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August 31, 2005
Helping Himself
I am so disappointed! Carjackings and lootings in New Orleans? Why do a few fools and criminals have to make life more difficult for the shop owners and private citizens trying to survive this ordeal? Just another reminder of how humanity can suck.
Fortunately there is a counter point in this disaster. The rescue workers, aid givers and again private citizens who are working to help the victims of this tragedy. I visited New Orleans for the first time this year. I am so sad for the families who have lived their for generations and hoped to never leave. I pray they find the peace they need to get through this.
Quote of the Day:
"No one can sincerely try to help another without helping himself."
-Charles Dudley Warner
August 30, 2005
WEbring Assignment #5 - The Ideal Day
Yesterday Maryment put forth this weeks WEbring topic. If you could spend tomorrow doing anything (the "ideal day"), what would it be? Compare/contrast this day with what your ideal day might have been 10 years ago.
Tuesday (Today) is my birthday, this topic is rather perfect for me. What could be more ideal than your birthday? I have to admit that for once DK (Mr. Bad Apologies) beat me to the punch. He wrote about the perfect day at the beach, and honestly he did such a complete job of it, he has exhausted the topic. So I must find another idea.
My ideal day would start with waking up early after a full nights restful sleep. Showering, dressing and getting into the car with Flounder, ready to take on the day. We would head to our favorite deli for breafast and coffee and then hit the road. We are going to the amusement park! Meeting up with my more coaster loving friends at the kiosks we would create a loose game plan and head into the park. The day would be comfortably temperate, and everyone would have put on sun lotion. It would be a fabulous day filled with rides (all the lines would be short) and laughter (my friends are very funny). We would break only long enough to refuel before powering on into the evening. The best part of the experience would be the feeling that I fit. Both on the rides (once a concern) and with my friends. We would stay long enough to see the whole park lit up after dark. I would go home exhausted and happy. Smiling at the memories we made and looking forward to downloading the photos we took.
10 years ago? I probably would have said something very similar. I have often been happiest when surrounded by the people I know and love. The roller coasters are just a bonus. Back then there would have been no digital camera and no Flounder. Had I known then what I know now, I would have missed them both.
For other takes on this topic see:
Write Again Soon
Bad Apologies
A Prize In Every Box
A Little Maryment
Post No Bills
August 28, 2005
New (Sad) Total
Holy Crap! My class starts this Thursday! Anxiety is setting in. Now I need a parking pass.
By the by, my weigh in went terribly as expected a 5 pound gain. New (sad) total - 56.
On the up side I have a bunch of fun activities planned for the first week of September while Flounder is gone. Rasberry picking, a gay play and a new movie. I am not looking forward to Flounder's absence, but the change of pace should be interesting. I am looking forward to doing a little work on the house while he is gone. We'll see what I cook up.
Quote of the Day:
When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest.
Henry David Thoreau
August 27, 2005
Contra-ry To Popular Belief
Flounder and I had quite the evening last night. We went out on a limb to try something new. We went contra dancing at Glen Echo Park. Never heard of it? Here is a little explination from Urban Jetset
"Contra dancing (also known as New England Contra Dancing) is an amalgamation of English, French, and Irish country dancing, with a heavy dash of American Square Dancing thrown in. The word "Contra" evolved from a French bastardization of the English word "country," but it all means the same thing — dances for common folk. This is not some hoity-toity high falutin' ballroom nonsense that takes lots of time to learn and practice. This is down 'n' dirty get out there and DANCE dancing. Jump up and down, stomp, and spin around until you're dizzy. It's reminiscent of country line dancing, but without the cowboy boots and ten-gallon hats — you'll see more tie-dyes and hippie skirts than anything else here."
The evening was a LOT of sweaty, high paced fun. We learned some very important things. Firstly, the Spanish Ballroom is neither heated nor air conditioned. Dress is light layers, bring water, wear flexible comfy dance shoes. Secondly, contra dancing is a community activity. You will dance with LOTS of stranges. They are a friendly group. Last night there were a whole bunch of newbies (like us) and enough really experienced dancers to keep us newbies straight. Some of these more experienced people are really into it.
Flounder didn't love the dancing with strangers bit of the equation. He prefers dancing with the woman he came with, which you have to love about him. All the same, he was a very good sport and despite not being a natural dancer I do believe he had a delightful time.
All in all I am really glad we went and look forward to our next contra dance outing. I will be trying to drag others along next time.
Quote of the Day:
On with dance, let joy be unconfined, is my motto; whether there's any dance to dance or any joy to unconfined.
Mark Twain
August 24, 2005
Fill 'Er Up
The last few weeks I have really been struggling with food. The past few days however have been a full out disaster. I have been eating all kinds of terrible foods and instantly regreting it. But the regret hasn't stopped me. Eat, Regret, Repeat. Why, oh why have I been doing this?
After a great discussion last night, I have come to realize that I was seeking out food as a comfort, out of habit. I believe this habit has resurfaced because I have been facing down some serious demons lately (EBF, School...) Here's the kicker though, I haven't gotten any comfort out of the food I've eaten. And that is a good thing! It's good because getting nothing but negative feelings as result of those bad choices doesn't reinforce and encourage that behavior. It is also good because it helps to show me that I am dealing with the challenges that I am facing rather than allowing myself to hide behind food. I am not sure if that explination is going to makes sense to anyone else, but it is crystal clear for me.
So how do I kick the habit? Most anyone who has tried to break a habit will tell you to replace the negative habit with a positive one. I used to fill my life with food. Snacking, social eating and the like. What will I fill my life with now? That's the real question I need to answer.
Quote of the Day:
The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.
Bertrand Russell (1872 - 1970)
August 22, 2005
WEbring Assignment #4 - Definition of Success
This time around I got to pick the topic of our essays. I chose a subject I knew would be worth some contemplation time. I have never found absolutes to serve me well. Instead I have found some general guidelines that if followed more often than not, will leave me a success in my own eyes anyway.
I will face my fears - Fear can be intimidating, anxiety producing and paralyzing. With each fear I have conquered in my life, I have become more confident. I have achived a new level of self awareness with each frightening issue I have squared off against. It usually takes more than a little effort, but it's always worth it.
I will seek balance in all aspects of my life - I don't feel driven to be a woman who "has it all" as they say. I will strive to create a life where need vs. want, have vs. have-not and do vs. have done for me are proportional to resources I have at my disposal. The resources to be considered include money, time, physical energy, emotional energy and environmental factors.
I will continually seek intellectual stimulation - Increasingly researchers are finding that keeping a strong mind is one of the keys to long healthy life. I have been a little slower in getting my extended education than some others. My goal is life long education.
I will share as much love as is in my power - This statement is pretty clear. I believe that love is not the opposite of hate, but instead the opposite of fear. I wish to face every aspect of my life with an open loving heart. Of all the goals I have laid out, this is the most challenging on a day to day basis.
Quote of the Day:
Now I see the secret of the making of the best persons. It is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.
Walt Whitman
For other takes on this topic see:
Write Again Soon
Bad Apologies
A Prize In Every Box
A Little Maryment
Post No Bills
How Do They Do It?
This past weekend ended up as a good one. The wedding I attended turned out to be a very special day for the bride and groom. The ceremony was clearly a very personal event, which in my opinion is how it should be. They glowed with happiness and at this point, that's what counts.
After the wedding I had a chance to visit with some old family friends. We talked about their children and the fears some of us shared regarding some of their recent choices. It brought home how challenging being a parent must really be. Not only to get your kids through the school years as undamaged as possible, but then to have to stand back and watch them make the faltering first steps into early adulthood? Nothing if not painful. I don't know how Mi Mama does it.
Sunday was spent getting Mi Mama's place ready for a house guest. She has a good friend who needed a place to stay. So we rallyed, clearing out the basement, and moving Micah's stuff into the basement apartment space. Mom and her friend will then have the run of the top floor. It was hard work, but we got the majority of the stuff moved, trashed or donated. It made me wonder why do we never make the effort to do this much work in our own home? Laziness I think.
Quote of the Day:
"It's hard to make a comeback when you haven't been anywhere."
Written in the dust on the back of a bus. Wickenburg, Arizona.
August 20, 2005
Turmoil and Angst, II
Angsty Issue #1, UPDATE- Should I invite my Estranged Biological Father (EBF) to our wedding?
I made a bold move and called my EBF. It's been years since I have voluntarily spoken to him. I think the last time I heard his voice was when he left a message on my voicemail August of 2002. The phone conversation went well. He has mellowed in the last few years. He was happy to hear from me. I think he was pretty sure I was never going to try to get in touch with him at this point. We talked for over an hour and just sort of settled the issue of the past being the past. I think it's better to forgive and forget on that score. It seems to me that neither of us really need to have a typical father/daughter relationship, but some kind of relationship would bea good thing. I learned his son (my 31 year old half brother, with whom I have had very little contact) is also getting married this coming May. It seems he has been living near Flounder's hometown in PA. Funny huh, parallel lives in parallel states. So yes, unless hed really screws up between now and May, I am inviting him and his wife to the wedding. It feels good to have one less thing up in the air.
Angsty Issue #2 - I don't enjoy my work.
I don't enjoy the work I do. There are specific things I dislike about my work place but in general it's the work itself that I don't enjoy. I have looked into getting a different job. At the moment I feel like my skill set boxes me into a type of work I don't find any fulfillment in. Why bother looking for another administrative position if you have a deep hate for filing? The alternative I see is training for a different kind of work. Makes sense. I have been making strides this summer to take a class at MC in the fall. I have an appointment to meet with DSS this coming week. I hope by the end of next week to be signed up for English 101. This will be a great thing for me, but so very far where I need to go. I don't see myself taking more than one class at a time for the next two semesters. This means a whole year will pass and I won't have done more than put a small dent in my higher education. Don't get me wrong, I see just signing up for a class as a great achievement; this is scary stuff. All the same, I am not really being propelled into a better overall place in the short term. So what to do?
Again, advice, thoughts or suggestions are welcome.
Quote of the Day:
"If you can't return a favor, pass it on."
-Louise Brown
Golden Rule
Flounder and I are attending the wedding of a childhood friend this morning. I have spent the last few months mocking the upcoming ceremony. Are they nuts getting married outside in the middle of August? They have been dating how long before they got engaged? I found fault with every detail. To be honest there are legitimate reasons to doubt the prudence of this match. However I am ashamed to say that only 30% of my concerns regarding the wedding were for the couples future happiness. The other 70% of my criticisms were born out of spite and a feeling of my own superiority. It was easy to pick at the flaws in the brides choices while viewing my own as better in every way.
I had become bridezilla in a totally different way than I had ever imagined. I have been careful not to make unreasonable demands on others time, ask them to spend unecessary money or order them around like my own personal slaves. I have worked to keep my sense of entitlement in check. All the while I have had nothing but catty things to say and ill will to spread when it comes to the wedding we are attending today. Actually this behavior is too easy to blame on the bridezilla syndrome. In reality this kind of stab in the back behavior is all too common in my life and my dynamic with my female friends. Talking about one another out of real concern is something we do, but criticising each other for entertainment value is pretty typical as well. But I am getting off track here.
Long story slightly shorter, I am going to this wedding today and I am making it my personal challange to only be kind and supportive. No matter what nasty thought comes into my head, I will keep it to myself. Its the least I can do I think. I would like to arrive at a place where I have less nasty thoughts, but one step at a time.
The golden rule will be my mantra.
Posted by La at 7:52 AM | Comments (0)August 19, 2005
Hilarity of Despair
This website isn't new, but I just rediscovered it. Especially funny for anyone who might have attended a work retreat.
August 18, 2005
Turmoil And Angst
Angsty Issue #1 - Should I invite my Estranged Biological Father (EBF) to our wedding?
The issue breaks down to a few parts.
1) He hasn't been a major part of my life since my early teens when he moved to Florida. When he did live in this area, I would only see or talk to him once every few months.
2) Even when we were in regular contact our relationship was awkward. Neither of us seemed to know how to relate to one another.
3) Once he left the state I didn't make an effort to keep the relationship up. I didn't know what role (if any) I wanted him to play in my life.
4) There has been little effort on either part to forge an adult relationship. I have been in regular contact with his mother since high school. I know that she would be heart broken if I didn't invite him to the wedding. She holds out quiet hope that we will one day (during her lifetime) come back together.
5) If I chose to invite him, how do I include him in the festivities without creating discomfort for the rest of my family? I know my step-father would feel very uncomfortable. Not being very reliable himself, there is a good chance he might not show up if he knew EBF was invited.
6) We are planning the Rehersal Dinner as an opportunity for my and Flounder's family to meet before the big day. The party will mostly consist of our immediate families and grandparents. Can I invite EBF's mother (my grandmother) and not him? Will there be any way to bring this group together without havoc and turmoil?
Any suggestions, advice or thoughts would be much appriciated. I am having a hard time getting perspective on this situation.
Posted by La at 9:29 AM | Comments (1)August 16, 2005
Backup Plan
Thanks to Storybook Father we now have a backup honeymoon plan. Our hearts desire is to stay on the island of St. John (USVI) but the resort we are scouting doesn't open for reservations until later this year. On the off chance we can't say on St. John, we have a reservation at a resort on the Dutch side of St. Maartan. So pretty! So multi-cultural! Ah, this is what day dreams are made of.
Quote of the Day:
Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.
Miriam Beard
August 15, 2005
WEbring Assignment #3 - Guilty Pleasures
Thanks to Ms. Post No Bills for chosing this weeks WEBring topic: Guilty Pleasures.
The very nature of this topic is rubbing me the wrong way. I feel like by nature of the fact that I have this blog, I have to decide with each entry, how much to share and how much to hide. Clearly here Ms. PNB is asking us to step out of the box and share something different. Share something new. Open the door a little wider? Is that what you want? Fine! Ok!
Here is my rather gross guilty pleasure. I love to pick at other peoples skin flaws. I mean literally, with my fingers. Pimples, scabs, clogged pores, ingrown hairs, you name it. I sometimes think I missed my calling as a dermatologist. There are very few people who are subjected to my picking. But there you go. My previously untellable guilty pleasure is now public.
Ms. PNB I hope you are happy!
For other takes on this topic see:
Write Again Soon
Bad Apologies
A Prize In Every Box
A Little Maryment
Post No Bills
Sweat Equity
Yesterday's blackberry picking was a very sweaty business. Thankfully with Flounder, Fliven and I all picking we were able to collect approx. 12 bountiful pounds in under an hour. We met up with Ms. Write Again Soon, and headed back to our air conditioned home to make some jam! While the jars boiled and the blackberries cooked we had a chance to plan a weekend trip to Deep Creek Lake, discuss fun website ideas and hash out some wedding plans.
Two batches of preserves, 1 blackberry cobbler, many berry stained fingers and a day full of fun later, I went to sleep very content last night. I had forgotten how nice it was to have a house full of friends.
Quote of the Day:
A good friend can tell you what is the matter with you in a minute. He may not seem such a good friend after telling.
Arthur Brisbane
August 13, 2005
6!
I got a very exciting news at my weight in. For the last two weeks I have lost 6 pounds. That's right! A beautiful new total of 61 pounds down!
Quote of the Day:
"Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit."
-Kahlil Gibran, "The Vision"
August 11, 2005
Spotty Grammer
Continuing on the path to higher education, I have another step to check of my to do list this evening. I have to take a diagnostic essay for the office of disabled studant services. The results of the essay will help them determine if I am eligible for assistance. For once my bad spelling skills and spotty grammer may be helpful to me.
Quote of the Day:
Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing.
Benjamin Franklin
August 9, 2005
Smattering
I am back in the office today after three days on the couch. I don't feel entirely up to snuff. Lately work around the office has been slow, so I think I will be able to handle it today. I also have a dental appointment this afternoon, so I won't even be here that long.
General news round up:
* Blackberry picking (and canning for the very brave) has been rescheduled for this coming Sunday afternoon
* Flounder and I were sad to learn that his friend won't be available to play the trumpet in our wedding ceremony, however my Godmother's husband IS available to play the acoustic guitar. So at least we will have music.
* Being sick, I slept right through my weigh in on Saturday so no new weight to report.
Some movies I am looking forward to seeing:
Rent - The play was famously fantastic and moving. With the majority of the original Broadway cast in the film, I have great expectations that the film will live up to the original.
The Brothers Grimm - This one could go either way. It could be an under appriciated cult classic (a la Sleepy Hallow) or it could go go down in cheesy flames not unlike Van Helsing.
Elizabethtown - I am just so glad to see Orlando Bloom in a film that isn't a period piece I can't stand it. I hope this film signals new roles for him.
Serenity - Clearly with my recent Firefly fixation, I am highly anticipating this film. If it's good, perhaps there will be sequals? Could I be so lucky?
Quote of the Day:
Saffron: But we've been wed. Aren't we to become one flesh?
Mal: Well, no, uh... We're still two fleshes here, and I think that your flesh ought to sleep somewhere else.
- Firefly, Episode: Our Mrs. Reynolds
August 8, 2005
Webring Assignment #2 - Body Modification
Over the last 10 years I have considered piercings and tattoos many times. Other than a second piercing in my right ear (or was it the left?) which has long since closed up, I have always refrained. I am not disappointed in my choice, but the reason for the choice does sadden me. I have never been satisfied enough with the state of my body to want to adorn it with art or jewelry. In some ways it is a good thing. Considering how I have stretched my skin over the years I am sure the adornment would be less than attractive by now.
Since taking some action on developing a healthier body, I haven't been any more eager to adorn myself. I am lighter and healthier, but no less stretched or displeased by my general shape. There is a form of modification I am interested in. Plastic Surgery. Breast lift anyone, tummy tuck, skin removal perhaps? After the babies, before the 40s set in. Painful but worth it? Maybe, maybe not.
If tattoos, piercings, brandings and the like are for people wanting to stand out, be individual or do something crazy, than for me plastic surgery is to help me blend in, feel like everyone else and normal. I can't say I will really go through with my own form of body modification. I may find peace with my shape between today and the day such modifications would be in the cards. In the meantime, I don't think wanting to feel average makes me selfish, vain or greedy. I think it makes me human.
For other takes on this topic see:
Write Again Soon
Bad Apologies
A Prize In Every Box
A Little Maryment
Post No Bills
August 6, 2005
Yes, We Have No Blackberries
The original plan for today was to include blackberry picking and canning. Alas such joys had to be postponed. I instead spent the day on the couch, feeling craptastic and watching Firefly on DVD. The adventures of Serenity crew have been the highlight of my couch bound day.
Quote of the Day:
Book: Give me that. River, you don't...fix the Bible.
River: It's broken. Doesn't make sense.
Book: It's not about making sense. It's about believing in something and letting that belief be real enough to change your life. It's about faith. You don't fix faith, River. It fixes you. You hang on to those, now.
- Firefly, Episode: Jaynestown
August 5, 2005
Connecticut Bound?
As it is all the rage amongst my friends I have visited findyourspot.com to determine the perfect place for me to live. You ready? The number one match was Danbury, Connecticut.
The other top matches:
Hartford, CT
Worcester, MA
Providence, RI
Boston, MA
Baltimore, MD
New Haven, CT
Salt Lake City, UT
Little Rock, AK
Denver, CO
With the exception of Boston and Denver, I have never before considered living in any of these places. Then again, there wasn't a question asking "Are you phobic about leaving the area where you grew up?"
Posted by La at 8:57 AM | Comments (0)August 4, 2005
One Fine Day
Today I had a perfect on program day. I stuck entirely to the plan, drank 2 liters of water and didn't have any "table food" at all. The feeling of accomplishment I have right now is far better than any food tastes. The best part is getting through today makes the prospect of getting through tomorrow (and the next day and the day after that...) seem much more bearable. Don't think for a second that I am going to let me guard down now. Oh no! That's the monkey business that lead me off track in the first place.
I met up with my friend from the program, Jill. We traded stories and encoragement over diet cokes at the local Burger Thing. Jill was kind enough to pass on some lovely clothes she can no longer wear and I can almost fit into. Yay for clothing goals! Most of the pieces are 16 or 1x. Exactly what I need to chart my non-scale progress.
As I reflect on the day, I feel in control and optimistic. Today's motto?
Never give up. Never Surrender!
Posted by La at 8:49 PM | Comments (0)Two Geeks and a Gay
Last night I attended the Rufus Wainwright, Ben Folds and Ben Lee concert. It was a very good time, despite the heat and transportation difficulties that put my home at 1:08 am.
Ben Lee was the opening act. He seemed a spritely little Australian eager to please the crowd with his "filing in" music. His words.
Ben Folds was next and filled the venue with piano driven energy. No one leads a singalong like Ben Folds! Ahhhhhhhhh AAAAAHHHHHHHH!
Rufus was his usual drolly gay self. I have to admit I liked pre-rehab Rufus best, but any Rufus is good Rufus. Even if his sister Martha -- background singer extraordinaire -- isn't touring with him anymore.
Some Highlights:
* The renegade frog
* The girl in the tiny white skirt who spent the entire show routing around in the cooler
* The nice lesbians
* The guy with the great arms
* Best blackberries ever
* The brain trust
Quote of the Day:
"You must never feel badly about making mistakes," explained Reason quietly, "as long as you take the trouble to learn from them. For you often learn more by being wrong for the right reasons than you do by being right for the wrong reasons."
-Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth
August 3, 2005
Hitting Snooze
Why is it that after a wake-up call it is so easy to go right back to sleep again? This past Saturday when I gained a pound, realized that I hadn't been implementing the new good habits I picked up. I really thought that identifying the problem would be enough to quash the offending behavior. This has turned out not to be the case.
The really strange part is I don't even know why I am straying from the program. I feel like I lost my balance somewhere along the way. I am meeting up with a friends from the program tomorrow evening, and I am hoping she can help me get back on track. I have a scary feeling though that this is the kind of thing I have to do on my own.
This morning I did get up and go to the gym only to find that TT (my second trainer) is no longer working at my gym. I saw the man on Monday! When he left did no one think to call people he had appointments with? Clearly the man didn't know he wasn't going to in on Wednesday. I made an appointment wiht yet another trainer for tomorrow morning. Third times the charm?
Quote of the Day:
The charity that hastens to proclaim its good deeds, ceases to be charity, and is only pride and ostentation.
William Hutton
August 2, 2005
Something To Go Home To
After several agonizing days enroute, my birthday present has finally arrived. Yes, my birthday is still 28 days away, so what?
I never need a reason to go home, but a shiny new toy never hurts.
Quote for the Day:
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."
-Arthur C. Clarke
Webring Assignment #1 - Tourism in Columbia
Prolog: J. Wo also known as Ms. Write Again Soon has initiated the creation of a webring. The purpose of this group is to get various points of view on one specific topic per week. The topic will be offered up on Monday and addressed in our individual blogs on Tuesday. I have chosen to participate primarily because it is a new experience and the writing practice can only do me good. That said, I will very likely be spouting uninformed opinions in these assignments. Being generally undereducated, this isn't really surprising. Now with the disclaimer behind us, here we go!
The troubling stats I've found:
*"In May 2004, the UN announced that Colombia's 39-year-long drug war had created the worst humanitarian crisis in the Western Hemisphere. More than 2 million people have been forced to leave their homes and several Indian tribes are close to extinction. It now has the third largest displaced population in the world, with only Sudan and the Congo having more. Uribe has produced some impressive results in fixing his country's ills, however. According to his defense minister, during 2003 more than 16,000 suspected leftist guerrillas and right-wing paramilitary vigilantes either surrendered, were apprehended, or were killed." (Source: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107419.html)
*"That has all conspired to give the country a dark image. But, said Botero, "All the figures show that we have made notable advances in improving security. Even the U.S. government's travel warning reflects that."
He was referring to U.S. Department of State advisories about countries it considers dangerous. The latest on Colombia, in May, said "violence by narcoterrorist groups and other criminal elements continues to affect all parts of the country, urban and rural. No one can be considered immune on the basis of occupation, nationality or any other factor." (Source: http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/americas/08/01/colombia.tourism.reut/index.html)
*The Government's emphasis during the year [2002] on improving security resulted in significant improvements in many human rights indicators. Murders fell by 20 percent, kidnappings declined 39 percent, and forced displacements of persons were cut by 49 percent. The number of newly displaced persons appeared to decline for the first time since 1999. The overall number of large-scale massacres and other killings committed by AUC terrorists appeared to decline during the year. Labor leaders and activists continued to be victims of high levels of violence; however, the number of union leaders killed during the year declined significantly. (Source: http://www.nationbynation.com/Columbia/Human.html)
Having read about the kidnappings, political murders, displaced populations, drug trade and terrorist activity, I can't imagine traveling to Columbia for any reason other than humanitarian. Despite the improving security statistics I still find it irresponsible of the Columbian government to suggest that their country is a safe place for unescorted foreign tourists. Maybe in ten years? But not today.
For other takes on this topic see:
Write Again Soon
Bad Apologies
A Prize In Every Box
A Little Maryment
Post No Bills
