Provence and Marseille in Pictures

Thursday, June 30, 2016

The next stop on our cruise was Provence, France. I've never been much interested in France for some reason. Perhaps it's a result of a negative experience studying French as a freshman in high school, perhaps it's because fine art and religion is pretty much lost on me. But I was happy to go, as new experiences are always a big, fat WIN.

First we visited Aix en Provence, the capital of Provence, which was a charming town with very interesting architecture and fountains.

The Saint Sauveur Cathedral
After a walking tour of the town, we had one of the best meals at a courtyard cafe. AMAZING bruschetta.

Next we were off to visit the Notre Dame de la Garde. We spent a LOT of time on buses in Provence, and I think any return visits will be longer on walking and shorter on traffic.

The Notre Dame bell tower
I was impressed by the architecture at Notre Dame, as the buildings are beautiful, and the views spectacular.

A few of the bay, including the Château d'If
We drove past the the Château d'If, the setting for Alexandre Dumas novel The Count of Monte Cristo. They allow visitors now, and I wouldn't mind touring the fortress at some point.

I'm in no great hurry to return to France unless the opportunity presents itself in conjunction with some other travel opportunity I'm really excited about. Next stop: Barcelona!

Link Me Up, Scotty - Healthcare Edition

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Mistrust after Tuskegee experiments may have taken years off of black men's lives. I find this utterly unsurprising. The way the medical establishment in this country has treated black Americans is appalling, and their mistrust is historically well-placed.
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Why I'm done asking my husband to "help me out." I love everything about this essay, especially the part when she points out that adopting the attitude that your male spouse is somehow your "helper" or "assistant" diminishes his value and infantilizes him. Sort of like assuming it's somehow a woman's sole responsibility to prevent rape, rather than assuming that men should be expected to manage and control their own impulses. Oh...wait.
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It's amazing to me that people are so utterly shameless in displaying their bigotry and racism so openly. In a way I actually prefer it this way - that way I know who needs to get the fuck off my world. But it's instances like this that make me scoff at the idea that somehow people's First Amendment rights are being compromised by "political correctness."
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This Giant Octopus Kite is mesmerizing.

H/T Steve
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If the Brexit debacle has proved anything, it's that voting matters. Which reminds me - if you're an American citizen, are you registered to vote? In case you missed it, we're having a pretty important election here in the U.S. in November, and if you're eligible to vote but not planning on doing so, then I'll just add you to the list of people who can get the fuck off my world. Register. Vote your conscience. Don't be a complacent, whiny dick.
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SCOTUS strikes down Texas' disingenuous abortion clinic requirements. Here's the thing about such laws: They're clearly intended to limit a woman's access to abortion, while masquerading as paternalistic concern for "women's health." I understand and am sympathetic to those who oppose abortion on moral grounds (although I don't come down on that side of the argument). But please do everyone the intellectual courtesy of allowing your moral arguments to stand on their own merit instead of enacting laws that obfuscate and mislead, but have the effect you want in limiting access to abortion. The majority of the Supreme Court obviously sees this to be the case, which makes me happy both as a citizen who wants our laws to be intellectually honest, and as a pro-choice citizen who supports a woman's right to self-determination.
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From the "Thank you, Captain Obvious" files: House report reveals no evidence of wrongdoing by then-Secretary of State Hilary Clinton in regards to the attack on the Embassy in Benghazi. Why are we still talking about this? I thought it had already been established that this so-called investigation is basically a witch hunt put in motion by House Republicans as a means to discredit Hillary Clinton in her bid for the Presidency. And yet, the money continues to roll out, as partisan bickering continues unabated, and in this case, they ended up blaming the armed forces. Klassy. 
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Jesse Williams wins the BET Humanitarian Award, and has some words about the struggle of black people in this country.
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Video of my Heart: A woman decides to run across Iran in an effort to promote understanding and break down stereotypes.

H/T The Superlative Carolyn


Pisa in Pictures

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Our next stop on the cruise was Florence and Pisa. This was the only day we really had rain, which was kind of a bummer, but we had such nice weather the rest of the time, there was really nothing to complain about.

The ship actually pulled into Livorno, and then passengers had to take a bus to either Florence or Pisa. We chose Pisa.

The lighthouse on the sea wall in Livorno.
We went to the Piazzo del Duomo to see the Cathedral there, as well as the Baptistry. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is situated behind the Cathedral, and is the bell tower for the Piazzo de Duomo. It really does lean in a most alarming manner, although I understand the construction is stable now.

Lean in.
Next we went to a restaurant called Fattoria il Poggio in Tuscany, where they grow their own grapes and olives and then turns them into tasty, tasty products. this is the place where I had the only wine I've ever really liked, and that didn't give me a headache. And they take mail orders to the United States! Of course it costs over $100 to ship, but you can't have everything.

Baby olives.
Tuscany is another area we intend to revisit on our destination vacation to Italy, mostly because you can't eat all the foodz and drink all the winez in a single day. I'd also like to revisit Piazzo del Duomo when the weather is better and we have time to go inside the various structures and visit the Archeological Museum there.

Rome in Pictures

Thursday, June 23, 2016
Our next stop on our Mediterranean cruise was Rome.

Rome was amazing. I mean, amazing. The historical significance of this city to Western culture cannot be over-emphasized, and our single day in the city was just a big ole tease. We're already planning to return to Italy in two years to see more of the city, as well as do some day trips outside Rome.

Our first stop was the Colosseum. Because we were in the city on a Saturday, the place was mobbed, and we didn't have time to stand in line to go inside. So we admired it from the outside, and made plans to visit first thing in the morning, on a weekday, on our next visit.


The Colosseum
Our next stop was Trevi Fountain. Like the tourists we were, we threw coins into the fountain to ensure a return visit to the city. I did wonder what happens to all the money thrown in there, and the Internet provided an answer:

Each day the gushing torrents of the Trevi Fountain are silenced for one hour while city workers sweep the coins from the fountain. Since 2006, the Roman Catholic charity Caritas has been sorting and cleaning the daily loot from the fountain. Caritas runs food and social programs for the needy and oppressed in 200 countries and territories worldwide. Somewhere around €3000 is collected nightly from the Trevi Fountain (about $1.26 million annually) and distributes it amongst the needy. Caritas even opened a low-cost supermarket in Rome in 2008 for the needy.
 We also walked up the Spanish Steps, which provided a nice (if sweaty) view of the city

A Fountain picture sans tourists
Perhaps the most amazing sight we saw on our day in Rome was the Pantheon.  Dedicated about 126 A.D., it has been in continuous use since that time. Originally a "Temple to every God," it's been dedicated to St Mary and the Martyrs since the 7th Century.

What made this so amazing was the fact that it's still standing, is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome, and it's still amazingly beautiful.


The view from the floor to the occulus.
I haven't yet mentioned the food in Italy. It was AMAZING. I'm not a big fan of Americanized Italian food, as I have a mild aversion to red sauce. But the food in Italy wasn't that. I can't wait to go back and EAT ALL THE FOODZ.

Link Me Up, Scotty - All guns, all the time edition

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

My favorite sarcastic attorneys on the topic of gun control and the need for precise, defined terms when discussing gun control legislation. This is one of the reasons I've been disengaged from social media and the Internet of late. Neither side of this argument seem to have cogent, defined arguments with terms that everyone can agree on. Instead what I hear is "Freedom!" and "The Children!" Both of these are knee-jerk, emotional responses, and neither provides a meaningful descriptor of what solutions (if any) the speaker proposes. You want better laws and regulations? Engage in better rhetoric.
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The life of a transgender Dad in pictures. It makes my heart happy to see members of a group who are often ridiculed, marginalized, and ostracized living happy, healthy, productive lives.
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Things you can do to be happier. I try to practice nine of these things in my own life for the purposes of managing my own mental health.
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Colorado Mom saves her son from a Mountain Lion with her bare hands. Are you listening, all you people who are considering moving to Colorado because it's such a wonderful place to live? The WILDLIFE HERE WILL LITERALLY TRY TO EAT YOUR CHILDREN. So unless your badassery is equal to fighting them off with your bare hands, you should probably reconsider. Just sayin'. 
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Houston celebrates Juneteeth with a parade and remembrance. I learned about this Texas tradition from my high school chum's amazing and authentic book, Tomlinson Hill, by Chris Tomlinson.
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From the archives: In the summer of 2013, NPR explored our nation's public libraries. Their legacy, traditions, and challenges. Love your local library, people - it's there for your benefit, and offers much more than just books.
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The "parent happiness gap" is real, and is directly related to a series of social policies that help parents care for, raise, and support their children in ways that doesn't make them want to light their hair on fire.
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Google employees are fighting sexism by adding "Lady" to their titles. I have been referred to as a "Lady/Female/Woman Engineer" so many times that I don't really find this funny.
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The President's opinion on radical Islam. The money quote:
The fundamental difference between Obama and Trump on issues related to Islamist extremism (apart from the obvious, such as that, unlike Trump, Obama a) has killed Islamist terrorists; b) regularly studies the problem and allows himself to be briefed by serious people about the problem; and c) is not racist or temperamentally unsuitable for national leadership) is that Trump apparently believes that two civilizations are in conflict. Obama believes that the clash is taking place within a single civilization, and that Americans are sometimes collateral damage in this fight between Muslim modernizers and Muslim fundamentalists.
I never thought of the conflict in the terms described, so this has given me something new to think about. I love The Atlantic. 

H/T Brother Eric
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Video of my Heart: Young Khloe provides a lesson in humanity, compassion and courage. THERE'S SOMETHING IN MY EYE.

H/T Random Michelle


Naples in Pictures

Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Our next port of call on our cruise was Naples, Italy.

Our first stop was Sorrento, a lovely tourist town with lots of shops that sell olive oil, balsamic vinegar, limoncello, and more. We picked up some items there and had them shipped back to the States. YUM-O.


An original Roman Bridge leading into the town of Sorrento.

Our next stop was an agro-tourist farm where we enjoyed a delicious lunch and learned how ricotta and mozzarella cheeses are made.

Next on the list was Pompeii. 

The ruins of Pompeii from the outside.

Pompeii was an amazing experience. Our tour guide, an 82 year old Sicilian named Roberto, was on the original surveying team, and provided amazing depth for someone who gives bus tours.

Some of the ruins from the inside, with Vesuvius lurking in the background.

We didn't have time to see the Herculaneum, but we fully intend to go back to Italy for a destination vacation in a few years, and that will be on our list.

I loved Naples. I wouldn't live there, mind you - the threat of Vesuvius is real, and ever-present, but I loved the landscape, the food, the history and archaeology. After all I saw in the far and middle East, it made me a bit wistful that I never got a chance to be stationed in Europe when I was on active duty.

Summer Reading Program - ANNOUNCED!

Monday, June 20, 2016

It's that time of year! Time for the Sixth Annual Maureen "AJ" Ramey Memorial Summer Reading Program, brought to you by Hot Chicks Dig Smart Men! 

Each year, Hot Chicks Dig Smart Men sponsors a summer reading program in honor of my beloved late daughter Moe. The one consistent thing in my daughter's life was her undying affection for the written word. So we'll read in her memory, and raise a book to honor her devotion to reading.

Moe came by her love honestly, as I LOVE reading. I read on my Kindle, on my iPad, on the Internet. I listen to Audiobooks whenever it's not practical to read words in a row. I'd read while I was sleeping if I could stay conscious. So once again, I'm sponsoring this reading program to benefit the 
Douglas County Library through the Douglas County Library Foundation,* in Moe-Moe's name. The proceeds from this program go to purchase the naming rights on the Parker Library's Maureen "A.J." Ramey Memorial Garden, which will be dedicated later this summer. 


Here's da rules:
  1. The contest will run from June 20th (that's today! The summer solstice! Yay!) to September 6th (the first working day after Labor Day. Boo.).
  2. When you finish a new book, post a comment on the "Hot Chicks and Smart Men Read!" page on this blog. There's even a link at the top of the blog for easy access! One comment, one book. PLEASE make sure you post your book titles on the page created for this purpose. If you post your books on THIS blog entry, they won't count, and that would be a big ole bummer.
  3. Audiobooks count. eBooks count. ANY book counts, with the exception of picture books. If you are reading a chapter book to a youngster, by all means, enter it, but picture books juke the stats.
  4. For each book that is read and registered in the comments by me and my readers, the Smart Man and I will donate $1 to the Douglas County Library Foundation, with a guaranteed donation of $500.00. This money is earmarked by the Foundation to secure the naming rights to the garden at the brand new Parker Library, scheduled to open this summer.
  5. When the contest ends, I will use a random number generator to find THE WINNERS. THE WINNERS will each get either a $25.00 gift certificate to Amazon OR a selection of my Famous Home Made Jams. Each unique comment (one comment, one book) will be an entry for the gift certificate or the jam, so the more you read, the better chance you have to win. Please note that if you commit to donating to your OWN local library, you increase your chances of winning!
  6. If the number of comments exceeds 500, the additional monies will be donated to the Douglas County Library Foundation general fund. 
READ! READ! READ!
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Do you want me to include a link to your summer reading program? Send me a note!
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ETA: Many people have asked if they can help fund the naming rights for the new Parker Library Garden. I can tell you how happy it makes me that people want to contribute, but the Smart Man and I have already fully funded this endeavor. It's something we wanted to do for our ourselves, and we're happy to earmark that money in our charity budget in perpetuity.

However, if you want to help us remember our Moe and do something fabulous for a cause she cared about, please sign up for a "matching donation" for the contest. Simply pick a local library in your community that is under-served or strapped for cash, and then commit to making a donation in whatever amount you wish in Moe's name after the contest ends. Then send me a note, letting me know the dollar amount and the Library you've chosen to support, and I'll post it to the contest page. For each dollar you commit to donate, I'll add another random number to your name for the prize drawing.

Thanks to everyone who volunteered to help with this important work. As a Social Justice Warrior and devoted reader, I can't think of a better way to honor our Beloved Moe's memory.


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*Full Disclosure: I am the Vice-President of the Douglas County Library Board of Trustees, and I am also on the Board of Directors for the Douglas County Libraries Foundation. So unlike in years past, when these organizations had no idea who I was, I'm now deeply involved with the beneficiary of my largess. However, this reading program (and the subsequent donation) are a private endeavor on my part, and have no connection to my volunteer work on behalf of the Library and its Foundation. I just loved them so much that in addition to my money, they're also now getting my time...also in memory of my Moe.

On the subject of Orlando

Saturday, June 18, 2016
I had to take a break from social media last week, and gave my RSS feed only the most cursory of scans. 

In the aftermath of the mass shooting at the nightclub Pulse in Orlando, the rhetoric was just too much for me. Every screed, every wild bit of speculation, every insensitive, hateful, homophobic, racist, bigoted, ammosexual comment was like a small cut on my skin. After only one day of this spew, I felt like someone had put me in a blender for a quick toss with the milling blade.

Events like this always affect me in this way to a greater or lessor extent, but this one...this one was exceptionally bad, because I have an intimate tie to the LGBT community. I know the pain the families of those victims are feeling. I know the crushing grief the parents of the dead are under today, and every day, for the rest of their lives. I grieve with them, and for them.

And I grieve with the larger community, too. I'm sorry your community was targeted. I'm sorry there are those in the world who are so hateful, so confused, so full of rage that they reach a place where they honestly believe members of the LGBT community have no right to exist in the world. I would take away this prejudice, this hate, this bigotry, if I could. I would protect you from this evil, and shield you from the consequences of their hate. But I can't, and that makes me grieve all the more.

But I can refuse to have it in my life.

If you believe the victims of this violence "deserved it" because they were gay, because they chose to go unarmed in a purportedly civilized society, because the U.S. is slowly moving toward equal rights for the LGBT community and deserves to be punished, because your Deity hates homosexuals and wants them to die, because people "not like me" don't deserve the same chances, the same rights, the same safety as you...then get off my world. Family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, politicians, I don't care who you are. Get off.

Get the fuck off my world. And don't come back.


Random Thoughts and Words to Live By - Part 18

Friday, June 17, 2016

A positive attitude often makes the difference between a wonderful time and a terrible time. In choosing to think negatively, I do myself a disservice, and deprive myself of potentially wonderful experiences.

Mykonos in Pictures

Thursday, June 16, 2016
The third stop on our Mediterranean Cruise was the island of Mykonos. Best known as the personal playground of Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis, this island's economy is based almost entirely on tourism. Property is dreadfully expensive, and many people who work in the tourism industry live there only "in season," because they can't afford to live there year-round.

Mykonos is gorgeous. In service to tourism, all the buildings must be painted in blinding white. People are permitted to paint their trim and shutters whatever color they want, but "Mykonos Blue" is most common.

A typical apartment in the town. Businesses are on the first floor, quarters above.

The water is lovely and clear, and I understand why it attracted the jet-setting crowd when Mykonos was nothing but a poor community with a fabulous location. The old port is still in use, although the new port is where cruise ships are docked. They only have room for one, so the lines take turns using the port. Other ships are forced to anchor out, and send launches (what I would call a "liberty boat") to ferry passengers to town. We were lucky, as it was NCL's turn to use the port when we arrived.

The view of the town and surrounding bay. You can see the yachts docked next to the town.
Mykonos is known as a "party" town, and has been a destination vacation spot for rich gay men for decades. In Mykonos, that community found a place where they (and their money) were accepted and safe. There's still a gay bar there called "Jackie O" which I understand is pretty well known in the LGBT community.

There's also a kabillion chapels, temples, and churches. Most are private family chapels, and most are dedicated to the Greek Orthodox faith.

The most photographed church on Mykonos, according to our guide.
The food was also as fabulous as you'd expect. We basically just ate appetizers the whole time we were there, because olives, and hummus, and pita, and spanakopita, and saganaki, OH MY.

From a "sun and sea" perspective, this was our favorite port of call. I suspect we'd love the rest of the Greek Islands, as well, so we've added a Greek Islands sailing trip to our bucket list.





Link Me Up, Scotty - All Politics, All the Time Edition

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

An examination of the honesty of Hillary Clinton. This is an opinion piece, and should be treated as such, but the author's opinion is better informed than most. Plus there's the fact that PolitiFact, the Pulitzer Prize winning fact checking organization, backs up her assertions. Something to think about.
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A note about readers and other consumers of creative artistry who think their entertainment should be "free." The money quote:
Besides, there’s this marvelous thing called a public library. You can go there and check out books, movies, and music for free! The best part is the library already paid for these things! And because it’s a loan which you will then return, it’s not stealing. Also, the library paid for these things out of a portion of the taxes you give to your community. So not checking out books from your library is like paying for Netflix and never using it.
Because taking content you haven't paid for - whether it's a book, a song, whatever - is stealing. 

H/T Debbie the Librarian
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This story about a professional cowboy who roped an escaping thief tickled my funny-bone.

H/T Patti
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Dachshund Vivian gets to be the size she thinks she is. So much win, and the photographer is trying to raise money for a picture book about Vivian.
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A blog entry from my favorite sarcastic attorneys about why you're wrong about the First Amendment. One of the best college courses I ever took was a college level civics class at the University of Denver. I learned an amazing amount about our government, how it works, the purpose of administrative law, common law, and yes, how the Bill of Rights affects our daily lives. And I love the First Amendment enough that I followed up with a Great Courses class on the First Amendment that relied heavily on case law. That doesn't make me an expert, but as my friend John notes, "I am not a lawyer but I have played one in my mind."
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Are you a bone marrow donor? I registered years and years ago, but did so again to make sure they know where to find me if I'm a match. The great thing about bone marrow donation is that not only may it save a life, but it'll grow back, so you won't even miss it!
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On America's mistrust of Science. I've always enjoyed Atul Gawande, and he's just one more reason why.
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I loved reading about the Badass Librarians of Timbuktu. Abdel Kader Haidara, you're a credit to your profession and your religion. 

H/T Juan
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Carrie Fisher has a new advice column with The Guardian. I can't wait to read this. 
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Author Jim Hines offers facts and opinions about the tragedy in Orlando. Like the man said, you don't get to pick your own facts, folks. And if one more person says that Orlando's dead and injured and their families "are in their prayers" while simultaneously doing exactly jack shit to prevent these types of occurrences, I believe I'll take their eye out with a spork.
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Mr. Rogers, on tragedy and death.



Athens in Pictures

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Our next port of call on the cruise was Athens, Greece.

I have to be honest: The modern city of Athens did not impress. It's dirty, covered in graffiti, and it appears that they've deferred many of their civic maintenance projects for far too long. Given their financial situation, that's understandable, but the only reason I'd go back is to spend some more time at the Acropolis and the various archaeological museums.


Herodes Theater

The Acropolis was amazing. The age of the buildings was awe inspiring, and I'm glad it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, since that means it's restoration and maintenance costs can be defrayed by the UN.


The Propylaia

The numbers of people there were a bit daunting, though. If we return, we'll need to make sure we go first thing in the morning to try and avoid the crowds. 


The Parthenon

I especially wanted to see the Parthenon. I have an affinity to the Goddess Athena (as much as I can to any deity, I mean), and I'm glad I got to see it in person.

While we were there the Smart Man bought me a wedding ring to commemorate the trip.* I chose a diamond and ruby channel set piece in the meander (meandros) pattern, commonly found on ancient Greek art.

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*He buys me a ring every time we take a major trip. I like to have a variety of pieces to wear, and having one from each of our trips makes me happy.

What I've Done

Monday, June 13, 2016
I have a history of shamelessly stealing content ideas from my friend David. Mostly because he has good ideas, but also because I'm a lazy, lazy writer.

This week's theft comes in the form of a Facebook meme that BEGGED for larger context and more detail. So I'm going to put on my mask and answer these questions about what I've done (and what I've not), in order to fill up space give you a better idea of who I am and what I'm about.

Have I ever:

Fired a Gun

Yes. Everyone is required to learn how to fire a weapon in Boot Camp, and then periodically re-qualify thereafter as their duties require. My duties required, so there you go. I don't personally own a weapon, but the Smart Man likes to shoot at targets periodically for fun. Being a civil libertarian with a fondness for the Constitution, I have no issue with the ownership of firearms in a generic sense, so if you want to own weapons in a responsible manner, knock yourself out. But not literally, especially if you're holding a loaded weapon.


Gone on a blind date

No. Why would I torture myself in such a way? It's tough enough to find someone with whom you're compatible without resorting to random chance and the dubious judgement of intoxicated acquaintances. 
 

Skipped school

Yes. In high school I made a career out of skipping school, to the point where I almost didn't graduate. Luckily I grew out of that, and never shirked in college.


Watched someone give birth

Does having a C-Section while conscious with a medical drape in front of your face count? 


Watched someone die

No. Although I'm not sure doing so would have made my losses harder to bear. 

Visited Canada

Yes. My study abroad activity for college was in Quebec City, and I've visited Toronto on business several times. I've also visited BC several times, on both business and pleasure. I think I need to plan more vacations to Canada, though. Actually, I just need to plan more vacations.

Visited Hawaii

Yes. I lived there for three years when on active duty, and went back with the Smart Man on our first cruise five years ago. I love living in the tropics, although I didn't love the cost of living. My apartment was in Pearl City, about two blocks from the Pearl City Tavern, also known as the Monkey Bar. No, I never went there.

Visited Europe 

Yes. Just a few weeks ago, in fact. BEST VACATION EVAH.

Visited Las Vegas

Yes. Many, many times. Mostly for business, as conferences are frequently scheduled there, but a couple of times for pleasure. I don't particularly care for Las Vegas. I don't like to gamble, and suffer from crowd anxiety. But there's Cirque de Soleil, so it's not a complete loss.

Visited Washington DC

Yes. My Smart BIL and his family live outside Baltimore, and when I worked for the Military Industrial Complex, I went there often on business. Plus I have a number of close friends who live in that area, so it's always worthwhile to go to that part of the country.

Visited Asia

Yes. I've lived in Asia, actually, as well as making two WestPac/Middle East deployments when on active duty. Here are the countries I've visited:
  • Philippines (resident)
  • Singapore
  • Hong Kong
  • Malaysia
  • Thailand
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Okinawa
Also:
  • Bali
  • Guam
  • Midway Island
  • United Arab Emerites
  • Bahrain

Visited Africa

No.  But we've put a eco-tourism trip on our bucket list.

Visited Florida

Yes, to my deep regret. I went to Boot Camp in Orlando, and have returned a number of times on business. People in Florida just aren't right, y'all.

Visited Mexico

Yes. I've been to Mazatlan several times, and visited Tijuana when I lived in San Diego. Love the climate.

Visited Australia

No. But the Smart Man and I are planning our retirement vacation to include it, along with New Zealand and SE Asia. We've started saving already, because that is going to be one expensive trip, given that we don't want to do it on the cheap.

Seen the Grand Canyon in person

Yes. We took the Smart Twins when they were about 12, and it's more amazing in person than it is in pictures.

Flown in a helicopter

Yes. See: Military Service.
 

Been on a cruise

Yes. Three times, in fact. One to Hawai'i, one to the Alaskan Inside Passage, and just recently to the Mediterranean. Our next itinerary includes the Baltic capitals in 2020 to include Copenhagen, Stockholm, Berlin, St. Petersberg, and Tallin. I love cruising.

Served on a jury

No, but I'd like to. Since I come from a military family and my father was also a Deputy Sheriff, defense attorneys avoid me like the plague. Which is short sighted of them, given my liberal tendencies. Statistics: It's not just for insurance companies anymore.

Been in a movie

Yes. A television movie, that is. In my misspent youth I was a member of a riding group that frequently provided "extras" for Western movies, and I participated a couple times. Note: It's really, really boring to be an "extra."

Visited L.A

Yes.  I've been to Disneyland, and one of my ex-husbands had grandparents in L.A. I also toured JPL on a layover on my way to the Philippines when I was a young sailor.

Been to New York City

No. And this pisses me off, because Sistah Stacey and Brother J.R. live there, and we were supposed to visit last year. Life interfered, however, and we had to cancel.

Cried yourself to sleep

Yes. And hence woke up with the delightfully attractive swollen eyes that are part and parcel of such an event.

Played in a band

No. And I regret that. Because I can sing!

Recently colored with pencils

No. I prefer to color with gel pens.

Sang karaoke

Yes.  I used to prefer Anne Murray songs, as our ranges used to be identical. 15 years ago I quit smoking and my range increased pretty dramatically, but I haven't done karaoke in decades.

Swam in the ocean

Yes. Lived in the tropics, baby.

Paid for a meal with coins only

Yes. Euros allow that quite easily.

Made prank phone calls

Yes. Back in the day when Caller ID and *69 was just a pipe dream.

Laughed so much you cried

Yes. Often. It's my favorite thing to do with friends.

Caught a snowflake on your tongue

Yes.  I grew up in Colorado.

Had children

Yes. Although we lost one way too young. Fucking depression.

Had a pet

Yes. Dogs, cats, horses, fish, lizards, rodents...

Been skinny dipping

Yes.  Once. I don't recommend it.

Rappelled down a building/tower

No. Not yet...I think I should probably lose some weight first.

Gone zip lining

No. See above.

Been downhill skiing

Yes. We used to ski often with the kids, but now we're old and creaky and prefer less strenuous hobbies.

Been water skiing

Yes. Fun!

Been camping in a tent

Only if being deployed to Korea in the winter counts. These days my idea of camping is a weekend stay at the Hotel del Coronado.

Driven a motorcycle

No. It's just never come up, and now I don't trust other drivers on the road enough to even try.

Jumped out of a plane

No. Are you kidding?

Gone to a drive-in movie

Yes.  We used to go often in my youth.

Done something that could have killed you

Yes. More than once. Because I was stupid (and lucky) in my youth.

Done something that you will regret for the rest of your life

Yes. I think we all have regrets of this type, and for me, it's usually related to my being unkind to someone who didn't deserve it.

Rode an elephant

No. Elephants in captivity offend my sensibilities.

Rode a camel

No.  Camels are smelly, foul tempered, and spit a lot.

Eaten just cookies or cake or ice cream for dinner

Yes.  Of course I have. Duh.

Been on TV

Yes. I was in a Burger King commercial in my youth, as well as several kid-type shows related to the group I rode with.

Been in newspaper

Yes. Again: Youth group. Plus the local paper in my capacity as a Library Trustee.

Stolen any traffic signs

Yes. A stop sign, I believe.

Been in a car accident

Yes. But nothing major.

Stayed in Hospital

Yes. Several times. I don't recommend it, although I have to say my experiences with military hospitals were pretty darn good as these things go.

Donated blood

Yes. I believe in all sorts of blood and tissue donation. Because after all, I'm not going to miss any of that stuff.

Had to pay a fine in the past 12 months

Yes. Because apparently I can't remember to register my vehicles in a timely manner. This one is strange, as I've never been late in my life until this year. Mad Cow, here I come!

Eaten snails

Yes. They're tasty, but I have a problem with the texture...sort of like mushrooms in that regard.

Gotten a piercing

Yes. But only in my ears.

Gotten a tattoo

Yes. More than one, actually, and I'm researching a new one right now.

Driven a standard car

Yes. My Dad made me learn on a standard transmission, and the Fiat is a standard, as well. I'm of the opinion that this is a life skill that every adult should have. Because you never know.


Ever owned your dream car

No. Not yet, anyway. I have trouble spending more than $30K for a vehicle, actually, so it's unlikely to happen.


Been married till death do we part

Yes. Finally.


Been divorced

Yes. Three times, actually. Slow learner, and all that.


Fallen in love

Yes. But my idea of what "love" is has certainly changed over the years.


Paid for a strangers meal

Yes. Many times. Usually military members in uniform that I see at the airport, but elsewhere, too. I like to do this, and always try to duck out before they know what I've done.


Driven over 100mph

Yes. The Fiat is a zippy little thing.


Worked in a pub

No. I come from a family of alcoholics. This is not a good career choice for me.


Been scuba diving


Yes. I love this activity, and intend to revisit it again.


Found a dead body


No. And for this I'm grateful.


Lived on your own

Yes. Many times, but given my propensity to hermitage, it's not the best choice for me from a "interact with other people," and "have meaningful relationships" perspective.


Rode in the back of a police car

No. Just....no.


Written or published a book/story/poem/song

Does writing this blog count? Because while I enjoy writing (and think I have some small amount of skill), I don't want it to be a job, even a volunteer job. I write for my own enjoyment, to manage my feelings and work through my thought processes. I don't think I'd like it much if it was a chore.

Politics and Social Media

Saturday, June 11, 2016
Yesterday over at Facebook I posted the following status:

Now that the candidates for POTUS have been selected, my feed is chock-full of half-truths, unsubstantiated accusations, nasty memes, crazy ideas, name-calling, innuendo, and other forms of substandard communication.

This year, I'm going to try very hard to stay above the fray on social media, although I may choose to engage in activism in some other fashion. After all, no one ever changed their mind about a candidate or an issue because someone re-posted something on Facebook. 
I'm also going to be "hiding" things with reckless abandon. Mostly I try to hide the source material (I really don't want to see anything at all from anyone employed by Fox News or any organization sponsored by the Koch brothers, for example), but if the only thing a friend posts is political claptrap, then I'm not above hiding them for the duration.

I'm making an effort, in my small corner of social media, to return it to a means of maintaining social connections, not a mechanism for bitching about our political process, our candidates, the two-party system, how Hillary is a criminal, how Trump is a reprobate, and why the "personhood" amendment is a just a really swell idea. That's why I have a blog, and I'll make an effort to limit my own ranting to that space.

I'm pretty good about checking my feed, but if I miss a piece of news, it's probably because I'm paring it down ruthlessly.

RUTHLESSLY, Y'ALL.
I'm really committed to this idea. I'm already sick to death of looking at other people's "re-posts" about the dastardly deeds of the opposition (with little evidence or investigative journalism to back it up). And I don't want to be a hypocrite, so I'm going to refrain from subjecting my social media community to the same.

So instead, YOU ALL get to be the recipient of my own half-truths, unsubstantiated accusations, nasty memes, crazy ideas, name-calling, innuendo, and other forms of substandard communication. I figure that for whatever reason, you all come here voluntarily, and if my ranting starts to irk you, you can always leave. Or tell me I'm full of shit. Or tell others I'm full of shit. Or any combination that suits you.

So buckle up, Hot Chicks and Smart Men - there's going to be an uptick in political commentary here at HCDSM. I'll try to source my material appropriately, but I do have a day job (and a volunteer night job), so please note that my standards of journalistic integrity will lay somewhere between the National Enquirer and the Washington Post.

Let's rumble!

Random Thoughts and Rules to Live By, Part 17

Friday, June 10, 2016

Don't take responsibility for someone else's happiness or self care, because then you'll have two unhappy people instead of one.

Kotor in Pictures

Thursday, June 9, 2016
The second stop on our Mediterranean cruise was Kotor, Montenegro. 

Unlike Croatia, the people of Montenegro were able to establish their independence through a referendum in 2006, so there landscape was not dotted with ruins. A remarkably beautiful place, and the harbor and it's region where we pulled in is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The view from the top of the mountain down to the harbor where our ship was docked.
Our tour took us up a mountain road that was so full of switchbacks that our bus driver deserved some sort of award. It was also purportedly a two lane road, but I saw little evidence of this. This was the only tour where I tipped the driver in addition to the guide. Because damn. 

A small church in the former capital of Montenegro, Cetinje, where we visited a Museum dedicated to the last ruling King of Montenegro, King Nikola, and also visited a cafe.
We also took a tour of Cetinje, the historic capital of Montenegro. It was a lovely little town, and is still the cultural center of the country.

 
The path along the outer city walls of Kotor to St. John's Fortress. There's a Monastery about 1/3 of the way up. One of the available tours was a walk up that trail, but it was 1,355 steps, so fuck that. 

This was one of the Smart Man's favorite ports, and I would love to go back and see more of the former Yugoslavia.
 


Link Me Up, Scotty - Home on the Range Edition

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

American cowboys in their elements.
________

Muhammad Ali's life in pictures. Allaahumma 'inna Muhammad fee thimmatika, wa habli jiwaarika, faqihi min fitnatil-qabri wa 'athaabin-naari, wa 'Anta 'ahlul-wafaa'i walhaqqi. Faghfir lahu warhaw.hu 'innaka 'Antal-Ghafoorur-Raheem.
________

For Princess Day, this trendsetter went as a Hot Dog. We don't deserve you, Hot Dog Princess.

H/T Juan
________

On the topic of a Clinton nomination and never ending emotional labor of women being expected to manage men's feelings on these types of issues. This article spoke to me on so many levels.
________

First U.S. Olympian to compete with a Hijab will fence in Brazil this summer. Go, Ibtihaj, go!
________

Photos from World Ocean Day. I love the sea.
________

Video of my Heart: Dove takes on the hair hatahs with advice to basically do whatever the fuck you want. Good advice at any time.


Dubrovnik in Pictures

Tuesday, June 7, 2016
The first Stop on our European cruise was Dubrovnik, Croatia. As you may recall, this region was torn down almost to the foundation by the Civil War of the last decade, and everywhere we went we saw signs of rebuilding, and other signs of buildings that still needed work.

Their primary industry is now tourism, and they're trying hard to encourage people to come and visit.

One of the places we went was an aggro-tourism farm for lunch. They bottled their own water (no treatment necessary), and also caught fresh fish directly from the creek that ran through their property.


One of the water wheels on the farm property.
The old city in Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and UNESCO has been providing funds to help them restore the walls and buildings after the war.


The old city of Dubrovnik from inside the walls.

Croatia is well known for their handmade filigree, and you could find it everywhere. They like their pieces large, though, so I decided against a new wedding band from Croatia, otherwise I would have ended up looking like Zora the Fortune Teller with my wee hands.

The old city of Dubrovnik, including the sea wall.
The landscape is beautiful, and I thoroughly enjoyed our tour. I could have done with fewer people inside the old city, as I suffer from crowd anxiety, but I was happy to see so many people spending their money there so that Croatians may rebuild.

News from the Abyss

Monday, June 6, 2016
The abyss of wonderful, wonderful vacation, that is.

We returned this weekend from a 2.5 week European cruise vacation, where we saw things, ate things, drank things, and laughed and laughed. News of note:

1. The cities we visited were: Venice, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Mykonos, Greece; Athens, Greece; Naples, Italy; Rome, Italy; Pisa, Italy; Provence, France; Barcelona, Spain; and Gerona, Spain. We sailed on Norwegian Cruise Line's Spirit, and then stayed over in Barcelona for a few days after debarkation.

2. All of these cities were amazing, but you can't beat Mykonos for vacation atmosphere, or Rome for history. Having said that, my favorite place was still Gerona, as the city seemed to just suit me, somehow.

3. Visiting all these places taught us that we need to return to both Italy and the former Yugoslavia for destination vacations. SO MUCH TO SEE, SO LITTLE TIME.

4. We now have a recipe for Limoncello and we intend to use it. No good can come of this.

5. Vacationing with compatible traveling companions whom I love increases the pleasure of a trip tenfold. This is a non-linear increase, I've found, with an accelerating curve based on how much I like being around my companions.

6. Everything tastes better with good Olive Oil on it.

7. I took 823 pictures, some of which are even worth looking at. Once I pare them down I may share some here.

8. Our air travel could not have gone more smoothly. Customs, TSA, luggage - it all went off without a hitch. ::knock on wood::

9. BEST VACATION EVER. Part of that was the fact that I'd never been any of the places we visited, but much of it had to do with the company. Eleven other people made it for either the entire trip or a portion of it, and their presence enriched my experience so much.

10. I can't wait until the next time - Baltic capitals, anyone?