Raves

• I am really loving the TV series Ghost Adventures. I'm not sure whether it's because its getting to be Halloween and Fall and "spooky", but this show just fascinates me from the beginning. As we don't have cable, I had no idea this show existed until we stumbled across it while watching TV during our vacation to Yellowstone. It follows Zak, Nick and Aaron as they are "locked down" in some purportedly haunted place overnight. They walk the areas with infrared cameras, essentially in the dark, and place static night vision cameras around the places to try to capture "ghosts". Now, I am not sure how real ghosts are, but man, do I love this show. It's shot in infrared, so it's already a little creepy. And every show, they have some sort of unexplained phenomena, such as cold spots, peaks in electromagnetic energy, unexplained sounds or voices, "shadow figures", or physical experiences, such as scratches or being touched. The guys are likable, if a bit dorky, and the whole setting is spooky and somewhat interesting, as they try to put historic spins on things. I literally cannot get enough of this show, and am pretty excited to discover Netflix has at least three seasons to instantly watch online. I've already gone through the first season, and have just started the second.
• I had a great experience today at Breakaway Bikes on 19th and Chestnut. Remember the pedal Alex couldn't get off of my bike? Well, we walked it over to Breakway, and they got it off in less than 5 minutes, and put my new pedals on, no charge. I'm headed there for a fitting tomorrow, so they the guys all introduced themselves to me and were really nice. One of the guys there said he'd take me out for a ride after the fitting to help me get used to the whole clipless pedals thing, which seems super nice and cool. And? Apparently they train real athletes there, so he asked me what my "goals" are? Hmmm...to learn how to ride a road bike and to be able to accompany Alex on long rides? Is that goal enough? Nope, he's trying to talk me into women- only triathlons. Hmmm...open water = scary, but 7 mile bike rides are nothing....maybe I'll have to look into this...we'll see. The bike fitting was so awesome, too. Apparently, I have very long femurs (haha, that's when SHE said). Who knew? A ride this morning was really nice, although I'm using muscles I don't normally use on the road bike, so we'll see how this death march to Valley Forge on Saturday goes. Ugh.
• The weather is so amazing right now. Except for some rain last night and this morning, I could not ask for more beautiful weather. Every year I forget how amazingly beautiful fall is, with the colorful trees, the chilly nights and warm, sunny days, and the anticipation of holidays and changing seasons. It's really, really lovely, and probably one of the things I will miss the most about PA.

The Good, the Bad, The Ugly

Courtesy of Coodence:

The Good:
We went dancing last night for our dance lessons, and we really ended up having a blast! We've started improving pretty quickly, which is awesome. It's only taken 9 or 10 lessons! Ha! The cool thing is once you get the hang of the dance, you can just shut off your brain and just enjoy the music and add in a couple little fun moves just to have a good time. Our teacher even played some Madonna for us, which made it lots of fun since I could remember dancing around my bedroom to her music when I was a kid. Then we took another class on Blues dancing, which turned out to be pretty fun and unstructured. I am really loving dance and I'm hoping we can do some more classes like that one.

The Bad:
I got new dance shoes the other day, and I'm trying to get used to them, but it's kinda hard. Firstly, I don't wear high heels, so my balance is off. Secondly, they're new shoes, so I haven't broken them in yet. Sadly, I'm nursing some ugly blisters on my toes. Am considering buying some dance socks, just till I break in the shoes. I know, I know. Socks with high heels are a terrible idea.

The Ugly:
This morning, as the coffee was being loaded into the pot, Moue ran across the kitchen and shoved herself behind the refrigerator, with a lot of noise and fanfare. Shortly afterward, I saw a big old mouse run across the kitchen and underneath the stove. While I'm glad Moue was on mouse patrol, I'm not too happy that there are rodents in my kitchen. I haven't seen any droppings or evidence of their presence before, so I am hoping this is just a dumb mouse. I also don't want to come home to a gift on my pillow. Yuck!

Book Review Tuesday

As you probably know by now, I am unable to physically walk by a Used Book Store without stopping to peruse the books. When we were in Jackson, we took a walk with my Mom and ended up at a store that was really lovely. Piled from floor to ceiling with books, books, and more books, Mom and I were in heaven. I picked up a couple books by David Sedaris, while Alex picked up Abraham Lincoln Vampire Killer. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim was the first of Sedaris' books that I read. It's basically a collection of short stories and essays that are great for anyone with very little time on their hands to read. I have read a few other of Sedaris' books and have thoroughly enjoyed them, at some points laughing out loud at the stories he tells. This book was not nearly as funny and I wonder if it's because his weirdo family and all the characters he's described before are making another appearance. This book is much more about his adult life, as opposed to the childhood memories that mostly composed Me Talk Pretty One Day. I did still laugh out loud at some of his stories, but I also felt that he wasn't trying to be funny in some of them. He was just trying to describe his life. For example, he writes a story about his husband (boyfriend? not sure) and how they get into fights in front of their guests all the time. He talks about how they had made a New Years Resolution not to do that anymore, but they still fight (more of a nitpicky fight, not really a fight - fight) in front of the guests. He describes how they will both go about cleaning up after the party without talking and how the first one to talk "loses" the argument, and the "fight game". This story so rings true on so many aspects of relationships and life. And mostly, it's funny because it's true, but it's not really that funny, know what I mean? His crazy neuroses also come to light, even more so than in his other books, which at times, drove me a little crazy. But a few pages later, the story would be over and it would resolve itself. Altogether, this book was neither phenomenal, but it wasn't bad. I think it was likely more honest that his previous books, as he's beginning to look a little bit more inward, instead of describing his crazy family and friends. There are some sweet and touching stories, some that make you laugh out loud and some that might make you cringe, but it was a pretty good read. The stories are short, you can put it down and walk away from it for a while and not lose your place, and it was pretty entertaining. A great read before bedtime.

Monday Numbers

Welcome back to Monday, folks. Here's an idea of what went on this weekend:

• we rand a bunch of errands on Saturday that included about 10 miles of biking. 
• I purchased two new pairs of shoes, one for dance and one for the new bike. 
• We took a dance class called Salsa 101 and I think we finally figured out some of the basics we've been struggling with lately.
• I ordered proofs for 2 or 3 "Save the Date" cards, so we'll see if we like any of them.
• Alex went for a 100-mile bike ride yesterday, so he was gone from 7am until about 6pm. He came back smelly, exhausted and tired. I spent the day doing about 7 loads of laundry, running about 5 miles and chatting with a few neighbors. Man, is it nice to have a Sunday off where I don't have to go into work!
• We decided to start the whole "registry" process at two stores. One was Macy's, which took about one hour since the lady had no idea how to enter in our info. The other place was Fante's, one of the oldest cooking stores in Philly (it's 106 years old according to a staff member!). It's located in the Italian Market area, and it's one of those cramped, uneven, city stores with more stuff crammed into that store than you thought possible. I'm not sure it will work out since they don't have their registries online.
• Made one batch of pesto, which included one of our 10 or so basil plants in the backyard. I have a feeling more pesto is in my near future!
• Bout two new pedals for my new road bike. Alex tried to get the old pedals off, and one would not come off, no matter how hard he tried! So, I'm scheduled for a bike fix and fitting this Wed at 5:30. Should be interesting. Not only will the ride there be interesting (rush hour traffic in Philly is not my forté) but they are going to measure my legs and arms and torso and set up the bike for my size and height. 
• Watched two Phillies games, one where they lost, 4-3 and one where they one 1-6. Also watched one Eagles game (they won that one) and one Vikings game. Altogether, this weekend included a lot of sports watching.

A New Blog Haiku Friday

Starting the wedding

planning, thought I would write a

blog about the task.

***

Lots of planning still

but I feel like there's progress

in the few things done.

***

So thankful for my

friends and family who are

just as excited!

Check out the new blog! We'll try to post details about the wedding, the planning, and anything we might find funny or entertaining.

Starting at the Beginning

Having just arrived in Jackson, "Papa, is that you? What the heck are you doing here?"

Are we sure we want to go on this thing?

Eek! I'm scared! Don't look down, don't look down!

Woah! The breeze was, let's say, um, refreshing. Yeah, that's it.

Hmmm...maybe refreshing wasn't the right word...

But the view of the Tetons? Spectacular. Even if it was below freezing.

Those smart Jacksonians even serve beer at the top, which couldn't have tasted better!

Heading back down, you pass the other tram heading back up at exactly halfway down the mountain.

We even saw a moose from the tram. She had a calf and was just hanging out eating.

I was really lucky to have Alex to sit next to me on the ride down. I was pretty freaked out.

Monday Numbers

• This weekend, we went for two bike rides on the new road bike. We are lucky enough to live near West River Drive, which is a four lane road that goes through a part of Fairmount Park. Every weekend, both Sat and Sun, they close this road to cars, allowing anyone with bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, etc. to head up and down this street all day long without cars. It's brilliant. I wish it would extend through the wintertime too. Anyways, we took the bikes out for about 10 miles each day, heading up and down this closed road. We stopped multiple times to adjust things on my bike, mainly my shifting and the seat. We travelled for a total of about 20 miles, which resulted in two very sore buttcheeks. Bet you wanted to know that.
• I practiced my talk for our graduate group symposium approximately one hundred time. At least it felt like that.
• Tried my first Sixpoint Pilsner, in honor of Coodence. We were lucky enough to find it on tap at The London Grill, a local restaurant. We enjoyed it while watching the Phils kill the Reds, 7-4. We're back in the NLCS again. For, I think the fourth time in four years? Can that be right?
• Made two pie doughs. One resulted in a canadian bacon and Muenster quiche. I'm not sure what I'll do with the other one, but MAN was that quiche good. And easy too. Who knew?
  

Ode to the Family Haiku Friday

Waiting for dinner at this silly Western show place in Jackson.


Memories of our
trip to Yellowstone are at
the front of my mind.

Ha! The pig races. Literally!


Rainstorms, hail, freezing
wind, steep grades, flat lands, tons of
food, talk, beer, laughter.

Sharing our first Chocolate Malt at the Sweet Shoppe. As an aside, this lady who served up told us it's great to live in a small town. Her sister (who also works there) had a brain aneurysm and she rushed to be by her side. The town kept her business open by volunteers taking shifts and learning how to make the treats. They kept it open for 3 weeks while she cared for her sister. Pretty amazing, huh?

They may drive me nuts
but they're all mine and I'm stuck
with them forever.

Just had to share!

This just made my day!

Gym Confessions

I used to be real embarrassed to head to the locker room in the gym here on campus. I hate changing in front of people and I thought everyone was looking at me and how fat my ass is and all my cellulite and all my flaws. Turns out? No one even looks at me. Huh, guess I'm not that interesting, eh? So, I started swimming, and I have to take a shower after the swim, since I have to get the chlorine out. So, I essentially have gotten over the whole showering, changing, naked thing in the gym. I've been taking a 7:30am yoga class at the gym, which is usually pretty great. Afterward, I head to the locker room to get showered and changed. Apparently, there are other women who are not entirely "over" the whole changing in the gym thing. I've seen women stand there with towels that are too small trying to cover all the bits and pieces, and desperately trying to find their chonies or bra in their locker. Seriously? I just drop the towel. Haha! Probably terrifying for all involved, but she doesn't have anything I haven't seen before, right? I've also seen women butt naked running around the locker room, so I guess it takes all types. But the rule of thumb apparently is there is no talking in the gym. Unless its absolutely necessary, like someone is standing in front of my locker or something like that. I've made minor small talk with some women (like, oh my gosh it's cold today, or I love that lotion or that dress or whatever) and I'm always met with blank stares and shocked looks, like I've broken a covenant or something. Who knows? Maybe it's just a Penn gym thing, but it kinda cracks me up. I'm turning into that old, naked lady who parades around the gym, talking to people.
LOL, who knew?

Numbers Monday

• drove a couple hundred kilometers this weekend, shopping for bicycles, bicycle parts and getting bicycles fixed. Oh, and also attending a bicycle race. Ironic that we drove a car to these things, right? Oddly enough? The rental car was set up in kilometers - as in, the mileage, trip and regular odometer, and gas efficiency was in kilometers. Perhaps the car was Canadian?
  
• Had at least 14 hour days, both on Sat and Sunday. I am exhausted!
• Got to visit with La Chang and her professor husband. They live only about 30 miles from Philadelphia, but the drive takes at least an hour!
• Awoke at 6am both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday, we headed to Trexlertown (I can't make this up, people) for the semi annual bike swap, which opened at 8:30am. We got there at 8:45am, and the line was out the door, around the corner and down the street. Who knew cycling was that popular?
• I purchased a road bike for myself, so I can try to keep up with Alex. The bike was marked down from $1200 to nearly half off. Problem is? I spent my wedding dress money on it. Whoops! Haha!
• I am not looking forward to the rain over the next three days. The weather has changed dramatically, from high 70s to high 40s in the last two days. Brrrr!
  
• Our house now has 4 bikes, one bike trainer, two toolboxes, three new sets of brake pads, two helmets and 8 different blinky lights for the bikes. We have more bikes than furniture at this point. I hope you don't come over soon. Our house looks like a bike garage.
  

Monday Numbers

• Counting today, I have worked the last 8 days in a row.
• Today, I biked in my normal 3 miles to work. Except that it was in the rain. Booooo! Thankfully, I have a change of clothes for the gym with me. So now everyone has to put up with me in spandex. Zexy!
• This week, it will be one year until our wedding! We've already booked the venue, and we might have the honeymoon organized to a certain extent. And I might also have found a photographer, and some great entertainment. Other than that, the whole thing's up in the air.
• This week, I have about 25 experiments to do. I hope they all turn out with results!
• Tonight, I have yoga at 5:15pm. Hopefully, she won't be as hard on us this week as she was last week. I literally had trouble walking, bathing and clothing myself for at least two days after that last class!
  

Ode to My Fear of Heights Haiku Friday

Upon arriving
in Jackson, we headed to
see the mountaintop.

***

Half of the ride was
fine, but the cliffs got to me.
Had to close my eyes.

***

Wind clocked at 40
on the top. Literally
blew us off our feet.

my shaky pic of the aerial tram as it approached the dock. it was freezing cold, windy and terrifying to head back down the mountain.

Yes, I was a bit shaky, but I made it to the top!

Wow, that view was unreal!

What helped? Moose Drool, a beer from Montana. It was pretty good, and they thankfully sold it at the top of the mountain, in order to fortify my ride down. Also? We spotted a moose and her baby on the tram ride down (no pics unfortunately, I was too terrified clutching the side of the tram to take any pics).

Dear Wyoming,

I honestly knew nothing about you until I arrived two weeks ago. The flight into Jackson is pretty hairy, so I was unsure what to expect. But I have to say, the view from your tiny, tiny airport was breathtaking. Your roads are amazingly well taken care of, you seem to have snow fences in all the correct places. Your museums were superb, and your landscape was unreal. Add to that a very friendly population, even whilst driving, and I can't imagine a better place to vacation. I'm not too sure why people see Wyoming as a not so interesting place to visit, but I was smitten. And still am. And I am looking forward to a return visit.
with love,
ceedee

Numbers Monday

(courtesy of coodence)

1) In the last 2 weeks, I have travelled over 5200 miles. 4000 of those were by airplane, while 1200 were by a 1921 Model T Ford.

2) I took over 650 pictures, which I am sure you will be subjected to over the next few weeks.

3) We spent nearly one week in Yellowstone, followed by one week on the road around Yellowstone.

4) We visited two states, Wyoming and Montana.

5) We drove with nearly 20 other Model Ts, which included going through a pass at 11,000 feet, as well as driving on a road with a 10% grade.

6) Surprisingly, the T got about 20 miles to the gallon, and did not break down once, while my parents, in their modern motorhome, had a hell of a time getting up to Jackson, WY.

7) Alex and I packed all our things in one suitcase and two backpacks.

8) The first few days, the temperature hovered around 32 degrees! We were very thankful for the hot pockets my cousin Alison brought along.

9) We saw countless animals, including numerous buffalo, two moose, several elk (including on standing atop a ridge at sunset, bellowing to the females), many, many deer, one fox or coyote, and thousands of stuffed animals.

10) We stayed in 10 different places over two weeks. I am both glad and sad to be home. Back to work!

Grad Student Haiku Friday

Library empty
Closing early, holiday
weekend is soon here.

***

I kind of love the
silence, the stillness, hum of
machines tick tock tick

***

No cell phones, whispers,
to break my concentration.
Just write and finish.

This is Colorado

Taken as we were eating lunch next to a stream.

End of Summer Haiku Friday

All the undergrads
heading back to Penn soon enough
air getting cooler

***

Not sure if I am
ready for summer to end
sunny, lazy days

***

I like the longer
days, the warm sun on my face
also vacation!

Vacation Pics

Seriously, the best thing about the end of the meeting I attended in Albuquerque? The aquarium. So cool!

Alex and I climbed a mountain in Colorado. Can you tell I am scared here? I was terrified because the rock just dropped off into oblivion right past where I am sitting.

King of the World!

Toadstool! I had never seen one before!

Alex and his niece Kaitlyn, playing on the playground!

To my new nephew

Happy birthday, little buddy! I am so glad you are here in this big world of ours. I know your mom and dad have been really excited for you to get here. I can't wait to meet you!
xoxo,
ceedee

PS: we have the same initials! isn't that neat?