September 2001 Archive

Wednesday, September 26, 2001

Today's my last day in Minnesota. Finally feeling inspired for the first time in a looooooong time. It's been good seeing folks. The weather has been lovely and brisk. Went to the Walker today and saw "Superflat." But best yet - I've got a head full of ideas and sketches and an eight-hour train ride tomorrow to think and draw and get ideas on paper! Great combo. Now I just have to hope that I don't sit next to anyone smelly and/or talkative on the train tomorrow.

I'm interested in seeing how full the train is tomorrow. My train ticket was booked long before the 9/11 attack. I few to MN a week ago on Northwest. The plane that was suppose to be 2/3 full, had less than a 1/4 occupancy. And Midway airport was fairly quiet, although people were on edge. Many people asked me if I was afraid to fly - no. This has got to be the safest time to fly, since security folks are actually paying attention.

Well, I'm off to print photos for Mom - award winning veggies from the MN State Fair.

posted on 9/26/2001 05:11:14 PM

Monday, September 17, 2001

I work at home so I send lots of time alone and watching tv. After I felt I reached a point of information saturation, I stopped watching the news about the NYC and DC attacks. My mind was put at ease when I learned more about bin Laden and was sure he and "the Base" were responsible. I felt like they were stopped for the time being, and at least we know the enemy, if not it's location.

This morning I woke up and turned on the radio. I was listening to an interview with an engineer, who was suppose to represent all engineers. He was asked how the attacks were going to effect building skyscrapers in the future. Jesus, you can make a fireproof, earthquake proof building. But now we're suppose to make it terrorist proof. It's terrorism - it's violent and unexpected and perpetuated by people who defy everyday logic. How the hell do you accommodate that in building skyscrapers, running airports, living your life?

So, I'm trying to live my relatively isolated daily life as I normally do. As it stands, I don't have a whole lot of motivation and I'm sleeping poorly. And I'm finding evidence that I'm doing strange things in my sleep. I'm finding I'm not as impervious as I think I am.

But tomorrow I'll be out and about and with other human beings and soon I return to Minnesota for another week of family lovin'. I'm hoping that will help me snap out of this. But maybe it's bigger than being snap-out-of-it-able. Time will tell.

Posted on 9/17/2001 01:00:15 PM

Tuesday, September 11, 2001

I woke up and was oblivious to the attack, living without any media on for the first hours. Watching a movie, checking voicemail. Turns out both midday appointments were canceled. Hmmm, thought it odd. Called my good friend Jim to coordinate plans tonight and tell him about the strange coincidence - he filled me in to the insanity/tragedy happening.

Absolutely stunning situation, considering the organization of it and the extent. I used to stay the Marriot World Trade Center walking by the WTC to and from work nearby. The WTC does not exist anymore. Only as a pile of rubble, destroyed property and information, and bodies. The gash in the Pentagon hurts my brain. And although we have strong suspicions that we know who's responsible, so far there is no telling who is responsible. Fundamentally, it could be as small and powerful as a dozen single-minded people.

After getting the story and seeing the horrifying footage, trying to figure out what to do next. I agree with what a lot of people are saying - that we need to help those hurt and get back to work - to persevere. Not sure how to yet.

I hope everyone reading this is staying safe and smart.

Posted on 9/11/2001 01:31:08 PM

Tuesday, September 04, 2001

The weather in head is better than the icon in the lower left indicates. But I'm in Minnesota right now, away from the capacity to change it, or my homepage logo to September!

Minnesota has been a little allergy ridden and sickly for me, but all in all a great time. I will report some story from the land of hotdish, 1100 lb hogs and pop-up tent trailers soon.

In short:
Important decisions have been made.
Internal battery has been recharged.
Knowns have been reinforced.
Unknowns have been entertaining and charming.
Posted on 9/4/2001 12:13:24 AM