Been wondering about what Billy Corrigan's been up to lately?

Well, I hadn't really, either, but heard on the radio today that the Smashing Pumpkin's website was morphed into his online journal, so I had to check it out. Apparently, he's a huge Cubs fan.

Spring =

~~~~~~~~~~_o
~~~~~~~~ _'|<,_
~~~~~~~~(*)/ (*)

picture from Chuck, Cascade Bicycle Club director

Virginia native, Duke grad, Brilliant Writer

A charming review / interview with one of my favorite novelists.

Where's Henry Higgens when you need him?

Of course I had to take the Yankee or Dixie online quiz that everyone (starting with Max) is linking to these days. While I found the over-all scoring entertaining (mine was 76% Dixie; a strong Southern score), what I think would be even more interesting is if you could take a quiz to pinpoint where you're from based on how you speak. For example, based on the fact that I'm familiar with a brew-thru, call all carbonated soft drinks coke, regardless of their brand; and have been known to say spendy and drive on *the* 5, you can tell that I'm from the VA/NC area, have lived in the Pacific Northwest, and have spent too much time in CA and/or around Californians.

Just imagine the geographical generalizations we could make about people if we had such a quiz.

Odds and Ends


It's been a busy couple of weeks here. Today I woke up and didn't quite know what to do. Since I know that there's lots to do in the office, I almost went in, not wanting to "waste" time at home.

Last weekend was my first trip to Whistler, which was a humbling experience. I felt like I spent a lot of the trip whining. There was a lot of steep stuff (scary), flat cat tracks (hard for a not-so-great boarder), and some hard and icy snow (painful). Once I got warmed up, however, I had a good time, and transited the 2010 Olympics Women's Super G course. I imagine that the Olympians will finish a little faster than I did and won't get lost in the fog.

This week was full of work days with back-to-back meetings and the only time to catch up and answer email, voicemail, etc was before 7 or after 5. Throw in the refi that we're working on, a community project that's getting ramped up, and another dentist visit, and it's been a little crazy.

Today I went to a Seattle library for the first time in 2 years! (I have gone to the King County library near work, but not too recently). I've found a few friends who have expressed interest in a book club, so I'm psyched to get reading again. I tried reading this afternoon, and after 30 minutes found myself enjoying a lovely nap. I guess I was a little tired.

Tomorrow is a bike ride, a movie, and perhaps more gardening. Spring is here!

REAL WOMEN LOVE I-5

Seen on a bumper while driving home today " REAL MEN LOVE JESUS." Are these the same guys who don't eat quiche?

Who me? partisan?

Kerry, Kerry, he's our man
If he can't do it, there's the B.C. emigration plan...

(I'm only a little serious about the emigration plan. VA primary and WA caucus shouldn't follow so closely after a trip to Vancouver.)

You won't find these on Trading Spaces



via Morning Edition

Cat Got My Tongue

Actually, cat has her tongue in my water glass at the moment, but that's another issue.

I've found myself saying (and writing and thinking) the most harsh, catty, and sarcastic things lately. I guess I think that these comments are funny or pointed or I just don't really think through them at all, and end up being hurtful, which is not my intent. I suppose one should either be sharply sarcastic and careless of the impact it leaves, or less sharp-tongued if one cares about hurting feelings.

Here is an open apology (I should really learn to spell this word) to any I've hurt or offended. I wish that the cat had gotten my tongue.

Vancouver First Half: The Results

2002: 1:51:55
2003: 1:51:24
2004: 1:53:53

So, my time slipped a bit this year. At least I discovered the Best Brewpub in Canada on Saturday night. (And, no, the brew was not the deciding factor in my slow time).

Lost in Virginia

It's been so long since I've posted that my blogger sign-in cookie must have expired. I had to dredge from memory my sign-in info.

I've just returned from another week long business trip. This trip was the typical run around from meeting to meeting, catching up on work emails at the end of the day, meaning I catch up on reading blogs, etc. after the end of the day when I'm tired and hungry and ready to escape to my exciting hotel room.

Things that have been on my mind of late:

Mortgage refi. Again.

Running or rather the lack thereof. I’m running a half-marathon tomorrow after only running about 15 miles in the last 2 weeks.

Work. Sad, but true.

My 10 year college reunion. I didn’t have any of that typical anxiety before my high school reunion. After all, since college I’d gone to a great school, traveled the world in an exciting job, and was weeks away from running my first marathon (I was thinner at the time than I ever was in high school). For this college thing, however, I’m reading people’s updates, and everyone is a doctor or lawyer, or has started up their own business (post Wharton), all of this after they spent a few years in the Peace Corps, and are now happily married with a baby or 2. I don't regret what I've done or haven't done, I don't want to be a doctor or lawyer or MBA, nor am I unhappy with my marital / family status. I just have to keep reminding myself of this.

Snow: I'm psyched about this. We're going to Whistler next weekend (my first time) and even though I've only had 2 days on the slopes this winter, I feel more comfortable on my board than I ever have. Now we just need to figure out the logistics, dinner reservations, etc.

Well, it's off to Canada. Happy weekend.