Sleepy Sunday Cat

Day 30
I had a horrible dream last night that I had a parasite. It was disturbingly graphic, like horror movie real. I won't describe it because of the absolute disgustingness of it all, but it was enough to get me out of bed at 7 a.m. on a Sunday morning to make muffins. The muffins are now in the oven, coffee is in my belly, and jazz music fills the house. All in all I guess it's not a bad Sunday morning.
Yesterday we saw Popcorn at Theatre Three which was a really interesting show--a comedy about mass murder, movies and the Nancy Grace society where no one takes responsibility for their actions. I left with burning questions about how they get all the fake blood off the costumes between the matinee and the evening preformance! I wasn't going to voice these silly questions, but on our way out of the theatre, I heard no fewer than 5 people talking about it. What does that say about the intellectual life of our society? We also went swimming--I'm trying to get in all the pool time I can before it's too cold. Of course, then it will be hot tub season! Then we had a date. It was the first date in over a month. We discovered an amazing Asian Fusion place called Eden. Typically the words Asian Fusion leave a bad taste in my mouth, but this place was wonderful. I had garlic eggplant and brown rice that just melted in my mouth. They also have a martini menu that has over 100 different martinis. I had the bubbletini which had champagne and raspberry liquer. yummy.
We're all gearing up for the wedding next week. I got my dress back from mom, and it looks really great, especially with the crazy heels I bought. I look like a different person, but I guess that's the point. Jen called me last night all stressed out. I remember that feeling of all of the little details just sneaking up. I am glad you only have to do a wedding once. The married part makes it worthwhile. I keep wanting to say the day doesn't mean much it's all the days after that count, but of course the day is special too. I'm just glad I don't have to do it again.
Miles Davis makes me happy. So does a sleepy Clementine beside me and a baby to relax with.

Alchemy
There are times I really wish I could wave a magic wand and transform.

The trip was eye opening and beautiful, but I am completely exhausted and feeling a little over-whelmed. Make that a lot over-whelmed. I have more work than I can handle, and I am not sure when it will ever get done. I'm also not feeling physically well--I'm nauseous, sleepy, and sore. I'm also wanting something I am not sure I can have. The wanting and the disappointment takes a lot out of me.

I am posting a pic of me being super bad at Taos Pueblo. I'm cool like that.

Gone, Baby, Gone
It's ten minutes to 5, and I really should not be eating breakfast. We leave this morning for the great unknown--or at least for New Mexico with 50 hormonal, crazy 8th graders. Actually they are normal teenagers, we are the ones who are insane for traveling with them. Still, it's a good trip, and I'm looking forward to experiencing it with them. I'm also looking forward to getting back into that scenery. Living day after day in the Dallas area, I tend to forget what a beautiful world it is out there. Creation is so much more than a metroplex.
Sometimes I think I was made for the mountains.

Grapevine City Limits
ACL has left my head filled with great music, my skin burned, my eyes itching, my mind foggy and all of me ready for a good night's sleep.
The trip reminded me of what I like about Austin--the music, the good restaurants, Amy's Ice Cream, and especially Petey!
Being back at work with the students I love, popping by my parent's house after work, and settling in for the night reminded me of why I like being here.
I leave for New Mexico later this week, so I have to psych myself up for traveling with 50 14 year olds.
I need some sleep.

Perpetual Light
Today was not a good day.
I went to an 18 year old's funeral.
The awful thing about funerals is that not only do they highlight the grief over the person recently lost, but they also rip open the wounds for all the departed. The death of one person becomes a symbol for all we have loved and lost. Like I said, it was not a good day.
I am, however, increasingly grateful for all those I am blessed with loving.

Smurfy Smurf
File this under disturbing: I just used a Q-Tip to clean my ears and they came out blue!
LA LA LA LA LA LA, LA LA LA LA LA

Wedding shower goodness! A lovely time was had by all. I also went to take photos with the bride, and they were stunning. She's the most beautiful bride.
Today another shower although this one probably will not involve a Margarator. You gotta love a machine that can make alcohol even during a power outage. I laugh now, but when the world is ending I'll be over there having a rita.

Get Wet
Instead of school today, we have a big conference to go to the added benefit of this is that I have a little extra time this morning. I actually got to swim my laps and once again watch the sun rise over the water. It's been a few weeks since I had that morning ritual, and I had forgotten how much I love it. I feel alive and ready to face the day--even a day filled with hideously boring speeches. I am bringing my suduku book!
Of course this rest is well earned since I was at work last night until almost 10. We had a sort of mini school evening which was endless. Still, I enjoy those parents; they are truly the most appreciative, kind people I've ever met. I have the grace to know how unusual these types of parents are.
Tonight I get to hang with Jen and do wedding photos. She's going to make the most beautiful bride! Then this weekend is all about showers, one on Saturday night and one Sunday afternoon. I'm baking for the one tomorrow, so it's time to break out the apron. Come to think of it, I need an apron. Maybe a little Kiss the Cook action.

I wish I was still in the water.

Rollin'
I just got out of the saddle for the first time in almost a year, and the euphoria is mind blowing. We only did about 12-14 miles, but as I flew down the hills I remembered why I fell in love with cycling in the first place. For those who don't ride, I am not sure I can describe the feeling of reaching the top of a long hill I have had to pull myself painstakingly up. I have accomplished quite a bit, but nothing compares to that feeling of pure power at the top of a hill and the sweet reward of the wind in your face coming back down. Amazing.
Yesterday we did the elliptical. We were only going to do 30 minutes, but then Miss Congeniality came on the tv, and we got sucked in. We were on the machine for 2 hours and 15 minutes! I shouldn't admit my love for that movie, but there are not many things that can make me jog up hills for over 2 hours.
We had a great day Saturday--went to the Farmers' Market and stocked up on all sorts of goodies. For dinner I made a Moroccan Chili and orange/olive salad that was a revelation. We also watched Neverwas which is kind of in the tradition of The Fisher King and a little Pan's Labrinyth. I really enjoyed it, especially Ian McKellan's performance. We even had dinner at our dining room table which was an event in itself.
Last night the lovely Todd and Jay cooked and we hung at Todd and Wendy's which as always was a wonderful time. Yummy grilled asparagus...
While I am supposed to be free from labor today, I have a giant stack of papers I really need to tackle. Yeah. That's going to happen.