Just a thought...

It happens every year.
No sooner have the candy corn and costumes been condemned to the "clearance rack" , that retailers prepare for the next major American holiday...Christmas. Yes, sad as this is, the holiday commercials have begun to air, seasonal decorations adorn the aisles of stores, even ABC family has a countdown to the "25 Days of Christmas". Every year this happens, and every year I note the absurdity of it all. Do not get my wrong; I enjoy the Christmas season as much as anyone, but how come it is so difficult for Americans to enjoy the moment? To me, this is one of the most beautiful and tranquil times of the year in terms of nature. The weather is crisp, the leaves on the trees have finally strayed from their uniform green, to that beautiful amalgamation of orange, yellow, and red, before they begin the decent to the ground. Thanksgiving is also less than two weeks away. Why would one want to skip over this? I understand that this is America, and time is money, but to me, something as precious as time should not be hurried. Can't we all just stop rushing and just enjoy the moment for once? Constantly waiting for the next "big thing", only paves the way for missed opportunities. Even if I cannot change the minds of others, I know I will enjoy all of the beauty that autumn has to offer until its time has passed. My only embrace of the Christmas season until the first of December shall be having my pumpkin spice in a seasonal red cup (only because I don't have a choice there : ) ), as I eagerly await chestnut stuffing and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. Mmmmmmmm.

East Bay Bike Path

Hello all! For the past two weekends, I have capped the hi-liter and put aside the seemingly never-ending mountain of school work in order to enjoy autumn's natural beauty; riding along the East Bay Bike path. I discovered the past last Friday when ironically, I was driving to pick up my new (well, new to me) bike. I had found the bike, a 1980s silver, Raleigh racing cycle on Craig's list after a month long search. I had the opportunity to test ride the bike before purchasing it, and even though the bike is about as old as I am , it rides really well (The shop owner, who sells a lot of used bikes from that era went on 1o minute rant about how outsourcing and the use of Chinese metal is ruining today's cycles, but that's another story :) )Driving home, while admiring the lovely New England foiliage I spotted the path and could not think of a better opportunity to take it out for its first real ride. The next morning, I loaded the new cycle onto the rack on the back of my jeep and drove about 10 minutes outside of Providence to Riverside where the trail begins. While adjusting to the new breaking style and lack of a speed system slightly rattled my nerves, I was soon coasting along the Providence River. Alas, I did not have my camera last week, and disappointingly so, because there was a considerably greater amount of wildlife (I spotted about 5 blue jays and a gaggle of about 10 swans at two different locations), but I managed to snap some great photos today. Enjoy these pictures with my new favorite piece of the Reagan era!

Bahstin!

My family (minus Jenn who is stuck in Harrisonburg) came to visit me Columbus Day weekend. Here are some of the pictures from our trip to Boston. I have more, but I could only upload five pictures. Enjoy!

Ben Folds Concert!

On Thursday Ben Folds played a concert at the Bank of America Center in Providence, R.I. The venue is actually an ice skating rink during the winter, although during the spring, summer, and fall it serves as a small venue for outdoor concerts. One of my classmates had a friend who worked the sound system during the show and was able to get us in for free, stage side. Missy Higgins, an Australian singer, opened for Ben doing a 45 minute set. I had not previously heard of her, but I enjoyed all of her songs and am planning on downloading a few. After a 30 minute break, Ben came on around 7:15. Anyone who has ever seen him live, claimed that he puts on a fantastic show, and he lived up to their praise. For the first hour he played a set of new songs from his new album which comes out on Tuesday. He actually is quite funny, and had the audience laughing with his anecdotes and the fact that he played multiple versions of the same song, letting us know which one made the album and which were so thoughtfully released by him on the internet for fans to enjoy. For a small venue, playing new material, he still managed to keep the audience into it. For the encore, he did about 6 classics, or "old shit", as he phrased it, including, "Landed", "Rockin the Suburbs", and "The Frown Song". He did not play "Kate" as I had hoped, but regardless it was still an awesome show. Here are some pictures!

Anecdotal Ben

The best picture I got!

Doing "The Frown Song"

Goodnight Providence!

Signs of Autumn

My pumpkin (technically it's a gourd) that I bought for my kitchen.

My first Pumpkin Spice Latte, with my trademark lip gloss stained lid (Kathleen, I know you appreciate this one!)

Leaves Changing

Pumpkins and mums on a porch in the neighborhood. classic autumn!


Since we recently had a change of seasons (the ushering in of my particular favorite), I figured I'd kick it off bloggy style.

Happy Breakfast

I woke up a little earlier than normal today. I was one of those mornings where for some reason or another, whether it be the alignment of the planets, a change in tides, etc. that I was wide awake and needed something to do. Thus, I decided to make myself a homemade breakfast...an activity typically reserved for weekends. I recently retrieved my beloved waffle iron from Long Island and decided to make myself one of my favorite breakfast foods. After heating up my waffle iron, and mixing the necessary ingredients, I placed the batter on the iron and eagerly anticipated this weekday treat. When my waffle was cooked, I lifted the iron to discover, not Jesus' face or any other apocolyptic message, but something far greater...the perfect waffle! Browned, but not too crispy, so that it was still light and fluffy in texture. I then added a strawberry jam smiley face, because Socrates once said, "A happy breakfast, makes a happy day" (Okay I have no proof that he said that whatsoever, but you catch my drift : P)

Family Picnic

From our annual family picnic held on 08/03/08

For the Fall

Recent posts (As well as the actions which inspired them) by fellow bloggers inspired a recent decision of mine to make a list of five small goals for the fall. These goals are all related to self improvement, think "New Seasons Resolution" (Corny, but the best I can come up with right now). I realize that I have trouble committing to smaller tasks. Major things, which are more regimented going to work, going to school, etc. are easy for me to follow, but there have many times where I decide I want to change something and do not. So these are five things which I hope to accomplish by the winter solstice...(Yes, I said winter solstice)

1. Read the newspaper everyday (one article or cover to cover, I'd like to be more aware of what's going on in the world).
2. Exercise at least 4 times per week (I slacked this summer)
3. Dedicate at least a half hour per day for myself (The first two activities can be included)
4. Save money (I am going to draw up a budget once I have a better idea of what my pay checks will be like).
5. Continue to work on improving my French (This and goal number 4 will work together towards my ultimate goal to go back to France and meet (and converse with) my long lost relatives).

So hopefully these will be accomplished with the cooler air, changing of the leaves, and best of all...Pumpkin Spice Frappuccinossssssssssss!

P.S. Check out Sigur Ros, if you haven't already...not new music but new to me and I'm digging it!

All Play and No work?

Well, I have been in Providence for about a week now. Although the city is small, there is still a lot for me to learn about it, and I am having fun exploring the new terrain. Tomorrow I begin my graduate assistantship with Providence College; a position within the Office of Academic Affairs, something which I am very excited about. While part of me is sad that this is one of the first signs that summer is coming to a close, there is a part of me that is eager to get back out there. While many might take advantage of the idleness which comes with the summer, I have missed the structure of a day to day schedule. You see, this summer has been very different for me than summers past, as I have not worked nearly as much as I have in recent years. Since, I was 16 years-old, I have held some type of part time position. While I worked the less hours during the school year to focus on academics, I have typically worked quite a bit during the summer, usually about 30 hrs. or more in order to save money. As I said this summer was quite different. When I began student teaching in January, I left my position as a bank teller in order to concentrate on my final semester, a decision that in retrospect, I am quite thankful for considering the amount of work that was required (Anyone who has ever student taught can attest = ) ). Once the semester was finished in May, I took a position as a tutor for a local center for students with academic difficulties. I was eager to get back to work, and since I knew in advance that my summer was going to be very packed, I appreciated the flexibility that this new job seemed to offer. What appeared to be an excellent opportunity, quickly turned into a regular annoyance, as I was not given the amount of hours that I had been promised and when I was scheduled to work, I was often sent home without being paid. The climax of my already growing frustration came when I returned from a vacation to find out that I was not on the schedule, after telling two supervisors personally, and writing on the employee calendar when I would be returning. Although I was annoyed, I took my losses and turned it into something positive. Even though I did not work as much this summer, I was able to support myself through savings. More importantly, I have used my excess freedom to spend time with friends and family before moving. Notable outings included, a trip to Montauk, New York City, high tea, and many beach days and lunch outings. I was able to attend the wedding of a good friend, as well as a wonderful trip to Europe, where I had the good fortune of experiencing several other parts of the world. Most importantly, I used the extra time for myself to experience the simple pleasures in life, such as an early morning run, an afternoon lost in the words of a favorite author, or an evening walk for a small vanilla ice from Ralph's with a good friend. To sum it up, while the workaholic nerd in me is eager to get back in there, I also understand that this summer taught me to appreciate what I have, focusing less on a schedule, and more on simple pleasures. I hope you all can do the same.

Providenceeeeee

Well, I am officially living in Providence! The move has come after months after months of anticipation, excitement, and . The drive here went well. My dad drove his Diamante and I took my Liberty, both vehicles packed with my belongings. After a short detour upon arriving in Providence, we made it to the new apartment. My landlords are both lovely people, and they immediately made me feel welcome, offering help with the move, as well as tidbits on the city (Frommers should be soooo jealous). My dad and I spent the day moving and setting up, before heading to Pot Au Feu, a wonderful French restauraunt in town which we have both fallen in love with. After heading back to the apartment, we spent the night reading and relaxing before turning it in. I slept surprisingly well in my new bed, although it felt weird to wake up somewhere else. This morning we found an awesome little Mom and Pop breakfast place, where I enjoyed some cinnamon pancakes (Mmmmm!). After breakfast we took care of a few last minute errands before my dad and I said our goodbyes. The day so far has been pretty good. I haven't had my t.v. come yet, but I did some cleaning and more setting up and the place is starting to look very "Kate-like" as Jamie or Stevi may say. I just got back from a walk along one of the main roads where I scoped out some places to shop, eat, and relax. Now I shall feast on my long awaited macaroni and cheese and wine dinner! Hopefully I'll have some pictures soon!