T-Minus 2 (TWO) Days And Counting

Ok people.. the birthday is almost here.. and where the hell have all my comments gone? Hm? I'm just saying.. in a very pushy way, yes I know.. that um.. helloo... where'd you all go? I MISS you! See? Changing tactics here.. stop the pushy - people don't like that.. probably why they aren't reading or at the very least, aren't commenting. I mean I know I shouldn't care about the commenty things.. but I do! You are important! You are special! YOU are the hottest blog readers around! Don't think I don't get official reports on this cuz I do! And they are so accurate and you people are so very fashionable! Heidi Klum will be calling you for tips!

Well, I will leave you to your thoughts and hopefully you will think of something fantastic to say and I will have lured all you Lurky McLurkysons out of your lurkiness cuz I am on my best behavior and you couldn't possibly stop yourself from writing something to me. We're cool like that. You and me. We're buds you know. And there is nothing that could possibly go wrong this week cuz it's the law during birthday week that only good things happen. I'm even daring NOT to knock on wood - that's how super strong this Law Of Birthdays is. In case you didn't know and I'm guessing you didn't cuz you haven't written anything.. Um. So. I'll just wait here. Ok? Patiently. Just over here. If you need me. For anything. At all. Yup.

We're All Mad Here

A few things to keep in mind:

Don't switch to the new beta blogger when you have another blog for your cat and you're both sharing the same gmail account, figuring.. you know.. how much email could she possibly get anyway? She's a cat! Not that that's the point when creating your beta blog but then suddenly, after hoping for the best when you hit the button that moves your creative online energy from the old to the new, your cat's picture and profile replace yours.. causing everyone but you uproarious type laughter and you endless frustration for 2 (TWO) hours while you fix it.. ahem..

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Halloween is a very pressure-filled holiday. The costume can really make or break your evening. Luckily for me, I was headed to an Alice In Wonderland themed party Friday night. What we didn't count on was heading to another party later where no one would really get our costumes and all the damn effort we put into them. Hmph.. We did have fun tho.. when there was alcohol.


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The time change of falling back an hour has only provided confusion.. not really an extra hour of anything good as here it is my usual almost-midnight-and-still-awake thing I've been doing for close to a year now. Crap. I have to go to bed.

Well, I trust you people can amuse yourselves while I figure out how to write something entertaining and possibly worth reading, but I leave you with a few pictures from the weekend of festivities and you can always check the rest out on Flickr. It's friendly! It's awake! Me = not so much.. so g'night!

Free Hugs

Lady Miss Marquise sent me a link today and I wanted to share it with all of you. I was driving home last night and did a lot of thinking and while the time passed, the sun faded into the most gorgeous sunset. The clouds were all whispy and the sky was on fire and I really tried to absorb the moment in all its glory and thank whatever power is out there for everything and everyone I've been blessed with. This video just brings that idea home. Check it out and watch the whole thing. And try not to smile.. I dare you.

Free Hugs

Let's Talk About Meme

I was tagged by an actual REAL writer, and by 'real' I mean, someone who actually gets paid to write. If you're in absolute shock that these people really do exist cuz you, like me, do most of your reading online, you should check her out cuz she's really and truly a real person and a real writer with BOOKS that have her name on them and everything! And knowing how to write in actual LIFE makes her blog one of the best I've ever read cuz you know.. everyone aspires to impress me. But I'm oh-so-flattered the woman comments on my little blog and tags me for anything. I'm never washing my blog again (oh.. that might sound wrong..)!

This could be a lot more information than you ever wanted to know about me, but as I said, I'm compelled to honor this celebrity request.

What have you done?

(X) Smoked a joint - Oh yes.. I've been in love with two Canadians. Getting stoned is a national pastime there. It actually goes great with a glass of wine and a lover.

(X) Done cocaine - I wish it didn't count, but yes, when I was very drunk and didn't want to be. It was offered to me at a party with the explanation that just a small amount would instantaneously 'sober' me up. It did, actually, tho I hated the idea of it completely.

(X) Been in love - The times that I count are four tho I've fallen a couple more than that.. easily. I care too much and too quickly, tho I don't think it any less genuine, just.. lacking in caution on my part.

(X) Had a threesome - Once, with a friend and the guy I was dating at the time - another Canuck (I sort of have a weakness for them) and it was all very organic and unplanned and.. interesting..

(X) Been dumped - Oh many many times.

(X) Shoplifted - Nail polish from the store where my mom worked when I was like 14 and should've known better. Man was I in trouble for that.

(X) Been fired - Oh yes tho a couple of times it was worded 'voluntary resignation'. I have sort of an attitude, if you don't know me well, that I've been working on quelling for the last few years.

(X) Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back - All the time.

( ) Been arrested - Luckily, no. I'm actually smart enough to bury the attitude around police, shockingly.

(X) Made out with a stranger - Yes, usually a New Year's midnight happening.. not just.. cuz.

(X) Gone on a blind date - Yes and when it's happened, I remind my friends they're not allowed to attempt to set me up.

(X) Lied to a friend - Possibly, tho for their own good, small white ones for example, or for their surprise party.

( ) Had a crush on a teacher - no but probably a teacher's aide..

(X) Been to Europe - **Update** Apparently Norway DOES count. So I suck at geography. Tell me something I don't know.

(X) Seen someone die - My family and I were with my grandfather when he passed away. It was just a matter of time and we were all at my grandparents' home. My cousin was sitting with him and not that he was conscious, but he squeezed Lyle's hand to let us know he was going. Lyle called my gram over and she ran from another room, already starting to cry. We all surrounded the bed while Gram, sobbing, told him it was ok to go. I could see the color go out of his face, eyes already closed, and he was just gone. It was awful and beautiful at the same time, tho it crushed me to see my gram in such heart-wrenching pain. The experience is one I will never forget.

(X) Been to Canada - I go all the time - BC is awesome.

(X) Been to Mexico - Only a border town, Nosgales (sp?), where I bought a lovely Mexican blanket for $8 that I still have.

(X) Thrown up in a bar - Once in the bathroom where I drank one too many lemon drop shots.

(X) Seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show - So many times - what a silly and goofy thing.

( ) Purposely set a part of yourself on fire - do people do this?
( ) Been snowboarding - I don't like being cold.

(X) Met a celebrity - The only one I've officially met was Wesley Snipes as I shook his hand at his house party we ended up at where my ex's friend was supposed to dj - tho Wesley decided to do that himself and unfortunately, he wasn't great at it, but he was so high, I don't think it mattered.
I've waited on, tho never met per se, Helen Hunt and Matthew Broderick when they dated, also, Joe Cocker, who called me 'love', and shared an elevator with Lorenzo Lamaz, who is surprisingly very tall and so attractive I couldn't do anything but stutter. Too bad he can't act himself out of a paper bag.

(X) Met someone from the Internet in person - Yes, I date-via-internet all the time. Sadly.

( ) Been moshing at a concert - Sounds painful.
( ) Gone backstage at a concert - Sounds awkward.

(X) Laid outside in the grass and watched cloud shapes go by - Absolutely.

(X) Made a snow angel - Yes of course.

(X) Flown a kite - Lived near the beach. It's a requirement.

(X) Cheated while playing a game - I'm highly competitive.. especially when I'm losing.

(X) Been lonely - Of course.

(X) Fallen asleep at work - I think the last time my CEO walked by when I had my head down.. embarrassing.

(X) Fallen asleep at school - In college, during a retarded art class with a sub that liked to hear himself talk. Yawn.

( ) Used a fake ID - No one ever believes my age as it is.. why would I tempt fate?
( ) Been kicked out of a bar - Hard to believe, but no, even when I once got into it with an entire group of stupid-drunk people and had them kicked out, I was allowed to remain.

(X) Felt an earthquake - In Oregon and Washington - there's a large fault line all the way up the west coast. The biggest one was about 5 years or so ago and people still talk about it as it was felt from Oregon all the way up thru BC in Canada, tho no one was hurt.

(X) Touched a snake - Many outings in grade school to zoos and science centers, plus garter snakes were always found in our backyard.

( ) Read “War and Peace” - Not even on my list. Is that ignorant?

(X) Slept beneath the stars - I loved to camp as a kid, not sure what happened after that. I think I stopped enjoying getting dirty.

( ) Been robbed - Knocking on wood here.
( ) Won a contest - Neverevereverever. I have no luck. Ever. I never win jack. It sucks.

(X) Run a red light - Intentionally and accidentally.

( ) Been suspended from school - Again, surprisingly no.

(X) Had braces - For 4 1/2 years baby. My gram used to say that my teeth were so bucked that I could eat a corn cob thru a knothole. Now they are pretty!

(X) Felt like an outcast - I went to high school.

(X) Eaten a whole pint of ice cream in one night - Kari and I used to do this to get over heartbreaks.. I can't do it now. My metabolism was much higher then.

(X) Had deja vu - All the time.

(X) Totaled a car - At least twice.

( ) Stolen a car - Wouldn't know the first thing about it.

(X) Hated the way you look - A given.

( ) Witnessed a crime

(X) Been to a strip club - oddly interesting.

(X) Been to the opposite side of the world - **Update** We'll say Norway counts here too. It's as opposite as I have been.

(X) Swam in the ocean - See 'flown a kite'. Lived at the beach.

(X) Felt like dying - The one time I had food poisoning. Agonizing torture.

(X) Cried yourself to sleep - See 'been dumped'.

(X) Sung karaoke - My favorite song to do is 'Chain Of Fools'.

( ) Paid for a meal with only coins

(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't - I'm sure.

(X) Made prank phone calls - When I was a kid.. definitely the fridge running joke.

(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue - At least once.

(X) Been kissed under the mistletoe - I think once.

(X) Had a bonfire on the beach - Last one was this summer with my family.

(X) Crashed a party

( ) Seen a tornado - Why do people live where these happen?
( ) Had a wish come true - See 'won a contest'.
( ) Gone bungee jumping
( ) Gone parasailing

(X) Screamed in public - At the office when Mom called to tell me Dad had died. It was the oddest reaction in retrospect. I really don't know why I did it.

( ) Told a complete stranger you loved them - Even with as emotional as I am, I doubt this.

(X) Had a one night stand - Yes, too many. I'm a big tart.

(X) Kissed a mirror - Probably as a girl. Silly.

(X) Had a dream that you married someone - Yes, years ago, but I do remember it.

(X) Gotten your fingers stuck together with super glue - Yup.

(X) Been a cheerleader - See the last post.

(X) Sat on a roof top - Many July 4th's and summer night parties.

(X) Talked on the phone for more than 6 hours straight - Have we met?

(X) Stayed up all night - I think the longest was a Halloween we stayed up til after noon the next day.. ahh, those were the days.

( ) Not taken a shower for three days - Ew is all I have to say here.
( ) Made contact with a ghost while playing a Ouija board - Someone was always moving it, never a spirit.
( ) Had more than 30 pairs of shoes at a time - I'm not that girl.
( ) Gone streaking - Or that girl.
( ) Been skinny dipping - Or that girl (not that there's anything wrong with those girls..).
( ) Been pushed into a pool/lake with all your clothes on

(X) Had sex in a public or semi-public place - Oh.. yes.

(X) Been kissed by a complete stranger - See 'kissed a stranger'

( ) Broken a bone - I can't believe with how klutzy I am, but no.

(X) Caught a butterfly - I hope I let it go after..

( ) Mooned/flashed someone
( ) Had someone moon/flash you

(X) Cheated on a test - I'm sure I have.

(X) Forgotten someone's name - All the time.

(X) Slept naked

(X) Gone white water rafting - Always scared the bejesus out of me.

(X) Seen the Grand Canyon - Yes on a hiking trip with my mom and my aunt and uncle during spring one year. A different picture every ten steps. Positively stunning.

Alright.. who's next?

Glory Days

Tonight I walked into the gym's locker room to find 8 or 9 thin and tightly athletically-clothed girls running thru their dance routine in front of the mirrors. Again.. this was the locker room.. where I was changing.. and they were about a foot away from me and my transformation from office sex kitten to gym bunny. I was in my zone.. and then.. not. And then I.. uh.. just didn't know what to do.. with the snapping and clapping going on so NEAR MY HEAD.. It honestly just threw me and I finished changing as quickly as I could to get out of there.

I moved onto my workout - and the girls took over about a quarter of the bikes and elliptical machines, chatting vigorously at the same time, of course, like the teenagers they seemed to be. Again I thought.. strange.. cuz this gym never has 18 hot, underage girls within it ALL at the same time. It just doesn't happen. Were there cheerleading try-outs for the University of Washington going on? Or did one of the high school dance squads just join the gym? I mean, when you're already in your not-so-flattering sweats and a jog bra that completely immobilizes the decent rack you have, thank you very much, insecurities heighten watching the flurry of their movement.. swarming in various areas, shirts tied in knots at the back and pulled up just under the sternum revealing tan and lean torsos with low sweats actually pulled halfway down the ass on one showing nothing scandalous but her black shorts underneath - yet she still maintained that 'cooler than thou' attitude.

WTF?! Seriously.. did I walk into the right gym??

And there were SO many of them. When they were done with their cardio, they moved onto other spaces to continue practicing their moves.. around the machines I would've very much liked to have used except.. well.. they were dancing around it. Seriously. Not kidding. It was baffling. I was baffled.

I kept wondering what sort of hell I'd been transported to.. not to mention what real crime had I committed to be in a hell where that sort of youthful perfection is not only flaunted in front of my face.. but one that came with some pretty damn good choreography to emphasize it. I mean these girls were tiiiiiny. These were the girls that shop for size 00.. cuz 0 is just a little too big. You know what I mean? And it just felt.. uncomfortable.

I was instantly brought back to the days of high school and not fitting in, being on the outskirts of popularity, knowing people who were popular and kind of being friends with them, shared the same honors classes, sometimes actually invited to the same parties, but not quite as smart, pretty, or rich as they were.. and never feeling like I was good enough or totally accepted.

And then I just felt old. I'm turning 35 in less than a month people.. holy crap! No wonder I'm not dating. I mean, have you SEEN some of the examples of men at 35 in this city? They LOOK old! And yes, thank you, I know I don't look 35, not that I'm sure what that should look like cuz all MY friends look as young as me I think.. but I can't find a guy that looks as young, is around my age, knows what the hell he wants AND is not afraid to go after it. And then I thought, these girls are exactly why men have mid-life crises.. and women have affairs with younger men.. or whatever. It's that feeling of loss - never being able to go back, never again to be labeled as 'young' or 'younger'. Instead of hearing how you shouldn't rush and much time you have to find that Mr. Right, you start hearing, 'Well isn't it about time you settled on someone?'

I'll admit it - I was jealous for a bit. I was coveting their slender figures, their perfectly non-sweaty hair and even skin tones, and maybe even their girly camaradarie. And then, I walked by the front desk on the way downstairs to grab my things and go when I asked the girl behind the counter about the newest arrivals to the gym. Apparently the owner had recently contracted with the Seattle SuperSonics - and their entire dance team.

Suddenly I felt better.. you know why? They are just semi-grown-up cheerleaders.. that's it. Nothing super special.. not like hot, dancey doctors or sexy break-dancing child welfare workers or anything.. not that cheerleaders aren't necessary.. for.. life, I guess.. or its many sporting events - so great for them. I'm sure they're all very nice girls and they do their jobs well, blahblahblah. But it made me feel better cuz I'd already been one of them however long ago high school was and I was so into it and I thought, rather good at it. It was my way to be a part of something.. even if after I quit I made fun of myself with a group of other former cheerleaders our senior year in a talent show skit we danced poorly to on purpose to 'Oh Mickey' and won 2nd place. Oh hell yeah.. I rocked the school spirt.. and that skirt.

But you know what was the best reason I had to feel good about being a cheerleader? Have you any idea what was so fucking great about that? And get ready cuz you should pay attention to this one.. I mean, it's really good:

I was always on top.
Seriously. That's it. And that fact alone kicks so much teensy Sonic dancer ass.

Uber Meme

I think maybe this month's posts will all be meme's, even tho no one can really tell me exactly what 'meme' means in a clear and concise manner, but I understand it conceptually.. sort of. Either way, this is one I thought of doing ages ago as this little songbird had already, but time just got away from me. And, as it is rather epic, I may have to rest after.. but let's get to it, shall we?

How many keys are on your key chain?
Without looking, I think five. One for the office, two for my apartment, one for the car (not that I ever use it cuz I have a snazzy little button-y thing that locks and unlocks everything), and one for my mom's house in Oregon. I also have a mini Eiffel Tower that Keith gave me and an 'a' for Angel that Ironika gave me as part of my gift for being in her wedding.

What curse word do you use the most?
First and foremost I use 'fuck' or some form or other of that cuz it's so expressive. Fuck you fucking fucker just really gets it all out there now doesn't it? It just feels good, tho there are times on this blog I like to be a little softer so there is frickin, friggin, freakin.. you know.. just maybe a small effort not to be so harsh.. but everyone knows what I really mean. Unless they're completely daft. And in second place is probably 'shiite muslim!' which may sound wrong to many many people.. but it keeps me from sounding crass and some people even find it funny.. those who have a sense of humor, that is.

Do you own an iPod?
Nope.. and probably never will. I see the convenience in it, but every friend who has one is on their second or third or tenth cuz apparently they break.. a lot. I don't understand how you can drop $200 - $300 on a cute little gadget and it just breaks after a year. Like.. helloooo.. you Apple people should really get that shit together.. you know? I'm just saying..

What time is your alarm clock set for?
It's set for 6:10am, but since the clock is set 10 minutes fast, I guess that really means 6am. And then I hit snooze until it says 6:50 or 7am, cuz I always think I have more time than I do and I'm almost always five minutes late to work, which drives my boss insane, but I almost always stay late so he knows this is really a moot point, which brings no end to the enjoyment for me.

Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture?
When I'm feeling overly extroverted and possibly smashingly hot beyond belief then I'd rather be in the picture. But there are times the situation is not about me, shocking I know.. but I do recognize those times, believe it or not, and feel my talents are far better used behind the camera for an expert shot. See the wedding photos of Ironika or the oh-so-naked ones of Pixie's birthday stripper in Flickr if you don't believe me.

What was the last movie you watched?
Little Miss Sunshine, which was the second time I'd seen it and it was still fucking hilarious and probably the best movie I'd seen in a long time. And my mom and her husband loved it, which was a bonus cuz we didn't have to sit thru one of those completely inane movies she tends to like (sorry, but it's true!) and which I completely detest so, hey, bonus for everyone!

Do any of your friends have children?
Yes, many.. at least three to be exact and all the children are considered my nieces and nephews cuz that is our logic as my friends are my family and those children really deserve every bit of Angel love that I can bestow on them. They are special after all.. and who will take them for their first piercing and/or tattoo if they don't have an auntie Angel (Kari is wincing at this very moment at the thought of this.. what, like your daughter isn't going to be a stripper already? C'mon.. we both know she will.. and hey, a navel piercing will bring her extra tips!)?!

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?
Wow, that's tough.. I'd probably pay off my mom's house for her since she's spoiled me for oh, my whole life..

Has anyone ever called you lazy?
Actually, only my mom when she calls at like 8:30am on a Saturday when I'm SLEEPING after working HARD ALL WEEK. Hm.. I may have to rethink that lottery answer now that I'm thinking about it..

Do you ever take medication to fall asleep faster?
Hell no.. I'm exhausted plenty. I don't really have a difficult time falling asleep ever. Once I'm tired, it's easy.

What cd is currently in your cd player?
Yes you can all make fun of me.. me without my snazzy little iPod or whatever.. but the cd last in the car was probably the new John Mayer, Continuum, that I'm loving so very much.

Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk?
I can't really drink milk per se anymore.. tho I used to by the gallon. Now the thought just sort of gags me. But I do put cream in my coffee or non-fat milk if I go out for coffee in the mocha I usually order. When I was a kid, yes chocolate milk was a special treat. Gram used to make it for me all the time. Ahh memories.

Has anyone told you a secret this week?
The receptionist at work kind of did.. but since it was just at my cubicle and my boss overheard most of it and she didn't whisper really or anything, I'm not sure how secret-y it really was.. but hey, she didn't tell everyone and she did tell me not to tell anyone I heard it from her. Unfortunately for her, she is new and doesn't realize who she's talking to..

When was the last time someone hit on you?
Probably last night when I logged onto myspace at 11pm - big mistake. Before I knew it, I had 12 messages! Hellooo.. what are you boys doing home on a Saturday night instead of being out and about and hitting on drunk girls that are much less sassy than me? I think that would work better for you next time.. just a thought.

What did you have for dinner?
Oh it was fabulous actually. My friends Loren and Fatima gathered at Fatima's house to visit with her and fawn all over her almost-three-month-old baby, my newest niece, and we dined on chanterelle stuffed squashes and crab and shrimp stuffed portabella mushrooms - except Loren forgot I don't eat shrimp and the mushrooms were a bit too fishy for me. It was ok cuz there was wine and hummus and pita beforehand and afterwards, molten chocolate cake that didn't suck at all. No no.. it did not.

Do you wear hoodies often?
I do when it sprinkles outside, but unfortunately, the one I usually wear is still at Ironika's house.. left in her car after the rehearsal for her wedding and she keeps forgetting to get it back to me.. or maybe I do. Who's responsibility is it, I wonder.. ? I mean, really..

Can you whistle?
Yes, but not fabulously and only well when I'm calling a dog. My gram is amazing tho! There's even a vibrato in it if she wants. It's boggling how well she can do it. Me tho, just for dogs. How lame is that?

Have you ever participated in a protest?
I think I have.. at some point.. I think in college there was some kind of 'sit-in' for a just cause of some form.. but I just can't remember so I'm not really sure we really got anything done or it made a big dent in the society, but I think I felt pretty good about it at the time. So.. yes. Certainly.

Who was the last person to call you?
My friend, Abby, calling me to meet for brunch and asking me to give her a few extra minutes to start getting ready.. which I have done.. by well too many minutes cuz I was doing this silly meme thing and can't stop.. but I have to get in the shower now cuz honestly, I'm the one who's going to take forever! Back later!

What is your favorite ride at an amusement park?
Rollercoasters most definitely. I always try to sit in the front or the back and I love the feeling they make in your tummy as you go down the first steep decline. They give me that amazing kid-like rush and I feel like I'm gleefully seven-years-old all over again.

Do you think people talk about you behind your back?
I choose not to think about things like that cuz if they do, I probably did something to annoy them that I wasn't aware of or I was and said something snotty, which afterwards probably didn't make me very proud of myself. But sometimes, if friends have, they tell me and they say nice things. I rather like that when that happens.

What area code are you in right now?
206 - where the hip kids live.. aw yeah. ** Zipcode now removed - apparently, needed a rest while doing the meme.. good God! **

Did you watch cartoons as a child?
My parents had no qualms whatsoever of sticking me in front of the tv, tho later, I stopped being able to hear anything anyone was saying to me if I was watching it. That annoyed them. But yes, absolutely - Wonder Twins, Super friends, black and white Popeye's.. I'd be up at 6am and watch until boring and non-animated tv shows came on and my eyes were all bulgy from sitting too close.

How big is your local mall?
Well, there are quite a few of them around Seattle. They're all relatively the same, gigantic, over-sized, appease-the-masses sort of commercial type places. Annoying at the holidays but sometimes a necessary evil when shopping.

How many siblings do you have?
One younger brother.

Are you shy around the opposite sex?
It really depends on my mood. Sometimes I'm extremely sassy and extroverted and I don't feel like I have anything to lose and other times I'm just not feeling so confident and I get a little sheepish and shy. It's hit or miss with me. But I have lots of male friends and if I know them, no I'm not shy at all. In fact, they'd probably like me to be a lot less direct than I am or at least to shut up once in a while.

What is your biggest regret?
That I didn't try harder to stay in Norway when I was on foreign exchange and I got into trouble for doing a couple of really non-trouble like things and they decided to send me home after 2 1/2 months instead of letting me stay the full 10. I had a few friends whose families would've taken me in, including my history teacher at the time and I should've been a lot more like I am now and fought my ass off to stay since my family had paid for it, after all. I'm really kicking myself now that I accepted my fate instead of trying harder to change it.

When was the last time you laughed so hard your sides hurt?
I wish I could remember..

What movie do you know every line to?
The Breakfast Club.. I don't know how that happened, but I can recite every line all the way thru.

Do you own any band t-shirts?
Yes, Snow Patrol, Sarah McLaughlan, and Foo Fighters.

When was your last plane ride?
Two months ago in August when I went to visit my friend Scott in San Francisco.

How many chairs are at your dining room table?
Four, the standard.. but only two are safe to sit in. The other two's screws have fallen out. This is the state I live in.. where the chairs can't even keep it together. Sad really.

Do you read for fun?
I read for many reasons.. for information, cuz I can, and yes, I'm sure for fun. It's fun to read after all - or be able to I suppose. I do have the mad reading skills. I'm fantastically talented.

Can you speak any languages other than English?
I can say 'no' in just about every language there is.. I know, it's amazing. And actually, I can speak a little Spanish, Norwegian and French, tho not at the same time. That would just confuse everyone.

Do you do your own dishes?
Since it's so last year to have a maid or a dishwasher, yes, I do.. by hand even. I find it rather therapeutic actually.

What color is your bedroom painted?
Where there are things that needed painted, it's white.. where there are walls, it's whatever color the drywall is. I figured out not only is it greyish-white, it's not painted.. it's just the color of the drywall. Cheap-ass landlord.

Have you ever cried in public?
Usually when someone was breaking up with me or when I was in a massive grieving period and overwhelmed by said break-ups or the many deaths and breakups I went thru when I was 28. Or the last time was at Ironika's wedding and was a much happier reason for tears.

Do you have a desktop computer or laptop?
I have a lovely new MacBook I bought in August. Completely and utterly addicted to it. It's fucking gorgeous.

Which do you make, wishes or plans?
I make both cuz inherently, I'm a planner, but we all have dreams and I wish for many things.. all the time. Sometimes those two things even intersect.

Are you always trying to learn new things?
Sigh.. yes.. I'm constantly trying to figure out life, how to be a better person, friend, lover, daughter, sister.. I'm in a constant state of growth and it's extremely frustrating and terribly rewarding at the same time.

Do you shower on a daily basis?
Uh.. yes. Are there people out there who don't? I mean, by choice or when they aren't camping?? This question confuses me.

Are you curently wanting any piercings or tattoos?
I'd like one more tattoo - but actually it's going to be one that works on the kanji design I currently have on my left shoulder and just develops on that idea a bit more. Someone is even designing it and I'm oh-so excited!

Do you believe that the guy should pay on the first date?
You know.. I think that the person who asked the other out, be it the guy or the girl, should pay. But if you go to another place after.. it should at least be dutch or the person who hasn't yet paid for jack should pay.

Can you skip rocks?
I'm not very good at it.. but once in a while, I'll find the perfect rock and get it just right. But I usually never get more than five or six times.

Have you ever been to Jamaica?
Nope.

What do you snack on at the movie theatres?
I never get popcorn unless I'm with someone who likes it and any other time, it's usually Junior Mints, Peanut M&M's, or sometimes a warm pretzel.

Who was your favorite teacher?
I've had a lot of good ones. Fourth grade was Mr. Grant who taught us how to do stop-motion animation and sixth grade was Mr. Young who had diabetes and showed us how he tested his blood. They were both very creative. In college, there was this hilarious anthropology teacher who was really goofy and would act out the differences between the various types of monkeys as well as explained the Far Side comic strip so that we really got the joke.

Have you ever dated someone out of your race?
Well, other than the guesses that my birth mother was 'of Spanish descent' I don't really know what 'race' I am exactly and I assume I'm some sort of mixed breed. I've dated an Iranian, a few African-Americans, at least two Italians, a Mexican, and I'm sure many others who are as mixed up as I am.. My dating world is a frickin melting pot and that's the way I like it.

What is the weather like?
It's fall in Seattle.. sunny and chilly today, but it was lovely. Doesn't mean I don't have the heat on tho cuz oh yes, I do.

Would you ever date someone covered in tattoos?
It's not something that would keep me from dating anyone - if we click, we click. I like tattoos tho and have dated guys who've had quite a few before.

What was your favorite class in high school?
Probably a toss up between choir and French. Both easy A's for me.

Do you enjoy traveling via airplanes?
No. I get headaches from the fumes before they take off and I always feel ill from the pressure of take off and such. I hate dealing with security, I hate carrying all my stupid bags. Nothing makes me more tired than flying. The whole thing is just exhausting and I just want to get wherever I'm going and be done with it.

What personality trait is a must have in your preferred gender?
I assume you mean for dating - so I would say a sense of humor cuz if you have that, then you're also most likely intelligent and you understand what's funny and what isn't.

Have you ever been attracted to someone physically unattractive?
Hm.. maybe? I mean, if I'm attracted to them, there's something that draws me to them and for me the physical has to be a part of it - so whether they're celebrity hot or not, there's usually something there that pulls me in.

When was the last time you slept on the floor?
Probably last year when I went to San Francisco to see my friend Scott and the air mattress had a hole in it. After the third time of refilling it in the middle of the night, I just gave up and stopped caring.

What is your favorite alcoholic drink?
I have four: gin and tonic, cosmopolitan, amaretto sour and a lovely glass of red wine.

Does your closest Starbucks have a drive thru?
This is the home of Starbucks honey.. it's hard to tell which one is the closest to be honest.. but after some thinking, no the closest two don't. The one after that does tho.

Do you like your living arrangement?
If I have to live with a roommate, then yes. Kyle is pretty great and we balance each other out well. I'd rather get on with my life tho and find that partner who'll tolerate me and the cat and all we come with and live like that together.. happy and functional and all that forever stuff.

How many hours of sleep do you need to function?
To function? Not much.. I can function on 4-5. But I don't like to. That's not fun Angel. That's delirious Angel by 10am. But normally I get about 6-7 hours and tho I'm still kind of tired, it works. I always want more.

Do you eat breakfast daily?
Yes, if I don't I'm not very productive and I find I'm so much healthier and alert when I do. Plus, hey.. food is good! Eating rocks.

What was the last thing to scare you?
When one of my best friend's husbands was diagnosed with a tumor on his stomach and had to undergo a very invasive surgery to address it. I'm glad for all of them that he's recovering well.

Are your days full and fast-paced?
Yes, most often.. except on the weekends when they're my days and I do everything I can to drag them out and move as slowly as I want.

Did you ever get in trouble for talking in class?
Oh my God.. have we met? I mean.. do you know me at all? Cuz if not, let me introduce myself.. I'm Angel and I'm a talker.. so yes, absolutely. It was like a given.

What is your favorite fruit?
Raspberries. They're pretty sassy. We go well together.

Do you pay attention to calories on the back of packages?
I do sometimes and I look at ingredients as well like sodium. Gotta watch that stuff.

How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
A record 35. Can you believe it?! And you know what people? It's coming up.. Nov 2nd.. so get your birthday celebrating shoes on cuz it's going to be a doozy.

Are you picky about spelling and grammar?
I am.. I scan everything I write for those mistakes from typing too fast and have to correct them. Ironika doesn't capitalize everything she writes for an aesthetic quality and that I think is kind of cute.. but I can't deal with spelling errors in other people's emails and writings. Bugs.

Do you believe in life on other planets?
Somewhere, I'm sure. To think we're it is really damn arrogant and wow.. kind of sad cuz if this is it, we're not all that impressive.

Have you ever been to Six Flags?
I've been to Magic Mountain and Knott's Berry Farm, which I think is also one of them. Rollercoasters my friend.. LOTS of them!

Who was the last person to piss you off?
Probably a couple of people who went to see Snow Patrol with us cuz one sort of fell on me and the other wouldn't stop talking during EVERY song. Why, you ask? Well, there was drinking involved and a discussion of standing on the seats even tho we were in the FOURTH ROW.. and much apologizing and I just kept saying, 'Fine, just be quiet,' and then there was falling off the seat someone was standing on and much eye rolling on my part and plenty of annoyance. It's rather funny now tho.. but at the time, yeah, not so much.

What was the last thing you ate?
Brunch with Abby - veggie eggs benedict and hashbrowns.

Do you get along better with the same or opposite sex?
If I pick one, that's like saying I don't get along with the other half of the population, which is just silly. I get along with each differently. I relate better with women, but sometimes, I see why we drive men positively batty.

What did you dress up as for your first Halloween?
I really don't remember back that far, but what I do remember is a princess of some sort.. I think Cinderella actually.

How did your parents pick your name?
I was Dad's 'little angel' and that's what he wanted to call me. Mom wanted to name me Babette. Yes, that's right. It gets better.. Babette Marie. I thank God every day that Dad won that little battle.

Do you like mustard?
Mmm.. of course!

What do you tell yourself when times get hard?
That I've been thru worse before, that I'm a strong person, that I will make it thru today and then tomorrow and the day after that.. and that I have good friends upon whom I can lean. And I tell myself if it was easy, I wouldn't learn anything.

Would you ever skydive?
Um.. I don't know.. it might just be too overwhelming for me to do that. I've heard amazing things about it, but not sure if that will ever be something I'll accomplish.

Do you sleep on your side, tummy, or back?
I start on my side, then move to my back. When it's hot out, I often sleep on my tummy.

What do you think of Angelina Jolie?
I'm sure she's a very nice woman.. she's extremely beautiful and seems like a very generous and driven person.

Do you enjoy giving hugs?
I do.. I'm a huggy sort of person. I give very good hugs in fact. I'm very touchy-feely and not everyone digs that, but I can usually get someone to hug me if I wanted.

Would you consider yourself to be fashionable?
Sometimes.. but I'm not all that creative about it. I wish I was a bit more daring.

Do you own a digital camera?
Yup! One of the best things I bought myself ever.. 4.1 megapixels of sweet sweet enjoyment!

If someone you had no interest in dating expressed interest in dating you, how would you feel?
I'd be flattered, but explain that's just not how I felt about them.. nicely of course.

What celebrities have you been compared to?
I used to get Winona Ryder, the woman who played Anaiis Nin in Henry & June, Maria Bartiromo from CNN (she's super smart and sexy to boot), and the girl who played Chloe in Smallville on tv. I just think it was cuz we had the same hair.. but we do have similar noses.

Does it annoy you when someone says they'll call but never do?
Yes.. to no end. Hate that shit.

What are you allergic to?
Nothing that I know of.. but as I've aged, I've noticed the corner of my eyes can itch or water and some things make my arms itch, but I haven't figured out what it is yet.

Are you a jealous person?
I can be.. but that just means I'm in the wrong situation and not putting the right perspective on things. I try not to be that way.

What's your opinion on sex without emotional commitment?
It has its place and I've certainly thought it was ok at the time. It has to work for both people involved tho.

Do you ever feel guilty after eating meat?
Not really. When I see animals that are used for that purpose I feel a little twinge. I do try to be conscious about where I get it from and at least I recognize what I'm eating used to be a living thing. More and more I try to eat more vegetarian anyway and if I had to live that way forever, I'd be fine with it.

If you were born the opposite sex, what would your name have been?
I'm going to go with my younger brother's name, Todd, since he's the only boy my parents had. It's not bad.. but I like mine better.

Cry MEME A River..

Blatantly stolen from the Duck while buying some time to search out something with a bit more depth to write about..

Of all the bands/artists in your cd collection, which one do you own the most albums by?

Without really counting them, it's probably Sting vs. The Indigo Girls. I know, I know.. snobby Brit adult contemporary or sometimes political, but always lesbian folk rock. Go ahead, make fun. I'll still sing to it and pay to see them live.

What was the last song you listened to?

Something I just received recently from my friend, Scott - Regina Spektor, 'Fidelity' off of Begin to Hope - and I just like the name of the album. She's sort of Tori Amos-y they say.. maybe crossed with a more soprano Fiona.. if they had a quirky love child together.. in my opinion. I really like it anyway. Thanks Scott!

What's in your cd player right now?

What's in the car at this very moment is the new Indigo Girls, Despite Our Differences, which I do like a lot, but am not completely in love with yet. I love the first two songs immensely. The whole thing will grow on me, like experimental sex I'm sure.. or.. maybe not just like that..

What song would you say sums you up?

I think it depends on what I'm feeling or going thru at the time. It's fall and there's a little more gray than normal and a lot more dark earlier in the evening and I just want to wrap a blanket around me and be cozy which means a bit more mellower with the tunes. And I just found this sweet girl, Holly Brooke and I listened to 'Saturdays' over and over from Like Blood Like Honey cuz it's charming and has a little longing and a little wonder and a bit of a reminder to live in the moment and absorb even the difficult parts of life. Phew! That's a lot for that delicate little song.

What's your favorite local band?

The last show I saw was The Purrs and The Village Green and since The Village Green don't live here, I think The Purrs are my new favorite, tho it used to be Brandi Carlile, but it seems she's getting pretty popular. Not that I still can't like her a whole lot (which, in case you're reading, I do, Brandi! I really really do!) but I did hear some nasty rumors about her being not so nice from someone who's friend works with her. Dirty, dirty gossip (I don't believe it for a second, Brandi if you want to give me front row seats or anything or let me sing with you sometime!)!!

What was the last show you attended?

The Purrs, etc., as I said above at the High Dive in Fremont, but the Best Show Ever was a couple of weeks ago when I saw Snow Patrol and tho Ironika makes fun of me for saying it, they were Off. The. Hook. Yes, I said it! And I'd say it again! And I didn't see it before the show, but I do wholeheartedly agree with her now that Gary Lightbody is a fine specimen of a man and I would kill if he sang like that directly, and only, to me. Oh yes, Gary. I'll wait for you. Absolutely.

What was the greatest show you've ever been to?

Ok.. well I answered the last question too quickly I guess.. but then, as I'm sitting here thinking about it, I think it was Dream Concert as Ironika so accurately coined it a couple of years ago. The ginormous Deck The Hall Ball sponsored by one of the local alternative radio stations here in the city where not only did I first witness Snow Patrol, but also Keane, The Shins, The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, and Modest Mouse. I SO wish some concerts were do-overs cuz it was before I really appreciated any of them as fully as I do now, but I do know it was amazing. I do have to say tho, the keyboardist from Franz really needs to stop moving cuz that poor boy has absolutely no rhythm.

What's the worst band you've ever seen in concert?

I will so be slaughtered for saying this, but the yearly weekend at the Gorge with Dave Matthews bored the hell out of me the one time I went. Don't get me wrong.. they're great musicians and all that in the band and he's a local celebrity who lives in Wallingford for chrissakes, which is just normal city-living here and he's just a regular guy with his wife and twins that some of my friends have run into even.. but YAWWWWWWWWWWWN. We barely noticed they took the stage and I don't know how his fans pay attention cuz they're all stoned out of their fucking minds. And since when was he the alternative to the Grateful Dead? I don't know.. the fascination just boggles me.

What band do you love muscially but dislike the members of?

I can only name one? I mean.. doesn't being famous or even semi-famous sometimes automatically make you an ass? I just heard that The Killers have talked shit about John Mayer cuz they don't like him for apparently no reason at all, not that he's ever done anything to them. So I'm sorry, but I LOVE John. Don't be mean to my John, you bastards.. but ok, I'll listen to your stuff, sure.. no prob. And don't get me started on Sting.. not that I know him personally, but you read all this stuff about him being such an arrogant prick and like he cares cuz he makes more money than God.. but I love his life story, love how he writes, and ok, I love that the man has got sex appeal.. fuck.

What is your favorite band shirt?

Right now, my sweet baby blue Snow Patrol one. It used to be the babydoll pink tee from the Foo Fighters One by One concert that I've loved forever, but after years of miraculously not spilling a single thing on it, the klutz inside me finally came out and stained it to the point that no magic stain remover on earth has been able to remove. I've tried them all. I may have shed a tear when I deemed it only wearable to the gym.

What musician would you like to hang out with for a day?

Well, knowing if you put any male musician I'm totally hot for in front of me all I'd do is salivate and stutter my way thru a conversation, which would only make them run for the door in 5.2 seconds, I'd have to go with hanging out with one of my all-time favorite female singer/songwriters, Jonatha Brooke. Yes, completely adult contemporary, but I love her melodies and lyrics and I would adore spending a day with her picking her brain about where she gets her inspiration, how she composes each song, and maybe hoping she teaches me how to play the guitar in like, one day. And signs everything I own.

What musician would you like to be in 'love' with for a day?

You know, shockingly, I'm going with Gary Lightbody from Snow Patrol. He has that Irish accent, which never hurts, his lyrics are original, creative and soft and the music can get very instense but you're completely wound up in it and the guy is a complete crack up live. He seems normal and yet the type of man who'd sing you to sleep without you even having to ask. Mmm..

Punk rock, hip-hop or heavy metal?

God.. of those three, hip-hop, but it's still near the bottom of anything else I would listen to, not that it doesn't have its place.

Name 5 flawless albums: *this might be subject to change*

Fiona Apple, Extraordinary Machine
Snow Patrol, Eyes Open
Crowded House, Temple of Low Men
U2, Rattle and Hum
Fiona Apple, When The Pawn (seriously, the woman doesn't put out crappy music)

What was the greatest decade for music?

I think the 1950's. It was the age of Elvis and Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Peggy Lee, Chuck Berry and even Bill Haley & the Comets. I mean, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, Johnny B. Goode, Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair, Fever?? It was a much simpler time where the sound was so much more raw and pure.

Do you like Journey?

Um.. sure..? I mean, in their time.. the power ballads they put out were classically 7th grade appropos. But if you mean now? Uh.. no. Only for karoake and only when you're putting your friend's name down to sing them as a joke.

What is your favorite movie soundtrack?

Hm.. no one else will agree with me but I really love the soundtrack to French Kiss - all this Frenchy influence and a little Italian Paolo Conte and even a Kevin Kline thrown in. It's good dinner prep background music and is just summer-evening sweet.

What was your last musical 'phase' before you wised up?

Probably buying every movie or musical soundtrack I could and then realizing it only had a few songs I liked or that particular musical didn't really translate to 'cool' as much as it did 'non-working-actress and fag-hag to boot' when driving around the city with my windows rolled down with the volume at full blast. Uh.. yeah. Dork.

Do you prefer vinyl or cd's?

I'm copying Duckie and saying MP3's..

Which cd or artist do you own that you're always embarrassed will be discovered by someone looking thru your collection?

I'm always teased for my love of the Indigo Girls, but certainly now, my straight guy friends tease me about my latest love of J.T. and for those of you who aren't in the know, that's Justin Timberlake. Yup, that's right. And you know what? I'm not embarrassed.. not in the slightest. You know why? Cuz the boy is no longer crying his rivers. Oh no.. he's bringing sexy back. Aw yeah.. we're bringing it back together yo. In the hizzle..

I know.. I know.. I'm such a white girl.. it's sad..

Is That A Pixie In Your Pocket Or Are You Just Happy To See Me?

Fall is here. And among the things it brings with it such as the miserably cold and wet weather and bundling up in winter coats and sweaters, is mostly just one thing I really care about: celebration. Many of my friends mark their birthdays around now and the next few months, as do I in November - but the official beginning of Fall was last night with the half-birthday of a friendly Pixie, who normally doesn't commemorate the day she was born, but I have to say, it was about time. She is certainly worth an entire day dedicated solely to her. And tho a little on the quieter side, the group rallied when visited by the surprise guest, Bill Clinton.. with tear-away pants.


Oh yes. Believe it. And if you don't - cuz trust me, I had a hard time myself and I was there - pictures are to your right on Flickr. Yes, go ahead. I dare you. Be grateful you didn't have to look at his.. um.. backside as much as I did, thank you. Or the fact that after the 'show' was over, I'd never witnessed someone so comfortable walking around in just a g-string that they could stand around chatting. It didn't help he actually knew one of Pixie's guests personally. We were all shocked at the nonchalance of chat - 'I thought I recognized you. How's your sister?' There was much picking up of jaws from the floor while I kept wondering when he was going to remove the dollar bills he stuffed.. um.. down there.. during his little 'dance'. Wasn't that uncomfortable? But mostly, I kept whispering under my breath, 'Um.. when's he going to put his PANTS back ON? Hellooo?!' I mean, there was a lot of paying attention to the cheese and cracker plate and trying our best to just keep the eyes down.

But you can't say this party will be quickly forgotten.. not for a loooong time.

She's taught me that you don't have to wait until Halloween to dress in costumes, that you don't have to spend a lot of money to find a one-of-a-kind treasure, and tho she isn't the easiest girl to get to know, that I actually may know her better than I think I do..

Happy 30.5 my dear friend! Here's to a fabulous woman and the next six months til the next mile marker.. surprises sure to ensue then as well.. but no more strippers.. ok?