Take me out to the Lexus Club

I'm not exactly what you'd call a rabid sports fan. Nor am I a loyal one. Perhaps because I've lived in so many places, I have a hard time relating to the concept of a city's team being "my" team. Furthermore, I've always harbored the type B, sappy wish for the winning team to be the one who needs the win the most. All that said, I do enjoy venturing out to the occassional sporting event. I like the festive energy of the crowd, and being Wendy Sue, yes, I like the food. When Dave took me to a Diamondbacks game a couple of Saturdays ago, I got very lucky in that department as he had VIP passes and we had lunch on the patio of the private Lexus Club. We stayed there from before the game started through several innings. It was the perfect way to watch the game.

Afterwards I felt the need to burn off some calories by climbing stairs. I'd love to say I'd climbed all the way from the bottom, but we only climbed from about halfway. The reason there are so many seats is this was a pre-season game (against the Padres).

I don't remember the name of the stadium (some corporate name of course) but it's a beautiful one. It's the only stadium I've ever seen that has a swimming pool.

Photos from Portland / Semiahmoo

I spent the night at my good friend Tracy's condo in Vancouver, WA. After the interview Tracy took me to lunch at McMenamins. This made me deliriously happy, as McMenamins pubs are one of my favorite things about the Portland area. Some of my fondest Portland memories are of being at various McMenamins locations, at windowside tables watching the rain pouring down. This McMenamins on the Columbia river always feels like being on vacation.
McMenamins french fries are the best on the planet- I won't waste calories on fast food fries, but McMenamins fries w/ malt vinegar? Gotta have them.
I walked the mile and an half or so from the interview (the interviewer was nice enough to drive the 20 minutes from Portland to meet me at a Starbuck's in downtown Vancouver, WA) back to Tracy's. I passed these purple flowers, which of course made me happy.
After Portland / Vancouver I took the train to Bellingham (closest stop to my parents' house). Here's my precious puppy in her special TV room chair.



























My parents like to sleep in on Sunday mornings. Brandy Joy does not care for sleeping in. I told my mom the night before to open her and my dad's bedroom door at 8 am and that I'd feed and walk Brandy so they could sleep in a little longer. The plan went fine except by 8:30 Brandy was bored and wanted them to get up. Here she is bascially saying 'C' mon, open the door dammit.' and "Ok, fine, don't open the door. I'll just lie here and pout." She cracks me up.

Portland / Semiahmoo / Seattle Trip

I'm obviously behind in my blogging, as this trip was in March. The purpose of this trip, in addition to visiting my parents and beloved wonder hound, was to interview for a UOP job in Portland. The Portland manager had been kind of vague saying the position wasn't open at the moment, but probably would be soon. I figured it was worth a shot.

About an hour before I left for the Phoenix airport, I was at work scrolling through the new job postings. I was excited to see that an enrollment counselor job had just been posted for Seattle. I quickly sent off my resume and a cover letter saying I'd be in Seattle that Monday and would be available to interview. Again, kind of shaky circumstances but worth a shot. Long story short: I had my first of the three Seattle interviews on Amtrak from Portland to Bellingham. I think Amy the interviewer and I called each other back a total of six or seven times as the connection kept dropping as cell connections on a train are known to do. The 2nd interview that Monday (March 26th) was in Bellevue, where I was told the job was going to be. When I first arrived, I was ushered to a computer to do some sort of personality test I've never heard of (and I've heard of most of them). At the end of the test I was informed that I'm a 'Blue'. Who knew? The interview went fine and was followed several days later by a phone interview in which I was asked to role play several student / counselor scenarios. Now normally I love this kind of thing. I did a lot of these when I worked for Together of Oregon, always delighting in playing the most difficult prospective member possible, and making that character as colorful as possible ("Ok, I'm going to be a tattoo artist named Lacey. I just got out of jail...")
Role playing in an interview was significantly less fun, but I got through it ok.

I'm going to post the photos from the trip separately, as the new Blogger format is driving me crazy by not allowing me to move around text and photos in the manner in which I'm accustomed.

One More of Sedona

When I looked back through my Sedona photos I found this one. I think I like it the best. As mentioned, I'd love to spend some time there. There are places there to stay that are right on the stream that runs through the town. I think sitting out on the patio, overlooking the red rocks and the water would be heavenly. I'd also love to hike around and take a million photos.

Er, Make that "Next Stop: Tacoma"

I sent out an email saying I was going to be working for UOP in Bellevue. Turns out I'm going to be in the Tacoma office instead. I'm excited about this since I haven't spent much time in Tacoma. It's new territory for me to explore, which I love. Also, rents are cheaper in Tacoma, so I'll be able to get a nicer place.

Still leaving Phoenix on the 18th and starting the new job on the 23rd.

I haven't posted any pictures lately, because something happened where I'm not able to upload the photos from my camera. I'll get it resolved. I have some final Phoenix pictures I want to post, and am looking forward to posting lots of pics of Tacoma and surrounding areas.

I Don't Know Anyone Named Peter

I used to, but I don't now.

Sedona and Flagstaff

We were going to go just to Sedona, but Dave knew I wanted to see Flagstaff too- so on the way up we went directly to "Flag" as the locals like to call it. Flagstaff is the home of Northern Arizona University. It's about two hours north of Phoenix, and at an altitude of about 6,000 feet. It is significantly less disgusting than Phoenix (not only is it not disgusting, it is quite nice). Although it was a sunny day, the air was fresh and cool. Ahhhh.
I couldn't begin to capture the beauty of Sedona since we were only able to pull over in a few places. One of the best features of Sedona is that there is a creek that runs through the whole town. I wasn't able to get any pictures of it this time, but I have some from 23 years ago when my friend Karen and I stopped off in Sedona on our way back to Phoenix from the Grand Canyon. I have those pictures in storage, but I can still see the scene perfectly in my mind's eye: We had rented a bright orange car we named 'Orange Crush' and I can see it parked near the creek. We'd been tense on the drive back, but once we got to Sedona, and the creek, everything changed and we were totally relaxed and happy (yes, I do personally believe in vortices, which Sedona is said to have. I felt them again today). In those 23 year old pictures, my shadow is dancing by the creek, reflected on the rocks and shallow water. In the middle of that creek experience a white dog came out of nowhere, like a spirit guide, and bounded over to us. It was close to perfect. Today was definetly another great Sedona experience- I felt really relaxed and happy. Look at this thing. You couldn't make this up. It reminds me a little bit of the Potala Palace in Tibet, or some other dwelling place where people are highly-evolved and don't worry about things like whether it's ok to wear black shoes with navy.

I love these soft, pastel colors especially the taupe mountains in the background.

The lines are because this picture was taken through the windshield. I just thought the round, green, tree thingies were cool.
Dave by his new, gigantic (and very comfortable) vehicle. There's also one of me and Dave that I like but I'm neurotic about posting pictures of myself. I'm hoping to maybe make it up to the Grand Canyon before I leave Phoenix. I don't have an overwhelming desire to go to Tucson and I have this weird 'I feel like I should see Mexico but I really don't want to' thing going on. That said, I doubt I'll go. I think today was the perfect time of year in Arizona for a road trip. In some February or March in the future, I'd love to spend at least a weekend in Sedona.

But Then Again This Country Voted For Bush

Sanjaya stays, Sundance goes? Haley over Sabrina?

Insane.

Where's My Cookie?

I've been working for the University of Phoenix for exactly one year.

Nope

I didn't get the job in Portland. I was told that after my phone interview the interviewer was ready to hire me but then came across someone who had "TES" experience (don't ask), a direction they are heading in.

Oh well.

No really, oh well.

I'm setting my sites on Seattle/Tacoma.

Trying to get a job transfer in another city with UOP is like trying to win American Idol. I'm clinging on tenaciously, but I'm prepared to look beyond my current employer.

I'm Mrs. Cactus Hand, Gimme Some Candy!

Remember how when I first moved here you couldn't shut me up about cacti? My blog featured picture after picture of the thorny little...um...there's probably a scientific word for them somewhere but I'm too lazy to look it up. What I'm getting at is I thought cacti were pretty darn swell. So unique! So...indigenous! So pure of line and form!

My opinion now? Let it suffice to say that I'm ready to rexplore the lush foliage of the Northwest. Why the change of heart (besides the fact that I hate hot, dry, polluted climates and never wanted to live here in the first place)? Two Sundays ago I was out for an early evening walk in the neighborhood. I decided to step up the pace to something resembling power walking- you know the whole swinging of the arms and stupid-looking-but-calorie-burning bit. My hand swung back into a neighbor's decorative multi-tiered cactus plant and took a half-a-cucumber-sized chunk with it. Yep, that's right. Embedded in my hand. Of course right then two little boys, somewhere between the ages of 6 and 8, appeared to serve as a baffled, silently appraising, and utterly worthless audience. I was tempted to say in my best Adam Sandler voice "I'm Mrs. Cactus Hand! Gimme some candy!" but decided to go with my second choice -waiting until they were safely inside and then bursting into tears (you try having somewhere around a dozen hypodermic-needle like thorns stuck in your hand and not being able to pull the thing out, even after wrapping your thick sweater into mulitiple layers then having the rest of the spines poke right through that- almost succeeding in embedding in your other hand thus looking like you are carrying a winter-like cactus muff to keep your hands warm. Ok you get the point).

I walked the remaining four blocks home and for the first time in the past year, was happy that I had a roommate. With one mighty tug of his meaty hands, Bob was able to disengage the spiny *ucker. He was kind enough to quickly pull out the remaining four or five quills while I turned my head.

I had a phone interview with the Hillsboro campus in Portland. I think I've got a good shot at it. If I get the job I'll be moving in about two weeks. I also had a phone interview with Sacramento. They want to interview me in person on Thursday, but I am about 95% certain I'm not going to go. I want to be back near family and friends and while I'll always love exploring new cities, I'm getting kind of tired.
I'm a little bit hesistant to live in the Portland area again since there are a few people there I deeply hate (yes, I know, I am way too intense about everything. I have a Scorpio stellium in my first house. That's not going to go away anytime soon). Those people are connected to the days of my singles business. I do, however, have some very close friends in Portland and it is my favorite city ever...

I'll keep you posted.

FAQs

Not an official return to blogging (that will happen when I'm happier), just answers to a few things you may be wondering:

Q: Are you still in Phoenix?
A: Yep. It will be one year on March 2nd.

Q: Are you still in school?
A: Yes. I started my fifth class in the Master's in Ed. program. I have a
4.0 GPA

Q: What's happening with you and Peter?
A: Nothing. He... well, nothing. In the last few minutes of 2006, in the midst of the revelry of the Tempe Block Party, I was so consumed with bitter and angry thoughts that I thought I was going to combust and burst into flames before a horrified crowd of onlookers. The man....well, ok. Nothing. Let's leave it at that.

Q: Is Brandy with you?
A: No, she's still with my parents who take very good care of her. She's the beagle equivilant of a sumo wrestler, but she's happy.

Q: Read any good books lately?
A: Running with Scissors, and The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Q: Are you still addicted to American Idol?
A: Yes

Thanksgiving

This blog is basically off the air for now, but below are some pictures from an unusually snowy Semiahmoo over Thanksgiving. All of these pictures were taken from my bedroom windows. I'll be posting family pics to Photobucket sometime in the next few weeks.

It's a Bird, It's a Plane...

There are few things in life better than dogs in Halloween costumes. Brooklyn (Superdog) and Sierra (Guinevere) belong to my nephew and his wife.

Sweden

On October 13th of last year I left for Sweden. With the nine hour time difference, I arrived in Copenhagen on October 14th; then Peter and I crossed over the Baltic Sea on "The Link". It definetly feels like a year has passed. That part doesn't seem surreal. What seems surreal to me is that I spent 10 weeks in a place I thought I could only dream about. Although I'd been to Europe five times previously, EnglandFranceSpainItaly just seemed like your standard American abroad fare, almost Disneyland-ish. Wonderful and enriching to visit those countries, yes, but somehow not exotic.

Scandinavia always seemed like an entirely separate entity to me, as though further north implied being further along to some kind of promised land (my inner compass has always gravitated north rather than south). One of my icebreaker questions when I hosted Dinner with Friends events was "If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?" I remember the first time I put the answer on my own name tag, I had chosen Australia. I remember writing that in with a bit of a shrug like, yeah, sure, I'd like to go there. The next time I used that icebreaker / name tag question I thought about it more carefully and put 'Scandinavia'. It's funny what I pictured when I wrote that. I saw cottages on snowy hillsides and northern lights and tall, beautiful blonde men. I think I pictured Norway first, then Sweden.

Once again Scandinavia seems out of reach. Although I'm thrilled to have seen Sweden and have spent a few hours in Denmark, I never made it to Norway even though it was only a five hour drive away (I remember Peter's friend Kirsten offering to let me drive her car. Always a nervous person I stammered "Oh, thanks, but I've never driven in a foreign country." She shrugged and said "Green you go. Red you stop."

I have no idea when or if I will go back to Sweden. I miss the North Sea and the autumn leaves and the windmills. And of course I miss Peter. We have moments when we talk on the phone or online and seem to remember how strong a connection we have. But there are other times when we don't have any contact at all for up to three weeks at a time. And I never hear the words "Jag alskar dig". Not nearly as pretty as the French "Je t'aime", but hey, I'd love to hear them anyway. I don't know why the Swedes even have such a phrase in their language. Maybe they say it to their children.

If it doesn't work out with Peter, maybe I can meet a Norweigan man online...
I know, I'm crazy.

Bad Hair Day

Portal

Chakra Red

The Farm

Blair and I went to lunch the other day at a place called 'The Farm'. It was suprisingly bucolic for metro Phoenix. Amazingly, it was possible to sit outside and enjoy it (copious over-sized standing umbrellas helped).
We both had sandwiches that featured what the menu should have described as "our homemade razor-crust bread". Crusty was not the word for this baguette.It would have been better suited to species with fangs. It was the kind of bread so heavy and dense you could break a window with it. Other than that the food was great and it was a nice escape from our rather homely and insane work environment.

Said homely and insane working environment features myriad distractions, the two most pervasive being giggle woman : "A-hee-hee-hee a-hee-hee-hee" all day every day. Hyena in a cubicle. Horrible. And then there's basketball boy, 23 going on 9 who dribbles a miniature and surprisingly loud basketball down the aisle before dunking it in the little hoop mounted on his desk. Precious.

So, do I hate my work environment? Surprisingly no. I'd rather have chaos, ridiculous amounts of work and too much noise than a deathly quiet and boring work place. But yes, I could definetly live without giggle woman and basketball boy...

Afternoon Road Trip

My environment for the past seven months has consisted of a cubicle in a big, noisy, open room with windows only in the far distance, and (due to general discomfort with my roommate) being relegated to my small bedroom where the only window faces a wall.
After Dave and I went out to lunch today he asked me what I wanted to do. I thought about it for a minute and said "I think I really need to go out for a drive." Sweet guy that he is, he readily agreed.

He asked where I wanted to go. Unsure, I suggested somewhere with cactus. He pointed at one in the front yard of the house we were passing. I conceded that he had a good point. I'm already surrounded by cacti. So I left it up to him.

We drove west, into downtown Glendale.

Then further west until we were heading out of the suburbs. Dave said he had a destination in mind. Since he had first mentioned driving out to an air force base, I wasn't particularly excited to know what the destination was. All I knew was it felt great to be out of the city.

All of a sudden we came upon fields of tulips in every color of the rainbow (ok, maybe not blue). We were going 60 mph, so what I got when I tried to capture them was this:

Ok, I really like this picture. Those of you with a strongly-expressed 'S' (Sensing) in your Myers Briggs makeup may see only a white blur. But as a laughably strongly-expressed 'N' (Intuitive)it speaks to me of dreams and memories and the motion that accompanies the whirlwind of the pre-conscious mind. Maybe I need to rephrase that, but in any event look to the left and right of the white blur and you will see the color of the flowers.

I was happy to see what our destination was when we reached it...

But Blogspot is not letting me add any more photos to this post, so I will have to create a separate entry.