Ithaca Love (and hate)

Back my popular demand (one person) I have decided to post more awesome, and this time not-so-awesome, things about Ithaca.

Love

6. Internationals. A few weeks ago I went to a get-together at a girl's house and it was like stepping into the UN. Each one of us was from a different country. It was awesome. Countries represented were: Saudi Arabia, Spain, Czech Republic, Pakistan, Columbia, Mexico, Chile, and the US. I was the U.S. representative and apparently a pretty good one since the girl from the Czech Republic told me I was the first American she wouldn't mind hanging out with again. Go USA!

7. Sensible shoes. Some of my more fashionable bleaders might recoil, but I like the idea of Tevas being acceptable footwear. Or Birkenstocks for that matter. Or some other form of COMFORTABLE footwear. In California we wear Rainbow sandals to formal events. Why can't Ithacans wear Crocs everywhere? Ithacans really know how to enjoy life and having comfortable feet is the first "step" towards world peace.

8. Genuineness. People in Ithaca mean what they say and they do what they mean. The Green movement is not just a label on your dish soap here it's a way of life and I really appreciate that. Plus all Ithacans I have ever met are super nice, caring, sincere people. Not pretentiousness, just Crocs.

Hate
1. Banking. I don't know what Stoneage caveman is in charge of my bank's ATMs but they still use deposit slips here. Deposit slips! During an ATM transaction! Needless to say, this is frustrating and confusing. I don't know my account number, I have groceries to buy, real things to do. I don't want to talk to a human being. Please just let me stay in my sheltered pod of a car and move on with my life.

2. Mexican food. Not surprising, but I can't even talk about it.

Accessory Beings

Yesterday Ellie, Maggie and I were running errands. Something I hate to do on the weekend, but since it's been rainy outside I figure Petsmart is as good as place as any for Ellie and Maggie to get their exercise.

On our way back to the car things got a little chaotic because Maggie was pulling me towards the car (she hates the outdoors) and Ellie was pulling me towards two dogs walking by - let me remind you that Ellie is human and Maggie is canine. I looked like a cartoon.

Just then a couple was walking by and I overheard them say that Ellie was too big for the carrier so I was in the sad predicament of being faced with chaos everywhere I went. I didn't really think a whole lot about this at the moment since getting Maggie and Ellie in the car in their respective seats with their respective snacks was my pressing goal. Yet, while Ellie and I were walking towards a different store about 10 minutes later, the couple's words came back to me.

I must admit I smiled smugly and thought to myself, "Little do they know what a great baby and great dog Ellie and Maggie are. I really do have great accessory beings."

Surely you have heard of this term. No? Accessory beings are beings that live and breathe and reside with you. You take care of them and they take care of you, and enhance your life. Also, you make each other look good. It's symbiotic relationship. Brandon is also my accessory being.

I was basking in the warm glow of my luck when it occurred to me that there must be a better word for my loving entities other than, "accessory beings". It felt like too many words...

Family! These beings that live with me and make me look good are my FAMILY. They take care of me and I take care of them and we love each other and we often snuggle in the mornings.

Phew. Ok good, I'm glad that's settled.

Hyperventilation

There aren't enough adjectives to describe what I'm feeling about the next HP film.