Vacant

I had a class in college that discussed how when most Americans see a undeveloped parcel of land, they see it as "vacant" or "useless". Only when we put something atop it or in it does it ascertain any level of value.
This weekend I was thinking about solitude and my day and how I do the same with time. Like how a time for meditation and/or solitude is seen as "vacant" unless I specifically schedule it, like the space between scheduled items is devoid of any worth. It is once again the difference between Kairos and Chronos; of the time in which to do and the time in which to simply be.
I need to spend more time in focused solitude, to be away from Chronos and live in Kairos, even if it takes a bit of my type-A scheduling self to get me there.

Lisa Loeb--I Get You.

Feliz New Years, my peoples!
Wow glad them holidays are over. Working retail makes me hate the holidays even more than I did previously. I'm thinking of getting "Bah Humbug" tattooed across my stomach like Tupac's "Thug Life". Are you picturing that?
Christmas with fam was great (even Hanukkah with my JoJ mom), low key as needed. I got the only two things I wanted this year: a sweet pair of Carhharts and Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway" CD. Yes I am unashamed to say that I love Kelly Clarkson. She is my pop music pleasure. (To balance out that I got Calexico w/ Iron and Wine's "In the Reins" which I highly recommend). I own too much stuff, I was happy to have a less materialistic holiday.
So a few days after Christmas I developed a cough, that became a disgusting cough, that became a Oh-My-I-Can't-Breathe cough, so I gave up the ghost and went to the doctor for the first time in two years. And guess what: I got Whooping Cough. Normal people get bronchitis. I get the Whooping Cough. I myself thought that was eradicated in the 1860s, along with Scarlet Fever or Consumption or scurvy, but I guess I was wrong. Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman told me so. And thus 4 prescriptions and $95 dollars later I was on the road to recovery (by way of a sinus infection). Now I've been consistently sick for two months. Cool. That's fun. New years on my couch w/Nathan and Neil, watching "The Graduate" because I was too sick to go anywhere. Cool.
Well it's official: today I finished the last major part of my bed. TA-DA! Everything is cut, pre-drilled, sanded, etc. Now comes the process of putting the entire structure together. Gulp. 2006: the year I stop sleeping on my floor. Woohoo!
Two weeks ago Amy Jones and I went to see Eddie From Ohio in concert at the Birchmere. The lead singer, Julie, has been in chemo for breast cancer and has lost all her hair. In support one of the guys shaved his head (Robbie was already bald so he couldn't help much). During the finale Julie ripped off her hat and wig and sang totally bald and I know it's cliche but it was empowering.
Yesterday I was flipping channels when I randomly came across Lisa Loeb's new show, "#1 Single" on E!. I hate reality television but I love this show. I mean who thought of giving Lisa Loeb her own show? Who has thought of Lisa Loeb recently anyway? I'm TiVoing all the episodes. Who wants to get into this show with me? You know you wanna...
Also, my little brother and his wife (giggle) are going to be on Montel Williams in February. I'm throwing a "Hey look my little brother's on Montel Williams" party. Details forthcoming.
Last thought: Two days ago I decided I really want a scruffy mutt of a dog and I want to name him Burt Reynolds. I think it's a perfect name for a mutt. I could say things like, "Burt Reynolds, stop marking your territory!" or "Burt Reynolds has to go in for his rabies shot today" and I feel confident its a joke I will find funny for YEARS.
Applying for a 12 month internship at Young Life's Windy Gap in Asheville, NC. I'll find out in June if I get it. Gulp.