like the wind

Believe it or not, I do have some pride. Not much. But a little.
Most of the time, however, I am simply trying to avoid being ridiculed by my significant other for my various tastes. In particular, should I happen to ever enjoy any music that is remotely hip or Pitchfork-y, I will never be able to listen to it without being made fun of.

Piss on all of that for the moment.
I really like the new Real Estate record. It is super-dreamy. And it is my new go-to. It makes me want to take long drives out to Lone Star Lake with the windows rolled down.

you cannot escape your density

In the past couple of weeks, I have read more than a couple of books. I'm going to get to the point and provide one-sentence reactions to the material.

1. Bossypants by Tina Fey :: Negates a bit of the charm of 30 Rock because the book is basically a behind-the-scenes of the TV show; a behind-the-scenes with Tina Fey as the tour guide where nothing really happens.

2. She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb :: I avoided it, writing it off as overhyped and Oprah-esque but should not have as it captivates with unflattering honesty, satisfying realism, and a protagonist worth knowing.

3. Truth & Beauty: A Friendship by Ann Patchett :: A memoir of friendship marred with hardship (I think I would have hated Ann Patchett were I Lucy Grealy) but I was most interested in the tales of being a professional writer - what with the residencies and book advances and readings and such.

the view from here: 6

glossies

This arrived recently, all shiny and slick:

 Though it may be difficult to tell from these photos, a resin-based topcoat has made the pedals even more badass.

what i work for: 1

no way will I ever learn how to braid 

one of the best places on the planet

that's the way we get by

I probably shouldn't drink coffee considering what my guts have been through. Pretty harsh on the ol' belly and I always get crabby after succumbing to a cup, whining about my discomfort. But really how else does a person sustain any sort of an existence without a little assistance from caffeine?

I do much better with cold press. The brewing process is lengthier and the result (for various other reasons, I am sure) is a less acidic coffee for me to consume. Having been a short-term barista at a kinda sorta fancy coffee shop with a knowledgeable staff, I learned to make the cold press but more importantly the iced coffee drinks from the cold press.

Last summer I discovered another local shop that sells growlers of cold press for about $10/refill. You can't beat that. Though one of these days, I might have to make the leap and buy my own toddy for home brewing.

books, check 'em out.

Hey guys! So, remember when I got all sorts of worked up about the whole women writers thing and the Pulitzer and chick lit? Yeah, it happened. BUT, now I have actually read A Visit From the Goon Squad and want you to know it is really terrific. I think it was kind of made for me. (Though, admittedly, when I read something I like, I always think that.)
A Visit From the Goon Squad is about music and relationships and technology and the oh-so-scary future and the way it was back in the good old days. And it was ingeniously directed by Egan. It almost made me mad because I always believed it was possible to successfully incorporate so many different points of view in a story but was discouraged for a time by evil outside influences. But now I know: It is possible!

Seriously, such a wonderful book to wonder about. Highest recommendations.