dismal coast, should have stayed inland

Came home a day early so better get cracking on the writing.

Thursday

As it was a shorter trip, I left my computer at home. Just wanted to enjoy camping. Motorhome was packed up and off we went to Tacoma to pick up Nate and Rubie! We were headed to the coast and towards what we hoped would be sun and beaches. Once we hit Aberdeen, the sky turned gray and would not let up. We stopped for ice cream.

Dismal is a good of word as any to describe Westport, Washington. We drove through on our way to a campground. Just a nothing city. None of the store fronts were appealing.

We stayed at..uhm....a camp ground. Walkable to the beach. We rode our bikes around a bit. Dinner was..food. I'm forgetting a lot. Obviously. Oh! It was hot dogs. I slept in the converted table area, Nate and Rubie slept in the above area that I'm not fond of due to spider and bug reasons.

Friday

Pancakes and bacon for breakfast! And then some kite flying. Or rather attempts at kite flying. Mine stayed up for a couple minutes, before giving up totally. Oh well. We checked out and headed to Westport for some biking along the waterfront. It was a nice mild ride, despite some minor falls and a dropping of a camera (cameras can get fixed though, still it sucked). There were some surfers not surfing.

After a crab, tuna, and sardine filled lunch we road out east ward a few miles to Schafer Park. It was on a river and was pleasant enough. Walked around a bit. Sat around the fire. Read. Rubie was feeling ill and Nathan wasn't too hot to trot either so they called it an early night. I listened to my audio book and kept warm. S'mores were had. Dinner was shish kabobs and steak and potatoes. I failed at making jiffypop.

Saturday

It was sunny for a moment and after bacon and cheesy eggs, we took a hike loop. It was a nice green hike. Since it was obvious the only way to escape the gloom was to head east, we decided to just call it early on the camping. We stopped by the Allyn property. Soooo over grown. We stopped at Seabeck, because it made more sense to drive Nate and Rubie back in the Prius. It was a light unloading, because I think we will go camping again next weekend. Ma took Nathan and Rubie back to Tacoma. I caught up on computer stuff.

Just a little relaxing trip. Not much sun. Oh well.

back in bed

Ohh precious sleep. I was missing a lot by being anxious from packing and all that. Starting to get caught up.

The power was out for a bit. I used the new shampoo I got from Lush. My hair smells great and is oh so soft. Whoo!

Sat on the lawn and read a few chapters from Bonk and soaked up the sun. My thighs are a little pink now.

Dad made me a little sandwich.

Then I took a nap in my bed for a few hours. Then mom was home! Yay!

Chicken and potato dinner followed by So You Think You Can Dance. I voted for Robert. He did really well.

Tomorrow we are going camping for the rest of the week. Yaaay!

goodbye goose hollow

Whooey I had two long days full of packing and errands and stuff. Lets get started.

Monday

Got a haircut! My ends were looking ragged so I got a trim and more layers and blunter bangs. Looks good.

This guy, Kevin nicknamed Gritty for reasons I don't know, asked me out at the end of the year party (he is a friend of a friend) and I sort of forgot about calling him because I got so absorbed with moving and all that. So I called him and said that I'm leaving soon but if he wanted to hang out tonight, that would be cool. And just my luck, he had an extra ticket to see Ariel Pink at Doug Fir tonight! So we would meet for dinner and go to the show and all that. Hurray!

So I did another trip to the storage unit. More stuff in there. Borrowed the vacuum cleaner from the RA and used that. Gave her my Ikea shelf as well, which will be good for storage. She also has claim to my mirror and stand. The time went by really fast, and before I knew it I was ready for dinner.

Gritty/Kevin and I walked to Thai Chili Jam for dinner. I had the larb, he had massuman curry. Both were quite good. It was a nice meal with good chat. We drove over to the other side for the show. Doug Fir is this bar/venue that has Jupiter Hotel attached. It is decorated like a log cabin and has lots of antler motifs. We had a drink and sat outside waiting for his friends Kellan and Paris to show up and join us. They were super cool and into weird facts about pigs. It was a really fun night. We went down right as the first opening act started. They looked like Mormon siblings, the first band I mean. The second band was a little more hip. When Ariel Pink started setting up, we made our way to the front. Actually, we were right at the stage so that was cool. It didn't get too hot with the crowd also. I don't know how to describe the music, but it was an entertaining show. I'm down for new experiences, probably not everyone would be. The lead crowd surfed and I helped. There was one moment when this tall angry girl put another girl in a sort of choke hold, so we helped pry her off. Yikes. But aside from that, yeah! Great evening. I've had a lot of fun in Portland.

Even though I stay up late on regular basis, I was exhausted and just crawled into bed and fell asleep.

Tuesday

Woke up early and got to work. Showered. Put the stuff I needed to take home into the bags and looked at all the other stuff that needed to go to the unit. Rigged up my drawing board and two bags and backpack. Put the in the locker. We to get some July birthday gifts for the girls in the family. Went to Trader Joe's. Had lunch. Did another trip. It is hard travelling with heavy bags. Really got worn down. Got back. Contacted the RA. Gave her my keys. Packed up.

Said goodbye to the apartment. And left.

Got to the train station at the perfect time. I'm taking my bike home with me. It is so pretty. Cidney was on the same train, but I took the chance to nap. Mmm.

Dad picked me up in the truck. Even at nine, the sun was still out.

I picked up this really cool shampoo in bar form at Lush. Kind of got it for myself, but dad gave it a whirl. If he digs it, I'll have to pick him up his own.

Sooo tired. My legs hurt.

for the first time in three years

95% of my stuff is now resting in a 4x7 area in the Pearl District. The other 5% is bedding, and some miscellaneous stuff that is still here. Tomorrow I'll make a couple trips back and forth with the rest of it. The mirror and stand got left behind (I didn't make it obvious enough to be moved) and the three bulb lamp as well. The lamp isn't that important, but I think I have a good spot for the mirror. Well, actually it takes up a lot of space and the stand is quite heavy and there are a few mirrors in the new place. Maybe I should just leave it. Quit fussing.

Went to bed at 4:30, woke up at 9:30 to Katie playing loud music (also: she leaves for a week and the energy bill drops significantly, I'm gone a month and the bill is the highest it has ever been. Wasteful!). Got up, had some oatmeal and tea, went to Safeway to get some beverages for after moving and picked up an energy drink. Which ended up being WAY too much energy. I was bouncing off the walls and had a hard time focusing.

BT and Karen came at noon. We went to the Uhaul place. I said the wrong type of truck and for a second worried when he said they didn't have it, but a quick review of the registration number and all was righted! I was too anxious about driving in the city so BT drove the truck. Phil was waiting for us upon our return, and Daniel W. showed up not short after. BT and I hauled stuff down, the rest hauled stuff into the hallway outside the elevator. Book shelves, dresser, cabinet...it went in. Boxes, boxes, boxes...the truck filled up and there was more to go. So we started the process of going from Goose to storage. BT, Phil, and I went to the storage place. I signed in and we got some flatbed rolling thingies, and started loaning.

I just want to say that Phil is the master at the game of 3D tetris that is storage organization. He was amazing and putting this and that here and there. Things stacked high as could be, against the wall, and even though it kept coming it didn't seem as overwhelming as my room. Of course, I couldn't stack stuff braced against the wall here, like I could in the unit.

Anyway, the truck unloaded fast and that went back to the Goose and Karen's car backed in and unloaded fast. The truck returned not soon after. Truly the longest part was getting it out of the apartment and into the truck.

BT, Karen, and I went to return the truck. Had I known that all I had to do was leave the keys and dolly in the office because the guy had left (the gas station attendant was watching it) then I could have just left Karen and BT to do the drop off and helped Daniel and Phil.

The storage unit was full up at 3:15. We returned at 3:30. I locked it up. Got back to the Goose at 3:45. BT left for his shift at IPRC, Daniel went to order a large pizza, Karen, Phil and I brought down refreshments to the courtyard at the Goose. I went and picked up and paid for the pizza. Then we all sad about relaxing in the shade, eating pizza. WHOO!!!! I can't believe that moving itself took two and a half hours. I was worried we would be pressed for time because the storage place closes at 4 on Sunday.

Mel, Melissa, and Cidney even stopped by the courtyard for some brief chilling and chatting. Daniel left, Karen drove away, MM&C left, Phil left. I relaxed, and then remembered I still owed BT some snackums for today's efforts. I even made a stop at Cupcake Jones, because he deserved a special treat for driving. So we sat at IPRC (Independent Publishing Resource Center) and ate cupcakes and he had the last slice of pizza, and it was really nice. We parted ways after that.

Went back to the apartment. Contacted Mel to see what was shaking. Met the three of them at Mazatlan, but that place is wicked expensive so I didn't order. Played some video games at their place. Cidney, Mel and I caught the Max downtown and went to Ground Kontrol. On the way there we ran into BT as he was entering his studio. We three played some pinball, drank some beer, played Simpsons, and practiced flipping our hair about. Walked back to their apartment, grabbed my bike.

And now after a long day, I am back in my mostly empty room that has a filthy, filthy floor. Need to transport stuff to the storage unit. Borrow a vacuum. Clean the bejeezus out of the apartment.

Katie has gone camping so I guess I won't be seeing her again.

the girl who put boxes away

4:21am. The apartment is pretty much all packed up. I'll be using my 4'x7' space to its full capacity. Wish I could have gotten a little more sleep. And a larger space, but that is what they had at the storage unit. There are not many others close in.

Went downtown and got my storage unit. The guy was really nice. It cost a little less than expected, but I'm not renting a whole month. Like I said, it will be a tight squeeze but I measure the size out on my floor and it appears to fit. It will be stacked really high and impossible to get anything out from the back. I have a plastic contained reserved for the things I put in the unit right before I get on the train. Shampoo. Bedding. That stuff. Also I have a load on laundry to do. Not sure if I'll get the train ticket for Monday or Tuesday. Tuesday seems more likely. Run errands on Monday. Laundry. Storage runs. Clean up my raggedy dirty apartment. Contact the RA. Once I know when I'll be signing out the apartment, that will be the day I get on a train and go home, never to return to this apartment again (most likely, as I won't be in Portland again till after Katie moves out).

After storage, I dropped off clothes at Goodwill. I picked up a pair of shorts as well. Mmm shorts. I swung by the Dollar Store as well. No where near as good a selection as the one in Silverdale, but it still provided me plastic bags, something to drink, googly eyes assortment pack, and some small tubs for small items. Later I realized I grabbed a wrong lid for one of them.

There is a lot of room for small things storage within my shelves and the wooden short cabinet that Cece left behind. I'm not sure if my red shelf will fit. Maybe Karen could take care of it? It is pretty compact.

As motivation, I told myself that if I could get all my boxes into the 4x7 space, all my art in portfolios or cardboard, and get all that remains of my stuff in a pile in the living room, then I could go see The Girl Who Played With Fire, the second film in the Millennium Trilogy based after these books. The first is The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. I got my assignment done and caught the 10:15 showing. My arms were wearing and couldn't take any more lifting as it was. It was a really good movie. More character development, not as brutal as the first movie, and a different mystery. Really good. I can't wait to watch the next one. I'm not sure if I should read the books or not. I already know how they end, but you get a different vibe from words over pictures. It was a good break.

But at 12:30 I had to return. And I worked hard getting the rest of my stuff in boxes. There are small things here and there, but I'm not worried.

Noon is when it begins tomorrow. My alarm is set. I'm not sure if I should move the boxes again, or leave them like this. Because like this, the top items will get loaded first and then pulled out last, which would mean they would be put in the unit last. But it will take many, many loads. Well more loads from my apartment to the cars. At the storage place, they have trucks. So we can just unload it all and bring them up. Unloading and putting away will probably be easiest.

I'm tired.

frazzle dazzle

Sorted out some misunderstandings and got the moving plans SORTED.

Noon. Sunday. Uhaul. Move. Move. Finish. Eat pizza. Yay! Hopefully. I have a lot of packing to do between now and then, but thankfully I have...

More plastic tubs! At 2pm I walked to Fred Meyer to check out their selection of tubs. The closer one is smaller, but they should still have some selection. I should have a few, because I'll be putting stuff into storage (probably mostly kitchenware). And they were on sale! I got four 66quart buckets and lugged them down to the PGE park max stop. They were cumbersome to carry, to say the least.

Got a little bit frazzled from the sight of the boxes and what I have left to do, but it got sorted out.

Tomorrow I need to: go to Safeway and pick up plastic bags so all my smaller items are not just sliding about all over the place in boxes. Go to the storage place and get my unit. Go to Goodwill and drop off some stuff. AND THEN FINISH PACKING. I found another cloth portfolio. I'm not sure if I'll have to get some cardboard. My piles of art are not...huge. I'll have some stuffed portfolios to be sure, but...hmmn. Just have to wait and see. It will be busy tomorrow. I got some more boxes finished up today and found more in the recycling.

Also put in the reservation for the Uhaul flatbed truck. So that will be an experience.

I'll be bringing my bike on the train with me, so that will be an experience. Ma and Pa will have to remember to drive the truck to Tacoma.

Also sad about Alex leaving So You Think You Can Dance. He was one of the best dancers and could have won. Dancers are prone to injury though...

Moved on to the fourth Sookie Stackhouse novel: Dead to the World.

putting the hot wing in hotel

The fire alarm started chirping so I had to get batteries. 9V are so expensive!

I got the areas around my bed cleared out. Lots of piles. Lots of clumped dust and discarded sunflower seeds. Also started getting through the piles on the floor. Almost sorted out all the "keep" from the "trash". Now I just need to pile my flat artwork. On Saturday I'll have to take a walking trip and scrounge up more boxes for pans and protecting art.

Netflix instant watch has Hotel Babylon, which is a really charming BBC show about working in a hotel. Had it on in the background while I worked. Got hot wings for dinner. Mmm protein! Need to get some pasta or something.

It was another hot day, but I kept the blinds shut and it stayed passable. I hope it isn't too hot on moving day, but it probably will be.

I haven't tackled the floor of my closet yet. I think that will be the next goal. It is pretty much just art work and miscellaneous clutter now. Joy joy. At least next move should go easier. I don't think I'll stay in the new place for long.

back on track

Sunday. Sunday I am going to rent a Uhaul truck. Sunday I have bribed BT and Phil for moving (and truck driving) help. So I have to have it all packed up by Sunday. Now that I have a deadline, I was fairly productive. I got rid of more of the clutter on my floor. Moved out another book shelf. Threw away tons of garbage. It is getting there. Once I pack up binders, it will get there a little bit more. Right now the things left are pots and pans, binders, some remaining clothes, and lots of miscellaneous things.

I'll see how much stuff I can drop off at the new apartment. Now I know mum and dad are worried that Kristen might charge me for July if I put my stuff there, but I don't think she would honestly. It might be easier, and cheaper, to just pile my boxes up in the corner of the dining room. I'll see what Tabitha says in terms of space, and when I see how much stuff I have collected, then I'll get a better estimate of the space I'll take up. It looks like more stuff than it is, because it isn't properly packed away nice and neat.

Finished Club Dead. Still have so much stuff to pack, but it is getting there. Probably for the best that I'm moving out early because with two people packing, it would get crazy.

It got quite hot today, but not intolerable. Tomorrow it is supposed to get to 98 degrees. I should buy some ice cream.

Met Mel for a beer and dinner at Goose Hollow Inn. I just had a little 10oz pint with my roast beef au jus. It was quite good. We chatted about thesis and packing and moving and other things. It was just a little hangout, but it was nice. Can't spend all day cooped inside listening to vampire stories.

freight elevators are fun!

At five I went to Downtown Self Storage to check out their spot availability. I got to ride in the fun freight elevator! I put a hold on a 5'x7' space, so once I round up help, I'll pay for a month and get moving.

Karen is helping me a little bit on Sunday. Tabitha might be able to, depending on availability. Same with Madeline. So I have one "little bit" confirmed and a couple "maybes" sort of confirmed. I'll post for help on Facebook tomorrow I guess.

Karen was at school so we hung out. Had some sushi at sushi land. I didn't have that much. Then we went to Powell's. Mary Roach's book Bonk was on sale, as was this graphic novel book that Daniel Duford highly recommended. So I picked those up. Ahg damn you Powell's. Then we sat at Hot Lips and had a soda and read. I was a little chatty though and that irked Karen.

On the way back I called Tabitha and I went over to what will be my new apartment! Her bed, which will be my bed till moving out again or something I don't know, is a queen mattress on a futon frame. Whoo, big bed! I'll have to get some sheets and stuff. There is a desk, and I can envision how I'm going to reorganize. I have a lot of shelves that need to go somewhere. There is some space though, in the living room. I don't think it will be an actual problem. It is a really nice apartment. We hung out and chatted for a good long while. It was fun.

Got back around 11ish. I realized that I can pack stuff in the empty drawers of my dresser, and just secure them with plastic wrap and move that separately. So now I have more space to pack into. Hurray!

Didn't make much progress on my packing. And now my moving into storage is delayed, which honestly sucks. I thought I was going to get help earlier in the week but due to misunderstandings of availability (mainly through not full disclosure of amount of availability) it has been pushed further back. I wanted to be out by the 10th. Sometimes I really don't like relying on other people. Though I do appreciate their help.

MM@M

I'm totally horribly lagging in packing! All though I did clear out another crowded surface and get another empty bookshelf. But it just seems like so much more to go and I need more boxes....just gotta keep trucking. I can almost see a clear floor though. And maybe if I clear the space, I can move boxes back into my room so that the living room is less consumed. Need to go see about getting a rental unit tomorrow.

I was invited to Madeline's Movie Monday! I took the max to Pioneer Square and transferred to the number 12, which arrived right as I did. I got a little lost and walked in circles before finally finding 54th and met Madeline half way. She has a nice house with lots of color and cool decorations and it is all in a neighborhood and stuff. Her younger brother Jackson was there for a bit and he was friendly. Met her mothers Kate and.....oh dang! I forgot her name. But they were both really nice and offered me taco salad. Very friendly. When her friends Cam and Ben showed up, we all sat and watched Let the Right One In. Watched this about a year ago with Jay at Cinema 21. Still really good. I had no idea it was set in the 80's. Sure it is missing cell phones and stuff, but when you are not looking for period elements, you tend not to notice their absence. Guess the clothing in the film makes more sense...

After the movie, her friends left, but I hung around and we chatted till about midnight. She has a really nice energetic Jack Russel Terrier named Pepper. It was fun. Totally need to hang with her more. We are both big movie and television and BBC fans. She is my go to friend for tv gossip and whatnot.

Tomorrow! More Club Dead. More packing. Gotta get through this stuff, yo.

drums, hats, and little kids

Whoo! Fourth of July! My plans with Janessa and co. fell through but I noticed Samala was having a thing so I called her and we got together. I brought some chips and wine, but anyway that is getting ahead of myself.

Had some bacon and eggs. I packed up more art supplies. Cleared out the DVDs and the bottom of my bed. I put my zines into a box. It is a lot of little things getting put away and sorted, but once I start clearing out the clutter I think I'll noticed a real change. Most of the shelves are empty. Just have to deal with the ground stuff.

Will call Karen and see about getting stuff out. It is quite exciting. I think once I get the stuff I have right now out, the move will really get into the swing of things.

So I cleared out a little more space. It was good to get my zines into a box, because they were loose and hard to categorize. I need to flatten my magazine holders. I think once I pack up the stuff on the floor, an improvement will really start to take place.

Tomorrow I am going to the notorious Monday Movie at Madeline's. Exciting! The movie is Let The Right One In.

My plans with Janessa fell through sort of (they were iffy plans to begin with) but I heard Samala was having a shindig, so I got in contact with her and then scooted over to 4th and Flanders. Her eight year old Zain was there, as well as her mom and sister, one of her drum core friends came (very soft spoken) and her sister's friend and another friend. It was a lot of fun, actually. Samala's kid is awesome. Imaginative. Her mother Alice was pretty rad. Just graduated. We wore silly hats and drummed on the rooftop garden while the sun went down. When the fire works went off we hollered the national anthem at the top of our lungs. It was fun indeed! We hung around, drank some beer and wine, chatted. Samala made delicious ham hock beans and rice and biscuits. She is rad, we need to hang out more. Her twin sister makes puppets. It was a fun excursion.

Tomorrow should be fun, and hopefully more productive.

didn't feel like it

Blargh. I've been blogging for three years now, and the days where I only do a couple things are a little dull to write about. So I just went to bed instead. But since I'll be going out and getting back late, I might as well get on with yesterdays post.

Saturday!

Decided to sleep in and ignore my alarm clock. So I did that. Then I got up, washed my hair, had some oatmeal. Called Karen to see about enlisting her help in getting my stuff from here to storage over the next week. Really need to get stuff just out of the way. Right now it just feels like things are getting more cluttered and there is less space.

I moved my dresser out into the living room. So that opened up some space. Threw out some stuff. Started an art supplies box. I finished Living Dead in Dallas and now I'm moving on to Club Dead. So I'm almost caught up with the television series True Blood, which is based after the books.

Maybe I shouldn't highlight all my plans, because when I do that I feel disappointed if I accomplish less than that. I didn't throw out as much as I thought I would, and didn't seriously go at my room. Right now it still feels daunting.

Went shopping. Yay for eating stuffs! Maybe after a shower and breakfast and because I'm going out, I'll be motivated more. Hmmm.

Also went to see Toy Story 3. It was only playing in one theater and unfortunately in the more expensive 3D, but damn that was a good finale to the series. Didn't have the songs though, but it had some really good moments and a lot of creative thought. Then I watched Philadelphia while eating dinner.

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!

harmonious burgers

Back to Portland today. Fairly standard morning. Dad made pancakes. Put my hair into braids so that tomorrow my hair will be wavy and all that. Packed up. I am leaving most of my clothes in Washington. Wedding stuff, toiletries, etc. that

Mom drove me to Tacoma. Got to the station with 10 minutes to spare. I spent the ride listening to audio book and reading comics. It went fast.

Instead of dropping my stuff off at my apartment and going to Harmony's pre-wedding thing from there, I decided to just go to the thing at the Residence Inn. When I arrived it turned out she was at the mall getting some nails done. I ran into her mom and while she looks the same, she didn't recognize me at first. So I wandered from room to room with her. Seems like all of Harmony's extended family is here for the wedding. Met a lot of them. Norwegian and Mexican were the representers. Mariel came over from the mall. She is quite blonde but carries the same spirit of the girl I haven't seen in three years. Harmony and her bridesmaids came over. For the next hour, I made conversation with the bridesmaids and we sort of were able to lure Harmony away from the entanglement of family, but it took some effort. The 12-25 range of girls went to a separate room (the family had a lot of rooms at the place, it was like an apartment hotel) and we played a few rounds of Apples to Apples and ate snacks. Someone bought pizza, so we went to the lobby for pizza. It was about 10pm so I parted ways, I didn't want to be there too late for the max. Getting to the other side without a max is a lot of trouble.

I knew Karen was on the other side and probably had her car, so I met up with her at Santeria. It was her birthday today. Lacey, Daniel, Heather, BT, Phil, Robin, Mel, and a couple unfamiliar others were there. Daniel bought me a drink and I had some water. After that I stored my stuff in Karen's car and went to Mary's Club with BT, Mel, and Karen. Tabitha and her friend Mike showed up. After Mary's, BT drove home to rest and the rest of us went to XV to boogie. At the last call, we called BT to come designated drive Karen and myself home. I only had a couple drinks, but it was nice not to walk that far. Adam was also there. Got dropped off.

The apartment looks nice, just one thing is off: my bike is missing. Did Katie ride it when I was gone and it got stolen or broken? Who knows. I'll ask her in the morning. Guess that was what her cryptic "I want to talk about some things with you in person" text was about. Argh. I need that bike! Jay and I were going to bike from the reception to BT's birthday party! That isn't a cheap bike. It has gears, and brakes, and things to hold groceries on the back.

Oh well. Sleep time now. Get up. Shower. Make myself some oatmeal. Put on makeup and a dress. Find out what the hell happened to my bike. Call Jay and tell her we are walking.

My room is so messy. Need to start throwing things out. And then packing.

squares galore

Another glorious day of listening to audio books! This time it was spent in the quilting room aka the girl cave.

Well before that ma and I called SallieMay to get my loan in order. So much trouble! Then I watched Work of Art. Loved the book design challenge. I was amazed at how small the text was in a lot of the designs. It is going to be scaled down... I loved the winning design. I want to get my hands on a copy of it. It was original and eye catching.

Anyway, then I quilted. I finished listening to Dead Until Dark and started Living Dead in Dallas; the second book of the Sookie Stackhouse series. I spent a lot of time measuring fabric to make sure I had enough, and then once I found enough measures of fabric in suitable patterns, I started cutting and sewing! I picked a fairly easy looking pattern from one of Grandma's books. It is 25 blocks, five by five. 13 of one type and 12 of the other. I got all 13 done and by the end of the day, after dinner and So You Think You Can Dance with mom (who was at a GED graduation ceremony all day) I had the first of the 12 other blocks done, and I sewed them together into the first section. Well the first three-fifths of a section. It is looking great! Much better than my first quilt. I can't wait to pull it all together. Too bad I don't have a proper ironing board back home. But I do have a great sewing machine. I'll just bring my fabric back with me and finish it up. Whoo!!

The four of us (Nate is back for the weekend) got in the hot tub. Now I go to sleep, pack (but not everything as I will only be in Portland for a week and a half or so), and return to Portland and wedding and party it up till Sunday! Or maybe Monday as my friend Robin turns 21 on Sunday. Whoop.