too much variety with too little show

Scott, a co-worker of mine, and his band hosted a variety show tonight at the Mt Tabor theater. It was fun and it definitely delivered on the variety. He put out a Craigslist ad for acts to perform and left it really open to interpretation as to what a "performance" would entail. Some acts were dreadfully bad. Some, however, were spectacular. Molly Bang was fun and good as they have been in the past when I've seen them. There was one stand-up comedian who was pretty funny but my favorite act of the night was a poet called Mike McGee. He commanded attention and lived up to his end of the deal by bringing a wonderfully funny and passionate performance.

Another co-worker Tyler was supposed to go on later but ended up getting pushed to the end of the night at which point he just wanted to get it over with. I hope I can see him sometime later when he's more jazzed for his performance. At any rate, tonight was entertaining if not a bit too long.

What else?
Sophia gave me some instruction on how to change a bike tire today. I had a flat last night so today we stopped at Seven Corners to get a tube. I'm so slow at changing tires but I typically don't do it properly with tire levers. I think I understand it a little better now. However, the patch I put on didn't work because after the show, the tire was flat again. I'm a bit nervous too because tomorrow is the Tweed Ride and tire problems always come in sets of three for me. 

organizing the obsolete

It's rare these days that I pull out one of my CD's. If I do, it's likely that I'm just importing a few songs from the CD to my I-tunes and then I put the CD back. It's a shame because now I don't listen to full albums and I don't really appreciate the artistic message that artist may be trying to get across. However, it's sooo much more convenient this way. If I had the disk space, I'd probably just import every song off every CD I own so I don't have to bother with my discs. Alas, I don't have that much room so I still rely on the disc on occasion.

Since my move last year, I haven't had a spot for my discs. I can't just put them out in the garage either because I do have the periodic need to listen to a song off of some of them and it would just be too cumbersome to have to go to the garage every time. Instead, I decided to follow Ashes' and Victory's lead and build some shelves.

A & V built a big shelf in their living room for their bad cat to climb. It's helped his temperament quite a bit and the other cats like it too. All they did was get brackets and a board at Home Depot (along with screwing in some other book shelves into the wall so the cats can get up with ease). I've been looking around for pre-constructed shelving to put my CD's up. However, doing it myself (with their help) was easy and I got just what I wanted. It's sooooo nice to have the CD's organized again, even if I will probably not actually use them.

my awesome boring sick day bike ride

I know I just posted that riding at work was better than taking a sick day but I decided that I should test that hypothesis today by taking a good sick day and riding my bike 45 miles (round-trip) to Boring, OR. Boring is at the end of the Springwater Trail. 2.5 miles before Boring, the trail ceases to be paved which makes it slightly more difficult. Then, when I got to Boring, I wanted to keep going so I biked the 3 mile roundtrip down the Cazadero State Trail which is not only unpaved but also very rocky. After that last bit, I was ready to call it a day.

It was the longest bike ride I have ever taken, just slightly longer than my Blue Lake Ride. It was pretty much the entirety of my spring break. Really, it's all I need. When I started off today, I realized that I would be just happy doing this every day. The scenery was beautiful (I loved the goats in particular). While wearing my rainbow shirt, I passed by some kids in Rockwood whom I pegged from a good 50 yards away as being gay and they yelled out that they loved my shirt. All of the suburbs look a lot better from the trail. Hopefully, this next quarter of school will consist of a lighter load so I can do more long rides.

What else?
Yesterday, Andrew and I went to Bunk Bar where I tried the rice and beans for the first and last time. For their sandwiches, Bunk has it marked which are vegetarian. None of their sides are marked though and, even though we both ordered the vegetarian sandwiches, the waitress didn't stop to think to tell us that there was sausage in the beans. Argh. Anyway, she did give us some free slaw to make up for it.

On the way back from Bunk, we were biking across MLK on Stark and there were no cars so we started to run the light. Andrew made it across while I stopped once the horn started going off. The cop car behind me then pulled up next to me and began spouting off motivational speak at me. "You're part of the problem, you know." "It's not too late though. You can turn it around." I nodded and agreed with them in order to not get a ticket. That had the potential for putting a damper on our evening but the lecture was too silly to take seriously. Still, it's a learning experience and it's nice to have that shared experience together. I don't think I've ever been pulled over with a partner before.

what matters

Last month, a young man was shot due to racism and fear. Thanks to social and independent media, the event has made nationwide headlines and won't go away until answers are given. Today, Portland held it's own rally, discussing the racism involved in the situation and to mourn Trayvon Martin.

Ashes, Victory, Andrew, Dean and I went up to Peninsula Park this morning for the rally. There was a decent amount of people there but, as always, I'm surprised by who wasn't there. I'm surprised that more people in the social work field or school program weren't there. I'm surprised that more of my friends weren't there. I guess I just expect more out of people. However, there are probably many events that I don't attend for one reason or another so I shouldn't get judge-y. I am really glad that Andrew agreed to go with me. If he had said no, I would have accepted it but it would have been a mark against him. It's just that important to me that people stand in support of those organizing events like this even if there was a bit too much religiosity for me.

What else?
We met later for a Timbers game at Blitz and then I biked around for a bit. I went to Hollywood Vintage for the first time to check out their tweed in anticipation of the ride soon.

It was also BlowPony night!! I love love love dancing and Matt Bearaccuda was DJ'ing. I haven't gone to the Bearaccuda dance night before but I definitely will now since I know he'll be there. Erin brought her friend and her boyfriend and his friend. I also hung out with Tim and his friends. I danced long and hard, outlasting all of my friends. I really needed that!

Also, I forgot to note that yesterday I went to the Grilled Cheese Bus on Ankney for the first time and also Stacato Gelato. I thought each was okay but I'm just thankful that I got the bus out of my system. It's been on my to-do list for far too long.

better than a sick day

En route to one of my stores today for a free pizza party, I pulled over at the Tideman Johnson Nature and trimmed my nails while watching a mallard wade against the stream. I guess there are worse things than getting paid for this.

my lil guy turns 11

Recently, vets got together and made Dean younger. Actually, they made all old dogs (and cats) younger by recalculating how dogs and cats age. Traditionally, people would multiply a dogs age in human years by seven to determine how old they are. Now, they figured that this isn't an accurate portrayal of a dog's age so now it's not a standard measurement but it worked in Dean's favor. Instead of being 77 in dog years, he's now 60! Unfortunately, he did start showing his age more today. He's limping ever so slightly again and he has developed allergies. I've been giving him Benodryl upon the vet's recommendation because he's been sneezing a lot. Maybe when he's better, I'll take him out to do something fun.

For his birthday, I took him to the pet store today to buy him a cookie, a bone and a toy. I love this guy and I wish I could buy him more time with me. I just have to figure out some way to be able to bring him to work daily.

What else?

It's also St Patrick's Day and a Timbers game. Victory and Caroline decided that they wanted to go to the Rose and Thistle, a Scottish pub I've never been to and I'm not sure I'll return to. True, people have different reasons for going to the pub on St Patrick's Day besides to watch the game. However, it was almost impossible to watch or enjoy the game there. It was really loud, we could barely see the TV and the table across the bar from us kept shouting dumbass stuff like, "No Homo" as they posed for pics together. Between them and the guy who came in wearing a Redskins jersey, I was gonna hit someone.

At half-time, I told Ashes, Victory and Caroline that I was ready to go. Instead, we went to check out the back patio where it was quieter, there was a better view of the TV and the people were a lot cooler. There was a long rainbow picnic table that was only half full of people so we asked if we could join them and they said yes. The people were awesome and the view was a lot better. There were still obnoxious drunks there but they were tolerable. If I go back, I will head right to the back patio.

Also, after the game, I met up with Andrew, Sophia, Xbox and Jesse to watch Harold and Maude at the Bagdad. I've recently discovered the movie and I love it. Jesse, Sophia and Andrew also love it so it made for a great night.

Also, yesterday was my last 8 hour class and my last class of the quarter so I have a lot to celebrate!

it's pi day, pi day!

I hate math but I love pie so I am willing to compromise and celebrate Pi day (3/14) by eating a variety of pies. I went to the Pacific Pie Company today and was charged $3.14 for my savory pie (i love it!) and got a sweet pie as well. Later on, I had some pizza pie. This is a holiday I could get behind, even if it is only an approximation.

What else?
I turned in my last assignments for my Wednesday class last week. The teacher said she was going to look over everyone assignments and pick four that do a good job of representing the different options for the assignment. She ended up asking for volunteers and, as I've said before, this class is really apprehensive about volunteering. After she asked again for someone to volunteer to give their powerpoint assignment, I ended up saying I would do it only a few hours before class. It wasn't designed to present but rather to be turned in as a comprehensive assignment. Still, it went over really well and I talked for over 30 minutes. Afterwards, I had people telling me how great it was. I think I may have used the opportunity to vent some of my frustrations about my work but I don't think they'll hear about it. I'm just so pleased that the class is done and hopefully I've guaranteed an A by volunteering to present.

the bitter end at the beginning

Today was the Timber's first regular game of the season and it's a home game. Ashes got a ticket to go so Victory and I went to watch the game at the Bitter End (for my first time there). The Bitter End is within two blocks of the stadium so a good number of people were packed into the bar up until the national anthem was playing. Then they headed over to the stadium.

It's a nice place although the vegetarian options are very limited. Still, it was a rainy rainy day and being inside where a veggie burger and a beer doesn't cost $20 and I can be dry was really pleasant. Also, the game rocked! Philadelphia scored the first point but we answered it with not one, not two but three goals! Boyd, our new hottie from Scottie, had an awesome header. Kalif Alhassan set it up for him and also ended up scoring the last goal. I'm hoping that we're going to be a better team this year. I'll watch either way though.

Also, Ashes told me where I could buy a soccer scarf. I've been eyeing the Republic of Cascadia scarf for weeks now and right after the game, I ran over to the truck where they were selling them and bought one!  Whoo hoo!

What else?
On Friday, I bussed out to Jen's for the first time to watch Paranormal Activity 3. It's nice that it's just one quick bus trip from my house to her's. Then I bussed it back down to the Laurelhurst Theater where Dom, his friend, Jesse, Sophia, XBox and I went to Flash Gordon. I'm a bit surprised by this but I don't think I've ever seen the film all the way through.

On Saturday, Andrew and I brunched, went shopping at Saturday Market where I bought a wrist band and then we went to the Red and Black to play Battle-Line. I love that game and I love hiding from the rain in a friendly cafe with Andrew. Afterwards we went Roadside Attraction for drinks and then Bonfire for food. Such a simple lazy day.

scooby doo adventure happy hour

I fulfilled a childhood fantasy today. I got clue passed off to me which hinted at a hidden door handle and combination to open up a bookshelf and find a hidden room. Squeeeee!

Tonight, Andrew sent me a text, saying he would like to go to dinner somewhere exciting. We ended up going to Por Que No which I don't qualify as exciting but drinks afterwards more than made up for it. When we went to Circa 33 for drinks, the waitress gave us the following note:

Andrew got up first to go to the restroom and found the book 'Mafia' and opened it. There was a key pad inside. He forgot there were numbers written on the back of the slip until he got back to the table. I couldn't contain my excitement anymore so I went back to the bookshelf, typed in the numbers and the whole shelf opened up to reveal a private liquor tasting! It was fabulous and is now a design must for a house that I chose to buy in the future!

What else?
I biked to Clackamas today. It was a fabulous day for it and I stopped by Jade Tea House in Milwaukee as it has been suggested by some of my co-workers. That should have been a warning though because while I was there, one of my co-workers came in. I didn't really want her to see me because I don't trust her and I didn't want her to know that I was biking to my store (and taking a long lunch). However, I think that she was taking a long lunch too because she didn't bring it up when I saw her at the office later. The place was nice but nothing really special. There was no secret bookcase doorway or anything!

dyi coffee

I've been working in this building for 1908 days since 1/8/07 (excluding weekends, holidays and vacations). In that time, I've frequented every coffee shop within walking distance but mostly the in-house cafeteria here. Recently, I've found the coffee to be unbearable so I've been frequenting the coffee shops around the area instead. The only benefit to the coffee here is that is only costs 84 cents. Spending anywhere from $2-4 a day on coffee really adds up so I just decided to do it myself today.

Sophia has a crazy amount of french presses at the house. She wisely picks them up whenever she sees them at garage sales. She suggested that I take one to work this weekend so today I grabbed the coffee that I've had in our freezer for months, a carton of soy creamer and the french press. We have a hot water spout here so it was really simple and really good. I was the envy of the office! If I got nothing else accomplished at work today, I would still consider today a victory!

What else?
Matt 'Matilda' Sycamore had a reading for her latest anthology today at Powells entitled, "Why Are Faggots so Afraid of Faggots?" I was initially afraid of going to the reading because I was concerned that I was flaming enough. However, the book doesn't chastise people for not being being overly femme. It just critiques the main-streaming of gay culture and the "battles" that we fight for like marriage and military service while there is still bashings going on and queer youth have to endure abuse after abuse just to wait until 'it gets better.' I'm looking forward to reading it and challenging my own perspectives.

frisbee fun follow-up

Last night/this morning was so much fun that I was sure that I would need most of today to recover. However, I hopped out of bed at 11am and was ready for more!

I met Andrew and his friend Mark at Wild Abandon for my first visit there. It's a really funky place, reminiscent of the Pub at the End of the Universe but it tries harder to be funky than PATEOTU does. The food was great though and so was the company.

Afterwards, Andrew and I headed to Freddies to buy a frisbee to take to Mt Tabor. At the store, I found a March bus pass on the ground. Score! Frisbee was perfect. The day was unbelievably beautiful and it was just the right amount of activity/inactivity to follow a J party.

J512

Last night was J512. I'm updating it today because my new thing was lasting way past midnight. I DJ'ed three different sets tonight. I did a chill one to intro Jen on her first DJ gig. After Jen, I did my pre-planned dance one. Joe Ball's set followed afterwards and then Ashes gave it a go for a while. He had to step out for a bit so I stepped in and kept it going until late. Around 2:30am, I found the crowd's groove and kept them dancing until 4am when Ashes had to tell me to stop because it was late and people needed to go home. Ashes. Had to tell me. To stop. That's sooooooo weird. Normally, I'm the one who calls it a night first.

A couple of things really worked for me that were missing from last year's party. First off, Andrew was at this one. It was his first J-party and it was really nice to have someone there for me. Also, having other people DJ was really great. Last year, I played longer but not later and it was worse. Next, the setup in the house was better in that the DJ station was in the living room and not the garage.

Next year, I would love it to be at an actual venue. I LOVE playing for people and I would love to have more space to get more people dancing. Oh well, I'm just grateful for all that was awesome about tonight.

open book

Today I went to my third eight hour class and took my first open-book test in the social work program. Actually, it may be my first open book test ever. The teacher gave us an hour and twenty minutes to take it. After 45 minutes, I was done. I looked around and saw that I was the only person looking up from my paper. I reviewed it for another few minutes and then just decided to leave. I'm pretty sure that I did it all right. I guess I'm just quick and brilliant...or lazy and content with doing a half-ass job. I am pretty sure it's the former though.

Again, it was a great class but it's so hard to pay attention. I did go to the gym down below and run for a while and then hit the hot tub. It helped me get through the night. One more to go before this is over.