Locksmith

For those who don't know, I've been in Arizona since Monday visiting my mom, sister and step-dad and learning locksmithing from Calixto.

You could say I'm a bit of a locksmith now.

In the last five days I've learned how to take different locks apart, how to take them off and put them on doors, how to re-key, master key, pick locks and a few other things. I'll be coming home with a few tools, so give me a call if you need some help :).

I think that's my update for now (been awhile, eh?). Maybe I'll even post again before I leave :o.

Ho, ho, ho.

Camp Seabeck

I suppose you might be thinking to all yourselves "Selves, why has it been so long since Bruce has posted? He used to update so frequently..."
Well, I can tell you that it's mostly because I don't have consistent internet and I don't make it to the library much. As a matter of fact, I'm lucky I can be posting at all! I happened to find a wayward signal from somewheres nearby, so I am quite taking what I can.

As you can see from my above picture and title, I went camping at Seabeck this last weekend with the Hitchmans, Andersons...ens...uns? and Justin. Almost certainly, most who read this will have shared the encounter, but I will highlight:
Lyd and I got to the party Saturday late morning, a bit before lunch. All food was delicious. Justin killed a squirrel with a stick (his trap and my cocoa artillery were to no avail). Sleep was surprisingly warm. Much fun was had, many pictures were taken.

I have to close now, as I wouldn't like to lose this connection and have no post at all! So I bid you adieu until next millenii or whenever I post.

Touchdown Seahawks!

PS- Work is going well. I've been at my current site in Monroe for about three or so weeks now. I miss traffic coming and going. It's an early start (6:30), but that means an early finish (3:00)...unless I put in OT (which has happened). As an answer to prayer, I might actually be moving on to this company (SD Deacon) once their contractual obligation with CLP is over (if they hire me within six months of my time with them, then they pay some mumbo-jumbo to CLP, etc, etc). I really like the guys I'm working with, the times, and even the place isn't so bad (no traffic, though a bit out of the way).
OK! No more!
BAH!

Ka-chow! Ka-chow!

Yeah, I'm still alive. As a matter of fact, today Jason and I began moving into our new apartment. Shoot me an email if you need my NEW address.
I've been enjoying my new job. It's nice, hard physical labor. I'm usually pretty worn by the time Friday rolls around and ready for the weekend.
Speaking of weekends, just this morning I went to the Garage Sale and REI Alderwood. Basically, it was a zoo at open. But, I did still manage to find some awesome deals (they usually are at this thing, you just have to get to it before someone else does!). Today I picked up an REI Talus 30, a Half Dome 2 for Jacob and a pair of Merrell shoes. It was only 12 for the pack and 18 for the shoes, plus I got 10% off for being an REI member! Yeah, total score.
I think that's about all I've got for now. Looking forward to living in my new place and getting used to the real world (and all my new, shiny real bills...).
Hope all of you out there are doing well!

Vive le revolution!

Returns

Since Moi didn't say so, I suppose I'll share with the class that I have a new job as well! I have recently come under the employ of a one CLP Resources. Tomorrow is my first day (I was interviewed and hired last Wednesday) and I'm going to a site up in Everett. I'll be drywalling and taping up there and who knows what else. Once done there, I'll get redeployed (if you will) to another site.
I recently moved in with Jason at his condo and will be staying there until he, Oscar and I move into the apartment we put a deposit on today before the end of the month.
I think that's about all that's new in my life. No internet at home right now, but I might try to get to the library every now and then to check email and blogs.

Great googley moogley!

He lives!

So as it turns out, I'm still alive!
There have been no more Moira Mondays because, due to my new living situation, I no longer have my desktop set up. Additionally, we interns no longer have internet at home. Thus, here I be at the library.
Posts will now be fewer and farther between.

I am nearing the end of my internship here at Sambica and am approaching a new stage of life. I think it's called the "real world" or some hullaballoo like that. If all goes well, Oscar, Jason and I will be getting a three bedroom apartment in Lynnwood on 204th. I am most definitely excited about it. Life is in bloom and I am pleased to have been blessed with so many opportunities at this time in my life.
Perhaps I will be able to post more next week to update the masses on what's happenin.

I don't have much else to say. I just decided to post since I had internet :). But, I forgot to bring my books to return, which was why I was coming in the first place :(.
Oh well...

Oh happy day...

Timeless

I have a lot to post about from this weekend. Too much, in fact, to take the time to mull over it all now and get it online.
However, I shall certainly do my best to get all my latest news up and running sooner than later.
In the mean time, I'm going to celebrate a belated Moira Monday. I was gone all day yesterday, away from my computer, so I couldn't get a picture up for viewing and reviewing. So, here we have what should have been from yesterday:Ooh, frisbee... Now we will all wait with bated breath for Moi to 'splain.

So long, and thanks for all the fish.

Fear...

So I want to post something nice and sneaky, but I can't think much of what that would say at the moment. Instead, I just won't post on that topic :).
However, I think (if I can remember) I might start posting a picture from the vast collection that has found its way to my computer onto ze blog each monday (again, if I remember).
{Edit: Just thought of something sneaky: video games just So got beat!}
Today, we start with something like-a so!
[Baleted!]
[Edit: I deleted a picture of Tash that may or may not have been embarassing, hence the baleted]
Do-over...Perhaps something a little more random and less incriminating...
We now find Moi somewhere in Europe with some girl on her trip there during school last year! Yay Moi! Please, 'splain...

Everyone keep your eyes open for Moi's thoughts on her latest picture each monday.
Adios, folks.

Sanks, mang.

Tally Ho!

So I'm back from Arizona, safe and sound. If you ever feel the need for a heat-stroke, just look up AZ, he's always good for it.
Saturday I helped dig Patches' grave (our long time family cat, had him for at least a dozen years, died just a few days before I came down), got a new hat and helped move some stuff from storage to home. Sunday was dia del madre; I picked her up a copy of Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller. Yesterday was pretty much just sitting around not doing much. Watched some tv (one of five channels), read some SfGKW (I have a copy myself from Jenny) and just generally anticipated coming home.

The flight to Phoenix was quick and smooth. I slept until the beverage cart came around, had some ginger ale, then read some Searching and lo and behold, we were there. Unfortunately, the return trip was not so nice. I was a bit tired, but wanted to read, so I picked up Backpacker and WIRED magazines for some mindless reading. Too bad almost the entire trip was turbulent, making me sicky from reading. Luckily there was nobody sitting between myself and the window guy, so I had some extra room to lay my head down on that middle tray-table. I ended up getting a little rest and feeling better with that, but kind of wonked out my shoulder in the process (I believe from having it overextended for so long with the pressure of my large head atop). After feeling better, I was able to just kind of rest the rest of the trip away (that might sound odd...). I was, however, rudely awoken part of the way through our descent by my tray-table falling up my arm whilst in a near dream/near alertness stage. I was startled, at least.
All in all a good trip. It was good to see mom and Emma and Calixto and the puppies (yappy as they may be, the are some cute dern dogs). Perhaps I shall again go.

Also, Sunday night whilst watching the Survivor finale at Brett and Myrna's house (did I spell her name right?), I received a phone call from a one Lawrence Rafferty. When I first looked at my phone, the name said "Kris Rafferty" (look, that's just what I put her in as, because just Kris got confusing since I know a guy with said name). I had to debate if I should answer, but considered that if such a phone were calling me, it must be of some import. Matter of factly, it was! Lawrence called to make some small talk, then asked for me to be a groomsman in his wedding!
YAY! I was certainly happy to say the least. Plus, it was just good to catch up with him a bit. So if you want to see Bruce in a purple shirt and white tie, just come on out to Lawrence and Kris's wedding, July 2 (well, if you were invited, anyway...).

I think that's about all the exciting news for the weekend.
Thanks for reading, hope everyone is doing well in their places in life. Spring is in bloom and it's a wonderful time!

Yeah, you probably have no idea what I'm talking about, it almost being summer...

It Comes But Once A Year

Happy Birthday Rachel!
Yes, you've turned a whole DAY older! Isn't that thrilling!?
Hope all is still well in Japan. You should come visit my blog some time :D. But of course, you hopefully will after I post a comment on your blog to get you over here to see this post.
Muahahahah!...and stuff.

Domo arigato, miss Mukai-boto

Gabba Gabba Hey

I think a few of you might understand what that is :). Or at least the context from which I grab it.

Been a while, as it always is. This week I'm in the kitchen and house sitting for the Guinns (whom I have sat for before). I'm just a few minutes from heading to the kitchen, so I figured I'd share a wee bit.

I'm still waiting and praying about the summer, whether to move on from camp or to stay for another go of it. I still need to talk to some people.
I got my computer back last weekend (sanks Moi), and that's fun. I can finally play games to waste time! Hooray!

Jenny's home. Oscar's home. Moi's (still) home. Life is good.
Except we need Lawrence to come back to rest home! Gah!
But that is neither here nor there.
Oh, and I found graduand at dictionary.com, so Matt was right :(. Durn Canucks. But, that's ok. It did hurt my brain though to hear it over and over, even if now I know it is a real word :).

Braise

Return of the Jedi

Been awhile, eh?
I've been on a bit of a road trip...trip. Two weeks ago was down to Portland for a day with Lyd, this weekend was cross-country from NC back home with Oscar. Yeah, I drive alot. Don't worry, I have a support group.
Since I didn't take time to yet, I think now will be the time for the sharing of the pictures from both trips. First up is P-town, followed chronologically by the cross-country trek.

Zoom zoom...

I don't have any pictures of me from the trips, so you get to see Lyd instead...Well, there's this one...But we don't talk about that one...

No Tax

The first trip, one week ago(ish), was Portland! City of...whatever they're the city of! The original plan was to ride the Amtrak down there, but the day Lyd found out she had the day off from work, tickets went up $12 each way! So, we instead decided to drive our own selves down there and save us some money and time (trains aren't fast...).
Our first stop was North 23rd Avenue (or something like that, I don't remember exactly). It was a decently longish street lined with independent shops and boutiques. They definitely had some cool stuff around there, including phone poles on the street corners absolutely Covered in staples and scrap paper from so many flyers being put up. I can't imagine what Seattle would look like if we had wooden poles on corners like this...
After a stop at Powell's City of Books (which is awesome), we proceeded to Lloyd Center; it's a big mall. We didn't really go in many stores at all, we basically just walk around the entire place then left :). On our way back to the Max (an above ground subway, you might say), we stopped for some sitting time in this little park. I found a ladybug on the bench we were going to sit on.
I also saw a cool tree from where we were sitting.
In all, a brilliantly fun trip. It was an excellent break to just not think about work at all and actually relax for once! There will definitely be a return trip...

I'm tired, let's ride the street car back...

"Your three is broken"

Being chronologically sound, the second trip was our XC excursion (that stands for cross-country).

After flying out to Charlotte on Thursday, we hit the road Friday morning at about 4:20am. Our first destination was Wichita, Kansas to visit Oscar's brother Jesse and to help install a transmission in this here truck. Well, we made it to about 100ish miles outside of Wichita before the serpentine belt and power steering pulley gave out (one first, which proceeded to incapacitate the other). No nearby auto stores had the pulley for which us to by (grammar intended), so Jesse was going to come pick us up. Then Jesse decided he was just going to bring out a truck and trailer and we would load up and just take the car back to Wichita and fix it out there (more places to find the part there than in Emporia). Jesse comes, we drive across the street to Wal-Mart to buy some straps to secure the car.
Jesse's truck won't start. We spend the night in the parking lot.
Saturday we get a tow to a nearby shop, they get us running, we make it back to Wichita and don't turn the truck off until necessary. We find the pulley at a junk yard, get a new belt and we're in business.
Day three; Sunday; we leave Kansas in our dust and head north, to home! Somewheres betwixt Kansas and Wyoming, I found this young robot on a gas station door. I liked it, so I took a picture. Fuelman!
This is I-90, just after crossing the Montana/Idaho border on the way home Monday. Yay almost home!

We made it back on Monday around 2pm to Sambica. I think we figured around 3000 miles (mas o menos) and 43ish hours for the trip.

E

A Fabor For Roy-O

Long time no see. Where have you been? It seems like it has been ages since I've seen you last!
I think quite a bit has happened since my last post. For starters, I fly out to North Carolina Thursday to drive cross country with Oscar. Lyd and I went to Portland this last Saturday; pictures coming to both blogs.
I made it through March and getting my credit card payed off with the whole alternator hoopla and God is continuing to provide for me.
I can't think of anything of consequence on my mind at the moment to write a good post about, so I think this shall be all for now.
Expect pictures soon.

Pretty woman, walkin' down the street...

Holy Grail

I have found it. My own holy grail right here at camp.
Recently I've been itching to get outdoors more regularly. The medium that happens to have come upon me is backpacking.
I've been looking into bags, stoves, compression sacks, utility tools and the like, trying to see what it would take to get me on my first adventure. Right now I am currently in the possession of one mummy bag (it's no superlight, but it'll definitely hold up in the temperatures we get around here). But hey, it's a start.

Until I found it...

My holy grail...

Andy asked me to bring a box filled with topo maps from the 80s and junk like that to the "wilderness shed." "We have a wilderness shed?" was my reply. He told me where it was. I did a couple other errands before arriving up in the area he was telling me of. But, by the time I got up there, I had already completely forgotten why I was going. Coley asked me what I was doing, I said I honestly had no clue, but Andy had told me something about the door to the right of the accomodations closet, so I went on to scope it out.
I try the first door, it doesn't budge. I try the next door it opens.
I don't recall actually hearing the Hallelujah Chorus upon this discovery, but in retrospect, it seems it would have been appropriate.
It turns out the 'wilderness shed' is basically camping gear for about 40-50 people! Oh discovery of all discoveries! There are internal frame packs, sleeping bads, sleeping bags, tarps, tents, stoves, climbing ropes, ice axes and salt packets! Jimminy Christmas!
Last night I went in there exploring some more. There are several types of bags. First, there is one Kelty Ridgeway (the only recognizable name), which was of course too small for me. Next try was the Mountain Equipment Co-op bag. Again, a real bag. Again, too small. Up next were the Jansport bags. The last ditch effort (but hey, a bag's a bag). First of them were the ones with the color I liked most, a grey/yellow/black combination. After I fenagled with it a bit, I came up on the size tag. "Small." No luck for me. My next try was a blue Jansport bag, labeled regular with the stitching "Rockies 90." I donned the bag. Amazement came over me! Never before in my life had I actually worn a pack where the hipbelts bore the weight of the bag (as is supposed to happen). I had never felt comfort like this when wearing a pack! I had finally found what I was looking for! I brought the pack home and opened all the pockets and hung it upside down above our space heater to air it out.

Yesterday after my initial discovery of the shed, I asked Andy if I was allowed to use some of it, he said "yeah, and 40 of your friends? Just ask before you borrow any." He also said he was going to see if we might sell them if they weren't going to be used for another couple years, probably for $20-25 a pack; I told him I would buy one for sure (even more so now that I know one fits!). Now I would just like to get a small compression sack for my sleeping bag (and maybe some clothes) to keep those nice and dry when I hike and a small stove (like the MSR PocketRocket). If you're ready to go hiking then let's make a date and hit the hills!

And a Kelty brand Noah's Tarp 12

Savage Chickens

Go take a looksie at Doug Savage's comic strip blog, Savage Chickens.
Around Christmas I got linked over there and saw a funny strip, which I have recently rediscovered when browsing through his site, it's link is here. I think you might be able to tell why I like this one :).
Go check the rest of his stuff out, too. It's all good.

Cluck

A Trip Down Memory Lane...

I was flipping through ill-used blogs and decided to check the comments on Mel's top post. The final comment was Jenne asking when speak like a pirate day would be. Well, you're in luck and can catch it this year on the e'er noble date of September 19th.
Enjoy :).

Aye; avast!
Wait...do pirates even speak in semi-colons?...

So Much, So Little

So much to do, such little time to do it.

This weekend was very tiring. I worked a lot, but didn't get much rest. Four hours of sleep Thursday night, Friday night and Sunday night and about six Saturday night. At the moment I'm not too tired, but I was feeling it a little bit yesterday. I wanted to take a nap, but wasn't allowed to...
I ended up making a little more than anticipated this weekend; God is providing for me even further. I feel like I'm going to be busy until almost May with all the stuff I have already scheduled.

Today I have to go to the bank to make a deposit before they close after I get off work. Tomorrow is rest home; Wednesday I'm going to Edmonds for advising; Friday is a slumber party in the wintery north; Saturday is Bronwyn's wedding; Sunday is church and Poulsbo (does anyone in Pbo know this yet?...:); the weekend of March 24-26 I'm in the kitchen again (Brad is in Pennsylvania, so I'm taking his shift); April 1 I'm helping in the kitchen again Saturday from 6:30-3:30; two weeks later, April 13, I fly down to NC to drive across the country (which I have always wanted to do) with Oscar in his Caddy, then the very next week I'm in the kitchen again (April 21-23) for my own shift.

Yeah, I feel too busy. My car works fine, though. I got it back Thursday evening.
OH! Ok, so yesterday was only the nicest day ever! Well, maybe not ever, but it sure stood out because it's still winter! It was nice and sunny- warm sunny! Lyd and I certainly enjoyed the warmth of God's wonderful creation all afternoon. The sun was warm enough when we just sat in it that it felt like summer; had to roll up the pants and kick off the socks and long sleeves. Oh what a day!
As for now, it's about time to head off to finish my work day. Only six hours left (one is lunch), then it's off to the bank and nap-land! Hooray for naps!

Zzzzzzzzzzzz...

Culinary Arts

For those of you who haven't heard, I currently plan on returning to school in the fall at EdCC. I shall be entering the Culinary Arts program (in theory) for two years (summers off) and then (hopefully) entering the job field somewhere and a cook or some such.
I recieved my program information packet today in the mail detailing things I need to do to enter the program and things I will need when I'm in it. Things like ~$200 in knives, ~$250 in uniforms, plus tuition, books and other sundry kitchen things.
Yeah, it's pretty much going to be fun :). But, there are a couple scholarships that I may be able to apply for, and hopefully I will be recieving some good old fashioned financial aid to, well, aid me.
Anyways, I'm looking forward to my meeting on Wednesday as well as the program.
Oh yeah, and I'm going to ask Mama about getting whites and stuff through Sambica or something wholesale as such and seeing if it's cheaper :). Score.
Prayer would be much appreciated in the matter (Wednesday and this fall- this summer too)!

A big, poofy white hat!

Taken Care Of

All is well in the world.
Today I learned that my defective alternator that I bought from Schuck's has a lifetime warranty! BUT! Last night Rick installed my alternator because his guys stayed late finishing up some loose-end jobs, one of which was mine. However, the bill is payed, and Rick has a very trustworthy air about him, which was comforting for the nigh $500 just added to my credit card :S.
Rick suggested I take my alternator back to Schuck's to see if they'll pay me back for it. I'm openly pessimistic about it. I'm doubtful, but still think there's a chance it may work. At worst, I have a (in theory) well running car now, and I'll have an extra alternator...woo. Rick's work has a 1 year/12k mile warranty, so that's good. He said that includes towing; so if I break down in south Seattle they'll haul it back up (I joked with Lyd about road-trippin to Cali and calling Rick from LA and being like "Hey, how about that one year warranty :D"...mmk, not really...).
So right now, I'm feeling ok about the position I'm in. I work extra Friday night, and then babysitting Saturday is going to be a while. I start at 5, but Amy says it has a chance of running kind of late (I'm guessing 10-11), but that's ok because the boys will be in bed and the extra funds will be heartily accepted.

Good luck to all you kids preparing to finish your quarters. I do hope to see you all soon!

Sail away, sail away, sail away...

PS- I was jealous of Meg's blog, so I took a note from her and changed things up a bit. See if you can find them :).

$487.60

To the penny.
-Rick Sorenson

God Provides!

With all this alternator business, at first I was a little worried about getting it paid for (and even worse, maybe having to look for a new car). But after a to the point sermon from Ken (only hearing the last 10 minutes) I knew God would provide.
And He does! I just called to get the final price on the parts and labor, but what's-his-toes is on lunch for another half hour or so. BUT! Yesterday I was informed that the alternator would be $200, plus another part, plus labor. I was hoping for under $300 on the bill. Right now, I've got several opportunities wide open to help me cover this burden.
First, Parent's Night Out on Friday at clubhouse; Fugee says $75-100. Saturday I have another opportunity to sit for the Guinn boys; $40-60 (my guess). April 1 I am going to be employed in the kitchen from 6:30 until 3:30 (because we have like 200 people here); ~$50+ (based on 8/hr).
So just that in toto is about...$165-210ish. That's my alternator! The bane of my car's existence!
Praise God from whom all provision flows :).
Not to mention that I've still got my money from the last two times I've sat, plus some from Sarah's birthday party back in the day (and three people still owe me $10 for that party!).
PLUS I still have to send in my tax return for $125!
And on top of it all, I get to go to resthome tonight (thanks to Lydia coming to pick me up and bring me back!) after having been gone for I don't even know how long. I missed last week due to ailment and several (3?) weeks before because of work.
God is so good!

God is good all the time!
All the time, God is good!

PS- I also just emailed Traci Edlin (if I remember proper) who is the head of the Culinary Arts department at EdCC to make known my intentions of attending in the fall as well as to see if she is available to see me some time next week :).

On The Other Hand...

I got a hold of Sorenson's today. First try they told me to call back after two. After two, it was an hour. Then at 3:45 or so I tried and they told me it was a defective...alternator! My favorite car part ever!
I became informed that the alternator is going to be 200 plus labor, and he's also looking for some part that's supposed to have a watertight seal into the back of the alternator (which wasn't proper on mine) to make sure his doesn't go wrong.
Bye-bye cushion :). I'm hoping that with the extra part and labor I won't be staring down more than $300. Hopefully...

Scorch! Pow!

Gastroenteritis

Happy March everyone!
Monday evening I was privy to a bout of Gastroenteritis (or, more commonly, the stomach flu)...or such is the conclusion I have drawn.
I was quite fine Sunday and most of Monday. I didn't even feel the slightest incling in my stomach until Monday afternoon (maybe 1 or 2ish). At that time, I thought it might be good for me to have something low key for dinner, maybe some meat and plain white rice. Well, by the time dinner rolled around, I already had an upset stomach and had vomited (woohoo). After the party in my mouth evacuated, I began getting the chills, then the sensitive skin closer to home. I only threw up once more after I returned home, then slept 12 hours the rest of the night.
Stayed at home all day (sans a run in the morning for ritz crackers, ginger ale and pepto) trying to rest. I finished my open pack of saltines, one pack of ritz and an ale yesterday. Today I've knocked out one ritz and a GA and only one pepto today.
I've been feeling better since my long sleep Monday night (better = less bad, not better = done).
The worst part of it was that I had to miss resthome yesterday :(. Boo. Of course this has to be the week that Jenny's home and Moi is coming... But, on the upside, I was only out of it for one night and one day. Today I was back into the fray and up at 5:30 for clubhouse again. I only have three hours left in my day, and half an hour is left for lunch :).
That's my story of the week (and probably month, since that was still during February :).

Four score and seven minutes ago...

One Eyed Jack

This week was mid-winter break for all of our kids. That meant field trips all week! This is good...and bad. Days were short but tiring.


Our first field trip was to the Woodland Park Zoo on Monday. It was a fun visit. I was sure to plan ahead for being outdoors in the cold for a few hours and wore an extra layer, brought my work gloves and chapstick. It wasn't too much to keep the kids in check, sans a few ocassions (like one kid who would Flip Out every time he saw animal feces). This picture is from the sign of the men's bathroom out in Africaville or something.

Day two was the Museum of Flight. Besides telling the kids not to yell or run, it was a very fun place to go. They had a wing dedicated to WWI and II planes which was very cool. They even had this little sandbag trench area (which I enjoyed).


Day three we were off to the Space Needle and on to Argosy Cruises for a harbor tour. This photo is of the Komo 4 chopper which was flying overhead to land as we were crossing the street from parking to the Needle. I think the Needle and cruise were the two easiest field trips to handle kids on, because they couldn't go anywhere! Woohoo! The observation deck on the Space Needle had some interesting little things to do. I think I saw Kasey's dorm, but she didn't answer her phone to wave at me! That would've been so cool... The cruise was educational and loud. They have a tour guide-type person on the top deck on a mic describing everything you go past and history about a lot of it. Smart kid.
Today was day four of field trips, but I stayed at camp and did some accomodations, then went down to clubhouse when they returned from the trip. Today was to the Seattle Aquarium, which I was a little disappointed to miss, but I'll just have to go again someday (which will hopefully be with no children).


Yesterday was also Sarah 'Ah-Lee's birthday, so Andy threw together a hawaiian themed party for her. We had pizza, Hawaiian Punch and cake. We had a lot of hawaiian decor from summers past, so there were tons of leis for wearing and decorating. I tried to be sure to get all the pink ones, but missed a couple. I did, however, decide that I was going to wear all of the leis by the end of the night, which I did. After acquiring every lei and wearing them for a while, I thought it should be Sarah's turn to have all of them! So we worked on passing of them to her (which was funny) and seeing how she looked covered in fakey flowers (also funny). It gets pretty hot under those things when you've got (so I was told) almost 200 of them crammed around your upper body. When the edible party was finished, some of us retired to Sarah's for some Catch Phrase action and a little tv before it was time for bed.
Speaking of which, I think I slept just the right amount last night (maybe?), because I woke up a little before my alarm. Actually, I got out of bed and turned my alarms off so they weren't blasting when I was in the shower! Amazing!
I'm looking forward to this weekend, though. Jenny's home tomorrow for a whole week! w00t. And on top of it all, I open next week (which means I'll be done at 3:30 at the latest every day!).
Right-o, I think that's about enough post for this week's update. Hope everyone is doing well in these states of unison.

All's fair in love and...wait. Does that even make sense?

This Just In...

This just in:
I turned anonymous comments back on.
P4WNED!

Hammer time!

Anonymity

Due to the anonymity of the internet, I have been forced to disallow anonymous commenting on my blog. This saddens me, as it restricts people without blogger accounts from commenting here. However, you don't have to start a blogger blog to have an account, it's just a name and password :).
That is all for now.

Growlbacks!

Wood Chipper

Today I purchased some Prismacolor professional art markers. They retail for $45 a dozen, found them at Office Depot in a beat up returned box for $25. Found out later that one of the markers was missing the fat nib (each has a fat and fine nib)! Returned!
That's my story for today. Yeah, I'm boring.
I'll post when I'm inspired, don't rush me...

Oh, sweet colors of spring.

Hoover Decade

Since I have a little time to spare (and since my mom is freaking out...

BUCKETS!
I just composed this whole dag post, then when I did my blockquote, everything disappeared but what lies above! DRAT IT ALL!
I sum up:
Found TJ's; bought utility-type knife-type device at Lowe's, tools are poison to men (among other things); life slowly getting more or less organized, top two shelves full of books, cds, dvds; starting to feel more like spring. this just in: sun produces heat, not just light!
I am disappointed...
But, I think this shall suffice for the time being.

Ne'er ado o'er fleeces and couches,
Where deftness rules twilight.
When once again are caught in slouches,
Nought find slumber in sight.

Rapture

After a serious of not-so-unfortunate- even wonderful- events, I am not caring at the moment if my blog is commented on or not and I'm going to post anyway! So :P. Plus, I was in the kitchen all weekend (woot) so I didn't have much time for such things, anyway. And if I did, it was spent resting as hard as I could.
Friday was breakfast, sack lunch (which was great, because after we got the lunch all packed up, we were done! and extra free time is always well spent), then dinner. Saturday was breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Oh, this reminds me to at this time inform you all as to this group's...persuasion? It was a bunch of high schoolers from some church or school in Oregon. They were messy. It wasn't that I minded a Whole lot cleaning up after them, I was just kind of shocked at what was happening. They wouldn't just leave a few crumbs or something, I would find big globs of syrup, or people who left their whole plate and silverware and cup! How do you forget to take your dishes away! Bah! Anyways, they got old after about four meals.

Sunday was breakfast and a busy lunch. Between meals that day was looooong. I usually listen to music when I'm working, and it helps me a lot to keep energized and, basically, not bored. But Mama wanted it quiet for a while, so I got Really bored doing my junk because it was so quiet. I got to set up the salad bar for lunch, and I guess I did it to specifications (Mama told me what general things go where and some pointers and let me go myself). I almost killed myself trying to get all the ice out of the center bin, though!
It was a long weekend in all, but not as long as I thought it was going to feel. It was a good way to kind of get an idea about what this summer might feel like as a dining hall program assistant. Though, I would be doing less of the work myself and more delegation (but there would also be more work to do and more people to do it). We shall see, we shall see indeed.
Last night I took on some of the best relaxing I've had for a good while. Sundays always seem to be such a good day for some rest (big surprise), and I am certainly one not to let such a day go to waste :).
This week I open in clubhouse, so early starts and finishes every day. 5:30 always sounds so bad at night, and especially bad when you hear "beep...beep...beep, beep...beep, beep...beep beep beep, beep beep beep, beep beep beep." You get the idea.
Salud, compadrés!

One hour? Who ever heard of such a thing!

Cosmology

I suppose some of you might think it's been a "long time" since I've updated, the whole four days it's been. Well, go take a look around my links and come back and we'll see who's who :).
I had a fun weekend. Friday evening I ended up going to the gym with Satchmo to play basketball and run a little bit. I didn't have dinner until 11. I was famished. We ate pizza and watched In Living Color until around 12, then went to bed. Saturday I picked up a bookcase and (finally!) dish clothes from Ikea. The bookcase is almost completely built. I have to get a hammer to nail the last couple things in, then I'm done. Visited Jenny and Jen (and, by proxy, Rob and Marlae), had dinner, watched American Outlaws, fun time. Sunday was breakfast, church, lunch (which was quite fun), a little napping, a little baking, then dinner and football followed by Apples to Apples.
This week I've got it good (and bad). The only work I have today is two meetings, tomorrow one meeting, nothing wednesday, thursday a meeting and a couple hours work. And then comes the weekend...
Friday, 7am-8pm. Saturday, 7am-8pm. Sunday, 7am-2pm.
It's going to be a looooong weekend. I'm in the kitchen this week, that's why it's all like this. That's ok though, it shall be some fun, some bore, but work is work.
I would prefer working hard in the kitchen, then getting my break afterward, but some is better than none. I just don't like- for lack of a better term- being indebted to work. I like to put in my overtime then reap the benefits. But that is neither here nor there.
I may look for part-time work again (Maybe). My plan so far is to be a Dining Hall Program Assistant this summer. It's less dishes and more bossing :). Erica and Mama are both very confident that I am more than qualified for the position, and it will be a good way for me to get more experience in the kitchen. A downside is that I won't exactly be getting paid a whole lot, so I can't save a whole lot over the summer. The counter to that is that I won't have to pay rent or feed myself, just pay for gas each weekend, so I'll be able to save almost all of what I get (go team).
Ok, I think that's about all I've got for today, so I'll catch all you folk later.
Bha.

I Had A Dream!

Yes, I had a dream. It was either yesterday night or last night (if you catch my drift). I had a dream that I had lots and lots of comments on my blog posts...
It was a dream...
Just the other day I received an email from my dear mother of more photos from the wedding. ~120 more :). So, I thought I'd share a select few on here.

This first one is the sparkly toast to the newly weds. We wanted someone to do a toast, so my sister said "Cheers." and that was that. And always remember: when in doubt, pinky out.
This is the tasty post-ceremony grub we partook. It was (clearly) mexican. There were little bean and cheese burritos, chicken burritos, tamales, chips and lots of dip. It was pretty good stuff.
This is me, uh, after the wedding. :D No, it was just regular sparkling cider, not champagne (which I wouldn't drink anyway). Oh, I did have some Diet Pepsi though. You know how that stuff gets me going...
Finally we have the happy pair. I decided to put this one on just because it's one of the only non-posed pictures. I prefer non-chalant pictures where the subjects are just casual and themselves than smile-and-cheese pictures.
Unless more pictures come my way, that's the last you'll be seeing of wedding pictures unless you happen to get me in the same room as you with my laptop :). Now it's about time I head off to work and make sure the kiddies don't do anything too horrible to each other. They are a lot more mellow in the mornings, though, since they have to get up just as early as I do.

I need to get a pencil cup soon...

Nouveau

Spellt it right?
New link added, it's the last one on the list.

Sea To Shining Sea

Here I sit in Panera, Issaquah. With complimentary free wireless.
Today I went for something new. I got a french toast bagel and hot chocolage (no whip, which apparently costs 39 freakin cents!). All is normal now, they have butter today :). Yesterday morning I had to eat my cinnamon crunch with no butter because they didn't have theres yet! What's-his-name said it was on back order and they hadn't yet received their dairy shipment. The french toast bagel is (obviously) not crunchy. Well, apart from it's toastocity. It is, however, cinnamony and tasty. Plus, the french toast bagel has a fun little shape and a small menagerie of colors.
If any of you are wondering what my last post was about, the simple answer is: nothing. I felt like posting something completely inane and idiotic, because it seems like anything of substance doesn't get comments (but we all know how that works). My plan did work to some small extent, as it was commented on pretty quickly.
Yesterday I tried applying at the very panera for part-time work. I was hoping they would be extra nice and hire me and give me work around my Sambica schedule. They won't. Roger said they needed people for mid-day shifts, as lunch was the busiest time (which I could see, as that's when I dropped my app). So, I understand why. It just stinks that I get no work at Panera :(. Oh well.
Today I'm in the kitchen during the morning, then clubhouse in the afternoon. I'll be making chocolate crinkle dough for 90, and maybe chocolate chip cookie dough for the same. Tomorrow morning I've got an early start to help cook breakfast, then eat breakfast [what joy!], then an errand or two, help cook lunch, after lunch I bake like mad!, then dinner, then a movie at Lyd's with the crew. Should be fun. My weekend is crammed full of activity, which is good and bad. I do like having lots to do, though I do need to get rest when I can (maybe I'll take it easy tonight and just watch a movie or something...).
Ooh, I need to get gas... Another errand to run!

Ah yes, while I'm thinking of it, I shall share a fun new link. I considered adding them to my list, maybe if you think they should be for future reference, you can share with me your opinion on the matter. Anyways, they're The Dormitory Boys. They're two chinese guys who...well, you'll just have to watch and see. I think it's pretty hilarious.
I think that shall do for me. It's about time I head out so I'm back with a little time before I have to go make my doughs :). Todays crossword seems to be particularly difficult. Perhaps I just need a partner in crime so as to increase brain power.
Yes, that's it...
That's always it...

Up, up and away!

Ups And Downs

Blah, blah, blah.
Yakkity yak.
You better come back.

"Make 'em laugh, make 'em laugh, make 'em laugh!"

Odysseus

My amazing skills of deduction tell me that I should post again, since anyone who visits this little land is either already tired of seeing the Matisyahu album cover at the top, or they just don't care about his music or what I think of it :).
Thitherfore, I shall tell you all about nothing in particular.
Jenny went back up to school yesterday :(. I'm glad she was home for a while though, home is just never quite home without her. Oscar went back to North Carolina last Tuesday. The upside of all these people going away is that come summer, they get to stay! No more leaving for school!
Friday we watc...err, what did we do on friday? We baked banana bread. I know we had to have watched something... It wasn't Muppets, it wasn't Phantom of the Opera and it wasn't Cool Runnings. That much I know. Anyways...
Saturday was chinese for lunch (apparently everyone had that, just in different places) and shopping with Jenny and Jason.
Sunday I stopped at 220th Sbux for a cinnamon twist for breakfast. It was going to be joined by a cinnamon dolce blended creme frappucino, no whip, but there wasn't time for that (I left a hint later than I wanted to for church). On my way out I ended up being caught by Ashley Debo (sp?), she was at the end of the line that was almost to the door. Taco Bell for lunch (I should've gotten more than the one burrito) followed by a short afternoon of lounging and errands. Jenny got her oil changed and got groceries for school. We were all tired that day, so Jenny kicked us out after getting her hair snipped by Lyd.
The rest of the day was spent Very much enjoying some much needed lounging and conversing. Two-noodle pasta with roasted garlic alfredo sauce and chicken, caesar salad and garlic bread for dinner.
Yesterday was a normal day of work. Today is more of the same. Hopefully I can get out to Crista before 7:30 (last time it took about 50 minutes to get there). The earlier, the better. It's still nice, though, that I get to do the big group, apartments and see Ralph when I do arrive.
Ight, I think that's all I've got for now. I have to finish my mourning rotine and get to work soon enough. I hope everyone is enjoying their weeks. And to those who are just returning to their appointed duties, good luck, and don't forget to do your homework!

Do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do...

Matisyahu

Today I picked up Matisyahu's live album, Live at Stubb's.
Good music, and it happens to carry a good message. Matisyahu (Matthew Miller) follows Judaism, which his music caused me to wonder about. I checked his bio just now, and he has an interesting story and I'm glad that for once there's a mainstream artist with more than a mainstream philosophy.
Good music, check it out if you're curious. It's reminiscent of Bob Marley rasta music.

Edit: I was pleasantly surprised when I was finishing listening to the album on my way home tonight by some awesome beatboxing and hearing the song that I was getting this album for. Good. Stuff.

Dolphins

A quick update since I haven't posted in some time.
Monday I went to Ikea and got a new dresser out of the as-is section. The old one I had here was, well, old. And it didn't work very well, kind of a hassle. My new one is very nice. It fits almost all I had in the other one, is roomier, has a larger top for putting things on and just looks terribly nicer.
Our new schedule dictates that we shall work in the kitchen one week, open one week, then close the following four weeks. That means I don't get off until 6:30 every day, which means I get to Crista nice and late every Tuesday (traffic permitting), it makes doing anything north of here a little more of a hassle any week night, and just generally puts a damper on things. But, such is life.
Life in general is going pretty well. I may start looking for part-time work so I have something to transition to this summer. Real life is kind of scary. I'm going to have to get a bed when I have my own place...
I think that shall be all for now. I've got a good old fashioned intern meeting in a few, then clubhouse after lunch.

Further up and further in!

A Post That Is Nothing Of Consequence...

It's official!

Rummikub