For almost two years now, since we’ve moved out to the Bay Area and I’ve experienced my first long stretch without a job since my freshman year of college, I’ve been planning to write about working in the home. There are a lot of stereotypes and misconceptions associated with the kind of work I do that I’d love to address, but realistically they can’t all be discussed in one blog post. I’ll start with this one, “what do you do all day?”. Continue reading
Author: katiebonn
I’m Back! (and Writing More Than Ever)
That’s right! My contract at Yahoo ended last month so I’m back to working at home and spending most of my time working on my book. So far it has been going great. The therapy for the past year has definitely paid off. I’m finding myself armed with techniques to stave off the anxiety that leads to procrastination, pain and avoidance. I’ve also been reading Writing Down the Bones, which has been providing me with reminders to deal with my fear (even the best writers write a lot of crap!), motivation, and understanding.
But I’m being too abstract! Continue reading
Why Is the Building Swaying?
There is was. My first earthquake. It seemed pretty small, considering at first I wondered if I was just having a dizzy spell. Then, all of my colleagues started getting up and talking excitedly. I hope it’s not forewarning of a bigger one to come. Although, I have to admit I am curious. Apparently, this map can tell me how it felt.
Fascinating Photos from the Negative Tide in Half Moon Bay
Back in the beginning of February was one of the lowest daytime tides of the year in Half Moon Bay. Dave, Tim, and I were lucky enough to be able to head out there to wander around on the reef that was left exposed as a result. There were tide pools everywhere! Sometimes they look like they’re empty, but if you crouch down and watch for a bit you start to see little creatures moving about. Continue reading
Loneliness Is So Boring
Last week was an interesting experiment in getting to know myself and my social needs. Both of my good friends from work were out of town and I suddenly found myself feeling alone at work. Of course, I wasn’t really alone, but socially it felt that way. There were plenty of other folks with whom I could have spoken, taken a coffee break, or had lunch, but it wasn’t as easy or comfortable as just hanging out with friends who wouldn’t be surprised if I asked them to join me for coffee.
I wasn’t too worried because I knew that Neelmani, specifically, would only be gone for a little over a week. I didn’t seem to mind having lunch alone at my desk or grabbing coffee without a friend, but slowly I started to notice that I was bored. Understandable right?
Keep in mind that when I use the word “bored” I don’t just mean that I wanted to do something fun. I mean that nothing seemed fun. Nothing interested me. I found I couldn’t get myself to stay at work as long as usual, but then when I went home I didn’t want to do anything there neither. I just lied in bed and tried to think of something that would brighten up my weary mind.
I looked outside at the rain and thought, “even the sky is gray, just like my mind” and then it hit me. I was depressed. Continue reading
My Personal Triumphs Against Anxiety
During my last appointment with my therapist we mainly discussed my achievements of the previous week. It was a comforting change from the normally anxiety-ridden discussions. Not only are anxious moments just that, but they also produce anxiety when discussing them. Therefore, it was a welcome break to spend the entire time talking about the changes I’ve made that have allowed me feel more comfortable, confident, and relaxed.
For my own personal note and for others to take note that therapy can lead to winning these seemingly small battles, which are actually large battles, here is what we covered last week: Continue reading
Take Away the Pain in My Stomach
Permanent Marker Could Save Your Life
At the New Years Eve party I told Elizabeth that I would post this video because it’s hilarious. It also happens to be a fun way to learn about the cultural significance behind certain adornments of Indian women.
The commercial came up because we were discussing whether I still wore sindoor (red powder) on the part in my hair as a symbol of my marriage. I did stop wearing it a while ago as I always knew I eventually would. I have a hard time keeping up with daily habits and too many people asked me if I had hurt myself. Basically, It just got to be too much of a hassle.
Despite this, I’m sure I will pick up the habit again the next time we are in India. At least then I won’t have to deal with the questions and I’ll definitely get daily reminders from family. Plus, I’m already used to being stared at constantly when I’m there so it’s not like it will make people stare at me any more than they already do.
Enjoy the video and feel free to take this opportunity to ask me about marrying into an Indian family, our trip to India, or any other related topics. As I always say, people love to talk about themselves. ;o)
New Years Eve 2008 Remembered in Black and White
It started innocently enough…
Friends started to arrive bearing generous portions of bottled spirits.
New Years Resolutions: A Brief Photo Display
Marc watches intently at what is taking place before him. He almost cannot believe his eyes as the bottle tips slightly back and the lips are parted in absolute pleasure. He’s heard stories of this before, but never witnessed with his own eyes the spectacle, the intrigue of observing this consummate act of pure delight. Never before so perfect. Content and pleasantly amused, like Mona Lisa, he shares the tiniest expression wrought delicately as if anything more forceful would spark a cavalcade of insight into the vast unseen secrets that lie within. Continue reading
A little bit of wisdom 