I try to commute to work by bike or bus as much as possible. In part, I commute by bike or bus to "walk the walk" (or ride the walk, uh...whatever!) with regard to reducing global warming. In part, it's to exercise and feel better (again, especially biking, although walking to and from the bus is at least a little bit of exercise). Finally, biking is (for the most part, after purchasing supplies) free. I can't say that about driving (or unfortunately, taking the bus).
While reading the Village Voice, I came across this really unflattering article about the same exhibit (or at least, the same sort of exhibit) I visited a few years ago (2001) in Berlin under the name Körperwelten: Village Voice article.
Maybe I was oblivious, or maybe the exhibit space in Berlin had better ventilation, but I didn't notice any weird smells from the bodies, and I didn't need a bucket to vomit in. In fact, I found the whole thing fascinating, and not at all disrespectful to the people and families of the people whose bodies were on display. This site explains more about the process, as well as provides pictures from the exhibit.
Let me know what you think. Is this gross or disrespectful? Do you think you would go to see it (assume you had the cash or it was free and not too hard to get to)?
I took two pictures of my parents with my digital camera this past weekend. One was boring, and the other was really dark. When I lightened it up, I saw it was actually kind of amusing. There was no way I could get it to look normal, though, so I just went for totally weird.
My horoscope for today: Why talk about something when you can draw a picture? Art replaces language, or at least supplements it when words alone can't say enough. At last you have an outlet that your imagination so desperately needed. When you let all the fantastical beasts out of their cages, strange and wonderful things may happen. You're on your own and in control. Now you're ready for the moment of personal power that you so often glimpse from a distance. It feels good to be free.
I'm going to take this one step further...why think about something when you can draw a picture? My drawing, admittedly, sucks. But here we are:
As for this weekend, I'm getting my to-do list accomplished. In my slow, reclusive way. Reading over things I've written in the past, I'm surprised at how remarkably consistent I really am. Surprised and disgusted.
I'll take my (own?) medicine and be better soon. Promise.
For some reason, I feel like it's Wednesday. That would be bad, because it would mean one less day of vacation for me. Vacation is good and bad. I fall into my "natural" rhythm, which is: wasting time, staying up really late, holing up in my apartment. It's sort of scary: I think I could be one of those people who died in their apartments alone and weren't found until days or weeks later. I read once about a man in Germany who was only found after 5 YEARS(!) as he had all his bills paid automatically; they only came to his door when the account was empty. Creepy.
I'm going to attempt to get some work done today, but I'm so unmotivated. This is what I mean about vacation being good and bad. Am I just possibly incredibly lazy? I would like life to be more fun, and right now, sitting on the couch in my pyjamas after noon thumbing through Teaching Literature isn't doing it for me.
Word to the wise: Don't drink coffee at 2 am unless you are in good company and have a valid REASON to stay awake.
Maybe I'll give Annie* a call tonight and cave to her desperate longing to see Brad Pitt. *shrug*
pensive
curious
silly
bored