.Girl's Camarilla

All things bright...

2005-11-23T09:59:00.000-08:00

Let's see. My sister-in-law signed me up for the Jingle Bell Run so if you feel like donating or coming to seattle to run, by all means... come on down! I did a practice 5k run and I managed to do it in 37 minutes. I need to shave at least 6 minutes off that time before the race and yet my quads need a serious break! Mark suggested I run 3 times a week before the race... and I'm er... considering it.

So far this week it's been a little crazy. My meeting with the icky patang boss was cancelled, so that was a positive experience. I have a new manager - but he doesn't have a nickname yet. I'm sure he'll do something to afford him the luxury of a pet name.

My new friend, Mark, is moving back to Georgia so we got together on Tuesday night for a little dinner conversation. I tried to take him to Via Tribunali but they were closed! I was so confused. We decided to walk down to another pizza place and stumbled across the Wing Dome. We ate some yummy wings, fries and a had a nice cold glass of beer. I'm not typically a beer person, but I totally am when it comes to wings! Wings are amazing!

And yes, I'm procrastinating working on my presentation again. It's tonight at 6:00pm so err... yeah. Wish me luck!

I heart Bunny

2005-11-23T09:58:00.000-08:00

I'm just saying!

I'm procrastinating...

2005-11-20T23:10:00.000-08:00

Ugh... I'm so bored with this stupid presentation research. I put the TV to a channel of John Hughes films and the marathon is now over, so I'm listening to They Might Be Giants/Mono Puff. Currently, the song is "Backstabbing Liar" which I'm enjoying enough. I'm desperate for distraction, I could start cleaning at any second! I've checked email a few times and I suppose I could write to those crazy cats who spent time writing a page long email of interesting tid bits and future plans. All these questions! Ah! It's good though... this is good. I'm growing with every day I spend thinking. Ok, I switched to Sarah McLachlan. Windows Media picked up duplicate songs - and it's annoying to hear the same song twice in a row. First song is "Fallen".

Help me procrastinate!

Weekend Activity

2005-11-20T19:44:00.000-08:00

Fabulous Weekend!

Congratulations Lieutenant! I'm so proud of you, babe!
Many communications with people I really enjoy
Kickboxing
My ass was handed to me on a platter. Kick! Kick! Kick!
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
I loved the first round of the tri-wizard competition with the dragon.
Cloud Tectonics
A fantastic play about the concept of time.
Premium Outlet Mall Shopping
I went in search of some Calvin Klein and ended up with a little something-something from Ann Taylor. Oh, it's hot! Here's hoping someone asks me out to something I can wear it to!
Homework...
I am working on the market segment research for my presentations.

Assholes

2005-11-18T09:14:00.000-08:00

"I've found that most assholes are not really bothered by being called an asshole. They know they are jerks." -my friend

He's so wise.

Ex-Drama Results in Freedom!

2005-11-17T23:44:00.000-08:00

Ahhh... now I feel better... this has been a long time coming...

So the ex-boyfriend decided to email me to tell me to move on. Ha! I think life is so ironic... because I actually am completely over him. I realize why he might think I haven't moved on - he thinks I'm not being sincere and playing games with him, which has been part of the problem this entire time (his perception of me, I never played serious games with him). The thing of it is - I may be emotional - but I'm also honest about my feelings (to myself at least). I have never ever wanted to get back together with him in a relationship, I just had a hard time getting over the situation. I really thought he could be someone special while we were dating and that was a hard thing to give up. He was super fun to date, but as for any depth - there was nothing between us. I feel like I have to blog this, because I am so tired of how he sees me. He was never my friend after we broke up - he just assumed everything I did was somehow against him. Such a paranoid freak. It just seems funny at this moment - and I'm so proud of myself for finally calling it as I see it. He's an asshole and I finally said so.

Happy Birthday to the Birthday Boy!

2005-11-17T11:59:00.000-08:00

I am officially recovered and it feels bloody great.

I saw my ex-boyfriend last night at a friends birthday party. The birthday boy's new girl dropped in and my ex proceeded to flirt with her - asking her all kinds of questions and being the guy I remember I liked so much (I'm not jealous - believe me, I know that feeling of jealousy!). Of course, watching this all go down makes me just look at him and shake my head. My ex is so disrespectful to his friend who spent the time getting to know the girl and involving her in his life. I was even surprised my ex flirted with her infront of me - which leads me to believe that had I actually gone out with him and his friends after the break up he would have been completely rude and insensitive the entire time I was there.

I wear pants!

2005-11-16T14:33:00.000-08:00

Skinny Pants
I'm not looking forward to this new fashion trend they are calling skinny pants, because we will all look hippos in skinny pants. These pants are for small children who tuck them into their boots (did you know this was fashionable as well... why! oh why!) and haven't realized they are dressed poorly. You know I'm going to be wearing this sick evil pants and tucking them into boots soon -- and well, I'm sorry. I'm also sorry for the neon coloured T-Shirts I wore in 1989 and Acid Wash. I'd like to remind everyone what we looked like...

What's New, Banana?

2005-11-15T10:47:00.000-08:00

Having had almost 2 litres of water today, I decided I'm now hydrated enough to think clearly. I've discovered I can't really be open and honest on my blog because my boss scavenged the internet (see even that's edited... I was going to say raped the internet, but then he'd get all pissed off at me for mentioning a crime in association with his name on the internet) for a picture of me and lo and behold found my blog! So... bitching about work stuff is out along with discussing job searches and possible HR violations I've accumulated over this past week. Also, many ex-boyfriends secretly read my blog, so... can't talk about them either (good or bad). My freedom of expression and my plots to take over the world must now be transfered via gmail from a secure location somewhere warm and south.

I think the world changed when we started wearing pants.

And Now I'm Depressed!

2005-11-10T08:58:00.000-08:00

We are alone, absolutely alone on this chance planet: and, amid all the forms of life that surround us, not one, excepting the dog, has made an alliance with us. - Maurice Maeterlinck

This one is for you, James.

2005-11-08T08:42:00.000-08:00

I'm your only friend
I'm not your only friend
But I'm a little glowing friend
But really I'm not actually your friend
But I am

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch
Who watches over you
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

I have a secret to tell
From my electrical well
It's a simple message and I'm leaving out the whistles and bells
So the room must listen to me
Filibuster vigilantly
My name is blue canary one note* spelled l-i-t-e
My story's infinite
Like the Longines Symphonette it doesn't rest

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch
Who watches over you
Make a little birdhouse in your soul
Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

I'm your only friend
I'm not your only friend
But I'm a little glowing friend
But really I'm not actually your friend
But I am

There's a picture opposite me
Of my primitive ancestry
Which stood on rocky shores and kept the beaches shipwreck free
Though I respect that a lotI'd be fired if that were my job
After killing Jason off and countless screaming Argonauts
Bluebird of friendliness
Like guardian angels its always near

Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul
Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch (and while you're at it)
Who watches over you (keep the nightlight on inside the)
Make a little birdhouse in your soul (birdhouse in your soul)
Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch (and while you're at it)
Who watches over you (keep the nightlight on inside the)
Make a little birdhouse in your soul (birdhouse in your soul)
Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

Trees, Shrubs, Bushes oh my

2005-10-31T09:57:00.000-08:00

It seems everyone I know these days is up in arms over President George W. Bush - and unfortunately it doesn't seem to be enough to impeach him. I think about how I might run an entire country filled with such diversity, and honestly I can't think of a good way. I do, however, believe in making everyone successful. I believe everyone should eat, read, have warmth and live pain-free. This, of course, means food and literacy programs, shelters and socialized medicine... at least at some kind of base line level. I refuse to drink the kool-aid on US Policy. I'm not saying this is a bad country, I just don't think it's as great as America spouts it is. I think there's room for improvement and everyday examples shine on how the system is feeding on fear. The majority are stunted in their vision of themselves and they only way to change a belief is to actually experience the other side. How can you bring an experience to create change?

And The Monkey Love Begins...

2005-10-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

Ah, I have the bitter aftertaste of drama in my mouth this morning. Sometimes I have to admit I am so damn emotional, but I just haven't realized that I'm obviously reacting to the situation. I know why I react - so I will try again to catch it before it happens. How on earth do you avoid an emotional outburst? And should one avoid it? It's definitely better knowing I'm alive, but I haven't obtained the ability to turn off the phone during those not-so-good times.

Monkeys Like It Too

2005-10-26T12:05:00.000-07:00

I'm dancing in the middle of many dramas knowing that, while I am breezing by escaping full blown dementia, as soon as everyone else's blows over, all mine will begin. Unfortunately, I'm all tapped out. I do not have time at this moment to spend hours supporting anyone. I had to choose between dramas and the one with the pending job loss and current break-up won by a landslide. This one wins not only based on the degree of issue, but also based on the fact that I can actually do something to help with the time I have left over.

The good thing about my friends is they are independent and have a good support system outside of me.

Edumacation

2005-10-14T09:21:00.000-07:00

I'm in school again. It's fantastic and mid-terms are coming up! I'm totally stressed launching my first marketing campaign at work by myself and trying to write 4 essays for Monday's class. It's a good kind of stress if that makes sense. I'm finally involved and invested in my career. I love feeling the passion that (hopefully) leads to success. I get such a kick out of it. I want to feel passionate about the things I believe are the right direction and to get feedback when it's not. It's amazing.

Anyway, my four essays are on international trade, forecasting, farmer's markets vs. chain grocery stores and customer relationship management (CRM). I've half-assed written the international trade essay - but it really is a flimsy outline at this point. My roommate was cooking me dinner and distracting me with some Firefly episode where the ship talked. I don't know. I've never seen Firefly. Does the ship always talk?

Snakes and Spiders are Out

2005-10-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

In my inbox this morning was a url to an article about global warming, but the link directed me to an article about endangered species, which is just as interesting. I particularly was fond of this quote "We should protect endangered species, but not at the expense of our property owners," said Rep. Henry Brown Jr., R-S.C." Hopefully there is some kind of misunderstanding between the author and Mr. Henry... one can only hope that statement was taken out of context! However, this does present a very interesting question... just how important is our ecosystem to the government? Should property owners be paid off to protect it? It can be frustrating to build in an area with bald eagles, but if we take steps now to designate areas now to be protected and you currently own or are buying into that area, it should be everyone's responsibility to cohabitate with the planet. Should you really receive money from the government to exist with an endangered species? Except if it's spiders. And snakes. Snakes and Spiders are definitely out. :-)

Scott Adams on Computer Geeks

2005-09-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

"In less enlightened times, the best way to impress women was to own ahot car. But women wised up and realized it was better to buy their ownhot cars so they wouldn't have to ride around with jerks."

Donate to the CC Fund?

2005-09-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

New problem with the Jetta! It's a catalytic converter that I now need to make my baby purr like a rumpled sack of tin cans dragged behind a tractor.

To the person who thinks I'm negative about life because I discuss issues such as a broken car, finances, etc... I'd just like to take this blog to say to you - you're wrong. I have a very positive outlook on life and about people. What I do have is a very odd sense of humour!

Dad! Dad!

2005-09-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, I had to come into work today - and while that isn't fun - what was fun is somebody's kid started wandering around the building. She panicked after a minute or so and said she lost her Dad. Marianne and I asked her what his name was and she looked up at us wide-eyed and said "Dad". Heh! She was so serious! We all wandered around the halls softly crying out Dad! Dad! Heh. Eventually the right Dad popped by and said "Hey! I told you to stay in room with the drinks until I finished up in the bathroom". She just looked up and stared. She was the cutest thing on the planet.

Coil in the Car

2005-09-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

So the problem with the Jetta is that there is some kind of required coil inside that wasn't functioning in the morning hours. The only conclusion I can come to is my Jetta is a vampire! I'm sure I'm going to have to replace the gas with human blood next - and it's going to require a lot of it - so beware friends! If you feel tiny pricks in your arm or leg at night, it's probably me feeding my very demanding Jetta (Hey, I've got places to go!). I'm still shopping for a new car, don't get me wrong - but I feel a little more relaxed about having to do it immediately.

The Best of Women

2005-09-07T15:56:00.000-07:00

"Her only crime was to have allowed a monster to ejaculate in her birth canal. These things happen to the best of women" - Vonnegut, Timequake

Dear Jetta,

2005-09-06T14:52:00.000-07:00

You are my green car I acquired in haste after the destruction of the white Honda. We've had a lot of good times, but see, there's this Subaru I've had my eye on for awhile and well, it may be foolish of me to give up so early on... but I just can't stand waiting for tow truck drivers who take me the long way to hit on me and then charge me extra for the drive. If your engine would work and it was just little things like the sunroof (which almost refused to close the other day) or cup holder - I might be okay with it. It's just a major difference. I can't in good conscience sell you to some guy off the street either, so the dealership is my only option. I'm sorry it didn't work out and I'm sure you'll like your new owner better than me anyway. Maybe they'll take you out more and afford you such luxuries such as the car wash. ;-)

Man of Constant Sorrow

2005-09-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

I am a man of constant sorrow
I've seen trouble all my day.
I bid farewell to old Kentucky
The place where I was born and raised.

(chorus) The place where he was born and raised

For six long years I've been in trouble
No pleasures here on earth I found
For in this world I'm bound to ramble
I have no friends to help me now.

(chorus) He has no friends to help him now

It's fare thee well my old lover
I never expect to see you again
For I'm bound to ride that northern railroad
Perhaps I'll die upon this train.

(chorus) Perhaps he'll die upon this train.

You can bury me in some deep valley
For many years where I may lay
Then you may learn to love another
While I am sleeping in my grave.

(chorus) While he is sleeping in his grave.

Maybe your friends think I'm just a stranger
My face you'll never see no more.
But there is one promise that is given
I'll meet you on God's golden shore.

(chorus) He'll meet you on God's golden shore.

One Less Thing To Do

2005-08-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

Recent studies reported in real-life medical journals indicate that there is no such thing as a stressful life event-only stressful thoughts about life events. Therefore, if something upsets you or makes you nervous, stressed or freaked out in any way, just don't think about it. The way to eliminate stress from your life is simply to stop thinking. Hurray! One less thing to do.

Mad props to Erica for helping me clean my apartment!

Dear Friends,

2005-08-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for helping me move into my new abode on Sunday! All that lifting, sorting and creating direction out of chaos is definitely appreciated. I know you don't believe it, but all my stuff is going to fit into the townhouse for sure. Already I have a pretty good bedroom set up... although I'm sure I'll be making a Target trip for some organization tools and bins to make things look pretty. Moving out of my old place was a little sad for me, but I'm so happy I have such great friends around me to make it enjoyable and fun!

All my love to Tricia, Roo, James, Alex, Richard, Chip and Rebekah (who wasn't there, but only because she broke her arm) and look for such great events in the future like BBQ's, Netflix movie night and another moving day :-)

Bunny Suicides

2005-08-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

This is the best cartoon website ever. Thank you.

Dear Cingular,

2005-08-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

I just received your letter and I have to admit I'm very surprised. You charged me $5.42 for my mobile phone bill this month. This is a big change since the last bill ($300+) so I hope this is an indication of better times to come. I thought about it and I think I will take you back on a temporary basis and see how it goes from here. Over the last few months, I spent some time with Comcast & Earthlink and while they did not cause me as much anguish, they refuse to take back their cable modem or tell me where they live so I can mail it back to them. I would love to continue to see Earthlink & Comcast, but I can't continue being such a jerk. I'm just not that kind of girl.

I look forward to your next letter, Cingular!

Camp Muir

2005-08-20T15:11:00.000-07:00

So, like... I made it to Camp Muir... base camp of the climb up Mount Rainier. It was tough, but the way down was so super fun! All I could think of was Fight Club's penguin sequence....

SLIDE!

Core Web Application Development with PHP and MySQL

2005-08-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

My brother finished writing his book and it's now posted for pre-sale!

If you know what he's talking about I suggest you pick it up!

Congratulations Marc!

Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington

2005-08-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

These are the states I know, I know.
These are the states I know.

My road trip was awesome. I had a great time. Trip report coming soon!

"I think I need a New Heart" by Magnetic Fields

2005-08-10T08:30:00.000-07:00

Time stands still
All I can feel is the time standing still

as you put down the keys
and say don't call me please
while the radio plays

"I Think I Need a New Heart" ohhh
"I Think I Need a New Heart"

ohhh You've lied too
but it's a sin that I
can't tell the truth
cause it all comes out wrong
unless I put it in a song
so the radio plays

"I Think I Need a New Heart"
just for you "I Think I Need a New Heart"

cause I always say I love you
when I mean turn out the light
and I say let's run away
when I just mean stay the night
but the words you want to hear
you will never hear from me

I'll never say "happy anniversary"
never stay to say "happy anniversary"

so I think I need a new heart ohhh
I think I need a new heart ohhh
I think I need a new heart ohhh
I think I need a new heart ohhh
Give me time

Gotterdammerung

2005-08-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah, baby. This was absolutely fan-tastic! This was my first opera... and it was 5 hours long... but wow! Amazing! I'll bet you are jealous. I would be if I didn't see this!

I Heart My Blog and Not So Much Cingular

2005-07-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I miss my blog... and I also have something to say. It's a rant and not a rhyme about Cingular "3rd Circle of Hell" Wireless. I have had 4 successive bills where I owe some exorbant amount of money. Last one was $394! The communication gods are out to get me. There's never an explanation on my account - just "hmmm... I don't understand" - and the same result 2 hours later - me having my bill lowered to something manageable (but far from fair - fair being the cost of the plan). It's tiring and exhausting to fight. I dislike confrontation in general, nevermind with people who don't deserve it. The customer service people are just awesome and they get paid next to nothing to hear my complaints. What a pickle they put you in! You can't get mad at the agents, but you're oh so tired of the bullsh*t and being charged $20 more a month.

New Favorite, Alison Krauss

2005-07-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

New Favorite
They all say it
I'll say it too
You've got a new favorite

You're old standby
your right hand guy
is nothing new
you've got a new favorite

Why do you lie about love?
I saw the light go out
And should I go
you won't say so

I know its true
I know you've got a new favorite
I know you've got a new favorite
You've got a new favorite

Take Me For Longing, Alison Krauss

2005-07-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

Don't choose me because I am faithful.
Don't choose me because I am kind.
If your heart settles on me, I'm for the taking.
Take me for longing or leave me behind.

I would be, for you, a fire in a rainbow,
I would be, for you, an opening door.
Time and hard lessons are one kind of wisdom.
Try to forget them or love me no more.

I'm not asking your heart to believe me.
I'm not asking for promise or pledge.
Whatever the answer, it's yes that's the question.
I am the fool dancin' over the edge.

Don't choose me because I am faithful.
Don't choose me because I am kind.
If your heart settles on me, I'm for the taking.
Take me for longing or leave me behind.

Where Have You Been, Young Lady?

2005-07-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

I've traded blogging for sitting outside in the sunshine. Seattle summer is here and there is nothing (barring some kind of internal disaster and work) that can keep me from being outside in the light of day. I'm sunburned, mosquito bitten and my car has broken down 3 times - but nothing is keeping me inside! NOTHING! :-)

Happy summer! See you in a few months!

Backwards Glance, Curve

2005-06-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

With a backwards glance I said goodbye
Saw the regret in your eyes
It's too late now to change the truth
While we're living under the same roof
It's a ruse of yours to alter perception, manipulate a violent situation
For your own gain
With my tits in the air I'm strong and proud
You'll see me laughing out loud
On a crowded street
In the summer heat
We'll all be there so come and share
It's a ruse of yours to alter perception, manipulate a vital situation
To your own gain and your own needs and your own fear
And your own tears
Seek and destroy, smile and obey
It's a ruse of yours to spoil perfection, manipulate a violent situation
For your own gain and your own needs and your own fear
And your own tears
Seek and destroy, smile and obey

Repeated Repetition

2005-05-30T23:16:00.000-07:00

My long weekend was stupendous! I did the following things... Kickboxing, Photo Rejuvenation, Shopping, Ponti's Seafood and Grill, Little Si, BBQ, Roller Coasters, Space Needle, more Shopping, fresh salads and a new love for Brianna's Poppyseed Dressing.

My friend, Crystal, convinced me to try this Light Therapy at the Osmotics counter at Nordstroms. I have no idea what will happen to my skin... will I be rejuvenated? What are your thoughts on this new treatment?

Let's Be Close From Far Away

2005-05-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

Friday
Highlight: Meditation
A strange night... I became known as Carpool... because, i offered myself up to be a carpool. I was carted to a going away party for this girl, Meredith, who is moving to New York. It was a crazy party filled with potential pot smokers and gay theatre boys. It was fantastic! Meredith's Dad was amazing... he's vegan and meditates. We talked about it for almost the entire party! I ate brownies (hopefully they were spiked) and drew pictures!

Saturday
Highlight: Fishy swimming from Seattle to Redmond
Dawni-Rae kicked my ass and I napped. The evening hours prompted me to take Erica downtown Seattle to eat a little food at Thai Heaven and Skee ball! I won a purple plastic Buddha. Erica named him Billy. I finished off the night with a few bites of some soy cream! Mmmmm!

Sunday
Highlight: Hanging out with James
I finally managed to drag myself to the Seattle Museum of History (MOHAI). It was pretty cool. It's amazing to see documentation about racism... Of course, I always knew that it was prevalent - but it's an unpleasant reminder when you actually see it. There were a lot of interesting bits from the Lewis & Clark Exhibition. After the museum, I stopped off at the Black Cat Cafe and met up with my new scottish friend, James. We went down to the Seattle Fair and he ate some of the local food and stared at photographs. I met Erica in the evening for a nice walk and we watched the movie... Spanglish. Cute movie.

"I don't know you - but I hate you. I hate you. And this is all I've been shown and I don't have a mind of my own. I think you're ugly and your kind bugs me. You bug me... and this is all that I know. I don't have a mind of my own." - Jacqueline Rendell

My Eskimo Friend

2005-05-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

Friday
Highlight: Receiving a great big hug from Chip.
I was a grumpasaurus rex for some of Friday... I had just decided to return to my state of vegetarianism... when I forgot and ate bacon. The rest of the day scrounging for protein was difficult, so I'm going to have to find an easier way to eat protein during the day. This was my problem being vegetarian... oh, sure, there are a ton of options - but let's face it folks... tofu tastes like crap unless it's (deep) fried. Mmmmmm! Chip circumvented the grumpiness by being Chip and off we went on a short hike to Annette Lake. How I have missed my Chip!

Saturday
Highlight: Sitting in the grass overlooking Seattle and feeling a warm breeze against my face.
I broke the 'E' string on my violin. My kickboxing instructor, Dawni-Rae, decided that today's class would be 2 hours of absolute violence against the body. My plan to traipse around Seattle was interrupted by sheer exhaustion, so I went home and cleaned instead. My apartment is spotless! As the evening hour approached, I thought I'd go out and try my hand at some evening photography. I arrived at Bellevue Park and took some nice low-light shots (and played on the kiddie swing set) and then headed out to Gasworks Park in Seattle for the nighttime cityscape. There was some kind of commotion in the distance... bombs, fireworks, whatever.

Sunday
Highlight: Hanging out with my friends, Lisa & Jen!
It rained. Most notably, my friend opened up her own cafe near U-Village called The Black Cat Cafe. She has yet to have an official grand opening, but she is planning it soon. I finally (after 2 weeks) dropped by to see the cafe and spent quite a few hours hanging out by their faux-fireplace. It was amazing what she did with the place. What a creative brain!

Black Cat Cafe
5000 30th Avenue NE, Seattle

Directions:
520-West
Exit: Montlake Blvd and continue along this street
Slight LEFT on 25th Ave NE
RIGHT on Blakeley Street
Park!
----------------------
Bunny's Random Quiz
Cultural Creatives are probably the newest group to enter this realm. You are a modern thinker who tends to shy away from organized religion but still feels as if there is something greater than ourselves. You are very spiritual, even if you are not religious. Life has a meaning outside of the rational.

Cultural Creative - 94%
Materialist - 94%
Postmodernist - 88%
Idealist - 75%
Existentialist - 75%
Modernist - 44%
Romanticist - 31%
Fundamentalist - 0%

Slack

2005-05-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

In the theology of the Church of the SubGenius, a mystical substance or quality that is the prerequisite of all human happiness.

Tell Me What You Want

2005-05-12T08:26:00.000-07:00

What a surreal day yesterday - I am spent. I took the amazing abs class and was told I was too strong to do it the easy way (yes!) and when that was finished I wasn't quite dead, so I headed off to what I thought was step aerobics. Was it step aerobics? No. Was it kickboxing? No. It was a combination hip hop-strip tease class! Ha ha! Fantastic! Also, because I thought the instructor was just being odd and friendly she asked who wanted to go dancing one Saturday night with her and I (of course) jumped up and said YES! ME ME! So er... I've had one class of hip hip - strip tease, and now I've gotta prove myself on the dance floor. Sweet. I can't wait! To finalize this rather odd Wednesday, my violin instructor told me I was ahead of schedule and that I was a quick study.
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Dream Sequence: I'm in the middle of a war zone. I'm not freaked out and feel very casual about it. Our camp is invaded and I hide (get this) under a table. I find a young man and woman with a small child. The tablecloth (ha ha) is lifted up and a solider shoots and kills the man and woman. I grab the child and run. I meet up with a male friend at a grocery store and we're browsing the aisles. Apparently I know that men just walk up and abuse women to put them in their place and a couple guys in the store walk up and just slap my face. Despite the fact that I want to rip their hearts out, I take it, as I don't want to be captured. My friend and I are then discovered, so we start running. I'm scaling walls and leaping over walls, falling great distances... and then running and running. My friend is right behind me. We hide out in a bathroom, where I find a childs toy covered in dirt. I wash it off and I give it to the baby. She giggles. I pick her back up when I hear footsteps and we take off again. My friend is captured, but I keep running. I find the US Embassy and run inside. I ask for a bottle for the baby, but they bring me food. I ask again for a bottle for the baby. I see my friend being dragged off by the police out the window and then I wake up. What a nutty dream.

Texas Steve and A Girl

2005-05-11T11:37:00.000-07:00

Highlight: The State of The Union and $8 water from the W Hotel
Last night I went out with my friend Texas Steve to see Thievery Corporation at Premier in Seattle. It was incredible! The bass was thumping against my chest so much I think my rib cage shattered at one point. My favourite song was a reggae beat mixed with mystical lounge sounds... I think the lyrics were "broadcasting lies" or something to that effect. T-Steve and I grooved to the music all night long (ok, that's midnight for me now)! After the fabulous concert we headed back to the W and plopped down on the grandiose king bed to listen to a CD and drink some $8 water. He actually let me keep the super cool carafe too!

"Vague impression lingers in the back of my mind." - Rob Hedge

Don't Let's Start

2005-05-09T07:25:00.000-07:00

Saturday
Highlight: First Outdoor Climb!
I spent the day climbing for the first time outdoors at Exit 38. It was my first outdoor climb and although the very first one was only a 5.6 - I was terrified! I got the hang of it pretty quick and was dragging myself up a 5.8 by the end. I hope to get to at least a 5.9 and maybe even try something with a little more exposure. I'm getting used to feeling vulnerable on the exposed hikes, so maybe it won't be so much of a leap to climbing!

Sunday
Highlight: Twinkie in the Mailbox
The hike up Mailbox Peak was incredibly difficult. I slogged up there with a couple of friends and through some miracle made it to the top! It was incredible... a full 360 view of the cascades. You wouldn't believe it. We put a (indestructible) twinkie in the mailbox as a tribute and wrote our friend, Sameer, (who couldn't join us) a letter... not only because he is crazy and will hike this trail, but... okay, there's nothing else. He's crazy.

You Can Count Me With Just One Hand

2005-05-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

I'm reading a wonderful new book, Independent People by Halldor Laxness. I'm only halfway through and social obligations are making it difficult to find a good chunk of time to just sit and read, but maintaining relationships is a higher priority! I just love my friends!

I also love my horoscope yesterday... "Why do you now face a particular problem? Who cares?". Ha ha! It is so appropriate to a situation I face with a friend. I had the best discussion with him last night; I was really interested in what he was saying; I found a tiny bit of renewed admiration for him as a person... and then... not.

"Ten years from now I'll be boring, crazy, or dead, and the scary part is I don't know which of those I prefer." - Cat and Girl

I Live In The Clouds

2005-05-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday
Highlight: Sending quotes from a book via sms to friends
It starts off like anything should; a giggle, a sarcastic remark, laughter, odd behaviours and the comfortable silence. It is my brother's company I enjoy for hours, drifting in and out of the clouds. We arrive on time and my Dad waves from the line of people stacked on top of each other waiting for lovers, friends and family. He instantly comments on my figure (praises mind you), but I'm irritated nonetheless as he never once asked me how I was. So, suffice it to say it's off to a great start. A battle soon ensues over whether or not I'm going to join him on some errands the next morning. I say no, he wills me to come with him. I say no, he demands it. I say no. Seconds upon arrival I reduce myself to a rebellious teenager furrowing my brow and speaking against the gales coming out of my father's mouth.

Sunday
Highlight: Running in a light snow fall.
I wake up at noon, so it looks like I'm not going to attend to my Dad's errands afterall. Yay! I put on my sweats and head outside for a run. It's a little chilly as I run through Mennonite farmland, but it feels incredible to be outside with the snow falling softly around me, kissing my neck and disappearing into my skin. It started to hail briefly, so I headed back to the Inn for a quick shower so I won't smell on my tour of St. Jacobs. It was here that I met up with my old friend inspiration. Hello Inspiration!

Monday
Highlight: Walking into Tim Hortons at 10am in formal wear.
My Dad's wedding was incredible and my family is well... taken straight out of some scary television show. I swear, there's enough drama to feed an entire series of soap operas. I send my thanks out to Steve Hickson, my sunshine in the hail, the smile in the morning, the saviour among Germans... it was so great to be home.

Tuesday/Wednesday
Highlight: Bowling at Palasades
It is nice to have gone home for a visit... yes, home. Despite the claims of Seattle being my home (Eric), I think my heart still belongs to Canada. I believe it's the rhythm of life, a way of being without judgment, a sense of freedom to the soul that I just can't find here. It's passion with purpose and smiles without shackles.

Scott Walmsley - You rock in my heart ;-)

"I was unsupervised. I had a real good time. Until I... I hit my head" - Mono Puff

Somethings You Can't Invent

2005-04-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

What day is it, again?

Last night I went to the Amazing Abs workout... and my abs are still not amazing. They will be rock solid, drop dead amazing in a few months time if I keep this up. I will be solid at the core. Balance will be my friend. I will have a flat stomach... er... okay, maybe not. ;-) After that, I finally went to climb the Pinnacle at Marymoor Park until about 9:00pm. If you check out the link, the route I mentioned is the big pointy thing on the left. Heh. I never in a million years would have thought I would be up there... I'm afraid of heights. I have weak arms. I'm a chicken butt.

Nothing else is really going on - so I'll keep talking about what it is I'm doing. I could talk about books I'm reading, I suppose - but wouldn't you rather just read the book? I recommend starting with 100 Years of Solitude. It's complicated... a lot of characters... you'll need a degree in genealogy... but it's a fantastic read.

Feel Good Inc.

2005-04-25T22:30:00.000-07:00

My weekend was great. I escaped from work early to take a nice long bike ride in the sunshine up to Woodinville and back. Oh, how the summer promotes laziness in work. I am a work stoppage issue these days. I will definitely make more of an attempt to focus. Focus. Focus. Is that something shiny? Where was I? Oh yes, the weekend. I also went to a kickboxing class, a pilates class, and went on two hikes, Heather Lake and Perry Creek. It was super fun. You can check out my pictures taken with my phone.

I'm so hungry.

My horoscope is kinda odd today... "Don't worry about what seems to be missing from your life at the moment, whatever you really need, will turn up". Seems to remind me of Mick Jagger's song You Can't Always Get What You Want. Don't like this horoscope? Here's another one.

I'm Not Your Astronaut

2005-04-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

Does all art come from suffering, passion and pain? I can't think of one example where the artist wasn't some form of crazy... Can indifference create something beautiful?

Movie: Frida
Oh, Frida Kahlo...

"I brought you something close to me, Left for something you see though you're here. You haunt my dreams. There's nothing to do but believe. Just Believe. Just Breathe." - Telepopmusik

Recipe: Scary Mary

2005-04-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

Hang-over cure!
2 shots of Absolut Peppar Vodka
3 drops Tabasco sauce
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
3 ounces V8
fresh ground pepper & sea salt
fresh lemon juice
cajun spices
2 aspirin
2 Alka-Seltzer
french celery stalk
lime wedge

What do do:
Crush the Alka-Seltzer and aspirin into a fine powder and mix with Cajun spices.
Wet the rim of a large glass with lemon juice and dust with Cajun painkilling spices.
Mix all ingredients and shake with ice, then strain into the glass over ice cubes.
Add celery, a squeeze of lemon, and the wedge of lime.
Drink with attitude in Tijuana.

Stuff: My Eyes Are Scrambled

2005-04-20T17:31:00.000-07:00

Too much work to do today - and getting caught up from being sick. I'm having fun pulling data down from Nielson... oh yes... I get to know all about YOU. Oh how I adore access to data. I should work for the CIA. I'd be entertained all day long.

Not really.

Des Choses: Je me sens mal

2005-04-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

I threw up all morning. Gross.
I napped in the afternoon. Yay!
I watched some movies. Hurrah!

Movie: The Last Samurai
Tom Cruise American hero movie. There were some guns, some mild tension and some swordfights.

Movie: Est-Ouest
A French couple is trapped in Russia. There's adultery, drama and a lot of sneaky behaviour. There are several scenes where a swimmer is rubbing oil or butter or something all over himself.

Things: Wave-Particle Duality*

2005-04-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

I was surprised Friday night with tickets to the ballet including seats in the orchestra section! Woo! It was incredible. The Piano Dance was beautiful... The snow white skin, the red velvet costumes... You could see the muscles tense and bulge. Dancers are so magnificent. The most stunning piece was Lambarena which was a combination of classical Bach & African music. The evening ended with some appetizers and drinks at Bonefish.

I woke up Saturday morning and drove out to Poo Poo Point for a quick jaunt in the forest. It was pouring down rain... the kind of rain that makes you feel (and look) like a drowned rat after five minutes. I reached the top and rushed home to snuggle into some pajamas and nap. I awoke to the beautiful rays of incredible sunshine warming my face. I leapt out of bed, jumped into the shower and went shopping. I lost all my will and bought an outdoor jacket I've been wanting for awhile... the kind with a nice tight hoodie and a place for your thumb in the sleeves. Oh, how I long to wear it!

Sunday was pretty ordinary. I picked up the pictures (some of them need a bit of editing - my scanner bites) of my backpacking trip and tulip festival, had tea at Sassy, walking around town and the general errands and crap people do. Watched a crap movie and I'm not even going to tell you the name because I'm so embarrassed to have actually sat through the whole thing.

Today is Monday, says the calendar on my computer. The cafeteria had blueberries in the fruit bar today, so hopefully that will set the tone for today. Another bonus is my boy and I are having lunch and he will hopefully whisk me away to regions unknown... if not physically at least mentally!

*The title is dedicated to Hoagie1 and TDog.

Things & Stuff: nucleotide base

2005-04-15T08:26:00.000-07:00

I'm trapped in extranet training land which is located right next to hell itself (read: Sammamish). I've been here since 7:30am and there is no escape from the torture. The projector isn't functioning and the screen is kinda yellow... like someone stood up and pissed all over it. There isn't even any heated water in this building... with exception to a bathroom sink! I've gotten into the habit of drinking a nice warm cup of lemon tea every morning and I'm missing my ritual a little bit... but I managed to drag my tired body over to the fridge where I have a myriad of sugary liquids to choose from. I chose a diet pepsi which called out to me on a very primal level (read: placebo sugar high!). I'm still recovering from the wine gum sugar crash of April 14, 2005. You would have been amazed at how fast I was talking to my boss and how happy I sounded. No wonder people binge on it... I was flying HIGH!

I'm so bored right now... and my right eye is burning a little bit. Everyone is so quiet... the screen is blank... the two guys in training with me are typing madly on their laptops. Should I get up to leave? Would any of the old "dating strategies" work at this point... "Oh I'm sorry, mr. trainer man... but you see, I just got a text message and it seems mscom has shut down. I must run!". Maybe not...

Des Choses: En Francais SVP!

2005-04-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

Les heures s'écoulent tellement rapidement, je n'ai rien de neuf parler. La nuit passée je suis allé pendant des 2 heures promenade/course. Ma solitude a été détruite par le cri des diables miniatures me suivant sur la traînée... Je pense qu'ils ont pu avoir été sur des drogues (trop de sucre). C'était une soirée magnifique en effet. Aujourd'hui, mon foyer va être sur la Banque de l'Amérique et obtient ces conceptions faites. Je n'ai rien à autrement dire, mais au moins la plupart d'entre vous ne peut pas comprendre parce que je le dis en français. Ciao! ;-)

Stuff & Things: Rempli

2005-04-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

I got a notice at work that my mailbox was over its size limit, so I'm taking this opportunity to write on my blog. It's not like I don't write everyday though... and I'm amazed I have anything to say at all. I'm also surprised I'm not bored to tears with this thing... so clearly I must like keeping a journal. I wonder if it's because I'm so forgetful, I fear losing all the memories.

I did make an exciting discovery last night. I discovered that I don't look at the time when I'm working in photoshop. I don't worry so much when I'm out taking pictures. I lose myself when I'm exercising hard. I'm competitive when I think I'm better at something than someone else and it turns out I'm not. I have fabulous friends who say I'm better anyway ;-)

Film du jour: Finding Neverland
Very heartwarming film about dealing with death and discovering the joy in living.

Stuff & Things: Wearing Noisy Shoes

2005-04-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

What a bloody odd start to any day...

A local detective rings me up at 8:40 as apparently some car thief had my number written on his/her address book's front cover. Stalker? A recent date of mine? I have no idea. The detective read off the names in the address book and I did not know a single one - so can't say it's a friend of mine. It had better not have been a friend of mine. And who has an address book these days anyway - someone without a mobile phone! Who doesn't have a mobile phone? It's so one of my dates, isn't it?

Also I'd like to note I haven't even been looking all that attractive lately... and it seems like I'm really turning the heads of guys who have bruised knuckles from the fistfight they were in last night at the bar and heroin-addict looking guys. I had better start wearing pants to work. ;-)

Stuff & Things: Push and Shove

2005-04-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

It's Monday alright, but definitely not a bad start to the day. I came in this morning to find my lemon tea all neatly tucked into small packets in the kitchen and someone I like said "Morning sugar!" to me. That's nice. I like that a lot. Pet names generally make me feel good, unless they're calling me a twat or stupid-head... those can make me mad sometimes. Heh. I was also called by a recruiter from an online company at 9am. It was fabulous to get a Monday morning phone call saying "oh baby, I want you", but whoops! it was for a job I was interested in a couple years ago. I've moved on, dollface! I'm not pompous though... enough companies treat me like shit to balance it all out ;-) Hee hee!

Stuff & Things: Nautical Bitch

2005-04-10T23:58:00.000-07:00

Friday I enjoyed the most wonderful swordfish steak ever at The Flying Fish. YUM! I did not eat any dessert, since I am still working on the chocolate cake from Lara. It's just too darn good!

Saturday I traveled up near Anacortes to see the Skagit County Tulip Festival. What an amazing day of endless tulip fields! I took about 4 rolls of film... and I hope one or two turns out well enough for me to put up on my wall... or at least make some kind of collage out of. After all, I did spend about six hours in the fields... frolicking and digging my knees in the mud for these photographs. The evening consisted of a great birthday party (Happy Birthday, Candice!), which I thought would be all about the babies, but it turned out to be all about the adults and wine. A lot of wine! What a great day!

Sunday I took the bus downtown to the exhibit, Eyes Wide Open... holy crap. It's a very liberal exhibit, so if you're going to head downtown to see it, be prepared for a little humanity! It was quiet in the exhibit and there was this hippy guy wandering around the shoes slowly and rhythmically banging a drum. A little mortified by the number of shoes on display (representing a loss of life) I needed a mental break... Right around the corner, the IMAX theatre was playing Mystery of the Nile and it was a great pick! Flying over the water, avoiding crocodiles... fantastic!

Stuff & Things: I Believe in Fantasy

2005-04-08T10:44:00.000-07:00

I'm going to spend my time fantasizing on my blog like my friend Krix...

FANTASY:
National Geographic is at my doorstep again begging me for photographs of a leaf I took a year ago in the Serengeti. I think it's cool that a small group of people know my work... and yesterday this highschool kid emailed me to say she loves my photographs! It's so nice to be recognized once in awhile...

REALITY:
Bloodsucking leech spends month up Hong Kong hiker's nose

"I don't believe reality, would be the way it should. But I believe in fantasy, the future's understood" - Franka Potente

Stuff & Things: Form of Pouchlike Cavity!

2005-04-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to me!
Happy Birthday to me.
Happy Birthday toooo meeeee!
Happy Birthday to me.

What did I do?
I hiked Mount Si and ate mexican food. The hike was good, snowy and cold... the food was good, but inhaled quickly.

Movie: Casque D'Or
When they say "film noir" they meant unhappy films. This one is in French!

2005-04-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Photo: Top of Mount Si

Stuff & Things: And So It Is

2005-04-06T10:22:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love the Count from Sesame Street. There's something about counting and laughing that's so ridiculous it's fun. I think I might have to incorporate laughing and counting to my swim routine and see where that takes me. Yesterday at Masters was tough - so I should have laughed every 100 meters. See, my calves are still sore from Lake Serene (shaking fists at stairs), so me and stairs are having it out again. It's such an off and on relationship... and you know, if I could cut stairs out of my life I would... but there they are... mocking me and my pain. Heh!

Tomorrow I will wave goodbye to my 30th year and enter my 31st! Oh what fun shall be had!

A huge hug and thank you to Lara for sending me my birthday cake! It's a gorgeous (and very nummy) dark chocolate cake... oh, such heaven! Yes, I couldn't wait and had to have a small slice after I called Lara to say thank-you about four million times! What a fantastic birthday this is turning out to be!

"Vive la marée haute et vive la basse mais surtout vive la différence" - Nada Surf

2005-04-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

Photo: Birthday Cake from Lara!

Stuff & Things: Apples and Bananas

2005-04-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

I had the most relaxing evening and fantastic dreams! I wish I could tell you about them, but I don't remember what they were. I only remember waking up feeling so incredibly happy. How rare is that? It was a much needed break from the chaos, indeed!

While things in my life are groovy, things in the lives of my friends have not been so groovy. I feel for those who are going through hard times right now and I'm sending you love and happiness! Everything will work out and you will be fine.
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It's official. I'm an "A" student again! Woohoo!
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Don't waste your time feeling sorry for lampy. It doesn't have any feelings anyway.
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Movie: Love Actually
It seems love doesn't work out all the time after all. Huh. Who would have thought...
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"And so it is. Just like you said it would be. Life goes easy on me. Most of the time. And so it is. The shorter story. No love, no glory." - Damien Rice

Stuff & Things: I think what's the point...

2005-04-04T04:01:00.000-07:00

I have decided to try my hand at art smuggling... perhaps follow my muse, my inspiration in life! Heh! Yeah right. It's pretty cool though. The guy actually smuggled art into a museum. I love it!

In other news, I've moved offices (again)! It's a great location for people watching and sometimes one can get a good rhythm from the opening and closing of the doors during lunch hour... although I've not yet experienced a lunch hour... but I'm sure it's getting close as the doors keep opening and closing... and opening and closing... and the people are talking and hey, there's someone smoking! Why is that girl hanging around outside talking on her mobile phone? It's fricking freezing Mr. Bigglesworth! If you think I didn't get any work done before, you're really going to think it now.

"Cause I'm bored of hanging out in your cold" - Dido

Stuff & Things: Sunshine, Where Art Thou?

2005-04-03T22:23:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous day! Went for an incredible hike to Lake Serene with a new friend and two old ones. ;-) We even hiked up to bridal veil falls as well... which added a half mile more of the evil of stairs. Stairs and I have been at war for too long. It was about time we made up. Stairs did try to break my neck once during the walk down, but I suppose I deserved it after all the crap I gave it on the way up! Ha! Check out the picture phone pics!

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Movie: SinCity
I think I threw up a little bit when he smashed in the yellow guy's head.

Stuff & Things: Family Annoyances

2005-04-02T16:57:00.000-08:00

My Dad finally wrote me back in regards to the fight we're having over the invitation of my boy to his wedding. My Dad thinks I'm upset because I'm not married! Ugh! I'm so frustrated trying to communicate with him! I could care less if I'm married or not - what I want is recognition of significant people in my life and the freedom to invite a guest (without having to be married) to a bloody wedding to share in the f'ing happiness of this moment between my Dad and his fiance. I'm getting so pissed off I'm thinking of not going to the wedding at all (it's the principle of the thing!)... but that would cause drama and I don't want any drama!

And people wonder why I don't want to go home! I don't know how I grew up to be the opposite of everyone in my family.
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Movie: I Heart Huckabees
I love this movie! I think the opening line says it all...
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News: The Pope Dies
I wonder what is going to happen now that this political figure is gone...

Stuff & Things: April Fools

2005-04-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

It's a gorgeous sunny day in Seattle and I have the day off. I'm going outside. I will not be on email. I will not answer my phone. I will get a crepe and bask in the happiness that has taken residence in my soul.

What is going to happen to you today?

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Update:
The day was fabulous! Erica and I took the bus (yes, the bus) into Seattle... I did handstands while waitin for ye old 545. As soon as we arrived downtown, we walked to Pike Place Market and I made a mad dash to get a Nutella crepe (strictly against my diet)! We walked around downtown Seattle... and spotted a great salon, Gary Manuel. Erica decided to get her hair cut and I must say, it looks absolutely gorgeous! All hail Rebekah the stylist! We found some fabulous furniture store with the most fabulous chair ever! It was some kind of mechanical rocking recliner for $3,100! After about 6 hours of walking, we decided to call it quits... we had a few problems finding our way home - we lost the bus stop with the 545 label on it... the express bus back home! That's my favourite part of any trip! ;-)
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Movie: Ray
A great flick! I highly recommend this drama.

Stuff & Things: Faith

2005-03-31T11:12:00.000-08:00

Things I'm trying to remember:

1. Maintain faith in man kindness - despite the absence of proof.

2. The little things are small and insignificant.

3. Upheavals in life can change you and are a sign of maturity and growth.

4. You may have family, but you don't have to like them!

5. If one really liked oneself, one wouldn't need to be a jerk. ;-)

6. Love is a decision you make. Lust is a decision made for you.

7. Anything can be a musical instrument.

------------------------------------------------

Wow, yet another single person has departed! Wish my boy, Dave, happiness and fun!

Stuff & Things: Double Plus Yay

2005-03-30T09:15:00.000-08:00

I am the happiest person on the face of the planet. My arms are incredibly sore from kickboxing and swimming... and that is to say, I finally went back to Masters last night! WOOHOO! I am so out of shape, after only six weeks! Isn't that just crazy? I think so. I swam about 2250 which isn't too bad... but I was tired and dragging for the last half hour. I missed Coach Camille... I was so overjoyed to see her, I bounded over like a puppy dog and gave her a big hug. There's just something about her I adore. Anyway, life is good. I am free. I am happy.

"Well the rain falls down without my help I'm afraid. And my lawn gets wet though I've withheld my consent. When this grey world crumbles like a cake, I'll be hanging from the hope That I'll never see that recipe again." - They Might Be Giants

Stuff & Things: Wedding Bells

2005-03-29T11:55:00.000-08:00

*Sigh.* I keep fighting the good fight with my Dad, but it always seems to end up in the same way. I am losing faith that I am ever going to get him to understand how I feel. The fact that I am single does not mean I do not have people of significance in my life. I'm frustrated by the feeling that he wants to control everything whenever I'm around - even down to what time I should eat breakfast. I just want to be accepted by him as I am; him being the one person in the world who just should do that. There should be a place where someone can go without being judged. I don't understand any of this either. When I was younger I didn't have any rules. I could come and go as I pleased, because I always told him where I was going and when I would be home. Actually, now that I think about it - I never brought anyone home, nor did he ever interact with any of my friends for longer than 2 minutes on the phone... hmmmm!

In the end, it is my Dad's wedding. He can tell me who I can bring and who I cannot. He wants me to sit there by myself during the ceremony and at the reception while everyone else in the family drinks, dances and celebrates with someone they deem significant enough to share in this event. I've known my date for 10 years and I dated him in college. He's as significant to me as they come. My Dad is not going to be spending his time at the wedding with me. I am not the focus, so why is my date so important?

I'm so happy I have my brother. He's the one of a few people in the world I can feel relaxed around - that I can bitch to and with and still know he's going to be there no matter what. He's logical and unemotional, but it works out so perfectly.

Stuff & Things: Dreaming

2005-03-28T08:33:00.000-08:00

I think if you could remember your dreams more accurately you might actually figure out who you are more quickly. There are a lot of guides about interpretating your dreams, but I don't know if it's as simple as stringing together a few common symbols. You have to think about what these symbols mean to an individual... a snake may mean absolute fear to one person and luck to another. Maybe it's all in the international outlook I have lately!

Book: Healing Dreams : How to Interpret Your Dreams and Change Your Life

Schools of Thought:
The physiological theory centers upon how our body, specifically our brains, function during the REM phase of sleep. Proponents of this theory believe that we dream to exercise the synapses, or pathways, between brain cells, and that dreaming takes over where the active and awake brain leaves off. When awake, our brains constantly transmit and receive messages, which course through our billions of brain cells to their appropriate destinations, and keep our bodies in perpetual motion. Dreams replace this function.

Psychological theorists of dreams focus upon our thoughts and emotions, and speculate that dreams deal with immediate concerns in our lives, such as unfinished business from the day, or concerns we are incapable of handling during the course of the day. Dreams can, in fact, teach us things about ourselves that we are unaware of.

Some cool things about dreaming:
Dreams should be in technicolour. Black and white dreams indicate low B6 levels.

Melatonin needs really dark darkness too, so street lights and night lights can lower production. Growth hormone, commonly found to be low in polio survivors, is blocked if a sweet supper is eaten within a few hours of going to bed.

Seratonin is the body hormone that helps us to get to sleep quickly. Seratonin is boosted by carbohydrate foods ie grains, vegetables. So vegetables for tea actually helps us to get ready to sleep.

Joint Pain - work on the boron.
Sore muscles - magnesium and carnitine.
Pins and needles or sharp pain, try B6.

Have questions? This library might help answer them.

"This is my private life. I have no friends to fear. I've got no problems, no cross to bear. If you can find me, Come and get me out of here" - Oingo Boingo

Stuff & Things: Talapus Lake

2005-03-27T18:11:00.000-08:00

The hike up to Talapus Lake was great! I met some fabulous new people and all my thanks goes to Sameer for organizing this! It was cold, wet -- but the conversation was terrific and easy flowing. I learned a lot from my new friends and I can't wait to see them again.

Hung out tonight at Kristians with Jerry and Alex. It was a lot of fun watching The Big Lebowski and napping on the floor. I'm so exhausted!

2005-03-27T10:33:00.000-08:00

Photo: Sameer, Laurel, Me

2005-03-27T10:32:00.000-08:00

Photo: Sameer, Dena, Laurel

Stuff & Things: When Bad Things Go Good

2005-03-26T23:50:00.000-08:00

This morning rocked. The complex I live in made brunch for the residents, so I started the day with some hot tea and a free meal. My friends, Kristian & Alex showed up (magically after me calling them and all) and we talked about climbing and met some new people at our trough! Heh.

The afternoon was spent wandering the Seattle Art Museum. The exhibit, New Chinese Photography, was incredible. You would have been amazed at the creative genius behind some of these works. The focus is all on people and the emergence of self within the constraints of society and culture. The four main categories are History and Memory, Re-imagining the Body, People and Places, and Performing the Self. I was impressed by the building/construction pieces and of course, the faces! There was one video I had trouble with... everyone repeated "I will die" and it made me uncomfortable to look at the people on the screen when they said it. Throughout the exhibit, I read through each and every description... it was so inspiring! Yes, I think it has inspired me enough to start a project of my own. It's been 7 years since I've actually done a thoughtful art piece... and I think it's going to work out well. I'm not going to say anything about it, I'm just going to display it in my home. I think it will be beautiful and it's something I can do myself... I just have to catch it at the right time.

My love life just did a 180! This was definitely a crazy-ass night. The hot date I was supposed to have missed me entirely at the bar (confirmed missed connection and was not stood up), but I ended up meeting (and giving my number to) this really awesome guy! I'm serious! I actually gave my number to him! We're going to go hiking or something... he said he would show me some really cool spots. He wasn't even there to drink - he was meeting some dermatologists in from Portland... to do business. And it was true! They showed up! THEN I left to meet Lynn at the Crocodile, but she didn't show up either... Luckily I had already telephoned Eric and it turns out his friends bailed on him, so he fed me shots of vodka until we were giggling endlessly. He is SUCH a flirt. I swear if I had a boyfriend he would have punched him. ;-) I don't mind though. I'm single! Hee hee!

2005-03-26T08:39:00.000-08:00

Photo: Amazon!

Stuff & Things: The Aftermath...

2005-03-25T12:06:00.000-08:00

The stitches came out today - but the doc said it wasn't fully healed... so I still have to soak twice a day! Ha! I'm just going to stick my butt in a bucket and watch a movie. ;-)

As a note of joy in my life -- Miss Kate (my friend's daughter) said my name... well, part of my name. We all played the "who is that?" game! Mom pointed at me and whispered my name to her and out name "NIC"! It was so unbelievably cute!

My mood is somewhat pensive this afternoon. I'm wrestling with what I want to do about the boy situation and what the best road will be in terms of my own happiness. I've been trying to just ride the waves... but I don't feel any more relaxed and it feels as though nothing has changed. He did mention (during our 3-hour vulture walk) some concern about whether I would still be his friend when he has a new girlfriend - which made me wonder if I would still be able to have him in my life in the same way when I am in a new relationship. I have quite a number of things to think about as a result...

My horoscope...
Whenever you are listening, filter the words of others through a mesh of compassion. Ignore offensive phrases and try to understand what lies behind them. When talking, speak with sensitivity and you'll move a problem into the past.

Stuff & Things: Finding Out...

2005-03-24T07:23:00.000-08:00

This morning sucks. I had a chat with an ex recently, which just made me feel worse... with discovering things like he thinks "Just because I'm not dating, doesn't mean I want you" (OUCH! - I have never even approached the topic of getting back together... so pompous of him!) and that we broke up because I didn't inspire him nor did he feel any passion for the months we were together. He kept talking about how I don't appreciate him which isn't true -- so it only leads me to believe he's projecting and doesn't accept who I am. This makes me sad, but gives me definition as to why he's been such an ass. I don't think he ever had any intention of pursuing a real relationship with me -- and I thought I did all the right things by waiting a few months and getting to know him before anything physical happened. I thought I was making an informed decision on the person I was choosing to be with - and now I'm just baffled as I'm struggling to find a resemblance to the person I once knew.

Oh, and because it irritated me last night - I'm taking classes this spring & summer, just not at the same college.

Stuff & Things: Turn Your Life Around!

2005-03-23T12:33:00.000-08:00

Ha ha! Check out this guys apartment!

Stuff & Things: Double Carot Loves Me!

2005-03-22T16:19:00.000-08:00

Somebody loves me! Check out the comments section of my RSS post... Nicole's Work Blog

Stuff & Things: Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon

2005-03-21T09:55:00.000-08:00

My horoscope for tomorrow is a little odd. I'll be pessimistic & fearful but I'll be required to make changes. Changes to my ideas and residence. I have awesome friends (duh, knew that one already!) but there is risk in stormy family chats. I am vulnerable to disease tomorrow. D'oh... my friend, Kristian warned me he was sick.

I've changed my mind on one thing - well, it's not so much a change of mind... rather a change in my approach. I've decided that having kids isn't such a bad idea. They are not a goal, I won't be upset if I never have any - but I don't think they're as scary as I once thought.

If we had known. If we only had known...

Stuff & Things: Weekend Adventures

2005-03-20T09:24:00.000-08:00

Wow. What a whirlwind weekend! I'm happy to have Sunday to sit back and relax a bit. I am really interested in going for a walk or perusing a bookstore... maybe even sitting on my couch and drinking tea. The stitches are feeling awkward - but it appears to be healing well. I can't wait to get them out!

In other news my car has made it to 50,000 miles! I took a picture of the odometer, but I'm wrestling with my photo upload tool - so it should post one of these days. Pth. The ultra spiffy good news is that I got a "A" in both my classes! YAY!

2005-03-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

Photo: 50,000 miles

Stuff & Things: Sympathy Pains

2005-03-18T11:09:00.000-08:00

Surgery was a success...such a small thing to be causing all this discomfort. I really don't think I'm going to make it through a full day at work... I think I should go home and sit on an ice pack. Ow. Shift. Ow.

Stuff & Things: Happy St. Patricks Day!

2005-03-17T12:29:00.000-08:00

"Don't interrupt me as I struggle to complete this thought... have some respect for someone more forgetful than yourself... and I'm not done... and I won't be 'til my head falls off" - They Might Be Giants

I'm having minor surgery today to cut out a very rebellious mole... I love that they caught it and all, but I didn't call in the mole squad. I was there for something else entirely! Something else entirely! I wonder if I'll be able to sit... I really haven't thought that far ahead... I've been living in the moment... and temporarily lost the ability to think long-term. I don't know what happened, I just came home one day and it was gone. My cat probably pawed it under the refrigerator... or ate it and will cough it up soon. ;-)

"Everything sticks like a broken record. Everything sticks until it goes away. And the truth is, we don't know anything." - They Might Be Giants

Stuff & Things: Sad Wednesday

2005-03-16T09:39:00.000-08:00

I'm a little sad today. No reason I can think of, just blue! I have my advertising final tonight and to be completely honest, I've not yet studied for it. Lame, I know. If you can think of things I can do to cheer myself up, that would be great!

"How should I react? These things happen to other people. They don't happen at all, in fact" - They Might Be Giants

I've now upgraded my mood to defensive. My Dad is complaining (behind my back to top it off) that I'm bringing a non-family member to his wedding. Ugh. I'm the only unmarried person at this point in the family - so I'd like to hang out with someone during the wedding. It's not just this incident though... it's a compilation of the same old songs. In the end, it's my Dad's wedding... but I'm easily irritated when people try to tell me what to do and even more so when it's done through someone else.

"And her voice is a backwards record. It’s like a whirlpool and it never ends." - They Might Be Giants

Stuff & Things: Happy Tuesday

2005-03-15T08:04:00.000-08:00

Update:
The seven-hour meeting went well... and I'm still alive! I think I almost passed out... it's too long to sit in a chair and watch slide after slide. The bonus side? The vendor guy I get to work with on our metrics is totally cute and single (at least no wedding ring). This is going to be an awesome part of my job! Tee hee! :-)
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Happy Tuesday! I have a vendor meeting today so I'm all kinds of dressed up. Yup, no bathrobe for me today. Heh! Wish me luck!

Stuff & Things: Bleeding Heart Monday

2005-03-14T09:40:00.000-08:00

Update:
The presentation went well! I was a bit of an auctioneer... but in the end, made the 30 minute minimum with my group. Yippee! I'm going to email my instructor and see what kind of overall grade I received. I project managed my ass off - so let's hope for a reward!
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It's Monday! A lot can happen on a Monday... I have a final tonight, so I'm a little nervous about that. I'm trying to convince the board of directors of Lucy to take the business international. I chose Canada, not because I'm Canadian, but because it's the most logical next step. Of course, being Canadian does not give me great insight into Canadian culture... like I know all the demographics! Let's hope I don't throw up.

Stuff & Things: Mount Constitution

2005-03-13T22:09:00.000-08:00

The weekend was fabulous! Tricia, Amy and I backpacked into Obstruction Pass and spent the night tossing and turning... okay, they spent the night tossing and turning. I slept like a rock! It was incredible. We hiked up Mt. Constitution on Saturday, but we couldn't find the start - so we drove halfway up the mountain until we found a trailhead. Sunday was all about the ferry... and waiting for the ferry! I love the Orcas Island Hotel!

Stuff & Things: Things to Heart

2005-03-11T09:35:00.000-08:00

Since I'm so random and fickle, I thought I'd update you on my new passions:

Jamba Juice, particularly the Protein Berry Pizzaz.
Kickboxing with Donnie-Ray. Holy crap! She's a drill sargeant... Hahhaha! Fun!
Wine Gums
Watching the sunset
Photography
Masters (I can start again in a week)!
Hiking
Cycling
Violin-lin-lin...
Psychology
Daryl's web links (sent tri-daily!)

Special Post: St. Helens

2005-03-08T22:13:00.000-08:00

Looks like we had a liquid hot magma escape from St. Helens today! Who knew! Seattle is really excited to have a little drama to the south of us. Apparently everyone in Portland could see the "release". My friend, Chip, said he was underwhelmed.

Stuff & Things: Is it Friendship?

2005-03-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

Last night I was chatting with a friend about how you can judge whether someone is actually your friend or not. What aspects about their behaviour make it easy for you to assume that they are your friend? I'm questionning a lot of things lately - and perhaps it doesn't require my attention at all - but now I'm thinking about it and wondering...

So far - the following can be observed, according to some web research...

They only want to hang out with you on their terms
Last minute phone calls
Expect you to drop everything
Insinuate if you don't conform to them they won't be your friend
Subtle criticism

What do you think?

P.S. I had a dream last night that I was yoga-like flexible! I get inspired by dreams, so I'm going to try and fulfill my evening vision!

Stuff & Things: Monday Entertainment

2005-03-07T09:38:00.000-08:00

I posted I was confused about things and wrote something very vague... and well, it will continue to be vague - albeit now edited! See, you gotta catch it at the right time else it's all kinds of wacky!

Plans are in motion for a couple of vacations now (I love having friends who organize trips). I'm excited about heading to Canada to see my Dad and my friend, Steve. I'm a little nervous too. I haven't been back in six or seven years, so I'm weak with anticipation. I have to wait until the end of April though... which just seems like an eternity! It does help that I get to dress up and look fabulous, but I won't have my girl at home to do my hair! Woe is me! ;-)

Stuff & Things: Little Si

2005-03-06T15:35:00.000-08:00

Little Si... right before the Big Si. Heh. It's an easy stroll 2.5 miles to the top. There are some difficult bits that get your heart rate going - but that wasn't until we were close to the top. All in all, a tremendously beautiful hike that leaves you feeling a little bit guilty for loading up on protein beforehand. Whoops! My next personal choice for a hike would be Mailbox Peak.

Eric, Janet and I had a great time traipsing up the hillside! YAY! Today is just incredible in the Seattle area... it's sunny, warm and happy. A couple pictures will be posted later. Thanks so much to all my friends who make my life more fulfilling. It's hard work learning patience, so thanks for keeping on! You make all the difference to me. Hugs!

P.S. I'm sitting outside on my balcony with the sunset in my eyes... the wonders of wireless and the joy of being able to take a few minutes to close my eyes, listen to jazz on the radio and spend some time relaxing. Strange how you grow to appreciate each day.

2005-03-06T15:00:00.000-08:00

Photo: Summit of Little Si ;-)

Stuff & Things: Weddings and Girls, Oh My!

2005-03-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

The wedding was beautiful. It started at 11am, so that was a little ridiculous, as I had to be in Everett (45 mins away) by 9am. I had my camera bag, film, and a multitude of lenses to make the wedding party look totally fabulous. I have my blunders of course... I think I have around 400-500 pictures of the wedding. Holy crap, eh? A lot of people seemed to want my business card... and I'm like... er... I was really just doing this as a favour. Can you imagine? THEN my friend told me photographers charge up to $30,000 for a wedding. Wow. WOW!

After the wedding, I ran around town looking for Rebekah. I drove up to Marysville and down to Seattle and eventually I found her! ;-) We had a lovely girls night out - with pictures this time to prove it! Ciao my bella readers.

2005-03-05T08:37:00.002-08:00

Photo: Girls Night Out

2005-03-05T08:37:00.001-08:00

Photo: Bathroom Break!