seancentral.com

A Bad Morning

I dropped my waffle on the floor this morning.

Then, after cleaning up and hopping into my car, I realized my gas gauge was on empty. 

There would have been time to do a quick fill-up, except for the fact that I ended up following a  s-l-o-t-h  in a brown Hyundai Tucson who kept stepping on his/her/its brakes.

Already late to work, I arrive to find no parking spot anywhere near my office because a number of doofuses have decided to take up 2 parking stalls each. 

Ouf!  I hate when that happens.

"Ouf!'by the way, is something I've caught myself saying the past few weeks.  It sounds French although in French,"ouf!" means "whew!" or "phew!", and not "Yipes" or "Ay!".  So maybe I'm actually saying "uf!" which would fit the situation in Spanish, although then I'd be pronouncing it wrong.  See all the confusion a stupid, dropped waffle can cause?  Did I mention the doofuses?

The day isn't a total disaster however because around 10am, Jimmy my manager (who has been in a frightfully good mood all week), decides to share his hidden stash of Snickers.  Thankfully, I don't drop mine on the floor.  Ouf/Uf!

In other news, after months of procrastinating, I've finally gotten around to putting up our screendoor .  It was a bit of a chore, thanks to earthquakes over the years which have rendered the doorways at home slightly off plumb.  But after some tweaking and mumbling under my breath, the door looks pretty nice and closes properly. Mom's happy with how it turned out and the good news is that with the screen door up, the Saturday group can now enjoy the morning breezes during the meeting for field service.  However, I think it might be fair to give you a word of warning:

Those of you planning to be out in service this Saturday better not show up late to the group because I've rearranged the room so everyone faces the door.  Which means if you walk in late, everyone will see you.  Of course, it's not like no one has ever seen late comers before...it's just that now, we won't have to turn our heads to see who's coming in at 8:31.  In the long run, I think it'll save a lot of wear and tear on our neck muscles. You rubber-necks can thank me later.   

Congratulations, JUSTIN!

Thanks to everyone who participated in seancentral.com's Delurker Week.  Commenter's names were entered into a computer generated list randomizer. After some spinning wheels, bright flashes of light and smoky discharge through the USB ports, ("discharge" sounds very medical doesn't it?) the computer decided on: Justin. 

Quite ironic since his comment was a smiley face and nothing more.

Justin has won himself an 8 oz bottle of Lavender Citrus Hand Soap, courtesy of Maui's own Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm.  Keeps the chef's hands clean and won't dry them out, even with frequent washing.  Frequent hand washing is, by the way, a very essential procedure.  Especially when using those hands to prepare food.  For your buddy.  Who's name starts with S.  Tuesday evening.  8pm.  After field service.

Stay tuned for October's contest which will be posted on October 1st.

A you is a you is a you

Here is a long and very possibly boring post about language studies.  You have been warned:

Many foreign languages have at least 2 different words for "YOU", depending on the level of formality and respect the speaker is trying to convey. English had it at one time too.  "Thou" was the informal form of address and "ye" was considered to be more formal.  Linguists refer to this as the T/V distinction.

It's kinda interesting to note that people's perception of what constitutes a "proper" form of address, depends largely on the culture, even among Witnesses.  So what am I supposed to call my brothers and sisters?

In visiting with numerous Spanish speaking brothers and sisters here in Hawaii (the majority from Latin America), the overall tendency is to use "Usted" (the formal form of the word "you") when addressing someone at the Hall for the first time.  In fact, many tend to always use "Usted", unless they are talking to little kids.

The opposite is true in Spain where everybody is referred to  using the informal "tu" or "vosotros", even from the platform and even to strangers and older people. But don't think my liberal use of "tu" makes me a Spain snob, although I'll admit my choice in pronun-thee-ation probably makes it seem that way.

The fact is, I already tended to "tutear" (yes, it's a real verb meaning "to address others using the informal 'tu' ") even before developing a love for Spain.  Although it's most natural because of my personality, it makes me feel a bit "mal-educado" (lacking in manners) sometimes, since for example, I already use "tu" with Marcos, while Catanny (who is his study conductor and who has known him longer) still addresses him with the respectful "Usted".  I also "tutear" most brothers and sisters I meet for the first time unless they are really old or if I know they prefer to be addressed with Usted.  Does that make me crass and disrespectful?  Do I offend? 

I don't mean to. But I do have difficulty addressing fellow human beings with "Usted" (originally the high-falutin "Vuestra Merced") knowing very well that when we pray, Jehovah, the highest being in the universe deserving of the most respect,  is always addressed using the informal "tu".  Of course, the difference between "tu" and "Usted" goes beyond formality and delves into closeness and intimacy as well, although even that is dependent on where you're from. See how complicated it can be?

The Watchtower in Spanish always uses the formal  "Usted" (unless it is an article directed to youth.)  Even then, the Spanish Awake is called "Despertad!" ,(which is the informal 2nd person plural imperative form), and not "Despiertense!" which is probably what you'd expect. The old "Sing Praises to Jehovah"  songbook made regular use of the same informal 2nd person plural imperative in numerous songs like 191, "Make the Truth Your Own" ("...la verdad vivid, No os inclinéis al mal.")  The 1st person plural imperative was also used regularly in the songbook (like in the title of song 191 "Vivamos La Verdad"), but the more formal "Usted" form was nowhere to be found among all 225 songs. Interestingly, the new songbook, "Sing to Jehovah" has replaced both forms with the informal 2nd person singular "tu" in almost every song. Very much one-on-one and personal.

The Watchtower in French also always uses the formal "vous" instead of the informal "tu".  Which isn't surprising. However, the Branch office which was located in Paris at the time did interestingly, employ "tu"  relatively quickly in their second corespondance with me regarding my inquiry about meeting times and locations. 

The Watchtower in Portuguese uses the term "você", which falls somewhere between the formal "o senhor" and friendly "tu", although "você" is used in place of "tu" in Brazil.

Italian uses "tu" informally and "Lei" for formal situations.  The Rome Branch office was quick to respond to my letter using "tu", although emails I've received from businesses in Italy invariably use "Lei".  What is interesting is that the Italian Watchtower uses neither, and opts for "voi" instead (which I had always thought to be the plural form of "YOU".) 

The Romanian Watchtower always uses the informal "tu" instead of the more formal "dumneavoastă" . The same holds true in the magazine's German version which also regularly uses the informal "du" instead of the respectful "Sie" in its articles.  Does that indicate that Romanians and Germans are more "chummy"?

So, (said with right index finger extended) what's the point of all this?  Oh, nothing, really.  Just that there aren't always set rules when it comes to foreign grammar and customs and that generalizing almost never helps.  You see, I've learned not to  stress out over cultural differences... they are a part of life.  I figure if I'm sincere in my efforts, and don't go out of my way to deliberately step on toes, people will sense my genuine love and respect for them pouring from my heart  (despite the wrong form slipping out of my mouth.)

152.4lbs today.

Happy De-Lurking Week!

Out of morbid curiosity, I am asking you lurkers (those of you who stop by and read stuff but who never comment), to de-lurk yourself this week.  The purpose for this de-lurkage is two fold. 

First, knowing who reads this blog helps me improve on content and style.  Secondly (and perhaps even more importantly), I need some reassurance that Luke isn't the only one who actually looks at this page.  

Simply make a comment to this post sometime between 12am today and 11:59 pm Saturday September 25th.  Just stop in and say "hi".  Of course, even non-lurkers can comment.

To add a bit of fun, a random commenter will receive a thank you prize at the end of the week.  I won't tell you alls what the prize is, but here's a big hint:

It is NOT an all expense-paid-trip for two to the Bahamas.

Okay, that should narrow it down a bit.

GO!!

Real men have Parsley-Coated Armpits

I roll my eyes at female co-workers who get all giddy over the new OPI nail polish colors.  They work themselves into a frenzy, squealing and shreiking over bath and body products. Pffff, I mean really!   Don't these women know that the Home Depot is having a sale on power tools this weekend? 

But I'm no barbarian.  In fact, I'll be the first to admit that guys needn't shy away from a bit of pampering.  Who says apricot scrubs and the XY gene don't mix?  And excuse me Bruno, but Citrus-Mint shampoo IS manly! 

Clean nails, glowing skin and smelling fresh.  Girly?  No way.  It's called masculine refinement.  Or something like that.  Or perhaps I'm just trying to explain my way out of what visitors to my house see when they use my bathroom.

My grooming tray holds a few necessary amenities: 

• ZIRH REFRESH peppermint astringent, great for ridding the face and neck of dirt and oil while leaving a zingy, cool tingle.
• A nail set for keeping the mitts trimmed and clean. Dirt filled claws aren't manly...they're gross and remind me of a certain Mangosteen incident, but that's another story.
• ANTHONY SPIRIT, my signature fragrance which is a mix of green spices.
• CELEX-C PRODUIT POUR LA PEAU Under-Eye toning Gel gets rid of dark circles and is an instant wake me upper. Vain?  Yes. 
• TAYLOR OF OLD BOND STREET Rose Shaving Cream, a great English product you work up into a rich creamy lather with a boar hair shaving brush and bowl.  Ten times smoother than any shave you'll get from a Foam-In-A-Can.
• SCHWARZKOPF göt2b glued, water resistant and strong enough to last the whole day...and no white flaky mess.
• ANTHONY LOGISTICS Glycolic Cleanser, a soap-free non drying face wash.
• DERMATOLOGICA natural deodorant uses a blend of coriander, parsley, clove and hyssop. It's aluminum cholohydrate and alcohol free meaning no more ugly stains on my shirts.  And it's non-irritating and fragrance free.

Okay, okay.  So I admit I like fancy shmancy grooming products.  What of it?

Speaking of admissions, my weight today is:

152.8 (+1) So much for the Bran Flakes and Veggie sandwiches. (and a few darn cookies.) 

Here We Go!

151.8 lbs (START)

The Seven Dwarfs (or is it "Dwarves"?)

Today's meeting was interesting since there were 7 (count them, SEVEN!) visiting children who are not usually there in the Spanish room.  Our Spanish speaker Rogelio and his wife Lily have 4 girls.  Ray S. who gave the talk in English, was accompanied by his wife, daughter and Spanish-speaking son-in-law who also have 4 kids, 3 of whom joined their dad in Spanish.  Seven doesn't sound like a whole lot, but we're talking seven children in a tiny room with no windows and limited oxygen.  I'm starting to hyperventilate again just thinking about it.

The cute kiddies weren't really what took the cake however.  It was the fact that Rogelio and I were dressed exactly alike.  He gave the Public talk and I conducted the Watchtower Study, which means the audience had to cast their big shoe-button eyes on the same lime-green outfit for the entire meeting.  I suppose that's what happens when you live on an island and the local Sear's has a sale on shirt and tie combos.

Good news, Good plants

Friday evening, after a long but productive day in service,  I had a nice study with someone who I thought didn't want to see me at his door anymore.  Thanks to an article I pulled up for personal study the night before  ["Keep on Preaching the Kingdom" w88 1/1 25-29], and some encouragement from Jason and Qiana last Monday, I decided to bite the bullet and give-it-another-go. 

As it turns out, the reason for this person's seemingly cold attitude the past few weeks had nothing to do with the study or with me.   I other words, I was stressing out for nothing.   I could just kick myself!    But I won't,  for the following four reasons listed alphabetically for your reading convenience: 

• Jehovah wants us to make the adjustment, not mope about it.
• My HMO plan doesn't cover shoe-from-rear-end removals.
• My knees don't bend that far back and my calves get in the way.
• There are a lot of other more productive things to do like repot houseplants

Which happens to be a convenient introduction to what I was up to today after service.  Here from left to right are: Aglaonema Silver Queen, a varigated Dracaena sanderiana, Ficus elastica 'Ruby', Ficus elastica 'Sylvie', Dieffenbachia Camille, a NOID peperomia, and Dieffenbachia Splash, all now sitting comfortably in larger pots and fresh potting mix.

Doing some maintenance in the Casita revealed a few nice surprises, including an already fading first time bloom of Anguloa _{[Ruiz et Pavon]} Dubia (uniflora x clowesii)  purchased a number of years back from Oakhill Gardens,

Vuylstekeara Melissa Brianne 'Tawny Tart' AM/AOS poking its inflorence into the walkway,

 

a half opened inflorence on my Cattleya bowringiana _{Veitch 1885} [Belize-Guatemala] completely unnoticed my myself until this afternoon,

 

and finally, a cross of the brown and blue forms of Vanda tesselata _{(Roxb.) Hook. 1850} [Chinese Himalayas, India, Myanmar].

 

Hmmm, I like finding stuff like this by surprise although it's a good indication that I should probably pay more attention to plant care in the Casita. But for reasons already stated elsewhere, I won't kick myself for this one.

Skinny

I am in a festive, celebratory mood today, because I have officially received word that I am now....FAT.  Yes, it's true!  When close relatives and older brothers and sisters in the congregation say you are plumping up, you'd better believe it.  In fact, I'm celebrating right now with a #2 combo from McDonalds.  

Not that weight comments are anything new.  I was a chubby baby ("he's soooo plump!") who turned into a skinny child, ("you gotta eat more") who turned into a fat pre-teen, ("man he's husky!") who turned into a scrawny young adult with no muscles, ("you  have the body of a woman.") who is now filling out again ("pickin' up weight, eh?") 

Happily, those kind of comments really don't bother me.  My belief is: You can say whatever you like about my physique.  Just avoid asking me irritating questions like: "Spanish is the same as Filipino, isn't it?"  or "Isn't that the CUTEST baby you've ever seen?"   The answer to both questions by the way, is "No."

Anyways, I had a good excuse to lose a few pounds last year, namely, to fit into my costume for the International Convention in Oahu, and although I don't see myself having to dress up like an Andalusian vaquero for any upcoming events, I suppose shedding a few pounds wouldn't hurt either.  Besides, my new sedentary position at work isn't helping any and I think it'll be a fun challenge.  I figure, if I lose a few pounds, cool.  If I don't, at least I'll be healthier.   I've come up with a very reasonable plan:

Beginning Monday, September 13th, I am setting a goal to begin eating healthier.  I'll avoid all fast foods [during the week], eat more vegetables with smaller meals, and will avoid late night snacking [on junk food]

And that's it.  I am not promising more exercise as of yet. We'll see what happens.  I'll post my weight every Monday and Thursday under the Category: "skinny".  Of course, I'll have to buy more plants to offset the reduction of calories.

Now leave me alone and let me finish my Quarter Pounder and fries.

May our colored shirts not bring rep{ROACH}

There's nothing quite like having your head under a warm shower, eyes closed, scent of citrus mint shampoo filling the room, and then... feeling something doing the cha-cha-cha over your foot.

 

Which is obviously what all roaches do, judging from the illustration on the box of cockroach traps I was planning to put out tonight.  But after looking at all the fun the smiling critters are having in their little tuxedos, I don't know if I'll have the heart to put the traps out.  I for one, know how much time and effort goes into getting your hair/antennae looking just right.  I'd be crushed going through all that hard work only to have everything come to a sudden, sticky end in a fake house with a glue floor. 

On a completely unrelated note, Jason, Luke and I swung by the Home Depot this afternoon in field service to look for my RV, Israel who works there.  While making our way past the lightbulbs, the highly observant Luke noticed that the colors of our immaculately pressed, and muscle-filled shirts matched the display of $4.97 plastic containers.  Subconsciously planned, I'm sure. 

  
 

Deine Fotos gefallen mir, Luke.  Danke! Du bist der beste.