the story of your gypsy uncle.

2009-08-29T10:13:00.001-07:00

Apparently getting married equals becoming a very bad blogger.
Maybe I just don't have interesting things to say anymore?
Or possibly I don't have time?

Or really, its probably that I've been concocting up a food blog (its true, I have. It'll just take a while before I actually launch the thing.)

In any case, I'm alive. And married. And happy. And dreaming up food blogs.

TEAM S.E.E. : SAVE THAT DATE, YO.

2009-03-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Randall for the image!

2009-03-10T23:35:00.000-07:00

the best things about planning a wedding.
1. Knowing that I'm getting married in a little over 100 days.
2. Registering (and consequently finding out that I am obsessed with the color teal.)
3. Looking forward to joining the 10 syllable name club. Lind-say-Anne-Strann-i-gan -Eal-y-Eld-er. Count em, its 10. (Erica is also in this club. Are you?)
4. Watching Nich try to bond with my cat. He tries so hard, and she will not give of her love.
5. Looking up hotels & honeymoon spots. Dreaming of things we can't afford.
6. Looking up apartments that we love, and dreaming of buying houses we can't afford.
7. Getting in touch with old friends, geeking out with my girls on colors and dresses and ideas.
8. Looking at dresses and accessories and shoes and make up! Gosh, its fun to be a girl.

the worst things about planning a wedding.
1. The lack of sleep
2. The wedding nightmares (I had one nightmare and it was the day of the wedding, but time had magically passed and I hadn't been able to invite anyone and I didn't fit in my dress and I didn't have a veil and I was crying and begging my dad to postpone the ceremony but he wouldn't. It was tragic).
3. The teeth clenching
4. The dieting / joining 24 hour fitness
5.The budgeting

The list could go on, I suppose.
But I actually don't hate all of those things (I do like the exercise and don't mind the budgeting too much). I thrive under pressure. I'm an event planner, for crying out loud!

But...truth be told, the one thing that stinks about planning this wedding is a slight feeling of loss. There are so many people whom I love, yet who I don't have here by my side. I miss my girls (Taylor and Brandon are included in the 'girls' section). I miss the people that know me best. Portland is home now, and I love it dearly. But I dont think I'll ever find such good girl friends again. I am grateful for all of you, and I just wish you were closer!

So, thank you friends who are far away. Even though you are far, I still feel your love and support and excitement. And I know you'll all be here on the big day...and my plan is to sell you on Portland, make you fall in love with the city, and then you'll never leave. Such a good plan!

ST. LOUIE!

2009-02-22T07:23:00.000-08:00

I am in St. Louis!
I hadn't seen Becca (my besty) for one and a half years and so Nich and I decided to make the trek out to St. Louis for Mardi Gras weekend. And let me just say, it is so good to be here.
Mike and Kelly are here too!
We braved Mardi Gras on Saturday. It was 20 degrees (at best) and windy and there were lots of drunk people trying to spill their beers all over me. We got a beer or two, a string of beads, and some Jambalaya before deciding that we weren't really the mardi gras type . So we went and ate Pizza and fried raviolis and just hung out at Becca and Darren's apartment.
Yesterday we went to Becca and Darren's church (Darren was in full gear, with his black shirt and white collar. it was great). We also tromped around the City Museum for a few hours....that place is INSANE. And by insane, I mean awesome. There are caves to explore, a 7 story slide (it was slightly terrifying) and hours of endless fun and things to climb on and jump off, etc. Nich was in heaven. Most of us came out with bruises and very sore muscles (I think we are too big or old for some of these activities?). I gashed my shin but it was worth it. I mean, its a 'museum' that lets you run around like a crazy person! Awesome! Then we went and saw the infamous Arch. As nich put it: "I take back everything I ever said about the Arch." It is massive and beautiful and glorious and I had no idea how cool it really was. The tours to the top of the arch were sold out, but I am secretly glad because they looked terrifying.

After all this activity, we were exhausted. So we came home and I made black bean chili and we watched the Oscars (Yay for Slumdog Millionaire!). Twas a good time for all.

And, today is our last day here. I believe we are going to the Zoo (its free!) and we are going to eat some St Louis BBQ tonight and then go to a Chocolate martini bar. I am so excited!

St. Louis has surprised me on a number of different levels. It really is a beautiful city and there a lot of fun things to do. The architecture is gorgeous, and the city is full of old buildings, and character, and parks, and arches (ok, just one arch.). I really like it here. And, of course, it has done my heart a lot of good to be with old friends. These are some of the best people I know! So here's to best friends, and fiancees, and good old Saint Louie.

THE BIG NEWS

2009-02-07T13:52:00.001-08:00

So, unless you've been living under a rock or something in the last week, you've probably heard the big news.

Yep.

Its true.

I'M GETTING MARRIED! TO NICHOLAS EALY-ELDER!

He proposed on Tuesday evening, during the Sunset at Mount Tabor park, overlooking the city. Oh, and he proposed with a baby cupcake from our fave lil cupcakery. The ring was on top, in the frosting. Too cute for words. I was CONVINCED that he hadn't talked to my parents yet, and that he didn't have a ring yet, so I was most definitely surprised. I guess that is what I get for thinking I know everything?

So the wedding will be in late June, and that is about all I know at this point.

I posted a couple pics for y'all. Unfortunately, pics don't really capture the beauty of this ring (from 1910, Platinum band with engraving, one large circle diamond and two small french cut diamonds!), but you get the idea.

Hooray!
I. am. so. excited.
And if you haven't met Nich yet, you should. He's a good man. The best man I know, in fact.

2009-02-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

So, its been awhile.
I haven't had much motivation to write, though I feel like I have a lot to write about.
The picture of Laura above is one of the few pics I got back from my first roll of film I took on my new Diana camera. Sadly, a lot of the photos didn't turn out (I'm new to lomography), but there are a few gems. I like this one a lot.

I got salmonella poisoning from celery and peanut butter. Or at least I think I did. I ate the stuff and then threw up for the next few days. So, make of that what you will.

And, here it is, the first day of February. A month into the new year. I didn't do a big new year's blog or anything, and I never posted my bests of 2008. But I don't really feel the need to. 2008 was a good year for my soul, and a bad year for music. There were a few good films (Slumdog Millionaire, Man on Wire, Happy Go Lucky, The Wrestler), so I guess there's that.

But, really, I suppose I didn't feel the need to share because things are good. I'm happy here. Penelope is currently fast asleep on my feet (she keeps me warm in the winter, its rather nice of her), and I will wander up to the Albina Press in a few moments to get a glorious espresso beverage from the man I love. Lost is back on (and is amaaaaaazing). Battlestar is back on (and is good, but nothing is ever as good as Lost. ever.). Nich and I even joined a shuffleboard league. Does that make us old people? Or awesome? Or maybe a little of both?

In any case, as far as I can tell, 2009 is going to trump 2008. And that's hard to do, considering 2008 was a pretty good year.
I am excited for the future. There are good things to come.

2009-01-07T23:13:00.000-08:00

So its the new year and I've made some resolutions and a few lists and I've already hit a few hurdles and I am already quite exhausted and I have all these lists to post and things to say but I can never quite find the time. I'm still here, I'm still writing, and I'll post soon enough.

I hope your holidays were happy.
Mine were very happy, indeed.
I think 2009 will be a very different sort of year.

2008-12-21T15:11:00.000-08:00

I am absolutely positively freezing.
And, I've had enough snow days to last me for awhile.
And I wish my heater was good at heating things.
And I wish I actually owned hats and gloves and snow boots and jackets that kept me warm.
And I wish I had snow tires.
And I wish I wasn't stuck.
And I wish Nich didn't have to work right now.

Alas, my love and adoration for the snow has come and gone. I am now just freezing and slightly fussy.

But, I am about to make the trek home. Its only 10 blocks and I now have chains on my car (thanks to Nich and his frostbitten fingers) so it shouldn't be a problem. Maybe I just need a nap. Or some food. Food and sleep, those things always seem to solve my bad attitudes.

And, yes, the snow is beautiful.
And yes, I have worked on lots of Christmas projects.
And yes, I have baked loads of Christmas cookies.
It has been nice.
I'm just really really really really cold.
And I'm really really really ready for Christmas.

snow day!

2008-12-15T20:38:00.000-08:00

It snowed a lot this weekend.
Which, as I've heard, is quite rare for Portland.
The high today was 26 degrees.

Its cold, its icy, its windy, its downright miserable outside. But I love, love love it.
My office was closed today due to ice and bad roads, which resulted in a whole lotta cooking, cleaning, eating, snuggling, drinking of red wine and coffee.

I've realized that the cold makes me crave comfort food (Yesterday I made pot roast. Tonight I made meat loaf - which was awesome. And just for the heck of it, Nich and I whipped up a butternut squash soup from squash that we had leftover from the Thanksgiving Organics box).

All in all, its been a lovely and snowy weekend. I'm on my couch, full of yummy meatloaf, snuggling with Nich (and Penelope when she feels inclined), watching the second season of 30 Rock.

I'm just going to pray that it snows like crazy again tonight and the next night and the next and then I will never have to go to work again. That's a good plan, right?

my tree!

2008-12-11T18:34:00.000-08:00

MY TREE!
I am in love with my tree this year.
And, yes, I cut it down all by myself.
Reason #1879234382934789 why Oregon rules.

for my dear friends with un-spellable last names.

2008-12-02T20:06:00.000-08:00

So my Thanksgiving weekend went a bit like this:

Weds night: Cook pies & chutney like a madwoman. Wait for Brandon to get dropped off at my place. Drinks at Meridian.
Thursday: Insane day of cooking, eating, family, Nich's mom meeting my family, games, Brandon, Paul, Linda, goodness.
Friday: Brunch with Brandon. Thanksgiving #2 with Nich's dad and girlfriend and awkward other family units. Then Somali Thanksgiving over at Danielle's house.
Saturday: Sleep in. Civil War Game at the Tanker with Brandon and Nich. General Saturday mayhem with the little brother.
Sunday: Brandon leaves at the crack of dawn. Clean my house like crazy. Go pick up Kelly & Mike in Kelso, Washington. Give them the grand tour of Portland (which included Albina Press and Saint Cupcake). End up at the Horse Brass for fish & chips.
Monday: Took the day off of work for day o glory with Mike and Kelly. Go to brunch, shop with Kelly for a bit, take Mike and Kelly to the Japanese Gardens where MIKE PROPOSES TO KELLY. (Yes, I knew this was going to happen and had been plotting it for weeks with Mike). Nich and I conveniently 'forget' our cell phone in the car, thus leaving Mike and Kelly to their devices and run into town to grab celebratory champagne.

Then, Mike took us our for a celebratory dinner. And, I must say, this is quite possibly the BEST DINNER I HAVE EVER HAD.
While Kelly and I were out doing girl things (i.e. buying antiques) they made reservations at a little place called The Park Kitchen.

We most definitely celebrated the Teutscher & Sycz (yeah, thats right. say it five times fast!) engagement in style.

We decided to go for the taster menu, which is essentially the Chef's choice of small and large plates. They brought out the first few, and I was impressed (but still hungry. the portions are small, you know). And then more plates. And more. And I didn't know how to pronounce most of the ingredients but my tongue and tummy were very happy. I was desperately trying to blog on my cell phone (so as to remember the glory of that meal), but at the end of the meal our waiter so was kind and printed up menus that said "Mike and Kelly's engagement dinner" so that we could remember the night forever. It was rather magical...

So, I wont tell you EVERYTHING we ate, but here is a sampling of some of the amazing things we ate (please note, this menu is not for the faint of heart and/or vegetarian. I will say that the Park Kitchen only uses local farms and butchers their own meat):

Catalan Pasta with sauteed calamari, chorizo, and a squid ink and olive oil sauce.
Pumpkin Ravioli with Cranberries and Rabbit Confit
Roasted pear salad, red lentils and curry
Persimmon, shaved machego and hazlenuts with rose hip dressing
Black Cod seared with duck fat, served with goat cheese creamed cale and cod fritters.
Venison, celery root puree (think mashed potatoes, but better) with lime spiced cauliflower and a savory huckleberry sauce (this was, BY FAR, the best dish of the night. amazing.)
Parsnip & Carrot Cake with coconut-saffron ice cream
Pear and pecan tart with rum anglaise

There was a lot more, but I figure that you are all drooling by now and that this was torture enough.

So, here's to two of my favorite people in the world: Mike and Kelly. Huzzah!
I love you both dearly, and I could not be happier that you two are getting hitched. And, I got a really good dinner out of the deal. So, thank you. :)

so, I've been thinking.

2008-11-23T14:49:00.000-08:00

The whole world, it seems is in crisis.
More specifically, the economy is in crisis.
Every day, its something new. And things aren't magically getting better. The government can throw money at the problem, but that is only a temporary solution. Because, you see, the problem is us. The problem is the American Dream. The problem is that credit card companies hand out credit to anyone with willing hands (believe me you, it is a travesty that Somalian Refugees are handed credit cards without being given knowledge of how to use or pay off such a thing.). The problem is that we are all used to living beyond our means. We buy peaches and pineapples and mangoes year round because we believe that is is our right to have such delightful produce at any given time of year. We buy clothing from large retailers and do our best to not think about what that "Made in Indonesia" tag really means.

These are the things I have been thinking about.
All of it, is wrong.
This whole system is grossly wrong.
I've succumbed to our consumer society. I am a consumer. I shop the sales, I demand my buying freedoms, and I want what I want when I want it.

After praying and talking to a lot of friends and reading up on helpful sites, I've made a few decisions.

1. I will not buy clothing from any retailer that supports sweat shops. No more Forever 21, no more Target, etc. I will only buy recycled clothing, American made clothing,or clothing that is proven to be made in fair conditions. If you are interested, these stores (and more info on lots of wonderful things) are listed at www.coopamerica.org.

2. I will buy local & organic (as much as I possibly can). I will buy fruits and vegetables that are in season, rather than indulge in something that has been trucked across the country and has wasted valuable resources. Granted, buying local and organic is seemingly more expensive, so for now I am buying items that are on sale as much as possible. For Thanksgiving, I talked my mom into purchasing a fruit & vegetable bin from Organics To You (www.organicstoyou.org), and it will be delivered to my place tomorrow. I am so excited to see my bin of fruit and vegetable goodness! We decided to plan our Thanksgiving menu around what fruits and vegetables were available from this local co op, and if I do say so myself, it is going to be awesome. I plan on making twice baked herbed yams, a cranberry apricot chutney, mashed potatoes, and lots more.

3. And, lastly, the Strannigans are re-visiting "Thrift Store" Christmas this year. We only give gifts that we get at thrift stores (or things that are handmade). We've done this once before and it has been one of our best Christmases to date! I am not very good at making things (I dont sew or knit or draw or paint or ANYTHING) but I am good at thrifting and at making Mix CDs. SO my presents are usually some fun thrift store kitsch and a good winter mix.

So, these are the small steps I am taking. I think the clothing commitment will be the most difficult, but I look forward to the challenge. I am blessed to live near 3 awesome clothing recycling shops (like Buffalo Exchange) and so I really cant see why I would ever need to go to Forever 21 again.

Thanks to Danielle & Krispin, Myste & Phil, Cameron & Erica, Nich, and Denison Witmer for encouraging me in such actions. I am proud of all of you for your faith, your convictions, and for taking a stance against consumerism. I would LOVE to hear other ideas, thoughts, suggestions from any of you readers about the subject. I am just barely delving into all of this and I am excited to be a part of the solution for once, and I am excited to be a responsible steward of what God has given me.

So, those are my thoughts. I want to hear yours!

On love & coffee.

2008-11-16T16:46:00.000-08:00

On Saturday morning, I slept in.
I snuggled with Penelope for a while, basked in the sunlight, and I lazily exited my bed at 10:30 am or so. I got ready in a flash, grabbed an apple, and biked up to the Albina Press for a little morning cappy from Nich.

What I received from Nich was this:

And, that right there about sums up my weekend.

There were a lot of bicycles, a lot of coffee, a lot of sunshine, and a lot of love. It was a lazy and peaceful weekend. The air was crisp, the leaves have turned and have nearly all fallen. Penelope even seems happier than usual. I watched documentaries and ate pizza with new friends, I got more than 8 hours of sleep (2 nights in a row!), and I've averaged 3 coffee beverages a day.

This morning, Candyce and Nich and I all ate at the waffle window (I had mine with huckleberries and lemon Curd, Nich's had basil, bacon and brie on it and we all split a pumpkin pie waffle - they were SO good.), we dropped by the Albina Press to get a cup of joe, we attended service at Imago. Then Nich and I took Nolte on a walk, then we biked over to Stumptown for more coffee. Lastly, we came home and squeezed in an episode of Battlestar before Nich had to go to work. This was all before 2 o'clock!

I am not ready for the magical weekend to end.
The big boss man from London will be at work tomorrow, which means my job will be under more scrutiny than usual and I have to dress in "business clothes". Sigh.

For a moment, I forgot all of my woes. I forgot that I am poor and that I am tired and that I feel helpless and that the doctor's can't seem to figure out what's wrong with me. For the weekend, I enjoyed the people that I love. And that was rather nice. This is a life long struggle, I know - to find contentment in the place Christ has me. I am grateful for so many things. Some days I just forget.

oh, how I miss the internet.

2008-11-08T16:29:00.000-08:00

Well, first off: I am no longer an internet junkie.
My work installed all sorts of crazy internet security systems and so my blogging, chatting, facebooking, etc has all come to a halt. Thank goodness for my fancy phone (which allows me to stay connected during the day, but just a bit), I had no idea how attached to communication I am.

Honestly, this is really difficult for me. All of the sudden I feel disconnected from so many.
So, I had to carve out a night in which to upload photos, write a blog, chat with friends, and the like. This is strange. It would seem that my blogging will be less frequent. Unless I figure out a way to post blogs from iGoogle, in which case, we may be in business.

Secondly.
Holy moses, we have a new president. I definitely stray away from talking politics on this here blog (my readership is quite varied in opinion) but I will say this: we are in for some changes. Lord only knows what those changes might be, but things will be different. I am not anxious about the future, and for the most part I'm excited. I'll say it, I like Barack. But I am not putting my hope in him. He's human, after all. I'm just glad this election mess is over and we can all go back to concentrating on other things. Really, there are better things to think about. (Gasp! Blasphemy! I know.)

And, lastly, the last couple weeks have been a blur of busy, but they have been good. The beach weekend was absolutely fantastic. It was everything you wanted a beach weekend to be: relaxing, romantic, beautiful, inspiring, and full of good friends and AMAZING food. Seriously, we ate like KINGS! I am thankful for my friends, I am thankful for my wonderful boyfriend, and I am thankful for long(ish) drives home with fall colors and falling leaves and listening to Sufjan Steven's Illinois all the way through (We were in love! We were in love! Palisades! Palisades!). I honestly think the drive back was quite possibly the most beautiful drive of my entire life. It was magic.

Kristin came into town for Halloween (which was also magic), and it was so nice to have an old friend here for the holiday. Kristin, Nich, and I dressed up as Project Runway peoples and while no one had ANY clue who I was, I still had a blast. It only got slightly annoying the 8th time I got asked if I was Katy Perry. Like, seriously? There is some photo evidence of the night on facebook currently, I'll try to get them on flickr or something soon.

Kristin and I also visited the Velveteria, which is the only museum of velvet paintings in the world. awesome! There were so many amazing paintings -- Unicorns, Bat Boy, Willie Nelson, Polar Bears - you name it, they had it. Its only 5 dollars to get in and it is only open on weekends. Best 5 bucks I ever spent. We also took a trip to Oaks Park to visit the Roller Skating rink. Kristin collects pressed pennies, and by 'surfing the web' we found that you could get a Rollerskating Squirrel pressed onto the penny. Done and done. All I can say to you Portland people is: please go to the roller skating rink at Oaks Park. Please! It is old fashioned with a beautiful wood floor and while it is a little pricey ($7.25 was my total after skate rental) it was worth it. First of all, this is a legitimate and competitve roller skating rink from the 1950's. There are lanes for backwards and forwards skating, as well as a center area for 'tricks'. There is a HUGE Wurlitzer organ hanging from the middle of the ceiling and a little old man (by the name of Gary Russel) playing the organ from a little glass box on the side of the rink. They play showtunes! And Elvis Presley! And the sound of music! On a HUGE Organ in the middle of a skating rink! And, they had a large oversized chipmunk/squirrel thing (roller skating rink mascot, apparently) walking around. Sadly, it wasn't skating. Buuuuut, it was still awesome.

My heart is good, my head is good, my body is even starting to feel a little better.
Portland in the fall is magic.
Come see Denison Witmer, Day of Lions, and Kelli Schaefer tonight.
:)

one o' them movie moments

2008-10-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

6:45 am.
Ashley and I are in my car, Albina Press coffee freshly in hand.
Its still dark outside. Its quite cold.
Its Friday, and we are tired from a long week of work and early mornings.
We want to be at the beach already.
I hand Ash my iPod, we are too tired to think. Too tired to pick a tune.
So, we hit shuffle.

And then, like some crazy iPod magic, all was right with the world.
Aretha came on over the stereo and before you know it, Ash and I are singing RESPECT at the top of our lungs and doing jazz hands at all the same parts of the song. SOCK IT TO ME SOCK IT TO ME SOCK IT TO ME.

And then we giggled a lot at our ridiculousness and unplanned, yet coordinated, dance moves.

And I felt like I was in a movie. Maybe Jerry Maguire? (Think Tom Cruise 'Free Fallin') Or Sleepless in Seattle? (Think Meg Ryan singing "harses harses harses"). Whatever movie we were in that moment, it was a good one.

There's nothin like a good cup of joe, roomies, Aretha, and jazz hands at 6:45 on a friday morning.

2008-10-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a moment where all of the sudden you can envision the rest of your life and you feel terribly happy to see what your life will be, but you are terribly discontent because you aren't there yet?

I have that feeling every day.
Granted, I love my life.
But I can see how things will be, and I'm ready. I'm ready for the next phase of life. And I need to be content and I need to learn to live in the present - but its just that the future looks so good right now.

MAN ON WIRE

2008-10-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

As per Cameron's recommendation, I took the BF to see Man On Wire last night at the Living Room Theater, in downtown Portland. We hadn't been on a proper date in awhile, neither of us had been to the purportedly lavish Living Room Theater, and movies are only $5 on Mondays and Tuesdays. Done and done.

I thought the movie was at 6:50, but it really started at 6:40 (oops). The drinks were $6.50 a pop (This is $2-$3 above most Portland cocktail prices). The theater was almost full, there were fears that we might not be able to sit next to each other. And, it really didn't feel like watching a movie in a living room. At all. In fact, it was only slightly more comfortable than a normal movie theater.

But...
All that aside - this is the best film I've seen in a long time. The footage is stunning, the music is beautiful and haunting, and it just made me really want to be friends with Philippe Petit. He has such an adventurous spirit and such a livliness about him - I simply adored the cute (yet crazy) Frenchman.

I highly recommend the movie (go see it go see it go see it!). If you're scared of heights, you might get a little bit squeamish (Nich had a few momentary freakouts) as the footage is slightly terrifying.

random spatterings

2008-10-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

It is as if a part of me has died.
PROJ RUN (Project Runway, for you long-handers) is over.
I must say, I was conflicted about the winner. I would have been happy with anyone but that one bratty girl (I wont say her name, lest I be called a spoiler...) but there was one collection that stood out to me, and that collection did not win.

If you want to take a little look-see, the 3 final collections are HERE (Courtesy of Blogging Project Runway).

There are probably other more interesting and personal things I could talk about but its 7:40 am and my iced coffee hasn't kicked in yet, and frankly...I'm exhausted.

Also, is it just me or were the albums released thus far in 2008 a bit lackluster? I can't think of much that really got me excited about music. Am I forgetting some glorious album from earlier this year? What's been great in OH-EIGHT?

Oh, and I'm going to be her for Halloween.

A September Mix.

2008-10-08T13:53:00.000-07:00

So I am part of a CD Mix Club that some of the boys in Sherwood started.

The rules are pretty simple. There are two groups of 12 people and each person is assigned a month. When it is your month, you must create a mix of your liking, create original artwork, and send it to the 12 people in your group. For the rest of the months in a year, you can sit back and relax...and wait for someone else to send you their mix. And, then we post the mix (from each group, so two per month) on our mix cd club blog, in zip file format. I think its a pretty awesome system.

In any case, here is my September Mix,(and subsequent post about my mix). Take a lil listen, and I hope you are pleasantly surprised. I'm quite pleased.

birthdaze & black lights

2008-09-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

My trip to Long Beach/Los Angeles was a whirlwhind of goodness. I got to see so many people that I love and miss, I ate at MOST of the places on my list (Berth 55 and Disneyland will have to wait for the next trip), and I got to sing Karaoke at the Prospector...not once, but twice. Yes, I am a lucky lady.

I came back to Portland and I hit the ground running.
We had an impromptu BBQ & game night last Monday because I was craving hot dogs. Weird craving, I know. But it made for a really fun night.
Lauren went to the ER last week and found out she has Gall stones. :(
Krispin's birthday was Tuesday, and we played black light mini golf. It was weird and awesome.
We saw Dr. Dog & Delta Spirit at the Doug Fir on Tuesday. Dr. Dog puts on a darn good show (that is an understatement), and the Delta kids were delightful (as usual).
Nich's birthday was Wednesday. I was slightly stressed about pulling off the perfect present / birthday because I'm a little bit rusty at this girlfriend stuff. In any case, his birthday was wonderful...we ate wine & cheese, watched Battlestar Galactica, and then joined up with the gang for Project Runway.
Nich's official b-day party was Friday night, which was also awesome. Danielle made Jell-O cake, we had drinks at the Tanker, and attempted to watch the Presidential debates.
Paul moved to Portland on Saturday. (yeah!)
Tick Talk recorded Saturday afternoon.
The Cold War Kids were in town Saturday night and it was really good to see them.
Stephen (Candyce's friend from Sudan) is in Oregon! I met him last night, and he is awesome. He made me miss Africa terribly.
My stomache troubles have returned and are worse than ever.

And then, of course, there are the matters of the world and our nation and this economy. It makes me tired and ill, and yet I persist in reading about it - because, well, I am a glutton for punishment. Or maybe it is that I am searching for a little understanding. But the one thing I know is that I think we've all had it wrong for a long time. And I am starting to realize that our nation is no more 'blessed' than another. And nations come and nations go, but Christ remains the same.

I don't know what will happen with the economy, I don't know who will (or should) be president, but I am done worrying about it. Honestly, I think I'm ready to go move to the woods and live in a commune and grow corn and strawberries. I should probably learn how to grow vegetables before I attempt that, but I'm sure it'll all work out. Right?

In the words of my wise younger sister, Danielle..."I'm voting for Gandalf."

No, seriously. I am.
Gandalf for President.

happy friday

2008-09-26T13:28:00.001-07:00

musical happiness!

2008-09-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

I have two musical gems to share with you today. They bring me great happiness and I hope they do the same to you.

1. My friend & one of my favorite musicians - Denison Witmer - is releasing an album on November 11. He's been covering songs and posting them on his MYSPACE for free download. Currently, Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me" is available for downlaod and it is rather heart-wrenching. Last week, he posted "Have You Forgotten" by the Red House Painters - you can download that at MY OLD KENTUCKY BLOG.

2. Bon Iver made an EP available for free download via Myspace. Its mostly songs from his most recent album, but they are re-arranged and rather amazing. Check it out and/or download it HERE.

Enjoy the musical happiness!

T Minus Two Days.

2008-09-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

I'll be in Long Beach on Saturday.
Holy moses, its hard to believe I've been gone for 6 months.

How does that happen?!?

I miss the people, I miss the places, but I definitely don't miss the person I was before I moved away. I felt like a crazy person when I left. I was tired, and burnt out, and I was in dire need of rest and the peace of Christ. I am happy to say I don't feel that way anymore. Portland has been a great place for me, and I am finally excited to go back to California and see the people I love.

In any case, there are lots of people to see and lots of food to be eaten and lots of karaoke to sing!

Here are the places I plan on hitting up:
Vientos Y Aguas (every morning)
Taco Surf (Veggie Taco & a Dos Equis and lots and lots of chips and salsa)
Berth 55 (Clams and Scallops plate)
The Old Prospector (karaoke at LEAST once).
The Creperie (probably monday night for 1/2 priced bottles of wine)
The Magic Lantern show on the 14th!
Fingerprints Records (and I really really really hope Star is working)
The Secret Spot (Surround Sound Burrito, I have been dreaming of you!)
The Park Pantry (Breakfast on Saturday, the 20th. PPBBE! For those of you who dont know, that means Park Pantry Best Breakfast ever which is the combination of the El Gringo Omelette and a short stack of pancakes.)
Two Umbrellas! Dollar Breakfast!
Disneyland. Probably on Tuesday.

LA Options: Canters, Fred 62, Amoeba, John Brion, Versailles, Cafe 101, Cha Cha's, Ginger Grass, The Red Lion, etc.

And yes, I realized that would require me eating like 8 meals a day -- but BRING IT ON! I'm ready. This is vacation, for crying out loud...

So, September 13-20th. California, here I come (right back where I started from. Californiaaaaaaaaaaaaa, here we comeeeeee....).

Yep, I just did that.
See some of you very soon.
See some of you (Portlanders) in a week.

***To Joey, and Peter, and Lauren, and any other Portlanders that read this: Take care of Nich for me. We are such wrecks when we have to spend time apart! So, distract him with bicycles and PBRs and Project Runway and anything else you dream up.

my mom makes cute/awesome things.

2008-09-10T08:18:00.000-07:00

My mom makes recycled journals, under the moniker of "Sparrow Tracks".

They are all hand-crafted, made from recycled books and old paper.

Seriously, they are awesome.

Take a lil look-see right here!

2008-09-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

1. Sorry, folks, Project Runway and Top Model won out over Mogwai. However, I believe this decision was due to sheer exhaustion, poor health, and the amount of energy Mogwai requires to watch (and adequately enjoy).

Which brings me to #2...I'm sick. My throat hates me. My stomach hates me (but that is normal these days). I don't like it.

3. I saw Battles last night. My oh my. They are a good band.

4. Tonight is Alela Diane, Langhorne Slim, and The Builders and the Butchers.

5. Tomorrow night is Ratatat (yeah!!!!), Fleet Foxes, and Menomena.

The moral of the story: Music Fest Nortwest is awesome. Being sick is not awesome. I'm gonna put my head down and power through.

decisions, decisions.

2008-09-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

Tonight I have to choose between the following:

The Season Premier of America's Next Top Model and the next episode of Project Runway (8 and 9 pm, respectively).

OR

Mogwai at the Roseland (its part of Music Fest NW, but more on that later).

Why is life so cruel?

In any case, Mogwai wins. Live performances (that will make your ears bleed) > television shows. But they just hardly won out. My dedication to Project Runway runs deep. Oh the woes. I shouldn't have to make these kinds of choices.

I made it.

2008-08-29T09:41:00.001-07:00

*To all those who were concerened (or even if you weren't, I will tell you anyway): The parties went great. Thank you to all my friends who came and supported my endeavors, you really made them worthwhile. Thank you especially to Drew, and Sallie, and Paul - who made Monday night's show absolutely incredible. The performances were glorious, and I do believe this might have been the best show I've ever put on.

*The Avett Brothers show @ the zoo on Sunday was wet, and cold, and miserable. It was so cold that even the elephants were crying. I didn't know they could cry, but apparently they can. But now I feel like I've had my true inauguration into Portland life. I withstood the rain, with no umbrella or hood. I let the cold soak into my bones while grinning from ear to ear as the Avett boys serenaded me & a thousand other eager and soaking attendees. The Avett Brothers have long been a favorite of mine, and I will say that after having Seth (Avett) stay in my apartment for 2 days (he's an old college buddy of Jeremy's), I only love them all the more. Seth is a really great guy, and he came to the event on Monday and had nothing but great things to say about the whole night. So, that was awesome. And, as a musical recommendation: listen to the Avett Brothers Gleam EP (the Second One that was just released last month). The song, "Murder in the City" is quite possibly my favorite song of this year. Listen! Now!

*I apologize to anyone who saw me at the Parson Redheads show last night. I had some bizarre allergic reaction to my dinner, I broke out in hives, took some allergy meds, and then proceeded to feel like a crazy person. I made it through 3 or 4 songs of the Parsons and made Nich take me home, because I couldn't stand up on my own. It was nutty. But, I feel mostly ok today, just a lil groggy.

My grandparents are in town this week.
Charlie and Gena get married on Sunday!
I don't have to work on Monday.

These are three great things.
Here's to the close of a crazy week, and the start of a (hopefully) less crazy week.

event #2

2008-08-20T13:18:00.001-07:00

please come.
pretty please?
free beverages, dancing, DJs, and me! a party by me! I know it looks a lil weird, but it wont be, I promise.

event planning in portland: vol 1.

2008-08-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

This is my first official event and/or party in Portland.
I'm really excited about all performers, artists, and authors here. Many of them are good friends of mine and I think its going to be a great night.

So, Portlanders: Mark Yo' Calendars!

2008-08-15T14:36:00.000-07:00

tomorrow is my birthday, and I have to work at a conference on 'The Economics of Wine'. Its a saturday, and I have to work. By myself, in a sad little room at Reed college. Blerg.

but the good news is, I only have to work 4 hours. and Nich and Joey are helping me throw an awesome birthday party tomorrow night.

And we will have mint juleps and sweet tea. And I'll wear a big hat and a dress.Its all gonna be ok.

2 points of interest:

2008-08-11T13:49:00.001-07:00

1. My cat almost died last night.

2. My office (warehouse, specifically) is flooding at this very moment.

Its been a long day.

on missing potatoes.

2008-08-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are, well on our way into August. How did this happen? All I know is that this summer has flown by, its been a blur of activity and BBQs and somalis and new boyfriends and happiness.

Danielle and Krispin have finally returned, and my heart is happy that my family is back in the same state. They brought me an amazing assortment of Chinese goodies - panda chopsticks, the Office Season 4 (shhh...), communist propaganda matches, earrings, and the best journal I've ever seen. It has things about kitties and crackers and its in horrible Chinese-English that makes everything so darn quaint and hysterical.

I was in Boston for work for 5 days, and I must say I had a really great time. I ate good food, saw old friends, wandered about the city, picnicked in the Boston Commons, shopped at H&M, and drank Sam Adams. I also drank a Dunkin Donuts iced coffee, just to see what all the fuss was about. I kid you not, in Boston, they consider Dunkin Donuts coffee to be high quality. I don't think Nich will ever forgive me for this coffee treason. I must say...while its NO Albina Press (how could it be?), it was better than tolerable. It was even...enjoyable? But don't tell anyone I said that.

And, today dawns the first full day of my 'anti-inflammatory' diet. I.E., today is the day where I stop eating and drinking anything remotely enjoyable. In an attempt to quell my never-ending tummy troubles, I'm going to take the advice of my Naturopath and give up gluten, dairy, sugar, caffeine, and a host of other 'normal' things (like potatoes, corn, tomatoes, etc). I've not had much in the way of coffee or sugar lately, so those two will actually be easy. Today, its potatoes I miss the most. And bread. I will miss bread dearly. So, veggies, fruits, brown rice, and fish will be my best friends for the next 4 weeks. Oh, and herbal teas! We cannot forget about them! I've had 3 cups already today...its going to be a long 4 weeks.

27 in 2 weeks.
Late twenties.
Blerg.

2008-07-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

Today, I want this.

And, I aspire to have a life filled with this.

And this makes me terribly happy.

Why, you ask?
Because its Friday, so let the kitteh pictures abound!
Close seconds are baby ocelots, baby lynx, and baby otters.

thursdayness

2008-07-24T08:56:00.000-07:00

1. The Dark Knight did not dissappoint in the least. I have one minor complaint about the film, but I wont even bother mentioning it. The movie was that good and The Joker was that terrifying. Best 10 bucks I've spent in awhile.

2. Danielle and Krispin will be back from China on the 30th! Then, and only then, can the true Unicorn Summer begin.

3. I am on some bizarro diet to find out what weird food and stomache issues I'm having. Basically it takes anything good and wonderful and it tells me I cannot have these things. No eggs, no dairy, no chocolate, no alcohol, no COFFEE, no fruit, and the list goes on. I eat a lot of rice and vegetables. Sigh.

4. I'm flying to Boston on the 31st and will be there through August 4th. I don't think I know anyone there anymore, so I'll be having some solo adventures. Freedom Trail, here I come!

5. This season of Project Runway has me a little bit worried. I just don't see a Jay or a Jeff in this bunch. I am doubting these designers! But I trust Tim Gunn, so I'm going to wait it out.

Brief life recap: work is good (and NOT stressful), my apartment/roommates are wonderful, the boyfriend is great, I have no complaints. I'm trying to plan a week jaunt to So Cal in September, I'll let you know when I buy my train tickets.

love and thursdayness.
linds

absolutely positively cannot wait for this.

2008-07-17T13:30:00.001-07:00

CHRISTIAN THE LION!

2008-07-15T15:25:00.000-07:00

Becca just sent this to me and it absolutely positively made my day. And I poked around on the interwebs a bit and it seems to be legit and real! I need my own personal Christian the Lion. I do!

Please note: the music is incredibly cheesy and stupid, it is much better when watched without the sound.

georgia (in my living room)

2008-07-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

*Myste and Phil arrive in Portland today! They will be in town until Saturday and I am tickled to have a lil Long Beach in my life.

*I got asked to join a Mix CD Club with some of the guys from Sherwood and its kindof intense (there are rules), but I'm excited. I've been making a few killer mixes in my head as of late.

*Thanks the the new BF (yes, yes, that stands for what you think it does...) I literally do not have to pay for coffee anymore. He works at The Albina Press (the best espresso in Portland, hands down) and its store policy: GF's don't pay! Never did I think that dating someone would be SAVING me money. This just keeps getting better and better.

*I really really like living with / next to talented artists, musicians, and photographers galore. For example, Joey, my dear friend and next door neighbor -- happens to capture beautiful and amazing moments all the time. And sometimes, I am lucky enough to be in one of those moments. The photo above is from an impromptu dance party we had one night in Joey's living room. We (Joey, Nich, Trippe, and I) had been sitting on the front porch on a hot summer night, when hundreds of people on bikes rode into the WAMU parking lot across the street. They were blasting David Bowie form boomboxes, they were drinking beer, some of them were in costume -- and they had a 5 minute dance party in the WAMU parking lot on 39th & Hawthorne. We were equally confused and delighted, and had no choice but to join the bike posse dance party. After 5 minutes, someone blew a whistle and they were off to their next destination (we assumed they were avoiding cops?). With the bike posse out of our lives, we decided to keep the spirit alive and we put on the new Girl Talk record and danced our little hearts out in the living room. Soon, more friends and neighbord began to trickle in and we had ourselves a little gathering. This attracted the attention of a couple on the street, who were walking home from a party. The girl, dressed in a white party dress, walked straight up to Trippe - kissed him on the cheek - and said "Hello there. My name's Georgia." And then she walked inside. She danced like a crazy woman, flashed her underwear a few times, and then dissappeared into the night. All in all, the whole Georgia incident was rather entertaining. I'm not sure if Georgia is, in fact, flashing her undergarments in that photo - but whatever she is doing has left me entertained and in unbelief.

Only in the Purple Palace could such strange (and wonderful) things occur. But I love this house and the social mecca that it is. I am very fortunate to have fallen into such a community.

happy 3rd of July.

2008-07-03T10:24:00.001-07:00

I always liked the 3rd better than the 4th. It makes for better celebrations.

So, in honor of the 3rd, a graph (that I find to be strangely accurate).

more graph humor and song chart memes

top 3 reasons why I am in a fantastic mood:

2008-07-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

1. Brandon, Yoori, and joshjoshjosh are driving up here to spend 4th of July with me!

2. Nich brough me lunch today (which is awesome) and it consisted of these things: tuna salad (with capers & olive tapenade) on spelt bread (I'm eating gluten-free right now), cream soda, and sour cream apple pie (I didn't eat the crust).

3. I will only be at work for 7 more minutes. Give or take two minutes on either side.

newness.

2008-06-25T08:52:00.000-07:00

It has been a flurry of activity in the past few weeks, and I am happy and and tired (but mostly tired at this particular moment).

I got a new roommate (a girl who just sold everything and left LA for Portland!), I turned down a music industry job, I'm dating a boy (!), I'm working on a few CD reviews for a website, I miss Long Beach a lot, I got sick, I miss my sisters a lot, I'm going to Boston in July, I have health and dental insurance, I saw Avenue Q, and I really ought to try sleeping a little bit more.

Needless to say, things are good. I'm not worried about much and I'm trying to take things one day at a time. I really like this city. Its been good to me thus far, and for that I am grateful.

2008-06-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

OMG they do EXIST!

I knew it I knew it I knew it I knew it.

And yes, pictured is a unicorn nuzzling a premie (for Katie. And Myste. and Amanda)

antioxidating

2008-06-06T16:23:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to be healthy & hydrated, I am forcing myself to drink buckets of green tea every day.

I'm horrible at drinking water, and I just realized how terrible Vitamin Water actually is for me. All that sugar and artificial coloring makes me feel lied to and alone.

So, green tea it is.
But, the thing is...I kindof hate it. It has a bitter aftertaste and when I drink it I feel like I am chewing on grass. And I don't particularly like the taste of grass.

But, alas! I think that Trader Joe's Blueberry Green Tea (with real blueberry juice) has saved the day. Its delicious and nutritious. I'd still MUCH rather be drinking a triple iced espresso, but for now my little blueberry drink will do.

However, it is now officially the start of the weekend, and there are no rules on weekends and I am going to go get myself a cup of coffee.

Happy Friday!

2008-06-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

A list of good things:

-Last.fm radio is really quite good when you tell them that you want to listen to things that sound like the Avett Brothers. Lots of bluegrass and banjo and Old Crow Medicine Show and Neko Case. It's nice to have music at work. Finally.

-I took the Somalis swimming last night @ an indoor heated pool. I tried to take them last week but was "bad mom" and got the open swim time wrong, so I consoled the girls with McDonalds and a trip to my parent's house for cartoon-watching. My favorite moment last night was when Betulah - who is 19, breathtakingly beautiful, recently married, just had the CUTEST baby in the world, and wonderful - discovered that the waterslide was not open. In utter dismay, she walked up to the nearest life-guard and asked why the slide was closed. Mind you, Betulah is swimming in long pants, a long sleeved t shirt, a head wrap/scarf, mass amounts of gold jewelry, and she still manages to look stunning. The life guard kindly told Betulah that there weren't enough people on staff to man the slide. I could tell she didn't understand, so I walked over and tried to put it in Somali terms: "There aren't enough people working at the pool. They have no one to help you with the slide." But, this was not a satisfactory answer. Betulah looked at the life guard and said simply, "I want the slide open." He explained again, that this was not possible. I can't tell if she wasn't understanding or if she simply was being demanding...but after a few minutes of Betulah's pestering the nice young life guard offered to go ask his boss if he could leave his pool-side position and open the slide. His boss said yes, the slide was opened, and Betulah was thrilled. I love watching the girls go down the slide in all of their awkward Somali glory. They are fully clothed, sitting upright, looking slightly terrified and gleeful with huge white smiles. I loved every minute of it.

-The eggo waffles I stole from Krispin and Danielle's freezer before they left. Honestly, they are the only thing that got me out of bed this morning.

-Having Candyce in Portland all week!

Ok, there are lots more good things but I'm running out of time and steam.
Happy (almost) Friday. Lets just pretend its the weekend already.

the sisterless summer.

2008-05-27T09:13:00.000-07:00

(Photo by: Jeremy Okai Davis. Taken in my kitchen window.)

Yesterday was a happy day, all of the Strannigan sisters were in one place for one afternoon. We celebrated the return of Candyce with fatty foods & cocktails at Claim Jumper and it was glorious.

Today is a little bit sad.
Candyce heads back to Salem (but will be back this weekend!).
Danielle & Krispin left for 2 months in China, and just when I was getting used to the whole hanging out with my married sister all the time thing. You can read about their adventures, however, on their darling little blog.

My left arm / shoulder is terribly sore from intensely playing Nintendo Wii at my new favorite place, The Tanker. They have free popcorn bowls, a free jukebox (with Band of Horses and Gogol Bordello), and free Nintendo Wii.

My (awesome) roommate has an (awesome) art show opening at Sugar Gallery on June 5th. If you live in or near Portland, you should attend. No, really, you should.

I am dog-sitting this weekend. Not sure how I feel about it, but I think it will be good for me to lay low with my new lil pals Frodo and Gandalf. (yes, you read that correctly.)

Sasquatch Festival was fun - for the one day I went. With a 5 hour drive on each end, and lots of hours in the sun/rain/sun with loud music - it was quite exhausting. It was good to see the cold war kiddos, as well as the delta spirits and a surprise appearance from Sam Owens (well, it was a surprise to ME, anyway)! The girl from Mates of State ran over my foot with her stroller and I STILL get giddy when I see Ben Gibbard. Oh, the idols of our youth!

And lastly, I am sad to report that I am not going ANYWHERE this summer. Well, to be specific, I'm not going anywhere international. Because of a number of reasons...mostly work-related...I am not able to go to Kenya this summer. :( My little heart longs for Africa and travel and little African babies, but for right now I have to stay here. My hope is to go later in the year, when the job stuff settles down.

In the meantime, however, God is good because I do get to hang out with little Somali babies right here in Portland. I'm taking over for Danielle with her Somalian refugee family and today is my first day with them on my own. I think we are going to an indoor pool with a water slide. Not exactly my cup of tea (I hate water), but the girls adore it. I'm a little bit nervous, especially as their mother terrifies me. Honestly, there is nothing more frightening than a Somali woman in all of her glory & wrath. We can just hope that I am not the recipient of any of that.

So, here's to the beginning of my sisterless summer. I was worried that it would be boring and lonely, but I must say its shaping up quite nicely. Candyce is only an hour away, I live next door to some of my best friends, I have Penelope, and now the Somalis.

And of course, I still have the month of August to look forward to, when the Strannigan sisters will rule the world. Or...at least the greater Portland area?

when flying used to be fun.

2008-05-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

I just read an article about American Airlines that bummed me out. They will now be charging a $15 "Checked Baggage" fee for any and every bag that you check. The only way to avoid this fee is to carry on your luggage. But with all the ridiculous airport rules these days, this seems nearly impossible. Specifically the rules applying to liquids. Call me crazy, but I simply cannot fit my face wash, foundation, perfume, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, lip gloss, hair spray, lotion, and moisturizer into one measly ziplock bag.

In any case, it got me thinking. Do you remember the days of airports being glorious and exciting places? When you could walk about freely and wait for your loved ones anywhere you please? When people didn't look at you and assume you're a terrorist?

Granted, I've flown a lot in the past couple years. I hardly remember what it was like to have a good time in the airport. I remember whenever either one of my parents would fly somewhere - I would get terribly excited to pick them up. I'd wait right by the door (where they were exiting off the plane) and try my hardest to look down the corridor to see them. I loved airport reunions!

And now, we circle around and around the terminal in our cars - being careful not to stop for too long or else you will hear the shrill whistle of the guards who are out to ruin your day (or let you park for more than 3 seconds). We put our toiletries in little ziplock bags and have them inspected for explosives. We take our shoes, belts, jewelry and jackets off to go through metal detectors manned by really grumpy people. We hope and pray that our bags dont weigh over 50 lbs or we will pay a hefty fee.

And heaven forbid you lose your ID whilst on vacation! I did that once and it was not pretty. They make you wait in all sorts of special lines and give you special stamps and they scrutinize you and distrust you. Its really quite terrible.

The moral of the story is: I hate airports. I hate flying.
And this is just one more reason why.

trunk doors, 'tinkerbell', & tacoma

2008-05-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

My weekend was lovely. The sun was in full force in the Pacific Northwest, with temperatures as high as 90 degrees (!).

I attended Danielle's college graduation on Friday night; which was long and arduous (Sorry, sis. You were great...the graduation was a snooze fest). Dave and I played the role of supportive parents (while Krispin played the role of supportive husband), due the fact that my parents couldn't make it to the ceremony. They couldn't make it, because Danielle decided the day BEFORE graduation that she was going to walk. Go figure.

We traipsed out to Hillsboro for cherry limeades and fatty foods, although I went for the Straberry Limeade and Krispin tried the Cranberry Limeade. I think Cranberry wins.

Saturday morning, the whole fam brunched at the Bread & Ink. I am teaching my family the supreme importance of Saturday brunch. Thankfully, Portland is a brunch kind of town. My current favorites are the Cricket Cafe and the Waffle Window at Bread & Ink.

And Saturday afternoon I took a mini road trip to Tacoma. I went up for one night, to hang out with Kelly - as she was in town for her sister's graduation. Its only a 2 hour drive and Kelly is one of my dearest friends - AND my parents let me trade cars with them. I got to take the miata! Let me tell you, nothing sounded more glorious than a 2 hour drive in the sunshine in a snazzy little red convertible. I donned my cutest lil red sundress, borrowed some sunblock from a hippie in a gas station, and hit the road.

About 15 minutes into my drive, I realized it was a bit warmer than I expected. My dress was sticking to my back and my dress started to show signs of 'persperation'. I drank two bottles of water (which were really really warm by the end of the drive - like drinking hot tea! without the tea, of course), listened to the music loud, and dreampt of stopping for an iced americano.

I decided to hold out until the Tacoma area to get my iced americano. That way I could change my clothes, so as not to be a sweaty mess when I arrived at Kelly's parents house. I finally arrived at the blessed Starbucks (its Tacoma, I had no other options). I was indeed a mess. I got out of the car, embarassed of the state of my once-cute, now-soaking sundress. I went to the trunk to get out my change of clothes. I put the key in the lock, turned the key and the trunk opened - right as I pulled the key out and realized I only had HALF of a key. It broke in half! And the other half was still in the key hole.

If we're being really honest, this is the moment when a number of choice words flew through my infuriated little brain.

I bent over, in disbelief, to inspect the damage. The right strap on my sundress decided to diasattach itself from my dress. More choice words in my head. I go to the ignition, hoping and praying that the half key will magically start the car. I have no such luck.

I walk into Starbucks, bewildered and with a broken dress. Its 90+ degrees, but I put on a jacket to look (slightly) less disheveled. Thankfully, I had a change of clothes and Starbucks was delightfully airconditioned. I called the locksmith and was given the mind-blowing estimate of $200! Considering I'm not 'well-off' by any means, I did what any NORMAL person would do -- I paid Dave Reichle gas + food + friendship fees (equalling about $70) to drive the spare miata key up to me in Tacoma.

Kelly and her dad were kind enough to pick me up (I was 10 minutes from their place), take me to dinner, and Kelly and I lazed about and watched a Top Chef marathon. Dave and his friend Aaron showed up at 10 pm or so, handed me the key, and we went to celebrate at a local Mexican restaraunt. This resulted in one of the better nights I've had in ages. We sang karaoke with the crazy locals (large barefoot women in camoflauge and one man-ish looking lady with Lucille Ball makeup and a teal sweatsuit who went by "Tinkerbell" and only sang really slow Madonna songs), we danced, we ate food, we had a margarita.

Needless to say, it was good to see Kelly. I love that girl to bits. And, the drive home was much more pleasant due to cooler tempteratures. No back sweat!

because I never seem to grow tired of lol.

2008-05-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

more cat pictures

Happy Friday. :)

2008-05-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

There is a man at my work who eats a Healthy Choice brand frozen dinner for breakfast every day. More specifically, he eats the Garlic Shrimp & Pasta frozen dinner for breakfast every single day.

I'm not going to lie, the smell of shrimp and garlic is not something anyone should have to deal with at 8:40 in the morning.

why saturday was the best day of my life:

2008-05-05T23:14:00.000-07:00

1. I moved into my new (and awesome) apartment!
2. I bought a new (and awesome) bike. Its a vintage Schwinn and its yellow and zippy.
3. My dad bought Reichle & I lunch at McCools where we attempted to drink mint juleps and watch the kentucky derby (However, McCools doesn't serve mint juleps and the derby hadn't started yet. Oh well, I still got a French Dip out of the deal.)
4. I magically got into the Tim and Eric show for $14 (6 dollars under face value).
5. Ran into my good pal Jeremiah after the Tim & Eric show, and he bought me a PBR at the Backstage...where we saw Tim and Eric having beers with Stephen Malkmus and one of the guys from the Shins. (Side note: I've had "Think about your dad" stuck in my head for days now.)

The sun has been shining in Portland, and that is a beautiful thing! I adore the area I live in, and Danielle called my room "magical". I live next door to Dave, and joey, and Chris...and they are some of my favorite people in the world. I've been drinking boatloads of iced espresso, which is just grand.

All in all, I'm just beginning to feel settled. I'm getting the hang of the job, I'm getting more involved with Truly a Polar Bear, I'm working with the Somalis on a regular basis, and Tick Talk Radio is going well. I keep busy, this much is true.

Oh, and we've been hanging out with this crazy/amazing family. The father is Indian, the mom is American. Their daughters are absolutely gorgeous, and I am just taken with their 6 year old, Arunika. She's tiny with huge brown eyes, long black ringlets, and she's missing her two front teeth. The kid is just mesmerizing. When you hear her story about how they had to kill their "wooster" because he was fighting with the other "wooster" you'll know what I mean. And the mom makes amazing Dahl and Lamb Korma and I drank buckets of home made Mango Lassi.

Lastly, thank you for all the reading suggestions! Its so lovely to actually have time and energy to read. I have quite the list, so it may take me awhile to get to some of them...but I really do appreciate the input.

Good night,
Lindsay

the eager reader.

2008-04-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

I love Portland for making a book worm out of me.

Currently I am reading:
Solidarity Will Transform the World (about Catholic Relief Services)
The Long Lonliness (autobiography of Dorothy Day)
Jesus For President (turned my sister into a Pacifist)

Here is my reading wish list, and I am frustrated because I cannot read fast enough. I want all this information to be in my brain now!

The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky
The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton
Letters and Papers from Prison by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Oh The Glory of It All by Sean Wilsey
The Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Sabon
Where I'm Calling From by Raymond Carver
Anything by John Fante
I want to re-read all the Salinger

What are you reading? What should I be reading? What books are changing your life? I'm thoroughly enjoying everything I'm reading and I'm eager to read more and learn more and be full of words. Please do share your suggestions.

2008-04-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

The day after Tim and Eric day is not great, to say the least.
Yesterday was great - I mean, it was Tim and Eric day! How could it get any better?

But today is all doom and gloom for the following reasons:
1. The Hillary win in Pennsylvania
2. The obscene price of gasoline
3. The radio report about Biodiesel using all our resources and adding to the skyrocketing food prices
4. Tried dating for a week, which ended poorly.
5. My stomach hates me (and subsequently whatever I put into it).

But I'm having wine and cheese with my mom tonight (hooray!), and I'm going to watch some Tim and Eric Awesome Show...and you know what? I'm going to feel better.

For your health...have some!

2008-04-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

Today marks the release of the Tim and Eric Awesome Show (Great Job!) on DVD - Season 1.

Word on the street is that its only $12.99 at Best Buy.

I am so happy. I am so very happy!

Go, buy it, you need it, it will change your life or make you laugh until you cry or throw up or something.

Notes on Portland life.

2008-04-07T19:32:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm a working woman now.
I work in the book world, and while its FAR from glamorous ("event planning" is really something like sending 5 books on medieval ireland to some medieval studies conference) it is challenging and new and different and gives me plenty of time to start my own company on the side.

However, I'm tired all the time. I have to get up before 7 am (gasp!) and I still go out til 2 (most) every night. I'm too social for my own darn good.

I'm seeing Down South Sallie tonight, Drew Grow tomorrow night, and The Avett Brothers on Thursday.

The Bipartisan Cafe is my second home. They have better coffee AND decor than Vientos. And I'm already a regular there. I absolutely love being a regular in as many coffee shops as I possibly can. I have strange goals of being able to walk into any number of coffee shops and have them make my Double 8 oz cappuccino without me even having to say a word. But, when its cold outside I want cappuccinos, and when its hot out I want iced espresso. So I guess that's where it gets tricky. That, or my baristas need to have good memorys and a strong sense of temperature.

I'm reading Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close and I think that Oskar Schell is the best written character since Holden Caulfield.

That's all for now, kids. Talk soon.

2008-03-30T22:20:00.000-07:00

1. As of tomorrow, I am gainfully employed.

2. I saw Be Kind, Rewind today. It made me want to create cool things. And it made me laugh, a lot.

3. I saw The Kite Runner today. It made me cry and made me want to rescue and adopt children from all over the world.

4. I am going to Kenya this summer (officially) !

5. Its been snowing and hailing and slushing all week. Its freezing and gross.

I'm nervous about the job, it will be the first time I've "started" at a job in a long time. I'm working for a small marketing company who works for small International publishers. I'm coordinating Events and Conferences for them. I have NO idea what I am doing, but its a job and I'm grateful for that. And I'll get to read a lot of books, which is great. And, I'm still doing Truly A Bear on the side (writing bios, press campaigns, booking tours, etc) which is also great.

So that is my lil update for now. I'm going to bed early tonight. I feel like a kid before the first day of school! I'm not quite sure what to expect, but this is a bizarre and good chapter of my life. I like Portland, Penelope likes Portland, things are good. And I finally have a job. Phew.

2008-03-22T17:11:00.000-07:00

So, my mom and I's lil Etsy shop is up and running -- and quite adorable, if I do say so myself.
Many props to Myste, who introduced me to Etsy -- and is the ruling queen (in my opinion) on the site.
But, if you have a moment - check out the old STRANTIQUES (yes, I came up with the name myself.)

Secondly, I got one of (if not THE) strangest presents I've ever received from a boy.
I got this present in the mail. It was supposed to be a going away present, but the boy who bought it for me never bothered to get together with me before I moved away. No matter, I had just met him and I think we went out once, maybe twice. If you count mid-afternoon dessert with his best friend. In any case, he asked me for my address so he could send me the going away present. And lo and behold, two days ago I got this in the mail, with this inscription: "Lindsay. To kick start your rock and roll heart."

Yep. I don't get it. I mean, nothing says "I'll miss you" like Motley Crue, right?
Ug.

Still on the job hunt.
Starting to work on a few Truly a Polar Bear Projects.
Starting to get really poor.

But tomorrow is Easter, and Sherwood and Reichle and Candyce and Danielle and Krispin and Linda and MORE will be here.
And as afraid as I am right now (unsure about life, unsure about jobs, etc etc), tomorrow is a celebration.

He is risen, He is risen indeed.
These words ring true, and I know that its going to be ok.
Happy Easter, everyone!

"JUICE!"

2008-03-18T23:04:00.000-07:00

Two days ago I had an interview with a marketing firm.
I did my homework, looked up the company, and pieced together that they were primarily a company that deals with Sports and Entertainment marketing. I could handle that.
The first interview was awesome. The girl conducting the interview really seemed to like me and offered me an interview on the spot. Considering I had heard the secretary set up like 8 other interviews while I was waiting, I figured this was good. I was already standing out amidst the billion applicants.
Then she tells me this: I need to come in for my second interview, and can I come in tomorrow? Am I free from the hours of 10 am to 8 pm ? I'm told to dress professional (no jeans) and wear comfortable shoes. I'm also told that I won't be doing any of the glamourous sports type stuff she's just told me about, that it will be entry level tasks with some of their other clients. The second interview is more like 'job shadowing' and one on one time with one of the employees. They ask me questions, I ask them questions, etc etc.

I was ok with all of that.
So I'm set for my 10 hour interview.
I show up this morning at 10:15 (which is precisely when they wanted me).
I sit on their leather couch, watching Home Improvement, for 45 minutes. The secretary apologizes for the wait. I'm strangely ok with it and am enjoying Tim The Toolman Taylor.
I can hear noises coming from one of the office rooms. There's the occasional cheering and clapping.

Finally, 11 am. The doors open and the dudes come flooding out. They are high-fiving and yelling and clapping and exclaiming "Bro! Dude! We are gonna kill it today! Are you ready, bro?". There are more high fives. And a lot of yelling of the word "JUICE!".

I am filled with immediate concern. What am I doing here?

I'm paired with my "bro", Jared. Apparently he's their top rep, 6 weeks running! I'm told that I am lucky to be shadowing such a man.

Jared starts off with a series of inane questions. "So, Lindsay, how would YOU define marketing?" I'm great with interview questions, I pass all his silly tests with flying colors. Then we get to his car. We load up with other marketing bro's and another 'shadower', like myself.

Jared tells me that today, we are working in home improvement. Which is strangely ironic, given my morning entertainment. This means we are telling people about various home improvement services that their clients offer. Windows, Roofing, Doors, Cabinets, etc. I know nothing about any of these things, and the day is beginning to sound like drudgery. Then Jared asks, "So, where do you think the best place is to find s homeowner?" I answer, "Home Depot". It seemed like the right thing to say. Jared says "Well, yes. But the BEST place to find a homeowner is in their home!"

Begin Lindsay's inner monologue: OHMYGOSHYOUHAVETOBEKIDDINGME. door to door? we are going door to door ? GET ME OUT OF HERE.

But I carpooled. WIth all these eager and bro-tastic sales reps. I'm totally and completely stuck with them.

Jared launches right in, and we go door to door. We go to 100 houses in 3 hours, and each time he gives the same obnoxious pitch. While walking from house to house he fills my ears with nonsense about upper management and growth potential and crap like that. We got yelled at by a lot of old people, we swindled a few more old people, and my feet were aching in my red boots.

I was a door to door saleswoman for roofing, siding, and windows. And I wasn't getting paid for my time. This was an 'interview', mind you. It is now almost 2:30 and its time for lunch. As we are walking to the car to pick up the other reps in other neighborhoods, I just come out with it.

"Jared..."
"Yeah?"
"I've come to the decision that this is not a job I can see myself doing. I think it would be a waste of the company's time and resources to continue training me today."

I was supposed to stay til 8, so we could all meet back at the office for "Atmospheres" - a time where we all talk about how GREAT our days went. I made it til 2:30.
Those were the longest 3 hours of my life.

I made Jared drive me back to my car at the office immediately. I thanked him for his time and I sped off as quickly as I could, thankful that I would never have to see any of those people ever again.

Seriously. The guys were giving high fives and yelling "juice!". What more can I say ?

WE PUT UP ALL THIS WICKER, JUST FOR YOU

2008-03-17T10:01:00.001-07:00

CUPCAKES & COASTS

2008-03-10T21:33:00.000-07:00

I went on a miniature road trip to the Oregon coast this weekend.

Krispin (my sister Danielle's new hubby) and I drove over to Yachats (pronounced YA-HOTS) early Sunday morning to meet up with Danielle and her best friend, Tiffany. It was a 3 hour drive through weird burnt out Oregon towns (Philomath: home of the Philomath Frolic!) and Krispin listened to a lot of hardcore. I tried to show him Black Mountain but he didn't like it. We did agree on Sufjan, however, so that worked nicely for the rest of the drive.

Needless to say, the coast ruled. We attempted to explore the Sea Lion caves, but then decided against it because it cost $10 to take some crappy elevator down to where the sea lions were. We asked the uptight man (think Dwight Schrute) at the counter if there was any way we could walk to the sea lions and not pay the $10, but he was really insulted that we even asked. Apparently this is THE largest sea cave in the world. Well worth our 10 dollars. But we'll never know, because we didn't go. We just played with creepy seal puppets in the gift shop.

We then decided to tour the Heceta Head Lighthouse . Because that was FREE. and we only like touristy things that are free. I actually stayed outside the lighthouse with Tiffany's yellow lab puppy, Oliver, while Danielle, Krispin and Tiffany toured the lighthouse. I was cornered by a creepy lighthouse volunteer named Greg who wouldn't leave me alone during the TWENTY minute tour. He kept asking me if I had a boyfriend and it was weird. And 20 minutes is way too long for anyone to tour a lighthouse.

Then we ate Huckleberry ice cream. Then I took a plastic cup of wine to the beach and reach my book on the sand. Then we flew killer kites (literally, the kites were trying to kill us.). Then we made rosemary flank steak and drank champagne and played Scrabble and Apples to Apples and watched 30 rock. Then I fell asleep on the most comfortable bed I have ever slept on and woke up to the sounds of the ocean outside my window.

And, to top it all off I went to breakfast at Lil Sambos in Lincoln City, OR this morning and had Coconut Pancakes.

annnnnnnnnd, as if that wasn't enough...tonight we celebrated Danielle's birthday at home (my parents place). My dad grilled steaks and we had Lemon-buttered asparagus, mashed potatoes, and wine. And for dessert I made all organic Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and pink sparkle sugar sprinkles.

Best. Cupcakes. Ever.

So this post is a lot about food, I realize. I've been watching too much 30 Rock and have become Tina Fey, I think.

Good news: I have like 3 job interviews this week. One is for the coffee shop at my dad's old church (Its part time and EASY), One is to be an event planner for a Scholastic Book company (sounds kinda up my alley?) and one is for an organization that works with the developmentally disabled (Dungarvin) - the latter of which I am pretty excited about.

Oh, and my mom and I are starting an Etsy shop. So you all better watch out, Strantiques is takin over. :)

PORTLAND, OR, AND SLOE GIN FIZZ

2008-03-08T17:43:00.000-08:00

Well, I suppose Chad is right. I haven't really written anything in a long time.

Granted, most of my "writing" has been directed here lately...

But here is the latest and greatest with me and my Northwest adventure...

It looks like I'll be working part time for a freight and shipping company, just for now, to pay the bills. I don't really like the idea (that's my pride talking), but hey, I'm broke and this is a job. Beggars can't be choosers I suppose.

On the upside, I am starting to write reviews for a blog and I've been writing bios for bands on the side (if you know anyone that needs a bio written, send them to me!) - so I don't feel like I've totally thrown it all to the wind. I know I'll be quite involved in music here, it just might take a minute. For now, I just need cash.

I attempted karaoke last night, and it was depressing. Its just not the ole Prospector.

I have more friends here than I remembered -- it seems I've been out every night, which works out well when you're a social butterfly like me. I've gotten really creative with how to go out without spending ANY money - for example, last night I ate a bag of potato chips for dinner. ugh.

The positives would be as follows:
- Penelope is adjusting marvelously, and my mom LOVES her and spoils her to bits.
- Free food! My mom and I went on a Trader Joe's shopping spree and I got to pick out all the food and she paid for it all. It ruled!
- The city of Portland. The bridges, the buildings, the coffee, the bookstores. I love love love love the look and feel of this city.
-Free shows. I still don't pay to get into shows here. So far I've seen The XYZ Affair and British Sea Power, Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, and Angels and Airwaves. I am NOT proud of the last show, but I had a bunch of friends in town from LA/NY as they had bands on the tour.
-Absolute total coffee insanity. I thought I drank too much coffee before, and now its just worse. And I love it!
- WAY cheaper car insurance

There are many, many other positives. But those are the ones that stand out at the moment. All in all, so far all is good. I'm curious to see what will happen next.

Fun fact about Portland: I learned that Baristas are a BIG deal in Portland. In fact, I was told that Barsitas are more well known than rock stars in this town. There's this one guy named Billy and apparently he's a big deal. Weird.

I'M CONVINCED...

2008-03-08T14:36:00.001-08:00

that no one reads this here blog anymore.
Just sayin.

I MADE IT!

2008-03-02T08:22:00.000-08:00

Here, I am in the great frozen Northwest.
The drive was BEAUTIFUL, I got to see some old friends along the way (and by old friends I mean the Cabazon dinosaurs AND friends from high school. What more could I want???)

And, yesterday, I saw FOUR rainbows. And yes, I listened to In Rainbows a lot.

Here is a pic I took from my phone (more of these on the ole facebook)...

2008-02-24T21:50:00.001-08:00

Here I am, its Sunday.
Its the start of a new week. A big week. A sad week.

This is my last week in California.
I leave on Thursday.

And, try as I may, I cannot shake this sadness. My apartment is empty and sad, my boxes are (nearly) packed, and I've said most of my goodbyes. My head hurts more than I can say, and I'm alone in my living room watching the Apex logo bounce back and forth across the TV screen.

Here are the things I wished I'd have done while I lived here:
1. Visit the San Diego Zoo
2. Salvation Mountain
3. Griffith Observatory (since its re-opening)
4. Gotten a cabin in Yosemite (like we always talked about)
5. The Long Beach Aquarium (I never went!)

Here are the things I will miss the most:
1. Vientos y Aguas
2. Fingerprints
3. Taco Surf, Hole Mole, Taco Loco, The Secret Spot, and various other cheap amazing mexican food.
4. 2 Buck Chuck (its $3 in Oregon!)
5. Racquetball (tho I've not played in AGES)
6. Going to lots and lots and lots of shows for free.
7. LOST nights (and Project Runway nights, and Deadwood, and Big Love, and OC...)
8. Riding Bikes
9. The sunshine
10. My friends. I will miss them more than I can say.

I was looking around the other night at our 'house cooling party' and I had a realization. We have an amazing and expansive group of friends. I really do think we have something special.

While it started with a few friends from the Biola days, its expanded into an incredible community. We are really blessed to have such an expansive network of people who love and support each other -- and who love God and appreciate the arts. And I'm happy to see us expanding into other communities (Chicago, NY, St. Louis, Idaho, Portland, etc). I think this is a good time for us.

So, while I leave with sadness -- I know its not the end. In fact, I'll probably be back someday. And, my plan is to get the craziest job ever and get rich and fly down here every other weekend. Cool ? Either that or Erica and Cameron will get rich and I'll become their nanny. Either way, it works out.

So, for now, I guess that's all.
I'll miss you, Long Beach.

Sincerely,
Lindsay

GARAGE SALEYS!

2008-02-21T15:35:00.000-08:00

We are having a Garage Sale on Saturday (2/23) from 8-3.
We are getting rid of lots of good things.
I will have beverages and snacks if you want to come hang out on a lawn chair.

Should be good times.
I need to get rid of this stuff. Come and get it!

Sincerely,
Lindsay

LIKE A BIRD ON A WIRE

2008-02-17T23:02:00.000-08:00

Valentines day has come and gone, and I hope you all had a happy one. Some like to protest the holiday, I just try to ignore is as best I can. I always seem to be delightfully unattached this time of year, so I usually have a date with Jack Shepard.

This year, I spent the big V-day with a few old friends. I had lunch with Maust at Taco Surf, met Cameron and Sycz at Amoeba, and then headed with Sycz to the Orpheum Theater downtown. We spent our night with this guy and this guy. It ruled. Highlight(s) include: Mike grinning like a schoolboy while shaking Kris Kristofferson's hand, and Mike and I chilling with Brian Wilson in his dressing room after the show as he nervously asks us (repeatedly) if he sounded OK, if his hair looked good, and if his dance moves were alright. Of course, the answer to all the questions was YES.

BEST VALENTINES DAY EVER. No, really. I mean it.

Our "house cooling" party was lovely - it was so nice to see so many people I love under one roof. Its all starting to hit me that I'm leaving in TEN days. Everything seems so final, and each day brings me closer to this new chapter of my life.

I'm already homesick, and I haven't even left Long Beach.
I love this place, but I know I have to leave for awhile.

Anyway, enough of that for now. Just needed to get that off my chest.

2008-02-06T17:04:00.000-08:00

So I bought a website this week. There's nothing to look at YET...but there will be.

My last day at work is Friday.

I've been at a show EVERY night this week. In LA, nonetheless.

Black Mountain is one of the better shows I've seen in a long, long time.

I'm unemployed in two days.

My sisters and I started a blog; I'm quite sure it will be the makings of a glorious book.

Today is Ash Wednesday. I gave up sugar and forgot to eat anything sugary yesterday.

I'm absolutely exhausted, and I have a few more days. I just gotta put my head down and power through...

And then its 3 weeks of vacation and hanging out with all y'all.

Lets get coffee?

WHY THIS WEEK RULES.

2008-01-31T16:40:00.000-08:00

1. Lost is back on tonight! I am stupidly excited.
2. Karaoke jams this week were Piano Man and Shout (Isley Bros version).
3. I got free tickets to Gogol Bordello in Portland on March 12, which is incidentally Danielle's birthday.
4. The bronchitis meds worked, I feel mostly back to normal.
5. Penelope has been strangely cuddly. I think that she senses a change coming.
6. I saw The Diving Bell and The Butterfly last night, which was amazing. I cried a lot, but I was ok with that - the tears were well warranted. Please, you all should see this movie.
7. I'm almost finished with What Is The What, and I absolutely love it.

I think there are more good things that I am forgetting, but in any case -- you get the point. Its been a good week. I am grateful.

SAMAMIDON

2008-01-25T15:33:00.000-08:00

Samamidon - "Pretty Saro"
I already loved this song. The video made me love it more.

2008-01-24T22:29:00.000-08:00

So come to find out, the plauge (or the "cloverfield") is really bronchitis, and there is a tornado watch in long beach, and we dont have weather stripping, and my super-powered cough syrup hasn't kicked in yet.

I would really like some sleep tonight.

THE "CLOVERFIELD"

2008-01-21T20:26:00.000-08:00

Ug, I am SICK.

I realized today that I haven't left my apartment in 3 days.
I go to bed at night, wearing the same thing I woke up in.
I transfer from my bed to the couch and then back to my bed.

Honestly, this is the worst flu-virus thing I've had in ages. Its coughing, sneezing, fevers, chills, sore throat, and vomiting. NOT FUN. AT ALL.

In any case, I'm getting a little bit stir crazy. I've been couped up for 3 days and I feel like the walls of our stuffy apt are closing in on me. I actually left the house to go to Rite Aid and buy more cold remedies today, so that was crazy. I've watched more television than I should have: 30 rock, Project Runway, Big Love, etc.

In any case, I apologize to Mike and Erica, who I may have possibly infected with the plague. Or as Mike is dubbing it, the "cloverfield" (the three of us got violently ill shortly after seeing this film together). If you want to know what the monster is, its whatever is attacking my immune system. So there, I spoiled it for you.

So I'm attempting to go back to work tomorrow, we'll see how that goes. Currently I still can't speak without coughing and wheezing, so I'm sure it will be all kinds of fun. Oh, and I have a phone interview tomorrow for a job in Portland, so lets pray I can get my act (and/or voice) together before then.

2008-01-17T16:59:00.000-08:00

Its been a busy week, I'm slacking on the BLOGGIN.

Two things:

1. When choosing a karaoke "jam" one should always take into consideration the length of the song. Total Eclipse of the Heart makes for an awkward 6 minute karaoke sesh, FYI.

2. I am moving to Portland. Officially. March 1st. I'll tell you more about it later, but I honestly couldn't be more excited.

HAPPY FRIDAY INDEED

2008-01-11T17:40:00.000-08:00

Rock Plaza Central - "My Children, Be Joyful"

This makes me so incredibly happy.
Enjoy!

SPORTS!

2008-01-06T23:31:00.000-08:00

So I have a LA Clippers hookup all of the sudden ?

I got 4 floor tickets for the game today (vs. The San Antonio Spurs) and it was SO MUCH FUN!

I don't know what is happening to me, I sort of enjoy sports?

But only sortof. Mostly I like the hot dogs and the nachos and the heckling and the glitz and glamor. The sports is only secondary.

So, uh, GO CLIPPERS ! ? !

BEST & WORST OF 07

2008-01-03T00:23:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are in 2008.

I'm not going to lie, 2007 was a rough year; but it had its moments. So I will do my best to compile those moments for you right here...

Here is my random (and rough) list of the best and worst of 2007.

Top 10 albums of 2007.
1) M.I.A - Kala
2) Menomena - Friend and Foe
3) Beirut - The Flying Club Cup
4) Radiohead - In Rainbows
5) Feist - The Reminder
6) Kanye West - Graduation
7) Band of Horses - Cease To Begin
8) Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
9) Lovedrug - Everything Starts Where It Ends
10) Avett Brothers - Emotionalism

Very honorable mentions:
The National - Boxer
Andrew Bird - Heretics
The New Frontiers Tour EP (not counting because its not a full length)

Top 3 songs of 2007 that I'm ashamed to admit that I absolutely LOVE:
"Beautiful Girls" - Sean Kingston
"So Much Love" - The Rocket Summer
"Soulja Boy" - Soulja Boy Tellum

HIGHLIGHTS of 07.
*Started riding my bike to work
Bridge School (TOM WAITS!)
*Went to Uganda! Met Resty (my African daughter)!
*Threw an awesome 3 day party @ SXSW (with Mew and Sondre Lerche and Tilly and the Wall and more).
*All the lovely weddings I was lucky enough to be a part of: Becca and Darren, Myste and Phil, Danielle and Krispin...
*Lots and lots of free shows (thank you, booking agent friends): Beirut, Band of Horses, Arcade Fire, Jesus and Mary Chain, M.I.A., Morrissey.
*I read a lot more books (thank you, McSweeneys).
*I joined a small group, got more involved in the Long Beach community.
*Any and all things "LOL". Specifically, Lol Cats and my own creation and personal favorite, (along with Cameron, Amanda, Dan, and Myste) Lol Lost.

Best invention of 2007: KITTY WIGS!

Best YouTube video of 2007: The Phil Collins Gorilla

Great additions to my life in 2007:
Tim and Eric While I don't actually KNOW them, I feel like I do.
Vientos y Aguas. Best coffee in Long Beach.
Penelope. Best Cat in the world.
All the new people I met & befriended: Kelly, Jess, Will, Mike K., Craig, Yoori, Jackie, my Uganda Team, my small group, and so many more.

Disappointments:
*The new Wilco
*The new White Stripes
*People who steal bikes
*People who drive SUV's and almost run over people on bikes.
*My car getting hit while I was in Africa.
*The further dispersement of the "Triniti" (Becca moved to St. Louis, Linda moved to Portland), and having to say goodbye to Becca and Linda on the same day. I miss them terribly.
*Still broke. Still single.

I'm sure I'm missing a million things from this year, good and bad alike, but you get the idea.

Here's to 08.
Here's to change.
Here's to not having it all figured out at 26, and being strangely ok with that.

THE STRANNIGAN & MAYFIELD WEDDIN'

2008-01-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

My sister's wedding was awesome.

We laughed, we danced, we cried, we threw a darn good party.

Honestly, it was so beautiful. Danielle was glowing, Krispin was terribly dapper, and I wasn't even stressed out.

Here's a photo for y'all. There's plenty more on my mom's blog.

A WEARY WORLD REJOICES

2007-12-26T12:32:00.001-08:00

"A thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn."

Merry Christmas, everyone.
It is a weary world, indeed. But we have the hope of Christ! And I celebrate the day that He was born to die.

PLANES, TRAINS, AND MORE PLANES

2007-12-22T20:41:00.000-08:00

Can you guess what state I was in on Thursday, Dec. 20th?

a. California
b. Oregon
c. Idaho
d. Washington

Well...
...

This was a trick question.

The answer was "e", for "all of the above".

In an airline debacle that I will not soon forget, I was routed from LAX to San Jose (CA), to Boise ID, to Seattle WA, to Portland OR. All in one glorious day. I woke up at 3:30 am, was supposed to be Portland by 10:30 am and didn't get into Oregon til 4pm. I was very tired and VERY fussy by the time I arrived. Oh, and they managed to break one of the wheels off my bag.

However, beer and wine is free on Horizon flights. So that was awesome. But I didn't figure out that perk til the very last flight I was on. Bummer.

Anyway, I made it. And I'm quite happy to be here. I've already been snow-shoeing, thrift store shopping (got some great martini glasses), I've cuddled with the kitten, cuddled with baby bunnies, baked sugar cookies, and slept a lot. Oregon is awesome.

PICS!

2007-12-18T11:21:00.000-08:00

Here's a few photos (compliments of Andy Barron) of the 826 event!

1. Th' Time Travel Store!

2. Mister Norton, looking smashing with specks of gray.

3. Bartendin'

4. Lil Brudder (aka Brandon) on door patrol.

2007-12-17T14:56:00.000-08:00

Holy smokes, what a busy week.

I thought my week was bad, and then the weekend was worse. I threw a dance/Christmas party on Friday night, volunteered at an 826 LA Party on Saturday night, and saw Magic Lantern on Sunday night. In between those things I baked a triple batch of shortbread, finished my Christmas shopping, played Balderdash with the Bryants, went to church, went to the WESC sample sale (and got a winter coat!) and managed to get most of the roommate Christmas cards mailed out.

(Side note: for those of you who don't know, 826LA is Dave Eggers non-profit organization that focuses on tutoring kids in Creative Writing. They just opened a new tutoring center and Time Travel Store in Echo Park on Saturday, and I was fortunate enough to be the bartender for the event.)

Highlights:

1. Meeting Dave Eggers. Having Dave Eggers personally thank me for volunteering with 826LA. Having Dave Eggers remember who I was later in the night and thank me again.

2. Serving Edward Norton a Ginger Ale. Having Edward Norton apologize to me profusely for only having Canadian money.

3. Pictures with Santa at the Magic Lantern show - I got the latest Cure album on Vinyl as my gift! And th' Lantern sounded awesome.

4. Giving Jenny Lewis a pep talk before she went onstage, as she was terribly nervous. She's really little and really nice.

Lowlights:
1. Knowing that Jason Bateman was at the 826 LA event, but never seeing his lovely face.

2. I got an average of 5 hours a sleep a night. Result: I'm sick. ug.

Overall, an amazing weekend.
I AM SO TIRED.
Thankfully, Portland is just around the corner.
I'm out of here on Thursday, kiddos!

THREE THINGS

2007-12-07T12:14:00.000-08:00

1. Going on a cruise to Mexico today! I'll be back on Monday. Adios!

2. Militia Group Christmas party with Free Peroni on the 14th. Its free! Come!

3. I cut my hair off. And I like it. (Sorry for the cheesy mirror photo, its all I've got!)

ALL I NEED

2007-11-28T10:48:00.000-08:00

this makes me incredibly happy and terribly sad simultaneously.

video by J. Tyler Helms (not the actual Radiohead video. Just a fan video). Footage from 1996 French Film, "Microcosmos".

I left my heart in Portland, OR.

2007-11-26T22:10:00.000-08:00

Well, I know its not quite the new year, but it should be. I'm ready for this one to be over with. So, I'll do what I can in the meantime and revamp the blog. I hope that you like it.

My Thanksgiving was perfect.
I cooked the Turkey, made homemade cranberry sauce, savory apple rosemary stuffing, ginger apricot glaze, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables and much, much more. Linda and Reichle came over, my parents and sisters were there (of course) and a myriad of Candyce's YWAM friends. We played scrabble. We played Squabble. We toasted over the $15 champagne the man at Safeway recommended. All in all, it was glorious.

I braved the Clackamas Towne Center on black friday. I got two shirts and a necklace at Forever 21 and I got my bridesmaid's dress for Danielle's wedding at Macy's. While the mall is no place to be the day after Thanksgiving; really, it was much better than I expected. I didn't even have to kill anyone for a parking spot.

My mom got a kitten. Despite my protests, her name is Pilgrim. I wanted to name her Ludmilla. In any case, I just called her "kitten" a lot. And I didn't move for like three days straight because she would lay on my belly and purr and sleep and who can move when a kitten is purring on their belly?

And, now for the bad news.
I am back in Long Beach. And I am back at work.
I love Long Beach. I love work.
But today my heart was heavy.

I miss my family, I miss my house, I miss my cat, I miss the simple life.
I live in two places, and I'm not quite sure how to reconcile the two. I always promise that I will move back someday - but I dont know when and I dont know how. And I've been in southern california for 6 years.

And, as if the troubles of the day were not enough; I left my office at 5:30 to find that my new Schwinn road bike had been stolen. It was vintage and maroon and beautiful. I loved that bike. And some jackass cut my lock in broad daylight in front of the valet / parking attendant.

I know its just a bike, but it felt like being punched in the gut. Welcome back to California, eh? It was a long day; and walking outside my building to find nothing but a severed lock cable was sickening and depressing.

Thank the Lord for kittiens and Christmas and vacations and cruises and family and red wine and coffee and chocolate. These are my saving graces.

2007-11-26T16:48:00.000-08:00

An excerpt I particularly enjoyed from "Everything Is Illuminated" by Jonathan Safran Foer:

He awoke each morning with the desire to do right, to be a good and meaningful person,to be, as simple as it sounded and as impossible as it actually was, happy. And during the course of each day his heart would descend from his chest into his stomach. By early afternoon he was overcome by the feeling that nothing was right, or nothing was right for him, and by the desire to be alone. By evening he was fulfilled: alone in the magnitude of his grief, alone in his aimless guilt, alone even in his loneliness. 'I am not sad.', he would repeat to himself over and over, 'I am not sad.' As if he might one day convince himself. Or fool himself...He would fall asleep with his heart at the foot of his bed, like some domesticated animal that was no part of him at all. And each morning he would wake with it again in the cupboard of his rib cage, having become a little heavier, a little weaker, but still pumping. And by midafternoon he was again overcome with the desire to be somewhere else, someone else, someone else somewhere else. 'I am not sad.'

HAPPY FRIDAY. I AM READY FOR THE WEEKEND.

2007-11-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

I'll be chilling hard this weekend. like this guy.

things that get me through the day (and/or week).

2007-11-09T17:17:00.000-08:00

1. Tim and Eric.
2. Double tall iced egg nog lattes
3. The new Radiohead, Beirut, and M.I.A
4. Any/everything related to Christmas (the spirit of giving, christmas carols, egg nog, Jesus, vacation, family, and everything GOOD ever.)
5. Knowing that I get to go home in two weeks.
6. 3 day weekends (even tho I have to work a half day on Mon., I'll take it)
7. "Bad Kitties" Calendars (thank you, brandon. best gift ever.)
8. My new bicycle (I bought a beautiful old Schwinn for ten bucks!)
9. Vientos Y Aguas
10. Penelope (pictured). She really is the cutest kitty ever.

UPDATE

2007-11-07T12:05:00.000-08:00

Tim and Eric were life changing.

Side note: I have 43 unheard voicemails. WHAT IS MY PROBLEM???

HERE SHE COMES

2007-11-06T17:56:00.000-08:00

Tim and Eric are doing stand up comedy. In LA. Tonight.
I hope I hope I hope I hope we can get tickets.
I have come to the conclusion that they are, in fact, the funniest people on the planet.

a brief recap (if you will) .

2007-11-03T00:15:00.000-07:00

New York was awesome (and exhausting).

San Francisco was awesome (and beautiful and Tom Waits was magical).

Halloween was epic (Sparklehorse may be my best costume ever? Yes.).

Hooray for a magical month!
Hooray for a weekend with no set plans or shows!
Hooray for 15 hours of sleep last night!

AT HOME AT THE END OF THE WORLD (?)

2007-10-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

I'm looking outside my window right now, and its all very apocalyptic. All I can see is brown sky and leaves and debris blowing about in the streets.

As the old expression goes... "The world is going to hell in a handbasket".

The whole of southern California is burning. The Santa Ana winds are raging. I know 3 people who have gone to the hospital this week, all for different reasons. My cat, Clifford, died unexpectedly. New York was a madhouse. Late night conversations in bars about Jesus over Vodka Tonics. Old friends telling me things I never expected and didn't want to hear.

Its all a bit much, really.

My heart goes out to my friends who are grieving. My prayers are with Linda in Ohio (and Mike, and the rest of the band).

What a week. Hope you're all holding up allright.

IN NYC ALL WEEK...

2007-10-15T18:30:00.002-07:00

And I'm really looking forward to a couple days away.

A LOLCAT IS WORTH A THOUSAND (OR MORE) WORDS

2007-10-04T17:38:00.001-07:00

Iloveitiloveitiloveitiloveitiloveit!!!!!!

"An Open Letter to the Large Orange SUV that nearly ran me over on my bicycle this morning."

2007-09-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

Dear bald man with bad sunglasses driving down Broadway at approximately 9:15 am this morning,

You were stopped at the intersection; you looked up. Was it my imagination, or did we make eye contact? I could have SWORN you looked me in the eye.

I proceeded cautiously. It was my right of way, after all. But you drive a big orange car, and I tend to be mistrusting of big Orange cars. Especially this particular metallic "burn sienna" brand of Orange.

You look down. Maybe at your cell phone, maybe the stereo, maybe your shoes? You look up again, but this time you are not looking at me. You are looking to make a right hand turn. You forget about my existence.

You proceed to make your right hand turn; and you do not take this turn slowly. Quite the contrary- you step on the gas!

Lucky for you, Mr. Bald SUV-driving man, I have the reflexes of a cat.

I swerve left, ramming by bicycle into the curb. I nearly eat it and narrowly avoid a telephone pole. At the last moment I recover and remain upright. I am wobbly, I am scared.

You drive off (in a huff). You do not stop to see if I am ok. You leave me to to contemplate life and death and the dangers of riding a bicycle. I think about these things for then next two blocks as I peddle ever-so-slowly to work.

And even though you don't care...let me tell YOU, sir -- I AM OK (No thanks to you!). My bike is unscratched, I'm only slightly paranoid of any/all bike riding and things that are orange, and I have one large blackish purple bruise on my thigh. Its very ugly, but I like to think of it as a souvenir.

So, if I do, in fact, have the courage to ride my bike down Broadway at 9:15 tomorrow morning -- I certainly hope I do not see your ugly orange monster barreling in my direction.

Because if I do see you tomorrow, I will fight you.

Or at least take down your license plate number and make a few phone calls to the proper authorities.

PHIL COLLINS? GORILLA ? YES, PLEASE.

2007-09-21T10:49:00.001-07:00

Case of the Mondays.

2007-09-17T17:30:00.000-07:00

I was told my car would be done today. Its not done yet, not sure when it will be.

I've been waking up at 6 am every day, for no reason -- even though I go to bed at 1 or 2. Needless to say, I'm tired.

Just found out that my dear friend Nick was hit by a Suburban while riding his bicycle in San Francisco. He went through the windshield, and apparently its a miracle that he's alive. He'll be in the hospital for at least a week, will need reconstructive surgery, and massive amounts of physical therapy.

Pray for Nick, please.

Not usually a fan of Mondays. Definitely not a fan of this particular one.

ITS A WONDERFUL WORLD

2007-09-14T14:19:00.001-07:00

OHMANOHMANOHMANOHMAN

2007-09-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

Big tip of the hat to Mike Sycz, who so graciously called me yesterday to give me the news.

Yep, that's right folks.

Tom Waits is coming to the west coast.

He's playing the Bridge School benefit with Neil Young (yessssss), Eddie Vedder, Metallica (?), Jerry Lee Lewis, Tegan and Sara, Regina Spektor, and John Mayer (ug).

Tickets go on sale Sunday @ 10 am.

I'm going, I'm going, I'm going!

Who's with me?

FEELIN LISTY

2007-09-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

1. Who knew I sucked at online scrabble ?
2. I drink far too much caffeine for my own good.
3. Some days, work is just stressful.
4. Some days, cheesy hip hop is good for the soul.
5. Every day, Pink Berry is good for the soul.
6. Screw bikes getting flat tires. I want my car back.
7. Some days, it is good to talk to your besty on the phone. Even if she moved to St. Louis and talking to her is a constant reminder of that depressing fact.
8. Some days you just need to make lists.
9. TV shows I want to watch: Heroes, Project Runway Season 3, Friday Night Lights, Deadwood.
10. This isn't actually a list and it doesn't make much sense, but it makes me feel better, thank you.

GOOD THINGS:
*Not hot as hell today
*Coffee, blueberry museli, Proverbs 16
*The New Frontiers

BEST WEDDING CAKE EVER

2007-09-04T12:18:00.000-07:00

2007-08-30T18:26:00.000-07:00

FYI: I have now posted and re-posted a picture of Gogol Bordello 5 different times (tried 2 different pictures) and no matter what I do, all I get is these silly gray lines instead of a picture.

What can I say? I'm a 1 at the internet.

Anyway, I felt the need to explain myself and the lack of Gogol photo. The whole thing makes me sad as I think Eugene is fantastic to look at. I like the gypsies.

WHAT A WEEK!

2007-08-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

TONIGHT: GOGOL BORDELLO @ THE HENRY FONDA

TOMORROW NIGHT: WILCO @ THE GREEK (W/ RICHARD SWIFT)

happy friday to me!

2007-08-24T17:13:00.000-07:00

My car isn't totalled. I just found out today!

And it will finally be ready and driveable in two and a half weeks.

I love it.

And as much as I love the bike, I kinda miss the Passat.

I'm ready for her to be home.