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I’m starving. Where is RY? We were going to meet for a drink, but I figured I’d get something small to eat at the same time. WHY am I still waiting in my room at 6:45 with no word? I know as soon as I head to the bar he’ll call and say “I’m here!” and I will have just ordered. Better to just wait. Still. I’m starving. I hear the bike bell chime on my phone, thank god. It’s about time. ’Hey MK, just landed, I’ll head to get my car and then head over.’ Seriously? Its 7pm, you’re totally not going to get here until 8 and I’m starving. There’s no restaurants in the area so we’re just going to end up in the bar area anyway. “Ok, I’m going to head down to the bar.” Grumble grumble. I turn the TV off and head down in the elevator.
When the elevator doors open, I can hear the voices before I even get to the lobby bar. Sounds like there’s a party going on. Oh, that’s right. There was that “Welcome” happy hour before the show starts. I wanted to go to that, but not alone. But it should be over by now… When I round the corner, it looks like happy hour never ended. The ‘U’ shaped bar area is full, and there is nowhere to sit and save a seat for RY. I walk towards one side, and then back to the other looking for an empty seat next to someone who will be friendly, but not too friendly. I find a single seat near the end of the bar sandwiched between who seems to be the bar regular and a normal-looking guy who could be part of this conference. RY’s comment goes through my head as I sit down “You’re going to get hit on a lot MK.” Great. I just want food. And maybe a beer.
As I belly up to the bar I glance to my left to see who is sitting next to me and realize it’s my sales guys. “Hey! I didn’t know you guys were coming down. That’s weird that the only seat left in the bar was next to you! Sort of perfect.” AN and SC were sales guys I met briefly before moving to the Las Vegas office. They seemed nice enough, but very ‘guy’ like. Sports talk, golf, games… not necessarily my strengths. I can hold my own, but I’m so not interested. Thankful for the company I’m chatting with them and they’re joking with me about the lack of my voice (I’d lost my voice for absolutely no reason the night before my first trade show) and teasing me about my Britney Spears concert I must have gone to the night before (which I did not. She wasn’t going to be in Vegas for another month.) The whole time I’m getting distracted by a man sitting in my line of vision at the mid-point of the bar; light hair, quiet confidence and understated good looks.
He was eating and talking with someone next to him though I couldn’t see who. His upper body was turned toward them when talking, but his lower body was turned towards his food which he was eating slowly while nodding to the other person. He looked up and caught me looking at him, but I didn’t care. Unusual for me, I usually pretend like I was scanning the room and never look back but this time I made eye contact with him a couple of times before I did the extended-eye-contact-and-smile-for-three-to-five-seconds move. Trying to flirt unsuspectingly across a room while sitting with colleagues is difficult. I wanted this guy to know I thought he was good looking so I had to hold eye contact for at least three seconds; something that has been extremely hard for me in similar situations from the past. For some reason it was easy to do with him. He reciprocated with his own I-see-you-seeing-me look and then I was distracted by RY’s arrival. I got up to give RY a hug, and help him find a seat. When I looked back to find him he was gone.
I don’t remember the first time I noticed him, but I noticed him over and over and over again. My memory has him bathed in light, but it may just be that he had light hair and a light colored shirt in a sea of black. I liked the way he sat. I liked the way he moved (not that he moved much, but I liked it when he did – hand to mouth and back down). I’d probably like the way he breathed, but that’s neither here nor there. In that moment this man was perfect and he noticed me and he didn’t seem to mind me noticing him. I couldn’t help but smile and that was enough to keep me smiling for days. I didn’t really want him to come over and talk because of all the ‘what ifs:’ you know, what if he had a high pitched voice (doubt it, he’s way too beautiful for that) what if he smelled bad (I’m pretty sure he would smell amazing) what if he was a jerk (that was still possible – guys that good looking are typically armed with an aloof and smug attitude to match). Better for him to stay where he is - in my head as a great smelling, attentive and kind gentleman with an attraction to me.
How fun is it to have a little flirtation, even if it never goes anywhere? Non-verbal flirtation is almost better because you can use your imagination for their wit. It’s usually exactly what you’d want them to say and you can respond with your own witty and charming responses. There is always chemistry and they are always smart. “How are you today?” “I’m fine thanks. You’re looking particularly handsome today. Would you like to take me away to a tropical location and have your way with me? Great. Let’s go.”
After my team left I looked over towards where he was sitting – maybe he’d come back in for one last heart pounding moment of eye contact. That space was empty, but that smile still lingered in my head. Sigh. I turned my attention to the funny looking indie New Yorker sitting next to me. We chatted about my company, his company, the trade show and my strained vocal chords. Funny looking man then informed me that the reason my voice was coming back after I was drinking was probably because I had a bacterial infection and the alcohol was killing bits of it. Great. That’s sexy. Totally takes away from the fact that my voice is that sultry ‘I’ve-been-smoking–for-twenty-years-and-this-is-what-my-voice-has-turned-into’… why is a smoker's voice supposedly a sultry or sexy voice? It’s actually disgusting when you think about it.
As I got ready the next morning trying to prepare myself for what the day held, I had no idea what to expect or what I should even wear. My clothes for this trip were not sufficient to make me feel very good looking or at all confident. Friday afternoon notice was all I had to prepare and plan for this Monday morning trip and I needed all the money I had for the travel expenses. My pants didn’t fit right – they were too big and too long. I haven’t had time to hem them correctly so every time I walk down a flight of stairs my heel is in jeopardy of catching the hem which could send me flying down the stairs head over feet. Not the first time that would happen, but still. I’m at my first professional event, I need to be suave. If not suave, at least I could fly under the radar and not make an ass out of myself.
I head downstairs to meet JA for our much anticipated trip to Starbucks, which we had to take a cab to because there aren’t many food options within walking distance. We pile into the cab, grab our coffees and head back to the booth. Standing at the edge of the booth looking in I could see down the aisle to prepare myself for when people started to come in and ask questions. I had no idea how to correctly answer prospective clients when asked, “So, tell me what you guys do.” AN, SC, JA and I are chatting and laughing in the booth when I catch a glimpse of something that has me do a double take. The beautiful man from the night before is in the room. Walking towards me. Looking straight at me. You’ve got to be kidding me. He’s walking over here. Looking straight at me. Is he insane?!?!? Is he seriously going to come talk to me first thing in the morning – in front of my co-workers? You know Katie, that would be just your luck. To be completely embarrassed by a guy who caught your eye at a bar the night before just by having him walk up to you and talk to you by saying something like “didn’t I see you checking me out last night? Thought I’d come over and introduce myself since I could absolutely tell you think I’m …” I interrupt my own thoughts to focus on something other than complete embarrassment walking my way. JA is talking about what is going to happen for the day - selling our company, that’s probably important since that’s what I’m here for, and I’m not going to engage with that guy right now so I’ll just focus on what’s going on In the booth.
“Oh, you’re here.” JA says as she looks to the space next to me. You’re kidding me. No. Effing. Way! “Hi.” He’s standing shoulder to shoulder with me and extends his hand across his body to shake mine. He says his name as I offer my hand to shake his and say, “Hi. I’m Katie.” I’m sure the handshake lasted a beat longer than normal, and the smile I was trying to hide seemed like it was obvious to everyone. I was focused on making sure my face didn’t explode into laughter, giggles or the embarrassing red hue which typically accompanies this particular situation. It was strange. My face didn’t turn hot, I didn’t start sweating, and I was able to keep my composure – just like a professional. It was the calmest uncomfortable situation I’ve ever been a part of.
I wasn’t sure what to do since this was my first trade show. I had no idea where to stand, what to look at, who to talk to or what to say. Add in the fact that there is a man in the booth I can’t keep my eyes off of. I keep looking at him and when he catches me, I don’t care. I don’t look away. I just smile. I’m not even hiding it anymore. I just like looking at him.
There are some awkward moments of course; moments where I try to talk to a prospective client and try to sell him something that I’m not sure I completely understand myself. My face turns red, I sweat profusely and stumble on my words trying to complete sentences and answer questions that I don’t even understand. It’s humiliating and entertaining all at once. I’m experiencing so many emotions all at the same time and all I want to do is get locked in a room with this handsome creature that I apparently work with and didn’t even know it. At one point I look at him as he’s standing at the edge of the booth with his hands in his pockets and think, he would be nice to walk down the aisle to. WHAT. Whoa, where did that just come from? Snap out of it! This guy is totally married or at the least has a girlfriend. She’s probably tall and thin with long legs and perfect teeth. She never has gas and music follows her everywhere she goes. She is Jennifer Anniston, Zooey Deschanel and Megan Fox with Ginnifer Goodwin’s adorable personality. She’s successful and smart and has him wrapped around her finger. And it probably has a huge rock on it. Sigh.
As the day progressed, I learned more about how to answer the questions posed to us about our company. I also had eye candy to focus on right in my own booth. There were lots of lasting moments of eye contact and smiles. Banter with colleagues, banter with prospective clients, banter all around. At some point I found out I was the only person who had access to a special area for hotel guests where you could use the internet, grab coffee, water, juice and snacks as well as watch TV or grab a magazine. I’m still unsure why I had this privilege, but it did allow me some one on one time with my own personal eye candy as we walked to get him some coffee and some waters for the rest of the group. I’m pretty sure I talked his ear off. No matter, I’ll probably never see him again and he’s most likely married – no ring per say, but he looks like the married type. Nicely groomed, well put together and quietly confident. A guy like that is never single. Sigh. Oh well. He’s out of my league anyway.
That night we all went out for a team dinner. I tried to position myself next to him in the cab, but because he’s a gentleman he let everyone in first and took the seat up front. I’m pretty sure that’s an amateur move on my part, but I never said I was good at this. The guys I date tend to forget I’m waiting to get in as well and let the cabbie drive off without me. As we’re seated at the table, he sits next to me. We’re all chatting and laughing and then he says “So, was that your boyfriend at the booth?” I hear JA almost choke on her water. He looks at JA and says “I’ll take that as a no.” He was referring to RY, who kept stopping by the booth to say hello and pass some time in between sessions. I told him he wasn’t but that he was a former colleague and his response was “Oh, I just thought he was since he would stop by to check in so often.” Heh. Nope, but I’m pretty sure you were just fishing for a little info there. I like you. You’re adorable. Your girlfriend is so lucky.
The rest of the show went by fairly quickly. A little too quickly because I didn’t want to leave my new favorite man, and as the show neared the end I was a little sad, but what can you do really? I was the first one to leave. Eye Candy decided he wanted to check his email on my laptop before I took off. I was joking with him that he was holding me hostage. “What are your demands, sir?” He laughed. What I really wanted him to say was something like “I’d like you to miss your flight so you have to stay an extra night and we can go to dinner and have more flirtatious eye contact. Maybe some flirtatious banter away from co-workers so I can get your story.” My luck is interesting, but not that good. So, it was time for me to leave and I stood in the booth looking at him. ‘Well, it was nice meeting you.” Awkward smile and pause. I thought maybe he’d say “Do you have a card?” or “Here’s my card” or “You are adorable. I’m going to call you when I’m in Vegas this weekend (Valentines’ day weekend) even though I’m probably bringing my hot wife/girlfriend. You’re just that interesting to me and I want to find out more about you.” All he said was, “Nice to meet you too.” Then after a beat, he opened his arms to give me a hug. Smile.
He smelled nice. He felt nice. I fit in ‘the nook’. I didn’t want to leave. I smiled for a week after that. It really is the small things in life. There were no numbers exchanged. There was no when can I see you again? When are we shacking up together? When do I get my first kiss?
Nothing.
4.29.2009
4.08.2009
10 Things About Vegas I Didn't Know Until I Got Here
1. And they say Chicago is the Windy City.
On more than one occasion, I've nearly been blown off the freeway due to gusts in the 40-60 MPH range. When you drive a car that has plastic windows, they tend to act like a sail and can send you into the next lane of traffic.
2. Cool it!
Where I'm from, sun = warm. The sun comes out here everyday, so you actually have to pay attention to the weather report which tends to be quite accurate around here. In January, it gets into the 30's. Not cool. The only thing people ever say to me is "You're going to die in the summer." Nothing about "Just so you know, it can get cold here so you might want a parka."
3. Welcome Wagons.
So far anyone I've met -not associated to the nightlife scene- has been extremely welcoming. Granted, 3 months isn't a very long time and I know people are nice to you when you're new, so we'll see how this turns out later.
4. Vegas has 'traffic.'
Granted, it's not LA, NY or Seattle, but there is a fair amount of traffic congestion on the freeway. Luckily my work route doesn't go through a lot of the traffic, so that's nice for my commute.
5. Creepy Crawlies.
I've learned about all I want to know about cockroaches. They are gross.
6. "Clean Dirt".
My friend has a yard. I was surprised to see how green it was being in the desert and all. Then I found out it was AstroTurf. "Very easy to clean."
7. Officer, I thought it was legal!
Contrary to popular belief, Clark County does not allow prostitution. However, if you are willing to go 60 miles outside of The City of Sin, you will find brothels where you can partake in activities of that sort, but not legally in Las Vegas.
8. Clip This!
I get coupons to some of the casinos here. 2 for 1 specials, show coupons, dinners, 'line passes', and $20 of 'free play'. It's pretty cool since drinks here can run you $15 for a glass of wine (that's not even an exaggeration).
9. The Sun Doesn't Shine All The Time.
Summers of my childhood were exciting. Long nights because the sun didn't go down until 9:30 which meant bedtime was later, riding bikes continued until well into the evening and in my later years, it meant when I got off work I still had several hours of daylight to hang out with friends. Vegas is in a valley, which means the sun doesn't stick around much longer than 7:30 in the summer. That made me a little sad. (apparently this will make me happy in August when it's over 100 degrees.)
10. Natural Beauty.
There are beautiful things in Vegas. Beautiful people, beautiful clothes, beautiful cars, beautiful hotels all in abundance. What you don't realize is the natural surroundings; the rocky hills, the different colored rocks and the colors these areas take as the light shifts throughout the day is something just as breathtaking if you wait long enough for your eyes to focus.
On more than one occasion, I've nearly been blown off the freeway due to gusts in the 40-60 MPH range. When you drive a car that has plastic windows, they tend to act like a sail and can send you into the next lane of traffic.
2. Cool it!
Where I'm from, sun = warm. The sun comes out here everyday, so you actually have to pay attention to the weather report which tends to be quite accurate around here. In January, it gets into the 30's. Not cool. The only thing people ever say to me is "You're going to die in the summer." Nothing about "Just so you know, it can get cold here so you might want a parka."
3. Welcome Wagons.
So far anyone I've met -not associated to the nightlife scene- has been extremely welcoming. Granted, 3 months isn't a very long time and I know people are nice to you when you're new, so we'll see how this turns out later.
4. Vegas has 'traffic.'
Granted, it's not LA, NY or Seattle, but there is a fair amount of traffic congestion on the freeway. Luckily my work route doesn't go through a lot of the traffic, so that's nice for my commute.
5. Creepy Crawlies.
I've learned about all I want to know about cockroaches. They are gross.
6. "Clean Dirt".
My friend has a yard. I was surprised to see how green it was being in the desert and all. Then I found out it was AstroTurf. "Very easy to clean."
7. Officer, I thought it was legal!
Contrary to popular belief, Clark County does not allow prostitution. However, if you are willing to go 60 miles outside of The City of Sin, you will find brothels where you can partake in activities of that sort, but not legally in Las Vegas.
8. Clip This!
I get coupons to some of the casinos here. 2 for 1 specials, show coupons, dinners, 'line passes', and $20 of 'free play'. It's pretty cool since drinks here can run you $15 for a glass of wine (that's not even an exaggeration).
9. The Sun Doesn't Shine All The Time.
Summers of my childhood were exciting. Long nights because the sun didn't go down until 9:30 which meant bedtime was later, riding bikes continued until well into the evening and in my later years, it meant when I got off work I still had several hours of daylight to hang out with friends. Vegas is in a valley, which means the sun doesn't stick around much longer than 7:30 in the summer. That made me a little sad. (apparently this will make me happy in August when it's over 100 degrees.)
10. Natural Beauty.
There are beautiful things in Vegas. Beautiful people, beautiful clothes, beautiful cars, beautiful hotels all in abundance. What you don't realize is the natural surroundings; the rocky hills, the different colored rocks and the colors these areas take as the light shifts throughout the day is something just as breathtaking if you wait long enough for your eyes to focus.
4.06.2009
Next Stop, Penthouse Suite.
How do you write an elevator pitch about your life? As if people can be summed up in one word. Ever ask someone how they would describe you using one word? Try it. You'll get something like "Adorable. No no no, wait. Funny! Or no, actually full of life, oh wait that's three. How about... Quirky. Yes, that's it Quirky!"
For whatever reason I thought necessary at the time, I decided to join 9200 other bloggers in the 31 Days to a Better Blog Challenge in order to get back to writing and maybe learn something in the process. Or possibly get people to read this. But seriously, day one is "Write an Elevator Pitch." Awesome. For someone whose blog is about their life, I'm pretty sure that would be akin to the headline in a personal ad: "Just a normal guy," or how about "I can't believe I'm doing this." Better yet, "Insert witty headline here." Well, here's my headline -I mean- elevator pitch:
Moments and adventures of a witty 30-something whose ability to take risks and small leaps of faith have led her along a strange and hilarious path where even normal experiences take on extraordinary outcomes.
Pitch this.
For whatever reason I thought necessary at the time, I decided to join 9200 other bloggers in the 31 Days to a Better Blog Challenge in order to get back to writing and maybe learn something in the process. Or possibly get people to read this. But seriously, day one is "Write an Elevator Pitch." Awesome. For someone whose blog is about their life, I'm pretty sure that would be akin to the headline in a personal ad: "Just a normal guy," or how about "I can't believe I'm doing this." Better yet, "Insert witty headline here." Well, here's my headline -I mean- elevator pitch:
Moments and adventures of a witty 30-something whose ability to take risks and small leaps of faith have led her along a strange and hilarious path where even normal experiences take on extraordinary outcomes.
Pitch this.
7.25.2008
Just Another Tuesday in Ballard
*Disclaimer: No MeanKatie's were hurt in the making of this story:
Tuesday night I went to the M’s game with K and her two friends M and R. Because neither of them know I’m 31, they were cracking jokes all night and quoting movie lines like… “You can’t just start a slow clap whenever, man” and “dude, I bet those people that rake the infield during the game are old like the 30 year olds you work with”… stuff like that. But, I was taking it in stride 1) cause I’m damn hot, and 2) I’m damn hot.
Towards the end of the game K looks over and says, "so did you drive downtown?" “No." I say.
Pause.
“I totally forgot to fill my tank up with gas this morning and I only have like 92 miles left. Tee hee.”
I say nothing. I already knew I was taking the bus home, no biggie, but this is just irritating.
“So, do you need a ride to…”
“It's OK, I can take the bus.”
“No, it’s dangerous and you’re by yourself.”
“Yes, and you’re forgetting we live in Seattle, I’m going to Ballard, and I went to Costa Rica for 2 months by myself and came back without a scratch. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
“Are you sure? Will you call me the minute you get home?”
We walk back to her car, I get my stuff, strap on my headphones and make my way through the Mariners crowd rocking out and pretty much strutting my stuff so people would leave me alone. I get to the corner by Pyramid and have to wait to cross, and as I’m standing there I notice a group of 4 or 5 guys off to my left who are noticeably drunk. Not overly drunk, but louder than usual with less control over their limbs. After a minute or so, there is an arm around my shoulders and a camera in my face.
“Hey babe, its picture time!” The sweet smell of alcohol breath hits my nostrils as the man with the camera is trying to figure out which way to point it. Just before he hits the button to take the picture, alcohol man says, “We should really kiss for this…”
“Nice try bud. Maybe next time you should just go in for it at the beginning.” I say and walk across the street on my rockin' way. N.I.N. is ringing in my ears and I’m making some pretty good time. I need to get out of the downtown area so I can meet up with a bus to get to Ballard. There are packs of people everywhere walking up 1st ave, and I’m keeping pace with an Asian couple the whole way. We’re playing leap frog as we make our way through the crowd. That just happens to be something that annoys me - much like drivers who know you are going to pass them so they speed up – some people are just like that; no matter what you're not going to win this non-race that we're in.
I come to a crosswalk where the light is red, but since no traffic is coming I start to jaywalk just as a Prius full of men decides they are going to turn right. I step back up onto the curb just in time to get “Hey Mama, I’ll run into you ANYTIME…" Sigh. The things guys say sometimes...
Anyway. I make it to a bus stop just as the 18 is coming from behind. As I’m standing in line, I look behind me to notice the rockabilly kid who rides my bus in the morning walking up to the same bus stop. Huh. That’s weird. We’re both at the same stop at the same time… for the second time today. I enter the bus which is completely filled with people all coming from the game. Apparently, every family in Ballard took their kids to the game on the bus. “Excuse me, can you guys move back?” Blank stares return. Sigh, OK then. Pushing my way to the back of the bus, I find air at the far back and brace myself for the long ride. Still rocking out and checking out Billy aka Rockabilly - He’ll be my eye candy for the ride home, no problem.
As I’m standing there trying not to get irritated by people who are apparently clueless to the rules of riding the bus or who are unable to move for fear of getting separated from their family, I look down to my left and notice a man sitting alone. Next to an empty seat. Jerkoff. That could have been my seat. Just then, the bus screeches to a halt and I almost go flying through the aisle. Single seater gets up and off the bus, and I make a beeline for his seat. As I’m bee-lining, a guy (who already had a seat) tries to move over to the empty seat. I don’t make eye contact or even look at him really, but see him motion with both arms for me to sit there, so I do. Thank god. Someone who… aw man! I didn’t mean you could sit next to me… but fine. So, I move over and he sits next to me.
And then his stench sits down and I realize he’s covered in dirt. Now, this guy looks like he’s in his early to mid 20’s, and out of the corner of my eye I thought he was a construction worker going home from work. No. This is a young, homeless guy. Or what smells like a homeless guy. Great.
I turn my face to the window so I can have a pocket of fresh air to breathe without being completely rude and getting up out of my seat or covering my nose.
Enjoying my ride home on the bus, I’m relaxing, looking around the bus at people, and intermittently checking out Billy. Billy is intermittently checking me out as he’s giving tourists directions on what stop will be closest for them to get to their destination. I’m planning ways to talk to Billy in my head and genuinely enjoying the outcome of every witty word I say that makes Billy laugh.
Then Henry Homeless starts rocking in his seat and either rapping or talking. I can’t be sure because I still have my headphones in. No one is really paying attention, until he starts getting louder. And louder. And the rocking gets more intense. Billy looks up at him out of irritation, then back down. Then again, then down. Then one more time. Triple take. That can’t be good.
As I’m taking this all in Henry says something to me but I pretend I can’t hear him. He says it again, but this time louder and almost directly into my ear so that I could feel the breath move my hair a bit. I glance from the corner of my eye and he’s pointing at his watch. “Do you know what time it is?” He asks. A harmless question.
“11:00” I say, without taking my earbuds out, looking at him, or otherwise engaging. But before I can even think about what I’m going to say next to Billy during my little fantasy, Henry says something again. Aww man! I do not want to deal with this. I’m looking at the people in front of me. They are all looking back at me. Henry speaks again.
“What’s your name?”
I finally turn to look at Henry. He’s very dark brown from spending days in the sun. His closely shaved, slightly balding head is very close to mine. His brown eyes, or what’s left of the color, are as large as half dollars as he’s waiting for me to respond. I look at his dried out mouth hanging slightly slack as he says it again, “What’s your name?”
Various images run simultaneously through my brain at warp speed (pictures of me saying a fake name, which ultimately ends up in some sort of conversation, pictures of me getting up out of my seat saying, sorry this is my stop) and all I say is “No.” I think most of the bus went quiet. My music was in between songs, and I was turning my head to look back out the window when suddenly all hell broke loose.
I’m not sure how to accurately describe what Henry Homeless did next. Henry is flipping out. Think two year old in a 20 something body. Profanities being screamed at urgent speeds echoing off the walls, windows, and floor. Something about “I just came on the bus to get the girl!” I remember locking eyes with a man in his late sixties who had a slight smile on his face mixed with the look of surprise as he was, like the rest of the bus, waiting for the punchline of this sick joke. Completely frozen and tense with fear, I hold his gaze hoping someone will make this all stop.
Henry jumps up out of his seat and flings himself toward the back of the bus, where he is still screaming and flipping out. One of the men who Billy was talking to motions to the back of the bus and quickly two young boys come sit next to me as their father flanks the outside waiting on high alert for Henry’s next move.
For what seems like 15 minutes Henry is yelling. People at the front of the bus are watching what looks to me like a tennis match, from Henry to me, back to Henry. I’m trying to convey through no movement at all that I am no part of this as the eye movements continue. I look to Billy, who is staring at the floor; hands shoved in his pockets. Gee, thanks Billy. Way to bail when I could have really used some interaction from someone I ‘know.’
At the next stop, the back door opens, and I finally turn my head to see the bus driver motioning for Henry. Henry abides without a fight and walks off the bus obediently; still muttering to no one in particular. Just as he reaches the door, the father at the end of my seat, swings out and kicks Henry squarely in the back followed up by yelling after him “get the fuck out of here you freak!” as his relatives are calling after him to get back into the bus and leave it alone.
The driver returns to his seat at the front of the bus, closing the back door and getting the bus going again. The complete silence that follows is interrupted by a single noise - one person slowly clapping. One by one people join in, and I am experiencing something that I have only seen happen in movies; someone has successfully started a slow clap. The ice is broken and the low murmer in only intermittantly interrupted by laughter about how crazy it was. I am still gripping my bag tightly in my arms and fighting back tears. The fear of someone or something striking me in the back of the head has not yet subsided and I really, really need a hug.
As the bus moves on and empties out, stop by stop I am slowly relaxing. Billy has taken a seat directly in front of me, but has made no attempt at turning to talk to me and my fantasy of our flirtations has completely disappeared. He was no longer the strapping powerful man I'd imagined him to be.
A few stops from where I will eventually get off, I am able to take some deep breaths. By the time I get to my stop I have talked myself into being able to walk the four blocks to my apartment, sans headphones, without being totally creeped out.
The walk from the bus to my apartment is well lit and well traveled. Since it is a Tuesday night at 11 there is not much traffic, but there is some. I am still jumping at every noise, but calm myself down by about the halfway mark.
200 feet before I reach the well lit intersection that marks the halfway point, I notice a man rounding the corner. I was not entirely sure that what I was seeing was actually happening. As he jogged into view, I took stock of his 5’9” frame, his brown hair cut closely to detract from the slight balding. His face that at first registered a guilty “uh oh” and grew into “eh, oh well” as he continued to jog toward me. I then took in his chest, speckled with hair, his penis swaying with each step, his nicely shaped hairless thighs, and his white socks. I briefly looked at the ground then back up in case I would need to ID him in a line up later. As he was 50 feet from me, I hear his voice ring out:
“I’m Sorry I’m Naked! It’s My Birthday!” He exclaimed as he ran past me, feet hitting the ground in a dull thud with each step.
I nearly doubled over with laughter and tears as relief swept my body. This surreal experience on a Tuesday night would serve well for story time. I walked quickly home to my apartment to plug in my phone and call Kat for what would normally be a 15 second “hey I’m home safe” call that turned into a 20 minute “holy crap I can’t believe that!” story.
Tuesday night I went to the M’s game with K and her two friends M and R. Because neither of them know I’m 31, they were cracking jokes all night and quoting movie lines like… “You can’t just start a slow clap whenever, man” and “dude, I bet those people that rake the infield during the game are old like the 30 year olds you work with”… stuff like that. But, I was taking it in stride 1) cause I’m damn hot, and 2) I’m damn hot.
Towards the end of the game K looks over and says, "so did you drive downtown?" “No." I say.
Pause.
“I totally forgot to fill my tank up with gas this morning and I only have like 92 miles left. Tee hee.”
I say nothing. I already knew I was taking the bus home, no biggie, but this is just irritating.
“So, do you need a ride to…”
“It's OK, I can take the bus.”
“No, it’s dangerous and you’re by yourself.”
“Yes, and you’re forgetting we live in Seattle, I’m going to Ballard, and I went to Costa Rica for 2 months by myself and came back without a scratch. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
“Are you sure? Will you call me the minute you get home?”
We walk back to her car, I get my stuff, strap on my headphones and make my way through the Mariners crowd rocking out and pretty much strutting my stuff so people would leave me alone. I get to the corner by Pyramid and have to wait to cross, and as I’m standing there I notice a group of 4 or 5 guys off to my left who are noticeably drunk. Not overly drunk, but louder than usual with less control over their limbs. After a minute or so, there is an arm around my shoulders and a camera in my face.
“Hey babe, its picture time!” The sweet smell of alcohol breath hits my nostrils as the man with the camera is trying to figure out which way to point it. Just before he hits the button to take the picture, alcohol man says, “We should really kiss for this…”
“Nice try bud. Maybe next time you should just go in for it at the beginning.” I say and walk across the street on my rockin' way. N.I.N. is ringing in my ears and I’m making some pretty good time. I need to get out of the downtown area so I can meet up with a bus to get to Ballard. There are packs of people everywhere walking up 1st ave, and I’m keeping pace with an Asian couple the whole way. We’re playing leap frog as we make our way through the crowd. That just happens to be something that annoys me - much like drivers who know you are going to pass them so they speed up – some people are just like that; no matter what you're not going to win this non-race that we're in.
I come to a crosswalk where the light is red, but since no traffic is coming I start to jaywalk just as a Prius full of men decides they are going to turn right. I step back up onto the curb just in time to get “Hey Mama, I’ll run into you ANYTIME…" Sigh. The things guys say sometimes...
Anyway. I make it to a bus stop just as the 18 is coming from behind. As I’m standing in line, I look behind me to notice the rockabilly kid who rides my bus in the morning walking up to the same bus stop. Huh. That’s weird. We’re both at the same stop at the same time… for the second time today. I enter the bus which is completely filled with people all coming from the game. Apparently, every family in Ballard took their kids to the game on the bus. “Excuse me, can you guys move back?” Blank stares return. Sigh, OK then. Pushing my way to the back of the bus, I find air at the far back and brace myself for the long ride. Still rocking out and checking out Billy aka Rockabilly - He’ll be my eye candy for the ride home, no problem.
As I’m standing there trying not to get irritated by people who are apparently clueless to the rules of riding the bus or who are unable to move for fear of getting separated from their family, I look down to my left and notice a man sitting alone. Next to an empty seat. Jerkoff. That could have been my seat. Just then, the bus screeches to a halt and I almost go flying through the aisle. Single seater gets up and off the bus, and I make a beeline for his seat. As I’m bee-lining, a guy (who already had a seat) tries to move over to the empty seat. I don’t make eye contact or even look at him really, but see him motion with both arms for me to sit there, so I do. Thank god. Someone who… aw man! I didn’t mean you could sit next to me… but fine. So, I move over and he sits next to me.
And then his stench sits down and I realize he’s covered in dirt. Now, this guy looks like he’s in his early to mid 20’s, and out of the corner of my eye I thought he was a construction worker going home from work. No. This is a young, homeless guy. Or what smells like a homeless guy. Great.
I turn my face to the window so I can have a pocket of fresh air to breathe without being completely rude and getting up out of my seat or covering my nose.
Enjoying my ride home on the bus, I’m relaxing, looking around the bus at people, and intermittently checking out Billy. Billy is intermittently checking me out as he’s giving tourists directions on what stop will be closest for them to get to their destination. I’m planning ways to talk to Billy in my head and genuinely enjoying the outcome of every witty word I say that makes Billy laugh.
Then Henry Homeless starts rocking in his seat and either rapping or talking. I can’t be sure because I still have my headphones in. No one is really paying attention, until he starts getting louder. And louder. And the rocking gets more intense. Billy looks up at him out of irritation, then back down. Then again, then down. Then one more time. Triple take. That can’t be good.
As I’m taking this all in Henry says something to me but I pretend I can’t hear him. He says it again, but this time louder and almost directly into my ear so that I could feel the breath move my hair a bit. I glance from the corner of my eye and he’s pointing at his watch. “Do you know what time it is?” He asks. A harmless question.
“11:00” I say, without taking my earbuds out, looking at him, or otherwise engaging. But before I can even think about what I’m going to say next to Billy during my little fantasy, Henry says something again. Aww man! I do not want to deal with this. I’m looking at the people in front of me. They are all looking back at me. Henry speaks again.
“What’s your name?”
I finally turn to look at Henry. He’s very dark brown from spending days in the sun. His closely shaved, slightly balding head is very close to mine. His brown eyes, or what’s left of the color, are as large as half dollars as he’s waiting for me to respond. I look at his dried out mouth hanging slightly slack as he says it again, “What’s your name?”
Various images run simultaneously through my brain at warp speed (pictures of me saying a fake name, which ultimately ends up in some sort of conversation, pictures of me getting up out of my seat saying, sorry this is my stop) and all I say is “No.” I think most of the bus went quiet. My music was in between songs, and I was turning my head to look back out the window when suddenly all hell broke loose.
I’m not sure how to accurately describe what Henry Homeless did next. Henry is flipping out. Think two year old in a 20 something body. Profanities being screamed at urgent speeds echoing off the walls, windows, and floor. Something about “I just came on the bus to get the girl!” I remember locking eyes with a man in his late sixties who had a slight smile on his face mixed with the look of surprise as he was, like the rest of the bus, waiting for the punchline of this sick joke. Completely frozen and tense with fear, I hold his gaze hoping someone will make this all stop.
Henry jumps up out of his seat and flings himself toward the back of the bus, where he is still screaming and flipping out. One of the men who Billy was talking to motions to the back of the bus and quickly two young boys come sit next to me as their father flanks the outside waiting on high alert for Henry’s next move.
For what seems like 15 minutes Henry is yelling. People at the front of the bus are watching what looks to me like a tennis match, from Henry to me, back to Henry. I’m trying to convey through no movement at all that I am no part of this as the eye movements continue. I look to Billy, who is staring at the floor; hands shoved in his pockets. Gee, thanks Billy. Way to bail when I could have really used some interaction from someone I ‘know.’
At the next stop, the back door opens, and I finally turn my head to see the bus driver motioning for Henry. Henry abides without a fight and walks off the bus obediently; still muttering to no one in particular. Just as he reaches the door, the father at the end of my seat, swings out and kicks Henry squarely in the back followed up by yelling after him “get the fuck out of here you freak!” as his relatives are calling after him to get back into the bus and leave it alone.
The driver returns to his seat at the front of the bus, closing the back door and getting the bus going again. The complete silence that follows is interrupted by a single noise - one person slowly clapping. One by one people join in, and I am experiencing something that I have only seen happen in movies; someone has successfully started a slow clap. The ice is broken and the low murmer in only intermittantly interrupted by laughter about how crazy it was. I am still gripping my bag tightly in my arms and fighting back tears. The fear of someone or something striking me in the back of the head has not yet subsided and I really, really need a hug.
As the bus moves on and empties out, stop by stop I am slowly relaxing. Billy has taken a seat directly in front of me, but has made no attempt at turning to talk to me and my fantasy of our flirtations has completely disappeared. He was no longer the strapping powerful man I'd imagined him to be.
A few stops from where I will eventually get off, I am able to take some deep breaths. By the time I get to my stop I have talked myself into being able to walk the four blocks to my apartment, sans headphones, without being totally creeped out.
The walk from the bus to my apartment is well lit and well traveled. Since it is a Tuesday night at 11 there is not much traffic, but there is some. I am still jumping at every noise, but calm myself down by about the halfway mark.
200 feet before I reach the well lit intersection that marks the halfway point, I notice a man rounding the corner. I was not entirely sure that what I was seeing was actually happening. As he jogged into view, I took stock of his 5’9” frame, his brown hair cut closely to detract from the slight balding. His face that at first registered a guilty “uh oh” and grew into “eh, oh well” as he continued to jog toward me. I then took in his chest, speckled with hair, his penis swaying with each step, his nicely shaped hairless thighs, and his white socks. I briefly looked at the ground then back up in case I would need to ID him in a line up later. As he was 50 feet from me, I hear his voice ring out:
“I’m Sorry I’m Naked! It’s My Birthday!” He exclaimed as he ran past me, feet hitting the ground in a dull thud with each step.
I nearly doubled over with laughter and tears as relief swept my body. This surreal experience on a Tuesday night would serve well for story time. I walked quickly home to my apartment to plug in my phone and call Kat for what would normally be a 15 second “hey I’m home safe” call that turned into a 20 minute “holy crap I can’t believe that!” story.
6.18.2008
On Becoming Thirty One
Coming into your thirties is like an out of body experience. I'm living it, every moment of it, but it doesn't feel real. I feel like I should be somewhere else. Doing something else. Exactly the opposite of what I'm currently doing.
Looking at how my friend's lives are changing drastically, I'm simultaneously gripping to my singlehood and yearning for the comfort of that new family they are all enjoying. The search to find someone to start that family with - (I know. I know. One step at a time)- is proving to be superfluously difficult, although I've come to terms with the fact that he won't appear at my doorstep, in my living room, or come out of the television.
I've come to grips with my past mistakes. I'm embracing who I am, flaws, baggage, hangups, and all, and am really ready to just get on with it already. I have figured out where I want to go, and its making the decisions I need to get there easier to make.
Happy 31 to me. I'm off to Safeco. Go M's!
Looking at how my friend's lives are changing drastically, I'm simultaneously gripping to my singlehood and yearning for the comfort of that new family they are all enjoying. The search to find someone to start that family with - (I know. I know. One step at a time)- is proving to be superfluously difficult, although I've come to terms with the fact that he won't appear at my doorstep, in my living room, or come out of the television.
I've come to grips with my past mistakes. I'm embracing who I am, flaws, baggage, hangups, and all, and am really ready to just get on with it already. I have figured out where I want to go, and its making the decisions I need to get there easier to make.
Happy 31 to me. I'm off to Safeco. Go M's!
12.27.2007
Year In Review
Accomplishments I’m proud of:
Living in another country.
Travelling on my own.
Getting out of my comfort zone… more often than I wanted to.
Changing my career and starting over. From the beginning.
Realizing that 2 am phone calls are ALWAYS bad news. Really anything after 11pm these days is bad news.
Weeding out the bad news bears. Some of them did this on their own.
Things I’m working on:
My next goal. You know, finding out what that is.
Honing my artistic skills.
Honing my relationship skills. They apparently aren’t very good which leads to:
Finding better friends. Ones who don’t dump you for someone ______ (better, cooler, more obsessed with the same things they are, who has a penis/vagina.)
Losing 20 lbs. Starting Jan 1. ugh. Check back May 20th to see if I did it.
Taking at least two more trips. They will be much shorter, but still. I gotta get out.
Things I am Grateful for:
My family. Always there in a pinch. Always. Love you.
That woman who picked me up on the side of a deserted highway in Costa Rica when I was being followed by a Tico man after walking 3 miles in 95 degree heat and running out of money because there was no ATH (ATM) machine in sight. She gave a strange girl 20 dollars, ice cream, and soda and then drove me half an hour out of her way to the Liberia airport where there was ONE ATH machine working. I felt like I was five, but have never been so happy to see someone in my entire life. And never so happy a couple was fighting over something as ridiculous as getting the wrong thing at the store.
On the same note: the tico couple who picked me up and drove me up the 2 mile 45 degree incline hill to the ATH machine, which was closed since it was a holiday or something. The ATH machines are run by the banks, so when the bank is closed… so is the ATH.
My friends who stick with me. I love you all, even if it doesn’t seem like it all the time. I’m difficult, I know and I’m sorry. I appreciate everything you all are.
The loophole that allowed me to go on vacation.
Costa Rica. And beautiful foreign surfer boys.
Airplanes, boats, trains, cars, and the path less travelled.
Living in another country.
Travelling on my own.
Getting out of my comfort zone… more often than I wanted to.
Changing my career and starting over. From the beginning.
Realizing that 2 am phone calls are ALWAYS bad news. Really anything after 11pm these days is bad news.
Weeding out the bad news bears. Some of them did this on their own.
Things I’m working on:
My next goal. You know, finding out what that is.
Honing my artistic skills.
Honing my relationship skills. They apparently aren’t very good which leads to:
Finding better friends. Ones who don’t dump you for someone ______ (better, cooler, more obsessed with the same things they are, who has a penis/vagina.)
Losing 20 lbs. Starting Jan 1. ugh. Check back May 20th to see if I did it.
Taking at least two more trips. They will be much shorter, but still. I gotta get out.
Things I am Grateful for:
My family. Always there in a pinch. Always. Love you.
That woman who picked me up on the side of a deserted highway in Costa Rica when I was being followed by a Tico man after walking 3 miles in 95 degree heat and running out of money because there was no ATH (ATM) machine in sight. She gave a strange girl 20 dollars, ice cream, and soda and then drove me half an hour out of her way to the Liberia airport where there was ONE ATH machine working. I felt like I was five, but have never been so happy to see someone in my entire life. And never so happy a couple was fighting over something as ridiculous as getting the wrong thing at the store.
On the same note: the tico couple who picked me up and drove me up the 2 mile 45 degree incline hill to the ATH machine, which was closed since it was a holiday or something. The ATH machines are run by the banks, so when the bank is closed… so is the ATH.
My friends who stick with me. I love you all, even if it doesn’t seem like it all the time. I’m difficult, I know and I’m sorry. I appreciate everything you all are.
The loophole that allowed me to go on vacation.
Costa Rica. And beautiful foreign surfer boys.
Airplanes, boats, trains, cars, and the path less travelled.
9.21.2007
Quote of the Day #2
"I must learn to love the fool in me -- the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries. It alone protects me against that utterly self-controlled, masterful tyrant whom I also harbor and who would rob me of human aliveness, humility, and dignity but for my fool."
~ Theodore I. Rubin, MD
~ Theodore I. Rubin, MD
Quote of the Day #1
I saw a woman sleeping
In her dream she dreamt life stood before her, and held in each hand a gift - in the one hand love in the other freedom -
and she said to the woman, "choose-"
And the woman waited long: and she said "freedom - "
and life said "thou hast well chosen if thou had'st said "love" I would have given thee that thou didst ask for; and I would have gone from thee and returned to thee no more - now, the day will come when I shall return - in that day I shall bear both gifts in one hand-"
I heard the woman laugh in her sleep -
~ Olive Schreiner
In her dream she dreamt life stood before her, and held in each hand a gift - in the one hand love in the other freedom -
and she said to the woman, "choose-"
And the woman waited long: and she said "freedom - "
and life said "thou hast well chosen if thou had'st said "love" I would have given thee that thou didst ask for; and I would have gone from thee and returned to thee no more - now, the day will come when I shall return - in that day I shall bear both gifts in one hand-"
I heard the woman laugh in her sleep -
~ Olive Schreiner
9.20.2007
Trying To Rent In Seattle? Good Luck
I've been stalking craigslist.com for a place to live. I don't make much money now, which means there isn't a lot I can afford, so when a place comes up I jump right on it. Such is the case this morning:
8:50 am.
boot right on up.
go straight to craigslist.
Look in the apartment section... OOH a studio in Eastlake for $650. AND ITS CUTE!
Pick up phone: call. Leave message. This is all by 9 AM. The ad was posted by 8:16 AM.
I kept looking at the pictures cause I was so excited about it. A neighborhood I've always wanted to live in and a price I could afford! So what if its small? I'm only sleeping and slothing there anyway.
9:45 AM. Decide to send an email also, in case the landlord is more of an email type. Describe myself as quiet, responsible, full time professional job, good credit. I'm a landlord's dream!
10:30 AM
11:00 AM
11:30 AM
12:00 PM
12:30 PM
(you see the pattern.)
check phone and email for a response. Keep telling myself they probably won't respond until after work hours.
3:30 PM. Look on Craigslist again to see the pics. Wait. What's this? HEY! Where's the studio?!?!?! You have GOT to be mf'in kidding me.
No response by phone. No response by email. No ad on craigslist. NO STUDIO FOR ME.
Welcome to Seattle's rental market! Where you show up for an open house along with all 40 other people who are trying to get that place too. It's no longer a first come first serve its a lets make them work for it.
Why not just have Survivor or Fear Factor type tryouts. Should I show you my artistic/outdoorsy/computer skills? Oh right. Everyone has those here. How about my karaoke skills. Or my singing while in the car skills. Or my ability to listen and look like I'm paying attention when I'm really not.
Good time to take that paycut.
8:50 am.
boot right on up.
go straight to craigslist.
Look in the apartment section... OOH a studio in Eastlake for $650. AND ITS CUTE!
Pick up phone: call. Leave message. This is all by 9 AM. The ad was posted by 8:16 AM.
I kept looking at the pictures cause I was so excited about it. A neighborhood I've always wanted to live in and a price I could afford! So what if its small? I'm only sleeping and slothing there anyway.
9:45 AM. Decide to send an email also, in case the landlord is more of an email type. Describe myself as quiet, responsible, full time professional job, good credit. I'm a landlord's dream!
10:30 AM
11:00 AM
11:30 AM
12:00 PM
12:30 PM
(you see the pattern.)
check phone and email for a response. Keep telling myself they probably won't respond until after work hours.
3:30 PM. Look on Craigslist again to see the pics. Wait. What's this? HEY! Where's the studio?!?!?! You have GOT to be mf'in kidding me.
No response by phone. No response by email. No ad on craigslist. NO STUDIO FOR ME.
Welcome to Seattle's rental market! Where you show up for an open house along with all 40 other people who are trying to get that place too. It's no longer a first come first serve its a lets make them work for it.
Why not just have Survivor or Fear Factor type tryouts. Should I show you my artistic/outdoorsy/computer skills? Oh right. Everyone has those here. How about my karaoke skills. Or my singing while in the car skills. Or my ability to listen and look like I'm paying attention when I'm really not.
Good time to take that paycut.
8.24.2007
I'm In A Metal Mood
Doggie sitting has its priviledges, except when the doggies get up to play in the middle of the night. I'm in one of those, 2 hours behind and irritated beyond repair moods.
I've been listening to different stations (classical, soft rock, lyrical, indie pop) and none of them have been able to change my mindset. So, now... I'm listening to metal.
People become suprised when I mention bands that I like sometimes. I did grow up with a big brother. He likes metal more than I do, but I like my fair share. Here's a perfect example of one time that someone was suprised.
I met a guy through a friend of mine who I crushed on for a long time. He was my 'type' ... meaning he had a good job that he liked but also had a bad attitude and self esteem issues which meant that at the end of our 'relationship' he told me how amazing I was and that I deserved better than him. (Insert comment about how I just wanted to hang out not get married... sheesh.) The first time we hung out, we were driving to my house in his car (Old style convertible) and he goes "You don't mind a little metal do you (totally trying to be cool) and I said like who? He says Slipknot or Disturbed (which I categorize as hard rock not metal) or something and I was like "Oh, yeah, I like them." and he sort of rolled his eyes and said "suuuure you do." I felt like giving him the finger, but at this point I had yet to stand up to a dumbass guy like that....so I kept the finger to myself.
But, I digress. I'm in a metal mood today. I'd really like some Helmet. I'll settle for the AC/DC that this internet radio station terms as metal.
Speaking of good metal check out The Valley they rock.
I've been listening to different stations (classical, soft rock, lyrical, indie pop) and none of them have been able to change my mindset. So, now... I'm listening to metal.
People become suprised when I mention bands that I like sometimes. I did grow up with a big brother. He likes metal more than I do, but I like my fair share. Here's a perfect example of one time that someone was suprised.
I met a guy through a friend of mine who I crushed on for a long time. He was my 'type' ... meaning he had a good job that he liked but also had a bad attitude and self esteem issues which meant that at the end of our 'relationship' he told me how amazing I was and that I deserved better than him. (Insert comment about how I just wanted to hang out not get married... sheesh.) The first time we hung out, we were driving to my house in his car (Old style convertible) and he goes "You don't mind a little metal do you (totally trying to be cool) and I said like who? He says Slipknot or Disturbed (which I categorize as hard rock not metal) or something and I was like "Oh, yeah, I like them." and he sort of rolled his eyes and said "suuuure you do." I felt like giving him the finger, but at this point I had yet to stand up to a dumbass guy like that....so I kept the finger to myself.
But, I digress. I'm in a metal mood today. I'd really like some Helmet. I'll settle for the AC/DC that this internet radio station terms as metal.
Speaking of good metal check out The Valley they rock.
8.22.2007
Favorite lyrics of the day
These (partial) lyrics go to a song that I can't get my headphones to go loud enough when I'm listening to it:
I was called amazing
I make people believe
With nothin' in my pockets
And nothin' up my sleeve.
~Theme of the month. I'm amazing. I'm fabulous. I'm so cool. People tell me this as they break things off with me. I deserve everything that they can't give me.
damn right.
I was called amazing
I make people believe
With nothin' in my pockets
And nothin' up my sleeve.
~Theme of the month. I'm amazing. I'm fabulous. I'm so cool. People tell me this as they break things off with me. I deserve everything that they can't give me.
damn right.
8.14.2007
I LOVE when Seattle is in the National News
Karaoke Attack
This is a story from the Houston Chronicle. It is so bizarre that I've seen it in a few different papers from around the states. Lovely.
This is a story from the Houston Chronicle. It is so bizarre that I've seen it in a few different papers from around the states. Lovely.
Insomnia
I've been up since 2:30 am. I was going to blog a bit about some intellectual early morning thoughts, but my day took a different turn around 7am. Right after I took this picture on my phone:
Seattle Skyline Sunrise
I decided to take the water taxi over to work this morning because traffic was already beginning to be a headache and since I'm sleep deprived I can only imagine what my temper is going to do today. Good thing I get to wear headphones at my desk and not interact all day.
I didn't really feel like getting ready (aka, doing my hair) so I just left it wet in the hopes that it will dry to a nice wavy mess by noon.
Too bad a camera crew was at the water taxi this morning covering the story. And since I was a newby, they decided to interview me.
I really hope its not my 15 seconds of fame, cause that would be so lame. And so my luck. But, for those of you that read this everyday that are in the Seattle area, channel 7. They even took my name down. Great. No annonimity either. For those of you lucky enough to catch a glimpse of it, you might not recognize me... because I don't look like myself, except for the Starbucks cup attached to my right hand. :)
Seattle Skyline SunriseI decided to take the water taxi over to work this morning because traffic was already beginning to be a headache and since I'm sleep deprived I can only imagine what my temper is going to do today. Good thing I get to wear headphones at my desk and not interact all day.
I didn't really feel like getting ready (aka, doing my hair) so I just left it wet in the hopes that it will dry to a nice wavy mess by noon.
Too bad a camera crew was at the water taxi this morning covering the story. And since I was a newby, they decided to interview me.
I really hope its not my 15 seconds of fame, cause that would be so lame. And so my luck. But, for those of you that read this everyday that are in the Seattle area, channel 7. They even took my name down. Great. No annonimity either. For those of you lucky enough to catch a glimpse of it, you might not recognize me... because I don't look like myself, except for the Starbucks cup attached to my right hand. :)
8.03.2007
Funniest Question Asked Today
You don't play D&D do you?
As in Dungeons and Dragons.
Answer: No. My mom wouldn't let us, she didn't appreciate it.
Response: Oh, but you would have if she didn't mind?
Answer: Uhh. I guess?
Response: Great, cause there is a whole drawer of stuff right here!
As in Dungeons and Dragons.
Answer: No. My mom wouldn't let us, she didn't appreciate it.
Response: Oh, but you would have if she didn't mind?
Answer: Uhh. I guess?
Response: Great, cause there is a whole drawer of stuff right here!
7.31.2007
Just Kidding!
I wrote a post earlier this month about how happily blissful I was because I found this guy I liked. Well, JUST KIDDING! He turned out to be a jerk as well. Why? you might ask, well he left me at a bar with his friends while he went out to talk to some girl for awhile. Not sure how long I was there, but what I should have done was left the minute he said "I'll be right back."
I'm thinking about putting him on dontdatehimgirl.com. Then again, why waste the energy. Its just really hard work getting through all the jerks out there. But, this weekend I found about 6 or 7 of them for you ladies that don't need to go out with them yourselves!
Any guy who hangs around with people who think its ok to be hanging out with cheaters, or that try to make excuses for the reason his buddy (who happens to be your date) is out talking to some hysterical girl when he should be worried about the girl who's about to do some damage to his car. If I could only remember where he parked it. Sigh.
Movin on. I feel a road trip comin on.
I'm thinking about putting him on dontdatehimgirl.com. Then again, why waste the energy. Its just really hard work getting through all the jerks out there. But, this weekend I found about 6 or 7 of them for you ladies that don't need to go out with them yourselves!
Any guy who hangs around with people who think its ok to be hanging out with cheaters, or that try to make excuses for the reason his buddy (who happens to be your date) is out talking to some hysterical girl when he should be worried about the girl who's about to do some damage to his car. If I could only remember where he parked it. Sigh.
Movin on. I feel a road trip comin on.
7.26.2007
I'm in trouble.
My new job has video games in the back room.
What's the problem, you might ask?
They have Guitar Hero... and apparently there are competitions with prizes.
What's the problem, you might ask?
They have Guitar Hero... and apparently there are competitions with prizes.
DUDE! Check this out...
Deluxe Ball Chair
Its a little weird, but interesting to say the least. I sit on a normal ball at work, and people make fun of me.
Its a little weird, but interesting to say the least. I sit on a normal ball at work, and people make fun of me.
7.25.2007
The Most "Techie" Thing I've Done All Week
My new job at the start up company is AWESOME. Except for the fact that I have to take a test in three months...sheesh!
The most 'techie' thing I did this week was install a second monitor. I've never done this before. I know how to plug in a monitor, but that's about it. And the funniest thing is when the guy brought over my second monitor I asked him "So, should I move...or..." and he looks at me with a smirk and says:
"We like to let everyone empower themselves." and walks away.
So, I only locked myself out of my computer once, but I got that monitor up and running and can now move all my windows from one to the other!
The learning curve here is steep, but I plan on stomping it flat pretty soon.
The most 'techie' thing I did this week was install a second monitor. I've never done this before. I know how to plug in a monitor, but that's about it. And the funniest thing is when the guy brought over my second monitor I asked him "So, should I move...or..." and he looks at me with a smirk and says:
"We like to let everyone empower themselves." and walks away.
So, I only locked myself out of my computer once, but I got that monitor up and running and can now move all my windows from one to the other!
The learning curve here is steep, but I plan on stomping it flat pretty soon.
Dating 101?
For clarification on an earlier post; I am right back where I should be with dating. It makes no sense, men really don't make sense, and maybe I should have stuck to my 'giving up on men', who knows.
When I was younger (you know, in my 20's) I came up with these strange superstitions. I wouldn't date anyone with the same color eyes as mine (it wouldn't last), wouldn't write about that person in my journal (the next day things would go horribly awry), wouldn't date a guy who's pants were smaller than mine (which lets face it -- that's just cruel), wouldn't date someone who was younger than me (too immature)... the list was pretty long.
I threw all those out the window, and now I'm thinking maybe I was on to something. I've finally started dating people who are interested in me, but I revert to old habits. Like, when I'm excited about them, I don't hide it. I don't play "the game." I was never good at it anyway. I don't filter everything I say just in case some "we" slips out, or future tense of an action... god forbid. Does this freak them out? Not sure, but the old faithful response is... if they freak out now, what are they going to do when they really know you?
So, are these superstitions something I should keep? Should I play the game, and if I do, for how long? If I really do like someone do I pretend I don't? Someone puleeeeeeeease tell me the answer!
When I was younger (you know, in my 20's) I came up with these strange superstitions. I wouldn't date anyone with the same color eyes as mine (it wouldn't last), wouldn't write about that person in my journal (the next day things would go horribly awry), wouldn't date a guy who's pants were smaller than mine (which lets face it -- that's just cruel), wouldn't date someone who was younger than me (too immature)... the list was pretty long.
I threw all those out the window, and now I'm thinking maybe I was on to something. I've finally started dating people who are interested in me, but I revert to old habits. Like, when I'm excited about them, I don't hide it. I don't play "the game." I was never good at it anyway. I don't filter everything I say just in case some "we" slips out, or future tense of an action... god forbid. Does this freak them out? Not sure, but the old faithful response is... if they freak out now, what are they going to do when they really know you?
So, are these superstitions something I should keep? Should I play the game, and if I do, for how long? If I really do like someone do I pretend I don't? Someone puleeeeeeeease tell me the answer!
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