euphorbia1972

Hell.

2008-08-28T21:21:47Z

The first day back to work after even a few days away is truly horrible. I cannot even imagine how I will get everything done by tomorrow afternoon.

And I sorely need a haircut. And an eyebrow wax.

Weekend come soon, please.

The Omnivore's Hundred

2008-08-20T01:47:20Z

the omnivore meme - looked like fun
The Omnivore's Hundred is a list of foods the gastronomic Andrew Wheeler thinks everyone should try at least once in their lives.

The rules of the meme:

* Bold those you have tried.
* Strikethrough those you wouldn't eat on a bet.
* Italicize any item you'll never eat again.
* Asterisk any items you'd be interested in trying but have not yet.

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea*
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. ~~Brawn, or head cheese~~
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi*
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more*
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear*
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs*
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. ~~Haggis~~
69. Fried plantain
70. ~~Chitterlings, or andouillette~~
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe*
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. ~~Hostess Fruit Pie~~
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.*
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. ~~Horse~~
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake

quickie

2008-05-10T16:57:38Z

Soccer, which started about a month ago, is going swimmingly.
I am actually going to try jogging this morning with two friends. I sure hope I don't kill myself.
I had nachos, coffee, and sparkling water for breakfast, which may well cancel out both efforts listed above. (But the chips were organic, which kind of makes me laugh.)

Sunday Survey

2008-03-23T21:15:32Z

What is your middle name?
Kay, for my Mother's best friend

Where will you be 24 hours from now?
At work. Maybe out seeing a client or maybe sitting at the desk in front of the computer.

Is it easy for others to make you feel intimidated?
Not to *make* me feel intimidated. That last time I was so intimidated that I pitted out was during a group interview for Physician Assistant school. There were all of these really accomplished people in the room telling prime-time worthy stories about their work experiences.  I was so nervous that all I could think of to "brag" about was how I made sure an elderly diabetic woman got to eat cake on her birthday...needless to say I was not admitted.

Do you know what you are going to wear tomorrow?
Hopefully something that will look like Spring, but will be warm enough.

Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?
You know, I don't like that idea so much. Somehow it seems too risky.

Where did you get the underwear you are wearing right now?
It's laundry day so it isn't too exciting. I will stop at that.

Have you ever kissed someone whose name starts with a C?
Yes. In my sordid past I imagine that I have kissed many a C.

Have you ever passed out?
Yes.

Do you think you would make a good wife/husband?
I think that I was a good wife, so yes. But I can be difficult, moody, easily wounded, and generally a brat. I do, however, forgive easily.   I am loving, generous, kind, supportive. Maybe too much so sometimes.

Have you ever liked someone who treated you like crap?
Sure, but I am really over that phase.

Is your current hair color mostly your natural hair color?
All me. Grey and all.

What color are your socks?
No socks now. Barefoot. I love being barefoot.

Where were you at 9am this morning?
Walking the dog in the rain. And loving it mostly.

Do you fall for people easily?
In a superficial way, yes. But I am finding it harder and harder to trust, unfortunately, due to life experience and a finely honed bullshit detector.

Everything happens for a reason?
Good question. I mean, in some ways it all seems completely random and I think we like to assign meaning to make ourselves feel better. In other ways though, I do feel sometimes that there is somehow a pointed lesson in what is happening. I do think we always have free choice.

Have you ever dated someone more than once?
Gah. I think so? I think I have blocked out some of that stuff though. Seriously.

Who have you texted in the last 24 hours?
Kate and Jason

Last thing you got in the mail?
Cooking Light magazine

Do you find members of the opposite sex confusing?
I find people confusing - regardless of sex.  (I will keep this answer.)

When is the last time you saw number 2 on your myspace friends list?
Last time I was in Ellensburg - two weeks ago. (It is my nephew Ian.)

What are you listening to right now?
The rain. Myself typing. Now the cat purring.

How has the week been?
Emotionally challenging. Exciting.

Do you prefer being single or taken?
There are positive elements to both, I am finding. But I have to be honest and say taken.

Last person to say ’I love you’ to you?
Jason and my Mom. Not at the same time.

Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
I will.

What did you do on Friday?
Stayed in, slept in, watched a good movie. *censored* Got take-out from Paseo finally (Cuban sandwich - not too bad.)

Does the last person you shared a bed with mean anything to you?
Yes, he means the world to me right now.

Do you sleep with the TV on?
I like it really dark and really quiet for optimal sleep.

Ever have a sleepover with the opposite sex?
I want to delete this stupid question.

Have you ever wanted to be a teacher?
Not particularly.

Would you live with someone without marrying them?
Yes. It makes me nervous in some ways, but yes.

Do you still have pictures of you & your ex?
Yes, they are hidden away.

If you’re having a bad day, who are you most likely to go to?
Shopping. To buy coffee.  Or to be alone somewhere, the best thing is to be home alone, or to talk to someone who will listen. Last Thursday I had an emotional day after seeing a client (it was very sad) and just wanted to be alone somewhere quiet to cry. I had to go right back to work and that was really awful.

One person you miss?
My Grandma Alexander.

What is the term of endearment you call your significant other?
Baby or babe. Sweetie.  Puke worthy alternatives. I love it.

What was the last thing you put in your mouth?
Vitamin water.

What’s irritating you right now?
My head hurts, a mild headache.

Talked to a complete asshole today?
Hmm. No.

Do you like anyone?
I do.

Do you shower facing the shower head or with your back to it?
My back to it.

What are the colors of your wall?
White.

How many hours did you sleep last night?
Nine and it was wonderful.

Are you sarcastic?
I can be but sometimes it makes me feel mean. Other times it's in the name of humor.

Are you shy?
I can be, but I have realized I am not as shy as I once thought.

Are you talkative?
Depends. Sometimes.

Last person you saw?
My neighbor Tom.

Last person you talked on the phone with?
Mom.

Cut and Paste

2008-02-12T18:36:25Z

I put most of my blogs from Myspace on here, because I want them to be in one place. Now I feel more "official" or something. Yay!

12.30.07 In Retrospect

2008-02-12T18:21:11Z

Sunday, December 30, 2007

in retrospect
Current mood: chill
Category: Life

2007 was a year of many changes in my life.

I feel so grateful, and hopeful, and happy, and high-on-life. But I think that I lost a bit of that youthful and unrealistic dreamer. In other words, maybe I grew up a little bit. Then again, I feel room to dream big in ways that I have not felt license to feel in a long while. I have a renewed sense of lightness and silliness.

Okay, enough of the sentimental. Suffice it to say I feel great and I hope that 2008 brings good things into my life, and into the lives of friends and family!

Here are things I will always remember from 2007:

*amazing views of the bay, the city, Pike Place, Pioneer Square...etc, during morning commute and walks to get coffee...EVERY DAY

*a day hike to Cape Flattery, so beautiful and unspoiled and different than the Oregon coast...the most NW point in the continental US

*my boss telling me she appreciates my work and effort and that my coworkers like and respect me, and the knowledge that no matter where I live, I can always find work in my field and support myself

*friendships in and outside of work: new friends, long-time friends, and friendships that have been rekindled

*time spent near the beach during warm and cold weather, including a stolen sunshiney and dry afternoon on 12/30/07 with Ollie at Magnuson...what a great reminder of how much I love it here

*so much new and interesting and gorgeous food this year that I have to make a New Year's resolution so that I can continue to fit into my pants

*tons of new music, and listening to KEXP in my car, and on my Zune now instead of streaming only...!

*I really do remember how to ski and I no longer fear it

*mind opening experiences, learning not to judge, learning to love myself so that I can truly love others, and the beginning of an understanding of and strange comfort in the idea of impermanence

*and I think my dog finally realizes that I'm not taking him back to the shelter

Happy New Year everyone!

edit: to add one more:

*the Seattle Public Library!

p.s. read this book! highly entertaining!

Currently reading :
Kitchen Confidential Updated Ed: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly (P.S.)
By Anthony Bourdain
Release date: 09 January, 2007

12.11.07 Fallen Sitka Spruce

2008-02-12T18:20:17Z

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

inappropriateness
Current mood: pure
Category: Romance and Relationships

I cried today for the fallen gigantic Sitka Spruce tree in Oregon near Seaside. It was marked by big signs on the side of the road that proclaimed it "LARGEST SITKA SPRUCE TREE IN THE UNITED STATES." It was already split from previous storms and maybe a lightning strike, and apparently a recent storm was enough to take it down in early December. I remember stopping on the way from Portland to the coast on more than one occasion to see it. It was gigantic, and I read somewhere that it was estimated to have been around 750 years old.

A coworker who is on the verge of retiring left two boxes of OB tampons in the bathroom with a note stating she no longer needs them so, "help yourself!" She had a hysterectomy recently, someone said.

Currently reading :
Pacific Northwest Wining and Dining: The People, Places, Food, and Drink of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia
By Braiden Rex-Johnson
Release date: 22 October, 2007

11.17.07 Update Time

2008-02-12T18:19:42Z

Saturday, November 17, 2007

a real, honest-to-goodness update.
Current mood: relaxed
Category: Life

It has been awhile since I have actually written anything of substance here. I just got sort of weirded out in regards to putting anything too personal here, so I didn't for awhile. But the temptation is too much, and I just want to put this out here. For whatever reason, I just do.

It is almost unbelievable to me that I have lived in Seattle for about nine months. {insert witty/clever comment here about giving birth to something good} And no, it isn't original or clever, but the time has gone by so fast! I am feeling a familiar mix of happier-than-ever mixed with fuck-I'm getting-old-and- what-the-hell-am-I-doing-with-my-life and will-I ever-grow-the- hell-up? But mostly, the happiness and contentment is settling in nicely. Thank you.

The place I moved into has proven to be a solid choice. Great location, affordable price, great neighbors and nice building, and so on and so forth. I love that I can walk my ass home from work if I am so inclined. (And of course to work, but who wants to give up another hour of sleep?!?) I love that I am getting to know the city and the bus system, and that I have my favorite little spots already but feel like there will be an endless amount to discover. And I especially love that this is starting to feel like home. It really does feel like home. That part took awhile.

Work is so stressful sometimes it makes me wake up gritting my teeth and pondering which extended relative I can fictitiously kill off so that I can enjoy an ilicit day off (only to feel guilty and crappy when I go back to work.) But I am making it into work on most days and finding the work, although challenging and stressful at times, is interesting and worthy of my time. It is social work, so of course there are many days when I wonder why I do it. And just who is it I am helping? (Besides my own bank account, and even that is dubious.) But then there are those rare days when I feel I have made a connection with someone, met someone particularly amazing, and I might have even helped to change their life in some small but significant way. These are triumphs and this is why I, and most of my coworkers, got into doing this work.

And the coworkers. I have to say, it has been so much easier making friends in Seattle than in Portland. I have no idea why, but I wonder if I was less "open" because I was all married up and stuff? And since I spend 40 hours per week (more or less) at work, work is the main source of friend material. My coworkers are an amazing group of people! My favorites are two Japanese expatriates who are extremely acrid in the most pleasing of ways. This cynicism is especially directed towards our work and how excruciating it is at times.

One of them was doing everything she could to leave her rural southern Japan life. She did everything from crashing motorcycles, cleaning cadavers, and attempting to audition as a stripper (she was told her ass is too flat) in order to save up enough money to move to the U.S. The other is a hippie/pothead who has a penchant for hiking, bicycling, and fine dining. She is working hard to join the Peace Corps. They are both about my age and divorced, but both with cool, sweet, really tall and white boyfriends. Go figure. We meet on a regular basis to vent over coffee. And occasionally we go to fancypants restaurants on a Friday after work to live it up in, how I like to think of it, our own twisted and fucked-up version of "Sex in the City." We are also planning a visit to KNSP (Korean Naked Scrubbing Place...some spa, I forgot the name, where they scrub you silly, thus creating a softer you, and a pile of dead skin cells you can see. I am both fearful, and excited as hell.) There are others, but these two make the most entertaining story, to be honest.

I won't say too much about the relationship front, other than to say it seems my luck (humor me and let me blame it on luck) has changed and I have someone in my life who cares about me and who I can tolerate. Okay, it's more than that, he is someone who is more than worthy of my care in return. It brings me hope. Who knows what is next? Who cares. It's great now.

In the works:

Graduate school application is due in January. I am thinking dual major Social Work/Public Health Administration. The eventual goal is to get off of the "front lines" and be a person who can affect change through policy. Than again, how cool would it be to go to Africa and help to set up an AIDS care clinic? I never said I was not grandiose.

There will be a trip to Arizona/Grand Canyon/Las Vegas in January. Warm weather, the worthy one's fam, and my buddy Diana! And boy do I need the time off. Yes, I do.

After that, I can only guess. And that, my friends, is the best part!

Loves and more loves,

Julie

Currently listening :
OK Computer
By Radiohead
Release date: 01 July, 1997

11.15.07 I Heart FreeWillAstrology

2008-02-12T18:18:58Z

Thursday, November 15, 2007

juicy psychic material?
Current mood: awake
Category: Blogging

Libra Horoscope for week of November 15, 2007

"Weirdness is humanity's way of overcoming the ever-increasing pressure to live nine-to-five lives," says Bob Rickard, founder of Fortean Times, a magazine that reports on anomalous events. "We need craziness, it's that simple." I second that emotion, Libra -- especially for you right now. You don't realize how much juicy psychic material you've been repressing as a result of sticking to dry duty and routine. In order to recover lost secrets from your fertile depths, you're going to have to specialize for now in the mysterious, the curious, and the uncanny. It will help if you put yourself in situations that are outside your understanding.

Currently listening :
The Shepherd’s Dog
By Iron & Wine
Release date: 25 September, 2007

10.31.07 The Dog Hollarer

2008-02-12T18:18:05Z

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

calm and assertive dominance
Current mood: amused
Category: Pets and Animals

This was taken from writings on www.merrillmarkoe.com

Hilarious! (Particularly so if you the owner of a dog.)

THE DOG HOLLARER

FADE IN:INTERIOR MIDDLE CLASS SUBURBAN HOME.
We are in the entry hall by the front door where a middle aged woman holding two leashes summons her dogs for a walk.

WOMAN:Who wants to go for a walk? Bosco? Squirty? Walk?

(Two tiny dogs rush out of somewhere, gallop up to the woman and begin to bounce off of her like she is a trampoline.)

WOMAN:Easy, Squirty. Bosco. I said DOWN. Or I meant to say 'Down' first, then 'Walk.'

(As she tries to hook them to their leashes, they are so boisterous and enthusiastic that they knock her onto her back. Soon she is lying on the ground, still holding the leashes, but unable to get back up because the dogs are bouncing up and down on top of her.
Into this out of control scenario walks Kaiser Milan, a sturdy grey haired hipster in jeans and a tight tee shirt, blowing a loud rape whistle. This gets the dogs attention.)

KAISER: All right, everyone. STOP.

We see a show title: The Dog Hollarer
(The dogs both stare at him. As they pause their assault, the woman is now able to stand back up. Kaiser looks shocked.)

KAISER: This is typical behavior?

WOMAN:Well, yes, but they don't mean any harm. They just get so excited about going on a...

KAISER:I can see that. What I would like now is for you to leave the room and let me work with them.

WOMAN:Leave? Are you sure? Do you need these leashes?
The woman looks reluctant, fearful.

KAISER: No, I don't need anything but the dogs. I'll call you when we're ready for you to rejoin us.

(The woman cautiously backs out of the room, waving little goodbyes, blowing little kisses to her dogs as she exits.)

KAISER: Okay, Squirty. Bosco. Apparently you guys want to go for a walk?

(Squirty and Bosco look at each other , then duplicate the same thing they did to the woman seconds ago...bouncing off Kaiser like he is a trampoline. But after about two seconds. Kaiser reacts with such an enormous explosion of rage and hostility that they both freeze in their tracks.)

KAISER: ENOUGH! What the fuck do you two morons think you're doing? What am I? Your door mat? Your bitch? Stop this bullshit NOW.Everyone! SIT!

(He is hostile and scary. Squirty and Bosco both sit.)

KAISER:(screaming at the top of his lungs)
All right, now you two spoiled jack offs listen to me. Outside of this house is a country called The United States of America. Either of you ever investigate the laws pertaining to dogs here? No? Then let me give you a quick synopsis. How easy do you think it would be for me to put you both in to the trunk of my filthy car and drive you to the friggin pound where you could be adopted by some meth freak who ties you to a tree and lets you sit in your own fecal matter day and night? I could do it like that. (He snaps his fingers and glares.)Heres another option: I could have you put to sleep! By which I mean put to death. All I would have to do is make up any kind of crazy story about how you bit someone. Anyone. Even someone I hate. It'd be my word against yours and don't forget, you can't even speak English. What I'm trying to tell you is that your ass belongs to me. Does everyone get what I'm saying?

Squirty and Bosco sit quietly cowering, terrified.

KAISER:All right then. When I ask you if you want to go for a walk, I expect you to line up single file. Right here. No jumping. No noise. NOW.

(The dogs sheepishly approach him and he hooks them to leashes. Then they stand quietly as he contnues to yell.)

KAISER: And when we are on the God Damn walk, first one to pull or push ...either of you familiar with the term vivisection? I can sell you to a lab where they'll pin your eyes open and spray hair spray in to them? You'll PRAY for the gas chamber after that. Anyone not clear? Okay, let the owner back in.

(The woman who owns the dogs comes back in to the room, sees her dogs sitting quietly on their leashes, and gasps in shock and utter delight.)

WOMAN:OH MY GOD. They never act like this with me. You are amazing. A GENIUS.

KAISER: It's all about taking control with the proper calm assertive attitude. Now we're all going to walk out this door together..

(He opens the door and makes a gesture, offering the owner to walk out in front of him. Flattered, she does. He follows, and before he lets the dogs out he turns to them with a final warning.)

KAISER
First one to get out of line...Pssshhhhhttttt.

(He pantomimes spraying hairspray in to someone's face.
The dogs cower, then follow obediently.)

12.07.2007.

merrill@merrillmarkoe.com

2:38 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos

10.26.07 Horrorscope

2008-02-12T18:17:20Z

Friday, October 26, 2007

i think i’ll just be a scarecrow this year
Current mood: accomplished
Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes

A survey of Russians revealed their thoughts about the best ways to get rich. A third of them said that stealing is most effective, whether that comes in the form of embezzlement, fraud, extortion, or plain old larceny. I don't recommend that approach to you, Libra, even though you're in an astrological phase that's favorable for increasing your wealth. Instead, consider these strategies: working harder and smarter, expanding and deepening your web of connections, intensifying your commitment to excellence, and reading a book like Personal Finance for Dummies. Halloween costume suggestion: an impeccably styled schmooze specialist carrying a wad of big bills and a Wall Street Journal.

10.4.07 There Are No Errors

2008-02-12T18:16:45Z

Thursday, October 04, 2007

marvelous error
Current mood: calm
Category: Writing and Poetry

Last night as I was sleeping,
I dreamt—marvelous error!—
that a spring was breaking
out in my heart.
I said: Along which secret aqueduct,
Oh water, are you coming to me,
water of a new life
that I have never drunk?

Last night as I was sleeping,
I dreamt—marvelous error!—
that I had a beehive
here inside my heart.
And the golden bees
were making white combs
and sweet honey
from my old failures.

Last night as I was sleeping,
I dreamt—marvelous error!—
that a fiery sun was giving
light inside my heart.
It was fiery because I felt
warmth as from a hearth,
and sun because it gave light
and brought tears to my eyes.

Last night as I slept,
I dreamt—marvelous error!—
that it was God I had
here inside my heart.

--Antonio Machado, 1903

8.28.07 Nonsense

2008-02-12T18:15:29Z

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

i just can’t do it
Current mood: curious

Two words I cannot bring myself to employ in daily speech:

*booyah

*hella

Two television shows I could probably become addicted to but I refuse:

*Big Brother

*any of the CSI shows

Two sports I have not tried, and most likely will not:

*hockey

*softball

Two states where I would not choose to live:

*Iowa

*Texas

Two places I would rather be than here:

*a beach with a cabana boy

Currently listening :
Live at KEXP (Volume Two)
By Patti Smith (with Lenny Kaye)

8.20.07 Yoga Beginner in the Rain

2008-02-12T18:14:47Z

Monday, August 20, 2007

arambhavastha and rain-soaked pants
Current mood: amused
Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes

And so it goes...we are all beginners at some point or another. Somehow, embracing being a beginner at age 34 feels very humbling yet very liberating all at once.

On Saturday nobody else showed up for yoga at 11:30 a.m. so in essence I received a two-hour private lesson. I am very excited not only about the physical aspects of this stuff, but the spiritual theory as well. This is so much more than simply moving my body.

This morning as I walked up the hill toward work my Easter-egg-lavender rain jacket (mental note to think about replacing it) became soaked with rain. My glasses were fogged up and had rain drops on them. My pants became completely soaked and stuck to the front of my thighs. It was both horrible and wonderful at the same time, oddly enough. As I sat on the bus watching the rain fall I thought about how this rain signals being close to the end of tourists clogging the streets. That made me smile.

8.15.07 Yoga

2008-02-12T18:13:22Z

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

on the edge
Current mood: restless
Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping

I just have to say that I am loving those little clothing shops on E Broadway for their edgy/cute/cheapness! I found a pair of BR denim trousers for $13 (gently used...), a trendy tee-shirt for $5 (this one was new). Oh yeah, then there is the shop where you can get stripper boots. But I didn't buy those. Yet.

Ha.

Last evening I tried yoga at a small studio a few blocks away from home. I tried yoga a few years ago, but it was a bad experience (it just sucked and the instructor ridiculed people in the class.) It felt great and I am going to go again on Friday. The instructor was inspiring in an accessible way -- easy to follow and used "props" like blocks and a strap, for poses that are difficult for newbies like me. I think it's a good sign that these yoga people seem so unbelievably chill. I just want to shake them and make them be balls of stress like the rest of us! Not really...but it's interesting to see how a bit of moving the body can increase relaxation. This time I am not going to get all compulsive and do exercise two hours a day for 6 days a week and burn-out, as I tend to do. I am simply going to continue walking home from work, do yoga a couple times a week, and gradually add stuff in as my body asks for it. Then, and only then, will I attain the "yoga chillness" that is so coveted in these circles. Okay, maybe not, but at least I will be doing something healthy for my body and mind.

8.10.07 Another Silly Survey

2008-02-12T18:12:42Z

Friday, August 10, 2007

stolen
Current mood: awake
Category: Blogging

A is for age: 34. good lord.
B is for beer of choice: terminal gravity IPA (here's a shout out to oregon!)
C is for career right now: counselor/social worker (in transition soon)
D is for your dog's name? ollie
E is for essential item you use everyday: lotion for my ashy skin
F is for favorite TV show at the moment: the news when i can catch it
G is for favorite game: footsie
H is for Home town: dirty, dirty wapato
I is for instruments you play: no longer, but did play tuba, a bit of trombone, flute
J is for favorite juice: either cranberry or grapefruit
K is for whose butt you'd like to kick: maybe my brother scott's
L is for last place you ate: café julie (still need to finish cleaning—fun friday night plans...cleaning!)
M is for marriage: seems like an eternity ago, but no regrets.
N is for your full name: julie kay. ain't it just precious?
O is for overnight hospital stays: tonsillectomy and miscarriage, not at the same time.
P is for people you were with today: coworkers, mainly, and bosslady

Q is for quote: "i was elected to *lead*, not to *read.*" (GO SEE THE SIMPSONS.)

R is for Biggest Regret: have almost eliminated regret from my vocabulary!
S is for status: Officially Tired and in Need of a Weekend
T is for time you woke up today: 6:30am (about an hour late)
U is for underwear you have on now: sheer

V is for vegetable you love: many/most—but especially asparagus, steamed artichokes…loving tomatoes right now...
W is for worst habit: yes, procrastination.
X is for x-rays you've had: hmm. CT scan of head. x-ray of spine. my teef at the dentist. maybe more i forgot about.
Y is for yummy food you ate today: string cheese and cawfee. (it's been busy!)
Z is for the zodiac sign: LIBRA. can't you tell?

8.6.07 Smiling Teenager

2008-02-12T18:11:43Z

Monday, August 06, 2007

rainbows and unicorns and whiskers on kittens
Current mood: grateful
Category: Life

I like a good achingly sad film, or a lyrical and emotional song just as much as the next person. (The person who revels in crying at the best greeting cards, or when thinking of my dog, or...). But I am also a cynic. I have gotten to the point where I cannot stand overtly sweet or sappy sentiment.

Sacchirine-sweet drivel without actual content or soul just doesn't do much for me. Those forwarded e-mails saying how I should hug more people and smile like a clueless simpleton, or pet puppies each and every hour...they drive me insane! And if I don't do it, and forward it on to 1000 of my closest "friends" I am doomed to die alone and miserable. Too sweet is not good! It's actually rather disgusting. The same goes for music or movies, by the way.

But I just had to blog about this thing that happened to me today.

I was walking up the hill toward work. I could see two gangly, clad-in-black teenagers approaching me walking in the opposite direction. They looked like the type who would scowl at best and walk on, presumably discussing their teenage woes and how best to deal with the angst. (Okay, so now my bias is totally on display...)

Instead, the one on the left (their left, not mine) looked me in they eye and gave me the kindest, warmest smile I have witnessed from any stranger ever. I don't think it held any intention or agenda, other than to greet another human in a way that acknowledged our common condition of being human. It surprised me so that I almost stopped walking. As I thought of his smile, a huge smile broke out on my face. I could not help it! As I walked on, I approached another stranger walking the other way. I still had the smile on my face, and he smiled back and said hello in a very warm and kind way. The whole thing felt so good!

I guess I'm making up for that day I missed in kindergarten. I learned a big lesson today about skepticism and the power humans have to do good things for each other -- all from some random teenager's smile.

I am humbled.

But I still don't want the sweet crap.

8.1.07 Embarassing Stupid Survey

2008-02-12T18:11:00Z

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

is it just me or do these categories not fit?
Current mood: accomplished
Category: Parties and Nightlife

1. Ever been to a strip club? Yes
2. Ever been to a bar? Yes
3. Ever been kicked out of a bar or a club? Just recently...!
4. Ever been so drunk you had to be carried out of somewhere? Not really, but I have had to be put to bed.
5. Kissed someone of the same sex? Yes.
6. Thrown up from drinking too much? Ick. Not recently.
7. Had sex in a car? Yes.
8. Had sex in a park? Yes.
9. Had sex in a cinema? Yes.
10. Had sex in a bathroom? Yes.
11. Had sex at work? No.
12. Have you ever been to an adult store? Yes.
13. Bought something from an "adult" store? Yes.
14. Is there anyone on your friends list you would ever consider having sex with? Yes.
15. Have you ever had a threesome? Yes.
16. Are your breasts real? God. I hope so.
17. Have you ever kissed a stranger? Yes.
18. Does anyone have naughty pics of you? Yes.
19. Ever had oral sex in a nightclub? No.
20. Ever had sex with someone you met through Myspace? Yes.
21. Ever been tied up? Yes.
22. Ever recommended a toy? Yes.
22a. What was it? The rabbit.
22b. Did they take the recommendation? No idea.
23. Ever sleep with someone to help them get over a bad situation (funeral, divorce) Yes. Did that with my ex husband and got pregnant.
24. Take someone's virginity? Maybe more than once. Definitely once.
25. Get walked in on? Yes.
25a. In flagrento? No.
25b. By someone who wasn't supposed to see it? No.
26. Ever make someone's fantasy come true? Yes.
27. Ever sleep with someone else's spouse? Yes, see 27a.
27a. With permission? Yes.
28. Ever been explicitly recommended to a lover's friend? It seems so...
29. Ever share a fantasy in the hopes it would happen? Absolutely.
30. Ever lie on sex survey? What is the point of that?

7.26.07 Midst of Summer

2008-02-12T18:09:38Z

Thursday, July 26, 2007

i love the nightlife. i got to boogie.
Current mood: irritated
Category: Parties and Nightlife

Work is so busy now! I feel sort of good at being so busy, but I have hardly any time to procrastinate.

On top of that, I am chronically sleep-deprived because I cannot stay home or relax. I HAVE TO MAKE GOOD USE OF TIME OFF WITH AS MUCH FUN AS POSSIBLE.

Lordy! Here is one Libra who knows nothing of this concept of balance. Nothing.

Oh yes, madness with greens continues. I stopped at a PCC market today and had the best salad for lunch. It was called Emerald City Salad or some such thing. It was kale and parsley and swiss chard cut into small strips, with wild rice (the black grains) and yellow and red bell peppers, and fennel dressed up in lemon vinagrette. It was fantastic. I loved the chewiness of it.

My boss is going to see Pink Martini at the zoo tonight. I am pretty sure I saw them at a New Year's Eve concert a few years ago. She doesn't seem too enthusiastic, but I am enthusiastic for her. They are from Portland.

Lately I have been missing The Portland. I went to the Redhook brewery "campus" the other evening and all I could think of was how much more charming and cool McMenamin's Edgefield is in comparison.

Okay. Going to go home soon I think.

7.24.07 Summer and Cooking

2008-02-12T18:09:01Z

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

the boots. they are made for walking.
Category: Dreams and the Supernatural

Dreamless sleep last night. I have these long stretches of time where I can't remember dreams...then I have these phases where the dreams are really vivid and I cannot get them out of my head for days.

Walked home from work again last evening, then made great quinoa salad for dinner (also had glass of red wine with it.) It felt so good to make it home in about the same time as being on the bus. Of course, window shopping slows down the process, as does stepping into the store with the gorgeous handmade shoes and fondling them for a few brief seconds. Barring any weather catastrophes, I will do it again tonight and this time I will not stop, and I will time it. The trusty Keens are on my feet today. Yeah. They are not boots, but they are definitely made for walkin'! (p.s. according to mapquest it is just under 3 miles...that is more than I thought...wonder if it is accurate?)

Okay. Back to work. But I will tell you about the quinoa salad first...you did not ask, but I am going to force it upon you. You are welcome.

It was improvised and I think it turned out well:

*1C uncooked (not sure how much cooked quinoa it made) quinoa (I added a bit of chicken bouillon into the water.) I cooked the quinoa as I prepared the vegetables and other ingredients.
*A mess of greens (heh) which were prebagged from Trader Joe's, sauteed in olive oil which I had first lightly sauteed/infused with a bit of garlic and red pepper flakes. I *heart* greens!
*Also threw in with the greens, crimini mushrooms (they were presliced 'cause I am lazy that way) and chopped up red bell pepper. In hindsight, the red pepper should have gone in first, followed by the mushrooms.
*Once it was all sauteed/cooked/I threw the quinoa into the pan with the veggies, then added a few unsalted and roasted sunflower seeds (again, TJ's) and about a cup of frozen peas.
*I whisked together a bit of red wine vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce and a dash of tabasco and then when well whisked I poured it all over the salad.
*I ate it warm for dinner, but for lunch it will be cold and/or room temp.

Currently listening :
Sky Blue Sky
By Wilco
Release date: 15 May, 2007

7.23.07 Paris, je t'aime

2008-02-12T18:08:22Z

Monday, July 23, 2007

francophile
Current mood: satisfied
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

"Through the neighborhoods of Paris, love is veiled, revealed, imitated, sucked dry, reinvented and awakened."

--plot outline from IMDB for Paris, je t'aime

I finally saw "Paris, je t'aime." I am throwing a huge tantrum now because I want to GO TO EUROPE (again...never did make it to Paris.) It was a charming movie, very sweet but not too precious. It was a series of short vignettes all set in Paris and related somehow to some sort of love. Each short story had a different director and writer, including Gus Van Sant, Wes Craven and Gérard Depardieu (who also acted in the film.) It had a whole slew of great actors including Steve Buscemi, Li Xin, Willem Dafoe, Nick Nolte, Maggie Gyllenhaal...on and on...and many French actors who were unfamiliar to me...good little film. Lots of fun!

Over the weekend I also decided I am going to check in to LMP (massage) school for kicks. Might be a good bridge for PA (Physician Assistant School) school, non?

7.20.07 Irritated by the Bus

2008-02-12T18:07:33Z

Friday, July 20, 2007

novelty has worn off
Current mood: apathetic
Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes

Just this morning I spotted a new species of bus riding person. This one is known as the utilikilt wearing sensitive ponytail man baby boomerus. They tend to also wear sandals and copious amounts of silver jewelrey. As far as I can tell, they keep to themselves and enjoy reading sci-fi.

I think I'm going to walk home again today. It was rather pleasant yesterday. I carried a full-length mirror all the way home from bed bath and BEYOND, a bag of dog treats and toys, and gigantic heavy candle...and so I felt a bit odd. But otherwise, great exercise and no bus stresses, like stink and overcrowding and cranky bitches.

Currently listening :
Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (Limited Edition Bonus Disc)
By Spoon
Release date: 10 July, 2007

7.16.07 Mercurial?

2008-02-12T18:06:56Z

Monday, July 16, 2007

word of the day
Current mood: curious
Category: Life

mer·cu·ri·al / [mer-kyoor-ee-uhl]

–adjective

changeable; volatile; fickle; flighty; erratic: a mercurial nature.
animated; lively; sprightly; quick-witted.
pertaining to, containing, or caused by the metal mercury.
(initial capital letter) of or pertaining to the metal mercury.
(initial capital letter) of or pertaining to the planet mercury.

Origin: 1350–1400; ME < L mercurialis of, pertaining to the god or planet Mercury. See mercury, -al¹ ]

7.13.07 A View of I-5

2008-02-12T18:05:46Z

Friday, July 13, 2007

and the sign said
Current mood: tired
Category: Blogging

So it's not a lunch caper, but an adventure in signs that make me giggle. I was out and about seeing clients and walked by an apartment building with this sign:

I was curious about how charming this apartment must be, so I looked up and saw this:

In my book that's not charming, but then I noticed these apartments might have a view of the city and the water. But then I also noticed they overlook this:

Yes, folks, that is I-5. You too can live where your balcony not only overlooks and hears all of the charm of I-5, but as a bonus you also get the scent of exhaust!

7.3.07 Pioneer Square Piss

2008-02-12T18:04:38Z

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

piss off
Current mood: amused

It is beautiful out there today, so I spent my lunch break eating here:

Tried the Korean/ricebowl place again. It is now a habit. This was the maguro bowl. Excellent!

While I was eating, this man decided he needed to pee in the bushes. Right. Next. To. Me. This was in broad daylight in a very crowded Pioneer Square.