Eat, Pray, Love - Restoration Central

I have been reading Elizabeth Gilbert's most recent book, Eat, Pray, Love and I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. I was skeptical. Eat, yes! Pray, no and Love?.... come on... how corny. But, I was silly to think that way. I haven't been able to put the book down and when I go to work, I agonize over what might happen next and when I am actually reading it, it makes me think that I need to take a year off and do exactly what she did. Learn Italian, pray in an Ashram and find balance in Bali.

The book is about a woman restoring herself, by herself and considering the few years I have had, I need and have been trying to do that. Surprisingly, that is what me getting my Ph.D is all about. Doing what I have always wanted to do, because it suits me. Only to find out that getting a Ph.D is stressful, not restorative.

On another note, and one that is convincing me even more that I need to continue on my path of restoration, I found old pictures of me from 2004 and 2005. I hate to say it, but man, I was good-looking. From sickness, depression, arguing and stress, I have turned into a sour, cuban puff ball. I have decided enough is enough. A friend of mine and myself are now training for a 5k and I am hoping this will reduce my sickliness, depression, stress and energy to argue. Monique ran a 10k, and it really inspired me to get back into the game. I have to admit I am bored in NC. so very bored. And boredom in an aries is not a good match. Just like leaving Lollipop in a room all to herself is not a good idea.

Article on Miami Politics

Miami Politics:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/magazine/13CUBANS-t.html

I hurt my foot!

Newest news:

While running I fell and really hurt my foot. The doctor says I have several hairline fractures and could be in a limited mobile state for at least a month! UGH!!!!!! I need to run.!!!!!! I need to sleep now. ugh.

And it hurts so much! It is swollen and hurting like crazy. Oh well.

some pictures....

It's been a while.....

Life got a little hectic this year.... with hundreds of pages in papers due, grading and researching abroad.... I was unable to dutifully attend to this little site. Only now I have time to think a bit about trivial pursuits such as writing nonchalantly on the web. Lollipop is huge compared to the pictures I last posted on the web and I have made good friends and finally developed a routine for my daily life here in Chapel Hill. This mainly includes working as a nanny (I am on summer break....), reading, sleeping, running or walking with Lolli, cooking and having tea or coffee with my friendly neighbors.

Today I went to the Eno River Festival and was surprised to see how many people attended. The festival was fun and reminded me of a southern version of the San Diego County fair. Mamta, Pavan and I all attended and the best part was wading in the river after walking around for a few hours. Ironically, after warning mamta and pavan about wearing their sandals in the water and how that might cause them to fall because they would not be able to feel how slippery the rocks were, I put on my shoes and fell into the water. My whole backside was soaked for the rest of the day. But this even turned out to be positive because it was so hot outside, that this helped to keep me cool. After going to the festival, I was going to attend a bbq, but then it started to pour down rain and was unable to leave the house.

Right now I am reading Maximum City which is a book about Bombay. It is a great book, which details the experiences of a man who was born in Bombay, but eventually would live and commute between New York and India. I think the next place which I would like to see is India. I have made many Indian friends this year and all the different colors, flavors, and humor really attract me. I am curious to know what it would be like to live there.

Mamta has taught me how to make a few dishes, including: Palak Paneer, Egg Subchi (Curry), Potato Stew, Marabali Chicken Stew, Uttapam with Coconut Chutney, Tomato Paneer and Butter Chicken. The other day we went to a market named "Around the World" and I actually started to sweat from excitement. They had everything I could possibly imagine and then more! Mangos from the Phillipines, tiny papaya, chilis, guayaba paste, a bakery.... everything. It reminded me of a tiny section of Devon street in Chicago.... which I miss.

Outside of that, I have eaten Cuban food in Cuba, somewhat good Mexican food here in Chapel Hill and lots of organic NC summer produce (blueberries being my favorite).

Anyway, that is the most recent news.... i.e. what I have been doing for the past week. I will post pictures soon.