Melody Graves

Personal

trivia

Did you know that...

I'm partially ambidextrous.

I have no God-given sense of direction. It must be a genetic thing that I got from both sides of my family... but, I have trained myself over the years to read maps and follow written directions. However, I can't process verbal directions. They confuse me.

I get a strange deer-in-headlights look when people start talking about things like math...

I have a knack for asking obvious questions, which makes people think I haven't been listening to them, but it's really because I want to remember what they said, so I'm trying to get them to repeat themselves.

I used to sell Birkenstocks at my local mall--and loved it, except for the one time a woman threw the phone at me because I couldn't give her a refund.

I once temped at a code enforcement office and was the lucky person who answered all the phone calls from irate residents complaining about the $200 fine for not mowing their lawns.

My favorite TV show is The Office. And yes, I have my very own Dwight Shrute bobblehead sitting in a place of honor in my living room.

my favorites

restaurants:

This is a random list of memorable places I've eaten during my travels over the years. If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm something of a foodie, budding oenophile, and chocoholic. (well, maybe not a chocoholic. I just like to self-medicate. Often.)

Addis Red Sea Ethiopian Restaurant
Boston, MA

Zaytinya - authentic mezze, or Mediterranean tapas
Washington, D.C.

Tamarind Indian Restaurant
New York, NY

Brix Restaurant and Wine Shop
Napa, CA

The Clay Pit Indian Restaurant
Austin, TX

There's a funny story attached to this one. I always go to The Clay Pit when I'm in Austin. Last time I visited, due to poor wardrobe planning and a bird under the Congress Ave. bridge who decided to gift me with a fly-by bombing, I showed up at the restaurant in bird-crapped cycling shorts and serious helmet head. Fortunately, the staff took pity on me and still served me their delicious Indian cuisine.

what's on my ipod:

A Song for You - Elliott Yamin

Offering - Third Day

Gabriel's Oboe - Ennio Morricone
(of course)

Cool wines in my wine cellar:

Rochioli 2005 Sauvignon Blanc

Darioush 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon

Merry Edwards 2004 Pinot Noir

CHOColate:

Lake Champlain Raspberry Truffle filled Dark Chocolate Bar

Dagoba New Moon Organic Chocolate Bar

Dagoba Conacado Organic Chocolate Bar, Fair Trade Certified, Dominican Republic