Monday, March 2, 2009

Baby it's cold outside...

I hope that everyone enjoyed their snow day. I figured that this would be an appropriate song to post. Not a complete version, but I love Zooey Deschanel's voice and who doesn't love "Elf"?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9re6CQZGFw

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Tough Times

I came across this article in the New York Times today. It is truly a shame that these staples of New York, will not be receiving the funding which they had anticipated for the coming fiscal year. I understand the critical state of the current economy, and my one hope is that Governor Patterson uses the funds which would have gone towards these organizations wisely, with the interests of those in New York who are experiencing particular economic hardship in mind. Either way, it is disheartening that the proposed budget cuts will undoubtedly undermine the educational opportunities offered by these museums, as well as, the precious glimpse into the natural world that is disappearing in our consumer driven society.


http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/nyregion/22funding.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=new%20york%20botanical%20garden&st=cse

Monday, January 12, 2009

Winter

Many of my fellow bloggers have shared experiences about embracing what they have formerly disdained. Well, yesterday, after the rock salt had been laid and the snow plows had been gone, I took a little walk outside and can I tell you how refreshing. It was a great way to clear my head, and just take in the quiet beauty of the season as the sun set on the weekend. If this snow lasts through the next weekend, I encourage all of you to do the same.

Friday, January 2, 2009

A Mighty Fine Ohhhhh Nine

Happy New Year, Everyone!

I meant to post yesterday, but I started out 2009 sick, so my New Year's was limited to tea and "The Twilight Zone" marathon. Anyways, my reason for posting is to share my goals for the upcoming year. A few weeks ago, while at tea with some wonderful ladies, I mentioned that I was not excited for 2009, because I felt that there was nothing significant to look forward to. It was suggested, however, that even though there was nothing planned at the moment, there was no reason why I could not make the upcoming year remarkable on my own. I took this advice to heart, and came up with a list of what I would like to accomplish. I have the list, and hopefully by this time next year, I will be able to say that I completed all of them. Again, best wishes for a peaceful and happy year.

(1) Commit to blogging on a regular basis-Appropriately the first goal.


(2) Run a 5K- I began looking into a few. I'll begin training this week, and register for one for the springtime.

(3) Improve my French-I worked on this for the fall, and will hopefully be taking a class next semester through school. I would like to work towards becoming fluent.

(4) Look into PhD programs-I'm on the fence about going further, but if I decide to continue I am going to begin searching.

(5) Learn to play the guitar-I've had a guitar for years now, and I've always put off learning. This year I am going to take playing more seriously.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

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.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

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!





Thursday, October 23, 2008

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!