I had a great time hanging out with her while she was in town, but Chapin has now departed Beantown in search of greener pastures.
In other semi-news, this past weekend I went to a six year-old's birthday party out in western Mass., then had to pay a condolence call to a former high school classmate whose dad passed away last week. (For those keeping score, that's two different friends whose dads have died within the past month.)
Saturday night I reconnected with a college friend with whom I had fallen out of touch for about 8 years. I won't go into it too much, but I have to acknowledge (mostly to myself) that her insights and her own journey in life were incredibly inspiring and motivating for me. I look forward to staying in touch much more regularly and I hope that the boost I got from our visit (insofar as dealing with my own "stuff") lasts for a while, despite her return to one of the "I" states.
This week, the boss is back from her vacation so things are back to the usual routine, for better or for worse. We're heading into our busy season, as we ramp up for the arrival of the new and returning cherubs after Labor Day. Wheeee.
I have a wedgie. Note to self: These undies really need to be retired from the regular rotation.
I heart my Crocs. Many thanks to Brian and wife-of-Brian for convincing me to try them out despite my statements about how ugly and stupid they are. (Fortunately, neither was wearing the offending items when said negative opinion was proffered.) They may look silly, but (a) I can spend a whole day on my feet in them without my legs getting tired, my feet hurting, or getting leg cramps afterward; and (2) I'm in with the cool kidz (at least, I'm in with the cool 6-year-olds) when we're all wearing 'em. Sure, theirs are pink or blue and mine are brown, but I'm still totally one of them.
Three pteradactyl-sized mosquitos tried to attack me in my car on the way to work today. I had to pull over TWICE (no kidding) to administer their punishment for misdeeds gone by or intended in the future. How did those beasts even get in the car? The windows were closed overnight. I think they banded together and laid in wait for me to open the car door this morning, and they all three went on their kamikaze mission to bust their way in when I was starting the engine with the door open for a fraction of a minute.
What is it with restaurants that don't have air-conditioning? I mean, seriously? This is not the Arctic, and you really need to accept the fact that I will never return to your establishment unless you install some serious BTUs.
I have managed to keep a 
bamboo plant alive in my office for a full two years. This is notable, particularly in light of my inability to keep any other green leafy items alive, pretty much ever. I've even killed cacti, so do not doubt me. As a confirmed Brown Thumb, I heartily endorse the keeping of "Lucky Bamboo" if you're ever looking for validation of your ability to not kill everything in your immediate vicinity.
So what's the semi-news in your neck of the woods?
I'm taking the day off. Grades are done, seminar went OK, so I have no responsibilities for today at least.
Sorry about the infestation. We are low on mosquitoes in UT. :)
Posted by: tomorrow on August 6, 2008 04:27 PMI get that crocs are the best thing ever for long days on feet but why oh why do they have to be so frickin' ugly? And the holes...I mean I get that the plastic footwear needs venting to prevent some stinky fungus stuff from building up inside...but it rains here and the things will get seriously sloshy if worn outside on moist days. Please explain the meaning of crocs to me.
And...I"m so with you about plant killing...I often say that my kids are lucky that they weren't born greenery because by now they'd be long dead.
Posted by: Karan on August 6, 2008 06:47 PMoh good, now i don't feel quite so bad for killing yet another jade plant...
also: http://www.newsweek.com/id/150240/page/1
Posted by: Amy on August 6, 2008 11:33 PMOh, they're totally ugly. (Crocs, I mean. I'm sure your kids are stunning, Karan.) I chose a dark neutral color (brown) to go with some brown khakis for summer, and actually don't think they're nearly as noticeable as the brightly colored ones. I don't care about the holes since water comes in but also gets out easily. I suppose plastic shoes could get awfully sweaty without ventilation, anyway, as you noted. I actually intentionally wear my Crocs when it's raining out -- sure, my feet get wet, but they'll dry out and so will the shoes, which don't get damaged from puddles and rain the way other sandals and even sneakers would.
To tomorrow: I could export some skeeters if you'd like.
To Amy: Sorry about the plant. Care to try out some bamboo? :o)
Posted by: cynical on August 7, 2008 01:40 PMMy thumb is browner than yours--I have killed artificial plants.
Posted by: sue on August 7, 2008 07:21 PMShelley, ivy- specifically pothos- will grow in any light. I kept them in scifs, where there is neither natural light nor fresh air ever, for years. Wonder if you should water it? Look at the soil: if it looks dessicated, pour in some water. Or, if the leaves don't look perky and happy, give it a little water. Otherwise, it's fine. That plant can even survive all weekend with the lights out.
Posted by: Robyn on August 19, 2008 04:56 PMAren't they pretty? Ubiquitous, but that doesn't have to mean bad.
Posted by: Robyn on August 19, 2008 04:59 PM