Seattle Stories

As I've mentioned before, my sister Samantha and brother in law Travis moved to Seattle last year (sad). So, B and I decided to go visit them to celebrate the new year, as we miss them and neither of us had ever been to Seattle. We left on December 31 and stayed until January 4 - the longest vacation B's had in a LONG time. I felt happy she could take some time off and even happier we got to spend it together. :)

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I started to get sick on the Monday before New Year's Eve. By the time we left for Seattle, I wasn't feeling all that great. However, I was determined to push past it for B, my sister, and for myself, as I wanted to enjoy the trip and to see the city. Overall, I think I did okay. Here's a run down of the five day weekend:

Wednesday:
We arrived safely in Seattle, and our checked bag did too - yay! I never take that for granted after the five day outfit in Israel! Samantha was waiting for us, and we were soon on our way to her place in Kent, a suburb of Seattle.

Unfortunately, we saw something horrible along the way. As we waited to turn left at a busy intersection, we noticed a guy crossing the road we were attempting to turn on, against the light. He appeared to be intoxicated, and was trying to stop traffic by holding up his hand as he walked as his friends watched. The cars whizzed by him, but he made it halfway. I thought he would stop at that point, but unfortunately he continued on. One car missed him by inches, and then suddenly I heard a horrible bang. A car had smashed directly into him, and he flew into the air with such force that his pants came off. We thought for sure he was dead, and we wanted to stay as witnesses for the driver (the poor person had no chance, as it was dark, rainy, uphill, he had the green light, and the guy was wearing dark clothing). However, we were forced to turn left onto the road, and then turned around as soon as we could. We passed the scene, and we could see the EMTs/paramedics treating him as if he was still alive. Unfortunately though, there was no place for us to pull off safely. We really have no idea if the guy lived or died, and we couldn't vouch for the driver. Yuck.

After all that, we were quite shaken up, and we couldn't stop talking about it for a while. Clearly the guy was an idiot, but no one deserves to die for that. I hope he made it, and I hope the driver can find some peace too. Any one of us could have been that driver, and I think we all recognized that. Life is crazy!

We eventually collected our wits and continued on to arrive safely in Kent. Samantha and Travis's new home is great! Huge, lots of space, nice floor plan, etc. We even had our own guest room (now called our room I believe!). Since it was new year's eve, we debated whether we should head into the city to see the fireworks. Ultimately, we decided to stay in and play rock band, as it was chilly and rainy. We had a great time and went to bed not too long after midnight (it was after 2:00 CST afterall).

Thursday:
On Thursday, the four of us went to the Space Needle and the Experience Music Project museum. I thought the space needle was great, and I really enjoyed the views of the city. It was definitely cold and windy on the outside observation deck though - yikes! I also enjoyed the EMP, but not as much as I thought I might. The visit confirmed that I have NO musical talent, but I still manage to look pretty dang good rocking out with the instruments. Too bad there has to be sound! :-P

On Thursday evening, we went to dinner at a restaurant in Kent, the Zephyr - it was not great. They were out of a ton of stuff, and they screwed up the meals. They torched my salmon and then served it with some sort of rice that smelled so bad that Samantha wouldn't even taste it! I tried it, and it was NOT good. After dinner, we went back to the house and chilled - a good day.

Friday:
On Friday, I felt horrible in the morning, so I stayed in bed to sleep. Samantha and Beth went to Silverdale to run some errands and passed through Tacoma on the way. Beth can now legitimately sing that song that goes, "I've been to Phoenix, Arizona all the way to Tacoma, Philadelphia, Atlanta, LA" as she's been to all those places. Pretty cool. Anyway, they were kind enough to stop for meds and tea for me, and when they arrived home, I got ready to leave the house (slowly).

When I was ready, we journeyed back into Seattle to visit Pike's Market, and I loved it. Samantha said it was not really busy, so I can't imagine what it's normally like! I loved looking at all the stuff for sale, and I loved the view of the water (was that Puget Sound? I forget.). We enjoyed some delicious crepes and then bought some dried fruit (most of which we forgot in Seattle - bummer. Samantha, please enjoy it for us!). We walked around for a long time, and we saw the place where they throw the fish and the first ever Starbucks too! I definitely loved the market, and I think I would frequent it often if I lived out there.

After the market, we visited Samantha's church. It was nice to see where she sings each week. The place is huge - comparable to the Basilica or Cathedral here. Very nice - they are lucky to have her, as she's quite talented. She didn't even have to audition, as her experience preceded her. Nice!

After visiting the church, we decided to head back toward Kent. Samantha drove us past Safeco and Qwest fields - cool to see. I am looking forward to catching a Mariners' game at Safeco in the future!

As we drove back to the burbs, we decided we wanted Chipotle. Samantha suggested we stop at the one in Tukwila (another suburb), but I stupidly said let's get it in Kent so it will be warm. We agreed that was a good idea, and went to the Kent Chipotle...where it turns out they had no food to make burritos. Literally - no tortillas, no salsas, and no spices for the meat. Unfortunately, they didn't tell Samantha until AFTER she had ordered. I said no thanks, not going to waste points on horrible, non-Chipotle, Chipotle. We were all bummed, as we were craving Chipotle big time. In fact, we were so bummed that we decided to go BACK to Tukwila to actually order decent food. We arrived to find a well stocked restaurant, and then finally we were on our way back to Kent. That was a delicious burrito, well worth the drive in my opinion. Thanks, Samantha!

Saturday:
On Saturday, Samantha made us a delicious breakfast of pancakes, bacon, and the spicy potatoes B taught her to make (if you hadn't noticed, I fell off the Weight Watchers wagon in Seattle. Oh well). After that, B, Samantha, and I headed into the city for the Underground Tour. Like Jerusalem, Seattle is a city on top of an older version of itself. It's a long story that I don't feel like explaining, but basically you can go underground and see parts of the old town as it existed before being trumped, literally. I really enjoyed the tour, as the guides were informative and hilarious. B really enjoyed it too, and that made me happy, as she was really looking forward to it.

Oh, before the tour, we visited Samantha's office at Amazon. She works in the tallest building in Seattle, and her desk provides a view of Mt. Rainier on clear days. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate so we couldn't see the mountain. Oh well - it was neat to see where Samantha spends her days!

After the tour, we went to a really cool toy store (Magic Mouse?), and Samantha bought a fun new game - the Smartass Game. I think that's the right name. After the toy store, we hit up a local Italian restaurant, DeNunzios. The place was a riot, as it was a tiny joint in a basement (continuing our underground theme) with a crazy host/waiter. The waiter, Tonelli, a flaming gay man, literally made me spit out my gum, though I'm not sure why, as the place was in a BASEMENT for pete's sake. Not a four star joint. Probably not even three, but B and Samantha thought that was hilarious. Anyway, we enjoyed our meals and each other's company (and we even enjoyed Tonelli), and then it was time to go (but before that, Samantha said something so funny that Beth spit out her water all over me and Samantha - Samantha could barely speak she was laughing so hard at that point. We still can't remember what Samantha said, but the whole thing was pretty dang funny). However, before we left, Tonelli insisted that he should take our picture, though we aren't sure why. We let him do that, and then we were on our way back to the burbs for our last evening in the pacific northwest. It's sad how fast vacation goes.

Sunday:
We had to wake up early to get to the airport, and I was feeling AWFUL by this point. B took care of me, and after a long shower, I was at least able to function. As we drove to the airport, B said, "hey, is that Mount Rainier?" Samantha looked back and said, "why yes, it is" or something similar. As I said above, the weather had been dreary the entire time, but it finally cleared enough for us to see the big mountain on our last day. It was beautiful, and I'm glad we got to see it. Good job, B!

After we said good bye to Samantha (sad), we caught our flight and were headed home. B's sister Aviva picked us up in Mpls (our bag made it home too!), and then it was off to run some errands. Finally we headed home and I got to rest...for another whole week of illness! Ick.

Recap:
We had a great time in Seattle, and we especially enjoyed spending time with Samantha and Travis. I miss them a lot, and I'm looking forward to our next trip out. Hopefully when the weather is nicer, as all that grey does get a bit old. ;) Plus, we want to do some of the more outdoorsy stuff, like the national parks and Mt. Saint Helens (which is also a national park I think). Plus, there's always baseball - clearly that's a priority! :)

Thanks to Samantha and Travis for hosting us - we love you guys!

Song lyrics

Currently, I have a funny song running through my head: Let My Love Open the Door to Your Heart. That, a song by Phish, and Pocketful of Sunshine have been running through my head for days. This might not seem abnormal, but really, if I could reduce the number of songs and song lyrics in my brain, I think I could know a lot more law (and other stuff too). I may not be able to tell you much about Contracts or Evidence, but I'm somehow able to sing songs I first heard in the 2nd grade. How is that helpful? My brain needs a delete button, like on the computer. I need more free space! Alas, I'm sure Madonna's Holiday will be running through my brain as I sit for the bar exam. Hot. :)

U2 in 3D rocks!

Last night, Beth and I attended the U2 in 3D concert at the Imax theater in Apple Valley, and it was a really good show! I didn't really know what to expect, as I've never been to a 3D concert, but it was really neat. Suddenly, Bono would be right in front of us, jamming out. Hanging out with Beth has made me remember how much I love U2, and I've been listening to them quite a bit lately. Good times, and to my fellow U2 lovers, I highly recommend the show. Plus, who doesn't look fantastic in 3D glasses, honestly? ;)

Funny story about attending the show: if any of you know me even decently well, you know that I don't really sit still when there is music playing (or even a washing machine running really). If I hear rhythm or a beat, I'm moving. So, of course I'm jamming a bit in my chair last night. At one point, I glanced around to see if I was the only person jamming out, and there were tons of people sitting absolutely still in their seats - not even a little toe tapping. I thought that was extremely odd; it's not like we were at a serious film or something similar. It was basically a rock concert on a giant screen. What gives people? Do you not feel the music in your soul? Cuz it's in there, if you listen/look. Or maybe that sets some people apart, makes us different, idk. I cannot imagine a world without music, but maybe not everyone feels that way. Regardless, I found it quite amusing that people just sat there like statues while I (and Beth too) jammed out. Good times!

Later skaters!

Deep thoughts... - myspace blog post

Don't worry peeps...I'm not melancholy or anything like that. I just heard this song on my ipod and I like the lyrics. They can really sum up life at times. Something to think about at least.


The Be Good Tanyas Lyrics

In Spite of All the Damage
Written by Frazey Ford

If I wanted to say to you
That I wanted to see your face again
That I want to hear you laughing
In spite of all the damage I've done

If I wanted to hear you talkin'
Or to hear your sense of things
Or to call you up on a Sunday morning
In spite of all the damage I've done

Well I broke up our home and left you nowhere to run
Yes I broke up our home and left you nowhere to run

I'm living out my days away
I think you understand that I could not stay
But I like to hear you laughing
In spite of all the damage I've done
In spite of all the damage I've done

Well I broke up our home and left you nowhere to run
Yes I broke up our home and left you nowhere to run

Time goes by...so slowly...or not. - myspace blog post

I guess I haven't written for a while again (patience folks, patience). Life is seriously flying by these days. What with work and various Harry Potter activities, I barely have time for sleep! I can't believe school starts August 22nd (or something close to that). That gets a major thumbs down, as I'm LOVING having a life again. I love seeing people, meeting people, doing fun things, and not having to study. Alas, if I actually want to BE an attorney, I must complete my third and final year.

As I know you are all dying to know, here's a recap of what I've been up to as of late:

1. The Harry and the Potters concert. When Karen and Paige invited me to go, I honestly had no idea what to expect. I knew the concert was being sponsored by the Mpls Public Library and that it was at a park, but other than that, no clue. Well, let's just say H and the Ps is good stuff. Totally silly, totally dopey, but I also couldn't stop smiling the entire time. Indeed, I even found myself singing/dancing along. How can you not dig a band that promotes reading and shouts out references to various scientific terms, such as ATP (and a bunch of other things I cannot spell)? I also really enjoyed seeing all the different types in the crowd enjoy the show (kids, teens, young professionals, people like my parents, etc.). H and the Ps: a nerdy boy's dream band. I say this with much love. Good times all around.

2. The Aquatennial Torchlight Parade. Okay, this was quite honestly the worst parade I've ever seen. There was no music, and the few floats were totally lame. The parade mostly consisted of various emergency services vehicles. Did you know that the Saint Paul Fire Department has a fan boat (they might actually have a bunch, because the one I saw was numbered 21)? Are there a lot of river fires that need attention? Did we develop a bayou? I know my firefighting knowledge is limited, but I didn't follow. Anyway, this parade also had tons of different pageant winners, but they were from places like Robbinsdale and other suburbs. I don't follow; isn't the aquatennial a Mpls festival? Finally, there were also random high school bands, none from the city. All quite odd, and the whole thing lacked in entertainment value. Boo.

3. Sweeney's. I met up with some school friends and had a few drinks out on the patio. No complaining at all here. Good times.

4. Working like crazy (which involves lunches and more drinks, diet coke for me). I've been putting in quite a few hours at the office, but I'm still enjoying the job. In fabulous news, my bridesmaid's dress still fits, even after all the many crazy lunches. I just have to hold out until Friday now, but I'm not out of the woods yet, as I have a lunch EVERY day this week. Insanity. Fun, but insane too.

5. The Art Car Parade. I went to the art car parade on Saturday, which I think is also part of the Aquatennial festival. Who knew I was so dedicated to the Aquatennial? Not me, but I went with it anyway. Now this was a pretty interesting parade. Fortunately for Karen and Paige, I found us some lovely seats on someone's yard (which was quite uncomfortable actually. The grass was dead, and for a brief while, I missed the lush suburban lawns of my youth). The parade was neat, but because of traffic issues it went rather slowly. Obviously, we had no patience and took off for beverages, where we met the lovely ABB and Tobias. Food and drinks for all, and the memories of the scratchy yard were soon lost.

6. HP 7. I read the entire book on Saturday (well, into Sunday morning actually). I very much enjoyed it, and that is all I will say because I don't want to give anything away to my friends who haven't finished.

7. Twins game. I went to the Twins game with my dad, Sarah, and Carolyn on Sunday. Unfortunately my team did not get the job done. Clutch hitting is lacking, and it's painful to watch at times. Also, the two guys behind us clearly should have just stayed at the office, as they only spoke about business (quite loudly) for the entire game. I feel like I should have had paper and pen ready to go so I could record stock tips. They annoyed me to no end, and I think they even annoyed my dad. I bet they don't even know who won the game. Boo to that.

8. Drinks at Lake Valusek. I met up with two school friends tonight for dinner and drinks at Lake Valusek (aka Karla's backyard with a fountain). Karla made fabulous food and mojitos, and I got to spend time with two fabulous, smart, funny, attractive women. What more can you ask for?

9. Preparing for K and D's wedding. I haven't done tons, but I've been trying to help out. I'm very excited for the big day on Friday, and again, as I said above, I'm relieved my dress fits. I better go with salads all week.

10. Trying to spend time with Sarah (and talk to her) before she leaves. I'm very much in denial about the move...thank God for cell phones (with the same service plan), IM, email, and airplanes. It's gonna be rough.

Okay, so that was obviously more than a recap. I just feel like I've been doing tons of stuff...I wish I had blogged about H and the Ps much sooner, as that experience truly was unique. Alas, I delayed and now words just don't capture the magical evening in Pershing Park.

Well, enough for tonight. Love to all my peeps!

The Basilica Block Party and Me - myspace blog post

I know, I know, I just wrote an entry. However, I have another interesting experience to share: The Basilica Block Party (BBP).

A while back, Sarah asked if I wanted to go to the BBP, as Amos Lee and Brandi Carlile were scheduled to play. I said sure, why not? I've never been. Of course, Amos and Brandi played on different nights, so we had to buy the two day passes. At the time, I thought, no big deal. I love music and it will be fun.

Fast forward to tonight, the first night of the BBP. Sarah and I decided to meet at my office, eat dinner, and take a cab over to the Basilica. All went smoothly and we arrived in good shape. Neither one of us had ever attended a BBP, so we had no idea what to expect upon entry. We walked in, and bam, it was honestly like one giant Catholic college reunion. A very, very straight, young college reunion. With lots of alcohol. In fact, it turns out that more alcohol is sold at this event than at any other similar event in the Twin Cities. Gotta love Catholic fundraisers.

Anyway, we made our way to the main stage (when they said block party, they actually meant block party, who knew?), and we actually ran into one of Sarah's professors, perhaps the only other gay person at this entire event. Except the priests. But I digress. We chatted with her for a bit, and then she was on her way, leaving us alone in the sea of drunken straights.

Despite the craziness, the music soon started up, and things improved quite a bit. The delicious ice cream cone helped even more, and then it was time for Amos. While I'm not a huge fan of his, I really enjoyed the show. He did an excellent job, and I even sang along to some of the tunes. Additionally, the weather was perfect, and it was really cool to be outside watching music with the Mpls skyline in the background. Thus, despite the drunken frat party in our midst, the night turned out to be quite fun. However, I'm not sure it was good enough to want to go back tomorrow, even if it's for Brandi Carlile. Two tix to the BPP anyone? JK, I love Brandi!

A note to my readers: Know that for the most part, I write with tongue in cheek. Take it for what it's worth and know that I don't hate the world. In fact, I have a good life, and it's dang good to be alive! Sounds funny to have to clarify, but that's the way it is.

Whoa... - myspace blog post

So today I did something big, something that was very hard for me. It was both good and hard. It made me feel happy and sad, and also a bit proud for doing it. I won't go into any more details than that...just that it's funny that you never know where life will bring you and if you are making the right choices. A simple thing can call everything into question...I'm going to let Dar sum things up. I've always loved this song, and it really speaks to me.

Spring Street by Dar Williams:

"I'm sorry that I left you
With your questions all alone
But I was too happy drivingAnd too angry to drive home
I was thinking about the easy courage
Of my distant friends
They said I could let this bridge wash out
And never make amends

Can I blow this small town
Make a big sound
Like the star of a film noir postcard
Can I just forget the frames I shared with you

And I can't believe what they're saying
They're saying I can change my mind
Start over on Spring Street
I'm welcome anytime

Well there are Spring Street storefront daisies
Floating on their neon stems
There are new shirts on the clothes racks
Should I feel like one of them
I can find a small apartment
Where a struggling artist died
And pretend because I pay the rent
I know that pain inside

Yeah, let's watch the tour bus stop and tell us
Here's the scene of a spring green life dream
Take the best part
Write it in your caffeine diary

And I can't believe what they're saying
They're saying I can leave tonight
Start over on Spring Street
I'm welcome anytime

This year April had a blizzard
Just to show she did not care
And the new dead leaves
They made the trees look like children with gray hair
But I'll push myself up through the dirt
And shake my petals free
I'm resolved to being born
And so resigned to bravery

Yeah the one who leaves this also grieves this
Too much rain on a prairie flood plain
Houses floating, love is like that
We built on the river

And that's to say, yeah I'm leaving
But I don't have to go there
I don't have to go to Spring Street'
Cause it's spring everywhere... "

Amazing Grace - myspace post

I'm in the story telling mood...

The year was 1999 and I was the BLOC (big lesbian on campus) at good ol' CSB. Graduation, and thus the real world, rapidly approached. I sought solace in a J Term course called Sexuality and Spirituality, figuring as a lifelong skeptic, I could use some help in the spirituality department. However, the class was not what I expected at all. Needless to say, I've told many a story from that class, including the real meaning of hiking, but the one that I will never forget is the wonderful amazing grace story...

One of our assignments was to write a homily, sort of a story/sermon about ourselves. I wrote my coming out story but told it from the perspective of a girl named Jocelyn and I described her life at CSB...clever I know. Anyway, I delivered my spell binding homily to the class, revealing myself as the true Jocelyn, and I then surprisingly received a standing ovation. If that wasn't enough, suddenly someone burst out, I think that we should sing Amazing Grace!

Before I knew what was happening, I was being shuttled to the middle of the circle and everyone began to sing Amazing Grace around me. The whole song. I'm not lying. While the singing was taking place, each person individually came up to me and gave me a hug. My task was to not bust out laughing. Seriously. Somehow I made it through and left class never to speak of the event again.

Years go by and I rarely think of the event, except to chuckle a bit when hearing the song. However, one day out of the blue, I shared the tale with one Ms. Erickson who thought it was the best story ever. Now the story is the stuff of legend and is often retold, but each time I had to hug more people and the song gets longer...

Why I'm sharing this tonight I don't know...perhaps you too will find it hysterical. Just to help you relive my moment, here are the lyrics to that lovely song:

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

If you ever see my laughing during this song, even if it's at a funeral, you now know why. Please don't hold it against me. Seriously.

Yours always,
Schmiddy

Weekends Rule! - myspace blog post

So, I went out last night (shout out to Samantha, Austin, Sarah, and Gricus and all the other fun people I saw and met). I danced like a crazy fool and generally had a fabulous time. We checked out Pi, the new lesbian bar in town. I think it is a cool space, but honestly, the music was not my gig. The first band was painful, and the DJ seemed to be into spinning for herself, rather than the crowd. I think that is a cardinal DJ sin. Honestly. Know your audience, play for them, and make them want to dance. You don't need to show us how cool YOU are, or how much new music you know. I think I would love to be a DJ, but I think I have enough on my plate at the moment.

We left Pi because of the music and hit the Townhouse instead. Totally dead, but we were able to dance there. Plus they played my new favorite song, Say it Right by Nelly Furtado (Sarah was kind enough to request it for me). We also ate a nice dinner before, complete with chocolate cake.

Speaking of dinner, I accidently undertipped our server, who was great, and I realized it while I was laying in bed last night. So, I called the restaurant this morning and told them what happened and that I would like to bring by an extra $5. The host was a little shocked, but appreciative. I stopped by later, and the host on duty at that time looked at me like I was absolutely crazy. The manager then took the envelope from me and thanked me and said she would get it. I think they were shocked because no one had ever done anything like that before...which I find sad. Anyway, I took care of the screw up-hopefully the money makes it to our server.

I saw Letters from Iwo Jima today. Very good movie. Sad of course, but it had a very powerful message, a message that is still relevant today. Actually, more than one message. All people, no matter race/color/religion, are capable of wonderful and horrible things. We fight and demonize people, yet we don't even know or understand them. Definitely relevant in today's world. Anyway, now that I saw that movie, I've seen 4 out of the 5 Oscar nominated movies-not bad at all. I only have Babel left and I'm not sure I really want to see it. Might be a renter.

I also took my cat to the vet this weekend, and of course, I got the your cat is fat what are you doing to him speech...not quite that bad, but you get the picture. Truth be told, he IS fat, about 2 lbs overweight, but I also think he's been losing some lately as well. He got super fat over the summer while I was in Europe. I swear he stress ate. He's happy and playful, and he really doesn't look that bad. I refuse to put him on scheduled eating, as that involves my roommate's cat too, and I don't want food driven cats. If that makes me a bad cat mom, so be it. Guess I'm a little defensive, huh?

Anyway, all in all it was a great weekend. I'm happy to be out doing things again. I'm breaking free from law school dang it, and you can't stop me!

Adios mis amigos!

You say it, Imogen! - myspace blog post

Speeding Cars by Imogen Heap

Here's the day you hoped would never come
Don't feed me violins
just run with me through rows of speeding cars.
The papercuts the cheating lovers
The coffee's never strong enough
i know you think it's more than just bad luck

There there baby
it's just text book stuff
it's in the ABC of growing up
Now now darling
don't loose your head
none of us were angels
and you know I love you yeah

Sleeping pills know sleeping dogs lie
never far enough away
Glistening in the cold sweat of guilt
I've watched you slowly winding down for years
You can't keep on like this...
now's a bad a time as any

There there baby
it's just text book stuff
it's in the ABC of growing up
Now now darling
don't kill yourselfnone of us were angels
and you know I love you yeah

it's ok by me..it was along time ago