NO SRSLY I LUVZ THE LOLS

I don't know how to explain my new favorite pastime.
Theres no words I can use. Just go look @ these:

1. Icanhascheezburger.com

2. lolcats2.com
(HERE IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE LOLCAT IMAGES)



(make sure you look at a few on each page -- get a good feel for the lingo. If you want to know more you can Wikipedia "LOLcats" to find a wealth of information)

3. Now that you are familiar with Lolcats, its time to delve into LOLost. Please note that LOLost is a group collaboration between myself and a few of our comrades...to bring the lingo of LOLcats to the magic of LOST.

This is my new favorite thing. NO SRSLY.

LOLLOST.BLOGSPOT.COM (GO THERE NOW!!!)

BECCA'S GOT A POSSE

THE STORK STRIKES AGAIN

Abbie has been trying to get ahold of me for the last few days -- but, sadly, I'm terribly hard to get ahold of -- but her persistence made me suspect that something was up.

Finally, I got to talk to her this morning. And I was right! Abbie is pregnant!

Abbie and Steve dont actually know if they are having a boy or a girl (dont let the above picture fool you) -- as Abbie's not very far along (due in Dec or Jan). She just found out two days ago and it was quite the "surprise" for both of them. Even thought its a surprise, they both couldn't be happier. Abbie will seriously be best mother EVER. She was made for this...

Anyway, I am SO happy for Abbie and Steve! Congrats guys!

Raw Food Report

So, the raw food diet has been interesting to say the least. After a day or two of munching on carrot sticks and avocados I looked up some raw recipes. Since then I've "cooked" guacamole, Raw Pad Thai, and Red Pepper Gazpacho.

And you know what I've decided?
Its really not even comparable to real food (i.e. cooked food).
Raw pad thai consists of julienned zuccini, bean sprouts, red peppers, olive oil, cashews and lime juice. It tasted FINE but you're hungry within an hour after consumption.

Plus (sorry, gonna be "real" with you right now), the raw food diet and my digestive system just dont really get along. At all. I've done all this for the sake of my body (i.e. my stomach) and what I found out is that my stomach just doesn't like ANYTHING.

So, I'm easing out of the raw diet. I haven't eaten sugar, bread, eggs or dairy since last monday. Sunday I ate organic blue corn chips with my Gazpacho. Yesterday, I had a few more blue corn chips (with leftover Gazpacho for lunch) and for dinner I sauteed some peppers and onions with quinoa and liquid amino acids.

Can I just say that after a week of raw food I felt utterly and totally GUILTY for sauteeing my vegetables last night? it was WEIRD.

And, today I had a veggie wrap from Subway (no cheese). For dinner I made veggie stir fry with Quinoa. Still no meat, sugar, tofu, or dairy in the diet. But I did add coffee back into the mix! I missed it SO much and I kicked it for a week so its OK, right?

I will admit, that on Friday when I went to Taylor's art opening and there was free beer and BBQed hot dogs - I was downright angry. I was tired, I was hungry, and I wanted beer and hot dogs. But NOOOOOOO. I sat and watched the peoples happily consume their food and beverages. I wanted a hot dog,dammit. I was so so so hungry. And I couldn't eat a thing.

But its been a good lesson in self restraint. And its given me a newfound love for fruits and vegetables! I forgot how yummy they are. Most notably: the avocado. How I've grown to love avodcado! On my salad! Plain with a lil salt and pepper! Cubed in my Gazpacho! Sliced in my subway wrap!

Hip hip hooray for avocado!
And hooray for some semblance of cooked food in my life again.
I miss chocolate badly, but that will be back soon.
All in moderation, right?

the great cleanse caper.

I had every intention to start the week with a post about my cleanse endeavor.

I wanted to inform you all about the cleansing adventure I was about to embark upon: The Master Cleanse.

Nothing but lemon juice, maple syrup (Grade B), Cayenne Pepper, and water for 10 days. Count 'em: TEN.

I started the cleanse on Tuesday (Erica, Cameron, and Kelly joined in the cleanse as well). I woke up early to make myself a few batches of the master cleanse potion to last me for the entire day. This entailed squeezing 8 lemons and mixing them with the water, cayenne, and maple syrup and putting it into a large jug for my "convenience".

I made it through the day just fine and Tuesday evening came and I still wasn't hungry. I'd drank my fair share of the lemonade (if you can call it that) and all I'd gotten was the WORST headache imaginable. I know you aren't supposed to take advil on the diet, but after a couple hours of the misery, I gave in.

Then, I went to the Prospector to see my friend Judita play. I was tired, my head hurt, and I should have gone to bed. But I didn't go to bed. Instead, I sat at the Prospector and listened to many arguments as to why the Master Cleanse isn't the healthiest way to go and the negative side effects that it has on your body. Granted, I already wasn't feeling well and I already loathed the cayenne lemonade. The thought of drinking it for nine more days was unbearable.

So, I asked...if THIS isn't good for me, what is?

(**MIND YOU, I had done a lot of research on the Master Cleanse and there are proven benefits of the cleanse. However, with my particular job and lifestyle it does seem somewhat impossible.)

Raw food.
This is what my friend Chris told me. And it makes sense. No preservatives, no sugar, no bread, no processed foods. Nothing cooked. Just raw food.

It makes sense to me. So, I kicked the Master Cleanse after one measly day (though, to my credit I didn't eat ANYTHING for a day and that's pretty good for me) and now I've taken to raw foods.

So far, so good. I have more energy and I am saving money by not going out to eat or drink. I think the hardest thing to give up (hands down) is coffee. I miss it dearly.

The menu thus far:

Weds:
Breakfast - Carrot Sticks
Lunch: Green Peppers, Carrot Sticks, and Raw Almonds.
Dinner: Tomato and Cucumber Salad. Half an Avocado. A smidge of pineapple for dessert.

Thurs:
Breakfast: a Braeburn apple
Lunch: Red peppers, broccoli,carrot sticks, raw cashews.
Snack: Pinapple Cucumber Apple Juice from Mothers. SO GOOD!
Dinner: Guacamole (fresh cilantro, garlic, lime, avocado, tomato and jalepeno) with Carrot sticks.

I've looked up a few raw recipes and am excited to make Raw Pad Thai and Gazpacho soup. If you have any recipes, feel free to share them -- as I am looking to expand my raw food horizons. I am already tiring of carrot sticks. :)

I'm not sure how long I will stick to the raw food diet. Probably until next weekend when I go to Big Bear with Becca. Because I have to eat at Teddy Bears and that's all there is to it. I can already taste the tuna melt with an ortega chile....

(seriously I need to not think about such things)

anyway, I may update from time to time to tell you what I'm eating. Maybe you'll find it interesting. Probably not. But it'll be here.

things I like.

1. Pictures of Puppies (see below) and such cheesy sites as dailybunny.com and dailypuppy.com

2. Woodland creatures. Specifically cartoon drawings of woodland creatures by my little sister. those kind are the best.
3. Iced Chai from Vientos Y Aguas. Its changing my life.
4. The Arcade Fire. And friends that buy you tickets to see the Arcade Fire. Yay Kelly!!
5. Quinoa. Its the new rice (and better for you!).
6. The Danielson Familie. Everything about them makes me gleeful. Go watch the documentary, its phenomenal.
7. Sisters. I like my sisters a lot. I've gotten to see them recently, and I am a better person for it.

There are many good things about my life.
Today, these are the things I am especially thankful for.

THIS WAS PURELY ACCIDENTAL

Wyatt and I took 3 pics.
I was showing off my hair cut.
We made the same face.
3 different times.
Totally accidental.
And funny to look at.




SMIRK!



SMILE!



SCRUNCH!

An Interesting Read.

I'll post the first paragraph (which is prob my favorite) but I encourage you all to go to the following link to read the whole thing. Its a rather interesting take on the reaction to the Virginia Tech shootings.

http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/pnoonan/

by PEGGY NOONAN

Cold Standard
Virginia Tech and the heartlessness of our media and therapy culture.

Friday, April 20, 2007 12:01 a.m. EDT

I saw an old friend on the Acela on the way to Washington, and he told me of the glum, grim faces at the station he'd left, all the commuters with newspapers in their hands and under their arms. This was the day after Virginia Tech. We talked about what was different this time, in this tragedy. I told him I felt people were stricken because they weren't stricken. When Columbine happened, it was weird and terrible, and now there have been some incidents since, and now it's not weird anymore. And that is what's so terrible. It's the difference between "That doesn't happen!" and "That happens."

...

(read the rest at the link I posted)

If you pick up the latest issue of Death + Taxes Magazine you just might see a picture of Paul and I @ our SXSW party.

(Issue 7, with Explosions in The Sky on the cover)

Pleasant Discovery of the Day!

Trader Joe's Mediterranean Hummus (complete with olive oil, pine nuts, etc on top) is the real deal. Or the bees knees, whichever you prefer.

For years, I've relegated myself to the Spicy Hummus, with the occasional Cilantro Jalapeno Hummus.

But no more!

This is the best store-bought hummus money can buy. You are probably all in the know and I am light years behind, but I had to share my discovery.

P.S. Yes mom, my posts are random. Its because I dont have the mental prowess to actually write about things that matter. Well, most of the time.

P.S.S. You can call me "Lindsay The Red". Why? I have red hair. 'Nuff said.

I just tried those Bjore "pore cleansing" strips for the first time.

Not only are they not easy to remove from ones face (they literally tear your face off) but now my face feels numb, tingly, white hot, and burning all at the same time.

You know how when your leg falls asleep and when its waking back up it feels like little tiny knives are stabbing your muscles or like little tiny ants are crawling inside of your legs? That's how my face feels.

I'd say I'll never do it again -- but if I wake up in the morning with magically delightful skin...I just might.

FEIST

I never really liked Feist.

The Mushaboom single from her last album was a nice lil' track, but the rest of it sounded like adult contemporary Norah Jones crap to me.

I'm not sure what changed -- me or her -- but I have an entirely different attitude towards her. I can't stop listening to her new album, "The Reminder" (Out on May 1).

So, here. Take a listen, see if you like it.
(Take note: this is my first song post attemtp. Be gracious if it fails).

Feist - I Feel It All

Somehow I'd never seen this picture until today.

OTTERS HOLDING HANDS (I am sucker for this stuff)

Uganda!

So, I'm going to Uganda this summer.

I will be going with a team of people from my parents church in Oregon -- and we will be partnering with Christian Life Church in Kampala, Uganda. We'll be setting up a medical clinic, bringing supplies, building a multi-purpose room, and conducting a VBS for the kids. The tenative dates of the trip are June 21 - July 9th.

I'm currently in the process of getting my visa and all my shots and vaccines -- and somehow this all doesn't really seem real to me (yet).

I had a really hard time with the decision whether or not to go. I'd be using up ALL my vacation days for the entire year -- and with the job I have its quite difficult to take a few days off -- let alone take a few weeks off. I waited until the last possible minute to make my decision, and I was a bit of a basket case because I had to figure out my plans in a matter of 8 hours. I thought about it, prayed about it, worried about it, etc -- and then I got this text message from a friend:

"Go to Uganda. Life will figure itself out."

Granted, many of my friends had been saying the same thing in many different ways -- but the truth of those words struck me. It will all work out. It always does.

So, that's my big news!

I honestly can't wait to go...I know that God is at work in Africa and I am privileged just to be a very very small part of it. Please keep me in your prayers as I prepare for this trip!

Let me know if you are interested in more details of my trip -- I'd love to tell you all about it. :)

"Happy As A Bird In The Early Morning"

I am the lucky owner of a Norwegian trivet (a square tile that you place a hot pan or dish on) that says these delightful words. And, for no particular reason, the other day I took notice of the cute little trivet. I've been thinking about those words ever since.

Happy as a bird in the early morning -- it has such a nice ring to it.

Along the same lines, I've been listening to a song called 'Quiet as a Mouse' on repeat this week. Honestly, I can't stop. its very strange, as I'm not normally a fan of song overkill. However, this one is the exception. And there's this line in the song that says "When I awoke, I felt love and life and hope infesting my bones."

There is nothing terribly profound about either statement I've listed here. But I like them. The words stand out to me. Maybe its because I want to wake up every day with a sense of hope and love and life. Or maybe its because I've actually woken up feeling happy this week.

Whatever the case may be, I do know that God is at work. Like Danielle so aptly said in her last post; there is a river of truth that runs underneath everything. And no matter where I go, or what I do, that there is truth - even on Norwegian trivets. :)

I'm setting my alarm a little early for the morning. My hope is to wake up, have a good cup of coffee (Peets Kona), do some quality reading (the book of Genesis and Steinbeck), have quality Penelope time, and...to be happy as a bird.

I'm back.

- Pictures (and stories) to come from Austin soon.
- Happy birthday, Kristin.
- Danielle comes into town next week! And I get 3 vacation days!!!
- Lost / Americas Next Top Model / Wine and Cheese TONIGHT!
- I can't stop listening to Margot and the Nuclear So and Sos

I HEART AUSTIN

Man oh man, I'm gonna be busy in Austin. I leave tomorrow morning at the crack of dawn and I'll be back sometime on St. Patty's Day.

Here a a few gems (i.e. parties) that I have the good fortune of working with:

Team of The Dragon Fire

1. This is my new favorite pastime.

2. These are the best pictures ever taken

3. My "off the wall" signature serve will wreck you.

this is a test of "googleability".

Linda Nagle
Kyle Davidson
Rebecca Banghart
Matt Maust
Kristin Wagner
Cameron Stallones

All of a sudden, I miss everyone.

As I write this, I can still taste the minty chalkiness of Peptol Bismol in my throat; I've been drinking a lot of the pink stuff lately. In good time, I'll see a doctor about this business, but for now I chug the Peptol and hope for the best. If I were self-diagnosing (and maybe I am) I'd say it was a stress-induced ulcer that will magically disappear after SXSW.

I've been meaning to pick up the new Explosions in The Sky album, appropriately titled "All of a sudden, I miss everyone."

And I do miss everyone. In fact, I'd go so far as to say I miss everything.

A few nights ago, I wrote a lot about the things that I miss. Unfortunately for you, I'm too much of a weenie to actually post it here. It wasn't anything terribly personal -- it was the usual "I miss Linda, I miss my family, I miss being SANE." You know, those types of things.

But, really, friends. I do miss you all. I've been a bit M.I.A. as of late, and I'd like to think that after Austin, it might get better. It probably wont...but here's hoping.

:)

ROTHCHILD H. SEMESTER VS. ARISTOCRAT P. CHILD

I Loved This.

And I love him.

Tell me the story of how you ended up here.

I would like to make mention on a few 'goings ons' in life.

1. Linda left for South Africa on Wednesday. She will be gone a total of 18 months (insanity!) and I will miss her dearly. I am so proud of her and so happy that she is choosing to serve the Lord in Africa. I hope that I'll be able to save enough money to visit her -- because 18 months without Linda in my life is FAR too long. If you would like to hear about her adventures in Africa, you can read them right here.

2. For Lent, I gave up alcohol and men. I'm not sure which will be more difficult?

3. Brittney Spears went crazy. Weird. (but not really that weird)

4. I threw out my back doing while jumping in the air for a silly photograph. Really, its hard to move right now. I feel like an old woman, for crying out loud.

5. I saw Cold War Kids last night at a Myspace secret show with Clipse. It was a weird venue, weird environment, and there were myriads of stupid drunk people. However, the boys sounded (and looked) great. And, being one of the few sober people in the place (thanks to Lent) I must say, I had a lot of fun watching people make total idiots of themselves.

Tennesee, you've been good to me.

"Give me 10 more years, I'll be rooted in your soil."

Nashville, TN.

This past weekend, I went to Nashville for the first time in my life. I arrived Friday night (7 pm) and left Sunday morning (6:45 am), so there wasn't much time to soak in the city.

But, what I saw --- I loved.

It snowed the entire time. We stayed across the street from the Grand Ole Opry and the Opryland Hotel (the largest non-gaming hotel in the US. This place has a RIVER running through it). I ate Blackened Grouper and drank beer. I hung out with a band from Montreal and loved listening to their delightful accents. I hung out with my friend Ryan, who has Turrets syndrome -- which is always an experience. I ate beef briskett and cornbread. I hung out with big wig booking agents in the Presidential Suite of the Opryland hotel. I averaged 3 hours of sleep a night.

Someday, I hope to spend more than 36 hours in Nashville (and I'm sure that I will). I could spend at least that much time geeking out over Cash memorabilia alone...

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY.

Prone to Wander.

"Prone to wander, Lord I feel it.
Prone to leave the God I love.
Here's my heart, Lord.
Take and seal it.
Seal it for Thy courts above. "

A lot of sleep, watching The Science of Sleep (for the first time) a fantastic sermon about rest, and making valentines with old people. This weekend was just what the doctor ordered.

Saturday afternoon, Brandon and I went to a convalescent hospital for a Valentines Party our church was throwing. I ended up at a table with a few people, but one woman - Anita - got my attention. She's a spunky African-American woman who has seen a lot of things in her day. Whenever I'd talk to someone else, she'd protest "EARTH TO LINDSAY" and ask me to get her more punch or cookies.

My favorite Anita moment was when Brandon disappeared from the room.
I wondered out loud "Hm, I wonder where Brandon went?"
Anita said "Honey, I was here before Brandon was here. I'll be here after Brandon's gone. So, it don't matter, does it?"

Amazing. And she had a darn good point.
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend as well.

I am so very tired.
I am so very tired - and the tiredness just makes everything unbearable and all problems seem unresolveable.
My hope is that a good nights sleep will bring a little clarity.
Because, from where I stand, things look a lil grim.

Thanks, Mom.

(The following is a poem my mom emailed to me this morning. Such good words, and impeccable timing. I needed to hear this today.)


Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor deem these days--these waiting days--as ill!
The One who loves thee best, who plans thy way,
Hath not forgotten thy great need today!
And, if He waits, 'tis sure He waits to prove
To thee, His tender child, His heart's deep love.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Thou longest much to know thy dear Lord's will!
While anxious thoughts would almost steal their way
Corrodingly within, because of His delay
Persuade thyself in simple faith to rest
That He, who knows and loves, will do the best.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor move one step, not even one, until
His way hath opened. Then, ah then, how sweet!
How glad thy heart, and then how swift thy feet
Thy inner being then, ah then, how strong!
And waiting days not counted then too long.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
What higher service could'st thou for Him fill?
'Tis hard! ah yes! But choicest things must cost!
For lack of losing all how much is lost!
'Tis hard, 'tis true! But then--He giveth grace
To count the hardest spot the sweetest place.
--J. D. Smith

Let the nerderie begin.

Wednesday, Feb 7th, 10 pm.
Its back.
I welcome you, Henry Gale (aka Ben), back with open arms.

A tale from the Days of Emo.

I used to be emo.

I fell in love with a boy a long, long time ago. We were young; we were but mere puppies. And we listened to a lot of Jimmy Eat World (with a healthy sprinkling of Sunny Day and Dashboard Confessional). We'd drive with the windows down and sing at the top of our lungs. They were good times. And try as I might, to this day, when I hear these songs -- I think of him. Not as a person who wistfully wishes for the past -- but as a person who admires a particular album that defines a time period.

Jimmy Eat World's Clarity defines a large moment in my life.

The boy I fell in love with left. We broke up and he went to the other side of the world. I hadn't heard from him in months, and Christmas was rapidly approaching. I didn't know what to say. So I made him a Christmas card. It was a sad and dreary picture; a wintry scene with a cold looking couple. There were no words on the front of the card, and on the inside of the card I wrote one simple thing. The lyrics to Jimmy Eat World song.

"I didn't mean to leave you hanging on.
I didn't mean to leave you all alone.
I didn't know what to say.
I didn'tknow what to say.

Merry Christmas, Baby.
Merry Christmas."

I signed my name and send my card across the world.
And to this day, I have no idea if he got the card.
Frankly, I don't really care.
But driving down the 710 freeway with friends tonight, singing that song at the top of my lungs -- I couldn't help but tell the story. Sure, I was an idiot back then -- in fact, I'm an idiot now. But, I poured my lil soul out on a Christmas card using Jimmy Eat World lyrics....which is pretty awesome.

Here's to days of old.
Here's to emo.
They were good times, the emo days.
And it made for damn good Christmas cards.

I'm turning into one of "those" cat owners.

MY KITTEN IS A LUSH.

Quote of the Week

From Steinbecks "In Dubious Battle":

" 'Christ knows I don't want luxury, but I don't want to get batted around the way all the kids I know got it. Lunch pail in the morning witha piece of soggy pie and a thermos bottle of stale coffee...'

Mac said 'You've picked a hell o fa fine life if you don't want to get batted around. Wait til we finish this job, you'll get batted plenty.'

'That's different', Jim protested, 'I don't mind getting smacked on the chin. I just don't want to get nibbled to death. That's the difference.' "

kittied!

Meet the newest addition to our household.
Her name is Penelope.
I am a cat owner. I am happy. I am complete.
I think I am going to make her a myspace (and put 300 pictures of her up).
Yes, I think I am already a crazy cat lady.

Back in Black(berry)

After a few months of borrowing phones and phone breakages, etc...I am back in the world of Blackberry. The Lindsay that we all know and love (the one who is continually chained to her phone) is back in biz.

A few things to share; a list is in order.

(JON BRION)

1. Happy new year to me, I'm an insomniac again .I do not sleep. At all. And, if I do sleep, my mind runs in tiny little circles and overthinks meangingless things and dreams meangingless dreams. Case in point: last night, I spent the entire night dreaming about being in a supermarket. Yes, a supermarket. I don't recall the point or nature of the dream, just that it was terribly frustrating and I woke up utterly exhausted -- as if I hadn't slept a wink. The night before, however, proved to be more entertaining. I dreampt that I was dating Jon Brion. I don't remember much about the dream except the ridiculous bragging rights that I had with my friends. I just kept saying over and over "Guys, I can get you into Largo ANY Friday night you want!". Oh, and I had my own special table in the front of Largo. That was pretty cool.

2. After a long and thoughtful discussion with Matt M., I've decided to read the Bible cover to cover. He's made it to Deuteronomy and is still really enjoying it, and encouraged me to do the same. I'm 2 chapters into Genesis, so I don't have much to say on the subject....YET...but I am pretty excited about this. Its going to take awhile.

3. I discovered www.Elbo.ws. It changed my life. There is so much music to be had on that site. Just today I got Neko Case (live in Austin), Elvis Perkins, Low, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Beirut, and much more. Go to the site, please, and have your fill.

4. Amber and I are starting a book club. Currently, we are reading John Steinbeck's "In Dubious Battle:. I just started tonight -- well, truthfully, I plan to start as soon as I am done writing this here blog.Next up, "What is the What" by Dave Eggers. Holler if you want to join.

5. My mom called and Micah's funeral went well, her time with her family was amazing, and she says she has stories to tell. Thank you all very much for praying.

My cousin Micah passed away this week.
I was told that he was murdered, though no one can be sure at this point. His body was found in a river in Alabama a few days ago and the authorities are still investigating his exact cause of death.

I didn't know him terribly well, but I'm still relatively shaken up by this event. My parents flew out to Kansas City yesterday, as my dad is doing the funeral.

My mom wrote about it, and does a better job than I could ever do -- so if you want to read more about it, you can: www.shawnalyne.blogspot.com.

One thing I find interesting in all of this is that it will be the first time my mom's whole family will be under one roof since her mom passed away (which was long before I was born). Many of them do not know Jesus, and so I am praying that this will be a time of healing and a time of discovering the love of Christ. if you think of it, please pray for my mom, my aunt Shannen (Micah's mother) and their whole family. And pray for my dad, that his words will bring grace, peace, and understanding to a hurting family.

thanks.

I ate a bran muffin for breakfast, and thought of this.

New Years Eve, 06.

This is one of the better New Years Eve celebrations that I can remember.

My good friend from high school, Justin, happened to be in town for New Years Eve. I was excited to have him in town -- he's a good friend AND I got a built in date out of the deal.

We made sushi for Cameron, Erica, Amanda and Dan. We drank Sake and green tea, ate edamame and miso soup -- and I gotta hand it to Justin, our hommade sushi was GOOD.

Then, Camerica, Justin and I headed up to the Biltmore hotel in Los Angeles for drinks. We got dressed up and prepared for the swankiest New Years Eve EVER. But, much to our chagrin, when we arrived we found that all the swanky bars were closed for private parties. We were told that we could enjoy a beverage in the Sports Bar, which was simply not going to cut it. So, we crashed a wedding instead. We saw the wedding (it was gorgeous) and the bar was right there -- in front of us. No guards, no ropes, no special wrist bands. So I charged the bar, got myself a Gray Goose cosmo and got the heck out of there (so as not to get caught). I felt awesome.

We attempted to go to a secret party at a Speakeasy after that, but there was a scary man pretending to be a parking lot attendant who wanted to take our money (and he had thug friends) so we left. We ended up at the Hilton (across the street from the Biltmore.) and we had a grand old time. We got a free round of shots (for no apparent reason), there were party poppers galore and we watched the ball drop with a number of other LA bar-goers.

We came home to Myste, Katie, Kristin, and Amanda -- who were watching Dirty Dancing. I was thoroughly exhausted (as I'd been up since 4 am) and went to bed (after eating a delicious spanikopita that Kristin made me).

All in all, a successful evening. See for yourself:
(and yes, I am balancing a christmas tree on my head in one of them. woot woot!)

I'm thinking very seriously about getting a cat. I need a little critter in my life.
Seeing my cats Vladimir and Clifford 3 times a year isn't cutting it.
I need my own feline friend.

If you know of one needing rescuing, let me know.

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great Light..."

I keep coming back to those words.
Its been a difficult season, and oftentimes I feel like I'm trudging alone through the darkness.
But the lovely thing about Christmas is that I'm constantly surrounded by reminders of God's grace and salvation. With every nativity scene that I see, I can't help but think about the great Light that came into this sad and dark world. And, despite my best efforts to remain sullen and depressed, the realization of the Christmas story changes everything. There IS hope in the darkness. And this is a good thing to remember.

As for me, I'm home in Portland with the fam and it feels good just to be quiet (and bake. I've been doing a lot of baking...). The world always seems right when I'm with my family. Tomorrow, we'll open presents (we'll be joined by Danielle's boyfriend and Reichle), I'll attempt a gourmet Christmas dinner, we may see the new Ben Stiller flick, and we'll deliver presents to the Somalis. I'm looking forward to it. I truly love Christmas in Portland.

So, to all of you, wherever you may be -- I wish you the merriest of Christmases.

2006 pictoral history (aka my recap).

1. This might be my favorite photo of the entire year. Chris and Jules wedding, Sept 16th. Paul and I, shining brightly. Honestly, we look like we're glowing. I'm not sure why, but we do. He's a good friend, and he left for New York today. I will miss him dearly.



2. The 2nd (?) annual White Trash party. Its not really about watching the races, but who can get the most ridiculous costume and throw watermelon rinds in the streets. Honestly, its one of the better theme parties we do. And I must say, my character (Stella) was pretty hot this year. She's a blackjack dealer in Vegas...



3. Halloween. I was Queen Frostine (Candyland), and Amanda was Max from Where the Wild things are. There are a lot of good pics from Halloween, but I like this one for some strange reason. Mainly because it looks like we're in a magical war.



4. I actually really hate this picture of myself. But, if I am recapping 06, I suppose this pic is relevant. I was pretty preoccupied with this fellow for the early part of 06, and he's become a good friend. So, I'll include him here. Plus, this day was really fun. We got to go to Disneyland FOR FREE. And he'd never been (he's from Israel, you know...) and I geek out over getting to take newbies to D-land.



5. Myste's famous Queen Mary birthday bash. Amanda somehow captured a near perfect moment, as Katie yells lord-knows-what, and I struck a showboat pose. Twas a good night, and this might be my favorite photo from the event.



6. So many nights @ the Troubadour. Walking back to the secret parking spot. Brandon, TMG Intern (which I referred to him as long after he was interning for us). He's a good kid. Again, not a great picture of myself, but slightly entertaining.



7. This night started a number of amazing excursions with Camerica and Myste. We took scads of literary-ish photos (our only inspiration being the boat). We drank cocktails on the Queen Mary, sang along with Elvis impersonators -- and birthed the idea for Myste's grand birthday bash. I honestly have no idea what spawned these photos (there is a whole series) but I adore them.



8. Becca's 25th birthday party @ The Red Lion. She was adorably tipsy and Darren got her a myriad of fun toys (see the toy I am holding). I can't tell you how many birthday's we've celebrated at the Red Lion. I love that place.



9. the Ericam (aka Americam or Camerica) wedding. Beautiful people, beautiful wedding. And the first marriage liscence I ever signed. woo hoo!



10. The perfect day (#1) in NYC with Summer and Shaina. We looked at dinosaur bones, we got in for free, we pranced about the city, drank good coffee, and made new friends. I'm pretty sure a hefty discount at American Apparell was part of the magic as well.



11. There aren't many photos of Linda in my album this year, and that's because she doesn't live here anymore. But, I do love this photo. And I loved this night (..."Can I just say, guys?"). Linna, you are truly missed.

merry christmas to me.

I finally got it.
This is my third trip to Fingerprints this week for the express purpose of purchasing the sufjan Christmas discs. Every single time they've been out of the CD(s). I had resided myself to the fact that this was not going to be the year for "SOngs for Christmas" and I would simply have to wait until next year.

But, thanks to Star (she's one of my favorite employees at Fingerprints, if not my favorite...) -- she found the last copy (of the third shipment) and now its all mine. I only had to trade in 5 promos to get it (not Militia promos, mind you. CD's from other labels that I didn't want. I just had to clarify. I don't go selling the new Copeland every time I want a new CD...)

I feel glandess. and warmth.
5 discs of warm and fuzzy holiday Sufjan goodness.
I just had to share that with you all.
Side note: its comes with 5 discs, 2 booklets, and STICKERS. yes, stickers. you need to own this.

A Very Militia Christmas (aka "I love my job")

I stayed home from work today, due the toothace from hell.
The ache started about 48 hours ago, and no amount of advil will ease the pain. I didn't sleep much last night and I woke up feeling lousy. So, I called in sick. I hate calling in sick. Really, I do.

But, I needed to take a day and rest. So I did.

This is what I did with my sick day:
* Watched 1 episode of Big Love
* read 2 chapters of A Horse and His Boy
* Called my mom
* Caught up on a few work-related emails, one work phone call
* Called Danielle, and had a particularly great talk. I timed the phone call well, and was glad to give some sisterly advice.
* Watched "The Devil and Daniel Johnston"
* Ate lunch
* Drank mint tea
* Went to Target (the only outing of the day) to finish up gifts for Roommate Christmas.
* Baked shortbread cookies (and dipped them in chocolate)
* Wrapped Christmas gifts
* Watched 3 episodes of the OC with Camerica

Overall, I am feeling pretty good. And accomplished. I rested, but wasn't a total slug. I got things done, but didn't over-exert myself. And now, I'm just waiting for the Tylenol PM to kick in.

This Thursday; YES. YOU!

So my co-worker Mikey started an indie/80's dance night @ Que Sera.
This Thursday is the 2nd EVER Call Sick on Fridays.
And...its extra special because its also a goodbye party for Paul, as he's moving to NY next week.
So, come dance with me.
Come say goodbye to Paul.
and then call sick on Friday. :)

Top 10 albums of 2006

I've been thinking it over, and here's what I've come up with (in no particular order):

1. Thom Yorke "The Eraser"
2. Cold War Kids "Robbers and Cowards"
3. The Appleseed Cast "Peregrine"
4. Amy Millan "Honey from the Tombs"
5. Johnny Cash "American V: A hundred Highways"
6. Gnarls Barkley "St. Elsewhere"
7. Illinois "LP in Progress"
8. Neko Case "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood"
9. The Decemberists "The Crane WIfe"
10. Band of Horses "Everything All the Time"

Honorable mentions:
Bob Dylan "Modern Times"
Tahiti 80 "Fosbury"
Danielson "Ships"
Destroyer "Rubies"
Grizzly Bear "Yellow House"
The Format "Dog Problems"
Jeremy Enigk "World Waits"
mewithoutyou "Brother, Sister"
Howlin Rain "Howlin Rain"
Magnolia Electric Co "Fading Trials"
My Brightest Diamond "Bring Me the Workhorse"
Regina Spektor "Begin to Hope"
Midlake "The Trials of Van Occupanter"

(I know I'm forgetting a million, so don't crucify me. )

Albums I don't have yet, but the few songs I've heard are brilliant:
1. White Magic
2. Joanna Newsom
3. Beirut
4. Tom Waits - Orphans, etc.
5. Annuals

CHRISTMAS LIST 06

(* NOTE: I post this for the good of Becca, my sisters, and my mom. I know I'm terribly hard to buy for, so I write down all the random things I can think of and hope it helps. )

1. an iPod
2. A feather bed
3. Burts bees tinted moisturizer (medium tint)
4. Pajama pants
5. any book by Jonathan Safran Foer
6. Joanna Newsom "YS" CD
7. Everything is Illumniated DVD
8. Wilco Documentary ("I am Trying to Break Your Heart")
9. Lip gloss. Aveda, bath and Body Works, you know...
10. records/vinyl. any. we have a functioning record player.
11. long, dangly gold necklaces
12. other CD's I want: White Magic, Beirut, M. Ward, Mountain Goats, etc.
13. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree shampoo
14. Vintage christmas ornaments
15. Perfume (Lacoste or Elizabeth Arden Green Tea)
16. Socks, Scarves, beanies. I have none.
17. A functioning Blackberry. ha!