Archive for July, 2004

Champaign and Columbus

Published on July 31, 2004 in photos. 0 Comments

I’ve been back in Austin for a couple of days now… just a few final notes I scribbled while on my trip. Oh yeah, and a few photos.

When we left from Chi towards Champaign, we quickly ran into some insane traffic caused by an unfortunate accident. We put the car in the four wheel drive and drove the jeep right across that median ditch and towards another route. My first off-road experience!

I was elated to stay at the Hawthorne Sweets… only because it’s connected to assram. I made some frantic (and probably expensive) phone calls and managed to pull everyone together at Esquire, home of the zone. It was AWESOME to see everyone from UIUC and Wolfram. I had such a great time. We ended up having pizza at Jupiter’s, coffee at Cafe Kopi, and then drinks at Boltini. The night went by way too quickly. Dawid looks awesome with his long hair. And the Wolfram crew is exactly the same - which is fine by me. Suketu is still the bomb, and Seth proposed the coolest toast to me… something about getting drunk for the first time at my place.

I had to leave way too soon… when I return, I’ll be sure to stay a couple of nights at UIUC. Writing this now, I feel a little sad! I miss my wonderful friends from the good ol’ days of undergrad and software testing.

I was also glad to see that Strawberry Fields was still around to provide us with some chow for the road - their bbq tofu sucks, unfortunately, but their sandwiches still rule.

Five hours later…

In general, a blatantly commercial restaurant that serves up advertisements in their menu and bad jokes from the waiter would have me wanting to hate, but the truth is: The Cheesecake Factory serves up some damn good cheesecake.

Our last stop in the tour de midwest was Columbus, Ohio to visit my dad’s side of the family. I hadn’t been in Ohio since I popped in on the way back from MASS in January 2000, freezing my ass off all the way there in the heatless but lovely Toyota Celica. This time around, the weather was rainy and cool and the Jeep’s a/c worked well enough. The 5 hour trip from Champaign to Columbus was nothing compared to our previous journey. We got into my Uncle Jim’s house a little after 5pm, and was greeted by my Grandma, Uncle Ed, Aunt Rosella, Aunt Judy, but sadly, no Uncle Jim who had to teach.

Almost as quickly as I arrived, we departed for dinner at The Cheesecake Factory, which the Ohio crew apparently loves. On the way, we spotted a nice surprise: my cousin Chris (not to be confused with my cousin Chris) who joined us for dinner. It was fun to catch up and once again, stuff my face with food. I had some strawberry cheesecake, and since I couldn’t use the phrase “triple cumshot” in front of my nice family, I instead opted for “this is really really really good”.

After dinner I was able to catch up with Uncle Jim. He’s been doing music his whole life, and his kids, Andy and Chris, have followed suit. I remember when Chris was in grammar school and he learned how to play the violin. He could play by ear, and we used to have great fun thinking of songs for him to play. I also remember him being into art, so I’m not surprised he’s majoring in graphic design. He’s got a band on the side, The Fe-Ne-Tiks.

Once again, the visit was extremely short. The good news is that I saw almost all of the Ohio-Shaw clan and everyone seems very well. I left with good feelings a little regret for having scheduled such a short visit. There is never enough time! Must get back to Austin! Must sell all my possessions! Must get to England with my sanity intact!!! Must get a JOB! MUST BREATH!!

We’re on the road now, heading back to Austin, driving due west into the sunset. Bargh.“ I’m anxious to get back and have some BBQ on a Bun at Mother’s, and then get back to losing the road-trip blubber as quickly as possible. The trip home has been surprisingly beautiful. We’re driving back via Kentucky and Arkansas. Kentucky, man, they have some great country side, especially in the mega foothills of the Appalacians. I’ve seen some bluegrass-related landmarks along the way, which isn’t surprising given that Kentucky is the Bluegrass State. Kentucky is also home to the nation’s largest inland peninsula, The Land Between The Lakes, which has something like 200 miles of hiking trails. Once I capillarize and become bodacious, I will need some new challenges beyond the gym and 5k’s, and I think I might find these challenges in outdoor adventures, like mountain biking and hiking. Camping rules, and it’s a geek sport - GADGETS GALORE. So maybe someday I’ll head over to the LBL and get my off-road cycling calves in motion, rewarding myself with tea and Malt-O-Meal while I camp along the Kentucky River.

Chicago rules

Published on July 29, 2004 in photos. 1 Comment

Ok so the traffic in the windy city blows. It took us almost 5 hours to make the 164 mile trip from Madison to the Days Inn Gold Coast in Chicago. It’s called the Days Inn Gold Coast, but it’s more Old Town/Lincoln Park, right near the Lincoln Park Zoo. I’m pretty proud of myself for finding such a reasonably priced hotel in such a perfect part of town. High fives to me.

Still, negative high fives for my stress levels as we got in. The traffic filled me with rage. I was to have dinner with my parents, and see Cara, and it was all crashing down around me. But guess what - shocker - it all worked out.

While my parents made it into the city, I downed a vodka tonic at the Bar Louie downstairs and then walked the 10 blocks up the street to have dinner at the Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Factory. WALKING to a restaurant felt awesome. I never want to own a car again! The CPOGF was SO GOOD, after that miserable drive, which I learned was due to George W. Jackass being in town. Their salad is awesome. Their flatbread is awesome. The “upside pizza” that isn’t really pizza but rather a cheesy saucy cumshot in a bread bowl was so awesome that I could barely take a break to drink my glass of Chianti. Interesting factoid: the CPOGF is located across the street from the site of the Valentine’s Day Massacre.

You have no idea how happy that food made me! Almost as happy as I was to see Cara at the Grafton near Lincoln Park. It was a shame I was so tired from driving and mass food and wine consumption. But it was fun to catch up and drink Blue Moon with my dormmate turned compatriate. Cara seems really happy. Yay!!! I need to stay in better touch with her. She’s a reightous babe and one of the coolest people I’ve ever met.

Friday was a beautiful day. We were able to walk from our hotel to Lake Michigan and go for a run down the lake shore, from Oak Street beach to Navy Pier and back. Running is a great (and often better) way to see a city when there isn’t much time for cheesy tourism. Afterwards, we had breakfast at Clarke’s, a 24-hour diner on Lincoln Ave. near De Paul. The place was filled with swelling frat boys. The breakfast was so-so. It’s hard to go wrong with eggs and toast.

Internet withdrawl! Okay, so maybe Austin kicks Chi’s ass in the wifi department. DePaul U. must have some free-wifi happy coffee shops. Sure enough, we found a place that, for some reason, featured a pitbull who was intent on dragging its ass along the ground. Hmm. Here’s what I don’t get: a coffee shop with no bathroom. So I peed in a Chipotle w/o buying anything - do you think McDonalds got my point? I didn’t stay long enough to find out - I was worried I’d get diabetes just by spending time in the place.

We walked back to our Hotel via Oz park. Surrender Dorothy!

It was necessary to have some Italian food while I was in town. We found a place in Old Town called Topo Gigio. Damn this place was good. Their eggplant parmesan was the best I’ve ever had. Some of the staff wore t-shirts decorated with a cartoon mouse. I later learned that Topo Gigio was a mouse puppet that often appeared on the “Ed Sullivan Show”. Topo Gigio is also on TV in Italy.

We could have stayed at TG all night had we not planned on having a happy out at the Gingerman Tavern. After hanging out for some time with Tim and my parents reading Trivial Pursuit cards, some people showed up and we had a good time. Although I was drinking Stella Atois at a very slow place, I suddenly became extremely inebriated and had to go pass out! Jigga wha?!

Sunday morning - should I have been surprised to not be in the mood for running? I felt better than I should have, but I didn’t push my luck. We headed around the corner for breakfast at Nookie’s - great place! And yet, it didn’t change my dislike for going out for breakfast. Despite the tasty zucchini egg-white omelette and tasty toast, it’s all too much. Maybe it’s because restaurants don’t have the New & Improved Boca Breakfast Links (the ones in the red package). But I think it mostly has to do with my hatred for stuffing myself full of potatoes and eggs early in the morning.

Monica’s favorite breakfast:

1 Omelette made with 5 egg whites, sauted onion, mushroom, and bell pepper, a sprinkle of colby-jack cheese, salt and pepper.
2 Boca sausages
1 glass of ice water

Maybe if I’m really hungry I’ll have a slice of dry wheat toast or a banana. But I can’t deal with the massive plate of hash browns and greasy eggs and butter-soaked toast that’s so common at breakfast joints. Who wants to start the day bloated and nasty?

Anyway, back to my day. We headed downtown for the recently revealed Millennium Park. Part of it was closed for a benefit, but we saw most of the cool stuff: the family portrait of the world, the wicked spitting fountain, and the backside of the reflective metallic giant bean.

We didn’t have much time for strolling, but for good reason: my parent’s were throwing a going-away party for Tim and I ate my Dad’s house - an Indian feast! Most of the food was from my family’s favorite Indian restaurant, Shera Punjab, with the exception of a delicious chickpea dish that my mom made from scratch. I was pretty elated that my whole family showed up, even my Ohio cousins, Andy and Emily, who I haven’t seen in over four years. My former roommate, Mike and our mutual friend, Joe, even stopped by. How touching!

After the party, the trip ended too quickly, too soon. The next day we had time for a run on the north lakefront trai, and a quick stroll through the Lincoln Park Zoo to see the gorillas and their friends. I love the zoo! Then it was off to the burbs for one last lunch with my parents at the Lemont Street Cafe. We said our final goodbyes and some tears were shed, but I like to think they were tears of joy. After all, what better excuse for my family to visit London? And besides, I have a return ticket for February… I’ve spent more time away from them while I’ve been in Austin!

No time for tears, it’s off to Champaign - UIUC, Altgeld Hall, and my beloved friends.

Link to my photos in Chicago.

Link to Sandy’s photos of the Indian Feast.

Madison, Wisconsin

Published on July 28, 2004 in photos. 0 Comments

Finally, camera cables at last… here is a link to some photos I took in Madison, Wisconsin. Enjoy!

Feline Travels

Published on July 28, 2004 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

On the way into Madison, we had to stay overnight in a hotel in Springfield, Missouri (the “Show Me State”). Ivy was with us, and gave us hell all night long. And yet in the morning we found him strangely calm. This is the last picture of Ivy I took before I said goodbye. I should have taken a better shot of he and I together. Regrets.

A Day and a Night in Madison, Wisconsin

Published on July 28, 2004 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

We kept on pushing and, 1400 miles later, made it to Madison, WI at around 5:30pm last Wednesday. It was a bit of a relief to drop Ivy off with my sister and get him out of the car (and straight to the food bowl and a litter box).

Madison is awesome. It’s filled with large trees and parks and two beautiful lakes. It’s more condensed than Austin - the University is flush with the heart of downtown, a place where people actually live and shop and spend the day. There are hills and scenery, people outside living life and being active. The occasional fat and frumpy grad student. Crappy student housing. Scooters are everywhere! People walking their canoe from their house to the lake. People WALKING. We had a yummy dinner at a place called Bluephies, then went out for a couple of much needed pints of beer.

There is a bar in Madison called Le Tigre that is a must-visit for those who like their bars to be eccentric and welcoming. It’s been in Madison for 40 years, and is operated by some dude and his son. The entire place is decorated in tigres: tiger print carpet, tigre statues, tiger pictures. The only thing non-tiger is the framed photo of Rush Limbaugh. Hrmmm…. they also have a kickin’ jukebox, filled with Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and “I’ve Had The Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing (which I don’t think the locals appreciated as much as I did).

At some point we scored a stack of print editions of The Onion. Not bad for our first night out in the Midwest.

The next morning Tim and I went for a much needed run on Lake Monona. We had a great view of downtown Madison and the rollerbladers inspired much envy on my part. Madison was a great place to run. The paths were excellent and the breeze was pleasant, though I imagine I’d feel differently if it were January.

For breakfast, Stephanie took us to an amazing diner, Mickey’s Dairy Bar. Tim had his first malt, chocolate of course. Steff’s banana malt was pretty damn delicious, and her pancake with strawberries and cream was impressive. I stuck with coffee and a tasty omelette. Dairy rules.

The rest of the day was spent wandering around Madison’s vast university and quaint downtown. Tim bought a UW “bev key”. In a decision I think I will regret, I refrained from buying a UW hoodie because it’s been suggested that the slacker fashion I’ve donned in Austin won’t fly in posh London. Still, a girl comes to a point in her life where she has to define her own style. Isn’t that what the big city is all about?

UW has a great student Union, right on Lake Mendota, with plenty of patios and chillin’ room (oh yeah, and an outdoor BAR). I was a bit hesitant to leave downtown because that meant going back to Steff’s to say goodbye to Ivy. He seems like he’ll do fine over there. I think I will really start missing him when I get back to Austin and I don’t have him to keep my feet warm while I sleep.

Day 4: Windy and Wonderful in Chicago

Published on July 23, 2004 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

We’re here in Chicago at last. I have tales and photos from Madison and beyond, but those will have to wait. Today we’re going to go for a run on Lake Michigan and visit the recently completed Millennium Park. The last time we saw it, it looked like this.

Day 1: You’ve Got To Keep On Pushing

Published on July 23, 2004 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

The following was written on July 20th, in the car…

6:00am Tim’s cell phone alarm goes off. Confused, I pushes the red button to turn it off and fall promptly back asleep.
6:11am Thankfully, Ivy began his morning routine of knocking shit over off my desk. I wake up and starts the day. I say to Tim: “Come on, it’s 6:11.” Tim drools.
6:34am Tim and I stretch our legs and get energized with a 20 minute run.
7:01am Box up Ivy, load up the car, have a real breakfast,
8:37am Depart with a cat to Turner Residential. Gas up.
9:03am Hit I-35 North towards Oklahoma.
6:56pm Current time, writing from Miami, OK.

We’ve been on the road 9 hours and 53 minutes. We’ve memorized half the state’s capitols and nicknames (did you know that Iowa is the “Hawkeye State”, Georgia is the “Empire State of the South” and Kentucky is the “Bluegrass State”?). Quick test (I’m writing this from memory)…in alphabetical order:

Alabama - Montgomery, “Heart of Dixie”
Alaska - Juneau, “Great Land”
Arizona - Phoenix, “Grand Canyon State”
Arkansas - Little Rock, “Natural State” (easy to remember - it is unshaved!)
California - Sacramento, “Golden State”
Colorado - Denver, “Centennial State”
Connecticut - Hartford, “Constitution State”
Delaware - Dover, “First State”
Florida - Tallahassee, “Sunshine State”
Georgia - Atlanta, “Empire State of the South”
Idaho - Boise, “Gem State”
Illinois - Springfield, “Land of Lincoln”
Indiana - Indianapolis, “Hoosier State”
Iowa - Des Moines, “Hawkeye State”
Kansas - Topeka, “Sunflower State”
Kentucky - Frankfort, “Bluegrass State”
Louisiana - Baton Rouge, “Pelican State”
Maine - OUCH time for review!!!
Maryland - Annapolis, “ergh ow
Missouri - oh dear

We’ve driven through Waco (no sign of Branch Dividions), Fort Worth, over the Brazos river and through to Oklahoma City and Tulsa (unfortunately no time to see the National Memorial Museum). We saw oil wells. And many many cows. It seems that turnpikes are also toll roads. And I make delicious sandwiches.

Just crossed over the Missouri state line. That was a long trek. Missouri’s I-44 has mile markers every .2 miles - that’s insane! That makes 2,890 markers between Joplin and St. Lewis, it’s east and west border cities. Porn for the sign companies!!!!

We’re hoping to make it to Springfield, MO before we call it a very long day of driving. I’m looking forward to getting to Madison tomorrow evening and hanging out with my sister. I am not looking forward to saying goodbye to Ivy.

Off to see the great Midwest

Published on July 20, 2004 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Destination: Madison, WI

Today’s Goal: Jacksonville, MO

Only 14 hours away…

Happy Birthday to Me!

Published on July 19, 2004 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

I turned 25 years old yesterday. Why oh why couldn’t I stay 24? Hell, I still feel like I’m 22. I don’t like leaving my early-twenties. I don’t feel ready, or dare I say mature enough for this huge step.

I know: It’s just another day, another year, another birthday. Can’t fight it (like city hall). But I don’t think this is the year I’m going to bitch about getting older. Truth is, the future is completely uncertain, and that is truly exciting. Here’s to my mid-twenties - may they bring great entrepreneurial riches and an unparalleled view of the world!

My birthday was pretty damn good. I started it off early with a run by town lake, followed by some austin bullshit on South Congress. I think I’m putting a moratorium on SoCo; my neck of the woods is far cooler and less congested. Oh, and Spider House has this sign making fun of Starbucks’ Caramel Macchiato, when Spider House’s own macchiato sucks ass. JP’s is the only place in Austin to have a macchiato: TRUTH.

Thanks to Tim for the Shure E2c Sound Isolating Headphones. The iPod has suddenly sprung to new life.

Turns out: I’m a bowler. I scored a 132 at Highland Lanes, beating Tim, Mary, and Mike in our second game.

I am a bowler!

Tim took me to a lovely dinner at Z. Tejas on West 6th - it rules, check it out. And make sure you get a seat outside. The wait is worth the superior ambiance.

Tomorrow I’m headed out on my midwest road trip… here’s a recap on my itinerary:

July 20: Leave Austin, TX for Madison, WI (with Ivy)
July 22: Arrive in Madison, drop of cat, hang out with sis
July 23: Run along Lake Mendota; Depart Madison for Chicago, IL
July 22 - 25: Arrive in Chicago, visit with family and friends, run on Lake Shore Drive
July 25: Depart Chicago for Champaign, IL
July 25 - 26: Arrive in Champaign, visit with friends, get in the zone at Esquire
July 26: Depart Champaign, IL for Columbus, OH
July 26 - 27: Arrive in Columbus, visit with family
July 27: Head back to Austin

Since I found Serenity…

Published on July 18, 2004 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

I won’t miss the Texas summers, that’s for damn sure. There are people who enjoy sitting in the sun, but I’m not one of them. Hot sunny days like today I prefer to spend in air conditioned bliss with the final Firefly DVD. What an amazing show. Shame on FOX for canceling this rare gem, only 14 episodes into its short but substantial life. Created by Joss Whedon of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Fame, Firefly is about a group of vagabond space cowboys who fly around on a Firefly-class ship called Serenity pulling odd jobs of varying degrees of legality.

Every last damn character on that crazy spaceship charmed my socks off. The good news is that there’s a movie in the works called Serenity, and plenty of fun on the web:

Serrenity movie blog

Captain Tight Pants: a fansite devoted to the delicious Nathan Fillion

Firefly Fan Site: i’ll never understand fan fiction.

Speaking of movies, I saw I, Robot tonight. Like most Hollywood action flicks, it held my attention enough and I even laughed out loud once or twice. The plot wasn’t terribly complex and I suspect that Isaac Asimov’s book had more in-depth ideas on artificial intelligence. The movie did feature Firefly’s Alan Tudyk as the voice of Sonny, the first robot to go awry!! I think I preferred him as the “pirate” in Dodgeball.

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