I don't usually like to start with "I don't usually like..."

But sometimes I do things I don't usually like to do.

I don't usually like to blog about blogging, especially about why I didn't blog for the past howevermanydays because I know my reader is not hanging on every word. But I realized after several days away from it due to constricts of time and mood that I miss it if I don't.

I don't usually like to cry at weddings, but I didn't mind it this time because I could cover my eyes with a camera.


I don't usually like to speak before the internal editor, monitor and affective filter have done their jobs. But sometimes I interrupt because I want to show how interested I am in someone and what she or he is saying. And other times, I must be defensive. And others, I must be testing the waters...will I be pushed overboard if I say what I think? And others times they must simply be tired from working so much overtime.


I don't usually like to throw around terms like "monitor" and "affective filter" outside of discussions of language learning and/or acquisition, but they seem to work so well in referring to the interpersonal when I think of the way I try to relate to others. However, my monitor and affective filter don't work exactly the same way those of language learners do. I usually use them to protect my listeners' affects, not mine.

I don't usually like a sweet coffee drink firstfirst thing for breakfast, but sometimes I do and besides, I reallyreallyreally like having coffee drinks with my friend who bought me one this morning! Somehow the special coffee drink was more festive.

I don't usually like to use other people's sophisticated electronic equipment. Actually, I don't usually like sophisticated electronic equipment in general. But I am now seriously crushing on the Nikon D70 and the Canon D40 (or is that the other way around or did I just pull those numbers out of the side of my head despite having been told them less than 24 hours ago?). And Garmin is just charmin'.

I don't usually like to get pulled into work "drama". Oh, wait. I don't like it this time, either.

I don't usually like to "shush" anyone other than my students, and even then, only during class. But if groups persist in talking after being asked for their attention by someone I care about, I will not hesitate to use my teacher voice anywhere with anyone.

I don't usually like to dance with a partner. But sometimes I need others and others need me.


I don't usually like to light the strings of lights or candles that I have in every room of the house because I feel that the occasion has to merit it, that I have to deserve it...and, of course, sometimes deep down I don't think I'll ever deserve it. But now, I put on both a candle and a string of lights in the upstairs bathroom just to have them on as I showered for the second time today. ( Yes, I expect a crack or two about my showering being an occasion that "merits it!")

I don't usually like to blog so personally about myself. But it does happen...