Today was the last day of class! Ever onward.
On a somewhat related note, I will miss the door to the restroom in the graduate school (first floor) because it sounds like Chewbaca, which is awesome.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Track
Oh, boy do I love a good track workout.
This morning I felt like I was in high school again getting nervous to do a track workout. I met my new-found runner friend at 7:15 "by the hot-dog stand" (which, it goes without say, is not there at 7 a.m.). We gabbed in excited, fast, loud voices as we jogged over to the track. I can't tell you how great it felt to fall into an easy chatter with a running buddy - it's been so long! We stepped onto the lush track at South High and planned our workout, talking splits and other nerdy runner business. It was awesome. Keeping in mind that this was my first workout in over 15 months, I was pretty freaking proud of myself. The workout (with 600 active rest/jog between each):
3 x 1 mile (6:40, 6:40, 6:35)
800 (3:20)
2 x 400 (1:30ish)
The track workout was great and all, but mainly I'm just so happy to have found a running buddy! Looking forward to the upcoming month of running.
This morning I felt like I was in high school again getting nervous to do a track workout. I met my new-found runner friend at 7:15 "by the hot-dog stand" (which, it goes without say, is not there at 7 a.m.). We gabbed in excited, fast, loud voices as we jogged over to the track. I can't tell you how great it felt to fall into an easy chatter with a running buddy - it's been so long! We stepped onto the lush track at South High and planned our workout, talking splits and other nerdy runner business. It was awesome. Keeping in mind that this was my first workout in over 15 months, I was pretty freaking proud of myself. The workout (with 600 active rest/jog between each):
3 x 1 mile (6:40, 6:40, 6:35)
800 (3:20)
2 x 400 (1:30ish)
The track workout was great and all, but mainly I'm just so happy to have found a running buddy! Looking forward to the upcoming month of running.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Highlight
The highlight of my day was snagging a free leftover carrot cupcake. Delicious.
---
On another note, today I was wondering when are we going to have a president that speaks another language? Heck, why doesn't the Secretary of State speak another language? And I quote: "The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President's chief foreign affairs adviser."
Foreign affairs. Doesn't speak another language. What does that say about how political figures are chosen - merit or connection?
---
On another note, today I was wondering when are we going to have a president that speaks another language? Heck, why doesn't the Secretary of State speak another language? And I quote: "The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President's chief foreign affairs adviser."
Foreign affairs. Doesn't speak another language. What does that say about how political figures are chosen - merit or connection?
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Neighbors
This is a shout-out to my neighbors:
First, kind regards to the newbies (we shall call them linksys) who have left their wireless internet unlocked. Cheers.
Second, let's just say that I am of the opinion that if you have to leave your small, cute puppy* alone every day so that it yips sadly for hours on end**, don't buy a puppy.
* At least it sounds like a small, cute puppy.
** interrupting both valuable napping and already-tenuous will power to study the Federal Rules of Evidence of all your neighbors.
First, kind regards to the newbies (we shall call them linksys) who have left their wireless internet unlocked. Cheers.
Second, let's just say that I am of the opinion that if you have to leave your small, cute puppy* alone every day so that it yips sadly for hours on end**, don't buy a puppy.
* At least it sounds like a small, cute puppy.
** interrupting both valuable napping and already-tenuous will power to study the Federal Rules of Evidence of all your neighbors.
project365
Unedited (apparently no time for that this week) project 365 for this week...
Leaving Denver early Sunday morning to go for a hike, we saw this beautiful sunrise behind the city.
A scene from a hike this week.
Another early morning scene on the way to a hike.
This is the "yoga mom's" car line-up that forms every morning and afternoon picking kids up from the elementary school outside the law school. They are all Beemers, Mercedes, Lexus, etc.
I saw Noam Chomsky speak at school the other night. I was a little disappointed with the sweeping "U.S. Government development work is all self-interested" thesis and lack of even one solution or change to make it better, if it even is all imperialist and a self-interested scramble for oil.
Admittedly, this is a late-night "Uh-oh, what can I take a photo of?" picture. I love the colors of this all-recyclables bag, a gift from a dear friend that I use every day.
This is some of what I have written on my white erase board in my studio. It says things I need to hear when no one else is around to say them.
onward and upward, into the last week of classes of this semester, these degrees, (my academic career?)...
Leaving Denver early Sunday morning to go for a hike, we saw this beautiful sunrise behind the city.
A scene from a hike this week.
Another early morning scene on the way to a hike.
This is the "yoga mom's" car line-up that forms every morning and afternoon picking kids up from the elementary school outside the law school. They are all Beemers, Mercedes, Lexus, etc.
I saw Noam Chomsky speak at school the other night. I was a little disappointed with the sweeping "U.S. Government development work is all self-interested" thesis and lack of even one solution or change to make it better, if it even is all imperialist and a self-interested scramble for oil.
Admittedly, this is a late-night "Uh-oh, what can I take a photo of?" picture. I love the colors of this all-recyclables bag, a gift from a dear friend that I use every day.
This is some of what I have written on my white erase board in my studio. It says things I need to hear when no one else is around to say them.
onward and upward, into the last week of classes of this semester, these degrees, (my academic career?)...
Friday, April 22, 2011
Confidence in words
Like so many days lately, I waiver from (1) being proud of myself and excited for all the opportunities and change coming in the next few months for me to (2) being insecure, without self-confidence, and completely strung-out with anxiety over the fact that no realm of my life is settled. It changes hourly, if not more often. Today was mainly a day of the latter. And here I sit, on Friday evening, writing yet another cover letter. I wanted to sum-up the letter with some descriptive adjectives about myself. I wrote "self-starter", but (again, the lack of confidence) decided I should look it up on thesaurus.com just in case that wasn't the word I meant. The result:
You know what, darn it, that is me.
| Main Entry: | eager beaver |
| Part of Speech: | noun |
| Definition: | industrious person |
| Synonyms: | active person, aholic, ambitious person, ball of fire, beaver, busy bee, busy bee, busy person, doer, dynamo, fireball, go-getter, hot shot, live wire, live wire, no slouch, pistol, self-starter , sharpy, spark plug, workhorse |
| Main Entry: | go-getter |
| Part of Speech: | noun |
| Definition: | eager beaver |
| Synonyms: | active person, ambitious person, ball of fire, beaver, busy bee, busy person, doer, dynamo, fireball, hot shot, hustler, live wire, no slouch, pistol, self-starter , sharpy, spark plug, workhorse |
You know what, darn it, that is me.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Food for thought
I heard these two quips today, and I actually think I disagree with both:
If you're not growing, you're dying.
and
Everyone is a leader.
I could discuss forever, but my main objections are (1) that sometimes just being who are you are for awhile is a-okay. It doesn't mean you're "dying", just enjoying comfort or a happy state for awhile and (2) Not everyone is a leader. And, sometimes being a good leader means you have to be the best follower you can be. I recognize that being a good leader is about being who others need you to be at that time, which, sometimes means that you can lead by following. Like sheep. That's why they are my favorite animal.
If you're not growing, you're dying.
and
Everyone is a leader.
I could discuss forever, but my main objections are (1) that sometimes just being who are you are for awhile is a-okay. It doesn't mean you're "dying", just enjoying comfort or a happy state for awhile and (2) Not everyone is a leader. And, sometimes being a good leader means you have to be the best follower you can be. I recognize that being a good leader is about being who others need you to be at that time, which, sometimes means that you can lead by following. Like sheep. That's why they are my favorite animal.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
And so it begins
And so it begins, you know, the bribe-myself-through-finals-with-new-music time. I just bought two EPs. And, by the way, I looked it up:
La Santa Cecilia exemplifies the modern-day creative hybrid of Latin culture, rock and world music. This six-member group draws inspiration from all over the world, utilizing Pan-American rhythms like cumbia, bossa nova, rumba, bolero, tango, jazz, rock, and klezmer music. Their unique sound and the experience of their colorful, passionate performance leaves fans and new listeners mesmerized. They are proud to be from the City of Angels.
- An EP stands for "extended play single releases" which refers to a 12" Vinyl record which is played at 45 rpm instead of the usual 33 1/3
- A musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. Shorter than traditional albums, they have long been popular with punk and indie bands.
La Santa Cecilia exemplifies the modern-day creative hybrid of Latin culture, rock and world music. This six-member group draws inspiration from all over the world, utilizing Pan-American rhythms like cumbia, bossa nova, rumba, bolero, tango, jazz, rock, and klezmer music. Their unique sound and the experience of their colorful, passionate performance leaves fans and new listeners mesmerized. They are proud to be from the City of Angels.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Boston Marathon Day
Happy Boston Marathon Day!
I just love this day, the race, being a runner from Massachusetts. I tried to do work this morning, but couldn't really do anything except track runners and refresh my blogs obsessively. It was an insane day for a marathon with once in a lifetime weather: sunny, mid 40s at the start, tail wind. World record set for men (2:03:02), two American women got personal records and finished well. The first American got second place by a heartbreaking two seconds. I was impressed and inspired.
Had a so-so run myself today, but at least I'm feeling the running bug bite. Going to the trail tomorrow morning, bright and early. I plan to be there just before sunrise. Coming?
I just love this day, the race, being a runner from Massachusetts. I tried to do work this morning, but couldn't really do anything except track runners and refresh my blogs obsessively. It was an insane day for a marathon with once in a lifetime weather: sunny, mid 40s at the start, tail wind. World record set for men (2:03:02), two American women got personal records and finished well. The first American got second place by a heartbreaking two seconds. I was impressed and inspired.
Had a so-so run myself today, but at least I'm feeling the running bug bite. Going to the trail tomorrow morning, bright and early. I plan to be there just before sunrise. Coming?
Sunday, April 17, 2011
project365
Beautiful spring flowers on my street. In my humble opinion they rival the Cherry Blossoms in D.C. They smell good, too. I took this shot looking up and I love how it's just layers beyond layers of flowers up toward the sky.
Yay! Dinta bint was in town with the Beau. We went to the Boulder Tea House. The building is shipped from Tajikistan. Excuse the light, but the rest of the tile ceiling is so beautiful!
More pretty flowers. A repeat, but spring is short so I am soaking it all in (get it? Soak? Spring - rain - wet - soaked?).
Life is fragile.
The cool label on an Argentinian wine my dear friend brought for dinner. As much as I liked it, it did not like me. Is anyone else allergic to red wine?
Awesome, trail running shoes that came in the mail for freeee for meeee from Columbia Sportwear. I tested them out on a trail and hike already. Um, they're called "Mountain Masochist", which is in itself pretty awesome. I love 'em. [See other post for review.]
I tried to make Almond Macaroons for the Passover Seder I went to tonight. Epic Fail. See below for a photo of the almond pancake-like disaster. Next year (in Jerusalem!).
Yay! Dinta bint was in town with the Beau. We went to the Boulder Tea House. The building is shipped from Tajikistan. Excuse the light, but the rest of the tile ceiling is so beautiful!
More pretty flowers. A repeat, but spring is short so I am soaking it all in (get it? Soak? Spring - rain - wet - soaked?).
Life is fragile.
The cool label on an Argentinian wine my dear friend brought for dinner. As much as I liked it, it did not like me. Is anyone else allergic to red wine?
Awesome, trail running shoes that came in the mail for freeee for meeee from Columbia Sportwear. I tested them out on a trail and hike already. Um, they're called "Mountain Masochist", which is in itself pretty awesome. I love 'em. [See other post for review.]
I tried to make Almond Macaroons for the Passover Seder I went to tonight. Epic Fail. See below for a photo of the almond pancake-like disaster. Next year (in Jerusalem!).
Montrail Mountain Masochist Review
I participated in a focus group for Columbia Sportswear. They were looking to find out what women want in an outdoor shoe. I'm, of course, more than happy to gab about exercise gear forever. It was pretty fun and I ended up with some free stuff. Then, just last week, I got a free pair of shoes in the mail! How great is that!? What's more, I adore the shoes. I mean, once I had these nice trail shoes, I just had to test 'em out on the trail. I treated myself to a trail run yesterday and a hike this morning. No complaints. I may have found my favorite all-around run/trail/hike/backpack/sports/daily sneaker shoe.Here's my review of the Montrail Mountain Masochist Women's Trail Running Shoes:
I love these shoes! The Montrail Mountain Masochist trail running shoes are super light for a trail shoe, but definitely not lacking good structure. They provide cushion, but don't suffocate your foot in a cloud of fabric. They are breathable and seem to dry fast. The heel lift is low and the bottom treading isn't too big, so I never feel like I'm tripping along on either trail or pavement. The bottom tread gives great control for uphill or downhill. No sliding around, even on steep sections or small pebbles. True to fit, they are comfortably fit around the heel and arch with plenty of room in the toes, so you don't feel the top of the shoe if you're running downhill. I especially like how the shoe is extra firm around the toes for extra protection against rocks. No problems with blisters anywhere and I felt like I could wear them forever. Finally, they look great! I can wear them on the trail and then throw them on with a pair of jeans. Besides, who doesn't want a pair of shoes called the "Mountain Masochist"? I may have found my favorite all-around run/trail/hike/backpack/sports/daily sneaker. I'm hooked and will buy these again.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Been there
I'm at a cafe here in residential/city Denver. Even though I haven't been here in awhile, the same familiar faces are here - you know, the regulars who come daily, don't seem to have to work and know each other by name. The older couple just exchanged some things they brought for another cafe regular, knowing she would be here.
I watched a fit, attractive young couple with their two kids eating breakfast. First off, that is something we never did once as a family growing up: go to a cafe for breakfast. Actually, we never went to a cafe. Ever. I'm pretty sure the first time I went to one was in college (apart from going to the cafe in Border's Books during high school because it was the only place open until 10 p.m. on Friday).
Anyway, the family was just enjoying a leisurely Saturday, talking in calm quiet voices. I liked that the parents didn't do baby talk and just talked to their daughter (3 years old?) and son (1 year?) like people. The girl finished eating and got excited about the play area. As soon as she stepped over there, though, she turned around and said to her dad, "I have to go to the bathroom. Oh. I just went." He didn't yell. He didn't get angry. As this poor little girl's lime green jeans slowly seeped to a darker color, her dad just calmly cleared their table and cleaned up as much as he could.
I was so impressed with the dad. I mean, we've all been there. No need to get mad when she obviously didn't mean to do it; and, really, she was the only one suffering in now wet jeans. Been there. But, the dad didn't get mad or make a big deal. They just calmly walked home to change clothes.
I watched a fit, attractive young couple with their two kids eating breakfast. First off, that is something we never did once as a family growing up: go to a cafe for breakfast. Actually, we never went to a cafe. Ever. I'm pretty sure the first time I went to one was in college (apart from going to the cafe in Border's Books during high school because it was the only place open until 10 p.m. on Friday).
Anyway, the family was just enjoying a leisurely Saturday, talking in calm quiet voices. I liked that the parents didn't do baby talk and just talked to their daughter (3 years old?) and son (1 year?) like people. The girl finished eating and got excited about the play area. As soon as she stepped over there, though, she turned around and said to her dad, "I have to go to the bathroom. Oh. I just went." He didn't yell. He didn't get angry. As this poor little girl's lime green jeans slowly seeped to a darker color, her dad just calmly cleared their table and cleaned up as much as he could.
I was so impressed with the dad. I mean, we've all been there. No need to get mad when she obviously didn't mean to do it; and, really, she was the only one suffering in now wet jeans. Been there. But, the dad didn't get mad or make a big deal. They just calmly walked home to change clothes.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Ball and Chain
I've gotten so used to needing a huge bag all the time, my cute purse never gets any use. I usually haul around my computer, notepad, folders and readings, at least one nasty break-your-back law book, and the usual assortment of nerdy necessities like pen, highlighter, colored tabs and sticky notes. Then, of course there is breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack. And usually I have another bag with gym gear. I'm a bag lady!
I imagine a life after graduation when I carry charming little satchels that contain little more than some keys and pretty lip goop. I'll be able to tuck it under my arm, sprint for a bus or get a real hug hello from someone. Quite literally, finishing school will liberate me from three years of weight on my shoulders.
Rene Descartes was a silly man in a chair - mind and body are not separate.
I imagine a life after graduation when I carry charming little satchels that contain little more than some keys and pretty lip goop. I'll be able to tuck it under my arm, sprint for a bus or get a real hug hello from someone. Quite literally, finishing school will liberate me from three years of weight on my shoulders.
Rene Descartes was a silly man in a chair - mind and body are not separate.
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Monday, April 11, 2011
project365
Behold: photos of last week.
The sister - note the pretty hair - and grandma - note the cuteness - at lunch in Boston.
Spilled milk and coffee, no crying.
Sleeping, blood-shot, kaleidoscope eyes.
Aaaaand, the train breaks down and we all come tumbling out - hurray! Didn't get home for awhile that night.
Buckhorn Exchange. I really want to eat here at some point.
Dog park - parking lot - Wash Park hangout. Saloon style.
An early morning on Saturday, just me and the sunrise. I got to stand in the middle of the road, at least.
The sister - note the pretty hair - and grandma - note the cuteness - at lunch in Boston.
Spilled milk and coffee, no crying.
Sleeping, blood-shot, kaleidoscope eyes.
Aaaaand, the train breaks down and we all come tumbling out - hurray! Didn't get home for awhile that night.
Buckhorn Exchange. I really want to eat here at some point.
Dog park - parking lot - Wash Park hangout. Saloon style.
An early morning on Saturday, just me and the sunrise. I got to stand in the middle of the road, at least.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
one step forward, one back
I was feeling better about things after I volunteered at two events this week. One event was the show-off days for my grad school. I was asked to volunteer as the J.D./M.A. representative to answer any questions for accepted students. I considered it an honor and was more than happy to help. It's weird how my feelings toward the two graduate schools can be so disparate. Anyway, the new acceptees were amazing people: interesting, smart, nice, well-spoken, and well-traveled. It really lifted my spirits to talk to all these new people. I picked up some of their excitement about this school and the privilege of learning here. I also must admit it was a bit of a confidence boost to share all my experiences here in Denver. It was like a little review and reminder that I have worked hard, done some interesting things, and really gotten a lot out of my M.A. program. Also, um, it was nice to actually know the answers to the questions I was being asked. I almost felt like a competent expert in something again because, as my brother said, grad (law) school is very disempowering.
The second volunteer event was that I was a judge for a high school international development problem-solving competition. Much like Oddessy of the Mind, Future Problem Solvers or Gateway, these kids were given a problem related to the Millenium Development Goals and had to solve it. I judged three rounds. I must say, my teams weren't fabulous, but there were some stars who were very sharp and creative. It really made me proud of the kids and happy that 'international development' is permeating the secondary, public education system. These kids will be my peers one day! It also felt nice to give back and be connected with my community even if only for a few days. I miss that - donating my time and working in and with my multi-generational and -cultural community.
Otherwise, the weekend was mainly studying and job stuff, with some chores like laundry, cleaning, and grocery shopping. After a short afternoon trail run, I was feeling not too bad and starting to think I could handle this unknown/transition thing. Then, I cooked a really nice dinner, set the table for three and did some work until my guest showed up. Then I did more work. Still no guests. More work. No guests. Finally, over an hour later, I figured my guests weren't coming and put things away, just eating some of the salad by myself. I guess they forgot. I feel bummed about it. I feel like 'why bother.' Why bother with people, with Denver, with trying to stay engaged until I leave. I mean, I don't even think I ever even was able to engage in Denver. People here don't make it easy. I'm trying to shake it off and stay focused on exams and jobs. I just wish I hadn't spent all the money on food I now probably wont be able to eat fast enough before it either goes bad or I am sick of it.
Shaking it off.
The second volunteer event was that I was a judge for a high school international development problem-solving competition. Much like Oddessy of the Mind, Future Problem Solvers or Gateway, these kids were given a problem related to the Millenium Development Goals and had to solve it. I judged three rounds. I must say, my teams weren't fabulous, but there were some stars who were very sharp and creative. It really made me proud of the kids and happy that 'international development' is permeating the secondary, public education system. These kids will be my peers one day! It also felt nice to give back and be connected with my community even if only for a few days. I miss that - donating my time and working in and with my multi-generational and -cultural community.
Otherwise, the weekend was mainly studying and job stuff, with some chores like laundry, cleaning, and grocery shopping. After a short afternoon trail run, I was feeling not too bad and starting to think I could handle this unknown/transition thing. Then, I cooked a really nice dinner, set the table for three and did some work until my guest showed up. Then I did more work. Still no guests. More work. No guests. Finally, over an hour later, I figured my guests weren't coming and put things away, just eating some of the salad by myself. I guess they forgot. I feel bummed about it. I feel like 'why bother.' Why bother with people, with Denver, with trying to stay engaged until I leave. I mean, I don't even think I ever even was able to engage in Denver. People here don't make it easy. I'm trying to shake it off and stay focused on exams and jobs. I just wish I hadn't spent all the money on food I now probably wont be able to eat fast enough before it either goes bad or I am sick of it.
Shaking it off.
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Thursday, April 7, 2011
music update
I haven't bought a whole lot of music lately (Remember? It's my finals-time bribery tool so I'm sure I'll be buying more in the upcoming weeks.) But, I thought I'd post a few tunes I've been digging lately.
Sun is Up - Inna
F**k You - Cee Lo Green
On the Floor - Jennifer Lopez
Also, I know I still owe a bike trip bloggie report. I have a feeling I'm not going to get to it until after school is over. That gives you plenty of time to get out there and do it yourself!
Sun is Up - Inna
F**k You - Cee Lo Green
On the Floor - Jennifer Lopez
Also, I know I still owe a bike trip bloggie report. I have a feeling I'm not going to get to it until after school is over. That gives you plenty of time to get out there and do it yourself!
Monday, April 4, 2011
project365
I now own two suits. It was time.
A cool-looking Latte from Kaladi's.
The first signs of spring in Denver. Magnolias (and lily flowers) are my favorite.
The (tired) sisters.
In Boston for a long weekend. This is from a drive over the BU bridge, sorry for the chain fence.
The rainbow is hard to see, but there was a mix of afternoon sun and clouds in Harvard Square. I was walking through after the Int'l Development Conference.
I love Jamaica Plain and this City Feed (although expensive) just so nicely captures the neighborhood for me.
A cool-looking Latte from Kaladi's.
The first signs of spring in Denver. Magnolias (and lily flowers) are my favorite.
The (tired) sisters.
In Boston for a long weekend. This is from a drive over the BU bridge, sorry for the chain fence.
The rainbow is hard to see, but there was a mix of afternoon sun and clouds in Harvard Square. I was walking through after the Int'l Development Conference.
I love Jamaica Plain and this City Feed (although expensive) just so nicely captures the neighborhood for me.
april's fool
I'm back in Denver for the final push...sleepless, I am writing thank yous at Starbucks for meetings last week in Boston. Yoga is in an hour. Then it's back to the real homework and meetings.