Time Warp

It's been 33 years since I first saw "Rocky Horror Picture Show" at the UC Theatre. It was a double feature with Paul Williams' "Phantom of the Paradise". The theatre was nearly empty; I paid $2.00 to see both movies. Soon after, the Friday midnight showings started and I became a regular of sorts. Saw the stage production in SF. Took my mom to see the movie for Mother's Day one year. My pals and I listened to the LP over and over again, dressed up for shows, met new friends and generally revelled in the excitement of the experience.
Now, 33 years later, the torch has been passed. Our local cinema had a midnight presentation last Friday and the teenager and a group of her friends dressed up, threw rice, did the Time Warp and yelled at the screen. I sat in the back row and slept. Woke up for the credits and said "I'm old!".
And so it goes.

Rockin' Shopping Center

Drove up to the Ikea in Coquitlam, British Columbia last night. About the same distance from home as the one in Renton, Washington, but a more pleasant drive. Nice store too, though the prices are higher (I think - it's that foreign currency conversion thing). I'd still go there again rather than Renton.
Bought a new piece of furniture to accommodate a change in my life - a very positive, optimistic change. I worried and fussed quite a bit on the drive up and back with J, but this morning felt happily reassured and confident about our situation. Tonight J is barbecuing steak and salmon for us, the teenager and a friend of the teenager's choice. Tomorrow J heads back to work.
My fingers are itchin' to strum again - haven't picked up my uke in months.
The weather has been blessedly wonderful this week and I am ever so grateful. My mood swings continue and I have one more appointment to address that. But no matter my mood, it is always somewhat improved by the sunny weather.
Nothing else to report this morning. Hope all is well. Continue that good thought thinking.

La Isla Bonita

Picture from the hike a while back.
Met J at the Majestic for happy hour and gab time with the gals. I may have had one drink too many (that would be the one I knocked over) but it was fun. So many good people in my life. R came by work and dropped off a fab CD. Brook Adams playing the entire Abbey Road album on ukulele. We saw him perform it live last year and it was fantastic. I should me meeting up with R to strum again soon, now that he's back in the states and back from the Portland Ukefest.
This afternoon J and I are driving to Ikea in Canada. I have been sleeping on a twin size bed since moving to 15th Street but it's time to go up a size. The room is tres small, so I'll be looking at getting a double/full size bed at Ikea. It's supposed to be a bigger store than the one in Renton. I haven't been to Canada since I went with the sisters and daughter for daughter's tenth birthday (daughter is now fifteen). It won't be a long visit but I'm getting out and doing something, thanks to J.
Haven't read the headlines today. Nor the weather forecast. Be in the moment. Post a comment.

Funeral For A Friend

George Carlin
May 12, 1937 – June 22, 2008

Shit, Piss, Fuck, Cunt, Cocksucker, Motherfucker, Tits.

Call Me

Update on iPhone troubles:
Stopped at the Apple store at UVillage and they gave me a replacement iPhone! I still don't have any contact info but now the camera works. And since I put a cover on the phone right away my *new* iPhone is unscratched. If I don't call you, it could be because I don't have your number. You could email it to me, if you don't mind. Thanks!

Hey, Hey, We're the Monkees!

Back home after our Bellevue trip. All went well. The weather cooperated for the outdoor activities. The race was short and sweet (for me at least - I was just handing out water). We didn't realize it was scheduled for the same day as the "race for the Cure" so the turn out wasn't as big as it might have been. Saw the old City of Seattle police cruiser - a restored 1970 Plymouth Satellite- and the ZipFizz girls. They looked bored. I think they were expecting an event with lots of boy cops.

Meeting the family went well in my opinion. I'll be interested to hear the feedback J gets from them. The photo above indicates the theme of the event. The homes we visited were beautiful, gardens, views - just lovely. I was able to chat with most of the folks. I particularly liked J's brother and sis-in-law. He is a very smart - smart-aleck and she reminds me of people I knew in the big city. I am grateful for the wide variety of people I've met in my life, since it makes me feel a little more connected to each of the people I meet now. And my job history provides some tie-in to just about anybody else's. And if I can't connect on any other level I can at least keep my mouth shut and smile.

J's family has their issues (both mom, dad and step-mom were at the party) but appear to be functional and friendly. I think my family, although sociable, is just too far out there to subject J to. If my parents were younger I might make the effort to introduce them, but at this point I don't think I'll go out of my way to do so. This is definitely about me and them and not about J - I'm sure they'd enjoy J (though my Mom wouldn't hear anything). I enjoy J. We spent a very pleasant domestic morning at my place and I felt comfortable and happy. I still hesitate to relax and accept it, due to the last relationship, but I'm closer.

Regarding medical issues: I have been experiencing a variety of symptoms over the past few months and I thought I should get checked out. We all hear stories about people who ignored some symptom that turned out to be something serious. I saw the primary doctor who has referred me to specialists for each of the symptoms. So far, each problem has been relatively minor and treatable. I still have diagnostic procedures to undergo, but no doctor has yet said I need to worry ;-)

I am applying myself to the task of cleaning the fan blades for the three ceiling fans in my house. One set was so dust covered the blades looked furry. I must end this post to continue with that job.

I'm thinking good thoughts - as always, I recommend the same to you.

Sleep to Dream Her

iMom's iPhone iRritating:
So when I was in one of the functions of my iPHone - internet, camera, e-mail - it would suddenly take me back to the home screen. I called AT&T/Apple support and was remminded to "reboot" (reset). Unfortunately, the phone responded by erasing. Couldn't get it to stop so I had to "restore". Rstoring takes all the settings away. So I lost contact information. Currently I can't take a picture. I am not able to troubleshoot it now but will later. BTW when I called support the *first* thing they did was offer the extended warranty. I have had my iPhone for approximately 110 days. Is this all timed so that I'll want the new iPhone? No way, man. I've enjoyed it but I probably wouldn't do it again.
Had appointment with doctor number four (I think) this morning. This time we scheduled a diagnostic procedure for next month - only miss one day of work.
Happy happy first day of summer! According to sources, this is the earliest summer solstice since the 1890's and it couldn't have come too soon. Heading out of town tonight to do summery things tomorrow. Get out there and enjoy it folks.
And remember - it isn't that life is short - it's that death is so damn long.

Crash Into Me

Today's song title is #56 from "69 Sexiest Songs ... Ever!" on music.aol.com.
iMom's iPhone was acting up so I had to "restore". Lost all my settings. Will be re-entering information this evening. A bit disappointing but I admit I enjoy fooling around with it so I'll have some fun.
Rain today but warm. Not complaining.
Susan returned from Minnesnowta. She relayed the beauty of her home state at this time of year - not yet muggy and too hot, verdant and the famous thousand lakes. I wonder at the "coincidence" of making three good friends here (out of a maybe a dozen) from Minnesota. My mom's from there so I do feel a bit proprietary by osmosis. I believe my family visited Minnesota during our cross-country car trip in about 1965 ('66? '67?). It was taken in our VW Microbus. No memory of Minnesota, but I remember peacocks in Arkansas and giving a doughnut to a donkey on the road down from Mount Rushmore (no recollection of Mount Rushmore however).
This weekend I, J and I are going to Bellevue to volunteer at a fun run and then attend J's nephew's third birthday party/barbecue. I'm trying not to think too much about meeting J's family, I mean, not to get nervous and self-conscious.
Another MD appointment in the morning. Lots of paperwork on my desk: bills, forms, notices. I'm going to stay up a while and sift through it. J gets off work in about an hour. So glad I don't have to wait days anymore!
First day of summer vacation. The teenager is making the most of her free time now that school is out. Cruising the streets of our small town with her peeps, she covers a lot of ground. And yet she still asked for rides to school. We'll see what happens in the fall...
Anyway that's about all I have to report tonight. Questions? Comments? Feel free to post.
BTW tomorrow is the first official day of summer and crazy shirt day at work. Just thought you ought to know.

Stop Thinking About It

Blame It On The Sun

Life is good. I can say that because we had two brilliantly sunny, warm days. I really like it here. Good schools, great people, steady job. I feel like a part of the community and love that feeling. We have mountains and water and forests and farmland and fairyland (the refinery lights at night). I live in the kind of home I’ve always wanted. My daughter has friends, I have friends. We’re settled here, and happily. I would hate to have the weather be a reason for us to leave. As long as the sun makes an appearance every so often, I’m revived. It’s bad enough to have the short grey days of winter, but having the long grey days of spring is too much. Fortunately, friends have property in Arizona that they are willing to share for emergency sun fixes.
Other than the winter blues, I’ve been dealing with a mish-mash of symptoms. I had to get a new doctor since mine left practice in January. That new doctor has referred me for numerous tests, blood work and appointments with four or five specialists. Blood work and tests done. I’ve had the first appointment and treatment. Second appointment done today and treatment scheduled for next month. The next specialist appointment is on Friday. The down side to all this is that I have no sick leave accrued. I used a hunk to help out the folks and the rest with days and hours off due to the mish-mash and the appointments. That means I’m looking at leave without pay for a week or so. And I’m not finished with the appointments and who knows what possible treatments. C’est la vie. It’s only money.
J returns in about four hours, barring traffic.
Life can be a rollercoaster, for sure, but it’s also the Skyway ride. I am gliding along, a little bit scared, but trusting I’ll get to the other side. If I can relax, the view is glorious.
Leave a comment, if you would. I’d like to hear which ride you’re on.

Addendum: After talking with my favourite medical consultant (my sister), I've decided to postpone next month's treatment. My desire to be efficient may also be construed as impulsivity. I'll give myself more time on this ride before I get on the next one.

Happy Feet

Nineteen hours, five minutes.

Father Figure

Happy Father's Day to all you fathers, godfathers,potential fathers, father figures...
I don't want to jinx it, but it looks like spring is finally here - and only a week before summer arrives. Today I am venturing beyond my backyard to go on a hike with a mom and a (fairy) godfather. Still have lots o' housework to do and even though the sunny days illuminate the stains and highlight the dust it also dims the desire to clean it all up.
J returns in about 33 hours. Not that I'm counting.
Had the usual Saturday morning coffee at JoJo's (as in JoJo Starbuck - get it? It's an allusion). S is in Minnesnowta, but P and B came and we had a guest appearance by R. That went alright. I wasn't mean, I wasn't nice (that is, I didn't get all adoring). I do miss strumming though.
La de da. Life goes on or it doesn't.
Call your dad, or call someone else's dad. Get some sun - don't skimp on sunscreen. Have a happy father's day.

Java Jive

With J away from the computer while on vacation, I expected no more morning eFlowers. But clever J has set it up that I get an eCard every day.
And I thought Paris was the romance capital...

Margaritaville

Today's weather: rain, cold. Snow predicted at elevations of 2500 feet. It could be worse - record heat, flooding, winds on the eastern side of the country.
Performance weekend went well. Last couple weeks of school and then summer schedule kicks in. Thinking that summer might appear, today I made the optimistic, if foolish, choice of not wearing a jacket.
J sent a note from Margaritaville with a sunburn after lounging poolside yesterday. Poor baby.
Keep warm, dry, cool, whatever's appropriate for your area. I'm getting under the covers.
Thanks to DAS and Ann for this photo from backstage at "A Gallery of Dances". I love the reflection in the mirror!

Jet

A beaming, blowy day here. It's performance weekend which is usually quite hectic, but this one is going perfectly fine. Watched episodes of "Bones" and "Dead Like Me" (on DVD), strolled to Mecca with the teenager, updated my music library on iMom's iPhone.
J left to capture digital memories in my old stomping ground (weird expression - though chances are I did some actual stomping while I was there).
I'd like to say more about this radiant day, but I've got to get out in it.
Yay!

Laughter in the Rain

I Can't Stand the Rain

I will not complain about the rain. I will not complain about the rain. I will not complain about the rain. I will not complain about the rain. I will not complain about the rain. I will not complain about the rain. I will not complain about the rain. I will not complain about the rain. I will not complain about the rain. I will not complain about the rain. I will not --

Baby, The Rain Must Fall

I am chastised.
I live in the Pacific Northwest. A section of the United States famous for - rain. I knew that before I moved here. I have lived here for twelve years. I like the weather here. I don't like hot weather. When I left Tahoe I was sick of sunny weather. So I will quit my b*tch*ng about the $&@#% rain.
By the way, the sun came out this afternoon.
yay.

Every Little Thing She Does is Magic

Thanks to J for this photo of the teenager.
The weather is noteworthy here in that it is annoyingly inconsistent. It has been pouring rain all day today. Someone said "at least we don't have cyclones or tornadoes". And we haven't had an earthquake in a couple of years either, but that doesn't make me jump up and down with joy because it's raining.
R is on his way back from the romance capital of the world. How ironic.
The end of the school year is around the bend and we will experience a shift in the pace of our lives. The shift actually starts with the June ballet performance this weekend. Come and see it if you can.

These Foolish Things

This morning the teenager and I were ready early so decided to make a quick stop at *$(aka Starbucks,the American Embassy, mecca) on our way to work/school. Once we received our order I realized that, although I had my wallet and my phone, I did not have my keys with me. A glance in the car verified that the keys were locked inside. We walked back home (fortunately we were able to get in the house without the key) and got a spare car key and went back to the car. As I was starting the car I thought "I should have a spare car key somewhere. Oh yeah, I have one in my wal---"

Good morning to you!

Turn the Beat Around

Since I switched to the iPhone my morning routine has changed a bit. The first thing I do after tapping "snooze" is check my e-mail. I usually have one from the Leroy Seivers My Cancer blog and maybe an online bill notification. Occasionally I'll get something from a friend or family member who was up in the middle of the night (or in another time zone). But recently there has been a change to my e-mails. Now most mornings I find flowers waiting there for me. Here are this morning's flowers. Just one of those small yet meaningful gestures that helps to smooth life's rough edge. Thank you.
Not that my life has been rough lately. All is well in 'mi land. Yesterday we started work on the back yard. The first step was to mow and pull out the biggest weeds. Most folks who live in the Pacific Northwest know that lawns love this weather. Rain followed by one sunny day and the grass stretches its little blades towards the soon to be grey again sky. If you don't want your lawn to be the blight on your neighbourhood, this means frequent mowing. One of the best investments I have made towards that end is an electric lawn mower. No more sore shoulder, gas cans and exhaust. I have a bright pink 80 foot heavy duty extension cord (pink so it stands out and I don't mow over it) that reaches the entire perimeter of my property. I didn't go with the bag option and right now that's a bit of a problem since I had foot tall grass that I mowed and now I have a coating of dead grass over the entire back lawn. I anticipate quite a bit of raking in my life.
So that's my post for this morning. A bit mundane, but I'll take that over melodrama today.