Livin' La Jolla Loca

Since I wasn't able to post a comment on the last blog entry, I thought I'd create an entry of my own. I've been visiting faculty at UCSD for the last two days straight - after 18 conversations, I've signed up three new members! I could barely form a sentence by the end of yesterday's workday, but felt energized from doing real organizing again.

No, this isn't a picture of me with the profs - this morning, when I went running on the beach, I saw dozens of harbor seals rolling around. Apparently, they're "pupping" - or just had gave birth to their baby seals - the babies were also rolling around and every now and then, one would get swept away into the water, and the parents would stop their rolling and chase after them. I don't think I've ever seen anything so sweet.

More office visits to follow this afternoon...I'm really looking forward to vacating in Gainesville next week.

Just in Time for Erika's Birthday

The new Decemberists ditty. I knew those Pepsi caps would come in handy!

It's actually a very good song.

Erika Leaves Town and Everything Goes to Sh*t, #44

BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics traded fan-favorite Jiri Welsch Thursday to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a 2007 first round draft pick. The 3rd year swingman was acquired in an October 22, 2003 trade from the Dallas Mavericks. Jiri was averaging 7.5 points and 2.5 rebounds a game, but was increasingly burried on the bench behind the dynamic duo of Tony Allen and Ricky Davis.

GM Danny Ainge explained the reasoning behind trading the player some called "Havliczech":

"Trading a player as talented and good looking as Jiri is always going to be difficult, but you never know who we might pick up in the 2007 draft. Could be someone with a German sounding name without their shirt on or something.

"This move really came down to the fact that we heard that Erika Gubrium had moved to Berkeley, CA and was therefore no longer being subjected to, er, uh I mean was no longer enjoying Celtic basketball. Without Ms. Gooberman watching, we decided there was really no reason to keep Welsch around. I mean have you seen him? All the ladies love him, it makes it much harder for the rest of us to talk to the Breezies."

In response to a two-part question from reporter Blotto Blanken, Ainge replied, "No, we don't have any plans at this time to bring back Brandon Hunter and I don't really know what you're talking about when you said 'when am I going to eat my hat?'. Sorry."

[Note: Jiri started his career with the Golden St. Warriors (left), who play just down the road from Erika. Well actually it's Oakland. And, well, actually he started with Philly, but he was traded on draft day. Whatever, it's closer than Cleveland.]


[And to think Erika thought this guy was cute?!? Someone's Lasik surgery isn't working....]


[From those of us who enjoyed more than just your good looks, Jiri, thanks for the memories.]

Play to Win?

Oh...I already did. Wahoo!



...And, I drank the winner while watching.........(wait for it)..........THE GAME. One might even say, "typical". So by my fuzzy math, that's 1 down, 318,203,329 to go. *THEN* some exercise to burn off all the soda. Or maybe i'll just drink them at the gym.

Was it Always Like This?

Doesn't it seem like the expression on Erika's face -- at least when looking at me on film -- always seems to connote some weird mix of tolerance, pity, self-pity and mild exasperation?


[photo #1 by Stephanie]


[photo #2 by E to the P]

And, no. The obvious follow-up question is NOT, "What about the look on YOUR face Mark?"