ELLIPSIS

We've all been guilty of misusing the ellipsis, and even more annoyed of people who abuse it.


To all those who forgot what the ellipsis is used for:


An ellipsis is "a series of marks that usually indicate an intentional omission of a word, sentence or whole section from the original text being quoted. An ellipsis can also be used to indicate a pause in speech, an unfinished thought, or, at the end of a sentence, a trailing off into silence "


I bolded the last part for emphasis. Now, did people forget how to use a period and/or comma? Or are more people pausing in speech, proclaiming unfinished thoughts, or trailing off into silence after every sentence. I understand the scheme of writing as if we are speaking, but it's come to a point where it is used so much that we are conditioned to aggressively key in the period 3 times. 


"When placed at the beginning or end of a sentence, the ellipsis can also inspire a feeling of melancholy longing." 


I really don't know where this came from, but I really find it distasteful to put notations in writing to make emotional queues. Emotions have to come from the way the words are written and things leading up to that thought. At least, that is how I see it.


In the words of Judge Reinhold's Character, Brad Hamilton from Fast Times at Ridgemont High, " Learn it. Know it. Live it."


I'M SHEENA...

THE IKEA TWILIGHT ZONE

Today, I visited IKEA in the Bay Street Shopping Center in Emeryville, CA.

There was no particular reason to go, but it seemed like a good idea to walk around after eating a heavy meal. Turned out to be disastrous.

Imagine:

You start out excited to see what they have displayed, until you realize you've been circling the same showroom for half an hour. You try to find an escape route, but it leads you to more showrooms, and by then, you start to panic. The lights suddenly make your eyes bug out and the air becomes dense, making it impossible to breathe.

Finally, you locate a map and realize the layout of the store is a rectangular spiral, forcing you to experience every single display and product they have to offer. A vortex, sucking you in for all eternity - or at least until closing. 

Horrible, but very Clever.


LESSONS LEARNED:

- Do not visit IKEA if you have no desire to purchase anything. 
- Follow the path. Shortcuts will lead you to more showrooms. 



NOTE: This was not my first experience in IKEA nor do I have anything against IKEA. I just realized that it is a bad idea to go there without purpose.

PS. I played with my food.

I'M SHEENA

SERVICE WITH A SMILE

Today, my brother invited me to an early breakfast at IHOP. I'm usually ecstatic at the thought of edible frisbees drenched in boysenberry syrup, but it was one of those mornings where you drag your feet and leave the house with hair that is reminiscent of barbed wire.

However, our waitress was in an overall chipper mood. It was difficult to break a smile at first, but it's not everyday you get service with such shining presence. It's true what they say, "A great customer experience can only be delivered by someone who wants to give it." - And that she did.

She briefly shared a story about her inability to hear and speak as a child. She had difficulty communicating because she did not understand English upon arriving to America. Eventually, she was able to undergo a procedure that allowed her to hear. She explained that because of the miracle that was blessed upon her, she could not help but talk aloud and spread good cheer amongst us all.



LESSONS LEARNED: 

Appreciate life. Plain and simple.




ps. I did find the time to PLAY WITH MY FOOD


I'M SHEENA

BAGGING BEANS AND TAKING NAMES

Today, me and several other volunteers bagged, labeled and boxed roughly 4,850lbs of red beans at the San Francisco Food Bank.  I feel accomplished knowing that there's plenty of protein and gas to be distributed amongst the thousands of hungry families in San Francisco.

If you haven't done so already, sign up.

See you there tomorrow!

I'M SHEENA

THE POWER OF THE MUSTACHE

When I was four, I used to think my father (Ted) was the ultimate hero. He was strong, he could fix just about anything and he would even fix my hair because my mother's hands were too weak to tame my nappy tangles. I'd often watch him shave his chin and ask why he would never shave his mustache. He told me that he'd feel naked without one. I always assumed that it was because all his power was derived from it. And it made sense because a lot of powerful men throughout history had a mustache. During my childhood, Chuck Norris, Hulk Hogan, Tom Selleck, Burt Reynolds and even Jesus (to name a few) were sporting the mustache. Can you blame me?

Now I'm all "grown up," I obviously know that the ability to grow mustache does not give you brute strength. However, I am in full support for facial hair.

Ted stays true to his mustache and so can you!

BE A MAN! GROW A MUSTACHE!

I'M SHEENA

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE PIGEON MAN

I  shared a ten minute conversation with the pigeon man on 16th and Guerrero yesterday evening. I told him about how my father would feed the pigeons on our porch and how I cleverly named them Toe Jam and Earl. He told me about his bird named Moanie Groanie, who he named on account of her moaning when she wanted to be fed.

He's been around pigeons for 14 years and he mentioned that pigeons are born with little flies that cling to their wings. He described them as insect pigeons because they had beaks too. Once, he tried to kill them, and they pecked his face. From then on he left them alone and figured they were protectors of the pigeons. 

Sounded a bit off, especially coming from a man with one tooth and long white hair dressed in a warrior headband. 

A quick Google search revealed that there are parasites called "pigeon louse flies" which have pointy faces and cling to the wings of pigeons. 

PIGEON MAN: 1     SHEENA: 0

LESSONS LEARNED:

- Never underestimate a man's knowledge based on how many teeth he has.

- The amount of wisdom comes from the length of a man's hair. Every inch of hair is a story to tell. 

I'M SHEENA

BEING A GROWN UP

Nowadays, I often sit and think a lot. Where i come from, what i've come to know, the people i choose to keep in my life and yet, I still don't know what to think. One thing is for sure - Nothing is permanent. So, when times are rough, when you're in doubt, when discomfort arises, just know, that you can do something about it. Options are always there, whether you believe it or not - it's a matter of recognition and realization. Change? Change what? change yourself? NO! BECOME YOURSELF! Accept who you are and grow - you can't please everyone, so why not please yourself and others who are willing to take you as you are. 


GO TEAM GO!


Ok, off the soap box.


I'M SHEENA