She Likes It

Center of the Universe

The Grotto
Portland, OR - April 2006

I'm feeling funny today, not bad, just strange. I think it's the grey skies that we've had over Seattle the past couple of days. It's summer, it's supposed to be sunny and nice everyday. I think I might have jinxed the weather when I told a recent visitor that we don't get any rain during the summer months. Or perhaps it's the yummy Snack Pinoy I just ate. Not used to eating tapioca out of a pouch.

I'm home, as usual, looking at jobs. Waiting for the motivation to do something aside from Bejeweled and Zombies vs. Plants. Perhaps I'll turn on the xbox, perhaps I'll do the huge pile of dishes that the kitty refuses to wash. Or perhaps not.

My dad called me to tell me about the memorial service I wished I had the cash to go to. It's been a very long time since I have been to Pensacola and a very long time since I have seen many of those that were there.

I've been musing about the people that I know that have a very hard time not knowing that the earth revolves around the sun and not them. Which is funny since these people do not have blogs wherein they write about themselves, but I do. What does that say about me? I give myself a break since I don't really think anyone reads this but the few people that I force to.

What are you doing? I haven't spoken to you in ages and yet I'm thinking of you; wondering what you're up to.  And please don't just say how tall you are, I am tired of that joke.

How many times in a row does something have to happen before we realize that it's not a strange coincidence that that always happens around me, but rather is a reaction to me or being around me?

One day I'll get back to posting funny stories, I just have to have one happen.

The companion cube's parents are coming to town this weekend. Sounds like we might be taking a trip with them, since the places they're interested in visiting are all down by Portland. I hope so as I am looking forward to getting a little break from the monotony of my apartment.

spacing out

gearing up
Greenwood, WA - Aug. 07

I get myself in trouble a lot.

Mostly it's because I have a big mouth and a defective filter. I also am, shall we say, challenged, at gauging appropriateness. I guess that all goes together in one big awkward package. But I like to think that those that love me - and hey, there are people out there that do (hi Mom!) - find my social handicap endearing...or something approximating that.

Not being in an office environment everyday has lowered the occurrence of me saying something stupid to strangers tenfold, but this charming habit has yet to be eliminated completely from my repertoire. In fact, just last week I struggled not to say "ass" in an interview. And this afternoon, I fought against an inclination to correct the 8 year olds next to me on the bus because they were saying "that's what she did" instead of "that's what she said." I'm sure the teachers would have appreciated my restraint had they known.

The bad news is that with the decrease of stranger-horrification, I have increased friend-alienation. I just want to put it out there that if I am giving you far too much knowledge of things that should be private affairs, or if I am grumbling about the crumbs in your beard, or if you know all sorts of boring stories about how I picked the lint from my belly button, I am so sorry. A job will come and I will be back to falling down and inadvertently accusing my boss of being high maintenance in no time.

I don't know what all this has to do with anything let alone the space store, but I'm here and I like that picture, so there.

at six and a half weeks

what rain?
Westport, WA, March 2009

When I was younger, say early twenties and prior, I was a type-A personality. You know, clenched up diamond producing ass, anxious about everything. I freted about any and all things: grades, following the rules, does anyone like me, blah blah blah. So much so that when I finally broke some rules, I went a little overboard. And yet, living with the mistakes I made back then taught me that although there are always consequences, ones life doesn't have to be over if things don't work out as you'd always planned/hoped. I suppose this is something that most people learn. It's called growing up and also being in your mid-twenties.

Late Monday morning, I boarded the southbound train for a quick little trip to visit a friend in Olympia. It was a marvelous little escape. I stocked up on puppy love and chats and wonderful food and coffee. It was also very nice to catch up with my friend.  Cheryl is such an amazingly beautiful woman, in all senses of that word: physically, she's wicked smart, and so caring and loving. When I am with her, I feel centered and happy. Not only is she a great friend, she is, quite frankly, the woman I aspire to be.

As she was driving me back to the train station, she asked me, "When the revolution comes, what will you do?" Meaning, what skills can I bring to the post-apocalyptic world? As she pointed out, copy editing is moot if there is no printed word. The funny thing is, this is something I had been thinking about seriously already, what with all the zombie reading I've been doing and also the not having a job thing. I can shoot a shotgun fairly accurately, that is pretty valuable until the ammunition runs out. I can also make cheese. Will these abilities be enough to barter for food and shelter?

I am very glad I am not the girl I used to be. I am so very grateful for the perspective that I have learned so far. With that, though, comes the knowledge that I have so much more to do.

Am I a strong, independent woman?

Mostly. I still have a lot to do to even come close to my aspirations.

Do I have marketable skills?

I think so, but clearly I need to focus on some practical fall backs, just in case.

Do I settle?

Maybe. For instance, in the last job I had, yes, I loved the people I worked with and, yes, it paid well for the job I was doing. I mean, it did support two people and a cat for a while. But often it wasn't that intellectually stimulating and it didn't satisfy that old vestige from my early days to be "of use." I am unsure if the fact that I stayed there for close to four years is settling though. I mean, I don't expect one person to satisfy all my relationship needs, why would I expect one perfect job to be out there to fulfill every job related need I have?

If I had a puppy, would I have less time to navel gaze?

Oh my, yes.

First Round, Day 2

young bikes in love
Port of Seattle, March 2009

Was just talking to Em and she pointed out that this is the first year that the both of us have been home to watch the tip off of the first game of the NCAA tournament.  Too bad we're living in different Washingtons, because this tournament could have been crazy. It's pretty awesome though. At one point yesterday, I was watching one game on the TV and another on Delores. As my cousin pointed out, I'm effectively being paid to watch basketball this week.

In other news, I went out with a friend of mine last night.  After some music, a full court press, lots of talk, and a little beer, I got on the hour long bus home. I grabbed the back seat, as I do, and put on my headphones. Something with the way the bus was moving made me feel a little queasy, so I spent a lot of time focusing on the word "Poop" that was graffittied on the seat in front of me.  At some point in our way through downtown, a fellow drunk person got on the bus and sat in the back seat on the other side. We made it a few blocks before dude started puking(!). SO GROSS. I didn't see anything, but I could totally hear him despite my noise blocking headphones.  Of course he stayed on the bus the whole time (mine is the last stop) and continued to heave every couple of stops.  A girl got on and sat in between us for a minute, but then of course promptly moved as soon as she heard. I can't believe I didn't hurl as well. I am a champion.

Tonight is the series finale of BSG. If I don't watch it, does that mean it'll never be over?

It's Friday, I'm in love

  thirsty times call for drinking measures
  Repeal Day 2007, Vessel

It's Friday Yay! I might say this every week, but God DAMN I'm glad this week is over. You know, I really like and like working for my two bosses, but I'm starting to think that I might need a new job. One that doesn't stress me out so.

Going to see the Drive-by Truckers tonight and quite possibly the midnight showing of Labrynth. Tomorrow is the Michigan game, which given the records better be quite boring. Especially since we'll be rearranging our living room during the game.

--

Last year on Repeal Day, we got all done up in period dress and went to Vessel for drinks. My boss lent me her mother's mink stole. It totally rocked out. I think I'll borrow it again this year and be the belle of the ball. And since it's a Friday this year (two weeks!), we don't have to skip the after-after party. Whoop! Bowling in heels here I come!

rain is better than snow

Here comes the rain again
July 2007, Alki Beach

Ten days until my sister and niece arrive in sunny Seattle for Thanksgiving and our fabulous trip up to Vancouver. Yay! We have a lot to do to get ready, but this week is crazy with stuff to do after work that is way more fun than spraying Anti Icky Poo on the carpet and cursing the cat.

Speaking of icky, I should totally be working right now, but due to the grey weather and perhaps one too many drinks last night, I am feeling - as usual - some dissatisfaction and lack of motivation this morning. Today is a day I might spend looking up masters programs and/or look over the Foreign Service exam yet again. Probably should actually look up what I need to make an awesome turkey dinner next week.  Or you know, work some. 

Did I mention yet that I forgot to enroll in the National Novel Writing Month thingy this year? It's probably for the best since I wrote approximately 200 words for both years that I did it and didn't get any closer to starting let alone finishing any sort of novel.  I thought that a deadline would be beneficial for me, but not yet so far. Perhaps some chips would make my eye feel better. And what I mean by that is that I think a new laptop that actually connects to the internets would help in that regard.

Things I've decided to do in the next 12 months:

• Look into legal issues regarding home distillery
• Get a new laptop and write more
• Move to a new, larger, more fabulous apartment
• Continue Muppet Mondays
• Ace the Foreign Service exam
• Make a movie for Hump!
• Read up on small presses
• Make more cheese
• Go on a trip or two, I'm thinking Greece or Thailand

What are you doing?

The last word is Chartreuse

I have miles to go before I drink
April 2008, Rocky Mountain National Park

Y'all, it's Friday. This has been a long and busy week and I don't know about you, but I am certainly ready for my Friday evening cocktail. And only two more Friday evening cocktails left before the Companion Cube and I have to revamp our routine since our favorite, Keith, is leaving Union for brighter shores. Shores that do not conveniently sit at the midway point between my work and cc's. The solution of course is that we need to step up the new apartment search. And by step up, of course I mean, actually start doing it in less of a browsing around and in more of a let's get off our butts fashion.

Anyway. So that's that. I am dreaming of a delicious Arsenic and Old Lace and maybe some cheeese. But it's not even lunch time yet. 

So, in a completely unrelated train of thought, the window washers are outside my window again. Well, not really outside, but the wires are there and they are washing somewhere below me. Here's the thing though. Yes, I do work in a very tall building, but should those people be out there every week?  And at the same place just below my floor? I'm starting to suspect some sort of corporate espionage. I wonder who is on the floor beneath me. Because seriously? Every week? It seems like a little much.

Last weekend, we went shooting at the Rention Fish and Game club. It was a good time, but I wished I was a better shot. It didn't help that the shotgun we were using was nearly as tall as I am. But I did manage to kill a couple of clay pigeons. I am inordinately proud of my albeit limited success. 

I had a roommate in Columbus who shot skeet as a sport in college. He had a special competition gun he used and I always wanted to go with him to shoot it. I suppose it's best that that never happened because I suspect he thought I wanted him due to that one night I asked him if he thought I was attractive. You can maybe see how he might have gotten that idea, although I really didn't want to be with him. Sometimes I'm not aware of the awkwardness of my questions/statements. And when I say sometimes, I really mean, when I'm drunk. And honestly, I was not trying to come on to the roommate. We were both not each other's type AT ALL. Plus, I didn't respect him because he was afraid of my dog. Like, I had to lock her in my room if I wasn't home afraid. Anyway, I was just all worked up over the fact that I had not had a date since I moved there and it was getting ridiculous. I might also have been ignoring the fact that not leaving the apartment for more than going to class and/or taking the dog out was a limiting dating factor. In any case, I think that question drove a wedge between us and I never got to shoot the special shiny competition shotgun. Sigh.

Now I'm thinking of a Last Word. Mmm. Chartruese.

News Flash

Why do almost all forms of exercise have to make one feel ridiculous whilst doing it?   I mean, seriously.  This morning, I had to make sure all the shades were tightly shut and Beard Boy was fast asleep and locked in the bedroom before I could even think about doing my stupid workout.  Ugh.

I uploaded some pictures this morning to my flickr account.  If you want to see some awesome shots from my fancy water taxi commute, go check it out. [EDIT: I bought a Pro account and moved some stuff around, so here's the new link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shelikesit/]

See what one can get done if they get up early?  Let that be a lesson to me.

Things that make you go...eeeeeeeeee!

Last week I ordered some pants from the J.Crew website for Beard Boy.  The box was delivered yesterday while he was home enjoying his 90-day MS vacation.  I had told him in the morning that the box was expected and that he could go ahead and open it before I got home since it was  for him. Yes, I am aware that this is in and of itself nothing spectacular. But in discussing today's  Amazon delivery - exercise dvds, if you must know - I just realized something that took me at least 10 minutes to get my head around.  I mean, I sat here staring into space trying to picture his reaction to the mailman knocking on the door and handing him the package.  Did he grin?  Did he think, oh yes, these are the pants I've always dreamed of?  Did he just matter of factly try them on and then go back to playing his game?  I knew he would like the pants, but that is beside the point. I still can't imagine what he did and it's mainly because the one thing that is certain is that he would never have reacted the way I do when I get things in the mail.  And that, my friend, is the profound discovery of which I speak.  That is to say that other people (read: people older than, say 14, who are not me or my friend Emily) probably do not make squealing noises and jump up and down when they receive packages. 

Happy Hollandaise

So it's the holiday season and it's been an interesting couple of weeks.  There was a wind storm which blew out our power for a couple of days and which completely blew me offline for much longer for a couple of reasons:

1) Due to no power, I started reading this book about Iraq and let me tell you it has dragged on for-ev-er. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's very interesting and all, but this guy keeps telling the same story over and over and I'm having a hard time trudging through it, but then I feel like it would be wrong for me to stop for some reason. I don't know, it's weird.  Some people may say that I'm compulsive, but they'd be...okay, they'd be right. In any case, I'm going to have to return it unfinished anyway (gasp!) because it's already over a week overdue and the lieberry won't let me renew it.  (Bastards.) 

2) Right before the wind-ocolypse I installed my brand spanking new (thanks, Daddy!) 400 gb hard drive in my computer and have been waiting not so patiently for us to swap our DSL for cable in the house.  All 400 gigs are waiting waiting waiting to be filled up!  Oh and don't get me started on the stupid cable "installer" who made me want to just say, "Fine, let's stay with Qwest." I seriously questioned whether the guy could read because he kept insisting that our work order didn't say install, even though it did in more than one place and we STILL do not have TIVO and argggggh. How can we live without Tivo, I ask you. HOW? And even after all that we still need to get a wireless router and a DVD drive so I can play with my laptop on the couch while watching all my favorite reality shows (My Bare Lady, anyone?) and zip up all my DVDs to my PSP memory card. Oh yes, the power outage did make me love my technology even more, as if that was possible. I scare me sometimes.

Plus, I've been diligently working (I know!) at work and only slacking off to order presents online which clearly hasn't been enough since I'm still short several presents. Oh the humanity!

And now you know all my excuses for not posting here and on Metblogs.  Are you buying it all? 

In other news, I got a poison ring for Christmas that I totally love AND a camera phone which I totally didn't need but hey, we had to have something to make us feel better in the apartment that was colder than our fridge.

Sooo, anyway, that's my story for this week.  Going to Vegas in two days.  Maybe I'll do a Britney and get married and divorced while I'm there.  Who knows?  Could happen.