About a month ago I was out late at night and decided I wanted an apple. I was down town and thought I would just drop by the ghetto Safeway and check out their fruit. Innocent enough, right?
I walked in, grabbed an apple, and bought it. I then got in my car and proceeded to drive home. The street I was driving on was not on my usual route home, and as I came to a stoplight, I realized I was in the left turn only lane. I wanted to go straight, so looking around as to make sure that no one was around, I pulled sharply into the adjoining through traffic lane. Mission accomplished.
As I advanced further on my journey home, I pulled into a left turn lane at a following stoplight. I put my blinker on, and when the light turned green I made a left turn. At which point red and blue lights flashed in my rear-view mirror.
The officer took his time in coming up to my window. In my mind I had done absolutely no wrong. He confronted me, and asked if I knew why he had pulled me over. I didn't. He then proceeded to tell me he had reason to believe from my driving that I was inebriated. Shocking. Luckily he didn't breathalyse me because he realized that I was indeed not driving under the influence. He couldn't find anything to give me a ticket for. I had handed him my license and registration the moment he had walked up but I couldn't find my insurance card for the life of me. He ended up giving me a ticket for not having my insurance. I was supposed to go and show my insurance at the municipal court and the fine would be rescinded.
I made several attempts to go to the court, but they were closed both times. Finally I made it in on a Friday within the 30 days of getting the fine. I thought I had 30 days, but it turns out I only had 15 to go in and show my insurance. The fine had doubled and was now $257. I almost choked... I really don't have that kind of money laying around... at least not for tickets. I talked to the judge and he said that all he could do was reduce my fine to $140. I paid my fine.
A couple days later I get a notice in the mail that my license is being suspended unless I prove I have purchased a certain kind of insurance. Turns out that because I'm a registered Oregon driver that I have to get "high risk" insurance because I am now a "high risk" driver. My insurance rate went up. I freaked out, but then I found out that it was just temporary. This was all very frustrating for me because I have a good driving record. I have never driven without insurance, never had a lapse in coverage. I've been insured with the same company for the entire time I've been driving. We have history...
... and all because I forgot to grab my insurance one night... and then I forgot to go show it to them within 15 days. It is irritating to be fined for doing absolutely nothing wrong. I can speed all I want, but if I'm ever doing something unintentionally wrong, I will pay the price for it. Just my luck. If anything, I will just drive more carefully. My bank account hurts. :)
I've been listening to Madonna's Confessions Tour album non-stop for the past two weeks... I need to move on. It is hot though. Just a heads up—it's addictive.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Friday, October 5, 2007
I Heart Yard
School is fun. I'm currently in a very exclusive relationship... with my books. Hopefully this will pay off more than all the other romantic endeavors I've attempted in the past. I can tell we're meant to be. :D
It's cold outside. I bought a jacket for $70. Probably not worth it, but i was rather taken with it. It made me very happy when I put anything on with it. I love fall so much. I do enjoy the warmth of a summer's day, but I love love love a crisp fall day. To be able to put on a long-sleeved shirt, a jacket, and a scarf is pure bliss. The leaves are starting to fall slowly. Yesterday after I finished with all my classes and work I raked the leaves in my yard into unruly piles and attempted to dispose of them. Not so easy. Apparently they are really hard to get into bags. Who knew?
While out raking leaves and listening to my iPod, I contemplated how lucky I am to live in a house. Most people would consider it bothersome to be outside raking leaves or mowing the lawn. To be honest, I like it a lot. I almost find it a privilege rather than a chore. I've never lived in a house or had a yard until now. It's an adventure for me.
I am thinking of painting my room. I really want to paint it a very faint turquoise color. I am trying to weigh out whether or not it is worth it to paint my room, because I will have to paint it back to white when I move out. I'm hoping to stay here until I graduate. If I were to stay here, it would be worth it to paint, but if not, not so much. I'm in a crafty mood.
Today I opened a magazine and almost cried. I realize where I want to be, what I really love, and what I want to be doing career-wise. I forget how much I really love designing stuff and doing more creative work. I get buried under boring projects at work that take absolutely no thought or creativity to put together. Even if I did expend energy to improve the projects I'm given, my boss would still want the "ugly" version of what was requested. I almost forget that there are better things out there. I can't wait to get a job where I can do a little bit more than make forms all day. Then again, I suppose I still wouldn't be satisfied. That's okay. I have my whole life ahead of me to do amazing things!
It's cold outside. I bought a jacket for $70. Probably not worth it, but i was rather taken with it. It made me very happy when I put anything on with it. I love fall so much. I do enjoy the warmth of a summer's day, but I love love love a crisp fall day. To be able to put on a long-sleeved shirt, a jacket, and a scarf is pure bliss. The leaves are starting to fall slowly. Yesterday after I finished with all my classes and work I raked the leaves in my yard into unruly piles and attempted to dispose of them. Not so easy. Apparently they are really hard to get into bags. Who knew?
While out raking leaves and listening to my iPod, I contemplated how lucky I am to live in a house. Most people would consider it bothersome to be outside raking leaves or mowing the lawn. To be honest, I like it a lot. I almost find it a privilege rather than a chore. I've never lived in a house or had a yard until now. It's an adventure for me.
I am thinking of painting my room. I really want to paint it a very faint turquoise color. I am trying to weigh out whether or not it is worth it to paint my room, because I will have to paint it back to white when I move out. I'm hoping to stay here until I graduate. If I were to stay here, it would be worth it to paint, but if not, not so much. I'm in a crafty mood.
Today I opened a magazine and almost cried. I realize where I want to be, what I really love, and what I want to be doing career-wise. I forget how much I really love designing stuff and doing more creative work. I get buried under boring projects at work that take absolutely no thought or creativity to put together. Even if I did expend energy to improve the projects I'm given, my boss would still want the "ugly" version of what was requested. I almost forget that there are better things out there. I can't wait to get a job where I can do a little bit more than make forms all day. Then again, I suppose I still wouldn't be satisfied. That's okay. I have my whole life ahead of me to do amazing things!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
faith + portuguese
So tired. Wednesday was the beginning of the mask photo shoots... sure I'm not taking pictures, but I have to be there. I'm so tired. I help out with the mask for most of the day, and then I go to my office and work my regular 30 hours a week. My room is a wreck at home. Clothes are everywhere. This week has been quite a challenge. I'm relieved that school is starting tomorrow.
I am so glad that everyone is back here in Walla Walla. I keep seeing friends everywhere and it's so great to catch up with all of you. I'm so happy that I my registration has been finalized. Friday night I came home and I checked to see what my down-payment to get into school this quarter was. I just about died when I saw it. I really felt completely hopeless. I stayed up another couple of hours worrying. I called my mom and we prayed about it. I don't know why it is that I have so little faith. God has been working miracles for my family for years, and yet I still never believe. I am so caught up in this world. I'm used to taking care of myself, doing it all myself, taking on the world, just all by myself. Even the littlest bit of faith can do wonders. We've been told this, time and again as children growing up in the church. Have faith.
As horrid as it may sound, I need times like this to show me my lack of faith. I need a slap in the face to recognize my error. To realize that I need to have more faith. There is no way that my faith will grow if I do not at first notice a lack of it. A verse comes to mind. I don't know where it is found. To be honest, I don't really read my Bible. I know I should. I make excuses of not having the time, etc. Believe me, I really want to read it. Anyways, a verse comes to mind that goes something like this:
"I rejoice in weakness and in hard times, for in those times I am made strong through Christ." 2 Cor. 12:10
I looked it up on google to see where it was found, but this is in my words and how I have interpreted it. Not many verses in the Bible have stuck in my head, but this one will always have it's place. I find it applicable in just about any situation. With school starting up, me taking 16 credits, working 15 hours a week, and being in charge of my finances, this verse will be often thought of.
On a lighter note (literally—but not intended to be taken as humorous) I have been listening to some fun music from the soundtrack of the movie Thicker Than Water. Most of it is Jack Johnson, of which I'm not really a huge fan of, but there is this artist called Smoke City. There is one song on the soundtrack called 'Underwater Love'. It is gorgeous. It is sung in both English and Portuguese. I've often heard that Italian is the most beautiful language in the world, but in my humble opinion, Portuguese is the most beautiful language I have ever heard anyone utter. Smoke City had a few singles released in the late 90's and I believe one last album released in 2000. They are from the U.K. but have Brazilian influences. So beautiful.
As for other recording artists that sing in foreign languages, I really enjoy the group Brazilian Girls. The vocalist can sing in at least five different languages including English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese. I really enjoyed their first self-titled album the most, but their second album 'talk to la bombe' also has a grungy, coarse charm about it. I recommend both.
I am so glad that everyone is back here in Walla Walla. I keep seeing friends everywhere and it's so great to catch up with all of you. I'm so happy that I my registration has been finalized. Friday night I came home and I checked to see what my down-payment to get into school this quarter was. I just about died when I saw it. I really felt completely hopeless. I stayed up another couple of hours worrying. I called my mom and we prayed about it. I don't know why it is that I have so little faith. God has been working miracles for my family for years, and yet I still never believe. I am so caught up in this world. I'm used to taking care of myself, doing it all myself, taking on the world, just all by myself. Even the littlest bit of faith can do wonders. We've been told this, time and again as children growing up in the church. Have faith.
As horrid as it may sound, I need times like this to show me my lack of faith. I need a slap in the face to recognize my error. To realize that I need to have more faith. There is no way that my faith will grow if I do not at first notice a lack of it. A verse comes to mind. I don't know where it is found. To be honest, I don't really read my Bible. I know I should. I make excuses of not having the time, etc. Believe me, I really want to read it. Anyways, a verse comes to mind that goes something like this:
"I rejoice in weakness and in hard times, for in those times I am made strong through Christ." 2 Cor. 12:10
I looked it up on google to see where it was found, but this is in my words and how I have interpreted it. Not many verses in the Bible have stuck in my head, but this one will always have it's place. I find it applicable in just about any situation. With school starting up, me taking 16 credits, working 15 hours a week, and being in charge of my finances, this verse will be often thought of.
On a lighter note (literally—but not intended to be taken as humorous) I have been listening to some fun music from the soundtrack of the movie Thicker Than Water. Most of it is Jack Johnson, of which I'm not really a huge fan of, but there is this artist called Smoke City. There is one song on the soundtrack called 'Underwater Love'. It is gorgeous. It is sung in both English and Portuguese. I've often heard that Italian is the most beautiful language in the world, but in my humble opinion, Portuguese is the most beautiful language I have ever heard anyone utter. Smoke City had a few singles released in the late 90's and I believe one last album released in 2000. They are from the U.K. but have Brazilian influences. So beautiful.
As for other recording artists that sing in foreign languages, I really enjoy the group Brazilian Girls. The vocalist can sing in at least five different languages including English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese. I really enjoyed their first self-titled album the most, but their second album 'talk to la bombe' also has a grungy, coarse charm about it. I recommend both.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
the past forever...
Things I've been up to: Nothing. Well, actually something. Last weekend I was lazy and cleaned my house. I refused to drive to portland even though I had tickets to a concert. Sunday I woke up and went grocery shopping. I happened to run into this girl from my work who asked if I was going to the wedding. I forgot that this girl I work with is getting married, and I had previously said that if I was in town, I'd make an appearance. I decided that I'd be nice and go. I dragged Dennis as a 'people watching' accomplice and had a better time of it than I would have alone.
After the wedding I decided firmly that I couldn't/wouldn't stay home when I had tickets to a fun concert and that I would drive 500 miles... well not that many, but a significant amount of miles to see Wolf Parade. I drove the three and a half hours. It was a nice drive. I had time to think, which is a luxury these days. Also had time to shuffle through the new music on my iPod. Some good stuff.
I'm pretty much in love with Bishop Allen, Band of Horses, and some album called The Swell Season, by some people who I can never remember their names. I love driving for long periods of time after I've gotten new music. It gives me time to listen to it all and filter through what I like and don't like.
The concert was great fun. I got there earlier and heard the first band... I wasn't impressed so I left and ate some dinner at Whole Foods, and then went to Powell's for a while. I could live in there. So many books... so little time. :) By then, the first band was done and I went to hear this other band called Holy F*ck... I didn't think I'd like them due to their lack of taste in name, but I enjoyed their fresh beats and great... well, it was electronic and I'm not entirely sure that I know how they were making some of the noises that they were... but it was very good. I liked it a lot. This one guy had this thing that was like a piano crossed with a trumpet... and instead of blowing into it, he blew into this tube that was attached to it... I can't explain it. It was something to behold. Very fun.
Finally wolf parade came out and played. I was in love. They played a bunch of new stuff that I hadn't really heard much of yet, but they mixed in enough of 'apologies to the queen mary' to please me and most of the crowd. I was wearing flip-flops and almost died when kids around us started to jump around... apart from some of the claustrophobic feelings I experienced, I had a great time. For the encore they played my favourite song, I'll believe anything... I loved it. I was deaf afterwards, but it was definitely worth driving there and back and losing sleep over.
Work this week was awful. Somehow it's Friday and it's all over. I'm so relieved. Neighbors moved into the house next to mine. Now I'm living between my boss and the lady who used to be my dean... life should be interesting.
I've been freaking out about school starting in like 10 days because I got a financial audit from the Student Finance Dept. but it looks like everything is in order so I should be attending yet another year of college... shame it wont be my last. I have an extra quarter, and then I have to come back for 2 upper division classes... how does this happen? I don't know.
Latest music I have come to love: 'photograph' by Eagle Seagull... I like them... a lot. Almost as much as I love New Young Pony Club... but not quite as much. :)
Ps: I finally cleaned up that bike behind my house. It's hot. I want to ride my bicycle, but the breaks don't work and it needs more air in the tires. I am going to wait a while before I fix it further. It is clean and free of spiders for now. So cute!!!
After the wedding I decided firmly that I couldn't/wouldn't stay home when I had tickets to a fun concert and that I would drive 500 miles... well not that many, but a significant amount of miles to see Wolf Parade. I drove the three and a half hours. It was a nice drive. I had time to think, which is a luxury these days. Also had time to shuffle through the new music on my iPod. Some good stuff.
I'm pretty much in love with Bishop Allen, Band of Horses, and some album called The Swell Season, by some people who I can never remember their names. I love driving for long periods of time after I've gotten new music. It gives me time to listen to it all and filter through what I like and don't like.
The concert was great fun. I got there earlier and heard the first band... I wasn't impressed so I left and ate some dinner at Whole Foods, and then went to Powell's for a while. I could live in there. So many books... so little time. :) By then, the first band was done and I went to hear this other band called Holy F*ck... I didn't think I'd like them due to their lack of taste in name, but I enjoyed their fresh beats and great... well, it was electronic and I'm not entirely sure that I know how they were making some of the noises that they were... but it was very good. I liked it a lot. This one guy had this thing that was like a piano crossed with a trumpet... and instead of blowing into it, he blew into this tube that was attached to it... I can't explain it. It was something to behold. Very fun.
Finally wolf parade came out and played. I was in love. They played a bunch of new stuff that I hadn't really heard much of yet, but they mixed in enough of 'apologies to the queen mary' to please me and most of the crowd. I was wearing flip-flops and almost died when kids around us started to jump around... apart from some of the claustrophobic feelings I experienced, I had a great time. For the encore they played my favourite song, I'll believe anything... I loved it. I was deaf afterwards, but it was definitely worth driving there and back and losing sleep over.
Work this week was awful. Somehow it's Friday and it's all over. I'm so relieved. Neighbors moved into the house next to mine. Now I'm living between my boss and the lady who used to be my dean... life should be interesting.
I've been freaking out about school starting in like 10 days because I got a financial audit from the Student Finance Dept. but it looks like everything is in order so I should be attending yet another year of college... shame it wont be my last. I have an extra quarter, and then I have to come back for 2 upper division classes... how does this happen? I don't know.
Latest music I have come to love: 'photograph' by Eagle Seagull... I like them... a lot. Almost as much as I love New Young Pony Club... but not quite as much. :)
Ps: I finally cleaned up that bike behind my house. It's hot. I want to ride my bicycle, but the breaks don't work and it needs more air in the tires. I am going to wait a while before I fix it further. It is clean and free of spiders for now. So cute!!!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Behind My House
Behind my house is an alley. There is a barn on the opposite side, and leaning against it, almost in the middle of the alley, is the most gorgeous blue bike. Lately when going to bed I have found myself sleeplessly staring at the ceiling, thinking about the bike. I can see it from my window. I really want to ride it. It has been there all summer. It hasn't moved. It looks like it's been there for even longer than that. I keep on thinking about taking it for a joy ride. When Lindsay gets off work, we might do just that.
Lately I've been trying to figure out what classes I'm going to take after this coming school year. I've got all of them picked. The end is in sight! In a way I'm excited, but it's still over a year away. It seems like it's going to be forever before I'm done. And then what?
My grandpa is going into heart surgery tomorrow. He is 2 months from being 80. I feel like he might die. I know it's a morbid though, but after my grandma died, it just seems like more deaths will follow. I really hope I'm wrong, and that he will recover. It's in God's hands.
Lately I've been trying to figure out what classes I'm going to take after this coming school year. I've got all of them picked. The end is in sight! In a way I'm excited, but it's still over a year away. It seems like it's going to be forever before I'm done. And then what?
My grandpa is going into heart surgery tomorrow. He is 2 months from being 80. I feel like he might die. I know it's a morbid though, but after my grandma died, it just seems like more deaths will follow. I really hope I'm wrong, and that he will recover. It's in God's hands.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Hawthorne is AMAZING!
Last Tuesday was my birthday. This has been the best birthday I have ever had. Thanks to all who made it so amazing! (I had this great surprise garden party last sunday with croquet, boccie ball, great food and my favourite people.) This past weekend I went home to see my family and to go to spend some time in one of my favourite places on earth—Portland, OR.
Natalie and I had intended to go see a show at the Doug Fir, but we were so excited to see each other that we just decided to hang out. We went shopping on Hawthorne at the Red Light, and then went out for food at Pho Van (really great viet place down the street). The food was great as usual. I had something with lime... and vegetables, and then we shared coffee and ginger creme brulée. Probably not the most authentic dessert, but it was very tasty. :)
We woke up sort of early and I was supposed to drive to the church that my grandparents attend. Natalie and I went to get some coffee to wake up and ended up getting caught up in the Hawthorne Street Festival that just happened to be going on... 3 hours later after some intense sale shopping I finally left Portland and headed for home.
Saturday with the fam was fun. My sister got a kitten for her birthday two months ago and it is really cute... it's a long haired calico kitten with really long whiskers. She is very soft and likes to play a lot. My mom is kind of really into animals... and one time she found a mouse in our house. She couldn't bring herself to kill it, but didn't want to let it go because she thought it would get back into our house... so she kept it as a pet. The night I stayed at home, the cats knocked it's cage over and I guess it's running around in our house somewhere. Ahhh... nothing like being home...
... on the other hand, it was fun. I watched Stranger Than Fiction with my sister and she really liked it. We got up early and washed my car together. I really like seeing her. She has really grown up fast. Last time I checked, she was 10 years old.
Fav New Music: Rilo Kiley's new album Under the Blacklight. I would love to tell you which song I like best but at this time I just can't. They're all so good!
Natalie and I had intended to go see a show at the Doug Fir, but we were so excited to see each other that we just decided to hang out. We went shopping on Hawthorne at the Red Light, and then went out for food at Pho Van (really great viet place down the street). The food was great as usual. I had something with lime... and vegetables, and then we shared coffee and ginger creme brulée. Probably not the most authentic dessert, but it was very tasty. :)
We woke up sort of early and I was supposed to drive to the church that my grandparents attend. Natalie and I went to get some coffee to wake up and ended up getting caught up in the Hawthorne Street Festival that just happened to be going on... 3 hours later after some intense sale shopping I finally left Portland and headed for home.
Saturday with the fam was fun. My sister got a kitten for her birthday two months ago and it is really cute... it's a long haired calico kitten with really long whiskers. She is very soft and likes to play a lot. My mom is kind of really into animals... and one time she found a mouse in our house. She couldn't bring herself to kill it, but didn't want to let it go because she thought it would get back into our house... so she kept it as a pet. The night I stayed at home, the cats knocked it's cage over and I guess it's running around in our house somewhere. Ahhh... nothing like being home...
... on the other hand, it was fun. I watched Stranger Than Fiction with my sister and she really liked it. We got up early and washed my car together. I really like seeing her. She has really grown up fast. Last time I checked, she was 10 years old.
Fav New Music: Rilo Kiley's new album Under the Blacklight. I would love to tell you which song I like best but at this time I just can't. They're all so good!
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
The List
Music that could be heard eminating from my room this week...
'Roscoe' — Midlake
'Now Now' — St. Vincent
'Golden Star' — My Brightest Diamond
'She Makes Me Want to' —Aristeia
'Thursday' — Asobi Seksu
'Melody Day' — Caribou
'So Pretty' — Field Music
'Homme' — Brazilian Girls
'Bang Bang, You're Dead' — Dirty Pretty Things
and last but not least, the new UNKLE album 'War Stories'... I like!
'Roscoe' — Midlake
'Now Now' — St. Vincent
'Golden Star' — My Brightest Diamond
'She Makes Me Want to' —Aristeia
'Thursday' — Asobi Seksu
'Melody Day' — Caribou
'So Pretty' — Field Music
'Homme' — Brazilian Girls
'Bang Bang, You're Dead' — Dirty Pretty Things
and last but not least, the new UNKLE album 'War Stories'... I like!
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