bonjour.

losing.

2012-02-01T20:15:00.000-08:00

not all froyo is created equal.
apparently i didn't learn my lesson last time. thank goodness for deferred adjudication.
tonight. was not my night for bowling.
womwomwommmmmmmmmmmmm.

winning.

2012-02-01T09:39:00.000-08:00

on saturday, i got pulled over for going 15 over the speed limit. woops. thank goodness i finally learned how to bat those eye lashes (only half-kidding) and was just asked nicely to drive slowly.
on monday, i accidentally employed my "go-to" word in front of the kids at the club. in my defense, there was a basketball flying straight for my face. the good news is that i have cat-like reflexes.
a newly realized 2012 goal: eat froyo (sometimes as a meal replacement) at least 3 times per week. and honestly, at the rate that i am going, i will have doubly surpassed this goal. it's a grizzly goal, but someone's got to do it.

winning.

and then all was right in the world.

2012-01-31T07:07:00.001-08:00

leave it to the muppets to set the record straight:

thanks cat!

it's a wrap.

2012-01-29T17:49:00.000-08:00

finally. i gave in and found a new hair stylist. it was a long stubborn road, mainly because connie always did such a magical job. hours of research later, i settled on a new stylist. i also had to say sayonara to my annual hair wrap.

i cut the wrap out the night before, and due to the length of time that i had it in my hair (a record setting 5 months), i had to cut the whole chunk of hair out (tmi?). so you can only imagine the awkward moment where she found the missing hair from my head, glancing to be sure that it wasn't her, but me. needless to say it was quite the bonding moment. anyways, here's her magic:

ps. i am still loving my prescription sunglasses. seriously, one of the best things to ever happen to me.

the buzz.

2012-01-25T21:14:00.000-08:00

this last weekend, christine and i attended beekeeping class. thank you 2012. the year where only dreams come true. basically, i became enthralled in all matters of the bee, and i felt like i was walking the moon in my suit (note: this is not to be confused with michael jackson's moonwalk).

the suits.

driving with the suits on. whole new level of cool.

all dressed. and ready to walk on the moon/work with beeeeeeeeeeeezzzzz.

smoking out the hives so we can inspect them.

honey. bunny.

with our own honeycomb.

bee master/stormtrooper.

and no trip to austin would be complete without spending time with the brother.

also spent a delightful evening of catching up with alex and rob, too. seriously. this day exceeded all possible expectations.

nyc4nye.

2012-01-24T20:56:00.000-08:00

it happened. a while ago. but it happened. and the excitement of that evening lives on. thanks to the chance meeting of new friends and the reunion of old friends, i was able to spend the evening in times square.

unlike the rest of the attendees (who arrived at least 12 hours prior), we arrived at 9:30 pm and had the nypd open up the barricades to make room for us, which got us right next to one of the stages. it was a delight to dance in the confetti-filled streets and kick-lining to "new york, new york."

so, thanks for reliving the evening with me:

the ball waiting to drop.

most of the party crew.

jendar + me.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

confetti filled the streets.

2012 excitement.

ladies and gents. it's going to be a good year. right? right?!?!!

ps. thanks carol for being so kind in sharing your photos from that magical evening!

best.

2012-01-24T08:03:00.000-08:00

getting prescription sunglasses were perhaps one of the best decisions i have ever made. how have i gone so many years without them?

ps. it was 80 degrees on sunday. it almost made missing the week-long of snow days in seattle worth it.

wbm.

2012-01-18T13:51:00.000-08:00

tonight dreams are coming true. werewolf bar mitzvah is making its bowling debut. wbm brought luck to trivia night, so here's to hoping this transfers over to bowling as well.

last night we worked on making our team shirts:

continuing with the werewolf theme, we opted for flannel shirts. we also trial and error'ed (mainly error'ing) with spray-painting fluorescent yellow for our logo. needless to say we have decided that our shirts will slowly progress into pieces of art (hint: we haven't ruled out velcro'ing our sleeves on in order to rip them off to intimidate our opponents...too much?).

here's to wbm. may the next 8 weeks only bring bowling magic!!!

ps. what cool kid doesn't have their dad join their bowling team? seriously, it's a secret weapon i tell you...

that happened.

2012-01-17T06:58:00.000-08:00

last night christine and i attended our first aerial yoga class, and i learned how to do this:

seriously. it was unreal to learn these tricks that i have always looked in awe upon. but don't fret, in typical erin fashion, i looked way less graceful (in fact i heard "keep your chin up, chin up, CHIN! UP!" repeatedly...), and i am pretty sure some times my eyes were huge out of both fear and excitement.

maybe next time i will provide real pictures...or not....

eat fresh.

2012-01-09T14:38:00.000-08:00

i love public transportation. so the subway in the big apple was a treat. beyond a treat. and perhaps i easily made myself quite comfortable:

i provided a handful of people directions (though, i can neither confirm nor deny that they were ever the correct directions or that they ever found their destinations)
i saw three rats, once of which i witnessed lose it's life to the train. but hey, you snooze you lose, right? (note, for whatever reason it reminded me of the character "splinter" from tmnt...this may have been because i was underground)
i was delighted to experience in some terrific dancing on my train, but my favorite part was watch all the cold, disdainful expressions warm up and end with beaming smiles as a response to the silliness
on new years, our packed train ride home was treated with the less-than-desirable aroma of vomit (someone celebrated a little too much), in which i am pretty sure homeboy was trying to ruffie me into spraying his ladyfriend's perfume up my nose. but that's another story for another day folks. i promise, it's much funnier and less ominous as it sounds.
running into rob and dave on the train late sunday evening after i already said my goodbyes to them hours before. i love it when big cities become small...it takes me back to seattle.

noted.

2012-01-09T10:58:00.000-08:00

notables from nyc4nye:

a cowboy-opera singer tour guide. we were seated next to one another on our flight to lga. he had a cute dog, so surely he was to be trusted, yes? either way, i am still alive...so i suppose the former is irrelevant.
taking a slide from the fourth floor to the second floor of the new museum.
eating pizza and more pizza and more pizza with ms. jendar.
accumulating more food than ever necessary from trader joes (i obviously was dealing with withdrawals) (also read: eating more chips and salsa than usual...as if that is even possible)
extremely loud and incredibly close
late night talks with ms. jendar.
walking. walking. walking.
temple'ing.
having a movie moment on the streets with who could have very well been the man of my dreams or been then the latest serial killer. either way, i am still here aren't i?
walking. walking. walking.
having the most delightful reunions with so many people!
realizing that my feet don't touch the ground while riding on the bus.
finding more flavin at the moma. i love that flavin so much.
times square for midnight.
kicklining "new york, new york" whilst having confetti fall around me.
eating a vegan drumstick. delish.
a complete change of scenery.
and again, just spending time with ms. jendar. she is just superb.

again. pictures/video/etc forthcoming.

first.

2012-01-08T15:10:00.000-08:00

man. they were not kidding. 2012 is here and it is happening...for better or for worse...

in full disclosure, i had every intent on making this the most simplistic 6 months i have ever had...i should have known better. BUT the good news is that i am having an AMAZING hair day today and since i live with my dad (which is awesome) and he just doesn't have the same appreciation as my previous lady roommates to great hair days, i am know sharing it with the world wide web. i make no apologies.

i decided to incorporate leftover ribbon from wrapping supplies as a hairband. don't be surprised if you see this ribbon on your present. no apologies.

and because, let's be honest, i cannot take a vain post seriously. FOR REALZZZZZZ.

ps. nyc4nye happened. it was incredible. pictures and video are forthcoming!

a quest of questions.

2011-12-26T14:01:00.000-08:00

well. my new year starts jan. 15...and so i have a little longer to finish my last book to reach my goal. AND why not start the new year right...which has left me with the question...to master cleanse or to not master cleanse?

happy christmas.

2011-12-24T09:56:00.001-08:00

xoxox.

.erin.leigh. + chewbacca

ten. and counting.

2011-12-23T13:01:00.000-08:00

happy ten year anniversary to me, blogger and blogging! we've come such a long way: from the cryptic days of figuring out html, posting useless quiz results, over-sharing too much teen angst, dominating college and now swimming my way through adulthood. here's too many more years!

ps. what does this mean that my longest and most meaningful relationship has been with a website? not awkward...

bossly advice.

2011-12-23T07:37:00.000-08:00

upon presenting me with a gift card to a restaurant with a pretty hefty balance, my boss said:

"now you can find a guy YOU want to go out with and take him there. you get to be in control of who you want to go out with and flirt with now."

thanks mike. now i just need you tell me where to meet these guys.

2012 folks. 2012.

anytime. anywhere.

2011-12-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

yup. definitely power fist pumped and wagged my sassy finger through this number in my car while driving this afternoon.

i cannot guarantee that i kept my eyes open the entire time while i belted out this number.

no regrets.

zero apologies.

it's never too late.

2011-12-16T07:17:00.001-08:00

whenever i hear someone say this phrase, this is what i am thinking about (and not listening to the words that follow your statement):

no apologies.

d. byrne.

2011-12-15T13:12:00.000-08:00

knows how to cure my weary soul.

...in other news..just a friendly thought that if SOPA passes today, this page and perhaps my entire blog will be blocked by our money-lined pocket elected officials...seriously...CALL YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS IN DC AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD ON THIS ISSUE. how? click here.

thank you. i will step down off of this soap box now.

prepared.

2011-12-15T13:07:00.000-08:00

upon further reflection and also reminding myself of my problem with chips and salsa, i decided that perhaps it wasn't the smartest idea to suggest tex-mex (read: unlimited chips and salsa) for a first date. in order to prevent an embarrassing overindulgence at dinner, i made sure to eat plenty at lunch.

...but don't worry...i will still eat PLENTY of chips and salsa at dinner...i think i may have a problem...

those a-ha moments.

2011-12-05T18:36:00.001-08:00

today at the club, i went from hanging out with a teen while she tweeted her thoughts to kim kardashian, justin beiber and rhianna...to exploring google maps, which led to me showing a roomful of teens google's driverless cars.

little did i know the amazement that filled the room. suddenly i had a group of teens surrounding the computer while we watched the ted talk on the subject matter. it was this grand "a-ha" moment shared amongst a group of the kids where they were able to see the potential of technology. it led to them asking me how this man came up with this idea and how he was able to get his ideas turned into a reality.

it was quite magnificent to see their faces light up at the world of possibilities and also to help them realize that the future of technology lies with them and their ideas. we then looked at a number of other ted topics and their fascination was clear.

don't worry, we ended this high note...on an even higher note...on repeat:

swaaaaaaaaagggg.

2011-12-01T07:55:00.001-08:00

apparently i learned a lot of life lessons yesterday at the bgc. when referring to my first car as "cute," i was quickly corrected that when i describe a car it is most appropriate to use the terms: "fly," "fresh," or "swaaaaggggg." needless to say when i raised the roof, that didn't go over so well either.

believe it or not, they taught me something about the internet...trust me, i didn't think this would be possible...

i present to you baby kaely...i guess all the kids are singing it these days...and her tunes are still stuck in my head...

dating.

2011-12-01T07:50:00.001-08:00

yesterday, at the bgc, a group of teen girls and i talked about dating. here is what i learned:

they've mastered the art of hard-to-get, and plan on showin' me their skillz.
old-fashioned dates include going for walks to the gas station, because they love it there.
they dream of getting taken out to a restaurant...not just fast food...but a real restaurant.

i have so much to learn.

yup.

2011-11-29T20:26:00.001-08:00

this is perfect at describing my life right now.

i have spent the day smiling and anticipating my future beginning in june. the whole wide world really is in the palm of my hands. can't beat that.

PERU. 06.2012.

2011-11-28T19:14:00.001-08:00

hey. mr. postman.

2011-11-26T13:29:00.001-08:00

a) since when does the postman deliver mail after 6 pm?

b) i am starting to take it personal that the only two pieces of mail that have ever been important to me have fallen lost at your hands. seriously. are you against the greater good?

c) if you know what is good for you, you will deliver what i am anxiously awaiting for monday.

in the meanwhile...i went and saw the muppets last night. i laughed. i cried. my heart was overjoyed. see:

day of rest.

2011-11-25T10:42:00.001-08:00

in the last week i have been to my heartland, hiked on mt. rainier and less than 48 hours later hiked in the canyons of big bend. saw parts of texas i've only dreamed of. spent much needed time with one of my closest of friends. slept in a yurt. experienced marfa. got chased by wild turkeys. saw the marfa lights. experienced chianti. felt like a local. visited my family heritage. learned about the art of pigeon racing. dominated at mexican dominoes. released seven months of mounting up karaoke and dancing. and said one very sad goodbye.

my black friday will be spent in my t-shirt and leggings paired with mismatching christmas socks, while watching korean soap operas and crafting and ANXIOUSLY awaiting the postman.

seriously. how has it not arrived yet?

oh. and how could i forget. IAMGOINGTOSEETHEMUPPETSTONIGHHHHTTTTT!!!!!

timing is key.

2011-11-18T03:30:00.001-08:00

i awoke to an email this morning, which stated that my future was mailed to me yesterday.

i am quite excited about my forthcoming back-to-back adventures this week, but a part of me wants to stay home to greet the mailman until it arrives.

needless to say...some exciting news will be announced soon....!!!!!!!!!!!

tyop.

2011-11-08T20:04:00.000-08:00

i accidentally just wrote:

"happy birthing cuzzzzzzz!"

to my male cousin who turns 27 today. luckily, fb lets you delete said typos. whew.

ps. happy BIRTHDAY, perry. here's to many more years of adorning matching puff-paint sweatshirts together.

today.

2011-11-04T05:39:00.001-07:00

coliniscoming! coliniscoming! coliniscoming! coliniscoming!
coliniscoming! coliniscoming! coliniscoming! coliniscoming!
coliniscoming! coliniscoming! coliniscoming! coliniscoming!
coliniscoming! coliniscoming! coliniscoming! coliniscoming!
coliniscoming! coliniscoming! coliniscoming! coliniscoming!
coliniscoming! coliniscoming! coliniscoming! coliniscoming!
coliniscoming! coliniscoming! coliniscoming! coliniscoming!
coliniscoming! coliniscoming! coliniscoming! coliniscoming!

things that make me happy #374.

2011-11-01T14:58:00.000-07:00

glancing at my inbox and having an email with the subject line:

"confirmation for your 12/28/11 new york trip."

hellllzzzztothebellllzzzz yeah!

nyc4nye.

happy halloween.

2011-10-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

this makes the nerd in me so happy.

late leigh.

2011-10-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

oh. hey. life has been splendidly busy and full of adventures. here are the highlights:

zoooooooooommmmmmmbbbbbiiiiiiieeeeeeeee waaaaallllllllkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk:

zombies are nothing but patriotic:

the most delightful reunion (not pictured, mr. ammon):

this reunion overjoyed my heart.

i celebrated libby's tattoosday birthday at the state fair of texas with big tex:

i took the most romantic sunset ride on the tallest ferris wheel in the western hemisphere:

i went on a deep-fried food tour, which began with deep-fried bubblegum, and let's just say it left much to be desired:

the delightful fellow fair-goers:

the sole reason i went to the fair, which we wandered hours for...deep-fried chips and salsa...and it was well-worth the search:

you must be meet the minimum height requirement to visit guest relations:

hallow's eve 2011: devo.

i spent the first half of the evening reciting "whip it," hoping to trigger people's memory of this iconic 80's band. when i attended my second celebration, i was greeted with numerous people singing the hit single. i was also kissed by a dallas cowboy football player (we are using the term loosely)...only dreams coming true, folks...dreams coming true...

other delightful happenings:

a gashlycrumb evening spent with the loveliest ladies. it was an evening of autumn treats (you have got to love root and squash vegetable season) and my annual viewing of "eyes without a face." it's still just as scary as the years prior.
a fireside given by david byrne's doppleganger.
country dancing and twirling around the dance floor. such a delight. it's moments when i catch myself dancing around a saddle bejeweled like a disco ball, suspended high in the air that i love texas.

this makes me happy.

2011-10-28T05:12:00.001-07:00

i seriously have a list of blog posts that i need to write. this weekend. this weekend. life slows down this weekend.

gratuitous blog post dedicated to usher.

2011-10-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

this week is panning out to be a craft master crazytown week. but don't worry, i believe in balance in my life. hence, this blog post dedicated to my main man...usher.

it's no secret, he is probably my highest trending blog subject, but we are overdue on some usher:

an update and delightful pictures on the most delightful weekend are forthcoming!

thank goodness.

2011-10-14T05:51:00.001-07:00

dharma karma.

2011-10-12T21:18:00.000-07:00

class was canceled, so i actually got home before the sunset for the first time in more than a month.

i forced myself to yoga and delighted in the fact that my teacher has a dharma initiative tattoo. awesome.

what. what.

2011-10-12T07:50:00.001-07:00

upon sharing the delightful news that imri would be venturing out here for the week of thanksgiving, my dad beaming with excitement proceeded to raise the roof.

awesome.

ps. i think my dad may be just as excited as me, if not more excited about imri's impending visit.

358.

2011-10-11T21:08:00.000-07:00

sometimes i miss the ghetto love chariot. however, listening to npr on full blast is a great substitute.

calendar of events.

2011-10-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

i do best when i keep busy. and the next six to eight weeks are leaving me pleased as a peach:

oct. 15: zzzzzzzzzommmmmbbbiiieeeee waaaallllkkkk
oct. 16: jendar! + austin!
oct. 21: a gashlycrumb affair
oct. 22: the good ol' state fair o' texas
oct. 29: halloweenie magic
nov. 4-6: collin visits!!!!!!
nov. 18-20: a twilight weekend of mystery
nov. 21-26: marfa, tx or bust with imri!!!!
dec. 3: baby brother grows up.

oh man. my heart is overwhelmed with all the excitement of events, and especially the visitors. seriously.

ps. it looks like i am free the weekend of nov. 12...any takers????

camping.

2011-10-08T18:09:00.001-07:00

finally the weather has cooled enough to spend time in the great outdoors. last night i even had the pleasure of sleeping under the stars (my favorite). i even had two brave souls who were willing to join me. after an evening of delighting in the constellations, we awoke lakeside to a nice, cool breeze.

texas/oklahoma, you're starting to grow on me...

re: nawa

2011-10-05T06:49:00.001-07:00

UPDATE: i have since moved on from listening to otjiherrero music to xhosa music. partly because it's so happy and partly because it's fun to make the clicks when you sing along...

acceptance.

2011-10-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

i think we can all agree that we want to feel accepted. i finally feel like the kids at the bgc have accepted me. sure, i may have allowed the 10-year-old girls do my nails to achieve this. sure, i may have bright red nails with hot pink french tips. sure, i may have allowed her to also paint hot pink flowers. and you better believe that she will be doing a final layer of glitter as my top coat tomorrow evening.

now, let's just hope that my boss doesn't have anything to say about this...

dads know best.

2011-10-04T14:49:00.001-07:00

upon hearing about my plight with apples, my dad ventured to various stores and finally found some honeycrisp apples, which was a delightful surprise to me this morning as i packed my lunch.

thanks dad. best ever.

texas spanglish.

2011-10-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

tonight, in order for our teacher to get the class to understand the concept of "vosotros," she ended up having to explain it as "y'all."

apparently being texan makes understanding the spanish language structure easier....

nawa.

2011-10-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

i have been on an otjiherrero tunes kick lately. as a result, i have been missing these people:

and yes, even him....

everything is nawa.

short list.

2011-10-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

my short list of who i want to have as my bff's:

jeff bridges
elder jeffrey r. holland
stevie wonder

now. let's make this magic happen.

climatized.

2011-10-03T11:56:00.001-07:00

today i drove to work with my heater on...

...it was 66 degrees outside...

tradition. tradition.

2011-10-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

today i am missing my traditional slumber party. today i am going to miss brunching over homemade eggs benedict and "vegetarian" bacon that came from bacon.

this weekend i have been missing taking over my small living room with my favorite people, where we tease one another if the other falls asleep.

our last general conference brunch:

note. we had to go out last time since i had already sold my table and everything else in my apartment. ohhhh ch-ch-ch-changes....

odd man out.

2011-10-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

old news. i'm not eating meat again.

however, what i did not anticipate was the difficulty in my dad grasping this concept. note the conversation that took place this evening, after i had just explained how/why i am not eating meat (might i also mention i broke the news yesterday to him as well):

d: i think i may cook tomorrow. cooking on the grill would be nice.
e: oh yeah, i love grilled vegetables.
d: grilled chicken sounds nice. do you like grilled chicken?
e: well i am sure i would, but i'm not eating meat right now...
d: oh. yeah. just how long do you plan on having this last?....red beans and rice might be nice. perhaps i'll make that.
e: i love red beans and rice.
d: oh yeah? okay, i'll make that then. how do you like them seasoned? how about with some sausage?
e: .............................................except that then it would include meat.
d: you can always eat around it. seriously, between me and champ here, you are odd man out.
e: yeah. but there are so many delicious dishes we can make without meat. let me cook tomorrow!
d: yeah, i don't do well with your kind. i like my red meat.

i get it. i am in texas. not eating meat. i knew that this day would come. in fact, i plan on bringing my own sandwich to the church lunch tomorrow. why? because i am odd man out.

but really, that conversation just made me giggle. i love it. i love my dad.

too excited (maybe).

2011-09-30T07:05:00.001-07:00

you can only imagine my excitement when i walked outside only to realize that the city doubled the size of our recycle bin. seriously. i did a little dance and squealed with excitement.

dream.

2011-09-27T07:49:00.001-07:00

my favorite talking heads song? dream operator.

in other news, i am back to being vegetarian for a while...not surprised? me either. however, i did dream about eating a bacon avocado sandwich last night, and not because i love bacon.

i still feel guilty about that dream and the idea of eating meat still makes my stomach churn...

watering holes.

2011-09-27T07:43:00.001-07:00

what does it reveal about me that i have frequented more than half of the PI's top 20 bars in seattle? oh, did i mention that i don't drink?

p.s. it's official. i've been invited.

differences.

2011-09-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

lesson learned. buying apples in texas, hoping that they are just as delicious as their fresh, ripe counterparts in the majestic state of washington will always be a disappointment. first hint...the stores here don't even sell your favorite kind of apple...honeycrisp apples, anyone??!!?! texas?!?!?!

lesson learned. living in seattle, spoiled me with fresh produce.

and now i begin anxiously awaiting my surprise box of honeycrisp apples that one of my avid seattle readers will send me....(not so subtle) hint, hint...

sunday. sunday.

2011-09-25T19:08:00.000-07:00

wearing red lipstick and riding around in a masarati. not a bad day. not a bad day.

lady in red.

2011-09-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

fall is here. and so are fall colors.

i've decided that i want to incorporate more colors into my palette. the result? red lipstick. we shall see how that goes...

as a result, mina from the chanel makeup counter and i are now bff's.

realidad.

2011-09-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

liam and i went for mexican food the other night for dinner. i, of course, explained what most of the dishes were, but when it came time to eat i just asked for a box to go. why? because i ate too much CHIPSANDSALSA. seriously. when will i ever learn???

never. never.

lack thereof.

2011-09-22T07:28:00.001-07:00

dear world,

watch out. i have been getting much less sleep than usual this week and i can't seem to catch up.

you may be asking yourself, "how is this my problem?" well, i am still driving and my skills have dissolved to the level of a teenager who just received their permit, or the level of a 98-year-old man who stubbornly refuses to retire their keys.

countless curbs, my parking garage entrance gate, the pedestrian cop and even a pillar have all fallen victim to this.

you may be next. so please accept my apology on advance.

xoxox

chi-town. (127).

2011-09-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

sunday school. (127).

2011-09-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

imri and i were avid sunday school attendees. see:

hanford. (127).

2011-09-20T18:34:00.000-07:00

last summer i went on a fantastic staycation with laird, john taylor and jonathan. we ventured and geeked out over the hanford site out in the desolate eastern washington. i forgot that i had brought my recently acquired brownie starflex camera with expired 127 film.

somewhere between chelan and hanford. we drove by this trailer on the way there, and i made us stop on the way back to chelan so that i could take this picture. i am glad i did.

hanford or bust, boys!!!

beautiful lake chelan.

community.

2011-09-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

last night i had my first spanish class at the local community college. let me rephrase that. last night "community," season 1 began taking over my mondays and wednesdays. there is even a "bruce" in my class, who gets tongue-tied as he tries his hand at this new language and mistakenly begins to call himself, "benardo."

needless to say, it's going to be a FUN six weeks.

class of wonder.

2011-09-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

things that only stevie wonder could get away with:

walking out playing the keytar without it being ironic.
talking to a crowd of texans about how there should be stricter gun control and not only walked away unscathed but even got cheers following such a bold statement.

stevie. teach me the ways.

ps. the festival was just what the doctor ordered...and by doctor, i mean dr. stevie wonder.

international relations.

2011-09-15T22:32:00.000-07:00

tonight i picked up canada from the airport. i am glad liam decided to greet me as a cowboy, otherwise he would have really stood out at the airport:

off to austin city limits we gooooooooooooo!!!!

ps. he surprised me with bicycle diaries by david byrne, which he purchased from a homeless man named neal AND the world's best indian food that i have been craving. seriously. so great.

otis.

2011-09-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

it's times like these when otis redding is the balm to my soul.

monday. monday.

2011-09-12T21:24:00.001-07:00

you know it's been a good monday when your boss performs an interpretive ballet dance, and then follows it by giving you a raise.

awesome.

noted.

2011-09-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

i was just going through the delightful notes that my seattle loves wrote me at my "going away" party and i was reminded of/learned a few things:

i will be forever remembered by karaoke. and i don't think that is a bad thing.
i still LOVE that john taylor whisked me up a flight of stairs, carrying me in his ever-so manly arms. seriously john, my life is complete and no other man will be able woo me now. you have officially ruined it for all men. everywhere.
i LOVED my time at hanford with john, laird and biderman. and i miss geeking out over stuff with those wonderful people.
i can't remember who i ate non-dairy, coconut milk ice cream with after our painting project got canceled with dickson. seriously. i'm sorry.
i don't remember skinny dipping with troy. sorry man. however, his costume still reigns as one of the best suggestions for my quarter-life crisis.
apparently, when i walk up to the church podium, i do an awkward trot. awesome.
ken, YOU DIDN'T ENJOY LOST?!?!?!?! mind. blown.

ps. i'm missing seattle. and ready for my adventure. can you tell?

ring. ring.

2011-09-06T05:51:00.001-07:00

if i had a dime for every time i had to use this web site to locate my phone, i would be very rich.

...good thing this site does not charge...

cultural relevancy.

2011-09-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

in provo, i played a card game called "scum."

in nyc, the game, scum, is called "a**hole."

in germany, the game, a**hole, is actually "uno" with face cards.

and i DOMINATE at uno.

ps. i also dominated at scum/a**hole/arschloch.

chi-mein.

2011-09-05T13:27:00.000-07:00

i just took over chi-town with this song as my soundtrack:

pictures forthcoming.

cough. cough. ack. ack.

2011-08-31T14:29:00.000-07:00

the unthinkable has happened. my immune system has been compromised. so while i tried ever, so earnestly to concentrate on the spreadsheet at work, all i could think about was this:

good night.

i should be sleeping.

2011-08-30T20:50:00.001-07:00

but i just can't get enough of this video:

seriously. which is cuter: the bully kitty-cat or the kitty shaved to look like a lion?

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

for the win.

2011-08-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

you know you have had a great day at work, when you spend 45 minutes of it telling stories about yen wor and karaoke with your coworkers.

karaoke is for lovers.

for realzzzzz.

2011-08-23T21:22:00.001-07:00

a) i am pretty sure a producer listened to allen's podcast where i mentioned how there should be a karaoke reality show.

b) WHY IS MARK ABERSOLD NOT ON THIS SHOW?!?!?!?!?!?!

ps....sorry i filmed vertically...lesson learned....

surrender.

2011-08-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

that's it. i give in. i am now that person in your office that changes their desktop background daily to a new cutiepatootie.

but who wouldn't want to see this when they turn on their computer?:

ps. who would ever want their dating web site's url to be cutiepatootie.com? that even gives me the heebiegeebies...

110.

2011-08-02T12:50:00.001-07:00

today it's a 110 degrees, and this dog has the best idea:

but seriously. thank goodness for pools and a/c.

ps. see you in 24 hours seattle!

gotchya.

2011-07-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

last night, i laid down to go to sleep...pajamas and all...only to wake up 20 minutes later with my glasses still on. apparently i forgot to take those off. thank goodness this pair did not suffer the fate that my previous two experienced.

lesson learned?

talk to the hand.

2011-07-06T11:42:00.001-07:00

i still talk with my hands even when i am talking to you on the phone.

WHYDON'TYOUUNDERSTANDWHATIAMSAYING?!

...kidding...kidding...

.4.7.11.

2011-07-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

happy fourth! may all of your fireworks dreams come true!

day 4 of fireworks, here i come!!! xoxox

choose your own jersey shore.

2011-06-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

everyday i pass a small strip mall with two restaurants. one is called "snooki's bar and grill" and the other "doug bro's." coincidence or ignorance? my jury is still out...

i love my family.

2011-06-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

see my cousin and her cutiepatootie son below:

re: we are f-a-m-i-l-y.

2011-06-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

i know. i know. i moved to texas to be closer to my family. but sometimes (read: all the time) i still miss this family:

i can't wait for aug. 7!!!!!!!!!

re: 7 years too many.

2011-06-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

the polyphonic spree

i had waited 7 1/2 years before i got to see them last time.

thank goodness i only had to wait exactly 4 this time.

texas. you have proven yourself to be quite better than i could have anticipated. i guess i will stay a while longer.

memo.

2011-06-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

yesterday, i didn't get the memo like everyone else in my building to wear my mav gear (oh hey...nba champs!). instead i got the memo to wear my only pink shirt the same day the other two ladies in my office wore theirs.

today, i got the other memo to wear jeans and a black shirt the same day as my coworker...

...i would like to conclude that great minds think alike...please keep your commentary to yourself...

lasting.

2011-06-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

i happened upon this woman and her family in the middle of nowhere in namibia. i ended up spending an afternoon with them and laughing harder than i could have ever imagined. they opened their hearts and home to me and only asked in return that i send them pictures so that they could remember that delightful day. in my typical manner, i mailed them a year or so later...and two years later i received an e-mail from her daughter, who is at university...and two additional years later, my heart is still warmed when i get an e-mail from her. it's times like these that i feel indebted to our technological progression.

almost famous.

2011-05-27T16:41:00.001-07:00

my twitter life can't get any better. especially after THE count von count retweeted me.

yes, i am well aware of my muppet obsession...ps...have you seen the new trailers???

pps. i miss you seattle. but texas is being really good to me. so don't worry. okay?

darlin'

2011-05-27T16:39:00.002-07:00

i wasn't even upset when the lady at lunch kept referring to me as darlin'. in fact, i reveled in it.

realization.

2011-05-27T16:39:00.000-07:00

all you brand new cougar grads were almost freshman when cecil was handing me my diploma. now i feel old.

overrated.

2011-05-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

bon iver's new single. it's terrible. there. i said it.

emergency.

2011-05-18T16:10:00.001-07:00

i just ran out of salsa. my world might implode.

...i'm not kidding...

longing.

2011-05-17T18:59:00.000-07:00

i'm longing for my long hair.

r.i.p. dec. 17, 2010.

and i am well aware that i am putting off writing my lesson. more you than you know.

breakthrough. breakdown.

2011-05-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

great news. i taught myself how to check my car's tire pressure AND how to put air in them.

don't worry, i had a great cheerleader. my dog was kind enough to cheer me on at the gas station. thanks champ.

and. i know i probably should have already known how to do that, but let's get real. that's what home teachers are for...or always have been for me...until now...

oh and ps. i have to teach institute on thursday. what?!

jeggings.

2011-05-10T18:46:00.001-07:00

are never okay. not even as yoga pants. case closed.

delivered.

2011-05-10T18:44:00.001-07:00

some people believe they can be delivered from the depths of hell.

my package was delivered from the usps.

those are one and the same, right?

update.

2011-05-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

well the usps at least knows that my package exists.

it was in indiana and is now in maryland, which was quite exciting news for me...it's so close yet so far from dc.

however, we took one giant step backwards, as it has now been listed as missent.

i am at the point, where i would rather fly to maryland, get my envelope and hand deliver it myself. seriously, so inefficient and ineffective.

in the meanwhile, thank your for your positive thoughts and prayers. keep them coming. we are now on round two of an investigation. at least the package was found, so hopefully now we can just get it delivered....

hey. mr. postman.

2011-05-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

if you know me, then you know that i am a completely rational person...in fact it takes a lot to work me up...so i feel completely validated in issuing this plea.

as you know, i have been in the midst of my peace corps application process. the other week was a landmark, as i finally completed the medical portion of the application, which was no easy feat. i dutifully made copies of all of my documents, and sent them via usps priority mail with all the bells and whistles attached to be sure that it would a) get delivered and b) get delivered in a timely manner.

however, the one time i really, really, really needed them to pull through for me, i have been let down. my medical papers with highly confidential information is floating out there in usps land, and internally i am panicing. i know, i know, i have copies just in case, but i will still have to go and get more dental x-rays done if this package is not found, and x-rays are $$$.

so if you are religious, or believe in an a higher being, or if you believe in the power of transferring positive thoughts...then please, please pray for me that my medical paperwork arrives...or please keep it in your thoughts please...i could really use some of your positive thinking....

now...back to endlessly bugging the usps with incessant phone calls....

may the fourth be with you.

2011-05-04T14:07:00.000-07:00

happy star wars day!

you don't know me.

2011-04-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

today while sorting through old boxes, i happened upon this:

for those of you who assumed that i was the teacher's pet. you assumed wrong. i now have proof that i truly was a rebel without a cause.

NOTE: this was the one and only time i ever had detention...or even was reprimanded at school. it was eighth grade and i am pretty sure it was because i was late for a third time that semester. thanks mr. steen for ruining an almost-perfect track record.

b(earth) day.

2011-04-23T08:53:00.000-07:00

yesterday i turned 26. the earth turned 4.567 billion (give or take a few years).

to celebrate my wonderful friend, lisse, and i explored a part of texas that we had never seen before: glen rose, tx.

we started off the day stopping at a church garage sale on the side of the highway. unfortunately the pews were the best and only find.

we then set off to the christian evidence museum. it was more than we could have ever imagined.

this was taken right before an old man with a cane warned me that i might get ran over by "old bones mcgee." referring to himself, of course.

the soundtrack that was almost too good to give up.

this was the only reference to their theories and was hidden behind other framed items. the museum houses the only known human footprint that's been evidenced to have coincided during the same time as the dinosaurs.

dinosaurs. everywhere.

we had finally arrived to dinosaur valley state park. the kid in me (you know, the one that attended museum school summer camp...fact) was filled with excitement.

first footprint sighting!

the claw.

texas can be beautiful. and warm.

friends. this was taken after we found wild onion growing and decided it would be a great idea to eat raw onion. i still think it was a great idea.

yummy birthday shakes with candles and all. so perfect.

thank you lisse and ryan (and lucy and violet) for reminding me that birthdays are worth celebrating.

in the (adult)hood.

2011-04-19T15:25:00.000-07:00

being an adult makes moving a full-time task. it also requires a lot more time on the phone and constantly pressing *0, so that i can talk to a human.

ps. i survived the needles.

pps. i miss you.