I don't actually have one of these. I want to though! Actually, maybe not. I'm not sure that I could convince my friends that reading stuff like End The Fed and The Black Swan would be in their best interest. It might not be anyway. End The Fed was terribly disappointing.
I mostly just want to be in a book club in order to have an excuse to have brunch once a month. I love brunch. There's not much better than starting your day with bailey's & coffee, mimosas, bacon, and eggs. In that order.
So, until I get around to starting a brunch/book/mimosa drinking club, I'll add a feature to my blog about books I'm reading or have read. And then people can talk about books they are reading. So, it will be like a book club on the interweb, which leaves more time for brunch in real life.
Books I've read recently:
The Help : Good stuff--highly recommend. Fiction. Told from the perspective of African-American maids in Jackson, Mississippi during the Civil Rights Era.
The Liar's Club: Really, really good. Even though it was a short book, it took me a long time to get through. The book is a memoir of a woman who grew up in East Texas during the 60s. Mom was a crazy alcoholic. Literally crazy--she set the house on fire. Dad drank too much too. Anyway, the book was riveting in its awfulness.
End the Fed: Ron Paul, I'm disappointed in you. You can't write a book called "End the Fed" without coming up with a decent plan for how to unwind it. Lovely points on why it shouldn't exist -- all of which I could've read on my own by googling "gold standard."
Catcher in the Rye: I read this during the Oktoberfest/Central European adventures of 2010. A good classic and fun read. Regretfully, I had to abandon it in a hostel in Fussen, Germany in order to make room for my Dirndl.
A Week in December. I picked this up in the Heathrow airport with the last of my pounds. Tells the stories of roughly 15 different people in London. It jumps around between them and gradually you see how they are all inter-related. It is suspenseful, because one of the guys is a terrorist and another one is orchestrating the collapse of the world's banking system.
Little Bee. Couldn't put it down. Despite the girly appearance of the cover, I would recommend it to anyone.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Christmas Cookies
Yesterday, I got together with some college girlfriends to decorate Christmas Cookies. My cookies were pretty special. In a "oh, your 3 year old must have had fun making cookies" sort of way. I actually do TRY to decorate cookies nicely. It just never works out. I have all these ideas in my head about cute cookies, but sometimes that doesn't translate through into the frosting and sprinkles.
This is one of my cookies mixed in with all the cute cookies made by my talented friends.
This me trying to be talented.
The grande finale and my best cookie creation to date...something made me think I could portray the nativity onto a cookie. (The pink jelly blob is an angel, and yes, our Lord and Savior is represented by a gingerbread man sprinkle.)
I came across last year's cookies while thumbing through my iphone photo album. Olympic fever was running high. Please note that I wrote "USA" on a maple leaf. In yo FACE, Canada.
This is one of my cookies mixed in with all the cute cookies made by my talented friends.
This me trying to be talented.
The grande finale and my best cookie creation to date...something made me think I could portray the nativity onto a cookie. (The pink jelly blob is an angel, and yes, our Lord and Savior is represented by a gingerbread man sprinkle.)
I came across last year's cookies while thumbing through my iphone photo album. Olympic fever was running high. Please note that I wrote "USA" on a maple leaf. In yo FACE, Canada.
Flaming Patriot
Things like this are the reason I created this blog. The thought of G-Dub blazing across unincorporated Virginia countryside with the Stars and Stripes riding shotgun....sigh. I can only wish that I thought of something so hilarious. Looks like it is time to trade in my Mazda3 Zoom-Zoom for something that can strike real fear into the hearts of the British.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Inside Job
Yesterday, I saw a documentary in the theatre. I can't think of a more nerdy thing to do, besides blogging about documentaries. It's not even like I saw a trendy documentary about global warming or fast food. I saw one about the financial services industry.
What's worse is that I didn't actually KNOW I was going to see a documentary. I suggested going to see Love and Other Drugs. My friend said that sounded dumb and suggested going to see Inside Job. I didn't know anything about that movie, so I did a little online research. After a very brief IMDB review, I saw that Matt Damon was in the movie. Sure, I'll see a movie with Matt Damon in it. About 15 minutes into the movie, I realized that the movie was not a dramatic re-enactment of the financial crisis. Matt Damon was the NARRATOR. FTL.
Seriously though, it was actually a good film. I thought it did a good job drilling down to who the major players in the financial crisis were, and it really flushed out exactly how intertwined Wall Street, Washington, and the academic community are. That was probably the most interesting part. I didn't really realize the extent to which people out of Ivy League schools write economic textbooks that educate the world, sit on the boards of large financial firms AND sit on the president's economic councils. It is kind of scary when you really start to think about it.
The film did a good job describing how the CDO, credit default swaps, and derivatives markets work, but I think they really missed the impact of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Those entities are market makers just like all the private investment banks, but for some reason the film didn't bring that out.
Long story short, Matt sounded great. I'd recommend the film.
Also, check out my friend's new blog. She's going to be volunteering in India soon and needs some followers. For background, you can also see my older post on highest and best use.
What's worse is that I didn't actually KNOW I was going to see a documentary. I suggested going to see Love and Other Drugs. My friend said that sounded dumb and suggested going to see Inside Job. I didn't know anything about that movie, so I did a little online research. After a very brief IMDB review, I saw that Matt Damon was in the movie. Sure, I'll see a movie with Matt Damon in it. About 15 minutes into the movie, I realized that the movie was not a dramatic re-enactment of the financial crisis. Matt Damon was the NARRATOR. FTL.
Seriously though, it was actually a good film. I thought it did a good job drilling down to who the major players in the financial crisis were, and it really flushed out exactly how intertwined Wall Street, Washington, and the academic community are. That was probably the most interesting part. I didn't really realize the extent to which people out of Ivy League schools write economic textbooks that educate the world, sit on the boards of large financial firms AND sit on the president's economic councils. It is kind of scary when you really start to think about it.
The film did a good job describing how the CDO, credit default swaps, and derivatives markets work, but I think they really missed the impact of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Those entities are market makers just like all the private investment banks, but for some reason the film didn't bring that out.
Long story short, Matt sounded great. I'd recommend the film.
Also, check out my friend's new blog. She's going to be volunteering in India soon and needs some followers. For background, you can also see my older post on highest and best use.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Beef Stick
Ever thought about picking up a job during the holiday season? It could be a fun way to make some extra cash. Plus, you would be entitled to store discounts during the shopping season!
Nordstrom and REI are obvious choices. A holiday job would certainly justify a kayak and snowboard. However, I don’t know how to kayak or snowboard. I could learn. Or just go for Nordstroms and get some True Religions. But actually, have you been in Nordstrom or REI? Total chaos. I don’t want a stressful holiday season.
If I were to get a holiday job, I would want to work for the Hickory Farms booth at the mall.
Have you ever received on of those meat and mustard gift packages from Hickory Farms?!? Delicious. The meat lasts forever. My grandpa gets me one for Christmas every year; it is usually gone by December 26th. Sometimes I share. Sometimes I don’t. What of it?
Nordstrom and REI are obvious choices. A holiday job would certainly justify a kayak and snowboard. However, I don’t know how to kayak or snowboard. I could learn. Or just go for Nordstroms and get some True Religions. But actually, have you been in Nordstrom or REI? Total chaos. I don’t want a stressful holiday season.
If I were to get a holiday job, I would want to work for the Hickory Farms booth at the mall.
Have you ever received on of those meat and mustard gift packages from Hickory Farms?!? Delicious. The meat lasts forever. My grandpa gets me one for Christmas every year; it is usually gone by December 26th. Sometimes I share. Sometimes I don’t. What of it?
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Local News | Why can't we handle snow? | Seattle Times Newspaper
Local News | Why can't we handle snow? | Seattle Times Newspaper
Again, you're always better off to over-react about the snow. This is precisely why. The city didn't even know that the freeways were solid sheets of ice until 4pm? Excuse me, what? Invest in some walkie-talkies!
Again, you're always better off to over-react about the snow. This is precisely why. The city didn't even know that the freeways were solid sheets of ice until 4pm? Excuse me, what? Invest in some walkie-talkies!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Local News | 86-year-old Columbia Sportswear executive fools robber | Seattle Times Newspaper
Local News | 86-year-old Columbia Sportswear executive fools robber | Seattle Times Newspaper
Today, one of my BFF's sent me this article and said "This is how I picture you in your 80s."
Damn right.
Today, one of my BFF's sent me this article and said "This is how I picture you in your 80s."
Damn right.
Monday, November 22, 2010
La Nina
Sara VS. La Nina. I'm keeping score, and right now we're tied at 2-2. It is going to be a good game this winter. I scored a point yesterday for using my new giant parka in the snow. Today, La Nina scored 2 points for my 3.75 hour commute (FML) and nearly committing me to an icy death in Lake Washington. I answered back with an epic game of Snow Diamond for a point.
Snow in the Pac NW is a chaotic event. Truly--there is nothing that causes more craziness. Especially when it happens on a Monday. A monday morning. Everyone tackled the drive to work, which was slow, but totally safe. It continues to snow throughout the day, but doesn't really stick. We're all riding high from our relatively successful morning commute, so we're not too worried...WRONG. Be worried! It is always better to over-react about the snow. Stay home as soon as you see a flake! There's no glory in manning up and coming to work. You will always regret it. Always.
I was smart enough to leave work at 3 (along with the rest of the city). I was not smart enough to consider the fact that 75% of my 10 mile commute was going to be on BRIDGES. Bridges that have significant inclines. Bridges that have been freezing over all day. Bridges that cannot be accessed by road crews because the entire STATE is gridlocked.
I've never been in a more terrifying driving experience in my life. "Driving" on a freeway covered in an inch of ice is a ridiculous task. It is comical on TV, but not in real life. Especially when you have to literally dodge fishtailing cars and city buses and people putting chains on in the center lane. It's not like you can stop halfway up on an icy hill either. You'll never make it. Oh, and on either side of the freeway is a 350 foot deep LAKE. So, if the fishtailing bus slams into my flimsy Mazda3--over the edge I go.
Three hours, 10 miles, and a splitting headache later, I made it safely to my home. At my home, everyone was excited about the snow, but they hadn't been in their car for the last 3 hours. After a Rainier and some thai food, I started to get excited about the snow too.
My roommate rallied a bunch of people to go play in the snow at the park, and we invented the BEST SNOW GAME EVER. We called it Snow Diamond, which basically combines a snowball fight and all games you ever played in PE as a child. Here's how you play:
-Draw a large diamond in the snow, bisected by a line, so you have two adjacent triangles. (yeah geometry terms)
-Divide into teams, and pre-pack an arsenal of snowballs.
-Everyone takes one snowball and puts it on the center line. (make sure to yell "put your balls on the line."
-Play dodgeball with snowballs!
-If you get hit, you're frozen (cuz it is SNOW).
-Your teammates can unfreeze you by diving underneath your legs (like in tunnel tag).
-The first team to freeze all members of the other team is the winner!
Other imporant rules:
-You can leave the diamond to pack more snowballs, but you can only throw from within the diamond.
-You can't throw snowballs if you are frozen.
-Double fisting is allowed.
-If you are diving under someone to unfreeze them, you can still get hit.
-If you catch an intact snowball, your team wins the entire round.
Snowmageddon continues tomorrow. I'm not getting back into my car for at least a week, but I'll play Snow Diamond anytime. Oh, and I'm going to join EVERYONE by posting something about the snow on facebook.
Snow in the Pac NW is a chaotic event. Truly--there is nothing that causes more craziness. Especially when it happens on a Monday. A monday morning. Everyone tackled the drive to work, which was slow, but totally safe. It continues to snow throughout the day, but doesn't really stick. We're all riding high from our relatively successful morning commute, so we're not too worried...WRONG. Be worried! It is always better to over-react about the snow. Stay home as soon as you see a flake! There's no glory in manning up and coming to work. You will always regret it. Always.
I was smart enough to leave work at 3 (along with the rest of the city). I was not smart enough to consider the fact that 75% of my 10 mile commute was going to be on BRIDGES. Bridges that have significant inclines. Bridges that have been freezing over all day. Bridges that cannot be accessed by road crews because the entire STATE is gridlocked.
I've never been in a more terrifying driving experience in my life. "Driving" on a freeway covered in an inch of ice is a ridiculous task. It is comical on TV, but not in real life. Especially when you have to literally dodge fishtailing cars and city buses and people putting chains on in the center lane. It's not like you can stop halfway up on an icy hill either. You'll never make it. Oh, and on either side of the freeway is a 350 foot deep LAKE. So, if the fishtailing bus slams into my flimsy Mazda3--over the edge I go.
Three hours, 10 miles, and a splitting headache later, I made it safely to my home. At my home, everyone was excited about the snow, but they hadn't been in their car for the last 3 hours. After a Rainier and some thai food, I started to get excited about the snow too.
My roommate rallied a bunch of people to go play in the snow at the park, and we invented the BEST SNOW GAME EVER. We called it Snow Diamond, which basically combines a snowball fight and all games you ever played in PE as a child. Here's how you play:
-Draw a large diamond in the snow, bisected by a line, so you have two adjacent triangles. (yeah geometry terms)
-Divide into teams, and pre-pack an arsenal of snowballs.
-Everyone takes one snowball and puts it on the center line. (make sure to yell "put your balls on the line."
-Play dodgeball with snowballs!
-If you get hit, you're frozen (cuz it is SNOW).
-Your teammates can unfreeze you by diving underneath your legs (like in tunnel tag).
-The first team to freeze all members of the other team is the winner!
Other imporant rules:
-You can leave the diamond to pack more snowballs, but you can only throw from within the diamond.
-You can't throw snowballs if you are frozen.
-Double fisting is allowed.
-If you are diving under someone to unfreeze them, you can still get hit.
-If you catch an intact snowball, your team wins the entire round.
Snowmageddon continues tomorrow. I'm not getting back into my car for at least a week, but I'll play Snow Diamond anytime. Oh, and I'm going to join EVERYONE by posting something about the snow on facebook.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The mall
The mall
Today, I went to the mall before it was open. I'll never make that mistake again. Stores open at 3 am on black Friday, but the mall doesn't open before 11 on any given Sunday? I showed up at 10:30. With nothing else to do, I wandered to the food court to at least see if sbux was open. The empty mall-ways were playing some semi-inspirational celine dion song from the 90s while randoms in parkas sat on the benches, apparently waiting for stores to open. Or just starig at me in a creepy manner. Sbux was open -with a line 30 people deep. Why? What are all these people doing here? There is nothing to see! All the stores are dark. Not even any mall walkers. Just people sitting.
So I got an eggnog latte, sat down, and stared at people in a creepy manner until the stores opened.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Horse Racing
For me, going on trips requires a lot of preparation/training.
Prior to attending the Olympics this year I hosted a party where we watched Cool Runnings, dressed in patriotic gear, and drank Canadian beer. For the record, drinking everytime you hear "bobsled" or "olympics" during that movie is a bad idea. We had a similar-type party during the Opening Cermonies.
Prior to Oktoberfest, my friends and I patronized every german bar in Seattle on Thursday nights for 6 weeks prior to departure. I also watched Beerfest and practiced drinking out of boots.
2011 is the year of the Kentucky Derby. May 7th in Louisville. There are A LOT of things that need to be done to get ready for it. Good thing I'm starting now. Most importantly, I need to learn how to make lots of money by betting on horse races. So, I purchased my very own copy of "Betting on Horse Racing for Dummies." Good thing too, because I can't imagine how hard it is for smart people. The book is 332 pages long! So, between now and May, my blog will be filled with horse racing tips/facts.
Today, we learn that the "backstretch" is the straight part of the racetrack opposite from where the finish line is. It also means the stable area where the racehorses are kept. That is confusing, especially because I've always thought that the backstretch was the part right before the finish line. Sigh.
Here is a list of things I need to do before the Derby:
1. Re-read and/or watch Seabiscuit
2. Watch Secretariat (my book says that horse has held the record for 30+ years)
3. Go to Emerald Downs
4. Find a bookie
5. Learn the words to "My Old Kentucky Home"
6. Become familiar with where Kentucky is on a map
7. Come up with an awesome idea for my derby hat
8. Figure out how to make a mint julep
9. Figure out how to make sweet tea
10. Save up some gambling money
11. Find ways to use the word "trifecta" in everyday speech
12. Learn how to calculate payouts
13. Search the app store for Derby-related iPhone apps
14. Determine whether or not there is anything else to do in Kentucky
15. Convince all of my friends to go!
If you've been to the Derby or have any additional tips, let me know!
Prior to attending the Olympics this year I hosted a party where we watched Cool Runnings, dressed in patriotic gear, and drank Canadian beer. For the record, drinking everytime you hear "bobsled" or "olympics" during that movie is a bad idea. We had a similar-type party during the Opening Cermonies.
Prior to Oktoberfest, my friends and I patronized every german bar in Seattle on Thursday nights for 6 weeks prior to departure. I also watched Beerfest and practiced drinking out of boots.
2011 is the year of the Kentucky Derby. May 7th in Louisville. There are A LOT of things that need to be done to get ready for it. Good thing I'm starting now. Most importantly, I need to learn how to make lots of money by betting on horse races. So, I purchased my very own copy of "Betting on Horse Racing for Dummies." Good thing too, because I can't imagine how hard it is for smart people. The book is 332 pages long! So, between now and May, my blog will be filled with horse racing tips/facts.
Today, we learn that the "backstretch" is the straight part of the racetrack opposite from where the finish line is. It also means the stable area where the racehorses are kept. That is confusing, especially because I've always thought that the backstretch was the part right before the finish line. Sigh.
Here is a list of things I need to do before the Derby:
1. Re-read and/or watch Seabiscuit
2. Watch Secretariat (my book says that horse has held the record for 30+ years)
3. Go to Emerald Downs
4. Find a bookie
5. Learn the words to "My Old Kentucky Home"
6. Become familiar with where Kentucky is on a map
7. Come up with an awesome idea for my derby hat
8. Figure out how to make a mint julep
9. Figure out how to make sweet tea
10. Save up some gambling money
11. Find ways to use the word "trifecta" in everyday speech
12. Learn how to calculate payouts
13. Search the app store for Derby-related iPhone apps
14. Determine whether or not there is anything else to do in Kentucky
15. Convince all of my friends to go!
If you've been to the Derby or have any additional tips, let me know!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
WWF
I used to suffer from a really intense addiction to Words with Friends (WWF). I would stay up late. I would start playing in bed at 6:15am after my alarm went off. Flight attendants would continually ask me to turn off and stow my phone. I even played while I was DRIVING. That's when I realized that I had crossed a line.
Another problem was that I just wasn't very good. I lost all the time. Even if I did win, it was usually on a fluke. Like, I happened to pay "Qi" on a triple word or something. That was the best I could do. But, that made it easy to quit. I've been clean for months, and I've successfuly found other methods to waste time. Like updating my blog. Or trying out for reality TV shows. Or watching Season 2 of gossip girl on DVD. However, I still maintain close connections with some of my former WWF competitors. Sometimes I get to share in their victories and defeats....like in this epic game below.
Another problem was that I just wasn't very good. I lost all the time. Even if I did win, it was usually on a fluke. Like, I happened to pay "Qi" on a triple word or something. That was the best I could do. But, that made it easy to quit. I've been clean for months, and I've successfuly found other methods to waste time. Like updating my blog. Or trying out for reality TV shows. Or watching Season 2 of gossip girl on DVD. However, I still maintain close connections with some of my former WWF competitors. Sometimes I get to share in their victories and defeats....like in this epic game below.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Happy Birthday Elece!
Theresa: Are you flying into Reagan?
Elece: Yes, except I call it National, because I'm a democrat.
Microfinance & Bacon
Much thanks to Jacob Anderson for sending me this interesting article on microfinance in India. I'm all for microfinance. But, just like we saw in our own country, giving credit to anyone and everyone who wants it doesn't do anybody good.
Also, much thanks to Erin Illingworth for sending me this blog post on Peanut Butter and Bacon Cookies. They look delicous, yet disgusting at the same time. I'll give them a whirl, but my candied bacon recipe will give anyone a run for their money.
Also, much thanks to Erin Illingworth for sending me this blog post on Peanut Butter and Bacon Cookies. They look delicous, yet disgusting at the same time. I'll give them a whirl, but my candied bacon recipe will give anyone a run for their money.
frugality vs. cheapness
According to my esteemed colleague Andy, "It is good to be frugal, but not obviously." Recently, I've been noticing some of my colleagues employing some questionable money-saving techniques. How far are you willing to go? I'll replace the heels on my shoes 3 or 4 times before I'll buy a new pair...but there's a line somewhere. I've observed the following money-saving practices at work recently:
- reusing sandwich bags in your lunch for an entire week
- consuming a leftover Subway sandwich that was 6 days old
- using an old spaghetti sauce jar in place of a water bottle
- adding Starbucks Via to Kirkland Signature Brand frappuccionos.
- buying a new TV only once every 10 years.
- living for an entire week on nothing but free food from the Holiday Inn express.
Thoughts? What obscure money-saving techniques do you have?
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Government saves the day
Local News State bans 'blackout in a can' caffeinated alcohol drinks Seattle Times Newspaper
This is outrageous. Will it also soon be illegal to mix red bull and vodka together? On the other hand, maybe the State should start banning all things that are bad for us. Maybe the state can ban candy, because it is bad for me and I binge eat it. I can't control my consumption of candy (I've tried), so I should rely on the government to do it for me.
This is outrageous. Will it also soon be illegal to mix red bull and vodka together? On the other hand, maybe the State should start banning all things that are bad for us. Maybe the state can ban candy, because it is bad for me and I binge eat it. I can't control my consumption of candy (I've tried), so I should rely on the government to do it for me.
Quarter-life crisis
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Apple Slicer
I’ve been eating apples my whole life, and I’ve lived in the apple capital of the world for the last 8 years.
Only yesterday, did I learn what this kitchen utensil could be used for. I thought it was for mashing potatoes or maybe had something to do with making cakes.
What if the rules didn't apply?
Today's blog post is inspired by my friend Brandon. Yesterday, we were discussing certain seedy hotels located in Aberdeen, WA. At some point in the discussion, he posed the question of "What would you do if the rules didn't apply for one day?"
It is an interesting exercise of the mind. How far outside the rules would you be willing to operate without feeling bad about yourself?
I don't think my answers were that crazy. I like to attribute this to my impeccable moral code.
…drive above the speed limit.
…set a hotel on fire.
…jump off of the Columbia Tower.
I added "rob a bank," but the more I thought about it, I felt bad. Stealing is bad. It's not even that interesting if everyone else can do it. Would speeding be worth it if everyone else could do it? If the rules didn't apply, why would you even need to drive fast to get somewhere on time anyway?
Are the rules even restricting me? I kind of do what I want most of the time anyway.
I'd like to know what you would do if the rules didn't apply for one day. And why. Comments please!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Target
I have a love/hate relationship with the Northgate Target. Now, that place is a disaster. They're constantly out of stock, and the shoe department is a disaster of size 6.5 and 11. 8.5 is the most common shoe size in America--why are you always out?!?!
They must be doing something right up there though. Every time I go in just to buy laundry detergent, I come in with $100 - $200 worth of other goods. So, they must have the store layout right or something. I can't go in there to buy only what I came for.
However, customer service is still lacking. Your goods aren't priced low enough to excuse your sales staff from basic service concepts. If I wanted cheap things and poor service, I would go to Walmart. I thought Target was supposed to be a step above. For example, you don't tell a customer that you're going to go get something out of the back for them...and then forget to do it...leaving them loitering akwardly in the store for 20 minutes.
Or maybe you do. Ten minutes into waiting, I had already decided that I was going to buy the product, because I had waited so long! Of course, I could've just left and come back another time. But, that would mean another $100-$200 in extra goods from THAT trip. You and your mind games Target!!! Get out of my head!
They must be doing something right up there though. Every time I go in just to buy laundry detergent, I come in with $100 - $200 worth of other goods. So, they must have the store layout right or something. I can't go in there to buy only what I came for.
However, customer service is still lacking. Your goods aren't priced low enough to excuse your sales staff from basic service concepts. If I wanted cheap things and poor service, I would go to Walmart. I thought Target was supposed to be a step above. For example, you don't tell a customer that you're going to go get something out of the back for them...and then forget to do it...leaving them loitering akwardly in the store for 20 minutes.
Or maybe you do. Ten minutes into waiting, I had already decided that I was going to buy the product, because I had waited so long! Of course, I could've just left and come back another time. But, that would mean another $100-$200 in extra goods from THAT trip. You and your mind games Target!!! Get out of my head!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Nutcrackers
I hate these things! So creepy! They put them out as decoration on Seattle streetcorners during the holidays. I found this one lurking in the convention center this morning. I wonder where the rest of the army is hiding. WHAT IS IT DOING HERE?!?! Christmas is months away!!
Work
I got the following email from a co-worker today. Things like this are what get me through the days. I don’t really even know what this means, but I’m looking forward to wielding my authority.
“Hi Sara
This email is to inform you that, starting next week, you will be my sanity totem for the month of November.
That is all”
Monday, October 25, 2010
Flash Mob
I've been holding off on writing this post until the official video was ready. However, it appears that the Seahawks franchise is too busy kicking ass to publish the official video. In the meantime, you can watch this "unofficial" footage.
Awesome, right?!?! Can you believe that I totally learned all those moves?
I think that one of the best ways to describe my flash mob experience is to stereotype everyone who participated (including myself). To give you some background, in the weeks leading up to the performance there were a number of rehearsals. These usually took place in crowded ball rooms, and the dress rehearsals took place on soccer fields in city parks. It was all highly organized. The organizers communicated via facebook, and all of the rehearsals had sound equipment, stages, etc. They also started and ended on time--a very important feature in my book. Anyway, I've listed a few people below that were typical of the flash mob crowd. I didn't snap any pictures, and I'm not making fun of these people. I'm just trying to describe how AWESOME it is that people from all walks of life can get together and dance to MJ in front of 60K half-drunk football fans without getting booed.
#1 - Moms w/ their kids: I liked this group. Moms in their early 40's with their 10 year olds singing along to Madonna's vogue. A wholesome family. I met one mom who had done ALL of the flash mobs in seattle with her kids. She loved that she could dance in the street with her teenage daughters--and they actually wanted to do it! Isn't that adorable?!
#2 - Old man by himself: Sweatband. black socks. white tennies. 'nuff said.
#3 - Teenage girls who thought they were hot Sh*T: I didn't like this group. These girls showed up mom-free and screamed all the time about everything. Here is an exchange between me and stereotype #3 during the DRESS REHEARSAL 2 hours before the game...
me: hey, I'm Sara. Nice to meet you.
S3: hey, I'm stereotype #3, and I think I'm hot Sh*T.
me: Have you ever done a flash mob before?
S3: No, but it should be pretty easy.
me: What do you mean? The MJ part is still tricky for me.
S3: Well, I've only been to one practice, but I'm really good with choreography.
me: oh. cool.
#4 - Single girl in her 20's with nothing better to do: Hiiii! That's right, nothing better to do, because this was so incredibly awesome! But yes, these are the types that usually go to happy hour or a run around greenlake after work. They put all the rehearsals in their iphone calendar and wore cute lululemon outfits to the rehearsals on the off chance that they would meet a hot guy or two. However, you'll notice that "Hot single guy in his late 20's or early 30's" is not listed as a flash mob stereotype.
#5 - Weirdo guy in his mid-20's: Definitely on the list. This was the guy who found it appropriate to ask for snacks from my friends and me. And not just a few pieces of trail mix. Somehow he got carrots, half of a PB&J, and a fruit by the foot from all of us.
#6 - Woman who didn't listen to instructions: O.M.G lady! If you watched the video above, you see that everyone was in fairly straight lines. It is very difficult to organize 800 people into military-style lines. Stereotype #6, did you ever stop to think that if you listened to what the people in charge were saying over the microphones you might hear that they had given us a change of instructions!?!?! Stand in your line and don't move. Oh, and can you please stop telling everyone around you what to do, because you are telling them the wrong thing. You are not one of the leaders here. Have you never participated in a group before? Oh, you're confused and frustrated now?!?! LISTEN.
#7 - Woman who yelled at #6: You are my favorite.
Awesome, right?!?! Can you believe that I totally learned all those moves?
I think that one of the best ways to describe my flash mob experience is to stereotype everyone who participated (including myself). To give you some background, in the weeks leading up to the performance there were a number of rehearsals. These usually took place in crowded ball rooms, and the dress rehearsals took place on soccer fields in city parks. It was all highly organized. The organizers communicated via facebook, and all of the rehearsals had sound equipment, stages, etc. They also started and ended on time--a very important feature in my book. Anyway, I've listed a few people below that were typical of the flash mob crowd. I didn't snap any pictures, and I'm not making fun of these people. I'm just trying to describe how AWESOME it is that people from all walks of life can get together and dance to MJ in front of 60K half-drunk football fans without getting booed.
#1 - Moms w/ their kids: I liked this group. Moms in their early 40's with their 10 year olds singing along to Madonna's vogue. A wholesome family. I met one mom who had done ALL of the flash mobs in seattle with her kids. She loved that she could dance in the street with her teenage daughters--and they actually wanted to do it! Isn't that adorable?!
#2 - Old man by himself: Sweatband. black socks. white tennies. 'nuff said.
#3 - Teenage girls who thought they were hot Sh*T: I didn't like this group. These girls showed up mom-free and screamed all the time about everything. Here is an exchange between me and stereotype #3 during the DRESS REHEARSAL 2 hours before the game...
me: hey, I'm Sara. Nice to meet you.
S3: hey, I'm stereotype #3, and I think I'm hot Sh*T.
me: Have you ever done a flash mob before?
S3: No, but it should be pretty easy.
me: What do you mean? The MJ part is still tricky for me.
S3: Well, I've only been to one practice, but I'm really good with choreography.
me: oh. cool.
#4 - Single girl in her 20's with nothing better to do: Hiiii! That's right, nothing better to do, because this was so incredibly awesome! But yes, these are the types that usually go to happy hour or a run around greenlake after work. They put all the rehearsals in their iphone calendar and wore cute lululemon outfits to the rehearsals on the off chance that they would meet a hot guy or two. However, you'll notice that "Hot single guy in his late 20's or early 30's" is not listed as a flash mob stereotype.
#5 - Weirdo guy in his mid-20's: Definitely on the list. This was the guy who found it appropriate to ask for snacks from my friends and me. And not just a few pieces of trail mix. Somehow he got carrots, half of a PB&J, and a fruit by the foot from all of us.
#6 - Woman who didn't listen to instructions: O.M.G lady! If you watched the video above, you see that everyone was in fairly straight lines. It is very difficult to organize 800 people into military-style lines. Stereotype #6, did you ever stop to think that if you listened to what the people in charge were saying over the microphones you might hear that they had given us a change of instructions!?!?! Stand in your line and don't move. Oh, and can you please stop telling everyone around you what to do, because you are telling them the wrong thing. You are not one of the leaders here. Have you never participated in a group before? Oh, you're confused and frustrated now?!?! LISTEN.
#7 - Woman who yelled at #6: You are my favorite.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Running
This is the best running mix I've ever created. Half-marathon, here I come!
1. Circle of Life -- Lion King (if this doesn't motivate you...something is wrong with you.)
2. No Love -- Lil Wayne & Eminem (got this world stuck in a safe, combination is the G-code. so poetic!)
3. Jai Ho -- Slumdog Millionaire
4. I'm on a Boat -- Adam Samburg & T-Pain
5. Home -- Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
6. Nothin But a good time -- Poison
7. Sleepyhead -- Passion Pit (odd choice, yes, but it works. The beat is good)
8. Footloose (worth repeating--the beat is perfect!)
9. Callin Baton Rouge -- Garth Brooks
10. Who the Fuck is Alice (german drinking song)
11. Sideways -- Dierks Bentley
12. Dancing on my grave -- Ghostland Observatory (g-land could really be the whole mix)
13. Jump in the Fire -- Night Marchers
14. Hard -- Rihanna
15. Basketcase -- Green Day (takes you back to 7th grade when they were cool)
16. America -- Neil Diamond (...but not without a star...EPIC AND INSPIRING)
17. The time of my life -- Dirty Dancing (another odd choice...but just roll with it)
18. California Gurls -- Katy Perry & Snoop (I love snoop!)
19. Ein Prosit (another german drinking song)
This list only lasts about 8 or 9 miles. I need to add a few more to get all the way to 13.1. Please provide your favorites!
1. Circle of Life -- Lion King (if this doesn't motivate you...something is wrong with you.)
2. No Love -- Lil Wayne & Eminem (got this world stuck in a safe, combination is the G-code. so poetic!)
3. Jai Ho -- Slumdog Millionaire
4. I'm on a Boat -- Adam Samburg & T-Pain
5. Home -- Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
6. Nothin But a good time -- Poison
7. Sleepyhead -- Passion Pit (odd choice, yes, but it works. The beat is good)
8. Footloose (worth repeating--the beat is perfect!)
9. Callin Baton Rouge -- Garth Brooks
10. Who the Fuck is Alice (german drinking song)
11. Sideways -- Dierks Bentley
12. Dancing on my grave -- Ghostland Observatory (g-land could really be the whole mix)
13. Jump in the Fire -- Night Marchers
14. Hard -- Rihanna
15. Basketcase -- Green Day (takes you back to 7th grade when they were cool)
16. America -- Neil Diamond (...but not without a star...EPIC AND INSPIRING)
17. The time of my life -- Dirty Dancing (another odd choice...but just roll with it)
18. California Gurls -- Katy Perry & Snoop (I love snoop!)
19. Ein Prosit (another german drinking song)
This list only lasts about 8 or 9 miles. I need to add a few more to get all the way to 13.1. Please provide your favorites!
Friday, October 15, 2010
I'm thinking about getting a tramp stamp
Something like the tat in this photo, which was the headline on MSNBC's website today.
The article was rather mundane. Oh really, MSNBC? "Sin" industries continue to thrive in recessions? We KNOW THAT. Is there no real news today? I'd enjoy some more articles on foreclosure-gate. Mostly I just like the term "foreclosure-gate." So melodramatic. I'm also really excited for winter stroms to arrive so we can start talking about things like "Snowmageddon" again.
I like this take on foreclosure-gate.
Prost!
The article was rather mundane. Oh really, MSNBC? "Sin" industries continue to thrive in recessions? We KNOW THAT. Is there no real news today? I'd enjoy some more articles on foreclosure-gate. Mostly I just like the term "foreclosure-gate." So melodramatic. I'm also really excited for winter stroms to arrive so we can start talking about things like "Snowmageddon" again.
I like this take on foreclosure-gate.
Prost!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Facebook Birthdays
I really hate facebook birthday posts. They just make me feel bad about myself.
It always happens when I log onto the page of someone that I stalk every three months or so. It's those people that you maybe see once a year. Or, maybe you had some meaningful experience with them once and decided to initiate a facebook relationship. Or maybe you've had a secret crush on them forever so you regularly check up on their relationship status. So, you pull up their page every once in a while to see what's going on, and maybe you occasionally "like" a funny post or intellectual article link. That's about it.
But, what do you do when you randomly view their page only to see that all 487 of their OTHER facebook friends posted a "happy birthday" message on their birthday, which was three days ago?! Suddenly, you're the only Dbag friend that didn't wish them a happy birthday. And now, you can't even say "hey! congrats on the new job, we should grab coffee sometime," because you missed the birthday post. It would just be awkward. Why would this person want to catch up with you over coffee if you didn't even remember to post on their birthday?!?
I suppose that on my own birthday it IS nice to be acknowledged by all of my closest online friends. It's nice to see who comes up with something creative to stand out from the crowd. And, "oh, it sure was nice to hear from so-and-so today on my wall." Oh WAIT--Facebook TOLD them it was my birthday.
I don't really know what brought this rant on. If you recently had a birthday and I did not post on your wall...you could conclude that I am stalking you online every three months or so. You're probably right.
In the meantime, here are some pics from Europe:
Oktoberfest (clearly). I really love these girls. BFF's fo shizzle.
Budapest
Neuschwanstein
Prague
Berlin Wall
Budapest. Again-LOVE THEM!
It always happens when I log onto the page of someone that I stalk every three months or so. It's those people that you maybe see once a year. Or, maybe you had some meaningful experience with them once and decided to initiate a facebook relationship. Or maybe you've had a secret crush on them forever so you regularly check up on their relationship status. So, you pull up their page every once in a while to see what's going on, and maybe you occasionally "like" a funny post or intellectual article link. That's about it.
But, what do you do when you randomly view their page only to see that all 487 of their OTHER facebook friends posted a "happy birthday" message on their birthday, which was three days ago?! Suddenly, you're the only Dbag friend that didn't wish them a happy birthday. And now, you can't even say "hey! congrats on the new job, we should grab coffee sometime," because you missed the birthday post. It would just be awkward. Why would this person want to catch up with you over coffee if you didn't even remember to post on their birthday?!?
I suppose that on my own birthday it IS nice to be acknowledged by all of my closest online friends. It's nice to see who comes up with something creative to stand out from the crowd. And, "oh, it sure was nice to hear from so-and-so today on my wall." Oh WAIT--Facebook TOLD them it was my birthday.
I don't really know what brought this rant on. If you recently had a birthday and I did not post on your wall...you could conclude that I am stalking you online every three months or so. You're probably right.
In the meantime, here are some pics from Europe:
Oktoberfest (clearly). I really love these girls. BFF's fo shizzle.
Budapest
Neuschwanstein
Prague
Berlin Wall
Budapest. Again-LOVE THEM!
Junk Food
I have a problem; I really do. It's not that I don't try. But between the red vines on our kitchen table and the chocolate-covered peanut butter pretzels I accidentally bought at Trader Joe's—it's a lost cause.
This morning, I told my co-workers, "No, I'm not going with you to get a delicious pumpkin doughnut from Top Pot. I'm going to get some real breakfast* first." So, I got my real breakfast and devoured it. They were still talking about the doughnuts when I got back. Old-fashioned pumpkin. I couldn't take it. As they headed out the door, I literally yelled after them, and chased them down the hall with $2. "Bring me one please. I just now realized what I was going to miss."
It was amazing. I would've posted a picture of it…but I ate it already. Eurotrip pictures are coming soon. My computer is from 2007, and despite upgrades, it functions like it is from 1995.
*real breakfast is a breakfast burrito from the U.S. Courthouse Café. Made to order for only $3.95, and it will keep you full until 2pm.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Munich
There was a marathon in Munich today. In celebration I had an unmentionable helping of nutella for breakfast today.
Headed home.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Salzburg
Today ended up being a lot more fun than I expected. I admit I was having a little buyer's remorse about the Salzburg trip. Train tickets aren't cheap, and I had to go through Munich to get there (and then backtrack tonight).
It was totally worth it though. The sun was shining, and I spent the afternoon riding around the hilly countryside listening to the sound of music soundtrack. I got to ride the luge, and our tour stopped for beer and cheese strudel at a place that overlooked a gorgeous mountain lake and town. Plus, there were people from the south on my tour. I love people from the south. In fact, that might be my next trip...
I'm a little cranky that tonight is my last night in Germany. I don't think I can handle real life in a town without a castle. I don't even know how a bank makes money anymore. Something about laundering it?
Friday, October 8, 2010
Castles
Today was a fairytale day. I got up pretty early and grabbed a cappuccino and croissant (my standard breakfast these days) then I caught a bus up to the hohenschwangau and neuschwanstein castles. The first is the one that king Ludwig grew up in, and the second is the one he built. It is the one that Cinderella's castle at Disneyland is modeled after.
I toured both, and even got to go through a secret door. The neuschwanstein castle was built as a fantasy tribute to wagner's operas and there are swans all over the place. It was really foggy this morning...you couldn't even see the top of the castle from the bottom, let alone the surrounding mtns. Luckily it cleared off after the tour and I got some good pics. The fall colors here are incredible!!! Theyve become much more dramatic in just the last week-it is the perfect time to be here!
Catching an early train to Salzburg tomorrow! My last sightseeing adventure before heading home :(
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Fussen
Fun fact: during my tour of Berlin, I saw someone dressed in a cow costume crash their Segway into a giant column and fall over. The whole trip was worth it just for that.
I have learned that I Forgot to pack several essential items. Sweater-required an emergency purchase in Prague. It is freezing here. Apparently my cabelas jacket won't cut it. Traditional German dress-my only regret is not wearing one of these to Oktoberfest. Luckily, I blacked out and bought one today so I can wear it next year. Or at least on Halloween and to the Fremont Oktoberfest. Those things aren't cheap. I really shouldn't be left alone here. Seriously...planning for Oktoberfest next year begins as soon as I get back. A second pair of shoes-- a human being is not meant to walk for 6-8 hours a day for two weeks in the same shoes. I want to set mine on fire. Instead, I bought a cute pair of boots at an unfavorable exchange rate in Berlin.
Budgeting starts when I get home. Nothing but rainier and cereal.
Due to this long post...you might surmise that I don't have anything to do. This is true. I arrived in fusion this afternoon, which is basically just a jumping off point for seeing castles. Everything closes pretty early here...but that is ok. It is gorgeous with all the fall colors here. I'm getting up bright and early to either bike or take a bus up to the castles. It started to rain this evening, so I might not be up for the biking. Scratch that...the guy next to me says it will be sunny!
Today was a good day though! I woke up to the view from kendel's house, which involved a 1000 year-old church and a lot of cornfields. We went for a quick run, and then kendel made us delicious breakfast of buckwheat pancakes.
I hung out with kendel's parents for awhile and then hopped on the train to Fussen. I'll be here for a couple nights and then I'll either go to salzburg or dachau. I wish I had time for both! Can't wait to see the castles tomorrow. I've actually seen a ton already...there's one in practically every town!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Wolfschram-ensbach
yes, that's the town I'm in! Kendel and her parents met me in Nuremburg today. We wandered around for a bit and then got dinner. We drove out to her house (which is ADORABLE). The town seems to be in the middle of nowhere. It was pitch black and we drove on one-lane roads :) I'm excited to see what the town looks like tomorrow. Her husband, Will, is in Iraq right now, but we chatted with him for a bit on Skype. She's the best hostess ever! She's already packed me train snacks and given me rice krispy treats.
Tomorrow I'm headed to Fussen for two nights to explore all the castles down there! Can't wait!
oh, and everyone, and no more worrying about the travel alerts. that's for you mom...dad...and denise :)
Tomorrow I'm headed to Fussen for two nights to explore all the castles down there! Can't wait!
oh, and everyone, and no more worrying about the travel alerts. that's for you mom...dad...and denise :)
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Berlin
Had a GREAT day exploring Berlin! I love this city. I spent 4 hours on a walking tour and learned 100x more than I ever did in high school...pretty sure we never studied the Berlin wall, except for the fact that it fell.
Trying to muster the energy to go for a run before it gets dark. You can visit the parliament until 10pm, so I think I'm going to do that this evening. I need at least a few days that are alcohol-free. I'm going on three weeks of drinking now...might be time for a break.
Definitely missing the family discount. My train ticket to nuremberg tomorrow cost more than my overnight train to Budapest and my ticket from Munich to Prague...combined!
Looking forward to meeting up with kendel tomorrow!!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Berlin
I've only been in Berlin for a few hours but I can already tell I love it! It actually feels like the safest city I've been in so far. I also just had the best Italian style pizza that I've had since Italy. Berlin is great! Getting up early to hit the streets tomorrow for more walking!
Budapest
I've had a good day so far! I went for a run this morning and then checked out the market in Budapest. I'm headed to the airport this afternoon for Berlin!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Budapest
Day two of hanging out in Budapest! I'm going to the Hungarian bath houses with my new bff's this afternoon. Apparently they have amazing healing powers. I'm flying to Berlin tomorrow afternoon! So excited!
My friends left this morning at 4am. They barely made it out. I miss them already! Unfortunately they are all now stuck in Amsterdam indefinitely. I feel bad because we definitely stayed out drinking until it was time for them to go to the airport.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Budapest
So far so good! Shannon's friend Tom was nice enough to give us a guided tour all day! Our hostel appears sketch but the staff are soooo nice! They did my laundry for me while we toured the city! I have walked way too much today, but we're heading out to experience Hungarian nightlife tonight. Everyone leaves tomorrow morning at 4am. Ouch. I am sleeping in and going to take baths with strangers tomorrow :)
Budapest
We safely arrived at our hostel in Budapest after our night train! Heading out to explore the city today!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Prague
Things are going great so far! Prague is like the exact opposite of our experience at Oktoberfest. I'm just going to say that I seriously LOVE my friends. On Tuesday (our last day at Oktoberfest) we all felt varying degrees of sickness. Regardless, everyone remained in good spirits. It is kind of impossible to not be in a good mood at Oktoberfest. Something about being surrounded by 6000 happy singing germans will do that to you.
We spent most of the day in the Hippodrom tent fighting off marriage proposals. Our table had a reservation so at around 5:30, we had to leave. After two days of drinking, having colds, and/or flying on airplanes, we were pretty much ready to get dinner and head back to the hotel. However, we decided to go for one more stein. After trying to find seats in 6 tents, we were about ready to give up. We wandered into the Paulaner tent as a last ditch effort. Miracously, we somehow ended up with wristbands and at a table with a bunch of awesome people! All tiredness went away immediately and we had a great sendoff to Oktoberfest!
We caught a train out of Munich the next night around 5 pm to prague. we got in around midnight and found our hostel without much trouble. Today, we walked from roughly 9-5pm. Prague is breathtaking--when people say that, they're not exaggerating. We actually had a real breakfast today, at cafe louve, and it was amazing! We walked across the charles bridge to a the prague castle/church and then had lunch and a beer at a monastery. Tomorrow we're getting up for a morning in the jewish quarter and hopefully some shopping.
We have an overnight train to budapest tomorrow night. Jolene, Heather, Tatyana and Shannon leave really early from Budapest on Sunday morning. I might cry when they leave :( They're so much fun! But, I've got another whole week....I should probably figure out what else I should do!
We spent most of the day in the Hippodrom tent fighting off marriage proposals. Our table had a reservation so at around 5:30, we had to leave. After two days of drinking, having colds, and/or flying on airplanes, we were pretty much ready to get dinner and head back to the hotel. However, we decided to go for one more stein. After trying to find seats in 6 tents, we were about ready to give up. We wandered into the Paulaner tent as a last ditch effort. Miracously, we somehow ended up with wristbands and at a table with a bunch of awesome people! All tiredness went away immediately and we had a great sendoff to Oktoberfest!
We caught a train out of Munich the next night around 5 pm to prague. we got in around midnight and found our hostel without much trouble. Today, we walked from roughly 9-5pm. Prague is breathtaking--when people say that, they're not exaggerating. We actually had a real breakfast today, at cafe louve, and it was amazing! We walked across the charles bridge to a the prague castle/church and then had lunch and a beer at a monastery. Tomorrow we're getting up for a morning in the jewish quarter and hopefully some shopping.
We have an overnight train to budapest tomorrow night. Jolene, Heather, Tatyana and Shannon leave really early from Budapest on Sunday morning. I might cry when they leave :( They're so much fun! But, I've got another whole week....I should probably figure out what else I should do!
Prague
Great so far! We spent the day wandering around. Tomorrow night we're taking a midnight train to Budapest!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Munchen
Everyone made it to Munich and we are alive and well. Despite a travel experience from hell, Jolene Shan and heather were still up for Oktoberfest ! It was insane. Totally insane. We are going back for more today! We have made tons of german friends so far. Headed to Prague tomorrow evening!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
munchen
This keyboard is wack. z and y are switched. internet is expensive, so iäm just going to ignore all the errors. i safely made it to munchen and found the ho inn express - my second home. it is about 7pm local time. jolene, heather, and shannon were supposed to get here 5 hours ago. but, bad news. some crayz guz on their plane locked himself in the bathroom so thez had to turn around and go back to seattle. needless to say, thez missed their connection in amsterdam and wont get to munich until 7 am tomorrow. then it is over an hour just to get to our hotel. hopefullz we make it to oktoberfest tomorrow, but iäm not sure if theyll still be up for it. i had 4 emails from jolene today when i finallz got to a computer...all of the subject lines were 4 letter words. lol.
tatyana doesnt get here until after midnight, so i am going to see if i can find some food and i might work out. the hotel is in a residential neighborhood...far away from apparently anything. but it was free!
now i have to go deal with the hotel to make sure that we all can keep our reservation. they werent especially nice earlier, but oh well.
by the way, everyone in town is dressed up! coming through the train station i saw tons of people in authentic gear. our hotel is just a few stops away from the oktoberfest stop. munchen is going to be awesome!
tatyana doesnt get here until after midnight, so i am going to see if i can find some food and i might work out. the hotel is in a residential neighborhood...far away from apparently anything. but it was free!
now i have to go deal with the hotel to make sure that we all can keep our reservation. they werent especially nice earlier, but oh well.
by the way, everyone in town is dressed up! coming through the train station i saw tons of people in authentic gear. our hotel is just a few stops away from the oktoberfest stop. munchen is going to be awesome!
oh and i saw chicago last night in london, and it was awesome!!!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
london
Still good! Went on a walking tour today and then wandered around.....a little sick of walking. \i bought 1/2 price tickets to see Chicago tonight! Tomorrow morning i'm going to go for a run (maybe) around regents park and then head to the airport! Can't wait to see Tatyana, jolene, heather and shannon in munchen tomorrow!
London
I successfully and safely made it to London yesterday. Of course I didn't sleep at all on the plane. There weren't even any giant babies around to keep me awake; I think I was just really excited! Riding the Tube and finding the hostel was probably the easiest thing I've ever done in my life--I can only wish that the rest of the trip will be so easy. Upon arrival to the hostel around 3pm, I immediately took a 3 hour nap. Then I went on a pub crawl that was organized by a business associated with the hostel. Drinking with stragers! yay! We went to 6 bars, and for just £12, we got 3 shots, and didn't have to pay cover at 2 clubs. This was awesome, because I also saw two bands and didn't have to go to bars like a creepster all by myself.
The agenda for today involves as much sightseeing as possible. First I'm going to go on a walking tour and then I'll probably try to go see all the places that it misses. I'm Munich-bound tomorrow mornng; so today is really my only main sightseeing day. Plus it is totally sunny!
The agenda for today involves as much sightseeing as possible. First I'm going to go on a walking tour and then I'll probably try to go see all the places that it misses. I'm Munich-bound tomorrow mornng; so today is really my only main sightseeing day. Plus it is totally sunny!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
America
Eurotrip begins in less than 24 hours!!! In honor of my last night in America, I grabbed a delicious dinner from Burgerville in Woodland, WA tonight. OK, it wasn't really in honor of my last night in America--I really just wanted some fries. and a diet coke. and a cheeseburger. I loved it for about 10 minutes, and then regretted it for the next 152 miles back to Seattle.
Tomorrow's (Thursday's) agenda consists of an 8 mile run in the morning and then hopping on a plane in the evening! Nine hours and no stops later, I'll be in London!!!
Plane reading material:
-The last 2 issues of The Economist (to impress the Brits w/ their own magazine)
-A Reliable Wife (got it for free, thought it looked dumb, but then I saw it on the bestseller shelf at Powells. we'll see)
-Little Bee
-The Catcher in the Rye
-Rick Steves' Germany 2010 and various other travel materials
Plane Snacks:
-Kirkland Trail mix
-clif bar
-sleeping pills
-fruit snacks
Plane outfit:
-leggings
-black dress
-flippy floppies
-scarf
Tomorrow's (Thursday's) agenda consists of an 8 mile run in the morning and then hopping on a plane in the evening! Nine hours and no stops later, I'll be in London!!!
Plane reading material:
-The last 2 issues of The Economist (to impress the Brits w/ their own magazine)
-A Reliable Wife (got it for free, thought it looked dumb, but then I saw it on the bestseller shelf at Powells. we'll see)
-Little Bee
-The Catcher in the Rye
-Rick Steves' Germany 2010 and various other travel materials
Plane Snacks:
-Kirkland Trail mix
-clif bar
-sleeping pills
-fruit snacks
Plane outfit:
-leggings
-black dress
-flippy floppies
-scarf
Thursday, September 16, 2010
My quarter-life crisis
...is making a comeback. Last night, I went to dinner with some of my hired friends, who are aged 24 and 25. They all got carded, and I didn't. I wanted to cry. I'm only one year older! The only other person at the table who didn't get carded is in his 50's. What does that mean for me? Do I look 40?
After my first beer, I mentioned to our waiter that I was a little concerned that he didn't card me. He explained that it was because I was so confident during the beer-ordering process. Maybe all that Oktoberfest training for the past few weeks is paying off! I had a delicious belgian-style golden ale from Chicago called "goose island matilda." One of the other ladies DID order a pomegrante-flavored beer. Next time mr. waiter, just check everyone's ID so that my insecure little brain doesn't run wild.
After my first beer, I mentioned to our waiter that I was a little concerned that he didn't card me. He explained that it was because I was so confident during the beer-ordering process. Maybe all that Oktoberfest training for the past few weeks is paying off! I had a delicious belgian-style golden ale from Chicago called "goose island matilda." One of the other ladies DID order a pomegrante-flavored beer. Next time mr. waiter, just check everyone's ID so that my insecure little brain doesn't run wild.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Hair and Philosophy
I normally have ridiculously curly hair, but the nice people at Vain* straightened it for me after I got it cut yesterday. I got some good comments today at work:
my boss : "what's up with your hair?" me: "It's straight."
hired friend #1: "you look like you should work at disneyland." me: "excuse me?" hired friend #1: "well, your hair is just so perfect and cartoonlike."
hired friend #2: "I didn't even know you were here for like 2 hours. I thought we had hired a temp or something."
hired friend #3: "Your hair is so big! You look like you could be on TV!" me: "Is that a good thing?" hired friend # 3 "Yeah! You could totally anchor the evening news."
I don't really know what to make of all that.
Unrelated: This article about Atlas Shrugged got my brain turning a little bit. If you've read the book, check out the article and tell me what you think. Warning - it's long. Just skim it.
Personally I think the philosophy in Atlas Shrugged focuses more on how institutions created by man (governments) to re-distribute wealth not only are ineffective, but are ultimately immoral. While she might have been a total athiest, I think her philosophies were more of an attack on governments as opposed to religion. I think the Christian fear is that her philosophy can be viewed as putting the pursuit of money and self-interest above all else. Christians would say that the love (unbridled pursuit) of money is the root of all evil; God should be pursued first. I think it is too simplistic to say that Ayn Rand followers would screw everyone in their path in pursuit of the almighty dollar. None of her characters did that -- they used their skills and gifts to meet the needs of society (e.g. rail transportation). Yes, they were compensated, but not at the expense of others.
If one can agree that Ayn Rand's grief was with government as opposed to religion, then it follows that "liberitanism" (ignoring the degrees within it) and religion can co-exist in America. If our country didn't separate church and state, then it wouldn't work. For example, if Christianity was the official religion of the US, the Ayn Rand's philosophy would be just as much of an attack on Christianity as it is government.
If you're still reading, thanks for sticking around. The title of this blog IS "The Flaming Patriot," y'know. It can't be about silly dolphin conspiracies and happy hour ALL the time. Don't worry, discussions about Flash Mob and the Seahawks are forthcoming.
*These hipsters can cut hair. Check them out. I also highly recommended Seven. (not hipster--they have a DJ that spins JT)
my boss : "what's up with your hair?" me: "It's straight."
hired friend #1: "you look like you should work at disneyland." me: "excuse me?" hired friend #1: "well, your hair is just so perfect and cartoonlike."
hired friend #2: "I didn't even know you were here for like 2 hours. I thought we had hired a temp or something."
hired friend #3: "Your hair is so big! You look like you could be on TV!" me: "Is that a good thing?" hired friend # 3 "Yeah! You could totally anchor the evening news."
I don't really know what to make of all that.
Unrelated: This article about Atlas Shrugged got my brain turning a little bit. If you've read the book, check out the article and tell me what you think. Warning - it's long. Just skim it.
Personally I think the philosophy in Atlas Shrugged focuses more on how institutions created by man (governments) to re-distribute wealth not only are ineffective, but are ultimately immoral. While she might have been a total athiest, I think her philosophies were more of an attack on governments as opposed to religion. I think the Christian fear is that her philosophy can be viewed as putting the pursuit of money and self-interest above all else. Christians would say that the love (unbridled pursuit) of money is the root of all evil; God should be pursued first. I think it is too simplistic to say that Ayn Rand followers would screw everyone in their path in pursuit of the almighty dollar. None of her characters did that -- they used their skills and gifts to meet the needs of society (e.g. rail transportation). Yes, they were compensated, but not at the expense of others.
If one can agree that Ayn Rand's grief was with government as opposed to religion, then it follows that "liberitanism" (ignoring the degrees within it) and religion can co-exist in America. If our country didn't separate church and state, then it wouldn't work. For example, if Christianity was the official religion of the US, the Ayn Rand's philosophy would be just as much of an attack on Christianity as it is government.
If you're still reading, thanks for sticking around. The title of this blog IS "The Flaming Patriot," y'know. It can't be about silly dolphin conspiracies and happy hour ALL the time. Don't worry, discussions about Flash Mob and the Seahawks are forthcoming.
*These hipsters can cut hair. Check them out. I also highly recommended Seven. (not hipster--they have a DJ that spins JT)
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Economics
I liked this article.
Home Buyers' Tax Credit: More Harm Than Good?
I'm much too tired from FLASH MOB practice to come up with a funny rant about how policy makers don't understand how supply and demand work. If a market is over-supplied, you're not going to create sustainable demand by giving a few people a little bit of cash to spend. Helllooo....the housing market crashed because too many people were buying subsidized houses. So now we'll do it again?! If the government has to give you money to entice you to buy a house, that's a sign that the market is still out of balance and you should run for your rental in the hills.
Enough. If you don't know what flash mob is, check out this performance in Seattle earlier this year :)
Home Buyers' Tax Credit: More Harm Than Good?
I'm much too tired from FLASH MOB practice to come up with a funny rant about how policy makers don't understand how supply and demand work. If a market is over-supplied, you're not going to create sustainable demand by giving a few people a little bit of cash to spend. Helllooo....the housing market crashed because too many people were buying subsidized houses. So now we'll do it again?! If the government has to give you money to entice you to buy a house, that's a sign that the market is still out of balance and you should run for your rental in the hills.
Enough. If you don't know what flash mob is, check out this performance in Seattle earlier this year :)
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Dolphins
Back up Taliban. Yeaaahhh, even you Osama. Move it!Back in 2007, the Seattle media reported that the U.S. Navy intended to bring dolphins up to the Puget Sound in order to protect us and our ferry system from swimming terrorists that might try to invade us. Or blow up the aquarium.
Now, I didn't have a blog at the time...but I had plenty to say. Trained dolphins patrolling the Puget Sound, shooting terrorists before they can scuba their way up the ship canal into *omg* Lake Union? Apparently, the Navy in America's Finest City (San Diego) has been training sea life to protect us since the 1960s! Not smart human race...hasn't anybody seen Planet of the Apes?!?! Incidentally...Charleton Heston was a past president of the NRA, and we're training dolphins to use guns....
Earth loving seattlites didn't love the fact that the government was talking about exposing sun-loving dolphins to the frigid waters of the Northwest. Luckily, the crazies had plenty of time on their hands to form protest clubs and knit some warm clothing for the dolphins. Don't worry, all the homeless people in our city have plenty of clothes to survive the winters.
http://www.knittingfordolphins.com/ (seriously, check this site out. amazing.)Today's Seattle Times brings this the dolphin issue back in to the limelight. I can only hope to see some knitters kick it back up a notch.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/pacificnw/2012662209_pacificpdolphins29.html
Personally, I think that there's much more going on than meets the eye. Why is Washington the only state getting a fleet of attack dolpins? How come they're all trained and housed in San Diego, the last major city before the mexican border? Why isn't Oregon getting any attack dolphins? Isn't it interesting that this is all happening now that the TERMINATOR is the governor of Callyfornia?! Hasta la Vista, Oregon! Once we have a fleet (flock, gaggle, pod?) of killer dolphins patrolling our coastline, WaCal will control the whole west coast of the US! Watch out Alaska, we've got an eye on you and your natural resources too.
In the meantime make sure you're adequately armed the next time you think about going swimming in the ocean. Stay classy, San Diego.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
I want my flippy floppies
WTF is going on today?!?! I braved the storm for a run after work and nearly lost an eye due to leaves, and twigs flying into my face.
"The National Weather Service forecasts about one inch of rain Tuesday in much of Western Washington as an unseasonable wet and windy system moves through the Northwest." Thank you, Seattle Depressing Times. Good thing all you had to do was Ctrl + V from an article you posted November 17, 2009. UGH.
I flew in from SoCal late last night (apparently my last chance for the tan) and drug myself out of bed at 5:30am only to get pelted in the face by an icy rain during a mad dash to my car that nearly hydroplaned on the way to work. My patagonia-clad barista chick had the nerve to say, "well, I suppose we needed it it." "Yes," said triple grande soy vanilla latte mid 50's woman in keens and 'life is good' t-shirt, "I suppose Washington wouldn't be so pretty without all this rain. I can't wait for fall." SHUT UP! How are you people so delusional?!?! Double tall americano with room and make it snappy. Yes, I'm aware I'm not wearing a coat. No, I'm not cold. You won't see me in a coat until mid-October.
FYI, listening to "I'm on a boat" on repeat during a dark and dreary drive through the seatac/des moines/federal way abyss does make things just the slightest bit better :)
"The National Weather Service forecasts about one inch of rain Tuesday in much of Western Washington as an unseasonable wet and windy system moves through the Northwest." Thank you, Seattle Depressing Times. Good thing all you had to do was Ctrl + V from an article you posted November 17, 2009. UGH.
I flew in from SoCal late last night (apparently my last chance for the tan) and drug myself out of bed at 5:30am only to get pelted in the face by an icy rain during a mad dash to my car that nearly hydroplaned on the way to work. My patagonia-clad barista chick had the nerve to say, "well, I suppose we needed it it." "Yes," said triple grande soy vanilla latte mid 50's woman in keens and 'life is good' t-shirt, "I suppose Washington wouldn't be so pretty without all this rain. I can't wait for fall." SHUT UP! How are you people so delusional?!?! Double tall americano with room and make it snappy. Yes, I'm aware I'm not wearing a coat. No, I'm not cold. You won't see me in a coat until mid-October.
FYI, listening to "I'm on a boat" on repeat during a dark and dreary drive through the seatac/des moines/federal way abyss does make things just the slightest bit better :)
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Neck Pain
I’m 26 years old and am in the midst of recovering from a quarter-live crisis. Inhibiting my recovery is the fact that for the last year or so, I’ve been suffering from debilitating headaches that I believe are the direct result of working at a computer for 9 hours a day. I thought things like this weren’t supposed to happen until you actually got old. “Cry me a river,” you say, “I work at a computer all day too.” OK, but have you spent the last 4.5 years of your life hunched over a 13” laptop screen with your wrists at your chest like T-rex? No. All of my sick leave this year has been due to headaches. Otherwise I’m a portrait of health and beauty. My 27 year old friend has the same problem and is considering seeing a chiropractor. At 27. Ridiculous. What is going on? Computers are killing us.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Eastern Washington
I really love eastern washington. Every time I cross over the pass I just get a little happier. You're generally guaranteed to have much better weather than the west side. Even if you're in a blizzard, you at least get to enjoy that little bit of adrenaline that comes with a near death experience. The climate does wonderful things for my hair, things cost less, and the people are just a tad friendlier. Not to mention the endless outdoor activities. Plus, there is something about traffic jams on I-90 that just brings out the craziness in people. During a recent trip to eastern washington, I saw/experiened some things that just don't happen on the west side.
1. Homemade bluetooth. "screw ya'll and your cell phone laws. I ain't buyin' no hands free device. I'm going to steal my daughter's headband and duct tape my motorola razr to it."
2. Vans full of 16 year old boys. This has happened more than once. I don't know what it is about mom's gold minivan that makes teenage boys think that women 10 years older than them will find them attractive. Literally mom's minivan--the license plate was "MYT MOM."
3. Homemade sunshade. Towel jammed into the window as it is rolled up. I'm not making fun--pretty smart, actually.
4. McCain/Palin bumper stickers. Ugh. Republican party, why are you doing this to me?!
5. Road sodas. Not entirely uncommon elsewhere, but do we really need to open the back window of the truck and pull out four BL's on the freeway? C'mon.
6. Girls from Seattle who think it is funny to wear American flag swimsuits. oh, wait...
1. Homemade bluetooth. "screw ya'll and your cell phone laws. I ain't buyin' no hands free device. I'm going to steal my daughter's headband and duct tape my motorola razr to it."
2. Vans full of 16 year old boys. This has happened more than once. I don't know what it is about mom's gold minivan that makes teenage boys think that women 10 years older than them will find them attractive. Literally mom's minivan--the license plate was "MYT MOM."
3. Homemade sunshade. Towel jammed into the window as it is rolled up. I'm not making fun--pretty smart, actually.
4. McCain/Palin bumper stickers. Ugh. Republican party, why are you doing this to me?!
5. Road sodas. Not entirely uncommon elsewhere, but do we really need to open the back window of the truck and pull out four BL's on the freeway? C'mon.
6. Girls from Seattle who think it is funny to wear American flag swimsuits. oh, wait...
Friday, August 13, 2010
Running
After an ill-fated attempt at the Seattle half-marathon 2 years ago, I'm back in the game. Despite swearing that I would never run anything longer than a 10K ever again, I've managed to not only sign up for a half, but purchase a plane ticket in order to go run it. (I also have sworn that I would never travel more than 2 hours by car to compete in a running race.)
Anyway, I think I'm starting to get obsessed with running again. It is probably partly because I have 4 friends that have confirmed they are running the race. And I get to go to Mailbu in November while the Seattle half runners worry about whether or not it will snow on race day. So, now I can't stop thinking about how long it is until the next time I can put on my lululemon gear and attempt to look cute running around greenlake.
Interestingly, my half marathon training started just one day before I started training for Oktoberfest. (FYI - one trains for Oktoberfest by drinking 'das boot' every Thursday.) What is more problematic is that the height of my half marathon training overlaps with Oktoberfest itself (yes, the one in Germany!). I'm not really sure how that's all going to work out, but hopefully I live through at least one. Both are pretty questionable at this point.
Anyway, I think I'm starting to get obsessed with running again. It is probably partly because I have 4 friends that have confirmed they are running the race. And I get to go to Mailbu in November while the Seattle half runners worry about whether or not it will snow on race day. So, now I can't stop thinking about how long it is until the next time I can put on my lululemon gear and attempt to look cute running around greenlake.
Interestingly, my half marathon training started just one day before I started training for Oktoberfest. (FYI - one trains for Oktoberfest by drinking 'das boot' every Thursday.) What is more problematic is that the height of my half marathon training overlaps with Oktoberfest itself (yes, the one in Germany!). I'm not really sure how that's all going to work out, but hopefully I live through at least one. Both are pretty questionable at this point.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Caffe Senso Unico
You're from Seattle, huh? You must drink Starbucks all the time!
-No, not really. It's really not that good.
Oh....have you had dunkin donuts coffee?!?! It's soooo good.
Dbag.
Non-seattleites don't know that its really not that cool to like Starbucks anymore. If you're meeting new people in Seattle, they always ask what you favorite coffee shop is. Starbucks is the wrong answer. Nobody says that. That's like going to Red Hook and asking if they have Bud Light on tap. And, if you DO like sbux, you need to explain yourself. "Well, I go to Starbucks every day, but Stumptown is probably my favorite --it's just so expensive!" Perfectly acceptable.
CAFFE SENSO UNICO is amazing. It is the only place in Seattle where I can actually get a cappuccino that tastes like it was made in Italy. I'm going be pretentious and say that I know this because I drank a cappuccino for 27 days in a row in Italy. omggggg! Eatpraylove!
You get authentic espresso at Senso, because the place is run by an adorable italian man who speaks to you in italian. Not only that, but it is the only coffee shop I've been to in this town that isn't overflowing with hipsters! I actually do love Stumptown, but my pencil skirt and 2.5 inch black pumps generate a lot of weird looks when I go in there. I'm sorry Stumptown patrons, but I just don't own Ray Bans and a navy blue vintage dress with a cruiser bicycle pattern on it. Forgive me and my PC.
Seriously, check it out. The raspberry cream cheese crossiants will brighten any dreary morning, and the espresso will stay in your veins for days. And they say "prego" when you get your coffee :) 6th & Olive downtown.
-No, not really. It's really not that good.
Oh....have you had dunkin donuts coffee?!?! It's soooo good.
Dbag.
Non-seattleites don't know that its really not that cool to like Starbucks anymore. If you're meeting new people in Seattle, they always ask what you favorite coffee shop is. Starbucks is the wrong answer. Nobody says that. That's like going to Red Hook and asking if they have Bud Light on tap. And, if you DO like sbux, you need to explain yourself. "Well, I go to Starbucks every day, but Stumptown is probably my favorite --it's just so expensive!" Perfectly acceptable.
CAFFE SENSO UNICO is amazing. It is the only place in Seattle where I can actually get a cappuccino that tastes like it was made in Italy. I'm going be pretentious and say that I know this because I drank a cappuccino for 27 days in a row in Italy. omggggg! Eatpraylove!
You get authentic espresso at Senso, because the place is run by an adorable italian man who speaks to you in italian. Not only that, but it is the only coffee shop I've been to in this town that isn't overflowing with hipsters! I actually do love Stumptown, but my pencil skirt and 2.5 inch black pumps generate a lot of weird looks when I go in there. I'm sorry Stumptown patrons, but I just don't own Ray Bans and a navy blue vintage dress with a cruiser bicycle pattern on it. Forgive me and my PC.
Seriously, check it out. The raspberry cream cheese crossiants will brighten any dreary morning, and the espresso will stay in your veins for days. And they say "prego" when you get your coffee :) 6th & Olive downtown.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Protein
So, lately, I've been really into protein. I talk about protein fairly frequently and today, i put it in my coffee. Normally, I like to make fun of people who are really into protein by yelling things like "protein emergency!!!" or "mooooommmmm! get the protein!" One of my college roommates use to make protein pancakes for breakfast. Sometimes I would hide his protein and hold it for ransom. Sometimes I can be kind of annoying.
Today, I drove out of my way to Costco in order to purchase protein shakes. This is actually why I got the membership in the first place. (See earlier post.) No joke. The protein shakes are only like $2.00 each! I wandered around that store for an hour today and all I bought was protein shakes, a box of trail mix, and some gummi multi-vitamins for adults. Yes, only three things. I flew throught that line at the exit. Then I promptly ate a handful of gummi multi-vitamins for adults. YUM. And now I've had 10,000% of my Vitamin C for the day. whoops.
Today, I drove out of my way to Costco in order to purchase protein shakes. This is actually why I got the membership in the first place. (See earlier post.) No joke. The protein shakes are only like $2.00 each! I wandered around that store for an hour today and all I bought was protein shakes, a box of trail mix, and some gummi multi-vitamins for adults. Yes, only three things. I flew throught that line at the exit. Then I promptly ate a handful of gummi multi-vitamins for adults. YUM. And now I've had 10,000% of my Vitamin C for the day. whoops.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Layoffs
I've been laid off a few times in my life. It's never a good feeling, even if you hate the job. I was 16 the first time I got laid off. I worked at a cannery in the summers. Despite the fact that I spent the hours between 7 and 3 picking rotten beans off of an conveyor belt and/or chasing skunks/snakes/mice around so they wouldn't get in your canned beans, it still sucked to get sent home at the end of the summer. I never "quit," but as soon as all the beans were harvested, they started laying people off.
So, these are pears, but this was my life during the summers:
Anyway, now I get laid off every other month. One furlough day per month. The pay cut isn't too huge, but it is a giant waste of time. Case in point: I'm watching The View right now.
Generally speaking, I've spent most of my furlough time with my co-workers. Now, they're actually my friends too, so it's really not that weird. But, when you think about it, by implementing furlough days, my employer is getting free teambuilding. Kind of not fair, huh? More often, employers have to force these things and pay for fancy retreats.
So far this year, furlough activities have included:
Camping
Whitewater rafting
Me taking everyone's money during texas hold 'em
Paddleboarding
...we're only on the second furlough day.
Today was supposed to include wakeboarding, but the windy weather did not cooperate. Which makes me worry about layoffs during the winter. Days off are only fun so long as you have fun things to do...
Will I become an avid watcher of "The View?" Granted, right now, Snoop Dogg is on. I LOVE Snoop. LOVE HIM. Almost as much as I love Leonardo DiCaprio, Eminem, and Matt Hasselbeck. I'll have much to say about those three in future posts. Until then, I'll leave you with a snoopism I just heard:
Joy Behar: "Tell me, why do you need a chandelier in your car?"
Snoop: "Well, y'know, I'm a player. I'm a player at heart."
True dat, Snoop. Play on.
So, these are pears, but this was my life during the summers:
Anyway, now I get laid off every other month. One furlough day per month. The pay cut isn't too huge, but it is a giant waste of time. Case in point: I'm watching The View right now.
Generally speaking, I've spent most of my furlough time with my co-workers. Now, they're actually my friends too, so it's really not that weird. But, when you think about it, by implementing furlough days, my employer is getting free teambuilding. Kind of not fair, huh? More often, employers have to force these things and pay for fancy retreats.
So far this year, furlough activities have included:
Camping
Whitewater rafting
Me taking everyone's money during texas hold 'em
Paddleboarding
...we're only on the second furlough day.
Today was supposed to include wakeboarding, but the windy weather did not cooperate. Which makes me worry about layoffs during the winter. Days off are only fun so long as you have fun things to do...
Will I become an avid watcher of "The View?" Granted, right now, Snoop Dogg is on. I LOVE Snoop. LOVE HIM. Almost as much as I love Leonardo DiCaprio, Eminem, and Matt Hasselbeck. I'll have much to say about those three in future posts. Until then, I'll leave you with a snoopism I just heard:
Joy Behar: "Tell me, why do you need a chandelier in your car?"
Snoop: "Well, y'know, I'm a player. I'm a player at heart."
True dat, Snoop. Play on.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Yuppies
I think that I am one. I don't even know how it happened! What's next--will I become a hipster? A girl can only dream.
If you simply trace the last 24 hours of my life, it becomes pretty clear:
Yesterday, I went to my job that I mostly like where I get paid enough to support 1.5-2 people. Then I met up with friends who have similar (or the same) jobs at a hip french restaurant. We drank wine and used our iphones to try and "learn the language" in time for our upcoming vacation. I ordered quail for dinner. We took pictures of our dinner with our iphones. Then we talked about our iphones and whether or not we were going to get new iphones. I drove home in my cool-but-not-too-cool Mazda3 and chatted casually with my roomate about dating, religion, and economics.
After work today I went on a trail run in my fancy new shoes that I bought from a running store. Then I went to Trader Joes (this is key yuppie behavior) and bought fancy cheese, protein drinks and other vegetarian items. Now I'm eating the fancy cheese and drinking the wine. I have a blog.
WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN? Ten years ago I drove a Ford Tempo and spent my evenings watching "Who wants to be a millionaire?" Five years ago I hadn't even heard of trader joes and I bought my running shoes at Big 5. Sometimes. Most of the time they came from Walmart.
Good? Bad? I don't know. I should probably go find a farmer's market or something.
If you simply trace the last 24 hours of my life, it becomes pretty clear:
Yesterday, I went to my job that I mostly like where I get paid enough to support 1.5-2 people. Then I met up with friends who have similar (or the same) jobs at a hip french restaurant. We drank wine and used our iphones to try and "learn the language" in time for our upcoming vacation. I ordered quail for dinner. We took pictures of our dinner with our iphones. Then we talked about our iphones and whether or not we were going to get new iphones. I drove home in my cool-but-not-too-cool Mazda3 and chatted casually with my roomate about dating, religion, and economics.
After work today I went on a trail run in my fancy new shoes that I bought from a running store. Then I went to Trader Joes (this is key yuppie behavior) and bought fancy cheese, protein drinks and other vegetarian items. Now I'm eating the fancy cheese and drinking the wine. I have a blog.
WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN? Ten years ago I drove a Ford Tempo and spent my evenings watching "Who wants to be a millionaire?" Five years ago I hadn't even heard of trader joes and I bought my running shoes at Big 5. Sometimes. Most of the time they came from Walmart.
Good? Bad? I don't know. I should probably go find a farmer's market or something.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Bears
Today, I encountered a bear in the wilderness. I use the term "encountered" intentionally. I've seen bears in the wild before, but it has generally been from the safety of an automobile. Or through the view of binoculars. Or I had a rifle and a bear tag. Today's bear was no less than 200 yards away, and all I had on me was a delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwich and sunscreen.
I was hiking today to Hidden Lakes in the N. Cascades. We had seen no sign of bears all day, and the trail was pretty busy. Luckily, my friend and I were being remarkably chatty. Otherwise, we probably would've walked right into him. He heard us coming, and scampered up the hill into the trees. By "scampered" I mean that he effortlessly ran through 5' tall brush and over some boulders the size of cars.
Scariest wilderness experience of my life.
I was hiking today to Hidden Lakes in the N. Cascades. We had seen no sign of bears all day, and the trail was pretty busy. Luckily, my friend and I were being remarkably chatty. Otherwise, we probably would've walked right into him. He heard us coming, and scampered up the hill into the trees. By "scampered" I mean that he effortlessly ran through 5' tall brush and over some boulders the size of cars.
Scariest wilderness experience of my life.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Creation
I want this blog to have some level of intellect to it. So, yes, I'm going to post things about economics, religion, politics, banking regulation, travel, running, etc. Today: religion.
First, watch this youtube video (the whole thing):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQSNhk5ICTI
Hilarious, right? Aside from the fact this guy is on a ridiculous acid trip, he clearly is amazed by the wonder and glory of nature. When was the last time that you really stopped to look at the outside world like this guy? (Again, aside from the drugs.) Seriously, next time you're outside, take a look around and praise God for all the beauty you get to look at every day.
God also created flaming patriots:
God Bless America.
First, watch this youtube video (the whole thing):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQSNhk5ICTI
Hilarious, right? Aside from the fact this guy is on a ridiculous acid trip, he clearly is amazed by the wonder and glory of nature. When was the last time that you really stopped to look at the outside world like this guy? (Again, aside from the drugs.) Seriously, next time you're outside, take a look around and praise God for all the beauty you get to look at every day.
God also created flaming patriots:
God Bless America.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Highest and Best Use
In times of boredom/dissatisfaction at work, we amuse ourselves by applying various financial theories to everyday life decisions. Sometimes it doesn’t work. For example, if you calculate the net present value of having children, it is highly negative. Unless you expect your kids to generate lots of cash flow to support you in your old age, having children is a bad idea. Love and happiness don’t translate into cash, unless your kids are huge moneymakers. If you run an NPV on getting an eggmcmuffin for breakfast, it is less negative and therfore a better decision. I digress.
Other kinds of nerdy financial-related things can be applied to life pretty easily. After reading a lot of appraisals that said the "highest and best use" of the property was to "hold for future development" (FYI--that is bad) we talked about what it what it would look like if you applied the "highest and best use" concept to your own life. TD gets total credit for this, but I'm telling you anyway.
According to wikipedia: "Highest and best use or Highest or best use (HBU) is a concept in real estate appraisal. It states that the value of a property is directly related to the use of that property; the highest and best use is the reasonably probable use that produces the highest property value. This use, the Highest and Best Use, may or may not be the current use of the property. "
Take out “property” and substitute “individual” and, Voilà! You’ve found the meaning of life. Obviously the meaning of life is to “find your highest and best use.” –TD Think about it for 5 minutes or so, and you’ll see that it makes sense. Pretty sure that my HBU is not my current use.
Interestingly, during my google search of “highest and best use” I found the following picture. The resemblance to my workstation is uncanny. Right down to yellow legal pad, coffee cup, and red legal files full of loan documents. I wore pearls today. FML.
Other kinds of nerdy financial-related things can be applied to life pretty easily. After reading a lot of appraisals that said the "highest and best use" of the property was to "hold for future development" (FYI--that is bad) we talked about what it what it would look like if you applied the "highest and best use" concept to your own life. TD gets total credit for this, but I'm telling you anyway.
According to wikipedia: "Highest and best use or Highest or best use (HBU) is a concept in real estate appraisal. It states that the value of a property is directly related to the use of that property; the highest and best use is the reasonably probable use that produces the highest property value. This use, the Highest and Best Use, may or may not be the current use of the property. "
Take out “property” and substitute “individual” and, Voilà! You’ve found the meaning of life. Obviously the meaning of life is to “find your highest and best use.” –TD Think about it for 5 minutes or so, and you’ll see that it makes sense. Pretty sure that my HBU is not my current use.
Interestingly, during my google search of “highest and best use” I found the following picture. The resemblance to my workstation is uncanny. Right down to yellow legal pad, coffee cup, and red legal files full of loan documents. I wore pearls today. FML.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Costco
So, my BFF Erin has been on my case for the last 6 years or so to start a blog. Here it is. She might be the only one who reads this. I picked this fancy background because it insinuates that I'm smart and well-traveled. In reality, my friend Heather gave me a map of the world for my birthday because I don't know where anything is. It's terrible--you'd think I never took 3rd grade geography. I ACED 3rd grade geography and every geography quiz through 12th grade. I don't know what happened after that.
Anyway, COSTCO. I finally took the plunge today. I've held out for most of my adult life. I don't have a family of 12, and it's dumb to drive 8 miles out of my way for cheap gas. Alas, I really needed 48 hamburger patties and buns for a BBQ tomorrow. So I sat in traffic for 45 minutes and threw down $50 for the opportunity to purchase a package of 24 hamburger buns for $2.69. That was pretty awesome until I had to load/unload an entire trunkload of food without my fancy recycled plastic bags. Or any bags. There weren't any samples either. We'll see how this goes. COSTCO is about as american as it gets...maybe second only to Walmart.
Now, don't get mad because I slanted Walmart in a positive light. I love america -- hence, the blog name. More on that later. Enjoy the blog.
Anyway, COSTCO. I finally took the plunge today. I've held out for most of my adult life. I don't have a family of 12, and it's dumb to drive 8 miles out of my way for cheap gas. Alas, I really needed 48 hamburger patties and buns for a BBQ tomorrow. So I sat in traffic for 45 minutes and threw down $50 for the opportunity to purchase a package of 24 hamburger buns for $2.69. That was pretty awesome until I had to load/unload an entire trunkload of food without my fancy recycled plastic bags. Or any bags. There weren't any samples either. We'll see how this goes. COSTCO is about as american as it gets...maybe second only to Walmart.
Now, don't get mad because I slanted Walmart in a positive light. I love america -- hence, the blog name. More on that later. Enjoy the blog.
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