Wait, that song is about flying, right?
Oh well. This afternoon Logic and I will be driving to Mt Rainier with friends for an extended weekend in the forest. Despite the lack of showers I am greatly looking forward to it. And I'm am relieved (I'm so punny) that there will be a flush-toilet in the vicinity.
Three days of camping, hiking, drinking, and laughing under the stars.
Happy Labor Day!
August 31, 2007
August 30, 2007
August 29, 2007
Signature Line
"It takes 24 trees to produce 1 ton of office paper! Think. Is it really necessary to print this email?"
~this was at the bottom of a work related email. I found it interesting.
~this was at the bottom of a work related email. I found it interesting.
A Little Less Ice, A Little More Cream
Well, my reign as Dessert Maker Supreme ended last night.
I've been on a dessert kick lately. First it was Eclair Cake (yum), then Peanut Butter Cream Pie (magnifico) and on Monday I attempted to make homemade Peach Ice Cream. I brought the ice cream over to my friend's for dinner and as the moment-of-truth arrived I was disappointed in the texture. It was more like frozen juice than actual ice cream. Granted, I don't own an ice cream maker so all the stirring was done with a mixer but I still anticipated greatness. After all, my two prior attempts at dessert were pretty remarkable, if I must say so myself.
Plan of Action: make another dessert as soon as possible to boost my culinary self-esteem.
I've been on a dessert kick lately. First it was Eclair Cake (yum), then Peanut Butter Cream Pie (magnifico) and on Monday I attempted to make homemade Peach Ice Cream. I brought the ice cream over to my friend's for dinner and as the moment-of-truth arrived I was disappointed in the texture. It was more like frozen juice than actual ice cream. Granted, I don't own an ice cream maker so all the stirring was done with a mixer but I still anticipated greatness. After all, my two prior attempts at dessert were pretty remarkable, if I must say so myself.
Plan of Action: make another dessert as soon as possible to boost my culinary self-esteem.
August 28, 2007
August 27, 2007
Wii-itis
Our trip to Portland included time spent with friends from Hawaii, a trip to the park, playing soccer with Allison (as previously stated), and quite a few games on Paige's wii.
We started off slow with a game of baseball. But once we had a taste, our addiction was insatiable. Boxing, tennis, bowling, karaoke. The list goes on.
Finally, after playing Big Brain Academy for over an hour we mustered up as much courage as possible, and bolted for the door.
The next morning Logic and I were getting ready for work when we noticed a very specific tightness in our upper bodies that could only come from virtual video gaming. Every muscle in our torsos and arms were numb with pain. And yet we still spent all day talking about buying a wii.
We started off slow with a game of baseball. But once we had a taste, our addiction was insatiable. Boxing, tennis, bowling, karaoke. The list goes on.
Finally, after playing Big Brain Academy for over an hour we mustered up as much courage as possible, and bolted for the door.
The next morning Logic and I were getting ready for work when we noticed a very specific tightness in our upper bodies that could only come from virtual video gaming. Every muscle in our torsos and arms were numb with pain. And yet we still spent all day talking about buying a wii.
Will Bowen
"When [people] can eradicate complaining from their lives, they truly become happier. … It's like if you're not articulating the complaint, if your complaint has nowhere to go, your mind stops creating the complaint."
A Bad Aunt Moment
I felt so bad. I was throwing a small soccer ball to Allison and I hit her in the face. Not once, not twice, but 3!!!!! Times! I’m a horrible aunt. She kept looking at me like: “I don’t get it? Don’t you love me?” I played it off by telling her that was an excuse to give her lots of kisses. I don’t think she bought it. Mother Hen looked like she wanted to beat me up. So I proceeded to hit myself in the head a few times to lighten the mood. Always the Court Jester.
August 24, 2007
Weekend Plans
Tomorrow morning I'll be driving to Portland to spend time with my sister, Paige and her family. I'll also be meeting up with my dear friends Lilikoi and Ranger to celebrate Lili's birthday. It's bound to be one exhausting, exciting weekend.
Hope yours is as entertaining.
Hope yours is as entertaining.
August 22, 2007
Out of Africa - A Review
"This is one of those rare movies that has something for everybody and is nearly perfect in many respects. Many of the negative comments about the film here are one dimensional and fail to see the multiple levels on which the movie operates.
First, there's the political level: Colonial Africa before, during, and after World War II populated by all of Europe (and America), and Karen Blixen caught in the middle between Germany and England. Interestingly, the settlers are willing to die for their countries even though they have little idea why they are going to war, and communication between Kenya and Europe lags by months, not weeks.
There's the sociological level: White Europeans attempting to civilize and Westernize an essentially foreign land and people. I think the movie does a great job of intimating how the Kikuyus, the Somali, and Masai saw European settlers in their land - comical, enigmatic, and out of their element. Instead of fading into the background, the movie would fail without the simple wisdom of Farah who knows more than any of the white settlers in his land. ("This water must go to Mombasa". "God is great, Saboo"). Interestingly, Sikh Indians are brought to the English Gentlemen's club to act as servants and when Karen dares to enter the men's only den, it's the Sikh who is responsible for escorting her out; none of the English "gentlemen" have the balls or nerve to do it. An interesting observation on the English White man's view of the world before World War I.
Historically, the film portrays real people with some fidelity since all of the characters, even Farah and Kumante, were based on actual people; Kumante was even alive and consulted during the filming in 1982/3. The character of Felicity is based on Beryl Markham, a truly magnificent woman who wrote "West with the Night" which might even portray colonial Africa better than Isak Dineson did.
As a travel log, the movie works as well as any National Geographic since we see, (vicariously through Karen) as she watches a platoon of Masai warriers running through salt flats in full battle dress, as she learns about lions in wild, and how a herd of Elephants looks and sounds from a biplane.
Narratively, "Out of Africa" is not just a "chic flic" as someone posted, unless the poster thinks that all romances are essentially chic flics. I generally can't stand romances, but this operates not just as a romance between people (Karen and Blix, Karen and Dennis) but between people and place. The passion they felt for each other was matched or exceeded by their passion for Africa. When the movie was over, I too had fallen in love with Africa.
The movie can be watched simply for its Cinematography, editing, sound, and set design alone. What other movie integrates poetry by Coleridge and Houseman, Mozart's Clarinet Concerto, and the writing of Isak Dineson so easily that you barely notice it? Many scenes translate into still works of art: A bottle of wine and peaches on the hunting table, a Victrola playing Mozart in the African bush, a rainbow over raging falls, lions surveying the land from the Ngong hills.
Such a great and beautiful movie. One that I will watch over and over again until an opportunity to see Victoria falls comes my way."
~Hits all the right notes, at multiple levels., 30 June 2003
Author: Greg Winter from Garden City, NY
IMDb.com
I couldn't have said it better myself. (Except to correct the spelling of Denys.) I fell in love with this movie. The writing was exquisite, the music cerebral and the cinematography astounding. I could go on and on but then what would be the purpose of quoting Greg Winter? So I'll stop here, but only if you promise to watch it.
August 21, 2007
Damon
He was a sweet kid who dated a girl during her troublesome teens. He became the one to blame when she chose to rebel. They got engaged, Her family refused, he joined the Coast Guard.
On a trip through The City, he stopped to visit Her younger sister, who also happened to be Logic's roommate at the time and my friend. He wasn't the kind of person I thought I'd run into again but I was happy to see him.
Along with his newly-macho swagger, he greeted us with vodka, ice, lemons, limes, an empty milk carton and a joint.
He taught us the ritual of Yucca Juice and got Logic high for the first time. He shared stories of growing up and reminded us of fun times past.
Within a matter of hours he was a memory again.
I later heard through friends that he moved to Colorado and was married. Until his wife found out about his brain tumor.
He moved home and lived with his parents. His life in shambles. The only solace in his newly used life was the companionship of lifelong friends.
He was never one of those people I thought I'd ever see again. And I was right.
Rest in peace, Damon.
On a trip through The City, he stopped to visit Her younger sister, who also happened to be Logic's roommate at the time and my friend. He wasn't the kind of person I thought I'd run into again but I was happy to see him.
Along with his newly-macho swagger, he greeted us with vodka, ice, lemons, limes, an empty milk carton and a joint.
He taught us the ritual of Yucca Juice and got Logic high for the first time. He shared stories of growing up and reminded us of fun times past.
Within a matter of hours he was a memory again.
I later heard through friends that he moved to Colorado and was married. Until his wife found out about his brain tumor.
He moved home and lived with his parents. His life in shambles. The only solace in his newly used life was the companionship of lifelong friends.
He was never one of those people I thought I'd ever see again. And I was right.
Rest in peace, Damon.
The Rural Juror
That title is for anyone who watches 30 Rock as much as I do. (It really has nothing to do with this post. It's Jenna's movie title that no one can figure out.)
But seriously, this post is about jury duty. And how I have it.
I love my right to vote. Love it! But I was under the impression that if I didn't register, I wouldn't be called on to have jury duty. So I postponed having that right out of fear. Luckily, I snapped out of it and have been a proud voter for 4 years now. I vote on everything from presidential races to local road planning. And it makes me feel empowered (even if the presidential election is decided before they can count Washington's contribution).
I know I should feel a sense of responsibility and pride at the thought of being a juror but the thought of deciding someone's fate is awfully daunting. So when I received a notice in the mail last week indicating I'd been selected for jury duty I was surprised at my reaction. I wasn't scared, I was curious. What is this process going to be like? (From what I hear: really boring.) Will I be selected for anything? Will I feel like the girl who didn't make the cheerleading team if I'm turned away? What kind of case might I be put on? All of these thoughts have been swirling around in my head, waiting for answers. And I will have those answers. On September 12th.
But seriously, this post is about jury duty. And how I have it.
I love my right to vote. Love it! But I was under the impression that if I didn't register, I wouldn't be called on to have jury duty. So I postponed having that right out of fear. Luckily, I snapped out of it and have been a proud voter for 4 years now. I vote on everything from presidential races to local road planning. And it makes me feel empowered (even if the presidential election is decided before they can count Washington's contribution).
I know I should feel a sense of responsibility and pride at the thought of being a juror but the thought of deciding someone's fate is awfully daunting. So when I received a notice in the mail last week indicating I'd been selected for jury duty I was surprised at my reaction. I wasn't scared, I was curious. What is this process going to be like? (From what I hear: really boring.) Will I be selected for anything? Will I feel like the girl who didn't make the cheerleading team if I'm turned away? What kind of case might I be put on? All of these thoughts have been swirling around in my head, waiting for answers. And I will have those answers. On September 12th.
August 20, 2007
The Man I'm Married To = The Rock
No, not that one.
Interests: gadgets
When he's stressed: he analyzes the situation and makes lists
He lights up if you say: "I could really use your advice on something"
His favorite dates: He feels most energized when he's engaging his mind so try watching a documentary, seeing an interesting exhibit, or taking a class such as sushi making.
His relationship requirements: he gets totally absorbed in his interests. If you don't ask about them he'll feel like you don't get him. He's tuned into etiquette.
~msnbc.com
Interests: gadgets
When he's stressed: he analyzes the situation and makes lists
He lights up if you say: "I could really use your advice on something"
His favorite dates: He feels most energized when he's engaging his mind so try watching a documentary, seeing an interesting exhibit, or taking a class such as sushi making.
His relationship requirements: he gets totally absorbed in his interests. If you don't ask about them he'll feel like you don't get him. He's tuned into etiquette.
~msnbc.com
August 17, 2007
Rupert
It is spider season in Alki although typically they don't get very far. The cats either get to them or we escort them back outside. But there's one spider who has decided to take up residency in the rear-view mirror of Logic's car. I've named him Rupert.
He's a hard one to get rid of, that Rupert. He builds very strong webs and is fast on his feet.
Because of his stronghold on my side of the car, I refuse to roll down my window and have a hard time even opening my door. I'm not much of an arachnophobe but the thought of a spider flying from its web into my face doesn't sound enjoyable to me.
So when I saw Rupert lounging on the side door this morning I saw my opportunity. I swiftly darted across the lawn and grabbed a long piece of grass. Then I lunged toward the door and wrapped Rupert up in his own web. After forming a cocoon of sorts, I took the grass and flung it across the lawn.
Sorry Rup, but all's fair in love and war.
He's a hard one to get rid of, that Rupert. He builds very strong webs and is fast on his feet.
Because of his stronghold on my side of the car, I refuse to roll down my window and have a hard time even opening my door. I'm not much of an arachnophobe but the thought of a spider flying from its web into my face doesn't sound enjoyable to me.
So when I saw Rupert lounging on the side door this morning I saw my opportunity. I swiftly darted across the lawn and grabbed a long piece of grass. Then I lunged toward the door and wrapped Rupert up in his own web. After forming a cocoon of sorts, I took the grass and flung it across the lawn.
Sorry Rup, but all's fair in love and war.
August 16, 2007
Glamourgrams
Due to a misunderstanding, I went to the gym this morning. I thought Daniel and I had plans for dinner tonight but he was expecting me to come over tomorrow. It's not a bad thing to start the day off with a good sweat but it turns out that it wasn't required.
I was dripping on the elliptical when my iPod died. (Thanks for the sympathetic sigh but it was just the charge, don't worry.) So I decided to plug my headphones into the remote so I could hear Good Morning America. For the record, I'm a Today Show kinda girl but GMA was on right in front of me and I had nothing better to do. So I'm watching the weather segment, the Lisa Marie segment, even the Star Jones segment. Really nothing to elaborate on. But when they switched to the outdoor segment there were women in pink robes everywhere. Lined up all the way around the courtyard. When asked why they all matched, the women explained that they were in NYC for their Glamourgrams.
These women get together every year and spend the day getting their mammograms and then pampering themselves with massages and pedicures. It's their way of making their mammograms a priority and a pleasure.
Within the last 3 years I've known 2 women who were diagnosed with breast cancer. One of those women is Logic's mom. She is a very strong, brave woman and is currently cancer-free but it was a struggle and the chemo took a toll on her body. She is a huge proponent for mammograms and monthly breast exams because it was something she neglected prior to her diagnosis. So I write this for her. If you are over 40 and don't enjoy getting your annual mammogram, ( ;) ) maybe you can try to incorporate something fun into the day and include the women you care about. Just a thought.
I was dripping on the elliptical when my iPod died. (Thanks for the sympathetic sigh but it was just the charge, don't worry.) So I decided to plug my headphones into the remote so I could hear Good Morning America. For the record, I'm a Today Show kinda girl but GMA was on right in front of me and I had nothing better to do. So I'm watching the weather segment, the Lisa Marie segment, even the Star Jones segment. Really nothing to elaborate on. But when they switched to the outdoor segment there were women in pink robes everywhere. Lined up all the way around the courtyard. When asked why they all matched, the women explained that they were in NYC for their Glamourgrams.
These women get together every year and spend the day getting their mammograms and then pampering themselves with massages and pedicures. It's their way of making their mammograms a priority and a pleasure.
Within the last 3 years I've known 2 women who were diagnosed with breast cancer. One of those women is Logic's mom. She is a very strong, brave woman and is currently cancer-free but it was a struggle and the chemo took a toll on her body. She is a huge proponent for mammograms and monthly breast exams because it was something she neglected prior to her diagnosis. So I write this for her. If you are over 40 and don't enjoy getting your annual mammogram, ( ;) ) maybe you can try to incorporate something fun into the day and include the women you care about. Just a thought.
August 15, 2007
5 Seconds
The mind works in mysterious ways. But not today.
I had a nightmare about returning to college. (Gee, do you think that might have something to do with the fact that I'm scared shitless to go back?) And now I'm finding it hard to come up with anything creative to say/think/write. I feel like a dry well.
But I know this will pass. This is what I do. I freak out and then I'm okay.
On a related note, Logic and I are watching Season 1 of Lost on dvd. I've seen the most recent season but that's it, so I'm really enjoying the backstory. In the very first episode Kate asks Jack why he is so calm. He tells her about a mistake he made on his first day in surgery and how he allowed himself five seconds to freak out before he tried his best to clear his head and get back to work.
So in honor of that I'm giving myself 5 seconds to freak out and then I will try my best to clear my head and think of something interesting to say/calm down about school.
I had a nightmare about returning to college. (Gee, do you think that might have something to do with the fact that I'm scared shitless to go back?) And now I'm finding it hard to come up with anything creative to say/think/write. I feel like a dry well.
But I know this will pass. This is what I do. I freak out and then I'm okay.
On a related note, Logic and I are watching Season 1 of Lost on dvd. I've seen the most recent season but that's it, so I'm really enjoying the backstory. In the very first episode Kate asks Jack why he is so calm. He tells her about a mistake he made on his first day in surgery and how he allowed himself five seconds to freak out before he tried his best to clear his head and get back to work.
So in honor of that I'm giving myself 5 seconds to freak out and then I will try my best to clear my head and think of something interesting to say/calm down about school.
What's So Odd About That?
At 3:15, I left work and took the half-hour bus ride to the gym. I walked down the stairs and into the locker room and as soon as I turned the corner I was confronted with a small older lady.
Now, before I continue I'd like to give a disclaimer. I've seen some weird/gross shit in the locker room before. (IE when is it ever okay to sit on a communal bench completely naked?) But yesterday took the cake.
See, the older woman was standing in front of a large mirror, in her jacket and nothing else!!! and she was covering her legs with large amounts vasoline. After lubing herself up she stopped, stared in the mirror, and proceeded to pick her nose.
By then, I'd changed my clothes and headed toward the bathroom. And when I returned she was standing at the hand-dryer completely naked, lifting her leg up to dry her foot.
Now tell me that wouldn't ruin your day.
Now, before I continue I'd like to give a disclaimer. I've seen some weird/gross shit in the locker room before. (IE when is it ever okay to sit on a communal bench completely naked?) But yesterday took the cake.
See, the older woman was standing in front of a large mirror, in her jacket and nothing else!!! and she was covering her legs with large amounts vasoline. After lubing herself up she stopped, stared in the mirror, and proceeded to pick her nose.
By then, I'd changed my clothes and headed toward the bathroom. And when I returned she was standing at the hand-dryer completely naked, lifting her leg up to dry her foot.
Now tell me that wouldn't ruin your day.
August 14, 2007
Is It Just Me?
Is it just me, or do most people find their inspiration right before they fall asleep?
Nearly every night I think of something great to post and, instead of getting up to write it down, say to myself: "nah, I'll remember THIS tomorrow" only to wake up with a blank slate.
Nearly every night I think of something great to post and, instead of getting up to write it down, say to myself: "nah, I'll remember THIS tomorrow" only to wake up with a blank slate.
August 13, 2007
"Well, um, actually a pretty nice little Saturday,
... we're going to go to Home Depot. Yeah, buy some wallpaper, maybe get some flooring, stuff like that".
That pretty much sums up my weekend.
~courtesy of Old School
August 10, 2007
Common
"Why white folks focus on dogs and yoga
While people on the low end tryin to ball and get over"
While people on the low end tryin to ball and get over"
August 09, 2007
It's Hereditary
My mom likes to think I get my photographic talent from her.
This is her attempt to snap a picture of my sister and my uncle. My aunt is supposed to be in the picture too.. you can see a sliver of her shirt.
She is an abstract revolutionary.
I'm Addicted to Weed(s)
Showtime knows what they're doing. Logic and I watched the second half of season 2 last night, making our bedtime 11:30 instead of 10, and I'm already hurtin' for some more green.
August 08, 2007
Bokeh vs Bokeh
I was working diligently when I just happened to stumble upon a flickr picture that was titled "Bokeh, it's what's for dinner". Since I'd never seen this word before, I checked urbandictionary.com to see what it meant.
It seemed completely out of context but, as I previously stated, I was very busy at work so I just left it at that. But then I accidentally saw another flickr picture this morning with bokeh in the title and my interest was reignited.
This time, I chose my trusty friend wikipedia.org.
Seems this one made a little more sense.
Silly bokeh.
It seemed completely out of context but, as I previously stated, I was very busy at work so I just left it at that. But then I accidentally saw another flickr picture this morning with bokeh in the title and my interest was reignited.
This time, I chose my trusty friend wikipedia.org.
Seems this one made a little more sense.
Silly bokeh.
August 07, 2007
No Really, NOW Insert Horror Movie Scream
I watched Zodiac last night. It was probably one of the worst decisions I've ever made.
(Mental note: Just because Jake Gyllenhall is one of your favorite actors doesn't mean you should see a movie about a real-life serial killer just because he's in it. You are too sensitive.)
I made sure all our windows were closed and double checked our locks before I went to bed.
(Mental note: Just because Jake Gyllenhall is one of your favorite actors doesn't mean you should see a movie about a real-life serial killer just because he's in it. You are too sensitive.)
I made sure all our windows were closed and double checked our locks before I went to bed.
Singing Bee.. How Good Are You?
Madonna: Crazy For You
Trying hard to control my heart
I walk over to where you are
Eye to eye we need no words at all
Slowly now we begin to move
Every breath I'm deeper into you
Soon we two are standing still in time
___ ___ ___ ___ ___, ___ ___
~no cheating
Trying hard to control my heart
I walk over to where you are
Eye to eye we need no words at all
Slowly now we begin to move
Every breath I'm deeper into you
Soon we two are standing still in time
___ ___ ___ ___ ___, ___ ___
~no cheating
Big Girl Feet
So I stumbled upon this blog that has 3 really cool desktop backgrounds for August and I thought I'd share. You have to scroll down a bit - it wouldn't let me link directly to the post but you get the idea…
http://www.big_girlfeet.blogspot.com/
SO pretty!
August 06, 2007
St Augustine
Had I not lived in Jacksonville I may have never known about St Augustine or its rich history. But since I lived 35 miles north of there, I was able to explore the city and its past on many occasions. For three years I had the pleasure of taking in the sights and sounds of the city including St George Street, the Alligator Farm, Flagler College, the Fountain of Youth, the Lighthouse and the Castillo de San Marcos. I even spent my wedding night at a hotel on St Augustine's beach. So with a warm heart and fond memories I'd like wish St Augustine a happy 442nd birthday.
August 03, 2007
Weather or Not
I'm so glad the weather has cleared up. Now I can do things I wouldn't have been able to do if it was cloudy like: go to the gym, drive home, eat cereal and watch tv.
August 02, 2007
My Mom, The Psychic
As I was talking to my mom on the phone the other night she asked me how my friend's mom was doing. I said, "not well, why do you ask?"
"Well, I've just had this urge to pray for her lately. She's been heavy on my heart."
Little did she know at the time, Mary was a wreck.
Only a week prior, Mary returned to her car from a full day of class to find that she'd forgotten her beloved dog in the backseat. The dog was in a coma when she found her and was rushed to the emergency vet nearly an hour away. Due to the significant amount of brain damage, the dog was put to sleep later than day.
"Well, I've just had this urge to pray for her lately. She's been heavy on my heart."
Little did she know at the time, Mary was a wreck.
Only a week prior, Mary returned to her car from a full day of class to find that she'd forgotten her beloved dog in the backseat. The dog was in a coma when she found her and was rushed to the emergency vet nearly an hour away. Due to the significant amount of brain damage, the dog was put to sleep later than day.
August 01, 2007
If Dreams Come True
My cherubic-self is floating around in a queue. Waiting for my turn. When I get to the front of the line I find a coveted name at the top of the 'options' list. Fully aware of my luck, I snatch the name and hold it close to my heart. I don't even stop to question why fate has smiled upon me, I only try to soak it all in. "I get to be Marv's daughter" I whisper.
The next thing I know, I'm living my life in flashes:
I'm in the delivery room, looking into his big, safe eyes.
I'm learning to ski as I stand between his legs.
I'm throwing him my best pitch.
I'm snuggling with him on the couch.
I'm rushing through the airport until I spot his warm smile.
I'm looking into his steady eyes as he escorts me down the aisle.
I'm watching as my newborn child searches his face for the safety I've known throughout the years.
I'm comforted by him as I struggle to protect my daughter.
I'm encouraged my him as I strive to raise an independent person.
I'm there to hold his hand before he passes.
And then, the most amazing thing happens. Just as my life comes to a close, I find myself living out the dance that Mia Michaels choreographed. I enter heaven and see his beautiful smile. He knows I'm coming and has dressed in his finest. We rush to each other and embrace. Not able to contain our excitement, we jump from cloud to cloud - playing and dancing. We are the happiest we'll ever be because we know that we'll finally be together forever.
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