A reminder to myself of the things I eat here in Not DC. One of the good things about Not DC is its excellent International Grocery store as well as a much wider range of stuff to be found in its regular grocery store. It also has a year-round farmers' market (twice a week in spring/summer/fall). This means, of course, I have started eating healthier and food that comes from animals I've met (or seen pictures of)
Yes, right, who bought that? Here's a list of my regular meals:
1. Frozen roti/paratha/dumplings. Heaps of flavors, cooks in less than 5 minutes. Ready to eat.
2. Rice with (frozen) veggies, mixed with canned eel. Cook rice, add the frozen veggies (found in a packet at Krogers. Can mix and match :)) and when that's done, add the eel. The eel has a bit of sauce which goes well with all of this. If feeling decadent, add half an avocado.
I think this is my most common meal.
3. Eggs eggs eggs. Eggs with cheese and soya sauce, with rice (this morning's meal, for example). Eggs with tomatoes. Eggs with sausages (rarely since I tend not to eat meat at home too often. I think I've cooked meat maybe 3-4 times since I moved here). Eggs with pretty much anything and everything.
4. Milk and cereal. With chips (usually Jalapeno).
Sadly no. 4 might be the second most common meal.
Hmm. I note a serious lack of veggies and fruits. Need to do better! But not right now since a trip to Walmart yesterday led to the discovery that they now sell Milka chocolates and I came home laden with a few. Perfect follow up to the rice, soy sauce, eggs and cheese brekkie I just had.
13.2.12
9.2.12
Public service announcement
Want to feel as though you're living in some sort of alternative reality in which you are the only sane person?
Go read the comments to this post: "Pro-life victory"
You can thank me later.
Go read the comments to this post: "Pro-life victory"
You can thank me later.
so this is what it's come down to
Next month, I'll be a year older. When the Summer of Horror occurred, I told myself I would change how I am (well, sort of) if things went off well. I would be "more social" (whatever that means), I would be nicer and more polite (hah), I would at least try to do stuff that involves other people.
You know what I did today? I had invites from two different groups to go out for happy hour and hang out. I have no class tomorrow. I got home at 4pm, had a big dog jumping up on me, walked him for a bit and continued his recall training, sat on the porch and had a beer (me, that is, not the dog) and when the time came to go to one of these happy hour-y things, I couldn't be bothered. I'm in comfy leggings, shorts, jumper and smell (a bit) of Dog. Going out involves getting changed again and looking (somewhat) presentable. Why bother, eh?
Yes, I've turned into that person: the one who is quite happy bludging at home with an animal and avoids people.
Or, more truthfully, I always was that person. Changing is overrated.
You know what I did today? I had invites from two different groups to go out for happy hour and hang out. I have no class tomorrow. I got home at 4pm, had a big dog jumping up on me, walked him for a bit and continued his recall training, sat on the porch and had a beer (me, that is, not the dog) and when the time came to go to one of these happy hour-y things, I couldn't be bothered. I'm in comfy leggings, shorts, jumper and smell (a bit) of Dog. Going out involves getting changed again and looking (somewhat) presentable. Why bother, eh?
Yes, I've turned into that person: the one who is quite happy bludging at home with an animal and avoids people.
Or, more truthfully, I always was that person. Changing is overrated.
6.2.12
On clothing
Two quick observations as I get ready to make my 1.5mile trek to my classroom:
1. Y'all saw the David Beckham for H&M advert right? Now the question is: if a lad was to wear that and you were, you know, at the point where the kit's coming off, would you a) reckon he was a bit of an idiot and b) laugh out loud, thus rather destroying "the moment"?
I think a) and b) are quite likely and so perhaps Beck's undies won't fly off the shelves...
2. On the topic of stuff blokes wear, Thor had a potential adopter come visit him yesterday. Said man, a police officer at the university here, was wearing a jersey with "Hunting Taliban" on it. I guess the Taliban do proliferate around here so it makes total sense.
Oh, he didn't like Thor--I think Thor's public humping (which he never does in general but apparently felt the need to do right when he was being vetted) made him uncomfortable. The cop brought it up at one point when he was telling the foster program officer (who was also there) why he preferred Another Dog to Thor.
Amusingly, Foster program officer said pretty much what I wanted to: "He's just a big goofy guy! They do these things". Heh.
1. Y'all saw the David Beckham for H&M advert right? Now the question is: if a lad was to wear that and you were, you know, at the point where the kit's coming off, would you a) reckon he was a bit of an idiot and b) laugh out loud, thus rather destroying "the moment"?
I think a) and b) are quite likely and so perhaps Beck's undies won't fly off the shelves...
2. On the topic of stuff blokes wear, Thor had a potential adopter come visit him yesterday. Said man, a police officer at the university here, was wearing a jersey with "Hunting Taliban" on it. I guess the Taliban do proliferate around here so it makes total sense.
Oh, he didn't like Thor--I think Thor's public humping (which he never does in general but apparently felt the need to do right when he was being vetted) made him uncomfortable. The cop brought it up at one point when he was telling the foster program officer (who was also there) why he preferred Another Dog to Thor.
Amusingly, Foster program officer said pretty much what I wanted to: "He's just a big goofy guy! They do these things". Heh.
5.2.12
On democracy (with added bonus of a letter to an old friend)
Usually, my politics remains (mostly) off blog but here you go:
1. The Komen Foundation/Planned Parenthood thing is *not* a "win" for people power or democracy or anything that those who (justifiably and in a well-organized way, it has to be said) named and shamed the Komen Foundation. This doesn't end the continued fight for reproductive rights for women here in the USA.
You know what's missing? The state. The state stepping up to provide these critical healthcare services to lower-income people so the organizations like the Komen foundation AND Planned Parenthood could just be additional/extra to what is already there.
Instead, by being pleased with "success", we are perpetuating a system of inequality where an organization (wonderful though it is) is the only place many women can go get much-needed and essential healthcare. Bah.
2. On which note, when the state does step in and actually make a useful law, there is yet another protest from an organization filled with old men.
Seriously, the Catholic Church says it's "un-American" to ask it to provide for contraceptives for its (mostly non Catholic) employees? You know what's "un-American"? Fraud. Pretending to be a charity and not playing by the rules. Ignoring the needs of over half the world's population. So I wrote a letter:
Dear Catholic Church,
I pay taxes in this country. I have paid taxes here--more so than many others far richer than me--for the past eight years. Some of my taxes go to organizations and actions I don't support (e.g. large-scale military operations overseas; your organization) and whose policies I don't agree with. That's just how it is. I deal with it.
You are registered as a charity and "we"--the US state and the general public--accept that, along with distributing stale biscuits and watered down wine to your people, you actually do charitable work. I personally benefited from your charitable work overseas and will admit much of my most annoying argumentative traits were developed by members of your church. I don't remember them ever being as narrow-minded and annoying as you all but maybe things have changed. Maybe things are different in far flung parts of the world.
So let me make this plain in words you understand: you can either take my (and other) taxpayers' money and remain registered as a charity and then adhere to government laws.
OR you can give up your non-taxable charity status, not take public funds and do whatever you like.
It's your choice. You know, the sort of thing that you reckon is a bad idea for over half the world's population.
By the way, I know logic seems to have deserted you but just because something is available (e.g. contraception), doesn't mean everyone will immediately rush out and get it.
Cheers,
Me
1. The Komen Foundation/Planned Parenthood thing is *not* a "win" for people power or democracy or anything that those who (justifiably and in a well-organized way, it has to be said) named and shamed the Komen Foundation. This doesn't end the continued fight for reproductive rights for women here in the USA.
You know what's missing? The state. The state stepping up to provide these critical healthcare services to lower-income people so the organizations like the Komen foundation AND Planned Parenthood could just be additional/extra to what is already there.
Instead, by being pleased with "success", we are perpetuating a system of inequality where an organization (wonderful though it is) is the only place many women can go get much-needed and essential healthcare. Bah.
2. On which note, when the state does step in and actually make a useful law, there is yet another protest from an organization filled with old men.
Seriously, the Catholic Church says it's "un-American" to ask it to provide for contraceptives for its (mostly non Catholic) employees? You know what's "un-American"? Fraud. Pretending to be a charity and not playing by the rules. Ignoring the needs of over half the world's population. So I wrote a letter:
Dear Catholic Church,
I pay taxes in this country. I have paid taxes here--more so than many others far richer than me--for the past eight years. Some of my taxes go to organizations and actions I don't support (e.g. large-scale military operations overseas; your organization) and whose policies I don't agree with. That's just how it is. I deal with it.
You are registered as a charity and "we"--the US state and the general public--accept that, along with distributing stale biscuits and watered down wine to your people, you actually do charitable work. I personally benefited from your charitable work overseas and will admit much of my most annoying argumentative traits were developed by members of your church. I don't remember them ever being as narrow-minded and annoying as you all but maybe things have changed. Maybe things are different in far flung parts of the world.
So let me make this plain in words you understand: you can either take my (and other) taxpayers' money and remain registered as a charity and then adhere to government laws.
OR you can give up your non-taxable charity status, not take public funds and do whatever you like.
It's your choice. You know, the sort of thing that you reckon is a bad idea for over half the world's population.
By the way, I know logic seems to have deserted you but just because something is available (e.g. contraception), doesn't mean everyone will immediately rush out and get it.
Cheers,
Me
4.2.12
Things to do
Work has gotten very busy. In addition to students/etc, I received an email saying my review is coming up and I need to a) arrange two peer evaluations (other professors come and "observe" me teaching and write a report to the College/Uni about it) and b) write a report of all my publications, teaching, service, etc to date. Not just since I started here but since I decided this academic thing was a good idea.
Then, I have to start writing the draft for a conference paper. This is due in a week's time.
I also need to finish the current chapter of The Book. This is due in two weeks' time.
Right, class prep. Each day. Since each class is rather different, even though I have outlines for the classes, I need to do the reading(s) myself and change around the lectures. I can see the benefit to the professor of lecturing. Just stand there, make sure you have stuff to say for an hour or so and you're done. But that's boring (right?) so the classes are Q&A. I ask questions/they are supposed to answer. A non-lecture lecture (!) of course means more work for me since I have to have a general idea of some of the issues I want covered but also leave open the possibility that discussions might go elsewhere.
In between all this then I have taken to reading Craigslist adverts for pets in case I ever fancy a snake. Or a guinea pig. Or rats. Or even a dog of my own. This led to this gem (about a puppy):
Has been wormed twice, and bathed and had a 5 way.
Obviously, the puppy's had a far more exciting life at his young age than most of us ever will!
Then, I have to start writing the draft for a conference paper. This is due in a week's time.
I also need to finish the current chapter of The Book. This is due in two weeks' time.
Right, class prep. Each day. Since each class is rather different, even though I have outlines for the classes, I need to do the reading(s) myself and change around the lectures. I can see the benefit to the professor of lecturing. Just stand there, make sure you have stuff to say for an hour or so and you're done. But that's boring (right?) so the classes are Q&A. I ask questions/they are supposed to answer. A non-lecture lecture (!) of course means more work for me since I have to have a general idea of some of the issues I want covered but also leave open the possibility that discussions might go elsewhere.
In between all this then I have taken to reading Craigslist adverts for pets in case I ever fancy a snake. Or a guinea pig. Or rats. Or even a dog of my own. This led to this gem (about a puppy):
Has been wormed twice, and bathed and had a 5 way.
Obviously, the puppy's had a far more exciting life at his young age than most of us ever will!
31.1.12
Stuff.
- I commented on the Facebook post of one of the few people from high school whom I still keep in touch. Not because I'm an anti-social cow, which I am, but just because most of my high school friends got married young, have kids, etc and we just don't talk much about anything else. I like kids, but mostly at a (far off) distance and not as the main feature of all my conversations. But, anyway, commented. Then, I got friend requests from a dozen people, none of whom I've even talked to for a decade or more. The dilemma now is: do I break my rule of Facebooking (which is not to be friends with people I'm not friends with in the offline world)? Or, do I just add them and not hurt anyone's feelings? Why the hell do I even care? I'm obviously going soft in my old age.
On a related note, a few of them emailed me. All the emails were variations along: "hey studious person, I note you are still at uni!" or "Not married, eh?". In Nepali, there is no term that means either "geek" or "nerd" but "studious person" would be the closest equivalent. The whole geek/nerd/jocks thing that exists in American high schools doesn't really exist there. My cousin--the chess champion--was also one of the best cricketers and even played for the district level. I suppose it's quite amusing that my "path" was apparently laid out in high school. None of them seemed the least bit surprised that I was *still* at uni.
- For Big Conference in April, I have already got a place booked. It's the Indigo Hotel in San Diego and I'll be there for a week. This, of course, means having to (horrors) fly but I've rationalized this by booking myself on a 72+hour train trip on the way back. Of course, yous can read all about it here.
-Thor's off to pastures anew. His new and permanent people are a couple who are first time dog owners. I reckon Thor is pretty much perfect for them since he was the most "chill" dog I ever met. He also enjoyed people and his favourite activity was to jump on the sofa once I was sat, and lay his head next to me. I'll miss him. Next up is, I think, a terrier. I'm sure this will be a bit more effort since terriers need heaps of exercise.
It's odd not having a dog and I realize how much my routine changes when I have one.
With dog: wake up in the morning, walk. Another walk mid-day. Another one in the late afternoon and a short one at midnight. See the outside, explore the town and so on.
Without a dog: uni at 9am, stay in windowless office till darkness. Go home, flop on sofa. No walk. No exercise.
- My paper for Big Conference is about bin Laden, new media and whatnot. My co-writer dropped out so I actually need to write the damned thing and on my own too.
That ends my update. I should really start sending emails to people and using this space to reflect upon Academic-y Stuff. But, who am I kidding? As if that'll ever happen.
On a related note, a few of them emailed me. All the emails were variations along: "hey studious person, I note you are still at uni!" or "Not married, eh?". In Nepali, there is no term that means either "geek" or "nerd" but "studious person" would be the closest equivalent. The whole geek/nerd/jocks thing that exists in American high schools doesn't really exist there. My cousin--the chess champion--was also one of the best cricketers and even played for the district level. I suppose it's quite amusing that my "path" was apparently laid out in high school. None of them seemed the least bit surprised that I was *still* at uni.
- For Big Conference in April, I have already got a place booked. It's the Indigo Hotel in San Diego and I'll be there for a week. This, of course, means having to (horrors) fly but I've rationalized this by booking myself on a 72+hour train trip on the way back. Of course, yous can read all about it here.
-Thor's off to pastures anew. His new and permanent people are a couple who are first time dog owners. I reckon Thor is pretty much perfect for them since he was the most "chill" dog I ever met. He also enjoyed people and his favourite activity was to jump on the sofa once I was sat, and lay his head next to me. I'll miss him. Next up is, I think, a terrier. I'm sure this will be a bit more effort since terriers need heaps of exercise.
It's odd not having a dog and I realize how much my routine changes when I have one.
With dog: wake up in the morning, walk. Another walk mid-day. Another one in the late afternoon and a short one at midnight. See the outside, explore the town and so on.
Without a dog: uni at 9am, stay in windowless office till darkness. Go home, flop on sofa. No walk. No exercise.
- My paper for Big Conference is about bin Laden, new media and whatnot. My co-writer dropped out so I actually need to write the damned thing and on my own too.
That ends my update. I should really start sending emails to people and using this space to reflect upon Academic-y Stuff. But, who am I kidding? As if that'll ever happen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
