Shaping up and shipping out

The plans for my trip are really taking shape. I leave a week from today. Here's a brief glimpse of what my route is going to look like:


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After I leave Tucson, I'm going to head to Truth or Consequences, NM, to soak up the hot springs, stopping off to see the Gila Cliff Dwellings on the way. I'll spend the night in Elephant Butte (he he), then visit the White Sands National Monument to sand surf and Roswell, NM, to pay homage to my early-teen obsession with the X-Files. Carlsbad Caverns will be my last stop before heading into Texas. I've prepared for my trip to the Lone Star state by purchasing Grant Lee Buffalo's Mighty Joe Moon album and listening to Track #1 repeatedly and sporting TexasLash mascara by Cargo.

Stay tuned for more updates!

More good news

This morning I secured a job for the summer, and it comes with a free gym membership! I had e-mailed a woman on Craigslist a few weeks ago about babysitting this summer, and after chatting a few times it seemed to be a good fit - little Ava will be 9 months by the time I meet her, I'll watch a few kids in the morning while her mom's working out and then get to use the fitness center myself, I'm going to try and speak some French with her, and I get Friday's off!

Also, I got an e-mail from a former student. She's in Gallatin, NYU's individualized program, and as part of her graduation requirement she has to complete a colloquium and has asked me to be on her faculty panel in the fall. It's always awesome to hear from old students, and I was so flattered she asked me. Her topic is "discussing globalization in a cultural viewpoint (especially the way it is exported by way of media) and its effects on South Asian women." Very proud of her.

While I've been enjoying some real free time, it's nice to have some small bits of structure to shape the life I'll be leading back in Boston and then in New York. Knowing I have financial security and academic mentoring in my near future will (hopefully) allow me to embrace a carefree spirit for my big trip!

Good news

The list of teaching assistant assignments for next year has been issued, and I'll be TAing Intro to Sociology in the Fall and Statistics in the Spring - woohoo 6th year funding! (There's been a huge funding crunch and while it was expected it wasn't guaranteed). AND, I heard back from my old boss in NYU's School of Continuing and Professional Studies, and have been offered my old Social Science Research Methods class again for the Fall. Double yay! Now I'll actually be able to afford an apartment when I move back in August!

En fuego

After a giant pity-party, the guest of honor being my current situation, I was once again remind just how fortunate I am. Take, for example, living at Rondinelli manor. Toni & Jim, whom I met in September when they moved from New Jersey and I started babysitting for them, have taken me in like one of their own. I feel like a slightly older, very fortunate foster child. They prefer to think of me as their east coast exchange student, and Saturday night at dinner another couple asked if I was their 18-year-old daughter from a first marriage. (There's a compliment hidden in there somewhere). I'm so spoiled, to the point where I'm dreading going back to my parents' house. "What, no home-made waffles on Sunday morning? Eggo's and Aunt Jemima? I miss Toni and Jim..."


Last weekend Toni and I went to Disneyland for a night, and this past weekend they booked a night away in Mexico. We drove down early yesterday morning, stopped for lunch on our way to La Bufadora, and then headed back to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon by the pool. At lunch we noticed a large plume of smoke rising out of one of the valleys. By dinner time, the smoke was becoming much more pronounced in the region. After Luca went to sleep, Toni and Jim went for a walk and saw the fire cresting over the next ridge. When I stepped outside I could smell it.


And so my trip to lovely Ensenada, Mexico, was cut short because it caught on fire. O.K., I'm being slightly dramatic, we weren't evacuated, but we all learned a lesson in October and saw how fast these things can move, and when you're in Mexico (where they don't have the same resources and a laissez-faire attitude translates into "let it burn") with a 15-month-old child and a woman who is 5 months preggers, why take any chances.


I am so done with the Pacific southwest. We may get nor'easters back home, but fire is just so much more biblical than snow. And when was the last time someone got killed by a shark at Hampton Beach? (Note: that happened across the street from my old apartment).


On a side note, while I didn't avail myself of any of the farmacia's offerings, I do appreciate such a healthy outlook on life in an area struggling with so much poverty and violence.




A good lesson for all: Be happy. Fortunately, I don't need pills for that.

Luca's big adventure

I think I've finally recovered from last weekend's trip to Disneyland. I think it was slightly overwhelming for little Luca, but his mom and I had fun! Plus I found a cowgirl hat for my trip, and Luca learned at least one valuable lesson.

Too much plastic in the face is, indeed, very frightening.

Woe is me

I am tired. No, that's not an accurate description. I am exhausted. My eyes feel huge and puffy. I put all my negative energy into my last kickboxing class last night, so my thighs have the ache of day-old squats and my shoulders feel like they were smacked with a lead pipe. Mr. Babypants has cut 4 new teeth this week - 3 of which were molars - and if you've never experienced the wonders of teething let me tell you it's enough to make one seriously consider a cosmetic hysterectomy. I've got to call my insurance company today because they sent a fairly large payment to the doctor instead of me, even though they told her office they could clearly see in the system it was supposed to go to the insured and just couldn't explain the mistake. I'm trying to plan my trip, google mapping my way across the south and realizing that maybe I should have just flown like a normal person because driving solo through rural Texas might not be so fun. It's not even 11 am yet. I feel that it's going to be a long day.

And if that all wasn't enough, Carly got kicked off American Idol last night. WTF? Stupid 13-year-old girls are texting like animals for white dread-boy, and Carly has to pay the price. Maybe if I go to the bar she works at in downtown SD she'll have a beer with me.

At least Carly looked great. The tight vest paired with a long tee really accentuated her waist, it was a good style for her, unlike Leona Lewis' horrible pairing of those black shoes with that white dress. How uncomfortable did she look? Now every time I hear "Bleeding Heart" on the radio I'm going to picture her giving the microphone stand a hand job and looking like she was going to pop-a-squat and pee right on the stage! And is she black or tan? Not that it matters, but when you can't tell it's time to fire your make-up artist. Either ease up on the fake tan or invest in a new foundation.

To Do's - done!

One thing about living in a house with a baby alarm and getting up at 7:30 (not the norm for me), it's amazing how much one can accomplish by noon!

So far today, I've:

• Returned a pair of pants at Target and purchased an emergency car kit and some potting soil.
• Photocopied car and insurance documents in preparation for my trip.
  
• Traded in Golden, Amis and LeBlanc for Eugenides at the used bookstore.


• Brought my favorite pair of jeans to the tailor's to be patched.


• Finally got the donations bag out of my car and into the Humane Society thrift shop.

Shoe shopping doesn't make much sense, practically or financially, but black sandals were on my to-do list. I have been on the hunt for a simple pair of black sandals - something I could dress up or down, a good flip-flop alternative. While I was at it I was also going to look for a unicorn, a five-leaf clover, and the fountain of youth. Low and behold, I not only found the sandals, I also found a pair of cute black sneaker-style shoes. Those had been on my mental to-do list, but not my physical one, so I had to write them down so I could cross them off.

You go, girl!

A big congratulations to my friend back home, Lisa, who completed the Boston Marathon yesterday - for the second year in a row!

When I called to congratulate her today, she was (appropriately) getting a pedicure. Well done!

I'm going to be helping Lisa break in her new condo by occupying the second bedroom when I've completed my road trip and made it back to the greater Boston area. I'm hoping some of her athletic energy will rub off on me, but I'm thinking I'll just have sangria and nachos ready when she gets back from the gym.

Friday Night with one Hot Babe

Rough night at Rondinelli Manor (where I'm staying). The little man woke up from his afternoon nap en fuego and when we took his temp it was 101.6. We tried to get him in his little ducky bath to cool him down, but he was, understandably, upset and wanted to be held. Mom put in a call to the pediatrician - noting that these things only happen Friday's after 4pm - and I changed into my swim suit so I could get in the tub with him. Then I wasn't sure if he was crying because he was burning up or because my legs were so hairy.

Why is it that it's only on the days you don't shave your legs rhat you end up (semi) naked with a guy?

String her up!

WHAT was Paula wearing around her neck last night*? She looked like a dog who wandered into a Bachelor rose ceremony where someone was unwrapping a gift and decided to tie the ribbon & one of the beheaded roses a scorned contestant had thrown to the floor to the pup's collar. I'm guessing that was not the look she was going for, but you never know with PA.

*Best picture I could find, but I think you can get my point.

Amy's big adventure

It's official! My road-trip across the Great American South has a start date: May 8th. I'll be joining my amazing friend Mia in Tucson, AZ. We realized that although we were roommates for 2 yrs of college, we've never been on vacation together (and anyone that's shared a room with me deserves a lifetime of vacations). I'm super excited! Mia calling to tell me she'd bought a flight made my day.

In other trip-related news, I told someone the other day I was planning to "unleash my inner cowgirl." His reply: "Oh, you're going to a dude ranch?" Um, hi, have you met me? I was thinking more along the lines of buying a cute little straw cowboy hat, listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd, and maybe, maybe, if I've had one too many cans of PBR, get up on a bar and sing "Sweet Home Alabama."

As the song says, "Save a horse, ride a cowboy."

Thought

You know that moisture-wicking fabric they make sports bras and other exercise clothing out of? Well why can't they make a normal, under wire bra out of the same material? Nothing gives me that "not so fresh" feeling like a tiny rivulet of sweat running down between my little ones.

Killer Food Choice

Dear Brain,

We need to talk. I know we have a long history of back-and-forth when it comes to food choices, but I usually support you either way. I understand we're going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment, and while food isn't love, it can be a nice treat. Those Hostess cupcakes last week, for example, were delicious. A nice chocolaty jolt for the sweet tooth.

But what happened the other day? You know how much happier I've been since you cut out fast food after Christmas. I understand the cravings and that you were at the end of a long road trip, but there were McDonald's, Taco Bell's and Chipotle's nearby, so why, why did you choose KFC? For the love of God, are you trying to kill me? Why didn't you just chow down on some deep fried lard balls with greasy salt sauce? What a fucking gut buster! No amount of ginger ale or toast was going to settle that upset. I have felt that awful since the bath house fight scene of Eastern Promises.

Tell you what, next time you want to spend $8 you don't have on something you don't need, go to Old Navy and buy a pair of flip flops. Then treat me to something less abrasive, like a scone or a pre-made sandwich from Trader Joe's. Remember, we're on the same team.

Now, if you don't mind, let's get one of those Naked juicy things with antioxidants and stuff. Word from the kidneys is we're going into renal failure if we don't start getting some nutrients down here.

With love,
Stomach

Kayley's Big Adventure

When you're going through a rough patch, you just want your big sister. Unfortunately mine's on the other side of the country, but I'll get back there to see her soon enough. To tide me over, Steph sent me some pictures of their recent trip to the Bahamas - Kayley's first vacation!

That's okay, Mommy, you can have the aisle seat. You need the legroom.

Mommy, Daddy, hurry up! We're missing peak sun hours!

Super Baby! I'm not sure these frames work on my face. And can you pull my top down? I don't want to me "that baby".

By all accounts she did great on the plane and had so much fun! I can't wait to see all the pics, and I really can't wait to get back so I can give K big hugs and kisses! We're also going to have an important talk, because apparently she isn't so fond of shoes at the moment. She's young, she'll learn.

You are what you read

Since my primary identity has been that 'house guest' for the last 2 weeks I've spent a lot of time reading. I finally read, on Beth's recommendation, A Tree Goes in Brooklyn and finished My Mother's Keeper. At Aunt Mary's I've read Augusten Burrough's Magical Thinking: a must read for everyone who appreciates clever and slightly dark humor; you'll laugh out loud; you might even pee yourself - just a little. Then, for some reason, I pulled A Child Called 'It' off her bookshelf. Not what you'd call an "upper." Of course, I had to read the sequel, The Lost Boy, and I'm going to start the final book in the series, A Man Named Dave, tonight.

Today I browsed through Barnes & Nobles - I love bookstores. I try to get my books used from places like half.com, or take things out of the library, but I love buying books. I never feel guilty about spending money on books, either. They're good for you, like vegetables.

I went into the store with the intent to buy Road Trip USA. I'm planning to drive from San Diego, CA, back to Boston, MA, and have been doing lots of research online but figure if I'm going to do the drive I might have to invest in a guide book. I thought this one looked like the best, but it was $30, and I had seen online it was only $19.99 at Target. I'd rather save my money for souvenirs. As I browsed through the store I suddenly found myself in the sex & relationships aisle, thinking it was ironic since neither are a part of my life at the moment. I actually picked up, physically held in my hand, a book entitled You Can Heal Your Life. How did I get here? Maybe I should read that book! Perhaps I'll borrow It's Called a Breakup because It's Broken from Ashley when I get to New York - I refuse to spend money on it.

I moved past the magazines and into the religion section - probably a first for me - briefly flipping through Buddhism for Dummies and thinking about advice I've received on just being before making my way back to the entrance. I was about to leave when the word "skank" popped out at me from a display. I picked up Stop Dressing Your Six-Year-Old Like a Skank: And Other Words of Delicate Southern Wisdom and smiled, both wishing I had written it first and comforted by the fact that there are others like me out there. I don't need to react to anyone else, I just need to be me. Be very zen. Just be.

And never dress my niece like a prosta-tot.

Packing up my shoe collection - again

Yesterday I slept in and then breakfasted on multi-grain waffles toppped with honey and sliced banana while I caught up on e-mail. I worked out while watching a re-run of What Not to Wear. Then I made myself a delicious strawberry/mango/cranberry fruit and yogurt smoothie, which I enjoyed in the hot tub while reading the latest issue of Marie Claire. In the afternoon I talked to some friends and started planning an exciting trip.

All of this would have made for a fantastic day if it weren't for the underlying fact that I'm at my aunt's house taking time off from life and planning to move back East because Paul and I broke up last week. Writing about it here seems even tackier than changing my "status" on Facebook, but both are parts of my life, and I need to begin the process of moving on. Plus doing a veritable snow-chain of break-up calls isn't something I'm up to at the moment, although I do get further and further into the story without crying each time, which I think is a positive sign. My friends call to tell me they're engaged/married/pregnant/bought a condo/accepted a job offer/got a promotion/inherited an island/etc. To call and say my 5-yr relationship finally tanked, I'm broke, and moving back in with my parents for a few months is just more of judo-chop to the ego than I can handle at the moment.

Paul's a fairly private person, and a blog entry detailing the, um...details of our breakup would make him more nauseous than a 2-hr special of America's Funniest Home Videos highlighting the silly/crazy/kooky/adorable antics of children and household pets. So I will just say this: We love each other very much and care for one another deeply, but we're not making each other happy; it's just not working.

I've been overwhelmed with hugs, kisses and warm fuzzies sent via phone calls and e-mails (and have been lucky enough to receive some in person) reminding me that (1) as much as it hurts now, I will be OK, and (2) I am so lucky to have such amazing people in my life; if it meant giving up my shoes for my friends, even my two-tone suede BCBG t-strap open-toed heels, I'd do it in 1/2 a heartbeat.