Tagged: 4th Folder, 4th Picture

I was recently tagged by my new co-worker and friend, Marie, to post on my blog the fourth picture in the fourth folder on my computer. So, here 'tis...my wonderful Aunt Cynthia. This was taken when we were together last September for Daddy's funeral. I also got to see her briefly while in Texas this past week for Grandma's memorial. She is one amazing woman, and I am VERY thankful for her.

I'm supposed to tag 4 new people...knowing who loves good photography, I choose Kari, Nicole, Marcy Watt, and Kate Borders. Hey Marcy, why did I just find out I'm not able to read your blog? Permission denied...what what?!

Losing Daddy: The Hereafter

I am contemplating a new writing piece, and thought of this title. I always think of titles for things I could/should write, and then often don't write them.

I thought Part I could be "The Here" and Part II could be "The After." In Part I, I could talk about the events leading up to Daddy's death (including some useful history for the reader), and in Part II, I could discuss what it's been like since September 4, 2008 at 2:15 a.m (including my mental meltdown and slow-but-sure recovery). I was wondering, though, when to actually write Part II, given that "The After" will go on for a long, long time.

Anyway, just some thoughts today.

I get on the plane to Texas tomorrow morning bright and early (actually, dark & early, because that's how freaking early it will be). Grandma is going to be excited for her party...on Saturday, we plan to celebrate one great life!

pictures of you, pictures of me...

My second cousin is putting together a slideshow of pictures for Grandma's memorial service next weekend. So I perused and here's just a few that I think I'll submit for the show...

24

Not the tv show.

Jesse's age.

Now quit asking. :)

My First Massage

I have wanted to get a professional massage for months. I think it's bad posture causing awful back pain, and have been wanting to nip it in the bud.

Today, I walked over to New Seattle Massage on The Ave, and they had an available appointment. After informing the receptionist that I would be remaining fully clothed (Miss Modesty, I know), I settled into the chair to wait for my masseur.

When I entered the massage room, I saw the table with the head pad thingy. All I could think of was the Friends episode where Phoebe falls for a hot guy that she massages, and makes sure her feet are perfectly pedicured because when he is getting a massage and has his head on the head pad thingy, all he can see are her feet. And she gets the guy by "feet flirting."

Mr. Masseur had a very soothing voice, and he chatted with me for a few minutes about massage therapy. He encouraged me to consider the non-fully clothed option for a better massage, and I caved. (There was no "feet flirting.")

For the next 60 minutes, all my pent-up stress was beat out of me. Oy. He told me I am "inflammed" in many areas. As if I didn't know that 2008 inflammed me. During the massage, he told me all kinds of stuff about healthful living...yoga, veganism, and Epsom salt baths. I also promised Mr. Masseur that I would set a reminder on my Outlook calendar every 20 minutes to do some conscious deep breathing. Sure, dude. Every 20 minutes, like clockwork.

60 minutes can pass fast when you're having the hell beat outta you. I recommend it, though.

Totally.

Random is back!

The trouble with blogging for me lately is not that I'm bummed out. Because I'm not anymore, much to my relief. I've simply lacked ideas for posts.

Then I remembered the popularity of the Random series, and decided to stick with what works.

So here you are. Privy to my inner monologue. Brace yourself.

For the first month I worked at NSCC, I thought I was a bad omen for the college. I worked there a mere week (part-time, mind you) before everything went to crap.
1. I got sick. I rarely get sick so when I do, I get SICK.
2. My first day to return, a freaking blizzard hit Seattle. Okay, maybe not a blizzard, but it was the worst winter storm since 1996. The school was closed for inclement weather for several days.
3. My first day to return, I came into the office just as everyone was sent home because a water main had broken and the school was without water. We closed for 2 days.
4. My first day to return, I walked down the hall to the Advising Center. I entered my office. I sat down at my desk.

And the fire alarm went off.

Are you serious.

So, we evacuated. After waiting approximately 15 minutes in the below freezing temperatures, we were allowed back in the building and carried on with the day.

Me. Bad. Omen.

I started an advising internship with the Information School (iSchool) at the UW last week.

Last year, during The Job Hunt of 2008, I was repeatedly told that I finished second because someone who was 1. Internal (usually at the UW) or 2. had WA state experience beat me out. So, I am concurrently holding positions that should nix that problem.

I love eating bread with peanut butter and jelly. Not pb&j sandwiches. I like a single piece of bread (not toasted) with jelly and then peanut butter on top.

I am currently watching the American Idol auditions in Kansas City, and a lovely girl named Jessica just made it to Hollywood. Jessica lives with her 93-year old grandma and they showed a few minutes of video of her & her grandma...Grandma is hard of hearing and Jessica had to yell things a few times. She also had to help walk her around the house. I cried. I go home next week for Grandma's memorial service.

Facebooking is not like riding a bike. I got on facebook and tried to surf it for the first time in who knows how long. I got overwhelmed and quit. I have forgotten how to facebook.

I found a new Michael Cera movie I need to see (Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist). I have this Mary Kay LeTourneau habit of having crushes on baby boys. Or more like guys with baby faces. Topher Grace was first. Then Jesse. Now Michael Cera. If you don't know who Michael Cera is, don't ask because I will be very disappointed in you for not knowing. But ok, here are some hints: Arrested Development, Juno, Superbad.

Jesse surprised me tonight with a 9-month anniversary present of a Starbucks Gold Card. This means I will enjoy 10% off every purchase. Basically, 30-ish cents per visit. The card costs $25 annually, so I will make up the difference (had I paid in the first place) in approximately 3 days. That's how much Starbucks I inhale.

Thus, tomorrow, I intend to sleep in until 10:00 (Tuesday & Thursday, I don't go in until 11) and go to Starbucks where I will purchase my tall non-fat chai latte for only $2.80. Then, I will go to my UW advising job. My, my, my. I like the sound of that.