Well, here's a thing. I know the world as we know it revolves around the chiiiiillllldren, but: no, summer isn't over yet. The sprogs are back in school, but so what? The calendar doesn't care, the weather doesn't care; point of fact, the earth's axis tilt doesn't care. It will be summer until the frickin' vernal equinox, dammit!
So we've got another 2 and a half weeks of summer. Enjoy! And don't dare tell me summer's over before it's over.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Friday, July 20, 2007
The rain is good for many things...
Yes, my roses and hostas are flourishing, and that makes me happy. My little baby calla lily plantings are doing well, too.
But the reason I'm currently grateful for the rain is that I can walk to the store around the corner on an errand without once being begged for spare change.
But the reason I'm currently grateful for the rain is that I can walk to the store around the corner on an errand without once being begged for spare change.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Things that never happened to me in the 'burbs - Part 23
So, I'm sitting on the MAX yesterday evening, riding home from work, minding my own business, working my puzzles - my SOP. As usual, my seatmate is much larger than I, and she has part occupancy of my side of the seat, but otherwise, she's unobtrusive. Then, as we are pulling into Beaverton Transit Center, she starts to rise, and the next thing I know - WHAM! Her fist connects with my left ear.
She didn't mean to do it, I know that immediately. But, due in part to the fact that I was in Hour 13 of a migraine, I yelp in pain and my hand flies up to my ear. When the pain in my skull subsides enough that I regain coherent thought and my eyes can once again focus, I turn to look at her as she is babbling "I'msorryI'msorryI'msorryI'msorryI'msorryI'msorry..." I feel so sorry for her when I do. She looks so horrified I think she might cry. So I repeat several times "It's ok" until she seems pacified. Finally, I reach out to touch her arm and say, sincerely, "Don't worrry about it. I'm fine." A look of relief crosses her face, and she says, "Thank you." And she exits the train.
For the rest of my ride home, no one seems to want to sit next to me, not even the pudgy young gal who didn't look too happy when I got to the seat before her back at the Galleria station.
And I think, as I get off at my station, "Weird things always seem to happen since I started working downtown. This is the first time I've ever been punched in the head by a total stranger."
She didn't mean to do it, I know that immediately. But, due in part to the fact that I was in Hour 13 of a migraine, I yelp in pain and my hand flies up to my ear. When the pain in my skull subsides enough that I regain coherent thought and my eyes can once again focus, I turn to look at her as she is babbling "I'msorryI'msorryI'msorryI'msorryI'msorryI'msorry..." I feel so sorry for her when I do. She looks so horrified I think she might cry. So I repeat several times "It's ok" until she seems pacified. Finally, I reach out to touch her arm and say, sincerely, "Don't worrry about it. I'm fine." A look of relief crosses her face, and she says, "Thank you." And she exits the train.
For the rest of my ride home, no one seems to want to sit next to me, not even the pudgy young gal who didn't look too happy when I got to the seat before her back at the Galleria station.
And I think, as I get off at my station, "Weird things always seem to happen since I started working downtown. This is the first time I've ever been punched in the head by a total stranger."
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Food for Thought
If Pioneer Courthouse Square is Portland's Living Room, that would make the southwest perimeter outside wall, the one with all the urine stains, Portland's Bathroom.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Just Say No!
Ladies, do yourselves and all of us a favor: do not wear white pants. Or white shorts. Not unless you are Stick-Girl. I promise, your panty-lines show (if you're wearing any), and it ain't attractive. What is it about women that makes them want to wear white on their bottom half? Don't y'all know that white makes things look bigger?!
Monday, June 11, 2007
Cool Summer Sounds
Hey, there are a bunch of young'uns in the Square playing marimbas & such, with a crowd gathered 'round to listen. So much nicer to listen to than the buskers begging for change. Just music for the joy of it. Yay, kids, you rock!
Born-Again Oregonian?
When I first got here, I was cold all the time, I drank Maxwell House and Michelob. MGD in a pinch.
It's taken over a dozen years, and it didn't happen all at once. Maxwell House was replaced by fresh-roasted, whole-bean, home ground (hey, I don't have time to roast it myself). Nowadays it's Mirror Pond or Drop Top or such - if they don't have any decent microbrews, I'll turn to Diet Pepsi before I'll make myself put up with a BudMillerCoors. And I've started to go out in temperatures less than 65 without a coat - sometimes even in short sleeves.
But the true sign, I think, that I've become a born-again Oregonian? I've started to . . . garden!
It's taken over a dozen years, and it didn't happen all at once. Maxwell House was replaced by fresh-roasted, whole-bean, home ground (hey, I don't have time to roast it myself). Nowadays it's Mirror Pond or Drop Top or such - if they don't have any decent microbrews, I'll turn to Diet Pepsi before I'll make myself put up with a BudMillerCoors. And I've started to go out in temperatures less than 65 without a coat - sometimes even in short sleeves.
But the true sign, I think, that I've become a born-again Oregonian? I've started to . . . garden!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Common Commuter (Dis)Courtesy
To the little cutie-pie who stood over me on the MAX Blue line train this morning, holding your Starbucks beverage right over me, which dripped on my belongings and my leg several times, and who looked right through me like I was invisible and inaudible when I pointed this fact out, and continued to hold that fucking paper cup over me until you were able to find a seat several stops later:
You are one lucky bitch that I didn't put my fist in your cute little face. There are some riders who would.
Next time, get a fucking clue, you solipsistic little twat.
You are one lucky bitch that I didn't put my fist in your cute little face. There are some riders who would.
Next time, get a fucking clue, you solipsistic little twat.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Sorry to burst your bubble, dude...
My baby brudder lives in Floriduh with the rest of the fam. He's been out to visit 3 times in the last dozen years. The last time, he came in September instead of winter, and now he's impressed. He emailed me yesterday about housing prices. He was thinking of buying a second home here, when he gets about $100K saved up.
The feeling I got when I replied with what $100K would (not) get him in this market is the definition of schadenfreude. Heh heh.
The feeling I got when I replied with what $100K would (not) get him in this market is the definition of schadenfreude. Heh heh.
Friday, May 18, 2007
That's why I love this town!
http://portland.metblogs.com/archives/2007/05/and_on_friday_g.phtml
(and that's why the next day is the Sabbath. :D )
(and that's why the next day is the Sabbath. :D )
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Would YOU take him up on it?
There's a young fella in PCS (y'know, Portland's Living Room) waving a cardboard sign that says "FREE HUGS". Doesn't seem to have too many takers. I just saw one older guy go for it - the hugger looked like he was actually angling for ladies, but he was a good sport about it.
Friday, May 4, 2007
What I'm reading lately...
The "Best Of" Craig's List . Not suitable for all ages. Have tissues handy. Don't read with mouth full.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
PSA - My Way
Blame it on the hormones, or the fight I had with the old man the other day, but I got in someone's face this morning at the MAX station. I'm not really "like that" under normal circumstances. But I tell you, if you are standing in a No Smoking area, smoking a cigarette, and I can smell it and see you trying to sneak it, don't be surprised if I call you out on it. The guy looked a little sheepish, but I think that's only because he was worried that the transit guys on the other platform would overhear. It pissed me off that they didn't, as I was trying to be loud enough to get their attention.
Nothing pisses me off more than someone who flaunts the law with no consideration for others like that. Ass.
Nothing pisses me off more than someone who flaunts the law with no consideration for others like that. Ass.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Time to Look for a New Doctor...
Mister J and I were watching the local news yesterday evening, when a story came on that caught our attention: Captain America arrested in Melbourne, FL.
My family lives right near there, so I grabbed the cell phone and called my parents. As soon as I told Mom what we just saw, she blurted out, "That's your Dad's doctor!"
Oh, my gawd, we about bust a gut laughing! I love the details about the burrito, and him trying to flush his pot down the jail toilet.
Portland may be weird, but all the real crazies still come from Florida...
My family lives right near there, so I grabbed the cell phone and called my parents. As soon as I told Mom what we just saw, she blurted out, "That's your Dad's doctor!"
Oh, my gawd, we about bust a gut laughing! I love the details about the burrito, and him trying to flush his pot down the jail toilet.
Portland may be weird, but all the real crazies still come from Florida...
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
On Walkabout
I've started going for lunchtime walks around town. Today I explored the University District. I passed Mike Donohue - I haven't seen him on the tube much lately.
It's fun to walk around and see all the different buildings, businesses, happenings, etc. I'm limited to where I can get to and back from in less than an hour, but still...
It's fun to walk around and see all the different buildings, businesses, happenings, etc. I'm limited to where I can get to and back from in less than an hour, but still...
Friday, April 13, 2007
Happy Friday...the 13th!
What a surprise - the train was late this morning! Or, to be more accurate, the one I wanted broke down, and I caught the next one. Which was jam-packed like a sardine can.
If I had a dollar for every time something like this happened on TriMet, well, it would certainly subsidize my caffeine habit nicely, anyway.
The driver came on and made cheerful announcements at every stop. I actually do like it when they interact with the passengers, instead of being anonymous drones that just shut the door in my face and pull away (probably gleefully) when I'm a few seconds too late. A dollar for every time that happened to me would buy my lunch occasionally, as well.
At least it's Friday.
If I had a dollar for every time something like this happened on TriMet, well, it would certainly subsidize my caffeine habit nicely, anyway.
The driver came on and made cheerful announcements at every stop. I actually do like it when they interact with the passengers, instead of being anonymous drones that just shut the door in my face and pull away (probably gleefully) when I'm a few seconds too late. A dollar for every time that happened to me would buy my lunch occasionally, as well.
At least it's Friday.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Thar she blows!
Friday's record-breaking warm weather brought out the usual display of jiggling, pasty-white flesh. In my youth, only the thin and tan would dress skimpily anywhere but the beach or their backyard. Different generation, different part of the country.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Public Service
If someone would kindly move or remove the saxophone player from the corner of Broadway and Alder, I'd be much obliged.
Fucker is driving me batshit while I try to work.
Why doesn't he pick a more shopper/tourist friendly milieu, anyway? He's more likely to get tips than his current location. Especially from anyone whose favorite song is "Eye of the Tiger."
Guess he doesn't want to compete with the crazy Mexican guy who stands in front of Nordstrom strumming an unplugged electric guitar and singing badly.
Where's that famous Portland rain when you need it?
Fucker is driving me batshit while I try to work.
Why doesn't he pick a more shopper/tourist friendly milieu, anyway? He's more likely to get tips than his current location. Especially from anyone whose favorite song is "Eye of the Tiger."
Guess he doesn't want to compete with the crazy Mexican guy who stands in front of Nordstrom strumming an unplugged electric guitar and singing badly.
Where's that famous Portland rain when you need it?
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Reason # 17,675 that cell phones have cameras...
As I was walking downtown this afternoon, I saw a woman in a business suit, wearing on her head what I can only describe as an Iguana Hood: green, with fabric "spines" running down the center. Too bad I didn't have that cell with me at the time...
Dreams
I have some really vivid dreams, and they've been off-the-charts weird this week. I enjoy them, and I don't waste any mental energy on interpreting them; I figure it's just my brain's way of entertaining itself while I sleep.
What I can't figure out is why I wake up feeling so tired! Logically, if I've had at least 2 dreams with complicated plot twists, I must have had to go through the deeper sleep phases to get the necessary rest, and moved on to the REM sleep phase at least a few times. But when the alarm goes off at 6, my mind says "Oh, no - I just fell asleep half an hour ago!" I think I crave more dreams.
What I can't figure out is why I wake up feeling so tired! Logically, if I've had at least 2 dreams with complicated plot twists, I must have had to go through the deeper sleep phases to get the necessary rest, and moved on to the REM sleep phase at least a few times. But when the alarm goes off at 6, my mind says "Oh, no - I just fell asleep half an hour ago!" I think I crave more dreams.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
