Thursday, December 27, 2007

100 Things - Part 2

Last year, I wrote a 100-things list about myself (click here to read it.) I enjoyed the experience so much that I've decided to do it again. Here goes...

  1. I work from home.
  2. I used to work in offices. Eventually I realized these places weren't really for me.
  3. Even if I was the only employee who walked around in socks.
  4. I don't much enjoy the politics of corporate life.
  5. Merely thinking about it gives me a rash.
  6. I also didn't tend to play well with others.
  7. I can't fake being nice. This gets me into trouble sometimes. But at least folks always know where I stand.
  8. I talk to the dog during the day. He lies at my feet while I write.
  9. When I need a break, I take him for a walk to remind myself that all needs should be simple.
  10. The more time I spend with him, the better I understand why some people prefer pets.
  11. Unconditional love every time I return home is a good thing.
  12. We rescued him from a neglectful home. He's quickly become a beloved member of our family.
  13. It's been an important lesson in black clouds and silver linings for our kids.
  14. I love watching our kids with him.
  15. Beyond merely playing, it's the way they simply invite him into their lives that sticks with me.
  16. I can see the kindness in their souls when they're around him.
  17. I see glimpses of my wife's soul in them, too. It gives me warm fuzzies to watch.
  18. I can take a decent photograph, but I don't think I've yet captured these warm fuzzies in a frame.
  19. I'll keep trying, though. Someday, I might succeed.
  20. I don't believe that we are defined by what we drive.
  21. I believe we are defined by traits that no car advertisement has ever captured.
  22. I often wonder why the "don't drink and drive" message still hasn't sunk in.
  23. Or the "don't drive like an idiot" one. It's as if we've forgotten - or never learned in the first place - that driving is a privilege, not a right.
  24. I guess this position dates me. So be it.
  25. For some perverse reason, I enjoy reading advertising copy from car dealerships.
  26. They make me laugh. Does anyone believe in their "commitment to customer satisfaction" and "excellence in service"?
  27. As a journalist, I am saddened that some newspapers haven't woken up to the age of the Internet.
  28. I'm further saddened that I live in a city serviced by such an operation. It takes me little more than 5 minutes to rifle through the lightly-written, error-prone wisp of a paper that's dropped in my mailbox every morning.
  29. I feel ripped off. Readers deserve better.
  30. I used to be a columnist for that paper.
  31. I wrote for them because I believed I could make a difference.
  32. I still feel that way. Words can be powerful if we want them to be.
  33. I believe that the state of today's evolving media represents an opportunity for creative thinkers to change how the world views itself.
  34. I hope the editors and publishers of yesterday have the courage to either drive the change or step aside to let the next generation take a crack at it.
  35. I doubt they'll actually have the courage, though.
  36. Still, I'm an idealist: I believe the next generation of media will rise above McPapers, entertainment masquerading as news and declining opportunities for great writing and production talent.
  37. I get on my soapbox too often for my own good.
  38. Building a soapbox, however, isn't my thing.
  39. I can build network infrastructure in my sleep, but home repairs vex me.
  40. I have immense respect for people who work with their hands.
  41. There's something cool about making something from nothing.
  42. I worry we're losing that appreciation in this era of low-low prices and outsourcing.
  43. I get a rash when I walk into Wal-Mart.
  44. I see the ghosts of Chinese laborers in those smiley-faced "rollback" signs.
  45. I've been to China.
  46. The tragedy of a society rushing headlong into capitalism plays itself out in stark relief on the streets of Shanghai.
  47. I came home with a deep appreciation of who I am, what I have, and my ability to drive my own future.
  48. I think we all need to reset our perspectives every once in a while.
  49. I hate idle chitchat.
  50. "Making conversation" is an oxymoron. If you have to "make" it, then silence would be preferable.
  51. I enjoy long periods of silence.
  52. I'm not antisocial by any means: I just like peace and quiet.
  53. Wait, maybe I am antisocial :-)
  54. I get my best ideas for writing when I'm alone.
  55. Even the slightest interruption can throw me off.
  56. Telemarketers who call repeatedly during the day really annoy me.
  57. I wish I could return the favor.
  58. But I can't. So I do the next best thing: monitor all inbound calls with Caller ID.
  59. I am addicted to my BlackBerry.
  60. This does not alarm me. It's a vital tool for the kind of work that I do.
  61. It's also quite the kick to send messages from under a tree beside a distant farmer's field. Or to IM my wife when I'm in another city.
  62. I believe mobile devices are changing - and will continue to change - how we interact with each other.
  63. That can be a good or a bad thing, depending on how we choose to use the newfound capability.
  64. I choose to use it for good.
  65. I carry my camera virtually everywhere I go.
  66. I never want to kick myself for missing a moment.
  67. I often come home empty-handed.
  68. That's OK, though: just having it with me brings me comfort.
  69. I believe my camera bag is the adult equivalent of a child's blanket.
  70. It feels good to have it slung over my shoulder.
  71. I now understand why women carry purses. Men should carry something, too.
  72. I think stereotypes of masculinity are silly. And amusing.
  73. Macho as a concept is immensely laughable.
  74. Men who subscribe to it without a smile on their face are also laughable.
  75. And pathetic.
  76. I think more people should stand beside a large body of water and just wonder.
  77. It might help them put things in perspective a little bit better.
  78. I generally think the best of people around me.
  79. I guess I'm a bit naive, then, because people can be incredibly mean-spirited.
  80. Even when you're related to them.
  81. I've come to accept that the definition of family sometimes has little to do with genetic relationship.
  82. Life's too short to waste on folks who don't matter.
  83. It's tough enough finding the time to spend with people who do.
  84. I wish judging yourself would be a prerequisite for judging others.
  85. People who don't read really bug me.
  86. We have a "No Solicitors" sign on our front door, right at eye level.
  87. Yet we still get solicitors. Lots of them. Imagine that.
  88. I respect those who choose to follow other faiths. I think believing in something, whatever that "something" is, is a good thing for humanity.
  89. I lose respect for those who take it upon themselves to convince the rest of us that "their" faith is somehow the "best" one.
  90. I lose even more respect when these people attempt to do their convincing on my front doorstep. Remember that reading thing in items 84 & 85.
  91. Sometimes I think I'm the only person on the planet who thinks Disney is a sham, a cult, an excuse to hoover dollars from the pockets of unsuspecting members of the middle class.
  92. I believe Mickey Mouse and his minions should be euthanized.
  93. And Barney.
  94. And Dora the Explorer. And...
  95. I wear my clothes a little big.
  96. That's because I hate feeling them on my skin.
  97. It bothers my wife. She says this makes me look like a little boy sometimes.
  98. I'm starting to buy smaller sizes, but it's a struggle.
  99. I wear a large red-hooded sweatshirt when I'm writing at home.
  100. Comfort foods and comfort clothes go together. Growing up in a cold climate does that to ya.
  101. Oops, out of space. For now...
Your turn: Thoughts? I believe there may yet be more "100 Things" lists in me. Stay tuned...

Update - Sep. 22, 2012: Indeed, there was at least one new list in me. #3 is now live...here.

37 comments:

b13 said...

Very insightful! Looking forward to another year of photos, stories, thoughts, and comments. :D Happy New Year.

Moon said...

I enjoyed reading this Carmi, maybe because it shows us a few more things about you personally..another glimse into your head so to speak lol..I've always enjoyed reading your blog..I am also of the same mind on many of the things u talk about in this post...thanks for sharing.
Happy holidays to you. Hope you have a great New Years celebration!

Anne said...

I'm with you on the Disney thing. I'm bugged by store clerks who can't make change without a cash register. I could go on. But I'll save if in case I do a 100 things post myself.

Carli N. Wendell said...

Thanks for sharing. I've been meaning to do one of these--I think that they help us remember things we want to remember about ourselves--and they're interesting to the blogosphere.

As for China and globalization. . . I recently read an article about a city in China where 80% of the children have lead poisoning because so much American e-waste is outsourced there, where it's stripped down. Sure puts the whole "There's lead in my child's whozamawhatzitz toy" complaint into perspective.

Here's the article; it's pretty interesting:
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/2007/12/20/technologys-morning-after.html

Anonymous said...

Carmi, I somewhat recently read your other "100 Things" and for the first time ever, considered writing my own (after seeing the flow of your list, which really is enumerated stream of consciousness, about how I write anyway :/).

After reading this one, again, I'm inspired. To action? We'll see.

In any event, many of your thoughts resonated with me (20, 40, 55, 76 & 78); 91-94 amused me to pieces; I agree whole-heartedly with 81-84...but 44 sent shivers down my spine....

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing so many personal things =]

As always a pleasure sir...

Gotta say your on the nail with Disney

NetChick said...

Love your 100 things list, Carmi!

:)

ps: I have a client who was also a columnist for 'that paper'- And it drove me insane every time I wanted to do a simple thing like link to a podcast he'd done there. grr!

pps: men do wear 'purses' - They're 'murses' and it's more like a bookbag ;)

Tanya (aka Netchick) http://www.netchick.ca (drives me nuts that Blogger has eliminated my ability to link back to my blog!)

Anonymous said...

This was fascinating!

Happy New Year to you and your family, Carmi.

Ella

Meeta Banerjee said...

I am so horrible at doing the 100 things, I think I just don't have the patience for it. But I liked reading yours. I totally understand you on doing your best writing when you're alone. I get my best ideas walking in solitude.

carrie said...

well, thank goodness for wordless wednesday that I even found your blog. I do enjoy your writing--I don't make it through most people's 100 lists. It takes a good writer/thinker to come up with such an interesting list of things like that.

Anonymous said...

85, 91, 92, and 93 - I could not agree more. I call Disney the Evil Empire for that very reason. And Barney...let's just say I'm glad my son hated him when he was little.

awareness said...

Hey Blackberry addict......Illiterate solicitors should be sent to Disney World to be place on the evermoving boat that floats through It's a Small World.....for eternity.

Loved your flow......and when I see you one day in your large-ish clothes, and red hoodie, walking your dog, lost in thought, I promise not to ask you if the thing slung over your shoulder is a man purse.

And I promise I will ask you your opinion on the state of newspaper journalism and not on some small talk weenie subject.

Will you share your soapbox with me? I love soapboxes.

Sara said...

Hi Carmi,

Loved this post...it was so interesting. I think I read the other 100 earlier but went back for a re-read.

Looking forward to a great 2008 - and more posts on your blog...and getting to see your photos!!!

Lori said...

I like to read people's "100 lists". I think it brings new insight to your readers and lets us know more about the man behind the writing. Probably what I can relate to the most is needing the long stretches of silence. There's an old poem that goes: "It isn't that we talk so much,Sometimes the evening through...You do not say a word to me, I do not talk to you. You sit beside your reading lamp, I like my easy chair...And it is joy enough for me, to know that you are there." Everyone needs those silences to gather their thoughts and recharge, whether they know it or not!

flleenie said...

I admire you for making this list.

I could not do that.

craziequeen said...

Hey sweetie - nice 100.

We hate cold-callers too, beggars selling 'artwork' or 'household items' and people trying to get us to buy their electricity/gas/tv/broadband etc.

The more I read about you, I more I 'get' you.

btw - love the photo below of Dahlia - mind you, I thought it was her mother!

cq

Jodi Cleghorn said...

I normally shy away from '100 lists' but I've been inspired by reading yours. I've never thought to do it as a stream of consciousness.

I love the authenticity of your words, your stong sense of self, the passion in which you live your life, your sensitivity for those all around you - furry or not, your playful creativity as seen through both your photos and words ... and well I could continue on.

Thanks for inspiring me to run the gauntlet of '100 things about me' - that hopefully will not bore others to tears!

awareness said...

Good morning Carmi. Your post inspired me. I have just posted my own 100 things.....I invite you to read mine. :)

Thank you for the idea.

dana

Anonymous said...

A poem of sorts, these 100 things. Michele sent me to read your list.

Rainbow dreams said...

Thanks for sharing Carmi - silence and time alone is important... I don't think that makes someone antisocial...
I love the way animals have influenced our family too. I am so pleased I came across your blog though I have no idea how - it's a pleasure to visit.. thank you, x

Anonymous said...

You're really interesting, Carmi, and a little quirky. In a good way, of course.

#85 is just one of the reasons I can't tolerate George Bush.

What's with the red hooded sweatshirt? Is it particularly comforting? Or are you superstitious?

craziequeen said...

As ever, my friend, you have inspired me...

The crazie one is 'laid bare' at the Palace today.

cq

Anonymous said...

Great list, Carmi.

My head is still in Mexico, even though my body is home again, so please forgive the lack of commenting for the next few days.

Anonymous said...

Gee, Carmi-licious, you're inspiring netpeeps all over the place!

I just finished the first half of my list...I'll be finishing it later this week.

Cool influence, friend :).

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Isn't it amazing how quickly you got to 101! I so agree about Comfort Clothes & Comfort Food! And about pets....I am one of those people who generally speaking likes animals better than people...And I REALLY Like people!
I can't wait to see the pictures you take of your dear dog, Carmi! I bet they will be AWESOME!

A VERY VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOURS. MAY 2008 BRING YOU ALL THAT HEART DESIRES, PLUS MORE!

Erin said...

Love your list! I really need to do this again sometime. Great job!

Happy New Year to you and your family, Carmi!

Anonymous said...

People can be mean-spirited ESPECIALLY when they're family. Ugh. And I. Hate. Mickey. Mouse. And. Company. Oh, and I'm wearing a hooded sweatshirt as I type.

:-)

Happy new year!

Coach Paulette said...

Love your list - thanks for sharing it with us. It was refreshing to see one written as the thoughts came to you - or at least it appears that way! I can definitely agree with you on many of your opinions!

Happy New Year! I'm looking forward to more of your thoughtful and thought provoking photos this year.

Maura said...

My goodness, Carmi, I don't know if I could come up with that many things to say about myself once, let alone twice! ;-)

Just wanted to stop by and say hi and let you know that I'm finally blogging again. Thanks for your encouragement while I was on my break.

Tiel Aisha Ansari said...

Carmi-- thought you might like to know I wrote a piece inspired by your image at Cafe Writing. It's here:

http://knockingfrominside.blogspot.com/2008/01/black-and-white-war.html

Nestor Family said...

You are amazing! A "100 List" of anything is impressive... let alone the content of yours is fascinating.

And you are a straight shooter. I love that! (Probably why I really enjoy your blog!)

Keep it up, Carmi! And best wishes for the New Year!

Junebug said...

I am visiting from Robin(Pensieve)'s blog. My husband is a machinist. He can take a piece of stainless steel and make parts for engines that are broken and you can no longer get replaced. He loves doing it. He hates to work with wood though so he would never be a carpenter although in high school he made a very nice cedar chest that we have today in our house. Were my sentences long enough or running on? :D
His ability has made him a good business that will always be necessary.

Suzanne said...

That was great Carmi, I really enjoyed reading that and feel the same about almost everything!

My 100 things list should probably be revised but I might just have everyone else write it for me as I saw another blogger do. I doubt I have enough readers any more though to even create a "10 things" list !

Best wishes to you and your family for 2008!

Andi said...

I have not yet been able to successfully write a 101 things list. I always resent all the room that they take up on my blog. Michelle sent me.

MsT said...

Yes, little bits and pieces shine through in your writing, but these little tidbits are more defined and fully fleshed out. I wonder if the people who cannot read and show up on your doorstep to proselytize and solicit sometimes moonlight at telemarketers. (I am technically here from Michele's but have been tagged as potted luncheon meat.)

Suzanne said...

Well I enjoyed them both Carmi!! I did one years ago, but a lot has changed over the last year. I'm seeing a new one on my Blog in the very near future.

Maybe the next one you do can be "100 things about us" and be about you and your family...the kids, the wife, how you relate to one another. Just a challenge from one writer to another. might be fun.

Kranky Granny said...

I read all two hundred things about you. Found it rather interesting on several levels. Part of you sounds like a clone to my first husband and the other part is the clone of my second husband. Some how those two halves don't match up when placed in my life but they do seem to fit you to a T. You have a lucky wife.

I also did the same two list some years back. They have been posted more then once I believe.