It's getting cold outside and all I want to do is eat soup and make Christmas lists. Really, it's ridiculous. My pantry is stocked with onions and chicken broth. And my Christmas list is looking a little greedy.
I'm sorry for the absence. Do I apologize too often? I know I do, sometimes it's just hard to not be lazy. I think I need a healthy dose of dedication. Mostly, I just get a tad behind, then I get bogged down, followed by a case of the "where-do-I-starts?", finally ending with an "I'll just update later." It's a total downward spiral.
Today, I'm temping for Laika, the company that produced Coraline! There are Coraline models in glass cases, framed Coraline posters hung on the walls and the different sets displayed throughout the office. I keep wishing Neil Gaimon will waltz through the front door. I also wish they had the movie playing up at the front desk. I kind of like the absurd idea of working in 3-D glasses. Other than a few last-minute fill-in jobs, work has been pretty slow. I've been spending most of my days crumb-bumming in bed and looking at recipes with Sex and the City on in the background. I've found that I'm kind of becoming obsessed with food. I spend a chunk of my day researching dinner ideas, grocery shopping and getting some quality kitchen time in. I think I might need to get another hobby. And maybe a gym membership.
I'm mega-ultra-to the zillionth power excited about visiting for Thanksgiving! Bonbon is spoiling me and making a turkey this year! I've never been a fan of Gobble, Gobble Day, but after my discovery that traditional Thanksgiving dishes are actually quite palatable, I'm rather looking forward to gorging myself on turkey, stuffing and pie! I might even induce a turkey coma this year! On top of the awesome food I will be masticating, I'll have nine days of fun time with family and friends. So Dallas, get ready!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
11/01/2010
I wonder if I subconsciously sabotage myself by wearing white on the days that I pack tomato sauce/soup/colorful foods that stain for lunch? Why does it never occur to me in the morning in between yawns that red food and white sweaters is an embarrassing, never-coming-out splotch waiting to happen? Why couldn't it have been peanut butter sandwich day?! I need to invest in a Clorox pen.
Halloween weekend was mostly spent pigging out on candy from the care-box my mom mailed and watching campy horror movies on Ben's couch. Vincent Price is creeptacular (The Abominable Dr. Phibes!) and I now understand why Wes Craven's Last House on the Left was banned from the UK until 2004. Pretty much I looked like this on the couch:
I think I have officially gotten my fix of blood/guts/murder/rape/necrophilia and all those other delicious things that horror movies have to offer. At least we passed on the slasher flicks! After our weekend marathon of scary movies, Tynan (Ben's roommate who actually stayed awake during these films and not: Double Indemnity, Dr. Strangelove, Singles, Crazy Heart... I think you get the pattern) and I agreed that we needed a good healthy dose of Rom Coms stat.
On a regular basis the Skidmore house (minus the replacement roomie) spend a solid chunk of time lamenting the loss of Dane. We'll go around in a circle and swap our favorite Dane memories. We're a sad, pathetic bunch and if only Dane could play Bob Dylan's greatest hits record one more time! After looking sad and longingly at each other, we usually end our conversations with, "I wonder what Dane is up to right now?" and spend some time on his facebook page. I'm saying this with complete sincerity, we sorely miss Dane.
Did I mention that Ben picked me up an Ipod Touch from a coworker? Did I also mention that I haven't stopped playing pinball all weekend? In fact, I've stopped writing this post twice to take a Deep Pinball break. On the commercial breaks during the Mavs game I whipped out this baby. It's engrossing and lethargic and I'm pathetic.
Everyone around me is getting the sniffles and sore throat. Lauren has mono, my boss has caught a bad case of the cold (she called in sick twice last week and claims to have "broken a rib from coughing so hard) and Ben isn't feeling 100% either. I keep washing my hands and eating lozenges as my pre-meditated attack on the fall bug. Don't you just love this time of the year!
Halloween weekend was mostly spent pigging out on candy from the care-box my mom mailed and watching campy horror movies on Ben's couch. Vincent Price is creeptacular (The Abominable Dr. Phibes!) and I now understand why Wes Craven's Last House on the Left was banned from the UK until 2004. Pretty much I looked like this on the couch:
I think I have officially gotten my fix of blood/guts/murder/rape/necrophilia and all those other delicious things that horror movies have to offer. At least we passed on the slasher flicks! After our weekend marathon of scary movies, Tynan (Ben's roommate who actually stayed awake during these films and not: Double Indemnity, Dr. Strangelove, Singles, Crazy Heart... I think you get the pattern) and I agreed that we needed a good healthy dose of Rom Coms stat.
On a regular basis the Skidmore house (minus the replacement roomie) spend a solid chunk of time lamenting the loss of Dane. We'll go around in a circle and swap our favorite Dane memories. We're a sad, pathetic bunch and if only Dane could play Bob Dylan's greatest hits record one more time! After looking sad and longingly at each other, we usually end our conversations with, "I wonder what Dane is up to right now?" and spend some time on his facebook page. I'm saying this with complete sincerity, we sorely miss Dane.
Did I mention that Ben picked me up an Ipod Touch from a coworker? Did I also mention that I haven't stopped playing pinball all weekend? In fact, I've stopped writing this post twice to take a Deep Pinball break. On the commercial breaks during the Mavs game I whipped out this baby. It's engrossing and lethargic and I'm pathetic.
Everyone around me is getting the sniffles and sore throat. Lauren has mono, my boss has caught a bad case of the cold (she called in sick twice last week and claims to have "broken a rib from coughing so hard) and Ben isn't feeling 100% either. I keep washing my hands and eating lozenges as my pre-meditated attack on the fall bug. Don't you just love this time of the year!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
10/28/2010
I'm kind of obsessed and in love with fall right now.
This is the view from my bedroom window
Aggie Spirit Trees
This is the view from my bedroom window
Aggie Spirit Trees
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
10/26/2010
Due to popular demand, actually the nagging of two individuals, I suppose it is time to begin updating this again. WAH! I'm so far behind! It's daunting. Believe me, on numerous occasions I sat down to post, but then I got side tracked by new recipes and web comics (Melinda!) and other people's pretty picture blogs.
Since trying to cram a busy/whirlwind month into one entry will be the length of a novella, I'm going to stick to the highlights much like a Christmas letter.
First off, it's fall. All the trees are changing colors and the weather is cool and crisp and drizzly. It's absolutely beautiful and all I want to be is a slugabed. And eat stews and soups! And plan trips (starting with a stay in the "sweet room" at this hotel in Milan: http://www.maisonmoschino.com/en/maison-moschino-rooms-suites). Speaking of trips, my dates have been set and I will be in Dallas for Thanksgiving & Christmas! Deck the Halls with Turkey, Stuffing, and Pie!
Second, I have a new house! It's slightly out of the norm, but I'm walking distance to bars/coffee/and Whole Foods. We're kind of a scraggly bunch of roommates, but it seems to work. So here's the skinny:
-The Landlord: He lives in an attached apartment and watches a lot of game shows. He had a stroke and now can't use the right side of his body. Due to the stroke, a ramp has been constructed to get in/out of the side of our house (bike ramp too, score!). His 95 year old mother visits twice a week and has Alzheimer. She's a huge fan of cats, so there are a bunch of kitty magazines laying around the house. Tinga can't wait to meet her. Also, there is a permanent nursing home fragrance in the house (I think they are to blame).
-Dave: He lives in the basement with his up-to-my-waist pooch, Whiskey, who is a complete scaredy cat. So far, Whiskey just stares at me and keeps his distance. I tried bribing him with doggie treats shaped like steaks, but he's a smart lass and must have been privy to my plot. Dave is the house keeper and does all the cleaning/odd jobs. He enjoys painting and baking brownies and cheesecake.
-Gery: He lives upstairs and his door is decorated in Native American style which I find odd because he isn't even partially Indian. He has a little Chihuahua which is permanently glued to his arms. Seriously, his pup is an accessory. He makes Ramen Noodles almost every morning for breakfast, and is a pool shark at night. His trophies are adorning our window sills.
-???: He lives upstairs as well. I met him once and accidentally offended him by addressing him as the 'elusive roommate.' After that we had an incredibly awkward conversation about the toaster. According to Dave, he's 24 and a workaholic.
My room is huge and it's totally quirky.
Pros: There is a faux fireplace and a hidden closet. I can climb out my windows on to the roof of the house. My very own internet.
Cons: I live off a fairly busy street and the sound of cars is a permanent white noise. I have hardwood floors that collects dust and spreads Tinga's litter all over and is extremely cold to my bare footsies in the morning. There is no overhead light, so the room gets a little dark at night, but it kind of makes me feel like Jane Austen (don't ask me why).
Work front: I'm currently temping in Lake Oswego in the hr department for a couple of weeks. The company is a school that provides mental health treatment to children. The school is decorated in Hogwarts theme and I'm kind of loving Snape's Potion Lab. Yesterday the heat went out, so today everyone brought space heaters and heavy coats. Also, the sweet fairy keeps leaving sugar cookies in the break room.
Ben and I have been somewhat glued to the tv this past week playing Heavy Rain (for all those with a PS3 GO BUY NOW). And Ben is now going to be perma-glued since basketball starts this week. Oh joy! At least it gives me an excuse to make chili (or do we need to be watching football for chili?)!
I'll try to be better/more frequent with my updates.
Since trying to cram a busy/whirlwind month into one entry will be the length of a novella, I'm going to stick to the highlights much like a Christmas letter.
First off, it's fall. All the trees are changing colors and the weather is cool and crisp and drizzly. It's absolutely beautiful and all I want to be is a slugabed. And eat stews and soups! And plan trips (starting with a stay in the "sweet room" at this hotel in Milan: http://www.maisonmoschino.com/en/maison-moschino-rooms-suites). Speaking of trips, my dates have been set and I will be in Dallas for Thanksgiving & Christmas! Deck the Halls with Turkey, Stuffing, and Pie!
Second, I have a new house! It's slightly out of the norm, but I'm walking distance to bars/coffee/and Whole Foods. We're kind of a scraggly bunch of roommates, but it seems to work. So here's the skinny:
-The Landlord: He lives in an attached apartment and watches a lot of game shows. He had a stroke and now can't use the right side of his body. Due to the stroke, a ramp has been constructed to get in/out of the side of our house (bike ramp too, score!). His 95 year old mother visits twice a week and has Alzheimer. She's a huge fan of cats, so there are a bunch of kitty magazines laying around the house. Tinga can't wait to meet her. Also, there is a permanent nursing home fragrance in the house (I think they are to blame).
-Dave: He lives in the basement with his up-to-my-waist pooch, Whiskey, who is a complete scaredy cat. So far, Whiskey just stares at me and keeps his distance. I tried bribing him with doggie treats shaped like steaks, but he's a smart lass and must have been privy to my plot. Dave is the house keeper and does all the cleaning/odd jobs. He enjoys painting and baking brownies and cheesecake.
-Gery: He lives upstairs and his door is decorated in Native American style which I find odd because he isn't even partially Indian. He has a little Chihuahua which is permanently glued to his arms. Seriously, his pup is an accessory. He makes Ramen Noodles almost every morning for breakfast, and is a pool shark at night. His trophies are adorning our window sills.
-???: He lives upstairs as well. I met him once and accidentally offended him by addressing him as the 'elusive roommate.' After that we had an incredibly awkward conversation about the toaster. According to Dave, he's 24 and a workaholic.
My room is huge and it's totally quirky.
Pros: There is a faux fireplace and a hidden closet. I can climb out my windows on to the roof of the house. My very own internet.
Cons: I live off a fairly busy street and the sound of cars is a permanent white noise. I have hardwood floors that collects dust and spreads Tinga's litter all over and is extremely cold to my bare footsies in the morning. There is no overhead light, so the room gets a little dark at night, but it kind of makes me feel like Jane Austen (don't ask me why).
Work front: I'm currently temping in Lake Oswego in the hr department for a couple of weeks. The company is a school that provides mental health treatment to children. The school is decorated in Hogwarts theme and I'm kind of loving Snape's Potion Lab. Yesterday the heat went out, so today everyone brought space heaters and heavy coats. Also, the sweet fairy keeps leaving sugar cookies in the break room.
Ben and I have been somewhat glued to the tv this past week playing Heavy Rain (for all those with a PS3 GO BUY NOW). And Ben is now going to be perma-glued since basketball starts this week. Oh joy! At least it gives me an excuse to make chili (or do we need to be watching football for chili?)!
I'll try to be better/more frequent with my updates.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
09/15/2010
This job makes me feel like Peter Gibbons, minus an aching desire to crush the copy machine. I pretty much spend my work days performing robotic tasks and cringing every time my coworker answers the phone in her Mr. Mackey voice. My manager though, she sends my fists into a clench. She's a micromanaging, all-up-in-your-business fiend who has mastered the hover technique better than a sea gull (tell me how you really feel, right?). I love/hate her and I can't stand the feelings of paradox. It sends me into a frenzy. Honestly, my manager is really nice, just a little always hangin' around for my taste. My last day is tomorrow and then it's back into the wash bin of unemployment. I am going to miss texting/griping with my coworker, Lauren, and then heading off for cheap drinks at happy hour and Lebanese after work. But, I'm pretty excited to start something new.
And I know, wine, cheese and violins. I love them all!
Now, on to the happy, happy times that is Seattle.
I left Seattle on Sunday kicking and screaming. Ben has the bruises to prove it! From now on he will pack a bike helmet and hockey gear on all future vacations. Seattle was amazing! And plagued with steep inclines and stairs, which as shocking. I wasn't expecting Dallas flats, but I wasn't expecting San Francisco tumbles either. Aside from the work-out inducing, take-my-breath-away hills, Seattle was incredible. Actually, including the hills, Seattle was incredible!
And I know, wine, cheese and violins. I love them all!
Now, on to the happy, happy times that is Seattle.
I left Seattle on Sunday kicking and screaming. Ben has the bruises to prove it! From now on he will pack a bike helmet and hockey gear on all future vacations. Seattle was amazing! And plagued with steep inclines and stairs, which as shocking. I wasn't expecting Dallas flats, but I wasn't expecting San Francisco tumbles either. Aside from the work-out inducing, take-my-breath-away hills, Seattle was incredible. Actually, including the hills, Seattle was incredible!
We stayed in an apartment in Capitol Hill that had a breakfast nook and was a short walk to coffee shops/restaurants and was basically a Hawthorne Street duplicate. Ben was a little trooper and was up and dressed before eleven! I almost wish I had time stamped my pictures as proof for all the skeptics. We ate brunch at the Coastal Kitchen, which on the weekends has a 45 minute line that competes with Gravy. Lady luck was with our tummies, because we walked straight in the door and to a booth. I was in hashbrown heaven for the entirety of our meal.
We grabbed a bus to the Sci-fi/Experimental Music Project Museum. Ben spent an hour in the music museum lusting after guitars and talking about grunge while I lusted after first edition P.K. Dick and H.G. Wells novels. Also, the entire time I was there I couldn’t get Mr. Tony Daniels, my sci-fi professor in college…whom I found dull, out of my head. I kept expecting to see Metaplanetary: A Novel of Interplanetary Civil War in one of the glass cases. Unfortunately (fortunately?), he has not yet made it the sci-fi hall of fame.
Pike Place Market was packed and filled with jewelry booths, flower stands and fish mongers. It’s three stories, and on floor number two is the most amazing comic book/Spencers conglomeration. Also joining the ranks on floor 2, is the book store narrator who yells non sequiturs at his customers and talks like he’s hyped up on a pound of espresso beans. It is in that store that I bought my only souvenir from Seattle (besides the added pounds), a Jane Austen portrait bookmark.
Since markets aren’t Ben’s thing, he got to pick the next activity--- the arcades. Ben and I spent an hour and a half playing pinball, skee ball, and air hockey. We spent $13.00 and left with a mini-deck of cards, a glitter bouncy ball and some green play dough.
Ben booked reservations at Seattle’s second best rated “romantic restaurant.” One of its walls is home to the “Gum Wall” which I find horribly ironic. Romantic with a tinge of gross-factor! The food was delicious. Ben was brilliant and got a fish deluxe plate, ie Katie proof. I had the penne special and later experienced wicked indigestion. Apparently when you shovel an appetizer, wine, and your whole meal down your throat like a piggie, you get stomach aches. In hind sight, totally worth it!
The next morning we made our way to this pizza shop around the corner--- home to the most mouth-watering pizza. I dare say, better than Dominos! I know, Bonbon/Popeye, you guys must be in shock right now. But I assure you, I have never had this pizza’s equivalent.
My number one, must-do in Seattle, top-of-my-list, will digress into toddler mode if we don’t do it, was ride a ferry boat. And luckily, for my lungs and pride, Ben took me on a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island over the Puget Sound. We met Allen, the super geeky marine lawyer, who talked about Evil Dead and Neil Gaimon to us while we sipped on beer. Inspired by ferry boats, we have decided to save up for an Alaskan cruise. We want to eat like kings on a cruise ship and look at glaciers. Bainbridge was this charming island city on the Kitsap Peninsula that had yarn stores, book shops and icecream! Oh my, oh my, oh my I scream, you scream, we're all screaming for this icecream. No joke, best.icecream.ever.
Dane and I are checking out a house tonight. Keep your fingers crossed this house is a keeper! Oh yeah, and pictures from Seattle to come.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
09/01/2010
I've been obsessed with lists today. My grocery list is charmingly essential. My wish list is excessive and borderline superfluous and titled 'Gimmie, Gimmie!' and mostly features books/graphic novels and end tables (yes, run on sentence).
Last Thursday, Ben, Elisa and I went to Billy Rays for pinball and cheap beer. Medieval Madness kept sucking my ball and taking my quarters. I gave up and played trivia. Trivia highlighted our stupidity and we made out with honorable mention...aka, last place. My contributions: Au, Dolly Parton, Jupiter, and Tropic of Cancer. We played four rounds. Team player, yeah!
I gave Ben these options for tonight:
Dinner by Katie- Salisbury Steak, Pancakes & Breakfast Sausage, Homemade mac & cheese, Panko Crusted Chicken Nuggets
Dinner by Frozen- CPK pizza, Bertolli Chicken Parm in a bag
Dinner by Eating Out- Chipotle
Ben chose Chipotle and I'm totally blaming it on our Ricotta Gnocchi failure last week. Also, I keep thinking about Alana's homemade gnocchi and pining. In any case, our "gnocchi" never thoroughly cooked and pretty much turned into warm r
icotta fritters. Also, the entire time we were making our dinner Ben made up the "Gnocchi Man" song:
Gnocchi man,
Oh gnocchi man,
Making gnocchi with his gnocchi hands,
Doing whatever a gnocchi man can dooooo
Adorable, right? Also, are you guys a little done with reading the word 'gnocchi?'
Well, I'm not! We paired our ricotta gnocchi with Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Our Star Wars indu
lgence was inspired by: http://weburbanist.com/2010/08/26/how-graffiti-can-be-even-cooler-just-add-star-wars/
Elisa had an intense weekend, see: South American love boy, which called for Sunday brunch and mimosas. Oh men, always complicating things! After getting tired of paying absurd prices for orange juice and cheap cha
mpagne, we went to Freddies and picked up our own Mimosa making ingredients. The rest of the afternoon was spent watching Project Runway, petting our kitties and sipping delicious alcoholic beverages.
And now, a glimpse of what's to come.
Ben & Katie in the Emerald City- Second week of September. Another list of the day: What To Do In Seattle?
1) Ferry Boat
2) Sci-Fi Museum
3) Gum Wall
4) Fremont Troll
5) Pike Place
6) Ilbistro Romantic Date Night
7) Art Walk
8) Bridge of Glass
Any suggestions?
Last Thursday, Ben, Elisa and I went to Billy Rays for pinball and cheap beer. Medieval Madness kept sucking my ball and taking my quarters. I gave up and played trivia. Trivia highlighted our stupidity and we made out with honorable mention...aka, last place. My contributions: Au, Dolly Parton, Jupiter, and Tropic of Cancer. We played four rounds. Team player, yeah!
I gave Ben these options for tonight:
Dinner by Katie- Salisbury Steak, Pancakes & Breakfast Sausage, Homemade mac & cheese, Panko Crusted Chicken Nuggets
Dinner by Frozen- CPK pizza, Bertolli Chicken Parm in a bag
Dinner by Eating Out- Chipotle
Ben chose Chipotle and I'm totally blaming it on our Ricotta Gnocchi failure last week. Also, I keep thinking about Alana's homemade gnocchi and pining. In any case, our "gnocchi" never thoroughly cooked and pretty much turned into warm r
icotta fritters. Also, the entire time we were making our dinner Ben made up the "Gnocchi Man" song:Gnocchi man,
Oh gnocchi man,
Making gnocchi with his gnocchi hands,
Doing whatever a gnocchi man can dooooo
Adorable, right? Also, are you guys a little done with reading the word 'gnocchi?'
Well, I'm not! We paired our ricotta gnocchi with Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Our Star Wars indu
lgence was inspired by: http://weburbanist.com/2010/08/26/how-graffiti-can-be-even-cooler-just-add-star-wars/Elisa had an intense weekend, see: South American love boy, which called for Sunday brunch and mimosas. Oh men, always complicating things! After getting tired of paying absurd prices for orange juice and cheap cha
mpagne, we went to Freddies and picked up our own Mimosa making ingredients. The rest of the afternoon was spent watching Project Runway, petting our kitties and sipping delicious alcoholic beverages.And now, a glimpse of what's to come.
Ben & Katie in the Emerald City- Second week of September. Another list of the day: What To Do In Seattle?
1) Ferry Boat
2) Sci-Fi Museum
3) Gum Wall
4) Fremont Troll
5) Pike Place
6) Ilbistro Romantic Date Night
7) Art Walk
8) Bridge of Glass
Any suggestions?
Thursday, August 26, 2010
08/26/2010
I have officially fallen in love with the internet. I have joined the ranks of web-info junkies and would happily sit in front of a computer, self-indulging and reading blogs for an entire work day. Unfortunately, my manager has decided on a "better" way for me to spend my time. I am now in charge of closing out pre-2010 service requests. Readers, if you have ever complained about having the worst job in the world, then you have just been usurped. I officially have the most insipid and banal job that requires opening and closing 4,721 (I'm going to spell this out for effect: FOUR THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED AND TWENTY ONE. Aka, a lot!) service requests. Not even The Smiths is getting me through the day. And we're talking Morrissey power! Isn't he supposed to like speak to your soul?!
I spent last weekend bouncing from fair to fair. I went to the Downtown Farmer's Market with my roommate, Elisa. She spent the majority of the time discussing her Chilean lover boy while I drifted from booth to booth sampling produce and dairy. My taste buds forced me to fork over money for some fresh ricotta cheese, Pepperhead jelly, and a bundle of strawberries. Ricotta gnocchi is on the menu for this week. That afternoon, the entire household rode our bikes to the Alberta Street Fair. I managed to resist the Italian Ice temptation, but gave in to the black bean garlic Aardvark sauce. Are you guys noticing a trend in my purchases? Handmade jewelry and classic books converted into journals obviously does not tickle my fancy....nor tummy. I spun the Bishops wheel and won a free haircut! Before I could collect my freebie cut coupon, I had to say 'sexy monkey' to the receptionist who hadn't been informed of the "secret code" and stared at me like I was asking for some sort of exotic African haircut. Ben, get your golden locks ready! Just a trim, I promise.
I spent last weekend bouncing from fair to fair. I went to the Downtown Farmer's Market with my roommate, Elisa. She spent the majority of the time discussing her Chilean lover boy while I drifted from booth to booth sampling produce and dairy. My taste buds forced me to fork over money for some fresh ricotta cheese, Pepperhead jelly, and a bundle of strawberries. Ricotta gnocchi is on the menu for this week. That afternoon, the entire household rode our bikes to the Alberta Street Fair. I managed to resist the Italian Ice temptation, but gave in to the black bean garlic Aardvark sauce. Are you guys noticing a trend in my purchases? Handmade jewelry and classic books converted into journals obviously does not tickle my fancy....nor tummy. I spun the Bishops wheel and won a free haircut! Before I could collect my freebie cut coupon, I had to say 'sexy monkey' to the receptionist who hadn't been informed of the "secret code" and stared at me like I was asking for some sort of exotic African haircut. Ben, get your golden locks ready! Just a trim, I promise.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
8/19/2010
I am the Summer Survey Call Girl. KinderCare sends out surveys to all our enrolled parents and it's m
y job to get into contact/create service requests regarding concerns and feedback. I am now that person who sits in a cubicle and talks with my head set all day long. And strangely enough, it's not awful. In fact, it's like being in a soap opera. Today, I talked with a parent who was disgraced by KinderCare's ethics. And most specifically, how a staff member at one of our centers is having an affair with a married man. Her husband. Or another call about the center director threatening "to bat" a parent at an unaffiliated center. Dramarama. The flip side of this job is my coworkers. Yesterday my boss took the Customer Service Reps (there's three full-time and me) out for drinks and appetizers at the Thatch Tiki Bar. We ordered Mai Tais and the "Pu-pu Platter." My manager told an inappropriate joke about a spaceman and getting it on in a car. It was a strange night. And no worries readers: No drinking/driving for me. I rode the MAX home!
My new house has two major flaws: 1) Around the clock construction workers banging/pounding/waking me up at 7:00 am on Saturday. 2) The price. After reevaluating my finances, I've decided that I do not want to set aside the necessary amount to live in this house. It takes up more than half of my monthly income. So, looks like another move is on the way! To be fair, this isn't something that I had completely overlooked when first moving in. I honestly intended to foot the bill and stay put until winter. But, Dane's brother, Rene, is moving into town and they asked me to be their third roommate. And you all know, you can't say no to friends. So, it's looking like Oct 1 is my next move-in-date! And hopefully my last stop for a while. Stability here I come!
y job to get into contact/create service requests regarding concerns and feedback. I am now that person who sits in a cubicle and talks with my head set all day long. And strangely enough, it's not awful. In fact, it's like being in a soap opera. Today, I talked with a parent who was disgraced by KinderCare's ethics. And most specifically, how a staff member at one of our centers is having an affair with a married man. Her husband. Or another call about the center director threatening "to bat" a parent at an unaffiliated center. Dramarama. The flip side of this job is my coworkers. Yesterday my boss took the Customer Service Reps (there's three full-time and me) out for drinks and appetizers at the Thatch Tiki Bar. We ordered Mai Tais and the "Pu-pu Platter." My manager told an inappropriate joke about a spaceman and getting it on in a car. It was a strange night. And no worries readers: No drinking/driving for me. I rode the MAX home!My new house has two major flaws: 1) Around the clock construction workers banging/pounding/waking me up at 7:00 am on Saturday. 2) The price. After reevaluating my finances, I've decided that I do not want to set aside the necessary amount to live in this house. It takes up more than half of my monthly income. So, looks like another move is on the way! To be fair, this isn't something that I had completely overlooked when first moving in. I honestly intended to foot the bill and stay put until winter. But, Dane's brother, Rene, is moving into town and they asked me to be their third roommate. And you all know, you can't say no to friends. So, it's looking like Oct 1 is my next move-in-date! And hopefully my last stop for a while. Stability here I come!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
08/11/10
I started temp work at KinderCare Learning Center's Corporate office this week. I'm in the customer care department and have basically sat & observed how to answer/take incoming calls, respond to emails, and create service requests. Adam is my trainer and we talk about fantasy books and Firefly most of the time. Tomorrow though, it's my turn. I get to dive right into the job of Customer Care rep. After two days on the job I would like to tell everyone, be nicer to your call representatives.
On the note of jobs: Rejection, I believe, is synonymous with Katie Acker. If you haven't gathered from that poor-poor-me statement, I was not hired by Springbrook Software. According to them, I was their third choice and that I should be proud that out of hundreds of applicants I made it to the final round. Unfortunately, I would only have felt "proud" had some sort of prize been given out to the third runner up; like say a consolatory pity-check. Or maybe even a ribbon would have boosted the ole ego. Luckily, I have that Acker stubborn gene and have not given up on the search!
This past weekend: I dominated at bowling (does it really count when all the opponents are drinking?...and my score was only a 102?), said a sad, sappy goodbye to Shiv, had girls day with Lizzy and Morgan consisting of outlet mall shopping followed by cosmos and a Sex and the City double feature, had two squatters bunking on my floor, ate tater tots, and received a stick magic wand that Ben made me on his boy camping trip. Expecto Patronum!!
On the note of jobs: Rejection, I believe, is synonymous with Katie Acker. If you haven't gathered from that poor-poor-me statement, I was not hired by Springbrook Software. According to them, I was their third choice and that I should be proud that out of hundreds of applicants I made it to the final round. Unfortunately, I would only have felt "proud" had some sort of prize been given out to the third runner up; like say a consolatory pity-check. Or maybe even a ribbon would have boosted the ole ego. Luckily, I have that Acker stubborn gene and have not given up on the search!
This past weekend: I dominated at bowling (does it really count when all the opponents are drinking?...and my score was only a 102?), said a sad, sappy goodbye to Shiv, had girls day with Lizzy and Morgan consisting of outlet mall shopping followed by cosmos and a Sex and the City double feature, had two squatters bunking on my floor, ate tater tots, and received a stick magic wand that Ben made me on his boy camping trip. Expecto Patronum!!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
08/04/10
I feel like I'm in a commercial. I just walked every corner of my house with my laptop scouring for free internet. No luck in any of the bathrooms, the kitchen, on the piano, the kitchen table, nor the front porch. Oohhh, but I am a master hunter and have found Portland Experimental Sculpture wifi outside on my back steps! Doesn't matter that it's cloudy and nippy and the construction workers next door keep giving me awkward glances while making a banging and pounding racket. Because of my stolen goods, it's a great day to be outside internet surfing! And, real internet coming shortly.
Friday night was Frææænch date night. I put on a twirling dress and Ben took me out to Chez Machin (thank you Groupon). The food was tantalizingly delicious(I've always wanted to describe a food as "tantalizing." I sound like a critic.) and my stomach was oh-so satisfied. I ordered Chicken Cordon Bleu in honor of Aaron (and may I say, way better than the frozen food kind, but I do miss Cordon Blehhh nights with you) and Ben got the Boeuf Bourguignon/puff pastry delight! Pop insisted that I order an appetizer of french fries and ketchup, but I was not ready to handle the infamous French 'tude and ordered their specialty, French Onion Soup, instead. After our glutinous dinner, we drank wine and watched Le Mépris. It was the perfect French date night.
My weekend was spent packing/hauling/moving/unpacking boxes and large furniture. My house is grown-up style and perfect. My backyard o
pens up to a spiral walking bridge that leads to a park. I anticipate many lazy reading days and picnics. Once I find my camera, I'll post pictures.
The job interview was intense. Springbrook Software is located in the Pink Lady, the tallest building in Portland. I stood outside looking up for a while trying to find my nerves. It was intimidating and towering. The interview was held in the conference room. Me vs the interviewers. It lasted 45 minutes and my palms were sweating, but it was fantastic! I told a few humorous anecdotes, got a couple of laughs; impressed with my questions; said all the right things. Next step is narrowing down to two candidates and having a final interview. I should find out today/tomorrow if I'm a chosen one. So keep those fingers crossed!
Yesterday, I went to a matinee. This is the first time I've ever been to the movies by myself. It wasn't at all depressing. I feel like day time lonely movie watching is perfectly agreeable.
Nate is in Seattle, Stephen is in town visiting, and Jason is moving to Portland. Apparently now is the time to see the NW. Perhaps is has something to do with the 75 degree weather we're having?
Friday night was Frææænch date night. I put on a twirling dress and Ben took me out to Chez Machin (thank you Groupon). The food was tantalizingly delicious(I've always wanted to describe a food as "tantalizing." I sound like a critic.) and my stomach was oh-so satisfied. I ordered Chicken Cordon Bleu in honor of Aaron (and may I say, way better than the frozen food kind, but I do miss Cordon Blehhh nights with you) and Ben got the Boeuf Bourguignon/puff pastry delight! Pop insisted that I order an appetizer of french fries and ketchup, but I was not ready to handle the infamous French 'tude and ordered their specialty, French Onion Soup, instead. After our glutinous dinner, we drank wine and watched Le Mépris. It was the perfect French date night.
My weekend was spent packing/hauling/moving/unpacking boxes and large furniture. My house is grown-up style and perfect. My backyard o
pens up to a spiral walking bridge that leads to a park. I anticipate many lazy reading days and picnics. Once I find my camera, I'll post pictures.The job interview was intense. Springbrook Software is located in the Pink Lady, the tallest building in Portland. I stood outside looking up for a while trying to find my nerves. It was intimidating and towering. The interview was held in the conference room. Me vs the interviewers. It lasted 45 minutes and my palms were sweating, but it was fantastic! I told a few humorous anecdotes, got a couple of laughs; impressed with my questions; said all the right things. Next step is narrowing down to two candidates and having a final interview. I should find out today/tomorrow if I'm a chosen one. So keep those fingers crossed!
Yesterday, I went to a matinee. This is the first time I've ever been to the movies by myself. It wasn't at all depressing. I feel like day time lonely movie watching is perfectly agreeable.
Nate is in Seattle, Stephen is in town visiting, and Jason is moving to Portland. Apparently now is the time to see the NW. Perhaps is has something to do with the 75 degree weather we're having?
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
07/28/10
The majority of this week I've spent eating baked potatoes and watching Wildlife Specials or playing Clockwords in my pjs. After feeling disgustingly lazy, I will roll over and nap or bike to a coffee shop to read/do pre-calculus homework. Don't judge me, I'm embracing unemployment.
I had a phone interview yesterday. After a sweaty fifteen minutes, I made it to the next stage. An interview for tomorrow morning with Springbrook Software has been locked down! Around 10 am pacific time, think of me. Esp Bonbon! I'm hoping since it's her birthday, her good thoughts will bring me luck. When you blow out those 29 candles, mind using that wish on me?! Happy Birthday Bonbon!
I currently have a shade darker than pale tan...that's splotchy and uneven. Last weekend, I went to Sauvie Island and laid out on the beach with Bryan, Lizzy and Morga
n. Everyone playing at the beach seemed to bring water toys, umbrellas and coolers. I packed a bath towel, 
short shorts and a book. Somewhat ill-prepared. Morgan lent me some SPF 30 that I, unfortunately, applied haphazardly which resulted in me looking slightly like a candy cane. The beach had a mountainous view (that seems like it should be an oxymoron. And I'll admit, it was only one mountain) and a relaxing breeze. Decidedly more pleasant than Florida sun beaches. After sunning, we went back to grill chicken-dogs and drink cocktails.Wednesday, July 21, 2010
07/21/10
I think I'm becoming somewhat of a pre-cal wizard! I aced my first exam (sigh of relief) and am counting down the days to the final. My study buddy, Glen, asked me yesterday, "How is it you get this stuff?!" HEY now! This fall I'm thinking about stepping up to the big leagues...Calculus.
Last week, I met up with Amy at the Kennedy School, which is this quirky abandoned scholastic gem house that has been converted into a pub/bowling alley/movie theater/soaking pool/restaurant. We had a beer at the Cypress Room Bar and Amy was great. She reminded me of Tina Fey a bit, but her house was sort of a dud. It was just a little tiny and lacking for the inconvenient location and month-to-month rent. Friends instead of roommates? Yes
! I was feeling a little glum on my bike ride back that night...and a little butt blistered (I think my bike seat needs a few adjustments), but the following day I finally found home. I officially have a roof! And my new house is perfect. Mary Poppins even thinks so! I move in at the end of this month to a two-story, brown house with a large front porch and lavender growing in the yard. I'll be living with two other females and a "tiny" kitty. Oh, and did I mention I'll be living on Prescott Street? Bonbon and Popeye, we're neighbors!...just a few thousand doors down. I'll post more pictures after I move in and unpack a few boxes.
I have an interview next Monday at a non-profit organization and a couple of other job possibilities are in the mix as well. Hopefully, by the end of next week I'll have employment figured out! And a new dress to boot?!!
Bryan and Lizzy took Ben and I out to Miss Delta for dinner last Friday as a thank you for watching the little brutes. While there I gorged on hushpuppies, fried okra, red beans and rice, and a sandwich! That's right, for the very first time (outside of Subway/Quiznos) I ordered a sandwich. I ordered a BBQ Pulled Pork Sammich over Meatloaf! Shocking, right! Was I possessed? We ended the night with date cake (mmmm, date cake--picture Homer Simpson's drooling love-affair with, well all food) and rhyming brain teasers.
Saturday night, the handsome foursome (I'm not sure this needs clarification--Bryan, Ben, Lizzy and I) had double feature, double-date night at St. Johns Theater. We started the night with popcorn and Inception and ended with Hot Lips pizza-by-the-slice and Twilight. Both amazing choices, just sign on facebook for validation. After numbing our brains with glittering, hyper-dramatic wolfvamp teenagers, we joined Sara at the Alibi for her goodbye party. The Alibi is this kitschy, gussied up tiki karaoke bar. And it's amazing. The cocktails come with little umbrellas and everyone is wearing a lei. This place is pricelessly absurd. Unfortunately, they don't have mine and Ben's duet (Summer Wine, a Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood song) so the patrons of the Alibi missed out on our angelic voices. Drats!
Ben had Monday off d
ue to his new wonky work schedule. We finished our puzzle and watched too many episodes of Buffy.
Last week, I met up with Amy at the Kennedy School, which is this quirky abandoned scholastic gem house that has been converted into a pub/bowling alley/movie theater/soaking pool/restaurant. We had a beer at the Cypress Room Bar and Amy was great. She reminded me of Tina Fey a bit, but her house was sort of a dud. It was just a little tiny and lacking for the inconvenient location and month-to-month rent. Friends instead of roommates? Yes
! I was feeling a little glum on my bike ride back that night...and a little butt blistered (I think my bike seat needs a few adjustments), but the following day I finally found home. I officially have a roof! And my new house is perfect. Mary Poppins even thinks so! I move in at the end of this month to a two-story, brown house with a large front porch and lavender growing in the yard. I'll be living with two other females and a "tiny" kitty. Oh, and did I mention I'll be living on Prescott Street? Bonbon and Popeye, we're neighbors!...just a few thousand doors down. I'll post more pictures after I move in and unpack a few boxes.I have an interview next Monday at a non-profit organization and a couple of other job possibilities are in the mix as well. Hopefully, by the end of next week I'll have employment figured out! And a new dress to boot?!!
Bryan and Lizzy took Ben and I out to Miss Delta for dinner last Friday as a thank you for watching the little brutes. While there I gorged on hushpuppies, fried okra, red beans and rice, and a sandwich! That's right, for the very first time (outside of Subway/Quiznos) I ordered a sandwich. I ordered a BBQ Pulled Pork Sammich over Meatloaf! Shocking, right! Was I possessed? We ended the night with date cake (mmmm, date cake--picture Homer Simpson's drooling love-affair with, well all food) and rhyming brain teasers.
Saturday night, the handsome foursome (I'm not sure this needs clarification--Bryan, Ben, Lizzy and I) had double feature, double-date night at St. Johns Theater. We started the night with popcorn and Inception and ended with Hot Lips pizza-by-the-slice and Twilight. Both amazing choices, just sign on facebook for validation. After numbing our brains with glittering, hyper-dramatic wolfvamp teenagers, we joined Sara at the Alibi for her goodbye party. The Alibi is this kitschy, gussied up tiki karaoke bar. And it's amazing. The cocktails come with little umbrellas and everyone is wearing a lei. This place is pricelessly absurd. Unfortunately, they don't have mine and Ben's duet (Summer Wine, a Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood song) so the patrons of the Alibi missed out on our angelic voices. Drats!
Ben had Monday off d
ue to his new wonky work schedule. We finished our puzzle and watched too many episodes of Buffy.Tuesday, July 13, 2010
07/13/10
Have I mentioned lately that the real world is tough? I'm too soft for it. I have blubber around the mid-section and scrawny arms. I want to be a baby bird! I don't need soaring wings; just a little nesting. So basically, yours truly experienced the cruel cruel ways of the corporate microcosm. I was swallowed up and spit out by the big, bad bugs (aka, valley girl with blonde hair). Tired of me talking in an anology? Let's get to the dirt. I am no longer employed with Income Property Management. According to my manager, it's good and bad news! Except, I'm still unsure what the good news is. Last week, I was informed that a replacement had been found for my position. Yay!!???? Basically, a girlfriend of someone at the company came in looking for a job and left with mine. The receptionist position was only unofficially mine, and now it's hers. I've been kicked to the curb. After my unsavory reaction, my manager offered me a few hours this week to help bring in a little income while I job search. Since the shock has worn off, I'm actually kind of excited! I've applied for some really cool jobs, and honestly, who wants to do mail for six hours a day? Really, that's all IPM had to offer me: repitious mail sorting and dirty dishes. Not for me!
I finally decided to part ways with my current roommates. I just hate Bentley (the Beagle). He urinated on my new books! I can take destroying my boots and eating my cat's food, but desecrating my books is too far! Those are sacred. So, I am still on the quest for the perfect house to move to. The last few I've check out have been duds. For example: In one of the houses, my bedroom had slanted ceilings, no closet and my favorite part, had "f*** the pigs" punk rock, paint job. Uh, not so much. I didn't even complete the tour of the rest of the home. But, I'm hoping tonight my living situation will get squared away. Details if it pans out! A little spoiler: 33 year old Amy, tw
o fat cats, and NO BOYS (sorry guys, I just miss tabloids and chick flicks). Keep your fingers crossed!
While visiting the Tillamook Chese Factory, Ben and I picked up a country musicians puzzle! Basically, every day we age. Are we somewhere around 65 and retired? In any case, we are puzzle machines!
I finally decided to part ways with my current roommates. I just hate Bentley (the Beagle). He urinated on my new books! I can take destroying my boots and eating my cat's food, but desecrating my books is too far! Those are sacred. So, I am still on the quest for the perfect house to move to. The last few I've check out have been duds. For example: In one of the houses, my bedroom had slanted ceilings, no closet and my favorite part, had "f*** the pigs" punk rock, paint job. Uh, not so much. I didn't even complete the tour of the rest of the home. But, I'm hoping tonight my living situation will get squared away. Details if it pans out! A little spoiler: 33 year old Amy, tw
o fat cats, and NO BOYS (sorry guys, I just miss tabloids and chick flicks). Keep your fingers crossed!While visiting the Tillamook Chese Factory, Ben and I picked up a country musicians puzzle! Basically, every day we age. Are we somewhere around 65 and retired? In any case, we are puzzle machines!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
07/06/10
My enthusiasm with pre-calculus has dropped. Instead, I spend each lecture, twice a week, punching numbers into my calculator and sobbing. I guess my math brain is a little rusty. I will admit, the left side has been pretty lazy post-high school. Seriously, do you remember what a function is? Luckily, I have Squid to get me through! Yes, yes, her name is Squid. She has dancing toast tattoos, wild hair, heavy industrial nose and ear piercings,cat eye glasses, and a knack for pre-cal! And when she isn't available, I have Glen, the high school, mowhawking rower! He keeps talking about "when he goes to college" and I silently wonder where he thinks he is. Also, I find it slightly odd to be studying with someone who isn't 21. He's a 90s baby!
My parents visit to Portland started out slightly Odd Couple-esque, minus the bickering. I couldn't tell you played the part of Felix or Oscar. Due to bad weather on Thursday, their Dallas flight was delayed causing them to miss their connecting flight in Denver. Denver sleep over! They arrived Friday around brunch. The three of us stood around and watched the luggage go round and round on the conveyer belt. All sorts of suitcases, but none of them my mom's.
Felix Ungar: Where's my suitcase? Oscar Madison: Your suitcase? In the trunk. Felix Ungar: No. Oscar Madison: No? Felix Ungar: No. Oscar Madison: Did you look good? Felix Ungar: [holds his arms apart] The trunk is this big. It takes about a second and a half to look in there. Your 1927 piece of cardboard is in there, but my suitcase isn't.
Papa bear had a bad reaction to Portland and spent the first weekend sleeping with NCIS on in the background and a sinus infection. Mom and I took advantage of having no y-chromosome and spent a day shopping at the Portland Farmer's Market and the Tigard mall. Saturday evening I tried taking mom out for a nice dinner. That nice dinner ended up being: walking out of a restaurant and taking her to a restaurant that no longer exists to a restaurant that was closed to finally making it to pizza. Good ole pizza, the perfect back up of a back up!
Luckily, the string-of-bad-luck curse wore off by the Cooooolinary (Culinary) Tour of Portland. A tour guide took us to some hot eating/drinking spots in the Pearl district. Any Portland visitors, definitely get tickets to this! You will get to sample lavender chocolates and wine, truffle salt, orange tomato soup, Hot Lips pizza, IPAs and Pearl Bakery croissants!! We finished the night with Peter Sellers cracking the Shot in the Dark case at the Laurelhurst Theater.
We spent the 4th of July weekend hiking and touring the Hood River, Mt. Hood and the coastal areas. My legs are sore and my parents completely wore me out. Apparently, hiking vertically up for 3 miles can make you a tad winded. Pop got dressed for the hikes like he belonged in the outback; garbed in airy khaki, a hat and his walking stick. I kept getting him confused with Wally.
For the past two weeks I have been pretty, pretty princess and eaten majestically. No joke, my stomach has never been happier. We decided that Double Mountain in Hood River, the food carts, Timberline Lodge at Mt Hood, Cup and Saucer, Lebanese dinner with Bryan and Lizzy, Voodoo Donuts, Gravy...oh it was all the best! Really, the Ackers know how to eat.
Highlights: The Lavender Farm, OMSI @ night where the only kids present were adults drinking beer, touring the Tillamook Cheese Factory & Cheese mail, game after game of Mah Jongg (Ben even got a win in!), the Brie factory petting zoo, Farmer's Market berries and cherries, MY BIKE!, the "30-more minutes" hike and basically it was the most jam-fun-packed couple of weeks. There are tons of pictures, I promise I'll post a link soon.
Also, for those curious: BEN IS STILL ALIVE! Papa bear didn't growl nor eat him. And believe me, there were plenty of opportunities and remote hikes. In fact, the parents meeting my boy went great! The whole trip was fantastic. So good that we're already planning NW adventure #2!
My parents visit to Portland started out slightly Odd Couple-esque, minus the bickering. I couldn't tell you played the part of Felix or Oscar. Due to bad weather on Thursday, their Dallas flight was delayed causing them to miss their connecting flight in Denver. Denver sleep over! They arrived Friday around brunch. The three of us stood around and watched the luggage go round and round on the conveyer belt. All sorts of suitcases, but none of them my mom's.
Felix Ungar: Where's my suitcase? Oscar Madison: Your suitcase? In the trunk. Felix Ungar: No. Oscar Madison: No? Felix Ungar: No. Oscar Madison: Did you look good? Felix Ungar: [holds his arms apart] The trunk is this big. It takes about a second and a half to look in there. Your 1927 piece of cardboard is in there, but my suitcase isn't.
Papa bear had a bad reaction to Portland and spent the first weekend sleeping with NCIS on in the background and a sinus infection. Mom and I took advantage of having no y-chromosome and spent a day shopping at the Portland Farmer's Market and the Tigard mall. Saturday evening I tried taking mom out for a nice dinner. That nice dinner ended up being: walking out of a restaurant and taking her to a restaurant that no longer exists to a restaurant that was closed to finally making it to pizza. Good ole pizza, the perfect back up of a back up!
Luckily, the string-of-bad-luck curse wore off by the Cooooolinary (Culinary) Tour of Portland. A tour guide took us to some hot eating/drinking spots in the Pearl district. Any Portland visitors, definitely get tickets to this! You will get to sample lavender chocolates and wine, truffle salt, orange tomato soup, Hot Lips pizza, IPAs and Pearl Bakery croissants!! We finished the night with Peter Sellers cracking the Shot in the Dark case at the Laurelhurst Theater.
We spent the 4th of July weekend hiking and touring the Hood River, Mt. Hood and the coastal areas. My legs are sore and my parents completely wore me out. Apparently, hiking vertically up for 3 miles can make you a tad winded. Pop got dressed for the hikes like he belonged in the outback; garbed in airy khaki, a hat and his walking stick. I kept getting him confused with Wally.
For the past two weeks I have been pretty, pretty princess and eaten majestically. No joke, my stomach has never been happier. We decided that Double Mountain in Hood River, the food carts, Timberline Lodge at Mt Hood, Cup and Saucer, Lebanese dinner with Bryan and Lizzy, Voodoo Donuts, Gravy...oh it was all the best! Really, the Ackers know how to eat.
Highlights: The Lavender Farm, OMSI @ night where the only kids present were adults drinking beer, touring the Tillamook Cheese Factory & Cheese mail, game after game of Mah Jongg (Ben even got a win in!), the Brie factory petting zoo, Farmer's Market berries and cherries, MY BIKE!, the "30-more minutes" hike and basically it was the most jam-fun-packed couple of weeks. There are tons of pictures, I promise I'll post a link soon.
Also, for those curious: BEN IS STILL ALIVE! Papa bear didn't growl nor eat him. And believe me, there were plenty of opportunities and remote hikes. In fact, the parents meeting my boy went great! The whole trip was fantastic. So good that we're already planning NW adventure #2!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Back to School; To Prove to My Dad That I'm Not A Fool
I have my backpack, my books and Adam Sandler stuck in my head. I get to join all the other night school babies for number lessons and functions every Tuesday and Thursday night. Is it nerdy that I'm actually excited about going back to school? Or that I've spent the majority of my morning flipping pages in my pre-cal book? Of course this gung-ho-ness (did you know gung-ho is actually a word and not bumpkin vernacular?) and the glamour of lectures is going to wane about thirty minutes into my three and a half hour class.
My allergies have been killing me lately. Most mornings I wake up with swolen eyes, congested nostrils and half of my windpipe closed off. It's awful and I've found that eating peanut butter can be deadly when you can't breathe through your nose and smacking is inappropriate. The remedy to this allergy nuissance is to overdose on antihistimes and then sleep for fourteen hours like you're Sleeping Beauty. I feel great today! And even better after Oatmeal Cookie Ben & Jerrys!
My landlord is kicking us out by August 1. His wife is pregnant and they want to reclaim the downstairs. They're going to be in for a big surprise since it's going to take a lot of hacking and gutting and money to clean the place up. Needless to say, I'm ready for adios Garfield Ave! I've found a house on craigslist that sounds charming and perfect:
"This NE Portland 3 bedroom 1 1/2 bath home is a few blocks off of MLK and conveniently located between Alberta and Killingsworth. There will be three of us in the home, the other housemate has lived here for about a year, and I've been here for about a month. We're looking for a fun fresh start with you in this wonderful house, so here's a little bit about it: The house is stucco, older (1930's) with minimal yard of its own but additional semi-communal space shared among the friendly neighbors (their houses are owned by the same folks as ours). There's also compost in the back and a garden plot if you're so inclined. Overall it's in fairly good condition with wood floors through-out, living room, dining and kitchen nook. There is a full basement with W/D, tons of storage space for boxes, bikes, surf boards or whatever. There is space for some additional furniture, wall hangings, etc. There are also two kitties that lives in the house, Bean and Squeak. Both pretty independent. Bean is into the play and Squeak is into the love. The room for rent is upstairs and rather beautifully large with a window nook plus two more windows for plenty of light. It's the master bedroom and has lots of room for a sitting area, art station, yoga corner, whatever you like, in addition to the usual bedroom things. There is a 1/2 bath upstairs (perfect for those late night bathroom runs) and another bedroom currently occupied across the hall."
What do you think? Perfect, right-- hardwood floors and some little kitty pals for Tinga! I'm doing a meet and greet with the housemates on Thursday to see if we'll be a good match. Keep those fingers crossed!
Friday, June 18, 2010
NxNW
Have I mentioned yet that MY PARENTS ARE COMING TO VISIT!!! About time, don't you guys think?? I'm so excited. I get princess treatment and fun padre time for almost two weeks! I have lists and lists of things that I want to do with them. And they have lists and lists of things they want to do. Really, my mom bought a guide book to Portland. The list is long and is definitely going to take more than one trip (fine by me). I'm really hoping that the sun will cooperate. Make a shining appearance.
Lately all I've been doing is eating at the food carts (Brown Cow, Brown Chicken!!) and playing Red Dead Redemption with Ben. Work wears me out. I just want to eat unhealthy food, take naps and go to bed early. I've aged due to this job. It's alright though. I compensate for my lazy dinners by bringing my lunch (imagine a middle schooler's sack lunch) to work and hiking on the weekends. Last weekend Dane, Ben, Perry and I hiked up to Wahclella Falls. It was beautiful and I got blisters on my heels. After our hike we went and payed a visit to ole Herman the Sturgeon at the sturgeon and trout breeding plant. Ben and I made a game out of feeding the trout. Although it was a wash, Ben bought me a pair of cat and mouse food chain earrings. Pretty adorable (both Ben and the earrings :)
Ben is slowly learning to cook. His first successful meal: the omlette. And as the guinea pig, I can definitely give it a two-thumbs up review!
Bryan's birthday was yesterday and Bob's is on Saturday. It looks to be a birthday bash weekend. Hopefully there will be party hats and streamers. By the way, have I mentioned lately that I'm happy?
Sunday, June 6, 2010
I Gave Tourists Directions
Portland is weird without Ben, Bryan and Lizzy. They are in Dallas sweating it out for a wedding. I'm in Portland where the weather is soggy and I carry my umbrella with me daily. I also have a strong desire to watch Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds sing and dance. I've decided I don't enjoy riding the bus when it's raining. Everyone is grouchy and snappy and with the extra layers of clothing and rain protection devices the bus is more dense and dripping. The other day I got booted out of my seat by this pugnacious middle-aged woman. My prince defended me though. The two of them had this quarrelsome battle about the necessity of her usurping my seat. "Are you disabled? Are you a senior citizen? Hmm? Do you get the senior discount when you go to IHOP?? Are you pregnant?" "MM, nahhh! But I'm older than her." I stood awkwardly and tried to act like the argument had nothing to do with me. I also did not win back my seat.
I got a key to the office. Does this mean it's official? That I'm wearing the big girl pants, aka dress slacks, and working the full time job? I hope so! I'm starting to get into the swing of things at work. I've been sitting in the conference room during my lunch hour with all the other frugals who don't want to buy food. It's fleet week in Portland and my coworkers spent an hour discussing the suggestive details of the navy staying at lonely ladies' homes in euphemisms. By the end of the conversation I was completely confused. Maybe I should start going out for
lunch.
I've spent the majority of the weekend slumming around with Dane. I taught him how to play Mah Jongg over wine and Bob Dylan. The boy has a knack for the game and pretty soon he's going to be unbeatable. We went on a mini-road trip to Yelm, Washington to look at a Toyota Tacoma he found on Craigslist. The guy selling the truck had a shaved head and the two of them bonded over their hairlessness and now Dane is the proud owner of a vehicle! He goes back next week to pick it up. We took back roads on the way back that were windy and offered a great view of Mt. Rainier. We packed a lunch and I had m
y first PB&J---dislike. When we got back to Portland we celebrated with Lebanese food. Anyone who comes to visit me will now be taken to Nicholas Restaurant! I hope you like kabobs and hummus.
I got a key to the office. Does this mean it's official? That I'm wearing the big girl pants, aka dress slacks, and working the full time job? I hope so! I'm starting to get into the swing of things at work. I've been sitting in the conference room during my lunch hour with all the other frugals who don't want to buy food. It's fleet week in Portland and my coworkers spent an hour discussing the suggestive details of the navy staying at lonely ladies' homes in euphemisms. By the end of the conversation I was completely confused. Maybe I should start going out for
lunch.I've spent the majority of the weekend slumming around with Dane. I taught him how to play Mah Jongg over wine and Bob Dylan. The boy has a knack for the game and pretty soon he's going to be unbeatable. We went on a mini-road trip to Yelm, Washington to look at a Toyota Tacoma he found on Craigslist. The guy selling the truck had a shaved head and the two of them bonded over their hairlessness and now Dane is the proud owner of a vehicle! He goes back next week to pick it up. We took back roads on the way back that were windy and offered a great view of Mt. Rainier. We packed a lunch and I had m
y first PB&J---dislike. When we got back to Portland we celebrated with Lebanese food. Anyone who comes to visit me will now be taken to Nicholas Restaurant! I hope you like kabobs and hummus.Sunday, May 30, 2010
Alarm, You Are Making A Powerful Enemy
I wore a dirty shirt on my first day of work and had three cups of coffee. I'm out of practice with the hustle and bustle and waking up during AM hours. Really, my alarm is now my least favorite object. For the first half of the day someone was telling me information that I was supposed to remember. It was overwhelming. I was trained by a girl who has black straight hair and bangs and wore a red and white polka dot button up. She reminded me of Minnie Mouse, which incidentally has now become her behind-the-back nickname. There is a stove and oven in our office which seems like a glaring fire hazard. In the mornings, people make cherry tomato and spinach omelets. I eat a granola bar with pure jealousy. Two works days in and I'm pretty much already having a love affair with this job. I made the call and I'm now being considered for full time employment as receptionist at IPM. Hello mega-big pay check! This will be the first time in my life I've had a grown up, 40-hour week, can't take time off whenever I want job. Am I finally taking my first tenuous steps into the real world??
The police made a special appearance at my home Friday morning. I was woken up at 6 am by a knock and a badge. It was a very heart-stopping way to face the day. Luckily the police's interest was in Adam. And most specifically why his truck was in the middle of Garfield Street. The driver side door was open and it had rolled back blocking through traffic. Apparently it was the handy work of a petty thief. Someone broke into his truck and stole his skatebo
ard and penny tray. If you ask me, Mr. Stickyfingers made out like a bandit! The effort and risk was clearly worth a board and loose change.
Saturday night, Bryan/Lizzy, Ben and I went to the Hollywood district for drinks and to watch Michele Gondry's newest film (director of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), with a guest appearance by Michele Gondry himself. At the bar I had a beer that tasted like raspberry juice and at the theater Ben stepped on Michel Gondry's foot. After seeing his two hour, home video documentary, I wish Ben had crushed his foot. It was tortuously dull. At least I had over-garliced popcorn and junior mints!
The police made a special appearance at my home Friday morning. I was woken up at 6 am by a knock and a badge. It was a very heart-stopping way to face the day. Luckily the police's interest was in Adam. And most specifically why his truck was in the middle of Garfield Street. The driver side door was open and it had rolled back blocking through traffic. Apparently it was the handy work of a petty thief. Someone broke into his truck and stole his skatebo
ard and penny tray. If you ask me, Mr. Stickyfingers made out like a bandit! The effort and risk was clearly worth a board and loose change.Saturday night, Bryan/Lizzy, Ben and I went to the Hollywood district for drinks and to watch Michele Gondry's newest film (director of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), with a guest appearance by Michele Gondry himself. At the bar I had a beer that tasted like raspberry juice and at the theater Ben stepped on Michel Gondry's foot. After seeing his two hour, home video documentary, I wish Ben had crushed his foot. It was tortuously dull. At least I had over-garliced popcorn and junior mints!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Please, Come Back To Me
Has it really been a month?! I'm the worst. Really, there is no excuse for my lapse in updates. A list of reasons: birthday week-long celebration which included pie, the cheese and mushroom kind, Dallas, mani/pedis, job searching/temping/failing at yet another group interview, a friend in town, hiking at Latourell Falls, picnic, drama at prom, late night food carts, Monopoly and wine, a car towed, summer school, Red Dead Redemption, reading, and Dexter (season 1 and 2). Okay, I know. None of those are sufficient reasons to turn my back on my blog. In fact, most of my sundry list of reasons have blog mention potential, except Dexter. Wait, no. Even Dexter should have a place.
Here's my proposition: I will never go on a month-long, no writing hiatus again. Fair?
I start temping tomorrow at a company called Income Property Management. I'm going to put on my blue collar and get back to the old bump and grind. I am filling in as receptionist while the company interviews to fill the position full time. I'm thinking if I enjoy the company I might submit my resume into the mix as well. I'll be working downtown about three blocks away from Ben's office. So carpooling and lunch dates. Did I mention the hours yet? 8:15-5:15. That means I'll be waking up almost a full nights sleep earlier than I'm used to. Coffee coffee coffee, please!!
It looks like our Memorial Day camping weekend in ZigZag has been canceled due to the most lovely weather that Oregon has been having. Portland has decided summer is passe and thinks winter is the hippest of all seasons. Gotta love those cold, rainy days we've been having. So, our trip has been postponed. We all agreed that the sun is a big part of a camping weekend. Speaking of, where is that sun? I'm guessing it's gone on a month-long, no shine hiatus. What a jerk.
Here's my proposition: I will never go on a month-long, no writing hiatus again. Fair?
I start temping tomorrow at a company called Income Property Management. I'm going to put on my blue collar and get back to the old bump and grind. I am filling in as receptionist while the company interviews to fill the position full time. I'm thinking if I enjoy the company I might submit my resume into the mix as well. I'll be working downtown about three blocks away from Ben's office. So carpooling and lunch dates. Did I mention the hours yet? 8:15-5:15. That means I'll be waking up almost a full nights sleep earlier than I'm used to. Coffee coffee coffee, please!!
It looks like our Memorial Day camping weekend in ZigZag has been canceled due to the most lovely weather that Oregon has been having. Portland has decided summer is passe and thinks winter is the hippest of all seasons. Gotta love those cold, rainy days we've been having. So, our trip has been postponed. We all agreed that the sun is a big part of a camping weekend. Speaking of, where is that sun? I'm guessing it's gone on a month-long, no shine hiatus. What a jerk.
Monday, April 19, 2010
What! You Want To See My Falls?
Goodbye delicious burrito (La Bonita, your burrito is as pretty as your name) and hello Columbia Historic River Highway! Did I mention that your Columbia River Gorge and waterfalls are quite a site? Thomas Cole couldn't have painted it. On Saturday, Ben and I took a tour of the highway. We stopped at Multnomah falls, a two step waterfall, and went on a short hike, along with a hundred other tourists and their pets. I'm convinced there were more dogs than gallons of water checking it out. Despite the density, it was breathtaking and I doubt Angel Falls has anything on this.We scampered up to Hood River and played down by the waterside. Ben taught me how to skip stones and after throwing rocks (his a
ctually skipp
ed and mine mostly got one good skip in and then sunk) into the water lost its charm we began batting the rocks in. Ben might have had a slightly better stance than mine. In fact, much better. But, watching The Sandlot taught me a couple of things and I'm proud to say that I managed to hit a few to the outfield!
On Sunday, Ben took me to breakfast at Cup and Saucer. I think I might have proposed to the sausage on my plate, which of course made my hashbrowns and eggs a little jealous. The feud stopped after I promised my food I would be a polygamist and love each of them forever and ever. Really, absolutely delicious. Second
place to papa bear's french toast and potatoes and Bonbon's hotcakes. We went and saw Kick-Ass at St. Johns Theater, a quaint two-screen theater that offers cheap matinee and popcorn. The movie was wildly entertaining and made me slightly sad that I asked for Barbies instead of switchblades and guns all those years I was growing up. That evening we went to Bryan and Lizzy's for an impromptu grilling/congratulations on your engagement/let's go Mavs party. To catch everyone up: Bryan got down on his knee and popped the question this weekend and she has the ring to prove it. In regards to the Dallas Mavericks, first playoff game was a smashing win!
Okay, okay. My real stance:
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Good Day Sunshine!
Finally, the sun has made an appearance in Portland. Which has caused a reaction of appearances: my sunglasses, sandals, flowers and more colors, longer walks, reading outside, and downtown Portland. Our garden is sprouting tulips and shrubs and the front porch is covered in white petals which makes me feel like I'm walking down the wedding aisle every time I go in/out of my front door. Huzzah for the sun!I met up with Dwight at Powells on Wednesday. He has been living in the city since last August and had somehow resisted the magnetic pull of this bookstore. How did he do it? Scientists are currently analyzing and gathering empirical data. Was it in his water? Hermetic-ism? He's deaf to the call of the sirens? After browsing t
he grounds for a few hours we went back to his place and watched Nate Robinson jump over Dwight Howard. Of course, after this inspiration, we had to play HORSE; I lost, which isn't shocking since I played B team C string in middle school. I was put in the game twice all year long. I guess I was a liability.Yesterday, I met up with Ben during his lunch break and after walked around PSU (Papa Bear is wondering how it can be called Portland State University when Portland isn't a state) campus. UTD, I must ask you something, are you the ugliest college campus? I sat outside on a bench across from a statue of Abraham Lincoln and finished the book Ken gave me, His Majesty's Dragon that features talking dragons that splash around in water. I then disguised myself as a college student and hung out in the Student Union for a couple hours. Some guy sat next to me and asked me about my classes and I left feeling awkward.
Today is La Bonita Saturday! And Ben is taking me to Hood River and the falls. Did I mention I love this sunny spring weather?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Dallas Bug Jitters
I'm contemplating homicide. Do you think death of a receptionist (not a salesman) would be so heinous? She's had her years; don't you think the law should have a soft spot for the young girl, fresh out of school just wanting to secure a full time position? Out with the old and in with the new, I say! For those who need catching up, I'm job envious. I've enjoyed temping at the Dussing Group and I wish that I could be hired on as part of the Dussin cast and crew. Likelihood: 0%. If you want a more sanguine estimate: 0.001%. Never worry though, there is always temping!
I'm getting really anxious about visiting Dallas. If I owned a calendar I would be marking down the day with red Xs. I'm already packed...well, mentally. This is preparation for packing in real life. Now it will be breezy! Look out Dallas, I'm ready for ya. I have compiled an ever-growing list (also mental, but now getting the chance for hard copy) of things I want. This is not in order of importance/significance:
1 Homemade cookies (sugar, chocolate chip, noodle candy, russian tea balls?!!!) - Mom will you get on this??
2 Harry Potter-thon - Papa bear, you're my man?
3 Zoo day (s!)/backrubs SQUAWK
4 Senorita Margarita Night!!!
5 Red beans and cornbread, Southern style. Bonbon style
6 Pizza, pizza, pizza! Popeye PIZZA!
7 Backyard camping and BBQ
8 Wino night -- Erin, oblige?
9 Manicure/Pedicure
10 Taco Cabana, Primo Brothers, Genghis Grill (Old Thursday gang for this one?), Luigis, El Fenix, Java (Melinda), Freebirds, Sprinkles, Salt Grass (Melba?)
11 Mommy Movie Friday
12 Woody Allen and the Ponging party
13 Window Shopping/Birthday Exchange...maybe real shopping?
14 AMF Bowling Night
15 The old office drop in + lunch (free)...MEL JULY
16 Bub! Jordan--show me a good time in Ft. Worth?
17 Birthday (mine), Birthday (Martin), Birthday (Melinda)! Celebration anyone?
18 Breakfast at Tiffany's and crepes. Parfaits too? Mimosas??
19 Tuesday Fox and Hound
20 Mahjong 2010!
21 Magnum face-off victory (sorry Michael. Winnings: mocking and Chinese delivery)
22 Mommy Vaughn lunch date and picture session
The dates have been set. I will be enjoying the Oregon wilderness, tent style, over Memorial Day weekend with Bryan, Lizzy and Ben. Campfires, hiking and nature are a must. Beware of bears!
I'm getting really anxious about visiting Dallas. If I owned a calendar I would be marking down the day with red Xs. I'm already packed...well, mentally. This is preparation for packing in real life. Now it will be breezy! Look out Dallas, I'm ready for ya. I have compiled an ever-growing list (also mental, but now getting the chance for hard copy) of things I want. This is not in order of importance/significance:
1 Homemade cookies (sugar, chocolate chip, noodle candy, russian tea balls?!!!) - Mom will you get on this??
2 Harry Potter-thon - Papa bear, you're my man?
3 Zoo day (s!)/backrubs SQUAWK
4 Senorita Margarita Night!!!
5 Red beans and cornbread, Southern style. Bonbon style
6 Pizza, pizza, pizza! Popeye PIZZA!
7 Backyard camping and BBQ
8 Wino night -- Erin, oblige?
9 Manicure/Pedicure
10 Taco Cabana, Primo Brothers, Genghis Grill (Old Thursday gang for this one?), Luigis, El Fenix, Java (Melinda), Freebirds, Sprinkles, Salt Grass (Melba?)
11 Mommy Movie Friday
12 Woody Allen and the Ponging party
13 Window Shopping/Birthday Exchange...maybe real shopping?
14 AMF Bowling Night
15 The old office drop in + lunch (free)...MEL JULY
16 Bub! Jordan--show me a good time in Ft. Worth?
17 Birthday (mine), Birthday (Martin), Birthday (Melinda)! Celebration anyone?
18 Breakfast at Tiffany's and crepes. Parfaits too? Mimosas??
19 Tuesday Fox and Hound
20 Mahjong 2010!
21 Magnum face-off victory (sorry Michael. Winnings: mocking and Chinese delivery)
22 Mommy Vaughn lunch date and picture session
The dates have been set. I will be enjoying the Oregon wilderness, tent style, over Memorial Day weekend with Bryan, Lizzy and Ben. Campfires, hiking and nature are a must. Beware of bears!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Nothin But Blue Skies From Now On
Portland is proud of their gray weather. I on the other hand, am getting a little tired of walking out my front door to a cloudless, gray day. It makes me lazy and it's really difficult to break from the Land of Nod. I'm ready for summer dresses and strolls in the sunshine, by golly! But, unfortunately the 7 day weather forecast looks something like this: Mostly cloudy, cloudy, 90% chance of rain, more clouds, partly sunny!, 40% chance of rain, highs in the mid-50s, partly cloudy, all cloudy....you get the drift?
I got a call from Boly:Welch offering a temp job at the Old Spaghetti Factory's corporate office. They noticed that I had previous employment at Spaghetti Warehouse and thought this gig might be right up my ally. haha, never mind that I worked as a waitress and not a receptionist. Regardless, I'll take it! For the next four business days I'll be a working girl just like Jane Fonda (except I have the 8-5 hours and hopefully no need to kill my boss).
Last weekend I finally experienced the Farmer's Market. Lizzy and I walked around with umbrellas and browsed the different tents bursting with vegetables, meats, pastas, herbs and other homegrown items. The mushrooms were a top priority purchase for me followed by a breakfast burrito. Lizzy has a green thumb and bought some herbs to plant in her garden. I'm excited about the summer months when the Market doubles in size and is way more bustling. I may even become a weekly customer. Gotta support the local growers!
I got a call from Boly:Welch offering a temp job at the Old Spaghetti Factory's corporate office. They noticed that I had previous employment at Spaghetti Warehouse and thought this gig might be right up my ally. haha, never mind that I worked as a waitress and not a receptionist. Regardless, I'll take it! For the next four business days I'll be a working girl just like Jane Fonda (except I have the 8-5 hours and hopefully no need to kill my boss).
Last weekend I finally experienced the Farmer's Market. Lizzy and I walked around with umbrellas and browsed the different tents bursting with vegetables, meats, pastas, herbs and other homegrown items. The mushrooms were a top priority purchase for me followed by a breakfast burrito. Lizzy has a green thumb and bought some herbs to plant in her garden. I'm excited about the summer months when the Market doubles in size and is way more bustling. I may even become a weekly customer. Gotta support the local growers!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Extra! Extra! Read All About It!
Attention readers, I have an announcement (s):
1. Bentley has been on the war path. He's a regular Geronimo; only missing the war paint and feathers. But luckily, I am a greedy American here to claim my territory! Bentley will no longer be marking my room/furniture/clothes because I have the secret weapon: the doggie gate. This will assure me an instant victory!
2. I will be rekindling with howdy, cowboy land! I have official dates for my Texas visit: April 29th-May 10th! Someone (me, me!) is really excited. And that same someone (me, me!) has been dancing and grinning like a Cheshire Cat all afternoon. And eating bunny sweet tarts (thanks to the Happy-Easter package from my mommy). Anyways, I will have 12 splendid days to spend in the sweet, sweet land of Dallas, Texas.
3. According to Ben I am a chronic student. And maybe he's right. I am planning on enrolling in community college this summer and taking a couple of basic courses. I am contemplating going back to undergrad for my BS degree. I am strongly considering getting a degree in engineering. I gotta follow in my daddy's footsteps! Keep with the family business! Make the folks proud of me!
4. Within the week I will have my very own internet! For the entirety of the time I've been in Portland we have been borrowing the connection from our oblivious neighbor, Alligator. But, Alligator has submerged. Caught a prey and taken it down to the bottom of the lake and leaving me internet-less. I've been a frequent visitor at the different coffee shops around the NE. I pay a dollar for a cup of coffee and in return use their internet for four hours. Fair deal?! Definitely...except I did get a couple of mean looks when I watched Gossip Girl online :/ In any case, as soon as I can talk Comcast out of a $100 installation fee, I will finally be a proud owner of my own internet. Hopefully it sparkles.
5. Tonight is $5.00 unlimited play at Ground Kontrol. Pinball, you're going down! Get those flippers ready for me!
1. Bentley has been on the war path. He's a regular Geronimo; only missing the war paint and feathers. But luckily, I am a greedy American here to claim my territory! Bentley will no longer be marking my room/furniture/clothes because I have the secret weapon: the doggie gate. This will assure me an instant victory!
2. I will be rekindling with howdy, cowboy land! I have official dates for my Texas visit: April 29th-May 10th! Someone (me, me!) is really excited. And that same someone (me, me!) has been dancing and grinning like a Cheshire Cat all afternoon. And eating bunny sweet tarts (thanks to the Happy-Easter package from my mommy). Anyways, I will have 12 splendid days to spend in the sweet, sweet land of Dallas, Texas.
3. According to Ben I am a chronic student. And maybe he's right. I am planning on enrolling in community college this summer and taking a couple of basic courses. I am contemplating going back to undergrad for my BS degree. I am strongly considering getting a degree in engineering. I gotta follow in my daddy's footsteps! Keep with the family business! Make the folks proud of me!
4. Within the week I will have my very own internet! For the entirety of the time I've been in Portland we have been borrowing the connection from our oblivious neighbor, Alligator. But, Alligator has submerged. Caught a prey and taken it down to the bottom of the lake and leaving me internet-less. I've been a frequent visitor at the different coffee shops around the NE. I pay a dollar for a cup of coffee and in return use their internet for four hours. Fair deal?! Definitely...except I did get a couple of mean looks when I watched Gossip Girl online :/ In any case, as soon as I can talk Comcast out of a $100 installation fee, I will finally be a proud owner of my own internet. Hopefully it sparkles.
5. Tonight is $5.00 unlimited play at Ground Kontrol. Pinball, you're going down! Get those flippers ready for me!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Whistle While You Work
Halff Associates, you can no longer claim to have the worst coffee and draftiest office. No sir, you have been booted from that throne. I'm doing temp work in this warehouse by the waterfront. When I arrived this morning it was on the verge of looking abandoned and to enter the office I followed signs leading me down a dark corridor with flickering lights. It felt like a video game and I really thought Lickers were going to crawl down from the ceiling. Fortunately, I'm alive to write another post! My introduction to the office was, "Here's the break room, make the coffee. And that black binder on top of the desk should tell you everything else you need to know." Thank you Opus Creative for the warm and thorough initiation! I would like to point out that in the black binder was not everything else I needed to know. In fact, in that black binder was very little of what I would have liked to have known (btw, I have been staring at this sentence for a good while now trying to decide if it is written grammatically correct). For example, transfering phone calls I would consider useful enough to make a page in the black binder. Opus, however, disagrees.
Yesterday I had an interview at the Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office. The lady that interviewed me kept talking about Vancouver, Washington's identity crisis and I in turn wondered why Vancouver would even bother having a tourism office. How can you promote tourism for a town that offers an old fort, Cinetopia and a short drive to Portland?! "Come to Vancouver folks! It's better than Canada!" Honestly though, the job description soun
ds great, but I'm not holding my breath. I'm fairly lacking in qualifications.
ds great, but I'm not holding my breath. I'm fairly lacking in qualifications. Portland Monthly consistently demands their readers to eat at Pine State Biscuits, and yesterday, as a reward for waking up before 8 am, I finally obeyed. Dane and I went to this tiny little biscuit restaurant in the SE and waited in line for our breakfast of biscuits (actually, to be more correct for you mom, it was our lunch). Worth the wait?? Just look at that picture and you've got the answer. The rest of the afternoon was spent with Dane and reading Coin Locker Babies at Blend. The evening was spent watching the Dallas Mavericks battle against the Portland Blazers. For those curious, my heart was not at all torn; Dallas Mavericks for life. Unfortunately though, the blue jerseys lost the game.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Adding on to the House
The harmony of our house is crumbling and being replaced with petty actions. Not by me, of course. Here's the scoop: I live with two boys and an additional male is being added to the 4526 NE Garfield Ave household. Well, possibly. Where will he sleep? Good question! In an alcove downstairs. Adam wants to ease some of his financial burdens and his solution was by bringing in a fourth roommate. Shimeon is less than pleased. Quite a bit, actually. And yours truly is ambivalent. However, I am starting to be overwhelmed by the amount of testosterone living under one roof. Not to say that either of my roommates are the classic example of an alpha male, but some chick flicks and nail polish would be a nice change from the Chappelle Show and skateboard magazines. In any case, for the past week Adam and Shimeon have been battling it out. Shimeon's main complaint is that he doesn't want to be woken up in the morning. I know that sounds trivial, but really that is a legitimate concern. The walls in our house are paper thin and everyone hears every little sound (Modest Mouse has it right). Especially in the mornings. And since Shimeon has put his foot down, Adam has as well. Except physically and in the mornings around 6:45 AM. Really, he is now going out of his way to make sure that he wakes up Shimeon and by extension, me. So, will Shimeon cave and let a fourth roommate move into the space outside his bedroom. Stay tuned...
Yesterday, I asked out a girl. Did your jaw hit the floor? Well, I did. Lizzy invited me to go shopping with her and while shuffling through jeans I met a girl at Nordstroms. Sure, sure she was assisting me and probably only being nice because she wanted the commission, but she was amicable and I decided that I liked her. So, I stalked her around the store, feeling more than slightly pathetic, and then I did it. I asked for her phone number. I now feel like a man. But maybe, friend?!! I can only hope she is aware this is platonic and I wasn't actually asking her out on a date.
Also, I don't think I ever mentioned that for a week we had double the Vaughns in Portland. Ben's brother, Michael, came into town. It is advisable to spend your Spring Break up in the glorious NW. Him and Melinda both fully agree on this. Here is a list of some things on his to-do list:
-Coffee shops! Michael was told to visit: 1) Stumptown, 2) Albina Press and 3) Barista. I wa
s introduced to the one shot latte
- Ground Kontrol for arcade games and pinball
- FIFA, many soccer matches were played. There was a Dane vs Michael show down.
- Magic tricks. Michael has the skill of legerdemain down and I was quite impressed. Seriously, I was an eight year old with big eyes and an open mouth.
- Powells, of course. Michael spent two full days in this book mecca.
- Basketball games, both Dallas Mavericks and Portland Blazers.
Yesterday, I asked out a girl. Did your jaw hit the floor? Well, I did. Lizzy invited me to go shopping with her and while shuffling through jeans I met a girl at Nordstroms. Sure, sure she was assisting me and probably only being nice because she wanted the commission, but she was amicable and I decided that I liked her. So, I stalked her around the store, feeling more than slightly pathetic, and then I did it. I asked for her phone number. I now feel like a man. But maybe, friend?!! I can only hope she is aware this is platonic and I wasn't actually asking her out on a date.
Also, I don't think I ever mentioned that for a week we had double the Vaughns in Portland. Ben's brother, Michael, came into town. It is advisable to spend your Spring Break up in the glorious NW. Him and Melinda both fully agree on this. Here is a list of some things on his to-do list:
-Coffee shops! Michael was told to visit: 1) Stumptown, 2) Albina Press and 3) Barista. I wa
s introduced to the one shot latte- Ground Kontrol for arcade games and pinball
- FIFA, many soccer matches were played. There was a Dane vs Michael show down.
- Magic tricks. Michael has the skill of legerdemain down and I was quite impressed. Seriously, I was an eight year old with big eyes and an open mouth.
- Powells, of course. Michael spent two full days in this book mecca.
- Basketball games, both Dallas Mavericks and Portland Blazers.
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