heavy little boxes full of books

Blarg. Packing is less fun when it is trying to pack up all the stuff you have, as opposed to packing up a few things from the stuff you have and leaving the rest behind in Seabeck. Everything that belongs to me either needs to be packed up, Goodwilled, thrown out or given to Katie.

Karen is loaning me some boxes. We also took a trip to the big Fred Meyers for plastic bins. I got two large bins for clothes (and later long term storage because my new apartment will have a storage space and I'll be giving the flat boxes back to Karen as she might be moving soon as well) and some smaller bins for shoes or other small bin business. Karen is going camping this weekend and while I was invited, I declined. I really need to focus on packing.

I wish I had a car. That way I could easily take things down to a storage unit and get stuff out of the way instead of packing things into boxes and letting them sit till Pa comes down. My television is far out of date and hasn't been turned on in a while so that will be gone. I have a lot of paper clutter, which will be recycled. Thankfully I have audio books. Tomorrow is looking like a day spent sorting and tossing.

My closet is pretty much empty. I pulled a few shirts and shorts and did a load of laundry but the bulk of my clothes are in the two plastic bins. I should have bought a third. I'll leave my shelving units where they are for now. Just gotta empty them.

I have bags for Goodwill. I also have bags for mom. You know, nice clothes that I won't be wearing but shouldn't be tossed either. Celia handmedowns mostly. I've gained a couple pounds that put me out of the size for them, but that is just at this moment. Maybe I'll pack and keep them as a goal motivator.

When I was taking down my coats, I felt a lump in one of the pockets. When I pulled out the lump I found my long missing MP3 player! I had assumed a while ago that I had put it in a small bag for safe keeping and then tossed that bag in a fit of rushed tidying up. I missed it but I'm not totally devoted to music so it wasn't this void in my life. And now I have it back! So that is good. Now I can listen to audio books while printmaking and not bother other people. Or while working out (if I ever decide to get into shape, which I should make a habit of now). It wasn't turning on so I looked up a reset tutorial online and pried it apart, pulled the battery connector and put the connector back in, put it together, put it on the charger (which I never threw out, yay for being a pack rat) and viola it was operational! Go me!

Did a load of laundry, just to get that out of the way. Ate bread with hummus (I really need to go grocery shopping).

Uhm yeah. Just packed and didn't pack and packed. Now to fold laundry. And watch something I guess.

three years comes to a close

My favorite site for movies and television shut down! Nooo! Oh well.

Started packing. Well, I rounded up some boxes from the recycle bin and put the small comics in them. Also piled my books by size for easy packing. You know...finding things that fit in different areas. Took a lot of posters down. Tomorrow I will round up boxes and plastic bins and get a more serious move on things. It would probably be best to move an empty dresser, instead of one packed with clothes. I have a couple suitcases as well.

Went out for First Thursday. It was rainy, but I got to show Margaret off to people. Margaret is the name of my bike. As in Atwood. Lady author. Anyway, it got compliments. As it should. Because it is pretty.

Stopped by Tender Loving Empire. Their new location is gorgeous. Needs some bandanas. The Rad Hatter show was going on. All of the pieces were trucker hats redesigned by artists. Agnes had a hat in, BT had two, Mona had one. Some were really good and some were just okay. Went to the Flight 64 show at W+K. That had some really nice prints. Recognized Heather's work right away. Went down to Pony Club to meet BT, Alison, and Phil. It was a lovely show of $25 prints. Some were really sweet. Wish I was a little more successful so that I could buy prints a plenty. Went to Reading Frenzy. Then back to Tender Loving Empire. Then to Blondie to see Maddison's show. It was really stuffy and all the cigarette smoke was blowing into the establishment and this girl sounded like she was killing a guitar. So we waited outside for Mel. Then I rode my bike down to Ichiban Sushi to grab five seats and Karen drove them down. New plate record: 7! I don't even feel gross. I was obviously more hungry than I thought it was. Mmmm so good. Friends and fish and colored plates. We played hangman with the sushi train and the other customers. After dinner we parted ways. So soggy and wet. Bleh.

Bright and early it is box time! Then packing time! I don't want to be here later than the 10th. If I can get all packed by Wednesday, then mom and dad can come down and help me pack.

genesis part one

Tuesday

Another sleepy do nothing day. Sort of.

I met BT outside Portland Art Museum at 2pm to go see R. Crumb's Genesis at Portland Art Museum. He illustrated in comic form the entirety of Genesis. It is a pretty epic feat. He even drew it on the back of French comics because he likes that type of paper most of all. The show is the entirety of is original art. It is epic. There was someone dressed as Batman at the show as well. And someone idly remarking that R. Crumb has dabbled in comics a bit. Haha.

I got caught up in reading it. Well bits here and there. Really looked at the art. Lots of whiteout. Lots of fine details. Lots of Crumb looking women reenacting Genesis. Really spectacular show. And it is a good illustration. Not at all mocking of its source material. BT and I didn't talk so much while looking at the work. It was just a time to observe and be thrilled that work of that type (comics) is in such a setting (uber museum). We took a break with the first floor and drew in the sketchbook the museum provided.

"It is amazing that no one has called out hey BT yet," Trillian said as they sketched on the same page.

"Yeah that happens a lot," BT responded.

A minute later they heard a familiar voice.

"Hey BT," said the familiar brunette, notorious for his sketchbooks.

"Hey August."

Really funny how that happened so soon after I remarked on BT's popularity. It is true though. Every where someone knows him. Anyway. After the sketching break, and observing we were only half done with the museum, we decided to call it quits for today. As PNCA students we get free admission to the museum, so no biggie if we want to come back again any time.

We parted ways. I went home. Finished left over thai food. Watched Blade. And for some reason I dozed off around midnight.

Wednesday

Started throwing things away. I need to get boxes. Once I start packing, I can start moving things around and organizing. I don't quite know where to start when it comes to packing. I was thinking of emptying out my closet first. Then books. Go for the things I obviously want and need to keep.

Spent the day inside. Watching stuff. Eating hot wings and cake. Think I'll curl up with a book in a few. Karen and I are going to hang tomorrow, it is also First Thursday. Whoo!

Need to get on packing. I might end up here through Fourth of July.

finally, an end to the parties

Oh yeah, guess I have to blog. Was going to write up Sunday this morning but just felt like putting it off instead.

Sunday

Bike shopping! I went with the Trek Atwood. Tan and beautiful. I test rode it down to the waterfront and back up Jefferson. I got up the hill with almost no problem what so ever. Normally I'm heaving and pushing my monster of a bike and it takes so much effort. Even out of shape, it was much smoother. It was fun to just be able to point at add ons and buy them and not be too worried about money. Sure I wanted some cash left over but it was for my bike, so I spent it on my bike. Brown fenders, silver folding bike basket, brass bell, fancy LED lights, kick stand... I piled it up and counted out the twenty dollar bills. I even got free installation, I just had to wait around a bit. So I walked to Finnegan's for few last minute birthday gifts and went to Powell's to browse books. Returned at around 4pm and damn if it wasn't one of the most beautiful bikes I have ever seen. It really came together. I'm quite pleased, and can't wait to ride it more.

Beautiful day for riding. I had a little bit of time between wrapping presents at home and going to Robin's 21st Birthday Extravaganza. I put on bright blue eyeshadow. Makeup for me is about fun. Anyway, I hopped on my bike and road across the river.

I arrived at Roadside Attraction before anyone else, but when I called they said they would be there in a minute so I chatted up the bartender for a refreshing drink recommendation. She mixed me up a tea flavored vodka lemonade drink and it was sweet and refreshing as I wanted. Robin looked perfect in her birthday dress. We got a table outside and thus the NINE HOUR FESTIVITY began. Nine freaking hours. Of course it wasn't all wild and crazy, but damn the time went by. I ordered a french dip sandwich. Mmm. Robin's friend from out doors school Bridger showed up and he stuck with us through the whole night. Robin's sister Poppy was there up till midnight. BT was there for Roadside Attraction and karaoke at Chopsticks II. Heather and Daniel showed up at Beulahland and left at Chopsticks II. Justin came for karaoke and brought his brother and a friend. Karen was there the whole night almost. Tabitha came for karaoke. Luke showed up at Beulahland and stayed for karaoke. Adam and Tony stopped by at Roadside Attraction.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. We spent maybe three hours at Roadside Attraction, two at Beulahland, and four at Chopsticks II. In that order. Food, conversation, and light drinks at Roadside. Bridger and I locked up our bikes at BT and Karens and we walked to Beulahland. There Karen and I treated Robin to a couple photobooth sessions. We tried to get five people in the first one, but there is only enough room in the photo frame for three. Haha. The next one turned out a lot better. Photo booths are super fun! I ordered a slice of apple pie. I think I only had about one drink at each establishment. Well, two at karaoke. I was feeling friendly and social enough. The pie was good. Karaoke was fun. I didn't sing, but a lot of other people at our group did. Karen did Prince. Robin did obla di obla da. Bridger did some songs. And we all sang happy birthday to our girl. Near the end of the night a lot of people danced during songs, so I joined it. Fun to boogie! BT closed our night with a smashing rendition of Great Balls of Fire. Then the remaining few of us (Robin, BT, Bridger, and myself) walked back, picked up our bikes, and road into a cool night.

Monday

No birthdays. Katie is gone for a few days. Just me, the internet, and trying to ignore a very messy room. Tomorrow I will start throwing things out. Cut down on the useless clutter, before I try to organize it. Just have to keep telling myself that anything I keep, I'll have to pack and move. At least I can get all my art supplies in one spot.

Though I did get out of the house. BT, Madeline and I met up for the 7:20 pm showing of Jean-Pierre Jeunet's latest film Micmacs. I had high expectations for the film, and it did not disappoint. Great sets, diverse and charming characters, great plots and set ups, and a contortionist! If anything, I would have liked it to be longer. Just wonderful through and through. There was even a Delicatessen cameo. Madeline and I clutched at each others arms when it happened. BT hasn't seen Delicatessen. It made me really happy all around. Cannot recommend it enough, too bad it won't be playing in many theaters. We parted ways after the film and I picked up some carry out That food from the place down the street. Delicious way to end the night.

Tomorrow I am going to see the Genesis show at PAM.

Harmony, Bliss, and Twisted Ankle

My Bike

Katie borrowed my bike to run an errand down to school and she used my cable lock instead of her kryptonite lock, and in the four hours it was left unattended, the locks were cut and now my bike is gone. Bummer. BUT Katie got together $800 to compensate for the loss, so now I can get a lightweight bike that fits me a little better (the Univega, while sturdy and reliable, was not light and barely fit). I roamed down to Bike Gallery in the early afternoon and looked at the bikes there. Normally I would shop around, but shopping around is for people who already have a mode of transportation. I don't like buses and I don't want to hog a ride from Karen every where I go. So I think I will get the nice little Trek Atwood. The helper at the store said it was built from aluminum from not horrible mines. The Trek Belleville, while pretty, was a little too bells and whistles, and I'd rather not spend so much of my budget (thankfully there is no tax in Portland!). I'll also try out the Trek 7.2 and Gary Finer Simple City 3, but the Atwood seems like it will be a good fit. Also if I buy by the end of the month, I get 10% off all add ons and free installation. Now I could install it myself, but I don't have the tighest grip on tools.

Getting Ready for the Wedding

The black patterned, but light weight, dress zipped up and fits oh so well. The day was much too warm to wear the sweater initially, but I was glad I brought it. Makeup, shoes, it all came together and I was so happy with the ensemble.

The Wedding

Jay met me at the stop for the Washington Park shuttle. She was a fabulous match in black shorts, vest, tie, and even a blond swoop in her hair. Too bad she wasn't feeling all that well, and the stress of the long commute over wasn't doing her any favors. She had to take multiple transfers just to get to the transfer, where as I just had to show up at the stop. Anyway, it was a perfect day for a wedding. Sunny and bright. And the wedding was out doors so all the better. The rose garden was full of people and many Quinceanera gatherings. We had to ask two people to find the Shakespeare Gardens. It was tucked away, but it was still a nice little place. Too bad it was standing only, because you couldn't put chairs on the lawn. Peter came up to me and put me in charge of pressing play, next, and pause on the music. Ahh responsibility! But it felt good to be trusted. The familiar family faces were all there, but Jay and I were mostly social to our selves.

It was a minimal wedding. Peter and the three groomsmen were in white with pistachio colored accents and Mariel was in gorgeous pink. Their was an arch way with some decorations, but beyond that it was just the glory of the garden and the day. There were some overlookers watching the wedding. The song that started it was from Lord of the Rings (nerds!) but it was a nice instrumental. Harmony was just amazing in her dress. It was a lovely length and had these beautiful stitched accents. The catalogue didn't do it justice. And it had a great fit. I even teared up a little bit.

It was a short wedding, which was good because we were all standing. But it was close and the words were good. It was a celebration of love and partnership and not too heavy on the prayer and being together in Gods eyes. They are a great match. They had this sand pouring ritual that I had never heard of before. It was a long wedding kiss as well. One of the grandparents said about Peter "he doesn't say much but he sure likes to kiss her". And you can just feel the love radiating from them. Ohh I can feel myself getting all teary eyed just writing about it.

After the wedding, Jay left. She wasn't feeling too hot, so I didn't want to force her through a long day with strangers.

The Reception

Two miles up the road from the Rose Garden in Washington Park was the Hoyt Arboretum. It was a lovely open air structure and we had to get it set up for the reception. Tables, food, chafing dishes, all that. I was glad to have flats and made myself as helpful as I could be. The wedding party slowly arrived. Food came together. I hung out with Abby, Mariel's cousin, mostly. She is going to be a Junior at Klahowya so we had some good talking stuff to talk about. I sat at a table with aunts and relatives from Kerry's (Kerry = Harmony's dad) side of the family. I ate a pulled pork sandwich and had some assorted juice and bubbly and beer. Mmm. It was a gorgeous day. Perfect for a wedding. The speeches were good. Funny. Harmony cried. She cried during her dances as well, but her mascara didn't run. Must be heavy duty stuff. Husband and wife dance, Kerry and Harmony. Peter and his mom. Harmony's mom and Peter's Dad. Harmony's dad and Peter's mom. It was great. I did a little boogieing but not much. Talked to one of the Groomsmen. I didn't catch the bouquet. It was really nice. And I cried some more. Just so lovely and perfect. It all came together. Really cozy effectual ceremony.

I called Karen around 7 to come pick me up, and things were winding down then so it was perfect. It was great to be able to catch up with Mariel. Old friendships.

BT's Birthday

Karen was the designated driver for the party tonight. Whoo! So she picked me up and we went to Ground Kontrol for some pinball. I'm so bad at pinball, but I really like the Batman Forever machine.

We went to Low Brow Lounge after. Just for a couple drinks while we contacted people and tried to rally them. Tabitha, Ursula, Daniel & Heather, etc. Behind us was the 24 Hour Film Fest table and they were getting submissions. When we left I missed a step and twisted my ankle. Not a drunken injury, just a clumsy one. Karen pulled the car around and I hobbled inside.

Matador! BT and I got in the photobooth there. Major fun. I kept the photos. Tee hee. Daniel and Heather and Tabitha joined us. Agnes and Ursula came as a set as well and the latter brought a bag of baked goods that were indeed very good. Karen, BT and I played scrabble. Sailin and Duelin are words. Tabitha, Karen and I also got in the photobooth. Love it! Next up was Mazatlan for margaritas and karaoke. My margarita and quesedilla cost too much and I didn't enjoy them a whole lot. I was tired and not feeling so hot. It was a long long day. BT killed it at Chantilly lace. I forget the other song he did but it was awesome as well. He has a great singing voice. The great thing about karaoke at Mazatlan is that it isn't crowded at all, so a large group can get up there many times and not wait forever to do it. Some more people were in our group. Allison, and her friends, and one of BT's studio mates John. It was a hassle to settle up the bill. Tabitha and Agnes walked home (yay for living near to downtown fun fun!) and Karen drove me back. My ankle is swollen but walkable.

I pulled on my nightie, crawled into bed and slept the good sleep of a fun day. And now to go try bikes and go to Powell's and pick up some last minute presents. And then bike my new bike over to the east side for Robin's 21st extravaganza! There will be drawing and karaoke and showing her the new side of Portland that is open to her.

quick post

I had a great day, but I'm tired, so very tired, and will write it up in full tomorrow morning. Tomorrow might be a day later post as well as it is Robin's birthday and that is another day of party.

Quick hits:
Bike was borrowed by Katie and locked with a cable lock, which was cut and thus my bike was stolen. She has given me a nice amount to cover the replacement of a new bike.

Harmony and Peter's wedding was magical. Jay left after the service, before the reception, but I still had a great time dateless.

BT's roaming birthday was awesome, though I was quite tired for a lot of it.

I twisted my ankle. Boo!