Hipployta's Open Salon Blog

I Miss Open Salon...

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:10:10 -0400

BUT...I worry that after a YEAR away it won't be the same.

Let's see how the next few weeks of reading and watching goes.

Seriously though...I missed you guys

Siobhan

Social Norms or How I Still Can't Talk to Normal People

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:11:23 -0500

You know that square in Johari's window that is about how there are things you don't know that you don't know?

Well, someone just opened my eyes to something I didn't know I didn't know. Apparently I missed some basic areas of social interaction.

I mean really basic and simple stuff. Like if I jump into a conversation to introduce myself first and make small talk of some sort. I'm sure some are thinking it's true I don't do that.

I do know how to do those things, but for me it always seemed a bother. I just jump directly into what I want to talk about.

I'm glad to know about this flaw, one can always improve, but I"m kind of angry at myself since it shows I have all kind of book sense but am still lacking in some areas of common or street sense.

You know...I've spent over a year making a concentrated effort to be a more open and social person. I have made lots of new associates and a few friends. It's a little frustrating to realize such a gap exists. I suppose I've been relying on my wits and smile to smooth over awkward moments.

I didn't think it was still so difficult for me to blend in so I guess I have regressed a bit since I came back but this gives me something to ponder.

During the summer I was deliberately blocking people out but I've gotten over that. I've always been the solitary sort but when I'm uncomfortable I smile and laugh...when I'm annoyed I'm sarcastic...when I'm comfortable I'm usually quiet with bursts of talkativeness if my interest is peaked.

My Mother always pointed out that I needed to learn tact...and I always responded that tact is for people that aren't witty enough to be sarcastic. Perhaps, that was the wrong answer.

Due to thinking about life on a late Sunday night I can now guarantee my dreams are going to be about how to handle this. *sigh*

I also learned two other facts: 1) While I'm observing and learning other people...they are doing the same to me...and are likely hiding what they think. 2) I am susceptible to charisma. Should I be concerned that my judgement is cloudy because of it? I never believe people when they use alot of fake compliments and flattery but how does one deal with a genuinely good personality?

These are things to think about but I'll trust my instincts for now. Being around people that can see into me and tell me what they see WOULD be disturbing if I had anything to hide but it is comforting to me because I'll always know where I stand...good or bad. Confusing?

I don't think that it makes any sense to me either but you have to trust sometime right? Besides if I'm judging and weighing someone it makes sense that they are doing the same to me.

Friends are tricky.

Life is a learning experience...that is not always an easy thing to deal with. I've written out my thoughts...but I don't think I've really progressed in them...so I'll sleep on it.

beautiful kisses Siobhan

I Attempted to Attend Rush Holt's (D-NJ) Townhall

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:08:33 -0400

So I just came back from Rep. Rush Holt's (D-NJ) townhall. I drove an hour and a half to get there, got there an hour earlier, and all to no avail. They only let 250 people in so I spent 3.5 hrs outside talking to people who oppose reform.

Also Holt's (supposed) Republican opposition was there and he set up a microphone outside which let people talk and address the crowd. This resulted in boos or cheers depending on what each person had to say. I give the guy credit for letting everyone be heard and say their piece.

I also walked up and down the line (before they closed up entry) talking to people with anti-reform signs and then talking within the crowd when the open mic started.

I purposely engaged the anti-reform crowd and tried to listen carefully to their views while countering any of their incorrect sentiments with actual facts from the bill.

I've come to the conclusion that we are not going to change each others' minds so we must agree to disagree.

It appears that you either are for or against the current reform AND, even if that reform has some things you agree to, you are going to complain about all the bill contains. If you are against it, no matter the facts I present you, you are apparently going to believe what you want about how HR3200 will play out and nothing will change your mind.

Since the Dems are control they just need to get their act together and push through a through reform package.

It has also become apparent that [some] Americans are also of questionable intelligence...or perhaps lacking in intellectual curiosity.

I am still trying to decide if I'm going to attend anymore townhalls. If I do I might just stick with the folks with the pro-healthcare reform signs instead of trying to engage the anti-reform types.

It was interesting...but very saddening in a way. I spent the last 3o minutes with a group shilling for the LaRouche PAC. I was trying to get them to explain to me why they thought having Obama on a poster with Hilter was a good idea. I tried to tell them it was undermining their message, that most would people simple discount them for the image, and that it was making them look insane but, again, to no avail.

Oh well...I'm taking a shower and I'm going to bed.

beautiful kisses

Siobhan

New Jersey

Memorial Day: Remembering My LT

Mon, 25 May 2009 14:05:06 -0400

I haven't posted in a long time.

This is my fifth day back from Afghanistan.

This post is for my LT. Her memorial service was in St. Louis today and I wish I had been able to attend.

Lt Roslyn Schulte was a memorable person. She was very sweet and had alot of the same friends I did. The three memories of her that stick out the most are the following:

1) Seeing her lifting weights in the Warrior Gym. She was so skinny so I always used to giggle on my way upstairs to do cardio. She was a fit girl.

2) Of this one time in our office when I was having a mini-battle over security and she stepped in and quietly said I was being mean and rude for no reason. At first I was suprised, because no one jumps in my battles willingly, and then I laughed about because she was more solid than I thought to be able to calmly step in.

3) And finally of the time when we were stuck someplace for like 6 hours and I was starving because we had left before lunch time and we had no way to get to any bases with food. She had just gotten to Afghanistan but apparently always kept a bookbag with food. She fed me and won me over just like that.

She was a wonderful person and she would always rep the AF with me even though we were surrounded by Navy, Army, and Marines on our camp. She was more gung ho than me since she wore the flight suit for missions. I wore ACUs. She enjoyed getting out and meeting others.

Of course she was very witty and could throw out sarcastic quips with the best of us...you kind of have to be able to in our career field.

She will be missed.

Someday I'll have children. I've already decided my oldest girl will be named Roslyn. When she asks where she got her name I will be able to tell her it came from an strong woman I used to know who was named after her Grandma. [When the boy, Taylor, asks I'll tell him about another friend named Archie who was a sarcastic Marine.]

To be born is to die...but she went far too soon. I can honestly say she was a great leader and would have become so much more.

It was a pleasure and a honor to serve with her.

beautiful kisses

Siobhan

Open Call: Maya Angelou With Visual Aids

Tue, 3 Mar 2009 12:03:20 -0500

PHENOMENAL WOMAN

Written by Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies
I'm not cute or built to suit a model's fashion size
But when I start to tell them
They think I'm telling lies.
I say
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips
The stride of my steps
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please
And to a man
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees
Then they swarm around me
A hive of honey bees.
I say
It's the fire in my eyes
And the flash of my teeth
The swing of my waist
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say
It's in the arch of my back
The sun of my smile
The ride of my breasts
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say
It's in the click of my heels
The bend of my hair
The palm of my hand
The need for my care.
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

Such a great poem. I adore it. I love many others but this one gets the post.

I can be phenomenal at a photo shoot

Or in combat boots.

Phenomenal woman.

That's me

(And You and You and You in the back too)

One of my favorites...and currently posted on my MySpace page LOL.

Siobhan

Kabul, Afghanistan 3 March 2009 1019pm

Hipployta's Open Salon Blog

I Miss Open Salon...

Social Norms or How I Still Can't Talk to Normal People

I Attempted to Attend Rush Holt's (D-NJ) Townhall

Memorial Day: Remembering My LT

Open Call: Maya Angelou *With Visual Aids*

Open Call: Maya Angelou With Visual Aids