And she was...

Facebook killed the blog

2010-06-10T15:52:00.000-07:00

Just so you know where to find me...

I Google Myself

2008-12-19T19:53:00.001-08:00

Weird Al Green Eggs And Ham

2008-12-02T00:28:00.001-08:00

Brilliance!

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!

2008-11-05T12:46:00.001-08:00

Barack Obama:the US first black president
Originally uploaded by Yan Zhang [to Chicago]

2008 Giant Pumpkin Regatta

2008-10-31T11:49:00.000-07:00

Did I forget to mention I did this???

2008 Giant Pumpkin RegattaOriginally uploaded by Julie & Dave W

Election Decor

2008-10-30T22:47:00.001-07:00

I know I haven't had much to say about the upcoming election...but this guy sure does. I pass this house on the way to rehearsal and finally remembered to bring my camera.

Dancing with the Star...Wars.

2008-10-16T08:07:00.001-07:00

Seriously, I will write some real posts but only when people stop sending me craziness like this!

I was trying to post THIS

2008-10-14T23:53:00.001-07:00

A night at the theatre

2008-10-10T22:30:00.000-07:00

The play was Othello. It was lovely. We were cold.

I wish I had this much free time...

2008-10-07T11:28:00.001-07:00

Pirates!!!

2008-09-18T23:31:00.001-07:00

Seriously! I know Pirates! On this special day I honor them and share their video!!!

Les Misbarack

2008-09-13T07:45:00.001-07:00

TV News Bloopers

2008-09-09T18:46:00.001-07:00

Wait for a few bits until you see the Portland newscasters. And then you'll see why I have no children as of yet...

To friendship...

2008-09-02T16:30:00.001-07:00

Flora and I had a lovely visit this weekend when she came up for her sister's wedding. I was quite content to spend much of it with her darling daughter hanging off my neck.

So, today, when a co-worker received a text from her best friend asking her as a reference how long they had known each other I of course thought about when Flora and I met in Junior High. After some thought I pronounced that I met her in 1986 and we were firmly best friends by the turn of '87.

Co-worker (who is 5 years younger) looked at me and said "Wow, 21 years!
So your friendship is old enough to drink".

Cheers!

Hoodies, gold medals, and the BFC!

2008-08-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

To further our international reputation Gang Green took another trip up north. This time to Victoria BC. This race doesn’t have a women’s division and pits all teams against each other. But it does have one race for the top 5 fastest women’s teams and the winner of that race gets the B.F.C. that has been in our clubhouse of the last year with another team’s name on it. Needless to say. We wanted it to come home with our name this year. We wanted it BAD!

Violet got to take her first ferry ride and I got to stay in my first hostel. Victoria is a magical place and we were excited to be there.

We got up early to our first race and some said we should have stayed in bed. For a myriad of reasons we actually went off course. Perpendicular. Our tiller actually had to call for us to stop so we could correct and then resume. It was our first actually horrible race we’d had all season. It was important that we recover and do VERY well in the next race. Which we did. It was the best of times (fastest women’s time of the day) it was the worst of times (our first race had been the slowest time of the day) but we qualified for the women’s race which was then postponed until Sunday due to technical issues. Sigh.

We did our best to put it behind us and race well on Sunday. We ended up in the Pearl division based on our cumulative time which was disappointing but also meant we HAD to win it. Even up against mixed teams we qualified for the final. But we had very little turn around time before we had to go race for the BIG FREAKING CUP.

Did we win? By a second over another very worthy Portland team. Were we satisfied? Never.

Next was the Pearl division final against 4 other teams, all mixed. Another narrow victory but a victory nonetheless and our first gold medal of the season. We don’t need no stinking men!

So it isn’t the Stanley cup but we love it. Beer was consumed…from the cup. The electric slide was performed. Reveling ensued.

The next day the weather turned nasty so much of the team, the more optimistic packers, all went to the souvenir stores to procure hoodies. Gold medals were worn on the way home and used as our explanation to customs officials. “Reason for your visit?” “We had to come pick these up”.

Two more races this season. If you are in Portland come to the waterfront Sept 6-7 and the Bay Area folks should come out to Treasure Island Oct 4-5!

Moondance

2008-07-23T23:56:00.001-07:00

Gorge Games
Originally uploaded by k-lyn

Apparently Julie and I were on the same wavelength...here is a shot from Friday night's full moon while camping in the Gorge!

MMMmmmm...

2008-07-16T17:12:00.001-07:00

And to further the very VERY good week I'm having. Quinn and I went to see Eddie Izzard last night on his Stripped tour. Given that Sting is getting old and forgets to shave guess who is taking his spot on my list:

More Medals

2008-07-12T23:32:00.000-07:00

Well, this race season has been so full of surprises and the Kent, WA race was the best so far. So now I have another Silver medal!!! We were second only to Team Huge – Wasabi’s premier women’s team. Wasabi’s other long standing competitive team Power Surge took third less than a second behind us.

We've already exceeded all our goals and expectations for ourselves and are scrambling to dream of new ones. A good example I've found is to explain that our goals were to be competitive at the JV level and we've found ourselves in play at the Varsity level. Varsity isn’t quite right either because people on the team we just beat are world class paddlers with national and international experience. This is our first year!! We can be sure that they will spend the rest of the season ensuring that this does not happen again. And more teams will be out to get us. So much for spending a year or so on the hunt. We are now officially the hunted. But it feels great and was a WONDERFUL weekend of paddling.

Oh yeah. And seeing The Police the night before didn’t hurt.

King of Pain?

2008-07-11T23:24:00.000-07:00

While my inner 14 year old was ecstatic at finally seeing The Police live it did take me a good 4 -5 songs to get over the fact that Sting’s face needed to be shorn. Seriously! Thank god I’d seen him solo before. Andy was amazing! And Stewart? Well, he still looked crazy but in a good drummer/cyclist sort of way. An excellent show with the exception of Every Breath You Take but they all totally hate that song so I understand.

Happy Independence Day

2008-07-04T21:57:00.000-07:00

(Click on the picture for more of my firework photos)

Salem World Beat

2008-06-29T22:02:00.000-07:00

So we are well into Race Season and I'm back to being crazy dragonboat chick.

Gang Green continued on our path to world domination by taking Second in the Women's Grand Finals. Power Surge (the over-40 team from our club) took gold but we beat several other teams that we didn't even dream last year of coming close to. While the race was rather unorganized and went hours over the scheduled end time we were happy to stay given the outcome.

Splashdragons Outperform

2008-06-10T23:43:00.001-07:00

Tsunami & Splashdragons Round 2 Heat 43
Originally uploaded by Julie & Dave W.

It was Rose Festival time once again.

Well, last year we were happy to get a bronze in the 5th division. This year we set the goal of making it to the 3rd division with or without medals. With the help of this second place finish along with our first heat where we also placed second we made it to the 2nd division. Meant we went home empty handed but what a great ride. Seeded 21st out of 60 teams.

Thanks to all who came out to see and support! It was a fun weekend!

Women's Regatta - Vancouver, BC

2008-05-25T21:13:00.001-07:00

So this was a big race for us...we saw it as a good litmus test to see where we were on the scale of women's competitive teams. There were 58 teams from all over the NW, including Canada, and many individual paddlers that represent their respective country at Worlds.

Uh…we took 1st in two out of our three races and ranked 9th over all.

Dude.

NINTH!!!!

This after paddling together only one year. All I can say is stay tuned…this is gonna get good!

retro-blogging to come

2008-05-22T23:14:00.001-07:00

I made it home. Jetlagged but safe. On a train to the great white north tomorrow for a big Women's Regatta in Vancouver BC.

Much to tell you all.

But not now. Now I sleep. But I leave you with this:

brief note

2008-05-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

Hotel has internet...yay!

14,000 elevation..boo! (no sickness but certainly am winded!)

uneventful flights...yay!

3 hours of sleep only in order to catch said flights...boo!

More later!

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-10T23:09:00.000-07:00

I'm taking my mom to Peru (airport in <5 hours)

What are you doing for YOUR mother?

I'm aware!

2008-05-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

It is International Scurvy Awareness Day!

Eat a lime!

Hmmm...

2008-05-01T15:05:00.000-07:00

This is an unusual paragraph. I'm curious how quickly you can find out what is so unusual about it. It looks so plain you would think nothing was wrong with it. In fact, nothing is wrong with it! It is unusual though. Study it, and think about it, but you still may not find anything odd. But if you work at it a bit, you might find out.

The Daily Llama

2008-04-30T23:10:00.000-07:00

The countdown begins. Peru in 10 days, 6 hours, 48 minutes...

Legen (wait for it) dary Par-tay!

2008-04-04T23:05:00.000-07:00

Our captain threw a birthday bash to end all bashes. We knew it was a 70s party and that we were REQUIRED to wear 70s attire, and we knew when and where to go...but we did not know we were going to the party of the (last?) century! Who has a birthday party like this? Fully catered, open bar, Hit Explosion, duelling photographers, a fondue bar, favors...I've been to less impressive weddings! And way suckier weddings, too.

The thing is, Steph is so awesome that we would have been just as happy hanging out with her in a basement with cheap beers...

And, yes, I do remember how to do the Electric Slide, thank you very much....

Pic Tac Toe (Awesome Edition)

2008-03-29T00:09:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Neel who suggested some modifications and allowed me to post this stale puzzle. It's been stuck in my hard drive for too long. I'm actually pretty proud of how it turned out. But that does mean that N can't play this round...Lets see how the rest of you do.

DRAFT DAY IS HERE!!!!

2008-03-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

So, as my team battles for first in my fantasy hockey league (was there ever a doubt that I was going to wipe the ice with those fools?) I must look ahead to the summer. Baseball is almost upon us!

I've done three relatively sucessful mock drafts but I'm pretty sure my competition was lacking...That will not be the cast this evening.

Julie? Are you keeping your team name?

Worse than being called carrots...

2008-03-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

THIS sounds like a bad...BAD...idea!

Comments, ladies?

Dargon + Boat = Dragonboat?

2008-03-18T18:50:00.001-07:00

Happy Green Beer Day!

2008-03-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

May you live a long life
Full of gladness and health,
With a pocket full of gold
As the least of your wealth.
May the dreams you hold dearest,
Be those which come true,
The kindness you spread,
Keep returning to you.

Pi or death?

2008-03-14T03:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Pi Day!

Stripped!

2008-03-05T21:00:00.000-08:00

First things first...

I have my tickets to see Eddie LIVE!!!!!!!

WHOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!

Second things second...

is anyone else vaguely disturbed by this photo?

Do you think he's preggers?

Out of the mouths of babes...

2008-02-25T07:29:00.001-08:00

Recent Scrabble game recap

2008-02-24T22:04:00.001-08:00

This was not a normal game by any means but my competitor had in his hand A-P-E-F-A-R-T.

Him: "You can't tell me that apefart is not a word!"

Me: "Apefart is NOT a word"

Him: "Here, I'll use it in a sentence...'yeah, he was pretty pissed. He didn't go ape shit but he did go apefart'."

I'm sorry but I found it funny. No points. But funny.

Bonus points for me for turning vantage into disadvantaged and getting a double word!

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

2008-02-07T06:48:00.000-08:00

Correlation is not causation

2008-02-04T22:01:00.001-08:00

But I can still be happy about all the U2 listening I did growing up...Now if only I could remember my SAT score.

Check this out.

U2 3D!

2008-01-25T19:11:00.000-08:00

Well, tickets are significantly cheaper than the three Vertigo shows I've already attended. I shall report back on the yummy goodness that is U2-3D later. We're on our way out to it now...The goal is ELEVATION!

Rodents of Unusual Size?

2008-01-17T22:04:00.000-08:00

I don't think they exist...

But apparently, they DID

Worth it for the photos

2008-01-08T23:03:00.001-08:00

I've been deliberately NOT watching presidential race because
A. it started to early
B. I'm sick of it already and it ain't November
C. It's depressing as all hell
D. IT'S DEPRESSING AS ALL HELL

but I was forwarded this link and actually laughed. So I shall share.

Ow, my conjunctiva!!

2008-01-06T16:31:00.000-08:00

Quinn, I'll see your black eye and raise you a pink one...

There are not words to describe how this sucks. I'd post a pic but I don't want to scare you all. I look like a neanderthal.

And the worst part is that I'm missing my curling class. Seriously! When am I going to get THAT opportunity again?

A Quiz on why I love Portland

2008-01-04T23:08:00.000-08:00

Portland has more of these per capita than any city in America:

a. brew pubs
b. Priuses
c. strip bars
d. all of the above

but shouldn't it be Prii???

Another successful Revels has closed...

2007-12-21T22:08:00.000-08:00

-Happy Solstice everyone!

The Shortest Day

by Susan Cooper

So the shortest day came, and the year died,
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive,
And when the new year's sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, reveling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us - Listen!!
All the long echoes sing the same delight,
This shortest day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, feast, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.
Welcome Yule!!

A Wasabi Paddling Club Christmas

2007-12-19T23:42:00.000-08:00

On the 12th day of Christmas my teammate gave to me:

12 Full OCs
11 Local Races
10 Full Benches
9 Crates of Wax
8 Butt Blisters
7-Minute Runs
6-Sixteens
5 Gold Medals
4 PFDs
3 Hungover Paddlers
2 Wet Gloves
and a Carbon Fiber Paddle in a tree!

Pic Tac Toe (Kids' Edition)

2007-12-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

Opening weekend down...

2007-12-10T23:28:00.000-08:00

.
And so far the death toll = 0

I consider that a success. However we also got some great press here. We're pretty much sold out for the rest of the run so that feels good.
Oh, and the Willy Week had this to say:

Christmas Revels 2007
The 2007 Revels edition sounds like it's pitched somewhere between Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas and Tim Allen's The Santa Clause. Which is to say, it sounds pretty effing awesome. Expect some of the usual (carol singing, hearty amateur acting) and a healthy dose of the unusual (capering ghosts, a haunting English castle).

T'was the Night Before Tech Week

2007-11-30T23:47:00.000-08:00

I actually wanted to write this parody and perhaps someday I will but for now, since there will be much silence on the blog front as I disappear into the theatre for the next 16 days (Reveling) I will leave you with this bit of humor to get you through:

Things Never Said in the Theatre

BY THE PRODUCER:

- Of course there's enough money to go around.

- Wow! We're under budget!

- No thanks, I don't drink.

BY THE DIRECTOR:

- Wow, the designers were right on, weren't they?

- No, today is the tech rehearsal; we'll re-work that scene later.

- I think the scene changes are too fast.

- I really can't take credit for that; it was all the crew.

- No thanks, I don't drink.

BY THE STAGE MANAGER:

- It looks as though there'll be time for a third dress rehearsal.

- Take your time getting back from break.

- No, I called that perfectly the first time - let's move on.

- Wow! These are wonderful headsets! I just love them.

- No thanks, I don't drink.

BY THE DESIGNERS:

- Of course all of my drawings were turned in on time.

- Yes, it absolutely is my fault that the set looks awful.

- You know, you might have a point there.

- The director is right, obviously I wasn't giving him what he wanted.

- We have too many gel colors in stock, I can't choose.

- The shop will have the costumes ready on time.

- No thanks, I don't drink.

BY THE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR:

- This is the most complete and informative set of drawings I've ever seen.

- We built it right the first time.

- No problem, I'll deal with that right away.

- I love designers.

- No thanks, I don't drink.

BY THE ACTOR:

- Let's not talk about me.

- I really think my big scene should be cut.

- This costume is SO comfortable.

- No problem, I can do that for myself.

- I'm sure someone told me there was a wall there, I just forgot.

- Without the crew the show would never run - let's thank them.

- No thanks, I don't drink.

BY THE STAGE CREW:

- There's room for that over here.

- No, no. I'm sure that is our job.

- All the tools are carefully locked away.

- Can we do that scene change again please?

- I think we have too many people on this crew.

- No thanks, I don't drink.

Pic Tac Toe (Not-so-girly Edition)

2007-11-29T01:19:00.000-08:00

Funny Hat

2007-11-28T11:17:00.000-08:00

What? We're HELPING...

2007-11-23T15:39:00.000-08:00

Happy We-Stole-Your-Land-and-Killed-Your-People Day!

2007-11-22T11:22:00.000-08:00

__
But seriously folks. A happy holiday to you and yours.

O Lord that lends me life,
Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.
~William Shakespeare

Starting to get excited...

2007-11-21T23:42:00.000-08:00

Not for Thanksgiving...

Not for Christmas...

But for next May when I get to see this in person:

I say "Its my Birthday!"

2007-11-18T10:29:00.000-08:00

I was at rehearsal for 18 hours over the weekend and still managed to celebrate in high fashion. Other than the fact that I didn't photograph it well...I'd say the party was a rousing sucess.

The cake Melissa made was AWESOME!!!

The fact that I didn't do well with the camera might have something to do with the jello I was consuming...it was particularly lovely blue rasberry with rasberry vodka and blue curacao.

But there were many a great costume. I'm hoping others did better than I because I don't even have a good shot of me and my hat. I went as I'LL FOLLOW THE SUN and wore a top hat with dowel attached and sun hanging from the end. There was a bit of a weight distibution issue but I was still pleased with the look and I made it through the party without taking anyone's eye out.

I'll have to expand on this post when I manage to get some photos that illustrate the best costumes but in the meantime a HUGE shout out to Quinn (Revolution #9) and the Eggman (her Spouse) for hosting the party at their place.

I couldn't have done it without A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS!!!!

Pic-Tac-Toe (Girly edition)

2007-11-15T01:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday To Me?

2007-11-10T16:54:00.000-08:00

So, I lost my mind last night and bought a car (the Honda Fit as shown above). I've never owned a NEW new car. I've been driving a 1990 Toyota Corolla since 1995. I was in a bit of a fender bender (bumper got brused and I was a little sore the next day but that was it) two weeks ago and have been keenly aware of the lack of safety features in that car since.

My father got another 1990 Corolla (same colour even) about a year after I got mine and his is not in good shape. Needed more work into it than the car is worth so we began car shopping together. We fell in love with the same car. So, with the help of consumer reports my dad negotiated a fantastic deal...Yay, dad.

So, while I go drive around a lot, you wonderful people need to tell me his/her/its name.

Pic Tac Thursday

2007-11-08T08:15:00.000-08:00

I heart Portland

2007-11-07T23:00:00.001-08:00

Even our graffiti rocks. I have a framed photo I took in college (not spray paint, my guess was charcoal or something because it didn't last all that long) that was a slab of granite that simply said "I like you". Awwwww. I never thought I'd find something better. But I did.

The newest addition I see every time I walk over the Hawthorne Bridge to go to paddling practice. (YES, I'm STILL paddling...We have lights. And coats). Tonight I remembered to bring my camera. Just as you begin crossing from the west side you see this:

And then about 3 quarters of the way over you see this:

Not to mention as I was taking the second picture I was passed by a biker (we have ever so many) who didn't yell in typical fashion but said politely

"On your left, dear"

Yes, my dear Portland, you are so cool.

It's all in the numbers...

2007-11-06T22:16:00.001-08:00

Getting along

2007-11-04T16:06:00.000-08:00

Yup. Celia and Miranda are doing just fine...

Pic-Tac-Shakespeare

2007-11-01T00:00:00.001-07:00

Ok, I asked for it:

Sometimes, if you want something done, you have to do it yourself.

I don't think this one is all that hard but let's see, shall we?

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW A SECRET?

2007-10-30T23:44:00.000-07:00

I WANT YOU to COME TOGETHER to HELP celebrate my BIRTHDAY. I have rehearsal on the actual day so please come THE NIGHT BEFORE on November 17, 2007.

It’s just A DAY IN THE LIFE of a GIRL but this is your TICKET TO RIDE on down THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD not ANY TIME AT ALL but at 7 o’clock. Everyone will be there, from ELEANOR RIGBY to HER MAJESTY so please help me spread the word.

FROM ME TO YOU, I DON’T WANT TO SPOIL THE PARTY but it requires a bit of costume. BECAUSE I love the Beatles so, PLEASE PLEASE ME and dress in a visual representation of your favorite Beatles song. Don’t worry, ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE and a little imagination. WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS this should be a GOOD NIGHT. IT WON’T BE LONG before we’re ALL TOGETHER NOW so DON’T LET ME DOWN or I’LL CRY INSTEAD. If you don't come then YOU WON'T SEE ME.

I’VE GOT A FEELING that parking is scarce so I WANT TO TELL YOU to carpool down PENNY LANE on your MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR. We wouldn't want you to be ticketed by LOVELY RITA.

IF YOU’VE GOT TROUBLE give me at call or email me and WE CAN WORK IT OUT!

YOU NEVER GIVE ME YOUR MONEY, so gifts are not necessary. I’M HAPPY JUST TO DANCE WITH YOU.

A splendid time is guaranteed for all!!!

Costume Time

2007-10-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

The first party was a retro 80's theme so we didn't so much fit in but I did love that in a relatively small group there were two repeats...Axl Rose and Punky Brewster.

The next party was a bowling party and was dubbed "Night of the Living Luau".

ROADKIL!!!

Nice (spice) rack, Wendy!

And my fave of the whole night:

NOT a dragon boat

2007-10-27T15:20:00.001-07:00

Pic Tac Two (fully wordless edition)

2007-10-25T21:43:00.000-07:00

Manny Fest Destiny

2007-10-24T23:50:00.000-07:00

Can Red Sox fans handle sucess? After that 13-1 victory, sign me up for this course.

But certainly the tide has turned. My mother is cheering for the Rockies. Even I felt a twinge of regret for the Indians (I attribute it to their downing the Yankees though) . Are Red Sox Nation fans of the team or fans of the underdog? Was the grammar in that last sentence correct? Whatever, bring on game 2!!!

I saw a film today, oh boy!

2007-10-21T21:49:00.000-07:00

OK, so really it was last Wednesday I saw it but I'm just now getting ready to blog about it. Across the Universe didn't do terribly well with the critics (51% on Rotten Tomatoes) but then the reviews were a VERY mixed bag. Let's just say this is not meant for a mass audience. In fact, I was suprised to see it playing at the local neighborhood theater as I thought it would only be showing at the art house downtown...you know the one with the "it's not a movie it's a film" attitude. But this was less of a film as theatre. Eddie Izzard fans will rejoice. Bono fans will snicker. And the Beatles fans? Well, they are the only ones who will get all the jokes. Quinn and I had a grand time but then weren't sure who else to recommend it to (besides Julie). So if the trailer seems intriguing and you think you might like it...you mostly likely will love it. However, if you look at it and are confused or roll your eyes, it is probably best you stay away. I, however, am so buying this movie. I might have to hit it one more time in theatre (perhaps a McMenamin's so I can have a beer with it) as there was just too much to look at.

And yes, Quinn, I did have a nightmare about "She's So Heavy", you?

Welcome!

2007-10-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad adopted a new kitty yesterday. She's a little bedraggled from life in a kennel but she's already doing well after coming home with them last night. And it seems they are happy to leave As You Like It behind (the last cat was Phebe and the current one is Celia)... May I present, Miranda:

Gotta love Oregon

2007-10-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

Weather forcast I heard today:

This morning we'll have showers followed by rain in the afternoon. Tomorrow we should have some early morning rain giving way to showers for the rest of the day.

Pic-Tac-Toe Inspiration

2007-10-18T00:27:00.000-07:00

Neel has these over here. So, I thought I'd try my hand at one. So glad because I didn't need to be sleeping or anything...

Can any one else sort out my twisted and crazy little mind? Let's see.

Your mission is to determine the 8 themes, each of which unites a line of images: 3 rows, 3 columns, 2 diagonals.Place your answers in the comments.

Good night and good luck!

NOTE: Well done boys. Bill solved 6 and Neel solved 2.

Although both came up with alternate themes which I like at least as well as my own...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-10-08T23:52:00.000-07:00

Well, to the Canadians anyway...

And seriously, this has been one of great magnitude!!!

Some have you have had the chance to meet my cousin Richard from up north. We've been told he is the oldest cystic fibrosis patient in Canada and two weeks ago he got new lungs! Things are going very well and he's on a plan to go home on Wednesday...

I don't really have the energy to write it all but thought a quick note could explain my blog silence lately. I'll write more later but thought I could share this and this now.

Not that Portland is a lady...

2007-09-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

But Julie, why didn't you tell us about this?!?!?!

Get out the vote!

2007-09-20T22:21:00.001-07:00

"He's stupid. He's an idiot,"

There's only 5 more days left and it is your civic duty! I'm not going to tell you how to vote but it is vitally important that you do. Not sure how? Go HERE.

Bonds told the San Francisco Chronicle regarding Marc Ecko in Wednesday's editions: "He spent $750,000 on the ball and that's what he's doing with it? What he's doing is stupid."

What did you think I was talking about?

I passed!

2007-09-10T22:53:00.000-07:00

Always a Warrior

2007-09-09T22:55:00.000-07:00

Final race of the season, my first as lead stroke, and it was on home turf.

A couple of notes about this picture and it's significance.
- My highschool mascot was a Warrior and so my life has come full circle
(although with the completion of this race and, thus, this dragonboat season we will no longer be Warriors but more of that to come)
-We were seeded 13 out of 16 women's teams going into the semi-finals.
-1st and 2nd from each semi-final around advance.

Obviously, we advanced to the finals but I brought home two medals this time.

3rd from this competition and, because this was the third and last race in the "Northwest Challenge" ciruit, they totalled our times from Salem, Kent, and Portland and we were awarded the gold.

Zander...in a hat

2007-09-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

Can't stop the signal

2007-09-04T22:00:00.000-07:00

Well, *sniff* the Firefly screenings have come to an end but not without a

big damn shindig.

Much fun was had. All costumes were awesome but Karen...since she had never seen Firefly before this and had to endure all manner of spoilers during the run came as a newbie. She had a sign such that marathon runners wear on her back that had the Serenity logo and NEWBIE. Her sign is anti-spoiler. B!x is behind me with a very nice Jayne hat. Jordy worked extra hard on his weaponry (including hand grenade!)

And here's a shot of my Kaylee hair.

The cat was unimpressed.

I think he's holding out for a sequel.

More firefly

2007-08-22T23:40:00.000-07:00

As the Firefly @ The Mission draws to a close we all are sinking into mourning yet again. One of last night's episodes was "The Message". The MC was given a hat just like the one Jayne's mom sent him and I did see at least two others in the audience. Then this was Monday's Unshelved but due to email backlog arrived this morning. How fitting.

For those that were not aware of the big event: Serenity has been added to the line-up and will be shown 9/4 at our usual 10PM but also FOR FREE. I can't speak for all the browncoats but the group I'm sitting with is so geeky we're working on costumes. Not to be a character from the show...but yourself, in the 'verse. Pictures will be forthcoming. Consider it the practice run for the Browncoat Ball that we are awaiting acceptance for (Portland bid for 2008). It will be ours...oh yes, it will be ours. And I'll expect certain others to visit me and attend.

Regatta de Willamette

2007-08-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

Taint it a shame?

2007-08-07T23:06:00.000-07:00

It may have been a stupid subject to bring up with Obama but tonight Barry Bonds reminds us of what is wrong with baseball today.

What gives me hope is the overwhelming reaction of...Meh...

I say - Let the asterisks begin!

My new best friend

2007-08-02T09:44:00.001-07:00

Fliers were passed out for a radio show on local radio at that last
Firefly showing at the Mission and I fell in love a little bit. Wanted
to share:

What a Geek Believes - According to Rick Emerson

I believe that Han shot first. I believe that Ally Sheedy was hotter
before Molly Ringwald cleaned her up. I believe in miniatures, models,
claymation, and not revealing the shark until you absolutely have to. I
believe that George Lucas, for better or worse, changed the way we
see the world, ourselves, and each other . And I believe that we will
someday reach those stars that he himself made visible. I believe that
George Lucas is also a narrow-minded, money-grubbing, pig-headed slave
to the now, who ought to be locked away from his own creations, lest he
do them further harm. I believe that Jean-Luc Picard is the better
Starship Captain, but I do believe that James Tiberius Kirk is
infinitely cooler. I believe that a child standing in line to buy a book
at midnight is fantastic; I believe that reading makes you smart - its
schools that make you dumb. I believe that any episode of Futurama is
better than any program featuring a precocious teenage who's wise beyond
their years. I also believe that Buffy the Vampire Slayer to be the sole
exception that proves this rule. I believe that comic books are an art
form, and will someday be recognized as such. I belive that good shows
die too young; and crap shows last too long. I believe that Eddie Izzard
is the funniest man alive, and I don't care weather you've ever heard of
him or not - it's still true. I believe that a girl who likes movies
about zombies is hotter than whoever is on the cover of Maxim this
month. I believe that Belloch ate that fly, I swear to God that I heard
Luke call Leia "Carrie", and I believe that Samwise Gamgee never quite
got the credit he really deserved. I believe in magic, I believe in
dreams, I believe in the power of music, movies, and the untold worlds
inside an everyday library card. And I do not believe that geeks will
inherit the earth; I believe that we already have.

My poor generation

2007-07-27T00:06:00.000-07:00

Generation labels are often defined only based on the year you were
born. Here is a test I snagged to see which generation you REALLY fit
in.

Do you have your own web page? (1 point)
Have you made a web page for someone else? (2 points)
Do you IM your friends? (1 point)
Do you text your friends? (2 points)
Do you watch videos on YouTube? (1 point)
Do you remix video files from the Internet? (2 points)
Have you paid for and downloaded music from the Internet? (1 point)
Do you know where to download music for free (illegal)? (2 points)
Do you blog for professional reasons? (1 point)
Do you blog as a way to keep an online diary? (2 points)
Have you visited MySpace at least five times? (1 point)
Do you communicate with friends on Facebook? (2 points)
Do you use email to communicate with your parents? (1 point)
Did you text to communicate with your parents? (2 points)
Do you take photos with your phone? (1 point)
Do you share your photos from your phone with your friends? (2 points)

0-1 point - Baby Boomer

2-6 points - Generation Jones

6- 12 points - Generation X

12 or over - Generation Y

less bound now

2007-07-26T11:16:00.001-07:00

Day job: Just received a nice review and a raise...yay!

Hamlet: Going well. Good reviews (critic's pick in the Oregonian).

Pop Culture: the best team won! Although I loved Wocka Wocka as well.

Dragon Boat: three time racer...three time medalist! Third place yet
again but each race has had us facing stronger competition. LOVE my new
team.

Harry Potter: Satisfied.

Sleeping: apparently, when I'm dead.

Bounded in a nutshell

2007-07-20T16:55:00.000-07:00

Let's see...

40+ per week day job? Check.

Stagemanaging Hamlet? Check.

World Series of Pop Culture on Tivo? Check.

Dragon boat practices and racing this weekend? Check.

Harry Potter Book 7? Check.

Time for sleeping or blogging? zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Rain

2007-07-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

I opened my eyes
And looked up at the rain,
And it dripped in my head
And flowed into my brain,
And all that I hear as I lie in my bed
Is the slishity-slosh of the rain in my head.

I step very softly,
I walk very slow,
I can't do a handstand--
I might overflow,
So pardon the wild crazy thing I just said--
I'm just not the same since there's rain in my head.

~Shel Silverstein

Best Week Ever

2007-07-13T14:51:00.001-07:00

I want to be Ichiro!

So your team, which has been struggling the last few seasons, is now well over .500 going into the all-star break. You are leading both leagues with 128 hits, batting .355 with 39 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases. You get some time off and a red-carpet welcome to the All-Star game in one of the greatest ballparks (SF). Then you are named All-Star MVP because you hit the first ever in-the-park HR of your career not to mention the first in All-Star game history. Then you come home to take the first game of your next home series and sign a $90 million 5 year contract. Not a bad week's work.

Oh yeah, and he's on my fantasy team. So, I kinda am.

Dig It

2007-07-11T23:56:00.001-07:00

The full trailer for those that saw the music video one before Harry Potter.

And it'll be out just in time to inspire people for my Birthday Beatles Bonanza in November. You are all invited. Come dressed as your favorite (or just a) Beatles' song.

Calling all browncoats

2007-07-10T09:52:00.000-07:00

What are you calling an accent?

2007-07-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The West Your accent is the lowest common denominator of American speech. Unless you're a SoCal surfer, no one thinks you have an accent. And really, you may not even be from the West at all, you could easily be from Florida or one of those big Southern cities like Dallas or Atlanta.
The Midland
Boston
North Central
The South
Philadelphia
The Northeast
The Inland North
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Precious Medals

2007-07-01T22:49:00.000-07:00

Race weekend again...This time with a new team. Seriously, a brand new recreational women's team under an established club, but 7 out of 20 had never raced on these boats before and we'd only been together as a team for a little over a week. We're so new that we took a spot in the mixed division because it was too late to switch to the women's only.

We went in with these goals:
1. run the best races we can and beat our own times
2. see how those times match up with the women's division
3. bond

How'd we do?
1. Our times were 2:21, 2:18, 2:16, and 2:18
2. We would have won the lower women's division hands down and would have been 5th in the top women's division
2.5 WE TOOK THIRD in the lower mixed division (beating teams with 10 men!)
3. We all left the day saying "I love you, man!" and meaning it!

Besides the hardware, coach came through with his promise of cool t-shirts and beer.
Talk about a great weekend!

Chicks Rule!

8 easy steps

2007-06-28T14:26:00.001-07:00

Quinn suggested a way of getting me to talk about anything but Baseball
and Dragon boats.

8 secrets or just things you may not know. Let's see:

1. For a time in high school I wanted to be *gasp* on flag team. My mom
told me I was an idiot and after some aspirin and a nap the feeling went
away. But will the shame of it?

2. I won my 3rd grade class spelling bee. This is huge because I'm a
HORRIBLE speller. Dumb luck I suppose and a good guess at
"monocotyledon".

3. To conform with others' drama confessions, I was the back end of a
tap-dancing cow sophomore year. And people wonder why I'm a techie...

4. While I don't own Mambo #5 on CD I do have the Spice Girls. Whatever.
I don't see Lou Bega announcing his world tour.

5. I've seen They Might Be Giants 14 times. (This should make up for #4)

6. I am a level one Reiki practitioner in the Usui liniage. "Just for
today do not worry. Just for today do not anger. Earn your living
honestly. Honor your parents, teachers, and elders. Show gratitude to
every living thing"

7. In spite of my lack of dancing ability I have been known, in my time,
to attend a contra dance. I blame the Revels people.

8. I fear Google. I have a lot of things I would have shared with you
people in person but when I think about posting it on a searchable blog
I can't do it.

Back in the water...

2007-06-26T15:33:00.001-07:00

Welcome to my new obsession... Here, I thought I was going to have a hard time finding a new team when actually I've been wooed by several. Last night a team captain said he'd already read my scouting report (presumably he spoke to my prior coach) and could promise me beer and cool t-shirts. How can one resist? I'll be down in Salem racing with them this weekend if any one cares to join me.

So, for the non-dragon people I shall explain. The Rose Festival races I took part in are unique. They are put on by the Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association. The boats used are made and shipped from Kaohsiung, Taiwan (Flora...feel free to jump in here since you've been there) and are used since this is a culture sharing event. They are pretty. But they are big and heavy and are powered by 16 paddlers. To the majority of the rest of the world dragon boats are smaller, lighter, lower to the water and powered by 20 paddlers. Festive dragon heads are placed on the boats for race days but the look rather boring to the untrained eye. These boats are used for races year round and all
over the world.

Today, dragon boat racing is the fastest growing team water sport. The International Dragon Boat Federation is currently petitioning the International Olympic Committee to have Dragon Boat recognized as an Olympic sport. I love it because it combines fitness, team building, WATER, travel and competition. What does this mean to you, dear friends and readers? I shall bore you all silly with my obsession until my next one comes along!!! And that could be awhile...

And give all of these people chocolate eclairs

2007-06-22T18:45:00.000-07:00

Smack Talk Sunday (Loyal Damon edition)

2007-06-17T14:30:00.001-07:00

Dragonboats: the season finale!

2007-06-10T21:44:00.000-07:00

We ended up being seeded in Division E (5th out of 5 divisions of 12 teams each) which is what we wanted and expected after only 3 months of training, not to mention only 5 guys in a mixed team. We took to the river early and came in third with a time of 3:07. Only the 1st and 2nd place finishers go on to the semi-finals along with the fastest two 3rd place. So I stayed in the results tent to wait for the other times while our coach took off to prep for her race in the Women's Division. About 30 seconds after she left they posted the times and I read the third place times as 3:03, 3:06 and 3:07...we were out. I was alone and devastated! All that hard work and we had to go home this early!?!?!? I could NOT tell my team. I made my way back to our tent to drop off my gear and went back to confirm once they posted the team names in the semi-finals. There they were...and we were not among them. Time to face the music and tell the team. It was not yet 10 o'clock but we were done. I told them I was proud of them and we all felt bad but were still happy we had done it. Our coach stopped by and got the news and said that her next race was "for us". Only one person left and the rest decided to stay and cheer on the women's teams and then head home. One guy went to get us our souvenir programs and came running back to me...he heard there had been a reporting error and they needed our captain back a the tent. Off I ran.... Turns out 3rd place finishes were 3:03, 3:07 and 3:08....we had gone from losing by one second to winning by one second and there was our name in the Semi-Finals!!!! I ran flat-out back to our tent and almost killed myself in the process...still they got the message: we made it to the semis!!! We found our coach on her way to the docks and gave her the good news. We also called back our teammate (who had made it all the way to Forest Grove) and she was more than happy to return!

So after coming down from that high, having some lunch, and checking the previous times of the teams we were racing next we had a team huddle. We were just so happy we made it this far! Only the 1st and 2nd place finishers advance to the finals. Paddle for 2nd but be happy with 4th I told them...and off we marched to the dock as the skies opened up and poured on us. I don't know where it came from or where we found it but we powered our way to hands-down 2nd PLACE FINISH!!! The high was incredible but followed by two realizations. One, we had to do this AGAIN (?), and two, our coach would be in the race right before ours so she would be heading for the finish line in one boat while we were in another heading to the start. So, we went to the tents to recharge, relax, and find an alternative. Luckily, a short while later, another member of our coach's club agreed to call for us and we headed down for the FINALS!!

With the realization that we only needed to beat ONE boat to medal the team was much more subdued while waiting to be escorted to the docks. There was some heavy wind and current fighting us at the start line and we used a lot of energy just getting all four boats lined up. It was a hectic race...we were in lane 3, and while our tiller fought hard with the current to keep us in line the river got the best of the boat in lane 1 and they sort of sandwiched the team in lane 2, pushing them dangerously close to us. My bench mate actually hit one of their paddles. But we powered through and pulled off a THIRD PLACE FINISH!

Hardware time!

Of course we stuck around for the award ceremony!!!!!

I'm pleased to report that the trophy lust of my youth is alive and well.

Qualifying in the rain

2007-06-09T22:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Rose Festival in Portland! What does that mean? RAIN! Serious rain...I have been drier in the shower!!

We had two races. Came in 4th in both but with very respectable times (3:03 and 3:08). They won't seed us tonight like we thought but we will know our time in the morning and we're thinking we will be between 8:20 - 9:40.

Here it comes!!!

2007-06-06T23:48:00.000-07:00

Race weekend is fast approaching. Last practice was today. For those that are in town The opening ceremonies start Saturday at 8AM. The Splashdragons are racing Saturday in the 11:00 hour and 3:00 hour and then Sunday we'll have at least one race (more depends on how we place). I'd love for you to come down and join in the fun. If you can't, just wish us luck! I think you can actually say that for a sporting event...

Joel and Tyler already came down to cheer us on.