Speaking Confidentially: 27 January 1998

State of the Union

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treeState of Silence

I'm listening to the State of the Union address with one and a half ears. I wonder if WJC packed the audience to ensure applause at the end of almost every sentence, especially if the entrance and introduction bursts of applause weren't powerful or lengthy. Which they weren't. When the Sergeant-at-Arms announced the president, the welcoming applause didn't last halfway down the aisle. So now, in the thick of the speech, applause and cheering occur almost as frequently as full stops.

When I got home from work today, I was madder than the Nordic Track. I wanted to walk--I guess I figured I'd wouldn't be composed enough to use the machine properly, would break the skis or something. But I was barely on the trail when the batteries in my Walkman died. I was, as usual for my solo walk, listening to Jagged Little Pill. When I want to hear "You Oughta Know," I want to hear "You Oughta Know." Ten seconds into my second song, and I had to turn around.

So for me walking and for WJC professing, the same Alanis Morrisette lyric applies:

 

"Why are you so petrified by silence?
Here can you handle this?

Did you think about your bills, your ex, your deadline, or when you're going to die
Or did you long for the next distraction?"

Not being able to walk frustrated me but at least I knew this was my fault. I could have walked in silence; I could have dashed home for batteries fresh from the charger, but noooo. I exercised to "Abs of Steel," which I should but don't do daily.

And after supper I drew myself a bath and lounged there, reading The Word "Desire," which RDC gave me for Christmas, by candlelight. Then, while listening to the Address, I wrote to DEW, by hand, which maybe wasn't too bright, but it made pasting in all the photographs of floral bouquets and birds easier.

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Last modified 31 January 1998

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