Feb 28, 2011
Feb 26, 2011
Seven Weddings and Two Mitzvahs
This morning started out with 3-1/2 hours in synagogue, listening to lots of Hebrew. It was the Mitzvahs of two of Marc's little cousins (I believe that they are actually second cousins once removed, if you want to get specific). Twins Jacqueline and Jordan read from the Torah, and did a very admirable job.
You aren't supposed to take pictures or use electronics in the synagogue, so you'll just have to picture that in your heads.
After a quick lunch, we headed to Marc's work to help out at the Renewal of Vows Ceremony for 7 couples. Collectively, they had been married for 408 years!
Here are some of them:
This couple has been married for 68 years (69 next month):
For Marc and I to make it to 68 years of wedded bliss, I'll have to live to be 100.
After the Weddings, we rested a bit, then headed back out to celebrate the Mitzvahs some more with a reception with a New York City theme:
I felt like I'd fallen into an episode of My Super Sweet Sixteen. It was awesome! And had an open bar. And a flame show! Though that was mostly accidental, and were it not for my husband, the night might have ended very differently.
Incidentally, it turns out that if I see a child who is holding something that accidentally caught on fire, my response is to yell at Marc: "Kid on fire! Kid on fire!" His response is to take the fire away from said child and put it out.
Marc with another cousin (second cousin, by marriage. I think. There are a lot of cousins.)
You aren't supposed to take pictures or use electronics in the synagogue, so you'll just have to picture that in your heads.
After a quick lunch, we headed to Marc's work to help out at the Renewal of Vows Ceremony for 7 couples. Collectively, they had been married for 408 years!
Here are some of them:
This couple has been married for 68 years (69 next month):
For Marc and I to make it to 68 years of wedded bliss, I'll have to live to be 100.After the Weddings, we rested a bit, then headed back out to celebrate the Mitzvahs some more with a reception with a New York City theme:
I felt like I'd fallen into an episode of My Super Sweet Sixteen. It was awesome! And had an open bar. And a flame show! Though that was mostly accidental, and were it not for my husband, the night might have ended very differently.Incidentally, it turns out that if I see a child who is holding something that accidentally caught on fire, my response is to yell at Marc: "Kid on fire! Kid on fire!" His response is to take the fire away from said child and put it out.
Marc with another cousin (second cousin, by marriage. I think. There are a lot of cousins.)
Feb 25, 2011
Shoes as Metaphor
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Feb 24, 2011
Feb 23, 2011
Happy Birthday Dad (A Day Late)
I fell asleep too early yesterday to wish a Happy Birthday to the Best Dad Ever!
Feb 21, 2011
Sunrise
Traffic was light this morning, so I was running early. That was great, because the sunrise was amazing! So I stopped to take a picture.
Everything had this lovely rosy glow to it. Very nice.
Unfortunately, I wasn't running so early that I could bask in the rays for too long!
I was going to take a picture of the sunset today, too, so I could get that song from Fiddler on the Roof stuck in all of your heads, but the sunset was pretty lackluster. And I was in the midst of admitting 3 patients during it, too. Sigh. Work.
Everything had this lovely rosy glow to it. Very nice.Unfortunately, I wasn't running so early that I could bask in the rays for too long!
I was going to take a picture of the sunset today, too, so I could get that song from Fiddler on the Roof stuck in all of your heads, but the sunset was pretty lackluster. And I was in the midst of admitting 3 patients during it, too. Sigh. Work.
Feb 20, 2011
Kind of How I Feel
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Feb 19, 2011
Wedding Dresses Everywhere!
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Feb 18, 2011
Big Word Compliments
You look ravishing today!
So, I installed a tracker thing on this blog years ago, that tells me how many people visit the blog, where they accessing the internet, and how they found the page.
Turns out a LOT of people visit this old blog post. Am I so fascinating that someone linked to that one random, 4 year old blog post? Perish the thought!
Nope. Turns out people get directed to that post by doing this:
Googling "big words to compliment people"
Or variations (that don't even have to be spelled correctly)
And they don't stay long (zero seconds)
So, this blog post is dedicated to all you Beauteous, virtuous, exceptional people who are looking to make someone's day more Resplendent.
Small word compliment: You look good today.
Instead of good, try: Alluring, Appealing, Arresting, Beauteous, Charming, Comely, Exquisite, Fetching, Flawless, Gorgeous, Luscious, Magnificent, Photogenic, Ravishing, Resplendent, Statuesque, Stunning, Toothsome (it's a real word!)
Small word compliment: I had a great time!
Instead of great, try: Amazing, Delightful, Exceptional, Fascinating, Glorious, Sublime
Small word compliment: Good Job!
Instead of Good here, try*: A-OK, Bang up, Banner, Boffo, Bonny, Boss, Bully, Capital, Corking, Cracker Jack, Dandy, First Rate, Five Star, Gangbusters, Gilt-Edged, Grand, Groovy, Heavenly, Immense, Jim-Dandy, Keen, Lovely, Marvelous, Nifty, Out of Sight, Peachy Keen, Phat, Quality, Radical, Righteous, Slick, Splendid, Swell, Tip-Top, Top-Notch, Unsurpassed, Wizard
* I realize that most of these are more slang terms, than big words, but they made me laugh, so I had to include them.
OR, if you want to go a different route, try using one of these following big INSULT words, but adding a "Not" in front:
Abhorrent, Abominable, Disgusting, Dreadful, Execrable, Frumpish, Ghastly, Gorgonian, Grotesque, Haggish, Hideous, Homely, Loathsome, Lousy, Nasty, Nauseating, Offensive, Pathetic, Repellent, Repugnant, Repulsive, Vile, Wretched
Hope that helps!
And, please, add more big word compliments (or anti-insults) in the comments!
So, I installed a tracker thing on this blog years ago, that tells me how many people visit the blog, where they accessing the internet, and how they found the page.
Turns out a LOT of people visit this old blog post. Am I so fascinating that someone linked to that one random, 4 year old blog post? Perish the thought!
Nope. Turns out people get directed to that post by doing this:
Googling "big words to compliment people"
Or variations (that don't even have to be spelled correctly)
And they don't stay long (zero seconds)So, this blog post is dedicated to all you Beauteous, virtuous, exceptional people who are looking to make someone's day more Resplendent.
Small word compliment: You look good today.
Instead of good, try: Alluring, Appealing, Arresting, Beauteous, Charming, Comely, Exquisite, Fetching, Flawless, Gorgeous, Luscious, Magnificent, Photogenic, Ravishing, Resplendent, Statuesque, Stunning, Toothsome (it's a real word!)
Small word compliment: I had a great time!
Instead of great, try: Amazing, Delightful, Exceptional, Fascinating, Glorious, Sublime
Small word compliment: Good Job!
Instead of Good here, try*: A-OK, Bang up, Banner, Boffo, Bonny, Boss, Bully, Capital, Corking, Cracker Jack, Dandy, First Rate, Five Star, Gangbusters, Gilt-Edged, Grand, Groovy, Heavenly, Immense, Jim-Dandy, Keen, Lovely, Marvelous, Nifty, Out of Sight, Peachy Keen, Phat, Quality, Radical, Righteous, Slick, Splendid, Swell, Tip-Top, Top-Notch, Unsurpassed, Wizard
* I realize that most of these are more slang terms, than big words, but they made me laugh, so I had to include them.
OR, if you want to go a different route, try using one of these following big INSULT words, but adding a "Not" in front:
Abhorrent, Abominable, Disgusting, Dreadful, Execrable, Frumpish, Ghastly, Gorgonian, Grotesque, Haggish, Hideous, Homely, Loathsome, Lousy, Nasty, Nauseating, Offensive, Pathetic, Repellent, Repugnant, Repulsive, Vile, Wretched
Hope that helps!
And, please, add more big word compliments (or anti-insults) in the comments!
Feb 17, 2011
Feb 16, 2011
There Was a Rainbow Here
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Feb 15, 2011
Way Back When
I'm having problems with my phone camera and... well, you really don't care. Anyway. Here is a picture from Match Day, alllll the way back in 2006. Just about 5 years ago, we were all trying to figure out how to rank our match lists for residency. I put UC Davis as my first choice, got matched there, met the love of my life, and got the greatest job ever. I didn't know just how happy I should have been on this day!
Feb 14, 2011
Feb 12, 2011
Feb 11, 2011
I Stand for... Everything
I passed this group of Americans exercising their patriotic rights on the way to work this evening. My initial thought (inspired, no doubt, by the NPR* I was listening to) was that they were out celebrating the liberation of Egypt. I assumed they had procured an Egyptian flag from a Flags of the World and Cigars type shop (Sonoma has a lot of random shops as far as I can tell), and were out showing some democratic solidarity.
I thought Awesome! Go them. Go Freedom. Freedom totally rocks! And how cool of them to randomly celebrate Egypt's fledgling freedom in historic downtown Sonoma! I snapped this quick picture (unfortunately blurry) and started to wave as I drove past.
Then I realized that the flags were a rainbow flag and a California state flag. And the signs all said different things, like "No Nukes" and "Peace IS Patriotic" and... actually, I don't know what else, because I was driving and not reading signs.
Anyway, it seemed to be a gathering of local people, supporting disparate causes, with a central theme of "peace." I'm certainly not going to judge them for that - Go Peace! after all. But. I'm a little disappointed that I didn't even get to do a drive by support of a Yay Egypt! rally.
So I'll dedicate today's blog post to the people of Egypt. Way to go!
Incidentally, and totally unrelated to Egypt - When I was driving home from work the other day, I passed two men standing outside Sonoma Mission Inn holding signs that said "Shame on Sonoma Mission Inn." They looked angry. And they were dressed like monks. I really want to know what they were protesting, but the sign was again too wordy to be read as I drove past.
*Save NPR!
I thought Awesome! Go them. Go Freedom. Freedom totally rocks! And how cool of them to randomly celebrate Egypt's fledgling freedom in historic downtown Sonoma! I snapped this quick picture (unfortunately blurry) and started to wave as I drove past.
Then I realized that the flags were a rainbow flag and a California state flag. And the signs all said different things, like "No Nukes" and "Peace IS Patriotic" and... actually, I don't know what else, because I was driving and not reading signs.
Anyway, it seemed to be a gathering of local people, supporting disparate causes, with a central theme of "peace." I'm certainly not going to judge them for that - Go Peace! after all. But. I'm a little disappointed that I didn't even get to do a drive by support of a Yay Egypt! rally.
So I'll dedicate today's blog post to the people of Egypt. Way to go!
Incidentally, and totally unrelated to Egypt - When I was driving home from work the other day, I passed two men standing outside Sonoma Mission Inn holding signs that said "Shame on Sonoma Mission Inn." They looked angry. And they were dressed like monks. I really want to know what they were protesting, but the sign was again too wordy to be read as I drove past.
*Save NPR!
Feb 10, 2011
They're Coming...
The Crazy Clown Army!!
They're armed with... accordians, and... pointy hats.
And they only cost 49 cents!!Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Feb 8, 2011
Feb 7, 2011
Feb 6, 2011
Feb 5, 2011
The Return of Wikipedia Friday (Saturday Edition)
Back in 2005, I started the tradition of Wikipedia Friday, wherein I would go to a random Wikipedia Article, and write about it.
I know it isn't Friday, but I've decided to bring Wikipedia Friday back. But now, in the spirit of my resolution to post a picture every day this year, I've decided that Wikipedia Friday (Saturday Edition) will come complete with illustrations!!
Today's topic: Great Float
What I learned: Though The Great Float may sound like a local news stations description of a big boat rally, or water based "sit-in" style protest, this The Great Float is actually referring to a body of water in England. The body of water is formed by the natural tidal inlet, the Wallasey Pool, and is split into two docks - the East Float and the West Float. By their powers combined: The Great Float! Apparently, this involved a lot of excavating, and filling in of areas, and the project was started in 1844.
Personal anecdote involving "The Great Float": When I took swimming lessons, in addition to learning the crawl, the back stroke and diving, we also learned how to do "Dead Man's Float" which basically consisted of, you know, floating. It was what we were suppsed to do if we were ever stranded in a large body of water. SO. Assuming I ever got stranded on The Great Float, I would do the Dead Man's Float to survive. That, or just swim to one of the docks.
Picture of Me and The Great Float:
This is me, by the Central Hydraulic Tower of The Great Float. In my scrubs. Because that is how I roll.
I know it isn't Friday, but I've decided to bring Wikipedia Friday back. But now, in the spirit of my resolution to post a picture every day this year, I've decided that Wikipedia Friday (Saturday Edition) will come complete with illustrations!!
Today's topic: Great Float
What I learned: Though The Great Float may sound like a local news stations description of a big boat rally, or water based "sit-in" style protest, this The Great Float is actually referring to a body of water in England. The body of water is formed by the natural tidal inlet, the Wallasey Pool, and is split into two docks - the East Float and the West Float. By their powers combined: The Great Float! Apparently, this involved a lot of excavating, and filling in of areas, and the project was started in 1844.
Personal anecdote involving "The Great Float": When I took swimming lessons, in addition to learning the crawl, the back stroke and diving, we also learned how to do "Dead Man's Float" which basically consisted of, you know, floating. It was what we were suppsed to do if we were ever stranded in a large body of water. SO. Assuming I ever got stranded on The Great Float, I would do the Dead Man's Float to survive. That, or just swim to one of the docks.
Picture of Me and The Great Float:
This is me, by the Central Hydraulic Tower of The Great Float. In my scrubs. Because that is how I roll.
Feb 4, 2011
More Stuff I Don't Need
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Feb 3, 2011
Coffee Mug Art
I call this piece: Energy.
('Cause it is my coffee mug. Which holds caffeine. AKA liquid energy. And it looks all neon-y. AKA... neon-y energy.)
('Cause it is my coffee mug. Which holds caffeine. AKA liquid energy. And it looks all neon-y. AKA... neon-y energy.)
Feb 2, 2011
Citizen Scientist and The Milky Way
A few weeks ago on NPR, I heard a program about Citizen Scientists. The host was talking to the Technical Lead of Zooniverse, a program at the University of Oxford. I was intrigued. Intrigued enough, that today, when I was supposed to be cleaning my office, I remembered said program from a few weeks ago, and decided to look up this Zooniverse thing.
What is it, you ask? Ahh, let me enlighten you.
So, basically, these scientists in England have all this data, as scientists tend to do. Generally they have computers to analyze the data (or lab grunts, aka students). But it turns out that for some data types, humans are better at the data analysis (take that machines!). Specifically, for data that involves looking at pictures and finding shapes. Something we all learn by kindergarten, I might add (ahem, computers). And the lab grunts aren't prolific enough to go through all the data.
So, some brilliant chap (they're British, so it had to have been a chap. or... chapette? chappess?) decided to put the data online to let us become the lab grunts... er, to become Citizen Scientists!
Kind of like getting tricked into doing homework without the reward of a hot fudge sundae if you get an A on your report card.
But really, it is so cool!
They have multiple different projects, from identifying solar storms to mapping craters on the surface of the moon to looking for specific shapes in the Milky Way.
I chose to do the Milky Way project, because it looked really cool. Check it out:
Awesome, no?
Want to see some more? Here are some of my favorite screen shots. I should mention, of course, that these are all pictures from the Milky Way Project at Zooniverse, and I do not own them or the rights to them.
My office is no cleaner, but I have added to the wealth of Human Knowledge today. Gooooo Citizen Scientist Brenna!
What is it, you ask? Ahh, let me enlighten you.
So, basically, these scientists in England have all this data, as scientists tend to do. Generally they have computers to analyze the data (or lab grunts, aka students). But it turns out that for some data types, humans are better at the data analysis (take that machines!). Specifically, for data that involves looking at pictures and finding shapes. Something we all learn by kindergarten, I might add (ahem, computers). And the lab grunts aren't prolific enough to go through all the data.
So, some brilliant chap (they're British, so it had to have been a chap. or... chapette? chappess?) decided to put the data online to let us become the lab grunts... er, to become Citizen Scientists!
Kind of like getting tricked into doing homework without the reward of a hot fudge sundae if you get an A on your report card.
But really, it is so cool!
They have multiple different projects, from identifying solar storms to mapping craters on the surface of the moon to looking for specific shapes in the Milky Way.
I chose to do the Milky Way project, because it looked really cool. Check it out:
Awesome, no? Want to see some more? Here are some of my favorite screen shots. I should mention, of course, that these are all pictures from the Milky Way Project at Zooniverse, and I do not own them or the rights to them.
My office is no cleaner, but I have added to the wealth of Human Knowledge today. Gooooo Citizen Scientist Brenna!
Feb 1, 2011
Things I Don't Like, #1,476:
Heart Shaped Jewelry.
For about as long as I can remember, I haven't liked heart-shaped things. I take that back. When I was a little girl, I loved heart shaped things. Give me anything with a heart on it, and I was sold. Heart-shaped candy? Why yes! T-shirt with a giant heart on the front? Absolutely! Nasty tasting medicine, served in a glass with a heart shaped handle? Don't mind if I do!
But somewhere along the way, I 'grew up' and decided that I don't like hearts so much*.
I think heart shaped jewelry is particularly heinous. It takes what could be a lovely piece, like this:
Ooooh, sparkly!
And makes it look juvenile:
Does your daddy know you're out this late?
I don't mind the more abstract heart shapes, like Jane Seymour's Open Haaahht (you have to say it with the accent) Collection.
I do mind just sticking more hearts on there, like that will make it less child-like:
Three hearts is better than one...
Unless the heart shaped jewelry comes from an actual child, I don't believe wearing a heart around your finger, or neck, or wrist actually makes you feel more loved. Sorry to anyone out there who loves their heart-shaped jewels. I don't judge you, I just judge the jewelry.
Unfortunately, with the Valentine holiday rapidly approaching, there is upswing of heart shaped jewelry advertising. Just today, we got an advertisement from a jewelry store featuring this beauty:
Can you see the full necklace? Go ahead, blow it up if you need to. I can wait.
Did you see it? It is a heart. With metal bars. With the word "Love" trapped behind those bars. On a heart. Something is wrong with this necklace. It is like telling the world "I'm caging my love" or, alternately, "I have trapped my partner in this relationship." I don't get it.
But then, I don't get any heart shaped jewelry.
*I still do like heart shaped candy.
For about as long as I can remember, I haven't liked heart-shaped things. I take that back. When I was a little girl, I loved heart shaped things. Give me anything with a heart on it, and I was sold. Heart-shaped candy? Why yes! T-shirt with a giant heart on the front? Absolutely! Nasty tasting medicine, served in a glass with a heart shaped handle? Don't mind if I do!
But somewhere along the way, I 'grew up' and decided that I don't like hearts so much*.
I think heart shaped jewelry is particularly heinous. It takes what could be a lovely piece, like this:
Ooooh, sparkly!And makes it look juvenile:
Does your daddy know you're out this late?I don't mind the more abstract heart shapes, like Jane Seymour's Open Haaahht (you have to say it with the accent) Collection.
I do mind just sticking more hearts on there, like that will make it less child-like:
Three hearts is better than one...Unless the heart shaped jewelry comes from an actual child, I don't believe wearing a heart around your finger, or neck, or wrist actually makes you feel more loved. Sorry to anyone out there who loves their heart-shaped jewels. I don't judge you, I just judge the jewelry.
Unfortunately, with the Valentine holiday rapidly approaching, there is upswing of heart shaped jewelry advertising. Just today, we got an advertisement from a jewelry store featuring this beauty:
Can you see the full necklace? Go ahead, blow it up if you need to. I can wait.Did you see it? It is a heart. With metal bars. With the word "Love" trapped behind those bars. On a heart. Something is wrong with this necklace. It is like telling the world "I'm caging my love" or, alternately, "I have trapped my partner in this relationship." I don't get it.
But then, I don't get any heart shaped jewelry.
*I still do like heart shaped candy.
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