Billy Goat Trail

Last weekend I made my second hike of the year.  My friend Lineka and I drove up to the Billy Goat Trail to get starting on our outdoor adventure.  Spending the afternoon outdoors with a good friend is one of the best ways spend my time.  

It was the perfect day.  We entered through Carderock, and The trail wasn’t too crowded - except for that crazy, unleashed greyhound that kept watching us, running circles around us, and almost knocking us over.  Otherwise, we saw other hikers, families, fishermen, and people out for a lazy Sunday stroll.  The trail was surrounded by the C&O Canal and an open, large park.  

We forged through rocky waters.

We stopped to enjoy the view.

But mostly, we talked and laughed and enjoyed the afternoon.  Everything I read said the trail was about 4 miles long, but we were only there for about an hour, so I assume we only did about half of the trail.  

Finding such a quiet place outside the beltway was often be a nice way to escape the stress DC brings to many people.  

Bible-banging Homophobes Need Not Apply

WARNING: This post is NOT for you if you are a “bible-banging homophobe.”  Seriously, move on.

First, please read this article:  http://www.practikel.com/2012/01/27/christian-group-shows-up-to-chicago-gay-pride-holding-apologetic-signs/

No really, read this article.

What I have to say won’t make sense if you don’t read the article.

Now I don’t really talk about religion too much.  Partly because I don’t want to argue; partly because I don’t have anything to say; and partly because religion isn’t a big part of my life and therefore isn’t a big part of my conversations.

Regardless of your religious beliefs, we all know someone who is homophobic and blames it on their religion.  I cannot stand these people.  I don’t care what anyone believes.  I do not care for people who discriminate - regardless of their reasoning.  In fact, if you discriminate, you are probably not a part of my life.

I honestly don’t have much to say though.  I think the article says enough.  

I just wonder how much I can all learn from those saying, “I’m sorry.”  I wonder how much more I can love and respect people who aren’t the same as me.  (I mean, let’s be honest, NO ONE is the same as me!)  And I wonder if my treatment towards another person impacts them to their core.  I’m sure that at various points, my words and/or actions have stuck with the people I encounter.  This article is just a friendly reminder to myself that I need to watch my actions, my words, and always make sure my character is on the forefront of my behavior.  

Thank you, Ms. Ezra for this article.  

A Book That Made Me Think: THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS

As a daily commuter, I see people engaging in various activities.  Many people are disgusting - they pop their zits or clip their fingernails.  (Yes, I’m serious.  Yes, I’m working on a blog post on this very subject.) A lot of people sleep.  Others sit quietly, listening to their iPods.  People like me, we read.  When I see multiple people reading the same book, I decide I need to investigate this book, which is how I came across The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot.

In a nutshell, this is the true story of a Maryland woman who had cancer and a host of STDs from her very giving husband.  The interesting part about this woman, who died only about 60 years ago, is that her cancerous cells are still being studied in academia and in laboratories worldwide.  Except there is a catch.  The doctors who took her cells did not tell her they were taking cells for more research.  They definitely didn’t tell her they were selling, trading, and giving her cells away to other scientists to do more research.  Her very poor family did not receive any compensation.  In fact, it was many years after Henrietta’s death that they even discovered research was being done.  

Yes, the research done has done a lot (no, A LOT) of good for humanity.  Henrietta Lacks’ cells have led to the development of the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, and a plethora of scientific advancements.  It’s pretty amazing.

In the afterword, Skloot made some remarks that made me think, “Today most Americans have their tissue on file somewhere.  When you go to the doctor for a routine blood test or to have a mole removed, when you have an appendectomy, tonsillectomy, or any other kind of ectomy, the stuff you leave behind doesn’t always get thrown out.  Doctors, hospitals, and laboratories keep it.  Often indefinitely.”     SERIOUSLY?  DOES THIS REALLY HAPPEN????   She also said, “Biobanks stores appendixes, ovaries, skin, sphincters, testicles, fat, even foreskin from most circumcisions.  They also house blood samples taken from most infants born in the United States since the late sixties, when states started mandating the screening of all newborns for genetic diseases.”

This is just crazy.  Then, I started thinking about my commute.  At each entrance/exit of a Metro stop, there are nice people there to hand to a free paper, Express.  This is a Washington Post owned paper, but it’s free to the commuters in Washington DC.  (This paper is actually the reason I reduced my subscription at home.)  This paper gives you a very brief run-down of world-wide events, plus huge advertisement section.  Along with the available apartments in the area, one can sign up for many medical tests.  

Just in Friday’s paper alone, I found advertisements for participation in research studies if one happens to have rheumatoid arthritis, gout, heart disease, or depression.

Or if you want to be an egg donor, there is a number to call.  If you want to participate in a live influenza vaccine study or a study on fear and anxiety, there is also a niche for you in the greater DC area.

But what is going to happen to your research?  Are doctors/labs going to continue to test your “donations” long after the study?  

All I know is that I’m going to be asking MANY more questions the next time I give blood and during my next physical.  

I suggest you read this book.  It was very insightful to the development of medicine, especially when it hits so close to home, literally.  You also might want to think of some questions for the doctor next time you pay a visit.  

Are you happy???

Are you happy?  No, I mean really happy?  Do you find joy in your daily activities?  Do you smile?  Laugh?

I am proud to admit that, yes, I am happy.  I’m in a great relationship with a wonderful man.  I live in an awesome area, and my apartment is really nice.  I think that a few of my achievements are notable.  My life is pretty great.

Regardless of how great things are at this moment, I know that life if fluid.  Things change.  People evolve.  I might not always live here.  My iCal may one day be blank.  No one knows when their relationships are going to end.  There is no way to make predictions into the future.  I accept this and I am willing to ensure that, regardless of the situation, my happiness will not decrease based on situations out of my control.

I have always believed that my happiness comes first, and everything else is an asset to my life.  I still think this way.  Yes, it sounds really selfish.  That’s because it is.  Something I’ve learned in my 28 years of life is that no one can protect me as much as me.  No one has my best interests in mind but me.  Sure, people consider my wants and needs, but, in the end, I am the only one who can take a proactive stand in my own life.  If I waited around for others to make decisions on my behalf, I’d probably be uneducated and living with my mother in the Missouri.  (Oh geez!  Imagine how depressed we would all be if that were the case!)  

I’ve been blogging for almost 6 months.  In this time, dear reader, I’ve tried to let you in on the few projects I’ve been involved in.  I tried to introduce myself by letting you in to the way I spend my time: I’ve taken a few trips and attended a few lectures; the gym and my health have been documented; my goals have been shared with you.  

I just wonder if my activities have made me any happier.  Of course I haven’t shared each event with you.  (I don’t need stalkers!)  I recently attended a lecture on George Washington, and my recreational volleyball team did really bad.  (Actually, we were terrible.)  I teach English as a Second Language once a week, and I’m studying for the GRE.  

But am I any happier since November 2011 when this blog began?  I’m not sure.  I’ve decided this is a problem.  I’m busier than I’ve ever been, but my happiness-range hasn’t changed.  Isn’t that interesting!!!!

This weekend, in Charlottesville, VA, I ran across this book.

I read the (would-be) prologue and got inspired.  I need to create a happiness project for myself.  I don’t know where I’m going to start, but I am going to take careful consideration of the way I spend my time to ensure I find joy and happiness in my life.  

So, I’ll ask you again, dear reader.  Are you happy?  Is there room to find time and space in your busy schedule to insert pleasure and bliss?

If you’d like to take on this project with me, let me know.  Are there tangible goals you need to set for yourself?  I think we all have room for improvement.  I also think it takes a brave person to challenge change and are willing to accept change in your life.  

I’m ready for happiness to consume my life.  

I’m in.  Are you with me?  

A Trip to Great Falls

I had the absolute pleasure of enjoying Great Falls National Park this weekend.

http://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm

A few friends and I got up really early, faced the brisk cold, and made it to the park before it got busy.  We mostly had the place to ourself, and we throughly enjoyed every second.  

I felt like I was really one with nature.  I could hear the roar of the river, punctuated by the chirping of the birds.  It was pure bliss.  I could have stayed there all day and enjoyed the views.  It would have been an idyllic place for reading under a tall tree. 

One of my downfalls is getting into ruts.  This is something I am not proud of, but am actively working on.  Honestly, dear reader, on most days I come home and do nothing.  I watch mindless television and play on the internet.  The purpose of this blog is to engage with my environment.  I live in such an awesome place that has so much to offer.  There are so many historical sites, museums, and hidden spots that are waiting for me to explore.  This trip to Great Falls was my attempt in connecting with nature and exploring my world.  I live in 700 square feet, dear reader.  Sometimes it feels like my walls are caving in on me.

Great Falls is about 30 minutes from my apartment.  (The drive was easy, with my Garmin, of course.)  I really have no excuse to enjoy the world around me.  I mean, look at this place.  How could you NOT want to visit this park???

I’m new to this hiking thing.  I am trying to make a safe and fun experience for myself, thus well-packed, super-cute green hiking bag.  I'm trying to look well put together, but I am no professional.  

I will say that I loved every second of being at Great Falls.  I didn’t mind the cold.  The trails were easy to navigate, and now, I’m looking for my next adventure. 

Are you in?  What is your next adventure???

A Poem for a Gym Beginners

I’ve been going to the gym for just a few weeks,

All I know is that I’m really weak.

I’ll be honest, it’s an intimidating place,

Sure, it’s fast paced, but don’t bring the mace.

The place is not like anything you’ve ever known,

People moan; people grown - an intense zone.

Sometimes I swim, attempting the butterfly,

And then an elderly man paddles right by.

His arm-fat is flopping, his feet are a-flutter,

I, on the other hand, am melting like butter.

I swim lap after lap,

But really, I only dream about my next nap.

The people are of all shapes and sizes,

But, no, they don’t hand out any prizes.

Eating fruit, fruit, fruit all day long,

Why haven’t I been doing this all along?

Oh wait, I get another whiff of the rank smell,

The odor is so strong, but I try not to dwell.

But, I swear, some people don’t shower,

Sour!  Sour!  Sour!

When I lift the weights; I give my all,

It’s really a miracle I don’t fall.

I’m still not sure why people grunt,

Are you trying to put on a masculine front?

I run and my belly flops all around,

This is embarrassing even to write down.

Everyone looks dumb on the elliptical machine,

Uphills.  Intervals.  It doesn’t matter the routine.

The treadmill begrudgingly drags me along,

And sometimes I feel like I don’t belong.

So, gym newbie, beware,

This place will not remind you of life on a beach chair.

You’ll have to work hard, you will be sore,

And yes, sometimes it will be a bore.

Maybe one day I’ll reap the rewards,

I’ll make it to the goal I’m working towards.

So if you need me, I’ll be at the gym,

Hoping one day that I’ll be trim.

Stick with it, I’m trying too,

But if this doesn’t work, I’m organizing a coup!!!

An Investigation into Jefferson

As I mentioned a few posts ago, I’m reading a wonderful book about the slave family, the Hemings, who lived for 5 generations at Monticello.  I had the opportunity to visit Jefferson’s home this past weekend and I had a wonderful experience.  The weather was perfect, and my amazing boyfriend accompanied me throughout his huge plantation.

To be honest, my American history knowledge is quite lacking.  I didn’t learn too much about this great country in my public school system, so, as an adult, I try to read all I can so that I don’t look like a total idiot when someone mentions a significant historical milestone that I know nothing about.  

For example, my family visited the Alamo when I was about 13 or so, and I didn’t want to take the tour.   It was hot and I had never heard of the Alamo.  (Yes, I’m serious.)  My mother told me, “Oh don’t worry, you’ll learn about it in school.”  Begrudgingly, I made the trip to the huge doors of the Alamo, and they were closed!  (WHEW!)  So, I asked my mom about it and she gave me a quick, one sentence response detailing her knowledge of this landmark in Texas.  I gave her a weird look and she reiterated that I’ll learn everything I need to know about the Alamo, and we went on our merry way.  I get to high school and take history all four year.   NEVER ONCE DID WE TALK ABOUT THE ALAMO!!!  And, it took me ten dang years to get my bachelors degree.  Do you think in any of that time I learned about the Alamo?  No, dear reader, no.  To this day, I refuse to learn about the Alamo because “I’m supposed to learn about it in school.”  

Usually though, I read.  I watch documentaries.  I try to absorb what I can about history that didn’t quite make it into my stubborn brain as a child.  

I’m actually quite fascinated by TJ.  I don’t know too much about him, but reading this book and visiting his home has taught me a lot.  Also, my dear friend Lauren doesn’t like him too much so I’m trying to find out as much as I can to either argue with her or to complain about him even more.  

This is what I have learned:

• TJ was a family man.  He felt terribly about leaving his family for work, especially after his wife died.  He tried to give his children and his wife’s family the best he could, regardless of their race.
• He was personally conflicted on many fronts, but most notably, slavery and public service.  He wrote that each person deserves “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” while being a slave-owner.  He also didn’t feel like public service was honor, but more of a terrible obligation.  
• He was SMART.  Visiting his home and looking at his enormous library made me realize that this man was more than a cunning politician or a simple farmer.  He was willing to experiment with gadgets and agriculture.  He kept detailed records of everything: money, outdoor temperature, property, etc.  
• He knew his accomplishments.  He wrote his own epitaph listing the three milestones he was most proud of: authoring the Declaration of Independence, authoring the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedoms, and founding UVA.  (Needless to say, my accomplishments are not nearly as amazing!)

I’m only 200 pages into the book.  His wife has just died and he has moved to Paris to serve as Minister to France.  His daughter, Polly, and Sally Hemings have just arrived.   I still have a lot to learn.  As far as I can tell, for a man of his time, he had quite liberal views on slavery and his treatment of those working on his plantation were quite different than other slave/master relationships.  He seems to feel guilty about being away from his family, but doesn’t know how to solve this problem.  The author hasn’t detailed his express guilt for being a slave-owner, but I think it’s clear from his treatment of slaves that he was not the norm of his time.  Slavery is the biggest contradiction of his life – a subject he knew well, but felt guilt about.  I can’t imagine living a life with such a huge weight on my shoulders.  

Sorry, Lauren.  I think I like TJ.  I admire his intelligence and his willingness to take risks in his life and in the lives of those around him.  I have a lot more to learn – it’s not as if I think reading one book and visiting his home once makes me an expert, but I know a lot more than what I did 6 weeks ago.  One thing is for sure though, I know way more about Jefferson and the Hemings than I do about the Alamo.