been reading: Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris

This is a collection of stories by David Sedaris, including "SantaLand Diaries" which is one of my favorite holiday tales. Irreverent and hilarious, David Sedaris always makes me laugh, and his take on the holidays is no exception. After yet another family Christmas event, Rob and I will come home and read one of the stories together, which provides a much-needed antidote. Especially after the dinner a few days ago during which someone declared that it is up to Rob to have a son to carry on the family name. And, gosh, don't we feel the pressure? No, but thank you for asking. And Merry fucking Christmas.

Wishing you each a festive holiday, and an abundance of blessings in 2009!

been reading: Reading the OED by Ammon Shea

The book I've been reading is totally word nerdy. It's written by a guy who read the entire Oxford English Dictionary - every entry, all 20 volumes. In one year. My co-workers gave me weird looks when I told them about it, like I was some English major freak or something. Which I am. Also? They are rednecks.

In the book, there's a chapter devoted to each letter of the alphabet. At the beginning of each chapter, Shea shares some anecdotes related to reading the OED, and then for the rest of the chapter he lists the most interesting words for that letter.

I flagged every word that I loved. There were a lot.

I'll share some that I especially like or that seem of particular usefulness in every day life. (Definitions attributed to Shea.)

• accismus: an insincere refusal of a thing that is desired
• constult: to act stupidly together
• gound: the gunk that collects in the corners of the eyes
• jentacular: of or pertaining to breakfast
• maritality: excessive or undue affection on the part of a wife for her husband
• onomatomania: vexation at having difficulty in finding the right word
• pandiculation: the act of stretching and extending the limbs, in tiredness or waking
• ruffing: the stomping of feet as a form of applause
• velleity: a mere wish or desire for something without accompanying action or effort
• yepsen: the amount that can be held in two hands cupped together

I mean, who knew there was a specific word for eye gunk?! Or the annoying bleacher stomping at sporting events? Interestingly, there is a whole subset of delightful nature-related words that I never knew, but that I feel should be brought back into regular usage:

• advesperate: to approach evening
• apricity: the warmth of the sun in winter
• impluvious: wet with rain
• petrichor: the pleasant loamy smell of rain on the ground
• psithurism: the whispering of leaves moved by the wind

Keep in mind that most of these words were used long ago (and even then sometimes only rarely) and will garner only strange looks if you actually incorporate them into your conversations. But as Shea suggests, it's enough just to know they exist.

MayB has honored me with an award!

In receiving it, I am to say something nice about my man, list 6 ways I measure success in life, and then bestow the award upon 6 others.

About Rob: He takes things in stride and puts up with my shit. Also see here, an entire category comprised mostly of me saying nice things about him. Along with the occasional mocking.

About success: I don't have a good answer for this, frankly. I can't say I spend much time considering how to be Successful, or what that even means. I guess, in general, being successful to me is being on top of my shit, even if that's just small things: managing a busy schedule, keeping things organized, maintaining friendships, eating right, not killing anyone in my sleep. On a much broader scope, I suppose success to me is similar to happiness. I feel successful if I'm content with the life I'm living. I suppose what I strive for is Maslow's idea of self-actualization. I like to explore and grow, through travel or reading or trying something new. This is sometimes a struggle, as my biggest ideas can be thwarted by my fear of failure. And that I have a fear of failure is rather ironic considering I don't have a definition for success.

And now I'm pleased to recognize...

• Poop and Boogies - One of the best blogs I read. Humorous and human. I adore William and his entire family.
• Doc Ern - She's smart, strong, and sincere. And even though I've never met her, her posts are like letters from a good friend.
• What Was I Thinking? - Susie exudes grace, compassion, and humor no matter the situation. More than any other blogger, she has affected the way I view things, and I think everyone who reads her would say the same.
• Janasayqua - Jana's posts always make me smile. She's got a great way of portraying everyday moments. She also has the best blog name ever (although I won't say how long I read her before I figured it out...seems I'm not as smart as I'd like to think I am.)
• Simply Geeky - Great cook, awesome photographer, and also a computer geek. And she loves crossword puzzles. This is probably the woman Rob should have married. But anyway. Her blog is a reflection of her interests and is always fresh and fun.
• Fat Orange Cat - I love Karyn's style, and by that I mean both the items she creates and her aura. She's very cool, and her blog (and Etsy shop) has lots of beautiful things. Even her cats are ridiculously gorgeous.

(Those recognized should feel welcome but not obligated to participate.)

Thanks again to MayB! Her blog is also one that's worth a visit. I always enjoy her perspective, and lately she's been posting a daily list of things for which she's thankful. Also, she's Canadian. I love Canadians.