I haven't really had the chance to update since I left Anchorage. I spent my layover in Seattle chatting with Susan, who bought me breakfast. She was off to a girls weekend with her awesome college friends and roommates who used to light their farts on fire in the kitchen. She was recounting hilarious stories of her college days. We chatted a but about the upcoming trip with Ryan, too. I guess some of the places we are stopping, she and Taylor went on their honeymoon. It was just a tad awkward hearing that she assumes I will be getting tan "in places you didn't know could tan," on nude beaches with her son.
Anyway, International has been so amazing! The Donald goes on stage here in about four minutes. Right now we are watching a little boy dance to "beat it" on the jumbotron.
More later!!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Another overwhelming day.
Yesterday was the start of my mole scare which scares me more the more I think about it. I wonder how long I've had that mole there. I haven't ever peeked between my toes for moles. This whole thing is really unnerving.
Today, Mom and I placed an order with Jackie and then headed back up the hill so Mom and Dad could sign the closing paperwork for Billie & Wally's house.
OMG. I am surprised I didn't start bawling like a baby. That was such an emotional experience.
Billie and Wally were like grandparents to me growing up. They are 83 and 88, and we moved into the neighborhood right when their kids were old enough to be out of the house, but not old enough to have made babies yet. Sara and I used to go over to their house weekly for tea parties, where Wally would make spice cake. He is the one that dad gets his "When I want cake, I want all I want" comment from. We had gone over there one day when Wally was supposedly on a diet, and apparently he didn't take too kindly to being reminded of that.
Billie had her first stroke back in 2004. I was in high school, and remember going to visit her in the hospital. It had happened when they were at the car wash. It was a large stroke, but she was able to regain most of the function to that side, and even was walking again.
In the summer of 2006, she had another one. A massive one. She was even in a coma for four days. Since then, she hasn't recovered. It broke my heart seeing her today in her bed, where she is confined because she isn't able to get up and move around the house. She isn't even able to swallow foods, so she is fed through a tube. After nearly five years, her family finally acquiesced to her requests for water out of a sippy cup, so that is the only thing she can have in her mouth.
So she's obviously doing poorly. Wally is walking around like normal - he has some balance issues so he uses his walker if he's going to head down the hallway or something, but he can walk around the room just fine. But he has Parkinson's and can't even sign his name anymore. Heather had to hold his hand/wrist and help him sign the closing documents for the house today.
As we were getting ready to leave, I stood up next to the bed and gave Billie a hug. I told her that if I'm home for Christmas, I will stop by again and see her. She got really emotional and asked if I would really do that. She said she would like that. How can that not affect you? So of course I promised that not only will I see her if I'm home, but that I will come home and see her. I also made a mental note to send her letters/cards much more often. She is still able to see fine, so I know she would appreciate that.
She mentioned how rough it was emotionally for them to finally be selling the house, and reminded me of memories we shared there. Mom walked out of the room crying at least once. It was just a really overwhelming time for everyone, I think.
On the bright side, I had a pre-birthday dinner tonight at Benihana with Mom. Dad is off on his way up to Dawson, with Harry. I sat next to two VPs who are up here expanding their petroleum company. One is from Australia and the other is from Ireland. They bought me a glass of wine and said if they'd known earlier that it was my birthday, they would have bought another bottle to share. They were super nice, and the Irish one was super cute. The Australian one has his degree in "Maths," so we had plenty to chat about. A wonderful, relaxing end to the evening.
I have a nail appointment tomorrow morning, I'm meeting Brady for lunch, and then have a vag doctor appointment, so I should head to bed. I leave tomorrow evening, so it's a busy day for me!
Today, Mom and I placed an order with Jackie and then headed back up the hill so Mom and Dad could sign the closing paperwork for Billie & Wally's house.
OMG. I am surprised I didn't start bawling like a baby. That was such an emotional experience.
Billie and Wally were like grandparents to me growing up. They are 83 and 88, and we moved into the neighborhood right when their kids were old enough to be out of the house, but not old enough to have made babies yet. Sara and I used to go over to their house weekly for tea parties, where Wally would make spice cake. He is the one that dad gets his "When I want cake, I want all I want" comment from. We had gone over there one day when Wally was supposedly on a diet, and apparently he didn't take too kindly to being reminded of that.
Billie had her first stroke back in 2004. I was in high school, and remember going to visit her in the hospital. It had happened when they were at the car wash. It was a large stroke, but she was able to regain most of the function to that side, and even was walking again.
In the summer of 2006, she had another one. A massive one. She was even in a coma for four days. Since then, she hasn't recovered. It broke my heart seeing her today in her bed, where she is confined because she isn't able to get up and move around the house. She isn't even able to swallow foods, so she is fed through a tube. After nearly five years, her family finally acquiesced to her requests for water out of a sippy cup, so that is the only thing she can have in her mouth.
So she's obviously doing poorly. Wally is walking around like normal - he has some balance issues so he uses his walker if he's going to head down the hallway or something, but he can walk around the room just fine. But he has Parkinson's and can't even sign his name anymore. Heather had to hold his hand/wrist and help him sign the closing documents for the house today.
As we were getting ready to leave, I stood up next to the bed and gave Billie a hug. I told her that if I'm home for Christmas, I will stop by again and see her. She got really emotional and asked if I would really do that. She said she would like that. How can that not affect you? So of course I promised that not only will I see her if I'm home, but that I will come home and see her. I also made a mental note to send her letters/cards much more often. She is still able to see fine, so I know she would appreciate that.
She mentioned how rough it was emotionally for them to finally be selling the house, and reminded me of memories we shared there. Mom walked out of the room crying at least once. It was just a really overwhelming time for everyone, I think.
On the bright side, I had a pre-birthday dinner tonight at Benihana with Mom. Dad is off on his way up to Dawson, with Harry. I sat next to two VPs who are up here expanding their petroleum company. One is from Australia and the other is from Ireland. They bought me a glass of wine and said if they'd known earlier that it was my birthday, they would have bought another bottle to share. They were super nice, and the Irish one was super cute. The Australian one has his degree in "Maths," so we had plenty to chat about. A wonderful, relaxing end to the evening.
I have a nail appointment tomorrow morning, I'm meeting Brady for lunch, and then have a vag doctor appointment, so I should head to bed. I leave tomorrow evening, so it's a busy day for me!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
I sound like an alcoholic.
I promise I'm not. And this won't help, but...
Short overview of my trip so far:
- Monday: flight got in late. Went home, read a book until 6:30.
- Tuesday: dentist appointment. Went to Moose's Tooth with Nat for lunch, and spent the rest of the day with her.
- Wednesday: slept in! Made dinner. Mike picked me up after dinner and we went to Moose's Tooth again. Filled two growlers and took 'em back to his hot tub. Hot tubbed until 4AM with Brendon and Jessie, and then he took me home.
- Thursday: appointment with Dr. Boyce. I still have a watch on my upper eye teeth, but my lower grafts are all looking great. I got my new driver's license! Went to REI and picked out some new trail runners. Then went to dinner at Aladdin's!! Ended the evening helping Irene move some things back to her parents' house, and then we went out to Crush.
- Friday: eye doctor appointment in the morning. Met dad at the AT&T store so he could transfer service to my new phone. Then headed to the eye doctor with Mom to finish picking out my super cute new glasses. Went to REI together and she paid for my new shoes that I had on hold, as well as some other random goodies! We had lunch at Middle Way Cafe, and then I headed off to my hair appointment. I chopped off about 8 inches! We had dinner at Taco King, and then I picked up Kamil to head down to the bars for a night of drunken debauchery around 10PM.
- Saturday: woke up. Found my car had been towed. Picked it up and went to the Farmer's Market with Mom. Had lunch with Mom at the new bread place she likes (House of Bread, I think). Stopped by TMS to see if they had any good t-shirts for Dad for Father's Day. (That was a negative.) Hung out at the house until I left to go to Palmer. Cooked dinner and had a lingerie party!
- Sunday: worked on a scrapbooking page of Nat and I when we were little. Hung out and watched a movie downstairs with Mom & Dad in the evening. Lazy day. It was pretty nice.
- Monday: dermatologist appointment this morning. I have a mole that needs to be removed asap, so I got to call around in the Phoenix area for derms. Went over to Jackie's house to pick up a Mary Kay order, but she wasn't around. Dropped off pants for alterations. Went to Sam's for lunch and spent time with Michael and Jocelyn! Michael claimed he remembered me. Sam's cooking was delish. And Jojo was a blast to spend time with, as always. We had dinner at Grandma's as a family tonight. I sat where Sara usually does, which was a little weird.
And now I'm home, relaxing again for the evening! I think Mom and I are going to go back to Jackie's in the morning to check out what she has, and then we're going to West at 11 so Mom can run with her running group and I can break in my trail runners.
I found out at my appointment this morning that I've gained 8 lbs. since I've been home. HOLY COW! I am so embarrassed. I also am a little nervous about this mole business - especially since Derek hasn't even been gone a month, and his initial diagnosis was melanoma.
I wanted to get my little trip synopsis out, and am a little overwhelmed with everything that happened today, so this seemed like a good time. Tony recommended a good derm to me earlier, so I have another call to make tomorrow. I try not to worry, but I just feel like nothing good is going to come of this. It did teach me an important lesson, though! I didn't even know I had a mole between my toes. Mole checks are super important!
And with that, I'm off to bed. It's been a long and overwhelming day.
Short overview of my trip so far:
- Monday: flight got in late. Went home, read a book until 6:30.
- Tuesday: dentist appointment. Went to Moose's Tooth with Nat for lunch, and spent the rest of the day with her.
- Wednesday: slept in! Made dinner. Mike picked me up after dinner and we went to Moose's Tooth again. Filled two growlers and took 'em back to his hot tub. Hot tubbed until 4AM with Brendon and Jessie, and then he took me home.
- Thursday: appointment with Dr. Boyce. I still have a watch on my upper eye teeth, but my lower grafts are all looking great. I got my new driver's license! Went to REI and picked out some new trail runners. Then went to dinner at Aladdin's!! Ended the evening helping Irene move some things back to her parents' house, and then we went out to Crush.
- Friday: eye doctor appointment in the morning. Met dad at the AT&T store so he could transfer service to my new phone. Then headed to the eye doctor with Mom to finish picking out my super cute new glasses. Went to REI together and she paid for my new shoes that I had on hold, as well as some other random goodies! We had lunch at Middle Way Cafe, and then I headed off to my hair appointment. I chopped off about 8 inches! We had dinner at Taco King, and then I picked up Kamil to head down to the bars for a night of drunken debauchery around 10PM.
- Saturday: woke up. Found my car had been towed. Picked it up and went to the Farmer's Market with Mom. Had lunch with Mom at the new bread place she likes (House of Bread, I think). Stopped by TMS to see if they had any good t-shirts for Dad for Father's Day. (That was a negative.) Hung out at the house until I left to go to Palmer. Cooked dinner and had a lingerie party!
- Sunday: worked on a scrapbooking page of Nat and I when we were little. Hung out and watched a movie downstairs with Mom & Dad in the evening. Lazy day. It was pretty nice.
- Monday: dermatologist appointment this morning. I have a mole that needs to be removed asap, so I got to call around in the Phoenix area for derms. Went over to Jackie's house to pick up a Mary Kay order, but she wasn't around. Dropped off pants for alterations. Went to Sam's for lunch and spent time with Michael and Jocelyn! Michael claimed he remembered me. Sam's cooking was delish. And Jojo was a blast to spend time with, as always. We had dinner at Grandma's as a family tonight. I sat where Sara usually does, which was a little weird.
And now I'm home, relaxing again for the evening! I think Mom and I are going to go back to Jackie's in the morning to check out what she has, and then we're going to West at 11 so Mom can run with her running group and I can break in my trail runners.
I found out at my appointment this morning that I've gained 8 lbs. since I've been home. HOLY COW! I am so embarrassed. I also am a little nervous about this mole business - especially since Derek hasn't even been gone a month, and his initial diagnosis was melanoma.
I wanted to get my little trip synopsis out, and am a little overwhelmed with everything that happened today, so this seemed like a good time. Tony recommended a good derm to me earlier, so I have another call to make tomorrow. I try not to worry, but I just feel like nothing good is going to come of this. It did teach me an important lesson, though! I didn't even know I had a mole between my toes. Mole checks are super important!
And with that, I'm off to bed. It's been a long and overwhelming day.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Drunken ramblings turned into professions of love...
Or something like that.
For the most part, I have avoided talking about Ryan on here - for a few reasons. First and foremost, we have been friends for the last 18 years. He is an incredibly important person to me. So many of my memories, especially from school, involve Ryan. I know his younger sisters. My parents know his parents. That's not a relationship I have any interest in screwing up. I had no idea how he felt about me, and to avoid sounding like a crazy person, I thought it was best to keep my feelings to myself on here.
I suppose I should also mention that the last time I saw Ryan was during my California trip in May. I drove out to spend time with my grandparents, and called up Ryan the second day I was there to go out and have some pizza and beer. We did just that. Sam met us at the restaurant and we got some food to go along with our beer. I didn't pay for anything. We left there and went to Pizza Port, where I again didn't pay for anything. Left there and wandered around Carlsbad a bit before we stopped in at a bar that had outside seating. Didn't pay anything. Went across the street to the Boar's Head bar, where Sam left us. It was somewhere there, in the dark corner of the bar (where I finally paid for a round - because I asked to) that I realized not only is Ryan an amazing guy, but the qualities I admire in him are exactly what I am looking for in a future partner.
Well last night was a kick in the pants for me. I was over at the Ellzey's home in Palmer, having a lingerie party of sorts with Natelie and Mike. Mostly hanging out in our undies and drinking margaritas. Having a blast. We'd all had a few - everyone else several more than I had. I was texting periodically, and Mike and Nat both took turns snatching my phone on occasion. No big deal.
Just after midnight, I sent Ryan a text message asking what he was up to. I set the phone down, and Mike snatched it up. Nat of course knows my feelings, and one of us had filled Mike in. Together, the two of them crafted an inappropriate text that they sent off, which kicked off the night. It turned into a few phone calls - one of which ended with something that sounded suspiciously like the L-word.
So we texted back and forth a bit more, and I called him again. He suggested we finish the conversation when we were both sober, which I couldn't disagree with. So I called him back earlier today, and was pretty pleased with the way things happened.
As of right now, our feelings are out on the table. Our friendship is a priority and he is very hesitant to do anything that might jeopardize that. I think it would take quite a bit to threaten our friendship, but I definitely see where he's coming from. And we'll be discussing things a bit more when I drive out there in two weeks to see him. He invited me to stay with him, which is a step in the right direction. And two weeks after this visit, we will meet up in Europe!
I'm glad and a bit relieved that everything is out in the open now, and looking forward to seeing how things progress. I appreciate that we had that conversation last night / today because I'm confident now that no matter how things happen from here on out, it won't be awkward. I was a little worried about bringing up feelings before the trip and having them not be reciprocated. It is an amazing feeling to know that not only are my feelings reciprocated, but that no matter what happens, I'm not going to lose a friend. Europe will still be amazing. And if something more comes out of this, I certainly would not complain.
For the most part, I have avoided talking about Ryan on here - for a few reasons. First and foremost, we have been friends for the last 18 years. He is an incredibly important person to me. So many of my memories, especially from school, involve Ryan. I know his younger sisters. My parents know his parents. That's not a relationship I have any interest in screwing up. I had no idea how he felt about me, and to avoid sounding like a crazy person, I thought it was best to keep my feelings to myself on here.
I suppose I should also mention that the last time I saw Ryan was during my California trip in May. I drove out to spend time with my grandparents, and called up Ryan the second day I was there to go out and have some pizza and beer. We did just that. Sam met us at the restaurant and we got some food to go along with our beer. I didn't pay for anything. We left there and went to Pizza Port, where I again didn't pay for anything. Left there and wandered around Carlsbad a bit before we stopped in at a bar that had outside seating. Didn't pay anything. Went across the street to the Boar's Head bar, where Sam left us. It was somewhere there, in the dark corner of the bar (where I finally paid for a round - because I asked to) that I realized not only is Ryan an amazing guy, but the qualities I admire in him are exactly what I am looking for in a future partner.
Well last night was a kick in the pants for me. I was over at the Ellzey's home in Palmer, having a lingerie party of sorts with Natelie and Mike. Mostly hanging out in our undies and drinking margaritas. Having a blast. We'd all had a few - everyone else several more than I had. I was texting periodically, and Mike and Nat both took turns snatching my phone on occasion. No big deal.
Just after midnight, I sent Ryan a text message asking what he was up to. I set the phone down, and Mike snatched it up. Nat of course knows my feelings, and one of us had filled Mike in. Together, the two of them crafted an inappropriate text that they sent off, which kicked off the night. It turned into a few phone calls - one of which ended with something that sounded suspiciously like the L-word.
So we texted back and forth a bit more, and I called him again. He suggested we finish the conversation when we were both sober, which I couldn't disagree with. So I called him back earlier today, and was pretty pleased with the way things happened.
As of right now, our feelings are out on the table. Our friendship is a priority and he is very hesitant to do anything that might jeopardize that. I think it would take quite a bit to threaten our friendship, but I definitely see where he's coming from. And we'll be discussing things a bit more when I drive out there in two weeks to see him. He invited me to stay with him, which is a step in the right direction. And two weeks after this visit, we will meet up in Europe!
I'm glad and a bit relieved that everything is out in the open now, and looking forward to seeing how things progress. I appreciate that we had that conversation last night / today because I'm confident now that no matter how things happen from here on out, it won't be awkward. I was a little worried about bringing up feelings before the trip and having them not be reciprocated. It is an amazing feeling to know that not only are my feelings reciprocated, but that no matter what happens, I'm not going to lose a friend. Europe will still be amazing. And if something more comes out of this, I certainly would not complain.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
I may or may not still be drunk.
Ho. Lee. Shit.
Last night was amazing.
Went down to Taco King for dinner with Mom & Dad. Mom and I shared a chicken king burrito. Yummy! I think that's the first time I've gotten anything other than their veggie burrito.
Anyway. Went back up to the house. Changed, got the car, and headed off to pick up Kamil. Got to his house around 10. Put the top down and away we went to The Pioneer! I pulled up and got a rockin' parking spot at the corner of 4th and H, like 15 feet away from the bar entrance. The guy checking IDs at the door was a Dimond grad. Automatically, it's feeling a little homey.
Sit down at the bar. Kamil gets a trashcan (holy cow. Good stuff. Don't drink more than one), and I stuck with my standard gin and grapefruit. We waited for a pool table to open up, and sucked down a few drinks in the meantime. I won the first game when Alyse shot the 8 ball in. I won the second one when Kamil shot the 8 ball in. I think he won the third.
Left there and headed across the street to The Anchor. Super busy. I had to pee, so I disappeared into the bathroom, and apparently rather than meeting back up with Kamil and Alyse when I got out, I headed straight for the bar. Sat down between two strange men who I guess paid for a drink for me, and chatted for a bit. Kamil finally spotted me and we meandered away to do some dirty dancing with Alyse and the man she had eyes for.
Then I remember hailing a cab to go back to Kamil's house. And puking on his front lawn, next to the motorhome, after we got there. We went around back and used his awesome private entry rather than storming through the house like loud, crazy, drunk people. I woke up with my bra and panties on. Good sign! haha We snuggled. He totally ignored that I had drooled all over his pillow. Winner! Apparently black-out-drunk me turned him down last night. We chatted, laughed - it was super awesome.
Apparently I had dumped both of my contacts in one side of one of his cases. I'm a weirdo. Got dressed (I managed to leave my clothes all over the room, so that was an exciting ordeal), put the contacts back in, snuck out the back door while Kamil went to go tell his mom that he was going back to the bar. I guess Kamil is taking over Konrad's room for the next little while since their family has guests coming into town and Kamil's room has the private entry. Konrad made a comment about how Kamil had better "not bring back any bitches from the bar" while he is staying in Konrad's room. Hilarious! Kamil said he'd never brought a girl back to his parents' house from the bar before (I was the first. Lucky me), so Konrad's comment was perfectly timed. Made all the better because I was stealthily sneaking around the side of the house and the motorhome so no one inside would see me.
Anyway. Get down to the downtown area, and we start seeing road closures. Kamil said that I had apparently parked in an area that had a sign saying something along the lines of "No parking after 5AM Saturday, June 18th." Awesome. Then we start noticing that the roads are clear. Curious. Looks like the tow trucks have cleaned the place out. So we park next to Orso's and walk over to where the car used to be. It's definitely not there. Cool beans! I stopped and asked a cop which tow company to get ahold of, and he rattled off the police non-emergency number, since there were apparently several companies that were out there this morning. Called it twice. It rang forever with no answer.
We decided to go get breakfast instead. Hopped in the truck and headed back to midtown-ish when Kamil remembered Snow City. So we obviously had to turn around and head there. Found a parking spot on the street behind Simon's and wandered around. The wait at Snow City was about an hour, so we promptly turned around and went to head down to the Farmer's Market. We passed a lot that had a tow sign so for the hell of it, I called the number on there. And since I have such awesome luck, it was the same place that had towed the Beater this morning! The woman said the guys would be back at their lot in about half an hour, so we skipped the farmer's market and headed down to the tow lot instead.
As we drove up, Kamil started laughing and pointed out a yellow Camaro that was parked about halfway back in the lot. Apparently that guy had also left his car downtown last night. And I guess there was some story surrounding the car that I totally don't remember. There was a car pulling up right around the same time the wreckers got there. One of the drivers asked which cars were ours, and the guy that had just gotten there was the proud owner of the yellow Camaro. Hilarity.
Fucking amazing. What a shit show. $180 bar tab and a $255 impound fee to get my car back, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Also, I chopped off about 8 inches of hair yesterday.
Last night was amazing.
Went down to Taco King for dinner with Mom & Dad. Mom and I shared a chicken king burrito. Yummy! I think that's the first time I've gotten anything other than their veggie burrito.
Anyway. Went back up to the house. Changed, got the car, and headed off to pick up Kamil. Got to his house around 10. Put the top down and away we went to The Pioneer! I pulled up and got a rockin' parking spot at the corner of 4th and H, like 15 feet away from the bar entrance. The guy checking IDs at the door was a Dimond grad. Automatically, it's feeling a little homey.
Sit down at the bar. Kamil gets a trashcan (holy cow. Good stuff. Don't drink more than one), and I stuck with my standard gin and grapefruit. We waited for a pool table to open up, and sucked down a few drinks in the meantime. I won the first game when Alyse shot the 8 ball in. I won the second one when Kamil shot the 8 ball in. I think he won the third.
Left there and headed across the street to The Anchor. Super busy. I had to pee, so I disappeared into the bathroom, and apparently rather than meeting back up with Kamil and Alyse when I got out, I headed straight for the bar. Sat down between two strange men who I guess paid for a drink for me, and chatted for a bit. Kamil finally spotted me and we meandered away to do some dirty dancing with Alyse and the man she had eyes for.
Then I remember hailing a cab to go back to Kamil's house. And puking on his front lawn, next to the motorhome, after we got there. We went around back and used his awesome private entry rather than storming through the house like loud, crazy, drunk people. I woke up with my bra and panties on. Good sign! haha We snuggled. He totally ignored that I had drooled all over his pillow. Winner! Apparently black-out-drunk me turned him down last night. We chatted, laughed - it was super awesome.
Apparently I had dumped both of my contacts in one side of one of his cases. I'm a weirdo. Got dressed (I managed to leave my clothes all over the room, so that was an exciting ordeal), put the contacts back in, snuck out the back door while Kamil went to go tell his mom that he was going back to the bar. I guess Kamil is taking over Konrad's room for the next little while since their family has guests coming into town and Kamil's room has the private entry. Konrad made a comment about how Kamil had better "not bring back any bitches from the bar" while he is staying in Konrad's room. Hilarious! Kamil said he'd never brought a girl back to his parents' house from the bar before (I was the first. Lucky me), so Konrad's comment was perfectly timed. Made all the better because I was stealthily sneaking around the side of the house and the motorhome so no one inside would see me.
Anyway. Get down to the downtown area, and we start seeing road closures. Kamil said that I had apparently parked in an area that had a sign saying something along the lines of "No parking after 5AM Saturday, June 18th." Awesome. Then we start noticing that the roads are clear. Curious. Looks like the tow trucks have cleaned the place out. So we park next to Orso's and walk over to where the car used to be. It's definitely not there. Cool beans! I stopped and asked a cop which tow company to get ahold of, and he rattled off the police non-emergency number, since there were apparently several companies that were out there this morning. Called it twice. It rang forever with no answer.
We decided to go get breakfast instead. Hopped in the truck and headed back to midtown-ish when Kamil remembered Snow City. So we obviously had to turn around and head there. Found a parking spot on the street behind Simon's and wandered around. The wait at Snow City was about an hour, so we promptly turned around and went to head down to the Farmer's Market. We passed a lot that had a tow sign so for the hell of it, I called the number on there. And since I have such awesome luck, it was the same place that had towed the Beater this morning! The woman said the guys would be back at their lot in about half an hour, so we skipped the farmer's market and headed down to the tow lot instead.
As we drove up, Kamil started laughing and pointed out a yellow Camaro that was parked about halfway back in the lot. Apparently that guy had also left his car downtown last night. And I guess there was some story surrounding the car that I totally don't remember. There was a car pulling up right around the same time the wreckers got there. One of the drivers asked which cars were ours, and the guy that had just gotten there was the proud owner of the yellow Camaro. Hilarity.
Fucking amazing. What a shit show. $180 bar tab and a $255 impound fee to get my car back, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Also, I chopped off about 8 inches of hair yesterday.
Before:
Ignore the fat arm. I can't manage to do the self-portrait thing without getting it in there.
And after:
Ahh! I love it! I am about to hop in the shower and wash it for the first time. I'm sure it will feel super weird. That's always the part that takes the most getting used to after a haircut - for me at least.
And so I'm off! I'm heading out to Tim's parents' house in Palmer for the evening. Natelie and I are having a lingerie party, since Mike is housesitting for them. I promised I'd make chicken kiev for dinner, so I should probably head off and get myself ready. :)
Friday, June 17, 2011
I'm home!!
Back in rainy Anchorage, where it is currently 51 degrees. I had a big, long blog post that I wrote on the plane on Monday, but my computer keeps registering a DNS error when I try to plug in the ethernet cord here at the house, so I guess that one will have to wait.
My flight got in a little later than expected Monday night, so I didn't get home until just before midnight. I had sat in the very back row (29A) on the flight up from Seattle and since I was right in front of the bathrooms, it smelled like urine the entire time. Rather than moving, I passed out and slept for three hours. So conveniently I wasn't tired when I got home. I picked up a book - Girls Night - off the shelf in the library, and didn't put it down until I finished it at 6:30... AM. I slept for about an hour and a half, until I had to get up and shower before my dentist appointment. Total blast, btw. Great way to kick off my vacation - at the dentist.
Chatted a bit with Donna while she cleaned my teeth. Got one of those crazy panoramic, let-the-robot-go-around-your-head shots done. I have a small defect in a tooth, but she said that's probably always been there and they are just now noticing it because of the "coffee stain" I had. Red wine, coffee - same thing! Either way, she said it's not anything to worry about.
Got out of there without paying anything. Guess they're billing Mom - or since Mom's appointment was the next day, they were holding it for her. Not sure which, but I didn't complain. Touched up my makeup in the bathroom there, since I had woken up too late to finish it before I left the house. Then I got a text from Nat saying she was going to be a while, so I headed back to the house to grab a jacket and something else warm since it was raining outside. Went back down to Sadler's to wait for Nat before we headed to Moose's Tooth. The only "oldies" at Sadler's are up in Sleep Central now. I guess Ed moved to Texas. I spent a little time with Judy and Bernard, caught up on the goings-on of the old Sadler's employees, and was told how glad Judy was that I kicked that "selfish" jerk to the curb. (Her words.) Went to MT. Had some apple ale. Delish!
Then we went to The Look. Picked up some lingerie for Nat for Saturday's party, and giggled at everything they had upstairs. Headed next door to Great Harvest, and obviously got some samples. Headed back down to the Dimond Center. Stopped at the liquor store to take a peek around, and at Michael's to get some yarn for Nat and scrapbooking supplies for me. We're going to make some scrapbooking pages on Sunday of the two of us. Poked around the Dimond Center for a bit. Headed across the street and stopped in at David's Bridal and Bed, Bath, & Beyond. Finished up the evening at A&W, with a half-gallon of root beer. What a wonderful day!
I will update on the rest of my days later! I might not get to them as soon as I'd like, but I will get it all down eventually. I have to be up in six hours for my eye doctor's appointment. Off to get some beauty rest!
My flight got in a little later than expected Monday night, so I didn't get home until just before midnight. I had sat in the very back row (29A) on the flight up from Seattle and since I was right in front of the bathrooms, it smelled like urine the entire time. Rather than moving, I passed out and slept for three hours. So conveniently I wasn't tired when I got home. I picked up a book - Girls Night - off the shelf in the library, and didn't put it down until I finished it at 6:30... AM. I slept for about an hour and a half, until I had to get up and shower before my dentist appointment. Total blast, btw. Great way to kick off my vacation - at the dentist.
Chatted a bit with Donna while she cleaned my teeth. Got one of those crazy panoramic, let-the-robot-go-around-your-head shots done. I have a small defect in a tooth, but she said that's probably always been there and they are just now noticing it because of the "coffee stain" I had. Red wine, coffee - same thing! Either way, she said it's not anything to worry about.
Got out of there without paying anything. Guess they're billing Mom - or since Mom's appointment was the next day, they were holding it for her. Not sure which, but I didn't complain. Touched up my makeup in the bathroom there, since I had woken up too late to finish it before I left the house. Then I got a text from Nat saying she was going to be a while, so I headed back to the house to grab a jacket and something else warm since it was raining outside. Went back down to Sadler's to wait for Nat before we headed to Moose's Tooth. The only "oldies" at Sadler's are up in Sleep Central now. I guess Ed moved to Texas. I spent a little time with Judy and Bernard, caught up on the goings-on of the old Sadler's employees, and was told how glad Judy was that I kicked that "selfish" jerk to the curb. (Her words.) Went to MT. Had some apple ale. Delish!
Then we went to The Look. Picked up some lingerie for Nat for Saturday's party, and giggled at everything they had upstairs. Headed next door to Great Harvest, and obviously got some samples. Headed back down to the Dimond Center. Stopped at the liquor store to take a peek around, and at Michael's to get some yarn for Nat and scrapbooking supplies for me. We're going to make some scrapbooking pages on Sunday of the two of us. Poked around the Dimond Center for a bit. Headed across the street and stopped in at David's Bridal and Bed, Bath, & Beyond. Finished up the evening at A&W, with a half-gallon of root beer. What a wonderful day!
I will update on the rest of my days later! I might not get to them as soon as I'd like, but I will get it all down eventually. I have to be up in six hours for my eye doctor's appointment. Off to get some beauty rest!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Finalizing plans!
For my Alaska trip, that is!
Still waiting for a call back from Kim for my hair appointment. I am getting together with Sam on the 20th for a girls' day, and hopefully Jocelyn will tag along. If not, we'll have to have another girls night with her.
I bought a Living Social deal today for Hot Yoga. Can't wait!! It must be a relatively new studio. Their website has been around since March, and there are no reviews up on Yelp. It was $20 for 20 classes. What an amazing deal! I now have that voucher, the one for ballet fusion fitness classes, a month of boot camp, and my hiking yoga one. I'm on a quest to find the svelte me!
I burned about 200 calories running earlier. Not much, but it's 200 more than I would've burned sitting on the couch! I ran/walked for somewhere between a mile and a half and two miles. Not too shabby.
I think I might head to bed a little earlier than usual tonight. My head was hurting again earlier, and I was up a lot earlier this morning than I am normally. Here's to a better tomorrow!
Still waiting for a call back from Kim for my hair appointment. I am getting together with Sam on the 20th for a girls' day, and hopefully Jocelyn will tag along. If not, we'll have to have another girls night with her.
I bought a Living Social deal today for Hot Yoga. Can't wait!! It must be a relatively new studio. Their website has been around since March, and there are no reviews up on Yelp. It was $20 for 20 classes. What an amazing deal! I now have that voucher, the one for ballet fusion fitness classes, a month of boot camp, and my hiking yoga one. I'm on a quest to find the svelte me!
I burned about 200 calories running earlier. Not much, but it's 200 more than I would've burned sitting on the couch! I ran/walked for somewhere between a mile and a half and two miles. Not too shabby.
I think I might head to bed a little earlier than usual tonight. My head was hurting again earlier, and I was up a lot earlier this morning than I am normally. Here's to a better tomorrow!
365 thought-provoking questions: Questions 1 - 20
I got this list from Marc and Angel - a blog that I subscribe to. The questions are much more interesting than the ones I've encountered thus far with my 5,000 question survey, so I thought I would add them into the mix.
1. When was the last time you tried something new? I had a new meal for dinner tonight. :) A new experience though? Probably Friday. I hung out with someone from CouchSurfing and we went to the First Friday art walk.
2. Who do you sometimes compare yourself to? My peers - people I attended school with in elementary/middle/high school, as well as people I have had classes with in the last few years. I also occasionally ask myself how I'm measuring up to my own standards and the standards of my parents.
3. What’s the most sensible thing you’ve ever heard someone say? I used to have a huge quote collection. Unfortunately I don't have it anymore, but I would insert any of a number of inspirational, live-life-to-the-fullest quotes here. Perhaps "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." I am a huge proponent of every-day-is-a-new-day.
4. What gets you excited about life? Many things. Success gets me excited. It hints at what I can have and experience. Travel gets me excited. It again hints at what I can have and experience. A beautiful day gets me excited. It's amazing just to live in a beautiful place where I can appreciate day-to-day life.
5. What life lesson did you learn the hard way? Not sure that it's a life lesson, but I certainly learned that my parents truly do want only the best for me.
6. What do you wish you spent more time doing five years ago? Five years ago, I had just graduated high school. I wish I had spent more time cultivating who I was as a person instead of being boy-crazy and following the guy I thought I loved around the country.
7. Do you ask enough questions or do you settle for what you know? I am inquisitive and almost never take anything at face-value. I love to learn new things and therefore am always questioning.
8. Who do you love and what are you doing about it? I love myself, and I am exercising more regularly to be the healthiest I can be. I'd like me to stick around for a while. I also love my friends and I try to tell them often - not usually in as many words, but by my actions.
9. What’s a belief that you hold with which many people disagree? I believe the government is not here to protect our safety. I believe the pornoscanners are highly unconstitutional, and a violation of our rights.
10. What can you do today that you were not capable of a year ago? I can smile much more easily. I can go an entire month without arguing with the people I live with. I can live my life the way I want to, without feeling I have to answer to anyone else.
11. Do you think crying is a sign of weakness or strength? It can be both, but generally I view crying as a sign of strength. Maybe it's because I don't cry easily, but I definitely think crying is a huge release of emotion and it shouldn't be frowned upon. It's endearing when guys cry, too.
12. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you? I would like to think I'm not hugely concerned about the opinion of others, but I know that's not entirely true. If I knew no one would judge me, I would probably be much more of a hippie than I am.
13. Do you celebrate the things you do have? I try to, yes. I try to find joy in the small things.
14. What is the difference between living and existing? To exist is merely to move around, breathing air. To truly live is to cherish experiences and make memories. Living is experiencing life and valuing precious moments.
15. If not now, then when? There is no time like the present.
16. Have you done anything lately worth remembering? Life is always worth remembering. :) I have made new friends and cherished new experiences. I have cooked new meals and tried new food. I have been spontaneous and made decisions that will help shape the rest of my life.
17. What does your joy look like today? My joy looks like the pool at the Scottsdale Hilton - green, blue, and purple. A warm evening with a slight breeze. Contentment. That is my joy today.
18. Is it possible to lie without saying a word? Yes. Lying by omission is still lying.
19. If you had a friend who spoke to you in the same way that you sometimes speak to yourself, how long would you allow this person to be your friend? Admittedly, not long. I am way too hard on myself. I know that I am, but it's a hard habit to break.
20. Which activities make you lose track of time? Anything where I'm having fun! The number one for me would be reading, though. I can easily read until the sun comes up, and have countless times.
1. When was the last time you tried something new? I had a new meal for dinner tonight. :) A new experience though? Probably Friday. I hung out with someone from CouchSurfing and we went to the First Friday art walk.
2. Who do you sometimes compare yourself to? My peers - people I attended school with in elementary/middle/high school, as well as people I have had classes with in the last few years. I also occasionally ask myself how I'm measuring up to my own standards and the standards of my parents.
3. What’s the most sensible thing you’ve ever heard someone say? I used to have a huge quote collection. Unfortunately I don't have it anymore, but I would insert any of a number of inspirational, live-life-to-the-fullest quotes here. Perhaps "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." I am a huge proponent of every-day-is-a-new-day.
4. What gets you excited about life? Many things. Success gets me excited. It hints at what I can have and experience. Travel gets me excited. It again hints at what I can have and experience. A beautiful day gets me excited. It's amazing just to live in a beautiful place where I can appreciate day-to-day life.
5. What life lesson did you learn the hard way? Not sure that it's a life lesson, but I certainly learned that my parents truly do want only the best for me.
6. What do you wish you spent more time doing five years ago? Five years ago, I had just graduated high school. I wish I had spent more time cultivating who I was as a person instead of being boy-crazy and following the guy I thought I loved around the country.
7. Do you ask enough questions or do you settle for what you know? I am inquisitive and almost never take anything at face-value. I love to learn new things and therefore am always questioning.
8. Who do you love and what are you doing about it? I love myself, and I am exercising more regularly to be the healthiest I can be. I'd like me to stick around for a while. I also love my friends and I try to tell them often - not usually in as many words, but by my actions.
9. What’s a belief that you hold with which many people disagree? I believe the government is not here to protect our safety. I believe the pornoscanners are highly unconstitutional, and a violation of our rights.
10. What can you do today that you were not capable of a year ago? I can smile much more easily. I can go an entire month without arguing with the people I live with. I can live my life the way I want to, without feeling I have to answer to anyone else.
11. Do you think crying is a sign of weakness or strength? It can be both, but generally I view crying as a sign of strength. Maybe it's because I don't cry easily, but I definitely think crying is a huge release of emotion and it shouldn't be frowned upon. It's endearing when guys cry, too.
12. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you? I would like to think I'm not hugely concerned about the opinion of others, but I know that's not entirely true. If I knew no one would judge me, I would probably be much more of a hippie than I am.
13. Do you celebrate the things you do have? I try to, yes. I try to find joy in the small things.
14. What is the difference between living and existing? To exist is merely to move around, breathing air. To truly live is to cherish experiences and make memories. Living is experiencing life and valuing precious moments.
15. If not now, then when? There is no time like the present.
16. Have you done anything lately worth remembering? Life is always worth remembering. :) I have made new friends and cherished new experiences. I have cooked new meals and tried new food. I have been spontaneous and made decisions that will help shape the rest of my life.
17. What does your joy look like today? My joy looks like the pool at the Scottsdale Hilton - green, blue, and purple. A warm evening with a slight breeze. Contentment. That is my joy today.
18. Is it possible to lie without saying a word? Yes. Lying by omission is still lying.
19. If you had a friend who spoke to you in the same way that you sometimes speak to yourself, how long would you allow this person to be your friend? Admittedly, not long. I am way too hard on myself. I know that I am, but it's a hard habit to break.
20. Which activities make you lose track of time? Anything where I'm having fun! The number one for me would be reading, though. I can easily read until the sun comes up, and have countless times.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
I'm heading North!
I bought my ticket to Alaska today. :) I am leaving on Monday and I'll be gone for about ten days. I have five different doctor appointments scheduled right now, and waiting for a call back for my hair appointment. Exciting!!
I finally took my first B-complex vitamin today. I bought them back in April right before finals to lower stress, but they smelled so awful I couldn't stand the thought of taking them. I stomached the first one today with some string cheese.
I got an email from La Bocca earlier today. I'm on the list for their Second Sunday event! Super excited. I love that place. Free food and wine from my favorite Tempe restaurant? Yes, please!
I went out with Tony last night to Wildflower Bread Company. I had a tasty chicken feta half-sandwich and a bowl of their artichoke chicken soup. I also got a lemon bar, which was quite disappointing. Definitely not lemony enough. I squeezed three lemon slices over the top of it before I was satisfied. I'm pretty bummed that for $2, I could've made the same thing at home and probably made it better. Oh well, I guess. The sammich was tasty. After dinner, we headed next door to Changing Hands. I hadn't ever been in there before, even though I've heard so much about it. LOVE! They're definitely not the cheapest used bookstore out there, but they're pretty reasonable. They have a pretty big selection of $2 books (though they were pretty obscure ones - titles and authors I hadn't ever heard of), and a few shelves of $4 books. They also have a punch card so after you purchase $100 worth of books there, you get $10 off.
I had dinner with Mike and Jace tonight (tequila lime skirt steak! Amazing) and then headed up to see Laura and Don, who are in town for the night. I had such a wonderful time! I am so glad I went. We chatted as a group, then with the kids, and then Don and the kids went back to the room and we talked about us, about their lifestyle, our pasts... it was just an incredible time. We talked about me going out there some time. Silver City is a huge artist community so I might just book a week's worth of work and head out there. It will easily pay for my trip. Apparently they are really close to a sculptor, and obviously that would be a day or two of work right there.
Life is one big adventure!
I finally took my first B-complex vitamin today. I bought them back in April right before finals to lower stress, but they smelled so awful I couldn't stand the thought of taking them. I stomached the first one today with some string cheese.
I got an email from La Bocca earlier today. I'm on the list for their Second Sunday event! Super excited. I love that place. Free food and wine from my favorite Tempe restaurant? Yes, please!
I went out with Tony last night to Wildflower Bread Company. I had a tasty chicken feta half-sandwich and a bowl of their artichoke chicken soup. I also got a lemon bar, which was quite disappointing. Definitely not lemony enough. I squeezed three lemon slices over the top of it before I was satisfied. I'm pretty bummed that for $2, I could've made the same thing at home and probably made it better. Oh well, I guess. The sammich was tasty. After dinner, we headed next door to Changing Hands. I hadn't ever been in there before, even though I've heard so much about it. LOVE! They're definitely not the cheapest used bookstore out there, but they're pretty reasonable. They have a pretty big selection of $2 books (though they were pretty obscure ones - titles and authors I hadn't ever heard of), and a few shelves of $4 books. They also have a punch card so after you purchase $100 worth of books there, you get $10 off.
I had dinner with Mike and Jace tonight (tequila lime skirt steak! Amazing) and then headed up to see Laura and Don, who are in town for the night. I had such a wonderful time! I am so glad I went. We chatted as a group, then with the kids, and then Don and the kids went back to the room and we talked about us, about their lifestyle, our pasts... it was just an incredible time. We talked about me going out there some time. Silver City is a huge artist community so I might just book a week's worth of work and head out there. It will easily pay for my trip. Apparently they are really close to a sculptor, and obviously that would be a day or two of work right there.
Life is one big adventure!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Part four of the 5,000 question survey
301. List 5 things you have not experienced that you would like to experience before you die.
A Visit Ireland
B Visit all seven continents
C Get married
D Go skydiving
E Read everything on the list of top 100 classics.
302. Will you try to accomplish any of these things within the next year? I might go skydiving. The rest won't happen.
303. What do you feel controlled by? Myself, and others' expectations of me.
304. If Jesus appeared to you and told you that the moon was made of green cheese would you believe him? I probably would have a difficult time believing that it was Jesus in the first place. But no, I would not believe the moon was made of cheese. Science has proven otherwise.
305. What is one thing you are sure of? Life should be lived with no regrets.
306. At what part of the day do you feel the most alert? Mid to late afternoon, probably. Or just after a workout.
307. Have you ever played in a band? Not played, but I was in a vocal group that recorded a CD when I was younger.
308. Have you ever stared into the ocean thinking 'early creatures crawled outta that'? Can't say that I have, no.
309. If not, what do you think of when you are staring into the ocean? Generally I'm just appreciating the beauty - how vast, expansive, and awesome the ocean is. And sometimes I'm reminded of how smelly it is.
310. Do you like the mental challenge of chess or other games? I love chess and sudoku!
311. Do you ever think of where your atoms were before they were in you? Not generally, no.
312. Do you ever think about where your atoms will go after they have been in you? They'll go back into the atmosphere. I don't really care where.
313. If you didn't know that people couldn't fly do you think that you could? Um, no.
314. Are you someone that others call when they're having a problem and want to talk about it? Generally, yes.
315. When it comes to literature, do you see beyond the writing and into the meaning intended by the author? I think it's interesting to suppose an intended meaning, but I think it's unwise to assume that the author intended XYZ with their writing.
316. Is there anything you can take apart completely, and then put back together, and have no left over parts? I'm sure there is. I generally don't do handy-man work, though, so I can't think of anything off the top of my head.
317. What are your feelings about the death penalty? I have no problem with it.
318. If there was a god and you could ask him/her one question what would it be? I do believe there is a God. I would probably ask Him what my path is in life and where it will take me. I think the journey is interesting, but I'm all about destinations and what comes next.
319. Do you believe that life will be found on other planets? In our solar system, probably not. In our galaxy, probably. And in other galaxies, I'm sure. It is foolish to believe that we are the only life out there.
320. What is something worth suffering for? Love
321. If you could put an extra eye on your body anywhere you wanted, where would you put it? Hmmm. Interesting question. Probably on the back of my head or on the back of my neck. But perhaps on my hand. That would be pretty cool, too.
322. Are you in touch with the earth and nature? I consider myself to be part hippie. I don't know that I am "in touch with" the earth, but I certainly appreciate it and live a holistic/minimalistic lifestyle.
323. Would you rather live simply or extravagently? Simply. I love to travel. Experiences are much more important to me than things.
324. Have you ever been camping? Of course.
325. Is your heart open when you meet someone new? Open to friendship? Usually, depending on the initial impression I get.
326. Are you able to have conversations with and become friends with people who are not like you and are interested in different things than you are? Of course. Variety is the spice of life. If all my friends were just like me, things would be pretty boring.
327. Are strangers more beautiful or frightening to you? Neither. I don't think strangers are automatically frightening just because I don't know them. I also don't necessarily admire them.
328. What stops you from doing everything you want to do? Myself. Sometimes funds. Sometimes fear. Sometimes responsibility.
329. Can you think of three adjective that do not apply to you at all? Hostile, mean, and insincere
330. How do you feel about Jeremy Jaynes, who got a nine year prison sentence for spamming people with junk email (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Ja
331. Do you know who the current premier of China is? No, but I know how to use Google.
332. Are you very active? No, but I am trying to become more active.
333. Is there a city that reminds you of the landscape of your brain? The landscape of my brain? What a bizarre question. No.
334. Have you ever loved someone who has loved you back? Of course.
335. Is it really being 'in love with' someone if the other person doesn't love you? I don't think so, no.
336. Do you believe that there is someone perfect for everyone or that people just fall in love with who ever they are with at the time? I don't believe in the concept of one soulmate.
337. Do you know secret things? I know other people's secrets.
338. Have you ever fallen in love with someone you shouldn't have? I live life without regrets.
339. How do you overcome your fears? There's really not much I'm afraid of, other than beetles. And that's probably not something that's going to be overcome.
340. What can you do better than anyone you know? Math. Anything with numbers. I have always excelled in that area.
341. Would you benefit from a wilder existence? I'm living life a little more spontaneously, but I can't quite handle a wild existence as a student.
342. Does it seem to you like the range of socially acceptable behavior is getting smaller or larger? Larger, definitely. As a country, we have gone from thinking women were so beneath men that their voices and opinions were devalued, to allowing same-sex couples to marry. That's a huge shift in socially acceptable behavior and social constructs.
343. Have you ever fired a gun? Yes.
344. Are people becoming more afraid of each other? I guess? I don't really know how to answer that question. Crime rates are rising, so perhaps.
345. If you had to choose the percentage of freedom vs. safety what ratio would you decide on (ex: 100% free 0% safe)? Personal freedom and safety? 50%/50%. Provided by the government? Their job is not to keep me safe. It is to protect my freedoms. 100%free, 0%safe.
346. Does safety stifle you? Not generally, no.
347. Who or what needs to be stopped? Terrorism, war, abuse of government power, the rising obesity trends...
348. Are human beings becoming more domesticated? No? You can domesticate plants and animals, but not people.
349. Do you follow the lives of the British Royal Family? Definitely not.
350. How did the death of Pope John Paul II (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_John
351. Have you ever lost something and never found it? Yep. My pair of $130 Saucony running shoes. I "lost" them in Katie's house.
352. Do you listen to any talk radio shows? Not regularly. If there is one on that interests me, I don't rush to change the station. But I don't seek them out.
353. Who do you trust more, your friends or your parents? I trust both with various things. I seek out my parents for certain decisions and my friends for others.
354. Would you ever date someone outside of your race or religion? Race, yes. Religion, perhaps. I know I want to raise my kids in my religion, and that's a discussion that would need to be had.
355. Which of the 7 deadly sins in the worst (gluttony, greed, pride, lust, envy, wrath, sloth)? Greed
356. Which one are you most guilty of? Sloth
357. Are you afraid to be alone with yourself? Definitely not. I do it all the time.
Do you try to avoid thinking? Definitely not. I aspire to be a life-long learner.
358. Would you venture to tell someone you loved him or her if they didn't say it first? I don't know. I think it might end up happening, though.
359. What are you the most sensitive about? My level of success. If I disappoint someone, it is the worst feeling in the world.
360. What can you talk about for hours? Math, history, literature, Europe, dance, music, nutrition and cooking... lots of things.
361. Do you talk about yourself, other people, or ideas the most? I would like to think that I talk about ideas and others much more than I talk about myself.
362. Do you believe that spell casting can work? Absolutely not.
363. Are you a fan of The Legend of Zelda games? I've only played one (Wind Waker, or Wind-something-or-another) and thought it was dumb.
364. What old movie would you go see if it were re-released in the movie theaters? I'm not big on movies in theater. I'd probably go see either Rent or Phantom in theaters again, though.
365. Is there a celebrity that you would be too starstruck to talk to if you met them? Probably Darius Rucker. <3 I don't really follow Hollywood celebs, so meeting one wouldn't phase me.
366. Have you ever left a mean unsigned note? I don't think so, no.
367. Do you think it's cheesy to paste things you didn't write into your diary? Not at all, if you give credit where credit is due. Sometimes there's a great quote laying around that needs to be remembered.
368. What are three things that you try not to think about? Nasty bugs, failure, and discontent.
369. Is casual sex acceptable for you? Not at this point in my life, no. I used to be okay with it but I don't foresee myself being okay with casual sex from here on out.
370. What form of sexual protection do you use? Right now, abstinence.
371. What is expected of you that you feel is unnatural or not right? Nothing, really. My parents expect success and that's not unreasonable. The expectations of others really aren't a huge deal to me.
372. Do you sometimes place your own expectations on other people? I try not to, but I do sometimes.
373. Do you sometimes act overeager to make friends when you are around strangers? I don't think so, no. I don't open up to strangers very easily, in fact.
374. Do you take everything that is said literally? For the most part, yes. Unless I know someone is joking or usually jokes around, I take what they say literally. Better to do that than assume they are kidding and be disappointed with the result.
375. Do you take most things others say seriously? ...yes. I'm not sure how that's a different question.
376. Do you have a quick wit? Sometimes. It depends on the situation and who I'm with. If I'm around funny people, I generally can come up with come-backs much more quickly.
377. Do you believe in the need for political correctness? Most times, yes. The word "retarded" is pretty offensive to me.
378. Do you have strong opinions and beliefs? On some things, yes. I definitely stand on my convictions.
379. If yes, can you still hang out with and be friends with people who disagree with you? Of course. Variety is the spice of life, again.
380. Are you uptight? Apparently I come off that way to some people. I don't think I am.
381. Do you sometimes do risky things? Not really. I'm a pretty spontaneous person, but I'm not a big risk taker.
382. Could just about anyone hold your interest in a conversation for at least ten minutes? No. I require intelligent conversation, or conversation about something I'm interested in. I can certainly feign interest for ten minutes, but I don't expect that a stranger could hold my interest for that long.
383. Are you self-conscious? About my body, yes.
384. What would be your ideal destination for a Saturday afternoon? Right now, somewhere relaxing! I do enjoy getting out and traipsing around town, though. If I was feeling better, I'd probably say hiking somewhere.
385. Does anyone have a video tape of you doing soemthing embaressing? I'm sure I do.
386. What is Kevin Smith’s(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ke
387. Where do you like to go on Friday or Saturday nights? Depends on my mood. If we're dancing, then Robbie Fox's. For a laid-back night, Skip & Jan's.
388. Do you like your friends to act the same way all the time or do you accept their moods and changes? People aren't always going to stay in the same mood. Obviously I expect moods to change and situations to change. No one can grow without change.
389. Do you often feel like other people are judging you? Not really, no.
390. What do you think other people judge you to be like? Apparently I come off as uptight and stand-offish.
391. Are you quick to judge others? I am more judgmental than I would like to be. I think I'm pretty open to meeting new people, though.
392. When you have a fight with someone do you want to talk about it right away or calm down first and then talk? A little bit of both. I want to resolve things as quickly as possible, but if the discussion isn't had when both parties are calm, then it likely won't go anywhere.
393. Some say love is a river (according to the old song). What do you say love is? The song actually says that love is a rose. I don't know what I would use to define love.
394. What is the worst fault a person can have? Being dishonest
395. Do you have it? No. Honesty is the single most important thing to me. Without honesty, you can't have trust or true communication.
396. Which do you think has more impact on a person’s character, genetics or environment? Environment
397. Who was your first best friend? Natelie and Jamie, in kindergarten.
398. If you are not best friends anymore, what came between you? Nat and I are still bffs! Jamie moved out of state in 4th grade. When we did meet up again about five years ago, we were obviously on very different paths in life.
399. Who have you read a biography about? Countless people. The biography I'm most proud to have is that of Winston Churchill, autographed by his daughter.
400. What would your own autobiography be called? I haven't ever thought about it, and it's too late for me to come up with something witty.
A Visit Ireland
B Visit all seven continents
C Get married
D Go skydiving
E Read everything on the list of top 100 classics.
302. Will you try to accomplish any of these things within the next year? I might go skydiving. The rest won't happen.
303. What do you feel controlled by? Myself, and others' expectations of me.
304. If Jesus appeared to you and told you that the moon was made of green cheese would you believe him? I probably would have a difficult time believing that it was Jesus in the first place. But no, I would not believe the moon was made of cheese. Science has proven otherwise.
305. What is one thing you are sure of? Life should be lived with no regrets.
306. At what part of the day do you feel the most alert? Mid to late afternoon, probably. Or just after a workout.
307. Have you ever played in a band? Not played, but I was in a vocal group that recorded a CD when I was younger.
308. Have you ever stared into the ocean thinking 'early creatures crawled outta that'? Can't say that I have, no.
309. If not, what do you think of when you are staring into the ocean? Generally I'm just appreciating the beauty - how vast, expansive, and awesome the ocean is. And sometimes I'm reminded of how smelly it is.
310. Do you like the mental challenge of chess or other games? I love chess and sudoku!
311. Do you ever think of where your atoms were before they were in you? Not generally, no.
312. Do you ever think about where your atoms will go after they have been in you? They'll go back into the atmosphere. I don't really care where.
313. If you didn't know that people couldn't fly do you think that you could? Um, no.
314. Are you someone that others call when they're having a problem and want to talk about it? Generally, yes.
315. When it comes to literature, do you see beyond the writing and into the meaning intended by the author? I think it's interesting to suppose an intended meaning, but I think it's unwise to assume that the author intended XYZ with their writing.
316. Is there anything you can take apart completely, and then put back together, and have no left over parts? I'm sure there is. I generally don't do handy-man work, though, so I can't think of anything off the top of my head.
317. What are your feelings about the death penalty? I have no problem with it.
318. If there was a god and you could ask him/her one question what would it be? I do believe there is a God. I would probably ask Him what my path is in life and where it will take me. I think the journey is interesting, but I'm all about destinations and what comes next.
319. Do you believe that life will be found on other planets? In our solar system, probably not. In our galaxy, probably. And in other galaxies, I'm sure. It is foolish to believe that we are the only life out there.
320. What is something worth suffering for? Love
321. If you could put an extra eye on your body anywhere you wanted, where would you put it? Hmmm. Interesting question. Probably on the back of my head or on the back of my neck. But perhaps on my hand. That would be pretty cool, too.
322. Are you in touch with the earth and nature? I consider myself to be part hippie. I don't know that I am "in touch with" the earth, but I certainly appreciate it and live a holistic/minimalistic lifestyle.
323. Would you rather live simply or extravagently? Simply. I love to travel. Experiences are much more important to me than things.
324. Have you ever been camping? Of course.
325. Is your heart open when you meet someone new? Open to friendship? Usually, depending on the initial impression I get.
326. Are you able to have conversations with and become friends with people who are not like you and are interested in different things than you are? Of course. Variety is the spice of life. If all my friends were just like me, things would be pretty boring.
327. Are strangers more beautiful or frightening to you? Neither. I don't think strangers are automatically frightening just because I don't know them. I also don't necessarily admire them.
328. What stops you from doing everything you want to do? Myself. Sometimes funds. Sometimes fear. Sometimes responsibility.
329. Can you think of three adjective that do not apply to you at all? Hostile, mean, and insincere
330. How do you feel about Jeremy Jaynes, who got a nine year prison sentence for spamming people with junk email (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Ja
331. Do you know who the current premier of China is? No, but I know how to use Google.
332. Are you very active? No, but I am trying to become more active.
333. Is there a city that reminds you of the landscape of your brain? The landscape of my brain? What a bizarre question. No.
334. Have you ever loved someone who has loved you back? Of course.
335. Is it really being 'in love with' someone if the other person doesn't love you? I don't think so, no.
336. Do you believe that there is someone perfect for everyone or that people just fall in love with who ever they are with at the time? I don't believe in the concept of one soulmate.
337. Do you know secret things? I know other people's secrets.
338. Have you ever fallen in love with someone you shouldn't have? I live life without regrets.
339. How do you overcome your fears? There's really not much I'm afraid of, other than beetles. And that's probably not something that's going to be overcome.
340. What can you do better than anyone you know? Math. Anything with numbers. I have always excelled in that area.
341. Would you benefit from a wilder existence? I'm living life a little more spontaneously, but I can't quite handle a wild existence as a student.
342. Does it seem to you like the range of socially acceptable behavior is getting smaller or larger? Larger, definitely. As a country, we have gone from thinking women were so beneath men that their voices and opinions were devalued, to allowing same-sex couples to marry. That's a huge shift in socially acceptable behavior and social constructs.
343. Have you ever fired a gun? Yes.
344. Are people becoming more afraid of each other? I guess? I don't really know how to answer that question. Crime rates are rising, so perhaps.
345. If you had to choose the percentage of freedom vs. safety what ratio would you decide on (ex: 100% free 0% safe)? Personal freedom and safety? 50%/50%. Provided by the government? Their job is not to keep me safe. It is to protect my freedoms. 100%free, 0%safe.
346. Does safety stifle you? Not generally, no.
347. Who or what needs to be stopped? Terrorism, war, abuse of government power, the rising obesity trends...
348. Are human beings becoming more domesticated? No? You can domesticate plants and animals, but not people.
349. Do you follow the lives of the British Royal Family? Definitely not.
350. How did the death of Pope John Paul II (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_John
351. Have you ever lost something and never found it? Yep. My pair of $130 Saucony running shoes. I "lost" them in Katie's house.
352. Do you listen to any talk radio shows? Not regularly. If there is one on that interests me, I don't rush to change the station. But I don't seek them out.
353. Who do you trust more, your friends or your parents? I trust both with various things. I seek out my parents for certain decisions and my friends for others.
354. Would you ever date someone outside of your race or religion? Race, yes. Religion, perhaps. I know I want to raise my kids in my religion, and that's a discussion that would need to be had.
355. Which of the 7 deadly sins in the worst (gluttony, greed, pride, lust, envy, wrath, sloth)? Greed
356. Which one are you most guilty of? Sloth
357. Are you afraid to be alone with yourself? Definitely not. I do it all the time.
Do you try to avoid thinking? Definitely not. I aspire to be a life-long learner.
358. Would you venture to tell someone you loved him or her if they didn't say it first? I don't know. I think it might end up happening, though.
359. What are you the most sensitive about? My level of success. If I disappoint someone, it is the worst feeling in the world.
360. What can you talk about for hours? Math, history, literature, Europe, dance, music, nutrition and cooking... lots of things.
361. Do you talk about yourself, other people, or ideas the most? I would like to think that I talk about ideas and others much more than I talk about myself.
362. Do you believe that spell casting can work? Absolutely not.
363. Are you a fan of The Legend of Zelda games? I've only played one (Wind Waker, or Wind-something-or-another) and thought it was dumb.
364. What old movie would you go see if it were re-released in the movie theaters? I'm not big on movies in theater. I'd probably go see either Rent or Phantom in theaters again, though.
365. Is there a celebrity that you would be too starstruck to talk to if you met them? Probably Darius Rucker. <3 I don't really follow Hollywood celebs, so meeting one wouldn't phase me.
366. Have you ever left a mean unsigned note? I don't think so, no.
367. Do you think it's cheesy to paste things you didn't write into your diary? Not at all, if you give credit where credit is due. Sometimes there's a great quote laying around that needs to be remembered.
368. What are three things that you try not to think about? Nasty bugs, failure, and discontent.
369. Is casual sex acceptable for you? Not at this point in my life, no. I used to be okay with it but I don't foresee myself being okay with casual sex from here on out.
370. What form of sexual protection do you use? Right now, abstinence.
371. What is expected of you that you feel is unnatural or not right? Nothing, really. My parents expect success and that's not unreasonable. The expectations of others really aren't a huge deal to me.
372. Do you sometimes place your own expectations on other people? I try not to, but I do sometimes.
373. Do you sometimes act overeager to make friends when you are around strangers? I don't think so, no. I don't open up to strangers very easily, in fact.
374. Do you take everything that is said literally? For the most part, yes. Unless I know someone is joking or usually jokes around, I take what they say literally. Better to do that than assume they are kidding and be disappointed with the result.
375. Do you take most things others say seriously? ...yes. I'm not sure how that's a different question.
376. Do you have a quick wit? Sometimes. It depends on the situation and who I'm with. If I'm around funny people, I generally can come up with come-backs much more quickly.
377. Do you believe in the need for political correctness? Most times, yes. The word "retarded" is pretty offensive to me.
378. Do you have strong opinions and beliefs? On some things, yes. I definitely stand on my convictions.
379. If yes, can you still hang out with and be friends with people who disagree with you? Of course. Variety is the spice of life, again.
380. Are you uptight? Apparently I come off that way to some people. I don't think I am.
381. Do you sometimes do risky things? Not really. I'm a pretty spontaneous person, but I'm not a big risk taker.
382. Could just about anyone hold your interest in a conversation for at least ten minutes? No. I require intelligent conversation, or conversation about something I'm interested in. I can certainly feign interest for ten minutes, but I don't expect that a stranger could hold my interest for that long.
383. Are you self-conscious? About my body, yes.
384. What would be your ideal destination for a Saturday afternoon? Right now, somewhere relaxing! I do enjoy getting out and traipsing around town, though. If I was feeling better, I'd probably say hiking somewhere.
385. Does anyone have a video tape of you doing soemthing embaressing? I'm sure I do.
386. What is Kevin Smith’s(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ke
387. Where do you like to go on Friday or Saturday nights? Depends on my mood. If we're dancing, then Robbie Fox's. For a laid-back night, Skip & Jan's.
388. Do you like your friends to act the same way all the time or do you accept their moods and changes? People aren't always going to stay in the same mood. Obviously I expect moods to change and situations to change. No one can grow without change.
389. Do you often feel like other people are judging you? Not really, no.
390. What do you think other people judge you to be like? Apparently I come off as uptight and stand-offish.
391. Are you quick to judge others? I am more judgmental than I would like to be. I think I'm pretty open to meeting new people, though.
392. When you have a fight with someone do you want to talk about it right away or calm down first and then talk? A little bit of both. I want to resolve things as quickly as possible, but if the discussion isn't had when both parties are calm, then it likely won't go anywhere.
393. Some say love is a river (according to the old song). What do you say love is? The song actually says that love is a rose. I don't know what I would use to define love.
394. What is the worst fault a person can have? Being dishonest
395. Do you have it? No. Honesty is the single most important thing to me. Without honesty, you can't have trust or true communication.
396. Which do you think has more impact on a person’s character, genetics or environment? Environment
397. Who was your first best friend? Natelie and Jamie, in kindergarten.
398. If you are not best friends anymore, what came between you? Nat and I are still bffs! Jamie moved out of state in 4th grade. When we did meet up again about five years ago, we were obviously on very different paths in life.
399. Who have you read a biography about? Countless people. The biography I'm most proud to have is that of Winston Churchill, autographed by his daughter.
400. What would your own autobiography be called? I haven't ever thought about it, and it's too late for me to come up with something witty.
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