Turnips and Plaques

Ok, sorry about that brain freeze. I can deal much better with pouring out nothingness on my 101th blog entry. What I wanted to post was two things. I got my latest farm box of produce Tuesday. Still got a bunch of lettuce, but nothing from the freaky farm. Some zuccini and summer squash. Some Swiss Chard. And some items I wasn't sure about. Two small green peppers. I wasn't sure if they were bell peppers or the hotter variety. It turns out at least one was a bell pepper, the verdict is still out for the other one. I got more of what I thought were white radishes. But this time they were so large, they couldn't be, I realized. I did some more research in my vegetable books, and I'm now putting my money on turnips. I roasted them with potatoes and onions and bacon and they were quite yummy, I think.

Partly because I also threw in the last of the unkown vegetable. I looked it up and identified it, it began with an H (I want to say Haikon, or something like that). Well, can't find the image because I can't spell it properly (and google's "did you mean" isn't kicking in). One was purple and one was green. It's not quite a root vegetable. I'll have to let you know next time I post. I'll bring in the name. Of course, on the same website I got the image for turnips, there it is. The vegetabel is called Kohlrabi. K, H, same difference, right? I'll give google some slack since I'll admit I was a little off. It's from the cabbage family. I think I liked the turnips better. Still have to figure out what to do with the greens. I think they are strong like Kale - too much on their own. I bought some parmesian, maybe that will help.

So yesterday, being the fourth, I took it easy and indulged in grocery shopping that included some more produce. I hate to buy produce when I already get produce, but wanted some potatoes (in case I didn't like the turnips on their own), some lemon, tomatoes (haven't gotten mine yet), blueberries, plums (this is a veggi produce box after all, and a girl needs her fruit too). And ended up cutting and chopping and cooking away yesterday. I made the ginger, apple, halibut dish that I stumbled upon. Who knew that a cream sauce with cider vinegar, ginger and sauted apples is just scrumptious on any old white fish (cod last night). And I'm not a big fan of ginger. I was also good and biked up to the pick up. It was such a beautiful day. And even though I got off to a later start due to the subway being backed up - the crowds were amazing at the stops - I thought someone would fall onto the track, there were so many bodies, I still got there with five boxes left! I wasn't the last. I was going to be good and bike again yesterday, but had a slow start and by afternoon the clouds were onimous. Instead, the minute my neighbors left, I ran down to the basement and put in some practice time on the piano. I had just gotten the sheet music to 9 Crimes by Damien Rice the day before and was itching to have a go at it. I still need to practice.

And the second thing I wanted to post, before I forget, is that I found out that I will be recorded in history and in bronze (did I mention this before, apologies if so). A building I'm working on for my town (this is through a committee I'm on, and not through work), is putting up a bronze plaque that includes the building committee members - and there, sixth name down, is little old me. Really, I haven't done much, so feel a little silly. But this is definately getting added to my tour for visitors. Plus, when you visit the site, there is a great view of the city. It's nice that there are only two days left of work - weird feeling with so many people on vacation. This weekend, I think I might take some kids to go see the Transformers movie. I really want to see it, especially on the big screen, and guess I could go on my own. But there are two boys I know whose mom doesn't want to go, so I might just kidnapp them for an afternoon. We'll have to see.

My 100th!

Um, well, who knew. A hundred posts. I should write something insightful or witty or smart. Too much pressure. Must think. Thinking. Mind went blank. Maybe a quote - too corny. Ok, it's just a number. Before you know it will be 1000. Imagine that. But maybe not, that's a far ways off. This might be it, on eventful numbers. And all I can think of is my math joke: "Why was 6 afraid of 7? Because 7 ate 9!" Get it. Ok, not witty, or smart, or even insightful. Must write something else. Still nothing. Ok, that's enough!

Duck count

Oh, and I almost forgot - the latest duck count - one was found while giving my coworker a tour of dad's house - is 85! As I said, they are definately closer to the end of finding them all. But still a ways to go.

Vermont

Quick update before the week takes off. Although I keep forgetting I get wednesday off. If I was more inspired I might come into work and play catch up, but I don't have it in me much anymore - you keep digging and digging - trying to get out, but it just seems to become a bigger hole you're in.

Anyways, last week, I met up with my old college friend Sam. He is such a character - a year ahead of me in the same engineering program. He's really a go getter - entrepeneur type and is always asking me difficult questions about my career - I really need to start focusing more on my career and less on my job. He had invited along another college friend, Lonnie, who speaking of characters, is one unto himself. I remember my senior year he had come back for some event along with alot of other graduates and Joanne and I were outside the Campus Center talking with a bunch of people. He was telling us that he got a job as an air traffic controller somewhere. Well, frankly, he's the last person I would want controlling the air traffic when I fly. Nice guy, but not academic - very much the goofer and doesn't really focus on work stuff. I could clearly see him up in the air traffic tower entertaining the other controllers while my plane crashed into another plane. I've always thought of him as I've flown over the years - that's a lot of flights. And I've even told the story once or twice. Than last year, talking with Sam, mentioned the story and Sam let's out a big laugh - Lonnie's never been an air traffic controller! He really had me convinced - why not?

So it was Sam, Lonnie, and Dave - a friend of Sam's from MIT graduate years and another structural engineer. I had a good time with the group - lots of joking around and except for Sam, we are all in the same field. Didn't get home until late (so speaking for a 'school' night).

Than this weekend, I hopped a ride up to Vermont. A friend was driving up to a town, two exits north of dads. It was the first time I ever visited without driving myself. Nice to relax and had a good time chatting with my coworker. I was only up for Saturday and Sunday - short visit. And earlier on Saturday, a parishner in Barbro's church had suddenly passed away. So it was good timing for my visit, in Barbro's words, as I was able to entertain Dad. Actually we went canoeing on Sadawga Lake (the picture is pulled from a random website - but you get the idea). Perfect weather - nice and cool, crisp. And the lake has this "island" in the middle that is composed of loose vegetation. Really fun to explore and we even found a way to cross through the middle - although I realized a good way to torture dad is to stand up in the canoe - he doesn't like the idea of tipping. Actually, funny story. As we are prepping the boat, ready to head off into the lake, we were choosing life jackets. Now, growing up we went canoeing, and dad always wore this yellow jacket that zips up. Not the best design - would help you stay afloat but wouldn't keep you afloat. There is another, smaller, better fitting one - more modern he must have bought in the last ten years. And than of course, the traditional orange type that goes around your neck. So here's the dialogue:

Dad: "Are you a good swimmer?"

Me: "Descent" I say - thanks to years of lessons forced upon us by the parents, to ensure that we could stay afloat when needed (appreciated later in life).

Dad: "Good you can take the bad life jacket." Being the yellow one that he has worn for countless trips.

Me: "Thanks dad - glad to see the whole looking out for your kid has worn off." I than put on the yellow jacket, and I'm swimming in it - really sized for an adult male. Dad sees this and does the right thing and I get better fitting jacket. Now in dad's defence, I'm not a kid anymore and it makes sense, looking at two grown adults, that the better swimmer, takes the lesser of the jackets. Still, I think I might invest in my own life-vest to bypass this situation next time.

And the other funny story with dad has to do with dinner. So Saturday, June 30th, ring a bell? Well, not to you, but it should have for me - it's dad and Barbro's anniversary. There I was, having shown up on their doorstep the day of their anniversary, having no clue, empty handed, not even a card. Such a good off spring I am. Well, the only thing I could do was treat them to the dinner we were going out to that night. Except I knew I would hear some push-back, so being the sneaky little devil I am, half way through dinner, I excused myself for the "bathroom" and double backed to the front desk and paid the dinner bill. It was fun at the end of the night when we were getting ready to leave, but dad said we had to wait for the bill. I said we were all set, I had taken care of it. And.... he didn't believe me. He really thought I was trying to get him to do a dine and dash. That I would trick him into walking out without paying (and this is one of their favorite restaurants). More dialogue:

Me: "No really dad, I paid the bill already."

Dad: "How?"

Me: "I charged it."

Dad: "But when? I didn't see you."

Me: "I didn't really go to the bathroom."

Dad: "You're tricky - I can't believe you did that. Did you really pay the bill?" I'm loving it.

Me: "Yes dad. I told you, I want to treat you guys - my treat."

Dad: "Really??? You just want us to walk out." At which point I pull out the credit card receipt and dad insists on reading the time stamp (because you know this might have been a receipt from when I was here earlier in the day - between playing cards and canoeing with him).

Me: "So we are all set - let's go."

Dad: "Wait, so you are really treating us?" Now accepting but very incredulous.

Me: "Yes"

Dad: "You're paying for the meal - that's too much." It really wasn't that bad considering three people just ate dinner and it was probably a fraction of the cost of a Tapas meal I just had the previous weekend in NYC.

Me: "No it isn't dad, my treat."

Dad: "So you're paying for the meal - all of it?"

Me: Patiently "Yes dad, I want to give you something for your anniversary and I give you food."

Dad: "Really, you're really treating us?"

At which point I got it. (And on a side note, this isn't the exact dialogue, and Barbro was speaking too, but it gets my point across). My relationship with dad and money has always been very unique - created in part by both of us. I treat friends and other family occasionally. That's just the way I was brought up. But growing up, dad was the one that usually pulled out the wallet (sometimes complaining about the cost of things) and paid the tab/bill. As I grew up and was fiscally responsible, I started paying for things, but not with dad - he was my cash cow. Why would I pay for it, if dad could pay for it? I didn't realize that I hadn't adjusted my habits to include him. So the fact he was so incredulous that I was actually paying for a meal he had, made me realize I don't remember another similar incident and makes me wonder if this might have been the first time I paid for dad (it couldn't be, could it?).

So, my "take away" (a term dad had never heard of, and tried to use later, but confused it with "take off" and barbro than tried to use the next day and called it "take out" - you got to love the old folk), is that I need to buy a life jacket for myself, and treat dad to meals a bit more often - like maybe once a year or something.

Knitting and produce update

I took some pictures and have updates! First, I finally got around to finishing my sweater I started while visiting India back in February. It's from Jaeger Book 34 and I have no idea what size needles I used as I 'finished' the project in February and must have borrowed them for another project. That is, I knit the front. I knit the back with literally an inch of yarn left. And there are no sleeves, so for a brief blissful minute I thought it would work out (who would see the mismatched yarn to sew up the seams, right?) Except there is edging around the neck and armpits. So the project has sat in the basket for months. Until last month I went to Webbs, and suprisingly they still had a ball left - same dye lot and everything (I think there were only two balls left too!) and yesterday to justify taking a day off from work I tackled some unfinished projects. This morning during the staff meeting I finished weaving in all the ends and it's done! Of course, now it's cool out and no need for a tank, but July is coming. It's fun looking at the projects as it brings back memories. As I sewed the seams, I remember this dear old lady on the London subway who was sitting next to me as we were heading back to the airport. I was working on the back and she was so excited I was knitting - in public, but very reserved about initiating conversation. Normally I would have engaged, but having just finished an entire day of rushed sight-seeing, on little sleep due to the red eye we took the night before, I just wasn't up to it. Now, well rested, I wish I had, but really didn't have much energy left - as we headed on towards another red eye. Word to the wise, don't fly double red eye shifts, back to back.

And, in other news, my asymetrical cardigan I've been working on isn't looking good. Actually it looks and feels gorgeous. I love knitting with this yarn and find myself slowing down as I approach the end (like with a really good book that's been with you for awhile). But this is where I am. Starting the second sleeve. And that ball of yarn in my hand - yup, that's all that's left. I've rummaged around, in the hopes that a ball slipped behind a bookcase or something. But even then, I have a sinking feeling I need more than just one more ball - if you look at the link, that neck is pretty volumptious. But there is a fix. Tonight I have to go home and be realistic about how many more balls I need and my friend cece is heading to Webs tomorrow and will see if they have any more left. Fingers crossed. Still don't know what buttons to use, but realize I'm getting ahead of myself. Must focus on one sleeve at a time.

And finally in produce news, I ended my streak of riding my bike to pick up produce. I ended up getting back a bit later, ran into my neighbors, and frankly it was so hot and humid I was in a sweat just walking home (1.5 flat blocks) so hopped into the car and was the last person picking up the produce. I justified the car by swinging by Trader Joes which is only a few blocks away and stocking up on goodies. This week I got pretty much the usual - garlic snapes (yummm), zuccini, swiss chard, and lettuce. Not bad. Until I started putting things away in the fridge. This is a picture of the head of lettuce I got last week (minus a few leaves that I had eaten):

Not bad. Nice and fresh. A bit bigger than the average head of red leaf lettuce you get at Whole Foods. Pretty descent. And this is what I got this week:

At first glance, everything looks good. Great deep colors (full of vitamins). Nice and fresh. What's to complain about you ask? Well let me put it into perspective:

Yes, my friends, this latest head of lettuce is from the Freaky Farm. I've never seen a head of red leaf lettuce this big! I could barely fit it into the crisper it was so big. It could eat the regular lettuce for lunch (if it were a canibal and actually ate stuff) and still be hungry it was that big. And they say they farm au natural - no pesticides or growth hormones. So it's not like this is lettuce on steriods. It's just a freak of nature. I swear, the box of produce is full of surprises each week. Well, I've eaten some salads, and we just had our work salad party - third week in a row and still very popular, and well, Mr. Freaky has been reduced to his neighbors size. I was a bit worried there - I could invision lettuce taking over my apartment and than town and than the world!

txt msg

So a couple weeks ago at a friends one night over a nice evening of wine and chilled company I got in a friendly argument about text messaging. I wasn't a fan. It costs extra money. People text to avoid talking on the phone it seems. And it takes forever to write a text. Well, I was considered old-fashioned - not embracing all the new technology that is thrown at us. Later in the night I was taught how to properly text message - noone ever told me about T9! I was tapping away until I got to each letter on the phone. Using T9 - which is just automatically 'on' for my phone (it's a newer improved version apparently), I just type away and it predicts what I'm writing and really cuts the time down alot - so there goes that argument.

So first a little background, so you understand where I am coming from. Back in my day there were no cell phones, let alone texting (yes it's a verb now). Frankly we didn't even have internet or email. Now kids all have cell phones - younger and younger kids. It's their generation that texts. But as my friend pointed out, there are advantages to this alternative medium of communication. For his line of work where he's always on the road - it's part of his business - lining up gigs and jobs. It's a great way to communicate when you don't want to bother someone (they're busy in a meeting, asleep, or whatever) and he attested it was a great way to flirt. I wasn't sold. Although looking on wikipedia, "there is no age limit to SMS usage" even the retired folks are doing it. And apparently in Malaysia it used to be that the Islamic traditional divorce (saying "I divorce you" three times in succession) wasn't valid via text messaging, but txting has caught on so much now that in 2003, they now allow it. And apparently that's how Britney Spears let K Fed know she wanted out!

Anyways, back to me. Things have changed. As I'm busy, running around, but wanting to drop a note - I could text. I don't have internet at home, so txting is really the way to go. Also, I have more friends now that text on a regular basis. When I went to NYC last weekend - that's how we coordinated getting together most of the time. It was much easier to text while in a museum rather than having to run out to use the cell phone. And, as my friend pointed out - it is really fun to flirt via txt msg. So there is this boy in NYC (not this boy from before, but a new one) that I hung out with with Saturday night. Not sure where things will go, just having fun with the here and now (at least trying). He's a great guy, really fun and gentlemanly. And also preapproved by having mutual friends. We really hit it off and I had a great weekend in NYC. But he's horrible on the phone - like most boys (why is that?). That's where my second argument get's thrown out. He's a big flirt txting. My friend was right.

So all that I have left in my camp is that it's expensive - and it is. At $0.15 a message (both ways - incoming and outgoing), I don't want to see my bill for this month, it's going to add up. I mentioned it to a colleague and apparently there is an add on I can do on my bill. For a flat fee, I can get unlimited txt msging for only $4 or $5. Apparently I don't really have a case against txt msging anymore.

The one problem (ok two) I have is that, in case you haven't noticed, I'm not succinct. Text messaging is short. I've been having to re-adjust to saying things with less words (and of course abbreviating). Short sentences. The second issue is that T9 only works if you know how to spell the word. Case in point - I had to just look up 'succinct' and 'sentences'. I'm still learning.

NYC

Before I jump back into the work week I wanted to record my time in NYC this last weekend. It was a very thinking trip for me and of course I left my camera at work so all you get is stock pics. Noah (from work) and I left early and on our way out picked up his roommate Linda. Bad traffic just getting to pick her up and than leaving Boston - everyone was trying to hit the road early for the weekend and we were traveling directly under a storm cloud. Beautiful, vibrant colors though - super green next to the slate grey sky and even a rainbow or two. We hit traffic outside of Hartford, and than again in New Haven and so by the time Stamford came and we were in traffic from there until NYC we were getting tired of it all. We ended up playing car games which was fun (I apparently know my cars better than countries). In the end we got in about 2 hours later than anticipated.

I was still able to meet up with Ankan who is an old highschool friend. After getting off the subway, I walk up into... the heart of NYC - Times Square. It was just what I needed after being trapped in traffic for several hours and running around trying not to be late. It was a moment to be stunned and breathe. It was so light out (even at 11 pm) with all the billboards lit up. The crowds were stunning. NYC is definately one of a kind - nothing like it.

It was great seeing Ankan. As I mentioned earlier, this seems to be the year I reconnect with people from my past. It's always a pleasent surprise to meet up with friends from the past only to discover a new friendship and a whole new overlap in interests. He's been living in NYC for awhile and just finished law school - working 60+ hour weeks. It makes me appreciate that I don't have that schedule - basically he just works and plays golf. But he was still same old Ankan that I knew growing up - it was a bit strange. We ended up just talking and catching up until before we knew it was 3 am! Even though we both had to get up early - he had a golf game the next morning and I had to get up early for tickets.

So Saturday, a little hung over/dehydrated, I rolled out of bed and hoofed it over to the Jersey Boys theater to stand in line for the student tickets that went on sale at 10 am. Unfortunately, I should have just gone from the bar the night before to the line. People were in line since midnight! It's gotten so bad recently - people getting there earlier and earlier, that tempers flare and the weekend before there was a fight with someone going to the hospital! So they are discontinuing the student ticket rates - this was the last weekend.

Since I didn't get the student tickets (along with half the line) I ended up waiting in another line to get standing room only tickets that went on sale at noon. Luckily the lady working the line was talkative and mentioned John wasn't performing that show - he takes matinees off - so I was a bit frustrated that I had just spent that time waiting. And to top it off, if I just bought a ticket for that evenings performance, the cheapest seat was $300 - a little steep. So I tried. I will just have to come back another weekend, with my $100 ticket in hand already purchased.

After that I got a bite to eat (mmm food - super hungry after all that waiting). And wandered over to the first batch of museums - stumbling upon a street fair (picked up some NYC souveigners) and an international parade - only in NY. Turns out the Moma is $20 these days and since I wanted to go to several musuems, I passed this time. Got to check out the architecture of the new American Folk Museum that was designed by Tod Williams and Billie Tsien that taught at my school and I had studied. Fun to see in person - suprsingly the pictures made the space seem bigger.

As I headed up to the Met I stumbled upon a Jamba Juice. I used to get an orange zinger with coworkers when I was in San Francisco - ages ago. I was so excited that I splurged and got the larger size of something that seemed comparable - they've changed the menu over the last 10 years. And, it was disappointing - seemed a bit mainstream - artifically sweet. So Sunday I treated myself to a Naked - much more my style for fruit drinks. But it still fit the bill as I strolled through Central Park. The crowds were amazing - just tons of people out enjoying the wonderful day - kids running and laughing, people sun bathing - lots of events going on. After walking for quite a bit, I ended up stumbling upon this great musical group performing at one group of benches. I needed a rest - the lack of sleep was starting to catch up wtih me. I ended up just sitting and enjoying the old cajun style music while knitting away on my sleeve (I'm down to the last ball, and still have the other sleeve and the large collar to go - not looking good). I think I spent a good 2 hours just hanging out knitting, thinking, people watching, enjoying the outdoors. It was really quite relaxing and just what the doctor ordered. I just googled for an image of the group and found this blog.

Funny thing is that only some of the band members are the same - same singer/guitarist (who kept flirting with me through some of the songs) but it's the exact same benches they were sitting on before. I got their cd and hope it's similar - great bass and trumpet. I geared up and made it to the Met - didn't have a map (the theme of my trip) so ended up roaming through the exhibits. I really forget how many great museums there are in NYC. I ended up visiting the Cooper-Hewitt on Sunday which I loved - someone I knew from Michigan had a product of theirs on display as well as an architect I'm working with on a local project. Funny how small the world can be.

In the end the trip was great - lots of walking so my calves are killing me today and the ride home wasn't that bad - glad I had company. Lot's more, but have to run. The weather was great, the company was great and the entertainment was great - what more could a girl ask for (and I met a new boy - but that's for later).