Steamy, Slow Life
After being in the pleasant temperatures and balmy breezes of Sweden and Iceland, Boston feels positively tropical. Keith and I are always sweating here. Just walking home from the bus stop the last few days has been a sticky situation--literally. By the time I get home, my clothing is sticking to me from all the sweat as my cats dance around me begging for their mid-day meal.
After several days in the high 80s, low 90s (that's about 30-35 degrees Celsius for those of you who use metric) with a decent amount of humidity in the air and bright sun, I'm ready for fall. As I sleep in our living room the last few nights underneath our lovely air conditioner (unfortunately, one does not fit in our bedroom) I am dreaming of crisp fall air, apple cider, darker evenings, and colorful leaves. Crazier still, I'm looking forward to the return of the students and the absence of the tourists.
Even though it is a mere two weeks since we got back, it feels like two months. Work life has been steady but quiet--rather slow paced. After being back in the midst of travel where just talking and going places is a challenge, regular life seems downright boring. Crazy because we've done some fun things these last few weeks--going to two movies, reading the latest Harry Potter, attending a party, going to the Harvard farmer's market, having friends over... We're going to an F&M alumni function Saturday and Keith will be working on a lot of his freelance stuff.
Keith and I are still thinking of relocating someday to Sweden (no, that hasn't passed and I doubt it will for me at least) and I'm signing up for Swedish classes for the academic year at Harvard College(intermediate level, since that's the highest offered) to improve. I'd like to improve regardless, so, hey--why not. I think though that this weekend I'll spend less time thinking about that and more about long-abandoned projects--sketching out my family tree, organizing photos, maybe finally beating Harvest Moon. Maybe invite some friends over.
Next week the goal is to get back to the gym now that I am completely ear-infection free and I finished antibiotics. Both Keith and I have little moments when our throats spasm and we cough a little, but its practically gone.
If there's anything I can suggest to anyone on what to do with these last dog-days of summer is to go see "Sicko." Even if you don't like Michael Moore and his political polemics. I have never seen "Roger and Me" but this film seems to transcend political boundaries because the issue is something so far reaching amongst average Americans. Mr. Moore asks the same question that I've often thought of my compatriots in that "What have we become?" If its one thing I've never gotten about my native land, is the indifference and downright lack of empathy we feel for our fellow citizens here. Even if a socialized approach to medicine is never adopted in this country (and there are many ways to skin a cat--I think we need a uniquely American solution) I think we could all benefit as people by thinking more about our neighbors.
After several days in the high 80s, low 90s (that's about 30-35 degrees Celsius for those of you who use metric) with a decent amount of humidity in the air and bright sun, I'm ready for fall. As I sleep in our living room the last few nights underneath our lovely air conditioner (unfortunately, one does not fit in our bedroom) I am dreaming of crisp fall air, apple cider, darker evenings, and colorful leaves. Crazier still, I'm looking forward to the return of the students and the absence of the tourists.
Even though it is a mere two weeks since we got back, it feels like two months. Work life has been steady but quiet--rather slow paced. After being back in the midst of travel where just talking and going places is a challenge, regular life seems downright boring. Crazy because we've done some fun things these last few weeks--going to two movies, reading the latest Harry Potter, attending a party, going to the Harvard farmer's market, having friends over... We're going to an F&M alumni function Saturday and Keith will be working on a lot of his freelance stuff.
Keith and I are still thinking of relocating someday to Sweden (no, that hasn't passed and I doubt it will for me at least) and I'm signing up for Swedish classes for the academic year at Harvard College(intermediate level, since that's the highest offered) to improve. I'd like to improve regardless, so, hey--why not. I think though that this weekend I'll spend less time thinking about that and more about long-abandoned projects--sketching out my family tree, organizing photos, maybe finally beating Harvest Moon. Maybe invite some friends over.
Next week the goal is to get back to the gym now that I am completely ear-infection free and I finished antibiotics. Both Keith and I have little moments when our throats spasm and we cough a little, but its practically gone.
If there's anything I can suggest to anyone on what to do with these last dog-days of summer is to go see "Sicko." Even if you don't like Michael Moore and his political polemics. I have never seen "Roger and Me" but this film seems to transcend political boundaries because the issue is something so far reaching amongst average Americans. Mr. Moore asks the same question that I've often thought of my compatriots in that "What have we become?" If its one thing I've never gotten about my native land, is the indifference and downright lack of empathy we feel for our fellow citizens here. Even if a socialized approach to medicine is never adopted in this country (and there are many ways to skin a cat--I think we need a uniquely American solution) I think we could all benefit as people by thinking more about our neighbors.
posted by Alyssa at 3:38 PM
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