Nebiyu's first view of the ocean

Alden writes his name in the sand.

Jeff Donovan, artist

Jeff Donovan is probably my all time favorite artist. I took drawing lessons from him for awhile, and he taught me to meditate. Tonight I took the "little" kids by to check out his new show. Last time we were in the gallery, Aaron was there, telling people he was going to run for mayor. The campaign staff got a shot of him with my kids and they were thrilled to see it on the Columbia City Paper today.


Here are some pics from the gallery. Notice how calm Jeff looks after my children have run all around his work. Jeff meditates a LOT.

Passport for Nebiyu

I'm strongly considering taking Nebiyu to Ethiopia next month.

Ordered his passport today - after standing in line yesterday only to find out they require photocopies of drivers' licenses now with the paperwork. Yes, I was thinking the same thing . . . how can a 7 year old submit his driving license? Well, he can't, but both parents can (and this is not on the UPDATE poster), and - I know this is shocking - they don't have a copy machine at the post office.

Government efficiency.

Is there any private business out there that could put a coin operated copy machine in the post office?

Today they added that he must to have a social security number, too. I said none of my other kids needed that for a passport and asked if it was a new requirement. She basically said Nebiyu's birth would get put in file 13 for about ten years if she even decided to mail it in for us.

I could tell David was NOT going back to the post office! So, we called the passport office and they said "just put in all zeros."

personality test

I took a personality test through my dad's company, Peoplefit. It's about as much fun to take as chewing off a finger, but the results are pretty thorough. Evidently, I orient myself to my environment, and achieve a feeling of stimulation and self actualization through personal growth opportunities. So, I guess that's why I actually finished the test, despite hating pretty much every minute of the process.

At first, the results proved a bit depressing. I don't tend toward many things that look like typical work. I don't like to be managed unless given tremendous autonomy, I hate clerical work, I'm terrible with details, I'm not good at giving people feedback, I'm about as non-traditional as is humanly possible, I don't go out of my way to react in the proper way in social situations, I don't care about being exact and correct and I'll dodge confrontation like a kid hiding spinach. God knew I should not be born a royal.

Oh, and I tend towards little to no self discipline.

My absolute worst fear is boredom. I think this is true, because the last time I (vividly and excruciatingly) remember being bored was late August, 1986.

The test actually states that I am not a good role model. Info that might have been good to know before adopting four kids. Fortunately for them, there is David.


On the other hand, I'm good at sitting around and talking with people - as long as those people are self starters and not needy.

I'm tolerant. Extremely so when not under stress.

I tend toward artistic work.

I like to work in teams where the team members focus on "mutual and reciprocal commitment to goals and objectives."
Obviously, this is what we do in film, so good fit there.

I love change and will make change "whether necessary or not." I think that part is pretty accurate, since I'm again figuring out how to convince David to move to another country for a year. Poor guy.

I like to be in charge and I like to inspire people.

So, on closer look, there is some hope beyond drinking coffee while creating macrame sculptures and communing with friends. Perhaps some how I can make money.

Perhaps as an advertising exec. Or, maybe a cult leader.
Or a paid traveler who likes to shoot film?

Or, maybe, a professional reality show celebrity. Here is a piece of trial audition number one:

Shadow Work

Frankly, I'm not feeling good about this coming year. When I get quiet to feel it, I'm stressed. Aside from the obvious life stressors, there is no blinking light pointing at a source.


I have a feeling I might be fighting my shadow. It's been quite some time since I've sensed the need for shadow work. Perhaps it's brought up by the decision to try and parent without anger. This anger comes from somewhere, so I need to find out where and balance that into the mix.

Looking for my Owning My Own Shadow book for a re-read.

I remember last time I worked on this. Not fun.