10.28.2005

Good Night...and Good Luck

Yesterday I got to watch this movie...even though I was hesitent in watching something that refered to a part of history of which I had no knowledge of...I truly enjoyed it. I have much more respect for George Clooney now in his acting and opinions after watching this movie. Before, I had always seen him as just an actor who always wants to be bad and therefore acts as the con artist etc. in his movies. Now, he seems like an artist who is full of opinions and knowledge. Maybe because the McArthy era is such a mistery to me...Clooney has stepped up a notch in my mind. One part of the movie that I thought was really cute was that he (being from the Cincinnati area) made a few shout-outs for Cincy by mentioning that city and only that city twice in the movie. I remember in interview that I saw of Clooney, he said that by making this movie he is giving his respect towards his father. That's so cute ^0^

10.22.2005

H5N1

I just watched BBC News and there was another report about the bird flu virus, this time it was reported in a parrot imported from South America in September. Well...correction, only the H5 virus was found, not the N1 strain as of yet. That terrifies me a lot since it could mean that the United States probably already have instances of this virus in its migrating birds which are wintering in that location (actually I'm speculating) and when spring rolls around, we will be seeing that in North America...maybe even way sooner than that.
This pandemic seems to me something that is almost inevitable. Soon, flu season will be coming and if the two viruses do cross, then we will be dealing with something that will be for sure deadly to a wider range of people. I'm especially worried as almost everyone I love is in the medical field or type setting. If this virus does start spreading from person to person, those who are in ground zero are going to be the first line of "defense".

10.19.2005

Decaf.

Wednesday morning and I'm waiting in line for my coffee at Starbucks and this lady in front of me orders decaf in a loud voice...waking me out of my pseudo-slumber. Then I start wondering what is the purpose of this type of coffee? Why would anyone want to drink decaf? Maybe I don't enjoy the taste of coffee that much and I just like the after-affects of its caffeine. So I totally don't understand why people wouldn't want such a wonder-drug. O_O <---those are my caffinated eyes. Can you tell that the coffee hasn't kicked in yet?

10.12.2005

High School Reunion

This coming Saturday is going to be my 5-year high school reunion. I can't sleep because I am in a dilemma of whether or not I should go. When I was in high school, I was very much a loner and was probably too proud to make friends with people. So there are not any old friends that I would want to catch up with or things of that nature. I have not accomplished much in my mind in the five years time for me to be able to go there holding my head up. Of course I got married to a wonderful husband who loves me unconditionally...but I don't see that as something I did personally. I mean it would be another story if I were in Mai's shoes...becuase now she has succesfully gotten into medical school and is already attending her second year. Whereas I am ladi-da-ing around and goofing off. Maybe in five more years I will have accomplished my goal and will be able to hold my head up and appear in front of those people who judged me so many years ago.

10.07.2005

My Profile

This is just something I came across on my computer today. I almost forgot all about it. But it's the best analysis of myself that I've seen as of yet. This basically describes me to a tee.
I think I got it from eHarmony.com They give free personality tests.

Some of the following information may seem inaccurate or incomplete. Remember, that this profile is a snapshot of your personality at a specific moment. It is not intended as an in-depth analysis of your complete being, but as a tool to aid in self-discovery.
You tend to be loyal to others. Your loyalty shows in a variety of ways including your "staying power" with relationships and activities.
You tend to be a traditionalist, and will enjoy the social environment best if it is stable and predictable. You dislike sudden decisions about where to go or what to do, preferring to think things out first.
You may demonstrate positive possessiveness by developing strong attachments; however, you will not be overly involved as some others tend to do.
You show self-control in most things you do; you are not an extremist. Others may see you as stable, mature and steadfast.
You are a good friend and are always willing to help those you consider to be your friends. You also show strong ties, and will be uncomfortable when separated from your friends for an extended period.
You tend to dislike sudden or abrupt changes. You prefer things the way they are. Your motto might be: "If it's not broken, don't fix it."
Because of your lenient and complacent nature, others with fewer scruples may take advantage of you. You could, perhaps, benefit from greater assertiveness.
Others may perceive you as being undemonstrative and self-controlled. Not wanting to be the center of attention, you generally support others.
You have a basic need to be supportive of others. You will agree with others, sometimes even if it's not what you really want.
You prefer a warm, friendly environment free of conflict and hostility. In that environment, you prefer reassurance of your involvement and self-worth.
Each person has a unique way of communicating. We use a combination of body language, facial expression, verbal tone and word choice to share ourselves with others. The following statements offer a look at the natural behavior you bring to an interpersonal relationship.
You tend to internalize conflict. As a result, if something about another is bothering you, you may bottle-up feelings and keep them inside.
You tend to be a good listener. Others may seek you out to share a thought or concern because of your empathic listening style.
Others will notice that you are a sincere person about what you say and do. This trait, along with the excellent listening skills, creates an individual whom most people find pleasant to be with and a calming type of person.
You may be less talkative than some others, but people will generally know how you are feeling by observing many nonverbal cues.
You have a communications style which many people are comfortable with almost immediately. You are sincere, a good listener, not pushy and overall a comfortable person to be near.
In your group, you may support the group leader rather than vie for a leadership position yourself. As a result, the group leader will usually appreciate the support you bring.
In communicating with others, you may support the mainstream ideas rather than new trailblazing activities. You may prefer the stable and traditional activities.
You are somewhat reserved in meeting new people. As a result, you could benefit from more assertive people doing the appropriate introductions to new people.
Many different factors determine the communication styles with which you are most comfortable. Some individuals thrive on the challenge of pointed criticism, while others are at their best in a nurturing environment where criticism is offered as a suggestion for improvement. Each of us has a unique set of requirements and preferences. Below is a list of communication styles that will mesh well with your own. Having a partner who understands and practices these traits is important to your long-term happiness.
Listen sincerely.
Patiently draw out personal interests.
Start with a personal comment to "break the ice."
Limit use of gestures when speaking.
Find areas of common interest and involvement.
Present ideas softly, nonthreateningly.
Keep the conversation at the discussion level, rather than confrontation.
Work to achieve mutual satisfaction.
Allow time to ask questions.
Provide solid, tangible, practical ideas and evidence.
Provide personal support and assurance.
Ask "How" questions to draw out opinions.
Following are some of the specific strengths and/or personal characteristics that you bring to a relationship. These may form the foundations of many of your friendships and dealings with other people. Some will seem obvious, but you may be surprised by others. Take a moment to reflect on each and consider what role it may have played in your past successes, and even failures.
You are good at helping others people to reach their goals.
You are good at reconciling (i.e. you don't like to sulk after a conflict is resolved).
You like to gather facts and think things over before offering a strong opinion.
You are excellent at listening to your partner.
You are generally very patient with people.
You take pride in being very loyal to friends and family.
You tend to work hard at making sure that other people are happy.
You are a dependable and caring partner.
You tend to be rational and consistent.
You tend to look for practical, useful solutions, rather than risky or untested ones.
You are very respectful of the needs and wants of other people.
You are very supportive of other people.
In general, human beings are defined by their needs and individuals by their wants. Your emotional wants are especially important when establishing with whom you are compatible. While answering the Relationship Questionnaire you established a pattern of basic, subconscious wants. This section of the report was produced by analyzing those patterns. Our wants change as we mature and obtain our life goals. You may find it valuable to revisit this section periodically to see how your wants have changed.
You may want:
Scheduled activities with no haphazard or unplanned activity.
To feel safe and secure in social situations.
Frequent appreciation.
Clear responsibility and clear lines of who makes decisions.
No sudden or abrupt changes in the situation.
A predictable environment with few surprises that are not "planned."
Recognition for your loyalty.
Security for now, and in the future.
Opportunity for privacy and to be alone occasionally.
Activities that may involve friends.
Identification with your social group.