I miss my laptop

I'm dying without new music. SO many good CDs out like the new KT Tunstall and Tired Pony. I want Tired Pony!

That is all.

I really, really, really will not miss work for the rest of the week. Not at all.

Review: Never Let Me Go

Over the weekend, I just finished Never Let Me Go, by Kazuo Ishiguro.  Oh, what a sad, devastating, just utterly wretching story. 

Kath was the stone-cold narrator, reminiscing about her friends and her school Hailsham, as she neared the end of her tenure as a carer.  She cared for those clones whose organs were harvested because they were less than human, not so possessive of a soul.  Though these beings demonstrate their humanity in every aspect, exhibiting jealousy and anger and resentment and friendship and love.  The ethics of the issues involved are compelling and difficult, though no one can doubt the inevitable right to live these individuals possess.  It was sad and bittersweet and how brave and strong and ultimately weak and passive Ruth, Tommy, and Kathy were when it came to their ultimate fate.

This is one of those tales that just linger with you.  There was some trashy commercial from some soft drink with a blathering girlfriend, and the narrator of the ad suggested that you could just clone yourself so you wouldn't have to listen.  And I was sort of outraged by that--clone yourself, give that individual a task you don't want to do? How thoughtless. I was thinking about all of them, and I was glad that the tragic tale ended before Kathy's "completion."  That would have been too much to bear.

Navy Five Miler

Yesterday I ran the Navy Five Miler, alone. The weather was overcast and drizzly and I was afraid I really would be running in a downpour.

The race was crowded at the start, and having us retrace our steps in the beginning didn't help. But things broke apart after Mile 1 and the crowd spread out in Mile 2.  And it definitely opened up in Mile 3, the dreaded hill up Columbia Pike. If last year's race route was even hillier, than just ugh. But the downhill slope helped, and I did good until the end. And as almost always, I push so hard as the finish line is in sight,  I feel a bit sick. But a quick cool down later, and I think I was ok. Finished in 42:30 or 42:40? Times still do not seem to be posted. Ugh again. Not quite the St. Patrick's Day race, which was dryer and flatter, but I will take it, because 8:30 miles are always good for me. My goal for the Army Ten Miler Part II is solid 9 minute miles, no more, no less. I know there is a big hill at the end of it, so I need to conserve some strength for that. And with the travel schedule coming up, I know I don't have much time for long runs, though I hope I can squeeze something in on Wednesday morning.

I did like the set up for the race, especially with parking so close. And the long-sleeved navy t-shirts were fantastic. The food was eh, the apples were at least edible. I hate how the cookies and muffins are SO fattening, because they negate the run. Have a few more healthier options--granola bars or something!

SO...results were 42:38, for an average of 8:32/minute. I came in 99th out of 909 women, in the top 11%.  Overall, it was 455th out of 1942, for a rank in the top 24%. Not too bad!

An Embarrassment for Congress

The Dems think this is serious news.

OK, Nancy Pelosi. I know you think this is "appropriate" but if this is all you have, if this is what you think is serious and not a waste of taxpayer dollars, you'll have a lot of time to think about this when the Dems lose control of the House in November.  And nothing against Stephen Colbert, but no one is forcing you to watch Green Acres.

I can't believe I agree with John Conyers. What a joke.

Visitor

I was lucky enough to see Donna again briefly, last night. She was in town for a conference. It's been so nice seeing her this past month, and I'm sad to think it could be awhile before we get together again. Now I look forward to seeing mom & dad.

There are times that marriage can be lonely...well, that is not the best word to use at time.  I think not having a super close friend here in town can be lonely, though I'm fortunate to have people like Liz and Jenny here. I think it's more of a matter of not having anyone who has known me for more than a decade or so here, because sometimes having a longer history is a good thing.  Something to cherish.  And yeah, it is hard to make friends.

And not that I don't consider my husband my best friend, not at all. But it is what it is, because sometimes female friendships are something you just need in a different way.  And easing into those relationships with people you have not seen in a year or two, it is so easy. So darn easy.

Falling into Fall....

What I will remember about this summer:

The Heat.
St. Lucia.
Detroit in May.
Lots of work travel.
Getting our new furniture.

What I am looking forward to this Fall:

Cooler temperature.
Julie's wedding.
A quieter house.
Getting my laptop fixed, or unfortunately, replaced.
Staying home.
And a sixth item...the new TV season. Yes, I am an incurable romantic and I am SO happy about Huddy on House. Love House. Love Cuddy. Love their sexy scenes and witty banter. And "I lobe you" is so "I glove you," right??!!

Sigh. At least I can look forward to seeing Donna tonight!

Laptop Misery

So my computer is still in intensive care and I'm considering a transplant as a last ditch effort. UGH. Not good. I'm feeling naked without having constant access to the computer, and a blackberry is just not an ample substitute.

Sigh. Please something go right this week.

And I notice that my other post labeled technology is about how I LOVE my then-new computer. And now, a little more than 2.5 years later, not so much. HATE that computer. I miss my music!!!

Too Much to Do Weekends II

Between computer's blue screen of death, husband's stress, Cowboys imploding, and being over-extended, not to mention work frustrations, I've had a better time of it than recently. Sure, the weekend was jam-packed: drinks at E&C with Chris & Stacy, dinner with Liz & Eric at Bistro Cacao, or volunteering at the H Street Festival, with upwards of 20,000 attendees.

I am SO burned out. SO burned out. I just want to take a mental health day and not do anything. Though my mental health break would consist of running around like a crazy woman. Picking up shoes, waiting for furniture, squeezing in a run, going shopping, etc.

I need to breathe. I need to relax. I need to put aside the daily stresses of everyday life and know that I need to take time for me. Selfishly for me. But I'm not so good at that.

The Three I's of Detroit

Ignorance, illegitimacy and isolation.

When I saw that guy with the anti-gentrification sign yesterday at the otherwise glorious H Street Festival, I see that here. And that is what drives people to vote for Vince Gray on the belief he will drive away progress, kowtow to the unions, and impose diversity on a city that is already diverse in beliefs, colors, backgrounds, ideologies.

Sad.

Because She's a Woman?

So I'm not sure I entirely buy Jeri Thompson's argument about Christine O'Donnell. I honestly don't think her sex has anything to do with it. You don't hear Meg Whitman or Carly Fiorina called unqualified on the basis of sex. I'm not even sure I'd even call O'Donnell unqualified, though I really don't get how she got where she did, without looks and charisma being a factor. I think she does appeal to ordinary, every day citizens who are tired of the elite politicos in Washington not giving a damn about their perspectives. Joe Biden was sort of an every man, wasn't he, who commuted on the train and was one of the least wealthy members of the Senate. Frankly, it can't be too big of a surprise that a non-wealthy, every day type of person won the GOP nomination over a long-term Washington insider.

So I don't think it is sexism that is driving these charges of her being unqualified. I think it's more the fact that she has ethical issues, she hasn't really had a real job and the one she had at ISI resulted in a law suit, she has made all sorts of other charges like insinuating that Castle's staff broke into her campaign office/home. She seems a little unbalanced.

True, there aren't a lot of smart conservative women in politics, but it's changing. Susana Martinez will be elected governor of New Mexico. California could elect both Whitman and Fiorina. There are women running for senate in Nevada, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. It's not about sexism. It's about finding the best candidate, the most conservative candidate, and the one with the highest character and ethics. I don't think Christine O'Donnell fits that bill.

Vince Gray vs. Adrian Fenty

This DCist thread sums up much of what I find distasteful about the recent Vince Gray win over Adrian Fenty. As a Republican, I really don't have much of a voice in who is running my city. I've accepted that. But it seriously irks me the way "white voters who came here from the midwest and now want a voice" are being brushed off like we're some idiots who should just shut up and let blacks have their candidate win. The racial undertones in this are all ridiculous, because it's largely blacks who are criticizing. Courtland Milloy and other black Post columnists are basically saying "You rich whites are driving poor blacks from the city with your dog parks and your condos and your swanky coffeeshops."

Maybe that makes us all racists. Maybe it makes those of us who came from cities like Detroit, who believe in being in a city, contributing mightily to its tax base by buying property and goods and earning income here, contributing to public schools that we'll never send out children to, and parks and rec centers we don't frequent, maybe it makes us all racists. Maybe we should just go to Virginia.

It's not about democracy. Voters didn't want Fenty, they wanted Gray. That's all well and good. But to paint us as racists for voting for a black mayor who was a bit arrogant but actually seems to have made the city a more livable place--is that such a bad thing? Why is this a racial thing? Why is Michelle Rhee a scapegoat because she's taken on the teacher's unions?

I have really soured on being a DC resident this week. It's not worth it.

Struggling

I feel like I've been struggling with weight the last few weeks, up a few more pounds than I'd like. I don't know if it's alcohol, too much salty indulgence, the lack of stress, too much computer time, the lack of sleep, or a combination of all of the above. I guess the latter. I don't like feeling "fat" or bloated, and I know I need to mix up the running. But I'm struggling.

I want to look good as a bridesmaid and at the upcoming weddings, and I want to look good for myself. And my husband. I just need to mix it up. Maybe there is something to this yoga/pilates long and lean thing, though that never really has been my body type. But if I get through the Army Ten Miler, it'll be winter and time to hibernate a bit. To be better to my body, and healthier.

Boo to Delaware Republicans

If this holds up...Christine O'Donnell seems to have a pretty sizable lead over Mike Castle. SO disappointing. The woman is an idiot, and she's going to lose us any chance of GOP control of the Senate. She is a pathological liar. This is so deflating. I don't even believe she is a real conservative.

I'm all for voting for conservative candidates over RINOs, don't get me wrong. But this idiot--who is comparing herself to Ronald Reagan--lied about her education, Castle's record, sued ISI over gender discrimination, lied about her mortgage, etc. It's really sickening.

And it was just called for O'Donnell. Who are these people voting for her???

Toronto

I was procrastinating a bit writing this post, because it was a lovely weekend spent with good friends and I don't want to forget it. I really miss those ladies. I miss have a good friend here, who has known me forever, and will be there when I need them. And being able to be there for the friends. But hey....

We arrived and went to a super noisy, night-clubesque Spice Route. Once our ears stopped ringing, we went to Donna & Jeff's fantastic little condo right across from the Sky Dome/Roger's Center and Lake Ontario. So awesome...beautiful running trails and such a perfect location.

The next morning we went to the best brunch I think I've ever had. This great little French bakery. I had a quiche with the best eggs ever. So light and so fluffy. We walked along the lake and then went over to the Distillery District for Balzac's Coffee. Such a good chai latte! We walked around the Market. That night we had dinner at this Persian restaurant Banu. SO good too. I had a vodka sekanjebin with shaved cucumber and mint. We split nan o paneer (sirloin kabob) and a chicken kabob, along with a lentils salad. Finally we had martinis at an Irish bar because Pravda was closed. No, I did not get a tattoo!

Sunday we had brunch/lunch at Trattoria Nervosa and I had a funghi & formaggi pizza with mushrooms, prosciutto, gorgonzala goat cheese, and onions. SO good. Followed by yet more delicious coffee. Then we browsed and stalked celebrities in town for the Toronto Food Festival. Never saw them, just wasted time.

But the trip was not a waste of time. I remember thinking as we slowly walked along: slow down. You're going too fast. You're in a rush too often, and you don't take time to appreciate and savor and soak in the moment. The weekend went by far too quickly, and I don't know when I will see Michelle again. Luckily, Donna will be back, and I'm happy about that. But gosh, how long has it been since we were dorm neighbors. I looked at a few old photos last night, and I was both sad and bittersweet and happy at the same time. We had a fantastic weekend, and I am SO glad we did it.

Five Things to Be Grateful For

1. Ladies weekend in Toronto.
2. Listening to Tired Pony at lunch.
3. Leaving work early.
4. Cool weather, finally.
5. The start of the NFL season.

Sad thing: Hubby is going away for a few days to a place I'd love to go back to. Sigh.

Could be Interesting...

Johnny Knoxville's film about Detroit.

Filming Detroit is the next big thing, as Detroit 1-8-7 premieres. There was also Scream 4. And this link has more shoots.

All of this should be good for the city, bringing it positive attention that it deserves. Hopefully there will be more of it to come.

My Tribute to Paste

The other day I noted that Paste will cease publishing a print magazine. I'm very sad about that--since I started subscribing I have learned of many new artists, which I mentioned a few the other day. I've learned about new music in a few ways over the years--Sunday night radio, Virgin samplers (RIP), WOXY (RIP), and Paste. Discovering new music and falling in love with an artist has been one of the few creative outlets I've had, along with running. It's so fantastic to hear someone new and find that you just love and connect to their music. Paste has facilitated that, and I always looked forward to getting their samplers. One reason I bought this computer was because their CDs weren't downloading to my Dell!

Anyway, I know there are tons of music blogs I can use to find new tunes, and right now, I will continue to rely on All Songs Considered as one site. Paste is still updating its site too, but it isn't the same. I am an old-fashioned girl who still subscribes to a newspaper, and I prefer reading a hard copy to staring at a screen. Paste magazine will be very missed.

Shorter Nights

I took a peek outside around 7:30 and I noticed that the sun was already setting. Boo. I guess we're almost at the equinox, and the sun rises later and sets sooner. I hate it being dark so early. I like the evenings to run. I guess if anything will get me out of bed early, at least for a bit, it will be that fact. Though sheesh, where did the summer go?

It's Labor Day, and I'm tired of laboring. I did my Lincoln run, for the second time this weekend, despite the blisters. Boo to that. I did a little shopping, saw Steve at work, and read some of Empire of Liberty. Watching some of the very entertaining VA Tech vs. Boise. I do not want to go to work tomorrow.

Where did the summer go? We went to St. Lucia, in the most over-hyped vacation ever. Saw both of our nephews. I traveled more than I care to remember, from Chicago to NY to Connecticut to Miami to NC to San Francisco to San Diego. I forget when and where, it all blurs together. And Toronto is this weekend, which seems like the real end of the summer for me. Because football is starting, and then we have weddings and other Fall things to anticipate.

And early evenings, though lower temperatures, and races to run and pumpkin and apple to replace berries and melons. I haven't had an apple in forever. I am going to miss watermelon. I ate a lot of it this summer.

And schedule adjustments to make. Because summer is ending.

Weekend

Keeping it low key for Labor Day weekend. We did have Shea's party yesterday...18 years here in DC. Wonder if I will make it to my half life in DC, at 44, a decade from now? It's a goal, we shall see.

Today I got 50% off at Banana and splurged on a new suit. First Banana suit I've ever bought. For me.

And I scratched mosquito bites and am dealing with blisters. Ugh. That is what I'll remember this Labor Day weekend.

9/02/10 Day

Several entertainment sites are pointing out that today is 90210 day...9/02/10...September 2, 2010. Get it? I was a big fan of the show in the 1990s, though I don't think I really started watching til the second half of the first season. I remember some girls at Star talking about it. The show was a bit risque then...teenage sex, alcohol issues, stuff that was very scandalous twenty years ago. Actually, that is the real milestone: Twenty years ago, this coming October 4th, marks the big anniversary. Twenty years ago I started high school. And that was such a big deal!

I still watch 90210 reruns on Soapnet, when I get a chance. I liked Donna & David, and I'm glad they hooked up at the end. I didn't like Kelly Taylor then, but I'm a bigger fan of Jennie Garth now. Shannen Doherty was like the original bad girl, long before Lindsey Lohan and Paris Hilton were teens. Though Shannen was so tame; it's ridiculous now.

90210 also shaped popular fashion, music, lingo, and just overall style at a time I was in high school. How things have, and have not changed, since.

First WOXY...

now Paste ceases publication.

What a bummer. I hope the website still releases its samplers...I have discovered so much great music through the site, like Goldfrapp, M83, Sonya Kitchell, Bon Iver, The Watson Twins, Elizabeth & the Catapults, and so many others. Big bummer.

Still Struggling

I'm still out of sorts, in my funk. Boo. It's also 96 degrees outside and it's September. And I'm tired of work, tired of Washington, and all I want to do is just crash somewhere comfortable, away from everyone.

I don't know how to turn this around. I really feel like it's time to have a kid. And I know Steve is reluctant about that. I am tired of not having my feelings taken primarily into account. There has to be more to life than this, because I'm tired. And I'm tired of complaining and feeling, again, out of sorts on everything.

Not much to say. Just what's on my mind today.