a bit of everything

So my notebook is filled with pages of thoughts and notes on healthcare, scribbled in the moments on the train when I actually have time to think. I’m too tired, though, to organize and present it thoughtfully. Maybe soon. In the meantime, the economist magazine had a good write-up on the bill. They stated succinctly that the bill’s strength is its coverage (eliminating difficulty for those with pre-existing conditions to get insurance and creating subsidies for those who can’t afford insurance) but its weakness is cost control (premiums will go up, higher taxes, etc.) My thoughts on the matter have more to do with the nature of government. It is not a non-personal entity with money to spend. Government is one man governing another man (a biblical concept). Most of my questions come in to play with the “how” man governs another man who has ceased to govern himself (poor spending, working, exercising, and eating habits).

There you have most of the concepts and thoughts I’m working through. Even though I haven’t written much about it, I’ve been thinking much about it and so feel the need for a break and for some inspiration.

I went to a bookstore yesterday and read some fun books on sewing and baking. Then I wrote out a “not-my-hobby” list. This may seem silly but I get distracted by things for a while, immerse myself in them, eventually get bored, and then return to my real hobbies, sad that they’ve been neglected. So to keep myself on track and less wasteful with my time, I had to create a reminder of what wasn’t my hobby. :] Besides wishing for more time and more sleep, I’m feeling a bit nostalgic. Mostly for trees. That seems random, I know. But I practically lived my whole childhood in a tree. Perhaps it’s all those complex thoughts on government which leaves me longing for simplicity.

That’s my scattered post for the day.

What's your name?

With Cynthia gone, I now have a bus ride full of silence. Though I miss our discussion on theology, God, and race, I've been picking up my Bible and reading the psalms. Last week, the Asian guy who always rides along sat down behind me. We'd never talk previously because I was always talking with Cynthia. This time, he saw me reading my Bible and asked if I was a Christian. Startled at such a straight-forward question, I gave him a straight-forward answer: "yes." Then I felt free to ask him, "are you a Christian?" He said, "no". I smiled at him and there was no awkwardness. (good sign!) He got off right after that brief exchange. Interestingly, I haven't seen him since but at least I got his name. I've found that knowing people's name is one of the easiest ice-breakers. Cynthia and I got started because I asked her name one morning instead of just walking by (she was the bus driver) and started out each day with a "Good morning, Cynthia." I miss her but feel a strange closure. The couple months of discussions we had held a good purpose for us both. Now, perhaps, the door is open for some discussion with Mr. Hwang. Who knows? :)

reminiscing

I’ve taken to reading old backpacker issues on the train and it’s not the greatest idea. Now, I’m SOOO restless and practically tortured by not being outside! Maybe I’ll use my monthly blow money to complicate the situation and get another subscription :). Oh – reminiscing…

yummy

The crock-pot is often my culinary saving grace. I stole and simplified this from crockpot 365.blogspot. I really like this recipe.

Spring!

The sun is out so I’ve been spending more time doing and less time blogging. It’s nice :) Some of that doing includes re-arranging my entire kitchen shelf: a huge but useful contraption that holds all my pantry items and most of my cook/bake ware. The container store was quite helpful in the rearrangement. Things now look much nicer and are easier to reach. I was going to take before and after pictures but when I grabbed the camera it was dead and I couldn’t locate new batteries. Oh well. The project also included sweeping and mopping behind the stove. So much satisfaction comes from sitting at the table knowing all the hidden spaces in your kitchen are devoid of crumbs and dirt. With the refreshing feel came urges to bake so I whipped up some banana bread and peanut butter cookies.BUT there’s alot more to be done in my kitchen. I’m following along with apartment therapy’s Kitchen Cure series full of good tips on organizing and cleaning. Time to banish all those spices you never use and donate those duplicate utensils and pans. I’ve already got a big bag slated for goodwill. Too bad I can’t manage to install some new flooring or paint my cupboards while I’m at it…

While the sun inspires my cleaning and organizing, it also inspires planting.

Welcome Spring! We like you! Please stay…

serious thoughts

I want to write about sweet whimsical things like the sun shinning and friday’s promise of a nearing weekend but all I can think about is the picture of my conductor standing on the platform with blood gushing from her hand as the train pulled away.

Arguably, the train should have had a first-aid kit. But she was standing there alone while a train load of people peered out the window at her and that doesn’t seem right. Why didn’t I step from the crowd and the train to do something? I could’ve grabbed the blouse from my bag to press on the wound; I could’ve thought to carry a first-aid kit (I probably will from now on), I could have stayed with her until help came.

I’m sure Cheryl will be fine, some stitches, maybe surgery, maybe an IV to combat the blood loss. But I can’t help asking myself: why didn’t I act? Moments like these come and go so quickly, I want to be ready. I don’t want to be left behind holding only my regret. I’d rather be holding a bloody blouse.

I’ve lived long enough to know that everyone will find themselves in an extraordinary moment. I’ve had a space shuttle explosion wake me up, a hurricane destroy my neighborhood, a twister take off my roof, and an elderly lady falter on the steps in front of me. Today reminded me to be vigilant for those moments and to have a spirit of willingness so that in whatever comes next I will not hesitate nor be afraid.

~never settle~