Visited Grandma

My Grandma is not doing quite well lately, having the serious symptom of dementia. She cannot remember things that happened a few minutes prior, like letting her dog out to the back yard.

She is taking medication and has improved dramatically. But she is still not the Grandma I have know most of my life - but becoming more of a shadow.

The photo on the left is of myself, my son Josiah, Grandma Loretta Dougherty, and my mother Carmela. We took it when visiting her in Sandstone. I had realized moments after taking the photo that we were not just four generations, but all first-born. But I do not think this has any significance in my life, nor has it helped me.

The main reason to visit Grandma was to see how she was doing, and disconnect the computer and bring it ot my Mother's. Why my Grandma bought a computer is beyond me, she didn't even use it or know how. But she wanted what everyone else had, until she realized it was just taking up space and let my mother take it. She was even paying for cable internet! ( which we just had canceled ) She has a Dodge Dakota SXT truck in her garage, but can no longer drive due to her vision and memory problems.

Glen Goldsby drove us there, though I have a license - just no car. I was babysitting Kelly so she want along also. We went to the park and had lunch with Grandma. Josiah and Kelly ran to the playground when finished and jumped in the remainder of the snow.

Anyways, my Grandma is having further testing done to find out why she has dementia. This will allow us to all know what is happening and what can be done. Until then it is a mystery, and we can just hope for the best.

I plan to visit her again this august during Sandstone's Quarry Days. Obviously I will end up renting a small-compact hybrid car to get there. The bus prices are ridiculous!

Backstage clip regarding excellent service.

The image is from the March 2007 issue of Backstage. I have had numerous awards from my exemplary customer service.

Worked at Mystic Lake from June 2001 until May of 2008. I would have worked there until they realized I was active in the Green Party. Only tribally approved politics are acceptable to them.

Proud to have marched

Obviously there are many who still find solace in Bush claiming we can still "Win" this war. It would be nice to win, but you have to define what winning is first. Without such criteria, statements about "winning" are empty and unmeasurable.

There are multiple wars being fought in Iraq. The first was to topple Saddam and ended back in 2003. Now we are trying to "help" the Iraqis by being their friendly occupying force. Unfortunately, the many factions in Iraq do not all believe we are on their side. ( whose side are won on anyways?)

I have come to the belief long ago that wars are never winnable. You can only work to mitigate their lethality and destruction. A war is a loss in and of itself.

Most wars throughout history were for imperialistic reasons. I have no doubts that the Neoconservatives believed this war would be easy. That oil would flow freely and that democracy would flourish. Of course, we Americans want to live in a Utopia of a global span. But we have these odd means of doing it known as lethality. And then we wonder why the world sees us as the new Romans.

But I am not truly worried. Every empire falls. The world is becoming multipolar once again, and will become more so once the American economy diminishes in scale. Take the hydrocarbons from America, and you take our might.

For those that think the world will be safer without an American Empire are fooling themselves. There will be more imperialistic and resource wars than ever. What America and Europe should be doing is strengthening the United Nations and upholding Global Values. If we fail at that, as we are now, then expect those like the Chinese and Iranians to uphold their own version of values.

Mandazi Sunday

Today was not quite busy, but a typical Sunday. Josiah and I spent the morning together. Had he been acting better we could have gone out to the park longer than we had. But I made him breakfast, but he tried getting into other things in the cupboards when I was in the bathroom.

But I did end up making mandazi. I still haven't been able to make it like it was made for me by Phanice! It isn't nearly as fluffy.....grrr. But Siah still loved them.

Carie Krogen dropped Kelly off today at around 2. Brandy is now unable to watch her Monday,Thursday, and Friday. She is barely getting by in school. And I rarely saw her this last week, apart from last night. I won't go into details, but Brandy is in very bad shape.

Kelly and Siah chomped down on more mandazi while I moved my computer to the first floor. I really didn't want it there, primarily because it was safer in the bedroom. But I "fixed" my external speakers with Gorilla tape, so it is more worthwhile. Besides, now I can listen to podcasts while doing dishes, folding clothes, and watching Siah!

Well, apart from that I got some paperwork done. Then I took the two rascals to the East Phillips Park. The weather is snow melting, so it was quite slushy. But they were able to exert some of their pent up energy on the dry playground equipment.

Then I finished making lentil soup and grilled cheese sandwhiches. I typically make some sort of soup on Sundays. Last week was potato-kidney bean with vegan-style corn bread. Though most of my meals are vegan.

Anywho, relaxing to music and catching up on blogs/computer work! At least I had today off! :)

Why should I own a car?

I have been asked repeatedly by many friends, acquaintances, and family about why I do not own a car. Many think it a necessity in the United States, like drinking water and breathing air. One cannot be truly "American" without owning a car. If true,when oil prices continue to rise and wages do not keep up, the definition of "American" will need to change.

Having successfully lived carfree 4 years, I am unsure how it is necessary to own one. I can walk to any store I need to get to, or take the light rail to Target or Cub if I must. Every type of business I need items from are within a mile of where I live. That leaves getting to work, which thankfully my employer provides.

Dureti asks me all the time "If others who make less than you own cars, why don't you?" It makes sense within a Western mentality, even though she was brought up in Ethiopia. Obviously Africans own cars too, but few can afford to. Just because one can buy a car, doesn't mean one has to.

It is the mentality that Dureti and the West have that understands why the rich spend excessively. "They have money, so why not spend it lavishly?" This is why Al Gore need not conserve, he has money. He can throw money at "offsetting" his luxurious lifestyle, while asking those who cannot afford that to simply live with less. In the eyes of the West, this mentality is acceptable and just.

But what if a billionaire decided to live more simply? Just live as the middle class did in the 80s, and own one car ( not three). There would be one family TV, not one in each room of the house. Perhaps the computer monitor would BE the TV. Maybe a landline phone instead of a cell-phone for each member of the household. Instead of buying a library full of books, they would actually go to the library. And where would these meager savings go? Perhaps they could invest in various ways: for future generations, research, philanthropy, religious institutions, etc.

There is a new book out for the West and its more conservative perspectives on car ownership. How to Live Well Without Owning a Car: Save Money, Breathe Easier, and Get More Mileage Out of Life by Chris Balish. Chris is a TV anchorman and used to be editor for Reader's Digest. He's a pretty mainstream guy, but lives carfree.This book focuses on the financial and social costs of car ownership. Perhaps I will have to get this book for those skeptical of my environmental and ethical beliefs.

As Dureti, Ruth, and other Africans claim,"You will get a car once Phanice gets here." We will see, as I am not dictator when it comes to relationships. I am rather attached to the idea of not owning a car. Perhaps if I am coerced to own one, I will end up working more to pay for one - while rarely using it. I would rather use HourCar or Zipcar, and rent one for a few days than own one.

I was not born in America to be lazy. I want a life of meaning and purpose. I do not want my life here to take away or detract from others currently living or will live in the future. If anyone out there can find a solution to Global Warming and oil depletion that includes a car for all of humanity, please let me know. But just because one can waste resources, doesn't mean one has to.

The affluence America has become accustomed to is immoral and unethical. We have the ability to improve the lives of all future generations, in addition to reducing world population to sane levels. But we are passing by the opportunity so we can buy cheeseburgers in the McDonald's drive-thru 24/7. Each individual is still responsible for their own lives, but we all affect each other collectively. Thus is the karma of mankind.

Ordinary day

Today went pretty well. It is as "normal" as any ordinary day for me I suppose.

I work up around 9:30, and decided to skip breakfast and do some quick shopping before Carie brought Josiah and Kelly over. The previous day, Carie had watched Josiah for me because Brandy has evening classes. I typically watch Kelly for Carie on Saturdays and Sundays. But this week I had Monday off because I got in trouble at work. I also watched Kelly today.

Walked to WellsFargo on Franklin Avenue first for the ATM. Wish I had gone to the teller, because I usually get some dollar coins. It seems that there are some problems with the new dollar coins - some are called "godless dollars." The inscription "In god we trust" is missing, as is the mint mark. I want to get one! Maybe tomorrow....

INTERNATIONAL PHONE CARDS

Then I walked to Shabelle, and purchased some phone cards. Friends told me which cards are best for when calling East Africa - specifically Kenya: One, MN, and Giant. I got one called African Princess and the MN. The others were not there. The connection was great on African Princess, and had I hung up before the voice-mail kicked in, I would have had more minutes with Phanice! The MN ( STI ) was okay, but the connection was weaker.

I do not like cards from Alosmart any longer. There connections are poor, and always give you fewer minutes than the site claims. The ones at Speedy Pin that are good - and have amazing connections! Connection fees vary at that site.

But what is crazy is that it is cheaper to purchase international phone cards at stores! You would think there would be some cheap websites out there, but no. Vonage, Dialpad, Skype, and OneSuite all charge over 35 cents a minute or more to call a Kenyan cell phone! I can get them for 12 cents a minute at Shabelle or any store on Cedar Avenue.

--

Next went to Seward Coop for some food shopping.

Then I went home to call Phanice. She had just got home from work, taken a shower, and a friend was making her dinner. It's always nice to chat with her, no matter when it is! But the STI card cut off. Got the message in Swahili and English that "The mobile subscriber cannot be reached" by a Kenyan woman with a British accent.

So...I went to the library picked up my movie, V forVendetta, and some cds - including Willie Nelson's new reggae album "Countryman."

Walking home from the Franklin library, I saw people waiting for the Mystic bus on Bloomington Avenue. They noticed me too, so I went over to say hi. I decided to stay so I could hop on the bus and say hi to Dureti also. Dureti is working for me today, because she wanted Saturday off. And I do not mind switching my weekends off to help friends out. I didn't chat long, and forgot to ask her about her trip to Miami.

After getting home, I called Phanice to say good-night. It was nearly 11P.M. her time, but she had her dinner and was ready for bed. So I wished her sweet dreams and she wished me a good day.

Siah and Kelly got home and I have watched them most of the day since. I would have taken them outside for more than a short walk, but with the snow melting, it doesn't make sense to have them play in it. They will get all wet or muddy. Not good.

So indoor games like Hi Ho Cherrio and other such funness were inevitable.

I am actually getting tired of watching Kelly for the sole fact that Carie is getting exasperated about Brandy. Brandy will no longer watch Kelly, and I get to hear about it. Carie is lucky I came through for her this week. Next week will be another story. I work Monday and Thursday, in addition to Friday. Saturday and Sunday should be okay - as long as I do not have to watch Kelly overnight ( meaning mornings too). That way Siah and I can do shopping, errands - even go to the Clouds in Water Zen Center - without Kelly.

Anywho, it is getting late. 12:30AM Friday. Carie is here soon to pick Kelly up. Gonna call it a night.

Last thoughts: Would Al Gore really be okay not having a car and walking as much as I do? Maybe he can offset more of his carbon usage by paying people to live without a car and eat less meat. But can you offset gaining weight or is that called liposuction? :P

SMS Messages Worldwide

Well, since everyone knows I have friends worldwide, how do I send them text messages? This could also be considered a feat because I don't have a cell phone. (how un-21st Century of me!) I do this through a service I found searching online: ipipi.com

Basically you can send messages through a monthly service ( like a cell-phone's ) or pre-pay. I prefer pre-paying because I send them more intermittently. And the price per message is the same if I send them to Jah in Thailand, Phanice in Kenya, or Carie in Minnesota!

I have included the prices to the left, but you can also check out their subscription fees at their site. They start at $15 a month, but I still prefer the pre-pay method.

You can have incoming replies sent to your e-mail or saved on their server. So, it's quite convenient if you have friends in far-away places!

Unless anyone knows of better services out there ( and you have to tell me about them) - I think ipipi is the best value.

Phanice!

I have been absent from the blogosphere for nearly a month. Barely keeping up with my life in "reality" for those outside.

Several months ago I met Phanice online. I have met dozens of people all over the world through various IMing, she being one of the first I met in Africa. Many of my co-worker's are from East Africa. Phanny seemed too good to be true last year, so I decided to meet her this year.

My nearly 3 week vacation to Kenya was amazing including this cities of Nakuru, Kisii, and of course Nairobi. I didn't make it to Mombasa, but that is for the future. I will be going back in time to share with everyone some clips from my times there, because I DID take photos as one can see here.

I amazed at how Phanice is as easy going as myself and even more stable - is that possible? I could go on for a long time about her, and so I will try to space it out over the next few years rather than now.

While Brandy and I are not staying together due to long-term difficulties, neither of us should be flouting our responsibilities towards Josiah. But Brandy and I have gone through the difficult discussions before letting everyone else in on whatsup. ( and we still don't know everything that will happen - we aren't psychic or anything)

The song by UB40 is one played a LOT in Kenya - heard it everywhere! And it's one of my favorites already.....

Who You Fighting For - Reasons Mp3

Music Codes by Mp3Raid.com

Phanice’s Family in order of Age

Joshua - Father, lives in a small village near Kisii Town
Grace - Mother

Ruth
Kennedy - Works at Kenya seeds in Eldoret
Joyce - Lives in Keroka
Charles - A public health official in Bomet
Beatrice - Lives in Nairobi ( I’ve been to her place - tis a cute apt. bldg. )
William - Electrical engineer in Kijauri
Jackline - She died on 2 November 07 - Had a boutique in Kapsabet, married to a man who lived in New Hampshire, and would have moved to America in 2008
Phanice
Maureen
Victor - Live with father in small village
Justus - Still in school, lives with family also

Day 5: Nakuru

It's quite humorous how synchronicity works. I had talked to Phanice about music the night before, asking if she liked Prince. She had no clue who he was, and so I stated his more well-known songs - she couldn't remember having heard them. I also work at Mystic Lake Casino, where we have a Ribbons Restaurant that is primarily a steakhouse. So..

That morning we entered our hotel's restaurant - Ribbons. The song playing was "When doves cry" by Prince.

We decided to eat on the deck outside, overlooking the street. We ordered undazi and tea, undazi are a single giant mandazi. Big enough for a breakfast. I also ordered some toast with eggs. Our waiter was VERY nervous serving us, primarily because of me. He would joke with other patrons but would be stark faced and serious when dealing with us. He was literally shaking when giving us our plates! Was I the first white client he had ever served? Quite possibly, but I honestly LOVED this city and the view of the street.

The weather was to die for! It is so amazing there, with a cool breeze from the lake further outside of town. Though, honestly I can't remember many times in Kenya when the weather wasn't perfect! ( I think this makes sense, as mankind first evolved from what is now Kenya )

We went to Nakuru National Park, after Phanice found a taxicab that would take us there. ( She price compared with many drivers ) When we got to the park, we found another issue. The ticket issuer would not allow us entry using my American money. It seems that any US Dollars dated before 2004 are considered possible counterfeit. I had the some problem with banks in Nairobi. So, we took the taxi back into Nakuru and stopped at a bank - which took bills they wouldn't have even taken in Nairobi! I wish I had had more of my money on me, for I would have exchanged them all at that point!

( Note to visitors to Kenya: bring NEW and crisp bills only!)

We returned to the park, and I paid my fee which was over 10 times what Phanice would have to pay - because I am a visitor I pay a lot more. It's weird how that works, but I suppose most tourists will pay it. There were students from Nairobi at the park, but because their homelands were not Kenya, they had to pay "visitor" prices. Hopefully all the money is truly used to preserve the land there.

Nonetheless, Lake Nakuru National Park is beautiful! Being from Minnesota, it was vital that I see a lake, and man was this a nice one. It's not gigantic, but larger than artificial Lake Calhoun ( should be Lake Wellstone ). I saw zebra, monkeys, vultures, gerbil-like creatures, lizards, and dueling rhinos! The rhinos dueled the entirety of my time there, several hours. Not sure what their issue was, but whatever. Maybe it was practice?

Anywho, I LOVED the view overlooking the lake! It was breathtaking! Phanice felt the same I am sure. Such an amazing place, and quite cooler than in town. But it was still so fun! We stayed for quite a long time, but it was nice. Most of my photos taken in Kenya were taken on this day - including the best of myself and Phanice I think. It was here that I asked Phanice out, and if she would, to come back with me to America. She said yes, but wasn't completely sure about coming to Minnesota, so would let me know before I left. Does that mean it was a 'maybe?'

We got back to town and dropped of most things at our hotel. We went to a nice restaurant, which I cannot remember the name of. But again, I was the only caucasian patron. I think I may have seen one other group of tourists there - at Nakuru Park. I was able to get a nice meal there, italian at that I believe. With wine even, I believe. We walked to a nearby park and bought some candies from someone peddling them.

At one point some man walked near us lying on the ground and was staring at us. He wouldn't just leave, so I asked Phanice to take a photo of him. She did, and the man decided it was time to go. :)

Later that night we went to club across the street from our hotel. It's name was Mitwamba or Mituamba Club. We danced and had dinner there. I had more to drink there than I should. 2 tuskers, and like 3 flavored drinks - I want to say Smirnoffs. This was over several hours, but still had its effect on me. We danced to songs I had no clue what they were saying. Some Phanice took offense too, as they were dirty.

I also saw my first pairs of lesbians there, which Phanice was not surprised about at all. And here I thought Kenya was a conservative place, but perhaps it is the Kukuyos who are not. Not a big deal to me, as before the British invaded some tribes were more accepting of other sexual orientations.

Other dancers included an older gentleman, who in America would be told to leave the dance floor. He was still dressed in a business suit, and danced slower than one my age. Yet no one took issue with his presence. I was amazed at such tolerance, which makes America's agism much more apparent.

They did NOT have vegetarian options, so for the first time in 5 years I orded chicken because I was starving for non-salad. But I did say a prayer for the creature whose life was lost due to my hunger. It probably lived a better life than those in American factory farms. But it died for me still the same.

After dancing until LATE - I'd say past 2 AM - we wandered back to our hotel. I am glad that Phanice was still somewhat sober, because I honestly was a bit out of it. She had thought I was rather humorous in my position - even laughing when stating the obvious "You are drunk!"

Day 4: Nakuru

Day 4 - Traveling to Nakuru

We decided to go to Nakuru to relax a bit outside of Nairobi. We went to what I would call an elitist place called “Nakuru Club”. I had my first Tusker there and attempted to play pool/billiards - which I have always sucked at. Phanice was no better or worse than myself. I felt like I made a fool of myself, but whatever. Every girl I have been with for an extended time has somehow played this game with me before we officially were going out.

We had lunch at a restaurant that was confused that I would want a vegetarian meal. I had a semi-veggie meal - but was quite disappointed that it was only a salad. The waiter was practically a member of the city’s visitor bureau. He waxed on and on about how wonderful Nakuru is.

A friend traveled with us, and was taking a bus to Kisumu from Nakuru. We stayed with him for several hours at a restaurant next to a gas station. When we got our chips ( known in America as french fries ) they were exceedingly greasy. I was more than a bit disgusted at this. It even got a bit cold and chilly there, so I am glad I had a jacket with at the time.

After Evan’s bus arrived, we left for a hotel in downtown Nakuru. I cannot remember the name of the place, just that it was so dark walking into the place. I believe there was a power outage, which would explain why the man at the counter was using a lamp.

When we got to our room, I was surprised at how familiar it felt. It was about the same size as one in New York City, with a small bathroom and one bed. It even had a mosquito net for the bed. Outside of Nairobi, the threat of malaria was much higher. And I am glad that we were able to get pills for them.

We stayed up and talked for a bit. It was the first time we had been completely alone together in such a situation. It was nice, but we were both terribly shy - still it was nice to be as close to her and find out how similiar we are though our lives have always been so far apart.

Day 3 in Nairobi

Not your typical Tuesday for me. I awoke early to clean Phanny's [ pronounced FA-Knee-Z ] dishes. She awoke to clean much further - that is after we had some Wheatabix and chai ( Kenya Tea ).

It was very loud outside, as there was some construction across the alley/road. Men were pounding and chipping giant rocks into more square-like shapes. Phanice and a friend had to go on what was initially a quick errand, but the car broke down. It took 3 1/2 hours out of the day, but I just relaxed at her place. Listened to my MP3 player and enjoyed a siesta.

Phanice made dinner after going shopping alone this time at the nearby farmer's markets. She was concerned I didn't like ugali and made rice and tomoatoe/veggie based meal. Later that night we went out for pizza and ice cream. I had a mediterranian style pizza and ice cream known in America as the Peanut Buster Parfait.

It was fun riding in the matatu, though always too loud! Crowded, yes, but okay. I believe we sat in the very back.

After ice cream, she decided to take a taxi back home. But would have to haggle for one without me there. They would charge a ridiculous price if I were there, because they think caucasians are made of money somehow. After we got back, Phanice played some solitaire on the computer.

After Phanice went to sleep, I had noticed there was an excessive amount of bugs - primarily cockroaches - living in the kitchen of her apartment. I hated them. Probably not a good feeling, but I wanted them gone and her kitchen to be as sanitary as possible. So I went to sleep after eradicating a fair amount of them, but would bring up the issue with Phanice at some point. A friend would eventually use a bug spray that would requiring us to stay out of the kitchen for several hours.

To City Center we go

Phanice needed to go to city center to take care of a few things. She had to take care of some paperwork to get her driver's license. She had already passed the necessary exams to get one, just needed to pick it up and fill some form out.

We took a Citi Hoppa, which actually costs 20ksh versus 30ksh to ride a matatu. They are quieter and obviously more spacious.

I tried using their internet, which is fairly slow compared to Minneapolis wi-fi. But I had to schedule meetings for my Green Party Meetup and check my e-mail. Getting my American Express payment out of the way also made me feel better!

I was done online around the same time as Phanice. She bought herself and me a pop. Had my first Stony Tangawizi - which is a ginger beer. ( it is nearly as good as Reed's ) It instantly became my favorite drink in Kenya.

Then we traveled to the outskirts of town, not far from the Tea Board of Kenya. I met Phanice's sisters Beatrice and Maureen. Beatrice has a baby daughter named Angel. We stayed over for dinner. They had a TV in their sitting room blasting American rap music. Not my favorite type of music, but I enjoyed the fried cabbage and ugali. Though I tried eating it differently and got a lot of weird glances.

When leaving and crossing the street, a Citi Hoppa nearly ran us over! Another interesting note is that the children in this neighborhood all stared at me. It is likely that whites rarely visit this part of town. It is something I had to get used to while there, but never fully felt comfortable with. I don't think of myself as any better or worse due to the color of my skin. I don't want better or worse service, but people treated me different anyways..

Arrival in Nairobi

I arrived in Nairobi, to find no one waiting at the airport for me. Of course there is no reason for Phanice to wait for me there if she doesn't know exactly when it will be there. And I find out that she moved just a few days prior, so her home wasn't as tidy as she wanted it.

I called her. After being asked by several tourist guides to go on a safari with them, she arrived. I gave her a big hug, but she seemd quite timid.

The air was warm and the sky was sunny. Quite a contrast from a dreary winter in Minnesota. I was skipping to summer early! Or at least the illusion of one - as the rainy season had just ended a week prior in Kenya.

We got to her place via taxi. The roads surrounding her apartment building were unpaved! Just muddy from the rains, and off what is called "outer ring road" in Nairobi. The road is not far from the airport, and just south of downtown. It is busy with foot traffic that I rarely see in the USA. But it was actually slower than most days, as it was Sunday.

After getting baggage situated at her place, Phanice went straight into making me breakfast. She was trying to make me pancakes, and proud that she had practiced several times prior. But when she dropped the batter on the skillet, she smoothed it out with a spoon - thinning it. So I decided to help her out in making true American pancakes. :)

She had never had something as fluffy as our pancakes, and since maple trees are scarce in Kenya, we made do with jelly.

Phanice did not have a refrigerator, so foods like butter and jelly were made to not be.

We also went out for further shopping. She seems to be in a rush all the time, but that is what most people in Nairobi are like. You have to walk fast and aggressive or get run over and stuck at a standstill. Just down the road from her house was a market where we bought vegetables. We even stopped at a place and bought ice cream - not comparable to that in Minnesota ( home of Dairy Queen and Princess Kay of the Milky Way ).

And I also took a matatu for the first time! That was interesting, though I hear it used to be worse when they crammed people in over the van's limit!

We had dinner, and I realized that ugali is not something as desirable in my diet. I prefer rice or pasta - even grits - to ugali. But perhaps there is a way to make it palatable or get used to.

Trip to London - chaotic security rules

I left Minneapolis on Friday,January 5th to find myself in London's Gatwick airport the next day. I didn't know my way around London, though I did check out the whereabouts of the airport which is south of London. I needed to get to the Heathrow airport for my transfer to Nairobi.

Now why was I going to Nairobi? I wanted to meet Phanice and see Africa for the first time. So it was for personal reasons - vacation and relational. Though the fact that the World Social Forum was going to start before I left was icing on the cake.

Second, I have many friends who are from East Africa. Some who had lived in Nairobi before coming to Minnesota as refugees and others who had never touched foot in Kenya. But even those who had never been there sometimes had relatives living there. So, when they heard I was going gave me gifts to bring their relatives or in one case husband. Which ended up going well, except the Oromo husband was bit mean( and the fact he had a female driver and two women in the backseat makes me think he also has 3 additional wives).

I enjoyed who I sat next to on the way to London. It was a gal from South Carolina who turned out to be a Democrat. We had a fun discussion about politics, the Iraq War, and the Presidential Race. She was all for Edwards, too bad he is a hypocrite living fully in Rich America rather than Working Class America. Nonetheless, she is reading Obama's book The Audacity of Hope and will consider him in the primary. So far I like Obama and Kucinich.

I also enjoyed a movie on my way to London - Lage Raho Munnabhai. It was hilarious! It's about this guy who works for a mafia type thug who falls in love with a very nice woman who is a famous radio personality. He has to learn about Gandhi to enter a contest and ends up seeing him! It just gets crazier from there - but the movie is amazing! A must see for any fan of comedies or independent films!

Getting to Gatwick I tried finding a way to get to Heathrow. There were the subways. So I tried that. It cost me £10, or $20 to ride. I ended up going to King's Cross and then walking with all my bags to another linkup that would take me to Heathrow. It would have been okay, except I had a LOT of luggage - max capacity from the US - and was sick. I had a bad cold, and it wasn't getting any better. Not to mention how confusing the map for the transit system was compared to Minneapolis - click on the image to see it clearer!

London was still Green. I wished my layover had been longer for I wished to see more of London. Yet, it would have been very expensive and cost me a day with Phanice - so in retrospect glad it went as it did.

Anywho, it seems that traveling to London one can bring 2 carry ons and 2 luggage. When leaving England, you can only have 2 luggage and ONE CARRY ON. Which leaves Americans struggling to consolidate 2 carry ons into one - not easy. In fact, there were garbage bins FULL of "extra" carry ons. Somehow, we were flying safer from England than the US due to this rule. Whatever, the terrorists are beginning to win is all these rules mean.
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The flight to Nairobi was packed with British students who would be studying at in Nairobi. One thing I noticed about British women - they don't care about their looks or their hair like American girls do. They just wear it however - not even trying to look nice. The guys have long hair too, reminding me of a cross between 80s and 70s styles in America. I actually looked more normal among them than I do in the states! :D

Merry Christmas!

While I normally have weekends ( sat/sun ) off at work, I switched schedules to hang out with Ruth this Wednesday and help out a co-worker. So, it has worked out well.

I have been listening to Buddhist podcasts after returning home from work. They have allowed me newer perspectives regarding everything. With Christians asking me if I celebrate Christmas or am even a Christian, it can be a little overwhelming.

I don't want to ruin anyone's holiday, but make it my own. There are wonderful things about Christmas one can take in without idolizing what appears a mythology. There is nothing wrong with the mythology either, Buddhism has its own stories. They teach us what is important about our faiths.

I have been meditating on what to do regarding my relationship with Brandy. And I have been recommended to see the relationship as it is, and see if certain aspects color my perspective including: desire, ill-will, stupidity, & fear. As the Buddha taught, all things are impermanent. But instead of looking at the situation with only two possible solutions, I must work to find the multiple solutions and the best within that. Hopefully Brandy can assist me, because she always says she is overwhelmed with everything.

Nother day with Siah/Kelly

It seems that Carie was unable to find her boyfriend today. Sometimes people disappear, but I don't know what I would do if Brandy were unable to watch Josiah for long periods of time. ( she has threatened to, even made me stay home a day from work last January because she was stressed out over watching him)

Well, things went fine. Overall, another slow day for me. Just cleaning around the house and organizing. As well as catch-up time blogging/writing - when they are getting along.

Anywho, Brandy was home for dinner which was bean/potato soup with cornbread. Twas very good!

Apart from that, found some CDs with photos from Iraq. I looked up the PMOI and they are still involved in their form of activism as usual. Anywho, nobody cares about Maryam Rajavi or the PMOI, but their own nations in relation to Iran.

I also did a google of Brandy's name and found that the state of Minnesota owes her a little over $100! Crazy, but at least we in Minnesota keep track of such things.

Holidazzle with Kelly and Siah

We stayed home most of the day. Carie Krogen needed someone to watch Kelly, so I had no problem helping out. Kelly and Josiah get along great!

They were able to play with many neighbor children outside as it was very warm! Then when everyone went inside, so did Siah and Kelly. Brandy returned home with faraway friends Ruth Sherman and Derrick. Josiah was acting awful with two visitors, so I was unable to stay chatting with them because I had to discipline.

I usually discipline Josiah by using time-outs. These can vary depending on the severity of what he has done. But most the time sitting/standing in the corner suffices. But in some cases I have to take him to his room and sit in front of the door or other times hold him in the corner until he settles down.

Eventually, when our visitors left, we left for downtown via Hiawatha LRT. Brandy opted to stay home and take a bath. Kelly had never seen the train before, and was quite excited. I never get bored of LRT, because it is the future of transportation in America. But with so many going downtown for the same purpose, the trains were all packed! Luckily I am only one person and have 2 little guys who can squeeze between anyone!

We went to the Holidazzle and found a spot by Target Corporate HQ. This was convenient because afterwards we went to Chipotle. Their outdoor sign was unlit, but it was obvious by the line that they were still open. Kelly said she had never been there, but enjoyed her burrito nonetheless.

We then went home and Josiah could not act decent with her on the train. So we had to get off early at Cedar/Riverside and walk home from there. Josiah was very upset we had to walk, but Kelly was just fine. So it was a very good lesson for Siah in having to listen/act decent on the train

After Josiah and Kelly went to sleep, I read Persopolis by Marjane Satrapi. I LOVED it! Quite an excellent manga about her childhood in Iran in the late 70's and early 80's.

I am SO fortunate to live in a land where I can express myself and not face authoritarian persecution to such severity. Yes, the corporate world check up on applicants ousing MySpace/Google. I wouldn't want to work for someone who fired me over these blogs. I am also harassed in South Minneapolis by missionaries, who tell me I will go to hell by being Buddhist. The so-called homeless batter me with ridiculous stories ( which usually contain a part about being saved by Jesus ) and then refuse free food. Yes, it's annoying at times - but it's a lot easier living here than in Iran.

Brandy came home and explained how she brough the remainder of my injera & red lentils to a party. She also gave an album by the Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars to the birthday girl: Anjelica. It seemed to be quite popular at the party, of course this is another band I have found through my various resources. ( Paste magazine and 89.3 the Current )


[ note: I would have more photos, but our Kodak camera is broken. Josiah most likely tried using it and broke it. Coincidentally, there is a sale on digital cameras this week. I can get a 7MP camera for a lower price than Brandy bought the 6MP camera for - same brand: Kodak.]

Rohatsu and Chuck-E-Cheese

1)Rohatsu

Josiah and I started out our day going to the Clouds in Water Zen Center. It was the final day of children's practice for the winter seshin.

Josiah made candles for the Rohatsu ceremony. Rohatsu is the Zen Buddhist holiday celebrating the enlightenment of the Buddha on Decmber 8th. It was a lovely celebration that included a discussion of what enlightenment is, chanting, then chanting while walking in a circle and tossing flowers. Josiah really enjoyed tossing the thin-paper flowers - and picking them up!

What I found most fascinating was that the myth-like stories of Buddha I had read about were just that - myths. Latest historical information regarding Siddhartha is that he was never a Prince. The time he had come from and family he was in was not royal at all, though fairly well off. Also the story of him sitting down under a Bodhi tree and finding enlightenment in a week also leaves out his 7 years of trying ascetic methods to attain truth. He found the Dharma though creating the Karmic conditions to do so, and the ascetic teachings had been of some value. But attaining enlightenment, the Buddha made the path much more attainable and am grateful that he has done so.

I am truly glad that there is a Sangha here in the Twin Cities! And Clouds in Water has surpassed my expectations already - and I have only gone there since October!

2) Chuck-E-Cheese

Afterwards Josiah and I stayed for a little bit. I was upset that he never listens to me and wants to leave. We had to catch an express bus from downtown Saint Paul to the Mall of America, and had to leave soon. I wanted to be early so I could buy some presents for the birthday party we would be attending. Josiah always wants to stay and play with his friends. If we weren't on a tight schedule I would have had no problem staying later.

We did leave, but already missed our bus. In fact, we had to wait around 25 minutes for the next one to arrive. But we hopped on the 54 and went to the MOA on a fairly packed bus. Josiah fell asleep. We got to the mall and went directly to Barnes and Nobles. I knew what books to get : Marsupial Sue and Kitten's First Full Moon. ( I do hate BN asking for an extra $25 to get a member card, when I shop Amazon a billion times more often. ) Then off to the 444, which would take us to the Burnsville Mall.

Growing up in Scott County, the only mall anyone ever went to was the Burnsville Mall. Prior to the MOA, it was the largest mall in Minnesota. It has been upgraded a bit since I was last in town, and think it has improved a bit. Though I think the southern suburbs could do with more efficient transit - our bus seemed to wind through the city in a chaotic fashion, yet where transit users hopped on and off. The culdesacs and stores of importance to transit users were of priority.

When we got to Burnsville Center, I found the food court and an empty table. While Josiah munched on some Cheezits, I wrapped the two books using the comics section of the Sunday Star Tribune. Perfect wrapping paper for lil kids! ( and cheaper) Then off to Chuck-E-Cheese!

My friend Shewalem ( Mekedes ) Tesema had invited me to the birthday party of her two daughters: Buruktawit [4] and Rebeka [2]. I thought it was for only one daughter, but luckily bought two books that would be quite age appropriate anyways. Shewalem had only told me the previous Thursday and I must have not heard it correctly.

I met Mekedes husband Asfine and many other relatives. My friend Likelesh was also there with her husband and daughter Yamrote. I Like's sister Tegest ( patience) , who works with Shewalem's sister, whose name escapes me. I wish I could remember names better than I do.

Anyways, it was fun. We enjoyed pizza and pop. Josiah enjoyed playing with the birthday girls. Chuck-E-Cheese came when the birthday cakes were to be lit for all the birthday celebrants, as there were 4 different parties occurring in our room. Josiah loved Chuch-E and talked to him, gave him hugs. Before Chuck-E left, he came over to give me a personal high-five - perhaps because he really liked Josiah! He does have a charismatic and outgoing personality, which everyone seems to love.

Asfine bought us all tokens and Siah went to play games. He collected tickets for me and went about playing games. He especially liked the racing games, though he couldn't reach the gas pedal or understand how to properly play them! He could enjoy them without actually inserting a token!

After the tokens were out we put the tickets in a machine to add our points and get a receipt. We took the receipt to a counter to get our winnings - toys of course. Josiah could only afford two things: a small wand and a grasshoppper ring. After he had finished he wanted a prize worth 10 times what we originally had - a plastic toy that he could hold on his hand and was a pirate hook! I said " Siah, we don't have enough tickets and we can't get it today" but cute Asian girl at the counter thought he should get one - so he did! I was so happy that he could get one, because after that he played pirate. :)

3) Skytubes ( and lost shoes )

Siah most enjoyed the sky-tubes, the hamster-like-plastic-tunnels attached to the ceilings. When we had to leave I collected all our things and went to a table near the playplace. That was when I couldn't find Siah's shoes. He claimed they were in the sky-tubes and kept going up to put them down the slide like I had asked. I eventually searched the entire place to find them and inquired in their lost-and-found.

Josiah also got into trouble in the sky-tubes. He was playing a tiger, but other kids thought him too aggressive. At some points I saw him crying from up above. Kind've upsetting because I felt helpless being underneath and the whole toy-thing was made for children. But after one parent went up to talk to him, and came back down I talked to her. Then Siah came down and we discussed how to act up there. He apologised to the boy he had called names and had pushed/hit. ( though Siah claimed he had hit him first, and was never apologised to. It is better he learn to take responsibility for his actions, irregardless others reciprocate.

Looking for his shoes again, and after searching every inch of Chuck-E-Cheese, I entered the sky-tubes. I hadn't been up there since being a little kid. It was fun, but don't think I could do this for long. Other parents were up there with lil guys, and commented on Josiah's speed up there, even after being up there for hours! I covered the entire tube system and could find no shoes. I assume some kid accidentally took them home thinking they were his shoes on his feet. Either way, Josiah had to only wear socks on the way home.

Two hours after our party had left for home, we were leaving Chuck-E-Cheese around 7 P.M. Our party had started at 2PM, and we had been there since quarter to.

Some other memorable events at the party were shooting basketball hoops, Likelesh's daughter scared of the rides - crying while riding them, and enjoying being in their company. I rarely get out and love it when I can with such friendly people who are understanding of children.

We took the last MVT bus home from Burnsville Center to the MOA. I talked to a woman while waiting who worked two full-time jobs: Bath & Bodyworks and Payless Shoes. 70 hours a week is too much for me, but for her she said it more than paid the bills. While talking to her and waiting for the bus, Josiah alternated between kiddie rides near the entrance. ( he doesn't need quarters to keep entertained on them, he has such an active imagination! )

Josiah fell asleep on the bus, again on the train, and stayed asleep until we got home. Either way it was a lovely day, though packed with busyness! And now I just need to get Siah new shoes - he can wear his snow boots or cowboy boots until then.

Watching Kelly - DVD archiving

1) Kelly Krogen (age 4 & 11/12)

I watched my friend's daugher Carie today. Kelly is a wonderful 4 year old and about to turn 5 soon. Mayhaps Josiah can go to her party! Carie is moving all of her possessions to her new Saint Louis Park apartment, and Kelly isn't exactly assisting. I was okay watching her because she is very calm and listens well - unlike Josiah. But they really enjoy playing with each other, so it works well.

Anywho, that is how the day went. I did some cleaning while they played. They didn't like the rice and stir-fry I cooked up. Of course I didn't like the Chinese Cheese preserved hot bean curd that my acquaintance Hang gave me! Ickiness! This vegetarian loves tofu - just not this particular Asian style! I plan to make tofu with berbere and eat it with Injera. That sounds yummilicious!


2) DVD copying

On a Mac, I am unfamiliar with how to copy DVDs or make MP4s. So I found awesome software that can do both.

Handbrake can make industry standard MP4s , H.264 , wonderfully!

And MacTheRipper will allow you to copy even copyrighted material to your hard-drive. The US Supreme Court has authorized the use of copying DVDs if they are already owned by you - so archiving is okay. Hopefully this isn't abused by Netflix and library users - though it probably is -I doubt Hollywood will go belly-up. But the music industry has been hurting lately. Or is it just the major labels?