This morning I was writing my "To Do" list at work for the day, and then I wrote my "Grocery List" since it's payday, and then I wrote my "Bills to Pay" list- again since it's payday, and then I decided... why not write a more fun list?
Things that I want to do/Things that I want (in no particular order):
1. Go to the Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park. I don't even have to explain this one. Dani and Mike should come too.
2. Take the train from Portland to Vancouver, BC and then the ferry over to Victoria. I've been to Vancouver and to Victoria, but it's always been in a car... not the same as a train.
3. Anti- anxiety meds for traveling. I hate airplanes. I hate other people driving. I'm getting better in cars and vehicles where other people are driving, but not so great in the sky. Turbulence sends me over the edge. And then I heard about the plane last week that had to emergency land in Denver because they hit such bad turbulence that people flew out of their seats and hurt themselves. I would have had a full blown panic attack and possibly a heart attack.
4. Kilted skirt and matching sash in the McKenzie Dress Tartan for special occassions, with the McKenzie clan sash pin.
5. The new iMac 21.5 inch, 1T hardrive desktop computer.
6. New Zealand.
7. An autographed picture of Craig Ferguson.
8. More cookbooks.
9. Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Perfect trip. I want to go in the early fall before it gets too cold, but when the trees are all colorful at the castles and when I won't get sweaty hiking around.
10. Ireland, Scotland, England. I just like old things and old places and these countries are full of old. That sounds weird.
11. Road trip to Colorado to see friends with BF. Colorado is beautiful, and I haven't seen a lot of my CO friends in years so it'd be nice to get back and see them all. Plus, BF has never been to Colorado so I could take him to all of the pretty places.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Quick, Think of Ways to Cheer BF Up!
... before he knows what's going on.
Last night BF was really low. It was heartbreaking. Mostly because I felt helpless because I couldn't fix the situation. The situation being that BF still doesn't have a permanent teaching job for the school year and the news on that front is that a lot of schools are actually still CUTTING jobs so the prospects aren't looking good. He has a few leads on jobs that haven't been officially posted so I'm keeping my fingers crossed, sending him my positive vibes, and then trying to meditate it all into existence.
I know I cannot fix this... but I really want to help. BF is a very happy and easy going guy so seeing him sad and frustrated is hard for me.
I've been working on a way to cheer him up and I have a few ideas, but I'm always open to suggestions (hint, tell me if you have a good idea). Clearly I cannot post my current ideas because I don't know when BF has or has not read the blog and therefore I would be giving up my surprise good ideas if I publish them.
This morning as I was thinking of things I could do, I decided to catch up on other people's blogs so I did a little reading. I stumbled upon one person's and she mentioned something about how she googled "sad kittens" on Google Images and how it was horrible, so it sounded like a good idea to me.
You guys, I laughed SO HARD at these pictures. I don't know why. I may be a horrible person, but if you think the same things I think are funny then you should try it as well.
I linked a bunch of the pictures to an email and then I sent it to BF hoping he'd get a laugh out of it as well. I haven't gotten a horrified text or call yet so I'm hoping he's enjoying it as much as I did.
In other news, I got to work at ass o'clock this morning and was so motivated I got everything on my "To Do" list done by 9:30 this morning... I'm currently working on a new "To Do" list to occupy the rest of my day.
Last night BF was really low. It was heartbreaking. Mostly because I felt helpless because I couldn't fix the situation. The situation being that BF still doesn't have a permanent teaching job for the school year and the news on that front is that a lot of schools are actually still CUTTING jobs so the prospects aren't looking good. He has a few leads on jobs that haven't been officially posted so I'm keeping my fingers crossed, sending him my positive vibes, and then trying to meditate it all into existence.
I know I cannot fix this... but I really want to help. BF is a very happy and easy going guy so seeing him sad and frustrated is hard for me.
I've been working on a way to cheer him up and I have a few ideas, but I'm always open to suggestions (hint, tell me if you have a good idea). Clearly I cannot post my current ideas because I don't know when BF has or has not read the blog and therefore I would be giving up my surprise good ideas if I publish them.
This morning as I was thinking of things I could do, I decided to catch up on other people's blogs so I did a little reading. I stumbled upon one person's and she mentioned something about how she googled "sad kittens" on Google Images and how it was horrible, so it sounded like a good idea to me.
You guys, I laughed SO HARD at these pictures. I don't know why. I may be a horrible person, but if you think the same things I think are funny then you should try it as well.
I linked a bunch of the pictures to an email and then I sent it to BF hoping he'd get a laugh out of it as well. I haven't gotten a horrified text or call yet so I'm hoping he's enjoying it as much as I did.
In other news, I got to work at ass o'clock this morning and was so motivated I got everything on my "To Do" list done by 9:30 this morning... I'm currently working on a new "To Do" list to occupy the rest of my day.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Sweet Tooth
I'm having a difficult time keeping my sweet tooth in check this week, you guys. UGH. It's so frustrating. I mean, I'm doing a good job avoiding the treats and not giving in, but every time someone at work walks by with a a cookie or a donut or a piece of candy I want to tackle them and take it for myself.
The thing is, I've always had a major sweet tooth, but I can usually control it with mind tricks like drinking a big hot cup of mint tea or eating a piece of fruit but it's just not happening this week.
Over the weekend my parents bought those grocery store sugar cookies with an inch of frosting on them that are my FAVORITE. Yesterday someone brought Bliss Cupcakes to work for a coworker's birthday. Today we had a meeting and everyone brought sweet snacks to share like M&M's. Tomorrow, WHO KNOWS.
But I bought a new bathing suit today at the campus employee store so there is a little motivation to keep away from the sugar and bad stuff, but it's still a struggle.
Any tricks that I don't know about to help? I may lose it by the end of the week and hold up Krispy Kreme...
The thing is, I've always had a major sweet tooth, but I can usually control it with mind tricks like drinking a big hot cup of mint tea or eating a piece of fruit but it's just not happening this week.
Over the weekend my parents bought those grocery store sugar cookies with an inch of frosting on them that are my FAVORITE. Yesterday someone brought Bliss Cupcakes to work for a coworker's birthday. Today we had a meeting and everyone brought sweet snacks to share like M&M's. Tomorrow, WHO KNOWS.
But I bought a new bathing suit today at the campus employee store so there is a little motivation to keep away from the sugar and bad stuff, but it's still a struggle.
Any tricks that I don't know about to help? I may lose it by the end of the week and hold up Krispy Kreme...
Monday, July 26, 2010
Weekendy
This weekend was the Oregon Brew Fest on the Waterfront. It was the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the sun... and also wear kilts.
BF got lots of compliments on his kilt that day, and it even lead to a lady losing $10 on a bet... she bet her friend he didn't have anything on underneath, alas he did (like the modest young gentleman he is... lol).
B and BF told lots of fun stories of which I should have taken video, but it's probably good that I didn't because no one could understand them. The only reason I do is that I've had practice deciphering the slurring and mumblings.
Part way through the day we decided to get out of the heat and go to Kell's where it's airconditioned. We were hoping for preferential treatment since we were wearing kilts, but, you know, it's Portland and no one there really noticed.
We ventured back to the fest after a couple of hours chilling in the AC, but didn't stay too much longer.
After the fest we went to Mio Gelato over on 11th and I was in gelato heaven. I got the 3 flavor dish with Pistachio, Chocolate and Amaretto gelatos. MMMM, delicious.
Heat-weary and full we ventured home while BF and B told more stories and also came up with "ridiculously awesome" ideas... that BF consequently did not remember the next day when I brought them up.
Sunday was an awesome lazy day. I woke up sort of early, but stayed in pajamas as long as possible. BF had a softball game on the east side at 11am, so that meant he had to leave at 10am, so I respectfully declined and watched Harry Potter movies in my pj's and ate breakfast on the couch. I cleaned the living room and took a cat nap and generally tried to stay indoors because it was sweltering outside again. I made a lovely dinner of Jagerschnitzel, roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus and mushroom gravy for dinner. It was the first time I'd ever made it, but I must admit it was pretty good. It will be better next time, though. And I'm making the mushroom cream gravy next time instead of the mushroom gravy... it was just too hot to eat creamy things last night.
Now the weekend is over and I'm feeling pretty good about this week. I now have to change subjects drastically because I forgot that I wanted to share something.
At work I've stopped taking the elevators as much as possible. Firstly, taking the stairs is better for you anyway. Second, our work elevators scare me a little. Sometimes they make funny noises or they get to the floor and then just pause for an extended period before opening the doors, and also, they "jump", even when it's only one person getting in or out. So yes, I mostly take the stairs. However, since I've been taking the stairs I've noticed that there is one stairwell that smells like feet. It's super gross and I can't understand why it does. No one is walking barefoot at work (eewww). The stairwell is not close to any of the campus gyms, and it's not near any bathrooms or anything. I've mentioned it to other people at work and some have noticed it as well. I may start using the far-end-of-the-building stairwell instead. It's at the opposite end of the building from me, but I'd rather use it and NOT smell feet.
BF's friend, B, from Corvallis came up to hang with us. We started the afternoon playing Wii Resort Golf, and then drove downtown to start the festivities. It was 200 degrees out. Actually it was like 95. But still.
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| Double Fisting, in a Kilt |
BF got lots of compliments on his kilt that day, and it even lead to a lady losing $10 on a bet... she bet her friend he didn't have anything on underneath, alas he did (like the modest young gentleman he is... lol).
B and BF told lots of fun stories of which I should have taken video, but it's probably good that I didn't because no one could understand them. The only reason I do is that I've had practice deciphering the slurring and mumblings.
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| Story Telling |
Part way through the day we decided to get out of the heat and go to Kell's where it's airconditioned. We were hoping for preferential treatment since we were wearing kilts, but, you know, it's Portland and no one there really noticed.
We ventured back to the fest after a couple of hours chilling in the AC, but didn't stay too much longer.
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| BF finishing his last one |
After the fest we went to Mio Gelato over on 11th and I was in gelato heaven. I got the 3 flavor dish with Pistachio, Chocolate and Amaretto gelatos. MMMM, delicious.
Heat-weary and full we ventured home while BF and B told more stories and also came up with "ridiculously awesome" ideas... that BF consequently did not remember the next day when I brought them up.
Sunday was an awesome lazy day. I woke up sort of early, but stayed in pajamas as long as possible. BF had a softball game on the east side at 11am, so that meant he had to leave at 10am, so I respectfully declined and watched Harry Potter movies in my pj's and ate breakfast on the couch. I cleaned the living room and took a cat nap and generally tried to stay indoors because it was sweltering outside again. I made a lovely dinner of Jagerschnitzel, roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus and mushroom gravy for dinner. It was the first time I'd ever made it, but I must admit it was pretty good. It will be better next time, though. And I'm making the mushroom cream gravy next time instead of the mushroom gravy... it was just too hot to eat creamy things last night.
Now the weekend is over and I'm feeling pretty good about this week. I now have to change subjects drastically because I forgot that I wanted to share something.
At work I've stopped taking the elevators as much as possible. Firstly, taking the stairs is better for you anyway. Second, our work elevators scare me a little. Sometimes they make funny noises or they get to the floor and then just pause for an extended period before opening the doors, and also, they "jump", even when it's only one person getting in or out. So yes, I mostly take the stairs. However, since I've been taking the stairs I've noticed that there is one stairwell that smells like feet. It's super gross and I can't understand why it does. No one is walking barefoot at work (eewww). The stairwell is not close to any of the campus gyms, and it's not near any bathrooms or anything. I've mentioned it to other people at work and some have noticed it as well. I may start using the far-end-of-the-building stairwell instead. It's at the opposite end of the building from me, but I'd rather use it and NOT smell feet.
You Should Listen to This
A month or so ago BF heard this band's single from their new album and liked it enough to download the whole album. We listened to it in the car while running errands and fell in love with it. I made BF make me a cd so I could enjoy it in my car and I have been listening to it for a week straight!
New Politics. It's a bit like a mix of OK GO and Zebrahead, even though that probably makes no sense. You will have to listen to it to see what I mean. I like that most of the songs are super upbeat and they make a great workout mix.
Just thought I'd share. Enjoy!
New Politics. It's a bit like a mix of OK GO and Zebrahead, even though that probably makes no sense. You will have to listen to it to see what I mean. I like that most of the songs are super upbeat and they make a great workout mix.
Just thought I'd share. Enjoy!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
OMG- PICTURES!
YEAH! I got my act together, and now I present to you PICTURES.
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| A Pipe Band taking the field |
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| Their fancy piping and marching |
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| Yes, those are capes... |
But wait... it gets better...
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| What does that say? Yep, that's what it says... |
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| Guns and Swords |
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| ... and swords... |
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| And more swords... |
So that was fun for some folks, but I had a better time looking at these:
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| Yes, that's a table full of kilts. |
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| I coveted the purple tartan... alas, I have two official family tartans that I should get before I get frivolous purple ones. |
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| How wee it is! |
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| Who says kilts aren't manly... or comfy on a hot day? I'm not making any jokes here, as you will see when I post pics of BF in HIS kilt. |
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| Yes, that'sa tartan prom dress with oriental style umbrella. Notice the rennaissance fair lady standing next to her? |
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| See... this guys looks comfy, and stuffed full of bangers, meat pies and haggis I'm sure. |
And thus ended our adventure at the Highland Games... I'm definitely going next year. I will not forget to take pictures of the highland athletic competitions where they try to throw a 96 lb. boulder or do the caber toss.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
I'm So Awesome
Because I promised you pictures, and now I'm posting NO PICTURES.
I know...
So here's the deal. Last night at home I was all like, "I'm going to download my pictures so that tomorrow I can post them... because I'm awesome like that." But what I didn't do was realize that if I download them to my laptop at home, I cannot post them while I'm at work... because they are on a different computer. Yes, that is how awesome I am.
I can try to blame it on being all dumb from the allergy meds because I was dying last night. I can also try to blame it on being exhausted from the kick-awesome workout I had at the gym earlier in the afternoon. I could try to blame it on unclear thinking due to grumpiness from not seeing the BF yesterday at all. But all of these reasons aren't 100% valid excuses. Really, if you want to know the truth, my brain sometimes just doesn't work. It's that simple.
So maybe tonight when I get home I will post the pictures that I told you I would post.
I know...
So here's the deal. Last night at home I was all like, "I'm going to download my pictures so that tomorrow I can post them... because I'm awesome like that." But what I didn't do was realize that if I download them to my laptop at home, I cannot post them while I'm at work... because they are on a different computer. Yes, that is how awesome I am.
I can try to blame it on being all dumb from the allergy meds because I was dying last night. I can also try to blame it on being exhausted from the kick-awesome workout I had at the gym earlier in the afternoon. I could try to blame it on unclear thinking due to grumpiness from not seeing the BF yesterday at all. But all of these reasons aren't 100% valid excuses. Really, if you want to know the truth, my brain sometimes just doesn't work. It's that simple.
So maybe tonight when I get home I will post the pictures that I told you I would post.
Monday, July 19, 2010
The Problem Is I Don't Think Ahead When I Sit Down and Post
Which is why my weekend happenings post is going to come in two parts: one today and one tomorrow with pictures.
So Friday morning BF left to go on a kayaking trip for a class he is taking. He was gone ALL WEEKEND which left me all by my lonesome... which really means I wasn't alone I just wasn't in the company of my favorite person. It's not bad, it's just that he and I find the same things funny and I will see things when he's not around and I think, "Oh man, BF would LOVE this..." and then I try to remember to tell him the funny thing/story but usually I forget. And when I do remember the story or thing I start laughing and then realize that BF isn't laughing because I never told him in the first place.
Anyway, so Friday night I worked out at the gym FOREVER because I had nothing better to do. It was quite nice. I did a whole hour of cardio after my regular weights so I went home and vegged on the couch and watched some movies.
Saturday was the epic Portland Highland Games in which I talked my parents into going to. They totally didn't want to go, but once we were there they had a pretty good time. I ate bangers for lunch and my mom absolutely hated it. I have no idea why. She generally likes most food, and bangers are just sausage, but she was sort of repulsed.
We wandered around looking at the booths full of funny/awesome/crazy stuff. We bought toffee and different kinds of shortbread cookies, matching Tree of Life shirts designed by this awesome celtic artist, family crest stuff (more on that later), and browsed the Scottish fashions.
I was at first happy to be taking pictures of what we were shopping for and looking at, but then my wandering eye was drawn to the folks at the event itself. I took some very awesome pictures, but I was trying to be super inconspicuous.
A few of the booths there sold family crest stuff and clan items such as kilt pins or crest brooches. One booth had family crest info sheets and I found one with BF's name (it's not Scottish in origin but is Irish). I had to buy it for him. I also have to show you his crest. There are a few variations to his family crest depending on the branch of the family, but this one is my favorite, and you'll see why.
Yeah, it's tiny, but I can't freakin' get a larger one for free online so there you have it.
Anyhow, so I bought the page with the crest and a little bit of background info and put it in a cool frame for him. I'm sort of a dork.
Saturday night I met up with some friends which was nice because we sat outside and ate brownies and other good food at the Cornelius Pass Roadhouse and then warmed ourselves by the fire.
Sunday I went and watched my parents play softball on their church softball league and my left arm is now about 7 shades darker than my right because of the angle of the sun. I look awesome. I left the game early because I was starving and feeling a bit gross. After I ate lunch I ran to the grocery store to pick some things up for my meals this week and then I went back home and did some cleaning and laundry.
BF texted me when he was on his way back from kayaking so I made his favorite Korean Spicy Chicken and brown rice for dinner. I made banana pudding for dessert and brought some to the boys' house as it is Mark's favorite.
BF and I just lazed around for a few hours before we had to get ready for bed. He has a class today and tomorrow as well, which also sounds like so much fun that I'm slightly jealous. As far as we know, this class is just a tour of Portland by various means (car, canoe, and walking) and the teacher just tells about cool places in Portland and a little history behind them.
Back to the kilted front, here are pictures of the kilts we ordered:
This is the tartan that BF picked since he doesn't belong to a registered clan with an official tartan. This one happens to be the Graham tartan. He likes darker colors and I tend to agree.
I picked the All Irish tartan because I have more Irish roots than Scottish, but also because I want to order a dress kilted skirt and sash of my actual family's tartan later and I don't want two of the same tartans. I'm lucky like that. Also, I want to point out in this picture that traditionally women don't wear kilt hose with flashes, but kilt fashions have changed with modern times and I guess it's ok to wear them if you want...
On that note, while at the PHG this weekend I saw quite a few women wearing sporrans (the usually leather or fur bags that hang around your waist when you wear a kilt). Traditionally women didn't wear them either, unless they were in a pipe or marching band that called for one as part of the uniform. Women can, however, us a sporran as a purse on the shoulder and I think that looks sort of cute.
So that was my weekend in a not so neat nutshell.
Pictures to come tomorrow.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Oh, And You Thought I Was Joking
Yesterday I did some intense research regarding where to buy kilts in Portland. I found a few places, but I decided to go a different route because I don't have $400 to spend on a kilt.
I went to the Sport Kilt website and found exactly what I was looking for. Sport Kilts are not traditional kilts because they are not made with the same amount of fabric and they are not made of wool. They come in a few different styles and fabrics depending on what you want to wear them for and are only $40-$100.
Last night I showed BF the Sport Kilt site and he picked the style and tartan he liked and we ordered it! I put it in as a rush order so hopefully we will have it by Brew Fest next weekend where he promised to wear it. I also ordered a lady kilt since we were already placing an order.
On the topic of kilts- did you know that they make kilts for EVERYTHING? They have dress kilts for more formal occassions (like weddings, etc), team kilts for sports, hiking and running kilts, utility kilts for work (for guys who do construction, etc). I was amazed.
I think if we like the kilts we will order dress kilts. I have no idea why I really like the idea of that, but I do.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The Best Things In Life Are Free
Boy Howdy, is that true.
Last night, BF and I went to dinner at PF Chang's because I won a $25 gift card at work, and then someone gave me a $50 gift card as a thank you so we had $75 to spend at PF Chang's... so how could we not? It was awesome. I had the Almond-Cashew Chicken and BF had the Spicy Chicken, but because we weren't paying for it we also got the Fried Wontons and Spring Rolls for appetizers. Dinner out is so much better when it's free.
After dinner we headed to Sellwood to hit up Staccato Gelato because BF had tokens (like mini gift cards) and so we ate gelato for dessert for free as well. I had espresso gelato and pistachio gelato and BF had Black and White gelato and some sort of berry gelato. Fruit... who needs it in desserts?
So we had an awesome, entirely FREE night out.
I'm going to be somewhat bored this weekend because BF is going kayaking for a class. He leaves tomorrow and doesn't come back until Sunday night. Can you believe you get college credit for kayaking for 3 days and looking at pretty nature stuff? That's insane. I'm just jealous. Whatever.
But while BF is gone, I will be hunting down a kilt for him. This is not a joke. I need to find him a kilt pronto so that he will wear it to the Oregon Brew Fest in a week. If you know where to get one in Portland let me know! I'm doing my interwebs search today.
Last night, BF and I went to dinner at PF Chang's because I won a $25 gift card at work, and then someone gave me a $50 gift card as a thank you so we had $75 to spend at PF Chang's... so how could we not? It was awesome. I had the Almond-Cashew Chicken and BF had the Spicy Chicken, but because we weren't paying for it we also got the Fried Wontons and Spring Rolls for appetizers. Dinner out is so much better when it's free.
After dinner we headed to Sellwood to hit up Staccato Gelato because BF had tokens (like mini gift cards) and so we ate gelato for dessert for free as well. I had espresso gelato and pistachio gelato and BF had Black and White gelato and some sort of berry gelato. Fruit... who needs it in desserts?
So we had an awesome, entirely FREE night out.
I'm going to be somewhat bored this weekend because BF is going kayaking for a class. He leaves tomorrow and doesn't come back until Sunday night. Can you believe you get college credit for kayaking for 3 days and looking at pretty nature stuff? That's insane. I'm just jealous. Whatever.
But while BF is gone, I will be hunting down a kilt for him. This is not a joke. I need to find him a kilt pronto so that he will wear it to the Oregon Brew Fest in a week. If you know where to get one in Portland let me know! I'm doing my interwebs search today.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Are You Serious?
So this happened, and I'm a little mad:
The Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse team plays in the World Lacrosse Championships every few years, not as a US Team, but as their own sovereign nation because we are just that, OUR OWN SOVEREIGN NATION, with a government and everything.
Let me pause here... I should tell you if you didn't already know that I am Iroquois. I am Seneca, which is one of the six nations that makes up the Iroquois Nation. We invented Lacrosse, no joke. It is in our blood from birth and an integral part to our culture. It is played to strengthen us, to heal us, to bring us together... and I feel very strongly about my culture and Lacrosse.
Continuing...
How are we our own nation and not technically governed by the US? I'll tell you: We were made to move to reservations after we helped pilgrims and settlers survive (hunt, farm, build shelters, navigate the land) and our own government and political structure was used as a model for the United States government and Constitution. When we moved to reservations we signed treaties with the US Government stating that we had sovereignty and thusly we would govern ourselves.
Since then there have been tests and trials to the treaties and agreements we have made. This week we are being pushed again.
The Iroquois Nation has their own version of passports which, up to this time have been declared perfectly valid by the US Government as well as numerous other countries. The reason this document exists is that some Nation members do not want to have US Passports or US Government issued IDs because they don't consider themselves to be governed or a part of the US Government, but really only governed a part of the Nation. It's a culture thing and it's sort of hard to explain. If we are our own sovereign nation, able to elect and sustain our own government and run our own nation, then why would we need to identification from another outside nation? It's almost like living in Austria but having to go through Germany to get your driver's license, if that makes sense. You border each other, but you don't really govern each other and mostly should coexist peacefully.
Anyhow, the Iroquois Nationals team participates in international games as their own nation, and not as a US team... makes sense. So they were invited as they always are to participate in the World Lacrosse Championships this week which is being hosted in Manchester, England. They applied for their travel visas and were denied this year, FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, because the US Government will not let them back into the US to return to the reservation without US issued passports...
OK, so this team and other Nation members have traveled using the Iroquois passport since the 1980's without any issue. People have gone not only to Mexico and Canada, but Japan and most recently Australia using these passports and NOT US issued ones.
So because the US Government won't allow the team back without US issued passports, the British Government cannot approve their visas. Why won't the US Gov let them back without US passports? Apparently this past year the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative went into effect which changed the documentation necessary to enter back into the United States.
That is great, if you are technically a citizen governed by the US.
Letters have been written by govenors and other US officials to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton as well as Janet Napolitano to urge them to have the necessary letters sent so that the team can travel to compete in the championships of a sport that their ancestors created. The team showed up to the airport today, despite knowing that they would be denied access to the plane hoping that the necessary letters would arrive to allow their visas to be approved.
Last I heard (from NPR) the team was still waiting at the airport and the World Lacrosse Championships officials have stated that they hold out hope that the team will make it to England to compete.
This is completely messed up. I am disgusted with the US Government for once again trying to impose rules on a Nation that is not governed by it. Not only did you push these people, MY PEOPLE, from the villages and lives they founded, but you tried to make it impossible for the culture to thrive. Despite all of these things the Iroquois Nation has grown and thrived. It has taken years to build back up the culture and it's people and now we have to fight to play a simple game; a game that we created and is built into the very fiber of our Nation.
They are athletes... not politicians, not dangerous criminals being transported... just let them play and then let them come back home.
The Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse team plays in the World Lacrosse Championships every few years, not as a US Team, but as their own sovereign nation because we are just that, OUR OWN SOVEREIGN NATION, with a government and everything.
Let me pause here... I should tell you if you didn't already know that I am Iroquois. I am Seneca, which is one of the six nations that makes up the Iroquois Nation. We invented Lacrosse, no joke. It is in our blood from birth and an integral part to our culture. It is played to strengthen us, to heal us, to bring us together... and I feel very strongly about my culture and Lacrosse.
Continuing...
How are we our own nation and not technically governed by the US? I'll tell you: We were made to move to reservations after we helped pilgrims and settlers survive (hunt, farm, build shelters, navigate the land) and our own government and political structure was used as a model for the United States government and Constitution. When we moved to reservations we signed treaties with the US Government stating that we had sovereignty and thusly we would govern ourselves.
Since then there have been tests and trials to the treaties and agreements we have made. This week we are being pushed again.
The Iroquois Nation has their own version of passports which, up to this time have been declared perfectly valid by the US Government as well as numerous other countries. The reason this document exists is that some Nation members do not want to have US Passports or US Government issued IDs because they don't consider themselves to be governed or a part of the US Government, but really only governed a part of the Nation. It's a culture thing and it's sort of hard to explain. If we are our own sovereign nation, able to elect and sustain our own government and run our own nation, then why would we need to identification from another outside nation? It's almost like living in Austria but having to go through Germany to get your driver's license, if that makes sense. You border each other, but you don't really govern each other and mostly should coexist peacefully.
Anyhow, the Iroquois Nationals team participates in international games as their own nation, and not as a US team... makes sense. So they were invited as they always are to participate in the World Lacrosse Championships this week which is being hosted in Manchester, England. They applied for their travel visas and were denied this year, FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, because the US Government will not let them back into the US to return to the reservation without US issued passports...
OK, so this team and other Nation members have traveled using the Iroquois passport since the 1980's without any issue. People have gone not only to Mexico and Canada, but Japan and most recently Australia using these passports and NOT US issued ones.
So because the US Government won't allow the team back without US issued passports, the British Government cannot approve their visas. Why won't the US Gov let them back without US passports? Apparently this past year the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative went into effect which changed the documentation necessary to enter back into the United States.
That is great, if you are technically a citizen governed by the US.
Letters have been written by govenors and other US officials to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton as well as Janet Napolitano to urge them to have the necessary letters sent so that the team can travel to compete in the championships of a sport that their ancestors created. The team showed up to the airport today, despite knowing that they would be denied access to the plane hoping that the necessary letters would arrive to allow their visas to be approved.
Last I heard (from NPR) the team was still waiting at the airport and the World Lacrosse Championships officials have stated that they hold out hope that the team will make it to England to compete.
This is completely messed up. I am disgusted with the US Government for once again trying to impose rules on a Nation that is not governed by it. Not only did you push these people, MY PEOPLE, from the villages and lives they founded, but you tried to make it impossible for the culture to thrive. Despite all of these things the Iroquois Nation has grown and thrived. It has taken years to build back up the culture and it's people and now we have to fight to play a simple game; a game that we created and is built into the very fiber of our Nation.
They are athletes... not politicians, not dangerous criminals being transported... just let them play and then let them come back home.
Fashion Woes
I wore plaid in the 90's, with ripped boy jeans and untied Doc Marten boots. And in case you haven't been out of your house this past year I should inform you that some people think that plaid is back.
Well, it is back, in a way, but mostly not fashionably so. I don't know if I can describe this new trend correctly, but some folks are getting right, and some aren't.
I like plaid. I sometimes wear something plaid, but I don't wear EMO plaid. That's different. I think it's fashionable to wear more retro/western style plaids really, like this:
I don't know, something about the smaller lines and the layering of multiple colors makes it more appealing to me. I also like the ones made with paper-thin material with delicate trim or slightly western styled trim because it has an understated casual sophistication about it.
But, as I stated earlier, plaid is back... with an emo vengence and it looks like this:
There are two colors there... black and purple. A lot of times it's black and one solid jewel or neon color. Don't even get me started on the asinine neon colors being used from the 80's right now. Anyone ever heard of "in moderation". Anyway...
I really have no idea why I hate this new style of plaid so much, but I do. And it's not just in shirts... they are using it for everything: tank tops, dresses, skirts... it's too much.
Alright, I just needed to get that out. Thanks.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Das Wochenende
My weekend was pretty good. I really didn't do a whole bunch. I take that back, I did stuff but it was mostly inconsequential things.
Friday afternoon, after the work BBQ and such, I went home, threw laundry in the wash and then went to the gym. Nach der Gymnasium, I went home and took a 3 hour nap. It was awesome. Consequentially I was ten minutes late for BF's softball game, but it was alright. The weather was perfect so I enjoyed the game and sitting in the sun. After the game we went home and showered the softball field dust off and put our party clothes on because one of BF's cohort friends was having a birthday party. We ventured downtown to the Gypsy and were entertained by the masses of inebriated karaoke singers. It was hysterical. Because BF and I are old people we left shortly after 11:30pm and went home and went to bed. Also, I ate a whole plate of onion rings and it was great.
Saturday I got up, made breakfast, went to the gym, and then came home and wanted to die because I was fighting a migraine. They sure do come out of nowhere. I felt totally fine at the gym and then afterwards I started feeling all headachy so I drank a ton of water thinking I was probably just feeling a bit dehydrated, but twenty minutes later I started getting that weird vision thing that happens when I get migraines and my eyes were getting super sensitive to light and I was getting pretty sensitive to any sound. I took some Advil and shut myself up in my dark, quiet bedroom with a pillow over my face. BF was doing whatever it is he does when we aren't together (which is quite a bit actually) and then was going to come over so we could go to dinner with my parents at Old Chicago. He let me know he was on his way over and I just lay in bed and groaned. I was tons of fun. I was watching the news while I was waiting for my headache to fade a bit more and this story came on the news that a small child died unexpectedly at a daycare and I realized as they showed the house I realized that I KNEW WHOSE HOUSE THEY WERE SHOWING. I was shocked right out of my headache and I felt SO BAD for that family. Not many details are known about the incident, but investigators are speculating that it was SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and my heart goes out to both the family of the baby and the family of the day care providers.
After regaining some of my functioning, BF and I went to eat pizza with my fam. I forgot how much I like pizza. Dinner made me feel somewhat better and so BF and I decided to see "Despicable Me" in 3D. And it was awesome. I think it's probably one of the funniest animated movies I've seen in a while. I will definitely be buying it on DVD when it is released.
Sunday I slept in until 10. I couldn't believe it. Then we watched the 2010 FIFA World Cup final and I about had an anxiety attack. So many yellow cards... so many missed opportunities... I was a little sad. But it was fun. BF had a softball game out in SE so we hauled our lazy butts out there and I sat in the warm sun trying not to fall asleep and eating some sweet green grapes.
It was a pretty good weekend, but I'm getting totally spoiled being able to spend so much time with BF. Since he graduated I get to see him almost every day. Can you believe that? It's insane. But that will end soon as he has another class starting this friday so I probably won't see him until next week. What to do with my weekend?
Friday afternoon, after the work BBQ and such, I went home, threw laundry in the wash and then went to the gym. Nach der Gymnasium, I went home and took a 3 hour nap. It was awesome. Consequentially I was ten minutes late for BF's softball game, but it was alright. The weather was perfect so I enjoyed the game and sitting in the sun. After the game we went home and showered the softball field dust off and put our party clothes on because one of BF's cohort friends was having a birthday party. We ventured downtown to the Gypsy and were entertained by the masses of inebriated karaoke singers. It was hysterical. Because BF and I are old people we left shortly after 11:30pm and went home and went to bed. Also, I ate a whole plate of onion rings and it was great.
Saturday I got up, made breakfast, went to the gym, and then came home and wanted to die because I was fighting a migraine. They sure do come out of nowhere. I felt totally fine at the gym and then afterwards I started feeling all headachy so I drank a ton of water thinking I was probably just feeling a bit dehydrated, but twenty minutes later I started getting that weird vision thing that happens when I get migraines and my eyes were getting super sensitive to light and I was getting pretty sensitive to any sound. I took some Advil and shut myself up in my dark, quiet bedroom with a pillow over my face. BF was doing whatever it is he does when we aren't together (which is quite a bit actually) and then was going to come over so we could go to dinner with my parents at Old Chicago. He let me know he was on his way over and I just lay in bed and groaned. I was tons of fun. I was watching the news while I was waiting for my headache to fade a bit more and this story came on the news that a small child died unexpectedly at a daycare and I realized as they showed the house I realized that I KNEW WHOSE HOUSE THEY WERE SHOWING. I was shocked right out of my headache and I felt SO BAD for that family. Not many details are known about the incident, but investigators are speculating that it was SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and my heart goes out to both the family of the baby and the family of the day care providers.
After regaining some of my functioning, BF and I went to eat pizza with my fam. I forgot how much I like pizza. Dinner made me feel somewhat better and so BF and I decided to see "Despicable Me" in 3D. And it was awesome. I think it's probably one of the funniest animated movies I've seen in a while. I will definitely be buying it on DVD when it is released.
Sunday I slept in until 10. I couldn't believe it. Then we watched the 2010 FIFA World Cup final and I about had an anxiety attack. So many yellow cards... so many missed opportunities... I was a little sad. But it was fun. BF had a softball game out in SE so we hauled our lazy butts out there and I sat in the warm sun trying not to fall asleep and eating some sweet green grapes.
It was a pretty good weekend, but I'm getting totally spoiled being able to spend so much time with BF. Since he graduated I get to see him almost every day. Can you believe that? It's insane. But that will end soon as he has another class starting this friday so I probably won't see him until next week. What to do with my weekend?
Friday, July 9, 2010
New Is Not Always Better
Have you ever been introduced to someone new that some of your other friends RAVE about but then you meet them and you are thinking Meh... I'm not impressed. Quite frankly, I'd rather not hang out with that person ?
Maybe I'm picky?
I know that I'm picky, but I honestly do try to give people a fair chance when I meet them and determine for myself what I think.
In the past few weeks this has happened to me TWICE. I'll spare you the details, but both times I was introduced to the new person(s) I thought ok, they seem nice enough and within ten minutes I'm effing done even being in the same room as them.
*Sigh*
Maybe I'm picky?
I know that I'm picky, but I honestly do try to give people a fair chance when I meet them and determine for myself what I think.
In the past few weeks this has happened to me TWICE. I'll spare you the details, but both times I was introduced to the new person(s) I thought ok, they seem nice enough and within ten minutes I'm effing done even being in the same room as them.
*Sigh*
Schizophrenic Posting
I have all of these ideas today on what to blog about, but nothing substantial enough to count as an entire post, so I've decided to post it all in one big schizophrenic, bi-polar, narcissistic post.
Can you handle it?
It's Friday which means a few things:
1. It's pretty much the weekend.
2. I only have to work until lunchtime today.
3. There's a BBQ at work for lunch.
4. I don't have to think about work for 2 whole days.
I read my friend Dani's blog this morning which made me really happy. I always like reading about her and her husband Mike because they live in Utah and we don't get to talk all that much and I miss her, so reading about their adventures lets me know that she's doing well. The only thing I don't like is that for some reason I cannot comment on her dang blog. I click on the comments link and then it just refreshes the page. They've added me as a follower, etc but still I cannot comment. So I have all of these ideas about what she's blogging about but I have to email them to her or wait to tell her which sometimes KILLS me. Oh well.
It's still a million degrees outside. It's only supposed to get to 93 today, according to the old weather guy. I'm still waiting to get my airconditioning in my car until next week, so I'm not driving much. I guess that's a good thing becuase it cuts down on my gas expenses, cuts down on emissions, and also keeps me from going shopping too much.
BF got an email yesterday from Beaverton School District saying that one of the positions he applied for had already been filled. We're hoping that he gets a call for an interview soon. I hate this waiting game. I also hate the application system for school districts here in Oregon. It seems like schools don't know really what positions they have open until right before school starts, and then it takes like a month for the HR folks to filter through applications and start the interview process. I've talked to some of my teacher friends who say that they applied and applied all summer and then didn't get interviews until two weeks before school was supposed to start and then only had a week to plan a WHOLE SCHOOL YEAR once they were hired. YUCK. There has got to be a better way to do this.
Also, I'm sort of fed up with everyone saying "The state is pretty much bankrupt!". How in the hell is that possible? Every time I see how much of my paycheck goes to the damn state I get a little upset. And then what are they spending it on? We need some good business minded folks in state offices instead of politicians to get this mess straightened out. I don't care about your humanitarian efforts, I want you to figure out how to spend our tax dollars correctly so that we aren't bankrupt and cutting teaching jobs and closing down schools.
I'm not super liberal (I'm not super conservative either), but I really do think that we should legalize marijuana already and tax the crap out of it. It's not any worse than alcohol, and at least this way we will make some much needed revenue for the state. And we would cut down on some of the more bogus drug charges that clog up our courts and jails. Do we really need to throw that 19 year old slacker in a detention center because he was smoking a joint? We don't throw those idiot 21 year olds puking on the sidewalk and yelling incoherent insults at passersby outside of bars in jail. I'm just saying. REVENUE. Think about it.
On a completely different note- I started taking these vitamins a month or so ago, just some pack of women's multivitamins and my nails are growing like CRAZY. I used to be a nail biter. I just can't stand it when my nails go past my fingertips for some reason. Now that I don't bite my nails, I'm having to file them or clip them every couple of days to keep myself from wanting to start biting them again. I don't know how people grow long nails and like it. Back when I was quitting the nail biting thing I started taking biotin ( a b-vitamin that helps with your skin, hair and nails) so that my nails would grow faster and I even put cuticle oil on them every night to help moisturize them. I stopped because it seemed like it wasn't doing a thing. Now that I'm not trying they are growing at an insane rate. I don't hate it enough to quit taking my vitamins, but enough to want to rant about it a little.
Also I hate it when you used to be really good friends with someone and then you somehow fall out of touch despite your best efforts to stay in touch (ie: emails, voicemails, Facebook messages, etc) and then you find out that your friend is complaining to other people that you aren't a good friend anymore and have changed and blah blah blah. Apparently they weren't a good friend to begin with. Or they are upset about something out of your control but aren't adult enough to discuss it with you. That's pretty awesome. OR they stop calling you because of events that happened forever ago that made social situations a little awkward but it's been almost a year so people should be over it by now because I am, but apparently the other party is not so the third party of friends are still a little nervous. It also makes me sad for these "friends" because they are now missing out on a pretty great year that I'm having and it'd be nice to celebrate that with them. I'm not writing them all off yet, but I'm slowly having to find other friends because a girls gotta have friends.
...
The gym plays the WORST MUSIC EVER. I don't know who picks the tracks, but I cannot stand them so I bring my iPod to the gym with me every day. I went to the gym when it opened this morning and found that they play even worse music in the morning. At least in the afternoon it's stuff that has a good tempo, but the morning music was stuff that I thought would put me to sleep like Sade, John Mayer, and Enya. Not that I don't like that sort of music, just not when I work out. I wonder if I write them a letter they will do something about it? I know the gym employees don't pick it because it's a chain and they have advertisements playing inbetween tracks so I'm guessing the gym's corporate offices has someone who picks tracks and puts them on a cd that all of the gym locations must play.
I'm going to end on a positive note. Below is a list of things that have made me super happy today:
1. Old Ladies at the gym at 5 am wearing swim caps with flowers on them.
2. Dani's updated blog.
3. It's Friday.
4. It's Sunny.
5. I got a great parking spot at work.
6. I only have to stay until lunch time.
7. I got a tan while outside the other day and today I look all bronze and summery.
8. I've gotten many compliments on my sundress today.
9. I'm wearing purple patent leather Birkenstocks.
10. I got most of my work stuff done before 9:30am because I got to work so early.
11. I've already been to the gym so I don't have to do it later when I'm tired and hungry.
12. My arms looks AWESOME.
13. I get to see BF at lunch for the BBQ.
14. Despicable Me comes out in Theaters today.
Can you handle it?
It's Friday which means a few things:
1. It's pretty much the weekend.
2. I only have to work until lunchtime today.
3. There's a BBQ at work for lunch.
4. I don't have to think about work for 2 whole days.
I read my friend Dani's blog this morning which made me really happy. I always like reading about her and her husband Mike because they live in Utah and we don't get to talk all that much and I miss her, so reading about their adventures lets me know that she's doing well. The only thing I don't like is that for some reason I cannot comment on her dang blog. I click on the comments link and then it just refreshes the page. They've added me as a follower, etc but still I cannot comment. So I have all of these ideas about what she's blogging about but I have to email them to her or wait to tell her which sometimes KILLS me. Oh well.
It's still a million degrees outside. It's only supposed to get to 93 today, according to the old weather guy. I'm still waiting to get my airconditioning in my car until next week, so I'm not driving much. I guess that's a good thing becuase it cuts down on my gas expenses, cuts down on emissions, and also keeps me from going shopping too much.
BF got an email yesterday from Beaverton School District saying that one of the positions he applied for had already been filled. We're hoping that he gets a call for an interview soon. I hate this waiting game. I also hate the application system for school districts here in Oregon. It seems like schools don't know really what positions they have open until right before school starts, and then it takes like a month for the HR folks to filter through applications and start the interview process. I've talked to some of my teacher friends who say that they applied and applied all summer and then didn't get interviews until two weeks before school was supposed to start and then only had a week to plan a WHOLE SCHOOL YEAR once they were hired. YUCK. There has got to be a better way to do this.
Also, I'm sort of fed up with everyone saying "The state is pretty much bankrupt!". How in the hell is that possible? Every time I see how much of my paycheck goes to the damn state I get a little upset. And then what are they spending it on? We need some good business minded folks in state offices instead of politicians to get this mess straightened out. I don't care about your humanitarian efforts, I want you to figure out how to spend our tax dollars correctly so that we aren't bankrupt and cutting teaching jobs and closing down schools.
I'm not super liberal (I'm not super conservative either), but I really do think that we should legalize marijuana already and tax the crap out of it. It's not any worse than alcohol, and at least this way we will make some much needed revenue for the state. And we would cut down on some of the more bogus drug charges that clog up our courts and jails. Do we really need to throw that 19 year old slacker in a detention center because he was smoking a joint? We don't throw those idiot 21 year olds puking on the sidewalk and yelling incoherent insults at passersby outside of bars in jail. I'm just saying. REVENUE. Think about it.
On a completely different note- I started taking these vitamins a month or so ago, just some pack of women's multivitamins and my nails are growing like CRAZY. I used to be a nail biter. I just can't stand it when my nails go past my fingertips for some reason. Now that I don't bite my nails, I'm having to file them or clip them every couple of days to keep myself from wanting to start biting them again. I don't know how people grow long nails and like it. Back when I was quitting the nail biting thing I started taking biotin ( a b-vitamin that helps with your skin, hair and nails) so that my nails would grow faster and I even put cuticle oil on them every night to help moisturize them. I stopped because it seemed like it wasn't doing a thing. Now that I'm not trying they are growing at an insane rate. I don't hate it enough to quit taking my vitamins, but enough to want to rant about it a little.
Also I hate it when you used to be really good friends with someone and then you somehow fall out of touch despite your best efforts to stay in touch (ie: emails, voicemails, Facebook messages, etc) and then you find out that your friend is complaining to other people that you aren't a good friend anymore and have changed and blah blah blah. Apparently they weren't a good friend to begin with. Or they are upset about something out of your control but aren't adult enough to discuss it with you. That's pretty awesome. OR they stop calling you because of events that happened forever ago that made social situations a little awkward but it's been almost a year so people should be over it by now because I am, but apparently the other party is not so the third party of friends are still a little nervous. It also makes me sad for these "friends" because they are now missing out on a pretty great year that I'm having and it'd be nice to celebrate that with them. I'm not writing them all off yet, but I'm slowly having to find other friends because a girls gotta have friends.
...
The gym plays the WORST MUSIC EVER. I don't know who picks the tracks, but I cannot stand them so I bring my iPod to the gym with me every day. I went to the gym when it opened this morning and found that they play even worse music in the morning. At least in the afternoon it's stuff that has a good tempo, but the morning music was stuff that I thought would put me to sleep like Sade, John Mayer, and Enya. Not that I don't like that sort of music, just not when I work out. I wonder if I write them a letter they will do something about it? I know the gym employees don't pick it because it's a chain and they have advertisements playing inbetween tracks so I'm guessing the gym's corporate offices has someone who picks tracks and puts them on a cd that all of the gym locations must play.
I'm going to end on a positive note. Below is a list of things that have made me super happy today:
1. Old Ladies at the gym at 5 am wearing swim caps with flowers on them.
2. Dani's updated blog.
3. It's Friday.
4. It's Sunny.
5. I got a great parking spot at work.
6. I only have to stay until lunch time.
7. I got a tan while outside the other day and today I look all bronze and summery.
8. I've gotten many compliments on my sundress today.
9. I'm wearing purple patent leather Birkenstocks.
10. I got most of my work stuff done before 9:30am because I got to work so early.
11. I've already been to the gym so I don't have to do it later when I'm tired and hungry.
12. My arms looks AWESOME.
13. I get to see BF at lunch for the BBQ.
14. Despicable Me comes out in Theaters today.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Because It Probably Won't Ever Happen...
I want Danny DeVito to conduct my wedding ceremony. No, seriously I do.
I had this idea the other night. I was flipping through the channels trying to find something awesome to watch when I came across a cake show. In this show they were making a wedding cake and they were talking about how the bride and groom also invited their favorite actors to their wedding even though they didn't know them. I have no idea if the actors attended the wedding because frankly I could care less and I found something better to watch.
Later I mentioned to BF that I think it would be hilarious if I invited Danny DeVito and his wife Rhea Pearlman to my wedding one day (whenever it happens). He agreed and then I didn't think much of it until I was watching Jay Leno the other night and this couple wanted Jason Segel to officiate their wedding ceremony so they found out where he lived and blanketed the neighborhood with flyers that said, "Jason Segel, will you marry us?". So at first he thought they were crazy, but then they showed up at the bar that he liked to frequent and they got to talking and it turns out they weren't crazy, they were just a fun couple who thought it would be cool to have him officiate their wedding. So Jason Segel said yes, was certified by the Universal Life Church to officiate, and then he set it up so he could do it on the Jay Leno show.
Now, I don't really want to get married on television or get any publicity for it, but I really think that having Mr. DeVito officiate my wedding would be awesome. That's right, I want Danny DeVito to officiate my wedding. That way I know I wouldn't cry (I get happy weepy at weddings) because I'd be so excited I would forget. Also, it would be super memorable. And of course he would have to bring Rhea.
I've had a few friends married by the same officiant, and while the guy is good he wouldn't be as good as Danny DeVito.
Why him? Well, BF got me watching this show "Always Sunny in Philidelphia" which is a freaking riot. Danny plays the dad in the show and I don't even have the words to describe to you how messed up that family is, but hilariously so. One of our favorite episodes is when Danny's character, Frank, is sewn into the couch at someone's party so he can overhear a conversation. It get's so hot inside of the couch that he pushed through the seams and writhes out of the couch naked and drenched in sweat. It's as if the couch has just given birth to this weird old guy. Then he gets up and sort of hobbles away. We laughed so hard we cried. Plus, the other characters in the show continually wear awesome t-shirts. He's totally my favorite character.
Anyway, I had to get that out just in case. If it happens, you will know that it's been a dream of mine instead of being completely confused as to why Mr. DeVito is not only at my wedding, but in it.
You know, just in case.
What Up With That?
BF likes this SNL skit with Kenan Thompson in it where he plays this crazy soul singer talk show host who starts singing, "OOOOEEEEEE, what up with dat, what up with dat?". It's pretty funny, but BF get's so exicted about it his reaction makes the skit 100 times funnier.
Anyway, last week at work we had virus/worm issues and then this week at work my display settings on my large screen were all wonky and I have yet to get my screen view right again... despite my efforts. I just want to know, what is up with technology sometimes? Right when I have things to do it decides, "Nope, not going to work that way... and while we are disagreeing, I'm also going to just change some other things and not notify you so that you are crazy confused as to what has happened." Thanks, computer.
Also, apparently there's a Death Heat Wave on the East Coast. They are all, "It's going to be 105 degrees today!"
My answer to that is, "Hey, remember last year when it was like 105 degrees for over a week in Oregon and my life was falling apart and I got heat rash and allergy induced excema and couldn't eat anything?" Yeah, so take that, East Coast. I'm sure we're going to get it here in the West soon enough. It's supposed to be a million degrees today and tomorrow in the Northwest, give or take a degree, and by that I mean 95. It's not that bad, but our weather has been ping-ponging between 55 and rainy and then 80 and sunny since the end of March so I feel like the weather gods are suffering from bi-polar disorder.
On the same note, I want to remind everyone that when it gets super hot the rolling black-outs are soon to follow. I've put together some stay cool tips and reminders below:
1. Don't leave lights on whe you aren't using them- they generate heat, which you then have to use more energy to cool again. Side note- don't leave anything turned on that you aren't using... because you will contribute to the strain on the power grid and thusly, black outs.
2. Drink lots of water. If you stay hydrated you are less likely to suffer heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Bring water with you when you venture out.
3. If you are going outside in the heat, bring your own shade. That could be a hat, an umbrella, etc.
4. Close your blinds and curtains at home when cooling your house during the day. The sunlight streaming through the window can heat up the house quickly.
5. If you feel overheated, rest and cool your pulse points. Sometimes a nice damp, cool cloth on the neck is all you need.
6. Don't forget to eat. Sometimes when it's hot we lose our appetites. Try to snack on fresh fruits and veggies to help hydrate and to keep your body supplied with nutrients, and sometimes a salty snack like pretzels or peanuts to help us retain salts.
7. Wear lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen. Polyester and other synthetic fibers aren't that great at letting our skin breathe and can trap heat close to our bodies.
8. Wear deoderant. This isn't really helpful to you, but it's helpful to me. I don't want to smell you. This comment is specifically for the people I have to see on a more regular basis. I love you, but I don't love BO. Also, Lady-at-the-Gym, this is for you. You did a great job of clearing out the cardio area the other night and I only had five more minutes left on the bike.
I hope everyone stays cool. I'll be chillin in my AC'd home eating popcicles and using my personal handheld fan while I read my 39 Clues books.
Anyway, last week at work we had virus/worm issues and then this week at work my display settings on my large screen were all wonky and I have yet to get my screen view right again... despite my efforts. I just want to know, what is up with technology sometimes? Right when I have things to do it decides, "Nope, not going to work that way... and while we are disagreeing, I'm also going to just change some other things and not notify you so that you are crazy confused as to what has happened." Thanks, computer.
Also, apparently there's a Death Heat Wave on the East Coast. They are all, "It's going to be 105 degrees today!"
My answer to that is, "Hey, remember last year when it was like 105 degrees for over a week in Oregon and my life was falling apart and I got heat rash and allergy induced excema and couldn't eat anything?" Yeah, so take that, East Coast. I'm sure we're going to get it here in the West soon enough. It's supposed to be a million degrees today and tomorrow in the Northwest, give or take a degree, and by that I mean 95. It's not that bad, but our weather has been ping-ponging between 55 and rainy and then 80 and sunny since the end of March so I feel like the weather gods are suffering from bi-polar disorder.
On the same note, I want to remind everyone that when it gets super hot the rolling black-outs are soon to follow. I've put together some stay cool tips and reminders below:
1. Don't leave lights on whe you aren't using them- they generate heat, which you then have to use more energy to cool again. Side note- don't leave anything turned on that you aren't using... because you will contribute to the strain on the power grid and thusly, black outs.
2. Drink lots of water. If you stay hydrated you are less likely to suffer heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Bring water with you when you venture out.
3. If you are going outside in the heat, bring your own shade. That could be a hat, an umbrella, etc.
4. Close your blinds and curtains at home when cooling your house during the day. The sunlight streaming through the window can heat up the house quickly.
5. If you feel overheated, rest and cool your pulse points. Sometimes a nice damp, cool cloth on the neck is all you need.
6. Don't forget to eat. Sometimes when it's hot we lose our appetites. Try to snack on fresh fruits and veggies to help hydrate and to keep your body supplied with nutrients, and sometimes a salty snack like pretzels or peanuts to help us retain salts.
7. Wear lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen. Polyester and other synthetic fibers aren't that great at letting our skin breathe and can trap heat close to our bodies.
8. Wear deoderant. This isn't really helpful to you, but it's helpful to me. I don't want to smell you. This comment is specifically for the people I have to see on a more regular basis. I love you, but I don't love BO. Also, Lady-at-the-Gym, this is for you. You did a great job of clearing out the cardio area the other night and I only had five more minutes left on the bike.
I hope everyone stays cool. I'll be chillin in my AC'd home eating popcicles and using my personal handheld fan while I read my 39 Clues books.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
4th of July Weekend Mayhem
And by mayhem I really mean the ordinary stuff BF and I do on weekends and holidays. This past weekend was awesome. I will explain.
Friday was a half day at work for mulitple reasons. Reason #1: The emails and interwebs broke and we had some viruses and worms and problems so no one could get any work done until our IT folks got things back to normal... which, despite their best efforts, didn't happen quick enough so we all left by 11am. Reason #2: I work for an awesome company who lets us participate in a thing called "summer hours" in which we can go home at lunch time on Fridays if we have our work done. Summer Hours run from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend.
Saturday BF and I slept in, went to the gym, and then went to BF's family reunion in BFE, Oregon, also known as Deschutes Recreational Area in Biggs, OR. It's a few miles past The Dalles, across the river from Maryhill Winery. The reunion was only BF's mom's side of the family and everyone is OLD or really young... BF's momma (AKA BFM) is the youngest of seven children (I think it's seven) by about 15 years and she's in her fifities so all of the aunts and uncles are grandparents and have been for a while. We ate lots of great food and walked along the Deschutes River and hung out with hilarious old people. I got lots of hugs from Uncle Bill, who I would have to say is my favorite. I love it when old people have no filter and just say whatever it is they are thinking. After the reunion we decided to head across the river to Washington to see this Stonehenge war memorial on the hill because what the heck else did we have to do? At this point I remembered that I had forgotten my camera, so BF and I made a new rule that I am to bring my camera everywhere we go. I broke that rule the very next day, but oh well. Anyhow, Stonehenge was sort of cool, but mostly hilarious. Not that we don't repect the war memorial, but I think it's funny that someone wanted to replicate an ancient monument but in it's original entirety hundreds of years later.
Sunday was America's birthday, and also my mom's birthday (no joke) so the day was filled with food, food and more food. My dad grilled ribs which were to die for and my mom wanted crab legs so we had quite the feast. We stopped by our friends' house for their annual 4th of July BBQ and said hi and then we went to our friends' Nelson and Michelle's aunt and uncle's house. They live in Lake O on the lake so we camped out on the back deck (which was huge and magnificent) and watched the fireworks. Again, I realized as soon as we got there that I failed to grab my camera as we ran out the door, but Michelle took pictures and so did our friend Kate so at least we have something.
Monday morning I made an awesome breakfast with BF's help. We made buttermilk pancakes filled with bacon and sausage with an over-easy fried egg on top. It was instant food coma, so BF and I lazed around on the couch, watched SNL Best Of skits, and read our 39 Clues books. We both took naps until about one and then got up and on with our day. And by that I really mean BF took another nap, I cleaned and organized, and then continued to nap and read my book. We also went to see the Last Airbender. It was ok, but I was expecting it to be more... epic. If that makes sense. Summer movies, you have disappointed me so far.
Ok, there is an exception to that last statement... and here's where I veer off course from my weekend stories.
On Tuesday night/Wednesday morning my sister and I went to see The Twilight Saga: Eclipse when it premiered at midnight. I didn't have high expectations for this movie since the first one was so freakin cheesey and the second one only marginally better. Eclipse, however, was really good. The acting was better and less soap-opera-y and the action scenes were more on par with a good action movie so I was happy. The only thing that left a bad taste in my mouth was that Rachel Lefevre who played Victoria in the first two movies had been replaced by Bryce Dallas Howard- who I don't mind in other movies, but in this one I felt like she didn't have the proper tone for the character. That's just my opinion. Mostly the best part of the night was people watching while we were in line.
Ok, so back on track. That was my holiday weekend, sans pictures because I can't follow my own rules. I feel like I just need to have my camera in my purse at all times from now on.
Friday was a half day at work for mulitple reasons. Reason #1: The emails and interwebs broke and we had some viruses and worms and problems so no one could get any work done until our IT folks got things back to normal... which, despite their best efforts, didn't happen quick enough so we all left by 11am. Reason #2: I work for an awesome company who lets us participate in a thing called "summer hours" in which we can go home at lunch time on Fridays if we have our work done. Summer Hours run from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend.
Saturday BF and I slept in, went to the gym, and then went to BF's family reunion in BFE, Oregon, also known as Deschutes Recreational Area in Biggs, OR. It's a few miles past The Dalles, across the river from Maryhill Winery. The reunion was only BF's mom's side of the family and everyone is OLD or really young... BF's momma (AKA BFM) is the youngest of seven children (I think it's seven) by about 15 years and she's in her fifities so all of the aunts and uncles are grandparents and have been for a while. We ate lots of great food and walked along the Deschutes River and hung out with hilarious old people. I got lots of hugs from Uncle Bill, who I would have to say is my favorite. I love it when old people have no filter and just say whatever it is they are thinking. After the reunion we decided to head across the river to Washington to see this Stonehenge war memorial on the hill because what the heck else did we have to do? At this point I remembered that I had forgotten my camera, so BF and I made a new rule that I am to bring my camera everywhere we go. I broke that rule the very next day, but oh well. Anyhow, Stonehenge was sort of cool, but mostly hilarious. Not that we don't repect the war memorial, but I think it's funny that someone wanted to replicate an ancient monument but in it's original entirety hundreds of years later.
Sunday was America's birthday, and also my mom's birthday (no joke) so the day was filled with food, food and more food. My dad grilled ribs which were to die for and my mom wanted crab legs so we had quite the feast. We stopped by our friends' house for their annual 4th of July BBQ and said hi and then we went to our friends' Nelson and Michelle's aunt and uncle's house. They live in Lake O on the lake so we camped out on the back deck (which was huge and magnificent) and watched the fireworks. Again, I realized as soon as we got there that I failed to grab my camera as we ran out the door, but Michelle took pictures and so did our friend Kate so at least we have something.
Monday morning I made an awesome breakfast with BF's help. We made buttermilk pancakes filled with bacon and sausage with an over-easy fried egg on top. It was instant food coma, so BF and I lazed around on the couch, watched SNL Best Of skits, and read our 39 Clues books. We both took naps until about one and then got up and on with our day. And by that I really mean BF took another nap, I cleaned and organized, and then continued to nap and read my book. We also went to see the Last Airbender. It was ok, but I was expecting it to be more... epic. If that makes sense. Summer movies, you have disappointed me so far.
Ok, there is an exception to that last statement... and here's where I veer off course from my weekend stories.
On Tuesday night/Wednesday morning my sister and I went to see The Twilight Saga: Eclipse when it premiered at midnight. I didn't have high expectations for this movie since the first one was so freakin cheesey and the second one only marginally better. Eclipse, however, was really good. The acting was better and less soap-opera-y and the action scenes were more on par with a good action movie so I was happy. The only thing that left a bad taste in my mouth was that Rachel Lefevre who played Victoria in the first two movies had been replaced by Bryce Dallas Howard- who I don't mind in other movies, but in this one I felt like she didn't have the proper tone for the character. That's just my opinion. Mostly the best part of the night was people watching while we were in line.
Ok, so back on track. That was my holiday weekend, sans pictures because I can't follow my own rules. I feel like I just need to have my camera in my purse at all times from now on.
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