HERE'S THE DEAL.
Moving to a new city in a new state requires a great deal of exploration.
I am an exhibitionist of sorts.
Since I am seeing and experiencing new things, and I have a camera phone, I have been TAKING PICTURES LIKE CRAZY.
Unfortunately, this has been going on at the expense of my blog.
MAYBE THE PHOTOS AND BLOG COULD BE LINKED AT SOME POINT but for now they are not.
THAT BEING SAID...here is the link to my photo website. It's fun and interesting because you can see stuff!
PHOTOS!
Until the two can exist peacefully in partnership, you can see what the hell I've been up to by visiting the link located above.
LITERALLY SEE IT. SEE THE THINGS.
You're excited. Admit it.
Woo!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
THE NEW PLACE!!!
We moved! Yay!
Actually we haven't MOVED quite yet. I brought my stuff to spend the night but the actual furniture doesn't arrive until Saturday. That's ok though.
Here's a slideshow! I just discovered I can embed them in a blog post! Lucky you!
Actually we haven't MOVED quite yet. I brought my stuff to spend the night but the actual furniture doesn't arrive until Saturday. That's ok though.
Here's a slideshow! I just discovered I can embed them in a blog post! Lucky you!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Merlin and Stevie.
Remember my friend Jennifer the dog trainer? Well these are her own two dogchildren, Merlin (lying down) and Stevie (sitting on the left). I call them "Mermoo and Steezy" but that's just me. She was experimenting with her new camera and thought she'd have some fun with them and their magnificent LARGE EARS.
I love these doggies and feel honored to have met them in person. :)
I love these doggies and feel honored to have met them in person. :)
Friday, September 12, 2008
Hello.
I don't really have anything NEW to report. My job is going really well. I'm enjoying it and love the fact I can go for a long walk at lunchtime on a trail next to the building with trees and birds and such. Who can say that?!
Yeah, ok. People who work in the same office park. Heh. Got it. Smartypants.
Also I am awesome and excited for the future.
WHAT??
Yeah, ok. People who work in the same office park. Heh. Got it. Smartypants.
Also I am awesome and excited for the future.
WHAT??
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Today is September 11th.
This is from Op-Ed columnist Roger Cohen at the New York Times. Please read it and ponder.
In the Seventh Year
In the Seventh Year
Monday, September 08, 2008
Looking for Soap.
This post is quite intense, but if there is anyone out there going through something similar, I want this to be available for them to read.
____________________________________________________________________
He clenched his fists.
“Oh fuck. Not again.”
Panic set in yet one more time that afternoon. It would be the seventh by his count.
The feeling was all too familiar - almost as though some internal neurotic receptor set off small sticks of dynamite throughout his body, detaching ligaments from skin letting his innards slide out onto the floor.
Hollow.
“Don't fight it. Don't fight it. Oh God don't fight it. You will just panic more.”
He closed his mouth and inhaled through his nose.
“One, two, three, four, five, six, seven...”
He held his breath for three counts and exhaled.
“One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven...”
It was an exercise his counselor had told him to try. When a panic attack sets in, he would breathe through his nose for seven counts, hold for three, then exhale through his mouth for eleven counts – it looked silly but it was better than hyperventilating. He wasn't about to go through that again. One month ago to the day he had an attack so bad it ended with hyperventilation in the emergency room. The doctor was very kind and explained what was going on. Until that point he hadn't realized what he was experiencing could be categorized or defined. At first the news was exhilarating. Now that he knew what it was he could fight it!
That's the catch with panic attacks, however. You can't fight them. If you do it just makes them worse.
He broke out in a cold sweat.
“All the feelings you're having right now are NORMAL.” his counselor assured him. It was all part of the stress he was going through that would be ending soon.
“It's ending soon and once things start to follow a pattern you WILL be ok.” her voice was so relaxing and made him feel so much better. If only he could make an appointment to see her on the spur of the moment!
He tried to remember the thought process she had told him to use. There were three thoughts he was supposed to acknowledge to help him stay focused. He pulled out the paper from their last meeting. It was permanently folded in his wallet.
“What are you doing?”
He was at the supermarket looking at soap. It was just soap! What did that have to do with anything? Why can't he just look at some fucking soap? Is that too much to ask?? He just wanted to see what lavender soaps there were because lavender is supposed to be calming!
“How intense are the feelings?”
She would ask him to quantify them in their appointments. He was always bad at that. It always felt like a 10 on a scale of 1 being “Chill” and 10 being “Batshit Strung Out” but it couldn't always be a 10, could it? Could he really be that unstable? Could he even trust his brain anymore? Was he losing his mind?
The waves of emptiness crammed his thoughts and pushed out any logic. He unzipped again.
Plop.
“One, two, three, four, five, six, seven...”
On to the next question. He had to push forward.
“What are your thoughts?”
This was a hard one as well. Panic is a product of the subconscious mind. It doesn't necessarily come from specific thoughts. It's just an overall feeling. Or is it? He didn't know anymore. He didn't care. All he wanted to do was get the hell out of the store and hide in his car. Hide and drive. That was his safety maneuver. Hide in the car and drive very fast down the freeway. He started to bolt for the parking lot.
“Just get past the produce and then you're almost free.”
As he jogged through the store, he thought about his driving. It was a method of escape and although he was terrified inside, he hadn't killed anyone yet nor had he even been pulled over. In fact, he was really good at driving down the freeway in the midst of a panic attack. He even followed the speed limit.
Wait. This meant something. He paused by the oranges.
“Oh...now...see that's a good thing. You're very strong, you know. Who can say that they have done that? You're actually really good at that.”
His body was slowly reattaching.
“You are very good at taking care of yourself as a whole, really – not just when you're driving. This entire month, through all these panic attacks, you've still made it to work. You've still made it to the grocery store. You've still been able to transact business and never left your credit card behind, forgot your receipt or your bag...you've even remembered to not only make a lunch for work, but bring it too! That's so wonderful!”
His breathing started to get more steady.
“You are really strong and you are safe with yourself. You are the safest person I know. I completely trust you.”
He started to well up with tears.
“You are safe.”
He needed to wipe his nose.
“You are safe and I love you.”
He calmly got into the car and blew his nose on a napkin from his stash in the glove box. It felt good – almost like all the bad thoughts were coming off onto that bright yellow napkin with the word “TACO” written in sombreros on it. That made him laugh. Laughing felt glorious.
The sunshine through the windshield warmed his face and he thought he might go for a walk in the park once he got home.
“I trust you and I love you. Really. Things are going to be just fine.”
He believed it, too.
____________________________________________________________________
If you or someone you know is experiencing anxiety or panic attacks, have them speak with a medical professional. That is the most important step. In addition, you may want to show them this page. The information on here is incredible.
Panic Attacks
Thank you.
____________________________________________________________________
He clenched his fists.
“Oh fuck. Not again.”
Panic set in yet one more time that afternoon. It would be the seventh by his count.
The feeling was all too familiar - almost as though some internal neurotic receptor set off small sticks of dynamite throughout his body, detaching ligaments from skin letting his innards slide out onto the floor.
Hollow.
“Don't fight it. Don't fight it. Oh God don't fight it. You will just panic more.”
He closed his mouth and inhaled through his nose.
“One, two, three, four, five, six, seven...”
He held his breath for three counts and exhaled.
“One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven...”
It was an exercise his counselor had told him to try. When a panic attack sets in, he would breathe through his nose for seven counts, hold for three, then exhale through his mouth for eleven counts – it looked silly but it was better than hyperventilating. He wasn't about to go through that again. One month ago to the day he had an attack so bad it ended with hyperventilation in the emergency room. The doctor was very kind and explained what was going on. Until that point he hadn't realized what he was experiencing could be categorized or defined. At first the news was exhilarating. Now that he knew what it was he could fight it!
That's the catch with panic attacks, however. You can't fight them. If you do it just makes them worse.
He broke out in a cold sweat.
“All the feelings you're having right now are NORMAL.” his counselor assured him. It was all part of the stress he was going through that would be ending soon.
“It's ending soon and once things start to follow a pattern you WILL be ok.” her voice was so relaxing and made him feel so much better. If only he could make an appointment to see her on the spur of the moment!
He tried to remember the thought process she had told him to use. There were three thoughts he was supposed to acknowledge to help him stay focused. He pulled out the paper from their last meeting. It was permanently folded in his wallet.
“What are you doing?”
He was at the supermarket looking at soap. It was just soap! What did that have to do with anything? Why can't he just look at some fucking soap? Is that too much to ask?? He just wanted to see what lavender soaps there were because lavender is supposed to be calming!
“How intense are the feelings?”
She would ask him to quantify them in their appointments. He was always bad at that. It always felt like a 10 on a scale of 1 being “Chill” and 10 being “Batshit Strung Out” but it couldn't always be a 10, could it? Could he really be that unstable? Could he even trust his brain anymore? Was he losing his mind?
The waves of emptiness crammed his thoughts and pushed out any logic. He unzipped again.
Plop.
“One, two, three, four, five, six, seven...”
On to the next question. He had to push forward.
“What are your thoughts?”
This was a hard one as well. Panic is a product of the subconscious mind. It doesn't necessarily come from specific thoughts. It's just an overall feeling. Or is it? He didn't know anymore. He didn't care. All he wanted to do was get the hell out of the store and hide in his car. Hide and drive. That was his safety maneuver. Hide in the car and drive very fast down the freeway. He started to bolt for the parking lot.
“Just get past the produce and then you're almost free.”
As he jogged through the store, he thought about his driving. It was a method of escape and although he was terrified inside, he hadn't killed anyone yet nor had he even been pulled over. In fact, he was really good at driving down the freeway in the midst of a panic attack. He even followed the speed limit.
Wait. This meant something. He paused by the oranges.
“Oh...now...see that's a good thing. You're very strong, you know. Who can say that they have done that? You're actually really good at that.”
His body was slowly reattaching.
“You are very good at taking care of yourself as a whole, really – not just when you're driving. This entire month, through all these panic attacks, you've still made it to work. You've still made it to the grocery store. You've still been able to transact business and never left your credit card behind, forgot your receipt or your bag...you've even remembered to not only make a lunch for work, but bring it too! That's so wonderful!”
His breathing started to get more steady.
“You are really strong and you are safe with yourself. You are the safest person I know. I completely trust you.”
He started to well up with tears.
“You are safe.”
He needed to wipe his nose.
“You are safe and I love you.”
He calmly got into the car and blew his nose on a napkin from his stash in the glove box. It felt good – almost like all the bad thoughts were coming off onto that bright yellow napkin with the word “TACO” written in sombreros on it. That made him laugh. Laughing felt glorious.
The sunshine through the windshield warmed his face and he thought he might go for a walk in the park once he got home.
“I trust you and I love you. Really. Things are going to be just fine.”
He believed it, too.
____________________________________________________________________
If you or someone you know is experiencing anxiety or panic attacks, have them speak with a medical professional. That is the most important step. In addition, you may want to show them this page. The information on here is incredible.
Panic Attacks
Thank you.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Pittock Mansion
Would you like to see another slide show?
You know you do.
Pittock Mansion!
My favorite part was the amazing views from the grounds!
I promise I'll write something soon. Really.
You know you do.
Pittock Mansion!
My favorite part was the amazing views from the grounds!
I promise I'll write something soon. Really.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Updated Portland Capers!
Hello there.
Becka and I went to the Forestry Center at Washington Park. I have added the photos of our day to the front of my Portland Capers slideshow. If you're really, really bored, you may enjoy this.
Slideshow!
Becka and I went to the Forestry Center at Washington Park. I have added the photos of our day to the front of my Portland Capers slideshow. If you're really, really bored, you may enjoy this.
Slideshow!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Update! With photos of trees!
Hello!
I have been so busy lately! I started a job and have to actually WORK now! Like all day! Five days a week! Can you believe it??
The job is awesome. When I started training it dawned on me this is a great opportunity and they don't hire just anyone - which should have been clear to me after the HOUR and a HALF interview I went through to get hired! It's going well and I am happy with it.
Additionally, I went for a walk! My cousin showed me this great park by her house where she walks her dog and I went to take photos today. Here they are!
Walkies!
Things are good on this end...how are things with you?
I have been so busy lately! I started a job and have to actually WORK now! Like all day! Five days a week! Can you believe it??
The job is awesome. When I started training it dawned on me this is a great opportunity and they don't hire just anyone - which should have been clear to me after the HOUR and a HALF interview I went through to get hired! It's going well and I am happy with it.
Additionally, I went for a walk! My cousin showed me this great park by her house where she walks her dog and I went to take photos today. Here they are!
Walkies!
Things are good on this end...how are things with you?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Jeannie's pictures!
My friend Jeannie (who is an excellent photographer) came to visit Becka and I. We had so much fun and it was wonderful to see her again!
She made a set on Flickr of her photos, taken mainly at Waterfront Park, The Coast, Multnomah Falls, the Japanese Gardens and a couple of Becka's adorable cat Nomie (who was featured in the "Keetykeetymowmow" video you saw a few posts back). All of the photos are really pretty. You should check them out. :)
Jeannie's Pictures
Thank you for visiting Jeannie! It was nice to see you!
She made a set on Flickr of her photos, taken mainly at Waterfront Park, The Coast, Multnomah Falls, the Japanese Gardens and a couple of Becka's adorable cat Nomie (who was featured in the "Keetykeetymowmow" video you saw a few posts back). All of the photos are really pretty. You should check them out. :)
Jeannie's Pictures
Thank you for visiting Jeannie! It was nice to see you!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
What did this guy do today?
This guy went to Cannon Beach.
He really can't help himself.
He also got some pictures of the famed "Haystack Rock"
which is SURREAL in person.
which is SURREAL in person.
After that, this guy went to Cranky Sue's for
clam chowder and a turkey burger.
clam chowder and a turkey burger.
Mmm.
The first picture is courtesy of my friend Becka, who accompanied me to the beach with our friend Jeannie, who will be sending me more photos of our day which I will share with you.
DID I MENTION HOW AWESOME IT IS HERE? DID I?
What did you do today?
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Rockaway Beach, Cannon Beach and Seaside!
On the way to Rockaway Beach, I decided to take a longer route and explore the coast a little bit before meeting my friends (read: I got lost). I made a Flickr set of the photos from that excursion as well as some I took once reaching my destination.
More Beach Photos
Enjoy! I recommend viewing it as a slideshow!
More Beach Photos
Enjoy! I recommend viewing it as a slideshow!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
THE BEACH!!!
So my dear friends Kevin and Jordan (who just got ENGAGED!) went with Jordan's parents, brother and brother's girlfriend (who also just got ENGAGED TOO!) to their yearly vacation spot of Rockaway Beach. I happen to live 1.5 hours from there now, so I totally went to see them for the day. It was so cool! I can't believe I can daytrip to THE COAST now! We had delicious food (courtesy of Jordan's dad), explored the town, swam around, made sand castles/sea turtles and just relaxed on the shore. The weather was perfect as well!
Here are the photos, courtesy of Kevin:
Thank you to all of you for such a fun time! I really enjoyed myself! Congratulations to Jordan, Kevin, Mike and Jill too! You guys are awesome!
Here are the photos, courtesy of Kevin:
Me, Jordan and Kevin.
The view from their hotel room.
The whole crew.
Not sure what's going on here.
Thank you to all of you for such a fun time! I really enjoyed myself! Congratulations to Jordan, Kevin, Mike and Jill too! You guys are awesome!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
"We'd like to offer you the position..."
Those have to be the 7 most satisfying words to hear.
I am officially employed in Oregon. :)
I am officially employed in Oregon. :)
Sunday, August 10, 2008
I have a new love...
...and it goes by the name of "Matzo Ball Soup" at Rose's restaurant.
SO DELICIOUS.
WOW.
SO DELICIOUS.
WOW.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
LASERTIMES.
LASERTIMES.
Originally uploaded by Dynamite Doggies!
(That video is here.)
Stella is just too much, isn't she? Hahaha!
Friday, August 08, 2008
The Bite of Oregon!
Amber and Tim asked if I would like to go to a festival at the Waterfront showcasing regional cuisine from all over the state today.
WOULD I?!
We had such an awesome time! I'm really glad they're here! Here are some pictures.
Bite of Oregon
Also, I will be periodically updating this set from before. There are some new pictures loaded today from our walk all over town after the festival.
Portland Capers
I am starting to feel like I might possibly be at home. :)
WOULD I?!
We had such an awesome time! I'm really glad they're here! Here are some pictures.
Bite of Oregon
Also, I will be periodically updating this set from before. There are some new pictures loaded today from our walk all over town after the festival.
Portland Capers
I am starting to feel like I might possibly be at home. :)
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
This is what happens when you've officially lost it.
Keetykeetymeowmeow.
Originally uploaded by reseda76
Send help.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Dinner! OMG!
Thank you everyone for your prayers, pep-talks and phone calls. You cannot even imagine how much it helped. I am feeling much better and even went out to dinner with a friend! Yes! Jenn! My friend from high school! She has been living here for six years! Who knew?
We went to Blue Tangerine at Bridgeport Village. I had the grilled veggie kebab with saffron rice and Shirazi salad.
IT WAS AMAZING!
I'm back. ;)
We went to Blue Tangerine at Bridgeport Village. I had the grilled veggie kebab with saffron rice and Shirazi salad.
IT WAS AMAZING!
I'm back. ;)
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Checking in...
I am feeling much better now. Prayer and phone calls to some very important people helped. Thank you for helping me.
The sun is out, it's warm and pleasant, I'm finishing my laundry and then walking to the store. Again. Smiling at everyone I see on the way. Again.
This is becoming a good day. :)
The sun is out, it's warm and pleasant, I'm finishing my laundry and then walking to the store. Again. Smiling at everyone I see on the way. Again.
This is becoming a good day. :)
This is normal.
It hit me about a day ago that I am not on vacation. I am not going home - I am already home. At first this was exciting and cool to think about, but now those feelings have passed and I am terrified.
As I write this there is a huge knot in my stomach and my hands are shaky. Going outside and walking around helps this a lot, but then it always comes back. Part of me wants to run back to Utah where I know I'd be safe - but how "safe" would that really be? What would I be running back to? Not much more than what I have here. I went through so much planning and work to get here. It would be very unfair to myself if I just threw it all away.
These feelings are normal. I left a job and familiar environment for something nearly completely unknown. Feelings of fear and worry are part of the picture. I tell myself that all the time. It doesn't stop them, but it makes them easier to handle. Crawling back into bed and putting the covers over my head is all I want to do, but that just intensifies the feelings so I should try to do other things.
Moving here with a job waiting probably would have made this easier, but I wasn't going to wait for that. I wanted to get out of Utah and get going with this adventure - which I did. Now that I'm here the feelings of fear can get so strong that all I want to do is go home where I would be safe. Except I'm not actually in danger here.
I'm just in an unknown right now and once I know it better, I won't be as scared. Really.
There is a walking route I've taken a few times. It's familiar to me at this point. I may go walk that now.
As I write this there is a huge knot in my stomach and my hands are shaky. Going outside and walking around helps this a lot, but then it always comes back. Part of me wants to run back to Utah where I know I'd be safe - but how "safe" would that really be? What would I be running back to? Not much more than what I have here. I went through so much planning and work to get here. It would be very unfair to myself if I just threw it all away.
These feelings are normal. I left a job and familiar environment for something nearly completely unknown. Feelings of fear and worry are part of the picture. I tell myself that all the time. It doesn't stop them, but it makes them easier to handle. Crawling back into bed and putting the covers over my head is all I want to do, but that just intensifies the feelings so I should try to do other things.
Moving here with a job waiting probably would have made this easier, but I wasn't going to wait for that. I wanted to get out of Utah and get going with this adventure - which I did. Now that I'm here the feelings of fear can get so strong that all I want to do is go home where I would be safe. Except I'm not actually in danger here.
I'm just in an unknown right now and once I know it better, I won't be as scared. Really.
There is a walking route I've taken a few times. It's familiar to me at this point. I may go walk that now.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
A new favorite wine.
Becka and I are enjoying a bottle of 2006 Chardonnay from these fine people:
Papio Wines
If you're looking for a nice Chardonnay that isn't too dry, give them a sip. We like it so much we are discussing the possibility of getting a case tomorrow. Yum yum!
Papio Wines
If you're looking for a nice Chardonnay that isn't too dry, give them a sip. We like it so much we are discussing the possibility of getting a case tomorrow. Yum yum!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Happy Hour with Amber!
Guess who now lives in the same city as his cousin and went to Happy Hour with her downtown today?
YEAH.
ME.
This is where we went. It was really reasonable and the view was magnificent!
Portland City Grill
Woohoo! :)
YEAH.
ME.
This is where we went. It was really reasonable and the view was magnificent!
Portland City Grill
Woohoo! :)
Monday, July 28, 2008
Hello Dinner!
I would like to introduce you to shrimp and veggie stir fry. This would be my first home-cooked creation in Portland. The veggies are from a really cool organic market we went to yesterday. Wrapping it with lettuce was suggested to us by a P.F. Chang's server in Boise when we stopped for lunch on the way here.
Becka said it was scrumptious.
I would have to agree.
Becka said it was scrumptious.
I would have to agree.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Would you care to see some photos?
Becka and I went downtown to take pictures today. Here they are.
Portland Capers
It was so much fun and the weather was incredible!
Portland Capers
It was so much fun and the weather was incredible!
HELLO FROM OREGON.
So I moved.
Totally.
OH HOLY CRAP I LIVE IN OREGON NOW.
I have pictures.
They are nice.
They are coming soon.
I have to unpack.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
R.I.P. Estelle Getty
An actress known for her determination to succeed and far more roles than Dorothy's mother Sophia Petrillo on The Golden Girls (though that one is my personal favorite), Estelle Getty passed away today after a long battle with dementia. She passed away peacefully and quietly at home, and is now living it up on that big lanai in heaven with all her friends who went before her - at least that's what I'd like to think.
We are happy you are finally at peace, but will miss you.
Estelle Getty, 1923-2008
We are happy you are finally at peace, but will miss you.
Estelle Getty, 1923-2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
"Farewell, new friend" to you as well!
Look at this! Would you look at this??
From Calanan
I have to say I feel the same way. He is a really nice person (and a great photographer) and it's unfortunate because we just barely met and now I'm leaving.
Though, he's moving in about a year so I don't feel TOO much like a schmuck. Heh.
Thanks for the awesome tribute, Mike, and come visit anytime!
Mike's (incredible) Flickr photos here.
From Calanan
I have to say I feel the same way. He is a really nice person (and a great photographer) and it's unfortunate because we just barely met and now I'm leaving.
Though, he's moving in about a year so I don't feel TOO much like a schmuck. Heh.
Thanks for the awesome tribute, Mike, and come visit anytime!
Mike's (incredible) Flickr photos here.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Sunday Morning Ritual
Steve and Miranda rounded the corner of their favorite ice cream shop. A very attractive young gentleman jogged past them in a stylish track suit.
"Good morning!" he said with a smile.
They both smiled back.
"What a nice man." beamed Miranda. "Too bad he's making me feel guilty."
"He reminds me of my ex." said Steve. "Except he smiles and is nice."
Miranda gave him a half smile as they walked through the heavy wooden door. This was their Sunday morning ritual. Breakfast at Saveur, usually the salmon and eggs, then ice cream at Heladito. Neither one of them were heavy, but they weren't that slender either. Gourmet everything certainly takes its toll after awhile.
"Eventually I'm going to need exercise on a regular schedule. I've reduced my indulgence as much as I can" whimpered Steve. "There's no way I could give up Sunday mornings. It's all the sloth I have left!"
"Don't make me obsess over that too! You know how easily I do that!" retorted Miranda as she ordered her cone. Steve stood behind her, lecturing to the floor tiles with vigor.
"I'm not mad at myself necessarily. But I've been letting myself go this past year. You know it's true. Honestly I have no regrets. It's been a delicious journey but now I have to go home and pay the bills stacked up behind the mail slot in the door - so to speak."
"Hey Steve. Shut up. Order some damn ice cream." It never failed to amaze Miranda how poetically Steve could insult himself. It was almost magical. She pushed him to the counter while taking a big bite out of her caramel cashew nut supreme.
The two made their way out of the store with ice creams in hand. The sun was out, but it was still chilly at noon. Steve zipped up his hoodie.
"Mark Twain." he said, turning to Miranda.
"Mmm." she nodded with a mouthful of ice cream.
Mark Twain had once allegedly stated "The coldest winter I ever saw was the summer I spent in San Francisco." Each time the sun would go on sabbatical and clouds would come crashing in from the bay, licking the hills with wispy tongues of dripping fog, all Steve or Miranda would have to do is say his name. The rest took care of itself. Like a secret code.
"I hate hot weather though." said Miranda once she had swallowed her ice cream. "It's so nice to wear a jacket in August, you know?"
"Yeah. The more I can cover up, the better I feel." Steve said, his mouth full of cherry chocolate fudge.
"Stooooop." said Miranda. "You look good in shorts. Trust me."
They walked past a men's clothing store. There were three mannequins on display who obviously hadn't heard of the quote by Mark Twain. One was in a tank top and shorts, the other was in a swimsuit, and the third sported a short-sleeve Havanera shirt with linen pants and flip flops. They stopped in front of the window.
"Someone should give them jackets. Or at least a blanket." said Steve.
"I think the one in the swimsuit is making eyes at you." smirked Miranda.
"Ha! Funny. Nobody makes eyes at this." Steve passed the pointer finger of his free hand around him in a circle.
"You can't be serious. Someone HAS to notice your hotness. I bet that mannequin would jump right under that blanket with you. Rowr." Miranda laughed.
"You're too funny." said Steve, deadpan. "No - really it just doesn't happen. I'm not...whatever. You know? It just doesn't happen. It's totally fine."
"What do you mean?" Miranda attacked the ice cream dripping down her fingers with one lengual swoop.
"Well, when I go into a group of other gay men, or when I see them around, none of them have ever "made eyes" at me. Ever." He crammed the last bit of cone into his mouth.
"How do you know that?? Are you constantly looking for it?"
"No, but I think I'd know if it happened. I'm not hideously ugly, I would never say that. I'm just not really that much to gaze upon. It's ok. Really! Sometimes it bothers me but usually I'm fine."
"I think that's ridiculous. I can't believe nobody has ever looked at you in that "If there weren't other people here I would rip your clothes off and throw you on the table" kind of way. You can't tell me that has never, EVER happened to you." Miranda's eyes narrowed.
"Well...ok fine. It happened to me once. That's how I know it hasn't happened since. It happened to me once and I've never forgotten it."
Miranda folded her arms, her ice cream hand dangling the tilted cone toward the street.
"Well?"
"It happened really fast - but there was eye contact so it felt really slow, you know? We were walking past each other and he looked right into my eyes and smiled the most wonderful smile I've ever seen. His kind energy penetrated my whole body and passed through my soul. It was good I kept walking because it probably would have taken out the taco cart behind me."
"Wow." said Miranda. What happened after that?
"Oh I just kept walking. I was late for a doctor's appointment."
She shook her head, unfolded her arms and finished her ice cream cone. "See? SOMEONE thought you were fantastic. You can't say nobody ever has before."
"Maybe he did, but it was just that one time. I can't accept it at face value either because I'm pretty sure he was a prostitute, or at least a coke dealer."
"Why? Where were you?"
"At the B.A.R.T. stop on 24th and Mission. You know, by the shelter and that McDonald's the Health Department shut down after someone found a finger in their milkshake."
"Oh yeah. He probably was then." resigned Miranda. "Damn."
The two friends linked arms and continued on their walk.
"Good morning!" he said with a smile.
They both smiled back.
"What a nice man." beamed Miranda. "Too bad he's making me feel guilty."
"He reminds me of my ex." said Steve. "Except he smiles and is nice."
Miranda gave him a half smile as they walked through the heavy wooden door. This was their Sunday morning ritual. Breakfast at Saveur, usually the salmon and eggs, then ice cream at Heladito. Neither one of them were heavy, but they weren't that slender either. Gourmet everything certainly takes its toll after awhile.
"Eventually I'm going to need exercise on a regular schedule. I've reduced my indulgence as much as I can" whimpered Steve. "There's no way I could give up Sunday mornings. It's all the sloth I have left!"
"Don't make me obsess over that too! You know how easily I do that!" retorted Miranda as she ordered her cone. Steve stood behind her, lecturing to the floor tiles with vigor.
"I'm not mad at myself necessarily. But I've been letting myself go this past year. You know it's true. Honestly I have no regrets. It's been a delicious journey but now I have to go home and pay the bills stacked up behind the mail slot in the door - so to speak."
"Hey Steve. Shut up. Order some damn ice cream." It never failed to amaze Miranda how poetically Steve could insult himself. It was almost magical. She pushed him to the counter while taking a big bite out of her caramel cashew nut supreme.
The two made their way out of the store with ice creams in hand. The sun was out, but it was still chilly at noon. Steve zipped up his hoodie.
"Mark Twain." he said, turning to Miranda.
"Mmm." she nodded with a mouthful of ice cream.
Mark Twain had once allegedly stated "The coldest winter I ever saw was the summer I spent in San Francisco." Each time the sun would go on sabbatical and clouds would come crashing in from the bay, licking the hills with wispy tongues of dripping fog, all Steve or Miranda would have to do is say his name. The rest took care of itself. Like a secret code.
"I hate hot weather though." said Miranda once she had swallowed her ice cream. "It's so nice to wear a jacket in August, you know?"
"Yeah. The more I can cover up, the better I feel." Steve said, his mouth full of cherry chocolate fudge.
"Stooooop." said Miranda. "You look good in shorts. Trust me."
They walked past a men's clothing store. There were three mannequins on display who obviously hadn't heard of the quote by Mark Twain. One was in a tank top and shorts, the other was in a swimsuit, and the third sported a short-sleeve Havanera shirt with linen pants and flip flops. They stopped in front of the window.
"Someone should give them jackets. Or at least a blanket." said Steve.
"I think the one in the swimsuit is making eyes at you." smirked Miranda.
"Ha! Funny. Nobody makes eyes at this." Steve passed the pointer finger of his free hand around him in a circle.
"You can't be serious. Someone HAS to notice your hotness. I bet that mannequin would jump right under that blanket with you. Rowr." Miranda laughed.
"You're too funny." said Steve, deadpan. "No - really it just doesn't happen. I'm not...whatever. You know? It just doesn't happen. It's totally fine."
"What do you mean?" Miranda attacked the ice cream dripping down her fingers with one lengual swoop.
"Well, when I go into a group of other gay men, or when I see them around, none of them have ever "made eyes" at me. Ever." He crammed the last bit of cone into his mouth.
"How do you know that?? Are you constantly looking for it?"
"No, but I think I'd know if it happened. I'm not hideously ugly, I would never say that. I'm just not really that much to gaze upon. It's ok. Really! Sometimes it bothers me but usually I'm fine."
"I think that's ridiculous. I can't believe nobody has ever looked at you in that "If there weren't other people here I would rip your clothes off and throw you on the table" kind of way. You can't tell me that has never, EVER happened to you." Miranda's eyes narrowed.
"Well...ok fine. It happened to me once. That's how I know it hasn't happened since. It happened to me once and I've never forgotten it."
Miranda folded her arms, her ice cream hand dangling the tilted cone toward the street.
"Well?"
"It happened really fast - but there was eye contact so it felt really slow, you know? We were walking past each other and he looked right into my eyes and smiled the most wonderful smile I've ever seen. His kind energy penetrated my whole body and passed through my soul. It was good I kept walking because it probably would have taken out the taco cart behind me."
"Wow." said Miranda. What happened after that?
"Oh I just kept walking. I was late for a doctor's appointment."
She shook her head, unfolded her arms and finished her ice cream cone. "See? SOMEONE thought you were fantastic. You can't say nobody ever has before."
"Maybe he did, but it was just that one time. I can't accept it at face value either because I'm pretty sure he was a prostitute, or at least a coke dealer."
"Why? Where were you?"
"At the B.A.R.T. stop on 24th and Mission. You know, by the shelter and that McDonald's the Health Department shut down after someone found a finger in their milkshake."
"Oh yeah. He probably was then." resigned Miranda. "Damn."
The two friends linked arms and continued on their walk.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
The Shopper and The Checker
It was the day after a very hot holiday. The supermarket wasn't very crowded, but you could tell everyone most likely worked the holiday and now took the day off. “Well.” thought The Shopper, “At least the store isn't crowded.” Navigating the aisles, he remembered this was the store where The Checker worked.
He really liked The Checker. He was alluring and beautiful in his own way. Some people probably would find The Checker unattractive, but not The Shopper. To him, everything about The Checker was charming. His dorky grin, his slightly crooked (but very white) teeth, the amber-hued stubble that gave away his unnatural hair color, his crooked soul patch, his richly tanned skin that was probably very white at the beginning of summer, the watch he wore that was easily two sizes too big, and the large gemstone bracelet on his other slender wrist. He was just cute. Cute and goofy and a little clumsy. With a big apron on. Absolutely perfect.
The Shopper got what he needed and looked around to see only two checkstands open. One of them was staffed by The Checker. Four people were waiting at that stand – two at the other one staffed by an angry woman he didn't want to deal with. “Damn. I'll take a lap and check back.” He wasn't going to let go of his chance to interact with The Checker, even if it meant carrying frozen food around an overheated supermarket in the middle of summer. Nobody would catch on...they would just think he needed more things.
Returning to the front of the store, he noticed the line had gotten longer. Longer? How could that happen? One more lap should do the trick. He rounded the vegetarian frozen goods. “When are they going to restock the tofu corn dogs? They are too good to not carry!” he thought to himself as though to prove to some imaginary friend in his neurosis that he wasn't thinking about The Checker. It was a thinly-veiled defense and failed quickly. He jogged to the front of the store.
The line was down to two people. Awesome. Time to jump in.
He had plenty of time to observe The Checker from the back of the line. As he got closer he could notice a faint scent of cigarettes covered up (unsuccessfully) by cologne. He loved that. This innocent checker had some otherworldly meanderings that defied his nerdy exterior.
He had to know what it was like to actually have a conversation with this guy. In times past, The Shopper would just stand there numbly, take the receipt, smile and leave. They had to chat this time. He had to find out, one way or another, if The Checker subscribed to his particular brand of intimate arrangement for certain. How could he do this? How could he find out in the 5 minutes they would have together without giving it away and/or creeping The Checker out? He needed to shop here – it was the closest store to his house. How could he accomplish this and be able to show his face in there again? How??
The bracelet.
He could ask about the bracelet. This would start a conversation. It was too perfect! Based on the enthusiasm of his response he would know if it was safe to proceed. Fantastic!
“I like your bracelet.”
“Thanks.” he flashed a goofy grin. “My girlfriend got it for me at Lake Havasu. She goes every year with her family. The stones are real and stuff.” The Checker poked at the stones with his free hand while he dragged a package of cookie dough across the scanner in the other.
Girlfriend?
Right.
He had a girlfriend.
Right.
Maybe he did, that was altogether possible, but it was probably for show. A decorative faux-girlfriend. A girlfriend wall-treatment. Some sponge-painted wisp of a woman buying him gaudy bracelets from Lake Havasu that only further confirmed his fruity tendencies to the world.
He could picture her. She was like sugar-free Crystal Light. Sweet and pleasant but lame as hell.
The receipt clacked its way out of the ominous, gray box on the counter. “Okay, so, here's your receipt.” said The Checker with that grin again. That toothy grin. God that grin could make The Shopper a puddled mess on the floor if he let it. He reached up to take the receipt from The Checker and for a brief second their eyes and hands met.
Something snapped.
It was as though the entire life they could share together spun wildly in the narrow crevice between them like a cyclone, drawing them together with its furious imaginative energy. Shopper and Checker stood there, gazing into each other's eyes, fingertips touching, for what seemed like hours.
Just as fast as it started, it died. Music crescendoed, blurry shots came back into focus and The Checker went back to being The Checker. The Shopper just as quickly reduced back to a random person coming in for some odds and ends.
“Have a good one.” said The Checker with his trademark grin.
“You too.” said The Shopper with a huge smile.
The Shopper went on his way, wondering if he looked alright from the back. Chances of seeing The Checker again were slim at best. It was simply a chance encounter and nothing more. The Shopper knew absolutely nothing about The Checker in all honesty, but as the glass panel doors whirred open to a roasting summer sun, The Shopper couldn't help but tell himself:
“At another time, in another place, under different circumstances, he could have been the one.”
“Damn.”
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Celebrate!
My office is a very diverse one. By "diverse" I mean there is someone not originally from the U.S. who works there. By that, I mean I work with a Canadian.
Exotic.
Because we are so very diverse, we not only celebrate the 4th of July, but Canada Day as well (July 1st). It's a nice way for him to feel more comfortable and gives us an excuse to have CAKE!
Yes. Cake.
Specifically, the CANADA DAY FLAG CAKE made popular by Kraft Canada and enjoyed many a Canada Day in every province of that great land to the north.
This year was my turn to make the cake. It was really easy and it's not as unhealthy as you might think. It didn't turn out too bad, did it?
Here is the recipe with a much better looking strawberry arrangement: Canada Day Flag Cake
Yes, I am already thinking of how to switch this recipe around, add blueberries and make it for the 4th of July. It's not copying, it's utilizing resources.
HAPPY CANADA DAY TO ALL MY CANADIAN FRIENDS!!!
eh.
Exotic.
Because we are so very diverse, we not only celebrate the 4th of July, but Canada Day as well (July 1st). It's a nice way for him to feel more comfortable and gives us an excuse to have CAKE!
Yes. Cake.
Specifically, the CANADA DAY FLAG CAKE made popular by Kraft Canada and enjoyed many a Canada Day in every province of that great land to the north.
This year was my turn to make the cake. It was really easy and it's not as unhealthy as you might think. It didn't turn out too bad, did it?
You can almost tell it's the Canadian flag!
Here is the recipe with a much better looking strawberry arrangement: Canada Day Flag Cake
Yes, I am already thinking of how to switch this recipe around, add blueberries and make it for the 4th of July. It's not copying, it's utilizing resources.
HAPPY CANADA DAY TO ALL MY CANADIAN FRIENDS!!!
eh.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Thanks John!
I took the crayon quiz and it was pretty accurate. For some reason I really want to insert "eaters" after the 8th word in the last sentence. How very odd. ;)
You Are a Yellow Crayon |
 Your world is colored with happy, warm, fun colors. You have a thoughtful and wise way about you. Some people might even consider you a genius. Charming and eloquent, you are able to get people to do things your way. While you seem spontaneous and free wheeling, you are calculating to the extreme. Your color wheel opposite is purple. You both are charismatic leaders, but purple people act like you have no depth. |
Monday, June 23, 2008
R.I.P. George Carlin
Sometimes you made me uncomfortable, but most of the time you just made me laugh. I will miss you and your biting sense of reality.
George Carlin
George Carlin
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Stella talks.
stella talks.
Originally uploaded by Dynamite Doggies!
I really envy her sometimes. :)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Update from Cedar Rapids.
I just heard from my sister. The river has crested in Cedar Rapids and they are not restricting water use as much as they were. It sounds crazy, but when there's a massive flood you are not supposed to use water unless absolutely necessary. Something about the treatment plants not being able to function or something.
I'm just happy the situation is improving. Thanks for your well wishes, everyone.
I'm just happy the situation is improving. Thanks for your well wishes, everyone.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Please pray for Iowa.
Both Iowa City and Cedar Rapids are experiencing catastrophic flooding. My sister and her husband live there and so do her husband's siblings. So far everyone is ok, but the rivers haven't crested yet as far as I know.
Information:
Cedar Rapids
Iowa City
University of Iowa
How you can help:
American Red Cross - Grant Wood Area
United Way of East Central Iowa
(There are other organizations, I'm sure, but these are the ones that come to mind.)
Here is the Red Cross Safe and Well List in case you know anyone in the area and wanted to see if they were registered:
Red Cross Safe and Well List
Please keep Iowa in your thoughts and prayers today.
Information:
Cedar Rapids
Iowa City
University of Iowa
How you can help:
American Red Cross - Grant Wood Area
United Way of East Central Iowa
(There are other organizations, I'm sure, but these are the ones that come to mind.)
Here is the Red Cross Safe and Well List in case you know anyone in the area and wanted to see if they were registered:
Red Cross Safe and Well List
Please keep Iowa in your thoughts and prayers today.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Oh for the love...
I am going to write EVERY SINGLE DAY for 21 days?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
YEAH. You can see how well I did with THAT.
My life is in the process of changing significantly. I write best when I'm settled. This is the excuse I will use. Heh.
Also...I am starting a weight loss blog with some friends. Once everything is up and running smoothly, I will share that information with you. I HAVE been writing, just not on this blog. Also not on a blog I am sharing yet.
So it still sucks.
BUT I WROTE SOMETHING TODAY.
Goodnight.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
YEAH. You can see how well I did with THAT.
My life is in the process of changing significantly. I write best when I'm settled. This is the excuse I will use. Heh.
Also...I am starting a weight loss blog with some friends. Once everything is up and running smoothly, I will share that information with you. I HAVE been writing, just not on this blog. Also not on a blog I am sharing yet.
So it still sucks.
BUT I WROTE SOMETHING TODAY.
Goodnight.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Entombed.
Apparently the inventor of the Pringle can passed away May 4th.
Fredric J. Baur
He had requested to be buried in his invention. This makes perfect sense to me and if I were him, I would have made the same request.
Think about it! He invented the PRINGLE CAN. Who hasn't used one of those in this country? Not many people! We all know and love that can! The friendly face smiling at us to have just one more treat, that familiar thwapping sound the lid makes as it peels open, the aroma of the chips stacked neatly down there, the shiny silver inside of that tube of salty deliciousness...
R.I.P. Mr. Baur. Thank you for the snacks. Really.
Fredric J. Baur
He had requested to be buried in his invention. This makes perfect sense to me and if I were him, I would have made the same request.
Think about it! He invented the PRINGLE CAN. Who hasn't used one of those in this country? Not many people! We all know and love that can! The friendly face smiling at us to have just one more treat, that familiar thwapping sound the lid makes as it peels open, the aroma of the chips stacked neatly down there, the shiny silver inside of that tube of salty deliciousness...
R.I.P. Mr. Baur. Thank you for the snacks. Really.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Paula Polinski has your number...
Remember this?
Well the photographer, Mike Calanan, is from Buffalo, NY originally. He finds the video linked below very funny - as do I.
Paula Does Downtown
He recently went back there to visit family and got a voicemail message from Paula right after he returned. For some strange reason he thinks I left him that message, not Paula. Isn't that odd? Why would he think such a silly thing? He also decided to commemorate the message with a slideshow on his Flickr account. You can clearly tell it isn't me.
Pahla!
Totally not something I would do. Totally. ;-)
Well the photographer, Mike Calanan, is from Buffalo, NY originally. He finds the video linked below very funny - as do I.
Paula Does Downtown
He recently went back there to visit family and got a voicemail message from Paula right after he returned. For some strange reason he thinks I left him that message, not Paula. Isn't that odd? Why would he think such a silly thing? He also decided to commemorate the message with a slideshow on his Flickr account. You can clearly tell it isn't me.
Pahla!
Totally not something I would do. Totally. ;-)
Friday, May 30, 2008
Blank space.
Hi.
I'm just trying to write something in here today. I've made that promise to myself. I am going to try and write here EVERY SINGLE DAY for 21 days. Apparently after 21 days, if you're consistent, the whatever thing you're trying to do will stick and be permanent.
Or you'll go crazy and never want to do it again. Six of one, half a dozen of the other, right?
BUT WHAT DOES ONE DO when their mind is BLANK? I am sitting here, in a shirt that's way too big for me, in a stuffy room, and have nothing at all going through my cerebral cortex.
Like a VOID.
(Woosh.)
The only thing I am thinking about in conscious thought is how my left eye stings really bad and it could be possible I've burst another blood vessel in it. Let me check. Hold on.
Nope. Looks ok to me.
Don't get me wrong, there are things on my mind...way back there...but due to the extremely diverse audience reading this blog, I don't like to mention just ANYTHING. It wouldn't go over well. It's safer not to mention some things. I'm sure you understand.
So there's nothing to discuss. Really.
But at least I wrote something, right?
I'm just trying to write something in here today. I've made that promise to myself. I am going to try and write here EVERY SINGLE DAY for 21 days. Apparently after 21 days, if you're consistent, the whatever thing you're trying to do will stick and be permanent.
Or you'll go crazy and never want to do it again. Six of one, half a dozen of the other, right?
BUT WHAT DOES ONE DO when their mind is BLANK? I am sitting here, in a shirt that's way too big for me, in a stuffy room, and have nothing at all going through my cerebral cortex.
Like a VOID.
(Woosh.)
The only thing I am thinking about in conscious thought is how my left eye stings really bad and it could be possible I've burst another blood vessel in it. Let me check. Hold on.
Nope. Looks ok to me.
Don't get me wrong, there are things on my mind...way back there...but due to the extremely diverse audience reading this blog, I don't like to mention just ANYTHING. It wouldn't go over well. It's safer not to mention some things. I'm sure you understand.
So there's nothing to discuss. Really.
But at least I wrote something, right?
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Hello.
Sorry it's been so long. You know how that can happen though. I just...leave...for awhile and come back later. Heh. It's great. Admit it. You love it.
Actually, when I was in San Francisco there was a show on about blogs on NPR and they covered two main topics: How to determine if a blog is real and how to avoid the dreaded "Cheese Sandwich Blog" Syndrome.
If posts suddenly just STOP and the blogger comes back later with a "sorry I've been away at horse riding camp" or "my aunt Merna and I went to China" or some such thing, you know the blog you're reading is written by a REAL PERSON and not some staff of a newspaper somewhere pretending to be a person.
That's me. Totally keepin' it real.
Then, apparently, someone once wrote "Today I had a cheese sandwich" on their blog way back in the infancy of blogging, prompting the Interworld to ask "Why? Why the hell should we care? We're sitting at work, risking our jobs that we despise to read your daily comings and goings and that is all you have to say? It's enough to make us stop this and do some work!"
Or something like that.
In any case, the point was that if you don't have something interesting to say, don't bother. This has been my problem. Adding to that is the fact I have eaten quite a few cheese sandwiches recently...so blogging has been downright out of the question.
UNTIL TODAY.
Actually yesterday.
Yesterday we had a staff meeting at work and I officially told my coworkers about moving to Oregon. I started out with "July 15th will be my last day" and there was an audible gasp in the room.
I was not expecting that.
It made finishing my sentence even harder.
I yammered something like "...sobecauseIamumrelocatingtoOregonumyeah." and looked at my hands. They were shaking.
Now most of you may be going "It's just a job. Get over it, drama queen." and you would be partially right. I can take things too seriously sometimes. But this has been FAR more than just a job to me. When I was going to lose my previous position from a cut in funding, that place took me in and gave me the relief of not only a job, but a job where I was already comfortable and familiar with the surroundings. I was given a job in a lower position than I had held before (technical writer to office assistant) and never, ever, ever felt less important than anyone else in the department or cheated out of status. My boss has been amazing. My other coworkers have been amazing. I have made friends there. They have come over to my house for dinner.
Basically, leaving will be really, really hard for me. There is nothing more exciting and desirable than the opportunity to make a fresh start in a new, captivating city with tons of things seemingly tailor-made just for me, but in exchange I have to leave my job.
My awesome job.
I'll be ok. I'll get over it. Once I hit the Columbia River Gorge I don't think it will sting nearly as much (TREES!) and I know my coworkers are happy for me...but still, I know going to work may never be like it has been again. It may be, dare I say it, NORMAL.
Here's hoping there's another abnormal job for me out there in Oregon.
Seriously.
Actually, when I was in San Francisco there was a show on about blogs on NPR and they covered two main topics: How to determine if a blog is real and how to avoid the dreaded "Cheese Sandwich Blog" Syndrome.
If posts suddenly just STOP and the blogger comes back later with a "sorry I've been away at horse riding camp" or "my aunt Merna and I went to China" or some such thing, you know the blog you're reading is written by a REAL PERSON and not some staff of a newspaper somewhere pretending to be a person.
That's me. Totally keepin' it real.
Then, apparently, someone once wrote "Today I had a cheese sandwich" on their blog way back in the infancy of blogging, prompting the Interworld to ask "Why? Why the hell should we care? We're sitting at work, risking our jobs that we despise to read your daily comings and goings and that is all you have to say? It's enough to make us stop this and do some work!"
Or something like that.
In any case, the point was that if you don't have something interesting to say, don't bother. This has been my problem. Adding to that is the fact I have eaten quite a few cheese sandwiches recently...so blogging has been downright out of the question.
UNTIL TODAY.
Actually yesterday.
Yesterday we had a staff meeting at work and I officially told my coworkers about moving to Oregon. I started out with "July 15th will be my last day" and there was an audible gasp in the room.
I was not expecting that.
It made finishing my sentence even harder.
I yammered something like "...sobecauseIamumrelocatingtoOregonumyeah." and looked at my hands. They were shaking.
Now most of you may be going "It's just a job. Get over it, drama queen." and you would be partially right. I can take things too seriously sometimes. But this has been FAR more than just a job to me. When I was going to lose my previous position from a cut in funding, that place took me in and gave me the relief of not only a job, but a job where I was already comfortable and familiar with the surroundings. I was given a job in a lower position than I had held before (technical writer to office assistant) and never, ever, ever felt less important than anyone else in the department or cheated out of status. My boss has been amazing. My other coworkers have been amazing. I have made friends there. They have come over to my house for dinner.
Basically, leaving will be really, really hard for me. There is nothing more exciting and desirable than the opportunity to make a fresh start in a new, captivating city with tons of things seemingly tailor-made just for me, but in exchange I have to leave my job.
My awesome job.
I'll be ok. I'll get over it. Once I hit the Columbia River Gorge I don't think it will sting nearly as much (TREES!) and I know my coworkers are happy for me...but still, I know going to work may never be like it has been again. It may be, dare I say it, NORMAL.
Here's hoping there's another abnormal job for me out there in Oregon.
Seriously.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Fuel cell vehicles are here.
Well, they are if you live in Southern California. I knew Honda was testing this but didn't think it would ever move ahead! Zero emissions! Wow!
Honda Clarity
Let's hope it becomes more widespread.
Honda Clarity
Let's hope it becomes more widespread.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
My computer died.
Died as in "won't even turn back on". Thankfully it's under warranty (for about 72 more hours) so there won't be a charge, but I have to ship it off to Hewlett-Packard for the repair.
Yikes!
I could go on and on about how annoying the whole thing is and how this experience has significantly altered my preference in personal computing devices but I won't. There's no need. We've all been there before. At least, thus far, the process has been pretty quick and painless - plus they're paying the shipping cost - so kudos to HP for that, but still. Yeah. Shouldn't happen in the first place.
LUCKILY my dad has a computer (which is how I wrote this).
HOWEVER he uses said computer. Regularly. It is his computer, after all.
As a result, there are LONG STRETCHES of time that pass with nary an internet connection to be had - but where there isn't internet, there are ART SUPPLIES.
Yikes!
I could go on and on about how annoying the whole thing is and how this experience has significantly altered my preference in personal computing devices but I won't. There's no need. We've all been there before. At least, thus far, the process has been pretty quick and painless - plus they're paying the shipping cost - so kudos to HP for that, but still. Yeah. Shouldn't happen in the first place.
LUCKILY my dad has a computer (which is how I wrote this).
HOWEVER he uses said computer. Regularly. It is his computer, after all.
As a result, there are LONG STRETCHES of time that pass with nary an internet connection to be had - but where there isn't internet, there are ART SUPPLIES.
I did both of these in one night.
HA!
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Hey guess what?
A local photographer, Michael Calanan, asked me if I wanted to do a photo shoot documenting a place in Salt Lake that I find special. It's part of a project he's working on. This guy is really good, so if you need a photographer I recommend looking him up.
Photo Shoot!
Thanks Michael! It was really nice meeting you and fun to share my place!
Photo Shoot!
Thanks Michael! It was really nice meeting you and fun to share my place!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
KMHD is awesome.
Hello.
By now pretty much all of you know my plans to move to Portland in July. If you don’t know already, well, SURPRISE!
Heh.
Anyway…let me tell you about an AWESOME radio station over there. It’s called KMHD and it broadcasts from Mount Hood Community College in Gresham (a suburb). A couple months ago I pledged some money because I had started to listen to them online. It seemed fair. I didn’t have enough for the membership, but asked if I could at least get a bumper sticker. The woman I spoke with was very kind and said that wouldn’t be a problem. Almost immediately afterward I received TWO bumper stickers from them and they are the window cling type so I can reuse them whenever I want! Bonus!
I figured that was that. It was nice of them and I was grateful.
WELL.
Yesterday in the mail I received ANOTHER bumper sticker (this one is GREEN!), a post-it pad with their logo on it, a broadcast schedule, a gift certificate for Acadia in Portland AND a coupon for 20% off a purchase at Music Millenium there too!
Holy crap!
Thinking they accidentally processed my donation as a membership, I sent an email thanking them and asking if they needed more money. This was the membership coordinator’s response:
Michael,
What you received is what KMHD can afford for its advertising budget. We count on word of mouth and it sounds like you will be a great new addition to Portland and KMHD’s listening audience. I’m glad you enjoyed and will be able to use firsthand the KMHD premiums and there is no additional contribution other than what your own conscience might dictate. Although I will say, “it’s tax deductible!”
Might I preemptively welcome you to Portland, I think you’ll find it very livable.
Sincerely,
Mary Burlingame
KMHD, Membership Services
Thank you Mary! That was nice of you guys! Portland and I are going to get along just fine with people like you there and I can't wait to try those businesses! I happen to love music and food. It's like you KNEW. Haha!
Such a nice surprise.
Also I would like to note I am listening online as I type this. Just so you know.
By now pretty much all of you know my plans to move to Portland in July. If you don’t know already, well, SURPRISE!
Heh.
Anyway…let me tell you about an AWESOME radio station over there. It’s called KMHD and it broadcasts from Mount Hood Community College in Gresham (a suburb). A couple months ago I pledged some money because I had started to listen to them online. It seemed fair. I didn’t have enough for the membership, but asked if I could at least get a bumper sticker. The woman I spoke with was very kind and said that wouldn’t be a problem. Almost immediately afterward I received TWO bumper stickers from them and they are the window cling type so I can reuse them whenever I want! Bonus!
I figured that was that. It was nice of them and I was grateful.
WELL.
Yesterday in the mail I received ANOTHER bumper sticker (this one is GREEN!), a post-it pad with their logo on it, a broadcast schedule, a gift certificate for Acadia in Portland AND a coupon for 20% off a purchase at Music Millenium there too!
Holy crap!
Thinking they accidentally processed my donation as a membership, I sent an email thanking them and asking if they needed more money. This was the membership coordinator’s response:
Michael,
What you received is what KMHD can afford for its advertising budget. We count on word of mouth and it sounds like you will be a great new addition to Portland and KMHD’s listening audience. I’m glad you enjoyed and will be able to use firsthand the KMHD premiums and there is no additional contribution other than what your own conscience might dictate. Although I will say, “it’s tax deductible!”
Might I preemptively welcome you to Portland, I think you’ll find it very livable.
Sincerely,
Mary Burlingame
KMHD, Membership Services
Thank you Mary! That was nice of you guys! Portland and I are going to get along just fine with people like you there and I can't wait to try those businesses! I happen to love music and food. It's like you KNEW. Haha!
Such a nice surprise.
Also I would like to note I am listening online as I type this. Just so you know.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
You may already know this.
If you're in the U.S. and expecting an economic stimulus check, here is the payment schedule! It's based on the last two digits of your SSN and if you chose direct deposit or a paper check when you filed your 2007 taxes.
Payment Schedule
You DID file already, didn't you? The deadline is TODAY after all.
My friend Becka alerted me to this schedule. Thank you Becka!
Payment Schedule
You DID file already, didn't you? The deadline is TODAY after all.
My friend Becka alerted me to this schedule. Thank you Becka!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
NEWS FLASH.
I HELD A BABY ON THURSDAY AND LIKED IT.
Remember my friend Rebecca? No? Yes you do. I've told you about her before.
No? Really? Come on! Do you ever listen to me?! I mean, I know I can ramble sometimes but if-
Fine.
Rebecca had her baby, named Gerard, 3 months before he was actually due. It was a very scary situation for her and her husband Michael. After the delivery (on Christmas Eve, no less) Rebecca recovered in the hospital and Gerard stayed in the NICU. He was there until his due date (almost three months later). Mom and baby are home now, but Gerard is on oxygen. He's doing really well though, and last Thursday was the first time I got to see him AND REBECCA ASKED ME TO HOLD HIM.
In case you didn't know, this would be the THIRD TIME in my life I have EVER held a baby and the FIRST TIME I held a baby for more than 30 seconds.
It was nice.
Really nice.
He was so calm and quiet...he actually slept in my arms the whole 10 minutes or so I held him. It was very peaceful.
No, I can't say I want to have kids. But holding Gerard was lovely.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Thoughts on retail husbandry.
I'm thinking I might jazz things up a bit in my personal life. See, my personality and sense of style have gotten boring to me, so I've decided to switch it around. Why not? It's springtime - the feeling is bound to surface in springtime.
It seems pretty easy. At the mall yesterday I found a bunch of places that have whole entire identities wrapped up in neat little packages! All you have to do is get the stuff and you're done! Clothing, shoes, music, home decor, which movies you should watch, which books you should read (provided your new personality reads), it's all in there. Choose who you want to be and boom! Brand new person! Just like that!
So I'm totally doing that. It sounds so easy.
I won't even have to THINK.
Heh.
It seems pretty easy. At the mall yesterday I found a bunch of places that have whole entire identities wrapped up in neat little packages! All you have to do is get the stuff and you're done! Clothing, shoes, music, home decor, which movies you should watch, which books you should read (provided your new personality reads), it's all in there. Choose who you want to be and boom! Brand new person! Just like that!
So I'm totally doing that. It sounds so easy.
I won't even have to THINK.
Heh.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Jackie and I made cupcakes...
...and, well, the best way to describe it is through the photos.
Cupcake Shenanigans
NOTE: Please, please, PLEASE don't use this as a gauge for my or Jackie's baking abilities. We are both really quite good! I swear! I haven't killed a person yet!
Cupcake Shenanigans
NOTE: Please, please, PLEASE don't use this as a gauge for my or Jackie's baking abilities. We are both really quite good! I swear! I haven't killed a person yet!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Utah: Land of the Eternal Snowflake
It snowed last night. Out of nowhere.
Currently the temperature is 23F and there is 3-4 inches of snow outside.
Did I mention tomorrow is April 1st?
Did I also mention that it was 60F yesterday?
Right now, I am so full of abject hatred for this state that it's making me physically sick.
Still, "Land of the Eternal Snowflake" is pretty funny. Heh.
Currently the temperature is 23F and there is 3-4 inches of snow outside.
Did I mention tomorrow is April 1st?
Did I also mention that it was 60F yesterday?
Right now, I am so full of abject hatred for this state that it's making me physically sick.
Still, "Land of the Eternal Snowflake" is pretty funny. Heh.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes with Orange Icing
I made 18 of these tonight at my friend Jackie's house (Fiesta ware courtesy of Jackie's mom).
The recipe can be found here: Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes
I followed it to the letter EXCEPT for using lemon juice in place of the vinegar to prevent a weird aftertaste. The orange icing was just powdered sugar whisked with orange juice and blue food coloring to throw everyone off.
These were GOOD and I hope to make them again...maybe with orange zest in the cupcakes? Maybe?
MMM.
The recipe can be found here: Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes
I followed it to the letter EXCEPT for using lemon juice in place of the vinegar to prevent a weird aftertaste. The orange icing was just powdered sugar whisked with orange juice and blue food coloring to throw everyone off.
These were GOOD and I hope to make them again...maybe with orange zest in the cupcakes? Maybe?
MMM.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Again?
I have no idea how long this motivation to draw will last so I might as well assault you with these things while I still can.
Heh.
Get it? It's unCANny and it's in a CAN.
Whatever. It's LATE too.
Heh.
Get it? It's unCANny and it's in a CAN.
Whatever. It's LATE too.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Um?
Mastodon skeleton for sale.
1. Who wants to keep a mastodon skeleton in their house?
2. Is it even legal to sell one of those things?
3. No. Really. WHO DOES THAT?!
They should donate it to a museum. They won't get money BUT COME ON.
1. Who wants to keep a mastodon skeleton in their house?
2. Is it even legal to sell one of those things?
3. No. Really. WHO DOES THAT?!
They should donate it to a museum. They won't get money BUT COME ON.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Berry Clafouti
Wait...there are RECIPES on here? No way!
Heh.
I didn't actually MAKE this, my mom did, but it was really good. Plus it's simple enough that I COULD make it and I plan to VERY SOON.
Oh you wanted the recipe. Oh ok.
Here.
FRESH FRUIT CLAFOUTI - taken from The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes (via National Nutrition Month's 2008 Newsletter)
1 1/2 cups fresh fruit (peaches, cherries, a fruity mix, whatever)
2/3 cup fat-free evaporated milk
1 large egg, beaten or 1/4 cup egg substitute
2T all-purpose flour
2T sugar
1/2t pure vanilla extract
1/8t nutmeg (freshly grated is best)
1/8t salt
1T sifted powdered sugar
Preheat the oven to 375F. Prepare an 8 inch glass pie plate with nonstick pan spray. Layer the fruit in the plate.
Combine the milk, egg, flour, sugar, vanilla, nutmeg and salt in a food processor. Process until smooth, then pour over the fruit.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm sprinkled with powdered sugar.
ENJOY!
Heh.
I didn't actually MAKE this, my mom did, but it was really good. Plus it's simple enough that I COULD make it and I plan to VERY SOON.
Anyway. Here it is.
Oh you wanted the recipe. Oh ok.
Here.
FRESH FRUIT CLAFOUTI - taken from The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes (via National Nutrition Month's 2008 Newsletter)
1 1/2 cups fresh fruit (peaches, cherries, a fruity mix, whatever)
2/3 cup fat-free evaporated milk
1 large egg, beaten or 1/4 cup egg substitute
2T all-purpose flour
2T sugar
1/2t pure vanilla extract
1/8t nutmeg (freshly grated is best)
1/8t salt
1T sifted powdered sugar
Preheat the oven to 375F. Prepare an 8 inch glass pie plate with nonstick pan spray. Layer the fruit in the plate.
Combine the milk, egg, flour, sugar, vanilla, nutmeg and salt in a food processor. Process until smooth, then pour over the fruit.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm sprinkled with powdered sugar.
ENJOY!
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Strawberry Lemon Lime Cupcakes
Hello.
I just made some cupcakes. They are for a birthday party. Since this was the first time I've ever baked something for a party I used packaged mixes to ensure non-grossness but I want to try making more cupcakes and fine-tuning this because it was fun! There is a vegan vanilla cupcake recipe out there I want to play around with. Maybe next time.
Basically this was all I did.
1. Opened some lemon cake mix and made the batter.
2. Added lime zest to the batter.
3. Filled the cups 2/3 full and baked that mess.
4. Frosted the cupcakes with a dollop of strawberry frosting and orange sprinkles.
5. So freaking easy.
The cupcakes are on this groovy cupcake holder thing my mom gave me. She always finds STUFF that is AWESOME out of NOWHERE. Thank you mom! It's perfect for a birthday!
Let's go in for a closer look.
MMMMM.
I just made some cupcakes. They are for a birthday party. Since this was the first time I've ever baked something for a party I used packaged mixes to ensure non-grossness but I want to try making more cupcakes and fine-tuning this because it was fun! There is a vegan vanilla cupcake recipe out there I want to play around with. Maybe next time.
Basically this was all I did.
1. Opened some lemon cake mix and made the batter.
2. Added lime zest to the batter.
3. Filled the cups 2/3 full and baked that mess.
4. Frosted the cupcakes with a dollop of strawberry frosting and orange sprinkles.
5. So freaking easy.
The cupcakes are on this groovy cupcake holder thing my mom gave me. She always finds STUFF that is AWESOME out of NOWHERE. Thank you mom! It's perfect for a birthday!
Let's go in for a closer look.
MMMMM.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Gift cards are a risk...
...just like any other investment. You may want to think twice before giving one as a gift. My cousin went through the same thing when a store she bought a card from went bankrupt.
Gift Card Capers.
Give them money instead. Money still works as far as I know.
Gift Card Capers.
Give them money instead. Money still works as far as I know.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Would you like some cauliflower?
Last night my mom and I made some purple cauliflower I bought at Liberty Heights Fresh with my birthday giftcard (thank you, Jordan and Kevin). Being the sheltered individual I am, I wasn't aware cauliflower grew purple. I had seen it orange before (it looks like cheese popcorn in a bed of lettuce to me) but not purple! Purple? Purple!
Well, it didn't taste any different BUT it looked REALLY COOL. At first the cauliflower is a light purple - almost lavender. When you steam it, however, it develops a deeper color with tones of blue.
Like THIS:
Isn't that freaky?? I love it!! Most people cringe when their food takes on the appearance of an alien life form but not me! I can't stop looking at it!
Puuuuurpllllleee...aaahhhhhh...
We put sea salt and fresh ground black pepper on it with a little butter. Delicious! My friend has a recipe for "Caulirice" which uses a ground head of cauliflower as the "rice". CAN YOU IMAGINE HOW AWESOME IT WOULD LOOK IN PURPLE? What if I added a little orange cauliflower to it? I may have to get some again - no. I HAVE to get some again. This was so cool!
Okay I am calm now.
Well, it didn't taste any different BUT it looked REALLY COOL. At first the cauliflower is a light purple - almost lavender. When you steam it, however, it develops a deeper color with tones of blue.
Like THIS:
Isn't that freaky?? I love it!! Most people cringe when their food takes on the appearance of an alien life form but not me! I can't stop looking at it!
Puuuuurpllllleee...aaahhhhhh...
We put sea salt and fresh ground black pepper on it with a little butter. Delicious! My friend has a recipe for "Caulirice" which uses a ground head of cauliflower as the "rice". CAN YOU IMAGINE HOW AWESOME IT WOULD LOOK IN PURPLE? What if I added a little orange cauliflower to it? I may have to get some again - no. I HAVE to get some again. This was so cool!
Okay I am calm now.
Friday, February 29, 2008
I have been tagged!
How exciting! That hardly ever happens!
From Holly.
1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find sentences 5,6, and 7, and post them.
4. Tag five people.
I am at work (BUT ON A BREAK DAMNIT) so this should be interesting. The NEAREST book is a 1995 copy of Peterson's Register of Higher Education. Sentences 5,6, and 7 are from Coastal Carolina University's listing. I have never even heard of them before. New discovery! Woohoo!
Bookstore: Carol Collins, Bookstore Manager, extension 2361.
Branch Campus: Stewart Strothers, Director of Georgetown Extension, 803-XXX-XXXX
(I am not dumb enough to post the actual number).
Business Affairs (Chief Officer): Dr. Sally Horner, Vice-Chancellor for Fiscal Affairs, extension 2043.
I am tagging Michele and some other people when I figure out who that should be.
Heh.
From Holly.
1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find sentences 5,6, and 7, and post them.
4. Tag five people.
I am at work (BUT ON A BREAK DAMNIT) so this should be interesting. The NEAREST book is a 1995 copy of Peterson's Register of Higher Education. Sentences 5,6, and 7 are from Coastal Carolina University's listing. I have never even heard of them before. New discovery! Woohoo!
Bookstore: Carol Collins, Bookstore Manager, extension 2361.
Branch Campus: Stewart Strothers, Director of Georgetown Extension, 803-XXX-XXXX
(I am not dumb enough to post the actual number).
Business Affairs (Chief Officer): Dr. Sally Horner, Vice-Chancellor for Fiscal Affairs, extension 2043.
I am tagging Michele and some other people when I figure out who that should be.
Heh.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Cookie Softball.
My mom recently bought some cookies for a meeting she was having at work. She put them on a dish to take and gave me a freezer bag about 1/4 full of broken bits of cookie. Those weren't pretty enough for the dish, according to her.
Well...I started snacking on the bits of cookie (chocolate chunk, oatmeal raisin and macadamia) until I realized it was going to be hard to get every last bit out of the bag.
So.
I smooshed the cookie bits up into a ball. Since they were soft it was very easy. This I have been snacking on each day since Saturday.
I just finished the last of it now.
It was the size of a baseball.
Holy crap. DELICIOUS. Hopefully my mom has another meeting and makes another cookie platter soon because DAMN. SO GOOD!!!
That was all.
Well...I started snacking on the bits of cookie (chocolate chunk, oatmeal raisin and macadamia) until I realized it was going to be hard to get every last bit out of the bag.
So.
I smooshed the cookie bits up into a ball. Since they were soft it was very easy. This I have been snacking on each day since Saturday.
I just finished the last of it now.
It was the size of a baseball.
Holy crap. DELICIOUS. Hopefully my mom has another meeting and makes another cookie platter soon because DAMN. SO GOOD!!!
That was all.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
This post brought to you by Ovaltine...
I am plagued with the snots and headaches.
Ew.
However, while sitting at home wishing I could pop my head with a pin, I found some really well made videos on YouTube. What I liked the most was the music. I asked the account holder where he had gotten the music and he told me it was from here:
Complete Broadcast Day
This is a complete day of broadcasting from WJSV (now WTOP) in Alexandria, VA. The recording was made on September 21, 1939. It was archived for time and posterity because that particular day there was a special session of congress they covered live from Washington D.C.
You can actually hear President Roosevelt speak.
It was fascinating.
The best part was when the announcer explained why that day was being recorded. What gave me chills was that he knew people would be listening to his voice long after he passed away. It was almost as though he was reaching through time to say hello and thank me for listening!
That might have been the cough medicine, however.
In any case, I recommend a listen. There are commercials, recipe ideas, shows (including the infamous “Amos n' Andy”), LIVE MUSIC by Louis Prima and everything else. I can't stop listening to it!
Now, it's time for more medicine. Mmm.
CIAO.
Ew.
However, while sitting at home wishing I could pop my head with a pin, I found some really well made videos on YouTube. What I liked the most was the music. I asked the account holder where he had gotten the music and he told me it was from here:
Complete Broadcast Day
This is a complete day of broadcasting from WJSV (now WTOP) in Alexandria, VA. The recording was made on September 21, 1939. It was archived for time and posterity because that particular day there was a special session of congress they covered live from Washington D.C.
You can actually hear President Roosevelt speak.
It was fascinating.
The best part was when the announcer explained why that day was being recorded. What gave me chills was that he knew people would be listening to his voice long after he passed away. It was almost as though he was reaching through time to say hello and thank me for listening!
That might have been the cough medicine, however.
In any case, I recommend a listen. There are commercials, recipe ideas, shows (including the infamous “Amos n' Andy”), LIVE MUSIC by Louis Prima and everything else. I can't stop listening to it!
Now, it's time for more medicine. Mmm.
CIAO.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Birthday.
I am 28 years old today.
Hm.
Doesn't feel much different. I'll keep you posted though.
SPEAKING OF THAT...let me tell you what I did over the weekend! Luckily my birthday always falls near or directly on a three-day weekend which gives me time each year to GO CRAZAY.
Or...at least do something interesting.
SO.
On Saturday I went to Wendover (again) but not for a concert. Jackie and Jackie's mom asked if I wanted to go with them. It wasn't technically "for" my birthday, but it fell in the same weekend so I'm counting it thusly.
We gambled, had lovely foods, met up with Jackie's friends and had a great time. Her mom is hilarious.
Pictures!
I won $5 on penny slots. Watch me go.
Then Sunday my parents took all of us out to Buca di Beppo for dinner! I received some very thoughtful gifts and we all had a blast.
It was in the Pope Room.
We had party favors.
Yup.
So it was a good weekend. ;-)
Friday, February 15, 2008
Northern Illinois University
There has been another shooting on a university campus.
Here.
As a university employee, my heart and prayers go out to everyone at NIU and their families. I hope they are able to heal rapidly, and recover their trust of the world around them. That is something nobody should ever have to go through.
Unbelievable.
Here.
As a university employee, my heart and prayers go out to everyone at NIU and their families. I hope they are able to heal rapidly, and recover their trust of the world around them. That is something nobody should ever have to go through.
Unbelievable.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Ahem.
*taps mic*
Ladies and gentlemen...SALT LAKE CITY IS OFFICIALLY ON GOOGLE STREET VIEW.
Thank you.
*exits stage left to raucous applause*
Ladies and gentlemen...SALT LAKE CITY IS OFFICIALLY ON GOOGLE STREET VIEW.
Thank you.
*exits stage left to raucous applause*
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
LabraWHOodle?
Last night I had a really interesting experience. I was lying there, approaching the sweet threshold of slumber, when suddenly I felt paws on my chest. I opened my eyes (or thought I had) and saw a black and white Labradoodle puppy standing there looking me in the face. Her tail was wagging and she took a big, huge lick across my forehead.
I could feel everything.
I felt not just the paws pressing against my chest, but the poke of claws and foot pads too! I also felt the slight back-and-forth movement from her wagging tail and the warm sensation of the tongue across my forehead.
EVERYTHING.
My eyes opened for real at that point and it was all gone. But it had been so incredibly concrete to me. She had been standing there and I even knew she was a “she!”
But nobody was there. Nobody was there and I was in a state of perfect comfort and peace. Completely relaxed.
There are a few articles out there that dispute such experiences. Some say it's a way for spirits to contact us on a level in which we are totally vulnerable and able to accept something like that. Under normal circumstances we don't “see” them because we aren't supposed to and/or are too caught up in the world around us to notice.
Another school of thought contends that it's simply a dream hallucination brought on by the onset of sleep. Nothing more.
I don't know which theory actually holds true and I'm not interested in figuring it out or debating it. What I do know for certain is that what happened last night was incredibly awesome and I hope to see her again. If I could.
Wow.
Google “Labradoodle.” You know you want to. They're so damn cute!
I could feel everything.
I felt not just the paws pressing against my chest, but the poke of claws and foot pads too! I also felt the slight back-and-forth movement from her wagging tail and the warm sensation of the tongue across my forehead.
EVERYTHING.
My eyes opened for real at that point and it was all gone. But it had been so incredibly concrete to me. She had been standing there and I even knew she was a “she!”
But nobody was there. Nobody was there and I was in a state of perfect comfort and peace. Completely relaxed.
There are a few articles out there that dispute such experiences. Some say it's a way for spirits to contact us on a level in which we are totally vulnerable and able to accept something like that. Under normal circumstances we don't “see” them because we aren't supposed to and/or are too caught up in the world around us to notice.
Another school of thought contends that it's simply a dream hallucination brought on by the onset of sleep. Nothing more.
I don't know which theory actually holds true and I'm not interested in figuring it out or debating it. What I do know for certain is that what happened last night was incredibly awesome and I hope to see her again. If I could.
Wow.
Google “Labradoodle.” You know you want to. They're so damn cute!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
JOEL MCHALE
Hello.
Did you have a nice evening? I sure did.
Why, you ask?
BECAUSE I SAW JOEL MCHALE TONIGHT.
He was very, very, very funny and INCREDIBLY nice enough to pose after the show for a picture with my dorky self and goofy camera phone!
All you need to know is that he is just as funny in person as he is on t.v.
Aah. So nice.
GOODNIGHT.
P.S. If you don't know who he is here is a link to his show.
Did you have a nice evening? I sure did.
Why, you ask?
BECAUSE I SAW JOEL MCHALE TONIGHT.
He was very, very, very funny and INCREDIBLY nice enough to pose after the show for a picture with my dorky self and goofy camera phone!
All you need to know is that he is just as funny in person as he is on t.v.
Aah. So nice.
GOODNIGHT.
P.S. If you don't know who he is here is a link to his show.
Friday, February 08, 2008
THE SUN IS OUT.
I was beginning to think I'd never see it again. It's out and today is going to be "springlike" according to the weather guy.
Woohoo!
This winter has been awful. There just isn't another way to put it. Awful. January has been freezing, snow-paralyzing and awful. I've never experienced worse in my life. Honestly! I can't wait for it to be officially over.
In other, more pleasant news, I had a "Hm...that's interesting" moment this morning while perusing U.S. Customs page on what you cannot bring into the country from abroad.
Here.
Apparently it is illegal to bring in dog or cat fur from another country. When I visit Jeannie this summer I must make sure to take a lint roller to my shirt as she has a sheltie with long, silky fur.
Heh.
Woohoo!
This winter has been awful. There just isn't another way to put it. Awful. January has been freezing, snow-paralyzing and awful. I've never experienced worse in my life. Honestly! I can't wait for it to be officially over.
In other, more pleasant news, I had a "Hm...that's interesting" moment this morning while perusing U.S. Customs page on what you cannot bring into the country from abroad.
Here.
Apparently it is illegal to bring in dog or cat fur from another country. When I visit Jeannie this summer I must make sure to take a lint roller to my shirt as she has a sheltie with long, silky fur.
Heh.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Sweet Vegetarian Chili
Hi! Since I was trapped inside due to a "snowstorm of unequaled proportions" (actual quote from a local meteorologist), I made something new for dinner! It was good!
WARNING: This is a pre-packaged food EXTRAVAGANZA. I didn't have the time nor ability to get to the store for fresh ingredients. Maybe I'll come up with a new recipe using more homemade items, maybe not. In any case, the packaging made it easier to calculate nutritional crap so there.
Michael's Sweet Vegetarian Chili
1 large box of Pacific Farms Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
2 cups frozen vegetables (anything you'd like to have in soup will do.)
1 regular can kidney beans
1 regular can white beans
1 cup SHORT GRAIN brown rice
3 wedges Laughing Cow Reduced Fat Swiss Cheese
Basil to taste
Garlic powder to taste
Paprika to taste
Sea salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Cholula to taste
Olive oil cooking spray
Put the rice in a pot to cook. While it is cooking, pour the soup in a large saucepan and add the vegetables, beans and spices. Let it simmer.
Once the rice is done mix in the Laughing Cow cheese, inducing creamy cheesy goodness. Stir goodness into the soup (which was simmering if you remember) and mix together.
Allow soup to simmer and reduce somewhat (15 minutes?) and serve with SOMETHING CRUNCHY (we had triangle-cut baked corn tortillas with ours).
MMM.
Nutritional Info (per cup)
166 calories
2g fat
30g carbs
6g fiber
WW Point Value: 2.7
There are about a million ways you could go with this dish. Have fun with it and tell me if you tried anything different!
WARNING: This is a pre-packaged food EXTRAVAGANZA. I didn't have the time nor ability to get to the store for fresh ingredients. Maybe I'll come up with a new recipe using more homemade items, maybe not. In any case, the packaging made it easier to calculate nutritional crap so there.
Michael's Sweet Vegetarian Chili
1 large box of Pacific Farms Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
2 cups frozen vegetables (anything you'd like to have in soup will do.)
1 regular can kidney beans
1 regular can white beans
1 cup SHORT GRAIN brown rice
3 wedges Laughing Cow Reduced Fat Swiss Cheese
Basil to taste
Garlic powder to taste
Paprika to taste
Sea salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Cholula to taste
Olive oil cooking spray
Put the rice in a pot to cook. While it is cooking, pour the soup in a large saucepan and add the vegetables, beans and spices. Let it simmer.
Once the rice is done mix in the Laughing Cow cheese, inducing creamy cheesy goodness. Stir goodness into the soup (which was simmering if you remember) and mix together.
Allow soup to simmer and reduce somewhat (15 minutes?) and serve with SOMETHING CRUNCHY (we had triangle-cut baked corn tortillas with ours).
MMM.
Nutritional Info (per cup)
166 calories
2g fat
30g carbs
6g fiber
WW Point Value: 2.7
There are about a million ways you could go with this dish. Have fun with it and tell me if you tried anything different!
Friday, February 01, 2008
Very simple.
Hello. Here is the recipe I promised. It's incredibly simple and involves packaged food...sorry about that.
First, I made this.
EXCEPT I added a can of kidney beans, a can of garbanzo beans, and some frozen vegetables (green beans, carrots and corn).
It was really good.
The multigrain biscuits from last time were made again, except I formed them with my hands for a thicker, puffier biscuit.
Combined together with a dusting of parmesan it was DELICIOUS.
Nutritional things!!!
(Please note THESE FIGURES ARE APPROXIMATE and are coming from someone who FAILED COLLEGE ALGEBRA THREE TIMES IN ONE SCHOOL YEAR.)
(Just F.Y.I.)
Soup (per cup)
110 calories
2g fat
1g fiber
Weight Watchers Point Value: 2.2
Biscuit (per biscuit)
105 calories
5g fat
14g carbs
1g fiber
Weight Watchers Point Value: 2.3
MMMMM!!!
First, I made this.
EXCEPT I added a can of kidney beans, a can of garbanzo beans, and some frozen vegetables (green beans, carrots and corn).
It was really good.
The multigrain biscuits from last time were made again, except I formed them with my hands for a thicker, puffier biscuit.
Combined together with a dusting of parmesan it was DELICIOUS.
Nutritional things!!!
(Please note THESE FIGURES ARE APPROXIMATE and are coming from someone who FAILED COLLEGE ALGEBRA THREE TIMES IN ONE SCHOOL YEAR.)
(Just F.Y.I.)
Soup (per cup)
110 calories
2g fat
1g fiber
Weight Watchers Point Value: 2.2
Biscuit (per biscuit)
105 calories
5g fat
14g carbs
1g fiber
Weight Watchers Point Value: 2.3
MMMMM!!!
SNOW DAY!!!
FINALLY!!!
Honestly I was beginning to think Snow Days were just a figment of my imagination.
BE CAREFUL OUT THERE.
Honestly I was beginning to think Snow Days were just a figment of my imagination.
BE CAREFUL OUT THERE.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Fridays with Subway
I am so awesome.
Yes, I realize this isn’t news but one can forget how awesome they are from time to time. Because of what happened today, my awesomenicinity has been reaffirmed.
REAFFIRMED.
You see, awhile back, my friends Kevin, Ashley and I went out to lunch during the work week pretty regularly. With our crazy schedules (actually Kevin and Ashley’s crazy schedule and my boring one) we didn’t have much time to see each other on the weekend so this was a good idea. However, it got to be expensive and quite generous in the calorie expenditure department. In order to keep it up, we devised a plan to save our lunch dates, yet also our money and body fat percentages. We decided to only lunch one day per week, and since the health-conscious Subway down the street NOT ONLY offered a $2.99 Friday sandwich BUT A FREE COOKIE AS WELL (only on Fridays for a limited time while supplies last all rights reserved), we picked that as our place. We went to Subway on Fridays for lunch until about last August when the two of them moved away.
(There is a side story about how that Subway developed the nickname “Place de la Chubby Butterfly” which later became this blog's namesake but I won’t go into that now.)
Due to this ingenious plan, we collected quite a few Subway points on our respective cards. As usual, I forgot about the points collected UNTIL TODAY.
I was hungry.
I wanted to go out to lunch.
I was broke as a joke.
BUT.
Because of our forward thinking skills, I had enough points to get a FOOT-LONG veggie sub WITH CHIPS and a DRINK for FREE.
(Not a cookie though because they’re only free on Fridays.)
PLUS I STILL HAVE POINTS LEFT. Can you believe it?? I was excitedly relaying this story to my coworker and she suggested I put it on my blog (which may actually be an avoidance maneuver so she doesn't have to hear my compelling stories. I haven't figured that out yet).
I don’t think a Subway sandwich has ever tasted this incredible.
WOOHOO!
Yes, I realize this isn’t news but one can forget how awesome they are from time to time. Because of what happened today, my awesomenicinity has been reaffirmed.
REAFFIRMED.
You see, awhile back, my friends Kevin, Ashley and I went out to lunch during the work week pretty regularly. With our crazy schedules (actually Kevin and Ashley’s crazy schedule and my boring one) we didn’t have much time to see each other on the weekend so this was a good idea. However, it got to be expensive and quite generous in the calorie expenditure department. In order to keep it up, we devised a plan to save our lunch dates, yet also our money and body fat percentages. We decided to only lunch one day per week, and since the health-conscious Subway down the street NOT ONLY offered a $2.99 Friday sandwich BUT A FREE COOKIE AS WELL (only on Fridays for a limited time while supplies last all rights reserved), we picked that as our place. We went to Subway on Fridays for lunch until about last August when the two of them moved away.
(There is a side story about how that Subway developed the nickname “Place de la Chubby Butterfly” which later became this blog's namesake but I won’t go into that now.)
Due to this ingenious plan, we collected quite a few Subway points on our respective cards. As usual, I forgot about the points collected UNTIL TODAY.
I was hungry.
I wanted to go out to lunch.
I was broke as a joke.
BUT.
Because of our forward thinking skills, I had enough points to get a FOOT-LONG veggie sub WITH CHIPS and a DRINK for FREE.
(Not a cookie though because they’re only free on Fridays.)
PLUS I STILL HAVE POINTS LEFT. Can you believe it?? I was excitedly relaying this story to my coworker and she suggested I put it on my blog (which may actually be an avoidance maneuver so she doesn't have to hear my compelling stories. I haven't figured that out yet).
I don’t think a Subway sandwich has ever tasted this incredible.
WOOHOO!
Chelsea Clinton and Recipe Musings.
Chelsea Clinton visited us!
Story...for now.
(The Tribune has a propensity to yank them quickly.)
Are you voting in the Utah primaries? Typically I've only voted in the actual presidential elections but this year I think I'm going to vote in the primaries as well. It just seems like a good idea.
Also...expect another fantastic vegetarian recipe on Friday (or maybe Saturday). It is unclear what it will be, but I promise it will be awesome.
Heh.
Story...for now.
(The Tribune has a propensity to yank them quickly.)
Are you voting in the Utah primaries? Typically I've only voted in the actual presidential elections but this year I think I'm going to vote in the primaries as well. It just seems like a good idea.
Also...expect another fantastic vegetarian recipe on Friday (or maybe Saturday). It is unclear what it will be, but I promise it will be awesome.
Heh.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Trader Joe's Multigrain Biscuits
Hello!
So yesterday I DROPPED OFF TO SLEEP without warning. When I awoke I was on my bed, stretched out like a chalk-drawing with a hood flopped over my head.
No, it was my hood. I had been wearing a hoodie.
For some reason, multigrain biscuits sounded REALLY good right then. Really good. I happen to have some mix that my parents got last time they were in California.
I wandered into the kitchen and made some. They were delicious!
The best part about their mix are the oats. There are nice, whole oats in the biscuits and grains making them nice and thick. I had two for lunch today with my soup. Holy crap! So good!
IF you decide to make multigrain biscuits and HAPPEN TO HAVE this very mix, here is the nutritional information BROKEN DOWN PER BISCUIT since they don't have it on the box.
1 biscuit
105 calories
5g fat
14g carbs
1g fiber
Weight Watchers points value: 2
They are great with vegetable soup! Mmm!
Go get some.
So yesterday I DROPPED OFF TO SLEEP without warning. When I awoke I was on my bed, stretched out like a chalk-drawing with a hood flopped over my head.
No, it was my hood. I had been wearing a hoodie.
For some reason, multigrain biscuits sounded REALLY good right then. Really good. I happen to have some mix that my parents got last time they were in California.
I wandered into the kitchen and made some. They were delicious!
The best part about their mix are the oats. There are nice, whole oats in the biscuits and grains making them nice and thick. I had two for lunch today with my soup. Holy crap! So good!
IF you decide to make multigrain biscuits and HAPPEN TO HAVE this very mix, here is the nutritional information BROKEN DOWN PER BISCUIT since they don't have it on the box.
1 biscuit
105 calories
5g fat
14g carbs
1g fiber
Weight Watchers points value: 2
They are great with vegetable soup! Mmm!
Go get some.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
