Nov 292010
 

What did we do to express ourselves? To feel as if we are connected to one another in some way? To feel as if we might be heard?

Lately, I’m considering my digital footprint. I want to write. I want to share my thoughts/feelings and stories, but I always question my motive. Who the heck cares about what I have to say anyway? Why do I choose to write on an informal/antisocial platform like this blog? How much is too much to share anyway?

With so much twittering, facebooking and blogging going on, I have started to become nostalgic for the good ol’ pen and paper, an envelope with an interesting stamp and the deciphering of the writer’s mood by the changing slants or loops of his/her handwriting as s/he tells a story and “catches” me up on his/her life. Now, most people wouldn’t even consider taking the time to write a lengthy and expressive letter as most barely make time for even a brief and informative email. Instead, we feel we must catch up others on our lives within 50 letters or less, in short third-person phrases or witty sayings. This is the way of the future, I suppose. But, age, senility or just a desire for more simplicity makes me reminisce on feeling excitement in finding a letter in my mailbox and hearing news of friends far away.

What’s my point? None, really. I continue to blog. I will continue to write in the various forms and platforms on which I can share my stories and thoughts. Most likely, I will continue to send snail-mail to a handful of people who still love the old-fashion ways, but sadly I imagine my digital footprint will continue to grow.

 Posted by at 22:44
Nov 282010
 

The Shadow of Your Smile by Mary Higgins Clark

It’s been a while since I’ve read a Mary Higgins Clark book. Probably because I’ve read everything she’s written and she doesn’t seem to write as fast as I can read her novels. πŸ™‚

While I enjoyed reading the story at the time, it was forgettable since I’m having trouble recalling the story even as I write this up.

There are a number of intertwined characters and story lines to follow, though nothing too complicated. The mysterious factors are just engaging enough to keep turning the pages, but not really enough to keep from putting the book down to do something else. I found some of the connections to be a little too convenient and my suspicious mind wanted more depth and complexity with the main protagonist’s love story.

So as to not give any of the story away, in case anyone plans on reading this, I’ll just say it was worth the read while traveling, but not really that fulfilling in terms of a thrilling mystery novel.

 Posted by at 14:31
Nov 282010
 

It’s been nearly a month since I last posted, much to my surprise. I kept meaning to write, but it seems that I write most often when procrastinating. Now being no exception. πŸ˜€

An update from my Crossroads post –

Shortly after I wrote that post, I finally received an email from my former supervisor saying that he had found me a new one. It happened to be the very person who should have been my advisor from the beginning, but for various reasons was not. So, the good news is that I have accepted and we have been working well so far. Though, I have already been slow to get going on my proposal revisions. The goal is to finish it today!

In any case, it’s all good because I really need to just finish this darn doctorate and get it done. Once it’s finished I’ll no longer have to formally study again and who can complain about that, really?

So…this month, I’ve got a bit to update. Therefore, watch this space for more to come!

Until then,

T

 Posted by at 09:43
Nov 012010
 

Halloween didn’t even exist in my mind until I was 8-years-old. Maybe I had heard about it or seen people fuss over it, but it meant nothing to me. My mom tried to get me excited about it when I first arrived in the family. Since I wasn’t helpful with ideas or interest, she did me up as a China doll. It was a nice idea.

We went to a family friend’s neighborhood to trick-or-treat since living out in BFE doesn’t lend itself to collecting candy as easily. I went door-to-door doing my childhood duty of looking cute to receive some treats. It felt like every person asked me what I was supposed to be and somehow even at that young age, I felt my sense of identity and place being threatened. It was a traumatic experience.

So, with that and the fact that I’m not a big fan of candy/chocolate this end of October day has always been one of dread and dislike. Now, people are so into costumes and dressing up. Some people have told me it’s a chance to be naughty without consequence. I suppose whatever the reason that people must enjoy it, I will always be the Scrooge of Halloween. It’s a good thing I don’t have any children so that I don’t spoil the day for them.

Maybe one day someone can properly explain to me the draw to be something you’re not (I mean, don’t most people do that already on a daily basis – do you really need a costume to make it more apparent?); why being naughty really matters – there’s no harm in being a little mischievous all the time (you don’t need an excuse, do you?); and how promoting the hoarding of chocolate and candy is productive for anyone let alone the message being taught to children….

Forgive my poor attitude, just had to vent this one out. Really, I’m happy that people enjoy a day together – just wish as much went into developing a spirit of giving and love….

Until next time,

-T

 Posted by at 07:41
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