I love

seeing people saunter across campus, their steps in time to the music they are listening to. (presumably. Maybe they just are pretending to listen to music to saunter with rhythm. I'd do it. Why not?)

Locked Out!

The other day, I was locked out of my apartment after work. At 10 am the office (so I can be let into my apartment free of charge) still isn't open yet, and so I was left in somewhat of a quandary. I went over to my neighbor's apartment (they often house me in times of distress) but as I did so, I posted on my facebook status that I was locked out. Shortly thereafter I received a text from someone (hero of mine!) posting on my status. Her name is Elise. She asked if I would like to be picked up, and housed at her house for a while. I responded, "Of course!" Elise and I know each other through our mutual friend and roommate (as well as relative--ok so I am not related to her, but I like to pretend I am) Marae.

As I crawled into Elise's car (I was still feeling a bit under the weather from my sickness earlier in the week) I heard the familiar strains of Missy Higgins, an australian artist beloved by all (those previously mentioned in this post that is) and felt so at home, it was marvelous. Elise asked me if there was anywhere I needed to go and I said that I needed to get something to eat, and she said I could have breakfast at her house! Further delights ensued. We went to her place, which is this wonderful old house, near center street, and she set me up with some delicious fruit, ginger and lemon tea, and a fuzzy blanket. After we talked for a while she let me loose on the movie collection, and I selected The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe for the day's amusements. While I was enjoying this trip back to the contented sick days of childhood (doesn't everyone need a nurse to take care of them occasionally?) Elise's roommate Emma made cookies, and offered me some! Oh heaven!

It was, overall, a remarkable rescue. I would like to state for the record, that the next time I got into Elise's car, the stereo was playing Meiko. Such is the sweet stuff my life is made of.


Also, can I just say, that sometimes the friends I make because I lock myself out far outweigh the losses of said lockout. I think because there is some sort of bond created when one person helps another person. And if I were never in need, I would never be able to be helped, and have friends because of it. Lucky then, that I am not perfect, because if I were, I can only conclude that I would be lonely in my perfection.

I am feeling mostly better (thanks to this wonderful treatment, no doubt!)

Elise and I also spent time together yesterday, when she took me on a few errands. Among these was dropping off some gently-used possessions at DI. As we pulled into the drop-off area, Elise saw a lovely rug, and asked if they really had to price things before we could buy them. The DI employee helping us, asked if we wanted it (the rug) and then asked if we could fit it in our car. We could. Hurrah for goodness having its own reward!

Rex Lee Run 10k

That's right.
I did it.
I ran as slowly as I usually do.
The old man shuffle, I call it.

But it doesn't matter,
because to me,
making it
all the way through,
is what really matters.
Hitting that finish line.

No matter how long it takes.

As I got closer to the stadium where the last leg of the race was, I could hear the music coming from the DJ booth. I thought, "This is like me trying to make it to heaven. I hear the music from a long way off, and it only makes me want to try harder. All of us cheering on each other towards the same goal, even if we run at different speeds."

Apparently there are gangstas in heaven. Too legit to quit.

Shamrock Plant

Once upon a time Andy Lawler promised to hang out with me. But then, he couldn't make it. And the next day, on my doorstep I found a very curious plant, wrapped in festive St. Patrick's day paper (it was that time of year). Andy wrote me a note apologizing for our plans falling through, and then explained that this was a shamrock plant. He told me that in a month or two, it would probably look like it had died but that I shouldn't throw it away, because it was just hibernating, and in another month or so, it should put out new shoots

Two years later, my plant looked like it had finally died (it is very resilient. I recommend one to you college kids). But due to a combination of busyness and forgetfulness, I didn't remove it from our living room.  And lo and BEHOLD a month after it looked like it had died (I am VERY forgetful. Less busy, more forgetful):

Do you see them? I am oh so glad! They have gotten bigger since this picture, just in time for St. Patrick's Day!

"I am a gallery of broken hearts"

Two days ago I walked into the HFAC looking for a little bit of comfort to soothe my worried soul. I find that wandering among exhibits and galleries helps me reflect, and gives me something to think about besides my own baggage. I sort stuff out internally as I respond to the works.
However, as I walked in, I realized everyone was bustling around, preparing for a new exhibit. All of my familiar paintings and photographs had been taken down, and everything was bland, waiting for something new to say; the walls were ready to begin construction on a new exhibit, to illuminate new perspectives instead of those of the paintings they had been carrying for so long. 

I was dismayed at first, and then decided to do the same.


The perfect metaphor, sans art. Oh, the irony.

Did you know...

that you can recycle those styrofoam-looking cups that you get at the Cougareat?

I am delighted. Even if it means I have to put them in a bookstore bag so I can wash and recycle them at home (I'm not sure they'll make it in the 'plastic bottles' recycle bins on campus).