Omenowen

I discovered evidence today about a theory I have been pondering unseriously for some time now. I consider myself more a student of luck than actual practitioner, so this is very amateur and I haven't found any conclusive answerss; so please do not adjust your superstitions based on my observations.

The thing that I have pondered (mostly because of the black stray cat that lives near the courthouse) is whether the cat causes the bad luck or whether it is his job to scurry in front of people in order to warn them of impending unluckiness. Today as I was walking back from court Omen, the resident stray black cat, was walking next to me. He was in the street, I was on the sidewalk. As we walked I quickened my pace to discourage Omen from crossing in front of me. He quickened his pace, matching mine as though it were his mission to stay with me. He did this in spite of oncoming cars. I decided to go even faster, but the cat sped up too. Alas, I was impeded by the icy sidewalk which was clear up until the trees. I had to slow down. As I slowed down, Omen hopped the curb and scampered right in front of me. Anyway, I'll let you know what comes of it.

As far as my theory goes, this seems to indicate that the cat crossings are not random, but planned ahead of time. (I know some of you are worried about my eternal soul, but really, I've been delivered from not joking about these things).

In other cat news, Omen has a counterpart. I haven't concluded whether he is good luck or not, but I feel he must be a harbinger of the positive. He looks like a black cat from a profile angle, but head-on he has a large white spot under his chin. I've decided to call him "Owen" being only slightly different from Omen , but not his opposite (if he were a white cat his name would be "Nemo" of course).

I'm already late, I might as well write down some random thoughts.

Is anyone else excited about the spoof possibilities offered by the Beach Boys' song Kokomo and Obama running for president?

I'm wearing a t-shirt and a sweater today. I noticed my t-shirt was on backwards so I fixed that and then I looked in the mirror and now my sweater is on backwards, but my t-shirt is on forward, should I call in sick?

There is still snow on the ground. I'm very confused about where I am living. Where is my 70 degree day? Where is my snowfall that melts off in two days?

Does anyone know where my brown belt is? I'm substituting a brown scarf today, but would really like my belt. It say "LINDA" on the back... though no man has ever sang "Redneck Girl" to me.

Also just for everyone's edification, a spoon will work as a shoehorn in a pinch.

Readings for the sake of reading

This post is for those of you needing a poetry fix. Mark Jarman put this list together and if I had done it, I might have thought to put a couple of his on it. He was easily my favorite poet that did a reading when I was in college.

Over There

I was in Kansas City this weekend. I actually went as a tourist which was really different. I went to a few museums including the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the World War I Museum. As those of you who know me with any degree of depth, I may never have chosen of my own volition to visit these stops(being a closet history-hater and a non-baseball fan) , but I must admit that both were worth the trip (and maybe history is a little cool and baseball is little fun). Sometimes life is more interesting when there is someone travelling with you suggesting activities you would never have thought of doing.

At the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum I discovered that there were many other men who played in the Negro Leagues besides Satchel Paige (though he still is pretty amazing, I think he's even more amazing after the museum). The whole league seemed more fun than what is going on now, but of course, I live in a different time. I especailly loved the idea of these teams just playing whoever. That said, segregation is just ugly, and so the present is preferable .

At the Liberty Memorial, I found out that there were many causes that precipitated World War I besides the shooting of an archduke who has most recently lent his name to a band. I was reminded of the historical importance of the Lusitania which honestly I hadn't thought about since my junior year of high school. There was a lot of talk about monarchy, empires and nationalism which seemed to be much more important in the war than the actual Austrian archduke. I guess I am poorly educated, but I learned so much. If you ever decide to go, eat first, and plan on it taking a solid half day if not longer (there did seem to be an indication that a restaurant would be added which would make it a lot more palatable).

Powerless

Craziness. In case you hadn't guessed, there are still a lot of people without power around here.

slippers and signs

I have been reminded of some important things today... like that stocking feet on the linoleum stairs to my basement may result in slip and fall-- not the good kind where you collect $1 million. The backs of my calves are bruised, my hand is sore, my back muscle is pulled and I was late to work, all because I failed to put on slippers this morning.

The courthouse is sporting new no gun signs showing a gun with a red slash running through it. Hooray, the conceal and carry law went into effect! I had almost forgotten, but I think we can now use the outdoor ashtrays as a drop off spot for the guns since no one can smoke within 100 feet of the courthouse now. You can't smoke within 100 feet, but you can carry your gun right up to the front door. Hopefully I'll get used to the signs, but right now it just makes me wonder who the signs are targeting.

Resolved: that newness should co-exist with oldness

It's time for something. New year, new number, new date. The old has escaped the present to its eternal abode in memory. Though everyone should know my holidays, the last 3 weeks, have been full of new that became old (or "auld" in honor of the day). Newness becomes passe with each second passing and now will repeat itself ad infinitum. (Unless of course time truly ceases to exist, but for now I am trapped in its straight line continuum without a Deloreon or a flux capacitor). So, the girl of 2006 is now the girl of 2007. She is mind-bogglingly decisive. I am going to attempt a poem everyday again, which I've tried before, but I've already succeeded today. I am going to face myself and examine my path.

Sorry for the vagueness (imagine trying to live your life with this kind of vague mind everyday! It's a wonder I accomplish anything). Sorry that there are no pictures, JEO.