I've had a lot of time today to devote to my internal dialogue of random and useless thinking as United's flight plans have been a bit "mussed." United and I need to have a chat - I was bumped from my 1st [direct] flight, the 1st portion of my rescheduled flight was ok, the 2nd portion of my rescheduled original flight was cancelled, I was bumped from my rescheduled 2nd portion, and my re-re-scheduled 2nd portion has been delayed 4 hours... 4 different problems, and YES, I'm counting. I digress.
In all this spare time, I have given some thought to Tennis and other sports people enjoy. I've come to the conclusion that there are 3 general categories people fall into with regards to Sports People Like to Play.
a) People who like Tennis,
b) People who don't like Tennis, and
c) People who don't like sports
I belong to the second category. Now, I'm not sure if this is a throw-back to the controlling, narcissistic PE teacher I had in 10th grade and her desire to Force tennis onto people, but I do NOT like tennis. Its closer, really, to abhoring it. I don't like all that tennis stands for, nor is a particularly interesting and fun sport to play.
Plus, who names a score "Love"?
Friday, March 2, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Spanglish-Italiano-What?
Coming to Spain/Catalonia, I was nervous about handling the language barrier. I didn't trust my knowledge of Spanish to be good enough to get around, much less having any kind of knowledge of Catalan, the language local to Barcelona. Before leaving, I was quite focused on my initial week in Spain, thus, Italy was not really on my mind – much less learning or understanding the Italian language.
When I arrived in Barcelona, I found early on the language to be a struggle, but I could form sentences. Surprisingly, I was able to understand about 20% of Spanish at "regular" speed, and around 50-80% at a slower speed or with repetition, even more. I felt a combination of embarrassment that I didn't know or understand more, and pleased that I obviously knew more than enough to get around, ask for and understand directions, order meals, make purchases, and have very basic conversations. I have to say I tried hard and I think I was respected a bit for it, though those that I was speaking to would usually switch to English when they heard my broken Spanish… This was a relief, but I also wasn't crazy about the switch since it didn't force me to understand as much. Before the week was over, I remembered how to do past tense and present perfect (the "-ings") – neither of which I could remember prior to heading over there.
Then I got to Italy.
Italy was a bit different. I have no background whatsoever in Italian, though I can manage a handful of words; Hardly enough to get around the city. I should have been more prepared. I did pick up a few words here and there that I didn't know before (to manage directions and meals, primarily) since English is not as prevalent in Rome as it is in Barcelona. Still, I understood a few things fresh off the boat (plane, whatever) – A guy asked me if I needed any help (in Italian) while I was getting myself and Amy lost attempting to find our hotel. When I said "No, grazie", he persisted with much more Italian than I could handle… Haha. I appreciate his attempt at helpfulness, but I didn't know how else to respond except with the same "No, grazie". At that point, he realized my Italian was limited nearly to those two words.
[Note to Self: It does not make someone very effective at getting around if all you can say is "No, thanks". And, ok, I knew a bit more: Buongiorno, ciao, vino, and a few choice words/phrases that may not have been the best way to start a conversation in Italian, but not nearly enough to be convenient or liked.]
Getting back to my story… So he realizes I'm clueless when it comes to Italian. I'm responding with Si and some warped combination of what little Italian I do know, Spanish, and when all else fails, English. It was really more of a Spanglish-Italiano mess. I cannot imagine this was particularly useful to me or anyone attempting to speak with me, but when flustered, I was just going with the words I knew in the language closest in proximity to where I was. So, Italian first, Spanish second, and English third. I'm not sure what I was thinking. Fortunately, "yes" is "si" in both Spanish and Italian! One more word to add to my list of Italian words I understood! But at the beginning, I did only think my "si" was Spanish… And I think English is a more common language here than Spanish, but again, that flustered thing would come into play….
But again, I digress. What I did get in response to him was obviously a displeased lecture. And although I don't know Italian, I did pick up that he thought that I should know Italian if I was in Italy and leave the Portuguese (?) and English to when I was in the appropriate country. I'm still not sure where the Portuguese came from, but that's neither here nor there. I was lectured for not knowing Italian within an hour of being in the country. Lesson here: Know at least some of the language prior to entering a country.
Now that I'm nearing the end of my trip, I have managed to pick up directions and can order a few things off of a menu in Italian. I know I can get around pretty well in Spanish and understanding Spanish wasn't a problem. Reading is probably the easiest form of communication in both Spanish and Italian - I can read to you the advertisements and billboards I passed on all my bus rides! Definitely an improvement from where I started, at least in Italy.
Two goals have resulted from this experience:
Learn a second (third, fourth?!) language fluently. Most probably, my second will be Spanish, noting where I currently reside.
Make sure I know enough of the language to at least get around a bit, next time I visit a foreign country.
When I arrived in Barcelona, I found early on the language to be a struggle, but I could form sentences. Surprisingly, I was able to understand about 20% of Spanish at "regular" speed, and around 50-80% at a slower speed or with repetition, even more. I felt a combination of embarrassment that I didn't know or understand more, and pleased that I obviously knew more than enough to get around, ask for and understand directions, order meals, make purchases, and have very basic conversations. I have to say I tried hard and I think I was respected a bit for it, though those that I was speaking to would usually switch to English when they heard my broken Spanish… This was a relief, but I also wasn't crazy about the switch since it didn't force me to understand as much. Before the week was over, I remembered how to do past tense and present perfect (the "-ings") – neither of which I could remember prior to heading over there.
Then I got to Italy.
Italy was a bit different. I have no background whatsoever in Italian, though I can manage a handful of words; Hardly enough to get around the city. I should have been more prepared. I did pick up a few words here and there that I didn't know before (to manage directions and meals, primarily) since English is not as prevalent in Rome as it is in Barcelona. Still, I understood a few things fresh off the boat (plane, whatever) – A guy asked me if I needed any help (in Italian) while I was getting myself and Amy lost attempting to find our hotel. When I said "No, grazie", he persisted with much more Italian than I could handle… Haha. I appreciate his attempt at helpfulness, but I didn't know how else to respond except with the same "No, grazie". At that point, he realized my Italian was limited nearly to those two words.
[Note to Self: It does not make someone very effective at getting around if all you can say is "No, thanks". And, ok, I knew a bit more: Buongiorno, ciao, vino, and a few choice words/phrases that may not have been the best way to start a conversation in Italian, but not nearly enough to be convenient or liked.]
Getting back to my story… So he realizes I'm clueless when it comes to Italian. I'm responding with Si and some warped combination of what little Italian I do know, Spanish, and when all else fails, English. It was really more of a Spanglish-Italiano mess. I cannot imagine this was particularly useful to me or anyone attempting to speak with me, but when flustered, I was just going with the words I knew in the language closest in proximity to where I was. So, Italian first, Spanish second, and English third. I'm not sure what I was thinking. Fortunately, "yes" is "si" in both Spanish and Italian! One more word to add to my list of Italian words I understood! But at the beginning, I did only think my "si" was Spanish… And I think English is a more common language here than Spanish, but again, that flustered thing would come into play….
But again, I digress. What I did get in response to him was obviously a displeased lecture. And although I don't know Italian, I did pick up that he thought that I should know Italian if I was in Italy and leave the Portuguese (?) and English to when I was in the appropriate country. I'm still not sure where the Portuguese came from, but that's neither here nor there. I was lectured for not knowing Italian within an hour of being in the country. Lesson here: Know at least some of the language prior to entering a country.
Now that I'm nearing the end of my trip, I have managed to pick up directions and can order a few things off of a menu in Italian. I know I can get around pretty well in Spanish and understanding Spanish wasn't a problem. Reading is probably the easiest form of communication in both Spanish and Italian - I can read to you the advertisements and billboards I passed on all my bus rides! Definitely an improvement from where I started, at least in Italy.
Two goals have resulted from this experience:
Learn a second (third, fourth?!) language fluently. Most probably, my second will be Spanish, noting where I currently reside.
Make sure I know enough of the language to at least get around a bit, next time I visit a foreign country.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Barcelona & Roma: Observations and Lessons Learned
I've spent a lot of time over the last week or so enjoying Barcelona and Roma and have run into so many things that make you open your eyes and realize how different things are around the world. I am absolutely, 100%, capital 'L' - Loving my adventure - every minute of it, even in the rain and cold... :) I want to make sure I remember things about my trip, so I've been keeping notes (yes, I'm a dork) and thought I'd open a few of my thoughts and quirky items I've come across to my friends. This is a work in progress, so I'll be updating as I have time and an internet connection.
1. Never drive in Rome. The Italians may trick you with their lane lines into thinking they drive very obediently like the rest of europe. These lane lines are purely for asthetic reasons and nothing else. They are crazier drivers than i have EVER seen. But, they seem to do this all very safely (I'm not sure how there aren't wrecks every 20 meters)....
2. Crosswalks in Rome: Interesting concept if you're at all used to mmm, well, anywhere else. Drivers here pretend they don't see you and will run you down even when you're in a valid and very legal crosswalk. The trick to crossing streets is to just close your eyes and walk. They will screetch to a halt only if you challenge them by stepping into the street AND keep walking. The initial step or two will not encourage them in any way whatsoever to slow, pause, or stop for you. Think of it as a game very similar to 'chicken', but with unequal weapons (car v. foot).
3. Never trust the weather report in Rome. They must do their weather reports the same way they drive - It's going to be 20 C and sunny... No! 12 C and rainy... No! 18 C and windy.... Haha. I've learned to be prepared for everything, no matter what they say.
4. Barcelona is one of the cleanest and ordered cities I've ever been to. The Plaça Catalunya (near where I was staying) has a huge square that is so shiny and clean it can easily be mistaken for ice. No kidding! Roma is nearly the opposite it some ways. The subways are grafitti'd (is that an Italian word?) and I wonder how such a great people could let the city and ancient ruins be marred the way they are. I suppose you get used to 2000 year old buildings if you live here? (And I even saw 2000 year old grafitti at the Colleseum)!
5. Food is unbelievably good, both in Spain/Catalan and Roma. It has put American food to shame at nearly every meal I've had, including breakfast and snacks. I'm determined to learn a few recipes... Specifically a yummy pasta I'm returning to have a 2nd time today... Be on the watchout for New Meals by Amanda, for those of you that have the benefit of enjoying my cooking.
6. I spent a few hours at the Basillica di San Peitro (St. Peter's Basillica) today. It was a bit of a last minute decision - I was on the bus heading to the Castel San Angelo and when the doors opened for the Basillica stop, I jumped off, thinking it would be a quick jaunt prior to the Castel visit, which I'd heard has an amazing view from the top. And I got extremely lucky and was in the ''square'' right when the Pope came out for a speech. Crazy. I need a better camera.... I then went up to the Cupola of the Basillica, ran out of film, but saw some of the most amazing views you could imagine. Standing basically on the roof of a huge cathedral looking out over ruins and buildings 1000s of years old... It's worth a visit.
7. In Barcelona, I had the opportunity to walk through Gaudì's most triumphant building - La Sagrada Familia. This cathedral is amazing... very modern, colorful, and obviously drawn on nature in every bit of its architecture. It's still in the process of being built - 8 of the 12 spires are erected, and they expect the building to be completed at some point in the future, after 100 years of building it thus far. It is anything but traditional. There have been comments made that Gaudì must have been on drugs it is so far out there. I don't mean to imply it isn't beautiful - its definitely is beautiful, especially after you see some of Gaudì's drawings and initial erections. Everything he imagined and created is taken from nature, from the columns and ceilings made to look like trees with umbrellas of leaves, to the basket of oranges at the top of one of the spires. And yes, they are orange. Like I said - anything but traditional.
8. I could live in Barcelona. Big city, little town. Do I have to come back to the US?
9. OK, I have to comment on the keyboards, as its been troublesome trying to learn where keys I use often are located (parentheses, question marks, apostrophes, etc...). I think I may have issues going back to the American standard after a week of my fingers being trained that the apostrophe is next to the 0 instead of next to the L.
10. The Barcelona architecture is amazing. I know, I'm using that word a lot, but trust me on it. I mean it. It's very Mediterranean. Shutters, big windows, flowers, plants in every balcony... *really, do I have to come back?*
11. Take the random English Speaking tours in Rome. They may be on the expensive side for some, but they are definitely worth it. I've learned more history in the last few days than I think I learned through all of my formal education.
12. Signs. I'm so amused at the pictures that are used for typical signage around public places. You know, the no shouting, no grafitti, exit (I can say that word in 5 languages now), etc. signs.... I have some pictures that I'll be posting at some point.
TBC
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Worst pick-up line ever....
"I love the way you talk. I know pretty people. You can call me and I'll teach you salsa! I can do 50 push ups. You should really call me."
That's right... I am serious. This was how some guy at a restaurant decided to try picking me up.
HAHA!
That's right... I am serious. This was how some guy at a restaurant decided to try picking me up.
HAHA!
Sunday, November 26, 2006
"One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." – Henry Miller
I've been traveling quite a bit lately - and totally enjoying it. Although ending up semi-exhausted at the end of each, traveling is well worth it. Mr. Miller has it right: It always ends up as a learning experience; Seeing things in a new light, whether you're visiting far away lands or just going to visit old friends. I love the expansion of mind and soul that follows a good trip. And the bad ones too... when it comes down to it.The last few weeks have been a string of travels for me.
The last month has included Washington, Oregon, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, and a brief drive through New Hampshire to get to Maine. A second trip to Albuquerque and a second trip to Seattle are coming in the next 2 weeks, and then back to the East Coast (New York and Virginia) for 2 weeks around Christmas/New Years. ... Call if I'm in the area!
The latest trip was to Seattle, WA/Portland, OR, which allowed me the chance to visit with a good friend that moved away and deep fry a turkey for his family and friends --- My first attempt at such a thing, and it turned out exceptionally well, I must say! (I didn't burn, scorch, or otherwise mutilate the turkey or anything else - quite a feat for me, and I suspect those of you that know me well would agree). :) I hope to have pictures from my cooking extravaganza posted soon.
It was fantastic to spend the Thanksgiving holiday having fun cooking and playing (read: losing) Trivial Pursuit with a group of happy, laughing, people. I also drove down to Portland, primarily for a concert, though Powell's Bookstore, the largest bookstore ever, did manage to snag me for a while. I love the smell of bookstores. The musty, dry, papery smell soaks me up. I will wander for hours in bookstores, if allowed. But I digress...
The concert I went to was Ozomatli, and honestly, one of the best concerts to which I've ever been. The opening act was downright poor - they couldn't get the sound right, they weren't energetic or in touch with the crowd... But when Ozo came on, they were alive! Jumping around, obviously enjoying themselves on stage, and thus, the crowd was in love. Ozo is a band too difficult to explain with a simple sentence. They encompass everything from big band, to salsa, to hip hop, to a reggae island sound, complete with bongos, steel drums, a trombone, trumpet, maracas, a tambourine, and rapping. They hopped off the stage at the end and played songs in the middle of the crowd, which was amazing. The ability to have a large room full of people packed in jump together, crouch on the ground together, and yell together is an incredible thing to be a part of and see. Its amazing to me that people can garner that much influence over a group. Ozo then formed a train, and, all the while playing, wove themselves in and out of the crowd with the floor threatening to fall open to below from the incessant crashing of the jumping fans.
I haven't been to a better concert in a long while. If you have the chance to see this band, DO IT!
I'm going again this week in San Francisco, possibly to Santa Cruz the following weekend as well... They're too good to pass up, and still relatively inexpensive to see. Anyone that wants to join is definitely welcome!
The last month has included Washington, Oregon, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, and a brief drive through New Hampshire to get to Maine. A second trip to Albuquerque and a second trip to Seattle are coming in the next 2 weeks, and then back to the East Coast (New York and Virginia) for 2 weeks around Christmas/New Years. ... Call if I'm in the area!
The latest trip was to Seattle, WA/Portland, OR, which allowed me the chance to visit with a good friend that moved away and deep fry a turkey for his family and friends --- My first attempt at such a thing, and it turned out exceptionally well, I must say! (I didn't burn, scorch, or otherwise mutilate the turkey or anything else - quite a feat for me, and I suspect those of you that know me well would agree). :) I hope to have pictures from my cooking extravaganza posted soon.
It was fantastic to spend the Thanksgiving holiday having fun cooking and playing (read: losing) Trivial Pursuit with a group of happy, laughing, people. I also drove down to Portland, primarily for a concert, though Powell's Bookstore, the largest bookstore ever, did manage to snag me for a while. I love the smell of bookstores. The musty, dry, papery smell soaks me up. I will wander for hours in bookstores, if allowed. But I digress...
The concert I went to was Ozomatli, and honestly, one of the best concerts to which I've ever been. The opening act was downright poor - they couldn't get the sound right, they weren't energetic or in touch with the crowd... But when Ozo came on, they were alive! Jumping around, obviously enjoying themselves on stage, and thus, the crowd was in love. Ozo is a band too difficult to explain with a simple sentence. They encompass everything from big band, to salsa, to hip hop, to a reggae island sound, complete with bongos, steel drums, a trombone, trumpet, maracas, a tambourine, and rapping. They hopped off the stage at the end and played songs in the middle of the crowd, which was amazing. The ability to have a large room full of people packed in jump together, crouch on the ground together, and yell together is an incredible thing to be a part of and see. Its amazing to me that people can garner that much influence over a group. Ozo then formed a train, and, all the while playing, wove themselves in and out of the crowd with the floor threatening to fall open to below from the incessant crashing of the jumping fans.
I haven't been to a better concert in a long while. If you have the chance to see this band, DO IT!
I'm going again this week in San Francisco, possibly to Santa Cruz the following weekend as well... They're too good to pass up, and still relatively inexpensive to see. Anyone that wants to join is definitely welcome!
Saturday, November 18, 2006
A few thoughts on changes, being affected, and kidneys.
Getting it out on paper... or written, anyhow. Just some running thoughts....
1. I like Ricky's blog
Would you donate your kidney to me? Would I donate mine to you? Hmmm...
2. As I've been away from California (arguably, home) for the majority of the past few weeks, I'm realizing some differences to *me* versus who I have been in certain periods of the last few years. Its said that hind sight is 20/20. I think its closer to 20/40. Either way, it's an interesting emotional process to look back at who you have been and who you are today and actually be able to pick out differences that are so significant, you almost wonder if you're the same person at all.
The reason I bring this up is because this past week I've felt more like the person from 3 years ago than I remember feeling in all of the past 2 years combined. I miss this person.
3. A question: Why on earth do we (ok, I) subject ourselves to things that we know will hurt us? And I'm not talking about anything big, just the small stuff. I'm talking about knowing a certain movie, song, etc. will throw you back somewhere - and literally, it does feel like someone's up and thrown you against a wall - and yet, you can't somehow tear yourself away. What is that?! Is this some quirk that I have; forcing myself to re-live this? Am I dousing myself in this, hoping and waiting for it to not affect me anymore? Or is it wanting to wallow, or thinking I deserve to re-live the awfulness over and over, or something else?
Seriously! What is that about?!
1. I like Ricky's blog
Would you donate your kidney to me? Would I donate mine to you? Hmmm...
2. As I've been away from California (arguably, home) for the majority of the past few weeks, I'm realizing some differences to *me* versus who I have been in certain periods of the last few years. Its said that hind sight is 20/20. I think its closer to 20/40. Either way, it's an interesting emotional process to look back at who you have been and who you are today and actually be able to pick out differences that are so significant, you almost wonder if you're the same person at all.
The reason I bring this up is because this past week I've felt more like the person from 3 years ago than I remember feeling in all of the past 2 years combined. I miss this person.
3. A question: Why on earth do we (ok, I) subject ourselves to things that we know will hurt us? And I'm not talking about anything big, just the small stuff. I'm talking about knowing a certain movie, song, etc. will throw you back somewhere - and literally, it does feel like someone's up and thrown you against a wall - and yet, you can't somehow tear yourself away. What is that?! Is this some quirk that I have; forcing myself to re-live this? Am I dousing myself in this, hoping and waiting for it to not affect me anymore? Or is it wanting to wallow, or thinking I deserve to re-live the awfulness over and over, or something else?
Seriously! What is that about?!
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Inherent Evilness
As I have endured widespread unrest and tongue-lashings on my classification of all males as Inherently Evil, I concede that not all males should be labeled as having Maximum Inherent Evilness.
In an effort to dispel any further uprisings on this topic, the implementation of Circles of Inherent Evilness has taken place (think Dante's Circles of Hell):
Circle 1: Minimal Inherent Evilness
Circle 2: Inherent Evilness, Lacking Intent
Circle 3: Inherent Evilness for the Protection of Others
Circle 4: Inherent Evilness for Self Protection
Circle 5: Inherent Evilness with Intent
Circle 6: Inherent Evilness with Intent and Execution, compounded by Emotional Inclusion
Circle 7: Inherent Evilness with Intent and Execution, compounded by Physical Inclusion
Circle 8: Inherent Evilness, Lacking Regret
Circle 9: Maximum Inherent Evilness (combination of Levels 6, 7, and 8)
If further definition is required, examples can be noted on all Circles.
(I may have too much time on my hands).
In an effort to dispel any further uprisings on this topic, the implementation of Circles of Inherent Evilness has taken place (think Dante's Circles of Hell):
Circle 1: Minimal Inherent Evilness
Circle 2: Inherent Evilness, Lacking Intent
Circle 3: Inherent Evilness for the Protection of Others
Circle 4: Inherent Evilness for Self Protection
Circle 5: Inherent Evilness with Intent
Circle 6: Inherent Evilness with Intent and Execution, compounded by Emotional Inclusion
Circle 7: Inherent Evilness with Intent and Execution, compounded by Physical Inclusion
Circle 8: Inherent Evilness, Lacking Regret
Circle 9: Maximum Inherent Evilness (combination of Levels 6, 7, and 8)
If further definition is required, examples can be noted on all Circles.
(I may have too much time on my hands).
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