Thank you, everyone!

UPDATE: Just to clarify on something, the ex and I talked about the blog issue and everything was resolved. I appreciated the conversation and understood why he said some of the things he originally blogged about (hey, I am a bit much to handle at times). So, just to point out - I have the utmost respect for him, that one particular comment just really got me, and I haven't been able to shake it off. His opinion means a lot because of the respect I have for him. If I didn't care, it wouldn't bother me. Anyway. back to the originally scheduled post...

I have now officially started letting people know about my departure from Duke and the Center for Leadership and Public Values. I sent out an e-mail at the beginning of the week to all of our Fellows in the US and South Africa, as well as all the participants in our Civil Society Program.

I always looked at myself as an "admin" person in this position. I made things happen, and that was the extent of my responsibility and influence. I think I was wrong. People have sent me some of the most heartfelt e-mails I have ever received - about times they have shared with me, how they will miss seeing me in Africa, and how proud they are of me for obtaining this new position.

I don't know if you guys remember my bitch and moan post when I ran across my ex-husband's blog earlier in the year. The point of that whole thing was that I was terribly hurt by him posting very mean comments about me in a public sphere - I don't believe I mentioned it in the post I am referring to on my blog, but one of the comments he made about me had something to do with my spending time in Africa and how people didn't want to hear anything from some white girl from the US. Reading that made me flinch for more reasons than one. Someone I shared my life with for that long actually thought of my job and my personality that way? and was he right? The comment has stuck with me ever since I read it.

I learned this week that he was wrong. All the Africans I met DID want to hear what I had to say. And everything they said to me was welcomed. I will miss Africa dearly - the friends, the memories, the scenery, the spirit that is Africa. I know I sound like a nut when I talk about it, but my time in South Africa was life changing. I take a lot of pride in knowing that I influenced people - if only slightly - that a white American girl sometimes may have something important to say.

What should I do?

I leave for Chicago on Thursday morning with Mike. He is participating in the annual APSA meeting, and I am tagging along for vacation. This is not my first trip to Chicago, but it is one of the first times I will pretty much be in control of my schedule for the days I will be there (note that the evenings are pretty much all scheduled). While Mike is in session and being the great political scientist he is, what should I do? Give me your suggestions! Tours? Museums? Shopping? Any other cool places? Help me plan an itinerary!!

Trip details: We arrive in Chicago about 1:30 Thursday afternoon and depart on Sunday around 4pm.

Dancing with the Stars

So, I have watched the show occasionally - usually when they get down to the last 4 or 5 dancers. BUT - if this is true, I will tune in from Day One. I read online today that one of the contestants may be none other than my favorite Indy car driver, HELIO CASTRONEVES!!! YAY!!!

The Death of Thursday

So, Thursdays are done. Not the actual day, but a weekly tradition that has been going on for almost a year and a half. Thursdays are $1.50 PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon) night at the Fed in Durham. Cookie and I started going each Thursday after work with a few friends from Public Policy, and we have kept up the tradition for quite some time.

It is now a new era. Cookie has now started the MALS program, the degree program I am about to finish up, and her first class this semester is on Thursday nights. Since we normally met about 5:30, moving it til 9:30 after her class doesn't really count as "after work drinks" anymore. Add on top of that my ever increasing waistline - and Thursdays will be put on hold for a while.

I will also be starting my new job in a matter of weeks - I don't know if it will even be possible for me to count on being out of work by 5:30 each Thursday evening. But, I will be working right down the street from Bull McCabe's - maybe they do a Tuesday drink special??? kidding. mostly.

Coaltion to Un-Chain Dogs

Here you go, Meredith - one big plug for the Coalition!

Folks, check out this website:

http://www.unchaindogs.net/

The stories here are very heartwarming, and the coalition is doing fantastic work. Please think of donating money, supplies or time to this great group. Also, on October 13, the group will be holding a benefit concert in Durham. Stay posted for more details!

Wolf-Dog as pet?

I'm currently in a debate with a professor of mine about the issue of exotic pets in North Carolina. I am pretty much 100% against private ownership of exotic animals- I think unqualified people looking for a cool accessory to show off to their friends end up having these animals more times than not. They get them, the kittens/pups/babies grow up and are too big to handle, then they end up living in substandard conditions with incorrect care, or they have to be sent off to a rescue group. They could also be exterminated. I think private ownership is a practice that should be banned in NC (we are one of nine states that has little to no regulation on the owning of exotic animals). A bill is in the NC Senate now which is looking to outlaw this practice. I wrote a whole paper on it this past semester. If you are that interested, let me know and I will send you the paper. Poor you. ha!

Anyway, one of the points of debate I am having with my professor is around the issue of Wolf-Dogs. These are mixed breed dogs with wolf in their lineage within the past five generations. Because there is no exotic animal bill in NC, these dogs are still legal here. They have been banned in many states. One of the organizations my prof is working with is called Full Moon Farm (http://www.fullmoonfarm.org/). If this NC Bill were passed, she would be out of business because she actually re-homes rescued animals. The Bill only allows sanctuaries to stay open if they do not breed and do not re-sell or re-place animals once in a rescue situation.

My prof thinks Full Moon is a great operation and a good middle-man for the wolf-dog situation. I am still sticking to my guns and thinking that people getting these dogs are still just getting them because they are "cool." They are part-wolf, man! I believe people don't get these dogs most of the time thinking - you know, I could really be an excellent protector of this animals. It would be great for this animal's well being if it were with someone like me. I believe that most people think, "How awesome would this be?? I could have a wolf - sure, I can take care of it fine - but man, it will be awesome." I'm sorry - I just have a problem with that.

With all of that being said, go look at the website and let me know your thoughts. Should individuals be able to have "wolf-dogs"? I'm really interested in what people have to say about this!

PIZZA

Sunday nights have now become rather serious cooking nights in Mike and I's household. We can usually relax a bit on Sundays after busy weeks and weekends, so with that time, I like to cook. Try something new, that we have never had - and see how it goes. This Saturday was something we had definitely eaten before, but not at this level. I wanted to make pizzas, but I wanted to make the dough myself. In the past, I assisted other people (when I say assist, I mean watch) making dough, but I had never done the whole process myself.

I scanned the internet and found a few interesting recipes, but I decided to turn to "The Joy of Cooking" and use their recipe for pizza dough. I followed it to the "t", so there is no need to describe an intricate process of production. I was a bit worried during the rising stage, as I thought the dough may have been too tough before. But, with Mike's help on the initial kneading and about an hour and 20 minutes to rise, the dough came out perfect.

As I do not have a rolling pin, I used a glass to roll out the dough. It worked just fine. The dough was very stretchy and smelled wonderful. Mike and I each made our own pizzas. He wanted pepperoni and Canadian bacon. I wanted lots of veggies and some soy pepperoni. Here was the end result:





This is Mike's pizza (left)!








This is my pizza (below)!!! I would love to share, but we both killed off half at dinner, then the next half for lunch Monday. This was such a great experience, I will definitely do it again!

One of the coolest things in Durham

UPDATE: In response to a comment left on this post, please take heed that I am not encouraging people to engage in irresponsible behavior. Although the quarry is available for swimming, do not attempt to swim there if you have poor swimming skills or are unable to tread water for an extended period of time. It is not a swimming pool - there is no shallow end - in fact, most of it is about 60 feet deep. There are no lifeguards. Don't do stupid stuff - if bad things continue to happen out there, the quarry could become off limits to everyone - therefore, if you make your way out there, be safe. Go with other people. Bring a float or lifejacket. With that being said - on to the original post!!

This weekend, I was privileged enough to be taken to Durham's "quarry." A seldom talked about, excellent place for those who call Durham home. Browsing the web, there are few mentions of this special place. The Eno River Association says this about the quarry:

Eno Quarry : From 1960-1964 stone was removed from this site for the construction of Interstate 85. After ceasing operation the quarry gradually filled with ground water leaving a 4 acre scenic pond next to the river. ..[the trail] is dangerous with steep drop offs, no shallow areas, depths at the banks generally exceeding 25 feet, and maximum depths of 60 feet. There are hidden hazards below the surface near the banks. Banks are difficult to climb. For safety, stay on the marked trail. There are openings on the bank suitable for fishing.

As you can see, nowhere in here does it mention swimming. But, we all know that is why nearly everyone goes to the quarry! The 4 acre swimming hole is absolutely pristine. The water is temperate and clear. The scenery is unmatched. It really is a little piece of heaven in Durham. Lauren took me out there yesterday. She had been trying to get me to go for ages, but I always resisted. I think I was just afraid of having fish touch me in a big pond. The fact that you do not (and cannot) touch bottom, is huge for me. To get in, you have to take a flying leap. Once you are in, settle onto your float or your fun-noodle (the floatie of choice for many at the quarry, as you have to hike in about a mile), and just relax. For thrill seekers, there is a large cliff at one side of the quarry, but the only way to clear the rocky edge is to take a running start far back from the edge. I don't have enough huevos to pull that off. To get out, there are a couple places on the bank that are fairly accessible to exit the water. Some slippery rocks to deal with, but one can figure it out.

If you do find your way to the quarry - don't bring alcohol. It isn't allowed, and there are rangers that patrol the area. Also, don't plan on getting in the water if you can't swim. That's an accident waiting to happen.

Oh, so you want to know how to get there? Sorry, folks, can't tell you. To keep this place quiet, it is best not to advertise it too much. I have already probably said too much here. But if you are really interested, ask around. You can figure it out :-)

Projekt Revolution

On Monday, Cookie, Lauren and I headed out to Raleigh in the afternoon to attend Projekt Revolution. I, myself, am not a huge fan of the bands that were playing (linkin park, HIM, my chemical romance), but I thought it would be fun to spend some time with my girls. Here's a few pics. Enjoy!

Cookie and I in the parking lot pre-gaming

Lauren is obviously pumped about the line-up!

Cookie staying HOTT
(check out my little Photoshop with the lipstick)

Restaurant Review: Xiloa

Xiloa
748 Ninth Street
Durham, NC
(919) 286-1430

As congratulations on my new job, my dear friend Cookie took me out to lunch today (along with a another friend of hers). After a line at the door was found at both Chai and Nosh, we decided to head on over to Ninth Street. Lauren visited Xiloa at the beginning of her new job and promised me there were plenty of veggie options (Cookie is now veggie herself!). So, we decided to try it out!

When we walked in to the small storefront (the old Torrero's on Ninth Street), we were surprised that the place was packed inside. All the tables but one were taken in the back. We grabbed some menus and scurried back there before we lost our chance. After perusing the menu, I realized that Lauren was very correct about the number of veggie options. Most items on the menu could be served either vegetarian or vegan.

We sat at the table for a bit with no service - the American part of me really came out, as I have never done well with the international standard of slow service. Eventually, we were greeted by a very busy woman, who turned out to be owner Ana. She was short staffed that day - there was one cook, and her. After being offered the list of some very in-depth natural sodas, we all decided on water. I didn't know what these sodas tasted like - and Ana informed us that although she had some moon berry in the store, she didn't have enough to offer it to everyone. "I have it, but I won't give it to you," is what she said. Hmm. Well, that's probably what I would want - just give me aqua.

I will run through the dishes we ordered and let you know what we all thought (the descriptions in parentheses are taken directly from the menu):

Indian Taco (your choice of beef, chicken, carne adovada or shrimp with beans or gallopinto piled on a flat piece of crisp frybread and topped with salad and cheese. The Indian Taco can also be made vegetarian with beans, rice, cheese and salad.) I had the vegetarian version of this dish. I ordered the regular size for $5.00. There is a large size for $6.80, but the regular was perfect. The frybread is very fresh - it tastes like funnel cake but without the sweet. On top of the bread is a stewlike mixture of zucchini, potato, carrot and beans with some rice. Excellent. The salad on top cools off the warm feeling you get from the stew. I was stuffed after eating this. Really, really hearty and healthy. And what an awesome lunch for $5.

Arozhongar (Mushrooms marinated and sauteed in a special spiced wine sauce piled over rice - vegan). Cookie ordered this dish. When placing the order, she asked "Can I have it with cheese?" I thought Ana would drop her order book. She very sternly told Cookie that NO, you cannot add cheese. If you want cheese, order something else. ha! Well, Cookie decided to stick with what the chef wanted to serve and took the cheese-less arozhongar. Thank goodness. This stuff was fantastic. Ana informed us that the recipe has 58 ingredients, and she has won numerous awards for this dish. I can understand why. The flavors were intoxicating. In some ways it reminded me of the flavors of West African food - curries with raisins, but it wasn't quite African. Just really amazing. This is probably the restaurant's signature dish. And it's vegan. yay!

Pork Nacatamales (These are a meal in themselves - chicken, pork or vegetables covered in moist corn meal masa with raisins and spices, wrapped in a banana leaf, steamed and topped with mild sauce. Vegan nacatamales are also available. Served with cabbage salad.) I obviously did not eat this, but our third guest at lunch, Jolynn, did. The dish was presented really well. The two rolls were placed on the banana leaf and the sauce over the corn masa provided a great contrast in color - itwas a very deep red. It looked amazing. She really enjoyed it, so you meat eaters will just have to try for yourselves!

Quesillos (A tortilla of boiled fresh mozzarella cheese on a corn tortilla smothered with pickled onions, cabbage salad and cream sauce). We all shared this dish. Xiola prides themselves on the freshness of their ingredients, and this dish is an excellent example of that commitment. The vegetables were all very crisp and very fresh tasting. Although the onions are pickled, there is not too much of a sour taste involved. Imagine a crunchier, tastier, cole slaw, and that is what tops the tortillas. The boiled mozzarella has a great texture and serves as a great compliment to the sweet of the cream sauce. Great, great dish to split with everyone at the table.

So, that was lunch at Xiola. Healthy, cheap and a flavor you probably aren't used to tasting. This is a great place for a meal - I will be going back very soon. Ana chatted with us as we checked out, and she looked a lot more relaxed having the lunch rush at its conclusion. While we dined, she talked with pride about her dishes, and it really shows with how happy all the customers were who were in the restaurant. Xiola is yet another great addition to Durham's ever growing cuisine scene.

Awesome

I went by Self-Help this morning and picked out my office. YAY!

UPDATE: If you are curious - it is on the 7th floor of the Self-Help building in downtown Durham. Unfortunately, I don't have any windows (all offices are given based on seniority), but my space is pretty darn spacious. Nice new furniture, away from elevator shafts and front doors - it should be a great place to work. I will need to create my own lighting system (yucky fluorescents), but I can get that done on a weekend! When I get moved in and set up in mid-September, I will share some pictures :-)

So proud

I was so proud of Mike last night! For the first time, he hosted trivia at the Joyce. Kyle, the normal MC, was just getting back from vacation, so he needed someone to fill in - as he would not have time to put together a quiz. Cookie has done the quiz in the past, but this time Kyle decided to give my sweetie a shot, since he had always talked about trying at some point.

Mike rocking the audio category.

In the beginning, I was going to stay away - let Mike write the quiz, and I could still play on my normal team. But, the temptation was too strong, and I switched to the other side. I helped Mike write and edit the quiz, as well as doing ground work for him on quiz night.

Anyway, it is nerve wracking to get an entire bar of people to quiet down, listen to your questions, and keep the bitching to a minimum. I think Mike did a fantastic job in all three categories. The questions were challenging but fun; the winner had 20 points, the lowest had 6; everyone seemed to have a good time; and the only "BOO" came when I selected my favorite team name (Fracking Cylons) and the whole bar yelled boo at one time. Geez. I didn't know people hated Battlestar so much! But I was happy with my decision - screw you guys!

Anyway, it was fun being on the other side of trivia last night. And Mike got a nice little check for doing the quiz. Nothin like hangin out at the bar and getting paid for it! ha! Good job, sweetie! I love you!

That's my baby!

A new era

I can't believe I am actually typing this. After five years and 10 months, I will be turning in my resignation at Duke later this week. I have been our center's program manager since the doors opened at the University. As hard as it is to do so, it is time to move on. I do not want to do administrative work as a career, so I need to take a step in another direction. And that direction is Self-Help.


I received the official offer letter today - asking me to join the Charter School Lending Team as a Program Manager. Yeah, I don't know either! This will be my first official "career change." It is a whole new field for me, but I know I can figure it out. I will be learning community development, lending and finance. Who would have ever thought I would be here? Not me! But I think this is an excellent next step in finding my place in trying to make communities stronger. How better to learn about community development than to give people money??

I am nervous - I am leaving a safety zone that has been fantastic. I have worked with some of the most amazing people in the world . Ambassador Joseph has been phenomenal. Lance has been fantastic. I will miss traveling to South Africa. I will miss my friends I work with at the University. There is a lot I will miss.

But I am looking forward to a new change. This is going to be great folks. I will keep you posted!

Post Secret

I have been a fan of Post Secret for a long time. I bought the original book for myself at Christmas in 2005. In 2006, I bought the second book for a good friend. I keep meaning to go out and buy the third. At any time, if you are feeling sad, distraught or just frustrated with life, it is very therapeutic to look through this book and see what the people all around us are feeling. Some secrets are funny, others tragic, some silly, some life changing. The art is beautiful - the cards themselves, the words written, and the project as a whole. I encourage you to read about the project here and watch the video below. To see new secrets posted every Sunday, go here: http://postsecret.blogspot.com/.

Find the bands

There are 75 bands "pictured" in this poster. Let's find them!! Click on the photo to see it larger.

I'll start us off (you can post a comment and give the answers you find):
1. Matchbox 20 (bottom of poster - matchboxes laid out showing"20")

Walk It Out, Fosse

If you need a good giggle, check this out. Fantastic.

Chili's is the new golf course.

I'm hooked. Now that my Master classes are finally done (I turned in my last regular paper yesterday - now, just a final project left!), I am giving myself until the end of August to relax and do fun things rather than worry about school. "The Office" has filled that space for the time being!

Netflix now allows you to watch 17 hours of movies/shows online with streaming video. It is the best thing ever. At lunch, I can watch an episode or two, or if I just have some time I want to kill at home, I can pop open the laptop and watch an episode.

I have no idea how I managed to not watch this show for so long. It is absolutely fantastic. Hey, I know I am really late on discovering this, but it is better late than never, right?

All of Seasons One and Two are on Netflix online. I still have a bunch to go, and I just can't wait to watch the next one. Dwight annoys the crap out of me (but what a wonderful job by the actor), I love the Pam and Jim storyline, and Michael is absolutely hilarious. Great characters, great plot, great setting. When will they make this into a musical? ha! I figure that once I get through the US version, I will switch over to the BBC version.

At home, I am finishing up Battlestar Gallactica as well - Season Four will start soon, and I have to be all caught up. The next season of nip/tuck starts in a few months as well! I haven't liked TV this much in a long time. woo hoo!

Yay for good TV, and yay for finishing my classes!

Two posts in one day!

OK, I had to post this. BEST SHIRT EVER.

Click on the picture to go to the Toothpaste for Dinner site and buy your own!

Restaurant Review: Rue Cler, Durham

Last Friday, Mike and I decided we wanted to go out for dinner. Not just the normal El Rodeo, but a nice, sit down dinner. We had heard good things about Rue Cler from a few folks, so we decided to try it out. I checked out their website Friday, and I realized that with a fixed menu, a vegetarian option may be tricky. I decided to check it out first and give them a call. The gentleman who answered the phone put me on the line with a sous chef, Jason, and Jason explained that in the first course, there are almost always two veggie options. In the second course, there is at least one, and he said for the main course, I should just alert my waiter and the chef would make a veggie dish just for me. I was sold.

Now, let me explain how Rue Cler is set up for dinner. They have an a la' carte menu - which Mike has decided he may try next time. For our first experience eating there though, we wanted to fry the fixed price menu. It is $25 per person, three courses. The menu has three choices for each course.

First course: Mike had vichyssoise (cold leek soup), and I had a watercress salad with mandarin oranges, candied pecans, and goat's milk feta. SO SO SO yummy. We both enjoyed the first course a lot!

Second course: Mike was a bit nervous about his choice. The three choices were a duck crepe, rabbit in something, and then an asparagus and egg dish. He chose the duck, and I believe he was pleasantly surprised. I had asparagus with an over easy egg and Bearnaise sauce. It actually reminded me of when my mom would make "dippy eggs" as a kid - make the eggs over easy, then drain the yolks onto the plate. We would dip toast in them. Sounds strange, but it is actually pretty damn good. So, I got to have "dippy eggs" with asparagus :-)

Third course: Mike selected a pork dish with field peas, and I got to have the "chef's choice" vegetarian dish. I actually had no idea what would come out of the kitchen - which was actually a bit exciting. I got a crepe filled with all sorts of fresh veggies - eggplant, squash, zucchini, field peas, mushrooms - yum. And on top of the crepe was a tomato sauce that is absolutely indescribable. The color was almost pink - and it tasted like the absolute freshest tomatoes on the planet. It was fantastic.

We were too full for dessert, but the dessert menu included a few types of ice cream made in house, a pot du chocolat, and creme brulee. Instead, we settled for a pot of French press coffee. Originally we planned on going out on the town a bit after dinner, but once we were done with dinner, we were so full and happy we just decided to head home.

If you haven't visited in a while (or ever), go checkout Downtown Durham - the rennovations are fantastic, and the businesses opening up are really great. Rue Cler was a fantastic dining experience, and I know we will go back. The fantastic restaurant selection in Durham is really something. And Rue Cler is an excellent addition. (For Durham natives, Rue Cler is another project by the same folks who do Pop's)