevelt

34 - If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is "thank you," that would suffice. - Meister Eckhart.

33 - “If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together.. there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. but the most important thing is, even if we're apart.. i'll always be with you.” – Winne the Pooh

32 - Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?' - Martin Luther King, Jr.
31 - Life wouldn’t be the same without you and all the memories you have given me.

30 – Money can’t buy happiness but it can provide a better kind of miserable.

29 - I'm a firm believer in the philosophy of a ruling class. Especially since I rule. – Randal Graves

28 - Not all those who wander are lost. – J. R. R. Tolkien

27 - Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

26 - A hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz. ~Humphrey Bogart

25 - This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness. ~ Dalai Lama

24 - Don't stand in someone else's shadow when it's your sunlight that should lead the way.

23 - Good judgment comes from experience and experience comes from bad judgment. -Fred Brooks

22 – Some of the worst choices we make make the best stories later in life.

21 – People in Hell want ice water too.

20 – Say what you mean and mean what you say.

19 – I like to move it move it! – King Julian

18 - While we're living…The dreams we have as children…Fade away - Oasis, "Fade Away"

17 - Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the and the blind can see. – Mark Twain

16 - When you're chewing on life's gristle
                Don't grumble, give a whistle
                And this'll help things turn out for the best...
                And...always look on the bright side of life...
                Always look on the light side of life. - Monty Python's Life of Brian
15 – We bring her along because she’s funny – Jordan Bayles

14 – Courage is the discovery that you may not win, and trying when you know you can lose. - Tom Krause

13 - We're so busy watching out for what's just ahead of us that we don't take time to enjoy where we are. -

Calvin & Hobbes

12 - Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew, When I bit off more than I could chew,
But through it all, when there was doubt, I ate it up and spit it out. I faced it all and I stood tall
And did it my way. – Frank Sinatra

11 - Letting go doesn't mean giving up... it means moving on. – Anonymous

10 - You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. – C. S. Lewis

9 – Freedom of speech doesn’t mean anyone needs to actually listen to what you say.

8 – They say God doesn’t give you more than you can handle…but sometimes I wish He didn’t trust me so much.

7 - Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance. – Anonymous

6 - Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. ~ Jane Howard

5 - If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised than I am now – Clark W. Griswold, JR.

4 - Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile. - Franklin P. Jones

3 - Think where man's glory most begins and ends, And say my glory was I had such friends. - Yates

2 - There's no crying in baseball - Jimmy Dugan (that is unless you're an Orioles fan)

1 – In a World where you can be anything it’s most important to be yourself - Me

Someday I'll expand on this...

2011-05-09T15:53:00.000-04:00

but for today this says it all.....

"We are Family..." - The Pointer Sisters

2011-05-02T22:17:00.000-04:00

The Human Family

I note the obvious differences
in the human family.
Some of us are serious,
some thrive on comedy.

Some declare their lives are lived
as true profundity,
and others claim they really live
the real reality.

The variety of our skin tones
can confuse, bemuse, delight,
brown and pink and beige and purple,
tan and blue and white.

I've sailed upon the seven seas
and stopped in every land,
I've seen the wonders of the world
not yet one common man.

I know ten thousand women
called Jane and Mary Jane,
but I've not seen any two
who really were the same.

Mirror twins are different
although their features jibe,
and lovers think quite different thoughts
while lying side by side.

We love and lose in China,
we weep on England's moors,
and laugh and moan in Guinea,
and thrive on Spanish shores.

We seek success in Finland,
are born and die in Maine.
In minor ways we differ,
in major we're the same.

I note the obvious differences
between each sort and type,
but we are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.

by Maya Angelo

Looking for Roommate/Fellow Concert Attendee for 2012 Coachella

2011-04-17T14:58:00.002-04:00

For reals.

http://valleymusictravel.com/coachella_hotels.php

This trip..."It will be mine. Oh yes. It will be mine"

You Live..and hopefully You Learn too..........

2011-04-16T18:06:00.000-04:00

Metro Atlanta transportation: How is it looking? | ajc.com

2011-04-13T21:03:00.000-04:00

The truth is BOTH are horrible!

Metro Atlanta transportation: How is it looking? | ajc.com

Rolling the Dice today......

2011-04-10T12:15:00.000-04:00

...and I am going to see Russell Brand's Arthur. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1334512/

Given that I've never seen the original I have no preconceived notions about what to expect...so I am hopeful it will bring the funny.

Will report back....stay tuned.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving....

2011-04-10T02:48:00.005-04:00

From The Huffington Post:

The Church of England has published a special prayer in anticipation of the wedding of Prince William to his fiancee, Kate Middleton.

In addition to the general prayer they whipped up, they made one for kids too. Its text is below.

Prayer for school children praying for the Royal Wedding

Dear Jesus,

we pray for Prince William and Catherine Middleton

as they get ready for their wedding day.

Keep them safe,

make them happy

and help them

to look after each other always.

Amen.

If find this terribly sweet. And also profoundly powerful. That a lot of positive ways heading their way.

And now we know what gift to get for the couple that has (or can buy) anything they could ever desire.

A prayer...because God knows there will be tough days every once and a while for even Mr. & Mrs. Mountbatten-Windsor.

My Girl - "Weeping Willow"

2011-04-05T18:56:00.000-04:00

today's food for thought............

The Hunt for the Haunt Continues

2011-04-04T19:18:00.001-04:00

After considerable thought, some sisterly advice and some less than acceptable answers, I've decided to not go with the Towson apartment.

It just doesn't feel right.

And so I am taking a few weeks off from looking (one, because I'm exhausted at looking at places and two, I've got a ton of deadlines at work in the coming weeks) and I'll start again fresh in a few weeks.

On a happier note, baseball is back. And Orioles magic is in the air. Started the season with a sweep of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays (and yes, I know the name changed but I refuse to accept their renaming) on the road and today my Os defeated the Tigers at Camden Yards. Sad I couldn't be there to see it in person, but even I draw the line at $95 for a standing room only ticket.

Only 175 games to go until we get our Orioles glory back. But who's counting?

Flounder...Usually a Meal for Me, Not Usually Something I do When Making a Decision

2011-04-03T18:35:00.001-04:00

floun·der 2 (floundr)
n. pl. flounder or floun·ders
Any of various marine flatfishes of the families Bothidae and Pleuronectidae, which include important food fishes.

versus.....

floun·der 1 (floundr)
intr.v. floun·dered, floun·der·ing, floun·ders
1. To make clumsy attempts to move or regain one's balance.
2. To move or act clumsily and in confusion.

So usually once I make a decision I just go with it. I don't hem and haw. I analyze the problem, usually make a pro/con list, and then I commit to a course of action. And that is typically the end of it. I forge ahead in the necessary direction.

Which is why I am a bit concerned an apartment I looked at and thought I wanted.

It's within my price range, it's not terribly far from work..or downtown Baltimore. It's within walking distance to the gym I'll probably join. And it's huge! One bedroom, one and half bath, eat in kitchen, den, huge patio. And Nordstrom is visible from the sliding door.

All this being the case, it would seem this should be a lock.

And yet I am not feeling that this is the right choice. At all.

In addition to my gut feeling, there are some pretty hefty questions I have about the lease. And I've sent said questions to be addressed. It is my hope that once I get these answers I'll feel a bit more confident about things.

There are a whole host of issues as to why I don't think this is the right choice, and off of the top of my head, here are a few:

I'd like to make sure my renter is reliable before I am beholden to pay someone else's mortgage;
I haven't had a lease in a long time. With my place rented and the mortgage mostly covered the thought of tying myself down is not that appealing. If I want to up and move I'll not be able to do so without taking a pretty big financial hit.

I think it is going to be in my best interest to slow things down a bit related to this place. If it's meant to be the answers to my questions will provide the necessary piece of mind that will allow me to move ahead. And if they don't, well then, my gut will have served me well and I'll continue to search for my new wigwam.

definitions provided by: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/

Money Pit Best scene

2011-04-02T23:53:00.000-04:00

The Choices We Weren't Brave Enough to Make Haunt Us Forever

2011-04-02T10:14:00.000-04:00

If by Rudyard Kipling

2011-03-29T19:32:00.000-04:00

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream---and not make dreams your master;
If you can think---and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings---nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And---which is more---you'll be a Man, my son!

There is no one who compares with you....

2011-03-28T19:05:00.000-04:00

How Can I Miss You if you Won't Go Away?

2011-03-28T06:06:00.010-04:00

So back when I lived in ATL I signed up to get alerts from Marta when things occurred that impacted the schedule.

I'd get updates at all hours of the day and night, such as the following:

Weekend Singletracking Details:
Date: March 26 & 27
Train Line: Red/Gold
Frequency: 20 minutes
Customer Impact: Customers traveling to/from North Springs will need to transfer trains at Lindbergh Station to continue travel. At East Point station board ALL trains on NORTHBOUND platform.

Train Line: Blue/Green
Frequency: 20 minutes
Customer Impact: At Avondale & Kensington Stations board ALL trains on EASTBOUND platform.

This was handy information to have when I was using Marta everyday.

Now it's just an annoyance. That I can't stop. Because Marta has no unsubcribe link on their messages. Further, my attempts to unsubscribe via Marta's website have failed as well.

It seems Marta is much like the mob...once you are in, you are in for life.

I Learned a Long Time Ago to not ask Questions I don't want to hear the Answers to

2011-03-27T17:55:00.000-04:00

So this past week was the week for questions. And man, was I OVER them.

Are you happy you moved?

Have you met anyone?

How is the job?

Are you liking being back?

Have you found an apartment?

Do you miss your friends?

What do you miss the most?

Do you want fries with that?

And the list went on and on. And on.

But here's the thing: No one really cares about my answers.

And for those inquiring minds who wanted to know, they seemed disappointed in my honest answers.

Here's a tip - if you don't want to hear my answers to your questions, DON'T ASK ME questions in the first place. I am not one to sing "Woe is Me" from the rooftops. I am not going to bitch and gripe just for fun. In fact, I have no interest in spending my time talking about things I can't control or change.

BUT if you insist on asking me questions point blank please at least be courteous enough to not be irritated by my honest answers. To paraphrase Colonel Jessup, it seems you can't handle the truth.

So, how about we declare détente...you don't ask, and I don't tell.

Deal?

Progress Report on the Search for my New Haunt

2011-03-20T22:02:00.001-04:00

So the housing hunt continued today.

My friend Nichole and I spent about 7 hours driving around hither and yon looking at places. Most weren't my favorite (Southern readers, you know what this statement really means) but I did find three places I want to check out.

And one is within WALKING DISTANCE to Camden Yards. This is also the one that is furthest from my office so I am not certain this is meant to be....but I have to at least look at it...otherwise I'll always wonder.

Scheduling visits for later this week and one for next Sunday as well. We'll see what pans out.

Perhaps someone you know, could sparkle and shine.........

2011-03-20T17:39:00.000-04:00

Another great song I had totally forgotten about....

Puke- Eminem

2011-03-19T13:40:00.000-04:00

And no this isn't a veiled reference to Duke. Though it could be.

For a special someone out there...and not the one you all may be thinking of. This is for someone who is so delusional he'd never think it could be in reference to himself.

He'd be wrong.

Childish? Maybe. But I feel better.

Forget St. Patrick.....St. Pauli is probably upset too...or Signs You've Grown Up

2011-03-18T04:25:00.004-04:00

On what used to be one of the biggest party days of the year for me, St. Patrick's Day, I went grocery shopping, cleaned the house and did laundry.

I did have one Miller Lite because there wasn't enough room in the 'fridge for my yogurt.

Yogurt trumps beer.

Bob Dylan was right.

The times are a changin'.

Moon River and Me

2011-03-18T01:54:00.002-04:00

One of my three favorite songs of all time....and just in time for the Super Moon Saturday night. (And also my go-to song when I am singing to a baby....but I digress..)

It rises at 7:39 EST....it's going to be glorious. For more information about the Super Moon check out this article and associated video...cool stuff - http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/post/super-moon-saturday-evening/2011/03/18/ABPXJfp_blog.html or visit National Geographic..
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/03/110318-supermoon-earth-japan-earthquake-tsunami-science-space-biggest-full-moon/

Sláinte

2011-03-17T00:07:00.005-04:00

Those who wish to sing will always find a song. - Celtic Proverb

*****

May the friendships you make,
Be those which endure,
And all of your grey clouds
Be small ones for sure.
And trusting in Him
To Whom we all pray,
May a song fill your heart,
Every step of the way.

**********

May the best day of your past
Be the worst day of your future.

It's not a Casey Kasem Long Distance Dedication...that's for sure

2011-03-16T10:19:00.003-04:00

I heard this earlier this week and damn.

God knows I could have penned this years ago.

Scar tissue is a bitch.

Beware the Ides of March.

2011-03-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

In my free time I like to come up with off the wall thesis topics.

I've got numerous ones, but given the Ides is today, I'll share my Gaius Julius Caesar one. Thusly, my topic: How Would the History of the World be Different if Caesar had selected Better Footwear....ie It's Hard to Make a Hasty Retreat Wearing Sandals.

Roman fighting sandals do not make one fleet of foot. What if he had worn wooden shoes like The Dutch? What if he had worn moccasins that were molded to his feet? He might have been able to haul ass and save his life...and change the course of history.

I can hear Caesar now retelling the tale at cocktail parties for years to come:

"So I am standing around talking to Brutus about the upcoming chariot races and the next thing I know these guys are coming at me like I'm the ham on the buffet table. You can imagine I was a bit disturbed when I realized what was happening. I pulled the ole 'hey, what's that?' trick and when they turned to look (idiots) I made like a baker and hauled buns outta there. And I'll tell you what, if I had chosen to wear my sandals that day I'd have been up shit's creek. Talk about a fashion assassin."

I always thought Nike missed a GREAT ad opportunity related to the Ides. It could have easily tied into the "It's Got to be the Shoes" campaign.

Veni, Vidi, Vici indeed.

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~ Robin Williams

2011-03-14T00:51:00.000-04:00

I prefer to think of it as a big FU to winter...but whatever works.

The Postman May Always Ring Twice...but the UPS guy just Knocks and Runs.

2011-03-13T20:38:00.000-04:00

So far, the most exciting thing about moving has been day dreaming about the change of address announcements my friend Callie can create for me when I finally find my new abode.

I've got several ideas of what I think are fun and clever announcements....but I'll be curious to see what she comes up with when the time comes.

In the mean time, should you find yourself in need of any sort of announcement/invite/change of address stationary, be sure to check out Callie's stuff at http://calliespondence.blogspot.com/ Her stuff is fabulous!

It's Sunday....you can find me at Our Lady of the Pillow

2011-03-13T00:17:00.004-05:00

I'm envious of folks who posses the strength of character to actively participate in their religion as this is a skill I've never even pretended to have.

I went to Mass every Sunday of my life from birth until the day I left for college. Since then, I've attended Mass sporadically at best. And never in all the times that I've missed Mass have I ever actually "missed" Mass.

I don't know if this makes me a bad person...or if this just means I haven't found the place of worship that suits me best.

If the former, I have to think God would be ok with me since I at least think about doing right and wrong on a daily basis...and I try not to hurt anyone has I make my way through life.

If the later, I'm open to suggestions on different religions to try out...and I remain hopeful I'll find the right place for me. Someday.

If you lived here You could be Home right now....

2011-03-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

So today I start the adventure of finding an apartment. I have scheduled a day of driving around an area of Baltimore to see what my options are.

I plan to look at both apartment complexes as well as Victorian homes that have been transformed into apartment rentals. I'm even looking at the place that Al Capone resided in during his time in Baltimore.

One the one hand, the complexes are alluring with their pools and gyms. But on the other, the charm and uniqueness of a Victorian house with one of a kind architectural features is an attractive option as well.

I'm sure this will be the first of many weekend outings to find my new abode.

I Need something to Cheer Me.........

2011-03-10T22:02:00.000-05:00

Bear In There by Shel Silverstein

There's a Polar Bear
In our Frigidaire--
He likes it 'cause it's cold in there.
With his seat in the meat
And his face in the fish
And his big hairy paws
In the buttery dish,
He's nibbling the noodles,
He's munching the rice,
He's slurping the soda,
He's licking the ice.
And he lets out a roar
If you open the door.
And it gives me a scare
To know he's in there--
That Polary Bear
In our Fridgitydaire.

Thing I am Looking Forward to...

2011-03-09T22:23:00.000-05:00

In no particular order..................

Warm weather and days spent on The Bay

The final Harry Potter film

Baseball season...even if I am an Orioles fan

Charlie Sheen no longer dominating the news

Summer nights under starry skies

New babies that are set to arrive

Trips to see dear friends

The Triple Crown races

Undiscovered books I've not yet read

Making new memories

I missed my Calling

2011-03-08T21:15:00.001-05:00

When I was little....

I thought I'd be florist.
Would still love to do that but with my allergies...

I thought I'd be a nurse.
But I am not the best at taking orders.....

I thought I'd be a doctor.....
Except I found that I don't care for blood and I didn't know that you could be a doctor without being around blood until it was too late...

I thought I'd be a mom.....
It's not looking like that is meant to be either.

I say this not to invite you to a pity party...I say it to acknowledge that life "is what it is"

And sometimes I think about my next life.

In my next life I want to be Ninja.

In my next life I want to be in charge of selecting tunes for movie soundtracks.

In my next life, I want to be kinder.

But in the meantime, I'll focus on this life. And making it (and me) the best it can be.

Symmetry

2011-02-28T11:39:00.000-05:00

In the midst of the madness of getting my house packed and moved out in 24 hours I missed something.

I moved into my now vacant condo on March 1st. I moved out on February 27th. Not perfectly symmetrical but pretty close.

Many moons and suns had to line up to get me out of there so close to when I got in there in the first place.

I can't help but hope that this is a sign of a restoration of balance to my life...a balance, that frankly, I wasn't even sure was missing until the dates dawned on me today.

And now, the apartment hunting in the greater Baltimore area is afoot. A whole new set of memories is on the verge of being made. But more on that later.

This is Interesting/Disturbing

2011-02-02T21:02:00.000-05:00

The last ten years certainly weren't pretty.

The last decade was "one of the weakest on record" for GDP and job growth, according to Rebecca Thiess, the author of a new report from the Economic Policy Institute. The the last decade, the real value of the minimum wage declined, and the gap between rich and poor grew, meaning there was no cushion when the recession hit, Thiess wrote.

The EPI report, "The Great Recession's Long Tail," was released on Tuesday, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that unemployment fell or stayed the same in two-thirds of American cities in December.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/02/charting-the-recession-job-loss_n_817568.html#s234179&title=_Indexed_Job

And I thought my Commute was Bad

2011-01-30T11:33:00.000-05:00

Last week we got some serious snow. It was the perfect type for making snowmen and snowballs...and also the perfect kind to screw up traffic royally.

It came down fast and before you could say, "please pass the snow shovel," mayhem was everywhere.

I got lucky. My office is 30 miles away and I still managed to make it home in about 45 minutes. This is what it looked like when I got home. -->

My friend Kiki, wasn't as fortunate. She only lives 13ish miles from her office and it took her 7 hours to get home. That's right kids, 7 hours. Which is equal to the flight time from BWI to LA. Talk about ridiculous.

The worst part of the story is that more snow is expected this week. Let's hope the weather folks are wrong (and they usually are) and the storm misses us. And that the Groundhog helps us out by declaring it will be an early Spring.

Funniest Quote of 2011...so far...

2011-01-27T19:14:00.000-05:00

The Interior Department is in charge of salmon while they're in fresh water, but the Commerce Department handles them in when they're in saltwater. And I hear it gets even more complicated once they're smoked. - Barack Obama

The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination.

2011-01-27T17:22:00.001-05:00

"It's been about the sun and the moon. It's been about happy times together. It's been about the shade and the old people and the children. It's been about colors in Fall. It's been about seasons. Isn't that enough?"

http://achievebalance.com/spirit/theleaf.htm

Current GA Unemployment rate - 10.2%

2011-01-23T21:08:00.001-05:00

and those who have managed to keep their jobs have taken a hit too......

http://www.ajc.com/business/atlanta-wages-like-jobs-801077.html

Please note...

2011-01-09T10:32:00.000-05:00

The choices I've made in my life were reached upon me making the best decisions I could at the time given the information I had.

And really, isn't that how most decisions are reached?

Or does the cheese stand alone?

Brand New Day...Brand New Year

2011-01-01T00:01:00.007-05:00

Make your 2011 legendary.

Happy New Year!

How Did I get so Old so Fast?

2010-12-29T20:14:00.000-05:00

Comment upon realizing my current crush is 11 years younger than me:

"It would seem that while I was living it up at Lollapalooza he was attending sleep away camp for the first time."

A Photo to Cling to

2010-12-28T20:22:00.000-05:00

Only as high as I reach can I grow,
Only as far as I seek can I go,
Only as deep as I look can I see,
Only as much as I dream can I be.

Karen Ravn

Streaks and Stats

2010-12-28T19:26:00.000-05:00

As we come to the end of another year I’ve been thinking a lot about figures. In a year of almost constant change, frankly, in a year where change was the only constant, I’ve recognized that I had to let go of some things in order to continue to grow and survive.

That said here are the streaks that ended and the stats that jumped out at me during my year end review:

33 years – first time since 1977 I haven’t been in or attended a wedding;

32 years – first time since 1978 that I haven’t attended at least one college football game;

11 years – first time I haven’t had to get on a plane to participate in my family’s Christmas festivities;

8 years and almost 2 months – The end of getting up and heading to work at Wally World (actually, this is the code name for my former employer, but you get my drift);

121 jobs applied to; 2 offers; 1 new job;

1 date that restored my hope in the dating scene. He wasn’t into me but at least I was excited by the prospect of getting involved with someone. And that hasn’t happened since the end of the last century. I didn’t fall in love this year (and I didn’t fall out of love either) but I think I now know that I can again. Eventually. This is a big victory in my book.

I continued my streak of annually traveling somewhere I’ve never been before. This year the location was Nashville, where I even sang with a band. Can’t wait to go back…and no, I won’t be singing this time. Trust me; leaving the singing out is a good thing.

I also managed to mark off one of my “must see” musical performers this year. Van Morrison has been on my shortlist of artists I’ve wanted to see for about 20 years and in May I finally attended one of his concerts. While it might not have lived up to 20 years of expectation I’m glad I got to hear him live. Even if I won’t go see him again.

3 months – the longest streak in 2010 in which I didn’t drive a single vehicle

1 childhood friend who I hadn’t seen since the age of 9 that I reconnected with. Within days of reestablishing contact, he and I were face to face at a cookout. We picked up right where we left off in 1982. I don’t think I realized how much I missed him.

In short, in a year of continual flux, I managed to not spin out of control. I attribute this to my support system rather than my own efforts. At a time when I could have felt like a failure, when I could have holed up in my home and disengaged, my fabulous friends and family made sure that I didn’t do either of those things. And that is what I am most thankful for in 2010.

So I say, bring on 2011. After this year, it’s got to be an improvement.

And now, onward to adventure.

MARTA loses riders after cutbacks | ajc.com

2010-12-18T08:45:00.000-05:00

This story makes me sad on so many levels.

Roda Osman works at an airport shop and is still taking the train -- but at a cost. The train now doesn't start until 6 a.m. on weekends, but Osman has to open her store at 5:30 a.m.
She can’t give up the $10 per hour she makes at her job. So on weekends, the single mother does the only thing she can: She takes the train to the airport the night before, she said, and sleeps in a chair in the lobby.
“What are you going to do,” Osman said. “I have to be here in the morning.”

Why I Left Georgia - Part II

2010-12-16T08:37:00.000-05:00

Georgia’s unemployment rate jumped to 10.1 percent in November from a revised 9.8 percent in October, the state labor department said Thursday.

There has been virtually no progress from a year ago, when the jobless rate stood at 10.2 percent in November 2009. This November was the 38th consecutive month that Georgia’s jobless rate has exceeded the national rate, which is 9.8 percent.

for more on this story, visit - Georgia’s unemployment rate jumps to 10.1 percent

I Have Lots to Write About...

2010-12-12T19:41:00.000-05:00

I know I've been a bit radio silent since I made the move to Maryland. For that I do apologize.

It's not that I don't have things to say or stories to share. Rather, I have a tons of things at the ready to post about.

Problem is, I can't seem to get motivated to actually write things up.

I am hoping that as I get used to working again (and commuting in a vehicle where I can't flush out my posts like I did on the train) I'll find a way to get back into the groove.

Until then, I ask you for your patience.

Guess I am not the Only one Who Thinks Population Patterns will Shift Thanks to this Economy

2010-12-12T09:20:00.002-05:00

After last week's post I thought it was interesting to stumble across this article:

Top 10 States People Are Fleeing

New York, Illinois and Louisiana are expected to lose more residents than they gain this year.

By Jenna Goudreau, Forbes.com

Dec 8, 2010

http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/top-10-states-people-are-fleeing.html

Police identify man run over by MARTA train | ajc.com

2010-12-12T08:39:00.000-05:00

Such a sad story.

Police identify man run over by MARTA train | ajc.com

NEW YORK,NEW YORK- FRANK SINATRA

2010-12-03T15:02:00.003-05:00

First road trip since my return to Maryland: NYC...just in time to see it all decorated for Christmas!! While I do prefer the City in the Spring, there is something magical about visiting during Christmastime. Maybe it's because the Yankees aren't playing?

Anyway, this is just another perk of my new locale - Manhattan is only four hours away! Solid.

The Great Job Migration of 2010

2010-12-03T09:43:00.000-05:00

I think that when future economists look back at this down cycle they will see patterns crop up that surprise them...but certainly not the people who remember living through it.

A job based migration. Probably not as pronounced as the Industrial Revolution migration but I think as people face long term unemployment I predict a noticeable pattern shift in where people live. After all, one must go where the jobs are.

From the NYTimes:

The longer people stay out of work, the more trouble they have finding new work.

That is a fact of life that much of Europe, with its underclass of permanently idle workers, knows all too well. But it is a lesson that the United States seems to be just learning.

This country has some of the highest levels of long-term unemployment — or joblessness lasting more than six months — ever recorded. Meanwhile, job growth has been, and looks to remain, disappointingly slow, indicating that those out of work a while are likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. Even if the government report on Friday shows the expected improvement in hiring by business, it will not be enough to make a real dent in those totals.

So the legions of long-term unemployed will probably be idle for significantly longer than their counterparts in past recessions, reducing their chances of eventually finding a job even when the economy becomes more robust.

“I am so worried somebody will look at me and say, ‘Oh, he’s probably lost his edge,’ ” said Tim Smyth, 51, a New York television producer who has been unable to find work since 2008, despite having two decades of experience at places like Nickelodeon and the Food Network. “I mean, I know it’s not true, but I’m afraid I might say the same thing if I were interviewing someone I didn’t know very well who’s been out of work this long.”

Mr. Smyth’s anxieties are not unfounded. New data from the Labor Department, provided to The New York Times, shows that people out of work fewer than five weeks are more than three times as likely to find a job in the coming month than people who have been out of work for over a year, with a re-employment rate of 30.7 percent versus 8.7 percent, respectively.

Jobless rate rises to 9.8 pct. as job growth slows

2010-12-03T09:23:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON -- The nation's unemployment rate climbed to 9.8 percent in November, a seven-month high, as hiring slowed.

Employers added only 39,000 jobs last month, a sharp decline from the 172,000 created in October, the Labor Department reported Friday. The weakness was widespread. Retailers, factories, construction companies, financial firms and the government all cut jobs last month.

Read more here -

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/03/AR2010120300981.html?hpid=topnews

Out of the Mouth of a Bear

2010-12-02T23:36:00.000-05:00

Just because an animal is large, it doesn't mean he doesn't want kindness; however big Tigger seems to be, remember that he wants as much kindness as Roo. - Winnie the Pooh

If we humans could just remember this and put the sentiment into action every day in our dealings imagine how different the world would be.

Or rather, just imagine how different you'd be.

Ironic that this was the Final Song on My Arduous Journey to Maryland

2010-12-02T16:59:00.000-05:00

Heading to NYC on Saturday...9 states in four days....not too shabby for not even really trying...

And the Plan has Changed Already

2010-12-01T09:13:00.003-05:00

“If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.” - Woody Allen

So, my plan to get to Baltimore with one solid day of driving has gone astray.

Given the horrible weather that was in Atlanta all day yesterday and most of last night I've modified my plan and will only be going to Charlotte today. Thank goodness for Mountaineer hospitality!

Will be good to see my friends there....and given the last minute staging stuff I need to do for my condo, this probably is a better plan anyway.

Will post again when I get to Charm City.

A New Chapter Starts Tomorrow....

2010-11-30T23:07:00.001-05:00

After 12 years, I am pulling up stakes and heading back to Maryland tomorrow morning.

While I didn't ever think I'd be moving back there, I think I've come to terms with it.

I carry too many wonderful memories to list. And while a part of me is sad to be leaving, there is a piece of me that is excited to see what this new phase of my life holds for me.

If it's one thing I've learned from my time in Atlanta, it's that life goes where it wants, regardless of our wish to control its path, pace and those who journey with us.

Until we meet again....

From the newly created "Are You Effing Kidding Me" file...

2010-11-30T00:42:00.001-05:00

Firms asked to fund MARTA workers party | ajc.com

MARTA picked 40 to 50 companies from among those who had received more than $50,000 from MARTA in the last fiscal year, asking each for $5,000 to $10,000 to fund the Dec. 11 event, Tyler said.

Therefore, if 45 companies toss in an average of $7500, the party budget will be $337,500...and with that kind of cash there could be a serious throw down...or perhaps they could restore the Route 105 bus.

I'm just sayin....

RIP Leslie Nielsen

2010-11-28T21:05:00.001-05:00

I first encountered Mr. Nielsen's brand of genius at Heather Farquhar's 9th birthday slumber party. Her parents rented Airplane! for us to watch...and just like that, I was hooked on both him and his type of humor.

Reports are Mr. Nielsen passed away this evening surrounded by his wife and family members. Glad he was with his loved ones at the end.

Thanks for the laughs...you made the world a brighter place for all of us.

Reality is Setting In

2010-11-27T14:31:00.000-05:00

Packing has started.

Change of address request has been sent in to Post Office.

Had a final hair cut (for now, anyway) from my fabulous hair guy, John.

Comcast service set to be cut off Wednesday.

Several going away fiestas on the books.

A few farewell lunches are slated for the early part of the week.

Clothes I am taking in the car have been identified. Ditto for my blanket and pillows. And my office stuff.

Trip to the UPS Store Monday to ship what I don't think I can get in the car.

Bathroom stuff to be packed up Tuesday night. (And I am sure I'll be shocked to discover just how many potions and lotions I have tucked away...)

..and just like that, I'll be gone.

But I promise I won't go all Keyser Soze on you all...for, I will be back on occasion.

I promise.

Less Than a Month 'til Christmas....

2010-11-26T07:15:00.005-05:00

So, I am reposting last year's Christmas Movie Spectacular!

My Top 10 Christmas Movies

As has been previously stated, I am not so much a Christmas fan. I am more of a Groundhog Day/Halloween kinda girl. I guess I just prefer holidays that don’t illicit mass gatherings of family. Christmas is oftentimes too pressure filled for me to enjoy it. You rush, rush, rush to get everything done, to see everyone, to get to all the parties…and then, when all is said and done, you are left feeling exhausted rather than enriched. So, I’ll take a Groundhog Day brunch with a game of croquet any day over packed malls and traipsing around in the snow. And don’t even get me started on decorating. Yawn.

I do, however, enjoy my movies. So this morning on my way in, I decided to draft:

Cari’s Top 10 Christmas Flicks

Please note this will be far from the traditional list. I’ve not seen most of the Christmas Classics…and I am most proud to claim the title of, “The Only Person on Earth Who Has Never Seen ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’”. Fact – My freshman roommate in college was from Indiana, PA - hometown of one Jimmy Stewart - and her grandma actually knew him..and I still won’t watch it. (And also, I saw Ferris at 31 Flavors last night…)

Without further ado, here’s my list of personal favorites in the Christmas genre:

(Warning – there may be some spoilers below. Read at your own risk.)

10 – Elf
When this first came out, I wasn’t a huge fan. Upon subsequent viewings (courtesy to the almost constant showing of it on USA/FX/TBS) it’s grown on me. Amazes me how Will Farrell can project such wonder on his face. The scene where Buddy confronts fake Santa is classic (You stink. You smell like beef and cheese! You don't smell like Santa). As is Buddy’s attempt to ride an escalator for the first time. A new Christmas Classic indeed.

9 – The Holiday
A chick-flicky Christmakka treat. Two strangers trade houses over the holidays to get away from their lives and the associated drama therein…only to create new and different dramas on the other side of the globe. Great cast, strong writing and lovely locales. And Iris’ speech about getting over someone and on with your life is just so heartbreaking…and true..that it burns. This is a two week life swap I’d love to emulate in my own life….except I don’t think anyone is clamoring for a visit to Sandy Springs. Or the whopping 711 SF that is the Chez Cari.

8 – Trading Places
Philly at Christmas. How that town got the nickname The City of Brotherly Love is beyond me. People there aren’t always the jolliest souls. Plus it’s usually grey there all winter long…which makes it cringe-worthy, if you ask me. However, the tale of a Richie and a Con Artist swapping places…and then taking down the bastages responsible for their reversal of fortune.. is wickedly funny. If I even think, “Looking good, Billy Ray!; Feeling good, Louis!" I go into a fit of hysterics. (sidebar – how odd is it that kids today think of Eddie Murphy solely as the voice of Donkey from Shrek? From RAW to Shrek? Am I the only one saying WTF?)

7 - Home Alone
While wildly far-fetched, this story of a forgotten boy and his acceptance of his situation always makes me smile. Kevin and I have a lot in common. We are both the youngest of large families. We were both scared of the basement at one point. And I’ll be the first to admit I, too, often wished everyone would go away and leave me alone when I was little. I know I felt, “This house is so full of people it makes me sick!” on more than one occasion. (Point in case – I actually lobbied to go to boarding school…unsuccessfully, I might add). Even as an adult, I (every year) consider not traveling home for the pandemonium that is my family Christmas. But in end, I’ve yet to miss one. And I guess because like Kevin, I realize that someday I might really be all alone..and it might not be all it’s cracked up to be.

6 – While You Were Sleeping
This movie came out in the Spring of 1995..and I saw it in July at the theater. Talking about staying power at the multiplex. Perfect timing as I needed an escape from both the brutal summer heat and the brutal breakup that was on the cusp with my then soon-to-be ex-college boyfriend. Another very well written, superbly cast movie. From Grandma down to fellow Mass Transit worker, the cast hits this one out of the ballpark. Even the guy in the coma pulls his weight. My favorite line in the movie? “If you can fit in my jeans, I will kill myself!” The case for head trauma has never been more appealing.

5 – Die Hard
It’s beginning to look like chaos at Nakatomi Plaza! NYC cop comes to LA for an estranged family Christmas… and instead has to battle some cash crazy terrorists who’ve crashed the Nakatomi holiday party. And he does this while barefoot. Witty banter, Reginald Veljohnson and the effective use of "CHRISTMAS IN HOLLIS" by Run-DMC make this a seasonal must see! Favorite line (and it’s not the one you think…) –“Nine million terrorists in the world and I gotta kill one with feet smaller than my sister.” Pennsville is proud Bruce Willis!

Now this is where it’s going to get hard kids….any of these four could actually be number one on any given day….all depends on my mood. Needless to say, this is the most fluid part of the list.

4 – Christmas Vacation
Oh the good, old fashioned family Christmas! With booze. And tears. And insensitive guests. And lest we forget, the Squirrel. Riotously funny. And the details, my God! The use of the Wally World punch bowl set for Egg Nog? Genius! Whenever I am channel surfing and come upon this gem, I have to stop and ride the Griswold Christmas wave. Thank God they didn’t listen to Rusty and head to Hawaii for the holiday.

3 – Better Off Dead
For the better part of my existence I’ve been utterly draw to John Cusack..or more correctly, his characters..and this movie is the reason why. Sure, I saw and liked Say Anything but for me it all really started with Better Off Dead (or quite possibly, Sixteen Candles where he played Brice). The story of a freshly dumped semi- outsider and how he copes a) with his heartbreak, b) his crazy and out-of-it family, c) a devilish paperboy and d) all the other trials and tribulations of his high school existence. He likes frozen dinners…so naturally, his mother buys him a CASE for Christmas. He gets in a drag race with Howard Cosell obsessed Japanese brothers. And he “skis on one ski.” Lane Meyer, you are the man. And I think Beth still rues the day she let you go.

2 – The Ref
This movie puts the FUN in dysfunctional. Denis Leary in his most frayed rope role yet. Forced to take a couple hostage to get himself out of a jam, he soon discovers they bicker all the time (Great, I hijacked my f(*&^ing parents.) And then he finds out the the rest of the family is to join them later that evening. And let me tell you, when the rest of the gang (in-laws, kid, siblings) arrives, these folks make the Manson Family look like the Waltons. As my dad would say, there is a lot of “rough language” in this one, but if you can get past that I promise you will howl with laughter, “I know loan sharks who are more forgiving than you. Your husband ain't dead, lady. He's hiding.”

1 – A Christmas Story
The quest for the bb gun. The flagpole scene. The Easter bunny outfit. The Bumpus hounds. A few glimpses into why I and so many others love this movie. But for me, there is another reason. I saw this movie with my Dad in 1983 over Christmas break. My father was about the same age as Ralphie Parker during the era in which the movie is set. I remember hearing my father’s laughter in that theater like it was yesterday. I remember thinking for the first time that my dad wasn’t always my dad. That he too had, in fact, been a child once. I got to see what my father at 10 might have looked like and he got to relive some memories from his youth. And we both walked out of the theater with sore stomachs from laughing so much. Dad’s not the movie buff I am so it would be 15 years before we went to see another movie together. And that one was Titanic….a story that his father (my grandfather) remembered hearing about as a five year old who just happened to be the one who brought in the newspaper the day the story ran.

PS - You used up all the glue on purpose!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T22:47:00.000-05:00

"For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Why am I Leaving? This Sums it Up....

2010-11-24T10:14:00.000-05:00

Alan Levenson, chief economist at T. Rowe Price: "It's not even close to being a garden variety cyclical recovery."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/23/AR2010112307234.html?hpid=topnews

Have tambourine, will travel

2010-11-24T09:56:00.000-05:00

I have no idea where this guy was going...or why he might need a tambourine when he got to his destination. But my imagination has run wild with various scenarios since I encountered him on the Marta platform.

When I see something like this, I have to say, my life seems quite boring by comparison. I mean, I've traveled with a kazoo but that's not nearly as exciting.

All this instrument talk reminds me of the time I saw a guy driving a car AND practicing the trumpet at the same time....but that is another story of another day.

A Two-fer

2010-11-23T14:27:00.000-05:00

Now with German subtitles.....which you know I love since I took German last year just for fun.

Ich hoffe, Sie haben einen tollen Tag!

I'm Charm City bound as of next week

2010-11-22T21:48:00.000-05:00

One of the few songs out there about the great state of Maryland.

Maryland, I'm coming home....

I get by with a little help from my Friends - John Lennon

2010-11-22T00:20:00.000-05:00

So I had a conversation with an almost life long friend today about Facebook.

I made the comment that I only had one "friend" who I didn't know in real life when I friended him. He was a friend of a friend. Since that time, I have, in fact, had the opportunity to meet him, so now I do "know" all 355 people on my friend list.

Many of the folks on my list I've known my whole life, or dated in the past, or worked with, are old family friends, are kids I used to baby-sit and some are even my former teachers.

The point is, that by and large, these folks are in ways big and small a part of my past. And they rank high enough to make me want to take them along to my future too. Even if that future is not the rock star quality future I imagined when I was young and naive.

My friend knows all of her friends on Facebook too. All 14 of them. (I'd say her husband is lucky to have made her cut list..and so am I, for that matter.)

As we continued to discuss this, we decided there might be generational divide in the nature of how one "friends" others.

My litmus test is this: If I wouldn't stop and say hello to you in real life I won't "friend" you. Granted, I am a friendly soul (my senior superlative was Sunniest {code for friendliest}) but even I require a certain level of interaction to allow access to my mundane rantings on the 'book.

My theory is simple: If you can't engage in my real life, why do you need to be involved in my Facebook world?

As a result, more than a few folks have been relegated to the bin when they've “friended” me.

For my much younger cousins, apparently anyone who sends a request is in. Their "friends" numbers are in the thousands range. The sheer number is too exhausting for me to even contemplate.

And then my friend reminded me that I've never been about quantity....I have always been about quality.

And that she was confident that if she quizzed on my Facebook friends I would actually have something heartfelt to say about each and every one of them off the top of my head, or immediately be able to share a memory involving them, or share something unique about each and every soul listed.

I thought about what she said. And really, it’s not only true, it was also a very powerful revelation to yours truly.

So as we enter Thanksgiving week, I can’t think of anything better to be thankful than you - my wonderful friends.

We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve fought, we’ve broken up, we’ve danced in fountains, some of us have fallen in an out of love with each other, we’ve made a variety of bad choices together, we’ve experienced great losses in terms of both life and love, and for 12 of you I’ve even been in your weddings. We’ve gone on to new jobs, new towns; some have had new babies or gotten new homes. We’ve shared a mutual love for Duran Duran, or snarkiness, or crab cakes or baseball or any number of things that make up the timeless moments of our lives.

In every face I see is a memory. It may not be a perfectly perfect memory…but it’s mine to treasure. And I assure you, treasure those memories, I do.

So, dear friends, I wish each of you the most magical of Thanksgivings. And when I count my blessings, know that you are included on that list on Thanksgiving Day…and always.

I am feeling The Fray-ish this morning...

2010-11-21T11:50:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the radio silence lately....promise to get back to posting soon. Just lots of flux right now and thus lots of decisions being made. Once I have something to report, I'll post.

In the meantime, I woke up this AM and started doing some work...and lots of thinking. And then The Fray came on....so, here's something from them on this gray Sunday morning.

Jobless benefits to expire as Congress debates tax | ajc.com

2010-11-18T22:45:00.000-05:00

It's looking iffy at best whether Congress will renew jobless benefits averaging $310 per week nationwide that are presently claimed by almost 5 million people who have been out of work for more than six months.

Jobless benefits to expire as Congress debates tax | ajc.com

Empire State Building's red, white & blue salute to ... on Twitpic

2010-11-11T18:30:00.000-05:00

Empire State Building's red, white & blue salute to ... on Twitpic

Is Anyone Surprised by this Article?

2010-11-07T21:06:00.000-05:00

While the Atlanta streetcar is expected to consume $72 million in precious transportation funds, the project will have no impact on the region’s No. 1 transportation problem: traffic.

Pricey streetcar won’t ease traffic | ajc.com

Employers add 151K jobs, first gain since May | ajc.com

2010-11-05T10:20:00.000-04:00

Employers add 151K jobs, first gain since May | ajc.com

Two more rejections.....

2010-11-03T13:03:00.001-04:00

Well, I got two more rejections on the job front today. One from Habitat for Humanity and one from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. While not the answers I was hoping for it's at least nice to know the outcome.

In other news, I have an interview tomorrow morning. So today I am trying to remain calm, get my questions together and just do all I can to be prepared.

I'll let you know how it goes.

In the meantime, I'll try to remember to Just Breathe.

700 miles

2010-10-29T21:06:00.000-04:00

in two days and I've arrived in Maryland. Where it is very chilly!

Got to see some WVU friends on the way up...and even did a drive through of Wild and Wonderful West By God on the way to the homestead.

All in all, a great two days.

And now, to the Million Moderate March...which is more like the Million Moderates Milling About.
http://www.rallytorestoresanity.com/

News from DC Mass Transit

2010-10-27T15:06:00.000-04:00

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Pakistani-born man was arrested Wednesday and charged with trying to help people he believed were al-Qaeda operatives in planning to bomb subway stations around the U.S. capital, the FBI said.

The FBI said the public was never in danger because its agents were aware of the man's activities before the alleged planning took place and monitored him throughout.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-10-27-dc-metro-bomb-plots-fbi_N.htm?csp=34

Scary stuff!

When Does the Law of Averages Kick In?

2010-10-26T17:25:00.000-04:00

Here are some personal job related statistics for you folks out there that like numbers. As of today:

Positions applied for: 103

Number of responses: 26 (or 25%). I’ve interviewed for 5 wildly different positions (19%) and gotten “thanks but no thanks” letters from the other 21 (or 81%)

Number pending: 77 (or 75%). For all intents and purposes, I am figuring the majority of these outstanding applications are now dead. I'd say at best, there may be 10 remaining that ever have hope of coming to fruition. And I may be overly optimistic with this guesstimate.

With numbers like that, it’s easy to see why my spirits are a bit lower than normal of late.

The good news is that through my network, specifically Fred B, my resume made it into the hands of the hiring manager of a full-service provider of specialty products and engineering services company. They are looking for a Marketing Manager. And they are located across the street from my house. And I think this one I might actually have a good shot at landing.

This is the best news I’ve gotten in some time.

So, I’ll keep charging along and hoping for the best. Or in the words of REO Speedwagon, I’ll keep pushing on.

Because really? There is no other choice.

Chicago isn't happening

2010-10-25T14:45:00.000-04:00

I got word through the grapevine today that the job in Chicago was given to someone else. This didn't come as a huge surprise as I never felt terribly warm and fuzzy about it in the first place.

That said, I do think it's odd that I haven't received a rejection letter or even a rejection email from the company. They flew me out for an interview so it seems odd to me they wouldn't at least drop a Dear Jane letter in the mail to me.

So, back to square one on the job hunt.

In other news, I went to Unemployment on Friday and found out that it appears my Unemployment coverage is going to max out on Friday, December 3. I remain hopeful that I'll find something permanent before than, but with more layoffs here in Atlanta just last week I think I need to mentally prepare for the worst.

Next week I have an interview in Baltimore. If this position doesn't pan out I am coming back to Georgia and will attempt to get a seasonal position somewhere...and also work the night shift at UPS. I'll do this until the first of the year or so, at which time I will then re-engage in the full blown job search.

After months and months of searching I think I need a break from the job hunt merry-go-round. And if I can make my bills doing seasonal and night shift work, I think it's in my best interest to do so for awhile.

ROAD TRIP

2010-10-24T15:00:00.000-04:00

Have to be in Baltimore next week for an interview. So, I've decided to head up early. Going to visit friends on the way up in NC and will arrive in Maryland just in time to attend this on Saturday: http://www.rallytorestoresanity.com/

If you have suggestions for something I can paint on my car window to let others know where I am headed, please post them in the comments section. I know tt's not Woodstock but it's something.

And as a bonus, I am taking the "Fall foliage" route home...so I should get some good photos along the way too. Will be sure to post any decent color shots I capture on the way.

http://www.acmewebpages.com/midi/roadtrip.wav

Early Voting Locations for Georgia Voters

2010-10-23T14:54:00.000-04:00

If you are going to be out of town on election day...or if you just want to avoid the crowds, hit the link to find an early voting location close to you!

http://sos.ga.gov/elections/CountyContacts/AdvanceVotingDisplay.aspx

People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote -- a very different thing - William H. Judd

Deadly Handsome Men

2010-10-23T02:44:00.000-04:00

This compilation always cracks me up!

The Twitter Gadget on the Blog is Broken....

2010-10-22T13:31:00.001-04:00

And it doesn't appear Blogger has any intention of fixing it any time soon.

If you are on Twitter and care to follow me, I can be found under @MassTransitChik.

Here's hoping you and yours have a great weekend!

Read about the Issues, Think about them for a while, and Vote as you See Fit

2010-10-22T11:27:00.001-04:00

Georgia has just HALF of the trauma centers needed to serve its citizens.

On November 2, you can help remedy this situation.

http://www.yes2savelives.com/

The Yes 2 Save Lives Campaign represents concerned citizens, safety and community advocates, health care providers, local governments, and the business community. Our goal is to get Georgia voters to say “Yes on Ballot Amendment 2” in the Nov. 2 election – to approve a constitutional amendment for an annual $10 car registration fee. Funds would be directly used to provide a dedicated funding source to improve and expand the trauma care system across the state.

Vernacular is Spectular

2010-10-22T08:16:00.002-04:00

Since I have so much free time these days I've focused my efforts on getting a word into the Urban Dictionary.

I got word (no pun intended) this week I finally made it! If you're curious to know what said word is, hit the link

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=FOB%20(Future%20Other%20Betty)