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.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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