May 20, 2006

Mark Twain and Mojitos

I handed in my revised thesis today. Matthew took me to a movie to celebrate, and now we are winding down with some reading and yummy drinks. We're trying to expand our library a bit--the modern part of it, that is-- as we seem to own a ton of pre-modern literature, economics texts, theology books, and literary criticism but very little else. On the search for some light reading, Matthew ended up with Puddin' Head Wilson (a wonderful piece by Twain; I recommend it). I have required reading to do: Aphra Behn's "The Widow Ranter." Funny enough, I might have actually picked something like that up anyway. I'm in a book club (I know, WHY would I be in a club that makes me read MORE than I do already?!?), and we've read Wiesel's "Night" and Alexander McCall Smith's "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency." Next up is "The Mermaid's Chair," which I have yet to start.

What are your favorite books? Write in with your picks and a quick blurb about why you'd recommend them!

May 2, 2006

Just call me Lance...


G's first road bike!
Originally uploaded by gennabby.
Matthew's gift to me for Mother's Day and for my MA graduation is this wonderful bike! We tried out lots of bikes, and this one was the winner (by a long shot). This morning Matthew and I went for an 11 mile ride. For cyclists, this might seem like a paltry distance, but I feel like I should win a jersey for making it home in one piece! I really enjoy the smoothness and the speed, and I realize now why cyclists (NOT "bikers") like Davis so much-- no hills. Our ride today averaged about 13 miles per hour, though the other day I was riding 19 mph with the help of a tail wind!

The best part of the ride was the trip back, when I felt more comfortable and solid on the bike (and I knew lunch was right around the corner). The worst part of the ride was getting sprayed by Matthew as he blew his nose into the wind. Gross. It was a light mist, but still. I think I'm going to like riding. I'll keep you posted. My goal for the summer is to be able to ride from Davis to Winters (have coffee and breakfast at Putah Creek Cafe) and ride home-- a 30 mile loop.