After playing about 100 games of Scrabble, you probably get bored. My friend J and I decided one day to create separate pieces of poetry based on the words we formed after one of our games. It's amazing how circular and cyclical things are. Buddha would be proud that I reached this revelation. (Does Buddha feel pride? hmmm )
Anyway here it goes:
I lost my tread long ago
And I skid,
Slipped into a maze.
Yips and yells I cry,
No man hears me.
Moons rise over the quays
And cast beams onto my sleepy face.
I shake my fists at them,
Realizing how much time has passed
Since you left.
Winders of the clocks
Create the tick. tock.
Banter of passing seconds.
Beet-red blood pumps through me.
Heart against mind:
Long it has been since I felt the trap.
Jaws of Jealousy lock me into place.
Coveting causes suffering.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Loves
1. Podcasts: NPR Sunday puzzle, Wait Wait Don't Tell Me. For a laugh at my convenience.
2. Having my own computer.
3. Partying like a rock-star where money falls from the ceiling, esp. in Vegas.
4. Finishing my Xmas shopping by the end of November.
... list to be continued.
2. Having my own computer.
3. Partying like a rock-star where money falls from the ceiling, esp. in Vegas.
4. Finishing my Xmas shopping by the end of November.
... list to be continued.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Mars Gets Close
Mars and Earth are snuggling close this month -- relatively speaking, at least. Tomorrow, we’ll make our closest pass by Mars for several years -- a little less than 55 million miles. As a result, the planet shines bright this month. It looks like a brilliant orange star near the feet of Gemini, the twins.
The distance to Mars right now is much less than average because Earth is passing by the planet in our smaller, closer orbit around the Sun.
But the distance from one close approach to another varies by a good bit. A few years ago, the two planets made their closest approach in many centuries -- about 35 million miles. But the next time we get together -- in the year 2010 -- the distance will be more than 60 million miles.
The main reason for the difference is that Mars’s orbit around the Sun is pretty stretched out -- there’s a pronounced difference between its closest point to the Sun and its farthest point. This year, we’re passing Mars fairly near its farthest from the Sun, and near Earth’s closest point.
Even so, Mars is putting on a great show. It’s the third-brightest object in the night sky right now, after the Moon and the planet Venus, the brilliant “morning star.” It’s quite low in the east as the color of twilight drains away, but it climbs high across the sky during the night, and stands almost directly overhead around midnight -- 55 million miles straight up.
Script by Damond Benningfield, Copyright 2007
(From NPR's Stardate broadcast on Dec. 17, 2007)
What would the astrologer tell me about this astronomical occurrence? Whatever it is I'm glad it's happening. It's about time Mars paid me some attention--even if he needs help from my parents.
The distance to Mars right now is much less than average because Earth is passing by the planet in our smaller, closer orbit around the Sun.
But the distance from one close approach to another varies by a good bit. A few years ago, the two planets made their closest approach in many centuries -- about 35 million miles. But the next time we get together -- in the year 2010 -- the distance will be more than 60 million miles.
The main reason for the difference is that Mars’s orbit around the Sun is pretty stretched out -- there’s a pronounced difference between its closest point to the Sun and its farthest point. This year, we’re passing Mars fairly near its farthest from the Sun, and near Earth’s closest point.
Even so, Mars is putting on a great show. It’s the third-brightest object in the night sky right now, after the Moon and the planet Venus, the brilliant “morning star.” It’s quite low in the east as the color of twilight drains away, but it climbs high across the sky during the night, and stands almost directly overhead around midnight -- 55 million miles straight up.
Script by Damond Benningfield, Copyright 2007
(From NPR's Stardate broadcast on Dec. 17, 2007)
What would the astrologer tell me about this astronomical occurrence? Whatever it is I'm glad it's happening. It's about time Mars paid me some attention--even if he needs help from my parents.
Monday, December 17, 2007
SAF, 28
Holy crap. Today I learned that my parents have been arranging a meeting between me and a guy they never met, but heard something about through Aunties. Ugh. For all I know the only thing we have in common is that we are single and have parents who wish they were [legitimate] grandparents. Luckily I will be driving back from Vegas when the scheduled meeting is supposed to occur.
The thought nauseates me. Though I admit that I have similar concerns for myself, it's weird and downright wacky for my parents to think that by the time I want a family I won't be able to find anyone. I've got what... 5 years? I'm smart, charming, and some may say I'm not bad on the eyes. I'm most afraid that in their desperation for me to not turn out like my 47-year old unmarried aunt, they will choose the most repulsive Vietnamese American men out there for me to meet. That, and that my parents will never have faith that I know what I'm doing with my life. I'm putting myself on the Nursing train, not planning to get off for another 2 years, and they don't understand that I'm not ready for a new relationship. If I need help, I'll ask.
Besides, I haven't even made enough of a dent in my List.
The thought nauseates me. Though I admit that I have similar concerns for myself, it's weird and downright wacky for my parents to think that by the time I want a family I won't be able to find anyone. I've got what... 5 years? I'm smart, charming, and some may say I'm not bad on the eyes. I'm most afraid that in their desperation for me to not turn out like my 47-year old unmarried aunt, they will choose the most repulsive Vietnamese American men out there for me to meet. That, and that my parents will never have faith that I know what I'm doing with my life. I'm putting myself on the Nursing train, not planning to get off for another 2 years, and they don't understand that I'm not ready for a new relationship. If I need help, I'll ask.
Besides, I haven't even made enough of a dent in my List.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
I'm a terrible person!
I needed butter for apple pie so I roller-bladed to 99 ranch. And I didn't take off my wheels upon entering the store!
Making my way toward the store, I had doubts about whether I had the guts to pull it off. I told myself that if there was a sign in the door, I will follow and take off the skates. Gasp! No sign in the door.
Entre-moi. I tried to move as slowly and inconspicuously as possible as I made my way toward the butter. I startled a few patrons, whom were mostly Asian/Chinese. Most of the people who really noticed were little kids whose faces lit up with something of mixture of amazement and jealousy.
As I waited in the long Sunday lines I started thinking about possible consequences of my actions. Did I make any marks on the fancy floor? Did I give a hoodlum an idea for a quick getaway after a five-finger shopping spree? What if I was wearing heelies instead--would I feel as weird? If I saw someone wheeling herself around the store, how would would it affect my shopping experience? What if everyone had these on? It would be a nightmare. My heart was beating faster standing in line than it did while blading up the hill.
I realize this was not the worst thing I could do. At least I have good balance and control on my skates. But I really do feel bad. Let's hope there are people who are not as crazy, brazen, anti-car, pro-fitness, idiotic as I am. There's a tiny part of me that wants to do it again, so I'm thinking I'll write a letter to the store asking them to put up a sign prohibiting skates/boards.
Making my way toward the store, I had doubts about whether I had the guts to pull it off. I told myself that if there was a sign in the door, I will follow and take off the skates. Gasp! No sign in the door.
Entre-moi. I tried to move as slowly and inconspicuously as possible as I made my way toward the butter. I startled a few patrons, whom were mostly Asian/Chinese. Most of the people who really noticed were little kids whose faces lit up with something of mixture of amazement and jealousy.
As I waited in the long Sunday lines I started thinking about possible consequences of my actions. Did I make any marks on the fancy floor? Did I give a hoodlum an idea for a quick getaway after a five-finger shopping spree? What if I was wearing heelies instead--would I feel as weird? If I saw someone wheeling herself around the store, how would would it affect my shopping experience? What if everyone had these on? It would be a nightmare. My heart was beating faster standing in line than it did while blading up the hill.
I realize this was not the worst thing I could do. At least I have good balance and control on my skates. But I really do feel bad. Let's hope there are people who are not as crazy, brazen, anti-car, pro-fitness, idiotic as I am. There's a tiny part of me that wants to do it again, so I'm thinking I'll write a letter to the store asking them to put up a sign prohibiting skates/boards.
Finding things
I found my rollerblades. The adventures continue: I huffed and puffed up the hill near my house to capture a picture of a mini-goal for the season:
(It's not as majestic in the photo as it was when I saw it in the light of dawn.) Goal: I must make it to the mountain this season. Even though this is a picture of/near Mt. Baldy, any mountain will do. I am going to attempt to land several jumps. Hopefully I will not have to go alone in case I break a bone and can't drive home.
Sidebar:
In high school I had this fantasy of riding a motorcycle (a sporty one, not a Harley) and beating the boys when I raced them. They'd think they were racing a really hard-core dude, but after they crossed the finish line dejected and defeated, I'd pull off my helmet, release my long wavy raven locks and then wink at them just to rub it in. Funny, now, that it sounds like a scene or two from the modern Charlie's Angels movies.
I've never voiced it this way before, but I think I am still on this quest to be the most attractive tomboy I know. Here's to bending gender lines!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Thoughts that keep me awake...
Reality TV marathons.
Public TV telethons.
Elementary school jog-a-thons.
I've heard of an awake-a-thon where participants stay awake for as long as possible.
And other Marathon events for the Guinness Book.
This weekend will mark the 5th year since I ran the Honolulu Marathon. The things I remember: the views were spectacular; I was really excited and proud to be there; had some smooth miles and some really tough miles; I did not regret doing it, but at the end I had no desire to go through anything like that again for the rest of my life.
Most marathons I experience end with very similar emotions.
Public TV telethons.
Elementary school jog-a-thons.
I've heard of an awake-a-thon where participants stay awake for as long as possible.
And other Marathon events for the Guinness Book.
This weekend will mark the 5th year since I ran the Honolulu Marathon. The things I remember: the views were spectacular; I was really excited and proud to be there; had some smooth miles and some really tough miles; I did not regret doing it, but at the end I had no desire to go through anything like that again for the rest of my life.
Most marathons I experience end with very similar emotions.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Holiday Cheer
I got a letter from Santa today via USPS. It's on Christmas reindeer letterhead, and boy! did it make my day. I can't scan it right now, so I thought I'd re-type it:
December 2007
From the Desk of Santa Claus
(my address)
Dear Kimberly,
Hello from the North Pole! It's pretty chilly up here these days, so I'm looking forward to visiting your house in Chino Hills this year. But first, I've got a lot of work to do. All of us are pretty busy here at Santa's Workshop. There are toys to make, presents to wrap, and nine hungry reindeer to feed. And of course I've got my list to check.
Which reminds me, Chung made sure your name was near the top of my list of all the world's good boys and girls. I even know about the [Ray-Ban] Sunglasses and MacBook that you want. Mrs. Claus sure likes a surprise, so she won't let me tell you whether you're going to get it or not. You'll just have to wait and see!
Getting gifts is always fun, but I think giving gifts is more fun. To me, there's nothing more enjoyable than giving gifts to all good children of the world. Delivering gifts to kids like you always make me happy, probably as happy as you are when you're Exercising, Reading, and Volunteering.
I hope you make the people around you happy this holiday season. Be good to Mom, Dad, John, Kirby, Roxy, and Pepper and have a safe and fun holiday vacation.
Your friend,
Santa Claus
Chung Ta asked me to send you this letter.
December 2007
From the Desk of Santa Claus
(my address)
Dear Kimberly,
Hello from the North Pole! It's pretty chilly up here these days, so I'm looking forward to visiting your house in Chino Hills this year. But first, I've got a lot of work to do. All of us are pretty busy here at Santa's Workshop. There are toys to make, presents to wrap, and nine hungry reindeer to feed. And of course I've got my list to check.
Which reminds me, Chung made sure your name was near the top of my list of all the world's good boys and girls. I even know about the [Ray-Ban] Sunglasses and MacBook that you want. Mrs. Claus sure likes a surprise, so she won't let me tell you whether you're going to get it or not. You'll just have to wait and see!
Getting gifts is always fun, but I think giving gifts is more fun. To me, there's nothing more enjoyable than giving gifts to all good children of the world. Delivering gifts to kids like you always make me happy, probably as happy as you are when you're Exercising, Reading, and Volunteering.
I hope you make the people around you happy this holiday season. Be good to Mom, Dad, John, Kirby, Roxy, and Pepper and have a safe and fun holiday vacation.
Your friend,
Santa Claus
Chung Ta asked me to send you this letter.
Ready for 2008
I tore another page from the calendar today. The days are getting shorter and the nights are only getting colder. As I reflect on the year that has gone by, I have only one thought:
Fuck 2007. I'm through with you.
Fuck 2007. I'm through with you.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Last one for a while
I can't help it. I'm posting another picture. She looks more human when she's awake. But... Is she cross-eyed?
Sneaking another one in here. I hope I will get to meet her in person one day.
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