Follow-up and words of wisdom

this isn't a full-scale blog entry per se, but i did have two things to add from today. the first is that i somehow forgot to mention that during my travels back i ended up in the airport sitting back-to-back with a man who was transporting. . . birds. yep, some sort of noisy, crate-like contraption filled with what i assume were baby chicks (although at this point, i think that everyone knows i am a terrible identifier of animals, despite dr. weihe's best efforts and a modest A- in my "diversity of life" class ["but paul you say. . . "] only karen will understand that reference, but the amount that she will appreciate it makes it totally worth it. . . ). as you'll notice by the picture, too much noisy chirping results in some sort of pop-can-crate-resembling lid being closed over said carrier contraption. i'm sure those baby chicks learned their lesson.

the second point - more a passing along of words of wisdom - come from a friend of mine (and amazing writer), who posted a blog today about the continuing need for us to think carefully about the words we use when we're talking. even if we think we're being casual, words have real meanings and taking a second to think about what it is that you mean vs. what you are saying can save a number of people hurt feelings and heartache. her post is here, and was (i think) inspired by another beautifully written piece written and posted here (make sure you read all the way to the bottom on both, not only because the message is both well-articulated and important, but also because you are rewarded with pictures of adorable children). i know that a few years ago, a couple of my nieces & nephews heard me correct them on the usage of this term. i think these writings articulate better than i ever have where such corrections come from. this reminds me of another choose your words carefully campaign currently making its rounds on tv. . .

okay, back to work. i'm thinking of rewarding myself with a baby ruth in a few more minutes. . .