grape sky

2008-02-17T17:53:00.001-08:00

From now on....

go to www.jenniferjoystaab.com

this site is now officially closed.

2008-01-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

New Site Coming Soon!

2008-01-19T07:10:00.000-08:00

I just posted some photographs that I have take while here in Berlin on Flickr.

2008-01-15T22:34:00.001-08:00

to my berlin reader:

i don't know who you are, but i am coming to your city tomorrow. any suggestions where i should eat, shop or be a tourist at?

2008-01-15T21:55:00.000-08:00

Packing

I have traveled a ton in my 33 years, but lately I have been traveling so much that I am getting really tired of packing.

A few tips I have figured out:

1. Pack the least amount of toiletries.
2. Always bring a Camera.
3. One carry on, unless you don't want to check your bags.
4. Put as much as you can in your suitcase, ie: laptop powercords, leatherman, crimpers, etc...
5. Pack diversely in the clothing department, but light.
7. Remember to leave room for the potential purchase for the return trip.
8. Take Airborne.
9. Dress comfortably for the plane.
10. Make sure to wiegh your bag before going to the airport.

2008-01-14T21:28:00.000-08:00

Film: There Will Be Blood

If Daniel Day Lewis does not win an Oscar for his performance in this intense film, then I will know that the Academy Awards is truly rigged. He's a completely unredeemable character with an unstoppable greedy and competitive personality. However, I found it interesting that the characters who surround him end up reflecting the same characteristics that he does, except perhaps the son. The most fascinating part of the film is the relationship between the oil man, Daniel Plainview (Lewis) and the young clergyman, Eli Sunday. Both exhibit hypocrisy, greed, competition and a desire for power. The churh tries to use the oil man for his money, and the oil man uses the church for material gain. Some of the scenes between Daniel and Eli are so intense, they are hard to watch. Though the characters in the film may not find redemption, I do think that there is a lot to learn and ponder from watching the characters interact. For me, this is one of the best films that I have seen in a long time.

2008-01-11T22:24:00.000-08:00

Thoughts About My Library

At some point, I need to organize my books into categories of:

Books I Have Read
Books I Have Not Read
Books I Have Read and Want to Read Again
Books I Have Read and Will Never Read Again

2008-01-10T22:56:00.000-08:00

Teal Scarf

Some of my favorite gifts are things that people have made me. I have this teal crocheted scarf that one veronicam knitted me a while ago. Its really skinny and long so I can wrap it a million times around my neck. It matches everything. I can wear it pretty much anytime I feel like it. I have worn it down to the perfect softness. It's almost like a security blanket.

I remember when she first gave it to me, she was a bit aplogetic about the length. "I'm sorry, I just kept going and I didn't realize how long it is. And If you don't like the color, I totally understand," she said to me before I had even unwrapped it.

Little did she know.

If I ever lose this scarf, I will be sad. And I will promptly text or twitter her to let her know that she better have some of that yarn stashed away because I will want her to make me another.

I think I shall make her a wedding present instead of buying one.

2008-01-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

Coming Soon...

With my new title at work "Senior Technical Specialist," I have been challenged by my boss to have my own website: get a domain name, get it hosted and create a multi-funcionality blog using wordpress, learn CSS and design it myself instead of relying on blogger to do it all for me.

OK. Challenge on.

I wonder if I can get a raise out of this?

2008-01-08T17:29:00.000-08:00

Jen's Hip for 2008 List

1. Tea is the new coffee.
2. Twitter is the new Facebook
3. Mint.com is the new personal banker
4. Moleskine is the new spiral notebook
5. H&M is the new GAP
6. My T-mobile Windows Smart Phone is the new cubical
7. Aveeno Lip Balm is the new chapstick
8. Ipod is the new DVD player
9. Guitar Hero 3 is the new party game
10. Huckabee is the new Chuck Norris

2008-01-07T22:05:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas

I just got home from working the MS CES Keynote and I am so glad to be home. Vegas gets old very quick. Normally, I love staying at the Venetian, but this time...

The updated rooms look great. It's always nice to have the big suite with the flat screen TVs everywhere, the bathtub, king size bed, sunken living room, etc, etc, etc.

However, there is a noticeable difference in service since the last time I was there. I don't know if it was because of the opening of the new casino and hotel, but the Venetian in general just had poor service. Perhaps they can smell the fact that I am not rich enough to gamble on their 15 dollar minimum tables and that I have a limited amount to spend each day on food.

Maybe all hotels are this way and I am just getting around to noticing it. I did note that if I did not tip someone, they would make sure to say "thank you" in a very nasty way. If I did tip, they would say nothing and kind of ignore it. I guess I look like all the other tourists there, even though I am really in the service business just like them.

I did get to see the new Planet Hollywood Hotel. It was really nice and has the best mall so far that I have seen in a hotel. I had also never been to the Wynn and so got to take a look. I really liked it, but definitely felt out of place. Its more swanky than the Bellagio. Its a gorgeous hotel and I love the forest/waterfall thing they have going on.

It is so good to be home.

2008-01-05T15:39:00.000-08:00

Hello 2008!

Resolved:

1. Eat Less
2. Exercise More
3. Read More
4. Listen More
5. Write More
6. Photograph More

2007-12-24T14:59:00.000-08:00

Family

I have heard that many people do not enjoy the holidays because of relatives. I suppose that at times, I could admit that same thing. This year, I have been thinking about my family, both immeadiate and extended, and realize that I am a pretty lucky girl.

When I think about my family, parents, brother and wife, aunts and uncles, cousins and all the little second cousins, I feel very blessed. They are really an amazing group of people. I can't think of one of them that I do not like. If I was not related to them, I think that I would try very hard to know them somehow, or I'd try to be related to them.

I guess I should give the credit to my grandparents, who are both now in heaven. They had 5 children, on my mom's side, who then in turn, had 13 children and who in turn have had 28 plus 2 on the way and who knows how many more to come! This number does not include spouses and others who are cousins through marriage.

Wow.

...and all of them are beautiful, amazing, fun, wonderful people!

There is a perfect verse in the Bible that I think describes my family

Psalms 78:4
We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD,
his power, and the wonders he has done.

I love the generational vision that my family has and I wonder just how large this family is going to get?

2007-12-20T16:43:00.000-08:00

Today

A good day:

1. Little email
2. Guitar Hero 3
3. Jimmy John's
4. Found a great Christmas Sweater
5. Eating my roomate's Christmas Cookies without permission
6. Moon

2007-12-19T17:56:00.000-08:00

There are those days when nothing seems to go right,

but...

stopping for a minute, to think, pray, reflect

and drink a cup of tea.

...that usually fixes it.

2007-12-16T23:17:00.000-08:00

Miracles

"For Glory means good report with God, acceptance by God, response, acknowledgement, and welcome into the heart of things. The door on which we have been knocking all our lives will open at last."

--C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

Seeing the door opening, after a long time of knocking, is almost unbelievable, but it it opening.

2007-12-15T18:50:00.000-08:00

What Do I Want in a Job? and not necessarily in this order...

1. Good Boss
2. Fun coworkers
3. Flexibility
4. Adventure
5. Challenge
7. Security
8. Good Benefits
9. Money
10. Enjoyable working environment

2007-12-12T17:27:00.000-08:00

Interviews

I interviewed with a company today, that will remain nameless, but I am curious as to whether they did a search for me on the internet. I sure hope they did, because I don't know if I'd want the job unless they had done their homework.

Hiring managers should definately "google" or as some might be pressured into saying "windows live" potential employees.

I will say that I didn't feel too nervous while I was interviewing, until the last interview. And I am not sure why. Maybe because I felt like this guy would actually be someone that I would work with on a daily basis while all the other people weren't.

And I am not sure if I want the job yet either, but I want to see what kind of offer I get...that is, if I get one at all.

And I found that I sweat a lot in interviews. Good thing I wore a jacket.

2007-12-05T14:50:00.000-08:00

Operation Basement Water Removal

With the recent Seattle Deluge, I ended up with some minor flooding in my basement that got my rugs and records wet. Also, a section where a bunch of boards and doors was affected. Today, my dad and I sopped up the water and moved the boards out of the way. The question was how to get the rugs dry. Since they are small area rugs, we just tacked them to the rafters and put fans on them. Simple enough.

We are still not sure where the leak came from, but the theory is that the water table level rose and the water came in from cracks in the walls. Ugh. We might have to dig a big trench under my porch for a drain. Not a fun project.

Sometimes I wonder if being a homeowner is worth it.

2007-12-04T15:50:00.000-08:00

Quick Weekend Trip

I flew to Switzerland on Thursday, arrived on Friday and flew home last night.

Perhaps you think this is crazy, but here are several reasons that I thought it made it worth it:

1. Surprising the pants, and sometimes the socks and shoes too, off of friends.

2. Loading up on Chocolate, esp the kind with a "kick."

3. Getting Status on Alaska Airlines

4. Catching up on all the movies I missed in the theatre

5. Adventure

2007-11-27T11:37:00.000-08:00

I found a perfect way to share my Christmas List with friends and family...social networking style.

2007-11-26T08:51:00.000-08:00

New Phone

I'm definately a proponent of technological devices, but I hadn't actually gone as far as getting one myself...

until this weekend!

I am now a proud owner of a T-mobile Shadow with Windows Mobile.

Now I'll be even more addicted to email...

2007-11-20T16:46:00.000-08:00

Fairy Tales: Are they Over for Us?

In his discussion of "The Golden Compass" ( a movie based on a book by Phillip Pullman), Jeffrey Overstreet makes this comment:

"Christians have become so suspicious of fairy tales, fantasy, and
imagination that we have created an environment in which it is very unlikely
that we will see another imagination like Tolkien and Lewis emerge."

...which, if this is true, makes me very very sad, because if this is true, then the recent death of Madeliene L'Engle means that there are very few good storytellers out there with a Christian worldview.

Who wants to prove this statement wrong?

I do, for one.

...and I think Overstreet is also out to prove himself wrong.

2007-11-20T12:47:00.001-08:00

The Plan for T-Day:

1. wake up

2. bake bread and turkey in oven

3. go to my brother's in-in laws' house

4. eat a little turkey and stuffing

5. eat pumpkin pie

6. watch football

7. eat pumkin pie

8. sleep

9. eat pumpkin pie

10. eat turkey sandwiches

11. play games with relatives

12. eat pumpkin pie

13. eat pumpkin pie

2007-11-19T11:08:00.000-08:00

Food Drive 2007

On Saturday the annual food drive was a success! We got food boxes out to 117 families, plus a lot of food donated to the local food bank! One thing I noticed is that we didn't get as much food donated as usual. I wonder if the economy plays into that at all? Or if it was just because of the rain?

2007-11-15T10:40:00.000-08:00

Some Useful Things Found on the Internet

1. Blendie - a blender that runs when you Growl at it.
2. Cake Generator- for when you want to bake a cake for someone - virtually.
3. Chalkboard Vase- for writing messages when you give flowers.
4. Good Rules to Follow when Travelling to Foreign Countries.

2007-11-14T12:32:00.000-08:00

adding Superfast Reader to my links...

2007-11-13T15:11:00.000-08:00

Things of Note Today:

1. Leaking Battery Acid in the Lab causes Headaches and Loopy-ness. (and phrases like: wow, my heart hurts.......oh, wait, maybe its just gas.)

2. New favorite found phrase: "Pants-On Head Retarted" (thanks NoHippos) --oh and in case you don't know the British definition of pants... look here.

3. Superest.com ...need i say more?

4. Why is it that we just carve pumpkins at halloween? I want year 'round carvings! demand!

2007-11-12T12:17:00.001-08:00

Vent above.

2007-11-10T00:22:00.000-08:00

is it just a part of human nature to want to belong somewhere?

vision, direction, purpose is all very important, but without relationships, people, belonging, love...it seems pretty pointless.

yet, when someone or someones get too close, often that's when the defenses come up, in whatever your form of your favorite metaphor that may be: a wall, thorns, monster trucks..

we want (i want) to belong and yet, we isolate (i isolate) ourselves (myself). odd. yes, we are odd creatures. very odd indeed.

2007-11-09T07:19:00.001-08:00

Desert Island Books

1. English Oxford Dictionary
2. The Holy Bible
3. Shakespeare's Complete Works
4. Wilderness Survival Book
5. Calculus Book
6. Grimm's Fairy Tales
7. "The Waste Land" by T.S Eliot
8. The Lord of the Rings by Tolkein
9. Joy of Cooking
10. Astronomy Book

What are your ten desert island books?

2007-11-07T20:44:00.000-08:00

Movies

I pulled out a bunch of my old books from my last few years in grad school because I am working on writing a paper which is on movies and how young people choose which movies they watch. It's interesting to see just how many books I have accumulated on film, cinema and movies.

Sometimes it feels like film critique, theory and etc has almost become a bigger deal than the study of literature. In so many ways, films have replaced novels as our main form of storytelling in our current American culture.

How do you choose which films you watch? Do you go by the previews? Or perhaps by the recommendations of friends? Do you read reviews? Online or in newspapers? Or maybe you just head to the theatre and pick one to watch?

I have a friend who loves previews. She gets so exctied during the previews and usually this becomes her starting place for movie choices. I am a little more skeptical about previews as I tend to see them as marketing schemes tricking me into seeing films that I would not normally even consider.

How do you react to movie trailers and teasers?

2007-11-06T22:14:00.000-08:00

November 6

Also known as voting day.

However, for me one event overshadowed all others. The release of the xbox 360 game "Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga."

I will add that I found myself addicted to Lego Star Wars last March. So much so that I went out and bought myself a 360 console.

Yes.

And to this day, other than a few arcade games, my video game library consists now of TWO Lego Star Wars games and one Halo 2. (yah, I am not so good at Halo, so I am not sure if I will ever get around to purchasing Halo 3)

I hear that there is a Lego Batman game in the works...

Brilliant.

2007-11-04T21:48:00.000-08:00

A Perfect Evening...

...consists of friends, a cozy crackling fire, homeade soup and bread, poetry and stories. And that is what just occured at my house.

For those who did not make it, you missed the ever famous Jessica Bradford reading the recipe "Mustard-Glazed Meatloaf Special." Other highlights included readings of Poe, Tolkien, Billy Collins and a Rap song.

...ah, the beauty of the spoken word.

2007-10-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

i should blog, but i am so tired. i think i will read instead.

ciao.

2007-10-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

What do you suppose this is?

We found it the other day while exploring Seattle and found it mesmerizing.

I want to go back to it.

And I don't even know what to call it...

2007-10-24T20:55:00.000-07:00

An Admission

I have a bad habit of leaving things in my pocket when I do my laundry. I am amazed sometimes at the things I find. Money is often the number one find, more than I thought I had. Tonight I found my winnings from the latest challenge at work. I also often find my chapstick, which shockingly, often survives. I suppose that is because I usually wash cold. Lists, movie stubs and tissue do not fare as well, though some movie stubs do ok. Pens=disaster. I think that perhaps I should learn to check pockets before I get married and have kids. I wouldn't want to wash some of the things I carried in my pockets when I was a kid: frogs, Jello packets, rocks, and notes from friends.

Probably not so good on the washer.

2007-10-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

How well do you know your city?

A prize to anyone who knows where this is located in Seattle...

2007-10-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

Bad News, well sorta.

So, we had this windstorm in Seattle last weekend...

And at first I was nervous because last year all my fences blew down. But the day after the storm, I looked out the window and my yard looked clear! I was so happy! I told everyone and went on my merry way.

Oh but little did I know...

Tonight, I had to go out on my back porch. When I opened the door, I found a tree trunk in my face. My Asian Pear tree had fallen onto the house.

so sad.

The good news is that nothing got broken. The trunk hit inches from the door, the light was untouched. A small portion of the railing on my deck is broken, but from what I can tell, my roof is fine. It just looks like the tree is leaning against the roof.

I guess this means that we will have cracklin Asian Pear tree fires this winter.

2007-10-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

Dirtyness

I like getting dirty. This is a little secret of mine. I love being dirty. It is one of my favorite things. I even like getting into fresh clean sheets with dirty feet. I love the smell of dirt, mud, sweat and slime. It reminds me of being a kid and looking for tadpoles in the small ponds around my house, climbing the tallest most pitch filled evergreen I could find in my dress, and riding my bike for hours, rain or shine.

Whenever I have children, I will let them get dirty. I won't shelter them from the pleasures of jumping in mud puddles. I won't try to keep their noses clean. I will probably join them out on the mud field playing soccer or football.

I like being dirty. Is this a crime?

2007-10-19T11:44:00.001-07:00

San Francisco:

I love that city.

2007-10-11T14:56:00.000-07:00

There is Always a First Time for Everything...

And Don't Despise Small Beginnings...

For the first time, I will have something published! True, its very small, and only a part of a larger work, but nonetheless....

Due out in November 2007...

To-Do List: From Buying Milk to Finding A Soul Mate, What Our ListsReveal About Us

by Sasha Cagen

check out the blog: http://www.todolistblog.com/

2007-10-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

Weekends

i like weekends because i am not at work, i can sleep in, i go to church and i can have adventures.

and i can ignore the computer if i want to.

2007-10-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

i want one...

via english russia

2007-10-03T09:55:00.000-07:00

Place of Retreat

Do you have a place where you can go when life gets a little too out of control?

A few years ago, my parents sold their home in Bothell, a suburb of Seattle, and bought a little 1920's beach cottage on Camano Island.

It is very quiet there.

The beach is always there, waiting for visitors to come pick up its shells.

No matter the weather, it's always a good place to be.

2007-10-02T22:31:00.000-07:00

35mm Film

As I have been taking more digital pictures than film, I hadn't really developed any of my film for a while. I had 4 rolls that have spanned about a year's time, so I figured I should get them developed. I had taken a lot when I was in Cape Cod in May because my digital SLR had just been stolen, so in a way, was forced to use my 35mm Vivitar.

I love how film just has so much depth, especially this one which I have entitled, "Hydrate." I posted a few more on Flickr.

2007-09-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

Quotes I have been pondering lately...

"For what shall we do when we wake one day to find we have lost touch with our heart and with it the very refuge where God's Presence resides?" _The Sacred Romance_ --Curtis and Eldredge

"The problem of pain has remained the single greatest question, not only for the skeptic who uses it as an excuse to doubt God's existence, but also for the believer who questions God's purpose." _The Grand Weaver_ --Ravi Zacharias

2007-09-25T19:30:00.001-07:00

When the Anchorman NewsRoom Fight Intersects with the Real World

I work for a technical support group that does tech support for a very LARGE software company at many of their conferences and shows. We take the gear in, set it up, support it, then tear it down, so that our client can get more important things done, like market their product to their customers.

This week, I am working at a show where I keep expecting the back alley fight scene in anchorman to erupt. My company's competitors are also working at this show and there is this unsaid ranking system, where we are all vying for the number one slot.

I hope I get to throw the Trident.

:-)

2007-09-24T20:11:00.000-07:00

Monday Musing

What, if anything, am I leaving behind? Am I just drifitng through life, a wanderer, with no destination? There is nothing with wandering, just as long as there is a destination, a place to end. As Bilbo Baggins wrote about Strider, "Not all who wander are lost." At the end, what will be left of my life, my few years here on earth?

Sometimes, I wonder what would happen to my blog if I all of a sudden died or went into a coma. How long would my words stay frozen here on the internet. Would Blogger turn off my account after a certain time? Or would my blog just stay up indefinately?

On another note, I really like sitting in front of my fire, the wood crackling nicely, with Sigur Ros playing in the background. Even though my house will smell like a campfire afterwards. (The wood is still a bit damp).

2007-09-22T22:14:00.000-07:00

Auralia's Colors at Third Place Books

Tonight, I went to a book signing at Third Place Books by Jeffrey Overstreet for his new fantasy novel, Auralia's Colors. I have been reading his blog since the spring, and have enjoyed his perspective on film, music and writing. Even though we went to the same high school, I didn't really know him, so it was interesting to meet him in person. I always wonder if someone is the same in real life as they are on the internet, and he does seem to be the same person. I think he is doing, actually living out what many of us have been talking about wanting to do which is: adding to the conversation in our culture through writing, bringing meaning and beauty. Thank you Jeffrey for an enjoyable evening.

Oh, and I love Auralia's Colors and highly recommend it!

And, one more thing... I saw my Senior year English teacher Mr. D. at the book signing. I said hello, but realized that 15 years later, I am still tongue tied when trying to talk to him! I felt like I was still 17!! I wanted to thank him for teaching me how to write a good essay. I don't think I could have gotten the grades I did in college with out that skill. He also opened my eyes to some good poetry (red wheelbarrow) and fiction.

2007-09-20T18:55:00.001-07:00

Dear San Francisco,

Do you have suggestions as to places to visit, browse, eat out and shop at? I would greatly appreciate it.

...or for that matter, anyone else out there have one? Please.

2007-09-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

How Close have you gotten to filling up your Hard Drive?

Today, I had 2.99GB left.

Yes, I quickly backed it all up and blew out the image and started over.

Those darn VPCs. Thanks to Mark.

2007-09-18T20:58:00.001-07:00

oh when, oh when will this be available for purchase?

record of travels

2007-09-18T09:59:00.001-07:00

I've decided that I need to keep better track of all the cities that I travel to. Yesterday, I bought my first of many City Moleskines--San Francisco.

I am going to SF the second week in October. It's one of my favorite West Coast cities.

Here's hoping that soon I will buy a Moleskine for these cities:

New York, Boston, Berlin... and maybe Barcelona??

i| you| he| she| we| they|

2007-09-18T09:41:00.001-07:00

an interesting social website, taking questions plugged into Yahoo! Answers and filtering them by pronoun.

(thx to swissmiss)

like blue not smog?

2007-09-13T09:46:00.001-07:00

adopt the sky.

2007-09-12T22:19:00.000-07:00

.The Mole Eradication Project at the Grey House Near Martha Lake Part One

Ever since I bought my house, moles have been aerating my lawn. Interestingly, I did not notice this when I was looking at the house to buy, but only after I moved in. Now there are so many bare spots from where the moles have dug their little holes, that I have decided that SOMETHING MUST BE DONE.

First try at ridding my yard of these pesky beings is to get rid of their favorite snacks-- all the insect that live in my grass. I mowed the lawn, then spread insect killer on the lawn and then watered it. Hopefully then the moles will move on to another lawn looking for a tasty treat. If this technique does not work, then several others are lined up including Mole Bombs (which will poison them and is not so humane), and possibly a even more drastic method involving kerosene and small explosions. Hopefully they will read this blog and realize that leaving right now will be a very good idea.

2007-09-10T20:55:00.001-07:00

Logger's Playday

Last Saturday, I drove down to Gray's Harbor to experience a little culture. Hoquiam, Washington celebrates the wonderful world of Logging every year with Logger's Playday. Here are some things I found that are a must:

1. Wear your Carhartt Jeans and Suspenders.
2. Make sure you know or are related to at least half of the people in the parade.
3. Bring a large Appetite.
4. Be prepared for some great people watching.

The schedule for the day included:
1. Pancake Breakfast
2. Parade with at least 100 various different kinds of Trucks. (Logging trucks, Semi-Trucks, Dump Trucks)
3. Salmon Dinner
4. Listening to stories of what it was like to work in the Logging Camps in the 50s.
5. The Logging Show, complete with shimmying up 90 ft tree poles, Hot Saw exhibit, Log rolling, etc, etc...

Favorite Quote of the Day:

"Riding in a Truck is like Lovin' Yer Girlfriend"

the bell tolls for thee...

2007-09-07T14:00:00.001-07:00

I just found out that Madeleine L'Engle passed away yesterday. Read Here. I feel like crying. L'Engle was one of my favorite authors, right up there with Lewis and Tolkien. I have read most of her books, but all of a sudden I want to get my hands on all of them, in case they become extremely hard to find. I would say that her best book is A Wrinkle in Time, not only for children, but also for adults. If you have not read it, might I suggest that you run out to the closest Barnes and Noble and get yourself a copy? Her Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art has been one of the greatest influences on my creativity as a Christian artist and writer. I will greatly miss her, even though I have never met her. I look forward to having a cup of coffee with her in heaven and discussing philosophy and writing.

Overstreet over at Looking Closer has this to say about L'Engle.

Auralia's Colors

2007-09-05T13:00:00.001-07:00

I am looking forward to receiving my copy of Auralia's Colors. I went to the same high school as the author, Jeffrey Overstreet, and so am expecting great things from this novel. The first chapter was thoroughly enjoyable and so I can't wait until the mailman brings me my package from Amazon.

Don't worry, Jeff did not ask me to put this shameless plug in my blog as I haven't seen him since we graduated, but I figured I will do what I can for the PCHS class of '92!

Are these some signs of becoming a Nerd?

2007-09-04T13:32:00.001-07:00

Toys in my cubicle include: Batman Legos and Starwars Legos magnets.
A tendency to rebuild my laptop every three months.
Owning a gaming console (Xbox 360).
Understanding and using acronyms.
Main form of communication is either email, instant message or text messaging.
Spending a min of 8 hours a day on a computer.
An obsession with email threads.

Technorati Tags: nerd, xbox 360, lego

2007-09-02T08:45:00.000-07:00

Kite Flying at Gasworks Park

2007-08-31T11:04:00.000-07:00

5 thingsI learned about trying out Korean food for the first time:

1. Don't go to a Korean restaurant without someone who knows how to order from the menu.
2. Don't order anything with the description of: clear noodle
3. Forks must be requested
4. Watch the people around you at other tables to figure out how to even eat the food
5. Just order BBQ pork.

2007-08-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

I recommend a trip to iTunes for:

Sigur Ros
Sleeping at Last
Ian McIntosh
Feist

2007-08-29T08:25:00.001-07:00

Morning Ritual

2007-08-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

Instructions for making a Perfect Cup of Tea

I have been accused by my roommate of being ungrateful for her help in making a cup of tea for me, because I once told her that the tea she had just made me was undrinkable. And I poured it out in the sink and then proceeded to make another cup.

This point comes up often in our relationship, but I guess it's good to have that one point of contention. She won't let me now make her a cup of coffee, more out of principle, I think than my lack of ability, as I do feel I make a pretty good cup of Joe.

But onto the main point.

To make a cup of perfect tea:

1. pour cold water into a tea kettle and begin to heat.
2. set out tea cup ( a tea cup is better than a mug, but a mug will also do).
3. Pull out a Tetley tea bag, but do not place in cup yet.
4. When water is boiling, pour a small amount into the bottom of the tea cup and swirl around (this warms the cup to welcome the tea).
5. pour out the water.
6. put tea bag in the cup and pour BOILING water over until about and inch from the top of the cup (BOILING).
7. let sit for about 2-3 minutes (with Tetley, I think 2 minutes is best). Do not stir, strain or move the teabag around. Just let it steep.
8. Take out tea bag.
9. Put in one teaspoon sugar (optional).
10. pour in a small amount of milk (the best is 1%) so that the color of the tea is a brown color. Not too dark and not too light, kind of a beige color. Not taupe, but beige.
11. drink and enjoy!

2007-08-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

i was looking on my external hard drive for something and came across some poems i wrote in college, so i thought i'd post a series of them for your perusal.

Poem 1: Machine Wash Cold

Detergent smell—little, gritty, large-as-ocean color—

creeps up from behind, smothering me with white cotton and brown corduroy.

To eradicate the smell: box the clothes,

toss them in a river—Mississippi, Ganges, Nile—

and sit on the porch of a Connecticut farm,

drink soda in a green glass,

wait for the box to return, dirty, sodden and smelling sweet.

I can’t make you live in China between straw hats and rice fields,

even cart you off in a box with no return address,

so I’ll picture you, your shoes’ shine, your large hands.

I’ll tear you in pieces, stuff each piece in a blue bottle, cork it,

throw it by the neck into the Columbia River.

Poem 2: Beside a Shallow Grave

Dark, sweet, low it beats,

underneath. Dirt echoes on wood.

Hands grasp stem and thorn

next to hollow chest.

Over gravestones, bright and shinning,

Over tombs’ ancient bones,

Dust falls.

Drown again, and again

Drown. Under countless waves,

Under the path of the moon,

a slow tide washes

out the remains.

Poem 3: Idle Footsteps

To walk is to lack a place.
—Michael DeCerteau

Mixing the change from my coffee
with my bus fare,
I stand under my umbrella
trying to keep leather boots dry.

Yarn attached to ankles of people
streaming out of tall buildings,
turns downtown streets
into wrapped parcels
waiting to be postmarked.

The street is a river, full
of ferryboats, and shoes
are life preservers.
I am a pedestrian; I carry my place
around with me,
a mother and child.

The late 5:03 pulls up.
While boarding, I drop
my city map

2007-08-25T20:56:00.000-07:00

accomplishments today

1. painted upstairs spare room--riverside clay

2. speckled my face with paint

3. painted a wall in my bedroom a teal/green color

4. painted some old frames--white

2007-08-24T08:24:00.000-07:00

...i am sure there is, but at the moment, i can't think of anything better to do than sitting by an open window on this fresh sunny seattle day, my M1210 in my lap, tea sitting on a bookshelf within reach, writing, journaling and yes, checking work email.

2007-08-23T22:41:00.000-07:00

Perspective

33 years. Church tradition tells me that this is when Christ died on the cross, the completion of his ministry on earth. Birth, Death, Resurrection.

Makes me think, have I completed anything? In so many ways, it feels like life is just starting for me. I have done a lot in some sense: traveled all over the world, completed a lot of years of school, lived in lots of different places, with lots of different people, worked a variety of jobs, and met some real and tangible goals.

Then there are the things I haven't done such as: gotten married, had children, visited Kenya, Ireland, Prague, South Africa, written a book, won the Pulitzer Prize, flown to the moon and back.

I got a birthday card this year that says "barn's burnt down; now i can see the moon"

It is about vision, about what I see.

...........................................................................................................

A good friend just encouraged me recently to allow God to dig out that big large rock in my life called disappointment, or "hope deferred." Where is that balance between complacency and contentment? I believe this is the time in my life, my 33 years of life, when I can come to that place where He is enough. I don't need a person, a job, a vacation, an adventure, a book or anything else to satisfy that "thing." I don't know what else to call it except that aching gnawing "thing" inside me that craves more and more and more. But it takes me seeking Him, truly with all my heart.

"It is by loving, and not by being loved, that one can come nearest to the soul of another" --George MacDonald

The first commandment...

2007-08-22T14:07:00.001-07:00

2007-08-22T13:42:00.000-07:00

A New Plan

When living in Switzerland, I had dinner at the Ellenberger's and saw pictures of their trip to Iceland. Probably one of the most beautiful places Ihave seen by photograph. Today I saw the trailer above called Heima and was reminded that I must need will go there.

2007-08-22T09:15:00.001-07:00

Photo Shoot

A few nights ago, my roomates, a friend and I had a makeover night. I tried a little camera experimentation. I realized that I don't know much about indoor photo shoot style photography. Definately, I need to learn more about taking pictures. So far, my learning curve has been to just take lots and lots of pictures, and sort out later which photos worked and which ones didn't. I am going to make it a goal to take a photography class that will teach me more about lighting, learn how to use photoshop and also try out some different lens filters.

2007-08-14T14:13:00.000-07:00

Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball

I hope they choose the 360.

2007-08-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

A Semi-Hourglass Society Adventure:

And called that just because we had three of the seven hourglassians together. ( a rare occurance nowadays). The evening consisted of happy hour at the Dragonfish Cafe on 8th and Pine, coffee at Cafe Ladro just across the street along with attending a performance of First Class written by David Wagoner and performed by John Alyward.

The evening was not only fun, but inspiring and challenges me to begin writing again.

Really Writing, with a capital W.

2007-08-10T10:35:00.000-07:00

Star Wars Legos

Not only is there an XBOX 360 game, but now MAGNETS for the fridge! More Here.

2007-08-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

The Best News I've Heard All Week

Anyone who has traveled to Europe has probably shopped at H&M. And gotten addicted to its cheap, but extremely fashionable clothes.

Soon, we will be able to shop to our heart's content at our very own H&M right here in Seattle, location University Village.

For those worried that this will ruin their unique wardrobe from all their travels to other places collecting various H&M pieces, a few thoughts...

1. H&M is probably the most popular clothing store in Europe and so think about all those thousands of European women, men and children who are wearing the same exact outfit that you have on today.

2. The new store at U Village will be TWO LEVELS. This allows us to continue in the H&M tradition of shopping by color and a myriad of choices. MYRIAD.

3. Because they manufacture cheaply, this allows H&M to continually rotate their fashions, as I can attest to as everytime I visited the shop in Switzerland--almost weekly--there were new things to choose from

4. And what's wrong with wearing the same thing as someone else? It just shows that both of you have good taste.

2007-08-09T13:58:00.000-07:00

I will always be addicted to...

1. Travel (i just got home and i am already planning my next trip, as soon as i get some more vaca.)
2. Caffeine (in coffee, tea, chocolate or diet coke form please)
3. Reading (books, magazines, websites, billboards, etc)
4. The Internet (which includes the world wide web)

2007-08-08T16:13:00.001-07:00

the items i carry

2007-08-08T15:05:00.001-07:00

Part of Hitler's record collection found in Moscow (apparently, he didn't mind listening to music composed by Jews).

2007-08-08T11:13:00.001-07:00

Mess

Why does it always seem like things get messier as I clean them? For instance, my room. I have been trying to organize these random boxes of stuff, papers and more stuff, along with drawers full of more stuff for about the past week. I have two large boxes of trash, one for recycle and one for garbage, but my room just keeps getting messier and messier. Currently, I am having a hard time getting dressed and also accomplishing daily tasks because I cannot find anything in the black hole which has become my room. It just depresses me to think about it.

Where is my external hard drive? My cream colored earrings? My calendar? What bills need to be paid? All these are questions that I just don't have the answer to at the moment. And if I think too hard about them, I just want to cry or throw things.

It is time to attack this thing head on, so I have decided to head to The Container Store in Bellevue and collect various boxes and storage solutions to help me bring a little order to my life.

2007-08-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

One Year

I have now been a home owner for over a year. One one hand that is absolutely amazing, but on the other, a little scary as there are so many projects that still need to be done. The reason for my delinquency could be the fact that I was finishing up grad school, that I traveled extensively (Charlottesville, New York City, Scotland, Las Vegas, Virginia Beach, Cape Cod, San Antonio, Orlando and Denver) or just plain procrastination.

Okay, it's probably all of those.

However, despite feeling very overwhelmed with all the home improvements to be done plus all the need for organization after a year of accumulating stuff, I do feel a bug to project-ize and organize.

Tonight, I started with the fridge.

Shiny.

2007-08-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

Things of Note:

First Class by David Wagoner

A play about Theodore Roethke, famous poet and UW prof playing at the ACT theatre. David Wagoner wrote this play about his poetry teacher, and David Wagoner was my poetry teacher. I think I need to go see it.

Zig Zag Cafe

Apparently very famous because of their bartender Murray Stenson. I didn't get Murray as my bartender, but the gentleman took my drink order (Maiden's Blush--a recommended drink from my coworker Myles) with no problem, even though later he informed me that it was a very obscure drink from the Savoy Hotel in the 30's. It was tasty.

2007-07-31T12:45:00.000-07:00

remembering

now that school is over and show season is done, i feel like i can take a breath and remember what things are important to me...

the moon
poetry
solitude
cleaning house
new friends
family
a new nephew
books
old friends
community
soaking
loving
photography
painting
creating
adventuring

2007-07-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

thoughts...

every workplace has drama. it's not much different than high school in some ways. i think we all think that when we finish school and leave adolescence behind, that the drama will end and we can finally grow up. well, this idea does not take into consideration this little thing called human nature.

lately, there has been an incredible amount of drama at my work. there is usually always a high level of it, but recently it's mushroomed out of control. completely out of control. most of it doesn't really have much to do with me, some of it does, but it all is totally out of my hands.

i am the kind of person that wants everything to work out and everybody to get a long. i think this time, i need to face the reality that i can't fix this. i can't fix people and i can't fix life. that's not my job.

it is times like this when i am grateful for things like hope and grace. without these i think i'd pretty much just shrivel up and fall into some sort of vortex of depression.

but, when i think back on my life and remember other times when the drama of life seemed to overwhelm me, seemed to be like that bell jar that has no exit--yet, hope still found a way to grow and grace brought change, then i know that this time will be no different.

He is faithful. He is good. And no matter what we do, He is who He is.

thank God.

2007-07-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

I'm an auntie!!

isaiah david staab

born july 24th 2007

7 lbs 15 oz

21.5 inches long

2007-07-18T12:19:00.000-07:00

Too Many Books?

Is there such a thing? I usually would say no, no never. However, yesterday after shifting a bunch of things around in the house to make room for two more roomates, and seeing the piles of books on my floor, making it near impossible to nagivate through my room, I began to wonder if I just might have too many. I don't want to put them in boxes, hidden away. I don't want to sell them. I want to keep them and keep them in plain sight. I really need a library, but at the moment rent money looks more attractive than me having a room for my books, so I guess in piles they will stay.

2007-07-17T14:49:00.000-07:00

Coming soon: (and I wait impatiently...)

Isaiah David Staab

Dell XPS M1210

Camp

The Next Trip to Starbucks to use One of my Gift Cards

A New Dog

Finding out who the New Gummi Bear will Be

The Release of the New Lawhead

2007-07-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

Today is a good day to be thankful for

instant message
reading blogs of people i don't know, but hope to meet someday
friends who pass on tidbits about music i need to check out
a basement remodel for under a hundred bucks
quiet days at the office
fat paychecks
waiting to meet my nephew
starbucks gift cards
two new roomates soon to arrive

2007-07-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

Birthday Phone Calls

I know that for me, one of my favorite parts of having a birthday is all the phone calls I get. It makes me feel so loved and popular when my friends and family call me and sing silly renditions of happy birthday.

Yesterday was my birthday.

And I got lots of phone calls.

HOWEVER...

I was stuck in rehearsals all day for a BABO (big ass breakout) at WPC in Denver doing backstage technical support--Low lights, headsets, producer calling the show, etc... So, I couldn't answer my phone even though I knew that people were calling ME!

Thank God for voice mail. And thank you to everyone who left me messages yesterday and yes, I forgive you if you didn't call me. I'm sure you had a very good reason. I wouldn't have answered anyway.

2007-07-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

Shopping list to buy before I fly to Denver:

1. aveda hair products
2. bliss fabulous foaming face wash
3. book: Annie Dillard, The Maytrees
4. AE boyfriend 77 jean
5. book: Chrisopher Paolini, Eldest

2007-07-02T07:53:00.001-07:00

My Birthday is in 7 Days

...and though I already had a party, but if anyone is in the mood to buy me a present, I just found what I want.

2007-06-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

oddness and the internet

this week i realized an odd coincidence. three of my favorite bloggers are named joshua. of course i don't really know much about them, except one married my good friend mandy, one lives in NYC, and one is a nomad who will live in seattle for a time.

well, so what's the coincidence? not only are they interesting bloggers and are all named joshua, but at the same time... they all posted about their birthdays within 3 days of each other, like one right after the other.

i dont know why i think that is interesting. am i just shallow? or maybe im not so interesting myself so i feel like i have to latch on to internet personalities. or maybe i just want to go home for the day.

but anyway, here's a little advertisement for their blogs.

Letter From Abroad

The Very Daily Weblog of Joshua Blakenship

love in the key of longbrake

2007-06-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

party weekend:

1. tonight: golden gardens bbq, unless it rains, then RR on the pier.
2. friday: my birthday bbq
3. sunday: sister in law's b-day at the century ballroom
4. monday: sister in law's baby shower at my house
5. 4th of july: coors field, suites, free everything.

it hasnt even started and i'm already tired!

2007-06-21T16:13:00.000-07:00

The Top 5 of my favorite blog posts that I posted about, for, with and/or because of my Ex-Roomate:

5. The Viking Diet
4. Confession
3. Advice Desperately Needed
2. Can I just vent a little?
1. The Continuing Saga of Marsha* and Her Vehicles

2007-06-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered what to do with old stamps that are no longer the most current USPS first class rate?

2007-06-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

I decided to start a photoblog.

camera and jooni

2007-06-12T14:14:00.000-07:00

Historical Graph of President Approval Ratings

Several things to note.

War Time Presidents seem to have extremes between the beginning and end of their terms. Look at Truman and Bush. In fact, with the exception of Nixon, the war time presidents have the highest approval ratings... Truman and the Bushes.

Clinton is the only one to end with a higher approval rating, but he really never got that high, seems to me he stayed in that mediocre range.

GW Bush got higher approval ratings than Kennedy. I always thought Kennedy was the most popular President.

2007-06-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

Green Grass

There are two states in life. Either a person is happy with the grass in their yard, or the grass is greener in the neighbor's yard. At the moment, I have a large tree in my back yard, all cut up into pieces. It's pretty much going to be impossible to do anything back there until it is removed. I don't really care about my neighbor's grass, but it would be nice if I could enjoy the grass that I have. However, I do like my grass, even though I can't see it currently and I have moles and dandelions. I like it because it's MY GRASS.

I feel fairly content with my life, but what makes life hard sometimes is when people around me are discontent. Then I look at what I have and think, is something wrong with me? Shouldn't I feel miserable like that person?

Nah.

2007-06-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Random guy walking around handing out plumerias....