People ask if it was an accident. I have to tell them, officially, no it wasn't. Completely in the plan. Go figure. Having a younger brother is not a new concept. Almost all my friends have siblings, be it older, younger or twinned. I am one of the minority that has a sibling that is more than 10 years younger than me though. To be exact, my brother is officially 11 years, 10 months and 3 days younger than I am. We grew up in different generations, with different parents - my mother never would have bought store-bought spaghetti sauce, but this woman who is raising him has Prego on hand all the time now! I started college when he was just turning 6 and starting kindergarten, which made for some interesting moments at the grocery store and on campus, when people assumed that I was probably his mother and my mom was his grandmother. Having been so far apart in age, our relationship is part brother/sister, but also part mother-type relationship. As he grows older (and taller), though, he is starting to join the ranks of my younger peers.
Tonight my brother flies by himself to Atlanta for a 6 day visit. This newer, taller, more grown-up version of my little brother is going to be a joy to have here, both to spend some quality time together, but also to learn who this new person is. There is so much about someone that you can't put into words over the phone, so much missed detail about his teenage life, his interests, aspirations. We're going to get pizza tonight when he gets in, something pretty chill and comforting all at once, and hopefully I can start to learn more about the baby that my sister and I used to bounce on air mattresses, that cuddled in my arms while I read, and that worshiped ceiling fans before he could talk. Welcome to Atlanta, my (not so) little brother!
29 July 2009
23 July 2009
Accidental Art
Back in the dark ages, before digital cameras were ubiquitous and cheap, there was the 35mm camera. With real film and manual film winding. My parents gave me their trusty old Nikon that had served them from 1981 till the day I left for London in 2002. I appreciated having a camera with. There are too many fond memories that I would not otherwise have still at my fingertips, to rifle through when nostalgia hits, and to reminisce on the personal growth that started while I was abroad.
There were definitely moments where I was slightly ungrateful for having this old dinosaur of a camera to lug around though. While we were on a walking architectural tour of Paris with one of my classes, my ancient piece of ... technology started jamming up. This was not the time or the place for it to give me trouble either. Paris in itself is beautifully detailed, filled with picturesque buildings on almost every corner. We had just come up to the famous Metro entrance by the Louvre which was covered in color-saturated glass balls in an arching structure, so I snapped a picture for my album. Somehow the camera felt a little sticky during the exposure, but I thought nothing of it until a few hundred meters later when we came upon another scenic building. I tried pressing the button, and it only took half-way. I tried winding the film, and it finally let me wind it, but everything seemed to be acting up on the camera, so I stopped using it for awhile. I took out that roll of film, and added it to the ever-increasing pile of film canisters for developing when I got home. It wasn't until a few months later, when all the pictures came back from my trip that I realized just how lucky I was to have had this camera. Below is the picture that made all my little worries worth it.
There were definitely moments where I was slightly ungrateful for having this old dinosaur of a camera to lug around though. While we were on a walking architectural tour of Paris with one of my classes, my ancient piece of ... technology started jamming up. This was not the time or the place for it to give me trouble either. Paris in itself is beautifully detailed, filled with picturesque buildings on almost every corner. We had just come up to the famous Metro entrance by the Louvre which was covered in color-saturated glass balls in an arching structure, so I snapped a picture for my album. Somehow the camera felt a little sticky during the exposure, but I thought nothing of it until a few hundred meters later when we came upon another scenic building. I tried pressing the button, and it only took half-way. I tried winding the film, and it finally let me wind it, but everything seemed to be acting up on the camera, so I stopped using it for awhile. I took out that roll of film, and added it to the ever-increasing pile of film canisters for developing when I got home. It wasn't until a few months later, when all the pictures came back from my trip that I realized just how lucky I was to have had this camera. Below is the picture that made all my little worries worth it.
22 July 2009
Oh, Giorgio!
Atlanta has been blessed with an amazing store whose mere name causes women everywhere to swoon and drool. Until I moved here, I did not even know they existed! Now, however, Filene's Basement is a staple on my shopping sprees which have recently been few and far between.
The last time I made it to Filene's, they were having a designer's sale. I should remember the official name of their annual event - I want to say it was called the Vault sale. :-) The actual title of the sale is mostly beside the point, though. I was in a shopping mood, and had maybe 3 hours before my roommate and I were hosting a bachelorette party at our place, so what better way to kill a few hours than head to Filene's?
Little did I know the temptation that lay ahead: Gucci, Armani, and Dior graced the aisles next to the usual Calvin Klein and Philosophy stands. Their swan song called my name in the sweetest voice, I couldn't resist! Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be even thinking about buying a designer piece, however off-the-rack it might be. The decently-sized fitting room provided the perfect place to slip into the black Valentino number that had found its way into my pile of clothes. Trying to zip it up was another matter. I managed, but just barely. This was the perfect "10 pounds lighter" goal dress. A gorgeous "little black dress". Almost exactly what I would want in a LBD. But...for $200+ I didn't think a "goal dress" was what I had in mind. Regardless of it being Valentino. I know. But girls, there's a good reason behind this decision.
Enter the supple, saturated deep pink satin cocktail dress by Giorgio Armani. I slipped it on and it said "Take me home!". Two understated ruffles flow down the front of the dress, one on either side of the tasteful v-neck. Each seam hugged my curves and accentuated the positives. (And for a good bit less than $200, it also fit my budget better) Triumphantly, I made my way to the cashier's desk with my first designer dress. I even bargained them down another 10% because of a slight rip at the top of the back zipper! So now I have Armani in my closet, just waiting for the right moment to make its sexy debut! Now for the right shoes...jimmy choo, anyone?
The last time I made it to Filene's, they were having a designer's sale. I should remember the official name of their annual event - I want to say it was called the Vault sale. :-) The actual title of the sale is mostly beside the point, though. I was in a shopping mood, and had maybe 3 hours before my roommate and I were hosting a bachelorette party at our place, so what better way to kill a few hours than head to Filene's?
Little did I know the temptation that lay ahead: Gucci, Armani, and Dior graced the aisles next to the usual Calvin Klein and Philosophy stands. Their swan song called my name in the sweetest voice, I couldn't resist! Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be even thinking about buying a designer piece, however off-the-rack it might be. The decently-sized fitting room provided the perfect place to slip into the black Valentino number that had found its way into my pile of clothes. Trying to zip it up was another matter. I managed, but just barely. This was the perfect "10 pounds lighter" goal dress. A gorgeous "little black dress". Almost exactly what I would want in a LBD. But...for $200+ I didn't think a "goal dress" was what I had in mind. Regardless of it being Valentino. I know. But girls, there's a good reason behind this decision.
Enter the supple, saturated deep pink satin cocktail dress by Giorgio Armani. I slipped it on and it said "Take me home!". Two understated ruffles flow down the front of the dress, one on either side of the tasteful v-neck. Each seam hugged my curves and accentuated the positives. (And for a good bit less than $200, it also fit my budget better) Triumphantly, I made my way to the cashier's desk with my first designer dress. I even bargained them down another 10% because of a slight rip at the top of the back zipper! So now I have Armani in my closet, just waiting for the right moment to make its sexy debut! Now for the right shoes...jimmy choo, anyone?
16 July 2009
Blog fail.
So I guess I didn't make my goal - already. But here goes another post with perseverance!
Thought of the day: One of our former labmates stopped by today, and we got a chance to catch up a little bit. As we were talking, she asked me how life was, and if I was happy. I said, "Well, things in lab could be going better, but I am content." To which she replied, "You definitely are emitting happiness, so life must be going well."
Those words have replayed in my mind like a soul-growing mantra, and it has made me definitely more aware, and grateful too, that yes, I am happy. Where I am in life is good. I have a steady, interesting (albeit frustrating at times) job, a truly amazing and loving boyfriend, a sweetheart of a puppy, and a brand new, gorgeous condo to live in. To add to that, my advisor is extremely supportive and understanding, and my lab makes it a pleasure to come to work every day. (Ok, almost every day)
Sometimes it really is the little things in life that make me smile. Like a few extra minutes of cuddle time in the morning, or the perfect piece of chocolate after dinner. One of the most vivid happy moments comes from my time Paris, now 7 years ago, on one cold, grey, almost-rainy day, walking from the Metro station to my school building. Among the multitude of small shops along the "rue" was a flower stand with so many beautiful colors bursting from its basket-stands. Admittedly I was feeling quite homesick and tired of living abroad at that instant, but as I passed that little shop, those flowers made my soul lift from its sorrow. I still have that picture I snapped from that flower shop, and every time I run across it, it makes me smile.
Thought of the day: One of our former labmates stopped by today, and we got a chance to catch up a little bit. As we were talking, she asked me how life was, and if I was happy. I said, "Well, things in lab could be going better, but I am content." To which she replied, "You definitely are emitting happiness, so life must be going well."
Those words have replayed in my mind like a soul-growing mantra, and it has made me definitely more aware, and grateful too, that yes, I am happy. Where I am in life is good. I have a steady, interesting (albeit frustrating at times) job, a truly amazing and loving boyfriend, a sweetheart of a puppy, and a brand new, gorgeous condo to live in. To add to that, my advisor is extremely supportive and understanding, and my lab makes it a pleasure to come to work every day. (Ok, almost every day)
Sometimes it really is the little things in life that make me smile. Like a few extra minutes of cuddle time in the morning, or the perfect piece of chocolate after dinner. One of the most vivid happy moments comes from my time Paris, now 7 years ago, on one cold, grey, almost-rainy day, walking from the Metro station to my school building. Among the multitude of small shops along the "rue" was a flower stand with so many beautiful colors bursting from its basket-stands. Admittedly I was feeling quite homesick and tired of living abroad at that instant, but as I passed that little shop, those flowers made my soul lift from its sorrow. I still have that picture I snapped from that flower shop, and every time I run across it, it makes me smile.
14 July 2009
Day 2
We have talked about a theoretical second dog. Emma would love to have another dog to play with, at least while we are at work. She would have some adjustment to do though - she's got a moderate case of only-dogness at night.
There are a bunch of graduate students that own dogs, among them are a few of our good friends, A and N. So we offered to keep their dog K, a decent sized black lab/collie mix while they went out of town for a few weeks. We have kept K before, and besides a few "girl dog" moments (on both sides - food and rawhide make them territorial), they are a very good duo. Emma plays the bratty little sister while K tolerates her and generally tries to avoid being jumped on.
It's amazing what a stark contrast in personalities they are, though. Today's happy thought is a picture that captures their adorable relationship. :-)
There are a bunch of graduate students that own dogs, among them are a few of our good friends, A and N. So we offered to keep their dog K, a decent sized black lab/collie mix while they went out of town for a few weeks. We have kept K before, and besides a few "girl dog" moments (on both sides - food and rawhide make them territorial), they are a very good duo. Emma plays the bratty little sister while K tolerates her and generally tries to avoid being jumped on.
It's amazing what a stark contrast in personalities they are, though. Today's happy thought is a picture that captures their adorable relationship. :-)
13 July 2009
Kitchen renovations
It may seem a little strange that re-doing a kitchen would fall under things that make me happy. The ensuing mess, lack of working (or even workable) space in one of the most vital rooms of the house usually causes some moderate to extreme stress and anguish. Our stove - the brand new, beautiful stainless steel stove - housed power tools and accessories rather than pots and pans for at least the first three weeks. A prybar (yes, a prybar...) made short work of the old laminate countertop, and some of the surrounding drywall too. When I left for Madrid, the pieces of new butcherblock counter were cut, the sink was at the house but not installed, and we didn't have a faucet picked out, so the sink would be mostly useless until that was figured out.
I can't praise the handyman skills and work ethic of the BF enough! When I got home, the sink was in place, counters set, and the beautiful new faucet sat in its place on top of the gleaming white porcelain sink. It was a sight for sore eyes!
We have been doing smaller projects since the sink install, but one of those is the subject of my favorite for today. Meet the Ikea spotlights! I bent over backwards to install these things (literally!) but I think it was well worth it! When we finally got done with all the drilling, screwing, wiring, and vacuuming - in that order - the outside waning daylight had turned to an intense dark night. It only served to make the reveal all that more spectacular!
10 July 2009
Finding the right ...
One of my friends told me once that it took him a long time. I didn't believe him at first. He is one of the most articulate people I know, especially on paper. But now I understand. Somehow the process is more like making fine wine than a cup of tea. Although both take the proper incubation time, right ingredients, and a certain skill, making wine is something not everyone can do. Putting a tea bag into hot water for four minutes is hardly rocket science. Making wine is a different story, and I have come to realize that so is making a blog.
The right voice is everything. Without it writing a blog becomes laborious, tedious even. Hence the lack of regular posts so far. It is with resolve now that I embark on the soul-search to find the true inspiration for writing this public diary. My initial approach will be to classify on a daily basis something - one thing - that makes me smile, that inspires me, or that just plays an essential role in my life, however inconsequential it might seem. Check back to see how this experiment progresses!
The right voice is everything. Without it writing a blog becomes laborious, tedious even. Hence the lack of regular posts so far. It is with resolve now that I embark on the soul-search to find the true inspiration for writing this public diary. My initial approach will be to classify on a daily basis something - one thing - that makes me smile, that inspires me, or that just plays an essential role in my life, however inconsequential it might seem. Check back to see how this experiment progresses!
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