by Lesley on May 30, 2010
in food
My father, and my husband, will both heartily agree that I’m not much of a competitor. Card games? I shut down. Swim meets as a kid? Terrifying. The person I do enjoy competing against, more than anyone else, is myself (especially when the competition is completely, 100% unnecessary.)
As of this weekend, I’ve embarked on very difficult task known as The East Sac Summer Challenge. From now through end of September, I’m setting out to try 10 of the area’s eateries that I’ve never tried before. Difficult, right? So far, I’ve had no problem convincing Jonathan, Sam and Sharon to join me. If you’re in the area, consider yourself invited. The best part of this little challenge is that everyone’s a winner. Exactly how I like it.
The reason I’m itching to do something like this is because I’m in a mode where I’m very much wanting to travel, but don’t have the money to take a huge trip. There’s so many great things right in my backyard-from restaurants, to hikes, to concerts in the park-there’s really no reason to leave. This summer, we’ll soak up all the fun by biking from restaurant to restaurant. Occasionally, I might leave a review here.
If you want to join us, here’s a list of places we’re going to try. A few have received stellar reviews, and others are hole-in-the-wall bars or late night spots:
Formoli’s Bistro, Selland’s, Lyon’s, SoCals’s Tavern, Cafe Rolle, Evan’s Kitchen, Espanol, Nopalitos, Cafe Morocco, Island Tacos.
cafe image credit: dreamofdata
by Lesley on May 25, 2010
in biking
A few years ago, I exchanged my car commute to Roseville for a bike/bus commute to Midtown. I’ve never once regretted this decision but I have at times made my short commute sound simpler than it actually is.
Lots of little things can go wrong when you’re biking or busing to work. At first, my biggest bike nuissance was having both tires stolen off my brand new and somewhat pricey man bike. (You haven’t seen a grown woman have a meltdown unless you saw that scene. Jonathan had to tell me to “pull it together.”) Then, after replacing my tires, I learned about the other not-so-easy things with bike riding. Things like: Inhaling bugs. Freezing morning temps. Sweltering evening temps. Rain. Almost getting hit by a car. Getting made fun of by my boss for wearing a helmet. Looking like a dork with my pants taped tight around the ankles. Planning my outfits around my commute. Tying down my lunch to the back of my bike, only to watch it fall off. You get the idea…
On the days when all of the aforementioned challenges are too much to handle, I exchange my bike for the bus. The bus presents another host of issues to navigate: Vienna sausage dude and scary homeless man. Constantly saving quarters and dollar bills. Borrowing change from my boss when I forget quarters. Chasing a moving vehicle more than once.
If I’m not in the mood for either the bike or bus, I have three more options: pay $6 for parking near my office; park for free seven blocks away but have to walk; or convince Jonathan to pick me up. If you call yourself a friend of the Miller Duo, you’ll know we’re too cheap to pay $6 each day. Enough said about that option.
Now that you have a full understanding of what my daily commute decision looks like, I think you’ll agree with my solution: Meet Emilia! (My new/used red Schwinn beach cruiser, complete with a basket and bell.)
The decision to purchase Emilia was a bit agonizing for me. I felt a little bit like, well, I was cheating. Poor Betsy–she’s been so, so good to me, but she was never the bike I wanted all along. She might be faster, she might be smoother, she might be easier to ride, but she sure doesn’t make me look good. And honestly, if I’m going to swallow bugs and brave the rain, I just want to look cute while doing so.
I’m not one to make big purchases without unhealthy amounts of over analyzing. When Jonathan told me he wanted to train for a triathlon, we worked out a deal. He could use Betsy (sidenote: yes my legs are equally long as my husband’s) and I would buy a cruiser. When I saw Emilia advertised yesterday on Twitter, I threw all analyzing out the window. In less than a 15 minute phone call, she was mine. I even got a bike basket and bell included for only $75 total.
For anyone concerned (Mom, Dad, Marlene, Steve, my boss): I promise I’m still wearing my helmet and when it’s dark out, I’ll still wear my reflector triangle. Safety first! (And fashion closely second!)
It’s been awhile since I blogged about just the ordinary. So, here’s what’s going on inside the world of me during the month of May.
Jonathan’s brother, Matt, graduated from Westmont a few weeks ago. Between our two families, we’ve had a high school or college graduation every single year for the last ten years. It’s a tough life going to Santa Barbara every May. The college looks amazing after several new building additions and a new track. I loved seeing a few old friends, and walking around campus with my old roommate, Katie. Every area of campus seems to hold a different memory. Marlene cooked a huge lunch for the whole family and we picnicked on the observatory lawn. I also managed to squeeze in time with Jenny, Chris & Asher (that cute baby above), Backyard Bowls with Peach, a morning run on the beach, Hendry’s with Corinne, Palazzios and Jeannine’s with the Millers, and church at Santa Barbara Community. It was a very full and very fun weekend.
May is always packed with celebrations, and this month has been no different. We also toasted Rachel’s graduation from law school with a dinner at Lucca. I am really sad to see her leave Sacramento. She has been a great friend to Jonathan and I the last three years. Plus, who will I make gluten free brownies for now that she’s gone? We miss you already Rachel!
Last Saturday we spent time in Modesto to celebrate Lisa and Chase’s new baby. Lisa and I lived together the year before we were both married (only two weeks apart) so I always feel a special bond with her. After the shower, Lisa, Britt, Sharon, Emily and I lounged around on the Phillip’s deck, eating chips and salsa while the guys slapped each other around in the pool. The warm spring day turned into a lovely sunset and a chatty dinner with friends. The highlight of the afternoon, however, was convincing Lisa to try her old prom dress. She humored us, and put the thing on over her growing belly. She actually looked incredible, which we told her through our fit of giggles.
The Amgen Tour raced through Sacramento the next day, and I insisted that Jonathan and I ride bikes downtown to watch. We got frozen yogurt, walked around, and cheered for Lance (who apparently biked past us, although it was hard to tell because of the speed.) The weather here is slloooowwwwllllyyyy warming up, and last Sunday was a reminder that summer is almost here. I cannot wait for the heat. <– Did you ever think I’d say such a thing?!?
This last week, I scored big time. My co-worker hooked me up with free sixth row tickets to see Carrie Underwood. We got a great dinner at Magpie before heading to Arco. Carrie put on a great show. Between her costumes, her legs, her voice, her humility, and the flying car…I was giddy. I also loved when she sang How Great Thou Art–one of my favorite hymns!
This weekend was so relaxing. I caught up on Glee (loved it!) watched Edge of Darkness (scary!), and started (and finished) Somewhere Inside: One Sister’s Captivity in North Korea and the Other’s Fight to Bring Her Home. If you remember, last summer I followed the Ling sisters story closely in the media so it was very encouraging to finally read about their story firsthand. (My post about the Sacramento vigil last summer.) Plus, I got to read it on a borrowed Kindle that I’m quickly falling in love with. Anyone else have a Kindle? I missed having an actual book but it was so cool to buy in on Friday at 8pm, and start reading it at 8:01pm. Plus, for a multi-tasker like me, I was able to read it while blow drying my hair and eating dinner. (You were wondering how I finished it in less than 24 hours, right?)
Today I convinced Jonathan to give blood with me. He did great! I found out that my blood type is incredibly rare which is why I get a phone call exactly every 56 days. And, the nurse told me that my blood will almost always go to babies. I immediately felt very special and started gloating about it on the way home. My dad motivated me to try and reach the “1 gallon club.” So far, I’m halfway there. When I reach the goal, I think I might buy myself a gallon of ice cream to celebrate. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll consider sharing.
The days and evenings have been scattered with the usual- work meetings, dinners with friends, and bible study. The nights are lighter, the trees are greener, and I’m a happy clam as I eagerly anticipate the season of weddings, camping, family trips, the drive-in, Pops in the Park, bike rides and floating the river. What are you soaking up right now?
They say I am either naive, or “too nice.” But this time, really, it’s a different story. This time, I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or, I was in the right place at the right time…depending on how you want to look at it.
I missed the bus on Monday morning. This is a frequent occurrence, and a downside of public transportation. I never miss the bus by much–usually I’m (quite literally) chasing it’s tail as it putters away . Surprisingly, I kept my cool this time instead of throwing a mini tantrum. If I’ve made my semi-urban life look attractive in past blog posts, this is when you’ll capture a real glimpse into the not so fairy tale kind of days.
Missing the bus gave me about 20 minutes to spare before the next one came. I decided to get some exercise by walking to the Alhambra stop, which I figured would also save me a dollar or so in fare. I am so thrifty.
When I approached the station, I realized this was a stop where many homeless people usually gather. While I’m not scared of people who live on the streets, I’m not necessarily comfortable around them either. Many of the homeless people in our area have mental issues that often make interactions unusual. After my last experience chatting with a stranger at the bus stop, many friends told me I was “too nice.” This time, I told myself, I would be guarded.
When I sat down at the bus stop, I ignored the disheveled woman at the end of the bench. Very quickly a man sat down next to me who asked lots of questions. Ignore? Engage? Be rude? Be friendly? So many decisions for a Monday morning. When it came down to it, I was more guarded than usual, but still kind to him. I think that’s what He asks of us, and I wanted to obey.
But, I didn’t want to be kissed. Which is what almost happened. A homeless man tried to kiss me. And when I said “NO YOU CANNOT KISS ME!” he asked why not? And when I explained why not, in a calm but stern voice, he moved in closer. And when I jumped up, he touched my butt in the most creepy and scary way. And that, my friends, is when I pulled out the finger…not the middle finger…but the stern, mom-like pointer finger. Confidence and anger mixed together like I’d never experienced before. “Look at me! Look me in the eye,” I shouted. When he finally did, I told him to never, EVER, EVER try anything like that ever again with me or anyone. I threatened calling the police. I may have used the word “inappropriate.” Oh gosh…I probably looked like a lunatic to anyone passing by.
“I better go,” he whispered.
“Yes,” I said. “You’d better.”
That’s when he walked out in the street in front of a moving car. He didn’t get hit, but traffic had to stop before he ran to the other side. I realized how confused he looked. He wasn’t healthy.
I walked over to the woman who sat at the end of the bench. I felt a connection to her like I hadn’t earlier. I was going to hop on a bus, and walk away from any danger on the streets. She was up against men like this all the time.
“Are you scared?” I asked.
“Sometimes,” she said.
I didn’t get her name before leaving, but I’ve thought about her a lot since then. For a short moment, I felt a connection to her as a woman that I hadn’t experienced before. I felt the weight she carries, and also the strength she must have to get by.
I am so proud that I didn’t crumple when I needed to stand tall. I hope she continues to stand tall, too.
I stood in my closet, right foot resting flamingo style on the left knee. This is my thinking pose; and on Monday night I needed to make an important fashion decision for the following day.
Most days, getting dressed is a short process that happens while brushing my teeth in the morning. My office allows us to dress casually, so unless I have a meeting or event, I don’t need to look perfectly put together—which is fortunate because I’m not a perfectly put together type of girl. My makeup is minimal, my hair is usually straight, and the clothes I wear are often from Target.
I’ve always wanted to dress nicer than I do. Don’t most women say that? Even the ones who are always well dressed? I remember feeling fashion challenged for the first time in sixth grade when all the other girls got body suits and Guess denim shorts. Suddenly, the clothes I had from Limited Too didn’t seem as mature. My mom assured me I looked cute, but I sure didn’t feel as sophisticated as all the other girls.
Sophisticated is exactly how I wanted to feel on Tuesday night. A co-worker and I were nominated for a business award in Sacramento. It was an honor I didn’t expect, and one I felt highly unqualified to win. For that reason, I wanted to look the part of an actual adult. I didn’t want to be the 28 year old kid who shows up to a bar wearing Limited Too when everyone else has on body suits and Guess shorts.
I tried on several outfits. None of them seemed right. How do girls know which shirts go with which pants? When do I need a skinny belt? Can people see my bra through this? Does an undershirt look silly? It’s spring—but it’s raining—so what shoes do I wear? Open? Closed? And, do I have time for a pedicure?
Jonathan didn’t really get it. His most difficult fashion decision each day is deciding what tie to wear. Oddly enough, even this decision can be a challenge for him. And while he gently poked fun of my dramatic closet scene, I found myself lecturing him about how the importance of this very moment and how it might translate to the rest of my career. Was it overly dramatic? Um, yes. (*blush*) But, was it somewhat true? Possibly. Women remember what other women wear—right or wrong—and first impressions count. It’s no wonder we worry so much about finding the perfect skinny belt.
I settled on a short sleeved Target blouse and brown skinny pants. My older heels would have to work, and I’d go without a belt since I don’t own one. The next morning before leaving the house I decided to grab a vintage yellow necklace I’d purchased earlier that week at a consignment store. I’d never shopped at a consignment store before, and it’s rare that I buy jewelry for myself. The necklace was certainly, for me, a step outside the typical.
I fiddled throughout the day with my outfit. The shirt didn’t stay tucked in very well without a belt, and I was cold because of the rainy weather. I started doubting my choice of clothing as soon as I walked into the event not because I was dressed inappropriately but because I am new at this game of playing career woman.
After drinks and appetizers, the award presentation began. I didn’t win. I felt a sense of relief as soon as the last name was called. I wouldn’t have to tromp across that stage in heels with my shirt hanging out. I could go home, change out of the costume, and feel like a kid again.
Shortly after the program, a woman walked up. “You’re Lesley! I’ve wanted to meet you in person.” She was the owner of the consignment store where I’d bought the necklace, and she recognized me from Twitter. I smiled as my hand found its way to my neck.
“This necklace I’m wearing—“ I began.
“Is from our store? Yes. I know. My mom and I recognized it from across the room. It’s so cute. I’m glad you like it,” she said.
I stood a little taller, and smiled a little wider. My self worth isn’t based on appearances. It’s not based on winning an award either. But, in that very short moment, my yellow necklace made me feel like the grown woman I’d been pretending to be.
Maybe I don’t need that skinny belt after all.
photo credit: elsita on flickr [click to continue…]
