Ink Blot
I am unsure what this says about me--probably some sign of narcicism, but I have been spending a lot of time taking silly tests and surveys online. Perhaps it's because I like learning about myself, perhaps it shows I think far too much about myself. It most assuredly shows that I need more to do.
This morning I had an outstanding workout, the kind I hadn't had in awhile. My whole body felt in tune with itself. After the gym I came home and did my swimming, and I felt this amazing mind/body synergy fusion. This is why I work out. This is why I changed my life.
Tomorrow we take to the open road.

Urbane
I had a Ferris Bueller sort of a day.
Dad and I took the bus downtown and spent the day exploring everything that the city has to offer. We walked for miles. We went to the library which was amazing--they had one of the first copies of the Declaration of Independence as well as one of Shakespeare's first folios. They also had several art exhibits including a very powerful photography exhibit of Japanese internment camps. We also hit Dealy Plaza and saw the new museum at the Old Red Courthouse which was a pretty well done history of Dallas. I saw such relics as Tom Landry's fedora, state fair tickets, and the handcuffs which were on Lee Harvey Oswald's wrists when he was shot by Jack Ruby. We then went through the West End and to the new Victory Park area and finally ate a nice lunch at Spaghetti Warehouse and drank some well earned beer. It was truly a lovely adventure. I am really impressed with the urban revitalization of downtown. There are lofts and condos everywhere as well as restaurants and shops--there is even a downtown grocery store which is a hallmark for progress. I also loved looking at the old architecture that is lost when you merely drive through. It's amazing how you can live in a place for a long time and never appreciate what it has to offer until you examine it like a tourist.
This also inspired me to try to figure out how to take the bus to work. I want to back up all the lip service I give to enviornmentalism.
Adventure suits me.

I just took this in my backyard. The flower began blooming this morning and I cannot take my eyes off of it. Yes, I am the same one that popped digital bubbles. I think I have finally hit that wall of boredom, reslesness, and uselessness that I tend toward in the summer. I am rather impressed that it's tken me this long to get there, though. It might be a record. Thank God we leave on Friday or I might seriously lose it.
At least I have Ruthie Foster to see some blues to me.

I just had to share this faboo picture of me and the boys. Kim took it when they came out a few weeks ago and we went to the lovely Texas de Brazil. It was a wonderful night, and the pics make me happy all over again. Thanks for sending them, Petey!

Bored.com - Snap Some Virtual Bubble Wrap

Bored.com - Snap Some Virtual Bubble Wrap: "

Yeah, I'm that bored.
The tv is now working, though so at least I get to watch Magnum for the first time in a week.

Bigotry on Capitol Hill
This is a terrifying story on a truly scary website. I knew about the lack of tolerance in this country increasingly overtaken by fundamentalist crazies, but I was not aware of the extent of such attitudes on Capitol Hill.
I really have an issue with reconciling my own religious beliefs with those who profess my religion. It gives me pause.

Off to See the Wizard
Just returned from seeing Harry Potter which they did a really good job adapting. I think it's some sort of teaching requirement that I love the books and the movies. I am also excited about the upcoming movie of The Golden Compass. That's just the sort of book that really lends itself to an amazing screen adaptation. I think it comes out at Christmas or something.
Speaking of books, I'm currently reading and interesting series called Outlander which I did not expect to be so taken with, but there you go. They are a combination of historical fiction, science fiction, erotica, and adventure. For an easy read I highly recommend checking them out. For the book club I also just finished a particularly disturbing book called Pledged which is the story of a journalist who goes undercover and monitors sororities for a year. It pretty much reinforced all of my negative preconceptions of the entire system. I was glad I made the decision to go to Kenyon which did not even have them. It is a fascinating read, though. I felt like I was suddenly in this upside down world.

Tonight we're going to see my future brother-in-law's band Falling Down People in their first show. They are really amazing, and I'm not just saying that because a couple of the songs are about my sister. Look for them on MySpace.

I got dragged to the ATT store this afternoon while E restored his brain. He's like a little kid with his new technology. I am always amazed to see him in his element.

Wimp
I can't believe how ridiculously afraid of conflict I am.
The painters accidently knocked out satellite out of place, and instead of calling the guy myself to explain the situation and how I did not feel comfortable paying them until Monday when the people come to fix our satellite, I am making Eric do it. Yes, I am indeed that lame. I just really like the painters and the manager and I am actually afraid of hurting their feelings! And they're the ones keeping me from Magnum P.I. for a whole week. Some days I just marvel at my complete lack of backbone. Luckily I have a pretty rockin' husband who will deal with these messes for me.
I have my own messes as Toby poops on the floor every time I go swimming (and sometimes at other happy occassions too).
The important thing, however, is that the house does look really nice with it's fresh coat of paint. It's quite an improvement and a good investment--the house looks ten years newer.
Dad came over this morning, and we were going to do the lake trails. When we reached the trailhead, however, we were shocked to discover that the trail no longer existed. That's not fair, I'm sure under all of those feet of water the trail is still there somewhere. The flooding comes several hundred feet up. It wasn't a complete loss, however, we went downtown and had iced coffees at my favorite Main Street Bread Bakery. That place just makes me happy and relaxed. The coffee is first rate, the bread and pastries are superb, and the atmosphere makes me want to stay for hours.
Now I must go take pics of the new house.

Circus Freak
Yes, friends, today Magnum worked as a roustabout for a local carnival as part of his undercover investigation of a murder. He wore, and I"m not making this up, overalls almost the entire time. It takes a man really secure in his sexiness to do that for an entire episode. That's all I'm saying.

Mind Blow
I would be seriously remiss if I did not do a little to describe the concert last night. I say a little because words really do fall short of the majesty of those voices and that music. It was especially nostalgic because it was the farewell concert for the artistic director Tim Selig. I thought the audience was going to bring down the Meyerson with all of the cheering and carrying on. Amazing. There were some original songs written to celebrate the joy of being alive and following dreams which is what they've devoted their lives too. Anyway, here is the text of one of songs which was particularly resonant:
When the final song is sung
The next beginning is begun
When I come to the edge of the ligth I know
I will take that step into the unknown.

Because I know hope,
I will not be afraid.
Because I know hope
I will not be alone.

Because I know faith,
One of two things will happen.
I will step on solid ground
Or be taught to fly.

My soul will soar above the sorrows
And watch them disappear.
My spirit dances with tomorrows
Without longing, without fear

With joy and gladness in my soul
And find the peace that makes the circle whole.

When the final note is sung,
The memory will linger on.
When the dream unfolds, when the story retold;
Our melodies will ring out as strong.

I will love with all my live
And live each moment so it's full
I will give with all my heart
And know what love is possible

I will live with all my life
and find the will that will not die
When the final song is sung
The next beginning is begun. I will fly.
--Patrick Overton

It's a little hokey and not the sort of poetry I really like, but I do love the sentiment. It was better sung by 400 voices, but the sentiment shines through. The other hallmark of the vening was "Love Will Always Be Our Song." I also loved seeing the impact this man has had on the community. I can only hope that maybe I might have that sort of impact too. I think it's why I teach--I have the ability to touch other people, certainly not as dramatically as Tim Selig, but in little ways nevertheless. Again I have managed to use a tremendous number of words to describe something fundamentally impossible to explain.

The painters are coming today to make the house beauteous.
woo

No, Mr. Bond, I Expect You To Die
In my ongoing quest to forgo the ordinary, we had a really great night last night. I am really trying to take advantage of the fact that we are living right between two fabulous cities. Anyway, last night we celebrated 7/7/07 by going to James Bond night at the Nasher Sculpture Center. Not only did we get to check out the sculpture at my favorite museum in Dallas, but we also had a really nice dinner in the garden while a D.J. spun some wonderful tunes. We drank martinis under moonlight. When the sun went down they showed Goldfinger I enjoyed the fascinating mix of people at the movie. Of course the fabulous people were in attendance, but so were hippies in tie dye and Birkenstocks, as well as regular joes, the retiree bunch, teenagers, families--I guess 007 can draw strange bed fellows. Tonight we see the Turtle Creek Chorale with my parents. These guys are amazing and a testament to what the human voice can do.
Never be boring.

Wheaton Channels Kirk and Picard : Star Trek KvP Official Blog

Yes, I am Obsessed
Wheaton Channels Kirk and Picard : Star Trek KvP Official Blog

Inconceivable Fireworks
Rantriffic: I am still trying to wrap my mind around our laundry room situation. The laundry room has exactly enough room for a washer and dryer, but not a dryer vent. Therefore we've been scraping the edge of the dryer for the year we have lived in this house, thus causing the door to malfunction making it impossible to do laundry without propping a chair and basket against the door. Today Eric tried reversing the placement of the washer and dryer (and now we of course have a leak), but that still does not really work. I wish I could remember how the previous owners were able to do it. I don't understand how two people with master's degrees are unable to figure this out. My only other idea involves knocking down cabinets and buying a stackable unit. I do not, however, relish this idea. First of all I don't want to pay for a washer and dryer, and secondly I'm just convinced there is something I am overlooking. Any engineering ideas? I don't know why I'm fixated on this other than the fact that there is a small lake where my laundry room used to be.
On the plus side we had a wonderful 4th of July--it was exactly what the 4th is supposed to be. We had Jen, Jay, Todd and Wendy over for a bbq and pool party. I happily spent the evening floating in the pool, eating veggie dogs, drinking wine and listening to good music. We live close enough to the lake that our house was also the perfect viewing spot for the Grapevine fireworks display which was amazing. We all dragged out booties out of the pool to the front yard, put the radio up on my car and sang along to the 1812 Overature as color cascaded from the heavens. Perfect. I don't know why I have such an affinity for fireworks, but their magic has been undiminished by time. I guess it's because you can't be unhappy while looking at something so celestial yet ephemeral. I also love looking at the faces of people watching a fireworks display--the joy and surprise.
Last night we went to the horse races which was an interesting experience, although I really was not feeling very good. Eric won 17 dollars. I lost 10. We spent most of the races at the rail upped the intensity. After they finish running the veins in the horses look like they are going to explode, and the jockeys are covered head to toe in dirt. I'll try to post a pic later.
So far this long weekend we've seen three movies. Live Free or Die Hard was exactly what you would expect from the franchise. It's silly, gratitutious action fun--a total popcorn flick. I recommend seeing it in the theater because the jaw dropping action scenes are really its selling point. Paprika is one of the stranger movies I've ever seen--it deals with the world of dreams running into reality. It reminded me a little of The Cell except it's much more trippy and has the Japanese sensibility. It's a movie that would go really nicely with a few glasses of wine. Finally we saw Ratatouille which I appreciated as a foodie although it certainly was not Pixar's best. I don't know why I enjoy seeing movies in the summer more than any other time of year--there's something about the energy in the theater that is different. I don't even really care if the movie is that great in the summer--I just want my diet coke and popcorn and heavily blowing air conditioner. Technically I have these three in my own home, but it's different.
I'm making purple sticky rice, so I should probably get back to my domestication.

Milestones
After a week of slaving away, I finished the bathroom last night. Not to brag, but it's beautiful. It looks like something out of a magazine. The texture on the wall is sumptuous and well worth the hours it took. The best part, however, is the fact that I did the entire thing myself. It's satisfying. Usually I try to take short cuts nd end up with sloppy looking projects, but this time I refused to take the easy way. It shows.
I also finished the E section of the dictionary. E through Ezra, a Jewish priest from the 5th to 4th century B.C. I feel a scrabble game coming on.
Actually I guess the price of accomplishment is a certain emptiness. I have nothing before me but a day of laundry, chores, and workouts. I'm not good with the mundane.
We are, however, going to the horse track tonight to watch fireworks. I gotta pony up.

Morning Malaise
I have so many chores to do today, yet as I sit here with my cup of java I am completely uninterested in doing any of them.
We had a lovely weekend with Petey and Kim that mainly involved a lot of hanging out by the pool as well as a spectacular dinner at Texas de Brazil in downtown Ft. Worth. I was so impressed with the Sundance Square area of Ft. Worth. It was beautiful, vibrant, and a lot of fun to walk around. I just wish I hadn't been so stupid full from dinner. I always enjoy walking around a city which is partly why our Montreal vacation was so incredible. There is something energizing about seeing all the life buzzing around. That being said, I enjoy coming back to my small oasis and listening to the waterfall and the birds chirping and ignoring everything else.

Today I should be able to finish the epic bathroom project.
It's funny, I was just going to write more about my silly painting but I am writing while watching CNN. They're discussing the new attacks in the U.K. which blow my mind. I guess I can't imagine hating someone I know enough to want to kill them, much less hating people I've never met. My wiring doesn't work that way which makes me completely incapable of understanding that path of violence. Don't they have anything better to do? Perhaps that is the biggest problem. I am too busy with my job, husband, an friends to get up to evil mayhem. Heck, I can't even seem to get myself to finish the laundry.