Thursday Leftovers

For some reason I seem to write better in bullet points. The engineer in me is taking over!

- This weekend I got my tree. It was from the same place as last year - a tree farm that went to seed. This translates to walking around looking at 30’ tall trees trying to see which one has the best top. When we cut down mine (Cameron helped me pick it out), there was a scared mouse in the top holding on for dear life! This year I put up the 10’ tall tree that is nice and skinny and fits neatly between the two chairs in my living room - right in front of the TV. Simple fix - relocated the TV to a side table.

- Last week I had a meeting with the energy committee for my town. We were discussing several things, including my pet project of the revolving fund. It’s been slowly moving and we’re looking into chasing down some grant money. At the meeting I was tickled pink when I found out that some money the town is receiving is being considered for starting the fund! It’s all about laying the ground work and getting the idea out there. Next up is getting the particulars straightened out and in writing - that’s my project for over the holidays. I’m so excited to see this project turn into reality.

- I’ve had two positive reinforcements at work over the last several days. One instance was one of the principals voicing where they saw me in the next few years - much higher level. The other was an issue had come up that was outside of my department, but somewhat connected. I was the person called in with the big-wigs to figure out how to address the issue and solve the problem. Great positive reinforcement.

- I got into work early this morning and was rewarded with a solution to a problem that was wearing me down. I’m so behind on Christmas gifts this year. I’m empty handed for some folks and the ideas I had fell through. I hate this position as I’m used to having everything bought way before thanksgiving. Talking with a coworker this morning he mentioned what he got his parents. I realized the same gift would work great for my dad and step-mother. Nice and simple and easy to order online.

- Remember the days of Abu Dhabi? I used to fly out there on a quarterly basis for work. This new job has me jet setting but a bit less - some around the country and then the trip down to Costa Rica. Next up - Kazakhstan! I just got a call this morning that the contract is being sent through and the project will be starting up in the new year. How exciting! It’s been in development for several months so won’t count the eggs until the ticket is bought.

- I found another Jaguar enthusiast! I was visiting some friends of friends for brunch Saturday and when we arrived we walked through the garage and I couldn’t help spotting a gorgeous car in the corner. I was instinctively drawn to it and my suspicions were confirmed - it was a Jaguar. Turns out it was a ’58 XK140. I got to talk shop with the owner - Walter and am hoping to make it back this spring to see if I can finagle a ride. I will say that it will make it all that much harder to hold off buying a Jaguar. One day…

Boston Protestors

Strange not seeing the tents anymore and fresh sod being put down (didn’t know you could do that in December). I walk by the Occupy Wall Street protesters every day. Last night they were all outside of the Federal Reserve Building (sans tents) with signs and chanting with a line of police between them and the front doors. There’s something to be said about having the protestors be part of your daily routine. I just don’t know what it is (to be said).

Working Approach

I remember talking with a few coworkers a couple of years back and it was identified that men do a much better job of setting a goal and focusing on how to achieve it. This helps them prioritize all the items that get thrown their way. There’s pros and cons of course but this translates to men achieving milestones and women making sure all the other important-but-not-milestone things get done. You get bogged down in the day to day tasks that don’t necessarily move you forward, professionally or even being personally fulfilled and feeling a sense of accomplishment.

I’ve been trying to keep this in mind as I continuously develop my professional style of working. The biggest accomplishment with work I’ve had is actually another word of advice I’ve been following - don’t let work stress you out. Putting it all in perspective. It’ll get done and it’s just work - not the end of the world. Starting this new job, I kept that forefront and center and it’s worked out marvelously. Most days are non-stop go and an endless barrage of meetings and deadlines and deliverables and questions to be answered. But I juggle it all and manage expectations and at the end of the day by the time I get home work has been left at work and I’m able to focus on personal stuff. I’m in much better spirits, have less grey hair, eat much healthier, get more personal stuff done and enjoy my job so much more. I’m also able to get a lot more done because I’m not stressing - it takes a lot out of you to stress AND try to get stuff done.

I’ve been applying the milestone approach at work. It’s a struggle as there is so much stuff that gets dropped that I want to pick up, but I’m learning to let things fall that aren’t my responsibility. However, I’m constantly looking at opportunities to move us ahead and in the long run that works out better for everyone. And the great thing is that I already got a rave review at my 6-month mark so think this new style is working.

But that’s not what I was wanting to report on. I was feeling absolutely bogged down and no time to get everything done. I sat down and looked at the numbers. I’m at work about 9 hours a day. My commute is about 2-3 hours a day. I sleep usually 8 hours each night. What’s that so far? 20 hours. That leaves me with 4 hours a day to get everything else done. Figure an hour in the morning and another at night for getting ready for work or bed and eating. And I’m left with 2 spare hours to cook decent meals, meeting up with friends, relaxing, volunteering, committee meetings and basically having a life. I took a look at the work commitment and that wasn’t going to change. Sleep hours are never to be touched! Commuting could be reduced in half but would cost me about $3,000 extra a year - you’ve heard me rant about this before here. So really I was left with maximizing that precious 2 spare hours a day.

On average, I have at least 3 evening commitments a week. Either from committee meetings, drinks with friends, events I’ve been invited to, etc. Looking at that I realized it was the committees I was on that was stressing me out really. I am on three committees in my town. And I’m a chair of a committee that is in my field (work related). I sat down and had a think about what I want to get out of the committees. What’s my end goal? Well, for the work related committee - it’s just good PR and has served me well professionally. Good way to get my name out there and associated with sustainability to a broad group. So I was going to focus on that, moving forward. There are two committees with my town that are building related. Really one is a sub-committee of the other as the school project we’re building is so big that it warranted its own meeting time. For both of these, there isn’t too much extra time needed outside of the committee meetings, so not too bad. In the end I get my name on bronze plaques! I have my name on two public buildings already. My goal is three, so am almost there.

The last committee was the one that was bogging me down. It’s an energy group that’s composed of town officials and a few citizens. We’re constantly working on projects to make the town greener and use less energy. Exciting work but I realized I really can’t commit unlimited time on all the work that could be done. I had to pick something and let that be my goal. I had come across Green Revolving Funds and although challenging, realized that if I could get this set up and running successfully this would be something I could be very proud of. And with that, I’ve been less stressed because I’m not over committing myself and am able to have something to help me evaluate things I want to take on.

I feel like I’m just reaching my equilibrium finally after years of oscillating and trying out new “diets”. Now, if you threw a new twist in like family and children I’m not sure how this approach would work. If I’d be out of whack and need realignment, but have a good basis or back at square one. Does make me wonder how others manage all the things that are thrown at them - both male and female.

Don't you like it when...

Don’t you like it when…

1. Last week I went to a professional schmoozing event after work. Besides being ideally located just across the street from my work, I loved that I knew over half the people in the room, if not more. Working in my particular field over the last 6 years here in Boston, really makes you realize what a small professional world it is. And all that much easier to network and stay connected!

2. When you can enjoy both ends of the birthday party spectrum. This coming Saturday night is a grown-up b-day party at a local watering hole we’ll often frequent. I’m looking forward to the good beer, good company, a warm fire in the fireplace and a nice and laid back time. In contrast, this past Saturday I attended a birthday party for Maggie (2 years) and Cameron (3 years). By the time I had arrived (only about 5 minutes late), it was in full force. They had rented out this room at their church which was perfect. There was a bouncy house and play stations and food and balloon making. Cam was an awesome host running up to me just as I arrived excited I was there and before I knew it I had my shoes off and was playing around with him and his buddies. It wasn’t until later that I realized that the room was full of about a dozen children with at least one parent each and I was the only adult really getting down and playing. Only got in trouble once - got kicked out of the bouncy house - I was too big! But had a blast chasing around and singing the songs and drawing and doing all the kid activities. Maggie was a doll and was super cuddly when we were doing the singing. Still not sure but starting to get into the songs - wiggling and clapping and everything. Needless to say I had a blast and went to bed extra early that night.

3. Lastly, but not least, don’t you love it when you flip things around in your favor. This is a case of win-win-win. We were talking about doing a cookie swap at work within my department. In the end we each took a day to bring in cookies. It conveniently worked out to be these next two weeks as I’ll be out of town afterwards. Today featured peppermint bark shortbread chocolate goodness. And by a first time baker!

4. And finally, don’t you like it when you’ve been looking for something endlessly and it finally shows up. I couldn’t find some receipts to be reimbursed for work and my Christmas list. Both showed up this weekend.

Random Monday

Random posts:
- Last minute change in plans this Thanksgiving - ended up down in CT w/ my cousins and dad. Nicely hosted at family friends (of my cousins) so very little prep or clean up.
- Played Spite and Malice - it was a long game but good. We played with 4 - it might be better with 3?
- Speaking of games, for the longest time I was continuously an underdog when playing Rummy with my dad. Recently, I’ve fared better - nothing like practice!
- Driving back from CT I was surprised how many people had Christmas trees on the roofs of their cars. So early! And yet, I need to start figuring out where to get my tree this year.
- You know junk drawers right? I don’t really have one. I’m pretty organized… kindof. My trick is that I have a junk room. I dump the random stuff up in the loft and it sits out of sight forever. This weekend I made a go of it and it’s all nice and tidy and put away. It still feels good to have order around me, even several days after the cleaning. Now, if I can only keep it tidy.
- My latest addiction is looking at real estate online in my town. I think my burn from the last house is finally subsiding. Not completely, but some. There’s this cute little yellow house…
- Do you remember that website that predicted airline ticket prices and when to buy tickets? Well that same guy has a new website that tracks data for electronics and tells you the best time to buy things www.decide.com I’m thinking of getting a new digital camera. I’m finally accepting that perhaps one reason why I don’t take many pictures is because my camera is almost 10 years old and doesn’t take great photos. This site might help me pull the trigger.
- And finally, here’s a cute little video I stumbled upon. Enjoy!

PI

I blame it on being surrounded by engineers 2/3s of my waking day - I’m totally nerding out! Strangely I’m becoming more geeky than my peers though - there’s a question for another day. First it was an interest in learning how solve the rubik’s cube, well over 25 years after owning my first cube. And now, for some reason I have decided to memorize pi. Well, at least the first part of it. I think I have the first 16 digits memorized. And I think that’s enough. Large enough to be impressive but small enough not to take up other valuable real estate up there in the old noggin. Why possibly would I want to do this? I have no idea. I am complete rubbish at memorizing. And I can’t even remember the last time I used pi. Just go with it I tell myself… (as she becomes more eccentric).

BTW, did you know that “nerd” most likely was invented by Dr. Seuss? "A nerkle, a nerd, and a seersucker too!".

BTW, did you know you can find your birthday in pi? Mine is only 68,554 digits into the number. My brother's doesn't show up until way after 920,000 digits. Just saying.

Friday Leftovers

Here goes…

- The New England cold that has been flirting with me for the past month or so finally decided to commit and settle down.

- I was out sick both Friday and Monday last weekend.

- I quickly gave up trying to be productive while out sick and languished about the house drinking fluids, watching movies (latest theme is the apocalyptic type), and knitting.

- I’m almost done one of the bulkiest sweaters I’ve ever made. I’m not sure I’ll wear it but I decided not to rip it out so that only means moving forward and finishing it.

- I dragged myself to work each day this week and am starting to slowly feel better.

- Still, I’m beyond delighted tomorrow is Saturday.

- I was only gone for four days, but something changed, I couldn’t quite put my finger on what.

- This week I presented at a conference. It’s been hanging over me to work on the presentation for the last month. So nice to be done and it was well received.

- Don’t you hate it when you have a cold and are speaking and your throat suddenly goes beyond dry you think you’ll choke.

- I drank a lot of water during my hour and half presentation.

- The first day back from being sick I wasn’t sure if it was real or I was napping. I was walking home after work, across the bridge looking at the wonderful city skyline at night. Same as usual, except now there was:

• 3 or 4 helicopters circling above in the dark cloudy sky. They didn’t look like the traffic type but more government issue.
• There were spotlights criss-crossing the sky - batman call style.
• 10+ motorcycle police parked outside the federal reserve building just chilling but a little ominous
• Sirens galore as I reached the subway station - ambulances, EMT and fire all coming from different directions on different streets

- I felt like I was at the beginning of a movie where something was going to go seriously wrong with the world. I think it might have been a combo of the cold drugs and watching too many movies when I was out sick.

- Worth noting that Occupy Wall Street is across the street from the federal reserve building and subway station.

- Last night swung by an opening. Some friends from growing up went out on their own and opened a business. I was going to show my support and then to home for an early night.

- Ended up running into someone from my industry I’ve been wanting to catch up with for awhile - there goes an hour.

- A little later, Maggie and Dave from Maine came down to help celebrate - there goes the night.

- Had a blast catching up and hanging out - skyping (on an iPhone) with Sara in DC in the bathroom (only place where it was quiet), ended up closing the place down.

- It was strangely déjà vousish of old highschool times with a twist of our older mature selves. Strange when old and new worlds collide. There was talk of a ski weekend away this winter. That would be fun, although I haven’t skied since the ‘90s!

- Took two subways and a bus to get home - they all arrived within minutes - very nicely timed and appreciated as I fell into bed at midnight!

Fall Weekend: Ecotarium

It was a beautiful late-fall weekend this last weekend. (I rewrote that sentence a few times trying not to use weekend twice - no luck). It’s weekends like these that make you appreciate living in an area with seasons. And I got to spend a bunch of the time outside. I had a play date/slumber party with Cameron and Maggie (and their mom - Cece). We made our way up to the Ecotarium in Worchester. It was a fun museum and I have to say it again, seeing a museum through the eyes of youngsters is fun all over again. I wasn’t wild about the live animals they had (not a big fan of zoos*) but they had a lot of cool stuffed animals - which I like and other amazing exhibits. Funny enough, one of the highlights of the museum was at the very beginning - where the kids were able to walk on air. Well, sort of.

Right next to the first batch of exhibits was a glass railing that looked down at the two floors below. The designers had taken a portion of the floor and made it glass. It provided a strange optic illusion. You weren’t quite sure where the hard surfaces were. I was helping Maggie take off her winter jacket and I notice Cameron at the edge of the regular floor, reaching his arm out trying to find the glass wall that is usually there. And it wasn’t there! We go over and show how you can go onto the glass floor. It was a strange thing that the little minds took a while to process. Their bodies were so funny - they wanted to check it out and walk out on the glass floor but their legs wouldn’t really let them move at first. And then the strange tentative little steps. And then a moment later they’re rolling around and enjoying this new phenomena, the fear completely gone. There were several other kids, one young girl was a little too young and just freaked out that the normal physics of her life was turned upside down!

We jumped from exhibit to exhibit - even checked out some ferrets (you can see a tail) and at one point was able to jam all three of us into this one play structure. Of course Cam crawled out before the camera could come out. The other highlight was at the end of the museum - we took a train ride around the grounds and even went through a tunnel - excitement. I wonder what it would be like having that job - riding the train over the same short route hour after hour.

In the afternoon, Maggie was down for her nap and Cam, Cece and I hung out outside. Cam was a great little helper and helped me vacuum my car - I love a cleanly vacuumed car. And they have a great set-up with a shop-vac that makes it so easy. I’m sure I’ve waxed poetic about it before. I was on a roll and even vacuumed Cece’s car too - cosmetically. Cam loved vacuuming but was more interested in vacuuming up little leaves. We would take turns. First he would go vacuuming up leaves on the garage floor. And then I would quickly try to get as much done on the cars. He would come up and interrupt me periodically with a leaf in his hand for me to vacuum - too cute. Also, I wish I had gotten a picture, but we were both wearing “ear muffs” to protect our ears from the noise. Except his were a bit big so ended up squishing his cheeks forward too.

And we came up with a fun game in the afternoon. He has a John Deer toy tractor. I’d sweep up leaves in the driveway and he would come over, I’d load him up and he would go over and dump them out, backing up just like he has seen his dad. That task kept him occupied for hours. He would get really excited and tell us about what he was doing. I couldn’t always follow all of it since he was so excited.

In the morning, I heard Cam first so came in to wake him up. He was so excited - it’s like special medicine. I climbed up into his new and amazing fire truck bed and we hung out in bed chatting for awhile until we heard Maggie. And then we went in to get her and she was so excited to see us. We hung out in her room and both kids wanted to take their PJs off and just roll around gently rough housing together. Cam picked out both of their outfits and I think it was about when they were both running around buck-naked that mom got up and came in. A morning at church playing with more new toys and then home for lunch.

Sunday afternoon, I ran errands before heading home and didn’t get in until 4 pm. I was very thankful for the extra hour as I tried to catch-up on chores before crashing for the night. All in all a fun weekend and thanks to Cece, some pictures to remember the days by!

*Funny side note, as we were driving to the museum, Cece mentioned how someone had told her that visiting zoos in developing countries wasn’t a great idea (they have trouble taking care of their own population, let alone animals). And in mid-sentence she laughs when she realizes it was my brother who told her that - not some strange “someone”. Small world and still strange to have her relaying conversations she had with Nick. We were far apart in age we didn’t overlap in friends.

Halloween

Who knew I’d have a Halloween this year. A lot of towns canceled Halloween because of the snow storm and downed wires. Granted I haven’t really gone trick-or-treating for myself in decades. And then surprise surprise I find myself in a pseudo-halloween. No costume - other than the 9-to-5 grind gear but I’ve been collecting a lot of candy. That’s the great thing of working in an office of 9 floors of workers. The nature of my job has me running around a lot and I end up at a lot of desks with little baskets of candy out. This week I’ve had my share of treats. I even hit the token “house” that hands out full size candy! Today, I’m tempted to make one last round. It’s like Halloween spread out across several days - and I get to eat the candy when I get it (something we were never allowed growing up - had to be checked first and then we got just one piece a night). Granted, I do suffer from the drops after the sugar-highs but that’s usually on my way home. Hey - Halloween only happens once a year right!

Weirdness

This morning I woke up to snow on the roofs and my car caked in ice and covered in snow. BTW, it’s not even Halloween yet.

Last night I popped onto facebook, which I rarely visit, only to see a normal picture of someone I vaguely new from highschool with 70+ comments. Intrigued I skimmed over the comments, and finally figured out the picture was of his new glass eye he just got fitted. BTW, as I get older, the more weird my hometown seems to me.

Film Festival and Shakespeare Kvetching

It’s Tuesday already! And the month is almost over! Time is flying by way too fast. Last weekend I was visiting old college friends and enjoying the Chatham Film Festival in NY. As I was making my way across Massachusetts I was appreciating two things. First, was the fact I’ve got myself a great bunch of traditions going on now with my east coast life. I love traditions. Christmas was full of traditions, and then we moved and blended families happened and the old traditions were in flux while new ones were being created and I felt traditionalless there for awhile. The biggest one I missed was the annual pilgrimage up to Montreal to check out the Christmas windows and eat lunch at the 9th Floor at Eaton’s. To be honest though, it was a tradition that was going to die anyway since Eaton’s went under over a decade ago!

Now I’ve got an endless amount of traditions. The big out of town ones are: NH sees me blueberry picking and visiting Reegan and her family. Maine has me popping up in the springtime for the Ferry Beach retreat with Cece and the kids and then usually later in the summer for a mini-high school reunion hosted by Maggie. Vermont I make a pilgrimage with Dawn, Bill, and Ashley for the Sugar Bush Open Houses in February, and Strolling of the Heifers in June. CT sees me making a winter trip to opening night to see the latest production my cousin Tyler is staring in. And I make it to NY at least once a year, every fall for the Chatham Film Festival, visiting Emilia and the gang.

The second thing I was enjoying on the crisp Saturday morning drive was the landscape. I really am a New Yorker true and true - born and raised in the Adirondacks. I have an affinity with that landscape that just resonates and reassures me that I’m back home. I can enjoy the vast deserts of the Middle East, or the gorgeous mountains in Costa Rica. Even the gorgeous days in San Francisco and the quaint New England towns. But up-state New York along the Hudson River seems most familiar and beautiful - especially as the leafs are just at their height turning their brilliant colors.

Emilia, Fred and I went to college together and both are New Yorkers born and bred (although technically Fred has some Colorado in him, but not much from what I can see). And they live in a cute old house in a cute old working town in a cute part of eastern New York. Driving back and forth between their place and the film festival you’re in the rolling hills of farm land and forests and it’s just beautiful.

The film festival was ok this year. I think the mediocre rating is due to the sneak peak choice. The height of the 5 day film festival is the Saturday night 8 pm film. The theater is packed - not a free seat and everyone is waiting in anticipation until 7:59 when they announce what the big film will be. Last year it was Fair Game (the Valerie Plame story), the year before that it was Atonement. Generally action/drama films with some big Hollywood star. This year I got caught up in the speculation. I thought it might be Margin Call since last year there were so many political movies. But I think it’s being released this week which means it’s out of the running - not much of a sneak peak if it’s only a week early. Emilia and Fred had dibs on Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. You know what it ended up being? The Decedents. A decent movie, but nothing grand. Granted it had George Clooney in it, and I quote “I could watch George do laundry” (forget if Emilia or her sister Sara said that). But it was no prime time Saturday night movie. It’s a regular old wait until it comes out and rent it on Netflix movie. So that was a little disappointing.

The movie I liked, which hadn’t gotten great reviews overseas, but I still had a feeling I would like because of its quirky approach to a serious subject matter was Habemus Papam (if you’re latin is a little rusty - We Have a Pope). If I were to review the movie in one word, I would choose ‘whimsical’. It had a lot of funny moments but didn’t really have a great over arching story line that left you mulling things over afterwards. It’s strength was its cinematic moments. From the slow-mo volleyball action shots of the sequestered cardinals playing their “world” tournament. To the funny dialogue the Italian broadcaster has who is covering the who-will-be-the-next-pope story. If you want something light to watch on a Saturday (or rather Sunday) afternoon, I’d recommend this film. BTW, I couldn't find a photo of the cardinals playing volleyball, the picture above is the soon to be pope having a session with a psychologist.... in front of all the cardinals.

The last film I saw was Coriolanus. Which surprisingly enough my spell checker just corrected for me. Not something I was expecting (I forgot the O). Now, I know this is sacrilegious to say (funny that it’s for this film and not the Pope film written and directed by an atheist), but I just don’t appreciate Shakespeare. If I would have to guess, I’ve probably seen around 50 or so Shakespeare productions, ok maybe more like 30 (feels like 50) - mostly plays, and a lot of the comedies, and way too many Midsummer Night’s Dream. I think the film was well done, but I just didn’t buy the storyline. It seemed like a lot of egos and testosterone getting in the way of a quality life. Why, ask you, did you go see another Shakespeare production, if you’re not such a big fan? I’ll answer you: I’ve been brainwashed. I was inducted young - we went over to UVM every summer and saw the comedies. I’m guessing I was probably about 6 when that started. Then in college I had a bunch of theater friends (Emilia and Fred included) and it doesn’t seem like you can be a true theater person without loving the Bard. And I’ve continued to stay “cultured” and kept up my viewings. Plus, try enjoying a play in the park in the summer - 9 out of 10 times it’s a Shakespeare production. The language is challenging for me (so I read up on the plot of Coriolanus in modern English moments before watching the film - that helped), the acting seems so staged, or as I just learned this weekend, “acting with a capital A”, and the storylines are good but not great. Give me a Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead any day. I love that play. And that’s with a capital L. That’s about as close to appreciating Shakespeare as I’ve gotten.

For this production, it did have a great cast - Vanessa Redgrave, Ralph Fiennes and my fav, Gerard Butler. But surprisingly Vanessa seemed to give a one-note performance. Ralph was very hard to watch as a bald and bold General without every other minute being reminded of Lord Voldermort. And Gerard was fairly flat too, it’s sad to say. However, if I’ve learned anything about Shakespeare plays, I would bet people will love this movie and rave about it. It’ll probably get an Oscar nod in some shape. So take what I say with a grain of salt - I’m after all, not the intended audience. But I gave it a shot.

And lastly, I have to comment on something that threw me this weekend. Going to the film festival is more about catching up with Emilia and Fred and seeing a few movies on the side. Got to hang out at the retail store Emilia works at, shopping while chatting away. It’s nice that we’re old friends and can just fall into the old ways. Emilia’s parents live in Chatham and her sister Sara comes up from Boston for the festival so it’s a full party. And it’s just fun to sit back and watch all the characters. I feel like I’m such an extrovert at work and being an introvert, I find it works well if my weekends can be spent with others that are in the spot light of life. I love reality TV after all, and there’s nothing better than watching it “live”. Not to imply there’s a lot of drama, there’s just a lot of storylines going on. What threw me was before one of the films, we were sitting waiting for the movie to start and I was catching up with Fred. We were talking and he was referencing stuff that happened to me but that I didn’t remember sharing with him. Not that I wouldn’t, just I hadn’t had the opportunity. It was very odd and then it hit me. He follows my blog. It’s strange to have people know your stories without you telling them. But then if that’s the case, I really shouldn’t have a blog. It was very strange and has happened to me a few times. After the initial oddity of the moment, it quickly transitions to nice warm fuzzies that people are interested enough to read my ramblings. So, to reward them, I have to give a shout out - cause who doesn’t love seeing their name in print. And, one better, I’ve thrown up a picture. I’m not at my personal computer and have limited access to photos out in the cyber world. I found this one in a random search. To clarify for all those who don’t know Fred - he’s the one dressed as a bear. Don’t ask me why, I don’t know since he doesn’t keep a blog!

Friday Leftovers

 - Saturday I finally saw a Cranberry bog. They were having a festival down in southern MA. IT was a picture perfect day and very enlightening. Also went bike riding in the area.

- Sunday I had a sore muscle in my upper back which then turned into a soreness on my front. It was a little scary as I couldn’t breathe - only shallow breaths. It just kept getting worse as the day progressed. I wanted to give it a night before going to get it looked at. Although it was challenging since the terms pneumonia and bronchitis were thrown out there which really need to be caught early. Hard night sleeping but the next day it had receded a little and felt more like sore muscles than some lung issue.

- My dentist called and canceled my appointment this week… an hour before the appointment. Very disappointing. I thought I had finally found a good one. Not a good sign of things to come and I was already out $$ from driving in. If only we could charge drs. cancellation fees like they do to us!

- I’m not sure where I stand anymore with NYC. I love the hustle and bustle and there really is no other city that compares. But my last two trips to NYC were 19 hour days (that translates to 4 am - 11 pm). So I’m getting a little less enthusiastic with the chaos and crowds and traffic. Especially when the cabbies cherry pick riders - no one wants to go to LaGuardia!

- Why is it “The Bronx” and not just “Bronx”? Brooklyn and Queens and all the other borrows are fine without this addition - even posh Manhattan.

- At lunch yesterday, I switched from just-someone-I--met-at-a-conference, to man-she’s-cool in the eyes of a colleagues friend. They were referencing something Captain Picard said on Star Trek and I added “Next Generation”. That’s all it took! I was in the know and now one of them.

- Yesterday I had a quick bite for breakfast on the way to the airport. Breakfast at lunch (Ukranian blintzs), and lunch for dinner (fabulously fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, tomato and basil sandwich I picked up at a corner deli - so much better than airport food). This morning I was confused what I should have - dinner or start fresh?

- I made a friend on the bus today. An older woman was sitting next to me and commented on the downpour. We got talking about NPR shows and the commute flew by. She knows Ray from CarTalk too!

- Today folks have been stopping by and giving me food at work. I had my egg guy bring by a dozen fresh eggs (including two terra cotta eggs - new hen) and someone from the Power group bring by two more varieties of apples. I really liked the Creston. Imagine someone who is a wine aficionado now switch out wine for apples. He loves the apples and had brought me some of his favorite from a VT outing last weekend - Reine des Reinettes. Can’t say that I mind!

Boys

So I usually don’t like to spill the dirt on the latest boy saga. I’m not really the Carrie Bradshaw type who will share the trials and tribulations of the single life. One, because you never know who can end up reading this - including the subjects I may speak about (as well as the parents, or my future self). And two, because I’m fairly waspy and private (says the person with a personal blog). But I have to share the latest saga in abbreviated form. I have the delusional impression that my married kin appreciate the voyeuristic look back into a singleton life. This last month I saw not one, nor two, but three boys come back into my life. Now two of them I’ve kind-of moved on to the friend stage in my head. I was enamored with them initially (which is a pattern I’ve noticed) but the timing was off. They’re great guys and I’m happy to have them in my life as friends. Although it’s not clear that’s where they are in their heads - talk about timing. Granted there is still a certain attraction there for me. But is there something to say about attraction being based on them being attracted to you? You know - you like being liked so you like the person that is liking you?

Now, of the three guys, I was dumb-struck by one of them (who will remain nameless). We got together for drinks the other night again and just really hit it off. I felt more connected with him than anyone else before. It’s the closest I’ve come to finding a kindred spirit or a soul mate or any of that Hollywood stuff that seeps into your mindset and puts a goofy grin on your face. Usually, after I meet someone I’m interested in, I’m concerned about the next steps and all that stuff. Should you call, or play it cool, or what? I over think my game. It’s so lame considering I’m pretty good at the same relationship building that’s needed in the business world. But I get all nervous about this stuff, no matter how much practice. And yet with this guy - no problem - I wasn’t in a rush, like I just knew it would all work out. It was some strange zen trance. And then a few weeks passed and I reverted back to the old ways, wondering.

Of course, when it rains it pours but the one you want you can’t have and the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Right?

I’m off for dinner with #2 at a cool place I haven’t checked out yet - some fun gastropub that’s popped up. And I’m really excited about hanging out with my true #1 guy tomorrow morning in a bouncy castle. He may only be 2 years old but man, do we know how to have a good time! End boy rant.

Aww Moment

Thought I had three aww-moments that people have told me in passing this last week. Can only remember two, hopefully the third will come to me by the end of this post.

1. Visiting my friend Cece on her birthday she shared with me that morning that Cam (my god-son) had come in while she was getting ready for the day and declared that it was Mom’s birthday! Not Cam’s birthday, or Maggie’s birthday (his sister), or Sue-anne’s birthday, or Dad’s birthday - but that it was Mom’s birthday. Just melts my heart that I got family billing in his little mind. Especially since I only get to see him a few times a month if I’m lucky.

2. After realizing that I did not have a fever and wasn’t sick, but that it was just really hot and humid at the end of September, I schlept over to JP and had a nice dinner outside on a friend’s back porch. It was just over a year ago that we were all together at Dawn and Bill’s wedding up in NH. Bill followed up the next day with this email of a story (they had forgotten to share that evening): “We went back to the orchard for our anniversary last week and had lunch in Walpole. Dawn was wearing the shawl and a woman passing by us literally stopped in her tracks to admire it and say how beautiful she thought it was. It was just a really nice moment and the woman was so taken with admiration, and surprised when Dawn told her that a good friend had made it.” So nice to see the whirlwind knitting is still being appreciated after the event.

And the third moment has passed me by, aww - life.

Schedule

I can’t figure out my schedule. I used to be an early to work person but that was back when I worked at places where others came in later, giving me a good chunk of quiet time in the morning. Here, I have coworkers who come in before even 7 am. But on the flip side, if I come in late, I seem to hit the worse traffic and the commute is just way too long. However, I do get a chunk of quiet time after about 5 or so.

Well yesterday, I came in early and was on such a roll that I ended up staying late. Another reason in the Cons for coming in early. So I found myself running late to an evening meeting back home. I rush out and once outside realize I left my jacket upstairs - yes, it is that time of year again. So back upstairs I run.

Make it to the subway where I keep working, sketching out another brilliant idea I have for work - yes, I’m just full of brilliant ideas, usually as I’m about to drift off to sleep or in the shower! This time I had paper and was working on the outline. Only to look up and realize I missed my subway stop. I get off at the next stop and wait for the train to come from the other direction. Luckily I don’t have to wait too long, even though it was fairly late. Grab a seat and keep working, only to have missed the stop again! For some reason I keep overshooting the subway stop I need to get home at the late hour. I’ve done it before on the bus, but never on the subway. Needless to say, I was a little late for my meeting, but have a nicely outlined master plan. Meeting went well, then home for a quick bite of food and to bed. Not the best schedule for the day. I’m back to coming into work later in the morning and dealing with the long commute.

Good Fits

Meant to post this Friday so added a bit more.

Don’t you love it when you find good fits? I have a little extra step when I find that pair of jeans (finally) that fit just right. Or that bakery that you pick up your weekly bread from. This week, I headed into work Friday morning happy with the good fit I had with my mechanic. It’s not really that it’s a good fit, it’s just that I have a good mechanic. I dropped my car off this week because there’s been a light on saying there was something up with my tire pressure. Let’s be honest, this light has been on all summer and part of the spring. Actually, it’s been on so long I forgot when it wasn’t there. I had checked my tires and even had my friend with an air compressor (for the nail guns he uses) fill up the tires (sans nail gun). They weren’t too bad, so was just putting off the inevitable $$$ I’d have to shell out to deal with this situation.

Turns out it’s not the tires it’s the sensors. Funny, or is it ironic, that the thing in the car to let you know when stuff is broken, is the thing that is broken. And, of course, it is super expensive to fix the thing that will tell you when things will be broken - even though nothing is broken yet. The sensors have a battery life of about 5 years and seem to be propriety - until later this year. My mechanic was nice and amiable and talked things through and was straight up with the options. I love it. He triple checked my tire pressures and must have spent forever trying to figure out the answer. As I was leaving he insisted I bring the car in periodically so he can keep an eye on the tire pressure, just in case. And all this cost me… wait for it… nada! He was really sweet about it all. I had some work done last year and felt like they did a good job and priced it nicely. I think it’s because the bulk of their work is for university and town vehicles so they are a little more diversified in income.

The other new introduction was my dentist/hygienist. Great experience (as far as dental work can go). Really sweet and am happy that I think I’ve finally found a good match. Even though they’re two towns over. Which is a good thing as I think I have appointments until the end of time. Won’t go into the details - but all very justified considering there’s room for improvement on my dental routines (understatement) and it had been awhile since my last visit.

Third thing is I now have an egg guy! I’ve been meaning to check out this place two towns over that you can get fresh eggs. It’s one of these places where you leave your money and grab a dozen eggs. But you’re forewarned that they run out of eggs so come early. Which means I’ve never gone because every time I think about it, I’m sure it’s too late and they’re out of eggs and I don’t have any inclination to drive all that way for a fool’s errand. So you can understand why I was tickled pink (or rather green, you’ll see in a moment), when I discovered an engineer up on the 5th floor has a brood of chickens. Which I just realized I’ve already posted about - that’s how excited I am. Well, by Friday I had finished up my store bought eggs. But had not put in my order. So was bummed I’d still have to wait another week. And then Friday morning I get a call - am I interested in any eggs? You betcha! Here’s the dozen I brought home - only an engineer would pack the carton with the pattern of alternating brown and white eggs. With a special green egg in the mix!

Friday night I went with dinner of scrambled eggs and I’m sure they tasted so much better than the store bought. They were so good. I’m looking forward to seeing how they taste this week. I’ve left them out on the counter this whole time, as instructed. I wonder if eggs are like some fruits where they start losing their taste after being refrigerated.

Final thing to add, I discovered today that I picked up a new nick-name at work - sunshine. Which gave me a flash back to nursery school. I had a t-shirt with a big sun on it and I remember the teachers singing “You are my sunshine” anytime I wore it. Funny how it came back all these years later.

New Diet

I’ve never been one to diet. I like to think it’s because I eat relatively healthy, try to keep stress down in my life and exercise some. But who am I fooling - keeping processed foods to a minimum doesn’t outweigh the desserts I often indulge in, work stresses me out weekly, and riding my bike a few times a month and running to catch the bus doesn’t really qualify for a full blown exercise regime. To be honest, I have good genetics that will probably keep me lean well into my 40s and then I have a sneaking suspicion everything will hit.

So it’s strange to be on a “diet”. It’s not a very good diet. It’s actually a bad diet - calorie reduction with nothing else. But it’s the ubiquitous diet you see everywhere. Yesterday I only had one meal and some yogurt. Not very smart. But it was a lay-low day. You see, I found the magic answer to all these diet questions - what’s the one thing between you and food? There’s nothing like dental troubles to drastically change the way you look at food. This last week, the little problem I was so desperately ignoring and hoping would go away just kept compounding and getting worse. I’ve had a little gap between two back molars where food always would get caught and cavities would form. Well, something shifted and now food gets caught and won’t come out and starts inflaming the gums. And it quickly becomes a sharp, horrendous pain… that stays with me for hours upon hours. I’ve tried flossing and brushing and swishing and nothing. Eating isn’t so bad for the first 10 minutes, but it takes about 9 hours for the pain to dissipate enough so I can actually ignore it. Sometimes I will just hold my molar. Strange, but gives temporary relief. One can only imagine the rotting that is going on during that time period. I think the one thing I have going for me is that there are fillings on both sides, so not much left to decay (again, wishful thinking).

The long delay about getting this issue resolved is because I’ve been bouncing around dentists since I came to MA. I had a great dentist growing up. Found a great one in CA. Even in grad school, I started out with a great dental student (only way to afford dental work when you’re a poor grad student) - unfortunately he graduated and I was left with this guy who had worked as an engineer for years and switched to dentistry because he thought it would be “easier”. Not fun.

You have to have a nice working relationship with your dentist - a nice trust and respect for professionalism. Perhaps I’ve been corrupted as I’ve seen a bunch of dentists and know the field a bit better. Last night after I realized I couldn’t live on yogurt and braved some eggs and toast and was hit with the pain again, I vowed I would not leave work on Monday until I had made an appointment. I have a 2 o’clock tomorrow! New town, new dentist, she comes recommended. Yelp had only positive reviews. One can only hope. Hope that it’s the beginning of a new and long relationship and that my savings account doesn’t get emptied because I’ve waited so long to visit the dentist. Only 4 meals between now and then.

And to all of you who complained about dental pain, I only had sympathy for you then. Now I have pure empathy.*

*I just realized this isn’t a first. I’ve experienced dental pain before - growing up with braces and having all my wisdom teeth out. Apparently I’ve chosen to block those memories - probably wisest.

Thursday Bullets

- I’ve been reconsidering my commitments. I’ve got that “pulled in too many directions, can’t get anything done” feeling.

- I was offered a position on the Capital Planning Committee this week - great opportunity.

- One of the committee’s I’m on toured the new fire station this week that we just finished and is now up and running. Volunteer work can be a drain but there sure is something sweet about seeing your name on one of those bronze plaques at the entrance of a civic building knowing it will be there for a good half century or longer. (And I’m the only woman!)

- Last night had another committee meeting and feel good about influencing the direction the school design is going. Go energy savings!

- Special treat afterwards - caught up with a fellow committee member over dessert. Loved picking his brain on things from management style to lessons learned (he’s just about retiring as CEO of a family company). Plus nothing better than dessert before dinner!

- Today, at our ice cream social at work I found a coworker who has a brood of chickens. He collects different breeds and will bring in eggs to work - everything from chocolate brown to blue to green! I thought green eggs and ham was made up - who knew. The great thing is you don’t have to refrigerate them.

- Tonight I’m off to a celebration in JP - looking forward to catching up with friends I haven’t seen all summer and beyond!

World's Population

At lunch today I came across this interesting graphic.  I've been following the blog, Flowing Data.  I love good graphics and am a firm believer a picture is worth a thousand words (or numbers).  Going through old posts I came across this one: If the wold lived in a single city.  It was created by Per Square Mile.

Note that this is talking about the WORLD's population not just the US population.  Crazy, right?  Good argument for urban versus suburban living. 

World Colliding and Warm Fuzzies

Man was I tired this morning. At least my internal clock has shifted so I’m not waking up at 5 am anymore. I’m back at a more civilized 6 am. In other news, it looks like this week is shaping up to be my warm fuzzy week. Last night I was on airport pick-up duty. I drove into work which was tortuous - it took half the time of my regular commute and was so more pleasant. I’m soo tempted to go over to the dark side and start driving into work. Funny thing was when I came back to my car after work, I saw this:

My car had a twin. And yup - that’s my car in the background. The one with the darker shade car door. But I still love it, imperfections and all. And just as I was taking this picture, in comes a text, Cece had just landed. For a moment I second guessed my estimate of how long it would take to get to the airport from work and how long it would take her to get through customs. I didn’t need to worry - it took me like 7 minutes, and her about 37 minutes.

Usually, the general rule is you try to avoid airport pick-up requests, right? Luckily I don’t get inundated with them and when I do they’re for people I can’t turn down. This time I didn’t mind one bit. It was good to have her back - she’s always a ball of positive energy. And she was so excited to be back and to get home to her family. It was nice being able to bring loved ones together.

The added bonus I didn’t expect, was hearing about Nick (my brother) and India through her eyes. I visited a few years back and we saw a lot of similar sites so it was strange and funny to hear her take on some of them. Of course, she lambasted me for not making the trip to the Taj. But I’m young still, right? The best part was hearing about her stay with Nick (he lives in Delhi and put her up for a few nights, and then a few nights more when hurricane Irene backed everything up). It’s always strange when my worlds overlap. For some reason I generally keep them fairly separate. I have these friends here, and these friends over here, and more friends in this pile. Rarely do they overlap and when they do it’s just for a moment like at a dinner party - and I’m present.

So to have my best friend hanging out with my little brother was just strange. But I was proud to hear Nick did good and was great at playing the role of host and guide and scam-checker. She mentioned she could see we were brother/sister. We don’t really look too much alike and I think we’re fairly different, Nick handles his filter much better than I do. But after a few days Cece saw it start to slip and noticed we shared a strange sense of humor along with the quirks. Warm fuzzy number 1 - feeling bonded with my brother from 7,000 miles!

Apparently they even discussed the one thing Nick and I can never agree on - how much time to leave for travel. I’d rather get to the airport an hour before my domestic flight - Nick errs more on the cautious side and targets something ridiculous like 4 hours! You can see the challenge we face when we travel together. It was great hearing about all the stories Cec had and being able to relate. When we finally pulled up to her house, Aaron was outside leaning against the garage door, bandaged up from surgery, casually/anxiously waiting for Cec. It was so sweet. Warm fuzzy number 2 - seeing loved ones reuniting!

And as we were chowing down on Chinese, Cec, Aaron, myself and Mary (who had come over to help Aaron during surgery), I realized it’s really nice to have good friends you can just be with and hang out with and not think or worry about anything. You’re you and they’re them and all’s good. Warm fuzzy number 3!

Another good night and I was able to crawl into bed by 10 this time!

End of Summer

I just got back from one of those wonderful quintessential summer nights out.  It was one of those nice small intimate dinner parties celebrating a friends 40th.  Gin and tonics and margaritas on the deck in the back yard catching up and getting the grill fired up.  Darkness hits and we move inside for a proper sit down dinner party.  Besides the ones I throw, there are not many sit down dinner parties I've been to over the years.  Most often is the informal buffet/outdoor bbq.  There's something so bonding of breaking bread around a table.  We were under 10 which is a perfect size - you can still carry on a conversation with the full table.

We had some great conversations discussing everything from world politics to virtual worlds.  The crowd was mainly architects and designers with a few engineers so you can get an idea of the conversations.  Also, there were several who had hit the 40 mile marker awhile back and were commenting on the decades of oneslife.  It was good to hear they thought you really came into your own in your 40s.  I feel like that was the case for me in my 30s so nice to know there's another similar evolution ahead.  The food was wonderful, which frankly means I didn't have to make it (I'm in a glut of not wanting to fix meals recently). 

And the nice icing on the whole evening is that the birthday celebration was for my old boss who specifically invited only the most inner circle of dear friends... and there I was.  It's nice to see how relationships can have their ups and downs and grow over time.  And to know the respect is reciprocated.

Needless to say I left the night a little lighter basking in the happiness of a night surrounded by good company and friends and appreciating where I am in life.  The best part... the party was only on the other side of town!    I was home in 5 minutes, crawled into bed, did a quick blog and am lights out just as the bells chime midnight.

Alls Well

Wrapping up quite a weekend.  I feel like I'm just getting back into the regular schedule after having it be turned upside down.  Thursday night was a late night out with coworkers for farewell drinks for one that is heading on to greener pastures.  So was happy to have friday off.  Between the late night and an oncoming flu it was good to lay low and indulge in a mid-day nap.

Friday night I lost track of time at my neighbors bbq and ended up being late meeting up with my friend.  But had a great night catching up - I was out so late I had to cab it home.  Completely lost track of time.  Today was definitely a day of laying low, recovering from the late nights and watching the strength of mother nature.  It's still windy and wild out from the last bits of Irene coming through.  All safe and sound on this end and from everyone I've spoken with.  There's something about snuggling up during a big storm.

And the final bit of news - it's official - I can solve the rubik's cube.  I've done it enough times I think it's stuck and it's no fluke.  I'm still going to have to practice periodically otherwise I think I'll lose this magnificent skill.  I've timed myself and the fastest is under 4 minutes.  Not super fast but decent and way faster than I thought I ever would have.  I think this may be my first new year's resolution I carried through.  I guess the secret is to make the resolution in the summer!

Earth Shattering News - not really

It’s a good day. After a meeting this morning I was pulled aside by the president of the company. There was a solemn walk to his office and the first time he ever closed the door. He wanted to share that he and several of the other head honchos at the company had been talking and sharing notes about me and all agreed that they liked my work. I was doing a good job! Good to hear considering I still feel like I’m playing catch-up on so many levels. I'm still on a little high. Funny how the little things make a world of difference.

And then I’m curiously excited about my plans for Friday night. I have plans every night this week which is fun and rough at the same time. Friday I’m getting together with an old high school mate. He was one of the cool guys and I realize I can’t help but revert back to my youth and who I was back then, at least part of me. It’s like the current me is trying to make room for the old version of me that’s resurfaced - the shy, introverted, nerd. It’s one of those strange morphing things you see in the movies. Anyways I’m really looking forward to the night - we were both engineers back in the day and similar sense of humor and actually, thinking back I probably had a crush on him in school along with all the other girls (he’s not too shabby on the eyes). That would explain alot now that I think of it. Who knew blogging helped you figure these things out!

In response to these turns of events the earth literally shook this afternoon in excitement. We felt the earthquake that was down in Virginia! Interesting timing.

Special shout out to my more southern friends Emily, Joanne and Karin. I hope you and you're loved ones are safe and sound and the earthquake didn't cause too much damage.

New England Weekends

Last weekend I made it up to Maine to visit my friends Maggie and David who live near Kennebunkport.  It was a slow start as my energy level was near zero saturday morning.  But made it in time for a fabulous feast and was able to meet and hang out with some of their friends - a bunch of them were from upper New York.  Stayed up late chatting with Maggie.  Next morning I had a leisurely PJ morning with Maggie and Dave. I was even able to get some blueberry picking in. It was overcast and threatening to rain but I was able to snag a few pints of fresh blueberries while eavesdropping on the conversations of this Russian extended family.

Blueberry picking was followed by a marvelous brunch that lasted into the evening. It was a wonderful little reunion. Maggie and I went to high school together. In attendance was Reegan and her family - every time the kids are getting taller and taller. I’m a little worried next year I might be eclipsed. Nima and his new family made it (his daughter just turned one). Sara made it up from DC, and new this year was Dawn and her family. I think they just moved up to Maine from Chicago recently, so nice to have them in our neck of the woods. And Charlie just moved to Boston from NYC and was able to make it too. So it was a full house with a ton of reminiscing, some of us not having seen each other since the reunion awhile back or even graduation. Strangely enough, although we all hung out and overlapped in school, there always are times when we’re talking and someone refers to a classmate and I’ve never heard of them. Over and over again - it’s become a running joke. I find myself often commenting I was a late bloomer and I think this applies here too. I’ve learned, especially for work, to be good with names (or at least better). But back in high school, unless I really needed to know you, I didn’t bother to learn your name. Why would I? I wasn’t into the gossip of who said what to whom. I knew a lot of people, but apparently not enough.

It was great seeing Dawn - we went to college together but while there we barely overlapped. And Dave, married to Maggie, went to the same college - a year ahead - crazy small world! Maggie and Dave met later in med school. Oh, and he’s from California, so it makes it all the more unusual. Anyways, last weekend was so much fun. Good food and good company both days. Nice and leisurely without a care in the world. Unfortunately the trip was bookmarked with horrendous traffic in NH both ways. The trip has about 5% of the miles in NH, but you end up spending over 50% of your time in the little bit of NH you need to pass through to get from MA to ME. Crazy!

Rubik's Cube Part 3

I have to say I’m addicted! I can’t stop working on the cube - or writing about it. There’s basically 6 steps to solve the cube (at least the way I’m learning). Step 2 had some incorrect instructions which had me stuck for the longest time. But as I played with the cube and learned the other moves, I was able to figure out an alternative approach to Step 2. Now I’m in the simple process of practice practice practice to be able to do it on my own. At first I was trying to memorize the individual moves but without understanding the why I was doing it the really really long way. Some steps can have 10 repetitions of a move that is composed of 8 turns. That’s a lot of twisting and turning!

My approach has been to master each step. After step 1 I moved onto step 2 and did rote memorization of the moves. Then I just went over steps 1-2 over and over again until I understood why I was moving the way I was. Then I would move onto step 3 and memorize 3 going over steps 1-3 over and over again. I’m up to step 4 and have 1-4 mastered. Most of the time I can do each move without looking too! I still have to look after each reposition.

Of course steps 5 and 6 are super long. It takes more and more moves at the end to reposition one square without dislodging the others you’ve built up and positioned.

Ok, that’s the boring part probably for those not at all inclined about learning or knowing how I’m learning the cube. I just have to say that I’m now dreaming about solving the cube. Last night I fell asleep while working on the cube. One minute I was working on it in front of the TV after a late night out with friends at the terrace at the ICA (great summer setting btw - very European vibe). And next thing - I woke up with the cube in my hand and I don’t remember pausing.

I’m determined to master it to a point it’s a skill that stays with me for life. So close….(but have a sneaking suspicion I’m only half way through the process).

Rubik's Cube Part 2

I've been playing with the cube for days now and I can easily solve one face, on my own.  I understand how the pieces interact for those moves.  I've spent time going through websites and tried watching a youtube tutorial but my attention span was too short.  I even looked into seeing if I could hire someone to teach me (the ones I've found on line basically send a youtube video).  I've been asking around and figure I must be able to find someone in person - I do work with several hundred engineers.  One of them is bound to be a cube master.

And then I took a break.  And apparently that's all that was needed.  I now consider myself half way there.  I can officially solve a rubiks cube!  I just finished and am so excited.  Now, I'm not quite there because I finally found a website that did a great job of mapping out the various algorithims you face as you move through the steps of solving the puzzle.  Here's the link in case you're interested.  Next, all I have to do is understand the moves so I can do it without my crib sheet.  It's kind of like when I started knitting.  I remember the first project I was learning - a sock with a 2x2 rib and I hadn't learned how to read stitches yet, so I was so focused as I knit so as not to loose my position.  The person who was teaching me, on the second lesson, taught be how to read knit and purl stitches.  And from there I was freed and not chained to the instructions as much.  Sounds similar, right?  I should be a rubik's master in no time.  My goal is to solve a cube on my own, preferably within 10-15 minutes.  I think I should be able to achieve this by years end!  Yay!

Bottle Bill

So I don't know about you but I've always been stumped why it's only some bottled drinks that you can redeem for 5 cents.  What's different between the plastic coke bottle and the plastic water bottle I drink (they're both distributed by coca cola btw)?

I did figure out that carbonated drinks are redeemable.  Which made me think that back in the day we just didn't have alot of non-carbonated bottles and cans.  Is that how you remember it?  We sure didn't have the glutony of energy drinks and flavored waters and wide range of juices in individual servings.

Last year I stumbled upon a campaign that was pushing to expand the bottle bill (that was originally passed in 1982 and going strong ever since).  And to my suprise it didn't go through!  It made no sense - this was a common sense initiative.

Well, suprise suprise there are some big heavy weights behind the scenes trying to keep business the same as usual (to their benefit).  The good thing is that here in Massachusetts (and in many other states), there are non-profits leading the effort to fight against this old approach.  Leading the charge in my back yard is Masspirg (Mass Public Interest Group). 

Join me in bringing the bottle bill into the 21st centruy and support the efforts of Masspirg (they're part of USpirg if you want to find something in your own back yard).  Learn more here (including signing the petition and supporting the effort financially).  We all have causes that are near and dear to us - this is one of mine.  I'm happy to find that there are others that share in this and are already paving the way. Figured I'd share this with my vast readership (I think I'm up to 3 these days) so that you can also help make a difference.

Fire Station Movie

Strange day today.  A rainstorm descended on us in the middle of the night and this morning it was heavy rain with dark skies.  A perfect day to stay inside and lay low.  Still recharging the batteries I ended up watching one of those movies where the main characters wake up to find most of the world wiped out.  Everyone is just gone.  In this case it was aliens.  A good one to watch during the day.  I've learned about watching scary movies at night.

It went a little long so was running late for my one o'clock meeting.  I was meeting the fire captain to work on something for the new fire station that I'm on the building committee.  They're temporarily housed in a trailer.  I run up to the door, knock, while getting drenched and after a second I pop my head in.  Small space and the TV is on.  I call out, but no answer.  It's like they just vanished.  And I have to admit I hadn't fully transferred back into reality world from the movie I was just watching.  With the rain, the TV still on, no one around and the smell of bacon still lingering in the air, I started worrying I was in my own crazy version of some sci-fi movie.  I noticed a back door which led to the garage where there was an ambulance and empty spot where the firetruck goes.

Figuring they were out on a call I ended up running my errands.  I picked up my rubik's cube and some zyrtec.  The rubik's cube is for me and the zyrtec is for the boys.  The crazy thing is that it has a cat on the package for the antihistamine!  I swing back around and find they had returned.  Ended up having a nice time chatting with the guys and learning more about the fire station crew, goings on and what life is like on a 24 hour shift. 

In other news, I've learned some of the moves for solving the rubik's cube but think I'm still a long ways to the end goal.  It's a bit harder then I remembered/hope.  Maybe I should have picked this new years resolution at the beginning of the year to give me a full 12 months.  Anybody have any luck mastering the secret of the cube?

Rubik's Cube

The other day I had my nose in my book on my commute into work and was distracted by a conversation across from me.  A young gentleman was trying to teach the woman next to him how to solve the rubik's cube he was playing with.  I came into the conversation half way in but the gist of it was that there was a pattern to follow.  To move the edge piece and move it over, you follow the algorithm, left, up, right, down - or something like that.

I was very tempted to ask the guy if he'd be up to teaching me.  Having grown up in the 80s, I was given my very own rubik's cube.  I love puzzles, but don't know if I was too young, too impatient, or what.  In the end, I got the puzzle solved, by moving the stickers.  So, to put it succinctly, I have some unfinished business.

Now that I'm older, wiser, and have access to the internet, I've picked my new year's resolution - learn how to solve a rubik's cube.... finally.  Tomorrow, morning I'll run down to the local toy store and pick up a brand new rubik's cube (the old one just wasn't the same after my "solution" - apparently, once you move the stickers, they just start falling off).

Reading through some of the tutorials, while starting on a new cabled cardigan project, I realize the similarities of learning patterns - remembering long strings of code (i.e. K6 K1TBL P2 RT2 LT2 P2 is the beginning of the row I'm about to knit).  How much different can the algorithms for the rubik's cube be?  Plus, it's not about rote memorization (which I'm miserable at), it's about understanding the code and being able to read what you're working at.  Here's hoping I'll be able to read the cube as well as I can a knitted object!

Bruises and Rain

I don’t know why but I bruise very easily. So easily that at any given time not only do I have a bruise somewhere on my body, I also have no recollection of what incident caused the bruise. Generally they cluster on the mid-left thigh. I’ve determined I use my leg a bunch to push things and that’s also the height of tables and counters where I’ll cut a corner too tight. I’ve gotten used to it and it takes a rare super-duper black & purple major bruise to make me wonder what the dickens I was doing to cause such substantial damage.

But I’ve got one that tops all of them. Yesterday afternoon I was finding my right foot was hurting as I was running around the office, especially up and down the stairs. I figured it was a combination of wearing heels and flip flops (not at the same time of course - that would be challenging). Both take quite a lot of muscles in the foot that you don’t usually use when wearing sneakers. I was shutting down the computer and swapping shoes for my ‘run’ home and noticed something. Upon closer inspection, I found a bruise the size of a golf ball on the top of my foot - smack dab in the center. It was so unusual. And apparently happened earlier that day since the morning was pain free. I’ve been wracking my brain and cannot think of what it was that caused the . I’m stumped.

Of course, on my walk in this morning, all I could think about was this post and sharing my bruise. Once I got sucked up into work, sitting at my desk, it was completely forgotten. And I remembered all these strange photos I have from over the years where I’ve taken pictures of these minor strange injuries. A bruise on the tip of a finger from studio work abroad in Germany, a slashed finger from studio work back in the states, a bruise on my hand from my undergrad years… the list goes on (and apparently centers around schooling). No picture this time as I’ve learned they just come out blurry messes and can’t communicate the full scope of the damage. Instead, I record in writing this strange event.

On a completely different note, I discovered some rain math:
(1) bike
+
(5) days of hot and humid weather
+
(1) cold front
-
(1) umbrella left at home
=
Me in a summer dress drenched and shivering after only one block. Luckily it cleared up part way home and the jeans I couldn’t even look at a day ago, when it was hot and sticky, where so warm and comfortable. Did I mention I love wool sweaters!

Random Token July Post

New routines = barely any posts. Although, most of my usual blogs I read seem to have gone dormant since early spring, so I’m not alone. Good sign that everyone is off enjoying life.

1. I just cleaned out my work inbox. It’s been driving me crazy - keep remembering little things I never responded to. Clean inbox = piece of mind. Of course I cheated, so I’m only part way there, but that’s further than I was before. It did take me getting up at 6 am and working on it remotely from home this morning.

2. I finally hit 400 on LinkedIn! I thought I was a little lower but just checked today. Only 100 to go and I’ve hit my goal from last year.

3. Last night I rebalanced my 401k from what it was automatically enrolled in.  Took some figuring out and I have no clue with these things but feel much better my money is doing better than it was before.  Next up - going back to my other accounts and making sure they are in the right place financially.  And then on to helping any family members ;)

4. And while we're on the subject of retirement, am I the only one that worries about retirement? For some reason it’s come up in conversation the last couple of weeks with friends. And it seems like people are barely putting away money for retirement.  I keep being suprised that some people aren't putting anything away and they're in their 30s! It’s crazy and makes me even more nervous. Being in academics and out of the workforce for a chunk of prime investing years in my 20s, I feel like I’m still playing catch up, especially as compound interest is best when used young. So I’m attempting to max out my options - 25% into the 401k and buying an IRA. Granted my spending money is tight especially with the student loans but I forgo some of the expensive luxuries and opt for splurging on less expensive things (i.e. no more cable, but still have a Netflix subscription). The biggest decision is using public transportation over driving. I’d save over 500 hours a year (1.5-2 hours per day) if I drove, but it would cost me over $3k extra in parking and gas. And this way I get a lot of reading done! The thing that bugs me is people say that can’t afford it but you look at their lifestyle and you just see them creating a really lousy lifestyle later so they can enjoy a good lifestyle now. But each to their own. Hopefully it all works out in the end. End rant.

5. I've been riding my bike to work recently.  Well at least to the subway station.  It's been really nice and it's so much faster than taking the bus until you factor in the time to change and everything else.  I've tried it both ways - riding in work clothes and riding in clothes I change out of.  Still haven't quite figured that part out.  But I can tell you having a nice new functioning bike makes a world of difference.  It's so pleasent.

6. Heat wave is coming. So probably a hiatus on the bike riding for a few days.  I survived the last few but certainly felt it. This past week or so I’ve been feeling really good. Part of which I attribute to a good night’s sleep. So I’ve requested the AC unit be put in this week. I will still use the fans mostly, but when it gets really bad…. you’ll find me in front of the AC with Ben and Jerry.

7. Summer guilty pleasure = Big Brother. I can’t explain why, but I love watching the Big Brother shows. So pleasent suprise when I stumbled upon this seasons (the downfalls of not watching live TV - you loose track of what's about to air).  And this season is great - they've got a bunch of folks from past seasons.  So it's boiled down to the newbies vs. the veterans voting wise.  Which I have to say parallels remarkably close to the Federalists and the Republicans that I'm reading about right now around the very contested 1800 election (Adams vs. Jefferson).  The maneuvering, positioning, behind closed doors antics are strangely similar.  I'll be reading my book (American Afire) on my way home and then switch over to watching the latest episode of BB and it's like it's the same genre.

8. Weekend outside = tons of sleep. Last weekend I spent the day up in Ipswich visiting with friends - Noah was house sitting and Andrea and some other folks that were new to me made it up for a visit. It was a fun day of eating, chilling, lounging, visiting the beach and tons of sun. Then Sunday I made my way to see Cam and Maggie - babysitting and playing outside in the morning and then to the beach in the afternoon. Way more sun than I’m used to and I slept like crazy after. No sunburns!

Memory Lane

I've been having some trouble getting a new post up.  Something's up with my account.  But I did find an old post that was in draft form and never made it up.  It was right before I started back at work and recapped my too brief time off of work.  Check out this Old post.

Finally got the DC post up that was from my visit last June.  This one has pictures!  Here's another shortcut to read this old post too.

Stanley

Not being a sports person doesn’t mean that I still can’t enjoy the morning after glow of a championship. As I was walking into work this morning there was a general good buzz in the air, everyone walked lighter and the sun was out and shining. I got to thinking. I haven’t lived in Boston long, but since I’ve moved here, we’ve won the Super Bowl, there’s been two World Series wins and I think two World Champions and now the Stanley Cup. How cool is that?

DC Visit

Picture post! Which is a bit obvious to state. Last weekend I was visiting with my friend Joanne and Kevin in DC and meeting their latest addition. Basically spent time just chilling at their place after a busy week in our DC office and a heat/humidity wave. I was able to babysit and relieve baby duty from the parents as they worked on other projects that needed their joint attention. Including getting ready to move-in to their new place they just bought.  Talk about timing - newborn, new job and new house!  The trifecta!  It was fun having the little one all to myself - Joanne and Kevin were great at sharing!

This one Joanne classifies as "newborns are a lot of work" - there are a lot of photos like this I imagine. BTW, their couches were so comfortable I would just sink into them.

Of course, classic case of no pics of mom as she's usually the one behind the camera being good about recording the moments.  So here's another one of me and the wee one!

Maple Cotton Candy

I did it again.  Not anything really post worthy other then I need to remind myself of what it feels like the morning after.  I had one last bag of maple cotton candy left over from last weekend.  Last night, I get home after a delayed flight, excited to just collapse but very hungry since I had lunch that consisted of snacks (i.e. not enough).  Cooked up a salmon burger real quick which hit the spot.  And as I'm relaxing on the couch watching a movie my eye catches the last bag of cotton candy up on top of the bookcase.  It's deflated so now's the time to start eating it before it goes bad (it doesn't really go bad, just gets denser and denser).  And next thing I know the whole bag is gone.  At least I had a decent dinner this time but even so, this morning I wake up and feel hung over.  I think it's a sugar high that I'm still working off of.  That or I'm still exhausted from traveling and visiting and not able to properly recharge the batteries.  Anyways, the smartest.  Will I ever learn?  I've definitely put the purchase of the cotton candy machine on hold.

Tuesday Night Leftovers

Another random post. I’m exhausted so find bullet points lend themselves to my preferred way of communicating. If only I could go around work spouting off bullet point conversations.

- Works going well but has reached the point of there is just way too much to do and I’ve already paired everything down to the stuff that needs to get done and parked the rest, although I’m itching to start on that stuff too. At least I’m getting the lay of the land so am able to make decisions better. Getting there.

- Last night I had the best dinner (at the time) and the worst dinner (at 3 am). It was just one meal - maple cotton candy that I had picked up from the fair up in VT this weekend. I hadn’t meant to eat it before dinner but then I thought, “hey, I’m an adult, if I want to eat dessert first and then dinner, that’s my prerogative”. Unfortunately I stopped at dessert, so come the middle of the night I woke up starving but too tired to fix a meal. Resulting in not such a great night’s sleep last night. Lesson learned? Probably not - maple syrup is my Achilles heel.

- I made it up to the 10th annual Strolling of the Heifers in VT last weekend. It was a ton of fun since I had a bunch of friends join me and sleep over. Dawn and Bill and Ashley had made it up for the day early this year when we were touring the maple bushes, so they had been introduced to my family. We had a blast enjoying the parade and the fair and playing cards all afternoon and cooking and eating and talking about food. Fun for all. Of course there are pictures but not on my camera.

- I’ve been trying to take photos with my camera and it’s just old. I got it back when I was in grad school - almost 10 years ago. I need to shop around for a new one. Do you ever have a day where there is nothing to wear? I just can’t seem to put anything together, but know I have. I figured I’d start photographing some of my better combinations, but they’re coming out crummy. Another thing to put on the list. That, or go back to the iphone - I seemed to take more pics with that camera.

- I’m off to DC for work. Excited to go down and visit that office and have been able to arrange it so that I can meet up with some friends. I think I have a half dozen or so people I know but chose to not over extend myself. I’m visiting a friend I missed when they were up visiting last month and my old college friend Joanne who just had her daughter last month. Should be fun. If only the flight wasn’t so early in the morning!

- So the crush turned into something and then veered quickly into left field. I just don’t get guys. They’re such an enigma sometimes. The funny thing is he’s where I was a year ago so good to see how I’ve progressed. Another good guy friend to add to the list. So, I just erased something specific about him - figure I should keep it vague as you never know who reads these things. Cryptic note to myself - the three Ws. Let’s see if I remember what this means a year from now.

- And finally, I have to share a voicemail message I received this weekend. It was from the parents of my god-son. Apparently the car game I taught Cameron last month when we were coming back from Maine stuck. They’re on the road and he’s making them duck at every overpass they go under. Don’t you love when you can influence young minds?

Friday Night Leftovers...

...on Monday. Following my friend Cece’s great approach to capturing random things, I figured I’d follow her lead:

- It’s too hot. I miss winter. It’s only May and it’s already hot and humid. I’m such a winter girl. I’ve never had a winter where I got sick of it. They always end too soon. Only 4 months to go.

- I have some dormant posts I need to put up about movies. I’ve discovered a bunch of new genres I love. The latest one is quirky teenage films based on classics. Think Clueless, 10 Things I Hate About You, and the latest one I stumbled upon, Easy A. You like what you like.

- Why do holiday weekends go by so fast? If only we had them every week!

- I went on a shopping mecca to some stores south of Boston. It was ridiculous. Besides finding some awesome deals and spending my entire year’s budget in one day, it was humorous to see that the SUVs piled up on all the parking lot islands – every square inch was covered by cars.

- I drove from one side of the outlet mall to the other and after 10 minutes of looking for a spot, stumbled upon the secret employee parking lot. I ran to my store, bought the thing I put on hold and had them escort me out the back way where my car was parked feet away. I felt very VIPish.

- I’ve concluded my favorite line is Elie Tahari (not the Tahari line). Over half my work clothes are from that store.

- The pine tree I park under has been sneezing on my car. I had to go to a car wash and I’m trying to park as far away from the snot explosion tree. It’s like my car gets slimed – and then dries sticky. I’ve never seen anything like it before – and I’ve lived here for awhile.

- I’ve got a little crush on a boy I met recently. I have to say there is something about beards. This one has one. And so does that last two or three guys. Again, you like what you like.

- I’ve been putting off bring the boys into the vet. They’re getting old and I’m in denial.

- I’m excited about next weekend. It’s Strolling of the Heifers and a bunch of friends are coming up to enjoy the festivities. The all-time highlight in my mind – the real maple syrup cotton candy. It’s best fresh. Every year, I have a harder time preventing myself from buying a cotton candy machine. Just imagine. I’d be toothless within a year! Hello dentures!