As my life coach so lovingly pointed out to me today, I've only blogged four times in the last month. I'm sorry. So, tonight while watching a very depressing first half of the Jazz game I am blogging. Good thing I can't upload any of the awesome pictures that I need in order to tell stories with.
Dang it!
I'm going to have to regroup and try something else. Wait for it folks.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Riding the 51
I take the bus. Yes, I also own a car, but it usually only comes out on weekends. I take the bus to and from work. I love this set up and always wanted to take the bus when I lived in SLC, but I couldn't seem to get over the fact that in order to do so I would have to wake up one hour earlier in order to get to work at the same time. There also wouldn't be a cost savings on gas, and I would have had to walk a couple of blocks downtown for my transfer. However, I always imagined myself one day living in a place that I could just take the bus. Now, I take the bus. My bus is usually a big fancy bus with soft seats that recline a little like tour buses. My fellow bus patrons also commute into San Francisco and are relatively quiet with the occasional loud talker on his/her cell phone. I enjoy my commute and riding the bus.
This past week I had two opportunities that made me incredibly grateful to ride Bus O daily instead of any other bus. Bus O only goes to and from Alameda and San Francisco. Bus 51 goes from Alameda to Berkeley through Oakland. I usually take this bus when I leave work really late (I take the BART to Oakland and then the bus to my house). Last week my boss' boss was in town, and we had dinner after work. We ate at a steakhouse in the new Bloomingdale's mall. Of course I went shopping after dinner. I didn't find anything, but I also spent too much time shopping because I barely missed the BART I needed, so I was left waiting for 20 minutes for the next train. I therefore barely missed the bus I needed, and I was left for 30 minutes waiting for my bus. Yes, mom, I was standing in the middle of downtown Oakland at 9:30 PM (it was dark). I was completely safe. Anyway, I met a couple of interesting people while I stood there waiting for the bus. One homeless man was really nice to me and wanted to know what kind of a store JCrew was. I guess that did mean I ended up buying something because I had a bag with me. Anyway, he was pretty funny and told me not too worry lil' darlin'. Who doesn't love being called a lil' darlin'?
Finally, the bus is approaching a new person joins the crew of people waiting for the bus. He seemed normal enough. I got on and sat down. I later realized that I only paid $1.50 for the bus when it actually costs $1.75. I guess I owe AC Transit $.25, sorry. So, it was late and cold and I was bare legged in a skirt. So I sat on the seat on top of the heater. It was so toasty wonderful. Unfortunately the new fella came and sat across from me. He kept looking at me too. When on the bus you should look forward, out the window or down if you do not have anything else, like a book, to occupy your eyes with. Don't stare at the other strangers. (Yes, I did stare at the Jason Lee guy from Almost Famous, but he was almost famous--ha ha ha, I'm hilarious). Anyway, creepy! I was totally grateful when he got off the bus a few stops later.
Overall a less than stellar bus ride. I missed my fellow quiet commuters that don't stare at me.
I took Friday off of work. I had to take my car to the dealership in Logan. Guess what? A 51 bus stop was right next to the dealer, awesome! So, in the middle of a Friday afternoon, I innocently enough I hop on the bus. Big mistake! Big! Apparently it was field trip day. The bus was full of at least 30 8 year olds. Luckily they were all in a very giving mood and decided to sing for all other patrons on the bus. That's right. They sang, the entire time they were on the bus. I learned about the planets in the solar system (Pluto was still included) and how many minutes are in an hour, and hours in a day, and days in a week, and weeks in a year. I also got to listen to Yankee Doodle, This Land is Your Land, The Star-Spangled Banner and some other patriotic tunes that I couldn't quite place. Plus additional songs that I couldn't pick out or knew. True to 8-year-old form, they only had one volume level for their singing voices: LOUD! It was the longest 10 minute bus ride of my life.
I'm taking a moratorium on the 51 bus.
This past week I had two opportunities that made me incredibly grateful to ride Bus O daily instead of any other bus. Bus O only goes to and from Alameda and San Francisco. Bus 51 goes from Alameda to Berkeley through Oakland. I usually take this bus when I leave work really late (I take the BART to Oakland and then the bus to my house). Last week my boss' boss was in town, and we had dinner after work. We ate at a steakhouse in the new Bloomingdale's mall. Of course I went shopping after dinner. I didn't find anything, but I also spent too much time shopping because I barely missed the BART I needed, so I was left waiting for 20 minutes for the next train. I therefore barely missed the bus I needed, and I was left for 30 minutes waiting for my bus. Yes, mom, I was standing in the middle of downtown Oakland at 9:30 PM (it was dark). I was completely safe. Anyway, I met a couple of interesting people while I stood there waiting for the bus. One homeless man was really nice to me and wanted to know what kind of a store JCrew was. I guess that did mean I ended up buying something because I had a bag with me. Anyway, he was pretty funny and told me not too worry lil' darlin'. Who doesn't love being called a lil' darlin'?
Finally, the bus is approaching a new person joins the crew of people waiting for the bus. He seemed normal enough. I got on and sat down. I later realized that I only paid $1.50 for the bus when it actually costs $1.75. I guess I owe AC Transit $.25, sorry. So, it was late and cold and I was bare legged in a skirt. So I sat on the seat on top of the heater. It was so toasty wonderful. Unfortunately the new fella came and sat across from me. He kept looking at me too. When on the bus you should look forward, out the window or down if you do not have anything else, like a book, to occupy your eyes with. Don't stare at the other strangers. (Yes, I did stare at the Jason Lee guy from Almost Famous, but he was almost famous--ha ha ha, I'm hilarious). Anyway, creepy! I was totally grateful when he got off the bus a few stops later.
Overall a less than stellar bus ride. I missed my fellow quiet commuters that don't stare at me.
I took Friday off of work. I had to take my car to the dealership in Logan. Guess what? A 51 bus stop was right next to the dealer, awesome! So, in the middle of a Friday afternoon, I innocently enough I hop on the bus. Big mistake! Big! Apparently it was field trip day. The bus was full of at least 30 8 year olds. Luckily they were all in a very giving mood and decided to sing for all other patrons on the bus. That's right. They sang, the entire time they were on the bus. I learned about the planets in the solar system (Pluto was still included) and how many minutes are in an hour, and hours in a day, and days in a week, and weeks in a year. I also got to listen to Yankee Doodle, This Land is Your Land, The Star-Spangled Banner and some other patriotic tunes that I couldn't quite place. Plus additional songs that I couldn't pick out or knew. True to 8-year-old form, they only had one volume level for their singing voices: LOUD! It was the longest 10 minute bus ride of my life.
I'm taking a moratorium on the 51 bus.
Monday, May 07, 2007
There's no place like home
On my way home from Seattle, I had a layover in Salt Lake City and decided that I should definitely spend the weekend with my family. Families are awesome.
Here's me and mom. We spent Saturday up in Park City shopping and eating. By spent Saturday, I mean, we woke up around 10, got ready and left around 12 for Park City. Bought a lot of clothes for the grandkids, got lunch, and then hit two more shops for new clothes and shoes. We were home by 3 and ready for a nap. I made my dad take us all to the new restaurant Pine. It was a good meat and potatoes place.
Here's me and Jeanette. Little sisters are so fun. I can still beat her up, easily.
And here's Mike.
True to form, I have no pictures of dad. He's like a ghost or something because we can never get a picture of him. I have no idea how Kellie was able to get one in North Carolina. It must have been the pistachio popsicle that distracted him long enough to snap a picture.
I then went to the Jazz game with Paul. Jazz games are usually a ton of fun. The Energy Solutions arena can get so loud and out-of-control. Plus, it was right before the play-offs and Phoenix was in town. (I totally have a crush on Nash--too bad about the stitches). Well, no offense to Paul, but the night was very underwhelming. The Jazz got totally schooled. It was the quietest I have heard the Delta center ever.
Well my weekend in Utah was awesome. Thanks for letting me come visit mom and dad. As always, I got to do free laundry and eat well!
Here's me and mom. We spent Saturday up in Park City shopping and eating. By spent Saturday, I mean, we woke up around 10, got ready and left around 12 for Park City. Bought a lot of clothes for the grandkids, got lunch, and then hit two more shops for new clothes and shoes. We were home by 3 and ready for a nap. I made my dad take us all to the new restaurant Pine. It was a good meat and potatoes place.
Here's me and Jeanette. Little sisters are so fun. I can still beat her up, easily.
And here's Mike.
True to form, I have no pictures of dad. He's like a ghost or something because we can never get a picture of him. I have no idea how Kellie was able to get one in North Carolina. It must have been the pistachio popsicle that distracted him long enough to snap a picture.
I then went to the Jazz game with Paul. Jazz games are usually a ton of fun. The Energy Solutions arena can get so loud and out-of-control. Plus, it was right before the play-offs and Phoenix was in town. (I totally have a crush on Nash--too bad about the stitches). Well, no offense to Paul, but the night was very underwhelming. The Jazz got totally schooled. It was the quietest I have heard the Delta center ever.
Well my weekend in Utah was awesome. Thanks for letting me come visit mom and dad. As always, I got to do free laundry and eat well!
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
It rains 9 months out the year in Seattle
That's right, I learned that in Sleepless in Seattle. And it is true. Think about it like this: there are 12 months in a year and only 3 of those months are sunny or 1/4 of them are sunny. I was in Seattle for 4 days it was rainy for 3 of those 4 days or 1/4 of them were sunny. Awesome.
Good thing the one sunny day was the day I wondered around town. I had a half a day in the city and I was going to go see stuff. I went to the Space Needle.
I went to the market and saw the pretty trees in bloom.
I went to the sculpture park.
I went to the aquarium. These are blowfish. Bad picture, yes.
And I did not go to the Science Fiction Movie Museum even though the building looked cool. I knew that there was nothing in there worth $15 from me.
My first night there I went to dinner at the Pink Door. I wish I had taken a picture, but I didn't. I did, however, steal a pen from the restaurant. The food was absolutely delicious. I took it to go and ate back at the hotel, but next time I'm staying for the cabaret show.
The next night I got to go out to dinner with Jason Campbell--one of the funniest guys I know. It was pretty tasty.
I went to Olympia on the rainiest of days, that wasn't too fun, but it was very green and pretty. I had been craving fish and chips and made the horrible mistake of ordering fish and chips at the restaurant we went to by the state capital building. Yuck! A mistake I won't make next time.
All in all, I like Seattle and I'm super glad I get to go there more often for work. Hurray for traveling to fun places!
Good thing the one sunny day was the day I wondered around town. I had a half a day in the city and I was going to go see stuff. I went to the Space Needle.
I went to the market and saw the pretty trees in bloom.
I went to the sculpture park.
I went to the aquarium. These are blowfish. Bad picture, yes.
And I did not go to the Science Fiction Movie Museum even though the building looked cool. I knew that there was nothing in there worth $15 from me.
My first night there I went to dinner at the Pink Door. I wish I had taken a picture, but I didn't. I did, however, steal a pen from the restaurant. The food was absolutely delicious. I took it to go and ate back at the hotel, but next time I'm staying for the cabaret show.
The next night I got to go out to dinner with Jason Campbell--one of the funniest guys I know. It was pretty tasty.
I went to Olympia on the rainiest of days, that wasn't too fun, but it was very green and pretty. I had been craving fish and chips and made the horrible mistake of ordering fish and chips at the restaurant we went to by the state capital building. Yuck! A mistake I won't make next time.
All in all, I like Seattle and I'm super glad I get to go there more often for work. Hurray for traveling to fun places!
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
I heart Luke!
Well, I have to say that French Dip Tuesday is a wonderful club to be in. Tonight Courtney and I went to Ole's and had French dip sandwiches. Side note: upon entering Ole's Waffle House I was quite sad about not being able to order waffles, but I was going to have to stay strong. So, Courtney and I both order our French dip and French fries (an added bonus).
While waiting for our sandwiches, we decided to play one of our favorite games 1-2-3. Those of you who are obsessed with Gilmore Girls like myself learned of this game after Rory and Dean first broke up. Sitting in our local diner in Alameda at a window booth set the scene for this game. For those of you who are oblivious to the game, I'll give you a quick rundown. You get three choices for your husband. The catch is you have to decide yes or no with each one. In other words, you can't compare 1 to 2 or 3. And if you say no to both 1 and 2, you automatically get 3. I was first. 1--adequate, but I knew I could do better so I said no. 2--old man postal worker, this was a definite no. Therefore, I automatically got lucky bachelor #3. A 50-some old chubby balding man. I'm sure he's nice and the two of us are going to be so happy.
Courtney's turn. 1--a very, very nerdy young man that walked with a slight slouch. Courtney said yes. Seriously. She wasn't even going to wait to see what options were out there for her. After witnessing my options she decided that age was a really important factor in her decision and she took the young guy. Watching him dine at Ole's really made her appreciate her decision. I'm pretty sure he even left a good tip. After watching #2 and #3 go by, she stuck by her decision. They were fine choices, but I really think there was a connection between Courtney and Mr. Nerdy McNerdison. I know they will be happy.
Shortly after that our sandwiches were ready. So delicious.
I hope you all enjoyed French dip sandwiches today. If not, you can always join us in June.
Now, I find it appropriate to be watching Gilmore Girls while blogging--especially because I had a Tuesday night Gilmore Girl experience playing 1-2-3 in the diner. Anyway, I do hope you all were able to witness the horror (by horror, I mean wonderful theatrical element) of Lorelai singing the Whitney Houston classic "I will always love you" to Luke at karaoke night. She started singing it to Rory but then Luke entered and blah blah blah...awesome! I hope I didn't ruin it for everyone--you must check it out.
I hope you all had a great French Dip Tuesday!
While waiting for our sandwiches, we decided to play one of our favorite games 1-2-3. Those of you who are obsessed with Gilmore Girls like myself learned of this game after Rory and Dean first broke up. Sitting in our local diner in Alameda at a window booth set the scene for this game. For those of you who are oblivious to the game, I'll give you a quick rundown. You get three choices for your husband. The catch is you have to decide yes or no with each one. In other words, you can't compare 1 to 2 or 3. And if you say no to both 1 and 2, you automatically get 3. I was first. 1--adequate, but I knew I could do better so I said no. 2--old man postal worker, this was a definite no. Therefore, I automatically got lucky bachelor #3. A 50-some old chubby balding man. I'm sure he's nice and the two of us are going to be so happy.
Courtney's turn. 1--a very, very nerdy young man that walked with a slight slouch. Courtney said yes. Seriously. She wasn't even going to wait to see what options were out there for her. After witnessing my options she decided that age was a really important factor in her decision and she took the young guy. Watching him dine at Ole's really made her appreciate her decision. I'm pretty sure he even left a good tip. After watching #2 and #3 go by, she stuck by her decision. They were fine choices, but I really think there was a connection between Courtney and Mr. Nerdy McNerdison. I know they will be happy.
Shortly after that our sandwiches were ready. So delicious.
I hope you all enjoyed French dip sandwiches today. If not, you can always join us in June.
Now, I find it appropriate to be watching Gilmore Girls while blogging--especially because I had a Tuesday night Gilmore Girl experience playing 1-2-3 in the diner. Anyway, I do hope you all were able to witness the horror (by horror, I mean wonderful theatrical element) of Lorelai singing the Whitney Houston classic "I will always love you" to Luke at karaoke night. She started singing it to Rory but then Luke entered and blah blah blah...awesome! I hope I didn't ruin it for everyone--you must check it out.
I hope you all had a great French Dip Tuesday!
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