at the swankiest, coolest, most perfect hotel ever - the colcord in oklahoma city. ice storm shut down this state earlier in the week, and this hotel is full (so said the two girls at the front desk, checking me in last night). they also couldn't help themselves when they said "there's a rock band staying here too!" it took a single raised eyebrow to get it out of them - kid rock! ha! i don't even like him but still! cool!
"and he's downstairs in the bar, you should come with us, we'll be there in 10!"
i did. and i got a beer, a grilled cheese, and a very attentive musician - not kid rock - hanging all over me. kid was sitting about 5 feet away from me, not really paying attention to anyone. and musician man was thinking he would get somewhere, anywhere, with me. which he wouldn't, of course. not only is he a man, he's a studio musician who lives in detroit and is, a-hem, 55. that's 4 counts against you, buddy. not interestingly, he disappeared (i almost wrote disapparated, harry potter much?) within 15 seconds of my telling him, in a conspiring tone, that i'm gay. poof. gone. done.
he had already given me his card and told me he'd put me on the list for the show if i called him. i thought about it but i bailed. no need to put up with that nonsense again, or to send mixed messages, or to use someone just to get into a free show to see someone i don't really like.
makes for a most entertaining story though. finally, all this travel leads to an interesting night!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
tex-ar-what-a?
in yet another hampton inn. another hotel that smells of sewage. the last time this happened (i think last week?) they said it was because the city was digging up the road and the smell was coming up through the pipes. that was in dallas, at the swanky hotel. now it's happening in texarkana, sans road work, sans swank.
i walked over to the olive garden (hey, it was there or sonic) and talked to J for a minute. she said "you are probably the only person walking in texarkana." she was right. i ventured over to pier one imports and bought a candle, only to have the little energy saver lightbulb go off over my head (delay and all) when i realized i don't have any matches with me. this is probably the ONLY time i wished i was near a smoker. no restaurants within walking distance had matches either, so i hopped in my impala and drove to a gas station. the man behind the counter said he didn't have matches either, so i pulled out a dollar and complained about how i would have to throw away this cheap mini lighter tomorrow at the airport when he reached under the counter and found a book of matches, miraculously. now i wait for this cheap candle to, at a minimum, cover the scent of OPP (other people's poo).
sorry, no fun to report here. no interesting places to eat, nothing fun to do. wait until tomorrow, when i am in oklahoma city!
i walked over to the olive garden (hey, it was there or sonic) and talked to J for a minute. she said "you are probably the only person walking in texarkana." she was right. i ventured over to pier one imports and bought a candle, only to have the little energy saver lightbulb go off over my head (delay and all) when i realized i don't have any matches with me. this is probably the ONLY time i wished i was near a smoker. no restaurants within walking distance had matches either, so i hopped in my impala and drove to a gas station. the man behind the counter said he didn't have matches either, so i pulled out a dollar and complained about how i would have to throw away this cheap mini lighter tomorrow at the airport when he reached under the counter and found a book of matches, miraculously. now i wait for this cheap candle to, at a minimum, cover the scent of OPP (other people's poo).
sorry, no fun to report here. no interesting places to eat, nothing fun to do. wait until tomorrow, when i am in oklahoma city!
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Juarez, almost
El Paso. I am intrigued by this place. Mountains, border control, Spanish spoken everywhere. It’s like no place I’ve ever been. J says that there is no way in hell she’d live here, but I find it charming.
I was upgraded to a Mustang. Awesome! I think people looked at me funny whenever I got out of that hunk of a car, thinking “what is that girl doing in a muscle car?” I wonder that myself. Once I got used to the giant hood, and once I adjusted the seat so I could see over that hood, I started to have some fun. Racing at red lights means something completely different in a ‘stang. You always win.
I expected the gas mileage to be horrendous but it wasn’t too bad, surprisingly. What was horrendous was the roadkill I spotted on the drive from El Paso to Alamogordo and back: dogs (like pets, not like wild dogs), foxes, birds and bunnies, and 2 cows. Yup. Cows. Too many animals die on the side of the highways in this country. But never did I expect cows.
I was upgraded to a Mustang. Awesome! I think people looked at me funny whenever I got out of that hunk of a car, thinking “what is that girl doing in a muscle car?” I wonder that myself. Once I got used to the giant hood, and once I adjusted the seat so I could see over that hood, I started to have some fun. Racing at red lights means something completely different in a ‘stang. You always win.
I expected the gas mileage to be horrendous but it wasn’t too bad, surprisingly. What was horrendous was the roadkill I spotted on the drive from El Paso to Alamogordo and back: dogs (like pets, not like wild dogs), foxes, birds and bunnies, and 2 cows. Yup. Cows. Too many animals die on the side of the highways in this country. But never did I expect cows.
Monday, December 03, 2007
back from the stomach bug
last wednesday, i made a huge mistake in eating at chipotle after going to the 8pm yoga class. around 3am, i awoke with an intense tummy ache. i thought it was because i ate some quacamole (i have an avocado allergy but it tastes!so!good!) and i figured i was paying my dues for sampling. an hour later (an hour of moaning and scaring the cats), all that i ate came roaring back up - undigested. from 4am thursday morning until 8pm thursday night, i was throwing and going. ugh. lovely imagery but screw this, it's my blog! i begged J to stay home with me from work - she obliged - and i was a miserable patient i am sure. sick sick sick. like i haven't been since elementary school.
not sure if the culprit truly is chipotle or a virus - though i had no other symptoms (no fever until friday morning when the scale revealed that i also lost 5lbs, no aches, no pains aside from the knives in my gut, no sweats or chills) it matters not. the mere thought of that cheap vegetarian friendly burrito joint brings the taste of bile to the back of my throat. damn IT!
5 days later and i am back on the road. in dallas now - at my favorite hotel! they upgraded me to their swankiest suite - i have a balcony and a full kitchen and a soaking tub - but unfortunately i am only staying one night. i am still under the weather a bit and go from feeling nauseous to feeling hungry and back again. i ate my first full meal last night and then today it's been touch and go. just had dinner and though my hunger won at the table, i feel too full for my own good. i have to work but in an hour, i am going to use that soaking tub. this is the good life... or it can be... wait until i report from texarkana and see what swank i'm experiencing.
not sure if the culprit truly is chipotle or a virus - though i had no other symptoms (no fever until friday morning when the scale revealed that i also lost 5lbs, no aches, no pains aside from the knives in my gut, no sweats or chills) it matters not. the mere thought of that cheap vegetarian friendly burrito joint brings the taste of bile to the back of my throat. damn IT!
5 days later and i am back on the road. in dallas now - at my favorite hotel! they upgraded me to their swankiest suite - i have a balcony and a full kitchen and a soaking tub - but unfortunately i am only staying one night. i am still under the weather a bit and go from feeling nauseous to feeling hungry and back again. i ate my first full meal last night and then today it's been touch and go. just had dinner and though my hunger won at the table, i feel too full for my own good. i have to work but in an hour, i am going to use that soaking tub. this is the good life... or it can be... wait until i report from texarkana and see what swank i'm experiencing.
Monday, November 26, 2007
yoga update
Yoga update, as promised. Oh my goodness! Shame on me for poking fun at yogis for all these years. It is hard! It is grounding. It is the best!
My neighbor Mary invited me and J to attend class with her a few Sunday mornings ago. We decided to pay for one month unlimited, and those of you who know me know that I absolutely needed to use up the free month in excess of what it would have cost to attend so many classes in a month. Right now, I’ve brought it down to about $8 a class (normal charge for a drop in is $20).
There have been a few instructors that I haven’t liked that much but even so, each and every class been a work out like nothing I expected. My arms are killing me today, and other days it’s been my hamstrings (one teacher talked about making our hamstrings “juicy” which made me a bit nauseas) but I got through it. I don’t really love the meditation part but I find it useful in grounding me. And I can’t stand the exercise of squeezing out every last fraction of a breath of air before inhaling because that makes me feel panicky. All the complaining aside, I love yoga! Love! It!
In between yoga classes and flights around our large country, J and I went to see Tegan and Sara. I can’t say enough about these two! Their music is fantastic – fresh, interesting, catchy. Ok, so the critic that is my brother probably won’t love them, but then again, maybe he will. I can’t predict his taste in music anymore. And if he does take my advice and listens to them, mark my words, in two years he’ll be trying to introduce them to me (as he did with The Glands).
I am en route to St. Louis for work and I get to squeeze in dinner with Sarah G! It’s the best when work coincides with friends. If only I didn’t have to fly back tomorrow.
My neighbor Mary invited me and J to attend class with her a few Sunday mornings ago. We decided to pay for one month unlimited, and those of you who know me know that I absolutely needed to use up the free month in excess of what it would have cost to attend so many classes in a month. Right now, I’ve brought it down to about $8 a class (normal charge for a drop in is $20).
There have been a few instructors that I haven’t liked that much but even so, each and every class been a work out like nothing I expected. My arms are killing me today, and other days it’s been my hamstrings (one teacher talked about making our hamstrings “juicy” which made me a bit nauseas) but I got through it. I don’t really love the meditation part but I find it useful in grounding me. And I can’t stand the exercise of squeezing out every last fraction of a breath of air before inhaling because that makes me feel panicky. All the complaining aside, I love yoga! Love! It!
In between yoga classes and flights around our large country, J and I went to see Tegan and Sara. I can’t say enough about these two! Their music is fantastic – fresh, interesting, catchy. Ok, so the critic that is my brother probably won’t love them, but then again, maybe he will. I can’t predict his taste in music anymore. And if he does take my advice and listens to them, mark my words, in two years he’ll be trying to introduce them to me (as he did with The Glands).
I am en route to St. Louis for work and I get to squeeze in dinner with Sarah G! It’s the best when work coincides with friends. If only I didn’t have to fly back tomorrow.
Monday, November 19, 2007
sugar spell it out
You know when you learn a new song and it takes all of your strength to not sing it aloud? That's what The Con - the album in it's entirety - is doing to me! I am crazy with Tegan & Sara songs! I am also still at work and it's after 7 pm because my ride had a late meeting. I would have worn smarter shoes had I known she'd be 2 hours late. I can't walk to the metro in gold heels. Really.
Off to ABQ for work/turkey day. I might be missing out on some good family time because my brother and his GF are introducing the parents to each other on Thanksgiving Day. Dang! That just smells of drama. Especially since my dad is hard of hearing and her dad speaks Spanish. So I think there is going to be a lot of "huh, what did he say?" and "CAN YOU PLEASE PASS THE TURKEY" (because my dad simply speaks louder when someone doesn't understand him) and I am going to miss out on every last moment of it. Good luck, J and M. May I suggest you have a bottle of scotch handy to ease the aggravation. I'll be drinking at a casino with my faux-in-laws. Hells yeah!
Off to ABQ for work/turkey day. I might be missing out on some good family time because my brother and his GF are introducing the parents to each other on Thanksgiving Day. Dang! That just smells of drama. Especially since my dad is hard of hearing and her dad speaks Spanish. So I think there is going to be a lot of "huh, what did he say?" and "CAN YOU PLEASE PASS THE TURKEY" (because my dad simply speaks louder when someone doesn't understand him) and I am going to miss out on every last moment of it. Good luck, J and M. May I suggest you have a bottle of scotch handy to ease the aggravation. I'll be drinking at a casino with my faux-in-laws. Hells yeah!
Monday, November 12, 2007
southwest airlines, argh
On Southwest Airlines. In the second-to-worst seat on the whole plane. Last row, but at least it isn’t the middle. I am heading back to AZ, this time to Flagstaff. I have an exciting executive team presentation to give tomorrow morning (yay!) so that’s something to look forward to. But my ass is aching and we have 2.5 hours left to go on this flight from hell. The gentleman seated in the aisle mentioned that he has an upset stomach and that’s why he wanted the last row to be close to the loo, “but don’t worry, I won’t throw up on you!” Perhaps not. Instead, he’s been farting. I want to throw up.
My opinion on this airline? Even with the new herding system (I was B29) it still sucks. SUCKS! However, they gave me a little snack box, which is more than American Airlines gives. So.
Mole update: big nasty scab. I think something went wrong at some point because everyone else I’ve spoken with about mole removal hasn’t had such an ordeal. I think it’s my weak constitution.
Can’t write a sentence more. The man in front of me is in full lounge position, forcing my laptop into my gut. Next time, I’ll update you on my discovery of yoga! I need some of that shit right now, in fact. And if you are bored with your music collection, click on over to iTunes and download Tegan & Sara’s The Con. It’s the best.
My opinion on this airline? Even with the new herding system (I was B29) it still sucks. SUCKS! However, they gave me a little snack box, which is more than American Airlines gives. So.
Mole update: big nasty scab. I think something went wrong at some point because everyone else I’ve spoken with about mole removal hasn’t had such an ordeal. I think it’s my weak constitution.
Can’t write a sentence more. The man in front of me is in full lounge position, forcing my laptop into my gut. Next time, I’ll update you on my discovery of yoga! I need some of that shit right now, in fact. And if you are bored with your music collection, click on over to iTunes and download Tegan & Sara’s The Con. It’s the best.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
in search of good pizza
greetings from dallas! if ever you find yourself here, i highly recommend staying at hotel lumen and eating at a small italian joint called olivella's. i had the best pizza since my last visit to pino's in boston. DC pizza sucks (as a rule) and i dream of opening a pino's II one day.
good news - the giant hole in my leg was all for nothing as my mole is benign. that's great and all, but i did THROW UP for this. what am i saying? it's not like i'd be happier if it was bad news bears. if i toss my lunch based on a little mole removal, imagine me going through chemo. how did my dad do it? ugh.
packing for this trip, i didn't have a new book to take with me, so i pulled the tao of pooh out of the bookshelf and started to read it again. i'm not sure if it's going to help me much, but it's nice to revisit. maybe the book will chill me out a bit.
boss sent me an email tonight asking for time to chat before friday and then said "don't worry, you are absolutely not in trouble" which sort of makes me think i am.
good news - the giant hole in my leg was all for nothing as my mole is benign. that's great and all, but i did THROW UP for this. what am i saying? it's not like i'd be happier if it was bad news bears. if i toss my lunch based on a little mole removal, imagine me going through chemo. how did my dad do it? ugh.
packing for this trip, i didn't have a new book to take with me, so i pulled the tao of pooh out of the bookshelf and started to read it again. i'm not sure if it's going to help me much, but it's nice to revisit. maybe the book will chill me out a bit.
boss sent me an email tonight asking for time to chat before friday and then said "don't worry, you are absolutely not in trouble" which sort of makes me think i am.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
mole be gone
One week without travel and I am totally off my game! I loved being home for the past 10 days, but I hated being in the office. Cubby hell makes me feel completely crazy. As I write this, I am happily on a plane to Tucson AZ (again). Warm Arizona weather…just like warm DC weather I guess.
Yesterday, I went to the dermatologist about a mole that my doctor didn’t like. I had a full body mapping which involved me lying in a paper gown, completely naked, with the doctor looking me up and down. Far more intimate than the average physical. The only point of concern was the mole on my leg, and she asked if I wanted to come back or if she could simply take a biopsy of the mole right then and there. Those of you with any medical knowledge would have understood what she meant. Fool I am, I thought she was going to take a piece of the mole – to “biopsy the mole” as opposed to remove the mole. Right, I get it now, it’s the same damn thing. Plus, who wants a half-mole left? But I was unprepared. And alone. And I had to return to work, and then ride my bike home. You can see this is going in a bad direction.
The “little pinch” of lidocane was more like a huge giant pinch. (I am on a plane and feeling nauseous just thinking about this)… she took a big chunk of my leg off. I was queasy so she had me remain horizontal for a few, and then I had to sit up for a few. I felt relatively ok 10 minutes later, but as I walked to the check out counter, I had to use every last ounce of energy to keep, as the page on 30 Rock would say, “the sick down.” Since I was about to ralph, I tried counting backwards and then forwards and WHY IS SHE TAKING SO LONG TO RUN MY CREDIT CARD and out to the waiting room, into the bathroom, up with lunch.
Sadly, our neighbors made us dinner the night before and I had leftovers for lunch, food that was delicious going down that I will likely never be able to eat again.
I suffered through the rest of the day’s meetings and slowly rode my bike home, wincing the whole ride. When I got home, I passed out for over an hour. Of course, los gatos were running over me and Lucas wanted to sleep ON my sore spot. It wasn’t until J came home (armed with white bread for toast) and changed my bandage that I realized the whole mole was missing. Mole to hole. OUCH!
It hurt about 1000x worse than “a simple cut, like if you cut your leg shaving” which, for the record, I haven’t done since I was 14. It still hurts now. I can feel a phantom mole in the hole. I’ll know in 2 weeks if it was cancerous or en route to becoming cancer. To be honest, I liked that mole. It looked good. Mole no more. Wonder if I’ll get used to the hole. For now, Hello Kitty bandages….for a long time.
Yesterday, I went to the dermatologist about a mole that my doctor didn’t like. I had a full body mapping which involved me lying in a paper gown, completely naked, with the doctor looking me up and down. Far more intimate than the average physical. The only point of concern was the mole on my leg, and she asked if I wanted to come back or if she could simply take a biopsy of the mole right then and there. Those of you with any medical knowledge would have understood what she meant. Fool I am, I thought she was going to take a piece of the mole – to “biopsy the mole” as opposed to remove the mole. Right, I get it now, it’s the same damn thing. Plus, who wants a half-mole left? But I was unprepared. And alone. And I had to return to work, and then ride my bike home. You can see this is going in a bad direction.
The “little pinch” of lidocane was more like a huge giant pinch. (I am on a plane and feeling nauseous just thinking about this)… she took a big chunk of my leg off. I was queasy so she had me remain horizontal for a few, and then I had to sit up for a few. I felt relatively ok 10 minutes later, but as I walked to the check out counter, I had to use every last ounce of energy to keep, as the page on 30 Rock would say, “the sick down.” Since I was about to ralph, I tried counting backwards and then forwards and WHY IS SHE TAKING SO LONG TO RUN MY CREDIT CARD and out to the waiting room, into the bathroom, up with lunch.
Sadly, our neighbors made us dinner the night before and I had leftovers for lunch, food that was delicious going down that I will likely never be able to eat again.
I suffered through the rest of the day’s meetings and slowly rode my bike home, wincing the whole ride. When I got home, I passed out for over an hour. Of course, los gatos were running over me and Lucas wanted to sleep ON my sore spot. It wasn’t until J came home (armed with white bread for toast) and changed my bandage that I realized the whole mole was missing. Mole to hole. OUCH!
It hurt about 1000x worse than “a simple cut, like if you cut your leg shaving” which, for the record, I haven’t done since I was 14. It still hurts now. I can feel a phantom mole in the hole. I’ll know in 2 weeks if it was cancerous or en route to becoming cancer. To be honest, I liked that mole. It looked good. Mole no more. Wonder if I’ll get used to the hole. For now, Hello Kitty bandages….for a long time.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
a toothpick holder IS a good gift!
This week proved to be relatively slow for travel, save for October 9th. My acting assistant (my real one is on vacation) scheduled me for a visit on the day after my birthday. In Gallup, 2 hours west of Albuquerque. Seeing as I didn’t want to travel on my birthday, I was creative and tried to solve around this issue by implementing the following travel schedule: get up at 4.30am to catch the 6am flight to ABQ via Dallas, arrive at 10am, pick up a green chile breakfast burrito, drive 2 hours to the meeting at 1.30pm, drive back to ABQ for a 5.30pm flight home via Dallas, and be back home at 1am. As I write this, it is 10.30pm EST. I’ve been awake for 18 hours now, save a nap or two on the multiple planes. Best practice is to avoid day trips to the west. Lesson learned.
When I travel to warmer climates, I typically wear flip flops, especially in the summer. I always keep a pair of socks with me in the event of hot pilots. Somewhere between landing in New Mexico and taking off from New Mexico, I lost my socks. This tragic incident reminds me of Tom Robbins’ Skinny Legs and All which, incidentally, I just read for the second time. I am not a huge fan of re-reading books, but since the last time I read it I was in undergrad, I gave it another go. I love that book! A tale of a dirty sock, a spoon, and a can o’ beans learning how to be animate inanimate objects (along with some stuff about fighting in Jerusalem which rings true today as it did the day it was written). Oh lost socks, may you learn how to wiggle around in this big world without me.
I had the glorious opportunity to have dinner from the bookstore in DFW: Fig Newtons (fruit, fiber) and Reese’s Pieces (protein) and an apple juice (fruit again) on the plane. Who is jealous?
Oh! I had a birthday! Most creative birthday ever, courtesy J. She came up with a scavenger hunt and each clue led to a present. I was so impressed and I have to share it with my loyal readers (if you exist).
Clue #1: When Lincoln was president, he did a lot for the relationship between blacks and whites. I wonder if he were around today, if he’d do the same for gays and straights.
This required a little extra help from J. She told me to start walking where I think the answer would be. My first guess was a new gay bar that’s 2 blocks from our house. Fortunately, it was hot out and she didn’t want to walk to the wrong place. I guessed another place but I was wrong again. “You’re thinking about the wrong part of the riddle.” Ah-ha! Lincoln Theatre on U Street. But…. Most of the shows there are very expensive (believe it). The GLBT Film Festival is taking place there and she got us tickets to see Itty Bitty Titty Committee which I’ve been dying to see! Awesome.
Clue #2: Creamy, sticky and sweet. Here are some hand-sewn concoctions you’d love to sink your teeth into.
Mayday! What the hell? Candy….sewn? My simple brain struggled. It wasn’t until J mentioned the Daily Candy and a new place she had just pointed out to me the day before. She had me lead her to where I think it might be and we arrived at a new boutique called Caramel. She had a purchased a gift card for me and I got to try on all of the clothes (well, the ones in my size) and pick out a fancy article of clothing that I’d never buy for myself. Awesome! (This gift forced her to take me to Nordstroms the next day to buy another gift – Spanks. If you haven’t tried them, go now! It’s like a crash diet without the diet!)
Clue #3: Don’t let your new digs sit out too long or they’ll attract these.
Got it! Shoefly! She had another gift certificate to this cute store with funky shoes.
Kudos to J. Not only did she come up with a creative way for me to discover presents, but she kept it all local and at locally-owned stores/venues! Rock star girlfriend.
What did I get her but 10 days prior for her birthday? I bow my head in shame. I got her a toothpick dispenser, a belt, and a pillow. But she loves toothpicks!
When I travel to warmer climates, I typically wear flip flops, especially in the summer. I always keep a pair of socks with me in the event of hot pilots. Somewhere between landing in New Mexico and taking off from New Mexico, I lost my socks. This tragic incident reminds me of Tom Robbins’ Skinny Legs and All which, incidentally, I just read for the second time. I am not a huge fan of re-reading books, but since the last time I read it I was in undergrad, I gave it another go. I love that book! A tale of a dirty sock, a spoon, and a can o’ beans learning how to be animate inanimate objects (along with some stuff about fighting in Jerusalem which rings true today as it did the day it was written). Oh lost socks, may you learn how to wiggle around in this big world without me.
I had the glorious opportunity to have dinner from the bookstore in DFW: Fig Newtons (fruit, fiber) and Reese’s Pieces (protein) and an apple juice (fruit again) on the plane. Who is jealous?
Oh! I had a birthday! Most creative birthday ever, courtesy J. She came up with a scavenger hunt and each clue led to a present. I was so impressed and I have to share it with my loyal readers (if you exist).
Clue #1: When Lincoln was president, he did a lot for the relationship between blacks and whites. I wonder if he were around today, if he’d do the same for gays and straights.
This required a little extra help from J. She told me to start walking where I think the answer would be. My first guess was a new gay bar that’s 2 blocks from our house. Fortunately, it was hot out and she didn’t want to walk to the wrong place. I guessed another place but I was wrong again. “You’re thinking about the wrong part of the riddle.” Ah-ha! Lincoln Theatre on U Street. But…. Most of the shows there are very expensive (believe it). The GLBT Film Festival is taking place there and she got us tickets to see Itty Bitty Titty Committee which I’ve been dying to see! Awesome.
Clue #2: Creamy, sticky and sweet. Here are some hand-sewn concoctions you’d love to sink your teeth into.
Mayday! What the hell? Candy….sewn? My simple brain struggled. It wasn’t until J mentioned the Daily Candy and a new place she had just pointed out to me the day before. She had me lead her to where I think it might be and we arrived at a new boutique called Caramel. She had a purchased a gift card for me and I got to try on all of the clothes (well, the ones in my size) and pick out a fancy article of clothing that I’d never buy for myself. Awesome! (This gift forced her to take me to Nordstroms the next day to buy another gift – Spanks. If you haven’t tried them, go now! It’s like a crash diet without the diet!)
Clue #3: Don’t let your new digs sit out too long or they’ll attract these.
Got it! Shoefly! She had another gift certificate to this cute store with funky shoes.
Kudos to J. Not only did she come up with a creative way for me to discover presents, but she kept it all local and at locally-owned stores/venues! Rock star girlfriend.
What did I get her but 10 days prior for her birthday? I bow my head in shame. I got her a toothpick dispenser, a belt, and a pillow. But she loves toothpicks!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Travel back to NOLA
I am going to turn my blog into a travel diary of sorts. I am really bad about updating it, but now that I have hours upon hours on airplanes during which I can work (boring), read (averaging about ½ a book per flight I am wearing out my library card), and listen to my tunes, I reckon I can also create documents that I can simply cut and paste into this blog. Plus, I have a terrible memory, and some random shit happens to me on the road, stories that, left unrecorded, will slip away if not caught in the net of my blog.
And I certainly can use practice writing.
When I travel, I try to make it as exciting as possible. I like to eat at cool restaurants and run in the great outdoors and shop in locally owned stores. Though I respect the joys of eating at Panera Breads all across this land of ours’ (internet access is always free and always works), I enjoy discovering quirky eateries and learning new neighborhoods.
Last week I was in Little Rock, AR. I hate this town. Ok, that’s not exactly fair. I hate Hertz at this airport in this town. Every time (ok, twice) that I’ve flown in and tried to pick up my car, reserved with GPS, they never have GPS. Whoops, we just gave away our last car with GPS! Whoops! Can I give you directions? Would you like a map? No, woman, I’d like a little computer telling me where to go. Argh.
I landed in the early evening and checked into the Hilton (in name and toiletries alone – overall a slight disappointment). After a quick search online, I discovered Loca Luna’s as a vegetarian friendly restaurant that uses local produce in a cute little neighborhood… which looked cooler on the map than it did in person. It was a tricky place – the front door evaded me and I stood waiting for a long time at the back door before a waitress asked me “honey, you waitin’ for a seat?” and directed me to the host. I was seated outside, alone with my book in tow. Within minutes, the host seated two ladies who I think are gay too (guessed by the universal cues: smoking, baseball hats, baggy clothes, and 2 Miller Lights. They were also a little chubby. Why my mother believes that lesbians are always skinny, I’ll never know. Hasn’t she seen Rosie O’Donnell?) Dinner was rather nice – I ordered a vegetable and rice skillet, and it was a literal order. It came in a skillet, handle and all, hot off the stovetop. For dessert, I had a decadent dark chocolate crème brulee, which wasn’t eggy at all but like a dense mousse, topped with caramelized sugar and whipped cream. Delightful!
For shame, I didn’t make it to Central High. It is the 40th anniversary of that day when segregation ended in schools and a few brave students, escorted by men with guns, entered school. I wanted to drive past the school, but I was on a tight schedule and it was seeing a landmark or eating lunch. Had I more time, Central High and the Clinton Library would have been on my tour de Little Rock. Instead, I dined at Starving Artists Café. As the title suggests, it’s run by a group of hungry (for money) artists. I had mushroom soup and a lovely, if small, salad of greens with toasted pecans, gorgonzola, and apples. Yum. The joint is covered in art for sale by local starving artists. My eye has not been formally trained in art, but I’ll leave it at this: there is a reason some of these self-appointed artists are hungry.
From the Rock, I flew to New Orleans. My car (Hertz again) had GPS but smelled a bit like Katrina. I had a bare bones Corolla, but that car gets gas mileage to brag about! It was 7pm and I decided to wing it, to drive home the backroads I used to take when I lived in the City That Care/Government Forgot. You know, it’s really not that nice there – still. Two long years and there are tons of boarded up houses, businesses closed for good, cars abandoned on the side of the road… though they might be recent abandonments, truth be told. I drove to Flying Juan’s Burrito, the one on Carrollton and Canal, and ordered a Veggie Punk burrito. It took what felt like an hour to get my take away order. In the meantime, I watched the bartender mix margaritas and pour them into paper cups with lids and straws to boot. Sometimes, I really miss the drinks-to-go policy in NOLA. It cracks me up, the freedom that I feel when I am allowed by state law to walk around in public with an open container of booze. The drive-through daiquiri bars are my favorite. Well, if people wouldn’t drink and drive, I’d like them much more. Just pick up your drink and drive home, then drink. “One for the road” literally translated into action, I suppose.
I stayed at the International House on Camp Street, on the other side of Canal from the French Quarter. My room must have had ceilings 15’ high. I love New Orleans architecture. Aveda-stocked bathroom and a robe for my relaxing pleasure all added up to a great hotel. The next day, I got up early for a conference call and then drove over to Audubon Park for a run. The path around the park seems to have shrunk, that or I was a lazy runner when I lived there. The park looks good, but on my run past the zoo I couldn’t help but wonder about the animals when Katrina hit. Did they starve to death in their cages designed for the general public’s viewing pleasure? Then I started to get sad.
Whole Foods on Magazine is up and running as it was before the storm. It was busy, too. In fact, that’s the only place I actually saw other people. I drove around the Quarter and it was empty, a ghost town. I know it was a Wednesday afternoon, but I expected to see a few shoppers. Nothing. Creepy!
I had lunch at Thirteen on Frenchman and again, I was the only one around. Me, the bartender/waitress, and the cook. Good food for standard lunch fare. It was a strange experience to be there again, and to explore New Orleans all alone. I had an appointment in Slidell, and I drove past New Orleans East on I-10. The damage out there is exponentially worse than anything I saw downtown. Even from the highway, the scenery was depressing. Shopping plazas closed for good, Six Flags a skeleton of an amusement park, and highway signs broken in half, left for the driver to decipher the full exit name. Across the lake, Slidell was fine, undamaged. What a few miles can do for your property.
And I certainly can use practice writing.
When I travel, I try to make it as exciting as possible. I like to eat at cool restaurants and run in the great outdoors and shop in locally owned stores. Though I respect the joys of eating at Panera Breads all across this land of ours’ (internet access is always free and always works), I enjoy discovering quirky eateries and learning new neighborhoods.
Last week I was in Little Rock, AR. I hate this town. Ok, that’s not exactly fair. I hate Hertz at this airport in this town. Every time (ok, twice) that I’ve flown in and tried to pick up my car, reserved with GPS, they never have GPS. Whoops, we just gave away our last car with GPS! Whoops! Can I give you directions? Would you like a map? No, woman, I’d like a little computer telling me where to go. Argh.
I landed in the early evening and checked into the Hilton (in name and toiletries alone – overall a slight disappointment). After a quick search online, I discovered Loca Luna’s as a vegetarian friendly restaurant that uses local produce in a cute little neighborhood… which looked cooler on the map than it did in person. It was a tricky place – the front door evaded me and I stood waiting for a long time at the back door before a waitress asked me “honey, you waitin’ for a seat?” and directed me to the host. I was seated outside, alone with my book in tow. Within minutes, the host seated two ladies who I think are gay too (guessed by the universal cues: smoking, baseball hats, baggy clothes, and 2 Miller Lights. They were also a little chubby. Why my mother believes that lesbians are always skinny, I’ll never know. Hasn’t she seen Rosie O’Donnell?) Dinner was rather nice – I ordered a vegetable and rice skillet, and it was a literal order. It came in a skillet, handle and all, hot off the stovetop. For dessert, I had a decadent dark chocolate crème brulee, which wasn’t eggy at all but like a dense mousse, topped with caramelized sugar and whipped cream. Delightful!
For shame, I didn’t make it to Central High. It is the 40th anniversary of that day when segregation ended in schools and a few brave students, escorted by men with guns, entered school. I wanted to drive past the school, but I was on a tight schedule and it was seeing a landmark or eating lunch. Had I more time, Central High and the Clinton Library would have been on my tour de Little Rock. Instead, I dined at Starving Artists Café. As the title suggests, it’s run by a group of hungry (for money) artists. I had mushroom soup and a lovely, if small, salad of greens with toasted pecans, gorgonzola, and apples. Yum. The joint is covered in art for sale by local starving artists. My eye has not been formally trained in art, but I’ll leave it at this: there is a reason some of these self-appointed artists are hungry.
From the Rock, I flew to New Orleans. My car (Hertz again) had GPS but smelled a bit like Katrina. I had a bare bones Corolla, but that car gets gas mileage to brag about! It was 7pm and I decided to wing it, to drive home the backroads I used to take when I lived in the City That Care/Government Forgot. You know, it’s really not that nice there – still. Two long years and there are tons of boarded up houses, businesses closed for good, cars abandoned on the side of the road… though they might be recent abandonments, truth be told. I drove to Flying Juan’s Burrito, the one on Carrollton and Canal, and ordered a Veggie Punk burrito. It took what felt like an hour to get my take away order. In the meantime, I watched the bartender mix margaritas and pour them into paper cups with lids and straws to boot. Sometimes, I really miss the drinks-to-go policy in NOLA. It cracks me up, the freedom that I feel when I am allowed by state law to walk around in public with an open container of booze. The drive-through daiquiri bars are my favorite. Well, if people wouldn’t drink and drive, I’d like them much more. Just pick up your drink and drive home, then drink. “One for the road” literally translated into action, I suppose.
I stayed at the International House on Camp Street, on the other side of Canal from the French Quarter. My room must have had ceilings 15’ high. I love New Orleans architecture. Aveda-stocked bathroom and a robe for my relaxing pleasure all added up to a great hotel. The next day, I got up early for a conference call and then drove over to Audubon Park for a run. The path around the park seems to have shrunk, that or I was a lazy runner when I lived there. The park looks good, but on my run past the zoo I couldn’t help but wonder about the animals when Katrina hit. Did they starve to death in their cages designed for the general public’s viewing pleasure? Then I started to get sad.
Whole Foods on Magazine is up and running as it was before the storm. It was busy, too. In fact, that’s the only place I actually saw other people. I drove around the Quarter and it was empty, a ghost town. I know it was a Wednesday afternoon, but I expected to see a few shoppers. Nothing. Creepy!
I had lunch at Thirteen on Frenchman and again, I was the only one around. Me, the bartender/waitress, and the cook. Good food for standard lunch fare. It was a strange experience to be there again, and to explore New Orleans all alone. I had an appointment in Slidell, and I drove past New Orleans East on I-10. The damage out there is exponentially worse than anything I saw downtown. Even from the highway, the scenery was depressing. Shopping plazas closed for good, Six Flags a skeleton of an amusement park, and highway signs broken in half, left for the driver to decipher the full exit name. Across the lake, Slidell was fine, undamaged. What a few miles can do for your property.
Monday, June 04, 2007
all things green
not only does lucas love chives, he also loves broccoli rabe, arugula, and lettuce. he doesn't like swiss chard. the experiment continues. perhaps i should find out if any of these greens are good for him..... iamabadmom! damn!
i am going to (one day) put pictures up. *promise*
we saw baby lucas again this weekend (j's cousin's baby) and he is cutest! but the jury is out on whether i can do the real mommyhood thing. the cats are enough work, and require enough attention, for me and j. if we babysit a lot and enjoy it and save a ton of cash, maybe we can consider it in a few.... i want to say years, but then i will be too damn old. maybe in a year. who knows.
right now my job is my focus, that and planning a vacation. i miss the beach!
i am going to (one day) put pictures up. *promise*
we saw baby lucas again this weekend (j's cousin's baby) and he is cutest! but the jury is out on whether i can do the real mommyhood thing. the cats are enough work, and require enough attention, for me and j. if we babysit a lot and enjoy it and save a ton of cash, maybe we can consider it in a few.... i want to say years, but then i will be too damn old. maybe in a year. who knows.
right now my job is my focus, that and planning a vacation. i miss the beach!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
travelin' girl
new job at company z means lots of travel. thus far, i've been to tennessee, central PA, chicago and rhode island. every week i am going to be on a plane for at least 2 trips. i am starting to have mixed feelings - excited to travel because it gets me out of the office yet dreading the constant eating out/running around/packing and unpacking.
right now i need to prove myself at work. i need to succeed. they test often - "let's role play!" and that drives me a little crazy. i prefer to just hit the road and do my job. i don't like pretending. i am too impatient.
what else..... we are growing a few herbs outside in a pot. the other day, it was forecast to be cold overnight,so we brought the herb garden inside. lucas decided to help us out with the chives and mowed them for us. lucas the cat with chive breath.
right now i need to prove myself at work. i need to succeed. they test often - "let's role play!" and that drives me a little crazy. i prefer to just hit the road and do my job. i don't like pretending. i am too impatient.
what else..... we are growing a few herbs outside in a pot. the other day, it was forecast to be cold overnight,so we brought the herb garden inside. lucas decided to help us out with the chives and mowed them for us. lucas the cat with chive breath.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Nose Faucet
AARRGH! I hate having a cold! I hate the first few days like nothing else! Drip drip drip. I am sore and cranky and weak. My last day at my job is tomorrow and I want to call out sick. But that will be total scumbag of me (though the truth). I will, however, go in quite late and leave quite early. I think I'll take myself out for a congratulatory hot toddy in the bar downstairs. J is going to Bal'mor for a conference. Oh well. No one likes to hang out with a drippy nose companion.
Ah, the wonders of Nyquil... starting to work magic sleep tricks on me.. must sign off... zzzzzzz
Ah, the wonders of Nyquil... starting to work magic sleep tricks on me.. must sign off... zzzzzzz
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
The Notice.
Yesterday I gave it... the dreaded Notice of Resignation. Oh how I hate making that call, writing that letter! I feel like SUCH a jerk, even when I know (from many a confirmed story) that company A would fire me in a heartbeat if they wanted me gone. It must be the old Irish|catholic guilt kicking in. Those years of exposure rubbed off. There is no fighting it.
Today I have become the classic lazy last days of work employee. Why bother? My last day is next Wednesday (yes, the workaholic in me can't even take a full week before staring my new job with company Z - i took 4 days). Between now and then, methinks I will get a novel to read while sitting at my desk. Truth be told, anything I sell will be money in the bank.. but I only make 1/2 of my money. Company A takes 50% of my cash. And my guilt has just been reduced by the same percentage. Freedom!
Here's to weekends off, to meeting new colleagues, and to cookie hour! Boo to working 9-5, but it beats 10-6 with a stick. Now that the sun stays out until the clocks read almost 7, I just want to be out of work that much sooner.
Today I have become the classic lazy last days of work employee. Why bother? My last day is next Wednesday (yes, the workaholic in me can't even take a full week before staring my new job with company Z - i took 4 days). Between now and then, methinks I will get a novel to read while sitting at my desk. Truth be told, anything I sell will be money in the bank.. but I only make 1/2 of my money. Company A takes 50% of my cash. And my guilt has just been reduced by the same percentage. Freedom!
Here's to weekends off, to meeting new colleagues, and to cookie hour! Boo to working 9-5, but it beats 10-6 with a stick. Now that the sun stays out until the clocks read almost 7, I just want to be out of work that much sooner.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
it's snowing!!
wow, i almost forgot about how beautiful snow is in the city. the trees are covered in white branches, the roads are still white (and dangerous) not yet brown by sanding, and everything is framed in white. AND i got out of work today! bonus.
interview day went well, i think. there aren't any cringe-worthy moments that i can recall, but still, i don't know. i never expect anything from an interview anymore. a place that has cookie hour every day at 2pm is certainly going to be a cool place to work, i am sure. still i cannot get my hopes up (cannot!) because the dreary truth of the matter is i am parking my sorry arse in silver spring until i am not. and i have to be happy with my immediate situation. i have to figure out how to be happy in this situation, because i have to make money. there.
we had dinner with our neighbors last night (fellow tulanians, law school, graduated in 2002) and it was really nice. i am thrilled to know - and LIKE - my next door neighbors. it does make for potential discomfort, like when she told me she heard me coughing the other morning.. which means she can hear us making loud noises.. ugh.
i am going to spend the afternoon attempting to make irish soda bread. if i succeed on this test loaf, i think my dad would appreciate me sending him some. since the "fallout" with his side of the family (read: they hate the gays and my parents stood up for me - how cool are my folks? talk about support!) he hasn't received the bi-annual loaf from my cousin. i think my bro's GF makes it, or she used to make it. even so, my dad can handle two loaves of irish bread. i wonder whose will be better... :) those sound like fighting words!
interview day went well, i think. there aren't any cringe-worthy moments that i can recall, but still, i don't know. i never expect anything from an interview anymore. a place that has cookie hour every day at 2pm is certainly going to be a cool place to work, i am sure. still i cannot get my hopes up (cannot!) because the dreary truth of the matter is i am parking my sorry arse in silver spring until i am not. and i have to be happy with my immediate situation. i have to figure out how to be happy in this situation, because i have to make money. there.
we had dinner with our neighbors last night (fellow tulanians, law school, graduated in 2002) and it was really nice. i am thrilled to know - and LIKE - my next door neighbors. it does make for potential discomfort, like when she told me she heard me coughing the other morning.. which means she can hear us making loud noises.. ugh.
i am going to spend the afternoon attempting to make irish soda bread. if i succeed on this test loaf, i think my dad would appreciate me sending him some. since the "fallout" with his side of the family (read: they hate the gays and my parents stood up for me - how cool are my folks? talk about support!) he hasn't received the bi-annual loaf from my cousin. i think my bro's GF makes it, or she used to make it. even so, my dad can handle two loaves of irish bread. i wonder whose will be better... :) those sound like fighting words!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
ch-ch-ch-changes
so, i have upgraded to blogger google whatever this is. i don't even know. but it should look better. hmmm. we'll see. and maybe one day i'll bother to post pictures!
work is a nightmare. i am being moved to a new project but first i have to clean up the mess of the old project and i am losing the potential to make any money by doing this. sales are frozen but i have to sit my sorry arse here and make everything perfect before running out the door.
jewls is coming to visit tomorrow (yay!) and i am looking forward to going to duffy's for a beer and a vegetarian irish burrito. yummm.
happy fat tuesday. 2 short years ago, i was surrounded by friends, elbowing drunk men out of the way for cheap beads, drinking the high life out of cans stashed in C's backpack. who knew what was coming in the months ahead. (um, well, a LOT of people knew what was coming, actually... but i'd rather not get all political/angry right now.)
BIG interview tomorrow. we'll see. 3 hours and a role play. i guess they'd only put themselves through that if they actually like me. who knows. as my brother can attest, some agencies don't have the guts to end the interview process when it's apparent that it won't work.
work is a nightmare. i am being moved to a new project but first i have to clean up the mess of the old project and i am losing the potential to make any money by doing this. sales are frozen but i have to sit my sorry arse here and make everything perfect before running out the door.
jewls is coming to visit tomorrow (yay!) and i am looking forward to going to duffy's for a beer and a vegetarian irish burrito. yummm.
happy fat tuesday. 2 short years ago, i was surrounded by friends, elbowing drunk men out of the way for cheap beads, drinking the high life out of cans stashed in C's backpack. who knew what was coming in the months ahead. (um, well, a LOT of people knew what was coming, actually... but i'd rather not get all political/angry right now.)
BIG interview tomorrow. we'll see. 3 hours and a role play. i guess they'd only put themselves through that if they actually like me. who knows. as my brother can attest, some agencies don't have the guts to end the interview process when it's apparent that it won't work.
Friday, February 09, 2007
moody
i really cannot function without sleep. i feel like a crazy moody lady today. last night i fell asleep ok, but at 4.30am, i woke up with a start. i read for about 1/2 hour but that distruption was long enough to make me nutso today. reading The Historian right now, well written and more than a bit creepy which isn't the best insomnia remedy but it was either the book or the Crate and Barrel catalouge, and then i would start buying things online....
the P.H. job called me again today. they are trying to coordinate schedules so i can come in for the second interview. it may be next week. ARGH! i will NEED to be ON. i will need to be better than good. i gotta wow them, because i need to get out of my current job. i never have a day off. ever. and it's stressing me out like nothing else i've ever experienced. plus, the joy of the weekend is lost when your weekend is during the week. yeah, it's nice to go to trader joe's on thursday afternoon instead of saturday (what with the crowds) but i spend my "weekends" alone. when i am taking appointments on sunday and my customers say "oh, we just had the best brunch!" it makes me angry jealous.
in other stress-related news, i need new running sneakers. i spent 25 minutes on the elliptical yesterday, and by minute 17 my feet were tingling. ouch. i think getting back into a good workout routine will work wonders.
the P.H. job called me again today. they are trying to coordinate schedules so i can come in for the second interview. it may be next week. ARGH! i will NEED to be ON. i will need to be better than good. i gotta wow them, because i need to get out of my current job. i never have a day off. ever. and it's stressing me out like nothing else i've ever experienced. plus, the joy of the weekend is lost when your weekend is during the week. yeah, it's nice to go to trader joe's on thursday afternoon instead of saturday (what with the crowds) but i spend my "weekends" alone. when i am taking appointments on sunday and my customers say "oh, we just had the best brunch!" it makes me angry jealous.
in other stress-related news, i need new running sneakers. i spent 25 minutes on the elliptical yesterday, and by minute 17 my feet were tingling. ouch. i think getting back into a good workout routine will work wonders.
Monday, February 05, 2007
time flies
wow. i am such a blogga slacka. since i've last posted, i've banged up the new car (but it's a lease! who cares!) and we've upgraded to a 42" flat screen (thanks boss) so... yeah. that's all new. what else?
i would love to invest in a new computer, but no $$. sales have picked up so work has been busy, but i remain secretly busy seeking a new job in public health. no bites yet. one interview, big company tho' and it is still sales. the 2 week deadline passed since the interview - and by deadline, i mean self-imposed - but whatevs. if they don't want me, i still have income.
my brother visited, and for the record he is the most polite houseguest we've yet to host! he keeps his things put away, he literally glides up and down the stairs, he made us a fantastic dinner. and bought us tongs. i imitated the recipe he made us the day after he left and used the tongs. how did i survive so long tong-less?
that sets the bar, then. come one, come all, houseguests. just come ringing the doorbell with your elbows, as my pops used to say.
i am very sad right now. J bought karaoke nation for the xbox (thanks again, boss!) and she can't set up the xbox to work with our new tv system. i want to sing!
i would love to invest in a new computer, but no $$. sales have picked up so work has been busy, but i remain secretly busy seeking a new job in public health. no bites yet. one interview, big company tho' and it is still sales. the 2 week deadline passed since the interview - and by deadline, i mean self-imposed - but whatevs. if they don't want me, i still have income.
my brother visited, and for the record he is the most polite houseguest we've yet to host! he keeps his things put away, he literally glides up and down the stairs, he made us a fantastic dinner. and bought us tongs. i imitated the recipe he made us the day after he left and used the tongs. how did i survive so long tong-less?
that sets the bar, then. come one, come all, houseguests. just come ringing the doorbell with your elbows, as my pops used to say.
i am very sad right now. J bought karaoke nation for the xbox (thanks again, boss!) and she can't set up the xbox to work with our new tv system. i want to sing!
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