It's hard to believe that I'm back at home in CA again. Less than a month ago I was still a student at Ohio State and preparing for graduation and the culmination of two years abroad... err out of state. A lot has happened since then. I graduated, of course. President Obama spoke at my graduation, which was a mix of great advice to start and campaign speech to finish. So half good. I moved out of my apartment, packed everything I couldn't live without into my car, and Cali Foodie and I drove across these United States. After a week of driving which featured sights like Mother Mapster's living room in Indy, the St. Louis Arch, Beale St in Memphis, the French Quarter in New Orleans, Carlsbad Caverns and good ol Los Angeles, we were home. (travel blog in progress). I've spent the last two week living at home though not without partying it up with Naysayer P Squirrel; La Familia including Mama G, Bridges, Spam Boa, Kareen, Nemesis, Alejandro Brock and Clark; my own real family; Dungeon Daddy, Heavy Spy, Tenshi and Micki Granger; and of course a Disneyland trip with Cali Foodie among other adventures, its been kinda a busy return home. It feels a lot like my spring/winter break trips back: cram a bunch of stuff in as fast as you can before you leave again. Only this time I'm not leaving. And that. is. wonderful.
It was good I was home too. The day after I returned, I visited my grandmother in the hospital a week after her stroke. At 94, Grandma had been asking, I'd go so far as to say pleading with God to take her home for the last 5 years. My grandfather had died 10 years before from Parkinson's disease and my grandma did not want to become a burden. By Thursday two weeks after the stroke, her condition worsened and we were keeping 24 hour watch. When I said goodbye on Thursday night she said I love you to me and my siblings. I came back to keep vigil on Friday and she had slipped into a coma, ending two weeks of pain. I left at 830. She passed at 10:30 quietly with her eldest living son, her comfort, by her side. I realized afterward that the stroke happened almost to the HOUR 10 years after my grandfathers death, dying two weeks later. Drew York summarized it best: Grandpa finally came back to get her but he forgot how long it takes women to get ready for the party.
Its been a wild month. I think about my grandma, the life she lived. She say the Depression, the end of Prohibition, WWII (married a Vet), grew up in New Orleans with a French speaking mother (yeah, we are THAT French) moved to CA and saw Los Angeles grow and change, Malibu where her home was go from the middle of nowhere to millionaire's suburban dream. Saw people land on the moon, fight in Vietnam, and the rise and fall of the Berlin wall. WOW! Yet the most important things in her life were her five sons, twelve grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and the adopted daughters and spouses of grandchildren. In the last week in the rehab center where she passed, they said they had never seen such a devoted family, spending so much time with someone who was sick. I am the man I am today because she was the woman who raised my father, matriarched our family, our religious stalwart, and the woman who gave me a great perspective on the world: calm down. She's seen so much and we freak out over the change of a Facebook layout. Keep the important things close and happiness will follow. It is hard to say goodbye. It's hard to see your dad cry. It's hard to see a sister who is dying say goodbye to another sister who just beat her to it. It's funny how grief works, manifests in all of us differently. But that's life. Calm down and live it.
So, as I move back to CA, I don't have a job yet. I don't have any money. My family just lost an important member. I don't know what's coming. But I'm so blessed. It's all going to be fine because I'm surrounded by some very important people. People I need. My parents, my siblings, some of my best friends in the world, Cali Foodie, and the sense of comfort and stability that was fleeting but never permanent in Ohio. I dearly miss Dandy Woo, Powder Climber, CC, Tall Bear, and Hopeful Introspective. But this is where I need to be. I know that and have seen that over the last weeks. Calm down and live it. It's all going to be fine. Welcome home.
-JTY
Listening to: Can't Hold Us- Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
Reading: Great Gatsby- Fitzgerald. Cuz why not?
Playing: Legend of Zelda- Skyward Sword I am so happy I finally got this.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
and... GO!
I woke up this morning and really needed to write. That's how my blog should be, one that comes a bit from the mind and a bit from the heart. Wordsworth said "poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings... recollected in tranquility." I'm starting to organize my brain out a little.
I returned to California almost a week ago now. It has been wonderful. I've already gone to Disneyland, eaten many of the foods I sorely missed, and reconnected with friends I hadn't seen in a long time, whether at University, here at home, and even my own family, especially my sister. Cali Foodie and I had a wonderful drive across country, and I have my travel notes ready for the blog. We've also continued to hang out several times already, which has led to some really good food too. I'm starting to slip back into the LA and OC world and I like that.
However, there's a level of anxiety that comes with change. I have actually been doing ok coping, though really I think it's been more of an ignoring. When I left for Ohio, I had a lot of anxiety and hope as to what was going to happen. I returned with the hope but the anxiety started to seep in a little more over the last week. What if I don't get a job? Where am I supposed to be? What is really next for me? I know I need to be here in CA. I know that surprisingly clearly. However, I had a vague plan in my head as to what to do next, but is that actually what I'm called to do?
As religious as I am, this idea of being called to something is really important. It reflects that God has a use for me in this world and I want to fulfill that use. It does not mean that everything is predestined. God has a plan but I'm the one functioning in the world and I make my own choices. So I choose what to pursue what to put my attention to what needs doing. But I can offer a little more control of my life to God. And that's where my anxiety is coming from. I need to trust God a little more. And that's scary.
It's a little counter-intuitive to let go of the desire to control everything. In fact, in my field we try to control everything. Educate people on all levels. But education is at its core helping people learn to help themselves. I cannot control what lessons stick with my students or how they will apply the things they've learned. Just like I can't control who will hire me or who will not. Its not that I sit back and let all that stuff happen. Know I have my "conversations" with my students or I interview to the best of my ability. But I can only control how I react to things. So I have to have faith. More faith anyway.
So as I mentally ponder through my mornings anxieties work and money and what that next big step in life for someone in his mid twenties who showed up going "I'm here! This is where I need to be! Now what?" faith is what I need to start establishing. I need to reestablish a strong faith base. That's what sent me to Ohio in the first place if you recall the blog. The literal sign in the trees that said Ohio. That same faith is how I'm going to get to my next steps.
It's kinda funny. When I went to OSU, I had the path but not really the support group that comes with it. Now that I'm back, I have the support group but not the path. Life's a pendulum of challenge and support.
-JTY
Listening to: Alive Again- Matt Maher haven't done the religious music in a while but it's always been good for me.
Reading: The Great Gatsby- Fitzgerald, its been like 10 years since I read it in high school, I think I'll reread it before I see any movies. I might not finish this one though.
Playing: Skyward Sword at freaking last. Thanks Dungeon Daddy for the loan!
I returned to California almost a week ago now. It has been wonderful. I've already gone to Disneyland, eaten many of the foods I sorely missed, and reconnected with friends I hadn't seen in a long time, whether at University, here at home, and even my own family, especially my sister. Cali Foodie and I had a wonderful drive across country, and I have my travel notes ready for the blog. We've also continued to hang out several times already, which has led to some really good food too. I'm starting to slip back into the LA and OC world and I like that.
However, there's a level of anxiety that comes with change. I have actually been doing ok coping, though really I think it's been more of an ignoring. When I left for Ohio, I had a lot of anxiety and hope as to what was going to happen. I returned with the hope but the anxiety started to seep in a little more over the last week. What if I don't get a job? Where am I supposed to be? What is really next for me? I know I need to be here in CA. I know that surprisingly clearly. However, I had a vague plan in my head as to what to do next, but is that actually what I'm called to do?
As religious as I am, this idea of being called to something is really important. It reflects that God has a use for me in this world and I want to fulfill that use. It does not mean that everything is predestined. God has a plan but I'm the one functioning in the world and I make my own choices. So I choose what to pursue what to put my attention to what needs doing. But I can offer a little more control of my life to God. And that's where my anxiety is coming from. I need to trust God a little more. And that's scary.
It's a little counter-intuitive to let go of the desire to control everything. In fact, in my field we try to control everything. Educate people on all levels. But education is at its core helping people learn to help themselves. I cannot control what lessons stick with my students or how they will apply the things they've learned. Just like I can't control who will hire me or who will not. Its not that I sit back and let all that stuff happen. Know I have my "conversations" with my students or I interview to the best of my ability. But I can only control how I react to things. So I have to have faith. More faith anyway.
So as I mentally ponder through my mornings anxieties work and money and what that next big step in life for someone in his mid twenties who showed up going "I'm here! This is where I need to be! Now what?" faith is what I need to start establishing. I need to reestablish a strong faith base. That's what sent me to Ohio in the first place if you recall the blog. The literal sign in the trees that said Ohio. That same faith is how I'm going to get to my next steps.
It's kinda funny. When I went to OSU, I had the path but not really the support group that comes with it. Now that I'm back, I have the support group but not the path. Life's a pendulum of challenge and support.
-JTY
Listening to: Alive Again- Matt Maher haven't done the religious music in a while but it's always been good for me.
Reading: The Great Gatsby- Fitzgerald, its been like 10 years since I read it in high school, I think I'll reread it before I see any movies. I might not finish this one though.
Playing: Skyward Sword at freaking last. Thanks Dungeon Daddy for the loan!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Here we go again
**In this episode, I ponder my upcoming travels, job, and moving back to CA**
My time in Ohio is wrapping up. I finished my last paper almost two weeks ago (and got the grades to prove I will actually be graduating Friday). I spent last week in Florida (mini travel blog may or may not happen soon). Today was my last day at work. Things are coming to a close. I've started doing that thing in my head where I say goodbye to someone and wonder if I'll ever see them again. Its kinda surreal. In fact, while I was walking away from my office, knowing I would not be returning, I felt I weird weight behind me, an emotional tugging as if I were pulling my thread out of their tapestry of time, off to make my own creation while theirs weaves onward in a different direction. In order words, I'm slowly departing Ohio over the next two weeks rather than in one fluid motion.
So here we go again. Time for goodbyes, adieus, and of course, my standard: See ya when I see ya. But before I get all nostalgic and reflective on my time here, there's plenty of partying to do and bucket lists to fulfill. My parents arrive tonight, and I will be doing the Columbus tour with them tomorrow, alongside my retired aunt who lives here and I've yet to visit. Friday should feature a trip to Cleveland for the rock and roll hall of fame and to see my cousin. Saturday is hooding and Sunday graduation with Obama speaking. Monday and Tuesday are packing for my impending road trip with Cali Foodie next weekend. It's ending so fast!
I think one of the things I'm most looking forward to in the road trip, besides going with my travel buddy, Cali, and visiting the sites, is creating a bunch of great playlists for the drive. My last few trips I've wanted to update my ipod with good stuff, but then I always run out of time. Of course, this means I need to find my ipod, which is the same one I've had since freshmen year of college! Probably time to update, but I have been so Android heavy, I never bothered with an iPhone and never got around to an iTouch. Someday soon, when I have a job.
The job thing is still pending. I expect responses in the next few weeks. I'm excited for my future in residence life. I miss those days when I had a staff to work with. I think its a testament to my blog regulars like Dr. Naysayer P Squirrel, Banana Slug, Pokeboss, Captain Peanut, Red Button, and many others that I loved my previous job, in a big part because of them. I've also lately been reflecting on my RA days, which brought my some of my best friends like Dungeon Daddy, Heavy Spy, Mother Mapster, Micki Granger, Tenshi, Spotty Sister, Steakhouse, Chai Ducky, and so many others (half the cast of characters really). Mapster and I in particular were discussing the level of safety, familiarity, comfort and independence that we think about when we look back on those days. I want to create those opportunities for my students and residents again. It's interesting, because in my cohort of almost 30, only myself, Tall Bear, Cali Foodie, Hopeful Introspective, and one or two others are willing to take ResLife jobs. People don't like the idea of living in ResHalls and the long wild hours of on call response. To me, its something I yearn for. I can't wait.
Until then, though, I get to live at home. I'm glad to be closer to my family. Way closer. Maybe to close? Two months minimum living there, based on prospective job start times. I'm not sure where I'm sleeping yet even. It might be the first time all 5 of us will be spending any prolonged period of time under the same roof since I came home for summer back after my sophomore year of college. I hope it goes well. It should go well, I'm actually not worried. I shouldn't be, right?
So yes, big changes coming. I'm trying to get back into the blogging thing more consistently, and not just the travel blogs that are more for me than you. Until then, have a lovely week!
Listening to: Tale a Bow- Muse, seems fitting for endings. and new beginnings.
Reading: A Shadow in the Wind, Zafon, for my diligent readers, you'll notice that I was reading this book two years ago. I still haven't finished. Freaking grad school.
Playing: Castle TD, a tower defense game on my phone. It's too addicting.
My time in Ohio is wrapping up. I finished my last paper almost two weeks ago (and got the grades to prove I will actually be graduating Friday). I spent last week in Florida (mini travel blog may or may not happen soon). Today was my last day at work. Things are coming to a close. I've started doing that thing in my head where I say goodbye to someone and wonder if I'll ever see them again. Its kinda surreal. In fact, while I was walking away from my office, knowing I would not be returning, I felt I weird weight behind me, an emotional tugging as if I were pulling my thread out of their tapestry of time, off to make my own creation while theirs weaves onward in a different direction. In order words, I'm slowly departing Ohio over the next two weeks rather than in one fluid motion.
So here we go again. Time for goodbyes, adieus, and of course, my standard: See ya when I see ya. But before I get all nostalgic and reflective on my time here, there's plenty of partying to do and bucket lists to fulfill. My parents arrive tonight, and I will be doing the Columbus tour with them tomorrow, alongside my retired aunt who lives here and I've yet to visit. Friday should feature a trip to Cleveland for the rock and roll hall of fame and to see my cousin. Saturday is hooding and Sunday graduation with Obama speaking. Monday and Tuesday are packing for my impending road trip with Cali Foodie next weekend. It's ending so fast!
I think one of the things I'm most looking forward to in the road trip, besides going with my travel buddy, Cali, and visiting the sites, is creating a bunch of great playlists for the drive. My last few trips I've wanted to update my ipod with good stuff, but then I always run out of time. Of course, this means I need to find my ipod, which is the same one I've had since freshmen year of college! Probably time to update, but I have been so Android heavy, I never bothered with an iPhone and never got around to an iTouch. Someday soon, when I have a job.
The job thing is still pending. I expect responses in the next few weeks. I'm excited for my future in residence life. I miss those days when I had a staff to work with. I think its a testament to my blog regulars like Dr. Naysayer P Squirrel, Banana Slug, Pokeboss, Captain Peanut, Red Button, and many others that I loved my previous job, in a big part because of them. I've also lately been reflecting on my RA days, which brought my some of my best friends like Dungeon Daddy, Heavy Spy, Mother Mapster, Micki Granger, Tenshi, Spotty Sister, Steakhouse, Chai Ducky, and so many others (half the cast of characters really). Mapster and I in particular were discussing the level of safety, familiarity, comfort and independence that we think about when we look back on those days. I want to create those opportunities for my students and residents again. It's interesting, because in my cohort of almost 30, only myself, Tall Bear, Cali Foodie, Hopeful Introspective, and one or two others are willing to take ResLife jobs. People don't like the idea of living in ResHalls and the long wild hours of on call response. To me, its something I yearn for. I can't wait.
Until then, though, I get to live at home. I'm glad to be closer to my family. Way closer. Maybe to close? Two months minimum living there, based on prospective job start times. I'm not sure where I'm sleeping yet even. It might be the first time all 5 of us will be spending any prolonged period of time under the same roof since I came home for summer back after my sophomore year of college. I hope it goes well. It should go well, I'm actually not worried. I shouldn't be, right?
So yes, big changes coming. I'm trying to get back into the blogging thing more consistently, and not just the travel blogs that are more for me than you. Until then, have a lovely week!
Listening to: Tale a Bow- Muse, seems fitting for endings. and new beginnings.
Reading: A Shadow in the Wind, Zafon, for my diligent readers, you'll notice that I was reading this book two years ago. I still haven't finished. Freaking grad school.
Playing: Castle TD, a tower defense game on my phone. It's too addicting.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Ahh blogging
I've missed blogging. Mostly. I stopped last November after I hit vacation mode and didn't really have time to do any of it. The thing about vacations these days is I'm so busy trying to see everyone and spending every waking our with different people that I'm too tired to block. #extrovertproblems
Then the semester started and academically though I had two classes it was brutal. Papers every other week. Two internships plus work and the impending job hunt. I just didn't have time and any free time I did get was spent with Cali foodie or my other friends or doing little things like calling home. Stuff adds up.
So I'm sorry to not blog until now. Even as we "speak" I still have tons to do. I have a presentation and a full day of work tomorrow, Cali's thesis to read, a website to edit for my Internship, and a paper and presentation to do. Joy. So the reason I'm even blogging is cuz I'm on my second red eye this week and cannot for my life sleep. I have an aisle seat and everything so I feel guilty waking two people up to get my bright laptop. So instead I shall blog.
Lots happened in the past 5 months. I'm not gonna recount it all now but like everyone, life happens with its ups and down. I'll be more reflective as I get back into the blogging habit. The important things right now are I'm job hunting and have taken a new role. The job hunting is bringing me back to CA. I'm looking at resident director jobs across California and already have several prospects. I'm hoping for something closer to home so I can be with my family. Lately we've had lots of ups and downs. My grandparents were in a cat accident last December. My grandpa was hit by a car after bravely pushing my grandma out of the way breaking both his arms. My sister is applying to schools and brother to jobs. I want to be around for tho less moments and play a more active role in my family. I almost feel selfish living so far away. And of course every time I see Mama g of Clark or Brock or Alejandro or Bridges or any of my friends here I feel at home. That's a sign ya know?
The second big thing in life is I became a Godfather. Naysayer P Squirrel was baptized today into the Catholic Church. I must say I was initially surprised to hear the news and flattered to be asked. I'm excited to start this new journey with my former boss and good friend. He's played a father role in my own life and now I get to return the favor.
I have been pondering vocation a lot lately. I was sitting in our retreat wondering if I should teach RCIA classes someday. It seems fun and honestly I was a little disappointed in Naysayers teacher. I think about what God is calling me to do, especially as i job hunt. I know I'm going to end up where I need to be, just as I ended up in Ohio. However I want to make sure I'm living the life I should live which isn't always the one I want or plan. I have been talking with Cali and more recently Pokeboss and Red Button and Captain Peanut about where we will all end up next year. All of us are seniors (grad and undergrad) and have some idea but are still working out the details. Dandy Woo is going to Seattle but not sure where she can even get a higher Ed job thinking about other careers. Even Naysayer is looking. It seems that 2013 is one of those very transitional years for most of the people around me. Dungeon Daddys shifting gears my mom stopped working. Spam Boa is looking. The list goes on.
As I prepare for my impending move I called an old colleague at one of the schools I'm looking at for insight to the job. She mentioned how adaptable you have to be. I said I never thought of myself as "adaptable" until it showed up as one of my strengths in the Strengths Quest test. But I've always been reactive and responsive to change even if I used to hate it. So I'm excited for another change and am not worried about it. However, very soon I want to settle. Not move for at least 3 years. Be near home and friends and Cali Foodie and just get in a groove. Cuz I've moved a lot lately. And I'm done. Its time to find out what a stable life in a vocation looks like.
So here's to new life in baptism, vocations, locations and titles. In two weeks I'll be a student no more, perhaps forever. But I will continue to be a brother son godfather friend boyfriend colleague and more. Its time to work on those for a while.
Listening to: babies crying on this redeye
Reading: Slaughterhouse 5
Playing: Vector on my phone (running game in a parkour fashion) until the battery dies
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
26-so big it gets a holiday!
I feel like I just wrote my top 25 blog... must have been a good year.
And it was. Highlights include:
A year of a master program, which meant lots of intellectual debate, a few papers and a cohort of great friends.
An ever changing relationship with family and friends back home in California, which has its ups and downs with distance. I don't talk to people back home nearly enough, but I look forward to reunions so much more and appreciate each moment with them. It has also lead to things like online gamin with my bro or phone games with my sister to keep in touch. And skype and google hangouts are magical.
Its has meant travel. Since 25 I have been to Philadelphia, Louisville,Cleveland, Beijing, Wuhan, Xi'an, Yichang, Shanghai, and DC. I've explored the world that much more, bitten by a nice new bug that I can barely afford but love so.
I found a new travel buddy among other things in Cali Foodie, who I've currently left in Columbus on my trip home. She been a blessing and joy in my life and made the last months of 25 quite wonderful.
We reelected a president, a task that really took the whole year, especially in the ad-ridden swing state that is OH. Still its nice to take part in the american process.
I have continued to struggle through my Catholic faith. Not the question and challenge struggle so much as the everyday struggles of trying to be a good catholic and always failing my own standards. Its the ever-present struggle to not get comfortable and push forward in my faith that will exists at each birthday. But I thank God for it and for another year of life.
I dunno, I feel 25 was so fast, over too soon. I think last year I felt I was on the verge of a new big step, and now that I've taken it things are moving and I'm along for the ride. This next year will feature a new job, new home, new friends, and new challenges as old relationships change. The ever-turning circle.
So, as tomorrow is Thanksgiving, the closest my birthday ever gets to it, I think about what I am thankful for:
Life in all its joys and hardships
my dear family including my mom in her own turning points and my dad who will be in ireland all thanksgiving.
My closest of friends, none the least of whom include Spam Boa, Dungeon Daddy, Mama Goldfish, Dandy Woo, Powder Climber, and Cali Foodie.
My universities both in Ohio and CA, the great people in them, the education from them, and the legacies and opportunities they have given me.
All the people in my life who have helped me, made a difference, or given me the honor of helping them.
Those who have allowed me safe travels, including the pilot of this plane I am currently flying on.
And for the gift of hope from my God, which is central to my worldview and toward my future, my 26th year, and the twists and turns coming.
Happy thanksgiving all!
-JTY
Listening to: "Through the gates"-Dimrain47 techno is good for travel
Reading: American Gods- Neil Gaiman. So. Good. So far, from one of our greatest living storytellers.
Playing: Star Wars Angry Bird, free on android and why when I upgrade this phone it won't be an iphone.
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Monday, November 19, 2012
DC Journal
On Thursday, cali foodie and I left for DC. We both took the afternoon off for the 7 hr drive. On the road with nothing but mcdonalds sweet tea and a co-created ipod playlist, we jammed back and forth between boy bands and glee (her contributions) and classic rock and modern rock (my contributions) among other genres. Entertaining ourselves through OH, WV, PA and MD with license plate games, the cow game (really fun with all the cemeteries here) and dare I say conversation, the journey was only hindered by the long stretches of nothing but mcdonalds in sight and speed limits that are actually enforced, limiting my ability to beat the gps ETAs.
We arrived into DC at about 10pm. After a fight with Calis gps (who she calls Gladys and I call GlaDOS) and a roundabout with stoplights in it (?!?!), we arrived at P-Diddy's apartment in Dupont Circle. P-Diddy's place is a nice semi-hipster like area populated by people our age and ambassadors from other countries. Welcome to DC.
Diddy works for CNN as a producer for the virtual bit used in their washington-based shows. Yeah, she's kinda a big deal and still recovering from election season, but was able to take us this weekend. We talked and chatted, reminiscing about our RA days and undergrad experience. Cali and Diddy bonded over making fun of me. Women. The two of them actually have a lot in common so it was good and easy to get comfortable for everyone.
We woke the next day and drove Diddy to work. CNN is about two blocks from the Capitol so Cali and I started walking. After passing the rather striking Union Station complete with the Postal Museum next to it. I realized this will be the DC trend: pretty building, museums all around it. Its still Fall in DC so the trees were a nice orange with green and red scattered around.
We played tourists and took pictures of all angles of the Capitol building, which reminded me of St. Pauls in London because of the giant dome (but not of St. Peters, go fig) but seemed more imposing and powerful. Maybe because it was on a hill or maybe because it was taller but I was really impressed, more than I was expecting. I think when you travel to other countries you expect amazing buildings and architecture, but I think I was surprised how much of an impact having such history and beauty here in the US had on me. A little bit of US pride going here :)
Anyway, we moved around the Capitol Building to the Grant Memorial. This shot has the the Capitol behind it and the Washington Memorial on the far end of the Mall, with Grant sitting high on his horse overlooking a still water fountain. The sad look in his face impressed upon me the weight of the world he'd held as General and later as president during tumultous times. Grant doesn't always get much credit with characters like Lincoln and Lee dominating the Civil War narrative.
We kept moseying and found ourselves in the botanical gardens which were actually pretty cool. They had miniature organic models of the various famous DC buildings maybe of wood and plants and stuff. There was also a bunch of different rooms with a vast array of plantlife. My favorite room was the jungle room which while not a full replican of a rain forest per say did give me a very good idea of what a rainforest would look and feel like. We spent way too much time there which is a testament to how cool it was but also that there just wasn't enough time to do everything we wanted.
Grabbing a map, we heading next door to the Ntl Museum of American Indians. There, at the recommendation of Judicator Brewskie and his gf, we ate lunch. Opting for the sampling of 5 dishes, we split a buffalo steak, buttered salmon, root vegetable salad, horseradish mashed potatos and a squash dish with a much prettier name than I can recall. It was very very good all of it and we were full! We passed an American Indian ceremony that reminded me not of the stereotypical Native American rituals but of a prayer group. Very cool!
We backtracked a bit and found the backside (and entrance) of the Capitol Building. Taking more pictures, we opted out of going in to have time for more buildings and turned our attention to the Thomas Jefferson Building aka The Library of Congress. This might be my favorite building in DC. As Cali put it, my inner nerd came out. I was fascinated by everything, the columned architecture, the busts on the exterior, the seal on the fllor, the quotes on the wall, the names on the colorful ceiling, the GUTENBERG FREAKING BIBLE. And that was just the public part. The private researcher part was even better but we could only stare at it, not wanting to distrub the actual congressmen and women (aides) conducting research. I was kinda drooling though.
To add icing to the drool, we went to the Folger Shakespeare Center. Here they took various historic topics and looked at them through displays based on shakespeare quotes. For example they unpacked "war" but it was really a collection of documented lynchings from the late 1800s and followed the Shakespeare quote "dead men make strange fruits" from the Tempest. There were various displays like this on topics like Love, Nature, and Art as well. At the far end of the narrow cooridor was a theater that was used year round for school during the day, traveling plays at night and every once in a while for braintrust gatherings of important people to discuss the future of art and literature. This is was our tour guide, Martha, told us as we rested our feet in the theater. She then showed us why the Center seemed so narrow: the rest of the building was a reading room for studying official documents and historic texts. We looked through a hidden viewing window as scholars handled ancient texts with padded supports and careful page turnings. The best thing in the Center, though was a copy ofbthe First Folio from 1623 which holds most of Shakespeare's plays, many of which wouldn't exist today without it. English major relic!
We headed back out, passing the Supreme Court, which was under construction and thus covered by a tarp with a picture of the Supreme Court. Yeah, washington dc tried to pull a disney and hide its construction dust. Nice try but it just looked a little funny and awkward. Justice has no veil, I say!
We moved down the Mall passing the various Smithsonian museums trying to pick one to stop in. There was a carousel at one point which I thought felt a little anachronistic but amusing. You had to pay though, unlike everything else we'd done so far. We kept walking to the Smithsonian Castle for a few pictures, but ultimately chose the Natural History Museum because one, it was the museum that had most directly intrigued Cali and two because of we passed through it we got to Chinatown where the Spy Museum was.
UNFORTUNATELY, I did not attend the Spy Museum (sorry Mama G, I really wanted to). Besides being exhausted from miles of walking, lack of sleep, travel fatigue, and the cold I've been fighting all week, we just ran out of time. We had to meet P. Diddy at CNN for a tour. There we got the inside scoop (with fancy name badges to prove it) and saw the offices of the entire Washington branch. It was really amazing to stand on the set the Situation Room was Wolf Blitzer did his bit, staring almost right at us behind the camera. The control rooms were intense, with TVs everywhere and so many people working hard to put on a good show. It was really amazing, especially to someone who'd never been in a TV studio before. I also had a good conversation with Candy Crowley, who is really nice BTW, and she recommended some touring areas. After a good hour of touring, Cali went to meet a friend in town and I joined Diddy as her guest to their post-election party at Madam Tussaud's. This was kind of surreal, because I was in a room filled with strangers, and the only people I recognized were famous actors and presidents made of wax, who I kept mistaking for real people. Add dim lighting and an open bar and it wasn't unfeasible to accident hold a conversation with a mannequin. I didn't, but I could have! Having never been to an office party before, it fit with my expectations. The CNN people were pretty nice and welcoming but I had better luck conversing with spouses who also were out of place. As karaoke amusingly ranged on and after meeting back up with Cali, we joined the after party at an Irish Bar with dancing and laughing and all around fun. It was great to be invited to something not many people see. No, I don't have any incriminating evidence of anything, because really the CNN people were great and I felt very accepted there. If anyone asks, I'm now a Calibration Technician who is particularly good with the wand. Whatever that means.
After sleeping in on Saturday, we ventured out to the White House. On the way, we debated whether Dupont Circle was actually hipster. The girls disagreed and just rolled their eyes when I pointed out hipster-y people. Then when we had lunch in a posh, pricy, Dim Sum restaurant featuring all black decor and swanky music in different languages, I continued to say this was proof. Ultimately, we settled that it was Prepster, a term that should catch on any day now, so be ready.
We also played, guess the first name of the guy in that statue game. Do you know what Lafayette's first name is? I didn't (Gilbert). Also some guy named Jose got a statue. Yeah we didn't get that right either. It was fun though to see figures like Sherman and Hamilton as we wandered through the city to a certain presidential home. Again, there was construction so we couldn't get too close. There was also a protest about Palestine marching by. But we did get some good shots and saw where Obama's room was, and wondered if sometimes they looked out the window as us plebeians
After pulling money out of the ATM next to the Treasury (I'd like to think it was newly minted), we ventured up to the Washington Monument. We passed a Kony protest, cuz why not, and got a nice panorama of the White House, Capitol, and Lincoln Memorial. The day was a perfect crispy fall day with blue skies and a few wispy clouds. It was beautiful.
We next wandered to the WWII Memorial, which I thought was rather powerful with its fountains and columned tributes to both fronts of the war. It had many great quotes from generals and important figures and made me reflective on the experience my grandfather had in the war. There was a wreath for each American state and Territory, all of whom contributed to the cause. There was also a wall of stars representing 100 soldiers who perished. I was very moved by the whole site.
In my pocket had been the buzzings of the University rivalry game, so I ventured to dinner with Diddy and Cali at the Hamilton for half-price sushi and fancy prosciutto. Then we found the Alumni bar, packed with University alumni, at watched the end of a very gratifying game. It was awesome to reconnect with my undergrad roots and cheer and scream and have a blast. There's something special about school traditions too.
We ventured out for dinner part two at Cuba Libre, a cuban restaurant where I had chicharrones and maduros deliciosos and a victory mojito. Then it was to my car where we drove to the Jefferson Memorial. Now with all the one way streets and construction, traffic and stuff was a little loopy even at 10pm at night. In seeking parking, I accidentally found my life on the road to Virginia. With that slight detour to the South, we turned around, checked a state off the list, and found a spot to park and brave the chilly but not unbearable night air.
This was my favorite part of the trip. We started at the Jefferson Memorial, where a greek-God like statue stood in an domed, columned temple-like enclosure. After climbing the steps with the Washington Monument reflecting off the Potomac River behind us, we entered an open area with the large sculpture. With famous quotes on the walls it was intimidating and reminded me how important of a figure this guy really was. A couple wandered to the base and suddenly the guy was proposing to the girl! The Park Ranger took their picture and as they wandered away he mentioned that this happens once a night. I think it was cute but definitely wouldn't ever do that myself. If I recall correctly, Jefferson had mistresses. Not exactly a marriage role model. But hey, to each their own.
We followed the path passed baseball fields I desperately want to play in some day. We reached the FDR memorial, which was a series of walled fountains, quotes and pathways that ease you into the power, hardship, and triumph of that time. This memorial was one of my favorites, because the emotion that it elicited and tribute to the era that it was. It has Eleanor. It had a Tennessee Valley Association fountain. It had FDR and his dog. It had a fireside chat. It had a breadline. It had quotes about fear, and unity, and overcoming difference and really made me proud of my country. And it ended (from our perspective) with a lone stature of FDR, in his wheelchair, sitting under a tree. At night, with the fall leaves around him, it was striking, it was touching, and it was beautiful. What a great memorial.
It continued with MLK. This one was different, with a large sandstone-esque stature in the middle, rather than the bronze of FDR. With the amazing quotes of MLK on either side, they built into a larger than life image of the man in rock, similar to a half body version of Mt. Rushmore. Behind the image of hope, was the mountain he was carved out of, despair. A very profound image. I liked it and it played well on my reflective mood.
Next we cross the street to the Korean War Memorial, my favorite of the war memorials. The right wall leading up to the quote "Freedom is not Free" was filled with almost holographic images of men and women from the conflict, haunting and diverse. On the left, were life size soldier in full gear, including blowing winter coats, stalking cautiously through an invisible battlefield, forever on patrol. It was eerie at night, but wars leave echoes, and I think this site best captured that. At the top was a clear pool for those lost, missing, and captured and of course a proud American flag.
Finally, we reached the Lincoln Memorial. Straight out over the pool with the Washington Memorial reflecting again and the Capitol beyond, we climbed the steps to see Mr. Lincoln. It was just as powerful as I imagined. I have the utmost respect for the man. I read Team of Rivals on the way to Philly last year, for those of you that have followed me that long, and when asked, I suddenly realized he is my favorite president. I cannot wait to see the movie, but I saw the memorial first. On one wall the Gettysburg Address, on the other, the second inaugural speech. And in the middle, the man himself, overlooking our nation's capitol and really, our entire nation, hopefully continuing the spirit of wisdom, patience, and duty that Honest Abe was known for.
It was cold, I was sick, but one last stop had to be made: The Vietnam Memorial. Just a wall of names of the deceased, you walk and it starts ankle high, and progressively climbs higher and higher following a rather complicated chronological order that requires a book to find people with. But at its heart, the height of the death toll towers over you, make you feel small and sad. As surprisingly simple but very effective tribute. And a good way to end the night as we took a long walk back.
Cali and I discussed the power of the memorials, the views these men had on diversity, the country, and how the dialogue today does not capture the spirit of these great leaders' legacies. We hope to take the wisdom of these people forward in the next four years what with the election last week. We ended the night with pizza at Duccini's which was a giant slab of greasy awesome that only cost $5.
The next morning, we slept in, then Cali and I took our leave of DC, but not before stopping at Jamba Juice and Sprinkles, two chains that for whatever reason bypassed Ohio for bigger and better places. Our drive back was uneventful, though we did try Roy Rogers which is like a fast food Fuddruckers meets KFC. I had work to do for my career services China presentation so we couldn't linger. But DC was truly great. I regret my minimal time with the Smithsonian and my lack of Spy museum. Guess I have to come back. In Spring. For Cherry Blossoms. Sorry I didn't see you Spotty Sister and Chai Ducky!
And Cali, thanks for not killing me, while driving or for my wonderful jokes :)
Next week, Thanksgiving updates!! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!
-JTY
We arrived into DC at about 10pm. After a fight with Calis gps (who she calls Gladys and I call GlaDOS) and a roundabout with stoplights in it (?!?!), we arrived at P-Diddy's apartment in Dupont Circle. P-Diddy's place is a nice semi-hipster like area populated by people our age and ambassadors from other countries. Welcome to DC.
Diddy works for CNN as a producer for the virtual bit used in their washington-based shows. Yeah, she's kinda a big deal and still recovering from election season, but was able to take us this weekend. We talked and chatted, reminiscing about our RA days and undergrad experience. Cali and Diddy bonded over making fun of me. Women. The two of them actually have a lot in common so it was good and easy to get comfortable for everyone.
We woke the next day and drove Diddy to work. CNN is about two blocks from the Capitol so Cali and I started walking. After passing the rather striking Union Station complete with the Postal Museum next to it. I realized this will be the DC trend: pretty building, museums all around it. Its still Fall in DC so the trees were a nice orange with green and red scattered around.
We played tourists and took pictures of all angles of the Capitol building, which reminded me of St. Pauls in London because of the giant dome (but not of St. Peters, go fig) but seemed more imposing and powerful. Maybe because it was on a hill or maybe because it was taller but I was really impressed, more than I was expecting. I think when you travel to other countries you expect amazing buildings and architecture, but I think I was surprised how much of an impact having such history and beauty here in the US had on me. A little bit of US pride going here :)
Anyway, we moved around the Capitol Building to the Grant Memorial. This shot has the the Capitol behind it and the Washington Memorial on the far end of the Mall, with Grant sitting high on his horse overlooking a still water fountain. The sad look in his face impressed upon me the weight of the world he'd held as General and later as president during tumultous times. Grant doesn't always get much credit with characters like Lincoln and Lee dominating the Civil War narrative.
We kept moseying and found ourselves in the botanical gardens which were actually pretty cool. They had miniature organic models of the various famous DC buildings maybe of wood and plants and stuff. There was also a bunch of different rooms with a vast array of plantlife. My favorite room was the jungle room which while not a full replican of a rain forest per say did give me a very good idea of what a rainforest would look and feel like. We spent way too much time there which is a testament to how cool it was but also that there just wasn't enough time to do everything we wanted.
Grabbing a map, we heading next door to the Ntl Museum of American Indians. There, at the recommendation of Judicator Brewskie and his gf, we ate lunch. Opting for the sampling of 5 dishes, we split a buffalo steak, buttered salmon, root vegetable salad, horseradish mashed potatos and a squash dish with a much prettier name than I can recall. It was very very good all of it and we were full! We passed an American Indian ceremony that reminded me not of the stereotypical Native American rituals but of a prayer group. Very cool!
We backtracked a bit and found the backside (and entrance) of the Capitol Building. Taking more pictures, we opted out of going in to have time for more buildings and turned our attention to the Thomas Jefferson Building aka The Library of Congress. This might be my favorite building in DC. As Cali put it, my inner nerd came out. I was fascinated by everything, the columned architecture, the busts on the exterior, the seal on the fllor, the quotes on the wall, the names on the colorful ceiling, the GUTENBERG FREAKING BIBLE. And that was just the public part. The private researcher part was even better but we could only stare at it, not wanting to distrub the actual congressmen and women (aides) conducting research. I was kinda drooling though.
To add icing to the drool, we went to the Folger Shakespeare Center. Here they took various historic topics and looked at them through displays based on shakespeare quotes. For example they unpacked "war" but it was really a collection of documented lynchings from the late 1800s and followed the Shakespeare quote "dead men make strange fruits" from the Tempest. There were various displays like this on topics like Love, Nature, and Art as well. At the far end of the narrow cooridor was a theater that was used year round for school during the day, traveling plays at night and every once in a while for braintrust gatherings of important people to discuss the future of art and literature. This is was our tour guide, Martha, told us as we rested our feet in the theater. She then showed us why the Center seemed so narrow: the rest of the building was a reading room for studying official documents and historic texts. We looked through a hidden viewing window as scholars handled ancient texts with padded supports and careful page turnings. The best thing in the Center, though was a copy ofbthe First Folio from 1623 which holds most of Shakespeare's plays, many of which wouldn't exist today without it. English major relic!
We headed back out, passing the Supreme Court, which was under construction and thus covered by a tarp with a picture of the Supreme Court. Yeah, washington dc tried to pull a disney and hide its construction dust. Nice try but it just looked a little funny and awkward. Justice has no veil, I say!
We moved down the Mall passing the various Smithsonian museums trying to pick one to stop in. There was a carousel at one point which I thought felt a little anachronistic but amusing. You had to pay though, unlike everything else we'd done so far. We kept walking to the Smithsonian Castle for a few pictures, but ultimately chose the Natural History Museum because one, it was the museum that had most directly intrigued Cali and two because of we passed through it we got to Chinatown where the Spy Museum was.
UNFORTUNATELY, I did not attend the Spy Museum (sorry Mama G, I really wanted to). Besides being exhausted from miles of walking, lack of sleep, travel fatigue, and the cold I've been fighting all week, we just ran out of time. We had to meet P. Diddy at CNN for a tour. There we got the inside scoop (with fancy name badges to prove it) and saw the offices of the entire Washington branch. It was really amazing to stand on the set the Situation Room was Wolf Blitzer did his bit, staring almost right at us behind the camera. The control rooms were intense, with TVs everywhere and so many people working hard to put on a good show. It was really amazing, especially to someone who'd never been in a TV studio before. I also had a good conversation with Candy Crowley, who is really nice BTW, and she recommended some touring areas. After a good hour of touring, Cali went to meet a friend in town and I joined Diddy as her guest to their post-election party at Madam Tussaud's. This was kind of surreal, because I was in a room filled with strangers, and the only people I recognized were famous actors and presidents made of wax, who I kept mistaking for real people. Add dim lighting and an open bar and it wasn't unfeasible to accident hold a conversation with a mannequin. I didn't, but I could have! Having never been to an office party before, it fit with my expectations. The CNN people were pretty nice and welcoming but I had better luck conversing with spouses who also were out of place. As karaoke amusingly ranged on and after meeting back up with Cali, we joined the after party at an Irish Bar with dancing and laughing and all around fun. It was great to be invited to something not many people see. No, I don't have any incriminating evidence of anything, because really the CNN people were great and I felt very accepted there. If anyone asks, I'm now a Calibration Technician who is particularly good with the wand. Whatever that means.
After sleeping in on Saturday, we ventured out to the White House. On the way, we debated whether Dupont Circle was actually hipster. The girls disagreed and just rolled their eyes when I pointed out hipster-y people. Then when we had lunch in a posh, pricy, Dim Sum restaurant featuring all black decor and swanky music in different languages, I continued to say this was proof. Ultimately, we settled that it was Prepster, a term that should catch on any day now, so be ready.
We also played, guess the first name of the guy in that statue game. Do you know what Lafayette's first name is? I didn't (Gilbert). Also some guy named Jose got a statue. Yeah we didn't get that right either. It was fun though to see figures like Sherman and Hamilton as we wandered through the city to a certain presidential home. Again, there was construction so we couldn't get too close. There was also a protest about Palestine marching by. But we did get some good shots and saw where Obama's room was, and wondered if sometimes they looked out the window as us plebeians
After pulling money out of the ATM next to the Treasury (I'd like to think it was newly minted), we ventured up to the Washington Monument. We passed a Kony protest, cuz why not, and got a nice panorama of the White House, Capitol, and Lincoln Memorial. The day was a perfect crispy fall day with blue skies and a few wispy clouds. It was beautiful.
We next wandered to the WWII Memorial, which I thought was rather powerful with its fountains and columned tributes to both fronts of the war. It had many great quotes from generals and important figures and made me reflective on the experience my grandfather had in the war. There was a wreath for each American state and Territory, all of whom contributed to the cause. There was also a wall of stars representing 100 soldiers who perished. I was very moved by the whole site.
In my pocket had been the buzzings of the University rivalry game, so I ventured to dinner with Diddy and Cali at the Hamilton for half-price sushi and fancy prosciutto. Then we found the Alumni bar, packed with University alumni, at watched the end of a very gratifying game. It was awesome to reconnect with my undergrad roots and cheer and scream and have a blast. There's something special about school traditions too.
We ventured out for dinner part two at Cuba Libre, a cuban restaurant where I had chicharrones and maduros deliciosos and a victory mojito. Then it was to my car where we drove to the Jefferson Memorial. Now with all the one way streets and construction, traffic and stuff was a little loopy even at 10pm at night. In seeking parking, I accidentally found my life on the road to Virginia. With that slight detour to the South, we turned around, checked a state off the list, and found a spot to park and brave the chilly but not unbearable night air.
This was my favorite part of the trip. We started at the Jefferson Memorial, where a greek-God like statue stood in an domed, columned temple-like enclosure. After climbing the steps with the Washington Monument reflecting off the Potomac River behind us, we entered an open area with the large sculpture. With famous quotes on the walls it was intimidating and reminded me how important of a figure this guy really was. A couple wandered to the base and suddenly the guy was proposing to the girl! The Park Ranger took their picture and as they wandered away he mentioned that this happens once a night. I think it was cute but definitely wouldn't ever do that myself. If I recall correctly, Jefferson had mistresses. Not exactly a marriage role model. But hey, to each their own.
We followed the path passed baseball fields I desperately want to play in some day. We reached the FDR memorial, which was a series of walled fountains, quotes and pathways that ease you into the power, hardship, and triumph of that time. This memorial was one of my favorites, because the emotion that it elicited and tribute to the era that it was. It has Eleanor. It had a Tennessee Valley Association fountain. It had FDR and his dog. It had a fireside chat. It had a breadline. It had quotes about fear, and unity, and overcoming difference and really made me proud of my country. And it ended (from our perspective) with a lone stature of FDR, in his wheelchair, sitting under a tree. At night, with the fall leaves around him, it was striking, it was touching, and it was beautiful. What a great memorial.
It continued with MLK. This one was different, with a large sandstone-esque stature in the middle, rather than the bronze of FDR. With the amazing quotes of MLK on either side, they built into a larger than life image of the man in rock, similar to a half body version of Mt. Rushmore. Behind the image of hope, was the mountain he was carved out of, despair. A very profound image. I liked it and it played well on my reflective mood.
Next we cross the street to the Korean War Memorial, my favorite of the war memorials. The right wall leading up to the quote "Freedom is not Free" was filled with almost holographic images of men and women from the conflict, haunting and diverse. On the left, were life size soldier in full gear, including blowing winter coats, stalking cautiously through an invisible battlefield, forever on patrol. It was eerie at night, but wars leave echoes, and I think this site best captured that. At the top was a clear pool for those lost, missing, and captured and of course a proud American flag.
Finally, we reached the Lincoln Memorial. Straight out over the pool with the Washington Memorial reflecting again and the Capitol beyond, we climbed the steps to see Mr. Lincoln. It was just as powerful as I imagined. I have the utmost respect for the man. I read Team of Rivals on the way to Philly last year, for those of you that have followed me that long, and when asked, I suddenly realized he is my favorite president. I cannot wait to see the movie, but I saw the memorial first. On one wall the Gettysburg Address, on the other, the second inaugural speech. And in the middle, the man himself, overlooking our nation's capitol and really, our entire nation, hopefully continuing the spirit of wisdom, patience, and duty that Honest Abe was known for.
It was cold, I was sick, but one last stop had to be made: The Vietnam Memorial. Just a wall of names of the deceased, you walk and it starts ankle high, and progressively climbs higher and higher following a rather complicated chronological order that requires a book to find people with. But at its heart, the height of the death toll towers over you, make you feel small and sad. As surprisingly simple but very effective tribute. And a good way to end the night as we took a long walk back.
Cali and I discussed the power of the memorials, the views these men had on diversity, the country, and how the dialogue today does not capture the spirit of these great leaders' legacies. We hope to take the wisdom of these people forward in the next four years what with the election last week. We ended the night with pizza at Duccini's which was a giant slab of greasy awesome that only cost $5.
The next morning, we slept in, then Cali and I took our leave of DC, but not before stopping at Jamba Juice and Sprinkles, two chains that for whatever reason bypassed Ohio for bigger and better places. Our drive back was uneventful, though we did try Roy Rogers which is like a fast food Fuddruckers meets KFC. I had work to do for my career services China presentation so we couldn't linger. But DC was truly great. I regret my minimal time with the Smithsonian and my lack of Spy museum. Guess I have to come back. In Spring. For Cherry Blossoms. Sorry I didn't see you Spotty Sister and Chai Ducky!
And Cali, thanks for not killing me, while driving or for my wonderful jokes :)
Next week, Thanksgiving updates!! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!
-JTY
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Monday, November 12, 2012
Ain't that America
In honor of Veteran's day and the very American action we all (hopefully) partook in on Tuesday, I figured I'd start with a few thoughts on the state of the union and then end on a lighter note with a few character updates.
First, today is Veteran's Day, which for those of us working a public universities and workplaces, this means a day off. For many others, this means very little. Which is kinda sad since we are supposed to be honoring those Veterans who have fought to protect and spread our ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Now there may be some irony in the idea of using war to spread the ideal of life, and I definitely know some people who would say that it is completely wrong. I definitely take the stance of talk it out not fight it out, but I don't think war, in and of itself, is always the wrong choice. I do agree with the message that if you love something, its worth fighting for. Is war today the same as it was in World War II, when we were fighting to end genocide and defend our land and spread democracy? Yes and no. Genocide comes in different forms, defending our land is a war often fought at home. And spreading democracy is a tough sell when using bullets. And of course its more complicated than my simplifications here. Yet we have a strong military and still exist as the land of hope. If we use our strengths for the good of others, I see a lot of benefit in that. The problems come when we try to define the "benefit of others" and the slippery slope of when is it the benefit of ourselves. Also, if you are fighting to defend our country, does that mean you also are fighting to defend people in other countries? So war is messy. In all senses. A lot of bad comes from it, and lately I think that is all we hear about. But a lot of good can come too. And today we honor the good men and women who know the horrors and hopefully the benefits of being in the armed forces.
For those of you that don't know, Nov 11th is Armistice Day, when the ceasefire was called to essentially end WWI. This is why Veteran's Day happens on 11/11 and why we either get the Monday or Friday nearest that day off. When I think of Veterans, I think of my grandfather and great uncle who fought in WWII. Sometimes I think of the disable vietnam vets. But the face of veterans is changing. More and more its friends of friends or family who went off to fight. Its students I work with that have come back from Iraq and are now trying to finish their schooling. Veterans are getting younger and younger. I don't know many current soldiers or those who have toured. There just haven't been too many in my life. I have a cousin in the coast guard, a former student's boyfriend who keeps rejoining the Army, and Spotty Sister's bf is in the Navy. None have discussed with me the types of action we associate with war, but they've all seen stuff I know. And they are all proud of what they do. So if they are proud, I stand by them. Its a tough job, tougher than most, and I'm glad there are those willing to do it. Thank you.
All of us citizens had a duty to do on Tuesday. Election day on a presidential year is a big deal. We are electing the "leader of the free world". That has ramifications globally. While we look at countries like Egypt and say, good job on that election there, other countries look at us and hold their breath, wondering who its going to be. The president of the United States holds a lot of sway in our world. So, there's a big of global perspective that most people probably didn't think about in an election season that constantly went back to domestic economics. Jobs jobs jobs. That's what it seemed to be about. And the deficit, and the spending, and the taxes. All domestic issues. All financial domestic issues. At least according to Republicans. That's all I heard (and trust me I hear a lot living in a swing state. You think the amount of commercials for YOU was bad?) The Republicans ran on the ticket of we can fix the economy. Personally, I liked a lot of what they stood for. The idea of hard work in the face of adversity. The importance of family and increasing family values. The limit on government spending (except on military). The limit on taxes. The idea that we should not penalize someone who has worked hard and finally achieved the American dream. The idea that the wealthy can help our country out by creating jobs. Those are messages I get behind.
For the Democrats, my facebook was flooded about social issues. "If you don't vote for Obama, you are saying I as a gay man, as a woman, as an immigrant, as a minority, and poor person, as a working person, am worthless to you" That was the messages I was seeing. Social social social. Gay rights, women's reproductive rights, immigration issues. Student loans. Tax the rich so they can give a little more back. Make cuts where necessary. Universal health care. These aren't bad messages either. I like giving people rights. I like thinking about all those people who struggle daily and need just a day or two of support to get back on their feet. Or a month or two. I like everyone having access to a doctor. I like higher education and think it shouldn't be cut. I like students and think they should have time before they jump right into paying for school without a job.
So who did I vote for? Well I had to weigh a few things:
Though the media has blown the debate into a lot of different directions, and the Republican men sure don't know how to talk about it, abortion is an important issue for me. Obama is pro-abortion, I am not. And to me, that has less to do with women's rights, health care, and all the other stuff tacked on, and more to do with the fact that I believe it's life at conception and thus killing a baby is murder. People may give me crap about ignoring those inseparable components, but I think they are separate issues. I don't like contraception either, but you don't see me making that the sticking point (the exception being the morning after pill), but the abortion itself is wrong in my opinion. And I don't see me advocating to stop what I consider murder as imposing my religion.
Gay marriage. Its fine with me. Get married. People deserve those rights. My church doesn't support that, and that's fine. Everyone still needs a legal marriage certificate. Let two people get married. Republicans don't support this and actively oppose it. Disagree completely.
I think we should have a smaller government. Obama has increased government role. This was actually a huge issue to me. I don't necessarily trust government to be everything for everybody and it usually falls short. Spending on a bunch of things that it does not necessarily need to be spending on is overstepping its role. This goes for the debt, the deficit, and the ways government creates jobs. A bailout worked but if people are going to rely on that, or on taxes to the rich, or on other government systems AND loopholes to get by, then what is the motivation to work hard. Instead, let's just find the easy way through. (Is that the reality of the American dream? DUN DUN DUN).
Education. Fairly underdiscussed in the election. As someone going into education, I think it should have been touched on more. Obama mentioned college students, Romney mentioned k-12. Between the two of them maybe I would have felt the system was getting attention. Instead, it was just pandering. I guess it was all pandering, but still, not enough about education.
So in the end, amongst all these considerations. Amongst the math of tax plans not adding up or financial plans never being laid out, I made my decision. Much to what I'm sure is the anguish of my dad, who swore to disown us if we voted for him, I voted for Obama. The saying is better the devil you know then the devil you don't. I can see past his charisma, which inherently makes him more trustable than Romney who looked fairly untrustworthy in the primaries especially. I am no so naive to think they aren't just politicians with a number of personal goals. But I genuinely though our current President was more authentic and real in his care for everyone in this country. Romney felt more out of touch. Now there are advisers for that, I acknowledge. But the big thing that stuck me was I felt Obama has a better global reputation, a better understanding of the job, better interest in immigration, and had a 4 year learning curve to understand this job. I want to build on what I perceive have been 4 fine years, not great, not awful and I just didn't think that was going to happen with Romney. I think it would have been a stop, reset, lets start over. I would have voted for Bush part 2, for similar reasons, and many of the reasons I didn't like Kerry were the same I didn't like Romney. Ultimately, I voted for Obama before, and I stand by my decision to let the man get stuff done in the next four years that continue our country. I don't believe the doomsayers. I think we as Americans are adaptable to change, and a little consistency will be good. We survived Bush and people were saying the same things then. As my dad pointed out, politics for this election was about Romney trying to prove why Obama shouldn't be president, not why Romney should be president. That's how midterm elections work. Well, I needed Romney to tell me why he SHOULD be president. Ultimately he didn't. And so I cast my vote. Now let's rally around the greatness that is our country and see what the next 4 years bring us.
A few updates:
Cali Foodie and I are headed to DC this week to visit P. Diddy. Diddy's been working for CNN and I haven't seen her in several years. It's time to change that and to see our nations capital for the first time. I'm stoked to essentially live in the Smithsonian for two days, though I have a feeling that won't quite happen like that.
Next week I will be in SoCal for Thanksgiving. I arrive on Wednesday and plan to spend the first two days with family. On Friday, Spam Boa and I are seeing the new Bond film!! And then going to a hangout at Mama G, Bridges, and Kareem's new apartment, the Beige Yeti. I hope to see Brock and Clark and Alejandro and Sunshine Knives and Nemesis and RC Tequila and the list goes on. Naysayer P Squirrel will also make an appearance, specially when I visit him at the University on Sunday. In short, its a catchup time for a whirlwind 5 days.
Final note: Go see Wreck It Ralph, its great.
Travel safe everyone! I know I plan to :)
-James
Listening to: "Arc of Time (Time Code)" Bright Eyes
Reading: AV interview with Mark Hamill http://www.avclub.com/articles/mark-hamill-revisits-sushi-girl-batman-and-the-sim,88473/
Playing: League, and starting to wonder why
First, today is Veteran's Day, which for those of us working a public universities and workplaces, this means a day off. For many others, this means very little. Which is kinda sad since we are supposed to be honoring those Veterans who have fought to protect and spread our ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Now there may be some irony in the idea of using war to spread the ideal of life, and I definitely know some people who would say that it is completely wrong. I definitely take the stance of talk it out not fight it out, but I don't think war, in and of itself, is always the wrong choice. I do agree with the message that if you love something, its worth fighting for. Is war today the same as it was in World War II, when we were fighting to end genocide and defend our land and spread democracy? Yes and no. Genocide comes in different forms, defending our land is a war often fought at home. And spreading democracy is a tough sell when using bullets. And of course its more complicated than my simplifications here. Yet we have a strong military and still exist as the land of hope. If we use our strengths for the good of others, I see a lot of benefit in that. The problems come when we try to define the "benefit of others" and the slippery slope of when is it the benefit of ourselves. Also, if you are fighting to defend our country, does that mean you also are fighting to defend people in other countries? So war is messy. In all senses. A lot of bad comes from it, and lately I think that is all we hear about. But a lot of good can come too. And today we honor the good men and women who know the horrors and hopefully the benefits of being in the armed forces.
For those of you that don't know, Nov 11th is Armistice Day, when the ceasefire was called to essentially end WWI. This is why Veteran's Day happens on 11/11 and why we either get the Monday or Friday nearest that day off. When I think of Veterans, I think of my grandfather and great uncle who fought in WWII. Sometimes I think of the disable vietnam vets. But the face of veterans is changing. More and more its friends of friends or family who went off to fight. Its students I work with that have come back from Iraq and are now trying to finish their schooling. Veterans are getting younger and younger. I don't know many current soldiers or those who have toured. There just haven't been too many in my life. I have a cousin in the coast guard, a former student's boyfriend who keeps rejoining the Army, and Spotty Sister's bf is in the Navy. None have discussed with me the types of action we associate with war, but they've all seen stuff I know. And they are all proud of what they do. So if they are proud, I stand by them. Its a tough job, tougher than most, and I'm glad there are those willing to do it. Thank you.
All of us citizens had a duty to do on Tuesday. Election day on a presidential year is a big deal. We are electing the "leader of the free world". That has ramifications globally. While we look at countries like Egypt and say, good job on that election there, other countries look at us and hold their breath, wondering who its going to be. The president of the United States holds a lot of sway in our world. So, there's a big of global perspective that most people probably didn't think about in an election season that constantly went back to domestic economics. Jobs jobs jobs. That's what it seemed to be about. And the deficit, and the spending, and the taxes. All domestic issues. All financial domestic issues. At least according to Republicans. That's all I heard (and trust me I hear a lot living in a swing state. You think the amount of commercials for YOU was bad?) The Republicans ran on the ticket of we can fix the economy. Personally, I liked a lot of what they stood for. The idea of hard work in the face of adversity. The importance of family and increasing family values. The limit on government spending (except on military). The limit on taxes. The idea that we should not penalize someone who has worked hard and finally achieved the American dream. The idea that the wealthy can help our country out by creating jobs. Those are messages I get behind.
For the Democrats, my facebook was flooded about social issues. "If you don't vote for Obama, you are saying I as a gay man, as a woman, as an immigrant, as a minority, and poor person, as a working person, am worthless to you" That was the messages I was seeing. Social social social. Gay rights, women's reproductive rights, immigration issues. Student loans. Tax the rich so they can give a little more back. Make cuts where necessary. Universal health care. These aren't bad messages either. I like giving people rights. I like thinking about all those people who struggle daily and need just a day or two of support to get back on their feet. Or a month or two. I like everyone having access to a doctor. I like higher education and think it shouldn't be cut. I like students and think they should have time before they jump right into paying for school without a job.
So who did I vote for? Well I had to weigh a few things:
Though the media has blown the debate into a lot of different directions, and the Republican men sure don't know how to talk about it, abortion is an important issue for me. Obama is pro-abortion, I am not. And to me, that has less to do with women's rights, health care, and all the other stuff tacked on, and more to do with the fact that I believe it's life at conception and thus killing a baby is murder. People may give me crap about ignoring those inseparable components, but I think they are separate issues. I don't like contraception either, but you don't see me making that the sticking point (the exception being the morning after pill), but the abortion itself is wrong in my opinion. And I don't see me advocating to stop what I consider murder as imposing my religion.
Gay marriage. Its fine with me. Get married. People deserve those rights. My church doesn't support that, and that's fine. Everyone still needs a legal marriage certificate. Let two people get married. Republicans don't support this and actively oppose it. Disagree completely.
I think we should have a smaller government. Obama has increased government role. This was actually a huge issue to me. I don't necessarily trust government to be everything for everybody and it usually falls short. Spending on a bunch of things that it does not necessarily need to be spending on is overstepping its role. This goes for the debt, the deficit, and the ways government creates jobs. A bailout worked but if people are going to rely on that, or on taxes to the rich, or on other government systems AND loopholes to get by, then what is the motivation to work hard. Instead, let's just find the easy way through. (Is that the reality of the American dream? DUN DUN DUN).
Education. Fairly underdiscussed in the election. As someone going into education, I think it should have been touched on more. Obama mentioned college students, Romney mentioned k-12. Between the two of them maybe I would have felt the system was getting attention. Instead, it was just pandering. I guess it was all pandering, but still, not enough about education.
So in the end, amongst all these considerations. Amongst the math of tax plans not adding up or financial plans never being laid out, I made my decision. Much to what I'm sure is the anguish of my dad, who swore to disown us if we voted for him, I voted for Obama. The saying is better the devil you know then the devil you don't. I can see past his charisma, which inherently makes him more trustable than Romney who looked fairly untrustworthy in the primaries especially. I am no so naive to think they aren't just politicians with a number of personal goals. But I genuinely though our current President was more authentic and real in his care for everyone in this country. Romney felt more out of touch. Now there are advisers for that, I acknowledge. But the big thing that stuck me was I felt Obama has a better global reputation, a better understanding of the job, better interest in immigration, and had a 4 year learning curve to understand this job. I want to build on what I perceive have been 4 fine years, not great, not awful and I just didn't think that was going to happen with Romney. I think it would have been a stop, reset, lets start over. I would have voted for Bush part 2, for similar reasons, and many of the reasons I didn't like Kerry were the same I didn't like Romney. Ultimately, I voted for Obama before, and I stand by my decision to let the man get stuff done in the next four years that continue our country. I don't believe the doomsayers. I think we as Americans are adaptable to change, and a little consistency will be good. We survived Bush and people were saying the same things then. As my dad pointed out, politics for this election was about Romney trying to prove why Obama shouldn't be president, not why Romney should be president. That's how midterm elections work. Well, I needed Romney to tell me why he SHOULD be president. Ultimately he didn't. And so I cast my vote. Now let's rally around the greatness that is our country and see what the next 4 years bring us.
A few updates:
Cali Foodie and I are headed to DC this week to visit P. Diddy. Diddy's been working for CNN and I haven't seen her in several years. It's time to change that and to see our nations capital for the first time. I'm stoked to essentially live in the Smithsonian for two days, though I have a feeling that won't quite happen like that.
Next week I will be in SoCal for Thanksgiving. I arrive on Wednesday and plan to spend the first two days with family. On Friday, Spam Boa and I are seeing the new Bond film!! And then going to a hangout at Mama G, Bridges, and Kareem's new apartment, the Beige Yeti. I hope to see Brock and Clark and Alejandro and Sunshine Knives and Nemesis and RC Tequila and the list goes on. Naysayer P Squirrel will also make an appearance, specially when I visit him at the University on Sunday. In short, its a catchup time for a whirlwind 5 days.
Final note: Go see Wreck It Ralph, its great.
Travel safe everyone! I know I plan to :)
-James
Listening to: "Arc of Time (Time Code)" Bright Eyes
Reading: AV interview with Mark Hamill http://www.avclub.com/articles/mark-hamill-revisits-sushi-girl-batman-and-the-sim,88473/
Playing: League, and starting to wonder why
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