The anniversary of a disaster

Fortunately for my readers, I'm not talking about my personal life.

Last week was the 20th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on the Prince William Sound in Alaska. The spill devastated sea life, wildlife, the environment and the economy spanning all the way to Seattle.

"The massive spill stretched 1,200 miles from the accident site, and covered 3,200 miles of shoreline and an incredible 10,000 square miles overall."

Ok...so, yes, Exxon spent billions of dollars cleaning up the 'accident' (accident allegedly caused by a drunk employee) and plaintiffs were awarded millions of dollars in damages but...that doesn't mean that Exxon has actually PAID!

"This economic disruption is one basis of legal action against ExxonMobil, the biggest oil corporation in the world. Complex litigation has dragged on for two decades, and ExxonMobil is winning. There are 22,000 plaintiffs suing ExxonMobil. A jury awarded the plaintiffs $5 billion in damages, equal to what was, at the time, a year's worth of Exxon profits. This was cut by half by a U.S. appeals court, then finally lowered to just over $500 million by the Supreme Court. During the 20 years of court battles, 6,000 of the original plaintiffs have died. ExxonMobil, with its billions in annual profits and armies of lawyers, can tie up the Valdez case in the courts for decades, while the injured commercial fishers slowly die off."

So, now that the plaintiffs are dying off and Exxon Mobil still has funds to appeal (obviously...because of our current need for oil)-who do you think will win this battle in the end?

I'd bet my money on Exxon.

Do you know how they're 'able' to do it though? It's because, according to a 19th century Supreme Court decision, corporations have the same rights as individuals. Yet...none of the consequences. Do you ever see corporations going to jail? No...just (and not often) monetary fines (which they can write off on their taxes). But not often will they be expected to pay because they can afford to fight their battles in court without worrying about the cost of attorneys (unlike most citizens). So...how do we fix this? We make it known to our senators, our representatives and community organizers that this is NOT ok!

Maybe the current fallout from the AIG 'scandal' would be something we'd look forward to if corporations were responsible for their actions...just like we are.

My reference here.

Rant, Volume...(lost count)

My ranting mood hasn't diminished yet today so I just wanted to say this:

Why the fuck do I even try?

Do you know how much time I've ALREADY spent on your account? I think if my boss knew the exact amount of time I've spent fixing the problems on YOUR end, he'd probably ask YOU to pay me!

I'm sorry that your staff is incompetent but...how, exactly, does that become my problem? Maybe you should start looking for people with (at least) a sense of organization.

My excuses aren't excuses-I really DON'T have time to train your people on basic accounting. And just because that's how you've been doing it for years, doesn't mean you've been doing it correctly...thus the reason we have this mess...again.

I know that the new girl (new like 8 months ago) didn't CAUSE the problems but why, again, do I need to prove that it's fucked on your end, not ours? Funny thing is that technology rocks and I keep my emails (organized!)-you'll be seeing those.

And another thing...they are not telling you the truth (my emails will prove this). Plus...I might have a little more pull than you think-I'm considered 'senority'...crazily enough. :)

AND!!! We get better customer service from your competitor's reps...which means a lot. Negotiating prices is pretty easy. ;) Oops! That's it...I'm done. I hope I have a better weekend. :(

Update!
HAHAHA Didn't realize he'd have my back, did you? See? It's the 'trust' thing I mentioned before...I PWN it!

The office gossip

I'm not talking about the TV show either...unfortunately. If I were, this post wouldn't irritate me so much.

I don't like to bring up work in my blog because (as you can imagine), it might come back to haunt me. I'll be careful then and speak...generally.

Think about it-everyone has an 'office gossip'. Someone who can't let a day go by that they're not sticking their fat head into others' business. One person who, above all, could cause drama where there was none to begin with. There's one in my office...within close proximity. And no...it's not me. If you know me at all, you'll know I don't give a fuck. Well...I care but I also learn from the mistakes of others. I know the way to gain trust is to be trustworthy. Which, in the office world, means...STAY AWAY FROM OFFICE GOSSIP!

I do this pretty well, I have to admit.

The bad thing about office gossip is...it is rarely ever repeated in true form and could hurt your chances at promotions, salary increases, reputations, trust and the general 'being liked by others'.

Now, I don't care about 'being liked' but I have learned that the more you are 'liked', the more info you receive on a 'this stays within this office'-type situations. ;)

Yes, I play the game very well. I keep my nose clean, don't repeat stuff that could hurt others and I see right through the crap that the 'office gossip'-y types try to pull off as fact.

So this is what I have to say to MY 'office gossip':
I'm a woman too, I've played the game for a while, I know the rules (I helped make them) and I will always be one step ahead of you, in particular, because I know what a guy (ie: the boss) wants and doesn't want. Even though it's our boss, he's still a guy and he still expects the same general thing as your husband or boyfriend. Trust and follow through.
No one likes someone who's overly suspicious-it's not attractive.

PS...I know why the doors are closed but...what fun is the game if I told you straight out? It's much more fun to watch you make a fool of yourself. :)

Rez...it's how gamer girls get off

Guys-what's better to you than playing video games for hours nonstop without your girlfriend bitching at you? All girls KNOW the answer but few guys ever really have the guts to say it out loud...it's playing video games for hours nonstop while getting a blow job by said girlfriend. Tell me that that wouldn't be in your top 5 fantasies...?
But, in reality, how do you keep your girl involved? It's always been an enigma because 2 things that guys love most are games and sex. Rarely ever do you get the chance to mesh the 2.

Over the weekend I personally experienced something that would give the girl a reason to sit next to you for those hours on end and actually beg you to play more (all the while making her happy too)!
The game is called Rez HD.

The technical explanation of the game isn't as fun as the actual experience:

Carrying the slogan "Rez will open your senses...let's go to synaesthesia" the dynamic, total integration of visual presentation, sound and player's input provided a rich aesthetic experience that was difficult to describe in words. While the basic gameplay was simple, critics called Rez "the ultimate audiovisual experience" and emphasized that "it must be seen and heard to be fully understood." The old-school vector style graphics, sensory response and beat synchronization presented by the game set aside the title apart from the rest of the games that were released during that time.

The story of Rez takes players deep into the world's computer network called Project-K. Here, the data flow is controlled by "Eden," who has become overwhelmed with the amount of information gathered on the network, causing it to doubt its existence and purpose. Eden finally shuts down, leaving the world in danger of catastrophic problems. As the hacker, the player must destroy the virus and firewalls that are obstructing the progress and restore Eden.

While Rez was originally released as a PS2 game, you can now find it via the Xbox LIVE Arcade in full HD quality.

Like I said before...the game, itself, isn't the reason I'm blogging about this. It's the umm...er...experience sitting next to the guy who's playing the game...with a second controller in my lap...vibrating to my hearts content.

Let me explain...the original game was released with a trance vibrator complete with a 'washable' cover. And please don't make me explain why it would have a washable cover...I'm sure you could figure it out. ;)

My 'experience' with Rez didn't include the actual trance vibrator but an additional regular wireless Xbox controller, which isn't shaped in a way that would be convenient to slip down my pants but...still serves it's purpose quite well. Although, I'm partially tempted to sweet talk my way into the 'real thing'.

This game is already visually stunning but then...the thumping started. First it was 'bump, bump, bump' in time with the music but as you progress through the level, the music gets more...ummm...intense. I'm sure you all could figure out what happens next. ;) Yep! The controller starts going crazy! The vibrations and thumps started to give me goose bumps and producing the synesthesia the creators were hoping for...as it should. ;)

Let's just say that I wasn't about to say 'Oh God, stop playing! Let's do something else!'...well, unless that something else involved a lot less clothing.

I know this wasn't the main reason for the trance vibrator but...Damn the Japanese gaming industry is on to something!

Now my only problem is...when do I get to play again?!?!

How to get your girl to love video games. Wow. And you wonder why I love smart guys.

Side note-there are even ways to mod your Xbox controller with an actual vibrator! Only a nerd like me would have done the research to find out how it's actually done though... ;)

Out of the mouths of babes...

Some of you have never had the opportunity at a personal encounter with Lex Luthor but I can tell you you'll never be able to categorize her within 'kids will be kids' in your mental file. Not that she's not a kid or that she's perfect (if you think your kid is perfect-you're deluded and need therapy) but she's ... unique.
And, yes, I could be biased but...what 9 year olds do you know that pass up watching cartoons in the morning to watch NWCN? Or canvassed to get Obama elected? Or names her hamster after the country it originates from (even though she can barely say it) and not Fluffy?

A excerpt from a recent conversation with one of my friends went like this:

Sara: So...tell me what you do after you wake up in the morning?

Lex: I get up, call my mom, sometimes I sleep a little bit longer, change my clothes, brush my hair and teeth, feed my hamster, get my cereal and turn on the TV. Then I eat my cereal, hold Syria (the hamster), play my Nintendo and watch the news (her multitasking methods came from me).

Me: Yeah, she opts to watch the news instead of the morning cartoons. She loves NWCN (Northwest Cable News).

She, then, proceeded to tell us about the upcoming weather, the names of the newscasters on NWCN with alarming accuracy, that the Sounders first game was last night and a few other random tidbits of info I didn't know.

Sure...she may only have learned recently about the life cycle of a butterfly in her 4th grade class but ask her about the tax stimulus bill-you might be surprised what she can tell you.
But other than being a bit 'different' than the other tween girls in her school, she's freakin' funny too.

Things you may not know:

-She has lovingly adopted one of my girlfriends as one of her 'peeps' and throws gang signs out to her (made up gang signs that mean 'i love you', mind you) saying "Protect and Preserve Seattle Washington-where you from?".
-Plays video games fiercely (little boys her age might have a hard time competing with her skills at Sonic Rush).
-Nixed the idea of 'dance' as an extra curricular activity and PWNS karate instead.
-Sincerely misses my friends if she hasn't seen them in a long while (even asks to make them cards for holidays that are long past and she missed seeing them on that particular holiday).
-Asked for a Seahawks jersey on her last birthday instead of whatever girls these days want (now THAT'S dedication to a struggling team).
-Has spent the past 5 summers helping my dad on his farm in Nebraska (even learned how to drive a tractor last summer) and probably knows more about cows, tractors, irrigation and agriculture in general than you or I. She's already asking when she'll be leaving this year (the weekend school's out honey!!! I'm counting the days.) ;)
-Named all of my dad's baby calves and was upset when he had to sell them (RIP Max). She even named a blind one 'Lucky' (she has a sick sense of humor like me).
-Wants to be the female lead singer in the band Nickelback (I'm hoping that she'll be able to make them a better band).
-Hates Hannah Montana and the Green Bay Packers with a passion (that I'm not sure where it stems from).
-She acts like she's too cool to accept gifts or compliments (but will talk about it FOREVER afterwards).

I also realized last night that Lex knows about S.E.X. (yes, she spells it). Well...somewhat. It hasn't really materialized as a question to me yet but we chatted last night about what SHE thought it was.
She told Sara and I that 'making out' was 2 people kissing for a long time. Ok, that's pretty accurate.
She said that 2 of her classmates got married at recess last year and then 'did it' in the big tire. Hmmm...ok, we needed an explanation. Supposedly they went into the tire and took their clothes off after a makeshift 'ceremony' using some sort of book as the Bible.
But, no, I don't think she knows the complete details of how S.E.X. works.
What I was pretty proud of, though, is that she comes from a 1 parent family, knowing full well that I wasn't married to her dad, and still assumes that the 'right' way to do things is to be married first (not that I'm going to try to enforce that but...it was just refreshing).

And after all that, she fell asleep in the car.

Comic Relief

I ran across this comic archive yesterday called Cyanide and Happiness and, although most of the strips are crude humor about diseases and killing people, I've found a few that are actually pretty funny.

This one in particular: It hit a bit close to home...maybe I should change my tactics. *thinking*

In any case...this sounds pretty normal to me...and a pretty good description of my dating life. (this is the point where you feel sorry for me) :(

Thanks Pedro!

Wow...you get 3 posts in one day! My blog-readers are so lucky. ;)

I've been meaning to do this for a long time and keep forgetting. I just wanted to recognize a guy in the shop who goes above and beyond his job by making sure that I'm happy.

Haha...I know what you're thinking...and it's NOT that.

For about 2 months now he's been bringing me food and drinks regularly. It's always some random new drink or some awesome Mexican food (authentic tamales...yum). Today it was Rockstar Pomegranate (and, if you know me well enough, you'll know I heart Rockstar)....yesterday was some random Chinese tea (it was good).

Anyway, it's the least I can do. Thanks Pedro!!!!

Mmmm.....

Sex and Fairies - the Disney way

We're going to talk about one of my favorite things here: sex. Surprise, surprise, right?

Well...what is surprising to me is how Disney has gotten away with selling sex to kids for so long. I'll specifically talk about provocative characters in a current Disney cartoon that I watch. Wait...I can't say that I actually watch it-I've noticed it on the TV early Saturday mornings while I'm cursed with some reason to be awake at that point.

What I did notice though was the scantily-clad fairies that make up the cast of this cartoon. I'm talking about the Winx Club. Enter Bloom, Flora, Layla, Musa, Stella and Tecna.

I don't get the names and I don't care but I have to admit I did quite a bit of research on them specifically for this blog (time that I will never get back). What I want to point out, other than the fact that they are most obviously teenage fairies, is that this cartoon is supposed to be geared towards 4-14 year old girls. Hmmm...ok-a fairy cartoon...awww...cute.

Scratch the 'cute' thing. Hot, Sexy, Lithe, Victoria Secret Catalog and Maxim-cover worthy, Vixens.

Another day at Disney.

That's gotta be a shock to anyone's ego-aren't they impossibly beautiful and skinny? Yeah, it's Barbie...only more seductive.

Hey....is that ink stain giving me bedroom eyes?

Do you know what's more disturbing than the fact that these are the role models of our young girls? THEY HAVE BOYFRIENDS!!! And, yes, this irks me to no end because their guys are unbelievably, Abercrombie and Fitch, Dr. McDreamy STEAMY! And me, being human...doesn't have one. Psh...

Meet Sky. And Brandon.

Now that I feel like crap about Disney, my love life, my self image, my wardrobe and my job (come on-you know being a fairy has got to be awesome)...I'll just go cry...to my girlfriends.

Notice any convenient hand-placements in this pic? Yeah, me neither. ;)

Ok, I'm done with this post....sorry for making you suffer. It'll probably happen again though. Sorry. :(

Girl Power!

A couple days ago I had drinks with 4 of my close girlfriends-we talked about jobs/the economy, recycling, travel/vacation ideas, boys/dating, friends, family and houses/living situations all in the matter of about 2 hours
Now that we're all up to speed on each others lives again, I have to say this: WE NEED MORE GIRL-TIME! I guess I didn't realize how much I truly missed them (it's been a few months since we've all had time in our busy lives to schedule something).

Let me say before I go on...I love having boy-time too (it's one of my favorite things) but, sometimes I need to see my girlfriends to 'ground' me. They make me realize that I'm not alone in this. By 'this', I mean this dating thing, this LIFE thing. These girls are other people of similar demeanor and gender as me that are going through the same stuff as I do on a daily basis such as: bad hair days, PMS days, feeling like crap about boys days, needing to be catty days and days that I just feel like crying for any reason. Try doing that with your guy friends or boyfriends. It usually doesn't fly that well. This is the reason for girlfriends.



I also realized this weekend that guys envy us. Not because we tend to smell better or have the opportunity to dance and not look stupid but because of our relationships with other girls.
No, I'm not making this up-someone of the male persuasion actually told me this. :) Think about it-girls can talk. They can open up to each other and let our guard down amongst other girls even if we look weak. It's a sign of being sure of our surroundings and knowing full well that we are understood even if we don't make any sense. We're able to talk about things in more depth than this:

Boy #1: 'Hey dude.'
Boy #2: 'S'up.'
Boy #1: 'What's happening?'
Boy #2: 'You know, the usual...work, girl problems, stayed up all night playing Left4Dead.'
Boy #1: 'Yeah, I hear you.'
Boy #2: 'Word.'
Boy #1: 'Beer me.'
Boy #2: 'No problem.'
...add a few grunts and the sound of a bottle being opened and I'm sure you get the gist of it. :)

So, to this I say-you go girl!

PS-Recognize the cartoon above? Maybe you don't but I do and I specifically picked it as a lead-in to my next blog: How Disney is currently eliciting sex through cartoon fairies.

St. Patrick's Day

So here we are...celebrating another religious holiday under the guise of a day where frat boys and borderline alcoholics can test their limits at drinking massive amounts of Irish whiskey.

St. Patrick's Day (per Wikipedia), is a national holiday in Ireland where they celebrate St. Patrick, a patron saint of Ireland.

Bet you didn't know my blog was going to be so educational, huh?

The US celebrates the day because, in recent history (only since 1970), it has meant crowding into nearby Irish pubs to guzzle Guinness and scorge corned beef and cabbage...and still go to work half-toast the next morning.

Have you ever noticed how we Americans make every holiday into a reason to be thrashed?
Christmas-eggnog. Check
New Year's Eve-champagne. Check
This year's Presidential inauguration-excessive amounts of beer in celebration. Check
Valentine's Day-2 bottles wine (to keep from remembering I'm single). Check
St. Patty's Day-anything with an alcohol content and green food dye. (bring on the cough syrup!) Double Check
Easter-shots of wine. (and tiny pieces of bread to go with) Check

I could go on and on...Don't even get me started on the 4th of July!

Well, I started out the day with an Irish coffee but I'm sure I'll be ending it in the corner of the Blarney Stone Pub just 2 Irish car bombs short of a coma.

Hope yours goes just as well. Happy St. Patty's Day! Here's to you...

Run Forest Run

I've been toying with the idea lately of learning how to run. Before you chide me, I'll explain that I actually do know the basics of running (you know...how it works...I've seen it in action).

I used to run in middle school and high school (in track, of course). I remember running my senior year around this big triangle shaped field almost every day after school-it was probably only 1.5 miles though (maybe 2) but I don't know how I lost it. The drive, that is. The initiative. The need to just...go.

I'll also include that I hate working out. No, it's not that I can't or don't do it-I just hate it. I hate gyms, I hate communal water spickets, I hate people who don't clean off their machines when their sweaty asses are done, I hate membership fees, I hate elliptical machines, I hate being confined.
I used to love to run...and I was good at it (or so I remember).

I digress, I want to start running. I found a great website recently that might help me - coolrunning.com. I'm not trying for a marathon-I just know I can't handle the wretched smell of any more gyms and I've been feeling a bit lazy. I've got to fix that little problem and soon.

I guess as soon as the weather clears, it'll be easier to go hike but...I think this will help the 'in the meantime' thing I'm having trouble with. Plus!!! I'll still get to be outside!

After I get into it a bit...it's a free for all! Join me! But, I'm not sure when or if I'll ever be able to run around Greenlake. But...here's to hoping!

Lex

I realized recently that I never really introduced you all to the most important person in my life whom I have fondly referred to as Lex Luthor (because sometimes she's evil). But seriously, she's a-freakin-dorable. I guess that's a given though, as she's purely mine. ;)

Excuse the camera phone pic and large glasses (on our way to see Coraline 3D):



I know many of my readers (ok...all 4 of you) don't have kids but, when you do I promise you these 3 things:

1. Everything is funnier.
2. Everything is more annoying.
3. You will always know that someone loves you. (even if you ground them from their Nintendo DS for a week)

If you have a girl, add these:

1. Hormones are a bitch.
2. You will never hear her shut up. (mine even talks in her sleep)
3. She will always, always cuddle/hug/kiss you and tell you that you're beautiful. (return the compliment)

If you have a girl who's also a tomboy:

1. You'll never have to buy Barbies. (but invest in soap)
2. Sarcasm isn't lost on her.
3. No glitter...enough said.

Although you may still have to deal with Troy (from HSM) and the Jonas Brothers. ;)

Paraskevidekatriaphobics

- are people afflicted with a morbid, irrational fear of Friday the 13th. It is probably the most widespread superstition in America.

You thought it was just a bunch of random letters, huh?

The sixth day of the week and the number 13 both have scary reputations dating back to ancient times. What is truly amazing is that 2009 has 3 Friday the 13th's!!

Some arbitrary facts about Friday and 13:

Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden on a Friday.

Noah's flood started on a Friday.

In pagan Rome, Friday was execution day.

It is also noted that twelve witches plus one devil are present at Satanic ceremonies so Friday and 13 make a deadly combination.

Twelve gods were invited to a banquet at Valhalla. Loki, the Evil One, god of mischief, had been left off the guest list but crashed the party, bringing the total number of attendees to 13. True to character, Loki raised hell by inciting Hod, the blind god of winter, to attack Balder the Good, who was a favorite of the gods. Hod took a spear of mistletoe offered by Loki and obediently hurled it at Balder, killing him instantly. (The complete nerd in me recognizes many words in this fable as names in a Marvel comic book or XBox game...random thoughts...)

Hindus in the East believed that it is always unlucky for 13 people to gather in one place. (especially dinner parties)

The Bible tells us there were exactly 13 present at the Last Supper. One of the dinner guests betrayed Jesus Christ, setting the stage for the Crucifixion.

Christ was crucified on a Friday.

It's amazing how much religion I found was tied to this day...crazy.

To help you get through the day here are a few things that may offset the bad luck:

* Spilling wine while proposing a toast
* Looking at the new moon over your right shoulder
* Finding 9 peas in a pea pod
* Picking up a pencil in the street
* Finding a ladybug on you
* Carrying an acorn with you will bring good luck
* Finding and keeping a four leaf clover will bring you tremendous good luck
* Dolphins swimming near a ship
* A spider spinning in the morning

I assume that if you are anywhere near where you would see a dolphin swimming near a ship, you're already having good luck (presumably, you're somewhere much more exotic than the Pacific NW).

Happy Friday (the 13th)!!

Sex Chips

No, this is not some new kind of freaky new food-it's a freaky new kind of way to be sexually stimulated. Which, by the way, could be the one scientific invention I keep my eye on (can anyone say 'research study participant'?).

"Scientists in the UK are working on methods to stimulate the brain, specifically in the orbitofrontal cortex, the part of the brain that feels pleasure from eating and sex. According to The Telegraph, implantation of a chip into that area of the brain is expected to result in increased sexual pleasure. Previous studies in one woman with very low sex drive becoming one with a very active sexual appetite.
Using this chip technology, deep brain stimulation may be used to revive or enhance areas of the brain that are lacking. It works by sending tiny shocks from implanted electrodes in the brain. This is already done for Parkinson's disease, and it would appear now that researchers are looking to do the same for pleasure enhancement. Even better, scientists believe it may be able to work on an electric switch to be used as needed."

Full story here.

Not that I need any help...but that would be TMI, right? ;)

Hey! Watch it!

I've been having a hard time lately finding topics to blog about which means 1 of 2 things:
My life is extremely lame.
or
I've been content lately.

But...yesterday I did almost get run off the road so I'll tell you about a few of my pet peeves (lucky you). :P

First things first-I will never say that I'm a 'good' driver. I love to drive, I love to drive fast but I try to abide by most of the traffic laws....mostly. Yesterday I was driving on I5 at about 60 mph (the speed limit) and following this lady who was having a hard time staying in her lane. I assumed she was texting or on the phone or something.
Well, she eventually merged into the right lane and I ended up beside her. She, then, proceeded to NOT drive in her own lane and swerved (yes, swerved) towards me quickly at one point. I swerved the other way so she wouldn't hit me and you know that feeling when you try to correct yourself and over-correct therefore seeming to lose control of your car? Well, it was pretty scary as I was trying to restore control of my car (realizing that she wasn't even on the phone or texting but just talking to her passenger), trying to be aware of the other cars behind and to the other side of me and cursing at her loudly. She knew what had happened too (she threw up her left arm in a semi-shrug). It's not even like this lady was really young or too old (although she was prob about 10 years older than me). Here's your chance guys...(in unison) WOMEN CAN'T DRIVE!
I'll refer to my statement above-I don't drive well but I can mostly stay in my lane and not kill other motorists.
I was really shaken up after this-I took the first ramp I saw and parked in a lot waiting to stop shaking. I was also PISSED!
I called Victoria and vented then walked around Target a bit while my homicidal rage wore off (only slightly kidding at this point). I made it home fine with my car in one piece.
Anyway, another one of my pet peeves are people who DON'T drive the speed limits. I work on Woodinville-Redmond Rd and the speed limit is 45 mph...people rarely go 45 mph. I get so irritated at this when I'm following someone going 25 and running late for work (not that I don't make my own schedule really but...I also like to leave as early as possible).

Other traffic related pet peeves:

People who don't use their blinkers.
People who still have McCain stickers on their cars.
People who don't turn right on red when it's open.
People who don't watch the lights at all!
People who can't merge for the life of them.
People who drive with their blinkers on.
People who have their speakers too loud that you can hear them through closed windows.

Ok...I could go on for hours...I should stop now.

Twilight

I fought it...for a long time...but I read the book 'Twilight'. I know, I know...I caved. Sadly it only took me about 2 days to read...yeah, I actually enjoyed it. But also, since I have a sick aversion as of late to guys who like mind games, I realized that the lead female character was very much getting mind-fucked. Albeit she was only 17 so let me say this-at 17 you generally don't know what you're doing! For example, at 17 I met my daughter's father. Enough said. Ok, I'm kidding. I thought I was in love with him until I was 21-thought I couldn't breathe if he didn't give me affirmation that he was with me (which, most times, only included coming home at night). After a while of not being in the relationship or meeting someone who actually treated me decently, I realized that I deserve more. Another example-I didn't have my first orgasm til I was probably about 24 years old because I found someone who cared about what I needed and wanted. Small things matter.

Back from my tangent after that moment of TMI...Bella (the name of the lead female character in the book and the same name as a very cool dog I know) falls in love with a vampire (Edward) just 2 days after hanging out with him. Hmmm...now I know I've said this to people before but-really? Maybe I'm not the one to be judging because it takes a lot for me to fall for someone (maybe I just haven't met the right vampire lately).

The story goes on with its plot but the general idea I got was that Bella didn't care about her own life after meeting Edward and was only concerned about the safety and well-being of her vampire boyfriend (who, btw, would be very hard to actually harm). She also decides at some point that she 'can't live without him' and both would take their own lives if something happened to the other. He also has A LOT of control over her, watches her from the shadows constantly and even while she sleeps. He confuses the hell out of her by saying things like 'you shouldn't love me, I'm dangerous' then automatically switching to 'you are my life now. you are exactly my brand of heroin'. Wow. All I can say is - would you really want your daughters thinking that this is acceptable?

But-I did like the book enough and plan on seeing the movie but not because of the hype around it. Because I love a good vampire flick and the idea of 'good vampires' intrigues me.

An excerpt that genuinely portrays some of what annoyed me:

"And for all that," he continued, "I'd have fared better if I had exposed us all at that first moment, than if now, here--with no witnesses and nothing to stop me--I were to hurt you."

I was human enough to have to ask. "Why?"

"Isabella." He pronounced my full name carefully, then playfully ruffled my hair with his free hand. A shock ran through my body at his casual touch. "Bella, I couldn't live with myself if I ever hurt you. You don't know how it's tortured me." He looked down, ashamed again. "The thought of you, still, white, cold . . . to never see you blush scarlet again, to never see that flash of intuition in your eyes when you see through my pretenses . . . it would be unendurable." He lifted his glorious agonized eyes to mine. "You are the most important thing to me now. The most important thing to me ever."

My head was spinning at the rapid change in direction our conversation had taken. From the cheerful topic of my impending demise, we were suddenly declaring ourselves. He waited, and even though I looked down to study our hands between us, I knew his golden eyes were on me.

"You already know how I feel, of course," I finally said, "I'm here . . . which, roughly translated, means I would rather die than stay away from you." I frowned. "I'm an idiot."

"You are an idiot," he agreed with a laugh. Our eyes met, and I laughed, too. We laughed together at the idiocy and sheer impossibility of such a moment.

"And so the lion fell in love with the lamb . . ." he murmured. I looked away, hiding my eyes as I thrilled to the word.

"What a stupid lamb," I sighed.

"What a sick masochistic lion."

--Twilight, Chapter 13, "Confessions", pages 273-274



To sum up-it is NEVER ok to let someone control so much of your life that you would forget your own personal well-being. Of course, parenting is excluded-obviously I would do anything and everything to make sure my daughter was safe, even at the risk of losing myself.

Let's get one thing straight though-I don't actually believe in vampires and, unless you can really prove the existence of such, I'll go along thinking that they are fictional characters of books and great movies.

I've started reading the second book in the series now, I'll let you know if it's any less absurd.

Ian McFeron CD Release

My friend, Ian, and his band (The Ian McFeron Band) are releasing a new CD this month!

The release party will be at the Tractor Tavern in Ballard on March 21, 2009. Tickets are 10$ (they always sell out for CD releases so please get your tickets @ Ticketweb or at Sonic Boom Records).

In case you were wondering what type of music they play-my friend Sara gave the best description:

Genre - most generally described as Roots Rock/Americana, with a little blues, a little jazz, and a little folk and a little alt-country. The Seattle P-I compares Ian's voice to that of Bob Dylan and Ryan Adams.

More info:

http://www.ianmcferon.com/index.php

www.myspace.com/ianmcferonband

My letter to the Senator

Recently I wrote to our Senator because I felt compelled to speak my mind about the tax stimulus bill that Obama passed. First things first, I heart Obama. I agree with almost everything he's done and plans to do. I do believe that he's already changed things for the better and will continue to do so. I also know he's spent some money but if you try to understand economics at all, it mostly makes sense.

I digress...I emailed Senator Cantwell because I wanted to vent...mostly. I don't agree with the changes in the welfare part of the stimulus package. For me, it's completely personal. For years now, I've made too much money as a single parent to qualify for Earned Income Credit, the additional tax credit or any state-funded programs for that matter. The difference between me and what seems like the majority of single parents is that I actually revel in the fact that I don't get help! I rose above the 'single mother' excuse and made a way to assure that I could provide for my child. Yes, just one child. My problem with the welfare situation (as is the problem for many people) is that it enables too many people to keep having kids they can't afford.
The tax stimulus bill adjusts these credits so that low-income households get more money back at tax time plus makes additions to the welfare programs adjusting for more food stamps. I guess my personal issue is 'what's in it for me'? Yeah, I can be petty for a minute-I've earned it. And if you're thinking 'what about the Making Work Pay credit'? You know, the one that will allow you to receive an additional 400.00 per year back in your paycheck? Here's what H&R Block has to say about that one:
"Because reduced withholding could result in a balance due on your tax return, it appears that you would, in effect, be required to pay back any excess benefit that you received during the year."
Oh...so, that doesn't exactly help me either. Figures.
So, what we have here is me-working as a single mother and supporting the likes of Nadya Suleman. Don't get me started on her...Ugh, I'm already irritated.

Anyway-here's the generic response I got from the Senator-although, I'm glad I received a response and at least it explains the reasons for the bill.

Dear Ms. Focken,
Thank you for contacting me regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R. 1). I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

I understand that American families are struggling as the economic situation continues to deteriorate. These are extraordinarily challenging times. Bold action is needed to restore confidence in our country's economy and financial markets, and to get people back to work. The recovery bill that passed the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate is designed to provide immediate help for those struggling to weather the crisis, and to begin the long-term process of rebuilding our economy and creating needed jobs. It's a plan to provide hope and opportunity for all hardworking Americans.

As a member of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, I continue to pursue policies that promote growth in the economy and increase standards of living for Washingtonians. We do that though turning our economy in a new direction. And we transform our economy by investing in clean energy and creating high-paying jobs in the United States to support those new industries. Our country can reduce its dependence on foreign oil, and protect American consumers from a repeat of the dramatic spike in oil prices that devastated your budgets in 2007 and 2008, if we make these investments now.

I supported the bill that passed the U.S. Congress on February 13, 2009, in part because it put a down payment on our economic transition to a clean energy future and will create tens of thousands of green jobs. The bill provides $11 billion investment in smart grid technology and infrastructure based on language I authored in the 2007 Energy bill. This money will create 73,500 jobs nationwide to make the use of our energy more efficient. This bill also extends tax credits for investments in wind and solar energy by 3 years, doubles Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) to finance facilities that generate electricity from wind, geothermal, hydropower and other renewable energy sources, and provides a $2,500 tax credit for consumers who purchase plug-in electric vehicles.

In addition to creating a new green economy, this bill also strengthens our focus on education, health care, and infrastructure, and provides the necessary resources in these areas to ensure a strong future for our children. In Washington state alone, this bill will create or save an estimated 75,000 jobs over the next two years. In addition, more than 2.45 million workers and their families will benefit from the "Making Work Pay" tax cut of up to $1,000 per couple, and for many workers who have lost their jobs, the plan allows an additional $100 per month and an additional 33 weeks of unemployment benefits. For small businesses, the bill provides increased access to credit. The bill also will increase private capital in order to continue plans for affordable housing developments across our state.

Other important elements in the Senate-passed legislation include: an extension of existing Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) programs, giving extended income support and training benefits for workers who lose their jobs because of increased imports or factory shifts to certain countries; an additional $2.06 billion in Medicaid relief for Washington families; a new American Opportunity Tax Credit that will make college more affordable for 67,000 families; and an expansion of the Earned Income Tax and Child Tax Credits for low-income working families.

Rebuilding our economy is an ongoing process, and is not something that can be fixed overnight. It is important that as we work to craft effective economic recovery legislation we strike an appropriate balance among our nation's priorities. Please be assured that I will keep your ideas in mind as the Senate moves forward in addressing these critical issues.

Thank you so much for contacting me to share your thoughts on this matter. Finally, I would like to keep you informed of what is happening in D.C. Every Monday, I provide a brief outline about my work in the Senate and issues of importance to Washington state. If you are interested in getting this update, please visit my website at http://cantwell.senate.gov. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,
Maria Cantwell
United States Senator

My main problem was that I wouldn't really be seeing the benefits of the bill because I don't really fit the categories. The fact that this letter didn't cater to me, as a single working mother who didn't qualify for any of the 'benefits' (as I explained in my letter to her) kind of irked me. Tell me if I'm wrong.

Also some important sites you should use to help you understand:
Recovery.gov - learn where your tax dollars are going!
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Key Provisions

Hamster warranties

A few weeks ago I purchased our first 'real' pet. Well, I can't say that is true-we had fish several years ago until Lex fed them...bread.

Just in case you didn't know-fish don't eat bread. It's all good, I hated maintaining the fish tank anyway.

Back to my point-hamster warranties. Did you know that when you buy a small critter from Petco they give you a 15 day warranty? Yep. How morbid is that?

Me (at the checkout counter to Lex): I think we have all we need.

Checker: Ok, thank you Ms. Focker.

Me: Focken.

Checker: Oh, sorry. And here's your receipt and warranty.

Me: Warranty?

Checker: Yes, you have a 15 day warranty in case you have any issues.

Me: Like death? (audible gasp from Lex...of course)

Checker: Yes, if anything happens, just bring your receipt back.

Me: Wow...hamster warranties...crazy. So, I have 2 weeks to screw this up. Great.

In case you wondered-she has outlived her 'warranty' and is doing well (the hamster, not Lex).
But...for some reason, the hamster hates me. Kinda wish I would've been able to take advantage of the warranty... Ok, I'm kidding. ...somewhat.

Cement shoes

No, I'm not talking about the ones that mob bosses use on unfortunate people who don't pay their debts. I'm talking about the pair I now wear at work.

In the past week or so we've done layoffs that included my boss and a coworker that was an integral part of the shipping department. And just today, my coworker and friend, gave her notice after being offered a job she couldn't turn down. Being only 1 of 2 people (of 4 a week ago) in our department now, I've now taken on some major responsibilities.

Let me say this first-I love my job. I really like the company, we have a great product and last but not least, the economy sucks!

Starting tomorrow I not only do my accounting functions here that include accounts payable but start training to be the purchasing agent. No, not just purchasing office supplies...that's lame! Purchasing does everything from lumber to sauna heaters to company vehicles to wine cabinets to nuts and bolts.

I'm excited at the new opportunities! But...I'll still be doing my main accounting duties too. It's still a little nerve-wracking though and I'll miss my friend. :(

How weird is it that a week ago I was worried about losing my job and now...I'm pretty firmly rooted in the same company?

Watchmen

I can't wait to see this movie!! Call me a dork or a nerd or whatever, I've accepted it.



But mostly, I'm intrigued by the use of the Walmart logo on the poster.

The logistics of a bene-friendship

Yeah, you read that right. Let's delve into the realm of this somewhat tricky situation a bit...

I was having a conversation with a guy this weekend and he wondered why it would be impossible to have a FWB situation with a girl who was an ex or who cared about him.
Well, here's what we came up with:

You CAN be bene-friends with an ex...IF the breakup was mutual, IF it has been a period of time since the breakup, IF the duration of the relationship was short and/or IF you are both on the same page about the relationship as it stands now.
And I know what you're thinking-just like a girl, changing her mind. My defense-give me an educated reason as to why I should and I'll be willing to see the other side.
Plus, I think I came to realize that I was suppressing the reality that I have or have had a FWB situation with an ex (while I wasn't in a 'relationship') that actually worked out well for both parties involved. Sometimes it's nice to just have that person that knows you (more than just intimately), knows what you like and who, you know, will not pressure you for more.

But, I stand by my opinion that you CANNOT be bene-friends with an ex that still has feelings for you or just a friend that cares too much about you.
The guy I was talking to was confused as to why because he thought 'why not? you'd both be reaping the benefits of such.' I explained to him in hypothetical terms...
Say there is this girl that really likes you and wants to cross that friendship line with you. You, on the other hand, are NOT into her in that way. To sleep with her would just be using her. She would, of course, be game for this just as a reason to get close to you...maybe hoping that by having sex with her would convince you that you were missing out on something and you'd change your mind. In reality, you were using her as a means to an end.
This goes for girls too-I'm not being prejudice here.

So the important lesson here people is...be clear. Be VERY clear as to what you want and don't want of your friends of differing genders.

If you like them but don't want to be 'with' them, make sure you are both on the same page. Sometimes friendships get muddy if both people have feelings-wouldn't it just be easier to talk about it? Clear the air and hook up for God's sake!

If you want more from that person, you also owe them the chance to reject you, therefore changing the relationship, by telling them. This would constitute an honest friendship.

If you are confused about your feelings-don't go with the option that could possibly hurt the other person in the end. Telling someone that wants more than a friendship from you that you MIGHT have more feelings for them when, in case you actually don't, will only lead them to believe that there is a chance, when there may not be.

In the case that you have more feelings for someone on the friendship level-figure it out!!! Decide which relationship from them is most important to you and go with that one.

And, yes, it is possible to just have a nice friendship with someone of the opposite sex. I have a couple guy friends who are pretty great-that I don't sleep with. And...in some ways, I appreciate it more because things are uncomplicated. And I love uncomplicated. :)