Too Many Thoughts

I've had so many thoughts lately I want to blog about. But when I actually sit down at the computer, my mind's a blank. Things that have skittered through my mind -

• Sotomayor hearing/confirmation
• Health reform
• Returning home
• Books I've been reading

and more I just can't remember. I managed to listen to the Sotomayor hearings while at work. And watched some of it on television. I have to say, I was impressed with her performance. The way she just wouldn't rattle or lose her temper, etc, was great. She came across to me as steady, thoughtful, intelligent. And frankly, someone willing to acknowledge that we all have biases and it's good to recognize that in ourselves and understand our bias for what it is, well...she has my vote. And while I'd love someone who would stand there and say reproductive rights for women come hell or high water (ie, no overturning R v W) it's okay with me that she's moderate. It really was quite the contrast seeing her facing down a table of white haired men. I've long felt that congress doesn't have a clue where I'm coming from as a single female in her thirties. It's a frustrating feeling, really. Am I really represented? Who knows. Oh, and every time someone said (or says even now) "legislate from the bench" it drove (drives) me nuts. They are interpreting based on law and precendent. And people's interpretations/definitions change as culture/society changes. Really. Otherwise, whites could not marry blacks, women wouldn't have the vote, it would be legal to not hire minorities (including women) because of their minority status, abuse would be accepted...Legislation doesn't always keep up with changes in societal beliefs and thinking. It's often controlled by congress pandering to the loudest voting blocks in their districts, not what's best for the majority of the people in their districts, regardless of party affiliation or votes. Or it's motivated by fear; fear of something or someone different, of losing something, of that great unknown change signals. I find it hollowly amusing when legislators complain about the courts and judges not doing what they want them to do when it comes to legislation. In other words, saying that their legislation isn't legal. For Pete's Sake. That's what they were designed to do. The justice system is supposed to be a check and a balance against the legislature. They are supposed to be independent. Did nobody get taught about the deliberate checks and balances of the US system? He-llo-oh...

Define: Hearing

Sitrep: 1x Lawn Mowed

Sometimes I think my little sister thinks I'm crazy. Sometimes I think I am... Last Friday I was invited to attend Shanni's "family" therapy session. During our regular outing together on Saturday, while enjoying cool treats al fresco at the local D.Q., she relayed her impression of the whole session. Shanni thinks the therapist is critical of her, and says everything she is doing is wrong. Which is so not what I heard. So we talked some about how we interpret what others say to us, and filter the words through our own feelings, experiences, memory process, etc. Of course, while we went about the rest of our afternoon, my mind was ruminating in the background, about thoughts and hearing and how it all works. Ruminations I then shared with her, to her everlasting joy. *snort* I mean, really. Can we hear our own thoughts? It seems like I'm hearing myself. (OK, so I talk to myself in my head. I can't be the only one!) So when I hear that voice in my head, am I really hearing it? I mean, physically. It's not really a sound, is it? Sounds are all about different waves, I think. (It's been awhile since those science classes.) Isn't hearing all about the actual physical actions of sound waves and the ears? Thinking in my head doesn't produce that...yet I could swear I "hear" those words. I can differentiate between my voice, a friend's voice, my mother's voice - don't tell her that!!! ;) But if it doesn't actually involve sound, how can it be hearing? Is it a chemical response combined with memories of sound? exactly is it? It's been driving me crazy all weekend. FYI, this is why I don't do drugs, and rarely drink. If I think about crazy stuff like this totally sober, could you imagine how insane I'd be if I was on drugs? {shudder} It doesn't bear thinking about! Of course, posts like this will probably be used someday as proof I need to be committed. But hey. This is much better than the time I convinced myself that the universe really didn't exist and therefore I didn't exist. Again, totally sober. That was a fun night. Not.