Logic and I were living in the same town for about 6 months when he dropped a bomb on me. We'd had a busy day and were lounging on the couch in my apartment.
Him: Do you ever worry the maybe we're wasting time?
Me: What do you mean?
Him: What if we're not THE ONE for each other? Doesn't that worry you?
Me: No. I figure if it's going to work out, it's going to work out.*
At that point, the conversation escalated to the point that I thought we'd broken up (he thought we were just fighting). He called every day for the next four days. Finally, by the fourth day I told him that he couldn't keep calling me if he didn't know what he wanted. The next morning he was at my door. We talked for hours and decided we wanted to see where the relationship would go. It was a slow progression because I was hesitant but I am so glad we chose to stick it out.
He came back to me.
* story is 7 years old so the details are blurry. conversation was generalized.
July 13, 2007
Thanks Uppity
It's official. I've received my first tag.
So, to appease the uppity gods, I present my list of my 8 facts/habits:
1) FACT: I used to smoke a lot of weed. Like, daily. But somewhere along the way, my 'high' turned into a low and I stopped enjoying it. It's now been well over a year since the last time I smoked.
2) HABIT: I clean crumbs off of surfaces without even realizing it. For instance, when talking on the phone, if I see a crumb on the dining room table I must walk over and wipe it off. This creates quite a mess on the floor but cleaning the hardwood is not one of my habits.
3) FACT: I used to hate reading. In my house, it was required to read for at least an hour every night and only watch television a half hour every night. This was torture for me. But now that the television has worn out it's welcome in my house, I've grown to really appreciate a good book. No commercials, no corny music highlighting the dramatic scenes, no over-exposure of certain actors. Just words and my imagination. And I never have to worry about 'missing' an episode or scene. I get to pick back up where I left off whenever I want.
4) HABIT: I constantly manicure my nails. If I'm not filing, I'm pushing back cuticles.
5) FACT: I don't know if I want to have kids. If I do, I know I'll love them more than I can currently imagine but I worry about the responsibility and commitment. Plus, the thought of bringing someone else into this already chaotic and messed up world scares the shit out of me.
6) HABIT: I eat sandwiches from the crust inward so that I save the best bite for last. Other examples are: eating pizza backward, tearing the top off of a muffin and eating it after the bottom, and saving my favorite types of fruit for last in trail mix.
7) FACT: I am the queen of skimming by. I skim by on everything. Work, exercise, school. I've never practiced or studied. I wish I did.
8) HABIT: This last one continues to surprise my mom but now that I'm an adult and have a place of my own, I make the bed every morning. Sure, it's my own bed and I can slack if I want but there's something about a nicely made bed that really cleans up the room.
And since I know I'm one of the very few who actually enjoy these things, I'm choosing not to tag. For any of my blog friends, you're welcome. :)
So, to appease the uppity gods, I present my list of my 8 facts/habits:
1) FACT: I used to smoke a lot of weed. Like, daily. But somewhere along the way, my 'high' turned into a low and I stopped enjoying it. It's now been well over a year since the last time I smoked.
2) HABIT: I clean crumbs off of surfaces without even realizing it. For instance, when talking on the phone, if I see a crumb on the dining room table I must walk over and wipe it off. This creates quite a mess on the floor but cleaning the hardwood is not one of my habits.
3) FACT: I used to hate reading. In my house, it was required to read for at least an hour every night and only watch television a half hour every night. This was torture for me. But now that the television has worn out it's welcome in my house, I've grown to really appreciate a good book. No commercials, no corny music highlighting the dramatic scenes, no over-exposure of certain actors. Just words and my imagination. And I never have to worry about 'missing' an episode or scene. I get to pick back up where I left off whenever I want.
4) HABIT: I constantly manicure my nails. If I'm not filing, I'm pushing back cuticles.
5) FACT: I don't know if I want to have kids. If I do, I know I'll love them more than I can currently imagine but I worry about the responsibility and commitment. Plus, the thought of bringing someone else into this already chaotic and messed up world scares the shit out of me.
6) HABIT: I eat sandwiches from the crust inward so that I save the best bite for last. Other examples are: eating pizza backward, tearing the top off of a muffin and eating it after the bottom, and saving my favorite types of fruit for last in trail mix.
7) FACT: I am the queen of skimming by. I skim by on everything. Work, exercise, school. I've never practiced or studied. I wish I did.
8) HABIT: This last one continues to surprise my mom but now that I'm an adult and have a place of my own, I make the bed every morning. Sure, it's my own bed and I can slack if I want but there's something about a nicely made bed that really cleans up the room.
And since I know I'm one of the very few who actually enjoy these things, I'm choosing not to tag. For any of my blog friends, you're welcome. :)
July 12, 2007
The Walk Home
We were at the lodge, spending the evening with family. We playing pool and threw back a few beers. Time escaped us, as it often does in those situations. Before we knew it, the clock read 1:00 and we were preparing to walk back to our cabin in the dark. The groom's cousin stopped us at the door and offered to let us borrow his flashlight. We were so relieved because the walk wouldn't have been an easy one.
The group hovered over the light that lead the way but Logic didn't have the patience. He managed to make it back to the cabin but just as he thought he'd be reaching the porch he ran shin-first into a boulder that was guarding the house from a potential accident with a reversing car. He lost a chunk of skin on that boulder. And his ego.
But it was damn funny.
The group hovered over the light that lead the way but Logic didn't have the patience. He managed to make it back to the cabin but just as he thought he'd be reaching the porch he ran shin-first into a boulder that was guarding the house from a potential accident with a reversing car. He lost a chunk of skin on that boulder. And his ego.
But it was damn funny.
My Trip to Utah
I guess I went into my trip with the right attitude because I ended up having a great time. Sure it was hectic and I didn't get much sleep, but I also made some great memories.
1) On the drive from Salt Lake City to the wedding site in Southeast Utah Logic's sister and I sat in the back of the van and giggled 80% of the drive.
2) The ride through Canyonlands was stunning. There were some very windy roads but the views were incredible.
3) The Bed and Breakfast that hosted the wedding and reception was tucked into the mountains. I loved it! We stayed in a cabin and it felt so isolated. We felt like we were by ourselves when at the cabin but if we crossed the street and walked up a hill, we were in the middle of the action.
4) The wedding was beautiful and I was crying within the first 5 minutes.
5) The reception was a crazy party. Plenty of beer, spiked punch, cowboy hats, karaoke, line dancing, some hip-hop mixed in, great conversation, and even an authentic fight.
6) A drive to Dead Horse Point reminded me of the Grand Canyon. The scenery was opposite of the Northwest which was a refreshing change: red rock, deep ravines, seeing for miles.
7) On an early morning hike to Delicate Arch I had one of the best hikes of my life. Logic's sister and Logic woke up at 5 am with me to hike up a huge rock and trek up a mountain to one of the most amazing views I've ever seen.
But it was the little moments with family that I'll cherish the most.
1) On the drive from Salt Lake City to the wedding site in Southeast Utah Logic's sister and I sat in the back of the van and giggled 80% of the drive.
2) The ride through Canyonlands was stunning. There were some very windy roads but the views were incredible.
3) The Bed and Breakfast that hosted the wedding and reception was tucked into the mountains. I loved it! We stayed in a cabin and it felt so isolated. We felt like we were by ourselves when at the cabin but if we crossed the street and walked up a hill, we were in the middle of the action.
4) The wedding was beautiful and I was crying within the first 5 minutes.
5) The reception was a crazy party. Plenty of beer, spiked punch, cowboy hats, karaoke, line dancing, some hip-hop mixed in, great conversation, and even an authentic fight.
6) A drive to Dead Horse Point reminded me of the Grand Canyon. The scenery was opposite of the Northwest which was a refreshing change: red rock, deep ravines, seeing for miles.
7) On an early morning hike to Delicate Arch I had one of the best hikes of my life. Logic's sister and Logic woke up at 5 am with me to hike up a huge rock and trek up a mountain to one of the most amazing views I've ever seen.
But it was the little moments with family that I'll cherish the most.
July 05, 2007
This is Not a Vacation
I'll be flying from Washington to Utah tonight. I'll stay at Grandma's house tonight and then drive 4 hours tomorrow. I will attend a wedding on Saturday and spend the night in a lodge up in the mountains. Then I'll drive 4 hours back to Grandma's on Monday and fly home on Tuesday.
Anytime off from work fits into the category of 'vacation' by most standards but this is the exception. You see, there are certain factors that prevent me from relaxing (vital for actual vacationing).
1) The trip is already planned out and I wasn't consulted.
2) Nieces and Nephews will require a lot of attention (more exhaustion).
3) I won't have my own car/space for 5 days. I will be at the mercy of others, which I rarely enjoy.
BUT, being the pseudo-optimist that I am, I'm going to try and focus on that one ray of sunshine: the lodge. I've been craving some isolation from city life and that lodge has my name written all over it. And who knows, maybe my lack of expectations will be just the thing. If I don't look forward to anything, I won't be disappointed right?
Anytime off from work fits into the category of 'vacation' by most standards but this is the exception. You see, there are certain factors that prevent me from relaxing (vital for actual vacationing).
1) The trip is already planned out and I wasn't consulted.
2) Nieces and Nephews will require a lot of attention (more exhaustion).
3) I won't have my own car/space for 5 days. I will be at the mercy of others, which I rarely enjoy.
BUT, being the pseudo-optimist that I am, I'm going to try and focus on that one ray of sunshine: the lodge. I've been craving some isolation from city life and that lodge has my name written all over it. And who knows, maybe my lack of expectations will be just the thing. If I don't look forward to anything, I won't be disappointed right?
July 03, 2007
Office Space
Anyone who has ever had a 'desk job' (which isn't nearly as dirty as it sounds) has probably heard one or more of these sayings.
For me "we're gonna need to go ahead and move you downstairs into storage B" rings true. It's not uncommon to shift seating arrangements at my job. People have been set up in storage closets, stairways, conference rooms and even a former mortuary. Lucky for me, I've only been stuffed like a sardine into a small office with 5 other people. Hey, coulda been worse.
For me "we're gonna need to go ahead and move you downstairs into storage B" rings true. It's not uncommon to shift seating arrangements at my job. People have been set up in storage closets, stairways, conference rooms and even a former mortuary. Lucky for me, I've only been stuffed like a sardine into a small office with 5 other people. Hey, coulda been worse.
Fark Story of the Day
"Smoking deaths equal one jumbo jet going down every hour, but without all the annoying screaming."
~photo by Radarwollongong
June 29, 2007
Exersize
My mom graduated from Ferris State University with a degree in Education. She taught school for a few years and discovered it wasn't for her. Soon after, she married my dad and started having babies but continued to work part time.
By the time I came around, she had found her niche as an aerobics instructor.
Some of my very first memories are of lying on an exercise mat in my pink leotard and black tights, listening to my mom guide everyone through a 'cool down'.
For a long time she worked for a woman named Kris but after we moved from Idaho she did freelance work for different studios/schools. She named her classes Exersize by Jan and even had t-shirts made up.
It was because of this that during a 3rd grade spelling bee I misspelled exercise. I remember the moment very specifically. We were going around the room taking turns spelling the words assigned to us. The teacher got to me and when she asked me to spell exercise I was literally beaming! "I've got this!" I thought to myself. But when I go to the 's' I was cut off and the word was passed along to the person behind me.
I was was upset. Not that people in my class thought I couldn't spell exercise, but because I felt like I'd been mislead by my mom. It took me a long time to realize she was doing a play on words. She wasn't trying to sabotage my spelling abilities after all.
By the time I came around, she had found her niche as an aerobics instructor.
Some of my very first memories are of lying on an exercise mat in my pink leotard and black tights, listening to my mom guide everyone through a 'cool down'.
For a long time she worked for a woman named Kris but after we moved from Idaho she did freelance work for different studios/schools. She named her classes Exersize by Jan and even had t-shirts made up.
It was because of this that during a 3rd grade spelling bee I misspelled exercise. I remember the moment very specifically. We were going around the room taking turns spelling the words assigned to us. The teacher got to me and when she asked me to spell exercise I was literally beaming! "I've got this!" I thought to myself. But when I go to the 's' I was cut off and the word was passed along to the person behind me.
I was was upset. Not that people in my class thought I couldn't spell exercise, but because I felt like I'd been mislead by my mom. It took me a long time to realize she was doing a play on words. She wasn't trying to sabotage my spelling abilities after all.
June 28, 2007
No More Therapy Thursdays
I broke up with my therapist yesterday.
For many months I've been considering it but I've become attached to this woman. She was my first. I learned what therapy was with her. Opening up to her in a way I'd never done before; pouring my soul out every week for over a year.
Slowly but surely, over the last few months I started noticing little changes in our time together. I would talk about something and when I mentioned it the next week I'd have to summarize everything to remind her. It was all give and no take.
Then I read this post. Aaryn took the words right out of my mouth (sort of). Granted, I didn't change therapists and I am on medication, but you get the gist.
When I finished reading "One Long Angry Sentence Of A Question" I decided to go over the pros and cons of staying with my current psychologist:
Pros:
She knows me (Unless you take into consideration the fact that she never listens, then she probably doesn't know me all that well.)
She is covered by my insurance
At this point I was surprised to find a lack of pros. So I went over the cons.
Cons:
She doesn't listen
She doesn't give constructive help
She keeps up a very high wall, not allowing me to know anything about her opinions/self
She doesn't get me
I don't feel like I can tell her everything that I'm thinking/feeling without a certain level of judgement
She makes a mock sympathy face that irritates the shit out of me
She didn't give a good first-impression (I should have stayed with my gut instinct.)
Pretty cut and dry really. So it was just a matter of time before I realized my feelings weren't going to change and that I needn't feel bad about cutting the cord with her. After all, therapy is supposed to be about ME.
All week I was fretting over my upcoming session and how I was going to handle the breakup. But yesterday, when my schedule became more complicated, I decided I just needed to do it. So instead of the heartfelt farewell I had been practicing, I left her a voicemail saying I wanted to take some time off. At first I felt bad about doing it over the phone but then I realized I was worrying about her again. And I knew I'd made the right decision.
For many months I've been considering it but I've become attached to this woman. She was my first. I learned what therapy was with her. Opening up to her in a way I'd never done before; pouring my soul out every week for over a year.
Slowly but surely, over the last few months I started noticing little changes in our time together. I would talk about something and when I mentioned it the next week I'd have to summarize everything to remind her. It was all give and no take.
Then I read this post. Aaryn took the words right out of my mouth (sort of). Granted, I didn't change therapists and I am on medication, but you get the gist.
When I finished reading "One Long Angry Sentence Of A Question" I decided to go over the pros and cons of staying with my current psychologist:
Pros:
She knows me (Unless you take into consideration the fact that she never listens, then she probably doesn't know me all that well.)
She is covered by my insurance
At this point I was surprised to find a lack of pros. So I went over the cons.
Cons:
She doesn't listen
She doesn't give constructive help
She keeps up a very high wall, not allowing me to know anything about her opinions/self
She doesn't get me
I don't feel like I can tell her everything that I'm thinking/feeling without a certain level of judgement
She makes a mock sympathy face that irritates the shit out of me
She didn't give a good first-impression (I should have stayed with my gut instinct.)
Pretty cut and dry really. So it was just a matter of time before I realized my feelings weren't going to change and that I needn't feel bad about cutting the cord with her. After all, therapy is supposed to be about ME.
All week I was fretting over my upcoming session and how I was going to handle the breakup. But yesterday, when my schedule became more complicated, I decided I just needed to do it. So instead of the heartfelt farewell I had been practicing, I left her a voicemail saying I wanted to take some time off. At first I felt bad about doing it over the phone but then I realized I was worrying about her again. And I knew I'd made the right decision.
June 27, 2007
Hump Day Distraction
If you have a second, hop over here and play.
Here's what mine said:
Your past life diagnosis:
You were female in your last earthly incarnation.You were born somewhere in the territory of modern Korea around the year 650. Your profession was that of a warrior, hunter, fisherman or executor of sacrifices.
Your brief psychological profile in your past life:
You were a sane, practical person, a materialist with no spiritual consciousness. Your simple wisdom helped the weaker and the poor.
The lesson that your last past life brought to your present incarnation:
You should develop your talent for love, happiness and enthusiasm and you should distribute these feelings to all people.
Here's what mine said:
Your past life diagnosis:
You were female in your last earthly incarnation.You were born somewhere in the territory of modern Korea around the year 650. Your profession was that of a warrior, hunter, fisherman or executor of sacrifices.
Your brief psychological profile in your past life:
You were a sane, practical person, a materialist with no spiritual consciousness. Your simple wisdom helped the weaker and the poor.
The lesson that your last past life brought to your present incarnation:
You should develop your talent for love, happiness and enthusiasm and you should distribute these feelings to all people.
June 26, 2007
The Thing Is
-When the weather is nice and there's an obvious shift in my mental state, I forget how awful the winters are.
-When I spend time with family it's as if everything is right in the world, and yet part of me prefers the less-than-perfect rest of my life.
-Vacation can sometimes be more exhausting than my typical routine.
-As much as I like my therapist, I think I need to let her go. I can't let my emotions get in the way. -I've only heard one person say they like Paris Hilton and yet magazines/tv/radio continue to report her every move. Someone has to be encouraging this shit.
-I want to set myself up for success and know that moving closer to UW will make my commute to school much more manageable, but I'm really going to miss my condo on Alki. We've put so much work into it. Plus, there's nothing like waking up and walking to the Puget Sound with a cup of coffee.
-When I spend time with family it's as if everything is right in the world, and yet part of me prefers the less-than-perfect rest of my life.
-Vacation can sometimes be more exhausting than my typical routine.
-As much as I like my therapist, I think I need to let her go. I can't let my emotions get in the way. -I've only heard one person say they like Paris Hilton and yet magazines/tv/radio continue to report her every move. Someone has to be encouraging this shit.
-I want to set myself up for success and know that moving closer to UW will make my commute to school much more manageable, but I'm really going to miss my condo on Alki. We've put so much work into it. Plus, there's nothing like waking up and walking to the Puget Sound with a cup of coffee.
June 22, 2007
All I Can Say Is WOW!
The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder. All of them are icons in their own right. But in the world of dance, there is only one.
Pet Peeve #96
When people drag their feet.
There's nothing worse than having a migraine and finding solitude somewhere only to shudder when someone walks by with their sandals grazing the carpet.
There's nothing worse than having a migraine and finding solitude somewhere only to shudder when someone walks by with their sandals grazing the carpet.
June 21, 2007
Fireworks
Niece #1: "I want to get married on the fourth of July so I can have fireworks on every anniversary."
Niece #2: "Hello?!? The fourth of July is Independence day!"
Niece #2: "Hello?!? The fourth of July is Independence day!"
June 20, 2007
Love/Hate Relationship
Summer is my favorite time of year. Everything is in bloom, it's warm and the sun is high in the sky. But during the summer, my allergies are on high alert. This got me thinking about the love/hate relationship I have with summertime in Seattle.
I love flowers. Not to the point where I want a bouquet in my house every day (possibly due to the constant sneezing that would ensue) but for the sole purpose of marveling at their beauty in their natural state. My favorite flowers are lilacs. The house I lived in from birth until age six had a large lilac tree in the back yard and I have some very fond memories of living life with the lingering fragrance of lilacs in bloom. Due to my age and what my life consisted of, it also reminds me of my mom. Two years ago I bought my very own lilac dwarf-bush and have enjoyed watching it bloom on my deck every spring.
I love warm weather. The kind that requires you to slow down and reflect. There is no such thing as rushing when the weather is nice. Everything is done in a leisurely fashion so as to enjoy every morsel of it.
I love the activities that come along with warm weather. Sunbathing is at the top of my list. Not that I have the skin-type for it, but I love the way heat penetrates through my skin and dries my swimsuit in record time. I love snorkeling. I've only gone once, but it was a lot of fun. So was white water rafting, the one time I did that. I love going on hikes and exploring new areas. I love the fresh produce that comes with warm weather. And drinking gatorade and smoothies and eating ice cream.
But most of all, I love seeing the sun. Seattle has a reputation for rain but in all honesty it doesn't rain a lot here. More often that not it's overcast. Until living here, I didn't realize how important the sun was to me. But on day number 3 without it, I get stir crazy. So when summer arrives and the sun is in tow, my mood shifts to a notch that the people around me are grateful for. I feel like myself again.
But with sunshine and flowers come pollen, mold, dust and weeds.
I have come to realize that my allergies are their worst in the Northwest. All the moisture is what kills me. But along with the moisture come the best things about this season. So I choose to dope up on Zyrtec and Flonase and suffer in silence because damnit! I can't let something like itchy eyes, a sore throat and constant sneezing keep me from enjoying my favorite season.
I love flowers. Not to the point where I want a bouquet in my house every day (possibly due to the constant sneezing that would ensue) but for the sole purpose of marveling at their beauty in their natural state. My favorite flowers are lilacs. The house I lived in from birth until age six had a large lilac tree in the back yard and I have some very fond memories of living life with the lingering fragrance of lilacs in bloom. Due to my age and what my life consisted of, it also reminds me of my mom. Two years ago I bought my very own lilac dwarf-bush and have enjoyed watching it bloom on my deck every spring.
I love warm weather. The kind that requires you to slow down and reflect. There is no such thing as rushing when the weather is nice. Everything is done in a leisurely fashion so as to enjoy every morsel of it.
I love the activities that come along with warm weather. Sunbathing is at the top of my list. Not that I have the skin-type for it, but I love the way heat penetrates through my skin and dries my swimsuit in record time. I love snorkeling. I've only gone once, but it was a lot of fun. So was white water rafting, the one time I did that. I love going on hikes and exploring new areas. I love the fresh produce that comes with warm weather. And drinking gatorade and smoothies and eating ice cream.
But most of all, I love seeing the sun. Seattle has a reputation for rain but in all honesty it doesn't rain a lot here. More often that not it's overcast. Until living here, I didn't realize how important the sun was to me. But on day number 3 without it, I get stir crazy. So when summer arrives and the sun is in tow, my mood shifts to a notch that the people around me are grateful for. I feel like myself again.
But with sunshine and flowers come pollen, mold, dust and weeds.
I have come to realize that my allergies are their worst in the Northwest. All the moisture is what kills me. But along with the moisture come the best things about this season. So I choose to dope up on Zyrtec and Flonase and suffer in silence because damnit! I can't let something like itchy eyes, a sore throat and constant sneezing keep me from enjoying my favorite season.
June 19, 2007
Miss Greek
Since last November when I started going to the gym, I have changed my routine quite a bit. First it was 30 minutes of the eliptical, then 10 minutes of that plus 20 minutes of weights, then mostly weights, then just the treadmill and now just the eliptical. All the while, I've seen one particular girl come in at varying times of the day and use the same machine.
One of the first few times I noticed her, I was with my friend Daniel. He also noticed that she was always there and we began calling her Miss Greek, based on the sorority shirts she often wore.
Since that time months ago, she has consistently stayed on that one particular machine and she always takes control of the t.v. in front of her. At first we talked about her because she was bitchy. Always needing to be in control of the t.v. and yelling at anyone who tried to change the channel. But since then it has grown into concern.
I, too, am a frequent 'ciser' (as Logic would call it, in his typical abbreviated form) but she is there all the time. I even saw her there at 7:00 on Monday. Typically she arrives at 4:00!
Should I be worried that she works out for hours every day? And is withering away? Is it my place to say anything to the staff?
What would you do in that situation?
One of the first few times I noticed her, I was with my friend Daniel. He also noticed that she was always there and we began calling her Miss Greek, based on the sorority shirts she often wore.
Since that time months ago, she has consistently stayed on that one particular machine and she always takes control of the t.v. in front of her. At first we talked about her because she was bitchy. Always needing to be in control of the t.v. and yelling at anyone who tried to change the channel. But since then it has grown into concern.
I, too, am a frequent 'ciser' (as Logic would call it, in his typical abbreviated form) but she is there all the time. I even saw her there at 7:00 on Monday. Typically she arrives at 4:00!
Should I be worried that she works out for hours every day? And is withering away? Is it my place to say anything to the staff?
What would you do in that situation?
June 18, 2007
Funny Headline of the Day
"First rule of Fight Club, you don't invite newspaper reporters"
~actual article found here.
~actual article found here.
Trying to Formulate My Thoughts
Lately I feel consumed by things other than writing. I'm busy looking at real estate downtown, working on taking more pictures, and getting outside to enjoy the beautiful Seattle summer.
I hope to get somethings down on "paper" soon. Right now the things I'm trying to formulate are:
-Soul mates. Not in the lovie-dovie sense, but rather being at the right place at the right time to be with the person who is going to help you be your best self. Instigated by a wonderful weekend with Logic. Okay, and also a love story. (Yes, I listened to the ebook of The Notebook again. Don't judge me.)
-Being the only girl at a party of nearly 30 people and only having the attention of one man, my husband.
-Paige coming to visit at the end of the month with her munchkins, sans her husband. That means I'll need to step up and help out more than I typically do.
-The trip to Utah in my near future.
-The fact that my booty continues to get bigger the more I exercise. This is completely new to me.
-Strange friendships including Pandora who called me incessantly until finally giving up and leaving a message in which she asked if I could burn her some cds. What a weird thing to ask.
This also gets me thinking about other friendships I have and how I've grown to really need my space. It's been a difficult thing to get used to because I feel like I'm blowing people off. But I don't require as much social interaction as I used to. Another thing that is completely new to me.
I hope to get somethings down on "paper" soon. Right now the things I'm trying to formulate are:
-Soul mates. Not in the lovie-dovie sense, but rather being at the right place at the right time to be with the person who is going to help you be your best self. Instigated by a wonderful weekend with Logic. Okay, and also a love story. (Yes, I listened to the ebook of The Notebook again. Don't judge me.)
-Being the only girl at a party of nearly 30 people and only having the attention of one man, my husband.
-Paige coming to visit at the end of the month with her munchkins, sans her husband. That means I'll need to step up and help out more than I typically do.
-The trip to Utah in my near future.
-The fact that my booty continues to get bigger the more I exercise. This is completely new to me.
-Strange friendships including Pandora who called me incessantly until finally giving up and leaving a message in which she asked if I could burn her some cds. What a weird thing to ask.
This also gets me thinking about other friendships I have and how I've grown to really need my space. It's been a difficult thing to get used to because I feel like I'm blowing people off. But I don't require as much social interaction as I used to. Another thing that is completely new to me.
June 14, 2007
Sandra Sturtz Hauss
THESE ARE MY WISHES FOR YOU
May you find serenity and tranquility
in a world you may not always understand.
May the pain you have known
and the conflict you have experienced
give you the strength to walk through life
facing each new situation with courage and optimism.
Always know that there are those
whose love and understanding will always be there,
even when you feel most alone.
May a kind word,
a reassuring touch,
and a warm smile
be yours every day of your life,
and may you give these gifts
as well as receive them.
May the teachings of those you admire
become part of you,
so that you may call upon them.
Remember, those whose lives you have touched
and who have touched yours
are always a part of you,
even if the encounters were less than you would have wished.
It is the content of the encounter
that is more important than its form.
May you not become too concerned with material matters,
but instead place immeasurable value
on the goodness in your heart.
Find time in each day to see beauty and love
in the world around you.
Realize that what you feel you lack in one regard
you may be more than compensated for in another.
What you feel you lack in the present
may become one of your strengths in the future.
May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility.
Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience.
May you find enough inner strength
to determine your own worth by yourself,
and not be dependent
on another's judgment of your accomplishments.
May you always feel loved.
June 12, 2007
My Very First Kiss
I was four and he was five. We spent all of our time together. It was the first time I liked a boy without knowing why. His little brother would follow us everywhere, wanting to play. We would find new places to hide.
This time it was under his bunk bed. The bedding dropped to the floor, protecting us from the light and from getting caught. I remember it well. Even then, it was a surge of energy. At such a young age, I felt a spark. Right as we kissed his brother lifted up the comforter to find us and then scurried through the house, trying to find his mom so he could tell on us. I don't remember getting in trouble, but if I did it was worth it.
This time it was under his bunk bed. The bedding dropped to the floor, protecting us from the light and from getting caught. I remember it well. Even then, it was a surge of energy. At such a young age, I felt a spark. Right as we kissed his brother lifted up the comforter to find us and then scurried through the house, trying to find his mom so he could tell on us. I don't remember getting in trouble, but if I did it was worth it.
June 11, 2007
Adulthood
I had the best day yesterday. It started out earlier than I expected. I was up and making breakfast by 9. I cooked some turkey bacon and then decided to make strawberry smoothies. Not the best combination, but as I told my sister, it included 3 major food groups: dairy, fruit and protein. After the smoothie, Logic suggested we go for a walk so we headed north toward Alki Beach and then looped back around on a side street. When we returned home, he decided to call his mom for her weekly update and I read my book.
When he finished talking to his mom, Logic suggested we finish our walk. This time we headed south and I remembered to bring my trusty camera. We started out along the water and soon made our way up a major hill to the top of Alki. Once there, we continued on up another large hill and past the junior high. At that point, I suggested we walk to the high school because I'd been wanting to take pictures of that. We headed west until I was content with my pictures and then made the ascension back down the hills. By the time we got home, it was already 3:00 in the afternoon! We grabbed some gatorade and watched Mary Poppins.
It was a really great day!
It wasn't until I read this post that I realized how much I've changed in the last few years. Had this been a perfect Sunday just three years ago, I would have slept until 1:00, had leftover pizza, and recovered from my hangover while watching MTV all afternoon. How quickly things change. I wonder what my ideal Sunday will be 3 years from now?
When he finished talking to his mom, Logic suggested we finish our walk. This time we headed south and I remembered to bring my trusty camera. We started out along the water and soon made our way up a major hill to the top of Alki. Once there, we continued on up another large hill and past the junior high. At that point, I suggested we walk to the high school because I'd been wanting to take pictures of that. We headed west until I was content with my pictures and then made the ascension back down the hills. By the time we got home, it was already 3:00 in the afternoon! We grabbed some gatorade and watched Mary Poppins.
It was a really great day!
It wasn't until I read this post that I realized how much I've changed in the last few years. Had this been a perfect Sunday just three years ago, I would have slept until 1:00, had leftover pizza, and recovered from my hangover while watching MTV all afternoon. How quickly things change. I wonder what my ideal Sunday will be 3 years from now?
Maya Angelou
“Each of us has that right, that possibility, to
invent ourselves daily. If a person does not invent
herself, she will be invented. So, to be bodacious
enough to invent ourselves is wise.”
invent ourselves daily. If a person does not invent
herself, she will be invented. So, to be bodacious
enough to invent ourselves is wise.”
June 07, 2007
Happy Birthday Logic
I am 9 months older than Logic. 8 months and 27 days, to be exact. I like to joke that his parents miraculously knew of my birth and, in an effort to bring me into their family, knew they had to get busy. In honor of that, I'd like to take this day to thank them for all their hard work. For it was 27 years ago today that their plan took action.
Training Led Me To Drink... Caffeine
My manager asked me to train the new guy. I was flattered and relieved. My job can be very interesting or extremely monotonous depending on the day.
I saw this as an opportunity to feel engaged and busy for a few weeks. I didn't take into consideration how much talking I would need to do. Now, for anyone who knows me this may come as a shock, but in recent years I've mellowed out a bit and no longer need to explain every detail of my day to anyone who will listen. (This blog may have something to do with that, but I digress.) When I'm at work, I like to listen to my music or the news, etc. It gives me focus and sets the tone for my day.
But when I'm training, I have to structure my day in a completely different way. Slowing everything to down to explain, answering questions I don't necessarily have answers to and trying to put the 'first-day-jitters' at ease. It's exhausting, damnit!
The first few days I dragged my feet through the threshold of my condo and spent the next few hours searching for the energy to fix dinner and pack my lunch for the next day before crawling into bed an hour earlier than usual. It was on day three that I finally put two and two together. "Doh! It's the training that's making me so tired!" And it's because of this training that I'm off the wagon. Caffeine is the only thing getting me through the day at this point.
Oh sweet White Chocolate Mocha! How I love thee!
I saw this as an opportunity to feel engaged and busy for a few weeks. I didn't take into consideration how much talking I would need to do. Now, for anyone who knows me this may come as a shock, but in recent years I've mellowed out a bit and no longer need to explain every detail of my day to anyone who will listen. (This blog may have something to do with that, but I digress.) When I'm at work, I like to listen to my music or the news, etc. It gives me focus and sets the tone for my day.
But when I'm training, I have to structure my day in a completely different way. Slowing everything to down to explain, answering questions I don't necessarily have answers to and trying to put the 'first-day-jitters' at ease. It's exhausting, damnit!
The first few days I dragged my feet through the threshold of my condo and spent the next few hours searching for the energy to fix dinner and pack my lunch for the next day before crawling into bed an hour earlier than usual. It was on day three that I finally put two and two together. "Doh! It's the training that's making me so tired!" And it's because of this training that I'm off the wagon. Caffeine is the only thing getting me through the day at this point.
Oh sweet White Chocolate Mocha! How I love thee!
June 04, 2007
Template number 2,986
The last template, as beautiful as it was, just didn't give me the warm & fuzzies. So I present you with the next in a long line of great shots found on flickr.
June 02, 2007
A Week of Celebrity Sightings
Before this week, my closest contact with a celebrity was talking to Patrick Ewing on the phone when I was working at a previous job. So it has come as quite a surprise that I had not one, but two celebrity sightings this week. And they were about a block from each other.
It was Thursday evening and Logic, Daniel and I were enjoying a light dinner at the Icon Grille adjacent to the Westin Hotel. Daniel was mid-sentence when suddenly his voice went up an octave and he asked: "Is that Austin Scarlett from Project Runway?". As Logic and I turned to face the street, we saw a skinny blonde man dressed so elegantly, so sophisticated that there was no doubt in our minds that it was indeed him. From the designer jeans to the ascot around his neck, Austin stood out in the crowd. Had we been outside, I'm sure Daniel and I would have chased after him screaming: "Was Wendy Pepper as bitchy as they made her out to be?" and "Tell me the truth, Tim Gunn is just as adorable in person, isn't he?"
Luckily for him, we were tucked into a booth in the middle of the bar and had no way of catching up to him, had we chosen to try.
We all giggled and shared our favorite Project Runway stories as we continued to scan the street in the hopes of catching another glimpse. But food was consumed, wine drank and the bill paid without any further signs of all things Austin.
The next morning at work, I proceeded to tell everyone I knew about my 'encounter' with celebrity. It wasn't until things settled down that I decided to skim the local paper for the day's top stories.
"Barack Comes to Seattle" caught my attention. He would be campaigning literally two blocks from my office and I quickly calculated how I could alter my plans and try to attend. After a thorough search I learned that the tickets were sold out, so I proceeded to go about my day knowing I would miss his visit.
I left work at 3:30 for the gym and had a great workout. Feeling energized, I decided to leave my iPod on and walk to Logic's office. Well, Logic happened to be waiting for me outside of the gym since his office let out early, but since I never put my iPod in my bag I didn't notice his calls. It wasn't until I was within two blocks of his office that I felt my gym bag vibrate. Logic had called three times AND left a text message. Oops!
I immediately called him back and informed him that I had already made it to his building. So after all his effort, he still had to come back to work and pick me up.
A few minutes had passed since our phone call and I was searching the intersection for our car. I saw flashing lights and waiting for the inevitable commotion. Only this wasn't a routine ticket. The flashing lights were coming from a large black police truck, and instead of pulling someone over, the truck blocked the intersection and waited for a procession of five black SUVs to turn down Virginia. As the third SUV was approaching the turn, I spotted a handsome man peering out the back window. His posture was regal and his smile friendly. Before I knew it, the procession had passed and I was left wondering: "was that who I think it was?". When Logic finally arrived I could barely contain my excitement. "I think I just saw Barack!"
He joked that I'd probably run into Al Gore the next day, since he was in town promoting his book.
I haven't seen him yet, but I will be downtown later this afternoon. I'll let you know if I do.
It was Thursday evening and Logic, Daniel and I were enjoying a light dinner at the Icon Grille adjacent to the Westin Hotel. Daniel was mid-sentence when suddenly his voice went up an octave and he asked: "Is that Austin Scarlett from Project Runway?". As Logic and I turned to face the street, we saw a skinny blonde man dressed so elegantly, so sophisticated that there was no doubt in our minds that it was indeed him. From the designer jeans to the ascot around his neck, Austin stood out in the crowd. Had we been outside, I'm sure Daniel and I would have chased after him screaming: "Was Wendy Pepper as bitchy as they made her out to be?" and "Tell me the truth, Tim Gunn is just as adorable in person, isn't he?"
Luckily for him, we were tucked into a booth in the middle of the bar and had no way of catching up to him, had we chosen to try.
We all giggled and shared our favorite Project Runway stories as we continued to scan the street in the hopes of catching another glimpse. But food was consumed, wine drank and the bill paid without any further signs of all things Austin.
The next morning at work, I proceeded to tell everyone I knew about my 'encounter' with celebrity. It wasn't until things settled down that I decided to skim the local paper for the day's top stories.
"Barack Comes to Seattle" caught my attention. He would be campaigning literally two blocks from my office and I quickly calculated how I could alter my plans and try to attend. After a thorough search I learned that the tickets were sold out, so I proceeded to go about my day knowing I would miss his visit.
I left work at 3:30 for the gym and had a great workout. Feeling energized, I decided to leave my iPod on and walk to Logic's office. Well, Logic happened to be waiting for me outside of the gym since his office let out early, but since I never put my iPod in my bag I didn't notice his calls. It wasn't until I was within two blocks of his office that I felt my gym bag vibrate. Logic had called three times AND left a text message. Oops!
I immediately called him back and informed him that I had already made it to his building. So after all his effort, he still had to come back to work and pick me up.
A few minutes had passed since our phone call and I was searching the intersection for our car. I saw flashing lights and waiting for the inevitable commotion. Only this wasn't a routine ticket. The flashing lights were coming from a large black police truck, and instead of pulling someone over, the truck blocked the intersection and waited for a procession of five black SUVs to turn down Virginia. As the third SUV was approaching the turn, I spotted a handsome man peering out the back window. His posture was regal and his smile friendly. Before I knew it, the procession had passed and I was left wondering: "was that who I think it was?". When Logic finally arrived I could barely contain my excitement. "I think I just saw Barack!"
He joked that I'd probably run into Al Gore the next day, since he was in town promoting his book.
I haven't seen him yet, but I will be downtown later this afternoon. I'll let you know if I do.
June 01, 2007
Are You SoCal or Seattle?
Yesterday I learned that friend of mine hates the sunshine. She said being in a place like SoCal makes her feel crazy. In mock agreement I said, "yeah, I much prefer one large cloud covering the entire sky." Her response: "definitely!". She wasn't joking.
I find this very intriguing. First off, I've never met anyone like her before. Second, I am the absolute opposite. SoCal is where my dreams reside. Sunshine all day is heaven to me.
What side of the discussion do you relate to? Are you SoCal or Seattle?
I find this very intriguing. First off, I've never met anyone like her before. Second, I am the absolute opposite. SoCal is where my dreams reside. Sunshine all day is heaven to me.
What side of the discussion do you relate to? Are you SoCal or Seattle?
May 30, 2007
May 29, 2007
Bob Moawad
“The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins.”
May 28, 2007
My New Template
In recent months I've been exploring my creative eye through photography. Which has led me to flickr.com. I not only upload my own photos, but I check the site daily for new and inspiring photos from my contacts. One such person is jlmieza. If you have the time, I'd recommend taking a look at his pages.
But in the meantime please enjoy my new template, his Dahlia.
May 26, 2007
Lolo to Barack
"Sometimes you can't worry about hurt. Sometimes you worry only about getting where you have to go."
~page 59 of "Dreams from My Father"
~page 59 of "Dreams from My Father"
May 25, 2007
Five Years Already
Five years ago today, I woke up early and went for a walk on the beach with my dad. And that was pretty much the only thing about my wedding day that went according to plan. But I didn't mind. The hairdresser was rude to Logic's mom, the flowers were all wrong - once they were finally delivered, the cake melted to the side upon delivery (although I'm sure it was still good - never got a piece), my parents got lost on the way to the ceremony and a co-worker actually hit on my new husband at the reception. But as I look back on that day, I am also reminded of the good things. Being pampered, wearing a beautiful dress, watching all our friends and family sing around the piano as a friend played "Piano Man". Oh yeah, and marrying my amazing husband.
It's funny how brief five years can feel. And yet, how much knowledge can be crammed into such a short amount of time. I've learned a lot about Logic and about marraige in general but I also know I have a long way to go.
I look forward to those years.
I love you baby!
It's funny how brief five years can feel. And yet, how much knowledge can be crammed into such a short amount of time. I've learned a lot about Logic and about marraige in general but I also know I have a long way to go.
I look forward to those years.
I love you baby!
May 24, 2007
X
During my walk last night, I realized that my anxiety and panic attacks are a lot like the two ecstasy trips I've had. I tried ecstasy when I was in Florida and the whole experience was awful. Since it was my first time I figured a half tab would do the trick but it turned out to be too much. I was high for four days and felt like I was possessed. At one point I even looked in the mirror and saw someone else. It scared the shit out of me.
And yet, I chose to try it again. The second time was at an outdoor concert with Logic, some friends and my sister. I hoped that surrounding myself with people I loved would change the high for me but it didn't. It wasn't as bad as the first, but let's just say there was nothing ecstatic about it. I had a major panic attack in the middle of the concert and my sister had to walk me around for an hour. When I finally did come down, I swore never to do it again. Or any drug for that matter. Because strangely enough, I'd had similar reactions to smoking marijuana. Full on panic attacks, jitters, and extreme paranoia.
Kind of ironic that a few years later I would start having panic attacks and anxiety without the help of any drug. Granted, with anxiety I don't hallucinate but I do feel possessed sometimes. It's like an out of body experience. I feel like I float outside of myself and leave the cavity of my body open for an invasion. Invasions of thoughts that I can't control, feelings I can't suppress and and unlimited cyclone of fear.
The first panic attack was so scary that I had to go to the emergency room. I thought I was going crazy. Everything felt like it was caving in and I was suffocating. The room was spinning and I felt helpless. I spent the next four hours seeing a general practitioner, a social worker and a psychiatrist. At two in the morning, I was released with a prescription for celexa and a list of referred psychologists.
When it hit me last night that my panic attacks were reminiscent of those X trips, my first thought was that I did damage to my brain. Irreversible damage that instigated the anxiety. But as I was explaining that to Logic, he had a different take on it which made more sense; he said that maybe the X opened my mind up to something that it wasn't aware of before.
I guess I'll never know, but I feel like I've reached a new level of understanding. When someone is high it's all in their mind and I need to remember that it's also the case with anxiety. Never is anything as desperate and scary as it seems at the time.
And yet, I chose to try it again. The second time was at an outdoor concert with Logic, some friends and my sister. I hoped that surrounding myself with people I loved would change the high for me but it didn't. It wasn't as bad as the first, but let's just say there was nothing ecstatic about it. I had a major panic attack in the middle of the concert and my sister had to walk me around for an hour. When I finally did come down, I swore never to do it again. Or any drug for that matter. Because strangely enough, I'd had similar reactions to smoking marijuana. Full on panic attacks, jitters, and extreme paranoia.
Kind of ironic that a few years later I would start having panic attacks and anxiety without the help of any drug. Granted, with anxiety I don't hallucinate but I do feel possessed sometimes. It's like an out of body experience. I feel like I float outside of myself and leave the cavity of my body open for an invasion. Invasions of thoughts that I can't control, feelings I can't suppress and and unlimited cyclone of fear.
The first panic attack was so scary that I had to go to the emergency room. I thought I was going crazy. Everything felt like it was caving in and I was suffocating. The room was spinning and I felt helpless. I spent the next four hours seeing a general practitioner, a social worker and a psychiatrist. At two in the morning, I was released with a prescription for celexa and a list of referred psychologists.
When it hit me last night that my panic attacks were reminiscent of those X trips, my first thought was that I did damage to my brain. Irreversible damage that instigated the anxiety. But as I was explaining that to Logic, he had a different take on it which made more sense; he said that maybe the X opened my mind up to something that it wasn't aware of before.
I guess I'll never know, but I feel like I've reached a new level of understanding. When someone is high it's all in their mind and I need to remember that it's also the case with anxiety. Never is anything as desperate and scary as it seems at the time.
My Walk
Four years ago, Logic dared me to do a backbend. We were at home, goofing off and he was trying to show me up. Not to be outdone, I lept off the couch and proceeded to do serious damage to my back. I laid on the carpet and hoisted myself up with my trembling arms and legs. I never heard a pop or snap, but the next day I could barely get out of bed. Over the next six weeks I went to physical therapy and took a variety of muscle relaxers and pain pills. I was taught how to take care of my back and which muscles to strengthen so this wouldn't happen again. I was religious about doing those stretches for about a year and then my desire, and the recollection of how painful it was, wore off and I stopped. I haven't done a backbend since, but I did make the stupid mistake of trying to one-up someone at the gym.There was a very fit woman using an abdominal machine in a way I'd never seen before. Her legs were both to one side and she used the arm rests to crunch her oblique muscles. In between sets she would drop down and do twenty push-ups. It was amazing to watch and I felt inspired. So the next day I tried to replicate what I saw. Minus the push-ups. I sat on the bench, adjusted my legs and set the weight to fifty pounds. And as I worked through a set of fifteen, I could feel the burn shooting up my sides. I imagined myself walking around in a sports bra, as the fit woman had done the day before, showing off all of my hard work. Visualize! I told myself.
But the next morning all I could visualize was the floor. My back hurt so much that I couldn't walk up straight.
After two weeks of reiterating my previous stretches and back exercises, I was still having sciatica. So I decided to try a chiropractor. Lachlan gave me some good advice and suggested a doctor near my house. The first session was amazing! I felt a rush everytime she cracked my back and left the office in the upright position. But before I left, the doctor informed me that abdominal weight machines and high impact exercises were out of the question for the time being.
In those two weeks of pain, I was crawling up the ceiling. My body wanted to feel it's runner's high. It wanted to move. So in trying to compromise for the sake of my feet versus my back, I've been going on walks. And last night as I walked up the street, I saw this flower. I was so inspired that I rushed back home to grab my camera. I spent the next two hours walking around my neighborhood, photographing everything in sight. And I think having the distraction of the camera helped prevent my body from a revolt. There were times when I wanted to break into a sprint but then I'd see a dog waiting patiently for it's owner to take him for a walk or a unique perspective of my neighborhood from a newly found street. I have a feeling there will be many more pictures to come; at least until I can run again.
And because I like to share: here are a few shots I took. I hope you enjoy.
May 22, 2007
It Gets Me Everytime
I'm on a secret mission right now. Can't talk about it because Logic's birthday is right around the corner and I'm pursuing some gift ideas, but I made a phone call while doing some research and spoke with a man named Robin. He was fresh off the boat from the U.K. and I have to be honest, I hardly remember what he told me. I was so mesmerized by his accent that I couldn't concentrate. I don't know what it is about those Brits, but their accents get me everytime.
Current crushes like Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Prince William, Christian Bale and Ralph Fiennes immediately come to mind.
Now I've lost my train of thought. Oh right, yummy Brits.
I think it's about time to watch Bridget Jones Diary again...
Current crushes like Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Prince William, Christian Bale and Ralph Fiennes immediately come to mind.
Now I've lost my train of thought. Oh right, yummy Brits.
I think it's about time to watch Bridget Jones Diary again...
May 19, 2007
Take That Pistons!
My dad is rooting for the Pistons.
My husband is rooting for the Jazz.
They've both made it to the Semi-Finals.
If they both take this round, they'll be playing against each other.
I was telling Logic that my dad was making peach cobbler and had 'invited' us over for some (he lives in New Mexico so he was just playin') . Logic took this as an attempt to bribe me into cheering for the Pistons. But little did my dad know, Logic was doing laundry.
Take that Pistons!
My husband is rooting for the Jazz.
They've both made it to the Semi-Finals.
If they both take this round, they'll be playing against each other.
I was telling Logic that my dad was making peach cobbler and had 'invited' us over for some (he lives in New Mexico so he was just playin') . Logic took this as an attempt to bribe me into cheering for the Pistons. But little did my dad know, Logic was doing laundry.
Take that Pistons!
May 16, 2007
My Future
I just finished watching Stranger Than Fiction. I am currently full of optimism and hope about the future. I want to seize life and start every day with vigor. I want to live my dreams.
Living my dreams.. now that's a scary thought. Scary because of how hard dreams are to achieve. I am a firm believer in making a dream a reality with hard work and determination. But that is what I find so scary. I've never worked hard for anything in my life. Not to say things have come easily, although sometimes that has been the case. It's just that I'm used to giving up because nothing has been worth all that effort. I've never felt passionately about something that was hard for me.
That is until recently. Without going into too much detail, I have come to realize how important writing is to me and, honestly, my well being. It is the core of who I am and how I operate. I love the written word. I adore creativity. I admire anyone with the capability to properly organize a sentence - especially when that sentence is put together in a fresh, new way.
I want to learn how to do that. I want to be that person who inspires others. I want to provide even the smallest moment of creative solitude for a reader. I want to comfort someone the way I have been comforted in the binding of a favorite read. This is vital to who I want to be.
The person I want to be isn't afraid of a challenge, and so I go forward in my quest to formulate the thoughts that rattle around in my head.
Living my dreams.. now that's a scary thought. Scary because of how hard dreams are to achieve. I am a firm believer in making a dream a reality with hard work and determination. But that is what I find so scary. I've never worked hard for anything in my life. Not to say things have come easily, although sometimes that has been the case. It's just that I'm used to giving up because nothing has been worth all that effort. I've never felt passionately about something that was hard for me.
That is until recently. Without going into too much detail, I have come to realize how important writing is to me and, honestly, my well being. It is the core of who I am and how I operate. I love the written word. I adore creativity. I admire anyone with the capability to properly organize a sentence - especially when that sentence is put together in a fresh, new way.
I want to learn how to do that. I want to be that person who inspires others. I want to provide even the smallest moment of creative solitude for a reader. I want to comfort someone the way I have been comforted in the binding of a favorite read. This is vital to who I want to be.
The person I want to be isn't afraid of a challenge, and so I go forward in my quest to formulate the thoughts that rattle around in my head.
May 15, 2007
Another One Bites the Dust
As you may recall, a few months ago I had a little accident. I still bear the scars on my knees. Growing up a ballerina - my body is used to poise and grace, not scrapes and bruises. I chaulked that incident up to wearing high heels and thick hems. But last Friday I was brutally reminded of my new found clumsiness.
Logic and I drove to Portland Thursday after work. We stayed with Paige that night and drove to Roseburg early the next morning. As we left Paige's, I hugged and kissed Allison goodbye, knowing I would see her again in a few hours. When I turned around for one final air-kiss I miscalculated the height of the doorstep and caught the tip of my sandal on the wood base. I tried to regain my balance, but the bag resting on my back flew forward and caused me to fall knees-first onto the cobblestone entry way.
Trying to hold it together so I didn't scare Allison, I laughed it off and headed to the car. But damn, it hurt like hell. My knees and ankles were torn up pretty badly, but more than that my ego was bruised.
Logic and I drove to Portland Thursday after work. We stayed with Paige that night and drove to Roseburg early the next morning. As we left Paige's, I hugged and kissed Allison goodbye, knowing I would see her again in a few hours. When I turned around for one final air-kiss I miscalculated the height of the doorstep and caught the tip of my sandal on the wood base. I tried to regain my balance, but the bag resting on my back flew forward and caused me to fall knees-first onto the cobblestone entry way.
Trying to hold it together so I didn't scare Allison, I laughed it off and headed to the car. But damn, it hurt like hell. My knees and ankles were torn up pretty badly, but more than that my ego was bruised.
May 10, 2007
Michael Lebowitz
"I have discovered that I run now because running enables me to fight my limitations, to endure the pain, to fight the evil desire in me to hide; it teaches me every day not to give in, to keep on keepin' on, to believe."
Back to Abnormal
I haven't taken any ibuprofen for nearly 24 hours now. And I was able to go for a long walk yesterday. It felt so great to be active again.
When I was growing up, my mom taught aerobics and I used to attend some of her classes. The pictures of tiny little me in a leotard and tights were pretty darn cute, if I must say so myself. But I digress. I remember a friend of my mom's joking that if she was sick or wasn't able to exercise for a few days people would cross the street just to get away from her because she was such a grouch. Well, that's how I've been feeling lately. I'm taking things slowly for now, but I can hardly wait for my next jog.
When I was growing up, my mom taught aerobics and I used to attend some of her classes. The pictures of tiny little me in a leotard and tights were pretty darn cute, if I must say so myself. But I digress. I remember a friend of my mom's joking that if she was sick or wasn't able to exercise for a few days people would cross the street just to get away from her because she was such a grouch. Well, that's how I've been feeling lately. I'm taking things slowly for now, but I can hardly wait for my next jog.
May 09, 2007
Mother's Day
So we'll be going to Roseburg this Friday for the funeral. After missing one really important day already (Lilikoi's wedding when Allison was born), I am so relieved to be able to help her through this. I'm preparing to put my shit-kickers on (metophorically, I promise) and do as much as I can.
As tragic as this has been, the silver lining is that I'll get to see my sister and her babies (they'll be at the funeral too) and spend Mother's Day with Logic's mom.
As tragic as this has been, the silver lining is that I'll get to see my sister and her babies (they'll be at the funeral too) and spend Mother's Day with Logic's mom.
May 07, 2007
Walking the Walk
I just wanted to show this article from the New York Times:
Op-Ed Contributor
By COLIN BEAVAN
FOR the year beginning last December, my wife, our 2-year-old daughter and I, while living in the middle of the city, are trying to survive without making any net impact on the environment. This means we’ll get as close as we can to creating no trash (so no takeout), emitting no carbon dioxide (so no driving or flying) and pouring no toxins in the water (so no laundry detergent), as well as mitigating impacts we can’t avoid (so planting trees). Not to mention: no elevators, subways, buying products in packaging, plastics, air-conditioning, TV or toilet paper.
Though I’m ashamed to admit it, this is the first time I’ve substantially changed my life to reflect my beliefs. I have boycotted products that contributed to the hole in the ozone layer; written letters against the Japanese for hunting whales; called for an end to the poaching of Congolese gorillas; marched against the whites who controlled South Africa in the apartheid era; detested the Israeli killing of Palestinians; and despised Palestinian killing of Israelis. But I made the mistake of believing that condemning the misdeeds of others somehow made me virtuous.
With age, I even ratcheted down my political action and veered perilously close to joining that brand of liberal who whines about the world but doesn’t actually do anything about it. If I were still a student, I’d probably march against my adult self. And, as a member of that passive group of do-nothings, I was far from alone.
Prof. Arthur Brooks of Syracuse University, in his recent book “Who Really Cares,” published data showing that, for all our liberal ideology, people like me volunteer their time no more than conservatives, and we actually donate 30 percent less to charity. We even give less blood.
“It’s not that liberals are selfish,” Professor Brooks told me on the phone. Rather, he said, they worry that individual action lets everybody else off the hook. Believing to a large degree that, as Professor Brooks put it, “societal coercion is better than individual action,” they prefer to exert their efforts on grand schemes to change the government and the laws.
So people like me work to get out the vote, but feel entitled to heat our empty homes all day because, hey, we’ve done our best. Liberals, Professor Brooks said, “are suffering from cognitive dissonance — because the way they live their lives is not in accord with their ethics.”
And anyway, with global warming, there is no time to wait around for a strategy of “societal coercion” to take effect. But can individual New Yorkers really help? Isn’t this really a problem for the sub- and ex-urbanites who guzzle gas in their S.U.V.’s? After all, 78 percent of Manhattan households don’t even have cars — can’t we content ourselves with the eco-efficiency of our crammed-together little island? Not when you consider that, together with the rest of our state, New Yorkers make nearly 1 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide, the predominant greenhouse gas.
So my family and I have started our experiment in extreme environmental living. We keep a bin full of worms that turn our organic waste into compost. We make our own yogurt, staying away from those nasty plastic tubs. We grow herbs on our windowsills.
We’ve faced a million problems — how to make a meal without creating a mountain of plastic; how to bike through the city streets without ending up with a crushed skull; what to do about diapers — but we’re reaping some unexpected benefits.
With all the stair climbing, I’ve lost 15 pounds. We produce less than half a small bag of trash in a week. My wife loves riding her foot-propelled scooter to work. Family life now centers around the kitchen and dining table, where we talk, instead of around the TV, where we didn’t. Even parts of the banks of the Hudson were, a least for a while, a little cleaner because we spent an afternoon picking up garbage (including, God save me, plastic bottles full of urine thrown from vehicles on the West Side Highway). Most of all, we feel that we are not contributing so drastically to the world problems that worry us.
I’m not saying that we’ll retain our most extreme adaptations when the year is over. I don’t know. And I’m certainly not saying we’re doing more about the environment than others — there are many engaged, committed people who do much more than we do.
But I like to hope that, at least, we have stopped doing so much less.
How Quickly Things Change
I was sitting in a queue, waiting to get on a ferry boat on Bainbridge Island. I was in a car with Logic, Melanie, Kenny and their baby Anika. We'd just finished dinner and were heading back to Seattle after a day-long adventure through part of the Olympic Peninsula.
My purse was on my lap, otherwise I would never have felt my phone vibrating. I looked to see who it was: Paige. We often talk and I figured she was just checking in. Not wanting to be rude to our guests, I sent it to voicemail. But as soon as my voicemail saved her message, Logic's phone started to ring. Paige again. Knowing that something must be up, I checked my messages. The message was marked urgent which she'd never done before."Amaya, call me as soon as you get this. It's about Lili and her parents."So I dial her number. When she picks up I learn that Lilikoi's Dad shot himself.
He'd been suffering for a long time from a number of different ailments. Mostly mental. I wasn't too surprised actually. But when Paige mentioned that Lilikoi's Mom was home at the time, my breath caught in my throat. How could he do something so final and selfish when his beautiful, loving wife was in the next room? How must it have felt to hear the shot and run through the house only to find him dead?
I thanked Paige for calling and immediately dialed Lilikoi. Hearing her cracked voice sound so timid on the other end broke my heart. I knew of the unhealthy relationship she had with her father, but I also knew of the unwavering love and closeness that she shared with her mom. Wanting to reach through the phone and offer my shoulder to cry on, I could only listen. Listen and cry.
Lili is in Roseburg right now. With her mom, brother and possibly her sister. Her husband is most definitely helping to take care of them. I wonder where I'm supposed to be in all of this? Do I stay here and give them time? Do I rush down and offer my support?
For now, I sit and wait.
My purse was on my lap, otherwise I would never have felt my phone vibrating. I looked to see who it was: Paige. We often talk and I figured she was just checking in. Not wanting to be rude to our guests, I sent it to voicemail. But as soon as my voicemail saved her message, Logic's phone started to ring. Paige again. Knowing that something must be up, I checked my messages. The message was marked urgent which she'd never done before."Amaya, call me as soon as you get this. It's about Lili and her parents."So I dial her number. When she picks up I learn that Lilikoi's Dad shot himself.
He'd been suffering for a long time from a number of different ailments. Mostly mental. I wasn't too surprised actually. But when Paige mentioned that Lilikoi's Mom was home at the time, my breath caught in my throat. How could he do something so final and selfish when his beautiful, loving wife was in the next room? How must it have felt to hear the shot and run through the house only to find him dead?
I thanked Paige for calling and immediately dialed Lilikoi. Hearing her cracked voice sound so timid on the other end broke my heart. I knew of the unhealthy relationship she had with her father, but I also knew of the unwavering love and closeness that she shared with her mom. Wanting to reach through the phone and offer my shoulder to cry on, I could only listen. Listen and cry.
Lili is in Roseburg right now. With her mom, brother and possibly her sister. Her husband is most definitely helping to take care of them. I wonder where I'm supposed to be in all of this? Do I stay here and give them time? Do I rush down and offer my support?
For now, I sit and wait.
My Back - The Update
So it was neither drag nor drug for me this weekend.
My regular doctor is on maternity leave right now even though I didn't know she was pregnant. Goes to show how 'regular' she is. I ended up seeing one of her colleagues who basically told me to take ibuprofen and come back in a week if I wasn't feeling better. What a waste of time.
So I spent all weekend trying to entertain our friends from out of town while popping major amounts of ibuprofen. I can't decide if my back is starting to loosen up or if I'm just numbing to the pain. But I do know this - my chair at work is NOT helping.
My regular doctor is on maternity leave right now even though I didn't know she was pregnant. Goes to show how 'regular' she is. I ended up seeing one of her colleagues who basically told me to take ibuprofen and come back in a week if I wasn't feeling better. What a waste of time.
So I spent all weekend trying to entertain our friends from out of town while popping major amounts of ibuprofen. I can't decide if my back is starting to loosen up or if I'm just numbing to the pain. But I do know this - my chair at work is NOT helping.
May 04, 2007
Drag vs. Drug
My back has been hurting since Wednesday night. We have friends coming into town this weekend with their baby.
Due to that fact, and my Friday pain I decided to make a doctor's appointment before the weekend. I choose to drug instead of drag my ass around all weekend.
Due to that fact, and my Friday pain I decided to make a doctor's appointment before the weekend. I choose to drug instead of drag my ass around all weekend.
May 03, 2007
Joy Behar
"Can you be a good father if you're cheating on your wife? I say you can, but only if you're Woody Allen."
May 02, 2007
Thinking of Him
I had a dream about him last night. I don't remember what the dream was about but I remember how I felt.
He was a boy I knew in grade school and junior high. Unofficially, he was my first boyfriend. The first boy I spent time alone with. The first boy I was comfortable around.
He is a stranger to me now. I only know of his hardships through his brother's obituary. Yet he is still important to me.
He was a boy I knew in grade school and junior high. Unofficially, he was my first boyfriend. The first boy I spent time alone with. The first boy I was comfortable around.
He is a stranger to me now. I only know of his hardships through his brother's obituary. Yet he is still important to me.
May 01, 2007
Headline
"Arctic ice cap melting 30 years ahead of forecast"
I believe that the damage we're doing to the environment will come back to affect us/our grandchildren eventually but come on! 30 years in the grand scheme of the Earth's history isn't making much of a difference.
I believe that the damage we're doing to the environment will come back to affect us/our grandchildren eventually but come on! 30 years in the grand scheme of the Earth's history isn't making much of a difference.
Recap
I can't formulate any concrete thoughts right now so I'll just give a quick update as to what's been going on:
-My office is in the midst of a complete re-org. Not sure how I feel about it.
-I'm beginning to realize that when I *thought* I knew who I was 3 years ago, I really had no clue.
- Logic's best friend is coming into town this weekend. That means we'll be sleeping on an air mattress.
-One bedroom condos suck.
- Ranger and Logic are too cute. They've both started watching the other's team/sport to support the other person. Ranger has watched a Jazz game and Logic tries to catch any hockey games that might be on.
- It's been 6 months since I started going to the gym and I consistantly go at least 3 times a week, mostly 5. I still haven't dropped a dress size. What gives?
- I bought a new pair of sunglasses. The old ones made me look like a raccoon, I've decided.
- A guy in high school used to call me "coon" because he thought I looked like one.
-There's an immigration protest downtown this afternoon so Logic's office is closing at 3:00. Since we carpool, that means I will be leaving at 3:00. No gym for me today.
- I'm tired.
-My office is in the midst of a complete re-org. Not sure how I feel about it.
-I'm beginning to realize that when I *thought* I knew who I was 3 years ago, I really had no clue.
- Logic's best friend is coming into town this weekend. That means we'll be sleeping on an air mattress.
-One bedroom condos suck.
- Ranger and Logic are too cute. They've both started watching the other's team/sport to support the other person. Ranger has watched a Jazz game and Logic tries to catch any hockey games that might be on.
- It's been 6 months since I started going to the gym and I consistantly go at least 3 times a week, mostly 5. I still haven't dropped a dress size. What gives?
- I bought a new pair of sunglasses. The old ones made me look like a raccoon, I've decided.
- A guy in high school used to call me "coon" because he thought I looked like one.
-There's an immigration protest downtown this afternoon so Logic's office is closing at 3:00. Since we carpool, that means I will be leaving at 3:00. No gym for me today.
- I'm tired.
April 30, 2007
Trial Run
Left the house at 1:40. Shoot! Missed the exit to I-90. Took the Seneca exit into downtown and got back on I-5. This time going South. Managed to get on I-90 this time. Drove 5 miles until the Bellevue Drive Exit.
Directions say to pass the Bellevue Drive Park and Ride. Check.
Pass the Blueberry Farm. Check.
Look for signs to The Winter's House. There it is!
Pulled into the parking lot. Noticed a large group of people. Wait! I think I see men. Men weren't invited to this bridal shower!
Proceeded with caution. Crashed someone's birthday party. Went back to the car to figure out what I'd done wrong.
Read and re-read invitation. Wait! May 27th!!!???? MAY 27th??!!!
How the hell did I misconstrue that? Today is April 29th!!!
Directions say to pass the Bellevue Drive Park and Ride. Check.
Pass the Blueberry Farm. Check.
Look for signs to The Winter's House. There it is!
Pulled into the parking lot. Noticed a large group of people. Wait! I think I see men. Men weren't invited to this bridal shower!
Proceeded with caution. Crashed someone's birthday party. Went back to the car to figure out what I'd done wrong.
Read and re-read invitation. Wait! May 27th!!!???? MAY 27th??!!!
How the hell did I misconstrue that? Today is April 29th!!!
April 27, 2007
I Was Told There'd Be No Math Today
I am a word person. When it comes to numbers, I am rendered helpless. Even simple math eludes me. I once worked at a toy store for a summer and balancing the cash drawer at the end of the night was like Chinese Water Torture to me. So it will come as no surprise that I dread having to fill out my time-sheet at the end of every work week. Were it in a normal format, or if I worked the same schedule every week, it would be less of a hassle. But it isn't, and I don't.
As I filled out the form today I realized I wouldn't have enough time to hit the gym before Logic got off work. I was really looking forward to a good jog but I knew it was my own fault for not catching up on my hours earlier in the week.
The time-sheet, while filled out, remained on my desktop all day until I finally sent it in an hour ago. Right before I clicked the 'send' button, I realized my math was off. I'd actually worked an hour of overtime. Granted things could have been worse, but for a girl who's sole purpose in life is to feel the endorphins achieved at the gym, it was really disappointing.
As I filled out the form today I realized I wouldn't have enough time to hit the gym before Logic got off work. I was really looking forward to a good jog but I knew it was my own fault for not catching up on my hours earlier in the week.
The time-sheet, while filled out, remained on my desktop all day until I finally sent it in an hour ago. Right before I clicked the 'send' button, I realized my math was off. I'd actually worked an hour of overtime. Granted things could have been worse, but for a girl who's sole purpose in life is to feel the endorphins achieved at the gym, it was really disappointing.
April 25, 2007
Hawaiian Pedicure
Day One in Hawaii and we were all lounging around the apartment. Lili noticed that I had a few blisters from jogging and we decided to get pedicures while the boys went to a local brewery. She called her favorite salon but they were booked for the afternoon so she suggested we try a new place at the mall. The guy on the phone was rude to her, but we figured maybe he was busy.
We were running late so Lili called the salon and the guy was a dick again! And when we showed up he stared us down until I finally said "Two pedicures. We called a few minutes ago. Under the name Lili". He huffed and dramatically swiveled in his chair to yell back for the two nail techs before proceding to go back to his magazine. The nail techs, who happened to both be lying their heads down on the counter in the pack of the salon, slowly began to get up and walked to us like they were hungover. Lili and I looked at each other and then looked at the Asshole. He didn't look up. Simultaneously, we told him we didn't want to get pedicures there anymore and left.
So we walked around and found another place nearby. The guy at the front desk shot us a friendly smile and informed us that we could either wait 20 minutes or he could call their sister-salon to see if they had anything available. Turns out, their sister-salon was the same place that was rude to us and when we explained that to the gentleman behind the counter, the manager overheard us and seemed very distraught. She asked us a series of questions before we were ushered into the pedicure room. And even though the friendly staff at Mani Pedi Spa made up for the other salon, we both laughed on the way out at the possibility of the rude guy getting in trouble.
Trying on a New Perspective
Logic and I agree that we need to stay in Seattle until we're finished with school. (Me, my first bachelor's degree and him, his law degree.) So in an effort to remain sane while here, I'm trying on a new perspective. I am not going to let the weather affect my mood because damnit, I am a fun person and I want to be a fun person. I can't continue to let the weather depict the outcome of my day.
So cross your fingers and hope I make it through this alive.
So cross your fingers and hope I make it through this alive.
April 24, 2007
Hawaii Is Crying
Our last day in Honolulu was dreary. Metaphorically and literally. All four of us were sad. And it didn't help that we saved the USS Arizona Memorial for that day. Add to that some rain.
As we drove to the airport, the rain came down harder than it had all day. From the front seat Ranger broke the silence: "Hawaii is crying".
As we drove to the airport, the rain came down harder than it had all day. From the front seat Ranger broke the silence: "Hawaii is crying".
April 23, 2007
Email Forward
Lessons on the Seasons of Life
There was an Indian Chief who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge
things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at
a pear tree that was a great distance away.
The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in
summer, and the youngest son in the fall.
When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe
what they had seen.
The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.
The second son said no it was covered with green buds and full of promise.
The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so
sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever
seen.
The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with
fruit, full of life and fulfillment.
The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they
had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.
He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season,
and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that
come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons
are up.
If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the
beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall.
April 19, 2007
My Heavy Heart
The plane landed at 5:50 a.m. into a city surrounded by clouds.
The clouds that had disappeared were now seeping back into my body and my mind.
Filling my head where the sun used to be.
I return with a heavy heart.
The clouds that had disappeared were now seeping back into my body and my mind.
Filling my head where the sun used to be.
I return with a heavy heart.
April 11, 2007
Good Timing (for me)
Logic and I are leaving for Hawaii this evening. We're going to visit some friends and, well, go to Hawaii. Everything's packed and we're rushing to catch the shuttle at 3:30 today.
In an effort to finish my to-do list early (hoping to eliminate any residue stress), I ran to the Post Office this morning to get Isaiah's birthday present in the mail. And as I'm walking, I see a man about 20 feet in front of me jump up from a bench and start yelling: "mother fucker! shit! shit! damnit! mother fucker!".
As I get closer, I see that he's wiping a large pile of bird shit off his head! A bird just shit all over his head! My first thought was how much that would suck. My second thought was how much that would suck for someone who pretends not to believe in superstition and who happens to be going on a plane in 8 hours.
I think I'll stay inside until it's time to catch the shuttle.
Wish me luck...
In an effort to finish my to-do list early (hoping to eliminate any residue stress), I ran to the Post Office this morning to get Isaiah's birthday present in the mail. And as I'm walking, I see a man about 20 feet in front of me jump up from a bench and start yelling: "mother fucker! shit! shit! damnit! mother fucker!".
As I get closer, I see that he's wiping a large pile of bird shit off his head! A bird just shit all over his head! My first thought was how much that would suck. My second thought was how much that would suck for someone who pretends not to believe in superstition and who happens to be going on a plane in 8 hours.
I think I'll stay inside until it's time to catch the shuttle.
Wish me luck...
April 09, 2007
Friendship
Saturday afternoon my friend, Liz and I walked through the Washington Park Arboretum. It was a first for us both and we were equally amazed. Miles and miles of walking trails zig zagged through fields and along the Causeway between Lake Washington and Lake Union.
Equipped with my camera, I took a lot of photos. I was mostly enthralled with the landscape; shooting ponds, boats and pathways. But as we were walking through a clearing I saw these two women, deep in conversation and oblivious to the image they portrayed.
I wondered to myself: "what is their story? why are they wearing those hats and do they do this often?"
Not wanting to be rude and ask, I decided to make up my own story:
Mary and Julie were friends as children. Mary's parents uprooted her family and moved to the East Coast when she was just 10. On Mary's moving day she made a promise to Julie to come back to Washington every year to visit. Correspondence was strong at first. Weekly letters in the mail, monthly phone calls permitted by their parents. But as time wore on and the girls grew up, they're conversations became few and far between.
Mary grew up to be an ER nurse while Julie travelled the world and spent many years in the Peace Corp. After Julie had a nearly fatal accident in Brazil the summer of 1992, she packed up and moved back to the Pacific Northwest. The transition was hard at first, but with the support of her family and friends she managed to pull her life back together and became a Spanish teacher at a local community college.
It was the first day of school and Julie was taking attendance. Her eyes grew big as she recognized a unique last name on her roster. After class she took this familiar stranger aside and asked if she happened to be related to her long-lost friend. At her amazement, the young girl not only knew her, but was her daughter.
It turned out Mary divorced her doctor/husband and moved back to the West Coast only 2 years prior. Not knowing Julie's new last name and finding that both of her parents had passed, she stopped searching after a year. But that afternoon, on that first day of school, the two friends reunited in the courtyard.
They discovered that they'd only been living 3 miles from each other these past two years and immediately picked back up where they left off. They watched each other's children, cried on each other's shoulders and giggled at the little things they used to find so amusing. One of their fondest memories was dressing up like the Queen and having high tea in the back yard. They told and re-told the stories of how they put on ridiculous hats and pranced around in the grass, laughing merrily the whole time.
For Mary's 45th birthday, Julie surpised her with hats and a walk through the Arboretum. They sporadically broke in and out of character; one moment pretending to be the Queen and the next laughing uproariously. From that day on, they made a habit of this silly tradition and took weekly walks together. In time, the concept of playing the Queen wore off, but the hats remained. And so it was on the 7th of April, 2007 that they were meandering through the Arboretum when they were noticed by two friends on a similar path.
April 06, 2007
April 05, 2007
April 04, 2007
5 Reasons Why Today Sucks And One Reason Why It Doesn't
- Logic left for Olympia today. He'll be gone until Friday.
-I woke up at 1:30 with a migraine. I found my way to the medicine cabinet only to remember I'd used the last migraine pill last month. (FUCK!) Pretty much knowing it wouldn't do anything, I took 4 tylenol.
-I got to work to find the movers ready to pack me up and move me to a bigger cube with 2 huge windows! Finally, a view of the sky!
-Logic got up around 6:00 to pack and get ready for his business trip. I put the pillow over my head. Grace jumped up on the bed and layed on my back - purring like crazy. (She was trying to make her Mama feel better.) Out of nowhere, George jumps up on the bed - scaring the shit out of Grace - who proceeds to claw her way across my back as she scrambles for the door.
- Due to my migraine, I had to cancel my plans to walk through the Arboretum with a friend after work.
- I rushed to Nordstrom Rack during my break to exchange something and as I waited for the bus to come back I was approached by a big girl in her early 20s who asked for a quarter. I tell her I don't have any change and she decided to repeat what I just said in a high pitched voice. We stare each other down for what seems like forever but is probably only 10 seconds. She backs off.
-I woke up at 1:30 with a migraine. I found my way to the medicine cabinet only to remember I'd used the last migraine pill last month. (FUCK!) Pretty much knowing it wouldn't do anything, I took 4 tylenol.
-I got to work to find the movers ready to pack me up and move me to a bigger cube with 2 huge windows! Finally, a view of the sky!
-Logic got up around 6:00 to pack and get ready for his business trip. I put the pillow over my head. Grace jumped up on the bed and layed on my back - purring like crazy. (She was trying to make her Mama feel better.) Out of nowhere, George jumps up on the bed - scaring the shit out of Grace - who proceeds to claw her way across my back as she scrambles for the door.
- Due to my migraine, I had to cancel my plans to walk through the Arboretum with a friend after work.
- I rushed to Nordstrom Rack during my break to exchange something and as I waited for the bus to come back I was approached by a big girl in her early 20s who asked for a quarter. I tell her I don't have any change and she decided to repeat what I just said in a high pitched voice. We stare each other down for what seems like forever but is probably only 10 seconds. She backs off.
April 03, 2007
Dumpr
Uppity and I were just discussing photography today and I mentioned that I would like to do a 365 Project through flickr where I post a picture everyday for a year (just as it sounds). Uppity asked when I'd start and I told her I wanted to wait until I had photoshop so I could play around with some of the shots. And then magically, 2 hours later, I stumble across Dumpr. It's a site that works with flickr to alter your photos. Check it out.
Customer Service
I was starving. Completely famished. So I decided I'd take a walk and figure out where I wanted to eat. I'd over-done Asian cuisine lately and since I work in the International District of Seattle my options were limited. So I picked the one and only hamburger joint in the area.
As I was looking over the menu, a woman went up to the counter and asked if she could have a hamburger with two bottom buns as she couldn't have sesame seeds. At first the Asian woman behind the counter didn't understand her and when she finally realized what the woman was asking, she told her she didn't want to waste the tops of the buns.
(How fucking lame is that? Buns are suddenly very expensive? When did menial cost come before customer service?)
At that point I jumped in and offered to take the two top buns so she could order the hamburger she was craving. I hadn't really decided on having a burger but was so frustrated with the lack of concern that I felt I had to. Granted, I know it was just a hamburger and the woman would have survived without it. But OMG! The whole situation was completely ridiculous.
~I just opened my burger. One top bun, one bottom. I hope she got what she ordered.
As I was looking over the menu, a woman went up to the counter and asked if she could have a hamburger with two bottom buns as she couldn't have sesame seeds. At first the Asian woman behind the counter didn't understand her and when she finally realized what the woman was asking, she told her she didn't want to waste the tops of the buns.
(How fucking lame is that? Buns are suddenly very expensive? When did menial cost come before customer service?)
At that point I jumped in and offered to take the two top buns so she could order the hamburger she was craving. I hadn't really decided on having a burger but was so frustrated with the lack of concern that I felt I had to. Granted, I know it was just a hamburger and the woman would have survived without it. But OMG! The whole situation was completely ridiculous.
~I just opened my burger. One top bun, one bottom. I hope she got what she ordered.
April 02, 2007
Today's Conversation
Him:
Don't forget Easter is next Sunday
Me:
Yes, Fr John told me at mass yesterday
Him:
I figured
Me:
I gave up sarcasm for lent
Him:
Ha!
I soo believe you (get it? - ha!)
Don't forget Easter is next Sunday
Me:
Yes, Fr John told me at mass yesterday
Him:
I figured
Me:
I gave up sarcasm for lent
Him:
Ha!
I soo believe you (get it? - ha!)
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