“Little darling, it’s been a long, cold, lonely winter”
May 7, 2012 § Leave a comment
When you’re living in places with an abundance of sunshine and heat, it’s easy to take it for granted. In fact, some places with prolonged warmer weather often induces a sense of lethargy among its inhabitants (coughFloridacough), and many opt to stay indoors where air conditioning does its magic.
But here in Seattle, we know how precious these warmer months are and we take full advantage of, say, an unusually toastier spring, which has blessed the past 5 weekends of some pretty amazing sunshine. We’re a pretty fit city, with plenty of cyclists, joggers, and walkers, but there’s always a spring in our step when the sunshine is out, as if it’s fueling us to pedal or run harder/faster/longer. 65 degrees in Seattle sunshine is pretty much the same as 85 anywhere else, so if you’re a visiting tourist, don’t be too shocked when you see people in shorts and tanks when it’s hardly 70 outside.
This past weekend proved to be another gorgeous one, and we spent it celebrating birthdays at one of the best pizza places in the city.
And hiking at Mount Si. I’m ashamed to announce that in the near decade I’ve lived in Seattle, this was my first hike. Afterwards, we celebrated the fact that I didn’t have to be carried down, with a super delicious cheeseburger and marshmallow shake at a small burger joint.
We also explored our own neighborhood: Olympic Sculpture Park is pretty much our backyard, being only a couple blocks from our place. It’s so odd to see a sight like this in an otherwise bustling city. But I’m nevertheless grateful it exists.
Friday Afternoon Pick Me Up
April 27, 2012 § Leave a comment
My Relationship With My Mother
Sugar and salt
Fresh or frozen
Denser than ordinary
Make up, freeze, thaw for a bit
Set aside
Sift together
Quickly mix
Do not fold
Sit for one hour, overnight
Sit until bubbles begin to break through
Until all is used up
You can keep these for days, or for up to months
– Gianna, from New York Times Found Poem Favorite
“It’s a beautiful night, we’re looking for something dumb to do, hey baby I think I wanna marry you”
April 25, 2012 § Leave a comment
Wedding season has been well underway, evidenced by the growing number of save-the-dates and invitations that have accumulated on our mail pile. It seems like every other weekend a new couple posts engagement photos on Facebook or announces the happy news.
But somewhere in the midst of RSVPs and remembering the registry last minute (desperately trying to avoid being the one to buy the happy couple a spatula), to taking advantage of the open bar and/or posing regrettably in the photo booth, it has become abundantly clear that common sense isn’t always common sense when it comes to wedding festivities. So in case you need a refresher course in matrimony etiquette:
1. Unless you happen to know that the event is accommodating children (kids’ table, daycare, etc.), find a sitter for your brats. Don’t assume that your children can be part of your RSVP.
2. In fact, don’t assume that the RSVP is for anyone but you and your date (if you are allowed one). Weddings and receptions are notoriously expensive, and it’s mind numbingly rude if you bring your entire family of seven expecting a table.
3. Don’t bully the wedding party or ask to be the exception. It’s unfair to everyone else and it’s unfair to guilt the bride/groom.
4. Stick to the registry. If it’s miraculously complete, a check or giftcard is appropriate. Do not go rogue and think that romantic DVDs or cleaning supplies are adequate gifts. There’s a reason why they didn’t ask for it in the first place.
5. Ladies: no matter how casual the wedding, your Vegas party clothes will never be appropriate for anywhere else than Vegas. If you have to ask, “Is this too short?” IT IS.
6. Gentlemen: Jeans and nuptials is a big ass no. I don’t care if it’s in a backyard.
7. It kills me that I have to say it at all, but I always see at least one: DON’T WEAR ALL WHITE. No matter how “modern” or “new-age” you think you are, this shit is exclusive to the bride.
8. You are not a wedding reviewer. You are no bridal fashion expert or food critic. As far as the bride and groom are concerned, this ceremony is the most beautiful you’ve ever seen and every choice they have made is perfect. You will hold your damn tongue and reserve any judgment for the car ride home.
9. Weddings ceremonies are supposed to be composed, elegant, and even a bit stoic. The reception is not. The reception is the time to party, time to loosen those ties a bit (never should you wear it as a headband). Have a few drinks. But never to a point where you’re ralphing in the bushes or groping the mother of the bride.
10. It has occurred to me that an overwhelming number of you now own DSLRs. I get it too: they take nicer photos. But for the love of god, let the professional do his/her job and stay out of his/her way.
11. If you are single/dateless and someone asks you to dance, the answer is always, always yes.
Lyrical Lessons
April 19, 2012 § Leave a comment
“Jolene” – Ray LaMontagne
Sometimes, you need people to be your nine-pound hammers. And sometimes, you realize you’ve become theirs.
One of my all-time favorite songs.
Friday Afternoon Pick Me Up
April 6, 2012 § Leave a comment
It’s all very confusing. One of my problems it that I mix up love and pity. I can’t really distinguish the two, but maybe they do go hand in hand, because as soon as you love someone, you don’t want them to feel pain. But you know they will. You see the tenuous illusions they surround themselves with to keep going, how easily they could be hurt and crushed, and so you pity them, in the same way that deep down you pity yourself for the very same reasons.
– excerpt from Wake Up, Sir! by Jonathan Ames
I’d like to think I can distinguish the difference.
soopastryheart 