i've been so horrible lately keeping up with this! i'll blame it on the heat, as in the past 15 days, yesterday was the first where it was finally below 40° - this has killed all of my tomatoes AND pepper plants. *sigh*
anyhow, onto the topic of today's post. places i have no desire to live in (or visit). I am compiling this list, because someone [scott] is convinced that I think I'd be happier any place but Kansas. This simply isn't true! So without further ado, here is James' list of places he won't live (or visit.)
1) LA. no words can express my feelings towards LA or any of it's suburbs.
2) Las Vegas. bleck. I just can't get over the "glitzy" tackiness
3) Wyoming. there is something startlingly unsettling about the homophobia in WY.
4) Kentucky. despite it's abbreviation as KY, something tells me it wouldn't be so fun.
5) Florida. not appealing in the least.
5) Phoenix. sparawl sprawl sprawl.
6) the Caribbean. it seems far too touristy and doesn't seem very welcoming towards those of us of the homosexual persuasion.
7) the vast majority of Northern Africa. (well, Africa in general, but some spots, like Kenya or Madagascar would be cool to visit.)
8) much of the middle east/persian gulf. Iran would be cool, sans the ultra conservative politics. as would Omar.
9) China. well, at least major cities in China. the less densely populated areas would be pretty amazing, but so many people make me feel a bit overwhelmed.
10) the Philippines. i don't really have much of a reason other than it's never intrigued me like so many other places.
ok, that's my list. feel free to criticize at will.
until next time, tschüss meine Lieben!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
OOPS
I promise, I didn't forget about my blog, I've just been a bit busy.
Now, for starters, Happy Bastille Day, to those of my FrancoPHone-Friends! Or as I like to write, the FPHF (sounds like "Ffffff") I shall celebrate by eating some pommes. I know, they're Belgian, but we'll pretend for shits and giggles.
On a much more serious note, I've had some turrrrible headaches lately. GD migraines! I'm not sure why, and I'd definitely like them to cease. Maybe I should get a restraining order?
Even more seriously, I think I've nailed down a time for my return to Deutschland! Hurrah! @Miriam, I'll email you with some specifics. It is still a long way off :'^[
I want to be back now!
Ok, that's it for today. Until next time.
Now, for starters, Happy Bastille Day, to those of my FrancoPHone-Friends! Or as I like to write, the FPHF (sounds like "Ffffff") I shall celebrate by eating some pommes. I know, they're Belgian, but we'll pretend for shits and giggles.
On a much more serious note, I've had some turrrrible headaches lately. GD migraines! I'm not sure why, and I'd definitely like them to cease. Maybe I should get a restraining order?
Even more seriously, I think I've nailed down a time for my return to Deutschland! Hurrah! @Miriam, I'll email you with some specifics. It is still a long way off :'^[
I want to be back now!
Ok, that's it for today. Until next time.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
*yawn*
had another German lesson with Margretta today! It was fun! German is one very complex language. but I am having a good time trying to learn. today, we worked on definite and indefinite articles. also did a little with vocabulary.
for my homework, i have to work on some charts, and i'm going to make some labels for items throughout the house.
after the lesson, scott and I decided to take a walk. unfortunately about 20mins into the walk, it started to rain. heavily. but, we ended up having fun, so we walked another 40mins in it. (I figured since we were wet anyway, may and try to enjoy it!)
now, we just got done watching the movie Flawless, which is a bit goofy, but it's cute, and sweet. plus, Jackie Beat is in it, and I love her!
tomorrow is Independence Day, so I get a day off! hooray! leisurely going to drink my coffee, eat my cereal, and take a long walk. which isn't that much different than a normal monday, except i have to do all those activities at breakneck speeds.
Ini- today it finally cooled off! it was only 28°! but, thursday and friday it was 38°!!! yuuuuckyyyyyy!
for my homework, i have to work on some charts, and i'm going to make some labels for items throughout the house.
after the lesson, scott and I decided to take a walk. unfortunately about 20mins into the walk, it started to rain. heavily. but, we ended up having fun, so we walked another 40mins in it. (I figured since we were wet anyway, may and try to enjoy it!)
now, we just got done watching the movie Flawless, which is a bit goofy, but it's cute, and sweet. plus, Jackie Beat is in it, and I love her!
tomorrow is Independence Day, so I get a day off! hooray! leisurely going to drink my coffee, eat my cereal, and take a long walk. which isn't that much different than a normal monday, except i have to do all those activities at breakneck speeds.
Ini- today it finally cooled off! it was only 28°! but, thursday and friday it was 38°!!! yuuuuckyyyyyy!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
life is around you and within you
the spacebar on my laptop has decided to stop working. this, i assure you, is quite irritating. but, i'll survive!
today, i was incredibly proud of myself. i created a set of clothes lines, so i may air dry my clothes instead of using the mechanical dryer all the time. it will still have to be used for items like jeans, slacks, and shorts, but it will cut the amount of time the dryer is on! PLUS, it will help a great deal with all the wrinkles!
i also worked on my german today. Es ist nicht gut. i did this, in part, by listening to several Deutsche-Welle podcasts. i have come away with the information that there is a lot of discussion of Greek austerity cuts, and Dominique Strauss-Kahn. aside from that, i can tell you very little. OH, but I learned the word "die Wolke" which means, the cloud. jealous?
there are 328 days until i return to Deutschland! I am excited. And acutely aware of how sad it is that I am already counting down the days.
for now, I feel like watching a film. Tschüss!
today, i was incredibly proud of myself. i created a set of clothes lines, so i may air dry my clothes instead of using the mechanical dryer all the time. it will still have to be used for items like jeans, slacks, and shorts, but it will cut the amount of time the dryer is on! PLUS, it will help a great deal with all the wrinkles!
i also worked on my german today. Es ist nicht gut. i did this, in part, by listening to several Deutsche-Welle podcasts. i have come away with the information that there is a lot of discussion of Greek austerity cuts, and Dominique Strauss-Kahn. aside from that, i can tell you very little. OH, but I learned the word "die Wolke" which means, the cloud. jealous?
there are 328 days until i return to Deutschland! I am excited. And acutely aware of how sad it is that I am already counting down the days.
for now, I feel like watching a film. Tschüss!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
dogs
Rowen has a bad habit of talking back to the television. I'm trying to watch Stonewall right now, and she keeps talking to the television.
it's a good thing i've watched it so many times that i have the entire film memorized.
mmk, time for an icy beverine and a cookie.
it's a good thing i've watched it so many times that i have the entire film memorized.
mmk, time for an icy beverine and a cookie.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
success!
new brew recipe for the coffee has been a success! i am very excited, and now able to enjoy iced coffee beverages at a much more reasonable price. Oh, if only i didn't love my coffee so much! (this is probably an additional issue to my waistline, but why cut out one of my few pleasures?)
walking has once again commenced. yesterday was pretty miserable on the way TO work. not because of the heat, but because after two weeks of not walking, it took me 38min to get to work, when normally it would take me 28-30min depending on wait time at stop lights. i'm going to try to go for 6 miles (or about 9.5km) a day. we'll see how this works. - it's easy on work days, it's ~4 miles to and from work, and then in the evening, i walk with scott and rowen for about 2-3 miles. saturday and sunday will be another story.
during my walk, yesterday morning, i had one of my "moments of clarity" that so frequently happen when i walk. i realized/understood my love of octopi. i can relate to them. they use their ink as a form of defense, and i feel like MY ink is a form of defensive measure, too. i am sure that sounds terribly silly. but it makes sense to me.
for now, back to work.
walking has once again commenced. yesterday was pretty miserable on the way TO work. not because of the heat, but because after two weeks of not walking, it took me 38min to get to work, when normally it would take me 28-30min depending on wait time at stop lights. i'm going to try to go for 6 miles (or about 9.5km) a day. we'll see how this works. - it's easy on work days, it's ~4 miles to and from work, and then in the evening, i walk with scott and rowen for about 2-3 miles. saturday and sunday will be another story.
during my walk, yesterday morning, i had one of my "moments of clarity" that so frequently happen when i walk. i realized/understood my love of octopi. i can relate to them. they use their ink as a form of defense, and i feel like MY ink is a form of defensive measure, too. i am sure that sounds terribly silly. but it makes sense to me.
for now, back to work.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
so!
i'm currently starting another batch of cold press. i made a finer ground coffee this time, and increased the amount of coffee from 85g to 100g. i also decreased the water from 330ml to 250ml. so, hopefully i'll get a better coffee. i'll find out tomorrow!
also, i'm working on my Deutsch! a co-worker is helping me learn. hopefully by the time i get back to Detuschland, i'll be able to communicate better (auf Deutsch).
On that thought; I'll be going back in late May. (master plan, May 26-June 15) If all goes according to plan, I'll be leaving in 334 days. Huzzah! (is it sad that i'm already starting a countdown?)
Last two thing, I promise.
1) In case you haven't had it, Stevia. Wonderful. And for me, it's Stevia season, 'cos I love it in my iced tea.
2) After two weeks of not walking (sorry body!) I'll be going back to walking every day again! yay!
also, i'm working on my Deutsch! a co-worker is helping me learn. hopefully by the time i get back to Detuschland, i'll be able to communicate better (auf Deutsch).
On that thought; I'll be going back in late May. (master plan, May 26-June 15) If all goes according to plan, I'll be leaving in 334 days. Huzzah! (is it sad that i'm already starting a countdown?)
Last two thing, I promise.
1) In case you haven't had it, Stevia. Wonderful. And for me, it's Stevia season, 'cos I love it in my iced tea.
2) After two weeks of not walking (sorry body!) I'll be going back to walking every day again! yay!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
briefly
i got my new Rx on my glasses. they came in. i can see again! yay!
i've set my time off for late may/early june of next year for going back to Deutschland.
the dogs are barking so much, and i've got a massive headache.
goodnight.
i've set my time off for late may/early june of next year for going back to Deutschland.
the dogs are barking so much, and i've got a massive headache.
goodnight.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
other*
*note, if you worked with me, you'd understand the humour in my subject line.
i made a baked vegetable dish for dinner. i was awfully excited about it. for a few reasons.
1) it contained my [current] favorite german cheese, quark.
2) it [looked] incredibly appealing by the recipe.
3) it's veggies, cheese, and potatoes. how could that go wrong?!
well. it did go wrong. very, very, wrong. the main issue (i think) was the other cheese the recipe called for, a little demon called cambezola.
now, i'm not terribly fond of the bleu cheeses. something about seeing the mold (such dark mold) just kinda bugs me. plus, it's usually awfully pungent.
the research i did on this cambezola told me "very mild bleu" and "perfect for the unadventurous!" i figured that i'd be safe with this. oh! how i was wrong! or maybe how they were wrong? it was awfully strong. and i'm typically adventurous when it comes to cheeses. sans la bleu.
if i happen to make this recipe again, (which doesn't seem terribly likely, as i essentially wasted an entire tub of the illusive quark making it) i shan't be using any form of bleu cheese. i shall stick to a nice brie (rind removed) or perhaps camembert.
i made a baked vegetable dish for dinner. i was awfully excited about it. for a few reasons.
1) it contained my [current] favorite german cheese, quark.
2) it [looked] incredibly appealing by the recipe.
3) it's veggies, cheese, and potatoes. how could that go wrong?!
well. it did go wrong. very, very, wrong. the main issue (i think) was the other cheese the recipe called for, a little demon called cambezola.
now, i'm not terribly fond of the bleu cheeses. something about seeing the mold (such dark mold) just kinda bugs me. plus, it's usually awfully pungent.
the research i did on this cambezola told me "very mild bleu" and "perfect for the unadventurous!" i figured that i'd be safe with this. oh! how i was wrong! or maybe how they were wrong? it was awfully strong. and i'm typically adventurous when it comes to cheeses. sans la bleu.
if i happen to make this recipe again, (which doesn't seem terribly likely, as i essentially wasted an entire tub of the illusive quark making it) i shan't be using any form of bleu cheese. i shall stick to a nice brie (rind removed) or perhaps camembert.
Monday, June 6, 2011
a few thoughts
i attempted to make my own cold press coffee this weekend. my feelings
1) it is FAR too weak. recipe called for 85g of coffee to 1/3l of water. mix, let steep over night, and strain in the morning. THEN it called to dilute the coffee solution in half with water. i shall be adjusting.
2) it said to use a very coarsely ground bean. i'm going to go a bit finer than what i had.
3) i made my beverage with hemp milk. VERY good.
have you ever had hemp milk? if you haven't, give it a try!
other thoughts for the day
1) today is Rowen's "birthday" - she turns 2 today. now she can officially be considered an adult dog. she is certainly acting like it! we brought her to the pet store last night, and she picked out a new toy. a stuffed bear (and it was on clearance, too. my dog-ter is a fan of sales, like me!)
2) my throat hurts, or maybe it's my tongue. whichever, it's painful. and not much fun
3) i've had a headache since saturday morning, that hasn't gone away.
4) i found a random mushroom coral in my fishtank today. huzzah!
5) i'm tired. so i'm going to sleep incredibly early tonight.
1) it is FAR too weak. recipe called for 85g of coffee to 1/3l of water. mix, let steep over night, and strain in the morning. THEN it called to dilute the coffee solution in half with water. i shall be adjusting.
2) it said to use a very coarsely ground bean. i'm going to go a bit finer than what i had.
3) i made my beverage with hemp milk. VERY good.
have you ever had hemp milk? if you haven't, give it a try!
other thoughts for the day
1) today is Rowen's "birthday" - she turns 2 today. now she can officially be considered an adult dog. she is certainly acting like it! we brought her to the pet store last night, and she picked out a new toy. a stuffed bear (and it was on clearance, too. my dog-ter is a fan of sales, like me!)
2) my throat hurts, or maybe it's my tongue. whichever, it's painful. and not much fun
3) i've had a headache since saturday morning, that hasn't gone away.
4) i found a random mushroom coral in my fishtank today. huzzah!
5) i'm tired. so i'm going to sleep incredibly early tonight.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
top ten albums
i've decided to compile a top ten list of the best albums. at least in my opinion. these are not in any specific order. i picked these ten albums, because i enjoy EVERY single song on each album. i suggest giving every one of these albums a listen.
Antony and the Johnsons- I am a Bird Now
http://www.amazon.com/am-Bird-Now-Antony-Johnsons/dp/B000777J2S
Antony's voice is absolute beauty. there is no possible way to explain it. Antony is not for everyone, either. Hïr singing frequents into very high ranges, and ze uses molto vibrato. Hïr lyrics, deeply, profoundly touching.
Björk- Homogenic
http://www.amazon.com/Homogenic-Bjork/dp/B000002HPV/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1307070009&sr=1-1
i've loved this album ever since i first heard the song Bachelorette back in 1997. and the older i get, the more the entire album speaks to me. yet another artist whose voice is not for everyone, Björk consistently gives me goosebumps. this album flows together, something akin to one of the sagas.
Sigur Rós- Ágætis byrjun
http://www.amazon.com/Agaetis-Byrjun/dp/B004B5W27Y/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307070257&sr=1-1-fkmr0
It is impossible for me to describe the love i have of this album. it's like walking into a crisp white snowy forest. from Jonsi's voice, to the instrumental choices, my breath is taken away by the power of this album. it is impossible for me to listen to "only" one song.
Tori Amos - Boys for Pele
http://www.amazon.com/Boys-Pele-Tori-Amos/dp/B000002J88/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1307070644&sr=1-1
This album is an old reliable for me. i can always fall back to tori, and particularly this album. this album is like comfort food. a big plate of macaroni and cheese. tori has the distinct ability to send me into singing fits. it is impossible for me not to sing along.
M.I.A. - Kala
http://www.amazon.com/Kala-M-I/dp/B000TJ6CM2/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1307070888&sr=1-1
Most definitely my favorite hip-hop album. her voice, and her words, have the power to move mountains. she tackles issues that most people don't even know anything about, but she can still get those non-understanding to dance. she is powerful, intelligent, and ultra impressive.
Smashing Pumpkins - Melon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
http://www.amazon.com/Mellon-Infinite-Sadness-Smashing-Pumpkins/dp/B000000WA4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307071141&sr=1-1
Yet another "old reliable" album. this was, in fact, the first CD i ever (sort of) possessed. the pumpkins were (are?) innovative, and this album has as much import to me, as it did when i first heard billie corgan's voice over the radio.
Vitalic - OK Cowboy
http://www.amazon.com/Ok-Cowboy-Vitalic/dp/B0007Q6PW4/ref=sr_1_3?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1307071304&sr=1-3
Many of you probably don't know i'm into electronica. well, i am. particularly french electronica. and Vitalic is, at least as of today, the cream of the crop for me. there are a plethora of choices, but vitalic, and the way he uses his sounds. astounding.
Justice - †
http://www.amazon.com/Cross-Justice/dp/B000QCUB8I/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1307071507&sr=1-1
Ok, so, I had to pick another electronica album. Justice makes my ears super happy. and this album always gets me to dance. it could easily be considered an electronic opera. particularly D.A.N.C.E., which is essentially an homage to michael jackson.
Regina Spektor - Songs
http://www.amazon.com/Songs-Regina-Spektor/dp/B000009F38/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1307071668&sr=1-1
I first heard Regina's voice on a clip about her on NPR several years ago. I was driving between topeka and lawrence, and i heard a clip of the song Daniel Cowman and fell immediately in love. her voice, and her pianist abilities are absolutely brilliant. an aside, this album can easily be tied with Soviet Kitsch, or 11:11.
Godspeed You! Black Emporer - Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven
http://www.amazon.com/Lift-Skinny-Fists-Antennas-Heaven/dp/B00004ZD69/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1307071937&sr=1-2
I have my brother Michael to thank for introducing me to GY!BE, and I am absolutely grateful. this lengthy album is full of beauty and terror, all wrapped up in a dual disc package. the instruments reach fevered pitch, followed by eerie silences. the type of album that raises the hair on the back of your neck.
there you have it. my top ten. and i could probably pick more, but these ten, embody everything i love about music. this is, also, not a representative sample of all the types of music i listen to, only the albums that i can listen to, on a loop, for days on end.
Antony and the Johnsons- I am a Bird Now
http://www.amazon.com/am-Bird-Now-Antony-Johnsons/dp/B000777J2S
Antony's voice is absolute beauty. there is no possible way to explain it. Antony is not for everyone, either. Hïr singing frequents into very high ranges, and ze uses molto vibrato. Hïr lyrics, deeply, profoundly touching.
Björk- Homogenic
http://www.amazon.com/Homogenic-Bjork/dp/B000002HPV/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1307070009&sr=1-1
i've loved this album ever since i first heard the song Bachelorette back in 1997. and the older i get, the more the entire album speaks to me. yet another artist whose voice is not for everyone, Björk consistently gives me goosebumps. this album flows together, something akin to one of the sagas.
Sigur Rós- Ágætis byrjun
http://www.amazon.com/Agaetis-Byrjun/dp/B004B5W27Y/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307070257&sr=1-1-fkmr0
It is impossible for me to describe the love i have of this album. it's like walking into a crisp white snowy forest. from Jonsi's voice, to the instrumental choices, my breath is taken away by the power of this album. it is impossible for me to listen to "only" one song.
Tori Amos - Boys for Pele
http://www.amazon.com/Boys-Pele-Tori-Amos/dp/B000002J88/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1307070644&sr=1-1
This album is an old reliable for me. i can always fall back to tori, and particularly this album. this album is like comfort food. a big plate of macaroni and cheese. tori has the distinct ability to send me into singing fits. it is impossible for me not to sing along.
M.I.A. - Kala
http://www.amazon.com/Kala-M-I/dp/B000TJ6CM2/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1307070888&sr=1-1
Most definitely my favorite hip-hop album. her voice, and her words, have the power to move mountains. she tackles issues that most people don't even know anything about, but she can still get those non-understanding to dance. she is powerful, intelligent, and ultra impressive.
Smashing Pumpkins - Melon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
http://www.amazon.com/Mellon-Infinite-Sadness-Smashing-Pumpkins/dp/B000000WA4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307071141&sr=1-1
Yet another "old reliable" album. this was, in fact, the first CD i ever (sort of) possessed. the pumpkins were (are?) innovative, and this album has as much import to me, as it did when i first heard billie corgan's voice over the radio.
Vitalic - OK Cowboy
http://www.amazon.com/Ok-Cowboy-Vitalic/dp/B0007Q6PW4/ref=sr_1_3?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1307071304&sr=1-3
Many of you probably don't know i'm into electronica. well, i am. particularly french electronica. and Vitalic is, at least as of today, the cream of the crop for me. there are a plethora of choices, but vitalic, and the way he uses his sounds. astounding.
Justice - †
http://www.amazon.com/Cross-Justice/dp/B000QCUB8I/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1307071507&sr=1-1
Ok, so, I had to pick another electronica album. Justice makes my ears super happy. and this album always gets me to dance. it could easily be considered an electronic opera. particularly D.A.N.C.E., which is essentially an homage to michael jackson.
Regina Spektor - Songs
http://www.amazon.com/Songs-Regina-Spektor/dp/B000009F38/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1307071668&sr=1-1
I first heard Regina's voice on a clip about her on NPR several years ago. I was driving between topeka and lawrence, and i heard a clip of the song Daniel Cowman and fell immediately in love. her voice, and her pianist abilities are absolutely brilliant. an aside, this album can easily be tied with Soviet Kitsch, or 11:11.
Godspeed You! Black Emporer - Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven
http://www.amazon.com/Lift-Skinny-Fists-Antennas-Heaven/dp/B00004ZD69/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1307071937&sr=1-2
I have my brother Michael to thank for introducing me to GY!BE, and I am absolutely grateful. this lengthy album is full of beauty and terror, all wrapped up in a dual disc package. the instruments reach fevered pitch, followed by eerie silences. the type of album that raises the hair on the back of your neck.
there you have it. my top ten. and i could probably pick more, but these ten, embody everything i love about music. this is, also, not a representative sample of all the types of music i listen to, only the albums that i can listen to, on a loop, for days on end.
Monday, May 16, 2011
honey the fabrics scare me!
i've decided to make a quiche for dinner tomorrow. well, sorta. it's going to be made from eggs (farm fresh) some local asparagus, and some crab. but it'll be crustless. i don't care for pie crust, particularly with quiche.
i decided i really needed to trim my hair/beard yesterday, and when i took out my trimmer, it was kaputt! i don't know what the hell happened to it, other than being 7 years old, and having been used at least once a month (for a few years, every week, when i was REALLY hardcore about keeping my head trimmed) so, i dropped by turrget and picked up a new one. i live such an exciting life. LOL
next? after a third consecutive month of rate increases on the cable, we have decided to give it the boot. three months ago we were paying $52. then $58. today, we got the bill, and it's $60! yeah, that's not a "huge" increase, but it's such bullshit! we have only 17 channels, and we never watch them! the internet is $35 ($45 if we drop cable TV) - so, we're thinking of getting lawrence freenet. we'll see how that goes.
for now, TV on dvd. (yeah, everything i watch is on DVD)
i decided i really needed to trim my hair/beard yesterday, and when i took out my trimmer, it was kaputt! i don't know what the hell happened to it, other than being 7 years old, and having been used at least once a month (for a few years, every week, when i was REALLY hardcore about keeping my head trimmed) so, i dropped by turrget and picked up a new one. i live such an exciting life. LOL
next? after a third consecutive month of rate increases on the cable, we have decided to give it the boot. three months ago we were paying $52. then $58. today, we got the bill, and it's $60! yeah, that's not a "huge" increase, but it's such bullshit! we have only 17 channels, and we never watch them! the internet is $35 ($45 if we drop cable TV) - so, we're thinking of getting lawrence freenet. we'll see how that goes.
for now, TV on dvd. (yeah, everything i watch is on DVD)
Sunday, May 15, 2011
put a bird on it!
things to do, things to do, THINGS TO DO!
i've got so much to do, and i feel like no time to do it.
i need to clean the house, i need to cut my hair, and i need to take the GRE!
also, i'm working a crap ton extra (or at least trying to!) so i can have enough ours to take longer than a week and 3 day in germany.
and it's cold AGAIN! it was 95°F sunday and monday, today it is 50°F!
ok, enough random synapse firing for now.
i've got so much to do, and i feel like no time to do it.
i need to clean the house, i need to cut my hair, and i need to take the GRE!
also, i'm working a crap ton extra (or at least trying to!) so i can have enough ours to take longer than a week and 3 day in germany.
and it's cold AGAIN! it was 95°F sunday and monday, today it is 50°F!
ok, enough random synapse firing for now.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
new post
new post new post new post new post.
it is raining (storming) at the moment. i have the front door open, and the breeze blowing in feels absolutely delicious on my skin. it's been so warm the past few days around 34°C (93°F) and it has been awful. so, the fresh cool air is just wonderful.
i'm still walking to and from work. which has been great for listening to music! i have an hour every day devoted just to me and my ipod. i'm rediscovering music i haven't heard in months (and sometimes years!) it has also been super for the less frequent fill ups of benzine! saving money is always a plus! AND, i'm not pumping nearly as much CO2 into the atmosphere. (even though my car is a certified LEV, but i digress)
i am currently planning a second trip to deutschland! it will be far shorter than my last excursion, only 8/9 days including travel. i will also be going in late november, so weather will not be nearly as fantastic as it was in march. and i will be going solo. so that will be interesting.
while i'm there, i want to take a day trip into Ghent (Melle) Belgium, so i can take a tour of my favorite brewery. the Huyghe brewery, which makes Delirium tremens, and delirium nocturnum. such wonderful beer (if you haven't tried it before, DO yourself a favor and pick up a bottle!)
okay, that's all he wrote. for now.
it is raining (storming) at the moment. i have the front door open, and the breeze blowing in feels absolutely delicious on my skin. it's been so warm the past few days around 34°C (93°F) and it has been awful. so, the fresh cool air is just wonderful.
i'm still walking to and from work. which has been great for listening to music! i have an hour every day devoted just to me and my ipod. i'm rediscovering music i haven't heard in months (and sometimes years!) it has also been super for the less frequent fill ups of benzine! saving money is always a plus! AND, i'm not pumping nearly as much CO2 into the atmosphere. (even though my car is a certified LEV, but i digress)
i am currently planning a second trip to deutschland! it will be far shorter than my last excursion, only 8/9 days including travel. i will also be going in late november, so weather will not be nearly as fantastic as it was in march. and i will be going solo. so that will be interesting.
while i'm there, i want to take a day trip into Ghent (Melle) Belgium, so i can take a tour of my favorite brewery. the Huyghe brewery, which makes Delirium tremens, and delirium nocturnum. such wonderful beer (if you haven't tried it before, DO yourself a favor and pick up a bottle!)
okay, that's all he wrote. for now.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
oh goodness
it's been so long since i've updated. and this one isn't going to be much of an update, either, as i have to wake up at 05:40 for work tomorrow morning.
tired. and busy. and sore. and cold.
i am awfully ready for winter to be done. its cold grip will not let us go!
this weekend, i pierced my nasal septum (if you didn't already know LOL) and it was one of the most positive piercing experiences ever! there was virtually no pain. and the artist was incredibly sweet/gentle which made the experience even better. i was told it'd be a very painful heal, but i've not found this to be the case. the only time it's sore is when i accidentally bump it, or when i have to blow my nose (which is unfortunately often with my allergies) i just do two saline soaks a day, and leave it alone! for now, i have a retainer in it, (looks like a glorified staple) but after a month, i'll be putting a CBR in it.
we also did some gardening this weekend. roma tomatoes, a purple heirloom, jalapenos, bell pepper, red onion, basil, and oregano. also did a couple of marigolds to brighten up the front yard, too.
for now, doing some thinking about visiting germany again, or possibly iceland. i don't know. just thoughts.
okay, i need to go to bed. i'm sleepy, and have to be up in a few short hours!
tired. and busy. and sore. and cold.
i am awfully ready for winter to be done. its cold grip will not let us go!
this weekend, i pierced my nasal septum (if you didn't already know LOL) and it was one of the most positive piercing experiences ever! there was virtually no pain. and the artist was incredibly sweet/gentle which made the experience even better. i was told it'd be a very painful heal, but i've not found this to be the case. the only time it's sore is when i accidentally bump it, or when i have to blow my nose (which is unfortunately often with my allergies) i just do two saline soaks a day, and leave it alone! for now, i have a retainer in it, (looks like a glorified staple) but after a month, i'll be putting a CBR in it.
we also did some gardening this weekend. roma tomatoes, a purple heirloom, jalapenos, bell pepper, red onion, basil, and oregano. also did a couple of marigolds to brighten up the front yard, too.
for now, doing some thinking about visiting germany again, or possibly iceland. i don't know. just thoughts.
okay, i need to go to bed. i'm sleepy, and have to be up in a few short hours!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
thunders!
we're currently experiencing a lovely little thunderstorm! the lightning is orange. which is very bizarrely colouring the sky. it's also bringing some VERY chilly air, which is not as exciting. it is (allegedly) going to be back near freezing again this weekend. boo.
completely unrelated topic. i've been REALLY enjoying my walks to work! i don't know that i'm losing any weight, but it gives me a little while to collect my thoughts before and after work. sort of a decompression. i also bought myself a new pair of shoes so that i have a better time walking. i absolutely LOVE them! they work my calves very differently, and i'm getting some awesome definition on them! :^]
i tried making some home-made coconut curry chicken tonight. it was not a success. the curry sauce came out really well, but while cooking the chicken, it smelled funny. so, we had to toss the chicken, and i'll go buy some more tomorrow. for now, the sauce is going in the fridge.
for now, i am going to watch some golden girls. tschüss!
completely unrelated topic. i've been REALLY enjoying my walks to work! i don't know that i'm losing any weight, but it gives me a little while to collect my thoughts before and after work. sort of a decompression. i also bought myself a new pair of shoes so that i have a better time walking. i absolutely LOVE them! they work my calves very differently, and i'm getting some awesome definition on them! :^]
i tried making some home-made coconut curry chicken tonight. it was not a success. the curry sauce came out really well, but while cooking the chicken, it smelled funny. so, we had to toss the chicken, and i'll go buy some more tomorrow. for now, the sauce is going in the fridge.
for now, i am going to watch some golden girls. tschüss!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
sometimes it's just the most comfortable place
it's been a relatively busy past few weeks. and it's not ready to start slowing down yet. boo.
on that note, Ini, i am working on a letter to send to you and Hutzi, but we have been so busy lately! now that our summit is over, elections are over, i should have some more time soon! i still, as well, need to find you the notebook binder! oy! i'm such a bad big brother, and a terrible foreign "son"!
tomorrow evening is the first KEC board meeting that i'll actually be attending as a board member! i'm in charge of taking minutes. i hope i don't fuck up. as i tend to have a habit of fucking up. blarg.
i spent a little bit of time doing some yard work today. i cleared out the peony bushes, and trimmed down the dead purple cone flower stalks. scott also helped me clean out some of the leaves and spiny ball seed things from the sidewalk. it's starting to look much nicer! i can't wait to get the garden up and going! (and to see if the seeds i planted decide to sprout)
unfortunately, spring always means two (bad) things for me.
1) terrible allergies. blerg.
2) sun rash. (gross, TMI, sorry) but it's flipping terrible! all over my hands, my elbows, and on my legs. it's itchy, and painful.
okay. i'm going to go eat a cookie. and get ready for bed. gn8!
on that note, Ini, i am working on a letter to send to you and Hutzi, but we have been so busy lately! now that our summit is over, elections are over, i should have some more time soon! i still, as well, need to find you the notebook binder! oy! i'm such a bad big brother, and a terrible foreign "son"!
tomorrow evening is the first KEC board meeting that i'll actually be attending as a board member! i'm in charge of taking minutes. i hope i don't fuck up. as i tend to have a habit of fucking up. blarg.
i spent a little bit of time doing some yard work today. i cleared out the peony bushes, and trimmed down the dead purple cone flower stalks. scott also helped me clean out some of the leaves and spiny ball seed things from the sidewalk. it's starting to look much nicer! i can't wait to get the garden up and going! (and to see if the seeds i planted decide to sprout)
unfortunately, spring always means two (bad) things for me.
1) terrible allergies. blerg.
2) sun rash. (gross, TMI, sorry) but it's flipping terrible! all over my hands, my elbows, and on my legs. it's itchy, and painful.
okay. i'm going to go eat a cookie. and get ready for bed. gn8!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
make it snappy!
the lawrence city elections are (were?) today. i am so incredibly depressed with the outcomes. more importantly, i'm depressed about the turnout! less than 2 fucking per cent of the registered voters actually voted! what the hell is wrong with this city? people kvetch and kvetch about how everything is wrong, but then they NEVER do anything about it! does NO ONE see that performing this tiny civic duty can change that?!
seriously, an incredibly progressive candidate is behind by a mere 80 votes. (currently) and he would have been instrumental in getting protection for the transgender population in this city, but as of now, has lost by a handful of votes!
*sigh*
ok, i have to make this quick, i'm at 14% battery power.
to help combat my election day blues, i decided to plant some seeds this evening. and to listen to my ipod on random. i planted some; sweet basil, parsley, chives, and some poppy seeds. tomorrow, i'm going to plant some; morning glories, four o'clocks, and perhaps some impatients. i have some other seeds, i just don't know about the *room* in which to put them at night when it still dips below 0°C (32°F). *shrug*
april is already promising to be an incredibly busy month! i am busy every weekend, and sometimes, i'd just like to sit down and enjoy myself. it doesn't seem likely, though.
oh, last random synapse fire for now, i promise. i believe i mentioned that i'm now the secretary for the douglas county (or lawrence?) chapter of the Kansas Equality Coalition. this position requires me to keep the minutes. i think that i'm going to use part of my savings to purchase a new laptop with which to do this. i haven't decided yet. *shrug* but, i should save it for my next trip to deutschland... BUT, a new laptop would be nice. especially considering i'm missing many keys on the present laptop, and the battery needs replacing. bleh, damn decisions!
seriously, an incredibly progressive candidate is behind by a mere 80 votes. (currently) and he would have been instrumental in getting protection for the transgender population in this city, but as of now, has lost by a handful of votes!
*sigh*
ok, i have to make this quick, i'm at 14% battery power.
to help combat my election day blues, i decided to plant some seeds this evening. and to listen to my ipod on random. i planted some; sweet basil, parsley, chives, and some poppy seeds. tomorrow, i'm going to plant some; morning glories, four o'clocks, and perhaps some impatients. i have some other seeds, i just don't know about the *room* in which to put them at night when it still dips below 0°C (32°F). *shrug*
april is already promising to be an incredibly busy month! i am busy every weekend, and sometimes, i'd just like to sit down and enjoy myself. it doesn't seem likely, though.
oh, last random synapse fire for now, i promise. i believe i mentioned that i'm now the secretary for the douglas county (or lawrence?) chapter of the Kansas Equality Coalition. this position requires me to keep the minutes. i think that i'm going to use part of my savings to purchase a new laptop with which to do this. i haven't decided yet. *shrug* but, i should save it for my next trip to deutschland... BUT, a new laptop would be nice. especially considering i'm missing many keys on the present laptop, and the battery needs replacing. bleh, damn decisions!
Friday, April 1, 2011
beep-beep-boop!
boo @ me for taking so long to post anything!
the LGBT summit was tuesday evening, and it was really fantastic! everyone did such a great job, and we had over 250 people in attendance! sweet! also, my election to the KEC board was tuesday night. i'm now the secretary for the lawrence chapter of the Kansas Equality Coalition. hurrah!
it was an insanely long week. so busy at work. so busy in personal life. oy.
i walked to work every day except today, too! i only didn't today, 'cos i had to carry "food day" food to work today. i didn't feel like walking, and carrying all that crap. no fun! but, i'm proud of myself for walking all the other days LOL
tonight, friday night. best evening of the week! two whole days of NOT being at work ahead of me! huzzah! i shall watch a film, and eat some highly caloric food! tomorrow, i need to get my eyeglasses fixed.
enough random synapse firing for now.
the LGBT summit was tuesday evening, and it was really fantastic! everyone did such a great job, and we had over 250 people in attendance! sweet! also, my election to the KEC board was tuesday night. i'm now the secretary for the lawrence chapter of the Kansas Equality Coalition. hurrah!
it was an insanely long week. so busy at work. so busy in personal life. oy.
i walked to work every day except today, too! i only didn't today, 'cos i had to carry "food day" food to work today. i didn't feel like walking, and carrying all that crap. no fun! but, i'm proud of myself for walking all the other days LOL
tonight, friday night. best evening of the week! two whole days of NOT being at work ahead of me! huzzah! i shall watch a film, and eat some highly caloric food! tomorrow, i need to get my eyeglasses fixed.
enough random synapse firing for now.
Monday, March 28, 2011
fish soup
tomorrow is the big KEC 1st annual GLBT summit. finally. it seems like the planning has been going on forever. (and the planning for the next one will start wednesday, i'm sure) anyhow, it ought to be interesting!
ok, irritating factoid of the day; it has snowed several times this weekend. it is 28 march, and it has snow! absolute ridiculousness! i've certainly had my fill of the vile white precipitation.
saturday, i had lunch with sara o'keeffe and laura engelhardt, which was incredibly fantastic. i ended up blabbing the entire time about deutschland, i know, but it was wonderful just being in their presence. (does that sound creepy?) later that evening, i made my american family Spätzel with german käse, and braised red cabbage with currants (rotkhol mit korinthen), and a nice salad. it all turned out really well! also got to catch up with marianne and cinnie, which was awfully nice as well.
sunday, was spent mostly lazing about, but also heaps of laundry. we also spent the evening catching up with tom and B. (it was indeed a weekend of catching up with folks!)
after work, i decided to make my soup for tomorrow's dinner, because i won't have time to make anything then. it's an algerian fish soup, made with onion, garlic, tomato, potato, and fish. i also put mustard seed, cumin seed, turmeric, saffron, indian chili powder, and paprika in it. tomorrow, i'll heat it up with a bit of lemon juice. hopefully it tastes ok! i'll let you know.
ok, enough random jib-jab, i'm a tired puppy. gute n8!
ok, irritating factoid of the day; it has snowed several times this weekend. it is 28 march, and it has snow! absolute ridiculousness! i've certainly had my fill of the vile white precipitation.
saturday, i had lunch with sara o'keeffe and laura engelhardt, which was incredibly fantastic. i ended up blabbing the entire time about deutschland, i know, but it was wonderful just being in their presence. (does that sound creepy?) later that evening, i made my american family Spätzel with german käse, and braised red cabbage with currants (rotkhol mit korinthen), and a nice salad. it all turned out really well! also got to catch up with marianne and cinnie, which was awfully nice as well.
sunday, was spent mostly lazing about, but also heaps of laundry. we also spent the evening catching up with tom and B. (it was indeed a weekend of catching up with folks!)
after work, i decided to make my soup for tomorrow's dinner, because i won't have time to make anything then. it's an algerian fish soup, made with onion, garlic, tomato, potato, and fish. i also put mustard seed, cumin seed, turmeric, saffron, indian chili powder, and paprika in it. tomorrow, i'll heat it up with a bit of lemon juice. hopefully it tastes ok! i'll let you know.
ok, enough random jib-jab, i'm a tired puppy. gute n8!
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