CourtneyP

Wow, playing TSO has taken up a lot of my time, but I have managed to keep things in check… my school work is doing fine, my freelance work is alright, and my home life is not abandoned.

…Yet.

Just kidding.

Funny that for a while there, I was investing more time in my sim’s virtual life than my own real one. Yes, the true sign of a geek.

Tomorrow is my first Sims Meetup (yes, something similar to Blog Meetup). Hoping to meet some more cool people and, as they say in the islands, “Talk Story”. I really like the whole meetup thing, it’s been really awesome so far. Highly recommended way to meet new people with similar interest!

Anyone else out there play TSO? If not, what game is currently eating your life away?

Found via Christine…

READ ME: a weblog disclaimer.

This is definitely a required read for Weblog newbies, or Webloggers that need a refresher on blogging netiquette. Do check it out.

I was driving to class this morning, when I saw an early-nineties sedan driving a little bit ahead and to the right of me. Not just any run-of-the mill sedan, but one sporting an American Flag, hanging off of the left rear passenger window.

What is so bad about that, you ask?

The flag was damaged beyond repair. It was frayed, torn and in very sad shape. If the Flag is damaged in such a way, aren’t you supposed to retire it in a dignified fashion? Isn’t it more patriotic to retire your flag if it has served its duty, and give it proper respect?

The US Scouting Service Project says:

When the flag is in such condition, through wear or damage, that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it shall be destroyed in a dignified manner befitting such a symbol. The traditional way is to cut the flag into pieces and burn it in a modest but blazing fire. As we perform this respected duty, let us reflect on the design and meaning of our flag.

I’ve seen way to many flags lately that are sadly threadbare and falling to pieces. That doesn’t really show much respect, although I’m sure the intentions are to fly their flags as long as they can to show patriotism.

What *is* patriotism, these days, anyways?

The current issue of Lenswork magazine has a photo collection of American Flags across the country. It’s a cliched photograph by now… but people continue to shoot numerous photos of the flag waving… of people declaring their patriotism and shouting never ending choruses of “United We Stand”.

Honestly, I’m almost tiring of this imagery. I know the events over the past couple of years have shocked everyone and made them sad, angry, and most of all, loyal to their country. But there *is* a limit, isn’t there? Can’t we just let it go and move on? Can we concentrate on making our country better instead of trying to make it even with the people and countries that we have been damaged by?

I’m often not one to rant about politics and related issues, but this brief moment this morning made me think a bit.

yesterday, we finally went geocaching again. I wonder again, why did I take such a long hiatus from this activity?

We went to Sanborn-Skyline Park and took a lovely, low impact hike through the redwoods. It was pretty apparent that the recent storms had taken a big toll on the forests… lots of fallen trees, debris everywhere. But still, the majestic redwoods never cease to make me stare up in awe.

We went and found the appropriately named “Sanborn Cache”… there aren’t too many other caches in this park because of the tree cover (bad GPS reception). The park is well deserving of more activity, I think it is a well-kept secret here in the south bay. I will definitely go back there.

My faith has been restored. I’m pretty darned happy to be in California again.

A couple of months ago, I learned a new blogging term via Christine, who had learned it via Mike. I thought today might be an appropriate day to introduce (or re-introduce):

Blurker (BLUR-kur): n. 1. One who reads many blogs but leaves no evidence of themselves such as comments behind; a silent observer of blogs. 2. One who reads many blogs but has no blog of their own; a blog-watcher or blog voyeur.

My referrer logs tell me that a lot more people visit here than leave comments. Some people truly have nothing to say. Some people have a few thoughts to share, but are too shy! Some people think whatever they say may make them seem dumb/ignorant/mean/etc.! You need not worry about that here.

Unless you’re a troll, of course.

I love it when my blog entries provoke discussion, like my “Is it Art” entry the other day… I am still enjoying that one! I love hearing from you folks out there in the Inter-web thingy. I’ll let you know that I also visit the sites of people that comment here pretty faithfully. It’s all about the communitiy. So if you just want a new reader at your blog/site/whatever, try me!

Even if you have nothing to say right now, let me know you’re here. Chime in and let me know how long you’ve been reading and how you found me! I’m just curious!

P.S.: I realize a lot of people are here today because of the GnomeReport… Welcome! Say “Hi” if you may!