Camping photos

Setting up the tent




We followed a trail hoping it would lead to the lake. Instead we arrived at this beautiful overlook.




So we followed another trail, which eventually took us to the lake. By this time we were dying of heatstroke but were desperate to explore before it got dark.


I like this picture - maybe it will become my new thumbnail.


Me and my honey...


I really wanted to jump in the lake but it was too weedy.






Kevin grilled the shrimp while I worked on the carrots. He rigged up this makeshift grill using:

• 2 grill plates found from an old gas grill standing on the side of the road
• 2 coat hangers to hold them together
• A wire rack to support it in the middle

Part of the fun in camping is finding ways to solve problems. He's only been camping once and he's already a pro.

Canoeing on Lake Mendota

Here are some pictures from Houjiang's and my canoe trip last wednesday.

Houjiang, my Mandarin tutor and colleague


Me


A nice view of the Capitol and Madison skyline.


We canoed to the beach at Picnic Point, jumped out of the boat, and hung around.




I should mention that throughout our trip we saw some nasty blue-green algae in the water (notice the bright turquoise globs). That stuff is toxic to humans so many of the beaches on Lake Mendota are closed.


The shoreline, with all the algae and blue-green algae. Ew.


Up close and personal.


Today's Lunch:
Potato with cottage cheese
Baby carrots

Things are looking up

My work life wasn't so hot the last few months. I was upset because I didn't have enough work to do.. but now I have work! I'm developing a building materials permeability study with my coworker Sam G., and I finally got some help with my thesis publication so I can take it to the next level. Finally! Now I have things to do and I'm excited about that.

Also, I've been dentally cleared for the Peace Corps. Now I'm just waiting for medical clearance. I may be speaking too soon (knock on wood), but maybe it won't take as long as I thought. Maybe I'll know where I'm going sooner than later. Maybe!

Kevin and I had a blast camping last weekend. We did some exploring and made the most kickass camping food - fire grilled and pan-sauteed shrimp with scallions and fresh thyme, fire-roasted potatoes and sweet potatoes, boiled carrots with scallions, and fresh pineapple for dessert. We tried fishing later on at night but it was dark and buggy and weedy so we didn't have much luck. We also walked through a huge patch of poison ivy; fortunately I didn't get a rash. The way my skin reacts to fly bites (huge welts) makes me worry about poison ivy and the like.

The bat that was in my apartment friday was picked up by Animal Control to get tested for rabies. And if it is tested positive, I think both Kitty and I will have to undergo rabies treatment. Strange, yes, but also kind of interesting. How many people can say they've had rabies shots???

Today's Lunch:
Peanut butter sandwich on Trader Joe's Italian bread
Baby carrots
Peanut butter Twix (I really needed chocolate)

Internet slamming

I think it's one of the most immature things a person can do. "Hi, I'm mad at you. But instead of talking to you about it or keeping my thoughts to myself, I'm going to tell the whole world and hope they all hate you for it, too." So freakin' lame. That's why I'm not going to make a single comment about the comments on friday's post. Same goes for the person who blatantly disapproves of the HPV shot for young women. I'm just keeping my thoughts to myself, something that has taken me my whole life to learn how to do.

Camping!

I'm so excited to go camping this weekend. Kevin and I have been planning this trip for a couple of weeks. We're going to drink beer and grill shrimp and go fishing and swimming. I'm probably going to bring a canoe and maybe we'll catch some big ones!

My July 4 holiday was nice. I took Houjiang canoeing to Picnic Point and we noshed on bananas, mangoes and grapes. In return he bought me some Glass Nickel pizza - yummy!

I saw this movie titled "Poison Friends." It's a French film about college students who are duped by a pathological liar. I enjoyed it and was glad that I was able to pick out French words that I knew.

Tonight - pina coladas at my friend Mike's house. This morning I found another dead bat in my apartment, in almost the exact same spot.

I wish I had more exciting things to write about, but I don't. I've been so busy lately that it's hard to sit down and come up with creative thoughts.

Today's Lunch:
Peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat (finally done with the turkey)
Banana
Baby carrots

My hair

Yup, I'm writing about my hair today. It's been on my mind lately. I look at my profile pic, which was taken about a year ago, and my hair is exactly the same as it was back then. I've been trying to grow it out since, oh, 2004, and it really hasn't changed much.

I get my hair trimmed every 7 weeks. I don't want to wait any longer to get a trim because my hair starts to look ratty at the ends, so I think my stylist should start taking off less.

Humph. My hair should be really long and luxurious by now. What the heck?

Today's Lunch:
Turkey sandwich on whole wheat with lite Miracle Whip
Baked Doritos

Freesia

Your Hippie Chick Name Is:

Freesia

Hippie Chick Name Generator

Weekend in review

It was a good weekend. Friday ended with a canoeing trip to Picnic Point, followed by a campfire with s'mores and good conversation.

Saturday I woke up early and cleaned my apartment. Later I had a couple of people over for mint juleps (I was craving one!), then went out with Kevin.

Crystal's Mint Julep Recipe

Mint syrup:
1 large handful of mint leaves, washed
1 C water
1/3 C sugar

Combine in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Keep covered and boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat; strain and chill.

To make the mint juleps:
Pour a shot of mint syrup into the bottom of a glass. Fill with crushed ice. Pour Kentucky bourbon over the ice; garnish with a sprig of mint and serve.

Sunday I just relaxed. I watched TV, took a 4-hour nap, ate good food, and took Buddy to the park (a car ride + a new place to explore = a very happy dog). I did some gardening for my landlords and planted about 30 plants in all. It was a lot of work, so I hope the plants survive.

Today was my last day of hanging out with Buddy. He went to grandma's house because some visitors are going to live at my landlord's place for the week. I will miss having Buddy around. I like it when he trots around the yard, following me while I water plants. I also like taking rides with him. He's such a quiet, well-behaved dog. However, I won't miss picking up his poop and smelling his dog breath. :)

Today's Lunch:
Turkey sandwich with lite Miracle Whip on whole wheat
Pluot

Quizzes

You Are 0% Capitalist, 100% Socialist

You see a lot of injustice in the world, and you'd like to see it fixed. As far as you're concerned, all the wrong people have the power. You're strongly in favor of the redistribution of wealth - and more protection for the average person.

Are You a Socialist or Capitalist?

You Are A Professional Girlfriend!

You are the perfect girlfriend - big surprise! Heaven knows you've had enough practice. That's why you're a total pro. If there was an Emily Post of girlfriends, it would be you. You know how to act in every situation ... to make both you and your guy happy.

What Kind of Girlfriend Are You?

Your Career Personality: Empathetic, Loyal, and People-Oriented

Your Ideal Careers: Chef Corporate trainer Designer Events Coordinator Librarian Politician Psychologist Small Business Owner Social Worker Teacher

The Quick and Dirty Career Test

Well, I have had my share of boyfriends... and I'm happy to see Chef on my list of ideal careers!

Not committing...

I'm not committing to anything this weekend. I want to give myself the opportunity to just chill and not do anything.

I'm not committing to:

• Going to Rhythm and Booms (Madison's fireworks show)
• Going to Devil's Lake sunday for a hike and picnic w/ the Hoofers
• Planting flowers for my landlords
  
• Baking or cooking anything
• Cleaning my bathroom
• Sewing a futon cover

However, I could do all these things if I so choose. :)

Today's Lunch:
3 slices pizza from Gumby's (I was really hungry) - pepperoni, sausage, and mushroom

Feeling better

Looking back, I realize why I was so exhausted the last few days. Two busy weekends in a row, plus taking care of Buddy, language classes, taking care of Janet's bunny and kitty. So I'd leave work, go to my class, come home, go to Janet's, feed the cat and rabbit, go home, take Buddy for a walk.. and by then it was 11:00. But I was also trying to clean my apartment, do my laundry, water my landlord's plants, take out the trash, etc. I think I just had too many responsibilities at once.

A photo of the Budster:


This weekend I'm not committed to doing anything, and next week I won't have my language classes, so I'll finally get a break.

Stuff that's on my mind:

• My coworker Regis is playing some bluegrass. I love bluegrass, especially the kind with yodeling.
• I like the song "Hey Girl," by Damian Marley. "She said Junior you're a genius you think with your mind and not your penis.."
• I am still eating leftover turkey from my Thanksgiving party almost two weeks ago (it's so salty I don't think it'll go bad for another few days). And today I was assigned another roast turkey recipe. I think I'll be living on turkey sandwiches for a while.
• Aquarius horoscope, according to The Onion: "After he's finally finished, the new, re-imaged Smokey the Bear will hang your gnawed ribcage from his Tree of One Thousand Bones as a reminder that only you can prevent the horror that is forest fire."
• Kevin and I are still hanging out and still liking each other.

Today's Lunch:
Turkey sandwich on whole wheat with Light Miracle Whip
Banana

Quiz thingy

I don't know what to blog about today, so here you go.

1. Were you smiling when you woke up this morning?
No
2. When is the last time you met someone new?
At my family reunion, last weekend
3. What is irritating you now?
Not having work to do
4. When did you last eat pizza?
Saturday
5. Do you drink alcohol?
Yes
6. Do you have any famous friends?
No
7. Are you any good at poker?
No
8. What do you want more than anything?
To not let an experience pass me by
9. Are you tired?
Yes, but not sleepy. I just need to chill one of these nights.
10. Last spoken words you heard?
My coworker Bob mumbled a hello to me
11. Have you ever kissed anyone named Billy?
No
12. Besides your bed, what is your favorite thing in your room?
My wall decor
13. Pepsi or Coke?
Diet Pepsi, regular Coke
14. Have you ever thrown up?
Yes, and to this day salad with ham and broccoli makes me queasy
15. What is your favorite season?
Spring
16. Do you enjoy piercings and tattoos?
I tolerate them, but can't say I particularly enjoy them.
17. Taco Bell or McDonald's?
Taco Bell
18. Are you restless?
I sometimes find myself looking for something bigger and better
19. Is your computer desktop or a laptop?
Desktop
20. What is the last thing you cooked?
Oatmeal this morning, with dried fruit
21. Where do you want to be right now?
Home, on the couch, sleeping
22. What are you doing tomorrow?
I have French class
23. What did you do today?
Mailed my medical forms to the Peace Corps. It's about time.. it took 3 months to get it all together.
24. Last song you heard?
Chosen One, by Rob Symeonn
25. Do you like Batman?
I'm indifferent
26. Who is in the room with you?
No one
27. What are you wearing on your feet?
Flip flop wedges
28. What is/are your favorite pair of shoes?
I'm crazy about these brown wedges I bought last week
29. Who was the last person you told you loved them?
My mom
30. What was the last thing you ate?
Oatmeal this morning
31. What were you doing before this?
Reading work bulletins
32. What is the closest item near you that is black?
My calculator
33. How do you take your coffee?
I don't, but I will get a latte once in a while
34. What instant messaging service do you use?
None
35. What is your favorite website?
Snarkywood, my friends' blogs, cute overload
36. Whose house were you at last night?
Marios's place
37. What do you wear more, jeans or sweatpants?
Jeans
38. What is the last movie you watched?
13 Going on 30
39. What do you currently hear right now?
Someone down the hall is playing music but I can't make out what it is
40. When did you last buy a new pair of pants?
2 weeks ago
41. When did you last take a shower?
This morning
42. Where's your favorite place to be?
Camping in the U.P.
43. Have you ever heard of the band Our Lady Peace?
Yes, and I have one of their songs
44. Where is your mom?
At home in MI
45. Where do you sleep?
In my bed
46. Where do you shop the most?
Kohl's
47. Where did you get the shirt you're wearing?
At a chick party clothing exchange
48. Coach Purse or NFL game tickets?
I do not know what that means
49. Where was your default pic taken?
At work
50. What kind of car do you drive?
Blue Chevy S10 pickup
51. Why did you kiss the last person you kissed?
Because he's cute and I like him
52. Are you happy with where you are?
Location, yes, with life in general, yes
53. Have you ever been cheated on?
I don't know
54. Would you ever take someone back if they cheated on you?
Depends on the situation
55. Have you ever talked about marriage with someone before?
Yes
56. Do you want someone you can't have?
No
57. Do you believe love at first sight exists?
No
58. Do you believe that you can change someone?
Try not to..

Today's Lunch:
Chili beans, tomatoes, corn, and hot sauce with two whole wheat tortillas

My long weekend

I left for Michigan friday morning for my cousin's wedding/family reunion. Despite the long drive (430 miles each way), I am really glad I went.

We camped out, ate lots of food, did some visiting, and I got to see relatives that I haven't seen in years. Everyone wanted a Peace Corps update, but I don't really know anything yet so all I can do is speculate on where I'm going and what I'll be doing. But that's okay. I understand that things in the government move slowly.

It's kind of crazy because there are kind of two generations of cousins in my family. There's the "older" generation, ages 20-30, and those are the cousins I remember hanging out with when I was a kid. Then there's the "younger" generation, ages 8-15, and looking at those cousins, I am reminded of how we were when we were at that age. We fought over the same things, had the same little groups, and played the same games. It's fun hanging out with both groups of cousins.

Today's Lunch:
Chili beans, chopped tomatoes, corn, and pepper sauce in a whole wheat tortilla

Frustrated

Work life isn't going so well. It's hard to scrape up the motivation to find projects to do when no one is willing to give me assignments. So basically I am doing things not in my job description just so I'm not bored all day. I'm kind of stressing over it.

French class isn't going so well. I had to miss parts of a couple of classes so I could play softball. I think I'll have to drop softball because right now French class is more important. I am struggling with the concept of du and des (when to use them instead of au, le, and les), and also I don't understand how to say something for the future (i.e. "I am going to play soccer tomorrow"). I'm also kind of mad at myself for not reading the book and studying it. Oops.

Home life isn't going so well. I'm dog-sitting for Buddy, my landlord/neighbor's dog. I live on the top floor of my landlord's house, and I opened up the stairway door so Buddy can come in to my apartment. It hasn't been going well. He and Kitty aren't getting along. I thought she would be the aggressive one, but I think he has made the living room his territory, so now whenever she comes in there he'll do something subtle but scary enough to make her run away. I've kept the bedroom Buddy-proofed so Kitty can have some "safe" territory, but yesterday I decided to open it up to him while I ran some errands. Big mistake - when I came back I noticed he ate all her food. So now the bedroom is going to be Buddy-free again. *sigh*

I'm also behind on my housework, I need to go shopping, and I'm just really tired.

Today's Lunch:
Pumpernickel bagel with light cream cheese
Banana
Nectarine