Saturday, July 31, 2004Walking Man
Chris receives a gift of slippers after completing the walkLast night I spent a few hours at a party for some guy I don't know, hosted by some people I don't know. All things considered, it was pretty entertaining and everyone was (almost surprisingly) really nice. :) Apparently there's a Seattle woman named Wendie who has a little brother named Chris. He got it in his head a few years back that it'd be fun to walk across the United States. Not to raise money, not to protest, not to further a cause, not to promote health. Just to walk, meet the neighbors along the way, and have an adventure. Well, he started last year in Savannah, GA and 207 days of walking later he arrived in Seattle last night. I've gone to parties with less exciting themes, and this seemed like an interesting way to spend a Friday night. His sister Wendie was great (just got back from volunteering in Nicaragua), and Chris himself was very entertaining (he had lots of stories, as you can imagine). To read all about his trip and send him congratulations, visit dontforgetus.net. To hang out with him sometime in the next few weeks before he takes a train back to Colorado, drop him an email.
Friday, July 30, 2004Winds of change...Today was our big graduation celebration at work! (Happily, the weather cooperated and shifted about 15 degrees cooler so it was more tolerable at the beach!). My staff at work has full turnover every year and it's really quite sad to get such an amazing group of people, watch them grow over the course of a year, and then loose them all when it's over. Two are moving out of the country, a few are moving out of state, and happily, the rest are staying in the Seattle area. I know it's the nature of the program, it's just sad to see them go. (I feel like a parent must feel when their kids move out into the great big world and they're left all on their own). Regardless, we did a BBQ at the beach to celebrate the year and played some badminton and frisbee. I had gifts for everyone that included training certificates, sappy sentimental stuff, super cool personalized t-shirts from NorthShoreShirts.com, and gift certificates for stuff like kayaking, the EMP, free movies, etc. I've had the most amazing team full of fantastic people and while I know I shouldn't pick favorites, there's no doubt at all about the status these folks have earned for themselves. They'll go down in my heart and in the history books as the best team of all time. Wish me luck recovering and lots of luck with my new team that starts in a few weeks!In the mean time, there's tons of fun stuff happening this weekend in Seattle. Tomorrow I hope to hit the Scottish Highland Games, and then plan to party at a friend's Saturday night. On Sunday I'll be at the photo workshop (protest) and then am REALLY excited about the chance to see the BB King blues fest at the Pier! Hope everyone is well!
Photo field trip on Sunday...Don't forget... big photo opp this Sunday at the Ballard locks. Myk saw Ian's blog about being harassed by Homeland Security while taking pictures of one of Seattle's biggest tourist attractions: the Ballard Locks. Myk posted a blog entry a few weeks about encouraging others to photograph the locks in protest and tons of photographers responded, from both near and far. The link was shared on tons of blogs and photo list serves within a few days, and it seems that by now all local media know about the event. In fact, the Stranger has even listed the protest event as a "recommended" event this week. I'll be there Sunday midday with a few cameras. Anyone else?
SUNDAY AUGUST 1
The PATRIOT Act Sucks
(AND SO DOES RACIAL PROFILING) When Ballard resident Ian Spiers got stopped by Department of Homeland Security special agents a few weeks ago for snapping photos of the Ballard Locks as part of a class assignment, he wrote about it on his website, www.brownequalsterrorist.com. Now, dozens--maybe even hundreds?--of people who've read the outrageous story are heading to the Ballard Locks this afternoon, cameras in hand, to quietly stand up against something truly terrifying: PATRIOT Act-fueled law enforcement officers bullying innocent citizens. They'll also be taking pretty pictures of boats. (Ballard Locks Photo Workshop, Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, 3015 NW 54th St, 1 pm-4 pm, free. )
Thursday, July 29, 2004Yipee!I received official word today that I did not test positive for Celiacs Disease. :) That means we still don't know what caused the bumps and scars, but at least I can eat the occasional cookie and not worry about death. Yea!In other pressing news, I now own linen pants in an attempt to keep cool while remaining fully clothed. The other option I generally choose (wear less clothing) is okay for home, but not always okay on days like today where you must present in front of the board of directors.
And in equally riveting news, I've attempted to remove most traces of color from this website. It's too damn hot right now to look at anything colorful. Geez... I think I need to
climb out of the ovenleave my office.
Congrats Chris & Aimee!It's a busy week for babies to be born! Baby Cathryn was born this morning on 7/29/04 and is 7 lbs, 2.5 Oz
Home in Texas?Oddly enough, I got a voice mail last night from my brother. He wanted to let me know my friend Beal got home safely to Austin... apparently he also flew into Austin last night and ran into her in the airport. SMALL WORLD!And speaking of Charlie flying to Austin... he found out last week that he's being transferred from Phoenix, AZ to San Antonio, TX... only an hour away from where my parents live/where we grew up. That means he and Stef have to sell their newly built house in AZ and find a new place very soon in either Austin or San Antonio... hence the apparent trip home this weekend. Congrats to Charlie and Stef on the transfer! I know they've been wanting to get back closer to friends and family for the past few years. Congrats also to Mom and Dad... who just bought a house a few weeks ago and are moving out of our childhood home. Craziness. Guess everyone's home in Texas now except me. Hope y'all are well...
Wednesday, July 28, 2004Congrats Cathy & Jeff!
Scottish Highland GamesThe games are happening this weekend and since I've never been in 4 summers of living in Seattle, I'm hoping to go on Saturday. Anyone want to join me in Enumclaw? Any photographers up for a road trip? Any girlie girls want to go giggle about boys in kilts? Anyone? Do share!
Tuesday, July 27, 2004Girls Just Want to Have Fun!Miss Beal and I have had a good time of being girlie and just relaxing around town... two things I seem to rarely do in Seattle. I enjoy getting to giggle about boys, dressing up, going out to bars, drinking coffee at coffee shops, etc... I do it some the rest of the year, but in small doses and not very often. Guess most of my random friends aren't really into that kind of thing... best I can tell anyway. (This weekend was Indigo Girls, Whidby Island, berry picking, trying on vintage swim suits, Deception Pass, Gasworks, picnic at Golden Gardens, Blue Water Bistro, Bauhaus, College Inn, Qwanjai, and then some). Girlie or otherwise, Beal's visit has been much fun and long overdue. And speaking of long overdue, I got my hair cut again on Friday. (Got 6 or 8 inches or so taken off in April, and had another 4 taken off on Friday). It was pretty fun and now it's shorter and perhaps a bit sassier? I can't tell if the haircut is getting me all of these whistles, honks, and cat calls in the past week, or if it's just the record high temperatures going to people's heads, but either way, something crazy seems to be in the air. (Beal and I as a pair have gotten a good deal of cat calls too). I kinda doubt it's my amazing physique... trying on new jeans this weekend was thoroughly depressing seeing I might need to go up a size, despite the running and hiking and semi-regular working out. And speaking of working out... Dieter, Beal, and I saw Super Size Me tonight. I rarely eat fast food and don't eat meat, but it's still given me a renewed interest in working out. It's sad enough over 60% of our country are overweight or obese... making it the second largest preventable health disease in the country. I just don't want to add myself to that statistic. I suspect that's all the random info you folks really need for today. Hope everyone is well... I'm tired and am off to bed. :)
Friday, July 23, 2004Picnic Sunday at Golden GardensHaving fun balancing a crazy work week with Beal's visit. Not sure about today's plans, but I do know that on Sunday we'll be at Golden Gardens in anyone wants to join us. :) Hope everyone is well!
Thursday, July 22, 2004Beal and a whirlwind of boys...Beal arrived Tues morning, we did lunch with Dieter, worked the afternoon, then saw the Bob Schneider instore at Easy Street Records, had bubble tea with Ben, hit Bimbo's for dinner with Jake, then came home to watch City of Gods. (I highly recommend Dieters, Jakes, Bens, Bobs, and City of Gods. Wow!).Today I worked some, and then we hit the market (ate some fruit and donuts), played some pool (at Tom's moving away party), hung out with Rod (informative evening), cooked some dinner (mac & cheese for Beal, beans & rice for me), and finished up City of Gods.
I'm not really sure what Thursday will bring, but I know by Friday we'll no longer be in the company of quite so many men. In fact, we're likely to be surrounded by women as we'll be at the Pier for the Indigo Girls concert. Have a great night y'all!
Tuesday, July 20, 2004Say a little prayer for Laura...Wow... I've been stressed and crying a lot lately, and tonight is no different. As a name group, I think there are more important "Lauras" in my life than perhaps any other single name, and they're all my same age within a year. Laura D was my 6th grade best friend (during such a traumatic, drama-filled time). Laura C and Laura B were college, Austin, work, and Houston friends. Laura C holds the honor of my first visitor ever in Seattle, and Laura B holds the records for most visits to see me in Seattle. And Laura V was a friend from camp... a sweet, sweet friend who's now in NYC getting ready to be a public school teacher. Her father passed away a few years ago, and now her mother just passed away on Sunday. I've had a lot of death in my life, but never imagined a world that's now a reality for Laura... a world where both of her parents died before her 30th birthday... where they'll never get to see her marriage, her kids, her graduate degree, etc. If you feel called to, please say a little prayer for Laura and send her your thoughts.
Monday, July 19, 2004Traveling Beal...The lovely Miss Beal called today around 4pm, decided she wanted to come to Seattle immediately, booked a flight, and will be arriving in Seattle in about 12 short hours. You might remember Beal from such great stories as "Crazy college co-eds," "Bikini babes in Houston," and "I can't believe she slept on my couch in an efficiency apartment for a whole summer without driving either one of us crazy!" Yes, the great Laura Beal is coming back for her third trip to Seattle to sleep on my couch... though this time it's only for a week. I suspect we'll BBQ at some point this weekend if anyone's free or interested. :)
9 days and 8 nights in GuatemalaI've decided I deserve a little trip to quench my traveling desire. So, this weekend I booked my plane ticket and am going to attend a conference in Antigua, Guatemala in August. I've been super stressed lately (as Dieter and a few of my staff can attest!) and I decided it'd be a worthwhile trip. I'm going into it knowing I'll be stressed before the trip (taking a grad class at UW) and stressed after the trip (have my new staff starting the day after I return). Regardless, a community organizing conference in Guatemala seemed like a chance that shouldn't be passed up. So, if anyone knows anyone in Guatemala City or Antigua, please do let me know... I'd love company for my free times before and after the conference. I'm hoping to hike one of the volcanoes in the area... either Volcán Pacaya or maybe Volcán Agua. Also hope to visit the village of Santa María de Jesús for the views of the valley and the local Mayan women.
I've not studied much about Guatemala yet, but do know that the country is extremely poor. About 75% of the population live below the poverty line. One book to read is "Out of the Dump," a collection of photos and poems done by some of the 1,000+ children who live and scavenge in the Guatemala City garbage dump. Amazon.com says "In this stunning and heartbreaking book, the dump children photograph and write about their parents, siblings, animals, and about their plans for the future. Mirian Esquivel writes, "Women always have a lot of children because they fall in love when they're only fifteen years old." Rosario Lopez promises, "When I'm a mother, I'm going to educate my daughters." Gladiz Jimenez says, "My parents can't read. / They can only write their names. / Maybe I will be their teacher. / Ma me mi mo mu." Any advice for the trip?
Sunday, July 18, 2004Photo of the Day: Cyndi Lauper performs at Summer Nights
Set list from her "At Last" tour in Seattle on July 17, 2004, Summer Nights at the Pier:
At Last
Shine
Change of Heart
Stay
Eventually
Walk On By (Rock Version)
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
She Bop (French Version)
Sisters of Avalon
I Drove All Night
True Colors
It's Hard to Be Me (with Dec on drums)
Money Changes Everything (with Dec on drums)Encore:
Fearless (a capella)
Time After Time
Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Hello... I'm a parrot fish
Saturday, July 17, 2004Photo of the Day: Reflection Lake
Friday, July 16, 2004Photo of the Day: Travis Tritt performs at Summer Nights
Thursday, July 15, 2004Speaking of not having down time...Bob Schneider, one of our most entertaining Austin musicians, is going to be back in Seattle again on Tuesday... this time playing with the Bodeans at the Showbox ($20). Anyone up for another Bob show?
I'm Tired.I'd had plans every night for the past few weeks, and I continue to have plans this Thurs, Fri, and Sat nights. However, I think I need to cancel the rest of my weekend plans and just veg somewhere. I need some down time.
Wednesday, July 14, 2004Long awaited road trip in the works...I've wanted to see the San Juan Islands for as long as I've been in Seattle and I've finally made plans to go. Caroline, Fester, and I are going to go in August and I'm stoked. :)"The San Juan Islands are the tops of glacier-carved mountains that were flooded at the end of the last Ice Age, and depending on whom you listen to there are between 175 and 786 islands in the San Juans. The lower number constitutes those islands large enough to have been named, while the larger number represents all the islands, rocks, and reefs that poke above the water on the lowest possible tide."We're also going to go kayaking and attempt whale watching while we're there. So many new experiences all in one weekend... quite excited!
"When it's time to spot some whales, you have two choices. You can take a whale-watching cruise or head over to Lime Kiln State Park, where a short trail leads down to a rocky coastline from which orca whales, minke whales, Dall's porpoises, and sea lions can sometimes be seen. The best months to see orcas are June to September, but it's possible to see them year-round."There are a few others places I'd like to hit in the NW for long weekends. If you're interested in hitting one of the national parks, let me know and we'll play with schedules. I brought a National Parks Pass, so entrance would be free.
Hoh Rain Forest (Olympic National Park), Washington (only rain forest in the country). We could camp overnight and then hit Sol Duc hot springs in the same park the next day. :)
Crater Lake, Oregon (deepest lake in the country)
Glacier National Park, Montana (just plain nice)
Monday, July 12, 2004Photo of the Day: Moonrise Over SeattleThis weekend I went for hikes on both Saturday (5 miles with Nitza and Rheta) and Sunday (14 miles with Tyson and Jenni). I figured I should be taking advantage of hiking season while the snow is gone and hiking is still an option. Saturday was pouring down rain on us the whole five miles, and Sunday was blue skies, warm, and sunny. I'm still showing my apt in all of my free time (despite my sick roommate sleeping on the couch) and continue to meet really nice people overall (no freaks, married folks, people with kids, odd hours, etc). Everyone (except one guy) said they're definitely interested, so at some point soon I'll need to make some decisions. Jane's back from Italy. Dieter's up in Whistler. Erin's really sick. In general, work is good, life is okay, and I'm otherwise just tired and rather down. Hope y'all are well...
Saturday, July 10, 2004Finally going home to AustinIt's been a while since I've spent any time in Austin and I think the Austin City Limits Music Festival would be a great excuse to head home for a weekend to see friends and family, eat some good food, see my parents new house, and enjoy some good music. So, I've booked my plane ticket and will be heading home Sept 17-20. There will be 130 great bands on 8 different stages over 3 days. Anyone else planning to be there?
Friday, July 09, 2004A little excitement...Some of you already know this, but here's the announcement for the rest of you: I found out last weekend that five of my prints were accepted for a gallery show! I think the exhibit opening is supposed to be late August and they'll be up until mid-October. A friend offered to help find gallery space if a few us of put in prints for the portfolio. Turns out someone liked the idea and they'll be on display at the White Dove Gallery for two months. I don't actually expect to sell anything, but think it'll be fun to have the experience... writing an artist's bio, framing some prints, and going to the opening. :)
Thursday, July 08, 2004No word yet from the doctors...Well, actually, one nurse called to tell me I needed to "set up an appointment to discuss the results in person." Another nurse called and told me I was "fine." Another nurse called and told me they're "not at liberty" to give out my blood test results. Unfortunately, my doctor is out of town this week so I'm not sure if I'll be getting a clear answer anytime soon.Update: I got yet another call this afternoon from another nurse. This one also said I'm fine. This means 2 out of 4 nurses think I'm fine... I suppose I can be content with a 50% chance of being okay. :) Three cheers for me not being sick forever!
Fallen house...Last April Caroline, Fester, and I made a journey in search of the fallen houses. We've been told about huge storms that caused erosion that in turn caused houses to fall off of the cliffs into the bay. Lo and behold... online sites confirmed the stories and Fester was actually able to take us there. Pictures now posted.
The day was full of exploration and excitement. It was also kind of sad though... knowing these folks lost their entire homes... and here we were, strangers wandering around in the wreckage. We tried to be respectful though... acting more as documentarians and not as scavengers.
Wednesday, July 07, 2004Mt Rainier National Park
Group photo
Pregnant Alyssa
Excited Steph
Photography Chris
Hairy MarmotSaturday 7/3/04 we hiked the Reflection Lakes trail, passed Narada Falls, and hiked up the Pinnacle Peak trail. It was probably about 6 miles and was a lovely time with good company! :)
Tuesday, July 06, 2004Currently...Reading: House on Mango Street (Sandra Cisneros)
Listening: Last Goodbye (Jeff Buckley)
Eating: Wasabi Peas (spicy!)Last night I met and interviewed four potential roommates... three of whom were very cool and would make lovely house mates, one who was too anal, and one who would make a great travel partner (she's been to India, Europe, Thailand, and Africa... cool!). Tonight I was supposed to interview another woman and Dieter and Andrew decided they would stop by to "borrow something" and see if she was hot or not. They've both got girlfriends, but that doesn't mean they didn't come in, make fools of themselves, and babble for awhile before eventually leaving when she got up to leave. Answer: yep, I think she was pretty good looking. And cool too. I don't think she'll take the place (she wants to leave closer to the Port of Seattle), but hopefully we'll hang out again sometime soon.
Tomorrow evening I'm interviewing five more women for the apartment... and one guy who wants to go hiking. :) Let's hear it for free ads on Craigslist!
Orkut?Anyone else out there on Orkut? I know there are a million "social networking" websites like friendster.com, myspace.com, tribe.net, LinkedIn.com, etc. I guess orkut.com is the newest one... apparently developed by a Google employee. If you're on and want to add me as a friend, let me know...
Flash Alert!from their website: The AXIS OF EVE is a coalition of brazen women on a mission to EXPOSE and DEPOSE President Select George W. Bush and his deceitful administration. Convinced that effective political action can be irreverent and exciting, we have launched a titillating campaign of TRUTH-FLASHING coordinated around our provocative line of protest panties (the Presidential line for Eves and the Vice Presidential line of boxers for Adams).
We Eves are gearing up for a shameless summer of panty-flashing to lay bare the shameful tactics of the Bush administration and boldly demand an end to political cover-ups. Our campaign for naked democracy will culminate at the Republican National Convention in NYC in September, where we will create a media spectacle b(e)aring messages of truth, accountability, and peace.
Join the Eve-olution (and get yourself some protest panties)! www.axisofeve.org
Monday, July 05, 2004Fourth of July celebrationsI hung out with Chris and Alyssa at the EMP till early afternoon, then headed to Eastlake for a few parties all within six blocks of each other. Andrew had a few people over at his place for grilling dogs and yummy corn on the cob. Afterwards, we brought the party about three blocks north to the Eastlake Ho-Down, complete with giant slip and slide and a mechanical bull in the front yard. Got to love Eastlake! After those two parties, I headed about three more blocks north and ended the night at Samantha's party. The crowd was full of friendly photo bloggers and we had great views of both the Elliot Bay fireworks and the Gasworks fireworks!
Apartment update: I posted an apt ad on Craigslist yesterday morning and already had about 20 replies (all women, oddly enough). Let's hope some are promising options...
Sunday, July 04, 2004Looking for M or F roommate for great 2-2 Apt w/ WD, DW, patio, parkingWHAT: My roommate is moving to Los Angeles, which means I need a friendly, laid back replacement. It’s a great 2 bed – 2 bath apartment in Fremont. Available Aug 1st. Amenities include: living rm (couches, DVD, stereo, WiFi, etc), dining rm, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, full size washer & dryer, fully stocked kitchen with dishwasher, disposal, pantry, and lots of pots, plates, appliances (kitchen aid mixer, food processor, waffle maker, blender, etc). Large balcony. Great for public transit or driving! Bus lines # 44, 358, and 5. Reserved parking spot under building, quick access to Aurora. Bike storage under building. No pets or smoking in building.
WHERE: One block off of Fremont Ave near the top of the hill. Lots of shops in 1-2 blocks walking distance: Marketime grocery store, Buckaroo Tavern, Video Isle, Aruba Café, Paseo, Fremont Classico, Persimmon Café, etc.
WHO: I’m looking for a friendly roommate who’s M or F, straight or gay, mid to late 20s, respectful, responsible with rent/bills, recycles, cleans up after themselves. No couples and no kids please. Email me (laurakoehn AT hotmail DOT com) or leave comment if you know someone who might be interested. Available August 1st.
Friday, July 02, 2004Entertainment...Chris has developed quite a knack for photography over the past few years and we spent quite a bit of time today wandering town, seeing the sites, and photographing everything! Alyssa was pregnant and very patient with us. :) Tomorrow we're heading to Rainier for some hiking (and more photography!).
Thursday, July 01, 2004World's cutest kid!My cousin's daughter is the new cover girl for the July issue of a North Carolina parenting magazine! You can see Jordyn on their website at wncparent.com.
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