News and Opinions, Part 1

I figure that if I title this Part I, I will be more likely to post a Part II sooner than two months from now. So, posting few and far between, here is something to fill the void:

No More Mapquest: Justin bought me a Garmin for Christmas. I couldn't be more excited because I, as everyone knows, don't know north from south or east from west. Yes, I still utilize the 'it's that way' shout/pointing of the finger. The POI's and voiced directions will SURELY help with the upcoming trek across the country in a few days, which leads to...

Oregon Again: As I reduce the use of my blog over the years to post terrifyingly personal info about myself (I STILL haven't erased some of my posts from 2005 EVEN though I go back and read them and think, did I SERIOUSLY write that?!), I will use this short and sweet description of what is to come...

I will be back in Oregon...A LOT.

Those of you who talk to me on a regular basis are the ones who know what is going on, and that is how I would like to keep it. Over revealing post be damned, that's all I have to say. Oh, AND that I am looking forward to girl's nights and family time quite a bit. My younger sister and her husband are headed back the same time as me, so that is really exciting.

Never Buy Me the Stars: Sorry if you think it is awesome, but buying someone a star is stupid. You really want to pay $54.95 for a spot of gaseous light in the universe?! As this article says:

"Who gave them the right to name stars? And then charge someone for the name?" The answer is simple: Nobody gave them the right. They just do it.

So, unless you plan to lasso that star and put it in a really cool display box for someone (especially me), never buy a star as a present. Apparently, they are occasionally sold as part of fundraisers, so if buying someone a star sends a kid to Space Camp, go right ahead. But likely, you are just paying for a certificate from some slimy webrunner.

One last note. If the sun happens to be for sale, you can buy me that because you all know how much I love that big ball of happiness. As a favorite dialog with one of my good friends goes:

Him: What are you doing?
Me: Sitting in the sun.
Him: I knew it!

Speaking of Presents: Okay, not really, but my birthday is exactly one month away. It's one of those big ones that starts with a 3 and ends with an 0. My goal is to celebrate making it this far rather than freaking out about it. I mean, in some countries I would be LUCKY to live to 30, so why wouldn't I celebrate the big milestone? Though I have to admit, I will REALLY miss my twenties.

ALL CAPS: Yeah, so, I never got up to speed on writing in all caps being equal to yelling at someone. But, I like to emphasize my words in all caps...so don't take it personally alright.

And now, for the song of the moment (in all caps to emphasize that you MUST go listen to it):

DO YOU FEEL ME by ANTHONY HAMILTON

Absolutely obsessed with it right now. He appeared as himself in American Gangster (damn good movie by the way) and sang it. Great song from yet another often overlooked talent.

Alright, Part II should be coming to you from a desk in Oregon. Goodnight.