Since taking ownership of a netbook and have a little more portability in my life now, I try to catch up with blog postings and email just before I doze off each night. I know that many people (scientists included) suggest that it is not good to watch television or look at a computer screen before bed, as it affects your sleep patterns, but I just find the convenience of having a little over 3 pounds on my lap before bed with a small screen too tempting. Any hoo, I have been reading some blog posts recently with a common theme: twitter.

Each site offers a different perspective or viewpoint on the benefits and pitfalls of twitter, but one that I’ve just started reading (“TwiTip“) had a post that talked about how to get unfollowed on twitter. As I was reading this, I realized that at least three of these actions would cause me to unfollow someone on twitter. Then I had that realization that perhaps I would be a victim of being unfollowed. It sent a shudder through my body.

On the other side of the coin, Zen Habits recently posted on how to use twitter to help manage your day and get things done. Many of the ideas suggested by Leo provide ways to use twitter to add appointments to your calendar or task list, or help set reminders for actions you need to do during the day. One of them reminded me of the now defunct tool Sandy, which aimed to provide you personal reminders based on what you needed to get done. Of course, if I implemented all that was suggested, I would increase my chances of being unfollowed. Perhaps it’s all about balance.

Random Thoughts

The last couple of days have been quite chilly here in Frisco. This morning when we woke up, the temperature was about 21F (-6C), which was probably a little chillier than was forecast. It is now about 1:30 PM and there is still ice on the ground, but it is slowly melting away as the sun hits it. Yesterday was cold and grey, today is colder and sunny. Our schools around the area have the day off, which provides a great opportunity to catch up with kiddies home from school (for my job).

The dogs are not overly fond of the cold, and there is a lot of encouragement normally needed to get them to go outside to do their business. The look on their faces is kind of funny as they try to figure out why we are doing this to them (I seriously think they believe we control the weather).

Still it is nice to have so much quiet going on, as the roads are less busy, and right now all I can hear is the sound of CNN in the background … oh and one of my dogs snoring. It’s the simple things

General Interest weather

Thankfully this latest decision by Starbucks to stop brewing decaf coffee after 12PM doesn’t affect me. I am amazed that the savings that are being projected over the next 9 months is $400M (that’s million)!

General Interest starbucks

America’s President

Not sure how quickly the turnover will be on the government websites, but at 12 PM (EST), the White House website should be updated to reflect the new president. You can always check out President Obama’s website leading up to the inauguration for updates, or the Presidential Inauguration Committee’s website.

Politics inauguration, Politics, potus, president

It is the night before one of the most historical moments in America’s history. Tomorrow at 12NOON (Eastern), Barack Obama takes the oath of office to become the forty-fourth President of the United States, and I get the feeling that the country is really ready for this kind of change.

Many people are sharing their thoughts in the blogosphere about what this means for them, and for the country. One blogger that I’ve recently started to read added this great post to his blog. He reminds us that while this is a day to be celebrated, we need to remember that there continues to be a number of inequalities throughout this country that still need to be addressed. As Davey writes, tomorrow is just “one step on a journey of many” and I’m proud to be here as the US begins that new journey.

In that light, there was an editorial piece in Friday’s New York Times by Mary Frances Berry (former co-chair of the US Commission of Civil Rights), who suggests that it is time to abolish the Commission on Civil Rights and create a new commission that addresses the rights of many groups, including gay people. What a great call to be making to a president that wants to bring change to this great country, and how phenomenal that this call is being made from such a strong advocate of “civil” rights in this country.

It has long been my belief that before any group can achieve equality, that group needs to work with other groups, people and communities to build support for that goal of equality. It is only through these partnerships that true and effective change can occur.

Many in the GLBT community feel that we must achieve these changes alone because it is “our” fight. I don’t agree with this, as this thinking is outdated and counterproductive to achieving the goal that we seek, and in many ways it slows down the progress that we hope to make. Tomorrow we start a new journey, and with that – I hope – a new opportunity to change the way we think. It’s time to focus on what we have in common with others, and work to bring about a united change that will see equality for everyone, not just another smaller subgroup of society.

Politics inauguration, Politics, potus, president

Today our LB and us went to see the new movie “Hotel for Dogs.” It was a good movie, one of those feel good types of movies, with a few heart pulls along the way. We all love dogs, and our LB loves to spend time with out dogs when he visits us at our home, so the movie was a natural choice. Our LB really liked the movie, and it is one that I would definately recommend for the not-quite-teen crowds.

Before the movie we ate a CPK – a first for our LB. Food as usual was really good, and I tried the new Pesto Chicken Pizza, which is a definately must-have if you like pesto.

Life Updates movie

Well it has been almost a full day on 2009, and I’ve just got back from a lovely NY Day Dinner with our friends, and I figured I should start the year off with a New Year post. So, Happy New Year to everyone!

2008 seemed to fly by, and I know that there is no more or no less time available each day, but each year it seems to move by so much faster. I’ve wondered if this is an effect of getting older, but I’ve asked around and friends of all ages have agreed that 2008 was quick. It was a good year though.

During the year, I had the privilege of spending time with the people that I love and care deeply for, and while building on these friendships, I’ve been able to establish new relationships with people throughout the year, including a very special one with our Little Brother, Trey.

The year had a number of highlights including our wonderful trip to Hawaii with Chris’s parents, my 40th birthday (yes, Virginia, I am that old), my very first new car and our travels with our friends.

The year also had a few not so great moments, including the stress related to my visa transition, a brief health concern (which continues to improve everyday), and the relocation of one of my best friends to Washington (we still miss you Layton!).

2009 promises to be a brand new year that is full of change. From a political perspective, the US of A is about to transition to a new president that promises a new direction. From a personal perspective, plans are being made to travel home to Australia to visit my mom and family, and I plan to continue my journey in developing a healthier and happier body.

I’ve made a few goals for the new year, and hope to be able to report back on many of these. They say the best way to achieve goals is to write them down, and make yourself accountable for these through regular milestones. So for 2009, here are some of my goals:

• Reach my goal weight by March 2009.
• Establish a more “zen-like” lifestyle (keeping things simple)
• Compete in at least four 5K runs
• Spend more quality time with friends and family (not really a measurable, but wanted to include this as a reminder of what is important)

There are others, and I shall work to blog more about the progress of these as the year progresses. However, for now, and before the first day of the year ends, I wanted to wish everyone a healthy, happy and safe 2009.

Reflections