Fresh Jesus Five

Fresh Jesus was a huge success this year! It gave Miss B and I our last push to finally put away boxes (or hide the ones we haven't unpacked as of late) prior to guests arriving on Sunday. I must admit it was a dang good representation of His Freshness and a good time was had by all.

The weekend started with Laurel and Kevin's arrival. LOU had been in Berkeley on a work assignment and Kevin on spring break so he thought to tag along for fun. It was great! They are truly the best guests ever. As B so eloquently said on Sunday night when we were falling asleep, "They are funny, easy going, don't need to be entertained, and cook really great food!". Who wouldn't love guests like that? Unfortunately they live clear up in Oregon and we don't get to see them enough. Friday we went to No Name Sushi in the Castro and Sweet Inspirations for dessert. It was rather funny to see our evening of entertainment consist of food. In years previous it would have been beer beer and more beer and that's ok. I'm pretty sure that the German Sweet Chocolate Cake gave me a sugar hangover anyway which is a bit easier to recover from for me these days. We ended the evening viewing Dodgeball. No matter how many times I hear "If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball!...WHACK", it's still funny. Vince Vaugh is highlarious as well as the newbie Justin Long. Saturday was started with a trip to the coffee shop and yoga. Eventually we all parted ways and Miss B and I attended to Fresh Jesus shopping. Would knew finding items for casseroles could take so long! Three stores later we arrived home with goods for the feast. Laurel and Kevin made the green bean and the cream corn casseroles while we prepped for the evening. They were such amazing help and good cooks! Props to our peeps in Oregon for bringing it all together! They rule. We spent the rest of the night playing cards and telling fart stories. Yes, we are adults.

The big Fresh day arrived and we were ready. Everything needed for the Race to the Resurrection Relay, meal, and wine drinking. Guests began to swing by in bunches and the next thing you know there was a full party going on! Shouts out to A for making the Tomb Truffles, Sensative Asshole's au grautin potatoes, Misty's (and her multiple boyfriends) Fresh Jesus cupcakes, Kate's deviled eggs, Hollysan's salad, Di for mimosa materials, FArlene for creating the pin Jesus to the cross game, Hot Bottom Rob and David for Fresh Cheeses, Kiku's strawberry cake, Ted's photo documentary and Jesus oriented CD's, and LoriD's appetizers. I must say, we had a great party! Thanks to all for helping to ring in yet another superb Fresh JC! The night was capped off with a big joint and a trip to The Mint where Miss B and A sang their little hearts out. We are still attempting to get through the leftovers and candy. Oi. It's going to be around for a while!

Miss B is now on spring break so she has the pleasure of lounging around the house while I go to work. It's odd to reverse roles in the morning. I am usually still tucked into bed when she leaves. Now she gets to relish in the pleasure of me wandering around half awake trying to pull it together before it's time to plan production for the drugs of the day. I took yesterday off and we rode our bikes around town running errands and just having fun. A lazy day, that is for sure. Oh, and we watched Finding Neverland last night. SO sad yet so good! I give it a thumbs up. Johnny Depp was a super hotcha! Miss B was covered in tears on several ocassions. Stop reading and go rent it now!

Life Basics

It's been regular life doing regular things. Nothing too exciting to report these days. The past week has been filled with settling into the apartment (still unpacking!), yoga, baking banana bread, making dinner(s), cleaning, birthday shopping for Miss B, and just hanging out. Life has been at a pace which is easily handled and comfortable.

One thing which became apparent the other day as things at work were a jumbled mess is how my life approach to work has changed significantly within the past 6 months. My job is primarily dealing with production changes based on inventory demand and lack of cohesive forecasting...ok, before I lull most of you into sleep, it's a job based on change. The prior approach was to dig my heels in and fight the swirl of ambiguity and uncertainty. This led to being driven bonkers as the current "plan" really isn't a plan at all. Yesterday however I noticed how fluidly change can be dealt with and it doesn't have to be a battle at all. I have tailored my interactions with people/departments now and approach work with the attitude that I can work with what I have in front of me, regardless if it is a change or the previous plan. Seems to be helping and living in the present is much more handy than worrying about what could be.

As for life around the flat, the same approach is helpful as well. We are having a good time working together to figure out where items should be placed such as pictures, furniture, and kitsch. The cats are adjusting and seem to enjoy paling around with eachother although we have yet to find them all curling up in the same sleep spot. Life with Miss B is pretty darn cool. And taking it day by day is the best approach found yet. Oh, we also purchased tickets to our "Meet the Family" tour (different from Focus on the Family!) where we will be spending 11 days in the midwest visiting both Wisconsin and Michigan. Will do so in June as not to be there during the super humid weather. It will be interesting to see how my family does with meeting a girlfriend. They have met two girls I have dated in the past and it was awkward at best. But I anticipate they will appreciate Miss B for exactly what she is, wonderful, grounded, and the best thing goin'!

There is also a 5K run which we are going to "train" for in the next month. The race is in late May so that gives us some time to get our endurance up to conquer the minimal distance. I have never run a race before. But if I don't have a goal to shoot for when it comes to running, it's not going to happen. Seems rather sad that I need to train for it as I used to be able to take on this distance at the bat of an eye. I guess it's all about starting over and establishing intention this time around. Perhaps it will make it easier to stick with and maintain.

Sad, Sad Ian Brown

Oh so very long ago the glorious Stone Roses came to being. Popular at the time of the Happy Mondays, New Order, Soup Dragons, you know, the eat-E-and-anything-else-you-can-get-your-hands-on kind of music where the new drugs and new music went together like peanut butter and chocolate. But isn't it always like that? The 1960's = heroin and acid with the drug loving music of The Dead and Doors. 1970's = poppers, qualudes, and coke, nothing goes better with disco right? You get the picture. Back to topic, Ian Brown. Once the brilliant lead singer of the Stone Roses, he changed the face of music in the late 80's. Songs like Sally Cinnamon, I Wanna Be Adored, Elephant Stone, and Fool's Gold got even the biggest lunk headed frat boy on the floor dancing. Once the band broke up, had several disputes over contracts, song rights, and all that other jazz, Ian embarked upon a solo career. He's done some marginal work here and there, most of which I like he has done in collaboration with the UNKLE project. Thought it would be worth the $28 to see what he's still got left at the Great American Music Hall this past Tuesday night. Bad decision.

Midway through the third song a drunken fan charged the stage to do something, of which wasn't clear. Hug or mug, don't know. What did happen resulted in Ian Brown being knocked to the ground. It was completely surreal, looking upon the stage thinking "Did that really just happen?". Sure enough it did. Ian got up and started to literally kick the living daylights out of the fan near passed out on the stage. He was then joined by the rest of the band and the GAMH security guards to break it up. They did and as they were carting off the bloodied fan, Ian started in a security guy. The band again joined him and using brute force, took him out. At one point Ian Brown had taken his microphone by the chord and hammering it into the guy's head. The guy, also bloodied, was eventually carried off stage and 20 minutes later the show started up again. We all felt uneasy and downright dazed and confused. Should we be enjoying this? What happened exactly? My peeps eventually left before the show was over and I thought to stay for a few more songs. I made it another 5 minutes or so and had enough when Ian Brown whipped his microphone down in frustration with the sound crew for the 8th time.

Point of the story? I should have just left the Stone Roses when the decided to leave us, in the early 1990's. What I saw? A shell of a man who had mush between his ears from years of abuse and no ability to hold a note. Attempting to listen to some of their work today left me feeling bothered and brought back thoughts of the evening gone wrong. Next time perhaps I should just leave well enough alone and leave the 80's in the 80's. Well, with the exception of Misty's PNYEP of course! That frickin' rocked!

Prom Night

It's prom night! The Procrastinator's New Year's Eve is tonight. Miss B is napping while I get dinner prepared. Nothing from scratch this evening. Making a stroll to the taqueria for some burritos. Yum with a capital Y.

Miss B picked up her dress and it looks phenomenal! So very pink. I also did some calling around this morning and found a place that does wrist corsages. They put together the loveliest pink orchid with pearls combination ever seen! B was also nice enough to pick up some Aquanet and a comb so the mullet wig can be whipped into shape. As of this moment it looks like something from the wild that Daniel Boone would have touted. Or maybe it is...

So difficult to concentrate at work today. Everyone was scattered as spring has arrived. It was mid 80 degree weather today which happens a few times a year in San Francisco. Not a cloud in the sky and the air is so fresh! Had to come home and open up windows because it felt like an oven in the apartment. The cats have been parked in the hallway soaking up the cross ventilation to cool down their little furry bodies. With any luck this will last throughout the weekend and we can get out and enjoy! Yee haw for spring!

Oh, and I've been saving myself for prom night. Finally the time has arrived to be deflowered! :)

Snapped

The kooky bus arrived at my place of employment today. A co-worker whom has always appeared to be calm, easy going, ride with the changes kind of guy, totally lost it. Not shocking seeing as it is a large corporation and we are a crew of office rats crammed into a sea of cubicles. We live in the world depicted in Office Space. However, he certainly wasn't the Merlin character portrayed by Steven Root. No one is quite sure what sparked it or a whole lot about his history of mental stability but this is a true case of cracking up and not in a giggle sort of way.

On friday this co-worked attended a work sponsored party put on by one of the various diversity groups. There was a lot of discussion regarding empowerment of the "little guy" and what we can do about it. After having time over the weekend to brew and come up with ideas, he shared it with several folks at a "town hall" which was comprised of VP's, Directors, as well as regular old Joe Schmoe. From there he went "spreading his message" around the company with books, slides, and handouts. This morning he hijacked a meeting and literally went nuts. Security was called, HR, and others to focus his attention elsewhere and remove him from the public forum. Since that time he has been sent home to "rest" for a while. Crazy thoughts of what he could do entered everyone's mind.

What's most disturbing is that not only that this happened but the thoughts of a co-worker going postal and harming others is the first thing thought of and it's not a good feeling. How has our society come to this? Is the only way someone can be heard is if they go off their rocker? Why are immediate thoughts of destruction what comes to mind when thinking about what he could do? It was certainly an eye opener and hope it doesn't happen again anytime soon.

The Return of JC

Read an article last night which disturbing to no end. Written by Bill Moyer, an astute reporter whom has seen a whole lot of history unfold in front of his eyes and keeps a rather middle of the road perspective, as reporters should. Bill's words spoke of the neoconservative whom have no intention of preserving any natural resources because to do so would mean a delay in the return of Christ. Their policy is based on the second coming of Jesus (although did he really show up the first time or was it merely urban legend?) being brought on by the destruction of the earth. James Watt, former Secretary of the Interior during the Reagan administration is on public record stating "There's no need to concern ourselves with saving natural resources perse. It would postpone the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.". He meant every word. And there are several other citizens of the United States whom believe the very same philosophy. No need to worry about what we leave for our future generations because Jesus's return is much more important. The Bush administration fully believes this theory. Karl Rove wanders around the White House whistling "Onward Christian Soldiers" with purpose, because he knows the Lord is on his way and Karl's doing everything he can to make that happen sooner by bringing about the end of the world as we know it. So the Bushies plod on opening up more and more federally protected land. Cutting loose regulations on air quality and waste management. It doesn't really matter to them. The sooner they can bring back their pal JC, the more they have accomplished in their eyes. If you don't believe me, go read it for yourself on Bill Moyer's website. Bill is scared too!

After reading that I turned my eyes to Brining Yoga to Life, a book about how to take the practical teachings of class and apply them to every day. The chapter last night focused on how often people say they are simply too busy to take care of themselves. They have too much to do to take any time out for themselves for even 10 minutes of quiet time. I too used to live this way. Overbooking was a way of life because if any downtime appeared, that meant thinking about the real things going on and that was way too scary. So keeping occupied with a variety of activities, most of which really weren't that important but I chose to make them that way to feel unconsciously overstretched. Over time this wore me down and I found myself amidst a life which wasn't what I really wanted at all. Taking the time to do the things which are most important and doing them well seems to work best, as least for myself. Although others may think it boring, when I'm in bed reading by 9:30pm at night, it sets me up for success effectively moreso than going 800 places at one time.

On a DSL note, I plugged the modem and wireless package in last night. All the appropriate lights worked and wha-la, we had service. Checked in on it again this morning and there was nothing. Miss B said I could remain skeptical if I wanted to however she thought we were good to go. Will test it out again tonight. Let's hope for AT&T's sake it's working. If not, SBC here we come!

Cat Philosophy

In an effort to multitask while making dinner on Sunday night, there was a bath being poured to relax in after a tasty meal of spinach potato griddle cakes. Lots of bubble bath and salts to ease the soreness in muscles from a few yoga classes over the weekend. Had done this sort of multitasking previously at the former apartment with no hassle other than one occurrence where it almost flooded over as it was forgotten about. Other than that, no worries.

As the potatoes were boiling, music was playing, Zomie ran into the kitchen and started meowing at me as if something was wrong. I swear she was a miniature Lassie saying "Come here P, big trouble ahead!". Walked into the bathroom, water still running and in the bubbles a sillouettle of a cat which had clearly fallen in and gotten out quickly. Water was everywhere and the trail led underneath the bed with a soaked Sammy shivering, meowing, and pissed off.

At the other apartment when I was done taking a shower, he immediately jumped into the tub to look drink up the water and peruse around a bit. His little footprints would be all over it and in turn, increasing the frequency of cleaning. However, at the palace of cohabitation he does not have this option, or at least he hasn't figured it out yet. The shower curtain encloses in such a way that it appears there is no way inside. So, apparently on Sunday night it looked to Sammy as though the doors to the promised land had opened and in he went. Much to his surprise finding not at all what he was looking for. Things are not as they appear.

Perhaps as adults there is a bit to be learned from the silly acts of a cat. 1) Don't jump in head first without checking the depth or temperature of the water. 2) Don't assume you have all the answers when setting out on a journey which has been taking several times before. 3) Never eliminate the element of surprise. 4) Learn from previous mistakes and take the time to evaluate what is and isn't working in your life. 5) Be happy with where you are rather than wishing where you want to be. 6) Enjoy the small things. Just a little cat philosophy....er something.

New Zealand Revisited

A year and a half ago found me and my pal MistyL traveling through New Zealand. Flew into Auckland, then to Christchurch were upon we rented a car and drove all the way around the south island taking in the sights, sounds, and beverages of the land. While in Dunedin, the very southern tip of the country, we went penguin viewing on an extremely cold and rainy day. The penguins were great and there was actually a whole lot of scandal going on in the colony. Tracking of the sleeping around, spats, births, you know, the general things that go on in a commune of penguins. It was a lovely tour and when completed, we drove back to Dunedin for the Speight's brewery tour.

The tour started at 2pm and we arrived shortly before to secure tickets. A smart assed Londoner standing outside said "It's sold out. You'll never get in mate.". Walked up to the window and sweet talked the tour guide to let us in and off we went to go drink beer, unknowlingly how much beer there really was to be had. As the tour progressed, so did the Londoner's attempts to flirt with MistyL. He was an utter goofball and perhaps the main highlight of the tour with all the silly things he did. During the tasting he asked if we would take a snap with him simulating a pour from the taps of the multi-beer selection. It was fun at first sight and we spent the evening drinking beer, trying Absinthe for the first time, smoking weed, and dancing our tails off at various establishments in Dunedin with Ollie and Garath, Ollie's side kick. From what I recall we stayed out until the wee hours of the morning and had a brilliant evening with our two NBF's.

Received news today that Ollie is moving to New Zealand to live with a gal he met traveling. Not only did he meet her and fall in love, he also produced a baby with her and it's on the way. It's crazy how quickly things change and the way life unfolds with extremely unpredictable events. Best to Ollie, his special lady friend, and baby!

Back to the Future

It's the night to shop for the procrastinator's new year's eve party. This is a fiesta held every year by my pal MistyL (for the past 15 years I believe) in which New Year's Eve is done in a "do-over" mode where everyone actually has F-U-N fun this time around. It was inspired by herself and some friends years ago when they all had lame New Year's Eve celebrations. This is truly my favorite party every year and what makes it so special is that it always has a theme. This year it is 1980's prom.

What I'm picturing: tuxedo jacket, jeans which are appropriately rolled and pegged, black converse, t-shirt tuxedo shirt, U2 and Duran Duran pins on the jacket, and to top it all off, a mullet wig. It's two toned and on loan from A. I will have to be blind for the night as I don't have the glasses which I wore from the 80's and my tiny square German ones won't do, would ruin the look. As for Miss B, am hoping to find a gaudy prom dress at a costume shop or two throughout the city. I want her to dress up like Madonna from the Like a Virgin album however she feels it can't be pulled off. Am sure we will come across something which will work. A has already put together some excellent CD's for the event and between her and Ted, it will be a night to dance our pants off! Historically I usually haven't gotten home from this gig until at least 3am. It's held at a bar this year so it will be a bit different however MistyL won't have to worry about her remote control ending up in someone's beer again which is good.

Theme for the party: EVERYBODY WANG CHUNG TONIGHT!

Now that I think about it, I went to two proms in the 80's. One of which I was the organizer of ceremonies during my junior year. Being class president meant also that I was in charge of pulling the prom off. First kid to ever hire a DJ (and by god the kids danced!), crazy decorations, and even got the song "Nikki" by Prince banned from future school dances. Hee hee! I didn't go with a date a for two reasons: 1) boys never asked me out 2) I was far too occupied with the punch and record selection to be bothered with a date. That year my best friend Tiffany was crowned queen and I longed to be her date. Sigh. I wore a pink dress with white pumps and had a corsage due to being the organizer and MC. The second prom was my senior year when a bunch of girls who were single went in a Winnebago so we could drink like fish, stay out all night, and drive at the same time! I wore a big red puffy dress and felt like a football player wearing a skirt for a uniform. Also included was blue eye shadow, lots of hairspray, and nail polish. The tomboy was showing through and through however as I chugged beer bongs prior to the dance. If they could only see me now...Molly Ringwald is my hero!

Fax Machine

My parents live in rural Wisconsin on a dairy farm just outside of Madison. It's a cute little town and was a fantastic place to grow up. Or at least I thought so at the time and couldn't ever imagine leaving it until I did out of necessity, nearing flying over the cukoo's nest. Mel and Doris live 7 miles away from "town". Town keeps encroaching every year with folks fleeing Madison in their desire for a home plus a little patch of land to play around with. Family farms are being sold to cash in on developments popping up here and there. More cash in selling the land than selling the business which is rather sad.

Onto the point of this post. Seeing as my 'rentals are so rural, they are behind the times in terms of technology. Mom recently aquired a fax machine at a garage sale and got it hooked up to the LAN line. She loves this thing! It saves her trips to Baraboo for her accounting meetings. Can send farm information where ever it needs to go. She thinks it's the best thing since sliced bread. Today I sent her a fax. I printed up a copy of Miss B and I, signed it with a quick note, and off to the farm it went. Mom has been to the hospital a few times within the past few weeks to have melonoma removed from her arms, face, and leg so thought the cheer up would be good. I can only hope the fax machine works better than AT&T DSL!

The DSL Gods Hate Me

I hate AT&T DSL. I have been on the phone with the for 2.5 hours in an attempt to switch my service from my former apartment to the palace of cohabitation. During this time I have been pawned back and forth from billing to technical to customer service to billing to technical and a series of supervisors. No one can help me with this simple switch. Partially due to the language barrier seeing as this is outsourced somewhere in BFE as well as it's not clear what their policy is in terms of a mere transfer. I am on the phone with them now with steam coming out of my ears. My co-worker in the next office is cracking up with the things he is over hearing and is showing signs of sympathy frustration.

After almost 3 hours, I have obtained a confirmation number that there will be service within 15-20 days. How much do you want to be that I am going to have to call Kumar back to have it installed AGAIN and working. Good thing it's costing $50 per month to have no DSL. For the love of pete...more details to follow.