We're back! And with a vengenance... :o) Ha.
No, so I just signed up for my first RSS feeds (wHoo office 2007) and stumbled across an article about the LHC: A ginormous colider that is intended to recreate the big bang and *possible* black holes that might eat the planet (alleges a few people through a lawsuit).
Here's the link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24556999/
The below paragraph is probably my favorite of the entire article. It's both humorous and frightening. I'm not a scientist, and I haven't taken the time to look up the definition of "supersting theory", but if I read the sentence gramatically, it appears they're labeling God as superstring. And there's a sense of morbid curiosity as to what they might get when they set this thing off:
"Human history has been shaped by the progressive unraveling of gravity, electricity and magnetism, and the nuclear force," Kaku said. "Now we are at the brink of the granddaddy of all such unifications ... the unification of all forces into a super force. We think the super force is superstring theory, a super force that drove the big bang, that created the heavens and the earth, that drives the sun, that makes all the wondrous technologies of the earth possible."
In other news, I'm excited about Sarah Palin and McCain. I will be posting in the next few days a piece on politics. I'm so pumped. Consider yourself invited to our election party on November 4 - only red food and drink is allowed (food color use is acceptable)!
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
saffron
So, apparently saffron is the ingredient you include in the name of your restaurant or in the name of one of your "signature dishes" to appear cool and trendy.
Really though, if you can believe the cooking shows, the flavor isn't all that popular. so what's the deal? People dealing with the taste to seem trendy? huh.
isn't it about the time for a different flavor to emerge....what do we think it will be? sage had it's hayday a few years back.... it's gotta be something most people don't like....hmmmm.....
Really though, if you can believe the cooking shows, the flavor isn't all that popular. so what's the deal? People dealing with the taste to seem trendy? huh.
isn't it about the time for a different flavor to emerge....what do we think it will be? sage had it's hayday a few years back.... it's gotta be something most people don't like....hmmmm.....
Monday, August 11, 2008
deja vu
Today there's been a lot of deja vu. Every time I open my inbox, or talk to someone.
very weird. has science figured out what causes this? I think I saw an article at one point.
PS, someone put some broken jars of salsa in the cube next to me and it smells RANK. I think i'm going to be sick. i hate mondays.
very weird. has science figured out what causes this? I think I saw an article at one point.
PS, someone put some broken jars of salsa in the cube next to me and it smells RANK. I think i'm going to be sick. i hate mondays.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
well.
let's start. i'm getting a little annoyed. People hear that it's less than three weeks to the wedding, and they ask "ohhh, cold fee yet?" "nervous yet?"
Um. No. Thank you, but I'm not nervous. I do not, nor will I, have cold feet. We are more than confident in our decision.
Maybe this is the problem with marriages, huh? If that many people expect cold feet and nerves, well geez! Don't make the decision until you're sure!
don't ask me this question again.
Um. No. Thank you, but I'm not nervous. I do not, nor will I, have cold feet. We are more than confident in our decision.
Maybe this is the problem with marriages, huh? If that many people expect cold feet and nerves, well geez! Don't make the decision until you're sure!
don't ask me this question again.
Monday, August 04, 2008
neighborhood awesomeness....
Just got home. Drove past the neighborhood gas station really slow due to the six to eight police cars with flashing lights surrounding the place. Hmmm. Then I saw the one non-police car with it's trunk open and a police officer in gloves taking little bags out of purse and tossing them on the hood. Ahhh.
Drugs. Sweet.
Drugs. Sweet.
Friday, August 01, 2008
yeah nwa!
We bought our tickets to CA yesterday.....and got a sweet deal for two tickets!! WOOOO frequent flier miles!! :o)
Are we ready for some wine country? YES!
Are we ready for some wine country? YES!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
weirdness
Had a dream this morning...it was weird.
I was with a few friends, and we'd gone to this cavern (dark, dreary, damp, and (obviously) undergroud) to pick up her husband. He was training to be a speed runner (like a skater, but no skates). We watched the last few laps as they sped around the "rink"...running as fast as they could. He skipped off a minute before the other three guys, and was standing next to his wife talking to her, when all of a sudden the other three guys' phones started ringing.
We all looked up, noticed it was 12pm, and looked at the three other guys at the same moment they looked at us. It clicked with us at the same moment they realized the ringing cell phones at 12pm gave them away - they were the noon-time killers. In that split second, we realized their call was to alert them of their next victim's time....and they rushed my friends husband and all used their hands to choke him against the stone wall.
And then I woke up.
I was with a few friends, and we'd gone to this cavern (dark, dreary, damp, and (obviously) undergroud) to pick up her husband. He was training to be a speed runner (like a skater, but no skates). We watched the last few laps as they sped around the "rink"...running as fast as they could. He skipped off a minute before the other three guys, and was standing next to his wife talking to her, when all of a sudden the other three guys' phones started ringing.
We all looked up, noticed it was 12pm, and looked at the three other guys at the same moment they looked at us. It clicked with us at the same moment they realized the ringing cell phones at 12pm gave them away - they were the noon-time killers. In that split second, we realized their call was to alert them of their next victim's time....and they rushed my friends husband and all used their hands to choke him against the stone wall.
And then I woke up.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
1. as i got ready this morning in my hotel, I wondered why there aren't any hotels that provide nice hair dryers, and normal size hair products (hairspray) for my use. Even the super nice hotels have the super crappy hair dryers. i mean seriously! there are enough of us "carry-on only" people who aren't carting our hair dryers and hairspray around. make us feel welcome and put some of it in our room. I won't steal it....and if you're that concerned, do a room check before people check out!! or make them get it from the front desk! seriously people.
2. now that gas is a bazillion dollars per gallon, there are more people bicycling to work. Which I think is great. however, these people feel like they can act like cars (which is legally what they're supposed to do) until they hit a red light/stop sign/inconvenient traffic signal, at which point they decide to act like a pedestrian. PEOPLE!! this is how accidents happen. AND tickets!! I'm going to call my city counsel and see if we can't mandate that all bikes must be licensed. this way i can call the cops on the bikes that run red lights. If jim had to register his canoe (!!)...then why the heck aren't bikes required to be registered. seriously.
3. 110 degrees is hot.
4. even if i eat a mini bag of chips, fruit, licorice, and drink a full bottle of water after a full lunch....tasting 12 different wines still is too much for me. yes, i am a lightweight.
5. i'm flying home tomorrow and so excited. except for the four hours on the plane. I do not have enough to do (or enough laptop battery, aurgh)
that is all for now. i'm going to bed, even though it's way early here.
love.
-R
2. now that gas is a bazillion dollars per gallon, there are more people bicycling to work. Which I think is great. however, these people feel like they can act like cars (which is legally what they're supposed to do) until they hit a red light/stop sign/inconvenient traffic signal, at which point they decide to act like a pedestrian. PEOPLE!! this is how accidents happen. AND tickets!! I'm going to call my city counsel and see if we can't mandate that all bikes must be licensed. this way i can call the cops on the bikes that run red lights. If jim had to register his canoe (!!)...then why the heck aren't bikes required to be registered. seriously.
3. 110 degrees is hot.
4. even if i eat a mini bag of chips, fruit, licorice, and drink a full bottle of water after a full lunch....tasting 12 different wines still is too much for me. yes, i am a lightweight.
5. i'm flying home tomorrow and so excited. except for the four hours on the plane. I do not have enough to do (or enough laptop battery, aurgh)
that is all for now. i'm going to bed, even though it's way early here.
love.
-R
Monday, July 07, 2008
update?
at the msp, hanging out, waiting for my plane.
this is a busy one - i happened to check-in early at the office, noticed i didn't have an assigned seat. i fear that means the flight is full. the packed waiting area pretty much confirms. woooo.
as i was going through the secret security check-in, a flight attendant butted into line (they're allowed to, i guess becuase it's their job or something)....and then proceeded to answer her phone and make everyone pick up their plastic buckets and bags on the conveyor belt and go around her through the check-point. I did a lot of rolling of the eyes and she said, "some things just can't be helped!" To which I didn't have time to respond that as a flight attendant she should know how these checkpoints work...and it would be more considerate to take her two things off the conveyor than to have all of us pick up our many items (i had 4 - laptop out of the bag, laptop bag, suitcase, tub with shoes) and move them around her. How inconsiderate! I just couldn't believe it. (just saw all of our pilots/attendants board....she's not in the bunch...whew)
(in other news, i wonder if people read this over my shoulder when i type at the airport.)
almost time to board, later gators!
-R
ps - the cnn is talking about the tomato recall....and how it might not've been tomatoes. shocking...let's go back to the totino's pizza recall and how they never found anything there either. maybe jim is right that we just need to figure out how to overcome the issue instead of just react to it. hmmmm.
the list so far...right?
.fresh tomatoes
.spinach
.lettuce
this is a busy one - i happened to check-in early at the office, noticed i didn't have an assigned seat. i fear that means the flight is full. the packed waiting area pretty much confirms. woooo.
as i was going through the secret security check-in, a flight attendant butted into line (they're allowed to, i guess becuase it's their job or something)....and then proceeded to answer her phone and make everyone pick up their plastic buckets and bags on the conveyor belt and go around her through the check-point. I did a lot of rolling of the eyes and she said, "some things just can't be helped!" To which I didn't have time to respond that as a flight attendant she should know how these checkpoints work...and it would be more considerate to take her two things off the conveyor than to have all of us pick up our many items (i had 4 - laptop out of the bag, laptop bag, suitcase, tub with shoes) and move them around her. How inconsiderate! I just couldn't believe it. (just saw all of our pilots/attendants board....she's not in the bunch...whew)
(in other news, i wonder if people read this over my shoulder when i type at the airport.)
almost time to board, later gators!
-R
ps - the cnn is talking about the tomato recall....and how it might not've been tomatoes. shocking...let's go back to the totino's pizza recall and how they never found anything there either. maybe jim is right that we just need to figure out how to overcome the issue instead of just react to it. hmmmm.
the list so far...right?
.fresh tomatoes
.spinach
.lettuce
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Foreclosures and Short Sales
I'm rather frustrated with the real estate industry lately. My neighbor, a very nice lady whom I'll call Maria, and i think a first generation home owner, recently had to move in with a friend because she needed to someone to take care of her mother. I'm guessing something happened where Maria's mother all of a sudden needed continual care, because Maria has lived next door to me for the past 2 years with her mother as well as her young daughter without anyone taking care of her mother during the day.
When I spoke to her about 4-6 months ago when she said she had to move out, she was planning on either renting the place out or selling when the market got better. Then lo and behold, the house was listed about 2-3 months ago.
Now, first, the for sale sign listed no contact information for a realtor, no phone number to get more information, and no MLS number. Odd, I thought. As our terrible winter progressed into spring, it became apparant that the realtor was also not taking care of the property....grass grows quickly with that much rain.
So, I decided to look into the situation. First, I could find hide nor hair of the home on themlsonline.com. Odd. Then, I googled the realty company (Southwest Realty). I consider myself somewhat web-savvy...and yet, it took me over 3 hours of online research on google, dexonline, white pages, and calling people's personal residences to track down the realtor. Hmmm. This isn't looking good, I think. I'm pretty sure, at this point, that Maria is getting taken by some unsavory character posing as a realtor. So, while I'm waiting for the realtor to return my call, I start searching for realty license - and although there's a somewhat spotty history of licensed and then not licensed - the realtor appears to be legit.
Finally I get a call back from the gentlemen listing the home, and I tell him my concerns:
1. the home does not appear to be on MLS
2. there isn't ANY contact information on the for sale sign
3. no one is maintaining the property
Turns out:
1. This firm doesn't always list homes on MLS. I find this weird and wrong. However, he claims the home is listed and later that day sends me the listing.
2. He claims the realty company was supposed to put his contact information on the sign, and he says he is suprised it's not there. I find it odd he hasn't been out to the property. Today (2 weeks after the initial call), contact information and a information sheet are now next to the sign.
3. Realtor claims Wells Fargo is supposed to hire someone to take care of the property. I ask if I can call Wells Fargo - he says that he can't give me any contact information without written consent from Maria. I don't have that, but I have other connections, so I start calling around and finally get connected with someone who can at least give me information on how this whole process works.
4. listed price is $50,000 under the Hennepin County taxable value of the property
So, apparantly, Maria finds a realtor and he is supposed to list her home. Then, if offers come in that will cover the amount she still owes on the house, and Wells Fargo decides to accept the offer, Maria is off the hook. She makes no money on the property (i'm sure the realtor does - that's going to be my next email to him), and Wells Fargo considers the loan paid. This is considered a short sale.
I asked about the property management, and the guy at Wells Fargo tells me that they only take care of the property when they own the property - which they currently don't because it's a short sale and not a foreclosure. (this is different from what the realtor told me would happen). So I emailed the realtor and he said Maria is supposed to be taking care of the property - ignoring my comment about my Iowa realtor who took care of my property when I was relocated and my question about if he would do the same for Maria.
Additionally, Maria's realtor claims that Wells Fargo is the slowest bank in the industry to respond to short sales offers, and that currently response time is somewhere between 60-90 days. I asked the Wells Fargo guy who is supposed to be on Maria's side...and making sure that she's getting a fair deal out of this? Who's supposed to be making sure that she gets her home listed properly so people actually know it's for sale? (Zillow.com does not show it's for sale....and i couldn't find it on MLS...and I used to LIVE on that site!) Who's supposed to be arguing with Wells Fargo that they need to hurry up and take the offers on the table so her credit ceases to be affected? WHO IS SUPPOSED TO BE MARIA'S ADVOCATE?!?! He said that in a short sale, everyone wins. But I don't see that happening!
Shouldn't someone be taking care of her property since she's unable to, or at least telling her that the bank isn't (like they told her was happening)?? Shouldn't someone be walking her through this process to make sure she's using the most reputable realty company?? And how do you repair credit that's been harmed by something like this?? Shouldn't there be a required session by Wells Fargo on how to recover from this and prevent it in the future??
I'm frustrated that no one is watching out for her! How awesome is it that a single mom was able to buy a house? And then this is what she gets for it when a health issue happens!
And then, let's just get angy for one more bit about the attitude of her other neighbor! I think the neighborly thing to do when you know someone is unable or not present to take care of their property is to help them out. Now, I have THE most difficult time starting my lawn mower...it usually takes me at least 20 minutes and one blister to get the thing going....and then if I have to stop because i'm bagging, we typically start the whole process over again. I'm not the strongest of women, so turning the machine is typically not the most fun....basically, it's a huge workout for me to mow the lawn. That's great. So, I decide that I'm going to at least take care of Maria's front yard until I figure out what's going on. Well, her other neighbor tries to, first, talk to me while I'm mowing...dumbhead. And then asks if I finally got sick of the tall grass!! Well NO! I just think SOMEONE should be looking out for this woman!!!! It would make more sense if the guy who's at least mid-thirties and much stronger than me would take care of her yard, but no! He's just annoyed that someone else isn't!!
So anyway. If anyone has any suggestions on how to better advocate for Maria (really not her real name), please send them my way. I've called her house, but i'm guessing her calls aren't forwarded, so I'm not sure how to get a hold of her anymore to ask how else I can help. Or, if you know how to help expedite short sales, that would be great too. Additionally, any information regarding how realtors are paid on short sales would be appreciated. And lastly, if you know of any advocacy places for foreclosures, short sales, morgages - can you let me know? Something must be done.
Thanks all. Send your prayers out for Maria.
-R
When I spoke to her about 4-6 months ago when she said she had to move out, she was planning on either renting the place out or selling when the market got better. Then lo and behold, the house was listed about 2-3 months ago.
Now, first, the for sale sign listed no contact information for a realtor, no phone number to get more information, and no MLS number. Odd, I thought. As our terrible winter progressed into spring, it became apparant that the realtor was also not taking care of the property....grass grows quickly with that much rain.
So, I decided to look into the situation. First, I could find hide nor hair of the home on themlsonline.com. Odd. Then, I googled the realty company (Southwest Realty). I consider myself somewhat web-savvy...and yet, it took me over 3 hours of online research on google, dexonline, white pages, and calling people's personal residences to track down the realtor. Hmmm. This isn't looking good, I think. I'm pretty sure, at this point, that Maria is getting taken by some unsavory character posing as a realtor. So, while I'm waiting for the realtor to return my call, I start searching for realty license - and although there's a somewhat spotty history of licensed and then not licensed - the realtor appears to be legit.
Finally I get a call back from the gentlemen listing the home, and I tell him my concerns:
1. the home does not appear to be on MLS
2. there isn't ANY contact information on the for sale sign
3. no one is maintaining the property
Turns out:
1. This firm doesn't always list homes on MLS. I find this weird and wrong. However, he claims the home is listed and later that day sends me the listing.
2. He claims the realty company was supposed to put his contact information on the sign, and he says he is suprised it's not there. I find it odd he hasn't been out to the property. Today (2 weeks after the initial call), contact information and a information sheet are now next to the sign.
3. Realtor claims Wells Fargo is supposed to hire someone to take care of the property. I ask if I can call Wells Fargo - he says that he can't give me any contact information without written consent from Maria. I don't have that, but I have other connections, so I start calling around and finally get connected with someone who can at least give me information on how this whole process works.
4. listed price is $50,000 under the Hennepin County taxable value of the property
So, apparantly, Maria finds a realtor and he is supposed to list her home. Then, if offers come in that will cover the amount she still owes on the house, and Wells Fargo decides to accept the offer, Maria is off the hook. She makes no money on the property (i'm sure the realtor does - that's going to be my next email to him), and Wells Fargo considers the loan paid. This is considered a short sale.
I asked about the property management, and the guy at Wells Fargo tells me that they only take care of the property when they own the property - which they currently don't because it's a short sale and not a foreclosure. (this is different from what the realtor told me would happen). So I emailed the realtor and he said Maria is supposed to be taking care of the property - ignoring my comment about my Iowa realtor who took care of my property when I was relocated and my question about if he would do the same for Maria.
Additionally, Maria's realtor claims that Wells Fargo is the slowest bank in the industry to respond to short sales offers, and that currently response time is somewhere between 60-90 days. I asked the Wells Fargo guy who is supposed to be on Maria's side...and making sure that she's getting a fair deal out of this? Who's supposed to be making sure that she gets her home listed properly so people actually know it's for sale? (Zillow.com does not show it's for sale....and i couldn't find it on MLS...and I used to LIVE on that site!) Who's supposed to be arguing with Wells Fargo that they need to hurry up and take the offers on the table so her credit ceases to be affected? WHO IS SUPPOSED TO BE MARIA'S ADVOCATE?!?! He said that in a short sale, everyone wins. But I don't see that happening!
Shouldn't someone be taking care of her property since she's unable to, or at least telling her that the bank isn't (like they told her was happening)?? Shouldn't someone be walking her through this process to make sure she's using the most reputable realty company?? And how do you repair credit that's been harmed by something like this?? Shouldn't there be a required session by Wells Fargo on how to recover from this and prevent it in the future??
I'm frustrated that no one is watching out for her! How awesome is it that a single mom was able to buy a house? And then this is what she gets for it when a health issue happens!
And then, let's just get angy for one more bit about the attitude of her other neighbor! I think the neighborly thing to do when you know someone is unable or not present to take care of their property is to help them out. Now, I have THE most difficult time starting my lawn mower...it usually takes me at least 20 minutes and one blister to get the thing going....and then if I have to stop because i'm bagging, we typically start the whole process over again. I'm not the strongest of women, so turning the machine is typically not the most fun....basically, it's a huge workout for me to mow the lawn. That's great. So, I decide that I'm going to at least take care of Maria's front yard until I figure out what's going on. Well, her other neighbor tries to, first, talk to me while I'm mowing...dumbhead. And then asks if I finally got sick of the tall grass!! Well NO! I just think SOMEONE should be looking out for this woman!!!! It would make more sense if the guy who's at least mid-thirties and much stronger than me would take care of her yard, but no! He's just annoyed that someone else isn't!!
So anyway. If anyone has any suggestions on how to better advocate for Maria (really not her real name), please send them my way. I've called her house, but i'm guessing her calls aren't forwarded, so I'm not sure how to get a hold of her anymore to ask how else I can help. Or, if you know how to help expedite short sales, that would be great too. Additionally, any information regarding how realtors are paid on short sales would be appreciated. And lastly, if you know of any advocacy places for foreclosures, short sales, morgages - can you let me know? Something must be done.
Thanks all. Send your prayers out for Maria.
-R
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
oof
a little down tonight. didn't think i'd be making these big decisions for at least another three to five years and i'm not quite sure i'm able.
they should have a class on balancing life as a working woman when you're in college. or rather, how to decide what's most important to you. or no, really, what to prioritize when....so you know what to accept, and what to wait on. no one ever tells you you're going to have to choose between a bunch of things super important to you...and i don't know how to do it. so that's where i am this week.
also, as i see people grow up....i'm sad to see the innocence disappear. i'm so worried for them when they're innocent and naive...and then i see it change without knowing the reasons.....but assuming it's tied to something they learned the hard way. and i wish i could've protected them from this world just a little bit longer.
maybe i think too much.
i assembled my dress form tonight. pretty excited to start the dress making.
anyway, it's late.
love,
-r
they should have a class on balancing life as a working woman when you're in college. or rather, how to decide what's most important to you. or no, really, what to prioritize when....so you know what to accept, and what to wait on. no one ever tells you you're going to have to choose between a bunch of things super important to you...and i don't know how to do it. so that's where i am this week.
also, as i see people grow up....i'm sad to see the innocence disappear. i'm so worried for them when they're innocent and naive...and then i see it change without knowing the reasons.....but assuming it's tied to something they learned the hard way. and i wish i could've protected them from this world just a little bit longer.
maybe i think too much.
i assembled my dress form tonight. pretty excited to start the dress making.
anyway, it's late.
love,
-r
Friday, May 16, 2008
grown up?
I just re-read an email I sent the other day....
"Other than that, life is good and busy. I'm planting a garden and doing some landscaping. I'm painting that back bedroom and moving my piano back there so that we can re-arrange the living room."
I don't sound like a teenager, do I.
"Other than that, life is good and busy. I'm planting a garden and doing some landscaping. I'm painting that back bedroom and moving my piano back there so that we can re-arrange the living room."
I don't sound like a teenager, do I.
Monday, May 12, 2008
really?
http://www.whostartedyourchurch.com/
yeah, check out that site....apparently all other churchs/religions besides the catholic one were started by people. the catholic church, apparently, was started by Jesus Christ in Jerusalem in 33AD.
Which is interesting, because I don't find that anywhere in my Bible.
Oh, and you can buy a tshirt stating "who started your church" for 14.95. Yeah....I bet Jesus is SUPER excited about this movement..... (1 Corinthians as well as the passage about the merchants in the temple come to mind....)
awesome.
yeah, check out that site....apparently all other churchs/religions besides the catholic one were started by people. the catholic church, apparently, was started by Jesus Christ in Jerusalem in 33AD.
Which is interesting, because I don't find that anywhere in my Bible.
Oh, and you can buy a tshirt stating "who started your church" for 14.95. Yeah....I bet Jesus is SUPER excited about this movement..... (1 Corinthians as well as the passage about the merchants in the temple come to mind....)
awesome.
Friday, May 09, 2008
lately, the glass ceiling is filled with what looks like a lot of french-blue shirts.
anyway. bought all of my garden seeds (except mint) and am ready to get planting. just need the rain to go away for a few days. heard on the radio that burbee seeds (the kind i bought), have sold 100% more seeds already this summer than last summer....and that minneapolis community gardens are almost full while in past summer they never see close to even 50% use. produce prices are changing behavior.
i could use about 3 weeks to work on stuff i want to get done around my house. and all i really want to do is sleep. i think i'm getting sick.
i get a lot more done when i can't watch anything except channel 11. kare 11 is interesting, but not as great as bravo.
it's almost mid-may. don't understand.
i had all these great things to blog about and now none of them are coming to mind. oh well - love to you all!
anyway. bought all of my garden seeds (except mint) and am ready to get planting. just need the rain to go away for a few days. heard on the radio that burbee seeds (the kind i bought), have sold 100% more seeds already this summer than last summer....and that minneapolis community gardens are almost full while in past summer they never see close to even 50% use. produce prices are changing behavior.
i could use about 3 weeks to work on stuff i want to get done around my house. and all i really want to do is sleep. i think i'm getting sick.
i get a lot more done when i can't watch anything except channel 11. kare 11 is interesting, but not as great as bravo.
it's almost mid-may. don't understand.
i had all these great things to blog about and now none of them are coming to mind. oh well - love to you all!
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
grrrr rain
Today I decided I would park at the far end of the parking lot. It was a BEAUTIFULLY sunny morning and I wanted to enjoy the weather as much as I could before sitting in a controlled environment all day. I thought to myself, "It would be my luck that it would start to rain before I leave....but noooo, there's not a cloud in the sky!"
Sure 'nough. It's raining.
Sure 'nough. It's raining.
Monday, May 05, 2008
interesting commentary on Whole Foods and the growing "go green" movement from the LA Times
I've highlighted some of my favorite lines in green....
Los Angeles Times Magazine
Magazine DeskWATCH THIS SPACE - The Green Giant; Whole Foods' local flagship: the supermarket as hybrid SUV
Christopher Hawthorne is the architecture critic of The Times. Contact him at Christopher.hawthorne@latimes.com
04/06/2008Los Angeles TimesHome EditionI-20EnglishCopyright 2008 The Los Angeles Times
The massive new Whole Foods Market on Arroyo Parkway in Pasadena represents the height of one-upmanship in Southern California's increasingly competitive grocery store trade. I'll see your three brands of soy milk, it says cockily to Fresh & Easy, and raise you two.
But the store is even more striking for what it says about the similar discontents plaguing the organic food and green architecture movements. The way they come together in this Whole Foods--a piece of green architecture designed to hold an organic food emporium--suggests that both may need to adjust their priorities. Or at least start acknowledging that they've become victims of their own success.
The trouble begins with the fact that both movements have their roots in the counterculture of the 1960s. Growing your own food was one way for Americans, frustrated by the rising power of agribusiness, to stake a claim for regional culture and individual values. The same was true of early efforts at eco-friendly architecture. The first generation of hay-bale, sod-roof structures represented a do-it-yourself aesthetic in the extreme.
Then, roughly a decade ago, both movements began to take hold in the center of the American consciousness. A few corporations, such as Ford and Bank of America, began building their plants and corporate headquarters in accordance with strict green design principles: using recycled materials, energy-efficient water systems and solar panels to minimize the effects of constructing and operating a new facility. At about the same time, Whole Foods and its competitors began showing up in cities other than Berkeley and Seattle--including places that might have seen the principles of organic food as faddish, or even freakish, a few years earlier.
Somewhere along the way, for both organic grocers and the corporate patrons of green architecture, the line between planet-saving and aggressive marketing became blurred. Companies realized that promoting themselves as eco-friendly could be a powerful sales tool. Some, not surprisingly, concentrated more on the marketing message than on their green practices --a strategy that became known as "greenwashing."
Some, if not most, organic food outlets--including Wild Oats, which Whole Foods acquired last year--suggest that the shopper's goal should be to do more with less. But the genius of the Whole Foods approach, under hard-driving Chief Executive John Mackey, has been to realize that many American consumers have a vague desire to buy organic and live healthier but have no interest in dispensing with selection or comfort.
The Whole Foods regional flagship in Pasadena, designed by the KTGY Group in Santa Monica, is an architectural monument to this idea. Along with the Ecolution hemp shopping bags for $7.49 and the "Certified Organic" cotton candy near the checkout aisle, the store has a salsa bar, a coffee bar, a nut bar, a noodle bar, a tapas bar with 20 wines by the glass, a soup bar, a pudding bar and a charcuterie. And a chocolate fountain. There is a sign promising "custom butters," the first time I have seen that word in the plural.
On the Sunday I visited, a group was settling down in the center of the second floor, just behind the pizza oven and not far from the roast-beef carving station, for a full-blown Champagne brunch. TVs hang everywhere so you can watch PGA golf (that's what was on when I was there) while you pick out fair-trade roses from Ecuador.
It's Vegas with organic, gluten-free scones.
On the second floor, near the elevator, there's a large sign--marked "Green Mission"--describing all the store's sustainable materials. They include Neapolitan bamboo ("a highly renewable resource") and Fireclay tile ("made from 50% post-consumer and post-industrial waste"), among others.
"We source materials that rapidly replenish themselves and do not contribute to biodiversity loss," the sign reads. "We support growers of forest and other sustainable products that are responsibly managed."
But the first rule of sustainable architecture is to keep new buildings as small and efficient as possible. With its soaring 30-foot ceilings and endless aisles, 280 subterranean parking spots and all those TVs flickering day and night, this place is neither. It's more like the grocery store version of a hybrid SUV made by Lexus or a 12,000-square-foot "green" house with a swimming pool and six-car garage accompanying its solar panels and sustainably harvested decking.
As food writer Michael Pollan has pointed out, there is a paradox at the heart of Mackey's plan for Whole Foods, which is that to be sustainable the company must keep topping itself. The stores will have to keep getting bigger and more impressive, their revenue growing, new corners of the country conquered--all in the name of reducing resource consumption, supporting small farmers and bringing the planet back into balance. Mackey responded last year to complaints along those lines with a pledge to change some of the company's ways--to buy more fruits and vegetables from local producers, for example, and to pay more attention to how its meat suppliers treat their animals.
But the architecture of the Pasadena store suggests that the fundamental approach hasn't changed. Forget about doing more with less. This green-tinged cornucopia is all about doing more with more.
Friday, April 18, 2008
like, oh my gosh
no, like, um, for real. *hair toss*
Been spending the past four hours at sea-pac airport. super fun times. It was actually pretty good....ran into some friends from church that moved to seattle. what are the chances?! Anyway, it's been a good few hours....had a good chat, watched some people, finished some work email. And now, like, ohmygosh, for real. I'm surrounded by about 15 teeny-boppers....where does it make sense to you (or anyone with decorum) to surround people obviously working and start, like, you know, like, talking about, ohmygosh, did you SEE my nails? Behind me, diRECTly in front of me....leader of the pack picks, of the 20 chairs in the row across from me, the one seat directly across from me. Are you serious. They seem to be the "northshore juniors".....dance team? gymnists? no idea. But annoying and ohmygohs, totally valley girl.
A few quotes for your enjoyment (as the other adults in the area slowly pick up and move)....
Been spending the past four hours at sea-pac airport. super fun times. It was actually pretty good....ran into some friends from church that moved to seattle. what are the chances?! Anyway, it's been a good few hours....had a good chat, watched some people, finished some work email. And now, like, ohmygosh, for real. I'm surrounded by about 15 teeny-boppers....where does it make sense to you (or anyone with decorum) to surround people obviously working and start, like, you know, like, talking about, ohmygosh, did you SEE my nails? Behind me, diRECTly in front of me....leader of the pack picks, of the 20 chairs in the row across from me, the one seat directly across from me. Are you serious. They seem to be the "northshore juniors".....dance team? gymnists? no idea. But annoying and ohmygohs, totally valley girl.
A few quotes for your enjoyment (as the other adults in the area slowly pick up and move)....
- I'm sorry, but it's like, too much, um like family
- can you braid my hair? like an equestrian?
- Oh my gosh, does he actually have it?
- He's like, wha-at? oh shut uu-up! hellooooo.
- Um, like, everytime we leave, it's like, snowing.
Are you fricken kidding me?! going. to. die.
Okay, moving. anywhere but here.
Out.
ps, cats....
http://www.twincities.com/newsletter-morning/ci_8950185?nclick_check=1
so there.
(i didn't even read it....all I saw was "st. paul wild cats, you've bred your last"...or something to that effect. So, I assumed I agree with the article....times 1000.)
the end.
so there.
(i didn't even read it....all I saw was "st. paul wild cats, you've bred your last"...or something to that effect. So, I assumed I agree with the article....times 1000.)
the end.
old?
Today I was asked how old I am. Typical question - but for the first time in a while I actually felt my age. Or maybe even the age I look (which is even younger). The people I was out with are older....not all of them by much, but it was the first time that I felt young and like most of my life stretched out before me.
For some reason, looking at all the next steps coming up in life and the level of seriousness with which I'm thinking about them, I've felt more like I'm on the aging adult end of life instead of the coming up on adulthood start of life. It was interesting.
The topic became politics and I thought to myself, "remember when you thought you wanted to be President of the United States....or at least Governor? What a young, foolish kid you were. Too bad you missed out on that opportunity." And then I paused. And thought. And then realized, "well, really, 26 years old is just starting out when you think about politics. And in reality, maybe now is the time to be doing exactly it is that I'm doing." And in that moment, I felt my age. I felt like I still had 74 years of life stretching out before me with the same opporunities I saw when I was 16.
It was refreshing.
For some reason, looking at all the next steps coming up in life and the level of seriousness with which I'm thinking about them, I've felt more like I'm on the aging adult end of life instead of the coming up on adulthood start of life. It was interesting.
The topic became politics and I thought to myself, "remember when you thought you wanted to be President of the United States....or at least Governor? What a young, foolish kid you were. Too bad you missed out on that opportunity." And then I paused. And thought. And then realized, "well, really, 26 years old is just starting out when you think about politics. And in reality, maybe now is the time to be doing exactly it is that I'm doing." And in that moment, I felt my age. I felt like I still had 74 years of life stretching out before me with the same opporunities I saw when I was 16.
It was refreshing.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
OH, Historic Day!!!!
Today was a historic day to be a CD5 MN Republican. WOW.
I've been doing this for 10 years, and today was HUGE.
The 5th Congressional District (CD5) Convention was today, and the party standard got a wake-up call. OH did they. So, the agenda for a CD Convention is to give candidates for US and MN congress the nomination, elect delegates and alternates to the National Convention, and vote on party platform resolutions.
To be elected as a delegate or alternate to the national convention, tradition mandates you've participated in the party for years. However, all individuals interested in running for either of these positions (in CD5 there are three delegates and three alternate spots) is required to come before the nominating committee and be interviewed. Then, on the day of the convention, the nominating committee makes a recommendation on which of those candidates actually be elected. All other candidates that interviewed, however, can be nominated on the floor and then be added to the ballot.
Well, the three alternates and three delegates were selected by the party officials...and the six individuals were all old guard. SERIOUS old guard. With the "I've been in the party and volunteering for years, I deserve this" mentality. So, per usual, other individuals were nominated for the positions, and we went to a vote.
NONE of the "recommended" candidates were elected!!! NONE!
Ooooh would you believe how shocked and angry and upset the old guard party was?! The people around me (who've been involved for YEARS and always vote the party line) were besides themselves. "You don't even know these people, how can you vote for them?!" they asked. "I've never seen this happen before, ever." they uttered in disbelief.
Turns out I wasn't the only one sitting in my precinct caucus and my BPOU convention thinking "gosh, you people make it hard to want to be a Republican!" Turns out there are a lot of us who are sick and tired of the old guard congratulating themselves and supporting themselves and not doing much to make sure the GOP is RELEVANT to a new generation.
I think more people would be republican if we actually did what we say we stand for! I don't want government in my life. Bottom line, I think more government does more harm than good. And yet, you see republicans constantly voting for legislation that increases the government involvement in my life.
I am SO excited! I think this is a momentous occasion....this is the start of us reclaiming the GOP. I was contemplating not taking my spot as a delegate to the State Convention because I didn't think I could put up with more of the same CRAP for two days. Non-stop glad-handing makes me want to vomit. Talk about the issues, get them done, and then congratulate yourself when you can say that you've increased the number of people voting republican. Until then, you're ineffective and irrelevant.
Next goal - figure out how to ensure this new movement stays active and involved. I don't want to show up in two years for the next round of this and be the lone "New" Republican standing. I want this same group to show up and vote and continue to influence. Because as we saw today, when you show up, you CAN make a difference!!!
GO GOP!!! :o)
I've been doing this for 10 years, and today was HUGE.
The 5th Congressional District (CD5) Convention was today, and the party standard got a wake-up call. OH did they. So, the agenda for a CD Convention is to give candidates for US and MN congress the nomination, elect delegates and alternates to the National Convention, and vote on party platform resolutions.
To be elected as a delegate or alternate to the national convention, tradition mandates you've participated in the party for years. However, all individuals interested in running for either of these positions (in CD5 there are three delegates and three alternate spots) is required to come before the nominating committee and be interviewed. Then, on the day of the convention, the nominating committee makes a recommendation on which of those candidates actually be elected. All other candidates that interviewed, however, can be nominated on the floor and then be added to the ballot.
Well, the three alternates and three delegates were selected by the party officials...and the six individuals were all old guard. SERIOUS old guard. With the "I've been in the party and volunteering for years, I deserve this" mentality. So, per usual, other individuals were nominated for the positions, and we went to a vote.
NONE of the "recommended" candidates were elected!!! NONE!
Ooooh would you believe how shocked and angry and upset the old guard party was?! The people around me (who've been involved for YEARS and always vote the party line) were besides themselves. "You don't even know these people, how can you vote for them?!" they asked. "I've never seen this happen before, ever." they uttered in disbelief.
Turns out I wasn't the only one sitting in my precinct caucus and my BPOU convention thinking "gosh, you people make it hard to want to be a Republican!" Turns out there are a lot of us who are sick and tired of the old guard congratulating themselves and supporting themselves and not doing much to make sure the GOP is RELEVANT to a new generation.
I think more people would be republican if we actually did what we say we stand for! I don't want government in my life. Bottom line, I think more government does more harm than good. And yet, you see republicans constantly voting for legislation that increases the government involvement in my life.
I am SO excited! I think this is a momentous occasion....this is the start of us reclaiming the GOP. I was contemplating not taking my spot as a delegate to the State Convention because I didn't think I could put up with more of the same CRAP for two days. Non-stop glad-handing makes me want to vomit. Talk about the issues, get them done, and then congratulate yourself when you can say that you've increased the number of people voting republican. Until then, you're ineffective and irrelevant.
Next goal - figure out how to ensure this new movement stays active and involved. I don't want to show up in two years for the next round of this and be the lone "New" Republican standing. I want this same group to show up and vote and continue to influence. Because as we saw today, when you show up, you CAN make a difference!!!
GO GOP!!! :o)
Sunday, March 23, 2008
i have a dog
Well, I do for a week and a half at least. My parents took their first vacation together since married with kids. It's fun....but kind of a bit of work. And my house seems extra small with her around. I need a fenced in yard is the thought.
Ever had a few weeks where you feel out of sorts? That's me this week. I was watching Oprah's Big Give on ABC tonight, and I kept crying at the different ways people gave. Each contestent (not sure what they win) was given $100,000 and had 24 hours to give it away. They could give no more than $500 to an individual person, could only spend $10,000 per place, and could not give away cash. There were some really great ways they did it - but out of 8 (i think?) contestents, only one guy gave all $100,000 away. So yeah, tears. It was cool though.
And speaking of ABC, I think they're my new favorite network (besides bravo). After the big give, they have this show called The Newlyweds where these couples learn about each other and how to strenghten their relationship. It's actually a very positive show and puts a positive focus on marriage instead of most reality shows that bring in other people to see if a marriage is strong enough to withstand the temptation. So, yay ABC. I'm impressed.
Ever had a few weeks where you feel out of sorts? That's me this week. I was watching Oprah's Big Give on ABC tonight, and I kept crying at the different ways people gave. Each contestent (not sure what they win) was given $100,000 and had 24 hours to give it away. They could give no more than $500 to an individual person, could only spend $10,000 per place, and could not give away cash. There were some really great ways they did it - but out of 8 (i think?) contestents, only one guy gave all $100,000 away. So yeah, tears. It was cool though.
And speaking of ABC, I think they're my new favorite network (besides bravo). After the big give, they have this show called The Newlyweds where these couples learn about each other and how to strenghten their relationship. It's actually a very positive show and puts a positive focus on marriage instead of most reality shows that bring in other people to see if a marriage is strong enough to withstand the temptation. So, yay ABC. I'm impressed.
Monday, March 17, 2008
you could WIN!
Ever heard of TravelZoo? They have really great prices on vacations...and each wednesday they post their top 20 deals of the week. Well, if you enter this sweepstakes, you could win all 20!
DEWIT!
Friday, March 14, 2008
so many things
Notice: I'm looking to buy a dress form. If you know where I can get one for a reasonable price, that would be fantastic. I'm making a dress, and it the form of Rami, it has some draping....so I'd like to use the dress form. yay :o)
Also, I've realized why it bugs me SO much when I share information with people and they disregard it. It's because of my Input Strength. I collect information, I archive it, and then I use/share it at a later date. And I know what I'm talking about the majority of the time. So question me if you like, just don't pretend as though there aren't words coming out of my mouth. I might be governor someday.
In other news, I'm tired of being sick. This stupid cold can go away.
And finally, do I know someone who interned with the Twins or Wild? There's a girl I know who's looking for an "in"...send me your info!
happy friday - and happy st. patty's day. yay green! :o)
-R
Also, I've realized why it bugs me SO much when I share information with people and they disregard it. It's because of my Input Strength. I collect information, I archive it, and then I use/share it at a later date. And I know what I'm talking about the majority of the time. So question me if you like, just don't pretend as though there aren't words coming out of my mouth. I might be governor someday.
In other news, I'm tired of being sick. This stupid cold can go away.
And finally, do I know someone who interned with the Twins or Wild? There's a girl I know who's looking for an "in"...send me your info!
happy friday - and happy st. patty's day. yay green! :o)
-R
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Christmas Lights NOTICE!
So, yes it's terrible, but I just took down my christmas tree. I threw away the box my star came in, and I noticed the warning on the back. I feel a bit like Ross on friends when he finds out that condoms aren't 100% effective...AND that it's printed on the box.
But, did you know that you are exposed to lead whenever you're handling the cording on christmas lights?!
Apparently we're supposed to wash our hands after handling. WHAT?! How did I just learn about this?! This seems like something that should come up in all these environmental debates!!! HELLO PEOPLE! LEAD in the christmas lights!!!
LEAD!
So annoyed.
But, did you know that you are exposed to lead whenever you're handling the cording on christmas lights?!
Apparently we're supposed to wash our hands after handling. WHAT?! How did I just learn about this?! This seems like something that should come up in all these environmental debates!!! HELLO PEOPLE! LEAD in the christmas lights!!!
LEAD!
So annoyed.
Friday, February 22, 2008
SO COOL!
Check these out....
Grand Central Station (NY):
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1799846/
London:
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1803225
Grand Central Station (NY):
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1799846/
London:
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1803225
Thursday, February 21, 2008
let's talk
Let's talk about webpages. Starting one. And page layout, in particular. I get peeved when an IT person tells me the best way to lay something out....when I'm pretty sure there's a better way from a "page-reading" point of view. Argh. Just give me the technical abilities of the site, and let me do what I think is best. Even if it's redundant. Best way to make a point? REPEAT IT. (sometimes termed redundant). ALSO, where do these IT people come up with these layouts?! I mean seriously. Worst possible design EVER. AUGH! I get so frustrated when there's no consideration of how to lay something out so that people actually USE it! I don't understand why website design people are people who apparently don't know how to use the internet and websites. Anyway. Thank you, end of rant.
In other news, let's talk about project runway and top chef. AMAZING! Yeah, i'm pretty much in love with these shows. And while I like Christian, Jillian is my favorite. So I'm starting to sew my own clothes. She's my inspiration. And really? I'm not sure what the judges saw in Sweet P. I thought all her stuff was boring and easy and blah. And so Top Chef starts in two weeks and i'm SO PUMPED. Such good food, such fun challenges, such interesting people! Yay!
Also, have I mentioned I love Google? Check this out! http://www.google.com/trends coolest thing EVER! And have I mentioned the 411 thing they do too? Call information for FREE! http://www.google.com/goog411/ Has anyone used the google reader? http://www.google.com/intl/en/googlereader/tour.html I'm interested to try this out too! So cool! I wish I'd done IT!
Oh yes:
-----------------------------------------
Dear Tom Rath...Turns out, I'm one of your best sales people and you're not even paying me. So far, in the past three months, I've helped you sell at least 45 books. Amazing huh? That's right, I'd like to be on your payroll. Love, Rebekah
-----------------------OR--------------------
Dear Amazon...Turns out, I'm one of your best advertising tools and you're not even giving me commission! In the past three months, I've helped you sell at least 40 books through your site. I'd like to begin seeing some of this profit. Please contact me through this blog and I will happily continue to help you prosper. Love, Rebekah
-------------------------------------------------------
And so other people/authors/musicians/websites take note. In the same way that I am helping Rath/Amazon in their endeavors (word of mouth and emphatic commitment to my opinions)....I could help take many people AWAY from your business. Please appreciate my comments and complaints....or you'll end up in the same catagory as Qwest (the company I use as my example of the company with the worst customer service, worst ethics, worst strategy, and the worst company to give your business). I will always choose the alternative to Qwest....even if it's dial-up internet. (I know I posted about my terrible qwest experience - which included a close call on an impact to my credit report - so when I find it, I'll link).
That is all for the moment I believe. Happy Thursday!
-R
In other news, let's talk about project runway and top chef. AMAZING! Yeah, i'm pretty much in love with these shows. And while I like Christian, Jillian is my favorite. So I'm starting to sew my own clothes. She's my inspiration. And really? I'm not sure what the judges saw in Sweet P. I thought all her stuff was boring and easy and blah. And so Top Chef starts in two weeks and i'm SO PUMPED. Such good food, such fun challenges, such interesting people! Yay!
Also, have I mentioned I love Google? Check this out! http://www.google.com/trends coolest thing EVER! And have I mentioned the 411 thing they do too? Call information for FREE! http://www.google.com/goog411/ Has anyone used the google reader? http://www.google.com/intl/en/googlereader/tour.html I'm interested to try this out too! So cool! I wish I'd done IT!
Oh yes:
-----------------------------------------
Dear Tom Rath...Turns out, I'm one of your best sales people and you're not even paying me. So far, in the past three months, I've helped you sell at least 45 books. Amazing huh? That's right, I'd like to be on your payroll. Love, Rebekah
-----------------------OR--------------------
Dear Amazon...Turns out, I'm one of your best advertising tools and you're not even giving me commission! In the past three months, I've helped you sell at least 40 books through your site. I'd like to begin seeing some of this profit. Please contact me through this blog and I will happily continue to help you prosper. Love, Rebekah
-------------------------------------------------------
And so other people/authors/musicians/websites take note. In the same way that I am helping Rath/Amazon in their endeavors (word of mouth and emphatic commitment to my opinions)....I could help take many people AWAY from your business. Please appreciate my comments and complaints....or you'll end up in the same catagory as Qwest (the company I use as my example of the company with the worst customer service, worst ethics, worst strategy, and the worst company to give your business). I will always choose the alternative to Qwest....even if it's dial-up internet. (I know I posted about my terrible qwest experience - which included a close call on an impact to my credit report - so when I find it, I'll link).
That is all for the moment I believe. Happy Thursday!
-R
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Catching up
Happy Valentines' Day! This is the first valentine's day I've done nothing to celebrate. Usually I make several dozen pink and red heart cookies, hand out the little kid valentines, bring valentine chocolate for the candy dish on my desk...but this year, nothing. Just too tired. So tired.
Other thoughts of late....
1. When you buy a muffin at Caribou, they put it in one of their bags. I noticed yesterday that the way the bag is cut is not very efficient. One side of the opening is longer than the other side - the cutting of the shorter side leads to the perforation of the longer side...which makes me thing, why does one side need to be longer than the other? They would save money on the production of the bags as well as save money on the materials. Seems like a win-win to me. I certainly don't need that extra 3/4 inch of bag to fold over as I typically eat the product I bought immediately. Who should I tell about this great idea?
2. I think my internal temperature gauge is broken as I've been shivering non-stop (it feels like) since that week we had of all below zero temps. Summer can't come quickly enough.
3. STILL haven't taken down the christmas tree. It's fake, don't worry, but still. It's valentine's day and my christmas tree is still up. Maybe saturday.
4. did i mention i'm tired? my alarm went off for 10 minutes this morning before i figured out what the noise was. i don't understand.
There was more, but I don't remember. OH, yeah, my memory. Turns out, I think i'm going crazy. I was asked (per usual) if I wanted pickles or carrots with my lunch. I said cickels. Then paused and said "i would LOVE pickles." As he wrapped up my sandwich, i replayed what I'd said, noticed the pickles comment and thought "i HATE pickles"...which I do...always have. I meant to say carrots...it's not irregular for me to say the wrong word, it's just odd that I was so certain that I meant pickles. When I really didn't. I also am forgetting people's names....names of people that I interact with on a regular, daily basis. They're standing over my shoulder asking me to forward them an email, and I can't remember for the life of me what their name is so I can type their email address. I'm taking a multi-vitamin...what COULD the problem be?!
Okay. Out. Happy Valentines' Day,
-R
Other thoughts of late....
1. When you buy a muffin at Caribou, they put it in one of their bags. I noticed yesterday that the way the bag is cut is not very efficient. One side of the opening is longer than the other side - the cutting of the shorter side leads to the perforation of the longer side...which makes me thing, why does one side need to be longer than the other? They would save money on the production of the bags as well as save money on the materials. Seems like a win-win to me. I certainly don't need that extra 3/4 inch of bag to fold over as I typically eat the product I bought immediately. Who should I tell about this great idea?
2. I think my internal temperature gauge is broken as I've been shivering non-stop (it feels like) since that week we had of all below zero temps. Summer can't come quickly enough.
3. STILL haven't taken down the christmas tree. It's fake, don't worry, but still. It's valentine's day and my christmas tree is still up. Maybe saturday.
4. did i mention i'm tired? my alarm went off for 10 minutes this morning before i figured out what the noise was. i don't understand.
There was more, but I don't remember. OH, yeah, my memory. Turns out, I think i'm going crazy. I was asked (per usual) if I wanted pickles or carrots with my lunch. I said cickels. Then paused and said "i would LOVE pickles." As he wrapped up my sandwich, i replayed what I'd said, noticed the pickles comment and thought "i HATE pickles"...which I do...always have. I meant to say carrots...it's not irregular for me to say the wrong word, it's just odd that I was so certain that I meant pickles. When I really didn't. I also am forgetting people's names....names of people that I interact with on a regular, daily basis. They're standing over my shoulder asking me to forward them an email, and I can't remember for the life of me what their name is so I can type their email address. I'm taking a multi-vitamin...what COULD the problem be?!
Okay. Out. Happy Valentines' Day,
-R
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
time
This looks like a cool website. It will probably help you waste time.
www.1000000monkeys.com
Something about choose your own adventure combined with that writing game you played in grade school (write a sentence of a story and pass it to the person next to you. they add to the story, fold the paper over so only their writing is visible, and pass to the next person. you end up with a pretty crazy story to read at the end).
so yeah. go.
www.1000000monkeys.com
Something about choose your own adventure combined with that writing game you played in grade school (write a sentence of a story and pass it to the person next to you. they add to the story, fold the paper over so only their writing is visible, and pass to the next person. you end up with a pretty crazy story to read at the end).
so yeah. go.
Do this
To help save the environment: STOP BUYING BOTTLED WATER!
Seriously people. Half of the time it's just tap water anyways. So we're shipping all of this water back and forth across the country....just so you don't have to cart a nalgene around. Give it UP! You have a faucet at home....use it!!!
I'll do some research and report back the fabulous enviromental impact this will have.
Seriously people. Half of the time it's just tap water anyways. So we're shipping all of this water back and forth across the country....just so you don't have to cart a nalgene around. Give it UP! You have a faucet at home....use it!!!
I'll do some research and report back the fabulous enviromental impact this will have.
Monday, January 21, 2008
oh and
I'm in one of those moods today where I say "i want it, so i will have it". So far it means i bought an extra muffin for breakfast and that i'm now headed downstairs to get a cookie. At least this attitude is not focused on clothing....although it doesn't look promising as I'm headed to the mall this afternoon. And then Ikea isn't too far away....and I think it's going to be a problem. I did defend against three (THREE!) really cute pairs of shoes at Macy's this weekend. Go me.
hmmm..
So...word is, the last post wasn't my 100th. I think it's something about how you have to post pictures on here or something. whatever blogspot.
Drove into work this morning and couldn't understand why the bank marquis read the time and then of....realized it actually meant zero degrees Farenheit. So that's exciting. And cold. I'm in a funk (if you couldn't tell from my lack of entries).
Messages for the day:
vote in your upcoming caucus.
vote for the person you WANT to win, not who you think actually could
recycle
check out this neat site: http://www.thesimpledollar.com/ (thanks to jim for the link)
i hate mondays.
Drove into work this morning and couldn't understand why the bank marquis read the time and then of....realized it actually meant zero degrees Farenheit. So that's exciting. And cold. I'm in a funk (if you couldn't tell from my lack of entries).
Messages for the day:
vote in your upcoming caucus.
vote for the person you WANT to win, not who you think actually could
recycle
check out this neat site: http://www.thesimpledollar.com/ (thanks to jim for the link)
i hate mondays.
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