Monday, June 21, 2010

Never Eat Alone

I recently listened to the audiobook version of Never Eat Alone and Other Secrets to Sucess, One Relationship at a Time, by Keith Ferrazzi. While it probably could've been a little bit more concise, I did get some interesting ideas from the book, and last week I ended up having lunch with others on three days out of seven, and George and I enjoyed dinner together with friends on two nights last week. It made the week feel a little busier, but I must admit I enjoyed the company at each meal a lot. (In some cases it was better than the food!)

However, I did feel the need to "cocoon" on my "alone" lunches and after work to a greater extent. I am an introvert at heart, and sometimes I miss the opportunity to recharge over lunch or after work. I do think I lean toward the extroverted side of introvertedness, as I really enjoy being around people, but I do need some pretty regular "alone" time. Anyone else like that?

Sunday, June 13, 2010

The Sarah P. Duke Gardens and the 36th Parallel

On Easter Sunday I visited the Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University. I used to work on West Campus at Duke, so I could visit the Gardens pretty regularly. Now that my department has moved, I don't get over there as often as I'd like, so I enjoyed my Easter morning visit. I could even hear some Easter hymns played on the Duke Chapel carillons when I first got there. Fun!




This was one of my favorite finds in the Gardens that particular morning, a plaque marking the crossing of the 36th parallel north at that point. According to Wikipedia, it only passes through North Carolina for about 14 km, and part of that is in the Duke Gardens!