Archive for October, 2005

Fond memories of Boston…

Published on October 31, 2005 in photos. 0 Comments



IMG_1583

Originally uploaded by davediode77.

Dave has posted some pictures from Boston on Flickr, including this precious moment shared between me, Cookie, and a laptop (these are a few of my favorite things). What a fantastic trip! (I heart Boston.)

But wait, there’s more. Charles and Courtney (C-squared) have posted their wedding photos. The images truly capture the essence of their sacred bond: good friends and good food. Accolades to Meghan the photographer.

Here are a couple shots from the reception. I can’t remember that girl’s name but we got along famously - and we matched! We shared the best chocolate martinis of our lives!! The magic! She was one of many law students I met that night. I never thought I’d get along with a group of lawyers-to-be, but they were SO much fun. (My dream is that they have similar words to describe an evening spent with a crew of math nerds.)

Who’s the lawyer and who’s the math nerd?

Can you spot the difference?!

13.1 miles or bust . . .

Published on October 31, 2005 in fitness and running. 1 Comment

I registered for the 3M Half Marathon today. It’s on January 29, 2006. I’m a little scared, but more than anything, really psyched that I’m actually doing it.

I use my Sundays for long, slow runs. A couple months back, I started with 60 minutes of running, and almost every week since, have added a little time to each of my runs. Two weeks ago I crossed the 100 minute mark. It was around that time that I started wondering, “How long will I keep this up for? When will I stop adding minutes? And what’s my goal with all this?” (I mean, what else is there to think about?) Then naturally I started thinking of all the things I could do if I just kept it up as I’ve been doing.

For a long time I used to think it would be cool to be able to run a marathon, hike the Appalachian Trail, or ride a bike across America. I’m starting to realize that I can do all these things, it’s just matter of actually doing them. These aren’t dreams or fantasies; they are goals and ambitions.

So tomorrow I exit the phase in which I run for the sake of running and enter the phase in which I train for the Half Marathon (a feat whose name deserves to be a proper noun!). I haven’t figured out a fixed training schedule, but I like what I saw on Hal Higdon’s website. His half marathon training is similar to my current routine, and I like his attitude:

Be consistent with your training, and the overall details won’t matter.

In other words, global structure, but local flexibility. Or something like that. It means I don’t need to freak out if I have to work late and miss a run, or end up blowing my running wad on a long bike ride. Extra run, extra rest, it all evens out.

And speaking of biking, I predict a lot of cross training in these coming months. The weather is great and Texas is a HUGE place with lots of biking and camping potential.

Fun times ahead! Ahoy!

Happy Halloween from Robot Monica !!!

Published on October 31, 2005 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

robotmonica_2005

Imagine the white garage door is a white sudan . . . .

Published on October 28, 2005 in Uncategorized. 2 Comments



2002 Jamis Nova

Originally uploaded by spacekadet.

With all this talk about halloween parties and BroccoSprouts, I can’t believe I actually forgot that I got hit by a car this morning.

The incident was minor: I was sideswiped while taking a turn at the four way stop on Speedway and 31st, just north of the Crown and Anchor (I am resisting the urge to see any symbolism in this). I actually stop at this particular stop sign because it’s on a hill and the visibility is crap. But the car didn’t budge, so I assumed that the driver was letting me go (as most drivers do). But as soon as I rolled away, coming down fast off the hill, the driver decided to make a pretty fast turn, right into my path. I yelled “Hey whoa holy fucking shit.” I didn’t fall off my bike, but dude: cars are heavy. I dismounted my bicycle, yelled at the driver, “Well are you going to pull over?” Then quickly gathered my cool, got his info, and rode on to work. Me and my bike survived unscathed. His wing mirror was folded over and he had some pedal scratches on his car door.

In retrospect, that was pretty fucking scary. My instant reaction was to yell and curse. But after a few seconds I was totally calm. No shakes. No hesitation to get back on and ride. Just some adrenaline and extreme relief that my bike was still rideable and I that I was uninjured and thus physically capable of cycling.

I don’t know what I’m trying to say with all of this. Cars are giant heavy metal bullets. Defensive cycling is really really important. Cars suck. People who run into cyclists with their cars yet express no concern for the wellbeing of the cyclist have no souls. “Sorry, I didn’t see you” just doesn’t cut it. But I value my ride to work. Random lame ass shit happens all the time but I won’t let that stop me. Most risks in life - be it riding a bicycle or flying across the world to live in a foreign city - are totally worth it.

Now, let’s push the envelope a little further - how about I fly across the world to ride a bicycle in many foreign cities?

Oh, the BroccoSprout - my life is forever changed!

Published on October 28, 2005 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Until now I’ve been pretty devoted to the alfalfa sprout. It’s a key ingredient in my current sandwich of choice. Are you ready for this?

Whole wheat bread [1]
Spicy mustard
Wheat roast [2]
Sprouts
Tomato
Red Onion
Sauerkraut

But yesterday, on a whim, I made a new discovery at the H.E.B.: the BroccoSprout!! Heartier than the alfalfa sprout, the BroccoSprout tastes very much like broccoli (something I LOVE). The food is actually patented by Johns Hopkins University, the folks that discovered the high levels of good stuff that exist in sprouts of the particular BroccoSprout seed.

What good stuff?

Check it: 1 ounce of broccoli sprouts contains as much of the phytochemical sulforaphane glucosinolate (SGS) as 1 1/4 pounds of cooked broccoli. SGS is a natural compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous plants that supports the body’s own antioxidant function. Eat THAT, free radicals!

The BroccoSprout website is well worth exploring. They’ve got the skinny on SGS, as well as an impressive list of Broccosprout recipes!

[1] Variation to try: Rye Bread
[2] Wheat roast is a protein-packed meat sub made of wheat gluten. Tofurkey deli slices also work well.

Halloween House Party !

Published on October 28, 2005 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

!!!BOO(ZE)!!!

my housemates and i are hosting a hyde park halloween house party this saturday that will rock your costume off ! ! !

Where: 603 East 49th St.
When: Saturday, Oct 29, 8pm
What: Bone-chilling beer, ethereal elixers, creepy costumes, apparitional apple bobbing, and a preternatural pinata!

Wear a costume. If you don’t, one will be provided for you.

Rumor has it, Robot Monica will be making an appearance . . .

view evite

Great view from Zilker Clubhouse

Published on October 27, 2005 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

austinskyline_sm.jpg

I had never been to the Zilker Clubhouse before last night - my employer hosted an Oktoberfest party on its fine premises. The view was spectacular, and even though the temperature dropped after the sun went down, we couldn’t tear ourselves away from the huge patio (or the kegs of Live Oak Oaktoberfest, malty Bavarian bliss!).

A few photos were taken.

Cockroaches? Those were NUTHIN

Published on October 25, 2005 in Uncategorized. 1 Comment



MC Rat

Originally uploaded by drewsta.

exerpt from an e-mail to Tim, sent at 5:53am this morning:

so, it’s gotten cold in austin. “cold”. well, cold enough that jeans are comfortable and a jacket is necessary at night. and just as suddenly, our house has become a warm refuge for … are you ready for this? … RATS!

i must say, i’ve known that something’s been around for a while, based on the occasional “scurry” i hear above my head. but hey, they don’t bother us, i don’t bother them, right?

a few days ago, one of these critters made the mistake of rearing its head to elizabeth in the bathroom (her shrieks woke me from my slumber!). ever since then, things haven’t quite been the same… eliz called an exterminator, who set some traps, and well, i was never all that comfortable with the inhumanity of it all. but i can repress.

anyway, i think something in the attic got caught in one of these traps and didn’t quite DIE right away. there’s been a LOT of PERSISTENT clanking in the attic, enough to wake me up and stress me out enough that it’s impossible to fall back asleep.

and THEN! just moments ago! attempting to seek refuge on the couch, i walked out of my room and saw a MOUSE on our cereal shelf!!!!!!!!!

so i’ve given up on sleep and decided to have some coffee instead. shortly i’m going to run my nerves away. after which, i guess i won’t be having cereal for breakfast. *sigh*

Cucumber Seaweed Salad with Wasabi Dressing

Published on October 23, 2005 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Wasabi Salad Dressing:

1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon wasabi paste (Japanese horseradish)
3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Mix the dressing and toss with:

1 large cucumber, diced
1 tomato, sliced
seaweed (i used 2 torn up sheets of nori)
toasted sesame seeds

i’m really lucky to have such an awesomely creative mom

Published on October 22, 2005 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

i want to get another tatto, one to unify the atom and the lightening bolt. i asked my mom if she had any thoughts and she sent me this sketch…

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