thorvalson.net : babble ether

Don't think of an elephant.

Here we are on Tuesday. Worked all weekend, hung out with Jeff Saturday night after work. Spent Sunday and Monday with Mom, went to a family reunion, did some thrift store shopping. There's an old Buddhist proverb in which a teacher is trying to instruct his student in proper meditation. He tells his student to let the little thoughts float by, just let the mind wander, etc., and not to hold on tightly to any particular train of thought, particularly any major issues that may be going on in the student's life. He gives only one rule: Don't think of an elephant. The student, of course, immediately thinks of an elephant, simply because he is telling himself not to. That's pretty much how my weekend went.
Anyway. You'd be amazed how much household crap you can buy with $40 (correction: how much your *mom* can buy with $40. Thanks again, Mom). Blankets, new sheets for Maddie, drinking glasses, a new jacket to replace the jean jacket that went back to its rightful owner last week (I'd found it in the basement at the Palomino a year ago and someone finally claimed it), tons of books, some crappy records (John MacCormack!), antique salt shakers with their own cute little tray, spice jars, tea cups and saucers, the game Operation for Maddie... Found a Backgammon board for $1, which I will take for a test spin tonight with Carmen if she's not too tired. Maddie's finally able to ride the bike that Mom got for her (two-wheeler! with training wheels, of course), so I brought it home. Planning on spray-painting the frame and then loading it up with stickers (Top Shelf, RushMor, bands, etc.). Make it a little more personalized for her, which she's excited about. Will post a picture when it's done.
Have to take Solomon to the vet this week. He hasn't been eating well the last few days, so I'm concerned about him.
That's about it.
Reading: Orwell's _1984_.
Listening to: Jawbox, self-titled.