Garden 2010 July, a set on Flickr.
The first year of the garden with no actions taken... this was the watching year.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Garden - The Beginning
Garden, a set on Flickr.
Here is a series of photos of the garden as it was when we bought the house.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Capturing the Progress - On Gardening
I took a photo of this flower to show my mom. It is such and amazing color! The leaves are very light, and the blue flower against the leaves makes it look like an optical illusion.
I don't want to forget about this flower!
Most of the photos I have of the garden are digital, and I think the journal never emerges because I plan to print them, and then don't.
So... I just decided I'm going to put blogger to work!
Stay tuned for my garden!!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Peony Watch Day 1
In this photo is an amazing white peony. The first year I lived here it had one flower, the next year two. I am so excited to see what happens this year because it is bushier than usual.
However, given the phobias of New Neighbor, it's days are numbered.
We are going on Peony Watch to see if it will even be allowed to live to bloom.
If she cuts it down, I'm going over there to ask her if I can replant her offending "bushes" on my side of the line.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Once in a Lifetime?
so last year started out with my first Half Marathon, and ended with my first Half Ironman. In between were a slew of pool and open-water sprints, and swim or bike legs of various relays. And thus was my indoctrination into the sport of triathlon.
Team Z focuses winter training on running, and people elect to do a Half or Full spring marathon as the culmination of their winter training. Obviously, I chose the Half last year - Shamrock. I figured I'd eventually run a full marathon as a part of all this, but didn't want to commit until I really thought I'd be ready. I'd assumed that I'd do something flat, and fairly "easy" in marathon terms... like Shamrock.
In July last year, as I was driving with friends to my first open-water, non-local triathlon, Musselman, I got an email from Active.com. I skimmed it as I was on my iPhone and chatting.
It said "Congratulations! You are now registered for the Big Sur Marathon."
This did not register in the form of comprehension.
My thought was - Why is Active sending me emails promoting California events? Did I ever use Active to register for an event in CA? no... hmmm...
why. stop.
Wait.
That email said that I was REGISTERED!
what?!
OMG! now my brain was frantically trying to figure out if I had done something by mistake!
and then I figured someone must have done this to me!
At first I thought it was my BFF... but then I figured she new better than to do something like this... and so my next thought went to my [insert adjective to describe a noun that represents the person with whom you share your life, so is therefore more than a "boyfriend" but you are not married, so is therefore not a husband].
He was in Afghanistan at the time, and since the timezones were still in my favor, I forwarded the email and asked "Was this you?!".
Yip - he had registered me for the M%^&$# F@$&*!& Big Sur Marathon.
So, here we are in February, and I am trying to get ready.
Everything I have ever run is 90% flat.
My coach suggested I run hill repeats... there is a hill in front of my house.
On Wednesday's I'm going to run repeats of this hill.
I'm so excited... can you tell!?
On the Plus side... I'm thinking I may only run a marathon once, so it may as well be:
"Best Marathon in North America" - The Ultimate Guide to Marathons
Check It Out! this is actually the quote on the website:
"If we were told that we could run only one marathon in our lifetime, Big Sur would have to be it."
Bart Yasso, Runner's World
Report out of hill repeat week 1:
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(the joke is that I got retribution for the marathon registration by signing up [adjective noun] for Ironman Wisconsin. I did sign him up, but it was at his request as he was stuck in a meeting that day with no access to the internet.)
Team Z focuses winter training on running, and people elect to do a Half or Full spring marathon as the culmination of their winter training. Obviously, I chose the Half last year - Shamrock. I figured I'd eventually run a full marathon as a part of all this, but didn't want to commit until I really thought I'd be ready. I'd assumed that I'd do something flat, and fairly "easy" in marathon terms... like Shamrock.
In July last year, as I was driving with friends to my first open-water, non-local triathlon, Musselman, I got an email from Active.com. I skimmed it as I was on my iPhone and chatting.
It said "Congratulations! You are now registered for the Big Sur Marathon."
This did not register in the form of comprehension.
My thought was - Why is Active sending me emails promoting California events? Did I ever use Active to register for an event in CA? no... hmmm...
why. stop.
Wait.
That email said that I was REGISTERED!
what?!
OMG! now my brain was frantically trying to figure out if I had done something by mistake!
and then I figured someone must have done this to me!
At first I thought it was my BFF... but then I figured she new better than to do something like this... and so my next thought went to my [insert adjective to describe a noun that represents the person with whom you share your life, so is therefore more than a "boyfriend" but you are not married, so is therefore not a husband].
He was in Afghanistan at the time, and since the timezones were still in my favor, I forwarded the email and asked "Was this you?!".
Yip - he had registered me for the M%^&$# F@$&*!& Big Sur Marathon.
So, here we are in February, and I am trying to get ready.
Everything I have ever run is 90% flat.
My coach suggested I run hill repeats... there is a hill in front of my house.
On Wednesday's I'm going to run repeats of this hill.
I'm so excited... can you tell!?
On the Plus side... I'm thinking I may only run a marathon once, so it may as well be:
"Best Marathon in North America" - The Ultimate Guide to Marathons
Check It Out! this is actually the quote on the website:
"If we were told that we could run only one marathon in our lifetime, Big Sur would have to be it."
Bart Yasso, Runner's World
Report out of hill repeat week 1:
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(the joke is that I got retribution for the marathon registration by signing up [adjective noun] for Ironman Wisconsin. I did sign him up, but it was at his request as he was stuck in a meeting that day with no access to the internet.)
Sunday, February 05, 2012
Hello... I'm here:
So, I'm thinking maybe a more efficient means of posting will mean I will post.
I'm going to do this Photo a Day thing for February via Instagram.
I can't figure out how to get the Instagram to show up as a post on my Blog, I don't think Blogger has a widget for that yet.
I have linked Instagram to my Tumblr account, and I've put in a sidebar thingy that shows the photos.
Neither or these things are going to show you in my feed that I've updated my blog... so if you use a ready, you won't know that there is a new photo.
If you want, you can follow me on Tumblr, Instagram, or Flickr. Let me know if you need my usernames.
I'm going to do this Photo a Day thing for February via Instagram.
I can't figure out how to get the Instagram to show up as a post on my Blog, I don't think Blogger has a widget for that yet.
I have linked Instagram to my Tumblr account, and I've put in a sidebar thingy that shows the photos.
Neither or these things are going to show you in my feed that I've updated my blog... so if you use a ready, you won't know that there is a new photo.
If you want, you can follow me on Tumblr, Instagram, or Flickr. Let me know if you need my usernames.
Monday, January 02, 2012
2011 Remembered
2011 is always going to be noteworthy as the year I got up off the proverbial couch, and became athletic. It's a different story about how I got to be on Team Z, but once I'd drunk the kool-aid, it didn't take much for my coach and a friend to talk me into doing a half ironman-distance (Rev3 in Anderson, SC) by the end of the year. The experience of taking on the challenge, training for it, and then actually doing it was the most crazy thing I have ever done in my life. Here's part of the race report I sent to friends and the team:
I don't think I have ever been as nervous for anything in my life, and I don't think I could have gotten here, or gotten through without the support of Eric, my friends, and Team Z.
We drove the bike course the Fri before, and I was so overwhelmed by the end that my brain shut down.... The hills don't stop. There was, like, one flat area.
The night before, and then standing at the lake, I kept thinking... One event at a time, and no matter how tough the bike is, you will get it done! And then you KNOW you can do the run.
The swim was great. The water was the perfect temperature, and tasted great! :-)
My sighting was mostly right on, and I didn't get tired or sore at all. I spent a lot of it thinking about an email Fredrik sent me once where he was exclaiming and put this "!!!!!1111eleven11!!!!!!" I thought that was so funny, the most intense expression of exclamation! and kept thinking that's how I felt about the bike course. It made me laugh right there in the lake.
As I got close to the last turn, I started feeling anxious and didn't want the swim to end... I thought... One event at a time, keep moving forward.
Seeing Eric at the exit, and then Coach Ryan made me smile, I stopped thinking about my anxiety, and started thinking about getting through T1 (and Ryan can keep his opinions about my portypotty stop to himself! I have no shame for my 9 min T1 time).
The bike... From our driving, I knew the major challenges at the front end of the course. The turn out of T1 - up a hill and a sharp right: done, easier than expected; the steady climb right after that: focused on keeping HR down, and changing gears; then got to the turn close to the Bad Hill, and there's Eric! Totally made me laugh, and I got a good speed going down and up the other side with gears to spare. I made it to mile 23, 10 mins ahead of my goal time. I was still feeling good, and beating that Bad Hill gave me the confidence to keep going.
The hills sucked, some roads were almost gravel, and we had horrific winds that seemed to keep shifting direction.
Somewhere after mile 30 one of the cops asked me if there was anyone behind me. I thought this was weird, because my goal time was well within the cutoff, I was ahead of my goal, and there were a lot of people who came out of the water after me... But it got in my head. Now I started noticing that the cops were all distracted at the interchanges, some not even getting out of their cars when I came along, and at some intersections, the was no presence.
I rationalized all these things, and kept going on. At around 42 we went through the cute town of Pendleton, I could think of one more challenging hill, and there was Eric again with cheers... Yay! Empowered to continue on.
Right out of Pendleton we had a right turn... No cops. Past the last aid station, and then down the hill to a sharp left we were warned about in the athlete's guide. It was a 4-way stop, there were no cops. I went through cautiously. This one I could not rationalize. The cops had left the course. Given that cars and traffic on the road with me on my bike is my biggest fear, this was very hard. At this time I caught Misha on this long 3mile climb and I was riding about a bike length behind him. I was so mad at the wind, the never ending hills and the lack of support. I was having a really hard time. I felt abandoned by the race, like they cared only for the pros, and that those of us at the back didn't matter. I wondered how they had handled the traffic while the field had gone by, because for us, it was like a regular training day. The last 6 miles were all in town, and there was only one light with a cop. Misha caught up to me because I stopped at the lights. He ran them. I just couldn't do it... Being tired, generally anxious with traffic, I just couldn't run these red lights on these two-lane divided highways.
I wondered if the course had been closed, if I'd miscalculated and missed the cutoff... I wondered if we'd be allowed to run, and if we did, if there would be cops controlling traffic (the run was setup in the center lane through town). We got to the race venue and had to slow down as all the finishers and spectators were walking to their cars and breaking down their transitions.
I saw Eric, and told him what was going on... I was so upset I couldn't breathe. I told him I was afraid to go on the run and he said he'd talk to the race director. He said "you made it, let it go, focus on your run."
The first couple miles were hard. My thoughts kept going to "they don't care about us", how hard I'd worked, and that if the race didn't think I'd make it maybe I couldn't. I'm a loser, I am embarrassed, And then I would start hyperventilating.... So I focused on deep breathes, not thinking, and moving forward.
There were a LOT of aid stations, and the volunteers were energetic, supportive, and giving. It made me realize it wasn't the race that was unsupportive, it was the cops only. After a spaghetti confusing run through the parks, we got out on the road... I started seeing Team Z green. What a sight!
Seeing Team Z's was so uplifting that the emotional crap subsided, and I started worrying that I'd screwed around walking up hills and feeling sorry for myself so long I'd miss the cutoff. My watch was telling me numbers I couldn't figure out! And I knew Eric would be at the Anderson turn around so I'd ask him then. The aid stations were great! The people had as much energy as if I was the first person running by! I saw Bob Young, Sarah, Holly, Melissa... So great!
I decided to think of the run as 3 5-mile runs, and I was at 2 of the second one. I was so focused on my 5 miler, that when I passed the 8, it occurred to me I only had 5 to go!
Then I saw Eric, he told me I had 1.5 before the cutoff. Piece of cake! He drove ahead and waited and encouraged me along all the way until I had 1.5mi to go. This had so totally picked up my spirit, that I had pretty much stopped walking.
At mi 12 I heard the call of the vuvuzela! I figured it was someone on the team at the tents. Next thing I see is Coach Ryan with a red wig coming my way. "stop walking! Do not walk up the hill! You have 1 mile, do not walk!"
Coming to the last hill, seeing Eric again, around the corner and I could see all the finished Z's cheering me on. I could feel the emotion building again and had to focus on making it stop. Jeff came and told me he was going to run the rest with me, and I told him I couldn't get emotional because then I couldn't breathe. He asked me how I could run at this pace the whole way, I looked at my watch 8:35. Geez... I couldn't believe how fast I was running and realized how much support does for you!
I ran up the chute and could feel the emotion building again! I gave Eric a big hug, and I couldn't believe I'd done it.
The clock time said 8:48, my goal was 8:00. I was consoling the disappointment with the fact that it was a hard challenging course, and I had done it!
When we got back to the hotel, Eric looked up my time 8:04... The clock was from the Pro start!! OMG, I was so happy!!!
I would have beat my 8:00 goal if there was traffic control! How cool is that?!
Overall it was a hard, lonely race. There were only 3 people cheering, and one was Eric.
Thank God for Eric! Seeing him all over was amazing! And having Ryan yell at me at the end was another big vote of confidence!
Finishing that race has given me a new perspective on myself. I have learned so much about my limits, how I deal with them, how I deal with adversity, and respect for my body when I give it the opportunity to do what it's designed to do.
I can't wait to give the next one a try... to take the lessons I learned from this one, and see what happens next!
July 2012 will be Musselman Half in Geneva, NY. Can't wait.
I don't think I have ever been as nervous for anything in my life, and I don't think I could have gotten here, or gotten through without the support of Eric, my friends, and Team Z.
We drove the bike course the Fri before, and I was so overwhelmed by the end that my brain shut down.... The hills don't stop. There was, like, one flat area.
The night before, and then standing at the lake, I kept thinking... One event at a time, and no matter how tough the bike is, you will get it done! And then you KNOW you can do the run.
The swim was great. The water was the perfect temperature, and tasted great! :-)
My sighting was mostly right on, and I didn't get tired or sore at all. I spent a lot of it thinking about an email Fredrik sent me once where he was exclaiming and put this "!!!!!1111eleven11!!!!!!" I thought that was so funny, the most intense expression of exclamation! and kept thinking that's how I felt about the bike course. It made me laugh right there in the lake.
As I got close to the last turn, I started feeling anxious and didn't want the swim to end... I thought... One event at a time, keep moving forward.
Seeing Eric at the exit, and then Coach Ryan made me smile, I stopped thinking about my anxiety, and started thinking about getting through T1 (and Ryan can keep his opinions about my portypotty stop to himself! I have no shame for my 9 min T1 time).
The bike... From our driving, I knew the major challenges at the front end of the course. The turn out of T1 - up a hill and a sharp right: done, easier than expected; the steady climb right after that: focused on keeping HR down, and changing gears; then got to the turn close to the Bad Hill, and there's Eric! Totally made me laugh, and I got a good speed going down and up the other side with gears to spare. I made it to mile 23, 10 mins ahead of my goal time. I was still feeling good, and beating that Bad Hill gave me the confidence to keep going.
The hills sucked, some roads were almost gravel, and we had horrific winds that seemed to keep shifting direction.
Somewhere after mile 30 one of the cops asked me if there was anyone behind me. I thought this was weird, because my goal time was well within the cutoff, I was ahead of my goal, and there were a lot of people who came out of the water after me... But it got in my head. Now I started noticing that the cops were all distracted at the interchanges, some not even getting out of their cars when I came along, and at some intersections, the was no presence.
I rationalized all these things, and kept going on. At around 42 we went through the cute town of Pendleton, I could think of one more challenging hill, and there was Eric again with cheers... Yay! Empowered to continue on.
Right out of Pendleton we had a right turn... No cops. Past the last aid station, and then down the hill to a sharp left we were warned about in the athlete's guide. It was a 4-way stop, there were no cops. I went through cautiously. This one I could not rationalize. The cops had left the course. Given that cars and traffic on the road with me on my bike is my biggest fear, this was very hard. At this time I caught Misha on this long 3mile climb and I was riding about a bike length behind him. I was so mad at the wind, the never ending hills and the lack of support. I was having a really hard time. I felt abandoned by the race, like they cared only for the pros, and that those of us at the back didn't matter. I wondered how they had handled the traffic while the field had gone by, because for us, it was like a regular training day. The last 6 miles were all in town, and there was only one light with a cop. Misha caught up to me because I stopped at the lights. He ran them. I just couldn't do it... Being tired, generally anxious with traffic, I just couldn't run these red lights on these two-lane divided highways.
I wondered if the course had been closed, if I'd miscalculated and missed the cutoff... I wondered if we'd be allowed to run, and if we did, if there would be cops controlling traffic (the run was setup in the center lane through town). We got to the race venue and had to slow down as all the finishers and spectators were walking to their cars and breaking down their transitions.
I saw Eric, and told him what was going on... I was so upset I couldn't breathe. I told him I was afraid to go on the run and he said he'd talk to the race director. He said "you made it, let it go, focus on your run."
The first couple miles were hard. My thoughts kept going to "they don't care about us", how hard I'd worked, and that if the race didn't think I'd make it maybe I couldn't. I'm a loser, I am embarrassed, And then I would start hyperventilating.... So I focused on deep breathes, not thinking, and moving forward.
There were a LOT of aid stations, and the volunteers were energetic, supportive, and giving. It made me realize it wasn't the race that was unsupportive, it was the cops only. After a spaghetti confusing run through the parks, we got out on the road... I started seeing Team Z green. What a sight!
Seeing Team Z's was so uplifting that the emotional crap subsided, and I started worrying that I'd screwed around walking up hills and feeling sorry for myself so long I'd miss the cutoff. My watch was telling me numbers I couldn't figure out! And I knew Eric would be at the Anderson turn around so I'd ask him then. The aid stations were great! The people had as much energy as if I was the first person running by! I saw Bob Young, Sarah, Holly, Melissa... So great!
I decided to think of the run as 3 5-mile runs, and I was at 2 of the second one. I was so focused on my 5 miler, that when I passed the 8, it occurred to me I only had 5 to go!
Then I saw Eric, he told me I had 1.5 before the cutoff. Piece of cake! He drove ahead and waited and encouraged me along all the way until I had 1.5mi to go. This had so totally picked up my spirit, that I had pretty much stopped walking.
At mi 12 I heard the call of the vuvuzela! I figured it was someone on the team at the tents. Next thing I see is Coach Ryan with a red wig coming my way. "stop walking! Do not walk up the hill! You have 1 mile, do not walk!"
Coming to the last hill, seeing Eric again, around the corner and I could see all the finished Z's cheering me on. I could feel the emotion building again and had to focus on making it stop. Jeff came and told me he was going to run the rest with me, and I told him I couldn't get emotional because then I couldn't breathe. He asked me how I could run at this pace the whole way, I looked at my watch 8:35. Geez... I couldn't believe how fast I was running and realized how much support does for you!
I ran up the chute and could feel the emotion building again! I gave Eric a big hug, and I couldn't believe I'd done it.
The clock time said 8:48, my goal was 8:00. I was consoling the disappointment with the fact that it was a hard challenging course, and I had done it!
When we got back to the hotel, Eric looked up my time 8:04... The clock was from the Pro start!! OMG, I was so happy!!!
I would have beat my 8:00 goal if there was traffic control! How cool is that?!
Overall it was a hard, lonely race. There were only 3 people cheering, and one was Eric.
Thank God for Eric! Seeing him all over was amazing! And having Ryan yell at me at the end was another big vote of confidence!
Finishing that race has given me a new perspective on myself. I have learned so much about my limits, how I deal with them, how I deal with adversity, and respect for my body when I give it the opportunity to do what it's designed to do.
I can't wait to give the next one a try... to take the lessons I learned from this one, and see what happens next!
July 2012 will be Musselman Half in Geneva, NY. Can't wait.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Monday, August 01, 2011
Impressed
I have been reading this blog for a long time. A man who consciously decided to give up his career in corporate law to become the homemaker so that his wife could pursue her dream job.
What amazes me every time I read a post is how he has chosen to actively engage in living and experiencing with his children.
He does not have a stroller, preferring to carry the kids or have them walk. He builds things to make their play come to life, he looks for activities that allow them all to learn about the city they live in and experience all that it has to offer. He teaches them the value of community by building relationships with their local retailers, beautifying their surrounding with flower bombs, and finding things to do where they live rather than in the town one over. They pick their own, buy from the farmer's market, or grow their food... and then make jam and preserves to last through the winter.
There is nothing unusual, special, or difficult about what he does. What is unusual is that he does it. Is this how men view the activity of stay-at-home-parent? Is this unique to this creative man?
What an amazing experience these children have in constantly exploring, learning, and taking on life as a family.
Case in point - asking a simple question about an empty lot, and suddenly there is a garden:
Sweet Juniper
What amazes me every time I read a post is how he has chosen to actively engage in living and experiencing with his children.
He does not have a stroller, preferring to carry the kids or have them walk. He builds things to make their play come to life, he looks for activities that allow them all to learn about the city they live in and experience all that it has to offer. He teaches them the value of community by building relationships with their local retailers, beautifying their surrounding with flower bombs, and finding things to do where they live rather than in the town one over. They pick their own, buy from the farmer's market, or grow their food... and then make jam and preserves to last through the winter.
There is nothing unusual, special, or difficult about what he does. What is unusual is that he does it. Is this how men view the activity of stay-at-home-parent? Is this unique to this creative man?
What an amazing experience these children have in constantly exploring, learning, and taking on life as a family.
Case in point - asking a simple question about an empty lot, and suddenly there is a garden:
Sweet Juniper
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Maybe its time to redefine "privacy"
Unlike my dad, who yells at the TV, I have a public forum to vent about my frustrations at news reporters.
I heard a story on NPR about the new Facebook facial recognition software implementation. The reporters were talking about the infringement on privacy.
From what I can gather, those with privacy concerns are worried about Facebook having a database that associates names with faces.
And of course, whenever people get all up-in-arms about Facebook releasing new features, they lump in "and its opt-out too!!!"
This whole thing really confuses me.
Doesn't Google/Yahoo/Altavista already have access to your photo associated with your name via an algorithm that finds every photo you posted?
Isn't it more of a privacy issue that people are posting pictures of you, typing your name at the bottom, and you don't now about it?
At least if Facebook is automatically "tagging" you, you will get an email (if you elect to get emails for tagging - which I do) letting you know that your picture is out there.
This scenario was brought home to me this past week when an anti-Facebook friend of mine finally joined. I realized that his privacy had always been violated because I had photos of him on my page, with his name under them. By joining Facebook, I was able to "tag" him, and now he knows that there are photos of him.
Doesn't that mean that his privacy is secure?
Now he can ask me NOT to post or tag the picture... because he knows about it!
Opt-out... Facebook has a great "opt-out" feature whereby you can just delete your account!
Why do people believe that because something is popular, it needs to be controlled by mass opinion? Facebook is not a politician! its a business. If you don't like what they stand for, don't play!
If you want to be a part of your social network, then there are things you have to live with.
You have to accept that people are going to gossip about you behind your back, that people are going to introduce you to their friends, show other people their vacation photos and let them know that "see that woman there? that's my friend so-and-so".
Facebook gives you the same controls, restrictions, and lack of privacy that exist in society.
If you want to be a part of society, then you accept both the technological and non-technological constraints of membership.
Perhaps I am numb to the whole privacy thing because I don't live behind a veil where you don't know who I am.
I have an obvious car... if you know me, you know my car. You know where I am when you see it, if I cut you off, you will remember and notice me the next week I do it again.
I have a unique name.
I believe I am the only person in the world with this name.
If you Google me, you will know where I went to high school, college, work, the names of my publications, where I have presented papers, you probably can find where I live.
Because every hit you get on my name in any context is always going to be me.
Anything that I do that goes public in this world, you will know because there is only one person with my name.
So I wonder what it is about privacy that people are so adamant about trying to protect.
I heard a story on NPR about the new Facebook facial recognition software implementation. The reporters were talking about the infringement on privacy.
From what I can gather, those with privacy concerns are worried about Facebook having a database that associates names with faces.
And of course, whenever people get all up-in-arms about Facebook releasing new features, they lump in "and its opt-out too!!!"
This whole thing really confuses me.
Doesn't Google/Yahoo/Altavista already have access to your photo associated with your name via an algorithm that finds every photo you posted?
Isn't it more of a privacy issue that people are posting pictures of you, typing your name at the bottom, and you don't now about it?
At least if Facebook is automatically "tagging" you, you will get an email (if you elect to get emails for tagging - which I do) letting you know that your picture is out there.
This scenario was brought home to me this past week when an anti-Facebook friend of mine finally joined. I realized that his privacy had always been violated because I had photos of him on my page, with his name under them. By joining Facebook, I was able to "tag" him, and now he knows that there are photos of him.
Doesn't that mean that his privacy is secure?
Now he can ask me NOT to post or tag the picture... because he knows about it!
Opt-out... Facebook has a great "opt-out" feature whereby you can just delete your account!
Why do people believe that because something is popular, it needs to be controlled by mass opinion? Facebook is not a politician! its a business. If you don't like what they stand for, don't play!
If you want to be a part of your social network, then there are things you have to live with.
You have to accept that people are going to gossip about you behind your back, that people are going to introduce you to their friends, show other people their vacation photos and let them know that "see that woman there? that's my friend so-and-so".
Facebook gives you the same controls, restrictions, and lack of privacy that exist in society.
If you want to be a part of society, then you accept both the technological and non-technological constraints of membership.
Perhaps I am numb to the whole privacy thing because I don't live behind a veil where you don't know who I am.
I have an obvious car... if you know me, you know my car. You know where I am when you see it, if I cut you off, you will remember and notice me the next week I do it again.
I have a unique name.
I believe I am the only person in the world with this name.
If you Google me, you will know where I went to high school, college, work, the names of my publications, where I have presented papers, you probably can find where I live.
Because every hit you get on my name in any context is always going to be me.
Anything that I do that goes public in this world, you will know because there is only one person with my name.
So I wonder what it is about privacy that people are so adamant about trying to protect.
Friday, May 27, 2011
"I do wish you'd go away!" (my brother, aged 10)
"I do wish you'd go away" Robin shouted at Elizabeth. The was a sudden flash of rainbow coloured light. Robin stared in amazement. Elizabeth had disappeared. Robin ran to her mother, "Mother! she exclaimed. It's Elizabeth, she disappeared!" Mother began to laugh, "She's probably hidden under the bed". "No mother, I saw it with my own two eyes" said Robin. Robin's mother ran from the room. But after searching for an hour, she sigherd, "Ahhh, no sign of Elizabeth.
She phoned for help but the telephone was out. "The lines must be down from the rain. I think you will have to go to town with your Wellington boots and your raincoat." said mother. "Okay" said Robin. So she popped on her boots and coat and ran outside. She walked two miles and had one left. "What's that!" she pronounced. A whizzing noise came past and a UFO came flying past. It was shooting at a old shack. Then it, it landed about 2 feet away from Robin.
Robin jumped into some old wire. A ray came out the bottom and two thin, tall, shaggy haired hippies came out.
They collected their supper and sat down by a fire. Robin crept up to the U.F.O. jet and sneecked up the steps. In side she touched two electric coils. She was heard and the 2 men came in. She out her hand and said "zap". The electricity from the coils had gine inro her hand and into her mouth. The electricity shot from her hand and hit the spacemen. She ran She ran inside and saw Elizabeth. "Elizabeth" said Robin. Elizabeth was in a glass cage in the centre of the ship. "Help me" said Elizabeth. "I'm trying" said Robin". They are spies from planet Hepo. It is in the center of a galaxy 2000,000 miles away. I am their prisoner." said Elizabeth. "Gee," "I walked 2 miles and was pooped.”
Robin unstrapped the door of the glass cage and jumped out. They ran outside and Elizabeth tripped. "I've badly bruised my chin" she said. "I want to be home." They had ran a mile when Robin said, "Look there is a plane." The plane was landing and the two children aged 7 and 10 ran to what they thought was their rescue. The little earplane landed and the children jumped on. "To the little house on the hill," said Robin. And the plane ran up the hill to take off. The little plane landed and the children saw a town. "Where are we, we asked to go to the little house on the hill." "Is this Bornville"? said Robin the eldest. "Yes, it is said the man" and put gags on the children. "A kidnapper!" said Robin mumberling. The man had axiderdenterly left a gun in his jacket pocket and Robin pulled it out. "Hands up"! she said. The man put up his hands and left the controls. The plane went down to a crash. "Shoom"! it bloo up. The next day Robin, Elizabeth and the kidnapper were in hospital. The man was in a koma but the two girls were okay. "He was such a nice man", said Elizabeth who had failed Grade Two the year before. "Don't be dum", said Robin now in standerd 3. Their mother came and took them home. Nobody knows what happened.
She phoned for help but the telephone was out. "The lines must be down from the rain. I think you will have to go to town with your Wellington boots and your raincoat." said mother. "Okay" said Robin. So she popped on her boots and coat and ran outside. She walked two miles and had one left. "What's that!" she pronounced. A whizzing noise came past and a UFO came flying past. It was shooting at a old shack. Then it, it landed about 2 feet away from Robin.
Robin jumped into some old wire. A ray came out the bottom and two thin, tall, shaggy haired hippies came out.
They collected their supper and sat down by a fire. Robin crept up to the U.F.O. jet and sneecked up the steps. In side she touched two electric coils. She was heard and the 2 men came in. She out her hand and said "zap". The electricity from the coils had gine inro her hand and into her mouth. The electricity shot from her hand and hit the spacemen. She ran She ran inside and saw Elizabeth. "Elizabeth" said Robin. Elizabeth was in a glass cage in the centre of the ship. "Help me" said Elizabeth. "I'm trying" said Robin". They are spies from planet Hepo. It is in the center of a galaxy 2000,000 miles away. I am their prisoner." said Elizabeth. "Gee," "I walked 2 miles and was pooped.”
Robin unstrapped the door of the glass cage and jumped out. They ran outside and Elizabeth tripped. "I've badly bruised my chin" she said. "I want to be home." They had ran a mile when Robin said, "Look there is a plane." The plane was landing and the two children aged 7 and 10 ran to what they thought was their rescue. The little earplane landed and the children jumped on. "To the little house on the hill," said Robin. And the plane ran up the hill to take off. The little plane landed and the children saw a town. "Where are we, we asked to go to the little house on the hill." "Is this Bornville"? said Robin the eldest. "Yes, it is said the man" and put gags on the children. "A kidnapper!" said Robin mumberling. The man had axiderdenterly left a gun in his jacket pocket and Robin pulled it out. "Hands up"! she said. The man put up his hands and left the controls. The plane went down to a crash. "Shoom"! it bloo up. The next day Robin, Elizabeth and the kidnapper were in hospital. The man was in a koma but the two girls were okay. "He was such a nice man", said Elizabeth who had failed Grade Two the year before. "Don't be dum", said Robin now in standerd 3. Their mother came and took them home. Nobody knows what happened.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Kinetic Sprint Relay
Pretty proud of myself, so figure I'll put a post up.
Did the bike leg of the sprint relay at Kinetic today - 18 miles.
Austin did the swim, and Jordan the run.
I was expecting to take 1:30mins, did it in 1:05. The official results may have me longer as the mat was a bit away from the mount/dismount.
The day before, I drove the course with my friend Patty to see where the downhills were, and if there were any really tough uphills. It all looked pretty do'able given what I have ridden so far (since Aug last year).
This is my first race on a bike, so I had no idea what to expect about how my adrenaline would affect my actions. Since the start was on an uphill, I asked Patty if she'd help me practice that too. We did a couple starts, so I knew my bike was in the right gear starting, and I knew I could do it.
Race day - I got a little sidetracked by my watch, but once that was sorted out, I mounted and took off with no hesitation. On the course, I was empowered by my knowledge of the ups, downs, and turns. I started to have fun after the first couple miles (usually it takes about 10!), and was making comments and chatting with the people I was leapfrogging.
I am very grateful to all the people who have helped me get over fears, passed on tricks, and supported me in doing something I've never done before!
I have also been thinking that I am supported by a higher power! Sat was drizzly and foggy with wet roads, Sat night had POURING rain! Sunday was a misty morning, but by race start - sun. Roads were dry, afternoon was warm (I think I have my number sunburned on my arm), and as soon as I was done unpacking the car after I got home - POURING rain.
I am so thankful that the day was so perfect for my first race.
Those are my first thoughts unshowered (lightening), sunburned, dehydrated, and tired!
Did the bike leg of the sprint relay at Kinetic today - 18 miles.
Austin did the swim, and Jordan the run.
I was expecting to take 1:30mins, did it in 1:05. The official results may have me longer as the mat was a bit away from the mount/dismount.
The day before, I drove the course with my friend Patty to see where the downhills were, and if there were any really tough uphills. It all looked pretty do'able given what I have ridden so far (since Aug last year).
This is my first race on a bike, so I had no idea what to expect about how my adrenaline would affect my actions. Since the start was on an uphill, I asked Patty if she'd help me practice that too. We did a couple starts, so I knew my bike was in the right gear starting, and I knew I could do it.
Race day - I got a little sidetracked by my watch, but once that was sorted out, I mounted and took off with no hesitation. On the course, I was empowered by my knowledge of the ups, downs, and turns. I started to have fun after the first couple miles (usually it takes about 10!), and was making comments and chatting with the people I was leapfrogging.
I am very grateful to all the people who have helped me get over fears, passed on tricks, and supported me in doing something I've never done before!
I have also been thinking that I am supported by a higher power! Sat was drizzly and foggy with wet roads, Sat night had POURING rain! Sunday was a misty morning, but by race start - sun. Roads were dry, afternoon was warm (I think I have my number sunburned on my arm), and as soon as I was done unpacking the car after I got home - POURING rain.
I am so thankful that the day was so perfect for my first race.
Those are my first thoughts unshowered (lightening), sunburned, dehydrated, and tired!
Monday, March 07, 2011
Max's Appetite
My cat was diagnosed with lymphoma last year, and since I had just received a bonus, decided that his life was worth the money. He went through chemo, and is officially in remission. I only tell that heavy part of the story to describe the cause of his strange eating habits.
He lost a lot of weight, because he became a fussy eater, and no longer wanted to eat cat food. I tried different dry foods, different wet foods, nothing would tempt him.
But he was hungry.
I know, because all he wanted to eat was food off of my plate. While I was eating it.
If I put some of my food on a plate for him, suddenly, it had no flavor... but the other piece on my plate? that was tempting!
Max has eaten crackers, cookies, cream cheese, Indian food, Mexican food - taco soup off the spoon as it made its way to my mouth, pizza crust, he ran off with a bone from a chop, and he has run off with a bread roll.
The other day, I did an experiment. I put his dry cat food on my plate, and took piece by piece and put it on the table for him. He JUMPED on every single piece and ate it as if he'd never seen food before.
He has a bowl of the same stuff full for him at all times.
Strange cat!
He lost a lot of weight, because he became a fussy eater, and no longer wanted to eat cat food. I tried different dry foods, different wet foods, nothing would tempt him.
But he was hungry.
I know, because all he wanted to eat was food off of my plate. While I was eating it.
If I put some of my food on a plate for him, suddenly, it had no flavor... but the other piece on my plate? that was tempting!
Max has eaten crackers, cookies, cream cheese, Indian food, Mexican food - taco soup off the spoon as it made its way to my mouth, pizza crust, he ran off with a bone from a chop, and he has run off with a bread roll.
The other day, I did an experiment. I put his dry cat food on my plate, and took piece by piece and put it on the table for him. He JUMPED on every single piece and ate it as if he'd never seen food before.
He has a bowl of the same stuff full for him at all times.
Strange cat!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Cookies 2010
It seems I have been negligent posting about my end of year cookie baking, so I'm going to catch up.
In 2010, I baked cookies with my neighbor and her youngest daughter.
"cooking" by cooling in the fridge:
The results!
The taster...
"Good!"
****************************
Cookies of the Past
2005
2007, a catch-up retrospective
2008
2009
In 2010, I baked cookies with my neighbor and her youngest daughter.
"cooking" by cooling in the fridge:
The results!
The taster...
"Good!"
****************************
Cookies of the Past
2005
2007, a catch-up retrospective
2008
2009
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Social Experience
I got sick of making banal status updates on Facebook over the summer.
At the same time, I received a gift in the mail of the book "This is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life." This is a transcript of the commencement speech given to the 2005 graduating class of Kenyon College by David Foster Wallace.
I thought it was entertaining, it made me laugh, and it was printed as single-page quotes.
I also like the message.
To sum it up... you have the control to chose how you think, and thereby react, to the situations of your life.
So I entered the speech on my status one day at a time.
I was surprised by who commented on the words, and what they said. I really enjoyed seeing those responses and engaging with people in a way that was more considerate than like, "LOL", and "cute dress".
A couple weeks ago, I was talking to a friend of mine about the experience, and she told me that she figured out that the words weren't mine, so looked up one phrase to find the author. She told me that he suffered his whole life from severe depression, and after weaning himself off of his medication, hit a low that led to him to commit suicide.
When I think about how thoughtful his words are in the book, and how focused they are on the individual taking charge of the thought process, I realize that only someone very concerned with the condition of allowing your "default" consciousness to control you would have composed a speech like that.
Anyway, this was an interesting exercise to use the Facebook forum in a different way, that paid off FOR ME!
and since its MY Facebook page, y'all gonna live in my world if you come over!
:-)
At the same time, I received a gift in the mail of the book "This is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life." This is a transcript of the commencement speech given to the 2005 graduating class of Kenyon College by David Foster Wallace.
I thought it was entertaining, it made me laugh, and it was printed as single-page quotes.
I also like the message.
To sum it up... you have the control to chose how you think, and thereby react, to the situations of your life.
So I entered the speech on my status one day at a time.
I was surprised by who commented on the words, and what they said. I really enjoyed seeing those responses and engaging with people in a way that was more considerate than like, "LOL", and "cute dress".
A couple weeks ago, I was talking to a friend of mine about the experience, and she told me that she figured out that the words weren't mine, so looked up one phrase to find the author. She told me that he suffered his whole life from severe depression, and after weaning himself off of his medication, hit a low that led to him to commit suicide.
When I think about how thoughtful his words are in the book, and how focused they are on the individual taking charge of the thought process, I realize that only someone very concerned with the condition of allowing your "default" consciousness to control you would have composed a speech like that.
Anyway, this was an interesting exercise to use the Facebook forum in a different way, that paid off FOR ME!
and since its MY Facebook page, y'all gonna live in my world if you come over!
:-)
Monday, October 04, 2010
for the record
I am not who you say I am, nor am I who you think I am.
I am who I want to be, in this moment only.
I am who I want to be, in this moment only.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
And the reverse
Drive
Walk
Up
Up
Walk
Train
Up
Up
Walk
Walk
Fly
Up
Walk
Walk
Down
Walk
Up
Down
Train
Walk
Down
Walk
Bus
Walk
Drive
Walk
Up
Up
Walk
Train
Up
Up
Walk
Walk
Fly
Up
Walk
Walk
Down
Walk
Up
Down
Train
Walk
Down
Walk
Bus
Walk
Drive
Monday, August 16, 2010
First 3 hours of Monday
Drive
Park
Walk
Bus
Walk
Up
Up
Walk
Down
Down
Train
Up
Walk
Up
Walk
Fly
Walk
Down
Train
Down
Walk
Bus
Walk
Drive
Park
Walk
Bus
Walk
Up
Up
Walk
Down
Down
Train
Up
Walk
Up
Walk
Fly
Walk
Down
Train
Down
Walk
Bus
Walk
Drive
Three days later, reverse.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Another World
Today we went for a bike ride on the W&OD Trail. This is one of those rails-to-trails routes and goes across Fairfax county.
We went with friends who have a young son and another on the way. The little man sat inside one of those bike trailers and was zoned out most of the time - man, we all wished we could go in there.
We started in Vienna. Such a cute town! There was a farmer's market going on, and the little downtown was all done-up with flowers.
The trail is just GREEN. Mostly flat, with some nice hills to get you going and give you momentum. We stopped on in the middle for a break at a huge pond/lake that was fully of amazing big white and pink water lilies. It was so peaceful and magnificent.
There were probably a hundred other people out there, walking, running, riding. There is a whole etiquette and you catch on pretty quickly.
A very fun day, and so glad I have a bike!
We went with friends who have a young son and another on the way. The little man sat inside one of those bike trailers and was zoned out most of the time - man, we all wished we could go in there.
We started in Vienna. Such a cute town! There was a farmer's market going on, and the little downtown was all done-up with flowers.
The trail is just GREEN. Mostly flat, with some nice hills to get you going and give you momentum. We stopped on in the middle for a break at a huge pond/lake that was fully of amazing big white and pink water lilies. It was so peaceful and magnificent.
There were probably a hundred other people out there, walking, running, riding. There is a whole etiquette and you catch on pretty quickly.
A very fun day, and so glad I have a bike!
Friday, July 16, 2010
The Death of a Craft
It is a sad day for the crafter.
It is not possible to purchase supplies to create macrame.
It's based on demand, I'm told.
Evidence indicates that if you are not into scrapbooking, you may as well watch TV.
I will not be defeated! www.google.com, here I come! I know you will provide.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
The Realities of Technology
I just realized that there are six telephone numbers associated with me, but really you can only reach me of you call two of them; and then its on the same piece of equipment.
Here's what I have:
- cell phone
- work extension in Phoenix
- work extension in Alexandria
- work extension in DC
- blackberry
- aircard
My work extension in Phoenix is forwarded to my cell phone, so you call either number, you make the same phone ring.
I am only at the desks in Alexandria and DC one to two days a week each.
My Blackberry does not have a phone plan, so call that number all you want, nothing is gonna happen (actually, I have no idea what happens, I should call it and see).
Obviously, the aircard does not receive calls.
That is a LOT of numbers to keep track of! I only know the first two to give to you because in my mind, the other four are irrelevant!
This all sounds like good justification for why I don't have a house phone.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
I ran 10 miles
So, I did my first road race today (well, there was that 5k for big brothers/big sisters, but I just don't think that's the same kinda thing cause it wasn't a goal, I didn't train, and I sucked).
Anyway...
It was the Baltimore 10-mile run. Remember the challenge?
Some random thoughts about running a race:
- don't SMOKE next to a running route. Step back, away from the runners.
- My quads are not built for longer than 5 miles. If it comes up again that I will be running further than 5, I will need to engage the Tour de France training scheme.
- I don't do very well in the heat. Thank God I moved.
- The fire department had a hose going at about 7 miles. I ran right through it. THANK YOU FIRE FIGHTERS!
- At about mile 7.5 I passed a dead black cat... that was horrible.
- The finish line fell on my head. It was this big inflated plastic banner and as I was getting toward it, the side supports started deflating. Some cops pushed it up and motioned for me to run under. As I did, it fell on my head.
I haven't decided yet if I'll let any photos go public.
Anyway...
It was the Baltimore 10-mile run. Remember the challenge?
Some random thoughts about running a race:
- don't SMOKE next to a running route. Step back, away from the runners.
- My quads are not built for longer than 5 miles. If it comes up again that I will be running further than 5, I will need to engage the Tour de France training scheme.
- I don't do very well in the heat. Thank God I moved.
- The fire department had a hose going at about 7 miles. I ran right through it. THANK YOU FIRE FIGHTERS!
- At about mile 7.5 I passed a dead black cat... that was horrible.
- The finish line fell on my head. It was this big inflated plastic banner and as I was getting toward it, the side supports started deflating. Some cops pushed it up and motioned for me to run under. As I did, it fell on my head.
I haven't decided yet if I'll let any photos go public.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Fifa Feva
I had an interesting thought today, one of those that makes you go "huh".
I moved to the US in 1986 which was in the middle of the world awareness about apartheid. I had some experiences those early years, as a young adult, that made me just stop telling people where I was from. I would sometimes try to hide my accent on the phone, and (from some not so positive experiences) if I was with a group of African Americans, I would guide the conversation so that it never landed on "so where are you from?"
Well, it's FIFA and everything is South Africa.
People are wearing jerseys on the metro, the games are on EVERYWHERE. They are streaming them in the conference room at work. Every morning the IT guy sends out the schedule.
I went to get a new ID for the Federal building I work in today. Of course, they need my passport, and they look me up. There is a TV in the room... showing the afternoon match, and everyone is talking about South Africa. So when they see where I'm from, all of these African Americans got all excited when they found out that it was South Africa.
After our trip back in December, I realized that I should be proud to claim that I am from a country that had major political change without a civil war. But it didn't really sink in... today I realized, I don't need to have those conditioned responded of a cringe, but instead, should claim my country of origin with pride.
I am from South Africa.
I moved to the US in 1986 which was in the middle of the world awareness about apartheid. I had some experiences those early years, as a young adult, that made me just stop telling people where I was from. I would sometimes try to hide my accent on the phone, and (from some not so positive experiences) if I was with a group of African Americans, I would guide the conversation so that it never landed on "so where are you from?"
Well, it's FIFA and everything is South Africa.
People are wearing jerseys on the metro, the games are on EVERYWHERE. They are streaming them in the conference room at work. Every morning the IT guy sends out the schedule.
I went to get a new ID for the Federal building I work in today. Of course, they need my passport, and they look me up. There is a TV in the room... showing the afternoon match, and everyone is talking about South Africa. So when they see where I'm from, all of these African Americans got all excited when they found out that it was South Africa.
After our trip back in December, I realized that I should be proud to claim that I am from a country that had major political change without a civil war. But it didn't really sink in... today I realized, I don't need to have those conditioned responded of a cringe, but instead, should claim my country of origin with pride.
I am from South Africa.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Traffic Report for my commute today
Slow down on route caused by large fluffy obstacle. Patches of high temperatures caused by sun coming in the window. Avoid stepping on cat toys. Overall, a soft peaceful journey is expected.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Windows* Software Developers, Why do you do it?
At some point in the progression of the Windows operating system life-cycle, software developers started building their applications to come to the front, or some function to become the active function in your workspace when they reached a certain point in loading or carrying out a function.
Let me see if I can explain that a different way in case I'm too brief up top.
You set something to work (your HP Solution center scanning a document) and you go back to what you were doing - typing a document in MS Word. What happens is that the scanning software gets to a certain point where it is "processing" and has a function button that says "cancel".
The Developers program this screen to come to the front of your windows and be the active screen, and since you don't realize this is happening because you are typing a sentence, you hit the space bar in your progression of composing something, which activates the "cancel", and now your HP software thinks you canceled the scan. It stops, and you have to start all over again.
Let's do another example.
You are working on a document, you click on the Outlook button to get it going. All through its opening process - who KNOWS what it's doing at that moment - it forces itself to be your active workspace, and there is nothing that it's done that needs your attention... it just wants to be in front! and so you have to keep clicking back to MS Word (or your browser, or notepad, or whatever else you were doing).
I remember when this switch happened. I was in grad school when this shift in thinking happened.
Windows gives you the option to have multiple applications working/open/active at the same time.
thanks! I like that...
but
I know you are there, scanner, because I made you work! I am ok with you finishing your job and then waiting quietly in the background until I'm ready for your product.
So why, oh why do you think you need to come to the front and remind me that you exist?
Why do you do it?
...because you think I'm stupid and need you to make decisions for me?
STOP IT!
*edited to add "Windows" because this does not happen on my Mac.
Let me see if I can explain that a different way in case I'm too brief up top.
You set something to work (your HP Solution center scanning a document) and you go back to what you were doing - typing a document in MS Word. What happens is that the scanning software gets to a certain point where it is "processing" and has a function button that says "cancel".
The Developers program this screen to come to the front of your windows and be the active screen, and since you don't realize this is happening because you are typing a sentence, you hit the space bar in your progression of composing something, which activates the "cancel", and now your HP software thinks you canceled the scan. It stops, and you have to start all over again.
Let's do another example.
You are working on a document, you click on the Outlook button to get it going. All through its opening process - who KNOWS what it's doing at that moment - it forces itself to be your active workspace, and there is nothing that it's done that needs your attention... it just wants to be in front! and so you have to keep clicking back to MS Word (or your browser, or notepad, or whatever else you were doing).
I remember when this switch happened. I was in grad school when this shift in thinking happened.
Windows gives you the option to have multiple applications working/open/active at the same time.
thanks! I like that...
but
I know you are there, scanner, because I made you work! I am ok with you finishing your job and then waiting quietly in the background until I'm ready for your product.
So why, oh why do you think you need to come to the front and remind me that you exist?
Why do you do it?
...because you think I'm stupid and need you to make decisions for me?
STOP IT!
*edited to add "Windows" because this does not happen on my Mac.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
On Falling
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
- Nelson Mandela
(I love Honest Tea)
- Nelson Mandela
(I love Honest Tea)
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Taking a Break
Just got back from two weeks in Australia with my family there. Had a couple nights at my Dad's farm outside of Sydney – very peaceful, very Folb.
For the second week, we went up the coast to Byron Bay – the most easterly point on mainland Australia.
It’s a beautiful beach town with interesting shops, magnificent views, and enough to keep the five of us occupied for the week.
I went diving at these little islands...
...saw couple kinds of shark (wobbegongs and leopard shark), and lots of fish.
Funny thing... there were two women in my group who were from South Africa, and two snorkelers on the boat who were also from South Africa. The seas were very choppy and the snorkelers got very seasick so spent their time puking.
Funny thing... there were two women in my group who were from South Africa, and two snorkelers on the boat who were also from South Africa. The seas were very choppy and the snorkelers got very seasick so spent their time puking.
Have you seen these “fotopols” before?
They are placed in strategic positions so that you can take photos like this:
(that's the view east of Australia)
We tried restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
But there is one that I would like to recommend above the others.
FatBelly Kat in Brunswick Head.
A stylized Greek restaurant run by a husband and wife team. I believe she is the chef, and he the manager. The service was impeccable, the wine the best, and the food absolutely amazing.
If you ever find yourself around these parts, give it a try.
We did.
Another restaurant I enjoyed was Harvest in Newrybar. We went here for breakfast and dinner. Even though it was not in The Good Food Guide, it was recommended by people my stepmother knows. The food was amazing and the ambiance was very well done.
The other interesting thing about the trip, was that I was the only non-Aussie Folb there. This hasn’t happened for over 20 years. Yes, I was disappointed that the rest of the gang couldn’t make it, and yes I missed them. But I tried to look on the bright side. I figured this would be a good opportunity for me to have some quality time with everyone…
And it was… I had great chats with my Dad and Stepmom, with my Dad solo, and with each of my brothers, together and one-on-one. It’s always been easy being with my brothers, even though they didn’t really grow up with me, and me them.
I feel like with this trip, I got to know who they are as men. And that made all the hours and hours of flying worth it.
Friday, April 30, 2010
I hate running...
I don’t like working out, either.
I’m a pragmatic/logical person, and with this whole MBA and all that, I understand the concept of ROI…
You can ride a bike for 2 hours
You can sit on the elliptical for 1 hour
Or you can run for 20 mins.
Since I want to be healthy and fit, with the lowest amount of time investment, running is the logical option.
I was talking to a friend of mine about this, and she challenged to me join her and her sister-in-law-to-be at a 10-mile run around the Baltimore zoo. I decided to start a training program to meet the goal well before the race because I was really worried about going from the 1 mile I was at, to the 10 miles I needed. That meant that I needed to come home from Australia at 4 miles.
I am proud to say, I made it!
I figured I’d share the runs I took ‘cause they were pretty unique – thanks to my new favorite website www.mapmyrun.com.
I did that run a second time, and made it a little longer.
Before we left, I took on my ambitious goal... 4 miles.
and yikes, I picked a route with some HILLS!
you can see the profile at mapmyrun too.
Since I've been home, with my severe jetlag, I've managed a 2 and 3 miler... and this weekend, I'm taking on a 5!
Yikes!!!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Lunch
I just took a quick 2mi round-trip walk to have lunch at a unique restaurant - Sauca.
Its a sunny 65 degrees in DC, and everyone was out walking.
I went past Banana Republic, the Navy Memorial, the old Post Office, the IRS, and stopped at the steps of the National Portrait Gallery to grab a European inspired sausage wrap here:
You find out where the Saucamobile by watching Twitter... or checking their website.
On my way back, I watched as a group of people closed off a block of street to setup the farmer's market that will be there this afternoon and evening.
I love living here.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Fact
Man, I am a lousy blogger.
Truth is, I've been spending the months figuring out what the routine of my life is... and it's getting pretty well defined.
I travel to the District most days of the week, and to my company's office once a week or so. Basically, I work in 3 places. This means I carry my "office" with me... and I don't have any filing.
I have been very good about the Pilates, and have really been enjoying the two instructors. Although one is moving to Budapest next month, so we'll see how instructor 3 is. I was thinking the other day about how many instructors I've had over the two years that I've been doing Pilates, I believe its eight so far.
A friend of mine talked me into running a 10 mile race through the Baltimore zoo in June... at the time, January, it seemed pretty do'able. I've been trying really hard to add distance to my runs, but oh my do I hate the running. It is so easy to find a reason not to. sigh. I am going to have to knuckle down now and work on it, or I will pass out from being at AT for too long!
Other than that, errands, home maintenance, pet attention, and personal experience all thrown in.
I am loving living in VA. I loved the fall, the winter, and now the spring. So many birds, so many colors. A cool breeze.
I'm taking a short break from regular life to visit my family in Australia. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and being in their world. I will miss my family at home.
We have big plans for the summer... redo parts of the garden, build some garden furniture, take some trips around the area, kayak/canoe on a river - the Potomac preferably, and see some of the sites of "The War of Northern Aggression".
Can't wait!
I will try to be better at having a presence here too.... promise.
Truth is, I've been spending the months figuring out what the routine of my life is... and it's getting pretty well defined.
I travel to the District most days of the week, and to my company's office once a week or so. Basically, I work in 3 places. This means I carry my "office" with me... and I don't have any filing.
I have been very good about the Pilates, and have really been enjoying the two instructors. Although one is moving to Budapest next month, so we'll see how instructor 3 is. I was thinking the other day about how many instructors I've had over the two years that I've been doing Pilates, I believe its eight so far.
A friend of mine talked me into running a 10 mile race through the Baltimore zoo in June... at the time, January, it seemed pretty do'able. I've been trying really hard to add distance to my runs, but oh my do I hate the running. It is so easy to find a reason not to. sigh. I am going to have to knuckle down now and work on it, or I will pass out from being at AT for too long!
Other than that, errands, home maintenance, pet attention, and personal experience all thrown in.
I am loving living in VA. I loved the fall, the winter, and now the spring. So many birds, so many colors. A cool breeze.
I'm taking a short break from regular life to visit my family in Australia. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and being in their world. I will miss my family at home.
We have big plans for the summer... redo parts of the garden, build some garden furniture, take some trips around the area, kayak/canoe on a river - the Potomac preferably, and see some of the sites of "The War of Northern Aggression".
Can't wait!
I will try to be better at having a presence here too.... promise.
Monday, March 08, 2010
"A Ghost Story" (my brother at 9, installment 6)
October 10, 1980
One day in October, my dad came up with an idea. “Let’s go to Scotland”, he said. We all agreed and so the next day, Whoosh! We were off on holiday. “I’m going to the clothes shop”! said my mother. “I’m going to buy some shoes”, my sister said. We all went to the hotel next day; we all went for a walk. We walked three miles and came to a stop. “Help” my mother said, she had seen something. “It’s a monster”! my sister said. We ran home and jumped in bed. The next day we went there again. We were three meters ferther and we saw it again. I big, long, white ghost. We ran as it came after us, but it stopped when it saw the city. The next night we went again. Suddenly we heard a noise, a howl. It was like this, “Whooooo"!!!! It suddenly started to rain. We all ran into a cave. There were bones in a truck by the wall and a crocodile tied to a stake on the ground. Suddenly a man came in and said, “I have a few prisoners,” he said. “What do we do with them”? “Give them to Brutus”! he pointed at the crocodile. “Or, should I eat you”! Suddenly he turned into a ghost. “Whoooooo!!!!!!!” he cried. We didn’t stay much longer. We all ran. The ghost ran after us. Right into the city, but he lost his way. All I know is that if you go to Scotland and meet up with a ghost, run.
THE END
One day in October, my dad came up with an idea. “Let’s go to Scotland”, he said. We all agreed and so the next day, Whoosh! We were off on holiday. “I’m going to the clothes shop”! said my mother. “I’m going to buy some shoes”, my sister said. We all went to the hotel next day; we all went for a walk. We walked three miles and came to a stop. “Help” my mother said, she had seen something. “It’s a monster”! my sister said. We ran home and jumped in bed. The next day we went there again. We were three meters ferther and we saw it again. I big, long, white ghost. We ran as it came after us, but it stopped when it saw the city. The next night we went again. Suddenly we heard a noise, a howl. It was like this, “Whooooo"!!!! It suddenly started to rain. We all ran into a cave. There were bones in a truck by the wall and a crocodile tied to a stake on the ground. Suddenly a man came in and said, “I have a few prisoners,” he said. “What do we do with them”? “Give them to Brutus”! he pointed at the crocodile. “Or, should I eat you”! Suddenly he turned into a ghost. “Whoooooo!!!!!!!” he cried. We didn’t stay much longer. We all ran. The ghost ran after us. Right into the city, but he lost his way. All I know is that if you go to Scotland and meet up with a ghost, run.
THE END
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)