September 2011 Top Ten

1.  Yeah!  Labor Day weekend is here!  It's my favorite U.S. holiday.  Overworked + underpaid --  that's each and every one of us, innit?  I suppose I prefer to commemorate like anyone else -- by gathering with friends, drink union-made beer, and eat awesome food.  Also, Link Wray is the best music to listen to on Labuh Day.


Press 'play', listen while you read.  Keep up!






2.  Wild Flag is releasing their new album this month!  Stream here.  Pre-order here.  It's unstoppable!





3.  A quick jaunt to Dallax with ATM, KMHD & Everett is going to happen.  It will have been amazing.  We're going to see The Horrors!


4.  Here's a temporary I'm trying on for size.  I quite like it.  I think I'm getting a tiny one closer to the wrist.  (ATM, anybody, hand me a comb!)





5.  Speaking of tattoos, they say that imitation is a form of flattery -OR!- I've got the trendiest tattoo this side of the Mississippi.  KMHD & Brittany have teamed up to sell some temporary tattoos of our beloved state.  I've already ordered some for Saturday's game.  They're great to customize or decorate for whatever occasion!  2/$1  Contact FLEETING INK to order.  I'll be giving away a few on Saturday if you see me.








 
Model: Nicole Photos: Heather Canterbury


6.  The gift of time.  I'll have a little extra this month.  I really hope that I don't squander it, although doing nothing has it's merits, too.


7.  Okra poboys.   It's not on the menu @ Oyster Bar, but they will make it if you ask for it.  Heavens.


8.  New camera.   I needed to get one before our vacation and, well, I just needed one.  I am your friend that takes pictures of everything.  After Victor died, I remember thinking that I didn't have enough photos of our time together.  It won't happen again.


9.  TOFU HAPPENING.  I am the current curator of this event of yore.  It's not quite the same, but still maintains the basic tenets of eating well (maybe not healthy, but you do get stuffed) and communion.  This is the third one since it's been rebooted and it has grown a little every time.  People are awesome!  Am looking to start other projects, too.  Maybe an art night?  Where we paint and sip wine out of mugs?  An event where we publish a zine in one evening?  I am open to ideas.


10.  Revisiting Nouvelle Vague

one two three four I like the way you move around the floor I like the way you move around the room

What's up?

I had a really rad Saturday!  It was the kind of day that perhaps a 15 y.o. boy would also enjoy.  Had coffee with ATM + Collin (ask him about his John Mellencamp stories!) @ Boulevard.  THEN, I had lunch with Keiko @ Pho Thahn Mi.  We really didn't have a plan for the day, but ended up going to the brand new Apple store in WLR.  It wasn't as ridiculous as I imagined and we ran into Everett, who happens to be the manager. I was so close to buying an iPhone, but, the system was down (?!) and my sale couldn't go through.  I'm glad because, hey, I've got a birthday coming up.  Too, I've managed this long w/o that hifalutin' contraption, but will admit that the allure of carrying only one thing instead of a separate phone, camera, and mp3 player sounds...neater.  After that, we went to Game Stop to get accessories for this shoot-em-up zombie game I obtained for the Wii.  THEN, we got fro yo.  THEN, we played the kill all zombies game for a couple of hours.  THEN, I went home and was completely spent!

Later that  evening, things went southward.  While ATM and I were busy slaying Z's, I got a text from Judge asking if I could house sit while he tended to a family emergency (nothing to do with Hank & Collins, mind).  I'm already set to house sit for eight days in September, so what's an extra few days?  Here I am, a temporary Heights resident once again.  My duties are to care for Lucy (canine) + Omar Little (feline) and to water all the plants and lawn.  Tuesday is trash day.

It's actually not a bad gig, except that I'm far from home and I get a touch lonesome.  In order to not burn through my tank of gas so quickly, it's just best if I just stay put on this side of the river before/after work.  It's times like this that I wish we had better public transportation, though.  At least it's extra $$$ for vacation and other fun things.  I'll definitely be getting a lot of reading done as I am too intimidated by His Honor's huge television.

A reminder that TOFU HAPPENING is this weekend.  I still don't know what I'm going to make!  You are invited.  4 Sept 2011 @ 3:00 p.m., 111 Johnson St.  Bring your best vegetarian/vegan dish.

Same couch w new covers.  A fresh look! 

Possessed camera shot

Postpartum refreshin'

I know I can handle it* because I assisted in executing two baby showers this month whilst planning another Tofu Happening, a long housesitting stint, a trip to Dallax, and a vacation.

*it = you know

Yesterday, Andrew, KMHD & I rewarded ourselves with a quick float down the Caddo River.  It was simply perfect.  It's just an hour's drive SW of (N)LR and if you've got your own tube, it's inexpensive ($1 to inflate, $8 to shuttle your group).  We arrived at the outfitters about noon and were getting out of the river around three, so you don't even need a half-day to have a beer or two whilst floating in an idyllic setting.  Might have to try to have another run before it's too late.  Summer's almost over!

He tried.

The camera was in a plastic bag, thus the soft focus.

I love you

Jesus, people, learn how to use the Internet.
I love you.


Obstinate are the trammels, but my heart aches when I try to break them. 
Freedom is all I want, but to hope for it I feel ashamed. 
I am certain that priceless wealth is in thee, and that thou art my best friend, but I have not the heart to sweep away the tinsel that fills my room. 
The shroud that covers me is a shroud of dust and death; I hate it, yet hug it in love. 
My debts are large, my failures great, my shame secret and heavy; yet when I come to ask for my good, I quake in fear lest my prayer be granted. 

— Rabindranath Tagore 

Knock knock!

We paid big bucks to have a new back door installed.  That includes a new (energy efficient) door, parts, labor, and a wonderful fee of $120 for the removal of door frame bits with lead paint and the safe disposal of said door frame bits with lead paint.  

Anyway, look at our old door.  It's not even an exterior door, but maybe some closet or bathroom door.  It's ridiculous, you can see outside through the hole!  Frankly, I'm a little embarrassed we waited this long to replace it because it's obviously not very secure, but you know.  The funds.  Or a lack thereof.











And here is the sound replacement.  We need to paint the new trim and clean the smudges on the door and wall, but ok!  





Are we moving too fast with our home improvement? Ha.  Thanks for reading.

TOFU HAPPENING

Click to enlarge, sweetness

NEW AUGUST ('11 TOP 10)

Already halfway through the month, but here is my small list of the little things.





1.  The light outside looked different this morning and I keep smelling autumn on the air; it'll be here sooner than later and we have plans.  Pretty good ones, too.  While I appreciate summer, I am not the biggest fan.  No, it's terrible in Arkansas unless you've got a reliable lake connection.  You are driven inside because outdoor activity is unsafe.  And there are some things you can't do inside, like cook, which is bollocks because that's my deal.  I don't even miss summer whilst in the soul-killing icy grip of winter.  Autumn is the best and my favorite season.  I am looking forward to enjoying the dickens out of it.

2.  The Farmer's Market is one of the better things about summer, but it's actually a chore for me.  There is this Russian farmer who I find likable, though.  He's quiet, which I truly appreciate at that early hour, and gives he gives me free garlic. He has a terrible time saying "heirloom watermelon", which is precious.  I'm going to miss the okra, tomatoes, berries, figs, corn, melons, and that accent.


3.  The constant pull of Memphis, New Orleans, Perdido Key, Seattle, Colorado, and even California, one I haven't felt in a long time.  The vastness of this country and it's different environs is wondrous.  I think we'll be able to scratch the itch for a few of these in due time.


4.  I've got hostessing duties for two baby showers this month.  I'm happy to do it!  I really love planning things and I'm a great worker bee, but I really ought to make time for my own things, yes?   





5.  It's tough being a homeowner, no doubt.  But, what little we've done to the house as far as home improvement goes has made me love our little home that much more.  I totally understand the meaning of "labor of love".  I'm still trying to get a handle on patience.  We want to build, not maintain, but that's what we're having to do.  Maintenance and lots of it.


6.  I am going bananas over this recipe from Jen's blog ((( FOOD ORLEANS ))) featuring OKRA.  It's so simple, but clever.

  Photo from FOOD ORLEANS

7.  The Horrors  


Plans laid to see them in Sept/Dallax.





8.  Spending time with old friends.  No love lost.


9.  Tofu Happening, Back To School edition.  I am pleased to announce that Bellwood are hosting this time.  Sept. 4, Labor Day weekend.  Please mark your calendar!  Flyer soon.


10.  I'm just going to purge here ... lime/salt popcorn, coconut sparkling water, Obits, Disappears, The Soft Pack, Supergrass, Tame Impala, Rhodia pads, Spotify, Rani Kajal eyeliner, reading loads of books, naps.
 

It's made of herbs, so it's actually good for your eyes.  

Guys, break time's over!

The news makes me facepalm so much, I'm red in the face.  It's the loud, unhappy halfwits that bother me the most.  I've been assured by an older generation that this is not new thing, which is unfortunate.  Cyclical messes.





I had a row with a co-worker last week.  This is a really sad thing considering that we're a very small office & we're tight-knit.  She's been here for months and we've covered for her, so that she could ease into her responsibilities without stress and worry.  There are a couple of things that everyone is required to know how to do, no exceptions.  I gently reminded her that we needed to get her trained.  There was some passive-agressive this & that from her, which I ignored because I really hate that nonsense.  She started treating the others poorly,  for which I never heard the end of.  Anyway, in short, she fronted and  proclaimed that she wasn't going to do it, I couldn't make her, and it's not in her job description, which is all true.  I informed her that she could take that issue up with the boss and if she felt she had to go strictly by job description that maybe she'd take note that everyone goes above and beyond job description in this office because we are friends, we care for each other, and we do what it takes to TCB.  She can be a part of that if she chooses, but no one is going to make her do anything, but SHE WILL LEARN HOW TO DO WHAT IS REQUIRED OF HER.  That pretty much ended the argument.  She begged for forgiveness and that we never speak of it again, which I agreed to.  Still, despite my proceeding with "business as usual", I can tell that it is a struggle for her and that she hasn't actually let go.  It's tiresome.  I'm just glad that I didn't roll over and had the opportunity to say my piece at the very beginning.  For all intents and purposes, this case is closed.  Anything else will be deferred to the judge because I'm recusing from the matter.  However, I'm still trying to figure out how I got singled out as ringleader.  Very annoying stuff.  It bothered me very much.




It's hot out there!  100 days of the stuff!   I gave up on the geraniums and the petunias, but moved the sweet potato vine to the back.  Pray for it's recovery.  Also, drink lots of fluids and stay indoors, alright?  Don't forget to SPF.  And do the tighten' up!





We gave the dining room a new look with paint --  the green was lovely, but not suitable for a windowless room.









We left a strip of green for remembering:



Our sad liquor cart that needs to be stocked, but, hey, the corner looks nice!



I needed a break.

The end of the beginning.

I'm just taking a break.  Will post little bits & gristle HERE.  

IRL

It was funny when my stepfather came over to take a look at our decrepit air unit and said, "I don't mean to hurt your feelings, but this thing is OLD."  He's right.  Look at it. (It doesn't help that the landscape around it hasn't been looked after since before we moved in, but in due time.  Please focus!)  It really didn't inspire confidence:



And here is the replacement, keeping everything easy breezy:



Do me a favor and LOOK AT IT.  Because sometimes dropping that much money on a home-improvement project means you really don't have anything to show for it.  I suppose I *could* make visitors hang outdoors for 5 mins. or so before allowing them inside to really appreciate it, but, honestly, there's no way to actually commemorate it.  You WILL admire and appreciate it, damn it!  And we'll do the same when we get new insulation in our attic, too!


Other than A/C dramatics, there's not much to report around here.  Nothing that can't be handled by tw1tter and the new "+" anyway.  I've been shuffling and reorganizing plans, priorities, and desires.  It's not ideal, but it's all well and good.  Hopefully we can get a trip to Colorado in.  And a trip to either Dallax (That's Dallas, TX.  Keep up!), Chicago, or New Orleans.  We will see.


Things will pick up around here.


Treats from Nippon! (Thx, Peeks!)

melted

If you are having difficulty trying to imagine what it is like in our home, well, it's like a sauna. There's no comfortable anything about it. These days, nighttime brings very little relief. The thermometer, at 10:01 p.m. says it is 92 degrees (but feels like 102).


I don't feel like doing anything. No reading, no writing. Just lots of naps in front of a fan that blows warm air. With any luck, all impurities inside of me have been sweated out.


But, the end is in sight! Tomorrow, the installation process begins.


In other better news, our trying the Banana Leaf Indian food truck (It's ACE. It's amazing for food to be that cheap and so delicious!) made me want to learn to make my own mango lassi. Since cooking is absolutely out of the question, I may just have to do it. Should I do it on the day that it is supposed to be 100 degrees out or 102?

4

Technically, it' s not the 4th of July, but I can only get things accomplished when it is night time and the temperature is a breezy 90-something degrees in our house.  Periodically during the day, we'll get a little burst of energy and we try to get things done, but then it's back to laying around, which takes up a good 85% of our time.  And we can't lounge around together, because our arms might touch and ewwwwwwwwww it is TOO HOT/HUMID.  It didn't take much convincing that, yes, we need a new HVAC.  We're scheduled to get an estimate on Tuesday.  We will be getting our front/back door measured for new energy-efficient doors, too.  Things are happening around here as far as home-improvement goes, which, despite this evil heat, is keeping me in good spirits.   I've got good company with ATM and the cat critters, too.


OFF THE CHARTS HOT:



I did some quick research online to see if I was doing wrong by the cats because they are extremely lethargic.  Turns out it's a defense mechanism to overheating, similar to what we do.  Nobody move.



  





So, I had set this particular appointment with my hairdresser three months ago.  It was a standard wash & trim, but when I walked in yesterday, I asked her to cut it off, please.  "Are you sure?!!!" she asked repeatedly.  It wasn't long before everyone who worked at the beauty parlor was asking.  I guess they have to know for certain to avoid a crying, remorseful customer.  After I convinced her that I was serious, she grabbed my hair by the fistfuls and just chopped it off.  I'm pretty sure she enjoyed it.  And I'm pretty sure the heat made me do it.

The result, new look:






Not bad, eh?

July 2011 Top Ten

1.  The unlikely mix of cold watermelon, mint + feta is ruling my tastewaves.  If you are at the Green Cuisine food truck, treat yoursel!  Or you can just DIY.


2.  Switchblade comb is making me the envy of the office.



3.  Very berry!  I am in blueberry & blackberry heaven.


4.  My love for Scott Walker has recently been revived.  (Not to be confused with that vile governor of Wisconsin.)






5.  I can't quite say that I'm playing tennis, but I've been hittin' tennis balls @ Burns Park with ATM.  It's harder than it looks, but really enjoyable.






6.  Yogurt pops.  A propah, but not total, ice cream substitute.  How I did it:  

In a blender or a food processor, add 2 cups organic, fat-free plain yogurt (I'm using vanilla next time), 2 super ripe bananas, 1- 1 1/2 c of frozen berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc.), 2 T of honey, and BLEND.  If you've got popsicle molds, terrific!  I used ye olde popsicle sticks in the paper cup method.  (Just be sure to not buy any Koch Industries products.)



7.  Friendship bracelets.  I haven't made one in 17 years, but it came back to me instantly.  I do need a little practice, though.



8.  Spray sea salt water in your tresses for awesome beach hair.  DIY method is 8 oz. of warm water, 1 T (or so) of fine sea salt, and a few drops of essential oils (your choice!) in a spray bottle.  Way to go, No Coast!  


9.  Lakes, not pools.  We actually need help realizing this one.  Any Cap'ns out there with a boat and free time?


10. No A/C means less pants wearin' around the house.  I pretty much rock a dashiki full time now.  A dashiki that I bought in Hot Springs, Arkansas on Central Avenue.  What.  

July 2011 Bottom Five

Can't have light without darkness.


1.  We are facing a possible HVAC replacement.  Frankly, I am considering the idea of learning to live without air conditioning.  It's not a noble pursuit, believe me, but if we are going to live within our means, then we have to make this sacrifice.  This isn't a plea for pity because there's no need, it's not as bad as one might imagine.  Honestly.  With some wardrobe adjustments & a couple of quality fans, we've got this.  The hugging warmth and the soothing buzz of the fans actually made me remember that I didn't always live in homes with A/C, I just got spoiled along the way.  


2.  I've got my critical eye on here, but I've grown weary of social networkers who simply post things they want to buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy buy.  It's basically boring advertising.  I love STUFF as much as the next person, but I'm certain there is no race for us to gain as much possessions as we possibly can.    Oh, Consumerism! with your boot heel to our throats!  

3.  Slow down. 


4.  Everyone's an expert.  


5.  Not enough time.

Comment

I won't dispense too many details here, but I have two beloved relatives that is or has fallen gravely ill.  One has survived far longer than expected and the other is young, recently diagnosed, and currently fighting her malady. I've got so many emotions swirling around inside, but it's outrage that prevails.  It makes me so angry that the best people I know find themselves in such a way.  These aren't your run-of-the-mill good people; they are actually better than any of us!  Do me a favor and DO NOT tell me that it is part of a "Plan"  because it's the worst fucking plan.

Be kind & take care of each other.

Dreams, they complicate my life (Dreams, they complement my life)

Last night, ATM & I conceded to the fact that we need to put our plans to travel to New Zealand on the backburner.  I have relatives that I really want to spend time with; so, that's a trip to Cortez, Colorado and a trip to Seattle, Washington.  Too, we need new tires for the automobile.  And we need a new front door.  New windows. The list goes on and on like that.  Unless we happen upon a bag of money, we're just going to have to knock these off the list slowly, one by one.  Here's hoping that we stay healthyish & no ridiculous expenses crop up.  In much happier financial news, I paid off a credit card today!  I may've quit the pizza-slingin' job, but have two housesitting gigs coming up, so, thankfully, I still have a little extra $$$ coming in.  And I can't complain.  Things are lovely.


Went to Memphis again this past weekend with KMHD & Brittany.  We didn't have a plan other than eat & loiter.  It was lovely!  I did not return home miserable, broken & worn out, but at ease & better for it.  Ready for this?  When we rolled into town, we got had our lunch at Gus's.  As per usual, we had to wait in line, about 30 minutes.  Thankfully, we had a properly-loaded jukebox to help us along.


Brittany:



Yusssss...






Ran into Rebekah & Keiko!  It's always neat to run into friends in other cities.



After some responsible window-shopping (I mean, we shopped, but only for the necessities), we checked into our hotel and went swimming.



The sun completely drained us of energy, so we went to the juice bar for shots of wheatgrass (really) and juices.  I considered it an act of penance for all of our indulgent consumption.  We then returned to our room and prepared for an evening out.  After getting gussied up, we drove to RP Tracks for BBQ tofu sandwiches & BBQ tofu nachos.  I'm almost ashamed to say it, but we totally overindulged.  I had a will to go out to have drinks and have a bitchin' good time, but I. ate. too. much.  After having searched high and low for the perfect bar for years, we discover the Lamplighter Lounge and are too full to even enjoy the one beer we ordered.  It's a true locals-only dive with an attentive barkeeper & a relaxed atmosphere.  I was grateful that there was no loud music blaring, so you could have conversations or eavesdrop on others.  There was the smell of greasy (and forbidden) burgers and stale cigarette smoke hanging heavy in the air.   Great lighting.  Cheap drinks.  Just perfect. We vowed to return and do it properly, but all I could think about was going to our room to have a lay down, engage in girl-talk, and watch the telly.  Ridiculous.  I hang my head in shame.


Photo by Brittany:



Photo by Brittany:



Brittany & KMHD:



Me, photo by KMHD:



The next morning, we woke up early (because we are DAYHAWKS!!!) and, unbelievably, got stuffed at Brother Juniper's, the best breakfast spot in Memphis.  We ate, but didn't overdo it this time.  If you've no self-control, pour salt all over your food and drop your flatware on the floor, and voila!  You're done.  Of course, carbo-loading leads to more in-room lounging.



We slowly packed our things and hit the streets.  And, for the umpteenth time, because I always have someone in tow who hasn't been yet,   we payed respects to Jay Reatard.  


Photo by KMHD:






Finally, we took the poor man's tour of Graceland and STAX Records.  All that means is that we didn't pay the exorbitant admission fees.


Graceland:
























Around the corner from STAX.  Memphis has the best old signs:



On our way out of town, photo by KMHD:



Ladies, anytime you wanna go to Memphis, call me!  xx 


(((((some SOUNDTRACKING)))))