Marinated artichoke hearts; shimp and prosciutto in melted butter; spring greens with cranberries, bleu cheese, and a pumpkin-seed vinaigrette; cured meats and cheeses; smoked salmon; olives. A fantastic glass of Pinot Noir.
A lovely setting on the Severn River at dusk overlooking the United States Naval Academy, wait staff to clear the table, a traffic-free drive home.
Half the evening left to enjoy before work tomorrow; then the weekend.
Perfect.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Cloister
I have been in a horrible mood lately. Conversations are boring and effortful, restaurants are typical, jokes are humorless. I just want to be left alone and not have to talk to anyone. This is an unfortunate state of mind, being that my mom and her husband are in town so we've been hanging out and sightseeing. I know my grumpy mood is bringing everyone else down, I can see it happening and it's as frustrating for me as it is for my companions.
I just want to sleep for a while, three or four full nights of uninterrupted sleep, intense exersize, time alone to think and read.
I actually believe that people are happiest when living in a [purposeful, not coincidental] community, but for me that must come with a guarantee of on-demand, prolonged periods of complete privacy.
I just want to sleep for a while, three or four full nights of uninterrupted sleep, intense exersize, time alone to think and read.
I actually believe that people are happiest when living in a [purposeful, not coincidental] community, but for me that must come with a guarantee of on-demand, prolonged periods of complete privacy.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Lame Lame Lame Lame
I am so lame.
So. Lame.
I really wanted to go to the session tonight. I haven't been in a while and I won't be able to go on Sunday.
But:
1. It is cold outside and my hair is wet and I don't want to come down with something right before I have my mom and John come in from Michigan.
2. I haven't been able to breathe properly today. You all know that I have a breathing thing that's not physiological or medical. I had a speaking engagement this afternoon at Georgetown University and that's when it started. And so it's difficult to think about going out and being charming and social when I can't breathe. It's a really distracting phenomenon.
But:
3. I know I haven't been to a session in a while and I don't want my friends to think that I'm ditching them (I'm not) or that I don't like Irish music anymore (I do) or that I'm just totally lame (I am).
So I really shouldn't do something just becaue of what I'm afraid people will think (hello middle school?) and I'm afraid that if I go out that I will just wish that I had stayed home.
But:
I really don't want to get (any further) into the lazy, selfish habit of isolating myself from my friends. Sure, it's easier to stay at home warm and cozy in Rob's sweat pants with tea and kittens. But music is really important to me; the community aspect is important to me. So, as usual, I'm thinking way too hard about a relatively simple situation.
I'm gonna put on some tea and crack open a new book. And chill out.
P.S. Can everyone please refrain from advising me to go to a doctor about the breathing thing? I can run miles at a time and do yoga and climb stairs and so I am not in danger of a heart attack. When I have time to actually find a physician that is not my ob/gyn then maybe I will tell him/her about the issue and get some advice. But finding a doctor is not currently high on my list of priorities.
So. Lame.
I really wanted to go to the session tonight. I haven't been in a while and I won't be able to go on Sunday.
But:
1. It is cold outside and my hair is wet and I don't want to come down with something right before I have my mom and John come in from Michigan.
2. I haven't been able to breathe properly today. You all know that I have a breathing thing that's not physiological or medical. I had a speaking engagement this afternoon at Georgetown University and that's when it started. And so it's difficult to think about going out and being charming and social when I can't breathe. It's a really distracting phenomenon.
But:
3. I know I haven't been to a session in a while and I don't want my friends to think that I'm ditching them (I'm not) or that I don't like Irish music anymore (I do) or that I'm just totally lame (I am).
So I really shouldn't do something just becaue of what I'm afraid people will think (hello middle school?) and I'm afraid that if I go out that I will just wish that I had stayed home.
But:
I really don't want to get (any further) into the lazy, selfish habit of isolating myself from my friends. Sure, it's easier to stay at home warm and cozy in Rob's sweat pants with tea and kittens. But music is really important to me; the community aspect is important to me. So, as usual, I'm thinking way too hard about a relatively simple situation.
I'm gonna put on some tea and crack open a new book. And chill out.
P.S. Can everyone please refrain from advising me to go to a doctor about the breathing thing? I can run miles at a time and do yoga and climb stairs and so I am not in danger of a heart attack. When I have time to actually find a physician that is not my ob/gyn then maybe I will tell him/her about the issue and get some advice. But finding a doctor is not currently high on my list of priorities.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Confession
I do not like Thanksgiving food.
Turkey is blah... and the side dishes are uninteresting. Potato-based something... cranberry sauce... stuffing... ugh.
I would much rather have a main course of duck accompanied by a spinach salad with cranberries, walnuts, and brie; stuffed portabella mushroom caps and red wine.
Chocolate mousse for dessert.
But I guess, yeah, Thanksgiving food is supposed to be indiginous to America, stuff that the first settlers would have had on hand. So my suggestions wouldn't really work. I can't help it, though, the traditional menu is just not my taste.
Turkey is blah... and the side dishes are uninteresting. Potato-based something... cranberry sauce... stuffing... ugh.
I would much rather have a main course of duck accompanied by a spinach salad with cranberries, walnuts, and brie; stuffed portabella mushroom caps and red wine.
Chocolate mousse for dessert.
But I guess, yeah, Thanksgiving food is supposed to be indiginous to America, stuff that the first settlers would have had on hand. So my suggestions wouldn't really work. I can't help it, though, the traditional menu is just not my taste.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Domesticity
Tonight I am cooking dinner for Rob! Something other than cereal!
We are having whole wheat angel hair with chorizo sausage, kalamata olives, and shiitake mushrooms in a garlic oil sauce with garlic bread and Rob's choice of wine.
I am cooking in my pajamas because I have been dressed all day and don't feel like wearing real clothes anymore right now. I know that's probably the sign of a very comfortable relationship, but for some reason Rob thinks I look stunning no matter what (who is he looking at??).
Also, I just have to say that Pier One is having a massive sale and I got a large plate, two salad plates, and two bowls, all in a chic Asian design for $23.
We are having whole wheat angel hair with chorizo sausage, kalamata olives, and shiitake mushrooms in a garlic oil sauce with garlic bread and Rob's choice of wine.
I am cooking in my pajamas because I have been dressed all day and don't feel like wearing real clothes anymore right now. I know that's probably the sign of a very comfortable relationship, but for some reason Rob thinks I look stunning no matter what (who is he looking at??).
Also, I just have to say that Pier One is having a massive sale and I got a large plate, two salad plates, and two bowls, all in a chic Asian design for $23.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
John 2, 1:11
There is a fullness of time for everything, and in our fullness of time we lost our matriarch, our equestrienne, and a piece of our identity.
I think my family has a lot of prayer ahead of them and that, in itself, is a comfort.
I think my family has a lot of prayer ahead of them and that, in itself, is a comfort.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Thoughts On Yesterday
Yesterday was the two year anniversary of my marathon. I thought I would post my race report from that day! The title was, "FINISH OR DIE!!!"
FINISH OR DIE!!
I guess I get to live another day! Thanks to everyone who kept track of me online while I was running. The thought of letting you down kept me going during some hard times. It was because of you guys that I ran hard through Haines Point and "beat the bridge" with hours to spare, making it across the 14th St Bridge before the Marines re-opened it to traffic. Those runners who did not beat the bridge were picked up and escorted by bus to the finish.
Here are some of my personal race statistics for you:
Number of miles run: 26.2
Number of runners: 18,000
Miles with Kristen and Mika: 1-3
Miles with Joe: 3-18
Miles with Jeremy (NOT entered in the marathon!): 22-23
Miles by myself: 18-22, 23-26.2
Number of times I wanted to quit: 3
Number of times I wanted to throw up: 2
Number of times I actually threw up: 0
Number of times someone in the crowd cheered me on by name: too many to count
Moment when I knew I would finish: mile 26.1
Mile when my feet started to ache: 11
Mile when knees, shins, and hips started to ache: n/a
Number of cups of water I dumped on my head: 7
Number of people in the crowd who knew me personally: 2
Runners in costume dressed as: Madonna, several witches, batman, superman.
Marine Marathon regular/famous runners I saw: the guy who runs backwards the entire way, the guy who jumps rope the entire way, the guy who runs dressed as Kermit the Frog.
Marine Marathon regulars I did not see: the guy who juggles the whole time.
Number of Marines who untied my shoes and removed my computer chip for me when done: 1
Best part of the race: approaching the 10k mark, running up the Rock Creek Parkway. The trees and changing leaves were beautiful
Worst part of the race: miles 17-20, Haines Point. Long, flat, desolate, no crowd cheering us on. And our reward for completing Haines Point was to run the 14th St Bridge - LONG, hilly, and the mile (21) where you feel like you'll never, ever finish.
Areas of body currently sunburned: face, neck, hands, forearms.
I want to send out a HUGE thank you to all the Marines who planned, organized, and executed a flawless race. They were lining the course, handing out water, PowerAde, pretzels, oranges, words of compassion and encouragement. They were polite, enthusiastic, and attentive. They were amazing. Oohrah!
FINISH OR DIE!!
I guess I get to live another day! Thanks to everyone who kept track of me online while I was running. The thought of letting you down kept me going during some hard times. It was because of you guys that I ran hard through Haines Point and "beat the bridge" with hours to spare, making it across the 14th St Bridge before the Marines re-opened it to traffic. Those runners who did not beat the bridge were picked up and escorted by bus to the finish.
Here are some of my personal race statistics for you:
Number of miles run: 26.2
Number of runners: 18,000
Miles with Kristen and Mika: 1-3
Miles with Joe: 3-18
Miles with Jeremy (NOT entered in the marathon!): 22-23
Miles by myself: 18-22, 23-26.2
Number of times I wanted to quit: 3
Number of times I wanted to throw up: 2
Number of times I actually threw up: 0
Number of times someone in the crowd cheered me on by name: too many to count
Moment when I knew I would finish: mile 26.1
Mile when my feet started to ache: 11
Mile when knees, shins, and hips started to ache: n/a
Number of cups of water I dumped on my head: 7
Number of people in the crowd who knew me personally: 2
Runners in costume dressed as: Madonna, several witches, batman, superman.
Marine Marathon regular/famous runners I saw: the guy who runs backwards the entire way, the guy who jumps rope the entire way, the guy who runs dressed as Kermit the Frog.
Marine Marathon regulars I did not see: the guy who juggles the whole time.
Number of Marines who untied my shoes and removed my computer chip for me when done: 1
Best part of the race: approaching the 10k mark, running up the Rock Creek Parkway. The trees and changing leaves were beautiful
Worst part of the race: miles 17-20, Haines Point. Long, flat, desolate, no crowd cheering us on. And our reward for completing Haines Point was to run the 14th St Bridge - LONG, hilly, and the mile (21) where you feel like you'll never, ever finish.
Areas of body currently sunburned: face, neck, hands, forearms.
I want to send out a HUGE thank you to all the Marines who planned, organized, and executed a flawless race. They were lining the course, handing out water, PowerAde, pretzels, oranges, words of compassion and encouragement. They were polite, enthusiastic, and attentive. They were amazing. Oohrah!
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Trauma
I've seen a lot of movies. I've taken film classes in college and studied filming techniques and delved deeply into specific genres and I really like movies in general.
I've seen a lot of traumatic movies and movies that have made me cry and movies that have disturbed my sleep patterns for multiple days.
This is the first time I've seen a movie with a castration scene*. I paused it three times to try to decide if I wanted to continue. I poured a glass of wine. I looked up the film's website to see if there were any disclaimers. And in the end, although a film and not real life, that particular scene, along with all the others, was deeply disturbing.
In fact, I'm not even going to link to the IMBd page because there is some sickeningly questionable content on the message boards. Content that I wonder if I should report to the FBI.
So it's off to my second glass of wine and I'll try not to inhale Rob's dinner too deeply; I still feel a bit nauseated after the whole thing.
*Now that I say that, I think I may have lied to you. There may have been a feature in my college Asian Film course that had a castration scene, but I don't remember, so I'm probably wrong.
I've seen a lot of traumatic movies and movies that have made me cry and movies that have disturbed my sleep patterns for multiple days.
This is the first time I've seen a movie with a castration scene*. I paused it three times to try to decide if I wanted to continue. I poured a glass of wine. I looked up the film's website to see if there were any disclaimers. And in the end, although a film and not real life, that particular scene, along with all the others, was deeply disturbing.
In fact, I'm not even going to link to the IMBd page because there is some sickeningly questionable content on the message boards. Content that I wonder if I should report to the FBI.
So it's off to my second glass of wine and I'll try not to inhale Rob's dinner too deeply; I still feel a bit nauseated after the whole thing.
*Now that I say that, I think I may have lied to you. There may have been a feature in my college Asian Film course that had a castration scene, but I don't remember, so I'm probably wrong.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Poor Me
I have reached the height of commitment-phobia.
Lately I have been lauding the virtues, on a strictly theoretical basis being that I haven't tried it myself, of Giant's Peapod home grocery delivery service. It seems like a really neat thing, especially for the infirm or those of us who can't manage to haul a granny cart up the street without making bloody spectacles of ourselves.
I'm so close. I'm almost there. I've selected my groceries. Even produce, and meat! I've selected my delivery time.
But I cannot. click. the. CHECKOUT. button.
I don't know why. Well, I think I know why. I don't know why! Well, let me try to explain. Ordinarily I'm all about paying for a little bit of extra convenience, and having groceries - including a big-ass bag of kitty litter - delivered directly to my door is very appealing.* But for some reason right now I'm frozen with my finger above the mouse button.
What if, for some reason, I'm not at home during the specified time range? I would never forgive myself for inconveniencing the delivery person.
And another thing which is, I guess, back to the paying for convenience part: the delivery fee is $9.95 and the minimum amount of groceries you need to buy is $50. So just in meeting the barest threshhold I'm already at TWICE my normal weekly grocery bill.**
So, here we are. I think I'll put it off. Just for another week. Then we'll try again. You have to take these things slowly, you know. Rushing in only leads to calamity.
*When you live on the sixth floor and have to park a block away, well, who wants to make two trips under those conditions?
** No, I don't starve myself; I'm a bachelor(ette).
Lately I have been lauding the virtues, on a strictly theoretical basis being that I haven't tried it myself, of Giant's Peapod home grocery delivery service. It seems like a really neat thing, especially for the infirm or those of us who can't manage to haul a granny cart up the street without making bloody spectacles of ourselves.
I'm so close. I'm almost there. I've selected my groceries. Even produce, and meat! I've selected my delivery time.
But I cannot. click. the. CHECKOUT. button.
I don't know why. Well, I think I know why. I don't know why! Well, let me try to explain. Ordinarily I'm all about paying for a little bit of extra convenience, and having groceries - including a big-ass bag of kitty litter - delivered directly to my door is very appealing.* But for some reason right now I'm frozen with my finger above the mouse button.
What if, for some reason, I'm not at home during the specified time range? I would never forgive myself for inconveniencing the delivery person.
And another thing which is, I guess, back to the paying for convenience part: the delivery fee is $9.95 and the minimum amount of groceries you need to buy is $50. So just in meeting the barest threshhold I'm already at TWICE my normal weekly grocery bill.**
So, here we are. I think I'll put it off. Just for another week. Then we'll try again. You have to take these things slowly, you know. Rushing in only leads to calamity.
*When you live on the sixth floor and have to park a block away, well, who wants to make two trips under those conditions?
** No, I don't starve myself; I'm a bachelor(ette).
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
On the Upswing
After what I now realize has been a mild depression, I'm starting to feel pretty good again. Sleeping a little less. Eating less, too, but that's conscious. Trying to play a bit more music, although my reasons for remaining in absentia on Wednesdays and Sundays have less to do with wanting to coccoon at home and more to do with an increase in yoga (Sunday) and the slight feeling that my main session has become a tad redundant. I just don't have the attention span to sit through four hours of tunes like I used to. Something needs to shake up a bit, I think.
In other news... what? There isn't much to report. The weather is getting colder and my darling kittens are the new static cling. It's going to be time to start the winter delve into academe. For some reason I have a difficult time studying in the summertime. Something about lighting a lamp in the darkness really sets the mood for me, and that's difficult to do when the sun blazes until 10pm as it does in July.
So - more Greek. The traditional revisiting of Plato and Homer. Something else, too, just not sure what yet...
In other news... what? There isn't much to report. The weather is getting colder and my darling kittens are the new static cling. It's going to be time to start the winter delve into academe. For some reason I have a difficult time studying in the summertime. Something about lighting a lamp in the darkness really sets the mood for me, and that's difficult to do when the sun blazes until 10pm as it does in July.
So - more Greek. The traditional revisiting of Plato and Homer. Something else, too, just not sure what yet...
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Have I mentioned...
... that there is absolutely nothing more darling than a kitten who is snoring while in a deep snooze with her little face next to yours and her little paw wrapped around your arm?
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Afternoon
This afternoon was beautiful, but my mind was torn between a run or a nap.
Run or nap. Run or nap.
In the past I have thought, well, I'll just lay down and then go over the pros and cons and we all know what happened then. But I have never regretted getting myself out for a turn through the neighborhood, so that's what I did.*
Then I fell asleep, woke up late with a massive headache and case of nausea but got myself up and out the door nonetheless to play a few tunes, only to come back home after 30 minutes because of said headache. Then I got home and realized that my apartment was a complete wreck - clothing everywhere, donations piled up, the kitchen all cluttered, bed unmade, a pile of unsorted mail.
Disconcerted, I stood in my doorway, and Natasha poked her little head out. She took about three steps into the hallway and staaaared for a few minutes into the abyss. This could have gone on for hours, so I nudged her back inside and began cleaning up, trying to make my home peaceful again, clean, minimal.
At this point, I feel a bit better, but still not quite right. I don't know why not.
*Read: lugged my pathetic self out for a 3.5 mile schlep
Run or nap. Run or nap.
In the past I have thought, well, I'll just lay down and then go over the pros and cons and we all know what happened then. But I have never regretted getting myself out for a turn through the neighborhood, so that's what I did.*
Then I fell asleep, woke up late with a massive headache and case of nausea but got myself up and out the door nonetheless to play a few tunes, only to come back home after 30 minutes because of said headache. Then I got home and realized that my apartment was a complete wreck - clothing everywhere, donations piled up, the kitchen all cluttered, bed unmade, a pile of unsorted mail.
Disconcerted, I stood in my doorway, and Natasha poked her little head out. She took about three steps into the hallway and staaaared for a few minutes into the abyss. This could have gone on for hours, so I nudged her back inside and began cleaning up, trying to make my home peaceful again, clean, minimal.
At this point, I feel a bit better, but still not quite right. I don't know why not.
*Read: lugged my pathetic self out for a 3.5 mile schlep
Sunday, October 15, 2006
150 Things
The idea for this post was stolen from a friend, who, upon reading her list, I discovered, has never tried sushi. Completely unacceptable!
Items in bold are those to which I aswer "yes."
1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
2. Swam with wild dolphins
3. Climbed a mountain
4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
5. Been inside the Great Pyramid
6. Held a tarantula
7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
8. Said “I love you” and meant it
9. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days (not drink)
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life
Items in bold are those to which I aswer "yes."
1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
2. Swam with wild dolphins
3. Climbed a mountain
4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
5. Been inside the Great Pyramid
6. Held a tarantula
7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
8. Said “I love you” and meant it
9. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days (not drink)
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Musings
I need a tea straw. A long one. Because who, on a lazy, cold Saturday morning, warm in bed covered with snoozing kittens, wants to disturb everything by leaning over and taking a sip of tea?
Friday, October 13, 2006
Blood
Today I did my duty and donated a pint of blood to the Red Cross. I really like the idea of donating blood (I like the idea much more than the actual procedure), so I do it as often as I can. It helps that my workplace hosts a blood drive several times a year. But today's blood-letting turned out to be a bit of a debacle.
I went down there with a co-worker. We tend to donate blood together at these workplace drives. It's nice to have someone next to you when you're inert and bleeding for fifteen minutes at a time (although, as a female, I suppose I should be thrilled at bleeding for a mere quarter of an hour). He went in for his health interview before me. Thirty seconds later, he was pulling on his jacket and saying "I gotta go - talk to you later." I thought that was odd, but soon understood what happened.
The Red Cross people today were scary. They didn't seem to know what they were doing. They didn't speak proper English. They were slow. The health historian typed with one finger and didn't know how to spell Connecticut (my street name).
The technicians ended up having to take blood out of both my arms; my phlebologist (it's a real word, trust me) had to call for assistance during the final part of my ordeal, the filling of two test tubes, during which time she fished around with the needle inside my vein and jammed the last tube into it's receiver when the flow wasn't strong enough, causing the needle to push even farther inside my arm with no apparent guidance.
Eventually, after I feebly asked how many more times she was going to try, she gave up with that side - but in order for the pint I had just donated to be available for use, she needed to follow through with the two smaller tubes for testing. I let her use my other arm, just so it wouldn't all be for nothing, so now both my arms are sore.
I must say - being on the receiving side of [perceived] incompetent of health workers is frightening. At least it's for a very, very good cause.
I went down there with a co-worker. We tend to donate blood together at these workplace drives. It's nice to have someone next to you when you're inert and bleeding for fifteen minutes at a time (although, as a female, I suppose I should be thrilled at bleeding for a mere quarter of an hour). He went in for his health interview before me. Thirty seconds later, he was pulling on his jacket and saying "I gotta go - talk to you later." I thought that was odd, but soon understood what happened.
The Red Cross people today were scary. They didn't seem to know what they were doing. They didn't speak proper English. They were slow. The health historian typed with one finger and didn't know how to spell Connecticut (my street name).
The technicians ended up having to take blood out of both my arms; my phlebologist (it's a real word, trust me) had to call for assistance during the final part of my ordeal, the filling of two test tubes, during which time she fished around with the needle inside my vein and jammed the last tube into it's receiver when the flow wasn't strong enough, causing the needle to push even farther inside my arm with no apparent guidance.
Eventually, after I feebly asked how many more times she was going to try, she gave up with that side - but in order for the pint I had just donated to be available for use, she needed to follow through with the two smaller tubes for testing. I let her use my other arm, just so it wouldn't all be for nothing, so now both my arms are sore.
I must say - being on the receiving side of [perceived] incompetent of health workers is frightening. At least it's for a very, very good cause.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Pity Party
Ugh, this is awful. I feel sloth-like and round. I went up to the roof-top terrace and did about ten minutes of lovely yoga in the soft afternoon sun and then got bored. Came back inside. Did about three more minutes and just couldn't get into it.
I feel flabby and soft. This is gross. I am a female whining about her body. Double gross.
I feel flabby and soft. This is gross. I am a female whining about her body. Double gross.
Monday, October 09, 2006
If Only
A broken bottle of wine,
a gash on the leg.
suddenly I wish
I had driven, instead of walked,
to
the
grocery
store
.
a gash on the leg.
suddenly I wish
I had driven, instead of walked,
to
the
grocery
store
.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Home Again
Rob and I just spent a fantastic weekend in my home state. A wedding, a party, some cheeseburgers, lots of Cotes du Rhone, a walk around Greek gardens, tea, sushi, Irish music, family, friends.
Now I am home and the frustrating thing about coming back to DC is that the ride from the airport to my apartment is LONGER than the plane ride from Detroit to Washington. How is that possible, you ask? Well. On the weekends, which is usually when I'm coming to and fro, I arrive at the airport spent approximately fifteen minutes gathering luggage, peeing, etc, and head up to the metro platform. I then wait approximately ten minutes for a train. Travel twenty minutes to my transfer station, and wait approximately ten more minutes for a train. Travel fifteen minutes to my station, and walk five minutes to my apartment for a total of one hour fifteen minutes as compared to a fifty minute flight.
Alas. I am home and my kittens are purring so loudly and I have fresh laundry and a whole evening to myself with a day off (Columbus Day) before me and yoga to do later.
Now I am home and the frustrating thing about coming back to DC is that the ride from the airport to my apartment is LONGER than the plane ride from Detroit to Washington. How is that possible, you ask? Well. On the weekends, which is usually when I'm coming to and fro, I arrive at the airport spent approximately fifteen minutes gathering luggage, peeing, etc, and head up to the metro platform. I then wait approximately ten minutes for a train. Travel twenty minutes to my transfer station, and wait approximately ten more minutes for a train. Travel fifteen minutes to my station, and walk five minutes to my apartment for a total of one hour fifteen minutes as compared to a fifty minute flight.
Alas. I am home and my kittens are purring so loudly and I have fresh laundry and a whole evening to myself with a day off (Columbus Day) before me and yoga to do later.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Loooong Weekend
Tomorrow is Friday! Sort of. I have Thursday and Friday off to go back to Michigan for my mom's wedding. I am very excited about this, and also about having Monday off for a holiday!
I apologize for the lack of posting. I can't think of anything provocative to write about. Just the usual - yoga is awesome, etc.
Ohhh.... but this couple I've been watching on the metro... today he got off at her (and my) stop, Judiciary Square, and they stood by the faregates having a sort of discussion. Not really an argument with raised voice, but it definitely seemed as though there was an issue that needed urgent attention. Very interesting.
I apologize for the lack of posting. I can't think of anything provocative to write about. Just the usual - yoga is awesome, etc.
Ohhh.... but this couple I've been watching on the metro... today he got off at her (and my) stop, Judiciary Square, and they stood by the faregates having a sort of discussion. Not really an argument with raised voice, but it definitely seemed as though there was an issue that needed urgent attention. Very interesting.
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