just laura

Gus is my oh so cute nephew with the oh so cute name. I wish I was closer to Austin to spend time with him, but still think of him often in Seattle and get little reminders from around town.

My bed is a source of great mystery and entertainment. No one yet has come up with the technical name for a bed you pull out of a drawer in the wall/kitchen/closet/buffet table. However, we all love to try. How does it work?

Compare to one of the original ads I was able to find online… I love the ad because it could almost be my apartment… same dark wood trim, same green walls, same kitchen on left with the same white tile with small black squares, bed in very similar buffet, etc. Love it!

First caption: Bed concealed in its ventilated recess under buffet in dining room
Second caption: Bed out of its sanitary hiding place ready for use. It can be rolled to any part of the room.

I heart Seattle! Visitors welcome!

Fabulous Samantha

Samantha turned 25 last week on the same day as my mom! I couldn’t make it to Austin for Mom’s bday, but did make it to Linda’s to celebrate with Samantha and friends. Samantha is one of the most talented women I know and I couldn’t be more excited for where she is at life. Knowing she’s there at age 25 makes it all the more impressive! In short, she rocks.

My evenings and weekends are now mine all mine, so hopefully that means many more fun adventures and a couple of potential visitors sometime soon. My sister in law is debating her first ever trip up to Seattle which would be fantastic fun (whether or not she decides to bring Gus, the world’s cutest nephew who has now started walking, is still to be decided). And my friend Texas friend Hanna, who’s been living in Korea for a long while, is debating a trip to Seattle too. It was great seeing Crow when she was here two weeks ago and so fun to see Will for a couple of days before his Alaska cruise as well. I heart visitors!

I know my work life has made my general life a bit hectic since arrival in Seattle back in July, but I’ve still managed to see people, go running, have dates, have two weekends hot tubbing in a row, and generally enjoy life. I started with the one consulting job, added non-profit, added film, finished consulting, finished film, added a second non-profit, and I’m now done with that the second non-profit. I wasn’t actually planning on any of the four roles I’ve been juggling, but who am I to turn down a challenge? Challenges aside, I am pretty interested in exploring the idea of work/life balance and whatever that entails, so I’m happy to announce I’m down to one job where I plan to work pretty standard hours! It’s kind of a revolutionary idea for me, so I’m actually pretty excited. Wish me luck!

Yesterday I was productive and loving work. I got home, did some shopping, replanted my new plants, even did some baking. Nice. Today I woke up one full hour before my alarm (against my will), but used the time to do my finances, catch up on some emails, eat breakfast, and even cook myself lunch. Not a bad morning. Then at 8:30am on my way to work a large guy in a silver minivan rear ended me in my Honda. My first thought was “Are you kidding me?” My second thought was “My head hurts.” I get headaches maybe once or twice a year. Incredibly rare. And yet, today, my head ache was so bad all day it kept me totally distracted and uber cranky at work. Every little thing feels that much more unbearable today. People seem extra flaky which feels extra unacceptable to me. I feel extra paranoid, also equally unacceptable in me. But seriously, 14 hours later, my head is still killing me. I’m not so interested in living the cliché, but I think I might actually have whiplash. How ridiculously awful is that? I think there’s a part of me that wants pity, that wants to cry, that wants to crawl into a little ball on one of my many futons. And then I begin to psychoanalyze myself… am I distraught because of the headache? Do I now actually have time to think and my brain is just rebelling, perhaps it saved all kinds of good stuff for now that I didn’t have time to focus on or process earlier? I don’t know. I’m not sure I’m a big fan of psychoanalysis… especially when I’m the untrained one doing it to myself. All I do know right now is that I don’t want to see anyone, don’t want to be myself, and mostly just want someone to hug me, stroke my hair, and tell me it’s all going to be okay. Right now, however, the tears have started and I’m a mess. So much for no psychoanalysis. On the bright side, when I got home from work tonight my favorite new plant, the Calathea zebrina (or the more aptly named Zebra Plant), looked dead to the world. Guess my repotting last night about did it in. However, with some TLC and a few hours time, it bounced back and is now as perky as can be. Let’s hope this Zebra plant is a parable for my own misery tonight and let’s hope that by morning I’ll have had all kinds of TLC in my sleep and that everything will be bright and welcoming in the AM. Hope y’all are less messed up than me tonight. Let’s hope this headache goes away soon.

Love,
me

Ryan sent this link to show me that Seattle rocks (and to show me that Austin and Seattle no longer seem to be side by side for the coolest cities to live in. He titled his email “uh oh” after we spent many hours the other week checking out different surveys, rainfall, desirability for Seattle, Austin, and SLC).

Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle) – September 11, 2007
http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2007/09/10/daily13.html

Seattle is the No. 3 city in the country where people want to live, according to a recent poll, moving up one notch from last year.

According to a new Harris Poll, New York City retained its No. 1 ranking and San Diego moved up from No. 4 last year to No. 2. Seattle overtook San Francisco, which fell to No. 4. Las Vegas retained its No. 5 ranking in the poll.

The Rochester, N.Y., research company said it asked 2,694 respondents “If you could live in or near any city in the country except the one you live in or nearest to now, which city would you choose?”

The rest of the top 10 are Orlando, Fla.; Honolulu; Phoenix; and Denver and Los Angeles tied at No. 9. In the past 10 years, Seattle has ranked as high as No. 2 in 1997 and 1999 and as low as No. 9 in 2003.

California ranked No. 1 as respondents’ No. 1 choice as top state, followed by Florida. Washington fell from No. 6 last year to tying for No. 10.

Yesterday I was still sore and still nursing a headache, but at least I wasn’t a mess. Last night I hung out with Susie and she reminded me of the story about the day she was hit by a car… she showed up for dinner and when they brought a slice of ham on her veggie burger it made her burst into tears right then and there. Guess it’s not so bad for me yesterday to end up in tears in the comfort of my own home. I suppose the shock or the adrenaline can be pretty strong emotions.

Later in the evening I went to the photo group mtg, my first time attending in almost two years. Was fun to see some familiar faces and fun to meet new people. By 10pm though I was exhausted and ready for to head home to an early bedtime. Guess my body’s taking a little time to get caught up…

Saw Aldo’s band play last night at the Blue Moon… was a good show. My body’s been sore and exhausted all week since the accident, but I managed a necessary, tiny disco nap before the show and was pretty awake once Jess and I arrived. The music was good and I like the sharing of mic on different songs. I like the drum machine too, though I wish them luck finding a new live drummer. I think my two favorites were their ode to Seattle and the last song in Spanish, but all were enjoyable. Can’t believe I was too exhausted/too asleep to bring my camera. No pictures from me. Next time. Speaking of next time: Their next show is Oct 1st at the High Dive in Fremont. Come on over and help support young local musicians.

At the tail end of the Host set, Lee and the Point Eight Three crowd showed up. No Caroline, but Lee was in good form. Good to see him. And good to see the boys not quite so drunk as the last time… they’re much more chatty, social, and fun when not completely wasted. Gotta love bike boys. :)

Oh the options…

Tomorrow is the last Fremont Outdoor Movie of the summer: The Sound of Music. (Or as RH put it… “A gripping tale of freedom crushed under an oppressive regime… …and the one family that kept on singing.”) http://fremontoutdoormovies.com

Of course, tomorrow is also the New Pornographers at the Showbox featuring Neko Case. Neko Case always sells out so I’ve never seen her yet, but there are tickets still available for tomorrow.

We’ll see.

Mostly I’m envious that Chris and Eric are both at ACL this weekend and that I’m not there with them. It was a big decision for me not to go, and I totally miss Chris, the festival, my fam, and all the rest of my friends who aren’t at the festival.

Also… my apologies to whoever called from out of town earlier when I was asleep. It’s not that I ever intend to answer phone calls while asleep, but it seems my cell was within reach, always a bad thing. I do know that it was a received call (meaning we actually talked), and that it’s an out of state number I don’t recognize, but I’ve got no idea if I promised anything, gave the correct info, was wildly rude, answered coherently, etc. Ooops. Mental note: don’t store phones near sleeping Cats.

My good friend Angela in Kenya just had her baby on Aug 15th in the village. She gave birth, through an operation, to a baby boy and she has named him Graria (aka Gracious). Both mother and child are doing well! Hopefully I’ll get more news sometime soon!

Many happy birthday wishes go out today to my sister in law Stef, and many more happy wishes go to Stef and Charlie their 8th wedding anniversary later this week!

This weekend I went to the McLeod residence for the first time and it was and wasn’t what I was expecting. I was there on a pretty empty, low key art opening night. Mostly just people standing around drinking when I arrived in the 9pm hour. Does standing around drinking on a Friday night really count as being extraordinary? I know it’s a private club, but still. I just try to live life to the fullest and have been pretty content, often thrilled, and generally extremely thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given/have made for myself. The art opening at McLeod was lovely and the artist, while sauced, while fantastic. Any man who’ll get down on his knees for me, introduce himself, and extend a tray of cupcakes, definitely gets some points. Especially if he’s some hot shot talented photographer from LA. Very nice, cool, down to earth guy. The Michael Jackson cereal artist was also there… a bit goofy, a bit drunk, a bit of a ridiculously infectious giggle. :) Seeing Samantha was lovely as always, meeting Dream was fun, and chatting with Joe was fun seeing our similarities.

Much of the weekend I was feeling antisocial (or was I just trying to give myself some downtime? Is there actually a difference? Someone who knows these things should teach me). I just wasn’t really interested in the party invites, the show invites, the movie invites, the meal invites, or the photo outing invite. Does this mean I want downtime? Does it mean I’m depressed? I did go out to breakfast at Silence Heart Nest when Dieter and Emily called. And I did go to Kaylee’s baby shower and see old friends and meet new people. And I did go out with Ryan. And of course Friday was McLeod. But otherwise wasn’t feeling too social. I watched an episode or two of Gray’s Anatomy, worked on some apartment stuff (didn’t make much progress), started sorting through the last year and half of photos (didn’t make any progress), cooked, drank tea, and that was about where I needed to be this weekend.

This week feels like it’ll be a busy-being-social week and we’ll see how I fare. Last night was dinner and drinks with the girls. We started at the Malay Satay Hut and then headed onward to the Mars Bar. Tonight is hot tubbing and then maybe chocolate/wine tasting. Tomorrow is shopping, fashion day, and Wangari Maathai. Etc etc etc. Friday I might take off time from work. We’ll see. Hope y’all are well. Any advice on antisocial/downtown/life balance is welcome and encouraged!

I’m pretty sure Fred and Janette have been dating since I was still living in Houston a million years ago. (Or pretty darn near close to that time). And now they’re getting married in October and have perhaps the prettiest wedding website I’ve ever seen. (Of course, Fred’s a talented designer so I suspect I know why it’s so fabulous). Many congrats and best wishes to the happy couple! To be jealous of their simple yet gorgeous site, go ahead and check out http://www.janetteandfred.net. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to make it to Texas for the wedding, but I’m feeling very tempted!

And for memory’s sake, I do believe Laura and Ajit had the best wedding photographer/photographs I’ve ever seen. (Maybe others have had great photographers too, but perhaps I haven’t seen their edits?). I can’t tell if Laura and Ajit’s are still online, but the site with a few pictures is still up at http://www.dansingani.com. Enjoy!

Tuesday night was hot tubbing and lovely conversation with Jacob followed by a yummy sushi dinner. It was my first time hanging with Jacob in a month and my first sushi since arrival back in Seattle! Wednesday was taking off work at 2pm and having a gloriously sunny day shopping with Samantha and Caroline downtown. I did a poor job explaining it to Ryan, but it’s not about the shopping trip, it’s about the chance to play hooky from work. And it’s a chance to play on a gorgeous day with two gorgeous friends that makes it a lovely afternoon. Wednesday was also wardrobe advice from the stylish Kim S and I think she’s convinced me to get a real haircut. Any advice or suggestions? Do share! And Wednesday evening was Wangari… more to come on that. Last night on Thursday I got to hang with Nitza, also my first time seeing her in a month’s time. She took off with Dieter to work in California for a few weeks and it’s good to have her back in town. Tonight I’m hanging with Jess and hoping she’s well. She had a big crash on her bike earlier this week and is still pretty roughed up. Tomorrow is Saturday night date night. Hope everyone is well!

Wednesday was the Wangari Maathai lecture at Benaroya Hall then a trip to the Musicquarium. I’ve said it a million times, but I’ll repeat it because it’s a weird name and sometimes people forget. Wangari Maathai is one of my heros… a Kenyan who won the Nobel Peace Prize for her environmental activism. She also holds the honor of being the first African woman to win the Nobel! Here’s a Wangari quote that I love:

“I don’t really know why I care so much. I just have something inside me that tells me that there is a problem and I have got to do something about it. So I am doing something about it. I think that is what I would call the god in me; and all of us have a god in us and that god is the spirit that unites all life, everything that is on this planet. And it must be this voice that is telling me to do something and I’m sure it is the same voice that is speaking to everybody on this planet, at least everybody who seems to be concerned about the fate of this world, the fate of this planet.”
- Wangari Maathai

Many thanks to everyone who joined me for the event: Nancy, Jane, Susie, David, Rod, and Jess! A few of went for drinks afterwards at the always fabulous Musicquarium lounge.

Here are a few pictures Rod took with his fancy zoom!

I seriously almost cried when she came on stage wearing kitenge and speaking in her Kenyan accent


the humming bird story


with former governor Dan Evans

Can you believe the Martha, Susie, Abbey party, and my arrival back in Seattle, and my first date with Ryan, were all on this very day two months ago?!

I’ve been super busy since arrival back in Seattle, but have been trying to find a tiny little bit of time for reading. I read “Little Alters Everywhere” by Rebecca Wells while working for Cascadia. Next up was “Fierce Invalids from Hot Climates” by Tom Robbins, one of my favorite authors. I think it might be up there with my favorite Tom Robbins books “Another Roadside Attraction” and “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues.” I’m now on “Holy Cow,” Sarah MacDonald’s quick read about her time living in Delhi and coping with life in India. It’s mostly interesting, but the pain and poverty still strikes too many Africa nerves right now. And India nerves too. I loved my all-too-brief month in India and would love to visit again someday. Also still slowly making my way through the very dense, very historical look at independence in “The State of Africa” by Martin Meredith. I don’t retain much of the history if I read it quickly, so it’s been in small bites over a long period. Next up after these I’m dying to get to Michael Pollan’s “Omnivore’s Dilemma” and Bill Bryson’s “A Short History of Nearly Everything.” Of course, my library list of books is incredibly long, it’ll just need to wait till I can make more time for reading. At this point, I’m still spending my days working and my nights seeing people just about every night.

In other news, I survived the weekend and continued my social streak. Friday night Jess and I went out. Saturday I ran into Maggie and she came over, then I dropped by Dieter and Emily’s to get a pack (and make plans to get their couch), then hung out with Ryan in the evening (Greek food, dive bar, and a French film). Sunday was dinner in the ID with Ryan and my old friend Kim, followed by drinks at the Duck with Caroline, Lee, and Jess. Was good to see everyone, and somehow particularly great to run into Maggie downtown. Seattle’s metropolitan population is approximately 3.3 million people (as of 2006). To be able to run into friends around town or downtown always makes me feel extremely happy. It was like when I ran into Susie at the Sept First Thursday, then we ran into Jim mere minutes later. Having Maggie spot me while shopping for my rice cooker made me feel very grounded and connected in a very immediate, fantastic way. Yay friends!

Unrelated: I posted pics of Kaylee’s baby shower on picasa.

Tonight was dinner and drinks with two former coworkers from two different agencies who now both work together. It was only a little odd to see the new pairing, but great fun to see both of them. I think I ended up agreeing to go gay country western dancing at the Cuff sometime soon… that could be scary or entertaining. (I’m hip with gay leather biker bars, it’s just my attempt at two stepping that could raise eyebrows). I’ve even been offered cowboy drag to borrow when I go… how generous! Sadly, I left my cowboy hat in Texas. Maybe Charlie and Stef can bring it if they visit this fall?

In neighborhood news, the Icon Coffee one block away turned into a Caffe Vita last week with a giant new neon sign. Seems Starbucks isn’t the only local coffee chain that can’t stop growing. And in exciting expansion news, the Flying Apron Bakery take out window moved from the U-District to Fremont and opened a whole giant cafe about seven blocks down. Yep… everyone’s favorite gluten free bakery is now in Fremont and that means we have gluten free chai cardamom cupcakes and fabulous gluten free chocolate torts all within walking distance… dangerous! I think they’re following me. I worked at 50th and 15th and they moved in two blocks away. Now they’re moving neighborhoods and following me to within seven blocks. Gotta love the cosmos at work.

In apartment news, I’m getting Dieter and Emily’s couch this week which means the lovely futon has to go. Yes, this means it’ll be the third couch in my little apartment in just under two months. It’s a sofa sleeper though, which means it’ll be heavy, which means I don’t think I’ll be moving it out anytime soon. To make room for it, I posted the futon on craigslist this morning, got emails about it all day, and sold it tonight to two very nice grad students who just arrived in town last week. Life is good.

In sad news, Caroline is getting ready to head out of town for two months on a new feature film. And Jess has big news that will take her out of town too. Both girls have great opportunities and I’m excited for both Caroline and Jess, but I’m still sad to lose friends for a while to out of state work. Don’t be surprised if I’m a bit needy in October, adjusting to my new social life sans C&J. Perhaps that means I’ll get more quality time with Lee and Fester?

In social news, I haven’t had a free night in over a week. I’ve got running plans in the AM with Stef and dinner plans tomorrow night with David, but maybe I’ll call a temporary hiatus after that. However, I don’t think I can take it for more than a day or two as this weekend should be girls shopping and dim sum and parties. Next week is hair salon day. It’ll be my fanciest (ie priciest) haircut ever (I’m going to a salon!). Wish me luck!

FYI: The city just dropped funding for this amazing family center in the Cascade/South Lake Union neighborhood. I work with a ton of nonprofits around town and can say from the heart that this one is truly amazing. They do beautiful community organizing and provide much needed services to a neighborhood that is in huge transition. Read on and maybe you can help get involved…

Hey there Cascade People’s Center Supporters,

In the last few days, we recently found out that the City of Seattle has decided not to fund us starting in 2008 and that the Center will most likely be forcedd to close after December (unless we can lobby and fundraise like crazy!!). CPC is a beloved space in the Cascade community providing free programs and space for thousands of people throughout Seattle. This tragic news is particularly sad when the Cascade neighborhood is quickly being gentrified and shaped without
the voice of long time residents. Also, not to mention that the City is funding $50.5 million to the South Lake Union Streetcar (notoriously know as the SLUT…South Lake Union Trolley) that runs one mile along a route that many buses already run. Funding the Cascade People’s Center is a drop in the bucket for the City of Seattle and to other SLU stakeholders.

The Cascade People’s Center is a truly a place for the people. Ten years ago, community members rallied to save the building from being torn down and to create a community center focused on family support and environmental sustainability, and also to create a p-patch and the Garden of Happiness. Today, we are stronger than ever with over 6,000 Center users and a over 70% of the work done by volunteers. We have an eco-renovation of our building in the works as well as a proposed community compost project, proposed farmer’s market, and amazing youth and family programs already flourishing. With the Cascade neighborhood drastically changing among the South Lake Union development, the Center is a place of consistency and familiarity for thousands of low income and transitioning families who are being pushed out of their neighborhood. Not only are we a family and community support center, but we also stand for social and environmental justice in a neighborhood where the underdogs are constantly being silenced.

We need your help in being heard! In the next week we will be strategizing how to keep CPC alive through a community meeting (date TBA), petitioning, a protest at the City of Seattle Office (date TBA) and phoning City Reps and strategizing funding ideas. Please keep your
eyes and ears open for upcoming dates and events that we will be organizing! Also, if you have any ideas or time to contribute in how we can keep your Center open, please let me know! As always, thanks so much for your support and involvement!

Please spread the word like wildfire! Viva la CPC!!

I know y’all don’t care about where I am and what I do on a daily basis, but this blog is for me not y’all. :) I’ll post anyway as I’m entertained to know a few years down the line that there’s some kind of record of where I was at in life. The week’s recap:

• Mon – dinner and drinks with Misti and Brett at Pies and Pints. Mac and cheese pie – kinda odd. I think I prefer the basic meat pies of Kenya and South Africa. Yam fries and artichoke dip – good. Brett and Misti – great.
• Tues – yummy dinner with David at Mesob; ended things with Ryan (necessary and long overdue)
• Wed – Hanging with Jess, discussing moving into her house when she moves to San Fran (not sure yet, we’ll see)
• Thurs – Lots of running errands; reading a Stranger and eating a donut at Mighty O (what a nice break! time to actually read the paper!). Audra thinks I’ve got what she’s got, at least my symptoms mirror hers from last week (decided not to go out in the evening and instead took Emergen-C and got 7 hours of sleep just in case)
• Fri – Team building all day in the great outdoors; back in evening in time to hang with Rod, Alli, Clare, Kat, Kevin, the other Kevin, Kent, Chris, and Corey in Fremont at the Red Door. Could we get any more C or K friends in addition to the two Cats/Kats and two Kevins?

Ryan – Well, I didn’t end it last Saturday as planned but did end it Tuesday after all. Yay ending it. I think for some reason, I was hoping to make it to two months… as though that would prove my ability to come back, adapt, and be functioning. Or that perhaps it would prove I’m still desirable even in my messed up, relocating/readjusting phase. But really, we’re somewhat similar on paper but in reality are on different paths in life. It was fun enough, but doesn’t really help if you’re not content. I’ll miss the physical affection of having a date/partner, but otherwise know it was time to toss him back.

Moving – I may be moving next month (to a new place in Seattle). We’ll see. I love my cute, little, colorful, charming studio apartment, but may have the opportunity to move into an entire house of my own for almost the exact same rent. And what will I gain for the exact same price? A living room, dining room, bedroom, hall storage, garden, back yard, parking spot, amenities like W&D and dishwasher, etc. Of course, I’d get my laundry for free, but would probably have to pay higher electric/heat/water bills. We’ll see.

It’s now another Saturday night where I’m feeling stretched a little thin, tired, and a bit blasé. I’m still happy to see lots of friends. Just a bit tired out by it or life or the lack of downtime. Yes, readjustment could be a component as well. As for this lovely rainy Saturday, Andrew dropped by for a bit this morning… great to have people just stop by and good to see him for first time since being back in town. Caroline and I went shopping in the AM in my continued attempts to slowly replace my old, worn, fading wardrobe with a few updated pieces and some wardrobe basics. I’m not the biggest fan of clothes shopping/style/fashion so it’s a bit tiring and generally leaves me feeling indecisive and less than capable. Meh. After shopping we went to the Fremont Red Bull Soap Box Races happening mere yards from my apartment. Gotta love patient Miss Caroline and gotta love my little neighborhood for hosting fabulous events like Solstice, Naked Bike Ride, OktoberFest, and now the Soap Box races. The races were pretty entertaining and the course went straight down Fremont Ave. I was quite impressed with the showmanship and creativity, loved some of the crashes (no major injuries that we saw), and was proud to see that Caroline and I knew people from 3 of the 30+ teams… not bad considering teams were from Seattle and beyond (Miami, Arizona, Vancouver, California, etc). I took a few pics and will definitely post some later. Also got a call from Kevin M today about bringing his dog down for the races, but he ended up skipping out b/c of the rain. Will have to find time to meet up with him for dinner one of these days instead. After the races I ran some errands for work, got groceries, and went to the library (picked up More Than Human, a book about humanity and biotech. I’m intrigued. I also still have Gray’s Anatomy Season 2 – overdue b/c I’m not done yet). I’m currently supposed to be at a house warming (I think I’m skipping it) and might just save my waning energy for a Cap Hill party later tonight. We’ll see. Tomorrow is brunch (might skip it too in the name of quiet time/self care), a trip to the Asian Art Museum (definitely not skipping that date), and then dinner in Bellevue with Sarah (she’s back from Korea and it’s time to hang out).

Rather than any more from my daily planner, I’ll leave you with two great moments from last night, beginning with walking from my place to the Red Door to meet Rod and friends. A crew of guys were setting up the races and one actually yells out “How you doing?” in typical construction worker fashion. I told him “Great thanks! How about yourself?” He tells me “I’m better now that you’re here!” Hard not to smile at that. Perhaps I’m not entirely incapable of shopping for cuter things? Upon arrival at the Red Door, I went up to the bar to get a menu and a patron sitting there starts up a conversation with me with the classy “What’s up, baby cakes?” Yep. Dude in collared shirt at bar actually calls me “Baby Cakes.” Just like when I was rear ended a few weeks ago, all I could think was “Seriously? You must be kidding.” Who really calls women baby cakes at a bar and expects her to stick around and want to chat? (Caroline’s since then decided to adopt baby cakes as her new nickname for me). The two shout outs made me start wondering if perhaps my shopping style needs to be refined a little, but I decided it’s just a Friday night crowd. Ryan (he who is stylish but distant) also complemented me in the same new jacket last weekend. I guess I’ll assume I was worthy and assume the jacket was a good choice if guys from Ryan to construction workers to yuppies at the Red Door all agree.

That’s all I’ve got for today folks. In the plans for next week: buying a plane ticket to Baltimore/DC, Host plays at the High Dive on 10/1, breakfast w/ Caroline, hanging with Susie, getting my hair cut in an actual salon, Susan’s house party, hosting my first dinner party in my studio, deciding whether or not I’ll move, First Thursday Art Walk, Caroline’s goodbye dinner, Rod’s birthday party, and more. Good times, just still working every day and keeping way busy every night. Hope y’all are well!

The good news is I finally got approved/enrolled in my new insurance since starting back at work last month! Why they need to wait till the first of each month to enroll people is beyond me. Regardless, I’m now enrolled and my body is still quite creaky/tired. This means I finally get to see a doctor. Yay!

I like going out to see friends, dance, and party… it’s just that sometimes I get tired and that makes me want to nap/stay at home. Last night I opted for life balance: I napped then went to the party. It was good to save up my energy because the Cap Hill party had lots of fun people, a DJ, and a packed dance floor. I think skipping the first party meant I missed Andrew for the night… he didn’t respond to any of my texts after that so I’m hoping he ended up having a great time and staying at the first party. :) I had a lovely time in Cap Hill and ended up chatting with some random folks and meeting some exchange students (Matt from Denmark says I’m his new best friend, but I think it’s just cause I gave him a mustache and brought donuts and Cheetos to share). I ended up staying and dancing till about 2am but even when I left there were still 100+ revelers and it was still packed. Here are some blurry action shots from the mustache themed/Miami Vice type evening.

DJ on left told me “Mine isn’t an ironic mustache. I’ve had it for about four months.”

Girl in strapless dress thought I looked like the Mona Lisa (she was an art history major) and she couldn’t help herself from repeatedly grabbing me, hugging me, and dancing tight against me throughout the night. Sweet girl…

Viking, pirate, whatever. He had a mustache so he got to stay.

Date today was quite fun and I left feeling warm and smiley. Before I left he asked for my last name (so he can look me up online). Ah… dating techies in the modern age. I didn’t offer my last name, but I know it won’t take more than 5 seconds to search “Cat, Kenya, Seattle” and find the travel site, or maybe search “Cat, Seattle, Egypt, India” and find this site. I suspect he’ll find both in no time so I’ll go ahead and say “Welcome! Thanks for a lovely day!” No need to bother reading on unless you want non sequitur babble about daily life, regurgitated daily schedules, personal dilemmas, questions about readjustment, travel, new babies, and whatever else comes up that’s not really newsworthy but gets blogged about anyway. Of course, if you’re into reading that kind of blather from random girls, then this is the site for you. Do enjoy!