Turning Down the Volume
As I write this, the “neighbors” in the nearby building are blasting their TV. My hunch is that the husband in the couple is hard of hearing, because his wife is always yelling at him. They speak in Russian, so I don’t know what they’re saying. (It could be that she’s just angry.) I’m about to enter my weekly 24-hour zone of tranquility and would love for the universe to meet me half way. Wishing you all some peace and quiet.
Illustration by Marc Johns
Trying To Feel Productive (no matter what anyone says)
How’s your to-do list going today?
image via biblioklept
The Thrill of Technology
As I’ve been travelling a lot more lately, I decided to finally update my mobile gadgetry with a phone (that actually holds its charge) and an iPad. This was not an impulse buy. I’d been lusting after these items for a long time. Now, I actually needed them. I’m here to report that my new phone and mini iPad have filled me with immense pleasure. So much so that the other day, I walked by a rack of designer shoes on sale and didn’t even stop to look.
Where are you on the love/hate technology continuum?
Illustration by Ben Wiseman
Entering My Sixth Hour of Cable Guy Hell
It wasn’t a light decision to change my cable and internet systems, but AT&T offered me a deal I couldn’t refuse, and I knew from experience that I’d be getting a superior product. Sauntering into my place, the tech guy was confident that the set up would be done in 45 minutes. And he was nice enough. But that was 6 hours ago, and he’s still here with 2 installation problems yet to solve. His spirit is lagging and so is mine. No smiles here.
Image from newyorkshitty
Weekend Retreat
Crisscrossing the country twice so quickly has taxed my body and my brain. I’m looking forward to recharging during the next few days off. What are your plans for the holiday weekend?
Her Tree by Keith Negley
Practice Audacity
As I return from my second trip to D.C. in two weeks, I’m in an audacious mood. How about you?
image via this isn’t happiness
Happy Day!
I arrived back in DC just as the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to move ahead on immigration reform legislation. It’s a huge step forward and the hearing room erupted in applause as Senators and supporters hugged each other. It was practically a love fest.
Image by Stuff and Son Enterprises
The Pleasure of Home Repair
My sweet dog, Rose is practically impervious to noise, except for the high-pitched sound of a dying smoke alarm battery. I learned this watching her whimper and shake as she hid underneath the bed where I used to live. That time, I had a man around who changed the battery. Yesterday morning, it happened again and now with the exception of a dog who was absolutely freaking out, I was alone. Every couple of minutes, as the smoke alarm pierced Rose’s soul, it pierced mine too. I got out the ladder, placed it on the high pile carpet, and felt shaky. (Did I say I’m not fond of heights?) I ripped off the cover, but couldn’t find the battery. I called almost every friendly neighbor in the building to help me, but no one was home. I considered cutting the wire. Who needs a functional smoke alarm, I thought. And then I phoned my buddy, who’s good at fixing things. He gently talked me through it, step by step, and was gracious about it, not making me seem like too much of an idiot. I felt accomplished and grateful it didn’t happen at 3 AM.
Photo by Zoe Leonard
Archive for May, 2013
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