So, it was "Spring Forward Sunday" this past weekend in the UK. The time change doesn't occur in the States until this coming weekend.
Now, it wouldn't be much of an issue for me if that were all I had to worry about, but (during working hours, at least) I'm going to need to consult this site almost daily through April to be sure I've got the right time noted for people around the world.
Seriously...I think we just need to drop the whole thing. Can't we all just pick a time and stick with it!??
27 March 2006
24 March 2006
i got caught
So...the lift in my block of flats that takes me down to the basement is lined on one full wall with mirrors. I have no idea why this is the case. However, it often affords me one last check on how the cute factor is rating when I'm headed out to greet the public.
Yesterday, I had to run an errand that required transport via Stella...so I was heading down, doing my normal check...and was feeling pretty cute, actually. So I gave myself a little wink. And then I thought "Hey...I'm better at the wink than I thought I was" (it used to involve my whole face, now it's really a lot more like a wink). So I did it again, and was cracking myself up in there...and then it happened.
I had reached the basement a lot more quickly than I realized, and as the door opened, some unknown and totally HOT guy was standing there watching me. NIGHTMARE!
Now, why, I ask, does Providence allow for things like this to happen? I mean...I NEVER see anyone in the lifts, so why, on this particular day when I'm being a complete idiot, do I have to "meet" the hottest guy who lives in my building and want to curl up in the fetal position in horror? It just ain't right, people!
Yesterday, I had to run an errand that required transport via Stella...so I was heading down, doing my normal check...and was feeling pretty cute, actually. So I gave myself a little wink. And then I thought "Hey...I'm better at the wink than I thought I was" (it used to involve my whole face, now it's really a lot more like a wink). So I did it again, and was cracking myself up in there...and then it happened.
I had reached the basement a lot more quickly than I realized, and as the door opened, some unknown and totally HOT guy was standing there watching me. NIGHTMARE!
Now, why, I ask, does Providence allow for things like this to happen? I mean...I NEVER see anyone in the lifts, so why, on this particular day when I'm being a complete idiot, do I have to "meet" the hottest guy who lives in my building and want to curl up in the fetal position in horror? It just ain't right, people!
22 March 2006
heehaw
Through the ever-educational medium of "spell-check", I learned today that "heehaw" is much more than my grandparents' favorite 80s television show.
It is, in fact, a legitimate word:
hee·haw (n.)
How fun is THAT?
It is, in fact, a legitimate word:
hee·haw (n.)
- The braying sound made by a donkey.
- Informal. A noisy laugh; a guffaw.
- To bray.
- Informal. To guffaw.
How fun is THAT?
20 March 2006
on record in Paris and Dublin
Another round of friends visiting...another trip full of "trip phrases" and inside jokes that only the ones who were here will ever fully "get"! Oh, the hardships of expatriate (thanks, Mike!) living!
Susan, Debbie and Paige were here for an extended weekend in London, and then we left for a few days in Paris, followed by a few days in Dublin to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!
As much as we all know I love Scotland, I have to admit that St. Patty's in Dublin was full of a lot more "local flavor" than New Year's Eve in Edinburgh. It's now abundantly clear to me that everyone should visit Ireland at least once in their life, and I'm already considering booking for next year's festivities!
If you're into the pictures, check these out. (They look best when viewed as a "Slideshow".)
Susan, Debbie and Paige were here for an extended weekend in London, and then we left for a few days in Paris, followed by a few days in Dublin to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!
As much as we all know I love Scotland, I have to admit that St. Patty's in Dublin was full of a lot more "local flavor" than New Year's Eve in Edinburgh. It's now abundantly clear to me that everyone should visit Ireland at least once in their life, and I'm already considering booking for next year's festivities!
If you're into the pictures, check these out. (They look best when viewed as a "Slideshow".)
and now for a word from our sponsor
We here at The Proverbial Record do sincerely apologize for any disruption to your preferred leisure reading activities caused by the Record Keeper's recent (and unannounced) vacation.
We would like to report that the Record Keeper has returned to headquarters and will resume her stated duties effective immediately.
A proper posting to this service is expected to occur within 24 hours, but we reserve the right to allow the Record Keeper to ease back into her role comfortably, and do not wish to cause her any undue stress (although we are sure her readers are a bit more than impatient to hear about her recent adventures in Paris and Dublin).
Thank you for your patience.
Sincerely,
The Management
We would like to report that the Record Keeper has returned to headquarters and will resume her stated duties effective immediately.
A proper posting to this service is expected to occur within 24 hours, but we reserve the right to allow the Record Keeper to ease back into her role comfortably, and do not wish to cause her any undue stress (although we are sure her readers are a bit more than impatient to hear about her recent adventures in Paris and Dublin).
Thank you for your patience.
Sincerely,
The Management
10 March 2006
top 5 things people are/have/leave: #5
Today's topic: legacy
legacy (n): Something handed down from an ancestor or a predecessor or from the past.
I guess we all leave a legacy one way or another, so the thing in question is what kind of legacy we will leave. There are some people whose life work is to leave a legacy of their name or fame. Others a legacy of riches for their family or even their favorite charity or academic society. The list is endless.
Me? I want to leave a legacy of love. I don't care if people remember my name, or if they know who I loved, or even that I was bent on leaving such a legacy. I just want to leave a greater sense of love impressed in the lives of those I've known, such that their lives are more full of it, and it overflows from them onto others.
I had the humbling opportunity to speak at my grandfather's funeral a few years ago, and the only thing I could really say about him was that this is exactly what he did. I talked about a few different areas of his life where love was most evident...and how that love had been passed on to those he'd left behind. I'm SURE that most people have long forgotten the specifics of any stories I told, but my hope was that they would walk away thinking about what kind of legacy they want to leave...and that's what happened to me in the process. Many people will never know the love my grandfather had, they won't know his name or what he did for a living. But if anyone sees love in me...they've seen a little bit of him.
legacy (n): Something handed down from an ancestor or a predecessor or from the past.
I guess we all leave a legacy one way or another, so the thing in question is what kind of legacy we will leave. There are some people whose life work is to leave a legacy of their name or fame. Others a legacy of riches for their family or even their favorite charity or academic society. The list is endless.
Me? I want to leave a legacy of love. I don't care if people remember my name, or if they know who I loved, or even that I was bent on leaving such a legacy. I just want to leave a greater sense of love impressed in the lives of those I've known, such that their lives are more full of it, and it overflows from them onto others.
I had the humbling opportunity to speak at my grandfather's funeral a few years ago, and the only thing I could really say about him was that this is exactly what he did. I talked about a few different areas of his life where love was most evident...and how that love had been passed on to those he'd left behind. I'm SURE that most people have long forgotten the specifics of any stories I told, but my hope was that they would walk away thinking about what kind of legacy they want to leave...and that's what happened to me in the process. Many people will never know the love my grandfather had, they won't know his name or what he did for a living. But if anyone sees love in me...they've seen a little bit of him.
09 March 2006
top 5 things people are/have/leave: #4
Today's topic: sincerity
sincere (adj)
It may seem like this one 'goes without saying', but I think it's important to call to notice. None of the qualities I've pointed out over the week really matter if they're not coupled with sincerity. There are far too many people in this world who recognize that others value these sort of characteristics...and the world is FULL of actors (they're not just confined to Hollywood or NYC). Sure, most of the time, you can recognize the 'actors' from the real thing, but this usually comes with time.
I won't elaborate, as I think it's sufficient to point it out for the sake of pause...and all I'm really saying is that whatever you are, do, say, think: just mean it.
sincere (adj)
- Not feigned or affected; genuine: sincere indignation.
- Being without hypocrisy or pretense; true: a sincere friend.
- Archaic. Pure; unadulterated.
It may seem like this one 'goes without saying', but I think it's important to call to notice. None of the qualities I've pointed out over the week really matter if they're not coupled with sincerity. There are far too many people in this world who recognize that others value these sort of characteristics...and the world is FULL of actors (they're not just confined to Hollywood or NYC). Sure, most of the time, you can recognize the 'actors' from the real thing, but this usually comes with time.
I won't elaborate, as I think it's sufficient to point it out for the sake of pause...and all I'm really saying is that whatever you are, do, say, think: just mean it.
08 March 2006
top 5 things people are/have/leave: #3
Today's topic: Thankfulness
thankful (adj.)
Now, this might seem a trite quality, put next to the humility and diplomacy I've been talking about over the last two days. However, I think it is vitally important!
Obviously, the key here is to EXPRESS our gratitude. To FEEL thankful is not necessarily to BE thankful. When people express their gratitude, it breaks down walls (whether they be between strangers or friends or even family members), it opens up communication. Thankfulness builds relationship.
If I'm thankful only in my heart, the person who washed my coffee cup at the office will never know...and I may have stifled all sorts of unrealized possibilities for that relationship. Maybe she will think I'm assumptive, and decide to wash it again to see if I just missed her gesture, or if I'm really that much of a snob. And then, when I keep my thankful feeling to myself, I have confirmed her suspicion. Now she'll never wash my coffee cup again, and that relationship is (possibly) in a questionable state. Well, maybe I didn't know who washed my cup. Sure. That's fair, but I can chat it up in the kitchen with others..."Somebody keeps washing my coffee cup for me...that is just so nice!" and possibly the do-gooder will come forward or be named by someone else, and can then be properly thanked. That means a lot to people. More than they even realize, I'd bet.
This may seem like a ridiculous example, but I don't think so. I believe it's all about the details...the little things in life really do matter. And I'm sure we can all apply the same idea to all sorts of other daily situations.
Incidentally, I find that my joy or delight over something isn't really complete until it's been expressed...another major argument for getting that thankfulness out there!
thankful (adj.)
- Aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful.
- Expressive of gratitude: a thankful smile.
Now, this might seem a trite quality, put next to the humility and diplomacy I've been talking about over the last two days. However, I think it is vitally important!
Obviously, the key here is to EXPRESS our gratitude. To FEEL thankful is not necessarily to BE thankful. When people express their gratitude, it breaks down walls (whether they be between strangers or friends or even family members), it opens up communication. Thankfulness builds relationship.
If I'm thankful only in my heart, the person who washed my coffee cup at the office will never know...and I may have stifled all sorts of unrealized possibilities for that relationship. Maybe she will think I'm assumptive, and decide to wash it again to see if I just missed her gesture, or if I'm really that much of a snob. And then, when I keep my thankful feeling to myself, I have confirmed her suspicion. Now she'll never wash my coffee cup again, and that relationship is (possibly) in a questionable state. Well, maybe I didn't know who washed my cup. Sure. That's fair, but I can chat it up in the kitchen with others..."Somebody keeps washing my coffee cup for me...that is just so nice!" and possibly the do-gooder will come forward or be named by someone else, and can then be properly thanked. That means a lot to people. More than they even realize, I'd bet.
This may seem like a ridiculous example, but I don't think so. I believe it's all about the details...the little things in life really do matter. And I'm sure we can all apply the same idea to all sorts of other daily situations.
Incidentally, I find that my joy or delight over something isn't really complete until it's been expressed...another major argument for getting that thankfulness out there!
07 March 2006
top 5 things people are/have/leave: #2
Today's topic: humility
humility (n) - a disposition to be humble; a lack of false pride.
humble (adj) -
"I long to accomplish a great and noble tasks, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker." -Helen Keller
(Now, there's a great advertisement for pursuing excellence in everything we do...for "working as unto the Lord" as Paul says.)
The reason a humble spirit is so striking is because it takes effort to achieve it...it's not a natural state for the human condition. To truly put off pride also requires that we embrace, or put on humility.
I love the way Spurgeon says it...he defined humility as, "(making) a right estimate of one’s self." And let's be honest, shall we? If it weren't for God's involvement in my life, I'd NEVER have a right estimate of myself!
humility (n) - a disposition to be humble; a lack of false pride.
humble (adj) -
- Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.
- Showing deferential or submissive respect: a humble apology.
- Low in rank, quality, or station; unpretentious or lowly: a humble cottage.
"I long to accomplish a great and noble tasks, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker." -Helen Keller
(Now, there's a great advertisement for pursuing excellence in everything we do...for "working as unto the Lord" as Paul says.)
The reason a humble spirit is so striking is because it takes effort to achieve it...it's not a natural state for the human condition. To truly put off pride also requires that we embrace, or put on humility.
I love the way Spurgeon says it...he defined humility as, "(making) a right estimate of one’s self." And let's be honest, shall we? If it weren't for God's involvement in my life, I'd NEVER have a right estimate of myself!
06 March 2006
sidebar: "bad rap"
Now, is it:
"bad rap", "bad rep", or "bad wrap" ?
I can see an argument for all of the above, actually...but I'm wondering what the proper saying is, colloquially speaking.
(And I'm almost certain it's not "bad wrap".)
"bad rap", "bad rep", or "bad wrap" ?
I can see an argument for all of the above, actually...but I'm wondering what the proper saying is, colloquially speaking.
(And I'm almost certain it's not "bad wrap".)
top 5 things people are/have/leave: #1
I've been thinking a lot about what I value in my fellow peoplekind...thought I'd write a bit about a few things that have struck me in days/weeks/months gone by...
Fingers crossed, I'll make it to #5 by Friday.
Today's topic: Diplomacy
I think this word gets a bad rap...but it's such a wonderful quality to have, in sincerity. Most people would use 'tact' in it's place. Either is essentially at the heart of denoting "the ability to deal with others with skill, sensitivity, and finesse", but there are slight differences. Tact implies propriety and the ability to speak or act unoffensively, whereas diplomacy goes a bit further and implies adroit management of difficult situations. I like the additional connotation implied with diplomacy.
And here's why: we are such a conflict-avoidant society that we have grown far apart from our neighbors and loved ones and tend to just 'call it off' in relationships when we face even a reasonable amount conflict. I think we'd all be MUCH better off if we could learn to sharpen each other with gentle-but-poignant words instead of the more-often-seen extremes of either 'the silent treatment' or just being downright MEAN to each other.
I'd have to say that I don't know too many people that fall to either extreme, but I only know a few who I'd say have a very good grasp on this little word. I submit that Don Munton and Catha Duck possess this quality in abundance. Some would say it's because of their jobs...but I think it's a quality for the masses.
Fingers crossed, I'll make it to #5 by Friday.
Today's topic: Diplomacy
I think this word gets a bad rap...but it's such a wonderful quality to have, in sincerity. Most people would use 'tact' in it's place. Either is essentially at the heart of denoting "the ability to deal with others with skill, sensitivity, and finesse", but there are slight differences. Tact implies propriety and the ability to speak or act unoffensively, whereas diplomacy goes a bit further and implies adroit management of difficult situations. I like the additional connotation implied with diplomacy.
And here's why: we are such a conflict-avoidant society that we have grown far apart from our neighbors and loved ones and tend to just 'call it off' in relationships when we face even a reasonable amount conflict. I think we'd all be MUCH better off if we could learn to sharpen each other with gentle-but-poignant words instead of the more-often-seen extremes of either 'the silent treatment' or just being downright MEAN to each other.
I'd have to say that I don't know too many people that fall to either extreme, but I only know a few who I'd say have a very good grasp on this little word. I submit that Don Munton and Catha Duck possess this quality in abundance. Some would say it's because of their jobs...but I think it's a quality for the masses.
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