(sing) leavin' on a jet plane

Blogger for me is only in partial English, so I hope you can read this post. I am going on instinct and where "publish post" usually is on the screen.

I skipped town for a wedding. You know me and weddings. All the way to Asia!!

I'll give you a hint, on the plane there was the spicy octopus breakfast option. Ah, Asia, I have been away too long! This is my first trip to Korea (besides one really long layover at 3am in 1995. I am up to four word, and one phrase I can usually recall on demand. So far I am staying ahead of the jet lag and coasting on the no-sleep-but-I-am-in-asia high. Taking the subway and reconnecting with Lonely Planet, I kind of feel like my old self (...only with compression socks and tummy injections to thin the blood). Don't worry, I am doing great. This morning I took a yogalates (yoga ad pilates) class, and may have been the youngest person in the room besides the instructor. Korea rocks! Cross your fingers that it is a beautiful day for Irene and Soo :)

Picture and all that to come.
xoxo

Don't call it a comeback...

Time seems to be flying by. It might have something to do with my coming out of post-research, film festival retirement. Since Boise I find myself back to full-time work. This round I am teamed up with Chris (and he is great). In the land of Tomcats and Brangelinas, we are officially, Chrisarah (through June 29th). This is him in the nascent production office. I was in a staff meeting yesterday and realized that it feels a little bit like I never left.

I am behind on lots of things -- birthdays, thank you cards, laundry... There are finished knitting projects to be posted, but I fell out of the habit of taking pictures in a rush to get things in the mail. Maybe the recipients will send photos of these items being modeled (hint, hint). The spring babies seem to have all arrived -- welcome Roy! welcome Lilly! welcome Benjamin! -- and now it is the lull before the summer births!

More immediately, Oregon's primary is today. Let's hope those Beavers got out to vote! Mom is working the elections, so three cheers for Mom and all the election workers! Go Democracy!

Boise Bound...

...and back. It felt like we were away for longer than a handful of days, and at the same time we are already back home. Time is funny.

Boise was lovely. It has been at least five years since we had been to Idaho for a visit, so I guess we were more than due. O has representatives from both sides of his family there, and we were lucky enough to see everyone. Most of the time we were with the paternal family and his grandmother who has been battling cancer. It was my first time meeting any of the aunts, and the most time I have been able to spend with his dad's family. It was nice to fill in that side of the family tree :)

Unfortunately, we left LA without a camera, and despite our best efforts we never succeed in getting a replacement. We did get portraits taken at JCPenny (a first for me), and the opportunity to participate in urn selection (for real), but never made it to a Best Buy or some such big box. Good thing we'll have the portraits! If you are lucky I'll remember to include one in a future post.

While we didn't make it to the tour of the old penitentiary and the tattoo museum, but did get the the Boise Art Museum, which has an excellent little, largely regional, collection. It also has an impressive museum shop with a ton of things I don't need, but wanted to take home with me. I was told that they are supporters of garden gnomes, and they do have a nice collection of gnome-related items for purchase. I used great restraint.

Let's hope we get back to Boise before another five years elapse.

Hortense and I

I am back to spending my days with Hortense Powdermaker and the anthropological subject of Hollywood. I can hear those in the finish-the-dissertation-and-get-on-with-it-camp rejoicing. Whoo-hoo! Here is the really good news -- I will be funded by a Seashore Fellowship through the next academic year. This is truly great news. Not least because I have a deadline, and with it the end is in sight. Thank you, Laurie Graham!


For the first time since 2005, pre-PTE, I feel more or less like I did in Iowa City (i.e., academic). It is nice to reconnect to this part of myself. After so many months of feeling cloudy, frustrated, forgetful, and exhausted, I kind of love sitting at my desk for a good part of the day and being able to think. The possibility of "post-bypass brain" was introduced following surgery, as was the expectation it was likely to pass, but until the fog starts to lift it feels like you are holding your breath. Not a super feeling for anyone who has already experienced breathing trouble. It is scary to toy with the prospect of "losing mental acuity" but in looking for a link, I found that I may be in good company with another "pump-head": President Clinton. heh. Ah, speculation.

At least for the time being, Hortense and I are back to spending time together. I drink tea and ponder how she gets her hair to curl and stay put. I look out into Hollywood and try to imagine it like when she was here -- with fewer billboards. And then, I write (!!)

may day may day

My dear friend, Lexi, sent this to me a while back. I am not sure where it came from, but I like it. She looks like a superhero to me, and superheroes have been in conversation the last day or so.

I do not actually feel like I am fighting the waves today, which is nice. It is a really lovely day here and in the last week all of the neighborhood birds seem to have moved into earshot. At sunrise it can be a bother, but in the afternoon when I am writing, it is sweet to hear them (if not a little bit Disney). Don't worry I have not taken to singing while I work...and I still can't whistle. I did reclaim my desk, which from the archaeological evidence looks like it may not have been cleared off since pre-PTE. Lots of med-related stuff on the bottom, not to mention two years worth of xmas cards. I should think about sending ours out (they were there too). I should have taken a *before* picture...

Speaking of med-related, I have eliminated one more medication from my regimen. I know I have shied away from health posts generally, but it still a big part of my day-to-day, and this is a small victory. I have no expectation of being *drug-free*, but one less is one less. This is especially good as the drug is known to be highly addictive and I have been "stepping down" for ages. For the past week I have been tentative that every pain or moody moment was the dreaded "withdrawal" -- meds can become a real security blanket -- but today I decided: I'm fine. woo hoo!

So yea for me, and yea for a beautiful May Day! Now go pick some flowers! Or if your name is Brandy, have a baby before the weekend!

*we* scare me

I am having a good day. Met Olia, my former co-worker, for a short hike in Griffith Park. We continue to joke about training for a marathon to combat our unemployment depression (have I talked about this already??) It is more than apparent to me that I need to walk before I can run :) So, I am walking and hiking and I am developing the farmer's tan to prove it.

It is the time of year when I wish I had a yard to plant a garden. For the first time I am trying tomato starts in pots. Wish me luck. The basil from seed is getting its booty kicked by the basil start from the farmers' market. My neighbor's mom was here from Holland for a few weeks, and so now there are a dozen new starts that need tending. I don't mind, it feels like the least I can do. Sofia would be proud of me. I still have her garden up to remind me what is possible.

Speaking of the least I can do... I am terrified watching today's Oprah. It is about families that cut out stuff like tv, video games, computers, iPods, cell phones, Starbucks, bottled water, eating out, paper napkins, etc. for a week. ONE WEEK. That was all, it is was crazy hard for people. I saw the ad during the debate last night and I was interested to see what it was about. When I was working at the shop, I didn't even have to watch because someone was sure to provide the play-by-play details from the interesting shows. Now I have to make a point of watching if I want to know what's happening. Anyway, back to my concerns; how do you use more than a roll of paper towels a day?! Are *we* really so wasteful?? I am shocked. Really shocked. People are throwing away soooo much food. I always feel like I am consuming more than I need to, but sheesh! I am scared of the thought that there are kids who freak out without tv and computers for a couple of days. Is it really "normal" to cook multiple meals so each kids gets to eat what they like? I don't think we all need to be freegans, but come on.

I don't think I have ever thanked my parents for making me do stuff. We played board games and read and cooked for fun. Thank you, mom and dad! I know there are lots of great parents out there who are making the effort to fight the trends. I read Henry's blog and love seeing his mom create these fantastic activities. A while back they made edible people out of half a canned peach, celery, raisins, etc. I did that as a kid and there was some comfort in knowing that those things still happen at kitchen tables in this country.

Yes, I know that all I have to do is spend an hour checking out mom-blogs, to be convinced that women everywhere are crafty, creative, eloquent, and using their mad camera skillz daily. Maybe my real concern is that the bar seems really high and on the rise due to the abundance of rockstar women who bake and sew and have amazing jobs and still read and look beautiful while they work in their gardens in between writing letters to friends and re-upholstering the furniture. How does one reconcile this kind of life with what is evidently taken to be a collective *we in this country* who burn through everything disposable (whether or not it actually is) and drive around in the temperature controlled isolation of SUVs?

Ok, now just let me put away my soap box. After all, "clean apartment" is on my list right after, "stay outside until I feel better about life." I am afraid I have just become the worst version of my blog-self: preachy, self-indulgent, typing to the choir. sorry. I take comfort in knowing that the common denominator, no matter how polarized we may become, is knitting. And that taking bags to the store does count, even if it is the least I can do.

Heads up Boston!

Rumor has it that in honor of Tax Day, Dunkin' Donuts is giving a free doughnut with purchase of any size coffee. Go! Go! Go! If only I lived in Boston....
Number of Dunkin' Donuts in Los Angeles = 0
sad, sad, sad.

China Plans to Halt Rain for Olympics

o.k....huh?
I am too tired to do anything besides watch tv, read news online, and evidently blog.
The Olympic torch was in SF today, and at one time I had thought about trying to be there. Tibet is on my mind a lot these days. It used to be on my mind all the time. There are the Olympics and the protests that are targeting this massive event, the uprisings of late in Tibet, and then last night Orion brought home a copy of the film, Free Tibet, that I haven't seen since Milarepa made it. It seems like a million years ago. At times I thought the film had disappeared into the ether. The film is not really what I want to write about. I am thinking about when I stopped feeling like an "activist" and when I lost the drive to protest for the things I believe in. I'm telling you, between the evening's news and that Idol fundraiser (keep reading), I am thinking I should use my new *open calendar* and return to activism. It is just such a tough road. And I think I must have had more energy in my twenties.
Tibet. Darfur. Burma. New Orleans. Los Angeles. You name it, I could start anywhere.
To be continued...

frost or ice?

The other day I was talking to emily while she made a cake. Being that she is now deep in Canada, she asked me whether I frost or ice. We ventured into the semantics of cake decorating and ended without a clear conclusion as to the distinction and/or which is fancier. What do you think -- frosting or icing? How do you differentiate?

These are cupcakes I made for my brother's birthday months ago, but I did promise to play catch-up here on the blog. He's a Christmas baby, but I think we were celebrating in January. Thanks for the cupcake recipe Sprinkles; such a cute site...kind of like the Knit Cafe's. It has been a week of packing and moving. At some point I became too tired to be sad. I do have to say it is nice to be able to lift things without worrying about if I could or should. I still remember a time when I couldn't life a cauliflower (too heavy).
Look there's Lexi. Cute bow tie, huh?


Yup, January. Wait, that's my birthday. Well here's that cake.



And while I am playing baked goods flashback, these are the awesome Venus of Willendorf cookies that Pat and Susan sent for my birthday. They included lots of things to decorate with; just check out Orion's Venus. I think she looks great.


Speaking of heavy things like cauliflower... Things are not much better, but I do appreciate the encouraging emails. If I figure out what I need, I'll let you know. While I didn't take a picture of the last cake I made, I did eat the last of it for dinner. It is just that kind of a week.

As I am writing this I am watching Idol Gives Back and feeling like I have no business complaining about my bad week. Sheesh! Go ahead and find something to support (besides me). I mean, if I can give $20 on mosquito nets, can't we all? At the very least, allow yourself some cake!

Can it get any worse??

I have been working through the Knit Cafe moving sale for the past couple weeks. It is hard to say goodbye so many times a day. The shop has really been a special space for a lot of people, and it is sad to know that there won't be an oasis of peace amid the crazy-making of Tinseltown anymore. It also sucks that I am now officially out of a job. The morning of my last day of work I got word that the fellowship I applied for and I are not meant to be.
So now what?
Good question. One I don't have an answer for unfortunately.
I am open to suggestions.
In the meantime, I am mulling over whether to stay with academics.

too cute to ignore

Whew! It has been a long week. I am looking longingly at a cup of tea, my bed, and a book (for fifteen minutes until I fall asleep!)

Before I crash I wanted to share an etsy shop that I just found out about. Kikib is one of my oldest friends, and she has been creative and crafty since way before it was all the rage. A portion of everything she sells goes to a school in Madagascar, so while you are there check out the link to that site. She is a very cool gal and who doesn't need a onesie??

the days are numbered

In an earlier post I might have said something about my pending unemployment. Let me explain. The shop is closing. Our last day for business is April 6th. We had planned to be around through May, but things changed -- as they are prone to do -- and now we find ourselves in the midst of a massive "moving" sale.


The shop has been a great thing for me. A vision in pinks and oranges. It got me back into the world of regular, on-going work after my extended hiatus and it introduced me to a fantastic group of knitters. I am going to miss this job. As much as I will miss having a steady income, I am really going to miss the feeling of coming into this little oasis of aesthetic warmth and charm. It is a place to relax, where you can choose to slow things down. I found a couple of photos I took a few months back; one caught a glimpse of my camera-shy co-worker (and friend), Olia. She is a master knitter who has taught me tons of tips and can hold a darn good conversation about the French theorists; she is a true academic at heart. While there will always be yarn and needles, it is hard to find a place that connects people the way the Knit Cafe has shown me is possible.

I'm not sure what is next. Maybe a fellowship will come my way (no, I have not heard yet) or another job that feels like a good match. Olia and I have been joking about training for a marathon as a way to combat our unemployment depression. I'll let you know if this develops beyond an idea. To the many friends who ask us what we'll do now, we've taken to saying, "avocado mask. maybe followed by pedicures."

Did you see him?

It's Easter Somewhere

Thank you for this, KT.
Here, Bunny Bunny. Come here, Bunny.

Any minute now, I expect the Easter Bunny to start hiding eggs around the apartment. While I wait to find the eggs, I am knitting bunny ear hats for some of my favorite babies. Welcome to the world, Roy (pronounced Roo'ee)!



Just in case the bunny forgets to bring candy, rest assured, we'll be fine.



Pat and Susan have made sure that Orion will not have any of his original teeth by the time he is 35. In the meantime, he is LOVING it!! Word is that the malted milk eggs -- "Fiesta Eggs" -- are on their way from Iowa (the only place that sells these puppies). For those of you in Iowa: don't miss out on this delicacy.

And a last thought before the holiday is upon us -- Peeps! Thanks to Jackie who sent me to go find the Washington Post Peeps Diorama Contest: Peeps Show II. It is freaking amazing! I did notice that my http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifprevious post was not part of this contest. Evidently it is still in a league all of its own. Who knew that there were 800 (!!) submissions this year?! Now I know what I can do pass th time once unemployment in upon me in a couple of weeks. Sweet!


and Joyce also tipped me off to the Chicago Tribune Peeps Diorama submissions. Then I wandered into last year's Seattle Times submissions -- FYI, Seattle is unveiling this year's best on April 8, in the Northwest Life section. Lest I forget to mention that there is the Denver Post... The more I googled, the more I found. While my teeth are starting to hurt just looking at all the dioramas, I would like to point out that the regional politics expressed through sugary delight are pretty interesting.

favorite things

I have spring on the brain. Everyday I watch for signs of new life among my potted friends. Things planted from seeds are slow-to-grow, which might explain why I can't remember the last time I tried to grow from seeds. huh. While those seeds are still being shy, I was greeted by these brightly smelling buds. Not the dafodils I was waiting for, but I'll take 'em.

When Lexi was here for a visit/"writing intensive" -- there are pictures somewhere around here -- I found this bird mobile. Long ago Margery told me to put a mobile over my desk and I would finish my dissertation. The mobile is up and now I am waiting, er, writing. You can't really tell, but the pieces are cut from wood with this great grain.

This would be my new favorite thing if not for this next item....


Ok, now for the big finish ---- ta da! a giant hippo rug from MOCA! I'm not sure who could pass this up to be honest. I had my eye on this beauty for months, until it was the last one and I could barter for the floor model. Ah the things that traveling abroad teaches you. good stuff.

A garden from Sofia

I got the best present in the mail this week. A garden in full bloom! Who could ask for anything better? Thanks, Sofia.
Orion wanted me to be sure to tell you that we had lots of tape. Phew!

As you can see, our deer likes the flowers too. We hung them up high enough so that she can't eat any of them, only look at them and enjoy the colors.

To answer your questions, Sofia, I do like beans. Right now I really like eating green beans, especially the skinny kind. I like candy, but not as much as Orion. He LOVES candy!! We both like popsicles and bananas. I am not sure if I have ever had a banana popsicle, but maybe I can try one when I come to visit you in NC. Orion says he has tried a banana popsicle but that cherry is still his favorite. I love you too. Give your mom and dad big hugs for me. Thank you again for the collage, it is beautiful!!

xxx...no, seriously

Now this is not for all eyes.
Please use your best judgment in who you decide to share this with.
It came to me from my baby bro, who after seeing this I know is a "baby" no longer.
We grew up in a household where Peeps -- the sugary, marshmellow-y treat -- were a regular fixture this time of the year. No one especially liked them, and I'm not sure who ate them, but I cannot remember and Easter without them.
For Easter this year I sent a book all about Peeps to my parents. Evidently there are recipes designed around the cavity-inducing sweets.
I knew that they were photogenic, but I was not prepared for this image.

You may never be able to look at Peeps the same.
I know that I won't.

housekeeping

It is spring in Los Angeles. Even though the winters here are neither long nor rough, spring still feels great. I noticed it when I would leave work and it was still light out at six o'clock. Then I would wake up and the air through the open windows would smell like flowers. That might be my new favorite thing.


I went back to yoga in the canyon, and it feels good to be lying under the trees again. This is still one of my favorite things about living here. More on this later.

Just as I feel compelled to clean the apartment, I am also feeling like I need to clear out all of my old, delayed, and partially finished blog posts. As you can see, there was an Oscars post that has only recently made it onto the blog (despite what the date says). For weeks it has been sitting in "edit"-limbo. This post is not alone. There is one from my birthday...xmas in January...the Iowa cousins' visit...our celebrity new years.......Yikes! If things seem a bit out-of-season, don't worry it's not you. Bear with me and I'll do what I can to re-engage the four of you who are reading!

These beautiful tulips are from Orion.....on valentine's day.
This is what I am talkin' about?

80 Years!

It is that time of year again -- as if there is anyone who doesn't know that the Academy Awards are happening! Maybe I am biased because I live in tinseltown and have helicopters doing laps overhead for hours already. I have actually been trying to write and get some work done. The goal is to take less than 80 years to finish my PhD(!!) heh heh.

I am ready to take a break from grant writing and spend some time on the couch with Miriam and watch the 80th Academy Awards. For the first time in years I am not taping the show for later discourse analysis. Maybe I am turning over a new leaf??

Long before Barbara sent them to Oprah, Orion was in line at Sprinkles, our favorite little cupcake shop. In honor of the special event, Sprinkles has made an Oscars cupcake -- red velvet with a gold star -- super cute.
Go Sprinkles!

happy heart day

Happy Valentine's Day
This is the heart I made O for valentine's day. I got sick and haven't been back to work, so he'll have to wait to get his surprise, but this way it can stay in the shop and amuse other knitters. xoxoxo