A day with the sea lions

I had quite the experience the other day. Now as interns we get to help with the sea lions just a bit. This is b/c they can be pretty dangerous, but also b/c the sea lions in our area are in training. These means we have two young sea lions, also two older sea lions that came have minimal training (or had good training years and years ago). The thing that made the day cool was that I got to help and interact with all of them. With Leona Kai (3yr old) they are working with her to be less skittish and nervous in different environments. I got to help do A to B's with here. This means the trainer sends her to me, I re-enforce the behavior, and then send her back. We did this outside of the enclosure so she was ooh soo cute running back and forth in front of me. The trainers then had Wyland (2yr old) out in the pool to practice him getting use to interactions, so I got to put my hands on his back and pet him. What a squeal of delight!!! Another experience I had was with Ma'alea (older near-blind sea lion once trained), working on her interacting with people. So Azu had her give me some kisses; the funny thing about this is I was on her blind side so when Azu said kiss she didn't know where to go. Which means she once necked with me (kinda scary for me) then kissed Azu's wetsuit, and then finally got it right and kissed me on the cheek. They are also working on bringing Kamani (large older sea lion) out of the enclosure. So I got to act as a spectator so she can get use to people around.

I also got to do a sea lion interaction yesterday, these pictures are from that. Ohhh Sooo Cute...


Maukele gives me a kiss, whats with the snarl?!?


Maukele still snarling

Discombobulated

I feel all out of sorts for the past two weeks or so. I haven't been updating my blog like I use to. I guess it has come down to me trying to get things in order for Christmas, although it really doesn't feel like Christmas. I have been working on Christmas cards, getting presents bought, packaged, and ready to ship, making my Christmas letter and photo, and wishing I had all the ingredients to make my holiday ginger spice cookies :( . I have also been spending a lot of time job hunting. It is soo hard to believe the internship is going to be done with in a month, and I need to be prepared if I don't stay on at the park. I.E. looking around the island for another job hopefully using my degree and not some standard job to "get me by". The house is pretty festive now, Kyle bought a tree, I decorated stockings for all eight of us in the house. And with the help of my family I have a nicely decorated felt tree hanging in my room with "picture" ornaments of things I love. Today I even got some wrapped presents to go underneath of it until Christmas morning :) At least this year I will have something to open on Christmas morning even though it is the second one I have spent without my family.

Other than that things have been clicking along at work, at home, and out and about. I have been keeping up on updating the yahoo photos, so check those out when you get a chance. The newest additions is from the Parks Christmas party. Tons of cute photos of the interns and trainers. I hope everyone enjoys.

PS I do miss you all back in the quah. Feel free to call me when you get some time :) xoxoxo

How cute is this!!

Me and Kermie!

Aloha

The proceedings of screaming like a girl

So you know how you come across those situations where you can't help but scream like a girl? Well one of those happened at our house the other night. A rat through who knows what kind of means seem to have taken up residents in a roommates room. I go up to see what the commotion was and of course they are screaming like a girl. I trying to be the "tough kid" in the situations tell them that I will get the rat out. I also told them that most times I can handle my own but may (small chance) scream like a girl as well. Well, of course they were screaming at the slightest move of the rat. At one point I will admit I did scream like a girl, but I do have a valid reason.. The rat ran across my foot. Now who knows why we do such things in some situations where you think you are going to Mr/Miss cool. And you think you can handle it no matter what, but something catches you off guard, maybe it is peer pressure and some ungodly way catches you off guard. So just remember next time you see a rat squeal like a girl for my just so I don't feel like such a pansy.

A turkey day like no other

Who says you must spend Thanksgiving with your family? Not if your Hawaiian internship dictates your activities, but that is quite alright, you see, we pretty much had the "family" there. You know who I am talking about. The drunk members--?? gee I wonder who that would be, the quiet antisocial, the ones who keep talking and talking--- ?? again I wonder who that could be, the ones who want to leave early, the ones who linger all night, and the ones who get in spousal issues sometime during the festivities. I think I hit every family member, but I may have forgotten a few. Turkey day was a lot better than I anticipated, as most of my last few major holidays have been foiled. We had lots of great food, good company, and remained relatively short!! Check out my msn space for some fun and cooky pictures from the evening. I will leave you with this, so where out there is floating a picture of me double fisting-- bud light in one hand, champagne in the other, and a plate of food on my lap. What was I thinking-- such class.

Watch out for the hat brigade

Oh what a fun night. It happened to be the typical Tuesday of hanging out with the roomies for most of the day and then making a trip into Waikiki for the evening. All of us girls get dressed up to be looking pretty hot and we are sporting some pretty damn cute hats as well. Well, there was much to celebrate b/c one of the guys that my roomies know passed his helicopter test. He is now a bonafide pilot (he still isn't able to have any passengers until he completes his safety course and 200 additional hours of flight time). Of course there were the typical issues, roomies running into old and not so old flings that cause some emotional drama, but we have all been there. I had a great time. No major incidences; I got to dance a lot which is always a good thing. Today was a pretty lacks day; we hit up the mall and did some fun shopping and had a grand dinner at the Macaroni Grille (I highly suggest it to anyone that is going to eat at the Ala Moana mall). Now I just am reflecting on the great "weekend" and dreading having to work tomorrow. I hope that ya'll have a great turkey day. I hopefully get to enjoy a feast after I get off work!

What kind of kisser are you?

That's right boi!

You're an Expert Kisser

You're a kissing pro, but it's all about quality and not quantity You've perfected your kissing technique and can knock anyone's socks off And you're adaptable, giving each partner what they crave When it comes down to it, your kisses are truly unforgettable

What Kind of Kisser Are You?

What is your hawaiian name?

Thought this is fitting being my circumstances

Your Hawaiian Name is:

Okelani Ululani

What's your Hawaiian Name?

What kind of mixed drink are you

You Are an Appletini

Most of the time, you're a typical party girl / guy. But when you get super sauced, you really up your sex appeal.

What Mixed Drink Are You?

Good and fun

It was a good and fun week this week. It started out with a nice day at the beach last Tuesday. It was a bit breezy, but we made the best of it. Played a little fisbee and bumped a volleyball around. After a long day in the sun, sand, and surf we crashed at the house for a movie night, which entailed watching comedy movies for about 7 hours (mind you we only watched 4 movies in that time). We spent a lot of time between movies chatting, talk story, and chillin with beers on the deck b/c it was a full moon out (absolutely gorgeous). It was pretty much a typical week at work. Saturday we (a few girls from Aloha) had a girls night at Azu's and Andrew's cabin right next to the facility. What a great night! We spent it chatting about work, life, problems, and other silly stuff. We also watched a movie, played catch phrase, and played some drinking games. It was really cool. The best part was when Chrissy and I left (I was going to crash there if she didn't come). I had started my laundry down in the training facility. So I went to get my clothes out of the dryer, so I could finish them at home. I was erie yet completely awestriking walking by the pools and the animals completely calm, sleeping on the surface. All I could do was look at them and be reminded just how small of a part we are to the world, yet the amount of influence we have over everything. It was a real eye opener. As for what this weekend has in store for me; I am not sure. All I can do is hope that it is as good as last week.

The casualties of stupidity

Some days I think I have it in for myself. Like last week when I was trying to be helpful at work and ended up hurting myself more than anything. We were having issues with water levels being even in the show pool and the holding pool. Well if the levels are uneven by anything more than an inch the gate just will not move smoothly. This was the case last Thursday. I was helping move the gate so that we could get all the dolphins back together, but the water level was not even. So I gave the gate a yank to get the water flowing to help even out. Well one of the dolphins broke for its station so I wanted to get the gate open as soon as possible so she wouldn't come push on it and hurt herself. So I reached down yanked with all of my might, pulling the gate back, but in the process I slipped bruised up the entire side of my right leg, sat down (hard) on the gate, and then some how managed to flip over and fall into the pool while still holding onto the gate handle. I got a couple of "are you okay"s by the trainers, and a couple of people laughing so hard they could speak. I was okay, my pride was what seemed to be more hurt at that moment. It wasn't until I got out of the pool and had a few minutes to look down at my leg and see the scratches I received from the slipping down the wall and what was a small bruise at the time. It how escalated into a very large calf bruise that is a bit painful. All in a days work... right ?!? I just have to post pics I took of it on Saturday after it happened. Today it looks much better, I have be massaging it to make the bruise go away faster even though it hurts like a Bee itch. This is what topped off last week as being a not so fun week, and I even have physical marks to prove it!

another week

Well another week has gone by. It has been grueling yet fun and meaningful. Work seems to get longer each day, but on the bright side I have been learning sooo much. I am starting to learn how to do husbandry layouts with a few of the animals. I feel like I have really been taught things this past week that are vastly useful. I have also been enjoying the nightlife of the island. Going to Waikiki and hitting up the bars and clubs has been soo much fun. Also, yesterday I tooled around the island with a few of my roommates and we ended up at north shore chillin on the beach. Oh it was so nice except for the minor sunburn I got. You would think by now I wouldn't be prone to burning, but when you have spots that are covered at work the goal is just to even out the tan. We went through rain and shine while there. We also had a contamination warning by the fresh water run off for bacteria and a couple of hunger ducks that came over and bugged us for food. They were cute but pretty aggressive. Check out the pictures in my Hawaii photo album (my space). Other than that, things have been moving along pretty well. I have my down moment but of course I would have those no matter where I was or who I was with. Until next time keep surfin and stay chill.

Halloween

What a grueling night. It started out decent, then got really rough, but then ended on a good note. But that is what happens when you are relying on a whole group of girls to be ready at a certain time and put someone in charge of something that they shouldn't be. The plan was to head into Waikiki between 8 and 9. Well the person I thought that would not make it here on time was the first one to arrive, and then we waited....and waited... until almost 10 pm before the rest of the group that was heading in got here. On the way in we lost one of the cars following us and they didn't do too well with the verbal instructions so again we waited. We called a taxi to pick us up and they said it would be 20 minutes, and again we waited... and waited.... and then recalled and they said they were still looking for a cab that could pick the 7 of us up. At this point it was time to walk. So we started walking flagged down 2 small cabs, which dropped us off no where near where we wanted. I was frustrated b/c of how long it was taking us and at 2 of the members b/c they had pregamed so much that they could hardly walk and we had to take care of them all the way up the street to Cabanas. But it was pretty cool we walked down Kumu-Kumu and saw some great costumes and some body paint costumes that should have been wearing costumes. We finally all arrived and everyone kept asking me what was wrong. I said drop it and let me drink and I will get better, the more people ask me what is wrong the longer I am going to be pissy. Which that soon faded b/c I got to finally have a drink or two, some good conversation, and good company all night. Thanks Rob for keeping me sane! And then we bar hopped after Cabanas closed, we were going to go to Bobby G's spot after a roomie returned from taking another roomie to the car that was giving her a ride home (the one that had pregamed way to much). But I had to go to the bathroom so Rob and I went into Nashville's got a beer and used the facilities. When we returned to street level, everyone had disappeared even though they were told to wait. So we did some calling, went to Bobby's and picked up Katey and found out everyone else had gone to Kelly O'Neil's. So we made our way there. Saw a kissing booth inside and coronal Sanders, after they called closing, we wondered from bar to bar just as everyone was calling closing. Then a few of us made our way to Rob's house. I was done drinking for the night, I pulled out the water card. We all chilled and I think the few of us that stayed there crashed around 7 am (over a 24 hour day for me, yeah!). Of course, for those that know me well, I don't sleep well at others places so I probably got about 3-4 hours of sleep and didn't actually make it home until 6:00 pm the Tuesday b/c we just hang out all day. It turned out a lot better than I had imaged from the frustration and angerment that I was in when we finally got to the party. There are a few pics in my space in a new folder called out on the town. Check them out. I didn't take to many photos b/c I did want to enjoy myself so I put my camera away, besides I would have used all three of my memory cards in 20 minutes if I took pictures of all the awesomeness.

a good night/bad next day (ugggh alcohol can be bad)

This is a piece written in retrospect for what was a very fun night, but an awful following day. The day started out good, it was my Friday (Monday), so I was all ready for a night of fun. It was one of my cohort in crime at the parks birthday. We went out to Dave & Buster's for gaming and drinking. What a fun place, video games, ski ball, shuffleboard, pool, and a full bar! After playing some games having a few drinks (1/2 price mixed drinks for happy hour, good idea again added to the bad consequences), I went with one of the girls to meet up with my other roommates at Cabanas. Some good company and discussion, a bit of a downpour couldn't dampen our spirits. Again, after a few drinks and another shot we closed that bar down. A few people parted their ways, but 3 of us headed up the road to Tsunami's for more alcoholic bliss. Rob and I played 3 games of pool. I won 2 out of three and then played the next guy, kinda cute tattoo and pierced fellow, as the bar lights were coming up (he won, but I at least held my own). So my roomie and parted ways from Rob. It wasn't until we were walking to her car that I realized I was pretty bad shape. I babbled all the way home, b/c I knew if I shut my eyes I was going to become ill. I managed to make it home, but as soon as I laid down the nausea hit me. I was able to fall asleep after that, but I haven't ever felt so hung over the day after as I did from this. I would say that I have learned my lesson, but I think I really probably didn't (especially with Halloween right around the corner).

My theme of what kinda of day it is are running out

Again, it appears that I want to say that it has been a strange week. Well, maybe not all that strange as long and tiring. I feel like I am muttering through and that I can barely keep my head above water, if that at best. It has been a bit of a struggle, not with homesickness this week. I am well past that, but with a sense of heartbreak. Don't ask me where that feeling is originating from because I have no clue what so ever. Just in the past 2 days I have had that horrible sense of dread, you all know what I am talking about, sitting in a big comfy chair or laying on a coach, curled up in a sweatshirt or blanket (even if it 80 degrees out), drink some hot cocoa or eat as much chocolate as possible, and watch a feel good movie or read a really good book. I keep getting angry at myself, but again I have no apparent reasoning behind it. All I can say is I hope this feeling passes and fast.

I am coming to the end of my work week, so I hope that my weekend brings me so hope and cheer. Maybe I should catch a bus into town and do some shopping (even if I don't have any funds) or take the bus to a beach and just relax for a day, I should take my snorkeling stuff with me even. That thought alone kind of kinders my spirit and perks me up just a bit.

As usual I have added some new pics to my Hawaii album and my Work album. Check them out on my space.

Until later keep live your live and building your dreams.

What a strange day (or should I say week)

Well, let me just start with what my title stated. It has been a very strange week! Besides being moderately homesick, I just about busted into tears the other night (which those who know me is the not likely to happen). I have been trying to will people to call me. You know what I am talking about; staring at your phone and saying "insert name here" call me please. Having strange dreams as well. I have also been fighting some jealousy issues that just shouldn't be there. I have also been snuggling with my barrels. He is my little stuffed beagle dog that goes everywhere with me. Normally he sits in my truck, but since it is so far away he came on the plane with me. There have been a few other things going on this week.

In the realm of work, it has been interesting. One of the trainers quit and we had a very fun last day with her. She got "juiced" and then we all went for a swim in the Kennel pool (no dolphins in it though). It was also a cool day b/c we didn't have a last interaction. So we got to work more one on one with the dolphins on the husbandry behaviors. And that brings me to my next strange thing. I was called Dr. Penny today b/c I was helping with approximations for blood work and other vet related stuff. But of course, that got twisted. I said I don't think that is a very good name and they went off on how good a porn name that would be. The started throwing out quirky/cheesy lines for titles "time for your rectal exam", "time for your prostate exam", "turn your head and cough", "hello I will be your gynecologist today". YIKES!! It was all for a good laugh b/c what is your workday with out laughs. (sucky).

Another thing that happened this evening (not to make anyone worry), but going between our training facility and the main park is the exit road. I was walking into the park tonight and saw this strange man running straight toward me. I was taken aback and creeped out, because he looked a little dirty. Then I see this cop car come flying up the parking lot area and block his access to the road. I then saw our security guy cut him off from the grassy area where people park. He then did a 180 and headed back to the main highway (throwing his "pipe" down as he went from what security told me). When he hit the main highway, the "surfing village" of people across at the beach were yelled at to not let him get a way and to catch him. These guys take off after him and tackle him to the ground. Pretty freaky. I thought I was going to become some kind of hostage. Once I heard he had a pipe I was thinking he could have broken that and really used me as a hostage. But the good old police and our security caught him. He had supposively stolen a motorcycle and that is why the cops were after him.

So, that pretty much sums up my experiences for the week. We, my roommate Devin and a co intern Jess, on Thursday. But other than that I have been pretty much chillin at home, reading and playing on the computer, plus feeling little homesick. But hopefully that will pass. I was suppose to go out clubbing tonight but decided financially it is in my best interest to take it easy on the indulgences for awhile.

a day unlike any other

Well today was an odd day, overall I would say it was a good day. But it has one of those do you want the bad news or the good news first senarios. I, like to start with the bad news so I will lay out the bad side of the day.

Bad news:
Well it started out pretty much unlike most days, b/c we (a roomie and I) attended a party in Waimanalo last night, and instead of driving the 15 minutes home that we could have; we crashed there. It wasn't that either of us had to much to drink it was just the thought of convenience for us. Especially for me, since they were having a Triatholon on the road we take to work, so traffic was a brake grinding halt (at least that is pretty much what my other roomies said). But on the other hand, I am one of those people that need quiet, darkness, and my own space to sleep. Unfortunately, I did not receive such a luxury. I was on the couch in the living room, with 5 other people crashed out. A movie was on, and all the lights were on, and directly behind me (I was facing the back of the coach to try to cut some noise and light out) were 2 people making out. Uggghhh... GET A ROOM (one of them did reside there so she did have a room)!!!!! So, long story pretty much to say I was really tired at work. I also put in a lot of work today. The worst part of work was Sundays, we do end of day, that is getting rid of all the bad fish for the last few days. It is kept in a freezer (which decided to not work properly sometime yesterday afternoon), so it was pretty thawed, leaky and smelly :(. The truck was being used by some other department in the park, so we had to hand cart these bags of bad fish up to the dumpsters, and then throw them into the dumpsters. I lost my slippers like 2 times going up b/c I had just gotten out of the water and was completely soaked, but was soaked by bad fish juice before the unload was complete (GROSS).

Good news:
But what made the day great, is that I somehow had a lot of energy today and was ready to have some fun at work. I didn't do a large amount of fun things, but the highlight of the day was helping Chrissy out with Kekaimalu (the Wholphin), they are working with her to make her belly rides much smoother. So, to start out with I got to help with stationing and feeding her. Then I was sending her to Chrissy and helping out with the training. Then the best part of all, Chrissy had me go out and get a few belly rides from her. We also did the same thing in the afternoon session. It was great; she is so strong and does a great job of pulling you through the water. Of course, this made one of the other interns mad, but what can I say. I mean I hope she gets a chance, but I am glad I got to do it. :)

just another day

Well I know I haven't written in a while so I thought I would post today. Work has been going pretty well, of course, there are ups and downs. The last few days have been kinda a drag; feels like I haven't learned much and have been subjected to more grunt work than normal. I know this too will pass. I did get a chance today to take some photos. So, on my space I have added these new photos. Outside of work we have been causing some problems (hehe). Going out, drinking, dancing, and coming home late. I am sooo excited about work and outside time. Everything down here has been pretty chill and laid back.

Theme party

Wow, I just realized it has been awhile since I have posted. Maybe if I wasn't too busy living my life I would have more time to post. But since I go to work and bust my a$$ all day, finding energy when I come home to do more than check email can be pretty difficult. Unless it involves having an awesome party or going out to some great new hangout.

Last Friday, my roommate, Chrissy, had her birthday. To celebrate we threw a theme party... The theme "White trash bash". Oh, it was so great, except for the neighbors kept coming over (they started complaining of noise at 9:30 PM, pretty pathetic huh??). But a great time was had by all, food was consumed, alcohol drank, and random people sleeping in corners and any couch they could find not occupied. I of course have pictures that are posted on my my.space site. Feel free to check them out! It may be only Monday, but today is my Friday and let me tell you I am pretty darn excited to be getting two days away from hectic. I love it but my poor feet need a well deserved break.

Peace and love.

Monday night football

I have decided that monday is my new favorite night. We have Monday night football at the house, plus a score of alcohol. I nearly finished a bottle of rum and man was it a good time. The game this week was pretty lame, but there was plenty of entertainment from within the group. One of the best parts is just about everyone in the house has Tuesday off, so it doesn't matter about keeping peple from sleeping or anything like. Oh, life is grand here on the island. The down side, the fact that the game is tape delayed is a bum deal. B/c I am one of those people who would look up the score just b/c I know it is over and I just need to know. I had a friend keep an eye on me to make sure that I didn't do such a thing this time. I can't wait for more MNFL.

Whistle while you work

Well, I have spent a few weeks at the park now. I have taken many pictures of my precious pals. I don't have a picture of all them yet, but of course, have seen set up a few on my space. It has been fun and interesting. There are moments of annoyance, but you know that is how it is anywhere. Not much else to add at this time. I am sure actually that there is a lot I could add but just don't have the energy at this time.

Internet fix

So.... I may have been out of service for the past what 2 weeks, and trust me folks, it has been a long a grueling 2 weeks without internet. I was in need of a serious fix and luckily I got our wireless connection in the house up and active for all!!! I am so excited to have it back and be able to work on it that I am sitting in my camp chair that I just brought in from outside and it is alittle wet from the 2 minute downpour we just had. I am incredibly amazed (thanks to my bro for all his help over the phone). Of course I am going to adding lots of new pictures to the mix b/c of course. Just b/c my internet was working doesn't mean that my life stopped. lol I should say it meant that I had more of a life. My legs hurts so bad from dancing the night away on Saturday! I am also adding some backdated stuff, again, even though there was not internet; it didn't mean that I didn't want to be on it. :0 Work has been great. I have meet some interesting and fun people and already done some amazing things in my 3 weeks at the park; it can only get better from here, right? I am going to add my back log on right about here, I don't even remember what I typed but obviously it had to have some significance.
August 28, 2005

Well, I haven'’t and continue to not have Internet access therefore I am going through massive withdraws of not being able to chat with friends or update my blog like I wanted too. What can I tell you at this point? I have been working very hard at the park. It has been really cool, all the interns and trainers I work with are the bomb! Also, it is fun to see the animals progress with their training just about every day. Don't get me wrong it is a lot of hard work, but we try to lighten the mood with lots of fun. The entire experience thus far has been phenomenal! There is a nice bar not to far from the house that seems like it may just become the hangout of the house and other interns/trainers. Of course, I will always be supplying photos of such outings. One other thing I can tell is that they rainbows are soo beautiful here (again check out my Hawaii photos).

Work tomorrow

Well, I know at this point that the daily posts will be ending. 1) I start work tomorrow 2) I return as well, so the sightseeing is going to become minimal 3) I move into the house and don't know when internet will be available. It has been really fun and I am really excited to start at the park tomorrow. I have gotten a nice base tan, and we know that it will only stay pretty much where it is (b/c I don't tan much I am as you know German, English, and Welsh). Soo.. pretty much I am a white girl!! I am very proud of myself b/c I have been really good at applying sunblock so I don't end up like a lobster. I have had my pink days, and pink spots (my back that I can't reach :( ) .

Today, we met up with one of the guys from the internship that is going to be living in the house with us. He was pretty interesting......very shy, polite, geeky guy from Withita Falls, TX. We then hit up the zoo for some animal viewing, not much, but the price was very reasonable. Other than that we hit up the Wal-mart again to look for bedding and what not for the house. We couldn't buy to much b/c we still aren't sure what we will need.

Someday the daily updates will stop

Like the title suggests, SOMEDAY, just not today. It was again another gorgeous day. I can't get over how beautiful things are, excluding myself of course. This morning we got up early and hit the famous Waikiki beach. Ugghh... unless you completely love people, or an avid people watcher this place is not for you. I was a little disappointed by the section we were in and some of the people I didn't want to watch. It was amusing when a woman came out of the water and didn't realize she was bearing half of her goods for the beaches view pleasure. And people, some guys just don't look good in a speedo, actually MOST if not ALL guys should avoid this. There were some other amusing points; women who are too small, or too large to wear two pieces, people who were once white who have given themselves leathery brown skin, and people who are smoking the gong (about 500 feet from Honolulu police station) and don't think anyone sees them and then starts a coughing fit.

Well once again, there will be photos provided on my other blog (you know the addy already). Peace out my mainland homies.

The hotel switch

I am glad to say that the hotel switch is about 300% better. I have a cat cable, provided by the front desk, so I am extremely happy. I get to chat with friends and leisurely add stuff to the blog over the next few days. After that I don't know how long it will be until the landlord, Kyle, gets internet into the house.

So... what can I tell you about today. Well we went to White trash mart, uhhgg. I mean Wal-Mart. We then took a drive towards the north shore, in doing so we drove past the dole plantation and saw the pineapple farms, and we also drove past the coffee farms. It is amazing how reddish brown the dirt was. We got the beach and again it was amazingly clear. We saw a sea turtle, they are so cute. After the beach we headed back to find our hotel on Waikiki. What an awesome sight. It was then shower and head towards the market center for food and shopping. Can we say shopping galore; I could get lost for weeks in there. We encountered a sprinkle, but that felt awesome and that gave me a rainbow photo opt. Much like having a Starbucks on every corner; they also seem to have a ABC store ever block, as well as, a coach store ever block. *sings* I want a Coach bag!!!

So back at the hotel and now it is time to settle in and back towards the center tomorrow and past down towards the beach in the daylight after a short stint there this evening.

O'ahu day 3

It is going to look like I have put these all on the same day, which is true. It is because of a issue with internet, but I think I can at least get these on now. They have been written on the actual day of happening though. Also, sorry for the redundant names. I am pretty tired from a day in the sun, and am not feeling all that creative.

Day 3 and no worries, after picking my roommate up at the airport late last night we both wanted to get a late start on the day. Well, we were both up by 9 am anyway. So we went for a drive to find places. I showed her where the house is and the owner was home and let us come in and take a look, let me say that I am pretty impressed. We then went to get a bit to eat (MCD’s yeah I know I am horrible everyplayce has been somewhere I could eat on mainland). We then drove out and I showed her where we will be working, she suggested we ask if we could go in and look around the playce before Monday. They let us in, we got to a few shows and explored the Park a bit. We then went to the Waimanalo beach, the same one I went to yesterday and just chilled for a while. After that I just drove, I took a different way back to town, H3, which was spectacular, there is an awesome tunnel carved into the mountain and such beauty, again multiple pictures to share. Hunger pangs started to set in and we looked for somewhere to eat. Everything is seemingly off the beaten path. We settle on a L&L Drive-in (well it was a walk in) Hawaiian Grill, a mix of American, burgers, Chinese, and Island food. On a side note just about every menu I have read includes spam on it, especially breakfast menus (that is right kids even MCD’s advertises it on tv).

day 2 O'ahu

So, yesterday was pretty much a settling in sort of day and can tell you how sore my arms are today. I just explored the major streets and not much of anything else. Today, a day for exploration, I didn’t feel like I was anywhere near paradise yesterday; that definitely changed today. I went for drive after a leisurely morning. I thought I should see where I would be working and also take a cruise by the house in which I will be living. Man am I in awe. On the way out towards the Sea Life Park I came across so many different beaches and just beautiful sights. I decided I was going to stop at one, but thought I would do that on the way back after driving past work. Well, I found a beautiful beach just past work that had hardly anyone on it. Sure beats the thought of going to crowded Waikiki, but I am sure I will still do that over the next few days. I also drove by Diamondhead, and Koko Crater, two quite awesomely cool sights. I will explore them more later. I again have included photos and again most were taken while I was driving (I am a bad driver lol). I never expected half of the beauty here. I really wish I had someone here to share it with, but what can I do. I guess besides call everyone and make them jealous (been there, will do it again). Tonight I get to pick my roommate up at the airport. I am so excited to show her what I already have discovered and I haven’t even left the southern and western part of the island.

Day one O'ahu

Well I made it! After 5 hours of flight, 1 turkey sandwich, 1 Koh Hawaiian Ice Tea, 1 Lion’s Coffee (Hawaiian grown). We landed on island that was a balmy 89 degrees. Just being able to move and stretch out was all I was really concerned with at that point. It wasn’t until lugging around my luggage (I wish at this point I had a cabana boy!) and then waiting in line with Alamo for an hour to get my car could be looked at as not so good points of the day. The worst part of the day; walking out and seeing that I have been given a Pontiac Vibe as my car for the week (WHAT!!) Well I decided to drive around and try to get lost haha. Let me tell you they shouldn’t call it Interstate H1, and H3 for more than 1 reason (the obvious is that they don’t connect any states) but b/c the speed limit on these supposed routes is between 35 and 50. Uggggghhh, but of course no one runs that slow. I took a drive down Lagoon drive and saw this really cool lagoon, and then at the end by an airport is a parking lot that I pulled into to look at directions and figure out where I was and where I wanted to end up. Well, I had 2 F16’s take off over my head and I was parked to a new Pontiac GTO. Mommy do I want that car, maybe not in yellow, but I want that car. The first meal here I decided to stop at Wendy’s (I just about hit up MCDs but figured I could have done that in North Bend. Good news, my meal cost about the same it would have in Seattle (huge sigh of relieve), also gas prices the same, not 5 bucks a gallon. So now I just have to compare food prices. And I figured while I was at it I would go into my first store on the island. Hmm… what ever could it be… howsabout the Honolulu Harley Davidson dealership. That’s right kiddies, momma is making you proud. Of course, the picture I took outside after word makes it look downright heavenly. Of course I will have lots of nifty photos on my spaces website. http//:www.spaces.msn.com/members/icydol/ Until later aloha.

Good-bye

This is the final blog from mainland, the next time I talk to you will be from Oahu.

Well, I know that a lot of people don't like good-byes, but I for one like them. If everytime I moved on and didn't say good-bye then I would have missed opportunities for closer. Even though I know that it isn't permanent, others will move on to bigger and better ventures. And while they may not have wanted to say good-bye it would be a good thing that it is done.

I have been thinking about how much I have changed in the 4 years that I have been here in WA. I am ABSOLUTELY not the person who came here. I don't know what happened to her, I am sure that I have her somewhere deep down inside. The biggest changed came about a year and a half ago. When I actually decided I should get a social life and started to hang out with people from work. They can tell you that when I first came here I was a quiet, shy girl, who went to work, didn't talk to anyone, did the job, and went home. My experience at the FHL again changed my perspective on things. My eyes were open wider and life's pieces started to fall in place. Since then I have made myself much more of a people person. I have grown both internally and externally.

I have many people to thank for this amazing transformation. Like a catapillar to a butterfly (or in my case a moth lol), I have morphed into a person I never thought I would ever become, but am glad that I have become this person. You all know what part you have played in my life and just how significant your contribution meant. I love you all in some way (yeah, you all know I am not the mushy one and I don't use those words unless I mean them). Affection from me is shown in 1 of 3 ways; a hug, rubbing your head (if you have short fuzzy hair), or biting on your shoulder. :)

So... you all know how to take this, and I guess I have said what I have needed to say. I hope everyone the best if your ventures make us part ways for this to be the final, but if not. You know we'll hook it up when I see you again.

Hugs, bites, and headrubs until then.


"Wake up Blade; this is your rescue" ~Hanibal King (Blade Trinity)

uggh.. and I thought my head hurt last week

Well, it was my final Tuesday night at Doofers, how sad. But I will say it was an awesome night. The afternoon started off with a dip in my friends pool, we hung out, chilled, and just relaxed. After a bite to eat, we headed to the bar. For usual pitcher(s) of beer, darts, good laughs, and music. I finally got back into the swing of things with darts and won 3 of the 4 games we played. WAHOO!! There were a few misfires on the juke box due to mishit buttons (who would have thought after having a few beers). After being there awhile we decided we would go back to my friends house and chill in the pool again, literally. So, we run to the local QFC get some beer head back. It was soo much fun. What a great night. Beer, a pool, great company. I am sad that I have to say goodbye soon and that was the last full fledge Doofers night, we really should have gone to Shari's early this morning, but all in all great night, great times.

"It was great, she let us put dollars in her what not!" friend who wishes to stay anonymous

How pumped am I

Now I know this sounds a little silly, but how pumped am I that I just found that courtTV is running reruns of FastLane. So many good things in all one place. 1) Peter Facinelli, 2) good music, 3) Fast cars, 4) Beautiful cars, 5) Beautiful woman, and 6) Peter Facinelli!!!! All that goodness wrapped up in one good little package. Yes, I understand that the acting isn't exactly prize winning, but who needs that. The show is enough to make me set my computer aside and not touch it for a full hour (unless I get bored with commercials, like right now). Well anyway back to the show. Now if someone will start playing John Doe reruns.

What a great video

Last night among all the partying the laptop came out, ohh wait, it never got put away 'cuz I am a geek like that. Anyway, one of my friends showed me a pretty cool website of videos and of course one video title in particular caught my attention. Check it out, this is of course what I would absolutely love to see someday. And it is no wonder why they are hard to find.

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/octopus.html

"As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world... as in being able to remake ourselves." ~Mahatma Gandhi

uggghhh.... my head hurts

Well, the long absence of parties at my house has really been sad, but that of course is b/c my neighbors complained. Last night I hosted a quaint party that was a lot of friends. My good friends invited and the riff-raff told that I didn't get clearance from the neighbors for a party (which was actually true). But we had a good time, good food (who can resist my hotwings besides the vegetarians), pool, music, singing and dancing (no lamp shade on the head, but I sure that would have been if there was one around).

Amiss the few awkward moments the night went off pretty well. The highlights was Charles rendition along with Bohemian Rhapsody (got that on video!!!), and Sarah cleaning her pool cue with 0000 steel wool and asking "like this" (I wish I had her rubbing her stick down on video :( ). Ryan and Lauren I STILL need those release forms signed j/k.

Thanks to all for making the night fun, full of laughs, and memorable. This is definitely one of the things I will miss the most when I am gone. (of course if you want to see some of the pics from the night visit www.spaces.msn.com/members/icydol/

"It is possible to believe all the past is but the beginnings of beginnings...." ~HG Wells

Awww the return of routine, well sorta

What a nice and pleasant return to some sort of normalcy. I mean being able to cook a good meal, which I could tell that my brother missed tremendically with the busy schedule I have been keeping. I made Italian chicken over penne on Monday night and even for me it was great to be back in the kitchen. Mark was so pumped about the meal that he started boasting that he knew what he was taking to work for lunch on Tuesday. The simple things that make us happy, both him and I.

And another simple pleasure that I have missed much over the past 2 months. Tuesdays at Doofers has returned (at least last night and next Tuesday). It was nice to go in sit down with a group of friends, order a few (haha a few) pitchers, play darts and BS. It was a bit rough at moments last night as realization did set in for about half an hour about what will happen to me and the scariness of leaving, but you know I had to kick that in the @$$. Instead conversation went to the normal playce it does on Tuesdays: strippers, porn, and sex lives... Good God they really do think I am just one of the guys. And as usual the topic of my sweet Kate was brought up, just to remind me, but to rectify myself all I have to do is start talking about the hot (male) bartender at The Brick, and of course listing off my babies daddies... Jason Statham, Derek Jeter, and LL Cool J. Yeah in my DREAMS!

The New and Improved Dive buddy

Well, he may be a bit small, but he comes with his own DPV. I am talking about Scuba Steve as he has been named. Heidi found him on Friday night at the Diver's fair in Seattle (to see pictures check out my other blog www.spaces.msn.com/members/icydol ). He is a cute, little, okay for a toy not so little, self propelled diver (I would say about a foot long). Excitement for Scuba Steve seem to run pretty close to the excitement about glowsticks, but this one I can relate too especially since I had many bath toys from boats to a scuba guy and gal with their own raft. I also had the whales that you pulled the fish out of their mouth (on a string) and they chased it down once in the water. Scuba Steve where every you are and what ever you do best of luck to you!

Sooo much info

Okay, so this past weekend was chalked full!! So I decided to break up my blog into 2 separate entries. Even though they both will probably turn out incredibly long at least I will try my best to keep it short. This blog will entail home and work portions of the weekend while part II consists of the scuba portion of my weekend.

This was my finally weekend of work at my retail store. Friday was an interesting day b/c I thought most people knew, especially since our store is the gossip capital. I told them at our morning huddle that it was a pleasure working with most of them and that I was moving onto bigger and better things that pertain to what I have been studying. Some where in shock to finally hear this. Friday was a fun day with lots of joking around with people while keeping my composure. Saturday on the other hand seemed to be a day from HELL. Besides coming in from diving, I had someone call out and the floor had about 3 callouts. This meant very short staffing. If I need someone to come up and back up cashier, ha best of luck. All I could do was try to keep things together and lead the team. I didn't get everything done that I should have before I went home b/c it was just too busy. Sunday was a short day, but I again there were issues. I got there a little later than I liked (our boat got back later than I think was anticipated), and then when I went to change clothes. I zipped up my skirt, but guess what?? Unbeknownst to me, it didn't zip up. I walked across the salesfloor with my supergirl underwear showing. The security guy chased me down and told me I should fix that before I came back out(of course I just laughed it off and said "well, I guess everyone just needed to see supergirl panties tonight". Well, there was no fix so in my office I threw my shorts back on and rushed out to the salesfloor and bought some new pants for a 3 hour shift, the week that I take my spare clothes out of my truck is of course the time that I need them. Seriously, all I could do was laugh all night. I really didn't get much accomplished b/c I had short-timers and spent most of my time just closing registers down.. ahhhh to be done. It was nice to be able to get up this morning and not have to worry about work. But then I looked around and realized that there is so much I have to worry about this house. My plants were in desperate need of water, the dishes in the sink had become heaping with more by my chair and some by my brothers. Of course there is so much mail I haven't gone through, and paperwork I need to work on, and financial matters to tend too. Ugghh... All I can do is start on it and work on it through the rest of the week until everything is back in its place.

Part II

So... now onto the scuba part of my busy weekend. It all started Friday afternoon when I went in to pick up gear and buy some new gear for my next adventure. I arrive at Alki a little early (but that is always what I do), so I sat down in the grass and took some photos of the Seattle skyline; the night was very nice. We then proceeded on to the dive. I didn't feel to nervous, but that would soon change once we got in the water and started to descend. I had some issues, disoriented by the darkness and couldn't seem to figure out how to get buoyant enough to stay off the bottom without going straight up. I did settle down for awhile and got to see some cool things, a huge jelly, a bunch of shrimp that just stop in their tracks when you put lights on them. We did some searching in jars for octopi, but had no luck. Again, the experience was strange, but definitely didn't scare me away from trying it again. Saturday's dives went very well, I feel. I gained more control over my buoyancy control. Dive one was a deep dive and played with blocks to see if there was any notable sighs of being "narked". We all made it though the exercise quite well. The second dive of the day was a navigation dive, we used our compasses and plotted out a triangle and a square. I am sure I could have done better but I did come fairly close to where we started. Again seeing loads of cool things. Sunday, was the best day by far, We loaded up on a boat just before noon and headed out along the shores of Tacoma. Dive one, was on a natural reef and we saw many pycnapodia (sunstars), leather stars, a wolf eel (so ugly they are cute), a urchin bed followed by a encrusted sponge scallop bed. We then reboarded the boat and chilled for a while, we went to the Tacoma Narrows for the last dive. We did a drift dive at around 2 knots current strength. This dive was the one that I thought I would have the most problems with, but it actually seen the easiest (I am sure that each dive after this will seem the easiest as I get more and more accustom to buoyancy and what not). It was very fun just to let the current move you and to just look under the ledges and up on the shelves as well as seeing huge Nereocystis lukeana stipes and blades. The seaweed was just awe inspiring huge. Just reconfirms why I chose the career path I did.

Once again I want to give a shout out to my instructors for the advance class Jeremy and Heidi. Thank you guys, you two rock. It has been great workin' with y'all.

childhood fascinations

I was reminded the other night of just how long childhood fascinations can stay with us. I will not include names or where I know this person from. But I had someone show me enthusiasm can linger after many years. Unfortunately I couldn't share the enthusiasm with the said product. The item: glowsticks. "And we... and we.... glowsticks yea!!" I started to think about my own childhood, and realized that anything pertaining potential chemicals and anything that was flammable was pretty much not allowed or confiscated from me. So, needless to say, I was very experimental with mixing chemicals and breaking things. And after my brother and I started a small bonfire on our cement patio as kids we were monitored with flammable items. So as I think about what makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I guess I would have to say anamaniacs, pound puppies, kites... hmm... I keep thinking shuffleboard but that is a new fascination. I am sure that I have forgotten something, but you know I can always add it later :)

And then there was a huge sigh of relief

Well, one more stressful thing is checked off the list for the big move. It seems that my roommate (another intern at the sea life park) has secured us a place to live. I was going crazy with this tedious task with phone calls and emails and going to sublet sites to find us a reasonable priced place to live. From the sounds of it; it is good size house that is being purchased and is being rented out to interns for the sea life park. There are going to be a few interns staying there who have cars and it is also the closest city to SLP. Again another huge sigh of relief. To get to live in a house I was expecting the very high end of the price range that we had decided to look for a place, but no I am pleasantly surprised to hear that it will be under 400 dollars. I am a bit hesitant about it, and will have to stay in a hotel for the first few days until all the paperwork and everything is completed, but all in all I am one more step closer and one more major pain crossed off the list.

grrrrr....people annoy me

Working retail can be a tough job, especially when most people in this world annoy me. That is okay b/c I am sure that I annoy a fair share of people myself, and I have come to accept that. But what really gets to me are those few problem customers or people who just won't stop talking. I am reminded of this b/c last night when closing I had such a customer. He generally comes in at LEAST once a week and has to talk for 10 minutes to every employee he runs into. Also, he tries to return the most obscure things. Like a bag of chips (entirely eaten) and claims that they are stale. Last night it was 1/2 a bag of bird seed "that the birds just don't like". I have had it with him and refused the return and he said "I understand, I had to try". WHAT!! NO YOU DIDN'T!! And even though I had another person in line behind me he has to babble on some crap that I just nodded and tried to get back to work. It didn't help b/c the lady behind him tried to return a box of Glad trashbags (1/2 used and receipt over 90 days). She said she had never had anyone so strict on policies and asked if I was training to become a manager. Well, "I am a manager already", but of course she didn't believe me on that. I just don't get people and really don't want to anyway.

And the winner is...

Much like the past 6 years Lance had again shown us that he has rebuilt himself into a super human. He was able to rebuild exactly the muscles he needed to be the best damn bike rider EVER!! I will refrain from using any and I mean any of the corny Sheryl Crow puns that the sports stations and persons believe is just so funny to use. I have a hard time believing that this is his last year. Some where deep in my heart I keep telling myself, yes he will be taking the next year off, BUT he will be back. He does it so well and I don't know if he can actually retire from it. All in all I want to think that he will continue on doing the great things that he does and wish him the best in all the ventures that are yet to come.

2nd day in open water

Well, I did it. Second day in open water went a lot smoother than the previous day. It was a great experience and relief to get through all the required skills to be certified. And now I am truly ready for my adventure to Hawaii. I was told at then end of our first dive today that the instructor believed that all of us that were "touring" with him were ready for the next class. And it was reconfirmed by the other instructor at our debriefing. Which is a good relief since I already paid for it yesterday when I got my tanks refilled. So I am going to take the advanced class to get more practice and a better understanding of my own abilities before heading off to Oahu, again where I would love to explore the wreck YO-267. This is where I get cheesy and thank the staff at Underwater Sports (in Bellevue), my instructors Jeremy R. and Hiedi K., and all the classmates I had that helped each other out if something seemed off. Great job guys-- happy diving in the future.

1st day in open water

Well this blog is brought to you by blistered fingers, a sunburned face, and one tired icy. BUT among all those seemingly negative the days experience was phenomenal!! Let me clarify that the blistered fingers were not from today, but from trying on multiple wetsuits yesterday (Bless the heart of the shop employee obviously thought I was smaller than I am). Neglect on my part lead to a slightly burnt face. I saw some amazing things today, a harbor seal playing in the water (something great to see underwater), a pisaster (purple seastar for you non scientific folk), a pycnapodia (sunstar), a "fried egg jelly", and a crab. I also was mentally naming the seaweeds that I saw underwater or on the beach as we were walking up to the staging area. Only minor problems seemed to plague me in the water like not being weighted enough, having hair caught in my masking making me need to clear it often, and sometimes not thinking through my clearing process fully (aww duh).

SCUBA

Well the acronym finally came back to me, even though it isn't in any of my coursework.. Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus... But in away for all the mumbo jumbo I have had a blast learning the concepts and then doing the skills in the pool. It really does help with you have a couple of really cool teachers who tell you stories. I am sure some of them shouldn't be shared, but what the hell. I have been paying close attention and am trying my hardest with everything. It isn't that I am scared to be embarrassed (because I have made some bone head mistakes and I fully admit to them) , but it is that I want to succeed to my maximum potential. I do not want this education to go down the drain and know that I will use it in Hawaii for my career and also for fun. I really want to hit up the YO- wreck and see all the pretty things that grow there now as well as see how good I am at underwater photography. Since I seem to do pretty well at the surface. Time will tell...

The perils of camping

So I spent the last weekend camping with friends up just on the other side of the mountains (maybe even considered in the mountains) of Washington. It was a blast. There were downsides... wind and it being too chilly to take the jet skies out for a good romp on the lake. Of course the day we were packing up was absolutely perfect for that kind of adventure. It was great to get back in touch with nature. Bringing in food, water, firewood, alcohol, and of course iPod to have something to listen to while there. And the funny thing is, we were not the only one. One of the campers down on the beach definitely had one b/c you can tell by the misc assortment of music being played as well as the song skipping after about 30 seconds in a song. It was pretty tight. Tell you want though, I do not miss smelling like a campfire, especially my hair; which I couldn't break that smell until I had my scuba lesson in the pool last night. But the excitement of sleeping in a tent, playing poker, getting snockered around a campfire, making s'mores, and just chillin in the sun was grand. All in all I would have to say the trip was pretty good, with only minor set backs. I know jimmy was pumped to find some gravel roads that were potholed as all get out.

Thought of the day: Some people are like Slinkies ...Not really good for anything,
But they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

Girls=dumb

Okay, so I may be one, but that DOES NOT change my opinion. I am sick of hearing women (more like girls) acting like such babies! There would be a reason that I choose to have mostly male friends. I want to avoid the drama that females carry along with them. I am on a soap box and bitching just like most females, but some females (and you all are thinking of at least one or two at this moment) that just takes bitching about everything just a little to far. Seriously, what is with the drama. And like I said being how most, actually all, of my closest friends are male this has seemed to provoke even more drama from their girlfriends. Uggghhhh... I just cannot win. All I want to do is hang out with my friends, drink, play Texas hold 'em, shuffleboard, and what not. It doesn't mean that I am trying to take anyone's man away from them. Hell, I have probably had more physical contact with said females that I have with their male counterparts. So.. as I step down from my soap box, I do want to make this statement. Girls you need to loosen up and quit being such party poopers you only have to deal with me for less than a month. AND DON'T WORRY ABOUT YOUR MEN, THEY ARE SAFE. I AM ONLY GOOD ENOUGH TO BE ANY MANS BEST FRIEND ANYWAY, IF I AM NOT WORRIED YOU NEED NOT BE WORRIED EITHER! So there.

Some fun information

Through the email mass communication system I had one of the all telling emails with a site link. But I this one I actually enjoyed b/c I love to learn what the cosmos has to say about the person I am. There are two different informational segments that I thought I would share. I really don't know what to think/believe about my name and birthday dictating who I am but there are definite traits that seem to pop up frequently and I hear from people I know that they think I am definitely these things. So if you wish check it out for yourself and you decided if the cosmos knows who you are.

http://www.paulsadowski.com/birthday.asp

http://www.paulsadowski.com/numbers.asp

Uniforms

I never thought I would be so pumped about a uniform especially one that involves a swimsuit. But I actually am. My uniform for the Sea Life park will consist of a swimsuit, black shorts (preferably board shorts), sandals (something else I am really pumped about I hate shoes!!), a tee-shirt, and a hat. I am definitely getting more excited every day about this new adventure that I am going to start, yet the anxieties are still there and have their moments in the frontal lobe. But overall I am so excited!!! I wish I could bring all my friends with me, but I do know that isn't possible. You better all miss me, and I know that I will be keeping you updated with pics and all. :)

People and the pets who love them

I am writing this in response to some issues I have had to deal with lately. 1- being people who think they can take their pets everywhere with them. This includes into discount stores (oh.. I am not talking about PetSmart or Petco where they encourage it!), but a regular run of the mill every day discount store. I have seen this many times in the store in which I work as well as ones I shop in. Do people not understand issues with bringing in their pets. Allergies of other people, the fact that some of these store sell and serve food, and just that animals have a tendency to do what they want when the want, ESPECIALLY PUPPIES. This brings me to the store that actually made me write this. A woman brought her puppy into work and decided to place it on the conveyor belt; well, the belt started to move. Guess what?? The puppy got scared and piddled right there on the belt and items on the belt. The cashier had the unfortunate experience to have picked up one of said items. The customer just laughed and dabbed at the mess with a paper towel. She was quite inconsiderate about the fact that we didn't want to pick up this mess. I wanted and still want to shot her, the owner, in the head with some soft pellet gun. JUST LEAVE THE PUPPY AT HOME, or is she afraid it will piddle on her carpet.

This brings me to my second point. Even though I do not want to see you bring your gd pet into the store, I do NOT, I repeat DO NOT, want to see you leave them in the car. I don't care what the temperature is, it is unfair to the creature to leave it locked up. ESPECIALLY this time of year, we, as a store, cannot overhead page people b/c we are in a shopping complex and the owner (who should be looked in a hot room with a fur coat on) may not even be in our store. So, once again I just want to say leave your pet at home. Or else I will shot you in the head with a soft pellet gun. BECAUSE YOU DESERVE IT.

wow, something very unbelievable but believable

So chatting with my brother via a messenger program (I will not promote nor condone any here) while he is in meetings in Montreal. When he sends me a link to a sight (what else does he have better to do when on a business trip). I suggest you visit this page: http://www.bizarreonline.net/news/images/studioupdate/nyshot2.jpg (Go now!! or else I won't continue my story...... Good). Of course, I was slightly baffled by what I saw. I didn't see anything unusual with the picture and was curious just what I was to be paying attention to. Feeling really dumb, I replied back to him. "I don't get it"; expecting a back lash of some ridicule for missing something obvious I wince as he replied. "It's a shot of PGR3 taken from xbox 360 hardware. " WHAT!!!!! This shot is so realistic I thought it was a photograph as well did he. And from the home sight of this as did a lot of people. If you want to check out the whole story as well as renderings from the creation of this masterpiece check out http://www.bizarreonline.net/index.php?action=fullnews&showcomments=1&id=32

A sad day

As I was looking through headlines this morning, I became saddened when I came across one. Paul Winchell, age 82, dies. Why am I saddened over a Paul dying in his sleep in the comfort of him home at a ripe age or 82? It is because he was the voice of one of my most beloved childhood characters... T I double Grrr R. Throughout his life he had many great accomplishments. Being a great ventriloquist and bringing dummies to life on TV, an inventor who held 30 patents, including one of the early artificial hearts in 1963. Yet, I know personally I will not forget some of the memorable voice he created. Gargamel of "The Smurfs", Boomer of "The Fox and the Hound", and once again the famous Tiger pal of Winnie the Pooh. The laugh that everyone knows so well (I know you can hear it in your head right now). And the famous taglines: "That's what tiggers do best", "The most wonderful things about tiggers are tiggers are wonderful things. Their tops are made out of rubber; their bottoms made out of springs.", and my personal favorite "TTFN---Ta Ta for now".

If you want to learn more: http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=195179&GT1=6657

With such a strong influence on children all over the world it is only fair for me to bring this segment to a close. TTFN -- Ta Ta for now.

iPod cases unlike any other

I understand that it is for an amazing cause, Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC). Believe I am all for helping with finding a cure for this and have added my support to the breast cancer funds. After all with the pair that I am supporting someday I will need the support of such groups. It is great to see such designers throw their hat in the ring. But as I look through the designer iPod cases to be auctioned off for the FTBC, I am flabbergasted that these are actually considered attractive. After looking at these I am fully happy with the standard black clip protective case that came with my iPod. Check them out: http://www.fashionwiredaily.com/articles/article.weml?articles_link=16166&cookie=true

A Tuesday unlike any other

Well the Tuesday started out fairly normal... Me not working... Sleeping in... but quickly changed. Besides the fact that my family was still here and we had to take my sister, her fiance, and my niece to the airport. I would still call it pretty typical. I met up with my friends at the standard location, Doofers.. the party was then moved to a bar hop night, meaning I would be a taxi cab. Unfortunately this is where events start to turn bad. I was driving to the next location with not much of a problem, then a friend of mine passed me, as well as, another car. Well, not to be left to far behind I sped up to keep up which eventually ended up in a moving violation for me. Because I was the "tail" of the group the cop decided I was the best target. This was the turning point of my night, as I am trying to save money for my move and just dropped some large bills on my plane ticket I couldn't/cannot afford this right now. Also, I can't have my insurance go up right now since I will still have to have insurance on my car even though I won't be taking it with me. The night did liven up a bit when we arrived at the next and final destination... The Rolling Log... and let me just tell you I am now pumped about this place. It is my new favorite place besides having great prices on pitchers of beer they have a SHUFFLEPUCK BOARD. I use to be a dart fanatic in bars and now I just want to go somewhere I can play shufflepuck!

check out some info:
http://store.shuffleboardfederation.com/shuffleboard/shufflelinks.html

Okay well that is about all I have to say on that. Oh yeah, if anyone wants to buy some jewelry I have some I have to sell to pay for a ticket.... anyone need an engagement ring?

Now let's go play shufflepuck board.

Awwww the joys of silence

Now don't get me wrong, I love my family just as much as most twentysomethings. BUT there is a reason that I moved 1100 miles away.... to avoid the inevitable "worry" speeches from my mother and the short fuse, and heavy drinking of my father. Not to mention having an extra cat in my house....YES I do love my cat, but I have decided I definitely do not want two unresponsive furry critters in my house. I have also decided that my niece just hasn't grown up yet. She is in the mid age (11) so she thinks that the world still owes her and she can whine and use a very high pitched squeal when she isn't getting her way. Unfortunately I can only hand so much of this, especially since I am known to whine myself from time to time. There are many good points of having the famn damily around... 1) I got lots of new stuff, clothes, kitchen accessories, scuba gear, scuba lessons. 2) someone else to nag my brother and finally get him to clean out his gutters. 3) a full fledge reason to have to go out on Tuesday night (though there is always a FULL fledge reason to go out on Tuesdays). 4) I got to cook for lots of people, and since cooking is one of my many passions this was great. I prepared a rather simple breakfast one morning of eggs, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, and toast.. and then a grand italian dinner of spaghetti w/ meat sauce and alfredo with toppings of chicken, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, and tomatoes YUMMY!! But now I sit here and look around and see everything I need to now do. Laundry, put away all my new stuff, dishes, and putting all the dishes away someone else has washed, vacuuming the multitude of cat hair up, and put away the bedding..... *sigh* I guess that only means one thing... I gotta go out.. I can't be here in this mess I will leave it for later :)

A day for the planaria

Graduation was a definitely a day to remember. I am going to claim it was a day for the planaria. The ceremony took place in grand Huskie stadium, which would have been grand if the skies had not decided to open and replenish Puget Sound with moisture. I know, a bit of an exaggeration, but that is what it felt like. Certain people, name ALMOST EVERYONE, couldn't handle getting a tiny bit wet. They woosed out and rain for the stands to get an umbrella from good old mom and dad. And soon after the college started to provide clear ponchos to the students. Well, at this point there becomes the dilemma.... I am already soaked so why bother, or get a poncho to prevent my white shirt under my gown from become even more see through.?.... I can tell you this; I was sitting wit"h 4 other students who had braved the weather of San Juan Island at Friday Harbor (2 in my ZooBots course, and 2 from a previous year ZooBots), so we know what it is like to be stuck out somewhere without your raingear. The five of us toughed it out even though faculty kept asking us if we wanted ponchos and amist the parents or other family members calling or texting our cells telling us they wanted to leave. I forced my family to stay until I walked across the stage (at which point I was completely drenched and shaking like a leaf). Our Mortar boards were so soggy (and not just us who refused ponchos) that we all looked like pointy head planaria. Hence, it was a day for the planaria.

"Do not listen to those who say, 'You're taking too big a chance.' If he did not take a big chance, Michelangelo would have painted the Sistine floor and it would surely be rubbed out today." Neil Simon ~commencement speech at Williams College, 1984

Boys and their amusement of fire

Once again a fun night in the crew seems to involve the drinking of mass amounts of alcohol. And somehow that can be a bad thing. Sometimes it leads to lighting things on fire and creating a bon-fire in someone's back yard. In one said bon-fire the WD40 can came out and a recliner somehow ended up in the fire. It was a great and fun night. I loved seeing a remote fall out of the recliner as it incinerated to dust. Again check out my other blog for pictures of this sight. I have decided I am very happy that I carry my digital camera around with me at all times! It has made for some great photo opportunities.

Bosses

So every once in awhile you get details or have pictures of your bosses that just seem odd to have. I know many of the people I manage have a few of me. Uggh... at least have many pictures from within my house. But I am talking about a gathering that is set up by the bosses, who are to not have any "outside relations" with the underlings. The event is company sponsored yet you come across some odd situations. Some of my favorite are watching the store manager trying to figure out how to play a PSP. Another is another executive deciding it is a good idea to lick his plate in a restaurant. Also sometimes it is hard to imagine these people whom you look up to and somewhat respect as people. Hearing that they like a movie like Eurotrip sends me laughing! If you want to see these pictures feel free to look at my other blog. www.spaces.msn.com/members/icydol

Bludgeoning birds

Once again as I was preparing supper I had another bird decide to bludgeon itself on the picture window over the breakfast nook. This has come to be about a 2 to 3 times a day occurrence. Yet I cannot figure it out, because washing windows is something that I just don't do, and since my brother doesn't do it; it just plain and simple doesn't happen. Each time it happens it seems put my cat into a frenzy with wanting to go out. Like he is saying "Mom, I can get this one!". Even though it is tempting to let nature do its work, I do feel the urge to intervene. Well on tonight's occasion, a Stellar Jay decided that it could fly through the window, as I looked up once I went out the light did make it really tough to not see the trees' reflection. I was certain that it was a goner; all it did was lay on its back and breath heavily. The bird did not move its weeks or its legs. I then went out to check on the grill, ironically I was cooking chicken, the bird did not move or make a sound. I returned to the house to tell my brother that he needed to take care of the bird that was going to be dead in a little while. Well, we sat down to eat dinner, and I kept looking out at the bird. To my amazement it somehow turned itself over, again sending my cat in a frenzy. Well, I don't know when or how, but the bird did manage to get itself off the deck and probably back in the trees. We will see if the saga continues and it decides that the window is drive through again at a later date. If so... he deserves to die! (Darwin at work)

"That someone out there's/Listening to the same song/
Feeling the same way that I do/Make me a believer pick up the receiver
And tell me you feel just like I do"

Graduation

Well my graduation is fast approaching. I am very excited that it is going to actually be finally official that I am done (even though I have been done with college for 6 months). It is really strange to be done with college, and still in the same place. Even though we know that that will be changing in 2 months. Wow! 2 months I will be in Hawaii. Oh.. off the subject. Well, I am not really interested in the formal ceremony that my family believes is important to attend (my father thinks this is very important, even though he tells me that when I get married I better be eloping to Vegas). Me.. a get away to Las Vegas would have been just fine with me for graduation not for a wedding. A friend of mine has suggested do the cap & gown with nothing underneath, but I do NOT think that I would be doing anything like that.

The anxiety of my family being here for a week and having to deal with the drama that accompanies them. Also have a full packed day from having to get up early, picking family at the airport, heading to UW for family pictures in front of Drumheller fountain, graduation ceremony, and then a reception at my house. Which of course, I would have had to have cleaned and prepped food the day before, awww... I am already exhausted from the activities.

Watching Mallrats right now!

Things are what they are

Another fun day in the ho-hum world of retail. I wish I could tell you that I love it, but that would a belligerent lie. How can people be excited to go and serve people ever day of their life? I guess that would be why I am not that much of a people person. Oh, I will admit that my personable skills have increased by leap and bound from this job. Enough to for me to think that I will do well in the non-human world explaining the behavior and answering questions to the not so knowledgeable. But, that still doesn't answer my question, on why people are so needy or inappreciative of being served? I think this will be one of life's great mysteries.


"Roses are cliche, so how would you feel 'bout an offkey serenade that was sung outside of this bar by a naked man, his dog, and a broken down guitar?"

hmm......

Well, I have been racking my brain for a few days trying to come up with something fun and unique to say on my blog, but some how I have been stuck since pop culture. I did think of more things to add to that.. especially since I completely spaced out the remake of Willy Wonka in the Chocolate Factory. How could I have been so spacy! But I have thought of a few random thoughts that seem to throw people off.

See you on the flip side (I have noticed that this seems to boggle the young minds, ones who have never seen an LP, vinyl, or record. Heck some of them don't even know what a cassette tape is!).

What you talking about Willis! .... Good old Gary Coleman who could ever forget.

Some disturbing random thoughts that really make people wonder...

I want to have your abortion. ('nouf said)

Show me on the doll where the bad man touch you. (this one just creeps me out and makes me want to curl up into a ball and cry)

Pop Culture

So I saw something on the "internet" that caught my attention: With the Star Wars saga coming to a close is this the end of pop culture? I was shocked, with a world that still thrives on people like Mike (both Jordan, Jackson, and George Michael). How could it be? I can't even say, say it ain't so. Andy Warhol and Chuck Palahniuk laughing at this thought. I was watching TNT "DVD on TV" or some crap like that, they were showing Fight Club. In one of the external segments the "host" stated a Tyler line (Brad Pitt)- Give up all material goods", but then they host says "unless it is owning the collectors edition on DVD. SPONSOR WHORE!!! I screamed. I really don't think this is what good old Chuck intended, yet it has happened. To me I see complete and utter Pop culture. Food we eat, stores we shop, clothes we wear, and places we work. Star Wars completion (like there aren't hundreds of other Star Wars books still available for making) just shows the thirst and hunger we have to be accepted by some greater power of the world. Why else would American TV sell so well in countries who hate us? We have just taken the pop culture to a new level. If Pop culture is over, then I will ask one more question---- Why are TV shows like Miami Vice, Bewitched, and Dukes of Hazard being released as new movies?

I can understand why nobody understands me, 'cause I don't understand myself

Biting

Can someone tell me what is so taboo about biting? I mean I am not talking about hardcore, blood drawing, anything painful, or even genetalia biting (that is beyond me). I am talking about playful nibbling or just latching on to someone's shirt and not letting go. There is something about it. Yet sometimes, one should say, most often it seems to be frowned upon. I mean no harm. Hell, I don't think I mean it as a flirt most of the time. (though I do see how that can be misinterpreted)! I guess you could call me on for "casual" biting; alcohol not required or anything special. So I raise this to you random Acts of Biteness. You should try it. It pumps people up, be forewarned you may want to know this person a bit. I know it would pump me up.

I can't solve your problems but I can help you enjoy them.

My friend Anne

So, my roommate Anne from Friday Harbor Labs has an interesting job which I would like to share with her pictures. Anne is working for the London society in Tanzania. Being part of the Serengeti Cheetah project she gets the lovely job of going out and watching cheetahs. The down side, her job is to watch them until the poo, or as every single email from her that I receive. "I pick up $hit." They are running tests on the genetic composition of the scat to find out the lineage of the cheetah population. She has gotten to have some great and breathtaking experiences, as well as scary ones. She has also had the opportunity to met some famous people. She loves to tell me how much she hates the baboons. I would love to be part of a job like that, so hopefully I can impact the world the way she does.

August seems so far yet so close

Wow who I think about time. It seems like things are so far away, yet so close. I have so much to figure out before I head to Hawaii. First... lets get all those bills paid, second.... what will I take and how will I get it there, third..... vacations I already had planned and things I wanted to do. Oh well, some how I will just have to let things flow, like water off a ducks back.

Thought of the day: Some people just never learn.. no matter how much you try to fix the problem. Causing you to want to put a 50 cal to make sure that they don't survive, but then you think "no, I want it to be more of a hands on process, I guess I will just choke them to death."

The Best Butt ever

Okay so this may be taken in the wrong way, but haven't you ever just wanted to slap the a$$ of Kate Beckinsale. She has got this great but especially when you see it in leather pants. Thank you Underworld for your contribution to my happy life!

Whacha talkin bout foo

I have already had my fair share of discouraging comments about me leaving, and none them have to do with me being gone. More like the negative how are you going to afford that. Hawaii is expensive. I may be hearing that I can't do it, but I am going to make myself. If it requires another full time job while I am there. So give it up people! Quit being Oscar the Grouch and let me live my life.

Hawaii here I come!!

Well, I don't know how I will manage, but I am going to try. I have been offered an internship at the Sea Life Park on Oahu, Hawaii in late August. So... much to my happiness there is also some sadness and some anxiety about leaving. I will be going to a strange place without knowing anyone, and will not have a paying job. Plus, I will have to figure out living accommodations and the works. Off to the island, this time a different island for me!!

Hawaii

Well what can I say I get to spend 4 luxious months in B-utiful Oahu. Just to let you know I have I have another blog that I will be using more often than this. http://spaces.msn.com/members/icydol/ I can post pics there without having to use them from a server.


Just got done watching Hackers, wow what a flashback to old days.

Icy's Playce

Sending self to corner for being naughty. Good thing the corner has a bar. Can I get you a drink?

Best Post ever!

Okay so that may be a bit of a exaggeration, but you know sometimes that is what you have to say when you first start your blog, right? So I am doing this as away to share some fun videos with my friends that are large and this is just an easy way to get them to everyone at once. Thought of the day: Why is it that so many people can't tell things that you do wrong; especially when it is something that may help you to become a better person?