School started this week and on Wednesday night I met my friend Sam for a quick dinner. I got in line to pay for a libation and there was a guy walking around stirring chili in a square bucket. Another guy in the line in front of me was pushing coins painstakingly across the counter, looking worried.
As a "do-gooder" I said "Do you need a quarter or two?" and he looked up at me and said "Yes, I'm short."
No problem! I hand a quarter to him and he hands it to the cashier who informs him he's still 3 cents short...so he looks at my wallet, then my boobs, I hand him a nickel. He hands it to the cashier who hands him two cents, which he puts in his pocket.
It occurs to me he has a cognitive disability as he proceeds to stare at my chest and say "That was really nice of you....do I owe you anything?"
Nope.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Blissful Weekend in Paradise
I am lucky to be married to my best friend and we are lucky to travel so well together. This weekend, in the grand tradtion of E&Lee, we took a road trip to San Diego.
Friday we headed down after lunch and played music, let the weekend sink in. We stayed at Hillcrest House and were fed by Ann every morning and given lots of great advice about where to eat, what to do etc. We will stay in the Old Town room from now on - private entrance, giant closet, beautiful room, secluded patio - check, check, check, check!
We checked in there and headed over to Balboa Park. We love Balboa Park. I wanted to get married there but it was stupid expensive. We park behind the Fleet and kill some time before our dinner reservation. Waling around, I am approached by a woman with a giant white bird that she sits on my hand. I was mesmerized. And a little scared. I stood awkwardly while the woman introduced me to Pheobe and all I could say was "WELL THEN Pheobe, I'd like to tell you that we are vegetarians and don't eat any of your relatives...you're pretty." I remained calm and even pet the bird. I gave $5 toward their bird rescue efforts.
We indulge at Prado Restaurant. We had adult libations (pom margarita for me, Irish mule for the old man) and ate til we were absolutely ill. Then it was off to the Ruben H. Fleet for the IMAX movie Wild California. We are distracted by a grandpa there with his two grandsons who are, shall I say, willful? One notable moment occured when the older boy removed his sandals and rubbed his hideous feet all over the glass in front of him. Adorable. Note to self whenever I feel like I want to be a mother, go to a children's museum. End note.
Then it was off to Babycakes for dessert. Carrot cake pleeeease! We were exhausted from all the food so we went back to the HH and crashed.
We awaken early to the smell of coffee and muffins. After eating some granola, fruit and tiny blueberry muffins we head on over to Tiki Oasis to see the car show and look at the vendors. some good, clean, free fun was had by all. I found this fabric for the dining room chairs and ran into Filthy Rotten Wes of KUCI fame.
Then over to the Marsten House and a tour, which made me want to build a giant house on several acres and become a wealthy philantropist. Someday, right?We then headed to Crest Cafe, our favorite diner. What up eggs florentine? What up giant veggie burger? Nothing? That's what I thought.
Then it was back to the nest to get ready for the zoo. We always elect to partcipate in Nightime Zoo @ San Diego Zoo because its cooler and means less people (read: children). We saw a million animals including but not limited to: capybaras, hyraxes, bear cats, all sorts of mokeys and birds, flamingos, Malaysian tiger, hippo, meerkats, zebras, polar bears, elephants (the new elephant enclosure is amazing). We were so excited about animals we upgraded our tickets to annual passes and will be back ASAP.
Then, back to the hotel and a short walk to Hillcrest. We ate a late dinner at Bombay on 5th street. Then it was off to Taang Records where we bought 2 "new" records: Simon & Garfunkel and Velvet Underground on vinyl. The salesperon was EXTREMELY helpful. We just missed our favorite used bookstore Bluestocking Books which closed while we were at Taang. Then, back to Babycakes for a LEMON BAVARIAN cupcake to share.
On Sunday we woke up, more coffee, more granola, more muffins. Dressed and ready, we headed out for the day after getting wonderful hugs from Ann. That place is seriously my favorite. Then back to Tiki Oasis to see my boyfriend Charles Phoenix. He did a "South of the Border" themed slide show that took the darn house down. We sat with Miss Kaye and got hugs from Charles who wore a white linen suit that had various Tijuana paraphenalia spray painted on it in neon colors. Amazing.
I got 1/2 way though "The Help" and found some peace. If I can find the camera, I will post a few photos. This weekend made me want to pack up the gang and move to SD.
Friday we headed down after lunch and played music, let the weekend sink in. We stayed at Hillcrest House and were fed by Ann every morning and given lots of great advice about where to eat, what to do etc. We will stay in the Old Town room from now on - private entrance, giant closet, beautiful room, secluded patio - check, check, check, check!
We checked in there and headed over to Balboa Park. We love Balboa Park. I wanted to get married there but it was stupid expensive. We park behind the Fleet and kill some time before our dinner reservation. Waling around, I am approached by a woman with a giant white bird that she sits on my hand. I was mesmerized. And a little scared. I stood awkwardly while the woman introduced me to Pheobe and all I could say was "WELL THEN Pheobe, I'd like to tell you that we are vegetarians and don't eat any of your relatives...you're pretty." I remained calm and even pet the bird. I gave $5 toward their bird rescue efforts.
We indulge at Prado Restaurant. We had adult libations (pom margarita for me, Irish mule for the old man) and ate til we were absolutely ill. Then it was off to the Ruben H. Fleet for the IMAX movie Wild California. We are distracted by a grandpa there with his two grandsons who are, shall I say, willful? One notable moment occured when the older boy removed his sandals and rubbed his hideous feet all over the glass in front of him. Adorable. Note to self whenever I feel like I want to be a mother, go to a children's museum. End note.
Then it was off to Babycakes for dessert. Carrot cake pleeeease! We were exhausted from all the food so we went back to the HH and crashed.
We awaken early to the smell of coffee and muffins. After eating some granola, fruit and tiny blueberry muffins we head on over to Tiki Oasis to see the car show and look at the vendors. some good, clean, free fun was had by all. I found this fabric for the dining room chairs and ran into Filthy Rotten Wes of KUCI fame.
Then over to the Marsten House and a tour, which made me want to build a giant house on several acres and become a wealthy philantropist. Someday, right?We then headed to Crest Cafe, our favorite diner. What up eggs florentine? What up giant veggie burger? Nothing? That's what I thought.
Then it was back to the nest to get ready for the zoo. We always elect to partcipate in Nightime Zoo @ San Diego Zoo because its cooler and means less people (read: children). We saw a million animals including but not limited to: capybaras, hyraxes, bear cats, all sorts of mokeys and birds, flamingos, Malaysian tiger, hippo, meerkats, zebras, polar bears, elephants (the new elephant enclosure is amazing). We were so excited about animals we upgraded our tickets to annual passes and will be back ASAP.
Then, back to the hotel and a short walk to Hillcrest. We ate a late dinner at Bombay on 5th street. Then it was off to Taang Records where we bought 2 "new" records: Simon & Garfunkel and Velvet Underground on vinyl. The salesperon was EXTREMELY helpful. We just missed our favorite used bookstore Bluestocking Books which closed while we were at Taang. Then, back to Babycakes for a LEMON BAVARIAN cupcake to share.
On Sunday we woke up, more coffee, more granola, more muffins. Dressed and ready, we headed out for the day after getting wonderful hugs from Ann. That place is seriously my favorite. Then back to Tiki Oasis to see my boyfriend Charles Phoenix. He did a "South of the Border" themed slide show that took the darn house down. We sat with Miss Kaye and got hugs from Charles who wore a white linen suit that had various Tijuana paraphenalia spray painted on it in neon colors. Amazing.
I got 1/2 way though "The Help" and found some peace. If I can find the camera, I will post a few photos. This weekend made me want to pack up the gang and move to SD.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Poi Tacos!
Just got this invite:
What does that mean? Pineapple tamales?
To a
MEXICAN LUAU
What does that mean? Pineapple tamales?
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
STOP RAISING TUITION
Since I started at CSU last Fall, my tuition has been raised 3 times and this fall is the highest: 12%. (This will translate to about $200).
The email I received this morning stated:
"On July 12, 2011, the California State University Board of Trustees voted to increase to increase Fall 2011 tuition fees by an additional 12%. These fee increases will be posted to CSUF student accounts beginning July 22, 2011."
I can't help but wonder if the 12% was decided on the 12th for a reason, like, they couldn't come up with something better and one of them yelled "hey! today's the 12th! how about 12%" and then they all shook their heads in agreement at what an inspired meeting they'd had. Oh, and surprise, the costs are going up one month before school starts. As with almost everything I've experienced at the university, it's ALL last minute.
Last semester I received a notice 10 days before class started that I could be dropped from my classes if I didn't provide proof of some immunizations. Well, my parents live in another state and God only knows where that paperwork is. So I had to be REIMMUNIZED. Which, I totally hate. I put as few chemicals and foreign substances into my body as possible, thank you.
I was feeling (not surprisingly) overwhemled when school began so I thought it might be a good idea to get a counselor as I'd done in undergrad at UCI. When I tried to go to the health center for counseling I was told the first visit has to be Mon-Wed between 8-noon. No after-work hours are available so I never went.
I was notified I needed to take a prerequisite too late to register before school began last fall so instead of either taking this summer off or taking care of it before school began so I could take other classes, I had to take it this summer.
This all sounds pretty bleak but the real reason I go there are the professors. They are dedicated to the students, period. They meet with you before class, after class, during office hours, they take calls, emails, they Skype, they give out their contact information so you can ask them about work projects, they support and assist us in ways that go FAR BEYOND their meager salaries. And the president of our university, well, he's gotten raises the last two years.
So yes, I will pay the 12% increase, I have to. But I don't have to like it. I'd like it if my 12% increase went to my professors. I'd GLADLY fork over an extra $200 for them.
The email I received this morning stated:
"On July 12, 2011, the California State University Board of Trustees voted to increase to increase Fall 2011 tuition fees by an additional 12%. These fee increases will be posted to CSUF student accounts beginning July 22, 2011."
I can't help but wonder if the 12% was decided on the 12th for a reason, like, they couldn't come up with something better and one of them yelled "hey! today's the 12th! how about 12%" and then they all shook their heads in agreement at what an inspired meeting they'd had. Oh, and surprise, the costs are going up one month before school starts. As with almost everything I've experienced at the university, it's ALL last minute.
Last semester I received a notice 10 days before class started that I could be dropped from my classes if I didn't provide proof of some immunizations. Well, my parents live in another state and God only knows where that paperwork is. So I had to be REIMMUNIZED. Which, I totally hate. I put as few chemicals and foreign substances into my body as possible, thank you.
I was feeling (not surprisingly) overwhemled when school began so I thought it might be a good idea to get a counselor as I'd done in undergrad at UCI. When I tried to go to the health center for counseling I was told the first visit has to be Mon-Wed between 8-noon. No after-work hours are available so I never went.
I was notified I needed to take a prerequisite too late to register before school began last fall so instead of either taking this summer off or taking care of it before school began so I could take other classes, I had to take it this summer.
This all sounds pretty bleak but the real reason I go there are the professors. They are dedicated to the students, period. They meet with you before class, after class, during office hours, they take calls, emails, they Skype, they give out their contact information so you can ask them about work projects, they support and assist us in ways that go FAR BEYOND their meager salaries. And the president of our university, well, he's gotten raises the last two years.
So yes, I will pay the 12% increase, I have to. But I don't have to like it. I'd like it if my 12% increase went to my professors. I'd GLADLY fork over an extra $200 for them.
Friday, July 15, 2011
30 before 30
A working list of all things I want to do in the next 2 1/2 years. I saw a friend post one on her blog and it seemed like a good plan. However, I can't come up with 25-30. Any suggestions? (Please don't say have a baby, that's AFTER all this...) It might not all happen before 30 but hey, at least I'm thinking about it.
1. Get a masters degree
1. Get a masters degree
2. Publish a short story
3. Publish a paper in a nationally-recognized journal
4. Run a half marathon
5. Go to Europe with Todd for at least 2 weeks
6. Get to a healthy weight and maintain it
7. Finish my wedding album
8. Adopt a puppy
9. Get promoted to manager
10. Get on a nonprofit board
11. Present at a conference
12. Get accepted to the PA honor society
13. Sing karaoke
14. Perform stand-up
15. Try roller derby
16. Learn to screenprint
17. Learn to make crepes like my grandpa
18. Bake an apple pie from scratch
19. Create a spending plan
20. Put old photos into albums
21. Save for a house
21. Save for a house
22. Volunteer with Todd
23. Pay off all credit card debt
24. Learn to Sew
25. Learn to drive stick
23. Pay off all credit card debt
24. Learn to Sew
25. Learn to drive stick
26. Pay one persons' way each week (could be dinner, could be lunch, could be the toll for the car behind me)
27.
28.
29.
30.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The Bear
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Three or four weeks ago I went to use my foot scrubby thing and when I picked it up, it shattered. Come to find out it had been neatly placed back in one piece after the bear shattered it while showering. Instead of telling me, he let me think it was all my fault.
The next week he had enough of our no-slip mat and tore it off the floor and threw it to the back of the shower like a dead animal pelt. When I asked about it, apparently it was slippery and he hated it, so he killed it.
Then, the week after that he came to me after his shower all worried holding my face scrubby thing. "It....I....when I was....it just....fell through the bars....and broke...."
But the bear is always forgiven for his poor house manners because of his large heart. He was so wonderful and supportive at Nicole's wedding last weekend (a post on that once I can gather some photos). He drove Nini and I to Del Taco at 1am, let us take over the room whenever we needed it, brought back-up drinks, danced, and DID NOT COMPLAIN ONCE about how freaking hot it was - this is of interest given that he is an Irish Cheese Bear and they must be cool at all points in time or else they suffer hot naps and prickly heat - two things that will send a bear into rages.
At one point during the wedding day I came to drop something off in our room and take a breather from maid of honor duties and I found him with our thermostat set to 65 degrees, draped over the bed wearing a cardigan and plaid shorts, a glass of whiskey in his hand, watching Man vs. Wild.
And then today he sent me flowers to work. Bears are the most thoughtful of animals and Irish Cheese Bears are the most romantic of bears.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Sacajawea
My knowledge of American History is shoddy at best. It's embarrassing and every once in a while I ask a question about history that makes my husband look at me like a dog watching tv. The ultimate example of this was a couple years ago, while we were cleaning out a trunk in his aunt's house, I picked up a Sacajawea dollar coin and said "Sacajawea...didn't she, like, help the Pilgrims or something??" Todd will never let me live this down but he always lets me off the hook a little by reminding me I was tired.
I was wathcing a tv show the other day and a character on the show was asked when WW2 was. His answer was late 60s-early 70s. I will admit I feel a little better.
Then, we played Cash Cab with Todd's mom and I think Sacajawea has been erased for a while and now Todd can feel embarrassed for a change. I asked his mom a question that was something like 'what sentiment do you get when pointing your middle and ring finger downwards and the rest of your fingers outwards?' This is admittedly a terribly worded question but if you put your hand in a high five and point the ring and middle finger down, you get I love you in American Sign Language.
I enjoyed watching as Todd yelled at his mom that she was doing it the wrong way and then asked me "In what language?" Uh...the language of love?
I was wathcing a tv show the other day and a character on the show was asked when WW2 was. His answer was late 60s-early 70s. I will admit I feel a little better.
Then, we played Cash Cab with Todd's mom and I think Sacajawea has been erased for a while and now Todd can feel embarrassed for a change. I asked his mom a question that was something like 'what sentiment do you get when pointing your middle and ring finger downwards and the rest of your fingers outwards?' This is admittedly a terribly worded question but if you put your hand in a high five and point the ring and middle finger down, you get I love you in American Sign Language.
I enjoyed watching as Todd yelled at his mom that she was doing it the wrong way and then asked me "In what language?" Uh...the language of love?
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