Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
'Tis the Season of the Music Festival
This Saturday is the Blues by the Bay Festival, for which I will be a "Volunteer Site Manager." Last night there was a "Volunteer Orientation" meeting and my volunteers from last year were concerned that I had gotten demoted. That made me laugh. I reassured them that I had not been demoted, I had willingly given away my assistant director position and hoped to actually be able to enjoy the music and goings-on this year instead of only having time to run around with my walkie talkie and fix problems.
Although the current assistant director informed me that I would indeed have a walkie talkie as she might "need me." Oh boy. You know, I really love it though. I'm excited and very much looking forward to seeing everyone from last year again, and meeting a bunch of new people. Good times, great blues, yeah yeah the blues is alright!
Sunday, Mike and I head to "Dimmick Ranch," an hour or two southeast of us, to see Willie Nelson! We will be staying overnight in a tent! So I guess you would call that "camping." I bought myself a "self-inflating camping air mattress," which if you would like to know what "self-inflating" means, it means INFLATE IT YOUR OWN DAMN SELF. I joked to Mike that that would be a good use for all of my hot air, and he just nodded at me wide-eyed with a very serious look on his face. I had Josh and Kaya try it out for me when they were at our house and they reported that it is far more comfortable than sleeping on the floor. YES. That's exactly the effect I was going for. (Although they both insist they actually like sleeping on the floor, I remain suspicious of this fact. Mike tells me it's a "kid thing.")
Then the next weekend, September 7, will be the aforementioned "Woofstock," for which I will be a stage hand (that means: get things for the bands). And then the weekend after that will be "Earthdance."
I am so psyched about Earthdance. Last year it was so unknown to me that I was a bit too anxious about it all. Now I know exactly what to expect, and I know the gang that will be on my crew, which is background security, a lot of fun and truth be told a pretty privileged crew.
You know, I would have never guessed that in moving to California I would end up being wrapped up in all of these music festivals, but I have to admit I just love it. My grasp of how to put on a festival is now much more advanced than I ever might have guessed. It's skill-building in addition to being thrilling and challenging, and in addition to the absolutely gorgeous warm sunny weather that so far this time of year has graced me with, I just love this time of year because of the the music festivals!
And really, there are literally dozens of festivals that I miss out on every year, because there are just so many big festivals around here that there are too many to participate in. So, I guess if I really wanted to, I could make a career out of this. It's an actual option... and if I have learned ONE THING in life it is that you never completely know what path your life is going to take...
(The fact is I never would have guessed I'd be going to a Willie Nelson concert, if I were thinking about it.)
Although the current assistant director informed me that I would indeed have a walkie talkie as she might "need me." Oh boy. You know, I really love it though. I'm excited and very much looking forward to seeing everyone from last year again, and meeting a bunch of new people. Good times, great blues, yeah yeah the blues is alright!
Sunday, Mike and I head to "Dimmick Ranch," an hour or two southeast of us, to see Willie Nelson! We will be staying overnight in a tent! So I guess you would call that "camping." I bought myself a "self-inflating camping air mattress," which if you would like to know what "self-inflating" means, it means INFLATE IT YOUR OWN DAMN SELF. I joked to Mike that that would be a good use for all of my hot air, and he just nodded at me wide-eyed with a very serious look on his face. I had Josh and Kaya try it out for me when they were at our house and they reported that it is far more comfortable than sleeping on the floor. YES. That's exactly the effect I was going for. (Although they both insist they actually like sleeping on the floor, I remain suspicious of this fact. Mike tells me it's a "kid thing.")
Then the next weekend, September 7, will be the aforementioned "Woofstock," for which I will be a stage hand (that means: get things for the bands). And then the weekend after that will be "Earthdance."
I am so psyched about Earthdance. Last year it was so unknown to me that I was a bit too anxious about it all. Now I know exactly what to expect, and I know the gang that will be on my crew, which is background security, a lot of fun and truth be told a pretty privileged crew.
You know, I would have never guessed that in moving to California I would end up being wrapped up in all of these music festivals, but I have to admit I just love it. My grasp of how to put on a festival is now much more advanced than I ever might have guessed. It's skill-building in addition to being thrilling and challenging, and in addition to the absolutely gorgeous warm sunny weather that so far this time of year has graced me with, I just love this time of year because of the the music festivals!
And really, there are literally dozens of festivals that I miss out on every year, because there are just so many big festivals around here that there are too many to participate in. So, I guess if I really wanted to, I could make a career out of this. It's an actual option... and if I have learned ONE THING in life it is that you never completely know what path your life is going to take...
(The fact is I never would have guessed I'd be going to a Willie Nelson concert, if I were thinking about it.)
Friday, August 22, 2008
Woof
So, my friend called in her favor that I owed her. She filled in last minute for me on a volunteer position at the jazz festival I worked on back in March so I knew I would be summoned sooner or later. You will never guess what I have gotten myself into. Seriously, you will never guess, so I will tell you.
Wait for it.
Wait for it.
Are you ready?
I am going to be a stage hand at Woofstock.
Yes, it is as awesome and hilarious as it sounds.
You see, my friend serves on the board for the Humane Society, and at her last meeting they were discussing this one particular band that will be playing (Yes, there are bands at Woofstock. And dogs. Lots of dogs.), and how this band requires a reliable volunteer who has some experience with bands and who will remain sober through the entire shift. (What kind of a world do we live in when remaining sober through your shift is something that needs to be verbalized?) My friend immediately thought of me, what with my recent experiences of dealing with lots of bands (I worked as assistant director on two local festivals here since I have moved here), my obvious reliability and my ability to remain sober while on the job. (She knows this because we used to share an office when I worked briefly at a nonprofit here managing the "Angel Fund," and I never once came in drunk, not even once!)
So, it's a four-hour gig on a Sunday afternoon in September at a fundraising music festival put on by the local Humane Society to raise, well, funds to do important stuff that needs to get done for dogs. And, if it isn't obvious, all friendly dogs are welcome at Woofstock, so this should make for a really interesting afternoon.
Maybe I can borrow Baby (the friendliest sweetest dog you'll ever meet, who happens to be a Pitbull) and bring her too. Only time will tell.
Wait for it.
Wait for it.
Are you ready?
I am going to be a stage hand at Woofstock.
Yes, it is as awesome and hilarious as it sounds.
You see, my friend serves on the board for the Humane Society, and at her last meeting they were discussing this one particular band that will be playing (Yes, there are bands at Woofstock. And dogs. Lots of dogs.), and how this band requires a reliable volunteer who has some experience with bands and who will remain sober through the entire shift. (What kind of a world do we live in when remaining sober through your shift is something that needs to be verbalized?) My friend immediately thought of me, what with my recent experiences of dealing with lots of bands (I worked as assistant director on two local festivals here since I have moved here), my obvious reliability and my ability to remain sober while on the job. (She knows this because we used to share an office when I worked briefly at a nonprofit here managing the "Angel Fund," and I never once came in drunk, not even once!)
So, it's a four-hour gig on a Sunday afternoon in September at a fundraising music festival put on by the local Humane Society to raise, well, funds to do important stuff that needs to get done for dogs. And, if it isn't obvious, all friendly dogs are welcome at Woofstock, so this should make for a really interesting afternoon.
Maybe I can borrow Baby (the friendliest sweetest dog you'll ever meet, who happens to be a Pitbull) and bring her too. Only time will tell.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Theories about the Universe
There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable.
There is another which states that this has already happened.
-Douglas Adams in "The Restaurant at the End of the Universe"
There is another which states that this has already happened.
-Douglas Adams in "The Restaurant at the End of the Universe"
Sunday, August 17, 2008
My Digital Scrapbook
I made a few "scrapbook pages" of my Wisconsin trip, and then sort of gave up on the entire project for a while - the summer's been busy, blah blah blah, enter sorry excuse here.
Anyway, I'm going to post pictures of my beautiful trip home to Wisconsin soonish, but in the meantime, here are my scrapbook pages for your possible amusement/enjoyment (you will at least enjoy them because there are the cutest little kids I've ever seen in them - what I'm not biased, just a proud aunt here).
After the rain comes the rainbow:
Sadie's table dance (and cute ponytail):
Taking turns taking pictures and playing games around the table:
Anyway, I'm going to post pictures of my beautiful trip home to Wisconsin soonish, but in the meantime, here are my scrapbook pages for your possible amusement/enjoyment (you will at least enjoy them because there are the cutest little kids I've ever seen in them - what I'm not biased, just a proud aunt here).
After the rain comes the rainbow:
Sadie's table dance (and cute ponytail):
Taking turns taking pictures and playing games around the table:
The Cure for Anything is Salt Water
I read this quote yesterday, and I really liked it. So much so that not only did I write it down in my journal, but now I am posting it here:
"To be lonely is a state of mind, something completely other than physical solitude."
"The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea."
~Danish writer Karen Blixen
When I first decided to move here, part of the motivation was that it was known as a quiet, peculiar place near the ocean right smack dab in the middle of the redwoods. That, and someone* told me it was a good place to heal. And heal I have. Some of the hurt might have been something I created in my own head, but that didn't make it any less real.
My home is a beautiful place, even with its many flaws. I deeply hope that my family and friends will have a chance to experience this place as I have, to see its beauty firsthand.
*it wasn't Mike that told me this either
"To be lonely is a state of mind, something completely other than physical solitude."
"The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea."
~Danish writer Karen Blixen
When I first decided to move here, part of the motivation was that it was known as a quiet, peculiar place near the ocean right smack dab in the middle of the redwoods. That, and someone* told me it was a good place to heal. And heal I have. Some of the hurt might have been something I created in my own head, but that didn't make it any less real.
My home is a beautiful place, even with its many flaws. I deeply hope that my family and friends will have a chance to experience this place as I have, to see its beauty firsthand.
*it wasn't Mike that told me this either
Think of It as Chill
When I said to Mike, "We're boring. But I guess I'm OK with that," he replied, "I like to think of it as chill."
Yeah. Chill. What's so wrong with that?
Yeah. Chill. What's so wrong with that?
Sometime around 11 PM last night...
The walls rattled and the couch rocked for what felt like almost a full minute. Just in case I forgot I live in California.
I wonder what the cows think of earthquakes. So far they are far less disruptive and annoying than Wisconsin tornadoes. So far.
I wonder what the cows think of earthquakes. So far they are far less disruptive and annoying than Wisconsin tornadoes. So far.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Humboldt County, The Movie!
My favorite weekly, The North Coast Journal (or the NCJ), informed me today that there has been made an independent film about Humboldt County called, aptly, Humboldt County. There will be a screening of it in Eureka at the 101 Wild Rivers Film Festival on August 27, and I am excited!
Here's the trailer, compliments of YouTube:
Disclaimer: I did not create this film, and have not seen it, so I have no idea if it is a true representation of the Humboldt I know and love. But I will gladly give you a full report once I have seen it. Who's excited! (It's me.)
A quote from the NCJ, which is a quote from one of the directors of Humboldt County (the movie!), Darren Grodsky, seems like a good thing to, uh, quote here. So, here it is:
"The movie Chicago doesn't represent the entire essence of Chicago, nor does Casablanca or Philadelphia. It's a way of getting an inroad into the film, to set up a certain expectation. We don't pretend that we made a film that represents the entire county and everything that it is. It is certainly a very small slice of the diverse range of people and lifestyles there."
So, as I have many film festival going friends back in Wisconsin I can only wonder if any of them saw Humboldt County. I imagine I would have heard, but you never know...
Here's the trailer, compliments of YouTube:
Disclaimer: I did not create this film, and have not seen it, so I have no idea if it is a true representation of the Humboldt I know and love. But I will gladly give you a full report once I have seen it. Who's excited! (It's me.)
A quote from the NCJ, which is a quote from one of the directors of Humboldt County (the movie!), Darren Grodsky, seems like a good thing to, uh, quote here. So, here it is:
"The movie Chicago doesn't represent the entire essence of Chicago, nor does Casablanca or Philadelphia. It's a way of getting an inroad into the film, to set up a certain expectation. We don't pretend that we made a film that represents the entire county and everything that it is. It is certainly a very small slice of the diverse range of people and lifestyles there."
So, as I have many film festival going friends back in Wisconsin I can only wonder if any of them saw Humboldt County. I imagine I would have heard, but you never know...
Monday, August 11, 2008
A Memory that has Served me Well
When Mike and I were packing up my things to move me out to California, he asked me if he could get rid of all the mismatched flatware*, since there was plenty of matching flatware**. I wouldn't let him, and told him if he wanted to get rid of some of the quantity of spoons, knives and forks that I had, the matched would have to go. I love my mismatched flatware, and I think it's far more interesting on the table than a set that matches. That's just "too matchy matchy" for me, as my mom and sisters say (you do too, Sisters, I've heard you. It's OK, I say it too).
This conversation occurred well over a year ago, and yet the recollection of it still makes me smile every time I'm washing or drying spoons and knives and forks (which is, like, ALL THE TIME).
*As a side story to the one above (and also how I came to possess both mismatched AND matched flatware), when I was first moving out of my parents' house, Mom and I went to the Johnson Creek Outlet Mall together and picked out interesting designed spoons, forks, and knives, sold as individual pieces in sale bins at the Oneida store. We had a lot of fun, and I have some really cool pieces, especially the butter knives! When I set a table I try not to have two of the same of anything. Just for fun.
**(And WHY do I have such a large quantity of flatware?) At some point my mother gave me her old matching set of flatware, which is lovely, just not my eclectic style.
This conversation occurred well over a year ago, and yet the recollection of it still makes me smile every time I'm washing or drying spoons and knives and forks (which is, like, ALL THE TIME).
*As a side story to the one above (and also how I came to possess both mismatched AND matched flatware), when I was first moving out of my parents' house, Mom and I went to the Johnson Creek Outlet Mall together and picked out interesting designed spoons, forks, and knives, sold as individual pieces in sale bins at the Oneida store. We had a lot of fun, and I have some really cool pieces, especially the butter knives! When I set a table I try not to have two of the same of anything. Just for fun.
**(And WHY do I have such a large quantity of flatware?) At some point my mother gave me her old matching set of flatware, which is lovely, just not my eclectic style.
My Neighbors are Goats, Geese and a Horse
The goats that live across the street follow the horse that lives across the street around the yard. The horse seems slightly annoyed by this, pausing every few steps and looking down behind her at the three little black goats. Whenever she stops and looks back, the three goats freeze in their tracks, and I can almost hear them saying, "Whaaaaaaaaaaat, we aren't doing anything!" But no matter how many times Horse gives Goats "The Look" they persevere.
When the Man of the House came out to get the newspaper off the end of the driveway the two white geese were standing at the fence squawking up quite a racket.
"Hi, Geese!" called out the old man.
My neighborhood is so great.
When the Man of the House came out to get the newspaper off the end of the driveway the two white geese were standing at the fence squawking up quite a racket.
"Hi, Geese!" called out the old man.
My neighborhood is so great.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
A Variation on the One Dinner Recipe I Know By Heart, Plus Losing Weight and How Work's Going
We made Mexican Lasagna "Ranchero Style" last night using chicken breasts instead of hamburger meat; Mike boiled the chicken and then pulled it all apart and mixed in the taco seasoning and a can of black beans (last time we used pinto but thought black would be delicious with chicken, which of course it was!). And then when I got home from work I put it all together and cooked it. It was a great team effort and DELICIOUS! Oh, and we also added a can of our favorite enchilada sauce, soooooo good (it's Carlita brand, and I'm telling you, I've never known something in a can to be so good, until now; try it, you won't be sorry). We served it up with sour cream on top (I cooked the olives in this time, somewhere in the middle on top of the first layer of cheese). It's fun to make food up together.
In other news, I've been doing this push-up challenge called hundredpushups.com and I though I have yet to be able to do a "real" push-up, I'm up to I think about 90 "knee" push-ups, and this week my clothes are fitting visibly better, and my abs and upper body is definitely more toned. Sooooooooo exciting! (I'm telling you, yesterday I wore one of my favorite dresses that hasn't fit in a while, and I looked smokin' hot. Just sayin'.)
On a similar note, Mike's been taking my car to his work in the morning, and then I have been riding my bicycle to his work (two miles) to get my car on my way to my job, which I work week-daily from 12-7. I love having my mornings to get lots of stuff around the house done and work for our business, run a few errands... plus I found a way to get a little exercise and fresh air in before I go sit in the gallery all afternoon. So, life is good.
Also, because I love so many rich and fattening foods (who doesn't, but anyway) I have been focusing really hard on doing physical activity everyday, even if it is just a relatively short walk, and controlling my food portion sizes. It seems to be working! So, let's stay positive on that. I can't diet, it's just not in my genes, seriously; but if this keeps working, this is a lifestyle change I can live with.
P.S. Working at the gallery is going really well, by the way. The owners are all really easy-going, plus they want lots of my opinions and advice on how to best proceed and make this business the best that it can be. Anyone who knows me knows I love to give my opinion (who doesn't, but anyway). And the shops on either side of me, one is a tattoo shop and the other is a garden supply store, are full of really nice people, so that is also good.
Now I gotta stop stalling and do my push-ups for today. I have been doing this for about a month, and now that I'm bragging about my progress, I can't let it slip now!
Updated to add: I dedicate this post to my friend, Sunshine Blizzard, for whom I am very grateful to know. It is because of her that I have gotten on this 100 push-ups challenge and gotten my health and weight moving back in the right direction. Thanks, E!
In other news, I've been doing this push-up challenge called hundredpushups.com and I though I have yet to be able to do a "real" push-up, I'm up to I think about 90 "knee" push-ups, and this week my clothes are fitting visibly better, and my abs and upper body is definitely more toned. Sooooooooo exciting! (I'm telling you, yesterday I wore one of my favorite dresses that hasn't fit in a while, and I looked smokin' hot. Just sayin'.)
On a similar note, Mike's been taking my car to his work in the morning, and then I have been riding my bicycle to his work (two miles) to get my car on my way to my job, which I work week-daily from 12-7. I love having my mornings to get lots of stuff around the house done and work for our business, run a few errands... plus I found a way to get a little exercise and fresh air in before I go sit in the gallery all afternoon. So, life is good.
Also, because I love so many rich and fattening foods (who doesn't, but anyway) I have been focusing really hard on doing physical activity everyday, even if it is just a relatively short walk, and controlling my food portion sizes. It seems to be working! So, let's stay positive on that. I can't diet, it's just not in my genes, seriously; but if this keeps working, this is a lifestyle change I can live with.
P.S. Working at the gallery is going really well, by the way. The owners are all really easy-going, plus they want lots of my opinions and advice on how to best proceed and make this business the best that it can be. Anyone who knows me knows I love to give my opinion (who doesn't, but anyway). And the shops on either side of me, one is a tattoo shop and the other is a garden supply store, are full of really nice people, so that is also good.
Now I gotta stop stalling and do my push-ups for today. I have been doing this for about a month, and now that I'm bragging about my progress, I can't let it slip now!
Updated to add: I dedicate this post to my friend, Sunshine Blizzard, for whom I am very grateful to know. It is because of her that I have gotten on this 100 push-ups challenge and gotten my health and weight moving back in the right direction. Thanks, E!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Of Course, I Mean, What Do You Expect, Really?
Of course, just when I decide to actually give cooking on a regular basis a try, another commitment finds its way into my life. I am going to have to find dishes that can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until I get home from work so I can just throw them into the oven. When I get home from the gallery it's time to list auctions on eBay, and in the mornings before I go to the gallery I photograph the items to be listed, and then while I'm at the gallery, I adjust the photos and create layouts, among the trillion other things a person has to get done in a day to be truly productive and stay on top of all the stuff to do. And still, I'm not ever done. (Does that sound whiny? I am not whining, I swear. I'm simply stating.)
I saw a question the other day somewhere: "What is your idea of a perfect day?" I immediately thought, "One where I get everything on my to-do list done." Seriously. And so far, I have not had a perfect day. Who has, I'm sure.
But if anyone has any recipes that are one-dish delights, can be put together and then refrigerated, to be cooked later, will they please share them with me? Please oh please? I accept emails and letters and phone calls. You know where to find me.
I saw a question the other day somewhere: "What is your idea of a perfect day?" I immediately thought, "One where I get everything on my to-do list done." Seriously. And so far, I have not had a perfect day. Who has, I'm sure.
But if anyone has any recipes that are one-dish delights, can be put together and then refrigerated, to be cooked later, will they please share them with me? Please oh please? I accept emails and letters and phone calls. You know where to find me.
Thieves are Jerks
Mike's bike got stolen earlier this week, and it's super bad timing now that I'm driving up to McKinleyville to run this gallery and he has been riding my bicycle all week, which is fine with me, but I know he doesn't like my bike at all (it has has crazy awesome shocks that make it comfortable to ride but also very bouncy). So, I know it's his own fault for leaving his bike outside unlocked, but still, thieves are stupid jerks, especially ones who steal someone's bicycle right off their own driveway in front of their own house while they are sleeping.
Just wanted to say I have no respect for people who steal, even if they need it. Though I know that if someone knocked on my door and asked for it, I would be really skeptical about giving it to them. So, there you go. I don't know what to think about all of this.
Mike's not even mad. He just says, "It's my own fault that it got stolen; guess I'll have to build myself another one." Maybe I should take a lesson from that attitude.
Just wanted to say I have no respect for people who steal, even if they need it. Though I know that if someone knocked on my door and asked for it, I would be really skeptical about giving it to them. So, there you go. I don't know what to think about all of this.
Mike's not even mad. He just says, "It's my own fault that it got stolen; guess I'll have to build myself another one." Maybe I should take a lesson from that attitude.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
The Ocean, and a Cow
So, across the street from the gallery where I am working there is a cow, and a view of the ocean.
Gotta love California.
Gotta love California.
The Homeless Aren't People, Apparently
A few nights ago I listened to a call-in radio show about what is going on in Humboldt County right now; people are signing petitions to get the local police to remove the "transients," as if they are garbage instead of people. I know that homelessness is a problem, but I know forcing people who have nowhere to go to just go away is hardly the solution.
A local transient known as Coffee Jim was given a warning to not loiter. He was told that he better not be found there again. Exactly 24 hours later he was arrested, for "loitering" in a completely different part of town, sitting under a tree in the lawn of a local church. He was not drinking or drunk, he was not under the influence of any drugs, he did not have any illegal substances on his person. He was sitting under a tree. And he was arrested for it.
Another woman had a similar experience, someone who was born here, who has family here, who has never lived anywhere else, has been arrested repeatedly because she is supposed to leave. She doesn't have anywhere else to go. Does anybody bother to help her find a place to be? It seems that they just tell her to disappear. A bystander said she overheard the woman quietly asking the arresting officers how was she supposed to just disappear? "Do you know how hard that is?" she asked them.
This just makes me sad. The hour-long program featured many of the local transients, who told their stories a bit, as well as other locals who know these folks, and it was a really human experience. These are people. Signing petitions to have them removed from the area is not the solution to the homelessness problem.
A local transient known as Coffee Jim was given a warning to not loiter. He was told that he better not be found there again. Exactly 24 hours later he was arrested, for "loitering" in a completely different part of town, sitting under a tree in the lawn of a local church. He was not drinking or drunk, he was not under the influence of any drugs, he did not have any illegal substances on his person. He was sitting under a tree. And he was arrested for it.
Another woman had a similar experience, someone who was born here, who has family here, who has never lived anywhere else, has been arrested repeatedly because she is supposed to leave. She doesn't have anywhere else to go. Does anybody bother to help her find a place to be? It seems that they just tell her to disappear. A bystander said she overheard the woman quietly asking the arresting officers how was she supposed to just disappear? "Do you know how hard that is?" she asked them.
This just makes me sad. The hour-long program featured many of the local transients, who told their stories a bit, as well as other locals who know these folks, and it was a really human experience. These are people. Signing petitions to have them removed from the area is not the solution to the homelessness problem.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
So I Got Another Job
So, I wasn't even trying to get a job, though I was thinking how working at home all the time, while it's awesomely convenient and I get lots of housework down and time to exercise (which is brilliant!) and I eat healthier and cheaper and am earning more than I earned at my last job, can also be lonely. But, I mean, I didn't even say that aloud. I just thought it.
And then our glassblower friend called and asked if I was available to come into a local gallery and talk to the owners about the possibility of running the gallery while still doing my own business at their gallery instead of at home. So I went in to talk to them. And I start tomorrow. (They had an employee, but she accepted another job instead.)
So I am now an employee of Front Gallery; I run the shop. Plus I still run my other business while I am at the gallery. I'm excited; it feels like something that has the potential to be really great.
And then our glassblower friend called and asked if I was available to come into a local gallery and talk to the owners about the possibility of running the gallery while still doing my own business at their gallery instead of at home. So I went in to talk to them. And I start tomorrow. (They had an employee, but she accepted another job instead.)
So I am now an employee of Front Gallery; I run the shop. Plus I still run my other business while I am at the gallery. I'm excited; it feels like something that has the potential to be really great.
Cooking as a Habit
I have decided that as a foodie, if I want to be authentic, I need to make cooking a habit. I have always wished I cooked meals on a regular basis, and haven't done much to make that wish a reality. If wishes were horses, I'd have a whole stable full of them, or however the saying/nursery rhyme goes...
So, anyway, I decided to make dinner, and I also decided to go with tried-and-true things (i.e. something I have successfully cooked in my life) that I knew Mike would like (not that he's picky, but I know there are things he definitely likes), that called for as many ingredients already on hand as possible. This greatly reduced my options since, as I have already indicated, I do not cook on a regular basis (unless you count eggs and turkey sandwiches, not at the same time).
Still, undeterred, I looked through a binder of recipes I put together in 2003 or 2004 and have never used (NEVER used!), and voila! Mexican Lasagna. A super easy yet delicious recipe that Mom had given me, something I knew I had successfully made before, and something that called for many ingredients we already had on hand. I would have to go to the store for the ground beef and taco seasoning, but I was anticipating having to go to the store. So no biggie.
I also found a chocolate chip cookie recipe that Mom emailed me once, and made that too. Mike was surprised, and everything turned out delicious.
MEXICAN LASAGNA
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 15 oz. can pinto beans, drained (can substitute refried or black beans)
1 regular sized package of tortillas (flour or corn)
2+ cups of "taco" cheese (I used cheddar and monterey jack cheeses)
Directions:
1. Brown ground beef.
2. Drain off fat.
3. Add taco seasoning, tomato sauce and beans.
4. Spray/grease casserole baking dish well.
5. Slice tortillas in half.
6. Line bottom of the pan with half of the tortillas.
7. The next layer is half of the meat and bean mixture.
8. Follow the meat layer with a layer of half the cheese.
9. Repeat the three layers (tortilla, meat, cheese) with the remaining halves of the ingredients.
10. Cook in a 300 degree oven OR in microwave until cheese is bubbly and dish looks done. (This took about 25 minutes including a few turns of the pan to make sure it cooked evenly in our quirky oven.)
11. Let stand 10 minutes or so to cool.
12. Serve as desired. (Suggestions: Salsa, sour cream, black olives - I used all of the above.)
CHOCO CHIP BUTTER COOKIES
Ingredients:
4 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup butter
1/2 cup shortening
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Cream butter, sugars and shortening well, add two unbeaten eggs and 1 tbsp vanilla (3 tsp), beat well, blend in dry ingredients, stir in 1 large pck. chocolate chips (I used 15 oz. bag of semi-sweet/dark chocolate chips) and 1 cup chopped nuts (I used walnuts), drop onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 8 min.
So, anyway, I decided to make dinner, and I also decided to go with tried-and-true things (i.e. something I have successfully cooked in my life) that I knew Mike would like (not that he's picky, but I know there are things he definitely likes), that called for as many ingredients already on hand as possible. This greatly reduced my options since, as I have already indicated, I do not cook on a regular basis (unless you count eggs and turkey sandwiches, not at the same time).
Still, undeterred, I looked through a binder of recipes I put together in 2003 or 2004 and have never used (NEVER used!), and voila! Mexican Lasagna. A super easy yet delicious recipe that Mom had given me, something I knew I had successfully made before, and something that called for many ingredients we already had on hand. I would have to go to the store for the ground beef and taco seasoning, but I was anticipating having to go to the store. So no biggie.
I also found a chocolate chip cookie recipe that Mom emailed me once, and made that too. Mike was surprised, and everything turned out delicious.
MEXICAN LASAGNA
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 15 oz. can pinto beans, drained (can substitute refried or black beans)
1 regular sized package of tortillas (flour or corn)
2+ cups of "taco" cheese (I used cheddar and monterey jack cheeses)
Directions:
1. Brown ground beef.
2. Drain off fat.
3. Add taco seasoning, tomato sauce and beans.
4. Spray/grease casserole baking dish well.
5. Slice tortillas in half.
6. Line bottom of the pan with half of the tortillas.
7. The next layer is half of the meat and bean mixture.
8. Follow the meat layer with a layer of half the cheese.
9. Repeat the three layers (tortilla, meat, cheese) with the remaining halves of the ingredients.
10. Cook in a 300 degree oven OR in microwave until cheese is bubbly and dish looks done. (This took about 25 minutes including a few turns of the pan to make sure it cooked evenly in our quirky oven.)
11. Let stand 10 minutes or so to cool.
12. Serve as desired. (Suggestions: Salsa, sour cream, black olives - I used all of the above.)
CHOCO CHIP BUTTER COOKIES
Ingredients:
4 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup butter
1/2 cup shortening
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Cream butter, sugars and shortening well, add two unbeaten eggs and 1 tbsp vanilla (3 tsp), beat well, blend in dry ingredients, stir in 1 large pck. chocolate chips (I used 15 oz. bag of semi-sweet/dark chocolate chips) and 1 cup chopped nuts (I used walnuts), drop onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 8 min.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Too Close for Comfort
This morning, I was making breakfast, and I grabbed the dishcloth to wash off the table, when I saw something weird that sort of resembled a pickle on the dishrag, and I thought to myself, briefly, "that's odd because we don't have any pickles; what kind of weird trick did Mike play on me before going to work?"
And then the pickle moved. Which caused me to scream, a little bit, and throw the dishrag into the sink.
I was semi-okay with the existence of slugs out here as long as they stayed where they belong, which frankly I am certain is NOT in my kitchen sink. The banana slugs might be sort of novel, but even those can stay out of my house!
I took a couple pictures so you could share my joy with me. I call this piece "Slugs are Disgusting and Need to Stay Out of My Sink." Enjoy:
P.S. Since we are in a sharing mood, when I carried the thing outside on the dishrag it was oozing everywhere and I thought it was going to drip on me or the carpet! So disgusting.
And then the pickle moved. Which caused me to scream, a little bit, and throw the dishrag into the sink.
I was semi-okay with the existence of slugs out here as long as they stayed where they belong, which frankly I am certain is NOT in my kitchen sink. The banana slugs might be sort of novel, but even those can stay out of my house!
I took a couple pictures so you could share my joy with me. I call this piece "Slugs are Disgusting and Need to Stay Out of My Sink." Enjoy:
P.S. Since we are in a sharing mood, when I carried the thing outside on the dishrag it was oozing everywhere and I thought it was going to drip on me or the carpet! So disgusting.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
A Few Pictures from Today
I haven't even gotten my WI pictures up yet - well there are so many more of them - anyway, excuses aside, I'm stealing time for just one moment to get these pics up from our "lovely" time at the Loleta Beach (officially called Table Bluff) with Mike's mom and Mike's kids and the dog this afternoon. The company was wonderful, the weather, not so much. Before that, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast/lunch at Hot Brew in Fortuna; and though there are no pictures of this particular event, it bears mentioning because Hot Brew is delicious.
Enjoy!
Left to right, Josh, Mike's mom Mary Ann, Mike, Kaya:
Beachfront property, complete with a fenced-in yard:
Home Sweet Home etched into the wood above the "door":
Hanging out inside the hut (away from the wind):
Kaya offered to take a picture:
Leaving our "home away from home," as photographed once again by Paparazzo Kaya:
A hanglider over the bluff:
Crammed into the back of the car:
The end.
Enjoy!
Left to right, Josh, Mike's mom Mary Ann, Mike, Kaya:
Beachfront property, complete with a fenced-in yard:
Home Sweet Home etched into the wood above the "door":
Hanging out inside the hut (away from the wind):
Kaya offered to take a picture:
Leaving our "home away from home," as photographed once again by Paparazzo Kaya:
A hanglider over the bluff:
Crammed into the back of the car:
The end.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Seriously, Kill Your Television, It's Awesome
Sometime last week or so, our TV died a violent death, and at first I was upset. After the initial "shock" of being once again TV-less (I sold my TV before moving out here and didn't have a TV for about a year, when a friend gave us an extra one she had sometime in late February/early March of this year.), Mike and I once again got creative about how to spend our newly found "free" time. We played board games and cards again. We cooked together. We sat on the couch and looked out the window holding hands while listening to favorite radio programs. We went for evening walks and bicycle rides. I used the now bare coffee table space to organize my papers last weekend, and I've been getting so much housecleaning done! And it's only been about a week!
I am sure that my life is so much more peaceful without a television set. When I first was living without a TV it was really strange to me, as I had never lived without one before. Then I got used to it. By the time our friend bestowed upon us a TV I thought I was glad to get back what I had missed so much. But that feeling doesn't compare to the feeling of peace I have now, at realizing how much energy I was expending even considering whether or not to turn it on and flip through channels. And how depressed I would feel if I sat and watched it aimlessly for any period of time.
The only thing I'm going to miss is having the TV to use for watching DVD's. The kids fighting constantly over whose turn it is to choose what they watch - that part I will NOT miss.
Kill your TV! Life is divine without it!
P.S. My biggest complaint in all of this is that it cost $10 to deliver the TV to the recycle center, but I know it was the right thing to do, so I paid. I've definitely blown $10 in way worse ways than recycling a TV I didn't even pay for, so there you go.
I am sure that my life is so much more peaceful without a television set. When I first was living without a TV it was really strange to me, as I had never lived without one before. Then I got used to it. By the time our friend bestowed upon us a TV I thought I was glad to get back what I had missed so much. But that feeling doesn't compare to the feeling of peace I have now, at realizing how much energy I was expending even considering whether or not to turn it on and flip through channels. And how depressed I would feel if I sat and watched it aimlessly for any period of time.
The only thing I'm going to miss is having the TV to use for watching DVD's. The kids fighting constantly over whose turn it is to choose what they watch - that part I will NOT miss.
Kill your TV! Life is divine without it!
P.S. My biggest complaint in all of this is that it cost $10 to deliver the TV to the recycle center, but I know it was the right thing to do, so I paid. I've definitely blown $10 in way worse ways than recycling a TV I didn't even pay for, so there you go.
Future M-I-L
I met my future mother-in-law today. She is very nice and very pretty. She flew in from Baltimore to bring home safely Mike's kids, who were out there for a visit. She is in town until Friday. We had a late lunch at our favorite local Mexican restaurant, and then we ran around at the drive-in beach for a while.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Baby Got Skunked
The dog freaked me out today. I let her out for a minute, left the door open for her to come back inside when she was done, and went in the other room to make the bed. All of a sudden she came barreling inside, literally foaming at the mouth and scared half to death. I had to physically drag her outside because she was foaming and drooling everywhere and her drool had the most awful smell! She fought me because she was scared to be outside. Only after I called Mike to come home did I realize what that awful smell was - poor Baby got sprayed by a skunk!
Anyway, we took Baby to the beach today. It was a treat for her after we spent the bulk of the day with rubber gloves on, alternating between scrubbing her with baby shampoo and dousing her with water and coating her with canned tomato juice and then starting the entire process over again. So far, it seems to have worked, as she smells much better.
I can't say I'm happy it was a skunk that caused that foaming at the mouth and crazed behavior, but I can say I'm glad that's all it was. For a minute there I thought she was having a seizure! It scared me half to death too!
I hope the evening is much more low-key.
Anyway, we took Baby to the beach today. It was a treat for her after we spent the bulk of the day with rubber gloves on, alternating between scrubbing her with baby shampoo and dousing her with water and coating her with canned tomato juice and then starting the entire process over again. So far, it seems to have worked, as she smells much better.
I can't say I'm happy it was a skunk that caused that foaming at the mouth and crazed behavior, but I can say I'm glad that's all it was. For a minute there I thought she was having a seizure! It scared me half to death too!
I hope the evening is much more low-key.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
People's Paper Trails and No Postage Necessary
It's only taken me a year and a half, but I have finally gone and done it. It took me the entire weekend thus far, but I already feel like a new person. An organized person. A person whose entire existence can be summed up by looking through a single crate filled with hanging files, folders with labels, placed in alphabetical order, containers for every important piece of paper, from birth certificates and car titles to bank and credit card statements. In the process of doing this, I have made more space in my apartment, and I have filled two brown paper bags with pieces of paper to be recycled, items that I have been hanging on to for the apparently sole reason of consuming my living space. Not any more! Die, paper, die! Or be recycled... or something. Uh... anyway...
As I tackled this overwhelming project, I came across numerous envelopes from "pre-approved" credit card applications to magical-cure-all-elixir solicitations that contain the following words in the upper right corner, where the stamp normally goes: NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES. Now, is it just me, or do you have the urge to mail random crap to these companies? Because I do. I haven't done it yet, mostly because I fear it's an underpaid peon who has to process these requests (read: open the envelopes, and remove whatever junk is in them). But, then the company has to pay the postage, which if enough people did this enough times, it might actually cause a dent in their bottomless pocketbooks, right? Much like how they prey on the innocent by giving them unlimited credit limits (there's an oxymoron) attached to HUGE interest rates? Is this wrong? I'm still on the fence, so for now I will behave. For now.
As a helpful tip from my heart to yours, the key to completing this seemingly undoable project is to just handle one piece of paper at a time, take breaks for eating and sleeping and exercising, read a book or do a dance when you feel like you can't take it anymore, and Voila! It's amazing the amount of progress I have made just following this simple method. You, too, can have personal organization for only $9.99 a month plus extra verbiage in tiny print that will steal your soul if you let it... oops, got carried away there for a minute... can you tell I have been opening up lots of junk mail lately?
Well, anyway, I do have a bit more filing to do, while I'm on such a roll here... Happy Paper Trails to You (until we meet again)!
As I tackled this overwhelming project, I came across numerous envelopes from "pre-approved" credit card applications to magical-cure-all-elixir solicitations that contain the following words in the upper right corner, where the stamp normally goes: NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES. Now, is it just me, or do you have the urge to mail random crap to these companies? Because I do. I haven't done it yet, mostly because I fear it's an underpaid peon who has to process these requests (read: open the envelopes, and remove whatever junk is in them). But, then the company has to pay the postage, which if enough people did this enough times, it might actually cause a dent in their bottomless pocketbooks, right? Much like how they prey on the innocent by giving them unlimited credit limits (there's an oxymoron) attached to HUGE interest rates? Is this wrong? I'm still on the fence, so for now I will behave. For now.
As a helpful tip from my heart to yours, the key to completing this seemingly undoable project is to just handle one piece of paper at a time, take breaks for eating and sleeping and exercising, read a book or do a dance when you feel like you can't take it anymore, and Voila! It's amazing the amount of progress I have made just following this simple method. You, too, can have personal organization for only $9.99 a month plus extra verbiage in tiny print that will steal your soul if you let it... oops, got carried away there for a minute... can you tell I have been opening up lots of junk mail lately?
Well, anyway, I do have a bit more filing to do, while I'm on such a roll here... Happy Paper Trails to You (until we meet again)!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Hi, There.
It's been a week of getting stuff done. Monday I rode my bicycle to the bus and took the bus to the tax man and now my taxes are done, WHEW!, and I have a nice amount of money coming back too. (And I didn't spend gas on that trip into Eureka, which is great, because gas is still somewhere around $4.60-$4.79 a gallon, depending on where you fill up.) Tuesday I took Baby for a really long walk and got a lot of catch-up work done, listed some stuff on eBay. Wednesday, we drove to Fort Bragg (three hours each way) and hand-delivered a lot of glass to our favorite gallery down there, and brought back a nice chunk of change in exchange. Yesterday I listed more on eBay. I went for a walk AND a bike ride. And I made banana bread. I used two different recipes, one that I cut off a bag of bananas that I bought at Kalscheur's Fine Foods in Mount Horeb (WI - as if anyone reads this that wouldn't know that, ha ha) so long ago, and the other one from a cookbook Grandma gave me just before I moved here. I didn't have all the ingredients listed in either, but with a little bit of creativity and modifying, I made some pretty darn good bread. Mom always said cooking was art more than chemistry, but a little bit of chemistry too. (See, Mom, I was sort of paying attention.) I think it's easier to do that with baking though. Baking, I get. Cooking, I'm still figuring out. Mike has taught me a lot. He's pretty innovative.
I've walked or biked now just about every day consistently for the last two weeks. Not crummy little distances either. And I've been doing pushups too. It's hard, but I can feel myself getting stronger and that is exciting. There is also this huge hill by my house that I have finally managed to bike all the way up. I thought my lungs might explode by the time I got to the top, but I made it up, so that's what's important.
I've also learned a tremendous amount this week about what is involved in being self-employed, and I think I can do this. I really do. Guess it's what I'm doing, so might as well go with that.
So that's my week in a nutshell. The weather has been cool and foggy, much like Humboldt, though it has been warm enough for teeshirts around here this summer on a semi-regular basis, which is different than last summer was. There are still lots of fires around me, but the sky is not smoky where we live. I think the fog protects us. I read in the paper yesterday that the fires have already cost something like 31 million dollars, and there is no end in site. I read online that it's raining like mad in southern California, so it seems we have changed places with our other half. It was also over a hundred degrees in San Francisco last week or the week before, which is record-breaking crazy. This weather, man, this weather. What else can you say?
Now I am going to package and ship marbles to the good folks who buy them from us. And then I am going to take some more pictures of marbles (I am beginning to fall in love with art marbles, which are truly mesmerizing. I can see why people collect them! You could see too! Just check out http://myworld.ebay.com/openfireglass/ ... I would say just kidding, but let's be honest here.)
I've got about 10 projects going all at once, and the kids come back next week! Mike's mom will also be in town, so I will get to meet her. I got a lot of stuff to get done while I still have some relative peace and quiet!
I've walked or biked now just about every day consistently for the last two weeks. Not crummy little distances either. And I've been doing pushups too. It's hard, but I can feel myself getting stronger and that is exciting. There is also this huge hill by my house that I have finally managed to bike all the way up. I thought my lungs might explode by the time I got to the top, but I made it up, so that's what's important.
I've also learned a tremendous amount this week about what is involved in being self-employed, and I think I can do this. I really do. Guess it's what I'm doing, so might as well go with that.
So that's my week in a nutshell. The weather has been cool and foggy, much like Humboldt, though it has been warm enough for teeshirts around here this summer on a semi-regular basis, which is different than last summer was. There are still lots of fires around me, but the sky is not smoky where we live. I think the fog protects us. I read in the paper yesterday that the fires have already cost something like 31 million dollars, and there is no end in site. I read online that it's raining like mad in southern California, so it seems we have changed places with our other half. It was also over a hundred degrees in San Francisco last week or the week before, which is record-breaking crazy. This weather, man, this weather. What else can you say?
Now I am going to package and ship marbles to the good folks who buy them from us. And then I am going to take some more pictures of marbles (I am beginning to fall in love with art marbles, which are truly mesmerizing. I can see why people collect them! You could see too! Just check out http://myworld.ebay.com/openfireglass/ ... I would say just kidding, but let's be honest here.)
I've got about 10 projects going all at once, and the kids come back next week! Mike's mom will also be in town, so I will get to meet her. I got a lot of stuff to get done while I still have some relative peace and quiet!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
To Do List
It's been so hot here that part of my to-do list was to help get Mike out the door as early as possible so he can get as much work done before it gets way too unbearable to be on the torch. He was up and out the door with a thermos full of coffee by 6:45, so that's pretty good.
We are dog-sitting Baby this week and next while Josh and Kaya are visiting their grandma (Mike's mom) in Baltimore. Baby is in heat. So a lot of my time is spent literally babysitting her. She is the sweetest dog in the entire universe (I'm not one of those annoying dog lovers that thinks that about my awful dog; anyone who meets her and/or spends any amount of time with her comments on how well behaved she is - she doesn't bark, she does exactly what you ask of her, and is an all-around very happy, social dog who just wants to be friends with everybody and their dog or uncle, literally), but I will admit I'm looking forward to when she is done being in heat. It's time-consuming to keep track of her so she doesn't make a mess in my house or have a neighborhood male dog impregnate her.
I also need to get my taxes done - I filed an extension because life was crazy hectic during the jazz festival and aftermath, and they were too confusing trying to figure out the state taxes, having moved to another state partway through 2007.
I have lots more marbles to list on eBay and have already taken many photographs that now need to be adjusted.
I need to research and contact three galleries that came recommended by one of our local gallery owners for Mike's work; one is in Dallas, one in D.C. and one in Colorado. Operation Mike Warren Next Dale Chihuly continues (clunky operation name, needs work).
And before the day gets too hot, I need to ride my bicycle. I've been working hard to be active everyday. I've also been trying to master push-ups, which is tough! But I will do it. I will do it. (I have an email support network of three girlfriends from Wisconsin, which is definitely motivating! To strong women!)
I also need to keep working on my writer's resume - it's tough! - but there is a lot of local freelance writing jobs to be done, and I'm trying to see if I can score any of them. That would be so awesome.
BUT FIRST! I need to eat some breakfast! (My usual top priority.)
We are dog-sitting Baby this week and next while Josh and Kaya are visiting their grandma (Mike's mom) in Baltimore. Baby is in heat. So a lot of my time is spent literally babysitting her. She is the sweetest dog in the entire universe (I'm not one of those annoying dog lovers that thinks that about my awful dog; anyone who meets her and/or spends any amount of time with her comments on how well behaved she is - she doesn't bark, she does exactly what you ask of her, and is an all-around very happy, social dog who just wants to be friends with everybody and their dog or uncle, literally), but I will admit I'm looking forward to when she is done being in heat. It's time-consuming to keep track of her so she doesn't make a mess in my house or have a neighborhood male dog impregnate her.
I also need to get my taxes done - I filed an extension because life was crazy hectic during the jazz festival and aftermath, and they were too confusing trying to figure out the state taxes, having moved to another state partway through 2007.
I have lots more marbles to list on eBay and have already taken many photographs that now need to be adjusted.
I need to research and contact three galleries that came recommended by one of our local gallery owners for Mike's work; one is in Dallas, one in D.C. and one in Colorado. Operation Mike Warren Next Dale Chihuly continues (clunky operation name, needs work).
And before the day gets too hot, I need to ride my bicycle. I've been working hard to be active everyday. I've also been trying to master push-ups, which is tough! But I will do it. I will do it. (I have an email support network of three girlfriends from Wisconsin, which is definitely motivating! To strong women!)
I also need to keep working on my writer's resume - it's tough! - but there is a lot of local freelance writing jobs to be done, and I'm trying to see if I can score any of them. That would be so awesome.
BUT FIRST! I need to eat some breakfast! (My usual top priority.)
I Heart KMUD
I'm listening to KMUD (kmud.org) and I have to say I've never felt so attached to a radio station before. Real live people, not the deejays like on corporate radio stations, they talk about real issues, they play a really eclectic mix of music, and I discover a lot of extremely talented musicians and artists I wouldn't otherwise have discovered.
My current favorite shows include the Hawaiian/Jawaiian one on Tuesday at 4:00PM, the trance show on Thursdays at 2:30PM, the eastern music show on Thursdays at 4:00PM, and the early morning shows on most mornings, when they play really positive music with a beat that makes you want to jump out of bed and move your feet.
Edited to add: I also love the "Audio Archive" feature on their website, so if I don't like what they have on currently or I miss one of my favorite programs (or I want to listen to some of the late-night programs, which are often really good, but I'm not up at midnight), I can listen to them anytime! Gotta love technology.
My current favorite shows include the Hawaiian/Jawaiian one on Tuesday at 4:00PM, the trance show on Thursdays at 2:30PM, the eastern music show on Thursdays at 4:00PM, and the early morning shows on most mornings, when they play really positive music with a beat that makes you want to jump out of bed and move your feet.
Edited to add: I also love the "Audio Archive" feature on their website, so if I don't like what they have on currently or I miss one of my favorite programs (or I want to listen to some of the late-night programs, which are often really good, but I'm not up at midnight), I can listen to them anytime! Gotta love technology.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Another Heat Wave
It's in the HUNDREDS a little inland, and here on the coast it's in the mid-80's. It's been that way for days, and they are saying it's lasting through tomorrow.
Yesterday when I was driving north to Clam Beach, it smelled of smoke. "Smoke" has also been in the daily forecast. It hasn't rained here in weeks and weeks and weeks. It's so not like this place. My first experience with California fires, and I have to say I'm over it. I'm sure lots of other people feel the same way.
They banned fireworks just south of us last week. I never heard of that, but it makes sense.
Yesterday when I was driving north to Clam Beach, it smelled of smoke. "Smoke" has also been in the daily forecast. It hasn't rained here in weeks and weeks and weeks. It's so not like this place. My first experience with California fires, and I have to say I'm over it. I'm sure lots of other people feel the same way.
They banned fireworks just south of us last week. I never heard of that, but it makes sense.
The Email I Just Sent to the People who Roast the Coffee We Drink:
Dear Signature Coffee Company,
We have fairly recently (within the last six months) discovered your Indian Yellikudige Jasmine Estate beans at our local Murphy's grocery store, and subsequently fallen in love with it (obviously!). We are a coffee drinking family, and thusly we buy several bags a week, spending upwards of $60 or more a month on coffee! This could potentially break us unless we switch to Folgers (PLEASE, PLEASE don't let that happen to us, I beg you!).
Anyway, we saw on the bag that we could email you, and also that wholesale (and bulk?) is available for purchase. We are just two java joe schmoes; as such is it possible for us to purchase wholesale or bulk beans? If so, how do we go about doing this?
If there is any advice you can provide (or just prices and availability), we will be forever grateful.
Very truly yours,
Naomi & Mike
P.S. If you do not sell wholesale or bulk beans to the general, non-grocery-store-or-coffee-shop public, do you do sponsorships? I know a superb local glass artist who literally fuels his creative self with your delicious roast. :-)
DO YOU THINK IT WILL WORK?????
We have fairly recently (within the last six months) discovered your Indian Yellikudige Jasmine Estate beans at our local Murphy's grocery store, and subsequently fallen in love with it (obviously!). We are a coffee drinking family, and thusly we buy several bags a week, spending upwards of $60 or more a month on coffee! This could potentially break us unless we switch to Folgers (PLEASE, PLEASE don't let that happen to us, I beg you!).
Anyway, we saw on the bag that we could email you, and also that wholesale (and bulk?) is available for purchase. We are just two java joe schmoes; as such is it possible for us to purchase wholesale or bulk beans? If so, how do we go about doing this?
If there is any advice you can provide (or just prices and availability), we will be forever grateful.
Very truly yours,
Naomi & Mike
P.S. If you do not sell wholesale or bulk beans to the general, non-grocery-store-or-coffee-shop public, do you do sponsorships? I know a superb local glass artist who literally fuels his creative self with your delicious roast. :-)
DO YOU THINK IT WILL WORK?????
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Ticks are Gross
I have found two ticks on my person in the last few months - TWO! They were on my clothing (which was on my person), but even that is way too close for comfort. No one invited you to this party of one, so get lost, Ticks. Two is two too many when it comes to ticks.
YUCK. I guess tromping through the woods and the marsh has its drawbacks. EWWWWW.
Edited to Add: One of those two ticks was located on me TODAY. Hence the post about it now.
Also, when we have the kids and the dog (which is most weekends and then some), we often go for walks either in the marsh or the redwoods or both, and we always find ticks on either a kid or the dog. Every time. There have been at least 10 ticks found on children and dog, and that is just too many. Especially with the scare of Lyme Disease.
Edited Again to Add: I just picked a tick off the dog. YUCK YUCK YUCK.
There once was a time when I wasn't sure what a tick looked like. Now I'm so familiar with the little buggers it's not funny. Not funny at all.
YUCK. I guess tromping through the woods and the marsh has its drawbacks. EWWWWW.
Edited to Add: One of those two ticks was located on me TODAY. Hence the post about it now.
Also, when we have the kids and the dog (which is most weekends and then some), we often go for walks either in the marsh or the redwoods or both, and we always find ticks on either a kid or the dog. Every time. There have been at least 10 ticks found on children and dog, and that is just too many. Especially with the scare of Lyme Disease.
Edited Again to Add: I just picked a tick off the dog. YUCK YUCK YUCK.
There once was a time when I wasn't sure what a tick looked like. Now I'm so familiar with the little buggers it's not funny. Not funny at all.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Real Live Jellyfish in the Bay!
The highlight of this day was when Mike and Baby (the dog) and I were walking on the waterfront in Eureka on a blissfully breezeless beautiful summer evening and we "ventured" out onto the floating pier. There, we saw a jellyfish, swimming in the bay (that's Humboldt Bay, not to be confused with "The Bay," which is San Francisco Bay). It was up close and personal, as in I could have reached in and touched it (if I were stupid).
I have never, to my knowledge, seen a real live jellyfish in person, though I've seen them on the IMAX screen, and that was cool too. I love where I live, I love it here, it is so beautiful and incredible.
Gotta go catch a sunset now - it looks like it's going to be a good one.
I have never, to my knowledge, seen a real live jellyfish in person, though I've seen them on the IMAX screen, and that was cool too. I love where I live, I love it here, it is so beautiful and incredible.
Gotta go catch a sunset now - it looks like it's going to be a good one.
What I Have to Say About Wisconsin
I just got some of my thank you's out the door! I had an AMAZING trip, in spite of the wacky weather (flooding, storms, hail, tornadoes), my family is WONDERFUL, and it was so nice to see everyone! Thank you so much, dear Hayley and Dan for the hospitality, and Grandma and Mom and Dad too! No, I know that doesn't count as actual thank you's and yes, I certainly know I have more thank you's to send out than just that!
I saw some friends, and I saw my family. I felt like it was a long time to be there, and still not long enough to spend with everyone. I spend some wonderful time with my big sister Natalie (though she is not so big, so I guess that makes her my little big sister), I got to spend some QT with Mom and Dad, Grandma, Avery and Sadie, my brother Ben (this is not listed in any particular order). My extended family (my mom's family) came over to Mom and Dad's on a beautiful Sunday afternoon for grilled chicken and pork and lots of other homemade goodies. I went for long walks with Hayley, went to REAL stores (no, Humboldt County, you do not have REAL STORES, sorry to say) with Natalie, Mom, Hayley and Grandma (not all at the same time), got to eat at my favorite places (Sa-Bai Thong with Anya and Mike; Monty's Blue Plate Diner with Laurie, Anthony, and Andrea; JMK Nippon with Natalie; Laredo's with Hayley, Dan and Ben; The Great Dane with Bennett; Jolly Bob's with Hayley and Dan; Maharaja's with Hayley; The Jet Room with Sherry; The Bradbury with Hayley and Liz; Culvers with Grandma ... oh my, can you tell what I LOVE TO DO! LOL! I'm sure there is more, but seriously, I need to stop now), went to The Kissers' Final Show at the High Noon Saloon, got to see Stephen Marley at the Barrymore for FREE (thank you to Dad and his connections!)... not to mention all the delicious food people prepared for me, and all the lovely time spent with everyone! And oh man, now I just need to post pictures, so I will do that now and maybe I'll be back later to talk more about how awesome my visit was!
I saw some friends, and I saw my family. I felt like it was a long time to be there, and still not long enough to spend with everyone. I spend some wonderful time with my big sister Natalie (though she is not so big, so I guess that makes her my little big sister), I got to spend some QT with Mom and Dad, Grandma, Avery and Sadie, my brother Ben (this is not listed in any particular order). My extended family (my mom's family) came over to Mom and Dad's on a beautiful Sunday afternoon for grilled chicken and pork and lots of other homemade goodies. I went for long walks with Hayley, went to REAL stores (no, Humboldt County, you do not have REAL STORES, sorry to say) with Natalie, Mom, Hayley and Grandma (not all at the same time), got to eat at my favorite places (Sa-Bai Thong with Anya and Mike; Monty's Blue Plate Diner with Laurie, Anthony, and Andrea; JMK Nippon with Natalie; Laredo's with Hayley, Dan and Ben; The Great Dane with Bennett; Jolly Bob's with Hayley and Dan; Maharaja's with Hayley; The Jet Room with Sherry; The Bradbury with Hayley and Liz; Culvers with Grandma ... oh my, can you tell what I LOVE TO DO! LOL! I'm sure there is more, but seriously, I need to stop now), went to The Kissers' Final Show at the High Noon Saloon, got to see Stephen Marley at the Barrymore for FREE (thank you to Dad and his connections!)... not to mention all the delicious food people prepared for me, and all the lovely time spent with everyone! And oh man, now I just need to post pictures, so I will do that now and maybe I'll be back later to talk more about how awesome my visit was!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Selling Seashells by the Seashore
Just call me Sally. I never actually thought I would sell seashells by the seashore, but that IS in fact what I do now:
My New Favorite City
...is Portland.
We got back from Portland sometime last Monday. The city is WONDERFUL; it reminds me of San Francisco, only I like it better because it's smaller and much more manageable. We walked EVERYWHERE, so our legs were very tired, but in a good way. We ate delicious food (slices at Pizza Schmizza, burritos at Cha Cha Cha, fish and chips and sausages and local brew at Thirsty Lion Pub). We met many people from Mike's glass past and now they are in Mike's and my glass present and future, including the owners of Glass Alchemy, who cried when they saw Mike, said he looked healthier and happier than they had ever seen him and basically reminded me of loving parents. I know it meant so very much to Mike. They also showed us the tour of their factory, and told us that Mike is part of the tour (and part of their history - Susan showed me the before-glass-alchemy colors in Mike's lion, and then when Mike made a lion using their new colors, and oh what a difference! She told me that they knew they had to go into business and manufacture these amazing colors when they saw Mike's after-glass-alchemy lion - it was so cool to see!)
We also met one of Mike's longtime buyers and collectors, Phyllis from Trev's Glass. She had a booth at the Glass Art Society conference we were in Portland attending. We ended up spending a significant amount of time with Phyllis over the course of the weekend, and upon returning home had an email waiting for us that said "Some people just go together and you do!" That is so nice to see because not many people get to spend a significant amount of time around us together (though that will change), and Phyllis is a lovely, wise, grandmotherly type who had much good advice for me on how to make it in the glass world and build a successful business.
Speaking of going well together, we have tentatively set our nuptials for October/November of 2009, though the exact date is not yet pinned down. We will of course let everyone know the exact date when we determine it.
Oh yeah, did I mention that we decided we are getting married? I suppose you want a back story on that; well, I'll give you a little bit of it: I got home from Wisconsin on Monday, June 16. Mike and the kids were at the airport waiting to greet me, we went to Rita's to celebrate our togetherness again and had a lively and delicious dinner, then Mike and I took the kids back to their mom's (they wanted to see me before going back home). Once it was just Mike and me, he told me I'm the best thing that has ever happened to him, and he doesn't want to be without me for so long ever again, and he wants me to be his wife. I asked if that was an official proposal, and he said "No, this is. Will you marry me?"
(I said YES.)
OK, enough back story. Though there is one more thing I want to tell you: There's a quote Mike sent me in a text message not too long ago, before I went to Wisconsin; it was something he heard while listening to his favorite radio station and was something like "Marry not the one you can live with but the one you can't live without." This is how we both feel. We don't want to be without each other. And the best part about it is that we don't have to be.
We have our reasons for waiting until next fall/winter; there are important goals we need to reach first. We are working together to reach them. We will keep everyone updated when there is a somewhat finalized plan. In our hearts we are already each other's family.
Also, back to the topic at hand (that would be Portland), we just might end up living there someday, we both love it so much. :-)
We got back from Portland sometime last Monday. The city is WONDERFUL; it reminds me of San Francisco, only I like it better because it's smaller and much more manageable. We walked EVERYWHERE, so our legs were very tired, but in a good way. We ate delicious food (slices at Pizza Schmizza, burritos at Cha Cha Cha, fish and chips and sausages and local brew at Thirsty Lion Pub). We met many people from Mike's glass past and now they are in Mike's and my glass present and future, including the owners of Glass Alchemy, who cried when they saw Mike, said he looked healthier and happier than they had ever seen him and basically reminded me of loving parents. I know it meant so very much to Mike. They also showed us the tour of their factory, and told us that Mike is part of the tour (and part of their history - Susan showed me the before-glass-alchemy colors in Mike's lion, and then when Mike made a lion using their new colors, and oh what a difference! She told me that they knew they had to go into business and manufacture these amazing colors when they saw Mike's after-glass-alchemy lion - it was so cool to see!)
We also met one of Mike's longtime buyers and collectors, Phyllis from Trev's Glass. She had a booth at the Glass Art Society conference we were in Portland attending. We ended up spending a significant amount of time with Phyllis over the course of the weekend, and upon returning home had an email waiting for us that said "Some people just go together and you do!" That is so nice to see because not many people get to spend a significant amount of time around us together (though that will change), and Phyllis is a lovely, wise, grandmotherly type who had much good advice for me on how to make it in the glass world and build a successful business.
Speaking of going well together, we have tentatively set our nuptials for October/November of 2009, though the exact date is not yet pinned down. We will of course let everyone know the exact date when we determine it.
Oh yeah, did I mention that we decided we are getting married? I suppose you want a back story on that; well, I'll give you a little bit of it: I got home from Wisconsin on Monday, June 16. Mike and the kids were at the airport waiting to greet me, we went to Rita's to celebrate our togetherness again and had a lively and delicious dinner, then Mike and I took the kids back to their mom's (they wanted to see me before going back home). Once it was just Mike and me, he told me I'm the best thing that has ever happened to him, and he doesn't want to be without me for so long ever again, and he wants me to be his wife. I asked if that was an official proposal, and he said "No, this is. Will you marry me?"
(I said YES.)
OK, enough back story. Though there is one more thing I want to tell you: There's a quote Mike sent me in a text message not too long ago, before I went to Wisconsin; it was something he heard while listening to his favorite radio station and was something like "Marry not the one you can live with but the one you can't live without." This is how we both feel. We don't want to be without each other. And the best part about it is that we don't have to be.
We have our reasons for waiting until next fall/winter; there are important goals we need to reach first. We are working together to reach them. We will keep everyone updated when there is a somewhat finalized plan. In our hearts we are already each other's family.
Also, back to the topic at hand (that would be Portland), we just might end up living there someday, we both love it so much. :-)
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Not One to be Reckoned With
While I was in Wisconsin there were thunderstorms, hail, tornadoes, flooding, the draining of an entire lake into the Mississippi River, countless homes damaged and destroyed, farm animals drowned, and much more mayhem.
Now I'm in California, where there are fires. There are the Mendocino fires, and there is the Humboldt fire, in SoHum, in Paradise/Shelter Cove area. The Paradise fire is not contained. Today we are driving the kids to "Surf Camp" (about 15 minutes north of our house, at the lovely lovely Moonstone Beach - lucky kids, I say) and we drive by a sign saying that Highway 299 (the highway one would take to get to Blue Lake, where Mike sometimes rents hot shop space, a mere 10 minutes from where we live) is shut down due to fires there. The last I heard on the radio several communities in Humboldt and Mendocino Counties have "evacuation warnings" meaning an evacuation isn't mandatory, but might be a very good idea.
I guess last weekend while we were in Portland there was a "lightning storm" here that has started all of this mess. Being a windy and wooded place, fires travel faster than Cal Fire can fight them. So far, where I live the skies are still blue (unless they are foggy). Send good thoughts to our fire fighters (and SoCal's fire fighters, who are on loan to us to contain these fires) - may the fires be contained and the damage be minimal.
And it hasn't rained here in almost a week! The first time since I've lived here that I have wished and hoped with all my might that the rain would just fall and help us!
P.S. We are safe here, so please don't worry, but that doesn't mean folks around us are bearing so well.
Now I'm in California, where there are fires. There are the Mendocino fires, and there is the Humboldt fire, in SoHum, in Paradise/Shelter Cove area. The Paradise fire is not contained. Today we are driving the kids to "Surf Camp" (about 15 minutes north of our house, at the lovely lovely Moonstone Beach - lucky kids, I say) and we drive by a sign saying that Highway 299 (the highway one would take to get to Blue Lake, where Mike sometimes rents hot shop space, a mere 10 minutes from where we live) is shut down due to fires there. The last I heard on the radio several communities in Humboldt and Mendocino Counties have "evacuation warnings" meaning an evacuation isn't mandatory, but might be a very good idea.
I guess last weekend while we were in Portland there was a "lightning storm" here that has started all of this mess. Being a windy and wooded place, fires travel faster than Cal Fire can fight them. So far, where I live the skies are still blue (unless they are foggy). Send good thoughts to our fire fighters (and SoCal's fire fighters, who are on loan to us to contain these fires) - may the fires be contained and the damage be minimal.
And it hasn't rained here in almost a week! The first time since I've lived here that I have wished and hoped with all my might that the rain would just fall and help us!
P.S. We are safe here, so please don't worry, but that doesn't mean folks around us are bearing so well.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
To Throw Portland Out the Window
I'm going to Portland, so I'll be back on this thing sometime next week.
Also, there actually exists a word that means "to throw something out the window," and that word is "defenestrate." This is a very specific meaning, and one that strikes me as strange. (This message is brought to you compliments of my "Word of the Day" email.)
Have a great Thursday through Sunday, y'all!
Also, there actually exists a word that means "to throw something out the window," and that word is "defenestrate." This is a very specific meaning, and one that strikes me as strange. (This message is brought to you compliments of my "Word of the Day" email.)
Have a great Thursday through Sunday, y'all!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
HELP - What do I Wear in Wisconsin Weather?
I have no idea how to pack for this trip! I completely forgot what the weather in Wisconsin is like this time of year! And Humboldt County weather weirdness has left me scarred for life! Somebody help me!
What are you people wearing these days?
Speaking of which, yesterday my boss gave me some "advice", which was basically twofold, basically unsolicited (OK, sort of solicited, but not REALLY), and basically contradictory, well at least I think so. But here, this is what he basically said, and YOU decide what it is:
'First, you are a bright young woman, and you are very skilled. You will go far in life, if you just have some confidence in yourself. Just make decisions, and don't worry so much if they are the right ones or not. You can't make everyone happy, and you WILL make mistakes, so just have the confidence to make your own decisions and then go with them.'
So that is cool, right? I like that advice. But then he said this:
'Some future advice you can either take or leave is this: this is a professional office, and you generally don't dress appropriately. I know I have been lax about this, because I have never before said anything about it, and I know that I often wear jeans into the office, but you dress weird, and people have commented to me about it, so if you think you are going to go far in life you need to start dressing more like other people.'
OK, so those weren't his EXACT words, not all of them, but I am serious that this is what he said. He didn't necessarily use the word "weird" but might as well have.
So now I'm confused, am I supposed to make my own decisions and go with them, or am I supposed to do what other people think I should do when it comes to how I dress? Or maybe the first advice is not applicable to the second advice? Oh man oh man oh man, what do I do?
P.S. If you saw how many, if not most, people in Humboldt dress, you might be a little offended by this advice. I was at first, but now I decided to take it as a compliment. And I also decided not to change it. I like it, so there! How's that for confidence, baby?
BUT SERIOUSLY WHAT SHOULD I WEAR IN WISCONSIN?
What are you people wearing these days?
Speaking of which, yesterday my boss gave me some "advice", which was basically twofold, basically unsolicited (OK, sort of solicited, but not REALLY), and basically contradictory, well at least I think so. But here, this is what he basically said, and YOU decide what it is:
'First, you are a bright young woman, and you are very skilled. You will go far in life, if you just have some confidence in yourself. Just make decisions, and don't worry so much if they are the right ones or not. You can't make everyone happy, and you WILL make mistakes, so just have the confidence to make your own decisions and then go with them.'
So that is cool, right? I like that advice. But then he said this:
'Some future advice you can either take or leave is this: this is a professional office, and you generally don't dress appropriately. I know I have been lax about this, because I have never before said anything about it, and I know that I often wear jeans into the office, but you dress weird, and people have commented to me about it, so if you think you are going to go far in life you need to start dressing more like other people.'
OK, so those weren't his EXACT words, not all of them, but I am serious that this is what he said. He didn't necessarily use the word "weird" but might as well have.
So now I'm confused, am I supposed to make my own decisions and go with them, or am I supposed to do what other people think I should do when it comes to how I dress? Or maybe the first advice is not applicable to the second advice? Oh man oh man oh man, what do I do?
P.S. If you saw how many, if not most, people in Humboldt dress, you might be a little offended by this advice. I was at first, but now I decided to take it as a compliment. And I also decided not to change it. I like it, so there! How's that for confidence, baby?
BUT SERIOUSLY WHAT SHOULD I WEAR IN WISCONSIN?
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
No, I'm Working, Really
This is me, to a "T" - even down to the purple bag!
nataliedee.com
This comic is titled "it's the thought that counts but not really". Yup.
But seriously, I'm working! I was just taking a little break to read webcomics. For FIVE minutes. Stop judging me.
(I'm coming to Wisconsin tomorrow night!)
nataliedee.com
This comic is titled "it's the thought that counts but not really". Yup.
But seriously, I'm working! I was just taking a little break to read webcomics. For FIVE minutes. Stop judging me.
(I'm coming to Wisconsin tomorrow night!)
Kinetic Sculpture Race - I am Addicted
The 2008 Kinetic Sculpture Grand Championship was this past weekend, starting Friday at the Arcata Plaza and ending Monday on Ferndale's Main Street.
That doesn't mean much to you Wisconsin Folks, but I will dare say that it was way cooler than Bratfest! (I realize that is blasphemous, but I LOVE Bratfest, so keep that in mind, OK? I am bummed that I have to miss Bratfest now that I no longer live in Wisconsin. I thought about Bratfest at least twice last weekend. But Kinetic Sculpture Race is still cooler.)
Anyway, I will definitely post pictures when I can, but if you are just dying to see how amazing the Kinetic Sculpture Race is, Google it. I heard one person describe it as a triathlon for artists. Doesn't that sound amazing? Because it is! So check it out.
In other news, today is my last day at the Festival office, at least for a while, and tomorrow evening I fly out of here, destination Madison. And man, am I anxious/excited about it!
See y'all soon! xoxoxoxo
UPDATE: Here is a link to the Wikipedia entry about the Kinetic Sculpture Race (apparently it is "also known as" the "Triathlon of the Art World". Awesome.) Link. YouTube also has some videos, as do I, but mine will appear later, probably after I get back from Wisconsin.
That doesn't mean much to you Wisconsin Folks, but I will dare say that it was way cooler than Bratfest! (I realize that is blasphemous, but I LOVE Bratfest, so keep that in mind, OK? I am bummed that I have to miss Bratfest now that I no longer live in Wisconsin. I thought about Bratfest at least twice last weekend. But Kinetic Sculpture Race is still cooler.)
Anyway, I will definitely post pictures when I can, but if you are just dying to see how amazing the Kinetic Sculpture Race is, Google it. I heard one person describe it as a triathlon for artists. Doesn't that sound amazing? Because it is! So check it out.
In other news, today is my last day at the Festival office, at least for a while, and tomorrow evening I fly out of here, destination Madison. And man, am I anxious/excited about it!
See y'all soon! xoxoxoxo
UPDATE: Here is a link to the Wikipedia entry about the Kinetic Sculpture Race (apparently it is "also known as" the "Triathlon of the Art World". Awesome.) Link. YouTube also has some videos, as do I, but mine will appear later, probably after I get back from Wisconsin.
Friday, May 23, 2008
The Actual Number of the Temperature Means Nothing
IT IS FREEZING HERE!
OK, it's not actually "freezing" - it is mid-50's, which is the same temperature it usually is. Apparently though, temperatures here are meaningless. It is the same 10 degree range year round (with the exception of the "HEAT WAVE" of last week - it was 85 degrees people, that is HARDLY a heat wave for anywhere else, but on the north Pacific coast it was HOT; and with 100% humidity it was terribly sticky here for a day or two - it was brilliant and I loved it - we went swimming in the ocean and laid on towels in the sand and were like actual normal beach-going people) and that 10 degree range can feel either gloriously warm on your skin or bitterly cold, depending on the status of the air, i.e. lovely cool breeze vs. bone-chilling wind.
So, my point is, temperatures here are meaningless.
OK, it's not actually "freezing" - it is mid-50's, which is the same temperature it usually is. Apparently though, temperatures here are meaningless. It is the same 10 degree range year round (with the exception of the "HEAT WAVE" of last week - it was 85 degrees people, that is HARDLY a heat wave for anywhere else, but on the north Pacific coast it was HOT; and with 100% humidity it was terribly sticky here for a day or two - it was brilliant and I loved it - we went swimming in the ocean and laid on towels in the sand and were like actual normal beach-going people) and that 10 degree range can feel either gloriously warm on your skin or bitterly cold, depending on the status of the air, i.e. lovely cool breeze vs. bone-chilling wind.
So, my point is, temperatures here are meaningless.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Sugar Comas and Indian Music Videos
5/21
There's an Indian restaurant on the corner. It's modest at best. They call themselves, appropriately, Indian Cuisine, and have delicious samosa's and naan and their special "hot milk tea". They always have Indian music videos playing on the flat screen TV they have mounted on the wall, which are fascinating to watch while I wait for my channa masala.
Also, the "Daily Specials" on the marker board haven't changed in months, maybe not ever.
5/22
I believe I'm going into a sugar coma, and it's all the fault of chocolate cake and caramel cheesecake and sweetened ice tea and coworkers with no self control who encourage bad choices.
OK, fine, it's my fault. MY FAULT, OK?
But seriously, that cake was as big as my face - and I have a big face. Good thing I shared it with my coworker or else I would be a goner. (Never mind that by sharing I mean she swapped half of her caramel cheesecake for half of my chocolate cake.)
I think I might need to go take a nap now. It's a good thing we have a "napping chair" here (and by that I mean one of our board members took a nap in a chair here yesterday afternoon).
There's an Indian restaurant on the corner. It's modest at best. They call themselves, appropriately, Indian Cuisine, and have delicious samosa's and naan and their special "hot milk tea". They always have Indian music videos playing on the flat screen TV they have mounted on the wall, which are fascinating to watch while I wait for my channa masala.
Also, the "Daily Specials" on the marker board haven't changed in months, maybe not ever.
5/22
I believe I'm going into a sugar coma, and it's all the fault of chocolate cake and caramel cheesecake and sweetened ice tea and coworkers with no self control who encourage bad choices.
OK, fine, it's my fault. MY FAULT, OK?
But seriously, that cake was as big as my face - and I have a big face. Good thing I shared it with my coworker or else I would be a goner. (Never mind that by sharing I mean she swapped half of her caramel cheesecake for half of my chocolate cake.)
I think I might need to go take a nap now. It's a good thing we have a "napping chair" here (and by that I mean one of our board members took a nap in a chair here yesterday afternoon).
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Office Planter, Bus Work (or Working on the Bus), and Web Comic(s) - But Not in that Particular Order
5/20/08
Dreary drizzly day. Took the 9:05 AM bus into work. Going to Wisconsin next week. Hard to focus on other stuff.
5/21/08
So the sun's out today. That's always nice. Got on the bus, and heard a voice say "Hi Naomi!" Turned around, and there was my coworker. Sat next to her and talked about work and stuff. Let her know how it all works, as I'm passing the torch onto her. I wonder if we can say our workday started at 8:30 (the time we started "talking shop" on the bus)...
*
So, there's a planter in my office, located next to the refrigerator, where a garbage can used to be. People apparently don't look very carefully at it as they pass by, and just dump garbage in the planter. Which then motivated me to make a sign that says:
"This is not so much a garbage can as it is a planter. Thanks for your time."
Wonder if it will work.
*
Also, this is funny (and sometimes how I/all office workers feel - well sort of, but in a bit more twisted way):
toothpastefordinner.com
Also this is definitely me (sometimes):
nataliedee.com
But not today. So don't worry about it!
Dreary drizzly day. Took the 9:05 AM bus into work. Going to Wisconsin next week. Hard to focus on other stuff.
5/21/08
So the sun's out today. That's always nice. Got on the bus, and heard a voice say "Hi Naomi!" Turned around, and there was my coworker. Sat next to her and talked about work and stuff. Let her know how it all works, as I'm passing the torch onto her. I wonder if we can say our workday started at 8:30 (the time we started "talking shop" on the bus)...
*
So, there's a planter in my office, located next to the refrigerator, where a garbage can used to be. People apparently don't look very carefully at it as they pass by, and just dump garbage in the planter. Which then motivated me to make a sign that says:
"This is not so much a garbage can as it is a planter. Thanks for your time."
Wonder if it will work.
*
Also, this is funny (and sometimes how I/all office workers feel - well sort of, but in a bit more twisted way):
toothpastefordinner.com
Also this is definitely me (sometimes):
nataliedee.com
But not today. So don't worry about it!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
It's HOT!, plus Riding the Bus
It's definitely in the mid-70's here in Eureka, which is so not like Humboldt County any time of the year. And it's only going to get warmer according to The Weather People.
Yeah, I'm enjoying it. It's funny to hear people "complain" about it though. Maybe their lives are just so good they have nothing else to complain about ... but I sort of doubt it.
So, I have been riding the bus into work in the mornings, which has been truly wonderful, because:
a) I get to read a book instead of fight traffic and/or
b) I get to stare out the window and look at the lovely bay
c) it's actually much cheaper to ride the bus right now than to buy gas that is well over $4 per gallon
d) I'm helping the environment
e) I have a stress free commute (OK, this is similar to reasons "a" and "b", but whatever, I like stress free, OK?)
f) I don't have to try and find a parking spot in downtown Eureka, which is only two-hour parking if there is no spot in the lot, which means I spend all day moving my car around every two hours, which is LAAAAME, plus I have forgotten several times, and a $20 parking ticket is not nice.
So, there it is. Why I love the bus.
But this morning I had one of those, what do you say, Uncomfortable Bus Moments. You know, the ones where you don't know how to act, or not act, what to say, or if you just ignore it altogether.
I went the ignore route.
I don't know if the man in the seat next to me was talking to me, himself, or a tiny cell phone chip implanted in his head, but all of a sudden the relatively normal looking guy I sat down next to starts mumbling angry expletives under his breath. I didn't feel like they were meant for me, especially since when I glanced out the window he stopped and just sat there looking like nothing was going on. I couldn't make out anything that he was saying except the "f-bomb" and the "s-word," but what I could understand is that his tone was very angry.
So, I'm trying to focus on my book, but it's hard. And then I realize that I am actually letting this guy get to me, and I'm feeling really hot in the face, like the feeling you get when someone is yelling at you. So I tell myself, inside my head, of course - otherwise I wouldn't have thought this was weird behavior - that I REFUSE to let this guy get to me, that I REJECT his poison.
It worked. I felt much calmer. I considered putting my ear phones in and listening to some music, but we were getting pretty close to my stop by this point, and I also worried that it might be really obvious if I suddenly whipped out my MP3 player. So, I just ignored the guy.
I don't know how I'm supposed to treat this kind of a thing. Just like I haven't figured out if I'm "supposed to" ignore homeless people or say hi to them. Saying hi to them often gets them following me asking me for money. It makes me feel uncomfortable and guilty. I help when I can, but I worry about getting taken advantage of too. There is quite a drug problem in Humboldt County, and no, I'm not talking about weed. It's hard to differentiate between the honest-hearted down-and-out homeless guy and the tweaker who is just trying to get a fix. And really, who am I to judge anyway? I'm just trying to go to work!
Anyway, I still love the bus either way. And excuse me if I sound naive, which I'm sure I do, but Wisconsin just doesn't have the homeless problem that northern California (all of California?) has. It's not like I have a problem with the homeless people, but I do have a problem with the systems in place that force people to live on the streets and beg for their livelihood. But that rant is for another time.
By the time I got done writing this, the weather increased 10 degrees. It's hot, y'all! My hair is rebelling, i.e. frizzy as all get-out (I don't even know what the phrase "frizzy as all get-out" means). But that rant is for another time too.
Yeah, I'm enjoying it. It's funny to hear people "complain" about it though. Maybe their lives are just so good they have nothing else to complain about ... but I sort of doubt it.
So, I have been riding the bus into work in the mornings, which has been truly wonderful, because:
a) I get to read a book instead of fight traffic and/or
b) I get to stare out the window and look at the lovely bay
c) it's actually much cheaper to ride the bus right now than to buy gas that is well over $4 per gallon
d) I'm helping the environment
e) I have a stress free commute (OK, this is similar to reasons "a" and "b", but whatever, I like stress free, OK?)
f) I don't have to try and find a parking spot in downtown Eureka, which is only two-hour parking if there is no spot in the lot, which means I spend all day moving my car around every two hours, which is LAAAAME, plus I have forgotten several times, and a $20 parking ticket is not nice.
So, there it is. Why I love the bus.
But this morning I had one of those, what do you say, Uncomfortable Bus Moments. You know, the ones where you don't know how to act, or not act, what to say, or if you just ignore it altogether.
I went the ignore route.
I don't know if the man in the seat next to me was talking to me, himself, or a tiny cell phone chip implanted in his head, but all of a sudden the relatively normal looking guy I sat down next to starts mumbling angry expletives under his breath. I didn't feel like they were meant for me, especially since when I glanced out the window he stopped and just sat there looking like nothing was going on. I couldn't make out anything that he was saying except the "f-bomb" and the "s-word," but what I could understand is that his tone was very angry.
So, I'm trying to focus on my book, but it's hard. And then I realize that I am actually letting this guy get to me, and I'm feeling really hot in the face, like the feeling you get when someone is yelling at you. So I tell myself, inside my head, of course - otherwise I wouldn't have thought this was weird behavior - that I REFUSE to let this guy get to me, that I REJECT his poison.
It worked. I felt much calmer. I considered putting my ear phones in and listening to some music, but we were getting pretty close to my stop by this point, and I also worried that it might be really obvious if I suddenly whipped out my MP3 player. So, I just ignored the guy.
I don't know how I'm supposed to treat this kind of a thing. Just like I haven't figured out if I'm "supposed to" ignore homeless people or say hi to them. Saying hi to them often gets them following me asking me for money. It makes me feel uncomfortable and guilty. I help when I can, but I worry about getting taken advantage of too. There is quite a drug problem in Humboldt County, and no, I'm not talking about weed. It's hard to differentiate between the honest-hearted down-and-out homeless guy and the tweaker who is just trying to get a fix. And really, who am I to judge anyway? I'm just trying to go to work!
Anyway, I still love the bus either way. And excuse me if I sound naive, which I'm sure I do, but Wisconsin just doesn't have the homeless problem that northern California (all of California?) has. It's not like I have a problem with the homeless people, but I do have a problem with the systems in place that force people to live on the streets and beg for their livelihood. But that rant is for another time.
By the time I got done writing this, the weather increased 10 degrees. It's hot, y'all! My hair is rebelling, i.e. frizzy as all get-out (I don't even know what the phrase "frizzy as all get-out" means). But that rant is for another time too.
California Supreme Court Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
In the California news:
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_9269719
California Supreme Court legalizes same-sex marriage
By Howard Mintz
Mercury News
Article Launched: 05/15/2008 10:11:17 AM PDT
A sharply divided California Supreme Court today legalized same-sex marriage, an historic ruling that will allow gay and lesbian couples across the state to wed as soon as next month and inflame the social, political and moral debate over gay unions.
In a 4-3 ruling written by Chief Justice Ronald George, the Supreme Court struck down California laws that restrict marriage to heterosexual couples, finding that it is unconstitutional to deprive gays and lesbians of the equal right to walk down the aisle with a marriage license in hand.
The California and Massachussetts Supreme Courts are now the only top courts in the country to uphold the right of gay couples to marry.
"The California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as to opposite-sex couples," the court observed in a 121-page decision.
The reaction was immediate.
A spokesman for San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom sent a simple e-mail to his press staff: "We won."
The ruling marks a watershed moment in the conflict over gay marriage, with the most influential state Supreme Court in the nation, dominated by Republican appointees, ruling in favor of gay rights advocates in the state with the largest gay population. California was considered a crucial battleground for civil rights groups, which have lost a number of major legal challenges in recent years in other states such as New York, Washington and New Jersey.
The decision is sure to spark a furor that could spill into the ballot box in November, when there is a strong chance voters will be weighing a ballot initiative to change the state Constitution to outlaw same-sex marriage. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger previously announced his opposition to the ballot initiative, and reiterated his opposition today.
"I respect the court's decision and as governor, I will uphold its ruling," Schwarzenegger said within minutes of the ruling. "Also, as I have said in the past, I will not support an amendment to the constitution that would overturn this state Supreme Court ruling."
The three dissenters in today's ruling argued that it should be up to the voters or Legislature to sanction gay marriage, not the courts. A divided state appeals court reached that conclusion in 2006 when it upheld the ban on gay marriage, but that ruling was overturned by today's Supreme Court decision.
Justice Marvin Baxter, in one dissent, warned that the court had overstepped its judicial powers by overturning existing marriage laws.
"There is no deeply rooted tradition of same-sex marriage, in the nation or in this state," Baxter wrote, adding there is no constitutional right to gay marriage "because marriage is, as it always has been, the right of a woman and unrelated man to marry each other."
George was joined in the majority decision by two other Republican justices, Kathryn Mickle Werdegar and Joyce Kennard. Justice Carlos Moreno, the lone Democratic appointee on the court, also joined George's ruling. Baxter, Ming Chin and Carol Corrigan dissented.
The Supreme Court's intervention has been inevitable since February 2004, when San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom ignited a national outcry by giving same-sex couples the short-lived right to marry at City Hall, a move that attracted lines of couples to City Hall steps each day. The Supreme Court quickly put a halt to Newsom's edict, invalidating thousands of marriage licenses - the justices found that Newsom had overstepped his authority by violating state law, but invited a broad legal challenge to California's ban on gay marriage.
San Francisco city officials, civil rights groups and gay couples then filed a series of lawsuits challenging a state family code section that restricts marriage to heterosexual couples, and also a 2000 voter-approved ballot initiative, Proposition 22, that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
The lawsuits argued that the state is denying gay couples equal treatment. One of the leading cases to back their cause was a 60-year-old California Supreme Court ruling that struck down the state's ban on interracial marriage, at the time the first such decision in the United States.
California officials have defended the current law, despite the fact that both former Attorney General Bill Lockyer and current Attorney General Jerry Brown do not oppose gay marriage. State lawyers have argued that California's strong domestic partners laws essentially already provide equal benefits to same-sex couples, eliminating the need to tamper with the traditional definition of marriage laws.
Conservative groups opposed to gay marriage have taken a stronger view, arguing that the state has a crucial interest in restricting marriage to heterosexual couples for social cohesion and because they maintain marriage is rooted in procreation. Throughout the court case, they have vowed to turn to the voters if the current laws are overturned, a strategy that has worked in other states.
A San Francisco trial judge initially found the state's gay marriage ban unconstitutional, but that ruling was overturned by the San Francisco-based 1st District Court of Appeal in 2006.
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_9269719
California Supreme Court legalizes same-sex marriage
By Howard Mintz
Mercury News
Article Launched: 05/15/2008 10:11:17 AM PDT
A sharply divided California Supreme Court today legalized same-sex marriage, an historic ruling that will allow gay and lesbian couples across the state to wed as soon as next month and inflame the social, political and moral debate over gay unions.
In a 4-3 ruling written by Chief Justice Ronald George, the Supreme Court struck down California laws that restrict marriage to heterosexual couples, finding that it is unconstitutional to deprive gays and lesbians of the equal right to walk down the aisle with a marriage license in hand.
The California and Massachussetts Supreme Courts are now the only top courts in the country to uphold the right of gay couples to marry.
"The California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as to opposite-sex couples," the court observed in a 121-page decision.
The reaction was immediate.
A spokesman for San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom sent a simple e-mail to his press staff: "We won."
The ruling marks a watershed moment in the conflict over gay marriage, with the most influential state Supreme Court in the nation, dominated by Republican appointees, ruling in favor of gay rights advocates in the state with the largest gay population. California was considered a crucial battleground for civil rights groups, which have lost a number of major legal challenges in recent years in other states such as New York, Washington and New Jersey.
The decision is sure to spark a furor that could spill into the ballot box in November, when there is a strong chance voters will be weighing a ballot initiative to change the state Constitution to outlaw same-sex marriage. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger previously announced his opposition to the ballot initiative, and reiterated his opposition today.
"I respect the court's decision and as governor, I will uphold its ruling," Schwarzenegger said within minutes of the ruling. "Also, as I have said in the past, I will not support an amendment to the constitution that would overturn this state Supreme Court ruling."
The three dissenters in today's ruling argued that it should be up to the voters or Legislature to sanction gay marriage, not the courts. A divided state appeals court reached that conclusion in 2006 when it upheld the ban on gay marriage, but that ruling was overturned by today's Supreme Court decision.
Justice Marvin Baxter, in one dissent, warned that the court had overstepped its judicial powers by overturning existing marriage laws.
"There is no deeply rooted tradition of same-sex marriage, in the nation or in this state," Baxter wrote, adding there is no constitutional right to gay marriage "because marriage is, as it always has been, the right of a woman and unrelated man to marry each other."
George was joined in the majority decision by two other Republican justices, Kathryn Mickle Werdegar and Joyce Kennard. Justice Carlos Moreno, the lone Democratic appointee on the court, also joined George's ruling. Baxter, Ming Chin and Carol Corrigan dissented.
The Supreme Court's intervention has been inevitable since February 2004, when San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom ignited a national outcry by giving same-sex couples the short-lived right to marry at City Hall, a move that attracted lines of couples to City Hall steps each day. The Supreme Court quickly put a halt to Newsom's edict, invalidating thousands of marriage licenses - the justices found that Newsom had overstepped his authority by violating state law, but invited a broad legal challenge to California's ban on gay marriage.
San Francisco city officials, civil rights groups and gay couples then filed a series of lawsuits challenging a state family code section that restricts marriage to heterosexual couples, and also a 2000 voter-approved ballot initiative, Proposition 22, that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
The lawsuits argued that the state is denying gay couples equal treatment. One of the leading cases to back their cause was a 60-year-old California Supreme Court ruling that struck down the state's ban on interracial marriage, at the time the first such decision in the United States.
California officials have defended the current law, despite the fact that both former Attorney General Bill Lockyer and current Attorney General Jerry Brown do not oppose gay marriage. State lawyers have argued that California's strong domestic partners laws essentially already provide equal benefits to same-sex couples, eliminating the need to tamper with the traditional definition of marriage laws.
Conservative groups opposed to gay marriage have taken a stronger view, arguing that the state has a crucial interest in restricting marriage to heterosexual couples for social cohesion and because they maintain marriage is rooted in procreation. Throughout the court case, they have vowed to turn to the voters if the current laws are overturned, a strategy that has worked in other states.
A San Francisco trial judge initially found the state's gay marriage ban unconstitutional, but that ruling was overturned by the San Francisco-based 1st District Court of Appeal in 2006.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
My Favorite Park (in Pictures)
Sometimes there are no words, and then I show pictures. Here is one such time, and I present: Redwood Park, which is only blocks from where I live. This is one of the places I never tire of hiking.
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