Notice Anything New?

Hey guys, I just wanted to point you to my sidebar. I'm adding restaurants that I like from places I've lived - and you shoud weigh in with suggestions, or reminders (we all know how faulty my memory is!).

Thanks!

Exhaustion

Today I'd like to talk about my ever-increasing need to sleep. In my life, I've known several people who take sleeping to the Olympics level (Jeff C., Michelle A., and San all come to mind), but I have always been able to function properly on a few solid hours of sleep. However, when I graduated from college, all the theories of my invincibility disappeared. I NEED at least 8 hours of non-alcohol-induced sleep EVERY night if I want to pretend that I am a normal human being in the morning. And that's at a minimum.

However, lately, I've been feeling rather groggy all the time. When I wake up, I'm groggy. When I get to work, I'm groggy. When I have lunch (and I'm not reading Harry Potter), I'm groggy. I get home, and guess what? I'm groggy. In fact, for the past two weeks, I've been avoiding the gym like the plague so I can get in that extra hour of sleep.

Does anyone out there know of some way that I can increase my energy levels? I eat fairly healthy meals, drink about 18 cups of chammomile tea during the day to keep up my water intake (and to keep warm - the boss sure does love him some AC), drink a bottle of Gatorade when I'm at the gym and another one at lunch, eat a mid-morning snack to keep alive, and balance it all with a wonderfully home-cooked dinner.

Now, don't be rude and tell me I need to start working out more - I was exhausted AT THE GYM, for chrissakes! And please don't put me on any of those weird heart-attack-inducing supplements from GNC. Perhaps I should increase a certain vitamin in my diet? Perhaps there is a magic cure out there? Let me know and I'll love you forever...

What with my lower back and left knee aching because of the rain (dammit! that makes me feel old), I would love it if I could get back to the gym again and build up those muscles that will help me ease into my senior years with a purposeful stride - perhaps even a light jog.

The Happy, er, Couple

Proposal
Originally uploaded by Pookah.

Only moments after the wedding proposal, the entire staff and crew of flight XXX gathers around the newly engaged couple and Gareth.

Gareth, who? you ask. Why, that's Gareth, the single most lovely man without a last name that we know.

Why is he so lovely? you ask. Well, he did help Darwin set up the marriage proposal by having the stewardess deliver the evening meal in the shape and size of a jewelry box.

Oooh, there's nothing so lovely as a jewelry box!

Love is in the Air

Darwin and Emma are engaged! Do you see THAT ROCK?!! Not only was I introduced for the first time to Emma, I was introduced for the first time to Darwin's FIAN-friggin'-CE! Well, how do you like that?

I liked that very much, thank you. Emma is a wonderful girl - even if she does thank her hosts a little too profusely for offering her just the smidgiest bit of toast, water, and shelter!

We had a wonderful time getting to know her and convincing the two of them to stay "just a little bit longer" - you know, until it's Christmas or something.

Emma entertained us all - but perhaps mostly herself - with trying to teach San and Mom how to speak in Northern Irish. Instead of saying "cow" like a native Belfast-ian (what do you people call yourselves anyway?), my mother now lets out long gutteral sounds the likes of which Dora from "Finding Nemo" might utter to a group of whales. In fact, it's been quite the ride to work in the mornings, with San thinking he can pass for Irish with his dead-on Emma impersonations.

And still, I was sorry to see them go on Friday - and by "sorry to see them go," I mean "sorry I wasn't even there to see them off." Unfortunately, the wicked ways of the world are upon me, and I am a member of the working poor so I was utterly unable to wake Emma out of her Nyquil-induced coma and give them both their farewell hugs. Instead I collapsed on top of Emma the night before whilst she was trying to sleep - uh, I mean, talk to us, yeah, that's it, talk to us - and bear-hugged the tears out of Darwin.

I miss them already. And they are only one country away at the moment, living up their newly engaged status in Canada. You crazy kids!

Maybe next time around, I can finagle it so I am actually on holiday myself, and not resembling the Night of the Living Dead with my harassed-looking appearance and deadly case of the snooze. Due to her status as "goodly housewife," my mom even got to spend more time with the happy couple than I! (Yes, I am still crying over that fact.) She brought them out to Maine for a day, and got them all hopped up on lobster and ocean breezes.

Although San and I DID take them out to fly kites over the Wachusett Dam. It lasted all of five minutes, but they were MY FIVE MINUTES, dammit!

Hmmmm, what else did we do? Oh yes, I celebrated Darwin's ten-year anniversary of attending Clinton High School by actually contacting our friends from high school. What a scary prospect, to say the least. I've been home for several months no and had no intentions of doing so, but Darwin, my dear, you are worth the price of admission so... Three bloody mary's later, Christian and Jeff were sitting in my kitchen, with Andrew on his way from Cambridge to be my backup. And by "backup," I mean "sole financial provider for all our Labor Day fun and intrigue." Thank god for Andrew - he made the occasion almost feel normal. And by "normal," I mean "only slightly less awkward, but at least he was sober so he could drive."

What can I say? Things haven't changed much since high school, except the boys now chain-smoke, drink, and are even more caustic than ever. Joanna was working, nobody seemed to have Mike's contact information, and I couldn't reach Christy, so Christian and Jeff were the best I could do for Darwin. The problem was that they pretty much ignored him for most of the night.

So much for that idea. I became an annoying drunk for absolutely no reason, and Andrew shelled out money for a bunch of people he didn't know. It's all rather comic, you know. (Don't worry Andrew, the check's in the mail.)

Otherwise, I had quite a pleasant visit, if only too short. I know I'll see them both again at the wedding, but I'm really hoping for a more intimate holiday with them, one without major distractions like work and wedding guests.

Since I now know that you read this, Darwin, you do realize that I fully expect you to comment less anonymously! And, I love you... gosh, we're so proud of you! Emma, if you're reading this too, just know that we think you are quite lovely and such a perfect choice for our Darwin! You are always welcome wherever we are (that goes for you too, Darwin).

A Big Disappointment

Due to a public referendum 5 years ago, California Governor Schwarzenegger has elected to veto the bill to endorse gay marriage. I couldn't be more upset.

I simply don't understand how so many people are so willing to pass moral judgement on others, and inflict their views on people who have no desire to harm them by their actions. I have yet to hear anything beyond religious tirades in opposition to this movement for gay rights, and I have yet to see anyone speak sense on the issue. Since when did everyone believe in the same religion? This country was based on a desire to be free of religious prosecution, and today we have representatives from all faiths living here.

And what right do we have to make illegal a behavior that does nothing to infringe upon our basic rights? NONE. There is no legal ground to stand upon here.

You can dislike gay marriage for all you're worth, but no one is MAKING you marry a homosexual! Why must you then turn around and MAKE someone else's decision for them?!!

Sometimes people can be so cruel.

From the Big Bad(ass) U.S.

Since it is my whim and fancy, I read the BBC News every day. Yesterday, I was reading an article about Hurricane Katrina and, more specifically, the U.S. Red Cross' appeal for international aid for victim relief work. Readers of the BBC were asked to contribute their thoughts and opinions on the wealthiest nation in the world asking for financial assistance. Some of the responses were downright hostile:

I will not be giving to this appeal. The United States is the richest country in the history of the modern world. They should be diverting their wealth into domestic social care programs not into imposing their economic will on the rest of the world. Maybe this will be the wake up call that the people of the US need.Alan, Herefordshire

Of cause people gladley gave after the tsunami, that is understadable. But surely there are enough people in USA that can charitable donations. Should the US government not spend it's own money helping these people? Even if it ment selling gold reserves. To ask other nations for help, and then retaining wealth makes my skin crawl. What % of the American defense budget is needed for aid I ask?gareth bruce, warwick

I can understand that aid agencies, such as the British Red Cross, can provide the physical help in terms of food parcels and staff on the ground. But why does this need to be paid for via charitable donations? Surely the US Government can transfer money to these agencies easily enough, rather than it needing to be raised by charitable donations.James Wilson, London, UK

A quick staw poll of people in my office shows up a feeling of disgust that the US can't free up enough funds. I don't think anyone here is planning on giving...Brian Cooper, London, UK

I think the fact that america is accepting aid from other poorer countries is very wrong & proves that the US & other developed countries i.e the UK use & abuse charity appeals i believe that the money donated to america will only be used to soften the blow as they have enough $$ to sort this mess out Bush just doesn't want to spend that money! I for one will not be donating Luke, England West sussex Southwater

This is a disgrace. I am shocked by what happened to the people of New Orleans and surrounding area but To give to a country that obviously went to war for other motives and spent millions on this. A country that is the richest in the world and has the most resources. I will not be helping - Considering the country is reluctant to help the truly needy countries eradicate poverty. Trevor Kingdon, Forest of Dean

I've always known that the U.S. has a fairly poor reputation overseas, whether the country is our closest ally or our nemesis, but I can't believe that so many people would be this inhumane. As if the poor and victimized of New Orleans and the surrounding areas are the direct cause of the political moves of the current administration, and for that they should be punished with this catastrophe.

I've long thought that the U.S., because of its current hegemony status, is damned if we do, and damned if we don't. This is a perfect example. We ALWAYS give aid to other countries, the amount of which varies from administration to administration, but we do give humanitarian aid. We have long been the largest contributor to certain international aid projects. Yet we are not only now criticized for accepting international aid ourselves, but we are at the same time being criticized for not giving enough to the Global Fund to help end extreme global poverty.

And the US was criticised for pledging just $0.6bn over the next two years, for the first time failing to contribute a third of the money needed by the fund. David Bryden of US based Global Aids Alliance said: "By breaking that promise Bush is letting down the most vulnerable people in the world.

"If his commitment to Africa is real, then words are not enough."

Like I said, damned if you, damned if you don't. The U.S. will NEVER be able to fulfill ALL the needs of the international community. Some days we cannot be involved enough, other days we are overly involved. Some days we are heroes, most days we are bitter rivals. Where do we draw the line? We cannot be everything to everyone.

And in this time of extreme need in Louisianna and Mississippi, the international community at large should put aside its political animosity and think of who we are hurting by simply discussing the pro's and con's of this country. There are people in EXTREME NEED. Quit the chatter and get to doing something! Not because they are American citizens, but because they are HUMAN BEINGS.

Hip Hip Hooray!

Gays and lesbians in America are seeing some changes taking place, even as the devastation of Hurrican Katrina is upon us. The California Assembly is backing legislation endorsing gay marriage. The bill is actually waiting for the signature from Governor Schwarzenegger's office. One can only hope that he decides to sign the bill into law and not become entrenched in a religious debate over "holy" matrimony. In today's day and age, where families are more and more defined by choice rather than bloodlines, it would be a welcome sight to see gay couples guaranteed the same rights as other families. If you are a California resident, I strongly urge you to throw your support behind the bill and contact your governor.

The article goes on to say that:

California already gives same-sex couples many of the rights and responsibilities of marriage if they register with the state as partners.

Last month, its highest court ruled lesbian parents have the same rights and duties towards their children in the event of a break-up as parents of the opposite sex.

While Massachusetts started this tide of gay marriage, I am so proud of you, California!