Tuesday, December 1, 2009
what I want
Can I just live a fun, simple, and honest life with fun, simple, and honest people in it? No games, no crap, just people who want to be respectful, want to be honest and open. Say what you mean, mean what you say. No one says that life can't be fun and spontaneous at all! These things are not mutually exclusive damn it! If you're uncomfortable, say so. If you don't like me or something that I do, say so. I will try my best to address the issue head on with a bit of embarrassment, but honest humility. I'm not getting 'too old' for this, honesty and love shouldn't be assumed by age, they should be offered willingly by all and to all. What the heck is wrong with people these days? I spend so much energy on things that don't matter. I want to spend my energy on the things that do.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Holiday Time musing
So it's holiday time again and I've got a few thoughts on my mind I wanted to get out.
I just finished watching 'Elf' again (yay Zooey Deschanel!) and as absurd as it may sound, it gets me going sometimes right at the end when she starts singing 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town.' You know why? well, because at that moment, everything is kind of just pure. Pure emotion whatever it may be, really affects. It's like trying to experience things like a child does. That child has no clue how to take his experience except from a completely pure and untainted state of mind. You can enjoy the wonder of the world for what it is, no pretense, no history to color your thoughts, just the moment. I know we've all experienced it before, just getting lost in the moment.
I've been listening to this singer (got it from Issa originally), Molly Lewis and the best i can describe, going along with this post, is that her music is just fun. That's it. and that's enough. =)
I just finished watching 'Elf' again (yay Zooey Deschanel!) and as absurd as it may sound, it gets me going sometimes right at the end when she starts singing 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town.' You know why? well, because at that moment, everything is kind of just pure. Pure emotion whatever it may be, really affects. It's like trying to experience things like a child does. That child has no clue how to take his experience except from a completely pure and untainted state of mind. You can enjoy the wonder of the world for what it is, no pretense, no history to color your thoughts, just the moment. I know we've all experienced it before, just getting lost in the moment.
I've been listening to this singer (got it from Issa originally), Molly Lewis and the best i can describe, going along with this post, is that her music is just fun. That's it. and that's enough. =)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Sad day
So last night, around 10pm, my neighbor down on the corner, passed away. Him and his wife were the very first people that welcomed me to the neighborhood, even before my house was completed. He was a large and friendly gentleman, always willing to stop what he was doing and just shoot the shit as they say. He was a bit crass, but always always respectful and warm and him and his family make this neighborhood feel like home.
We don't usually get to pick our neighbors, but I can't say enough about the folks who have been placed by my side here and it's truly a sad day to have lost one so suddenly.
He had just celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary with his loving wife and she still calls him her best friend. Amazing. How absolutely lucky and blessed she is to have had 25 years and even in his last night, she told him he had stick around for at least another 20 years and although he had trouble speaking, he eeked out, "no, 70". I can only hope and pray to have even just a sliver of a moment of time with a love like that.
Say hello to Jesus for me Randy and pop a beer for me...
We don't usually get to pick our neighbors, but I can't say enough about the folks who have been placed by my side here and it's truly a sad day to have lost one so suddenly.
He had just celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary with his loving wife and she still calls him her best friend. Amazing. How absolutely lucky and blessed she is to have had 25 years and even in his last night, she told him he had stick around for at least another 20 years and although he had trouble speaking, he eeked out, "no, 70". I can only hope and pray to have even just a sliver of a moment of time with a love like that.
Say hello to Jesus for me Randy and pop a beer for me...
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
To the couple in 19A and B
Thank you for sharing your plane ride with me today! Isn't it funny how open and accommodating we all become when we're crammed up in small and uncomfortable quarters with the most stranger of the strangers out there?
If you don't believe that we as human beings long for connections and human interaction and belonging, then you really haven't sat next to anyone on a plane! It's amazing what we allow ourselves to share for the few little hours of our lives that we share with one another. Now granted, this can be a dangerous thing, but come on, go bungee jumping, live a little! Take a leap!
I've met some of the nicest people on planes and it really makes me put a little more hope in the human race when I do. There's so many people out there who don't give a d*mn about you and me and it's all me me me, but honestly, I like to think that's a small minority, and when I complete a plane ride as I did today, I am uplifted with a bit of hope.
So to John and Elaine from Jersey, thanks for the ride, I hope I was as much of a joy to your flight as you were to mine!
If you don't believe that we as human beings long for connections and human interaction and belonging, then you really haven't sat next to anyone on a plane! It's amazing what we allow ourselves to share for the few little hours of our lives that we share with one another. Now granted, this can be a dangerous thing, but come on, go bungee jumping, live a little! Take a leap!
I've met some of the nicest people on planes and it really makes me put a little more hope in the human race when I do. There's so many people out there who don't give a d*mn about you and me and it's all me me me, but honestly, I like to think that's a small minority, and when I complete a plane ride as I did today, I am uplifted with a bit of hope.
So to John and Elaine from Jersey, thanks for the ride, I hope I was as much of a joy to your flight as you were to mine!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
We all make our order
It’s funny how peoples’ minds work isn’t it? Take my own, my mind seems to make memories based on smells, tastes, and vehicles. Sometimes, I remember someone’s face by remembering the car they used to drive, but more often than not, it seems to come in that order, car, then face. A lot of times, it’s the same with events and faces when I’m eating. They say your memory is really linked to your sense of smell and it’s really true for me. Food, then faces.
So think how odd to me that this past week I spent in New Jersey and New York, working, eating. Food, work, then faces. I’ve been absolutely ecstatic that I was able to get reservations at Babbo Italian Restaurant, Mario Batali’s restaurant. It takes a month in advance at least, to get reservations and luckily this time around, I was able to plan things out to get those reservations. In fact, this time around, I had enough advance notice to actually put together a small group to eat with that was not just limited to coworkers that were with me on the trip. Faces, food.
Therein lies the oddity. For all intents and purposes, I should have been absolutely ready, prepared to immerse myself in this wonderful food, prepared with deliberation and intent for the sole purpose of eating and yes, entertaining me and my friends. But I have to say, the food wasn’t the highlight, I didn’t even THINK to bring out my camera to take pictures until almost the end of the meal, and did not stay the conversation to expressly enjoy the food itself. No, the conversation and fun, flowed just as evenly as the 9 wonderful courses made their way out to us, and in fact, overwhelmed the experience and makes me sit back now thinking. This was an experience! Gastronomical, yes, but social, and utterly enjoyable. 2 hours, 2 bottles, 9 courses, 3 unrelated, but completely open and enjoyable guests at the table. THIS is how we should all experience our meals, this is how we should break bread and enjoy people. So simple! Beautiful food, wonderful company, and truly, the time to enjoy it all. If only all our meals could be enjoyed as such! Faces, voices, food.
So think how odd to me that this past week I spent in New Jersey and New York, working, eating. Food, work, then faces. I’ve been absolutely ecstatic that I was able to get reservations at Babbo Italian Restaurant, Mario Batali’s restaurant. It takes a month in advance at least, to get reservations and luckily this time around, I was able to plan things out to get those reservations. In fact, this time around, I had enough advance notice to actually put together a small group to eat with that was not just limited to coworkers that were with me on the trip. Faces, food.
Therein lies the oddity. For all intents and purposes, I should have been absolutely ready, prepared to immerse myself in this wonderful food, prepared with deliberation and intent for the sole purpose of eating and yes, entertaining me and my friends. But I have to say, the food wasn’t the highlight, I didn’t even THINK to bring out my camera to take pictures until almost the end of the meal, and did not stay the conversation to expressly enjoy the food itself. No, the conversation and fun, flowed just as evenly as the 9 wonderful courses made their way out to us, and in fact, overwhelmed the experience and makes me sit back now thinking. This was an experience! Gastronomical, yes, but social, and utterly enjoyable. 2 hours, 2 bottles, 9 courses, 3 unrelated, but completely open and enjoyable guests at the table. THIS is how we should all experience our meals, this is how we should break bread and enjoy people. So simple! Beautiful food, wonderful company, and truly, the time to enjoy it all. If only all our meals could be enjoyed as such! Faces, voices, food.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Extraordinary
I am absolutely flabbergasted that every day I am presented with someone in my life - friend, family, stranger - that is absolutely extraordinary in some way, shape, or form. Seriously. I am surrounded by the most amazing and interesting people. I may not realize it at the time, but reflection makes my eyes see what I may not have in the moment.
Let's all fine-tune our senses and find the extraordinary in others 'in the moment' so that we can reflect on how lucky we are to live this life.
Let's all fine-tune our senses and find the extraordinary in others 'in the moment' so that we can reflect on how lucky we are to live this life.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Wake up in the morning
So every morning I'm woken by the sounds of Christian radio (KSBJ) via my alarm clock. Some mornings I wake up early enough to catch Dr. James C. Dobson and his Focus on the Family talkshow. I don't always necessarily listen full-ear to the ground when it comes up (I just woke up!), but today I woke up to him reading something.
It wasn't his voice that made me perk up, but what he was reading. I just sat, completely wrapped up in the words that felt like they were flowing from the author herself - Dr. Dobson's mother. It was a letter, a love letter in fact, to her husband who had just passed at the time. The words were absolutely heart-wrenching and left me in an almost grief-stricken state as I sat and pondered what had happened. The short of it? I think one line I remember sums it up best - "we became me."
It wasn't the eloquence that made me rapt to listen, but the simplicity of her letter - not in the simplicity of the words, but the raw, basic emotions that they were written from. It's like a single string in a cacophony of sounds that becomes bold and strong, different from the others around it.
This was truly love in the greatest and simplest form and I hope that we all get a chance to experience it.
It wasn't his voice that made me perk up, but what he was reading. I just sat, completely wrapped up in the words that felt like they were flowing from the author herself - Dr. Dobson's mother. It was a letter, a love letter in fact, to her husband who had just passed at the time. The words were absolutely heart-wrenching and left me in an almost grief-stricken state as I sat and pondered what had happened. The short of it? I think one line I remember sums it up best - "we became me."
It wasn't the eloquence that made me rapt to listen, but the simplicity of her letter - not in the simplicity of the words, but the raw, basic emotions that they were written from. It's like a single string in a cacophony of sounds that becomes bold and strong, different from the others around it.
This was truly love in the greatest and simplest form and I hope that we all get a chance to experience it.
Monday, May 4, 2009
sorry for the reference
So I watch 'How I Met Your Mother' pretty religiously and today's episode struck a chord. I'll just post a short transcript:
"...The great moments of your life won't necessarily be the things you do, they'll also be the things that happen to you. Now I'm not saying you can't take action to affect the outcome of your life, you have to take action, and you will. But never forget, that on any day, you can step out the front door, and your whole life can change forever. You see the universe has a plan, kids, and that plan is always in motion. A butterfly flaps its wings and it starts to rain. It's a scary thought, but it's also kind of wonderful; all these little parts of the machine, constantly working, making sure that you end up exactly where you're supposed to be, exactly when you're supposed to be there. The right place, at the right time. "
maybe we all need to take a lesson sometimes
"...The great moments of your life won't necessarily be the things you do, they'll also be the things that happen to you. Now I'm not saying you can't take action to affect the outcome of your life, you have to take action, and you will. But never forget, that on any day, you can step out the front door, and your whole life can change forever. You see the universe has a plan, kids, and that plan is always in motion. A butterfly flaps its wings and it starts to rain. It's a scary thought, but it's also kind of wonderful; all these little parts of the machine, constantly working, making sure that you end up exactly where you're supposed to be, exactly when you're supposed to be there. The right place, at the right time. "
maybe we all need to take a lesson sometimes
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter and the rest of the Triduum
So I had a pretty darn good Triduum this year! This is I believe, one of the first years that I actually attended all three days of the Triduum, all really due to the fact that I sing in the choir at my local church.
I have to say, I don't remember being so moved in previous years, but each day had it's moment when I actually got a little choked up thinking about what we were doing and what was truly happening ...
Holy Thursday. As I sat there during mass, I remember thinking of all the other times that I had been in a mass and actually taken part in the washing of the feet. I actually do remember taking part in it back for a couple of years at the University Catohlic Center in Austin. I want to even say that I did it the first year I was there and we were still in the 'old' building. wow. That was a while back.
At this church though, they don't invite the whole congregation to take part, but ask a few folks who have truly given so much to the church in the past year to come up and not only get their own feet washed, but wash others'. as I have done for you...
This year, as I sang during this part, I sat and watched and lost myself from time to time in that simple act, somehow we linked back and it was as if the past and the present were all there in one action and my mind just raced thinking that this, this was what Jesus did, knowing that he would die. How many of us can give up ourselves in humility like that...
Good Friday. I decided not to go to the 3pm at my local church as I was dead tired after work and everything so I decided to join some of my good friends at St. Clare of Assisi's 7pm. What a beautiful ceremony! I DEFINITELY remember going to Good Friday masses in my college days. I remember vividly placing nails at the foot of the cross, bending my whole body down in veneration and just praying. I remember vividly placing rose petals, kissing the wood and just laying there. This year, I came up, knelt on both knees and tried my best to brush the bottom most part of the cross. I just didn't feel worthy enough to do much else.
Easter vigil. The big show. Here it came and I can't remember a more fun Easter mass that I had been to. We have a wonderful French Cajun priest at my local church who has no qualms letting the Holy Spirit come on out and keep things lively! The joy and the utter amazement in his words and actions are very apparent and it's fun to watch. period. After he blessed those newly inducted, he couldn't help himself and just burst forth, "I love doing that!" and I believed him!
The most poignant part though for me, was right before he asks each candidate, "do you wish to be baptized in the faith that you have just proclaimed?" It is SO different heard like this than when it's a child being baptized! do YOU wish it? Not, do you wish this child to, or anything else, it is YOU. It's a wholly personal decision that these people get to make in full knowing. how amazing! I can't lie, I was slightly jealous that they got to make that decision like that.
The congregation was so awesome too! After each person had been drenched in the waters, a great big 'AMEN' went through the crowd and then huge applause! These people were truly overjoyed to welcome their new brothers and sisters and it was SO good! And I remember the last gentleman, when the last pitcher of water was poured over his head, an older gentleman near me whom I can only believe was his father or father in law or something like that, bolt up straight out of his seat and clapped as if noone were watching. The pride in the simple, yet so joyous, act of deliberate, and knowing surrender was so evident in the father's actions, it was truly moving.
Easter morning. So I went to morning mass with my parents as I often do, but this year was ever more important as I cannot forget to spend time at church with the family on such an important day. Getting to take part in Easter mass with the 'rents is always joyful. What stuck out in my mind though, as I went to receive the cup, it was a familiar gentleman who offered it, and although it is a Korean church and he's white (and he offers the cup in Korean), he gave a welcoming smile as I came up, said in English, "The blood of Christ," as if saying to me, peace be with you, and it felt like going home again.
Then catch up with old friends and go home to spend lunch/dinner with the family. Good times for sure.
Hoping your Easter was as blessed and wonderful as my own.
I have to say, I don't remember being so moved in previous years, but each day had it's moment when I actually got a little choked up thinking about what we were doing and what was truly happening ...
Holy Thursday. As I sat there during mass, I remember thinking of all the other times that I had been in a mass and actually taken part in the washing of the feet. I actually do remember taking part in it back for a couple of years at the University Catohlic Center in Austin. I want to even say that I did it the first year I was there and we were still in the 'old' building. wow. That was a while back.
At this church though, they don't invite the whole congregation to take part, but ask a few folks who have truly given so much to the church in the past year to come up and not only get their own feet washed, but wash others'. as I have done for you...
This year, as I sang during this part, I sat and watched and lost myself from time to time in that simple act, somehow we linked back and it was as if the past and the present were all there in one action and my mind just raced thinking that this, this was what Jesus did, knowing that he would die. How many of us can give up ourselves in humility like that...
Good Friday. I decided not to go to the 3pm at my local church as I was dead tired after work and everything so I decided to join some of my good friends at St. Clare of Assisi's 7pm. What a beautiful ceremony! I DEFINITELY remember going to Good Friday masses in my college days. I remember vividly placing nails at the foot of the cross, bending my whole body down in veneration and just praying. I remember vividly placing rose petals, kissing the wood and just laying there. This year, I came up, knelt on both knees and tried my best to brush the bottom most part of the cross. I just didn't feel worthy enough to do much else.
Easter vigil. The big show. Here it came and I can't remember a more fun Easter mass that I had been to. We have a wonderful French Cajun priest at my local church who has no qualms letting the Holy Spirit come on out and keep things lively! The joy and the utter amazement in his words and actions are very apparent and it's fun to watch. period. After he blessed those newly inducted, he couldn't help himself and just burst forth, "I love doing that!" and I believed him!
The most poignant part though for me, was right before he asks each candidate, "do you wish to be baptized in the faith that you have just proclaimed?" It is SO different heard like this than when it's a child being baptized! do YOU wish it? Not, do you wish this child to, or anything else, it is YOU. It's a wholly personal decision that these people get to make in full knowing. how amazing! I can't lie, I was slightly jealous that they got to make that decision like that.
The congregation was so awesome too! After each person had been drenched in the waters, a great big 'AMEN' went through the crowd and then huge applause! These people were truly overjoyed to welcome their new brothers and sisters and it was SO good! And I remember the last gentleman, when the last pitcher of water was poured over his head, an older gentleman near me whom I can only believe was his father or father in law or something like that, bolt up straight out of his seat and clapped as if noone were watching. The pride in the simple, yet so joyous, act of deliberate, and knowing surrender was so evident in the father's actions, it was truly moving.
Easter morning. So I went to morning mass with my parents as I often do, but this year was ever more important as I cannot forget to spend time at church with the family on such an important day. Getting to take part in Easter mass with the 'rents is always joyful. What stuck out in my mind though, as I went to receive the cup, it was a familiar gentleman who offered it, and although it is a Korean church and he's white (and he offers the cup in Korean), he gave a welcoming smile as I came up, said in English, "The blood of Christ," as if saying to me, peace be with you, and it felt like going home again.
Then catch up with old friends and go home to spend lunch/dinner with the family. Good times for sure.
Hoping your Easter was as blessed and wonderful as my own.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Pictures
Not that there's a ton of you out there who read this, but I wanted to make sure I wrote it down so I can remember. In any case, new house and I need to start making it feel a little more homey, so I figured what better way than with pics of family and friends, right?
But I don't just want random pics, I guess that'd be ok for later, but I think I would really like to have pics of my family and friends either cooking or eating! How cool would that be to have a house full of pics of your friends and family doing what you love best, right?
So! If you happen to be reading this and have a pic of you, you and me, you and significant other, etc etc eating and/or cooking and you'd like to be in a frame in my house, let me know and send em my way!
But I don't just want random pics, I guess that'd be ok for later, but I think I would really like to have pics of my family and friends either cooking or eating! How cool would that be to have a house full of pics of your friends and family doing what you love best, right?
So! If you happen to be reading this and have a pic of you, you and me, you and significant other, etc etc eating and/or cooking and you'd like to be in a frame in my house, let me know and send em my way!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Backyard update
So instead of going to the Austin Rodeo BBQ competition and stuffing myself silly, I decided to stay home this weekend and take care of some more backyard stuff. I know I know, bad bad, but the saving grace is that there is some work going into a Texas Hill Country BBQ tour sometime in middle May =)
New Bublina Frutescens and river rock placed around the transformer finally!
close up, unfortunately, the two closest to the fence here got TRAMPLED by the stupid power company guys when they hopped my fence to install the new power lines for the new houses behind me. >(
More river rock and two new hibiscus plants put in, hibiscus was my grandmother's favorite flower...
two more hibiscus plants put down in the corner,
A couple of shots of the length of the back fence
New Bublina Frutescens and river rock placed around the transformer finally!
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| From Backyard_garden |
close up, unfortunately, the two closest to the fence here got TRAMPLED by the stupid power company guys when they hopped my fence to install the new power lines for the new houses behind me. >(
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| From Backyard_garden |
More river rock and two new hibiscus plants put in, hibiscus was my grandmother's favorite flower...
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| From Backyard_garden |
two more hibiscus plants put down in the corner,
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| From Backyard_garden |
A couple of shots of the length of the back fence
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| From Backyard_garden |
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| From Backyard_garden |
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Cooook (and some garden pics)
So it looks like the new flowers I put down have started blooming a bit more, it looks quite nice!
And I ended up doing a bit of cooking last night, just had been a while. Decided on some stuffed chicken breasts using my own homemade sourdough bread stuffing with roasted tomatoes and pan seared broccolini! btw, love broccolini, damn good stuff...
Oh, and I got suckered into a new pair of motorcycle boots, my old ones have been going downhill fast (pieces breaking off, etc), and one of my more favorite gear stores (newenough.com) had the new Sidi Vertigos on CLEARANCEEE, only catch was that I had to buy the white ones, but they look pretty darn good anyways!
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| From Backyard_garden |
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| From Backyard_garden |
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| From Backyard_garden |
And I ended up doing a bit of cooking last night, just had been a while. Decided on some stuffed chicken breasts using my own homemade sourdough bread stuffing with roasted tomatoes and pan seared broccolini! btw, love broccolini, damn good stuff...
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| From Food |
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| From Food |
Oh, and I got suckered into a new pair of motorcycle boots, my old ones have been going downhill fast (pieces breaking off, etc), and one of my more favorite gear stores (newenough.com) had the new Sidi Vertigos on CLEARANCEEE, only catch was that I had to buy the white ones, but they look pretty darn good anyways!
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| From Ducati bikes! |
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| From Ducati bikes! |
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
More gardening
I finally got around to putting some petunias and snapdragons in the ground, my first real set of color in the backyard. Not bad. I was planning on making that corner a bit of a sitting area, but I may decide to just put a Japanese Maple there and leave the corner be a nice looking area...
btw, my honeysuckle is growing like crazy, it won't bloom, but dang it it's wild!
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| From Backyard_garden |
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| From Backyard_garden |
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| From Backyard_garden |
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| From Backyard_garden |
btw, my honeysuckle is growing like crazy, it won't bloom, but dang it it's wild!
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| From Backyard_garden |
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Food pr0n party
So as I was watching the latest episode of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, episode labeled "Food Porn," all I could think was, damn, it's been a while since I've tried a totally new and crazy food item. I am in need of a bit of a taste palette tease.
As such, I think it may be an opportunity to get some of my more near and dear foodies to get together and have a little tasting party.
Of most interesting note from the No Reservations episode that I would really like to try to make, super soft boiled egg covered with a nice stinky, melty, soft cheese, and shaved truffles. Yum.
Heck, why not just call it a Food Pr0n party. Anyone in blogger world in?
As such, I think it may be an opportunity to get some of my more near and dear foodies to get together and have a little tasting party.
Of most interesting note from the No Reservations episode that I would really like to try to make, super soft boiled egg covered with a nice stinky, melty, soft cheese, and shaved truffles. Yum.
Heck, why not just call it a Food Pr0n party. Anyone in blogger world in?
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Green Thumb
So I've been working on my backyard garden a bit, trying to do some landscaping, but it's slow going as my finances are still pretty jacked up at the moment, but slowly and surely it's coming along!
Updates:
Nice Bougainvillea from Barry, thanks!
I've got the electrical transformer in my backyard, so the lattice went up and added some japanese honeysuckle (beautiful red blooms) and some star jasmine (beautiful white flowers)! Both plants actually bloom at different time periods, so I should have some fragrant blooms for a good portion of the year and maybe some bees and hummingbirds! =)
Right in the middle of back of the yard, Japanese honeysuckle that will hopefully just go wild on the back fence and some small foxtail ferns that will surround a couple more layers of plants in between, TBD ;)
Little different view here with the Compact Nandinas shown to fill in the areas in between. I'm going to find some nice button ferns to plant in curved rows around the Nandinas
Nice closeup of the foxtail ferns
So hopefully as I get some more money, I can fill in the gaps and finally get the nice riverstone or crushed rock I can place around the plants,
Whatcha think??
Updates:
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| From Backyard_garden |
Nice Bougainvillea from Barry, thanks!
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| From Backyard_garden |
I've got the electrical transformer in my backyard, so the lattice went up and added some japanese honeysuckle (beautiful red blooms) and some star jasmine (beautiful white flowers)! Both plants actually bloom at different time periods, so I should have some fragrant blooms for a good portion of the year and maybe some bees and hummingbirds! =)
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| From Backyard_garden |
Right in the middle of back of the yard, Japanese honeysuckle that will hopefully just go wild on the back fence and some small foxtail ferns that will surround a couple more layers of plants in between, TBD ;)
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| From Backyard_garden |
Little different view here with the Compact Nandinas shown to fill in the areas in between. I'm going to find some nice button ferns to plant in curved rows around the Nandinas
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| From Backyard_garden |
Nice closeup of the foxtail ferns
So hopefully as I get some more money, I can fill in the gaps and finally get the nice riverstone or crushed rock I can place around the plants,
Whatcha think??
Saturday, January 31, 2009
I never do this, but i can't sleep
Ok crips, I'll play
25 things
1) For some reason, the date looks cooler in my head written with periods rather than slashes or dashes, and with leading zeros, 01.31.09, except that all goes out the door if I'm writing by hand...
2) When writing by hand, I almost always write the year with a 'k' instead of some other normal way. 01/31/2k9
3) I've got What Not to Wear recording on my DVR every week and I'm not behind...
4) On crappy days, sometimes I'll make some food and go sit in the garage and eat by myself.
5) Something about the electronic sound of a ratchet makes me feel good. ie, if you listen to Postal Service's Brand New Colony. Actually, electronic music sounds in general are pleasing to my ears, but I can't stand just electronic music with no lyrics. Acoustic guitar accompanied by a piano comes in at a very very close second.
6) I need to spend time alone or at least in quiet from time to time to recharge my batteries. That's why I consider myself an introvert
7) No matter how long it's been since I've seen someone, if we used to be close and it was just a matter of time and distance that we hadn't seen each other, I am always able to pick up where we left off. It's weird to me when someone you used to be close and open with no longer can be that way with you (unless there was something that happened, a falling out of sorts or something)
8) More than half of the music I listen to is 80's music or artists from the 80's who actually made the transition and are still around. Of that music, very little of it is the normal billboard top 20 type 80's music
9) No matter what you think based upon how clean I keep my car, I really don't mind at all if your car is dirty or messy! I can't tell you how many times someone has apologized about the state of their car specifically in reference to how clean I keep my car. It's not my car! I don't care!
10) I almost never make my bed up unless I'm going out of town or sometimes, very rarely, when someone's coming over.
11) I really wouldn't be able to tell you whether I prefer the garage or the kitchen. They're both equally good.
12) I've got a huge nerd crush on Zooey Deschanel. There's just an overall feeling that I'd be into her. Definitely something different there. I like that.
13) I like people. I would hate to surround myself with people who were all the same. I love the diversity of life and as long as you're nice and considerate of me and other people, I love that you do, think, or whatever differently from everybody else.
14) I wish people could just communicate and talk openly, especially if something I'm doing makes them uncomfortable, I don't mind looking the fool as long as I learn something from it... well, ok, i mind looking the fool, but I will most definitely get over it as long as you can too
15) I hate it when people in traffic turn their signal to switch lanes on, then take 2 or more lanes instead of canceling and re-signaling. How do I know if you meant to come over more than just 1 lane?
16) I've crashed twice on my motorcycles, but I very luckily didn't get hurt in either case. (wear your gear!)
17) Every now and then, I get the desire to get up, move to a completely different city I've never been to, don't know anyone in, and do a reset. There's definitely something about starting over. (I'm sure everyone gets this at one point or another, but still)
18) I have written down the number of miles, number of gallons, and price of every single tank of gas I have put in all three of my vehicles since I've owned them. I can show you an excel graph of my mpg of any of them if you were interested
19) I didn't drink alcohol until I was 21 years old and even then, I didn't go apepshit on my 21st bday. It was harder to NOT drink than to drink, so I went that route. I don't have a hard moral line on drinking unless you've got a problem. I did take sips or tastes when my parents or grandparents let me try it
20) I prefer to be the caretaker rather than the person who needs to be taken care of
21) I joined my local church's choir as a bass and sang in a non-denominational praise team in college. I do not consider myself a singer or someone with any talent in any way though.
22) I work with a lot of really really talented and smart people and wonder what the heck I'm doing there sometimes.
23) I would love to have a dog (german shepherd or something along those lines with the long pointed noses), but until I'm actually responsible for another lifeform (ie a baby), I won't even consider it because I don't want the responsibility, the clean up, the costs, etc...
24) I very rarely go to sleep before midnight, every night. Although I need to work on that as it's getting ridiculous.
25) I couldn't tell you what I thought I was going to be or even what I wished I would be when I was young, but I can tell you that I like who I am now.
25 things
1) For some reason, the date looks cooler in my head written with periods rather than slashes or dashes, and with leading zeros, 01.31.09, except that all goes out the door if I'm writing by hand...
2) When writing by hand, I almost always write the year with a 'k' instead of some other normal way. 01/31/2k9
3) I've got What Not to Wear recording on my DVR every week and I'm not behind...
4) On crappy days, sometimes I'll make some food and go sit in the garage and eat by myself.
5) Something about the electronic sound of a ratchet makes me feel good. ie, if you listen to Postal Service's Brand New Colony. Actually, electronic music sounds in general are pleasing to my ears, but I can't stand just electronic music with no lyrics. Acoustic guitar accompanied by a piano comes in at a very very close second.
6) I need to spend time alone or at least in quiet from time to time to recharge my batteries. That's why I consider myself an introvert
7) No matter how long it's been since I've seen someone, if we used to be close and it was just a matter of time and distance that we hadn't seen each other, I am always able to pick up where we left off. It's weird to me when someone you used to be close and open with no longer can be that way with you (unless there was something that happened, a falling out of sorts or something)
8) More than half of the music I listen to is 80's music or artists from the 80's who actually made the transition and are still around. Of that music, very little of it is the normal billboard top 20 type 80's music
9) No matter what you think based upon how clean I keep my car, I really don't mind at all if your car is dirty or messy! I can't tell you how many times someone has apologized about the state of their car specifically in reference to how clean I keep my car. It's not my car! I don't care!
10) I almost never make my bed up unless I'm going out of town or sometimes, very rarely, when someone's coming over.
11) I really wouldn't be able to tell you whether I prefer the garage or the kitchen. They're both equally good.
12) I've got a huge nerd crush on Zooey Deschanel. There's just an overall feeling that I'd be into her. Definitely something different there. I like that.
13) I like people. I would hate to surround myself with people who were all the same. I love the diversity of life and as long as you're nice and considerate of me and other people, I love that you do, think, or whatever differently from everybody else.
14) I wish people could just communicate and talk openly, especially if something I'm doing makes them uncomfortable, I don't mind looking the fool as long as I learn something from it... well, ok, i mind looking the fool, but I will most definitely get over it as long as you can too
15) I hate it when people in traffic turn their signal to switch lanes on, then take 2 or more lanes instead of canceling and re-signaling. How do I know if you meant to come over more than just 1 lane?
16) I've crashed twice on my motorcycles, but I very luckily didn't get hurt in either case. (wear your gear!)
17) Every now and then, I get the desire to get up, move to a completely different city I've never been to, don't know anyone in, and do a reset. There's definitely something about starting over. (I'm sure everyone gets this at one point or another, but still)
18) I have written down the number of miles, number of gallons, and price of every single tank of gas I have put in all three of my vehicles since I've owned them. I can show you an excel graph of my mpg of any of them if you were interested
19) I didn't drink alcohol until I was 21 years old and even then, I didn't go apepshit on my 21st bday. It was harder to NOT drink than to drink, so I went that route. I don't have a hard moral line on drinking unless you've got a problem. I did take sips or tastes when my parents or grandparents let me try it
20) I prefer to be the caretaker rather than the person who needs to be taken care of
21) I joined my local church's choir as a bass and sang in a non-denominational praise team in college. I do not consider myself a singer or someone with any talent in any way though.
22) I work with a lot of really really talented and smart people and wonder what the heck I'm doing there sometimes.
23) I would love to have a dog (german shepherd or something along those lines with the long pointed noses), but until I'm actually responsible for another lifeform (ie a baby), I won't even consider it because I don't want the responsibility, the clean up, the costs, etc...
24) I very rarely go to sleep before midnight, every night. Although I need to work on that as it's getting ridiculous.
25) I couldn't tell you what I thought I was going to be or even what I wished I would be when I was young, but I can tell you that I like who I am now.
Monday, January 26, 2009
let's take a walk
Why is it so easy to fall back into the person we once were? The person who is here now is clearly not the same, yet, it's so easy. Why does it have to be that way? I guess it's just easier to be easy than it is hard to be hard...
Wow, talk about bright stuff, eh? History repeats itself, yet if it's not the same person, is it really a repeat? I guess you can't really put minute details on such things.
I know that I have changed. I want to continue to change. I like people. I want to continue to meet people.
Why is it that today's world, that stranger next to you isn't potentially someone with a great story to tell, but is apparently a sexual predator who's going to kidnap your kid, or a murderer who's going to follow you out the door, or hell, just someone who's not worth your time? Not cool enough, not bright enough, not worth a moment's slice of time.
More often than not, in my short and unassuming life, I've found that the random stranger loves to talk, loves to share, loves to just find another human being in this lonely world.
If a tree falls in the forest and noone is there to care, is it lonely?
I'm no hippie tree hugger don't get me wrong. Take that for what it's worth; you and I could be that tree.
It's funny the path your mind flows when you just let it flow. Meander down the path that leads you to well... nowhere. But somehow, even as cliche as it may seem, the journey's kind of worth it. If we knew the path took us nowhere, would we enjoy the journey more?
I guess it's a half empty, half full kind of thing. Go nowhere, why continue the path, or go nowhere, let's enjoy what's here and now. wow, existential.
Why do we play games with each other? Is it really that fun? I like you, you like me, she likes him, he likes her, he likes he, she likes she, he likes, it, that she likes, it, red, blue, yellow, magenta, pearl, sky...
Maybe Barney had something back then. What's up with that anyways? If we had so many kids who grew up singing and believing that I love you, you love me, and we're such a happy family, why hasn't THAT shaped our society? I guess not enough people actually liked that big purple suit.
I like to think that maybe we did have enough who did. fin
Wow, talk about bright stuff, eh? History repeats itself, yet if it's not the same person, is it really a repeat? I guess you can't really put minute details on such things.
I know that I have changed. I want to continue to change. I like people. I want to continue to meet people.
Why is it that today's world, that stranger next to you isn't potentially someone with a great story to tell, but is apparently a sexual predator who's going to kidnap your kid, or a murderer who's going to follow you out the door, or hell, just someone who's not worth your time? Not cool enough, not bright enough, not worth a moment's slice of time.
More often than not, in my short and unassuming life, I've found that the random stranger loves to talk, loves to share, loves to just find another human being in this lonely world.
If a tree falls in the forest and noone is there to care, is it lonely?
I'm no hippie tree hugger don't get me wrong. Take that for what it's worth; you and I could be that tree.
It's funny the path your mind flows when you just let it flow. Meander down the path that leads you to well... nowhere. But somehow, even as cliche as it may seem, the journey's kind of worth it. If we knew the path took us nowhere, would we enjoy the journey more?
I guess it's a half empty, half full kind of thing. Go nowhere, why continue the path, or go nowhere, let's enjoy what's here and now. wow, existential.
Why do we play games with each other? Is it really that fun? I like you, you like me, she likes him, he likes her, he likes he, she likes she, he likes, it, that she likes, it, red, blue, yellow, magenta, pearl, sky...
Maybe Barney had something back then. What's up with that anyways? If we had so many kids who grew up singing and believing that I love you, you love me, and we're such a happy family, why hasn't THAT shaped our society? I guess not enough people actually liked that big purple suit.
I like to think that maybe we did have enough who did. fin
Monday, January 12, 2009
Backyard plans
So I've started doing some landscaping in the backyard! First and foremost, I needed to cover up that electrical transformer so that I didn't have to look at it all the time, definitely an improvement:
I'll have star jasmine and some red honeysuckle planted so that it covers up all that lattice structure and brings in the birds and bees!
Dug up a bunch of the backyard and will be putting in some small shrubs and stuff and hope to fill in with some crushed rock of some kind
btw, I do need some more of that fabric and some pins to hold it down, but work in progress!
I have an idea that I would REALLY like to do eventually. right in the middle of the backyard I'd like to put up a big wooden trellis/gazebo type thing with a natural floor and creeping plants, etc filling in the ceiling and walls. Then put a nice picnic table underneath to host dinners and stuff outdoors, now THAT would be nice!
Garage is looking good too!
 |
| From House DONE |
I'll have star jasmine and some red honeysuckle planted so that it covers up all that lattice structure and brings in the birds and bees!
Dug up a bunch of the backyard and will be putting in some small shrubs and stuff and hope to fill in with some crushed rock of some kind
 |
| From House DONE |
 |
| From House DONE |
btw, I do need some more of that fabric and some pins to hold it down, but work in progress!
I have an idea that I would REALLY like to do eventually. right in the middle of the backyard I'd like to put up a big wooden trellis/gazebo type thing with a natural floor and creeping plants, etc filling in the ceiling and walls. Then put a nice picnic table underneath to host dinners and stuff outdoors, now THAT would be nice!
Garage is looking good too!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Happy New Year
Well, happy new year everyone! I have to say, 2009 SUCKS so far. I had one thing after another happen starting on the very freakin first second of the new year, but hopefully things look up from here because I'm not sure I'll be able to handle it if it gets any lower than this!
Hope yours is going well, and if I can help out in any ways, please let me know!
Hope yours is going well, and if I can help out in any ways, please let me know!
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