Slow Saturday Mornings With White Man's Gospel

I started college when I was 16. I don't remember what the class was, but it was in the early evening, and the instructor had us listen to bits of this show called "All Things Considered" during class. It was on this radio station called "NPR". From the first listen, I was hooked.

Twenty years later, I keep what is really my only religious ritual, listening to my local NPR station for as long as possible on Saturdays, preferably starting with Weekend Morning Edition, ending with Says You. In the middle, Car Talk is over and I'm awaiting my favorite show, Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me.

One of the very first things I do when I move to somewhere new or am on vacation or traveling for work, is to tune in the local public radio station.

When I lived in Little Rock, my ritual was to clean house Saturday mornings while I listened.

I was so proud when I made my first annual pledge of $60 when I lived in Lincoln.

I didn't know what to do with myself when I found out there were multiple stations in Seattle.

I have a love/like relationship with Prairie Home Companion. I prefer when the program is more homogeneous. I don't mind an opera singer or two, but not in the middle of a banjo piece and a children's choir. I enjoy sitting quietly and listening intently to the news from Lake Wobegon.

When my sister-in-law and her kids lived with us last year, they quietly suffered through long Saturdays filled with Auntie's radio programs. It was a foreign listening experience for kids raised on hip-hop. One day while PHC was on, my then 5 year-old nephew walked through the kitchen as a bluegrass piece with vocals was being performed. He stopped, thought for a moment, and said, "Oh! Auntie Terri Ann like white man gospel!" Having figured it out, he continued on his way.

Just now, I had discussed with Dean going to run errands after Wait, Wait... is over at 11. He went to tell Angel that we would leave at 11.
Angel: I know.
Dean: Oh, did you hear us discussing it?
Angel: (Quite matter-of-factly) No. That's when her show is over.
Even the 12 year-old knows me so well. I suppose there is some comfort in consistency.

Simple Joys

Our work conference room overlooks Elliot Bay from our offices on the 17th floor. I usually sit on the window side, facing in. However, I took the opportunity to sit facing out yesterday during a long meeting.

While I was enjoying the gorgeous blue skies and lazy water, watching the occasional jet approaching the airport for a landing, the parasailers crazily drifting behinds boats, and the ferries running back and forth across the Sound, I looked out towards 2nd and University and there around the 20th floor of the building on that block, a lone red balloon on a string floated with gentle purpose towards the sky.

I always wondered where those escaped balloons went after letting loose of a tiny fist. They make it at least to the 30th floor, where I lost sight of it. Beyond that, I still wonder.

What did I say about being clever?

Using the word "whilst" in a blog post is an attempt to be clever.

Note to self: Don't be clever.

Rules for Naps

I posted this to another on-line spot back in 2007. I think it bears repeating.

Rules, or guidelines perhaps, for Naps, in no particular order. Disregarding them will result in a low quality nap.

1. The best naps are taken purposefully. Plan ahead.

2. Naps are most effective when taken semi-dressed, preferably dressed normally waist-up, but without pants - just underwear - and no socks. If you're the commando type, put some underwear on for the nap. You'll be pleased. Being a naked sleeper myself, I find these clothing rules hold true only for naps.

3. Naps should be taken in a bed, but on top of some of the usual covers. Only the upper-most bed covering, or preferably a throw or quilt, should be used.

4. Naps should be taken where dappled sunshine or light rain are accessible, but not directly in them. The best naps are taken in that odd, afternoon bedroom shade and quiet. The lightest breath of a breeze from an open window occasionally licking your cheek is a bonus.

5. Naps are even better if taken while someone is fixing something in the kitchen that you can eat when you get up since you'll be hungry, and you can't quite make out the chit chat or what the thing is being cooked, but you know it will be good.

6. One if not two cats must be present to watch over you for safety reasons.

7. Whoever said power-napping meant one of those twenty minute dozes was cracked. Power napping, in fact, is the ability to pass out for 1-2 hours, but have just the occasional drizzle of wakefulness. This allows for a good sleep, with the ability to still appreciate the dappled sunshine or light rain and breeze. This also allows for smelling updates on whether the food being cooked to be consumed post-nap is actually complete, signaling the end of the nap.

8. While spicy chicken sandwiches and frosties from Wendy's can replace the thing being cooked in the kitchen, it isn't really a great substitute. Try to employ a cooking relative or friend to be active in the kitchen during the nap.

9. A potty break is essential just pre-nap to avoid nap disturbances.

10. Under no circumstances answer the phone, the bell, the IM, the telepathic implant, whilst napping.

11. Team napping will result in snuggling, which results in snogging, which results in you-know-what. Nap alone, in separate bedrooms.

12. Submitted by Kyle: I've found that napping mid-day while fully clothed (even shod!) can be very successful IF, and ONLY IF you are watching a documentary narrated by Leonard Nimoy and/or have a nice, meaningful book such as "The Four Agreements" open and laying across your chest.

Your additions are solicited and welcome!