Argh.. I guess it was all that weed-pulling I did over the weekend. Last night I was stooped over like an old lady with all the pain that I had in my back. I could hardly move. After living in agony for a few hours, I broke down and took a pain killer. My ibuprofen expired last year and my aspirin expired 4 years ago. I remember reading that the shelf life is actually longer than what is put on the bottle, so I took two ibuprofen and threw the rest of the bottle away.
To make matters worse, my sewing machine is all jacked up and I have to finish a dress by friday. But I think I can get it straightened out today.
Today's Lunch:
Mushroom and vegetable calzone from hospital across the street (on a scale of 1-10, I'd give it a 6).
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Purpose
March 6, 2006
This is my first Live Journal entry. I hope to write in this journal at least once a week and use it to practice my writing. It is my goal to become as awesome of a writer as the column writers of The Isthmus. Rereading the previous sentence also makes me want to become a more efficient writer and to learn to use grammar more effectively.
Early last week I finished a big project for work and spent the rest of the week recouperating and getting ready to start new projects. Now it's monday morning and I'm trying to find the motivation to start some new work. What's holding me back? I read somewhere that it's easier to do work that you know you can do, than it is to start something new or out of your comfort zone. Perhaps that's why people procrastinate.
This is my first Live Journal entry. I hope to write in this journal at least once a week and use it to practice my writing. It is my goal to become as awesome of a writer as the column writers of The Isthmus. Rereading the previous sentence also makes me want to become a more efficient writer and to learn to use grammar more effectively.
Early last week I finished a big project for work and spent the rest of the week recouperating and getting ready to start new projects. Now it's monday morning and I'm trying to find the motivation to start some new work. What's holding me back? I read somewhere that it's easier to do work that you know you can do, than it is to start something new or out of your comfort zone. Perhaps that's why people procrastinate.
What constitutes a good friend?
March 13, 2006
I've realized with the help of my boyfriend that my friend Petra never seems to be happy with her life. There is always something worth complaining about (for hours on end to me, it seems), and I get frustrated because I can't help her. I realize it is the standard rule of girlfriendism to be patient, listen, and offer a hug when needed without offering solutions that the complaintant doesn't want to hear. A lot of times I don't look forward to hearing her vent about everything and everyone in her life and wish we could have a meaningful conversation about something as simple as a movie or about a funny life experience. It also seems like our venting conversations are one-sided - she's doing all the talking and I'm trying to be sympathetic but also offer the occasional suggestion or argumentative question. I try to be a good listener, but at the same time want her to see her problem from a more realistic perspective. I am thankful to have her as a friend because when I have a problem she is a good listener, too. But this whole complaining thing.. is this what being a good friend is all about? Do I need to spend more time in our relationship being supportive ("a good friend") than having fun with my friend? In my opinion, it should work both ways.. sometimes we should have fun, other times lend a good ear. But it seems like I spend a lot more time lending a good ear than having fun and bonding.
I've realized with the help of my boyfriend that my friend Petra never seems to be happy with her life. There is always something worth complaining about (for hours on end to me, it seems), and I get frustrated because I can't help her. I realize it is the standard rule of girlfriendism to be patient, listen, and offer a hug when needed without offering solutions that the complaintant doesn't want to hear. A lot of times I don't look forward to hearing her vent about everything and everyone in her life and wish we could have a meaningful conversation about something as simple as a movie or about a funny life experience. It also seems like our venting conversations are one-sided - she's doing all the talking and I'm trying to be sympathetic but also offer the occasional suggestion or argumentative question. I try to be a good listener, but at the same time want her to see her problem from a more realistic perspective. I am thankful to have her as a friend because when I have a problem she is a good listener, too. But this whole complaining thing.. is this what being a good friend is all about? Do I need to spend more time in our relationship being supportive ("a good friend") than having fun with my friend? In my opinion, it should work both ways.. sometimes we should have fun, other times lend a good ear. But it seems like I spend a lot more time lending a good ear than having fun and bonding.
Conflict with a coworker
April 3, 2006
I feel as though I'm wallowing in self-pity ("wallowing in self pity" is trite, I know). My coworker sternly told me that I need to learn about instrumentation to become a successful researcher. I don't know a thing about instrumentation, and he's right. It's just that the truth hurts. (trite again) For someone to tell me that is kind of painful. Part of me doesn't want to learn instrumentation, with voltage and all this weird crap, because it's not familiar to me. I don't even know what a volt is a measurement of, just that it's used for electronics. And I'm afraid to take the big step of making it become something I know, because, well, that's just a huge step. Right now I feel stupid, like I don't learn quickly or understand things as well as other people do. I mean, I never learned about volts or anything, but my coworkers know about them. Even Sam, who is younger than me, is more advanced than me in many respects. I just feel like it takes me longer than others to learn things and that makes me feel challenged. I find it difficult to understand new concepts.
Part of me wonders if it's just the way I learn. And part of me thinks that thinking that is just a way of justifying to myself that I'm not a fast learner. Like, saying "oh, I just learn differently from everyone else" isn't exactly true, but it makes me feel better than admitting to myself that I don't learn very well at all. I don't know.
Now I'm getting worried because when I was talking to my coworker, as he was telling me I needed to learn these things, tears started welling up in my eyes and when we finished our conversation I almost started crying and you could hear it in my voice. Then I went in the bathroom across the hall from his office and cried.. and I hope he couldn't hear it. And I don't know what I'd do if he came by my office to check on me or apologize or give me a book about instrumentation or something. Would he even come by? I doubt it. But if he did, I'd probably start bawling again, which would just be more embarassing.
****************************
And that just happened. He came by to apologize, and said he didn't mean to be short and that he just wants to help. And of course I started crying, I am crying, and I can't stop, and I don't have any tissue in my office so I'm going to have to go out in the hallway and people will see that I'm crying. ANd why am I so worked up about htis?
I feel as though I'm wallowing in self-pity ("wallowing in self pity" is trite, I know). My coworker sternly told me that I need to learn about instrumentation to become a successful researcher. I don't know a thing about instrumentation, and he's right. It's just that the truth hurts. (trite again) For someone to tell me that is kind of painful. Part of me doesn't want to learn instrumentation, with voltage and all this weird crap, because it's not familiar to me. I don't even know what a volt is a measurement of, just that it's used for electronics. And I'm afraid to take the big step of making it become something I know, because, well, that's just a huge step. Right now I feel stupid, like I don't learn quickly or understand things as well as other people do. I mean, I never learned about volts or anything, but my coworkers know about them. Even Sam, who is younger than me, is more advanced than me in many respects. I just feel like it takes me longer than others to learn things and that makes me feel challenged. I find it difficult to understand new concepts.
Part of me wonders if it's just the way I learn. And part of me thinks that thinking that is just a way of justifying to myself that I'm not a fast learner. Like, saying "oh, I just learn differently from everyone else" isn't exactly true, but it makes me feel better than admitting to myself that I don't learn very well at all. I don't know.
Now I'm getting worried because when I was talking to my coworker, as he was telling me I needed to learn these things, tears started welling up in my eyes and when we finished our conversation I almost started crying and you could hear it in my voice. Then I went in the bathroom across the hall from his office and cried.. and I hope he couldn't hear it. And I don't know what I'd do if he came by my office to check on me or apologize or give me a book about instrumentation or something. Would he even come by? I doubt it. But if he did, I'd probably start bawling again, which would just be more embarassing.
****************************
And that just happened. He came by to apologize, and said he didn't mean to be short and that he just wants to help. And of course I started crying, I am crying, and I can't stop, and I don't have any tissue in my office so I'm going to have to go out in the hallway and people will see that I'm crying. ANd why am I so worked up about htis?
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Hilarious fortune cookie
I just had to write about this. We went to the Evansville Memorial Day parade yesterday, which didn't consist of much. Basically the high school marching band, middle school marching band, and local vets either cruising around in a Hummer or marching. However, at the end of the parade were some kids riding bikes. They were throwing out candy, fortune cookies, and cozies that beared the logo for Sentry, an insurance agency. I grabbed a fortune cookie, ate it, then looked at the fortune inside. It said:
Sentry's competitive discounts will save you money.
It was so cool! I think the actives should have alph gam fortune cookies that say something like, "you will rush the best sorority on campus," or "join alph gams - it's your destiny." For those of you getting married, you should have fortune cookies at your reception that say something cool about you and your hubby. Here's a website: http://www.customfortunecookies.com/
Sentry's competitive discounts will save you money.
It was so cool! I think the actives should have alph gam fortune cookies that say something like, "you will rush the best sorority on campus," or "join alph gams - it's your destiny." For those of you getting married, you should have fortune cookies at your reception that say something cool about you and your hubby. Here's a website: http://www.customfortunecookies.com/
Memorable Memorial weekend
I had my first encounter with The Shopping Monster on friday. I went to Jung's Garden Center, just to see if they had a bay laurel plant (FYI, a bay laurel is where you get bay leaves from. They are 100 times better fresh than dried so I've been searching for a plant for weeks). While they didn't have any bay laurels, I DID end up investing in dill, lime basil, lemon verbena, two impatiens and a cool-looking purple flower. And a watering can. It all cost $20.
Saturday morning Zach and I went to the Dane County Farmer's Market, which surrounds the state capitol. I bought some radishes from some Hmong farmers, and munched on them throughout the day. Dee-licious! I also found... my bay laurel plant! $3, baby! After scouring numerous gardening stores and farmer's markets, my search is finally over. I was so excited the farmer probably thought I was crazy.
Then we helped my boss move some furniture out of his house. Actually, Zach did most of the helping and I just hung out with my boss and his wife. It was a good time, and they gave us some Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from somewhere in Sonoma (can't remember the winery) to thank us for our efforts. I cracked open the Chardonnay and it's very good. Nice and dry.
Sunday I planted my new babies while Zach built a picnic table. I also did some baking - coconut cupcakes, a banana cream pie, and apple crisp. I still have to do a little more baking for this dude I work with who helped me clean up some antique iron rests that came with the house. Once Zach gets off his butt he's going to hang them for me. For dinner we ate barbeque chicken, baked beans, corn on the cob, and pickled beets outside on our new picnic table. Zach turned the TV to the window so that he could watch the NASCAR race while we ate. Very classy.
Yesterday Zach started painting our new picnic table and I worked on sewing a dress that I'm making. We chatted with our neighbor Jerry, who lives across the street. Nice guy, but kind of conservative. Doesn't approve of the lesbian couple next door to him, and talks about "those damn kids on their skateboards going down the street like they own the place." Whatever, Jerry.
Today's lunch:
My coworker Sam, after reading my blog, suggested the 5-item rule. Always bring 5 items in your lunch and you'll probably have enough to eat.
Saturday morning Zach and I went to the Dane County Farmer's Market, which surrounds the state capitol. I bought some radishes from some Hmong farmers, and munched on them throughout the day. Dee-licious! I also found... my bay laurel plant! $3, baby! After scouring numerous gardening stores and farmer's markets, my search is finally over. I was so excited the farmer probably thought I was crazy.
Then we helped my boss move some furniture out of his house. Actually, Zach did most of the helping and I just hung out with my boss and his wife. It was a good time, and they gave us some Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from somewhere in Sonoma (can't remember the winery) to thank us for our efforts. I cracked open the Chardonnay and it's very good. Nice and dry.
Sunday I planted my new babies while Zach built a picnic table. I also did some baking - coconut cupcakes, a banana cream pie, and apple crisp. I still have to do a little more baking for this dude I work with who helped me clean up some antique iron rests that came with the house. Once Zach gets off his butt he's going to hang them for me. For dinner we ate barbeque chicken, baked beans, corn on the cob, and pickled beets outside on our new picnic table. Zach turned the TV to the window so that he could watch the NASCAR race while we ate. Very classy.
Yesterday Zach started painting our new picnic table and I worked on sewing a dress that I'm making. We chatted with our neighbor Jerry, who lives across the street. Nice guy, but kind of conservative. Doesn't approve of the lesbian couple next door to him, and talks about "those damn kids on their skateboards going down the street like they own the place." Whatever, Jerry.
Today's lunch:
My coworker Sam, after reading my blog, suggested the 5-item rule. Always bring 5 items in your lunch and you'll probably have enough to eat.
- Peanut butter (natural, of course) and jelly (plum) on whole wheat
- baby carrots
- apple
- coconut cupcake
Friday, May 26, 2006
ADD or learning disorder?
Is there an easy way to determine if you have ADD or a learning disorder? I think I'm going to scour the internet looking for some cheesy online quizzes for these things.
My coworker Sam stopped by my office this morning to discuss what a volt is. He gave me a manual about testing instrumentation and kind of went through it with me, and whenever I encountered something I didn't understand, I suddenly felt overwhelmed and tears began welling up in my eyes.
Come to think of it, in college, whenever I'd go to a professor for help, I'd start bawling uncontrollably while they were trying to help me. That probably explains why I hated asking for help, and as a result my grades suffered.
I've done some thinking, trying to determine what causes this reaction. I'm pretty sure negative self-talk is partially the problem. "I can't believe I don't know this," "I don't understand this; I feel so stupid," "This person who is trying to help me must think I'm an idiot because I don't understand." I know this needs to stop.
And then there's the question of understanding what they're talking about. Why don't I understand? Is it because science doesn't come easy to me and maybe I'm in the wrong profession? Or maybe I just have trouble paying attention to what people are saying. Or maybe I don't understand new concepts very well. Maybe I'm dyslexic. Maybe I have ADD. I don't know.
But I think I'm going to work on getting rid of the negative self-talk. I just need more confidence, a realization that I really can understand these concepts.
Ahhh.. this post has been very therapeutic. Thanks for listening!
Today's lunch:
Going out to eat! Maybe Ethiopian food. Woo hoo!
My coworker Sam stopped by my office this morning to discuss what a volt is. He gave me a manual about testing instrumentation and kind of went through it with me, and whenever I encountered something I didn't understand, I suddenly felt overwhelmed and tears began welling up in my eyes.
Come to think of it, in college, whenever I'd go to a professor for help, I'd start bawling uncontrollably while they were trying to help me. That probably explains why I hated asking for help, and as a result my grades suffered.
I've done some thinking, trying to determine what causes this reaction. I'm pretty sure negative self-talk is partially the problem. "I can't believe I don't know this," "I don't understand this; I feel so stupid," "This person who is trying to help me must think I'm an idiot because I don't understand." I know this needs to stop.
And then there's the question of understanding what they're talking about. Why don't I understand? Is it because science doesn't come easy to me and maybe I'm in the wrong profession? Or maybe I just have trouble paying attention to what people are saying. Or maybe I don't understand new concepts very well. Maybe I'm dyslexic. Maybe I have ADD. I don't know.
But I think I'm going to work on getting rid of the negative self-talk. I just need more confidence, a realization that I really can understand these concepts.
Ahhh.. this post has been very therapeutic. Thanks for listening!
Today's lunch:
Going out to eat! Maybe Ethiopian food. Woo hoo!
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Need more food!
I think I've realized what's wrong with me.
I'm not getting enough to eat.
I've noticed that after eating lunch, I'm still hungry for more carbs. For example, today I ate a turkey sandwich, carrots and apple for lunch. Then I ran down to the vending machine and bought some pretzels. I was craving salty carbs. And I've noticed that every time I pass a candy dish, I must indulge. I even seek out the candy dishes at times. So here I am, craving more carbs. And these aren't even the "good" kind.
So I don't think I'm eating enough. I'm going to have to come up with some more food to bring in my lunch. Maybe yogurt or something. Any suggestions?
It's also occured to me that I may be craving more food because I'm having my period. But I haven't noticed that happening before, so yeah, it must just be the food thing.
Today's lunch:
Sara Lee chipotle turkey breast sandwich on whole wheat with Dijon mustard
Apple
Baby carrots
Rold Gold Pretzels
I'm not getting enough to eat.
I've noticed that after eating lunch, I'm still hungry for more carbs. For example, today I ate a turkey sandwich, carrots and apple for lunch. Then I ran down to the vending machine and bought some pretzels. I was craving salty carbs. And I've noticed that every time I pass a candy dish, I must indulge. I even seek out the candy dishes at times. So here I am, craving more carbs. And these aren't even the "good" kind.
So I don't think I'm eating enough. I'm going to have to come up with some more food to bring in my lunch. Maybe yogurt or something. Any suggestions?
It's also occured to me that I may be craving more food because I'm having my period. But I haven't noticed that happening before, so yeah, it must just be the food thing.
Today's lunch:
Sara Lee chipotle turkey breast sandwich on whole wheat with Dijon mustard
Apple
Baby carrots
Rold Gold Pretzels
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
8th Grade Math
Oh good, I was worried for a minute, there.
Today's lunch
1/2 bagel (wheat) with light cream cheese
banana
baby carrots
apple
| You Passed 8th Grade Math |
 Congratulations, you got 10/10 correct! |
Today's lunch
1/2 bagel (wheat) with light cream cheese
banana
baby carrots
apple
Monday, May 22, 2006
Backyard goofiness
Saturday was a really fun day with Zach.
We went to a Norweigan festival in a nearby town (Stoughton), where we watched a parade and looked at the little shops and stuff. The place was packed! There were so many people there, young and old. We both get a little annoyed with the crowds, but neither of us became cranky enough to have it rub off on the other. Does that ever happen to you, where you become grumpy and so your partner gets grumpy, too?
When we got home we cooked brats on the grill and bought some potato salad and macaroni salad from the local deli. We ate outside in our beautiful yard, enjoying the breeze, sun, and the birds. Then we went for a bike ride, where I was riding my bike and Zach rode rollerblades. He was hanging on to my seat and swerving back and fourth, like he was doing a slalom race. We were both laughing and having a good time.
Then, when we came back to the house, we decided to kick around the soccer ball in the back yard. But first Zach had to put on some cleats, so I drank a glass of wine while he did that (I was thirsty). We kicked the ball around, and I got a little goofy because I had chugged that glass of wine. So we started doing cartwheels in the grass. My cartwheels looked more like shitty roundoffs, but of course Zach being "Mr. Athlete" did them perfectly. Hmph.
Next we climbed the tree in the backyard, an old maple, and were kissing in the branches because I thought it would be romantic. Then Zach brought out his tree-climbing gear and taught me how to climb a rope. It's very difficult!
I know that was kind of squishy, but we had such a nice day I just had to write about it.
Today's lunch:
Leftover bratwurst made into a sandwich, with whole wheat bread and yellow mustard
Apple
Roma tomato
We went to a Norweigan festival in a nearby town (Stoughton), where we watched a parade and looked at the little shops and stuff. The place was packed! There were so many people there, young and old. We both get a little annoyed with the crowds, but neither of us became cranky enough to have it rub off on the other. Does that ever happen to you, where you become grumpy and so your partner gets grumpy, too?
When we got home we cooked brats on the grill and bought some potato salad and macaroni salad from the local deli. We ate outside in our beautiful yard, enjoying the breeze, sun, and the birds. Then we went for a bike ride, where I was riding my bike and Zach rode rollerblades. He was hanging on to my seat and swerving back and fourth, like he was doing a slalom race. We were both laughing and having a good time.
Then, when we came back to the house, we decided to kick around the soccer ball in the back yard. But first Zach had to put on some cleats, so I drank a glass of wine while he did that (I was thirsty). We kicked the ball around, and I got a little goofy because I had chugged that glass of wine. So we started doing cartwheels in the grass. My cartwheels looked more like shitty roundoffs, but of course Zach being "Mr. Athlete" did them perfectly. Hmph.
Next we climbed the tree in the backyard, an old maple, and were kissing in the branches because I thought it would be romantic. Then Zach brought out his tree-climbing gear and taught me how to climb a rope. It's very difficult!
I know that was kind of squishy, but we had such a nice day I just had to write about it.
Today's lunch:
Leftover bratwurst made into a sandwich, with whole wheat bread and yellow mustard
Apple
Roma tomato
Friday, May 19, 2006
Going ring-shopping today
Zach and I are finally going to drag our butts to the jewelry store and do some ring-shopping! I've already done a little bit of shopping on my own, and what I have in mind for a ring is something like this:
I'd like an opal with diamonds on the side, and while the photo shows a yellow gold band, I'd like white gold or platinum or whatever.
Today's lunch:
Leftover hamburger with ketchup and mustard on wheat bun
Apple
I'd like an opal with diamonds on the side, and while the photo shows a yellow gold band, I'd like white gold or platinum or whatever.
Today's lunch:
Leftover hamburger with ketchup and mustard on wheat bun
Apple
Thursday, May 18, 2006
More Grey's Anatomy
Check out the Grey's Anatomy Writers' Blog. Maybe it will help you get through the next 6 months.
http://www.greyswriters.com/
http://www.greyswriters.com/
Silly random thought
Are you all familiar with Sara Lee? From what I've seen, the company produces deli meats and breads.
Anyhow, I hear their jingle on the radio, and I'm wondering if you could help clear something up. Is the jingle "Nobody does it like Sara Lee" or "Nobody doesn't like Sara Lee?"
What do you think?
Today's lunch:
Anyhow, I hear their jingle on the radio, and I'm wondering if you could help clear something up. Is the jingle "Nobody does it like Sara Lee" or "Nobody doesn't like Sara Lee?"
What do you think?
Today's lunch:
- Sara Lee Chipotle Turkey with sharp cheddar and yellow mustard on home-made wheat bread
- Banana
- Taco dip with chips (left over from some party)
- Fortune cookie ("Find release from your cares, have a good time" - lame!)
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
FPL - down the tubes?
I work for the FPL (Forest Products Lab), which is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Our lab seems to be in some financial trouble. Our operating costs are at 95% of our budget, where it should really be at about 70%. So we need to cut back on operating costs. Operating costs include employee salaries, travel money, etc., basically everything but building maintenance.
So we hoped that getting some more funding from our buddies in the USDA would help us out. So our Director, Chris, takes trips to Washington D.C. and one of our assistant directors, Mike, has been living in D.C. since January. They are both trying to get us more money.
Unfortunately, we're not getting any money. As a matter of fact, the $15 million we were supposed to get for a new building (one that I would need for research) was taken away.
So now we have to reduce operating costs the old-fashioned way - by getting rid of employees!
Right now we have 225 full-time permanent employees. We need to be down to 125 employees in a couple of years. So we're trying to get rid of people. We managed to lose 15 people last year from a early-out/buy-out, and now we just went through a second early-out/buy-out, where 8 people retired. So that's 23. Now what about the remaining 77?
Our funding depends on what the government gives us, and in the past few years it's been going steadily downward. I hate to be paranoid or a conspiracy theorist, but... I think our lab is no longer important to the government.
Today's lunch: (I had to go to the hospital cafeteria across the street because we don't have any food at home.)
So we hoped that getting some more funding from our buddies in the USDA would help us out. So our Director, Chris, takes trips to Washington D.C. and one of our assistant directors, Mike, has been living in D.C. since January. They are both trying to get us more money.
Unfortunately, we're not getting any money. As a matter of fact, the $15 million we were supposed to get for a new building (one that I would need for research) was taken away.
So now we have to reduce operating costs the old-fashioned way - by getting rid of employees!
Right now we have 225 full-time permanent employees. We need to be down to 125 employees in a couple of years. So we're trying to get rid of people. We managed to lose 15 people last year from a early-out/buy-out, and now we just went through a second early-out/buy-out, where 8 people retired. So that's 23. Now what about the remaining 77?
Our funding depends on what the government gives us, and in the past few years it's been going steadily downward. I hate to be paranoid or a conspiracy theorist, but... I think our lab is no longer important to the government.
Today's lunch: (I had to go to the hospital cafeteria across the street because we don't have any food at home.)
- Cheese ravioli in marinara sauce (the lady stiffed me on the ravioli and I only got 2 pieces)
- Veggies (carrots, cauliflower, radishes, black olives, celery)
- Cottage cheese with a slice of tomato and lettuce
- Watermelon
My (creepy?) coworker Sam
Posted April 27, 2006
All right, so you're not going to believe this. I have this coworker Sam, whose office is about 3 doors down from mine. He's a nice guy and all, but he is strange. He's 23 years old, got married last January to this nice girl, Kari. Anyhoo, I first realized Sam was weird when he came into my office one day and told me that his friend, a young lady who he has classes with, doesn't like him anymore. I asked him why, and he gave me a recap on a conversation they had. Here's the truncated version of their conversation:
So I went home and told Zach about it, and we both figured that Sam is kind of weird and is looking for love away from his wife. Sounds like their marriage didn't get off to a good start. Zach thinks Sam is just in that stage where he still thinks he's a stud and can get any girl in bed.
But it continues. Last week Sam confided to me that one of his friends (I don't know if it's the same girl or not) wants to lose a pants size. Well, Sam's been running lately, and has a few running partners, so the girl asked him if he'd train her. He said he would, only if...
She would give him a pair of her dirty underwear
She reluctantly agreed. Sam went on to tell me that he likes dirty women's undies, and that he needs them to "get the job done." He said that he and his wife have sex a couple of times a week, but he needs to "unload" more often, so the undies help do the trick. I asked him why he doesn't just use his wife's dirty underwear, and he said he does, it's just that he likes some variety. Then he said that if I ever need a favor from him, I know what to give him in exchange for the favor. Um, no thanks!
Then, yesterday, we were talking about celery. And Sam goes, "yeah, I heard it makes your bodily fluids taste better." This kid has sex on the brain!
Now, some background on Sam. He's much further along in his career than I am, and he's younger than me. I have a master's degree, he's doing the "straight-to-PhD" route. I'm always secretly comparing myself to him. He has about 4 publications out; I'm just a co-author on a few. He is running his own research projects, writing grants and stuff, and I just offer research support to the scientists. He seems to be more involved in research than I am, and may possibly go further than me.
I told all this to Zach, and he said:
The advantage you have is it's more likely for Sam to put himself in a compromising position and lose his job over a sexual harassment case.
That makes me feel better.
May 10, 2006
I asked Sam if I could borrow his staple gun. He said I could, and asked if I might be able to give him a pair of underwear in return. I just kind of laughed and said no, and that was the last I heard of it. He meant to loan me the staple gun anyway, but he forgot to bring it in to work and I used my neighbor's instead.
May 23, 2006
Found out that Sam would be having a female HACU student working for him this summer. Told Mike Wong about Sam's behavior, and mentioned that I hadn't really felt like it was affecting my job but expressed concern for the student. Mike told me to, as a CREDO member, encourage the student to tell people about any sexual harassment problems she may encounter. I also told that to the other female HACU student, Sara.
August 2, 2006
I wrote a blog entry yesterday and briefly mentioned how I'd like to find a second job because I need to make more money. Sam approached me and said, "well, remember that one time when I was going to let you borrow my staple gun to get something in return?" I said yes, that I remembered it. He said, "well, maybe I could get that from you and give you money. It would be a great way for you to make money." I kind of laughed and pretended to not be offended. I said, "I don't really think that's a great idea," and he told me to think about it.
Later in the day, he approached me again and asked if I'd thought about it. I said yeah, I'd thought about it, and I didn't think it was a good idea. I said that because we are co-workers, it wouldn't be very professional, and that it was kind of shady. He said that since we're friends (and we are), that I could just see it as a couple of friends who happen to work in the same place. And he said he'd give me $25 for each pair. I still said no, and he told me to think about it.
Today, he came to my office and asked if I'd thought about it. I told him I had, and that I don't think it's a good idea. He finally seemed to take the hint, and we left it at that.
I told Jim Wacker about the conversations, and he recommended that I approach Sam and tell him that I don't want to talk about sex things at work. He said to be clear and concise, and tell Sam how it makes me uncomfortable. I also told Jim about my conversation with Mike Wong.
Approached Sam in his office. Said, "you know how you keep asking me for my underwear?" He said, "yeah." "Well, I am not comfortable with it. I think it's unprofessional, and it makes me uncomfortable, and it could be seen as sexual harassment." "Yeah." "So could you not ask me for it anymore?" "Yeah. I just couldn't tell if you were offended or not." "Yeah. Okay, see you later."
All right, so you're not going to believe this. I have this coworker Sam, whose office is about 3 doors down from mine. He's a nice guy and all, but he is strange. He's 23 years old, got married last January to this nice girl, Kari. Anyhoo, I first realized Sam was weird when he came into my office one day and told me that his friend, a young lady who he has classes with, doesn't like him anymore. I asked him why, and he gave me a recap on a conversation they had. Here's the truncated version of their conversation:
Girl: "So ever since my boyfriend and I broke up, I've been really horny lately."Sam told me he was just trying to be a good friend and help out a friend by fulfilling her every sexual need. I said, "If my boyfriend did something like that I'd kick his ass!" and Sam felt really guilty and looked very upset and left my office.
Sam: "Well, maybe I can help you out with that."
Girl: "Excuse me?"
So I went home and told Zach about it, and we both figured that Sam is kind of weird and is looking for love away from his wife. Sounds like their marriage didn't get off to a good start. Zach thinks Sam is just in that stage where he still thinks he's a stud and can get any girl in bed.
But it continues. Last week Sam confided to me that one of his friends (I don't know if it's the same girl or not) wants to lose a pants size. Well, Sam's been running lately, and has a few running partners, so the girl asked him if he'd train her. He said he would, only if...
She would give him a pair of her dirty underwear
She reluctantly agreed. Sam went on to tell me that he likes dirty women's undies, and that he needs them to "get the job done." He said that he and his wife have sex a couple of times a week, but he needs to "unload" more often, so the undies help do the trick. I asked him why he doesn't just use his wife's dirty underwear, and he said he does, it's just that he likes some variety. Then he said that if I ever need a favor from him, I know what to give him in exchange for the favor. Um, no thanks!
Then, yesterday, we were talking about celery. And Sam goes, "yeah, I heard it makes your bodily fluids taste better." This kid has sex on the brain!
Now, some background on Sam. He's much further along in his career than I am, and he's younger than me. I have a master's degree, he's doing the "straight-to-PhD" route. I'm always secretly comparing myself to him. He has about 4 publications out; I'm just a co-author on a few. He is running his own research projects, writing grants and stuff, and I just offer research support to the scientists. He seems to be more involved in research than I am, and may possibly go further than me.
I told all this to Zach, and he said:
The advantage you have is it's more likely for Sam to put himself in a compromising position and lose his job over a sexual harassment case.
That makes me feel better.
May 10, 2006
I asked Sam if I could borrow his staple gun. He said I could, and asked if I might be able to give him a pair of underwear in return. I just kind of laughed and said no, and that was the last I heard of it. He meant to loan me the staple gun anyway, but he forgot to bring it in to work and I used my neighbor's instead.
May 23, 2006
Found out that Sam would be having a female HACU student working for him this summer. Told Mike Wong about Sam's behavior, and mentioned that I hadn't really felt like it was affecting my job but expressed concern for the student. Mike told me to, as a CREDO member, encourage the student to tell people about any sexual harassment problems she may encounter. I also told that to the other female HACU student, Sara.
August 2, 2006
I wrote a blog entry yesterday and briefly mentioned how I'd like to find a second job because I need to make more money. Sam approached me and said, "well, remember that one time when I was going to let you borrow my staple gun to get something in return?" I said yes, that I remembered it. He said, "well, maybe I could get that from you and give you money. It would be a great way for you to make money." I kind of laughed and pretended to not be offended. I said, "I don't really think that's a great idea," and he told me to think about it.
Later in the day, he approached me again and asked if I'd thought about it. I said yeah, I'd thought about it, and I didn't think it was a good idea. I said that because we are co-workers, it wouldn't be very professional, and that it was kind of shady. He said that since we're friends (and we are), that I could just see it as a couple of friends who happen to work in the same place. And he said he'd give me $25 for each pair. I still said no, and he told me to think about it.
Today, he came to my office and asked if I'd thought about it. I told him I had, and that I don't think it's a good idea. He finally seemed to take the hint, and we left it at that.
I told Jim Wacker about the conversations, and he recommended that I approach Sam and tell him that I don't want to talk about sex things at work. He said to be clear and concise, and tell Sam how it makes me uncomfortable. I also told Jim about my conversation with Mike Wong.
Approached Sam in his office. Said, "you know how you keep asking me for my underwear?" He said, "yeah." "Well, I am not comfortable with it. I think it's unprofessional, and it makes me uncomfortable, and it could be seen as sexual harassment." "Yeah." "So could you not ask me for it anymore?" "Yeah. I just couldn't tell if you were offended or not." "Yeah. Okay, see you later."
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Diet Dr. Pepper works wonders
Last night I went to bed late - 11:00. And I had to get up at 5:00 to catch my van at 5:40. I prefer to be in bed around 9:00 so I can get a decent amount of rest so that I can spend my day at work reading really boring papers without falling asleep. So I really didn't get enough sleep last night.
I was a zombie at work this morning. I didn't think I could make it through the day....
But have no fear, Diet Dr. Pepper is here!
I nursed a 20-oz. bottle of the liquid miracle from 10:00-12:00, and now I am on fire! I was literally running up the stairs as I delivered some paperwork to people. I can finally focus on the boring papers I have to read. And I am more cheerful than ever. The only downside is I became kind of sweaty. I can't tell if it's from an increased heartrate from the caffeine or from running up the stairs. I also kind of have a stomachache. But at least now I can get some work done!
But I will not allow this one-time caffeine abuse to result in dependency of the stuff. I don't want to be one of those people who can't even get dressed without chugging two pots of coffee every morning. But I will continue to use it for emergencies like today.
By the way, my mom and I made two delicious strawberry-rhubarb pies last weekend. They were awesome! We also made some roman shades for my windows. And did a lot of other cooking. Thanks for the recipe, Danielle!
Today's lunch:
I was a zombie at work this morning. I didn't think I could make it through the day....
But have no fear, Diet Dr. Pepper is here!
I nursed a 20-oz. bottle of the liquid miracle from 10:00-12:00, and now I am on fire! I was literally running up the stairs as I delivered some paperwork to people. I can finally focus on the boring papers I have to read. And I am more cheerful than ever. The only downside is I became kind of sweaty. I can't tell if it's from an increased heartrate from the caffeine or from running up the stairs. I also kind of have a stomachache. But at least now I can get some work done!
But I will not allow this one-time caffeine abuse to result in dependency of the stuff. I don't want to be one of those people who can't even get dressed without chugging two pots of coffee every morning. But I will continue to use it for emergencies like today.
By the way, my mom and I made two delicious strawberry-rhubarb pies last weekend. They were awesome! We also made some roman shades for my windows. And did a lot of other cooking. Thanks for the recipe, Danielle!
Today's lunch:
- Peanut butter (the natural kind) and jelly (strawberry preserves) sandwich on homemade wheat bread
- Can of Carb Clever fruit cocktail
- Salad with Newman's Own Balsamic Vinaigrette
- A Hershey's nugget (caramel)
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Some photos
I don't have anything to write about today. So here are some photos.
Our cat, Kitty.
My parents' cat, Blackie, getting a shower.
It's difficult finding recent photos, since I am the last person on the planet to not have a digital camera.
Here's Zach in a tree. He was in the process of cutting it down for my parents.
Me in southeast Alaska.
Today's lunch:
Ham sandwich on whole wheat bread
Salad of baby greens with cherry tomatoes (from farmer's market) and Newman's Own Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing
Strawberries
Turtle cheesecake (from the farmer's market)
Our cat, Kitty.
My parents' cat, Blackie, getting a shower.
It's difficult finding recent photos, since I am the last person on the planet to not have a digital camera.
Here's Zach in a tree. He was in the process of cutting it down for my parents.
Me in southeast Alaska.
Today's lunch:
Ham sandwich on whole wheat bread
Salad of baby greens with cherry tomatoes (from farmer's market) and Newman's Own Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing
Strawberries
Turtle cheesecake (from the farmer's market)
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
The plumbers made a boo-boo
Yesterday, when I came home from work, Zach was already home. He said the new laundry pipes were hooked up, so I went to the basement to check it out. It looked beautiful! Brand new copper pipes lining the walls, new PVC pipes for the drains. I loved it.
Suddenly, water started gushing from the ceiling. I ran upstairs and told Zach, and we tried to figure out the problem. Apparently the plumbers forgot to cap off the hot water pipe to our bathroom! So I called them, but it was already too late - they were done for the day. We didn't want to take any chances, so we didn't use any of the bathroom plumbing. Luckily, we have a bathroom in the basement. It's scary, but at least it works.
Scary basement bathroom (no walls)
The situation could've been very unfortunate. We were lucky I was down in the basement looking at the work when Zach turned on the bathroom faucet. He was going to take a shower that night, and we would've never even known there was a leak and our basement could've been flooded. Not to mention dangerous, since the circuit box is right by the leak.
Basement laundry area
So maybe our plumber will give us a discount to make up for the mistake.
Today's lunch (sorry for the delay, Heather):
Ham and cheddar cheese with yellow mustard on whole wheat
Baby carrots (only a few - they were slimy so I had to throw them away)
Leftover asparagus
Rhubarb-cherry bar (not homemade - got it at the farmer's market today)
Suddenly, water started gushing from the ceiling. I ran upstairs and told Zach, and we tried to figure out the problem. Apparently the plumbers forgot to cap off the hot water pipe to our bathroom! So I called them, but it was already too late - they were done for the day. We didn't want to take any chances, so we didn't use any of the bathroom plumbing. Luckily, we have a bathroom in the basement. It's scary, but at least it works.
Scary basement bathroom (no walls)
The situation could've been very unfortunate. We were lucky I was down in the basement looking at the work when Zach turned on the bathroom faucet. He was going to take a shower that night, and we would've never even known there was a leak and our basement could've been flooded. Not to mention dangerous, since the circuit box is right by the leak.
Basement laundry area
So maybe our plumber will give us a discount to make up for the mistake.
Today's lunch (sorry for the delay, Heather):
Ham and cheddar cheese with yellow mustard on whole wheat
Baby carrots (only a few - they were slimy so I had to throw them away)
Leftover asparagus
Rhubarb-cherry bar (not homemade - got it at the farmer's market today)
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Rhubarb & laundry
I spent saturday evening picking rhubarb and sunday cleaning, cutting, and freezing it. I made a rhubarb sauce with the really big stems, since they're generally the toughest, and froze most of it. My parents are coming to town this weekend, so my mom and I are going to make some strawberry-rhubarb pies.
I think the rhubarb sauce would taste really good on chicken, so I'm going to try that tonight.
And... this is a big moment in my life... today we got our washing machine plumbing updated. Woo hoo! Now I can do laundry at my house whenever I want to. I haven't lived in a place with laundry since the alph gam house, and even then I had to do it at a certain time. So I'm really excited about this.
Today's lunch:
Turkey sandwich on wheat bun with lettuce and tomato
Banana
Zucchini bread
Diet Sunkist pop
I think the rhubarb sauce would taste really good on chicken, so I'm going to try that tonight.
And... this is a big moment in my life... today we got our washing machine plumbing updated. Woo hoo! Now I can do laundry at my house whenever I want to. I haven't lived in a place with laundry since the alph gam house, and even then I had to do it at a certain time. So I'm really excited about this.
Today's lunch:
Turkey sandwich on wheat bun with lettuce and tomato
Banana
Zucchini bread
Diet Sunkist pop
Monday, May 08, 2006
"Just give me some meat!"
On the first saturday of the month, a group of people from my workplace volunteer at a soup kitchen. Our job is to make a meal, serve it to people from the community, and clean everything up afterward. I'd have to say that our group is the "overachiever" group (what more could be expected from a bunch of nerdy scientists?) For example, last weekend we made ham and scalloped potatoes.
The people who run the soup kitchen provided us with:
So anyway, I was serving asparagus and my former boss Bob was serving up the ham and potatoes. People always ask for more meat. Every time. And I understand that, because when you're homeless or in a tight spot, meat is one of the hardest things to get because it's expensive and doesn't hold up well. When people want to come through the line for seconds, we always tell them that we're going to hold off on giving seconds on the meat, but they are free to have more potatoes, vegetables, etc. Then at a certain time, when we're pretty sure there will be enough food for anyone who shows up late, we give them seconds on the meat.
Well anyway, Bob ran into the kitchen to grab something, so I was taking his spot. This couple was making their way through the line for the third time, and when the guy asked me for more meat, I said we couldn't give out seconds on the meat yet. Well, he started kind of harassing me about it, saying he had been through the line before but didn't get any meat (yeah, right) and that I should just give him some. I was trying to stand my ground, telling him he couldn't have the meat because we needed to make sure everyone else would get some, and that we'd let him know when we're doing seconds, etc. Then he goes, "I'm a poor homeless man and I just want some meat!" By this time he was holding up the line and my face was beet red. Since none of the other servers were helping me out, I ran into the kitchen for backup. I told the lady in charge what was happening, and when we came back out the guy had 2 pieces of meat on his plate and said something like, "ha ha, I got my meat." And his wife was standing there smirking.
I was so annoyed, I was in a bad mood for the rest of the lunch. Then Zach and I went to the botanical gardens and I saw all the pretty plants and flowers and I felt happy again. Then we went to Taco Bell (so much for my "slow foods" diet) and all was well.
Today's lunch (A new feature on Crystal's blog):
Peanut butter (the natural kind) and jelly (plum) on whole wheat
Baby carrots with yogurt-dill dip
An orange and apple
Pear crisp for dessert
The people who run the soup kitchen provided us with:
- ham
- dried scalloped potato mix
- frozen asparagus
- canned pears
- lettuce salad
- bread
- coffee
- cheese and crackers
- venison sausage
- tomatoes and green pepper for the salad
- strawberries for the pears
- honey mustard sauce and pineapple glaze for the ham
- tons of cakes, cookies, brownies, etc for dessert
- ice cream
- milk
So anyway, I was serving asparagus and my former boss Bob was serving up the ham and potatoes. People always ask for more meat. Every time. And I understand that, because when you're homeless or in a tight spot, meat is one of the hardest things to get because it's expensive and doesn't hold up well. When people want to come through the line for seconds, we always tell them that we're going to hold off on giving seconds on the meat, but they are free to have more potatoes, vegetables, etc. Then at a certain time, when we're pretty sure there will be enough food for anyone who shows up late, we give them seconds on the meat.
Well anyway, Bob ran into the kitchen to grab something, so I was taking his spot. This couple was making their way through the line for the third time, and when the guy asked me for more meat, I said we couldn't give out seconds on the meat yet. Well, he started kind of harassing me about it, saying he had been through the line before but didn't get any meat (yeah, right) and that I should just give him some. I was trying to stand my ground, telling him he couldn't have the meat because we needed to make sure everyone else would get some, and that we'd let him know when we're doing seconds, etc. Then he goes, "I'm a poor homeless man and I just want some meat!" By this time he was holding up the line and my face was beet red. Since none of the other servers were helping me out, I ran into the kitchen for backup. I told the lady in charge what was happening, and when we came back out the guy had 2 pieces of meat on his plate and said something like, "ha ha, I got my meat." And his wife was standing there smirking.
I was so annoyed, I was in a bad mood for the rest of the lunch. Then Zach and I went to the botanical gardens and I saw all the pretty plants and flowers and I felt happy again. Then we went to Taco Bell (so much for my "slow foods" diet) and all was well.
Today's lunch (A new feature on Crystal's blog):
Peanut butter (the natural kind) and jelly (plum) on whole wheat
Baby carrots with yogurt-dill dip
An orange and apple
Pear crisp for dessert
Friday, May 05, 2006
Brokeback to the Future
I thought this was so funny. Even funnier if you've seen Brokeback Mountain.
I want to be a ... private chef
Hi, and welcome to the first issue of a series of rantings by.. me. Every so often, when I'm bored with my job, I daydream about what I'd REALLY like to do with my life. Yesterday I started thinking about how cool it would be to be a private chef.
I envision working for a rich person/family and living in the "cook's quarters" (because of course they'll be living in a mansion) or the house next door. My job would involve cooking delicious breakfasts for the family, such as egg and ham strata. I'd always have fresh fruit on hand from the local farmer's market, and make my own rhubarb-strawberry sauce to be blended with yogurt.
I'd pack them magnificent sandwiches for lunch. And we're not talking just your regular peanut butter and jelly. I'm thinking about a gourmet bread with a layer of goat's cheese on it, some avocado slices, and thinly-sliced smoked turkey. Maybe with a little bit of brown mustard.
The food I make for dinner will be outstanding. Depending on the family's taste, I will vary my recipes. I can do good ol' midwestern cooking, like chicken stew with biscuits or turkey dinner, but also I'd like to expand my culinary achievements and create ethnic dishes like chicken masala or tostadas made with homemade tortillas. I'd also like to make fresh pasta.
And of course I'll incorporate the outdoors into my cooking. I'll have a little herb garden outside and use the grill (charcoal, not gas) often. I'll also incorporate fresh flowers into my garnishes. Did you know that you can eat the flower from any edible culinary herb? There will be chive flowers in my salads and marjoram flowers will decorate my cakes.
And I can cook healthy.. oh yes, I can. I was raised on cranberry-bran muffins and fat-free refried beans. So I think I could accomodate any client's dietary needs. Plus, there are endless recipes out there, so I think I could always find something new and exciting to make.
So after all this daydreaming, I went online at work and looked up CIA (the Culinary Institute of America). For $20,000 a year, I can be trained in the culinary arts. Youch! This is where reality started to set in. I could leave my comfy, cozy job here in Madison and move to New York, where I'd go from making pretty decent money to making absolutely nothing, rack up another $40,000 in student loans (to add to the $12,000 I have right now), and go on to become a chef. But the question is, how much would I make as a chef? And would I even like it?
So even if I did decide to go to this school, one of the requirements is that applicants have worked in a professional kitchen. So first, I would need to get a second job in a kitchen somewhere so that I can show I've worked in one before. Also, letters of recommendation are required, but I don't think my scientist boss's letters would be very convincing to them ("Oh yeah, Crystal brings in treats every so often and they're really good"). So it seems like if this were something I'd like to pursue, I'd have to jump through a lot of hoops to get there. Would it be worth it?
P.S. I had a very similar daydream a few months ago about opening my own Bed & Breakfast. So I don't know how seriously to take myself when my "dream job" changes every few months. :)
I envision working for a rich person/family and living in the "cook's quarters" (because of course they'll be living in a mansion) or the house next door. My job would involve cooking delicious breakfasts for the family, such as egg and ham strata. I'd always have fresh fruit on hand from the local farmer's market, and make my own rhubarb-strawberry sauce to be blended with yogurt.
I'd pack them magnificent sandwiches for lunch. And we're not talking just your regular peanut butter and jelly. I'm thinking about a gourmet bread with a layer of goat's cheese on it, some avocado slices, and thinly-sliced smoked turkey. Maybe with a little bit of brown mustard.
The food I make for dinner will be outstanding. Depending on the family's taste, I will vary my recipes. I can do good ol' midwestern cooking, like chicken stew with biscuits or turkey dinner, but also I'd like to expand my culinary achievements and create ethnic dishes like chicken masala or tostadas made with homemade tortillas. I'd also like to make fresh pasta.
And of course I'll incorporate the outdoors into my cooking. I'll have a little herb garden outside and use the grill (charcoal, not gas) often. I'll also incorporate fresh flowers into my garnishes. Did you know that you can eat the flower from any edible culinary herb? There will be chive flowers in my salads and marjoram flowers will decorate my cakes.
And I can cook healthy.. oh yes, I can. I was raised on cranberry-bran muffins and fat-free refried beans. So I think I could accomodate any client's dietary needs. Plus, there are endless recipes out there, so I think I could always find something new and exciting to make.
So after all this daydreaming, I went online at work and looked up CIA (the Culinary Institute of America). For $20,000 a year, I can be trained in the culinary arts. Youch! This is where reality started to set in. I could leave my comfy, cozy job here in Madison and move to New York, where I'd go from making pretty decent money to making absolutely nothing, rack up another $40,000 in student loans (to add to the $12,000 I have right now), and go on to become a chef. But the question is, how much would I make as a chef? And would I even like it?
So even if I did decide to go to this school, one of the requirements is that applicants have worked in a professional kitchen. So first, I would need to get a second job in a kitchen somewhere so that I can show I've worked in one before. Also, letters of recommendation are required, but I don't think my scientist boss's letters would be very convincing to them ("Oh yeah, Crystal brings in treats every so often and they're really good"). So it seems like if this were something I'd like to pursue, I'd have to jump through a lot of hoops to get there. Would it be worth it?
P.S. I had a very similar daydream a few months ago about opening my own Bed & Breakfast. So I don't know how seriously to take myself when my "dream job" changes every few months. :)
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Derby Day!
Ah, yes.. Saturday is the day of the Kentucky Derby, which I consider to be the only time of the year where people get together to drink mint juleps made with Early Times bourbon - yuck! Early Times is not a highly-esteemed bourbon, not that I'm a bourbon snob or even a bourbon drinker. But my dad buys it, and one rule of thumb I have is if my dad buys it, it's cheap and therefore probably nasty. I mean, the guy buys the cheapest beer on the shelf (which is usually Old Milwaukee), box wine, and I wouldn't be surprised if he's a Five O'Clock vodka conoisseur.
I went to it last year, and despite the heat, lack of shade, and drunken idiocy in the infield, I had a great time.
If I hadn't gone to the Kentucky Derby last year I probably wouldn't be excited about it this weekend. But I had a good experience last year.
I used my last two dollars to place a bet on Afleet Alex, and I waged that he would show (that means "get third place"). Almost everyone else in my group (a bunch of bet sigs and Perry the DZ) waged that the favorite, who was Bellamy Road, would win. Well, Giacomo, this random horse with very small stakes, raced to the front of the line and won the race. And Afleet Alex showed! So I collected my $2.65 in earnings while the rest of the crowd slumped toward the exits. I felt pretty cool.
Then we all went to a neighborhood bar that had live music playing and cheap beer. The highlight of my night was when a local guy said I have "legs like a thoroughbred." Ha ha ha.
Well, Zach and I can't afford to attend the derby again this year, so we'll have to celebrate locally. My plan is to look in the Isthmus for ads for the local bars and find one that's serving mint juleps from scratch. Then I will get Zach off his lazy bum and we'll go to one of those bars and drink a mint julep while watching the "greatest 2 minutes in sports." Maybe we'll even place a couple of "private" bets. :P
I went to it last year, and despite the heat, lack of shade, and drunken idiocy in the infield, I had a great time.
If I hadn't gone to the Kentucky Derby last year I probably wouldn't be excited about it this weekend. But I had a good experience last year.
I used my last two dollars to place a bet on Afleet Alex, and I waged that he would show (that means "get third place"). Almost everyone else in my group (a bunch of bet sigs and Perry the DZ) waged that the favorite, who was Bellamy Road, would win. Well, Giacomo, this random horse with very small stakes, raced to the front of the line and won the race. And Afleet Alex showed! So I collected my $2.65 in earnings while the rest of the crowd slumped toward the exits. I felt pretty cool.
Then we all went to a neighborhood bar that had live music playing and cheap beer. The highlight of my night was when a local guy said I have "legs like a thoroughbred." Ha ha ha.
Well, Zach and I can't afford to attend the derby again this year, so we'll have to celebrate locally. My plan is to look in the Isthmus for ads for the local bars and find one that's serving mint juleps from scratch. Then I will get Zach off his lazy bum and we'll go to one of those bars and drink a mint julep while watching the "greatest 2 minutes in sports." Maybe we'll even place a couple of "private" bets. :P
Ode to the E-book narrator
To make my otherwise mundane life more exciting, I've started up an account with Audible. I pay $15 a month, and I get to subscribe to a radio program (where I can download the radio show and listen to it at my convenience) and I get one book per month. So I've used my audible account to listen to my favorite radio program, The Splendid Table, and I've listened to books like The Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons, The Red Tent, The Life of Pi, and A Million Little Pieces. I listen to this stuff when I'm commuting to work, exercising, doing the dishes, and other boring things.
After listening to so many audio books, I've realized that the people who narrate them are extremely talented. I think there are a few different narration styles. Here's my summary of each style:
Overall, I've had a lot of pleasure from listening to audio books. The art of a book really shines through when a talented narrator is reading it to me.
After listening to so many audio books, I've realized that the people who narrate them are extremely talented. I think there are a few different narration styles. Here's my summary of each style:
- There are the narrators who basically act out the book. I consider these narrators the most talented because they use a different voice/accent for each character, and sometimes the voices are so different from one another that I could swear someone else is doing the talking. Like when a female narrator does a really good man voice - that's impressive. You know that lady has had some extensive vocal training. These narrators are also known to talk excitedly at suspenseful parts of the story, and allow dramatic pauses when most appropriate. These narrators are my favorite - it's like I'm listening to a movie, not a book. Examples of books where I've heard these narrators are A Painted House by John Grisham and Full Bloom, by Janet Evanovich.
- There are narrators who use different voices for the characters, but without as much vocal variation between characters. For example, a male narrator in this category may have a higher-pitched voice when he's speaking a woman's lines, but he still sounds like a man speaking like a woman. Examples of books with these narrators are The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown and A Million Little Pieces, by James Frey.
- Lastly, there are books with narrators who don't go much past a monotone. They are basically fulfilling the minimal requirement of their job, which is to.. read the damn book. Right now I'm listening to a book called Lost, by Michael Robotham. It's an okay book, and I give the narrator kudos for switching accents when an Irish nurse comes into the picture, but for the most part he doesn't vary his voice much between characters.
Overall, I've had a lot of pleasure from listening to audio books. The art of a book really shines through when a talented narrator is reading it to me.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Why I heart my boyfriend
Yep, this is corny, I know, but there are things about Zach that I think deserve mentioning.
- He encourages me to not be such a freaking cheapskate. I would have purchased shitty shoes that hurt my feet and would have worn out in 3 months if we weren't together. However, Zach always encourages me to buy things of quality, especially for my feet, which carry me around everywhere. I mean, where would I be without my feet? I need to take good care of them. So I bought some North Face hiking shoes ($75) and some much-needed inserts ($35). I felt bad for spending so much money, but it was really necessary. And now my feet will be happy.
- He does a really good Chewbacca impression.
- He buys me beer.
- He can make cool bird sounds that always make me laugh. The other day we were taking a walk, and a little robin was on the ground near the sidewalk. It started hopping toward us, and I made a little "bird" sound, kind of a squawk. Zach goes, "Honey, it's a robin, not a pterodactyl." I guess my "bird" sound sounded more like a pterodactyl than a robin. Ha ha!
- I'll let you in on a little secret: Zach is handy in the "handy-man" sense. He can fix almost anything. And he's going to re-wire my house someday. Free labor!
- Whenever he talks about my body parts (legs, arms, skin, whatever) he always uses the same adjectives - "supple" and "ample." It always makes me laugh.
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