Twilight Series

Perhaps the first "from the road post?"  I am in Sioux City, Iowa (working on an unnamed campaign).  I just have to tell you that I have torn through the first three books in the Twilight series (yes, the vampire series...soon to be a major motion picture!), thanks Emily for including the first book in your white elephant book game!  If you are looking for anything to read (besides November's book) I would recommend them.  Luckily there is a Barnes and Nobles across the street from the campaign office, so I am going to run over there tonight at grab the final book in the series.    

Oh, and remember to vote on Tuesday, November 4th.  R, D, I, G, or L, just get out and be a part of the process.  

Read, Drink, Eat: Quotes to Know Us By

1. "It's like porn to me." - Emily (in reference to Garner's Modern American Usage)
2. "I've loved you since you used 'vapid' in a sentence." - Unknown (I forgot to write down the name of the lady who professed this and to whom she was referring)
3. "Do you see how all of our least-liked English words have a common theme?" - Corinne (referring to the somewhat sexual nature of our list of most disliked words)

Kindle Me a Story

Per a side conversation Emily and I had, I did want to make sure you all have seen this, the Amazon Kindle. It is SO SO cool. Two weeks ago I was home in California and my Mom couldn't stop from following me into the bathroom to show me her new toy, TMI? So, if any of you are putting together your wish list for the upcoming holiday's, check it out.

P.S. My Mom is coming to D.C. for Thanksgiving, I know she would be happy to give a short tutorial. After all she is a librarian.

Happy Friday!

Wait, I am Not The Center of the Universe? Crap.

I realized that last night that it has almost been one-year since I was invited to join this group of women. I still haven't asked Corrine why she thought me of all people would be a welcome addition (less she realize what a horrible decision she made) but I have instead truly treasured the monthly meetings and interacting with a fabulous group of women, bright D.C./VA professionals that truly inspire. Alright enough kissing butt. Last night, Ana did mention the lack of postings on the blog and while I often check-in, I have only posted once. AND she also mentioned that she had recently posted a commencement speech DFW gave in 2005 and so I am sitting here reading yet another example of why a world without DFW is just going to be a little bit more boring.

The commencement address is full of plenty of things that I had to re-read twice, use a dictionary to look-up words and then still, call my Mom to ask what he said. However, there was this:

"learning how to think really means learning how to exercise some control over how and what you think. It means being conscious and aware enough to choose what you pay attention to and to choose how you construct meaning from experience. Because if you cannot exercise this kind of choice in adult life, you will be totally hosed."

Last night as we talked about DFW and the tragedy of his death, we all commented how unimaginable it must be to always be going, to not have "control over how and what you think," and to find yourself in such a state of desperation that you take your own life. It is sad that a man who was able to give excellent advice, perhaps due to his own experience, was unable to apply it to his own.

And much like his stories, the ending was phenomenal:

"It is about the real value of a real education, which has almost nothing to do with knowledge, and everything to do with simple awareness; awareness of what is so real and essential, so hidden in plain sight all around us, all the time, that we have to keep reminding ourselves over and over:

"This is water."
"This is water."

It is unimaginably hard to do this, to stay conscious and alive in the adult world day in and day out. Which means yet another grand cliché turns out to be true: your education really IS the job of a lifetime.

And it commences: now.

I wish you way more than luck. "

So, how do I start? Being more aware?

Consider DFW

If you have finished Consider the Lobster and cannot get enough of David Foster Wallace, here is a transcript of DFW's graduation commencement speech at Kenyon College. My brother sent this to me after his death, and I wanted to share.