Sometimes it feels like things are stuck, no movement, no momentum, no traction. Some things got unstuck today, and I'm happy about that. I had a little of work energy today - after a long stretch of being uninspired, unmotivated, and unengaged - so perhaps the little bit of my input got some return.
In any case, I'm happy that:
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Stand on the Side of Love (2)
I could post the news link from the Washington Post, but it is more meaningful to me to share this from the point of view of my church, All Souls Unitarian, and its amazing pastor, Rev. Rob Hardies.
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Thursday, December 10, 2009
The NYT 2009 Year in Ideas
I have always loved this annual feature of the NY Times Magazine. I'm somewhat of a NY Times junkie. What I enjoy about this is the concepts of forward-thinking, out-of-the-box ideas, that may define our future (or not) - what seems absurd, might not actually be so....or so absurd, it's brilliant. Time will tell. I especially love the intersections of design and technology. Check out Bicycle Highways, Manmade Greenery, and the Cul de Sac Ban.. Lots of 'i' words come to mind - ideas, innovation, inspiration, illumination. It jazzes me.
And every year, the end page of the ideas issue shows some cool - and questionable - patents awarded that year. This is always good for a little chuckle. I particularity like the graphic presentation here.
And every year, the end page of the ideas issue shows some cool - and questionable - patents awarded that year. This is always good for a little chuckle. I particularity like the graphic presentation here.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish...
Since the beginning of the year I have been swimming. Remarkably, it is something that I have stuck to to great effect (and my great amazement).
First, I should note that I *hate* exercising, I loathe gyms, and I can't play many sports. I like to walk, dance (a dance class is great!), practice yoga, cycle here and there, hike/walk in the woods, and swim. In general, I'd like to think my physical activity is integrated to my life, but not sure if that would pass muster.
So, at the beginning of the year, full of stress and anxiety, and with a very short fuse, I knew something had to give, and I probably needed to work through it with exercise. It was so bad, I almost joined a gym, but knew myself well enough to know that I would ultimately fail at that, and not only fail for not working out regularly enough, with "adequate" intensity or frequency, but also because I was just wasting my money. A double whammy, and certain to just demoralize me further. Biking? Not sure I'd actually get the bike out of the shed often enough. And dance classes were just too confining with a specific class on a specific day at a specific hour. A no-go. I even thought of taking up running - clearly, I was desperate.
I realized that there was a renovated public pool in my neighborhood - totally free to DC residents. I wouldn't be wasting money, but actually being virtuous anytime I'd go. Plus I couldn't fail at *not*spending money should I not work out. As mentioned, it's sticking, and here's why I think so:
First, I should note that I *hate* exercising, I loathe gyms, and I can't play many sports. I like to walk, dance (a dance class is great!), practice yoga, cycle here and there, hike/walk in the woods, and swim. In general, I'd like to think my physical activity is integrated to my life, but not sure if that would pass muster.
So, at the beginning of the year, full of stress and anxiety, and with a very short fuse, I knew something had to give, and I probably needed to work through it with exercise. It was so bad, I almost joined a gym, but knew myself well enough to know that I would ultimately fail at that, and not only fail for not working out regularly enough, with "adequate" intensity or frequency, but also because I was just wasting my money. A double whammy, and certain to just demoralize me further. Biking? Not sure I'd actually get the bike out of the shed often enough. And dance classes were just too confining with a specific class on a specific day at a specific hour. A no-go. I even thought of taking up running - clearly, I was desperate.
I realized that there was a renovated public pool in my neighborhood - totally free to DC residents. I wouldn't be wasting money, but actually being virtuous anytime I'd go. Plus I couldn't fail at *not*spending money should I not work out. As mentioned, it's sticking, and here's why I think so:
Monday, December 7, 2009
Distance meme (just because)
With thanks to Hiking Viking for this meme...
Farthest North? - Stockholm, Sweden. It was on June 21, no less, a gorgeous light-filled night. The Swedes were out and about and quite joyful. I remember visiting several homes and offices, and thinking that Ikea *really* is Swedish. There were lots of Volvo's and Saab's on the road.
Farthest South? - Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. A lovely national park extends along the point; the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans meet and mix. That day, I saw two whales breaching in one of the bays/coves along the coast.
Farthest East? - Beijing, China. What can I say? It blew my mind. It was quite the cosmopolitan city. I was not quite prepared for it to be another New York or London (tho' far less charming). I expected more of a Mumbai, and it most certainly was not. G, in all her profundity, made the best observation of all, "Mama, it doesn't look like China, it looks like New York, except for the people. The people look like China."
Farthest West? - Honolulu, HI. Even though I was a teenager, I barely remember it. I was struck by how far away it is. That, and the price of Corn Flakes. Everyone goes to work early, to be in touch with the mainland - but beachbound by afternoon. It was so long ago, that working my more recent memory, my first inclination was to put Portland, OR
Highest Mountain - Seen - Mt. Kilimanjaro (and will climb in 2020! - my 50th b-day; and G's 16th); Climbed? Not sure, but I'm quite sure it wasn't a name-brand peak.
Hottest Place - I'm sure I've been in triple digits somewhere in the Sahel - Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso - but dry heat is fine by me. Absolutely most god-awful hot was in Dar Es Salaam, TZ - dreadful, hot, humidity, a drippy face. No doubt though, and no exaggeration, I've been equally hot in DC
Coldest Place - Probably South Hadley, MA where I went to college - I recall biting, bone-chilling New England winters, and my first frozen lake.
Personal Notes: I've been to 42 countries on 4 continents; never to South America, Australia, or Antarctica :-) I've lived (more than a month in one place) in France, Switzerland, Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, Tanzania, Guatemala, and the US. I've been to 23 states, I think. I'm tired of traveling - not done with it - just a bit weary; I'd never complain about it and I'd be miserable if forced to stop traveling. Airline travel has become a punishment.
Farthest North? - Stockholm, Sweden. It was on June 21, no less, a gorgeous light-filled night. The Swedes were out and about and quite joyful. I remember visiting several homes and offices, and thinking that Ikea *really* is Swedish. There were lots of Volvo's and Saab's on the road.
Farthest South? - Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. A lovely national park extends along the point; the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans meet and mix. That day, I saw two whales breaching in one of the bays/coves along the coast.
Farthest East? - Beijing, China. What can I say? It blew my mind. It was quite the cosmopolitan city. I was not quite prepared for it to be another New York or London (tho' far less charming). I expected more of a Mumbai, and it most certainly was not. G, in all her profundity, made the best observation of all, "Mama, it doesn't look like China, it looks like New York, except for the people. The people look like China."
Farthest West? - Honolulu, HI. Even though I was a teenager, I barely remember it. I was struck by how far away it is. That, and the price of Corn Flakes. Everyone goes to work early, to be in touch with the mainland - but beachbound by afternoon. It was so long ago, that working my more recent memory, my first inclination was to put Portland, OR
Highest Mountain - Seen - Mt. Kilimanjaro (and will climb in 2020! - my 50th b-day; and G's 16th); Climbed? Not sure, but I'm quite sure it wasn't a name-brand peak.
Hottest Place - I'm sure I've been in triple digits somewhere in the Sahel - Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso - but dry heat is fine by me. Absolutely most god-awful hot was in Dar Es Salaam, TZ - dreadful, hot, humidity, a drippy face. No doubt though, and no exaggeration, I've been equally hot in DC
Coldest Place - Probably South Hadley, MA where I went to college - I recall biting, bone-chilling New England winters, and my first frozen lake.
Personal Notes: I've been to 42 countries on 4 continents; never to South America, Australia, or Antarctica :-) I've lived (more than a month in one place) in France, Switzerland, Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, Tanzania, Guatemala, and the US. I've been to 23 states, I think. I'm tired of traveling - not done with it - just a bit weary; I'd never complain about it and I'd be miserable if forced to stop traveling. Airline travel has become a punishment.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
In her backpack...Every Girl's Everyday Empowerment Kit
From GFC blog...
Delhi, India - In our World Café session today at the GGI (Grassroots Girls Initiative)/GFC Knowledge Exchange, small groups discussed various issues relating to improving the lives of adolescent girls. My group discussed the skills and tools necessary for adolescent girls to be able to transform their lives. The notion of agency, or self-direction, is critical to this goal. In early discussion, the key elements of this type of empowerment were easily identified: education; economic empowerment; life skills (such as decision making, self-awareness, and self-confidence); reproductive health information, knowledge, services, and supplies; independent mobility; and knowledge of rights.
Additionally, a social network of peers and “navigators” provides a needed source for support, security, and nurturing, while also mitigating the isolation too often encountered by girls of low social status in their families and communities—such as child brides, girls in domestic work, out-of school girls, rural girls, and young mothers. In this context, my colleagues and I also discussed the importance of role models and mentors to provide vision and a sense of possibility. In all settings, but especially in culturally or socially restrictive environments, supporters and champions are equally necessary, providing a safety net so the girls know that “someone’s got their back.”
As the conversation progressed, we felt we were becoming stuck in generalities and not breaking new ground. What if we could actually equip a girl for her everyday empowerment? What if we could give her a backpack (a symbol of free mobility) filled with the necessary tools that could help her direct the course of—indeed, transform!—her own life? Here’s what we came up with in a conversation that was inspired, impassioned, and full of laughter:
In her backpack:
Delhi, India - In our World Café session today at the GGI (Grassroots Girls Initiative)/GFC Knowledge Exchange, small groups discussed various issues relating to improving the lives of adolescent girls. My group discussed the skills and tools necessary for adolescent girls to be able to transform their lives. The notion of agency, or self-direction, is critical to this goal. In early discussion, the key elements of this type of empowerment were easily identified: education; economic empowerment; life skills (such as decision making, self-awareness, and self-confidence); reproductive health information, knowledge, services, and supplies; independent mobility; and knowledge of rights.
Additionally, a social network of peers and “navigators” provides a needed source for support, security, and nurturing, while also mitigating the isolation too often encountered by girls of low social status in their families and communities—such as child brides, girls in domestic work, out-of school girls, rural girls, and young mothers. In this context, my colleagues and I also discussed the importance of role models and mentors to provide vision and a sense of possibility. In all settings, but especially in culturally or socially restrictive environments, supporters and champions are equally necessary, providing a safety net so the girls know that “someone’s got their back.”
As the conversation progressed, we felt we were becoming stuck in generalities and not breaking new ground. What if we could actually equip a girl for her everyday empowerment? What if we could give her a backpack (a symbol of free mobility) filled with the necessary tools that could help her direct the course of—indeed, transform!—her own life? Here’s what we came up with in a conversation that was inspired, impassioned, and full of laughter:
In her backpack:
- Cell phone (for social networking, calling her mentor, and even banking(!))
- Some money of her own
- A map, a compass, or a GPS!
- Toilet kit (some tissues and some sanitary napkins – her dignity)
- ID card (a birth certificate, some documentation of her identity)
- A good book
- A condom (or, in an ideal world, a female condom or some microbicide)
- Pocket-sized directory of women’s organizations and community resources
- Pocket-sized copy of the International Declaration of Human Rights and/or Convention on the Rights of the Child (armed with information!)
- Bottle of clean drinking water
- Change of clothes (you never know…)
- Self-defense tool (hot pepper spray or maybe some martial arts skills!)
- Some good tunes (music gives confidence!)
He brought me pickles :-)
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Stand on the Side of Love
DC Council gets it right! I think marriage equality is one of the most important issues of our time. Various state referendums indicate that gay marriage can't win a popular vote, which leaves me incredulous (tho' I suppose it shouldn't). I'm a romantic optimist here, albeit an impatient and pragmatic one, that one day love will prevail.
Monday, November 30, 2009
To Hiking Viking (what I think of this right now)
When we were talking last night, I said that you must have really “needed this,” and I meant that in a good way. And what I failed to say, is that I also “needed this” – a wonderful person to whom to give my abundant love and affection and to be loved and appreciated back (“beloved”). (I trust you can accept my use of the word “love” in a broad and beautiful sense). The fact that I/we *needed* this does not discount my wonderful and genuine appreciation of you, desire to spend time with you, reveling in your attention and affection (and giving mine to you), and enjoying your very good soul at this moment in my life (and yours).
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Fuming mad
But this completely infuriates me! Narcissistic, publicity hounds who crashed the State Dinner?!?!? WTF? While clearly, there was a security breach, the gall of these self-obsessed, classless idiots just horrifies me. They are currently "auditioning" for a reality TV show - Real Housewives of Washington - and apparently thought this would be a *good* idea to demonstrate their drama-worthiness. I'm so mad, I'm sad; I'm so sad, I'm mad. Seriously, what is this world coming to? It just takes advantage of *everybody.* I'm speechless.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
State Dinner @ Obama White House
I'm somewhat obsessed with the Obama's first State Dinner this evening for the Prime Minister of India. Completely gaga about the menu - mostly vegetarian - with arugula (from the White House vegetable garden), eggplant and potato salad; red lentil soup; prawns with green curry; poached pears with (White House beehive) honey. The deep purple flowers, the apple green tablecloths - colors reminiscent of the India state bird, the peacock. And Michelle Obama's gorgeous dress designed by Indian-American designer Naeem Khan worn with glitterati bangles and amazing chandelier earrings. She's so f-in' classy (and with my use of crude language, I'm clearly not).
All this on the heels of my most recent trip to India (my 4th, I think) - a country I'm so fascinated by. And so many Indians/Indian-Americans for whom I have such high regard. A place on the move....
AND a guest list with people I think are super cool (or actually know!*), with many men accompanying their power women (just sayin')
Jhumpa Lahiri - kickass writer
Kavita Ramdas* - President of The Global Fund for Women
Jim and Paula Crown* - Global Fund for Children donors/supporters
Geeta Rao Gupta* - President, International Center for Research on Women
Marland Buckner* - husband to Melody Barnes, Domestic Policy Senior Advisor, and ex-husband of dear friend and neighbor, Aileen
Mona Suphen - Deputy Chief of Staff, MHC grad
Gov. Ed Rendel (PA- D)
Marian Robinson - Barack Obama MIL, Michelle Obama's mom, Sasha and Malia's g-ma
Sonal Shah*- Director of Office of Social Innovation, Maya's friend
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton - (D - DC)- yay for recognizing DC
Mayor Adrian Fenty and Ms Michelle Fenty (D) - DC mayor- yay, DC again!
All this on the heels of my most recent trip to India (my 4th, I think) - a country I'm so fascinated by. And so many Indians/Indian-Americans for whom I have such high regard. A place on the move....
AND a guest list with people I think are super cool (or actually know!*), with many men accompanying their power women (just sayin')
Jhumpa Lahiri - kickass writer
Kavita Ramdas* - President of The Global Fund for Women
Jim and Paula Crown* - Global Fund for Children donors/supporters
Geeta Rao Gupta* - President, International Center for Research on Women
Marland Buckner* - husband to Melody Barnes, Domestic Policy Senior Advisor, and ex-husband of dear friend and neighbor, Aileen
Mona Suphen - Deputy Chief of Staff, MHC grad
Gov. Ed Rendel (PA- D)
Marian Robinson - Barack Obama MIL, Michelle Obama's mom, Sasha and Malia's g-ma
Sonal Shah*- Director of Office of Social Innovation, Maya's friend
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton - (D - DC)- yay for recognizing DC
Mayor Adrian Fenty and Ms Michelle Fenty (D) - DC mayor- yay, DC again!
Monday, November 16, 2009
I've been blogged!
The Hiking Viking has blogged about me. It seems I am referred to as the Globetrotter. Nice. :-)
Saturday, November 14, 2009
India morning
I'm not much into travel journaling, it's all become rote to me, as I land in another place yet again. But if I'm blogging, it seems I should comment on where and how I am.
In general, when I travel, I find myself much more aware, more alert. My mind and senses are stimulated. I am turned on.
When landing in Delhi, my pick-up driver did not arrive, so I mobilized myself into a pre-paid "black and yellow" taxi. Immediately, I felt the surge that has become so familiar when I land in a new and different place. The more "foreign," the better. Chaos, beeping, mad traffic, insane driving...the loud humming motor of the puttering bumblebee taxi. Adrenaline.
But this morning, much more peaceful here at the Global Arts Village. There is 6am "dynamic meditation" which I missed, but heard the drumming and the whooping, later followed by sitar music. I showered in my lovely, tiled - saffron and cobalt - bathroom, the warm water washing away the dirt and fatigue of travel. So nice to let the warm water wash over my naked body - again a function of the sensuous nature of travel. I never feel the warm water wash over my naked body when I'm home. Fresh and dressed, I went out in the early 7am mist to sit in the thatched hut with my earthenware mug of (Starbucks Via) instant coffee (yes, I get the irony). For a few moments, I felt very, very present - maybe 15 minutes or so. I heard the birds and the plane overhead, saw - really saw - the magnolia tree, and watched the still, still water. The coffee tasted very, very good - rich and warm - and I felt it enter my bloodstream with a soft energizing buzz to my tired jet-lagged body. The earthenware cup was warm, I felt the heat transfer to my hands.
It was such a lovely, quiet, present moment. So rare, so cherished. To be sought - consciously - more often.
In general, when I travel, I find myself much more aware, more alert. My mind and senses are stimulated. I am turned on.
When landing in Delhi, my pick-up driver did not arrive, so I mobilized myself into a pre-paid "black and yellow" taxi. Immediately, I felt the surge that has become so familiar when I land in a new and different place. The more "foreign," the better. Chaos, beeping, mad traffic, insane driving...the loud humming motor of the puttering bumblebee taxi. Adrenaline.
But this morning, much more peaceful here at the Global Arts Village. There is 6am "dynamic meditation" which I missed, but heard the drumming and the whooping, later followed by sitar music. I showered in my lovely, tiled - saffron and cobalt - bathroom, the warm water washing away the dirt and fatigue of travel. So nice to let the warm water wash over my naked body - again a function of the sensuous nature of travel. I never feel the warm water wash over my naked body when I'm home. Fresh and dressed, I went out in the early 7am mist to sit in the thatched hut with my earthenware mug of (Starbucks Via) instant coffee (yes, I get the irony). For a few moments, I felt very, very present - maybe 15 minutes or so. I heard the birds and the plane overhead, saw - really saw - the magnolia tree, and watched the still, still water. The coffee tasted very, very good - rich and warm - and I felt it enter my bloodstream with a soft energizing buzz to my tired jet-lagged body. The earthenware cup was warm, I felt the heat transfer to my hands.
It was such a lovely, quiet, present moment. So rare, so cherished. To be sought - consciously - more often.
I [HEART] beards
Brad Pitt is sporting some scraggly facial hair, and I've noticed a few handsome men around with some scragg, so before it’s the next big thing and Cosmo does a cover story, I just want to put on record that I *really* like beards.
So soft, bristly and scratchy. Lovely texture on the face. A little decoration. Very tactile and sensual. A certain edge (and edging). And sexy is, as sexy does, a beard has a lovely framing function – like pubic hair – except around the mouth (…and lips…tongue) and going on up toward the earlobe. And oh….the scent!…cologne, sweat, or best of all - just plain, old, delicious scent de sex. Trapped in the beards fibers, ready to be ruffled lightly, to inhale and intake. A little extra tickle, in the kisses.
Friday, November 13, 2009
City Hippie
As anyone who knows me knows -- I love my neighborhood. The urban village of Capitol Hill is quite remarkable. Many suburban friends can't believe the small town life I can lead in the big, bad city. Not to mention, it's green and liberal. I feel like a 21st century city hippie.
I can get to work, school, grocery shopping, doctor, restaurants, exercise by walking or public transport within 30 minutes (well, some of this 35 minutes). The point is that I can actually live my *whole* life by walking, biking or public transport. Even more so, I can get to an airport, train or bus station to escape DC in the same way. Of course, no saint, I have a car (a Prius :-) and I use it, but typically, I only use my car on weekends, and it sits idle weekdays.
There's also the community garden, the babysitting co-op (earn and pay with poker chips), the corporate car-share company :-), the playgrounds, the library, the public pool, and most wonderful of all, Eastern Market, a little town square. And I take great joy in testing the system when I walk into Fragers's, our local hardware store, with no money, no bank card, no ID, and charge it to my house account!
I've read an article on this, it's called something like "the good life" or "intentional urban life" or something of the like. I was not so intentional about it, but I have never lived any other way, and can't imagine so.
Indeed, it's a good life.
I can get to work, school, grocery shopping, doctor, restaurants, exercise by walking or public transport within 30 minutes (well, some of this 35 minutes). The point is that I can actually live my *whole* life by walking, biking or public transport. Even more so, I can get to an airport, train or bus station to escape DC in the same way. Of course, no saint, I have a car (a Prius :-) and I use it, but typically, I only use my car on weekends, and it sits idle weekdays.
There's also the community garden, the babysitting co-op (earn and pay with poker chips), the corporate car-share company :-), the playgrounds, the library, the public pool, and most wonderful of all, Eastern Market, a little town square. And I take great joy in testing the system when I walk into Fragers's, our local hardware store, with no money, no bank card, no ID, and charge it to my house account!
I've read an article on this, it's called something like "the good life" or "intentional urban life" or something of the like. I was not so intentional about it, but I have never lived any other way, and can't imagine so.
Indeed, it's a good life.
Robin Hood and Little John
One of the things that cracks me up about my current job...
As a VP for an international non-profit, raising money is always on the screen, and even more so for my boss, the President/CEO. My job usually means I get to make the case, demonstrate the model, and give program insights that make people inspired and ready to give. My boss, however, usually makes the ask - a role, admittedly, I'm not as comfortable with.
Yesterday, in Silicon Valley, amidst staggering wealth, M and I presented to a dinner of "venture philanthropists." Our gig? I distract by talking about the "metrics" of social returns, while she takes their pants off and steals their wallets. As much as M drives me crazy, it's a good team act, though I much prefer my role to hers. :-)
We ate and drank well though, so of course, I am happy.
As a VP for an international non-profit, raising money is always on the screen, and even more so for my boss, the President/CEO. My job usually means I get to make the case, demonstrate the model, and give program insights that make people inspired and ready to give. My boss, however, usually makes the ask - a role, admittedly, I'm not as comfortable with.
Yesterday, in Silicon Valley, amidst staggering wealth, M and I presented to a dinner of "venture philanthropists." Our gig? I distract by talking about the "metrics" of social returns, while she takes their pants off and steals their wallets. As much as M drives me crazy, it's a good team act, though I much prefer my role to hers. :-)
We ate and drank well though, so of course, I am happy.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
For posterity
| If you had a chance to move to anywhere in the world. Where would it be? |  |
| |
Top 5 - DC, Philadelphia, Cape Town, Toronto, Paris. Each one provides some draw of a multicultural, international vibrant city that is accessible to friends and family (or so good they'd come visit) with decent weather and seasons. All that and a shack in Maine or the Adirondacks! | |
Ideal meal fantasy
| On a hot night someone surprises you with dinner . It will be served outside at a table overlooking the ocean , what would you want to be served? | |
| |
| Ahhhhhhhhh. I think I'm in Greece. Freshly grilled fish with a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil; tangy tsaztiki; fresh summer tomatoes tossed with olives and creamy chunks of feta, warm, soft pita bread (with char marks), wine...maybe some baklava dripping with honey...more wine. Or in Spain with a cool gazpacho, spicy shrimp, dates wrapped in serrano ham, steak, roasted/grilled potatoes with rosemary, sangria, a bite of chocolate, a sip of port. | |
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