Things I Like Summer 2008 Edition

I'm working late tonight and traffic is sloooooow. So I thought I'd make some lists. Or a list, rather. I'm not that ambitious tonight.

Favorite things:

1. Larimar. It's a lovely understated stone that doesn't have the trashy connections that turquoise sometimes connotes. It's soothing to the eye and is accented well with sterling silver or gold.
2. Wait Wait Don't Tell Me! There's nothing funnier to wake up to on a Saturday morning. I mean, run errands and clean house to on a Saturday morning.
3. DVR. How cool is it to not have to worry about missing your favorite program ever again? I know, I know, I'm about 5-10 years behind the times on this, but no one has ever accused me of being hip. In fact, the technology is so not-new that hacks are commonplace. If only I could shift and condense time at work.
4. Lantana. It's about the only thing I can grow in my garden (and I use that term very loosely) that doesn't die. Hardy and beautiful, who can ask for more?
5. Composting. My roomies may say otherwise, but composting is so great! I have quite a pile going. It's full of yard trimmings, decaying fruits and veggies, and the occasional bio-degradable cup or plate. Next spring, I'll have a mountain of fabulous soil just ready to be put to use. Most likely as home to more Lantana.
6. Cherry Coke Zero. I never thought I'd get hooked on Coca-Cola again after giving up Coke Classic 6 years ago. Now I guzzle the sugar-free stuff. Sad, but true. The flavor is so nice: all of the cherry none of the super-sweetness. Parfait.
7. Samantha Brown. At first, I couldn't stand her apparently over-the-top chipper personality. But I kept watching because she went to so many cool places. Soon I realized she was actually just a very nice person who has a healthy sense of curiosity and adventure. That, and she always makes sure to stop in a bar in every episode. How can you dislike a gal who makes a point of trying local beers and cocktails?