Humanist as Human does

In the last few years, I have begun to think of myself as a Humanist. This is due largely to Kurt Vonnegut. His outlook on life often makes so much sense to me and things that he wrote in "Mother Night" and "Slaughterhouse Five" ring true to this day. When I read that he was a Humanist, I thought maybe I was one as well.

Humanist: an outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters. Humanist beliefs stress the potential value and goodness of human beings, emphasize common human needs, and seek solely rational ways of solving human problems.

More and more I have come to realize that I don't like humans enough to be a Humanist. For example, on the train today I actually felt loathing for a person, sitting two seats behind me, chomping on her gum. It was loud enough to hear over the rattle of the train, the conversations of my fellow passengers, and the music leaking out from the headphones of someone sitting nearby. I didn't even see her face until I got up to leave the train and yet, I hated her. I guess I believe in her "potential value", if she would just chew with her mouth closed!

Is it possible to be a selective Humanist? I love my friends and family, I certainly believe in human potential and the necessity to aid my fellow (wo)man, but when faced with the masses, I cringe. I need personal space and abhor a crowd.

I think I was always like this. It may even stem from the Sha Na Na concert my parents took me to for We Love Erie Days back in the 80's. That was the first time I ever saw a punk, and the first time I was ever confronted with a phalanx of large womens' rear ends. Ironically (or perhaps not) in this situation it was the punks who were kind and the women who would crowd out a little girl at her first concert

I guess I really just have to respect a true Humanist; a person who genuinely likes people and wants to spend time in their presence. Give me a good book or a good pet any day of the week over the huddled masses. I'll stay in while the Cub's fans roam the streets; I'll keep to the right in the hope of avoiding a collision and I'll quietly seethe to the arhythmic mastications of the gum chewer two rows back.

Baby Blanket

I have already made one baby blanket. It was a cute yellow one for my cousin's baby, Kayden. I was really happy with the final product. When I found out a co-worker, Jody, was expecting, I knew I had to make another. Above are the colors I picked out. Jody doesn't know the sex so I went with primary colors with a bit of a Caribbean feel.

Hopefully it will look something like this (Baby not included). I think I need to pick up a white to round things out but I'm excited for the final product.

PBR me, "Glee"

I stayed an hour late at work today to try and catch up on some work that will never get caught up. It was raining and pretty crummy outside so all I wanted to do was get home and watch "Glee". When I got off the train I picked up a sub and headed home. At my back door I tried to find my keys. They were nowhere to be found. It was just perfect.

My friend, Kathryn, has a spare set but to get to her place would take a good hour and a half round trip. The situation seemed hopeless.

Luckily, I heard my neighbors two stories up talking on the fire escape. I had never formally met them (and I wasn't even sure if we had informally met) all they were were voices without faces. A little self-consciously I made my way upstairs. One girl (not a neighbor) was sitting outside and when I explained the situation she yelled "Nicole!" and my actual neighbor appeared. It turned out that Nicole and her husband, Timothy (I think) had the number of the apartment management company so I could call.

They were really very nice to me. They offered me a PBR tallboy and we sat around waiting for the Super to show up. A little before 8, another neighbor made his way upstairs insisting that we watch Lady Gaga's "Alejandro" video (which we did) then we all bonded over our mutual love of men in fishnets and high heels and "Glee".

To my delight, they invited me in to watch the season finale. We shouted at the TV and at 8:30 the Super unlocked my door. I watched the last half hour alone, almost wishing I were still imposing on my entertaining upstairs neighbors.

Pedis, Mexican, and North Ave

Last week I was bragging to some of my co-workers that I actually had plans for this weekend. We were going to do a Girls' night out at the Kit Kat Lounge. On Friday, I found out we had to reschedule to some time in July!

The only thing worse than not having plans over a weekend is having plans and then having them cancelled.

Luckily, Kathryn swooped in with a Girls' afternoon out. We got pedicures, I went for dark nails while she chose a very Summery pink. Then we went down the street for Mexican food (it may have been the least spicy Mexican that I have ever had, which is okay with me). Finally, we then went down to North Avenue to shop. I am now totally beat, but it was a good time.

What A Day!

As much as I enjoyed having a nice, long, 3 day weekend, nothing is worse than going in to work with not two, but three days to catch up on! I didn't get a single thing done until 5:30, and I'm supposed to leave at 5.

Because of this, my post today will be about where I'd rather be...

Holding hands and looking for a dummy!

Actually, there are a lot of places I'd rather be, but Presque Isle is definitely on that list.

Oh, the days of sitting in a cement block building, telling time military style, grinding out a living and just being "the keystone of Lifeguard Operations"* Life was good. I didn't have to let anyone into the office that I didn't want (unless they had more seniority), my radio policy was a paragon and, after the first year, not a day went by that I didn't laugh my ass off!

Sure, there were times when things got rough. Not every day was a great day but, in the nearly 3 years since I worked there, I have never regretted that I stayed so long. I hope this is one of the great summers at P.I. and that everyone stays safe.

*This was an actual phrase on one of my year-end evaluations. Thanks, boys!

These guys are for real

Apparently 123Party! Is a renegade dance group assaulting the streets of New York City. One of them tried out for "So You Think You Can Dance" and he was absolutely delightful. Needless to say, he didn't make it to the Holy Land of Dance (which is apparently Las Vegas if the show is to be believed). But, my God, if this isn't what dance is really all about, I don't know what is!

Train Etiquette

Have you ever been minding your own business, walking on the sidewalk or through a hallway or up a stairwell only to be met with someone coming directly at you? Did you do the go left/go right dance? Did you try to stare down your opposition to see who was "chicken"?

I distinctly remember being taught (as a child) that I should walk on the right-hand side of the hall. This just seems like good advice. After all, in the U.S. we drive on the right, why not walk on the right as well? I know it isn't always the easiest or most convenient thing to do, but it does make sense.

This morning I was trying to get from one train platform to another, I went up a set of stairs (keeping to my right), and down comes a group of women, in a line, from one side of the stairs to the other. There was really nowhere for me to go so I had to stop and see if the lady coming directly towards me would go around. Of course not. I know it isn't really a big deal, but I find it so frustrating.

Another time when the "stay to the right" rule would be greatly appreciated is when I am trying to get off the train at my stop, but the people waiting for to get on are blocking my exit. They seem to not understand that if I can't get off, they can't get on.

There is one man, in particular, whom I notice morning after morning queuing up to be the first on our train. His red bearded face is literally inches from the unopened doors before the train actually comes to a complete stop. He parks himself directly between the sliding doors, ensuring that no one may get on or off before he does. I have made it my mission to be in front of him one day.

I once saw a photograph of business men waiting on a train platform. There were markings on the ground to show them where to stand to wait for the doors to open. It looked like there was an entrance and exit to each set of train doors. It was kind of like a roller coaster platform. I may have dreamt this photograph up, because I can't find it or anything like it anywhere. If heaven exists, its train platforms will be like that.

Am I alone in this?

Slaughter Home?

I went to a Jerk Chicken place with friends tonight. It was on the South Side of Chicago. The food was good. I had a chicken stew.

The highlight of my night came as we were leaving. As we turned the corner from 75th onto South Jeffery, I spotted a sign that made me do a double take.


View Larger Map

It is actually listed online as "Slaughter Sons" without the &, and really the & makes all the difference.

Gap Ts

Last weekend I did a little shopping at Gap and found these great t-shirts they are selling this season. They are cut on the bottom seam more like a dress shirt or baseball jersey, with a curved hem that is longer right at the front and back and goes up by the hips. This is great for me because I usually have trouble finding shirts that don't ride up in the front. I am wearing two in the video from yesterday.

The only problem is that you do have to double up because these shirts are super-thin. That's okay with me, I think they look cute layered.

I also managed to pick up two clearance sweaters, one for $9 and one for $7!

Genius!

This show was originally such a parody of itself that I would have thought it impossible to parody it further. That's where children come in. The clip basically sums up everything the original show was about.

I particularly love Lil' Situation flashing his belly in the mirror.

New Nail Polish

I bought my new Spring/Summer nail polish over the weekend and this is what I got. It is Revlon "Gray Suede" and was advertised with a picture of Jessica Biel. I think I like it, but it goes from looking down-right mauve, to beige, to a fleshy pink depending on the light. I'll stick with it despite Jessica's endorsement.

Facebook Game Guilt

I don't know how it happened, but I have become a prisoner to Facebook Games. This has resulted in much guilt on my part. Before I go on, let me make one thing clear: I do not spend any money on these games, just oodles of time.

My guilt is centered around two specific areas.

1. Guilt about the "animals" for which I am responsible. These pixilated fish, sheep, geese, (even a treasure-bearing seagull), etc. elicit my pity when I haven't been by to feed them in a day. I have seen the damage caused by neglect (Kathryn) sad, dying, or dead imaginary animals. It is just inhumane!

2. Guilt about subjecting all my "friends" and some of my friends to this insanity. I want to post that i've found suchandsuch an object or reward, but I know many couldn't care less and are even annoyed by these inane announcements. On the other hand, I want, I need those prizes!

I could end it all now virtually painlessly but then what would I do with those 5 minute chunks of time? Contribute to the bettering of society? Or, perhaps, post even more inanity here!