This morning I'm fiddling with software and contemplating posting to Blogger from MacJournal. Keeping an external record of what goes on the blog (besides the e-mailed posts) might be a good thing. Does anyone else do something like this?

Traveling in my head

This topic has been traveling around in my mind since the subject was announced. At first I thought I might tell of my love for travel: how it has been a part of my life since I was a child. Then I thought perhaps I could talk about how there are two types of people: those who travel and those who do not. Or perhaps the myriad of ways that travel changes a person for good? Or on a different bent: the many paths we travel during life? I had a hard time with the previous topic because I couldn't think of what to write. This time there is too much to write!!

So, in the interest of keeping this moderately short, here is a list of some things I've learned from a lifetime of travel and living abroad. (Living abroad for me means living outside of my native USA.)

• The splendor of God's world is breathtaking - and never dull. From sparkling tropical beaches to snow covered alps, each has it's own unique beauty (and is worth seeing in person.)


• Never assume anything about a land foreign to you. Thinking a place will be basically the same with different sights will give you quite a jolt.


• Don't criticize the differences or call them wrong because they are different. (For example: "they drive on the wrong side of the road in the UK" or "this hamburger doesn't taste right".) When you come right down to it there are really just some very basic things that are right and wrong and the rest of it is just what you are used to.


• People in the US are spoiled by the sheer amount of stuff available. Much of the world lives without the stuff we seem to think is necessary.


• Other countries are much more interested with what is going on in the US (especially politically). We affect them much more than they affect us. Many foreigners despise the US while being jealous of us at the same time.


• Motion sickness is horrendous! Bring your own Dramamine. It isn't available everywhere.


• Pack light. Then take out half the stuff. But bring at least two pairs of shoes. Being able to switch out can be salvation to your soles.


• Attend local church services. It is good for you and for the members there as well. Plus, you learn interesting local information not available from tour guides, books, etc.


• Americans are often loud and demanding compared to others. Making an effort not to behave that way will leave those I come in contact with a better impression of my homeland.


• Don't expect everyone to speak English. A pocket two-language dictionary can save the day.

Travel can be uncomfortable. Not only for the "cramped into a dinky seat" body, but also for the "challenged in my thinking" mind. Travel will take you outside your comfort zone and teach you things about yourself and the world around you. It will make you a better citizen of the world. The journey can be rough at times, with ups and downs. But in my mind the ups far outweigh the downs and I feel as if it has done me a world of good.

Hair Cuts

Today found me standing in front of the mirror with a pair of scissors. I find myself standing in essentially this same place every six weeks or so. At this point you may be wondering why I don't just take myself down to Super Cuts or some other hair cutting establishment. Seems like subjecting myself to the agonies of cutting my own hair could easily be avoided. Herein lies the problem. Going to the hairdresser is worse in my mind than hacking away at my hair myself. Daft, I know.

In thinking about it, I've concluded that my dislike of going to the hair dresser really boils down to two things. The first is that I get uncomfortable. I am always uneasy in new situations, and as we don't usually live anywhere for any length of time, I don't have a tried and true beautician to visit. The second reason I don't like it is that I have to sit there for 30 minutes or more looking at myself in the mirror. Now, you might think that I have to look at myself when I cut my own hair, but not really. I just look at my hair.

I cut everyone else's hair in the family. Maybe I just need to train one of them to cut mine. Although cutting my hair is probably the only exercise my arms get these days.

Couples Skate

Blogger Idol - First Dates

I would tend to agree with Jess that dating is a silly thing. I think it is especially silly for young teens to be "dating". Or really anyone who isn't old enough to be married. It's just a recipe for misbehaving. But, I'm digressing.

My mother used to tell me that she let me date early because she wanted me to have practice saying "no" as long as the boys had had practice trying to convince girls of "yes". This did not really work. (See above for recipe for misbehaving.)

My earliest memories of dating are the type where you met at the roller skating rink. Get dropped at the front door. Skate for two hours. Wait out front to be picked up again. Not much opportunity for yes or no there. The couples skate was the extent of intimacy and sometimes that was even done without holding hands. The misbehaving came much later down the line.

I suppose I'm showing my age by even mentioning roller skating rinks. So, I might as well confirm my "oldness" and end this with what was my actual first date: 19 February 1963. (Don't remember that one at all.)

Two weeks, plus

Yikes. Where did the time go? And, it isn't just the blogging that isn't getting done. The laundry is piling. The dinner isn't cooking. (Or at least not on time.) Only minimal anything is happening. I can't really figure out why it is that I am falling behind on so many things. I ran out of oomph for the year, I guess.

Christmas Carols?

Consumer Wonderland
(To the tune of Winter Wonderland, lyrics by Erica Avery)

The TV's on / are you watching?
Another product / that they're hawking
one more thing you need
to make life complete
Welcome to Consumer Wonderland

In the stores / you will hear it
"Pricey gifts / show holiday spirit"
That's what they call it
to get to your wallet
Welcome to Consumer Wonderland

At the mall we can go out shopping
and buy lots of stuff we can't afford
we'll have lots of fun with our new toys
until we realize that we're still bored
When you shop / ain't it thrilling
until / you get the billing
the money you still owe the stuff broke long ago
Welcome to Consumer Wonderland

For more carol adaptations, visit: Buy Nothing Christmas