Trader Joe's Rocks

So I heard some news a few weeks ago regarding my status as an ATC hopeful. Yes, I am being actively considered and even better, it's for a position at MCI. That's Kansas City International. I considered this slightly uncanny and therefore encouraging. I believe providence manifests itself in various forms, sometimes being more overt than others. Sadly, being spiritually lazy and at times dense, the overt forms are preferred.

I have been given a rough estimate of six months which seems pretty acurate given the process. There still a ways to go but at least things are moving.

On a musical note (ha ha), Regina Spektor was revealed to me from a crazy kid from Radial Angel several months back. Thanks to a random Ipod selection, I've actually been listening to her stuff for a few weeks now. I like it a lot more than I expected. She's pretty arty, creative and reminds me of a revamped Tori Amos. You know I can't help but leave a sample.
Samson



More normal than some others but pretty.

Gnarly Hand

As has been the cycle after several years of growth, it was time to depart from the hoard of strands that were on my grape. This time I was inspired by a friend of a friend' s blog to donate the tresses.

Why I haven't done this before? I don't know, but it's really a waste to throw something away that someone else could benefit from. So with eleven inches of hair missing for almost a week now, I think I am finally used to it. I'm digging the low maintenance, lightness, and time savings.

On another note, the past birthday brought much loved movie gift cards so I've been busy. Borat managed to exploit some American cultural atrocities while providing days of recollection hilarity. Most comedies don't generate laughter or revelation on as many levels as this movie does. The second flick was Stranger Than Fiction. It had funny portions but mostly dealt with issues of existence and death. I thought it was well done and acted. Good stuff.

And finally. We've had a well intentioned art fund sub-account for many years now but have failed to delve into it. We've both been wanting to collect art for quite some time but indecisiveness, affordability and desirability has hindered us. Last night at an art opening, we purchased Josh Taylor's Icarus.

It's an interesting piece and I'll be glad to have it as a promising start to our collection.

Those Smart Fortunate Bastards at YouTube

After doing two movies in a week (Little Miss Sunshine and Hollywoodland) a month ago when I was on travels in KC, it's time to hit the theaters once again. There are several good movies coming out that have caught my eye. Of course Borat is a no brainer but I keep seeing previews for this and it makes me laugh. Will Ferrell's great and Emma Thompson is a consistent fav.
Stranger than Fiction

Since I was moved by Alejandro González Iñárritu's other two films, Amores Perros and 21 Grams, I have high hopes for his newest release. Though certainly not uplifting films, the raw and painful depictions of his stories grabs me.
Babel


Ipod is a saving grace during the dreaded hand washing of the dishes. It has a way of rockin' me out and refreshing my mind with good music not heard in a while.
Rilo Kiley - It's a Hit

Lastly, I'd like to go out for dinner (and maybe to a flick) next weekend for my b-day. Let me know if any of you Cali blog lookers are interested. After a bad fish restaurant experience this weekend, I feel a need to cleanse the palate with something I know to be good, McCormick and Schmick's.

A Little Disconnected, but Still Here

Almost two months and no words from wis. Like everyone, we've been busy livin' the American dream. Work's good, I'm sleep deprived most days but that is very me. The night owl and subsequent vanpool napper.

I did get a letter from the FAA inquiring about an ATC position in Missouri a few weeks ago. Of course, I replied positively and promptly. Hopefully, I'll hear what comes of the inquiry within the next month and hopefully they'll tell me I'll be working in Kansas City.

It's been nearly a month since Brent and I visited the fam and friends in KC. For the self-proclaimed baby haters, I have proof to the contrary. No, I did not manipulate this image in Photoshop. Eddie and Brent are reading Emma a bedtime story.



Ok, time for Earl and sleep. I'll be back soon, maybe.

Approximately 15 hours and 30 minutes of Commute Time Later....

Yeah, so I know I’ve been a big blog bum lately. I attribute this to myspace and myjob. I’m in my second week and things are going pretty well at the grind. It is nice to be back in a professional environment. Everyone is really nice and the guy who’s training me seems to be putting up with me ok. I am definitely out of practice on some things but I feel like I’m catching on. As with any new job, I feel the pressure to prove that I can do the work and do it well especially in a predominately male occupation. I was pleasantly surprised that I have not had to do the usual fighting to carry stuff myself or doing the ‘heavier’ duties on my own. I think they are either trying to see what I am capable of (willing to do) or they aren’t as sexist, I mean chivalrous, around here. I work around mostly minorities so maybe the diverse populace lends itself to a more diverse mindset but ultimately I’ll go with the initial reaction and save the politics.

All in all, I feel blessed to have this opportunity and though it seems like it will turn out to be a good, steady job I am still holding out for that fateful day when I get the call, “The FAA would like to hire you to work at ___________.” Hopefully, that blank will be filled with something pleasant. Until that day, I will be dealing with a poopy commute to my descent job. I actually am starting a vanpool tomorrow which will hopefully cut my traffic woes down significantly but the bad thing is I have to work an earlier shift. This translates to rising at 4am, nice.

I think Christie and Brent can relate to me when I say that myspace is officially addictive. It adds a whole different perspective to the blog. I have made contact with people I lost touch with up to eight years ago. Plus, other connections/reconnections have been made through friends of friends. It’s so simple but fascinating. Any of you thugs that read this and don’t have an account yet need to get with the times. Plus, I need some more legit friends. I have a self-proclaimed friend count competition with Brent and he’s beating me bad.

Thanks to all for your well wishes and inquires over the past week and a half. Once I get my schedule all figured maybe I’ll be back to this more consistently.

And lastly...I've been hearing this song on indie 103 lately it's meloncholy has been sticking with me.
The Funeral - Band of Horses

What is the data transfer rate of a DS-1 line?

Just as I thought I would not get much into blog when I started, I feel (felt) the same way about MySpace. I had been reluctant to dive into that world since every time I browsed around my impression of its contents was the same. Just a bunch of people's profiles with sultry or weird pictures, comments that I'm not sure anyone reads (especially those with like a cagillion friends), and the comments were mostly pretty lame, "thanks for the add" "you're awesome" "i love your art/music" "i miss you". So I joined the ranks and set up an account yesterday. Now I'm trying to amass "friends." At this point, I feel like it's dumbed down blog. I did find some people that I know that probably wouldn't give a flip about reading this drivel but are folks I wouldn't mind having contact with. I was surprised to find even my bro-in-law has a space. I have a pretty good hunch on who the culprit(s) were on that one. It's just one more way the internet has become my new tv.

Anyway, I got word this week from my new employer that I start on Mon, 8:30am. No more free (or I should say poor) ride. I will be happy to be better occupied, making bacon, and feeling like a functioning member of society again. I'm not looking forward to the commute though. I'll probably have to leave here at 6:30am on Mon to allow ample time to make it to Irvine from here (where orientation is). I still don't know what shift they are ultimately going to give me but as much as I love sleeping in I am hoping for something very early to avoid the poop traffic coming and going. It should be an interesting week. At this point, I feel pretty good about how everything has worked out so, hopefully, I can avoid nervous/stress vomiting but we'll see what happens.

So in my final days of unlimited free time the plan is to go to Santa Monica today to shop for a few birthday gifts for my "cousin-in-law's" (i.e. Covina Fam's) daughters, try to find some khakis minus the tight butt with big gap of fabric in back, visit a few galleries at Bergamot Station, and just maybe look at the ocean. I'll have to fly this one solo since Brent's a workin' man. Sat. there's a pre-birthday party for one of the aforementioned kiddos and then possibly some hang time with some friends. Good times.

On the movie front, Little Miss Sunshine looks pretty good and for giggles I don't think you could go wrong with Talladega Nights.

Michel Gondry rocks, The Science of Sleep is a for sure:


Speaking of sleep....

Bob Burnquist is a Hottie

So, I made good use of my time this weekend and watched X-Games. It was pretty bad ass. I'm not much of a sporty person but I love seeing the unreal progressions these athletes make year after year. If you missed the broadcasts, I definitely recommend catching the recaps on ESPN. I've included a few highlights just to whet the appetite. Of course, I'm always going to be partial to skateboarding but Pastrana's moto x double back flip was madness. Danny Way is a legend. He brought big air to xgames three years ago and has rightly won gold every time. Too bad Shaun White couldn't quite stick the 1080 for best vert trick but he got very close. I could say more but I may sport myself out.

Danny Way 2006 X Games Skateboard Big Air Backflip Gold


Travis Pastrana - Double Backflip At X Games 12 Recap

I Can't Help It If Some of My Friends Lack a Complex Palate

After my big rant about the terribly hot weather, there was a quick end in sight. By last weekend, the temps started to drop and now things are quite pleasant in Cali-land. I love the cool evenings. So now it's nice again, I was able to fire up the stove and actually get back to cooking some delectable meals.


Last night's menu:
Coconut Chicken w/ Spicy Apricot Sauce
Glazed Carrots
Balsamic Roasted Potatoes

I dorkily captured the moment before consumption. Ah, I've developed a fondness for home cooked meals.

It looks like Costa Mesa gallery hopping is on the agenda tomorrow and since we'll be oh so close, the beach will be the next stop. It has been too long. I will miss our weekday outings on Brent's days off since he's never off on the weekends and I will be.

And finally, I watched Syriana last night. I thought it was pretty good. It lived up to what I had heard about it. There was a bunch of stuff going on but I liked that it wasn't dumbed down for mass consumption. There were a lot of ultimately interconnected characters to keep track of with varying perspectives and happenings from CIA to Washingon big wigs to oil contract companies and employees to princes to poor immigrant refinery workers. I feel like I missed quite a bit but I understood the gist of the story. It's a good renter.

The Colbert Report is one of my favorite shows. He makes me laugh lots.
Colbert Report - Better know district (DC)

Does Hollywood Make Some People Jacked Up Kooky Pants or Were They That Way to Begin With?

Dit, dit, dit, dit, ma, ma, ma, ma, I got a job! Finally. I had an interview the week before last and got a call on the following Friday with a verbal offer. After turning in some paper work and a specimen donation, I will hopefully get word on an actual start date soon. I’ll be working as a Senior Electronics Tech on in-flight entertainment systems. The work looks interesting and it will be nice to be somewhere that’s developing new technologies. I am definitely looking forward to being gainfully employed once again. I have enjoyed parts of my unemployment year but ultimately I am the type of person that likes and needs to work. Sadly, I don’t do well with idle time so this transition back to full time work will be good on many levels.

There is so much still up in the air that life is very day to day for us. Who knows where we will end up. Brent turned his app in to Fuller so hopefully he’ll be starting school soon. We'll be flying to KC at the end of Sept so we are looking forward to visiting distant relatives, family and friends.

I know once we leave here I will miss our Covina family. Patti just gave me this awesome quilt she made as a graduation present. Jeremy’s got the greatest family here. They adopted us from our first visit here as we were frantically trying to find somewhere to live within a week. I’ve been so grateful to them for so many things.

On an unrelated note, I rented a few movies the other day. Cache (French for Hidden but I’m sure Catie knew that) is about this family who receives video tapes of their house and other things as if they are under surveillance. It was a kinda thriller, a little slow moving and had some extended tonal shots. I enjoyed it though for the very reasons I prefer foreign and independent films. It wasn’t cliche, it dealt with deeper issues like trust, conscience, and ramifications. The other movie , Syriana, I plan to watch this afternoon.

Pee-Wee's Playhouse was a Great Show, Watch the Repeats on Cartoon Network

Warning: Whining, Bitching, and other Unpleasantries about to occur.

Up to this point, I have enjoyed Cali with minimal irritations (excessive violence, trash, cost, etc.) But this summer has got to be one of the worst I’ve endured. That is pretty sad considering I come from a place where summer consists of such high heat and humidity that most outdoor activities are avoided. What makes it so bad here you ask? Most folks don’t own or properly use this widespread invention that brings comfort when it gets really hot. It’s called A/C. Not swamp coolers, not fans, not even window units (which doesn’t count as a/c but is superior to the former). We have a dreaded swamp cooler and it’s crap.

To illustrate, the swamp cooler is on high as are the fans:
Current Covina time: 12:36AM
Current Covina Temp: 82F
Current Temp in our duplex: 77.4F

Seriously, what the hell? I think I am in hell. Yes, I realize I’m spoiled. I’ll consider this a lesson learned; central heat and air will be essential elements to any other place we move to around here. I really would like to know why people around here like to sweat it out and just put up with the heat. It seems so anti-SoCal. Weirdos. The sad thing is that even if people actually used cool air like they’re supposed to no one would have power. Ok, I’m done with my rant. Time for sticky sweat sleep.

I know I’m lame for griping more about being hot than excessive violence or trash.

Song of the Day:
I really like what is posited.

I Know You, I Saw You On My TV

Wow, this last week flew by. The family left on a jet plane this morning and I miss them already. We had a lot of good times hanging out, trekking around So Cal. Three trips to the beach was not enough. I’ve had enough of the valley heat and summer has hardly started. I’m sad I did not get to hang out with my mom more but I spent lots of time with my sis (Laura) and my niece (Emma). It will never cease to amaze me how much it takes to raise kids. The demands are literally never ending. Emma aka Sponge Em Square Head has grown up into quite the character. I see elements of my sis’ personality all over her. I love that baby. Now I’ll probably have kid songs stuck in my head for weeks and no one to sing them to that will enjoy them as much as she does.

In brief, this week consisted going to Pasadena, Claremont, Laguna Beach, Monrovia, Downtown LA, Hollywood, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Santa Monica (twice), and Pomona. This included lots of walking, shopping, eating and Brent and I celebrating our ten year anniversary. We definitely packed in a lot of activities and hang time with family that’s here in West Covina/Covina. Every family’s dynamics are interesting. Between mine and Jeremy’s (my sis’ husband) family, there are all sorts of quirks, issues, frustrations, commonalities and differences. It certainly made for an interesting week. I feel blessed to have the family that I do and I never thought that moving to Cali would make us closer to Jeremy’s family but that has been an added Godsend.

Many thanks to Megan who on short notice was able to schedule and take some great pics of all us gals (sadly minus Patti).

On an unrelated note, we want to go watch Lady In The Water which opens this weekend so if any of you folks around here are interested in going let us know.

It's Not Gross To Pick Tartar From Your Dog's Teeth With Your Fingernail So Long As You Wash Your Hands Afterward

As I was reminiscing earlier this week with Brent, I began to realize something interesting about my memories. In this case, I was trying to recollect specific incidents from a general statement made about a sour love I had as a teenager. I knew the reality of this past relationship; it was very bad, very destructive. I struggled to come up with details regarding this reality. After going to the depths to recall, I could remember some of the significant ills done against me but my own transgressions were not as apparent. Yet, I know that I was an instigator and aggressor at times. So have I blocked out the nasty things I was capable of doing to another? Selective. Am I trying to paint myself in my own mind as better than I actually am? I'd say, probably, yes. In all honesty, I know my talent for having a sharp tongue, knowing exactly what to say to make it hurt. I used to be proud of it. Ironically, I do remember saying something hateful to Brent in high school while we were friends in Arts and Crafts class. I attribute the recollection to him reminding me of this incident when we hooked up a few years later. Anyway, it still remains, selective memories make me uncomfortable.

This realization has furthered my desire for objectivity. Whether it be about myself, others, God, experiences, I want to see things for how they really are. I desire the impossible which drives me mad. Good memories, bad memories, recent experiences, all these are skewed. Is objectivity really necessary? Man, I don't know but I'd like it.

Even if I can't remember and view things as I want, there are a few things I know. Had I not experienced the bad relationship, I would not have realized as readily (especially at such a young age) when the right guy came my way. (We'll celebrate a decade this week.) Through maturity and forging healthier relationships with others and God, the nasty tongue stays at bay (for the most part).


In my opinion, here's an illustration of idealistic young love:
Arcade Fire - Neighborhood 1

Not Funny Ha Ha, Funny Burble Burble

So my sis, 8 mo. old niece, mum and sis' mom-in-law will be in town a week from today. I figured this would be a good place to start a working list of stuff I want to do with them. I need help from you Calis and beyond with ideas/suggestions. Since I'm kid illiterate, I certainly could use some help with good places to take a tyke.

1. Beach, beach and beach (Santa Monica, Venice, Huntington, Laguna, etc)
2. Third Street Promenade
3. Victoria Gardens, Rancho Cucamonga
   
4. Pasadena (Panda Inn, Father Nature's Lavish Wraps, Old Town, Paseo, Peet's Coffee)
   
5. Pink's Hot Dogs
6. La Luz de Jesus
   
7. Hollywood Farmer's Market
8. Descanso Gardens
9. The Standard
10. Shopping on Melrose
11. Elixir Tonics and Teas
12. Father's Office, Santa Monica
13. Glendora Farmer's Market, Sat. evening for foodage and so Brent can check out a demo from Golden Paints at an art store in Glendora
    

Bugs are My Enemy But Not The Ones That Live On And In My Body Keeping Me Healthy

So, I checked out Superman Returns in IMAX with a little 3D action to boot. Overall, I enjoyed the movie. It was pretty much what I expected. I used to watch the old Superman films when I was a wee tot so it was nice to see this upgraded remake. From the opening credits to the story lines to the dude playing Superman with the cute curly strand of hair to the reuse of old footage and lines, the similarities to the other films was rampant.

There did seem to be more emphasis on recurrent use of mythological and religious language and imagery (but maybe I was too young to realize their use before). Not being into the comics either, I'm sure this is where these concepts were born anyway. So to name a few of these religious (particularly Christian overtones) there's Superman as savior ("I have sent them, you my only son"), as humanity's model for goodness ("the light to show them the way") and a resurrection. There is also the repetitious use of, "the father becomes the son, the son becomes the father" which at this point I'm not interpreting anything further than a familial legacy being carried out. My theology source told me that if viewed in Christian terms it could be a reference to modalism (the belief that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are different modes or aspects of one God, rather than three distinct persons). This idea doesn't seem to fit but it's an interesting concept (outside of Superman, I mean).

Despite the film's utter fiction, logical flaws still bother me. So when the power goes out, there is such a cosmic surge that even batteries and emergency back-ups don't work but when the power does return all computers and systems return to the exact state they were in before the outage? Wow.
And I want one of those cell phone cameras that take beautifully detailed pictures.
A radar that detects Superman, what's this dude made out of?
The characters' inability to figure out the Clark Kent/Superman correlation is pretty comical, too. Need a good disguise? Just get some glasses and act like a dork and you're all set.

And finally. The 3D was sort of cool but the taking the glasses on and off got a little old. The best was the 3D farm. Nothing enhances the movie experience more than a multi-dimensional goat and corn.

They'll Call It The Airbox

After being a Rilo Kiley fan for several years now, I have no explanation as to why I waited so long to get the lead singer's solo album when it was released earlier this year. Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins' album Rabbit Fur Coat is deep, haunting, moving, honest. It's makes me realize why I love music.

Though I consider myself to be a feminist, ironically, I generally am not into girl singers. I attribute this to the content and mostly annoying, overdone sound of most female vocalists but this gal is no doubt an exception. From tension with God to the reality of humanity to love to family to life experience to philosophy, the depth and variety in which Lewis writes is impressive. This album has a definite old country yet alternative feel. I totally dig the Traveling Wilburys' cover of "Handle With Care" and the Ben Gibbard, Conor Oberst cameos make it even better. Anyway, enough of my lame album review. I just wanted to rant about some good music.

Here is a performance of "The Big Guns" from Dave Letterman in March. I'd like to hear some opinions and interpretations of the song. Who/what are the "Big Guns"? What is she fighting or advocating? I've got a few vague ideas.
For the few of you who have not heard this, enjoy.

Mmmm...Asparagus, Round Two

I took a break today from the seemingly endless and fruitless internet job searching and application filling which has become my daily routine. Brent was off, it was warm, so we loaded up the bike and longboard then promptly headed to Santa Monica. We stopped at Bergamot Station first to check out some art and visit the Copro Nason Gallery which Brent was interested in. I got out of the car and happily noticed a Space Invaders "tag." I'm not into graffiti like Brent but I really dig this guy's stuff.

We actually got to meet and talk with Nathan Spoor who was one of the artists showing their work at the Corpo Nason Gallery. He was a really nice guy that was more than willing to discuss intents and interpretations of his works. Really interesting stuff.

After art perusing, we parked near beach in Santa Monica and rode the ocean front walk (ironic) down to Venice to have lunch at the small but tasty Abbot's Pizza Company. During the course of waiting for our food at an outside table, we were approached by a very dirty, babbling homeless fellow who wanted "a buck for a Pepsi." I told him I would go buy him a drink (call me a skeptic but I never believe the many reasons I hear these folks giving for wanting an extra buck). As I waited inside the pizza place for the drink, Brent listened to the man ramble incoherently about Vietnam and passing tests with "flying colors." He was appreciative for the drink and I was glad he decided not to stick around and chat. I have a very low bum comfort level but I don't want to treat them as sub-human either (though most of the time I do).




So after our yummy pizza we headed back to the beach. On our way, we walked past some massive banana trees. I've seen them before but they were much smaller and never with buds or fruit on them. I was fascinated.

As we were nearing Venice Beach, we saw this odd building. I can deal with gargoyles but I don't know if I could sleep if I knew there was a skeleton, muscle man with arrows statue above my head.
Venice Beach was hopping with a skateboard demo. Even the skateboarding English bulldog was there! We watched for a while then headed back to Santa Monica for some beach
lounging.

No trip to SM would be complete without going to the promenade and visiting Kid Robot. So now there is one more toy/collectible/figure, I don't know, just some extra thing on the shelf to dust. But, it certainly makes Brent happy.

My chocolate craving lead me to the English shop for a Crunchie bar and in looking around I noticed they have pickled onion flavored Walker's Crisps(potato chips). Wow, that sounds disgusting so further investigation lead me to realize they have other fantastical flavors (besides the typical English favs): tomato ketchup, prawn cocktail, lamb mint, marmite(what the hell is that), roast chicken, smoky bacon (oh, bacon). How odd, yet I would probably try every one of them if they were offered to me. Well, that's the fascinating end to today's beach adventure. It had a strong start but petered out toward the end.
Definitely bedtime.

I'm Here To Be Served

There were some interesting sights at the chalk festival. A pretty good variety on all levels, I suppose. I still think Brent should have totally applied to be in it. He would have been an asset. It was nice to go there with three couples from bible study. The dinner fiasco sucked. I’m amazed at the level of apathetic customer service I’ve experienced around here. The Island’s in Pasadena has officially been banned.

Deodorant Sucks, It's Messy and Doesn't Work When You Need It To

The Pasadena Chalk Festival is this weekend. We pretty much stumbled into this last year while hanging in Pasadena. It is very interesting seeing the variety of art and watching the works in progress, techniques used, etc. I got the picture shown from this flickr site. I really liked this piece done last year. It ended up being much bigger and the artist(s) used a consistent color scheme that made the work look really cool. As much as Brent likes to tag up our hood with his art, he should have applied to be a part of this. Maybe I can convince him to be the vigilante participant, it would be fitting considering his inspiration.

Since it tends to get crowded (ok, I know, when is it not) we'll probably go to it Sat night. So if any of you Calis who actually read this are interested in going with, let us know. I'm sure we'll be dining somewhere as well. M&S won out on computer day so I'll probably be craving the Panda but then again there are several second story restaurants at Paseo that overlook the main promenade area where you can watch the artists work while eating. Fun times.

Gratuitous Use of Prepositions is Fun Because Sentences can Last Forever If You Keep Using Them

Another week with not much to show for it except I have become a very diligent blog commenter. What an accomplishment!

At this point, I can say the sometimes all too dirty Cali air is getting to me. I've been sickly all week with allergy, throat, mucus, asthma funk. I woke up at 6 this morning and proceeded to cough, hack, snot, weeze and groan for about an hour. When I did go back to sleep and woke up too late again, my head did not feel so great, like something might have exploded during all the coughing. Anyway, enough bitching I'm really just being a baby.

I think today is new computer day which is exciting. I still have to look some stuff up to further justify the purchase I already know we'll make because I am super anal, make sure I get the best bang for my buck kind of girl, but ultimately I think we'll end up at the apple store in Pasadena later. You know I used to be all over mail ordering but just about everything comes from here which means sales tax + shipping. The super thrifty anal gal in me rejects this concept entirely.

The impending outing to Pasadena of course makes me think of food. Will it be McCormick & Schmick's for their rocking happy hour food and lemon drop martinis (Kyle, this is the place with the super good fresh lemonade) or will it be Panda Inn for some yummy asian food (sweet & pungent chicken with house ginger ale)? Computers and food, I'm way too much of a spoiled American.

I need to find more interesting things to talk about. I'm boring myself.

Side note: I put a different link for Eddie's blog. He said he would also start posting back on his blogspot since I complained about not being able to post stuff on Xanga. So harass Eddie when you get the chance.

Plop, plop Fizz, fizz

We've been going to the same church for almost six months now. Sadly, (for those of you that know us well) that is a pretty good record. I have enjoyed the experience for the most part. As I have found with most churches we've been involved with, I enjoy the small group/bible study gathering more than I do the actual church service. I suppose I prefer the intimacy of group studies. Plus, my unceasing disdain for contemporary worship continues so anytime I'm not having to make a conscious effort to have a better attitude about church is a mental relief.

A few high-points/observations from church this week (with a focus in Matt. 4:18-22):

1. Following Christ is a conscientious decision made daily. (working out salvation)
2. Christ chose those who were socially unlikely to be his disciples.
3. We should have an unceasing love for others.
4. It is refreshing to see this church consistently practice several positive values like being welcoming to all, stressing individual worth/purpose in Christ, insighting personal change without passing judgment, and practicing scripture memorization as a group.
   

Umbrellas Can Double As Parasols When It's Really Sunny

So I was supposed to be on the big job hunt this week but here its Friday and still no promising prospects. I'll blame the holiday for the lack of progress. I did update my resume and I tried to contact a contract company I spoke with last year but I am still waiting for them to get back with me. I see travel in my future if I were to take a position with them so we'll see what happens. My ideal traveling job would include monthly week long trips to KC. I know, keep dreaming.

An interesting nugget, I got some paper work from the FAA this week about some technician jobs in Seattle and Auburn, WA. These were only inquiry letters wondering if and when I would be available for work should they offer me a position. I got these letters because I had updated my online application for electronics tech positions (basically what I did in OK) about a month ago. I figured it would be good to seek out other avenues of getting hired by the FAA while I'm waiting for the whole controller thing to pan out but I really had not expected to hear anything from them. Since the Seattle area remains our top choice, Brent and I took it as encouragement especially since I had put like eight different cities I would be willing to work in KS, MO, CA, and WA. This may amount to absolutely nothing but it is an interesting possibility all the same.

It has been relatively hot to us Calis in the valleys the last few days so it is time for a beach outing. Any excuse to go to the beach is a good one for me. Brent is off tomorrow so it sounds like a plan. Against my better judgment, I decided I want a golden tan this year. I can try to forget about wrinkles and cancer while my skin cooks.

I am the Ass from New Years' Past

Blog imitates life, for this week anyway, it is a reflection of what I've been up too lately...much inactivity. I took the week off after getting out of school and I don't have much to show for it except we got showtime free for six months so I've been watching and tivo-ing lots of movies. The sundance channel rocks.

Anyway, to the point. Maybe some of you more savvy music folk (Eddie) can help shed some light on a discussion Brent and I had over dinner tonight. Due to an ipod random pick, I was expressing lament over a group in which I only enjoyed their first album (at least a daily listen in junior high). Since then their successive albums (as a whole body of work) have all just sounded mediocre to me. A sign of a great band is an ability to progressively evolve over time and sadly this does not seem to happen with some. Brent's theory is that a band may be playing together for several years before getting signed to a major label. Once a band is signed, they are forced into playing the best tunes they've made over the years because the studio sees this as the best mode of capitalization. So, it follows the "first" major album ends up being much better.

I disagree. Even if a band plays together several years then gets signed, the album that will be produced should be of their most recent material. Unless a band or label really digs old tunes they made years ago, I can't see a record becoming the "best of before we were signed" album. That's the basic gist of our conversation. Our limited knowledge on the subject hinders our ability to talk intelligently about this so we are basically using logic.

Hiking

We went on a hike today to a waterfall called Eaton Cayon Falls in Alta Dena. The San Gabriel Mtns. are pretty much next door to us so it eludes me why we haven't been hiking sooner. It was a lot of fun and we'll definitely prioritize doing more of the same in the future. The three mile round trip hike was just enough for my out of shape body but sadly I have to admit I'm feeling a little leg pain. The first part of the hike was a well beaten, open-air path which was very warm from the constant sun. The last half mile was along the banks of the river so it was very rocky and we had to switch back across the river several times resulting in "wet foot" (my inadvertent dipping of feet in the river due to poor coordination while rock jumping). There was graffiti (the ugly kind) on various rocks which ruined the natural feel of the place. Ultimately, we ended up at a small but pretty waterfall where a hippy dude started burning some homemade incense which I thought he was smoking because it looked like a stogy in string so I asked him if it tasted good, oops. There were also some kids swimming but it was not as crowded as we thought it would be. Kudos to Brent for finding the trail for us today. Good times.

Concert withdrawal

It has been nearly a year since I went to a show. For us, that is unheard of. We used to go see bands play, at the very least, every other month even if it was just a local band at a small venue. So I am having a live music craving. After coming to LA, I was excited at all the musical possibilities. Bands that would never come to OK, I would now be able to see. This has obviously not panned out for me. The demand is higher so the shows sell out quickly and are quite a bit more expensive. The base price is generally double here, bummer. I also need to get a jump on buying tickets, for example, Built to Spill is playing four nights at the Troubadour at the end of July for a good price but guess what, all are sold out! So, I am partially to blame for my little dilemma.

On another music topic, Grandaddy came out with a new album earlier this month and sadly there is no tour planned because the band is breaking up. It sounds like music will still be made but just separately. Thanks to Robbie for sharing them with us; they played a great show in Lawrence. Oh....shows.

Movie Review

So, I watched Junebug tonight and it was ok. It was an interesting look at family and the dynamics therein. Everyone had their role, the quiet dad, the opinionated mother, the detached son with his always positive, pregnant wife, the favored son with his career oriented new wife. There were several tonal scenes where a room in a house was full of energy because of the people interacting within it but then the same space was shown empty causing you to realize what gives a place life. This occurred in varying ways throughout the film. The new wife was trying to lure a simple country-boy folk artist to show his work in her gallery and the artist's character and works were obscure and funny. Anyway, the critics really liked this film and Amy Adams (pregnant wife) was nominated for the best supporting actress Oscar for the role. I say it was average. I would recommend it to those who enjoy movies that are reflectively slow, intentionally quiet, relationally based and don't mind if the plot isn't incredibly thick.

Done with School

Well, its official. I'm done with school...for now. Finals are over, I've achieved associate degree number three and now the wait is on for the FAA to "give me the call." We'll see how all that pans out. It should be an interesting year.

I plan to take the weekend off, well sort of. I have to update the 'ole resume so I can start earning my keep again. I did not think I would be out of work the whole time I was in school but here I am. I miss work. Hopefully, I can find something half as descent as what I left in OK.

I rented Junebug from the library today. I'm sure I'll write about it if it ends up being worth anything. I wanted the movie Catie recommended but I was shut down. I guess I'll have to stop being a cheap ass and go to the movie store to get it.

On another art note, check out Scott Fraser. Brent and I saw his work at the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa more years ago than I can remember but he remains one of the best photo realistic painters I've seen. I usually hate still life's but this guy puts a whole different perspective on them. Even his website's gallery shows the incredible detail in his work when you zoom on them. Enjoy.

A few observations.

It has been almost a year since this OKC girl uprooted and moved to SoCal.
Here are a few things I've learned so far (in no particular order):

1. Bigger cities are just better. There's always something to do.
2. Bigger cities have too much traffic; the logic follows I suppose.
3. Given the previous, timing is essential for efficient travel.
4. In-N-Out has the best fast food cheese burger and fries period.
5. The beach is addictive.
6. Everything becomes more important and relevant when famous people are involved. After seeing this local news story, I know now that Jesus is right-on.
7. There are more politically conservative people here than I thought there would be. I'd like to know how blue this state really is.
8. Unfortunately, it seems (for some) with more diversity comes more friction (racism,intolerance, etc.) In my naivete, I thought if people were exposed to those of different cultures and persuasions then they would be more accepting. I could expound on this later.
9. Now is the time for June gloom.
10. Earthquakes are scarier than tornados.
    

My very first blog post....

Oh, the possibilities for the first entry. Does this set the precident for subsequent posts? This whole thing is still a little obsure yet interesting to me. My good friend C's blog made me realize how easily I can stay informed in her life and thoughts. This has inspired me to take the blog leap. I have already grappled with the reality of further disconnectedness in personal interaction as a result of these things but ultimately many a conversation has spurred from my blog leeching. So here's the start of the experiment......