12.17.08
Happy Holidays!
All right, folks. I’m off to Scotland and Amsterdam for the DCRH season. By this time tomorrow I’ll be knee deep in haggis and the incomprehensible Scottish brogue. Happy holidays and I’ll see ya next year!
12.16.08
Spastic!
Too much crap has happened the past several days to bother telling about. The highlight is that while Dice was gone to Albuquerque all last week, I spent most of it at the vet with our cat, Weaver. Nothing really life-threatening, except that Weaver is a very old cat, so almost everything is life-threatening. And after the in-laws’ week, I didn’t know what to expect. However he came out of it just fine, better than new, in fact!
In other news, we leave tomorrow for Scotland, so I’m spastically trying to get ready for that. I will have more to report on that subject tomorrow.
12.10.08
RIP Saffy and Rosie.
RIP Saffron and Rosie, two sweet old dogs who belonged to my in-laws. Saffron was really old and deaf and ready to go. Rosie had heart problems and collapsed unexpectedly yesterday morning. We were hoping they’d hold on for one more week so we could see them! Oh well.
Here’s Saffron:
And Rosie:
And here I am walking Rosie last DCRH in Scotland:
Pretty doggies! Luckily they still have their third dog, Weaver:
Who’s a good boy?
12.09.08
Gifts ruin a perfectly good vacation.
Almost forgot to post today! Busy day at work. The good kind!
Last night I met my neighborhood running group for 6 miles around Grant Park. I had left work early so I also did 2 miles before I met them for a total of just over 8. It wasn’t too cold, which was nice. And by that I mean that I was cold, but I didn’t want to die. And bonus: one of the members made cookies over the weekend and she gave us goodie bags to take home! That oatmeal and toffee cookie was a damn good apres-run snack!
I also had a pretty good, solitary evening. After the run I took a hot shower, had a spinach salad and some Amy’s indian food for dinner, watched a girlie TV show, read my book and went to sleep with two cats taking up most of the bed. It was fabulous and I awoke this morning actually refreshed! This rarely happens, so I cherish it when it does.
I’m getting anxious about getting all my stuff done before we leave next week. So much to do! So little time! So much anxiety! How much do I wish the DCRH didn’t involve gifts? SO. MUCH. I could be pleasantly anticipating a delightful trip to Scotland and Amsterdam if it weren’t for the pressure of getting gifts. Gifts ruin everything.
12.08.08
Mmmm, 20 plates of food!
Well. It’s hard to top the magnificent weekend I had. As usual, I always enjoy weekends where nothing really extraordinary happens, but it’s productive and full of good friends and fun times. Also, partly, although this time of year is known for suicides and stress, it also is the one time of the year when people make more of an effort to be nice to each other. Well, I do, at any rate. And this year in particular I’ve just been feeling very happy and extremely lucky to be living the life I’ve got. I should acknowledge that at least once a year, right?
Friday night Dice and I went to the Glenwood with the Canadians. It’s too cold for the patio to be open, which meant all the smokers were inside with a vengeance. As I’ve mentioned on many occasions, that’s the one drawback to the Glenwood. It’s pretty much unbreathable in there in the wintertime. They again promised their non-smoking side would be open before New Year’s, but frankly they’ve been promising that so often that I flat out don’t believe them anymore. But I really do hope they get it open soon. But honestly, I don’t think I’ll be going there in the evening/crowded times anymore until that happens.
Saturday morning I got up and ran 7 miles, then I met up with Robin at her house and we took a turn around Grant Park. We were having such a delightful conversation that I was actually shocked when the loop was over! After which I ran home again for a total of about 9.5 miles or so. Such a nice interlude in the middle of my run to be able to chat and walk around! When I got home I hopped in the shower and raced out to the Colonnade for a long, leisurely, chatty lunch with a girlfriend. On the way home from that I turned into the Trader Joe’s parking lot but couldn’t find a single spot, and there were cars and people everywhere, so I just went home. Too many people to deal with. Dice had gone to work during the afternoon, so after he came home we went to cheese dip for a relaxing dinner.
Sunday morning we layed on the couch watching TV for a few hours, then got up and went shopping for DCRH gifts and groceries. Our quest was only party successful, many of the gifts we wanted to purchase we couldn’t find. This poses a slight problem considering we must have our gifts in place before we leave for Scotland. But it’ll just take more diligent searching and perhaps expedited shipping. Then in the early evening we went to Pura Vida for a holiday dinner with the Canadians and Tim and Robin. Pura Vida is a tapas place and I think it’s one of the best in town. We asked that the chef make our selections and send us out 20 plates or so, which turned out to be the best idea ever because we got a smattering of such deliciousness! Trout ceviche, goat with mifundo, beer battered broccoli, all of it was fantastic, and we were all full after the 20 plates. Heh, how could you not be full after eating 20 plates of food? I ended with the churros with chocolate dipping sauce for dessert.
It was an early evening dinner, which was good because we were home in time get some sleep before getting up early this morning. This morning I dropped Dice at the airport and he’s on his way to sunny and exotic Albequerque, New Mexico! So I shall be lonely and desolate this week without him. Or not. Either way.
12.05.08
In which I’m again impressed by the power of the intarwebz.
And another Friday is upon us, with a successful week to look back on. I had a busy and productive week, and in spite of that I kept the bad food and alcohol to a minimum, thank goodness. My day tomorrow got busy all of a sudden, but all with good things. There’ll be running with Robin, lunch at the Colonnade, and watching the wee doggies. Sunday will, of necessity, involve many errands, some shopping and various other annoying tasks that make up the weekend.
This morning an old friend found me on Facebook, which I’m super pleased about. I get a warm, fuzzy feeling when good friends find me on [insert favorite social net-working site here.] Facebook, though, is better than the other social utilities, in that it encourages groups, sharing of information, and a feeling of community. I like that, especially since I have no secrets anymore. Not that I ever did, but living in Ithaca, where everyone knows everyone or knows someone who knows everyone, it’s hard to feel like you have any privacy. Living in a big city where you don’t know many people makes privacy unnecessary. It also divests you of the sense of community that comes with a lack of privacy, so it’s a mixed blessing. Facebook allows you to keep up with all the friends you have from various parts of the country all at once. All hail the social utility gods!
I heard this morning that The Depot has closed after only about 8 months. I’m disappointed by this because it was a nice patio option over the summer, even though the food wasn’t very good. That last turkey burger I got there was unpleasant, and I mean that in the nicest way possible. However, the worst part about this occurrence is that I have 3 more $25 gift certificates for them! Damnation!
In other news I have not bought a single gift for the DCRH (for those who aren’t longtime readers, that’s the December Commercio-Religious Holiday that I don’t celebrate). I need to get on the stick. They must all be accounted for in less than two weeks. You know what that means: everyone’s getting books!
Update: I just got word that I can get free Neil Diamond tickets. Anyone want? I’ll get ‘em for you and then lose your number. Heh.
12.04.08
This just in: potential disaster averted by a timely burger.
Last night the Commune went en masse to the invite-only opening of Engine 11, the new place that’s opening where the Spotted Dog used to be. One of the owners is our neighbor and, as such, is also part of the Commune. It’s good to have Commune ownership of 2 downtown bars (he also owns Sidebar), don’tcha know! Anyone who’s ever been to the location knows what a beautiful building it is. It used to be a fire station, thus the name. The interior is still gorgeous, and as far as we could tell the bar/restaurant will do well. Although K&M got there much earlier than we did and had a nice dinner, the Canadians, Robin, Dice and I didn’t arrive until almost 9:00 pm, at which point the kitchen had closed and we were starving. So we had a drink and chatted with the owner, and headed over to Six Feet Under at their new location on Memorial Drive. Conveniently located 100 feet from their old location. In case you were worried.
Now, the things everyone says about Six Feet Under are, primarily, that it’s a fantastic neighborhood joint, and that the burgers are great. And it really is a fantastic neighborhood joint, in all ways. Good drinks, good service, good food, good attitude. You’re always comfy at Six Feet Under. But it’s a seafood place, so why do people talk about the burger so much? I guess what confused me is that I’m from Massachusetts, and you don’t mess with seafood in Massachusetts. Only picky 5-year-olds or morons would ever order a burger in a seafood place in MA. It’s only on the menu for show, really. No self-respecting adult would ever be caught dead ordering a burger in a seafood place. If you want a burger, go to a burger place! But I guess more land-locked areas aren’t quite so strict. So last night I decided that, although it went against my better judgement, I would sample this mythic burger. And would you believe: it’s great! Not only is it huge, but the meat is well-prepared and the toppings fresh, with plenty of pickles, which is how I like it. I was deeply impressed. Considering I actually think the seafood at Six Feet Under isn’t very good (again, my snobby MA side) I will probably order the burger every time from now on!
Anyway, by the time I got done being impressed by the burger and we made our way home it was past 11:00 pm. That’s wicked late for a school night, especially since I can’t just walk in the door and go to bed. So Dice and I watched an episode of Jeopardy! and then I read my book until after midnight. Ask me if I’m tired today! Go ahead! Ask!
Tonight I’m skipping the monthly SAND meeting in favor of a Commune saftey meeting. Technically we are a group of neighbors comprised of homeowners on our street as well as the surrounding streets, so it’s bigger than just us. Safety begins at home!
12.03.08
Disappointment abounds!
We went to trivia last night and crashed and burned. We were actually in second place at the end of the first half, but then completely lost it during the second half. So pathetic! Where were all the smart vibes y’all were supposed to send me? You totally let me down.
I have to say, I’m absolutely fine with Hillary Clinton being nominated for Secretary of State. I mean, in my opinion she should be president, but barring that, put her in a good position. This whole brouhaha about what Obama said during the primary campaign is a ridiculous media frenzy. You can’t tell me that the media doesn’t know how campaigns work! How ludicrous would that be?
On the other hand, I’m disappointed in GA for re-electing Saxby Chambliss. For the record I dislike Jim Martin intensely, but that’s just personality. I don’t vote for personality. I’m disappointed because all those people who stood in line for hours to vote for Obama didn’t show up for the run-off election yesterday when it really mattered. I got to my polling place before 8:00 am yesterday morning, which is usually prime time for voting, and there were approximately three people in there. There were twice as many election workers in there than voters. So disappointing!
12.02.08
Master Rationalizer
Wow, working a full week suddenly seems like such a burden. One measly four-day weekend has totally spoiled me. It’d be nice if my place of business let us do a four-day work week for a while. Some companies are doing that in an effort to save money. You still get paid the full week, and you’re expected to fulfill your job description, but you only show up four days. And on the fifth day, the company saves money by not having to open. Win-win! I sincerely doubt my boss would be up for it, unfortunately.
So I skipped my neighborhood running group last night. I felt a little guilty about it, but it was cold and dark out, and as I’ve mentioned before, I’m not a cold-weather runner. Some runners glory in 45 degree weather, whereas I curl up and die. Or wish I could. Or both. Plus, Dice and I have social engagements almost every evening this week, which means he won’t get much time to work out. So all those factors together sent me to the gloriously climate-controlled gym where I ran a delightful 5 miles on the treadmill. And I further justify it by stating that if I’d run outside I probably would’ve just done the 4 mile loop because I was uncomfortably cold, so I actually got a better workout. I’m a master rationalizer!
I like to play mental acuity games when I get the chance, like the games they have on Brain Age. The purpose of these games is not to kill time, but rather to exercise your mind and, in the process, hopefully stave off senility. People who engage in different mental activities are usually sharper as they age. I put a high priority on mental acuity. So I was pondering this as I was running the half marathon on Thursday (as you’re wont to do, right? who doesn’t ponder staving off senility while running long distances). And I came to the realization that people who are lazy about their vocabulary are basically making themselves dumber. You know all those people who use the word “amazing” to describe everything? By not trying to find a better descriptor they’re actually passing up the chance to exercise their brain a little. When all they would need to do is to use a word that actually describes what they’re talking about and not only would they be better understood (since “amazing” has no meaning anymore) but they might also be immuring themselves against senility in the future. Also win-win!
12.01.08
Thanksgiving leftovers.
Did everyone have a good Thanksgiving? I certainly did! What I remember of it, that is. Most of the day is an alcoholic blur.
Wednesday afternoon Dice and I got out of work early in order to do errands, like purchasing food and booze. We had a delightful lunch at the Glenwood first, where I had a truly spectacular cheeseburger. The fried pickles really make such a difference, and I honestly don’t recall when I’ve had a more delicious burger. In the afternoon I hung out with the female half of the Canadians while we waited for the other half of the Handitards to arrive from Macon. When they did arrive, Ray, Michael and I went up to Buckhead to pick up our race packets for the following morning. After which we went to Grant Central East for pizza and strombolis, after which we went to sleep.
Thursday morning I was up bright and early at 5:15 am. Dice drove Ray and me to the start of the half marathon, then he drove Michael to the start of the marathon. All three of us ran great races, Ray PR-ed (I believe), I finished in about 2 hours, which is also my own PR, and Michael ran the full marathon in 3:30. Since he had a lot of pain during the last few miles, his time is a flat out miracle and shows how strong he is. Here are Ray and me right after I finished:
Ray, Dice and I hung out and drank champagne while we waited for Michael to finish, which started the downward spiral of my sobriety. When we got home we made our side dishes and hung out until the Canadians joined us and it was time to go to M&K’s for Thanksgiving dinner. From what I can remember of that meal, it was delightful and we had good food and good company. I was three sheets to the wind by this time and, I’m sure, generally annoying to everyone there. Since I can’t really remember, I’m just not going to worry about it, but I am making a personal rule to never, ever tailgate at 9:00 am with booze ever again. If I can’t control myself, then I don’t get to play.
The upshot of the Thanksgiving frivolity is that I spent all of Friday recovering. Oy. The downside to getting older and not partying often is that hangover hits you much harder. Friday was basically a loss day for me. Ray and Michael returned home to Macon in the late morning. In the evening I rallied enough to go to Stella for dinner, but it wasn’t much. Saturday I felt much better and even went out for a run that morning. Dice and I watched a lot of TV and did some house cleaning. In the evening I went to Fritti for dinner with the female half of the Canadians and Sandra, as a belated birthday dinner for Sandra. We always have such a fun time during our Fritti dinners! The food is excellent but so is the company.
Sunday Dice and I spent more time watching TV. We successfully got the DVR down to 50% capacity last night, just in time for this week’s shows to be recorded, heh. In the afternoon we went to Publix in Decatur and afterwards met up with the Canadians and Tim and Robin for an early dinner at the Brick Store. I hadn’t had the pierogies in a while and they were, as usual, incredibly good.
I definitely rested a lot this weekend, but I’m really looking forward to having two weeks off later this month. Yes, I’ll be traveling during the majority of it, which is tiring, but at least I won’t have to go to work. This was the first time I’ve had four days off in a row since June, and because of that I expected it to feel longer. Unfortunately, it felt far too short.
This week we’ve got stuff going on almost every evening! You know it’s the holidays when every minute is taken up with social engagements. One aspect of the holidays that I love is that you’re allowed to bend the rules. It’s okay to go out several times a week because you have to go to all sorts of parties and shindigs. That’s why January is so boring: for recovery.
