As one of my faithful blog readers pointed out, epinards are no longer our friends. Hence my blog has received a new title, one that, I hope, will do much to heal the pain and suffering caused by my previous title.
I am exceedingly sleepy.
9.27.2006
9.24.2006
Terms are what men live by
Invite: 1 a : to offer an incentive or inducement to : entice 2 a : to request the presence or participation of b : to request formally c : to urge politely: welcome
I define this lovely term (from Merriam-Webster's Collegiate) because I find it often confused with
Obligate: 1 : to bind legally or morally: constrain 2 : to commit (as funds) to meet an obligation
or even perhaps with the conveyance of
Expectation: 1 : the act or state of expecting : anticipation 2 a : something expected b : basis for expecting: assurance 3 : the state of being expected
I would have you note, dear readers, the verbs of action in my first term above: "offer," "entice," "request," "urge," and "welcome." These in no way imply obligation, rather they flatter the invitee, communicating that said invitee's company is desirable and valued.
The acceptance of an invitation then communicates to the inviter that she can expect to enjoy the invitee's company. The mere invitation (again, "offer") does not give the inviter any excuse for expectation.
Also, the communication of an invitation does not in any way morally bind a person to accept said invitation. This precludes the invitee from having to offer excuses (1 a : to make apology for (2) 2 a : something offered as justification or as grounds for being excused b : an expression of regret for failure to do something c : a note of explanation of an absence). If the invitation hasn't been accepted, one need only say "yes, I can" or "no, I can't."
That said, I'd also like to point out that wavering between "yes" or "no" can be a burden to the inviter, especially if you are only saying "maybe" because you think you'll hurt said inviter's feelings. The laws of politeness require that a "maybe" be treated as a "yes" since, in actuality, the invitee could show up. This prevents the inviter from extending the invitation to another who may be able to accept the invitation. Rude, rude, rude.
Now, to anticipate some comments I'm sure will come from this, I'd like to address the subject of desire. Often we would like to accept an invitation, but find that we have previous or more pressing engagements or obligations. In order to thank the inviter for the honor of giving us the invitation, we feel the offering of reasons (i.e., excuses) will communicate our disappointment in being unable to accept the invitation.
Mom taught me long ago to merely express the desire to accept (Oh, that's sounds lovely! I would really enjoy that moonlit walk on the beach) and follow with the applicable response (Yes, I'll climb out the window at 10:30 and meet you under the tree or No, I won't be able to join you). Listing "reasons" implies that you need reasons or are looking for something to justify your refusal. Back to square one! You aren't obligated; someone has offered you something and you need only accept or decline.
Also, if you fall into the habit of giving "reasons," you find yourself in a tight situation when you have no reason other than that you don't want to. There is NOTHING WRONG with not wanting to accept an invitation. You DON'T NEED TO OFFER EXCUSES; you are not obligated until you've accepted an invitation.
And really, this post isn't directed to anyone in particular. Really. Just me feeling in a preachy mood on a Sunday afternoon.
I define this lovely term (from Merriam-Webster's Collegiate) because I find it often confused with
Obligate: 1 : to bind legally or morally: constrain 2 : to commit (as funds) to meet an obligation
or even perhaps with the conveyance of
Expectation: 1 : the act or state of expecting : anticipation 2 a : something expected b : basis for expecting: assurance 3 : the state of being expected
I would have you note, dear readers, the verbs of action in my first term above: "offer," "entice," "request," "urge," and "welcome." These in no way imply obligation, rather they flatter the invitee, communicating that said invitee's company is desirable and valued.
The acceptance of an invitation then communicates to the inviter that she can expect to enjoy the invitee's company. The mere invitation (again, "offer") does not give the inviter any excuse for expectation.
Also, the communication of an invitation does not in any way morally bind a person to accept said invitation. This precludes the invitee from having to offer excuses (1 a : to make apology for (2) 2 a : something offered as justification or as grounds for being excused b : an expression of regret for failure to do something c : a note of explanation of an absence). If the invitation hasn't been accepted, one need only say "yes, I can" or "no, I can't."
That said, I'd also like to point out that wavering between "yes" or "no" can be a burden to the inviter, especially if you are only saying "maybe" because you think you'll hurt said inviter's feelings. The laws of politeness require that a "maybe" be treated as a "yes" since, in actuality, the invitee could show up. This prevents the inviter from extending the invitation to another who may be able to accept the invitation. Rude, rude, rude.
Now, to anticipate some comments I'm sure will come from this, I'd like to address the subject of desire. Often we would like to accept an invitation, but find that we have previous or more pressing engagements or obligations. In order to thank the inviter for the honor of giving us the invitation, we feel the offering of reasons (i.e., excuses) will communicate our disappointment in being unable to accept the invitation.
Mom taught me long ago to merely express the desire to accept (Oh, that's sounds lovely! I would really enjoy that moonlit walk on the beach) and follow with the applicable response (Yes, I'll climb out the window at 10:30 and meet you under the tree or No, I won't be able to join you). Listing "reasons" implies that you need reasons or are looking for something to justify your refusal. Back to square one! You aren't obligated; someone has offered you something and you need only accept or decline.
Also, if you fall into the habit of giving "reasons," you find yourself in a tight situation when you have no reason other than that you don't want to. There is NOTHING WRONG with not wanting to accept an invitation. You DON'T NEED TO OFFER EXCUSES; you are not obligated until you've accepted an invitation.
And really, this post isn't directed to anyone in particular. Really. Just me feeling in a preachy mood on a Sunday afternoon.
9.23.2006
Dog psychology
I really know nothing of dog psychology, but I am a (sometimes) keen observer of behavior. They have some attention-gaining techniques which I have tried in vain to comprehend. Maybe you, my thoughtful blog readers, can offer some new insight.
1) If human ignores you, get up, take two steps, jiggle dog tags, and sit down. Observe human. If human turns to look at you, get up and assume anticipatory expression (this will cause human to feel guilt). When human again ignores you, click toenails on floor, taking three or four steps, jiggle dog tags, and sit down. Observe human. When human blinks, talks, moves, or breathes, get up, assume anticipatory expression, click toenails, jiggle dog tags, and lie down. Repeat as necessary.
2) If forbidden to enter human's room of occupation, assume a position as close to said room as possible. Smack lips. For best effect smack lips continuously for 1-2 minutes. If human makes comments such as "Argh! that is so disgusting!" continue smacking for at least 2 more minutes. Observe human. Sit quietly until human appears to forget your presence. Spread legs and begin to noisily lick between legs. Continue with gusto. Exclaimations from human of any kind are desirable.
3) If under any circumstances human goes toward the tile-floored room and appears to desire privacy, immediately follow and attempt to get in room with human. If door is pulled almost closed, attempt to stick nose in and observe human. If door is completely closed, assume lounging position immediately in front of door and wait. When human opens door, scramble to feet, click toenails, jiggle dog tags, and lie down.
1) If human ignores you, get up, take two steps, jiggle dog tags, and sit down. Observe human. If human turns to look at you, get up and assume anticipatory expression (this will cause human to feel guilt). When human again ignores you, click toenails on floor, taking three or four steps, jiggle dog tags, and sit down. Observe human. When human blinks, talks, moves, or breathes, get up, assume anticipatory expression, click toenails, jiggle dog tags, and lie down. Repeat as necessary.
2) If forbidden to enter human's room of occupation, assume a position as close to said room as possible. Smack lips. For best effect smack lips continuously for 1-2 minutes. If human makes comments such as "Argh! that is so disgusting!" continue smacking for at least 2 more minutes. Observe human. Sit quietly until human appears to forget your presence. Spread legs and begin to noisily lick between legs. Continue with gusto. Exclaimations from human of any kind are desirable.
3) If under any circumstances human goes toward the tile-floored room and appears to desire privacy, immediately follow and attempt to get in room with human. If door is pulled almost closed, attempt to stick nose in and observe human. If door is completely closed, assume lounging position immediately in front of door and wait. When human opens door, scramble to feet, click toenails, jiggle dog tags, and lie down.
9.19.2006
Permanency
Teeth are less than they are cracked up to be. Or maybe teeth are more than they are cracked up to be since once they're cracked up they'll never be quite what they once were.
Anyway, I got my first real chipped tooth today. When you're as good looking as I am, vanity can be a touchy subject. Of course I want to be georgeous, intelligent, and successful/productive. Who doesn't? But my practical (hopefully more sanctified) side knows that life and happiness are not found through good looks and brains.
So how should I react to a chipped tooth? Of all things that could happen, it's certainly low on the impact scale. It's just a tooth. I still have all my fingers, toes, and various other appendages. It isn't even like I lost the whole tooth.
Shall I despair over my tarnished good looks? Or should I be stoic and say that my face now has more character? Should I mourn the fact that my teeth will never be the same? Dwell on the loss of a piece of what I've always been told was a "permanent" tooth? Or shall I rejoice that the Lord has gently reminded me that nothing in this world is permanent, and He is the only solid, unchanging part of my life?
Truthfully, I was really just afraid that I would have to get a gold cap like my dad used to have (Mom said it would shine and glint back when she first met him.... but I think she kinda liked it), but I don't think it's that bad.
And actually the chocolate I'm eating makes everything seem all right. If I eat myself to death, make my tombstone say "All is vanity. For love of a tooth she took her life. Beware that things so small should become bigger than life."
Okay, that's pretty crappy. Don't put it on my tombstone. Say something about how wonderful chocolate is.
Anyway, I got my first real chipped tooth today. When you're as good looking as I am, vanity can be a touchy subject. Of course I want to be georgeous, intelligent, and successful/productive. Who doesn't? But my practical (hopefully more sanctified) side knows that life and happiness are not found through good looks and brains.
So how should I react to a chipped tooth? Of all things that could happen, it's certainly low on the impact scale. It's just a tooth. I still have all my fingers, toes, and various other appendages. It isn't even like I lost the whole tooth.
Shall I despair over my tarnished good looks? Or should I be stoic and say that my face now has more character? Should I mourn the fact that my teeth will never be the same? Dwell on the loss of a piece of what I've always been told was a "permanent" tooth? Or shall I rejoice that the Lord has gently reminded me that nothing in this world is permanent, and He is the only solid, unchanging part of my life?
Truthfully, I was really just afraid that I would have to get a gold cap like my dad used to have (Mom said it would shine and glint back when she first met him.... but I think she kinda liked it), but I don't think it's that bad.
And actually the chocolate I'm eating makes everything seem all right. If I eat myself to death, make my tombstone say "All is vanity. For love of a tooth she took her life. Beware that things so small should become bigger than life."
Okay, that's pretty crappy. Don't put it on my tombstone. Say something about how wonderful chocolate is.
9.18.2006
Profundity
I really just wanted to say profundity but now I can't think of anything to do anything with it. Maybe I just wish I had some.... wait... why is that word underlined now? Isn't Html supposed to be easy? Am I that technologically handicapped? I don't even know if the stupid link works; I'll probably have to republish this post five times to get it working.
Have I ever mentioned that www.merriamwebster.com is my favorite website?
Sorry, the creative blood is not flowing; I can't even think of anything to amuse myself.
Here's to pointless posts.
P.S. I only had to edit it once to make the link work. I'm amazing!
Have I ever mentioned that www.merriamwebster.com is my favorite website?
Sorry, the creative blood is not flowing; I can't even think of anything to amuse myself.
Here's to pointless posts.
P.S. I only had to edit it once to make the link work. I'm amazing!
9.13.2006
On grammar
Sometimes I wonder, who really cares? or does it really matter?
Spelling, grammar, syntax, vocabulary. . . they're all just a bunch of words, right? As long as the next guy knows what you're saying, who cares how you say it or if you spelled it right when you said it. ore, hoo kars that yor koma wuz en thee rong plas? sylint "e" dont bother mee, i jus egnor em.
I really hate this post.
Spelling, grammar, syntax, vocabulary. . . they're all just a bunch of words, right? As long as the next guy knows what you're saying, who cares how you say it or if you spelled it right when you said it. ore, hoo kars that yor koma wuz en thee rong plas? sylint "e" dont bother mee, i jus egnor em.
I really hate this post.
9.12.2006
Sleep
I find myself most often tempted to deprive my body of sleep at night. Come morning, I find indulgence in sleep the more tempting option. Doesn't that seem an easy fix? Why is that an issue?
Why do I dread going to sleep and then dread waking up? Can't I embrace both and still find my time balanced?
My immediate response is that I just wish I didn't have to sleep so much. I wish I could stay up late and get up early and spend all my time doing the things I do while awake (i.e., wasting time). I stay up late because I want to keep blogging stupid, useless words from my head. I don't want to get up because I actually need more sleep in order to function. It's always been easier to make myself stay up than to make myself wake up.
Do you ever wonder what life would be like if we could just go to bed when we wanted and wake up when we woke up while still working a full 8 hours (or whatever schedule your continued existence requires)? I wonder what percentage of the population would end up being nocturnal. I know of at least two in my family who already practically sleep all day (classes or not) and stay up all night.
yeah...
Why do I dread going to sleep and then dread waking up? Can't I embrace both and still find my time balanced?
My immediate response is that I just wish I didn't have to sleep so much. I wish I could stay up late and get up early and spend all my time doing the things I do while awake (i.e., wasting time). I stay up late because I want to keep blogging stupid, useless words from my head. I don't want to get up because I actually need more sleep in order to function. It's always been easier to make myself stay up than to make myself wake up.
Do you ever wonder what life would be like if we could just go to bed when we wanted and wake up when we woke up while still working a full 8 hours (or whatever schedule your continued existence requires)? I wonder what percentage of the population would end up being nocturnal. I know of at least two in my family who already practically sleep all day (classes or not) and stay up all night.
yeah...
9.11.2006
See? I can do this.
Tonight it's raining, and I'm in a poopy mood.
Perfect time to eat chocolate and write a budget. That way I can enjoy the chocolate and feel good about organizing my life all while getting depressed about gaining weight and the fact that I spend more money than I make.
Life is good.
I've always wondered why rain is a sign of depression and cleansing, depending on the outcome. Though I hate the thought of it, I should read Dubliners again. I remember lots of rain and shadows, but I can't remember that anyone came out cleaner. I think they just got dirtier. On the other hand, I'm sure there are some stories where life is new and good and wonderful after rain. I wish I knew which ones they were.
I've decided to rebel against exceedingly long posts because I get tired of reading them.
Perfect time to eat chocolate and write a budget. That way I can enjoy the chocolate and feel good about organizing my life all while getting depressed about gaining weight and the fact that I spend more money than I make.
Life is good.
I've always wondered why rain is a sign of depression and cleansing, depending on the outcome. Though I hate the thought of it, I should read Dubliners again. I remember lots of rain and shadows, but I can't remember that anyone came out cleaner. I think they just got dirtier. On the other hand, I'm sure there are some stories where life is new and good and wonderful after rain. I wish I knew which ones they were.
I've decided to rebel against exceedingly long posts because I get tired of reading them.
9.10.2006
Summer break is over
I suppose now that I have internet access my sabbatical from blogdom cannot continue. The up side is that people have probably totally given up on me ever making an update and I've lost all my blog readers. This means that it really doesn't matter whether I update or not.
I love freedom from pressure to perform.
And yet having pressure to perform and actually performing is a very fulfilling activity. The difficulty comes from having the option of failure. Failure is very deflating to self-esteem, and since our primary purpose is to maintain healthy self-esteem, it's hard to face failure.
Failure is an interesting concept to contemplate when I've stayed up past my bedtime. So much of what we term "failure" is socially constructed. However, failure as a sinner defines my very existence as a human bean. Makes me wonder if we could still practice cultural failure if sin didn't exist. I suppose any sense of failure flies in the face of perfection. But maybe our concept of perfection is marred as well.
Did I say something about bedtime?
I love freedom from pressure to perform.
And yet having pressure to perform and actually performing is a very fulfilling activity. The difficulty comes from having the option of failure. Failure is very deflating to self-esteem, and since our primary purpose is to maintain healthy self-esteem, it's hard to face failure.
Failure is an interesting concept to contemplate when I've stayed up past my bedtime. So much of what we term "failure" is socially constructed. However, failure as a sinner defines my very existence as a human bean. Makes me wonder if we could still practice cultural failure if sin didn't exist. I suppose any sense of failure flies in the face of perfection. But maybe our concept of perfection is marred as well.
Did I say something about bedtime?
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