Sunday Currently : 56

I'll be honest. This weekend has not been all that relaxing. Yesterday morning was filled with delays, frustrations, and annoyances, and I had a hard time shaking all of that off, even though I had a lovely brunch and got to see a friend who no longer lives nearby. There were so many good parts of the weekend, but Life Stress keeps popping back in my mind. It's a persistent little bugger, and I would just like it to go away. So I'm trying to practice distraction and remind myself of the good things... and that's working, albeit temporarily. But, hey, I'll take it. Things will settle down eventually. Until then, I have chocolate.

reading :  Various drafts of my dissertation. Note to self: Must delete old ones!

writing :  Dissertation stuff. Gotta finish!

listening :    To Pandora's terribly annoying ads about egg donation. I am not donating my eggs, Shady Grove Fertility people!! Please just let me listen to my tunes in peace. 

thinking :   About what I want to do next year for postdoc... I have some very difficult decisions to make, and my mind is a tangled mess right now. You know that feeling when you fear that you're about to make a bad decision? Yeah, I have that right now. Ugh.

smelling :   Aveda's Be Curly hair product. I like how their products have a subtle scent that isn't harsh. 

wishing :   For peace. I think this might be on my wishlist for a while longer...  

hoping :   That I get some good news this week that makes my decision-making a bit easier!

wearing :    Jeans, moccasins, and a tank top. I love this springtime weekend weather that we've been having!

loving :    How a good song can help me calm down. Since my mind has been bouncing around lately, whenever I notice my thoughts racing, I've been taking a deep breath and mentally singing a song to myself. It instantly slows things down a bit, and it makes me feel a bit happier. 

wanting :    To devour my mac & cheese! I usually stop by Panera on my way to school as a reward for getting out of the house and into the lab, and my lunch selection was spot-on today. Mmmm.

needing :    To get some productive writing done!!

feeling :    Oh-so-stressed, but hopeful that things will work out. 

clicking :    On articles and various drafts of my dissertation. It's go time!!

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Last week on The Quixotic Chica:
Sunday Currently | Project DC: Rock Creek Park | Hudson River Calling

Hudson River Calling

The Hudson River wasn't part of my life until I left for college, but as soon as the river valley became my new home, it had me for good. The train rides up from the city are a comfort to me, not in the way that the Long Island Railroad lulls me to half-sleep on long, dark nights with its familiar rocking and station calls, but in the way that it sparks that hopeful yearning, that anticipatory tug that only a journey home can bring. It hasn't truly been home since I donned that black cap and gown with the delicate, soft pink trim, but I suppose that when home is the place that fills your heart with wistful smiles and nostalgic tears, then maybe it will always be home, after all.

The river town names conjure up images of folk music and warm fireplaces. Hastings-on-Hudson, Ardsley-on-Hudson, Croton-on-Hudson. One by one, we pass through each station. My eyes always drift out towards the western bank of the river, so far away, enough that my outstretched fingers will never reach it. My sight settles on the river water, in the winter covered with ice sheets locked so tight over the surface that they would never let a secret slip through, in the summer sparkling and beckoning in the way that can only be caused by that special summertime sun. 

If I give in to the tug, I know that the cold river waters will cleanse my worried mind, soothe my tired thoughts. It will hold me and comfort me. I could let myself cry and mourn and celebrate and laugh in those waters. And though I won't dip a toe into those parts, the presence of the Hudson alone is enough to save me and give me relief. It is here, as I move alongside its banks, that I feel connected to the land, to myself, to my history. Simple moments, passed in half-silence and hushed memories. That's what my prayers are composed of, blessings with each breath, understanding and peace with each sway. 

I know that if we keep moving northward, we'll reach Poughkeepsie, and my heart will thump a bit faster as we soar past Garrison and Beacon. I know these parts. I know the small island with that lonely, captivating, abandoned castle fort. I know that little playground tucked behind the trees along the riverside. I know that predictable call of the conductor on the Metro North, "Poughkeepie, last and final station stop, Poughkeepsie!" I know that the Albany-bound Amtrak train on a weekday night is as quiet as a train can be, with only a select, weary few settling in to the dimmed cars. I know these cold waters, I know these forever trees, I know this familiar feeling. I know these parts. 

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Project DC: Rock Creek Park

Usually, unseasonably warm winter days make me a bit nervous about the reality of climate change (at heart, I'm a neurotic New Yorker, shhh), but sometimes I throw caution to the tropical wind and decide to enjoy a warm winter afternoon. Maybe it's because I had spent the previous weekend sick in bed with a fever, but on this particular day, I was craving some outdoor time.

The hubs agreed to humor my request to go on a leisurely hike through Rock Creek Park, and we promptly hopped on one of the E buses that go across town towards Friendship Heights. It conveniently dropped us off near the entrance of the Rock Creek Park Nature Center (Military Road NW & Glover Road NW). I love that it was so easy to get there, especially since there are times when living in Northeast DC without a car can be a hassle, but this was smooth and simple. There's also available parking near the Nature Center, which is good to know if we ever return with a vehicle.

We decided to do the Rapids Bridge Loop, an easy 2-mile circuit that meanders along the creek and back through the woods. On such a beautiful day, we initially didn't see too many people, though the trail became more populated as we got further into it. Even so, it wasn't crowded, and there were moments when everything was perfectly quiet and still-- very peaceful!

This trail is an easy one, and it probably took us a little over an hour to complete at a casual pace, including plenty of pauses along the way to crawl along the creek rocks, enjoy the view from Rapids Bridge, and explore moss-covered sandstone pieces left over from a 1959 renovation of the U.S. Capitol-- seriously!!! There are so many treasures tucked away in the park. 

After the trail cuts right, away from the creek, it leads uphill for a bit, but it shouldn't be too much of a challenge, even for novices (we're certainly no hiking experts ourselves). Just take it slow and enjoy your surroundings! I was amazed at how quiet some parts of the trail were, even though we weren't too far from the roads that cut through the park. Isn't it amazing how soothing it can be to be in the presence of nature? I loved it. I would love to return when the trails are a bit greener, though, as the park seemed rather brown and monochromatic-- typical for winter and still very beautiful, but I think it's an entirely different, even more stunning experience in the spring or fall. 

If the hubs and I had gotten an earlier start and thus had more daylight, we would have done one of the longer trails, but I think that this was a great start. The National Park Service recommends three easy hikes right near the Nature Center (Boulder Bridge Hike, 3 miles; Milkhouse Ford Hike, 1.75 miles; and the Rapids Bridge Hike, 2 miles), and since it was so easy for us to get there from our house, I think we will definitely return for some leisurely walks through the park on future sunny days. I'd also like to tackle some of the longer routes, like the Western Ridge Trail and the Valley Trail. 

At the end of the afternoon, just as the January chill started to seep in, we finished up our hike and headed back home. It was such a simple way to spend some time together, and I loved how invigorated it made me. I wish that we had something like this years ago, and I'm so thankful that the hubs indulged my urge to get outdoors. We need more time with the trees and the rocks, even if it's relatively brief. I love the city, I really do... but pavement and taxi cabs don't replenish me. But getting my boots muddy and scuffing them up as I crawl around creek rocks? Now that is good for the soul. 

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Want to read more about having fun in DC? Follow along as I embark on Project DC:

1. Go to the Air and Space Museum.

2. Go for a leisurely hike in Rock Creek Park.

3. Go on a White House tour.

4. Buy DC artwork at Eastern Market.

5. Visit Old Town on a day trip. (Part 1)

6. Take a day trip to Annapolis.

7. Go to the Newseum.

8. Go back to Jazz in the Garden when it starts up again in the spring.

9. Go to the Holocaust Museum.

10. Eat at Ben's Chili Bowl.

11. See the FDR Memorial.

12. Take the hubs to the Lincoln Memorial.

13. Go to the National Portrait Gallery.

14. Go to the Corcoran.

15. Visit the Vietnam Memorial.

16. Go inside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

17. Go to more embassy events.

18. See a show at Rock & Roll Hotel.

19. See the drum circle at Malcolm X Park.

20. Mini golf at H Street Country Club.

21. Evening drinks at POV.

22. Visit the National Archives.

23. See a Washington Ballet performance.

24. Walk through the National Arboretum.

25. Visit the MLK Memorial.

26. Go to the Jefferson Memorial.

Sunday Currently : 55

I have returned! I unexpectedly took the last couple of weeks off from the blog world, and even though it wasn't planned, it felt good to do. Things have been busy around these parts, and I haven't had the time or mental energy to put much into this space, not even for just reading other people's recent(ish) posts. And while part of me does feel a little guilty about that, I know that I also needed to focus on things like interviews and catching up at work. This is shaping up to be a very busy month, and while there is a chance that I will take another impromptu internet vacation, I feel good about popping back in here.

reading :  All the King's Men, though I admit I am reading it somewhat half-heartedly. I'm just not loving it yet, but I keep hoping that I will! 

writing :  Some more dissertation bits and pieces. Blah. 

listening :   To the cats running up and down the stairs. They are competing for a sunny patch on the kitchen floor, and every now and then it devolves into one of them pouncing on the other and a full-on chase sequence out of the kitchen and up to the bedroom. 

thinking :   About all of the Big Things and Big Decisions that we might need to make soon. It stresses me out, I must admit. Changes are coming around these parts, and I don't quite know what they will be yet... so in the meantime, my mind is swirling with all of the possibilities. 

smelling : My lavender body lotion... which I am almost out of, so I need to find a replacement!

wishing :    For spring, though my snow-loving self is also wishing for more snow this week.  I don't mind winter, I really don't. I love snowfall and snow days. But I think that my soul needs some pastel colors and sunshine right about now, and I want to honor that. 

hoping :    For some clarity regarding some big decisions we have to make soon.

wearing :   Flannel cat pajamas. :) I'm not ready for real clothes, yet! Later. Later....

loving :   Our two snow days last week! I was surprised to get a second one, and I have to admit that it felt so good to have an extended weekend. Sometimes you just really need to sleep in and enjoy the time off.

wanting :   Some of that clarity I mentioned before. And sunshine. 

needing :   Patience and faith. Like whoa. 

feeling :   Sleepy. We were out late last night for a friend's birthday, and while it was so much fun (!!!), I'm moving a bit slow this morning. Best to just pile on some blankets and stay still, right?

clicking :   On recipes. We made this one for our Valentine's Day dinner, and it was heavenly. Cheese and gnocchi brought together in beautiful splendor. Yum. Seriously. While I don't think we will have something quite so decadent for our regular weekday meals, I'm trying to get back on track with preparing meals so that I have leftovers to bring with me to work. Any suggestions?

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Sunday Currently : 54

This past week was one of those weeks where you desperately need the weekend. I traveled for a postdoc interview, which interrupted my work week, and the rest of the week felt off-kilter and harried as a result. Thinking back, I don't think I had any moment where I wasn't busy trying to get something done or adding an item to my to-do list-- it was exhausting! Thankfully, my parents came in to town on Friday for a weekend visit, and this weekend was exactly what I needed: filled with great meals, wonderful company, fun city excursions, and an epic nap on the couch.

Today the hubs and I have a couple of errands to run after we drop my parents off at Union Station, and then I have Brunch Club with the girls. Although this might sound crazy to the football-loving readers out there, I might actually skip our friend's Super Bowl party later today. I am feeling pulled to have a quiet night at home, and I think I might indulge that-- but don't be surprised if I change my mind at the last minute and join in the festivities!

reading :  Southern Living magazine, for which I have a trial membership. Truthfully, I don't love it all that much, though I'm willing to try out another issue just to make sure. When it comes to mags, I prefer Real Simple. 

writing :  A couple more cover letters for postdocs and job... after which I need to do some more dissertation-writing!

listening :   To the floorboards creaking as my parents move around the house, the newspaper crinkling as the hubs reads the Washington Post, and birds chirping outside as they enjoy our unseasonably warm day. Sunday morning sounds are the best.

thinking : About this whole postdoc application process. I am up to five interviews/preliminary interviews so far, and I'm waiting to hear back from a few more... And the hubs might get some responses from grad schools this week! There are lots of thoughts about potential cities and homes swirling in my mind... 

smelling :    Coffee! We made lots of it this morning.

wishing :    For good interviews this week. I have three!

hoping :   That the hubs gets some encouraging news in the couple of weeks. He works so hard, and he deserves this.

wearing :  Jeans and a blouse. It feels like spring today!

loving :  Family. It was fun having my parents visit us this weekend, and it makes me appreciate quiet moments and good meals with them. 

wanting :  A smooth, productive week. I would love for this week to go by quickly, too! 

needing :  To catch up on a lot of work. Holidays, sick days, snow days... they all happened this month, and they have contributed to me falling behind on my to-do list, which makes me feel rushed without enough time to get it all done.

feeling :  Happy about the weekend, hopeful for this upcoming week, and nervous/excited for this week's interviews.

clicking :   On not much today, but later this afternoon I will be catching up on blogs, editing photos, and prepping for the upcoming week's posts. I've been reconnecting with DC lately, and it feels so good. :)

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Last week on The Quixotic Chica:

Sunday Currently / Quiet Car / Project DC: Vietnam Veterans Memorial