Illegal in Oz

Where I've slept in 2010

goat — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 01:09:24 GMT

Oakland, CA
Hawthorne, NY
Berkeley, CA
San Francisco, CA
Wilbur, CA
Copperopolis, CA
Middletown, RI
Newport, RI
Portchester, NY
Carmel, CA
Los Angeles, CA
San Simeon, CA
North Lake Tahoe, CA
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Black Rock City, NV
Reno, NV
North Truro, MA
Siangan, a small village near Ubud, Indonesia
Legian, Indonesia
Senggigi, Indonesia
Gili Air, Indonesia
Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
Sanur, Indonesia
Bangkok, Thailand
2 overnight trains traversing Malaysia & Thailand
an overnight bus in Malaysia
an overnight bus in Laos
some airplanes over the Pacific, Asia & US
Singapore
Malaka, Malaysia
Georgetown, Malaysia
Thakek, Laos
Konglor, Laos
Kuan Kham, Laos
Thalang, Laos
Luang Prabang, Laos
Muang Ngoi, Laos
Nong Khiaow, Laos
Some random tiny village off the Nam Ou (river) in Laos
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Pai, Thailand

This year has seen a lot of movement!

The not so hot

goat — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 02:30:41 GMT

Sick (a bad cold this time), tired and just found out a family friend passed away unexpectedly last weekend. Wish I could skip school today and rest, but when would I make it up? Currently skipping morning exercises for the 2nd day in a row. Bleh.

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On Adventure

goat — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:30:27 GMT

After waiting for a bus to another bus station in Vientiane, Laos, for 40 minutes, knowing neither if we were in the right place nor going to the right place, and having a difficult time communicating with the locals:

Me: We're having an adventure.

Ted: Sometimes adventure looks an awful lot like waiting.

Me: Sometimes adventure is boring!

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Marina

goat — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:29:33 GMT

One night while on Gili Air, a relaxed Muslim island, we went to an all night dance party at our favorite bar. The dance floor was lined with a slew of local men, aged 12 and up. The only women were tourists, except for one local woman wearing long pants, and a cute tank top, her long dark hair whipping around as she danced with untrained passion. Marina chatted with us later in the night, telling us how all the rest of the women on the island were too scared to come out dancing. While the boys were allowed to roam free from a young age, the girls were expected to stay home, and this attitude lasted throughout their lives. Those who were not too scared to come out were prohibited from doing so by their husbands. Strong-willed Marina would have none of that.

She told us she had a good husband, and even so it was sometimes hard. She four children, two of them girls. Her oldest daughter had been sent off to Lombok to go to an international school by a Canadian friend, a boon in a land where the local Muslim school only accepts boys and the quality of the public school is dubious. I felt thankful for her little girls having such a strong mother but slightly worried for them knowing some of the challenges they'll face in subverting the system. And all the while filled with hope that women (and all people for that matter) will one day be viewed as equals able to live their lives as they choose, wherever in the world they may be.

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In Penang

goat — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:29:44 GMT

This trip, while wonderful in many ways, has been very hard on me. From homesickness to digestive issues to dehydration and mental issues. This morning I realized how bad the depression had gotten and sought out a Chinese doctor. I spent more money on herbs than I care to admit, but I feel like it has already helped. Being in the presence of the medicine, talking with the doctor, watching the pharmacists dole out large quantities of herbs, known and unknown to me, was a salve for my soul. Something about constanly being on the move, having no real friends other than Ted, makes it much harder for me to regulate my emotions. The positive side of this, other than seeing some amazing places is that it has been such a great petri dish for my personal growth. I've started drawing again, I've committed to doing one wellness oriented thing per day, I am giving myself structure. I cannot emphasise how big an achievement that is for me.

I am doing the things that I love because I love them, without (or with little) fear that I'm not good enough...that I shouldn't create unless I have the approval of at least a few others. And I like what I'm doing.

I am not sure who or what I have to thank for my tenacious spirit. It is truly a gift that has gotten me through the toughest of times. This alchemy of my soul would not be possible without it.

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Gili Air

goat — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 05:29:09 GMT

I'm lying on our daybed with kittens and listening to the surf. A few locals pass by wishing us goodnight and sweet dreams. It's times like this, after having had our best meal in Indonesia to date (not a difficult feat, but still delicious), that it's hard to resist the temptation to just stay on Gili Air until our time in SE Asia is up. We could get to know the locals and watch the kitties, particularly Ozzy and Little Half Tail, grow up. We could find out what interests we develop on an island with little tv or Internet. Perhaps I'd work up to an hour of pranayama per day, or take up painting again. Maybe we'd get very into yoga or work for the dive shops in exchange for time underneath the ocean. I could take in the fungal sacrament of the island on a regular basis, fueling my spiritual growth. I'd have the time and luxury to build my reserves of inner peace and qi, perhaps making me a better acupuncturist.

But, I have a feeling we will move on at our appointed time. Instead of learning one place in depth we will see the surface of many places. I will have to learn how to hold on to my inner peace despite the trials and frustrations of months of travel. I will probably not paint, nor will I get to do many dives, nor get to watch the kittens grow up. But, I will grow in ways both expected and not, and have many wonderful experiences in my travels.

As always, I am really curious and looking forward to experiencing all the different ways this trip will change me, yet slightly bittersweet about what I must leave behind

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Homesick

goat — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 05:20:58 GMT

I'm having a good time and will have plenty of stories to tell when I get home, but I am kind of suprised at how homesick I am right now. Hopefully it will pass. I just really liked where I was with my life when we left, while at the same time recognizing that having the guts to take this trip is a large part of the reason my life was where it was. 12 weeks until we're home. Can't wait til New Years Eve and seeing so many friends again.

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Waking up in Bangkok

goat — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 01:33:31 GMT

I have been changing so rapidly lately I have barely been able to keep up with myself. Nevermind how busy i've been with school, packing, burning man and making sure I saw everyone I wanted to see before departing for our trip.

This morning I woke up early, so with several hours before we even had to be at breakfast I decided to do some self care. It was so good to have those hours to myself to rest and recharge. I started with 15 minutes of pranayama breathing, followed with a few minutes of stretching, then one of the best baths of my life. I soaked, I stretched, I let cold water pour over my legs and feet, a delicious contrast to the hot water enveloping me. Perhaps most importantly I spent quite some time sloughing old skin cells off my entire body. It was therapeutic to release myself that way, to listen to the water whisk old bits of me as it flowed down the drain.

Goodbye to the old me who didn't take enough risks, who cared too much about what other people thought of her, who didn't follow through on nearly enough of her crazy ideas and solid instincts. And thank you to her too for doing so much of the hard work, for choosing so many wonderful paths and compatriots, for making the difficult choice of throwing caution to the wind and embarking on this journey.

Hello to the me that I am and will be, for all the good and bad, strength and softness, and love and opportunity that that encompasses.

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Dance - Burning Man 2010

goat — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 20:37:01 GMT

This year was a lot (a lot) about dance for me. On Monday afternoon we were down by Center Camp, and Ted had something he had to go do, so I got drawn into a blues dancing class. It was interesting and awkward, with men accidentally (or not?) pressing their bits into me, pulling my chest too close, or feet getting all tangled up, with the occasional person who had a better sense of partner dancing.

After class, almost everyone left, but they kept the music playing for a free dance period. It was during this time that Nina Simone's Feeling Good came on....and it was the perfect moment. This is a song I'm rather familiar with, and fits my body oh so well....I played with a fusion of belly dance and ballet, with a smattering of salsa thrown in with Ted to work off of, my hips luscious and my feet sure, doing spins and pirouettes all circles and sinuous lines....and I felt so connected, and people were watching me...cute people were watching me, even...that always pushes me even deeper into the moment, deeper into the dance.

I wish I had spent more time at that camp....and more time dancing in general. I wish I had discovered Hookahdome at any point before Friday of this year (seriously? how could I have never discovered Hookahdome as anything other than a place to lounge during the day in years past?).

Tonight I go out clubbing...and hopefully the music is good. I'm not done with dancing yet.

Quick Question

goat — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:33:11 GMT

Does anyone know where to get a pair of cheap Rx sunglasses? Preferably online? I need a new pair for our 3-month SE Asia trip, but am hoping to get away with paying as little as possible. I have googled, but am having trouble separating the wheat from the chafe. Thanks!

Difficult Decision

goat — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 04:17:55 GMT

We've had Snuffles for 6 months now, and he has come such a long way...from skittish scaredy cat who wouldn't come near us to a little loving snuggler (who is still shy, but the sweetest cat I have ever met). We've taken the plunge and are going on our extended trip to SE Asia. We have subletters arriving in a few weeks who will take care of our 3, but there's no room for a 4th with Snuffle's room being used as a bedroom.

It's coming to the point where we have to make a very hard decision, unless we find someone to take him ASAP. We've called nearly every rescue, and no one has room for him, save perhaps 2 (one in SF, one 4 hours south) that were closed yesterday and today. We'll call them tomorrow and keep our fingers crossed.

You see, he's FIV+, and most shelters will just euthanize him. I think this is incredibly unfair because:

1. Being FIV+ just means that he has the antibodies, he may not have the virus at all, and rather have been vaccinated at some point.

2. Kitties with FIV can still live long and healthy lives, and from what I hear the strain out here in the Bay Area is particularly mild.

3. FIV is transmitted mainly through deep bite wounds and from mother to kittens. Since the virus is so fragile, it does not live outside the cat's body, so transmission through casual contact is very rare.

Anyway....anyone want a kitty? We can even deliver to Boston if you want to take him in this week.

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/16358006

Dr. Who

goat — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:38:50 GMT

Did he really have to take half an hour to die? And did he really need to be that melodramatic about it?

I'm not a die hard Dr. Who fan, as I've only been following the most recent series, and none of the classic stuff, but it all seemed so out of line with the tv show, more for the fans of Tennant than for any real plot driven reason.

Ugh.

Recipes: Kuri Squash Soup with Mushrooms

goat — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:22:54 GMT

Curried Squash and Mushroom Soup

adapted from The Moosewood Cookbook

3 small acorn, hearts of gold, kuri, and/or buttercup squash
2 1/2 c water or stock
2 T butter
1/2 c choppped onion
1 med. clove garlic, crushed
1 1/4 t salt
1/2 t ground cumin
1/2 t ground coriander
1/2 t ground cinnamon
3/4 t ground ginger
1/4 t ground dry mustard
few dashes of cayenne
6 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 c orange juice
optional: fresh lemon juice
optional garnishes: yogurt, toasted almonds

Split the squash lenthwise and bake face-down on an oiled sheet at 375 degrees F until soft, about 30 minutes. cool and scoop out flesh. You will need about 3 cups. Puree with the water or stock in a food processor until smooth. Heat butter in a soup pot; add onion, garlic, salt, and seasonings. Saute until onion is soft. Add mushrooms, cover and cook 10 minutes. Stir in squash puree and orange juice; heat gently. Adjust seasonings to taste. Stir in lemon juice, if desired. Soup does not have to be served immediately, and will hold on stove top. Serve as is, or topped with yogurt and/or almonds.

*****************

This was our favorite of the squash soups I've made recently (I also made apple-butternut squash soup and thai pumpkin soup with coconut milk). Using 1 large Kuri squash (rather than 3 small) was enough for 2 meals, and for the first I left out the orange juice. I mixed in the orange juice for the second, just so we'd have 2 slightly different meals. Moosewood does not steer us wrong on this one! It was very good either way, though I got a bit bored of it halfway through the bowl without the OJ. I omitted the lemon juice, though it would have provided a nice brightness and tang. Of course I used more garlic and other spices than the recipe called for, though I don't have exact amounts.

I really liked the mixture of the smooth, creamy kuri squash texture along with the bits of soft mushrooms. Additionally, the sweetness of the soup was nicely balanced by the earthiness of the mushrooms. I think we'll make this again. I really like kuri squash and am glad I've started experimenting with different squashes.

Recipes: Kefta Tajine

goat — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:24:01 GMT

Kefta Tajine with Eggs

SERVES 4 , 35 meatballs
Ingredients

Meatballs

* 1 lb ground lamb or ground beef
* 1/2 onion, grated
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika
* 2 sprigs fresh coriander, finely chopped
* 2 sprigs flat leaf parsley, finely chopped

Sauce

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 onion, grated
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika
* 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 3 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 cup lamb stock or beef stock

Vegetables and Eggs

* 2 cups squash or potatoes, peeled & cut into large chunks
* 1/2 cup peas
* 3 eggs, beaten

Directions

1. Use your hands to mix the meatball ingredients, and roll mixture into mini meatballs 3/4"-1" in diameter; set aside.
2. In a skillet or tajine combine sauce ingredients and let mixture simmer, covered, over low heat for 5 minutes.
3. Add meatballs, squash, and peas to the sauce and simmer, covered, over medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
4. Pour the eggs in in a stream over everything.
5. Cover and cook just long enough to cook the egg (about 3 minutes, depending on how well done you like your eggs).
6. Serve warm over couscous, sprinkled with cumin or black pepper if desired.

OMG this was fantastic. We doubled everything except the eggs and have a few meals left over. Since there was so much food we had to cook the meatballs in batches in the tajine, and then cook the vegetables and re-add all the meatballs at the end. For the meatballs we used half lamb and half beef to get the flavor of the lamb, but to get the lower price of the beef (and they accidentally charged us for ground turkey, even cheaper!). This did not at all compromise the lamb flavor. We used potatoes, which were yummy, though I'd love to experiment with some squash next time if the fall squashes are in season. I'd also find ways to add more vegetables to this dish. Carrots would have gone quite well and more peas would not have hurt. We did not grate the onions, and rather finely chopped them. This worked fine.

One thing I'd like to note is that it was just a tad too spicy for me. I would halve the cayenne, but I'm a spice wimp. Of course we added some Ras Al Hanout (a Moroccan spice mix), which always makes Moroccan food taste better. I will be very sad when it's gone, since I'm not sure when we'll be back in Morocco to pick up more.

goat — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:20:17 GMT

Dumbest episode of Dr. Who EVAR.

Book Trading

goat — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:38:03 GMT

What's your favorite book trading site and why?

Ted and I are trying to not grow our library, but I still want to read, and I'm horrible w/ libraries. I think I might have an account on bookmooch, will have to investigate that.

OH HAI!

goat — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 05:15:28 GMT

I'm selling my 1995 Mitsubishi Montero 4x4, 143,000 miles.

Ad is here: http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/978256201.html

2 BR in Winter Hill, Available in January or Feb 1

goat — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:58:09 GMT

I'm not sure if anyone's looking for an apartment, but ours is available in January, possibly as early as the 1st if need be. This is a pretty awesome and comfortable apartment, with all the walls painted nice colors. The landlord used to live in this unit, so he made sure it was pretty comfortable for himself and his wife.

Details:

2BR, about equal size w/ large closets
front porch with great views of the sunset
brand new gas heating system
New windows
dishwasher
clothes washer & dryer in basement
full bathroom with decent sized tub, and huge mirror
nice sized living room with closet
large kitchen
Gas oven
3 season back porch (most suitable for storage)
wood floors in most rooms
tile in bathroom
linoleum in kitchen
maybe about 900+ sq ft total
Not sure about the rent, probably about $1200
Plenty of storage in the basement
Super great landlord
Pets may be considered
Small plot on the side of the house can be used for gardening

It's on 2 bus lines, and easy access to the bike path. I can get to Davis in 10 minutes by bike, Ted can get there in 5. I think it's a great neighborhood, and there's an OMG good brazilian bakery down the street. Other great things within *easy* walking distance are: Dunkies, CVS, Vinny's (awesome) Italian restaurant, Wang's Chinese, and a bunch of other small restaurants and convenience stores.

This would be great for a couple, or two people who live well with each other. I think it's a really homey sort of place, and I have loved living here.

Your neighbors downstairs are 2 members of SCUL. They're pretty cool, and easy to share a house with. Beware of 2am smells of delicious cooking! Your neighbor upstairs is a quiet man in his 30s who pretty much keeps to himself, and travels a lot for work, but is friendly when we pass in the hallway.

Ted - am I forgetting anything?

For my Boston-y friends

goat — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:26:44 GMT

What's your favorite local (i.e. within 3 hours drive) winter getaway?

Anyone want 1, 2 or 3 bikes?

goat — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:50:04 GMT

Ted and I have 3 bikes that we used on the playa that we're looking to get rid of.

2 of them are cheap bikes from Walmart, purple and large framed. Probably need new inner tubes.

1 bike that is an older road bike, nothing fancy, but for free it works well enough.

Clothing Swap?

goat — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:32:37 GMT

Does anyone know of a clothing swap in the near future? I know the burner crowd just had one, but we were away. We have over 3 bags full, and a lot of it is pretty decent. If there isn't one, we'll just take it to Goodwill but it's always nice seeing a garment go to someone who will love it.

Barackrolled!

goat — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:45:43 GMT

Oh how I wish this had actually happened.

Prettiest Mantis Ever

goat — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:09:51 GMT

Belly Dance Intensive

goat — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 03:05:06 GMT

So this past weekend I went to the Belly Dance Intensive in Las Vegas with nepenthe (and her friend sulla who I had the pleasure of meeting while there). As I said before, it was pretty awesome. Here are some highlights:

*Class with Ava Flemming. I have to admit, I'm ignorant enough about who's who in belly dance that I didn't know who she was, but I'm a fan now! Her teaching style was very easy to follow, and she made us do some interesting exercises regarding emoting and communicating via dance. Ava has Latin dance training and taught us this really cool Salsa inspired combo. I really need to remember it, it felt so good on my body.

*Pops & Locks with Marjhani. OMG, she was so super cool, and funny. This class was the one I was most looking forward to, and she did not fail me. I loved learning the basics of popping & locking, which I can translate into more complex movements with practice. I wrote down all of her drills so I can practice at home.

*Double Veil with Amaryllis. This workshop was on Sunday. After 3 days of dancing, my body was toast, so I just sat in on the class and took notes. I did get up for a bit and dance just to make sure I understood her instructions, but that was all I could handle. I'm pretty excited about learning this new skill. I have an affinity for veils, and I'm glad to be expanding my repertoire in that area.

*Veil of Emotion with Oberon. This was a beginner level class, but I still got a lot out of it. I think there's always room to review the basics, especially since so few teachers really focus on veils - plus I did get a few performance tips.

*While in Kami Liddle's class I learned to isolate a muscle (the lower or middle traps, I think, which I didn't know could be moved independently of the scapula) that I hadn't been able to before - it hadn't even occurred to me to try. It turns out this muscle is so incredibly important for correct posture, and engaging it allows my shoulders to relax. It's one of the keys I have been missing my entire life. I've been working on strengthening it, and I think it will really help with my back pain.

*I bought my first bedlah! I think this means I have to start performing a little more, now that I can be appropriately costumed.

There were other highlights, but those were more social...maybe I'll get around to them later.

I am so glad I went to these workshops. I really feel my love for the dance rejuvenated.

Sticking point

goat — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:40:47 GMT

My sticking point re: burning man this year so far seems to be finding a ride from the Sacramento Airport. It's the cheapest place to fly into, and everywhere else is too expensive.

Does anyone know anyone who will be driving through Sacramento on Monday afternoon/evening and could hold a person and some gear?

Edit - I have posted on the rideshare board, but it doesn't seem to be there. Hopefully it will post soon, or I'll post again. I'd really prefer not to take the ride from here all the way to there, as it leaves this weds morning, and I don't know if I want to be away from Ted for nearly 3 weeks.