Aug. 17 - Lisa's Musings (on proof in the photo) and Every Day Life

Ah, the comfortable power of the seat cushion.










I look almost happy to be sitting the Ann Arbor City Council chambers Monday night, don't I?

Well, in the interest of truth in journalism, I asked Ryan Stanton from Ann Arbor DotCom to take my photo. (So, a shout out to him for helping me with this blog.)

OK, I look kinda goofy sitting there on my new seat-and-back cushion, but you get the picture, right?

And, all the council members, and a few members of the public, were impressed. Maybe even envious. I did hear a few "sweet," comments.

The thing is, and I'm not complaining, mind you, but I hardly had a chance to get it warm because, are you ready, the meeting was over in about an hour.

Sure, it looked like a light agenda, but with this group, ya never know what might be lurking in the wings just waiting to drag the meeting out for hours and hours.

Not so Monday night, although I was also warned by one council member that this would probably the only time we'd get out this early until next August.

Gulp.

But I'll be ready for that first meeting in September, armed with my new butt-and-back comfort aide.

I wonder if it will make it on TV.

One thing's for sure, though, I know it will be well broken in by the time the meeting's over.

Now, if I can just stay awake ...

June 21 - Lisa's Musings (on avoidance behavior) and Every Day Life

It's one of those Mondays.

I'm headed to Ann Arbor for a city council meeting with something like eight public hearings (and people who attend council meetings in Ann Arbor like to be heard) followed by an 11-page agenda.

Of course, the best stuff is near the end of the 11 pages, but there are a bunch of other items that I think readers will be interested in reading about so, I'm afraid I'll be there for the duration.

And, if I'm home before 2 a.m., I'll be pleased.

And surprised.

As I told my editor, it's going to be a long night and I've packed my sleeping bag, pillow and provisions. Well, the provisions, anyway. I have all kinds of snacks to keep me awake during the proceedings.

And, like having a dentist's appointment, I've done everything possible to try and keep my mind off of the night ahead. But I can't do it any longer.

I've eaten. The dogs have eaten and I'm off for an exciting night in the council chambers. On those uncomfortable benches that kill my back. And my butt.

I keep threatening to buy a seat cushion like U-M football fans. The problem is I'll happily tough it out for a football game.

A council meeting? Not so much.

Plus, I'm missing "The Bachelorette."

Maybe I'll be surprised and get home early enough to watch it on the DVR.

Yup, trying to think positively.

But I think it's a matter of having a rich fantasy life, and I hear it's more prevalent on the first day of summer.