Dogs and ther animals

Friday, May 28th

Dogs and ther animals

music: 96fm, Perth's bes music
mood: positive

I'd like to wax philo a bit if you will on animals. How is it we can love animals so much? And how can we not? In many cases people treat their pets better than they treat other people. In plenty of cases we treat animals like crap. It's an interesting diachotomy. I guess not really different than people. I look at most animals, even the ones that aren't furry and I think they are just so amazing and precious. What's that all about? I've also set up a nice little buffer of hypocrasy for myself as I readily eat pretty much anythingI don't have to physically kill myself. I draw the line at bugs though which is another odd point. Why would I essentially "kill" a cow which I think to be very cute and a sentient being, but not eat a bug, which could arguably have less awareness of pain or misery. I guess I just have a unspoken rule ( until now) that 4 legs is my limit. And then I think why would it have less feeling, where's the proof in that?

I guess being at the top of the food chain comes with a mental price, and maybe that's why we are at the "top". I don't NEED meat to survive. I like it though. But anyway...back to animals and pets...I don't like the word pet. I like that we give them names to make them more like companions than "slaves". There are people that can talk to our animal companions, and there are times I think when we all have sworn animals were speaking to us. The same way a baby cries before it can speak our language, animals can tell us they are hungry. We have learned a lot about body language from observing animals. I'd say people with pets (well not TOO many pets) are sometime better equipped to communicate better in general. Animals are used to socialize children, and it's a proven fact they are theraputic and relaxing. I feel it's a reciprocated relationship though.

There have been multiple times I know Bear (The lab/border collie in my life) has understood exactly what I have said. He has a sense of humor. He knows when he is being silly, he knows when he is making me laugh and he likes it. He gets excited and scared and so if there are emotions which go beyond instincts then why shouldn't our "pets" have the same laws that apply to humans? But they can't go into stores in this country, (and they are better behaved than most children I know) we feed them stuff we wouldn't eat ourselves much of the time and if a dog mauls a child he is put down right away. No trial. How do you think the world would change if that same punishment was applied to humans? I wager less crime and less people in jail. More cemetaries. I guess I am not stupid enough to think we can ever live in an ideal and equal world, but wouldn't it be nice if there was perhaps less emphasis on separating and ranking people and animals. Maybe everyone just needs a good walk, a cookie and some love.
razz
princess on 05.28.04 @ 10:23 AM PST [link]

Thursday, May 27th

Pavlov's Travel gene

music: Flamenco Cd Fabio gave me
mood: itchy

I was driving to work just now in my little yellow jeep, as I do almost everyday,and I drove right past the San Jose Airport. Today was different though becuase the wind was blowing just right for me to get a good nosefull of plane fuel and I heard the sound of a plane backing up. I immediately wanted to get on a plane. It wasn't a" oh I want to go on a trip", t was more of a "I coul so pull into the airport right now and go somewhere and that seems totally logical". And I thought how interesting. I am coming up on the one year anniversary of the last time I was on a plane, almost to the week, (My last adventure being June 8th to Australia last year). For 11 years (and maybe even more) I have travelled a minimum of once a year on a plane, and been to 5 continents and I literally find myself wanting to just climb on a plane right now, be it to vegas or hawaii or the Congo. Even if I don't know where I'm going. Travel for me is educational, it is neccessary, it is a way to keep me healthy, both physically and mentally, it is a way to readjust and center myself, to realize the enormity of the big picture, and a way for me to connect with people and rejuvinate. It's addictive in the best way possible (except on the checkbook), and clearly the power of the desire to turn into the airport today was chemical.

I wonder if pioneers got a shot of adreneline when they smelled dust. Travel allows me to be daring and to be someone I am not in a way. To be a detective, an explorer and to take risks and to be the exotic one in some cases. It's a way to reconfirm who I am and who others see me as and to remove myself from all the prejudices and worries that are familiar and in some cases tackle a whole new set of stereotypes and challenges when it comes to perceptions.

I have 30,000 miles on American and the thought crossed my mind to make a reservation somewhere, even if it's in the US, somewhere I haven't been, though I have had mini vacations, daytrips, camping trips, holidays here and there I find there is nothing like being in an airport, waiting for that flight. I don't even think much of the sensation of flying as some do, it is not the journey for me as they say, I much prefer the landing and discovery that awaits me afterwards. Still, the plane is a symbol for the destination, for that real sense of freedom. I know that financially despite having the miles to travel and the vacation time from work even, it could be some time before a good 2-4 week trip could occur, until then I enjoy the rush the sound and smell of a plane can bring me in aticipation of the day that I can be airbound again!
satisfied cool eh?
princess on 05.27.04 @ 09:34 AM PST [link]

Wednesday, May 26th

All in the...Timing

music: The occasional yelling "communicating" from the office boys
mood: Hesistent for no apparent reason

A quick word on timing. I've always found it to be a humourous topic and fascinating. Culturally speaking I feel American's are in general obsessed with time. They cram a lot into a day. Busy is good. They take vacations to relax and they are not the best at relaxing each and every day. The two hour lunch that is not a meeting is very rare these days. Starting things on time is a point of stress and yet somehow, maybe because everyone is trying to do too much in maybe not the most efficient way, things don't start on time. Hardly ever. Americans will arrive 15 minutes late to a party and it is fashionable, most anywhere else the start time of a party is when you start thinking about getting ready to go. Americans are obsessed with "wasting" time and I rather think that working is more of a waste at times than relaxing is. I wonder if Europeans live longer. I wonder if in more relaxed countries say in South America if they live longer, more relaxed lives or whether the seemingly long 2 hour siesta is always too.

In my own defense, since I technically am an American, I am a very prompt person. I would rather be early than late, but I am not offended when others are late within reason ( or FOR a reason). I however do think it is important to be considerate of peoples time. Personally, I feel that I can do much better work, quality and quantity if I have a lot to do, but that I still find ways to procrastinate, and to reward myself for every bit of work done. Blogging for instance. After making progress this morning and organizing for optimal progress post lunch, I can give myself a short break to share. To think. To relax. True I eat lunch at my desk often. but that is more of a preference due to the amont of social activity I can achieve in my office as opposed to outside.

Americans seem to be particularly geared toward either being VERY even overly effcient or just looking busy most of the time in which case they either don't have enough to do, or are extremely efficient and just lazy.

princess on 05.26.04 @ 12:07 PM PST [link]

Tuesday, May 25th

Location, Location, Location...Local Girl Makes Good

music: Office Chatter
mood: Hungry...what's new

I have to say for someone that is not a city girl I certainly am enjoying my occasional ventures outside my building at work. Located smack inthe middle of all the action in downtown San Jose, Ihave a plethora of food and entertainment choices around me. Just around the corner from the Bus Depot, I have realized that I almost feel like I am travelling as there are new smells and faces everywhere I go. I'm a tourist and a local at the same time here. I have my little whole in the wall lunch places alreadly discovered ($3.99 for a Huge Turkey on a Bagel with the work, and a $175 huige breakfast buritto in a place the size of a large closet.) and I have all the pubs and bars picked out. I just have to decide which one I want to become a "regular" at. The effect of travelling is enhanced by the fact that in many case I have to point at menu items as English is not neccessarily the most effcient language to use in these spots. The Sandwich place is run by a Thai woman, and the Buritto place is of course an authentic Mexican hang out. I get the whistles from the construction workers, and the free passes to the Improv within walking distance and in just another month I will be 1 block from the new movie theatre. If I use my connections well I might actually be able to afford to get to know this city and like it. But then again, maybe I allow mself to feel "attatched" to a city becuase I know where the hills are when I need to run from the traffic, one way streets, construction, crowds and general buzz. I'll keep you posted on my discoveries of this hidden treasure of a city they sometimes call the capital of Silicon Valley. big grin
princess on 05.25.04 @ 11:31 AM PST [link]

Sunday, May 23rd

Dress Codes

music: the wind blowing in my mom's garden
mood: unmotivated

I am fortunate enough that I live in casual California and that I have a job where pretty much as long as you are hygenic and not too rated R in your dress, you are good to go. No new business wardrobe was required, shoes are hardly required and even though it's about 10 degrees (the boys all have this things called...circulation and body heat) in the office, I'm free to be comfortable in jeans, or shorts or a tiara. It's all good.

Dress Codes have always intrigued me. I once thought it was a conspiracy passed down from the MAN to make everyone look alike. There were times when I thought buisness fashions venues were in cahoots with the "boss" and that corporations got some sort of percentage if they enforeced a code. People say it's to appear professional. Well I can't, or rather won't buy into that. not so much. How do we know what someone else is going to deam professional. and what about COMFORTABLE. I'm not suggesting that we all wear revealing shirts with screw you on the front, but jeans can be professional. they are for a cowboy. I've never, luckily been in a situation where my "fashion sense" has been too questioned in a negative way. True I do not put a tremendous amount of attention into my physical appearance, but then again, I take pride in the way I look without having to spend the time. On on the occasion I choose to throw on some heels or take a step toward bussiness professional I often find i am content to go back to jeans for the next 3 weeks.

I guess what bugs me the most about dress codes is when they are imposed on children. I can see that how now a days a girl of say 12 might be asked to put on a longer skirt if when she bends over you can see her underwear for her own safety. I can see how it would be within the lines of decency to ask a boy to pull up his friggin pants so his boxers aren't showing. I can even go so far as to agree with the judgement call of asking kids to not wear shirts with profanity on it. But dying hair, spiking it, peircings, and enforcing uniforms 29 days out of the month is completely absurd in my opinion. I grew up with hand me down clothes from rich friends in atherton, I grew up in Palo Alto where kids belonged to country clubs and took ski weekends and spent winter break in their condos in Mexico and Hawaii. I don't see how not letting a child express themselves through clothes (and music for that matter) is damaging.

If my kid wants to dye their hair green and wear mismatching socks. fine. There are a lot more dangerous things they could be doing and lot more things I would feel compelled as a parent to say no to than that. Now if my 11 year old daughter were to have a thong sticking out of her mini skirt,( and lord knows I didn't buy it for her) that I might take issue with becuase it is a potential danger to her. there are no doubt some sick people and some parents that have not taught their children well. We'd no doubt have a chat. If she wants to wear a shirt that shows off her bellybutton a little...that's okay maybe. But to enforce a school wide code especially when the girls are wearing short plaid skirts (excuse me!??? Britany SPears much?) is ridiculous. Boys and girls will still take an interest in other ways to belittle and promote on the social scale. It is not going to eliminate distractions, competition and it will not erase class lines. It will attempt to gloss over important differences and though a 8 year old boy in a sport coat and a tie is adorable I have to say I would not be likely to subject my kid to that on a daily basis, were they born with a choice.

So much of growing up and finding you own identity is through clothes and music and exposure to new things and thoughts. Uniforms don't let kids think outside the box, and it won't make a shy kid fit in any easier. Your tom boys will feel out of place and your boys aren't being distracted any less by little school girls because they are wearing a uniform skirt instead of a tank top that says angel. And another thing...gangs will find a different way than red and blue to distinguish themselves.

So there you go. I'm glad I got to wear pretty much what I felt comfortable in (though I remember sevearl times my mom asking me if I would put a skirt on for special occaisons when I was younger and me obliging only after much argument on the topic.) it's a freedom I don't take for granted and though small, I like to think I can protect it by expressing my opinion about it. I'd love to hear about those who grew up having to wear uniforms or those that are for it. I hate for this blog to be one sided all the time, even though it can only mean I am contantly right big grin wink
princess on 05.23.04 @ 03:27 PM PST [link]

Friday, May 21st

Priorities

music: None
mood: Sleepy

Just dropped my parents off at the aiport a bit ago to go visit my brother in San Diego. I can't imagine anyone in this office coming in at 6:15. They "yell" at me if I'm here past 6:15pm, but in general I'm thinking 8am is pushing it, even for aparent of a 7 month old. And you know what, why should people be at work at 8am? What difference does it make. If you have family, can't you spend the morning with them just as easy. Have breakfast, drive them to school. And why does school start so early? Here are my thoughts...Work and school, start AFTER 9am. Maybe even 10. And no one eats dinner before 9, which allows for people to take three hours for lunch if the need it, or want to. Oh wait..Europe already thought of that.

I feel kind of European in this Artsopolis gig. Today, one coworker took the day off for his 3 year anniversary, one was "working" from home to get ready for a cast party, and one will be leaving early to rest up for a show he is in. Me, I'll work my day ( though the hours shifted a bit) and probably take a 2 hour nap in the middle of the day. I love it here. At least we have our priorities straight. The work gets done, when it needs to, and we still have lives.

Rock on!
princess on 05.21.04 @ 06:50 AM PST [link]

Thursday, May 20th

Transitions

music: none
mood: reflective, but cautiously optomistic

Today is an anniversary of sorts. It's interesting sort of, while "dating" Chris, we never paid attention to time, or dates, and anniversaries. We just were. Day to day if you will. What could have been fleeting lasted two years which I think is interesting in itself too. I say two years as a ballpark figure of course. Nothing exact. We weren't like that. Suffice to say the fact that today popped into my head quite suddenly, could indicate that getting together was less momumental, or celebratory than breaking up. Or that maybe we didn't keep track becuase neither one of us expected it to last as long as it did, given our personalities. Me cautious, him kinda claustrophobic ( which is usually referred to as free spirited because it has a nicer sound that claustrophobic). I mention this with all sincerity and maybe a bit tounge and cheek, but in no way belittling or embittering what was. A month is both a breif passing and an eternity when you look back on it. 1/24th of the time we were together has passed apart.

Now don't think me mad. I'm not about to obsess about this. I'm in a healthy place. And what's more, I think Chris is too. Who can say but he and if we know Chris, we may have to wait 10 years for the statue of limitations to run up on what he actually thinks today.

I'm sure you have all had people that have made an impact in your lives. I'm sure we all have a person or maybe even an experience that we deem as being pivitol. Well the past month (I won't give chris all the credit) has been a month I will not forget perhaps ever. There were plenty of deeply emotional issues to face, many for the first time, many tests of strength, many new changes personally, emotionally, physically. I transitioned into a different job, I transistioned into a differnent "mode" of functioning, I am still transitioning weekly and sometimes daily between two homes, I am transitioning into a new way of thinking too. I must think of myself as single, which is neither free nor alone, but somewhere in the middle for me, and though it's how I spent most of my life, voluntarily, had you asked me a month and a half ago if I thought I would be, I wouldn't have replied in the affirmative. I transitioned from spending most of my days near a rural hill side to spending most of my days with the sound of the lightrail below and the cars on the street. My company has changed, from a dog and a man to three men, and a lot of friends, and some parents occasionally. I have just today officially been referred to as friend, instead of girlfriend publicly and though just a lable which I 've always been at odds with, there was a ping there. The pings of finality that continue to confirm, heal, separate and very occasionaly sting. These transitions perhaps are nothing when compared to what I went through at the start of this special relationship. A relationship that frighteningly gave me just about all of my hands on experience with relationships. And I came out alive did I not? And so did he. And I rather think we both deserve some credit there considering what we had to work with and what could have happened. Or not have happened. And what a tragedy that would have been indeed.

Tonight I hope to spend my night laughing at a comedy club with a bunch of friends. Trying not to think about the possibilty of declaring bankruptcy, trying to dismiss the significance this date has barged in and demanded. Tonight I will laugh. A very different way of spending time than this time last month. I don't like to dwell, like my temper short and quick is the best way. these are not bad transisitons, just new. Somtimes life is bigger than you. Karma is your momentum, and though there are moments I get confused and think maybe everything was a dream, all of it, on some level I know that the amount of transitioning that overwhelms me now will slow...eventually...and allow me to settle a bit, know who I have transitioned into better, and to also realize that circumstances can change but that fundamentally it's just the discovery that's new, not the fundamental puzzle pieces that make up me.

There will always be a great love for life in me, and a love for the life that 2 years of experiences gave me, and a gratitude for doing whatever was done, and for whatever still remains to be done.

princess on 05.20.04 @ 01:23 PM PST [link]

Wednesday, May 19th

Word of Mouth

music: Eye of the Tiger (courtesy of 96fm, Perth's best music)
mood: spinning

I have so much to write about and not enough time, nor do I want to overload my small but presumably captive audience with to much Susannah. Be warned though, youmay get a plethora of blogs in the next few days.

The Blog of the moment is on word of mouth. We all know that the wrong information told to the wrong person can get around faster than Ebola. Gossip and word of mouth is still a handy way of spreading the word, be it good or bad. No easier way to ruin someone's day, or make it than with a little old fashioned communication. Email has perhpas improved upon this, I hardly go a day without gettng an email about a science experiment to see how far and fast an email can travel. 6 degrees of seperation ( or Kevin Bacon) is a pretty accepted theory. But what about the newspaper? Does anyone read that anymore? Though I myself get my news from the internet and occasionally the TV, I have to say, there is still a large following of newspaper readers....

Artsopolis has been in existance to the public for about 8 months now, and we have about 4,500 people signed up for or half price esavers ticket program. Leigh Weimers is an arts and entertainment writer for the San Jose Mercury News. He's been around writing for nearly 40 years. This morning an article was published (he has a daily column) which was a semi diplomatic way of slapping the community in the face for complaining about where to get arts information and not visiting artsopolis.com. By 11am this morning we had over 100 people sign up, 90% of those sighting the newspaper article as the way they heard about artsopolis.

This speaks volumes....not only is this man who writes for a newspaper quite powerful, we know people are still reading the newspaper, we know they are interested in saving money, they are interested in the arts. Every person that signs up, strengthens our profile and looks even more appealing to those in charge of grant distribution. And, it attracts more arts companys to post their events, which helps both them and us. Very symbiotic indeed. Very interesting to be sure. Who knew?

On a little bit more of a personal victory, I have proof that I work for a small company that provides a worthwhile service. Only 2 weeks on the job, but I get validation (not to mention laughter) every single day. Someting growing, something moving, something valuable. That's a transition for you.

Being me I made a bet that we would have 12,000 signed up by the end of November. ( Philadelphia has 20,000) So what are you going to do? Sign up if you haven't already. Spread the word. Expose yourself to new art, new experiences, be adventurous! I double dog dare you! Tell them Kevin Bacon sent you!
princess on 05.19.04 @ 11:25 AM PST [more..]

Tuesday, May 18th

Free Food

music: 96fm Perth's Best Music...ah yeah
mood: steady as she goes

I would just like to point out that one could essentially live on free food here at 4 South 2nd Street. I figure the Arts Council has 2 days of panal discussions a week which consist of breakfast, snack, and lunch with dessert. Horde enough of the leftovers and put them in the handy little artsopolis fridge and you have got a good 3-4 meals a week. The other day you can get the boss or coworker to take you out, or eat leftovers from your own meeting. Too bad realy that I don't go explore some of the excellent places to eat in the down town area, but I guess if they paid me more I'd feel obliged. Then again I could work my artsopolis angle and trade comps for meals if I were savvy. It's the Arts meal plan. How does one eat on a budget in a city?
princess on 05.18.04 @ 01:39 PM PST [link]

Monday, May 17th

Just a recap of the Weekend

music: Bear Snoring
mood: pensive and calm

Nothing deep or philosophical today. Just a recount of the highlights of this past weekend. It started out earlier than expected. A fortuitous running into Chris on Wednesday night revealed that his rehearsal had been cancelled for Thursday night, and as my plans had sort of fizzled, we decided to go up to the Olema ranch campground near Point Reyes on Thursday night instead of early Friday. This proved an excellent move as it allowed us a liesurely bacon and egg breakfast, and a kite flying before getting to work on the Chili and magaritas. h and the fresh bread in the bread machine which was running off the solar power panals Chris had installed. It was their maiden voyage and though we ran out of power (our site was in the shade) later on, we had hot food and lanterns to get us through the night. ( Or course it could have been the DVD on Chris's laptop that used the power from the night before but who's to say)

Chris and I had a lengthy conversation on the difference between men and women, fantasy and reality, possession, and guilt. We would have no doubt figured out everything but our other campers started to show up and it was time to dish out the meal. The kids all arrived (Bear was very excited, his fan club walked him around for hours) and there was a lovely feel as tents went up, kids ran around, and the campfires started up. There were marshmellows, and scarves and beer and pretty much all the camping stuff. The wind picked up and we all turned in about 10pm because it was just TOO chilly. We retired to the camper for a great nights sleep and were awoken by kids in the campground yelling GRENADE!!! Ahh kids. It was a day at the beach next where we played beach rugby, had a lovely picnic and got ourselves sandy, sunned and windburned. We were sore from the exercise and margaritas were just what the dr. ordered so back we went, for more relaxation, some lawn bowling, hotdogs cooked on the fire, and conversationuntil well after midnight.

We took a early departure from the group on Sunday and headed home through San Francisco. All in all a great weekend. I look forward to the next time!!!
princess on 05.17.04 @ 12:06 PM PST [link]

Tuesday, May 11th

Contest!!!

music: Laundry machine
mood: entertained

$1 to the person who comes up with the most creative explaination of the following dream I had last night. In 100 words or less, entries due by midnight Sunday May 16th.

The Dream:

I walked outside my parents house and I found two flying saucers. A red metal one, and a Hematite kind of colored but transparent one. I had no qualms about getting inside the red one first. Within the dream I was reminded of another dream I had had where I was flying Helicopters and so I figured this was probably just as easy. I was the only one in it. It was shape like the jetsons space ships but only big enough for two people. THere was a funky wrist contraption that basically allowed my pointer finger and the heel of my hand to operate the ship. I got the feelingit ran off electricity generated by it's pilot. I took off somehow, though had difficulty with lift and speed for a while. I was doing fine and getting the hang of it when I clipped a series of telephone wires which tipped me off balance a bit and I was nervous I would crash ( not becuase I would die, but I think because I didn't want to ruin the craft). Ilooked down and my dad was scowling about the wire, so I zoomed off in to the sky, WAY up and then came back down again.

I landed and parked near a beautiful old stone manor. Almost a castle but red brick colored stones. I fell in love with this house and I thought "we" should buy this. The other person in the "we" was not there, nor do I know who I was talking about, but it was a very solid "we". Then I remembered I had had a dream about there being gold in the castle, and I thought if I can find the gold, then I can afford to by the house. I walked in and after exploring towers, and secrete rooms I found a bathroom. This bathroom looked familiar, and I seemed to recognize it from my dream. It was a strangely modern bathroom for the house, very bright unlike the rest of the house. I pressed against the shower wall and it pretty much crumbled and there before me were 11 (exactly, again very clear) gold bars. Problem sovled I thought. Then I looked at the lease and I discovered that the grandmother of the owner of the house had hidden her grandaughters inheritance in the shower for safe keeping and when she was 18 she was allowed to have it. I then somehow knew this girl was almost 18 and so we couldn't afford the house after all. So I went to my saucer....but it was gone...so I went across the street to ask the neighbors if they had seen a flying saucer and it turned out to be hugh Heffner's house. There were random things going on in the house ans I walked through. Nothing too scandalous but some propositions were made which I calmly and politely declined while I searched for anyone that would know where my space craft was. Finally Hugh himself (in smoking jacket) led me to a mechanic place where he assured me he had the cradt which was actually his. But he was shocked to find it missing. We wandered a bit but found nothing....and then I woke up.

Disclaimer: There were no drug present in my system that I was aware of during this dream.

Ready, Set....Diagnosis... sleepy
princess on 05.11.04 @ 10:38 PM PST [link]

Kareoke

music: None now, cat purring, computer whirring...
mood: Tired and I have to pee

Kareoke is a phenomenon that I haven't quite figured out yet. It is one part entertainment, one part humilty, one part confidence and maybe one Jose cuervo. It takes guts to get up there, it's a risk that you will be ridiculed, but when you get through it, you feel that much more brave. There is a sick part of kareoke where you feel justified judging others and though you aren't able to hear exactly how you soud to others, you have no issue with whispering to a friend how much someone sucks, or talking through their song. It's a bit narcasistic, but vulnerable too. I feel for the ones that don't know they are off tune, but feel even more for the ones that DO know. Ignorance is bliss and more power to them if they can go up there, have fun and still leave with dignity, none the wiser. It's great when you have a dead ringer for Elvis, or a 8- year old man sing van halen, It's super when the 300 pound chick sound exactly like blondie, so empowering it can be, and it's one way in life perhaps that we can reinforce the absurdity of judging a book by it's cover, and celebrate our differences along side our talents. for me, I think I might take it too seriously because singing is something I love to do and want to do well.I wnat to do it better than I do, and I guess practice makes perfect. Feeling comfortable is more than half of it, relaxing and singing should go hand in hand. I used to think, why would watching people butcher songs be amusing, but the truth is, for each person who is in fact tone deaf, a great new unique rendition of a song that you forgot about is done. The anticipation or what songs will be sung is appealing too.

Tonight I had a bit of a bungle, but I found I dealt with it with a lovely sense of humor and that is improvement over the few other attempts I have made at the mic. the first song I sang turned out to be an entirely different song than I thought it was. I still kind of knew it, but I was lost for a good 1/3. I laughed it off though and went to redeem myself. I somewhat over corrected and sang a song that was perhaps a tad more difficult rhythem wise than maybe I should have done. It went over well with a few minor foul ups and deer in the headlight looks, a very supportive crowd to be sure, and so overall, though not nearly up to my standards, sometimes you nail the landing and sometimes you don't. I'll live to Kareoke another day I imagine. the highlight of the nioght was hearing A mi manera ( I did it my way) completely in spanish by a man that looked like a 70 gigilo from puerto rico. He rocked. We also heard a mariachi song done and a hispanic woman sing madona. I swear Elvis is alive and well and spending his monday nights at the Alcapulco On Lawrence and El camino.

Adios Amigos!

big grin
princess on 05.11.04 @ 12:30 AM PST [link]

Sunday, May 9th

Comfort Foods

music: 60 minutes on tv in the background of y parents
mood: confident and happy

Enchiladas. More specifically my DAD's homemade enchiladas. Beef, Cheese, Corn tortillas, onions, the special "secret weapon" chile he uses. This is one of a few comfort food that just make life rock. There are penty of foods I like. PLENTY of foods I really love, but there are only a few dishes that I can eat anytime. Home made mac and cheese was my favorite growing up and though I still enjoy it I think i liked it mostly because I couldn't get enough calcium as a child. I would just guzzle milk and cheese. I wonder what makes a comfort food. Is is associated with a calming time in your life? Is it an appeasing texture or maybe scent that actually chemically soothes you? Is it a craving in fact that your body needs a certain vitimin or something. Some might say echiladas are medicinal because they clear out your sinuses, make you think clearer?

Here's a good one... Why aren't all tastebuds alike? What makes people like and dislike things? Just as I never know if the RED I see is the same RED someone elses sees, what if mac and cheese tastes like pork chops to someone else. How could you measure something like that? Of all the money going into silly studies, this should be at the top. Inquiring minds want to know....thoughts?? sleepy

What are your comfort foods.. andy ideas why?
princess on 05.09.04 @ 08:04 PM PST [link]

Saturday, May 8th

Movie Remakes

music: wind and airplanes out side the window
mood: mellow

Watched the Origianl "Italian Job" last night as well as the recent remake. It was a double feature. I'm confused why there are movie remakes. If it's a great movie, why tamper with it, if it sucked, what makes you think anyone will want to take a chance on it again? I can understand if you have a really great concept that is totally different than the original (Take the Zefferelli Romeo and Juliette and the Baz Luhrman Romeo and Juliet for instance) but why really redo the same movie when there are so many great ones out there that are waiting to be done? What's more why "re make" a movie and have it be NONTHING like the original. I think you can see where I am going with this. I was disappointed and confused even by the new remake of the Italian job. GREAT, TALENTED, GOOD LOOKING CAST, in a really crappy movie that was so loosely based on the original that I bet Michael caine had a hissy. The first one was so enjoyable, so innovative, and didn't take itself so seriously. I think I would even say I am offended that the two movies are given the same title. Only the version of Money by pink floyd at the end was a slight improvement from the original. Hardly worth my time.

I just heard a little while ago too that Steve Martin ( who I ADORE) is going to be in a remake of the Pink Panther. Excuse me? Why on EARTH would you remake that movie. Peter Sellers CREATED that role. I'll have to have a chat with Steve about that. It's like 10 years from now, Jim Carey playing austin powers. odd. wrong.

The Time Machine is the next double feature that will undergo my scrutiny. Can the original black and white sustain it's credibility with decades of special effects improvements? We shall see, no doubt you will hear the resulting impression the comparison will leave me with. I fear that sequels and remakes and movies of 70's tv shows are being considered the money makers and setting dissappointing trends. No matter..mind you all this being said, clearly it hasn't detered me from creating press and as we know even bad press is good press...

anyway....I suppose this sounds strange coming from somone in theatre where the same play is done over and over differently many times. I suppose the LIVE aspect comes into play a bit, I'm not sure how to explain the double standard. I welcome thoughts on this.... cool eh?
princess on 05.08.04 @ 06:01 PM PST [link]

Friday, May 7th

Parking Karma

music: None
mood: Good, but get me out of these heels...

SO, as part of my new job, I was helping to set up for the Arts Council "ABBY Awards" luncheon. After spending the moring helping to set up 44 tables of 11 place setting complete with programs, favors and certificates, and being fed some excellent free food I was told my parking was free and I could present a business card of the Marriott events coordinator and the Valet wouldn't charge me. Excellent. But no surprise really. So I decided I have just an hour until I teach my last drama class over in East Palo Alto, Since it was free, I'll take my chances parking on the street to find a meter with time on it or something. No such luck so pulled into a spot just on the corner of work only to discover I had no quarters left. Oh well, to the lot across the street from work I go to deposit $5 which I will get reimbursed for until I have my parking pass for the garage that work will give me in June. THEN I discover that I only have $20's and three $1 bills. The machine does not give change. I was just about to skip work and go directly to class when I spy in the parking machine, a ticket/pass good until 1am tomorrow night. Someone had done exactly what I usually do, and left the pass for someone else to use...and the space number was empty...AND it was lucky number 27.....take a guess at what the mega number on my lotto ticket's gonna be this week....So there you have it. what goes around comes around. Happy Friday to all!

big grin
princess on 05.07.04 @ 02:23 PM PST [link]

Wednesday, May 5th

Handwriting in the age of computers

music: 104.9fm
mood: Wordy

It may not surprise many of you that the founder of apple computer was intrigued by caligraphy, handwriting and fonts in his youth and it insprired him to pursue a way to visually expand and at the same time unify the way the written word is...well..written.

As I start my new job at Artsopolis my main tasks are concerned with updating listings on the webpage. I have a cool set up of two monitors side by side and a nifty card which allows me to drag mouse and selected windows seamlessly from one monitor to the other. This allows me to have the web interface up and various public websites up simultaneous and cut and paste without closing any windows. It's pretty cool and for one as let's say...what's a good word...someone as likely to find the gliches, bugs and distemper of any given electronic device ( it's a talent) I would never have thought I would be so tech savvy or have a reason to be. I'm no rocket surgeon yet, but making my way up the goober ladder. Still with my new found love (insert embrace of techonology here) I still find a STRONG desire to counter my hours of computering with making lists and note on paper despite all the goobering I'm doing concerning concerts, performances and essentially everything ART related.

Some may say it's envoronmentally irresponsible of me. Some may say, it's ineffcient, or counter productive, overly romantic even, but there is something very satisfying about the feel of a good bic pen on lined paper every now and then. The shape of a check mark is very rewarding. The horizontal sweep of crossing an item off a list beats delete any day as far as I'm concerned. Maybe because of permenance, proof it exsistence, reminders of productivity. Perhaps because I am on the cusp of generations striving to eliminate and the generation trying to remember or rather...not forget.

The first time I remember using a computer (perhaps a bit earlier than some my age being I grew up in Palo Alto) was I believe 3rd grade. We had about 6 computers with blue screens and we took turns once a month with reading games. I learned how to print and write with paper and pen, but by age 12 was writing all my papers on the computer. Only occasionally on essay tests or filling out forms did I ever use pen and paper at school. I find that now I can write, compose, and vent just as fluidly on computer as I can on paper but I still feel compelled to use the ancient form of communication almost daily. I like the sound of paper even. I like the look of my handwriting ( Better now than it ever was because like something rare, I take much more care with it when I do have purpose and inclination to bring it out and show it off). I like feeling more connected to people as I write out my postcards by hand. It is almost as if MY personal font is giving a small piece of myself to those that that receive. Creative. Original. But certainly I can see the argument for computers allowing for creativity as well. Just different. And though I communicate much MORE than I would if I had to write by hand all the time, I find an email a distant second to a handscribbled missive even if it just says, remember to tak e out the trash.

As a disclaimer I would like to say that typing 50wpm did not happen because I took a semester of typing in 7th grade. The speed comes with neccessity, to keep up with progress. I imagine the typing has helped with my dyslexia a bit, but I still find I have to print something out and proof it to catch the mistakes. A vertical screen, even a chalkboard proved much harder for (and still does) to comprehend and absorb than if I have a print out or am holding a book. Maybe that is an indication or how tactile I am. I am certainly a visual person, but if I have an associated action physically with a visual (writing it down or even "clicking" on an image)I find the rentention to be much higher than if I hear something. (which will surprise many since I often sing to things I've never heard, and can remember things people said in passing). I guess I am just a sponge. I wonder how many brain cells I waste remebering things I don't even want to? And how many cells are occupied storing the things I CAN'T remember?
I will say that computers and typing

When I returned to my Elementary school after I graduated from college, I found that there was literally an Imac for every 3 students in the school, some 60 or so littering the hallways that used to be filled of volunteer aids assiting up with our Phonics booklets. sleepy
princess on 05.05.04 @ 08:15 PM PST [link]

Tuesday, May 4th

A big Thanks!

mood: It's early...well...it's before 9.

A Huge thanks to Chris Tann for setting this blog site up. I have been wingeing for one for some time now due to the fact that there are so many things to acknowldge, discus and rant about that I often don't have time to address on an individual basis. Thus now I can reach a select interested few and you can see what's going on in my life, my brain and my kingdom. Blogs to come will address dreams I have had, feelings about dress codes, my new job, reality tv no doubt and so on and so forth. Yeah me. Welcome to my world. big grin
princess on 05.04.04 @ 08:16 AM PST [link]

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