very cool
A typhoon was suppose to hit yesterday at 6 pm, so when I left for the day I left prepared for anything. Tatiana, with short died dark red hair, is from Serbia and came with 3 coats. She`s lent me one of them.
The day started out at Nijo Castle. It`s large and took the whole morning to go through. It was amazing and so old. Everything here is so old. America is very young in many ways.
One of my favorite parts about the castle is the design of the flooring. Wooden planks of all different widths and worn by time span the many hallways. When it was constructed they developed a technique so that when one walks across the floor it sounds like nightengales singing. This was maybe a two-fold purpose. One - a sound for the Shogun to enjoy, and two - it warned of intruders. It`s was something else to walk through those hallways and hear the nightengales singing and echoing throughout the beautiful architecture. You couldn`t even tell it was coming from beneath your feet.
It`s complete brillance really.
We were lead by the head gardener of the grounds and were able to go places that normal visitors wouldn`t have access to. We have had several of those experiences thus far. Lots of questions were asked and answered and my brain is just trying to hold everything in. Writing it all down will help free up space, and I aim to write it all out today; all that I have learned, plus thoughts and insights that I have gained on my own just by being here. Lots of ideas. Eeek.
At around noon we were footloose - aka, on our own. ..... and I always seem to find each other at lunch and dinner time, plus a few others and hit the streets and side streets. We travel in a similiar fashion and like to discuss and share ideas and thoughts. This time it was just us and John, who dons a shiny black LeSportsac backpack and a smile. He laughs easily. In search of a good noodle shop, we quickly found one on the corner and warmed ourselves with a great brothy soup. John had a scheduled tour at another garden so ..... and I were on our own for the rest of the day.
It`s been fun getting to know ...... He`s from Chicago, 38, atheist, jazz musician, played college ball, and loves plants. Loves plants. From the beginning we started that eye game where you catch the others gaze from across the room or the crowd and hold it until one looks away. Our eyes are always smiling at each other. I continuously lose, more out of shyness (okay, maybe a hint of coyness) than disinterest. But it`s been a fun detail of the daily excursions and I was content that it was going to be just us for most of a day. I would be able to get to know him better.
We first went to a tool shop. Any Japanese tool gets us excited and Japanese gardening tools even more so. He bought a heavy knife for bamboo cutting. I might buy some pruners and other cutting tools next week. Then it was off to Kodai-ji, which sits on the side of the Eastern mountains. I had been there before, but I wanted to show ..... the dry garden. Our goal was to be there at 5 o`clock, sitting somewhere wonderful when the temple bell is hit. We made our way to the garden entrance, passing shrines, temples and young boys playing baseball. Before entering the garden we noticed a gardener. ..... went over and mentioned the name of his pruners. The garndener was very impressed someone knew the brand name of his tool and then he started a conversation with us in his broken english! Luck was on our side. He took us back to his shop, showed us his tools, answered a variety of questions and offered his thoughts and heart about what a garden is. It was a beautiful moment when, without asking, he started talking about listening to the garden. Listenting to nature. That too many people do not listen, so we must listen. And if we listen and create beauty, then maybe, others will be able to hear it and see it too. He`s the head gardener for this temple, and is such a warm individual.
We weaved our way through the garden, arounds ponds, up the hill, down the hill and into the bamboo. We stopped and sat, but the mosquitos were too hungry there. So we moved our way down and out of the garden and on to the side of the mountain where the tallest Buddha I have ever seen (We`re talking HUGE) was sitting behind on the mountainside, and a breathtaking, panoramic view of Kyoto was spread out in front. We were right next to the bell - and a few minutes before five, the man with a bead counter came out, and at 30 second intervals, pulled the large round wooden piece back with a rope and with great effort, whammed it against the heavy bell. It sounded and resonated. He continued every 30 seconds until a few minutes after 5.
It was dark now and the city lights were glinting throughout the Kyoto basin below. We followed a narrow street that led upwards. Which led to other narrow streets. We always chose up as our direction. Shops - many shops were passed. We were in search of a small bell shaped as a bowl. Kane. By chance we came across a store that sold prayer beads - and that`s where we found the bell. ..... bought a beautiful, rich sounding bell - an almost dark tone. I will look for one later.
I wanted some icecream. ..... doesn`t like icecream. I found a shop that had softserve black sesame honey mixed with vanilla. It was absolutely delicious, and with that flavoring, ..... of course had a few licks. We got to talking about shopping for other people and what we were going to get them.
"So who are you going to buy for?"
"My wife..."
[What!?! His WIFE?!?]
"my mom...."
[He has a wife?]
"and my neighbor."
[Really?!? Okay people, he doesn`t wear a ring, so I just assumed...wrongly!]
Okay. No big deal, except he hasn`t been shy about putting his arm around me casually on occasion or about the way he leans in to whisper something in my ear. Sometimes a certain action means nothing more than that action for one situation, but in another it means much more, and you know when it`s something more because you feel it. Some actions just shouldn`t be for some situations, unless you are intending to convey a certain message. As we are walking up the street I take a step (or several steps) back mentally and emotionally. I ask him what he is going to buy for his wife. He doesn`t know.
We decide to go back to the hotel and see what the others are doing for dinner. The shops are starting to close, the moon is rising - the night is clear and warm. A perfectly romantic evening in a perfectly romantic city if you`re not on a mountain side with a married man. On the way down the mountain we see a towering temple looming in the dark and the wide running stones steps begs us to climb and enter through the gates. We do so.
At the top of the steps and through the massive gates there`s a very large space before you head up another wide staircase of stones and through another series of gates that leads to a wonderful pagoda. We sit for a while at the gates and chat, ..... in a reclined position and I with my knees tucked into my arms. The space is simply enchanting. The pagoda is softly showing in front of the dark mountain trees. I ask ..... more about his wife - deciding best to establish our fiendship as just that, as soon as possible. We talk about his relationships, we talk about mine. Keeping it casual and whatnot.
Six o`clock and a bell somewhere in the distance sounds. 30 second intervals. It`s dark and the spaces surrounding us are softly lit only by lanterns. Keeping it casual.
It`s time to head down the mountain. We have been sitting there for a while and I start to gather my thoughts and my things. Before we stand up to leave, He leans over, rests his hand on my arm and while looking into my eyes says something in Japanese. [What!?]
Maybe I shouldn`t have been surprise, but I certianly didn`t know what to say. He was, afterall, speaking in Japanese, but I knew he wasn`t talking to me about icream, rice or samuri swords - or what I was gong to be for Halloween. With my blank response, He reapeated it and I recongnized two words - "I" and "like". And then I remembered two things. First - that he was asking someone the other day how to say "like" in Japanese, and second - the only phrase he knows in French is "voulez vous couchez avec moi ce'st soir."
Hmmm.
Maybe this Kampai King with the smiling blue eyes isn`t really my type afterall. He likes me, and he likes my thoughts.
Fine. You could have meant nothing much, but did you really have to put your hand on my arm and look at me like that and talk to me in Japanese in the darkness of the mountainside temple? A toltal heart-melt moment if you weren`t m-a-r-r-i-e-d. Could I have that moment back with another man?
The story ends, how. Well - let`s see. Hmmm. Me in all my surprise went on auto-pilot and when he, for the third time, but this time in English, told me he liked me - I dumbfoundedly told him that I like him, too. Ha!
People! I told a married man that I liked him!!! I like a lot of people, this is true, but given the context - we can see the problem here. Sure, I like him, but not like that - anymore. It`s amazing how your attraction towards someone can change, and mine certainly did once the words ,"wife" came out of his mouth.
And he can just forget about the other night when we (and others) were at a lounge enjoying sardines and cheese and An Affair to Remember just happened to be playing randomly on the tv in the corner. The leading lady has red hair and I bet Carey Grant played basketball, and if not, for sure the saxiphone.
Looks like I need to reconfigure my auto-pilot settings, eh?
Oops.
******
Back at the hotel I was super tired, but still hadn`t eaten dinner. I went to see if Ruth and Jeannine had eaten then spent the next hour or so in one of the rooms with David, Russell, Holger, John, Konstanijin, and Brent. All sitting on tatami and futons and laughing a lot about a lot. I didn`t play any eye games or sit near by.
After a while David and Konstatijin went to the Jazz bar to finish out the Saturday night. I was too tired and declined. I love live jazz.
I do laugh to myself when I think of yesterday, and if the situation asks - I am now prepared to tell him he`s a married man. Which he knows, of course - but maybe needs to be reminded.
I learned from an insitute teacher, who loved to talk to me about Corey Davidson (written by my father), that it all started with a simple look - and that that look lingered too long, and happened too often. He was just going to the bank - nothing wrong with that. I am in Japan studying gardens. Nothing wrong with that.
King David was on the roof top, nothing wrong with that.
It`s what we do and how we react when our eyes are presented with situations that could be alluring, and sometimes very alluring, but simply destructive. What single, 29 year old woman doesn`t want to feel loved or needed? Or anyone for that matter? It can be very appealing when someone, married or not, tells you they like you.
So while my interactions with the Kampai King have been nothing serious, all things considered - I`ll mind my gaze, and let it end with the eyes. Because that`s a good place for it to end, methinks.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
The Public Bath
One of my favorite parts of the day happens right after I wake or right before I sleep.
The public bath.
Each day, I am left a clean, fresh robe with two clean yellow towels. One big and one small. Up in my room, I gather my showering and bathing essentials, undress and put on the navy and white robe, which comes with a thick dark tie. Slide on the green slippers, make my way to the elevator, and go from the top floor to the bottom floor where the lobby and some shops are. Past the shop, down the hall, down another hall - through some sliding doors. A sign reminds you, "No Smorking." The men and women are separated. You enter a room that we would probably term as a locker room. There are spaces for slippers and woven baskets for your belongings. You disrobe, take what shower gels and shampoos you need with you and open another sliding door and into the big room with the bath. Really, all shampoos and conditioners and washes are provided at the sinks - so really you don`t need to take anything with you. But this American girl, with her Bumble and Bumble, does. I have never liked hotel hair and body products. So far I am the only one that has brought in my own....everything.
Along the walls are low rows of sinks with a dismountable shower hose at each one for wetting and rinsing purposes. You sit low on a little stool, with a sink and mirror in front of you. A little basin that you use to gather water from the faucet is facing downwards in front of you. Flip the basin around, set the temperature and turn on the water.
Rule number one: Do not splash your neighbor.
After you have soaped up, shampooed, conditioned and rinsed - you turn your basin upside down and make your way to the soaking tub. The water is hot and welcoming to the muscles. It`s a rather large tub - with a panoramic view out to a bamboo and stone garden. Sometimes it is quiet with only a few people. Sometimes it is busy and chitchatty when all the older ladies come in with their friends - lots of fun laughter when that happens.
When you are done soaking you leave the bath, leave the room - find your basket with your towel and other belongings - dry off and dress. The have a vanity outside in the locker room with more sinks and mirrors complete with q-tips, cotton balls, lotion and blowdryers so that you can be ready for the day when you leave.
*****
It`s quite normal to see people wandering the hotel in robes. Coming from or going to the bath I am not sure. Sometimes they wear them to breakfast.
I think I have said this before, but a large Japanese soaking tub with a soap up, rinse off shower, adjacent a small garden. is already in my house plans.
The public bath.
Each day, I am left a clean, fresh robe with two clean yellow towels. One big and one small. Up in my room, I gather my showering and bathing essentials, undress and put on the navy and white robe, which comes with a thick dark tie. Slide on the green slippers, make my way to the elevator, and go from the top floor to the bottom floor where the lobby and some shops are. Past the shop, down the hall, down another hall - through some sliding doors. A sign reminds you, "No Smorking." The men and women are separated. You enter a room that we would probably term as a locker room. There are spaces for slippers and woven baskets for your belongings. You disrobe, take what shower gels and shampoos you need with you and open another sliding door and into the big room with the bath. Really, all shampoos and conditioners and washes are provided at the sinks - so really you don`t need to take anything with you. But this American girl, with her Bumble and Bumble, does. I have never liked hotel hair and body products. So far I am the only one that has brought in my own....everything.
Along the walls are low rows of sinks with a dismountable shower hose at each one for wetting and rinsing purposes. You sit low on a little stool, with a sink and mirror in front of you. A little basin that you use to gather water from the faucet is facing downwards in front of you. Flip the basin around, set the temperature and turn on the water.
Rule number one: Do not splash your neighbor.
After you have soaped up, shampooed, conditioned and rinsed - you turn your basin upside down and make your way to the soaking tub. The water is hot and welcoming to the muscles. It`s a rather large tub - with a panoramic view out to a bamboo and stone garden. Sometimes it is quiet with only a few people. Sometimes it is busy and chitchatty when all the older ladies come in with their friends - lots of fun laughter when that happens.
When you are done soaking you leave the bath, leave the room - find your basket with your towel and other belongings - dry off and dress. The have a vanity outside in the locker room with more sinks and mirrors complete with q-tips, cotton balls, lotion and blowdryers so that you can be ready for the day when you leave.
*****
It`s quite normal to see people wandering the hotel in robes. Coming from or going to the bath I am not sure. Sometimes they wear them to breakfast.
I think I have said this before, but a large Japanese soaking tub with a soap up, rinse off shower, adjacent a small garden. is already in my house plans.
Traveler Notes
A tourist gets lost, a traveler wanders.
*****
When traveling, there exists a balance between the use of the different modes of transportation: bus, subway, train, motorbike, bicycle, and foot. I think it`s important to experience all of the above, or as many are available, in order to gain an array of experiences and ways of life in any particular city or town. Plus, there`s some odd sense of accomplishment when you`ve got the local transportation systems and routes down. You feel like you belong, and that`s one purpose of a traveler.
This morning on my way to the University, I could have taken the bus which would have cut my travel time from 30 plus minutes to about 10. But why take the bus when you have time to walk? The weather is the best it`s ever been, a perfect fall day in Kyoto. I would have missed out on seeing Grandma ride by on a scooter with her scarf showing her speed. Or a few grandpas pedaling down the sidewalk. I love seeing the elderly out zooming around. It`s so normal here. The two yellow butterflies entertaining the coreopsis would never have been witnessed, and the smell of morning bread at a local bakery would never have reached my nasal passages. I also wouldn`t have realized that the little green and red people on the "walk" and "do not walk" lights are all wearing hats. So appropriate.
Sometimes it`s good to leave the sidewalks and experience life on the bus or the subway - from my experience you get to observe the business class a bit better. Lots of suits on the subways.
This type of going about doesn`t need to be restricted to only when you are out of town or abroad, and many of us probably already do use a number of modes to get around during our weekly routines, but maybe not. "But it would be so impractical." Well, try something different this week and see what happens. See what you learn.
*****
When traveling, there exists a balance between the use of the different modes of transportation: bus, subway, train, motorbike, bicycle, and foot. I think it`s important to experience all of the above, or as many are available, in order to gain an array of experiences and ways of life in any particular city or town. Plus, there`s some odd sense of accomplishment when you`ve got the local transportation systems and routes down. You feel like you belong, and that`s one purpose of a traveler.
This morning on my way to the University, I could have taken the bus which would have cut my travel time from 30 plus minutes to about 10. But why take the bus when you have time to walk? The weather is the best it`s ever been, a perfect fall day in Kyoto. I would have missed out on seeing Grandma ride by on a scooter with her scarf showing her speed. Or a few grandpas pedaling down the sidewalk. I love seeing the elderly out zooming around. It`s so normal here. The two yellow butterflies entertaining the coreopsis would never have been witnessed, and the smell of morning bread at a local bakery would never have reached my nasal passages. I also wouldn`t have realized that the little green and red people on the "walk" and "do not walk" lights are all wearing hats. So appropriate.
Sometimes it`s good to leave the sidewalks and experience life on the bus or the subway - from my experience you get to observe the business class a bit better. Lots of suits on the subways.
This type of going about doesn`t need to be restricted to only when you are out of town or abroad, and many of us probably already do use a number of modes to get around during our weekly routines, but maybe not. "But it would be so impractical." Well, try something different this week and see what happens. See what you learn.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
The people I am learning to love
I really love the compilation of people that have gathered from abroad to participate in this seminar. Such diversity, it is completely refreshing. I have always been drawn to diversity - it makes me feel more at home in a way. I love hearing everyones accents, and sometimes I wonder how the others view mine.
Ruth, from the Netherlands is just what you`d picture. She has short dirty-blond hair that she just lets be - rosey cheeks coupled with fair skin and wonderful soft brown eyes. Her bone structure is that of a Hollander (?). She`s probably the youngest in the group at 22 or 23 and is now getting her Masters in Landscape Architecture. She has one younger brother and is an optimist, sensible, and laughs readily in a child-like manner. She really does have a great mind and I enjoy hearing her thoughts and views. She has many valid and wonderful opinions - and sometimes I wish I could borrow her brain. She will be staying in Japan the longest - I think a whole two months?! She has an internship up north, and will do quite a bit of traveling. So jealous! I love sharing a space with her.
Jeannine is quick, energetic, fashionable, and very smart. She`s petite with beautil olive skin and exotic eyes with lengthy eyelashes. She lives in Mexico city with her husband, but is looking to move out of the country because it is not safe. When she got married two years ago, she and her husband wanted a hobby that they could do when they were together. Bonsai was the result. They have about 26 trees and she`s fantastic. She`s sensitive, playful and loves Hello Kitty and wears a sheep mask to bed. She comes to Japan for training and was the first female to train under a certain master in Tokyo this year. She was always in the top of her class and was also in the ROTC in Mexico because she loves to shoot rifles. I consider her husband, who is 12 years older, a very lucky man and I hope he knows it. I think he does. I hope to have a hobby with my husband someday. Maybe bonsai.
Holger is great. I love talking to the man. He`s from Frankfurt, Germany and reminds me a tad of a younger version of Brother Gubler, but with a German accent (fitting since he went to GER on his mission). He`s got the thin glasses, short almost non-existent hair and the head/face shape to be his brother. He works in the HR department for some company and has no connection to Japanese gardens, other than that his wife is Japanese. He`s been great to have around because he can get by on the streets and in the restaurants. He`s quick to smile, laugh and be confused by how I phrase things. We always are laughing at something or another about our usage of words. No kids yet. He askes very intelligent questions and is starting to get excited about plant names. I think he`s a goner and will become a gardener when he gets home. He`s so pleasant and adds some smoothness to the group.
Russell is a crazy aesthetics pruner. Crazy in the best way possible. He`s quite the conversationalist and entertaining at that. He`s got passion and excitement. Living in California he has several Clients whose shrubs and trees he cares for. If you`re going out for dinner or to a pub, take Russell and you are guaranteed a good time. He`s the one with all of the one-liners that will be quoted for several days following and his commentary on politics makes you think he should be a comedian.
Christianne goes by Nutty. She`s from southern England and is so wonderful to converse with. How could a group of garden lovers exist without an English accent somewhere in the group?!? We have had wonderful conversations and she is all ready to give me some contact names for people I should know in the UK if I am serious about gardening. She just simply loves gardening, even though her two kids who are about 19 and 24 sometimes thinks she`s crazy. Her husband lets her be so. GOod for him! Obsession is the word she uses to describe the people she calls her countrymen. She has lovely English blond hair and wears a lovely grey trench coat with some green ankle high wellies. She`s wonferul.
Konstantijn is the the sweetest. His parents must simply love him and their hearts must fill up with pride when they think of him. His Belgiun accent is just delightful and I get all happy inside when I talk with him. He kind of reminds me, in a small way, of the main character from Lars and the Real Girl. His parents own a flower shop back home. When he was 12 he wanted to go to horticulture school, but his parents said no. So, when he turned 18 he went anyways and now has his own landscape design business. His parents now approve. His hobbies include Koi and Bonsai - as well as volunteering around the town educating people about tree care. He is the oldest and has some younger brothers and a 10 year old sister. I am sure they all adore their older brother who smiles with his light blue Belgian eyes, and when his mouth curves up they sparkle. And he has a great green sweater and black beanie. He`s quite, but loves to come with the small group of us that go out together in the evenings or for lunch. He`s content to just be and observe, but will talk plenty when talked to.
We all get along so well, it`s ridiculous. I think people who love gardens, naturally tend to have big hearts. I think that`s why we all have such a grand time together. We are big heart people.
More people introductions to come at a later date.
So much I have learned already. And by doing so I realize all the more I have to go - all that I do not understand. So much. I hope within the coming weeks I will be able to write snippets of my thoughts and feelings or ideas that I have had while being here. I might burst. I wonder what my life will be. I wonder how long I will live in Salt Lake. I feel that it won`t be a long term or permanent part of my life. I would love to live abroad - or move to a larger, more diverse city in the NorthWest or New England. And if I am supposed to stay in Utah - then it will have to be coupled with ample abroad experience and travel. But I think it would be well for me to consider a change within the coming years...just need to wrap up Middle Earth so that I am free for the world to find me. What an adventure.
I`ll also need a lot of money.
Oh yeah - that part, too.
Ruth, from the Netherlands is just what you`d picture. She has short dirty-blond hair that she just lets be - rosey cheeks coupled with fair skin and wonderful soft brown eyes. Her bone structure is that of a Hollander (?). She`s probably the youngest in the group at 22 or 23 and is now getting her Masters in Landscape Architecture. She has one younger brother and is an optimist, sensible, and laughs readily in a child-like manner. She really does have a great mind and I enjoy hearing her thoughts and views. She has many valid and wonderful opinions - and sometimes I wish I could borrow her brain. She will be staying in Japan the longest - I think a whole two months?! She has an internship up north, and will do quite a bit of traveling. So jealous! I love sharing a space with her.
Jeannine is quick, energetic, fashionable, and very smart. She`s petite with beautil olive skin and exotic eyes with lengthy eyelashes. She lives in Mexico city with her husband, but is looking to move out of the country because it is not safe. When she got married two years ago, she and her husband wanted a hobby that they could do when they were together. Bonsai was the result. They have about 26 trees and she`s fantastic. She`s sensitive, playful and loves Hello Kitty and wears a sheep mask to bed. She comes to Japan for training and was the first female to train under a certain master in Tokyo this year. She was always in the top of her class and was also in the ROTC in Mexico because she loves to shoot rifles. I consider her husband, who is 12 years older, a very lucky man and I hope he knows it. I think he does. I hope to have a hobby with my husband someday. Maybe bonsai.
Holger is great. I love talking to the man. He`s from Frankfurt, Germany and reminds me a tad of a younger version of Brother Gubler, but with a German accent (fitting since he went to GER on his mission). He`s got the thin glasses, short almost non-existent hair and the head/face shape to be his brother. He works in the HR department for some company and has no connection to Japanese gardens, other than that his wife is Japanese. He`s been great to have around because he can get by on the streets and in the restaurants. He`s quick to smile, laugh and be confused by how I phrase things. We always are laughing at something or another about our usage of words. No kids yet. He askes very intelligent questions and is starting to get excited about plant names. I think he`s a goner and will become a gardener when he gets home. He`s so pleasant and adds some smoothness to the group.
Russell is a crazy aesthetics pruner. Crazy in the best way possible. He`s quite the conversationalist and entertaining at that. He`s got passion and excitement. Living in California he has several Clients whose shrubs and trees he cares for. If you`re going out for dinner or to a pub, take Russell and you are guaranteed a good time. He`s the one with all of the one-liners that will be quoted for several days following and his commentary on politics makes you think he should be a comedian.
Christianne goes by Nutty. She`s from southern England and is so wonderful to converse with. How could a group of garden lovers exist without an English accent somewhere in the group?!? We have had wonderful conversations and she is all ready to give me some contact names for people I should know in the UK if I am serious about gardening. She just simply loves gardening, even though her two kids who are about 19 and 24 sometimes thinks she`s crazy. Her husband lets her be so. GOod for him! Obsession is the word she uses to describe the people she calls her countrymen. She has lovely English blond hair and wears a lovely grey trench coat with some green ankle high wellies. She`s wonferul.
Konstantijn is the the sweetest. His parents must simply love him and their hearts must fill up with pride when they think of him. His Belgiun accent is just delightful and I get all happy inside when I talk with him. He kind of reminds me, in a small way, of the main character from Lars and the Real Girl. His parents own a flower shop back home. When he was 12 he wanted to go to horticulture school, but his parents said no. So, when he turned 18 he went anyways and now has his own landscape design business. His parents now approve. His hobbies include Koi and Bonsai - as well as volunteering around the town educating people about tree care. He is the oldest and has some younger brothers and a 10 year old sister. I am sure they all adore their older brother who smiles with his light blue Belgian eyes, and when his mouth curves up they sparkle. And he has a great green sweater and black beanie. He`s quite, but loves to come with the small group of us that go out together in the evenings or for lunch. He`s content to just be and observe, but will talk plenty when talked to.
We all get along so well, it`s ridiculous. I think people who love gardens, naturally tend to have big hearts. I think that`s why we all have such a grand time together. We are big heart people.
More people introductions to come at a later date.
So much I have learned already. And by doing so I realize all the more I have to go - all that I do not understand. So much. I hope within the coming weeks I will be able to write snippets of my thoughts and feelings or ideas that I have had while being here. I might burst. I wonder what my life will be. I wonder how long I will live in Salt Lake. I feel that it won`t be a long term or permanent part of my life. I would love to live abroad - or move to a larger, more diverse city in the NorthWest or New England. And if I am supposed to stay in Utah - then it will have to be coupled with ample abroad experience and travel. But I think it would be well for me to consider a change within the coming years...just need to wrap up Middle Earth so that I am free for the world to find me. What an adventure.
I`ll also need a lot of money.
Oh yeah - that part, too.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Hey
So there really hasn`t been much time to post. We`ve been consistently on the go and since there`s not decent internet access from the Hotel, I digress. But I am always writing in my head and wish I could take you along with me more often. What I experience here continues to be amazing.
I have locked up my macbook and iphone. I don`t want to look at them for as long as possible. It`s been freeing and nice. I also don`t carry a watch so I won`t worry about the time.
The weather is cooler here than I had expected, and I decided to leave a few items homes that would have been very useful. O`well. But this cooler weather will aid the fall leaves in their change. We should be here for the transformation. I will chase leaves until I see them in their array of wonderful hues.
I am loving my time here. It`s different but the same as the past spring...I guess more of a continuation but deeper and fuller and more dimensional The group of travelers I am with are definitely more my crowd. David showed up a day late to the seminar. He`s from Charleston but worked at the Chicago Botanic Gardens for 11 years before buying a design/build business. We`ve become good friends and it`s nice to have someone who will wait for you while you try on a coat or look at colorful shoes - and will let you borrow their jacket when you are too cold. I am so used to traveling solo and always doing my own thing. It`s been a nice change to have someone to negotiate the streets with and do a little give and take. A few of us, David and John (cosmetics/fragrance man) included, went to Pontocho last night and had a grand time. Lots of Kampai.
I will try to write more, but I am not sure the possibilities of that. Since I am spending more time with other people and places, my time with the computer has been given less priority. I think once the seminar is done and I get to Kameoka, I will have more time to write.
Kampai!
I have locked up my macbook and iphone. I don`t want to look at them for as long as possible. It`s been freeing and nice. I also don`t carry a watch so I won`t worry about the time.
The weather is cooler here than I had expected, and I decided to leave a few items homes that would have been very useful. O`well. But this cooler weather will aid the fall leaves in their change. We should be here for the transformation. I will chase leaves until I see them in their array of wonderful hues.
I am loving my time here. It`s different but the same as the past spring...I guess more of a continuation but deeper and fuller and more dimensional The group of travelers I am with are definitely more my crowd. David showed up a day late to the seminar. He`s from Charleston but worked at the Chicago Botanic Gardens for 11 years before buying a design/build business. We`ve become good friends and it`s nice to have someone who will wait for you while you try on a coat or look at colorful shoes - and will let you borrow their jacket when you are too cold. I am so used to traveling solo and always doing my own thing. It`s been a nice change to have someone to negotiate the streets with and do a little give and take. A few of us, David and John (cosmetics/fragrance man) included, went to Pontocho last night and had a grand time. Lots of Kampai.
I will try to write more, but I am not sure the possibilities of that. Since I am spending more time with other people and places, my time with the computer has been given less priority. I think once the seminar is done and I get to Kameoka, I will have more time to write.
Kampai!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Saturday, Sunday, Monday
"So are you famous?"
"Has any mathematician ever been famous?"
"Einstien?"
"He was famous for his physics."
"Oh. Well, are you famous in the math community?"
The conversation I thought I didn`t want to have ended up a delight. I do love meeting people and making aquaintences and that will usually override my sometimes reclusive nature.
He was on his way to Kyoto to give math lectures for three days, then fly back to California where he teaches at Irvine University. He`s one of a couple thousand worldwide that understands math the way he does and as I watched him type his notes I couldn`t begin to comprehend what could possible go on in that brain of his. Math is such a foreign language to me.
We talked a lot during the 11 hour flight from Seattle to Osaka. Topics of all sorts were covered: math (very little though since he couldn`t really exlpain a thing to me), landscape design, religion and beliefs, family, books, movies, realtionships, sailing, Jerusalem, broken hearts, France, divorce, his kids, authenticity, hopes, conundrums, standards, makeup...just whatever really. And he shared his almonds with me.
He sails as a hobby and makes it a serious hobby. Serious enough that he has sailed all around Europe - even when his kids were young they lived on a sailboat in the south of France. Awesome. He recently sailed to Newfoundland and has accomplished a feat only the most elite have conquered. His pictures were amazing.
Since we were both heading to Kyoto we caught the train together and made our way to the Kyoto terminal where we said our goodbys and goodlucks. He said whenever I needed my annual coast, he would show me some beautiful beaches. (Maybe even on a sail boat!)
As I made my way out of the station and into the streets I felt familiar. I felt as if I had never left Japan. That all that has happened since last June...never really existed and that I was simply continuing my life in Kyoto. I caught a taxi to the hotel. It`s in the north east region of Kyoto, and not too close to the station. I checked in at the front desk and made my way to elevators...7th floor. A light knock and when I pushed the door open I was greeted by the smell of tatami mats, Ruth of The Netherlands, and Jeaninne of Mexico. Both younger than I. We started talking as if we had known each other for years. I love international exchanges.
The group is impressive. We are 18 and I am among the younger part of the group. Utah, California, New York, Minnesota, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Serbia, England...maybe I have left out a country or two, but we are a great mix and are getting along fashionably well. I love the diversity, and that we have one passion in common that unites us and makes us instant friends. Gardens. Many are not practicing landscape architects or designers, but somehow we all relate to the field in one way or another. One man is in marketing and product development for cosmetics. The new Estee Lauder frangrance, Sensuous? Yeah, that is his. I asked him what fragrance I would be and he said he would have to get to know my personality better. But I`ll let you all know so it makes it easier for you when my birthday comes around. Another lady simply loves to garden, as she says it is everyones second passion (if not first) in her country. And you know you are talking with a true English women when she says: "Oh you must come..."
We are three to a room, a little tight...and sleep on futon on tatami. I forgot about the hard pillows. But I slept very well last night and woke with little problems. I really do love sleeping traditional Japanese style. The hotel is located next to nothing by way of restaurants, shopping, nightlife and movement. And the internet that I thought I would have, doesn`t really exist. This post is coming to you from the Univeristy, so those videos that I thought I would make and post will have to be created once I get to Kameoka in two weeks.
This course will be a perfect compliment to what I experienced this spring. We will have lectures for three hours daily along with first hand garden experiences. What I learned and absorbed through the hearing of thoughts and theories during today`s lectures has already started to boil my blood and excite my soul. It`s going to be an important few weeks and I mean to maximize my time here.
*******
I think maybe a Japanese bath is in order to finish the day. We have public soaking tubs here and I hear the water is hot and wonderful.
*****
Oh, and yes. He is famous.
"Has any mathematician ever been famous?"
"Einstien?"
"He was famous for his physics."
"Oh. Well, are you famous in the math community?"
The conversation I thought I didn`t want to have ended up a delight. I do love meeting people and making aquaintences and that will usually override my sometimes reclusive nature.
He was on his way to Kyoto to give math lectures for three days, then fly back to California where he teaches at Irvine University. He`s one of a couple thousand worldwide that understands math the way he does and as I watched him type his notes I couldn`t begin to comprehend what could possible go on in that brain of his. Math is such a foreign language to me.
We talked a lot during the 11 hour flight from Seattle to Osaka. Topics of all sorts were covered: math (very little though since he couldn`t really exlpain a thing to me), landscape design, religion and beliefs, family, books, movies, realtionships, sailing, Jerusalem, broken hearts, France, divorce, his kids, authenticity, hopes, conundrums, standards, makeup...just whatever really. And he shared his almonds with me.
He sails as a hobby and makes it a serious hobby. Serious enough that he has sailed all around Europe - even when his kids were young they lived on a sailboat in the south of France. Awesome. He recently sailed to Newfoundland and has accomplished a feat only the most elite have conquered. His pictures were amazing.
Since we were both heading to Kyoto we caught the train together and made our way to the Kyoto terminal where we said our goodbys and goodlucks. He said whenever I needed my annual coast, he would show me some beautiful beaches. (Maybe even on a sail boat!)
As I made my way out of the station and into the streets I felt familiar. I felt as if I had never left Japan. That all that has happened since last June...never really existed and that I was simply continuing my life in Kyoto. I caught a taxi to the hotel. It`s in the north east region of Kyoto, and not too close to the station. I checked in at the front desk and made my way to elevators...7th floor. A light knock and when I pushed the door open I was greeted by the smell of tatami mats, Ruth of The Netherlands, and Jeaninne of Mexico. Both younger than I. We started talking as if we had known each other for years. I love international exchanges.
The group is impressive. We are 18 and I am among the younger part of the group. Utah, California, New York, Minnesota, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Serbia, England...maybe I have left out a country or two, but we are a great mix and are getting along fashionably well. I love the diversity, and that we have one passion in common that unites us and makes us instant friends. Gardens. Many are not practicing landscape architects or designers, but somehow we all relate to the field in one way or another. One man is in marketing and product development for cosmetics. The new Estee Lauder frangrance, Sensuous? Yeah, that is his. I asked him what fragrance I would be and he said he would have to get to know my personality better. But I`ll let you all know so it makes it easier for you when my birthday comes around. Another lady simply loves to garden, as she says it is everyones second passion (if not first) in her country. And you know you are talking with a true English women when she says: "Oh you must come..."
We are three to a room, a little tight...and sleep on futon on tatami. I forgot about the hard pillows. But I slept very well last night and woke with little problems. I really do love sleeping traditional Japanese style. The hotel is located next to nothing by way of restaurants, shopping, nightlife and movement. And the internet that I thought I would have, doesn`t really exist. This post is coming to you from the Univeristy, so those videos that I thought I would make and post will have to be created once I get to Kameoka in two weeks.
This course will be a perfect compliment to what I experienced this spring. We will have lectures for three hours daily along with first hand garden experiences. What I learned and absorbed through the hearing of thoughts and theories during today`s lectures has already started to boil my blood and excite my soul. It`s going to be an important few weeks and I mean to maximize my time here.
*******
I think maybe a Japanese bath is in order to finish the day. We have public soaking tubs here and I hear the water is hot and wonderful.
*****
Oh, and yes. He is famous.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
In Seattle sitting on the plane. I selected the emergency seat row - so I have LOtS of leg room...WONDERFUL. But I am near the lavatory. Possibly too near.
I am exhausted and still haven't really thought about being in Japan. It's surreal with a twinge of strange. I slept 30 some odd minutes last night and remembered everything but my packet of maps and contact info for places and people, etc. I'll manage. :)
Numb brain, numb bones, numb heart....strange that I'll be there soon. But normal at the same time.
I like meeting new people and engaging in interesting conversation. But I hope the gentleman next to me just wants to sleep - nope.
And were off.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
test run
This is a test run. A short video I made with my macbook to see how they post to my blog. I might make some videos while in Japan, so I thought I should figure out how before I board the plane. The drippy-faucet noise in the background? Yeah, that my drippy faucet that really does exist. It's been dripping for months. Need to get that fixed. And my walls aren't white - they are yellow. But in the video they look white and I was nervous.
*******
Today I sold my canary. I was sad and my heart hurt when I had to finagle him into a brown lunch sack and staple it shut. I did poke holes for ventilation. Sometimes I make quick/definitive decisions. Going to Japan being one of them. Selling my bird, another, which I concretely decided this morning when I woke. My life as it is right now is not conducive to owning a pet, even a low-maintenance bird. I leave town sometimes. Or the country. Also, I am anti-apartment-smelling-like-animal. He didn't make my place always smell like pet - but enough that sometimes when I came home that was the first thing I noticed. Which really was my fault and not his. I didn't have (or take, whatever) the time to make sure he had his daily bath and to change the paper tray one to two times a day. The timing just wasn't right for us, I guess.
He's going to a home where there are other canaries. A young man bought it for his mom for her birthday. They came together to pick him up with some small kiddos in the back seat. I met them out on the street. I could tell she would love this bird, and that she would be around during the day to be more attentive than I was. I will miss him - but I hope he's happier at his new home.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Riots
The morning shift ended at the beginning of siesta. It was time to head back to the volunteer house for lunch. Probably greasy oil-boiled rice was part of the menu. And maybe some soggy cake for dessert.
There had been riots going on down by the university several months back. Gives the college students something to do during their free hour, I guess. Something about the government, and electricity and power and prices....
The protesters would throw large pieces of wood into the roads to disrupt traffic, especially the buses. They had something out for the public transit system. Rocks were being thrown too, at buildings as well as at buses. Our route was right through the middle of all of this, so during this time we were directed from the Top to take another route. It was bothersome, and added time to our 30 minute walk to and from the orphanage. It had been a while since the university students were restless, so we were on our normal course headed home.
There's always more people out in the streets and on the sidewalks at the start of siesta...but it seemed a bit more stalled than usual. The number of people were thickening and the pace was that of apprehension. Curious, me and the other group members (2 or 3 others) continued through the mass to see what was going on, weaving our way - trying to get the best view of what, we didn't know. We slowed. We saw nothing.
As quickly as we saw nothing the people a ways down the sidewalk turned towards us and started to run. Fast. It hit like the domino effect and everyone was turning and running. Fast. We turned and ran with the crowd. Wondering what was going on I looked back to see what was chasing us. A tank.
I ran faster.
With adrenaline as charged as I have ever had it, we were fleeing in confusion with the masses. The tension in the air was valid. It was wild. We came up on a cross street and darted quickly to the left with a handful of others. Hopefully the tank wouldn't be turning left as well. We ran into the entry way of a small shop. It was locked. Siesta. Great.
We waited a while until things seemed to dissipate. Then, as the site leader, I told everyone we would be taking the long way home today to avoid any more run-ins with tanks. I guess the riots were back.
This is an excerpt from 9 years ago that I emailed family and friends. I'll let the 20 year old me tell the rest of the story.
The only other time I felt or saw danger in Ecuador was when I was approached by a small group of sleazy Ecuadorian men on my way back to the house. Rule number 1 was "Never Be Alone", and the only time that I was, I got reminded of why I wasn't supposed to be. I glared at them. And when they got close I told them "don't touch me," in my broken and pathetic Spanish. I was scared and shaking inside, but I had to appear tough. When they reached I yanked my elbow and stood my ground then walked away. (I should have ran!)
All they got was my water bottle. Fools. (Who's the fool?)
There had been riots going on down by the university several months back. Gives the college students something to do during their free hour, I guess. Something about the government, and electricity and power and prices....
The protesters would throw large pieces of wood into the roads to disrupt traffic, especially the buses. They had something out for the public transit system. Rocks were being thrown too, at buildings as well as at buses. Our route was right through the middle of all of this, so during this time we were directed from the Top to take another route. It was bothersome, and added time to our 30 minute walk to and from the orphanage. It had been a while since the university students were restless, so we were on our normal course headed home.
There's always more people out in the streets and on the sidewalks at the start of siesta...but it seemed a bit more stalled than usual. The number of people were thickening and the pace was that of apprehension. Curious, me and the other group members (2 or 3 others) continued through the mass to see what was going on, weaving our way - trying to get the best view of what, we didn't know. We slowed. We saw nothing.
As quickly as we saw nothing the people a ways down the sidewalk turned towards us and started to run. Fast. It hit like the domino effect and everyone was turning and running. Fast. We turned and ran with the crowd. Wondering what was going on I looked back to see what was chasing us. A tank.
I ran faster.
With adrenaline as charged as I have ever had it, we were fleeing in confusion with the masses. The tension in the air was valid. It was wild. We came up on a cross street and darted quickly to the left with a handful of others. Hopefully the tank wouldn't be turning left as well. We ran into the entry way of a small shop. It was locked. Siesta. Great.
We waited a while until things seemed to dissipate. Then, as the site leader, I told everyone we would be taking the long way home today to avoid any more run-ins with tanks. I guess the riots were back.
This is an excerpt from 9 years ago that I emailed family and friends. I'll let the 20 year old me tell the rest of the story.
today i had a grand adventure! so the riots have started again. prices are going up and so are students tempers. it's great. anyway - yesterday we walked through a group of student throwing rocks at policemen - etc and just barely made it through in time. no tanks yet - but tear gas everywhere. so i was kicking myself for not having my camera, because there would have been some really cool pictures. so today i devised a plan!! hee hee. we got out of work right on time and instead of being the responsible site leader and direct our path down a calm, mellow, boring street - i decided to be an adventurous photographer! now take note - I WOULD NEVER DO ANYTHING THAT WOULD PUT SOMEONE ELSE IN DANGER OF DANGER - I AM VERY CAREFUL AND SERIOUS ABOUT SAFETY!!! so - we walk through the crowd and got to the safe side of the street. all is well - and we are out of harms way - but stick around to get some pictures. so the rocks are being thrown at the policemen who have those cool clear shields to protect themselves. and soon everyone starts running and the tear gas starts shooting and spreading - while i am loving it and taking pictures. i hope i got some good ones. i REALLY hope i got some good ones - because now we are taking the safe way to work and etc. but the tear gas got us and man! does it burn. but it was great. so that's all. but all is safe and well here in cuenca - it really is.From the last session of riots in the area, I had heard there was one casualty. An innocent bystander. The bank windows were broken and I think some bus windows too. I wrote this a few days before my 21st birthday...and just in a matter of weeks the city would return to it's quaint charm. A peaceful and lovely South American city rich in it's culture. And in just a matter of months they would all be celebrating and having a big city-wide water fight. Carnival. But at that time, for those few weeks, they were angry and there was violence. It's interesting.
The only other time I felt or saw danger in Ecuador was when I was approached by a small group of sleazy Ecuadorian men on my way back to the house. Rule number 1 was "Never Be Alone", and the only time that I was, I got reminded of why I wasn't supposed to be. I glared at them. And when they got close I told them "don't touch me," in my broken and pathetic Spanish. I was scared and shaking inside, but I had to appear tough. When they reached I yanked my elbow and stood my ground then walked away. (I should have ran!)
All they got was my water bottle. Fools. (Who's the fool?)
My attempt at being a National Geographic On Assignment Photographer.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Iron and Board
A few days ago I said to myself, "I really need an ironing board. And I'd like a new iron too."
The next day my friend pulls up in his truck. "Hey! Do you need an ironing board?"
"Uh, yeah!"
"I have an iron too, if you want it."
The next day my friend pulls up in his truck. "Hey! Do you need an ironing board?"
"Uh, yeah!"
"I have an iron too, if you want it."
Sunday, October 17, 2010
taken back 9 years ago
Gloria is feeling mostly better. Getting over a two week cold. She appears at my door occasionally to tell me various things...like my blankets out on the lawn got wet last night, Morgan's wife just had surgery and maybe they'll come down after she recovers...it's been forever since he's been here; new heaters are being installed...etc. It's fun when I hear my clunky door bell ring, followed by her voice. Then her smile.
I never did get the garage cleaned out and organized. But I did clean and organize my chez. I am adamant about leaving and returning to a very tidy house. Sweeping, mopping, laundry,...de-junking. I went through most of my belongings and filled several garbage bags full of shoes, socks, shirts, pants, jewelry, hats....you name it! Anything I haven't worn or used in a while got the toss. I am getting pretty good at keeping it simple; getting rid of the unused or unnecessary, and where needed, replacing it with quality items that are meant to be used often and for always. I am sure I'll do another stint after Japan. Japan has that effect on me.
And even though I leave in less than a week, my thoughts have been with Ecuador. Strange. Nothing specific. Just that it is there, and that I was once there.
I have tried several times to get on here and pull some Japan pictures to post....but I guess I'll get to that another time.
*****
I arrived 9 years ago this month. My first memory of Ecuador is the humidity, when we stepped out of the airport and onto the bus. My second memory is banana groves. Lots of those down by the coast. My third memory is leaving the flat plains and banana groves, and approaching the Andes. Even from a distance they were impressive. They seemed to approach us rather than us approaching them. And with each mile they got bigger and bigger - I can still feel the awe of looking at those mountains for the first time. So green, had I ever been anywhere so green? At the base of the mountain the van/bus stopped. Everybody out of the van. Everybody on top of the van.
They know how to commute in Ecuador.
Jackets...blankets, we were all piled on top. The temperature would be dropping with the sun and there would be a dramatic change in elevation. The air was cool and the colors of dusk were settling in. We passed little huts and shacks, people walking with donkeys, people walking alone. Simple and basic living conditions mixed with the marvel of nature. You learned quickly not to be surprised at most anything you saw. But you did still wonder.
Fog set in. Then a thick fog set in and it chilled me. We were passing through a cloud. And when our little white van, sputtering up the Andean mountain road with a load of young single girls on top, rose above the fog - I lived a very beautiful and breathtaking moment that has become a part of me and has stayed with me.
We had risen above the city, above the plains, above the banana plantations and fog...and all we could see was a sea of gold for miles - it was endless. It was marvelous. And it was completely different than when you see a "similar" view from an airplane window - because there, we were apart of it - out in the open air; tangible, trees, the mountainside. The glow of the sun resting upon on our faces - there was nothing between us and that moment.
And that, that is my third memory of Ecuador. My introduction to Ecuador.
***
.JPG)
I never did get the garage cleaned out and organized. But I did clean and organize my chez. I am adamant about leaving and returning to a very tidy house. Sweeping, mopping, laundry,...de-junking. I went through most of my belongings and filled several garbage bags full of shoes, socks, shirts, pants, jewelry, hats....you name it! Anything I haven't worn or used in a while got the toss. I am getting pretty good at keeping it simple; getting rid of the unused or unnecessary, and where needed, replacing it with quality items that are meant to be used often and for always. I am sure I'll do another stint after Japan. Japan has that effect on me.
And even though I leave in less than a week, my thoughts have been with Ecuador. Strange. Nothing specific. Just that it is there, and that I was once there.
I have tried several times to get on here and pull some Japan pictures to post....but I guess I'll get to that another time.
*****
I arrived 9 years ago this month. My first memory of Ecuador is the humidity, when we stepped out of the airport and onto the bus. My second memory is banana groves. Lots of those down by the coast. My third memory is leaving the flat plains and banana groves, and approaching the Andes. Even from a distance they were impressive. They seemed to approach us rather than us approaching them. And with each mile they got bigger and bigger - I can still feel the awe of looking at those mountains for the first time. So green, had I ever been anywhere so green? At the base of the mountain the van/bus stopped. Everybody out of the van. Everybody on top of the van.
They know how to commute in Ecuador.
Jackets...blankets, we were all piled on top. The temperature would be dropping with the sun and there would be a dramatic change in elevation. The air was cool and the colors of dusk were settling in. We passed little huts and shacks, people walking with donkeys, people walking alone. Simple and basic living conditions mixed with the marvel of nature. You learned quickly not to be surprised at most anything you saw. But you did still wonder.
Fog set in. Then a thick fog set in and it chilled me. We were passing through a cloud. And when our little white van, sputtering up the Andean mountain road with a load of young single girls on top, rose above the fog - I lived a very beautiful and breathtaking moment that has become a part of me and has stayed with me.
We had risen above the city, above the plains, above the banana plantations and fog...and all we could see was a sea of gold for miles - it was endless. It was marvelous. And it was completely different than when you see a "similar" view from an airplane window - because there, we were apart of it - out in the open air; tangible, trees, the mountainside. The glow of the sun resting upon on our faces - there was nothing between us and that moment.
And that, that is my third memory of Ecuador. My introduction to Ecuador.
***
I passed this house everyday on the way to the orphanage. When I think of black and white checkered tile - I actually am thinking of this image here. I used to stop at these gates and just gaze...wondering who lived there, what was life like, and I wanted to enter. There was something enchanting about the place that pulled me.
There's a rawness to life that you feel when living in a 3rd world country. And not that this same image isn't seen here in the US - it is. But it's just different. I am trying to figure out how to describe it and I am lacking a proper way of putting it.
Cattle, sheep, taxi...classic. I love this picture. We used to come up to this school once a week to teach. CRaZY bus rides. Crazy. I was always sick afterward.
This was the view out the back patio. Picturesque. See how close the clouds are? I never felt so physically close to the heavens than when I was here. It was unique to be in this region for a time.
More to come - about riots, jungle treks, and the work.
***
.JPG)
I found this little airplane in my car the other day. Curious. I wonder where it would take me if I boarded?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
a 12 string guitar
My strings are wound too tight. Everything inside me is twisted too thin. My high E's, an A, a D and B and both G's have already snapped...the others are on the verge of following suit. If this keeps up I won't have anything left to make pretty music with. I will be a dead, empty 12 string-less guitar with a mess of out-of-control and wildly curly steel everywhere.
I will be the aftermath and results of a crazed rock star.
For too many days and weeks (months?) I have been home only long enough to unlock my door, tiredly move myself to the bathroom in the dark, turn on the light, hypnotizedly wash my face, leave the bathroom, turn off the light, non-coherently stumble through the darkness while removing shoes, socks, etc. and then drop into bed. Drop. And then not be able to fall asleep for at least an hour or so. When I wake I have just enough time to find something to wear before needing to head out the door. These days this often includes a hat to make up for being too tired to fix my hair properly. Sometimes I do take a few minutes to post at the end of the day. Obviously.
My clothes from the day before lay strewn across the other side of the bed, on the towel stand in the bathroom, or on the floor of any room. Just pick one. And since I don't have time to clean them up in the morning, my closet is turning inside out. My guts are turning inside out. I am going to scream. But really I just want to sleep. And have one, just one evening or weekend to be. My friend has fairly new triplets. I bet many days she wants to scream louder than me, I'm just guessing.
So tonight I want to crawl into my soft bed and hold a little plush pillow close to me...and I want someone to crawl into my bed and hold me close to them...and tell me it will all be alright. That I'll be alright. Someday it will be all right.
And if I cry, they'll just hold me tighter.
I will be the aftermath and results of a crazed rock star.
For too many days and weeks (months?) I have been home only long enough to unlock my door, tiredly move myself to the bathroom in the dark, turn on the light, hypnotizedly wash my face, leave the bathroom, turn off the light, non-coherently stumble through the darkness while removing shoes, socks, etc. and then drop into bed. Drop. And then not be able to fall asleep for at least an hour or so. When I wake I have just enough time to find something to wear before needing to head out the door. These days this often includes a hat to make up for being too tired to fix my hair properly. Sometimes I do take a few minutes to post at the end of the day. Obviously.
My clothes from the day before lay strewn across the other side of the bed, on the towel stand in the bathroom, or on the floor of any room. Just pick one. And since I don't have time to clean them up in the morning, my closet is turning inside out. My guts are turning inside out. I am going to scream. But really I just want to sleep. And have one, just one evening or weekend to be. My friend has fairly new triplets. I bet many days she wants to scream louder than me, I'm just guessing.
So tonight I want to crawl into my soft bed and hold a little plush pillow close to me...and I want someone to crawl into my bed and hold me close to them...and tell me it will all be alright. That I'll be alright. Someday it will be all right.
And if I cry, they'll just hold me tighter.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
I'd like some sprinkles too...
"You can't have your cake and eat it too." A saying we all know, and probably at some point in our lives have used or maybe even been told.
I think that sometimes we do not think too much about what we are actually saying. Especially when it comes to sayings.
Yes, I'd like some cake. And yes, I would like to eat it as well.
"Have your cake and eat it too" just doesn't really fit with it's intended meaning...it's really ridiculous, actually. Who has cake, but doesn't eat it? And if they do - what's wrong with that? Shouldn't it be enjoyed? Isn't a part of life about eating cake?!
And I'd like mine with sprinkles.
In all my vigorous curiosity I googled the phrase. It's earliest use dates back to 1546 as "wolde you bothe eate your cake, and have your cake?" Which does make much more sense. You can't eat your cake and then have your cake...because once you have eaten your cake, it's gone. (Unless of course you are given or take a second piece. Sneaky.)
I understand the sayings' intended point. Very well, actually. Sometimes you just can't have this AND that - because they are opposing haves or wants...the impossibility of having it both ways, if both of those ways are conflicting. Like not being able to move forward and backwards at the same time...unless you are traveling at the speed of light. Or maybe it's...you can't have both, you have to choose. If you have 43 bucks and you spend it all on a desirable shirt, you will not be able to get that pair of shoes you really want because you are out of money. You simply cannot get both (don't listen to your credit card). Period. So you have to choose. One or the other. Not both. (Hope for a sale). Or maybe it's, 1+4 does not = 7. You will never be able to add 1 with 4 and get 7. I get it.
It's just that if someone gives me cake, I am going to eat it.
*****
The day is drawing to a close. I am going to draw a bath. And soak in it too. With bubbles.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
a few things
a few things must happen in the fall.
one is to clean out/reorganize the garage. which i plan to do...this saturday. morning. in the morning.
another is to go to the symphony, or an organ recital...or a quartet or jazz ensemble. i have found great concerts...but all of which i will be gone for. ho hum. i am sure i will be able to drum up something before the 23rd. If needs be, my sister's and niece's piano recital could count for this, it was overly enjoyable. I was so impressed.
a drive through the fall foliage. my new-found friend from Iowa has inspired me a bit on this one. gravel roads....i'll go find me a gravel road and follow it. although i might have fulfilled this venture when a few weeks ago i drove up guardsman pass and back down one of the cottonwood canyons - i was on a gravel road for part of that.
plenty of time should be spent out of doors, absorbing all things sensory which are so abundant and penetrating this time of year. and it needn't be in the campy kind of way either...just a walk down the avenue will suffice.
carving of a pumpkin. you're never too old for that. of course, i'll be gone for that as well. and the making of a really gourmet soup based from any assortment of squash. maybe i'll have a soup party.
as the mornings come i am reminded again and again that we are getting deeper into the season. my bird sings a little later these days. the sun waits a little longer to rise up, making it harder to get out of bed and i just want to stay put. sometimes i groan, and then think i'm ridiculous for whining. and i am. but at least no one can hear me.
one is to clean out/reorganize the garage. which i plan to do...this saturday. morning. in the morning.
another is to go to the symphony, or an organ recital...or a quartet or jazz ensemble. i have found great concerts...but all of which i will be gone for. ho hum. i am sure i will be able to drum up something before the 23rd. If needs be, my sister's and niece's piano recital could count for this, it was overly enjoyable. I was so impressed.
a drive through the fall foliage. my new-found friend from Iowa has inspired me a bit on this one. gravel roads....i'll go find me a gravel road and follow it. although i might have fulfilled this venture when a few weeks ago i drove up guardsman pass and back down one of the cottonwood canyons - i was on a gravel road for part of that.
plenty of time should be spent out of doors, absorbing all things sensory which are so abundant and penetrating this time of year. and it needn't be in the campy kind of way either...just a walk down the avenue will suffice.
carving of a pumpkin. you're never too old for that. of course, i'll be gone for that as well. and the making of a really gourmet soup based from any assortment of squash. maybe i'll have a soup party.
as the mornings come i am reminded again and again that we are getting deeper into the season. my bird sings a little later these days. the sun waits a little longer to rise up, making it harder to get out of bed and i just want to stay put. sometimes i groan, and then think i'm ridiculous for whining. and i am. but at least no one can hear me.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
KK
Celebrate!
It's difficult to get a picture of KK without some sort of funny face...but hey! We got one.
I love this girl who loves chocolate more than most anything in life. HaPPY BiRTHDaY!
Saturday, October 09, 2010
+650cc
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See that little card with the +650cc stamp on it?
That's my card.
I did it!!!! I learned how to ride a motorcycle....shifting, swerving, stopping, weaving, riding over pieces of 2x4's, u turns, quase-figure 8's, T-CLOCS, slow-look-press-lean, SEE,...wow.
I learned on a 500, tested on a 500 for the -649 stamp then tested on a 883 and a 1200 for my +650 stamp. HeaVY bikes those last ones were. At least I thought they were, but they tell me I should go no lower than a 750...oh I don't know.
I have learned so much in the past four days and I AM TIRED. Today was a long one...almost 11 hours. But I am so pleased. And it was so much fun. I also got 100% on the written exam.
What's next? Well, I take this nifty little card to the DMV, take the state written test and then get a little sticker, or whatever they put on your license to say 'I can legally ride a motorcycle!' I still have much to learn and most of what needs to be learned will be done by experience and practice and more practice. And more practice...until it is all gross muscle memory. I hope to be able to fine-tune my skills and continue to learn proper technique until it is second nature.
Woohoo.
WooHoO!
Friday, October 08, 2010
Living Life and Overcoming Fears
Today will be my first time riding a motorcycle.
While getting ready this morning I spoke positive affirmations out loud to myself in the mirror..."I can ride a motorcycle, I can ride a motorcycle. I can turn on a motorcycle, I can turn on a motorcycle. I am not afraid of motorcycles, I am not afraid of motorcycles."
Because I kind of am.
While reclining in my lazy boy chair in class I stare at the looming black motorcycle in the front of the room..."I dare you," it says to me - and it's been saying that to me for the past two evenings. When I look at the bike looking back at me my heart rate quickens.
Mike sits to my left again and gives me pep talks. He used to be the breakman on a train.
Over the past month I have decided to start doing things that scare me or make me a bit apprehensive. I want to overcome fear. Mind over matter. I am approaching 30 and while I am not looking to become reckless, mindless or irresponsible, I do want to lighten up a bit, have lots of fun and do things I have never done before. I want to experience life a little differently. I always have loved adventure.
Several weeks ago I went down the alpine slide for the first time. "The alpine slide scares you?" I know, really - it's just a simple slide down the mountain side! I had never ever been, but have always been curious about it, and in a slightly nervous way. So I grabbed a favorite friend and headed up the canyon on a beautiful fall day to accomplish #1 on my list of things to do to overcome fear.
So I guess #2 is motorcycles. I have learned a lot about motorcycling over the past two days, about the different types of bikes, bike parts, controls, protective gear, risk factors, safety tips, and learning more about what type of bike I like. Many things that I had thought I wanted in a bike are now changing because I am becoming more educated...which will help me make better decisions down the road.
I think as long as I breath on the course tonight, I'll be "just fine," as Mike keeps saying. "And don't think about it too much."
I have thought about adding skydiving to my list. My friend who went down the alpine slide with me recently went. She loved it, but said she felt nausea afterward pretty badly, even though she never gets motion sickness. So....I might have to toss that idea - I have horrible motion sickness and can only imagine what might happen if I jumped out of a plane. I don't know....I'll think about it. I could always take lots of dramamine.
While getting ready this morning I spoke positive affirmations out loud to myself in the mirror..."I can ride a motorcycle, I can ride a motorcycle. I can turn on a motorcycle, I can turn on a motorcycle. I am not afraid of motorcycles, I am not afraid of motorcycles."
Because I kind of am.
While reclining in my lazy boy chair in class I stare at the looming black motorcycle in the front of the room..."I dare you," it says to me - and it's been saying that to me for the past two evenings. When I look at the bike looking back at me my heart rate quickens.
Mike sits to my left again and gives me pep talks. He used to be the breakman on a train.
Over the past month I have decided to start doing things that scare me or make me a bit apprehensive. I want to overcome fear. Mind over matter. I am approaching 30 and while I am not looking to become reckless, mindless or irresponsible, I do want to lighten up a bit, have lots of fun and do things I have never done before. I want to experience life a little differently. I always have loved adventure.
Several weeks ago I went down the alpine slide for the first time. "The alpine slide scares you?" I know, really - it's just a simple slide down the mountain side! I had never ever been, but have always been curious about it, and in a slightly nervous way. So I grabbed a favorite friend and headed up the canyon on a beautiful fall day to accomplish #1 on my list of things to do to overcome fear.
So I guess #2 is motorcycles. I have learned a lot about motorcycling over the past two days, about the different types of bikes, bike parts, controls, protective gear, risk factors, safety tips, and learning more about what type of bike I like. Many things that I had thought I wanted in a bike are now changing because I am becoming more educated...which will help me make better decisions down the road.
I think as long as I breath on the course tonight, I'll be "just fine," as Mike keeps saying. "And don't think about it too much."
I have thought about adding skydiving to my list. My friend who went down the alpine slide with me recently went. She loved it, but said she felt nausea afterward pretty badly, even though she never gets motion sickness. So....I might have to toss that idea - I have horrible motion sickness and can only imagine what might happen if I jumped out of a plane. I don't know....I'll think about it. I could always take lots of dramamine.
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
First Day of Class
"Everybody find someone sitting next to you, whom you can introduce to the class in a few minutes. Ask them their name, why they're here, and what they hope to accomplish with this course."
It is a big upstairs classroom, very open - all made from reclaimed wood...the floors, the walls...it feels worn but comfortable... lived in and time-tested. There is eleven of us, all comfortably sitting in our individual black lazy boy recliners. I was sitting on the front row to the middle-right of the room. The girl and guy sitting to my right pair up. The lazy boy to my left is vacant.
"Mind if I just scoot on over?"
"Nope."
"Hi, my name is Mike."
"Hi Mike, I'm Lorien, like DeLorean...without the De."
"Well, I'll remember that! My wife's name in Lori, but not Lorien"
He has a pleasantness about him, and you can tell he easily makes friends wherever he goes. He's the type that's not afraid to talk.
"So what brings you here Mike, what's your past?"
He has a slightly weathered face and happy blue eyes that are framed in silver lined glasses. His hair verges on white and is a length to be jealous of. It is pulled back into a braid. With a neatly trimmed mustache to match the color of his hair, he's wearing a black bandana with white flames which covers part of his forehead. "Marlboro" is on the pocket of his black t-shirt.
"Well, I rode dirt bikes 30 years ago and I haven't ridden since. It was either a coupe, or get a bike, so I bought a bike. A big bike. What about you? You ride?"
"No. I have only been on a bike once for an hour or so - but never really rode. And I've only been a passenger twice."
"Well..." he said, with a kind of up and down of his head..."why do you want to learn to ride?"
"It's different being on a bike than in a car. You feel connected to the world around you...the sights, the smells....the sounds...they are all so tangible. It's a type of awakening. I want to experience that - I want to experience the city and the canyons differently."
"Well, there's nothing like it. You'll love it, you're gonna love it." He smiles big.
***
Near the end of the class we talk about fears - and different fears we might have about motorcycling. I tell Mike I am worried about turning and leaning. "I'm scared of figure 8's."
"Oh you'll be fine, you'll be just fine." He starts making movements with his head, which his body follows slightly. He's riding. "It's just like...this." He motions again as if he's riding. I start to mimic Mike. Tilt head slightly, lean to the right....Tilt head slightly, lean to the left...I go back and forth, back and forth..."It's kind of like a dance move, huh?" I start exaggerating the movements. "Ha! That's it! Now you've got it!"
Down in the parking lot we say our goodbyes and that we'll see each other again tomorrow. He'll be waking up at 2:30 am to drive to Wellsville - then on up to Evanston, but he'll be back in time for class.
Until tomorrow!
It is a big upstairs classroom, very open - all made from reclaimed wood...the floors, the walls...it feels worn but comfortable... lived in and time-tested. There is eleven of us, all comfortably sitting in our individual black lazy boy recliners. I was sitting on the front row to the middle-right of the room. The girl and guy sitting to my right pair up. The lazy boy to my left is vacant.
"Mind if I just scoot on over?"
"Nope."
"Hi, my name is Mike."
"Hi Mike, I'm Lorien, like DeLorean...without the De."
"Well, I'll remember that! My wife's name in Lori, but not Lorien"
He has a pleasantness about him, and you can tell he easily makes friends wherever he goes. He's the type that's not afraid to talk.
"So what brings you here Mike, what's your past?"
He has a slightly weathered face and happy blue eyes that are framed in silver lined glasses. His hair verges on white and is a length to be jealous of. It is pulled back into a braid. With a neatly trimmed mustache to match the color of his hair, he's wearing a black bandana with white flames which covers part of his forehead. "Marlboro" is on the pocket of his black t-shirt.
"Well, I rode dirt bikes 30 years ago and I haven't ridden since. It was either a coupe, or get a bike, so I bought a bike. A big bike. What about you? You ride?"
"No. I have only been on a bike once for an hour or so - but never really rode. And I've only been a passenger twice."
"Well..." he said, with a kind of up and down of his head..."why do you want to learn to ride?"
"It's different being on a bike than in a car. You feel connected to the world around you...the sights, the smells....the sounds...they are all so tangible. It's a type of awakening. I want to experience that - I want to experience the city and the canyons differently."
"Well, there's nothing like it. You'll love it, you're gonna love it." He smiles big.
***
Near the end of the class we talk about fears - and different fears we might have about motorcycling. I tell Mike I am worried about turning and leaning. "I'm scared of figure 8's."
"Oh you'll be fine, you'll be just fine." He starts making movements with his head, which his body follows slightly. He's riding. "It's just like...this." He motions again as if he's riding. I start to mimic Mike. Tilt head slightly, lean to the right....Tilt head slightly, lean to the left...I go back and forth, back and forth..."It's kind of like a dance move, huh?" I start exaggerating the movements. "Ha! That's it! Now you've got it!"
Down in the parking lot we say our goodbyes and that we'll see each other again tomorrow. He'll be waking up at 2:30 am to drive to Wellsville - then on up to Evanston, but he'll be back in time for class.
Until tomorrow!
Me excited on my first day of motorcycle class.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
It's Odd, I Know.
(Dear Kara),
It's true. #65 is...well, yeah. It happened just the other day, actually. I was sitting there thinking (I do think), and I realized, "Oh my. I don't mind even numbers. In fact - I accept even numbers!"
?!
Trust me, it was "even" a shock to me.
Anything even I have avoided or all together ignored for 29 years. In school, whenever I got a textbook for a class handed to me - the first thing I did was look on the back to see what number was written in sharpie. If it was odd I was delighted, and knew I would excel! Even, and I was devastated. It almost ruined the school year, or at least the subject matter which that particular book contained. When I took my AP tests in High School - my registration code ended in an even number, and that made me feel uncomfortable. I have always called phone companies when I getting a new number and requested one with as many odd numbers as possible. My p.O. Box - same thing. "May I have one that is an odd number, please?" My alarm clock has always been set to an odd number, I can't go to sleep unless it ends with a 3, or a 7 or a 9...sometimes a 1 (rarely a 5, 5 was always considered even to me). The only time this backfired was on the mission, because I had to wake up at 6:29 am....one more minute of sleep...PLeeease!!!!
Odd numbers have been my life. I was born on an odd day, in an odd month, in an odd year. That's just how it's been. Until a week ago, when I was thinking.
It all changed like a whirlwind. A whirlwind of numbers... swirling all around me until they swirled up, swirled down, then settled to the ground. And as I looked around, I realized I loved them all. All of them! 6, 23, 17, 26, 32, 103, 88, 10,784! (Okay, so I struggle with 72 and maybe some others...I still might have some residual preferences. I'm waiting it out to see).
I don't know what's happened or rather, happening, exactly. But this past week and a half has been a big processing week for me. I've had lots of whirlwinds around me and inside me. They've blown me around, knocked me down a few times - I've stumbled and tried to hold my footing. Stay sane, Hall, stay sane. I think I'm going through some needed inner changes to continue on with my life and this is a part of what's emerged. A little random and completely off topic. But then again, maybe not. Definitely not something I would expect however, but I accept.
I am happy; I smile and laugh a lot.
Monday, October 04, 2010
foreshadowing of a coin
While I was at Kinkakuji this spring, I was gifted a coin from a Japanese school boy. If you are given this particular coin, it means you will return to Japan. Since being back home it has been on my refrigerator door, suspended by a magnate which I picked up during my travels. I looked at it everyday.
Little did I know that I would be returning so soon.
I leave in less than three weeks.
***
My friend Rose posted THIS on her blog, so I am stealing it and posting it on mine (thanks R). besides being thrilled with World Order in general and purchasing their album...this video simple makes me more than happy when I watch it, giddy even. All of the images takes me right back to Japan and I can't wait to be there! And all the men really walk and dance around the city just like in the video...it's amazing....really....you should see it. I am excited to dance with them.
Sunday, October 03, 2010
101 things about me part 2
2 And I really like black and white checkered flooring. They remind me of maids and butlers and various types of metals, such as brass, stainless steel, silver and iron...staircases too
3. I really enjoy having fun pajama pants with a simple, soft white or black scoop neck tee to accompany it
4. I love learning, I will never tire of it
5. Travel is important to me; next fall is tentatively Spain, France and Italy
6. I am not a huge fan of cold cereal
7. I am growing out my hair and it's sometimes a nuisance, but I try to appreciate it for where it's currently at
8. I've had scabies, dengue fever and a pretty bad case of staph (Ahem...I was living in Ecuador...then Brazil)
9. I used to not like spring. But a few years ago I began to learn to appreciate it
10. I like orange and oranges, but green will always be my favorite color
11. In fifth grade I won all the races at field day
12. I really like sushi
13. I have two birthmarks, one on the knuckle of my right thumb, the other on the right side of my waist
14. Ink - I really like a good black ink pen
15. I go to the coast at least once a year. This year I still haven't been - working on that, but I'll get there
16. Two of my best friends are (or majored in) accountants. The other two are therapists. All have proved to be providential
17. I became obsessed with Canada in 6th grade
18. I have always been keen on Africa
19. But Asia has me currently captured
20. I teach night classes at BYU in the winter
21. A world without butterflies would be not as happy
22. Although I dream of foreign places, I have a goal of soaking in domestic places of history and nature, esp. nature
23. I don't like it when I go to sleep with makeup on
24. The crazy, bizarre colors of aquatics really fascinates me - I could stare at well composed aquariums for hours
25. So if people need to realize that life should not be too conservative, go stare at a well-composed aquarium and open your mind
26. Shooting a paper target on a hay bale with a revolver is fun - and I am a very decent shot
27. I want two weeks without my phone or laptop, please
28. I appreciate quality materials. Quality trumps quantity
29. When I was angry or frustrated as a child I would find a pencil and break it
30. Transformers, GI Joe, Micro Machines, Bravestar, Smurfs, Atari - all a part of my childhood
31. I like to have acrylic nails, but during the growing (landscaping) season (May-November) they have proved hard to maintain
32. So in about a month or so, I'll get a set
33. I do like motorcycles - Motor Cross was a favorite Gameboy game when I was 12, that and Rolands Curse
34. I am going to name my motorcycle butterfly and stick butterfly stickers all over my helmet
34. I am going to name my motorcycle butterfly and stick butterfly stickers all over my helmet
35. Growing up, I always had a lot of guy friends, but they were all like my brothers, so...
36. It wasn't until I was 21 when I was first kissed...and we broke the couch
37. Because my kisses are worth a lot, I am quite particular of who gets to enjoy them :)
38. I like White Collar and Psych (thanks Hulu) - and enjoy the West Wing...Allysha - I need to borrow the first season!
39. I don't own a TV (thanks Hulu)
40. Fox news mostly bugs
41. But I do listen to the Dave Ramsy show
41. But I do listen to the Dave Ramsy show
42. I don't buy gum that often, because I am a chain chewer - I can go through a pack in two days or less
43. But I always have a pack when I fly
44. I have a yellow canary that I call Bird
45. My hair is thick and leans toward coarse, so in the mornings it's all bent about
46. I have never dyed or highlighted my hair
47. I have removed my own cyst, then had to go to the doctor to heal the damage, as I wasn't very neat with my self-surgery
48. I now have a small hole in my arm due to aforementioned self-surgery
48. I now have a small hole in my arm due to aforementioned self-surgery
49. I think if I had to choose between East Coast and West Coast for living - I would choose West Coast...eeehhh....I think.
50. I like to be in organized spaces
51. A friend asked me a several months ago what I didn't like about myself physically and character-wise:
52. Physically I wish my acne and skin problems would finally decide to disappear - I'm almost 30 for cryin' out loud!
53. Character wise I told her that I wished I was better at not allowing myself to feel broken, un-capable and worthless due to others words and actions - I'm working on it
54. I heart coastlines - I want to live on or near a coast line and in the spring of 2012 I might just do that - I have a plan
55. When I was 19 I moved to AZ for the summer and turned 14. I had a crush on Prince William and memorized all the lyrics to all of the Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Britney Spears, and BB Mack songs while cruising the interstate with my crazy cuz
56. That same summer I worked for Tosco - and stuck stickers on file folders ALL day ALL summer long for $9 bucks an hour
57. My senior year I was on drumline - and was given the nickname "Strawberry Tart" by the head drummer...hmmm...
58. I don't mind spending a lot of $ for: Hair product, skin care product and makeup
59. I am crazy about jackets and am so excited to go jacket shopping this month!
60. Even though I am completely enthralled with my profession, I don't want it to be all-consuming...or even mostly-consuming. How about, just enough consuming to excel and then keep my sanity from there
61. The only thing that gives me road rage are the RC Willey billboards between SLC and UC and back. No wonder I don't visit home very often
62. My favorite feature about my face was a big freckle on my lower lip. Then one day the dermatologist cut it off without permission. Dur. Someone find me a pencil
63. I am definitely a victim of retail therapy
64. My music collection has always been a frustration to me - it's a project that I am working on for 2011
65. I used to be obsessed with odd numbers. I now accept even ones readily
66. If I were to add color to my hair it would be either some hue of orange or purple...maybe green
67. I like to take naps in public spaces when I travel
68. Dancing very silly is something I extremely enjoy, but I have to be with the right company and was just introduced to the best dance music ever
69. I have been described as an island and aloof. I recently bought a ticket to the mainland
70. I wake up facing south
71. Although I don't live my life by astrology, I find it quite interesting, insightful and sometimes uncannily correct
72. I go to Oasis Cafe and have a grilled Brie when I am at a loss of so many things
73. I have spent the night out on the salt flats with a wind so strong that you could practically lean into it liberally without falling over
74. I love walking places and love to go walking downtown Sunday evenings
75. Patio dining is so delightful, it makes me giddy and ever-so-pleasant
76. I am afraid of living in a cage or having my wings clipped
77. I feel badly or stupid when someone passes me on the right and try to stay conscious of driving in the proper lane
78. Which is usually the fast lane. I do not like something in front of me
79. If someone or something is in my way, I simply reposition while trying to be mindful
80. In Junior High I used to spend hours and hours late into the night creating pencil drawings of animals
81. I believe in using a paddle, the current and the stars to navigate through life
82. Take the paddle away and you lose your ambition
83. Take the current away and you lose your touch with reality
84. Take away the stars and you lose your dreams
85. I really like giving and getting hugs
50. I like to be in organized spaces
51. A friend asked me a several months ago what I didn't like about myself physically and character-wise:
52. Physically I wish my acne and skin problems would finally decide to disappear - I'm almost 30 for cryin' out loud!
53. Character wise I told her that I wished I was better at not allowing myself to feel broken, un-capable and worthless due to others words and actions - I'm working on it
54. I heart coastlines - I want to live on or near a coast line and in the spring of 2012 I might just do that - I have a plan
55. When I was 19 I moved to AZ for the summer and turned 14. I had a crush on Prince William and memorized all the lyrics to all of the Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Britney Spears, and BB Mack songs while cruising the interstate with my crazy cuz
56. That same summer I worked for Tosco - and stuck stickers on file folders ALL day ALL summer long for $9 bucks an hour
57. My senior year I was on drumline - and was given the nickname "Strawberry Tart" by the head drummer...hmmm...
58. I don't mind spending a lot of $ for: Hair product, skin care product and makeup
59. I am crazy about jackets and am so excited to go jacket shopping this month!
60. Even though I am completely enthralled with my profession, I don't want it to be all-consuming...or even mostly-consuming. How about, just enough consuming to excel and then keep my sanity from there
61. The only thing that gives me road rage are the RC Willey billboards between SLC and UC and back. No wonder I don't visit home very often
62. My favorite feature about my face was a big freckle on my lower lip. Then one day the dermatologist cut it off without permission. Dur. Someone find me a pencil
63. I am definitely a victim of retail therapy
64. My music collection has always been a frustration to me - it's a project that I am working on for 2011
65. I used to be obsessed with odd numbers. I now accept even ones readily
66. If I were to add color to my hair it would be either some hue of orange or purple...maybe green
67. I like to take naps in public spaces when I travel
68. Dancing very silly is something I extremely enjoy, but I have to be with the right company and was just introduced to the best dance music ever
69. I have been described as an island and aloof. I recently bought a ticket to the mainland
70. I wake up facing south
71. Although I don't live my life by astrology, I find it quite interesting, insightful and sometimes uncannily correct
72. I go to Oasis Cafe and have a grilled Brie when I am at a loss of so many things
73. I have spent the night out on the salt flats with a wind so strong that you could practically lean into it liberally without falling over
74. I love walking places and love to go walking downtown Sunday evenings
75. Patio dining is so delightful, it makes me giddy and ever-so-pleasant
76. I am afraid of living in a cage or having my wings clipped
77. I feel badly or stupid when someone passes me on the right and try to stay conscious of driving in the proper lane
78. Which is usually the fast lane. I do not like something in front of me
79. If someone or something is in my way, I simply reposition while trying to be mindful
80. In Junior High I used to spend hours and hours late into the night creating pencil drawings of animals
81. I believe in using a paddle, the current and the stars to navigate through life
82. Take the paddle away and you lose your ambition
83. Take the current away and you lose your touch with reality
84. Take away the stars and you lose your dreams
85. I really like giving and getting hugs
86. In 6th grade I showed up to the school Christmas party with tags, bows and ribbon tied all over my body
87. And I wore belts in my hair on occasion
88. I used to look up at the night sky every night
87. And I wore belts in my hair on occasion
88. I used to look up at the night sky every night
89. Then I moved to the city and I just realized that I don't do it anymore
90. And that makes me sad to realize. Looking at the night sky helps keep life in perspective
91. Bicycles equal happiness
92. I love boardwalks
93. I am not much of a gamer - but I'll join in a game every once in a while
94. Canned soup is the worst kind of soup you could ever eat
95. I really do try to be kind, nice, sincere, fair and rational. I don't always succeed, but I do try
96. I am a romantic, very much so
97. I wonder where my next road trip will lead me to. These things you don't plan, you just do
98. I love driving with friends
99. Someday I think I will be a fair cook - but singleness does not foster continuous culinary output, but rather sporadic experiments and creations that occur periodically. But they are always tasty
100. I think if I timed how long it takes me to get ready on average - it may tilt the scale towards...really?? Maybe not. 1-1.5 hours? (If shower is included - is that average?)
101. I am a lefty who throws right
90. And that makes me sad to realize. Looking at the night sky helps keep life in perspective
91. Bicycles equal happiness
92. I love boardwalks
93. I am not much of a gamer - but I'll join in a game every once in a while
94. Canned soup is the worst kind of soup you could ever eat
95. I really do try to be kind, nice, sincere, fair and rational. I don't always succeed, but I do try
96. I am a romantic, very much so
97. I wonder where my next road trip will lead me to. These things you don't plan, you just do
98. I love driving with friends
99. Someday I think I will be a fair cook - but singleness does not foster continuous culinary output, but rather sporadic experiments and creations that occur periodically. But they are always tasty
100. I think if I timed how long it takes me to get ready on average - it may tilt the scale towards...really?? Maybe not. 1-1.5 hours? (If shower is included - is that average?)
101. I am a lefty who throws right
Saturday, October 02, 2010
1,290
I just got back from a comedy club downtown. I laughed so hard that my right trapezoid will need some rubbing out and I'll have to get some waterproof mascara before the next show.
Good way to end the work week - even though I am working tomorrow...
Nutrition Action Newsletter is a publication that is all about health. My grandmother was very keen on good foods and exercise, so as a Christmas present one year all of us grandkids received a subscription, which we ended up having for two years. I perused them as the occasion granted itself...sometimes I have a hard time reading through publications that come in the mail. Lots of interesting facts about broccoli, burgers, bones and bedtime.
One day one of the articles caught my eye:
Soon an Oreo Premium Sundae was in my possession and I was happily and quickly consuming my 1,290 calories.
And that's the power of advertising.
Good way to end the work week - even though I am working tomorrow...
Nutrition Action Newsletter is a publication that is all about health. My grandmother was very keen on good foods and exercise, so as a Christmas present one year all of us grandkids received a subscription, which we ended up having for two years. I perused them as the occasion granted itself...sometimes I have a hard time reading through publications that come in the mail. Lots of interesting facts about broccoli, burgers, bones and bedtime.
One day one of the articles caught my eye:
"Baskin-Robbins strongly believes in our customers maintaining a balanced diet," says the company's Web site. "We hope you enjoy our treats together with a healthy diet and routine exercise."
How nice. Baskin-Robbins strongly believes in a balanced diet. That must be why it sells Oreo, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Snickers premium sundaes along with a new line of 31 [degrees] Belows. What better way to balance a healthy diet and ex Take the Oreo Premium Sundae.
Thanks to "3 scoops of our delicious Oreo Cookies 'n Cream ice cream layered with hot fudge and marshmallow, then topped with crushed Oreo cookie and whipped cream," it's got 1,290 calories and 33 grams of saturated fat. That's like eating three Quarter Pounders, except the burgers have "only" 21 grams of sat fat.It was accompanied by this picture:
Soon an Oreo Premium Sundae was in my possession and I was happily and quickly consuming my 1,290 calories.
And that's the power of advertising.
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