Sometimes the perfect solution, the perfect prospect asserts itself right away. More often, though, it makes itself known after you exhaust a few dead ends and go on a few wild goose chases.
The second interview my sister went on last week yielded only clarity. Not the right opportunity. Another meeting today ended similarly. On the heels of these disappointments, new leads spring up. Case in point--she got a call today for something on Wednesday. It substantiates the fact that one must hustle even for the serendipitous event.
One of the apartment leads (the only real one I had to date) fell through. It came down to a technicality. I wasn't disappointed, though, because I'd started to feel just a day or so ago that this place was absolutely not going to be big enough no matter how I sliced it. Sarah commented based on the floor plan she saw weeks ago that it wouldn't work, but other features and ammenities made it hard to discount.
There's another long shot looming, but really what it amounts to is this: I have to keep searching.
Last Friday night, E spirited me to some far flung mall because I wanted to check out the chain that carries Sarah Jessica Parker's label, Bitten. SJP's philosophy, as I understand it, is that fashion should be accessible to women of a variety of sizes and shapes at affordable prices. For that reason, no single item is more than 20.00.
I have never seen such poor quality in all of my life. No wonder it's affordable. It's complete shite. My heart bleeds for the poor people who likely toiled to produce these articles. I don't recall ever feeling like I was looking at a blatant insult to clothing--not even when I've seen those tent-sized tweety bird & sylvester t-shirts some manufacturer seems to think that plus-sized women want to wear, or worse, that that's all they deserve.
I know I should should have been skeptical. The old adage about something for nothing and not being able to get it and all that... but because SJP's name is attached to it, I thought her label would be an exception to the conventional wisdom. Honestly, she should just insist on better quality and charge accordingly. It's still honourable that a line would cater to such a range in sizes, even if the clothes aren't cheap.
To be clear, Bitten is not sizist. The size 2 clothes are crap. The size 12s are crap. I mean like "fall apart if you wash it in the machine, crap." I ended up buying two pair of underwear--the only items I could sanction.
So now I know. Another possibility eliminated. On to the next!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Sprung a Leak
the one overt blight on my by most other accounts lovely apartment is sustained water damage in the dining room. it made itself known (peeling paint revealed more of a structural, systemic problem than a cosmetic one) a few months after i moved in. the next 6 months were spent waiting for the property manager to do something about it. she was a procrastinator, to put it nicely. before my ceiling got fixed a new property manager took the first one's place and had to haggle with the management company, over a period of about two months, to get them to fix it. that is, paint it.
i believe the paint job lasted a month before the familiar cracks and creases began to show and the hunks of paint began to fall.
there is almost no chance of it getting fixed again any time soon.
the other night i heard what sounded like skittering in the kitchen. i immediately tensed my shoulders and braced myself to have to deal with some sort of rodent (i can say that i have never once had any mice in this place and i couldn't be more grateful).
Drip.
Drop.
Drip.
Drop.
Water coming in droplets from a crease in the kitchen ceiling.
This morning, at the unfortunate hour of wakefulness (10 before 6), I felt my threadbare sock come into contact with moisture on the floor. Oh, right. The occasional, small evidence of a leak in the bathroom that i also deal with periodically.
The idiots on the 7th floor are notorious for turning on water and walking away from it. But this building is actually splitting apart due to the tightfists of the management company (located more than an hour away). I can't believe how shortsighted the owners are--rehabbing this building would bring a mint! They could charge double or triple for my unit alone.
But that isn't the point of this post.
I'm thinking of these leaks as a providential nod. It's really time to go. I know this. I've known this. I just have these moments of nostalgia or a lazy drive to stay put. Then, without fail.
Another crack. Another drop of water.
I just hope the building holds up long enough for me to get out.
i believe the paint job lasted a month before the familiar cracks and creases began to show and the hunks of paint began to fall.
there is almost no chance of it getting fixed again any time soon.
the other night i heard what sounded like skittering in the kitchen. i immediately tensed my shoulders and braced myself to have to deal with some sort of rodent (i can say that i have never once had any mice in this place and i couldn't be more grateful).
Drip.
Drop.
Drip.
Drop.
Water coming in droplets from a crease in the kitchen ceiling.
This morning, at the unfortunate hour of wakefulness (10 before 6), I felt my threadbare sock come into contact with moisture on the floor. Oh, right. The occasional, small evidence of a leak in the bathroom that i also deal with periodically.
The idiots on the 7th floor are notorious for turning on water and walking away from it. But this building is actually splitting apart due to the tightfists of the management company (located more than an hour away). I can't believe how shortsighted the owners are--rehabbing this building would bring a mint! They could charge double or triple for my unit alone.
But that isn't the point of this post.
I'm thinking of these leaks as a providential nod. It's really time to go. I know this. I've known this. I just have these moments of nostalgia or a lazy drive to stay put. Then, without fail.
Another crack. Another drop of water.
I just hope the building holds up long enough for me to get out.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Industry
I'm proud of myself. Though I've been a real slacker assed lazybones of late, I took the time to return my library books after work tonight. I even did some stop-gap marketing (just need to be tided over till pay day) on my way home. The fact that the coming week is going to be busy forced my hand. C returns to town on Monday (she was here this past week for a day and a half) for three more interviews, I have a post-project happy hour with some coworkers on Tuesday night, and Thursday I shop for an outfit or two for a business trip the following week. I'm off on Friday, but it's going to be a day of errands related to school and to the aforementioned trip.
On other fronts, I've been assigned a new project at work. I've had the luxury of trying to wrap my mind around what it will mean for most of this week.
Tonight, I did some streamlining (removed programs I never use from my computer) and faced the music (got a free credit report online--it was as abysmal as I suspected, though probably better than it was before I got serious about fixing my financial problems).
Now I need to go to bed. Sculpt is tomorrow!
On other fronts, I've been assigned a new project at work. I've had the luxury of trying to wrap my mind around what it will mean for most of this week.
Tonight, I did some streamlining (removed programs I never use from my computer) and faced the music (got a free credit report online--it was as abysmal as I suspected, though probably better than it was before I got serious about fixing my financial problems).
Now I need to go to bed. Sculpt is tomorrow!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Of Celebratory Meals and Tremendously Good Friends
I have the best friends in the world. I firmly believe that. I'm at the point in my life where my inner circle of confidantes is completely devoid of toxicity, smallness of spirit, backhanded, ironic "support," or any of that other junk. All of my girlfriends are the kind of people I've always wanted to know and be friends with.
Tonight E and I enjoyed a celebratory dinner at the City Cafe at her initiative, because "you deserve to be celebrated, honey..." As is pretty typical for us we caught up over fried calamari (to start) and covered everything from her family to the Spitzer Scandal, barely stopping to breathe.
I love breaking bread with the girls, no matter the reason, but it does feel wonderful when someone you care about wants to acknowledge the good things in your life by way of sharing delicious food. E, being self-possessed, on the move, career-wise, and knowing her own mind about some pretty important issues, was vibrant. That was so good to experience.
This all makes me reflect on Sarah, Catchka, Deb, V, R, and B--to name a few more--all of whom consistently demonstrate generous reactions to my good fortune and hearty support when I need it. I don't take it lightly. I'm so grateful for all of you...
Last night I had the good fortune to attend a panel discussion at the university. I guess it made the fact that I'll be going there more real (and broke up the usual monotony of a Monday night), gave me a sense of the "vibe," etc. It may be preliminary to say this, but I conjecture that I'll feel more connected to this campus and this program than I did to JHU. It's got more of a homegrown, grassroots feeling about it. At the same time, I think it will more closely fulfill my expectations of a graduate program,on the whole. Hopkins took up my time and I certainly, absolutely benefitted from invigorating literary discourse as part of that study, but I think this is going to get under my skin in a different way.
Before I figure all of that out, though, my sister and I need to find a place to live...
Tonight E and I enjoyed a celebratory dinner at the City Cafe at her initiative, because "you deserve to be celebrated, honey..." As is pretty typical for us we caught up over fried calamari (to start) and covered everything from her family to the Spitzer Scandal, barely stopping to breathe.
I love breaking bread with the girls, no matter the reason, but it does feel wonderful when someone you care about wants to acknowledge the good things in your life by way of sharing delicious food. E, being self-possessed, on the move, career-wise, and knowing her own mind about some pretty important issues, was vibrant. That was so good to experience.
This all makes me reflect on Sarah, Catchka, Deb, V, R, and B--to name a few more--all of whom consistently demonstrate generous reactions to my good fortune and hearty support when I need it. I don't take it lightly. I'm so grateful for all of you...
Last night I had the good fortune to attend a panel discussion at the university. I guess it made the fact that I'll be going there more real (and broke up the usual monotony of a Monday night), gave me a sense of the "vibe," etc. It may be preliminary to say this, but I conjecture that I'll feel more connected to this campus and this program than I did to JHU. It's got more of a homegrown, grassroots feeling about it. At the same time, I think it will more closely fulfill my expectations of a graduate program,on the whole. Hopkins took up my time and I certainly, absolutely benefitted from invigorating literary discourse as part of that study, but I think this is going to get under my skin in a different way.
Before I figure all of that out, though, my sister and I need to find a place to live...
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Lining Up Ducks
I had Jury Duty today and owing to a number that was fairly high in the range of jurors who reported, I got no trial action. Fine with me. I watched most of two movies I've seen several times (The Devil Wears Prada and Last Holiday) and got 15 bucks for my trouble.
We were released at about 3:45 because no afternoon misdemeanors were being heard. I took advantage of those extra afternoon hours and went grocery shopping. I am hosting a brunch on Saturday morning, dinner with my family on Sunday, and tomorrow night I'm seeing A, so I pretty much had to deal with my marketing obligations tonight, one way or the other.
The cabbie who spirited me home was interested in my wares. Our banter was pretty good. I halfheartedly considered that perhaps I should have agreed to meet him for a Guinness (man after my own heart), but then I realized that I am wary of such things with good reason. I told him if he was meant to see me again, he would.
Cornball, I know.
On other fronts, things with my new university are shaping up well. I'm just where I need to be in terms of applying for aid and all that. I'm just waiting for the second of those two letters to arrive so I can take relevant next steps (advisor procurement, ID cards, all that). I've got some time. The first day of class is 9/2.
We were released at about 3:45 because no afternoon misdemeanors were being heard. I took advantage of those extra afternoon hours and went grocery shopping. I am hosting a brunch on Saturday morning, dinner with my family on Sunday, and tomorrow night I'm seeing A, so I pretty much had to deal with my marketing obligations tonight, one way or the other.
The cabbie who spirited me home was interested in my wares. Our banter was pretty good. I halfheartedly considered that perhaps I should have agreed to meet him for a Guinness (man after my own heart), but then I realized that I am wary of such things with good reason. I told him if he was meant to see me again, he would.
Cornball, I know.
On other fronts, things with my new university are shaping up well. I'm just where I need to be in terms of applying for aid and all that. I'm just waiting for the second of those two letters to arrive so I can take relevant next steps (advisor procurement, ID cards, all that). I've got some time. The first day of class is 9/2.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
The News Is Good
Even though official letters to this end are still en route, I received an e-mail communique from the Director of the Program yesterday letting me know that I am in! "The news is good..." she told me. I had a feeling that I would find out just as all those big projects moved off my plate. Looking forward to being a student again, to a new computer (months down the road), and to gearing up for the next chapter.
Of course I read through my portfolio submission this morning in a spirit of reflecting on my own genius (mostly kidding) and spotted a slight typo. Immediately humbled. I started to think about the fact that perhaps they let me in thinking I could benefit from some help.
I won't be defeatist. Categorically, the news is good.
Of course I read through my portfolio submission this morning in a spirit of reflecting on my own genius (mostly kidding) and spotted a slight typo. Immediately humbled. I started to think about the fact that perhaps they let me in thinking I could benefit from some help.
I won't be defeatist. Categorically, the news is good.
Friday, February 29, 2008
On The Road
I'm listening to Kerouac's classic on cd (the most time-effective way to "read," for me, these days) and I happened upon a little bit of knowledge. At some point in the narrative, he says something like: "I called to him, 'are you leaving, yo?' We called each other 'yo...'"
This made me remember a recent "Grammar Girl" podcast in which some research study (a result of an observation by Baltimore City school teachers) that interrogated an "emerging pheonomena" was discussed. Students seemed to have found a gender-neutral pronoun, namely "yo," according to the findings. Cited example: "Look at Yo's coat."
I think most people who even remotely have their finger on the pulse of what's happening know that it's been a part of urban vernacular for years, but moving on... I actually took exception to the posited "used when the gender is unknown or unclear." The pronoun is gender-neutral, but not because the gender isn't known. I suppose it could be used in that case, but the students have not "come up" with a way to refer to a person whose gender is unknown to them.
Anyway, I find this Kerouacian revelation to be of great interest. What is it about the word "yo" that makes it such an obvious go-to when you want a short cut for reference to another? Obviously, in his case, also not used to address gender neutrality, but more a way of saying "you, a person, me, or otherwise."
This made me remember a recent "Grammar Girl" podcast in which some research study (a result of an observation by Baltimore City school teachers) that interrogated an "emerging pheonomena" was discussed. Students seemed to have found a gender-neutral pronoun, namely "yo," according to the findings. Cited example: "Look at Yo's coat."
I think most people who even remotely have their finger on the pulse of what's happening know that it's been a part of urban vernacular for years, but moving on... I actually took exception to the posited "used when the gender is unknown or unclear." The pronoun is gender-neutral, but not because the gender isn't known. I suppose it could be used in that case, but the students have not "come up" with a way to refer to a person whose gender is unknown to them.
Anyway, I find this Kerouacian revelation to be of great interest. What is it about the word "yo" that makes it such an obvious go-to when you want a short cut for reference to another? Obviously, in his case, also not used to address gender neutrality, but more a way of saying "you, a person, me, or otherwise."
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
My sister, having firmly decided upon a divorce, sounds like herself again
I've spoken candidly here about my sister's marriage before. It is no secret that I've been pulling for an end to it, for a number of reasons, all of which have to do with the fact that I now know it to have been an ill-conceived design (born of my sister's bent toward an utterly impulsive need to couple up at all costs). In my opinion, she's suffered enough. This marriage was an expensive lesson for her, and in that sense, a worthwhile one. What misery is possible when you connect your life to an insecure, delusional, immature man's!
Thanks to a friend's connection, C will meet with an attorney for a consultation next week. Thank God that no property, no children, no investments, and the fact that my sister didn't even change her last name will mean relatively smooth sailing. I suppose her soon-to-be-ex-husband could contest on the grounds that he wants to stay married, but would any judge even hear such an argument (had he the financial means to contest)?
I'll take legitimate legal advice on my sister's behalf from anyone who is/who knows a good attorney.
Thanks to a friend's connection, C will meet with an attorney for a consultation next week. Thank God that no property, no children, no investments, and the fact that my sister didn't even change her last name will mean relatively smooth sailing. I suppose her soon-to-be-ex-husband could contest on the grounds that he wants to stay married, but would any judge even hear such an argument (had he the financial means to contest)?
I'll take legitimate legal advice on my sister's behalf from anyone who is/who knows a good attorney.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Rain & Snow
woke up at 6 for my day of working at home. am listening to Mr. Darcy Takes A Wife, a "continuation" of the Austen classic. Diverting. because of the much-hyped weather i went to the grocery store last night--a big pot of 8 0'clock coffee brewing and a pot of quick oats on the stove--and i am warm and fortified.
have a hair appointment at midday. hope i don't slip and fall on my hind quarters en route. and then after that a brief jet up the block to see an apartment. i have a feeling...
have a hair appointment at midday. hope i don't slip and fall on my hind quarters en route. and then after that a brief jet up the block to see an apartment. i have a feeling...
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Attack of the Killer Viruses!
So, some spambot left a comment on yesterday's post. Like a foolish amateur, I clicked on it and unleashed hell's wrath on my computer. I think I'm finally out of the woods. I had to download a 30-day free trial of Internet Security. Apparently, some months ago I decided that renewing my Norton Antivirus (which I find to be a little too aggressive as it blocks obviously reputable programs sometimes...annoying!) was a negotiable. That'll learn me.
Because of some other commitments I've made I can't just pay for a new contract right now. I guess I'll have to make that part of my 30-day plan. It's always something...
I really hope I get into this program for a number of reasons, but one of them is that it will justify me purchasing a new computer. this time I want a laptop. I've over the desktop sitch. Speaking of that program, I know it's way too early to even think of hearing but this in no way stops me from hoping against hope every day that I'll have a letter in the mailbox. Have a feeling Feb will move out before such news comes.
Because of some other commitments I've made I can't just pay for a new contract right now. I guess I'll have to make that part of my 30-day plan. It's always something...
I really hope I get into this program for a number of reasons, but one of them is that it will justify me purchasing a new computer. this time I want a laptop. I've over the desktop sitch. Speaking of that program, I know it's way too early to even think of hearing but this in no way stops me from hoping against hope every day that I'll have a letter in the mailbox. Have a feeling Feb will move out before such news comes.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
a little optimistic afterall
happy weekend's almost over, everyone! the last two days have been pretty typical: sculpt on Saturday morning, hanging out with Sarah afterward. We had a post V-day friends' dinner with V and Mel last night at Sarah's place. Shrimp scampi, arugala and cherry tomato salad dressed with Sarah's homemade lemon vinaigrette, (peccorino romano curls on top) and whipped cream with crushed meringues & raspberries for dessert.
after a leisurely morning and snacky breakfast (bread, cheese, coffee, half a salmon filet with pomegranate sauce, and hazelnut chocolate) I accompanied S to Williams-Sonoma where she finally redeemed a generous gift card she'd been given on some worthwhile purchases. I'm sure she'll describe them on her blog, so I won't say more... Before we parted ways she treated to lunch at Mari Luna (a brilliant Mexican spot in her neighborhood).
What am I looking forward to most right now? Seeing an apartment in my building featured on tonight's episode of The Wire.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
A Martini with Legs
is what i want right now. Indulging at today's pot luck earlier today makes me want to skip dinner tonight, but the more I think about doing this, the more I realize that I'm hungry...again. If I could make it through the evening without being distracted by the need to eat, I'd gladly forego the last meal of the day. I'm trying to read my book, but I keep thinking about carmelized red onions, portabellas, and tofu...
at least i didn't talk myself out of spin this morning.
at least i didn't talk myself out of spin this morning.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Self-distraction
I've been attempting to read Unnatural Death by Dorothy L. Sayers for two weeks now. It's quite good, very witty, and in keeping with my penchant for mysteries these days. The glitch has been that I distract myself with phone calls, list writing, and other organizational tasks that I would attribute to some sort of mania if I were prone to mania, in the clinical sense. I am not. So, I'm trying to practice the discipline of just sitting still and giving into the book.
I know. Blogging is another distraction. It's just that I've been so negligent of this space lately... See, that's it. I have about 4 good hours after I get home from work and I'm trying to squeeze my whole life into that space, so while I want to read, I also want to talk, get things figured out, formulate plots, get my gym bag ready for the next day. Speaking of which...
Anyway, I really want to finish this book and give it back to my coworker. It's hard to figure out why some things I actually want to do feel like such a struggle right now. This book. The gym. Losing these last 10 pounds. I think if I can just get over a certain hump, I'll have the momentum I need.
I Inherited a new project at work today (only a few minutes late b/c of the ice). I spent the day trying to wrap my mind around it, figure out what my questions are, and organize it. On other work-related fronts, tomorrow is the weekly conference call re: the project that is winding down. Not much in the way of status to report.
Tomorrow is also the office Valentine's Day potluck. That means I don't have to figure out what to take for lunch. It also means lunch will in no way be healthy. Seriously, I'm going to have to do a mini detox to kickstart myself.
Read online tonight that those "stave off the recession" checks should be mailed by Spring. Looking forward to using mine to pad savings and/or pay off a few debts--pretty much the opposite of what they are hoping people will do with that "found" money.
Also read an article on fiscal fitness in this month's O magazine that really buoyed my resolve to be frugal. A columnist for the Washington Post noted that many people who are in debt also have an overweening sense of entitlement to the tune of something like: I work hard; I deserved that [insert luxury item here]! Her answer was brilliant. Yes, you do work hard but you do not deserve [luxury item] if you are thousands of dollars in debt.
I know. Blogging is another distraction. It's just that I've been so negligent of this space lately... See, that's it. I have about 4 good hours after I get home from work and I'm trying to squeeze my whole life into that space, so while I want to read, I also want to talk, get things figured out, formulate plots, get my gym bag ready for the next day. Speaking of which...
Anyway, I really want to finish this book and give it back to my coworker. It's hard to figure out why some things I actually want to do feel like such a struggle right now. This book. The gym. Losing these last 10 pounds. I think if I can just get over a certain hump, I'll have the momentum I need.
I Inherited a new project at work today (only a few minutes late b/c of the ice). I spent the day trying to wrap my mind around it, figure out what my questions are, and organize it. On other work-related fronts, tomorrow is the weekly conference call re: the project that is winding down. Not much in the way of status to report.
Tomorrow is also the office Valentine's Day potluck. That means I don't have to figure out what to take for lunch. It also means lunch will in no way be healthy. Seriously, I'm going to have to do a mini detox to kickstart myself.
Read online tonight that those "stave off the recession" checks should be mailed by Spring. Looking forward to using mine to pad savings and/or pay off a few debts--pretty much the opposite of what they are hoping people will do with that "found" money.
Also read an article on fiscal fitness in this month's O magazine that really buoyed my resolve to be frugal. A columnist for the Washington Post noted that many people who are in debt also have an overweening sense of entitlement to the tune of something like: I work hard; I deserved that [insert luxury item here]! Her answer was brilliant. Yes, you do work hard but you do not deserve [luxury item] if you are thousands of dollars in debt.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Mid February = Ice
Without fail, on or around Valentine's Day, there is an ice incident. Today's was minor as these things go, but I still left the office about 40 minutes early so I could get home while it was still light out.
A pervasive work-related ennui has resulted from the conclusion of the project that has taken up all my time for the last 8 months. Cast adrift now, I am helping out on other projects, circling other planets--a lesser moon--a satellite, even.
I'm stalled. Waiting to hear from the University, waiting for the motivation I need to really lose these last 10 pounds, and figuring out how serious I am about looking for another apartment. Yes, that is back on the table these days. There are some amenities I'm not sure I can go without any longer. In addition to the fact that I want central air, I have to face the fact that my building is a Grande Dame that has fallen into disrepair. The management company that is responsible for its upkeep is shortsighted and favours the corner-cutting method.
My lease is month-to-month so I have considerable flexibility. If I make this move, I'd be looking to do it in July (around the middle of the month) or August.
A pervasive work-related ennui has resulted from the conclusion of the project that has taken up all my time for the last 8 months. Cast adrift now, I am helping out on other projects, circling other planets--a lesser moon--a satellite, even.
I'm stalled. Waiting to hear from the University, waiting for the motivation I need to really lose these last 10 pounds, and figuring out how serious I am about looking for another apartment. Yes, that is back on the table these days. There are some amenities I'm not sure I can go without any longer. In addition to the fact that I want central air, I have to face the fact that my building is a Grande Dame that has fallen into disrepair. The management company that is responsible for its upkeep is shortsighted and favours the corner-cutting method.
My lease is month-to-month so I have considerable flexibility. If I make this move, I'd be looking to do it in July (around the middle of the month) or August.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Mardi = Tuesday Gras = Fat
As a Protestant of a certain ilk I've never done the whole Lent thing. But I've taken a cue from my Catholic and more orthodox Protestant brethren.
Today coworkers brought in Scottish shortbread and "fake fasnachts." Fasnachts are a Pennsylvania thing, apparently. Fatty donuts to eat on Fat Tuesday to serve as a memory of excess during the 40 days of scarcity and sacrifice that are Lent (an observation of Christ's temptation in the desert).
This year the coworker of the Scottish short bread and I are giving up complaining about our project.
Anyway, I gorged myself on the biscuits, the donuts, all manner of dark chocolate, pot roast for dinner, and red wine, too.... oh, yes, and a few final project-related complaints.
I did not go to the gym this morning because I've been trying to give myself a break this week. I am going tomorrow as an outward expression of a return to discipline. Today I was el gordo, tomorrow, I'll be Not el gordo. Back to grapefruit, fat free yogurt, healthy water consumption and all that.
I'm no purist. Lent is still not "native" to my commemoration of the Christian calendar, so there's no rigid ban on chocolate, alcohol, or anything else in my household, but I do think there is some value to be had in contemplating real sacrifice. The spirit, not the letter.
Today coworkers brought in Scottish shortbread and "fake fasnachts." Fasnachts are a Pennsylvania thing, apparently. Fatty donuts to eat on Fat Tuesday to serve as a memory of excess during the 40 days of scarcity and sacrifice that are Lent (an observation of Christ's temptation in the desert).
This year the coworker of the Scottish short bread and I are giving up complaining about our project.
Anyway, I gorged myself on the biscuits, the donuts, all manner of dark chocolate, pot roast for dinner, and red wine, too.... oh, yes, and a few final project-related complaints.
I did not go to the gym this morning because I've been trying to give myself a break this week. I am going tomorrow as an outward expression of a return to discipline. Today I was el gordo, tomorrow, I'll be Not el gordo. Back to grapefruit, fat free yogurt, healthy water consumption and all that.
I'm no purist. Lent is still not "native" to my commemoration of the Christian calendar, so there's no rigid ban on chocolate, alcohol, or anything else in my household, but I do think there is some value to be had in contemplating real sacrifice. The spirit, not the letter.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
monthly dinners
my family (my sisters and my mother) and i have instituted a monthly dinner. i got the new tradition rolling this afternoon at my house. i made a pecan-encrusted chicken recipe that Sarah passed on to me (from Rachael Ray's Everyday Magazine), roasted butternut squash (w/craisins), and spinach with garlic & portabellas. It all went over very well. Dessert was a simple reduced-fat vanilla ice cream with biscotti & balsamic vinegar (or vanilla with raspberries in my mom's case). Crystal is pretty adventurous with food so she was willing to try the ice cream and vinegar, but exclaimed after her first taste "My ice cream tastes like collard greens!"
one note about errant pecans and the damage they can do. one went down the wrong way and while i did not choke, per se, i still have not fully recovered from the hellacious throat tickle it created. i "lost" my dinner. That made dessert even more guiltless. Not like I can feel too good--I had an indulgent lunch in Little Italy with Sarah after an early morning Target run.
Am delightfully sore from Saturday's sculpt class. Am less thrilled with the fact that I cannot seem to get my body past this one barrier on the scale. I'm going to try doing more lifting and shorter cardio bursts, just two or three times a week. Have been reading the 28 Laws of Attraction lately and one of the key principles is to not strive for things. It's been more and more organic for me to do less cardio lately, so I think I'm going to give into the flow of resistance training and see where that takes me.
It's also become more organic for me to skip the gym on Monday mornings. Not sure if tomorrow will be an exception or not.
one note about errant pecans and the damage they can do. one went down the wrong way and while i did not choke, per se, i still have not fully recovered from the hellacious throat tickle it created. i "lost" my dinner. That made dessert even more guiltless. Not like I can feel too good--I had an indulgent lunch in Little Italy with Sarah after an early morning Target run.
Am delightfully sore from Saturday's sculpt class. Am less thrilled with the fact that I cannot seem to get my body past this one barrier on the scale. I'm going to try doing more lifting and shorter cardio bursts, just two or three times a week. Have been reading the 28 Laws of Attraction lately and one of the key principles is to not strive for things. It's been more and more organic for me to do less cardio lately, so I think I'm going to give into the flow of resistance training and see where that takes me.
It's also become more organic for me to skip the gym on Monday mornings. Not sure if tomorrow will be an exception or not.
