Gouda's Cheesewheel

Employment, huzzah!

2010-01-20T10:51:00.003-07:00

Right now I'm in the middle of my third week at my new job with Sprint. Around November, Jenn told me they were hiring. Finding nothing else more promising by December, I decided to go for it. After a lengthy game of phone tag to get my employment history verified, I was hired. My training began January 4th, and goes on for 7 weeks, so today is the very middle of training (it's going by a lot faster than I might have anticipated, I guess).

Although it's a fairly basic call-center job, the lack of huge excitement is countered by the great benefits. I even get a free phone plan, with everything unlimited, so that's nice. Since I get a good discount, I made a small investment in my first smart-phone, which is a Blackberry Curve. A little overwhelming in the number of options, but at least it lets me do everything I could possibly want on my plan.

One downside to my job is the location. On bus and lightrail, the commute averages about an hour and a half each way. At least now I have a fun handheld device to keep me busy, plus I have time to read the whole newspaper for a change! I might even look into a car after training is over and my official shift starts, though I might be able to manage on the scooter once the weather warms up.

In any case, I'll make an effort to post once in a while--maybe my Blackberry will enable some interesting mobile posts.

Bundlecat

2009-12-16T20:07:00.001-07:00

What happens when our house gets cold.

ringu

2009-12-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

My early Christmas present is an engagement ring. :)

Angry time Part II

2009-12-10T01:13:00.002-07:00

The other things frustrating me is the job situation.

Ironically, this is not because of my lack of job, but rather my sudden opportunity for one.

In a slap-dash effort, I applied for a job at Sprint on a tip from Jenn that they were hiring. First interview was less than inspiring, as they weren't hiring for a while. However, still jobless weeks or so later, I called them back to inquire, and warranted a second interview, or an assessment, whatever it's called. A background check and UA, and it sounds like the job should be a pretty sure thing for me.

This means I have to make a decision. Do I settle for a job I'm sure I can do, that pays not great, but fair, with decent benefits and so forth, and is a long commute from home? Or do I wait it out and just hope that something better falls on my plate, knowing it will require more of the thankless work of submitting applications, composing cover letters, meticulously searching job descriptions? Neither choice is the obvious one. On one hand, I'm tempted to take the Sprint job because at this point it looks like the path of least resistance (and a guaranteed paycheck come 2010). On the other hand, hindsight will be 2020 once I theoretically find my dream job...but then I can always quit...and making some money in the meantime is better than making no money while I twiddle my thumbs.

Plus, even if I do take Sprint and this turns out to be the best choice, there's nothing to say I won't end up as miserable as I was when I left RAAP. What good is steady income if it makes my life a living hell...

Hopefully this is exaggeration. There's no way I'll hate it that much...I hope. I've grown, and I understand what makes me happy in a job, so I'm going into this more informed than I've ever gone into a job before. I need to trust my instincts on this and stop worrying.

Mainly I'm concerned about the commute. Right now I reap a lot of joy from at-home time, and while I will probably appreciate it more when it is scarcer, if it is too scarce I will simply feel harried all the time, and feel that my job is consuming my entire life...but considering all the jobs right now seem to be a bit of a commute, there's not much I can do to avoid that, I suppose.

Yes, it seems this is the right thing to do...I just have this terrible feeling I'm not taking something into account, and I'm going to kick myself when I find out what it is too late.

There are other things frustrating me, but I have no energy to phrase them properly at this point.

Angry time Part I

2009-12-10T00:31:00.003-07:00

About an hour ago I got really frustrated with my life...more specifically, with the impending events of my life. And the choices I have to make. And the fact that they can't be easier. Ug.

I got frustrated with my "wedding," if you can call it that, and the fact that no matter what I do, someone is going to try to talk me out of it, or worse, simply remind me that "it's my day and I can do what I want," which I've determined is the most effortlessly supportive thing to say. I mean, yes, I CAN do what I want. I am physically capable of dumping the punch bowl onto my in-laws and mooning the best man, if that is what I choose to do. But is the point of my wedding to piss people off? Not really, unless they've somehow all managed to do something to deserve it, which so far, they haven't. So whatever I do at my wedding, I must be prepared to back up. And this stresses me out.

I'd love to be able to say "I wanted it this way, isn't it lovely/meaningful/unique?" but when it comes down to it, I don't know what on Earth I want. I didn't want to get married for the longest time, and the fact that I am sometimes feels like I'm selling out...to compensate, my inclination is to make my wedding as "un-wedding-y" as possible, to prove that I'm not buying this institution hook, line and sinker. Yet somehow I feel like this is a great opportunity to participate in a larger institution--an opportunity we're rarely afforded nowadays in our anomic "holiday tree" filled society, where you basically build your own institutions as you see fit. As much as I support freedom of choice, can't there be some things we all agree on? Can we all agree weddings are beautiful and worthy of celebration? No, of course not. Not when there's so much complexity to each relationship...when the parents disapprove of the new spouse, the grandparents think it's disgraceful to wear black, etc etc etc.

Gah. And so you see why I became quite enraged over the whole ordeal. No matter what I decide, it all comes down to the fact that until I find a word to use other than "wedding," people are going to pigeon-hole me and my big happy get-together. They'll assume I'm paying out my ass for things like catering and photography and a monstrosity of a gown I can only wear once. They'll assume I want to look like a princess, because ALL girls want to be princesses and have their men buy them sparkly jewelry to show off what a nice paycheck will be supporting the little Mrs. AAGGHHH. And what irks me most is that because these assumptions are built into the whole mess, I have to second-guess myself when I actually consider for a moment that a particular diamond ring is kind of pretty...or a fluffy cream-colored dress might be fun to play in for a day...and then I remind myself that the desire for these things is created, not innate, and all the people telling me to say "yes" to them are either trying to make a buck or confused about what my "wedding" is going to mean--that because it is a "wedding" it necessitates a white dress and a bridal party and a processional. Why?? Why does it need these things? Why does everyone (myself included) keep suggesting that I'll regret NOT having these things?? Why does it need to look like a "wedding" to accomplish what I want it to?

Honestly, I haven't entirely decided what I want it to accomplish, which is at least half my problem.

Decisions, decisions, decisions. And with every choice I make, they become simpler, and yet I feel more and more trapped into that little "bride" box...makes me want to exert another 20 minutes on the elliptical machine to the tune of angry Deftones music. Which didn't help a whole lot aside from taking the edge off a tad, by the way.

Black Friday Weekend o' craziness

2009-11-30T13:29:00.002-07:00

This weekend (Thanksgiving and after) has been rather busy.

On Thursday (Thanksgiving proper) we had at least 3-4 invitations. We decided to keep it simple and attend the two events that were geographically near one another: Brent's Aunt Candy in Wellington and my grandparents in Loveland. Candy's meal was planned for 1PM and the other was at 2, so we really could only eat at one or the other. We decided it made the most sense to eat the earlier dinner and then stop by and say hi at the other one, and maybe score some dessert. As it turned out this worked out nicely. We even got the chance to announce our engagement to the grandparents (Sallie kept prodding us till one of us got the gumption to say it). Brent's family had practically all known already, as he had given his mother permission to spread the word when we first told her the news. My parents did not take this liberty, so it was nice to have a comfortable setting to tell my grandparents. I plan to tell the rest of my family in our first official Christmas letter this year.

Thursday night we relaxed with a bath and video games, respectively, and then did a post-feast workout to ease our consciences. We'll have to make sure to keep up a good routine of this if we are to stay in shape through the winter. It's a good motivation to think that we'll probably be climbing a mountain or two next year, so we need to be prepared.

Friday we did some shopping, but not in the sense that most people did that day. Since we had just about all of our Christmas presents purchased already, we had no need for mall shopping (which was just as well, as neither of us care for crowded malls anyway). Our destination was the South Broadway antique district to find an engagement/wedding ring for me. We had a quick but tasty lunch at the Spicy Pickle, then headed down a block or two in search of antique rings. The first few stores mainly dealt in furniture, but eventually we came to a place that had a few rings on hand, and they suggested another place to try. The store they referred carried a better (and more expensive) selection, and we managed to find at least one other dealer that specialized in jewelry, as well as several that carried a limited selection alongside fine silver dishes and the like. At the last store we visited, we found a great deal on a necklace and brooch, so Brent made a small indulgence on these for my Christmas present. Friday night we were quite worn out from shopping, so Brent played video games and I started putting up Christmas decorations and watched Brokeback Mountain, which I'd rented.

Saturday we headed down to Larimer Square in search of another antique jeweler we'd been referred to: Victoriana. This one definitely carried some of the prettiest items I'd seen so far, but it was also a bit pricey, so we had to think on it. While downtown I picked up some stationary from Office Depot to print Christmas letters, and we picked up groceries. In the evening Brent had plans to game with friends, so I had him drop me off at Jenn's apartment, where we spent the evening concocting white chocolate fondue, watching Indiana Jones, and poring over ice cream recipes. It was a fun time with my Jenn, who I don't get to see too often these days.

Sunday we had plans to visit Brent's grandma Daphin. We joined her for brunch, then looked at old pictures of Brent and his family and watched a recording of a ventriloquist she had seen in Vegas. We also helped move some items out of her closet so shelves could be added. On the way home I talked Brent into stopping at Cherry Creek Mall, which we regretted a little once we realized how crowded it would be. I had hoped to find inexpensive rings (cubic zirconia or gems) at the department stores, but when Macy's failed to deliver, we peeked into a few jewelry stores and then gave up (frankly, the designs were the same as the antiques we'd found, at twice the price or more!) In the evening we had planned to spend time with Matt and Liisa, but they were just as exhausted as we were, so it was a night at home for all of us. I managed to get in a second short workout (one in the morning, one in the evening) to make up for missing Friday and Saturday. It wasn't too bad, but after dinner I was quite ready for bed.

This week I've compiled a whole list of things to do in addition to applying for jobs, so I'll be quite busy for a while.

Gimme gimme

2009-11-25T20:07:00.001-07:00

I want the purple one to get married in. Too bad this is Saks 5th Ave

More scary makeup

2009-11-23T17:40:00.002-07:00

They liked to switch it up a little at the haunt.

Snow Man

2009-11-15T14:04:00.002-07:00

We made him today in the front yard! I love Sundays.

Brent's Engagement Sword

2009-11-13T19:37:00.002-07:00

I tried to get a picture of him holding it, too, but my camera crapped out.

My Award

2009-11-13T19:20:00.006-07:00

One thing I don't think I mentioned in my last post is that I won actor of the year at City of the Dead. Well, I did. And here is what I won. One-of-a-kind, custom severed head on a stick. Awesome. Too bad it would be bad taste to display it in the living room, over the mantle, where it rightfully belongs.

stuff I took pictures of, and never shared.

2009-11-10T22:15:00.010-07:00

So here are a couple of things I meant to share, but never got around to:

World's Tiniest Salad!
With the small amount of produce I harvested from my meager garden this summer (lettuce, spinach, Juliet/Sweet 100 tomatoes) I put together a cute little salad on a saucer. The tomatoes were the only thing that was plentiful--in fact, they continued to overproduce until the frost made them all mushy and inedible. Such an unfortunate waste. Don't think I'll even bother with the "Big Beefs" next year, since I only got about 3 good ones off the vine.

First Snow of the Fall
It snowed so lightly and it had been so warm, the roses remained intact, which made for some gorgeous pictures...at least I tried.

AHH! Scary Haunted House!
Since we had a semi-professional makeup artist (maybe fully professional, not sure) working at City of the Dead, Brent and I figured we'd better get at least one good photo of our scary gory faces. Granted, they changed just about every night, depending on time constraints and how creative the makeup team was feeling, but you get the general idea. Hopefully I will soon have more pictures to share from the haunt. We even had a professional photographer in training take pics one night, so they should be pretty good.

Halloween Decorations, Year One
I could not forgo Halloween decor, even if we weren't going to be home for Trick or Treaters this year due to the haunt. So I spent a couple bucks at Dollar Tree on fall foliage and combined it with the cheap/free stuff from last year. Next year we'll probably do it up a little better. I want a costume for that goose, too. He's year-round, and anyone kind enough to visit is afforded the privilege of signing him.

And of course, as always THE KITTIES OF MY HEART.
They almost ever sit next to one another. i had to get a picture to prove this actually happened. I think they must have been cold.

The Proposal

2009-11-04T11:36:00.002-07:00

So I promised to explain the engagement thing. Basically it came down to a couple of factors: as joint homeowners and domestic partners, it made sense to have some legal and official "stuff" in place, such as power of attorney, or documents stating our relationship for hospital visitation, health insurance, etc. Since Colorado is a common-law state, claiming such a relationship would potentially make us legally married, unless we drew up ANOTHER legal document stating otherwise. So frankly, it was easier to get married. Also, I had promised myself I would wait till Kristin and Jenn's weddings were out of the way to decide my own plans on the matter, so that I was sure I wasn't just caught up in the frenzie of wedding planning. With the last wedding out of the way for about a month, I felt comfortable to make an impartial decision.

Mainly, though, the final decision to go ahead and propose came when I found what I thought would be the perfect location. I spotted it in a Haunt outing on Monday the 12th, and by Wednesday I was comfortable enough with the idea to purchase Brent an engagement gift. I planned the proposal for the following Tuesday or Wednesday, since Thursday would begin an 11-day stretch at City of the Dead with no days off, and by the time that ended my proposal location would be closed for the season. As far as how things actually went, I will quote my explanation from an email to Jenn and Adam:

"Yes, Hell has frozen over and Brent and I are engaged. Naturally, I had to do the honor of proposing, since I was the one who was hesitant about the whole idea in the first place, and had thus confused Brent to the point he wouldn't have been sure of my answer otherwise.

It was actually a surprise. I wanted to do it before the end of October so I could take him to a haunted house, one of our favorite common activities. We'd agreed to do something fun Tuesday night, since he'd had a bad day Monday. I took him to Primitive Fear and 13th Street Manor. My original plan was to propose in the VIP tent, but it was raining and cold and we didn't feel like hanging out there, plus I hadn't finished writing out what I wanted to say. So we stopped to get some pasta and wine for dinner. I cooked while Brent showered, then we watched Dance of the Dead (cheesy zombie prom movie) and had a nice dinner. After the movie ended I put on Rockie Horror Picture Show and fast-forwarded to the scene when Brad proposes to Janet. While the scene was playing, Brent read the card I'd written out my proposal on, and when he got to the end he asked "are you serious?" at which point I pulled out the ring I'd bought him. I admitted that it wasn't much, but then I pulled out the matching dagger to go with it, and knelt down to offer it to him. He was tickled and told me "yes!" and of course there was much rejoicing. So even though it didn't go exactly as planned it worked out to be more romantic that way."

So there you have it.

We haven't set a date yet, though Brent finds the idea of getting married on the 13th fun. March and November are two potentials, since the 13th falls on a Saturday. However, one idea we have is to do a private civil ceremony and then a separate reception for friends and family, in which case our actual wedding could take place just about whenever we want. We plan to sit down with our parents on Saturday and figure out details like who we need to invite, who is willing to contribute financially or otherwise, and what our options are time- and location-wise. After we get some basic details out of the way we can start some real planning for a change...although I have to admit I've already been doing a great deal of research.

I also bought myself a copy of this book in the hopes it would keep me sane during this process, and remind me that a great wedding doesn't require a $1000 dress or bridesmaids. I really enjoy the author's website, and highly recommend it for any bride, but particularly those looking to do something different.

Things that have happened in a month

2009-10-21T17:22:00.003-06:00

Since I haven't updated my blog in a very long time it seems, here's what's going on:

Quit my job at RAAP. My last day was Friday, September 25, and it was actually a very lovely warm fall day, a turf I had canvassed before (didn't realize it until later in the evening) and a good degree of success.

I started working at City of the Dead haunted house, a new haunt opening this year at Mile High Flea Market (aka Mile High Marketplace). I work Thursday-Sunday at the "big haunt" and Saturday and Sunday at the "kiddie haunt" during the day. Brent works Saturday and Sunday with me, but he maintains his TrueCheck job during the week.

Erik came to stay with us for a couple of weeks following Jenn and Adam's wedding. He spent most of the time searching for teaching jobs in South Korea. He finally landed a job at a school for young children outside of Seoul, and flew off within a couple of days. So far it looks like things are going well for him.

Sallie is still renting our basement since July or so. She's here sometimes, though I'm not entirely sure of her school schedule so I'm never quite sure whether she should be here or not...she's going to school in Boulder, so lots of bus commuting is involved. I've cleaned off my desk in the spare room for her to use as a study area. Hopefully that will help her get homework done here.

And finally...
Brent and I are engaged! I'll write a subsequent post about that!

Wedding weekend approaches methodically, to the tune of "Here comes the Bride"

2009-09-19T00:09:00.004-06:00

Jenn and Adam will get married on Sunday, incha'allah. And not only God, but weather and mental stability willing as well, I suppose. But enough of that tangent. I mainly started writing to vent some feelings on the matter.

First and foremost, I have no problem with Jenn and Adam as a couple. I think they're quite well-suited for one another, and they seem to have a strong friendship first, and a romance second, which is definitely a good way to build a relationship in my opinion. They've also made it through a year lease together and a fairly long engagement (at least average-sized these days) to boot. So I would hope they've had time to evaluate what they're getting into. In short, I have no issue with Jenn and Adam wanting to get married, although I admit I used to be tentative about the quickness with which they became engaged.

My issue is that they have seemed to take the whole wedding package as a given, and haven't seemed to question the validity of doing things the way they've always been done. Take as one example Jenn's wedding dress, which is, for all intents and purposes, the typical poofy, long satin number with lots of beading. It's gorgeous yes, and flattering too (which is more than I can say for a lot of wedding dresses I've seen on people) but it's quite clearly a bridal gown, special ordered from a not-too-expensive-but-not-shotty label, through a typical bridal boutique. It is, of course, quite clearly what she decided she wanted. I have no reason to think she was suckered into it or pressured to wear something she didn't feel was appropriate for her. So in that respect, I'm happy she got what she wanted.

What I can't figure out is why this is what brides so often seem to want. From the get-go, even before she found this gown, all the dresses she tried on were similar poofy ballgowns, in similar fabrics, with variations of similar beading. It's what she wanted, but I can't figure out exactly why. Is it "what she always pictured," as the cliche goes? I've never entirely understood the wedding day "vision" girls always talk about, because any such visions I experience are highly subjective, based on my recent discoveries in fashion and changes in taste, not to mention the man I imagine marrying, which in my opinion would have a huge influence on the style of the wedding and consequently the dress. Is it what she knew would look good on her? If this is the case, I commend her for understanding that factor, as it probably saved her the trouble of trying on a lot of ugly dresses, but I still wonder how she decided what looked good if she didn't try on any other kinds of dresses to begin with.

Whatever the case, the dress is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. There's the reception, which includes a father-daughter/mother-son dance (possibly as a hint from Kristin's wedding, since Adam's mom didn't know that a mother-son dance was even an option), the bouquet toss, the cake cutting, and so forth. Granted, there hasn't been any clear reason NOT to do these things, since it fills time and gives people something to watch, but as far as I can tell they're mostly just in there because everyone expects them to be. And today I got a preview of the ceremony when we ran the rehearsal, and it's pretty standard as well, although I seem to recall the soon-to-be-weds invested in a vow-writing book a while ago, so I had expected at least something original.

I'm fully aware that many of the "traditional," no-brainer elements quite probably ended up in there because it's the path of least resistance. In most conversations regarding wedding planning, the general consensus from Jenn lately is "I don't really want to think about it." A great coping mechanism for the busy and burned-out bride is a ready-made ceremony or reception. So it's not like I blame people in Jenn or Adam's position for choosing to just go with typical choices, especially when it gets to the last-minute details (assuming the traditional option isn't also more expensive). In a situation where you "don't want to think about" things, it's also easier to avoid stepping on toes, not to mention sparing yourself a lot of justification, if you go with the option everyone in the world seems to agree on. So for that reason too, I can't pass any judgment.

Frankly, I'm not upset about anything Jenn and Adam are doing, save maybe the few occasions I know one of them has snapped at a friend (and what engaged individual doesn't once in a while? It's a stressful process). I'm mainly just concerned that all the "blah" decisions reflect an inability (or outright refusal) to deal with the reality of their commitment. If you don't have a ceremony that truly speaks to you, how are you supposed to take your vows seriously? If you treat your wedding as a show to please other people, what will you do behind closed doors, away from the public eye? I truly believe Jenn and Adam want to get married, but is the wedding just a distraction from what is really taking place when they sign the license?

On the other hand, a "traditional" ceremony is essential for some people to take their commitment seriously, because it demonstrates a connection to something bigger than the relationship itself. When people repeat vows that millions of others have said before, they draw on the validity of every one of those unions, and the steadfastness and time-tested value of those words, which is quite powerful...or so people seem to think. I'm not sure I could say the standard wedding vows with sincerity, knowing how many couples have probably said those very vows and then chickened out of the relationship when "sickness" or "poorness" became an issue (I can think of at least one relationship that ended that way, although I don't have any idea what vows started the marriage). I suppose if you invest yourself fully in the words and mean them, they are quite effective, but if you're repeating them out of obligation and not sincerity, what is the point? By that logic, does the "giving away" of the bride or the father-daughter dance really help with the separation process, or has a daughter already made transition by the time she has shared an apartment with her husband-to-be, in which case the dance is merely a wink at a bygone era to please the masses?

I don't suppose I'll shed much light on these issues by babbling about it here, but this certainly isn't the time to bring it up to the bride and groom. Whatever anxiety I'm feeling is sure to be amplified immensely for them, which is exactly why a person in my position (namely, Maid of Honor) is supposed to be REASSURING the bride-to-be that everything will be fine, that the wedding is perfect, and that she's making a good move. I suppose that's why I felt the need to vent it here; heaven forbid I actually have an honest conversation with one of my best friends.

Fucking weddings.

At least it'll all be done in a few days. Then I can stop obsessing over tulle and reception venues and go back to being a cynic, like this person. Make me want to get married? How dare you! ;-P

On the lighter side, at least some people know now to have fun with convention. If you're going traditional, point out the silliness, for goodness sake!

Also...

2009-09-18T02:07:00.002-06:00

I'm glad Bongo isn't this fat...yet...

Lol cats...

2009-09-18T01:34:00.003-06:00

are extra funny when you've polished off the better part of a pinot noir by yourself...

Solicitating

2009-09-16T18:16:00.001-06:00

Well I know I'm not soliciting; I'm pretty sure I'm not solicitating either.

Vacation

2009-09-16T17:57:00.001-06:00

Staring up at the clouds, especially the high cirrus, makes me think of being on a plane.

Bike nuts?

2009-09-10T17:02:00.001-06:00

And they're super hairy!

Metal skeletons

2009-09-10T16:34:00.001-06:00

Mobile party unit

2009-09-06T05:41:00.001-06:00

Everyone should have one of these at their disposal.

Stumpy cat

2009-09-06T05:40:00.001-06:00

I met this guy on turf two years in a row. :)

The Cycle Continues

2009-09-06T04:41:00.003-06:00

Before I delete the pretties I have accumulated...again...I wanted to share this beauty with people. Pure indulgence:

Burlesque!

2009-09-06T01:36:00.002-06:00

Who needs Vegas when we have good ol' Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret right here in Denver? Screw the circus! Give me some old fashioned burlesque! Most fun I've had in a while, and a great way to celebrate our 33rd "monthaversary".

Poor psychic

2009-09-03T19:04:00.001-06:00

For those who can't afford crystal, a stone ball is the alternative.

Twata

2009-08-27T18:30:00.001-06:00

I thought this said Twata at first. I think that should be a drag name. That, and Urethra Franklin.

Mantis

2009-08-20T18:53:00.001-06:00

Bunnies

2009-08-18T16:42:00.001-06:00

Does this look wrong to anyone but me?

Autumn

2009-08-17T17:32:00.000-06:00

The sunlight is turning soft and yellow again. Fall is coming. I like that feeling.

Gargoyle

2009-08-17T16:24:00.001-06:00

He's in time out.

Warning

2009-08-14T18:50:00.001-06:00

This home is armed against the hamburgler!

Goose siting

2009-08-13T19:01:00.001-06:00

I had to look at the back to see that it was wearing a bikini.

3 suv family

2009-08-04T19:00:00.001-06:00

Not photoshopped. Seriously 3 of the same vehicle.

Dandelion

2009-07-30T16:23:00.001-06:00

This is over a foot long!

Cat mailbox

2009-07-28T18:08:00.001-06:00

I voted

2009-07-27T19:03:00.001-06:00

This person got too many campaign canvassers, apparently.

Mermis

2009-07-24T18:27:00.001-06:00

In case you wondered what to call a merman's penis.

Salon 4

2009-07-23T18:32:00.001-06:00

Salon 3

2009-07-23T18:31:00.001-06:00

Salon 2

2009-07-23T18:29:00.001-06:00

Salon 1

2009-07-23T18:28:00.001-06:00

Dr. Seusse

2009-07-23T18:26:00.001-06:00

A silly tree from turf last week.

Down syndrome

2009-07-17T17:53:00.001-06:00

From arvada turf.

Squirrel

2009-07-15T17:15:00.001-06:00

The saga of creepy squirrel decor continues...

Poseiden?

2009-07-13T16:18:00.000-06:00

Creepy artifact of the day.

Kristin's Bachelorette party photos

2009-07-11T11:29:00.001-06:00

Candace took this on my phone while I was in the bathroom.

One of the items on our scavenger hunt list was to make a bridal veil out of toilet paper. I made several custom designs for the group.

Karen brought crazy dice, and I rolled "Photograph a stranger's ear." He was happy to oblige.

Pretty door

2009-06-26T20:09:00.000-06:00

From Lakewood turf.

2009-06-25T17:26:00.002-06:00

My Bunny in his jammies :)

Planter

2009-06-23T20:28:00.001-06:00

Shaped like Marilyn Manson's head!

Creepy

2009-06-22T16:25:00.001-06:00

Voodoo doll welcome sign?

Denver turf

2009-06-15T16:24:00.001-06:00

Creepy cardinal in rainbow hot air balloon

Liberation

2009-06-07T11:45:00.003-06:00

All this wedding mayhem has got me obsessed again.

A couple months ago Jenn (finally) decided I was her maid of honor. That day we ordered my dress and her bridal gown. Not much has changed since then, except that our dresses have arrived. In the time between the two, however, I have become absolutely fixated on formalwear. I've always been fascinated by fancy things, especially since I learned to sew, but this is outright fixation. Suddenly knowing my meaurements and having an unsolicited introduction to the world of eveningwear, I couldn't help but delve ever deeper into the rabbit hole. But it didn't end at what was attractive and fun; I was driven to find something to wear for my own wedding. Yes, my wedding, which for all I know and care won't even happen. Weddings are ridiculous, I realize this. They are frivolous, awkward, and too often very expensive. But in the process of preparing for Kristin's and Jenn's impending events, weddings suddenly became the be-all-end-all of my free time. Perhaps, wanting to be helpful and having no specific means to do so (Kristin's deed is done, Jenn hasn't asked much for my opinion) I felt I could at least be well-versed. Perhaps the impending matrimony inspired me to re-think my own ideas on the matter (this is probably most likely). In any case, it all culminated in a fog of frustration this morning. Why am I obsessing and worrying myself sick and considering spending hundreds of dollars on a garment I don't need? Looking back on the pictures and links to gowns I had compiled over the past month or so, I can't even imagine myself wearing most of them without feeling quite awkward...or little girlish...or...contrived? Maybe that's it...a wedding, for me, would feel contrived. As much as it's "your day," it's really a day you have for everyone else. To show off? To prove something? To seek approval? To fulfill expectations or obligations? In any case, the more I've tried to envision my own wedding, the more stressed out I've become, and I'm not even really planning one.

Perhaps it's a blessing that I was NOT a little girl who envisioned my big day, years ahead. It's much easier to give up the whole silly notion without feeling I've missed out.

Thinking back on Jenn, wearing at last the real dress, custom-made in true color, that she will wear on her wedding day, I realized I don't want that. And I don't care what color or cut or designer. They want you to think every girl belongs in a white dress, that there is a white dress for every girl if she looks hard enough, and when she finds it everything will be perfect, and her wedding--the rest of her life--will come together. Do I like dressing up? Hell yes. Do I feel the need to dress up to prove my love and commitment and adulthood and womanly potential to my closest friends and family (and maybe a few people I don't know so well)? I sincerely hope not. If I look fabulous in a white dress, great. Let me wear it for whatever occassion I deem appropriate. And if I look fab in eggplant purple (which, incidentally, I do) then let me wear that instead, for whatever occassion, because I feel like it.

In that spirit, I decided it only appropriate to deliver myself from the temptation of my stock-piled virtual closet, and deleted every last gown, save a couple of non-bridal sewing patterns. That space is now reserved for Jenn bride things, as I'm to be her right-hand woman over the next 3 months. If I'm obsessing about headpieces and gloves and centerpieces, let it be for her benefit, and let her take the burden of matrimony for it. At least this way I can try on the putting-on-a-wedding thing for size, if only partially (Jenn did wait a bit long to instill in me my duties, and even then she didn't expect me to do much).

And anyway, I now have a very elegant, floor length bridesmaid gown, sexy silver shoes and all. No one's going to look at me funny if I wear it to the symphony or out to dinner. I have the right to look fabulous more than once in my life.

In my massive deletion, I did salvage one gown which I find to be genuinely fabulous. I post it here as a little reminder that even something as cookie-cutter conformist as the wedding industry can produce items of value to us "single" folks too.

I bet it would look great in red. Too bad it costs about $1400. Urg.

2009-06-05T19:41:00.000-06:00

Aurora

2009-06-05T18:33:00.001-06:00

This is in the "country square" shopping center. So classy.

Bipartisan

2009-06-04T18:37:00.001-06:00

Only house i've ever seen with both partys' stickers.

Old school

2009-05-28T19:47:00.001-06:00

Awesome paint job

Why

2009-05-15T17:57:00.001-06:00

Why are these popular collectors items, i must ask.

Tiny!

2009-05-15T17:55:00.001-06:00

So cheesy, and yet the miniature pink adirondak chair amuses me so.

Mortal frisbee!

2009-05-12T16:29:00.001-06:00

Finish him!

Laundry cat

2009-05-12T16:26:00.001-06:00

Chair

2009-05-09T16:06:00.001-06:00

Awesome porch chair! I want one!

Rocks

2009-05-09T13:49:00.002-06:00

Mini rock coliseum?

Warning!

2009-05-08T18:29:00.001-06:00

Do not attempt jumping jacks near gate!

Tv chair

2009-05-07T20:18:00.001-06:00

See what i mean?

At the old place

2009-05-07T19:38:00.001-06:00

So fat and lazy. This was his tv chair.

Totoro ball!

2009-05-07T19:36:00.001-06:00

Those familiar with the japanese cartoon will appreciate this.

2009-05-05T00:59:00.001-06:00

2009-05-05T00:58:00.000-06:00

Patio

2009-05-04T18:13:00.001-06:00

Most awesome mod patio set. It's one piece!

Golden

2009-05-02T18:27:00.001-06:00

The misty mountains of golden from turf yesterday.

Toothy car

2009-04-28T18:51:00.000-06:00

Gift from littleton turf.

Gargoyle

2009-04-20T18:55:00.001-06:00

Creepiest gargoyle i've ever seen.

Goose bunny

2009-04-16T20:51:00.001-06:00

Eurotrip

2009-04-14T16:25:00.002-06:00

Brent has found a couple of good sources for locating cheap airfare, hotels, and package deals. The prices for Europe tickets have been declining ever-so-slightly, and while we had pretty much planned on a Europe trip in the fall (Brent just got his passport and is itching to use it), there were a few factors that made it seem like an attractive option right now. First and most obviously, the prices are cheap now! In foresight, they seem to go up in the summer, when everyone goes on vacation, and back down in the fall. So we could go in the fall, but that means no vacation at all for a long time, or possibly a very short local trip in the meantime. And we both need a vacation soon. Secondly, my job situation is uncertain. This is not because I'm liable to get fired. My impression is that I'm actually pretty valuable, and less likely to be let go than say, some newer, less effective people. Rather, I may quit my job due to frustration and vicarious trauma-related burnout. If I quit, I lose accumulated vacation time, so I should use it now while I have it.

Unfortunately, Brent only has a week of vacation saved up until June, when the prices of everything skyrocket. But I only have about that much anyway, and from our research, we could still make a week-long trip count, especially with the money we save on the plane tickets.

So after some tentative planning, we went ahead and booked tickets to Frankfurt, Germany for the week before Memorial Day (we both have that day off, thus a longer continuous paid vacation). Since booking the tickets, we've also hammered out some additional itinerary details. The plan is to rent a car upon arrival (cheaper than Eurail passes for the short time we're there) and gradually work our out of Germany, though Belgium and maybe Luxembourg, and into France. We'll spend two days and three nights in Paris, then work our way back through the Black forest, possibly through Munich, then back to Frankfurt for the plane home. Altogether we have 7 full days in Europe, with two days devoted to flying. A nice perk is that we have a 4 hour layover in New York, so I hope to be able to show Brent at least a distant view of some Big Apple sights on a quick Subway ride as well. We'll see how jetlagged we are at that point.

We have booked hotels for Paris and the first night in Frankfurt, but otherwise we're winging it a little bit, which I'm fine with since it allows us a little leeway on which towns to stop in each night.

Glee!

Abstinence bench!

2009-04-13T19:49:00.001-06:00

Nope, don't even think of gettin' busy here.

Bongo

2009-03-31T12:12:00.001-06:00

Of course we still have our #1 kitty.

Jasmine

2009-03-31T12:10:00.001-06:00

Our new kitty Jasmine, adopted on Sunday.

Denver

2009-03-27T19:58:00.001-06:00

Denver skyline at twilight.

Silly!

2009-03-21T23:13:00.001-06:00

Tried to finish someone's old scrabble game. Lots of fake words.

HOUSE!!!

2009-03-16T16:12:00.003-06:00

Now that I have internet access here, I can update people.

I guess there's not much to say, actually, except that we closed--a 2-hour process of being handed papers from every direction, signing them, then walking out with a couple complimentary pens, a box of keys, and a bottle of wine. Since we got our keys the day we closed, we took a load of stuff over and checked the place out. Snoozed briefly on the guest bed (one of MANY items they left us along with the property) then headed to work. That was on Thursday.

Thursday night Brent took another load over (we had just about everything in the house packed for a smooth transition) then I met him there and we drove his car home. Friday morning we took a couple loads in the morning and Brent took another at night. Again I met him there so I could just leave my scooter in the garage overnight.

In the morning on Saturday we began the big part of the move. Bongo made his car ride to the new bedroom, where he would spend the next few days. We locked him in our walk-in closet with food, water, and litter box so he wouldn't get too scared. Brent's and my parents showed up around 10 and helped us load everything into two cars and Brent's parents' truck and trailer. We got everything over to the new house in two trips, pausing between trips to hang out on the porch. After we finished unloading the second load we took everyone out for a late lunch of BBQ, then everyone headed home.

Jenn and Adam joined us Saturday night for movies and car bombs in honor of St. Paddy's. Sallie came over to see it Sunday, and got really excited about the possibility of renting part of the basement from us at some point.

Our first fix-up project has been to replace the deadbolts on both security doors so that keys aren't required to open from the inside. We made a trip to Lowes for general home needs and got the new locks. Unfortunately they are not quite the right shape so we have to special-order the right kind, which will be a pain. Otherwise it's just been a lot of shifting furniture and opening boxes and putting things away. I took today off to do a bit of unpacking and some R&R, since I worked President's Day, so technically I'm entitled to a holiday.

So tired, but happy to be here.

Screen

2009-03-13T19:30:00.001-06:00

Screen door i want.

Huh?

2009-03-13T19:26:00.002-06:00

Broken plate art?

Ceramic Porch-light

2009-03-13T19:02:00.001-06:00

Very Mediterranean looking.

Squirrels

2009-02-23T20:15:00.002-07:00

On littleton turf: the house of many squirrels.

House-hunt culminates

2009-02-18T12:26:00.002-07:00

So I haven't been posting much lately because the biggest thing that's been going on--our search for a house to buy--hasn't been entirely fruitful until now.

It all started with a casual viewing of a house for sale in Swansea. The list price was $100,000, which was ridiculously cheap for the size of the house and its apparent good condition. We figured we'd be stupid not to take a look, so we did, and then realized the reason for the price: despite the misleadingly immaculate pictures, this house was fairly trashed. The extra cost would have panned out in the long-term fix-up required.

From there we started scheduling more viewings to try to get an idea of what was out there at what price. It was through a viewing of a house quite close to where we live that we met Josh Spinner, who has since become our Realtor of sorts. Unlike the agent who showed us the first house, Josh was optimistic about the prospect of us owning a house near the city at a price we could afford. He even looked up similar listings for us, and helped with the majority of our subsequent viewings.

After many duds, either because of the pricey fix-up involved or an unsuitable size or layout or location, we finally found our favorite at 4430 Fillmore. It had everything we wanted--old-fashioned character, livable condition right away, plenty of potential for increased value, lots of room, a nice yard--the only thing in our way was the price, which was at the very top of our range. When Josh told us we could bargain them down a bit, it became a little more tempting. We thought it over for a few days, then arranged to look at a few more houses just to be sure. We saw a couple in Thornton, one in West Denver, and one in Park Hill. Convinced that Fillmore was still the best value for the money, we arranged to do a more through viewing on Sunday and invited our parents to take a look.

After roughly an hour picking it over with the parents, we decided Monday to make an offer. We started pretty low--$100,000 on a $125,000 house--with the expectation they would meet us somewhere halfway. After a counter-offer of $120,000, we proposed $112,000 and they agreed on $116,000, right where we wanted to be. We accepted and signed the agreement.

Now we just need to schedule an inspection, and the rest of the balls will hopefully be rolling in the meantime. After that it's just a waiting an signing things game, or so I hope. We'll see!

Awesome

2009-02-10T17:32:00.001-07:00

Awesome door knocker in otherwise gray hell.

FWD:

2009-02-04T15:41:00.001-07:00

Crazy mailbox found by brent.

Cat

2009-02-03T16:30:00.001-07:00

Cat knocker on broomfield turf. I want one!

For Brent. Only I'm the man....?

2009-02-01T01:13:00.000-07:00

Maybe I'm amazed at the way you love me all the time
Maybe I'm afraid of the way I love you
Maybe I'm amazed at the way you pulled me out of time
And hung me on a line

Maybe I'm amazed at the way I really need you
Baby I'm a man maybe I'm a lonely man
Who's in the middle of something
That he doesn't really understand

Baby I'm a man and maybe you're the only woman
Who could ever help me
Baby won't you help me understand,

Baby I'm a man, maybe I'm a lonely man
Who's in the middle of something
That he doesn't really understand

Baby I'm a man and maybe you're the only woman
Who could ever help me
Baby won't you help me understand, oohhh

Maybe I'm amazed at the way you're with me all the time
Maybe I'm afraid of the way I leave you
Maybe I'm amazed at the way you help me sing my song
Right me when I'm wrong
Maybe I’m amazed at the way I really need you

Oh maybe I'm amazed.
Maybe I'm amazed.
Yeah, yeah yeah.
Yeah, Maybe I'm amazed.
I'm amazed, with you.
Oo-oo. Oo-oo.

(stolen from Paul McCartney, of course)

Bongo

2009-02-01T01:01:00.001-07:00

Bongo has been so helpful in our house search. See him skim the real estate section?

Since

2009-01-01T22:09:00.001-07:00

Since it won't be up much longer, a pic of our christmas tree.

Cheese Facts

2008-12-31T17:23:00.002-07:00

As an end-of-the-year, Greta-has-no-plans-on-her-day-off cleansing ritual, I'm going through old emails and sorting or deleting the older ones. Here is something Jenn had sent me in October of 2007 apparently:

"Until the late 19th Century

some people paid their rent with Cheese.

Cheese has been used as glue and

some very mature cheese has been used as cement.

There is an old saying of

"The bigger the dairymaid the better the cheese"

This is usually because she would be stronger in pressing the cheese.

In the peasants revolt of 1381

anybody unable to say "bread and cheese"

Without a foreign accent was sent to the block.

Chasing the cheese was a popular game

in various parts of England,

usually on the Spring Bank Holiday

cheeses would be rolled down hills for prizes.

They that made me were uncivil

For they made me harder than the devil;

Knives won't cut me, fire won't sweat me,

Dogs bark at me but won't eat me.

The above was a rhyme of the now forgotten

17th Century Essex and Suffolk cheeses.

In traditional forms,

Cheshire is the tallest cheese at 15 inches and

Leicester the widest at 18 inches."

Found at http://www.geocities.com/burgerzking/cheesefacts.html

Resolutions for the New Year

2008-12-31T09:32:00.002-07:00

New Year's resolutions have seemed a bit contrived to me in the past couple years. However, this year there really are things I want to work on, and the new year just provides a solid deadline to implement them.

First is sticking to a budget. I've written out a preliminary budget for Brent and myself, and it should be fairly easy to stay within as long as we are cognisant of what we are spending. The result will be a lot more saving up than we've been doing, because we know exactly how much we need to spend.

Second is keeping in touch with friends. It seems that this time of year reminds me of all the folks who are far away. It also brings on a lot of guilt for not keeping in touch. I'm going to try to implement a round letter or something, so that I stay in regular touch with folks, rather than just emailing or calling them out of the blue when something comes up.

We'll see how these pan out!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!

Birthday discourse with Erik

2008-12-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

"Happy Birthday Greta!

I hope the your Birthday is the very Wondtacular.
Filled with Salsa,
Jimmy Hendrix and of course Hungry Hungry Hippos. But
seriously, make
sure that you are toasty because our house here is
freezing. Have lots
and loads and bellies full of fun!

Love
Erik"

"Thank you for the well-wishes. I would say there was a little salsa, if you count the fairly spicy chili I made (I like to follow it up with some eggnog to kill the burn), and there might have been some Jimmy Hendrix, though I didn't notice it clearly...much better than Hungry Hungry Hippos, there was Godzilla and trampolines! We spent an hour at a place called Jump Street, which is a big warehouse full of trampolines and one dodge ball court made of trampolines. It was good times and good exercise. And I got a poncho as a present, so I'm plenty toasty. You should get yourself a nice Spanish blanket or something to wrap up in.

Love,
Greta"

So I'm a ripe old 25 now. Feels good. Like an adult...mostly.

Pictures!

2008-12-11T12:11:00.002-07:00

Photos have been posted by popular demand. I'll slowly be integrating them into the Hawaii posts, so that they have a running commentary. If you just want to see the pictures themselves, they can be found on my flickr page (harempants).

Cow

2008-12-06T15:46:00.002-07:00

Gift from Highlands Ranch turf: cow on a swing.

Advice for flying standby, if you must

2008-12-05T12:32:00.001-07:00

(Originally composed Wednesday, December 03, 2008 12:30 PM Hawaii time)

While I don’t plan on doing something like this again soon, there are some things I have learned.

Bring food. Make one of your carry-ons a small cooler and bring food with you, whether purchased for cheap or made at home. Airport food is expensive, and few flights serve meals (or even snacks) anymore, unless you’re lucky enough to fly First Class. You’ll be happy you can eat if you have to sit around awhile and don’t know when or if you’ll be fed on a plane.

Pack light. While there are some things—like a comfy set of clothes and a toothbrush—that come in handy in uncertain flying situations, you will want to move around a bit, or even possibly leave the airport if the time between flights is especially long. In the latter case, you might end up somewhere where you won’t want luggage, like a museum. We’ve considered the possibility of visiting Pearl Harbor, but we would have to check the luggage there, and that’s expensive. In the end, if you must bring a carry-on suitcase, make sure it has wheels. We’ve already had to trek across the terminal with all of our baggage once. In larger airports, gate changes can make those treks more frequent.

Bring a laptop! We were fortunate to have access to my mother’s laptop computer, and while it has been one of the less comfortable things to carry around, it counts as your personal item so it doesn’t have to fit into your other carry-on. Laptops serve multiple purposes. This one has been handy for watching movies and Brent’s TV series’ on DVD. Wi-fi is also widely available, which can aid in things like checking upcoming flights and nearby hotels, staying in touch with family, or just killing time on your blog or favorite comics site. Price-wise, access at Honolulu Airport costs $6.95 for 2 hours, $8.95 for 24 hours, and more for monthly subscriptions (which we obviously don’t need). Even better, at some places the wi-fi is free, while internet kiosks are not, so it might even save you a few bucks over the course of your trip.

Plan for the worst. In general, be prepared to be stuck in an airport a long time, but not necessarily with your own consistent space. Have cash on you, as well as plenty of things to keep you busy. Anything essential to an overnight stay should be packed if it is reasonable to do so. Interestingly I had packed a beach towel in my carry-on, and this turned out to make a wonderful blanket or neck pillow (when rolled into a tube). Also, know your airport and what is close by. If you need something—information or stamps or a shower—it’s good to know where to get it.

My experience has been made easier by having a traveling companion in the form of Brent. One of us is able to stay with the luggage or save a seat while the other uses the bathroom or takes a walk. We are also able to accomplish tasks with double efficiency during time crunches, taking care of two errands at once. While traveling alone has its perks, standby has definitely been easier as a pair. The only downside to this option is that you may have to separate from your partner in order to take a flight that is offered to you.

While this entire thing has been a trying experience, it did save us a bit of money, and at least we’re having an adventure.

Why not to fly Standby

2008-12-05T12:30:00.001-07:00

(Originally composed Wednesday, December 03, 2008 11:28 AM Hawaii Time)

The reason I was able to finish so much blogging on Tuesday was that we were stuck in the Honolulu Airport from 6 AM till 3:30 PM, and so decided to invest in a 24 hour wireless internet subscription. That subscription has run out, and so I’m composing this in Microsoft Word at the moment.

The reason we were stuck in the airport for 9 hours was that because of the nature of our tickets (Employee Buddy Passes) we have to fly standby. When we decided to take the deal, the employee (Brent’s coworker Mark) who obtained them gauged from his experience that we would be able to fly without much hassle. This was true of the flight coming from Denver, on which we were given seats rather promptly. Coming back, we anticipated more of a challenge, but after being denied 4 different flights the magnitude of that challenge exceeded even Mark’s expectations.

At any given time, 30-60 people have been standing by on the same list as us, and we don’t seem to rank high enough to have a fighting chance among them. Part of the problem is that we aren’t just gambling on the direct Denver flight (and who could blame us?) but rather all available flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco as well. Therefore we compete with people destined to all sorts of places, not just those going to Denver. The greater problem is that almost every one of these flights is booked solid, if not overbooked, so very few of our predecessors on the list are getting anywhere themselves.

It was this situation, with similar expectations for Tuesday evening’s flights, which prompted us to essentially “give up” and stay the night in a budget hotel, rather than the airport. Granted, very Spartan sleeping options existed near the airport (or very expensive ones, nothing in between) but for the same price plus $8 combined bus fare, we could stay in Waikiki again. At least this way, we figured, we’d get a more interesting dinner selection and a more pleasant night’s sleep. As it turned out, the hotel we chose for its proximity to our bus line also had a pool and a hot tub, which were much needed since it wasn’t close enough to the beach to make that practical.

Up at 4:20 this morning, and we’ve started it all over again. This time we have some insight from Mark on the possibility of flying out of Maui. We would have to buy the tickets to get to Maui, but they only run about $70 apiece with taxes, and $140 is a small price to pay when you consider the cost (monetary and mental) of sitting around for another day. While we didn’t get on either of this morning’s flights, there is a vague possibility of getting on one of the afternoon flights, even if only one of us makes it. If neither of us does, and there isn’t a clearly strong chance for the evening either, Maui is definitely in the cards. Granted it wouldn’t be a trip TO Maui, really, just a transfer at the airport. Still, the flights there are not nearly as full, so it would almost guarantee us getting to Denver by tomorrow morning (Hurray!) At this point we’ve nearly decided to DRIVE home if we can only make it to the mainland.

Monday--Kayaking, beach, and bar food

2008-12-03T10:05:00.006-07:00

Monday morning was our last planned activity: sea kayaking. We had to catch the shuttle (everyone seems to have Waikiki shuttles, which is convenient) at 8:10 AM, and we figured breakfast was a good idea since we'd be expending a good deal of energy on the excursion. We walked down the block to Wolfgang Puck Express in hopes of obtaining some quick eats (because of the "Express" part, see?) Brent ordered an omelet and a breakfast sandwich for us, along with some fresh fruit. He waited around for them to cook it, while I went to the shuttle stop. I checked us in on the list, but by the time 8:10 rolled around, Brent still wasn't back with the breakfast! He ended up being almost 10 minutes late because the restaurant took so long! So much for Express.

Once on the shuttle, things went better. We arrived in Kailua and got oriented for the guided kayaking trip while gobbling down our breakfast (they wouldn't let us eat it on the shuttle). Then we were off to the beach, Brent and I trading off pulling our double kayak. Our group paddled halfway out to our final destination--a smaller offshore island called Mokulua--and took a rest on the beach, where we did a bit of not-too-impressive snorkeling (though I did see some little striped fishies in the abundant coral). Soon we were on our way again. As we approached the island, the waves began to become bigger and some of them started breaking near us. On the guide's instruction, we turned our boat into the wave to avoid being capsized. The crest splashed over our little kayak, which was quite exhilarating, and after this happened a couple times we were safe to begin progressing again. Landing was easier than expected, and we pulled our boats onto the shore to enjoy a break and a short tour of the island.

After seeing seabirds, deep tide pools, and lots of volcanic rock, we had our lunch then headed back to Kailua. This time there was no stop in the middle, which was fine since the waves were in our favor going this direction. Brent ended up doing most of the paddling, apparently, and he teased me about my weakness for the rest of the afternoon. We rolled the kayak on its dolly back to the headquarters, returned the equipment, rinsed a little sand off, and waited for our shuttle. Since we had about 15 minutes, we got ourselves a tasty treat from a nearby bakery and coffee shop.

The shuttle had several stops in Waikiki. Rather than get off at our hotel, we decided to get off early and play at the beach some more. The waves were a little better than they had been the first day, since we were on a different, less protected portion of beach. Brent had a hard time getting me out of the water, but our sunscreen was wearing off, so it was for the best.

Back at the hotel we showered and formulated a plan for the evening. We had a few last gifts to buy, so we did some shopping while seeking a place for dinner. After checking several menus we finally settled on a modest bar/restaurant called the Red Lion, which had tasty food at reasonable prices, plus good drink specials. We sat at the bar since there were no tables available, and it was just as well because we got our drinks very promptly. I must have had about four Blue Hawaiians, but at 2.50 apiece I couldn't feel too bad. Brent sampled a couple of local Kona beers as well. Conversation centered around brainstorming ideas to start our own bar and restaurant someday.

We called it an early night after dinner, since we had to get up early for our plane home. I was sad to leave, but over all it was a very pleasant trip.