Chowdown

Tonight, there is an impromptu chowdown at Midtown Global Market. Some will be people I've met before (at the dim sum chowdown). Some will be new. Food will be good, for certain.

Lake Street

I went to a new massage therapist last night. He offers 1/2 off prices if you fill an empty spot in his schedule, so the price was right. Nice massage. He used unscented oil that was all natural, non-staining and very moisturising.

On the way home, I stopped for tacos al pastor. That's right, I've got a local connection now. Yummy and I got horchata, too. A little sweet, but still tasty. I'll be back for more (probably after my next massage).

My plotted way home did not work the way I expected. I can see the highway...I can see the southbound entrance to the highway. Why can I not go north? Ah well - I drove home Lake Street instead, which is currently my favorite street since it contains so many of my favorite things (Bryant Lake Bowl, Town Talk Diner, Midtown Global Market and now...Taquiera La Hacienda).

Nano, nano

Susan got me an iPod Nano for my birthday. I'm enamored with it. I never though I could fill 2 GBs but now I have to delete before I add. Music is lovely (especially the Shuffle function), but my preciouses are podcasts. I've got about a dozen to which I subscribe. All that great NPR and PRI stuff I could never manage to catch on the radio. Mine now. Short bits on grammer, money and manners to keep me in line. Got 'em. And I haven't even dipped into old radio plays.

May podcasts whisper in my ear forever.

Happy New Year

It was wonderful to talk to everyone at New Years. I missed seeing my friends, but I wound up enjoying a quiet evening at home. Seems like lots of folks around here did the same, since it had been raining for a few days and then turned to snow midday on NYE. From inside my cozy home, it was all beautiful.

My hair has gotten really long. I'm kind of enjoying it. One of my new year's resolutions is to wear it down more often. Hence, today's photo, taken moments ago at my desk.

Being good

I've been good and I've not driven to work at all since buying the car. I can't wait for the weekend, though. I'm going to cruise the TC in high style.

Great day

Yesterday was great. I got a car!! I scared the pee out of people!!

I was a ghoul for a friend's Halloween display. I'll have photos soon. I looked like one of the animatronic dummies they had set up in their yard. I waited for kids to pass me by and then I jumped out at them. It was the most fun ever!

And I finally got the car. I've named it Tweeee, after its license plate (TWE-034).

Riding a sugar/terror high

I spent the weekend in a pre-Halloween haze. I wandered amongst a bunch of kids in their costumes on Saturday and glutted myself on scary movies on TV. I spent time working on my costume, too. I can't wait for Halloween tomorrow.

The shoe has dropped

Not about the car. Strictly project related. There was a big budget meeting yesterday and I'll be getting the results today. Initial report is a thumbs up.

Last night I made chocolate chip cookies. I figured they could be congratulatory or conciliatory. Either way, they are tasty. This is my evil plan - when I get a baking jones, I go ahead and bake, but I give away what I make. This time, it's a gift. Usually I wait until no one is looking and then I sneak it onto a table in the middle of the office. I get to hear "Oh no, who brought cookies/brownies/etc." even as they are sneaking a taste.

The photo is from the snow shower earlier this month. Nothing really stuck and we haven't had snow since, though we have had a hard frost. The snow made for a lovely walk in to work.

Le sigh

No car tomorrow. The starter is acting up. Bill is getting it fixed BEFORE he hands it off to me (very nice of him, I must say). So I won't be getting the car right away. I've still got my bus pass, but...I'M SO EXCITED TO HAVE A CAR. I really wanted it this weekend (for some Halloween cruising). Ah well. Soon.

Tomorrow is the big day

I get a car! I think I've got all my paperwork together. I go to the DVS (DMV in MN) and transfer title tomorrow. I can't wait. Whole new worlds are opening up.

snow today

From 80 degrees on Saturday to snow flurries today. But I love it. The air is not that cold, but the cold front has just started to pass through. There were beautiful snow flurries today. I was researching at the library this morning and I kept watching the snow fall outside the window.

My radiators came on last night. I went to bed in a cold room and woke up to warm air covering my like a blanket. It's one of the reasons I really like this apartment. The radiators keep me toasty warm all winter. Tempest likes to curl up near the one in the bedroom.

Keep your fingers crossed

I checked out the car last week and it looks good. I'm having it inspected tomorrow. If it passes, I'm buying it. I'm so excited.

This weekend was lovely. 80 degrees on Saturday and sunshine like liquid gold. I went shopping for presents for my mother and sister. Found some nice things at a store owned by local farmer's market vendors. Their cheese selection made me drool, but I restrained myself. I'll have to set myself a cheese allowance or I'll go overboard in there. I did get some lovely smoked trout, though, that I'll be noshing on soon.

Of course, the weather has now turned. Back to coats and cute boots. This weekend I'll be going to a sheepdog presentation. Should be wonderful

Free coffee

Caribou Coffee was handing out free coffee to commuters this morning, outside of the Xcel Center. It was in honor of the Wild's season opener. There was a band and everything. Fun to watch, although it annoyed others (slowed down traffic).

Yesterday's rain left us with cooler weather. We're in the upper 60's now. 83 on Sunday and Monday was nice, but I've already packed up my sandals. I'm ready for boots.

Speaking of which - I got two new pairs (on sale). The brown boots have the highest heels I've worn. I need to learn how to walk in them.

The photo is of a swarm of pigeons I saw on a walk into work. I did not investigate what they were swarming over, because they freaked me out.

I ate an amygdala

A paper one, but nonetheless. Just felt like it and I was staying late to work on a brain systems puzzle.

Sunday I went to the Renaissance Faire. There will be pictures of it soon (and of North Carolina). I had a great time. I got there early and spent a few hours wandering by myself. Then I was joined by Ethan, his girlfriend and her son. I was nominated guide (even though I only had a few hours on them). Such a nice Faire. Lots of music and acts and street theater. I saw the end of some phenomenal fire eating. The photos is me getting some lovin' from a puppy at the Herpetological Society Booth.

Last night was the season opener for Veronica Mars. I taped it for Susan.

And I'm looking at a car that a co-worker wants to sell. I'll test drive it tomorrow. I'm not the only one in the running, and I refuse to be rushed, but the price is right. We'll see.

Aaaaa...busy

In a good way, though. Works been slamming this week. Lots to get done and not enough people to do it. Lots of frustration and short tempers. I've been acting goofy to try and lighten the mood. Yesterday I ate a paper amygdala, leaving my team shocked but amused. I won a bet about what component our client would not pick (it was close, too. Too close).

On the home front, I was sick the beginning of the week, but massive infusions of water and hot mint tea seem to have alleviated most of the symptoms. But can anyone explain why I still spike a fever of 100 at night?

I did manage a night out. My colleague, Gene, was in town and on his last night here we went to Midtown Global Market. It's a new place, designed along the lines of Reading Terminal Market in Philly. All independent vendors, some food, some retail, all good. The best part is flitting from vendor to vendor getting momos here, bubble tea there, and why not a torta on the side. MMMMM.

Oh and YEA! Ethan's back. He was in NYC and he just stopped by to say hi. Beer tonight at the warehouse.

Weird allergy thing

I think it has mostly passed, but yesterday I woke up and my eyes were swollen. I felt itchy and sneezy all day. Massive dose of antihistimines seems to have minimized the symptoms, but I still feel weird. Fascinating, no?

Feeling temperate

Ahhhh...nothing like a nice relaxing vacation. The Outer Banks were wonderful. We went kayaking and ate delicious food. And there were hours of reading both inside and outside in the sun. Lots of wandering around and taking pictures, too. I'm still feeling relaxed and I can't wait to go back.

Today I remembered how much I love living in a temperate climate. We're having a cold snap, and this morning as I slipped on boots and a comfy turtleneck, I wiggled my toes around. I love wearing boots...and snuggly sweaters and all kinds of cold weather clothes. But I had a flash of deja vu from way back in spring when I got to break out my sandals and my toes got to be free. Guess I just like enjoying the change. There's always something to look forward to.

Almost on my way

Almost ready to leave. I've got a few work things to take care of. And I need to finish packing and cleaning house. But I think everything else is lined up. Can't wait.

Weekend wrap-up

After careful consideration, my plans changed. I'll go to the Ren Faire before the end of the month and I'll rent a car to get there. But it wasn't feasible for this weekend, since I worked on Monday. (I wanted to return the car Monday morning-but the rental place was closed, so they would have charged me for an extra day). And I skipped a return trip to the State Fair. I though long and hard about why I wanted to go back. Yes, the people watching is great and there were some exhibits I wanted to see. But really, I wanted to get to the junk food. So I skipped it.

Instead I made a loooong list of stuff that needs to get done (either in general or before my trip next week) and I got all but TWO items done! I'm pretty happy with that.

Now I'm working on cleaning out the perishable items and I'm making lists of "Things to eat using food I already have that will go bad if I don't finish it". Goat cheese omelet and roast chicken salad here I come.

what to do?

To rent or use the car share...that is the question. Despite anticipated rains, I really want to get out this weekend. I'd like to visit the State Fair one more time and I'd like to visit the MN Ren Faire (which is a ways out). Plus, there are a bunch of driving errands, some near and some far. So what's more economical, renting or car share? Not sure yet.