Dear Friends (and other people I like),
On May 12, 2007 I will be participating in the 14th Annual Human Race 10K to support Choral Project and other Not-for-profit organizations in the greater Silicon Valley area. Assisting not-for-profit organizations is a service to all human beings. The work done by these organizations are often done selflessly, to support a better society and a better life for all citizens. Furthermore these organizations depend much on volunteers to keep their mission.
The Choral Project is a vital music organization in the South Bay in which I am directly involved. Our mission is to heal our world through music and words. The benefits to keeping music vital in society are immeasurable.
This summer Choral Project will compete in the First Annual International Choral Competition in California in San Luis Obispo, CA. During this week of friendly competition, we will have the opportunity to combine forces with choirs of Spain, Poland, Uganda and the Philippines to share a remarkable experience with each other and our audiences.
My goal for the Human Race is to raise $500.00 and to run at an 8-mile pace. (Um, I have a lot of training to do.) I would appreciate your donation to Choral Project and other Silicon Valley non-profits in any amount your budget allows. Please let me know if you are interested in making a donation, and I'll give you the address to send a check.
Your donation is tax-deductible! If I make my donation goal*, I will run over the finish line like Phoebe Buffay from “Friends” and send you the link to the picture. (I know everyone needs a little extra incentive.)
* (Disclaimer: If I make my pace goal, I will be physically unable to run over the finish line like Phoebe Buffay. But, I’m not quite up to 8-minute miles, so your odds are really good!)
Human Race Website:
http://www.vcsv.us/humanrace
Choral Project Website:
http://www.choralproject.org
Benefits of Music Listening:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=music+listening+benefits
Phoebe running style:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_0Ta_DIWuU
Thanks all!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Cereal Dating: Part Deux
Ok, kids, here's the deal. I just checked my statistics and blog viewing went to an all-time high last October and November when I began my special on "Cereal Dating." Unfortunately, I'm a bit worn out to take on cereal dating again, so I need your help.
CALL FOR CEREALS
I'm looking for good stories about dating to put on my blog. Names of persons involved will remain confidential. This is a chance for you to use any fake name you please (Betty? Dirk?). For the "cereals" - please be original. They can have fruit and yogurt, but they MUST be cereal... don't try comparing your date to bacon or eggs.. this defeats the purpose. If you can't think of an appropriate cereal name, just tell the story and a cereal name will be chosen for you.
If I get enough responses, I'll post a SATURDAY MORNING BREAKFAST SPECIAL or something...
Call is open to all single ladies OR men with good cereal analogies. Pass along to your friends.
Thank you.
MySpace Top 8 Signals Divorce?
I've received flack from some of my 30-something friends who think MySpace is a networking site for those 20-somethings who believe people give a crap about their boring entry level jobs or frat party lifestyles. I disagree. My profile is set to private and I only accept people I actually know to be my "Friends." Secondly, I think it's fun to have a place to be completely narcissistic with 150 of your "Friends." Everyone wants to be famous, after all - even if it's just within a small circle. Lastly, because I've lived in 3 different states and attended 6 different schools, it's a good way to stay up-to-date with those you would have otherwise lost touch.
I will usually go into one of my friends profiles when I see they have posted a new picture. This signals that there has been some activity -- perhaps they added another friend with whom I'm also acquainted, maybe there are pictures of their children, their trip to New York, or....
Perhaps they are getting a divorce.
My first love is among my MySpace friends. We dated for over a year in high school, broke up for about two years, then dated again for about 4 months in college. He was the perfect first boyfriend, but it was clear being "high school sweethearts" was not in the cards. I went to college, he tried college but dropped out. I moved to California, he went into the Navy. He is living 30 minutes from where we went to high school, I'm never going to live there again.
I was VERY excited to find Q on MySpace 6 months ago; we hadn't spoken in 7 years. Seeing his face was a flush of excitement and brought back some great memories of times we shared. Q's profile picture was of he and his wife looking very happy at a Kansas City Chiefs game. He'd also posted pictures of his son, who's name is Q Jr. (Q was always very proud of his name. Even in high school he told me he wanted to name a son after himself.) Of course, number one in his Top 8 is his wife. So, I checked her out too. She seemed pretty cool too, almost like someone I'd like to hang out with. I was glad to see them happy.
Today I log in and see that Q's picture has changed, so I take a gander. Was there anything NEW? Well, there were NO more pictures of he and his wife. His wife seems no longer to be in his Top 8.
Every day I hear MySpace drama from college students. "OMG! He changed his status to 'In a Relationship', I'm so heartbroken." OR "OMG! The guy I'm dating just changed his 'orientation' to 'NOT SURE.' What does that mean?" (Yes, that actually happened.)
Unfortunately these simple profile changes become much more serious in your late 20's and beyond. What was once a little drama in your 20's now involves other people- including children. I think it's important when using MySpace, a dating website, or even a BLOG to remember that you are exposing yourself... you might even be exposing something that is "None of their business." If you're going to put your life out there - be prepared to expose yourself completely.
Again, not everything is as it seems. (God knows, I've recently been misunderstood by being online.) I hope this is true for Q and his wife, and especially Q Jr. I'm thinking positive thoughts for them.
I will usually go into one of my friends profiles when I see they have posted a new picture. This signals that there has been some activity -- perhaps they added another friend with whom I'm also acquainted, maybe there are pictures of their children, their trip to New York, or....
Perhaps they are getting a divorce.
My first love is among my MySpace friends. We dated for over a year in high school, broke up for about two years, then dated again for about 4 months in college. He was the perfect first boyfriend, but it was clear being "high school sweethearts" was not in the cards. I went to college, he tried college but dropped out. I moved to California, he went into the Navy. He is living 30 minutes from where we went to high school, I'm never going to live there again.
I was VERY excited to find Q on MySpace 6 months ago; we hadn't spoken in 7 years. Seeing his face was a flush of excitement and brought back some great memories of times we shared. Q's profile picture was of he and his wife looking very happy at a Kansas City Chiefs game. He'd also posted pictures of his son, who's name is Q Jr. (Q was always very proud of his name. Even in high school he told me he wanted to name a son after himself.) Of course, number one in his Top 8 is his wife. So, I checked her out too. She seemed pretty cool too, almost like someone I'd like to hang out with. I was glad to see them happy.
Today I log in and see that Q's picture has changed, so I take a gander. Was there anything NEW? Well, there were NO more pictures of he and his wife. His wife seems no longer to be in his Top 8.
Every day I hear MySpace drama from college students. "OMG! He changed his status to 'In a Relationship', I'm so heartbroken." OR "OMG! The guy I'm dating just changed his 'orientation' to 'NOT SURE.' What does that mean?" (Yes, that actually happened.)
Unfortunately these simple profile changes become much more serious in your late 20's and beyond. What was once a little drama in your 20's now involves other people- including children. I think it's important when using MySpace, a dating website, or even a BLOG to remember that you are exposing yourself... you might even be exposing something that is "None of their business." If you're going to put your life out there - be prepared to expose yourself completely.
Again, not everything is as it seems. (God knows, I've recently been misunderstood by being online.) I hope this is true for Q and his wife, and especially Q Jr. I'm thinking positive thoughts for them.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Why don't we listen?
The Washington Post recently had an article entitled "Pearls Before Breakfast" in which Joshua Bell, one of the worlds greatest living violin players was asked to play in a D.C. train station during rush hour. It's a long article - but it's truly fascinating.
The experiment suggested one large err in human judgement - most people don't realize a good thing unless it hits them in the face, (even then, it is often unappreciated). I am also guilty. We are in such a narcissistic rush to be individuals that we forget to enjoy the wonderful things that fall into our laps on a daily basis. When it comes to aesthetics, most human beings have similar tastes. There is a general consensus about beauty in Western culture, especially among those with a similar ethnic and educational background. The individuals passing Joshua Bell in the train station were mostly educated government officials going to work... people who would pay to go to a symphony or opera.
Why didn't they stop?
Also interesting is the idea of context in human relationships. Human beings are often only able to deal with the world outside of ourselves in the context of our own minds. Joshua Bell would have been more appreciated had he been playing in his usual context - on a stage for a large symphony with patrons paying $100 to see him. But, his playing in a train station went almost unnoticed. Furthermore, many thought it a distraction.
What's wrong with us? How many beautiful experiences are we missing out on?
The experiment suggested one large err in human judgement - most people don't realize a good thing unless it hits them in the face, (even then, it is often unappreciated). I am also guilty. We are in such a narcissistic rush to be individuals that we forget to enjoy the wonderful things that fall into our laps on a daily basis. When it comes to aesthetics, most human beings have similar tastes. There is a general consensus about beauty in Western culture, especially among those with a similar ethnic and educational background. The individuals passing Joshua Bell in the train station were mostly educated government officials going to work... people who would pay to go to a symphony or opera.
Why didn't they stop?
Also interesting is the idea of context in human relationships. Human beings are often only able to deal with the world outside of ourselves in the context of our own minds. Joshua Bell would have been more appreciated had he been playing in his usual context - on a stage for a large symphony with patrons paying $100 to see him. But, his playing in a train station went almost unnoticed. Furthermore, many thought it a distraction.
What's wrong with us? How many beautiful experiences are we missing out on?
A visitor in our midst
I am no longer dating Special K, and for what reason? Well, it seems he thinks I was dating other people, which is completely not true. I've decided there is nothing I can do. Either one of two things are going on here 1.) He is paranoid and sabotaging the relationship or 2.) He just wants out of the relationship, and has decided to play the victim.
So, how could this have been avoided?
Well, first of all, he could have included me in his activities. By inclusion, one feels they are getting the whole story and are not only being asked to hang out when it is convenient for the other person. Secondly, there were plenty of opportunities in which I tried to include Special K in my activities, and he usually seemed uninterested. By talking to any one of my friends he would have easily found out that I'm not dating anyone else -- he would have also seen me in my own comfortable context.
Unfortunately none of these things happened, so I believe, he took the underground railroad to Victimsville and decided to make ME look like the bad guy when, in fact, he just simply doesn't want to date anymore.
There are plenty of reasons why maybe we shouldn't date - distance probably being the largest factor. But, had he said, "Hey, it's too far. This isn't working out." Even if he would have said, "Hey, I want to date other people." That is also acceptable.
How can I clear my name and prove that I'm not a liar? Well, to expose myself completely by giving Special K the link to my blog, of course! I have nothing to hide. That's right -- go into the November archives, or oh, January is quite interesting... in fact, here are some helpful links:
http://suziemusi.blogspot.com/2006/12/cereal-dating-status-month-1_13.html
http://suziemusi.blogspot.com/2007/01/back-on-fabulous-campaign-horse.html
http://suziemusi.blogspot.com/2007/02/so-i-just-returned-from-motucky.html
http://suziemusi.blogspot.com/2007/03/i-like-you-i-really-do.html
I'm nothing if not bold.
So, how could this have been avoided?
Well, first of all, he could have included me in his activities. By inclusion, one feels they are getting the whole story and are not only being asked to hang out when it is convenient for the other person. Secondly, there were plenty of opportunities in which I tried to include Special K in my activities, and he usually seemed uninterested. By talking to any one of my friends he would have easily found out that I'm not dating anyone else -- he would have also seen me in my own comfortable context.
Unfortunately none of these things happened, so I believe, he took the underground railroad to Victimsville and decided to make ME look like the bad guy when, in fact, he just simply doesn't want to date anymore.
There are plenty of reasons why maybe we shouldn't date - distance probably being the largest factor. But, had he said, "Hey, it's too far. This isn't working out." Even if he would have said, "Hey, I want to date other people." That is also acceptable.
How can I clear my name and prove that I'm not a liar? Well, to expose myself completely by giving Special K the link to my blog, of course! I have nothing to hide. That's right -- go into the November archives, or oh, January is quite interesting... in fact, here are some helpful links:
http://suziemusi.blogspot.com/2006/12/cereal-dating-status-month-1_13.html
http://suziemusi.blogspot.com/2007/01/back-on-fabulous-campaign-horse.html
http://suziemusi.blogspot.com/2007/02/so-i-just-returned-from-motucky.html
http://suziemusi.blogspot.com/2007/03/i-like-you-i-really-do.html
I'm nothing if not bold.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
"Speak softly and carry a big gun...
Things have gotten seriously out of hand since Roosevelt spoke the original West African proverb, "Speak softly and carry a big stick, and you will go far."
In fact, those we SHOULD fear are those who speak very softly, and carry a big gun... and they are not furthering anything, only taking innocent lives.
Since hearing of the massacre at Virginia Tech, I've had the voice of my ex-German going through my head. "In Germany, we can't have guns." "In Germany, we take people out of society who are a threat to it."
What are we doing wrong? Please don't tell me Michael Moore is right. Please don't tell me my friend in Las Vegas who feels he needs to carry a gun to protect himself and his family is correct in doing so! I'm not saying you can't have a gun, I'm just saying that I'd hope to live in a society where carrying one is unnecessary. Unfortunately that doesn't seem to be the case.
In fact, those we SHOULD fear are those who speak very softly, and carry a big gun... and they are not furthering anything, only taking innocent lives.
Since hearing of the massacre at Virginia Tech, I've had the voice of my ex-German going through my head. "In Germany, we can't have guns." "In Germany, we take people out of society who are a threat to it."
What are we doing wrong? Please don't tell me Michael Moore is right. Please don't tell me my friend in Las Vegas who feels he needs to carry a gun to protect himself and his family is correct in doing so! I'm not saying you can't have a gun, I'm just saying that I'd hope to live in a society where carrying one is unnecessary. Unfortunately that doesn't seem to be the case.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Fear of Commitment & The 3-year Plan
Have I mentioned previously how much I hate indecisiveness? Oh, I think I have. (It's under Weird Wednesday.)
I just read an article about how fear of commitment renders you powerless. You are better off to make a wrong decision than not to make one at all. Per the article, to make a commitment is to make a decision -- it could be the decision to say "YES" as a decision to say "NO." Those who do not make commitments often allow others to make them FOR them, leading to dissatisfaction. To make a commitment is to have power over yourself and your life.
I just read an article about how fear of commitment renders you powerless. You are better off to make a wrong decision than not to make one at all. Per the article, to make a commitment is to make a decision -- it could be the decision to say "YES" as a decision to say "NO." Those who do not make commitments often allow others to make them FOR them, leading to dissatisfaction. To make a commitment is to have power over yourself and your life.
I HAVE THE POWWEEER!!!!
I'm mostly a commitment person. I have a pretty easy time committing to things. I'll admit sometimes they are not easy decisions, and sometimes they are bad decisions. By giving myself the power to choose, I have the power to "un-choose" as I please. The main objective for me is -- Pick one! Please!
Unfortunately I seem to have relationships with a lot of commitment-wary individuals (those who, obviously, do NOT have the POWWEEER!), both in my personal life and at work. Not a day goes by that I'm not waiting for someone to make a decision so I can finish a project at work. Often I make the decision to move forward on the project, and am then scrutinized because someone didn't like the way I finished it.
Unfortunately I seem to have relationships with a lot of commitment-wary individuals (those who, obviously, do NOT have the POWWEEER!), both in my personal life and at work. Not a day goes by that I'm not waiting for someone to make a decision so I can finish a project at work. Often I make the decision to move forward on the project, and am then scrutinized because someone didn't like the way I finished it.
In the workplace, administrators constantly talk about the 3-year plan, the 5-year plan, long term plans, capital projects plan, performance review plan. I used to think all of this planning was unnecessary, until I started to realize that by "planning," you are also making "commitments" to move forward, therefore giving you the POWWEERR!
So, I put together a 3-year personal plan. My plan includes:
- Taking out a student loan (Finalizing next week)
- Expediting MA courses (Courses have been mapped out.)
- Finishing said MA degree in Spring 2008
- Advancing in my career (Specifics have been mapped out.)
- Possible work/life relocation (5-year plan will include buying property.)
- Paying off all debt by 2010 (Fingers crossed.)
I told my best friend from High School, Alison, about the 3-year plan -- she said hers would include running a marathon and a baby. What's your 3-year plan?
Monday, April 02, 2007
Lull
I haven't had anything to write about. It's SPRING! You'd think I'd have SOMETHING good to say, but alas, besides allergies nothing is coming to me. The work place is going through some massive changes this week, but I'm not going to blog out of fear of Big Brother.
I was in Las Vegas over the weekend visiting friends who are new parents. We didn't go to the Strip, we didn't go clubbing, we didn't gamble, we didn't stay out late... I'm tired of Vegas anyway. I've decided not to give the State of Nevada any money for the next couple of years. My friends need to come out an visit me in the Bay Area.
Classes start on Tuesday. I'm taking "Finance in Higher Education". Should be illuminating. Really, it should. I think it will be interesting.
I'm going to Dallas in May to visit my cousin. I've never been to Texas, and I'll admit that the thought of a weekend in the Lone Star State is kind of exciting-- very excited to go to Billy Bob's Texas! That's right. I'm going to get my country on.
Anyone got a topic starter?
I was in Las Vegas over the weekend visiting friends who are new parents. We didn't go to the Strip, we didn't go clubbing, we didn't gamble, we didn't stay out late... I'm tired of Vegas anyway. I've decided not to give the State of Nevada any money for the next couple of years. My friends need to come out an visit me in the Bay Area.
Classes start on Tuesday. I'm taking "Finance in Higher Education". Should be illuminating. Really, it should. I think it will be interesting.
I'm going to Dallas in May to visit my cousin. I've never been to Texas, and I'll admit that the thought of a weekend in the Lone Star State is kind of exciting-- very excited to go to Billy Bob's Texas! That's right. I'm going to get my country on.
Anyone got a topic starter?
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