Kentucky

If you asked me to name all 50 states I might forget Kentucky.

And when I think about Kentucky, well, I don't really think anything (except maybe the Derby).

Until mid-October.  Apparently there is excellent rock-climbing in the Red River Gorge in Kentucky.  I joined up with my sister and some of her pals and we climbed some rocks.

Have you ever heard the expression "Give me a leg up?"
Well, here's a new one
"Give me a cheek up"

Orange is my favorite color.  I loved that my harness was orange.  

One of my favorite parts of the trip was visiting a Wal*Mart on Saturday night in somewhere Kentucky.  It was a sociological thrill.

Apparently, most pictures rock climbers take of each other are butts or cleavage.  I'm more of a boobs girl but here you have the other half.

I'm not a moderate. But I play one online.

Up In The Air

No, I don't have any vegan options, but would you like a side of eyeballs?

You must remember growing up the awesome house that gave out full size candy bars on Halloween (you also probably remember the house that gave you fruit, or a toothbrush).

Well, this year that was me.

At least I thought full size candy bars were awesome until one kid asked me if I had any vegan treats.
Wow.  I wanted so much to give him coal.  Wait.  Wrong holiday.

I made a Trick O Treating Drive Thru.

Kiddies could order candy bars by number - using the marquee below.

We also offered a side of eyeballs.

Here it is in action

I finally discovered a downside to my job

When people ask me how I lost weight my answer was simple:  Math.
(eat less + exercise more = less calories = less pounds)

I understand it's not that simple.  Lack of self-control can make getting in shape really difficult.

Self-Control is a research interest at the lab.  Many people lack self control and make choices based on the short term at the expense of the long term (earth-shattering).

I've been slacking off about working out lately.
Why?  Because sometimes I just don't feel like it - even when I know I'll be happy I went.  And, I also tell myself  "This is a very human way to feel and a very human way to act.  I think I'm not like everybody else, but I am."

This is bullshit, excusing myself like this.   I know better.  I must do better.

Working The Fair

The NC State Fair isn't really important to me.  I find it crowded, smelly, expensive, and the parking is impossible.  Yes, good people watching but I see enough of that elsewhere.  I've also been to other state  fairs (MN, NH) and I don't find them to be all that different.

I've lived here 6+ years and never made it to the fair.  I tried the first two years and was thwarted by weather and parking.  Then I was like "I don't do the State Fair."

Until our lab has an opportunity to bring out research mobile to the fair.  It's basically a lab on wheels.  The outside reminds me of Xanadu.  I made the remark when I first saw it and I think it was lost on everyone due to age and growing up in another country.

And here's my "worker badge."  This game with a parking pass too.

I live in a house

In a community where there's a neighborhood watch.

And we watch.

Beware kids.  If you sit in an unfamiliar car with an unfamiliar boy "talking" - you will get watched.

And I will laugh.  Because I am not that teenager or that mom.

And I will feel a little sad.  Because I am not that teenager or that mom.

Blood, sweat, tears and hair.

I still haven't forgiven the neighborhood deers for the massacre on my front yard.  I briefly considered learning archery and sleeping outside in the front yard.

Instead, I got my hair cut.
And kept it.

Human hair is a deer repellant.  There is a plastic Target bag in my mud room with my hair in it that's making it's way to the garden.

I'm not sure if that's awesome or gross.  I'm not sure I care.  Billy Jean and the Jackson Five (it's much easier to name plants instead of remember what they're called) are making a comeback.