Went four wheelin' today.
Just around C&S's yard, on the one they bought for the kid, but it was enough for us.
Then S took us each on a ride on the big one. Probably the best way to be welcomed back to North Carolina after two years up North is on the back of a high-speed four-wheeler with your arms wrapped around the sweaty midsection of a good friend.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
The dustbin of history
I thought going through all of my childhood things at my parents' house would be sad, if not traumatic.
A few hours and several hefty bags later, I was relieved of this notion. Very little was spared, save for the comicbook collection, a Route 66 sign and a Transformer I was going to give to Goodwill today, but turns out might be worth something on eBay.
I filled two of their recycling bins with old school papers, notebooks, newspapers and posters, plus folded boxes whose contents should have been tossed years ago. Anything that wasn't slated for charity or recycling ended up in the giant City of Charlotte garbage can -- filled almost to capacity.
Look homeward. To unload the detritus of your youth and get a fresh start. It's like leaving home all over again.
A few hours and several hefty bags later, I was relieved of this notion. Very little was spared, save for the comicbook collection, a Route 66 sign and a Transformer I was going to give to Goodwill today, but turns out might be worth something on eBay.
I filled two of their recycling bins with old school papers, notebooks, newspapers and posters, plus folded boxes whose contents should have been tossed years ago. Anything that wasn't slated for charity or recycling ended up in the giant City of Charlotte garbage can -- filled almost to capacity.
Look homeward. To unload the detritus of your youth and get a fresh start. It's like leaving home all over again.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Building, and rebuilding, a mystery
We stopped at the alma mater to drop off some ridiculous forms K needs filled out by the dean of students office to apply for law school. No idea why these forms are necessary, but I guess this is just preparation for a long career dealing with unnecessary paperwork and bureaucrats.
All these high schoolers were wandering around campus carrying furniture and bags full of books. Some kind of summer camp, as far as we could tell. Strange, though. Classes should be starting soon. I hope they get those kids off campus before the students show up. They'll need time to clean up the dorms.
Anyway, what the hell is up with the Atkins library? We drive along to the visitor deck near Cone, and they've stripped the library tower. Better waterproofing they say. Why weren't these bricks put up in the first place, or did they not learn their lessons from the staircase they built and had to tear up 6 years ago because it wasn't up to code?
They've been working on this library since before I was a freshman. It looked like a scene from a war movie during my orientation and was a constant source of frustration for most of my matriculation. They finally got it looking pretty good, and now they figure out that the fake bricks weren't keeping out the rain.
Damn. Those kids were sure young.
All these high schoolers were wandering around campus carrying furniture and bags full of books. Some kind of summer camp, as far as we could tell. Strange, though. Classes should be starting soon. I hope they get those kids off campus before the students show up. They'll need time to clean up the dorms.
Anyway, what the hell is up with the Atkins library? We drive along to the visitor deck near Cone, and they've stripped the library tower. Better waterproofing they say. Why weren't these bricks put up in the first place, or did they not learn their lessons from the staircase they built and had to tear up 6 years ago because it wasn't up to code?
They've been working on this library since before I was a freshman. It looked like a scene from a war movie during my orientation and was a constant source of frustration for most of my matriculation. They finally got it looking pretty good, and now they figure out that the fake bricks weren't keeping out the rain.
Damn. Those kids were sure young.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Those Talladega Nights
We just got back from seeing Talladega Nights with C&S.
Was it a great movie? No.
Did I like it? Yes.
Will I ever intentionally see it again? Probably not.
But at that moment, returning to the Great NC after two years, watching a NASCAR-themed movie in a historic theater in Kannapolis with Cheerwine and a bucket of popcorn.
Like driving down the New Jersey Turnpike and Born to Run comes on the radio.
Perfect.
Was it a great movie? No.
Did I like it? Yes.
Will I ever intentionally see it again? Probably not.
But at that moment, returning to the Great NC after two years, watching a NASCAR-themed movie in a historic theater in Kannapolis with Cheerwine and a bucket of popcorn.
Like driving down the New Jersey Turnpike and Born to Run comes on the radio.
Perfect.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Hanging off the back of the iBandwagon
The gift of an iPod is an excellent gift indeed.
Not only was I able to rescue my iTunes from work before leaving, but Dr. H and LG put tons of their own music on it in special playlists just for us.
The fun of the iPod is second only to its usefulness in unwanted social situations. I took the iPod to the dealership while waiting for the oil change and all that, and no one bothered me the whole time.
It's like a sonic forcefield.
I only wish we had brought it to the DMV.
Not only was I able to rescue my iTunes from work before leaving, but Dr. H and LG put tons of their own music on it in special playlists just for us.
The fun of the iPod is second only to its usefulness in unwanted social situations. I took the iPod to the dealership while waiting for the oil change and all that, and no one bothered me the whole time.
It's like a sonic forcefield.
I only wish we had brought it to the DMV.
Hard times at the DMV
We bit the bullet and went to the DMV yesterday to get our affairs in order so we can officially become North Carolinians again. Even the Concord DMV is pretty busy, and it probably didn't help that we got there around lunch time.
Other than the long wait, the only problem was the guy sitting next to us who wanted to tell us his whole life story. He regaled us with stories of unpaid car insurance, past car wrecks and the ongoing saga of dealing with an irresponsible tenant.
This went on for much less time than it seemed, I'm sure, but by then we were desparately watching the sign by the testing room, hoping that either his number or ours would suddenly appear. K didn't get to leave until after he started telling us about how he hadn't dated in more than 6 years.
I had to endure more before his number came up.
When I got to the testing room, I noticed K taking the computer test. Shit. Do I have to do that?
But then, I figured she probably asked to take the test to see how well she could do while waiting for the machine to spit out her license.
It took me all of five minutes to finish up. Turns out that my old NC license from before moving to Mary Land wasn't set to expire until next year, so they just treated this like I was getting a duplicate. Didn't even have to take the sign test.
K, on the other hand, had an expired NC license and thought that the sign for two-way traffic with median meant "Triangle Ahead."
Well, not really. And she aced the computer test, which she says a trained monkey with brain damamge could pass. So yeah, we feel reeeeal safe on the roads in NC now.
Getting the tag and title, though expensive, was quick. And, with a trip to Toyota for an oil change and state inspection, we were finally, officially, in NC again.
All of which was made easier to tolerate with the new iPod.
Other than the long wait, the only problem was the guy sitting next to us who wanted to tell us his whole life story. He regaled us with stories of unpaid car insurance, past car wrecks and the ongoing saga of dealing with an irresponsible tenant.
This went on for much less time than it seemed, I'm sure, but by then we were desparately watching the sign by the testing room, hoping that either his number or ours would suddenly appear. K didn't get to leave until after he started telling us about how he hadn't dated in more than 6 years.
I had to endure more before his number came up.
When I got to the testing room, I noticed K taking the computer test. Shit. Do I have to do that?
But then, I figured she probably asked to take the test to see how well she could do while waiting for the machine to spit out her license.
It took me all of five minutes to finish up. Turns out that my old NC license from before moving to Mary Land wasn't set to expire until next year, so they just treated this like I was getting a duplicate. Didn't even have to take the sign test.
K, on the other hand, had an expired NC license and thought that the sign for two-way traffic with median meant "Triangle Ahead."
Well, not really. And she aced the computer test, which she says a trained monkey with brain damamge could pass. So yeah, we feel reeeeal safe on the roads in NC now.
Getting the tag and title, though expensive, was quick. And, with a trip to Toyota for an oil change and state inspection, we were finally, officially, in NC again.
All of which was made easier to tolerate with the new iPod.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
So long Mary Land
Our final journey from the Free State to the Great NC was about 180 degrees from every other trip we'd taken since moving to Maryland. Rather than pack the car the night before and wake up at 3 in the morning to avoid the DC/Richmond clusterfucks, we stayed up late Friday night to visit friends as part of out farewell tour of the Mid-Atlantic and finished packing in the morning.
There was more laundry than I'd realized, and we still had to clean the Undisclosed Location for our hostess. It didn't help that I still don't know how to properly set the alarm on my cellphone, leading us to wake up late.
We had brunch at 10 with Dr. Huxtable, Lawyergirl was visiting her family in PA, and said our goodbyes. He made a good point, that we shouldn't be sad about leaving since our friendship has reached the point where it can endure even great distances. A good note to leave Charm City on.
Of course, the city was more reluctant to let us go. We hit every single red light between the end of I-83 and the beginning of I-395 at Camden Yards. And away we went to the District to visit El Raton and D one last time.
We snacked on cheese, bread and coffee, enjoying lively conversation and preparing for Mexico. It was a fun time for all, complete with photos, and not a hint of sadness. After all, we lived on opposite sides of the country for three years. This is nothing new.
And so we hit the road in earnest this time, thinking that breaking up the drive would make it easier. But I-95 is the busiest highway in the US, and made sure to let us know that. It was stop and go from the Mixing Bowl almost all the way to Richmond, and we didn't get to Corncob until well after dark.
We arrived home to find that our dog does indeed remember us, but she's made herself a little friend in our absence. She plays with K's parents' new cat, who follows her around when they're not playing. They even got into the bed with us last night, the cat climbing all over us for quite a long time before settling in for the night.
We are disturbed by this new development.
There was more laundry than I'd realized, and we still had to clean the Undisclosed Location for our hostess. It didn't help that I still don't know how to properly set the alarm on my cellphone, leading us to wake up late.
We had brunch at 10 with Dr. Huxtable, Lawyergirl was visiting her family in PA, and said our goodbyes. He made a good point, that we shouldn't be sad about leaving since our friendship has reached the point where it can endure even great distances. A good note to leave Charm City on.
Of course, the city was more reluctant to let us go. We hit every single red light between the end of I-83 and the beginning of I-395 at Camden Yards. And away we went to the District to visit El Raton and D one last time.
We snacked on cheese, bread and coffee, enjoying lively conversation and preparing for Mexico. It was a fun time for all, complete with photos, and not a hint of sadness. After all, we lived on opposite sides of the country for three years. This is nothing new.
And so we hit the road in earnest this time, thinking that breaking up the drive would make it easier. But I-95 is the busiest highway in the US, and made sure to let us know that. It was stop and go from the Mixing Bowl almost all the way to Richmond, and we didn't get to Corncob until well after dark.
We arrived home to find that our dog does indeed remember us, but she's made herself a little friend in our absence. She plays with K's parents' new cat, who follows her around when they're not playing. They even got into the bed with us last night, the cat climbing all over us for quite a long time before settling in for the night.
We are disturbed by this new development.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
One for the Lorax
It's time we start seeing the city for the trees.
The recent heatwave brought to mind an issue that's occupied me for some time now. Namely, how to get more trees into the city. Walk from a shady block to an unshaded one and you'll know what I mean. More than just decorations for suburban yards, trees shade cars and pedestrians, keep cooling costs down for houses and other buildings, filter air pollution and reduce stormwater runoff.
Walking and driving around the greater Baltimore metro area, I'm surprised at just how many places here could, and should, have more trees. Too many treeless yards, too many sidewalks exposed to the sun. Highway medians and shoulders covered only in grass, if that.
Expanding the tree canopy in cities like Baltimore can drive down overall temperatures, helping to reduce the need for air conditioning during much of the summer, even during heatwaves. Paved streets, sidewalks and parking lots, plus tall buildings and lots of brick and concrete, radiate heat like an outdoor oven. We will have to redesign tall buildings to use less energy and absorb less heat, but as for everything else, all we need are a few more trees.
This is especially important with the impending BGE rate hike in Maryland, but applies throughout the country. Obviously a densely packed neighborhood like Hampden can't have as many trees as Roland Park, but the extra shade provided by tree-lined streets would still provide some relief from the heat that would otherwise be radiating off streets, sidewalks and buildings. And make the area more pleasant, to boot.
Air filters are increasingly popular in offices and houses, so why not apply the same logic to the outdoors? Trees filter air pollution at the local level and, coupled with other pollution-fighting techniques, can greatly improve residents' health and quality of life. Additionally, runoff from this area is killing the Chesapeake Bay. More trees means less poison flowing into the bay.
Baltimore, especially, has plenty of room for trees. The city should require builders to preserve more of the canopy and create incentives for property owners of all kinds (homes, businesses and others) to plant trees themselves. Baltimore can take the initiative by planting trees on all city-owned property and along the rights of way of every street and thoroughfare in the city limits. In addition, the city can also work with conservation groups to purchase and protect the few remaining urban forests in the city, setting them aside as mini nature preserves.
New trees alone won't turn the worst neighborhoods in Baltimore into safe and friendly places, it won't reduce traffic and won't turn failing city schools into elite prep. schools. But with global warming looming over the city, as well as blackouts and heat-related deaths becoming as common in summer as fireflies and cookouts, every little thing helps.
The recent heatwave brought to mind an issue that's occupied me for some time now. Namely, how to get more trees into the city. Walk from a shady block to an unshaded one and you'll know what I mean. More than just decorations for suburban yards, trees shade cars and pedestrians, keep cooling costs down for houses and other buildings, filter air pollution and reduce stormwater runoff.
Walking and driving around the greater Baltimore metro area, I'm surprised at just how many places here could, and should, have more trees. Too many treeless yards, too many sidewalks exposed to the sun. Highway medians and shoulders covered only in grass, if that.
Expanding the tree canopy in cities like Baltimore can drive down overall temperatures, helping to reduce the need for air conditioning during much of the summer, even during heatwaves. Paved streets, sidewalks and parking lots, plus tall buildings and lots of brick and concrete, radiate heat like an outdoor oven. We will have to redesign tall buildings to use less energy and absorb less heat, but as for everything else, all we need are a few more trees.
This is especially important with the impending BGE rate hike in Maryland, but applies throughout the country. Obviously a densely packed neighborhood like Hampden can't have as many trees as Roland Park, but the extra shade provided by tree-lined streets would still provide some relief from the heat that would otherwise be radiating off streets, sidewalks and buildings. And make the area more pleasant, to boot.
Air filters are increasingly popular in offices and houses, so why not apply the same logic to the outdoors? Trees filter air pollution at the local level and, coupled with other pollution-fighting techniques, can greatly improve residents' health and quality of life. Additionally, runoff from this area is killing the Chesapeake Bay. More trees means less poison flowing into the bay.
Baltimore, especially, has plenty of room for trees. The city should require builders to preserve more of the canopy and create incentives for property owners of all kinds (homes, businesses and others) to plant trees themselves. Baltimore can take the initiative by planting trees on all city-owned property and along the rights of way of every street and thoroughfare in the city limits. In addition, the city can also work with conservation groups to purchase and protect the few remaining urban forests in the city, setting them aside as mini nature preserves.
New trees alone won't turn the worst neighborhoods in Baltimore into safe and friendly places, it won't reduce traffic and won't turn failing city schools into elite prep. schools. But with global warming looming over the city, as well as blackouts and heat-related deaths becoming as common in summer as fireflies and cookouts, every little thing helps.
Joe Joe was a man who thought he was a democrat
Not that I live in Connecticut or anything, so maybe it's not my responsibility to say this, but could someone just slap Joe Lieberman, hand him a highball and sit him down in a comfy chair?
His aggressive response to losing this primary, as opposed to the half-hearted dissent to losing/winning the 2000 election, is astounding.
The fact that he is willing to jeopardize a democratic victory in November, after being rejected by democratic voters in a fair and legal primary election, shows that Joe Lieberman deserved to lose the primary. The main beef of Lamont and his supporters was that Lieberman doesn't represent them or their values anymore. Insisting that he will ignore the results of the democratic primary and run as an independent just underscores the fact that Lieberman really doesn't represent democratic voters in Connecticut, thereby strengthening Lamont's case.
I mean, don't Connecticut democrats have the right to choose a candidate who actually shares their views? Lieberman seems to think that he deserves to win simply because he's been in office for so long already.
It's time, Joe. Things have changed. Besides, the Senate elevators are packed with staffers and tourists now. Just not the same as it used to be.
His aggressive response to losing this primary, as opposed to the half-hearted dissent to losing/winning the 2000 election, is astounding.
The fact that he is willing to jeopardize a democratic victory in November, after being rejected by democratic voters in a fair and legal primary election, shows that Joe Lieberman deserved to lose the primary. The main beef of Lamont and his supporters was that Lieberman doesn't represent them or their values anymore. Insisting that he will ignore the results of the democratic primary and run as an independent just underscores the fact that Lieberman really doesn't represent democratic voters in Connecticut, thereby strengthening Lamont's case.
I mean, don't Connecticut democrats have the right to choose a candidate who actually shares their views? Lieberman seems to think that he deserves to win simply because he's been in office for so long already.
It's time, Joe. Things have changed. Besides, the Senate elevators are packed with staffers and tourists now. Just not the same as it used to be.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Better than roving gangs of 8-year-olds
Just in time for my sudden interest in sports.
So, this is probably news only to me, but I still found it worth noting. Good to see that Clay Aiken and his new haircut aren't the only ones representing the Green and Gold nowadays:
UNCC alumnus continues shutout streak
ART STAPLETON, The Record (Hackensack N.J.)
NEW YORK - On a day the Mets made yet another financial investment in one of their future stars, John Maine once again pitched like one.
He blanked Philadelphia for six innings and the offense did the rest Sunday night in an 8-1 victory, increasing the largest divisional lead in the majors to 13 games in front of a crowd of 39,144 at Shea Stadium and a national television audience.
With Mike Pelfrey biding his time in the minors and Brian Bannister on a rehab assignment, Maine, a former Charlotte 49ers standout Baltimore drafted in the sixth round in 2002, continued to show why the Mets were forced to not only keep him here, but in their starting rotation.
So, this is probably news only to me, but I still found it worth noting. Good to see that Clay Aiken and his new haircut aren't the only ones representing the Green and Gold nowadays:
UNCC alumnus continues shutout streak
ART STAPLETON, The Record (Hackensack N.J.)
NEW YORK - On a day the Mets made yet another financial investment in one of their future stars, John Maine once again pitched like one.
He blanked Philadelphia for six innings and the offense did the rest Sunday night in an 8-1 victory, increasing the largest divisional lead in the majors to 13 games in front of a crowd of 39,144 at Shea Stadium and a national television audience.
With Mike Pelfrey biding his time in the minors and Brian Bannister on a rehab assignment, Maine, a former Charlotte 49ers standout Baltimore drafted in the sixth round in 2002, continued to show why the Mets were forced to not only keep him here, but in their starting rotation.
Butterstick
It would have been sad indeed if we lived so close to DC for so long and never once got to see Butterstick (a.k.a "Tai Shan") before leaving. And so it was that we found ourselves maneuvering through the crowds of tourists to catch a glimpse of His Cuteness.
The day started out fine with one last trip to the Waverly Farmers' Market to take pictures, smell the smells and bask in the memories. Then we made our way to Hampden to enjoy one last meal at Golden West. K had it all planned out: We'd order her two favorite dishes, the Breakfast Burrito and the French Toast.
Only they were out of toast.
Despite this setback, we still managed to gather up the strength to drive to DC and park illicitly in Mt. Pleasant. One last time with the Golden Lion Tamarinds. One last time not seeing the Orangutans climbing the ropes over head. And off to the panda exhibit to see them sleeping. Just sitting there.
Man.
We decided to take a walk and come back, reliving memories of zoo trips past. These last few weeks before The Big Move have been filled with last times. We'd probably been to the National Zoo more times than is normal for a couple without kids, but we always had fun. One of the perks of living in Baltimore is being so close to DC.
And then we saw the Pandas again, and they were awake. Oh. My. God. He's jumping, running, falling off of things, bouncing around like a happy little poofball. Not a bad way to end our last zoo trip.
The day started out fine with one last trip to the Waverly Farmers' Market to take pictures, smell the smells and bask in the memories. Then we made our way to Hampden to enjoy one last meal at Golden West. K had it all planned out: We'd order her two favorite dishes, the Breakfast Burrito and the French Toast.
Only they were out of toast.
Despite this setback, we still managed to gather up the strength to drive to DC and park illicitly in Mt. Pleasant. One last time with the Golden Lion Tamarinds. One last time not seeing the Orangutans climbing the ropes over head. And off to the panda exhibit to see them sleeping. Just sitting there.
Man.
We decided to take a walk and come back, reliving memories of zoo trips past. These last few weeks before The Big Move have been filled with last times. We'd probably been to the National Zoo more times than is normal for a couple without kids, but we always had fun. One of the perks of living in Baltimore is being so close to DC.
And then we saw the Pandas again, and they were awake. Oh. My. God. He's jumping, running, falling off of things, bouncing around like a happy little poofball. Not a bad way to end our last zoo trip.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks
Dr. H and LG got us tickets to last nights Orioles game against the Mariners, compliments of The Firm. Stuck in Gotham City dealing with some legal emergency or something, LG couldn't make it. But the Intrepid Teacher's Assistant stepped in to take her place.
It's been just over 2 years since we planted our flag in Baltimore, and this was one of those Essential Baltimore Experiences we knew we had to have before unplanting it (like drinking Natty Boh - check!). I hadn't been to Camden Yards since taking a tour as but a wee Tecki on a family trip to Baltimore. Even though I had little interest in sports in general, or baseball specifically, I had always thought it would be nice to watch a game there.
The Firm has some sweet seats, right above the Visitors' dugout, so we felt like pretty important people. The heat fell upon us like a hot, wet blanket with a heat index of 105. But K had the foresight to bring a cooler full of water, so we were well-prepared. The sunset brought little relief, and the hot night reminded us of Vegas in July. If I had even wanted to pay $6 for a bottle of American beer, the heat would have dissuaded me of that desire.
But the game was great and, I think, I managed some good pictures using the Sport feature on the camera. Zoom not so good, but hey.
And by great, I mean the Os actually won. Whether it was well-played, I have no idea. But, either way, turns out we must be a good luck charm. Too bad we're only just now realizing this. Maybe this means Leon's soccer team will be champions in Mexico this year.
One highlight of the night was when Dr. H harassed a Mariners fan who plopped down in the seat in front of him without paying for it. A truly Baltimore experience.
It's been just over 2 years since we planted our flag in Baltimore, and this was one of those Essential Baltimore Experiences we knew we had to have before unplanting it (like drinking Natty Boh - check!). I hadn't been to Camden Yards since taking a tour as but a wee Tecki on a family trip to Baltimore. Even though I had little interest in sports in general, or baseball specifically, I had always thought it would be nice to watch a game there.
The Firm has some sweet seats, right above the Visitors' dugout, so we felt like pretty important people. The heat fell upon us like a hot, wet blanket with a heat index of 105. But K had the foresight to bring a cooler full of water, so we were well-prepared. The sunset brought little relief, and the hot night reminded us of Vegas in July. If I had even wanted to pay $6 for a bottle of American beer, the heat would have dissuaded me of that desire.
But the game was great and, I think, I managed some good pictures using the Sport feature on the camera. Zoom not so good, but hey.
And by great, I mean the Os actually won. Whether it was well-played, I have no idea. But, either way, turns out we must be a good luck charm. Too bad we're only just now realizing this. Maybe this means Leon's soccer team will be champions in Mexico this year.
One highlight of the night was when Dr. H harassed a Mariners fan who plopped down in the seat in front of him without paying for it. A truly Baltimore experience.
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