Monday, February 27, 2006

winter

I'm hearing it already...people are sick of winter. You don't often hear that before Christmas...I guess people are looking for the next big thing (as usual), and sometimes change can be fun, or maybe theyre just plain cold. I for some reason never get tired of winter, I mean, I enjoy being able to put clothes on, layering (I have more options), and bundling up under my covers. Its about this time of year that I actually consistently remember to put my coat on, or my gloves, and I actually remember to make time to scrape the ice from my car in the morning. I'm also one that for some reason or another, doesnt always take change as easily as i could. I love mixing certain things up, but others are harder for me to deal with. Its sort of odd. So, I'm used to winter now, comfortable with it.

For the record Spring and Fall are my favorite times of the year. I dont generally get down in the winter though. I love snow, I dont mind the overcast days. I stare at winter's big pointy teeth and laugh. I should show you pictures of when I went to the top of a mountain in 20 degree weather and there was ice all over the trees. I didnt warm up for about 8 hours even after getting back in the heat. But...I loved it. I loved sleeping in a tent on the side of the road in West Virginia (about 20 yards off the road, so not so sketchy), and waking up with frost on my pillow. Seriously. Just make the most with whats in front of you, thats all. Ever notice how the night sky is clearer in the winter? Its either that or the stars are just better....I dont know. Anyway...enjoy it while it lasts, spring is soon.

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

pix

new pix up on my site (link is to the right)...and more soon

Friday, February 17, 2006

Jenn and I

I love this picture! more pictures soon...

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

thoughts on PNG

Papua New Guinea is quite an interesting place...after going there two years ago I'll probably always be interested in going back. Here are some quick facts about the country:

the word "Papua" is derived from a Malay word describing the frizzy Melanesian hair, and "New Guinea" (Nueva Guinea) was the name coined by the Spanish explorer YƱigo Ortiz de Retez, who in 1545 noted the resemblance of the people to those he had earlier seen along the Guinea coast of Africa.

The Per Capita income compared to the United States:
Papua New Guinea: $556 (164th)
United states:$39,496 (3rd highest)

Wow, thats average income per year, per person. So.....they make a lot less money over there. I guess they probably spend a lot less too. They're money is called Kina, and each coin has a hole in it.

As with many South Pacific islands, the Japanese occupied portions of it during WWII, and left a number of unexploded bombs. They were buried in time, and each year many accidents occur as a result. I heard one story of somebody simply starting a fire on plain dirt, not knowing what was right under the ground there. It was bad. I've actually read a pretty good book on that sort of thing..the remnants of war. It was very good. Called Aftermath. I'll post some pictures from my experiences.

Friday, February 10, 2006

Napkin Skills

yes, yes, you all are asking, you all want to know...how do I end up with so many napkins? It's an art my friend. Let me pass on the knowledge of my ancient art. Basically, whenever you are anywhere that napkins are present, grab a bunch. You'll use a few probably, but then, ah, there are some left at the end. Fold them up, put them in your bag, in your pocket, in your purse, in your glove compartment, anywhere. The key is this: take them with you. Then, later on can have two ways to enjoy your napkins. 1. you can store them up in a depository at home where your diverse array of napkin colors and styles will impress guests to no end. 2. Napkins will be coming out of the woodwork throughout your day, because you'll keep finding where you hid them. Who has ever had too many napkins? I dont see any hands...

So, cherish your napkins, protect them. Ensure them a long life, and that will ensure you that you will never, ever actually have to buy a napkin. Now, you must keep in mind. These places are giving their napkins away. They seriously are. They actually plan for people coming in and taking them. SO...we are given full authority to take them. This is in no way a questionable moral area, because I'm not saying take like a massive stack, just a bunch. Its give and take just like any well-balanced relationship: I give them business, they give me napkins.

Also amusing...I was at a Carl's Jr. in Saltillo, Mexico back in high school...and they had a huge sign on the wall inside the place that said "Free Napkins". I guess maybe there was a shortage at one point or something. Napkin rations must have been imposed. "Sorry ma'am you're only allowed half a napkin. Nope, you're just going to have to live with that mustard right there"

Thursday, February 09, 2006

Is the milk still good?

In other news...the case about the guy who was killed by the flying shrimp (as his attorney describes it) was finally determined...the shrimp was not at fault. Seriously, do you remember that? It must have been a few years ago the whole thing started because the guy wrenched his neck dodging a shrimp at a Japanese steakhouse. Not sure how long the link will work, but check it out:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11245302/

Oh, back to my first thought. I dont think I'm very good at applying the sniff test to my milk. How long is too long? Historically I would drink milk that was questionable and be okay. If it says Tuesday, is Thursday okay? I dont think I have the right senses to be able to determine if its still good. I was going to eat a bowl of cereal this morning, then I poured it out in fear, because...well, I'm not sure if I can handle it like I used to. I mean it didnt smell bad, but it did taste a little different. Not BAD though. I'm afraid because i know that if I drink lots and lots of milk (2 glasses or so), that doesnt work out too well for me. So, I'm scared that drinking what John calls "funny milk" or even slightly funny milk....may result in the same misfortune.

I mean seriously this Gouda cheese I'm munching on tastes more questionable than the milk. Cheese is like that though...with its sharpness. You know? I guess thats why its Cheese, and not milk. I do know one thing. When you have cheese in your milk jug, its time to throw it away.

By the way, the Gouda is fine. I dont eat bad cheese. I think right now Pepperjack may be my favorite though.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

a glorious day

Just to let you know...Valentine's Day goes way back, before Hallmark existed. I'm a bit surprised at how many people are becoming skeptical about the day itself. It's true that some people think its over-hyped and over-important. I wonder why so many people take it so personally that lots of people actually enjoy that day. I think it should be respected as a great day to celebrate love. I remember always looking forward to it, through elementary school. I loved the little bag that we decorated, and waiting for it to be filled with little candies and notes from other classmates. My mom used to give me little bears for valentines day (really small) and I always thought they were special.

So the day itself. It became more popular in the 1700's but the history that brought it about goes further back than that. Read about it on this website:

http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/valentine/?page=history

I'm not necessarily absolutely nuts about the day, I just think it should be given more respect. I think people are just upset that they have to wait a whole year until Christmas rolls around again.

Monday, February 06, 2006

satellite

the pressure is overwhelming to tell you about something controversial, or something shocking...but...I usually just end up with a quick snippet of what amuses me. Theres apparently a space suit floating in space as the newest satellite...they launched it from the International Space Station (ISS) on purpose....to monitor the conditions it endures around the earth...you could get to it through the spaceweather site on the right, or just use this link.

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2006/26jan_suitsat.htm

definitely a different idea

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Aloha It's You

yup...most of the Lu'au pictures are up on my website now. Some I didnt actually take, and I have yet to add the ones from the Lu'au cams that were circling around. Enjoy....