did you miss me?
I know you did.
Highlights of NYC:
- staying at the Hotel on Rivington, sleeping on a Tempur-Pedic bed, wrapping myself in Frette linens, and using my shower sauna function (Ok so I lie. Beds that mold to your shape feel a bit funny, Frette linens feel starchy, and I can’t breathe in saunas. But I do wish to pretend I can enjoy such luxury.)
- three Sugar Sweet Sunshine cupcakes in 24 hours - I would’ve eaten more but I OD’d on them
- hand cut ice cubes in perfect cubes, neatly stacked in an amazing gin/ginger beer mojito concoction at Pegu Club . Yes, I am lame and took a picture:
- good times with good friends
Un-highlight of NYC:
- feeling like I couldn’t afford to move there anymore
Highlights of MD/DC:
- spending hours at the National Gallery of Art. I learned. Exercised my brain. Went on two tours. Picked up new vocabulary words. Actually, it was a little depressing that I had look them up when I got home.
- home cooked Chinese food
- seeing my parents and friends
Un-highlight of MD/DC:
- being freaking cold and finding refuge in my car, where I could turn up the heat (versus my home, which was 62 degrees with the heat ON)
history of the garden gnome
Learned about this on the plane ride home today. True story (at least according to Oxford Biographies):
The garden gnome was invented by Sir Charles Isham, a believer that mini men, aka gnomes, lived in mines and guided miners to the best minerals. He made a few of these little gnomes holding mining tools, and put them in an elaborate and expansive garden on his estate. His daughters disliked the gnomes and after Isham passed away, they removed all of them…but missed one. It was found decades later, and thus, we have the garden gnome.
Seriously.
damn you iron pills
Another great feat: I (reluctantly) took my second iron pill in two days after a two or three week hiatus. I wonder if I’ll ever find success in making it a real habit. I feel like such an invalid, popping pills. Or a druggie. Why oh why are my iron levels so low? Ok I know why, but still.
P.S. I ran another hour and 25 today, while learning all about Justinian! And then strolled into Teashi to get my eyebrows waxed, all smelly and gross. I’m sure they appreciated that. And now I need to pack and I can’t get myself to do it, so here I am posting again.
a doo run run run a doo run run
Yay I ran an hour and 20 minutes today and 50 minutes yesterday, both of which are actually great feats for me. I realized why I’ve been able to run longer: I’m currently listening to a podcast series on the great rulers of the Byzantine Empire and it really helps pass time. I typically don’t like running – ok who am I kidding…jogging really slowly -because I get bored very easily. But, isn’t it so fascinating that Diocletian abdicated his throne to grow cabbage? That’s my new favorite fact of the week. Is that lame? 
Also, I’m running on the grass and sandy surfaces at Marina Green/Crissy Field which is better for my knees. The beautiful weather also doesn’t hurt.
Completely unrelated, but I just saw a preview of Smallville on TV, and as much as I will always love men, I have to say goodness Kirsten Kreuk is hot.
spain and morocco!
Yay it’s official. I’m going to Spain and Morocco for 2 weeks; end of April to beginning of May. I booked my tickets to Madrid last Friday. I’ve been dying to go to SE Asia, but unfortunately, it is extremely rainy in April and I don’t have the patience to wait until November for my next big vacation.
If you have any recommendations, let me know. Right now I’m thinking either Morocco-focused: Madrid, Marrakesh, Fez, Casablanca, Barcelona…or Spain-focused: Madrid, Marrakesh, southern Spain, Barcelona.
i have no rhythm
I took a class at the ODC Dance Commons tonight…it was really fun! And I really suck! (but definitely want to return)
I was basically flailing my arms and legs, trying to follow the teacher, being out-danced by 40 and 50 year old women. I wonder how long I can play the novice card…
lesson of the day: chew in moderation
This sounds really silly, but two nights ago I chewed maybe 6 or 7 pieces of gum and now it hurts to eat anything solid! Seriously. I tried to eat an apple this morning and had to put it back in the fridge in favor of yogurt. For lunch I had some spinach lentil soup, but even the soft lentils were causing me a bit of a problem. I ended up drinking a soy latte. How strange. And annoying.
I realize you may find it odd that I was chewing so much gum, but I was in my hotel room in Chicago and a little bored. Plus, all the men at the hotel bar were 80, and I wasn’t about to pull an Anna Nicole.
*This posting is dedicated to my sister, who oh-so-eagerly reads my blog so she doesn’t have to study.
