OK, not too many people jumping at the chance to participate in this meme. Of course, it could be that I just don't have the level of readership that would allow for replies in three days.
So, here are some folks that I'm tagging.
Amel at Amel's Realm probably has cool experiences from both Indonesia and Finland.
Jovi at Girl, Interrupted is from the Philippines.
Let's get a New York perspective from Victorya at Victorya Chase Goes to Therapy. I always like reading Victorya's blog it is very thought provoking. Check out a past post about the Sexualizing of Children. This is a concerning trend.
OK, that's all for now.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Seven Priceless Experiences in South Florida
Well, this is another tagging game which Zhu of Correr Es Mi Destino started. I am really glad Zhu tagged me because otherwise I would be writing the second scene to the Another Day in Paradise. It isn't that I don't want to write the second scene but at the moment I have so many ideas floating around my head that I haven't been able to write anything coherent.
Zhu of course started the meme with Ten Priceless Canadian Experiences. I am from Florida, USA but I decided to be specific to South Florida with my 7 experiences. That's because South Florida is really different from the northern part of the state and in many ways different from the United States in general. I really couldn't come up with 10, but if I think of any more I'll add them.
1. Diversity and more Diversity
I really enjoy the diversity of South Florida. I have a wide range of friends from many countries, cultures, religions, etc. It's great to have conversations with them and learn about their experiences. It's like visiting a different country without leaving home.
2. Really Bad Traffic
This is one I hate! The traffic problem in South Florida is more than just the amount of cars on the road, which is a problem in itself. Some of the traffic problems do relate to the diversity I like so well because you do have folks who don't quite adjust to the US traffic laws. Even worse though are the people who do know the traffic laws and blatantly disobey them. It is very common for people to run red lights. In fact, if you are coming up on a yellow light and think you should stop you have to look behind you first. If there is a car behind you, you have to decide if it is better to go through the yellow almost red light or risk being rear-ended. Sometimes the very people who are supposed to be enforcing the traffic laws are violating them. Yes, I have nearly been run down by a police car while I was trying to cross the road.
3. The Weather is Great!! (except for hurricanes)
Why do you think so many people put up with the threat of having their houses blown away? The winter months are the best. While the rest of the country is shoveling snow we have the windows open letting in the cool breezes. The summer can sometimes be a bit unbearable with the heat and humidity. However, most of the time we have some nice winds coming off the ocean which cools things down a bit and everywhere you go is air conditioned.
4. Hurricanes are the Pits!!
Well, we lived through Hurricane Wilma which we thought was a category 3 but found out later that it was a category 2. That is because the wind speeds weren't sustained, whatever that means. All the same, when the wind was blowing I would put my hand on the walls of my house and I could feel them vibrating. My house is a cinder block house and very well built so the fact that the walls were vibrating caused me a bit of concern. My husband and I watched from the little window in our door as the winds uprooted a couple of huge trees and tipped them over on our neighbor's house. When it was all over, one of the neighborhood kids commented that our street looked like a scene from the movie War of the Worlds. I can only imagine how horrible Hurricane Katrina was.
5. Tropical Fruit: Avocados, Mangoes, Lynchees, etc.
It's great all the different kinds of fruit you can get here. The best part is that it is grown locally. It's not the tasteless fruit that's been picked early and ripened while it is shipped to the grocery store. Of course, you can get that kind of fruit here too. So, during the summer I get all the avocados and mangoes I can eat because I have trees. Sometimes I get lynchees from friends who have a tree. I'm not crazy about papaya and star fruit, but I could get those from friends too. For many years backyard citrus was disappearing because of the citrus canker and you couldn't buy citrus trees. That restriction has been lifted so maybe I'll buy an orange tree. Even if I don't there are shops everywhere that sell fresh oranges of all varieties. It's really wonderful.
6. Great International Restaurants
The diversity of the population ensures that there are a lot of authentic restaurants from the countries represented by the population. We have a couple of Thai restaurants that we love. We've also been to a good Venezuelan restaurant. We're not particularly fond of Cuban food, but there are Cuban restaurants on nearly every corner. Other restaurants that I've enjoyed include Italian, Japanese, Greek and so many more that I haven't tried yet.
7. Enduring Jokes about the 2002 Elections
I can't tell you how many times I've heard "So, you're from Florida. What was going on with the election?" So, now we have these computerized voting machines and every election there are debates about the reliability of these machines. Our local county government spent all this money on buying the machines and now some voters want to retrofit the machines to print a paper receipt. I'm not sure what good a paper receipt would do. If what is printed is not what you voted for then I guess you could make a stink about it. But a piece of paper isn't going to guarantee that the vote is counted. Occasionally, we hear about the votes in a machine not being counted properly for one reason or another. In reality, it's the same problem that elections have always had. With paper ballots, it was possible that a box full of ballots got lost and were never counted. Then there is that whole hanging chad thing. One friend told me that Florida's state quarter should be a nickel. Just count it five times!
OK, I don't know who to tag for this one. So, here's my idea. If you'd like to participate in this meme, leave a comment so that people can follow it to your blog. Over the next few days, I'll tag a few people as well.
So, ends my weekend. I spent most of my Sunday afternoon browsing the blogs Zhu listed for this meme. You should check it out, a lot of interesting blogs. I'm happy to be one of them.
Zhu of course started the meme with Ten Priceless Canadian Experiences. I am from Florida, USA but I decided to be specific to South Florida with my 7 experiences. That's because South Florida is really different from the northern part of the state and in many ways different from the United States in general. I really couldn't come up with 10, but if I think of any more I'll add them.
1. Diversity and more Diversity
I really enjoy the diversity of South Florida. I have a wide range of friends from many countries, cultures, religions, etc. It's great to have conversations with them and learn about their experiences. It's like visiting a different country without leaving home.
2. Really Bad Traffic
This is one I hate! The traffic problem in South Florida is more than just the amount of cars on the road, which is a problem in itself. Some of the traffic problems do relate to the diversity I like so well because you do have folks who don't quite adjust to the US traffic laws. Even worse though are the people who do know the traffic laws and blatantly disobey them. It is very common for people to run red lights. In fact, if you are coming up on a yellow light and think you should stop you have to look behind you first. If there is a car behind you, you have to decide if it is better to go through the yellow almost red light or risk being rear-ended. Sometimes the very people who are supposed to be enforcing the traffic laws are violating them. Yes, I have nearly been run down by a police car while I was trying to cross the road.
3. The Weather is Great!! (except for hurricanes)
Why do you think so many people put up with the threat of having their houses blown away? The winter months are the best. While the rest of the country is shoveling snow we have the windows open letting in the cool breezes. The summer can sometimes be a bit unbearable with the heat and humidity. However, most of the time we have some nice winds coming off the ocean which cools things down a bit and everywhere you go is air conditioned.
4. Hurricanes are the Pits!!
Well, we lived through Hurricane Wilma which we thought was a category 3 but found out later that it was a category 2. That is because the wind speeds weren't sustained, whatever that means. All the same, when the wind was blowing I would put my hand on the walls of my house and I could feel them vibrating. My house is a cinder block house and very well built so the fact that the walls were vibrating caused me a bit of concern. My husband and I watched from the little window in our door as the winds uprooted a couple of huge trees and tipped them over on our neighbor's house. When it was all over, one of the neighborhood kids commented that our street looked like a scene from the movie War of the Worlds. I can only imagine how horrible Hurricane Katrina was.
5. Tropical Fruit: Avocados, Mangoes, Lynchees, etc.
It's great all the different kinds of fruit you can get here. The best part is that it is grown locally. It's not the tasteless fruit that's been picked early and ripened while it is shipped to the grocery store. Of course, you can get that kind of fruit here too. So, during the summer I get all the avocados and mangoes I can eat because I have trees. Sometimes I get lynchees from friends who have a tree. I'm not crazy about papaya and star fruit, but I could get those from friends too. For many years backyard citrus was disappearing because of the citrus canker and you couldn't buy citrus trees. That restriction has been lifted so maybe I'll buy an orange tree. Even if I don't there are shops everywhere that sell fresh oranges of all varieties. It's really wonderful.
6. Great International Restaurants
The diversity of the population ensures that there are a lot of authentic restaurants from the countries represented by the population. We have a couple of Thai restaurants that we love. We've also been to a good Venezuelan restaurant. We're not particularly fond of Cuban food, but there are Cuban restaurants on nearly every corner. Other restaurants that I've enjoyed include Italian, Japanese, Greek and so many more that I haven't tried yet.
7. Enduring Jokes about the 2002 Elections
I can't tell you how many times I've heard "So, you're from Florida. What was going on with the election?" So, now we have these computerized voting machines and every election there are debates about the reliability of these machines. Our local county government spent all this money on buying the machines and now some voters want to retrofit the machines to print a paper receipt. I'm not sure what good a paper receipt would do. If what is printed is not what you voted for then I guess you could make a stink about it. But a piece of paper isn't going to guarantee that the vote is counted. Occasionally, we hear about the votes in a machine not being counted properly for one reason or another. In reality, it's the same problem that elections have always had. With paper ballots, it was possible that a box full of ballots got lost and were never counted. Then there is that whole hanging chad thing. One friend told me that Florida's state quarter should be a nickel. Just count it five times!
OK, I don't know who to tag for this one. So, here's my idea. If you'd like to participate in this meme, leave a comment so that people can follow it to your blog. Over the next few days, I'll tag a few people as well.
So, ends my weekend. I spent most of my Sunday afternoon browsing the blogs Zhu listed for this meme. You should check it out, a lot of interesting blogs. I'm happy to be one of them.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Introduction to Another Day in Paradise
I think I've mentioned before that I'd like to try my hand at writing. The "Another Day in Paradise" is based on an idea that some fellow co-workers and I have been joking about for some time. It's like the Office Space movie in a Broadway Musical format.
Honestly, I'm not sure it's any good. My husband read it and only laughed at the part where I used a swear word. Yes, I'm breaking my own rules. But, it isn't used meanly or crudely so I indulged.
My husband also wouldn't say much about his thoughts. I think he is afraid to hurt my feelings. I can understand his dilemma because if he hurts my feelings he has to live with me until I get over it. So, he'd much rather that I hear from the people on the blogosphere that my writing stinks.
So, I'm asking. Don't hold back tell me what you think and if you have any suggestions for improvement. That's what I really want to read!
Thanks all!
Honestly, I'm not sure it's any good. My husband read it and only laughed at the part where I used a swear word. Yes, I'm breaking my own rules. But, it isn't used meanly or crudely so I indulged.
My husband also wouldn't say much about his thoughts. I think he is afraid to hurt my feelings. I can understand his dilemma because if he hurts my feelings he has to live with me until I get over it. So, he'd much rather that I hear from the people on the blogosphere that my writing stinks.
So, I'm asking. Don't hold back tell me what you think and if you have any suggestions for improvement. That's what I really want to read!
Thanks all!
Another Day in Paradise
(The Musical - Scene 1)
You are sitting in a theater on Broadway (of course), the other patrons are slowly making their way to their seats. The lights begin to dim, signaling the start of the show. There is still no rush to settle down and noises of people finding their seats continue as the music begins. Annoyed shushes are ignored as people persisted in chatting and laughing with their companions. The curtains rise and one by one the remaining silhouettes disappear as people finally take their seats.
The music starts slow with a heavy beat that is reminiscent of a funeral march. Not exactly what you expected from a musical called “Another Day in Paradise”. The dimly lit stage enhances the mood of despair created by the music. The stage is set as a series of partitioned work areas common to the modern offices. Faceless workers shuffle on stage muttering what might be words of greeting to each other only without any sincerity. One worker in particular is dressed in long black robes with a hood covering his head. The music swells and the beat picks up. It quickly starts to more resemble a swelling buoyant song that might accompany a dance number. At that moment the robed worker throws off the robes and jumps atop a nearby chair. He belts out the words “It’s just another day in Paradise!”
“Life is grand, when you’re in command!”
“Workers snivel at your feet and you know that life is sweet!”
The other workers are frozen in place hesitant about what to do next. The beat of the song is contagious and one worker is surreptitiously tapping a foot.
Two more robed workers stroll quickly on stage, throw off their robes and continue the song.
“Yes, it’s another day in Paradise”
“When you’re friends with the boss and you know he won’t get cross!”
The first robed worker (minus the robe) continues on.
“In my Paradise, everyone thinks I’m nice.”
“I have a motivational program to show how good I am.”
A banner above the cubicles unfurls it reads.
In a non-singing voice the singer says “That’s me Scott Hammond, this is my company!”
Continuing in his song, Scott glides around the stage. The two other formerly robed workers have gotten everyone dancing around Scott.
Scott: “And it’s just another day in Paradise”
“Another day in Paradise” reply the workers throwing their hands into the air.
Scott: “Life is grand, when you’re in command”
Workers: “When you’re in command”
Scott: “I answer to no one and life is fun!”
Workers: “Life is fun!”
Scott: “Everyone is happy because they work for me!”
Workers: “We’re happy because we work for you”
As the final words slip from the lips of the workers someone shouts “Not!!” The Scott character stops mid glide and swirls around. “Who said that?” The workers are suddenly sullen. Scott picks up a stray umbrella and begins hitting the workers. The two formerly robed workers are quick to grab escaping workers and push them back towards Scott where they get whacked with the umbrella. Finally, all the workers get past and huddle at their desks in the background. Scott glares angrily at the workers with his two helpers on either side.
Finally, Scott twirls his umbrella with a broad smile and sings one final phrase “It’s just another day in Paradise!!” He contentedly strolls off stage while the two helpers remain clapping profusely. They then turn to the workers and busy themselves reviewing work and scolding the workers.
The curtains slowly fall over the scene.
The music starts slow with a heavy beat that is reminiscent of a funeral march. Not exactly what you expected from a musical called “Another Day in Paradise”. The dimly lit stage enhances the mood of despair created by the music. The stage is set as a series of partitioned work areas common to the modern offices. Faceless workers shuffle on stage muttering what might be words of greeting to each other only without any sincerity. One worker in particular is dressed in long black robes with a hood covering his head. The music swells and the beat picks up. It quickly starts to more resemble a swelling buoyant song that might accompany a dance number. At that moment the robed worker throws off the robes and jumps atop a nearby chair. He belts out the words “It’s just another day in Paradise!”
“Life is grand, when you’re in command!”
“Workers snivel at your feet and you know that life is sweet!”
The other workers are frozen in place hesitant about what to do next. The beat of the song is contagious and one worker is surreptitiously tapping a foot.
Two more robed workers stroll quickly on stage, throw off their robes and continue the song.
“Yes, it’s another day in Paradise”
“When you’re friends with the boss and you know he won’t get cross!”
The first robed worker (minus the robe) continues on.
“In my Paradise, everyone thinks I’m nice.”
“I have a motivational program to show how good I am.”
A banner above the cubicles unfurls it reads.
Scott Hammond Information Technology
When you have technology troubles call SHIT
In a non-singing voice the singer says “That’s me Scott Hammond, this is my company!”
Continuing in his song, Scott glides around the stage. The two other formerly robed workers have gotten everyone dancing around Scott.
Scott: “And it’s just another day in Paradise”
“Another day in Paradise” reply the workers throwing their hands into the air.
Scott: “Life is grand, when you’re in command”
Workers: “When you’re in command”
Scott: “I answer to no one and life is fun!”
Workers: “Life is fun!”
Scott: “Everyone is happy because they work for me!”
Workers: “We’re happy because we work for you”
As the final words slip from the lips of the workers someone shouts “Not!!” The Scott character stops mid glide and swirls around. “Who said that?” The workers are suddenly sullen. Scott picks up a stray umbrella and begins hitting the workers. The two formerly robed workers are quick to grab escaping workers and push them back towards Scott where they get whacked with the umbrella. Finally, all the workers get past and huddle at their desks in the background. Scott glares angrily at the workers with his two helpers on either side.
Finally, Scott twirls his umbrella with a broad smile and sings one final phrase “It’s just another day in Paradise!!” He contentedly strolls off stage while the two helpers remain clapping profusely. They then turn to the workers and busy themselves reviewing work and scolding the workers.
The curtains slowly fall over the scene.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Another Tagging Game
So, Choc Mint Girl tagged me again. This tagging game is providing blogging tips so, here's the scoop.
--Start Copy--
It’s very simple. When this is passed on to you, copy the whole thing, skim the list and put a * star beside those that you like. (Check out especially the * starred ones.)
Add the next number (1. 2. 3. 4. 5., etc.) and write your own blogging tip for other bloggers.
Try to make your tip general. After that, tag 10 other people. Link love some friends!
Just think– if 10 people start this, the 10 people pass it onto another 10 people, you have 100 links already!
1. Look, read, and learn.
http://www.neonscent.com***
2. Be EXCELLENT to each other.
http://www.bushmackel.com****
3. Don’t let money change ya!
http://www.therandomforest.info****
4. Always reply to your comments
http://chattiekat.com***
5. Blog about what you know & love.
http://sugar-queens-dream.blogspot.com***
6. Don't use filthy language-buy a dictionary.
http://shinade.blogspot.com**
7. Whenever possible, spread some positive thoughts and love. The world needs more of them.
http://ailema4ever.blogspot.com**
8. Write down from your heart or head. Either way asks yourself why you ever get started.
http://chocmintgirl.blogspot.com
9. Be honest, be tactful but honest.
http://angelofdelusion.blogspot.com
--End Copy--
This time I'm tagging:
1. Bizzy Girl's World
2. Heaven Above
3. TL Corners
4. Victorya
5. Adrienne
6. Rollie
7. Lizzie
8. Jovi
9. Helmsdeep
10. Sirprizeme1393
Some of these blogs are ones that I visit regularly, some are folks that left comments on my blog and others are ones I found expressly so I could tag them. I did chose blogs that interested me and kept me reading beyond one paragraph.
I hope everyone enjoys the tips as well as the blogs I've tagged. I found the "After the Love is Gone" post on Jovi's site to be hilarious!
--Start Copy--
It’s very simple. When this is passed on to you, copy the whole thing, skim the list and put a * star beside those that you like. (Check out especially the * starred ones.)
Add the next number (1. 2. 3. 4. 5., etc.) and write your own blogging tip for other bloggers.
Try to make your tip general. After that, tag 10 other people. Link love some friends!
Just think– if 10 people start this, the 10 people pass it onto another 10 people, you have 100 links already!
1. Look, read, and learn.
http://www.neonscent.com***
2. Be EXCELLENT to each other.
http://www.bushmackel.com****
3. Don’t let money change ya!
http://www.therandomforest.info****
4. Always reply to your comments
http://chattiekat.com***
5. Blog about what you know & love.
http://sugar-queens-dream.blogspot.com***
6. Don't use filthy language-buy a dictionary.
http://shinade.blogspot.com**
7. Whenever possible, spread some positive thoughts and love. The world needs more of them.
http://ailema4ever.blogspot.com**
8. Write down from your heart or head. Either way asks yourself why you ever get started.
http://chocmintgirl.blogspot.com
9. Be honest, be tactful but honest.
http://angelofdelusion.blogspot.com
--End Copy--
This time I'm tagging:
1. Bizzy Girl's World
2. Heaven Above
3. TL Corners
4. Victorya
5. Adrienne
6. Rollie
7. Lizzie
8. Jovi
9. Helmsdeep
10. Sirprizeme1393
Some of these blogs are ones that I visit regularly, some are folks that left comments on my blog and others are ones I found expressly so I could tag them. I did chose blogs that interested me and kept me reading beyond one paragraph.
I hope everyone enjoys the tips as well as the blogs I've tagged. I found the "After the Love is Gone" post on Jovi's site to be hilarious!
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