pre-blisters

Had to remove all of my blankets and fold them into a pile. Way too hot for comforters, blankets, covers, and all the other stuff. Way too hot for anything really. The heat wave came and boy is it a standard heat wave for the Pacific Northwest. 90's I believe. Computer temperature said 99.

The beach trip was delayed for a day.

Lindsay and I went down to the waterfront to meet Keesee and Lee. Quick walk but the heat was just getting started. Blimey. The fountain wasn't running but some sprinklers were. We were dry again in about fifteen minutes. After we met up with the boys we grabbed some eats at the market. I had some incredibly delicious apple berry juice from a little stand where the workers were known to my companions. They gave us the tasty treats on the house. How awesome is that?

We ran into Mike and we talked a little about summer. He has a job walking door to door and talking to people about the environment. I haven't started looking for a job yet. Ehhh. Yeah.

There was a great gallery with glasswork that we stopped by. There were cool octopus pieces, always of interest to me.

I always forget how horrible my sandals are to walk in when it comes to distances longer than a quarter of a mile. My feet were aching by the time we got to the theatre. The showing of Wall-E wasn't going on for about an hour so we sat down and got something much needed to drink. The boys played arcade games.

Wall-E is just as good as the first time I saw it months ago(remember I was part of a test audience for it?). Better now that it is complete. It all came together. I'm sure it will be a Pixar classic up there with The Incredibles and Toy Story, not down there with the likes of Cars. Bleh. Computer graphics have come a long way in a short time and Pixar is boss.

Lindsay and I took the Max home. The glorious, air conditioned Max. For the rest of the day I refused to walk. Lindsay packed some things and went to hang out with Keesee. And so I haven't really walked much. Watched Dexter, read more Snuff, ate more Popsicles. Wonderful! If only it would stop being ninety degrees.

missus 42

I've been reading Snuff. It's pretty cool thus far. Not for everyone (sort of standard Palahniuk fare). I am really into how each chapter is told by someone else's point of view (well four different people so far, probably a few more as it goes on) and each chapter overlaps with the others in terms of description and interactions. Each one is told differently but still all of them are distinctly Chuck P. I'm loving it.

All caught up on Doctor Who now. And right before the big season climax as well. The library episodes really scared me. I shouldn't have watched them so late at night. Way too dark. Watched Less Than Zero. Sort of a let down really. Not that good, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a better Robert Downey Jr movie. Started watching Dexter. Creepy goodness.

I went to PNCA to print out some forms. New art is going up. Aidan Koch has a show right now. Her work is so distinct. The main commons are mostly empty.

Beautiful day for biking. Warm and bright. Just made the school loop. This old grocery store I went by on 19th was torn down near the end of the school year. Now there is a big hole. I hope some nice houses go up there. Nothing tacky. It is in the Nob Hill area so nothing too big will be there. Maybe a small business complex.

Lindsay went out with Gavin tonight.

My arms are looking a little tan but that is probably just my imagination. Legs are as pasty as ever.

kitty vs kitty

I did my FAFSA today! Whooo! That was the big thing with the big deadline. It is actually late for some things (like a few scholarships) but for other things...maybe it is on time? Yeah! Awesome! Some of the numbers I was not quite sure about. If I didn't work at all I wouldn't have to enter any information. It took some time but I did it.

Chelsey stopped by with her new kitten, Holly Golightly. Sooo cute. It has a little heart shaped patch on its stomach. It has so much energy and it jumps about. Ibanez is scared of her. Haha! Lovely little thing.

Lindsay made dinner. Little mini hamburgers and tater tots. Keesee came over and we all talked about protesters and Palahniuk and other things. we had some bits of cake for dinner. It was so rich. Mmmmm!!

I slept in for real today. Ibanez woke me up at 8:00 but I managed to ignore him and dozed till noon. No biking today but we did walk to the store for groceries.

glorious gobs of groceries and goodies

Ibanez trod all over me this morning. Happy kitty.

Today's to do list consisted of check depositing, food getting, and book buying.

It was a wonderful day for biking; the sun is out but not to hot. I'm a bit out of it when it comes to riding but with some more practice I'll get into it again. I missed my wheels so much. I rode up Salmon to 21st so I didn't have to ascend on Burnside. Big hill but better than dealing with the traffic.

Put my last paycheck in the bank. It is a cool low three figures. Yeah. Go me!

Trader Joe's was moving around its selection so there were a few gaps in my shopping. Got juice, grapes, apples, bread, milk, lollipops, emergenc-e, and some mayo. Only half done though. Dropped it off at home, kicked back for a while, and then went out for a second adventure.

I swung by Powell's and got the newest Chuck Palahniuk; Snuff. Can't wait to read it then put it down for a few months and then start reading it again.

Hit up Safeway for the rest of my food needs. Hot dogs, more juice, Popsicles, eggs, lettuce, and Udon. Now I am good for a while. Hurray! Not much variety but it is a good base set of supplies.

Lindsay and I had a little mini marathon of a reality show that shall not be named. Ibanez and I enjoyed some QI. So You Think You Can Dance was OK. Not quite as good as the epic second season though.

a sunny day greets me

My alarm went off at 9:30 this morning. A minute later mom was calling me from downstairs informing me that David Sedaris was on the radio. He was in Washington today; at Third Place Books. I saw Dave Barry there. The interview was before his reading and signing. It was lovely. His voice seems to have deepened since he stopped smoking. My ticket to see him seems so far away.

I packed in quite a hurry. I only needed one other bag for all my stuff. The books weighed down the case. They took up almost as much room as my clothes. Still, I got it all together in just the right amount of time to get my passport.

We were there right on the spot. I sort of accidentally cut in line to ask about the passport. This grumpy old man informed me there was a line. Whatever. I just had to ask a question. He had to wait two seconds longer. The passport form was turned in and filled out in a flash. I confirmed that I am not a traitor or into treason. In four weeks I will have my new book all ready to be stamped.

Dad and I hit up Home Depot for rebar, paint, and other necessities for projects. The mailboxes are going to require a great deal of cement to finish. Try and steal them now!

We got a quick bite to eat from McDonald's and off we went to Tacoma. Dad explained his hydrolizer for getting better gas mileage but I didn't quite follow it.

I was one pound away from the weight limit at the train station. 49 pounds that bag is! Amazing. Belgian comic anthologies weigh alot. They oofed as they dragged my bag around. The train was on time. Hugs were exchanged and I boarded for Portland.

There was no one beside me and no movie on the train, so I watched one of my own; Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Wonderful little Robert Downey Jr and Val Kilmer murder mystery.

Portland is warm and bright. A perfect return to this place I now call home. Took a cab ride home. He took the route I take when I ride my bike home. It hasn't really changed. Lindsay was waiting for me when I pulled up. Yay's were exchanged.

Unpacking didn't take too long. Just clothes and books really. Sorted through my papers and nick knacks. The place has been decorated a little more in my absence. It looks lovely. We have really moved in, hardly feels like student housing. We just need a full length mirror and a second shelf.

It is wonderful to be back. It has changed but not really.

Karen and I went to see the late night showing of The Fall. I have been waiting for this movie for about a year. The trailer was simply stunning and, when it came to the visuals, the movie did not disappoint. It was both funnier and more depressing than I was expecting. The little girls accent was annoying at times. Lee Pace was brilliant. Ohhh what a wonderful movie.

Ibanez left a furry nest on my blanket.

in a highly comical fashion

Haven't started packing yet. Oops. Well, it shouldn't take long. It is all clothes and books that need putting away. Lots and lots of books and comics. Hoo boy.

Had a good sleep in today. Very lovely.

I filled out the paperwork for my new passport.

I was reading some Invisibles out on the lawn. The inflatable chair was a bit flat so dad filled it up. It wasn't quite right so I turned it around and toppled backwards over it at is tipped on the hill. Dad grabbed my foot and righted me, and I fell backwards all over again. They had a good laugh at my expense.

Spent some time catching up on Doctor Who today.

For dinner mom brought home some Seabeck Pizza. Now that is the good stuff right there. Missed it so terribly. Now I return to Hot Lips, Pizza Schmizza, and whatever bread smeared with red stuff that Portlanders call pizza.

nudity, puppets, wands, and sun

Friday:
Caught the ferry to Seattle at 11:30. There was a group of kids with backpack tethers and two haggard looking parents. The baby bawled but the other kids were quiet. Unusually so.

Arrived in Seattle where the sun and Llyw were waiting for me. We went to Elliot Bay Books for a quick little lunch. Caught up about work and school and travels and all that. I had grilled cheese. We went to Uwajimaya and Kinokuniya to pick up some comics, chocolate, and Pocari Sweat. Got some volumes of Kurosagi. Score!

We caught the 71 to the U District. The underground bus tunnels are open. Very cool thing. Sort of like a subway but with the comfort of being in a bus. The hammock was brought out and we lounged about in the sun chatting. He has a yard you know! It's awesome. Perfect day to kick back.

Around six Caleb and Liam swung by and picked us up for dinner. Jeanette was at home and we grabbed her and went out for Pho. The sun had gone down a bit so the hot hot noodles and soup were not insufferable. I had steak Pho noodles. Mmmm. And this time the creme puff at the end didn't explode all over me. I haven't had Pho since the last time I was in Seattle and I had trouble with the after dinner pastries (Robin can quote me on this).

We loitered around at the house watching bits of Planet of the Apes, playing games, and having a good time. Liam got a couple bed time stories, I had some tea, and we all went to bed.

Saturday:
Cooper the kitty stayed in my bed for the night. Very lovey kitty. Nice to have cats who want attention instead of whining from another room. I had some granola for breakfast. Sat about waking up. Liam and Jeanette watched Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

It was a muggy day. Warm but...muggy. The grand adventure was the Fremont Solstice Fair which included a nude bike ride. The streets were packed with people; blocks of persons elbow to elbow just waiting naked people on bicycles. Caleb had a "secret" spot to park. After picking up Llyw, we inched along through the crowd to the parking spot. Just across the Fremont Bridge and to the left. Some other people had the same idea and it was full up. Several residents with two parking spots had parked at a diagonal so the fair goers couldn't nick their spots. Jerks!

The parking spot we found was close by the secret spot. It was technically a red zone but we figured the parking people would be concerned with serious offenders so we took a gamble.

As we were going to the spot a group of nude riders went past us. They were mostly all covered with body paint. Some had recreated costumes of superheros(there was a nude batman) or had plant motifs. It was neat. Liam tried to get out when we were still in traffic but we got the door closed before he could run to join the nudies.

The bikers started a little early but we caught the majority of them. Hard to see through the crowds but we got some good *ahem* views. Liam had shoulders to sit on. Lucky boy. There were a couple God-loving protesters with huge signs telling us to repent because we are all sinners. Pfft.

After the ride we went through the market. Sort of a standard market set up with booths selling pottery and tie dye and what not. Liam acquired a more sturdy magic wand. There was a snow cone stand with an add-you-own-syrup feature. Mmmm!! Didn't have any though. Liam got a corn on the cob and a caramel apple. He let me have a bite of the latter. Lovely boy! So nice when he shares. Jeanette lingered with Liam while he ate and Caleb went to find some people. Llyw and I followed but we lost him so we wandered around a bit till we all met up again.

Corrine(Corraine? Corrin...) and Tim and a few other friends of Jeanette & co. were at the fair. We walked around with C. and Tim and looked at the art cars. There was a phone car, a car painted with chalk board paint, two yellow submarines (one was much better than the other), and an assortment of excessive add-ons and cool paint jobs. We tried to catch a little of the parade but our view was obstructed (not as bad as before). There were people dressed as large cakes, a self proclaimed Queen of Fremont, a troop of hula hoopers, a guy on stilts, ukele players and brass players. The hula hoopers invited people to join them and Liam gave it a shot.

From there we went back to our illegally placed van. No ticket! Huzzah! We hugged the friends goodbye and rolled out for home. Liam took a long long nap. Caleb and Llyw went for food and I took a nap as well, just not as long of one. We split a pizza, I had some tea and showed some of my Europe photos. Jeanette made a little tower out of watermelon and marinated some chicken. We packed up to meet her friend for a little birthday barbecue.

Met some new people, ate some good salmon and meat,and watched as Liam and Noah played with magic wands. Before we knew it, it was time to gather up our stuff and go to Avenue Q!

Caleb drove Llyw and I to the Paramount. Our seats were off to the left but pretty close. Fantastic! With only a couple tall people in the way. I loved Avenue Q. Hilarious. Not for everyone but blimey! I have not laughed that hard in a long time. First act was better I'd say. The musical was a sort of bitter parody of Sesame Street complete with muppets and puppets and people. The puppeteers did a great job, many of them changed puppets and kept in great character and the voices were top.

We caught the 66 back to the U District. Some people ran by us like they were being chased by something. The bus was relatively free of bus cliches. After the musical we just lounged about youtubeing and talking. When it came time for bed, I got the bed and Llyw took the floor. What a gentleman!

Sunday:
The 66 took us back to downtown. Llyw got off a few stops before me for work. I missed the Bremerton ferry by 15 minutes. Oh well. Read my comic during the wait. Ate a hot dog on the ride back. Gray day. Mum was waiting for me when I arrived. She was almost done with the new Sedaris.

A good part of the day was spent relaxing. Not doing anything after so much something. We had a double feature tonight. St Trinians and The Seeker. Mum enjoyed St Trinians like I thought she was. The Seeker was slightly better than I expected it to be(horrible). The kids acting was bad but it was almost worth with for Christopher Eccleston.

Made some cheese steak for dad using precooked steak. Turned out fairly good even though dad messed with the recipe while I was cooking. Mom had a bite.

One more full day and then it is back to PDX.