stuff

Today was my first day back to the 5:45 am class in two weeks! It was nice to be back. It's going to be tough to get back in the swing of things after having so much time off. I've only taught that class twice (including this morning) in the past 5 weeks. For the first half of April, I was in Virginia, and the second half, the gym was closed for a remodel. They painted the walls in the studio this really nice deep yellow color. I saw a color similar (or maybe the same) in my Cosmo mag and it was called 'Surprise Amber'. It's so bright and happy! I wouldn't mind some of the rooms in my home being that color. I say that like I live in a massive sprawling home, when in truth I have a bedroom, a living room, a bathroom, a kitchen and a hallway! If I thought Keith and I would stay there for a couple more years, I would really be interested in painting some of the walls. I've always said I would paint my apartments, but there's only been one apartment I lived in for more than one year, and the ceilings were so high I couldn't have painted even if I'd wanted to. Oh, and one time I lived in a house that was painted crazy colors. I'm talking bright red, bright yellow, electric blues and greens, purple. It was heinous. I lived there with Sarah and we busted our asses painting the whole inside this lovely shade of white called coconut milk, and when we moved out, the psycho landlord tried to charge us because she 'had to repaint'. It would be so nice to own a condo so I could paint it lovely chocolate browns and sage greens and beautiful shades of dandelion yellow. The thing about owning a home, though, is that you have to pay for insurance, taxes, and fix everything yourself, and worst of all, if you have a yard, you have to take care of it. Yikes. I can't get down with any of those things. I think people probably think my lack of wanting anything to do with a yard is related to my age, but let me tell you- it's not. I can count the number of times I have cut grass on one hand and I'd like to keep it that way. Someday, when I'm living in a place with a balcony I might hang a plant, or have a little mini space for growing something simple. Maybe a nice herb (not that kind)? I could also see myself living in the mountains someday, where nobody gives a damn that the grass is up to your knees, or maybe you just don't have grass at all. I could also see myself living in the desert, where your front yard is a sandbox. Have I ever mentioned how much I love the desert? This morning I was listening to Beirut while looking at photos my friend Ian snapped on his drive from San Diego to Vegas. I was in a happy place. I've done that drive twice before, and it is lovely. Five hours goes by like five minutes.

So, the whole reason I sat down to write this blog is because I wanted to announce how badly I want to have a cupcake and champagne party. I wanted to have one in Virginia, but there was too much going on. I love cupcakes. I also love champagne. I'm tenatively planning on having one at my apartment on June 26. Up until about three seconds ago, I had planned on baking my own cupcakes, and then I remembered that I walk past Saint Cupcake on my way home from work and how freaking cute would that be? If you have never eaten a Saint Cupcake, I can tell you that you're missing out.

My finger looks a little less swollen this morning. I iced it last night with a bag of organic green beans that have been in my freezer for months. I knew they'd come in handy for something. I had planned to eat them on numerous occasions, and now I'm glad I didn't! I really hate having to ice the finger though, because I can not like to be cold. This morning when I taught class, I took the splint off. I probably shouldn't have, but I was very careful to keep the joint as immobile as possible. I didn't want anyone asking me what happened. "I don't know, I did it in my sleep over two months ago."

Jumping back a couple of paragraphs, as I was looking at Ian's photos, I was reminded of how deeply my soul needs to be in San Diego. I have often thought about trying to get back for a visit, but at this point, I really don't feel like I want to go back to visit. I want to go back to live! After making the move from Virginia to Oregon, I've realized that it is totally possible to move to a whole new city. People do it all the time, and I can do it too! Of course, I will have to wait a little while because I just am not ready to deal with that headache again anytime soon. Maybe next year Keith and I can take a 10 or so day trip with our tiny tent and drive all over the western third of the country. You know, like California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Montana. I would say Idaho because you have to drive through it to get to Utah, but I could totally be okay with never seeing Idaho again. I wanted to cry in Idaho due to it's rank aroma and passing truck loads of chickens, pigs and cows. I just love to travel. One day in the near future I hope to have the opportunity to do a lot more of it.

I'm working for Julia again today. She is still sick. I like this store. I always liked this store. It feels cozier or something. I like the customers and there's a tendancy to be less children in here than at my home store. Children are fine and all but they sometimes like to terrorize things, and their parents seem more interested in trying on shoes than tending to their little hellions. I really hate confrontation of any sort, and it makes me feel really awkward when I feel like I need to ask the parents to be, well- parents. I need to work on that.

It looks like it's going to be a dreary day. I really hope the sun comes out and stays out! I love teaching my Wednesday night class on a sunny day because half the room is floor to ceiling windows and there's an amazing view of the river and hillside. Pretty glorious.

Okay I think I'll wrap this up now.
xoxo-
T

health care

Here's something that pisses me off: I went to the doctor last night. I paid $89 for a physician's assistant to tell me that I needed to have x-rays and see an orthopedic specialist, but since I don't have health insurance, he sold me a $3 splint, wished me luck and sent me on my way. And there's a facebook group with almost a million members of folks who oppose Obama's Healthcare reform. I'd love to know how many of those folks are in the same boat as me? My guess is none.

the anti-driver

My car causes me endless headaches. Living in downtown Portland allows me to opportunity to walk anywhere I need to go. Generally, if I have to drive to get somewhere, I either take public transportation or I just don't go. I hate to drive! I put maybe 50 miles a week at most on my car, and that's only because I have to drive to to some of my yoga classes. I do not like it when people ask me for rides. Is that mean? Maybe, but I don't think so. I do not like it that my insurance company, to whom I pay close to triple digits each month to cover the car, tells me that nobody else is allowed to drive the car but me. I wish I could just let Keith take the stupid thing wherever he wants to go. I hate driving so much, in fact, that I avoid going places if they require me driving to get there. I end up pissed off almost every single time I get behind the wheel because traffic in Portland is atrocious, not to mention all of the one way streets. Plus, I just hate to drive. Also, if the car is parked in a spot where I am guaranteed to not get a parking ticket, I'd like to just leave it there as long as I can. I. HATE. TO. DRIVE. I can not say that enough. I freaking hate to drive. Times a million.

Every so often, Julia and I meet on the east side for breakfast or coffee and I totally don't mind doing that. It brings me joy and happiness. Of course I don't mind doing that. And since I'm already over there, I will pick her up. And since I drive past her work on my way home, I will drop her off. My pleasure. So, there are instances in which I don't mind driving, and that's one of them. But for the most part...

I HATE TO DRIVE!

xoxo-
T

beirut

I am currently absolutely obsessed with this band! I first discovered them on Devotchka's Pandora station and I just can't get enough! This is the kind of music that makes me feel happy and alive. I could listen to it all day!

Julia is sick today. Sore throat, etc. I was looking forward to a day off, but she asked me to cover for her. I couldn't say no. First of all, I like Julia to pieces. Secondly, I need the money! So overall, I'm happy to do it! I'm also working a couple hours for her tomorrow as well. Money, money, money! As Britney Spears would say, "Gimme mooooooooooo-ooore!"

xoxo-
T

bullshit

I can NOT like being on such a tight budget. I already miss my fruit, yogurt and coffee breakfasts. Yesterday morning I had toast and this morning I had a tofurkey sandwich. When I run out of that stuff, I guess I will get bagels since they're probably the cheapest breakfast one can have. And I've been having cheap ass spaghetti for my meals in between. And what really upsets me about this is that if I didn't have a car, I wouldn't be in this situation. I have a parking ticket to pay for (since there's no parking at our house), and I owe all that tax money on it to a state I only lived in for two months. This feels like such bullshit! I know I could have been budgeting my money better all along so I could have a stash for when things like this come up, but it still feels like bullshit. I just want to eat! Seriously. I can handle not going out or shopping. But can I just have food at home? The good news is that keeping myself SO tight right now will result in me being back on my feet within a few pay cycles. Also, I have a new appreciation for those families who struggle like this all the time. It only takes a couple of days with minimal or crappy food to realize what a blessing food in the cabinets really is. And I also find it annoying that healthy food is more costly that junky processed garbage. Shouldn't it be the other way around?

xoxo-
T

money

Last night Keith and I had a super good time! I met him at the Marathon immediately after work, which turned into a couple of beers and dinner (grilled cheese and fries. Mmm!). From there we hopped on the max and headed over to the White Eagle for some awesome live bluegrass. The band opening for Sassparilla was really good! I think they were called Jackstraw. I love bluegrass! It's always upbeat and perfect for dancing. Unfortunately, they started playing at 9:30. I misunderstood, because I thought Sassparilla started at 9:30 and I figured we'd be home by 11:30 or so. They didn't end up going on until a little after 11, so we only got to stay for the first half hour of the show. We didn't want to be stranded on the other side of the river if we missed the last max! Oh, I forgot to mention that I had another beer and a half there and then woke up sometime in the middle of the night ready to vomit. Since when did three and a half beers make me drunk enough to puke? In my defense, I was drinking Lagunitas and Ninkasi, but still- I'm pretty much just a lightweight. But that's okay because it makes me a cheap date.

And speaking of cheap- that's what I need to start being from here on out. My finances are so out of wack! I was totally blindsided by a couple of pretty important bills recently, so I need to get my act together so I can get them taken care of. The problem is that I love to shop. I love new clothes, and I love buying all organic food. I also love coffee dates with friends, which generally evolve into breakfast. This morning as I was getting ready for work, I thought to myself that I really do have nice things, and I could stop buying things today and still be totally fine. I have nice shoes, practically all name brand clothes, nice yoga clothes, a super nice yoga mat, a really nice car, good accessories, even high quality makeup. I. Must. Stop. Shopping. I feel like it's just mean that I work retail because I have a hard time controlling myself. But I have to learn! So I'm feeling okay about cutting myself off. You know, only eating at home (which I mostly do anyway), no more shoes or clothes, but what I will really struggle with is my organic food! I can't let that go. Must make it work. Mmm food! I could really use some right now...

xoxo

-
T

mewzick

Every time I look at Jaime's pictures on facebook, I want to move to Salt Lake City. It is so beautiful! Although I'm sure after living there for a while, it becomes just like everywhere else. Yes, it's beautiful, but yes, you also still have bills and life is far from perfect. Plus, moving to another state is the biggest p in the a I have ever experienced! I'd have to say that I'm pretty happy with Oregon. I could see myself staying here for a while. After living here for over a year, I've come to the realization that I do enjoy the cold. From a fashion standpoint, I love to layer! I love scarves, I love arm warmers, I love boots, I love jackets. What I really dislike, though, is rain. I've heard that Northern California is super pretty but the weather is nice all year round. I could get into that.

Yesterday I taught two yoga classes. In my opinion and experience, music is such an important part of the yoga practice. I feel like it can really set the tone for the class and remind folks to approach their practice with a smile on their face, and not take themselves so seriously. Here's my playlist from last night:

Iron & Wine: Resurrection Fern
Chemical Brothers: Life is Sweet
MC Yogi: Be the Change
Fleet Foxes: Mykonos
The Velvet Underground: Sweet Jane
The Cardigans: Love Fool
Modest Mouse: The World At Large
Arcade Fire: Haiti
Curtis Mayfield: Be Thankful for What You've Got
Devotchka: You Love Me
DJ Shadow: Midnight in a Perfect World
The Decemberists: Clementine
Subway Bhaktis: Tibetan Tantra Tara

Some of my favorite teachers mix it up a bit with their music. Don't get me wrong, I love traditional yoga music as well, but not all the time. Tiffany Cruikshank played "Sorry Ms. Jackson" by Outkast in her class on Thursday, along with lots of other fun songs. I realize that maybe this doesn't work for everyone, but hey- it works for me.

Keith and I are going to see Sassparilla tonight! I can't wait. We've seen them live once at the Doug Fir and I loved them! All I have to go is get through a five hour shift at work. I can do this. I can do this.

xoxo-
T

happy day

So today was my first full day off since I got home from Virginia and I really enjoyed it! I woke up kind of early (8:20) without an alarm, which is always a treat. I abhor waking up to an alarm! I showered, put on lounge-y clothes and straightened my hair, and then I sat around for a while drinking coffee, eating breakfast and surfing the net. That was a nice change from sitting around in my pjs all day. At least I felt like I could go out in public if the need arose. I did some cleaning and spent some time with Keith, and then I went to Yoga Pearl for some (free) hot power vinyasa with Tiffany Cruikshank to celebrate their 8th anniversary. I had been looking forward to taking a class with her for a while. She is pretty amazing, you should google her! From there I went to R.E.I. to look at bikes and tents (neither of which I plan to buy anytime soon), found a really cute Prana top, but it was $50 so I didn't buy that either, and then I popped into Lizard Lounge to look at overpriced candles. After meandering around the Pearl for a bit, I finally found my way home. I had to take that horrendous Matt Damon movie back to the redbox, but unfortunately in order to do so I had to break the DVD player to get it out. Keith called it a "piece of shit", but I had to remind him that I'd had the thing for several years and it only cost thirty bucks. While I was out I bought a pint of Ben & Jerry's and then came home to eat some of it while watching New Moon, which I am actually doing right now. I chose "Everything but the...". A mix of chocolate and vanilla ice cream with white chocolate chunks, chunks of Heath Bar, peanut butter cups and fudge covered almonds. For the longest time, I didn't like ice cream. I am starting to crave it sometimes, but am noticing that I really don't like chocolate ice cream. That works out pretty well for me because tonight I was able to satisfy my craving with just a few bites, still saving plenty for later. Or more likely, saving plenty for Keith.

Tomorrow morning I am having breakfast with Julia and teaching two yoga classes. It should be another great day!

xoxo-
T

mini movie reviews

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am making it my business to see all ten of the films that were nominated for Best Picture this year. So far I have seen all of them except for District 9 and An Education. Here's my opinion on what I've seen thus far:

Inglorious Basterds: The only negative thing I have to say about this one is that's it was too long. Other than that, I really liked it. Not my favorite Tarantino film, but I did really like it.

Avatar: Beautiful imagery, but other than that I was so not impressed. It was way too long (I don't think movies should last longer than two hours!), and the battle scene was just way too drawn out. The ending was super predictable. Never once did I wonder what would happen next. Perhaps part of my distaste for this movie comes from the fact that people were making it out to be this brilliant and creative masterpiece. I disagree in a really big way! I would not see this movie again unless I decided I wanted to try LSD first.

Precious: I am a huge fan of Monique! I think she is hilarious and I love the confidence she exudes. I was blown away by her performance and was very happy that she won Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film. I thought the movie was pretty great. Hard to watch, but great nonetheless. It was definitely Oscar-worthy.

A Serious Man: What was this about? That's what Keith and I asked each other as we walked out of the theater. Oddly enough, we both liked it. Oscar worthy? I don't think so. But it was a cool movie.

The Blindside: I loved this movie! We just watched it the other night. Sandra Bullock did a phenomenal job, and the story was very touching. I loved this movie to pieces and think that everyone should see it!

Up in the Air: I didn't think this movie deserved a Best Picture nomination until the ending. In the end it took a slightly different twist and went somewhere I didn't expect it to go. I was happy to see Anna Kendrick do something with her career besides Twilight. I've seen this twice and would probably see it again.

Up: Probably the cutest movie I have ever seen in my life. I've seen it countless times and would still watch it again. This movie made me laugh and cry all at the same time. Such a sweet movie with a great message! See it now.

The Hurt Locker: I am not a fan of war movies. I was happy Kathryn Bigelow won Best Director because it made Oscar history, but unfortunately I can't say that I loved this movie. I could recognize that it was a great movie, but war movies seriously are not my thing. I'm glad I saw it once, but wouldn't see it again.

And just for fun-

The Informant: I watched part of it last night and could not bring myself to finish it. I thought it was supposed to be a comedy? I just found it to be super lame.

I Love You, Man: What a pleasant surprise this film was! Keith and I kept seeing it in the $3 theaters and we were wondering what it was all about and anxiously awaiting it's departure so something new would come in. Well, I decided to get it from the redbox one night and boy was I glad I did! Absolutely hysterical! I was hesitant because sometimes Paul Rudd is funny, and other times he is just downright ridiculous. But he was great in this! I can't even tell you how many times I've seen this one. It's right up there with The Hangover, in my opinion!

Zombieland: "I hate marshmallows! Not the taste, but the consistency!" I can't believe how much I laughed at this movie. Keith, Jon and I saw it at the Laurelhurst and it was totally laugh-out-loud funny. Like a good, hearty laugh-out-loud kind of funny. Not just a giggle. It was more than that.

I'm really into the redbox! I have two really close to my house, but one of them is not consistently in working order and the other one may or may not have a line out the door. We use it all the time. Anyone have any good suggestions for me?!

xoxo-
T

jon is funny

nature

If I could go anywhere today, spend my day any way I wanted, I would go to Timberline Lodge, have an out of this world breakfast in the Cascade Dining room, and then go snowboarding. Then I would cozy up next to the fireplace with a glass of red. Perhaps I would even challenge Keith to another ping pong tournament.

I can't pinpoint exactly when it started, but sometime within the last year I have become very interested in nature. I crave it, even. I wish someone would drop an R.E.I. giftcard in my lap for about $1500. I would buy a brand new snowboard, a nice lightweight bike I could easily carry up and down stairs, and a tiny tent for Keith and me. Sadly, I think I might need more than $1500 for that. Outdoor gear is so expensive!

Keith and I are thinking about moving over to the east side. It would be tough, because we're both pretty serious about our west side status, but I think we could make the change. I would miss being sandwiched between two max stops and walking to work, but if I got that bike I mentioned earlier, I could just bike everywhere. I would also miss being able to walk to the gym. But again, I could bike there. We'll see. It's much cheaper over there, more neighborhoody. But still very cool and urban. Most of our friends already live over there. I say it's on the other side of the river like it's really far away, but it's not. In Richmond, the other side of the River pretty much means Chesterfield and a 20-30 minute drive. In Portland it means a 5-10 minute drive, if even that! We'll see. I'm also enjoying the thought of moving to Salt Lake City for a while. I love the mountains! Living in Oregon has made me realize that I love the mountains far more than I love the beach, even though I can safely say that I love both.

Keith and I are going camping this August with John and Julia at Crater Lake! We are all really looking forward to it. This summer is set to be a great one. Vegas in early July, Stormy's visit in late July, a possible visit from Ben and Dana in August, and a camping trip too! I also look forward to floating down the Sandy River in our $3 inner tubes (is that how you spell it?) from the grocery store. We only did that once last year. That would actually be a fun thing to do with Stormy!

I'm currently listening to Modest Mouse and drinking my last cup of coffee. It seems I didn't make enough this morning. Dang. Modest Mouse always makes me smile from the inside out. Reminds me of California!

Simon is such a sweet nugget of joy.

xoxo-
T

pissed

Yesterday was a good day- until I got home from work. Generally, it's the other way around. But when I checked the mail I'd neglected while I was in Virginia, there was a letter from a lawyer on behalf of the City of Richmond informing me that I owe almost $600 in personal property taxes on my car. Due in just a couple of weeks. I haven't lived in the City of Richmond in 14 months. And I owe $198 to the state of Oregon by Thursday for taxes, and $120 for a parking ticket. Well that's all nice. While I am happy to report that I no longer feel like jumping off a bridge, I still just want to tell the government to go fuck themselves. I am not a happy camper!

screwed

Oh boy. I'm in some shit now. Does anyone know how to successfully pull off living on a remote island and hiding from the government? Yea. I'm starting to understand now why people jump off bridges.