Other places, other faces

Some thoughts.

2009-03-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

Ever notice that first big sleep after a night of bad sleep - dreams are vivid and carry one with you the next day?

I have this mish mash in my brain this morning of strange dreams last night. Like being "forced" to go to Mars Hill (mash up of talking about going to an Easter service in Ireland, and the Mars Hill coverage debating the existence of Satan) - and then my Dad was there and he decided he wanted to be baptized again - and, wearing this teeny tiny towel (so you could see his frail body) he was walking around, full of life and energy and excited to be baptized. My Mom was like, "He's 80. He can do what he wants!"

I had other dreams last night and they are more fragmented. I could remember them this morning, but now that I'm ready to write them down, they're gone.

I've been thinking lately that I need to write more. I like my new Urban Ubiety blog, but now that I've found a focus, I have a small case of writer's block over there. So in the mean time, I am going to keep writing my random thoughts over here. After all, that's why I named this blog what I did... because it's an "other" place to write, process, discuss. I don't really need to post links to things here - I can do that so easily now on FB. So this can be more about me rambling than anything else.

I miss it. I know I miss it because my comments on other blogs lately have been lengthy. Like I know I shouldn't even be commenting, I should be linking to their post and writing my own version of the story.

I have a fancy smancy new Nikon D40. Finally! A DSLR. Of course, just because I know I can learn how to use it and make magic with it, doesn't mean I have it down yet. But thanks to fabulous friends - I'm going to read about it on my plane trip to Ireland and I'm hoping, hoping, hoping that enough clicks that I can capture what I want to. I don't need to come back as an award winning photographer. I just want to capture what I know I can - and get my eyes some practice.

I do hope to be able to have at least one "good" shot that I can make into art. My "prints on canvas" pieces are my favorite. I love that I know, for a fact, that I'm the only person in the world with them. They're something I helped to create. Customized. I have a hunch that it'll be something I take in Dublin - mostly because my condo is so "urban" and the art so far is very urban. Although I can make anything appropriate with a little editing.

I think I might need to get some good photo editing software one of these days.

One of those "social media" gems I've been enjoying lately is seeing friends' creativity. I love seeing how many people on facebook have blogs and flickr accounts and bands playing gigs and recording - friends who are really channeling their creative muses. It isn't even about success - but just seeing the process - the desire has been fantastic to witness.

Mishearings

2009-03-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

You know those moments where you mishear someone and it provides comedy? Classic example (that actually happened):

Carter and I were young - maybe 6th and 7th grade? We were with some friends at Shari's (your typical chain diner). As we ordered food, the waitress asked, "Soup or salad?" Someone said, "yes." Oh, I thought you said super salad.

Last night, while out at the bar, I recognized this woman who had delivered some brochures last week. She's unusual looking, and actually had a really awkward vibe about her - so she was memorable. I was giving her that look of recognition, so I cleared the air by just asking her if she was in my work recently delivering said brochures.

"Yes. That's me. Where is your business?"

To which I replied, "It's good."

Everyone I was with cocked their head to the side and raised their eyebrows. Oh! Where is my business! I thought she said, "How's business?"

I think misunderstandings like that may be one of my favorite forms of humor.

Best sign of the rally

2008-11-17T15:23:00.001-08:00

Best sign of the rally
Originally uploaded by JeepersPeepers

S. took this and I love it! Yay for LOLCats influencing political signage!

A new take on a now-Iconic image

2008-11-06T17:39:00.000-08:00

and get your free sticker here!

2008-10-26T13:31:00.001-07:00

(via ffffound)

more amazing art.

2008-10-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

i'm head over heels for ninjagrl's pixel ninja's!

You can browse through the whole series here. You can purchase prints of them for only $20 here.

I think her paintings are also magical.

You can find (and purchase) more of her artwork here.

Looking for some new housewares?

2008-10-09T12:34:00.001-07:00

Many of you probably know that etsy is one of my favorite websites. It's a fantastic way to find unique, handmade goods. I was thinking recently that it would be fun to have some really unique coffee mugs/tea cups. You know, why bother with generic Starbucks mugs? They have cute things, but you're just supporting the man and you're NOT exactly making a statement.

I browsed and came across Urban Soule's Etsy store. I love her Obama print:

I adore her other art as well:

But what really interested me is her custom housewares!!! Seriously, these are awesome:

She has some other amazing things (not all skulls) on her website.

Dig around a little to find some cool cream and sugar sets! I love the simplicity of it. And she'll make them custom for you!

Flies On The Wall.

2008-10-09T12:33:00.001-07:00

Flies On The Wall.
Originally uploaded by Umbra98

These flies are from stencils on a wall near my work. I have been looking at them for a long time, so I decided to snap a shot and play.

Birds on a Wire Mural - White on Gray

2008-10-09T12:31:00.001-07:00

Birds on a Wire Mural - White on Gray
Originally uploaded by Umbra98

This also means I get to post some of my "own work" - I'm thinking about getting this on canvas and having it in my bathroom. Picture it on an orange wall! :-)

The future of this space...

2008-10-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

I am always questioning what themes I have in this here blog and what motivates me to post. Sometimes it takes an outside observation to get a good perspective on things like this. S has noticed that I post things that are often very visual. I have also been following more and more blogs that showcase art and design. So, while I still reserve the right to post about whatever I damn well please, I'm going to try to focus a little more on design. Things I see that are inspiring. Furniture, art, comics, etc - it's all fair game.

I'm going to start by sharing some amazingly well designed "Get Out The Vote" posters.

You can find more here.

A beautiful, smart woman...

2008-09-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

who I am honored to know and consider a dear friend, turns 33 today!

She:

cheers friends on.

is wicked smart.

understands love in its many varied forms.

shows gratitude.

gets "sibling" relationships.

has incredible faith.

lights up the room when she walks in.

nourishes community.

challenges herself and those around her.

follows politics and voices her opinion fearlessly.

volunteers.

knows herself.

has great taste in music.

loves NOLA.

appreciates beauty in things.

is strong.

is humble.

is beautiful!

Happy Birthday S.! So happy to have you in my life!

On Image Manipulation, Creative Integrity, and the age old question...

2008-09-22T16:49:00.001-07:00

Is anything truly original?

I've been editing photos lately and having a lot of fun doing so. It's oddly therapeutic and addictive. My visual world is becoming more and more important to me. Design and meaning behind design are constantly on my mind.

But as I play with images, I start to question what is mine. What did I create?

For example, my heel clicks image from a few days ago, was from a photo I took in Vancouver. It was from a poster. I didn't even care about the content of the poster. The "boys" had been doing heel clicks, as they oft do when crawling between establishments. I find it amusing, and the heel click image triggers that feeling in me.

So I took the photo and I played with it. On several levels. Tweaking it so it no longer resembles a photograph at all, but instead an icon. I like its imperfections that add texture and depth and make it seem more like graffiti than just another piece of clip art.

I like what I created. It has history as an image. A story from where I saw it originally to the three versions I have of it up on flickr now:

Another example... which comes up on several different examples. When I take a digital picture of something a graffiti artist has done (which, by nature, puts that image in the public realm) - and then I manipulate it - at what point is it my creation and not just an image I "stole" and edited? You can also take into account that many graffiti images have layers by different artists.

Some examples:

And at what point is what I create simply the means of having the right tools? Without a computer and some set of editing software (of which there are many options) - I couldn't do these without this software. I could create these with just my hands - they need to touch a mouse and connect to a product at some level.

Is it mine because I know when to say no? Because I stop editing at a certain point? Like the painter who knows her last brush stroke? Like the photographer who was in the right place at the right time and knew to press the button?

I could go on, but I'm curious what other think.

2008-09-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

I dreamt last night that I had a fancy, shmancy camera and I was able to take really amazingly high resolution photos. I was holding it and manually focusing and adjusting settings and loving seeing my world through this lens.

Dreams lately have this feeling of bursting through my slightly inhibited state of self-expression. Of becoming uninhibited and fully transparent and fully creative.

It makes me realize how closely creativity is linked with my emotions.

Heel Click II

2008-09-21T17:46:00.001-07:00

Heel Click II
Originally uploaded by Umbra98

Through the trees

2008-09-20T17:47:00.001-07:00

Through the trees
Originally uploaded by Umbra98

Thanks to S for this one!

2008-09-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

My pirate name is:

Captain Ethel Bonney

Even though there's no legal rank on a pirate ship, everyone recognizes you're the one in charge. You can be a little bit unpredictable, but a pirate's life is far from full of certainties, so that fits in pretty well. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

Self-Entitlement

2008-09-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday there was a theme - it seriously came up after 3 different, unique interactions, with different people involved in each.

Entitlement.

People who come into the room with that air of arrogance and expectation. It's one thing to be confident. Another to be rude.

Didn't have a good day? The self-entitled person feels like it is not their own responsibility to have a good day. It's the responsibility of everyone around them to make their day good. The self-entitled person doesn't wear the right types of shoes to an event - fashion over function. The self-entitled person doesn't listen to the explanation - they just jump to the blame game. The self-entitled person doesn't try to understand. They become the victim of a situation out of anyone's control. They twist things into what sounds like a conspiracy against them. There is no benefit of doubt.

Self-Entitlement.

I can't even write this post without throwing around a bundle of cliches. People who think the world revolves around them. People who treat others with manipulation and condescension. Who do not show humility and understanding.

The people I know who seem truly happy have an awareness of others and humble themselves in the presence of others. They do not sacrifice their integrity in doing so - this isn't about self-deprecation. It is about listening. It isn't about placing blame. It is about personal responsibility.

It isn't just a set of behaviors.

It is an approach to life. A personal philosophy based on a set of beliefs. And it really does change the way we interact with the world - with friends, significant others, colleagues, strangers, family. Happiness is a choice.

Googling Candidates

2008-09-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

You know how when you type in commonly searched for terms, Google likes to suggest what you may be searching for based on what other people search for?

This doesn't say much about the candidates - but it says a LOT about people who are searching for information on them.

Here's what I got:

On my impending move

2008-08-31T15:27:00.000-07:00

I'm obsessed. I mean literally, everything I do, every drive I take, every social encounter, every shopping trip - I relate it in my mind (and often verbally) to my move. To my new place. To the location. To this space that is going to be mine.

I've lived in "the hostel" (does anyone even still call it that?) for 5 years. A little over actually. We moved in around the 4th of July, 2003 - pretty much one year after I graduated from college. It's the end of August, 2008. When I moved into my current situation, picked a room, etc - I had no idea I would still be there 5 years later.

In those 5 years, we have never had our rent raised. What I pay (and have paid for 5 years on a monthly basis) is half of what many of my peers pay for rent. A 3rd for some. And probably even a quarter for a handful. It has allowed me to save for a down payment. It has also taught me incredible patience in shared space. And I have truly had some of the most respectful, cool roommates ever. Seriously. Little pet peeves of mine aside, they've all been great! All 14 (+2-3 significant others that might as well be counted) of them (in this house alone - that doesn't include the college years!)

But I'm ready to move on.

I'm ready to have my own fridge. And freezer. With an ice-cube maker! My own stove top that I can keep as clean as I'd like. My own kitchen. Every drawer and cabinet = MINE! My own counter tops that I can put anything I'd like on! My own candles and knicky knacky things.

For years now (seriously... years...) my Mom has been buying me things for the home for my birthday and Christmas. And we have an understanding. Some things I take with me. And other things, well, they stay in their box and go in the attic. For when I have my own place.

See, while I've had great roommates, that doesn't mean we should leave nice things out. It's beyond their control if they have friends over and something breaks. Or someone doesn't know to hand wash something (like my stainless steel teapot, which has terrible water stains now). I haven't wanted these nicer things my Mom has gotten me to be ruined my the day to day wear and tear - inevitable in a house of 5 20-something adults. And we've been a party-house too. Things are just more likely to break in that type of situation.

So the time is near that I'll go to my parents and my Mom and I will start taking things down from the attic. We already have an understanding that there will be a few things that I've probably already "outgrown." A trend from a few years back that will feel like mere clutter now. But, for the most part, these goodies include things that I'm really excited about. Like nice mixing bowls. Pots and pans. A kitchenaid standing mixer I bought myself about 6 years ago for half price. Flatware. Baking sheets.

It'll be like Christmas all over again! Several times over!

I have a love/hate relationship with my current bedroom. Remember how I said I never thought I'd be living in it for as long as I have? Well, think about how you treat a space that's temporary. Or more - how you mistreat it. I've never felt truly organized. Truly settled. As a renter, I just haven't wanted to make the "investments" in painting it, etc - to make it something I truly love. It isn't a "bad" room by any means. In fact - it is a gem. I am excited for K to move into it and hopefully really make it her own!

I will move into my new place and it will already have the finishes and paints that I picked out! It is the exact floorplan I wanted. I'll have my own outdoor space (still not sure what I'll put out there, but we'll see!).

I will have my own bathroom. My own shower. My own sink. My own medicine cabinet. My own outlet in the bathroom to charge my sonicare and to dry my hair. My own hooks to hang clean, fresh, matching hand towels! Mine, mine, mine, mine, mine!

I will be short walking distance from twenty bus routes. I can easily, easily walk to Eastlake, Fremont, Lower QA, Belltown, Downtown, and Cap Hill. Not to mention the Denny Triangle. I can always walk to Whole Foods, but beyond that - there's a QFC and Safeway within flat-walking distance. I'm basically equidistant from a few TJ's. I'm kitty-corner from a hardware store. I cross the street twice to get to my gym (no excuses not to go!). Uptown Espresso will be an oasis when I want to get out and experience a third place. I'll be a few blocks from the lake and what is soon to be one of the coolest parks in the city.

I. Can't. Wait.

Sure, my financial situation is going to change drastically. I am preparing myself to stay in a lot more. To cook more. To be a little more domestic with my time. In my place.

I was recently asked what will make the place "mine." And I keep thinking about the art I'll hang on my walls, and the color schemes that are so predictably me. I. Can't. Wait! I can't wait for the little organizational things - finding places to keep things. Places to display things.

I can't wait to have friends and family over to share my space. And let their presence define it just as much as my own tastes will.

I have so many decorating and organizing ideas. I'm sure I'll be writing more about them here in the weeks to come!

My Omnivore 100

2008-08-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

From here:

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi (not to my knowledge, but sounds good!)
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses (again, not to my knowledge, but i'm down for stinky cheese)
17. Black truffle (does oil count?)
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes (I've had cranberry wine - great for the holidays!)
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes (fresh from the vine baby!)
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras (hard to believe i haven't, although now i am worried about the morality of it all)
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl (an SF must)
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar (sounds like a good
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more (just a sip!)
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala (favorite of mine!!!)
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal (but i wouldn't any more!)
56. Spaetzle (aka German mac 'n' cheese!)
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake (all of the above!)
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette (not per se)
71. Gazpacho (is a dish best served cold!)
72. Caviar and blini (but not together?)
73. Louche absinthe (not Louche)
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum (I'm sure I have, but can't recall specifically)
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant. (can i assume a 25 for $25 works for this? or rover's?)
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor (omg, but NOW i can't wait to try some!)
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake

On Organic Processed Foods

2008-08-26T11:48:00.001-07:00

McCain. Too Easy

2008-08-25T16:37:00.001-07:00

McCain. Too Easy
Originally uploaded by The Searcher

Had to share this one.

Reunited

2008-08-24T12:07:00.001-07:00

I remember being in high school, sitting in my parents' guest room, watching a made-for-TV documentary about people getting together for their 10 year high school reunion. This was back when The Real World was about the only reality TV show around. I don't remember a lot of details, except that I was in the thick of it all and here were people who had 10 years on me. They had 10 years to change. They had 10 years to remain the same.

In the last couple years I've asked a lot of people about their 10 year reunion experiences. Some say it was great. Others say it wasn't worth it. A lot of people didn't go. Many say 20 is better.

I've always planned to go. I've always known that it was an event I would attend and probably even be involved with planning.

In many ways, this weekend was exactly as I'd imagined it. People were complimentary of one another. There was a lot of "You look great!" I try not to dwell in shallow superficiality, but I am not above a little vanity/ego-boost at this type of event. Of course I enjoyed the positive feedback. People gravitated towards the people they knew in high school - but at the same time, they reached out and spoke to whomever.

It was interesting going to 2 of the 3 events. The bar night at The Great Nabob and then the banquet at the Muckleshoot Casino (in a banquet room, not the casino itself.) First, let me say the obvious... though many drank in high school, it was wonderful to be of legal drinking age and beyond those early years of excessive imbibing. Drinking is a lovely social lubricant.

I live all of 2 minutes from the Great Nabob. I tried not to be too early, but I knew K would be there, and I didn't want her to be alone. It started at 7 and I was there at 7:05. As I approached the bar my mouth got dry. I got butterflies in my stomach. And then I asked myself, "Who are you trying to impress?" I just wanted to see others and hear people's stories.

I walked in to see familiar faces. All ladies (initially). All people I had actually felt really close to at one time or another. And all hella cool girls. Who live/work in Seattle. It didn't feel like a reunion. It felt like friends (now) getting together for a drink. It was comfortable.

More people trickled in. Some faces brought back a flood of memories. Others I barely recognized. But all in all it was a relaxed space and before I knew it, it was 1:00 am and the night had come to an end.

I spent all of Saturday morning making final tweaks to the slide shows. Over 300 pictures were submitted. It was fun going through them. Trying to remember how people were back in the day. Seeing life's little adventures now. As someone joked, people went through and found their skinny pictures from the last 10 years. But actually, people were really real about it all. I didn't get the sense that anyone was trying to show off or be "that guy/girl."

Those who have started families were proud to show their significant other and their kids. There were some really precious pictures of families.

Then there were the single folks, proud that they haven't settled down yet. I know I fall into that category - so happy I didn't get married young to the wrong person (for me) just because that's what people do. There are a few people who did get married and are divorced - and I know they'll have no problem finding love again if they so choose.

I was impressed with how cool people were. In a down-to-earth way.

Saturday night, J and I made the trek down to the Muckleshoot. I'm very passionate about my lifestyle and my choice to live in the city. If you know me now, you probably know this about me. So I'll leave those related remarks out of this. The event was great. Truly quality. There were these great little "where are they now" booklets - I haven't read through it all the way yet, but so much fun! What a great idea. In our invitations, we all got a little survey about how we pay the bills, who we share our life with, etc. Everyone's HS picture was placed next to their little update. It was really cool.

There were some prizes given for who has lived the farthest away, who has been in TV/movies (E won for her KCTS pledge drives - I love it!), who was the most pregnant, etc.

Then I had the sobering task of introducing a little memorial for WEC, who passed away in January. It felt really awkward, as people had just won a Starbucks giftcard and there was a level of excitement. Then I started the slide show and (even after several questions with the tech guy at the casino) - there was no sound. It took me a long time to pick a song. I had literally spent weeks trying to think of what would be appropriate - not too sappy. Not too "romantic." I decided on Jack Johnson's cover of the White Stripes' We're Going To Be Friends. I figured that was one relationship more people in that room could relate to, when thinking about W. It is a short song - all of about 2:00 min. You could hear a pin drop, then the music blasted in. It felt incredibly awkward - however - everyone seemed to understand the situation and seemed okay with it all.

It was a good weekend overall. Today is the family picnic portion. I would have been there if I didn't have to work on Sundays. And if I had kids. Although, even without kids, it would be fun to meet other people's families.

Wheatus

2008-08-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

Not many songs use my name without making Xmas references... so I have a random affinity for this song. And I love culturegraphs and the like.

From a few days ago...

2008-08-02T12:41:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the bus smells like exhaust. Sometimes like the sweet
shampoo of the girl who was running late and didn't have time to dry
her hair. Sometimes it is the slight odor of body mixed with the
permeating spices from homecooked Indian food. Sometimes it wreaks of
last night's alcohol. This morning it smells like fresh baked
cookies.

My earbuds dangle past my sterling silver raindrops, winding and
binding and twisting to my clip-on source of entertainment. Eclipsed
by the rubber grip of my Puma shades, resting on my ears and the
bridge of my nose - so I don't squint. It is hard not to walk to the
rhythm. To the beat. To the drums. To the bass. It is hard not to
hum along and mouth the words and bust a move.

There is always writing, scraped into the back of the hard plastic
seat. Someone's tag etched, scraped, carved into existence. I know
it isn't the same bus. It isn't the same driver. It isn't the same
name. Sometimes it is blocky. Sometimes it is bubbly.

Seattle could stand to be a little more European.

2008-07-24T12:39:00.000-07:00

Some friends recently got back from Europe and had some astute observations on how many US citizens carry on while traveling abroad.

I had the pleasure today of speaking with a wonderful woman from Europe. She was born in Barcelona and lives in London now. It made for a lovely accent.

Her husband is in town for a conference, so she has a few days to just wander the streets of Seattle. She teaches and came into my work to learn about the city. She was very confused about whether we were private or public. Common confusion - so I explained. Then she went on to tell me how Seattle confuses her in general.

They are staying at the Westin and on her walk here she noticed no one else was out walking. This baffled her. In Europe, streets near the center of a city like this would be swarming with people. People walking, biking, eating and drinking at sidewalk cafes.

I told her, in a sheepish "not all Americans are like this" way, that this is because we rely too much on our autos.

I asked if she noticed the sizes of vehicles. I didn't even have to wait a beat, as we both looked outside at an over sized truck passing by.

I mentioned that with the rising cost of fuel prices, and other influencing factors, there is a shift happening in this culture. In a few years it will be different. We're inspired by the urban design of European cities.

She also commented on how Seattle doesn't feel very "urban" to her. She's been to Chicago and that feels like a city.

That's an interesting point to ponder as well. My answer is that we're young. And a lot of Seattle was planned with the auto in mind. This is also changing.

In a few years it will be different.

Another friend who recently traveled to Turkey recently posted about Seattle for visitors. When you're talking to someone who wants a "real" Seattle experience - what do you suggest? Let's assume they're staying downtown and are carless.

I suggested the Sculpture Park, Kerry Park, dinner along the waterfront (touristy, but good) and - assuming she went to Kerry Park, a meal at the 5-Spot (currently featuring Portland Cuisine.)

She had already been to Pioneer Square. She also plans to check out Broadway and I recommended she check out Fremont. I also suggested she make her way to the Pike/Pine part of Broadway. Let's face it - downtown Seattle is improving, but it has a long way to go. She observed (accurately) that it is mostly shopping. She wants more "life." Word.

Where else would you recommend?

I feel like such a white person writing this.

"Low-Car Diet" Day 3

2008-07-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

I enjoy commuting on the bus. The ride from the top of Queen Anne to the bottom is fairly short. I find myself getting off about 5 blocks from work and I like the walk. This morning USE's Emerald City played as I walked under scaffolding at one of many "other developer's" projects along Denny on the West side of Aurora. I was leaving Queen Anne and facing Capitol Hill as the song gave shout outs to both neighborhoods. And there I was in my own 'hood - the one I have envisioned myself living in for years now. Reality is right around the corner.

If my life was just home -> work and work -> home... then this would be so simple. But when friends want to hang out and I want to participate in extra-curricular activities and I want to spend time with J... it gets more complicated! For example, I wanted to hear about K's trip to New Orleans. Roommate A had just texted me about going to Golden Gardens. I was canceling on L for our standing Monday workouts because of my blistered heels. So we all went to GG. But I was at work when these plans were made and I needed to go home to change. That means at least a half an hour to get home, depending on which bus I catch. And then it takes another hour to get from QA to GG. Of course - just because I am not driving, doesn't mean my friends can't drive me. I bribed K with my 2-for-1 at Coldstone to come pick me up. And then to drive me from GG to J's place.

Tuesday morning I had a meeting in the International District. I needed to get from J's place to my place, and then get on a bus that would get me to the meeting on time. I *could* have taken the bus into downtown from J's and back to my place. It *would* have taken about an hour. But - he was very nice and dropped me off on QA on his way to work. Another ride from a friend - but not my own car!

Getting to the ID is easy. Getting from there to my usual place of work is easy.

Getting to Greenlake for a soccer game = easy (even after I missed the ideal bus... and thankfully because a meeting was canceled.)

Getting from Greenlake to J's place, just north of Greenlake... would have taken me an hour to bus or an hour to walk. But a very nice girl who was heading north herself dropped me off. That makes the difference between getting to his place at 9 or at 10.

I don't make a lot of round trips. I do a lot of A to B to C to B to A in my day. That doesn't mesh well with a Zipcar. It hasn't been practical yet for me to consider one. When I live and work in the same neighborhood, it might make more sense.

I got my framed print back from MQF today. It is GORGEOUS and I can. not. wait. to put it up on the walls of my new home. It'll be fun walking up Denny with it and riding the bus with it. It'll also be fun to figure out the safest place to "store" it for the next 2 months before I move. I don't actually want to hang it yet.

Did I mention it is beautiful? I love it!

I. can. not. wait. to. move.

It's going to look sssoooo good with concrete floors!!!

"Low Car Diet" - Day 1

2008-07-21T16:12:00.000-07:00

I decided (very last minute) to participate in a program Zipcar is doing called the Low Car Diet. I've often considered giving up my car altogether and there are definitely pros and cons. Part of the program is blogging on their site - but if you know me, you know that I have more to process than just a post or two... so here I go!

Here's my car-driving profile... my current commute (5 days a week) is (approx) 2.5 miles each way. Yep, that's a total of about 10 minutes in the morning and 20 in the evening. And I have free parking at home. And free parking at work. Parking expenses alone could be a good reason to get rid of a car and I have none.

My monthly insurance (as a female, over 25, daughter of a Navy retiree, with no major reasons for it to be any higher) is barely over $70/month. This is another area where a lot of people see dramatic savings in giving up their car - but it isn't a huge expense for me. The Zipcar plan that is about $50/month + driving wouldn't save me a lot in that respect. There's another one that only includes an annual fee - the hourly rate is a little more expensive.

My car model gets, on average, 25 mpg. Gas prices are always changing, but if you look at JUST my work commute, that's 25 miles a week right there. That means only 1 gallon in a week.

Of course - my life is NOT just going to work. That's where my driving can increase.

I play on 1.5 soccer teams where games can be as close as Greenlake or as far as Seatac, Shoreline or Redmond. We carpool - so that means I only drive this on ocassion.

I have a significant other who lives about 4.5 miles from my house and 6 miles from my work. There is a (fairly) direct bus line from my work to his place. However, I would either have to transfer to get there from my house (this will change in October when I move) or take the more direct route along Aurora (which just means getting over my fear of Aurora... not everyone who stands along it is working, right?).

I have older (not 100% healthy) parents who I try to see a couple times a month who live 30 miles away - approx a 50 minute drive in good traffic. The same trip on "public transportation" includes 2 hours on a bus and 40 minutes walking. Sounds like good exercise and reading time, but come on! This is where Zipcar will have to come in handy. However, it will be harder to spend the night (which is helpful in with my parents' current health situations.)

I had a moment today where I wanted to grab something I often have in my car. D'oh! I don't have my car here. That means that when I leave in the morning, I'm going to have to know what my plan is for the day. This means planning ahead as far as soccer clothes, casual post-work clothes, gym clothes, etc. I do this a lot anyway - but on ocassion I quickly run home before soccer or going over to the significant other's place. Not to mention stopping at the store to pick something up (beer, something for dinner, etc). I think I need a good portable cooler/lunchbag that I can put in my backpack and just try to be more "prepared" for anything. The good boyscout that I am and all.

When I move, I will have 1 parking spot with my unit. I like the idea of having it free for guests - which would take coordination, but might be worth it in this neighborhood. We'll see...

I anticipate being a little frustrated in not getting to go places on a "whim" as easily. I'll have to be a little more intentional about planning ahead (as I already mentioned). And I'll have to count on friends to help me get places. (Thanks in advance!)

I sure do wish Seattle had even better public transportation options - and this is something I will likely echo a lot this month!

Western Spaghetti

2008-07-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

Fleur

2008-07-13T16:22:00.001-07:00

fleur2
Originally uploaded by Umbra98

I want to start playing around more with my own images - drawn or photographhed. I don't have a lot of tools, but sometimes I think a lack of tools can result in unexpected results.

Healthy Food on a Budget

2008-07-10T16:57:00.000-07:00

It would be easy to calculate that I spend too much money on food. Most of us probably do. It's easy to get busy and social and buy food when you're out, and spend too much when it is convenient. Add to the equation the fact that I work kitty corner from Whole Paycheck, and my lunches and snacks can add up quickly.

I've learned how to navigate Whole Foods and not feel like I'm spending an arm and a leg there:

Granola from the bulk section mixed with plain yogurt
Cheese and meat from the deli, mayo, mustard on crackers - like Wasa
Brown Rice from the hot food bar ($1.99/lb) mixed with cans of soup

These all are pretty easy for preparation too. Which is convenient while I'm at work.

I don't cook as much at home as I would like. The biggest reason for this is storage. Our fridge and freezer are always packed. I have one little section of cabinets for "my stuff." I can't load up on the basics and always have something. Too often, I'll think about what I have to eat at home and all I can think of is a can of beans and a box of mac n cheese. Not a whole lot to work with.

When I move, I'll have a lot more storage for both dry foods and frozen foods. It should be much easier to have a good supply of simple, cheap, healthy foods on hand.

My *hope* is to also do more preparation of things ahead of time and storing them (either in the freezer or in the fridge) in smaller containers. I have done this with uber-healthy stonecut oatmeal in the past (added almonds, protein powder and cranberries). It was great to wake up and eat a small, healthy portion. And it was even ok to eat cold - it reminded me of rice pudding that way!

The other staple food would be soups and stews. My Mom did this when we were growing up and it was great to come home and always know there was some soup in the freezer that could serve as dinner.

Does anyone have additional ideas for cheap, easy and healthy foods that are easy to eat for single-servings? I'd rather stay away from just ramen and frozen processed foods (though I'm sure I'll load up on some Trader Joe's goodness of the frozen variety.)

Here are some sites I've found that may prove to be good resources as well:

http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/06/01/healthy-food-on-an-unhealthy-budget/
http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/40dollarmenu.htm
http://www.cookingbynumbers.com/
http://www.realfood4realpeople.com/oamc.html

As L-Train has mentioned, I'm also intrigued in doing a spin-off of the "Once-a-Month Cooking" concept with friends. Basically, everyone could prepare a dish ahead of time and then package it in single-serving containers and swap. That way you're getting a greater variety of foods. Leftovers become a treat and not overly mundane.

Artwork

2008-07-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

This is the piece I purchased and am getting framed currently!

Funny... because it is true?

2008-07-10T14:00:00.001-07:00

As the female who posted this said, "Would I be affirming the photograph’s message if I said I didn’t think things were that simple?"

Oh answering machines...

2008-07-09T16:28:00.001-07:00

Family Guy Voices

2008-07-07T10:49:00.001-07:00

These are a little trippy to watch. Though nothing beats the Simpsons cast on Inside the Actor's Studio.

Improv Everywhere - mirror

2008-07-07T10:47:00.001-07:00

Oh Mona

2008-07-06T15:38:00.000-07:00

I posted a link recently to a print of Mona Lisa painting over herself with a roller. Shortly after that, I happened upon an image of Mona Lisa with a tear over her face.

There are many interesting pop-culture plays on this classic portrait.

I really like her image showing up in street art though. Here are a few I found on the interwebs:

A favorite image-related blog, WebUrbanist has some really great ones on a recent post.

I love this one:

and this takes us back to where we began:

Happy 4th!

2008-07-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

I know I'm a few days late, but I needed to pass this along.

2008-07-06T11:12:00.000-07:00

Anticipation rose on Wednesday evening, as I packed my bags and readied my mind for 3 days of being a little closer to nature. Of sitting around the fire, drinking beer, playing games, laughing with friends. And then the thunderstorms started and 50 million emails later, we decided not to go camping in the rain. Of course, it looks like it cleared up and everyone else went - but sometimes you have to make a decision and stick to it.

My weekend, nonetheless, was filled with good things. The Seattle International Beer Festival is one of those events I've always wanted to go to, but have typically had plans, had to work or had been out of town. We went for their "happy hour" - which means that for $20 you get an additional 5 tastes of beer - bringing it from 10 to 15 4 oz pours. The beer itself was fabulous. I don't have my program handy, or I would name a few of the highlights. It was a good time. The sun peaked out (I'm one of the few who didn't end up sunburnt) and we stayed for 5 hours or so.

After some sushi at Chinoise and some time wasting at my house, we walked to one of the overlooks of the South Lake Union show from Queen Anne. My 4th was spent in the same spot it was last year. We followed up with a few rounds of Taboo.

Yesterday we took some "newer to Seattle" friends to Snoqualmie Falls. While I think the falls are beautiful and the trip (at least to the upper observation deck) is worth it - do NOT go on the Saturday of a big summer holiday weekend! It was pretty crowded and the lower observation area was barely tolerable. But it was a fun "hike" and the falls were spectacular - they were raging!

One highlight of my weekend was seeing an art installation unveiling and purchasing a print of it. I love my print and now all I can think about is getting it framed. It is by Blaine Fontana. I don't see the piece on his site yet, but you can get a sense of it from here:

The print, of course, is much smaller. It has a lot of visual elements I'm really excited about. I think it will work so well at my place at Veer.

Then we got wind of the Hale's Brewery 25th Anniversary party. It was an unexpectedly great time! You never know with events like this. The weather was great, and the event was in their "garage" (palladium?) in the back. The event was free. We met up with friends, ran into some people we knew, and people at our table were friendly. They were cooking out and had free cake, but the highlight, of course, was $2 beers! The fancy beer they were unveiling, the Dubbel, was $4. Still incredibly reasonable for good beer.

Good weekend all around. I'm bummed about not going camping, but the art alone made up for it.

Sorry, I had to!

2008-07-03T13:51:00.001-07:00

Summer in Seattle

2008-06-30T17:21:00.001-07:00

bounce out of your cubicle
delayer
defleece
take one long deep breath through your nose
and
exhale
into the summer breeze
the car exhaust
the warming pavement
the ashy sand
take off your shoes
get your toes dirty
roll down your window
turn off that AC
play
fall deeper into what you feel
let yourself feel
drink cold beer
out of cans
in public places
break rules
refresh yourself
show some skin
wear sunblock
unlock
sit on front porches
take it all in
embrace it
sense the contrast
feel it
smell it
dance to it
sway
smile
don't be afraid of breaking a sweat
let your skin glow
it's sexy in the summer

My other blogs

2008-06-30T16:00:00.001-07:00

Just in case you were wondering... I still make occasional posts on my NOLA blog. And Susanna and I have a few new posts on our mac 'n' cheese blog, but there is a LOT more to come on that one.

I loved Snatch and Lock, Stock...

2008-06-29T16:51:00.001-07:00

so this looks fun:

RocknRolla
by DrMalo

Interesting sentiment.

2008-06-29T13:36:00.001-07:00

If this wasn't sold out..

2008-06-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

and I felt like I had the extra $, I'd totally get this:

Keep yourself entertained for hours!

2008-06-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

Just press on keys and watch the little guy dance!

2008-06-26T16:40:00.001-07:00

Goodnight Bush

2008-06-26T16:18:00.000-07:00

A childhood favorite as a political parody? Love it!

An end to bipartisanship?

2008-06-25T16:02:00.001-07:00

Fist pounds for hope!

I heart Beck.

2008-06-25T15:45:00.001-07:00

Best reason to go to Bumbershoot this upcoming Labor Day weekend.

As heard in a recent ipod ad... fun video!

2008-06-25T15:42:00.000-07:00

Ting Tings - Shut Up and Let Me Go from espionage on Vimeo.

Is it really this simple?

2008-06-25T14:59:00.001-07:00

Fun!

Censor Bar Art

2008-06-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

This is only slightly NSFW. There is, of course, implied nudity - but the beauty of it is in execution. It takes a few minutes before it gets really fun:

THE BPA - THE BPA 'TOE JAM' FEAT. DAVID BYRNE & DIZZEE RASCAL from Fabio Resende on Vimeo.

Busiest time of year!

2008-06-22T17:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Solstice! I had the pleasure of taking in the Fremont Solstice Parade again this year. Gratuitously artistic nudity included. It's fun to be a part of a tradition with some truly amazing people. I am behind on pictures, but I'll upload some favorites soon.

Last weekend was spent in Vancouver, BC - which was also a great time. I was getting over (read: still suffering miserably from) the worst cold I've had in a long time - but it was a great time.

This summer has already proven to be a busy one. I am looking forward to Cinema on the Lawn, Block Party, my Dad's 80th birthday (crazy!!), other significant birthdays, more soccer, lawnbowling, game nights, Bumbershoot, my 10-year high school reunion, etc... More adventures on the horizon, I'm sure. The best are often unplanned!

Here's to sunshine. It was a SAD June (capital letters signify Seasonal Affect Disorder, not emphasis - but they could be read either way and be true). I'm looking forward to an amazing July.

Country I Love

2008-06-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

Great Wikipeadia entry

2008-06-04T13:59:00.000-07:00

via kottke

Placeholder Name

Totally stealing from S...

2008-06-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

America, this is our moment. This is our time. Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past. Our time to bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for this country that we love. The journey will be difficult. The road will be long. I face this challenge with profound humility, and knowledge of my own limitations.

But I also face it with limitless faith in the capacity of the American people. Because if we are willing to work for it, and fight for it and believe in it, then I am absolutely certain that generations from now, we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick and good jobs for the jobless; this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal; this was the moment when we ended a war and secured our nation and restored our image as the last, best hope on Earth. This was the moment -- this was the time -- when we came together to remake this great nation so that it may always reflect our very best selves, and our highest ideals.

-from Barack Obama's speech in Minnesota, June 3, 2008-

Because, like S. said - the man said it better than I could say it myself.

Roller Coaster

2008-06-04T11:13:00.001-07:00

Word re: the comment about Guitar Hero.

Adele

2008-06-03T15:09:00.000-07:00

Her name is popping up places and I do like her voice. More than the song alone though, I love this video.

Adele - Chasing Pavements
by slzaza

Games

2008-06-02T13:18:00.000-07:00

Fantastic article on the invention of new games.

Anyone who knows me, knows I love games. I like card games, board games, party games, sports games. I like making "wagers" at games. I like road-trip games. I love word games. I like some video games. I *truly* think games are amazing. I like people who like games. (I could never date someone who never wanted to play any sort of games - that's actually a dealbreaker for me.) Games keep us fit. They keep us fun. They keep us mentally challenged. They keep us from being bored.

I like learning new games. I like creating things. So I like this "challenge" for new games to be created. Here's to games!

forget about LOLcats and FAIL - this is amazingly awesome

2008-06-01T15:41:00.000-07:00

omnomnomnom.

say that. now say it again like you're cookie monster and you're eating a cookie. get a little silly, like you're talking to a 3-year-old or a puppy.

ok.

now click here.

hit refresh. a. lot.

enjoy.

a new term for a nasty past time

2008-06-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

bodysnarking

I have so many places I could go with this - but you've heard them all before. Kudos for Jezebel for taking a stance against the catty negative talk. My friend recently recommended this book. I haven't read it - but even just the concept resonates.

We've gotta stop beating each other up ladies.

Can't I (rhetorically - can any girl) just look at the pretty girl in the bar and acknowledge that she is beautiful? That she's hot? That it's understandable for the dudes I'm out with to be looking at her too? That she isn't necessarily "dumb" or "slutty" or "lacking personality" just because she is attractive? Beauty and brains do NOT have to be mutually exclusive.

Seriously. Stop hating on each other ladies. It's not getting us anywhere!

What brands do you interact with?

2008-06-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

This is a great insight into how we interact with brands:

For example, just today I've interacted with:

and... it is only noon on Sunday...

Good-bye.

2008-05-21T17:00:00.001-07:00

So sad to see it go.

2008-05-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

MUTO a wall-painted animation by BLU from blu on Vimeo.

Step up your game

2008-05-06T17:14:00.001-07:00

Wow. Just. Wow.

A welcome addition

2008-05-06T13:07:00.000-07:00

It's been a rough year for my extended Smithhart family. We've lost two of "the brothers" - my Uncle Richard and Uncle Leroy both passed away.

And, of course, my father was in the hospital for weeks on end.

In good news - my Dad is going into Rehab. He'll be strengthening his muscles and working on walking and being a little more independent. This also means my Mom will have some additional time to herself - to work on projects, clean, sleep - just do what she WANTS to do, WHEN she wants to do it. Without 30 people knocking on the door every day.

In other family news, when I was in college, my cousin, Joanna Smithhart, was killed tragically in a car accident. She was 18 and just about to graduate from high school. Losing older relatives is one thing, but this really struck me hard. I also wasn't able to go to her services, so I felt like I never really grieved her death.

Well - her older sister, Holly, just had a baby. And in loving memory of her sister, the baby is named Joanna Maize Smith.

It's nice to have some good news to share on the family front!

happiness

2008-05-06T11:42:00.000-07:00

Argument to Beethoven's 5th

2008-05-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

via VSL

Stuff.

2008-05-04T16:14:00.000-07:00

I just watched The Story of Stuff. I highly recommend you do too. It's one of those things I think everyone should see. I know a lot of you are enviros. But this just lays it all out so nicely. And it raises so many of the red flags about how our society/economy currently functions.

I'm going to start reading her blog too (right up my alley) and the first post I saw is on, none other than, the beauty industry. Oh, the beauty industry. How very fucked up you are.

I truly believe we live in a culture obsessed with stuff and the marketing of it to consumers. So this film resonates with my core beliefs. We're told constantly all the things that are "wrong" with us - and we're given these "cures" that are often just addictive, toxic products that we feel like we "need" in order to function as normal human beings.

I really appreciate her example of buying a $4.99 radio that actually costs a great deal more. But in reality, the "savings" we are getting is at the expense of natural resources and employees along the way.

This little film brings up a nice variety of hot topics. Well worth it.

2008-05-04T15:24:00.000-07:00

I am always fighting the urge to do a little photo bombing.

Good stuff!

2008-05-04T15:20:00.001-07:00

worldometers.

clever and moving

2008-05-02T12:04:00.001-07:00

Beautifully designed teapot

2008-05-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

That's what I call a teapot.

streets

2008-05-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

I'd post the picture directly here, but it will chop it off.

This is crazy. Upon first glance, it looks like a topographical map. In reality, it is just streets in the US. All of them. As they naturally avoid bodies of water and steep terrain - they reveal the texture of the US.

Man, there are a lot of roads in this country.

On the food crisis.

2008-05-01T14:13:00.000-07:00

This post puts a lot of our food choices into perspective. It shows how interconnected the various systems in our world are - especially when it comes to food. Scary and fascinating at the same time. There are many factors causing the current food crisis and this does an excellent job of listing them and putting them into perspective.

(Does this mean I shouldn't buy Australian wine? Is biofuel bad? And more reasons why vegetairanism is good for the environment, but I still like meat.)

A great example of the power of the visual

2008-05-01T14:06:00.001-07:00

What do you see? From the artist, Nadia Plesner:

The Story

My illustration Simple Living is an idea inspired by the medias constant cover of completely meaningless things.
My thought was: Since doing nothing but wearing designerbags and small ugly dogs appearantly is enough to get you on a magasine cover, maybe it is worth a try for people who actually deserves and needs attention.

When we’re presented with the same images in the media over and over again, we might start to believe that they’re important.

As I was reading the book ”Not on our watch” by Don Cheadle and John Prendergast this summer, I felt horrified by the fact that even with the genocide and other ongoing atrocities in Darfur, Paris Hilton was the one getting all the attention. Is it possible that show business have outruled common sense?

If you can’t beat them, join them. This is why I have chosen to mix the cruel reality with showbiz elements in my drawing.

When you look at ways to help Darfur on the website: www.savedarfur.org, amongst other things it says:
Raise awareness. Raise funds. So that is what I am trying to do.

100% of the profits from the Simple Living t-shirt and poster are donated to Divest for Darfur
“Divestment offers a powerful way to exert economic pressure on the Sudanese government to cooperate with international peacekeeping efforts.

Your gift will help fund the Divest for Darfur campaign and other crucial awareness and advocacy programs that play a critical role in building the political and economic pressure needed to end the crisis in Darfur.”

Powerful image.

What do you get when you have too much time on your hands?

2008-04-30T17:09:00.001-07:00

This is one of the most random and interesting things I've seen in awhile.

In the late-90's, this guy posed as a kid and wrote a bunch of famous people asking for advice. And they wrote back. Fascinating.

Imprisoned serial killer has his own LETTERHEAD?

Clarence Thomas likes the Egg McMuffin?

Worth the read. Or at least a quick skim.

P.S. Charles Manson. Really. Is. Crazy.

Mack The Knife

2008-04-30T08:22:00.001-07:00

This is a funny little film from the Scaringis!

Penguins!

2008-04-28T11:38:00.001-07:00

A good day. What it is.

2008-04-27T17:16:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was one of those days that sits quietly on my mind, standing out from her dreary predecessors and successors. I woke with the sunrise reflecting violently off cars and windows on the street below. It was early. Too early. I pulled my drapes a little to dim the light.

I laid in bed as long as possible before that overwhelming feeling of laziness sets in. Striking the balance between intentional restfulness and a lack of productivity.

I read an article about walking. After catching up with some online content, including last week's episode of LOST. I felt conscious of my shoes and every step I took the rest of the day. But in an enlightened and not neurotic way. Just an awareness. I wore flat, cheap flip-flops on a walk to get coffee. I felt the ground through the thin piece of rubber with each step.

I rarely go out for coffee. I drink it - often the less expensive drip variety. But I decided that, on a warm Saturday where I had no set plans until the afternoon - I would splurge and treat myself.

Living on Queen Anne (or, really, any neighborhood in Seattle) I have options for my coffee. Do I go to Starbucks or Tully's or Ladro or Peet's? Do I venture further to one of the lesser known spots? Or do I go to a longtime favorite with murals of angels and devils painted on the walls. I opted for the latter. El Diablo it was.

I ordered a cafe con leche. I didn't order sugar. I don't think it had sugar in it. But the perfectly pulled shots of espresso added a uniquely sweet taste to my drink. The barista did his magic and poured the steamed, foamy milk to form a flower.

I ordered cuban toast. So simple - good bread, toasted, with butter. Not exactly a substantial breakfast - but so tasty. Unfortunately, it managed to tear up the roof of my mouth, the way toasted breads can do. But the flavor was still wonderful.

I sat and read. I am reading The Road right now for my book club and I'm loving it. I'm only about 100 pages in, but it is a very quick read. I think it will be a very interesting book to discuss.

I don't go to cafes often to read. Although I don't care for Mc Donald's, I laugh at their unsnobby coffee ad. I enjoyed myself, my coffee and my book - but I can't help but feel constantly distracted. I notice every person who walks into this shared space. I see them. I hear them. I see them enter, dressed to some stereotype. I hear them order their coffee. I see them decide where to sit. Where to plug in their laptop. Where to read. I see them wipe down their table, so the crumbs don't smash under their macbooks. I hear them typing and flipping pages and chatting with their friend. I know it's possible, with practice, to tune this all out. Not to mention the internal monologue I have a hard time shutting up in my own head. I can't seem to help people watching, but I also don't mind it. Sure it means I read more slowly than if I had stayed home. But it also meant having these images and experiences in my mind. And that's what feeds me.

Queen Anne avenue on a sunny Saturday morning is filled with people and dogs. Seriously. Puppies and full grown. A variety of breeds and sizes. Tied to chairs on the sidewalk. Every. Single. Chair. Was taken. You couldn't find an empty outdoor seat. And it wasn't even all that warm yet.

A newer children's store was holding a free concert on the lawn in front of their building. Families walking by would stop and sit and eat their lunch while listening to the Raffi-esque tunes.

Kids selling flowers to raise money for families in afghanistan.

I'm glad I'm listening to my ipod, the visual clue for them not to talk to me. I don't need their flowers. I'm sure it's a good cause. But I had to go bowl for charity later in the afternoon. I was doing my part.

I went home and put on my workout gear. I hauled a big cooler to a friend's house. I left it and went to the gym. My quiet Saturday afternoon at the gym.

There were probably 5 other people working out when I was. I grabbed a centrally located treadmill and alternated between walking and running for 45 minutes. Hoping to gain a little endurance and speed for soccer and kickball. And it feels good. It feels good to feel it the next day. That slight discomfort - that soreness from muscles trying to heal themselves. Knowing you worked them feels good.

The bowl-a-thon was fun. I didn't realize how crappy the lanes at West Seattle Bowl are though. It had been several years since I'd been there. The lanes were dented and when the ball hit them, it reminded me of dropping something heavy on an old back porch - one that could easily collapse. There was a prize patrol and most of us got some goodie or another. Silicone baking products were popular. I do like that West Seattle has benches - padded benches. Not those molded plastic chairs like Sunset. But Sunset had far superior lanes. Real lanes.

For dinner I went to a girlfriend's - she made a multiple-course dinner of various Asian foods. It was delicious. Good company. Afterwards, I joined up with some other friends for shuffleboard at the Viking. Lots of fun and good company as well. No need for elaboration, but I appreciated good times with friends.

Ever laugh at something you know you shouldn't?

2008-04-27T13:49:00.000-07:00

This plays off as feeling "real" - but apparently it is from a flemish sketch comedy. Either way, it does an incredible job of showing a common human experience of laughing at the inappropriate. The energy from holding back laughter gains incredible momentum and comes out in bursts. You can relate to him, while also feeling sympathy for his guests. (Even if they are just characters)

this just in

2008-04-27T11:51:00.001-07:00

The concept behind hypercolor may be making a high end comeback?

I remember hypercolor very well. My Mom found some on sale and I remember having a sweatshirt and a couple t-shirts. But, let's face it - no one wants their body heat to be "visible." I recall wearing the sweatshirt outside once on a hot, but rainy day. That was pretty cool. Big dark drops, and otherwise fairly light all around. Ah, trends. Funny, funny fads.

On Women...

2008-04-23T16:48:00.000-07:00

From Marginal Revolution, on a fascinating list about the author's own anti-American attitudes (and yes, I happen to agree with a lot of them...) -

3. For whatever reasons, smart American women seem to be more insecure than are Western European women. Yes that's a vulnerable overgeneralization and I will take some lumps for it in the comments but I still think it's basically true.

Also, an interesting article on women (and I'm guessing this is more American women again, not necessarily universal) and their need for perfection.

I think women, because we multitask, tend to have more things we try to be good at. There is a study done about 10 years ago tracked married couples over three months. They found that men on average worry about three things every day, but women on average worry about 12 things every day. In which way are you going to be more neurotic? If you worry about three things or if you worry about 12 things?

This brings back a comment that a friend made to me a couple months ago... if we (women) could stop worrying about stupid stuff... we would be ruling the world.

We don't want to be the bitch. We don't want to be the doormat. We try too hard to please others in our lives - afraid to be seen as selfish by putting ourselves at #1.

Just some interesting themes on being an American woman.

!

2008-04-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

You Are An Exclamation Point

You are a bundle of... well, something.

You're often a bundle of joy, passion, or drama.

You're loud, brash, and outgoing. If you think it, you say it.

Definitely not the quiet type, you really don't keep a lot to yourself.

You're lively and inspiring. People love to be around your energy.

(But they do secretly worry that you'll spill their secrets without even realizing it.)

You excel in: Public speaking

You get along best with: the Dash

What Punctuation Mark Are You?

I don't see myself as all that "brash" of a person... Oh well... Taken from Michelle.

2008-04-21T16:46:00.000-07:00

I remember reading Waiting for Godot in school and feeling all existential. In fact, I think that's when I learned what existentialism was. It happened to coincide with the end of Seinfeld, arguably a show that reflects existentialism in a very pure form. The show is the comedy of nothing.

The Droste Effect

2008-04-20T15:44:00.000-07:00

I enjoy stuff like this. The Droste Effect is when a package has an image of the packaging on the packaging itself.

Graffiti in SLU

2008-04-20T15:36:00.001-07:00

Graffiti in SLU
Originally uploaded by Ben D Cohen

I like this picture.

i wouldn't normally post an ad for a tv channel

2008-04-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

but this is too cool not to share.

(P.S. this is my 200th post!)

Supercuts.

2008-04-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

I've seen this sort of thing before. Apparently, now it has a name - Supercuts. I have no idea where people find the time or patience for this kind of stuff! But here are a few highlights:

Almost every single couch scene in the opening of the Simpson's.

Sawyer's Nicknames:

Obscenities from Deadwood:

On life's deeper meanings...

2008-04-10T16:29:00.000-07:00

That's the freshest move I've ever seen, like he was floating on air.

2008-04-10T15:21:00.001-07:00

Incredible! from kwest on Vimeo.

Awesome. Dance. Moves.

Improv Everywhere

2008-04-09T17:44:00.001-07:00

Best. Game. Ever.

Pretty fun stuff.

Get over it.

2008-04-07T14:47:00.000-07:00

One of my biggest pet peeves? People who feel perpetually sorry for themselves. We all have our insecure, awkward moments - but I'm talking about when it is an underlying theme. It ends up being those people you feel like you have to walk on eggshells around because of an over-sensitivity.

I'm not necessariy thinking of anyone in particular - I just read one article about single women and another about people having a thrisis. Don't forget the quarter-life crisis. Similar themes surround these types of articles. Mostly - insecurity. Superficiality. Self-induldgence.

Blech. Get over it!

I was just talking to a friend about this. He is on a big work-related adventure overseas. He has been reading a book of short stories by a Japanese author and the author described an interesting period of one's life when they felt most "like yourself."

When have you felt most like yourself?

I know I've been in places - work related, relationships, friendships, living situations, etc - where I've felt stifled. Where I wasn't myself. Where I was drowning in a commute, or working for someone I didn't respect, or dating someone I wasn't truly comfortable around, spending time with friends who brought me down, sacrificing my own health, ambitions and happiness to try to make my life meld into some greater societal expectation. Blah, blah, blah. There's a reason I'm not in the financial industry. There's a reason I'm not friends with certain people any more. There's a reason I'm not in those old relationships. There's a reason I tell people on a regular basis how much I love my job. How happy I am in my current situations. Excited for my impending move! Active with things I truly, deeply enjoy. Surrounding myself with supportive, fun friendships.

I find happiness is a balance between being comfortable with who I am (my body, my mind, my emotions, my relationships, my work, my attitude) and, at the same time, open to NEW THINGS - travel, new people, new activities, new adventures, new hobbies.

When I read about people going through these "crises" - I usually feel no sympathy. You make choices. Stop making the wrong choice. Make the right choice. Quit your job and find something new. Move to a new place. Lose that weight. Lose that baggage. Volunteer. Start a new hobby. Tell someone what's on your mind. Get out. Invite people into your life. Listen.

Smile more.

Get.
Over.
It.

I've said for a long time that I'm a sucker for brit female vocalists

2008-04-04T14:45:00.001-07:00

add a little Kanye, produced by will.i.am...

this is fun:

I love this kind of stuff

2008-04-04T13:40:00.001-07:00

A lexicographer discusses words we intentionally say incorrectly.

via Kottke.

Any additions I thought of were listed in the comments. I say shomp-ang-ya for champagne, tar-jay for Target, gar-baj for garbage... I've definitely used internets, interweb, etc (thanks to living with Jon and Josh). Vino instead of wine. Etc.

An old boyfriend had one ex who said pitcher instead of picture, and another who said lellow instead of yellow. I'd tease about that every once in awhile.

Then there's stuff like saying a'ight instead of alright (I remember an old SNL sketch that I picked up on this from, but now it's really common as well).

Where's Waldo?

2008-04-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

Thank Nora!

Bowl-a-thon for Solid Ground

2008-04-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I'm participating in a bowl-a-thon on Saturday, April 26th for Solid Ground (formerly the Fremont Public Association). I've volunteered for them at Marra Farms, their community garden, a few times - they donate all of their fresh, organic, locally grown produce to a local food bank. Solid Ground is a fantastic organization and, let's face it, bowling is fun!

The money raised in the bowl-a-thon benefits their Food Security for Children program.

Food Security for Children (FSC) works to eliminate infant and toddler hunger and malnutrition by providing age-appropriate, high-nutrition foods and essential baby supplies to low-income families through Seattle food banks. FSC also strives to prevent hunger-related problems by connecting expectant and new mothers with nutrition education—and the community resources they need to take care of themselves and raise healthy children.

More information can be found here.

If you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation, you can make a check out to Solid Ground. The non-profit tax ID is 23-7421892. Unfortunately, they do not have a place to make donations for the bowl-a-thon online, but you can snail mail or hand your donation to me, and I will turn it in by hand on the 26th. They will also follow up with a thank you and receipt for your records.

Thank you for your time and consideration!

custom time

2008-04-01T14:22:00.000-07:00

haha - a good one for the gmail junkies out there (like myself)

how nice would that be!

the testimonials are hillarious.

If only it were true... I'd be a pioneer!

2008-04-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

Space travel through Google and Virgin!