where or when

change your bookmarks!

2005-05-03T15:54:00.000-05:00

As of today, I'm going to be mainly posting at my new blog: all about E. Yay!

me and my red hoodie

2005-05-03T10:29:00.000-05:00

Central Presbyterian Church has pictures up from Easter Sunday. If you want to see me chilled in my red hoodie at the sunrise service, I'm on the right in the second pic of the Flash presentation. The sky was beginning to lighten up at the moment. Don't ask me what I was doing at the moment, because it is really a rather cold blur.

I gave in.

2005-04-29T15:35:00.000-05:00

I was tired of this design and frustrated with Blogger, so I gave in and bought a domain and set up wordpress. I'm still playing with it, and when I have it where I feel confident enough to plug it, you'll read it here!

I want to thank Oso here for having such a gorgeous blog. I was so fascinated with his blog that I had been seriously considering setting wordpress up ever since his redesign. So thanks, oso!

For my regular readers, whomever you may be, I'd like to thank you for keeping up with me. I'm not giving up on blogging, just on blogg-er.

Oh, and thanks to Charlie for helping me come up with my domain name.

These were my ideas (not chosen):
whereorwhen.net - obvious
animadvert.net - cool word
perpend.net - cool word
viennarain.net - poem I wrote in college
candentbeam.net - cool word

Hopefully I can play with it enough this weekend to make it open to the public! I'll keep you posted.

eeeewwwwwwwww

2005-04-28T08:49:00.000-05:00

The INSIDER Online: News: Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes Dating

Alison Krauss and Union Station coming to Austin

2005-04-27T09:43:00.000-05:00

Hmm. I love this group, but I HATE the Backyard, where they will be playing in June. I just know they would be a great concert, but I can't stand the setup of the Backyard. The last concert I attended there was Lyle Lovett. The crowd talked drunkily over the opening act, Keb Mo (who we love), so we couldn't hear him. Some tall man with a cowboy hat was seated directly in front of us, so we couldn't see. People were smoking all around us, and the air was so still. I felt cheated out of my money and haven't seen a concert there since.

Will it be better for Alison Krauss and Union Station? I just don't know. Plus, if we go to the Kerrville Folk Festival, it would be financially better for me not to go to another concert for a while.

Also, I see on the BY's website that Los Lonely Boys is playing next week with opening acts Calexico and Ozomatli. Man!

Marie Antoinette and Howard Hawks

2005-04-26T15:17:00.000-05:00

I am reading Marie Antoinette: the Journey (see the link on the left). I have been reading it for what seems like an eternity, but what is probably only a week and a half. I am only half-way through. I am determined to finish this book! Not only is it good biography, but I have spent so much time on it already, I might as well finish it. There is a reason I don't read much non-fiction - I can't skim through this book, because I am already getting enough names mixed up. All the Countesses and Princesses. . . the only ones I can tell are obvious relatives are her sisters and mother, because "Marie" was a family name.

What have we learned, Charlie Brown:

- King Louis XVI was not a very sexual man. He had no mistresses (well, not yet anyway, I'm only half-way through the book) and was not physically close to his wife for the first few years of their marriage.

- Marie Antoinette's favorite composer was Gluck (not a familiar name to many outside of music studies). She missed a chance to patronize Mozart, as she was pregnant with her first child.

- She was not a very literate person, was near-sighted and was not able to concentrate very hard on things.

- She had issues with bossy older women like her mother, oldest sister, and others.

See! I can always make do with more random trivia!

Not so much related, except for the mention of trivia - I finally watched my Bringing Up Baby DVD this weekend. Included in the set is a documentary on Howard Hawks. I didn't realize the variety of movies the man directed! He told a funny story about Faulkner and Clark Gable, which you may already know.

He and William Faulkner were planning on going on a hunting trip and Gable asked if he could tag along. While on the trip, a discussion on great literature was started. Gable asked who the great writers were. Faulkner answered, Ernest Hemingway, Willa Cather, a couple other writers from the canon, and himself. Gable said, "Oh, you're a writer?" and Faulkner replied, "Yes. And what is it you do?"

Too funny.

more chick-lit anger

2005-04-26T08:48:00.000-05:00

Sweet. It fascinates me how chick-lit as a term creates a dichotomy between female writers. I just found this angry response to the publishing of a book titled This Is Not Chick Lit, "a collection of original stories by America's best women writers". Here you go: Beatrice.com: Guest Author: Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Jennifer Weiner has a response to it, also. This one is funnier, though.

Oh, and I'm 27 today. *whoo-hoo*

an update from Melissa

2005-04-25T10:06:00.000-05:00

Besides the bug bites, snake threats and scorpions. . . she's still having a good time in Costa Rica.

I'm back in the village where the renewable energy course was held. I don't know if I'm getting all the fullfillment I was hoping for by volunteering at Rancho [X], but I am learning some cool stuff. I'm getting more enjoyment from the homestay I'm doing. I'm staying with a family that has a small farm, so on some occassions, I help the mother and daughter milk the cows in the morning. It's been really great staying with them.

The reason why I don't feel satisfied with the work I'm doing is because we've been building a house out of natural materials, which is great, but it is for the owners of the ranch. They're great people and they are doing a lot for the community, but I would rather be helping out more in the community. I skipped work for two days to help the family plant squash at another farm that is funded through the government. It was tough work as you can imagine, especially because they don't have much equipment. Literally, all they have is a shovel and a few machetes. The machetes are used in conjuction with a stick to cut the brush. I wanted to try it out, but was scared to get bit by a snake, especially since there are venemous snakes in the
area.

The family has much interest in opening up a guesthouse with the expectation that more tourists will come to the area. Their oldest daughter is working on a proposal to get funding/financing from the government. The village I'm staying at doesn't have a phone or internet, so I traveled to the nearest town with internet, which is
two hours away. I brought their daughter with me, so she could open up an email account, so she could email her proposal to the appropriate person in hopes to get things rolling along a bit faster.

Well, that was a quick summation of what I've been up to. I've been doing well with the expection of being attacked by ants and other miscellaneous bugs. I pretty much wake up each morning with a few more bug bites. Oh, and I killed my first scorpion yesterday - not to worry, it was a little one. I hope you are doing well and fill me in on what has been going on in your life.

Women Build: framing

2005-04-24T15:00:00.000-05:00

I spent most of yesterday at the Habitat warehouse, building the frames for the Women Build house. It was awesome. I was so worried that I had lost my touch, since I hadn't done any construction since 2001. But as soon as I started hitting the toenail into the cripple over the door, I was back. I was very happy that I still had it. It was terrific to spend the day with a group of other Austin-area women interested in building affordable housing and excited to use tools. One of the women in my group had never nailed before, but she did a fantastic job of it! Her technique was down.

There was one volunteer whose advice seemed patronizing to me, but I could tell her advice helped the newbie volunteers, so whatever. Overall, it was a diverse and delightful group of women there volunteering, and we really got a lot done. This was my first Woman's Build as a volunteer, so that was neat.

And can I say that I kick ass with a nail gun? Because I do. I still hate using it for the noise produced (it always freaks me out), but towards the end of the afternoon I was using it because my arm was sore from hammering and lifting.

Today I am so sore it's not funny. My glutes, legs and hammering arm are very achy. I'm hopped up on ibuprofen. But it was worth it. They said that they contract out taping and texturing, so I can't help with that (I hate taping, but love spraying and swiping the texture). I'm planning on helping put the sheetrock up, and maybe going another time before that. I can't do it every weekend, though. I wouldn't be able to survive the week!

from Charlie. AGAIN.

2005-04-21T21:13:00.000-05:00

Elizabeth's Aliases

Your movie star name: Crackers Grant

Your fashion designer name is Elizabeth Vienna

Your socialite name is Lizardbreath Austin

Your fly girl / guy name is E Sto

Your detective name is Bear Johnston

Your barfly name is Cookie Margarita

Your soap opera name is Virginia Briarcliff

Your rock star name is Chocolate Roadrunner

Your star wars name is Elieve Stomar

Your punk rock band name is The Aware Remote

The Amazing Meganame Generator

Wind, Water and Stone: A Spring Concert of Mostly New Music

2005-04-21T12:53:00.000-05:00

The Barbwire Project is having a concert next Saturday evening featuring Michelle Schumann. Exciting stuff! I think I'll be in Kerrville that day, unfortunately. I always enjoy Michelle's performances, especially her concerts for John Cage's birthday.

For more information look here: Barbwire Music Project

from Pinkdome

2005-04-20T09:22:00.000-05:00

You scored as Christianity. Your views are most similar to those of Christianity. Do more research on Christianity and possibly consider being baptized and accepting Jesus, if you aren't already Christian.

Christianity is the second of the Abrahamic faiths; it follows Judaism and is followed by Islam. It differs in its belief of Jesus, as not a prophet nor historical figure, but as God in human form. The Holy Trinity is the concept that God takes three forms: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Ghost (sometimes called Holy Spirit). Jesus taught the idea of instead of seeking revenge, one should love his or her neighbors and enemies. Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross to save humankind and forgive people's sins.

Christianity

79%

Buddhism

63%

agnosticism

58%

Judaism

50%

Paganism

46%

Hinduism

42%

Satanism

29%

Islam

25%

atheism

Which religion is the right one for you? (new version)
created with QuizFarm.com

ARGH

2005-04-19T09:29:00.000-05:00

I just spent about 30 minutes on the phone with FedEx. I am so frustrated with them and am slowly calming down as I type. I won't explain the whole debacle, but it was damn worth it being on the phone so long to get credited for something that wasn't our fault. Even if it was only $7.07. Even then.

I don't get angry too often, but when I do, watch out! Seriously though, I have improved in my dealing with frustrating people. I can talk very calmly even though I want to shout. I can take deep breaths and retain a reasonable tone. I used to just get choked up with anger and teary-eyed. I am very pleased with my improvement. Of course, I would prefer not to get agitated at all. But it happens.

my childhood best friend. . .

2005-04-19T08:54:00.000-05:00

I just found out Genevieve, my best friend from childhood (and really one of those people I can chat with like no time has passed), is participating in a 3 day walk in Seattle to raise money for breast cancer. I thought I should plug her page here so she might be able to pick up some random donations. It's 60 miles in 3 days!! That's worth plugging in and of itself.

2005 Seattle Breast Cancer 3-Day - General Donation

um, thanks again, Charlie.

2005-04-18T22:46:00.000-05:00

Your Linguistic Profile:

50% General American English

25% Dixie

20% Yankee

5% Midwestern

0% Upper Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

The Marriage of Figaro

2005-04-14T11:19:00.000-05:00

I'm so tempted to sign up for this class . . . Marriage of Figaro is my favorite opera, period. I would only have a problem possibly with the live chats, given that I do work 8 hours (at least) a day.

AllLearn: Online Course on Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro

update: I registered for it! So now I have to do it.

Open House

2005-04-12T19:54:00.000-05:00

This evening I went to an open house at the local library. I was the only non-librarian there. There was good food, at least!

Bill Nye the Science Guy, and homophobic adolescents.

2005-04-10T19:43:00.000-05:00

Flipping through channels this evening, I discover The Eyes of Nye, a new show hosted by Bill Nye. I don't know about you all, but I watched Bill Nye in high school. I swear that I learned more from his show than from my honors physics teacher. I just finished watching the first ep on Astrobiology. Good stuff, but it's just not the same! There was no dorky music video spoof.

Last night Leah and I saw "Beautyshop". There was a couple in front of us, which I thought was a mother and daughter. Not so much! When a gay character came up on screen, the adolescent got up and started saying, "fa**ot, fa**ot, fa**ot" at the screen. He got up and walked to the steps, repeating it to himself. As soon as the character was off the screen, he came back and sat in his seat. During this whole thing, I wanted to get up and talk some sense into him. Leah said later, he was fla-ming. I said, whatever, there's no excuse for that.

And, um, some of the characters from that film worked themselves into my dream last night. Which was very bizarre, including second-cousins I don't have and other strangeness.

thanks, Charlie.

2005-04-05T11:48:00.000-05:00

You Are 26 Years Old

26

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe.

13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world.

20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.

30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!

40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

Strangely enough, I am 26, At least for 21 more days. I think Degrassi and creme brulee equaled eaach other out or something. But I am damn addicted to Degrassi.

only in my dreams - thank GOD!

2005-04-01T16:00:00.000-06:00

I had the worst dream last night. In it, the Austin Statesman removed The Boondocks from the funnies because it's too political. Instead it was replaced with some British strip about a modern gal.

Later on in my dream (the most vivid part), I was listening to NPR. Scott Simon was hosting an interview with some muckety-muck, and you could hear Arabic in the background. Suddenly shots were being fired on the radio. Scott Simon told us Al Queda was attacking NPR. I started freaking out that such an open-minded part of our society would be attacked by the terrorist org. I ran into my parents' living room (all the sudden I was at their house) and told my dad to change the channel on his radio so he could hear. In my dream, he refused to take it off KMFA. Then I tried to find some TV news channel that would cover the attack, and no one could figure out what channel Headline News was (in real life, my parents have a different cable provider, so neither Leah nor I ever know the channels). My aunt and uncle who live in Kermit were over and they couldn't understand my frustration and fear. IT WAS HORRIBLE.

I woke up really scared, and thankful that it was a dream and not reality. In real life, this morning I went on to cut my foot on something near the kitchen, and I almost got killed on my way to carpool with my mom. I was driving on the access road to get to the house and this asshole silver truck-driver came VERY close to ending my life by swiping me. I honked for like a minute before he noticed me. He then slowed down after he realized my existence in that lane.

I was already freaked out from my INSANE dream/nightmare, hurt from cutting my foot, and this was just the last straw. I started shaking, and I was practically bawling by the time I got to my mom's house.

I will say now, the day has been very busy, but I am definitely feeling better. I think the Greek salad I had for lunch helped.

yeah, I got hail damage.

2005-03-28T15:34:00.000-06:00

I've already called my insurance company about my poor injured car. It has lovely welts in the front and the roof. It could be worse, and a lot more obvious.

Looking at my stats, I find that someone came to my site looking for "watch my daughter u*n*dre*ss pics". This disturbs me. A lot. For the record, I do not have pictures of anyone's daughter taking off their clo*thes. I am soooo not about that.

Last week (pre-Easter) I was talking to Kristina and she asked me how long you are supposed to boil eggs. She had boiled them for THIRTY minutes. I told her that from what I read on the internet it only takes about 12 minutes at the most.

Yesterday we went to the sunrise Easter service at Zilker Park and it was very cold. It was lovely, but I should have worn more layers.

Well, that's all about Elizabeth Small. And no, my last name is not Small.

2005-03-25T22:05:00.000-06:00

from Melissa

2005-03-24T10:21:00.000-06:00

I am sooo jealous - just got this email from Melissa during her sabattical in Latin America:

Subject: I climbed Mt. Everest...

okay, so it wasn't Everest, but it sure as hell felt like it. I hiked up to
the top of an inactive volcano yesterday, which was entailed a 4 1/2 hour hike up to the top through some muddy conditions. I was huffing and puffing the whole way up and if it would have been for my out of shape ass, we could have made it there a bit sooner. The objective of the hike was to get to a lake that formed in the crater of the volcano. So, we reached the highest point which was about 3,800 feet and then we had to descend down a mud pit.

Due to my lack of balance, I lost my footing and well, came really close to sliding straight of the cliff. Was I scared? You betcha! We hung out at the lake for about at hour which was absolutely gorgeous, but by the time we got up there I was completely drenched in sweat that with the cool breeze, I was too cold to go in. Now, when we got to the lake, everyone was wondering were was the rope that all the guide books said you needed to get to the lake. Well, since the descent was way to muddy, we took another path, which is where the rope came into play. Oh, my God, I thought I was going to die. I've never been rock climbing before, so you can imagine my apprehension.

There were two ropes hanging off the side of the cliff which you used to climb up and of course, there are no safety precautions. I was so scared and the tour guides kept telling me not to worry, although there was talk of two backpackers dying recently, and I have no idea how, so that was circling around in my head the whole time. Nevertheless, I made it to the top, but then I had to descend down the muddy trail. The descent was less challenging, but since it was so slippery, I kept imagining a nasty spill. Luckily, my tour guide sensed my fear and came to my rescue. I felt like such a wimp, but without him holding my hand most of the way down, I don't know if I would have made it back in one piece. But, thankfully I did. Yeah!!! And, of course, I'm sooooo sore today. Well, I just wanted to fill you in on my little adventure. By the way, that was Volcan Maderas that I hiked. It's located on the Island of Ometepe in Nicaragua. I hope you all are doing well and I'll keep you updated on my next adventure.

who will be the Wendy Pepper?

2005-03-21T14:01:00.000-06:00

Yay!!!

Project Runway to have a second season

Austin Film Society :: SIN CITY

2005-03-21T09:02:00.000-06:00

Sin City to "regionally" premiere in Austin, hosted by co-director Robert Rodriguez. If there was a bigger discount for AFS members, I would so be there.

Austin Film Society :: SIN CITY - March 31, Paramount

On a lesser note (for me, anyway), AFS is also hosting a "special screening" of Sahara.

Matthew McConaughey hosts Sahara at the Paramount - March 28

The tickets are more reasonably priced (I guess there's not an after-party for it).

la primavera!

2005-03-20T17:06:00.000-06:00

dilemma. . .

2005-03-18T15:47:00.000-06:00

Okay, my dilemma:

a) the Greencards tonight at Threadgills by myself

or

b) watch "Jesus Christ Superstar" at a friend's house.

Leah has already taken the future "local" Greencards concerts days off, so I know I'll be able to see them again sometime soon.

And if I go to my friends house, I don't have to take the Dillo, worry about parking, or walk downtown at night by myself.

I guess I'm leaning more towards the movie. If you hadn't figured that out.

You don't have The Others.

2005-03-18T15:24:00.000-06:00

This is a really funny take-off on "Who's on First?", except with movies.

McSweeney's Internet Tendency: Who's on First?

crappy fortunes on my writer's desk

2005-03-18T12:08:00.000-06:00

"You will discover the truth in time."

"He who takes notes listens well."

"A small act of charity will go along(sic) way."

"You will inherit a large sum of money."

They are stuck behind the vinyl sheet on my Levenger writer's desk here at work. I should really just give them to Leah already, since I think she still collects them.

I also have a not-so-crappy fortune in my wallet next to my license:

"You're the greatest in the world."

That one keeps me humble. Ha!

My contribution to Wiki

2005-03-17T17:10:00.000-06:00

I started stubs on Wikipedia about Radney Foster and Kim Richey. I also fleshed out the stub on my alma mater.

I wonder where they will go from here. . .

Friday night

2005-03-17T10:22:00.000-06:00

Three things possible for Friday night:

1) "Ballad of Jack and Rose" at the Arbor, 6:45pm
2) The Greencards at Threadgills (free), 8pm
3) Austin Symphony does Beethoven's 9th at Bass Concert Hall, 8pm

Of course, with the lack of energy I've had the past week, I might not go to any of these. I really want to catch the Greencards though. They have moved to Nashville and I probably won't get another chance to see them until the summer otherwise.

I just have to figure out where to park and how to get there.

I thought this was a joke

2005-03-16T16:27:00.000-06:00

"Arrested Development" has got me so jaded about the Blue Man Group - but it looks like they are actually looking for new members! They are coming to Austin for a casting call.

About.com: Could You Be a Blue Man?

I ain't been nowhere

2005-03-15T17:03:00.000-06:00

bold the states you've been to, underline the states you've lived in and italicize the state you're in now...

Alabama / Alaska / Arizona / Arkansas / California / Colorado / Connecticut / Delaware / Florida / Georgia / Hawaii / Idaho / Illinois / Indiana / Iowa / Kansas / Kentucky / Louisiana / Maine / Maryland / Massachusetts / Michigan / Minnesota / Mississippi / Missouri / Montana / Nebraska / Nevada / New Hampshire / New Jersey / New Mexico / New York / North Carolina / North Dakota / Ohio / Oklahoma / Oregon / Pennsylvania / Rhode Island / South Carolina / South Dakota / Tennessee / Texas / Utah / Vermont / Virginia / Washington / West Virginia / Wisconsin / Wyoming / Washington D.C /

Go HERE to have a form generate the HTML for you.

(via)

as far as 'The Amazing Race' goes

2005-03-15T16:08:00.000-06:00

It seems that people in NY and CA may know who the winners are, and want to make money off of it!

Don't read the full article if you don't want to know the possible ending - there's a spoiler alert. I shouldn't have the read the full article myself, but ah well.

Bets With Bookie May Reveal 'Race' Winners

Manic, manic Monday

2005-03-14T16:32:00.000-06:00

Today has been awful here at the office. The office assistant is off thru Weds, and of course the phones rang at least five times an hour. We had lots of stuff to get out, plus I had scheduling to deal with. Not fun.

I really wanted to check out the Blogger party tonight, but I have. no. energy. at all. I'm going to do laundry, read, and try to build up energy for tomorrow.

As far as tomorrow goes, I wanted to check out the Interactive Fair at SxSW in the afternoon, since I have a free day-pass to it. But I don't think it is feasible. Unfortunately I'm needed here in the office. Damn it.

Whine, whine, whine. At least I have a job and I make a livable wage. I shouldn't complain too much.

can you dig it?

2005-03-04T13:36:00.000-06:00

I swear there is a lady doing drug testing in the bathroom. I walked out of the stall to wash my hands, and there was this woman in scrubs with "specimens" on the sink counter. If she wasn't doing drug-testing, I don't know what she was doing. She had two "specimens" and two test tubes and she was mixing stuff up. I hardly find the bathroom to be the most sterile environment for that, but I guess you just have to make do.

I love this, and I didn't write it.

2005-03-04T12:11:00.000-06:00

An essay on where or when

The subject of where or when is a controversial issue. There are many factors which influenced the development of where or when. Until recently considered taboo amongst polite society, spasmodically it returns to create a new passion amongst those who study its history. Inevitably feelings run deep amongst those most reliant on technology, many of whom blame the influence of television. Here begins my indepth analysis of the glourious subject of where or when.

Social Factors

Comparisons between Roman Society and Medieval Society give a clear picture of the importance of where or when to developments in social conduct. I will not insult the readers inteligence by explaining this obvious comparison any further. When blues legend 'Bare Foot D' remarked 'awooooh eeee only my dawg understands me' [1] he failed to understand that if one seriously intends to 'not judge a book by its cover', then one must read a lot of books. A society without where or when is like a society without knowledge, in that it provides standards by which we may judge our selves.

Nothing represents every day life better than where or when, and I mean nothing. It grows stonger every day.

Economic Factors

The preceding section may have shed some light on society but to really understand man you must know how he spends his money. We will begin by looking at the Spanish-Armada model. For those of you unfamiliar with this model it is derived from the Three-Amigos model but with greater emphasis on the outlying gross national product.

When displayed this way it becomes very clear that where or when is of great importance. Seemingly housing prices looms over where or when this cannot be a coincidence. Strong fluctuations in investor confidence have been seen over the past two financial years.

Political Factors

Machiavellian politics is rife. Are our leaders justified in pursuing and maintaining political power? Comparing current political thought with that held just ten years ago is like comparing the two sides of where or when.

To quote jazz singer Demetrius T. Time 'political change changes politics, but where does it go?' [2] One cannot help but agree when faced with where or when, that this highlights an important issue. I feel strongly that if politicians spent less time thinking about where or when and put more effort into their family life, that we would have a very different country.
Is where or when politically correct, in every sense? Each man, woman and to a lesser extent, child, must make up their own mind.

Conclusion

To reiterate, where or when must not be allowed to get in the way of the bigger question: why are we here? Putting this aside its of great importance. It enlightens our daily lives, brought up a generation and never hides.

One final thought from the talented Shania Travolta: 'where or when is the new rock and roll! And the new opera!' [3]

[1] Bare Foot D - Classic - 1967 Stinton Records

[2] Time - Yes Indeed - 1987 Indegro Books

[3] Everything you always wanted to know about where or when, but were afraid to ask. - Issue 287 - QKS Publishing

I told you I didn't write it.

the Office, American-style

2005-03-02T19:05:00.000-06:00

I don't know how long this link will work, but you might be able to go here to preview scenes from NBC's version of The Office. It looks just as painfully funny as the British original.

what the??

2005-03-02T16:04:00.000-06:00

Bob Newhart Joins 'Desperate Housewives'

I gotta say, I didn't see that coming.

psychadelic potatoes

2005-03-02T13:34:00.000-06:00

I fixed potatoes for dinner last night. My mom makes them this yummy way and I couldn't get the same result. They tasted fine, but don't have the right texture. Anyway, I'm going to blame them for the dream I had last night. I dreamt that I was working on this fashion reality show (a la Project Runway) and the male designers had to design outfits for the female designers to wear with the theme of seafood (a la Iron Chef America). There were some ug-lay outfits on display, I gotta tell you. Many varieties of pink. I think Wendy Pepper was around there somewhere.

What was most bizarre was that Pamie and her new husband Stee were in it. I'm not a regular reader of her blog, so it really doesn't make much sense. Anyway, in the dream, I was taking a break from the show to go to the bathroom and I grabbed a rubbermaid container from by the door, thinking it held my phone. No - it held Stee's phone as well as some magazine. As soon as I got done with the bathroom I was gonna give it to him, but my college friend Charlotte grabbed the magazine from me and started reading it. Stee got mad at us when he came upon us reading his book, and I apologized profusely for not getting his phone back to him ASAP.

Wierd, huh? I think it means:
a) I watch too much reality TV.
b) I shouldn't read Pamie's blog? at all?

Happy Women's History Month

2005-03-01T11:07:00.000-06:00

I've started my second annual celebration.

thoughts on audioblogging and Costa Rica

2005-02-25T20:00:00.000-06:00

if only IMDB gave out awards

2005-02-24T16:03:00.000-06:00

The votes are in for the Internet Movie Database's Best of 2004. It seems I'm not the only one who thinks Eternal Sunshine was the best film of the year. Whoo hoo!

The Oscars are Sunday and I have no plans. Kristina will probably call me and we'll gossip during the show, but she'll be an hour behind. It's a little weird, but whatever. I'll do like I usually do and mute the speeches (I even change the channel during acceptance speeches). It is fun to read the closed captioning too.

This article should be called "Why E-harmony sucks!"

2005-02-23T10:40:00.000-06:00

I'll admit it, I tried eHarmony a couple years back. I liked the test, but not the results, and especially not the matches it suggested. It kept sending me soldiers that seemed barely literate. Anyway, I gave up after a couple of months.

This article on AlterNet delves into the background of eHarmony and its "scientific technique", as well as its fundamentalist background. Yikes! It's good stuff.

AlterNet: Love Machines

but it took them six hours. . .

2005-02-22T21:12:00.000-06:00

Because I love you all, I'm going to share with you the greatness that is Arj and Poopy. My favorite episode is "Brutally Ambushed", but all of them are quite hi-larious.

They are done by the same animator who did the bunny music video.

2005-02-21T18:06:00.000-06:00

'I'm gonna grab that Oscar'

2005-02-18T15:10:00.000-06:00

Don Cheadle rocks.

Doogie!

2005-02-17T20:20:00.000-06:00

Neil Patrick Harris is guest-starring on Numb3rs tomorrow. I knew that was him (but I double-checked anyway).

hey hey the gang's all here

2005-02-17T10:05:00.000-06:00

Our mom told Leah and me this weekend that our aunt and uncle are moving to Austin from Kansas. It's kind of hush-hush since he is leaving a church he has been preaching at for a while now (and they don't know yet). I am really looking forward to it, because I love both of them and I haven't seen them since my drive back to Texas from Minnesota almost four years ago. He has been called to a church in Cedar Park, so I can't really attend there regularly, but I will definitely visit. Both my uncle and aunt are very intelligent and have these quirky senses of humor. My cousin is going to stay in Kansas; she is still going to school up there and really likes it. They will be down here near the end of the month to look at houses.

I realize this post is far from linear - suffice it to say, I'm really happy that my aunt and uncle will be close by!

last post tonight, I swear

2005-02-14T21:12:00.000-06:00

I'm watching "Medium" (taking a break from "Kinsey" on PBS) and I have the closed captioning on b/c this show is really quiet on my TV for some reason. Anywho - while the character said "I think her parents are on the East Coast", the captioning said "I think her pants are on the East Coast." Ha! I love closed captioning levity in sad, dramatic moments.

Texas Ranch House, part deux

2005-02-14T19:38:00.000-06:00

I applied for this show. I was tempted to post my application here, but it was a tad too personal. Can you believe that? I discussed my long Texas lineage, my grandfather who raised cattle, my Heinz 57 ethnic makeup, and even my blogging tendencies. So now I've done that, but they want you to send in a video/DVD too. I don't have a video camera or anything. I don't even have any close friend that does. So nothing may happen with this. If they are intrigued enough by my written application, than they know where to find me. Where else will you find a mid-twenty-something eldest daughter of an eldest daughter of an eldest daughter, from seven generations of Texas lineage, with some construction knowledge? I doubt there are many of us out there. But I could be wrong. . .

P. S. If you have a DVR or video camera and live in the Austin area, let me know. . .=)

Valentines Day is for lov losers

2005-02-14T19:22:00.000-06:00

Okay, I stole that line from a card Leah and I saw at Target yesterday. I don't really feel that strongly about today. Basically, I don't care for it either way. There was one Valentine's day in college when I had an admirer who bought me a chocolate rose. He also gave me two tickets to see Sheryl Crow (for me and my then-roommate Kristina) when he couldn't come with me. He was really quite sweet, but I wasn't attracted to him at all. I think he was attracted to me because at the beginning of school, we sat next to each other at a choir dinner. We both got fortune cookies with the message, "Happiness is seated right next to you". Now if we had gotten together and had kids, wouldn't that be a nice cheesy story to tell? But no, it just didn't happen. Last I heard he was managing a symphony in Ohio, and my friend Alice said his girlfriend looked like she could be my twin. That's a tad scary.

This afternoon a couple of women in my office were serenaded by some Chord Rangers. It was very sappy, but sweet. Being serenaded is embarassing to me. My first memory of such was at a Mexican restaurant (now a Chinese buffet) where a mariachi band sang feliz cumpleanos a mi, and I started bawling. I think I was about 6. My parents never put me through that again. I've gotten much better about it now, but having a barbershop quartet sing to me - I just don't know.

Maybe if they were all really cute. I think could deal with that.

I am so pissed. . .

2005-02-08T21:53:00.000-06:00

Kris and Jon lost the Amazing Race to Freddy and Kendra. WAAAA.

Texas Ranch House

2005-02-08T20:07:00.000-06:00

I'm so applying for this.

Alton Brown and me

2005-02-05T15:58:00.000-06:00

AltonBrown
Originally uploaded by evso.

Here's the pic of Alton and me from last weekend at BookPeople. I usually don't wear my glasses, but I was lazy that morning.

Of course, I ran into someone I went to college with at church that morning. That's the way it always is!

boocoos of g-mail invites

2005-02-03T16:37:00.000-06:00

I now have 50 g-mail invites to ~~get rid of~~, erm, give out. Any takers? I seriously don't know that many people that would be interested in gmail. Does anyone?

I love these ads

2005-02-03T11:35:00.000-06:00

I really like these ads for Mercury (even though they are related to Ford, and I'd never buy a car from them):
Weatherman
A little competition

The funniest ad I've seen lately is definitely "Tuckey Junkyard" for Snapple. The first time I saw it I laughed for about a minute straight. It's mid-way down the page (Junkyard Car) on this site at AdAge.

just what is chick-lit?

2005-02-02T13:48:00.000-06:00

Here is Wikipedia's definition of chick-lit:

"Chick lit" is a slightly uncomplimentary term used to denote popular fiction written for and marketed to young women, especially single young women in their 20s, working in the business world.

This is a somewhat specific definition, but it is basically true. The publishing world tends to look down on chick-lit, yet makes boocoos of money off of the genre. From what I've observed in my reading of much chick-lit, the books tend to cover moments in the lives of women. Their business lives (mostly in urban cities, such as New York or London), their failed or non-existent love lives, and more. Leah and I have recently gotten into Katie Fforde, a British author who writes about 30-something women dealing with children, ex-husbands, failing estates, shipboard ventures and more. I would classify her as chick-lit, even though no one in her books works in the publishing world or is a typical 20-something. I've tried looking for more about chick-lit being a post-feminist form, and this is the best I could with a subscription to "Book" magazine: Guardian Unlimited: The imitation game

So there's my very basic, basic summary of the form born of Fielding's Bridget Jones' Diary.

31 days of Oscar blogs

2005-02-01T15:42:00.000-06:00

TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES has set up blogs for 31 characters for their 31 days of Oscar. My faves:

Stella Dallas
Otto from A Fish Called Wanda
Charles/Smithy from Random Harvest
Norman Bates
Terry Malloy from On the Waterfront
Dr. Strangelove
Billy from Kramer v. Kramer
Regina from Charade

Too fun!! I commented on Smithy's and Scarlett's.

Fiona Range

2005-02-01T13:35:00.000-06:00

I picked up this book at the library on Saturday. I am more than halfway through and am very frustrated with it. The writing is well-done, but the characters just aggravate me. I had this problem with Mary McGarry Morris' work "Songs in Ordinary Time". I get very frustrated with characters who continue to make stupid mistakes. I keep reading "Fiona Range" hoping that Fiona will come to see sense, that her frail cousin Elizabeth will speak up, that her aunt and uncle will tell her truth about her parentage, etc. I am skimming far too much, waiting for this moment. I had hoped that this book would be a better experience than "Songs in Ordinary Time", but no.

I also checked out a book (not on purpose) from the library that I have read before. That drives me nuts. I should probably go to another library. It is getting to the point that I have read all I care to at the neighborhood library. How closed-minded does that sound? Ah well. They only get new books in every so often.

I am also in the midst of Michael Chabon's "Summerland" that I bought at Half Price a year ago and hadn't read until now. It is quite unlike "Kavalier and Clay" or "Wonder Boys". It's somewhat Harry Potter-ish or "A Wrinkle in Time"-ey, except there's a lot of baseball and little people in it. I'm not sure what to think of it, but at least it is inventive! And I really like Michael Chabon.

Was it really worth it?

2005-01-31T09:05:00.000-06:00

I spent most of yesterday in BookPeople, all for Alton Brown. He was scheduled to speak at 3pm, and my mom and I got there around 1:15pm. After Mom had bought the books, we got our tickets, and they sold out of the books. We went upstairs and had to walk through a maze of people sitting on the floor. We found a spot where we had a decent vantage point (somewhat blocked by a pillar) and stood until he came down more than an hour later. While we waited: C. called to tell me he wasn't coming after all and I said that was a good idea, b/c it was a zoo!, Mom and I struck up a conversation with a guy who was actually upstairs to buy books from the urban studies section (about Jim Wallis' impending visit), I joked with Leah on the phone that we wouldn't be done until 5:30. Alton came down and I took some pics (to be posted later). He was just as funny in person as he is on the show (if not funnier). He took questions from the audience about smoking meat, Iron Chef America, a show on cooking game, his upcoming show on Route 66 diners, and more. Then the book-signing started. He swore he wouldn't leave until all the books were signed. Mom and I had yellow C48, and they started with yellow A0. We were still there at 5:30. Luckily, some nice guys gave us their B86 yellow ticket, so we were able to get to him before 7pm. There were still tons of people there waiting when we were done. I heard one woman in the restroom saying she and her family had driven up from Houston to see him. Yikes! I think she had a pink ticket, too. So they probably didn't get to him until 9pm.

I would swear I'm not going back to BookPeople for another year, but I have to see Jim Wallis on Wednesday. I can't miss that. I am certain he won't have as many fans, since he doesn't have a TV show.

I seriously never thought I would get tired of being in a bookstore. I think it was the large amount of people there that did it.

notes on ads

2005-01-29T14:50:00.000-06:00

and I just saw Heather from "Real World season one" in an AOL ad. Ran-dom.

I heart Jennifer Weiner . . .

2005-01-28T15:27:00.000-06:00

even though she can't get published in the "New Yorker". Who needs them, anyway? She has written step-by-step instructions for How to Query the New Yorker (if you are a Female Writer of Popular Fiction who Does Not Look like Nell Freudenberg). Quite funny. They point out that she is too Philly for such a New York mag, but it seems a lame excuse to me. It's the chick-lit thing, I think. Oh, by the way - go take this test and let me know how you do.

what have I done?

2005-01-26T13:16:00.000-06:00

I have signed myself up to be on my class' reunion committee. Why? You may ask. Well, I am not exactly sure myself. I haven't donated any money to the school since I graduated. Now that I am off the board of MDC, I guess I thought I could donate my time to another "cause". Although - this pretty much decides the fact that I have to go to homecoming this year. I assumed there would be a large bunch on this committee, but there are only six of us! Ah well, I'll do the best I can with my limited resources. I mainly am interested in finding "lost" alums, esp. since there at least two people on the "lost" list that I was quite close to in school (my sophomore year roommate, especially!).

Plus, I figure this way I can guilt Kristina into coming up so I can see the baby! We'll see.

Don't blame Dave

2005-01-20T11:57:00.000-06:00

Apparently Dave Matthews' bus driver decided to empty the vehicle's waste tank over a bridge. Under same bridge, a tour boat that had about 100 people on it were hit with this waste.

I don't care much for Dave Matthews, but this is just funny. Well, unless you were one of the tourists covered with Dave's poo.

Band Bus Driver Charged With Waste Dumping

I can't give you anything but love, baby

2005-01-18T13:15:00.000-06:00

My life is now complete. Bringing Up Baby, the best comedy of all time, is coming out on DVD March 1. A couple years ago I e-mailed RKO asking them to release it. They wrote back a month later saying that Warner Bros owned the rights. So I e-mailed Warner Brothers, begging them to release it on DVD. I don't think I ever heard back from them.

Leah just called me to tell me, and I had share with you. It kills me every time I see it, and I have it memorized. Now I can watch certain scenes over and over again! As well as the really cool extras. SWEET!

Amazon.com: DVD: Bringing Up Baby (Two-Disc Special Edition) (1938)

my current TV schedule

2005-01-17T14:22:00.000-06:00

I watch a fair amount of TV, and here are my current faves:

Monday - I really like this show Medium. I don't care too much for Patricia Arquette, but the guy who plays her hubby was in What the Deaf Man Heard and I like that he can be versatile like that - a Brit who can do a semi-decent deep Southern accent as well as a Southwest accent. I started watching the show because over Christmas I read "The Clairvoyant Countess", which was a very cute book about an Eastern European woman who moves to a fictional American metropolis and can see glimpses of the future. Medium isn't as good as that book, but I like it just the same.

Plus, it gives me something to watch on Monday nights.

Tuesday - When will Gilmore Girls come back? I'm in withdrawal here.

The Amazing Race - love Kris and Jon, hate hate HATE Jonathan and Victoria. Can't believe they haven't been eliminated yet. How did these people make it thru a background check?

I still like my Queer Eye every now and then, but I'm not as into it as I used to be.

Wednesday - I could go without Lost, but I still watch it. Last week's ep was really messed up, so I don't know.

And where is my Alias goodness? I'm a die-hard fan from the beginning, and I just can't get into the show like I used to. I'll still watch, but it isn't a must-see for me right now. I record it for Leah and watch instead. . .

Project Runway. I'm really into this show. I love seeing what they come up with each episode for all the challenges. I have my favorite designers, but will Morgan the model just get eliminated already? She's annoying me with her (seemingly) drug-induced twittering.

Thursday - I love me my Without a Trace. Period. It's still good, acting-wise and writing-wise.

Friday - I'm over Joan of Arcadia.

Sunday - I love Arrested Development, when I remember to watch it. The Simpsons is disappointingly stinky this season. Desperate Housewives - love it.

I watch Extreme Home Makeover or whatever it's called when I'm in the right mood.

You say, baby, ah, it ain't nothing . . .

2005-01-17T11:18:00.000-06:00

I finally bought Kim Richey's eponymous album (again) after having it stolen three years ago from my car. I really missed it! I've been listening to this song over and over.

That's exactly what I mean - by Kim Richey and Tia Sellers

I feel a cold snap comin'
Frost is on the windowpane
Trees are green and bees are humming
But I'm freezing just the same
Can't put my finger on it
Where did we lose the flame
We'll both end up broken-hearted
If we don't find that fire again

Lately we've been missing something and
Love is wearing at the seams
You say, "Baby, ah, it ain't nothing," and
That's exactly what I mean

Come every winter season
Most birds, they fly away
It's warm down south
They got no reason
Why they should wanna stay
When we take love for granted
We wind up empty handed

[Repeat Chorus]

Baby, turn off the TV
Come here and hold me tight
A little heat is all we need
To bring love back to life

[Repeat Chorus]

Mmbop

2005-01-16T01:07:00.000-06:00

sidenote: Hanson released "Mmbop" when I was a freshman in college (1997). The college guy also commented on going to an N'Sync concert at the age of 12 - their first album was released when I was a sophomore in college. I was not a fan of either of these groups. Kristina did buy the N'Sync album our senior year of college with "Bye bye bye" on it, and we played it for laughs. I did buy a Backstreet Boys CD my senior year of college, but that was because we saw their video a gazillion times in Rome. It brought back fun memories!

Now if the younger guy had mentioned New Kids on the Block - that would be closer to my time. But I was still not a big fan. Does anyone remember "They Guys Next Door"? They were a total ripoff, but had their own Sat. AM TV show. I thought they were cute.

But really - Debbie Gibson would be more apt. "Out of the Blue" was my first real tape. I LOVED it. That was back when I had all my birthday parties at the roller rink. Oh yeah - good times.

bad movie lines and Aerosmith

2005-01-14T16:37:00.000-06:00

I was walking to the nearby bakery to pick up lunch today. My short route is in front of a couple of very pretty houses, and somehow I remembered the most memorable quote from Unbreakable: "I like your house. Can I come in?" That line in the film is supposed to menacing and evil, but it just made my friend Renae and I crack up at the time. Loudly. And we were watching it in the theatre! Afterwards, we were walking back to her car, repeating the line darkly to each other.

Now the radio station I listen to sometimes is playing Aerosmith's "Love in an Elevator". One summer I was working as a jr. counselor at a camp and my pal Carol and I played the song pretty much every day.

Man, it's like old home day or something!

what's new, pussycat?

2005-01-11T14:00:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Elenamary, I've totally gotten into OKCupid. It's pretty fun, if you like taking silly personality tests and answering questions like, "What does the word 'wherefore' in 'wherefore art thou, Romeo' mean"? I do like it better than orkut and friendster. So far. I've gotten Leah into it, at least.

I wish I could post more often, but I've been keeping busy. I've had more scheduling to do at work, and I've also been doing some volunteer grant review work. I can't say whose grant applications I read here, but one was excellent, and one was pretty damn awful. I spent Sunday afternoon and evening poring over the two applications, and then scoring them. I would have put it off some more, but the scores were due yesterday. This evening, I have a conference call wherein I get together with other people who graded the same applications and we talk about them. Fun fun fun! I remember it being more interesting last time, when I had more applications to read.

Soon I will go back to my story. I don't know where I am going with it. Maybe I'll have more time later this week to work on it.

I heart Napoleon Dynamite.

2005-01-10T16:19:00.000-06:00

Which Napoleon Dynamite character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

story with no name

2005-01-08T23:16:00.000-06:00

I started writing this morning, and here's what I have so far:

Fingernails bitten to the nib
Dirty blonde hair
Hazel eyes

She chewed her fingernails, a disgusting habit for a sort of scientist. Well, for anyone, actually. She chewed them down to the quick, leaving the surrounding skin ragged and peppered with blood. It only got this bad in moments of high stress.

Currently, she was stuck in a traffic jam. She adjusted her glasses on her face and rolled her window down. The sun beat heavily down on her and everyone else stuck on Mopac this warm May day. A small breeze blew strands of her dirty blonde hair into her eyes.

Too late, she heard the traffic report on the radio. Damn, she muttered to herself. She picked up her cell and dialed her officemate Juan. "Hola, hey."

"Hey, Julia - Que pasa? Where the hell are you?"

"Um," she hesitated to admit her tardiness to her friend and co-worker. "It looks like I'm going to be late getting back to work. You're going to have to do my presentation for me."

"What?! I know nothing about your work with the city of Amarillo. How am I supposed to do a presentation on it?"

"Please, please. My notes are on my desk and the Powerpoint presentation is on a CD on top of them. I'll owe you big. Whatever you want . . ." Her boss had warned her about her constant lateness. She knew she would fare better if Juan led her presentation than if no one did. The car in front of her turned its hazards on. Jee-zus.

Juan pondered her offer for a moment, then answered. "Okay, I'll do it. You're lucky I have a light workload today. Hopefully I can pull something out of my ass. You owe me, for sure. I'll think of something for you to do to repay me. Maybe next time Patty and I want a night away from the kids, I'll call you instead of a sitter."

Julia inwardly groaned. Was it common knowledge that she had no social life? She did love Juan's girls, luckily.

"Okay, thanks. Hasta luego - well, whenever I get out of this awful traffic!" She hung up and sighed. She was safe from firing - for now. Sometimes she really disliked her job. Intensely. Coworkers like Juan, however, made it somehow easier.

Juan looked around the room at officemates, bosses, and some higher-ups while launching into Julia's PowerPoint presentation. Julia and city workers had combined forces on setting up alternate sources of energy. She was supposed to presenting the current results (so far) of same collaboration. However, she had gone somewhere for a long lunch. She hadn't exactly explained why she hadn't gotten back to the office in time, but he trusted her reason to be a good one. He just hoped that Tricia, their boss, wouldn't can them both. She was the only one there who had expected Julia to present her work herself.

When he was halfway into explaining Julia's work, she came into the room and sat next to him, breathing like she had run all the way from her car. He handed her notes off to her, as she said, "Thank you, Juan. Are there any questions so far?"

She hoped her suit was professional enough, and not completely stained with the sweat the Austin humidity had caused her. She was slowly getting her breath back, and was able to finish her talk without a hitch.

Tricia came up to her afterwards, saying through the smile on her face, "My office . . . 10 minutes. Commissioner Hernandez! Always a pleasure!" She left Julia in a disappointed state. She was sure that what she had done was copasetic. She sighed as Juan walked up.

"Oh, Juan, thank you so much."

"It's okay. Your notes were pretty clear, and I think I got your point across. Don't count on me doing it again, though. Why did you cut it so close?"

"It's a long story," she assured him, hoping he wouldn't ask again. "Pardon me, but I have go prepare myself to meet Tricia." And start sending out resumes, she thought to herself.

That night she sat in her rented house replaying moments of her "conversation" with Tricia. Tricia had sat on the edge of her desk, a somewhat chummy and close position, yet not so much. She had basically confronted her, saying, "Your work is terrific, Julia. That's not the issue here. The problem is that I just don't think you can be trusted to represent our department. You are consistently late, you had to have Juan - who doesn't even deal with your region - cover for you before the commission members, and there's more I could add."

I don't need this job! Julia had wanted to yell. But sadly, she did. She rented a quaint ranch-style house in a rather infamous part of town, lived quite frugally, but needed her money for other reasons.

The discussion had not gone well, and now Julia felt very unsure of herself. She needed some positive affirmation. She flipped open her laptop and

- and that's all I have so far. I have no great plan for this, but it is going better than any of my other attempts lately.

edited: because punctuation in Word doesn't translate.

what the hell?

2005-01-05T22:19:00.000-06:00

I wasn't going to blog again tonight, but I had to note this. Reading my statcounter results, I discover that my site comes up as 8th on yahoo when you look up "where to elope in texas". I'm not kidding, folks. See for yourself.

If someone comes here looking for that, they will be mighty disappointed. But it is good for a laugh!

P. S. Melissa gave me Ace of Base's "The Sign" tonight and I'm loving it. I almost bought it at Half-Price books, but she told me not to since she already had a copy. She also gave me an import of Take That's "I Want You Back". Early Robbie Williams. whoo hoo!

2005-01-05T17:47:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

2005-01-05T13:51:00.000-06:00

Okay, I'm a little late. I kept pretty busy this past weekend. What I did:

New Year's Eve - went shopping. Clothes shopping. Leah gave me a JJill gift card for Christmas, so I wanted to use it, but I couldn't find anything at their store. She bought some really cute corduroys. We went to Sephora and Ann Taylor, and I actually found some shirts at Ann Taylor that were decently priced (read: on sale). Went to a small get-together that night, where we rang in 2005 playing Apples to apples. I was winning for a while, but I got some sucky cards near the end. I'm going to blame my loss on that.

New Year's Day - bought calendars on sale (it's a tradition), as well as Hoopla. Melissa came over so my mom could teach her to knit. We started playing Hoopla, and Leah and I love it. We are now Hoopla addicts. Melissa went with Leah, Dad and I to Half-Price Books where we thought a sale was on. It wasn't, but we bought stuff anyway. I bought a book that I realized later I've already read, as well as CDs by Heather Nova, Suzanne Vega and Seal. Melissa left after the Rose Bowl started. The family went out to dinner to eat our black-eyed peas. We caught the last great moment of the Rose Bowl, then went back to our apartment. Leah's friend Sarah and her guy-friend came over to play Scene-It. I (and later my teams) won all the games. Sarah's pal admitted that he was in film school and was amazed that I was doing so well. I watch too many movies to lose at the game, I guess. We got them to play Hoopla with us, then we watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Sunday - I had to relax and do laundry.

This week is kinda crazy. We switched offices at work, so I am no longer at the front desk. I have my own office!! One would think this would give me better time to blog, but no such luck yet. I promise a more filling blog entry next time.

special note: tonight - THE WAIT IS FINALLY OVER!!!!! I can barely remember last season (most of this is on purpose), and I am hearing good things about this season. Whoo hoo! I'm so excited.

2004-12-30T20:47:00.000-06:00

Mixed media and me

2004-12-30T14:24:00.000-06:00

I am seriously thinking about taking an Informal Class called "Dynamic Mixed-media". Here's the description:

This class is geared for expanding your creative side by working with a combination of different easy to learn mediums and processes. You will create your own mixed-media drawings, paintings and monoprints. Specialized instruction will focus on various techniques to make interesting artwork using line, shape, tone, color and textures. Plan to spend $65 on supplies.

My favorite project in Photography class was when we did mixed-media. I had photos I juxtaposed (my favorite being a pic of downtown Memphis below a pic of the komodo dragon from the Ft. Worth zoo) and then used colored pencils and pastels on them. A couple turned out really well and I have them framed in my bedroom.

I am leaning strongly towards it, except the last class is the day before SxSW starts. And the last class is up against the SxSW mandatory bag-stuffing night (every volunteer must attend).

Yikes. I have to decide which I'd prefer. SxSW is free, this class will cost moolah. This class will teach me a lot, SxSW will wear me down. I still have a little while to decide - the class is empty as of yet, and doesn't start til February.

update: Leah proposed a solution - that I take the class when it starts in late March. So maybe I'll take "Mosaic Mania" instead!

Would North be true?

2004-12-29T21:11:00.000-06:00

I was reading the recent pageloads for my other blog, and noticed that someone had found it by searching "Sting poetry "why should I cry for you". So now I'm listening to "Why Should I Cry for You" on repeat. It's sorta bringing me down. Here are the lyrics:

"Why Should I Cry For You"

Under the dog star sail
Over the reefs of moonshine
Under the skies of fall
North, north west, the stones of Farve (I always throught he said "the storms are farrow")

Under the Arctic fire
Over the seas of silence
Hauling on frozen ropes ("all in unfrozen rows")
For all my days remaining
But would north be true?

Why should I?
Whould I cry for you?

All colours bleed to red ("four corners bleed to red")
Asleep on the ocean's bed
Drifting on empty seas
For all my days remaining

But would north be true?
Why should I?
Why should I cry for you?

Dark angels follow me
Over a godless sea ("cloudless sea")
Mountains of endless falling,
For all my days remaining,

What would be true?

Sometimes I see your face,
The stars seem to lose their place
Why must I think of you?
Why must I?
Why should I?
Why should I cry for you?
Why would you want me to?
And what would it mean to say,
That, "I loved you in my fashion"?

What would be true?
Why should I?
Why should I cry for you?

Even though I misunderstood the words, I still think this song is awesome. It feels different to listen to it now. In high school, when I first got the Sting "Fields of Gold: Greatest Hits" album (at the same time as I bought the single for "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?"!), I fell instantly in love with this song. I think I tried to put it on someone, but now I don't think of anyone in particular when I hear it. I just remember - high school, college, and my mistakes since.

God, how can it be 2005 in less than a week? I don't make resolutions at New Years. When I was younger, I would resolve to be "cool" (I seriously did make this resolution in junior high) or to get a boyfriend. This year, I just hope nothing dire happens. I hope my dad stays okay, for the life and health of my loved ones, that I keep at my lame Pilates/gym regime, that Leah and I are able to go somewhere cool on our very limited budgets, that the fundamentalists don't completely take over the Christian faith, that I keep doing what I find worthwhile, and, maybe, just perhaps, I meet someone too.

That's not too much, is it?

I can't believe it's that time again.

2004-12-28T09:20:00.000-06:00

I got an e-mail yesterday from the SxSW film crew volunteer coordinator reminding us that the volunteer call is coming up. It hardly seems like a year since the last one. I remember I was standing in a long line in the downtown Hilton, waiting to go in to the large conference room and start the process. Then I saw my old high school principal, Mr. Montenegro, walk by. Behind him was someone with a nametag on from the school district where my dad works. I called my dad, asking him if he knew why this guy would be here amongst the SxSW crowd. Turns out, there was a state school administrators conference going on in the Hilton at the same time. It was pretty funny. I made some comment to the people in front of me in line, and we all got to talking. And that's how I met Melissa! The main reason I volunteered last year was to meet people, as well as get to see films for free. I haven't decided whether I want to do it again or not.

They are only having one volunteer call, so if you are a returning volunteer or a newbie, you have to go. For more information: south by southwest festivals - volunteer

update: There is the rumor that the "RW" castmembers will be somehow involved with the SxSW Music fest. Yet another reason to volunteer (or maybe a reason not to?!!). There are three conferences in all, so if you have no interest in "The Real World", you might try the film or interactive festivals. Of course, this is only a rumor.

I'm a conspiracy nut?

2004-12-27T16:06:00.000-06:00

I am a Conspiracy Nut

Which America Hating Minority Are You?

Take More Robert & Tim Quizzes
Watch Robert & Tim Cartoons

Taos Pueblo (two)

2004-12-27T11:02:00.000-06:00

taospueblo2
Originally uploaded by evso.

This pic has a better view of the community buildings.

Taos Pueblo (one)

2004-12-27T11:00:00.000-06:00

taospueblo1
Originally uploaded by evso.

The skies were looking quite imposing over the mountain, so I couldn't pass up the chance to take this picture. I think it looks pretty darn awesome. This pueblo is a neat visit, especially if you can hang a group rate (which we did with the three of us). There are some of the residents who set up tables and shops to sell frybread and trinkets/souvenirs. It is so amazing just to stand in such a historic spot and drink it all in.

"viva la raza"

2004-12-26T20:23:00.000-06:00

vivaraza
Originally uploaded by evso.

I finally uploaded more of my New Mexico pics on flickr. I tried really hard to zoom in on the bridge graffiti for this picture, and this is the best I could do. I still like it!

my googling adventures, vol. 3?

2004-12-23T13:11:00.000-06:00

I am no longer in touch with Hilary, but was quite close to her from 5th grade til some time in college. We went to church together and I followed her to magnet high school.

Her C.V. almost makes me feel like I have done so little with my life. Almost. But I was always slightly jealous of Hilary's accomplishments. She is muy inteligente, very sweet, and muy flaca to boot. Ah, si.

Hilary's web page

my new crush

2004-12-23T09:03:00.000-06:00

Last night Melissa and I stood in line (in blustery cold winds, I might add) to see the Greencards at the Armadillo Xmas Bazaar. I found a dollar that blew in my direction, and checked if it belonged to anyone before I got to keep it. That was just the beginning to our great night. While we waited to buy entry tickets, this older woman asked Melissa to put her earring back in for her. She was with her college-age grandson, and was very sweet. We finally got in to the hall and started hearing bluegrass music. We made our way to the very large crowd at the stage. During the first set, we couldn't see much, but I had a great view of the fiddler. He is just amazing, and so my type. He isn't too tall, wears glasses, and is an awesome musician. And he's so cute with his little nerdy-chic look going on! Anyway, I was enthralled, and didn't mind that he was the only member of the band I could see. Their very loyal following had all come out because last night was their last concert in Austin for a while. They are moving to Nashville to forward their careers, so both Melissa and I were very disappointed to catch them so late.

For the second set, the older lady and her grandson had a spot for me to sit, so I got to chat with her during the break. She had come from New York state to spend the holidays with her family, and her grandson was just home for a holiday break from school. She was such a nice lady, and she really loved the Greencards. Their following does lean towards 40-something and up listeners. Melissa and I weren't the youngest people there listening, but there weren't a whole lot of people our age.

We were set to leave at 10:30, but at 10:15 they started playing this instrumental piece that ended up being a 30-minute jam session containing allusions to "The Holly and the Ivy", "The Twelve Days of Christmas", "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer", surf tunes, "Norwegian Wood", "Paint It Black" and more. Jeepers, it was long. But very good, though!

Melissa bought their CD after the show and I got Kym and Eamon to sing it. Lovely. Too bad Leah missed it! Good music, and a cute instrumentalist in glasses - she would have loved it.

They'll spend all their time on 6th Street

2004-12-22T16:28:00.000-06:00

I remember about five years ago, some DJs from one of the local stations tried to get the Real World to come to Austin by barricading themselves in the studio for a weekend or something like that. And now the 'Real World" is making their dreams belatedly come true.

The Real World comes to Austin

edit: I just finished reading the whole article. Why in the hell do people think we all have horses down here? Give me a break. I guess if they are going to be in a palatial spot, it will probably be on Lake Austin or something.

podcasting

2004-12-22T14:28:00.000-06:00

I might start writing for podfly, which would give me an excuse to start a podcast. Or I could write about listening to podcasts. I started looking into them after hearing Marty's inaugural podcast. Would it be too ironic to have a podcast and not own an iPod? It seems that it is cheaper to have a podcast than to have an iPod, since the software is free. You do have to have a website to have a podcast (blogger doesn't count). If I am incorrect in this, please correct me. I am hoping to set up my own site. Someday. I have no idea what I would call it, but I would certainly let you all know!

Sorry for the fact that this post is sorta stream-of-consciousness.

2004-12-21T21:28:00.000-06:00

influenced by my movie list, I'm sure

2004-12-21T08:42:00.000-06:00

Last night I dreamt that I was on the road with Thomas Haden Church and Marcus Giamatti, the actors. I asked Marcus if he was still on "Judging Amy", and how his brother Paul was doing. We were just hanging out, driving to some random park I made up in my mind.

Top ten films of 2004

2004-12-20T16:22:00.000-06:00

I tried doing this post about a month ago and blogger ate my post. Therefore, I will not go to all the work of putting IMDB links to my films here, as blogger might eat this post also.

1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Definitely the best film I've seen this year. Amazing story, great acting, terrific score, I could go on and on. I am so glad I caught it in the theatres and I bought it on DVD as soon as possible. It's so original, and deserves any award it gets. Hell, even Jim Carrey blew me away, and I can't stand him!

2. Sideways. Funny, sad, not your typical road movie. Paul Giamatti just keeps on amazing me. I loved him in American Splendor, and he is even better in this film (I don't think I can forgive him for Duets, though). my post

3. Farenheit 9/11. It was worth driving through pouring rain on opening night for.

4. Spiderman 2. Umm, it was good. Amazingly good.

5. The Motorcycle Diaries. Beautifully shot, a very emotional film. The music is gorgeous, the acting very well-done, and it was so much funnier than I expected!

6. The Incredibles. I have yet to see a Pixar movie I haven't enjoyed. While this isn't my favorite of their works, it was quite funny and awesome to see on the big screen.

7. Supersize Me. I'm so glad I don't eat at McDonalds, but I did think it funny when someone asked after the SxSW showing where the closest McDonalds was. I laughed, and they said, "I'm serious!"

8. 13 Going on 30. I love Jennifer Garner, and she is soooo wonderful in this film. I have the DVD and I just skip the sappy ending.

9. Napoleon Dynamite. This movie was so funny. There were spots that felt a little slow, but it has so much going for it otherwise, I forgive it. my post

10. Mind the Gap. A cute film I was able to see at SxSW. I don't think it got wide release, but it is worth renting on DVD if you can. my post

Honorable Mentions:
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, b/c Alfonso Cuaron rocks!
Anchorman, b/c it made my sides hurt.
Garden State, b/c Peter Sarsgaard is my boyfriend. my post
Mean Girls, b/c it was funny, and so fetch.

Worst film of the year: Young Adam. Read my post

lissotrichous

2004-12-20T10:34:00.000-06:00

Using the word in a sentence:

If I blowdry my hair after I take a shower, and use some product on it, it will be somewhat lissotrichous. If I let my hair air-dry, it will be very wavy. I wish sometimes that my hair was already straight, but then I know I'd get tired of it. At least this way, I have an option.

whew

2004-12-16T23:09:00.000-06:00

Just got back from the bazaar. It was awesome! Terri Hendrix was really great. I didn't realize that Lloyd Maines played with her. The bottom of his guitar was covered with pictures of his grandkids and he announced that they were all here tonight. Ergo - Natalie Maines (Dixie Chick) was sitting about six feet from where I was standing. She was wearing a black hat and holding her baby. I actually mistook her sister for her, but then realized her hair had not gotten darker. Anyway - I love Austin. No one went to bother her or anything, as far as I could see. It was sweet. And I love Terri Hendrix's anti-Clearchannel song. I wish I could remember the words.

I also caught a glimpse of my childhood friend Hanna, working with her mom at one of the booths. Leah asked me if the man that was working with them was Hanna's husband, and I said, "How would I know if Hanna got married?" I really wouldn't know. We were in youth group together and lost touch in college. She was a very pleasant person to be around (I'm sure she still is), and when we were in junior high she taught me k.d. lang's "Full Moon Full of Love". We sang it in the stairwell of a hostel in McAllen. I let her borrow my copy of "Many Waters" and never got it back.

I'm wish her well, but I just couldn't chat with her tonight. Maybe I'll see her on the 22nd when I go back to see the Greencards.

Armadillo tonight!

2004-12-16T15:23:00.000-06:00

Melissa and I are heading to the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar tonight to catch Terri Hendrix. I am really looking forward to it. I have yet to see Terri Hendrix in concert, but I love the songs I've heard on KGSR. I've lived in Austin most of my life, but have never been to the Christmas Bazaar.*

I'm not even going tonight to shop, although I might watch out for the Crystal Works booth. I am somewhat familiar with the owner, or at least I used to be.

Next Wednesday night, the Greencards!

* I should admit that in general, I don't do a lot of typical Austin-y things. March was the first time I did anything with SxSW, I never go to Whole Foods, I've never been to Chuy's, etc. I live in Austin like it's any other town. When I can afford to (or when someone from out of town comes to visit me), I'll try the stuff everyone raves about. Until then, I'll live in my more generic Austin of HEBs and lesser-known local chain restaurants.

Marty has a podcast

2004-12-15T15:16:00.000-06:00

Marty from NQTS has started a podcast. It's pretty interesting.

theshow20041210.mp3 (audio/mpeg Object)

I went to the doctor to remove glass from my foot.

2004-12-14T12:51:00.000-06:00

I dreamed last night that I hung out in a coffeehouse with a lot of gay guys. We were all very attracted to the coffeehouse manager, who gave us free food. Except - the owner was coming in and he kicked us out. We had to clean up very quickly to get out of there, since we were back in the kitchen/bar area. I couldn't find my sandal. Someone had dropped a glass (perhaps I did), and I stepped right on some very large pieces of it. I could feel it itching, but my foot didn't necessarily bleed. I then made my way to the doctor somehow, who removed large hidden pieces from my foot. I woke up not too late after that.

I thought maybe there was some deep reason that I dreamt of stepping on broken glass, and here is what I found:

Stepping on broken glass: Glass may not be very visible, so may represent hidden dangers; being careless about direction in life or present situation; or if it is being done without heed to injury, represents self inflicted pain.

(fromDream Interpreter). From another site: "To see broken glass in your dream suggests something you thought would last a long time will end surprisingly and too soon."

Neither of these interpretations seem to really apply to my situation right now. Does anyone else have a better theory, or a better site to visit?

Christmas, Christmas time is here!

2004-12-14T11:25:00.000-06:00

kristinakids
Originally uploaded by evso.

Kristina sent me this pic of her baby and step-sons with Santa. It's so cute! I can't believe how sedate the boys look. They were never that calm when I was with them. And yeah, I don't know how to spell Kennen's name. Shame on me.

the best brownie mix I've ever tried

2004-12-13T14:59:00.000-06:00

I love brownies, and just happened upon this mix while grocery shopping with Leah on Saturday. I made them that night and they were soooo good. They are fat-free, but they don't seem it. They are perfectly chewy brownies. The main reason I got them is because I have a huge thing of Plain fat-free yogurt in the fridge that I'm trying to finish. If I keep getting this mix, I'll have to keep stocked on yogurt. I only tried the original, but am now tempted to try the mint. Yummy! I had to recommend it here because it is a female-owned business and it is worth plugging.

Zuzu's petals! Zuzu's petals!

2004-12-13T13:18:00.000-06:00

Just in time for the holidays - Shiman's bunnies in a 30-second version of It's a Wonderful Life. I'll be watching it a few more times before Christmas. I'll also watch the full-length movie.

_It's a Wonderful Life_ in 30 seconds with bunnies.

Lysistrata: the opera?

2004-12-10T16:22:00.000-06:00

I have just got back in contact with a college friend working at a Houston law firm. She's invited me to visit, and since she and the Houston Opera are really the only draws for me, I had to see what operas are being performed this season.

I discovered that in March, the Houston Grand Opera is performing the debut of Mark Adamo's "Lysistrata". I am intrigued by this. First off, I am familiar with the story, as I had a friend in high school who set up her own production of Aristophones' play. I can't remember which role I was stuck with, but I do know I had to wear a helmet under my robe. It was all very low-tech, but very fun.

Secondly, I loved Mark Adamo's "Little Women". I was not able to see it live, only on PBS, and just part of it then. But the ending made me cry. I never cry at operas. I just have never been so moved. But it was so well-done, simple, wistful, and great, that I got choked up. I know "Lysistrata" is VERY different from "Little Women", but I am very tempted to try it.

Now I just have to figure out how to afford a trip!

Lysistrata: Houston Grand Opera