Short

Yesterday I did a blog about the movies nominated for best picture.  Well today I've come across a short by Disney that is nominated for an Oscar as well.  Not much to say on this except I just love it, and while I haven't seen the other nominees, how can any of them be cuter, sweeter, more endearing than this?  I have no idea how it would be possible.  So, watch, and enjoy.

Silver Linings

Tonight I went and saw Silver Linings Playbook.  My movie club is trying to see all the movies up for best picture before our Oscar party next month.  I'm doing pretty good, because after seeing Silver Linings, there are only 4 more that I haven't seen (Zero Dark Thirty, Life of Pi, Django, and Amour).

I really liked this movie, I thought it was funny but not the over the top funny, more the "I can't believe you said that, AWKWARD!" sort of funny.  But even then it wasn't in that way that sometimes makes you feel so embarrassed for the characters that you're not sure you can continue watching the them, and perhaps even sometimes look away just to save them the embarrassment.  I also thought the actors did a really good job, which explains why they're getting nominated and winning all sorts of awards. 

I also liked the story, and the characters themselves.  They've got problems, but they're still likable.  Their families are messed up a bit, but they still love each other.  Their friends recognize that there are problems, but they don't shun them.

Overall, I thought it was a very well done move, and I think that it's worth the nominations that it's earned.  So on the rating scale, go see it!

For the tally now, out of the best picture nominees I have seen Argo (which was great), Beasts of the Southern Wild (which I didn't like at all), Les  Misérables (which was delightful), Lincoln (which was Fantastic), and Silver Linings Playbook.  I think I can still get Django, Life of Pi, and Zero Dark Thirty, and it looks like Amour will be at the Michigan on the 15th of February, so it's entirely possible that I will see every best picture nominee before the awards!

Random Thoughts

People seem to like to talk a lot, but seem to also have no idea of their surroundings, and don't have the forethought to really ask about other people.

Cool story, bro.  You should publish.

They also don't seem to care much what others have to say.  It's all superficial bs, much like this blog.  As I write this I'm suddenly reminded of Fahrenheit 451 and how his wife was obsessed with the walls that talk to you, and yet she didn't really know what was going on, and it wasn't really important but was rather just noise.  I'm kind of struck that it's kind of what the internet is becoming in some places like Twitter and Facebook.  People yelling, drama flying back and forth, nothing of substance.  No one asking big questions, or personal questions, or actually making connections with other human beings.

Of course there are people out there who really are using it for the best, and connections are being made, and people sharing what they love, engaging with others, being awesome.  But then there is also the nonsense, and people tweeting shit at each other, being rude assholes, and exemplifying everything wrong with humanity.

I'm just saying I don't like the screaming walls.

Changes

I've been told that I'm angry, miserable, short tempered, a storm cloud, that I never voice my opinion, that I live in my head, that I don't say what I feel.  At the same time I've been said to voice my opinion too much, that I don't listen to anyone else, that I don't take the opinion of anyone else, that I know better than everyone, that I'm arrogant, that I'm inappropriate, that I'm a bully, intimidating, and dishonest.  And that's only things that have been said about me in the last six months that I can think of off the top of my head.

So, maybe I am some of those things, and also maybe I'm not.  I don't know everyone has their own unique view.  Maybe I'm that way to some people and not that way to other people.  But I will say that I haven't felt good for a long time now, and I'm sick of it so I determined recently that things are going to change.  There are a number of things I really don't like about myself.  I've talked a lot about fitness on here and by that I mean I'm lazy, I'm not active and that's made me a lazy fat guy on the couch (this is also known as a TRUE AMERICAN! ['mer'ica!]).  I also have anxiety issues that stress me out.  I worry a lot.  I'm somewhat pessimistic when I think about things.  I'm afraid to say what I really think a lot of the time.  I feel like I'm awkward and creepy.  I doubt things all the time, even though there's no reason to.  I worry about my friendships because I'm afraid I'm being too annoying, clingy or needy.  I worry that I assess my friendships incorrectly and that it's very much me thinking it's at a different level than it is.  I worry about losing people.  I worry that people don't really like me, or that they're talking about me.  I worry people lie to me.  I worry that I have no judgement of character.  I worry that I love people who don't love me.  I worry I love too many people.  I worry that I don't love enough people, or not the people I should.  I worry I don't love the way I should love, or that I can't feel things the way that I'm supposed to.  I worry I don't do enough for people.  I worry that I'm selfish.  I worry I've wasted too much of my life doing the wrong things.  I worry I waste too much time (I know I waste too much time on Facebook games).  I worry I'm too old for the things I want to do.  I worry that means I'm about to have some midlife crisis.  I worry that I think I'm having a midlife crisis when I'm not even nearly old enough to have one.  I worry about my food.  I worry about animals.  I get really upset when I see road kill on an overpass because the thing had no where to go and then I feel like it was probably afraid and died like that.  I worry that I think things like that because it really shouldn't bother me so much.

 I have things in my life that hurt me even though I pretend they don't.  I'm so disappointed with some aspects of my life that will never be the way I feel they should be, no matter what happens they'll never be anything other than what they are.  I feel like I don't have support from some people I should, or that it's more superficial and not what I give them in return.  I'm often disappointed in people, and it hurts me to see them screw things ups when they don't have to.  I think too much, and speak too little.  I get stressed out when I don't know what's going on, or I have to do something unexpectedly, or I am in a situation where I don't know the rules or expectations.  I feel like I'm not really as smart as it looks like I am on paper, and that I really just knew how to get though school.  And the worst is over the last year I feel like I've had this cancerous hate enter my body, and it feels like it's just wrapped itself around my heart and sits there and sucks the life out of me.  Its composed of a number of things, but I feel it there.

So, that's a lot of stuff.  And some of that is kind of vague because I'm just writing the first things that come to my head.  I don't know who reads this, but if you read this don't think I'm talking about you.  Or don't worry that I'm some kind of person on the verge of a nervous break and about to take my toaster in the bath, or go on some kind of rampage.  I'm just thinking and being honest about how I feel about some things.  These things don't keep me from living my life.  Yes, I get terribly anxious about new things and things that I don't know what I'm supposed to do or how to plan for, but I do them anyway.  I went to the inauguration, it has about 15 of my nightmare scenario variables, but I went, and I didn't let it stop me,and I didn't have a melt down or anything (I did get testy there for a bit, but I worked hard to deal with it and not let it influence me), so before anyone decides to tell me that I need to see someone or take some drugs or something, I just have to say no.  No I don't.  This is an act of self reflection of the "broken semi-functional rusted out love machine" and to kind of express what I'm thinking about.

So what is all this about?  Well, I don't necessarily enjoy how I feel a lot of the time, and I don't want to do it anymore, so I'm not going to.  I need to let go of a lot of the things I just listed up there that I worry about.  That stuff makes me feel like a phoney.  It makes me unsettled all the time.  It makes me unhappy.  It makes me not like myself, which makes me feel like other people don't like me.  I feel like people think the things I like or want to do are stupid, and then I worry they are or avoid them or let it influence what I express, say I want, or try to do.  So what I'm saying is that I want to change some things, and I feel like I have the motivation to do so.  I also think that there are some people who I know read this blog and may be upset or worried about what I'm writing.  I don't know who reads this, I know of at least three regulars, and I want to say that this isn't the kind of thing that people should worry about.  I'm not terribly depressed, nor am I about to take my rubber ducky and toaster up to the bathtub.  I just needed to get some things out of my head and be completely honest about me.  Also don't assume that I'm talking about you if you read this.  I have a lot of people that were in my head when I wrote some of this and if you're reading this you're probably not one of them because that means you show an interest in me, which is supportive.  But if you think it is you, or you have questions, then just ask me about it. 

I guess that means how is this going to change?  Well it kind of started back around the beginning of the year when I decided that I wanted to experience new things.  Something is changing and kind of re energizing me.  I feel like on the opposite end there are some real gem of people in my life that are there behind me that are just what I need.  I want to do new things, I want to be active, I want to share life with people so that when I'm 120, and getting my bionic implants (because we're going to live forever) I'll have plenty of fantastic memories of this time in the world.  I want to stop worrying about things, and just enjoy myself.  I want to be happy, I want to be excited about things, I want to have joy, I want to anticipate things rather than worry about them, I want to have fun, be myself, and wake up.  I feel like I've been on autopilot or something and don't know how I got to this point, and while it's nice where I am, I want to not be on autopilot.  I want to take time and smell the roses as it were, and appreciate all the things I have around.

So, things are going to change.  I feel good today. 

I'm motivated. 

I'm excited. 

I'm awake. 

I'm optimistic. 

It's time for something different and new.  It's time to be happy.  No second thoughts, no doubt, no needless worrying, no holding back. 

Mission:Organization

I've been on this rampage lately fighting against disorganization, mismatched stuff, and things that just are starting to bug me.  So far the dishes and mugs have fallen victim to this rampage.  I also have it in for our shoes, because I'm sick of them being everywhere.  Though I do like looking out and seeing a ton of shoes.  Nothing is better than when we have a party and I walk in the door and see all the shoes because it means people are over having a good time.

But the other items on my list are the mail, which I hate above almost anything else.  I hate the mail, it always arrives, it's 99% junk, and most the time goes to recycling or to the shredder.  So the mail situation has to be addressed.  I'm also sick of our Library because it's all mismash of a ton of different crap.  It's more like a dumping ground than anything else.  Though with the piano in there now it's a big better.

On the agenda today, find some hand towels to match our bathroom, look for curtains, find a hamper, and something to address shoeapalooza.

UPDATE: Mission failed on all accounts, the search continues.

Game Night

This has been overall a pretty good week.  I think the high level of excitement from Monday has been able to push the week ahead and now we're at the weekend playing games with friends.  We're playing something call Munchkin, which I'm not sure how I'd categorize it, but it was a lot of fun.  In fact, I wouldn't mind playing again sometime soon.

Ok, on to more fun!

Our National Parks

Walking around DC this past weekend again it hit me that we really need to invest more in our parks and historical sites. Many people from all over the world come to D.C. and of course Americans come from across the country to visit their nations monuments, memorials, museums and capital.  However as we were walking around the memorials I couldn't help but notices that some were in need of some upkeep.  The picture at the top of the blog was at the Lincoln Memorial, this seemed to be hornet nests, and while this really isn't a huge issue, there are many more that are in far more dire conditions.

I noticed this a few years ago when we visited Minuteman National park, and some of the surrounding areas with houses from well known authors, historical figures, and the like.  Some of the rangers express that conditions in some of these locations were so bad we weren't allowed to enter them anymore.  They also discussed damage done, and we got to see first hand a few locations that required some restoration.  So, I chipped a few bucks that I had into the restoration fund collection boxes.  But these are national treasures that we really need to keep in good conditions so we can enjoy them for years to come.

Monument Walk

I forgot to mention our little trip around the tidal basin before the inauguration!  It's really kind of crazy how much we managed to get done in one short weekend, and we probably could have done more if we wanted.  Well, since we had to be in so early we took a little walk around the Tidal Basin to see the monuments.  Tori said she had only driven past a few, and Jasmine hadn't seen any on our last trip to DC.  Since we had a lot of time we decided to stop off at Arlington station walk across the bridge and then see the monuments.

It was really kind of eerie and delightful because people were either avoiding the city all together or they were all heading to the Mall, which meant we got monuments mostly to ourselves.  We ran into the busiest groups at the Lincoln memorial, but it is also the most easily accessible of them.  We also ran into a few people at the Vietnam War memorial.  After those two we headed over to the FDR memorial, which was completely deserted.  I really have to say I love this one, though it's about a million times more beautiful in the spring with all the cherry blossoms.

The Jefferson was also deserted.  There was another small group of four people and then some park rangers hanging out at the memorial, but no one else.  It probably turned out to be the best time to visit because you didn't have people in the way of pictures, you didn't have people sitting all over the stairs,  you didn't have to try and crowd your way through anyone, it was just wonderful.

D.C. Day Two

Our second day in D.C. was equally fun, and I was very excited because it meant we were heading over to the Air and Space Museum at Dulles.  I've been here before, and I had a wonderful time walking around all the planes.  However this time I wanted to go for a specific mission and that was to see Discovery.

Last time we went if you recall we got to see the Enterprise, which of course being a huge Star Trek nerd, I totally loved and squeed all over about it.  Well this time was different, because this time it was Discovery, and Discovery has been to space.  I think I spent most of my time walking around, and sort of under the shuttle.  It was really cool to see the marks from reentry, and it also had a legit feel to it.  The Enterprise was neat, but parts of it really just seemed like plastic.  This did not seem like plastic at all, and it was a log larger than Enterprise was.  I also got a chance to try on some gloves to a space suit, which was pretty nifty.  Other than that we just walked around, looked at all the planes, discussed how if I had been in charge of developing flight it never would have happened because looking at a lot of these "planes" they were like little death traps that I wouldn't be caught dead in.  Its actually hard to see how we've gone from those planes to space shuttles in just a matter of less than 100 years.  Mind blowing!

We also discovered upon walking around that Jasmine and Tori never had space ice cream.  Clearly this had to happen because I think it's just one of those things you have to do at some point.  Sure, it's not the best stuff in the world, and it's totally a novelty, but you have to have it at least once.  So we went up to the gift shop and grabbed a pack of it and shared it out in the area in front of the museum.  Also, it was over 60 degrees... just saying.

After that we grabbed some lunch and then walked around the mall a little bit to kill some time before we headed to Alexandria to meet up with the Goska's.  We decided to meet in the old town area and get dinner at this pizza place called Pizzeria Paradisco and that was the best idea ever!  First, old town Alexandria is really cute.  It's got all these old buildings and tons of little shops and resturants.  The whole place smelled delicious, and the shops were pretty neat.  There weren't many open when we got there, but I certainly could have spent a lot more time walking around than we did, and perhaps will head back next time we're in the area.  Second, the food was really good.  I got a Margherita pizza, and the cheese was really delicious!  I will say that the waitstaff was not that great, and didn't work very hard for a tip, but that's ok because we kept the table for quite a while and I think that was bothering them.

So, day two was another fantastic day.  The Inauguration was awesome.  All in all this was a wonderful trip and I had a great time!

D.C. Day One

Well, I realize with all the excitement of the weekend I didn't get a chance to say too much about what we did on our trip.  To start I have to say it was probably one of the best trips I've had in a really long time.  It was a lot of fun, the inauguration was fantastic, and I got to do a lot of things I've never done before.

Saturday we though we'd try to get some outdoor things done since it was supposed to be the warmest of all the days, but it turns out we headed into the city because we wanted to take a tour of the Library of Congress.  I have to say I'm really happy we made that decision because the it was really neat.  I got to see a Gutenberg Bible that was on display, and right on the other side of the hall was actually one of the old monastery created bible with the beautiful calligraphy.

The building it self was beautiful too, wonderful architecture, marble, tall ceilings, stained glass.  It really was more like a palace.  We also had the opportunity to see a few of the exhibits, one was the original books the library got from Thomas Jefferson.  They laid out the books in a circle that you entered in at one side, so you were surrounded by his books.  I'm sure you know from previous blogs how geeked it made me to be encircled by books that were once owned by Thomas Jefferson.  Surely he read them, and possibly even made notes in them, much like the library at Peacefield that belonged to John Adams.

The other exhibit that we had a chance to see was on the Civil War.  This wasn't bad, they had a lot of original letters, maps, etc.  but I think the items that were most interesting was the display case that had the items that were in Abraham Lincoln's pockets the night he was assassinated.  There were some normal things like two pair of glases, a lens cleaner, and some other small items.  The most interesting was that he had a confederate five dollar bill.  Really interesting!

After the library we got a chance to meet up with Paige and a friend of hers from college.  They met us outside of the library and we headed over to Union Station to grab some dinner.  Union Station was actually the first place I ever went to on my very first trip to Washington D.C. when I was in 6th grade.  I went with my grandma and aunt to visit my uncle who was living in Alexandria.  When we got in really late we went down to the station to get dinner at a restaurant that was there.  I remember that I ended up eating soup and french fries, though I originally wanted a hamburger but they were out apparently.  I also remember that the food portions were really big.  This turned out to be a really good idea because there were a number of places that we could choose from, and everyone ended up at different places then we all sat together and ate.  I got Potbelly, and it was tasty.

After that we headed down to the National Portrait Gallery.  Again, this was somewhere that I haven't had an opportunity to visit before.  I enjoyed the president gallery, though I kind of expected more portraits.  We didn't have a ton of time to explore because the place closed about an hour after we got there, and there was going to be some big event in the atrium of the building.  I'm generally not a huge art fan I guess.  I tend to speed through and I'm not sure if I could sit for a long time and consider the art.  Though I do appreciate it, and find it nice, I just never find I can spend long in art museums.  I did really like the photographs of the Civil War generals.

So that was our first day, pretty exciting and got to do a bunch of new things that I've never done before.  I'm not counting them on our new experience list, because if that was the case I'd have far too many to keep track up, but it was fun and I'm glad I finally got to see a few new places.

Inauguration

I said I wanted to experience new things this year, and boy was this quite the experience!  It was one of the most exciting and thrilling things I've had the opportunity to do ever, and I'm so completely thrilled that we decided to do it.

I will say that the planning and lead up to this really had me stressed out, I'm generally not one who likes large crowds, and there were a lot of variables.  I don't really like going into situations where I don't have a clear idea how it all works, and what I'm supposed to do.  So this had the potential to make me just blow up into a situation where I'm sitting under one of the metro rail seats curled in the fetal position crying like someone just killed my kitten.  But it turns out things went just fine, with only a few minor hiccups.

The entire city seemed like a ghost town going in.  I mean, the metro rail was PACKED, and we had to stand, but then we took a short detour and stopped off in Arlington, then walked across Memorial Bridge to do a circuit of the monuments before heading down to the mall.  It made sense because the inauguration wasn't going to start until 11:30, but we had to get in early to be sure we had parking at the metro stop.

As we headed toward the Mall, we started seeing  more people, but even then it wasn't totally insane, but there were only a few access points on to the Mall, so once we got to those it was totally swamped.  This wasn't really even bothersome either because everyone was in such a good mood, excited, and seemed just happy to be there.  When we made it onto the mall it thinned out a lot, so we started walking down the mall to get as close as we could.  We made it about to the Smithsonian Castle, and decided that was a good enough spot as any.  We probably could have worked our way further down, but we had a nice view of the screen, could see the Capitol, and we weren't smooshed together like sardines.  Good enough.

We got there in time to see a lot of the people entering on the Capitol, which was announced as they came out of the door way.  Every time a big name was announced like Jimmy Carter, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and then of course the President and Vice President, the crowed went wild!  We all started waving our flags that they were handing out as you walked down the Mall.  I have to say in all the energy and excitement of the moment, I really don't remember much that the President said in his speech.  I remember some of the things he mentioned, and I remember cheering.  I also remember the lady behind us agreeing with it and saying "Oh Yes!"  "mmmhm."  "yes, yes." 

So, overall this was just a fantastic thing to be a part of.  You see it on television, you watch the speech, or listen to it on the radio, but being there was totally out of this world.  Best new experience of the year so far!

And here are some more pictures:

Here's a little video of where we were at:

And if you missed the speech (or can't remember what was said like me) here it is:

New Experience Follow Up

In an update from  my post yesterday, the reporter did in fact quote me for the article, which is kind of cool.  If you want to read it you can do so here.

Update:
For some reason the link isn't working and keeps redirecting it to the wrong page.  you can do a search for it, it's by Tennille Tracy and is about Washington's first inaugural address.

Update:
I've pasted the text below so you can read it since it seems people are having a problem with the website being glitchy:

 

On Inauguration Weekend, a Glimpse at the Inaugural 

Inaugural Speech

 

By TENNILLE TRACY
WASHINGTON—The U.S. national archives is marking this weekend's inauguration ceremonies by providing a rare display of George Washington's first inaugural speech, which the president scribed himself.

Over the weekend, crowds gathered around a display case in the archives building on Pennsylvania Avenue and leaned in just inches away from the glass surface. The pages of the speech appeared aged, the script seemed to have faded and the 18th-century prose required some consideration.

"I think one of the first things I noticed is the word choice," said 30-year-old Jason Berry of Michigan. "It is very high-minded, some very big ideas in there."

Washington delivered his inaugural speech in New York City on April 30, 1789. After a swearing-in ceremony on the second-floor balcony of Federal Hall, Washington moved inside and delivered the first-ever inaugural address to members of Congress.

 "The first time that I saw this document, I just sort of had an intake of breath and goose bumps," exhibit curator Michael Hussey said. "This is George Washington, and you know he held this."

 In some ways, Washington's inaugural address differed from speeches delivered by presidents today. Speaking to fellow leaders in government, and not the general public, Mr. Washington devoted a portion of the speech to logistics—making clear, for example, that he didn't want to be paid a salary for his time in office.

 In other ways, Washington set the tone for inaugural speeches to follow. He spoke of love for country and the gravity of the task before him.

"I was summoned by my country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love," the first president said.

Washington was 57 at the time he took office and reluctantly assumed the role. After more than eight grinding years in the American Revolution, he had retired to Mount Vernon in Virginia, a sprawling estate overlooking the Potomac River, and planned to escape from public life.

 "No event could have filled me with greater anxieties" than being informed of his election as president, Washington said in the first line of his speech.

Washington's fellow Americans were more certain of his abilities, said Mary Thompson, research historian at Mount Vernon. "He was the most famous person in the country at that point and the most respected. He was probably the one person who could do the job."

 The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration rarely brings out Washington's eight-page address, Mr. Hussey said. The document typically is stored in a secure vault, kept in the dark and in a controlled climate.

"We have billions of documents, but this is one of those super-special ones," Mr. Hussey said.

The archives agency, in the interest of preserving the full document, is displaying only the first and last pages. The middle six pages include a request to the "Almighty Being" for continued blessings on the young country and an emphasis on the need to preserve the "sacred fire of liberty."

Washington wrote an earlier draft of the speech, spanning more than 70 pages, but that version is thought to have been crafted mostly by an aide. Its full contents are unknown, because a 19th-century editor organizing Washington's writings cut up the draft and gave pieces to autograph seekers.

Many visitors to the archives this weekend said they had never read Washington's speech before seeing it. A few said they had to work to digest the speech's meaning, because the prose was so different from today's writing.

 "We're trying to read it," said 21-year-old Rachel Oliva-Valdez.

"It is quite difficult," said Gaby Perez, also 21.

Mike Feeney of Atlanta, 56, said modern-day presidents appear to follow Washington's lead and use their inauguration speeches to express grand ideas.

"They already have their office when they give the inauguration speech," Mr. Feeney said. "They're not trying to win an election. I think they can speak to bigger themes."

Washington's inaugural address, while important, is probably not the most well-known. The distinction often goes to Franklin D. Roosevelt, who asserted in the midst of the Great Depression that "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." John F. Kennedy, in his inauguration speech, famously urged Americans to "ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."

What impressed many visitors viewing Washington's address over the weekend was the humility with which the first president spoke. Trevor Eustace, a 17-year-old student from New Mexico, said Washington's decision to level with government leaders and reveal his trepidation seemed to separate him from modern-day presidents.

It is possible that President Barack Obama feels similarly overwhelmed ahead of his inaugural address on Monday, "especially with what's going on across the country now," Mr. Eustace said. But modern-day presidents are rarely so open about it, he said.

Washington's address was well received by his 18th-century audience, Mr. Hussey said. Both chambers of Congress formally thanked the president in letters following the speech.

"You now possess the only proof that remained of their gratitude for your services, of their reverence for your wisdom, and of their confidence in your virtues," the House of Representatives wrote.

Surprise New Experience

In an effort to experience new things we decided to head down to Washington D.C. to see the inauguration.  I've never been at one, and yes we're going to be standing way out on the mall and won't really get to see anything, but whatever we're still there with all the other people.  We walked past the Capitol today since they're going to start blocking off roads and making it really hard to get around.  It was pretty neat because you could see the platform that they've built, and they were putting the finishing touches on it.  It's actually really neat to get to see it all set up and it looks just like it does when you've seen it on TV over the years.  So, it was actually pretty exciting just getting to see it like that.

So, the inauguration was meant to be the first new experience of the year, but we had a surprise new experience today come out of the blue.  Since we have Tori and Jasmine with us, we're doing some of the more common things, and one of the top items on the list was to go visit the National Archives to see the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence.  We've been here twice before, but Tori hadn't been so we made it our first stop.  I enjoy seeing these, even though I've seen them before.  It's still super cool to get to see them.  Today it struck me that you can distinctly still read "John Adams, Vice President" on the signature line of the Bill of Rights.  

The Archives had some additional exhibits, one was on the Cuban Missile Crisis, which had a lot of hand written notes by John and Robert Kennedy, again, being able to look at things that they wrote, in their own hand writing was really cool and gets me all kinds of history geek excited.  They also had the Magna Carta, which while being part of English history is a very important document for the idea that people are not above the law, even if they're a King, because it set limits on that for the first time.  They also had the first and last page of George Washington's first inaugural address.  I didn't notice this as we were going into the archive rotunda because we kind of hopped the little rope because there was no one else getting in line and we didn't want to walk all the way to the other end of the building.  Yeah, we're lazy so whatever.  So, as we were passing it heading toward the exit I noticed the little display and decided to take a read.

Well, as I was starting to read it this lady walks up to me and started talking to me about the document.  At first I thought she was a little weird because she was kind of lurking there and was really sort of awkward.  So she started asking if I'd ever seen anything written in Washington's own hand, and I said that I hadn't and then she asked what I thought of it, but I had only had a chance to read the description on the side of the document and not the document itself.  She asked if we were here for the inauguration, and if we were from the area or not.  So, I'm starting to think we've got some stalker and I may need to get the security people to take this crazy lady out.  Well at that time she would me her name and that she was a reporter for the Wall Street Journal and that she'd be really interested to hear what I have to say on it after I've had a chance to read it.  WHAT THE WHAT?!

So, I said sure, and then went back to reading the actual speech.  Again, total history nerd geek out at getting to see something that was written in their own hand and with their signature on it.  After I finished reading the reporter headed back over and this time she had a little voice recorder and started asking me specific questions.  She started by asking what my first impressions were of the document anything that stood out, even if it's just the hand writing was hard to read.  I told her that one of the first things you notice as you read these documents, and it's true of all documents from this period, is the word choice that they use.  People don't talk like this anymore, and that's really impressive how eloquent they were.  She asked me if I could compare this to other speeches, and specifically if I think a speech like that could happen today, so we chatted about how in the speech Washington talks in a way that he is anxious about taking the office, and acknowledges that this is a huge job and he is in uncharted territory.  I said I don't know if a president today would be able to be so candid in an event like an inauguration like Washington was because now days people want to see something "presidential" and having doubts seems like something no one is willing to hear.  But we talked about how it's really good that he said things like this, and to see that he did because it really grounds you to remember the somewhat humble beginnings that we came from, and it really puts things in perspective.  

Then she asked if we were planning on attending the inauguration and if we had tickets, etc.  I told her we were just going to wing it and see what we could figure out on the Mall.  So she asked what I hoped to hear on Monday's speech, so I told her that I thought what we need is to hear a positive and hopeful message.  Sure there are a ton of problems in the country today, but I think it'd be good to say that we can overcome it rather than discussing them.  To maintain that bright outlook that I feel American's often have about the future.  I think it would be good to remember where we came from and how Washington felt on the very first inauguration.  To remember that even then we had big differences between the parties and beliefs of what government should or should not do, but we still worked together.  I wish I had remembered at the time, because I'm reminded now as I write this of another President, Thomas Jefferson.  In his first inauguration there was a lot of concern because it was the first time that the presidency had changed hands from one party to another.  But in his speech Jefferson talked about being vastly divided between ideas.  He noted that there are radical people out there who want to dissolve the union, something that we've seen a lot of since the election on the White House Petition website, but Jefferson said, "But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We have called by different names brethren of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists. If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union or to change its republican form, let them stand undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it."

I wish I had remembered that, and it would have been awesome to see that document written out.  If only I had remembered when talking to the reporter.  Thinking back I don't think I was very well spoken because I was kind of nervous being interviewed.  I'm the kind of person who needs more processing time.  Now I can bring up Jefferson, and quote him because I've had time to think about it.  If she ends up quoting me I'll probably sound like some crazy country bumpkin.  Oh well, it was an exciting new experience, and I'll have to see if she ever publishes her article.  So there you go, new experience of the year number 1 of at least 7.  Exciting guys, exciting!

Adventure Time!

Happy Friday, and welcome to the first adventure of 2013!  As I mentioned before I wanted to do things, especially things that I've never done before (seven things to be exact).  Well today is the first day of a weekend adventure that will allow me to do this.  On this adventure we of course have Becky, but also Jasmine and Tori.  It's very exciting and I shall update during the trip to tell you what exciting things we'll be doing.  I don't have much to say right now as we're about to get on the road! Look for updates!

Step On The Gas

Last night we had a planning meeting for our theatre group, and I have to say it really resulted in some good plans.  We've been really just kind of sitting on things for a while, taking a break, doing fundraising, so it was interesting to see how fast we decided to hit the gas and move us along.  I think there are still some tweaks that have to be made, I for one am not sure about the schedule and if I want to spend the next 6 months working non-stop. But then again, I don't know when I could really take a vacation, so perhaps it won't matter.  I think if we could put a bit of a break in somewhere around June that might be beneficial, but we'll see.

I also like some of the other ideas people are having regarding what we should do, not just plays.  Other projects, community outreach, and then just the passion I'm seeing is very encouraging.  So today I wake up with new motivation, and a sense of what needs to get done in the coming weeks.  It's nice.

Guns

I was on a blogging break last month when the shooting in Connecticut took place, so I didn't weigh in on the issue.  Today the president outlined his proposal for gun control in the wake of this.  I have to say that I agree with this.  Personally, I'd feel a lot better with no guns, but I don't think that is a viable option in this country, but I think limiting the type of guns, the amount of ammunition they can carry, and then closing background check loopholes are all very reasonable and not in any way radical.  I think the average reasonable person would probably agree with it too.

Unfortunately there are a lot of unreasonable people out there that seem to equate these minor checks as someone bursting in and taking their guns.  Seriously, get a grip.  I think a lot of people also subscribe to this cowboy myth of, "if there were a shoot out I'd have a gun and save the day."  No, you wouldn't.  You'd probably get shot, shoot an innocent bystander, and then die.

I also hate the idea that teachers or schools should become armed bases, like some military fort.  It's a SCHOOL, a temple to education and knowledge.  What does that say about a society that we need armed guards at the institutions of learning for CHILDREN!  Or that we even think that is a logical necessity.  I think it might be like if someone told me that we needed armed guards in churches I'd say that perhaps there are bigger problems that we need to address because we're treating a symptom of something terrible.  These are schools! What is our society doing if that is the discussion we're having?  Clearly there's a bigger problem and turning schools into fortresses is not the kind of society I wish to live in.

That leads to the argument that this is a mental health issue and that we need to make sure people have the help and don't have guns who shouldn't.  Well, that would mean far more through background checks and registration, another thing the pro-gun-nut people would throw a hissy about.  Well, you can't have it both ways, now can you?  If you want to make the argument that the rights of "law abiding citizens" shouldn't be taken away, then they need to go through some hoops to make sure the non-law-abiding citizens don't get guns.  Either way you cut it, things have to change.

So, I'm glad to see some proposals being made, they aren't crazy insane we're going to take all your gun ideas, but rather very moderate proposals.  I don't think they address the biggest issue which really isn't assault rifles but instead hand guns, but it's at least something. 

Road Trip?

I think it's safe to say that we're pretty famous for our trips to places on short schedules.  We've done weekend trips to close cities like Chicago, but we've also done weekend trips to Rhode Island, Washington, New York, and we've driven all the way to Cleveland just to get dinner.  So needless to say we don't have trouble driving places.

So, that has me thinking that perhaps it'd be fun to take a road trip.  One of those trips you take where you drive long distances over a specific period of time and perhaps it's not getting to a destination, but seeing things along the way as you drive.  So perhaps that's multiple destinations that you see on a big circuit.  Perhaps that also means you spend most of your time in the car?  I don't know.

I've been thinking about it a lot though, and I think a road trip would be great fun!  Driving long distances, enjoying the scenery stopping off at the worlds largest ball of twine, or whatever nonsense we want to stop at.  Eating at non-chain restaurants, Perhaps even taking super long driving segments where you actually switch off drivers so you can drive longer (usually I marathon drive, I've done the entire trip to and from Orlando a number of times, with only stops for gas.

I've often said I wanted to go out west, well perhaps that's a way to do it?  I've also considered flying out to say Salt Lake City, then renting a car and driving around in a big loop of the west, before flying back.  I do have a free airline ticket that I need to use before August.

So yeah, I think that might be fun.

Signal Interrupted.

There will be no blog today.  I've tried to write three, and each time I have ended up in a rage.  Please return later for something more interesting.

Dinner For Ten

I don't know how we got so much done today.  In addition to having our regular Sunday tasks of going grocery shopping, and doing all the laundry for the week, we also had the Roberts clan over for dinner.  This meant that there were 10 people eating dinner, and we decided to make stir fry.  This revealed some very important things.  First being that we could use a slightly larger table, and second being we could use a considerably larger stove.  You can not fit four pans on the stove at the same time, and it's absurd.  Who can live like that?! 

Dinner was nice though, it was good to see all the Robertseseseses, even though most of them aren't Robertseseses anymore.  

Additionally, Once Upon a Time and Shameless are back this week!  WOOOOOO!

Shortest Recap Ever

A Lazy Day in Three Acts:

Act I: Sleep in Till Noon

Act II: Go get Lunch

Act III: Go to Cadence's Birthday Party

Encore: Watch a Movie.


In related news, I forgot how much I enjoyed Inglorious Basterds.  Brad Pitt cracks me up every time.  Best line: [faking Italian with a Southern accent] Bon jorno.

The Tomato Must Die

Well, my optimism has vanished.  Today I got an e-mail letting me know I was not being moved forward in the interview process for the job I really wanted.  So once again I've been rejected.  Joy.

But instead of talking about that, which would just be a repeat of 90% of my blogs since I took this godforsaken job in 2011, instead I'll just say that my friends came over tonight and we had a nice old time.  We determined that we should take a canoe trip and visit the dark sky park I talked about a few blogs ago.  I threw an orange at Sean, which was actually really funny.  And Tori brought over an activity to make me feel better, because she's a problem solver:

When I told her I couldn't destroy perfectly good tomatoes, she promptly got a sharpie and drew all over them so that I had to.  I will also say I didn't do that great of a job hitting them.  in fact 60% of them hit the ground so many times they became impossible to continue attempting to hit.  However, I hit one square on, and it exploded.  Of course by then I wasn't so much angry any more, so it was just good fun.

So, in the end five tomatoes, an orange, died today.  But it was a good time.

The Dark Ages

There are some days when I'm reminded in such great detail that we are nothing more than slightly smarter, superstitious monkeys.  That is all.  We aren't special, we're just monkeys that know how to talk.  We aren't even that smart.  Sure we've found out how to split the atom, travel to the moon, send things out of our solar system, we've even got a remote control car on Mars.  But in the ends, we're only slightly smarter monkeys.

The reason for today's edition of "OMG WE ARE SUPERSTITIOUS MONKEYS!!!" is the conversation with a coworker I overheard.   You see, we have a somewhat open layout in the office.  There are walls, and doors, but everything is connected, and often people just stand at the door and talk to the person in the office.  The discussion today was on the hot topic of cold and flu season.  I have a bit of a cold and apparently the rest of the country is being beat up by the flu so badly that it's like the final round of Mike Tyson's Punch Out? (Anyone?Anyone? I'm just saying you made it to the last round and it was like one hit and you were dead.)

Well people are talking about how everyone is sick and how terrible it is, and blahblahblah.  Ok, it's the flu, during flu season... OMG! But one of these people decide to explain that, "you know what the problem is?  It's the weather, it's cold then it warms up, and then it's cold again, and that's why people are getting sick."

And hooray, we're back in the Dark Ages!  WOO!!

Or perhaps, just perhaps, it has to do with the fact that colds and flu are caused by viruses that are spread from person to person, not because it's cold outside. 

Can we rename the cold to something else?  Because these friggin' superstitious monkeys that roam our planet are going to forever be confused if we don't.  I think our schools are failing us if we still haven't progressed pass Dark Ages thinking.  You know, it's actually probably just the gods on Mount Olympus punishing us for our insolence.

All I'm saying is that we're not really much above this:

What To Do? (World Edition)

Yesterday was fun, but I only posted locations that were in the continental United States, mostly because I was just thinking places I could drive to.  So, it got me thinking that perhaps I should do a world edition of places I'd like to see.  So, again in no particular order, my world tour list:

1. Mont Saint-Michel

 I know I didn't have the best time in France, in fact when I left I was never so happy to leave somewhere.  But now that I've had time to reflect, I feel like the first night/day really soured my opinion, and that really it was the people in Paris.  When we were in Normandy we had a lovely time, and the people were just nice.  This isn't too far from where we visited in Normandy, so I'm willing to give France a second chance.  I also plan to take so more French before I go again so I feel more confident communicating.

2. Athens

Or perhaps it's more to see some ancient Greek ruins, Roman ruins would be cool too.  But this, is a picture of the Parthenon, which is on my top lists of things to see.  It's a symbol of a the roots of a lot of our culture that spread in different directions and resulted in the very interesting world we have today.  Going to see something so old, is totally on my must do list.  I don't know how well I'd do in Greece, but I'm willing to give it a try.

3. Japan

I think it'd be really interesting to go to Japan, and what better time to go than when the cherry blossoms are doing their thing.  It's my favorite time to visit Washington D.C., and I think it would be equally lovely to visit Japan at this time of year.  I'm not entirely sure where in Japan I'd like to go, of course there's Himeji Castle, and Tokyo, Kyoto, and other places of interest.  It's never really been a possibility, so I've not done a ton of research on it, but I'd like to go someday.

4. New Zealand

Where else can you see such varied and beautiful scenery that mde it a perfect location to film movies like The Lord of the Rings, and also go Zorbing?  I don't know how much time I'd spend here.  I mean obviously you'd want to spend a while since it's not exactly a short flight to get to, but it's so pretty I think I need to visit it at some point.  Perhaps take two weeks and see New Zealand and Australia?  Who knows, and really it doesn't matter as long as you get to Zorb.

5. Neuschwannstein Castle

I'm pretty sure if I ever visit this place uninvited a giant monster will lock me up until my daughter comes to rescue me, who will then fall in love with the beast only to find it's actually a prince under a spell and then they'll live happily ever after.  When I was little my grandma had books in her house that had pictures of castles, and this was on one of the covers.  So, from an early age I saw this castle and have wanted to visit it ever since.  Look at it, it's friggin' sweet!  I've never been to Germany, but when I do go, this will be on the schedule.

6. The Matterhorn

This is on the boarder between Italy and Switzerland, and when you look at it, it seems like it's the kind of mountain you see on a movie and say, "Haha, they don't really make mountains that look like that."  YES THEY DO!  I don't know why I'm interested, but it just look cool, and I've always liked mountains.  I think really anywhere in the Alps would be nice to visit, it was actually really exciting for me when we flew over them on our trip from London to Rome.  I'd just like a little more up close time.

7. An African Safari

I'm not really an adventure type person, in fact I'm not sure I would ever be able to do this one.  I like my hotels with soft beds, running water, and safe western style foods.  I also don't like going places that feel unsafe, and I'm not so sure how Kenya or Tanzania are in terms of safety.  But, at the same time I would be really love to see animals in a natural setting.  I'm sure the Disney Animal Kingdom is a good experience, but I'm also sure it's nothing like seeing actual wildlife. 

8. Russia

There are a few places in Russia I'd like to visit, such as St. Basil's cathedral, the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, or perhaps the Moscow Subway.  I don't think this is somewhere that I'd really like to spend much time, but I feel like I'd like to go for a quick visit. 

9. Auschwitz

As a history teacher, and one who has taught the Holocaust on a few occasions, I feel I need to visit this place.  It is certainly a very serious location, and isn't the type of touristy thing that I've listed so far, but I want to go. It's one thing to teach about it, but it's another to stand in that place and know what it looks like and get an idea first hand.  I think it would then make you a better teacher because you can speak to it in a different manner than you could simply by seeing pictures and reading about it.

10. Easter Island

I'm pretty sure this one will never happen.  I don't know what else is on Easter Island, and I'm pretty sure that it's not the easiest place to get to.  So the time requirement and hassle to get there really would outweigh the benefit.  I mean, I've seen these already at museums, but I do think it would be neat to actually see them where they are.

11. Machu Picchu

I remember doing a report on Machu Picchu back in one of my Spanish classes, possibly in 8th or 9th grade?  I think it's a really neat location, and it's also pretty well preserved since it wasn't discovered until 1911.  I know they've also restores some of the buildings as well.  I think this is another item that wouldn't be easy to get to, but look how cool this place is. 

12. Egypt

This is Abu Simbel, I think I read that they actually moved this from the original location because of the construction of the Aswan Dam.  But there are a number of locations that I'd like to visit, such as Abu Simbel, Philae, The Pyramids, Luxor, the Egyptian Museum.  It's kind of uncertain there right now, in terms of politics, but perhaps once they have that sorted out and things calm down it wouldn't be bad to visit.

13. Petra

I thought this place looked awesome the first time I saw it in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.  I didn't know that this was a place, and that there were a lot of different buildings carved out of the stone, but then we did a unit on it for my World Monuments and Cultures class.  It's located in Jordan, again not sure how I feel about traveling there, but it's so amazing it seems like a place you really would need to see sometime in your life.

So there you go, another 13 things I'd like to see.  There are of course countless other locations like the terracotta warriors in China, or the Amalfi Coast in Italy, but I thought this was long enough.  Again, perhaps I'll do a Part II sometime.  I think the biggest concern I have at a lot of these places is how I'd eat.  I'm somewhat picky sometimes, and Becky is even worse, so I think we may starve to death in places like Jordan, Egypt, and China.  But I'd love to travel and see all these amazing places.  the quick Europe trip was fantastic, I would love to see more, and go other places too.  So, add these to the "To Do" list.

What To Do?

I'm not one that really cares to fill my house up with stuff.  I'm sure it's a bit annoying every Christmas when people want to know what I want for Christmas and I can only come up with a few things, but there's not a lot of things that I want.  Instead I prefer to fill my life up with experiences, and that usually translates into travel to new places, doing things with a group of friends, and just having a good time.  That's why on my goals for this year I put that I wanted to have seven new experiences this year.  I don't know what those experiences will be, though I think we're going to have the first one pretty soon (I'm not saying what until all the plans are finalized).

So, today I thought I'd put up a few things I'd like to go visit.  No timeline on this, just a list of places I'd like to see.  So in no particular order:

1. A Dark Sky Park

This picture was taken in 2008 at Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania.  It's a Dark Sky Park with a "Gold" rating, which means that it's the highest rating that you can get in the Dark Sky Park rating system.  I've NEVER seen a sky that looks like this, and I REALLY want to.  I mean, look at it, it's really awesome, and not in the "these are awesome hotdogs, man!" sort of way, but in the awe inspiring sort of way.  There is also one in Michigan called The Headlands, which is a Silver Tier.  It might be worth it to give it a try sometime, Jupiter has been bright the last few nights, as has Saturn.  Perhaps it would be a fun to grab the telescope and head down.  There's something about actually seeing a planet with your own eyes through a telescope.

2. Acadia National Park

I've always wanted to go to Maine, especially around the time that the blueberries are in season because I love blueberries.  But while I'm up there I'd love to stop by Acadia National park.  I've been to the ocean a number of times, but it's always been beachy, and I'd love to see somewhere with the rocky shores.  There are also forests, hills, and all around beautiful landscape.

3. Whales

A few years back we talked about doing a whale watching cruise, but I had just lost my job so we decided not to do it.  However, I'd love to do one.  Sure, I've seen a whale as Sea World, or at the aquarium in Chicago, but I think seeing one just doing it's thing would be far more interesting and a nice reminder that there are things out in the wild as awesome as whales (at least for now).  Plus I think it'd be fun to go out on the water, I've always liked boats, but never really spent much time on one unless you count the ferry to the Statue of Liberty or Martha's Vineyard. 

4. Autumn

Yes, we have autumn here, but I've always wanted to go to somewhere in say upstate New York and see the colors change  here.  Last year I was looking around a bit too late so we didn't get to do anything, but I found some nice drives, and cute locations.  I also looked into a day canoe trip during this time that would have been really pretty too.

5. A Beach Like This

This is apparently in the Bahamas.  We've been to the ocean a lot in Florida, but it's never been like this.  It's been pretty, and I've always loved it, but it doesn't look like this.  Just blue, clear, beautiful!  And of course being the middle of January, the warm weather wouldn't be bad right about now.  It hasn't been too cold, but this would be nice.  I think something about the sand, the clear water and the bright blue sky that is really appealing.  It just looks clean. 

6. Arches National Park

I mean, look at that!  What in the world are you doing, rocks!?  I was reading that some of these have falled to erosion, as nature is prone to doing.  I've never been out West past Kansas City.  So really I haven't come across too many different landscapes in the world.  It's all been lots of trees, and green.  I like trees and green, but I'd also like to see this. 

7. Sequoia National Park

 8. Redwood National Park

So seven and eight are really the same kind of thing but different locations.  You've got the giant Sequoias in the eastern part of California, and then you've got the Redwoods along the coast.  These are the biggest trees in the world.  The Redwoods apparently are taller, but the Sequoias are larger, both can exceed 300 feet tall, and the Sequoias can be 40 feet in diameter.  Someone was saying that a lot of the Sequoias are not doing too well, so it seems perhaps I should go visit sometime soon.  Either way, they look fantastic, and I'd love to visit them.

9. Glacier National Park

I don't know why I've been on a National Park kick, but something about being out in the middle of nowhere and not being in a place that's got tons of cars, and buildings, and strip malls, and restaurants, and subdivisions seems appealing.  Realizing that the world is big, and thankfully a lot of it is still pretty like this, and not consumed and "tamed" into a strip of Walmarts and Applebees.  Plus, my walls at home could use some more art in the form of photographs, so I need to go somewhere beautiful like this.

10. Napa Valley

Yes, this is rather pretty, and I'd like to see the scenery, but I'd also like to go on a wine tour of the valley.  Most of the wines we get are from California.  We've been known to pick up an Australian every now and again, and we had a wonderful French wine a few times.  But California seems to be what we get a lot of, so it'd be nice to head out there and visit a vineyard, try some wines, and just have a nice old time.

11. A Live Symphony Performance

I've been to a ton of musicals, plays, I've been to a few ballets, I've even been to an opera, but I have never seen a live professional symphony orchestra perform.  Last year we went to DC, and I had a chance to see the NSO perform Beethoven's 9th, which I love.  However the time was short, and the tickets were kind of pricey so we ended up skipping it.  Sometime soon I'd love to go see one, I love music, and live music is the best.  I know the DSO does a lot of stuff, and we pop down to DC a lot, and of course there are always special performances by touring orchestras.  I don't care what it is, but I'd like to go see one.  I think every year they do a series where they play music from movies and such, which would also be cool.  So perhaps a nice classical performance, and then something fun like the movie themes performance.

12. Falling Water

This is a Frank Lloyd Wright house, and it's amazingly close, yet I've never visited it.  It's one of those small things that perhaps you don't really think much about.  I think some of the deterrent is that it's somewhat expensive to tour the house, but then again, it's not really that expensive in the grand scheme of things.  Plus it'd be a nice little weekend trip, one over night probably, but a way to kind of get away for a short time, but not having to use any vacation time. 

13. Gettysburg

We went to Gettysburg once when I was 13 or 14, but we didn't really do much.  I remember we went to some sort of museum, and then up into this observation tower, which has since been demolished.  But we never went to the battlefield, or saw any of the memorials.  I'd like to go and see this sometime.  You also can visit the Eisenhower National Historic Site which is right near by, and an hour or two away is also the battlefield of Antietam.  But I love historical sites, so perhaps everyone else would be bored to death. 

Well, I guess 13 things to see is enough for now, there are tons more like Mt. Rushmore, the Minuteman missile silo national historic site, the missions like the Alamo down in Texas, Yellowstone park, San Francisco, the U.S.S. Missouri and the U.S.S. Arizona memorial.  There are just so many places to see!  Perhaps I'll have to do a Part II.