For those of you who haven't heard our exciting news, Troy just found out he got a Fulbright fellowship to study in Gent, Belgium next school year with the Logos Foundation! We are still reeling from the news.
There are still lots of details to be ironed out. The biggest one--how exactly we'll live together on a meager stipend in an expensive European town. But I'm hopeful that we can figure something out. It's an incredible opportunity for Troy, who will continue his music robot-building with some real experts. I'm looking at it as a fabulous opportunity for both of us to experience a different culture for a while. And of course we are very much looking forward to the amazing beer and chocolate!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
West Virginia Wimmin's Weekend
Our friend Catherine's mother owns a lovely B&B--in Davis, WV called the Bright Morning Inn. To celebrate her birthday this year, Catherine invited 6 girlfriends to stay there for a weekend. I was one of the lucky girls.It's a long drive to Davis--about 3 1/2 hours on very windy, mountainous roads in the rain--but it was well worth it. Catherine's mom had wonderful food and hospitality waiting for us.
The Inn is a quaint and comfy place, with an impressive breakfast menu. I was really excited to try ramps for the first time in an omelet and with some fried potatoes too. Yum!
The Inn is situated in the gorgeous Canaan Valley. We ventured out for a long hike on Saturday in the Dolly Sods wilderness area which is unusual and beautiful in its abundance of pine trees. Interestingly, its vegetation resembles that of Canada more than that of the rest of W. VA. It was COLD and windy but we bundled up and had a blast.
We also went to Blackwater Falls State Park to see the gorge and the waterfall. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera when we were at the waterfall but there are some great pics online. It was pretty spectacular, really rushing with all the recent rain and melting snow.
Before heading back on Sunday, we stopped at a nearby wind farm to get a closer look at the windmills. It was pretty spectacular to see them up close.
One of the coolest parts of the trip was getting to meet a lot of new and interesting women. Catherine has assembled a pretty diverse group of great girlfriends and it was fun to meet and spend time with them. This was a good reminder for me of the importance of making time for my female friends and family members. I am very thankful for the connections that I have with the women in my life. These bonds are really significant--they truly help to nourish my soul.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Absurdity outlawed in VA
***with apologies to those who have already been subjected to my diatribe on this matter***
I am not a runner. Along with the fact that I don't like running, my flat feet and bad ankles have helped to ensure that I refrain from this activity. However, my new year's resolution to travel at least 2009 self-powered miles (by foot, by bike, by kayak, etc., (and when pressed for time by NordicTrack or treadmill)) this year has motivated me to run sometimes. My semi-nocturnal sleep schedule often puts me in a position where the other house inhabitants are sleeping and the NordicTrack is not an option. At such times, I most often opt for a walk or bike ride, but if I need a good calorie burn and some miles in a short time, I've come to the reluctant conclusion that running is the most efficient option.
But again, I am not a runner. So I must trick myself into this mode by coupling it with an absurdist act. And anyway, I lack proper running attire. Thus:
The HazMat suit was made in 1982 for use by the Dutch military. Three were acquired from American Science and Surplus for use as performance attire for EMMI, but Scott and Steve haven't enjoyed the heat, incovenience, discomfort, or odor of these uniforms, so they're seldom used. The teddy bear, Emmett, is Lissa's and seemed an appropriate prop with which to counterbalance the paramilitaristic connotations of the hazmat suit. The teddy bear is there to reassure everyone that it's okay--they are in the presence of a gentle guerrilla.
But the beauty of this suit is not merely cosmetic. As you might imagine if you've never tried it, this suit really ups the heat and sweat quotient of running. And the gas mask forces a kind of controlled breathing that is extremely difficult to maintain. Running in this suit, I feel like I'm in constant danger of drowning in my own sweat and suffocating in my own exhalations. So it's perfect. It makes a moderately unpleasant experience so ridiculously challenging and uncomfortable that I can't help but love it.
And so, on several occasions I've subjected neighbors and townsfolk to the spectacle of an out of shape maniac jogging around Charlottesville in this outfit. I took the costume along to Atlanta and did a post-midnight run around the campus of Georgia Tech. And I became hooked to the point that I recently went to a local running shop to have my gait analyzed and get a pair of proper running shoes.
Running in the wee hours minimizes my contact with other non-costumed humans. But I'm happy to report that among those I have encountered, the reactions have not been of fear or disgust, but of glee, laughter, and delight (or at the very least, a tentative smile). I believe our typical modes of interaction are needlessly constrained and mundane, to the point of being stifling, and that there is a serious need for at least mildly disruptive absurdity in our daily lives. I'm proud to be doing my civic duty toward this end.
While I had anticipated the possibility of being hassled by local law enforcement, a number of cops drove by me on my initial runs without so much as slowing down.
Until, outfitted with my new running shoes, and enjoying my best hazmat suit run to date, an officer of the University Police passed by me, turned on his cherries, whipped a U-ie, and pulled me over on the sidewalk of Roosevelt Brown Boulevard (right near our old place on Grove Street). He got out of the car cautiously, and told me to keep my hands where he could see them. He had me slowly remove my mask. Then he told me, "I'm going to need to look under your teddy bear, sir." For him, the teddy bear did not make it all okay, but was instead an ideal place for a perp to hide a weapon.
I asked if there was a problem; if I was violating the law in any way. Much to my surprise, he informed me that I was in violation of Virginia state law forbidding the wearing of masks in public on days other than Halloween. I questioned whether he was somehow joking, which he assured me he wasn't. I explained how this attire was absolutely essential to my training (how could I possibly run a marathon in this suit if I couldn't train in it?!?). He encouraged me to find a gym(!). We went back and forth a little longer, me trying to find some loophole that would make running in the gas mask legal, and him assuring me there wasn't. The officer was very civil and respectful, and seemed to have my safety in mind--he was convinced that some of his colleagues in the C'ville PD would react much more harshly should they encounter me. He didn't charge me with anything, and let me go on the condition that I promise not to put the mask back on. I complied, and walked home disheartened and no longer in the mood to run.
Returning home, I jumped online to do some research. Sure enough:
VIRGINIA Section 18.2-422:
Prohibition of wearing of masks in certain places; exceptions.
It shall be unlawful for any person over sixteen years of age while wearing any mask, hood or other device whereby a substantial portion of the face is hidden or covered so as to conceal the identity of the wearer, to be or appear in any public place, or upon any private property in this Commonwealth without first having obtained from the owner or tenant thereof consent to do so in writing. However, the provisions of this section shall not apply to persons (i) wearing traditional holiday costumes; (ii) engaged in professions, trades, employment or other activities and wearing protective masks which are deemed necessary for the physical safety of the wearer or other persons; (iii) engaged in any bona fide theatrical production or masquerade ball; or (iv) wearing a mask, hood or other device for bona fide medical reasons upon the advice of a licensed physician or osteopath and carrying on his person an affidavit from the physician or osteopath specifying the medical necessity for wearing the device and the date on which the wearing of the device will no longer be necessary and providing a brief description of the device. The violation of any provisions of this section shall constitute a Class 6 felony.
A Class 6 felony? As in, a crime worthy of prison time and the loss of voting rights?!? Wow. Turns out, VA and several other states adopted such laws decades back to help rid themselves of the KKK. While I'm all for getting rid of the klan, and this may have been an expedient means to that end, I'm appalled at the degree to which this law constrains free expression. Let me be clear--I may occasionally write letters to elected officials when I disagree with their actions or policies, and from time to time will join friends in taking to the streets to protest unjust, unnecessary wars. But when, in a supposedly free country, it is deemed unlawful to peaceably don a mask, the core of my being is offended, and I will act accordingly to fight this with all available means. As my mentor at the University of Oregon once said, everyone has to be a passionate activist for some cause. Jeff is anti-tofu. I'm pro-mask.
Now, had I been familiar with this law on the night of my run in with the man, I would have been able to defend my mask as lawful on several counts:
per exception (i) wearing traditional holiday costumes:
The officer in question can be forgiven for being unfamiliar with the customs of The Church of 82, the Most Exalted Arbitrarily Chosen Number of Cosmic Significance, of which I am founder, head, and ordained reverend. But let it be known that donning a gas mask, teddy bear, and associated accouterments and engaging in the act of running, "anywhere, anytime, and for no reason at all" (in tribute to Zappa) is a well established holiday tradition among our faithful.
as to exception (ii) engaged in professions, trades, employment or other activities and wearing protective masks which are deemed necessary for the physical safety of the wearer or other persons:
Robots are dangerous. That's why the members of EMMI are supposed to wear their hazmat suits at all times. While Scott and Steve may be cavalier about their personal well-being, "safety first" has always been my motto, and I'll be damned if I'm going to let our beloved but sinister machines launch a sneak attack on me while I'm out running.
perhaps most obviously, (iii) engaged in any bona fide theatrical production or masquerade ball:
How the officer failed to appreciate his unwitting participation in an act of street theater is beyond me. To make this clearer in the future, I've made some new business cards:
(it's difficult to capture well with my camera, but the engraved acrylic is designed to show up well under a maglight. I've added "street performer" to my list of specialties to clarify the theatrical nature and intent of my runs.)
and finally,(iv) wearing a mask, hood or other device for bona fide medical reasons upon the advice of a licensed physician or osteopath and carrying on his person an affidavit from the physician or osteopath specifying the medical necessity for wearing the device and the date on which the wearing of the device will no longer be necessary and providing a brief description of the device:
I'm looking for a licensed physician willing to write a note explaining how my poor physical fitness and unique psychological disposition necessitate the wearing of this apparatus indefinitely. Please get in touch with me if you can connect me with such a doctor.
And, should I be stopped again for this infraction, and my legitimate exceptions not be recognized, all the better. While the law has apparently already been unsuccessfully challenged in the Virginia Court of Appeals and US District Court, I can think of several local free expression advocates who would love to take it to the next level.
So on that note, I best get back to getting some of my degree requirements out of the way so I can clear my schedule a bit in preparation for this potentially lengthy court battle. And continue to spread love and joy to humans and kittens alike.
I am not a runner. Along with the fact that I don't like running, my flat feet and bad ankles have helped to ensure that I refrain from this activity. However, my new year's resolution to travel at least 2009 self-powered miles (by foot, by bike, by kayak, etc., (and when pressed for time by NordicTrack or treadmill)) this year has motivated me to run sometimes. My semi-nocturnal sleep schedule often puts me in a position where the other house inhabitants are sleeping and the NordicTrack is not an option. At such times, I most often opt for a walk or bike ride, but if I need a good calorie burn and some miles in a short time, I've come to the reluctant conclusion that running is the most efficient option.
But again, I am not a runner. So I must trick myself into this mode by coupling it with an absurdist act. And anyway, I lack proper running attire. Thus:
The HazMat suit was made in 1982 for use by the Dutch military. Three were acquired from American Science and Surplus for use as performance attire for EMMI, but Scott and Steve haven't enjoyed the heat, incovenience, discomfort, or odor of these uniforms, so they're seldom used. The teddy bear, Emmett, is Lissa's and seemed an appropriate prop with which to counterbalance the paramilitaristic connotations of the hazmat suit. The teddy bear is there to reassure everyone that it's okay--they are in the presence of a gentle guerrilla.
But the beauty of this suit is not merely cosmetic. As you might imagine if you've never tried it, this suit really ups the heat and sweat quotient of running. And the gas mask forces a kind of controlled breathing that is extremely difficult to maintain. Running in this suit, I feel like I'm in constant danger of drowning in my own sweat and suffocating in my own exhalations. So it's perfect. It makes a moderately unpleasant experience so ridiculously challenging and uncomfortable that I can't help but love it.
And so, on several occasions I've subjected neighbors and townsfolk to the spectacle of an out of shape maniac jogging around Charlottesville in this outfit. I took the costume along to Atlanta and did a post-midnight run around the campus of Georgia Tech. And I became hooked to the point that I recently went to a local running shop to have my gait analyzed and get a pair of proper running shoes.
Running in the wee hours minimizes my contact with other non-costumed humans. But I'm happy to report that among those I have encountered, the reactions have not been of fear or disgust, but of glee, laughter, and delight (or at the very least, a tentative smile). I believe our typical modes of interaction are needlessly constrained and mundane, to the point of being stifling, and that there is a serious need for at least mildly disruptive absurdity in our daily lives. I'm proud to be doing my civic duty toward this end.
While I had anticipated the possibility of being hassled by local law enforcement, a number of cops drove by me on my initial runs without so much as slowing down.
Until, outfitted with my new running shoes, and enjoying my best hazmat suit run to date, an officer of the University Police passed by me, turned on his cherries, whipped a U-ie, and pulled me over on the sidewalk of Roosevelt Brown Boulevard (right near our old place on Grove Street). He got out of the car cautiously, and told me to keep my hands where he could see them. He had me slowly remove my mask. Then he told me, "I'm going to need to look under your teddy bear, sir." For him, the teddy bear did not make it all okay, but was instead an ideal place for a perp to hide a weapon.
I asked if there was a problem; if I was violating the law in any way. Much to my surprise, he informed me that I was in violation of Virginia state law forbidding the wearing of masks in public on days other than Halloween. I questioned whether he was somehow joking, which he assured me he wasn't. I explained how this attire was absolutely essential to my training (how could I possibly run a marathon in this suit if I couldn't train in it?!?). He encouraged me to find a gym(!). We went back and forth a little longer, me trying to find some loophole that would make running in the gas mask legal, and him assuring me there wasn't. The officer was very civil and respectful, and seemed to have my safety in mind--he was convinced that some of his colleagues in the C'ville PD would react much more harshly should they encounter me. He didn't charge me with anything, and let me go on the condition that I promise not to put the mask back on. I complied, and walked home disheartened and no longer in the mood to run.
Returning home, I jumped online to do some research. Sure enough:
VIRGINIA Section 18.2-422:
Prohibition of wearing of masks in certain places; exceptions.
It shall be unlawful for any person over sixteen years of age while wearing any mask, hood or other device whereby a substantial portion of the face is hidden or covered so as to conceal the identity of the wearer, to be or appear in any public place, or upon any private property in this Commonwealth without first having obtained from the owner or tenant thereof consent to do so in writing. However, the provisions of this section shall not apply to persons (i) wearing traditional holiday costumes; (ii) engaged in professions, trades, employment or other activities and wearing protective masks which are deemed necessary for the physical safety of the wearer or other persons; (iii) engaged in any bona fide theatrical production or masquerade ball; or (iv) wearing a mask, hood or other device for bona fide medical reasons upon the advice of a licensed physician or osteopath and carrying on his person an affidavit from the physician or osteopath specifying the medical necessity for wearing the device and the date on which the wearing of the device will no longer be necessary and providing a brief description of the device. The violation of any provisions of this section shall constitute a Class 6 felony.
A Class 6 felony? As in, a crime worthy of prison time and the loss of voting rights?!? Wow. Turns out, VA and several other states adopted such laws decades back to help rid themselves of the KKK. While I'm all for getting rid of the klan, and this may have been an expedient means to that end, I'm appalled at the degree to which this law constrains free expression. Let me be clear--I may occasionally write letters to elected officials when I disagree with their actions or policies, and from time to time will join friends in taking to the streets to protest unjust, unnecessary wars. But when, in a supposedly free country, it is deemed unlawful to peaceably don a mask, the core of my being is offended, and I will act accordingly to fight this with all available means. As my mentor at the University of Oregon once said, everyone has to be a passionate activist for some cause. Jeff is anti-tofu. I'm pro-mask.
Now, had I been familiar with this law on the night of my run in with the man, I would have been able to defend my mask as lawful on several counts:
per exception (i) wearing traditional holiday costumes:
The officer in question can be forgiven for being unfamiliar with the customs of The Church of 82, the Most Exalted Arbitrarily Chosen Number of Cosmic Significance, of which I am founder, head, and ordained reverend. But let it be known that donning a gas mask, teddy bear, and associated accouterments and engaging in the act of running, "anywhere, anytime, and for no reason at all" (in tribute to Zappa) is a well established holiday tradition among our faithful.
as to exception (ii) engaged in professions, trades, employment or other activities and wearing protective masks which are deemed necessary for the physical safety of the wearer or other persons:
Robots are dangerous. That's why the members of EMMI are supposed to wear their hazmat suits at all times. While Scott and Steve may be cavalier about their personal well-being, "safety first" has always been my motto, and I'll be damned if I'm going to let our beloved but sinister machines launch a sneak attack on me while I'm out running.
perhaps most obviously, (iii) engaged in any bona fide theatrical production or masquerade ball:
How the officer failed to appreciate his unwitting participation in an act of street theater is beyond me. To make this clearer in the future, I've made some new business cards:
(it's difficult to capture well with my camera, but the engraved acrylic is designed to show up well under a maglight. I've added "street performer" to my list of specialties to clarify the theatrical nature and intent of my runs.)and finally,(iv) wearing a mask, hood or other device for bona fide medical reasons upon the advice of a licensed physician or osteopath and carrying on his person an affidavit from the physician or osteopath specifying the medical necessity for wearing the device and the date on which the wearing of the device will no longer be necessary and providing a brief description of the device:
I'm looking for a licensed physician willing to write a note explaining how my poor physical fitness and unique psychological disposition necessitate the wearing of this apparatus indefinitely. Please get in touch with me if you can connect me with such a doctor.
And, should I be stopped again for this infraction, and my legitimate exceptions not be recognized, all the better. While the law has apparently already been unsuccessfully challenged in the Virginia Court of Appeals and US District Court, I can think of several local free expression advocates who would love to take it to the next level.
So on that note, I best get back to getting some of my degree requirements out of the way so I can clear my schedule a bit in preparation for this potentially lengthy court battle. And continue to spread love and joy to humans and kittens alike.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Birthday Pizza
Since we had already done some celebrating in Florida and Richmond for Troy's birthday this year, he decided that for his actual birthday dinner (the 24th) he wanted to stay home for dinner to grill up some pizza. It was another Cook's Illustrated recipe and it turned out really fantastic! And according to Troy, Mary and Jeff's old grill that they gave us when they moved was the perfect grill for the job. Thanks guys!
The pizza was loaded with fontina, parmesan, smoked mozzarella, fresh tomatoes and basil. The "sauce" is actually a spicy olive oil that you brush on. Mmmmmm.....
After dinner we met some friends for drinks at the 12th Street Tap House. Troy's new favorite place in town to hang out. Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate!
The pizza was loaded with fontina, parmesan, smoked mozzarella, fresh tomatoes and basil. The "sauce" is actually a spicy olive oil that you brush on. Mmmmmm.....
After dinner we met some friends for drinks at the 12th Street Tap House. Troy's new favorite place in town to hang out. Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate!
Is This Guy Doing Something Illegal?
It depends on what state you are in...
Some of you already know this story but here's a visual to go with it. I've been waiting for Troy to post the details on this one. He's better at rationalizing absurdity than I am.
Monday, March 23, 2009
The Robots Take Richmond
Troy and his colleagues were invited to Richmond this past weekend to exhibit the music robots at the FIRST Robotics Competition--an annual event that challenges high school students, working with professional mentors, to design and build robots.
It turned out to be a great venue for Troy and Steve to showcase PAM and MADI--and it was apparently refreshingly different from their academic presentations. They gave countless demonstrations, handed out loads of business cards, and even made some people dance!
I'm hoping Troy will add his perspective to this post and maybe some pictures too but don't hold your breath. As usual, it's a busy time for him.
Happy (Early) Birthday Troy!
On Saturday after the competition was over, Aurie and I joined Steve and Troy for an early celebration of Troy's birthday. Steve and Aurie paid for a nice hotel room for us all that was within walking distance to the Capital Ale House, which boasts the one of the largest selections of beer in Virginia--great idea Steve! There were something like 40 beers on tap. Troy was in heaven! And as you can see from this picture, I was pretty excited too (part of my enthusiasm was likely fueled by the Belgian beer that Troy ordered me--it was 10% alcohol).
We went on to sample a good quantity of beers and stumbled back to the hotel. In keeping with the pie tradition, I surprised Troy with birthday pie. This time it was key lime.
He liked it.
So did Steve and Aurie.
It was fun to spend a night hanging out with our good friends in Richmond! Even though it's only an hour or so away we haven't ventured there much.
We went out for brunch in a cute area called Careytown on Sunday. Troy ordered the "trailer park pancakes"--basically French toast sandwiches smothered with peanut butter and bananas. I guess it was a good, solid hangover cure for him. Thankfully, he didn't realize that there were $2 bloody Mary's until we were ready to get back on the road!
We happened upon a Penzey's Spices store after breakfast, which was really cool because I have mail ordered from them for years. I spent more money than I ever have on spices at one time but I'm pretty excited to use them!
It turned out to be a great venue for Troy and Steve to showcase PAM and MADI--and it was apparently refreshingly different from their academic presentations. They gave countless demonstrations, handed out loads of business cards, and even made some people dance!
I'm hoping Troy will add his perspective to this post and maybe some pictures too but don't hold your breath. As usual, it's a busy time for him.
Happy (Early) Birthday Troy!
On Saturday after the competition was over, Aurie and I joined Steve and Troy for an early celebration of Troy's birthday. Steve and Aurie paid for a nice hotel room for us all that was within walking distance to the Capital Ale House, which boasts the one of the largest selections of beer in Virginia--great idea Steve! There were something like 40 beers on tap. Troy was in heaven! And as you can see from this picture, I was pretty excited too (part of my enthusiasm was likely fueled by the Belgian beer that Troy ordered me--it was 10% alcohol).
We went on to sample a good quantity of beers and stumbled back to the hotel. In keeping with the pie tradition, I surprised Troy with birthday pie. This time it was key lime.
He liked it.
So did Steve and Aurie.
It was fun to spend a night hanging out with our good friends in Richmond! Even though it's only an hour or so away we haven't ventured there much.
We went out for brunch in a cute area called Careytown on Sunday. Troy ordered the "trailer park pancakes"--basically French toast sandwiches smothered with peanut butter and bananas. I guess it was a good, solid hangover cure for him. Thankfully, he didn't realize that there were $2 bloody Mary's until we were ready to get back on the road!
We happened upon a Penzey's Spices store after breakfast, which was really cool because I have mail ordered from them for years. I spent more money than I ever have on spices at one time but I'm pretty excited to use them!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Beach Bums
Growing up in Minnesota, Troy and I both spent a lot of time around lakes but we both have a special appreciation for the ocean. This year for Troy's spring break and for an early birthday present for him, I decided we both needed a little treat so I booked us cheap flights to Fort Myers and we started to plan a beach camping trip.I had discovered Cayo Costa on the Florida State Park site a year or more ago and kept it in mind because from all the descriptions it sounded perfect. It took us two flights, an hour cab ride, an hour ferry ride and a tram to get to our campsite--and we had to pack in all our food for the several day trip. But it was well worth it.
On the tram. Happy as a clam on the way to the campsite.We rented kayaks and bikes to tool around the island. We saw osprey, wild pigs, manatee and more.
A dolphin!
Even though I was looking closely (and ready to run), we didn't see any alligators.
Just below the surface here is a manatee. We kayaked in a little cove with maybe 4-5 of them!
The day prior we had kayaked to Cabbage Key--supposedly this place was an old hangout of Jimmy Buffet's and inspired the song "Cheeseburger in Paradise." A nice place to paddle to after roughing it a bit.
Stone crab claws. A seasonal delicacy that we had to try. Once caught, the crabbers cut one claw off and throw the crabs back so that it will grow back again. Quite labor intensive to catch and eat but oooohhhh soooo yummy!
Working on the crab claws and getting ready for the first beef burger I've ordered out in maybe 9 years (since I read Beyond Beef)!
Back in the day, if the fishermen had a good day, they would come in here for lunch and drinks. They would write their name on a dollar bill and tack it to the wall so that when they had a bad day fishing they could still eat and drink.
This caught on with tourists and supposedly there is now over $70,000 on the walls of this place. They periodically take it down and give it to charities.
All in all it was a great trip and we're already scheming about how to get back there. It's great to travel around and find little pockets of paradise!
I'll close with some random pics. You can see more on my Shutterfly site.
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