Beaming Heart Warm Love (a.k.a. The feelings I have for my cat)

Photos from another fantastic camping trip:







The crows ate KMHD's leftovers while we were sleeping:

I'm so tired & a little wind-burnt, but I am so satisfied!  We camped in a new space instead of our usual campsite #35, since the "lake view" side of Iron Mountain is closed.  Site #2, located on the "woods view" side, is spacious and comfortable.  We will definitely be back, sooner than later, and hopefully with a bigger crew!  

We were really lucky with the weather, the cold held back until we got home.  We need to get our camping stencil done!

Here's a prototype, we plan to make the crow a little more proportionate:

 

For those closest to me, they know that I love to cook and try different recipes all of the time.  Heck, all we do is sit around eating the food I cook!  Just recently, I made a tres leches cake for KMHD's birthday!  I made three cheese tortellini with chicken & alfredo sauce (from scratch, even!) on our camping trip!  I mean, c'mon!  I'm pretty good!  Look @ this no-shrink waistline, that's no accident!  I'm going to start posting photos and recipes, cooking is my 'thing', my craft.  A little showing off never hurt nobody!

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O.K.  I am reeeeally trying not to let these Sunday feelings take over -- let's just say that I'm inside the house, warm & cozy, and I know that Sunday feelings are on the front porch, wanting to be let in.  They are THAT CLOSE.  I wonder if flicking the porch light on & off will scare them off?  

I think it's that I dread work.  It's been hard & unfun lately.  I'm hoping that since it is now post-wedding for the law clerk, things will get back to normal.  Some days, it was a little tough covering for her when she had errands to do, dealing with Kilgore's strangeness, dealing with Lana's I-don't-even-know-what-you-call-it, or just having to be there all of the time with no chance of getting a little time off for mental health's sake!  We've got that trip to Seattle/Canada lined up, but that seems so far from now that it doesn't even feel real!  

I've been feeling real blue, too.  I'm one of those people that have a deep connection to the home, if it's unsettled, then I feel...well, awful.  It's hard to explain.  I know I'm not the one who has to move, but I think it's a real malady.  

Good grief, would you like some cheese with this whine?  

I'm done.

Have you ever seen the rain?

Well, I was going to order Sonic Youth tickets today, but the fees are so outrageous, I just can't do it. [Insert generic whine about ridiculous fees . Add a little "working class" ire in the mix.] I'm wondering if purchasing them @ the gate is a good idea? It's an outdoor festival, it can't really sell out, right? Maybe it's because I've had about enough of this damn rain, but I'm not feelin' a SY concert today -- that's a lie, I want to go.

Getting older is hard on ye olde braine, it's hard for me to remember things anymore. I have to write EVERYTHING down. It used to not be this way, my mind was an iron trap! I suppose things will just get fuzzier from here on out? Yikes. Here's me, sitting at my desk, trying to produce a 'things to do' list and I've got a couple of things, but there should be lots more. I think. Well, as long as I remember to pay the bills, I should be o.k.
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KMHD, always good for a laugh, linked me to this t-shirt. WANT. It makes me want to play bingo.
!!!! !!!

Bustin' Makes Me Feel Good

Last night, I started a really rough draft of the camping stencil. I'm pleased with it, maybe we can get it on our gear boxes before this weekend?

First camping trip of the season this weekend, people! This is BIG! It's supposed to be cold-ish, so we'll have to keep a 48-hour fire going, wear extra warm socks.
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On the way to work, I saw a FOR SALE sign on a plot in Argenta. Now, I probably need to actually approach this sign and see what is for sale, but I immediately got excited! And naturally, I went into extreme daydream mode. I want to buy it! I want to eventually build green, modular homes on it! I just want to own something, make it up however which way I please.
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Good gracious, it happened:

Kilgore was so fast with the vows, I didn't even have time to cry, what the hell!
Good luck, Anne!
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The holy trinity has decided to have migas for supper tonight.  For those of you who don't know how awesome that is, I am sorry, maybe one day.

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I was going to start a typing job this evening, but I am SO FULL, all I want to do is watch horrible television in bed.  I've got so much stuff to do!  I think I'm overwhelmed -- I think that once the big move happens and I can put stuff away/make more room I will be inspired to TCB.

Things to-do:

1.  I would like to start a zine, but am certain that I don't have enough substance to have a whole issue, much less two.  Or three. -- Anyone wanna go in on one? Revive! (or resurrect?): The Spirit of Rebellion is Worse than Witchcraft?

2.  We need to get our camping club going, cool stencil and all.

3.  I know I've said it before (aloud, to actual people, not online), but I'll say it again -- I need to get an emergency kit assembled -- last night's storms made all of the sirens go off and I was actually worried/scared.  Citizen preparedness!  If anything happens to us, we will be fine.  That is, if I assemble our emergency kit.  

4.  I'm going to start an "AFFECTION:  Please reassemble for one last spectacular show" petition.  Why do all great Little Rock bands disband before I can even get sick of them?  Listening to Affection now is like a haunting -- it's like those feelings you get when you ride a bus alone.  Please sign?

5.  We've got some birthdays coming up -- I've got Bootsie's in the bag, but I need to know what KMHD is feelin', so I can plan accordingly.  AHEM.  

I feel such a deep need to be out-of-doors -- I don't care if it's a daytrip to Petit Jean or a picnic @ Toltec, or a full-blown camping trip -- I've proposed a camping trip for next weekend.  It may still be risky, weather-wise, but we're prepared, right?

KMHD & I started talking about identity yesterday.  I wanted to blog about it, but it's too complex for words.  In short, I really enjoy worldly cuisines, musics, and um...scarves.  Dad is caucasian & mom is Vietnamese, I'm bi-racial.  But, there is no denying this:  I'm soooooo white.  I'm a naive, well-meaning, save-the-world complex havin' white person.  Ha ha, I care about things!  LOL, have you eaten at Layla's?  Recycle this, protect the environment, organic this, Obama that.  I'm having a difficult time, putting to words, who I am.  I'm not trying to prove anything to anyone, but I find it crazy that I just can't say who, OR WHAT, I am.  Can it be so simple, though? Can I just say, "I'm me, there's no other."?  Sometimes I wonder if people are disappointed that I'm not Asian enough.    ??? !!!!!  

I need to get ready for AEH's rehearsal dinner.  Thankfully, we aren't a wedding party member, but I think this is her way of thanking me for helping her with invites, programs, etc.  

I miss Victor real bad today.  He needs to come around, kick some people's asses for me.  

This evening's to-do.
Dinner.
Weekend wildflower project?
Yikes!

(She's in a) BAD MOOD

Alright, I woke up feeling a little off, but now I'm full blown. Even though he apologized, CK really put me in a bad mood by yelling at me for, hell, I don't even know what -- I guess because his computer isn't working? Or because his insurance isn't covering his meds anymore? That's the thing, I'm just a beating post around here -- I usually can deal, but today, please, I just want to --

I feel I've got something the size of a grapefruit stuck in my throat.

Yikes. I'm starting to go brain-dead, this day has been so harsh. Lana found that she has already transcribed the hearing that I've been working on, so "nevermind." She said, "We can just count what you've done as training." Being that she's Lana and I'm me, I didn't say a thing. I just went back to my desk and just spaced out for awhile. Then she had the audacity to ask me to a different job! "Only if I get compensated for my work." I think she got the message because I am now holding a $50 check. It's not quite $1/page, but I'll take it, I'm just glad I got something.

I told ATM that we need to go pick up a lime somewhere to go with that bottle of Patron sitting on the counter in the kitchen. Bottoms up!

I'm not afraid to say I'm bored.

From Saturday:


I got nothing today. Tuesday, it is hardly better than Monday, I always say.

Here Comes the Rain Again

I found this on Etsy today:

It's a print, a really amazing one. It makes me feel things. It costs sixty dollars, which is worth it, but now is a really bad time for me. I wonder if I can make a deal with the seller?

If you haven't done the Sawyer Nickname Generator, well, then you've obviously got better things to do. My nickname is a disappointing CHAIRMAN MAO. I feel like I've been Lana'd! Is it because I'm part Asian?!! Post your nickname in the comments! Anne's nickname, btw, is PRINCE CHARLES. Hee hee.

The evening went by quickly.  Did some marathon shopping (multiple stores, little time) -- got some essentials and groceries.  For dinner, I made up a chicken & mushroom recipe that turned out better than I expected with sides of mashed potatoes & spinach.  To health!  Anyways, I got straight to transcribing after all that.  I have done enough pages to buy one Sonic Youth ticket and am almost close to having enough to buy the second.  Extra work, extra money, *I always say.

*In-joke

Tomorrow is April Fool's Day!  I don't have any tricks up my sleeve because I'm too tired to think of some that aren't too mean, but totally believable, and won't make someone cry and/or mad.  

It's raining, I feel satisfied.  Bedtime!  

So, NO NEW COAL then, alright?

I am tired. Fulfilling weekends do that to you.

On Friday, I got this done to myself:

Xtreme Haircut

Later that evening, we went to Rett & Keiko's house for a visit. It was fun, I overdid it, natch, nearly a whole bottle of champagne to myself! We learned that they like to camp! This makes me so happy, sometimes it is difficult to find proper campmates! Too, it has been decided that Keiko will name our next pet. That is something I'm really looking forward to.

On Saturday, we went to the Rvrmrkt to join the NO NEW COAL rally. It was nice to see Glen work his magic, he is really good with dealing with the press and insufferable antagonists. There really weren't any butthurts, but had the situation arose, he'd would've handled it so smoothly. Anyways, we rocked some AMERICA NEEDS CLEAN ENERGY t-shirts, stood in front of the 20 foot inflatable coal factory, and got ready to bust a move, just in case they needed a dance troupe to get real up in there. They didn't, so we held signs instead. Why don't they tell you that you will be holding a sign for 30 straight minutes, listening to an assortment of speakers and folk song singers? My arms were so tired after all that! I wish we remembered to watch the coverage on the news. New goal: use less energy. Not just turning off lights when leave a room or washing clothes in cold water. We may have to get one of these:

It's supposed to save us money, too! Double shyeah!

So, get this, me & ATM see this clover patch on the side of the road (McCain Blvd.) and the clovers are so large, we saw a four-leaf clover from the car! He wanted to go back and get it, but I was afraid that it was a prime opportunity for a freak accident, so I said NO. What an addition to the collection that would've been! Sorry, babe!

I transcribed me eyes out today! It's a slow way to earn a buck, but it is easier to do it here than at work. I'm about to set up again and try to get a few more pages in.

Oh yeah! Let me introduce the new shelf. Thanking ATM for making it perfect:

It's been a really good Sunday. I am starting to get "Sunday feelings", though. Happens every time.

Coming up:

* Kim's birthday

* Anne's wedding

* Camping season?

Alright, I'm going to fight this dread.

Annular Mchombo

This morning's post is a celebration. The boss is away!
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I'm seriously considering a sizable project, redecorating the entire house, with a focus on reusing/repurposing objects to decorate or utilize, functional art , and multi-use/-tasking objects. It's got to be aesthetically pleasing and clever. This project will probably take the rest of my life, but at least my house will be interesting. Challenges include funds (natch) and my complete inability to see the bigger picture. That's why I'd like to give it a go, I want to see how much I can visualize.

The incredible SUN JAR:

Details, as ripped from charlesandmarie.com:

The perfect accessory for those of you who love the sun during the day, is the sun jar. Another great idea by Tobi Wong, one of our favorite designers, this jar stores the sun light. No kidding, it really does…

Have it sit in the sun during the day and see it radiate at night. All made possible by modern technology – some LED's, a solar panel and some ingenious thinking. The kind of thinking Tobi is famous for.

This is a wonderful effect and the sandblasted glass makes it seem as if it truly emits warm sun light. It is a great little idea for an outdoor summer dinner, where you have the jars scattered around the table, or an evening at the beach where they will provide just the right amount of light, or as garden illumination, just position them at strategic points in your garden or rooftop terrace or balcony – they work equally well in either location.

Since John McCain, my idea for a band name, has been completely shot down, we found others with great potential: Eclipse Glasses Banda & Annular Mchombo. We need to get some comments going! Ideas, let's hear them!

I've gone and packed up the transcribing system to take home and (hopefully) work on. $1 a page.

Just got a call from Khyruss (LOL), my hair appointment is @ 3:30. I'm wanting to do something a bit radical, maybe cut a lot of it off. I think it'll look good, especially this time of year.

Tomorrow, we are going to the Rivermarket to join the rally against new coal in Arkansas. Personally, I can't believe this issue is even on the table. There are a lot of issues that shouldn't even be up for discussion, isn't there? Like the Lake Maumelle Watershed -- there is no question that there should be zero development anywhere near, much less ON it.  I'm afraid there's no where to turn to for help on these matters.

Reading about China's crackdown on Tibet, Tibetan protesters & monks have really tugged on my heart strings heavily. What can we do to show meaningful solidarity to the oppressed? We have such a rareness in the current Lama, he is being called a terrorist by the Chinese government. Really? A terrorist? In my head, I'm deep in prayer.

Knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting...

But instead of knitting, I'll be typing. I've decided to give transcribing a go, Lana is offering me $1 per page. I feel like Anais Nin, hired to write erotica for $1 a page except that I'm not writing anything interesting or sexy, just transcribing horrible divorce cases. I'm a w(e)in(n)er!  I think I'm gonna have to start doing a bit of it at home, it is difficult to really get into it @ work what with the phone always ringing, the judge always whining, and pro se litigants yelling at me.  Anyways, this can be a good money-making opportunity for me without getting the second job.  Thank you, Jesus.

I've walked the Big Dam Bridge the past three days and I've got the sore shins to prove it.  It's nice to be legitimately tired at the end of the day!  It's been beautiful outside, everyone has got the spring fever.  We all thought it was Friday today--B.U.M.M.E.R.

Thankfully, I'm working a half-day tomorrow.  I'm thinking of calling Khryuss (HEE HEE) and getting the mane worked on.  It's the rebirth season!

Had supper with Mum and KMHD.  Vietnamese restaurants have really gone downhill around here, it would be ideal if my aunt opened a restaurant.  Anyways, here's our photo from this evening:

Yikes!  It's bad.  Sorry, Mum.

This one's better, please note the lovely tulips:

So, I'm being a major butthurt and changing my mind about the color of stain for the shelf.  I want to try a lighter shade of green, so the wood grain comes through better. Too, the lighter shade has more of a yellow tone to it.  It'll be my project for the weekend if it turns out being too cool or rainy, PLAN B.  It looks like the rain clouds are rolling in, better find things to do, just in case!

ATM & I were feelin' pretty wack (HEE HEE) for driving so far to get a nice walk in (Big Damn Bridge), so we came up with a new LOCAL walk regimen.  Cross either the Main St. or Broadway Bridge into LR, cross through downtown, and take either the Main St. or Broadway Bridge back into NLR.  No petrol consumption, smallening the carbon footprint.  

A big resounding HELL YEAH to KMHD for doing some propah bargaining on a house.  Fingers crossed!  I can't wait to help her settle in and all.  

So, it's official, we are going to Seattle/Canada.  I'm gonna open up the comments line:  What are things Seattle is known for?  We should do something regional and shop local.  I CAN'T WAIT!

I can't be happier that the weekend is HERE.  Do what you like!  

  

Progress? Bust.

First four-leaf clover of 2008, found by ZSR:


Me & KMHD went to the Pulaski Co. Road & Bridge public forum last night. Amongst other things, the Lake Maumelle Watershed was a topic. Any progress or discussion? BUST. Basically, it's old men, not really understanding what is going on, afeered that their rights are about to be taken, going bonzo on the microphone, and taking up all of the time so that the real issue isn't addressed in a timely manner. We couldn't take the ridiculousness of it all, so we left.

The best part of the eve? ATM coming home early from practice. And then there was the chocolate milk I got from Whole Foods.

Uggs

Last nite, I dyed five eggs. They are totally ugg. Today, KMHD came up to me and said, "Hide an egg for me." OK! She disappeared into her room and I hid the egg. It was SO FUNNY to watch, I hid it in plain sight!

There's the egg & there's KMHD still not seeing it! (Click on photos to enlarge)


I used the same spot for ATM!:

I made spicy thai noodle soup & kheer, TOTALLY DELICIOUS.

Went on a walk with KMHD, beautiful day:

Me & ATM got around to staining the shelf:

Good, productive day, but I've got a case of the Sundays and am dreading tomorrow with an intensity!

R.I.P. W.L.R.

The Pinnacle Mountain Park in my mind & the one that actually exists are two different things.  The one we drove up to today made me cry. There were so many people there, they used a field across the park for parking!  

Developers have ruined West Little Rock and the area around the state park.  It truly disgusts me & my feelings worsen when I realize that there is nothing I can do about it.  

Plans are in the works to ruin our drinking water supply, too.  A lot of people seem to be o.k. with that.  I just can't wrap my head around that line of thinking!  To me, you can't justify a threat to any water supply.  It's a crime against the environment & poor people, there isn't enough money in the world to hide that fact.  A big FUCK YOU to developers.  Driving around the park made me deeply sad.

Instead of having a picnic @ Pinnacle Mountain Park, we drove a bit and set up @ Lake Maumelle Park.  We had a table right by the river, but it was so windy & a bit cold. After having a pretty wicked whine & pout, I tried my best to make the best of the situation.  I think I was still shell-shocked from a ruined park and ruined vision of what I believed today would look & be like.

ATM, KMHD, my chair & ZSR:

ATM & KMHD did a very good job making me feel better.  We threw the ol' pigfoam (It is a Nerf) around & did our awesome dances to our awesome mixes that we made specifically for this day trip.  I did get hit in the face with the football, but shortly after the disorientation wore off I was like, "ENOUGH! There will be no more shitty day, I will enjoy myself, damnit!"  The food was good and the company was great, I can't ask for more. In attendance:  AMD, ATM, KMHD, ZSR, T.J.D, ST, & TUCKA.

Sprung Mix

1.  The Skatalites:  Fidel Castro

2.  ll cool j:  Going Back to Cali

3.  Althea & Donna:  

4.  M.I.A.: Boys

5.  James Brown:  Make It Funky (Part 1)

6.  Ananda Shankar:  The River

7.  Black Uruhu:  City Vibes

8.  Chic:  I Want Your Love

9.  Affection:  Bats Whales

10.  Escort: Starlight

11.  Free Blood

12.  Baby Huey:  Hard Times

13.  Herbie Hancock:  Rockit

14.  James Barth:  Hold Still

15.  Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock:  It Takes Two

16.  Jesse Rose:  All Over My Head

17.  Wrexx n Effexx:  Rump Shaker

Next time we can go to the less popular Toltec Mounds to picnic.  We can have the whole place to ourselves and I can recharge my crystals and feel free amongst the spirits that wander there.  (Ha, a little "in" joke.)

Tomorrow, I'll be making Thai Noodle soup.  There was mention of possibly staining the new shelf that I put up on the wall.  I like a good project.

Ahh, I'm so windburned & tired!  

SPRANG!

Yesterday was the first day of Spring, apparently. Missed that memo.

Sent out the email inviting people out to Pinnacle Mountain Park tomorrow -- it's difficult to quell my excitement! I think we're going to give our new camping stove a go for the first time, just to get acquainted with it, make sure everything is in working order. I don't know what to make! Cheese dip, I guess? Baked beans?

Work is much better today, the trial is finally over & the spell has been lifted! Being here will prove difficult, though, because it is gorgeous outside, it is Friday, there are NCAA games being played (so there are loads of people from out of town to gawk at), and well, fuck it, I'm so sick of work, man! I am going to enjoy the fuck out of this weekend, so help me.

LOST was decent last night. I am utterly confused. I don't know who's camp I'm loyal to, I've long ago given up on trying to make sense of any of the mysteries. I did make the call that it was the island that wouldn't let Michael off himself or escape his duties/fate. What a show! I commented to ATM how there should be a LOST bracket. All you gotta do is ask.

If you are hard pressed on to what kind of gift to get me, I will not object to these, ever.

I suppose I'll have a pretty uneventful Friday night, I'll be getting ready for tomorrow, baking cookies, and making a killer salsa. But maybe, too, I can talk ATM into going to get supper and KMHD into walking around downtown (high) to people watch.

ATM's Dispatch from the Beltway

Guest blogger, ATM.
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Was up in D.C. last week for the National League of Cities' Congressional Cities Conference. It's a huge gathering of mayors, councilmembers and other city officials from across the country who come together to hash out issues important to cities and towns and take those issues to Capital Hill. In a nutshell.

Stayed at the exceedingly decent Hilton Washington and Towers. Not sure which towers the name refers to, though. Perhaps they mean that one can see towers in the distance from that spot? I mean, the hotel is tall enough, but if you said "hey man check out that tower" and pointed in that direction I'd wonder what you were on about.

Interesting historical stuff: John Hinckley Jr.'s March 30, 1981, attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan took place at the Hilton. Here's a famous series of pix taken as it all went down. (Click on photo to enlarge) See that little railing in the upper right of the first picture? I had a smoke right there! They've since cleaned up any blood.

The long days sitting through the conference tired me out, so the only extracurricular activities I had energy for were walking up and down Connecticut Avenue looking for places to have a couple of beers. Tried one place, The Big Hunt. It looked dive-y enough for me to feel at home. And dive-y usually means cheap. Also good. Got to the bar and the dude carded me. This was a setback because my license had expired on my birthday just days earlier.

"Can't serve you, man. This is an invalid document"

"Well, they let me fly on the plane after just filling out a form and you're not going to serve me a beer?"

"Can't do it man. The [names some agency] will give me a fine."

Rather than argue with the asshole I left. Grumbling. "I'll find a fucking bar where they don't card 35 year olds, asshole." That kinda thing. Headed 2 blocks down and hit a place called Lucky Bar. Well there you go. No hassles. And the joint was a soccer bar, so I got to watch a Chelsea match. Oh, and I met a dude sitting beside me who had lived in Little Rock for a while. Kinda recently in fact. He praised Whole Hog and Chris Denny. One downside of this place: It was apparently the afterwork hangout of a large crew of bike messenger dudes. They'd come in and drink beer after beer, stacking the empty pint glasses four-foot high on the bar and talking bike messenger talk. Loudly. I stepped out for a smoke and had to listen to them out there too. It was a huge fixed-gear circle jerk. Seriously, it was ten times worse than music nerd talk.

Anyway, after a scotch and a couple of Stellas, I walked my grumpy, self-righteous self back up to the "Tower" and crashed out watching the free HBO. Um, what else. Oh! I got to ride in a stretch limo back to the airport!

FIN

The Arkansas River is not a toy!

Yesterday evening, before supper, we went to Murray Park to look at the AR River. It was incredible and intimidating. With all of the rain, the river is swollen & full, it looks as if it can just reach out and pull you in! I've heard that in some parts, it has breached the bank!

With Big Dam Bridge and Pinnacle Mtn. in the background:

You can see a faint moon in this one:

Obviously the pictures do no justice, but if you've the opportunity, go look, from a safe distance, at the river!

Last nite, we bought our first piece of luggage together. It is HUGE. Basically, it's like we've added another closet to the house, it is that big. It'll be easy to spot in a sea of black suitcases since it is a lovely shade of burnt sienna.

I think a good remedy to what ails me (READ: WORK) is a nice day-trip to Pinnacle Mtn. Park to grill, play games & enjoy good company. My mind & body are working together to tell me to go outside. I can only agree!

Well, it looks like our neighborhood is bracing itself for the NCAA Men's Basketball tourney. All trees and flower beds have been freshly mulched, all parking lots have been cordoned off, and the NLRPD have their forces ready. It might be worth the people-watching to go out and walk around this evening. We need to fill out our brackets, which I really don't know how to do, but I'd like to see how well I do in my swami-style forecasting. I read online that it shouldn't interfere with our LOST viewing, which is a very good thing.

Lindsey Miller did a bit on brackets on his blog. Scroll down a bit.
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Need to work on a grocery list!

It's not a tumor!

I think I've been avoiding this blog because I know that updating will be a sizable task. Well, I'd better get started.

This past Friday was fun! There wasn't a huge turnout, but I had a good laugh with the friends who showed. ATM was great, as usual! It was a shame that he had such a shit time slot (8 p.m.?!!!) -- regardless, it was strong work, ATM is ahead of his peers by lightyears. The highlight of Rod Bryan's set was KC & the Sunshine Band and Albert King. The rest...meh. The same could be said of Marky Ramone. B-O-R-I-N-G. Or should I say W-I-G!? He basically played his iTunes. Frowny face. All punk. Frowny face. The great rock n roll swindle (The door = $15). Frowny face. I had too much tequila. Frowny face.

ATM:




Marky Ramone (Thumbs up. Really?):


Saturday, the Ides of March, was General Chang & Weasel's Birthday. I woke up a bit (A LOT) worn and it didn't help that I had Altered Image's 'Happy Birthday' looping & worming it's way through my brain for what seemed like an eternity. But we made a run to our grocer & got Weasel a baby cake & a gift card. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Our cousins from Ft. Smith arrived at about 2 p.m. We picked them up from the PokerHaus and took them to the Rivermarket in hopes that the people-watching would be good. It was, for a good minute, being that the Inksplosion Expo was going on. Some band was playing to a crowd of two, which prompted the frustrated lead singer to wander over to the edge and yell at passersby, including us. We all got to shake hands or hi five the bro, it was a good laugh. After that got boring, we gave in & took them to the dreadful mall. Frowny face. And then, upon the motion of the the boys, we went to Guitar(ded) Center. Then we went back to the PokerHaus to dine on a feast of eggrolls. Regrettably, I have no photo of that beautiful mountain of eggrolls that Mom & Di Hoa worked on for most of the day. It was beautiful and I can truly appreciate a Moms-cooked meal. NEVER FORGET. Om nom nom nom nom nom! After a stop by Target (frowny face) & Barnes & Noble (frowny face), we finally went home and kicked it.

On Sunday, I woke up too early, made a pot of coffee and baked some scones. Made a run to the grocer's for some juice & a paper. Went home and enjoyed breakfast and tried to get hungry again so we could enjoy Vino's. Fine pizza abounds, mom.

Enjoying Vinos:




After Vino's, we went to the Big Dam Bridge:






Then we went to get ice cream and then we took them to their mother and they went home to Ft. Smith. And then I went to bed. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

I had a lot of fun with my cousins, but I will confess, I have no idea how to deal with a 12 y.o. asshole. V really tests my patience to the nth degree. At one point during the visit, out of frustration, I asked her if she was retarded. !!! !! !!!! I'm so ashamed, but I did it. See? I'm no good. FAIL. We (me & KMHD) struggle with it because we'd like to be 'something' (Good or bad, depends on who you ask, I guess.) to her, but it's very difficult, she has no personality, no identity. She asks us to pick out everything for her, even little things like ice cream flavors! Ridiculous! I knew what kind of ice cream I wanted at the age of one! Granted, she may want to copy our own taste or style, but there are some decisions that you ought and should make on your own. Too, she needs to work on her manners -- she's got a negative opinion on nearly everything about us. Our friends are weird, I'm crazy, my boyfriend is crazy, I shouldn't do this or that. Really, V? I think that Jr. High will correct a lot of these issues. And too, I know I need to act 30 and DEAL with it, but damn it, one thing is for certain -- even if she hates me for it, she will have to have better manners when she is with us. Or she can hang out with the moms where it is perfectly acceptable to act 4.

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Finally got to watch LOST last night. Does anyone else want a spin-off with just Sayid & Desmond? Anyone? I'm further confused by last nite's ep, so they're doing a good job.

I've got to go out (in the rain, probably) this evening and get Lana's birthday (Aaaaah, Altered Images AGAIN!) present. I predict another slow, sleepy evening. Tomorrow: Wednesdate! ATM threatened to take me to Layla's. Awwww, babe.

The approaching sound of zeppelins.

Fine ham abounds, Mom.

I discovered this today. How AWESOME would it be to see Scott Thompson & Brucio in person?!!! It looks like the closest the show will be to us is Nashville. Tragedy.
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I'm having a shit day at work. And it started off so well! My nearest & dearest have reminded me that I've got a free meal & LOST to look forward to.
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ATM found this in the front yard today:

Can anyone venture a guess as to what kind of business this is?!!!

So, LOST was not on at it's supposed time. I figure SEC basketball playoffs take precedence in our ABC-viewing region. Why does America hate me? Is it because I use Envirosax? Is it because I may or may not be Mexican?

Freeze frame!

Tip-toe Through the Tulips

I decided, about 15 minutes ago, that I'm done with work today. I even have a sense of accomplishment because I got A LOT done this morning. This completely negates my earlier statement of renewed enthusiasm & interest in my job. Ha!

During lunch break, I noticed this:
At first I thought "Is it too early?" and then I realized, FUCK!, it's already March!

Got my passport today!


I'm going to attempt to mount a shelf in the living room this evening -- that means a pit stop to the hardware store. Watch me do this!

A reminder to self & all: ATM will be DJing this Friday @ the Rev Room! I am more excited about his set than I am headlining act Marky Ramone (Yes, one of them!)

I've been folding laundry, listening to house, feeling completely unreal -- in a good way, mind.

We all have something to look forward to, I believe, and it's just a matter of a few events just happening and before you know it, we're there. I don't want to wish life away & see it slip by unnoticed. I want to enjoy every moment of it, all the way up to those great milestones in life. The in-between stuff can't just be filler! Be it the job, hard times, great meals, good books -- all of it, it means a great deal more to me now than ever. 

It took me a long time to get here. By 'here' I mean this state of mind where I am willing to accept life's hardships and pleasures equally with understanding that we can't have one without the other. I guess I'm accepting, finally, what I'm being dealt. I've not mastered it, but I recognize it now and would like to hone it, own it. 

Moderation, adaptability, patience, calm, compassion, & truth.

I can apply this to my saying that work is my primary objective, that I want to be the best employee that I can be, and, in the very same breath, say, "I'm done for the day, no more." I'm recognizing my own limitations here. If I'm done, I'm done, any further work will be sloppy, careless. I'll pick up where I left off, when I'm ready, and things will just fall into place. Besides, if I'm not working, I'm still working, albeit other projects, probably personal. I like work, it makes me feel better mentally & physically.

You feelin' me?

FAILURE!

Approaching work with renewed enthusiasm & interest.
So, I should get to work, yeah?

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I am completely & utterly bored with the internet tonite! In it's stead, I tried making a Sonic Youth poster for the living room. FAILURE! I don't know how to use the copier that enlarges images.

Now I'm waiting to hear from ATM (who is in D.C. on business), thinking about having another cigarette. BORING!

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My Un-Birthday!

I'm exhausted.

First & most important order of business: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ATM!

So, the Trial Court Assistant's conference was not bad!  I actually learned something.

Obligatory hotel room shots:

It started sleeting a bit when ATM arrived. We hurried to McClard's BBQ to get take-out before the roads became unnavigable. By the way, McClard's is shit! Their BBQ (and beans and slaw) were so bad, it was offensive! I'm still offended.

One spliff later, sleet turned into a beautiful snow and we watched LOST, which was just o.k. After that, I was prime for bed. I joked with ATM that I am the morning person (much to his dismay) and he is the night owl (much to my zzzzzzz). So, naturally, I woke up earlyish. I assembled our belongings until ATM got up, with a bit of prodding. He did not once complain!

We went to some second-hand shop that was across the street from McClard's. I got a cuet kitchen step-stool. Note to self: vintage bed linens and bath towel sets in top condition are available.

From there, we went to the Pancake Shop, a Hot Springs institution that is a personal favorite. I can't not visit!

 
I ran next door to the Savory Shop (owned by Pancake Shop people) which is a high-end gourmet foods shoppe -- picked up a lb. of Pancake Shop coffee & some Jamaican jerk rub. Things to look forward to!

From there we went to the flea market. We were both a little shocked and hurt to see that this painting  

was not hanging up. Did some other weirdo buy it? Where is it?!! ATM purchased a 1" stack of (interesting) vinyl & I got replacement vintage measuring spoons & a shiny breadbox, lovely additions to the kitchen.

It was a short while before we decided to go home to avoid weather-related troubles, so we stopped by Durango Mexican Resturant & Bakery to cancel the birthday dinner reservation and to pick up the (muy delicious) tres leches cake. A quick stop by Kroger to pick up ingredients for chicken tortilla soup and we were en route to NLR.

Evening Post

Alright, I'm as ready as I'm going to be for this conference.  I vacuumed my pea coat of 90% cat hair, I packed my bags & snacks, and made arrangements for a sitter for SOLO.  [Thanking KMHD in advance for her services!]

I was telling ATM earlier how I am making such a big deal of this.  "It's your first time!", he says.   

Why am I a little excited?!!!

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I've found myself really interested in design lately.  ST has introduced me to some blogs, one that I now check daily.  You might, too!   There are a lot of really beautiful and creative things there!  Once I get my "studio" or "office" (whathaveyou) stocked, organized, & going, I am really going to take a shot at making beautiful, functional things, hopefully out of reusable items.  Repurposing + design = gladness.  I would like to sell (peddle) them if they are quality, but I know nothing about marketing, etc.   Ah, we'll get to that another time.  

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Reminders of good:

i.  LOST tonite!!!

ii.  It is nearly camping season!  

iii.  Frookies.  By any name, they gladden the heart!  

iv.  Handed over on a silver platter, a free trip to Seattle.  

v. Chicken Tortilla Soup

vi.  The tulips are starting to come through!

vii.  Libraries

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It's on random.

My mind is on random today, so I'll be all over the place.

ALL OVER THE PLACE

(Photo w/ KMHD & ATM by AMD modified by KMHD)

i. This Thursday & Friday, I'll be attending my first work-related conference in Hot Springs. I am so glad to be away from ye olde desk for a couple of days and, hey!, free hotel room stay! But I won't be a fool to think that it'll be fun & exciting, especially with topics about ergonomics & the ethics of being a public servant. Fuh! I may have to assemble some sort of an anti-boredom device.

The best part is that ATM will be meeting me there Thursday evening! We're going to get some BBQ take-out and watch LOST in our room! On Friday, I'm skipping the conference entirely so we can hang out & loiter all over town -- too, it's his birthday! [Obviously, all of this good news requires excessive use of exclamation points! !!! !!!!!]

Maybe we'll make it to the track? Maybe we can go to Garvan Gardens? We will certainly be meeting Kim, Zach, & (maybe) Kyle for dinner to celebrate ATM's birthday. If we're lucky, Polka Your Eye Out will be performing @ the Brau Haus.

ii. I need a new umbrella. I like this one:


iii. $600.00 -- What are you gonna do with your hundreds? I'm actually gonna toss it back in to the economy (How patriotic!), but I don't know what to buy since we recently acquired a (gently used) washer & dryer, which is what I had intended to buy with my hundreds in the first place. I may do something completely outrageous and buy a piece of furniture. I wish I had the kind of brain that came up with this!: GENIUS!

iv. WAITING WAITING WAITING
a) Passport
b) Parcels to be delivered
c) The big Move In/Move Out -- I think I am more anxious than KMHD & ATM.

v. I'd like to sell my handmades on Etsy, but is it worth the time/effort? I think that once I have a surplus, I'll give it a go.