I can't wait until 4:30 p.m. rolls around today. My husband and I are leaving work early so that we can go to the Hollywood Bowl for the last time this season. I purchased tickets for tonight's venue back in March! Sting and Annie Lennox are playing tonight -- how cool is that?
In traditional Bowl-Style, we're picnicking. We ordered picnic dinners from Joan's on 3rd, and I brought some ciabatta, blue corn tortilla chips, and wine from home. We may even try to hook-up with another couple that we haven't seen in a while; they just so happen to be going also.
Only 4 1/2 hours more to go! :)
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
A Filipino Saint
My husband has an interest and fascination with saints. While he is spiritual at heart (double entendre) and believes in Jesus, he has never subscribed to any organized religion. I was raised Catholic. Needless to say, the fact that he has such a strong interest with saints is quite unique. Before leaving the house everyday, he opens up one of the two books of saints that he keeps on the entry table to see who the "Saint of the Day" is.
You're probably wondering why I'm even talking about this. I suppose it's because I haven't been writing enough on my blog, I couldn't think of what write about (even though there's TONS to rant about), so I decided to surf online and see what saint's say it is. Now you may be saying, "Why don't you go look at one of the books on the entry table?" My answer to you is simple. I'm lazy. Too lazy to walk the 40, or so, steps on over to the front of the apartment.
I digress... .
So I went online and typed in "saints days" into the google search engine and came up with several different references. One of the ones of most interest I found on (can you believe it) www.americancatholic.org. Sheesh. Anyhow, according to this source, September 22, 2004 is the day of St. Lawrence [Lorenzo] Ruiz (b.1600-d.1637) and Companions. It turns out that Lorenzo was born in Manila, Philippines of a Chinese father and Filipino mother. St. Lorenzo was taught by the Dominicans, and became a professional calligrapher and transcribed documents "in beautiful penmanship." He married and had two sons and a daughter.
(More about St. Lorenzo from the Web site)
"His life took an abrupt turn when he was accused of murder. Nothing further is known except the statement of two Dominicans that "he was sought by the authorities on account of a homicide to which he was present or which was attributed to him."
At that time three Dominican priests, Antonio Gonzalez, Guillermo Courtet and Miguel de Aozaraza, were about to sail to Japan in spite of a violent persecution there. With them was a Japanese priest, Vicente Shiwozuka de la Cruz, and a layman named Lazaro, a leper. Lorenzo, having taken asylum with them, was allowed to accompany them. But only when they were at sea did he learn that they were going to Japan.
They landed at Okinawa. Lorenzo could have gone on to Formosa, but, he reported, "I decided to stay with the Fathers, because the Spaniards would hang me there." In Japan they were soon found out, arrested and taken to Nagasaki. The site of wholesale bloodshed when the atomic bomb was dropped had known tragedy before. The 50,000 Catholics who once lived there were dispersed or killed by persecution.
They were subjected to an unspeakable kind of torture: After huge quantities of water were forced down their throats, they were made to lie down. Long boards were placed on their stomachs and guards then stepped on the ends of the boards, forcing the water to spurt violently from mouth, nose and ears.
The superior, Antonio, died after some days. Both the Japanese priest and Lazaro broke under torture, which included the insertion of bamboo needles under their fingernails. But both were brought back to courage by their companions.
In Lorenzo's moment of crisis, he asked the interpreter, "I would like to know if, by apostatizing, they will spare my life." The interpreter was noncommittal, but Lorenzo, in the ensuing hours, felt his faith grow strong. He became bold, even audacious, with his interrogators.
The five were put to death by being hanged upside down in pits. Boards fitted with semicircular holes were fitted around their waists and stones put on top to increase the pressure. They were tightly bound, to slow circulation and prevent a speedy death. They were allowed to hang for three days. By that time Lorenzo and Lazaro were dead. The three Dominican priests, still alive, were beheaded.
Pope John Paul II canonized these six and 10 others, Asians and Europeans, men and women, who spread the faith in the Philippines, Formosa and Japan. Lorenzo Ruiz is the first canonized Filipino martyr. "
Why bring up this story??? Because I'm 1/2 Filipino, and I thought this was interesting (never heard of him before).
Anyhow, I'm tired, so I'm turning into bed -- actually, I feel like I'm turning in to a pumpkin.
Good Night.
~Jody
You're probably wondering why I'm even talking about this. I suppose it's because I haven't been writing enough on my blog, I couldn't think of what write about (even though there's TONS to rant about), so I decided to surf online and see what saint's say it is. Now you may be saying, "Why don't you go look at one of the books on the entry table?" My answer to you is simple. I'm lazy. Too lazy to walk the 40, or so, steps on over to the front of the apartment.
I digress... .
So I went online and typed in "saints days" into the google search engine and came up with several different references. One of the ones of most interest I found on (can you believe it) www.americancatholic.org. Sheesh. Anyhow, according to this source, September 22, 2004 is the day of St. Lawrence [Lorenzo] Ruiz (b.1600-d.1637) and Companions. It turns out that Lorenzo was born in Manila, Philippines of a Chinese father and Filipino mother. St. Lorenzo was taught by the Dominicans, and became a professional calligrapher and transcribed documents "in beautiful penmanship." He married and had two sons and a daughter.
(More about St. Lorenzo from the Web site)
"His life took an abrupt turn when he was accused of murder. Nothing further is known except the statement of two Dominicans that "he was sought by the authorities on account of a homicide to which he was present or which was attributed to him."
At that time three Dominican priests, Antonio Gonzalez, Guillermo Courtet and Miguel de Aozaraza, were about to sail to Japan in spite of a violent persecution there. With them was a Japanese priest, Vicente Shiwozuka de la Cruz, and a layman named Lazaro, a leper. Lorenzo, having taken asylum with them, was allowed to accompany them. But only when they were at sea did he learn that they were going to Japan.
They landed at Okinawa. Lorenzo could have gone on to Formosa, but, he reported, "I decided to stay with the Fathers, because the Spaniards would hang me there." In Japan they were soon found out, arrested and taken to Nagasaki. The site of wholesale bloodshed when the atomic bomb was dropped had known tragedy before. The 50,000 Catholics who once lived there were dispersed or killed by persecution.
They were subjected to an unspeakable kind of torture: After huge quantities of water were forced down their throats, they were made to lie down. Long boards were placed on their stomachs and guards then stepped on the ends of the boards, forcing the water to spurt violently from mouth, nose and ears.
The superior, Antonio, died after some days. Both the Japanese priest and Lazaro broke under torture, which included the insertion of bamboo needles under their fingernails. But both were brought back to courage by their companions.
In Lorenzo's moment of crisis, he asked the interpreter, "I would like to know if, by apostatizing, they will spare my life." The interpreter was noncommittal, but Lorenzo, in the ensuing hours, felt his faith grow strong. He became bold, even audacious, with his interrogators.
The five were put to death by being hanged upside down in pits. Boards fitted with semicircular holes were fitted around their waists and stones put on top to increase the pressure. They were tightly bound, to slow circulation and prevent a speedy death. They were allowed to hang for three days. By that time Lorenzo and Lazaro were dead. The three Dominican priests, still alive, were beheaded.
Pope John Paul II canonized these six and 10 others, Asians and Europeans, men and women, who spread the faith in the Philippines, Formosa and Japan. Lorenzo Ruiz is the first canonized Filipino martyr. "
Why bring up this story??? Because I'm 1/2 Filipino, and I thought this was interesting (never heard of him before).
Anyhow, I'm tired, so I'm turning into bed -- actually, I feel like I'm turning in to a pumpkin.
Good Night.
~Jody
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
It's about time.
Geez, I can't believe how long it has been since I've left a posting. Let's see, what's been going on lately?:
- Went to the Hollywood Bowl two times so far with friends and family; Big Band Night and 75 Years of Disney night.
- Unfortunately, my husband got word that he was getting laid-off, they gave him six weeks notice.
- The week after my husband got laid off (according to him) he proceeded to work harder than he ever did at work transforming our second bedroom (a.k.a. our personal dumping grounds) into a working home-office -- it's almost finished.
- "Screw the single income HH issue." -- We went wine tasting in Paso Robles over Labor Day Weekend and drank quite a bit; spent quite a bit on good and bad meals; came home with seven bottles of wine.
- Good news for the hubbie -- he got a freelancing gig that will last through the end of the year AND a potentially permanent gig lined up after that's over.
- Week number two of the home-office conversion, it's nearly complete. All we need now is a desk, a chair, and a cable modem. You would think that it should be done by now, but we have soo many pieces of existing furniture in there that we had to reorganize everything in the room that's the size of a shoebox.
This weekend will be busy too. I'm going to a Pampered Chef party at my friend's house, and am going to an arts and crafts fair where my friend will be premiering her jewelry to the public. Lots and lots of fun.
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Firefly Obsession
1. Imagine...
"Nothing beats a quiet evening in the backyard: the slow overtaking of the day and the day's heat as nature settles into night, the lazy blinking of fireflies as they float aimlessly about searching for love, and the tranquil, almost narcotic sound of a light breeze whispering through the leaves and the branches, the gentle arms of the trees. Well, enjoy these peaceful evenings while you can, because they're numbered... ."
--By Bill Ditenhafer, "Downed Power or Downed Trees?", Nashville Scene
2. Learning the secrets of fireflies...
3. Dreaming of...
Seeing a firefly in your dream, represents
bright ideas that are coming out of your unconscious.
4. Fireflies Screensaver
Some guy named Matt Perry designed and built this. Check it out for free - download at your own risk.
5. Firefly the Short-Lived TV Series
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel series creator Joss Whedon wasn't as successful with the masses with his most recent creation, Firefly. It still has a small cult following (one of my former co-workers - CW - swears by this show), but it has yet to be determined whether or not its small fan base is large enough to sustain a mini-series. Personally, I only watched the first four shows, and I thought it was just horrid. I thought that since I was a loyal BtVS and Angel fan that I would have loved another one of Whedon's creations. Boy was I wrong.
"Nothing beats a quiet evening in the backyard: the slow overtaking of the day and the day's heat as nature settles into night, the lazy blinking of fireflies as they float aimlessly about searching for love, and the tranquil, almost narcotic sound of a light breeze whispering through the leaves and the branches, the gentle arms of the trees. Well, enjoy these peaceful evenings while you can, because they're numbered... ."
--By Bill Ditenhafer, "Downed Power or Downed Trees?", Nashville Scene
2. Learning the secrets of fireflies...
3. Dreaming of...
Seeing a firefly in your dream, represents
bright ideas that are coming out of your unconscious.
4. Fireflies Screensaver
Some guy named Matt Perry designed and built this. Check it out for free - download at your own risk.
5. Firefly the Short-Lived TV Series
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel series creator Joss Whedon wasn't as successful with the masses with his most recent creation, Firefly. It still has a small cult following (one of my former co-workers - CW - swears by this show), but it has yet to be determined whether or not its small fan base is large enough to sustain a mini-series. Personally, I only watched the first four shows, and I thought it was just horrid. I thought that since I was a loyal BtVS and Angel fan that I would have loved another one of Whedon's creations. Boy was I wrong.
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Fireflies
From "Humor Columnist" Sheila Moss.
Fireflies
______________________
A Few Words About Our Favorite Subject
Fireflies, or as we call ‘em in Tennessee, "lightning bugs," are flying beetles that reside around grassy meadows. The insects have the unusual ability to flash or twinkle, producing a cold light and creating a magical sparkle that lights up the early evening at twilight.
Many people associate the insect with their childhood memories and the simple, innocent pleasures of that time. They may even remember chasing the tiny glowing bugs on warm summer evenings and collecting them in a jar with air holes punched in the top.
Fireflies are also luminescent in the larvae stage, and during this period of life, they are sometimes called "glowworms."
Now most anyone who ever observes a firefly as it twinkles in the darkness seems to wonder: "How do they make the light?" Fireflies are not completely understood and the light making process is complicated. Their luminous glow is believed to come from their abdominal air tubes where a chemical called luciferin is activated in a chemical reaction with the substance luciferase. A cold light is created by this chemical process.
The timing of the flash is believed to be due to the gas, nitric oxide, which controls delivery of oxygen to specialized light cells that use the oxygen to fuel chemical luminescence. Each species of firefly has its own rhythm. The flash is actually a "love call" that helps fireflies find each other for mating.
Fireflies are found all over the world. There are about 200 species of fireflies in the United States, but almost none are found in the western United States. Fireflies, unfortunately, have disappeared in many areas, even though they thrive in others.
The mature firefly lives a short life of a few months and may not even survive long enough to need food. Some scientists think it is probable that the insects feed on nectar to sustain their energy. Larvae have been observed feeding on earthworms, snails and slugs. Some types of fireflies are "femmes fatales" who flash to attract males of other species only to devour them.
There are no known biological suppliers or other sources from which fireflies can be purchased for repopulating an area. Most experts suggest avoiding pesticides, which kill desirable insects as well as the less desirable ones, and maintaining the natural habitat as the best way to attract them naturally to your property. Many types also seem to prefer being close a natural source of water.
Here in Tennessee, fireflies are plentiful and can be seen nearly every warm summer evening in June and July bringing their bit of brightness into the night. The simple and magical qualities of the insect have captured the imagination of both children and adults. The tiny, wild insect symbolizes the flight and fancy of a free spirit.
Fireflies
______________________
A Few Words About Our Favorite Subject
Fireflies, or as we call ‘em in Tennessee, "lightning bugs," are flying beetles that reside around grassy meadows. The insects have the unusual ability to flash or twinkle, producing a cold light and creating a magical sparkle that lights up the early evening at twilight.
Many people associate the insect with their childhood memories and the simple, innocent pleasures of that time. They may even remember chasing the tiny glowing bugs on warm summer evenings and collecting them in a jar with air holes punched in the top.
Fireflies are also luminescent in the larvae stage, and during this period of life, they are sometimes called "glowworms."
Now most anyone who ever observes a firefly as it twinkles in the darkness seems to wonder: "How do they make the light?" Fireflies are not completely understood and the light making process is complicated. Their luminous glow is believed to come from their abdominal air tubes where a chemical called luciferin is activated in a chemical reaction with the substance luciferase. A cold light is created by this chemical process.
The timing of the flash is believed to be due to the gas, nitric oxide, which controls delivery of oxygen to specialized light cells that use the oxygen to fuel chemical luminescence. Each species of firefly has its own rhythm. The flash is actually a "love call" that helps fireflies find each other for mating.
Fireflies are found all over the world. There are about 200 species of fireflies in the United States, but almost none are found in the western United States. Fireflies, unfortunately, have disappeared in many areas, even though they thrive in others.
The mature firefly lives a short life of a few months and may not even survive long enough to need food. Some scientists think it is probable that the insects feed on nectar to sustain their energy. Larvae have been observed feeding on earthworms, snails and slugs. Some types of fireflies are "femmes fatales" who flash to attract males of other species only to devour them.
There are no known biological suppliers or other sources from which fireflies can be purchased for repopulating an area. Most experts suggest avoiding pesticides, which kill desirable insects as well as the less desirable ones, and maintaining the natural habitat as the best way to attract them naturally to your property. Many types also seem to prefer being close a natural source of water.
Here in Tennessee, fireflies are plentiful and can be seen nearly every warm summer evening in June and July bringing their bit of brightness into the night. The simple and magical qualities of the insect have captured the imagination of both children and adults. The tiny, wild insect symbolizes the flight and fancy of a free spirit.
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
N-N-N-Nashville
Well, I survived my first trip to Nashville. I was there from Thursday, June 24th through Sunday, June 27th. I thought I was being sly by taking the red eye on Wednesday night so that I would have all day Thursday to gallivant around Downtown Nashville.
After 8+ hours of work on Wednesday and 8+ hours of airports and airplanes that evening without ample sleep, my sleepy-head crashed for about 2 1/2 hours at 10:00 a.m. CDT (8:00 a.m. PDT my body's time). Oh...did I mention that my room at the Doubletree Downtown Nashville was just the DIRTIEST EVER????!!!!!! (Oh, and they put me in a handicap double room, they somehow "misplaced" the King room I reserved.) There were blood smatterings on the outside shower curtain, leftover splatters of something nasty inside the trash can, and some hootchie's makeup wiped on "clean" towel folded neatly over the towel bar. Just disgusting. Of course, I didn't notice any of that until after my nap.
Luckily I was able to move into a room that had a BIG CHUNK of the bathroom counter missing. Goodness. Needless to say I was looking forward to my hotel stay in the Franklin, TN suburbs where my seminar was at. That hotel was WONDERFUL; it was the Franklin Cool Springs Marriott.
Aside from seeing lots of fireflies while I was "lost" in Belle Meade (near Vanderbilt), Nashville was pretty uneventful. Though I'll bet it didn't help that I was there to attend a Leadership Institute for my fraternity (I'm the chapter president of my local alumnae group).
I and a bunch of old college buddies did manage to skip out of the evening's events on Saturday. We headed out to the Grand Ole Opry to see Vince Gill open up the late night line-up of a bunch of people we've never heard of. Were any of us really country music fans? No, but we had a great time.
Other tidbits:
-The people there drive slow
-The people there move slow (especially restaurant and hotel service)
-I was "blessed" with getting a rental car with New York plates (I think that made me a moving target)
-I never got a chance to have real Southern food that wasn't mass-produced poorly for the seminar's meals
-When there's a flash flood/thunderstorm, you DO NOT want to be on any of their Interstates; that was just nutty
It's so good to be home.
After 8+ hours of work on Wednesday and 8+ hours of airports and airplanes that evening without ample sleep, my sleepy-head crashed for about 2 1/2 hours at 10:00 a.m. CDT (8:00 a.m. PDT my body's time). Oh...did I mention that my room at the Doubletree Downtown Nashville was just the DIRTIEST EVER????!!!!!! (Oh, and they put me in a handicap double room, they somehow "misplaced" the King room I reserved.) There were blood smatterings on the outside shower curtain, leftover splatters of something nasty inside the trash can, and some hootchie's makeup wiped on "clean" towel folded neatly over the towel bar. Just disgusting. Of course, I didn't notice any of that until after my nap.
Luckily I was able to move into a room that had a BIG CHUNK of the bathroom counter missing. Goodness. Needless to say I was looking forward to my hotel stay in the Franklin, TN suburbs where my seminar was at. That hotel was WONDERFUL; it was the Franklin Cool Springs Marriott.
Aside from seeing lots of fireflies while I was "lost" in Belle Meade (near Vanderbilt), Nashville was pretty uneventful. Though I'll bet it didn't help that I was there to attend a Leadership Institute for my fraternity (I'm the chapter president of my local alumnae group).
I and a bunch of old college buddies did manage to skip out of the evening's events on Saturday. We headed out to the Grand Ole Opry to see Vince Gill open up the late night line-up of a bunch of people we've never heard of. Were any of us really country music fans? No, but we had a great time.
Other tidbits:
-The people there drive slow
-The people there move slow (especially restaurant and hotel service)
-I was "blessed" with getting a rental car with New York plates (I think that made me a moving target)
-I never got a chance to have real Southern food that wasn't mass-produced poorly for the seminar's meals
-When there's a flash flood/thunderstorm, you DO NOT want to be on any of their Interstates; that was just nutty
It's so good to be home.
Friday, June 18, 2004
Trick Candle
And why is it overcast, again, on my birthday???? I mean it looked gloomy this morning, it's a bit better now. However, last year it was cold and raining. Definitely not the natural ambiance that we ordered from Mother Nature for my outdoor luau party.
Out Goes Another Candle
It's myyyyy birrrrthdaaay!!! I get to oooopen prrrressennnts!!!!
Okay, I'm done with that. It's an "odd" number this year. 32. What kind of a number is that? I have a feeling that this is going to be a less-than-stellar year/age for me. 30 I practically skipped (that's a whole other blog). 31 was my "make-good" for 30...and it was a lot of fun.
Now I'm just 32...in my early 30's. I wasn't this indifferent about 22...then again, I was probably still hungover from being 21.
My husband set up dinner this evening with a bunch of friends. I don't know which friends or where...but I'm sure it will be a darn good time.
My sisters left the funniest rendition of "Happy Birthday" on my work voicemail. It was the version of them singing it absolutely horribly and off-key. Damn funny. The cool thing is that my office has a VoIP network and their message will be forever archived in my e-mail. I think that will come in handy one of these days when I want something from either of them.
Okay, I'm done with that. It's an "odd" number this year. 32. What kind of a number is that? I have a feeling that this is going to be a less-than-stellar year/age for me. 30 I practically skipped (that's a whole other blog). 31 was my "make-good" for 30...and it was a lot of fun.
Now I'm just 32...in my early 30's. I wasn't this indifferent about 22...then again, I was probably still hungover from being 21.
My husband set up dinner this evening with a bunch of friends. I don't know which friends or where...but I'm sure it will be a darn good time.
My sisters left the funniest rendition of "Happy Birthday" on my work voicemail. It was the version of them singing it absolutely horribly and off-key. Damn funny. The cool thing is that my office has a VoIP network and their message will be forever archived in my e-mail. I think that will come in handy one of these days when I want something from either of them.
Monday, June 07, 2004
Cookie Dough
I'm at a loss as to what to start talking about, seeing that this is "Day 1" and all. As it's early Monday, I can't say that I have anything incredibly interesting to talk about. Let's see, what did I do this past weekend?
Saturday a.m. -- Alumnae chapter board meeting at my apartment.
Saturday p.m. -- Game day at C & R's house. There was LOTS of wine drinking going on. Heard about President Reagan's passing on the drive over to their house.
Sunday a.m. -- Found out that my mother-in-law definitely broke her nose after a fall the previous evening. Poor thing.
Sunday p.m. -- Went to an open house with my husband to celebrate the arrival of our friend's son. He left early to visit his mom. I stayed a bit later and then left to do grocery shopping and cook dinner for the rest of this week. Since I was by myself last night, I watched a lot of chick-flick-TV. It was great.
Typical June Gloom weather today in SoCal. The weather sets the tone for a somber procession for the late President Reagan, his wife Nancy, and their family from Santa Monica up to the Reagan Library in Simi Valley.
What saddens me the most about his passing is the next stage of relationship between him and his wife Nancy. I have always perceived them as being a very loving couple. During Reagan's time in office they never shied away from displays of public affection. The little bits of their relationship that has been permeating the news this past weekend is intriguing. Like the methodical and ritualistic way he would always help Nancy dismount her horse -- and ending with a kiss. His love letters to his "Daily Wife". Not to mention the undying grace, love, and support Nancy gave him through the "long goodbye".
You can get updates as to the weeks' funeral events on the official library site here: http://www.ronaldreaganmemorial.com/
Saturday a.m. -- Alumnae chapter board meeting at my apartment.
Saturday p.m. -- Game day at C & R's house. There was LOTS of wine drinking going on. Heard about President Reagan's passing on the drive over to their house.
Sunday a.m. -- Found out that my mother-in-law definitely broke her nose after a fall the previous evening. Poor thing.
Sunday p.m. -- Went to an open house with my husband to celebrate the arrival of our friend's son. He left early to visit his mom. I stayed a bit later and then left to do grocery shopping and cook dinner for the rest of this week. Since I was by myself last night, I watched a lot of chick-flick-TV. It was great.
Typical June Gloom weather today in SoCal. The weather sets the tone for a somber procession for the late President Reagan, his wife Nancy, and their family from Santa Monica up to the Reagan Library in Simi Valley.
What saddens me the most about his passing is the next stage of relationship between him and his wife Nancy. I have always perceived them as being a very loving couple. During Reagan's time in office they never shied away from displays of public affection. The little bits of their relationship that has been permeating the news this past weekend is intriguing. Like the methodical and ritualistic way he would always help Nancy dismount her horse -- and ending with a kiss. His love letters to his "Daily Wife". Not to mention the undying grace, love, and support Nancy gave him through the "long goodbye".
You can get updates as to the weeks' funeral events on the official library site here: http://www.ronaldreaganmemorial.com/
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