Roommate award

This is a post I apparently started to write October 26th of last year:

Today I took the best roommate award and broke it over my knee because no one else will come as close as I did today.

I was getting a pedicure today and while I was sitting in the chair getting my feets taken care of, I saw some chick walk in that B might be interested in.  So what do I do?  I listen and get her name, then I take pictures all secret agent style and ship them off.  Then...I get this ridic request for n00dz and I tell him to make due with what I've provided and stalk her via facebook/myspace/linkedin/imacrazyinterwebzstalkerandalreadyknowallaboutyou.com

Xmas Eve roommate ride

Brandon brought his new ironhead home the other day, which makes 3 bikes at our house.  What goes perfect with 3 bikes?  3 riders.

Once I woke up on Christmas Eve we all opened our gifts and peeped our stockings.  Brandon was checking the headlight on the sporty and we all decided we should go to breakfast.  Then we all decided we should RIDE to breakfast.  This was our first time riding together, each of us on our own bikes.

After taking 9823475028752849275 hours to get Brandon's bike kicked over, we all headed over to Fox & Goose.  It was pretty sweet riding in a lone wolf pack of three.  Brandon's bike was shitty in first and I got stuck at a red light.  For once Suzi was running pretty well, she must've liked the weather.  We took the long way too.  On purpose of course.  How would we get lost on a grid?  Yeah.  We wouldn't.

On the way home we took the busier streets and hit the heavier traffic (so like 10 cars on the road instead of 4).  We were on one of our main one way streets, 3 lanes wide with a red light and a few cars stopped in front of us.  When we would come to a stop, we'd be 2 - 3 cars back.  Brandon's a bit up ahead and I see him turn to look at me and I can see him smiling through his helmet.  I smirked and knew what he was doing.  He went to the right of the middle lane and I went to the left and we split the lanes to meet at the crosswalk.  In true Alissa style, she was right behind B.

Alissa was welcomed to a little bit of my favorite game: Shoot the Gap.

Crafting

I have a new idea that I want to try for an air cleaner cover.  I think I can make it work and am pretty excited about it.  The problem is finding an appropriate air cleaner I can use.

I stuffed my face full of deliciousness at my work holiday party on Monday night.  There were fantastic mashed potatoes, chicken, pie, tri tip and pork.  I had seconds in the dessert section.  And by dessert, I mean chicken.

We had a gift exchange and Alissa miraculously got me this year and I got the most wonderful gifts!!!!  I requested: a giraffe, an owl and socks.  She got me an owl necklace and buttons, a giraffe belt buckle and cashmere socks!!!  I got the best person for secret santa!!!!!

I'm stoked to figure out what I'm getting my folks for the holiday as well as a couple other people I need to shop for.  Brandon said my gift is not in his room and I'm bummed because I'd totally be rifling through all his shit to find it.  Yeah...I'm THAT bad.

Today was Todd's birthday and we went and had some wonderful company and wonderful food at the taco spot across the street.  I got to talk motos.  Then when I got home I got to talk MORE motos.  I'm a lucky girl.  Seriously.

Moto night rides

Today was sweet.  I woke up on my own accord, I made a pretty rad breakfast for Brandon and myself, I had dinner at Crepeville, I rode out to Julio & Rachel's to watch the season finale of Sons of Anarchy with good friends, I got to ride with B on the way home, I lurked some peeps, I watched Brandon lurk some peeps, I waited until Alissa got home and then the two of us went for a freezing ride around 3am and came back with our bodies numb.

I meant to snap a photo, but I forgot entirely.  I did, however, remember to bring my camera.  For the mean time, just picture this, but with motos:

2010 is going to be a good year.  I can feel it in my bones.

Knees in the breeze

I got on a motorcycle today for the first time in over a year.  I took Suzi for a spin around the block and when I got back Alissa jumped on the back.  I'm not going to lie...it made me a little nervous to have someone on the back of the bike, but I would never put anyone's safety at risk.  It felt good being on a bike again.  REALLY good.

Once Alissa hopped on the back, Brandon, her and I hit the road and headed to my folk's place.  We made it to good old Rio Linda and made a vat of wontons.  I think we made enough of them for about 13 people.  There were only 5 of us.  Yikes.  So if anyone wants to come fry some left over wontons that may or may not be good (it's unknown at this point)...please let me know.

At my folk's place Alissa got on Brandon's bike and took it for a spin.  She's basically a natural.

My dad also took the bike for a spin.  I was extremely surprised he didn't come back and tell me it was "a piece of shit," but he did tell me it needs some work (which I already know).

After Alissa took off for 15 minutes, Brandon freaked out and got Suzi and went to find her.  Apparently she made it down to THE busiest streets in a 7 mile radius.  How she did this...I have no idea.  She made it back safely and we were all off again first to Scotty's and then to Kip & Mel's for ANTM Wednesdays.

The ride from Kip & Mel's back to our place was...cold.  I kind of forgot and luckily for me Kip had hooked me up with a good scarf for the ride back.  My neck was warm.  Sore from keeping my head up against the wind, but warm.  I forget all the small things about riding.  Like how much I should get a full face lego-man helmet or how good it feels to have my wrist hurt from pulling in the clutch.  These things are bothersome, but in a very, VERY good way.

There was no game of Shoot the Gap.  I'm still trying to keep the bike in my half of the lane...especially with someone else on the back.  Besides, I would never do something that dangerous.  I'm responsible?  Pshyeah right.  Before you get off congratulating me, I'll probably be playing that game in no time as long as weather permits.

I love my new gloves.  I love my cowboy boots.  I love my friends.  I love my parents.

Nothing more gratifying than

A freshly made bed.  Perfect, crisp sheets.  Tucked corners.  The smooth bottom sheet.  One of my favorite things in the whole world.

Too bad this tiny miracle takes me 20 minutes.  What?!?!?!  Yes.  I did just say it takes me 20 minutes to make my bed.  Well, to my perfect specifications anyway.  For anyone that's ever lived with me, or watched me take my sheets out of the dryer, they can absolutely attest to this absurdity.  I literally walk around my bed about 20-30 times just to make sure everything is straight, unwrinkled and perfectly symmetrical.  It's ridiculous.  I've had quite a few people watch me in disbelief and then offer to help when they realize how long it's going to take me.  Unfortunately there are very few people who've been able to help and do it just how I like.

So...20 minutes.  Ridiculous.  Right?  Right.  That's why I don't make my bed every day.  Especially on the whole cripple front.  BUT...when I get out of bed, the sheets are usually pretty straight and I just need to tidy things up (which only takes about 5 minutes) instead of going through all the motions.  Now...since I've moved into this fantastic place, because of the placement of my bedroom, I feel compelled to keep my room presentable.  My room is the first one you see and you can see directly into it from the living room with the bed *BAM* right there in the front.  Also...Alissa makes her bed close to every day and it makes me look like a slob if she's all clean and nice and I've slacked off.  

At the old house, Alissa and Jody would sometimes make me lunch.  And sometimes inside my lunch they would write sweet little notes on the napkin:

Ruler.

Although I wasn't incredibly busy yesterday, I was very tired today.  Maybe it was from when I went to the DMV and got my perma-handi pass finally.  I'm not sure why, but I was tired looooooong before I went to PT today even.  Kip and Melissa's kids must've worn me out.  Even though it was Brandon who was doing all the baby tossing activities.

Physical therapy in the water today.  The knee hasn't caught once today (so far) AND I got to do squats in the pool!!!!!!  They didn't hurt, but I could definitely feel the burn in my quads and it felt FANTASTIC!!  I crutched to and from PT and it was quite a work out.

I had a dinner date tonight and had amazing convo's with some peeps I hadn't seen in a while and miss hanging out with.  Once I got home Brandon and I headed over to Golden Bear.  Brandon got in and I handed the door guy my ID.  He said I couldn't go in.  What. The. Heck.  I was JUST at the DMV...why didn't they tell me my ish was expired?!?!?!  Oops!!!  Looks like I gotta go back again.  Luckily I've got crutches that make my DMV visits extremely speedy.  Oh yeah...and up front parking.  Life rulezzzz.

Number six? Really?

Or am I just making mountains again?


For the past 2 weeks or so, as my knee has been catching and locking up on me, I've become more and more concerned with my healing...which has led me to small pity parties with only me in attendance.  Luckily, they only last as long as I am alone.  Once someone comes over (or home) or when I get messages  it usually cheers me up enough to not think about my knee.  I've got extraordinary friends and family.  Even when I don't think I seem like I'm putting out a Debbie Downer vibe, someone seems to know the right things to say or do.


The catching that's happening is obviously something deep inside my knee and it's cause enough for me to have called the doctor just before 5pm today.  Apparently he works pretty late and shows concern for his patients because I received a call back from him around 9pm.  Once I explained that my knee is now catching multiple times throughout the day and causing me pain on the regular he asked me to go in tomorrow morning so he can take a look at it.  He reminded me that there's probably not a whole lot he can do, especially from just taking a look at the outside of the knee.  We quickly talked about an MRI to check if we can see anything as far as progress goes.  He also indicated that it's possible he'll have to go back in arthroscopically.  Fortunately I still can't walk yet and arthroscopic surgeries are cake.  There would be little rehab for the procedure.


My gut feeling is that this surgery hasn't taken.  Wow.  Writing that down makes it real, doesn't it.  Maybe if I strikethrough that I still have a chance?  Ahhh...that feels a little better.  Still not quite reality.  


Other than that silly knee thing, today was fantastic.  I woke up late, got lunch made for me, was dropped off at PT and even though once I'd crutched home the doors were all locked, Brandon showed up soon after I had gotten there and let me in!!  I got great news earlier and I'm going to try to make it up to my grandma's on Friday.  She's a guaranteed "pick-me-up!!!!"  What else is a fantastic pick-me-up?!  


SHOPPING.
Handmade sweater jackets

I'll need these for my "uniform" for next year

I need these just because

This is funny and matches my wallet

Who DOESN'T want a mustache?

Upon my search of stuff for Jody and Amanda

I found things like this

But I can make things like this

But not like this. Link 80, go crazy.

Autumn is settling in quite nice

The weather today was beautiful.  I woke up early (for me anyway) for the second day in a row and went to breakfast at Vintage Cafe with Jack & Jill.  I got a delicious breakfast quesarrito (yeah...not quite a quesadilla and not quite a burrito) and tea for under $4!!!  The 3 of us got to sit outside and people watch and while Jack barked at other dogs, Jill and I conversed with ourselves.

After I made it back home, Jack (from Florida...not Jill's dog) came over to visit with Alissa and I before he heads home to the east coast tomorrow.  It was nice visiting with him while he was here!!!  I was able to talk Brandon into making elk chili for dinner and invited Jody and Amanda over to taste the scrumptiousness that B makes.  I also had some crane melon delivered which is almost gone already.

After reading The (not so) Little Things about banned books (including The Giver, which is still top 7...but probably only because I hardly read any more) I went and ordered up a couple books.  I'm actually pretty excited about them getting here.  I've actually wanted to read the past couple weeks and that isn't a feeling I've had in YEARS.  I ended up getting the 2 books by Lois Lowry that followed The Giver and I also got Scepticism, Inc.  Although I have absolutely no doubt that I will start all of these books (at separate times, of course), only time will tell if I actually finish them.

Tomorrow is physical therapy, pool time.  I'm hopeful that my knee won't lock while I'm in the water.  I AM looking forward to "walking."  I can imagine it will be the reason I will be excited to wake up in the morning.  

I think a miracle happened today.  A ton of things totally fell into place.  I got 5 robots from AdamD (check it and reserve yours: 100 Robots).  I communicated with ALL but 2 of my closest friends and BOTH brothers today.  I ate grapes instead of ice cream, cookies, brownies, yogurt or candy.  I had tea instead of coffee or a mocha.  I'm gonna keep that PMA and say tomorrow will have such treasures. 

Pawn Stars

New favorite show.  It's like Antiques Roadshow, but for dirty bikers and low ballers.  


Friday night I hit the porch and Saturday I ended up canceling on multiple people and stayed home since I had the house to myself.  I cleaned 90% of my room.  I washed all my clothes.  Working on the unfinished projects.  Also still working on getting out of this funk.  The roommates are helping with this...so are a multitude of other friends.


Today I went to breakfast with Brother, the usuals and Amanda for the first time in over 2 months.  Not only did I enjoy pretty good company, but I was also able to shop at Target and get heavy items since I had plenty of help around.  Later on in the evening I went with Brother to his and Brandon's soccer game.  They ACTUALLY won.  One of the guys on the other team was being a baby and getting all pissy because his team wasn't opening up for him.  So what'd he do?  He decided to get angry and physical.  Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with a physical game, but I DO have a problem with someone getting overly angry and going out on the field with a vengeance when it's not warranted.  


Now...I would have had no issues with him being extra physical with Brother had Brother done something to him first.  BUT he didn't.  This asshole had the ball and was getting mad at Brother for taking it.  Then taking it again.  And again.  So what's he do?  Once Brother has the ball dude throws his elbow into Brother's back and then throws his entire body.  Then I saw Brother take a tumble.  Dude can body check all day, I don't care.  But the elbow?!  What the frick?  I literally almost jumped up from the stands and ran onto the field.  Luckily, I saw Brother get up with a GIGANTIC smile on his face!!!


After soccer Brandon and I hit up Safeway for some ice cream.  He made me a secret recipe Hirata Family Shake.  It was pretty delicious.  Chris came over and shortly after Jack & Jill followed.  The two of them ALSO got to try out the Hirata Family Shake.  


OHHHHHHHHH yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!  I also got to talk to Nick who was IN ITALY!!!!  Well...via facebook chat anyway!  I'm so incredibly jealous of that man right now!!!  Galavanting around eating in Italy and peeping the Vatican!!!  


Two biggest reasons I miss walking: 
1) Motorcycles  
2) Traveling


Breakfast with Jill in the morning!!!

First day of therapy

Physical therapy, that is.  I crutched the 2 1/2 blocks to the hospital where the physical therapy office is.  Once I got there I decided it was a bad idea and even though it wasn't very far, I should get a ride home.  My shoulders were/are extremely sore from all the walking/crutching this past weekend and even though it's not a far walk home, it's definitely a lengthy crutch.  


My physical therapist (PT) wasn't bad.  She's a younger lady and tried really hard to make stimulating conversation.  Our communication was awkward and forced, but she tried her best.  It's difficult to entertain while getting your atrophied quadricep knead like it were a loaf of sourdough.  I got on the stationary bicycle with zero resistance for 10 minutes.  It felt good.  Very good.  It was some of the first "exercise" I've gotten in a long time.  My PT gave me 7 exercises to do, along with 2 elastic tension bands (basically wide rubber bands) to work out with at home.  I also get to start some pool exercises next week.  When she measured my flexion, I was at 128 degrees (which is 6 more than last week).


I originally asked Brandon to pick me up from the doctor's office and he said he would whenever I was ready.  Alissa messaged me while I was at the hospital still and asked if I wanted a Bliss from Temple.  Who am I to deny goodness?  I told Alissa I would LOVE to go and asked if she could pick me up instead of Brandon.  I make it to the front of the hospital and who's waiting for me?  Brandon.  On his motorcycle.  With only one seat and no crutch holder.  So what do I do?  I did what ANY girl in my position would do.  


I HOLLER!!!  I was like..."Yo baby, let me get a ride home on that thing."  Brandon and I both laughed and Alissa pulled in soon after and the three of us hit up the local delicious coffee spot, Temple II.


I made it out to my aunt & uncle's for family dinner and was given a few gifts for my birthday (since it was the first time I'd been able to see a few of my family members).  We had scrumptious Sloughhouse corn and chocolate cake.  It was a dream and thinking about it now makes my mouth water.

No more machine!

I went to my post-op today.  My dad rode his bicycle downtown and met me, then we drove my car to my appointment.  On the way there, I pointed out Brandon's car and told Pops how the car was hit the other day while parked on the street.  I also told him how when we walked out and the lady randomly asked Alissa, B and I if the car was ours because she had backed into it, Alissa and I started laughing hysterically and walked into the coffee shop, leaving Brandon outside to pretend to be distressed over the situation.  My dad also found the story humorous and we laughed together and B's expense.  I love my dad.


The doctor said I was 3 weeks behind schedule for what the cartilage implant company expected, but that I'm doing well for my particular situation.  If I were to have been a normal patient, I would have only been non-weight bearing for 4 weeks instead of 7.  BUT...due to my particular situation and that this was my 5th surgery, I'm not doing so bad!  


I no longer need to use the CPM machine.  My doctor's a character and when I said, "Really?!" He responds with, "Heck yes!  Throw that thing out the window!!!!"  We laughed and then he told me he doesn't advise throwing the machine out the window, especially since it'd probably cost me a pretty penny or two to replace!!  


I no longer need to wear the gigantic brace.  He said I could still wear it, but also made it very clear that the reason people are usually required to wear the brace is for a reminder.  A reminder that you can't just jump up and start walking every where.  I don't think I'll have this problem, especially since I still keep having nightmares about doing just that.  I really don't want to do anything to put my knee at risk.  I'm done having surgeries for a while.


I'm to start physical therapy next week.  I'll be going twice a week for at least 6 weeks.  I really hope I don't have to pay the $30 or whatever it is EVERY visit.  I've got my fingers crossed that it's covered by insurance since it goes with the surgery. I'm also going to try to get some extra time in on a stationary bicycle when I can.  I'm tremendously excited to start physical therapy, even though I know it will hurt.


I'm up to 122 VERY painful degrees of flexion.  As I was laying on the table, he wanted to see how far I could bend my knee.  So I bent as far as I felt I could go...then he helped me out and pushed on my leg a little.  I thought I was going to cry.  It hurt, but he was happy with the progress I've made for strengthening, he's just worried about my bending.  I can also put about 1/4 of my weight on my leg.  This is going to be terrifically helpful for my daily activities...such as showering.  Or standing.  


To celebrate my knee brace freedom I went to Jill's house to porch sit.  Her roommate Bryce bar-b-qued us some delicious hamburgers and corn.  We talked a while, I did a lot of knee bending, we talked some more, we drank beers of the root variety as well as the wheat and barley variety, we talked even more, we yelled at cougs and pre-cougs, then we saw RACCOONS.  That's right.  Freaking RACCOONS.  These little brave souls travelled from across the street and into the apartment complex down the street.  I tried to yell "raccoon" but I think I had cougars on the mind because that's what came out instead.  I was pointing at them and was hugely excited.  Once Jill and Bryce turned to the street and saw these spectacular creatures, Bryce RAN downstairs to see these things eye-to-eye and I quickly stole his seat to get a better view!!!  The raccoons ended up meandering into the apartments, but it was still an amazing sight!!!

Henry Rollins is a BABE.

The man is a freaking dream boat.


Jill came over today and we had girl talk with Alissa.  Amazing.  I also signed myself up for a massage on Thursday.  It's funny how hard people laugh when they walk in the house and just see tasty treats strewn about.  Yikes.  


I have my second follow up appointment tomorrow morning and I've got my fingers crossed that the doc will say I can start my physical therapy.


I can also say what I did not do tonight.  I did not watch the Sons of Anarchy season premier.  With uber dreamy Henry Rollins and Charlie Hunnam.  I don't watch that show.  Okay.  Maybe.  Don't tell anyone.  Gotta keep my rep.  Or something.

Picnic and nude chicks covered in graffiti

Since my last update, more than just a picnic and seeing graffiti clad ladies has happened...that just seems to be the most interesting title!!  


Friday night Chris and Amber came over and Chris made a ridiculously delicious 842084935267 course meal.  There were a bunch of hors d'oeuvres and the main course was a veggie lasagna that was delectable!!!  Chris made enough to feed an army, which was good because quite a few people happened to be over when dinner was served!  Saturday Amber took me to McKinley park for a picnic and card games.  I very poorly worked on my tan and saw absolutely zero results because I chose to sit in the shade when she told me to point at a spot to put the blanket!  Apparently pale skin is what I'm into these days!  


Saturday I went to my folk's place.  Dad showed me my birthday presents!!!  He got me a BUNCH of stuff for my bicycle!!!  I also got to hit up Temple II and see some old friends.  I also got to see Tav who refused to touch my knee scar.  He's not as tough as he looks, I guess.


Sunday night Brandon and I met up with Kip and Melissa for dinner at Chevy's on the river.  Melissa yelled at the waiter.  Brandon yelled at the waiter.  Kip yelled at the waiter.  I had to be his shoulder to cry on.  I'm such an angel.  I can't believe my friends are so mean sometimes.  Juuuuuuuuuuuuust kidding!!!!  But Melissa really did yell at him.  Hahahaha.  It wasn't a mean yell...it was sort of just a loud HEY! and he was a VERY good sport and joked about getting yelled at with all of us.


Tonight Brandon and I hobbled over to Bonn Lair and met Kip and Scotty for drinks.  Man Brandon walks fast.  I'm a fast cripple, but I was sweaty and breathing heavy by the time we made the 500 feet to get there!!!  I watched Coraline tonight too.  I was stoked when the beginning menu came on and all I saw was a needle, thread and button.  I thought to myself, "I'm going to LOVE this movie regardless."  I was very correct.


I see the doctor Wednesday.  I'm ready to start my rehabilitation.  Hopefully they'll assign me a physical therapist and say I can ride a bicycle in 2 weeks.  I wanna rule the streets already.

A lengthy and amazing birthday

First off, I wanted to make sure I thanked everyone who sent me a happy birthday message, email, text, facebook, myspace or called.  I tried to get everyone, hopefully I succeeded.


All the night before Brandon kept telling me how I needed to go to bed early because I had to maybe wake up early.  I barely got any sleep all night because our house was ridiculously hot and I was filled with anticipation.  I mean...26, that's a milestone, right?!  At 6:30 I got a birthday call from New York.  At 7:30 I was sung the happy birthday song by my amazingly adorable 4 year old cousin and at 8 I decided I couldn't sleep any more and got out of bed and got ready for the day.  While I was in the shower grandma called to wish me a happy birthday and left a voicemail telling me I was lazy because she'd already been awake for 3 hours!  Super adorable!!!


I got a phone call from Bryce just after 9 and decided I was going to go wake up Alissa and Brandon.  I felt too bad about thinking of waking them up and finally they rolled out of bed around 10.  Both of them were completely surprised to see that I was up, awake, showered, in my birthday skirt outfit and ready for the day to begin!  They took me to an unknown destination for tasty birthday breakfast (Fox & Goose!!!!) where I got an olallieberry scone with devonshire cream, amongst other delicious treats.  We got back to the house and I fell asleep in a food coma.


There was a loud pounding on the door and next thing I know, Maria and Orlando are in the house with ICE CREAM CUPCAKES (WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!) and an ice cream sundae!!!!  They couldn't stay long, but they wanted to make sure they stopped by to say hello and happy b-day!  After eating ice cream...I decided a nap was in order.  I awoke from about an hour/hour and a half nap and Will said he was coming over to visit for a short while.  While Will was at the house, I put him to work in carrying some pizza and garlic bread back to the house so I could take it to my folk's place for a combined birthday/35th anniversary dinner.


Alissa and I headed out with my bicycle in tow.  We got to my folks house to dine with Bryce, Jody, Amanda (+baby),  Kip, Mel, Sydney, Emre, Brother, Amy, Scotty, Brandon and the 'rents!!!!!  There were more people there than I expected, so it was a pleasant surprise!!!!!  After a FANTASTIC dinner and visit with everyone, we headed home.  Just as I sat down I got a message from Jill saying she was headed to Rick's Dessert Diner with Dan, Buddy and some additional amazing people in tow!!!!  I told her right then that I would be there to indulge some lemon cheesecake.  I realize that with all this food...how could I be hungry?!?!?!  For dessert even?!?!?!  There's ALWAYS room for dessert!!!!  Maybe I'll just put on a couple pounds!!!!!!


After dessert, I headed back home and Peter came over with a care package of Shirley Temple ingredients, apple crisp and a gigantic cup full of Jelly Belly!!!!!!!!!!!!  Peter got Alissa and Brandon a little tipsy and Brandon some how coaxed everyone into his room to watch youtube videos of the Slap Chop Remix and some fat kid on a roller coaster with his mom laughing at him the whole time.  Go B!

Californication

When I woke up this morning, Brandon was already at school signing up for classes.  Before he left he set up my machine (along with my yarn and needles) in his room.  I was able to finish the entire first season of Californication and half the second.  


I got a call from Sean Hills that I didn't expect.  It'd been so long since I've talked to him I thought he pocket dialed me...and proceeded make sure he knew called me.  Becca and him were in my neck of the woods so I hobbled down to Bonn Lair with Brandon and hung out for a while.  After beers and cider, we came back here and somehow Chris got talked into walking 4 blocks to our house with a fresh out of the oven cast iron pan full of rigatoni.  Delicious meal and good company...what else can a girl ask for?!

It's almost 5 and I'm looking at miniature pot belly pigs online

Yikes.  Too bad they're mad cute and ridiculously smart.  I watched a bunch of videos on youtube and saw all the neat tricks.  Maybe instead of dogs, my folks should get pot belly pigs.  I don't even remember why I started looking them up, but I always remember Royal Dandies and I guess now they make super ultra mega tiny pigs.  I know they're probably genetically altered so much that they have new unknown issues, but they're so freaking cute and baby size I want to ride around with one in the basket of my bicycle.


I woke up surprisingly early for having gone to bed so late today.  I did about 8 hours on the machine and I got some Thai food (finally) that I've been craving since about the second day I was at my folks place.  I also got to get out of the house a little longer when Brandon and I went to Jill's and did some porch sitting.  I definitely missed that for the past 5 weeks or so.  Making mistakes by yelling possibly rude things to passerby's should not be underrated.  I think perhaps I should get some shut eye...I've got a big day of ebay-ing tomorrow.

Sunflower cafe today

So I'm sitting here in bed, typing this before I decide to call it a night and let my head hit the feathers. My computer's sitting on my lap, but the whole thing is tilted left. Am I partially sitting on one of the many pillows on this bed? No. Has part of the bed started to sag since I've been sleeping in the same exact spot for the past 4 weeks? No. Oh wait, is my left leg obviously smaller than my right? Bingo!! Guess I'll prop my leg up a bit with a pillow so I don't have to tilt my head to match my screen. Adjusts. Much better.

I think today was the third day in a row I've gotten up before noon. Go Rijel! Alissa picked me up and we had lunch at Sunflower Cafe. I've been dreaming about a nutburger all up in my grill (that's what she said?) for the past few weeks. The one I had was every bit as delicious as I was hoping it would be. Although the chickens and roosters were running about, there weren't nearly as many lingering around as I'm used to.

For the past couple days I was trying to figure out when would be a good time for me to finally head back to my house to finish up with my recovery. I've decided to venture back to the Grid on Saturday. When my folks got home today I let them know. Mom looks at me and seemed sort of sad. She just said, "Oh. Okay, are you sure you'll be alright at home?" Dad looks sort of stunned and confused, "Well...who's going to make you tea?!" he asks. I sort of laugh, but neither him or mom are laughing with me. They looked pretty bummed that I set a date to head home.

One of my all time favorite things revisited: actually laughing out loud at something sent via AIM message.

Favorite thing said today: "I just want to get mopped off and take a nap."

Travel.

Holy hell. I'm pretty jazzed. Jody bought our tickets to New York today. That means I'm going back to the east coast for a couple days. That means one more state gets crossed off the list!!! Errr...rather one more state turns red. I've got tons of travel plans coming up and hopefully they'll all actually happen. Here's the breakdown:

Late August:
Rochester, NY - Niagra Falls!!!!!!

Early September:
AZ - Grand Canyon!!
San Diego, CA
Oceanside, CA
Santa Barbara, CA

Late October/Early November:
Manhattan, NY
New London, CT
Philadelphia, PA


I know for sure the Rochester trip is happening (we've got plane tickets!) and I have my fingers crossed real tight for the Grand Canyon. It's gonna be amazing. Super ultra mega roadtrip 2k8 roomie style.