I did not win the super special $50 tickets for the 2008 Austin City Limits music festival. Same as last year. But I remain optimistic. Surely one of these days I will be that lucky one in... what?... a thousand that wins out in the drawing. But I did cough up the money to buy 2 tickets at the earlybird price (I think that saves us about $15 per ticket so not terribly impressive). If we're feeling uninspired next year, I'm sure we'd have no problems selling them off.
To be quite honest, Greg and I weren't terribly enamored with the festival this year. It was boiling hot, which is nothing new but this year the weathermen were predicting a cold front to blow in Saturday morning. Liars! I can handle the heat. No problem. I'm a Texan. I'm used to it. But when told to expect lower temps that just don't arrive, I'm mentally beaten down. Cruel, weather dudes, very cruel. I think Dilek had it right when she said the ACL officials pay off the local stations to get a high turnout.
Besides the weather though, we weren't really inspired by any unknown (to us, anyway) bands like we have been in the past. But the acts we really wanted to see were good. Paolo Nutini was fun, although he seemed high/drunk/disoriented when we heard him on a radio interview earlier that morning at 11 a.m. Maybe that's just the way he talks. Or maybe he really was wasted before midday. He sang most of his set doubled over in an awkward hunch. That just can't be good for his 20-year-old body (damn, am I showing my age?). He sang a song about pot-smoking. I wish I could remember the words because they were pretty funny, but that was the most animated he performed in the whole set. I was crushed up close with the standing-room-only crowd because Paolo just so happens to sing my personal theme song New Shoes. (Do you have a theme song? You should really work on that if you don't.) So I thank him for making that the second song in his set so I could retreat back to the more open, cooler spaces in the back. The next big act I was waiting for was Andrew Bird. Loooove him! And he did not disappoint, although I have to say I slightly prefer his solo act when I first saw him opening for Ani Difranco. He was amazing at that show, looping recorded sounds to make a one man band! Then for the last act of the night, we caught Arcade Fire. We fell in love with these guys when they played at ACL a few years back. I'm happy to see that their fan base has grown considerably since then. We did sneak out early though. I hated missing the last of AF's set, but I just cannot stand to be in the crush of people all filtering out of the narrow gaps at once at the end. I get entirely too claustrophobic and anxious. Too many other bodies touching me. Breathing too much recycled air. Too much body heat and sweat transfer. Ew, no.
But I have our tickets for next year. Now all we have to do is wait another 10 months to see who's playing. Patience is a virtue, right.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Wood Floors!
Well, its done. We've finally committed to a company and flooring choice for our house. I called the guy today to give him my credit card details. Ouch! The wood is ordered, they're dropping it off at our house on Friday to acclimate, and we have an appointment for installation on Monday! I can't believe it! Less than week to go!
We chose hickory as our wood of choice.
Its over 25% harder than oak and maple, and the kind we chose is not too dark so it won't suck all the light out of our north facing living room.
I'm going to have a super long day at work that Monday, but when I get home at 9:30 p.m. I am so looking forward to just sitting back and basking in the glory that is wood floors.
We chose hickory as our wood of choice.
Its over 25% harder than oak and maple, and the kind we chose is not too dark so it won't suck all the light out of our north facing living room.
I'm going to have a super long day at work that Monday, but when I get home at 9:30 p.m. I am so looking forward to just sitting back and basking in the glory that is wood floors.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Dodging Bullets
My advisor just walked in and asked me cryptically Have you been good? And nothing else.
There are a number of things to which he could be referring here:
Luckily, he just wanted to share with me a recent bootleg copy of Norah Jones material. We're both big fans. Whew! :)
On a scale of one to ten, how severely does my grad school bitterness show?
There are a number of things to which he could be referring here:
- working on writing my dissertation - um, not this week-end...
- finishing multiple choice questions for his class's first exam - only about 1/2 done...
- writing an abstract for a conference so to that he can enjoy a fabulous tropical island vacation with some professor buddies under the guise of scientific exchange in which he'd present my work (so unfair) - haven't even begun to think about it and resent that I have to...
- buying a new computer monitor because ours pooped out and I've been borrowing one of his - no attempts made thus far...
- reporting good experimental results - well, seeing as he doesn't give two craps about my research other than the fact that it allows him a relevant excuse to attend previously mentioned conferences, I knew he wasn't asking about that...
Luckily, he just wanted to share with me a recent bootleg copy of Norah Jones material. We're both big fans. Whew! :)
On a scale of one to ten, how severely does my grad school bitterness show?
Friday, September 21, 2007
The Perfect Man
Greg just read the ad below this morning, and informed me in no uncertain terms that I do, in fact, have the perfect man. With the exception of the red meat and Mac vs. PC issues, this description apparently fits him to a T.
I had the distinct impression he was fishing so...
Officially and publicly, I therefore state for the record that my husband is and will henceforth remain, in my estimation, the perfect man. I fully acknowledge that I am a uniquely fortunate individual and, as such, will strive to reciprocate the desirable qualities of a loving, forgiving, accomodating partner in life. I will not take my husband for granted and will refrain from using him as an emotional punching bag when I am crabby, frustrated, irritable or touchy. I hereby promise to make honest endeavors in the normally prescribed cooking, cleaning and household responsibilities of cohabitation. Additionally, I promise to generously compliment his food, handywork and overall sexiness on a regular basis. I will endeavor to keep my evil impulses under reasonable control, including but not limited to, booty slaps, ear sucking, pinching, teasing, and similarly aggressive, unprovoked activites. I will occasionally surprise my husband with random acts of generosity and thoughtfulness. I will strive to continue to surprise, inspire, impress, motivate, encourage, and respect my husband as I hope I have done thus far.
Sincerely yours, Larisa W K
I had the distinct impression he was fishing so...
Officially and publicly, I therefore state for the record that my husband is and will henceforth remain, in my estimation, the perfect man. I fully acknowledge that I am a uniquely fortunate individual and, as such, will strive to reciprocate the desirable qualities of a loving, forgiving, accomodating partner in life. I will not take my husband for granted and will refrain from using him as an emotional punching bag when I am crabby, frustrated, irritable or touchy. I hereby promise to make honest endeavors in the normally prescribed cooking, cleaning and household responsibilities of cohabitation. Additionally, I promise to generously compliment his food, handywork and overall sexiness on a regular basis. I will endeavor to keep my evil impulses under reasonable control, including but not limited to, booty slaps, ear sucking, pinching, teasing, and similarly aggressive, unprovoked activites. I will occasionally surprise my husband with random acts of generosity and thoughtfulness. I will strive to continue to surprise, inspire, impress, motivate, encourage, and respect my husband as I hope I have done thus far.
Sincerely yours, Larisa W K
Thursday, September 20, 2007
High Hopes from Craigslist
My friend Chris just passed this on to me. Its a hilarious personal ad listed on Craigslist by someone here in Austin. If I were single and were so inclined to post a personal ad, I would want mine to read exactly like this...
...well, maybe with a few minor modifications.
Austin blonde seeks soulmate/dream-man - 28
Reply to: pers-427440031@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-09-20, 1:15PM CDT
Seeking hot (but not too hot— no cocky bastards,) male, single, culturally-aware monogamist. Must be d/d-free, non-smoker. 6' tall or over is strongly preferred, but no giants.
Must enjoy concerts, balconies/patios/decks, my gay cat, and high-maintenance blondes who think they know everything and try to tell everyone what to do all the time, but only because they're trying to help. Must be able to throw me over your shoulder and/or drag me across the parking lot by my hair when I get out of hand.
Must have a really good job - I'm expensive.
No Aggies. No D&D. No BDSM (fuzzy handcuffs excluded.)
Must have no hang-ups about prescribed and truly effective psychotropic medications, discreet and classy acrylic nails, or 2 hours of hair-blow-drying time, 2 to 3 times per week.
No red-meat eaters. Pescetarians preferred, but not required.
(look it up.)
Mac-users only; no PCs.
NO PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS, ROADIES, BOUNCERS, BARTENDERS, OR WAITERS.
Must hate the Dave Matthews Band.
Must understand the meaning of the term "post-punk." Former high school freaks and weirdos preferred. Record collectors are a HUGE plus. Must love The Smiths and/or The Cure and/or Radiohead and/or The Pixies. Dandy Warhols fans and Shins fans get extra points.
Must generally prefer Red River, South Congress, and the east side over 6th Street (concerts at the Parish excluded.)
College degree required, but equivalent work experience may be acceptable, depending on the situation. Extra points for grad school, but no 'professional students.'
No gym-rats.
Must truly truly truly enjoy oral sex- the giving part. This is crucial. It's a total deal-breaker. Reciprocation will be frequent, excellent, and enthusiastic.
ABSOLUTELY NO RACISTS OR HOMOPHOBES.
Also, no neo-cons or Evangelical Christians. In fact, any kind of Christian is gonna have a pretty rough time. Agnostics and Buddhists preferred. Atheists ok.
Tattoo-free is preferred. A few discreet ones are ok, but not if they involve cartoon characters, barbed wire, or daggers. Or skulls. Or dragons or snakes.
Moderate drinking is strongly preferred over non-drinkers, but that doesn't mean it's ok to be a drunk. No drunks!
No metalheads. It's ok if you were into that stuff growing up, but you shouldn't have any Iron Maiden in your car, man. Not cool.
No 20-somethings. 30+ only please. 36 is perfect. Under 40 is preferred, but if you seriously meet all of these requirements, I don't care if you're 110.
My hair hangs to about 5 inches below my shoulders; yours should be significantly shorter. No hippies. No vagabonds. Must not frequently describe yourself as "outdoorsy" or "free-spirited," but environmentally conscious recyclers are preferred.
Metrosexuals ok, but no crunchy hair gel.
ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY NO YANKEES FANS!!! Seriously. That's a big one.
Must not aspire to ever moving to Dallas, or even consider it, honestly. Unless its for a job with a mid-six-figure or higher salary, and you're not opposed to having a stay-at-home wife. Must definitely want marriage and kids-- no being wishy-washy about it.
Home ownership preferred, but not required.
CAR OWNERSHIP REQUIRED, but no Hummers.
Must have all teeth. If one got knocked out during a baseball game when you were a kid, that's fine, but you should have a prosthetic or a bridge or something by now, right? I mean, come on.
Must not pee on the DVD player or in the t-shirt drawer or similar because you thought it was the toilet while half-drunk and half-asleep in the middle of the night.
No frequent free-ballers.
No light-sleepers. Insomniacs ok. But if you're one of those guys who wakes up in the morning and walks around and talks to me and everything, but you're not actually awake, and you're not making any sense, then forget it. That seriously frustrates me.
Must use better than average grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. Off-the-cuff ability to accurately define the word "ironic" is a plus. Must not ever use the following words or phrases:
coolio
dealio
chillin' like a villain
Must not ever call me "sweetie" because I totally hate that.
I'm going to reiterate this one: drug-free. Seriously.
No blow, even if it's only occasional. No potheads. No former potheads who still own "420" baseball caps. Nobody who claims, "I only do mushrooms like once a year when I go camping with my buddies from high school." Nobody who will ask me to do X with them "just this once" at some New Years' Eve party or outdoor music festival.
Must live alone. No roommates.*
*Special allowances may be granted in extreme situations, at my discretion, but not if your 'roommates' are also your parents.
Must hate George W. Bush.
Okay, hate is a strong word- must adamantly disapprove of the presidential leadership of George W. Bush. Daily Show viewers are preferred.
Being an animal-lover (or at least animal-friendly) is a requirement. Cat-owners preferred, but dog-owners are ok (unless your dog is huge AND stinky AND sheds all over the place AND jumps all over me and licks me, because I hate that.) NO HUNTERS.
NO WORLD OF WARCRAFT ENTHUSIASTS. No role-players or gamers. Ownership of PS2 or equivalent is not preferred, but may be accepted if playing is mild and infrequent and generally gets old after about an hour.
No chain-wallets. No emo fans. Must own more pants that actually fit than pants that would allow others to see your underwear if you lifted up your shirt.
No frequent golfers. No Round Rock residents or Dell employees (unless aspiring to change residency/employment in the very near future.)
Must be kid-free, but no virgins.
No felons.
Now I ask you, is that really so unreasonable?
Now I ask you, is that really so unreasonable?
Massacre
We had our second soccer game tonight. This time there were five girls instead of 4, which made life a lot easier. But we finished with an abysmal 10-0 loss. Plus I sacrificed my left ovary to block a shot on goal. Something tells me my future babies will not appreciate that sacrifice.
But I got off easy compared to Dilek. She got slammed hard with a soccer ball right in the eye... ...from our own goalie. Poor thing is going to have one hell of shiner for her trip to San Francisco this week-end.
But I got off easy compared to Dilek. She got slammed hard with a soccer ball right in the eye... ...from our own goalie. Poor thing is going to have one hell of shiner for her trip to San Francisco this week-end.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Soon To Be Poverty Stricken
After two years of talking about it, we're finally committing! We're getting quotes from local contractors to rip out our ugly ass, trampled carpet and replace it with lovely, luxurious wood floors. The first one came at 7 o'clock this morning. The second will be there at 6 p.m. tonight. Yippee!
The babies, however, are going to be considerably less excited. They've grown fond of sharpening their claws and systemically ripping out fibers along the edges of the carpeting. Just inside our bedroom its practically threadbare from under-the-door protests at being locked out during the nights. At least, the carpets should be nice and loose for removal.
Ha ha, devil kittehs! We've foiled your evil plots once again!
Interesting side note:
The contractor this morning equated the force applied by the spike of a high heel while walking with that of an elephant's. I'm sure all the ladies out there will be happy to know that with each and every step she takes, she's making the same impact as that of the planet's largest land mammal. Lovely.
The babies, however, are going to be considerably less excited. They've grown fond of sharpening their claws and systemically ripping out fibers along the edges of the carpeting. Just inside our bedroom its practically threadbare from under-the-door protests at being locked out during the nights. At least, the carpets should be nice and loose for removal.
Ha ha, devil kittehs! We've foiled your evil plots once again!
Interesting side note:
The contractor this morning equated the force applied by the spike of a high heel while walking with that of an elephant's. I'm sure all the ladies out there will be happy to know that with each and every step she takes, she's making the same impact as that of the planet's largest land mammal. Lovely.
Losers
My eternal poker losing streak continued to haunt me last night at Chris's. On the bright side, though, I did win the new 2008 Naked calendar for being the first person to go out that evening. And Greg pulled out second place so after carrying my dead weight, we still came out one kick-ass calendar and $10 in the black. WooHoo!
At the game was also our friend Jim, who just got back into town after 4 years in Hawaii. We met up with him for the first time since his return at ACL, and if I hadn't been prepared, I never would have recognized him. Since he's been away, he's completely transformed himself. When he left, he was an overweight somewhat unhappy guy. As my husband would describe it, he had a dark cloud hovering over him. Well, apparently that Hawaiian living has done the boy good. He's lost over one hundred pounds and is now a kick ass triathlete! His whole attitude has changed along with his body. We couldn't believe it. And apparently we weren't the only ones. Twice that night we reintroduced him to old acquaintances who insisted they had never met him before. It was priceless seeing recognition slowly dawn on them and then the shock. The most common reaction was a wide-eyed, gaping-mouthed Holy shit! I'm sure Jim's tired of that by now, but I love it. Good for you, amigo!
At the game was also our friend Jim, who just got back into town after 4 years in Hawaii. We met up with him for the first time since his return at ACL, and if I hadn't been prepared, I never would have recognized him. Since he's been away, he's completely transformed himself. When he left, he was an overweight somewhat unhappy guy. As my husband would describe it, he had a dark cloud hovering over him. Well, apparently that Hawaiian living has done the boy good. He's lost over one hundred pounds and is now a kick ass triathlete! His whole attitude has changed along with his body. We couldn't believe it. And apparently we weren't the only ones. Twice that night we reintroduced him to old acquaintances who insisted they had never met him before. It was priceless seeing recognition slowly dawn on them and then the shock. The most common reaction was a wide-eyed, gaping-mouthed Holy shit! I'm sure Jim's tired of that by now, but I love it. Good for you, amigo!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
ADD
Have you ever just had so much to do/think about/plan/coordinate that your brain rebels by refusing to remain focused on any one item for longer than 10 minutes before moving on to the next pressing matter, leaving you incapable of finishing any single task so you can finally mark it off your list, but rather allows you only to scratch the surface of each project, thereby leaving you with an ever lengthening to-do list, a churning tummy, a shortness of breath, and an almost uncontrollable desire to scream F--- IT! and drop everything?
Just wondering. Me, I've got everything under complete control.
Just wondering. Me, I've got everything under complete control.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Gearing Up for ACL
Its finally here! We have passes for an all day musical lovefest at the Austin City Limits festival tomorrow. This will be my fourth ACL. The first couple of years we bought 3-day passes, but after the festival in 2005 when Zilker Park was transformed into one huge, brown dustball from crazy heat and grass pummeled to death, we downgraded to the one-day passes. Three days killed me both years - the heat, dehydration, massive crowds and brown boogers for the whole of the following week... I just can't hack it anymore, and it was not enjoyable. A few of our friends even said they were coughing up blood after inhaling all that dust in '05. Ew. Who wants that?
So we're going on Saturday. I'm a bit disappointed because Amy Winehouse, one of the big names I wanted to see this year cancelled. Apparently, she's worn herself toxic from all the booze, heroin, cocaine, horse tranquillizers, and heaven-knows-what-else that she regularly pumps into her system. Gotta get yourself to rehab, girl! And then just last week The White Stripes cancelled too. Boo. But its sure to be a great day nonetheless. Besides, this festival has always been about discovering new music for us so I guess its good that our schedule is more open now. I'm still super stoked to see Paolo Nutini, Andrew Bird and Arcade Fire though!
Ok, I'm off to hydrate and mentally prepare myself for brush-ups against sweaty strangers' limbs. Wish us good weather and TP in the portapotties!
So we're going on Saturday. I'm a bit disappointed because Amy Winehouse, one of the big names I wanted to see this year cancelled. Apparently, she's worn herself toxic from all the booze, heroin, cocaine, horse tranquillizers, and heaven-knows-what-else that she regularly pumps into her system. Gotta get yourself to rehab, girl! And then just last week The White Stripes cancelled too. Boo. But its sure to be a great day nonetheless. Besides, this festival has always been about discovering new music for us so I guess its good that our schedule is more open now. I'm still super stoked to see Paolo Nutini, Andrew Bird and Arcade Fire though!
Ok, I'm off to hydrate and mentally prepare myself for brush-ups against sweaty strangers' limbs. Wish us good weather and TP in the portapotties!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Portugal & Spain Revisited
So I've finally uploaded our pics from our last vacation to Portugal where we met up with Fred and Kristie for the beginning of our trip. And then we drove up into Spain for Gunther and Maria's wedding in Gallicia where we met up with our old roommates Dan and Tricia. Click on the picture below to see the slideshow. Enjoy!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Meeting a Legend
I know when most people hear the name James Watson, they draw a complete blank and ask who?, but to a geeky biochem grad student, this guy's a superstar. Together with the help of Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins, and Rosalind Franklin (who under dubious circumstances was initially denied credit for the discovery), James Watson helped elucidate the structure of DNA back in the 1950's. In 1962, Watson, Crick and Wilkins were awarded the Nobel prize for their work. Unfortunately, Franklin passed away in 1958 and the rules of the Nobel prize stipulate that it cannot be awarded post-humously.
Today the 79-year-old Watson is speaking at UT, and I'll be attending. I then have to shoot off to a doctor's appointment, which will hopefully be over in time for me to go to a grad student dinner with him as the guest of honor. I'm looking forward to his talk. He's been a very contraversial and outspoken character, garnering attention for not only the omission of Ms. Franklin from his work but also for his more recent advocacy of using prenatal genetic testing to screen fetuses for signs of disease or future disorders and the potential abortion of affected fetuses. Basically I've heard that the guy can be a real jackass, but I'm hoping to have the opportunity to judge for myself.
Today the 79-year-old Watson is speaking at UT, and I'll be attending. I then have to shoot off to a doctor's appointment, which will hopefully be over in time for me to go to a grad student dinner with him as the guest of honor. I'm looking forward to his talk. He's been a very contraversial and outspoken character, garnering attention for not only the omission of Ms. Franklin from his work but also for his more recent advocacy of using prenatal genetic testing to screen fetuses for signs of disease or future disorders and the potential abortion of affected fetuses. Basically I've heard that the guy can be a real jackass, but I'm hoping to have the opportunity to judge for myself.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Congrats All Around!
So Aussie Mark and Brianna have finally shacked up and threw an engagement/housewarming party on Saturday night. We couldn't be happier for them. And I have to say Brianna has got to be the hostess with the mostest. Anyone who throws a bbq and has bacon on hand for the burgers, what can I say? That's impressive.
We also learned that our friends Claus and Morgan are almost 15 weeks pregnant! We hadn't seen them all summer with our conflicting vacations and summer plans so we had no idea. But I have to say, seeing Greg's face as he was talking to them... Priceless! He was freaking out. I think the reality of the first couple in our Austin circle of friends to get pregnant hit him right between the eyes and scared the bejezus out of him. We've got a long way to go, folks. :)
We also learned that our friends Claus and Morgan are almost 15 weeks pregnant! We hadn't seen them all summer with our conflicting vacations and summer plans so we had no idea. But I have to say, seeing Greg's face as he was talking to them... Priceless! He was freaking out. I think the reality of the first couple in our Austin circle of friends to get pregnant hit him right between the eyes and scared the bejezus out of him. We've got a long way to go, folks. :)
Friday, September 7, 2007
Footy Time!
Tonight was the first day of our indoor soccer league. The team is made up of Greg, Glenn G, Brian S, Derek D, Jeff W, Aussie Mark, Brianna, Katie D, and myself. That's right - 6 boys and 3 girls. And since its a co-ed team, 3 girls have to be out on the fields at all times. That means the girls are getting a hell of a workout. Plus, given the fact that none of the girls and a few of the boys have never really played soccer... ...we're not exactly expecting to be league champions.
So today we had Dilek sub for us, and the poor thing thought that since she's just the sub, it would be a piece of cake. Well, no. I got lost on my way to the field and so was about 15 minutes late to the game and completely frazzled. Meanwhile, Dilek was dying of exhaustion and Katie was getting absolutely battered because I had her shin guards. As soon as I got in, I threw on my kit (for the first time in my life so it took a little longer than it should have). And then ran out on the field in an attempt to just do something useful. People were yelling at me to Go up and Get back. Having no idea what that meant, I just scrambled on the field like a headless chicken and hoped for the best.
Now I knew I wasn't in the best shape of my life but after about 5 minutes on the field, my lungs and chest were on fire and I was fighting to catch my breath! Indoor soccer is a killer! Everything happened in an absolute blur. The only thing I knew how to do was to catch the other team with the ball and just hound them until it forced them to make a mistake and hope that a better player was around to pick up the ball from there. I missed most of the first half when we went down 6-0. Then during the second half Greg saved us from a shut out and made two absolutely beautiful goals. That's my husband, ladies and gentlemen. By the time he scored the second goal, I was so winded that I could not physically muster a congratulatory yell. That's how wiped I was. But I have to say it was so much fun. We ended up losing 8-2, and we can't wait until the next game.
Here's hoping I'll figure out what I'm doing before the next game. :)
So today we had Dilek sub for us, and the poor thing thought that since she's just the sub, it would be a piece of cake. Well, no. I got lost on my way to the field and so was about 15 minutes late to the game and completely frazzled. Meanwhile, Dilek was dying of exhaustion and Katie was getting absolutely battered because I had her shin guards. As soon as I got in, I threw on my kit (for the first time in my life so it took a little longer than it should have). And then ran out on the field in an attempt to just do something useful. People were yelling at me to Go up and Get back. Having no idea what that meant, I just scrambled on the field like a headless chicken and hoped for the best.
Now I knew I wasn't in the best shape of my life but after about 5 minutes on the field, my lungs and chest were on fire and I was fighting to catch my breath! Indoor soccer is a killer! Everything happened in an absolute blur. The only thing I knew how to do was to catch the other team with the ball and just hound them until it forced them to make a mistake and hope that a better player was around to pick up the ball from there. I missed most of the first half when we went down 6-0. Then during the second half Greg saved us from a shut out and made two absolutely beautiful goals. That's my husband, ladies and gentlemen. By the time he scored the second goal, I was so winded that I could not physically muster a congratulatory yell. That's how wiped I was. But I have to say it was so much fun. We ended up losing 8-2, and we can't wait until the next game.
Here's hoping I'll figure out what I'm doing before the next game. :)
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Back to Normal
Today is my first day back in lab after a 3-week vacation (actually a TWO week vacation, three days being screwed by U.S. Airways, one mental health day to recuperate, and a long Labor Day week-end). As always, there are a few slight adjustments to make upon re-entering normal life after a fab European vacation.
Ah, its good to be home! :)
- Getting from point A to point B no longer requires schlepping up steep hills or worrying about busting my butt from slipping on slick stones in my flipflops.
- Being able to get a seat on the bus because everyone drives here and thinks public transportation is for "poor people". Seriously, some woman said this to my Danish friend - we've got a long way to go here in Texas. *sigh*
- Seasonally-appropriate attire is again meaningless as every building on campus has the AC cranked to the maximum possible output thus requiring my winter gear no matter what the thermometer outside is reading.
- Re-learning everything I forgot about website management to get ready for my boss's new class.
- Having to scurry around in a frenzy getting said website up and running before the class starts, and gently breaking it to my boss that some things are simply not going to be accomplished within the next 15 minutes.
Ah, its good to be home! :)
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Love, Me
Our friends Matt & Brandy got married today at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The ceremony was an interesting mix of traditional Jewish customs and more non-traditional elements that I'd never seen before. But what really got me was the very first guitar solo of Collin Raye's song Love, Me. Its an old country song that I hadn't heard in years. And it took just about everything I had to hold back the tears.
I miss you, Grandpa.
The name on your birth certificate said L Z, but everyone called you Luke or Luther. You grew up during the Great Depression and that taught you never to be wasteful. You served in the army during WWII. Doing what, I have no idea because I never thought to ask you. You taught my mom to shoot, and she loved it. You were tall and strong and had a soft-spoken voice. If I try to think of a time when I ever heard you raise your voice, I come up blank. You were never in a rush but also never still. You were always fixing something around the house or tinkering in your little workshop at the back of the house or spending hours and hours in the garden. I was your first grandchild. You made me a wooden rocking horse, a bed that had a Strawberry Shortcake cushion for my stuffed animals and a four-story dollhouse that I still have in the garage. I remember playing in your garden and pretending it was a wild, lush jungle because that's what it seemed like to me. I climbed that big tree and ran through the clothes that were drying on the line. When we got on Grandma's nerves, which was quite often, you would take us aside and calm us down. I remember sitting with you and your smell and your scratchy chin. You loved Alistair MacLean books. I borrowed a few from you but never got around to reading or returning them. You always had this old mint green jeep in the driveway, but I never remember it running. If there was a problem, you knew how to fix it. You taught me how to get rid of garden slugs with an aluminum pie plate and a beer, not that garden slugs were ever a problem back home in the desert. I found it horrifying and at the same time a little amusing that they were both attracted to and killed by the beer. You taught me how to fix a sticking door with a dry bar of soap. You were the McGuyver of household repairs. :)
Your granddaughter Sarah died in your arms as you gave her CPR. I remember you once came to visit us and passed out while you were working in the yard all by yourself. You didn't tell anyone about it until much later so we wouldn't worry. I remember getting a shock when I first saw you in that severe hospital bed in your den, like it was a permanent fixture. And unfortunately, it was. I remember how you slowly got weaker and weaker. That is not how I will remember you. I promise. I wish I had recorded your stories. The one that sticks out most in my mind is of your brother who would drink a cup of half coffee and half sugar and who once broke out of jail with a spoon. I wish I had brought you more Alistair MacLean and Louis L'Amour books. I wish I had taken that trip up to Albequerque so you could have met Greg. I think you would have liked him. And I know he would have loved you. All the boys did - Dad, Mr. Mac, Trav. You were always someone a man could look up to. The way you conducted yourself, your values, your strength - you were real hero material and that's the way I'll always remember you.
After 86 years, your struggle finally ended on August 27, 2007. I know you know that I love you.
I miss you, Grandpa.
The name on your birth certificate said L Z, but everyone called you Luke or Luther. You grew up during the Great Depression and that taught you never to be wasteful. You served in the army during WWII. Doing what, I have no idea because I never thought to ask you. You taught my mom to shoot, and she loved it. You were tall and strong and had a soft-spoken voice. If I try to think of a time when I ever heard you raise your voice, I come up blank. You were never in a rush but also never still. You were always fixing something around the house or tinkering in your little workshop at the back of the house or spending hours and hours in the garden. I was your first grandchild. You made me a wooden rocking horse, a bed that had a Strawberry Shortcake cushion for my stuffed animals and a four-story dollhouse that I still have in the garage. I remember playing in your garden and pretending it was a wild, lush jungle because that's what it seemed like to me. I climbed that big tree and ran through the clothes that were drying on the line. When we got on Grandma's nerves, which was quite often, you would take us aside and calm us down. I remember sitting with you and your smell and your scratchy chin. You loved Alistair MacLean books. I borrowed a few from you but never got around to reading or returning them. You always had this old mint green jeep in the driveway, but I never remember it running. If there was a problem, you knew how to fix it. You taught me how to get rid of garden slugs with an aluminum pie plate and a beer, not that garden slugs were ever a problem back home in the desert. I found it horrifying and at the same time a little amusing that they were both attracted to and killed by the beer. You taught me how to fix a sticking door with a dry bar of soap. You were the McGuyver of household repairs. :)
Your granddaughter Sarah died in your arms as you gave her CPR. I remember you once came to visit us and passed out while you were working in the yard all by yourself. You didn't tell anyone about it until much later so we wouldn't worry. I remember getting a shock when I first saw you in that severe hospital bed in your den, like it was a permanent fixture. And unfortunately, it was. I remember how you slowly got weaker and weaker. That is not how I will remember you. I promise. I wish I had recorded your stories. The one that sticks out most in my mind is of your brother who would drink a cup of half coffee and half sugar and who once broke out of jail with a spoon. I wish I had brought you more Alistair MacLean and Louis L'Amour books. I wish I had taken that trip up to Albequerque so you could have met Greg. I think you would have liked him. And I know he would have loved you. All the boys did - Dad, Mr. Mac, Trav. You were always someone a man could look up to. The way you conducted yourself, your values, your strength - you were real hero material and that's the way I'll always remember you.
After 86 years, your struggle finally ended on August 27, 2007. I know you know that I love you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)