A couple of days ago I had an epiphany: I'm getting stupider. Of course, really stupid people don't have epiphanies, so that in and of itself was a saving grace--but I've decided I must act now if I am to prevent myself from become a bona fide Ignoramus. I'm not really even sure what is happening. I suppose now that grad school is over, I just haven't been particularly pressed to expand my mind beyond the confines of Cubicleworld. And...it's starting to show. Mostly in the sense that I am misspelling words left and right (one of the things I LOVE about Typepad is the spell check feature *check* Holy crap! I just now misspelled the word "misspelling". Laawwww beeeee....this is worse that I thought....), and spelling used to be one of my fortes. I misuse words--and sound like an idiot as a result. I find myself politely smiling and nodding when people use "big words" that I'm not familiar with. (Ummm..."big words"?!?!?! Yes, I now categorize certain vocabulary as "big". Definitely a sign that my brain is becoming "small").
Anywhodiddle, this is War, and my weapon of choice for level 101 is...*Sherando scrolls through the imaginary intelligentsia weaponry arsenal in her head...* Webster's. I found the following particularly enlightening and/or fun. Hopefully the brilliant rays of knowledge won't blind you. If they do, find my protective eyewear of choice here.
- abstemious: adj. moderate, esp. in eating and drinking (i.e. not me)
- acedia: n. Laziness; sloth; apathy (much closer to the mark)
- intarsia: n. A colored design knitted on both sides of a fabric--also referred to as "picture knitting". (to be added to the list of 2008 skill goals).
- caustic: adj. Capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action; marked by incisive sarcasm. (particularly appropriate in a week full of soap making)
- pejorative: adj. depreciatory (of a word, an expression, etc.) (I love how this is spelled)
