Wynton Marsalis

I got tickets...nannie nannie boo boo! May at the Kennedy Center top tier box seats! I only had to mortgage my first born, sell my soul to Wall Street, and have sex with strange girls. But it was worth it! I am so EXCITED and I am still shocked that I was able to get tickets. Talk about working the connections...I will owe favors for a LONG T-I-M-E. Oh well, at least when I am scrubbing floors I can remember the sound of Wynton.

Ok, so the concert is not until May. I may be here, but I may not. I thought it was better to plan on me being in the US. If I am in the US, but not in DC, I will come back for sure. Anything to hear Wynton serenade me with his trumpet. Ahhhh, Wynton.
So for those not up to date on jazz, Wynton is the Artistic Director for Jazz at the Lincoln Center in NYC. He is an amazing jazz artist, specifically New Orleans style. He makes me melt.

Racing

This is a picture of my bestest friend in the world water garden. I want one too dammit. If we move to Oz I just might steal hers. If Todd doesn't steal it first.

Today in my spin class we ended with some sprints. Pretty typical but I learned something really interesting about myself that I kind of always suspected. First of all, I know I am really competitive and I hold myself to very high standards (curse and a blessing I guess). My instructor said "close your eyes and picture yourself ahead of the pack with the pack coming up behind you." Ok, so I do that. "Ok, picture yourself looking over your shoulder to see them coming up behind you as you sprint to the finish" Ok, I imagine myself doing this and evading them, but the thing is when I look over my shoulder the people behind me are hundreds of Katia's. Gee what does that mean? So my lesson is, don't turn around to look behind you...it might just be your worst enemy.

Quote of the day:"sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind…the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself."-Baz Luhrmann

GIS

I am learning some new GIS software from ESRI. While I am not the best programmer, I do understand the basics of SQL and other easy programming stuff so I figured this would not be a major feat. I was wrong. I am learning the new field of spatial epidemiology and using GIS software to track diseases and epidemics. I am finding two problems. First the issue of importing information. I am transferring data from one format (usually SAS) into the Arc/GIS format. A few years ago the two companies created a SAS/GIS bridge but I found it very user unfriendly and shyed away from using GIS because many datasets I work with are SAS. Being an astute epidemiologist (ok, you can laugh) I have to make sure data is not lost or transformed. So I can spend ooodles of time doing Q and A. This year they improved it drastically and little work has to be done to get the data from point A to B. So that is a plus! Secondly, I learned in my class that using classical statistical tools to analyze spatial data do not apply. In fact, they can be grossly inaccurate and down right misleading. SO I have to learn NEW statisical methods and new standard coefficients. There are books devoted to statistical analyses of spatial data. Greaaattt...more books to buy!

The idea sounds exciting but the exeuction is very hard and I am getting quite frustrated. I will just have to learn it, as this will eventually become a standard tool and I have no doubt the MPH students entering this year will have to learn it.

Now I know how all the old folks felt when they had to learn Windows. Sheesh!

Madonna Video

I saw the video for "Hung Up" in the gym today. HOLY SMOKES, Madonna is seriously HOT. That pink leotard is really something else. Makes me want to be a lesbian. Actually, it makes me want to be a lesbian in a pink leotard. If I had one, I would wear it all the time. Yeah, I was turned on. I would so do her, as long as she didn't bite too much. She is doing some serious dancing in this video and I could not help but dance along. When I stopped and looked around, everyone was looking at me. I was really embarrassed. I had no idea that I had an audience. Then again I do follow the saying "...and dance like no one is watching." Watching that video just made my day. Oh, and I found out today that I have lost 28.7 pounds (12.6 kg) since June 2005. Very unexpected but watching Madonna was still better.

Risky business

I dream big! My goals in life are substantial, yet very simple. I want to get the best education I can, give back to my global community through hard work, and I want to be the best person I can be. Because I dream big, my risks are big too. However my rewards are SUBSTANTIAL. Granted right now is an example of risk taking. We are in limbo with no lease and no idea of what the rest of 2006 will look like. BUT, if this Australia thing goes through, good for us, because the next couple of years will have a big payoff...HUGE. Like I said, big rewards usually require big risk. So why do it, is what I was asked today. Good question! My question is why are so many people content to play it safe and lead boring lives. Granted I don't expect behavior like ours from everyone, but why are so many people resigned to just exsisting?

Those people who live their lives staying away from major risks also do not experience major gains. Playing it safe by buying a $600,000 home, with 2 kids, 2 dogs, and a steady job does not appeal to me. What are your rewards? A job you schelp away at everyday to pay your huge mortage and SUV. Trips to the beach once a year and a slowly expanding waistline. Fine if that is what you want. However, I would kill myself. I need big reward and I am willing to put my pride, time, and money on the line to have something bigger than all of that. I NEED to wake up in the morning with a purpose and paying a $700,000 mortage is not purpose enough for me...or even that interesting. I need to travel to exotic places, work interesting jobs, help people in need, and share countless bottles of wine with friends yet to be met. My life is an exciting journey and I will use that time wisely. I want to see all the wonders of the world, hike every mountain top I can, and have endless passionate love on every beach I come upon. I do not want to lie on my deathbed and wish for things I never did.

So I sum it up this way with a saying that was passed on to me:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, Champagne in one hand-strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screamming WOO HOO-What a fucking ride!" Thanks G!

March for Life...again

Ah, it's that time of year again. The anniversary of Roe v. Wade (Jan 22) and all the crazies are out to mark the occasion today. Things like this to many Washingtonians are taken with a grain of salt. I guess it comes with the fact that everyday somebody is protesting something. Actually, one becomes really adept at just ingorning the situation...or making fun of it.

Lunch today: "Hey Joe" (well aware that there are 2 marchers behind me) "I'll have an order of FETUS fries today, oh sorry Joe Freudian slip, I mean fries. And I will have the count of ANTI-CHRIST sandwich. Oh sorry again Joe, I mean the count of Monte-Cristo sandwich. And I large liberal lemonade. Can you leave WOMB for lots of ice, oh sorry again, I mean room for ice. Thanks Joe." "Hey Sara, after we are done do you want to have oral sex in my office?" "My husband doesn't mind."

Later on I was asked by a motorist if I could spare change for a dollar to feed the meter. "Sure, I say. I ALWAYS have change" Uh oh I think to myself, is that a fetus bumper sticker? Oh GOD, it is. "Sorry I reply, I can't." She replies "but I just saw it in your hand." K: "Oh my God just spoke and he told me not to do it." Lady: looking peeved "Your God?" K: "Yeah bitch, my god! If your god allows you to spread hate and intolerance, why can't mine? My God TOLD ME that you people are freaks and under NO circumstances should I provide you with meter money. Sounds kind of stupid huh? Imagine how YOU and YOUR god sound to me! Lady: She runs away just as Ms. Meter Maid was approaching. What pisses me off the most is that these suburban mom's come into the city to make a statement and instead all they accomplish is taking up valuable parking space with their fucking mini vans and SUV's. That alone should be a crime.

SO this is what I say to all you right to lifers:
"Kiss my liberal ass and may the fetus you save be gay!"-Love, A bleeding heart liberal

Panda pic

Ok, I am going to see Tai on my birthday! Hurray! That is the best birthday present ever!

Here is a picture of him in his new favorite sleeping spot. Let's say it...Ahhhhhhh!
The cuteness factor is way off the scale on this one. Maybe someone will give me a panda for my birthday...hmmmm?

In the waiting line

Wait in line
'Till your time
Ticking clock
Everyone stop

Everyone's saying different things to me
Different things to me
Everyone's saying different things to me
Different things to me

Woooohh
Do you believe
In what you see
There doesn't seem to be anybody else who agrees with me

Do you believe
In what you see
Motionless wheel
Nothing is real
Wasting my time
In the waiting line
Do you believe in
What you see

Nine to five
Living lies
Everyday
Stealing time
Everyone's taking everything they can
Everything they can
Everyone's taking everything they can
Everything they can

Woooohh
Do you believe
In what you feel
It doesn't seem to be anybody else who agrees with me

Do you believe
In what you see
Motionless wheel
Nothing is real
Wasting my time
In the waiting line
Do you believe
In what you see

Ah and I'll shout and I'll scream
But I'd rather not have seen
And i'll hide away for another day

Do you believe
In what you see
Motionless wheel
Nothing is real
Wasting my time
In the waiting line
Do you believe
In what you see

Everyone's saying different things to me
Different things to me
Different things to me
Different things to me
Different things to me
Everyone's taking everything they can
Everything they can

---Zero 7, Garden State sound track

CONGRATULATIONS!

The past few weeks have been short on good news...ok lacking completely of good news. However, I just got an ultrasound pic today that uplifted my spirits. Congrats to the Dunn's for their beautiful boy...he already looks like Tad. Fuzzy and round:) Tad just kidding!

I never had any close friends have children, so this is very exciting for me! It's as if...dare I say it...I actually look foward to a small child in my circle of friends. What is weird is that it didn't seem real to me until I saw the picture. I guess it is true...Cody (the dog) will have a brother. I look forward to spoiling him rotten and teaching him everything he won't learn in church:) However, I still won't babysit until he is 10. Period!

Niches

I was reading an article about how people don't pay attention to the little things in life, particulary those people we interact with everyday but don't play a significant role in our lives. I took that observation to heart and I spent yesterday being aware of all my interactions from waking up to sleep. To my surprise, I realized that I really do have a niche in DC. Actually I was shocked at my observations. How is it that one person can be so known is a sizeable city without every really interacting with these strangers? How profound?

Take the metro at Rosslyn to work. I always see the same Hispanic couple on the platform at the same time I am waiting. I think they are getting married. We always smile and now we give head nods. When I do drive, the guys at the garage always park my car up front with the luxury vehicles, even though mine is not. They also let me come and go, which is not avaiable on daily tickets.

I walk from the station to work, passing by my coffee shop. I always walk in at 9:15. No need to stand in line, they know what I drink. Doppio espresso with 2 cups and a lid. Half a packet of sugar. No need to pay, I run an "unoffical" tab that I pay on Fridays.

Head over to the office where I pass the PC garage. T.K comes out of the garage and we do the secret handshake. Into the lobby where the security guards check me in. We say our pleasentries in French (they are W. African) and talk football. Ms. Peggy says "Hey baby doll", I blow her a kiss and take the elevator on the right.

Work, work, work...

Head to the gym at 12:50. No need to check in, they all know me (and oddly enough expect me and give me shit when I show late). Go for a run or lift.

Head over to my favorite bench press at 1pm. Left corner. All my gym peeps know this and don't hesistate to kick newbies off for me. Talk shit with Cedric while I bench. Do my work out and leave at 2:15.

Lunch. Where ever I go, I always get the same thing. They are so cool, they see me walk in and they make me my usual. No need to wait in line, I just pay and hang out. I always do High Noon on Fridays but the wait is CRAZY. I told the register clerk how I hate waiting in lines and now they make my salad and have it waiting for me every Friday at 2:30. Asian chicken salad, no crunchy noodles, dressing on the side...shit they even pick out the arugla (blah)for me. Pay and leave.

Work, work, work...panda viewing from 4-4:30 every day. On Friday I have a drink at the bar next door. No need to order, they know my drink. Chardonnay with one ice cube.

Head home, down the metro and say "whazz up" to the station manager. Talk some shit about the Skins and head home.

Out the escalator, say hey to Debra my favorite homeless woman and give her grief about the sores on her legs.

Walk home with the SAME crowd of people each day. Don't know there names, but I know bits and pieces about their lives.

Walk the dog and I always run into my dog peeps.

Eat and then watch 3 hours of Law and Order

Bedtime 9pm

So I feel very lucky to have such nice, do I call them strangers anymore, that I interact with. These people know my likes, dislikes, and quirks which is probably more than my own family knows. In the end, these people treat me like a celebrity. The difference between me and a celebrity is that they expect VIP treatment while I appreciate it. So why do I get this treatment? Good question. I am not an obnoxious tipper but I do treat people with respect and I am always kind. Ok, doing some small favors does help but not that much. You know, service with a smile! I have come to the conclusion that I like my niche and it is really not so bad.

J'ai besoin de repos

I am tired, like bone tired. It takes everything I have to get out of bed now days. I could spend one week in a state of constant slumber. I figure if this Australia thing goes through, I will spend 10 days in Hawaii sleeping on the beach and being pampered by Bob and Curt. That would be it, nothing else. If we don't go, well than I am SOL. I will have to figure out where to go on my vacation this year. Tulume, Mexico is really appealing to me at the moment. A hut by the ocean with no phone or electricity, only candles to light the room at night. Ahhhhhhh that sounds so nice. I have made a promise to myself for 2006 not to spend my vacation on family visits and errand time, sorry family but I am selfish and beach/diving trips come first for 2006. Yeah, I am selfish and shallow...so what? I figure I earned the time, I can spend it how I want. Pops says I will regret it. NEGATORY P-O-P, I don't feel regret. I am incapable of feeling that emotion. Let them come to me is my theory. Family time=sick time, beach time=vacation time. My 2 weeks are going to be used for recovery purposes only and I am sticking to that. I need to become "un-tired" or I will end up like that kitty.

January days

Whoever says global warming is not true needs to come visit DC right now. Holy smokes. We are in the middle of Jan and the temps are in the mid-high 50's. For folks out there not familar with Jan temps, we should be in the low-mid 40's for our average. I wore shorts the other day on my walk...how wrong is that?

Tai Shan is 6 months old this week! What a cutie!

I just returned from a long weekend of R and R in Williamsburg, VA. I went with my mom for some toe nail, purse cleaning, room service, action. We never do anything strenous and W-burg is like my home away from home. Since I have no home at the moment this is the next best thing. I also indulged in some shopping too!

Yankee Candle Outlet-Pumpkin Pie candles (my all time favorite)
Mikasa outlet-Replacemnt wine goblets to the ones me and Dave broke
W-burg pottery factory-Useless knick nacks like frames and pots...but I need them
Wythe candy store-Fudge for my thighs
Trelis restaurant-Wine and Death by Chocolate cook book
Cheese Store-Exotic cheeses and wines

mmmm that sums it up I think. It was a good time and now is sucks to be back. On another note...the plantation me and Todd were married at is now CLOSED. We were one of the last people to get married there and I just learned that this weekend. It made me very sad that I will not be able to go back and visit. Bummer. We think the family who owned it are now occupying it and tours are no longer. Great...

Of wine and workouts?

I was listening to someone at my gym ask a trainer about nutrition advice to help her lose those last 10 stubborn pounds. Good question! However, her reply was not what I had expected. She said that cutting out alcohol can really help lose weight. The girl lapped up the advice. How desperate you must be to cut out the good things in life to look good! Personally, I could never do that. Food and wine are central to my happiness and lifestyle. While I am not a millionaire, I eat and drink like one:)

Even though I am not a huge everyday consumer of libations, I do have a glass of wine with dinner every night. It enhances the flavor of food and I find the relaxation aspect of it very nice. Then I got to thinking about all the great memories I have of drinking wine. Some of my best memories involve friends and wine. In the pictures we usually have purple lips and glazed eyes. Coincidence? I think not and Bacchus would agree with me. I believe that wine is an important part of culture and that is why I try to sample wine at all the new places I visit. A Petit Syrah in Australia, Muscadet in France, Chianti in Italy, Boone's in Alabama, etc.

In conclusion, do I think cutting out wine is worth losing those extra 10lb? Hell no. Why would anyone abandon a hobby? I will cut out lunch before I cut out wine! My memories make me laugh and smile...being 10lb lighter will fade into the distant past and will never make me any friends.

Lost Phone

I lost my phone in the move. What sucks is not that I lost my phone but I lost the numbers. My phone was crap anyway and I was looking for an excuse to get a new one. However, I don't like to get new phones just because they are old. Losing one is a great excuse to get a new one. I got the Motorola V557 and I really like it. It is a quad band GSM phone (and unlocked for all of my international travel).



On another note I heard from Meredith (friend I met in Thailand during my course) and she is still over their fucking around. Ok, maybe not fucking around...more like making a real difference. More than say someone like me who pushes paper for 8 hours a day. She has been staying in a village near the Thai-Myanmar border. Than to add to her cultural knowledge she spent a few nights in a refugee camp staying with a midwife. I love this picture of her...so cool. No one can say my friends are boring.