busy little bee...

Oh, man, I have never been so glad for a weekend. I just had a rough week in terms of not getting enough sleep! Last night (I am so proud of myself) I finally cleaned my car and my bedroom, as well as started washing the dirty laundry. I am amazed at how my room looks now, compared to before. Apparently I had carpet under all that laundry!

Today Dana and I drove up to Pt. Angeles with my brother Chris. My dad and stepmom live up there. The plan was to go hiking at Olympic National Park, but as we drove up to the trail head the snow started pouring down. Rhonda was having a tough time on the road, but she turned us around like a champ, and we drove out to Sequim to walk along the water. We walked for about 4 miles. Here are some good picks of Dana and Chris, and my family in general.






I talked to Ireland tonight online. He's very sweet, and I like him a lot. You're right Melissa, he is intriguing. :)

Rhonda is going to do the Iron Girl 5 & 10K event in Seattle on September 7. Since that is the day after the AIDS Walk, and I am free, I think I will do it as well. Looks like fun!

i feel different since yesterday.

I had a good night last night. I stayed up literally all night talking to someone in Ireland, and then this morning he gave me a quick 16 minute phone call. It was sweet. He was sweet. I enjoyed myself very much, and today I feel different. How silly. And strange.

The only bad thing about not going to sleep last night was that today Dana and I had plans to go to a cycling class at the Y, and the class started at 9. We had to be there at 8:45 to get set up on a bike. I barely made it. Also, have any of you taken cycling? It is HARD! I loved it. I can feel it in my legs and butt. I can't wait to go back next week. Because I hadn't slept however, I felt kind of in a fog and wasn't really prepared. I actually almost fell asleep on the bike while pedaling. But I survived, and am the stronger for it. I think if I do that every week I shall reach my target weight very soon!

I want to take to my Irish friend again.

I think that Easter is not very fun if you do not have small children. I'm just saying. My mom and I did the whole Easter Egg Hunt thing for Joe, and then Chris and I were good sports, and hunted with him Easter morning, but really? Joe is 11, and it just isn't as magical as it was when Bryan and I were little, and we couldn't believe that the EASTER BUNNY came to OUR HOUSE and left us goodies. So it was kind of a letdown. And then I went back to bed and slept until 1:40, which was colossally lame of me.

Joe and I went for a walk/bike ride around the neighborhood with Bella and Klondike. It was so much fun for Bella, because it was a much needed break from the puppies. She's gotten so restless lately that she will just get up and walk away while the puppies are still feeding, and they kind of drop off, and then crawl around, eyes closed, in the box mewing for momma. It's so sad. But Bella had a good time on the walk.

A good friend of mine sent me a message via facebook last night telling me he was having oral surgery today, and that he's super scared. I ended up driving up to Seattle to keep him company and take his mind off the fact, because they are not putting him under for the procedure. Scary. So I stayed in Seattle last night. It was very sweet, because he gave me an epi-pen. He had one for his bee allergy, and he gave it to me for my fish allergy. He made me practice with the practice pen, and then gave me the real one.

I'm curious how the procedure went. I hope it wasn't as painful as he thought that it was going to be.

This friend used to be a dj in Seattle, and he played me something he recorded on Easter. We put it on my computer, and then burned it onto a CD. It was his first CD. That was really cool. Then I put it on my iPod, and ladies let me tell you: best workout mix ever.

Speaking of which, I am back on my strenuous workout schedule. I did an hour on the elliptical at the YMCA today. I thought about doing weights, but decided against, since I think that Dana and I are going to do a class tomorrow at the Y in Tacoma. I kind of want to do the scary core training class with the judgmental instructor from last Tuesday. He was terrifying, but I felt it for days afterward. I still felt that wonderful muscley feeling in my tum on Saturday.

I'm tired. Goodbye, and amen for abrupt blog endings!

Today was a really good day. I like where I live, in a small town. I'm perfectly content here. It's pretty. It's quiet. I like it.

But I was born in a city. I am a city girl through and through, even if that part of me lies dormant most of the time. Today I met my dad in Seattle, though, and was reminded just how much I love big cities, and how much I want to live in one when I graduate.

I met my dad at his condo on First Hill in Seattle. He has a condo on the 12th floor, with a pretty decent view. It's nice. Inside it's just gorgeous, with hardwood floors, bold paint jobs, and new kitchen appliances. We peeked into the unoccupied condo next door, because he wants to buy it, too, and then knock the wall down, create a new master bedroom, and then he would have a three bedroom, two bathroom condo, which would be nice considering that our family has 6 kids when you combine us. He went over the business plan for a new idea he's working on, briefly, and then we decided to go get lunch.

We walked several blocks to a place called Wild Ginger. It's this gorgeous Asian restaurant. It was a good choice, because my dad was able to get himself some beef, but there were plenty of veg options for me. We shared the Buddha Rolls in a pineapple chili sauce, during the consumption of which I totally mastered the art of chopsticks. They were quite good. Then I ordered some vegetarian Pad Thai, which was awesome, although they gave me way too much food! I brought it home, and once my appetite returns I'll eat it for dinner. My dad had the seven flavor beef, which sounded awesome, if I could get it without the beef! My dad loved it.

When I went grocery shopping at Metropolitan Market with Angela earlier this week, we saw Dry Soda there. I was really curious, so when I saw that they had the soda there I ordered the Lemongrass one. It was really good. We finished up with some coffee, and then walked back to the condo.

At the condo we spent some time working on my dad's latest project, Active Age. It's a social networking site with a social conscience, and I'm excited about it. Or at least, I will be once he gets some web designers to come in and overhaul it. Right now it's just a template, and it is really choppy looking. I gave him some tips on what I would do if I were him, and we went over some design ideas. What's up right now is a really basic prototype, but anybody who's interested should log on, sign up, and support my poppy.

Now I'm at home, being lazy in bed, while Klondike takes a nap next to me. I'm about to go do some cleaning, but for now? A rest will be just fine.

We named our puppies, finally.

So tonight after dinner we were playing with the puppies, and decided on names. The little boy puppy is named Hey Jude, the bigger girl puppy is named Dear Prudence, and the scrawnier girl puppy is named Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. Or Jude, Prudence and Lucy for short.

That's all.

I'm Yours

Spring is here, and true to form, I am once again falling in love with Jason Mraz. I want to marry someone just like him.

I'm a descendent of the very elusive Irish Greeks.

Tonight is movie night, and I'm sitting here at Angela's house with her and Dana watching Alexander. I hope I don't step on anybody's toes here when I say that this movie SUCKS. All of the main characters seem to be unable to shake their Irish accents. Dude. Hello? And Jared Leto looks ridiculous in this movie. They all do. I am not even following the plot. I just look up from my computer screen every so often and make fun of what I'm seeing. Yuck.

I'm struggling right now with a project for my internship. I have to come up with a design board for how we want to furnish our unit, and it is so hard to find furniture that everybody likes.

Okay, Jared Leto isn't even Irish, and he sounds more Irish than Greek. Lame.

There is some serious homoeroticism going on in this film.

I'm typing this up on a mac, and I am surprised at how different it is to use than my PC. Although, I do think I prefer it.

I am not comfortable with the sex scene between Colin Farrell and Rosario Dawson. Her boobs look bizarre. I have nothing more to say. This blog sucks. I'm peacing out.

I grabbed this from my friend Jess's myspace.

If we could shrink the earth's population to a village of precisely 100 people, with all the existing human ratios remaining the same, it would look something like the following:

There would be:


57 Asians
21 Europeans
14 from the Western Hemisphere, both north and south
8 Africans

52 would be female
48 would be male

70 would be non-white
30 would be white

70 would be non-Christian
30 would be Christian

89 would be heterosexual
11 would be homosexual

6 people would possess 59% of the entire world's wealth and all 6 would be from the United States.

80 would live in substandard housing
70 would be unable to read
50 would suffer from malnutrition 1 would be near death; 1 would be near birth 1 (yes, only 1) would have a college education 1 would own a computer

When one considers our world from such a compressed perspective, the need for acceptance, understanding and education
becomes glaringly apparent.

The following points are also something else to ponder...

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep... you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If your parents are still alive and still married...you are very rare.

Count your blessings.

babies!

Bella had her puppies today. It was long, and sad, and then less sad. She began laboring at home, while my mom was at the gym, and so no one was there to help. Of the three puppies she had at home, only one survived. We packed her and the remaining pup up, and we headed into the emergency vet in Tacoma.

The put the pup in an incubator, and then gave Bella a dose of Pitocin, and then left her in the exam room with us. The first dose of Pitocin started the contractions back up a bit, but eventually they died down, and Belly took a nap instead. Here's some video of Bella after that first dose. It made her restless, as you can see, but that's about it.



After the vet came in and saw Bella napping, she took her and gave her another dose of the Pitocin. My mom and I laid back, my mom playing a game on her cell phone and I reading my book. The vet warned us that when the Pitocin kicked in, Bella would probably cry a lot, and be very loud, so I was really surprised when I looked up from my book to see a puppy coming out. Ew. So I ran and got the vet, and they helped her deliver the first pup. Than it was probably about ten minutes before the last one came out. The final head count was one boy and two girls.

The vet took Bella out to take an xray, just to make sure that there weren't any left. While she did, I took this video of the babies.



Bella and the babies are home now, and she is such the little mama. Klondike is absolutely terrified of them, which is probably good at this point. We're going to be keeping them apart for awhile. I remember he was equally terrified when we brought Bella home a year ago! I am so excited for the puppies to get bigger and open their little eyes! They are so. Cute.

i'm over it.

So I got a message yesterday on myspace from a friend I've known for several years, who I feel very protective over. The message left me worried, and I spent the day trying to get ahold of him to make sure he was okay. I finally got ahold of him this morning, and told him how worried I had been. He seemed surprised that I was worried. We made plans to do something tomorrow in Olympia, and he told me to call him later to firm up those plans. I tried calling twice, and each time he kind of got squirmy and blew me off. Each time I said if he didn't want to do something, he should just say so and I wouldn't be offended.

He sent me a text message apologizing for not being able to meet me tomorrow, and said that he needed space and didn't think it was a good idea to get involved with me right now. He didn't call because he is embarrassed, and he will call me when he is ready.

So.

Who said anything about getting involved? I wasn't aware that meeting a friend in trouble for lunch or coffee or to talk was some sort of dangerous code for possible relationship. Shit, if that's what that means, than I think I asked my sister out this morning. I am a caring friend who is an asset to have in your corner. That is it. I am so frustrated, and annoyed at the childish method of cancelling plans at the last minute and hiding behind a text message while doing it. Grow the F up, duder.

I've said it once, I'll say it again. You play around with children, and inevitably you will always end up babysitting.

On another note, my sister and I did not do the walking tour of Tacoma today. I was on the phone with this kid forever this morning, so I got a late start, and then Dana ended up forgetting, so I just drove out there to hang out, since I was already on my way. I stopped at this coffee place by my internship and bought my new addiction, a French Kiss Frappe, which is white chocolate and vanilla, one for each of us. Then as I drove down the street to Dana's apartment I remembered she had recently switched to a vegan diet. Damn. We ended up freezing hers, and I drank it later with lunch. Piggy me. I'm not even supposed to have caffeine!

Dana and I spent the day doing massive amounts of grocery shopping. Seriously. We went to the Asian Market, Marlene's, Target (not groceries, I know, but it was for airtight containers to store her flour and sugar, so it's related), Petsmart (again, not exactly human groceries, but food for the geckos, so it counts), Trader Joe's and Safeway. She bought tons o' groceries, and even got Pocky for me from the Asian Market. Yum.

When we got back to her apartment we ended up driving past her ex and his friend, who circled the block and parked behind us to say hi. That was awkward and tedious.

While I don't think I have what it takes to embrace a vegan lifestyle at this time, and I'm not even necessarily sure I agree with it, healthwise, I've given up meat for the time being. I bet you all were on the edges of your seats dying to know that.

i'm working on letting go and letting God.

Or something like that.

Today Dana and I went on yet another walk through Tacoma's South End. I love these walks, because I have become somewhat antisocial with my friends since the firing, probably because I live so far away from them all. But anyway, our walk was a good one. We both took tons of pictures, and I thought I would share with you all just how much I love this neighborhood.



This was my favorite houses of all the ones we saw. I think it looks like a little castle. The street that it's on is made of brick, very quaint, and peaceful. Across the street is a little wall that looks down into a tree filled ravine. I loved it.



The trees and plants across the street.



Dana and I found the perfect place for picture taking. She doesn't like me taking her picture, though.



Spring is coming to the South End!



I loved this house. It looks like candy. I would love to live here with my friends.



We always walk by here every time we go walking. It's so austere.



Finally, one of my favorite places to walk by, the Stadium Bowl. Stadium High School is the school featured in 10 Things I Hate About You, and it is gorgeous. It looks like a castle! And I love how the Stadium Bowl has that gorgeous view of the water behind it.

Now I'm in class, ignoring lecture to type this because I'm an idiot. I can't wait for our walking tour of Tacoma on Saturday. I'm really excited.

a little of this, a little of that

Hey all, how be you? I've been busy with school, my internship and sleeping (still more than I'd like). I have NOT been working out at the YMCA, which is sad, but tomorrow I am not at my internship, and so Dana and I are going for a walk before I go to class. Our walks usually last about an hour, so that's something. Also, Dana and I are doing a walking tour of Tacoma this Saturday, and I think that's a couple of hours so that's good. I just have NO ENERGY. I'm sure some of it is finance/job/depression related, but I'm working on just taking things a day at a time.

I got some great news at my internship today. Someone from the state came out and met with our directors, as we have been having some funding issues, and there was a very real fear that we would be closing our doors in June. However, the state said they were willing to pay 90% of our costs, so we are moving forward with a strategic plan. This is all very exciting.

Bella, my mom's dog, went to the vet this weekend for x-rays. She is having five puppies. We are very excited about this, and are thinking about keeping one of the pups for Joe, since he had to leave his two dogs in California when he moved up here. We shall see.

I'm working on my resume and getting ready to start applying at different non-profits in the area. Wish me luck!

a whole herd of updates

Oh my gosh, I'm so tired I could cry! Sorry for the grumpy, vague last post. I was in an annoyed spot. Basically, I thought someone was something they weren't, and then they disappointed me. C'est la vie.

Byran left on Monday. He was home for ten days, and now he's gone to Camp Pendleton for MCT training for a month. I miss him already! It was a great visit.

I have been super busy at the internship, and am almost working there full time. I was reluctant to take on another day, but I needed the hours, and I am so glad I did. I really feel a part of the place now that I am there almost every day. The only day I don't go in is Wednesday. Well, and the weekend of course, 'cause they're closed.

The sister and I went on our first walk of the season yesterday. As Angela says, spring is certainly on it's way. We met at her apartment and after grabbing a popsicle for the road, we made our way through the Stadium district. There's this park we used to walk to last summer, and we went there. They have since torn out all of the toys and replaced them with these bizarre contraptions that look like modern art gone terribly awry. We played at the park for awhile, and then were off to find a Starbuck's. Dana had to pee.

On the way back we were walking past Annie Wright School, and this 94 year old man stopped to talk to us. He asked if we went to Annie Wright. Apparently Dana and I look like highschoolers. That pleased me. We made our way back up Tacoma Ave and when we got back to Dana's I grabbed some yogurt and a fiber bar for lunch, and we sat on her stoop and watched the construction going on by the Thriftway across the street.

I had to leave for class because I had a presentation on my internship. That went very well. I enjoyed seeing the other presentations, and I was in love with my PowerPoint. The slides were so clean and attractive, and I really am very comfortable with my material.

Today at the internship I learned that the President of the Board of Directors quit yesterday. Just another thing to add to the already tumultuous environment. It's kind of tough, because every step forward there's another step or two back. I don't know. It's such a valuable program, and it frustrates me that we are going through all these problems. It's hard to talk about, because I can't really go into any details, but it's frustrating.

Tonight Dana, Angela and I had dinner at this Jamaican Vegan place. I was pretty skeptical at first, but my "steak" sandwich was pretty good. They had agave lemonade that will be even more amazing once the weather warms up.

Sorry I've been so low lately. I really am happy right now. I feel more productive than I have in a long time. I LOVE having weekends off, and as I mentioned before, I enjoy being at the internship more days. I'm only mildly worried about money. Although I do have to do my taxes. But basically, lovies, I'm okay. I appreciate those of you who were worried. Makes me feel good to have such caring friends.

I'm a freaking sucker.

Just thought you should all know. I feel like an ass. A hurt ass.

Your eggo is preggo, no doubt about it.

1. My mom has hot pink Q-tips. I find this to be the most amazing thing on the planet, and I want some, too. Not normal, pale Q-tip pink. Vibrant, amazing HOT PINK. So Rad.

2. My mom's dog is totally pregnant, and for the longest time you couldn't tell, but now if you look down on her from above, she's rounder in the middle. Also, if you hold her up like she's standing, her belly sticks out. It's so funny.

3. It's 4:19pm, and I am still in my bed in my pajamas, but I have gotten up to take a bath, shave my legs and wash my hair. And I'm putting makeup on. And I have a very specific outfit in the dryer as we speak.

4. This is because I am getting all dressed up to pick up Dana and drop Oakley's baby gift off at the hospital. I hope he doesn't think it sucks. This is my social event for the day.

5. I still can't quite bring myself to get out of bed to go to the gym. I'm working on it. Let's shoot for Tuesday.

6. I have to do my taxes so I can afford to continue this mess of not working madness.

7. I have a power point presentation that I should probably assemble tonight.

8. I'm mad at someone. Don't worry, if you are reading this, then it's most likely not you. Unless it is, in which case, you suck.

9. I'm watching Fall From Grace, a documentary about Fred Phelps, and the Westboro Baptist Church. I have never heard a religious group use so many swear words. Or seen such young children spew such messages of hate. It's kind of depressing, but I can't look away.

finished!

I'm taking it in to the hospital tomorrow to give it to Oakley. I hope he likes it! I am so tired right now. I drove out to Pt. Angeles to visit my dad and stepmom today, so that always makes for a long day.

I hate being off on weekends. Everyone I know works, lives too far away, or sucks as a person, so I'm bored, waiting for the week to start.

what i've done with my new found free time

Okay, first of all? Not having a job has so far left me more than a little depressed. I literally slept until 3pm yesterday. And then I went downstairs and watching crappy Discovery Channel Shows like Cash Cab with Bryan. I feel wrong. I have too much time on my hands, not enough money, and totally unproductive. I was going to cancel my membership to the Y because I was trying to economize, but I've decided not to yet, because I need to be able to do something. Otherwise I'll go crazy.

This morning at midnight I was struck with the urge to break out my new sewing machine, finally. So while watching Juno (I kinda have a pirated copy) on the laptop, I cut out the pieces for Oakley's baby quilt. I'm pushing the deadline, since his wife is due next week! I ended up piecing together the whole top, so I think on Sunday I am going to try to put it together so I can give it to him next week.

I'm nervous about how I am going to get it to him, though. I'm not sure if I'm allowed up there now that I've been fired. Probably not. But I really want to give it to him myself, not through Dana. This whole thing is so fucked. Please forgive my language. But it is. Fucked.

Anyway, here's the top of my quilt:



The lighting sucks, cause it's 3 in the morning, but the solid squares are a really attractive mint green. The back and border are going to be brown. I know it's a little nontraditional, but Oakley grew up on a commune, so I think he'll appreciate it.