A few months ago a new Starbucks opened on campus. I pass by it every day walking to and from my bus stop. It has quaint, little umbrella-ed tables out front, perfect for people-watching as you sip your coffee and reflect on your fellow man, studies, or the finer aspects of this life - whichever appeals to you most at a given moment. Inside boasts an intimately lit ambience quietly pulsing with hip music and caffeine-induced focus and creativity. And the smell. Oh, the smell! It seeks me out like reptillian cartoon vapors winding their way through the air to my eager nostrils, filling me with longing and chipping away at my resolve. I will not buy over-priced psychoactive stimulants from multinational corporations. I will not!
Most days I resist temptation and press doggedly on. But on rare days when my resolve isn't as strong as it should be, I make it all the way to lab only to realize that I absolutely need my fix. I fight it briefly and with little heart until eventually I realize the futility of the struggle and give in. Who am I kidding? I accept my limitations. I take that long walk of shame back to the shop, stand in line with the 20-or-so other addicts, and order another hit.
I can't help but feel a bit ridiculous and pretentious as I look my dealer in the eye and order a grande sugar-free, fat-free caramel macchiato or the equally addictive venti mocha frappaccuni light. A drink requiring more than two descriptive adjectives seems overly fussy and decadent to me, a little like wearing a slinky, sequined cocktail dress to a party where everyone else is in jeans and t-shirts. Its complete overkill. And its also slightly embarassing.
In my rational mind, I know I can get the same fix from the perfectly free coffee brewed right there in my office. And yet, it just does not hold the same appeal. Why must I love my $4-a-cup coffee so? WHY?
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
Premarital Deception
Before I was married and even before I had met someone remotely marry-able (that's a word, right), I had stipulations and requirements.
Greg met all of my requirements, especially in the sports department. Being a Brit, he had no interest in football, baseball, basketball, Nascar, etc, etc. What I hadn't counted on was his undying love of all sports un-American. Formula 1, soccer, cricket - these are all sports that were off my radar. Its not that they're really un-American. Its just that Americans typically don't consider these major spectator sports. At least, not compared to Europeans. So this little slice of Greg slid past me undetected until it was too late.
Only after I was hooked, did his fanaticism shine through. Only then did I get a glimpse of the rabid, screaming, jumping, pumping, crazed lunatic that was my husband during Watford soccer matches or following Lewis Hamilton during Formula 1 races. This week-end I had another surprise. England played against France in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals. I was rudely woken by Greg's high-pitched screams as England scored a tri (?) within the first few minutes of the game. Then I received 5-minute reports on the progress. Not that I understood what the hell he was saying to me, but apparently it was important to him that I know these things. When his tone was glum, my job was to give him a conciliatory Ah, babe, that sucks! And when he sounded giddy and excited, I was to yell WooHoo! up to him. It seemed to work.
Anyway, England fell behind and stayed there for most of the game. Only in the last few minutes, did they turn it around and score again to win! At this moment as I looked up into our loft office, this is what I witnessed:
See! Doesn't he look absolutely maniacal here? How did I not see this before? How did he keep it hidden?
Well, regardless, its definitely too late now. All I can hope for at this point is that it doesn't spread to football, baseball, basketball, Nascar, etc, etc... Wish me luck. I think I'm going to need it.
- He had to be liberal and open-minded.
- He had to possess a generous spirit.
- He had to be adventurous.
- He must have no PDA hang-ups.
- He absolutley, positively could not be a sports fanatic - no football, baseball, basketball, Nascar, etc, etc. I was having none of it. I wasn't willing to share my husband with the television during various sports seasons.
Greg met all of my requirements, especially in the sports department. Being a Brit, he had no interest in football, baseball, basketball, Nascar, etc, etc. What I hadn't counted on was his undying love of all sports un-American. Formula 1, soccer, cricket - these are all sports that were off my radar. Its not that they're really un-American. Its just that Americans typically don't consider these major spectator sports. At least, not compared to Europeans. So this little slice of Greg slid past me undetected until it was too late.
Only after I was hooked, did his fanaticism shine through. Only then did I get a glimpse of the rabid, screaming, jumping, pumping, crazed lunatic that was my husband during Watford soccer matches or following Lewis Hamilton during Formula 1 races. This week-end I had another surprise. England played against France in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals. I was rudely woken by Greg's high-pitched screams as England scored a tri (?) within the first few minutes of the game. Then I received 5-minute reports on the progress. Not that I understood what the hell he was saying to me, but apparently it was important to him that I know these things. When his tone was glum, my job was to give him a conciliatory Ah, babe, that sucks! And when he sounded giddy and excited, I was to yell WooHoo! up to him. It seemed to work.
Anyway, England fell behind and stayed there for most of the game. Only in the last few minutes, did they turn it around and score again to win! At this moment as I looked up into our loft office, this is what I witnessed:
See! Doesn't he look absolutely maniacal here? How did I not see this before? How did he keep it hidden?
Well, regardless, its definitely too late now. All I can hope for at this point is that it doesn't spread to football, baseball, basketball, Nascar, etc, etc... Wish me luck. I think I'm going to need it.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Life's Tough 'Round These Parts
Lani's bonding time with daddy
Gomez stealing that fresh, clean smell from my sheets.
I'm sure that's more comfortable than it looks...
That is definitely an up-to-no-good grin...What crime has he committed to make him seem so pleased with himself?
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Wide Load
I finally did it. I set the alarm for 6 a.m. I rolled my ever-widening arse out of bed. I threw on my cutesy running skirt. And I went for a run.
Hallelujah!
I was starting to think I was physically incapable of consciousness before 7 a.m. In the hopes of getting into some kind of healthy routine, I've been setting the alarm for six at least a couple of times per week for the past few months. But 6 a.m. just goes against my very nature. I've been a night owl ever since I was old enough to ignore my mom's bedtime instructions and its just stuck.
But I really love it when I do (rarely) manage the early mornings. There's such a sense of accomplishment there. And I love how everyone in our neighborhood is so friendly during those pre-dawn hours. Not to mention that its October and still so hot and muggy here. Ugh.
So I ran a 5K in just under 29 minutes in our very hilly neighborhood, which puts me at 9:14/mile. I can definitely improve on that...
...if I can just manage the arse-rolling-out-of-bed part.
Hallelujah!
I was starting to think I was physically incapable of consciousness before 7 a.m. In the hopes of getting into some kind of healthy routine, I've been setting the alarm for six at least a couple of times per week for the past few months. But 6 a.m. just goes against my very nature. I've been a night owl ever since I was old enough to ignore my mom's bedtime instructions and its just stuck.
But I really love it when I do (rarely) manage the early mornings. There's such a sense of accomplishment there. And I love how everyone in our neighborhood is so friendly during those pre-dawn hours. Not to mention that its October and still so hot and muggy here. Ugh.
So I ran a 5K in just under 29 minutes in our very hilly neighborhood, which puts me at 9:14/mile. I can definitely improve on that...
...if I can just manage the arse-rolling-out-of-bed part.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Peaceful Protest
The ugly couch is now banished to the garage awaiting its fate - bulk trash removal day.
Mr Gomez has voiced his protest in the form of periodic sit-ins.
Where's Waldo Gomez?
Every time he escapes to the "man cave", I return later to find him sacked out on the couch as happy as can be, usually in the middle of a nap. When I try coaxing him back into the house, he just looks at me with an utterly uninterested, lazy loll of the head as if challenging me to resist that contented ball of fluffiness and physically peel him away from his ugly, 70's couch/scratching post.
He will take it badly.
Mr Gomez has voiced his protest in the form of periodic sit-ins.
Where's Every time he escapes to the "man cave", I return later to find him sacked out on the couch as happy as can be, usually in the middle of a nap. When I try coaxing him back into the house, he just looks at me with an utterly uninterested, lazy loll of the head as if challenging me to resist that contented ball of fluffiness and physically peel him away from his ugly, 70's couch/scratching post.
He will take it badly.
Mazel Tov!
Yesterday I experienced my first Jewish wedding, and I have to say, it was fabulous! Our friends Beth and Glenn tied the knot at the Omni Hotel in downtown Austin under an elegant chuppah with the hilarious Rabbi David Komerofsky. It was a most entertaining ceremony, with much respect paid to Beth's freakish organizational skills. I swear, there has never been a more relaxed, composed bride than Beth. She's had everything under complete control from day 1 with no complaints, freak-outs, or whining. Tim and Shelley, my bridesmaid, flew in from L.A. - she was a bridesmaid for Beth too - to stay with us for the week-end, and we were just in awe of that girl. We had been crazed disasters of brides and simply couldn't understand this lack of last minute frenzy. I tip my hat to you, madam.
After the ceremony, we took a short walk down 6th Street for the reception at the Thistle Cafe, where they had booked the entire place for the evening. They had an awesome band, morphing Prince, Nirvana, Radiohead, and Guns n' Roses songs into their lounge music counterparts - an impressive task if you think about it. Lots of drinks, dancing, and scrumptious, little nibblies.
Alisha, Shelley, me, Tim and Brad enjoying our Mexican martinis and wine a little too much...I had never actually seen it in action, but we also experienced the whole chair-lifting of the bride, groom and parents. I think I'd be more than a little nervous about that one (although Shelley informed me that Beth weighs all of 4 pounds, and she should know since she had to practically carry Beth back to her room in Vegas during a particularly heavy night at the bachelorette week-end.) More dancing, entirely too many drinks, and sore tootsies from my heels - we had a great time. We sent them off under a canopy of sparklers into their decorated pedicab...
...And proceeded to share a few after-party drinks at the Belmont but not for long... the alcohol coma was already kicking in.
I had a slight headache this morning but it was a small price to pay for a great party. :)
The only sucky thing about this week-end was saying goodbye to Shelley and Tim this morning. I hate that! (I miss you guys terribly and am seriously contemplating sabotaging your return plans during your next visit. Consider yourself warned.)
Anyway, Beth and Glenn are off for the next week visiting Mau'i and Kaua'i on their honeymoon. Have fun, guys. And hurry back. We need all the help we can get out on the fields... :)
I had a slight headache this morning but it was a small price to pay for a great party. :)
The only sucky thing about this week-end was saying goodbye to Shelley and Tim this morning. I hate that! (I miss you guys terribly and am seriously contemplating sabotaging your return plans during your next visit. Consider yourself warned.)
Anyway, Beth and Glenn are off for the next week visiting Mau'i and Kaua'i on their honeymoon. Have fun, guys. And hurry back. We need all the help we can get out on the fields... :)
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Dreaded Boobie Sag...
My husband just sent me this lovely article from BBC news about how jogging irrepairably damages the sensitive breast tissue leading to saggy boob syndrome. My immediate response to this:
- Are you trying to tell me something???
- ...hence my $50-60 sports bras...
- Some day I will insist on a breast lift operation. So please prepare our finances accordingly.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Home Renovation
I really should be in bed right now, but I'm too excited! I took pictures of our house this morning. And when I got home at about 10:15 p.m. tonight, I found our house completely transformed! First of all, we painted our bedroom a very light yellow over the week-end.
As you can see, the kitties have already staked a claim on the Turkish rug we got for our wedding but haven't had a chance to use until now. I don't think they appreciate losing their 700-square-foot scratching pad. We're going to have to invest in some fantastic posts so they don't take their frustrations out on the furniture.
Anyway, look at our floors! I can't believe these were installed in under 7 hours today. If Greg and I had done it ourselves, which was our original plan, it would have taken months of our lives, lots of fights, blood, sweat and tears. I'm glad I caved on this one.
What's next? New couches! We ordered this model in a light khaki with the matching loveseat. Its made in a kittie-claw-resistant (hopefully) soft microfiber and is due to arrive in 2-4 weeks.
We might have a ritual burning of the old, ripped-to-shreds, brown plaid 70's couch that I've been dying to unload for years. For years. No other grad students should be subjected to that couch. Its made it through almost 4 decades. It deserves to be put out of its misery. I told Greg that once it left our living room, it wasn't coming back in and thankfully he agreed.
Our house is finally coming together. We're two years into home ownership so I think we're doing pretty well. :)
Ok, I'd love to just sit here and stare at the floors, but I think I'm getting high from all the adhesive fumes so I'm turning in. Hopefully we'll be sleeping back in our big bed by tomorrow night.
Sweet dreams!
But it looks kinda blah until you replace that ugly carpet with lovely hickory floors...
This is how our dining area looked when I left this morning...
And here it is now!
Our living room before...
And after!
As you can see, the kitties have already staked a claim on the Turkish rug we got for our wedding but haven't had a chance to use until now. I don't think they appreciate losing their 700-square-foot scratching pad. We're going to have to invest in some fantastic posts so they don't take their frustrations out on the furniture.
Anyway, look at our floors! I can't believe these were installed in under 7 hours today. If Greg and I had done it ourselves, which was our original plan, it would have taken months of our lives, lots of fights, blood, sweat and tears. I'm glad I caved on this one.
What's next? New couches! We ordered this model in a light khaki with the matching loveseat. Its made in a kittie-claw-resistant (hopefully) soft microfiber and is due to arrive in 2-4 weeks.
We might have a ritual burning of the old, ripped-to-shreds, brown plaid 70's couch that I've been dying to unload for years. For years. No other grad students should be subjected to that couch. Its made it through almost 4 decades. It deserves to be put out of its misery. I told Greg that once it left our living room, it wasn't coming back in and thankfully he agreed.
Our house is finally coming together. We're two years into home ownership so I think we're doing pretty well. :)
Ok, I'd love to just sit here and stare at the floors, but I think I'm getting high from all the adhesive fumes so I'm turning in. Hopefully we'll be sleeping back in our big bed by tomorrow night.
Sweet dreams!
Monday, October 1, 2007
Headless Chickens
G and I had a busy week-end.
We spent Friday and Saturday moving the last of our bedroom furniture and most of our dining and living room pieces into the garage in preparation for our new floors (being installed right this very minute!). Its amazing to realize how much furniture we've accumulated. When did that happen?
On Sunday, we ran the dreaded Silicon Labs Relay Marathon. I stupidly recruited about 15 friends to form 3 teams for this race months ago. Of course, at the time I fully intended to train for the 12K (7.5 miles) I would run and the 10K (6.2 miles) that Greg was signed up for. And naturally, it just didn't happen. I think I'd run twice since getting back from Portugal, and both times I struggled to get past one mile. Greg was marginally better at training but not by much. It was hot and sticky on Sunday morning, threatening to rain but with no real follow-through. We didn't hold out much hope for a good showing.
I was ready to consider myself lucky if I pulled off 11-minute-miles. Greg wanted to finish in under an hour. Imagine our surprise when we saw our times! I actually pulled off 9:35/mile - how is that possible??? And Greg finished in 1:01:06.4, which would have been disappointing except we found out that the course was over half a mile too long so his overall pace was 8:59/mile! That's a new personal best for him! Good for you, babe! I can't believe we were physically capable of those times.
Well, needless to say, we were wiped out after our runs but stuck around to cheer on our teammates. We had a great time catching up with everyone.
No rest for the wicked. After everyone crossed the finish line, we went straight home, showered and hit a few furniture stores (6 in all) in search of the perfect couches. Our last stop was Gage Furniture. We've never had much luck there, but I forced Greg to just go look with me, and we actually found ones we loved AND at about 50% off. Score! Another big, but necessary, purchase.
We shot back home and finished painting our bedroom. And by "we", I mean me. But I appreciate the emotional support of Greg sitting in a chair in the middle of the room to spend time with me. Meanwhile I was crouched on the floor, swearing up a storm while picking bugs, cat hairs and Larisa hairs out of the wet paint. Ugh. No more painting! Please!
We also moved the last remnants of furniture into the garage. Our house hasn't been this bare since we moved in 2 years ago. Its odd. But hopefully it will be to good effect.
We spent Friday and Saturday moving the last of our bedroom furniture and most of our dining and living room pieces into the garage in preparation for our new floors (being installed right this very minute!). Its amazing to realize how much furniture we've accumulated. When did that happen?
On Sunday, we ran the dreaded Silicon Labs Relay Marathon. I stupidly recruited about 15 friends to form 3 teams for this race months ago. Of course, at the time I fully intended to train for the 12K (7.5 miles) I would run and the 10K (6.2 miles) that Greg was signed up for. And naturally, it just didn't happen. I think I'd run twice since getting back from Portugal, and both times I struggled to get past one mile. Greg was marginally better at training but not by much. It was hot and sticky on Sunday morning, threatening to rain but with no real follow-through. We didn't hold out much hope for a good showing.
I was ready to consider myself lucky if I pulled off 11-minute-miles. Greg wanted to finish in under an hour. Imagine our surprise when we saw our times! I actually pulled off 9:35/mile - how is that possible??? And Greg finished in 1:01:06.4, which would have been disappointing except we found out that the course was over half a mile too long so his overall pace was 8:59/mile! That's a new personal best for him! Good for you, babe! I can't believe we were physically capable of those times.
Well, needless to say, we were wiped out after our runs but stuck around to cheer on our teammates. We had a great time catching up with everyone.
No rest for the wicked. After everyone crossed the finish line, we went straight home, showered and hit a few furniture stores (6 in all) in search of the perfect couches. Our last stop was Gage Furniture. We've never had much luck there, but I forced Greg to just go look with me, and we actually found ones we loved AND at about 50% off. Score! Another big, but necessary, purchase.
We shot back home and finished painting our bedroom. And by "we", I mean me. But I appreciate the emotional support of Greg sitting in a chair in the middle of the room to spend time with me. Meanwhile I was crouched on the floor, swearing up a storm while picking bugs, cat hairs and Larisa hairs out of the wet paint. Ugh. No more painting! Please!
We also moved the last remnants of furniture into the garage. Our house hasn't been this bare since we moved in 2 years ago. Its odd. But hopefully it will be to good effect.
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