Blogus Interruptus
I am having trouble getting online. Consequently there may be a hiatus for an undetermined period of time. Sorry about the technical difficulties!
So I will take this opportunity to wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR! I wish you all the very best for 2004.
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Sunday, December 28, 2003
A Day in the Life: Sun and Fun, Work and Toil
Today was a close duplicate of yesterday. The weather was fantastic again: sun, warmth, blue skies. Sara, the pooch, and I ventured for a walk again. This time we headed down to the river-walk in downtown Providence. The stroll up the river to Waterplace Park (seen here in a picture taken by Sara this past summer) is so nice.
It is actually kind of sad that there is such an amazing stretch of urban landscape and such an amazing day, yet there really wasn't anyone around. We skipped the architecture book this time. We just took in the sun's glorious rays and enjoyed the vistas. The dog kept a close lookout for any ducks that swam by. We got some coffee at Brewed Awakenings (sorry the link is pretty lame, but it is actually a pretty cool coffee house) right by Waterplace Park and sipped it while sitting in the sun.
The afternoon found me sitting at my desk, listening to Italians rattle on and on about many things. When they got to something that was useful, I typed it into my computer. It is amazing how much I have to listen to before I actually type anything. I have a couple more interviews I want to go through before I sit down and start the actual sorting and outlining process. This should all get done tomorrow.
Wait, let me rephrase that.
This WILL all get done tomorrow.
There that is better.
Oh yeah, check out the new poll.
Today was a close duplicate of yesterday. The weather was fantastic again: sun, warmth, blue skies. Sara, the pooch, and I ventured for a walk again. This time we headed down to the river-walk in downtown Providence. The stroll up the river to Waterplace Park (seen here in a picture taken by Sara this past summer) is so nice.
It is actually kind of sad that there is such an amazing stretch of urban landscape and such an amazing day, yet there really wasn't anyone around. We skipped the architecture book this time. We just took in the sun's glorious rays and enjoyed the vistas. The dog kept a close lookout for any ducks that swam by. We got some coffee at Brewed Awakenings (sorry the link is pretty lame, but it is actually a pretty cool coffee house) right by Waterplace Park and sipped it while sitting in the sun.
The afternoon found me sitting at my desk, listening to Italians rattle on and on about many things. When they got to something that was useful, I typed it into my computer. It is amazing how much I have to listen to before I actually type anything. I have a couple more interviews I want to go through before I sit down and start the actual sorting and outlining process. This should all get done tomorrow.
Wait, let me rephrase that.
This WILL all get done tomorrow.
There that is better.
Oh yeah, check out the new poll.
Saturday, December 27, 2003
Work and Play
Or I should say play and work. Today was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and the temperatures were warm (for this time of year - almost 50 degrees). The perfect day to use one of my gifts from Sara of the past days: Guide to Providence Architecture. It is a lovely book that has thematic tours (most of them walking tours) that go through the fascinating architecture of this fine city.
After lunch we put the leash on our dog and headed out for a nice stroll through the now empty campus to learn more about the buildings we walk by everyday. It was great. Lovely day, lovely buildings, lovely company. The dog had a blast to hunting down squirrels who were also making the most of the fine weather. We only did a fraction of the tour, but it was enough. We will definitely be putting this book to good use. I hope we have many nice days like today.
The escapade early in the day meant that the late afternoon had to be devoted to work. I have not gotten nearly enough done over the past couple days and new deadlines are looming. I am not sifting through mounds of data I collected in Italy to see what I can use in the two chapters I am putting together now. This evening was spent listening to interviews, which can be interesting at times, but can also be endlessly tedious (more of the latter today). I need to sit through most of them, though, transcribing parts that will be useful. There will be more of this tomorrow. Joy, joy, joy.
The weather is supposed to be nice again. There may be another venture outside in the works.
Or I should say play and work. Today was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and the temperatures were warm (for this time of year - almost 50 degrees). The perfect day to use one of my gifts from Sara of the past days: Guide to Providence Architecture. It is a lovely book that has thematic tours (most of them walking tours) that go through the fascinating architecture of this fine city.
After lunch we put the leash on our dog and headed out for a nice stroll through the now empty campus to learn more about the buildings we walk by everyday. It was great. Lovely day, lovely buildings, lovely company. The dog had a blast to hunting down squirrels who were also making the most of the fine weather. We only did a fraction of the tour, but it was enough. We will definitely be putting this book to good use. I hope we have many nice days like today.
The escapade early in the day meant that the late afternoon had to be devoted to work. I have not gotten nearly enough done over the past couple days and new deadlines are looming. I am not sifting through mounds of data I collected in Italy to see what I can use in the two chapters I am putting together now. This evening was spent listening to interviews, which can be interesting at times, but can also be endlessly tedious (more of the latter today). I need to sit through most of them, though, transcribing parts that will be useful. There will be more of this tomorrow. Joy, joy, joy.
The weather is supposed to be nice again. There may be another venture outside in the works.
Friday, December 26, 2003
Happy Boxing Day
For the holidays I made Sara a cake from a recipe I found on Michelle's site: Gingerbread with Poached Pears [thanks, Michelle]. I knew Sara would like it because she loves ginger and she loved having poached pears when we were in Rome. I just was not sure if I could pull it off. First I had to get all the ingredients. I went a few days before Christmas to avoid the chaos. It was still crazy and I had to battle frenzied crowds to buy my share of groceries. Then on Christmas Eve, I realized I did not have a loaf pan. So back to the store I ventured to get one.
The actual baking and cooking went well and was quite enjoyable (of course it was also an effective procrastination method to keep me from my dissertation).
I think it turned out well, except for the fact that not all the pears fit on top of the bread. Close enough and now we have some extra poached pears. Sara took some pictures so you can have a look:
and
There was some leftover, so if you are nice to Sara she might share [by the way, you can head over to Corn Smut and sneak a peek at her mid-hiatus mini-post].
Hope you all are having a nice holiday, have eaten well, and are having fun. Happy final days of Hanukkah!!! The menorah will be bright tonight and the days are getting longer. YAY!!!
For the holidays I made Sara a cake from a recipe I found on Michelle's site: Gingerbread with Poached Pears [thanks, Michelle]. I knew Sara would like it because she loves ginger and she loved having poached pears when we were in Rome. I just was not sure if I could pull it off. First I had to get all the ingredients. I went a few days before Christmas to avoid the chaos. It was still crazy and I had to battle frenzied crowds to buy my share of groceries. Then on Christmas Eve, I realized I did not have a loaf pan. So back to the store I ventured to get one.
The actual baking and cooking went well and was quite enjoyable (of course it was also an effective procrastination method to keep me from my dissertation).
I think it turned out well, except for the fact that not all the pears fit on top of the bread. Close enough and now we have some extra poached pears. Sara took some pictures so you can have a look:
and
There was some leftover, so if you are nice to Sara she might share [by the way, you can head over to Corn Smut and sneak a peek at her mid-hiatus mini-post].
Hope you all are having a nice holiday, have eaten well, and are having fun. Happy final days of Hanukkah!!! The menorah will be bright tonight and the days are getting longer. YAY!!!
Wednesday, December 24, 2003
Feliz Nochebuena!
In Mexico, my family celebrated Christmas Eve, known as Nochebuena (or the good night, which is also the name of Poinsettias in Mexico, from where they originate) more than Christmas Day. Although my father, mother, sister, and I would exchange our gifts Christmas morning. On Christmas Eve, we would go over to my grandmother's house in the evening. She lived on the other side of Mexico City, so it was about a forty minute drive (without traffic).
My grandmother's house was rather big, with a big family room where we would spend most of the evening. All my aunts, uncles, and cousins would be there. There were always other people whom I was never quite sure who they were. The decorations included a very large tree and a big nativity scene with figures that were about ten inches tall.
As the evening progressed, all the children would eat dinner and then open their gifts. We would also go outside and set off fireworks. The adults would observe all of this, chatting, drinking, smoking, and commenting on the gifts and our reactions. After all the fun and commotion, the children would drift to bedrooms upstairs and go to sleep. Then all the adults would adjourn to the formal dining room where they would have a big and very late dinner. At some point in the wee hours of the morning, my father would come and carry me and my sister back to the car and we would drive home. I still remember sleeping on the floor below the back seat of my father's Caprice Classic. When we got home, I was always curious to see if Santa had already come, but he never had. We would stagger to our rooms and go to sleep. Early the next morning, my sister and I would be up and eagerly awaiting to head downstairs to see what that year's booty was. Our parents were still exhausted, of course, having only slept a couple of hours. After much nagging they would come down and we would discover the goodies brought by Santa and then exchange presents. Later in the day, we would go back to my grandmother's house and eat left-overs. Us children would always bring our recently received toys and compare them.
As we got older, we all wanted to be invited to dine with the adults later in the evening. Then me and a male cousin, Ricardo, being the two oldest, were told we could stay up for the later diner. It was so exciting! It turned out to be an utter disappointment. It was so incredibly boring. My relatives all would drink and argue and eat and argue and smoke and argue. Someone would get offended and storm off, then come back and argue some more. It was such an unpleasant experience that the following year I ate the earlier meal and went to bed with the other "children". I felt bad for my mother, though. She was always marginal in these conversations and I could tell that she was as bored with the whole situation as I was. She would ask my father if we could go, but he would insist on staying.
Two years after my first "adult" dinner, we went to Northern California for Christmas with my mother's parents. That was a completely different experience. One to be told at a different time.
With that I bid you a Joyful Christmas Eve, Best Wishes for a Good Christmas, and a Happy Sixth Day of Hanukkah!
In Mexico, my family celebrated Christmas Eve, known as Nochebuena (or the good night, which is also the name of Poinsettias in Mexico, from where they originate) more than Christmas Day. Although my father, mother, sister, and I would exchange our gifts Christmas morning. On Christmas Eve, we would go over to my grandmother's house in the evening. She lived on the other side of Mexico City, so it was about a forty minute drive (without traffic).
My grandmother's house was rather big, with a big family room where we would spend most of the evening. All my aunts, uncles, and cousins would be there. There were always other people whom I was never quite sure who they were. The decorations included a very large tree and a big nativity scene with figures that were about ten inches tall.
As the evening progressed, all the children would eat dinner and then open their gifts. We would also go outside and set off fireworks. The adults would observe all of this, chatting, drinking, smoking, and commenting on the gifts and our reactions. After all the fun and commotion, the children would drift to bedrooms upstairs and go to sleep. Then all the adults would adjourn to the formal dining room where they would have a big and very late dinner. At some point in the wee hours of the morning, my father would come and carry me and my sister back to the car and we would drive home. I still remember sleeping on the floor below the back seat of my father's Caprice Classic. When we got home, I was always curious to see if Santa had already come, but he never had. We would stagger to our rooms and go to sleep. Early the next morning, my sister and I would be up and eagerly awaiting to head downstairs to see what that year's booty was. Our parents were still exhausted, of course, having only slept a couple of hours. After much nagging they would come down and we would discover the goodies brought by Santa and then exchange presents. Later in the day, we would go back to my grandmother's house and eat left-overs. Us children would always bring our recently received toys and compare them.
As we got older, we all wanted to be invited to dine with the adults later in the evening. Then me and a male cousin, Ricardo, being the two oldest, were told we could stay up for the later diner. It was so exciting! It turned out to be an utter disappointment. It was so incredibly boring. My relatives all would drink and argue and eat and argue and smoke and argue. Someone would get offended and storm off, then come back and argue some more. It was such an unpleasant experience that the following year I ate the earlier meal and went to bed with the other "children". I felt bad for my mother, though. She was always marginal in these conversations and I could tell that she was as bored with the whole situation as I was. She would ask my father if we could go, but he would insist on staying.
Two years after my first "adult" dinner, we went to Northern California for Christmas with my mother's parents. That was a completely different experience. One to be told at a different time.
With that I bid you a Joyful Christmas Eve, Best Wishes for a Good Christmas, and a Happy Sixth Day of Hanukkah!
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
I should be working on my dissertation, but I am tired and I cannot focus. It is probably all the starch and carbohydrates I had for dinner. Or maybe it is the wine. Whatever it is, little work is getting done.
Instead of being productive, I am posting a picture from that mystery roll of film. It is a picture of me at a lodge near Estes Park, Colorado. It isn't the best picture of me, but it will have to do.
As you can tell I am a little shy. Some may say I am shadowy figure, dark and mysterious.
But isn't Colorado lovely?
Instead of being productive, I am posting a picture from that mystery roll of film. It is a picture of me at a lodge near Estes Park, Colorado. It isn't the best picture of me, but it will have to do.
As you can tell I am a little shy. Some may say I am shadowy figure, dark and mysterious.
But isn't Colorado lovely?
Quick Wishes
I have just under an hour to wish you all a Happy Fourth Day of Hanukkah! And while I am at it, let me wish you a Happy Fifth Day of Hanukkah! One nice thing about having Hanukkah last beyong the solstice is that you witness how the days stop getting shorter and they start getting longer. This is because you light the menorah at sunset, and sunset will be a minute later today than it was yesterday. Yay!
[Since some of you have been asking, no I am not Jewish. Two of Sara's grandparents were and the traditions are important to her, so that is why we learn about them and celebrate them. If I were to label my religious beliefs, I would say that I am a Unitarian and thus embrace the commonalities shared by most religions. I also have constructed my own theology and spirituality, and as such am interested in the spirit behind many religious festivities. Thus to me, Hanukkah represents the freedom to Choose a religious belief and the light of hope and promise that shines through this the darkest time of year (in the Northern Hemisphere, of course). Likewise, Christmas is rebirth and hope. The solstice is a reminder of the balance that occurs in nature. These are all simplifications, but they are small examples to illustrate how I approach these days.]
I have just under an hour to wish you all a Happy Fourth Day of Hanukkah! And while I am at it, let me wish you a Happy Fifth Day of Hanukkah! One nice thing about having Hanukkah last beyong the solstice is that you witness how the days stop getting shorter and they start getting longer. This is because you light the menorah at sunset, and sunset will be a minute later today than it was yesterday. Yay!
[Since some of you have been asking, no I am not Jewish. Two of Sara's grandparents were and the traditions are important to her, so that is why we learn about them and celebrate them. If I were to label my religious beliefs, I would say that I am a Unitarian and thus embrace the commonalities shared by most religions. I also have constructed my own theology and spirituality, and as such am interested in the spirit behind many religious festivities. Thus to me, Hanukkah represents the freedom to Choose a religious belief and the light of hope and promise that shines through this the darkest time of year (in the Northern Hemisphere, of course). Likewise, Christmas is rebirth and hope. The solstice is a reminder of the balance that occurs in nature. These are all simplifications, but they are small examples to illustrate how I approach these days.]
Monday, December 22, 2003
Buenas Noches
La Cena:
Huachinango a la veracruzana
Camarones con salsa de chile, limón y tequila
Platanos fritos con canela
Frijoles de olla con chiles poblanos y queso
Pan Fresco
El Vino: Columbia Crest Gewürztraminer
La Música: Manu Chao – Clandestino
El Estado de Ánimo: Huevón
[Let me know if you need a translation or a recipe]
La Cena:
Huachinango a la veracruzana
Camarones con salsa de chile, limón y tequila
Platanos fritos con canela
Frijoles de olla con chiles poblanos y queso
Pan Fresco
El Vino: Columbia Crest Gewürztraminer
La Música: Manu Chao – Clandestino
El Estado de Ánimo: Huevón
[Let me know if you need a translation or a recipe]
Mystery Film - Part III
It is no longer a mystery. I picked the pictures up this afternoon and there wasn't anything terribly exciting. There were some pictures Sara took of a blooming bulb she had, many pictures of our dog, and some pictures of a road trip we took for a wedding between Albuquerque and Estes Park, Colorado. Maybe I will post a few of them later on...
Sorry, Kat, no nude party. You must have been thinking of someone else (or we just have not found that particular roll of film yet).
Oh yeah, and Happy Third Day of Hanukkah and a peaceful First Day of Winter!
It is no longer a mystery. I picked the pictures up this afternoon and there wasn't anything terribly exciting. There were some pictures Sara took of a blooming bulb she had, many pictures of our dog, and some pictures of a road trip we took for a wedding between Albuquerque and Estes Park, Colorado. Maybe I will post a few of them later on...
Sorry, Kat, no nude party. You must have been thinking of someone else (or we just have not found that particular roll of film yet).
Oh yeah, and Happy Third Day of Hanukkah and a peaceful First Day of Winter!
Sunday, December 21, 2003
Saturday, December 20, 2003
Need a healthy recipe for the Holidays? Why not try this?
Xoloitzquintle's Mediterranean Salad
Dressing:
2 Parts Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Part Balsamic Vinegar
1 Tbsp. Honey per 1/2 cup of dressing
1 Tbsp. of Mayonaise
1 tsp Pepper per 1/2 cup of dressing
Pinch of salt
Blend all the ingredients in a blender or with a mixer to emulsify (I use a hand-held blender that works very well). You can store the dressing in the fridge for several days.
Salad:
Baby Spinach
Arrugola (aka. Rucola, Rockets)
Cherry Tomatoes
Cucumber
Roasted Red Peppers
Feta Cheese (I use cow feta because it is milder)
Pistacchios
Toss all the ingredients and serve. Add dressing to tast to individual salads.
I like the combination of the smooth acidity of the balsamic vinigar, the sweetness of the honey, and the saltiness of the pistacchios and cheese. You can also add some Granny Smith Apples, figs, dates, and/or olives to the salad.
Xoloitzquintle's Mediterranean Salad
Dressing:
2 Parts Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Part Balsamic Vinegar
1 Tbsp. Honey per 1/2 cup of dressing
1 Tbsp. of Mayonaise
1 tsp Pepper per 1/2 cup of dressing
Pinch of salt
Blend all the ingredients in a blender or with a mixer to emulsify (I use a hand-held blender that works very well). You can store the dressing in the fridge for several days.
Salad:
Baby Spinach
Arrugola (aka. Rucola, Rockets)
Cherry Tomatoes
Cucumber
Roasted Red Peppers
Feta Cheese (I use cow feta because it is milder)
Pistacchios
Toss all the ingredients and serve. Add dressing to tast to individual salads.
I like the combination of the smooth acidity of the balsamic vinigar, the sweetness of the honey, and the saltiness of the pistacchios and cheese. You can also add some Granny Smith Apples, figs, dates, and/or olives to the salad.
Friday, December 19, 2003
Shelo yichbe neiro l'olam v'ed
Happy First Day of Hanukkah to All! [It starts at sundown today]
Blessings to be read at the lighting of the menorah:
First Blessing
Baruch ata Adonai elohanu melech ha olam, asher kiddishanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Hanukkah. [Blessed are you our God, Ruler of the world, who makes us holy through your mitzvoth, and commands us to kindle the Hanukkah lights].
Second Blessing:
Baruch ata Adonai elohanu melech ha olam, she asa nisim l'avoteinu, bayamim ha-hem, bazman ha zeh. [Blessed are you our God, Ruler of the world, who worked miracles for our ancestors in days long ago at this season].
Third Blessing:
Baruch ata Adonai, elohanu melech ha olam, sheheheyanu, v'kiyimanu, v'higiyanu, lazman ha zeh. [Blessed are you our God, Ruler of the world, who has given us life, sustained us, and has brought us to this season].
Happy First Day of Hanukkah to All! [It starts at sundown today]
Blessings to be read at the lighting of the menorah:
First Blessing
Baruch ata Adonai elohanu melech ha olam, asher kiddishanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Hanukkah. [Blessed are you our God, Ruler of the world, who makes us holy through your mitzvoth, and commands us to kindle the Hanukkah lights].
Second Blessing:
Baruch ata Adonai elohanu melech ha olam, she asa nisim l'avoteinu, bayamim ha-hem, bazman ha zeh. [Blessed are you our God, Ruler of the world, who worked miracles for our ancestors in days long ago at this season].
Third Blessing:
Baruch ata Adonai, elohanu melech ha olam, sheheheyanu, v'kiyimanu, v'higiyanu, lazman ha zeh. [Blessed are you our God, Ruler of the world, who has given us life, sustained us, and has brought us to this season].
Thursday, December 18, 2003
Blog Templates
Have you ever found yourself reading a blog and thinking it was someone else's blog because they have the same template?
That happened to me this morning. I was thinking, man did this person change overnight? Then I realized it wasn't who I thought it was.
Ok, so I am out of it. I need more coffee.
Have you ever found yourself reading a blog and thinking it was someone else's blog because they have the same template?
That happened to me this morning. I was thinking, man did this person change overnight? Then I realized it wasn't who I thought it was.
Ok, so I am out of it. I need more coffee.
Mystery Film
The other day my wife brought walked into my office with a roll of film. Neither of us knows what its from. I am not sure where she found it. It does seem like we have used it because the little bit of film that sticks out on a new roll isn't sticking out [those of you who are photographically inclined are probably cringing right now at my terminology].
It's been sitting on my desk for the past couple of days. Every now and then I will stare at it and wonder what images are captured on it.
I will take it to get developed today.
The other day my wife brought walked into my office with a roll of film. Neither of us knows what its from. I am not sure where she found it. It does seem like we have used it because the little bit of film that sticks out on a new roll isn't sticking out [those of you who are photographically inclined are probably cringing right now at my terminology].
It's been sitting on my desk for the past couple of days. Every now and then I will stare at it and wonder what images are captured on it.
I will take it to get developed today.
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
Of Mud and Dogs
Today our dog got to frolic in the mud.
By the end he was filthy. He was able to use some of his pent-up energy. He also got a nice warm bath went we got home. Now he gets to roam naked and damp.
I am actually kind of envious.
I could use a frolic in the mud. Followed by a long warm bath. And maybe some hot chocolate. I like to put my pjs on afterward, though.
Dreams.
Today our dog got to frolic in the mud.
By the end he was filthy. He was able to use some of his pent-up energy. He also got a nice warm bath went we got home. Now he gets to roam naked and damp.
I am actually kind of envious.
I could use a frolic in the mud. Followed by a long warm bath. And maybe some hot chocolate. I like to put my pjs on afterward, though.
Dreams.
Muppets
I always wondered about this:
You are Rowlf.
You are a loner, and love classical music, You can
play the piano without opposable thumbs. Then
again, you are just a Muppet.
ALSO KNOWN AS: Ol' Brown Ears
HOBBIES: Piano playing, punning, fetching.
QUOTE: "My bark is worse than my bite, and my piano playing beats 'em both."
FAVORITE MOVIE: "The Dogfather"
FAVORITE COMPOSER: Poochini
FAVORITE SONG: "I've Never Harmed An Onion, So Why Should They Make Me Cry?"
What Muppet are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
[Via Lux]
I always wondered about this:
You are Rowlf.
You are a loner, and love classical music, You can
play the piano without opposable thumbs. Then
again, you are just a Muppet.
ALSO KNOWN AS: Ol' Brown Ears
HOBBIES: Piano playing, punning, fetching.
QUOTE: "My bark is worse than my bite, and my piano playing beats 'em both."
FAVORITE MOVIE: "The Dogfather"
FAVORITE COMPOSER: Poochini
FAVORITE SONG: "I've Never Harmed An Onion, So Why Should They Make Me Cry?"
What Muppet are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
[Via Lux]
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