Crystal’s Adventures

It has been such a long time.

Here’s what’s going on with me:

• A few weeks ago, my mom came down to Durham, NC to stay with us for a week and to experience what our lives are like these days. Of course, she stocked our pantry and refrigerator, ironed all our clothes and managed to put up with three very furry pets (she’s allergic), so that was pretty great. Apparently we didn’t scare her off too badly, because she plans to come back in the late spring…
• Went to a fantastic conference two weeks ago in Boston called Conference of Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), in which all of the world’s top HIV scientists and researchers came together to present their findings on HIV virology, immunology, pharmacology, etc. I soaked up a ton of knowledge. I was like kid in a candy store in the poster exhibition halls.
• I’m writing articles for a new Web site of mine which I will soon formally “launch” and announce to the world. Stay tuned!
• I’m not having such a good bowling season this year, but am having lots of fun at it anyway. Even Clinton sometimes bowls as a sub with The Hammers: U Can’t Touch This (that’s the name of our team).
• As soon as bowling season ends, I vow to add more yoga into my life. My goals are to try Anusara style yoga and to achieve a hand stand by the end of 2008. Yoga makes me feel so grounded and peaceful.
• With regard to working with difficult colleagues, Julia reminded me yesterday during our Monday run that I should keep my eyes on the prize (i.e., long-term goal of helping people in need). This is a very good reminder. Had a very bad day today, but thanks to ERUUF and my Sweetie Clinton, I survived and feel much better now.
• Making lots and lots of progress in the arena of personal growth. I am so thankful for my therapist, my acupuncturist, my yoga instructor and ERUUF.
• It was hilarious today to receive a super fancy (edged in gold, comes with mail-in RSVP card) invitation in the mail for the 50th anniversary events for Clarkston, Washington’s Jr. Miss Pageant. For those of you who don’t know, I was 4th runner up in the 1995 pageant in Clarkston, and I was also crowned Miss Clarkston Fitness 1995. And will you just look at me now! It is unfortunate that I will be unable to attend this event, as it would be both very interesting and very bloggable.
• I have been taking East Coast Swing lessons with Clinton and many friends. Two weekends ago, we went to a swing dance with a live big band at the Durham Armory, and I had so much fun my heart was truly soaring. (Crystal L-O-V-E-S to dance.) But I think this is another thing I have to give up in the interest of having more free time during my week. After all, the weather is warming up, and I will soon start biking again…

Upcoming excitement:

• Backyard revitalization. We have taken the first step in a multi-year plan to renovate our backyard in a major way. It will be completely redone in hardscaping and native, drought-resistant plants - both for the purposes of being low maintenance and eco-friendly, but also dog friendly! In two years, it should be amazing.
• New York, here I come! Seven of us Fartlekers will run a half marathon in Central Park on April 6th. Wish us Southern country girls luck in the big city! I’ll be staying at the same hotel as Borat in the movie - the one where he had the naked wrestling fight with the fat man, I believe.