jawnbc | R you happy now lisalemonjello?

Ten things that begin with the letter "R":

1. Rain. We get lots of it here in Vancouver, and my notions of what constitutes drizzle, rain or a downpour are wholly different from lives lived elsewhere. Overall I like it--except those days it seems to rain up from the sidewalk.

2. Romance. For all my bristliness I'm very much a romantic. I fairly swoon on a daily basis. And I'm passionate. Oh l'amour...

3. Regents. In NY State (still?) if you passed your state exams in English, Social studies and a "major" topic you got a Regents diploma. I scored well enough to get Regents Honors. This has not impacted my life positively in any signficant way.

4. (To) Ramona. My favourite Bob Dylan song. I heartily suggest hunting down Sineád Lohan's version--brilliant.

5. Rights. I believe with all my heart we must defend human rights and dignity. But I also believe that only orienting that towards individual rights leads to nihilism. There has to be a we.

6. Rarotonga. The main island of the Cook Islands. A culture not wholly decimated by colonialism. Gorgeous mountain, lagoon, coral ring reef. Affordable. Never crowded. I'd like to go back now please.

7. Rockaway. Though Vancouver has long supplanted it, Rockaway Made Me. It's where I was forged, where got my sense of self, and where a notion (twisted as it can be) of moral certitude was given me. It always feels like home/not home. Glad I was there and glad I got out.

8. Ramones. Just the Ramones. No need to explain.

9. Redemption. I have known this. I am mindful of this. I no longer feel I owe anyone or thing for this...but I do feel the need to help others who seek it. And no, it's not related to religion.

10. roasted potatoes. Is there any better way to 'tater? We think not!

If you comment, I'm gonna give you a letter and you get to do this your blog...