Have you ever dipped those cheery yellow peeps into a lake of vodka and ate it?
I wouldn't recommend it.
M.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Yog-ouch
At the end of January I shelled out a large amount of money (large to me, anyway) to get a gym membership through my work. I promptly went 3-4 times a week for the first month, but as soon as the weather got nice, I found myself outside, trying to pound the pavement in anticipation of the yet-signed-up-for 5k.
Right, so March was pretty much a waste.
However, one of my coworkers - who is better organized than I - informed me a few days ago that our gym offers free yoga classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. (I hadn't even thought of looking at a gym schedule....!) My hamstrings have been excruciatingly tight lately - radiating pain through my lower back and neck - so I thought, hey! A yoga class would be just the thing!
Last night I joined my co-worker at the yoga class (no small feat, it requires that I remember to bring a gym bag to work). I was pretty psyched, a) to be using my gym membership again and b) to get back into the yoga groove. The first ten minutes were awesome. Lots of stretching, deep breathing, arm raising, more deep breathing, etc, etc.
Then the real workout began. Now, I likes me some downward facing dog, but when it's coupled with high and low pushups, 10 minutes of triangle pose and some high leg kicks - I get tired awfully quick. I was actually sweating...and no, there were no 'Oldies' involved. At the end of it, the teacher was all "now I'm going to ease you into the splits" (!!!!!) By that time, I was shaking, my muscles were quivering and I had falled over about six times.
Even though the class totally kicked my ass, I really enjoyed it. It felt good to stretch and work some different muscles rather than keep beating away at my thighs and hips by
running. I actually walked away alot looser than when I started, which helped with my neck and back pain. And the teacher was hilarious, helpful and supportive. (I kind of have a thing about group exercise, stemming back to phy ed classes in elementary school - I'm always afraid I won't be able to do some or all of it and will embarass myself in front of everyone and/or hold the class up. Also, I like the option to stop and leave when I'm tired, and the semi-social atmosphere of a class doesn't allow that!)
The only down part - getting home from work requires that I take the metro to a bus. At that hour (8:30) busses only come about every 45 minutes. And of course when I got out of the metro, my bus was just taking off down the street, so I had to walk the mile home. So much for my loose hamstrings.
As Megan would say though, ain't no thang: when I got home I found some krispie kreme's on our kitchen table and that helped!
Right, so March was pretty much a waste.
However, one of my coworkers - who is better organized than I - informed me a few days ago that our gym offers free yoga classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. (I hadn't even thought of looking at a gym schedule....!) My hamstrings have been excruciatingly tight lately - radiating pain through my lower back and neck - so I thought, hey! A yoga class would be just the thing!
Last night I joined my co-worker at the yoga class (no small feat, it requires that I remember to bring a gym bag to work). I was pretty psyched, a) to be using my gym membership again and b) to get back into the yoga groove. The first ten minutes were awesome. Lots of stretching, deep breathing, arm raising, more deep breathing, etc, etc.
Then the real workout began. Now, I likes me some downward facing dog, but when it's coupled with high and low pushups, 10 minutes of triangle pose and some high leg kicks - I get tired awfully quick. I was actually sweating...and no, there were no 'Oldies' involved. At the end of it, the teacher was all "now I'm going to ease you into the splits" (!!!!!) By that time, I was shaking, my muscles were quivering and I had falled over about six times.
Even though the class totally kicked my ass, I really enjoyed it. It felt good to stretch and work some different muscles rather than keep beating away at my thighs and hips by
running. I actually walked away alot looser than when I started, which helped with my neck and back pain. And the teacher was hilarious, helpful and supportive. (I kind of have a thing about group exercise, stemming back to phy ed classes in elementary school - I'm always afraid I won't be able to do some or all of it and will embarass myself in front of everyone and/or hold the class up. Also, I like the option to stop and leave when I'm tired, and the semi-social atmosphere of a class doesn't allow that!)
The only down part - getting home from work requires that I take the metro to a bus. At that hour (8:30) busses only come about every 45 minutes. And of course when I got out of the metro, my bus was just taking off down the street, so I had to walk the mile home. So much for my loose hamstrings.
As Megan would say though, ain't no thang: when I got home I found some krispie kreme's on our kitchen table and that helped!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Me me me me me me me me me
1. First best friend: Inanimate? Max. Animal? Duchess. Person? Annie Tieman. She made Megan and I the perfect trifecta of kindergarten fun.
2. First car: My dad's '84 Jetta. Once, during an ice storm, the doors froze open and I had to drive stick shift home while steering AND holding the door shut with my foot. Yeah, I landed in the ditch about a quarter mile outside of town.
3. First love: Since no one from my childhood will never let me forget this; Joshua Saunders.
4. First vacation: car trip to South Dakota, third grade. My mom taught us how to crochet in the car.
5. First job: Ug. Working for the city clerk in my hometown. Most. boring. desk-job. ever.
6. First piercing: Ears, one week before my twelfth birthday.
7. First concert: Can I lie about this one? Because I think it was Kenny G. Don't laugh, Megan. You were there, too.
8. First record/CD bought: Tuesday Night Music Club, Sheryl Crow. I promptly scratched it over the best song, Strong Enough.
9. First real love: My life, every day.
10. First screen name: Mtanga.
11. Latest alcoholic beverage: something called a 'Blue Nirvana' tonight at a bar with Ann. I thought it tasted like windex until Ann pointed out to me that was champagne.
12. Latest car ride: Angela and Ann dropping me off at my house after drinks.
13. Latest movie watched: Um, 'Coyote Ugly' was on TBS on Saturday afternoon as we were cleaning up - I only watched 15 minutes of it, does that count?
14. Latest phone call made: calling George to ask him why he wasn't at happy hour. Then, running into him on the street after his impromptu 'date'!
15. Latest jacuzzi bath: Staff retreat in February. We each got our own suites with fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs!!
16. Latest played CD: Jackie Greene, "American Myth" (Thanks Alyssa!)
17. Latest time you cried: Monday morning, when I got out of bed for work.
18. Latest meal: the biggest plate of nachos I've ever seen and a diet coke.
19. Latest curse: roommate boyfriends!
8 Things You Wear
1. my new black ballet flats.
2. white tuxedo shirt.
3. navy blue yoga pants
4. long stringed pearly necklace
5. any kind of tunic (brown, green, blue, forest green)
6. my brown Ann Taylor suit
7. My japanese glasses
8. green and amber alexandrite necklace
Have You Ever........
1. Dated one of your best friends: Yes.
2. Been arrested: No.
3. Fallen in love at first sight: No.
4. Been in a TV program: Not to my knowledge!
5. Had your heart broken: Yes.
6. Said you love someone without meaning it: Yes (said you love someone when you meant something else, check)
7. Made a prank phone call: um, don't remember. Probably.
6 Things You’ve Done Today
1. walked a mile (at least!)
2. listened to classical music on the metro
3. sorted receipts against field reports
4. wore a polka-dotted dress
5. met two friends randomly in the middle of downtown DC, at separate times
6. talked to my parents
5 Favorite Things
1. books books books
2. sleeping late
3. snuggling
4. Law and Order
5. my iHome
4 (+) People I Can Tell Anything
1. TOHMF
2. Emira
3. Mel and Julie
4. Mary
5. My strong ladyfriends, you know who you are
2 Things To Do Before You Die
1. See all 7 continents.
2. Have children.
1 Thing You Regret: Not having a better post for today. :(
2. First car: My dad's '84 Jetta. Once, during an ice storm, the doors froze open and I had to drive stick shift home while steering AND holding the door shut with my foot. Yeah, I landed in the ditch about a quarter mile outside of town.
3. First love: Since no one from my childhood will never let me forget this; Joshua Saunders.
4. First vacation: car trip to South Dakota, third grade. My mom taught us how to crochet in the car.
5. First job: Ug. Working for the city clerk in my hometown. Most. boring. desk-job. ever.
6. First piercing: Ears, one week before my twelfth birthday.
7. First concert: Can I lie about this one? Because I think it was Kenny G. Don't laugh, Megan. You were there, too.
8. First record/CD bought: Tuesday Night Music Club, Sheryl Crow. I promptly scratched it over the best song, Strong Enough.
9. First real love: My life, every day.
10. First screen name: Mtanga.
11. Latest alcoholic beverage: something called a 'Blue Nirvana' tonight at a bar with Ann. I thought it tasted like windex until Ann pointed out to me that was champagne.
12. Latest car ride: Angela and Ann dropping me off at my house after drinks.
13. Latest movie watched: Um, 'Coyote Ugly' was on TBS on Saturday afternoon as we were cleaning up - I only watched 15 minutes of it, does that count?
14. Latest phone call made: calling George to ask him why he wasn't at happy hour. Then, running into him on the street after his impromptu 'date'!
15. Latest jacuzzi bath: Staff retreat in February. We each got our own suites with fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs!!
16. Latest played CD: Jackie Greene, "American Myth" (Thanks Alyssa!)
17. Latest time you cried: Monday morning, when I got out of bed for work.
18. Latest meal: the biggest plate of nachos I've ever seen and a diet coke.
19. Latest curse: roommate boyfriends!
8 Things You Wear
1. my new black ballet flats.
2. white tuxedo shirt.
3. navy blue yoga pants
4. long stringed pearly necklace
5. any kind of tunic (brown, green, blue, forest green)
6. my brown Ann Taylor suit
7. My japanese glasses
8. green and amber alexandrite necklace
Have You Ever........
1. Dated one of your best friends: Yes.
2. Been arrested: No.
3. Fallen in love at first sight: No.
4. Been in a TV program: Not to my knowledge!
5. Had your heart broken: Yes.
6. Said you love someone without meaning it: Yes (said you love someone when you meant something else, check)
7. Made a prank phone call: um, don't remember. Probably.
6 Things You’ve Done Today
1. walked a mile (at least!)
2. listened to classical music on the metro
3. sorted receipts against field reports
4. wore a polka-dotted dress
5. met two friends randomly in the middle of downtown DC, at separate times
6. talked to my parents
5 Favorite Things
1. books books books
2. sleeping late
3. snuggling
4. Law and Order
5. my iHome
4 (+) People I Can Tell Anything
1. TOHMF
2. Emira
3. Mel and Julie
4. Mary
5. My strong ladyfriends, you know who you are
2 Things To Do Before You Die
1. See all 7 continents.
2. Have children.
1 Thing You Regret: Not having a better post for today. :(
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Taxation without...wait, what?
So the Senate today voted to indefinitely curtail the the District's desire to have an actual vote in Congress. Poor Eleanor. It seems she is not fated to see her star rise on CSPAN, but remains relegated to the Congressional equivalent of the 'back of the bus'; that is, committee comments only.
I remember as a kid, hearing about the push for DC to have voting rights in Congress. I remember thinking it was kind of silly - I mean, why would we want to upset this perfect balance of 50 states that we have?? And if DC had a vote, that would mean, constitutionally speaking, that it was a state, right?
But since moving here, since seeing all the tourists and commuters and shit that gets left behind when NOVA's (that's Northern Virginian's to you plebe's) evacuate at the end of the workday, my sympathies have changed. The District is our National Capital. Home to the Constitution, monument to Americana, bloomer of fresh cherry blossoms. Why wouldn't we want her to have a say in how America is run? Isn't that, well, kind of anti-American?
I understand from NPR that some deal was in the works to give DC, which is like 98% rabid democrat a vote and also provide Utah (Utah?) another massively Republican vote.
I didn't follow up too closely today on how this deal fell through, but it did raise an interesting point. Statistically, urban areas are almost always voting for the Dems (MN is a great example of this) while rural areas fall on the Repub side. I like to think this is because, living on top of each other in sardine cans, people in urban areas deal with dirty old humanity on a day to day basis and learn to basically get along with others. It's hard to ignore poverty when you see a homeless person every day.
In rural areas, it's easy to forget that you're not the only lunatic on earth and that other humans exist (and coexist) without relying solely on their own resources (read: nuclear safe bunker and AK47). But it also teaches you responsibility, because hey, no one ELSE is going to shovel the walk for you, but it still needs to get done.
Having straddled the fence between the two, I can honestly see the pros and cons of each. Intellectually, I understand why the deal would've been struck between Utah and DC and I'm sorry that it didn't work out.
Well, kind of.
I'm not sorry that Utah doesn't have another vote, a deal I saw as caused by some frightened Republicans worried about a 2006 election repeat.
I AM sorry that DC still remains this psuedo-state of 500,000 fresh faced interns without so much as a whisper of control over their neighborhoods, their communities and their cities without needing - literally - an act of Congress.
I remember as a kid, hearing about the push for DC to have voting rights in Congress. I remember thinking it was kind of silly - I mean, why would we want to upset this perfect balance of 50 states that we have?? And if DC had a vote, that would mean, constitutionally speaking, that it was a state, right?
But since moving here, since seeing all the tourists and commuters and shit that gets left behind when NOVA's (that's Northern Virginian's to you plebe's) evacuate at the end of the workday, my sympathies have changed. The District is our National Capital. Home to the Constitution, monument to Americana, bloomer of fresh cherry blossoms. Why wouldn't we want her to have a say in how America is run? Isn't that, well, kind of anti-American?
I understand from NPR that some deal was in the works to give DC, which is like 98% rabid democrat a vote and also provide Utah (Utah?) another massively Republican vote.
I didn't follow up too closely today on how this deal fell through, but it did raise an interesting point. Statistically, urban areas are almost always voting for the Dems (MN is a great example of this) while rural areas fall on the Repub side. I like to think this is because, living on top of each other in sardine cans, people in urban areas deal with dirty old humanity on a day to day basis and learn to basically get along with others. It's hard to ignore poverty when you see a homeless person every day.
In rural areas, it's easy to forget that you're not the only lunatic on earth and that other humans exist (and coexist) without relying solely on their own resources (read: nuclear safe bunker and AK47). But it also teaches you responsibility, because hey, no one ELSE is going to shovel the walk for you, but it still needs to get done.
Having straddled the fence between the two, I can honestly see the pros and cons of each. Intellectually, I understand why the deal would've been struck between Utah and DC and I'm sorry that it didn't work out.
Well, kind of.
I'm not sorry that Utah doesn't have another vote, a deal I saw as caused by some frightened Republicans worried about a 2006 election repeat.
I AM sorry that DC still remains this psuedo-state of 500,000 fresh faced interns without so much as a whisper of control over their neighborhoods, their communities and their cities without needing - literally - an act of Congress.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Are you FIERCE?
I love America's Next Top Model. But let me just say, I would never EVER want to live in a house full of skinny, competitive, hormonal chicks. Even if I did manage to make on the show (as the stereotypical "plus-sized" model, of course), I'd be the one stompling around throwing steaks at everyone and telling them to grow up.
Not such good television.
But Tyra is always yammering on about being FIERCE. From what I can tell, it's either a look, an attitude or just an adjective. ("Girl, that bag is FIERCE!") It's kind of become a running joke on the show. It does get a little old, but I think the underlying meaning is kind of cool.
Instead of being strong, confident and independent, a woman can just be FIERCE. That is, a force to be reckoned with.
I was thinking about this last night surrounded by old friends and work colleagues at Jaleo. Lately, I've been totally humbled by the strength of my friends. I've witnessed the dissolution of marriages, lost pregnancies, transitions to new jobs, growth and maturation a well deserved relationship, and the discovery of new paths.
I have been so blessed to be surrounded by FIERCE women from all backgrounds and ages my entire life. I never thought when I moved here that I would be able to re-create that circle, but as it turns out, fierce women are everywhere.
I just wish I'd come up with the term before Tyra co-opted it for her evil ways.
Not such good television.
But Tyra is always yammering on about being FIERCE. From what I can tell, it's either a look, an attitude or just an adjective. ("Girl, that bag is FIERCE!") It's kind of become a running joke on the show. It does get a little old, but I think the underlying meaning is kind of cool.
Instead of being strong, confident and independent, a woman can just be FIERCE. That is, a force to be reckoned with.
I was thinking about this last night surrounded by old friends and work colleagues at Jaleo. Lately, I've been totally humbled by the strength of my friends. I've witnessed the dissolution of marriages, lost pregnancies, transitions to new jobs, growth and maturation a well deserved relationship, and the discovery of new paths.
I have been so blessed to be surrounded by FIERCE women from all backgrounds and ages my entire life. I never thought when I moved here that I would be able to re-create that circle, but as it turns out, fierce women are everywhere.
I just wish I'd come up with the term before Tyra co-opted it for her evil ways.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
IKEA is Swedish for Babies
So this weekend I discovered where Swedish people dump their babies - and also where my crazy Swedish cousin got that weird caviar in a tube he sent us last Christmas. That's right, IKEA.
TOHMF and I decided to waste some time on Saturday by shopping for new living room lighting. Yes, we're boring suburbanites. But I had a hankering for some church basement Swedish meatballs, so off we went.
Now normally, I love me some cheap household goods. And well placed depository's for rugrats in giant ball bins. How nice! A store where kids can play and families can shop! Oh, if only that were the case.
It was fun for about 20 minutes, until we stopped wandering through the mazey showroom and actually tried to find something. At first, I was blinded by the cheapness - wine glasses, $10 for $5! Cocktail ice cube trays, 10 for $2! (TOHMF lost 10 minutes of his life prying me away from the wicked cheap plants and pots in the gardening department).
But slowly I began to realize that the children were multiplying and the number of attentive parents were rapidly diminishing. I don't know where the parents were going, but they certainly weren't going to put their kids in the kid depository. If anything, they were going to find more three-wide strollers to block the aisles. The ones that weren't otherwise strapped down were running loose, screaming, hollering and licking things.
Tiny tots twisted in between our legs, ran loose through glasswares, pulled on exposed lighting cords. There was one tense moment as I played peek-a-boo-let's-find-your-mother with a set of three year old twins. TOHMF even stopped pointing out cute sleeping babies (either out of finger fatigue or lack of sleeping babies - most of them were screaming...)
Things reached a critical mass by the time we hit the lunch counter. No grown up food here, only macaroni and cheese with french fries, or 50 cent hot dogs were left by the time we got there. Oh, and all the cartoned 2% milk you should shake a tiny Ikea golf pencil at.
Now, I'm not anti-kid. But two hours of walking through a kiddie maze on a merchandise treasure hunt was enough to make even the most soft-hearted singleton's run away (run away!).
Kids, god bless 'em. But please, mix your kids and kid-friendly shopping wisely. This stuff is not for amateurs.
TOHMF and I decided to waste some time on Saturday by shopping for new living room lighting. Yes, we're boring suburbanites. But I had a hankering for some church basement Swedish meatballs, so off we went.
Now normally, I love me some cheap household goods. And well placed depository's for rugrats in giant ball bins. How nice! A store where kids can play and families can shop! Oh, if only that were the case.
It was fun for about 20 minutes, until we stopped wandering through the mazey showroom and actually tried to find something. At first, I was blinded by the cheapness - wine glasses, $10 for $5! Cocktail ice cube trays, 10 for $2! (TOHMF lost 10 minutes of his life prying me away from the wicked cheap plants and pots in the gardening department).
But slowly I began to realize that the children were multiplying and the number of attentive parents were rapidly diminishing. I don't know where the parents were going, but they certainly weren't going to put their kids in the kid depository. If anything, they were going to find more three-wide strollers to block the aisles. The ones that weren't otherwise strapped down were running loose, screaming, hollering and licking things.
Tiny tots twisted in between our legs, ran loose through glasswares, pulled on exposed lighting cords. There was one tense moment as I played peek-a-boo-let's-find-your-mother with a set of three year old twins. TOHMF even stopped pointing out cute sleeping babies (either out of finger fatigue or lack of sleeping babies - most of them were screaming...)
Things reached a critical mass by the time we hit the lunch counter. No grown up food here, only macaroni and cheese with french fries, or 50 cent hot dogs were left by the time we got there. Oh, and all the cartoned 2% milk you should shake a tiny Ikea golf pencil at.
Now, I'm not anti-kid. But two hours of walking through a kiddie maze on a merchandise treasure hunt was enough to make even the most soft-hearted singleton's run away (run away!).
Kids, god bless 'em. But please, mix your kids and kid-friendly shopping wisely. This stuff is not for amateurs.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
There Is A Spot
In the stairwell of the parking garage near my office that smells just like my dad's workshop on the farm.
Weird.
Weird.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Windy Weekend
As my friend Kate says, I'm the ONLY person who takes a vacation to a placer colder than the one in which I currently live. So while it was a balmy 50 degrees in DC this weekend, I headed to Chicago where it was 25 degrees with windchill that would make your grandmother weep.
But, I just had to go. My college roomie is getting married in July and as I've rapidly learned, weddings are no place for catching up with the bride. Plus, the tickets were waaay cheap.
Just like in college, Mel and I stayed up late giving each other advice, gossiping and eating brownie ice cream with whip cream and chocolate sauce. Yes, just like old times - minus all the pillow fights in our vickie's underwear, of course. We hit Michigan Ave like fallen rock stars on a budget and ate sushi until midnight. We polished off the weekend by sleeping late, drinking expensive tea and getting our nails done.
Turns out, life outside of college isn't so bad afterall :)
But, I just had to go. My college roomie is getting married in July and as I've rapidly learned, weddings are no place for catching up with the bride. Plus, the tickets were waaay cheap.
Just like in college, Mel and I stayed up late giving each other advice, gossiping and eating brownie ice cream with whip cream and chocolate sauce. Yes, just like old times - minus all the pillow fights in our vickie's underwear, of course. We hit Michigan Ave like fallen rock stars on a budget and ate sushi until midnight. We polished off the weekend by sleeping late, drinking expensive tea and getting our nails done.
Turns out, life outside of college isn't so bad afterall :)
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Ok, seriously? Ew.
Kate's recent posting got me thinking about gym ettiquette. I actually don't mind nakedness in the gym locker room. I mean, if not there, where else, right? Everyone's got to change. As long as you don't stare, point or take photos everyone pretty much minds their own business and averts their eyes.
However, if you can possibly sidestep bending over while being naked, all the better for us.
I credit having six really strong, wonderful girl friends from the time I was little for my non-overly neurotic body image. Misery loves company, I guess, and for all the awkward body weirdness that adolescents have to endure, I thank my lucky stars I got to do it with their love and support. Also, it was nice knowing I wasn't the only freak out there (no offense, ladies).
And, after living in Japan, where the onsen culture pretty much mandates nakedness, nothing surprises me. Like the time Emira, Erin and I did the onsen tour in Beppu and got trapped in a giant mud pit filled with the world's longest pubic hairs.
Then there was the time that Emira and I had to take a naked rose petal bath together as part of our "spa package" in Bali. Ok, well, we weren't totally naked. To their credit, they did give us paper panties (!). I'm still ROTFL about that.
So, long story short, I'm no Samantha in the lockerroom, but I'm no Charlotte either. In fact, I like to think my locker room 'skeeve' factor is a bit higher than droopy boobs and cellulite. But tonight - oh, tonight - I finally discovered my limit. A woman was undressing next to me, no big deal. I was minding my own business, keeping my eyes respectfully to the floor.
Which is when I saw Them: ten long, yellow, peeling, cracked, pus-infested toenails. Really, each one was so long you could use it to snort cocaine, if you had the notion (and the flexibility). Think Howard Hughes minus the kleenex boxes. Think yellow like Mountain Dew. This pus as in......pus.
You know those tv commercials for Lamasil? You know why they use that relatively cute Whammy-esque creature? Because if they showed you real pictures of toenail fungus, you just might throw up a little in your mouth.
But the grossest? The grossest was watching her march blythely into the tiled shower room, sans flip flops.
M is for Mouth, I Just Threw Up a Little In
M.
However, if you can possibly sidestep bending over while being naked, all the better for us.
I credit having six really strong, wonderful girl friends from the time I was little for my non-overly neurotic body image. Misery loves company, I guess, and for all the awkward body weirdness that adolescents have to endure, I thank my lucky stars I got to do it with their love and support. Also, it was nice knowing I wasn't the only freak out there (no offense, ladies).
And, after living in Japan, where the onsen culture pretty much mandates nakedness, nothing surprises me. Like the time Emira, Erin and I did the onsen tour in Beppu and got trapped in a giant mud pit filled with the world's longest pubic hairs.
Then there was the time that Emira and I had to take a naked rose petal bath together as part of our "spa package" in Bali. Ok, well, we weren't totally naked. To their credit, they did give us paper panties (!). I'm still ROTFL about that.
So, long story short, I'm no Samantha in the lockerroom, but I'm no Charlotte either. In fact, I like to think my locker room 'skeeve' factor is a bit higher than droopy boobs and cellulite. But tonight - oh, tonight - I finally discovered my limit. A woman was undressing next to me, no big deal. I was minding my own business, keeping my eyes respectfully to the floor.
Which is when I saw Them: ten long, yellow, peeling, cracked, pus-infested toenails. Really, each one was so long you could use it to snort cocaine, if you had the notion (and the flexibility). Think Howard Hughes minus the kleenex boxes. Think yellow like Mountain Dew. This pus as in......pus.
You know those tv commercials for Lamasil? You know why they use that relatively cute Whammy-esque creature? Because if they showed you real pictures of toenail fungus, you just might throw up a little in your mouth.
But the grossest? The grossest was watching her march blythely into the tiled shower room, sans flip flops.
M is for Mouth, I Just Threw Up a Little In
M.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Gym Mystery and Guilt
I went to retrieve my gym bag after my workout today and came across an old woman sitting in her bathing suit, quietly weeping.
It took me a while to notice that she was crying, because her sobs were very tiny. In fact, I might not even given her a second glance, save the fact that she was parked on the bench right in front of my locker. It was either undress with my lap in her face or go discreetly around the corner.
When I did so I could openly glance at her. At first I looked in askance at her through my annoyance that I'd had to move, then it was frank as I realized she hadn't moved and I was concerned she might be dead. It was only after those first two emotions registered that I realized she was out and out weeping.
And when I mean weeping, I mean slow, rolling tears of misery and over tiny, stifled gasps of air. It wasn't just a "my husband's out of viagra" cry, it was "I'm dying of diabetes and my autistic son will be turned out on the streets" cry (or atleast, that was one of the scenarios in my head. I also briefly envisoned her embroiled in a torrid love affair with Dick Cheney, but then - why would she choose to moon about it at ratty ol' Sport 'N' Health? Anyway...)
I feel like these types of awkward moments happen to me a lot - or at the very least, they bother me more than most people. I think it's because at these moments, I feel like it's my duty as a good person to 'DO' the right thing. (I mean, come on, WWJD people! That last word is a verb, right?) I feel like it's a test that St. Peter is going to re-broadcast at my passing as evidence that I was, put nicely, wasting space.
"See? Remember that time when you asked that homeless man if he wanted an orange? Stupid. He didn't speak English."
"If you'd only given that kid a pencil at the Mua Mission, he'd have written twelve novels by now. Your selfishness deprived the world of another Chinua Achebe."
"Oh yeah, remember THIS time? Your mom was so lonely - all she needed was a call from you to cheer her up. And here you are sitting in front of the television with your heathen boyfriend."
"And that lady in the locker room? She needed was a ride home. You gently handed her some kleenex and then secretly wished she'd be gone when you got back from the sauna."
She wasn't incidentally. She wasn't gone.
But she was clutching my kleenex.
M.
It took me a while to notice that she was crying, because her sobs were very tiny. In fact, I might not even given her a second glance, save the fact that she was parked on the bench right in front of my locker. It was either undress with my lap in her face or go discreetly around the corner.
When I did so I could openly glance at her. At first I looked in askance at her through my annoyance that I'd had to move, then it was frank as I realized she hadn't moved and I was concerned she might be dead. It was only after those first two emotions registered that I realized she was out and out weeping.
And when I mean weeping, I mean slow, rolling tears of misery and over tiny, stifled gasps of air. It wasn't just a "my husband's out of viagra" cry, it was "I'm dying of diabetes and my autistic son will be turned out on the streets" cry (or atleast, that was one of the scenarios in my head. I also briefly envisoned her embroiled in a torrid love affair with Dick Cheney, but then - why would she choose to moon about it at ratty ol' Sport 'N' Health? Anyway...)
I feel like these types of awkward moments happen to me a lot - or at the very least, they bother me more than most people. I think it's because at these moments, I feel like it's my duty as a good person to 'DO' the right thing. (I mean, come on, WWJD people! That last word is a verb, right?) I feel like it's a test that St. Peter is going to re-broadcast at my passing as evidence that I was, put nicely, wasting space.
"See? Remember that time when you asked that homeless man if he wanted an orange? Stupid. He didn't speak English."
"If you'd only given that kid a pencil at the Mua Mission, he'd have written twelve novels by now. Your selfishness deprived the world of another Chinua Achebe."
"Oh yeah, remember THIS time? Your mom was so lonely - all she needed was a call from you to cheer her up. And here you are sitting in front of the television with your heathen boyfriend."
"And that lady in the locker room? She needed was a ride home. You gently handed her some kleenex and then secretly wished she'd be gone when you got back from the sauna."
She wasn't incidentally. She wasn't gone.
But she was clutching my kleenex.
M.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
My new playlist:
Touch the Sky (I actually had this one!)
U + UR Hand (I love P!nk so much...I had to stop myself from downloading her entire "I'm Not Dead" album)
SexyBack (I can't stop - besides, this is the perfect running pace for me right now)
Move Along (Because I can't stop kicking ass)
Switch (Oh Will, you sly boy...)
One More Time
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger (How could I have forgotten my first college love - Daft Punk??)
Quicksilver - Bellissima (thanks for the techno, bro)
Irreplaceable (not exactly workout music, but this song has been stuck in my head for days...)
Udakwa Jalo (good cool down music courtesy of Malawi)
Beautiful (exactly how I feel after a long workout - thanks Christina Aguilera)
New music courtesy of my brother - Itunes credit = best birthday present ever!! Now, let's head back to the gym to give my new playlist a workout...
M is for Music not Muzak;
M.
Touch the Sky (I actually had this one!)
U + UR Hand (I love P!nk so much...I had to stop myself from downloading her entire "I'm Not Dead" album)
SexyBack (I can't stop - besides, this is the perfect running pace for me right now)
Move Along (Because I can't stop kicking ass)
Switch (Oh Will, you sly boy...)
One More Time
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger (How could I have forgotten my first college love - Daft Punk??)
Quicksilver - Bellissima (thanks for the techno, bro)
Irreplaceable (not exactly workout music, but this song has been stuck in my head for days...)
Udakwa Jalo (good cool down music courtesy of Malawi)
Beautiful (exactly how I feel after a long workout - thanks Christina Aguilera)
New music courtesy of my brother - Itunes credit = best birthday present ever!! Now, let's head back to the gym to give my new playlist a workout...
M is for Music not Muzak;
M.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Seeking Suggestions
I need help.
I've decided to train for a 5k (just as soon as I get some better shoes; knees = ouch!). However, I've been listening to the same 'workout' playlist on my ipod for the better part of six months. While Justin Timberlake never fails to get my blood pumpin', I'm really starting to regret stealing 'Boombastic' by Shaggy from brother in law. (I also regret admitting that!)
Here's what I got so far -
"Woke Up This Mornin'" - from the Soprano's soundtrack
"SexyBack" - Justing Timberlake
"Move Along" - All American Rejects
"SOS" - Rhianna
"Run It"- Chris Brown
"Check On It" - Beyonce and Slim Thug
"Shut Up" - Black Eyed Peas
"Give Me My Auger Back" - Fatboy Slim
"Rockafella Skank" - Fatboy Slim
"Hey Ya" - OutKast
"Since You Been Gone" - Kelly Clarkson
I need something new. It doesn't need to be pretty or hip. It just needs to keep my butt moving long enough to sweat out all those Girl Scout Cookies.
Ideas?
I've decided to train for a 5k (just as soon as I get some better shoes; knees = ouch!). However, I've been listening to the same 'workout' playlist on my ipod for the better part of six months. While Justin Timberlake never fails to get my blood pumpin', I'm really starting to regret stealing 'Boombastic' by Shaggy from brother in law. (I also regret admitting that!)
Here's what I got so far -
"Woke Up This Mornin'" - from the Soprano's soundtrack
"SexyBack" - Justing Timberlake
"Move Along" - All American Rejects
"SOS" - Rhianna
"Run It"- Chris Brown
"Check On It" - Beyonce and Slim Thug
"Shut Up" - Black Eyed Peas
"Give Me My Auger Back" - Fatboy Slim
"Rockafella Skank" - Fatboy Slim
"Hey Ya" - OutKast
"Since You Been Gone" - Kelly Clarkson
I need something new. It doesn't need to be pretty or hip. It just needs to keep my butt moving long enough to sweat out all those Girl Scout Cookies.
Ideas?
There Are Good Things, Too
Ok, for all bitching and moaning I do about my house/housemates, it does have its moments.
Like right now.
It's snow/sleeting outside, I got out of work early (office closed) and while the rest of the world is slip-sliding along the slick roadways, I'm at home, sitting in front of a roaring fire, all by myself.
Life is good.
M.
P.S Maybe now would be a good time for some hot chocolate??
Like right now.
It's snow/sleeting outside, I got out of work early (office closed) and while the rest of the world is slip-sliding along the slick roadways, I'm at home, sitting in front of a roaring fire, all by myself.
Life is good.
M.
P.S Maybe now would be a good time for some hot chocolate??
Monday, February 12, 2007
Standardize THIS
This past weekend I went downtown to the government's Office of Personnel Management to take a test for this government fellowship for which I was nominated. The fellowship offers finalists a chance to earn an entry level job in government work and it's generally considered to be a good way to start a career in public service.
Having been subjected the public school system growing up, I am no stranger to standardize tests. I was a bit miffed that this year was the first year they'd cut out the interview process (as previously mentioned, I usually rock the interview portion) but whatever. Like most things related to government, the process is less stringent than it is tedious. Of course, I say this with a certain bureaucratic fondness - this is not Italy we're dealing with.
However, I'd forgotton about those stupid, tiny circles you have to precisely fill in. And the number two pencil. And the questions that start with: "Everyone with a computer science degree, twelve managers and six monkeys attended the training. How many monkeys have computer science degrees?"
For an added bonus, there was a special "Personal Assessment" portion. Am I more, less or just as agressive as my peers? [WHO WANTS TO KNOW??] Would my previous boss (or teacher if not previously employed) rate me as strongly, moderately or mediocrely as punctual as my other colleagues? [How do they know I don't work in an office with a bunch of compulsively punctual people??]
Do you work out a) 7-billion times a week, b)4-6 times a week c) 1-3 times a week or do you opt to sit on your fat ass in front of the TV after a long day of work at, watching re-runs of taped Oprah and eating a half frozen burrito?
Why do you want to be a part of this program? a) glory and prestige, b) sex and drugs c) public service and honor to my country without having to serve in the Middle East or d) eh, why not?
I'm sorry, after four hours of this, it's hard not to be cynical.
Hopefully sometime soon, they'll put my little dots into the computer system and it will read that I am a perfect match. In the meantime, I'll just have to make it a point to be more agressively punctual than my peers.
M is for More Questions Please,
M.
Having been subjected the public school system growing up, I am no stranger to standardize tests. I was a bit miffed that this year was the first year they'd cut out the interview process (as previously mentioned, I usually rock the interview portion) but whatever. Like most things related to government, the process is less stringent than it is tedious. Of course, I say this with a certain bureaucratic fondness - this is not Italy we're dealing with.
However, I'd forgotton about those stupid, tiny circles you have to precisely fill in. And the number two pencil. And the questions that start with: "Everyone with a computer science degree, twelve managers and six monkeys attended the training. How many monkeys have computer science degrees?"
For an added bonus, there was a special "Personal Assessment" portion. Am I more, less or just as agressive as my peers? [WHO WANTS TO KNOW??] Would my previous boss (or teacher if not previously employed) rate me as strongly, moderately or mediocrely as punctual as my other colleagues? [How do they know I don't work in an office with a bunch of compulsively punctual people??]
Do you work out a) 7-billion times a week, b)4-6 times a week c) 1-3 times a week or do you opt to sit on your fat ass in front of the TV after a long day of work at, watching re-runs of taped Oprah and eating a half frozen burrito?
Why do you want to be a part of this program? a) glory and prestige, b) sex and drugs c) public service and honor to my country without having to serve in the Middle East or d) eh, why not?
I'm sorry, after four hours of this, it's hard not to be cynical.
Hopefully sometime soon, they'll put my little dots into the computer system and it will read that I am a perfect match. In the meantime, I'll just have to make it a point to be more agressively punctual than my peers.
M is for More Questions Please,
M.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Flossing
I always think of John McGlynn when I'm flossing.
John was a classmate of mine growing up who died in a motorcycle accident near my house when we were 17.
But before that - back in third grade - John and I were in the same homeroom class with Mrs. Bennett. Like most small schools, Mrs. Bennett did double (and triple) duty on all subjects; she was the social studies, spelling, math, science, reading and - you guessed it - health teacher, all rolled into one.
I specifically remember the unit on flossing. She taught us how to much to take out, how to roll it in on our thumb and forefingers, and to never use the same piece of floss twice - but to move methodically up (or down) the string until we got to the end. At the end of the lesson, Mrs. Bennett told us we'd be having a drawing contest. There would be a boy and girl winner, with the grand prize being a large stuffed footprint pillow (pink or brown) - about two feet tall. If you grew up in the eighties and/or frequent alot of county fairs (or both), you remember what I'm talking about.
Ahem, anyway. Long story short - John and I were the winners. I was sooooo excited - I'd never won anything that big. I still have the pink foot at my parents house, stashed on the top of my bookshelf. To date it is still the largest stuffed anything I have ever won. Sometimes I wonder what would've happened if I'd taken the brown one and left the pink for John.
Lately, I've begun to see the merits in flossing (never too late for an old lesson to sink in, Mrs. B.). I had a friend in college who swore that frequent flossing would protect him from heart disease. I'm not sure if I believe him, but something lately has led me to pick up the floss more often, and subsequently, think of John.
Strange memorial, I know.
John was a classmate of mine growing up who died in a motorcycle accident near my house when we were 17.
But before that - back in third grade - John and I were in the same homeroom class with Mrs. Bennett. Like most small schools, Mrs. Bennett did double (and triple) duty on all subjects; she was the social studies, spelling, math, science, reading and - you guessed it - health teacher, all rolled into one.
I specifically remember the unit on flossing. She taught us how to much to take out, how to roll it in on our thumb and forefingers, and to never use the same piece of floss twice - but to move methodically up (or down) the string until we got to the end. At the end of the lesson, Mrs. Bennett told us we'd be having a drawing contest. There would be a boy and girl winner, with the grand prize being a large stuffed footprint pillow (pink or brown) - about two feet tall. If you grew up in the eighties and/or frequent alot of county fairs (or both), you remember what I'm talking about.
Ahem, anyway. Long story short - John and I were the winners. I was sooooo excited - I'd never won anything that big. I still have the pink foot at my parents house, stashed on the top of my bookshelf. To date it is still the largest stuffed anything I have ever won. Sometimes I wonder what would've happened if I'd taken the brown one and left the pink for John.
Lately, I've begun to see the merits in flossing (never too late for an old lesson to sink in, Mrs. B.). I had a friend in college who swore that frequent flossing would protect him from heart disease. I'm not sure if I believe him, but something lately has led me to pick up the floss more often, and subsequently, think of John.
Strange memorial, I know.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Overheard Saturday Night at a Bar
"So what do you do for money?"
"--------" (quiet talking)
"Wait, what? How do you pay for your bills?"
"-------" (more quiet responses...)
"Are you saying you prostitute yourself?"
"-----"
"You PROSTITUTE yourself??!?!?"
"--------" (quiet talking)
"Wait, what? How do you pay for your bills?"
"-------" (more quiet responses...)
"Are you saying you prostitute yourself?"
"-----"
"You PROSTITUTE yourself??!?!?"
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Random Website, Subject: Fair Trade
Today's website of the day comes from my friend Chew Kuek. A group of us were having drinks last night and I finally got to ask him about his new non-profit, Village Exchange.
It's based on the concept of fair trade, which, if you haven't heard of by now, you should've. Basically, fair trade involves allowing people from poorer nations the chance to market their goods in 'developed' countries for more than just pennies, but cutting out many of the large middlemen (*cough*WALMART*cough*). I find it kind of exciting because it deals with all aspects of the market chain - and with all the US' emphasis on the making economies - not social provisions - grow, it sets out to beat the conservatives at their own game. Right now the arena seems to focus on chocolate, tea, coffee and craft type items, but it's growing. If you've ever shopped at 10,000 villages, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Obviously, the idea is a lot more complicated than that (for more information, check out Chew's explanation on his webpage: http://www.villagexchange.org/ft_overview.html), but you get the idea. As development students, we're asked to study this alot. I'm not as intimately familiar with all the ins and outs of the industry, but what I am is excited that one of my friends has decided to use it as a tool to make a difference.
Chew told me that he and his partner started this non-profit (based in Singapore) to raise awareness for the issue of fair trade in their home country. Essentially, they market fair trade goods to Singaporean businesses. Rather than create their own supply chains - difficult to do with a new organization - they use other, more established chains created through reputable orgs like the Fair Trade Labelling Organization.
I think the idea is brilliant. I told Chew I would go home right then and order something from him for my sister's birthday. He laughed and said "Well, it would ship from Singapore, so you'd be better to go to 10,000 villages (in Bethesda!)!"
What I can do for Chew is post a blog, raising awareness for him and the other fair trades out there. I urge you to do your own thinking and ruminating on the subject - there is quite a huge debate in development circles - and both sides have merit, I think, to some extent. (For example, StarBucks has done alot in marketing fair trade coffee, but there is some question as to whether (and how much of) the price hike to $9.99 for the pound of fair trade coffee beans actually trickles down to the farmers in Kenya/Tanzania/Malawi/etc.
In the end, whether or not you choose to buy fair trade is up to you. Anyway, that's today's website of the day - and public service announcement.
M.
It's based on the concept of fair trade, which, if you haven't heard of by now, you should've. Basically, fair trade involves allowing people from poorer nations the chance to market their goods in 'developed' countries for more than just pennies, but cutting out many of the large middlemen (*cough*WALMART*cough*). I find it kind of exciting because it deals with all aspects of the market chain - and with all the US' emphasis on the making economies - not social provisions - grow, it sets out to beat the conservatives at their own game. Right now the arena seems to focus on chocolate, tea, coffee and craft type items, but it's growing. If you've ever shopped at 10,000 villages, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Obviously, the idea is a lot more complicated than that (for more information, check out Chew's explanation on his webpage: http://www.villagexchange.org/ft_overview.html), but you get the idea. As development students, we're asked to study this alot. I'm not as intimately familiar with all the ins and outs of the industry, but what I am is excited that one of my friends has decided to use it as a tool to make a difference.
Chew told me that he and his partner started this non-profit (based in Singapore) to raise awareness for the issue of fair trade in their home country. Essentially, they market fair trade goods to Singaporean businesses. Rather than create their own supply chains - difficult to do with a new organization - they use other, more established chains created through reputable orgs like the Fair Trade Labelling Organization.
I think the idea is brilliant. I told Chew I would go home right then and order something from him for my sister's birthday. He laughed and said "Well, it would ship from Singapore, so you'd be better to go to 10,000 villages (in Bethesda!)!"
What I can do for Chew is post a blog, raising awareness for him and the other fair trades out there. I urge you to do your own thinking and ruminating on the subject - there is quite a huge debate in development circles - and both sides have merit, I think, to some extent. (For example, StarBucks has done alot in marketing fair trade coffee, but there is some question as to whether (and how much of) the price hike to $9.99 for the pound of fair trade coffee beans actually trickles down to the farmers in Kenya/Tanzania/Malawi/etc.
In the end, whether or not you choose to buy fair trade is up to you. Anyway, that's today's website of the day - and public service announcement.
M.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Random Weekend
After weeks of doing nothing special, I finally had a full weekend. All the better as my irresponsible roommate has decided to turn up the passive agressiveness in the final death throes of her stay. Needless to say, I wasn't home much!
It started by picking up the TOHMF from the airport, after a two month stint in Houston. Hooray!
On Saturday, having scored free tickets from work (let's hear it for being employed!), my friend Angeli and I took in a Washington Capitals hockey game. I'm sorry to say that I was born in raised in Minnesota and HAD NEVER BEEN TO A HOCKEY GAME in my life. This is almost as bad as being American and not liking apple pie. (A predicament I'm also intimately familiar with...)
Luckly, Angeli had been to a few before and could fill in a bit of the gaps. As for the rest, well, we were happy to fill in with hotdogs, french fries and gossip. In the end, the Caps lost to the Florida Panthers 4-1 (not as bad as the week before, when they lost in Florida 9-3!!)
Saturday night, TOHMF and I went downtown to catch a play called This Is How It Goes at the Studio Theatre to celebrate his birthday. Back in Minnesota, he was very active in The Mixed Blood Theatre, so it was reminiscent of our time there together. The play was very thought provoking. It dealt with personal thoughts versus public expressions on race; telling the story of an interracial couple in a small midwestern town. In the end, the audience was forced to question if what was presented was the truth, or twisted by the narrator to serve his own design. As usual, you could count the number of non-white people in the audience on two hands. Not that that's saying anything but...well, the crowd was pretty different from the Caps game that afternoon.
After the play, we went to bar Dakota Cowgirl for our free dessert (as stipulated by the playbill), and TOHMF got a free shot of whiskey. Who says people in the city aren't nice??
Sunday found us resting, reading and running errands. It also brought the first snow fall of the winter season here in DC. I just love when it snows here - people go nuts. It was only three inches - just enough to cover the grass - and it spent most of the day melting.
But hey, here's a nice photo of the National Zoo Panda lounging around in a snow covered rocks.
It started by picking up the TOHMF from the airport, after a two month stint in Houston. Hooray!
On Saturday, having scored free tickets from work (let's hear it for being employed!), my friend Angeli and I took in a Washington Capitals hockey game. I'm sorry to say that I was born in raised in Minnesota and HAD NEVER BEEN TO A HOCKEY GAME in my life. This is almost as bad as being American and not liking apple pie. (A predicament I'm also intimately familiar with...)
Luckly, Angeli had been to a few before and could fill in a bit of the gaps. As for the rest, well, we were happy to fill in with hotdogs, french fries and gossip. In the end, the Caps lost to the Florida Panthers 4-1 (not as bad as the week before, when they lost in Florida 9-3!!)
Saturday night, TOHMF and I went downtown to catch a play called This Is How It Goes at the Studio Theatre to celebrate his birthday. Back in Minnesota, he was very active in The Mixed Blood Theatre, so it was reminiscent of our time there together. The play was very thought provoking. It dealt with personal thoughts versus public expressions on race; telling the story of an interracial couple in a small midwestern town. In the end, the audience was forced to question if what was presented was the truth, or twisted by the narrator to serve his own design. As usual, you could count the number of non-white people in the audience on two hands. Not that that's saying anything but...well, the crowd was pretty different from the Caps game that afternoon.
After the play, we went to bar Dakota Cowgirl for our free dessert (as stipulated by the playbill), and TOHMF got a free shot of whiskey. Who says people in the city aren't nice??
Sunday found us resting, reading and running errands. It also brought the first snow fall of the winter season here in DC. I just love when it snows here - people go nuts. It was only three inches - just enough to cover the grass - and it spent most of the day melting.
But hey, here's a nice photo of the National Zoo Panda lounging around in a snow covered rocks.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Dumpster Diving
I was at my friend Tim's house on Saturday night for his birthday. Tim is well-known amongst my group of friends as being an avid dumpster diver.
Dumpster diving is the action of rummaging through garbage, refuse or dumpsters to get valuable (or atleast, valuable to the diver) items. Some people do it spontaneously, some people plan and some people actually do their grocery shopping this way.
Tim is one of those people. Most things he pulls from boxes or bags (ie never touched other garbage in the dump) and gives it a good wash when he gets home (if it's fresh fruits/vegetables). Some grocery chains throw out food that is within a few days of being expired, so it is still good to eat. And sometimes, you hit the jackpot. In fact, on this particular evening, we all enjoyed a case of wine Tim pulled from Trader Joe's. It might sound gross, but Tim is adament that he's "never gotten sick from dumpster food."
And he's eaten sushi from it, too.
While he doesn't do it all the time, he and his friends offered a few key tips:
1) choose dumpsters from high-end groceries and bakeries that are located a fair distance away from metro stops. Homeless people tend to congregate around the metro (it's warmer) and hence, the pickings are slim.
2) Go after 11pm when stores are done throwing things out for the night.
3) Check your local laws. In California, police can't pick you up for taking garbage (hello, it's garbage!) but some states can. In Tim's case, he knows all the beat cops :)
4) Wash wash wash!
In reality, while I don't know if I would do it with food, who hasn't walked by the berm, seen that chair with the crooked arm and taken it home? I know I have (heck, I got one of my favorite college easy chairs that way!)
Anyway, that was today's brief look into counter-culture.
Ahhh! Life in the city!
M.
Dumpster diving is the action of rummaging through garbage, refuse or dumpsters to get valuable (or atleast, valuable to the diver) items. Some people do it spontaneously, some people plan and some people actually do their grocery shopping this way.
Tim is one of those people. Most things he pulls from boxes or bags (ie never touched other garbage in the dump) and gives it a good wash when he gets home (if it's fresh fruits/vegetables). Some grocery chains throw out food that is within a few days of being expired, so it is still good to eat. And sometimes, you hit the jackpot. In fact, on this particular evening, we all enjoyed a case of wine Tim pulled from Trader Joe's. It might sound gross, but Tim is adament that he's "never gotten sick from dumpster food."
And he's eaten sushi from it, too.
While he doesn't do it all the time, he and his friends offered a few key tips:
1) choose dumpsters from high-end groceries and bakeries that are located a fair distance away from metro stops. Homeless people tend to congregate around the metro (it's warmer) and hence, the pickings are slim.
2) Go after 11pm when stores are done throwing things out for the night.
3) Check your local laws. In California, police can't pick you up for taking garbage (hello, it's garbage!) but some states can. In Tim's case, he knows all the beat cops :)
4) Wash wash wash!
In reality, while I don't know if I would do it with food, who hasn't walked by the berm, seen that chair with the crooked arm and taken it home? I know I have (heck, I got one of my favorite college easy chairs that way!)
Anyway, that was today's brief look into counter-culture.
Ahhh! Life in the city!
M.
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