Kick it, Quit it, Kick it, Quit it

I didn't drink this weekend. Probably won't next. Might not drink till Easter, kind of a lent thing. Might not drink ever again. Who knows. Bars are strange when you're not drinking. Especially closing the Knarr sober. Spilled drinks, slurred words, open drugs deals. It was actually one of the most interesting things I've seen in a long time...

Started a bunch of seedlings yesterday. I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to do with them, but I figured that worse case scenario I give them away. I still want to find some elderly individual who doesn't want to keep up their yard and would let me have a garden there in exchange for maintenance services. For some reason I doubt it's going to happen...

I have a serious problem. I'm addicted to the Olympics. It happened two years ago with Beijing, now it's Vancouver. I haven't watched anything not relating the Olympics since they started and I've been average about 3.5 hours of television a day. It's too much, but I can't stop. Luckily it's only another week and then I can get back to my regular routine. Scary part is that I don't remember what my regular routine is...
****I just had bullshit called on my about this section of the post. I have watched one thing unrelated to the Olympics - LOST!!! How could I have forgotten!! Can't wait for tomorrow's episode!!!! ****

An old co-worker just brought me back "Ghost in the Shell". I completely forgot that I owned that movie. Great flick. I might have to watch that soon. After the Olympics are over of course...

Finally got my mail from the post office. I hate the post office. They had me trekkin' all over Ballard. I don't understand why they leave me a note to pick up my mail at the post office when in actuality my mail is at the post office ANNEX. Wtf?...

I can't get enough of GSH. I think I'm going to have to roll by a used CD place and pick up a bunch of his albums. How have I gone so long without it?

It'll be 6' tall this time next year.

I really hate Tim Eyman. Enough so that I started a facebook group a while back "Tim Eyman: Stop Wasting Our Time!". Turns out that it is the largest group about Eyman. Why am I bringing this up? Because he's going to be back at it for next year. Hopefully this time around he fails to get the signatures needed to put it on the ballot. Hopefully...

Magnesium deficiency...

As y'all know I'm reading Ulysses. I came across a strange part. He's getting some lunch and decides that he wants Burgundy and a gorgonzola sandwich. Now it's a real small thing in the story but seriously gorgonzola? I've never heard of anyone eating a blue cheese sandwich...

Low humidity...

I'd completely forgotten how great TV on the Radio is. I need to make sure that doesn't happen again...

Epsom Salt...

I'm thinking that I might need to get a holiday tree. I don't know where I'd put it or what I'd put on it, but it seems like something that I should have. Maybe I'll just get a lil seedling and let it grow for a few years in my apt...

Well I'm okay. How are you? Thanks for asking.

Wow, just realized it's been a while since I've done a rapid fire blog post so here goes...

The situation in Iran is horrible. If I was there I'd be in the streets too. I am pleased to see that the Iranian people are standing up for democracy though. If there is anything I can do to support them I will...

The yard is starting to look amazing! I got the space behind the shed cleaned up and am starting to think that could be a huge asset. It wasn't easy to move the compost pile, but well worth the effort. Next step is going to be getting the beds around the house all weeded out so the hops don't get strangled. Maybe this weekend...

It has been 28 days with no rain here in Seattle. Its strange. I guess a couple more and we've got a new record for the driest spring. The weathers been nice but it really makes me wonder at what cost? (see previous blog post)...

I bought a new charcoal grill last night. It's been a while since I've cooked on charcoal and I kinda screwed up last night and let them cool down too much before throwing on the meat. Hopefully round two won't be quite such a failure. We'll see...

I was at lunch today listening to Revolver when I had a realization: it'd been way too long since I'd heard "For No One". Great track. That whole CD is amazing. I can't wait for September when I get to hear all of their music remastered....

Radiohead's Palo Alto just came on my iPod. Now all I can think of are agricultural skyscrapers....

It's been so long...

It's been a while. I haven't had much access to a computer lately. Most of you already know, but I broke my foot two weeks ago. I went and drove a pick axe into it. Pretty painful, but things are on the up and up. I had surgery to screw it back together on monday and everything seems positive. If you want to see the xray and see some nonsense my dad's been spitting check it out here (I don't know who that kid is though)...

EAT MORE CHILI!!! Chili Cook Off was great! I hardly remember it from all the pain meds, but I have been reassured by many in attendance that a good time was had by all. Here's how the winners shaped up:

Traditional: David's "Smoke"
Standard: Ray and Jen's "Five Star Mango Mojito"
Vegetarian: Elizabeth's "Mystery Pepper Moli"
Experimental: Nathan's "Ostrichili"

Best in Show: Ray and Jen's "Five Star Mango Mojito"

I want to thank everyone for participating. I think that this year was by far the most competitive cook off to date. The only half assed attempt was my entry, but I had a good excuse...

I wish that I had some bacon right now. Hmmmm, bacon....

I'd like to give a quick nod to Arlen Specter. I know that he only did it to save his political life, but it's brought duly deserved attention to the fact that the Republican party is increasing becoming a regional party that is out of touch with the majority of the county. You all you should check out this article by Sen Olympia Snowe, I think that she hit the nail on the head and I wouldn't be surprised to find that she'll be leaving the republican ranks in the near future...

I love PBS. It's been my go to since I've become secluded and strange...

For my finale I'd like to give some shout outs:

Mickey, you've been awesome. My garden appreciates your liquid love and it's been nice to have some one to talk to at random times.

Elizabeth, afternoon cribbage in the sun was the best. Now I just need to get that tincture stuff from you so I can be up and running by the weekend!

Nathan, You better be ready for some Jeopardy craziness. I'm doing some serious boning... What is the Rhone? I'm also really looking forward to diving back into your fictitious world of fiction.

Rebecca (Sister), If it weren't for you I'd be wallowing in my own filth. My rooom mates are appreciative to I'm sure.

Rebecca, Thanks for cooking! I'm sure if I tried I'd break the new stove and burn down the house. And I don't think either of us will want to be around when Jeremy gets home after that.

Mom, the cookies were great! Thanks for checking in on me.

Lil Bro, Thanks for getting the stuff at the store for me. I was clueless before you came by that day.

David, I'm sorry. I know that you're getting screwed at work. When I get back I'll have to think of something spectacular to make it up to you.

Dad, where do I start? Thank you for the laptop, helping with the insurance forms, taking me to surgery, getting me crossword puzzles...and that's just in the last 4 days. You're so awesome. I really appreciate all of your help.

Mr. Sharp, where would I be without you. Well actually I can tell you. Probably still screaming in agony with a pick ax at my side. Your patience and selflessness has gone to further solidify in my world view why you are one of my favorite people. Thank you.

A new day dawns

So I've survived the weekends birthday events. It was good all-in-all. I think that I need to give a special shout out to P Matty for the killer dinner at Anthony's. I'd also like to thank everyone for showing up at the GLC. I had a great time...

Outdoor gardening in full effect. I was able to get the garden bed east of the brewery all cleaned out this weekend. All the hoe'n gave me a blister, which is irritating more than anything. But I was also able to plant the cherry tree. I also bought a couple magnolia trees that I need to find a good spot for. I think that they will bring me great happiness...

On the indoor front I was also pretty productive. I made the first attempt at octochili. I haven't tried it yet, because my stomach was not prepared for chili yesterday, but I have a ton of it at home and I'm hoping it's delicious. The little bit that I tried was good, so I'm hopeful. I also got the laundry room cleaned up. Now I just need to attack the rest of the house systematically to make sure it's all ready for the cook off. There are a lot of things I need to do and I'm not sure what all they are yet...

I have the best sister ever. She got up before the birds to make sure we'd capture sunrise pics for my wakeupseattle header. I included my favorite pic at the bottom...

I've been thinking about starting a new blog. I can hear you all now, "another one?!" Yes another one. I have been trying to figure out what to do with this old project that I did a few years ago. Elephant Skin aka Novel aka Dreams / Nightmares. I'm not really sure what to do with it, but I feel that I should do something with it so I may turn it into a blog. Could be interesting...

Semisesquicentennial, Demisesquicentennial or Hemisesquicentennial?

Today is a good day. Not sure why. Waking up was a little rough, but as soon as I got to work I was in a great mood. I think that it has something to do with all the Animal Collective I've been listening to (it's all I've listened to for days now)...

I'm trying to make a unicorn horn for our shipper. He's the last unicorn. He needs a horn. A majestic horn. With tassels...

Tomorrow I'm taking a class. It's called "Blog to Book". Looks interesting. Hopefully I'll learn some new techniques that I'll be able to show off for you next week...

Tonight everything is going to start to change. The garden has grown out of control and I can't reach it's inner workings, so it all has to move. Which means that I have to move the table, the shelves, the plants, the light, well everything in the dining room. In the end it will be better though. Peas are coming in nicely. And the bell peppers are shooting out flowers left and right. The tobacco is growing rapidly. Hopefully it doesn't take over. Wait, maybe thats a good thing...

I'm still laughing about honey...

Another day

Work is so extremely boring today I might cut off my left pinky just to liven things up a bit. But then I wouldn't be able to use the A, Q, or Z on my keyboard. I might also have trouble capitalizing things...

So I'm not too pleased with the viaduct decision. I never like the tunnel idea. But for those of you who follow my "Wake Up Seattle" blog already know this. And those of you who aren't following, you should...

I guess that's really all I have to say today. Oh wait! So I was doing a little work on the indoor garden last night to find that I've got mushrooms growing. So far I don't think it's a bad thing, probably water them a little less. But as I told a friend of mine, I'd much rather they spontaneously grow bacon...

The Flood, the Garden and the Stalker

There is major flooding expected to hit the entire Western Washington region. It has the potential to be very bad. And here I thought that there was an agreement. I guess the rainbow means nothing now...

My garden is thriving! It's so fabulous. I had to get the twine out to let the peas begin their upward growth. The jalapenos are going crazy. The tomatoes are starting to kick into full force. What I really need now are some suggestions of what to grow next. Keep in mind that it needs to be able to grow in a pot, I'm not opposed to large pots though. Hit me up in the comments! (Unless the next section pertains to you)...

I've recently found myself involved in a very strange stalker situation. They aren't really stalking me, but have got me involved. So if said stalker is reading this, I don't want anything to do with you. I think that you may benefit from moving on with your life. And just to make sure there is no confusion: don't comment here, don't message me on facebook, don't ask me to call you, if you show up at my house I will have you arrested, if you show up at my work I will have you arrested. I don't take kindly to this kind of bullshit. FYI...

Snow storms, garbage and body armor

It's been a while so I have a lot to cover. Lets see how much of it I forget...

SEATTLE SNOW STORM!!! That's been the big thing lately. It started during the Ho-down and didn't really let up for a couple weeks. Yesterday is when the big melt began. I couldn't be happier...

During our winter event I didn't really do too much. Worked pretty much everyday, which led to some interesting, or should I just say packed, bus rides. David was a champion and drove me home most of the days...

While holed away in my house we cooked like crazy. Here's some of the foods that were made: lime squares, chex mix (twice), cookies, roast, chicken soup, chili, etc. It was good, we pretty much just spent the whole weekend of the 20th at home baking and trying to stave off cabin fever as best we could...

There has also been a rash of puzzles going on. It started with the creek puzzle. Which led to the boat puzzle. Then the monkey puzzle (damn the monkey). Just when I thought we'd done all the puzzles I have Elizabeth came over last night with a Last Supper puzzle. It's over 3 feet long!!! I may add pictures to this later, but my camera is at home...

The indoor garden is taking shape nicely. I got a bunch of seeds planted, effectively starting phase two. The big light is out now and they're loving it. Well, those that aren't getting burned. I have to look into it a little more. Some of them are thriving, like the jalapenos have double in size, while others aren't doing so well, the Peruvians haven't done anything. In time I'll get it all figured out and we should be able to start the continual harvest around March or April...

Christmas was good. I went out to my Dad's for the eve. It was really pleasant. My sister, brother in law, Joe and I played the game of Life. Joe won because he decided not to go to college. The irony of that game will never get old. We ate chili and tomato soup. It was fabulous. Then my brother and Joe came down and spent the night at my place. Christmas morning my brother made breakfast, which was great, and I put up the indoor garden light with a little help from my friends. That evening I went down to Claudia's with Matt and we ate dinner. She made Cornish Game Hens. So good. Then we just dinked around for a while playing Dangerous Hunts on the wii. All in all a good holiday...

Not much else going on in my life. Now for a couple other things...

Dear Seahawks, As if this year wasn't bad enough for Seattle sports fans, we had to watch you. Step up your game next year...

Larry Craig tourists now is the time. They're beginning to see a slow in bathroom tourism at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport so now is your chance to get out and see where it all went down!....

The garbage is pilling up. It's pretty gross. I just want them to finally take it all away...

Israel is bombing Gaza, again...

And one last thing for all you out there that believe teaching abstinence and not responsiblity in school is the way to go, click here. I personally don't understand why the current administration has taken the course they have. It's like sending our troops in Iraq into heavy fire without body armor because they took a pledge to not get shot...

The Faults of Postmodernism

So I was trying to think about something to blog about today. At first I was going to write a fine essay about how people should write more essays, not to convey a point or argument, but just for the shear act of writing. However I ran into the problem of all post-modernism, that in an attempt to express itself all meaning becomes so cliche its renders itself void. End result, a lot of babble and circular logic. Nothing worth spending much more time talking about...so i'm just going to ramble for a while about other meaningless stuff.

On my desk you can find the following things: An empty coffee mug, two "kinyo" speakers, a man named Reynold smiling from a business card that reads "THE MAGIC TUXEDO", a can of air, a stapler, an old bottle cap and piece of paper with the quote "I have always imaginged that paradise will be some kind of library" - Jorge Luis Borges...

I was at a BBQ over the weekend and I have one piece of advice to everyone out there. If you're about to drop your hotdog, just let it go. By fumbling to try to catch it you will send condiments everywhere. I know this because I was unfortunately covered in grilled onions, mustard, relish, ketchup, avocado, sauerkraut, and god only knows whatelse was on this dog from hell. Thanks again Mickey....

They keep finding shoes off the coast of British Columbia. They all have human feet inside. Weirdest story I've read in a while. They think it might be related to the tsunami or a plane crash where the victims were never found. In the end I doubt that it's either, the DNA agrees with me so far. Maybe in the end God has decided that the people of British Columbia were becoming too complacent and needed something more to spark their interests. If that's the case I think it worked...

Did some gardening this weekend. It was actually very chill. Got myself some peppers planted. Also pumpkins, radishes, and carrots. I don't know how well they're all going to do, but I am holding out hope that the pumpkins make it into the beer at some point. hmmmm pumpkin beer...

The new Wolf Parade album, At Mount Zoomer, is awesome. All I've listened to for a week now...

Some strange people just showed up at my office. I'm not sure why they're here. But there is an older man with hair that flows half way down his back and a young man who seems to have spent more time in a tattoo parlor than he has in a school...

The sun is out. It's been a crap shoot lately. The yard needs to be mowed, but the gas can is empty. If the sun stays out I doubt that I'll make it to the gas station tonight. But if it rains I won't mow the lawn...

I'm rereading "White Noise", again. Anyone who hasn't read it, you should. Great book...

My dad is moving. I have to help him on wednesday. I don't have to help him move because he hired people to do it. But we have to move everything into the garage so the movers can move it...

My phone keeps ringing...

I love Optimus Prime. I think he's one of the best fictional character of all time. I have a co-worker who doesn't share this love. One day when things were slow he found a way to post a small piece of paper in my window, about 25 feet above the warehouse. Now everyday at work a metal face stares at me all day long. "Megatron is Watching"...

Turns out the strange people are related to my boss, go figure...