Wednesday, December 30, 2009

The Start

I'm really hoping 2010 will be an "everything works out easily and effortlessly" kind of year. I mean, I feel like I deserve a little life break after 2009. Actually, after this past decade really.

Anyhow, so the BF and I are going to downtown PDX tomorrow night for New Year's Eve festivities where we will party like rockstars and meet up with some fabulous rock star friends... but I'll probably get tired before midnight and have to drink a Rockstar ED to make it.

I'm looking through my closet tonight trying to figure out what I'm going to wear to ring in 2010. I feel like it's in what I wear that will set the tone. I'm realizing that I have nothing suitable and will be shopping tomorrow desperately hunting for the perfect NYE/2010 look. And then jewelry to match. And maybe some shoes. Oh yeah, and what about some new eyeshadow to complement? It's going to be a long day.

But 2010 here I come... with fingers crossed.

I'll let you know how I come out the other side...

Happy New Year!

Arctic Blast 2009!

I heart Oregon.

Can I just say that I've lived in Oregon for about 10 years now and rarely has it snowed more than an inch at a time, but in the past two years it has snowed about 5 inches a day when it has snowed.

I. LOVE. IT.

For many reasons.

Reason #1: I get to work from home or not work at all. I stay in my PJ's until noon and eat food and watch the dumb morning shows with the laptop open next to me but really just wasting electricity.

Reason #2: It's BEAUTIFUL. I love how snow looks and at night it never really gets dark because all the moonlight and streetlights reflect on everything.

Reason #3: The cats totally freak out. I mean, they see the snow and whine at the back sliding glass door until I let them out and then they tenatively walk out to the edge of the deck and stick their little paws into the cold snow. Occassionaly they run around the yard in it- well, only one cat is brave enough... the other sits on the deck watching but too scared to stick more than a paw out there and test the cold.

Reason #4: All of Portland shuts down when it snows. I think it's because no one knows how to drive in it, or they drive rear-wheel drive vehicles without traction devices. I feel bad for folks with Mustangs- I don't know why, but those poor cars are TERRIBLE in the snow. They just spin and slide. I, however, drive a lovely all wheel drive vehicle and have chains and know not to follow super close to other vehicles in icy conditions. I also know to get home before the asinine traffic starts and just watch the mayhem on the news. I wait for everyone else to get home and stay home before I venture out, if I venture out at all. Hot chocolate and books are made for days like this.

Monday, December 21, 2009

It's Because I'm A Dumb Girl..

There are many things that girls do that we shouldn't, and for some reason a lot of those things are UNEXPLAINABLE. That's just the way we are, we don't even think about it. It's auto-programmed.

I'm talking about CRYING.

I hate crying. I hate crying almost as much as I hate puking, or even more than puking depending on the situation.

I'm not one of those girls that cries for no reason... there's always a reason when I cry, it's just that once I get started I cannot stop crying. I've been this way for as long as I remember, and until my tear ducts are done, I continue to cry. It's the LAMEST THING EVER. Especially in front of boys.

This past weekend the BF and I went to Corvallis to visit friends and get out of town and away from crazy holiday shoppers, oh yeah, and eat at the Block 15- which is AMAZING. Anyway, day was going fine and then on the ride home we were talking and I asked some questions (because I'm nosey, duh, but really they were things I needed to know) and BF answered and then we kept talking and BF said some things that I took differently than he meant me to take them (we were both EXTREMELY exhausted at this point and on the verge of falling asleep in the car). So then I started crying. Crying because I felt bad, and then I felt bad about taking what he said wrong, and then I started thinking about how much of a dumb girl I am and I continued to cry.

Meanwhile, poor BF is sitting in the driver's seat wondering what the heck is going on. He is such a trooper because he sat there with me while I didn't make any freaking sense and just hugged me and held my hand (which made me feel like a royal ass for being so emotional).

I love that boy.

I hate being a girl.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

It's Official...

BF and I are going to see MUSE. IN. APRIL.











BLISS!


Got our tickets at 1:01pm PST today... Presale sold out at 1:05pm according to the site. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Do You Remember....

... When you had time to go sit in Barnes and Noble/Powell's and read magazines for hours?

... When your plans for the weekend consisted of hanging out with your friends and DID NOT include any of the following: laundry, grocery shopping, running errands, grooming pets, doing yardwork, grading papers/ doing work related things, cleaning the house (and not just your room), cooking all meals, working out, etc?

... When no one else's musical tastes bothered you that much?

... When you felt like having a full time job was WAY easier than going to school full time?


Just reminiscing...

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Yesterday

... was the BEST. DAY. EVER.


1. Found out that Muse is coming to Portland on April 3 (see yesterday's post regarding). Tickets to go on sale this week... which I will be purchasing.


2. Saw BEN FOLDS as a judge on a new television show that's a little too lame to watch, but I was thrilled to see Mr. Folds. JAZZED and THRILLED.


3. BF sent me the cutest, sweetest text message EVER that made my whole day just peachy. That's right. Peachy.


And now for something completely different; things I should have put on my Christmas list, but didn't know I wanted until I started shopping for everyone else. Please see below for my additions:



1. Flight of the Conchords Seasons 1 and 2 on DVD

2. Giftcard to Ulta

3. Tickets to Muse- 2 so I can take the BF.
4. Certificate for a massage.
5. Harry Potter DVD set- years 1-6 (because I'm tired of borrowing them from the fam).
6. Monty Python DVD set.

Monday, December 14, 2009

I'm PEEING MY PANTS RIGHT NOW!!!

I don't have time to post this but it's SO FREAKIN' IMPORTANT I MUST DO IT!!!

MUSE is coming to PDX.


... wait, did you get that?

MUSE.

IN. PORTLAND.

APRIL 3, 2010.


Whose going?


THIS GIRL!


Tickets aren't on sale yet, but they go on sale this weekend and oh-my-gosh I will max out the credit card to get one if I have to and will cry until they come back if I don't get tickets. I'm trying to find out how to get in the front row without having to spend a billion dollars (that I don't have).

Just thought you'd want to know.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Absence = Good News

So I might have been missing for a few weeks here. Why?
Because I'm so fancy...



I'm SO FANCY because I got a new job.


(giving you space to freak out here... I know you are excited)


I still work for the same company, but I got somewhat of a promotion. You see, the girl that had this job got a different job in a different department- which by most accounts needed to happen (don't judge me, I don't cause the office gossip). Also, my boss left the company (more office drama but I don't have the energy to go into it). So my ex-boss's boss, who the other girl was working for (lost yet?) called me up and was like, "Hey, why don't we have you fill in for So-and-So until we find a permanent replacement."

And of course I was like, "Sounds great."

So I was "filling in" for a couple of weeks and then got the job. Permanently.

What does this mean?


This means AWESOME. That's what it means.

But really it means that I now have my own office/work space in a really cool building at HQ. It means I can walk from my building across the sidewalk to our own private store/salon/restaurant/fancy hang out for lunch and hot cocoa. It means I can go for a run around WHQ if I feel like it. It means I can clip my badge on my pants pocket and look all important and stuff because I actually get to use it to GET INTO BUILDINGS... because, as I said, I am fancy like that.

More importantly, it means my morning commute has been cut in half.

Lastly, it means that I am the busiest I've ever been at work because a lot goes in to getting acquainted to a new job during the holidays. And a lot goes into trying to figure out how to best do my new job since the powers that be decided my role should evolve from what the job originally was (which is a good thing).

So, sorry my sweets, but until I get it more under control I will only be sneak-blogging while I can grab a second here and there.

In other news: OMG- it's almost Christmas!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Dear Billy Corgan,

I woke up this morning to the news because I fell asleep watching tv last night (I pretty much do that every night). To my SHOCK AND HORROR, the news lady was talking about how you are dating one Jessica Simpson.

...


...


WHA?!

I missed something. I thought we had an understanding... go ahead and date the weird, artsy, kinda emo music girls and maybe even date some of the washed up former grunge-rock female musicians- I tolerate these things and I'll date the BF in the meantime, but I cannot stand for this.

You have betrayed my trust and faith in... you, I guess.

Anyway, that's all I have to say on this subject.


Regards,

Heather

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

New Glasses, Optometry and Why I'm Sitting on a Fitness Ball in my Cube

This morning I had to go to the Optometrist for my yearly check up... meaning they got to numb my eyes and turn me into a half-vampire for a bit. It was sweet, as always.

I go to the Pacific University Eye Clinic because I'm brave enough to have students touch my eyeballs, etc. Seriously, if I were a more nervous person I probably wouldn't go there, but I trust them since they are finishing their 8th year of school to not permanently blind or injure me. Also, it is nice to know that you aren't going to have some condescending old fart of a doctor talk to you about eye health...

Anyhow, so it's always a different student doctor that sees me so I'm used to not seeing the same person each time, no big deal... but today when the guy came out to get me from the waiting room I was close to hysterical laughter. This guy looked almost EXACTLY like an ex-boyfriend of mine from years and years ago and to see someone looking like him in a lab-coat waiting to take a peek at my peepers was just too much for me.

I had to stifle giggles as he checked my prescription and ran tests... I could see his half-blurry face on the other side of the lenses with a look of intense focus as he recorded the settings. Of course I couldn't say anything because that would be... creepy. What was I going to do? Say,"Hey, Dr. Mitch, you look like a guy I dated in high school... you could be his freakin' twin... isn't that funny?" because it wouldn't be a bit funny to him at all. So I sat there and giggled every time he left the room.

After I was sufficiently numbed, dilated, etc they took pictures of my optic nerves with some new-fangled camera thingy so I was blinded as well. Then Dr. Mitch took me out to pick out a new pair of glasses since my prescription had changed ever so slightly. This isn't the usual protocol, but the eye-glass lady had to be at a seminar and so wouldn't be back until later so my student doc got to help. He was a little out of his league, and he admitted it, but it worked out well and I found a nice new pair of glasses (I think... we'll see next week when I pick them up and can inspect them with clear vision).

I carefully drove to work (SUPER carefully) and then remembered that I decided to get rid of my office chair and start sitting on an exercise ball because it's better for me (in theory so far). I kind of like it because instead of tappy my foot when I get bored, I now bounce on my ball which sort of makes me laugh. I probably look ridiculous. So be it.

I'm so glad it's a short week. Thanksgiving can't come fast enough. I'm pretty sure I'd rather be at home looking silly than at work. I'm also pretty glad I didn't say anything to Dr. Mitch about being Ex's twin.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

S is for Scary, I is for Irrational

Some things in life scare me... a lot. Some of those things make sense, like huge gross spiders, and creepy-crawly little animals, and drunk drivers. Some of those things do not.



I'm trying my best to get over those things, but I cannot always talk myself out of them. Mostly, I'm afraid because I'm insecure; uncertain of the outcome of a situation because I don't control other people and what they will decide to do/not do. Not that I want to control other people (not even a little bit) but you know what I mean.



Anyhow, I was feeling totally silly this weekend because I just can't talk myself out of being scared by relationships. I think I'm doing a pretty good job keeping my irrational fears/emotions at bay until I can deal with them in a healthy way, but for some freaking reason I had a problem this weekend. Who knows why. Maybe it's the impending holiday season? You tell me.

But I've got to tell you, BF is great at helping me deal. He may not know it, and he may not even know that I'm one big ball of chaos on the inside sometimes, but I'm very thankful for him. I'm also very thankful that he has a sense of humor about things because things would not work out if he didn't.

Cute story from this weekend:

We're riding in the car and BF says, "Look at what is written on my hand."

So I look, expecting a funny doodle or word or even a gross joke, but no, I found the word "FLOWERS" printed across the back of his hand.

"Flowers... for what?" I ask.

"For you! I was going to get flowers for you for being so great and understanding during this semester... but I didn't like any of the flowers."

"Oh! Well, that's the sweetest thing ever!"

And you know what? Even though I didn't actually get the flowers, I got something better. Reassurance that I actually mean something to someone that I care about... enough that he thinks about me when we aren't hanging out. That is very nice to know.

Sappy enough for you? Happy Monday.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Balance in the Universe

*BIG SIGH*

Just a couple of things on my mind today:

1. How do some people have jobs? They don't do anything, and yet they are still employed. I'm baffled. BAFFLED. There is a long and boring story that goes with this, but I'm thinking in the future that I may have a hand in streamlining some processes at work that eliminate these people that take up space and make it harder for me to get a decent raise (not that I don't make good money, but you know what I mean).

2. Why do good things happen to idiotic, emotionally retarded, lying, cheating, BAD people and terrible things happen to sweet, kind, funny, talented, generous, trusting, honest people? I honestly don't get it. I mean, sure there are some situations that balance out in the end and good prevails, blah blah blah, but I'm talking about a specific situation here with someone WONDERFUL that I know that has to go through HORRIBLE things even though this person has never done a bad thing in their life, ever... not even thought a bad thing about anyone else. I'm totally serious. Most stand-up person I know. I'm extremely frustrated about it because while great Person #1 lives through Hell, bad Person #2 has everything handed to him and never gets what's coming his way and life is generally pleasant and easy for him. I wish I could change things for Person #1, and then be there when Person #2 get's his comeuppance. (it's a word).


What is making me happy right now are the following:

1. New music I'm IN LOVE with that isn't that new at all, but I just started really listening to it, so there. Click HERE to see what I'm talking about.

2. A certain movie is coming out this week. If you can't guess what it is, you're WAY out of the loop. If you can, don't make fun of me, I know you're probably going in secret this weekend.

3. Wearing boots because it's been rainy and cold.

4. Spending the weekend with BF since he's mostly done with classes after this week. Which also means we will get to hang out more in the evenings (hopefully).

5. My new haircut. Seriously haven't had a professional haircut since Spring.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

What I Did At Work Today...

I mean, not to brag, but I have a pretty freakin' cool job and I work for a pretty rad company (did I just say rad? Yes, that just happened).

Anywho, I was invited to a little art-show/party on campus today featuring Bunky Echo Hawk (click on it!), a Native American artist who specializes in pop culture art and political/social commentary art. He does some pretty cool stuff.

So we got to watch him do some live art (which I've been sworn to secrecy about, so I cannot show you any pics until the end of the month, sorry!) and got to know a little bit about him. If you just do a Google image search of him you will find some neat things he's done that are more popular. Sadly today he didn't have the print I wanted for sale, so I'm totally going to order it when his website is up and running. You may or may not have seen this painting he did of Obama:



SO..... it was a good day.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Not My Favorite, But Not Terrible... A Review

SO...

I bought the new Weezer album, Raditude.



Yes, I actually spent money on it. And I actually went to the store instead of downloading it. Can I just take a little detour here and tell you something? It's much better to buy a physical compact disc than to download an album. I feel cheated when I don't have a physical token of something I've spent money on. This is why I don't like spending money on food, because the only physical thing you get from that is usually indigestion and extra weight. Anyhow...

I walked myself down Burnside to good old E.M. and bought it. Because NO ONE ELSE has it and I'm morbidly curious about it.

I asked the guy at the counter if it sucked. His response was, " I honestly haven't even listened to it because I've been way to busy with movies."

Ugh.

I popped it into the CD player in my car (which I've forgiven for blowing up on me, that's another story) and drove around for a bit just trying to get the feel for this new album.

Ok, so it's not bad. I was really prepared for vomitously horrid, but I got mildly entertaining so I'll take it. I'm not letting Weezer off the hook for their venture into all things crappy in the past decade, but this was listenable. Mostly I just thought the lyrics were funny and the melodies a bit sophmoric, but then I realized that there are a handful of songs that I will be putting into playlists so it wasn't a failure.

Not the next big album, though. To sum it up in one word, "Eh".


...so I guess I'm still blogging. Deal.



*** UPDATE*** (11/15/09)

So BF says I'm being too nice and that my "Eh" rating is far too generous. He may be right.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Break

I'm taking a break... from pretty much everything that I normally do. Well, not everything, but most things that you can think of.


Why? Because I'm freakin' exhausted. I'm very tired of all the same stuff that fills my life up and I have to change that. I'm starting to feel obligated to do things and guilty about things that don't matter and that's just not right. I don't want to live my life doing things because I think someone else is going to be hurt or upset if I don't do them. I want to do things for ME, without consequence to someone else... and even if there is disapproval on someone else's end, I'm not going to worry too much about it.

I may or may not continue to blog. I guess we'll see how I feel about it.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

THINGS and STUFF


Ok, so it's been like a week since I've posted. I'm sorry to the 3 or so of you that actually read this.

So here's what's been going on in my life since last week:

Friday: Went to 2 "Halloween" parties and got to dress up like Marilyn Monroe. Should've taken pictures... it was GREAT.

Saturday: Moved my extra stuff to a storage space... jeez I have a lot of stuff. A lot of necessary stuff. Went to an Arrested Development themed Halloween party and it was SO FUN. Had the best cheese-things for a snack... so buttery and delicious. Then went to a sketch comedy show that was so hilarious at one point I almost peed my pants. Went to the Alibi to see the costume contest and listen to people sing ridiculous Karaoke and hang out with our friend Meagan. I heart her.

Monday: Scrambled around trying to find catering and photographers for two work events. One of my bosses informed me that he was leaving the company. Felt elated and also upset by this for many reasons (which I will go into at another time). My computer DIED at work.

Tuesday: Had to take my computer to the IT folks to get it fixed, and got set up with a loaner laptop. Met with boss's boss and admin to figure out what I'm going to have to do to keep things running until they get a replacement. Scrambled to get final details for work event this weekend signed off.

Today: Cleaned out boss's old office. UGH. Rearranged my office. Was asked if I'd like to go to one of the work events I was helping plan this weekend in Seattle... had to book flight/hotel/car for event for myself (for once). I'm excited. Still trying to iron out details for this event. If you are wondering about this event, click HERE. It's a release party for that particular thing. There are different styles of it. YAY. Still waiting on computer... apparently mine isn't "fixable" so they are ordering me a new one. FINALLY. That thing ran like crud.

Anyway, I'll update you on more fun things later.



Wednesday, October 28, 2009

I'm So Much Fun

So, I guess I had forgotten over the past few years how much fun I am... because in the past few years, I haven't had a chance to actually have fun without worrying about things. There was always something keeping me from truly having a good time. I mean, there were rare exceptions, but mostly I would be mildly entertained by things.

Tonight, for BF's birthday, we met up with his school cohort and had an AWESOME time. Not that we did anything particularly great, but it was nice to sit around and get to know people and trade funny stories. I didn't have any stresses or anything to worry about.

I feel like this weekend... being Halloween... will be the same.

OMG, I can't wait.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Listy-List

I'm copying Katrina, because I'm bored and I adore this girl. And I'm bored. Also I haven't done a list of any kind in a while. Did I mention I'm bored?



Recent Favorites/Frequents:


Drinks:
1. Hot Chocolate
2. Simply Apple apple juice
3. Hi Ball sparkling energy water


Records:
1. Far- Regina Spektor
2. Paramore- Brand New Eyes (stop judging me)
3. New Moon soundtrack (again, don't judge, just listen)


Movies:
1. Away We Go
2. Underworld (1, 2, and 3)
3. Pan's Labrynth


TV:
1. The Office
2. Medium
3. It's Always Sunny (online, even thought it's on TV)


Activities:
1. knitting
2. painting my nails dark fall colors
3. making apple butter


Foods:
1. Paninis
2. Maraschino cherries
3. Oranges


Things I'm Looking Forward To:
1. Thanksgiving- but mostly the pumpkin pie and stuffing.
2. Going to the mountains this winter for skiing, boarding, tubing.
3. Going to Scotland.


Goals I Have:
1. Work out 6 days a week
2. Consolidate my stuff before the holidays and get rid of unnecessary extras
3. write a book


It Must be Monday

I had a pretty tumultuous weekend. A lot happened and I decided on a lot of stuff.

I'm being vague. I will continue to be vague, so if that stresses you out, skip over this part.


Anyway, so what I can tell you is that I rearranged furniture and eliminated some things that I no longer needed... things that reminded me of stressful times and people and so they HAD to go. I'm nowhere near having all of it out, but I realize that it will take some time.

I also re-evaluated some of the things I was doing in my life that weren't doing their jobs for me... I had to "let them go" as they say. In short, I fired part of my life. It's good, but also causing some anxiety as well- as does all change.


And now it's Monday.

I felt better when I woke up, but then I looked outside. Raining cats and dogs. Buckets of water coming down, and it was SO DARK. So I made hot chocolate and bundled up and didn't do a thing with my hair (because if it's raining, what's the point?).

I have a couple of things to look forward to this week:

1. It's the BF's birthday! This is exciting because a) he's older than me and b) I love birthdays, oh yeah and c) I love giving people gifts.

2. It's Halloween! So parties and costumes galore! Hint as to what I'm going to be: I need to buy a blonde wig today. That's all I'm giving you. Don't worry, I will post pics later.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Quotes of the Week and Memorable Conversations

Conversation #1:

Cashier: (after I set my purse on the counter to find my wallet) That's a great purse; it's very colorful.

Me: ...mmmhmmm, I like colors.... (as I realize I sound REALLY DUMB saying that)

Cashier: *blinks*

Me: uh... that sounded like I was 5 years old. It's kind of been a day, and it's only Monday.

Cashier: Ha ha, it's ok, I like colors, too.

Me: (walk away from counter shaking head)



Conversation #2

Mom: (in the car driving home from store, we are passing restaurants and other stores, she is reading the names of them out loud) ... Sushi and Maki, Japanese (in a fake Japanese accent)

Me: (Silence first at the shock of hearing my mom use ANY sort of accent) HAHAHAAAAAAAA! What kind of accent was that? (hysterical laughter continues)

Mom: eh...



Quote #1:

"Are you questioning my badassedness?... Have you seen my guns?"- from Glee.

Quote #2:

"Creepers"- guy from work.


I think I will do this every week because I always hear funny things and forget to share them!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Jillian Michaels Made Me Cry... Twice

I don't really watch The Biggest Loser... mostly because I have other things I'd rather be doing. Last night, however, I had NOTHING to do after working out and eating dinner. **Pause** I need to back up and tell you about working out first.

A few months ago I had a leftover giftcard to a place that sells media stuff, and I had nothing that I needed or really wanted to buy so I went shopping for nothing and ended up buying a Jillian Michaels work out dvd because it sounded interesting and looked like something I would do. That dvd has since been used ZERO times until yesterday when I decided that I should probably do more for myself than running, crunches and push ups.

Ok, so the premise of this DVD is that you do cardio, weights and ab training in a 3-2-1 circuit for almost half an hour to burn more calories and build more lean muscle than just doing those things separately. Sounds good. I grabbed my hand weights and yoga mat and set to it. The warm up was easy and the first set of weights, cardio, abs was pretty easy, and then for some reason Ms. Michaels thought it would be a great idea to kill me with squats, lunges, and crazy arm things ALL AT ONCE. Sets 2 and 3 of this circuit did not go so well. I didn't stop, but what started as full moves quickly became "modified" sissy versions because my butt was burning, my legs were shaking and I couldn't feel my arms. I couldn't stop until the end of the workout because I was terrified that Jillian Michaels was going to jump through my television and verbally berate me if I did.

When I was done, I laid myself flat on the floor and let a couple of tears fall. Because I HURT EVERYWHERE.

Once I was able to get myself off of the floor and walking, I took a shower and made some dinner. I also rearranged some books on the shelves and finished alphabetizing my cd's. There was nothing on television except The Biggest Loser, so I watched it.

This is not my favorite show, but it is mildly entertaining. This particular episode the contestants had a challenge where the prize was being able to go home for a week to see their families (they had been away from them for 6 weeks at this point) so half of the contestants went home and the other half stayed. There is one kid on the show who was on the show before and he got to go home for a week. When they all returned they all did what is called the "last chance" workout before their big weigh-in. This kid was having a tough time, and I felt bad for him because not only is he the youngest on the show, but this is his second time trying to lose all this weight and he really wants to do it. Sometimes you have really great workouts and sometimes you have TERRIBLE workouts. He was having a terrible one. Jillian Michaels was trying to motivate him and got frustrated (as I'm sure I would have to), so she starts yelling to get him moving and he totally broke down. And I'm sitting on the couched sniffling and wiping away the tiny tears before they can make it down my cheek. I just felt so bad for this kid because there are a lot of issues that go along with being morbidly obese... and trying to move in general when you are that large has got to be a struggle anyway, so dealing with everything all at once seems pretty near impossible to me.

I had to change the channel when it showed that this kid gained a pound at the final weigh-in. I couldn't take anymore.

This morning I was so sore, but it kind of feels great. I'm totally doing the next circuit with JM tonight, and I may cry again when my hamstrings are so tight they feel as if they might snap at the end of the workout. May.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

It Was Time

I've been dying my hair varying shades of brown and red-brown FOREVER. Every once in a while, I go WILD and put highlights in it... and only if it's seasonally relevant to do so. I'm so outta control... oh wait. I'm so mild it's not even entertaining.

I was watching Bridezilla's the other night (because I'm awesome like that) and saw this lady (who WAS NOT the Bridezilla) who had lovely black hair and I thought to myself, "My, her hair is pretty... methinks I should do the same because, in fact, my natural color is pretty close to black."

So I did. Yesterday I found a shade of black that I liked and went for it... and you know what? I like it.

You know what else? I'm totally regretting the mild highlights I had in my hair late this summer because that just means that in a few days I have to RE-DYE my hair this beautimous shade of black so that I get rid of the brownish strands for good.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Brass Knuckles and All That

You may be seeing me run with these.

I feel pretty safe when I run. I take necessary precautions (or what I consider to be necessary) because I tend to go running in my neighborhood (and areas close to) at odd hours (like late at night in the dark, or super early in the morning when it's dark). I carry pepper spray with me, along with my id card and sometimes a pocket knife just in case. I've reviewed the information online about safety for women and evasive moves/defensive moves that could be useful.

The problem is, I HATE running with pepper spray in my hand because my hand gets sweaty and I feel off balance. I don't run with my pocket knife in my hand... I feel like that would be silly.

My mom was in the living room watching me get ready to go on a run the other night and she says, "I'm going to get you some brass knuckles for when you run, that way you don't have to carry anything".

My response," hahahahaaaa... Ok, mom".

But then I thought about it, and you know what, she's right. You just put your fingers in them. They stay put because I kind of have a loose fist when I run anyway.

The drawback? I don't want to get close enough to someone to have to use them.

I'm definitely not saying that people should run with weapons. Actually, I wish I could feel safe enough running around at any time, day or night, without any but the fact is that women especially are vulnerable to attacks so I should be prepared for the worst situations and hope that they never happen.

Also, there's ALWAYS creepy people where I run... and I live in a really good neighborhood. I don't think there's ever been any incident in the area, but I don't want to be part of one.

Friday, October 16, 2009

How Can You NOT Want This?



Ok, so maybe you're like, "I don't like vampires, or teen girl books and movies, or sappy stories so why in the heck would I get a soundtrack to a movie ALL ABOUT THIS NONSENSE?"

And I would tell you a couple of things.

First, the list of artists on this particular soundtrack includes Bon Iver, Death Cab for Cutie, Muse, Thom Yorke, Grizzy Bear, Band of Skulls, Ok Go, Sea Wolf, The Killers, Hurricane Bells, must I go on?

Second, see First.

Don't be "too cool" for this because you will miss out.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

I Cannot Resist This One...

So BF mentions- WITH NO PROVOCATION ON MY PART- that he wouldn't mind watching Twilight.

WHAT?!

Here's what went down:

We're driving into Portland last night because BF bought us tickets to see The Builders and the Butchers/Manchester Orchestra/Brand New last night at the Roseland. I don't really remember much of the conversation because it was the small talk stuff (how was your day, what new and crazy stuff did the kinders ask you today, etc.)

I said something like, " I know you don't care, but I'm super excited that the New Moon soundtrack is coming out next week... I'm going to buy it."

Blank stare.

"You know... New Moon... the sequel to Twilight?"

A look of recognition, "Ah, yeah. You would be excited." Joking smile in my direction.

"Yeah I know. Whatever. But I'm excited because it's got REALLY good music on it."

"I wouldn't mind watching Twilight...." he says, half under his breath.

(Here's where it took me like 20 seconds to catch up with what BF just said)
"What? You actually would watch Twilight?! I mean, voluntarily? You know you're going to think it's lame and super cheesy, right?"

"Oh, yeah I'm EXPECTING it to be lame... but I would watch it."


So, of course, that's what we are going to do.

I also feel like I need to put a little disclaimer on here so I don't feel so freaking lame.

I am not a 13 year old girl that is obsessed with the books/movies/actors/etc. I read the books before there was any movie. I liked the story (plots and general ideas were good) and a new take on vampire lore. Stop judging me because I know you like the books and movie too.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

The Curse Continues...

Warranty does NOT cover broken Subaru. So, praytell, what is the warranty good for? I'll tell you: For cars that aren't driven as much as mine. According the warranty folks, although I have a 24month coverage period (which I am still under) my car has exceeded the mileage for coverage (which was 24,000 miles from when I bought the car). I have driven 56,000 miles in less than two years, which means that I have exceeded the 24K limit. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

Here's what I have to do: find an engine for my car that doesn't cost over $6000 and get that one.

In other fun news, I had my teeth filled and sealed today. I cannot feel my face and jaw and my head hurts. I'm starving since the last thing I ate was at 7am today, so I'm trying to gently chew a panini and pour apple juice into my head (my lips aren't functioning as they should making it hard to bite, chew, and also drink out of cups).

The fillings and sealings weren't bad at all because they numbed me up really good. What I didn't like was the pressure I felt inbetween my poor teeth. They used a new procedure that just came out this past month so I'm a guinea pig for my dentist. What they do is put a spacer-type thing to create space between your teeth and then insert a thin film in between the teeth than need to be sealed up. Then they inject phosphoric acid (or something like that) into the film (the film acts like a little balloon) and the acid eats away at your enamel AND totally kills bacteria, etc in the tooth. They rinse that away and then fill the little film balloon with the sealant and then cure it and VOILA! Sealed up tooth. Like I said, the worse part was them making space in between my teeth because I could feel all of the pressure.

I didn't feel the fillings at all because my two cavities weren't bad or deep, just baby ones- plus the anesthetic numbed pretty much my whole mouth/jaw/cheek area. These are the first cavities and fillings I've ever had. EVER. I guess I'm lucky like that. Now that the numbness is wearing off my teeth feel a little sore, but again, I think that's from being pushed over each time.

Good news: the sealant makes my teeth more resistant to cavities, so I just have to make sure to brush and floss regularly (like normal) and I should be good. Also, drink less soda. Apparently that's what the dentist thinks aided in the cavity creation.

More Good News: going to see Brand New tonight with the BF. It'll be nice to get out and not think about my lame car situation for a bit.

Someone win the lottery and share it with me, please? I don't even need half, or even 1/16... just make me a thousandaire and I'll be grateful.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Urban Hiking (Look Ma, I'm on the Interwebs!)

We went "hiking" this weekend (and by we I mean the BF and I... yes we are "official" now) and I use the term hiking loosely. Mostly it was a pretty nice walk on a trail over in Sellwood. I wore Converse... clearly not walking along difficult terrain.

BF is going to school for teaching (elementary education) and is doing his student teaching at a school over in that area, so he wanted to see the neighborhood and walk along this pretty sweet trail as well since the weather was FABULOUS over the weekend. BF also likes being mentioned in the bloggie (hence the title).

Anyhow, so we walked and talked and saw the following on our urban hiking adventure:

1. 2 fuzzy caterpillars.
2. 1 live snake
3. 2 huge spiders in webs... one was eating a recent catch.
4. a gaggle of urban hipsters, complete with emotional poet dictating his latest works to an eager girlfriend with dye-black hair and skinny jeans that haven't been washed in a month.
5. urban hipster wannabe photographers getting close ups of aforementioned insects.
6. the elusive old, stoned, long-haired biker dudes dressed in riding chaps and classic rock t's.
7. Mural of birds on the back side of a crematorium.

I should have taken more pictures. I ALWAYS say that... and it's always true.


In other news, I'm still waiting to see if I can get my car fixed. It's more of a question of if the warranty will cover the repairs or not. If so, I will get it fixed this week and be on my way with beloved Subaru. If not, I will be selling her for parts (since she has betrayed me) and will start searching for an uber cheap replacement car to get me through until I can get what I want. This totally sucks. If you like me at all (even a little bit) keep your fingers crossed that the silly warranty I have covers this. My stress levels are a little off the charts because of this.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Curse of the Cars

I don't know what I did to deserve this...

I mean, I LOVE my Subaru. LOVE IT.

I don't wash her as much as I should, but it's a SUBARU, folks. It's kind of implicit that they will be dirty most of the time (unless you have a brand new one with the lovely Teflon coating stuff they can put on it). Subaru even made a commercial implying that.

I keep her gas tank filled and her oil levels are checked regularly. I even buy fancy air fresheners that cost me triple what the regular ones do for her.

And then this morning she decided that she wanted to end it all. Here's what went down:

I was driving to the Woodburn (we have a store there that was recently remodeled and prettified so we had a grand opening thingy this morning for it). I got about 2 miles away from the store and I was busy thinking about driving through Starbucks to get a hazelnut hot chocolate with extra whipped cream when the 'ru started feeling kind of funny. I looked at my dash and didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Then my heater stopped working (which I noticed pretty quickly since it was like 36 degrees this morning... maybe it was closer to 50, but that's still cold after the summer weather I've gotten used to). I then, being infinitely wise, decided to pull over and see what was going on. As soon as I came to a complete stop on the shoulder of the road ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE. Every light on my dash lit up like it was a New Year's celebration. I jumped out of the car and propped the hood up and then the steam started.

STEAM E'RYWHERE.

So I ran to the back of the car, grabbed the emergency gallon of water I keep (because I'm freakin' more prepared than the boy scouts) and rushed back to the front only to find that a massive OIL EXPLOSION had taken place in my engine compartment in my absence.

OIL E'RYWHERE.

Seriously... there was oil on the battery, on the hood, oil on the random tubing that runs through my car's innards and, finally, OIL IN THE COOLANT TANK. It looked like death sludge had been dumped in there. I quickly realised that this was not just an overheating (which hasn't really ever happened to my car) and called the parents for advice. Parents said,"Call your insurance to get it towed". Which I promptly did, however I failed to mention that I happened to be in BFE (if you don't know what it means, it's akin to middle of nowhere). Tow truck was dispatched with shaky-at-best directions to where I was. Old tractor man pulled over his 5-mile-an-hour tractor and took a look under the old hood. He said, "Looks like you blew a head gasket," and then got back on his tractor and slowly made his way to the end of the barren field I was stranded next to. I then called a Subaru place in Newberg to find that they moved to PORTLAND (not helpful). This left me the one option of having it towed to my house and then looking for a place that could fix it once there.

I had to wait an hour for the tow truck. I then had to ride with the tow truck guy on the WINDING BACKROADS trying not to have a panic attack (I thought they had gone away, news to me!). Once home, I remembered that I purchased a fancy extra warranty thingy for the 'ru. I broke that thing out pronto and called them up to explain the sitch. Warranty guy said, "Just take it anywhere you want to have it serviced and then have them call us for the service estimate and we'll let you know if we can cover that."

Had car towed to Subaru place close to home. Told them what to do... waiting now.

Crossing my fingers and praying with full force that my big fancy extra warranty ACTUALLY COVERS THIS because I pretty much will not be able to fix it if I have to pay for it. I will be a Trimet riding poor girl for a while if so (not that riding Trimet means you're poor, I ride it all the time... you know what I mean).

Here's the deal... pretty much every car I've had has had some... let's call it personality or character... and needed some attention. And then I try to take really good care of them and they just throw in the towl OR crappy high school drivers hit them and total them. I'm taking this as a sign that I need a sparkly brand new car- too bad I don't have that sort of room in my budget right now.

So friends and folks, keep your fingers crossed, or say ten Hail Mary's, or whatever you do for me that the warranty covers it and/or I come into some massive amounts of money and can just buy an new car. Let's break this car curse of mine!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Micro Pigs


I WANT ONE.


Period.


When I was about 4 I went to a Fourth of July party and my pediatrician was there. I had been told that he had a very special pet. He happened to have a pet pot bellied pig. I fell in love.


My parents consequently bought me a HUGE stuffed animal pig that I named "Arnold" in Green Acres fashion. Arnold was my "guard pig" and "slept" on the outward facing side of my bed to protect me from any boogey monsters that might come looking for me in the night. I think he is in a large box somewhere still.


Yesterday I heard about Micro Pigs. OMG.
I was listening to my favorite radio station when they started talking about the latest pet craze in Europe. I thought to myself, "Oh great, another ugly mutt dog breed has been created." And then they started talking about miniature pigs.
I know... you are thinking, "Pigs are kinda gross."
But really, pigs are VERY CLEAN and EXTREMELY SMART and they don't have fur (for you allergy prone folks akin to myself).
And these are MICRO PIGS. MICRO. Meaning MINI.
I LOVE small things.

(blank)

...

I woke up this morning with a great idea for a blog entry and then I got to work, finished my morning stuff and now I'm drawing a COMPLETE blank on what I was going to write about.

I even remember sitting in my car in traffic thinking about this amazing post. I can't even remember in general what it was going to entail. This is very sad. It also makes me feel old.

If I remember, I'll be sure to write it down or rush to my computer.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Weekend... and Embarrassing Musical Confessions

I had a good weekend. Scratch that.

I had a great weekend.


Didn't do a whole lot, but sometimes that is the best. Friday I went bowling with a bunch of people I didn't really know at all and I also decorated Halloween Gingerbread Houses (a tradition with the Moore Family). The best part is eating the candy while you make them- save the frosting because it was pretty gross.


Saturday I got to go to the Rheinlander. FUN! And I LOVE German food, lederhosen, accordians and SPICED PLUM JAM. I also saw "The Invention of Lying" starring Ricky Gervais. I really like that guy. It was a pretty cute movie (although I thought it was going to be funnier and less cute).

I pretty much stayed in bed ALL of Sunday, literally. I woke up at 9:30, didn't eat until noon, stayed in my pajamas and watched 4 movies over the course of the day. I eventually showered, but I put different pajamas on after and took a nap.


That kind of weekend makes for a good week. So does good music.


At work I listen to the radio or I put my iPod into a docking station and listen to that. Usually I put it on shuffle and let it go for a few hours. This morning I did just that and was working away until a coworker came in and caught me singing along to Belinda Carlisle. Oh yes, the same Belinda Carlisle of The Go Go's.



I'm going to start making playlists for work. That's all I have to say about that.






Friday, October 2, 2009

Almost Friends

There are people that I know that I would like to know better... I consider them "Almost Friends". They know I exist, I know they exist, but for some reason we haven't gotten to know one another better. For the most part I feel like these folks are good people and that we would get along swimmingly if only circumstances were slightly different (and more in my favor).

I kind of hate this.

I've tried to remedy this by putting myself out there and just saying, "Hey, you're pretty freaking awesome and we should hang out". And then usually we do and it's great. And then it goes back to being AF's again.

But you can't rush friendship.

I've also noticed that years later I will have gotten to know these people better and we usually are actual friends who hang out and call each other on a regular basis- and then it comes up in conversation,"Why weren't we friends before this?"

There's never a good answer. How can there be?

Timing? Schedules? Differring interests? No.

Don't rush the good stuff. But I want to. I'm impulsive and young and ready to face anything.


... and you can never have too many good friends.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Revelations

Over the past couple of weeks a LOT has happened. I feel like I just need to list them out so we can reflect, and by "we" I mean me and the two of you who read this blog. Commencing now:



1. A good friend of mine got married on paper yesterday. It's complicated, but I think they are planning on having an actual wedding that the masses will be invited to in the near future that may or may not be in Scotland. Am I up for a trip to Scotland? Only if I can bring my favorite person. I'm just saying. And only if some of my almost favorite people show up (this means YOU, Colorado folk).



2. I'm considering myself no longer friends with a few people. It sucks, but they just don't get it. I've been trying to better myself and be Mother Theresa and save the world, etc and I cannot do that if they keep dragging me back into the junk that was my life before. I'd like to still be friends with them, but it may take some time.



3. I moved into a new house. Not a townhouse. Not an apartment. A house with a yard and deck and driveway. I need more closet space but who doesn't? We will remedy this soon. This means that a lot of you don't know where I live now, which also means I could be throwing a "come see my house" party soonish.



4. I may be changing my phone number... for a few reasons. I'm wrestling with it because I've had the same number since high school so I'm a bit attached to it. I'll let you know.



5. I can now list my single friends on one hand. ONE HAND people. Everyone I know is married or about to get married. I'm totally freaked out for a number of reasons. A) WE ARE YOUNG. B) I'm outta the loop. C) I'm having to spend lots o' cash on fancy house stuff that isn't even for me.

6. Started hanging out more with a friend who is now in the "more than a friend but it's complicated" zone. I'm excited and scared out of my mind. SCARED OUTTA MY MIND. Not that this guy is scary... quite the opposite- he is sweet and wonderful. Are we screwing things up? Are we going to work out? What if he doesn't like me anymore? Do I lose my friend or just a date? ????!!!!!

7. I have contemplated starting a second blog. Who knows why. Maybe it's because I can set a different, witty, superwoman, sarcastic, I'm-awesome-and-you-love-me tone and with this one I just can't bring myself to write some of my observations and feelings.

8. Decided that world travel is on my horizon. Not sure where yet, but I'm going. I don't care if I go broke going there... I want to see things and do things and be places and bring back stories to share.


Digest.

Interrupter

Dear Friend(s),

Something has been bothering me. It's not that I don't like you, it's just that I'm getting pretty annoyed with something. You aren't a bad person, mostly, it's just that when you start talking you cannot stop we have a conversation you interrupt me or talk over me or cut me off completely and this happens quite frequently. It is my understanding that conversations are a two way street... there is an input and an output. Apparently you only have the Output part down.

If you would like our friendship to continue, I suggest that you learn to listen and take breaks while talking because I cannot sit and listen to your incessant talking much longer be part of a one-sided conversation. It is not fun.

From now on I'm going to just stop talking when you interrupt or talk over me and maybe you'll get the hint. I really don't want to hurt your feelings, but I have important things to contribute and you won't let me.


PS. You aren't the only one who does this, so don't take it personally.


Sincerely,

H

Monday, September 28, 2009

THE List

Not just A list, but THE list.


In no particular order.


1. Likes good music.
2. Likes food and is not a picky eater.
3. Likes road trips.
4. Likes to camp and do outdoorsy things.
5. Likes to read.
6. Understands the difference between being open-minded and being liberal minded.
7. Will pay for dates and always offers first.
8. Can hold an intelligent conversation about a multitude of topics.
9. Doesn't mind that I'm independent but also pretty domestic.
10. Likes to cuddle and watch movies.
11. Will buy me flowers and treat me like the lady I am.
12. Gets along with my crazy family.
13. Likes animals.
14. Is organized.
15. Is clean.
16. Can differentiate between being obligated to do something and wanting to do something because it's the right thing to do.
17. DOESN'T smoke.
18. Is motivated.
19. Is sweet.
20. Comes up with good date ideas on his own without being prompted.
21. Is accountable.
22. Is responsible (in many facets of life)
23. Likes sunsets.
24. Likes meteor showers.
25. Is self-sufficient.
26. Wears deoderant.
27. Is family oriented.
28. Is good with children.
29. Cares about his health.
30. Is SINGLE.

If you find this man, please give him my number.

I will be adding more to this list. If you can think of anything, please feel free to add.

The Rules



1. I do not wait on hold. If you want to talk to me, talk to me. If you are busy, call me later.

2. Be honest. I do not like liars. I do not lie to you so don't do it to me.

3. Ditch your excuses. Save them for people who have time to waste because I don't.

4. Make up your mind and go with it. For the most part, I don't deal with wishy-washy.

5. Don't ask for advice if you don't want to hear it.

... I just thought we might need some reminders...

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Why Can't I Just Skip All of This?


It's mini-tantrum time again.

Don't worry, it'll be a short one. Maybe.

I was talking to a married friend the other day who said,"Heather, you are so lucky you don't have a husband or family to deal with all of the time. It's exhausting! You can just pick up and do anything you want at any time or buy yourself anything you want at any time."

Really? Am I THAT lucky?

How about when I have to run errands alone, or come home to an empty house and make dinner for one? Or how about when I want to see a romantic movie at the theater, but have to take myself? What if I just want someone around ALL the time... to know that they are there if I need them and I am there if they need me. I wouldn't have to call and ask for help, I could just walk into the next room...

...


So, married folks, don't take your spouse and family for granted. I know things are hectic and stressful and not always fun, but neither is being single. You have a wonderful support system right there waiting for you.

And DON'T tell me how lucky I am until I meet Mr. Perfectly Right.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

If I Did, I Would.. But I Don't so I Won't

I LOVE Owls. Owl figurines, pictures of owls... if it's got an owl on it, I'll probably buy it. This is great, except when you tempt me with owl things that I cannot have/ do not REALLY want.

I'm talking about tattoos.



I'm NOT planning on getting another one ever. I know that one is enough for me.



BUT...

if I were to get another one it would be of an owl, and I most assuredly would love it so much that I would get another one, and then a multitude more. Now that would be a problem.

I did not come up with this idea on my own. A friend was relaying a story about another friend who was contemplating getting an owl tattoo and figured I would want to hear about it since I fancy the lovely avians. He was right... I did want to hear ALL about it. And I let him know he needed to pass along encouragement from me to do this to said friend.

I couldn't get the idea out of my head.

So then I jumped on good ol' Google Images and searched "owl tattoos" and it gave me a series of pages full of images that I instantly fell in love with. I would need endless skin in order to get everything I wanted... which is why it's good that I won't get a tattoo.

If you have time in the next couple of days, you should jump on Google and peruse the Owl Tattoo images. You'll probably want one when you're done looking. This is my shameless pleasure of the week.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Hood to Coast Relay 2009

I survived...


Surprised?


I am!





I didn't get to take as many pictures as I would have liked because I was a bit preoccupied with getting ready to run, then eat, then try to sleep. Above is the front of our van, but it rained a little so our paint started to drip.



Our van standing around in Sandy waiting for Van #1.


There were many attempts to sleep in the van, but not very many successful attempts.



Lots of hanging out in the van... which was fine when we were stopped and had the windows and doors open to air it out...


Here's Luke running by another runner who stopped to take pictures of the cows... don't worry, it wasn't her leg to run, she had pulled over her van.


I didn't take many running pictures either, because mostly if I was in the van I was getting ready to run or I was trying to get a small nap before my next run. I'm hoping the professional photogs got some good shots of us because if they did I will definitely order them... unless I look like a hot mess in them (which is almost guaranteed). I'll keep you posted.

Overall it was a really great experience. I really didn't think I could do it and was totally shocked that I actually did. I'm so proud of myself and my whole team for getting out there and finishing this relay. I'm looking forward to next year...

That's right. I must be insane because I have every intention of doing this again.


Tuesday, August 25, 2009

My (Not So) Secret Crush

As I sit here trying to recover all of my music from iTunes... don't ask... I'm reminded of how much I rely on music in my daily life and how big a part of me is based upon music. I run and exercise to music and have tried to do both without the trusty iPod and usually give up a few minutes into it. I listen to music on the way to and from work. I listen to music at work. I listen to music when I get home from work and when I tan outside or clean the house or read a book. If I am introduced to you and I like you, I will make you a cd or two (or a collection) as a get-to-know me gesture and to see how well we mesh musically (because we cannot be friends if you have certain musical tendencies- I will not get into that now).

I am constantly amazed by certain musical artists that convey situations perfectly with their music and lyrics. I think it is a truly amazing gift if you can make other people feel what you feel through music.

If one were to meet me randomly and have a friendly conversation, I don't think one would get that music dweeb vibe at all. In fact, a lot of people that I meet tell me that once they get to know me better they are shocked at my wide range of musical appreciation and enthusiasm towards music in general.

Back to the real point.

I have a not-so secret crush on one (or many) musician(s). Not a shocker. I cycle through my likings... sometimes I'll come back to liking them, and sometimes I just move on because my tastes have refined as I get older (insert sarcastic comment here).



Sometimes I like the same one and never stop.



This is my longest standing one:That's right. Billy Corgan.


It doesn't make any logical sense. Have I ever been attracted in real life to a bald guy with a strange voice who has been known to wear costumes? Definitively no.

I do, however, have a long standing love affair with the Smashing Pumpkins because they made me excited about different music. And have you listened to the lyrics? Oh man. I know it's not for everyone and I don't judge too harshly for those of you who do not have any SP in their musical libraries, but I cannot get enough.

So as I monitor the progress of my recovery software I'm very thankful that I didn't lose it all forever, and especially grateful that I still have my complete library of Smashing Pumpkins, Zwan and Billy Corgan to get me through it.

Friday, August 21, 2009

My Drunken, Unruly Sibling

... also known as the cat, Elliott. We came to this conclusion this morning.





Let me explain.





He sleeps all day, goes out all night, eats strange things and visits the crazy old lady down the street who I'm convinced is his catnip dealer, then wanders home early in the morning, pukes on the porch and passes out on my bed as I leave for work.



What else would you call that?

On another note, my actual sibling is in Ireland vacationing before school. I talked to her last night (it was 6am her time). She is not drunken, unruly and ridiculous... mostly. She did get her camera stolen and is having to spend an unthinkable amount of money each day on bottled water, but other than that is doing fine (did you know they don't really serve water most places there with your meals? Just beer. She's not really a beer drinker). I do miss her.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Media News (AKA, Things I'm Doing, Listening To, Seeing, and Passing on to You)

A few items for you today:


1. Muse has not listed any tour dates on the West Coast of the US for their upcoming tour. I'm beside myself. All I want to do is see Muse. That's it. This is my top focus right now. They've got dates listed through December 4th of this year, but that's it and most of them in Europe (Georgia, Virginia and Texas dates to not count). I'm hoping they are planning a full blown US tour with a stop or two (or three) in the Northwest. If not, I will be buying a plane ticket to France. I'm just saying.


2. Weezer has a new album coming out soon.

That's right.

They didn't take their customary 5 year break between records. Maybe because only a few songs on the Red Album were listenable and they felt bad. But I don't have much hope because the title of the new album is...

"Raditude"

Oh Weezer. How I love thee... but you must realize by now that you are torturing your old school fans. I've listened to the single that was realeased yesterday from this album; not half bad. I'm going to be wary until I can listen to the whole thing. Sorry. It's not you... but it kind of is.


3. I've started playing my guitar again.

Oh, you didn't know that I played the guitar? Well, I use "play" loosely. Basically I'm starting over and reteaching myself guitar and hopefully getting futher than I did a few years back. Why? Because I need creative outlets and I wanna sing in a band, darn it! And why shouldn't I? But I've got to get myself into some kind of musical shape before I put myself out there.

I've gotten a pretty good start: 1 accoustic guitar, 1 accoustic amp, 1 capo, 1 tambourine, 1 harmonica, emotional baggage and a love of music.


4. Saw 500 Days of Summer the other day. It was great. It was a little too close to my situation, but I think I am getting far enough removed from it now that I can appreciate a film resembling parts of my life. Anyway, good soundtrack, great dance number (that's right) and Joseph Gordon Levitt is way cuter than I remember him being. Odd. I will probably always associate him with Third Rock from the Sun, but oh well. Go see it. You will like it.


5. Rented Gravity the other day. It's just some movie I ran across at the rental place. I must be on some kind of Zooey Deschanel kick lately because she is in it. So is the older brother from Little Miss Sunshine, Paul Dano. It was HILARIOUS, but also sweet and sad and awkward. Good movie to watch when you've got nothing to do and just want to veg on the couch.