Nine Years Ago, In A Far Away Land...

Nine years ago today, I was eating breakfast on a Sunday morning with a group of friends, really dreading the date I was going on later that night. I had agreed to go out with Adam, a really attractive guy who worked at the office I interned at on Fridays. We had started talking a couple months previously, and then at work the past Friday, he'd asked me out to dinner. I really liked him so I agreed, but as the weekend progressed, I was having second thoughts. What if we had nothing to talk about? What if he turned out to be a real jerk? We'd still have to see each other every Friday, at least until my internship was over, and that would be less than comfortable...was one date worth all the hassle? My friends just encouraged me to have an open mind, and if things didn't work out, to just remain friendly with him.

Later that afternoon, as I was trying to study for an exam, but completely preoccupied with the thought of the impending date, Adam called. Instead of meeting me at 6pm as we had scheduled, he was running late (due to attending a computer expo with a friend) and wanted to meet at 7:30pm instead. He said he needed to go home, shower and change before heading into Manhattan to see me. I was a little irked, and convinced that this was just the first indication of what was to be a very bad date. But, I relented, and we agreed to meet outside of Tower Records on 4th Avenue at 7:30pm. My roommate judged the various outfits I was considering for the evening, and we finally agreed to black jeans, black heeled boots and a terrycloth blue blouse. I was getting increasingly more nervous as the clock ticked by, but I made my way the few blocks to Tower Records and waited.

And waited. And waited some more. By 7:45pm I was sure I was getting jerked around. By 7:50pm I thought I'd been stood up. By 7:55pm I was set to leave. Just then, through the midst of 4th Avenue traffic, I heard a car horn. I didn't pay much attention because everyone is honking their horns in Manhattan, but just then, a red sports car pulled up and a very handsome, freshly groomed Adam hurried out of the car, full of apologies for being late. Instantly, I forgave him. He escorted me to the passenger door and helped me get in, then promptly jumped into the driver's seat. Good thing I knew directions, because he couldn't remember where his "favorite" Mexican restaurant was. But what stuck out most while we were driving, was how immediately I felt comfortable with him. There were no awkward pauses, or lame attempts at conversation. It's like we were already two old buddies, yakking away about anything at all, and it wasn't forced or contrived.

We made it to the restaurant, sat down and barely studied the menu for all the talking we did. We chatted about our families, our friends, our collegiate studies, where we were from, you name it. He told me about his time in the Navy, and almost offended me when he mentioned I could never be in the service. When my feminist instincts were about to break bad with him, he added, "I've never seen women as attractive as you in the service." I promptly melted. Three hours later, at the end of dinner, I offered to split the bill, which he refused, then tried to pay the tip. I didn't know it at the time, but my offer to pay really impressed him.

So it was late, time to go home; work and school would come early the next morning. But I didn't want to go home, and I could tell he felt the same way. We parked outside my apartment building and talked and talked some more. He played me a few of his favorite songs (Alphaville's "Forever Young" remains our song) before finally acknowledging it was time to say good-bye. I was stuck; I really liked him, but didn't want to come across as too fast. I leaned over and kissed his cheek and whispered "thank you" to him before climbing out of the car. He had insisted I take some of his music with me, so I had the inkling I'd see him again (outside the office). I didn't dare look back at his car as I floated up the front stoop to the door of my building. I heard his little sports car motor away as I stepped inside. Boy, was I smitten; and I was pretty sure he was, too. Who knew what the future would hold?
Happy Anniversary, Ads. I love ya.

Happy Belated Birthday, Heather Colwell

I always miss your birthday, but it's not for lack of thought. I tried to call you that day, but I have the wrong cell number for you in my phone book. I thought about you all day long, if that makes it any better.
Here's my way of making up for it...now the WORLD knows (or could know if they knew to check this site) that I wish you a happy belated birthday, my friend.
Be well!

Waxing Artistic

Tonight we are heading to our friend Krishnan's for a painting party. No, not walls, canvases! Well, Krishnan thinks his friends might have some artistic talent lurking somewhere inside of us, so he presented the idea of a night of watercolors and acrylics. I have to admit that I don't paint; that is more my sister's forte. I am more of a sketch artist, dabbling in charcoals, pastels and pencils. But I thought it would be fun to maybe combine some of those media into an interesting piece tonight, so we'll see what happens. Perhaps I'll take a few pics to post here on the blog if it comes out looking okay.

Last night I made Cincinnati Chili for dinner, one of my all-time favorite dinners. If you have never had it, you need to go out right now and get a spice packet. It's a really really easy dinner to make so you have no excuse. Well, you have an excuse if you don't live in an area that sells the Cincinnati Chili spice packets. But still, try to find it (or go to Skyline Chili if you have one around) because it is YUM! I make it vegetarian (with the Boca Ground Beef Crumbles or the Morningstar Skillet Ground Beef) and it comes out just as good as (if not better than) the meat version. I believe that Skyline Chili restaurants are serving a vegetarian chili option on their menu now. 'Bout time!

Has anyone caught any of the PBS "Black History Month" specials in the last few weeks? They are typically on Wednesdays, but I guess this was the last week for them. Last month, they did a whole "Jews in America" weekly special that Adam and I really got into. I told him February was for "my people" so he's been watching the specials this month with me :-)

Hope everyone is well and have a good night.

A Connection Is Made

Yes, we finally got internet service. How exciting! Although, I haven't yet used it because we don't have a router yet for wireless, meaning only one person can use the port at a time. And I'm sure you can guess who that one person is...I'm not bothered, though, as I am on the internet all day long at work (as I write, as a matter of fact...).

Yesterday, we went to CompUSA's going out of business sale. I purchased the very last digital camera in the store (which I didn't need, but really wanted). It was priced to sell because it was missing the battery and the memory stick. Adam insisted that it was a good deal in any case, so I went ahead and bought it. I've been online today pricing all of the missing parts on Ebay and Amazon. I am starting to realize the fun (and the danger) of shopping online.

Today we've gotten quite a bit of snow. I was supposed to travel about 2 1/2 hours away for a meeting with a landowner today, but he called my office this morning to warn me about the weather/road conditions in his parts, so we cancelled for today. It's fine, but I've been a bit bummed that I've been in the office all day. I like getting out and about if I can; it breaks the day up more and helps it go faster.

Thursday is Adam's and my NINE year anniversary. I can't believe that I've been with him for almost a third of my life now. That's actually kind of creepy. In some ways, it still feels as though we just started dating. Not to get too sappy, but his blue eyes make me catch my breath even more than the first time I stared into them; his goofy grin at 7am when it's time to get up is one of the only things that make mornings okay; and the continued departure of hair from his scalp is just a reminder of how manly he is with all that extra testosterone coursing through his body. What a guy I have; and what a lucky gal I am to have him. Mmmmmm....love.

Chiks, Lit and Wine

So my friend Emily invited me to this book signing last night at our local bookstore. I had been looking forward to it all weekend because it was billed as a "Girl's Night Out" with discussion, and best of all, wine. I borrowed a copy of the book from her and got about 1/2-way through it before the event.

It was a lot of fun. The author, Eileen Cook (www.eileencook.com) was super--down-to-earth, honest and really funny. I was psyched for her because she got a great turnout; even a couple men showed up. Eileen's book is called "Unpredictable", and it's a fun look at the lengths one (slightly crazy) woman will go to in order to get her guy back. It's a really nice "after-a-long-day-at-work" kind of read. I ended up buying a copy and getting it signed. I never buy books; I just borrow them from libraries or friends. But Eileen had such a great personality I decided to break down and get one. Plus, they had a really nice Pinot Noir that I got a second helping of; they were not stingy at all on the wine. They offered me a third helping but I was the designated passenger and didn't want to fall asleep on Emily while she drove me home.

Tomorrow is Adam's birthday for anyone who is reading this and is interested. He's being really nonchalant about it, but I'm going to make him his fave dinner and a cake or pie or something. Okay, I don't do pies (except my famous cry-over-how-poorly-my-crust-comes-out apple pie). So maybe I'll make him his favorite--rice pudding--instead. He doesn't ever read my blog so he'll be the last to know about his birthday surprise!

Fond Memories

We think about the happy times with you a lot, Shabbi girl. Remembering how much love and happiness you brought us helps us deal with you not being here now. We love you so very much and miss you terribly.
Mum, Daddy and Kika

Deutschland, Nein!...und Andere...

So, for a bit there, we thought Adam would go to Germany with the Navy for his annual obligation. Just as I was getting appropriately jealous of his venture to my all-time fave country (of the few I've visited), and was making up my list of things he has to bring back for me (Chocolate, maybe some WeisBier, maybe a nice little Cuckoo Clock) he got the ix-nay, the kaibash, on his plans. Seems they don't need him over there so he'll stay in cold Michigan instead. I'm glad to have him here, but bummed not to have some German goodies. Besides, I have an old friend over there he could've met up with for a bit. Oh well.

In other news, we're heading to Chicago this evening for a weekend of military fun!! Actually, it's some kind of we're-here-for-you-now-that-you're-back-from-war-thingy that Adam registered for. I'm not sure how much I will (or am supposed to) participate in; instead, I might check out the Shedd aquarium and museums and coffeeshops located downtown. I do miss the big city atmosphere, and I haven't fully taken advantage of all that Chicago has to offer.

I'm really excited about Monday night, though. My girlfriend Emily has a sister-in-law, Jess Riley (check out her website at www.jessriley.com) who is about to be a published author! Her first book, "Driving Sideways" comes out in May, so keep your eye out for it. Anyway, she belongs to a community of other young, female authors, and one of them, Eileen Cook, will be in East Lansing Monday evening for a book signing at Schulers Book Store in Eastwood Towne Center Mall. They are advertising the event as a "Girls Night Out", with wine and chik lit (women's literature). Most of you who know me know that I'm all about the wine...so I'm going to be reading Ms. Cook's book this weekend so that I'm all ready for the signing event on Monday night. How fun!

Hope everyone has a darned great weekend! If I owe you a phone call, you just might hear from me on the road to or from Chicago. You know how time in a car can get....

Frostbite

So yesterday was a bummer. I had planned my first meeting in my new job and was pretty geared up about it. It required me driving 30 minutes north to meet with staff from a conservation district that we're trying to establish a relationship with. Anyway, I got to work 20 minutes early so that I'd have enough time to get the work vehicle, warm it up and do any of the necessary odd jobs before I took off. Well, nothing ever works out the way you want/expect them to. First, I couldn't figure out which key belonged to the vehicle I was using. Finally got a key, then went down to the parking lot, and wandered around for over 5 minutes looking for the right truck. Thought I found it, but the key wouldn't work. Had to go back upstairs and ask my coworker. Evidently it was the wrong key. Went back down to the parking lot, tried again, and it worked. But, there was a 2-inch sheet of ice on the windshield that needed scraping. Scraper? Yup, finally found it, but I didn't have gloves, and the temps were about 5 below zero. Well, no choice but scrape without gloves on. Only have 25 minutes left to get to my meeting...keep scraping. Finally I scrape enough to be satisfied, truck is all warmed up. I put it into reverse; I hear tires spinning but truck is not moving. I go outside and smell burning rubber. Truck is imbedded in sheet of ice. I try fruitlessly for several more minutes before realizing that I must either cancel my meeting or get another (4X4) vehicle. I go inside and speak to my immediate boss. She says that everyone was thinking that I was incredibly ambitious to try to go out on a day like that. Interesting. So I call the guy I was supposed to meet and cancel. He was not happy but agrees to reschedule. I realize that my fingers are hurting me beyond normal degrees. I can't even pick up a pen. I have frostbite. It lasted all day yesterday and this morning it is even difficult to type. Luckily I don't see any tissue damage, it just really stings whenever my fingers are in warm or cool water. Or typing. Or writing. Or doing anything else that requires grasping. So the moral of the story is, wear your gloves, children!

Great Weekend

Happy Friday!

Happy Happy Birthday, Jayne Glass!

Today is my mum's birthday. She is an amazingly sexy, youthful, beautiful and trendy 58 years old. When you're that sexy, youthful, beautiful and trendy, who cares who knows how old you are, right?
I know it might seem a bit weird for a daughter to be thinking of her mother as all of the aforementioned qualities, but that's just the type of relationship we have. Besides, if her daughter isn't going to be honest with her about her finer qualities, who will?
So, my wonderful mum, I wish you all the best (and a nice day off!) on your 58th birthday. You are an incredible woman and I am proud, nostalgic, fortunate and really happy to be your daughter. You've made me who I am (see, it's your fault!).
Cheers, lady!
Your Laurie

Snow Days

Yesterday was one of those typical Michigan days that I've gotten used to over the last 5 1/2 years. The forecasters were calling for up to 15 inches of snow by nightfall, everyone was going a little hogwild, and I still had to go to work. By the time Adam dropped me off at work, a 'wintry mix' was already starting to fall, but because I work in a windowless room, I had no idea how much momentum it gained during my workday. Around lunchtime I got up to stretch my legs and saw that the campus could barely be seen through all the heavy blowing snow. I remained at work. Around 3pm my brother (who works at NOAA headquarters) sent me a radar map for conditions over Michigan, and of course it confirmed everything that was going on outside. My brother, who lives in Maryland, also didn't fail to mention that it was an unseasonable 70 degrees by him and he was going to take the baby for a walk that evening. I thought of my poor Kika, who has taken to urinating on the back porch because walking down to the yard to pee means being nearly covered in several inches of snow (she's a little dog). At 4pm, my boss came in to say that his wife had called about the poor road conditions and that he was leaving, and I should consider leaving, too. But Adam was at an appointment and I had to wait for him to be done there before he could pick me up. I remained at work. By 4:45 I finally climbed into a warm vehicle, and the usually 10-minute drive to our house took an obscene 35 minutes instead. When we got home, I forced Kika into the yard to do her business; she didn't speak to me for the rest of the night.

We shovelled our neighbor's sidewalk and driveway (she's 77 years old) as well as our own, with no help from the other set of neighbors with whom we share the driveway. They are nice, and hard-working, but they haven't helped shovel that pain-in-the-arse (it's really long) driveway once this winter. Thing is, we can't sit around waiting for them to shovel because they won't, and we don't want to deal with slipping and sliding on an unshovelled driveway. So we shovel and we complain...to ourselves and to our friends and to this blog. We don't complain to them because they are generally really nice people.

After the shovelling was done, my elderly neighbor made me tea and we sat and talked for awhile, which was nice. She works at the local high school cafeteria and was hoping for a snow day today. I was hoping not to get any more snow that would cover up my almost-2 hours of work shovelling; besides, universities hardly ever close down so I knew I would still have to travel through anything else that decided to come down during the night.

They said on the news last night that Lansing got 8 inches of snow, about half of what was predicted, which is always the case. I wonder if we'd actually gotten 15 inches, if I would have had to come to work today. I woke up this morning to NPR listing the school closings this morning. My neighbor got her snow day.

Super Sunday and Manic Monday

So, I got the job. I found out last Thursday morning that they were offering it to me and I accepted right away. It's only four to six months, but I figure it'll be a decent paycheck while I'm looking for something more permanent. Today is my first day and I'm taking a second from my already busy schedule to blog. I am employed by the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center on Michigan State University's campus. The goal of the center is to look at the sustainability aspect of biofuel production, in terms of biodiversity and impacts to soils and plant communities. My job is to start up the biodiversity side of the project. We need to communicate with landowners to find suitable fields to conduct insect surveys on. Once we've gotten permission from the landowners to use their fields, I have to help develop a sampling protocol and then do some preliminary surveys (that's what I'm particularly looking forward to!). Why, you might ask, would Lauren be hired to work with insects? First, I have a bit of a background with arthropods; I've spent one year working as a tour guide at MSU's BugHouse. In addition, this job is more focused on the communication and administration of the project rather than the biology of insects, so I was told I'd be fine. Let's hope that remains the case!
Anyhoo, that's what's going on here...
OH,YEAH, not to mention the awesome football game last night. Our Giants came back at the very end (2 minutes left in the game) to kick some Patriots butt. It was a sweet victory over Tom Brady. I got a kick out of the Manning family in the stands for Eli. Great game and a well-deserved win for the hardworking Giants.