just laura

My favorite coworker returned to Australia a few weeks ago so she and her husband could have their first baby near family. Seems Baby Bianca Lily arrived on August 29 at 7:42am, almost 5 weeks early! The following heartfelt email made me a bit teary eyed: “Mum went into labour at 1:37am & waters broke at 2am. Needless to say there was no bag packed or time to call the doula. I did not have any drugs but the doctor insisted on an episiotomy at the end. My daughter was whisked away at birth after a brief cuddle. Since then we have been through a pretty tough time. Bianca has Downs Syndrome & a serious heart condition which will require open heart surgery at 2-3 months of age. This is my first night home & Bianca is still in the hospital. I am missing her terribly so thought I would e-mail you all to take my mind off things. I am so proud of my little girl ? as you can see she is quite a cutey & at 7 pounds 1 ounce I cannot imagine how big she would have been full term.” With an email like that, you know Janine is going to be the most amazing mom… Please be thinking warm thoughts for little Bianca and the whole family.

Friday I left work early to attend Bumbershoot… which was quite lovely to be there before the really huge crowds showed up. I participated in the Samba parade Friday afternoon. I’ve always wanted to join Vamola as either a drummer or dancer, but the twice a week practice schedule is a bit intense for my calendar. However, I was invited to participate in the parade as a dancer/butterfly holder and I jumped at the chance! Afterwards I watched the Hudson Blues Band, saw The Memphis Radio Kings, ate some free sharp cheese from 103.7 FM (random give away, but quite yummy), then met up with Nitza, Rebecca, and Aldo to see the Hometown Throwdown: United State of Electronic, Death Cab for Cutie, and The Presidents of the United States of America. I’d seen Death Cab and PUSA before, and really enjoyed all three bands despite the largely young crowd that lacked any sense of concert etiquette.

Now don’t get me wrong… I not only love teenagers, and have taught teenagers in and out of the classroom setting, I admit I was a teenage concert go-er myself for many years. However, this crowd was misbehaving so badly I actually found myself turning to Rebecca and muttering “f*cking teenagers.” Sad days. Even the lead singer for Death Cab stopped repeatedly during the show to remind the moshing, crowd surfing crowd to put “Safety first” and to “take care of each other” to “be safe.” Yep… crowd surfing and moshing and pushing and shoving and storming the stage for self described “depressing” indie rock. A bit odd and incongruent if you ask me. I suspect it’s because Seattle allows very few all ages shows… so the first time these kids get to see a big local band, they just go a bit crazy because 1) they’re really excited and 2) they don’t know any better.

I think I must be getting old… the all ages shows like this are frustrating because of the young, overly rowdy crowd, and the 21+ shows can be just as bad because some 21 year olds decide getting drunk and getting into fights at shows is more important than listening or dancing to the music. Solution: more all ages shows so the kids learn concert etiquette early and have respect for the concert experience (and fellow concert goers).

I skipped yesterdays shows and got my painting from Guatemala framed (with Caroline’s help), spent 10 hours at the office, and then managed a little music in the evening when Ben invited me to Mona’s to see a great, local Brazilian band. Today I’m ready for the Liz Phair show, and hope to maybe see Nas and Public Enemy during the Hip Hop 101 set. Anyone else up for some live music?

Mi amigo Hector

Hector is from a small village just north of Tikal National Park. He joined a local nonprofit called Conservation Tours Tikal, a Guatemalan nature tour operator whose mission is to support the conservation of the natural and cultural heritage of Tikal National Park by promoting the benefits of sustainable tourism in the communities surrounding Tikal National Park. After completing their intensive training course in ecology, archeology, and English, Hector now makes a living wage and at age 20, he’s the first person in his village to speak English!

In addition to earning my professional respect and admiration, he’s an absolute sweetheart and if I was younger, single, and living in Tikal, it would be hard to resist his sweet, smooth talking ways!

My second day at Bumbershoot was nice, relaxing, full of good music, sunny skies, and free from mosh pits. I even met up with Dieter, Andrew, Zach, Max, and Amy for the Hip Hop 101 showcase.

* Five for Fighting. Pros: More than just the one hit wonder I thought they were… I actually recognized two of their other songs (that I liked more than the one that currently gets radio play). Cons: Are they an undercover Christian rock band?

* Liz Phair. Pros: Highlight of the day. Played excellent mix of Exile in Guyville, Supernova, White Chocolate Space Egg, and the new album. Very sexy. Cons: Didn’t play my favorite song (Flower).

* B-boy Battle Semifinals. Pros: Breakdancing at it’s best! “Bear witness to physical fitness.” They guys and gals were all amazing, especially my new favorite crews Osaka (all the way from Japan) and Seattle Wha? (an all girl crew). I loved the easy smiles and joking attitudes of 90% of the competitors. Cons: Entry line was the longest line I had to wait in all weekend. The non-smiling 10% of the crews looked like they were ready to start a fight or beat someone down.

* VamoLa! Pros: Great local Samba band! High energy drummers! Amazing, mesmerizing dancers! Great workout when you dance with the band in the parade! Cons: The only play for an hour at a time for each parade.

* Bobby Rush. Pros: 70 yrs old and still belting out great, funky blues music like James Brown. Cons: Funny to see a 70 yr old trying to be sexy like James Brown.

* Public Enemy: Pros: My other highlight of the day. The legendary Public Enemy were fantastic, riling up the crowd with a set list that was almost entirely political, encouraging peace, voting, and unity. Flava Flav wore his clock, and could rock out on the drum set. (You can see him every Sunday night on VH1′s the Surreal World). Chuck D was equally eloquent and passionate about the need for Kerry to develop some personality, the need to protect and honor our soldiers, and the need to mobilize young voters (regardless of race or religion) to vote Bush out of office. The evening’s chant: “Make Peace! F*ck War!” Cons: So much second hand smoke I’d probably fail a drug test for the next week.

* Hip Hop 101. Pros: Local rapper Byrdie was passionate, earnest, and great for warming up the house. Cons: Massive Monkeys might well have been world class b-boys and b-girls like the announcer claimed, but no one could see much of these breakdancers since the stage wasn’t raised high enough over the heads of the crowd.

* Fun Forrest. Pros: I hadn’t been on bumper cars in maybe 5-10 years and found it highly entertaining. Cons: Lacked the power and the space to do serious damage to anyone. :)

As Phil just pointed out, there are only 50 days till Halloween! Start posting/sending your costume ideas now! And with that reminder, I’m off to Bumbershoot to dance to some Samba and see the Pixies!

Flores, Lake Peten Guatemala

When we went on the trip through Conservation Tours Tikal, we stayed at a fantastic hotel in Flores with a room overlooking Lake Peten We also took a kayak trip through the lake, and did horseback riding up to an archeological site in a nearby town. The CTT staff were fantastic and the guides were fun, educated, and fluent in both English and Spanish!

Shameless plug: If you’re anywhere in Guatemala and interested in a tour, I highly recommend you contact Lucia, the wonderful CTT manager. They’re a nonprofit, their prices are super competitive, and they’re committed to preserving the ecology while providing educational and fun tours. Options include kayaking, horseback riding, tours of Tikal’s tombs and pyramids, bike tours, cave tours, nighttime crocodile cruise, and even jungle survival training!

lprinz@rareconservation.org or +(502)926-0670 or (+502)914-4560.

Party in Austin next Saturday at 11am! I’ll be home visiting Texas for one short weekend this year and that’s the golden opportunity to have a potluck and socialize! You free? Email or comment if you want to hang out, potluck, or see shows at ACL Fest!

Antigua, Guatemala

Many Mayan kids sold woven goods to help support their family.

Btw, my buddy Sameer is here this weekend from Baltimore! Sameer likes to travel as much as me, but does it waaaaay more often! Happily, he decided this weekend’s destination should be Seattle so we get to bond, talk about relationships, and sight see during his short trip here. :) Last night was Ethiopian food in the Central District and drinks/coffee in Capital Hill. Today I think we’re heading out to the Pike Place Market, and then maybe to Tacoma for the Glass Museum and the White Dove Gallery to see my first photo show.

Antigua, Guatemala

Today Sameer left again for Baltimore, a short 48 hours after arriving in Seattle. We managed time to see the Pike Place Market, visit the Seattle Center and EMP, then pick up Samantha for lunch in Capital Hill, the gallery in Tacoma, the outside of the newly lame Museum of Glass (they removed their sculpture garden!), and then capped the night with the Mariners getting pummeled by the Red Sox (with Jeff). I usually see Sameer twice a year when I’m in Baltimore for meetings, but will amazingly see him three times in one month (this weekend in Seattle, next weekend in Austin for ACL Fest, and then I’ll be back in Baltimore for more work meetings in a few weeks). Speaking of Baltimore, I like to do side trips when possible to make a weekend out of the work travel. I’ve done side trips to DC, Minnesota, Boston, and North Carolina. This October I’m excited to say I’ll be heading up to Montreal to visit Samer (Samer from Guatemala/Egypt, not Sameer from Baltimore/Texas). It should be much fun and I’m quite excited!

Favor to ask… anyone free or interested in taking me to the airport Thursday night around 11pm? A friend said they could drive me to the airport for my red eye flight, then later said he shouldn’t drive me because his (jealous? controlling?) girlfriend will be upset if he does. Lame. If anyone can take me, I’d appreciate it and can promise you a Texas post card and a free drink upon my return to Seattle! :)

Along similar lines… many thanks to the folks on the Austin side of the flight who’ve offered rides! I appreciate it!

Cheerful child in Antigua, Guatemala

Reason to smile #1: A Seattle friend sent me an email recently that closed with the following sentence: “PS I think you’re kick ass!” How great is that? I think that’ll keep me smiling for a long time. :) Doesn’t take much, eh? The same friend also was about the 5th person to call or email today and offer an airport ride! Muchas gracias y’all! You’re going to make my head big if you keep being nice like that!

Reason to smile #2: I’m still getting daily emails from the Egyptian. Nope, we’re not planning to start anything long distance, but it’s still fun to think someone who is amazing and fun to get emails or calls from the aforementioned amazing individual. Oh, and travel plans to Montreal are now booked. :)

Reason to smile #3: My dad IM’d me recently about a stray dog they rescued. “We named the dog Sammy (found on Sam Bass Rd.) He is a sheltie – about 1 1/2 years old according to the vet. Definitely a puppy. Always getting into things and wanting to play. Sort of like a little kid that you hear about going through the terrible 2′s.” Awww… I’m quite excited that I’ll get to play with Sammy when I’m home this weekend. Yey puppies!

Reason to smile #4: Multiple ex-employees called or emailed or dropped by this week to thank me for helping them get to where they are now in new jobs and careers. They’re very sweet and I’m very proud!

Reason to smile #5: I’m excited about going home to Austin this weekend because of the tons of friends and bands I’ll get to see!

And I leave in 4 hours so I’d best leave work and go home to pack! Should be easy since apparently all I need are tank tops! I suspect I’ve lost all tolerance for the heat… it’s so relative what your body gets used to after living somewhere for a few years. In Seattle, anything above 78 means you can complain about the crazy heat (and the lack of air conditioning). Let’s hope my body doesn’t go into shock leaving our rainy 60 degree Sept weather to spend the weekend in sunny high 90s weather. Hope everyone has a great weekend! Take care!

Posting pictures is easy to do… mainly because I get to avoid discussion of real life and the highs and lows that come with getting personal and opening up to others. There will be no pictures today… just to warn you. So… life? Texas was great fun, my friends and family were great, and the music at ACL Fest was great! All of the above totally exceeded my expectations for the trip, which was a really good thing. Expect to see pictures and an updated glossary later in the week. I haven’t spent much time in Texas in the last 4 years, and it was good to have such a positive experience surrounded by lots of good people. As you may have figured out, I am always debating my next travel plans as well as my potential move to somewhere educated and fun, but not rainy. Perhaps having a fantastic weekend in Austin was opening the city up again as an option if I decide to move?

And speaking of things that would encourage me to move back to Texas… I got back to Seattle and got a little ‘f*ck you’ speech that was a less than great welcome home. The conversation totally left me a crying mess, which I guess equals out the time a month or two ago when the same friend was very caring and made time for me when I was upset and needed a friend. Hmm. Still sucks. And now I’m tired and need to be at work in a few hours. Hope y’all are well…

Like everyone else, I’ve got invites to offer to 12 happy people. Leave me a comment if you want 1 gig of free email space.

http://gmail.com/

Answer: An economy that revolves around these little tiny coffee beans.

You’d think as a Seattleite, I’d have been trained to spot a coffee tree 100 yards out, but alas, I had to find it on my own in Guatemala. While I rarely drink coffee, I drank lots today in an attempt to energize myself. Sadly, it didn’t do much and my body and soul were super tired all day. I did actually leave at a decent hour (previously have been working till midnight or so). Tonight I had dinner plans with the nuns at the convent. Dinner was really nice, as were the women. I love the community provided by women religious, and the only downfall of the dinner was the amazing food. While really good, the quiche had so much crab and shrimp in it that I was unable to pick around and decided to just eat it. As you can imagine, my tummy has been gurgling and fighting in protest for the past 3 hours. Wish me luck…

Oh, and in other news…. Andrew is moving in next door in the string of neighbor roomies. (Dena lived there till Feb, Jane moved in for the spring, King for the end of summer, and now Andrew for a while). He’s super cool and it’s very exciting. Everyone be sure to welcome Andrew to the neighborhood. :)

My crush, the Egyptian, has a brand spanking new website that’s barely been up a few hours! Just check out his first few photo posts (from Egypt and Guatemala) to understand why he’s been in so many photo exhibits and sold commissioned work! Wow!

http://orientalens.blogspot.com/

If only every month had so many affordable shows! I don’t think I ever recapped Bumbershoot or ACL Fest, so here goes. Both were lovely and both had many of the same bands (the Pixies, the Killers, Toots and The Maytals, etc). Of course, ACL Fest had tons of Texas musicians… which made it hard to choose between big national acts and local faves I hadn’t seen in a few years. I think I probably picked about half TX and half not. Here are the lovely shows I saw:

Bumbershoot

• Harvey Danger (they’re back together and quite fun!)
• United State of Electronica
• Death Cab for Cutie (enjoyed them more than before)
• The Pixies
• The Presidents of the United States of America (played lots of new stuff)
• Liz Phair (she’s great!)
• Public Enemy (“dance-heavy political showdown” with Chuck D & Flavor Flav)
• VamoLa! (nonstop Samba!)
• Built to Spill
• The Marley Brothers (I think the pot smoke was making me tired)
• Hudson Blues Band
• Memphis Radio Kings
• Five for Fighting (not just a one hit wonder)
• B-boy Battle Semifinals (super cool)
• Bobby Rush
• Byrdie (local rapper)
• Massive Monkeys (break dancers)

ACL Fest

• Kacy Crowley (started by day with Chris and Alyssa)
• Louque
• The Killers
• Bob Schneider (love him!)
• Blind Boys of Alabama (wow!)
• Neko Case (ran into Craig Jennings!)
• Patty Griffin
• Trout Fishing in America
• Toots and the Maytals (briefly)
• Rebirth Jazz Band (ran into ex-boyfriend Reed!)
• Joe Ely (one of my highlights of the weekend!)
• Sheryl Crow (looked sexy!)

• Modest Mouse (great band despite playing a short set)

• Los Amigos Invisibles (great Spanish dance music… reminded me of Kinky)
• Monte Montgomery
• Reckless Kelly (where I was propositioned by a cute 19 yr old)
• Trey Anastasio

• Guy Forsyth (with Bill and Dan of course)

• Kelly Willis
• Calexico (one of my highlights)
• Patrice Pike
• Ben Kweller (not the guy from weezer, but still entertaining)
• Elvis Costello & the Imposters (he’s getting older)
• Spoon (yay!)
• Cake (always fun)

This weekend I took my team camping for a little team building retreat. I returned tonight (completely exhausted) and had the pleasure of seeing my old roomie Matt and his boyfriend HK. They’re in town for the weekend and it was very exciting to finally meet HK after 3 years (he’s very sweet!), and it is always fabulous seeing Matt and being surrounded by his energy, intelligence, and wit. :) And now I’m ready to pass out and go to bed. G’night…

I’ve got a photo in the Another Hundred Artists MoveOn benefit this week! The $100 donation goes to a great cause, and I can highly recommend many of the artists who’ve donated work to the show! Care to join me there?

A repeat benefit for MoveOn PAC

7-9pm, Thursday, 9/30/04

Mount Baker Club

2811 Mt. Rainier Drive S. – Seattle

One hundred artists create one hundred pieces of art. One hundred patrons donate one hundred dollars to attend a gala event and take home one of the pieces. MoveOn gets $10,000. That simple. And we show how a bunch of artists and activists can take their country back!

Max the wonder poodle

Max was the best pet ever and has been a huge part of the family for the past 17 years! He was super smart, super energetic, could do all kinds of tricks, liked to play, liked walks, was protective, was silly, and most of all, loved our family. Sadly, his old age has recently been catching up to his puppy frame of mind and life hasn’t been easy for him in this past year. Today was the sad day my parents had to put him to sleep after 17 great years as part of the family. Think some happy thoughts for Max as he goes off to play in puppy heaven, and think some happy thoughts for Mom and Dad who aren’t taking the loss very easily…