The vacation has ended, so let's just get on with the list:
GOOD
Five day vacation, duh. Much needed and thoroughly wasted doing very little. Goal achieved...though a smidge of me wishes I would have gone to Ashland, but I'll head down there in the next month or so instead...I needed to just chill this weekend.
My head of highlights turned out pretty well. Though I am still wondering how they can charge that much for a pile of foil and dye!
I become a Family Support Worker tomorrow. It's my third job since I moved here by the way, so let's hope that I'm loving it and not quitting it. I have a feeling it will be a good fit.
The Longest Yard was pretty good, though I thought that the borderline homophobic jail humor was pretty overused and lame...this type of humor just irks me. I think that moviemakers think they are displaying tolerance, but really it's so f**king ignorant in my opinion. Okay, I'm over it. For now.
Also watched The Aviator. Long, but worth a one time viewing. Of course, it motivated me to do some research to find out what the hell was really wrong with that poor OCD Howard Hughes...haven't actually started the research yet, so I pretty much just feel very sorry for the guy. And to totally numb the brain, I finally watched Supertroopers. Seriously stupid, but so funny anyway.
Our friend Vince arrives on Thursday for a weekend of fun. I haven't seen him in about four years, but I love that he can hug my eyeballs out of their sockets, so I'm excited to see him.
BIZARRE
Category of the moment because I just converted a ton of the music on my computer into my iTunes library, and realized that I actually like a lot of G. Love. I have declared my dislike for him for years, but now I am sneaking his tunes into my iPod. Maybe it's because he is such good friends with Jack Johnson that I see it as my 'in' with Jack. That's seriously the only option I see here, because it just makes no sense to me.
NOT SO GOOD
Filling my gas tank for my new 80 mile a day commute should be fun. Does anyone remember when gas was 99 cents a gallon in college and you could go just about anywhere for five bucks? Damn, I miss those days.
Okay, indifference for the male species is disappearing. Not so good because now they can play mind games with me even when they have no idea that they are doing it (which they aren't, but I'm a girl, so shut up). Feeeeelings, nothing more than feeeeeelings. Sheeeeit.
Clouds, you suck. Rain, you too. Watch your backs, cuz me and the sun are coming to get ya.
My bedtime has to be normal now because I have to get up with the rest of the normal risers, so I guess I should be going cuz' I'll be up with the birds tomorrow.
Monday, May 30, 2005
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Waiting for Football
So my vacation weekend is moving right along. I got in the inaugural BBQ last night complete with sweat, too much to drink, and a few mosquito bites. It was damn hot yesterday...99 degrees for a few hours! A little vicious in my opinion after many mild days in the low 70s and 80s, but I am not going to complain because I love the heat. Prefer it dry, but I'm embracing anything that comes my way, even if it leaves me soaking wet.
Right now, I am waiting for my friend Beck to drive up so that we can go see The Longest Yard. I get way too excited when new football movies come out. Then again, I'm obsessed with football season too. I'll watch any college game regardless of which teams are playing, and I will watch any football movie no matter how bad it may be. Even The Replacements is like a train wreck to me...it's one of the worst football movies hands down, but if it's on, I will sit and watch the whole thing (while bitching the whole time about Keanu's lack of acting skills of course).
My football love started in high school when Robin's dad Steve used to take us to Beavers games, many of my guy friends were football playing jerks who tried to act like they were too good for most people, and a lot of my girl friends were cheerleaders who had to be at the game all night...there's not much else to do when most of your friends are stuck on the field or the sidelines. But over time, the sport started to make sense, and I grew to love it. I did the sports pages for the yearbook so that I could stay on the field during games and enjoyed my crush keeping me propped up when players came smashing into the sidelines.
So now, The Civil War is one of the highlights of my year, and my mood can be affected for days by whether of not we beat the Ducks. I actually hope that my future kid wants to play this sport so that I can go watch him and cheer the whole time. Come September, you'll see me at a few Beavers games for sure, though probably a little more sober than how I used to attend in college.
Right now, I am waiting for my friend Beck to drive up so that we can go see The Longest Yard. I get way too excited when new football movies come out. Then again, I'm obsessed with football season too. I'll watch any college game regardless of which teams are playing, and I will watch any football movie no matter how bad it may be. Even The Replacements is like a train wreck to me...it's one of the worst football movies hands down, but if it's on, I will sit and watch the whole thing (while bitching the whole time about Keanu's lack of acting skills of course).
My football love started in high school when Robin's dad Steve used to take us to Beavers games, many of my guy friends were football playing jerks who tried to act like they were too good for most people, and a lot of my girl friends were cheerleaders who had to be at the game all night...there's not much else to do when most of your friends are stuck on the field or the sidelines. But over time, the sport started to make sense, and I grew to love it. I did the sports pages for the yearbook so that I could stay on the field during games and enjoyed my crush keeping me propped up when players came smashing into the sidelines.
So now, The Civil War is one of the highlights of my year, and my mood can be affected for days by whether of not we beat the Ducks. I actually hope that my future kid wants to play this sport so that I can go watch him and cheer the whole time. Come September, you'll see me at a few Beavers games for sure, though probably a little more sober than how I used to attend in college.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Worth a Laugh
I have yet to see the new Star Wars movie, but may go and see it at some point. Until then, I can read these...
After a long hiatus from his blog, Marcus decided to pick up the keyboard and flop down some thoughts again. And his assessments of Star Wars advertising plugs are hilarious...check them out.
And Jon's thoughts on Burger King are an addition to the above subject as well.
Actually, do I need to see the movie when all the characters are staring me down no matter what supermarket I go to? And does anyone else notice in the first movies that Chewbacca's whining form of conversation is practically as annoying as the character Jar Jar Binks? An old coworker justified it as 'cute,' but Chewy's really damn annoying in my opinion. Is he even in this new movie or did they just pull his pic onto the plugs because he is as familiar and kid friendly as Joe Camel?
Wait, why am I talking about Star Wars? I think the only thing I ever got excited about were the cute fuzzy Ewoks when I was ten, so if you don't mind, I am going to go and eat some of my Frosted Flakes with the free Light Saber spoon that's packed inside the box. Mine flashes red...does that mean I am good or bad?
After a long hiatus from his blog, Marcus decided to pick up the keyboard and flop down some thoughts again. And his assessments of Star Wars advertising plugs are hilarious...check them out.
And Jon's thoughts on Burger King are an addition to the above subject as well.
Actually, do I need to see the movie when all the characters are staring me down no matter what supermarket I go to? And does anyone else notice in the first movies that Chewbacca's whining form of conversation is practically as annoying as the character Jar Jar Binks? An old coworker justified it as 'cute,' but Chewy's really damn annoying in my opinion. Is he even in this new movie or did they just pull his pic onto the plugs because he is as familiar and kid friendly as Joe Camel?
Wait, why am I talking about Star Wars? I think the only thing I ever got excited about were the cute fuzzy Ewoks when I was ten, so if you don't mind, I am going to go and eat some of my Frosted Flakes with the free Light Saber spoon that's packed inside the box. Mine flashes red...does that mean I am good or bad?
Adios rez'
In my final ten hours of employment in residential, I got hit, kicked, cussed at, rushed, and hugged. I'm game for trying to remember that last mentioned interaction the most. If all of those kids would have received more hugs and less of the violent interactions from the big people in their lives, they'd probably be happy and well rounded kids. Damn.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Buy Klink's CD, and Other Fine Thoughts
Aight, I was going to write something on why I am still not in a committing mood at the moment, but who the hell cares about that tonight. Let's talk about other things...
Summerizing...
On Thursday, I am plunking down some hard earned cash for a head full of professional blond toned highlights. Why? Why the hell not? I am bored with what I've got, and I figured that a professional will be able to avoid the burnt orange hue that I achieved at age 14 after a disastrous interaction with a bottle of Sun-In (which they still make by the way...yikes!!!)
I am also getting some cancerous sun on my paling body this weekend. It is going to finally be hitting the mid 80s for three days, and I am going to spend as much of that outside as I possibly can. Last year, I was dark from the Moab sun by now, and the current reflective state of my skin is irritating the hell out of me. So shave another year off my beauty age...hit me with some sun.
Calorie burning kills the pain...
In an effort for continued sanity, I decided to hit the gym at midnite last night to constructively vent my frustrations after a long day at work with 20 screaming kids. Pulled out three miles on an elliptical, and the scenes of children rushing at me with flying fists quickly faded into oblivion. Did I mention that I only have ten hours left until I am done with the little terrors?
Shameless plug...
Our friend David Klinkenberg just released another CD called Fiddle-Levity. It's great, so go buy it and support a very talented musician. You'll probably have to go to a Christian based store to get it, but anyone who likes good instrumental music will like it. Hopefully, playing since the age of four will start to make this guy a fair profit one day.
Druggie dog...
Why this didn't happen when we were still together, but Mike finally decided to put our dog Mason on drugs for his psychotic behavior. Many of you may remember this paranoid pup doing circles around the house, the dorms at work, and freaking at the sound of garbage bags and paper shredders. But I guess Mason has been chill and lovely to be around since the regular druggings began. Am I bitter that I had to put up with four years of crazy from this animal only to know he is artificially mellow in my abscence? You bet I am.
I'll believe it when...
One of my favorite people is claiming that he is REALLY coming to visit us Oregonians in two weeks. Hey man, you've seen the threat in the comments on your blog, and I'm serious... you are not escaping this time. Wait, can't you just sell ads for the Saturday Market here instead? Really, now that you are my pseudo husband, can't I just MAKE you move home?
Thanks for making me smile...
I was pissed off on Sunday morning for a few unrelated reasons from boys to having to go to work, but then I opened an email from a friend who I haven't and won't see for a long time that said, "Send me some pictures so I can remember how cute you are." It put a much needed smile on my face, so thanks.
And so...
Here is a song worth downloading: Shade of a Shadow by Tietur. I like it. Or go with From a Balance Beam by Bright Eyes. Good deal.
Summerizing...
On Thursday, I am plunking down some hard earned cash for a head full of professional blond toned highlights. Why? Why the hell not? I am bored with what I've got, and I figured that a professional will be able to avoid the burnt orange hue that I achieved at age 14 after a disastrous interaction with a bottle of Sun-In (which they still make by the way...yikes!!!)
I am also getting some cancerous sun on my paling body this weekend. It is going to finally be hitting the mid 80s for three days, and I am going to spend as much of that outside as I possibly can. Last year, I was dark from the Moab sun by now, and the current reflective state of my skin is irritating the hell out of me. So shave another year off my beauty age...hit me with some sun.
Calorie burning kills the pain...
In an effort for continued sanity, I decided to hit the gym at midnite last night to constructively vent my frustrations after a long day at work with 20 screaming kids. Pulled out three miles on an elliptical, and the scenes of children rushing at me with flying fists quickly faded into oblivion. Did I mention that I only have ten hours left until I am done with the little terrors?
Shameless plug...
Our friend David Klinkenberg just released another CD called Fiddle-Levity. It's great, so go buy it and support a very talented musician. You'll probably have to go to a Christian based store to get it, but anyone who likes good instrumental music will like it. Hopefully, playing since the age of four will start to make this guy a fair profit one day.
Druggie dog...
Why this didn't happen when we were still together, but Mike finally decided to put our dog Mason on drugs for his psychotic behavior. Many of you may remember this paranoid pup doing circles around the house, the dorms at work, and freaking at the sound of garbage bags and paper shredders. But I guess Mason has been chill and lovely to be around since the regular druggings began. Am I bitter that I had to put up with four years of crazy from this animal only to know he is artificially mellow in my abscence? You bet I am.
I'll believe it when...
One of my favorite people is claiming that he is REALLY coming to visit us Oregonians in two weeks. Hey man, you've seen the threat in the comments on your blog, and I'm serious... you are not escaping this time. Wait, can't you just sell ads for the Saturday Market here instead? Really, now that you are my pseudo husband, can't I just MAKE you move home?
Thanks for making me smile...
I was pissed off on Sunday morning for a few unrelated reasons from boys to having to go to work, but then I opened an email from a friend who I haven't and won't see for a long time that said, "Send me some pictures so I can remember how cute you are." It put a much needed smile on my face, so thanks.
And so...
Here is a song worth downloading: Shade of a Shadow by Tietur. I like it. Or go with From a Balance Beam by Bright Eyes. Good deal.
Monday, May 23, 2005
All Mixed Up
Ahhhh, a great song by Red House Painters, and a perfect representation of my feelings at the moment. Been a little impatient again when it comes to my life. I am literally counting down every hour (28, by the way) until I get to turn in the keys at my current job and enjoy a five day break from responsibility. The flipside of this is that I am extremely excited to be starting a new leg in my career on June 1st. But damn, I NEED this mini vacation coming up on Wednesday night, and I feel I've rightfully earned it.
Next, there is this pissy weather. Seriously, why do you hate me Mother Nature? Looks like the next few days will be great, and that sun and heat better damn well stick around for my days off. Everyone reminds me, "Hey, you moved back to Oregon," when I'm complaining, but COME ON already! Any amount of sun in a two hour streak would put a smile on my face at this point. I don't like that I am edging toward 'pasty Oregonian' again...eeeegh.
Long term committment is clearly something that I quit six months ago, so now I am getting those 'look at that cute husband and wife with the kids' feelings. I was explaining this to my friend Jess in that I am glad I didn't go through with a wedding to someone I wasn't in love with, but it sure would've been nice to not have to start at the beginning again. I guess I can't explain this without sounding like a crazy who will marry the next guy who steps in my path, so we'll just hold off on this subject for now because that ain't gonna happen, I swear.
Lastly, someone tell me the key to developing a relationship with my newly extended family. It's a little hard to explain, but I go through 'When should I call?' and 'When should I see if they want to hang out with me?' questions in my head as if we're dating. Warranted feelings I suppose, but come on, these are blood relatives...they're not going to break up with me. I stuck my dad in my cell as 'Dad' so I guess that's a start. I like when the title flashes when he calls, so that's even better.
So, coming up on two months as a newly reminted Oregonian. Happy, but discontent. Is that even a plausible combination? Don't worry, I'm still figuring it all out.
Next, there is this pissy weather. Seriously, why do you hate me Mother Nature? Looks like the next few days will be great, and that sun and heat better damn well stick around for my days off. Everyone reminds me, "Hey, you moved back to Oregon," when I'm complaining, but COME ON already! Any amount of sun in a two hour streak would put a smile on my face at this point. I don't like that I am edging toward 'pasty Oregonian' again...eeeegh.
Long term committment is clearly something that I quit six months ago, so now I am getting those 'look at that cute husband and wife with the kids' feelings. I was explaining this to my friend Jess in that I am glad I didn't go through with a wedding to someone I wasn't in love with, but it sure would've been nice to not have to start at the beginning again. I guess I can't explain this without sounding like a crazy who will marry the next guy who steps in my path, so we'll just hold off on this subject for now because that ain't gonna happen, I swear.
Lastly, someone tell me the key to developing a relationship with my newly extended family. It's a little hard to explain, but I go through 'When should I call?' and 'When should I see if they want to hang out with me?' questions in my head as if we're dating. Warranted feelings I suppose, but come on, these are blood relatives...they're not going to break up with me. I stuck my dad in my cell as 'Dad' so I guess that's a start. I like when the title flashes when he calls, so that's even better.
So, coming up on two months as a newly reminted Oregonian. Happy, but discontent. Is that even a plausible combination? Don't worry, I'm still figuring it all out.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Another Week Down
Damn, that week went fast! So here is a list of what's been smile worthy, and the flipside, this past week:
GOOD
Finally hung out with my friend Brian Nelson this past weekend. In catching up, I realized that this boy is damn lucky he hasn't served time for his antics. He is definitely more mellow than the old days, but he's still got the crazy in him. As an added bonus to hanging out with him, I ran into my friend Marcus too, so I got quality time with two Anchorage natives.
I just ordered a bunch of CDs through BMG because I wanted to replace the ones that Mike got when we broke up. So I ordered a new one too by Matthew Good Band called Beautiful Midnight. It actually came out in 2001, but it's new to me, and so good that I just keep playing it over and over. I also finally completed my Jane's Addiction collection by adding their last CD to my library, and though that is not new either, it's spin worthy. New music to listen to...laaaaaaa.
Mentioned already, but Trina's engaged! Yah again! Not only that, she has pictures on her photo gallery of Jack Johnson close up at his concert in Bend last year. My God, he is beautiful. Droooooooool.
I finally broke down and bought a plant. I've given him the name Frederick, and he is a Draceana, or something spelled like that. It's nice to have something alive and green in my house again. Hopefully, I don't accidentally kill him. Oh, and he's male because I have only ever had male pets...besides one female lovebird who just kept having babies, so she got the boot.
My sister is thinking about adding another kid to her small collection of one. My four year old nephew, Cedar, has offered up the idea of twins to her, and has promised to help feed them and even let them sleep in his bed. This is a big step up, because last I heard, he was saying, "Mom, can't we just get a cat instead?"
NOT SO GOOD
I still have 40 more hours left in residential work. One of my staff actually got a bloody nose last night thanks to a punch from a wiley little kid. And I got my first kick in the shin on Monday from a girl who was just pissed at the world. Man, I love it I tell ya...getting out of this field that is.
I am out of it in relation to time thanks to my swing schedule and busy life. I was talking to my friend Brian Beck tonight on the phone, and he said that they were going to go out for his birthday on Monday, to which I replied, "I thought your birthday was in May Brian," to which he replied, "Uhh, Sarah?" Is it clear that I am ready for that five day vacation that starts next Wednesday?
Smoky bars please go away. Make like Cali and ban the communal cancer to nice outdoor porches.
While I'm on the attempts to make things disappear, rain, could you please make an exit too? Seriously, I don't need torrential downpours on my days off. Bailey wants to go on some walks soon, and I STILL need to go camping. I guess this does mean that there will be a high likelihood for campfires being allowed this summer at least.
Cedar apparently finally got the talk from my 'bro in law' about Mike and I not living together anymore. He was a big fan of 'Uncle Mike' so I hope that he isn't looking like mad for Mike in my house when he comes to visit at Christmas. Then he will probably notice that 'white dog' and 'kitty' are gone too and never talk to me again. My sister has ordered me to only take another long term boyfriend if I plan on marrying him, so 1) I can have kids soon so that Cedar has some cousins, and 2) so that I don't traumatize the poor kid by losing another 'uncle.' Yeah, I'll get right on that.
Anything else is out of my head now, so it'll just have to wait until next week if I forgot it. Time to go have some Cocoa Pebbles for dessert.
GOOD
Finally hung out with my friend Brian Nelson this past weekend. In catching up, I realized that this boy is damn lucky he hasn't served time for his antics. He is definitely more mellow than the old days, but he's still got the crazy in him. As an added bonus to hanging out with him, I ran into my friend Marcus too, so I got quality time with two Anchorage natives.
I just ordered a bunch of CDs through BMG because I wanted to replace the ones that Mike got when we broke up. So I ordered a new one too by Matthew Good Band called Beautiful Midnight. It actually came out in 2001, but it's new to me, and so good that I just keep playing it over and over. I also finally completed my Jane's Addiction collection by adding their last CD to my library, and though that is not new either, it's spin worthy. New music to listen to...laaaaaaa.
Mentioned already, but Trina's engaged! Yah again! Not only that, she has pictures on her photo gallery of Jack Johnson close up at his concert in Bend last year. My God, he is beautiful. Droooooooool.
I finally broke down and bought a plant. I've given him the name Frederick, and he is a Draceana, or something spelled like that. It's nice to have something alive and green in my house again. Hopefully, I don't accidentally kill him. Oh, and he's male because I have only ever had male pets...besides one female lovebird who just kept having babies, so she got the boot.
My sister is thinking about adding another kid to her small collection of one. My four year old nephew, Cedar, has offered up the idea of twins to her, and has promised to help feed them and even let them sleep in his bed. This is a big step up, because last I heard, he was saying, "Mom, can't we just get a cat instead?"
NOT SO GOOD
I still have 40 more hours left in residential work. One of my staff actually got a bloody nose last night thanks to a punch from a wiley little kid. And I got my first kick in the shin on Monday from a girl who was just pissed at the world. Man, I love it I tell ya...getting out of this field that is.
I am out of it in relation to time thanks to my swing schedule and busy life. I was talking to my friend Brian Beck tonight on the phone, and he said that they were going to go out for his birthday on Monday, to which I replied, "I thought your birthday was in May Brian," to which he replied, "Uhh, Sarah?" Is it clear that I am ready for that five day vacation that starts next Wednesday?
Smoky bars please go away. Make like Cali and ban the communal cancer to nice outdoor porches.
While I'm on the attempts to make things disappear, rain, could you please make an exit too? Seriously, I don't need torrential downpours on my days off. Bailey wants to go on some walks soon, and I STILL need to go camping. I guess this does mean that there will be a high likelihood for campfires being allowed this summer at least.
Cedar apparently finally got the talk from my 'bro in law' about Mike and I not living together anymore. He was a big fan of 'Uncle Mike' so I hope that he isn't looking like mad for Mike in my house when he comes to visit at Christmas. Then he will probably notice that 'white dog' and 'kitty' are gone too and never talk to me again. My sister has ordered me to only take another long term boyfriend if I plan on marrying him, so 1) I can have kids soon so that Cedar has some cousins, and 2) so that I don't traumatize the poor kid by losing another 'uncle.' Yeah, I'll get right on that.
Anything else is out of my head now, so it'll just have to wait until next week if I forgot it. Time to go have some Cocoa Pebbles for dessert.
Okay girls, I know someone is going to freak out that I am publishing our HERB GIRLS shot, but it just HAD to be done, so that I could show off Trina, the newly engaged girl. She's the one on the other end of the line with the really cool paisley one piece (Hey, it was 1997...we were still allowed to do this kind of stuff). Hopefully she picks something else to get married in.
The Pairings Continue
One of the loves of my life got engaged last night. But there's nothing to be sad about, because I had no intention of marrying one of my best girl friends... Trina! But, yes I love her, and no, not in that way, and I am so excited to have another friend getting ready to take the big plunge, though she is going to be waiting about a year to have the big event.
Bizarrely enough, I have yet to meet this boy of hers even though they have been together three years. Our paths have never crossed as a result of my being out of the state and Trina being an Ashland dweller, but I hear Steve (that's his name) is a cool and laid back guy. And I have seen pictures, so I can attest to the two having cute kids one day.
Guess it's time to get on down to Ashland and have a proper introduction.
So anyway, Trina...I love you, I am happy for you, and I swear I will come and visit you soon.
On another note, my half-sister Alexis's wedding invite came in the mail today. Well, reception I guess, because there's a little restriction on me going into a Mormon temple for the wedding, but exciting nonetheless. She is a beautiful girl, and I want to get to know her better...oh, and the rest of that crew too. They are a cute bunch, just like the first set that I came in. Now that my schedule will be 'normal' I will hopefully have a chance to spend more time with the family I don't know so well. It's unfortunately looking like Alexis's softball games will get rained out tomorrow, but if it's sunny I'll be there.
Alright, time to continue on with my three day weekend.
Bizarrely enough, I have yet to meet this boy of hers even though they have been together three years. Our paths have never crossed as a result of my being out of the state and Trina being an Ashland dweller, but I hear Steve (that's his name) is a cool and laid back guy. And I have seen pictures, so I can attest to the two having cute kids one day.
Guess it's time to get on down to Ashland and have a proper introduction.
So anyway, Trina...I love you, I am happy for you, and I swear I will come and visit you soon.
On another note, my half-sister Alexis's wedding invite came in the mail today. Well, reception I guess, because there's a little restriction on me going into a Mormon temple for the wedding, but exciting nonetheless. She is a beautiful girl, and I want to get to know her better...oh, and the rest of that crew too. They are a cute bunch, just like the first set that I came in. Now that my schedule will be 'normal' I will hopefully have a chance to spend more time with the family I don't know so well. It's unfortunately looking like Alexis's softball games will get rained out tomorrow, but if it's sunny I'll be there.
Alright, time to continue on with my three day weekend.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Whining about Smoke
I hate smoke. I am sitting here debating whether or not to go and take a full on shower because my night out included some time in a cool and laid back place called the Triple Nickel, BUT it was smoky. And I HATE that smell in my hair, clothes, everything. Call me a whiner, I don't care...California is nonsmoking. Can't Oregon be next? Corvallis, my college town was, and it was awesome. You could hit the town and come home and stumble into bed nice and smokeless. Apparently, the amount of people smoking in America has decreased 30 some percent since the 60s. Why don't we just let the rest of the lung fryers smoke outside?
Am I being mean? I mean, I drink. What if they asked me to drink on the sidewalk? Oh, that's right, I don't pour my drinks down the throats of innocent bystanders and designated drivers.
Okay, this is over for now, but I highly suggest a lot of those places downtown that let me go in, have fun, and come home happily smokeless. But a lot of them are clubs. Not that that is always bad, but anyone know of a cool smokefree pub'bish' place in the Ptown area?
Am I being mean? I mean, I drink. What if they asked me to drink on the sidewalk? Oh, that's right, I don't pour my drinks down the throats of innocent bystanders and designated drivers.
Okay, this is over for now, but I highly suggest a lot of those places downtown that let me go in, have fun, and come home happily smokeless. But a lot of them are clubs. Not that that is always bad, but anyone know of a cool smokefree pub'bish' place in the Ptown area?
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Good list o' the week
Yahoo, life's been goooood, so I have little to complain about. All I want right now is some long nights of sleep, some 80 degree days, and a warm body of water to swim in. Until then, here is a new list:
GOOD
Alright, the job situation is officially squared away. I quit the lockdown yesterday morning, and put in a two weeks notice at the job I have been at for a week stating "I can't turn down a $6k raise that takes me out of rez too" (though a little more professionally). The two weeks has to be served because they are desperate for staff at the moment, and I didn't want to leave them short. The new job as a Family Support Worker starts the day after my well earned, self served five day Memorial weekend vacation. The job has me carrying a caseload of at-risk youth and their foster families. I have no outstanding job apps anymore, so this is it...but I imagine I won't mind having holidays, evenings, and whole weekends off (I don't even remember the last time those perks were part of my job description...how nice!)
One of my kids at my old program wrote me and said that my dorm of girls misses me and that things are still not the same without me. Hey Ryan, if you're reading this, she told me that they were really sad you left yesterday too. Did you get sad, did you?
I called my sister really late last night, and she was still awake to chat with for an hour. I almost didn't call, but I had a feeling she was still up at 1:00am. Oh, and the good part here is our neverending psychic connection by the way.
MEDIOCRE
DMB's new CD Stand Up will have to grow on me. At the moment, I am finding that I like a few songs, but I think it will take some time to attach some memories to this CD before it has a chance to sink in. I've decided that Ben Folds new one belongs in my collection next because I am desperate to find some new music soon.
Super smart boy goes here. I am definitely leaning away from the desire to use any 'dating' terms to describe us, and keep it 'just friends' instead. Cute boy just has the medal here for now. Hey, he's teaching me World Wrestling moves, proving that he can enjoy music besides death metal (classic soul and The Cure...what?), and makes me laugh a lot. And that's all I need right now.
NOT SO GOOD
Where the hell is the nice May weather that I remember from living here before? It's seriously got me a little stir crazy. Mother Nature, you are going down girl.
Look at this website and tell me what in the world we're thinking selling ourselves to all of this. Among the things you can get paid for: $50 an hour to drink beer, $1200 for hard alcohol drinking studies, $7k for donating your eggs, "sleep your way to $8680!" Wait, I could do that last one, no problem. Maybe I should move this to the GOOD category. I guess overall, it's pretty damn hilarious, and I could just go to grad school...hmmm.
On that note, I am off to sell my body, brain, and health to science...see you when I'm a millionaire with donated offspring running around in every state.
GOOD
Alright, the job situation is officially squared away. I quit the lockdown yesterday morning, and put in a two weeks notice at the job I have been at for a week stating "I can't turn down a $6k raise that takes me out of rez too" (though a little more professionally). The two weeks has to be served because they are desperate for staff at the moment, and I didn't want to leave them short. The new job as a Family Support Worker starts the day after my well earned, self served five day Memorial weekend vacation. The job has me carrying a caseload of at-risk youth and their foster families. I have no outstanding job apps anymore, so this is it...but I imagine I won't mind having holidays, evenings, and whole weekends off (I don't even remember the last time those perks were part of my job description...how nice!)
One of my kids at my old program wrote me and said that my dorm of girls misses me and that things are still not the same without me. Hey Ryan, if you're reading this, she told me that they were really sad you left yesterday too. Did you get sad, did you?
I called my sister really late last night, and she was still awake to chat with for an hour. I almost didn't call, but I had a feeling she was still up at 1:00am. Oh, and the good part here is our neverending psychic connection by the way.
MEDIOCRE
DMB's new CD Stand Up will have to grow on me. At the moment, I am finding that I like a few songs, but I think it will take some time to attach some memories to this CD before it has a chance to sink in. I've decided that Ben Folds new one belongs in my collection next because I am desperate to find some new music soon.
Super smart boy goes here. I am definitely leaning away from the desire to use any 'dating' terms to describe us, and keep it 'just friends' instead. Cute boy just has the medal here for now. Hey, he's teaching me World Wrestling moves, proving that he can enjoy music besides death metal (classic soul and The Cure...what?), and makes me laugh a lot. And that's all I need right now.
NOT SO GOOD
Where the hell is the nice May weather that I remember from living here before? It's seriously got me a little stir crazy. Mother Nature, you are going down girl.
Look at this website and tell me what in the world we're thinking selling ourselves to all of this. Among the things you can get paid for: $50 an hour to drink beer, $1200 for hard alcohol drinking studies, $7k for donating your eggs, "sleep your way to $8680!" Wait, I could do that last one, no problem. Maybe I should move this to the GOOD category. I guess overall, it's pretty damn hilarious, and I could just go to grad school...hmmm.
On that note, I am off to sell my body, brain, and health to science...see you when I'm a millionaire with donated offspring running around in every state.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Job ADD
Alright, I get to pull out my unprofessional guns again and quit the job I got last week because this morning, I got a job offer that I can't refuse from the agency that would have me out of residential care, with pay way over both other places, and the ideal schedule I want.
Right now I have to go and get ready for job #2. And quit job #1 that I am supposed to go to tomorrow night...which I probably will for good karma. My gosh, let's hope that I don't piss anyone off too badly.
Right now I have to go and get ready for job #2. And quit job #1 that I am supposed to go to tomorrow night...which I probably will for good karma. My gosh, let's hope that I don't piss anyone off too badly.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Wanna Feel Like an Underachiever...
So Gage, who I have been hanging out with on occasion, kind of blows me away in the motivation department. He graduated high school at sixteen, finished his Bachelor's degree in two, got an MSW, served a stateside bilingual mission for his church, has one more year in his doctoral program, and is then heading off to med school in Europe.
That's impressive enough, but on top of it, he interns at two prisons, works a few days at the job from hell that we share, is working on getting his private practice set up, and then volunteers one day a week at a children's hospital. But wait, he's also writing children's books, has a book on sports psych he's prepping for after grad, coached two college tennis teams last year, maintains a somewhat balanced social life, still calls his mom every Sunday, and is one of the most humble people I have met in a long time.
He's actually been diagnosed with insomnia since he was fifteen, so I don't even have to feel bad that my biggest goal right now is to get up early enough tomorrow morning to go get more groceries and pick up the new Dave Matthews Band CD. Instead, I will favorably see it as that he's had a lot more hours awake in his short 28 years to get stuff done than I have. At least I'll keep telling myself that as I chug many Diet Dr. Peppers to get through my days.
In the meantime, it appears that this one could easily lean toward a more friendly state, as evidenced by my desire to respond to Adam's incoming text messages even when I am hanging out with Gage. I don't know yet if this is just guilt though because Adam and I hang out more, or if I am genuinely feeling a preference here. Oh yeah, I don't have to make decisions like this for at least a little while longer, huh? Thanks for reminding me.
That's impressive enough, but on top of it, he interns at two prisons, works a few days at the job from hell that we share, is working on getting his private practice set up, and then volunteers one day a week at a children's hospital. But wait, he's also writing children's books, has a book on sports psych he's prepping for after grad, coached two college tennis teams last year, maintains a somewhat balanced social life, still calls his mom every Sunday, and is one of the most humble people I have met in a long time.
He's actually been diagnosed with insomnia since he was fifteen, so I don't even have to feel bad that my biggest goal right now is to get up early enough tomorrow morning to go get more groceries and pick up the new Dave Matthews Band CD. Instead, I will favorably see it as that he's had a lot more hours awake in his short 28 years to get stuff done than I have. At least I'll keep telling myself that as I chug many Diet Dr. Peppers to get through my days.
In the meantime, it appears that this one could easily lean toward a more friendly state, as evidenced by my desire to respond to Adam's incoming text messages even when I am hanging out with Gage. I don't know yet if this is just guilt though because Adam and I hang out more, or if I am genuinely feeling a preference here. Oh yeah, I don't have to make decisions like this for at least a little while longer, huh? Thanks for reminding me.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Back on the Balance Beam
I called out at work tonight to my old job. They were not too happy about it, but after working eight days in a row with four more to follow starting tomorrow, I can honestly say I NEED a break from all that is responsible for 24 hours. At this point, I have a feeling that I should sever ties with that place altogether because I really feel it is a poor environment that I will not be able to change...and oh yeah, didn't I move back here to work on having a life and not just work all the time? Additionally, I am going to hang out with my cute coworker again tonight. It would probably be good to not work with one of my 'prospects' anymore anyway. He actually told me that he was hoping I would get a new job because office relationships don't often go well. I would have to agree that they are irritating.
I am in a quandry about boys at the moment. The two I am dating here are so different that they would probably never be caught in the same room together. But at their bases, they are both extremely sweet guys. In the meantime, AK and I have discussed drafting an official binding contract that forces us into marrying each other by the time we're thirty if we haven't got it figured out for ourselves. Two of my friends reported that he told them drunkenly that he should just marry me anyway the last time we were here together...and apparently, at that same time, I told him I would make a good trophy. I still can't believe that I said that, but oh well.
So now I am going to go grocery shopping. Sounds exciting huh? A mundane chore like this actually sounds completely exhilariting to me at the moment, so I guess it's time to go load up a cart.
I am in a quandry about boys at the moment. The two I am dating here are so different that they would probably never be caught in the same room together. But at their bases, they are both extremely sweet guys. In the meantime, AK and I have discussed drafting an official binding contract that forces us into marrying each other by the time we're thirty if we haven't got it figured out for ourselves. Two of my friends reported that he told them drunkenly that he should just marry me anyway the last time we were here together...and apparently, at that same time, I told him I would make a good trophy. I still can't believe that I said that, but oh well.
So now I am going to go grocery shopping. Sounds exciting huh? A mundane chore like this actually sounds completely exhilariting to me at the moment, so I guess it's time to go load up a cart.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Time For the Grad Degree
Hmmm, first day at the newest job today. Very organized, everything is networked on computers, cute kids with extreme deficits in functioning everywhere...
This industry is pretty rough to stay in for a long time. The newest challenge for me is working with a population of kids who I can only describe as unfortunate victims of circumstance. Of the nine kids aged 5 to 13 on the SCIP side, seven have a history of being sexually abused, and most have a case worker or foster parent as their direct or only contact. At the lockdown, I have kids whose parents gave them pot at age nine and cocaine at thirteen. We even have a five year old who is cute as a button, but tried to strangle his mother while she was driving the car one day. Mom is severely bipolar and admits that she never attached to her child.
While sitting at my desk typing, I am much more on the sympathetic side than the empathetic side that I display to these kids in face-to-face interactions. In my opinion, it is just ridiculously unfair that these kids have ended up institutionalized at such young ages when it is primarily for the behavior of their parents or caretakers. Sure, some of the kids really do have chemical imbalances or disorders that developed even with good parents, but it is just disturbing as all hell when a correlation between abuse and functioning levels can be found in such a high percentage of the clients.
Now, I am a person who does a good job of separating myself from the reality of the situation. I do realize that I am helping to create a safe and nurturing environment for kids who would otherwise have none. But I am still on the bitter side and finding the ideas of 'sterilization' and 'castration' to be very useful preventatives to the outcome at the moment.
I think it is time to refocus my goals. Something in me says that I should continue the job search for a little while longer, but also force myself back into grad school within the next 12 months so that I can get my Masters Degree in Higher Ed. Admin. I really just want to work in a college or university setting and help get first generation and minority college bound kids in the door. That's been my passion ever since I was one of those kids, and it's probably time to get on with it. Until then, I'll be riding the waves of troubled youth for a little while longer.
This industry is pretty rough to stay in for a long time. The newest challenge for me is working with a population of kids who I can only describe as unfortunate victims of circumstance. Of the nine kids aged 5 to 13 on the SCIP side, seven have a history of being sexually abused, and most have a case worker or foster parent as their direct or only contact. At the lockdown, I have kids whose parents gave them pot at age nine and cocaine at thirteen. We even have a five year old who is cute as a button, but tried to strangle his mother while she was driving the car one day. Mom is severely bipolar and admits that she never attached to her child.
While sitting at my desk typing, I am much more on the sympathetic side than the empathetic side that I display to these kids in face-to-face interactions. In my opinion, it is just ridiculously unfair that these kids have ended up institutionalized at such young ages when it is primarily for the behavior of their parents or caretakers. Sure, some of the kids really do have chemical imbalances or disorders that developed even with good parents, but it is just disturbing as all hell when a correlation between abuse and functioning levels can be found in such a high percentage of the clients.
Now, I am a person who does a good job of separating myself from the reality of the situation. I do realize that I am helping to create a safe and nurturing environment for kids who would otherwise have none. But I am still on the bitter side and finding the ideas of 'sterilization' and 'castration' to be very useful preventatives to the outcome at the moment.
I think it is time to refocus my goals. Something in me says that I should continue the job search for a little while longer, but also force myself back into grad school within the next 12 months so that I can get my Masters Degree in Higher Ed. Admin. I really just want to work in a college or university setting and help get first generation and minority college bound kids in the door. That's been my passion ever since I was one of those kids, and it's probably time to get on with it. Until then, I'll be riding the waves of troubled youth for a little while longer.
Can't sleep, so I decided I would post a picture of me almost committing a crime as a lesson to all of you who will some day be in this situation. Never touch a sea turtle...it carries a big fat fine. Luckily, my salt water swimming skills were much slower than this turtle, and it kept ahead of my reach until someone informed me that you can't touch them. Oh, and I wish I was in Maui again...that place really IS paradise.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Attention Deficit Blog
Sorry, I have a lot of busy days behind and ahead of me, so I've decided to capture my life all in one entry. Here we go:
IS THIS SERIOUSLY AN AD CAMPAIGN?
Watching some prime time TV crud tonight with the roomies, and a lovely commercial comes on with this little jingle:
You bet your sweet Aspercreme.
ARE YOU KIDDING? Was this created after a little overzealous vodka lunch? Do these people still have their jobs? Somebody PLEASE explain how this made it on the air!
CLAY PIGEONS
I shot a huge rifle this weekend for the first time in my life. Hit the first and only clay pigeon that was launched into the air for me...yeah, that was my mad skills and not beginner's luck, I swear. I had to stop at one because the kickback from the gun was so strong that my arm is STILL sore today. I am embarrassed to admit that I actually found this activity fun, but just so you know, I have no intention of going after small critters next.
BRIGHT EYES
This guy is getting some major playtime in my iPod, especially one song that I am laughing out loud about as I'm seeing it as the new theme song for my current mindset. It's not appropriate to address the content right now, but here are some lyrics for those who know his songs, so you can find it on your own if you want to figure it out:
You didn't care to know who else may have been you before...I need some meaning I can memorize...You write such pretty words, but life's no story book.
I will sum it up as indecision for now, which leads us into...
SIDE PROJECTS
Okay, after being in regular dating mode for over two weeks with one guy, and having an evolving date with a new face, I have decided I cannot use this term anymore. It's just too detached for my liking. Does that mean I am starting to care? Probably a little. Overall, I am sticking with the idea that this is mainly still 'me time' and that I would be an unfavorable solid side by side for anyone for at least a couple more months. Remember, I spent over 2000 days with the same guy...does that put it in perspective?
STICKDEATH.COM
Click into this and watch "Becoming Unglued" which you can play from the main page and the 'Anti Autotheft Devices' clip too. Completely horrific and hilarious, especially the way the stick figures laugh.
GOOD
Diet Dr. Pepper has become my means of survival on little sleep. The sun is giving me some good energy and skin pigment again. Ice on the Sheets by Ugly Casanova provides over six minutes of diverse listening pleasure. Slimy Constantine is gone from American Idol, which I don't even watch, but he still gave me the creeps...man, he was molesting that camera, ewww.
NOT SO GOOD
Ocean's Twelve was an ego show for big headed actors...never watch this movie. It was so bad that I can't even think of anything else to list in this category right now. Except for maybe Surviving Christmas...horrible. Oh, and meth...so sick of hearing about it now that Oregon has prostituted it to the media. It is a problem everywhere, just like school shootings were everywhere, INCLUDING suburbs, before Columbine. Stop with the oversaturation already.
The new job starts tomorrow, so I suppose it's time to run off and get some shut eye. Afterall, I need to be ready for people to scowl at me because I got the job that they usually hire for internally. No, I am actually excited. A little nervous, but I am going in with some confidence that I will do just fine and earn respect in no time. Let's hope at least.
IS THIS SERIOUSLY AN AD CAMPAIGN?
Watching some prime time TV crud tonight with the roomies, and a lovely commercial comes on with this little jingle:
You bet your sweet Aspercreme.
ARE YOU KIDDING? Was this created after a little overzealous vodka lunch? Do these people still have their jobs? Somebody PLEASE explain how this made it on the air!
CLAY PIGEONS
I shot a huge rifle this weekend for the first time in my life. Hit the first and only clay pigeon that was launched into the air for me...yeah, that was my mad skills and not beginner's luck, I swear. I had to stop at one because the kickback from the gun was so strong that my arm is STILL sore today. I am embarrassed to admit that I actually found this activity fun, but just so you know, I have no intention of going after small critters next.
BRIGHT EYES
This guy is getting some major playtime in my iPod, especially one song that I am laughing out loud about as I'm seeing it as the new theme song for my current mindset. It's not appropriate to address the content right now, but here are some lyrics for those who know his songs, so you can find it on your own if you want to figure it out:
You didn't care to know who else may have been you before...I need some meaning I can memorize...You write such pretty words, but life's no story book.
I will sum it up as indecision for now, which leads us into...
SIDE PROJECTS
Okay, after being in regular dating mode for over two weeks with one guy, and having an evolving date with a new face, I have decided I cannot use this term anymore. It's just too detached for my liking. Does that mean I am starting to care? Probably a little. Overall, I am sticking with the idea that this is mainly still 'me time' and that I would be an unfavorable solid side by side for anyone for at least a couple more months. Remember, I spent over 2000 days with the same guy...does that put it in perspective?
STICKDEATH.COM
Click into this and watch "Becoming Unglued" which you can play from the main page and the 'Anti Autotheft Devices' clip too. Completely horrific and hilarious, especially the way the stick figures laugh.
GOOD
Diet Dr. Pepper has become my means of survival on little sleep. The sun is giving me some good energy and skin pigment again. Ice on the Sheets by Ugly Casanova provides over six minutes of diverse listening pleasure. Slimy Constantine is gone from American Idol, which I don't even watch, but he still gave me the creeps...man, he was molesting that camera, ewww.
NOT SO GOOD
Ocean's Twelve was an ego show for big headed actors...never watch this movie. It was so bad that I can't even think of anything else to list in this category right now. Except for maybe Surviving Christmas...horrible. Oh, and meth...so sick of hearing about it now that Oregon has prostituted it to the media. It is a problem everywhere, just like school shootings were everywhere, INCLUDING suburbs, before Columbine. Stop with the oversaturation already.
The new job starts tomorrow, so I suppose it's time to run off and get some shut eye. Afterall, I need to be ready for people to scowl at me because I got the job that they usually hire for internally. No, I am actually excited. A little nervous, but I am going in with some confidence that I will do just fine and earn respect in no time. Let's hope at least.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
