I've had a busy and semi-productive week. The weather has been great, and I got to see a ton of my favorite people, so here it is in descending order:
Last night, I went to Robin's brother Darren's wedding. It was a long welcome event, and he cried first and more than his bride, so it was really cute. Oh, and we had 20 tons of tri-tip, oysters, clams, and chicken all cooked in a fire pit for the dinner. Talk about a good way to go. Full bar too. It was a big party, but ahh, I had to drive home, so I had a hell of a lot of soda instead.
Did I mention how much I love spending time with the people who were at this wedding? Robin's mom Kay refers to us all as her kids, and Doug just makes me laugh. Trina's parent's were there too, and I love that every time I see them, her dad hugs me goodbye and says, "We love you." In my opinion, they're all part of the reason I turned out so normal. Must say I appreciate that.
Friday, I had one goal. Won't mention it, but it was quickly accomplished thanks to Mike and Brian's friend Wade. Anyway, I went to a going away BBQ with Mike and Brian and got to see my friend Steve for the first time in a couple years. It was odd to be in a house where almost 50% of the people were Anchorage natives. What's with the common crossover from P-Town to Anchorage? I hear there are some comfortable similarities here for most of them.
Thursday night, I hung with Stef and Aimee for the evening. Stef is my first friend in a while who is planning a pregnancy. So next year, we may all have a bouncing baby to play with instead of a bunch of dogs. That should be an adjustment. Later on, I got to see my friend Lee for the first time since I moved back. I've known him so long that I can calculate what every expression on his face means. Historically, he has made me laugh, cry, and scream. We definitely had a war or two in our teenage years, but nothing ever stuck, and I love him.
Finally met Pete on Tuesday. He's an intelligent and entertaining one, and he has good taste in drinks. Caught up with Marcus too, who filled my ears with some good stories. In my opinion, this boy is a risk taker of sorts, but I imagine it keeps his life interesting. His best friend is my fave Alaskan, Jon, who's coming to visit in a couple weeks. That one is another risk taker in my opinion, but apparently, this could be blown out of proportion. But I have some protective pessimism about it nonetheless.
I am also increasing my caseload to ridiculous heights at work. I've managed to keep all boys on my crew, so I get less drama, more tough fronts. It's fun to penetrate their shells though because all my boys are really just scared and ready to change once you get to know them.
Well, it's 94 degrees outside and I feel like going to the gym to work out. Seems a little off kilter in my opinion, but I have been getting into these modes lately where I HAVE to go and get my energy out. The time it takes me to complete a mile is decreasing and my brain always seems to enjoy a break and some loud ass music from my iPod.
Hmm, a new song. High & Dry by Jamie Cullum. He's a piano man in his own right, and also does a kick ass version of Frontin by Pharrel. Come to think of it, he does a good version of Singin in the Rain too. I love piano players. Reminds me of this college party I went to the summer I lived at Fiji's where we were all very intoxicated singing along to Piano Man by Billy Joel. It was at some random house, and it's a good vague memory. I guess most memories that summer can fall into that category. So much for living in a dry house.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Now, This Was Awkward
So on Friday night I was out on a date with Mike, the boy I am probably boxing up and shipping to friendville. But anyway, I forgot to tell this story and it cracked me up. I'll just dialog it for you. We were at a club sitting with a group of people. I was between Mike and Jason, one of his apparentluy very drunk OR just socially inept buds...can't figure it out yet. You be the judge:
Jason: (Looking at me, talking to Mike) Sooooooo, you're not with your girlfriend anymore I take it.
Mike: (Looking at me with a 'what the hell is he doing' fear in his eyes) No, no I'm not.
Jason: So, what happened?
Mike: (Mike gives a short version of the demise)
Jason: Well (leaning fully across me to yell to Mike), this one is hot! Yeah, there's girls like this all over in the summer time man. Yeah, but this one, she's cute.
Yeah, so that was a little odd. Being that Mike is one of my best friend's roomies, I already know his story, so him having to explain his broken relationship in front of a girl he's been on a few dates with wasn't so bad. But damn, can people really be this socially stupid?
Jason: (Looking at me, talking to Mike) Sooooooo, you're not with your girlfriend anymore I take it.
Mike: (Looking at me with a 'what the hell is he doing' fear in his eyes) No, no I'm not.
Jason: So, what happened?
Mike: (Mike gives a short version of the demise)
Jason: Well (leaning fully across me to yell to Mike), this one is hot! Yeah, there's girls like this all over in the summer time man. Yeah, but this one, she's cute.
Yeah, so that was a little odd. Being that Mike is one of my best friend's roomies, I already know his story, so him having to explain his broken relationship in front of a girl he's been on a few dates with wasn't so bad. But damn, can people really be this socially stupid?
Monday, July 25, 2005
Barracuda sucks, and a few other things
I got it all this week, so read on...
GOOD
The weather is so f**king awesome that I can only describe it with that expletive. Sorry non-cussing readers. On August 1st, my office mates and I plan to go a month without saying a bad word. Yeah, we'll see how @&*^$ easy that is to %#@&* do! It's better than giving up sugar like two of them did this month.
My dog quit limping around the house, so I took him to the river and let him swim the day away on Sunday. Now he is just walking really slow. Guess it's time for glucosamine. Oh, the good part here is that he got to swim and bring back a floating ball 300 times in 2 hours. It's the simple things in life when you are a dog, come on.
MIDWAY
Alright, I am making a request that anyone who thinks they have the perfect ideal boy (make that man) for me, bring him on. I've been on a few dates with a new guy, but I am ALREADY ready to put him in a nice glass jar labeled 'friend' on the shelf. And he even has the spin around factor people!!! So apparently that trait just isn't cutting it anymore...did I mention that in my pro/con list for Adam in our final days, spin around factor was one of the only things listed on the 'pro' side? Yeah, that helped me to put my priorities in perspective pretty damn quick.
BAD
Talk about bad...Barracuda lands here. Have you ever been there? Apparently, it used to be Banana Joes. That place is horrendous. I wouldn't have gone, but I was with a group of seven people, we didn't have to pay the $10 cover because we knew someone, and we were just 'in that mood' for slimy entertainment after a partially mellow evening on Hawthorne. Once again, I got to have a meat market experience as the designated driver because I was on call for work (more on that in a minute). So, at the front of the dance floor was what I will call the skank deck...a bunch of scantily clad girls on a raised platform sluttily shaking their booties for all to see. Then there were these two very hot guys walking around at last call...each one rotated through a few girls each, I am guessing in a desperate attempt to score a date home...ewwww. Not exactly hot after all. Oh, and we had VIP wristbands. What a joke. You get to go hang out with a ton of idiotic people who think they are really cool in their VIP wristbands. The only part I enjoyed was that someone in our crew decided to sport a Guns 'n' Roses t-shirt just so "I can be that guy in the Guns 'n' Roses t-shirt," he said. He got into it, and it was hilarious.
Being on-call sucks. Try answering a page at 2:45 am on Friday into Saturday. I happened to still be awake, but it was still a pain in the ass. I guess the plus here is that they comp me an extra $175 for the week. Maybe I'll stop complaining when I get the check.
Alright, that's all. Song of the week is We Looked Like Giants by Death Cab for Cutie. I dig it. So should you.
GOOD
The weather is so f**king awesome that I can only describe it with that expletive. Sorry non-cussing readers. On August 1st, my office mates and I plan to go a month without saying a bad word. Yeah, we'll see how @&*^$ easy that is to %#@&* do! It's better than giving up sugar like two of them did this month.
My dog quit limping around the house, so I took him to the river and let him swim the day away on Sunday. Now he is just walking really slow. Guess it's time for glucosamine. Oh, the good part here is that he got to swim and bring back a floating ball 300 times in 2 hours. It's the simple things in life when you are a dog, come on.
MIDWAY
Alright, I am making a request that anyone who thinks they have the perfect ideal boy (make that man) for me, bring him on. I've been on a few dates with a new guy, but I am ALREADY ready to put him in a nice glass jar labeled 'friend' on the shelf. And he even has the spin around factor people!!! So apparently that trait just isn't cutting it anymore...did I mention that in my pro/con list for Adam in our final days, spin around factor was one of the only things listed on the 'pro' side? Yeah, that helped me to put my priorities in perspective pretty damn quick.
BAD
Talk about bad...Barracuda lands here. Have you ever been there? Apparently, it used to be Banana Joes. That place is horrendous. I wouldn't have gone, but I was with a group of seven people, we didn't have to pay the $10 cover because we knew someone, and we were just 'in that mood' for slimy entertainment after a partially mellow evening on Hawthorne. Once again, I got to have a meat market experience as the designated driver because I was on call for work (more on that in a minute). So, at the front of the dance floor was what I will call the skank deck...a bunch of scantily clad girls on a raised platform sluttily shaking their booties for all to see. Then there were these two very hot guys walking around at last call...each one rotated through a few girls each, I am guessing in a desperate attempt to score a date home...ewwww. Not exactly hot after all. Oh, and we had VIP wristbands. What a joke. You get to go hang out with a ton of idiotic people who think they are really cool in their VIP wristbands. The only part I enjoyed was that someone in our crew decided to sport a Guns 'n' Roses t-shirt just so "I can be that guy in the Guns 'n' Roses t-shirt," he said. He got into it, and it was hilarious.
Being on-call sucks. Try answering a page at 2:45 am on Friday into Saturday. I happened to still be awake, but it was still a pain in the ass. I guess the plus here is that they comp me an extra $175 for the week. Maybe I'll stop complaining when I get the check.
Alright, that's all. Song of the week is We Looked Like Giants by Death Cab for Cutie. I dig it. So should you.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
The Mellow Review
Well, I can't sum up life in good and bad this week, so let me just sum up my damn fine weekend instead.
Friday night I decided that I needed to stay home and chill with the 'fam.' Bill's 5 and 10 year old nephews, Guilani and Kenada were here for the weekend, so I played Monopoly Kenada and laid on the couch all night. They built a fort in the dining room to sleep in, and my dog scored graham crackers galore from the 5 year old. Pretty wild after a late Wednesday and Thursday huh? Little kids are so much fun to hang out with. Now I know why my dad is always home with my half sibs. Though I guess they're not exactly little anymore.
Saturday was my college girl reunion. One husband came at the beginning to show off a baby and was quickly scared away by our high pitched squeals of excitement to see eachother. Man, ten girls in a room who haven't been all together in years...it was great. About midnite, I went to pickup my friend Brian's roomie Mike and dragged him to a birthday outing with another group of friends. He's got dating potential, but I'm back to leaning toward boys being boys who are friends for a while again, though I am guessing I should play it by ear instead. I must have had fun though, because I didn't hit my pillow until 4:30 am.
Sunday was possibly the most perfect Sunday known to man. After sleeping in until 11:30, I went and had sushi on Trendy Third and then spent half a day on a boat on the Portland Waterfront with a handful of good friends. We stopped and had food on the Newport Bay dock and then watched the sun go down as we loaded the boat back on its trailer. It was one of those relaxing days that you just live for.
Otherwise, not much going on. I am taking my dad's mom out to lunch tomorrow. {rpbably doesn't sound that exciting, except that it is because we have barely just met, so we have a lot of catching up to do. Accruing new family members this past year has been pretty exciting I must say. Still slow going in some respects, but it's just nice to know that my dad is only 20 miles away and that I can go see him. Hmm, maybe I should do that soon again.
And of course, the job continues to be great. I had a kid run away last week, but I get to pull another one out of lockdown to take his place. Gotta look at the bright side in this area of work or you just get pissed. There are some great kids out there.
Wow, this post wasn't very exciting huh? Must be all that relaxing I did this weekend. Speaking of, I gotta go watch a movie now. Later.
Friday night I decided that I needed to stay home and chill with the 'fam.' Bill's 5 and 10 year old nephews, Guilani and Kenada were here for the weekend, so I played Monopoly Kenada and laid on the couch all night. They built a fort in the dining room to sleep in, and my dog scored graham crackers galore from the 5 year old. Pretty wild after a late Wednesday and Thursday huh? Little kids are so much fun to hang out with. Now I know why my dad is always home with my half sibs. Though I guess they're not exactly little anymore.
Saturday was my college girl reunion. One husband came at the beginning to show off a baby and was quickly scared away by our high pitched squeals of excitement to see eachother. Man, ten girls in a room who haven't been all together in years...it was great. About midnite, I went to pickup my friend Brian's roomie Mike and dragged him to a birthday outing with another group of friends. He's got dating potential, but I'm back to leaning toward boys being boys who are friends for a while again, though I am guessing I should play it by ear instead. I must have had fun though, because I didn't hit my pillow until 4:30 am.
Sunday was possibly the most perfect Sunday known to man. After sleeping in until 11:30, I went and had sushi on Trendy Third and then spent half a day on a boat on the Portland Waterfront with a handful of good friends. We stopped and had food on the Newport Bay dock and then watched the sun go down as we loaded the boat back on its trailer. It was one of those relaxing days that you just live for.
Otherwise, not much going on. I am taking my dad's mom out to lunch tomorrow. {rpbably doesn't sound that exciting, except that it is because we have barely just met, so we have a lot of catching up to do. Accruing new family members this past year has been pretty exciting I must say. Still slow going in some respects, but it's just nice to know that my dad is only 20 miles away and that I can go see him. Hmm, maybe I should do that soon again.
And of course, the job continues to be great. I had a kid run away last week, but I get to pull another one out of lockdown to take his place. Gotta look at the bright side in this area of work or you just get pissed. There are some great kids out there.
Wow, this post wasn't very exciting huh? Must be all that relaxing I did this weekend. Speaking of, I gotta go watch a movie now. Later.
Friday, July 15, 2005
Yeeeeah, I Beat Pete!
Alright, so it's time to update this thing and fill the world in on all that 'is' at the moment. Hmm, let me think.
I finally went to the Oregon coast last Saturday for the first time in MANY years. I went with three friends, and we strategically arrived at Court's parents' beach house in time help prepare the fresh salmon caught that afternoon and to pull the crab pots off the boat. The dinner that followed was one of those 'laaaaaaaaaa' meals in life where you are just content. Then we played with five little kids who pummelled us with pillows and begged to be tickled. Loved it.
And in not so Oregon Coast news, I decided to go with a bunch of pals to Wet Wednesday at Whoosong and Larry's this past week. Wow, once again, the 'meat' was fresh and terrifying, so I stuck close to the traumatized 25 year old divorced boy and his best friend and eventually just bolted to SE to hang with good friends instead. Skip this event...one person water skiing and getting poisoned by all the toxins in that Willamette water...ugh. Though next week, we may take a boat out instead. That could make it fun.
Last night, I went out to celebrate a friend's 25th birthday. Damn, that made me feel old. I experienced Ringler's for the first time. That place could be fun, but please shoot me if I ever even think that I will find a husband in a place like that. Slimy, slimy. Always take cute friends of the opposite sex to protect you. Also include Voodoo in this. Went there on last Friday as the designated driver nonetheless. Some guy was actually trying to get me to walk over to him by waving me over with his finger. Uhhh, no.
Oh yeah, I finally get to meet Pete next week. He's a good friend of my good friends, and his blog is entertaining, so check it out sometime.
Highest on my list at the moment is tomorrow night. I'm getting together with ten of my good girlfriends from college for the night, and we are going adventuring. My big goal is to drag the married ones out as late as possible. Of course, they could be dragging me instead. Speaking of dragging, I'm tired. So I am going to go take a nap now. Good prep for Friday night.
I finally went to the Oregon coast last Saturday for the first time in MANY years. I went with three friends, and we strategically arrived at Court's parents' beach house in time help prepare the fresh salmon caught that afternoon and to pull the crab pots off the boat. The dinner that followed was one of those 'laaaaaaaaaa' meals in life where you are just content. Then we played with five little kids who pummelled us with pillows and begged to be tickled. Loved it.
And in not so Oregon Coast news, I decided to go with a bunch of pals to Wet Wednesday at Whoosong and Larry's this past week. Wow, once again, the 'meat' was fresh and terrifying, so I stuck close to the traumatized 25 year old divorced boy and his best friend and eventually just bolted to SE to hang with good friends instead. Skip this event...one person water skiing and getting poisoned by all the toxins in that Willamette water...ugh. Though next week, we may take a boat out instead. That could make it fun.
Last night, I went out to celebrate a friend's 25th birthday. Damn, that made me feel old. I experienced Ringler's for the first time. That place could be fun, but please shoot me if I ever even think that I will find a husband in a place like that. Slimy, slimy. Always take cute friends of the opposite sex to protect you. Also include Voodoo in this. Went there on last Friday as the designated driver nonetheless. Some guy was actually trying to get me to walk over to him by waving me over with his finger. Uhhh, no.
Oh yeah, I finally get to meet Pete next week. He's a good friend of my good friends, and his blog is entertaining, so check it out sometime.
Highest on my list at the moment is tomorrow night. I'm getting together with ten of my good girlfriends from college for the night, and we are going adventuring. My big goal is to drag the married ones out as late as possible. Of course, they could be dragging me instead. Speaking of dragging, I'm tired. So I am going to go take a nap now. Good prep for Friday night.
Friday, July 08, 2005
Portland's Favorite Pasttime?
So, I had my first Portland minor league baseball experience last night. Yeah, it's pretty different from games in other cities. The Portland Beavers are essentially an unamazing team with very few sober fans, as evidenced by the barrage of people packed into the beer gardens for a truer than McFaddens meat market experience (everyone said, "Duh Sarah, it's Thirsty Thursday...you think they come for the baseball?). We had a choice table right in the mid of the beer garden, and though I am still continuing the sober streak I started Saturday morning (okay, one beer doesn't count), I was highly entertained and actually had a lot of fun. Here's why:
The Hot and Tall Metrosexual Boys: This cracked me up. Several crews of very cute tall boys in clean button down shirts, well ironed designer jeans, and loafers stood around in girl-less circles chatting and looking too good for everyone else. I couldn't help but ogle at their beautiful and well groomed faces and haircuts. But come on already, this was a baseball game! Look the part boys.
Wait, am I at McFaddens? So an entire crew of Voodoo Lounge chicks show up in tight black halter tops, mini skirts and cowboy hats. And flocks of females wearing more makeup than I own and those flowy 'make you look pregnant' tops or skimpy halters kept pouring in. Once again, this is baseball girls...a cute tank and jeans will do just fine for drinking cheap beer and watching the one hit of the game in the bottom of the fifth inning.
The Hot and Recently Divorced 25 Year Old: So this poor guy who was hanging with our big group states that he is traumatized for life because he's already divorced. Makes sense. So I offered to help him scope out his perfect girl, to which he describes his cute little blond ex-wife as he shows me pictures of her on his cell phone, pictures of the cat she still has...did I see a tear in his eye? Damn, he really is traumatized. He tried to help me scope out a perfect guy too, but eventually ended up trying to get me to cruise off and sit in the bleachers alone with him, to which I declined. I've decided that this guy would make a quality pseudo date to hang out with though, so I think I may have to ask my friend to pseudo hook us up. Because I am REALLY done dating boys my brother's age...and scene.
Bastards: While waiting in line to return to the beer garden after a break, I started looking around and actually caught a guy mouthing 'tits too small' about a girl. What an ass! And then there was the 40 year old drunk ass who kept hitting on all of us young girls as he passed us in the wraparound line. Eeeeegh. Who raises their children to turn into these jerks? Shame, shame.
Proof that this really wasn't a baseball game at all: A few things register here. No one came around to our table to try to sell us peanuts. They stopped serving beer at the bottom of the sixth inning and about 75% of the crowd (including us) left. And no one did the wave or sang 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame.'
Besides all of this, I can see myself going back again. You essentially pay a $7 cover charge to hang out in a smokeless bar in the sun and socialize with a laid back crowd and people watch. My kind of summer night for sure.
The Hot and Tall Metrosexual Boys: This cracked me up. Several crews of very cute tall boys in clean button down shirts, well ironed designer jeans, and loafers stood around in girl-less circles chatting and looking too good for everyone else. I couldn't help but ogle at their beautiful and well groomed faces and haircuts. But come on already, this was a baseball game! Look the part boys.
Wait, am I at McFaddens? So an entire crew of Voodoo Lounge chicks show up in tight black halter tops, mini skirts and cowboy hats. And flocks of females wearing more makeup than I own and those flowy 'make you look pregnant' tops or skimpy halters kept pouring in. Once again, this is baseball girls...a cute tank and jeans will do just fine for drinking cheap beer and watching the one hit of the game in the bottom of the fifth inning.
The Hot and Recently Divorced 25 Year Old: So this poor guy who was hanging with our big group states that he is traumatized for life because he's already divorced. Makes sense. So I offered to help him scope out his perfect girl, to which he describes his cute little blond ex-wife as he shows me pictures of her on his cell phone, pictures of the cat she still has...did I see a tear in his eye? Damn, he really is traumatized. He tried to help me scope out a perfect guy too, but eventually ended up trying to get me to cruise off and sit in the bleachers alone with him, to which I declined. I've decided that this guy would make a quality pseudo date to hang out with though, so I think I may have to ask my friend to pseudo hook us up. Because I am REALLY done dating boys my brother's age...and scene.
Bastards: While waiting in line to return to the beer garden after a break, I started looking around and actually caught a guy mouthing 'tits too small' about a girl. What an ass! And then there was the 40 year old drunk ass who kept hitting on all of us young girls as he passed us in the wraparound line. Eeeeegh. Who raises their children to turn into these jerks? Shame, shame.
Proof that this really wasn't a baseball game at all: A few things register here. No one came around to our table to try to sell us peanuts. They stopped serving beer at the bottom of the sixth inning and about 75% of the crowd (including us) left. And no one did the wave or sang 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame.'
Besides all of this, I can see myself going back again. You essentially pay a $7 cover charge to hang out in a smokeless bar in the sun and socialize with a laid back crowd and people watch. My kind of summer night for sure.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Songs to Download and Obsess Over
Transatlanticism by Death Cab for Cutie. They used it in an episode of Six Feet Under once, and it worked very well. That was two years ago. Forgot about the song. Found it again. Called and apologized to Mike for hating his music when we were together (because some of the other songs to follow were downloaded by him too back in the day).
Mr. Brightside by The Killers. The teenager in my house played this song the day I picked her up to come live with us. Mainstream, but so good.
Jed's Other Poem by Grandaddy. Annoying intro, but then wow. And a good line about 'trying to sing it funny like Beck.'
Think (Let Tomorrow Be) by Sebadoh. I have this acoustic. Don't know if it's the only version. Damn good song.
Tomorrow by James. How did I avoid this song for years? What happened to this dude?
In the Sun by Howie Day. My version is an acoustic download. He sings that semi okay mainstream song Collide. He's got some good lungs.
Running for Home by Matthew Good Band. Be depressed for 4 minutes. It's good for you.
Not a song but, Bed and Breakfast, which is a three minute comedy bit I have on my computer by the late Mitch Hedburg (a funny comedian who recently died of a not so funny heroin addiction). Did you ever see him perform? He stared at the floor the entire time. He was a truly odd and funny man.
Mr. Brightside by The Killers. The teenager in my house played this song the day I picked her up to come live with us. Mainstream, but so good.
Jed's Other Poem by Grandaddy. Annoying intro, but then wow. And a good line about 'trying to sing it funny like Beck.'
Think (Let Tomorrow Be) by Sebadoh. I have this acoustic. Don't know if it's the only version. Damn good song.
Tomorrow by James. How did I avoid this song for years? What happened to this dude?
In the Sun by Howie Day. My version is an acoustic download. He sings that semi okay mainstream song Collide. He's got some good lungs.
Running for Home by Matthew Good Band. Be depressed for 4 minutes. It's good for you.
Not a song but, Bed and Breakfast, which is a three minute comedy bit I have on my computer by the late Mitch Hedburg (a funny comedian who recently died of a not so funny heroin addiction). Did you ever see him perform? He stared at the floor the entire time. He was a truly odd and funny man.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
SUPPORT THIS CAUSE!!!
Hey all...Ashley is a friend of mine from college, and this is a very great campaign they have created to help her little brother who is quadriplegic from a pool accident. Following is the email that my friend Trina wrote and sent out to a bunch of us...sums up the situation well. So read this, go visit www.helptravis.org, and show your support:
Hi everyone,
My friend Ashley and her family are asking for your donation or support
for her brother Travis. Two summers ago he was playing in an above ground
pool and attempted a belly-flop,but ended up hitting his head and became
paralyzed. Currently he is quadriplegic and needs aid constantly. He is
now attempting to raise funds to allow him to travel to South America for
a spinal surgery and therapy to possibly give him movement and control to
his upper body ( I think they are saying a full recovery of all body parts
would be a longer process than this first attempt). So please check out
www.helptravis.org and at least write a note of encouragement. They
also are selling for their fundraiser those popular wrist bands (like
Lance Armstrong)...and who can resist those.
So, for me this really hit home actually knowing someone and their family
are dealing with this tragedy. (not like watching Christoper Reeves on t.v)
Please send this web site to your friends too...
Thinking positive thoughts for you all,
Trina
Hi everyone,
My friend Ashley and her family are asking for your donation or support
for her brother Travis. Two summers ago he was playing in an above ground
pool and attempted a belly-flop,but ended up hitting his head and became
paralyzed. Currently he is quadriplegic and needs aid constantly. He is
now attempting to raise funds to allow him to travel to South America for
a spinal surgery and therapy to possibly give him movement and control to
his upper body ( I think they are saying a full recovery of all body parts
would be a longer process than this first attempt). So please check out
www.helptravis.org and at least write a note of encouragement. They
also are selling for their fundraiser those popular wrist bands (like
Lance Armstrong)...and who can resist those.
So, for me this really hit home actually knowing someone and their family
are dealing with this tragedy. (not like watching Christoper Reeves on t.v)
Please send this web site to your friends too...
Thinking positive thoughts for you all,
Trina
Monday, July 04, 2005
Happy Fourth Y'all...Here's the Goods
GOOD
As promised, I followed up the meat market experience of Friday with trips to The Belmont Inn and the Horse Brass on Saturday night. Yes, pool and darts with a bunch of laid back guy friends is much more fun than hyped up ogling ughs. And both these places are really cool. You could spend hours just staring at all the random stuff on the walls at the Horse Brass. And as additionally promised, I drank water the entire night.
It is pretty odd that every time I am out with my friend Brian from AK, we run into my friend Marcus from AK. He was chillin at the Horse Brass after work, so we got to catch up. We also had another random Alaskan in our group who even knew Marcus's sister and went to his high school. Small little world we live in.
Yesterday, Jess, Bill, and I decided to hit the city park trails that wind through the Pittock Mansion, the Japanese Gardens, and the Hoyt Arboretum. We cleared six miles, and I must say it helped to clear my mind too. I'll be hitting these trails again for sure. Much better than going into the gym, and dog friendly, nice.
Free day off from work. Paid too. Can't ask for much more than that.
BAD
Okay, this past week held many irritating moments for me, but what's the point in rehashing them? I'm still in that learn as I go mode when it comes to balancing my life out. As much as I'd like to see the teeter totter hit an even keel, I don't think I'll be there for a while. I'd love to be, but it just doesn't always work that way. So stay tuned. I'll get there.
As promised, I followed up the meat market experience of Friday with trips to The Belmont Inn and the Horse Brass on Saturday night. Yes, pool and darts with a bunch of laid back guy friends is much more fun than hyped up ogling ughs. And both these places are really cool. You could spend hours just staring at all the random stuff on the walls at the Horse Brass. And as additionally promised, I drank water the entire night.
It is pretty odd that every time I am out with my friend Brian from AK, we run into my friend Marcus from AK. He was chillin at the Horse Brass after work, so we got to catch up. We also had another random Alaskan in our group who even knew Marcus's sister and went to his high school. Small little world we live in.
Yesterday, Jess, Bill, and I decided to hit the city park trails that wind through the Pittock Mansion, the Japanese Gardens, and the Hoyt Arboretum. We cleared six miles, and I must say it helped to clear my mind too. I'll be hitting these trails again for sure. Much better than going into the gym, and dog friendly, nice.
Free day off from work. Paid too. Can't ask for much more than that.
BAD
Okay, this past week held many irritating moments for me, but what's the point in rehashing them? I'm still in that learn as I go mode when it comes to balancing my life out. As much as I'd like to see the teeter totter hit an even keel, I don't think I'll be there for a while. I'd love to be, but it just doesn't always work that way. So stay tuned. I'll get there.
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Ogle Fest
Last night, I had my first 'meat market' experience since college. We hit McFaddens in Ptown with a crew of fifteen for a free Parrott Bay drinking promo. I'll start by saying that the rest of the weekend will be water for me, thanks. Today, I am going to the Blues Festival, so I hope it doesn't hurt my head. Eegh.
Meat market bars are an interesting experience. The boys are bold, slimy, frat boy carbon copies and they stare you up and down with no class. Mmmm, what a wonderful experience it is to be paraded every time you stand up and walk. I had Adam with me (don't ask), so I luckily just got to watch as my friends got bombarded by awkward weirdos who had a hard time standing up and an even harder time delivering smooth lines. At the points where I was off by myself though, I just felt the slime oozing from the eyes of boys, including one moment where three stood directly behind me in a group all beaming smiles from six inches away as they looked me up and down. Ewww.
Remember The Peacock in college? Forty year old men would stand on the perimeter of the dance floor, drink in hand, hoping that a spritey young college girl would flock their way. I always wanted the bouncers to drag their asses out by the balding hairs on their heads, but they just stood and ogled.
So McFaddens, I had fun...but I think I will stick to the pubbish road for the majority of my outings.
Meat market bars are an interesting experience. The boys are bold, slimy, frat boy carbon copies and they stare you up and down with no class. Mmmm, what a wonderful experience it is to be paraded every time you stand up and walk. I had Adam with me (don't ask), so I luckily just got to watch as my friends got bombarded by awkward weirdos who had a hard time standing up and an even harder time delivering smooth lines. At the points where I was off by myself though, I just felt the slime oozing from the eyes of boys, including one moment where three stood directly behind me in a group all beaming smiles from six inches away as they looked me up and down. Ewww.
Remember The Peacock in college? Forty year old men would stand on the perimeter of the dance floor, drink in hand, hoping that a spritey young college girl would flock their way. I always wanted the bouncers to drag their asses out by the balding hairs on their heads, but they just stood and ogled.
So McFaddens, I had fun...but I think I will stick to the pubbish road for the majority of my outings.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Anyway
So I have to register my car in Oregon starting tomorrow morning. No more Utah plates. But I am kind of a slacker and only have the trip permit so far because I haven't sent away for the title yet...better get on that.
Hmm, tonight we had a BBQ and played some volleyball. Fun enough. So why am I so unsettled at the moment?
Some of my friends were checking out my scrapbook tonight. Looking at newspaper articles from when my best friend died. How this possibly bothers me after eight years is surprising, but it does. I'm waiting for the year that passes with no reaction from me, but will that just mean that I have forgotten him? Last week, I ended up calling his best friend crying and went to hang out for a few hours on the day it happened. Maybe it has something to do with him being one of the few major people I've lost in my life...who knows.
So the other night, I was pissed off too. For no reason in particular. My ex boy happened to call by chance and we talked for a while. People always ask if I miss him, and I don't. Great to talk to, but otherwise in my past and staying there. A few minutes later, one of my really good friends called. That's the person I really miss, and I don't feel like talking about that EVER. I think I bit his head off for making a comment at the start of our conversation pertaining to our 'futcha' as I used to like to call it. Maybe I'll get over it...it was pretty ridiculous of me.
So, what's the point of this entry. Sheeeit girls, you guys know me the best. Ro can call me on anything even when I don't see it in myself. She did last week, and I didn't want to admit that she totally sees the reality in me. Jess too. That girl can read right through my lines. Maybe I don't want to just be the pretty girl anymore...one of my male coworkers has even been making the comment to me that I can't be both pretty and smart. Fuck that. I'll be both. I am both.
Hmm, tonight we had a BBQ and played some volleyball. Fun enough. So why am I so unsettled at the moment?
Some of my friends were checking out my scrapbook tonight. Looking at newspaper articles from when my best friend died. How this possibly bothers me after eight years is surprising, but it does. I'm waiting for the year that passes with no reaction from me, but will that just mean that I have forgotten him? Last week, I ended up calling his best friend crying and went to hang out for a few hours on the day it happened. Maybe it has something to do with him being one of the few major people I've lost in my life...who knows.
So the other night, I was pissed off too. For no reason in particular. My ex boy happened to call by chance and we talked for a while. People always ask if I miss him, and I don't. Great to talk to, but otherwise in my past and staying there. A few minutes later, one of my really good friends called. That's the person I really miss, and I don't feel like talking about that EVER. I think I bit his head off for making a comment at the start of our conversation pertaining to our 'futcha' as I used to like to call it. Maybe I'll get over it...it was pretty ridiculous of me.
So, what's the point of this entry. Sheeeit girls, you guys know me the best. Ro can call me on anything even when I don't see it in myself. She did last week, and I didn't want to admit that she totally sees the reality in me. Jess too. That girl can read right through my lines. Maybe I don't want to just be the pretty girl anymore...one of my male coworkers has even been making the comment to me that I can't be both pretty and smart. Fuck that. I'll be both. I am both.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Great, good, and that other #@*!
Sparing details, let's just slam out a list:
GOOD
24HourFitness is doing a good job of saving me from the major insanity that comes with many indoor binding consecutive days of clouds and rain. Though I have to say that the Hillsboro site is terrifyingly 'gym ratty.' It was too packed and just looked like a million hamsters running on their wheels. Think I'll be sticking to the Murray location instead. Somehow, it's always empty. And the ellipticals face the weight area, so, oh wait, we'll get to this later.
Hey, Jon's really coming to visit because he'll be in a wedding. Finableepingly. No offense, but if you don't show this time, the groom might kick your ass WITH me. You know how much we all love you, so make it out!
Job still good. And I get to pull a kid from jail and bring him into my program. So that makes me happy. This kid has NO family at all, and that just bums me out. So I hope we can do some good for him. And my runaway came back too. Wow.
DIFFERENT
So this is the first year in five years that it won't be my anniversary on the Fourth of July. Now this is definitely not a 'woah is me' statement...I wouldn't change this at all. But it is still just a weird thought for me. Funnier is that I almost thought about racing out to Utah for that weekend to pick up my stuff, but later realized the correlation to mine and Mike's old anniversary. Now, that is just not a good idea, so the stuff will have to wait.
BAD
Hi, Ma Nature...yeah it's LATE June. Seriously, what the hell do you have against me girl? I am going crazy!!!
After hearing how I talk about me and the regular side project to others, I can see that this is just SO not good...it's not even worth talking about anymore. Now, I haven't told him he's a 'bleeping pain in the ass' lately, but everyone else has heard me call him this, and I tend to say it as I throw down the phone after we talk too...and that is plenty for me to know that it's done. So put it down as my first big oops, rebound even, and let's just move on.
Quite possibly starting to agree that I need a break from the male species. Okay, I guess that may not be completely plausible, so forget that one.
Aight, later.
GOOD
24HourFitness is doing a good job of saving me from the major insanity that comes with many indoor binding consecutive days of clouds and rain. Though I have to say that the Hillsboro site is terrifyingly 'gym ratty.' It was too packed and just looked like a million hamsters running on their wheels. Think I'll be sticking to the Murray location instead. Somehow, it's always empty. And the ellipticals face the weight area, so, oh wait, we'll get to this later.
Hey, Jon's really coming to visit because he'll be in a wedding. Finableepingly. No offense, but if you don't show this time, the groom might kick your ass WITH me. You know how much we all love you, so make it out!
Job still good. And I get to pull a kid from jail and bring him into my program. So that makes me happy. This kid has NO family at all, and that just bums me out. So I hope we can do some good for him. And my runaway came back too. Wow.
DIFFERENT
So this is the first year in five years that it won't be my anniversary on the Fourth of July. Now this is definitely not a 'woah is me' statement...I wouldn't change this at all. But it is still just a weird thought for me. Funnier is that I almost thought about racing out to Utah for that weekend to pick up my stuff, but later realized the correlation to mine and Mike's old anniversary. Now, that is just not a good idea, so the stuff will have to wait.
BAD
Hi, Ma Nature...yeah it's LATE June. Seriously, what the hell do you have against me girl? I am going crazy!!!
After hearing how I talk about me and the regular side project to others, I can see that this is just SO not good...it's not even worth talking about anymore. Now, I haven't told him he's a 'bleeping pain in the ass' lately, but everyone else has heard me call him this, and I tend to say it as I throw down the phone after we talk too...and that is plenty for me to know that it's done. So put it down as my first big oops, rebound even, and let's just move on.
Quite possibly starting to agree that I need a break from the male species. Okay, I guess that may not be completely plausible, so forget that one.
Aight, later.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
G'yeah
So, it turns out that the troops are cruising up here for the night instead of hanging in Salem. That means I get to stick close to home and still see my pals. How nice is that?
Moving on, as a result of not having to drive to Salem, I'm bored now and waiting for the crew to arrive in town. This boredom is helping me to focus on the six huge mosquito bites I acquired on my legs and feet at an NBA Finals BBQ on Thursday. For some odd reason, my bod doesn't take their vicious blood sucking well, so I have this Rx steroid stuff that I have to slather on every time I get a bite. A couple of them are about two inches in diameter at the moment...lovely, let me tell you. By default, I scored burn cream for them at Gage's the other night before we rushed out to see Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and that stuff is magic. It's all the benzocaine man. So keep that in mind next time you get attacked. And go see that movie too. Not an epic piece of cinema by any means, but damn, Brad Pitt is hot in this show, and it's pretty funny too.
And in boy news, I'm dissolving the 'three week demise or solidification' decision for the regular side project and I that I mentioned back on 6/08. Can't really explain, but it's just one of those things. Now, if I have to call him a f**king pain in the ass again (a few of you know the story), it'll probably be going the wayside. But anyway, in the meantime, I'm allowing myself to be open to other possibilities too. Remember the variety packs of Kellogg's cereals? No surprise I still like those.
And in that variety pack for life is Bailey. He's got a stick at my feet that awaits some throwing, so I better get going.
Moving on, as a result of not having to drive to Salem, I'm bored now and waiting for the crew to arrive in town. This boredom is helping me to focus on the six huge mosquito bites I acquired on my legs and feet at an NBA Finals BBQ on Thursday. For some odd reason, my bod doesn't take their vicious blood sucking well, so I have this Rx steroid stuff that I have to slather on every time I get a bite. A couple of them are about two inches in diameter at the moment...lovely, let me tell you. By default, I scored burn cream for them at Gage's the other night before we rushed out to see Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and that stuff is magic. It's all the benzocaine man. So keep that in mind next time you get attacked. And go see that movie too. Not an epic piece of cinema by any means, but damn, Brad Pitt is hot in this show, and it's pretty funny too.
And in boy news, I'm dissolving the 'three week demise or solidification' decision for the regular side project and I that I mentioned back on 6/08. Can't really explain, but it's just one of those things. Now, if I have to call him a f**king pain in the ass again (a few of you know the story), it'll probably be going the wayside. But anyway, in the meantime, I'm allowing myself to be open to other possibilities too. Remember the variety packs of Kellogg's cereals? No surprise I still like those.
And in that variety pack for life is Bailey. He's got a stick at my feet that awaits some throwing, so I better get going.
Only because Trina's there
So I am going to go hang out in Salem tonight because Trina is in town and I haven't seen her in almost two years...how the hell is that possible by the way? Oh yeah, I lived in another state.
Well, we are going to go out, and that is just scary because you see people in Salem you have no desire to interact with. For example, my friend Beck recently ran into my crazy ex-boyfriend from seven years ago. I dumped this guy close to our two year anniversary because he was (as my friend Jon can bizarrely and accurately describe without ever even meeting him) a "WHO WERE YOU WITH!?" and "WHAT WERE YOU DOING!?" crazy who wore a baseball cap backwards at all times and drove a big fuel inefficient black truck. The idiot actually broke the windshield on his own car when I broke up with him. Smart. Anyway, the jerk asked about me, and for some reason that creeped me out knowing he wanted to know. Not that he was restraining order worthy, but just, ugh. There are also those awkward moments where I see someone from high school who knows my name, but I just can't think of theirs. Yeah, that makes me feel like a snobby ass.
I'd rather just 'picket' Salem as I was planning to do until my friends come up here and hang out with me in a fun city. Of course, I have only been to Salem once besides for work. So I guess I can't legitimately ban So Lame when I am slacking on the socializing too. Maybe I'll start next week after I have two visits logged against them.
Well, we are going to go out, and that is just scary because you see people in Salem you have no desire to interact with. For example, my friend Beck recently ran into my crazy ex-boyfriend from seven years ago. I dumped this guy close to our two year anniversary because he was (as my friend Jon can bizarrely and accurately describe without ever even meeting him) a "WHO WERE YOU WITH!?" and "WHAT WERE YOU DOING!?" crazy who wore a baseball cap backwards at all times and drove a big fuel inefficient black truck. The idiot actually broke the windshield on his own car when I broke up with him. Smart. Anyway, the jerk asked about me, and for some reason that creeped me out knowing he wanted to know. Not that he was restraining order worthy, but just, ugh. There are also those awkward moments where I see someone from high school who knows my name, but I just can't think of theirs. Yeah, that makes me feel like a snobby ass.
I'd rather just 'picket' Salem as I was planning to do until my friends come up here and hang out with me in a fun city. Of course, I have only been to Salem once besides for work. So I guess I can't legitimately ban So Lame when I am slacking on the socializing too. Maybe I'll start next week after I have two visits logged against them.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Don't Make Me Smack You
So the picture above this entry is Greg (and me when we were bitties). He died instantly on June 23, 1997 in a car accident, and this day always makes it seem like it happened more recently. I can't say I'll ever be to a point where I don't cry about it anymore, and I don't think I'll ever have to be. For the most part though, I think of him and smile.
I still consider this gorgeous boy to be one of my best friends. I can guarantee most of you who knew him well can still say that without hesitation too. Greg and I met when we were twelve, tricked people into thinking we were twins, fought like hell on and off for seven years and loved each other in between. He was always more like a brother to me, complete with the torture and teasing that you would expect. But with that came a very unconditional and protective friendship, and I like to think that our bond can carry on until we see each other again. He actually still shows up in my dreams on occasion, and we catch up, talk, I get hugged. It's always a bummer when those dreams end, but he's always back again.
So anyway, I sent this out two years ago, but I figured I would post what I wrote for his funeral again, just because it sums up the boy well:
Greg. I’d rather talk to you cuz it’s hard to explain this to everyone else. I can’t believe you’re gone, and I hope you listen when we talk to you. I’m going to miss your eyes, your smile, your confident voice disagreeing with all our opinions. Everyone’s here. Everyone who knew you says, “he was a good friend, or a close friend, or my best friend.” No one says, “Oh yeah, I knew him.” It’s always more. You knew everybody bud. Lots of tears in these past few days. The last thing you said to me was “I love you” on Saturday night from your cell phone. And then I said, “I love you too.” Unfortunately, not everyone had the same last words we did. But so many people love you. Never seen so many guys cry in my life. I hate that. I love you Greg. I hope you check in on us now and then. Teach the angels the art of winning every argument. Remember we’ll go out to coffee or dinner when I get up there in about eighty years. Like you always said we should. I’ll buy okay?
I still consider this gorgeous boy to be one of my best friends. I can guarantee most of you who knew him well can still say that without hesitation too. Greg and I met when we were twelve, tricked people into thinking we were twins, fought like hell on and off for seven years and loved each other in between. He was always more like a brother to me, complete with the torture and teasing that you would expect. But with that came a very unconditional and protective friendship, and I like to think that our bond can carry on until we see each other again. He actually still shows up in my dreams on occasion, and we catch up, talk, I get hugged. It's always a bummer when those dreams end, but he's always back again.
So anyway, I sent this out two years ago, but I figured I would post what I wrote for his funeral again, just because it sums up the boy well:
Greg. I’d rather talk to you cuz it’s hard to explain this to everyone else. I can’t believe you’re gone, and I hope you listen when we talk to you. I’m going to miss your eyes, your smile, your confident voice disagreeing with all our opinions. Everyone’s here. Everyone who knew you says, “he was a good friend, or a close friend, or my best friend.” No one says, “Oh yeah, I knew him.” It’s always more. You knew everybody bud. Lots of tears in these past few days. The last thing you said to me was “I love you” on Saturday night from your cell phone. And then I said, “I love you too.” Unfortunately, not everyone had the same last words we did. But so many people love you. Never seen so many guys cry in my life. I hate that. I love you Greg. I hope you check in on us now and then. Teach the angels the art of winning every argument. Remember we’ll go out to coffee or dinner when I get up there in about eighty years. Like you always said we should. I’ll buy okay?
I found what Aimee wrote too, and it just helps to capture his personality even more:
I love you so much. You did so much for me and you always took care of me. I remember when I first found out you liked me. Once you knew that I knew, you were too nervous to talk to me. Until one day you were walking down the hall of North with Tim, and I came up behind you and pushed you. That gave you the courage to ask me out. But, then the night of our first date,I got locked out of my house and had to call you from a neighbor's to say I would be late. You thought I was going to cancel because you were afraid I had changed my mind. I'm glad that wasn't the case. I also remember the day you came to my house and played basketball with my brothers. Accidentally, you hit the ball and sent it through the window. Later that day, we jumped on the trampoline and you wanted to help my brother jump higher, so you got underneath the trampoline and pushed up with your legs. Only to find out you pushed the trampoline off its legs and bent them. You said, "I'm never coming over to your house again!" Yesterday I pulled out the letter you wrote me from Alaska. At one part you said, "They say you only find true love once and I don't think it's possible to find another person as great as you. I love you with all my heart." Of course you didn't want anyone to know you wrote a love letter. I'm glad I got the last two months to be with you. I need you and I'm glad we got close again. God had a plan for us. I miss you. You are my guardian and my protector. You will always be my angel and I know you are watching over me and that you are protecting me. I can't wait to see you again, someday. I will look for you. I love you.
I'd love for you to post a memory about Greg in the comments to this. It seems like he's still around because we still talk about him all the time, but it's still great to see what people remember the most.
Oh yeah, Greg...I love you and I miss you. I always will.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Okay, here's a list
GOOD
Our backyard is turning into a summer lair of fun. We've got the lawn chairs, BBQ, a fire pit, and a volleyball net. My next goal is to eliminate the grass and bring in a load of sand. I'm guessing Bill won't go for this idea though...so I need to get sneaky. Anyone know a silent dump truck company?
I actually got to call my dad on Father's Day for the first time in my life. Oh, my half-sister Alexis got married Tuesday too. And I met my paternal grandmother at the reception. That's all pretty cool to me, if you must know.
My friend Ryan recently shipped himself off to South Korea to teach for a couple years, and he has started a blog about it. We worked at Oakley together, and he always provided constant entertainment for me. So check out The Nuprin Diaries, and learn a little about being a blond haired guy in South Korea. Oh yeah Ryan, start an uncensored blog too please!!!
The weather has finally shifted to sunny! And we've even had some cool storms late in the afternoon and early evening. Bout' time Miss Nature.
NOT SO GOOD
Hmmm, who cares this week? If it's not so good, it's not so bad this week either, or I am just completely indifferent. So I guess that's a wrap for now.
Our backyard is turning into a summer lair of fun. We've got the lawn chairs, BBQ, a fire pit, and a volleyball net. My next goal is to eliminate the grass and bring in a load of sand. I'm guessing Bill won't go for this idea though...so I need to get sneaky. Anyone know a silent dump truck company?
I actually got to call my dad on Father's Day for the first time in my life. Oh, my half-sister Alexis got married Tuesday too. And I met my paternal grandmother at the reception. That's all pretty cool to me, if you must know.
My friend Ryan recently shipped himself off to South Korea to teach for a couple years, and he has started a blog about it. We worked at Oakley together, and he always provided constant entertainment for me. So check out The Nuprin Diaries, and learn a little about being a blond haired guy in South Korea. Oh yeah Ryan, start an uncensored blog too please!!!
The weather has finally shifted to sunny! And we've even had some cool storms late in the afternoon and early evening. Bout' time Miss Nature.
NOT SO GOOD
Hmmm, who cares this week? If it's not so good, it's not so bad this week either, or I am just completely indifferent. So I guess that's a wrap for now.
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Good, and the other stuff
Here is a list of my life this week, thrown into the good, the not so good, and some in between...
GOOD
Cool nonsmoking spot found called the Nightlight Lounge over on SE 21st and Clinton. I didn't even drink and the atmosphere remained pleasant for the entire five hours I was there for a double birthday celebration. You can actually smoke in the back half if you must, but I was impressed that the smoke mostly stayed put back there. Of course, there is this one bartender who NEVER smiles, and the fact that he was really cute made that a little scary. Poor boy.
Week two of the new job was as good as the first one. And this week, I get to go hang out with my kids at their foster homes, which for me, happen to all be farms. Can't wait to see the $30,000 Texas Longhorns and big pet pig that they refuse to eat.
Scrubs on DVD. I actually watched episodes 3-8 of Season One on Saturday night because I was feeling too sick and tired to do anything else. I love that show! And, I found a website that lists every song played in every episode. So now, my downloading skills are back in action as I capture the songs that make that show.
EEEN BETWEEN
My friend Brian Nelson is debating a move back to Anchorage because the money for jobs ain't up to par for him here and he's a little homesick because he works so much he hardly sees his friends. So, sad that he may leave, but happy for him either way. He decided to leave the Nightlight Lounge the other night early after a few too many Makers and walk (really, it was more like stagger) 40 blocks back home. About an hour later though, he did call to report that he made it home safely and that he loved me. Is this normal for all of you AK natives to be this crazy?
Boys. Not much to mention. But the above AK pal is planning to set me up with a buddy (normal, not crazy like him) of his before he escapes off into the wild. Now, do I want to add another one to the equation right now or just work on what I've got with the one at the moment? Hmm, I'm torn, just like the bad Natalie Umbruglia hit. We'll see.
NOT SO GOOD
Okay, my stir crazy ass can't handle this anymore...THIS WEATHER SUCKS!!! There, I said it. So make fun of me and remind me that I moved myself to Oregon. I say it every month, but hopefully, next month will actually be nice. Okay, props to Thursday, it was sunny and great.
Scary mom dream. Maybe because my sister and I were just talking about her, but I must say, I didn't like it.
I have this fear I may be allergic to shellfish because I ate a lot on Sunday night, and have been feeling borderline sick for the whole week since. That would make me cry, a lot. So let's hope that's not true.
And finally, a song or two to add to your collection, care of music...Never Meant by American Football, You Remind Me of Home by Ben Gibbard, Why You'd Want to Live Here by Death Cab for Cutie (which Ben Gibbard is the lead singer of, duh).
Okay, out.
GOOD
Cool nonsmoking spot found called the Nightlight Lounge over on SE 21st and Clinton. I didn't even drink and the atmosphere remained pleasant for the entire five hours I was there for a double birthday celebration. You can actually smoke in the back half if you must, but I was impressed that the smoke mostly stayed put back there. Of course, there is this one bartender who NEVER smiles, and the fact that he was really cute made that a little scary. Poor boy.
Week two of the new job was as good as the first one. And this week, I get to go hang out with my kids at their foster homes, which for me, happen to all be farms. Can't wait to see the $30,000 Texas Longhorns and big pet pig that they refuse to eat.
Scrubs on DVD. I actually watched episodes 3-8 of Season One on Saturday night because I was feeling too sick and tired to do anything else. I love that show! And, I found a website that lists every song played in every episode. So now, my downloading skills are back in action as I capture the songs that make that show.
EEEN BETWEEN
My friend Brian Nelson is debating a move back to Anchorage because the money for jobs ain't up to par for him here and he's a little homesick because he works so much he hardly sees his friends. So, sad that he may leave, but happy for him either way. He decided to leave the Nightlight Lounge the other night early after a few too many Makers and walk (really, it was more like stagger) 40 blocks back home. About an hour later though, he did call to report that he made it home safely and that he loved me. Is this normal for all of you AK natives to be this crazy?
Boys. Not much to mention. But the above AK pal is planning to set me up with a buddy (normal, not crazy like him) of his before he escapes off into the wild. Now, do I want to add another one to the equation right now or just work on what I've got with the one at the moment? Hmm, I'm torn, just like the bad Natalie Umbruglia hit. We'll see.
NOT SO GOOD
Okay, my stir crazy ass can't handle this anymore...THIS WEATHER SUCKS!!! There, I said it. So make fun of me and remind me that I moved myself to Oregon. I say it every month, but hopefully, next month will actually be nice. Okay, props to Thursday, it was sunny and great.
Scary mom dream. Maybe because my sister and I were just talking about her, but I must say, I didn't like it.
I have this fear I may be allergic to shellfish because I ate a lot on Sunday night, and have been feeling borderline sick for the whole week since. That would make me cry, a lot. So let's hope that's not true.
And finally, a song or two to add to your collection, care of music...Never Meant by American Football, You Remind Me of Home by Ben Gibbard, Why You'd Want to Live Here by Death Cab for Cutie (which Ben Gibbard is the lead singer of, duh).
Okay, out.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Ending World Poverty, One Unsold Bentley at a Time
So, I got off work early today, and I am going to go outside in a minute, but first, I want to complain about the ONE Campaign. I actually wrote this last night, went to publish, and it was GONE, so I wrote it again, so this is just my 'pissed off because I had to do it again' cut and paste. It's really way too pretty outside to be in here.
So anyway, at first I thought this campaign was a cool idea…stars using their celeb power to rally us mere mortals into helping end poverty, starvation and AIDS. But then I opened my eyes. Dude, P. Diddy is in this campaign. During the recent election, he had the gall to cruise down a poverty stricken street in his Bentley! Why do I see this as ignorance instead of assistance? Oh because it is my friend, it is. It’s like Lil’ Romeo’s episode of Cribs back in the day. The twelve year old kid had his own mini mansion on daddy’s property complete with multiple pairs of name brand kicks that had only been worn one time each. Doesn’t he think that those would look better on the feet of some poor kids somewhere instead of all over the floor in his overly packed walk-in closet?
George Clooney also promotes the ONE campaign. Doesn’t he own a private island near Italy? Does he really need that much space all to himself. Couldn’t he fly in a few people from Indonesia and gice them a clean place to stay for a while?
What’s my issue here? Most of these celebs probably have enough money to afford a shitload of stuff while still throwing a bunch of cash at various charities. But something still isn’t sitting right with me to the point where I have a hard time supporting the ‘yahs’ from glassy eyed fans who find their simple white t-shirts and stern looks to be revolutionary in the fight against world poverty and disease.
My irritation here is really in the way that these stars preach for a cause, but don’t demonstrate that they can live without all the glitz and glam until the issue is resolved. Don’t get me wrong, if I had that much money, I would probably park a dream Porsche 911 turbo in my driveway, but not twenty, at five different residencies. It’s about moderation, and few of them truly show that they have it. So until they want to be a little more moderate, meaning…quit throwing monthly yacht parties, quit dropping dimes on private jets, and quit spending the weekends power shopping for Gucci and Valentino, WE will not be able to end world poverty. They’re in the top 2% of wealth and spending, yet they stand there and state that one billion people live on less than a dollar a day. How can they genuinely push for a campaign when they could sell one of their many mansions and feed a fucking country and completely eradicate a few illnesses? And yes, I am leaving politics out of it, but a lot of my thinking is that it could really be that damn simple.
Now, I know the power that a pen and a voice can have in helping to assist with change, and I am not just sitting back waiting for the rich people to make all the changes. And maybe it’s not always about money. But damn, how many people died of starvation and horrid disease in the time it took me to write this? Maybe I’ll go ask Diddy. He could send them a few bottles of Cristal to drown out their sorrows with for the time being.
So anyway, at first I thought this campaign was a cool idea…stars using their celeb power to rally us mere mortals into helping end poverty, starvation and AIDS. But then I opened my eyes. Dude, P. Diddy is in this campaign. During the recent election, he had the gall to cruise down a poverty stricken street in his Bentley! Why do I see this as ignorance instead of assistance? Oh because it is my friend, it is. It’s like Lil’ Romeo’s episode of Cribs back in the day. The twelve year old kid had his own mini mansion on daddy’s property complete with multiple pairs of name brand kicks that had only been worn one time each. Doesn’t he think that those would look better on the feet of some poor kids somewhere instead of all over the floor in his overly packed walk-in closet?
George Clooney also promotes the ONE campaign. Doesn’t he own a private island near Italy? Does he really need that much space all to himself. Couldn’t he fly in a few people from Indonesia and gice them a clean place to stay for a while?
What’s my issue here? Most of these celebs probably have enough money to afford a shitload of stuff while still throwing a bunch of cash at various charities. But something still isn’t sitting right with me to the point where I have a hard time supporting the ‘yahs’ from glassy eyed fans who find their simple white t-shirts and stern looks to be revolutionary in the fight against world poverty and disease.
My irritation here is really in the way that these stars preach for a cause, but don’t demonstrate that they can live without all the glitz and glam until the issue is resolved. Don’t get me wrong, if I had that much money, I would probably park a dream Porsche 911 turbo in my driveway, but not twenty, at five different residencies. It’s about moderation, and few of them truly show that they have it. So until they want to be a little more moderate, meaning…quit throwing monthly yacht parties, quit dropping dimes on private jets, and quit spending the weekends power shopping for Gucci and Valentino, WE will not be able to end world poverty. They’re in the top 2% of wealth and spending, yet they stand there and state that one billion people live on less than a dollar a day. How can they genuinely push for a campaign when they could sell one of their many mansions and feed a fucking country and completely eradicate a few illnesses? And yes, I am leaving politics out of it, but a lot of my thinking is that it could really be that damn simple.
Now, I know the power that a pen and a voice can have in helping to assist with change, and I am not just sitting back waiting for the rich people to make all the changes. And maybe it’s not always about money. But damn, how many people died of starvation and horrid disease in the time it took me to write this? Maybe I’ll go ask Diddy. He could send them a few bottles of Cristal to drown out their sorrows with for the time being.
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