As the last entry had, this too, shall have 3 separate, unrelated segments. Reason? Nope. But we've got spaghetti. Aaaannd blankets. (hopefully whoever, if anyone, reads this gets that joke / reference)
Self Monitoring
The concept of "self-monitoring" is something that I was first formally introduced to in business school, but casually introduced to throughout my entire freaking life. Self-monitoring is essentially being aware of yourself in your surrounding circumstances, and acting in a way that's consistent with how you hope to be perceived. In some ways, self-monitoring theory has some negative connotations, in that if you are a "high" self monitor, you adapt frequently in order to have certain people hold you in different regards. For me however, what self monitoring boils down to is acting civilized, humble, and carrying yourself in a way that keeps you from overwhelming others. Essentially, I believe the idea of self-monitoring has a place in my personality, but not in the sense that I adapt depending on my surroundings; I consciously make an effort to conduct myself consistently in different venues.
The point of bringing it the whole idea up is, I'm reading a book called Why We Hate Us, which isn't so much about self-hate as it is a commentary about why we as Americans hate certain parts of our "American" lifestyle. I'm not a big Anti-American, but I am a huge advocate of self-deprecation, so I'm reading it, and analyzing my life with what is hopefully an appropriate amount of credence to the social commentary.
Anyway - my point is, the author presents the ideas of "selfism" and the devolution of concrete, objective lifestyles - how most of us really operate more off of our "feelings" rather than any solid identity or set of principles. A manifestation of this type of lifestyle is - GASP - blogging. And here I am, actively participating in one of the most concrete examples of "selfism." I really hope I'm not a "selfist" as described in the book, but very well may be. But just considering the idea that I may in fact be a selfist seems to suggest otherwise, OR it may suggest the problem is even bigger than I know. Please advise.
Dog Frustration
My dog, generally speaking, is the coolest. She's a German Shepherd that I got from a rescue when she was 4 months old. She listens to me more than any other dog I've ever come across, and is very protective of me when she thinks it's appropriate. That being said - today I am very frustrated with my dog. Last night, she ate a little more than usual, so this morning I walked her for a while longer to make sure she did all her business before I left for work.
Long story short, when I came home from work today, it became apparent that sometime during the day, my dog unleashed what can only be accurately described as a tsunami of feces, vomit, and some sort of hybrid on my kitchen floor. No particular reason for sharing other than the fact that it took literally 45 mins to clean correctly, and I am frustrated that my usually considerate pal was inconsiderate today. (I realize she couldn't control it. Zip it - it was gross to clean, so there it was)
Man Tights
Quickly - last weekend, I went for a run with 3 of my friends. The guy on the run closest to my age showed up wearing, literally, under armour tights with relatively small mesh shorts over top. If this guy were a particularly serious runner - I would have let this slide. However, this guy is decidedly NOT a serious runner, and I question why he would even own such attire. Additionally, when I made a completely inappropriate comment about him and his figure (which was no longer a secret to anyone) he countered by telling me how ridiculous it was that I was wearing a bandana to contain my blagoiavic-esq hair helmet. News flash friend - 1.) you are not a super-hero, tights are inappropriate, no matter the event, 2.)a bandana is practical, while tights are extremely risque, 3.) you are wrong. stop wearing tights.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Complete Irrelevance
24:
To begin, I have to admit that my relationship with the television show 24 is tenuous at best, especially when compared to those people who have watched religiously since the first season. In all truthitude (that's right, truthitude) I have watched 1 complete season (2 seasons ago) and part of last season which I quit on because I thought it was just getting to be too much, even for 24.
That being said, I have been following the current season pretty closely. It is entertaining, highly unrealistic, and almost everything I look for in a thoughtless TV show. Now - for those who haven't been paying as close attention as I have, or don't have the vast knowledge of useless, awful entertainment that I have, I must inform you that the current lead FBI detective on 24 (Assistant Director Larry Moss) is played by the very same actor that played Coach Ted Orion in D3:The Mighty Ducks, Jeffrey Nording.
Yes, this chameleon has now held my attention in the roles of an emotionally charged, scorned inter-office lover / FBI agent AND a prep-school JV Hockey coach who is the father to a wheel-chair bound daughter. If you ask me, this guy deserves some kind of an award. Probably the type of award that is invented for the recipient, because I can't imagine another with the acting chops of this fine thespian.
Free Legal Advice, Worth Every Penny:
Ok, this segment is somewhat serious, but very "high level" (MBA use, not colloquial) as far as the level of analysis - for many reasons, not the least of which is that I mean it only as a caution, not as advice. That being said - if anyone reading this (assumes readership, I know) is in a position where they are considering buying a home, please, for the love of God, have an attorney assist you should you decide to make a purchase. Please note that I said attorney, not just a realtor. I know many realtors who are nothing but professional, so I certainly don't mean this to detract from them and their valuable services. But I say without any form of hesitation that many realtors / agents / even title insurers who are not licensed attorneys leave a lot to be desired when it comes to their understanding of the term "marketable title."
In all, what I mean to say is...not only in this economy where many houses are being sold short, at foreclosure auctions, etc. but just in the real estate market as a whole, the notion of a title gets lost in the shuffle sometimes, and it can really come back to bite you in the ass - as many as 30 years after the purchase of your home, depending on where you live. I've seen it first-hand at work, and heard horror stories second-hand (and further removed) in social settings. Just be cautious with an investment of that size.
I'll get off the soapbox now.
Irrational Fear:
This is neither here nor there - but I recently discovered that I know someone who shares a particularized irrational fear with me, so it's on my mind. Ok - in my head, I know that there are dates on milk (and other products) that serve as an estimated time when the product will spoil. It is my understanding that these dates are directed more towards the store reselling the products than the ultimate consumer. Even during my impressionable childhood years my parents went so far as to assure me that, "you have at least two days after the date" to safely use or consume most products.
All of that being said and understood - I cannot stand the idea of milk that has passed it's "sell-by" date being in my refrigerator. Even if I know it's old, and won't drink it - I have a problem with it sitting on the shelf, using up the cold that I pay for. That's my cold, milk. My cold.
Let me tell you something else - that date is like a .08 is to a police officer - a steadfast marker that triggers a process - with a DUI it's being arrested - with milk - it's getting dumped down the freaking drain. Yes, this may be considered wasteful to many, but I assure you my lifestyle is not one that produces much waste, especially of the consumable variety. All in all, at 12:01 on the sell by date - that milk has a date with the bottom of my sink, no questions, sniff-tests or protests.
To begin, I have to admit that my relationship with the television show 24 is tenuous at best, especially when compared to those people who have watched religiously since the first season. In all truthitude (that's right, truthitude) I have watched 1 complete season (2 seasons ago) and part of last season which I quit on because I thought it was just getting to be too much, even for 24.
That being said, I have been following the current season pretty closely. It is entertaining, highly unrealistic, and almost everything I look for in a thoughtless TV show. Now - for those who haven't been paying as close attention as I have, or don't have the vast knowledge of useless, awful entertainment that I have, I must inform you that the current lead FBI detective on 24 (Assistant Director Larry Moss) is played by the very same actor that played Coach Ted Orion in D3:The Mighty Ducks, Jeffrey Nording.
Yes, this chameleon has now held my attention in the roles of an emotionally charged, scorned inter-office lover / FBI agent AND a prep-school JV Hockey coach who is the father to a wheel-chair bound daughter. If you ask me, this guy deserves some kind of an award. Probably the type of award that is invented for the recipient, because I can't imagine another with the acting chops of this fine thespian.
Free Legal Advice, Worth Every Penny:
Ok, this segment is somewhat serious, but very "high level" (MBA use, not colloquial) as far as the level of analysis - for many reasons, not the least of which is that I mean it only as a caution, not as advice. That being said - if anyone reading this (assumes readership, I know) is in a position where they are considering buying a home, please, for the love of God, have an attorney assist you should you decide to make a purchase. Please note that I said attorney, not just a realtor. I know many realtors who are nothing but professional, so I certainly don't mean this to detract from them and their valuable services. But I say without any form of hesitation that many realtors / agents / even title insurers who are not licensed attorneys leave a lot to be desired when it comes to their understanding of the term "marketable title."
In all, what I mean to say is...not only in this economy where many houses are being sold short, at foreclosure auctions, etc. but just in the real estate market as a whole, the notion of a title gets lost in the shuffle sometimes, and it can really come back to bite you in the ass - as many as 30 years after the purchase of your home, depending on where you live. I've seen it first-hand at work, and heard horror stories second-hand (and further removed) in social settings. Just be cautious with an investment of that size.
I'll get off the soapbox now.
Irrational Fear:
This is neither here nor there - but I recently discovered that I know someone who shares a particularized irrational fear with me, so it's on my mind. Ok - in my head, I know that there are dates on milk (and other products) that serve as an estimated time when the product will spoil. It is my understanding that these dates are directed more towards the store reselling the products than the ultimate consumer. Even during my impressionable childhood years my parents went so far as to assure me that, "you have at least two days after the date" to safely use or consume most products.
All of that being said and understood - I cannot stand the idea of milk that has passed it's "sell-by" date being in my refrigerator. Even if I know it's old, and won't drink it - I have a problem with it sitting on the shelf, using up the cold that I pay for. That's my cold, milk. My cold.
Let me tell you something else - that date is like a .08 is to a police officer - a steadfast marker that triggers a process - with a DUI it's being arrested - with milk - it's getting dumped down the freaking drain. Yes, this may be considered wasteful to many, but I assure you my lifestyle is not one that produces much waste, especially of the consumable variety. All in all, at 12:01 on the sell by date - that milk has a date with the bottom of my sink, no questions, sniff-tests or protests.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Two for two
So on the first day of the first two months of 2009, I have had a friend with whom I have been out with get arrested. The January event was entirely unfortunate, and has served as a learning experience for my friend, myself, and others, which in a twisted way is one of those 'blessings in disguise' depending on your particular point of view. Personally, I'm not sure I see it that way, but I guess it could be characterized as such; No injuries, no major loss of property other than money, so all in all relatively minor.
Now, I can say that the events surrounding the most recent arrest of one of my friends was most hilarious. The arrestee was one of my friends from college who came to visit me over the weekend, who has an unusual affinity for...shedding clothing when intoxicated. When it's just friends and those who know him, this is always unusual and awkward, but usually just funny. On this particular occasion, my friend decided to show parts of himself that usually don't see sunlight, to the local police department. Hilarity ensued. When my friend returned to my apartment after being in a holding cell for roughly 4 hours, he was clutching his plastic property bag. Inside was a document I am well familiar with through my work - a statement of probable cause for a criminal charge. The narration in it was both graphic and astounding, and I look forward to the day the law requires that it be read before a district court judge and a full courtroom. For those keeping track at home, that day will be April 3, 2009. I know I'll be there.
Now, I can say that the events surrounding the most recent arrest of one of my friends was most hilarious. The arrestee was one of my friends from college who came to visit me over the weekend, who has an unusual affinity for...shedding clothing when intoxicated. When it's just friends and those who know him, this is always unusual and awkward, but usually just funny. On this particular occasion, my friend decided to show parts of himself that usually don't see sunlight, to the local police department. Hilarity ensued. When my friend returned to my apartment after being in a holding cell for roughly 4 hours, he was clutching his plastic property bag. Inside was a document I am well familiar with through my work - a statement of probable cause for a criminal charge. The narration in it was both graphic and astounding, and I look forward to the day the law requires that it be read before a district court judge and a full courtroom. For those keeping track at home, that day will be April 3, 2009. I know I'll be there.
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