Yesterday we visited the Harry Ransom Center exhibit The Mystique of the Archive, which is about how archives operate and the work that archivists perform. Clint said it was too geeky for him and later asked me why I did not work somewhere like that because then when he told people what his wife did for a living, it would sound cooler than, “she works with historical photos and videotapes of dams and floods and power lines.” Actually, that is not really how he described my job. I am certain he did not say historical and that is a key point!
I ask: What is not super cool about floods and power lines? I mean, compared to the works of famous authors, actors and political journalists…
We also visited the Blanton yesterday since it was Museum Day and free.
In other news, Wembley went in for a re-check and the vet seemed impressed with his recovery. He gained roughly two pounds in two weeks! His coat looks better too. It must be the power of antibiotics. Who knows how long he had that kidney infection before it was spotted, the poor guy.
On to resolutions: I am resolving, here and now, to reduce negativity in my life.
One of the things that has brought me great melancholy for about two years now is my neighborhood. Unfortunately, there is just so much to dislike about the location of our first home.
At the height of the neighborhood insanity last year - with the after school program behind us and the crack dealing puppy starvers next to us – I started a neighborhood listserv. All was fine and good for a long time. It was helpful. We all learned about crime and loose dogs (including Sherman, the confused dog, before he became our dog) and other helpful stuff. In the past few months though, the listserv has turned into a bunch of fighting and hurt feelings and all kinds of things emanating negative energy. Last week I made a mathematical observation. It is very boring so I will spare you. It was meant as a harmless point.
Apparently that observation makes me an incredibly negative person. My point was merely a mathematical observation, one of which I still stand by. I never intended to get caught up in a bunch of drama about it all.
But, that was it. I turned the listserv over to someone else and I left. I do not need that sort of negativity. Honestly, I don’t care much anymore. Thinking about the neighborhood has brought me too much anger. We do not intend to stay here forever so I intend to turn my focus to making it an enjoyable space for us (and a future buyer) and ignore all the other b.s. And believe me, there is plenty of b.s. Just ask anyone who has been forced to listen to me complain for the past two years.
In the case of our neighborhood, I decided that ignorance is bliss. In most cases, I prefer to take the informed, educated route. After taking that route for a while, I have decided to choose ignorance in order to reduce frustration and negativity.
So, that is my first step in the Reduce Negativity Plan. Don’t be a part of the drama in this here ridiculous neighborhood. I will get back to you on step two.
Now, if only Obama makes it to the White House, hope will be renewed!
