'Aina - (eye-nah) - Land.
Ali'i - (ah-LEE-ee) - A Hawaiian chief; a member of the chiefly class.
Aloha - (ah-LOW-ha) - Hello, goodbye, or a feeling or the spirit of love, affection, or kindness.
Hale - (hah-leh) - House or building.
Hana - (ha-nah) - Work.
Hana hou - (ha-nah-Ho) - To do again.
Haole - (how-leh) - Originally foreigner, now means Caucasian
Heiau - (hey-ee-ow) - Hawaiian temple.
Hula - (hoo-lah) The story telling dance of Hawaii.
Imu - (ee-moo) - An underground oven.
Kahuna - (kah-HOO-na) - A Priest or minister; someone who is an expert in a profession.
Kai - (kigh) - The sea.
Kalua - (KAH-loo-ah) - Cooking food underground.
Kama'aina - (kah-ma-EYE-na) - Long time Hawaiian resident.
Kane - (hah-neh) - Boy or man.
Kapu - (kah-poo) - Forbidden, taboo; keep out.
Keiki - (kay-key) - Child or children.
Kokua - (koh-koo-ah) - Help.
Kona - (koh - NAH) - Leeward side of the island; wind blowing from the south, southwest direction.
Lanai - (lah-NIGH) - Porch, veranda, patio.
Lei - (lay) - Necklace of flowers, shells, or feathers.
Limu - (lee-moo) - Edible seaweed.
Lomi - (loo-mee) - To rub or massage; lomi salmon is raw salmon rubbed with salt.
Lu'au - (loo-aw) - Hawaiian feast; literally means taro leaves.
Mahalo - (mah-hah-low) Thank you.
Makai - (mah- kigh) - Toward the sea.
Malihini - (mah-lee-hee-nee) - A newcomer, visitor, or guest.
Mauka - (mow-ka) - Toward the mountain.
O'hana - (oh-hah-nah) - Family.
'Ono - (oh-no) - Delicious, the best.
Pali - (pah-lee) - A cliff.
Paniolo - (pah-nee-low-low) - Hawaiian cowboy.
Pau - (pow) - Finish, end, ie. Pau hana means quitting time from work.
Wahine - (wah-hee-ney) - Woman.
Wai - (why) - Fresh water.
Wikiwiki - (wee-kee-wee-kee) - To hurry up, very quick.
----------------
Song of the Day - Somewhere Over The Rainbow, IZ
Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Why fi?
It's amazing to me how many wireless connections you can find, even in an assumed insular place such as a single-family home.
Now, I am all for ease of access to the internet. I love that I can occasionally find a park that provides internet service, I love free-loading when I'm travelling, and I love that when my connection to my secured network isn't working for some reason I can poach an unsecured connection from my neighbors.
My question is; what is this doing to us, if anything? Is the fact that I am being radiated by wireless networks (3 on full power, 2 on half power) sitting here in my bed having any effect other than computer convenience?
I have studied negative long-tern environmental effects too long not to be somewhat paranoid. Cancer is too prevalent in my family not to be somewhat paranoid.
That being said, I also don't feel strongly enough (yet) to look into the strength of the WiFi waves, or if they are that extremely different from any other waves we are constantly bombarded with...television, AM, FM, cell phones.
It just seems that there has been no second thought to the health ramifications; there has been more chatter lately of the impacts of high cell phone usage but never any mention of long-term Wi-Fi exposure. Maybe it is too new to have the results of any studies. Or maybe it is another form of survival of the fittest; as our environment changes (whether through the natural world or our own changes) only those who have the molecular structure to stay healthy will survive long-term.
Song of the Day: Too much information - Duran Duran
Now, I am all for ease of access to the internet. I love that I can occasionally find a park that provides internet service, I love free-loading when I'm travelling, and I love that when my connection to my secured network isn't working for some reason I can poach an unsecured connection from my neighbors.
My question is; what is this doing to us, if anything? Is the fact that I am being radiated by wireless networks (3 on full power, 2 on half power) sitting here in my bed having any effect other than computer convenience?
I have studied negative long-tern environmental effects too long not to be somewhat paranoid. Cancer is too prevalent in my family not to be somewhat paranoid.
That being said, I also don't feel strongly enough (yet) to look into the strength of the WiFi waves, or if they are that extremely different from any other waves we are constantly bombarded with...television, AM, FM, cell phones.
It just seems that there has been no second thought to the health ramifications; there has been more chatter lately of the impacts of high cell phone usage but never any mention of long-term Wi-Fi exposure. Maybe it is too new to have the results of any studies. Or maybe it is another form of survival of the fittest; as our environment changes (whether through the natural world or our own changes) only those who have the molecular structure to stay healthy will survive long-term.
Song of the Day: Too much information - Duran Duran
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
If you could do anything, what would you do?
Tonight I was talking to a friend of mine about her job, which she hates...but she's not sure what else she can do that would still pay as much as she makes now.
Money needs aside, it got me to thinking about what I would REALLY want to do, if I could really do anything. I think that the possibilities are so endless that to just start from scratch and try to think of things is not only difficult, but also somewhat counter-productive because you become limited by your own known parameters and experiences.
So, here's a list of actions I would actually like to do every (well, most) day(s), if I had the choice:
-not have to get up early (i.e. before 9) [says the one with a 7:30am meeting in few hours]
-help people in some capacity
-make the physical world around me better
-do something creative
-talk to different people throughout the day
-organize people in some kind of fashion (like for an event or purpose but not limited to only those)
-connect people/work to other relevant people/work (let's try and cut-down on so much internal wheel re-inventing)
-be outside
-travel occasionally
-[to be fair I dance almost every day, but just for myself - I don't think I would want to make that part of my official list, although it is an action I would want to continue on a daily basis]
-[same with listening or playing/making music]
I think that's a pretty good place to start. Now I just need to figure out what occupations could possibly fit that description. Or maybe it's time for me to make my own. Any suggestions?
If you could list just the actions that would make you happy every day (ok, most days), what would they be? Are you working toward making that a reality?
Song of the Day: Workin' for a Livin' - Huey Lewis and the News
Money needs aside, it got me to thinking about what I would REALLY want to do, if I could really do anything. I think that the possibilities are so endless that to just start from scratch and try to think of things is not only difficult, but also somewhat counter-productive because you become limited by your own known parameters and experiences.
So, here's a list of actions I would actually like to do every (well, most) day(s), if I had the choice:
-not have to get up early (i.e. before 9) [says the one with a 7:30am meeting in few hours]
-help people in some capacity
-make the physical world around me better
-do something creative
-talk to different people throughout the day
-organize people in some kind of fashion (like for an event or purpose but not limited to only those)
-connect people/work to other relevant people/work (let's try and cut-down on so much internal wheel re-inventing)
-be outside
-travel occasionally
-[to be fair I dance almost every day, but just for myself - I don't think I would want to make that part of my official list, although it is an action I would want to continue on a daily basis]
-[same with listening or playing/making music]
I think that's a pretty good place to start. Now I just need to figure out what occupations could possibly fit that description. Or maybe it's time for me to make my own. Any suggestions?
If you could list just the actions that would make you happy every day (ok, most days), what would they be? Are you working toward making that a reality?
Song of the Day: Workin' for a Livin' - Huey Lewis and the News
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
You are your own sight
Having recently been in the Salt Lake City airport twice in the past three days, I am reminded of a time when I lived in Utah. SLC is incredibly familiar and yet simultaneously foreign on my return visits. At this point I have lived in Seattle for more than twice as long as I lived in Utah. As I age, the blip of my life in Utah becomes less and less proportionate to my time spent elsewhere.
I doubt a two-year stint is ever enough to really allow yourself to call a place home, but Utah, and Park City in general will always have a significant place in my heart. Utah was the first place I ever called home truly by choice (as odd as that choice may be). It was always expected of me that I would graduate from high school and go to college; while I had some choice in where that college was, it was the expectation attached to it that makes it less of a free choice in my mind.
At the age of 22, my friend and I loaded her car and drove to Park City (where I had not been since I was 16) from NJ. We had a bit of help with housing initially but we were soon living in a two bedroom condo.
With less than a year remaining until I turn 30, it's with a bit of reminiscence that I think about my 22 year-old self striking out on her own to live how she wanted. While at the time it seemed to completely make sense to me, looking back I give myself more credence for being bold then I did at the time.
I'm learning it is not as common as I thought for people to leave their home state for even college, let alone to start their life as an independent adult. If anything, living in Utah was a great success story. I survived on my own, saved a little in my 401K, got to ski a ridiculous amount for little to no money, and left without any debt. This all sounds good on paper, but while I was there I never once felt as though I belonged.
I did ok while I was in Park City, but venturing down to Salt Lake or other, more remote parts of Utah were always somewhat intimidating. As odd as this sounds, I always felt as though everyone around me knew I wasn't Mormon.
When I was a sophomore in college, I distinctly remember hanging out in my room with my roommate and some of our mutual friends. At one point someone said: "Hey, you're the only one in here who isn't Asian! What's that like to be a minority for once?" At the time, I hadn't even noticed and when they asked the question I answered honestly: "It doesn't feel any different at all"
Fast forward 3 years to Utah. This time around I DID feel like a minority, and thought about it all the time. Whether or not I really was the only non-Mormon in the Crown Burger, I felt like I was. It is doubtful those around me even noticed (as I hadn't when I was in their position) but in my mind they were all looking at me, knowing and judging that I was not like them.
I can't claim to ever have lived a minority life, or know what it is like to be discriminated against purely because of the way I look, but just being in that minority mentality has given me more insight and empathy for others who always feel the way I felt for two years. And it is actually for the gift of this discomfort that I am most grateful for my time in Utah.
That, and the ability to rip when needed.
Song of the Day: Wide Open Spaces - Dixie Chicks
I doubt a two-year stint is ever enough to really allow yourself to call a place home, but Utah, and Park City in general will always have a significant place in my heart. Utah was the first place I ever called home truly by choice (as odd as that choice may be). It was always expected of me that I would graduate from high school and go to college; while I had some choice in where that college was, it was the expectation attached to it that makes it less of a free choice in my mind.
At the age of 22, my friend and I loaded her car and drove to Park City (where I had not been since I was 16) from NJ. We had a bit of help with housing initially but we were soon living in a two bedroom condo.
With less than a year remaining until I turn 30, it's with a bit of reminiscence that I think about my 22 year-old self striking out on her own to live how she wanted. While at the time it seemed to completely make sense to me, looking back I give myself more credence for being bold then I did at the time.
I'm learning it is not as common as I thought for people to leave their home state for even college, let alone to start their life as an independent adult. If anything, living in Utah was a great success story. I survived on my own, saved a little in my 401K, got to ski a ridiculous amount for little to no money, and left without any debt. This all sounds good on paper, but while I was there I never once felt as though I belonged.
I did ok while I was in Park City, but venturing down to Salt Lake or other, more remote parts of Utah were always somewhat intimidating. As odd as this sounds, I always felt as though everyone around me knew I wasn't Mormon.
When I was a sophomore in college, I distinctly remember hanging out in my room with my roommate and some of our mutual friends. At one point someone said: "Hey, you're the only one in here who isn't Asian! What's that like to be a minority for once?" At the time, I hadn't even noticed and when they asked the question I answered honestly: "It doesn't feel any different at all"
Fast forward 3 years to Utah. This time around I DID feel like a minority, and thought about it all the time. Whether or not I really was the only non-Mormon in the Crown Burger, I felt like I was. It is doubtful those around me even noticed (as I hadn't when I was in their position) but in my mind they were all looking at me, knowing and judging that I was not like them.
I can't claim to ever have lived a minority life, or know what it is like to be discriminated against purely because of the way I look, but just being in that minority mentality has given me more insight and empathy for others who always feel the way I felt for two years. And it is actually for the gift of this discomfort that I am most grateful for my time in Utah.
That, and the ability to rip when needed.
Song of the Day: Wide Open Spaces - Dixie Chicks
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Location! Location! Location!
It seems to me that these books might not be best sellars...taken 3/8/08 in the Salt Lake City AirportFriday, March 7, 2008
Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care?
Sometimes I think that 80% of the things we claim we 'need to do' is just a bunch of b.s. to keep us sane.
I found a last minute flight to Utah to go skiing this weekend, and as I think about the things I 'needed to do' over the weekend (and obviously won't be doing) I realize that none of them are a true need...they are various things that I don't actually want to do, so they get classified as needs...but, unlike eating or breathing, they are not needs.
When I was 16 I spent 26 (I think? maybe 27 or 28) days in the wilds of Utah. Aside from being the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life, it was also the most amount of time I have ever spent outside 'civilization'. While on the trip I remember one of my instructors saying: "People often think of this as an escape from the real world. But this is the real world."
I have often thought about that at random times throughout my life. Sometimes when doing something as luxurious as using toilet paper; other times when overlooking a beautiful vista.
Ironically it has taken my retuning to Utah to finally get it. Never before has the impact of what he was saying meant so much than now. While I have occasionally thought about it, I never felt the meaning of it until I was categorically going through the litany of 'things I need to do' before I leave, and when I get back, and next week, and next weekend, and the week after that, and the month after that, and the year following.
What really matters? While clearly a deeply philosophical question , I don't need to be waxing poetic for 300 words about it. I just think the asking of the question; really asking yourself - is the important and relevant part.
For instance, if I decided that eating and breathing really matter, then should I not make sure I am eating healthy foods that will nourish my body rather than chips and salsa for dinner three nights in a row? Inevitably, I will not prioritize what I feel really matters because I don't have time, or I don't feel like going to the grocery store right now, or someone is coming over later, or I've been at work late, or, or, or.
So the challenge is this: defining what your real needs are and then keeping them in focus. Not that you should disregard all social norms; after all, smelling good (i.e. shower and clean clothing) is a need for those around you. Seriously.
Song of the Day: Responsibility - MXPX
I found a last minute flight to Utah to go skiing this weekend, and as I think about the things I 'needed to do' over the weekend (and obviously won't be doing) I realize that none of them are a true need...they are various things that I don't actually want to do, so they get classified as needs...but, unlike eating or breathing, they are not needs.
When I was 16 I spent 26 (I think? maybe 27 or 28) days in the wilds of Utah. Aside from being the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life, it was also the most amount of time I have ever spent outside 'civilization'. While on the trip I remember one of my instructors saying: "People often think of this as an escape from the real world. But this is the real world."
I have often thought about that at random times throughout my life. Sometimes when doing something as luxurious as using toilet paper; other times when overlooking a beautiful vista.
Ironically it has taken my retuning to Utah to finally get it. Never before has the impact of what he was saying meant so much than now. While I have occasionally thought about it, I never felt the meaning of it until I was categorically going through the litany of 'things I need to do' before I leave, and when I get back, and next week, and next weekend, and the week after that, and the month after that, and the year following.
What really matters? While clearly a deeply philosophical question , I don't need to be waxing poetic for 300 words about it. I just think the asking of the question; really asking yourself - is the important and relevant part.
For instance, if I decided that eating and breathing really matter, then should I not make sure I am eating healthy foods that will nourish my body rather than chips and salsa for dinner three nights in a row? Inevitably, I will not prioritize what I feel really matters because I don't have time, or I don't feel like going to the grocery store right now, or someone is coming over later, or I've been at work late, or, or, or.
So the challenge is this: defining what your real needs are and then keeping them in focus. Not that you should disregard all social norms; after all, smelling good (i.e. shower and clean clothing) is a need for those around you. Seriously.
Song of the Day: Responsibility - MXPX
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Fancy meeting you here, Mark Bittman
I have become completely addicted to my blog. I would like to blame JW for most of this...he keeps telling me about cool tools and shareware and other wondrous things that allow me to geek out even more than I was before.
I just added an RSS feed and am working on a topic cloud. What's next?! Soon all 3 of my readers will be able to upload my latest post on their mobile while commuting to work.
Is this the new form of communication? In the world of free share-ware, why does one really need a facebook or MySpace or friendster or LookAtMeAndMyFriends page? Doesn't a blog have all that ability to share and "show the world the real you"? Granted you may not be able to play scrabulous as easily but you still have the ability to create an online virtual persona that is one part a little bit you, one part the internal part you don't usually share, and one part the person you wish you were.
Just today in the NYT they had an article about the value of turning off and remaining unplugged at least once a week. Having just gotten my first laptop (i.e. working) computer in 10 years, I feel like I just got the the party, and yet people are already starting to leave.
Part of the reason I avoid technology sometimes is I very easily have the ability to go too far. I have an inner geek...I just also have an outer person who enjoys showers. So, if my CD player still works, why do I need an mp3 player (yet)? Since I got my laptop in January I have most definitely spent way more hours on it than dedicated to any other single activity. I have stayed up hours past when I have intended to go to sleep. I have found other blogs and are reading them regularly just because I wonder how they come up with content. I check my analytics almost daily. (Kiev?! Really?!)
So is technology just another outlet for releasing an internal part of me that might not otherwise get to whine and be completely neurotic all the time or is it an escape from daily 'real' life? I've started to care more about what I should write about next or what features to add than whether I get to work on time. Is that a result of technology or doing the same job for two years? Maybe a bit of both.
I have often thought that photographers very often enjoy taking photos because they get to set up the view of the world they want to portray, and they don't have to include themselves in it. In a way, blogging is a way to do the same except the focus is on you. You get to construct that lens through which others will see you. If you know nothing about me and read this, you will have a completely different idea of who I am than if you met me walking down the street.
Maybe this is why the internet appeals so much to people who may otherwise be social outcasts. I might make a good impression to you in real life (or not), but it doesn't mean the person with the most hysterical posts you've ever read would. And which one is really 'real'? My obsession is in full force now, like any child with a new toy on Christmas, but I am not about to forgo happy hour with friends or night of dancing.
However if one's life of reality sucks, I cannot blame people for making themselves to be who they want on their blog, or social networking media. All the more power to them. Just hopefully they make it out of their house one day so they can actually get laid.
Song of the Day: AYO Technology - 50 cent
I just added an RSS feed and am working on a topic cloud. What's next?! Soon all 3 of my readers will be able to upload my latest post on their mobile while commuting to work.
Is this the new form of communication? In the world of free share-ware, why does one really need a facebook or MySpace or friendster or LookAtMeAndMyFriends page? Doesn't a blog have all that ability to share and "show the world the real you"? Granted you may not be able to play scrabulous as easily but you still have the ability to create an online virtual persona that is one part a little bit you, one part the internal part you don't usually share, and one part the person you wish you were.
Just today in the NYT they had an article about the value of turning off and remaining unplugged at least once a week. Having just gotten my first laptop (i.e. working) computer in 10 years, I feel like I just got the the party, and yet people are already starting to leave.
Part of the reason I avoid technology sometimes is I very easily have the ability to go too far. I have an inner geek...I just also have an outer person who enjoys showers. So, if my CD player still works, why do I need an mp3 player (yet)? Since I got my laptop in January I have most definitely spent way more hours on it than dedicated to any other single activity. I have stayed up hours past when I have intended to go to sleep. I have found other blogs and are reading them regularly just because I wonder how they come up with content. I check my analytics almost daily. (Kiev?! Really?!)
So is technology just another outlet for releasing an internal part of me that might not otherwise get to whine and be completely neurotic all the time or is it an escape from daily 'real' life? I've started to care more about what I should write about next or what features to add than whether I get to work on time. Is that a result of technology or doing the same job for two years? Maybe a bit of both.
I have often thought that photographers very often enjoy taking photos because they get to set up the view of the world they want to portray, and they don't have to include themselves in it. In a way, blogging is a way to do the same except the focus is on you. You get to construct that lens through which others will see you. If you know nothing about me and read this, you will have a completely different idea of who I am than if you met me walking down the street.
Maybe this is why the internet appeals so much to people who may otherwise be social outcasts. I might make a good impression to you in real life (or not), but it doesn't mean the person with the most hysterical posts you've ever read would. And which one is really 'real'? My obsession is in full force now, like any child with a new toy on Christmas, but I am not about to forgo happy hour with friends or night of dancing.
However if one's life of reality sucks, I cannot blame people for making themselves to be who they want on their blog, or social networking media. All the more power to them. Just hopefully they make it out of their house one day so they can actually get laid.
Song of the Day: AYO Technology - 50 cent
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Bringing back the radio star
Why is it that you occasionally hear a song that you’ve not heard in several years and then it seems as though you hear it all the time? I realize that current songs are on ‘heavy’ and ‘light rotation’ (volunteering at the radio station in college pays off after all!) and there are always a few random DJ choices/requests that are thrown in the mix.
Then there’s what my brothers and I call ‘five year rotation’ where it seems a song will be played again fairly frequently about 5 years after it first came out. I’m not sure if this is intentional (that volunteering only got me so far) or because someone hears the song and then remembers it and decides to request it, thus repeating the same cycle so it stays around for a few weeks.
Sometimes there is a song that isn’t in any kind of rotation, and yet you seem to hear it frequently enough to notice. On the radio; on someone's mix cd; on random online streaming; in an ad, etc. I often wonder if this is coincidence or if maybe I should listen to what is trying to be conveyed to me. One of my roommates frequently likes to remind me: “You know, for someone so logical you are extremely superstitious”. While she was saying this directly in regards to my extreme sports-watching rituals I think it also has application in this instance.
It is said that the universe will tell you what you need to know, if you take the time to listen. How do I know if I’m listening or just manifesting something inside myself that thinks I am being told something? Or is that the same thing?
Song of the Day: Desperado - The Eagles
Then there’s what my brothers and I call ‘five year rotation’ where it seems a song will be played again fairly frequently about 5 years after it first came out. I’m not sure if this is intentional (that volunteering only got me so far) or because someone hears the song and then remembers it and decides to request it, thus repeating the same cycle so it stays around for a few weeks.
Sometimes there is a song that isn’t in any kind of rotation, and yet you seem to hear it frequently enough to notice. On the radio; on someone's mix cd; on random online streaming; in an ad, etc. I often wonder if this is coincidence or if maybe I should listen to what is trying to be conveyed to me. One of my roommates frequently likes to remind me: “You know, for someone so logical you are extremely superstitious”. While she was saying this directly in regards to my extreme sports-watching rituals I think it also has application in this instance.
It is said that the universe will tell you what you need to know, if you take the time to listen. How do I know if I’m listening or just manifesting something inside myself that thinks I am being told something? Or is that the same thing?
Song of the Day: Desperado - The Eagles
Monday, February 25, 2008
Don't I know you from the cinematographer's party?
I love the Oscar's.
I really do.
Deep inside I want to be able to dislike them and say: I won't watch them, I don't care who wins, it's just a bunch of self-righteous Hollywood-ites celebrating themselves. While some of this may be true, I always watch them anyway.
What allows me to submit myself to the consciousness of popular viewership is not the outfits, or the stars (I still don't give a crap about them) or the red carpet or the after parties. It's the stories. The movies themselves. I love to watch and learn about new movies; about movies I might never watch otherwise; about movies past I have vaguely heard of and want to watch; about movies I have watched in the past year and loved or hated.
Story-telling in its various forms have been essential to the culture of mankind. Even today we still know, and re-tell, and re-read stories Homer wrote in Ancient Greece. Even before then there were vast oral traditions and stories were told from person to person, generation to generation.
Movies are merely stories that capitalize on new media that allows a story-teller to reach many people. The intricacies of telling this story - from the lighting to the actors to the script all work together to create art that is beyond the story itself.
Movies have the ability to transport us somewhere else. They have us believe in their constructed reality and through that reality we have a shared experience with other viewers. While all movies are created to entertain, some are the Aesop of the their day - they provide the ability to discuss deeper issues and lessons beyond the movie itself. Having a shared experience with our fellow humans is also important - while we might not all read the same book anymore, we might have seen the same movie. The importance of reading aside, this common bond and interest provides a connection for some to the people around them, which is incredibly important for social norms.
When I was a senior in high school we had to analyze our favorite movies. After spending weeks analyzing all different movies I can remember wondering if I had "ruined" movies for myself for all time - would I be able to watch without wondering the symbolism of every object? Without seeing every action as a deeper expression of the plot and themes? Luckily I have forgotten most of what I learned (sorry Mr. Shea); to avoid ruining the Oscars in the same way, I will now stop with my diatribe on the importance of story in human culture.
Either way, you can be sure I'll be watch the Oscars next year. And I still won't give a crap about who's pregnant and who Joan Rivers thinks is poorly dressed.
Song of the Day: Largo Al Factotum - Rossini
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Innocent Hearts
By the time you read this, tomorrow will be Valentine's Day. A day most likely abhorred by more than appreciated. I have never had qualms about VDay even though I have never once had a "Valentine" to share it with. In my world it has always meant it is exactly one week until my birthday, and as a kid that's the best feeling in the world. I never noticed whether I had gotten a Valentine from every boy in the class, or what the candy hearts said (it's a good thing "better luck next time" was never available). Even as an adult, I have maintained the whimsy that I assigned to the day as a child - I still get those kids Valentines and give them to all my friends (yours is in the mail).
This year I decided that a wonderful addition to the Pirates of the Caribbean Valentines Cards I got (for about 3 bucks at Rite Aid...hey it's the thought that counts!) would be some heart stickers. Not having bought sheets of stickers in a while, I assumed they would be readily available; a pack of regular heart stickers. Nothing fancy, just plain red hearts. A few days before Valentine's Day...sounds easy right?
Well, the search began on Feb 11th and 2 days later there are still not stickers to be found. Places I looked: Utrecht (Cap Hill); Rite Aid (Cap Hill); Urban Outfitters (you never know: Cap Hill); random card shop (with TONS of Valentines stuff in the window: Pioneer Square) "you're the third person to come in and ask...no we don't have any"; Bartell's Drug (5th and Virginia); the Hallmark Store (4th Ave Downtown); Borders (Downtown); Rite Aid (Downtown). How can NO WHERE carry heart stickers?! of ANY kind - fancy, plain, whatever?! At this point it has become a mission of curiosity (notice a pattern?) more than anything - why does no one have heart stickers? Is there ANYWHERE to buy them other than a specialty store of some kind?
This heart sticker issue has made me wonder: Do kids still have sticker books? As a child I can remember getting stickers to put in my sticker book - I would specifically save my allowance to go buy the fancy stickers at The Write Impression (a stationary story where I grew up) - they had everything there. I mean, everything - things so wonderful that a sheet of red hearts would have seemed too mundane to even consider. Yet twenty years later that's what I wish I could attain. Perhaps kids today have access to so many forms of entertainment that sticker books for fifty-cent stickers is so passé...why would you collect stickers when you can play Guitar Hero?
There was something satisfying to save up for that more expensive (i.e. $2) sticker - and to finally choose which one you wanted (sunglasses collection or shoe collection?) and then when it was finally added with such permanency to your sticker book you would return to it and happily look at same said stickers again and again. (Seriously? I did this?) - is there anything that offers a parallel satisfaction to kids today? The acts had no practical value other than perhaps the encouragement of budgeting, yet were something we would all obsess over and share with each other and show off to one and other. Do kids do anything like this today? I'm honestly curious - and for the joy of innocence deserved by the next generation I hope there is a positive answer out there. Maybe I'll find it wherever they keep the heart stickers.
Song of the Day: Owner of a Lonely Heart - Yes
This year I decided that a wonderful addition to the Pirates of the Caribbean Valentines Cards I got (for about 3 bucks at Rite Aid...hey it's the thought that counts!) would be some heart stickers. Not having bought sheets of stickers in a while, I assumed they would be readily available; a pack of regular heart stickers. Nothing fancy, just plain red hearts. A few days before Valentine's Day...sounds easy right?
Well, the search began on Feb 11th and 2 days later there are still not stickers to be found. Places I looked: Utrecht (Cap Hill); Rite Aid (Cap Hill); Urban Outfitters (you never know: Cap Hill); random card shop (with TONS of Valentines stuff in the window: Pioneer Square) "you're the third person to come in and ask...no we don't have any"; Bartell's Drug (5th and Virginia); the Hallmark Store (4th Ave Downtown); Borders (Downtown); Rite Aid (Downtown). How can NO WHERE carry heart stickers?! of ANY kind - fancy, plain, whatever?! At this point it has become a mission of curiosity (notice a pattern?) more than anything - why does no one have heart stickers? Is there ANYWHERE to buy them other than a specialty store of some kind?
This heart sticker issue has made me wonder: Do kids still have sticker books? As a child I can remember getting stickers to put in my sticker book - I would specifically save my allowance to go buy the fancy stickers at The Write Impression (a stationary story where I grew up) - they had everything there. I mean, everything - things so wonderful that a sheet of red hearts would have seemed too mundane to even consider. Yet twenty years later that's what I wish I could attain. Perhaps kids today have access to so many forms of entertainment that sticker books for fifty-cent stickers is so passé...why would you collect stickers when you can play Guitar Hero?
There was something satisfying to save up for that more expensive (i.e. $2) sticker - and to finally choose which one you wanted (sunglasses collection or shoe collection?) and then when it was finally added with such permanency to your sticker book you would return to it and happily look at same said stickers again and again. (Seriously? I did this?) - is there anything that offers a parallel satisfaction to kids today? The acts had no practical value other than perhaps the encouragement of budgeting, yet were something we would all obsess over and share with each other and show off to one and other. Do kids do anything like this today? I'm honestly curious - and for the joy of innocence deserved by the next generation I hope there is a positive answer out there. Maybe I'll find it wherever they keep the heart stickers.
Song of the Day: Owner of a Lonely Heart - Yes
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Take the gun, and leave the cannoli for me
Today is (was) Fat Tuesday. In my family it is a longstanding tradition to celebrate the day with baked goods and sweets. As a child, I can remember my extended family coming over and bringing the most delicious desserts - my favorite, of course, being cannoli. In a way, Fat Tuesday was almost better than Halloween because my mother permitted a no-holds-barred sugar feast unlike any other. We could eat an entire package of cookies, if we so desired (the effect of which was punishment enough, but I digress)
As an adult I now try to inspire a bit of sloth and gluttony amongst my friends and cook lasagna every year (with strict promises from all involved that if they are going to adopt this Catholic tradition, they will also not eat the entire next day nor enjoy life for the following 40) While this seems like an easy task, in actuality, the concept of never-ending dessert is foreign to most people. In recent years it seems I have been attempting to re-create the favorite memories of my sweet tooth (which now has a crown) with little success. People are all for dinner, and wine, but to convince them to each bring a dessert that results in a glucose schmorgasborg isn't as easy as it sounds.
Due to the difficulty of finding cannoli - especially good cannoli - in the fair city of Seattle I decided to have a cannoli contest for the first few years here. I figured that rather than spending (more*) massive amounts of time trying to track down cannoli, why not use the brains of my friends to assist me in my quest?! The unfortunate result was the unpredicted lack of valor for the task...rather than hunting down cannoli as I had anticipated, people quite easily threw in the towel and showed up without any sweets at all...which defeats the whole point. *original cannoli search story for another time
Last year I really emphasized the cannoli aspect and had a few entries of home-made cannoli, which was delicious.
This year I neglected to check how early Easter was and had a more low-key dinner due to inviting people mere days and hours before chow time. (he he -oops...) So I decided to forgo the cannoli contest completely for several reasons:
1 - Homemade cannoli, while amazingly good, never really satiated my curiosity...is it possible to get a good cannoli in this town? And where? Even the seemingly obvious answers hold no bounty. The offerings at the Italian Festival (Seattle's pathetic version of the San Gennaro Festival to you NYC types) is absolutely pitiful. When I have attended in search of that crispy shell and that distinctive-tasting filling I have repeatedly found only one booth sells cannoli - with soggy shells and maraschino cherries on the ends (if anything, I prefer a few small chocolate chips).
2 - People seemed to be getting too caught up in the contest as an all-or-nothing participation in dessert
3 - it's not fair to ask people to track down something last-minute that is only acquired through difficulty (whether that difficulty is actually undertaking the adventure of finding good pre-made cannoli or making the effort to create them yourself)
To keep it easy, when telling people to come over, I just asked them to bring wine and/or dessert.
So this time we had at least 3 different tiramisu...which I don't even really like...maybe next year I'll make individual assignments.
Song of the Day: Too Much by Dave Matthews Band
As an adult I now try to inspire a bit of sloth and gluttony amongst my friends and cook lasagna every year (with strict promises from all involved that if they are going to adopt this Catholic tradition, they will also not eat the entire next day nor enjoy life for the following 40) While this seems like an easy task, in actuality, the concept of never-ending dessert is foreign to most people. In recent years it seems I have been attempting to re-create the favorite memories of my sweet tooth (which now has a crown) with little success. People are all for dinner, and wine, but to convince them to each bring a dessert that results in a glucose schmorgasborg isn't as easy as it sounds.
Due to the difficulty of finding cannoli - especially good cannoli - in the fair city of Seattle I decided to have a cannoli contest for the first few years here. I figured that rather than spending (more*) massive amounts of time trying to track down cannoli, why not use the brains of my friends to assist me in my quest?! The unfortunate result was the unpredicted lack of valor for the task...rather than hunting down cannoli as I had anticipated, people quite easily threw in the towel and showed up without any sweets at all...which defeats the whole point. *original cannoli search story for another time
Last year I really emphasized the cannoli aspect and had a few entries of home-made cannoli, which was delicious.
This year I neglected to check how early Easter was and had a more low-key dinner due to inviting people mere days and hours before chow time. (he he -oops...) So I decided to forgo the cannoli contest completely for several reasons:
1 - Homemade cannoli, while amazingly good, never really satiated my curiosity...is it possible to get a good cannoli in this town? And where? Even the seemingly obvious answers hold no bounty. The offerings at the Italian Festival (Seattle's pathetic version of the San Gennaro Festival to you NYC types) is absolutely pitiful. When I have attended in search of that crispy shell and that distinctive-tasting filling I have repeatedly found only one booth sells cannoli - with soggy shells and maraschino cherries on the ends (if anything, I prefer a few small chocolate chips).
2 - People seemed to be getting too caught up in the contest as an all-or-nothing participation in dessert
3 - it's not fair to ask people to track down something last-minute that is only acquired through difficulty (whether that difficulty is actually undertaking the adventure of finding good pre-made cannoli or making the effort to create them yourself)
To keep it easy, when telling people to come over, I just asked them to bring wine and/or dessert.
So this time we had at least 3 different tiramisu...which I don't even really like...maybe next year I'll make individual assignments.
Song of the Day: Too Much by Dave Matthews Band
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