Ode to Cambridge?

I find myself torn every time I'm Cambridge. On the one hand, I dig the subtle vibe of snobby intellectualism combined with crunchy altruism. On the other hand, I'm mildly repulsed by the combination scent of puke, urine, and liquor. The abundance of homeless residents, overpriced lattes, non-profit orgs, and mezcla of hippies, yuppies, and business folk elicit in me feelings of life, beauty, and annoyance.

Last night, we spent the evening with good friends at Bruce and Christy's "59 days until Bush leaves office" party. We partied in style in their fancy Cambridge, multi-story pad, drinking wine, playing pool, and listening to Belle and Sebastian. At the end of the night, driving down Mass Ave, I was hit with a sense of familiarity - the same sense of familiarity I often experience in Central Square. I felt comfortable, homey, if you will, for just a slight second. Of course, the second ended when a bunch of wasted kids ran in front of the car like monkeys let out of their cages.

Anyway, just some musings. I'll keep the world updated with my moderately interesting, slowly developing opinion of Cambridge.

For all who are wondering about Brad, since I haven't written about his life in a couple of weeks, here is the snapshot. Brad is well and happy. He will race a 4 miler on Thanksgiving Day. He bought our turkey yesterday. He just took laundry out of the dryer. He is in the middle of Shelley's Frankenstein.

Laura's week in review

Monday: I received notice of passing a comprehensive exam required prior to proposing my dissertation.

Tuesday: I received a multi-hundred dollar grant to pay for a conference.

Wednesday: I received notice of passing another comprehensive exam required prior to proposing my dissertation.

Thursday: a student brought a loaded 9mm into the school where I work. I was there during the time. Here is the link: http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2008/11/man_in_custody.html

Friday: I watched Old School twice.

Saturday: I finished all assignments for the rest of the semester save my dissertation proposal.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring...

Brad's birthday weekend

Brad turned 29 last Friday. We celebrated in style. First, I cooked dinner (pick up chin from floor). Then, we went to The Wine Cellar, a wine and fondue restaurant in town. We split a dessert designed for 3-4 people of dark chocolate and fruit. We topped off the night with a few drinks at a comedy club while we laughed outrageously to Tony V. The next day, we went for a run together, enjoyed crepes at the crepe place down the street, went to a farm out in Lincoln and saw woolly sheep, horses, pigs, cows, chickens, and birds, hit up a bar with some friends, and sang all night at our favorite private karaoke joint. It made for the third time in four weekends that we have been at this karaoke place. Wow. The next day, Brad ran a great race at the New England Championship XC race while I ran around and cheered. I'm almost back to racing myself but I was really excited just to watch Brad race.

Today, we had the day off and spent over half of it at Peet's Cafe down the street. I'm working on one of my comprehensive exams and Brad is grading like crazy.

Election Day!

We both voted.

I'm so proud to live in an area with a ridiculously long line for voting before 7 am. After we voted, I went for a run. I ran past a few other ridiculously long lines. I'm so proud to live in Brookline.

My first presidential election as a US citizen. I hope America pulls through today.