- Deb in Mad City (journal)
- ...because democracy... (political opinion)
- photos (favorite photography)
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Monday, April 30, 2007
This blog has moved!
Now that I have fewer Madison-specific posts (settling in!), I've consolidated my 3 blogs:
If you have subscribed via email, no changes are necessary, I am just sending to the Yahoo group from FeedBurner instead of from Blogger.
If you have subscribed via email, no changes are necessary, I am just sending to the Yahoo group from FeedBurner instead of from Blogger.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Moving on!
I have never been more miserable in a job than I have been in the one I currently hold. In fact, I
don't think I have ever been miserable in a job at all. Not even at Burger King! :-)
Of course, this is not something one blogs about until they have an alternative... So yes, I am pleased to tell you that I am leaving the startup tech company (the one that was acquired 8 weeks after I started) for an opportunity with an very well-established health care services firm. I'll be managing the staff overseeing their IT infrastructure (about 250 servers and a large storage environment) - work similar to what I enjoyed at DOT.
My new company seems like a great organization. They involved all the staff I'd be managing in the interviews, which says a lot about the company, and allowed me to meet what seems to be very talented, dedicated team of folks. When I discussed the importance of regular hours and having a life outside the office, my boss's boss reassured me by noting that, by interviewing me past 5:00, I had triggered cell phone calls from his wife wondering where he was! The benefits are good, and include domestic partner benefits, so Susan won't have to go back to self-insuring again.
Here's hoping this will be the job I long for -- challenging and rewarding work as part of a cohesive team, and work that does not follow me home every night.
I am so grateful for the support that Susan and others have given me in this extremely trying period. This job has had me tied up in knots for months, with Susan nearly single-handedly giving me the energy I needed to make it through.
Lucky. I am lucky.
don't think I have ever been miserable in a job at all. Not even at Burger King! :-) Of course, this is not something one blogs about until they have an alternative... So yes, I am pleased to tell you that I am leaving the startup tech company (the one that was acquired 8 weeks after I started) for an opportunity with an very well-established health care services firm. I'll be managing the staff overseeing their IT infrastructure (about 250 servers and a large storage environment) - work similar to what I enjoyed at DOT.
My new company seems like a great organization. They involved all the staff I'd be managing in the interviews, which says a lot about the company, and allowed me to meet what seems to be very talented, dedicated team of folks. When I discussed the importance of regular hours and having a life outside the office, my boss's boss reassured me by noting that, by interviewing me past 5:00, I had triggered cell phone calls from his wife wondering where he was! The benefits are good, and include domestic partner benefits, so Susan won't have to go back to self-insuring again.Here's hoping this will be the job I long for -- challenging and rewarding work as part of a cohesive team, and work that does not follow me home every night.
I am so grateful for the support that Susan and others have given me in this extremely trying period. This job has had me tied up in knots for months, with Susan nearly single-handedly giving me the energy I needed to make it through.
Lucky. I am lucky.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Home cities old and new
What a phenomenal day! Many, many people were at the first day of the farmer's market today, but Susan and I spent the morning out on 
the porch with our coffee, reading the paper, catching up on e-mail, relaxing as music streamed from the iPod dock through the open windows of the house (David Bowie's "Boys Keep Swinging," from Lodger, is still in my head). Neighbors came over to join us for a bit.
The winters here are cold for some people, but I am so, so grateful for the beautiful spring and summer here, days when I can be outside and active, comfortably. It was in the mid-70's today, which is more summer-like here. So after our leisurely morning, we set out on our bikes to go a
couple of miles down the bike trail to the Earth Day celebration at the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store. After browsing the tables and getting some leads on earth-friendly building resources, we came back past the house and rode on to the Weary Traveler, a neighborhood bar we hadn't made it to yet, for an early dinner. Like so many of the bars here (no smoking, yea!), they serve not only good beer, but good food; we shared the Thai Tom Ka Tofu soup, I had the Walleye sandwich with rosemary potatoes, and Susan had the vegan chili and cornbread -- all outstanding. Such a wealth of riches we have!
the porch with our coffee, reading the paper, catching up on e-mail, relaxing as music streamed from the iPod dock through the open windows of the house (David Bowie's "Boys Keep Swinging," from Lodger, is still in my head). Neighbors came over to join us for a bit.The winters here are cold for some people, but I am so, so grateful for the beautiful spring and summer here, days when I can be outside and active, comfortably. It was in the mid-70's today, which is more summer-like here. So after our leisurely morning, we set out on our bikes to go a
couple of miles down the bike trail to the Earth Day celebration at the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store. After browsing the tables and getting some leads on earth-friendly building resources, we came back past the house and rode on to the Weary Traveler, a neighborhood bar we hadn't made it to yet, for an early dinner. Like so many of the bars here (no smoking, yea!), they serve not only good beer, but good food; we shared the Thai Tom Ka Tofu soup, I had the Walleye sandwich with rosemary potatoes, and Susan had the vegan chili and cornbread -- all outstanding. Such a wealth of riches we have!But enough about my "new" city -- last weekend we returned to DC to visit with friends and family, about a year after our move to Madison. We flew in Thursday morning, and headed to the Eastern Shore to visit Susan's grandmother, Marion. We also got to see Aunt Kate and cousin Sammy! 
(Check out this picture of Susan and Marion -- some family resemblance, eh?) We also had a chance to stop in at 2 of our favorite spots in Easton: Coffee East, and Legal Spirits (for crab soup -- yep, Susan fell off the veggie wagon for that!). How lucky we were, that upon our return to Northern Virginia, we got to borrow Deb and Courtney's house while awaiting their return from Bonaire. Consummate hostesses, those two -- we were invited to make ourselves at home, and had at our disposal detailed instructions on everything from coffee-making to TV remotes (we made good use of the former, but chose their XMradio player for media instead)!
On Friday, we had breakfast with my stepfather, Vic. This was a very significant event, as we hadn't seen each other for 15 years; it was great to re-establish that connection.
(Check out this picture of Susan and Marion -- some family resemblance, eh?) We also had a chance to stop in at 2 of our favorite spots in Easton: Coffee East, and Legal Spirits (for crab soup -- yep, Susan fell off the veggie wagon for that!). How lucky we were, that upon our return to Northern Virginia, we got to borrow Deb and Courtney's house while awaiting their return from Bonaire. Consummate hostesses, those two -- we were invited to make ourselves at home, and had at our disposal detailed instructions on everything from coffee-making to TV remotes (we made good use of the former, but chose their XMradio player for media instead)! 
On Friday, we had breakfast with my stepfather, Vic. This was a very significant event, as we hadn't seen each other for 15 years; it was great to re-establish that connection.After breakfast, we went by a couple of Susan's former workplaces, Human Technology (not as scary as it sounds) and the Whitman-Walker Clinic. We also stopped by Susan's former neighborhood in Falls Church, and I literally wept for all of the perfectly good homes that were demolished in favor of new starter castles. It's one of the area trends that made us both want to move, and it only seems to be accelerating.
Food and friends was the theme of the weekend. On Friday night, Kyle & Peter allowed us to sate our long-deprived appetite for yummy food and margaritas at Austin Grill on Old Town Alexandria.
Saturday morning, we had brunch with Richard at Fireflies in Del Ray, then chili at Hard Times with Kris and Christina. Richard is one of the most influential people in my life, and although we aren't the best about regular communication, the connection remains strong. Kris is another of my oldest friends; we met in a traffic jam on the way out of my first (and last, thankfully) concert at Nissan Pavillion in the early 90's, soon after it had opened. This is a theme in my life, connecting with people around music... Susan introduced herself to me at a concert as well!
After lunch we met Kyle at Artomatic . If you're in the area, go; it's not as big as it's been in the past, but a much better space. These were some highlights for me:
After lunch we met Kyle at Artomatic . If you're in the area, go; it's not as big as it's been in the past, but a much better space. These were some highlights for me: - Rose Marie Salinas's birch paintings
- Diane E. Tesler's oil paintings
- Peeps on a train and the other Peeps art
- Aluminum can tab chair
- Christopher Chen photo
- "Walking Home with Pete"
Outside of the Artomatic venue (the old Patent Trademark Office building in Crystal City) before the show, Kyle was good enough to take a few pictures of Susan and I -- here's the one Susan submitted to her Lutheran high school reunion committee. :-)
After Artomatic, we went across the street to Roberto Donna's Bebo Trattoria for dinner with Richard and Michelle. I've never been to Donna's famous Galileo restaurant, but he opened this more casual Italian restaurant in Crystal City while its sister is being renovated. Most of the food was very good, although the service was pretty spotty.
On Sunday, Eva and daughter Melissa treated us to breakfast in their new house. Eva is a single mom who just recently bought a house in the DC area -- Susan and I are both in awe.
We returned to Deb & Courtney's to relax before our gathering at Whitlow's. I think I spent more time with those busy girls on this weekend than the whole time I knew them in DC, and it made me just that much more appreciative of their hospitality.
Late Sunday afternoon we had invited friends to join us at Whitlow's on Wilson. We were so very grateful to have a great many friends take us up on the offer. We had a great time catching up, and I don't have words to describe how much it meant to see you all there.
Late Sunday afternoon we had invited friends to join us at Whitlow's on Wilson. We were so very grateful to have a great many friends take us up on the offer. We had a great time catching up, and I don't have words to describe how much it meant to see you all there.While at Whitlow's, Courtney & Deb were exercising their substantial culinary skills on our behalf -- I know, how ridiculously lucky are we?! We enjoyed a fabulous meal featuring a salad with excellent homemade vinaigrette, 
roasted pepper soup with fried polenta croutons, and a main course of fettuccine with asparagus, shrimp, feta, lemon, basil... wow! I must admit, it was better than the meal at Bebo Trattoria - very impressive. (I made the sidecars!)
You can find more pictures of our trip here, and I'll let you know when all of Susan's pictures are up.
roasted pepper soup with fried polenta croutons, and a main course of fettuccine with asparagus, shrimp, feta, lemon, basil... wow! I must admit, it was better than the meal at Bebo Trattoria - very impressive. (I made the sidecars!)You can find more pictures of our trip here, and I'll let you know when all of Susan's pictures are up.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Going meta
My bicycle post was quoted on the home page of our groovy local free paper, the Isthmus (analagous to City Paper, for those in DC):
The first mention (Madison Guy) is a blog post associated with a Flickr photo that I had seen among my RSS feeds and commented on earlier in the day. The building he photographed is, in my opinion, one of the least attractive in the city, but it's a great shot.
The first mention (Madison Guy) is a blog post associated with a Flickr photo that I had seen among my RSS feeds and commented on earlier in the day. The building he photographed is, in my opinion, one of the least attractive in the city, but it's a great shot.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Bicycles and Buffleheads
Susan is on retreat in Kohler, WI, celebrating 20+ years of friendship with Scottie, and I have been asked to tell you about our crazy bicycle ride in a hail storm.
(Ok -- it wasn't a hail storm.)
Last weekend, we were determined not to go to the gym. How determined? Well, temperatures had plummeted since the record-setting highs we enjoyed during Shelley and Natalie's visit, but when we awoke last Saturday morning we found ourselves basking in fabulous sunlight. Yes! In spite of seemingly unending forecasts of clouds and rain, we had sun! It was still only 30-some degrees, but we had sun! We could ride our bikes today instead of using the dreaded cardio machines at the gym.
So, we had our coffee. Ate breakfast. Read the paper. Put on our gear.
Um hmm. By the time we were ready, it was cloudy. But just cloudy. Neither of us fear rain, so off we went. We rode toward Tenney Park, excited to see that the Yahara River Parkway path, which will go all the way from Lake Monona to Lake Mendota with underpasses at major roads, has almost been completed. Amazing to think that we had not yet made it to Tenney Park, just on the other side of the isthmus from our home! (I'm telling you, it is amazing how much there is to do here!)
Of course, as we made our way out to the lock, it started to rain. As we proceeded out to the lake, and got excited about all of the water fowl near the shore (more buffleheads*!), it began to pour, and the wind was gusting, I dunno, maybe 30 or 40 mph.
Now, here's where I'm supposed tell you how we proceeded on our ride without hesitation. Except we didn't. I biked myself to shelter, Susan good enough to follow, though of course she had to take a few photos on the way. That's my girl!
So, out of the wind for a minute or two, a bit warmer, we shoved off, on our way, determined to get to State St. for shopping (gifts, yea!) and Chipotle (a shared guilty pleasure in this land of few chain stores).
Perhaps it was the promise of Chipotle that inspired us. But we rode back across the isthmus, short-cutted up Monona Terrace (again, a minute in the bicycle-friendly elevator to warm up...), out toward the capitol. Down the other side, toward State St. Still pouring, harder wind!
But yes! We made it. Bought our gifts. Ate our burritos in warmth, and rode back home, with a story to tell.
* bufflehead ducks are cool... they dive completely under water, and pop up several feet away!
(Ok -- it wasn't a hail storm.)
Last weekend, we were determined not to go to the gym. How determined? Well, temperatures had plummeted since the record-setting highs we enjoyed during Shelley and Natalie's visit, but when we awoke last Saturday morning we found ourselves basking in fabulous sunlight. Yes! In spite of seemingly unending forecasts of clouds and rain, we had sun! It was still only 30-some degrees, but we had sun! We could ride our bikes today instead of using the dreaded cardio machines at the gym.
So, we had our coffee. Ate breakfast. Read the paper. Put on our gear.
Um hmm. By the time we were ready, it was cloudy. But just cloudy. Neither of us fear rain, so off we went. We rode toward Tenney Park, excited to see that the Yahara River Parkway path, which will go all the way from Lake Monona to Lake Mendota with underpasses at major roads, has almost been completed. Amazing to think that we had not yet made it to Tenney Park, just on the other side of the isthmus from our home! (I'm telling you, it is amazing how much there is to do here!)
Of course, as we made our way out to the lock, it started to rain. As we proceeded out to the lake, and got excited about all of the water fowl near the shore (more buffleheads*!), it began to pour, and the wind was gusting, I dunno, maybe 30 or 40 mph.
Now, here's where I'm supposed tell you how we proceeded on our ride without hesitation. Except we didn't. I biked myself to shelter, Susan good enough to follow, though of course she had to take a few photos on the way. That's my girl!
So, out of the wind for a minute or two, a bit warmer, we shoved off, on our way, determined to get to State St. for shopping (gifts, yea!) and Chipotle (a shared guilty pleasure in this land of few chain stores).
Perhaps it was the promise of Chipotle that inspired us. But we rode back across the isthmus, short-cutted up Monona Terrace (again, a minute in the bicycle-friendly elevator to warm up...), out toward the capitol. Down the other side, toward State St. Still pouring, harder wind!But yes! We made it. Bought our gifts. Ate our burritos in warmth, and rode back home, with a story to tell.
* bufflehead ducks are cool... they dive completely under water, and pop up several feet away!
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