today is...

the 21st anniversary of my brother's death.
Jonah Thomas Strannigan

I was 3, he was 4 and a half. It was a car wreck. My family's vehicle was hit by a logging truck. Everyone else survived, except jonah. My parents both broke both of their legs, and were in hospital beds for a month. My grandparents moved in with us to take care of me and Danielle (she was 9 mos.). I literally have no memory of that month.

I was young, so I don't remember much about him. He was autistic, so he didn't relate with me much. But he did share his box of raisins with me the day before the accident, and I will always remember that. He never shared with me, so this was unusual and special. He was my older brother, so naturally, I adored him.

He's buried in a cemetary just outside of Sacramento. When I was a kid, we would visit the grave often, and we would put pinwheels on his grave. Jonah loved pinwheels because of their resemblance to a fan. Autistic kids generally adore fans, due to their constancy and repetition. They find this soothing.

Since my parents were injured, drugged up, and hospitalized, the head pastor of our church picked out a gravestone for Jonah. He chose to put an image on the gravestone. It was a picture of Little Boy Blue, asleep on the hay. He chose to write: "Jonah Thomas Strannigan. Born: December 6, 1979, Made Perfect: August 30, 1984". I always liked that he wrote that. But, I never liked the picture. In my childish mind, I thought it was a picture of my dead brother. I literally thought it was a picture of his dead body lying on a mound of hay. No one ever explained to me that it was Little Boy Blue (I found out quite a few years later). So, I have these vivid memories of visiting my brothers grave and being really uncomfortable with the image of the boy on the hay.

For whatever reason, that image has been burned into my brain. Whenever I think of Jonah, i think of Little Boy Blue and all the confusion that ensued because of my childhood perceptions. its funny and strange.

funny things from this week:

1. had drinks with a couple of the guys from Jet at the Cat and Fiddle. Cam (guitar) was actually a nice fellow and I didn't mind listening to his aussie accent for the better part of 2 hours. too bad he makes pretty bad music.

2. Got an email from a guy who used to play in a ska band called "Mr Smarty Pants" that my band (Agnes United) used to play with all the time in high school. He works for Tooth and Nail now. what a small, Northern California Christian music world it is.

3. My good friend Andrew got fired from his job at Pat's Record Company. They hired the mailroom guy (who is convinced that he looks just like Brad Pitt. The guy is insufferable.) instead, beacause he will work for $5000 less a year. thankfully, andrew got severance and vacation pay (and hes worked for the manager of Green Day for the last 2 years. he will be FINE.), but it still bums me out.

4. Linda and I are getting attacked by bugs. I thought it was just her, but I found numerous annoying little itchy bumps on my ankles and legs yesterday. Will the summer just END already?

5. lastly, I am dying to watch the 2nd season of the OC. OC party for memorial weekend anyone?

a first.

I fired someone today.

I must say, I didn't mind it.

except for the part where he swore a lot and cried.

but he was terrible at what he did. and he didn't like brett.

so that's what I did today.

a first firing.

cwk last detroit bar show

with the likes of Jessica Dobson (aka Margo lee)
and denison witmer (he's amazing)

so, go, my friends. I hope to see you there.

overworked, underpaid

*NOTE: title is not a complaint. it is a statement

I am Products Manager/Office manager-ish person/Aunt Lindsay for Playback Entertainment

As of 2 days ago, I am the Advertising Coordinator for Sidecho records. this could be a full-time position in it, and of itself.

Also, as of 2 days ago, I am co-publicist (with my friend Paul Maziar at the Militia Group) for the new Tokyo Rose record that releases October 4th. We get full color promos on Monday and I gotta do the send outs after that. That means I gotta write a bio and press release on a band I've heard TWICE by the end of this weekend.

funny enough, I am eating this up. I work 10-12 hour days and they fly by.
all I gotta say is: no more body butter.
I love my job. I really do.

by the way

last night was probably the nicest date I've ever been on.

you will have to ask me about details in person or phone.

(this is no way indicates my feelings for the datee, I am just stating that the date - on an event level - was amazing)

for the control freak

watch this.

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/fold.php

I need this in my life.

good times.

it was good to see my family. they are amazing.

we went to venice beach, and the santa monica promenade, and the tim hawkinson exhibit and we watched the simpsons and my mom actually LIKED it.

church was good (ok, great. best sermon I've heard in a long time).

work has been great. I am starting to do publicity and I like that.

I got lots of vintage things from my mom for my birthday (broaches, a vase, glasses case, cake plate, tea cups, espresso cups, etc.)

going on a date with a BOY tonight. he's picking me up. and he won't tell me where we're going.

I'll let you know how it goes.

a BIG FAT THANK YOU

from Julie Newman...

just kidding.
It's a thank you from me to all my amazing friends who made y 24th birthday the best birthday ever.
seriously, yesterday was incredible. I felt so loved by all of you! thank you for acknoweldging my strange and intense need for communication! I appreciate it!

LOVE YOU ALL!

the boss man took the crew to Red Robin for my b-day.
I got a scooner of a mai tai at his insistence.
workin on your birthday isn't too bad when your boss wants you to be liquored.
ohhhh yeah.

I woke up to flowers from amanda.
read Isaiah 30.
drank a cappuccino from Peets, along with a chocolate croissant.
listened to Sufjan Stevens on the drive to work.
deposited my paycheck (always a nice feeling)
2 text messages (Linda, Chris K)
2 phone messages (Jeremy, my dad)
2 myspace messages (Becca, Nate)
1 work call (andrew, he sang)

and the sky is cloudy.
I am tickled that the sun is hiding its blistering face on this day.

here's to Jack Bauer and to all things 24.

rambo, mexican art galleries, and penguin nail files.

my oh my. what a weekend.
(I feel that most of my sunday or monday posts say that. I need to CHILL OUT on the weekends.)

the rambo party was a success. it was a strange mix of friends, lovers, and strangers. I was given a beautiful vintage copy of the "Wind and the Willows" by a boy I am just getting to know, and I must say, he got a lot of cool points for that move. An old flame (Canuck) got really really drunk and told me (among a number of things) that I have attractive toes and breasts. The birthday boy got soused and had to be tucked into bed early. Rambo shoots people with arrows and they combust. I wore camo with a wifebeater and red heels. it was pretty hot. Matt the ex said not-so-nice things about me to Linda and (almost) ruined the spirit of the evening. lucky for him, my value does not lie in the opinions of past flings. phew.

saturday was spent sleeping (in Jen and Shant's marriage bed. creepy), shopping, and preparing for the next party: the matt art opening/gathering at the matzoh loft. oh, and I watched two documentaries and did laundry.

matt's opening was great. it was a huge piece that looks something akin to a trashy wall in ny/europe that has poster after poster plastered to it and they are starting to peel off and look really trashy but fantastic. the gallery was in mexico (ok, a really crappy part of downtown LA, but for all intensive purposes we were in mexico) and had free MGD and Tecate. there were a lot of our friends there and I wore my new vintage dress. I was totally overdressed for the occasion and I didn't mind it one bit.

then, my friends all came over to our place and we drank wine and ate cheesecake and listened to jazz and there were candles lit and a lot of people I love in one room, and it was great. really great. Becca got me a penguin pen and nail file from Sea World, and Linda and Becca gave me a big ole gift certificate to Target so I can get the new Simpsons DVD. erica and cameron gave me really cool candle holders and earrings. we toasted over peach champagne. it wasn't even supposed to be a party for me or my birthday -- I just wanted to have my friends over and it seemed like the right time.

so, thank you friends, for making this a delightful pre-birthday weekend. and myste, I missed your presence, but understand the art hanging/phil's parent's hold ups -- so I will just see you Monday.

who has advance copies of the new Sigur Ros and Death Cab albums?

I do.

better start grovelling and I might throw you a bone.

a much needed distraction.

When was the last time you went to the bathroom outside?
to tell you the truth, I don't even remember. alaska, when I was 11. I'm weird about peeing. if at all possible, I will only pee in my own restroom.

When was the last time you saw one of your parents?
when I was back in oregon for the whole tiffany thing -- was that june? it feels like years ago.

Which family member do you most resemble?
probably my grandma. she's tall and has big...uh...'features'

Do you wear cologne/perfume?
Elizabeth Arden Green Tea. And I really like Lacoste (its a bright pink bottle) but I can't afford it.

Do you wear deodorant?
nope. I figure I had to eliminate at least one cancer-causing agent from my life.

Do you 'clean up nice'?
sure, I guess so.

When was the last time you tripped and fell?
gosh, I don't remember that either.

Where was the last place you slept besides your home?
dave and erik's couch on monday. I was too long for it, so it was not comfy.

What are you listening to right now?
brett is playing coldplay, another guy in the office is playing the beach boys. both are great ways to start the day.

Have you ever started an uncontrollable fire?
not even close.

Ever run out of gas on the road?
nope, I'm far too paranoid for that.

Would you rather cut the grass or rake the leaves? I've never mowed a lawn. I love raking. its theraputic.

Your name spelled backwards: yasdnil enna naginnarts (NAGGINARTS! oh man, that is awesome)

What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer?
a picture of david beeman off the cwk site for my desktop background.

Last time you swam in a pool?
hmmm. I think Las Vegas in May. I don't like swimming or water.

Have you ever been in a school play?
no, but I've been in loads of church plays. (I was homeschooled during elemetary school.)

How many kids do you want?
well, when I finally get around to it (and I probably will) -- 2. 1 boy, 1 girl.

Type of music you dislike most?
new country. well, slow jams/R&B type stuff I despise as well.

Are you registered to vote?
I'm not sure. I tried to register an never got nothin in the mail.

Do you have cable?
no way.

Ever prank call anybody?
a long long long time ago. and it was fun.

Best friends?
in all different shapes and sizes. my sisters, linda, abbie, jeremy, becca, dave reichle...

Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving?
I'd really rather do neither. may maybe maybe sky diving if I was drugged or something. not big on heights.

Do you have a garden?
I wish. I have like 4 plants in m house that I am desparately trying to keep alive.

What's your favorite comic strip?
The Far Side

Bath or Shower, morning or night?
shower every other morning.

Best movie you've seen in the past month?
Invisible Children, and what I've seen of the T.Rex documentary (gotta finish it)

Favorite pizza topping?
pineapple. maybe artichoke hearts.

Chips or popcorn?
mmmm chips. all kinds. guacachips.

What color lipstick do you usually wear?
matte brown type things.

Have you ever smoked peanut shells?
I didn't even know that was possible.

Orange Juice or apple? Orange. Apples should never ever be juiced. They turn into urine. (im keeping katies answer on this one because there couldnt possibly be a better answer -- and I am keeping this answer from katie/myste because it is so so so true)

Favorite type of chocolate bar?
toblerone, hershey's with almonds, almond joy, anything with peanut butter.

When was the last time you voted at the polls?
in oregon, its all absentee. but I coted at the polls at biola once. I guess the first bush election.

Last time you ate a homegrown tomato?
in oregon.

Are you a good cook?
they don't call me hosty for nothin.

Ever order anything from an infomercial?
nope

Sprite or 7-Up?
7-up. when I am sick.

Have you ever had to wear a uniform to work?
stupid kodak and their stupid hawaiian shirt with stupid khaki pants.

Ever thrown up in public?
unfortunately, yes.

Would you prefer being a millionaire or find true love?
can I say YES?

Do you believe in love at first sight?
that's lust.

Can ex's be friends?
oh geez. I hate this question. I guess they can, kindof. but I think that in the dark reaches of their mind they really just want to make out.


Who was the last person you visited in a hospital?
nate rose

Did you have a lot of hair as a baby?
yes, lots

What message is on your answering machine?
stupid question. something on my cell phone that says I work a lot and blah blah blah leave me a message.

What do you think about most?
I think about work a lot. and my lack of money. and silly silly boys.

Favorite form of travel?
yes. train in europe is delightful. I don't mind cross country trips in motor homes either...

Ever drink rotten milk?
no. I don't eat leftovers, let alone milk that is past the expiriation date. what do you think I am, a ROOKIE?

if this isn't a sign from God...

The Simpsons Season 6 releases to DVD on August 16th.
My birthday.
THIS IS FATE, PEOPLE.

the kids at my work think I speak with just a hint of a southern accent.
this amuses me to no end.

God Bless the African Summer

I stole this from my sister Danielle's blog and I had to share it with you all. She's an amazing person (and a great writer), so I thought you should read this.


my african summer
(by danielle strannigan)

note: this is a terribly long blog about my experiences with somalian kids. just don't say that you weren't warned.

so . . . i have about 15 african children in my life this summer. for those of you who aren't in the know, i started voluntering with catholic charities a month ago to help somalian refugees here in portland. officially, i am supposed to teach english to majuma, a somalian woman, but what usually ends up happening is that i sit in the shade with majuma and three old somalian men, while i fan myself to keep cool and desperatley try and catch on to the mostly somalian conversation. so far i have learned to count to ten and say hello, and majuma has learned the word "starbucks". after i sit for awhile with the adults i usually wander over to where all the kids are playing in the dirt--there are about 5 or 6 families, but majuma takes care of all the kids while the other mothers go to their various service-oriented jobs.

the kids are great, man. they are always so excited to see me (or any other person, for that matter), and they are always wanting to be held or hugged or affirmed or just get any attention, really. i am used to kids ignoring me as a general rule, so it has been quite a shock to my system to instantaneously be bestest friends with a pack of wild children. but it is so much fun.

i wish i could take everyone in the world with me to the apartment complexes where they live--even an afternoon could change your life. i still have no idea what has happened to these families, to these kids--majuma and i cant communicate well enough yet and the kids have all blocked it out. all i know is that somali has been war-torn for many years, and some of the kids have scars on their faces, arms, and backs. most have lost their fathers to war.

there is this one little kid- abdikadi--who i have never quite been able to "get". he doesn't smile as much as the rest of the kids, and is very, very quiet. but there is an anger in him that is unusual for a 6 year old, although its just underneath the surface. to be honest, i have never paid him that much attention before because he never demanded it. on monday i had another pool party for the kids at my house and i took home in my car two older boys (both 17) and abdikadi. there were some pictures of me in india floating around the back of my car, and abdikadi was totally entranced. he stared at those pictures for the whole ride home, and i could hear him saying "dani-yell" over and over. finally, i looked back and said "abdikadi--you know my name! good job!" (it is really hard for the kids to say my name . . . usually they just say "teacher" or "dani"). he smiled shyly and looked away. one of the older boys, abdi, looked at me and said "he talks about you all the time."

that warmed me to the very cockles of my heart. the next day my friend jenny and i took all the kids to my churches program because we thought the kids would get a kick out of the "serengeti" theme. jenny took the 3 youngest children and that left me with the other 8 . . .and it was pure chaos. there was biting, kicking, screaming, cursing (unfortuntately, the few english words that they all know are somewhat unsavory), and lots of kids falling asleep in the middle of the "bible talks". i was definetely the bad mom whose kids ran wild and whom the other parents "tutted" about. i couldn't help it--mostly i just had to laugh at how hilarious it was to have these 8 crazy kids at my all-white megachurch. nobody knew what to do with them. as frazzled as i was by the end of the night, i don't think i have ever loved kids as much as i did right then. as we were taking the kids back to the van, abdikadi ran up to me, slipped his hand into mine, and started jabbering away about what he did that night at vbs. unfortunately for me, he was talking in somalian the whole time, so i just nodded my head and smiled. but i got the idea. he fell asleep smiling on the way home.

this summer has been amazing mostly because of my time with these children. everytime i am with them i learn to appreciate life just a little bit more. i am so inept, so uneducated, and so clueless--but christ is in me. and uses me to show love to others.

i am pretty sure that i am going to have to go to africa at some point in my life now. put another country on the dream list, danielle.

I got 24 wishes, but a bitch aint one.

in a fit of total self indulgence, I am going to make a birthday wish list.

this is no way obligates anyone who reads this to purchase any of the listed items for me. This is merely a list, if time and money were no object - of things that I would like to have as my posessions. read these things only to gain a better understanding of who I am and the things that haunt me from the shelves of stores saying "purchase me purchase me purchase me even though you should be spending money on practical things like rent...")a perfectly frivolous post.

24 Wishes for my 24th year.

1. Scrubs Season 1
2. The OC Season 1
3. Arrested Development Season 2 (don't know when it comes to DVD, but when it does, mark my words - I WILL OWN IT.)
4. The new white stripes CD (although, a little birdy told me that my youngest sister is purchasing this for me)
5. Neil Young - After the Gold Rush
6. any and all Them CD's (Van Morrison will also do)
7. Any Walkmen CD's
8. Any book by St. Augustine other than Confessions (already own it)
9. The new Nick Hornby/David Sedaris
10. The Simarillion
11. the Dig! DVD (special edition would be nice, not necessary)
12. Cash: The Man, His World, His Music special edition DVD
13. T. Rex Electric Warrior
14. An Ipod that doesn't freeze whenever I try to charge it
15. a gift certificate to trader joe's (perferrably a million dollars)
16. A guitar (this would be from the Beach Boy Uncle - he mentioned it once, I am not holding my breath)
17. The Bible as read by Johnny Cash on CD
18. Dinner and a movie with Jason Schwartzman
19. A pint of cider from the Cat and Fiddle
20. any product made by aveda
21. beads and big clunky necklaces (any accessories, really)
22. A disneyland pass
23. Cute boy short underwear
24. anything vintage. anything. books, jewelry, dishes, ash trays, toasters, etc.

ok. that was hard to do. and it was really self indulgent.
so thanks for bearing with me.
this was for me, not for you.
it's more of a comprehensive list of what to buy when I start rolling in the dough. which is not any time soon.

adieu.

you know your job is stressful when...

you've seen everyone in your office (men, women, and children) cry at some point in the last 3 days.

except me. no tears (yet).

welcome to the 'biz'.

who needs a drink?

I love this:

"Let us sing now, not in order to enjoy a life of leisure, but in order to lighten your labors. You should not sing as wayfairers do - sing, but continue your journey. Do not be lazy, but sing to make your journey enjoyable. Sing, but keep going."

-St. Augustine

'...sippin on gin and juice'

Simpsons quote of the day: "Monstromart: Where shopping is a baffling ordeal."

Street Scene, San Diego, 2005.
Observations:

1. Lots of kids who listen to Snoop Dogg like weed. These kids also don't know how to appreciate the sheer genius of Jack White. Unless, of course, they are smoking weed -- which makes anything enjoyable to them.

2. The Flaming Lips are one of the most entertaining bands in the world to watch. They covered Queen's 'Bohmenian Rhapsody' and Black Sabbath's 'War Pig'. Brilliant.

3. The White Stripes are phenomenal. Jack White is insane. Meg White is a hero of mine. They made a believer out of me.

4. You should not cram 100,000 people into a large parking lot and expect them to all be able to leave at the same time on public transportation and not have a problem. Thankfully, Andy and I are 'thinkers' and we opted to have someone pick us up rather than wait for a trolley for 2 hours.

5. While I am not a fan of the whole festival concept, I must say that The White Stripes and Flaming Lips performances (not to mention Spoon) made the whole thing worthwhile. All of you, go out and buy the new White Stripes NOW.

that's all for now, folks.