My Pod...
I am not a technophobe - I am also not one who believes technology will solve all the worlds problems - so somewhere in between - lie people like me. And it has taken me years to decide to buy an MP3 player. The last portible music player I had was my cassette player in middle school where I shared one earphone with Kathy on our way to skiing on Fridays in 8th grade. We rocked out to George Michael. It was great times.
I hadn't gotten an MP3 player due in large part to the lack of my favorite tunes being available on things such as itunes or my friend's favorite Russian website where she got songs for cheaper. But I hadn't quite moved to the whole "ripping" in your favorite music and then putting it on your MP3 player.
While moving offices, I realized how much music I had stored at work and how I had listened to these CDs until I was nearly sick of them. It seem like the time, with the better technology and access to "world" music plus my whole love affair with KEXP, to get my very own ipod. And I did. It's an ipod touch - it couldn't be easier to use. And it's already made my life so much happier! (I love music and have blogged about my whole family's love of music eventhough we're not musicans). At this point it's the first thing I do when I get to work (plug it in, turn it on) and the last thing I pack up when I leave. For the last two days I have shuffled over MIA, Vampire Weekend, Cold Play, Jack Johnson, Gloria Estafan, Angelique Kidjo, Pink Martini, the Killers, Pancho Sanchez and about 56 other artists. It just makes the sun that much brighter and inspiring. Truly.
I haven't gotten to the point of listening to it on the bus because I kind of still like to listen to the crazy people....
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
My friends...
The other ones - the few non-derby ones - came down this weekend from Bellingham for a beautiful, vitamin D-filled day in Seattle. Christina, who I've know as long as I worked for Planned Parenthood and Jill, who was her assistant for a couple of years, came down for the day. I started my day breaking down a floor for my league but joined after they had soul food and King Fish in Capitol Hill. We strolled around Capitol Hill, in 50 degree sunshine, gossiping, telling funny stories about our past. We headed over to West Seattle where they both said they could live, like in Bellingham, in a little tight community - looked at art, bought a purse, talked about all of our crafty endeavors. We raced over to Ballard for drink but not before buying lottery tickets to help realized dreams of opening dessert bars that served limited pastries and small savory tapas. We had a few drinks and walked over to Madame K's (my favorite restaurant, La Carta - the BEST Mexican restaurant in Seattle was packed, as always.) At Madame K's, we drank some more, ate salads and pizza and ended the night with an orgasm (hot cookie with ice cream) before they headed back to Bellingham and I headed home... where I got sucked into the television series called Heroes.
It was a lovely Saturday afternoon - with my friends.
The other ones - the few non-derby ones - came down this weekend from Bellingham for a beautiful, vitamin D-filled day in Seattle. Christina, who I've know as long as I worked for Planned Parenthood and Jill, who was her assistant for a couple of years, came down for the day. I started my day breaking down a floor for my league but joined after they had soul food and King Fish in Capitol Hill. We strolled around Capitol Hill, in 50 degree sunshine, gossiping, telling funny stories about our past. We headed over to West Seattle where they both said they could live, like in Bellingham, in a little tight community - looked at art, bought a purse, talked about all of our crafty endeavors. We raced over to Ballard for drink but not before buying lottery tickets to help realized dreams of opening dessert bars that served limited pastries and small savory tapas. We had a few drinks and walked over to Madame K's (my favorite restaurant, La Carta - the BEST Mexican restaurant in Seattle was packed, as always.) At Madame K's, we drank some more, ate salads and pizza and ended the night with an orgasm (hot cookie with ice cream) before they headed back to Bellingham and I headed home... where I got sucked into the television series called Heroes.
It was a lovely Saturday afternoon - with my friends.
Monday, February 18, 2008
President's Day
I haven't had this holiday off in honestly, like 15 years - since high school. I was THRILLED to have a break, to catch up on some sleep, eat breakfast at a crowded Voula's, get some tasty vitamin D at Discovery park, go shopping for an i-pod touch (didn't find one, got groceries instead), take a nap like a cat, hang out with my killer trainer Jade and eat some Robin Eggs (my favorite Easter candy.) It was a beautiful, sunny day! Woot!
This weekend was Cupid's Cabaret - an annual JCRG event. This year it was at the Anchor in Everett. We had some great rockabilly bands, some derby girl burlesque and even a team performance. Yes, the Carnies put together a choreographied piece to Sweet Charity's "Big Spender". We had three rehearsals; worked on choreograph, memorized the lyrics and even coordinated costumes (derby allots for many firsts - first time I wore both a garder belt and corset - love it!). However, we didn't anticipate being squished on a tiny stage - we were planning on being spread out on the floor in two "pods" with some of us on stage but the audience was sitting on the floor watching... so it didn't look like what we had rehearsed (does it ever) and was over quickly. In the end, it was a great group effort - we had super fun performing it and are certainly a damn cute team.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Vitamin D
So when I was in Hawai'i for James and Heather's wedding, I made a point of saying, "I need to be in the sun - I'm so vitamin D deprived!" I need vitamin D! And boy did I! According to the Seattle Times today everyone over here needs more Vitamin D!
Hawai'i anyone? Key West? I'm planning a trip next fall, early winter, when our very precious summer sunlight starts to disappear.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2004179538_vitamind13m.html
So when I was in Hawai'i for James and Heather's wedding, I made a point of saying, "I need to be in the sun - I'm so vitamin D deprived!" I need vitamin D! And boy did I! According to the Seattle Times today everyone over here needs more Vitamin D!
Hawai'i anyone? Key West? I'm planning a trip next fall, early winter, when our very precious summer sunlight starts to disappear.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2004179538_vitamind13m.html
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Sick. Home. Fish
So many people are sick. I feel like every time I walk out of my house I risk running into this crazy "death plague" that is knocking out people for weeks, being spread among my derby league, turning into the flu, Strep, and other terrible nasty things. I've been, on the advice of a friend, taking Airborne for three weeks now... The funny thing is everytime you walk out of the house you take a risk. Yes?
I stumbled across a friend's myspace when I was posting some information about my performance this weekend in Cupid's Cabaret (no, I'm not doing burlesque but something great - I promise) and it's a great and funny song with a refrain of "I don't think I can see what anyone else can see in anyone else but you" and it's making me incredibly home sick. Because my friends are so special at home? I don't know... It's funny how it comes every once in a while like a wave washing over the ferry crossing the Sound.
A friend of mine and I have decided that we're going to take a New Year's resolution out a step further... I'm going to make a $5 donation every time I DON'T carpool to practice, an event, whatever. She's going to do the same thing. I want to make a donation to a fish organization. It's true. I love fish. I just care about fish. I worry about the cows pooping by the stream where the fish are swimming... so if you have a fish organization please recommend them. At the end of the month, each time I didn't find a carpool buddy when I could have carpooled (e.g. going to roller derby practice, meetings, ok it has mostly to do with derby) then I'm going to donate $5. To fish. I'm takin' recommendations. Now.
So many people are sick. I feel like every time I walk out of my house I risk running into this crazy "death plague" that is knocking out people for weeks, being spread among my derby league, turning into the flu, Strep, and other terrible nasty things. I've been, on the advice of a friend, taking Airborne for three weeks now... The funny thing is everytime you walk out of the house you take a risk. Yes?
I stumbled across a friend's myspace when I was posting some information about my performance this weekend in Cupid's Cabaret (no, I'm not doing burlesque but something great - I promise) and it's a great and funny song with a refrain of "I don't think I can see what anyone else can see in anyone else but you" and it's making me incredibly home sick. Because my friends are so special at home? I don't know... It's funny how it comes every once in a while like a wave washing over the ferry crossing the Sound.
A friend of mine and I have decided that we're going to take a New Year's resolution out a step further... I'm going to make a $5 donation every time I DON'T carpool to practice, an event, whatever. She's going to do the same thing. I want to make a donation to a fish organization. It's true. I love fish. I just care about fish. I worry about the cows pooping by the stream where the fish are swimming... so if you have a fish organization please recommend them. At the end of the month, each time I didn't find a carpool buddy when I could have carpooled (e.g. going to roller derby practice, meetings, ok it has mostly to do with derby) then I'm going to donate $5. To fish. I'm takin' recommendations. Now.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Roller derby + new job = tension headaches
...is what I wrote on my comments section when scheduling my half hour massage for Sunday. It was an excess of derby, (games, scrimmages, meetings, emails, meetings) and the stress that comes with a new job, (learning it's history, mission, important talking points, etc.) that lead to a headache about every six hours - plus the fact I haven't found a minute to get to my gym. So I made an appointment to get a massage - to work out that stress. And it did. I also made my upper body completely sore. It's funny how in the Pacific Northwest, specifically, massage isn't so much for relaxing as it is for healing...
And there are great things to talk about, including the Caucus, but after a hot epson salt bath, sleep is calling...
Though if you're really interested, here's the University of Washington's write up about the Rust Riot: http://thedaily.washington.edu/2008/2/7/derby-girls-dont-cry-aggressive-face-women-skate-t/
...is what I wrote on my comments section when scheduling my half hour massage for Sunday. It was an excess of derby, (games, scrimmages, meetings, emails, meetings) and the stress that comes with a new job, (learning it's history, mission, important talking points, etc.) that lead to a headache about every six hours - plus the fact I haven't found a minute to get to my gym. So I made an appointment to get a massage - to work out that stress. And it did. I also made my upper body completely sore. It's funny how in the Pacific Northwest, specifically, massage isn't so much for relaxing as it is for healing...
And there are great things to talk about, including the Caucus, but after a hot epson salt bath, sleep is calling...
Though if you're really interested, here's the University of Washington's write up about the Rust Riot: http://thedaily.washington.edu/2008/2/7/derby-girls-dont-cry-aggressive-face-women-skate-t/
Monday, February 04, 2008
Derby Hangover, why I play this sport...
Until this past weekend, I can honestly say I've never experience a "derby hangover" - which means that you got knocked around so much and so hard that you felt like you got "hit by a Mac truck." It has nothing to do with alcohol (I've had plenty of those in relation to derby too.) I have had a headache about every 6 hours since Saturday. Saturday, Feb 2nd, was the "Rust Riot" - an invitational from Rat City to 7 surrounding leagues to come play in an expo tournament to show everyone who the North West is in the world of roller derby. We were slated to play Olympia weeks ago - a perfectly uneven match up if there ever was one - but we put our hearts into it - with some key players out with injuries and I kid you not - a few playing with the flu (the bio-hazard red puke bucket was in the middle of the floor for a reason). And we lost - as we expected - but not because we didn't play hard and fair (and you can read into this statement we're not a bunch of cheatin', sore sports). Someone had to be thrown to the lions and our team drew the short straw. Honestly, in the end, I was very proud of our team and proud to be part of such a fantastic league. But my clock got cleaned and now I'm paying for it... with three Advil every few hours.
I crawled out of bed early the next morning to assist with the reason I loved this sport - scrimmages with other teams. Skaters signed up from all across the North West with Arson Annie who arranged us into fun scrimmaging groups such as: diapers (under 30) v. depends (over thirty - yes we spanked them); veggies v. carnivores, smokers v. non, moms v. non-moms, etc. It was a great and super fun opportunity to play with skaters you don't ever get to play WITH but usually AGAINST. In the Diapers v. Depends match-up I got to skate with a lot of my pals from PFM days - Mo YaDown, Sassy Chassis, Sara Problem? and Maude Elletee. Libby Raider (RCRG) and I worked together great both as blockers and her assisting me as jammer. Rhea (Rose City – Portland OR) and Roxie Hardknox (Terminal City-Vancouver BC), Petty Rage (Lava City -Bend OR) and I all had blast playing together - assisting and blocking for skaters you just met 10 minutes ago. I got to skate again some of my own teammates - which was funny - because you know them so well. I helped out by "checking in" specific teams and making sure the groups each had enough players. I played in two scrimmages (Diapers v. Depends, and Jammers v. Blockers) and the end-of-the-day pickup game - which was full of crazy diehards - just enough to make up two teams.
And this is why I play this sport. I play it not only for my team and my league but also for the opportunity to play with amazing and dynamic women from other teams, everywhere.
Some photos from the weekend:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/smaira/sets/72157603843196161/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8505592@N05/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/type2b/sets/72157603849837381/
Until this past weekend, I can honestly say I've never experience a "derby hangover" - which means that you got knocked around so much and so hard that you felt like you got "hit by a Mac truck." It has nothing to do with alcohol (I've had plenty of those in relation to derby too.) I have had a headache about every 6 hours since Saturday. Saturday, Feb 2nd, was the "Rust Riot" - an invitational from Rat City to 7 surrounding leagues to come play in an expo tournament to show everyone who the North West is in the world of roller derby. We were slated to play Olympia weeks ago - a perfectly uneven match up if there ever was one - but we put our hearts into it - with some key players out with injuries and I kid you not - a few playing with the flu (the bio-hazard red puke bucket was in the middle of the floor for a reason). And we lost - as we expected - but not because we didn't play hard and fair (and you can read into this statement we're not a bunch of cheatin', sore sports). Someone had to be thrown to the lions and our team drew the short straw. Honestly, in the end, I was very proud of our team and proud to be part of such a fantastic league. But my clock got cleaned and now I'm paying for it... with three Advil every few hours.
I crawled out of bed early the next morning to assist with the reason I loved this sport - scrimmages with other teams. Skaters signed up from all across the North West with Arson Annie who arranged us into fun scrimmaging groups such as: diapers (under 30) v. depends (over thirty - yes we spanked them); veggies v. carnivores, smokers v. non, moms v. non-moms, etc. It was a great and super fun opportunity to play with skaters you don't ever get to play WITH but usually AGAINST. In the Diapers v. Depends match-up I got to skate with a lot of my pals from PFM days - Mo YaDown, Sassy Chassis, Sara Problem? and Maude Elletee. Libby Raider (RCRG) and I worked together great both as blockers and her assisting me as jammer. Rhea (Rose City – Portland OR) and Roxie Hardknox (Terminal City-Vancouver BC), Petty Rage (Lava City -Bend OR) and I all had blast playing together - assisting and blocking for skaters you just met 10 minutes ago. I got to skate again some of my own teammates - which was funny - because you know them so well. I helped out by "checking in" specific teams and making sure the groups each had enough players. I played in two scrimmages (Diapers v. Depends, and Jammers v. Blockers) and the end-of-the-day pickup game - which was full of crazy diehards - just enough to make up two teams.
And this is why I play this sport. I play it not only for my team and my league but also for the opportunity to play with amazing and dynamic women from other teams, everywhere.
Some photos from the weekend:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/smaira/sets/72157603843196161/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8505592@N05/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/type2b/sets/72157603849837381/
Friday, February 01, 2008
Just perfectly weird....
This afternoon, my friend Weedy and I were walking back to our respective jobs from having sandwiches at the Honey Hole today when we passed by Le Frock - a vintage clothing store on Pine. I stopped dead in my tracks - dressed on the mannequin in the window was the perfect outfit for a cabaret performance my team is doing later this month. She was wearing a red corset, a long vintage, multi-colored striped skirt (very carnival like but with much taste) and a purple tulle skirt peaking out from beneath. It was perfect! Absolutely perfect!
I grabbed Weedy and went into the store and trying to contain my excitement "I love the outfit on the mannequin! It's perfect! I would really like to try it on please. Do you know the sizes of what she's wearing?" The sales clerk, paused, a medium skirt and a 34 corset. Perfect! Just the right sizes! "Could I try them on?" She looked at the owner who looked back at me. When do you need them by? "February 10th." We're not taking them off the mannequin until March. "Excuse me?" Weedy and I both looked completely perplexed. We're not taking them off. We have other corsets in that size. "What about the skirts?" No. We don't have another one of those (it is a vintage store after all.) If you want to stop by later, I'll try and find something else for you. "But it's perfect for what I need." I couldn't believe it. Not that I felt outraged as a consumer, but why in God's name would you dress up a mannequin in a fantastic outfit if you had NO INTENTION of selling it?
We left. I swung by after work, thinking she would change her mind (plus I said I would). "Hi! I'm the lady to whom you won't sell the outfit on your mannequin... your sales clerk said she would find something else for me." And she did. But it wasn't even close and the whole thing was just hugely disappointing.
And weird.
This afternoon, my friend Weedy and I were walking back to our respective jobs from having sandwiches at the Honey Hole today when we passed by Le Frock - a vintage clothing store on Pine. I stopped dead in my tracks - dressed on the mannequin in the window was the perfect outfit for a cabaret performance my team is doing later this month. She was wearing a red corset, a long vintage, multi-colored striped skirt (very carnival like but with much taste) and a purple tulle skirt peaking out from beneath. It was perfect! Absolutely perfect!
I grabbed Weedy and went into the store and trying to contain my excitement "I love the outfit on the mannequin! It's perfect! I would really like to try it on please. Do you know the sizes of what she's wearing?" The sales clerk, paused, a medium skirt and a 34 corset. Perfect! Just the right sizes! "Could I try them on?" She looked at the owner who looked back at me. When do you need them by? "February 10th." We're not taking them off the mannequin until March. "Excuse me?" Weedy and I both looked completely perplexed. We're not taking them off. We have other corsets in that size. "What about the skirts?" No. We don't have another one of those (it is a vintage store after all.) If you want to stop by later, I'll try and find something else for you. "But it's perfect for what I need." I couldn't believe it. Not that I felt outraged as a consumer, but why in God's name would you dress up a mannequin in a fantastic outfit if you had NO INTENTION of selling it?
We left. I swung by after work, thinking she would change her mind (plus I said I would). "Hi! I'm the lady to whom you won't sell the outfit on your mannequin... your sales clerk said she would find something else for me." And she did. But it wasn't even close and the whole thing was just hugely disappointing.
And weird.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Brrrrrrrrr....
It's been super chilly in Seattle these last few days - and not Midwest bone biting cold but cold just the same (and considering my apartment wasn't made for bone chilling Midwest winters, it's very cold.) With the windchill, it's hovering in the high twenties. The city, being right on Puget Sound, makes for fantastic wind tunnels as you're walking to work.
This cold evening made for a second night of my curled up on my futon, with my kitty friend Monkey, under covers, fast asleep after dinner. All plans to go the gym became visions of sugar plums in my head - pretty much all plans vanished as Extra! relayed very important stories about Britney Spears.
I completely forgot to write about one of the best things that happened this past weekend - at Derby Prom I was voted "best attitude" by my sister skaters. What a great honor! I was surprised and humbled! And some of my skater friends, a couple of drinks into the night, told me what a inspiration I was to them. What a great way to end a weekend. (I also got an award for "best socks for 2007" - they speak for themselves.)
It's been super chilly in Seattle these last few days - and not Midwest bone biting cold but cold just the same (and considering my apartment wasn't made for bone chilling Midwest winters, it's very cold.) With the windchill, it's hovering in the high twenties. The city, being right on Puget Sound, makes for fantastic wind tunnels as you're walking to work.
This cold evening made for a second night of my curled up on my futon, with my kitty friend Monkey, under covers, fast asleep after dinner. All plans to go the gym became visions of sugar plums in my head - pretty much all plans vanished as Extra! relayed very important stories about Britney Spears.
I completely forgot to write about one of the best things that happened this past weekend - at Derby Prom I was voted "best attitude" by my sister skaters. What a great honor! I was surprised and humbled! And some of my skater friends, a couple of drinks into the night, told me what a inspiration I was to them. What a great way to end a weekend. (I also got an award for "best socks for 2007" - they speak for themselves.)
Monday, January 28, 2008
Just plain tired...
I think the euphoria from the last bout, along with a week of practices, my last day at Planned Parenthood, Pyglet's first birthday and Jet City's Derby Prom has worn me out. I was planning on going to the gym tonight after my first day at my new job - to prep a little before this weekend's Rust Riot (NW roller derby invitational) - when the futon in the living room called my name and I just had to take a nap in the chilly living room with some of the kitty friends.
But there are plenty of glimpses from my past week...
A very flattering review of our first derby bout this year:
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=107162553&blogID=350814234
Pyglet's Birthday (Lucie)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67749380@N00/sets/72157603812176792
JCRG Prom:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67749380@N00/sets/72157603815974067
Phew.
I think the euphoria from the last bout, along with a week of practices, my last day at Planned Parenthood, Pyglet's first birthday and Jet City's Derby Prom has worn me out. I was planning on going to the gym tonight after my first day at my new job - to prep a little before this weekend's Rust Riot (NW roller derby invitational) - when the futon in the living room called my name and I just had to take a nap in the chilly living room with some of the kitty friends.
But there are plenty of glimpses from my past week...
A very flattering review of our first derby bout this year:
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=107162553&blogID=350814234
Pyglet's Birthday (Lucie)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67749380@N00/sets/72157603812176792
JCRG Prom:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67749380@N00/sets/72157603815974067
Phew.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Goodbyes...
And so it's time to say goodbye... after 6 years (almost to the month) of being with the Planned Parenthood family, I'm packing my bag (clearing my desk) and moving to another part of the women's movement. I'm literally and metaphorically just moving to another part of the neighborhood and I'm taking plenty of friends with me.
Though, my real loss is going to be all of the development officers from all over the country whom I've gotten to know over the years. I was a part of committees, headed a conference and worked on mentoring new development officers. Not everyone will miss me - that's for sure. I've been a pain-in-the-ass for some people. But I've also been really great friends with others.
Tonight will be drinks (but not too many) and tomorrow will be just another weekend before I start a new job.
It's been a great 6 years! I can't wait for my next adventures!
Some highlights:
*Organizing 5,000+ for the March for Women's Lives
*The Power of Women photography auction
*Chic for Choice
*increasing donations by 25% in one of our toughest fundraising years.
*Lobbying
*Counter protesting, raising tons of $$ of protesters - yeah!
*my SUPERvisor Nanci & my pal Teri
*being part of such a fantastic movement and learning more about social justice in general
*Choice
*my friends across the nation
*understanding the role we can all play in a movement
*better understanding for empathy, compassion and social justice
*making a difference
*change
some comments from some of my pals across the country...
Best wishes and hugs – you will be missed! Connie (her real name)
Congratulations, Michelle! Looks like I’m losing my development buddies north and south today… weird. Hope you transition smoothly and successfully into your new digs. Lemme know if I can be of any help here in Pdx.
Liz
Congratulations, Michelle! Thanks for all you have contributed to PP! Best,Sherry
Michelle,Good luck with your new venture! They are lucky to have you.Christie
Michelle,Congratulations! It sounds like a terrific opportunity, but we will miss you -- DOC conferences just won't be the same...All the very best,Debbie
Michelle, You will be missed! Best of luck with your new position. Anne
Hi Michelle,
Wishing you every success in your new job. The Women’s Law Center is lucky to have you – I know you’ll be doing great things for them, just as you’ve done for Planned Parenthood.
All the best,
Mar
Congratulations Michelle!!! that is so exciting, Ms. Director. Good luck - I will miss seeing you at DOC (if I get to go this year...). -Amy
SOOOO delighted to hear you are moving on up!I will miss your creativity, dedication and enthusiasm. Take that with you and nothing can stop you!I wish you the best and hope you can keep in touch.Is your new group from 5 contiguous states and will you have to travel to all?
I got to the NW over the Thanksgiving holiday and was so very impressed! Lovely territory.I went through Seattle and spent time with my brother in Bend OR.Hugs and cheers right back to you!Suzie - And thanks for all your efforts for PP in Ohio and WW!
Michelle –
You will be missed! It’s been a pleasure to work with you. Best of luck on your new endeavors!
John
And so it's time to say goodbye... after 6 years (almost to the month) of being with the Planned Parenthood family, I'm packing my bag (clearing my desk) and moving to another part of the women's movement. I'm literally and metaphorically just moving to another part of the neighborhood and I'm taking plenty of friends with me.
Though, my real loss is going to be all of the development officers from all over the country whom I've gotten to know over the years. I was a part of committees, headed a conference and worked on mentoring new development officers. Not everyone will miss me - that's for sure. I've been a pain-in-the-ass for some people. But I've also been really great friends with others.
Tonight will be drinks (but not too many) and tomorrow will be just another weekend before I start a new job.
It's been a great 6 years! I can't wait for my next adventures!
Some highlights:
*Organizing 5,000+ for the March for Women's Lives
*The Power of Women photography auction
*Chic for Choice
*increasing donations by 25% in one of our toughest fundraising years.
*Lobbying
*Counter protesting, raising tons of $$ of protesters - yeah!
*my SUPERvisor Nanci & my pal Teri
*being part of such a fantastic movement and learning more about social justice in general
*Choice
*my friends across the nation
*understanding the role we can all play in a movement
*better understanding for empathy, compassion and social justice
*making a difference
*change
some comments from some of my pals across the country...
Best wishes and hugs – you will be missed! Connie (her real name)
Congratulations, Michelle! Looks like I’m losing my development buddies north and south today… weird. Hope you transition smoothly and successfully into your new digs. Lemme know if I can be of any help here in Pdx.
Liz
Congratulations, Michelle! Thanks for all you have contributed to PP! Best,Sherry
Michelle,Good luck with your new venture! They are lucky to have you.Christie
Michelle,Congratulations! It sounds like a terrific opportunity, but we will miss you -- DOC conferences just won't be the same...All the very best,Debbie
Michelle, You will be missed! Best of luck with your new position. Anne
Hi Michelle,
Wishing you every success in your new job. The Women’s Law Center is lucky to have you – I know you’ll be doing great things for them, just as you’ve done for Planned Parenthood.
All the best,
Mar
Congratulations Michelle!!! that is so exciting, Ms. Director. Good luck - I will miss seeing you at DOC (if I get to go this year...). -Amy
SOOOO delighted to hear you are moving on up!I will miss your creativity, dedication and enthusiasm. Take that with you and nothing can stop you!I wish you the best and hope you can keep in touch.Is your new group from 5 contiguous states and will you have to travel to all?
I got to the NW over the Thanksgiving holiday and was so very impressed! Lovely territory.I went through Seattle and spent time with my brother in Bend OR.Hugs and cheers right back to you!Suzie - And thanks for all your efforts for PP in Ohio and WW!
Michelle –
You will be missed! It’s been a pleasure to work with you. Best of luck on your new endeavors!
John
Monday, January 21, 2008
A clear, bright, chilly... a perfect day for a national holiday.
I ran across an ad for an organization that has caught my attention before - http://www.forbetterlife.org/. I looked it up online, completely skeptical that it was religiously affiliated or trying to do something besides promote positive things. (How sad that one of the most optimistic people I know feels that way.) But it turns out they weren't religiously affiliated, and though I'm not 100% sure how I feel about their message (it's quite good) and I ran across some billboards that they've produced that I've really liked - such as this one about Kermit. And I thought this was the perfect thing to write about today - on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Dreams. Live your dreams. And because of such a great man willing to go out on a limb for so many people, more people can live theirs.
Below are some photos from the bout:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/narra99/
Sunday, January 20, 2008
EVIL! EVIL! EVIL!
"Torture, where in your life have you heard hundreds of people shouting 'Evil! Evil! Evil!' and stomping their feet for a bunch of gals on wheels? Isn't that awesome?'" And it was! CarnEvil won in 'final death' yesterday night at our first official bout of the season! It was amazing, close, fun, fun, fun. We were convinced that we had come together as a team and would win against the Hula Honeys but at halftime we were down by 21 points. The second jam of the second half, I scored 15 points as jammer and slowly, we started champing at the score... And the belief in our team became palatable - not only from ourselves but from the fans! Cia raced out of the penalty box and took out the opposing jammer with such malice in her eyes I thought she was going to spit on her, Luna held the front line like it was nobody's business, Suzi took people out with solid, clean hits (we were in the penalty box so much less), Mona Agony, new to our team, jammed like a champ...soon we were down by 7, then 6, then 1 point and time ran out! I was thrilled at our comeback - but then Honeys lost a point and we found ourselves tied!
The crowd was going nuts, people were lined up around the edges and I got back to the line to jam in "sudden death" to break the tied score (my teammates and I were dancing on the line waiting for it to start) - and we knew we had it. The whistle blew for the jam to start - me and the opposing jammer jostled for the line but CarnEvil held her as a got thru the pack. I got around to the pack again (where two Honeys who were in the penalty box) joined the jam - I managed to get around them and score 4 points - hulling ass - I looked up at the score board and finally slowed down with 3 seconds left. We had it! We won! And it was so fantastic! The crowd was going nuts! We hadn't won a single exposition bout last year; we had had our share of drama and we needed this win so badly. And it was fantastic.
The whole day was great: from setting up during the day, to skating your heart out, to the beer drinking with your teammates and others you just played. It's been a long year in the making - our first season! We finally had a venue (though we still can't serve alcohol) and our second time there we've nearly mastered our set up and tear down. Though we still don't have a floor (we're borrowing Rat City's), we're close to owning one of our very own. All of our teams have uniforms, logos, identities and we have a "booty camp" for new skaters that's full of potential. We do community work and sponsor non-profits. We'll most likely sell out our whole season and we have a whole host of opportunities to do some really fun and great things.
And I love it. Even with all of the headaches and frustrations, the high blood pressure, the long days and nights and nearly wanting to pull out your hair - I love what it's done for me and I love what's its done for so many other women - and communities! What a truly wonderful movement to be a part of...and at times completely overwhelming especially if you can get a whole crowd of people to cheer "Evil! Evil! Evil!"
"Torture, where in your life have you heard hundreds of people shouting 'Evil! Evil! Evil!' and stomping their feet for a bunch of gals on wheels? Isn't that awesome?'" And it was! CarnEvil won in 'final death' yesterday night at our first official bout of the season! It was amazing, close, fun, fun, fun. We were convinced that we had come together as a team and would win against the Hula Honeys but at halftime we were down by 21 points. The second jam of the second half, I scored 15 points as jammer and slowly, we started champing at the score... And the belief in our team became palatable - not only from ourselves but from the fans! Cia raced out of the penalty box and took out the opposing jammer with such malice in her eyes I thought she was going to spit on her, Luna held the front line like it was nobody's business, Suzi took people out with solid, clean hits (we were in the penalty box so much less), Mona Agony, new to our team, jammed like a champ...soon we were down by 7, then 6, then 1 point and time ran out! I was thrilled at our comeback - but then Honeys lost a point and we found ourselves tied!
The crowd was going nuts, people were lined up around the edges and I got back to the line to jam in "sudden death" to break the tied score (my teammates and I were dancing on the line waiting for it to start) - and we knew we had it. The whistle blew for the jam to start - me and the opposing jammer jostled for the line but CarnEvil held her as a got thru the pack. I got around to the pack again (where two Honeys who were in the penalty box) joined the jam - I managed to get around them and score 4 points - hulling ass - I looked up at the score board and finally slowed down with 3 seconds left. We had it! We won! And it was so fantastic! The crowd was going nuts! We hadn't won a single exposition bout last year; we had had our share of drama and we needed this win so badly. And it was fantastic.
The whole day was great: from setting up during the day, to skating your heart out, to the beer drinking with your teammates and others you just played. It's been a long year in the making - our first season! We finally had a venue (though we still can't serve alcohol) and our second time there we've nearly mastered our set up and tear down. Though we still don't have a floor (we're borrowing Rat City's), we're close to owning one of our very own. All of our teams have uniforms, logos, identities and we have a "booty camp" for new skaters that's full of potential. We do community work and sponsor non-profits. We'll most likely sell out our whole season and we have a whole host of opportunities to do some really fun and great things.
And I love it. Even with all of the headaches and frustrations, the high blood pressure, the long days and nights and nearly wanting to pull out your hair - I love what it's done for me and I love what's its done for so many other women - and communities! What a truly wonderful movement to be a part of...and at times completely overwhelming especially if you can get a whole crowd of people to cheer "Evil! Evil! Evil!"
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Gentle Chaos, Unable to read music
This is how Heidi described my commute this morning - actually all of Seattle was spinning in gentle chaos on ice covered streets in a city that doesn't invest in salt. My first bus was late and my second bus never came. I waited 30 minutes and then took another bus - along with a hundred other people. The bus diverted it's route, I hopped off 10 icy, hilly blocks away and started walking to work... on the ice. There were school buses suck at intersections and other cars unable to turn. A biker rode by with absolute terror in her eyes. I crossed streets sideways. That's when Heidi called and we laughed at the ridiculousness of the city's reaction to the weather - both being Midwesterners and use to tons of ice, cold and snow. (I flung my phone trice trying to catch my balance.) It made for interesting conversation at the Starbucks next to work (I was already an hour and half late, what was five more minutes), as people had spent a half an hour going a mile or had given up getting to the top of some of the iciest hills.
The commute home was much better and I took a nap (fighting, fighting, fighting a cold) before settling down for an evening of sewing helmet panties, again, for my team and the Hula Honeys (whom we play on Saturday) and I ran into a plethora of problems stitching. My fabric was puckering, the bottom stitch was loose. And because I learned to sew by sewing together 7' penguin puppets for my samba troupe 5 years, I didn't really "learn". I was like a singer or musician who could play music but couldn't read notes. I knew HOW to sew but not why everything worked. I look on the Internet for the solution and found it in the 1970 Kenmore sewing book that came with the machine - I decided I needed a new needle (after realizing that I actually had the right size in the machine, thus surely this one was super dull after sewing all that nylon) and to adjust the bobbin (who knew you could do that?!) and it all came back together - just in time to work on the other team's helmet panties....
This is how Heidi described my commute this morning - actually all of Seattle was spinning in gentle chaos on ice covered streets in a city that doesn't invest in salt. My first bus was late and my second bus never came. I waited 30 minutes and then took another bus - along with a hundred other people. The bus diverted it's route, I hopped off 10 icy, hilly blocks away and started walking to work... on the ice. There were school buses suck at intersections and other cars unable to turn. A biker rode by with absolute terror in her eyes. I crossed streets sideways. That's when Heidi called and we laughed at the ridiculousness of the city's reaction to the weather - both being Midwesterners and use to tons of ice, cold and snow. (I flung my phone trice trying to catch my balance.) It made for interesting conversation at the Starbucks next to work (I was already an hour and half late, what was five more minutes), as people had spent a half an hour going a mile or had given up getting to the top of some of the iciest hills.
The commute home was much better and I took a nap (fighting, fighting, fighting a cold) before settling down for an evening of sewing helmet panties, again, for my team and the Hula Honeys (whom we play on Saturday) and I ran into a plethora of problems stitching. My fabric was puckering, the bottom stitch was loose. And because I learned to sew by sewing together 7' penguin puppets for my samba troupe 5 years, I didn't really "learn". I was like a singer or musician who could play music but couldn't read notes. I knew HOW to sew but not why everything worked. I look on the Internet for the solution and found it in the 1970 Kenmore sewing book that came with the machine - I decided I needed a new needle (after realizing that I actually had the right size in the machine, thus surely this one was super dull after sewing all that nylon) and to adjust the bobbin (who knew you could do that?!) and it all came back together - just in time to work on the other team's helmet panties....
Monday, January 14, 2008
Rain, rain, rain...
I heard some rumor yesterday that it was going to be a beautiful week - cool and sunny like it was yesterday. I took advantage of the light and dry weather and did work on my car (changed a newly outed headlight and "tightened" the battery.) I managed to fit in a walk but would have easily spent the day like a cat, on the sofa, sleeping in the bright sun (like they all were.)
Today, there was no sunshine. It rained all day. All evening. And eventually it turned to snow (which was fun for all three minutes of it.) Winters are tough here. It's dark (sometimes all day), rainy (totally living up to it's reputation) and just generally a gloomy time. And the only glimmer of hope in all of this is that spring comes early - the trees start to bloom as early as February and tulips come up in March. And luckily... they're just right around the corner.
I heard some rumor yesterday that it was going to be a beautiful week - cool and sunny like it was yesterday. I took advantage of the light and dry weather and did work on my car (changed a newly outed headlight and "tightened" the battery.) I managed to fit in a walk but would have easily spent the day like a cat, on the sofa, sleeping in the bright sun (like they all were.)
Today, there was no sunshine. It rained all day. All evening. And eventually it turned to snow (which was fun for all three minutes of it.) Winters are tough here. It's dark (sometimes all day), rainy (totally living up to it's reputation) and just generally a gloomy time. And the only glimmer of hope in all of this is that spring comes early - the trees start to bloom as early as February and tulips come up in March. And luckily... they're just right around the corner.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Right in front of me...
There is a famous Buddhist saying that goes, "If you can't find happiness where you're at, where do you expect to find it?" which is to say that happiness has to come from within and you can't seek external things to create that. Well there should be something like, "If you're looking too hard for a New Year's Resolution, it's most likely right in front of your nose." And there was. I found it.
My desire to do something better for the Earth - besides ride the bus more (I wish it would stop raining), carpool (do it already), become a vegetarian (not ready to again but now only eat "happy chickens") lead me in circles this last week. I also was trying to find something for my personal growth beside incorporate more art in my life (trying!), write more (I will, I promise) and generally diversify my life. I started to panic about my P-Patch - which I love and which I want to do a better job with this year (I only got one season out of three in last year), when it dawned on me that my P-Patch is the perfect resolution. I will be growing my own food (not all of it of course, but a lot) and doing much for personal growth - like learning how to organic garden better in the Pacific Northwest. I'll get more exercise walking to and from the P-Patch and I'm sure I'll have many tasty dinner parties with all of the food I grow and eat.
I'm so excited! I can't wait until spring! I have so much planning to do in the meantime...
Oh and my other resolution was to spend more time with my friend Glitter Chicken - at least one day a month sewing fun crafty things... and of course I have all of these derby goals... ok. One. I'm sticking to the P-Patch. Reasonable, achievable, good for the Earth. Yeah!
There is a famous Buddhist saying that goes, "If you can't find happiness where you're at, where do you expect to find it?" which is to say that happiness has to come from within and you can't seek external things to create that. Well there should be something like, "If you're looking too hard for a New Year's Resolution, it's most likely right in front of your nose." And there was. I found it.
My desire to do something better for the Earth - besides ride the bus more (I wish it would stop raining), carpool (do it already), become a vegetarian (not ready to again but now only eat "happy chickens") lead me in circles this last week. I also was trying to find something for my personal growth beside incorporate more art in my life (trying!), write more (I will, I promise) and generally diversify my life. I started to panic about my P-Patch - which I love and which I want to do a better job with this year (I only got one season out of three in last year), when it dawned on me that my P-Patch is the perfect resolution. I will be growing my own food (not all of it of course, but a lot) and doing much for personal growth - like learning how to organic garden better in the Pacific Northwest. I'll get more exercise walking to and from the P-Patch and I'm sure I'll have many tasty dinner parties with all of the food I grow and eat.
I'm so excited! I can't wait until spring! I have so much planning to do in the meantime...
Oh and my other resolution was to spend more time with my friend Glitter Chicken - at least one day a month sewing fun crafty things... and of course I have all of these derby goals... ok. One. I'm sticking to the P-Patch. Reasonable, achievable, good for the Earth. Yeah!
Friday, January 04, 2008
Winds...
Hurricane like winds are sweeping up from California tonight - dumping snow in the mountains and knocking out power lines and trees in the cities. 60-80 mph winds - for all of the things the Pacific Northwest is known for, like rain and serial killer, these insane windstorms are one of those things people don't tell you about. Sitting on the couch, having had dinner at my friends' house, the Christmas lights on the balcony swing but not nearly as violently as the trees.
Of change, is what the Obama campaign is riding on. My father, who was Goldwater Republican in his youth (according to his cousin but I never verified it with my Dad), though these days doesn't tell anyone who he votes for, called me to ask me my opinion about Obama's victory speech. I had been an early supporter (like in 2004-2005) but had backed off all politics recently. I called him back in the morning and said I had been at practice and had not heard his speech. He said "He is such an orator. He's like Reagan. He made my face muscles do things a politician hadn't invoked in ages." He wasn't the only one who was so excited about the hope and optimism Obama elicited. He's a windmill and the people are the wind - to many he's the wind of change.
Look what the cat blew in... after 6 years, half of my working career in development, I'm leaving Planned Parenthood for a Director of Development job with a the Northwest Women's Law Center. I said I wouldn't leave Planned Parenthood for just any job or any organization. (It's been too much of a part of my identity!) And it turns out I'm not leaving the movement but just moving down the street to another house in the neighborhood. I'll still be working to make sure that women have a better place at the table because we're fooling ourselves to think that it's equal. I can't wait!
Hurricane like winds are sweeping up from California tonight - dumping snow in the mountains and knocking out power lines and trees in the cities. 60-80 mph winds - for all of the things the Pacific Northwest is known for, like rain and serial killer, these insane windstorms are one of those things people don't tell you about. Sitting on the couch, having had dinner at my friends' house, the Christmas lights on the balcony swing but not nearly as violently as the trees.
Of change, is what the Obama campaign is riding on. My father, who was Goldwater Republican in his youth (according to his cousin but I never verified it with my Dad), though these days doesn't tell anyone who he votes for, called me to ask me my opinion about Obama's victory speech. I had been an early supporter (like in 2004-2005) but had backed off all politics recently. I called him back in the morning and said I had been at practice and had not heard his speech. He said "He is such an orator. He's like Reagan. He made my face muscles do things a politician hadn't invoked in ages." He wasn't the only one who was so excited about the hope and optimism Obama elicited. He's a windmill and the people are the wind - to many he's the wind of change.
Look what the cat blew in... after 6 years, half of my working career in development, I'm leaving Planned Parenthood for a Director of Development job with a the Northwest Women's Law Center. I said I wouldn't leave Planned Parenthood for just any job or any organization. (It's been too much of a part of my identity!) And it turns out I'm not leaving the movement but just moving down the street to another house in the neighborhood. I'll still be working to make sure that women have a better place at the table because we're fooling ourselves to think that it's equal. I can't wait!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Exhilaration...
...is what I felt when I left a multi-league scrimmage on Sunday where I got to skate with gals I knew, complete strangers and those I admired all in the name of the "derby sisterhood." It was so much fun and just reminded me of all the reasons I love this sport.
Last night I went out to Chinese New Year's Dinner with some friends. It was a pretty typical Chinese restaurant found in a strip mall in the suburbs complete with it's very American-Chinese dinner menu, much like the one I worked in all throughout high school and parts of college. I loved it! It also reminded me of how many New Years I worked in that restaurant, until 10 p.m., only to have to be back the next day - usually a bitterly cold day. We headed back to Ballard to be "close to home" for the celebrations - walking to Danni's party. Of course, it was a great time, as it always is. I drink organic wine (yum) but it still managed to give me a headache (which was probably the champagne). We were part of a while elephant gift exchange, I hid some one's prize (because it was so damn cute and I had drank nearly a bottle of wine) and we got home around 3 a.m. Some friends stayed over and all started the new year with a big breakfast and chats about our resolutions... I haven't figured them out just yet.
Resolutions are hard because they have to be reasonable, achievable and hopefully do something to make your life or the lives of people around you better. Last year, my resolution was to not procure another plastic bag. I managed to procure about 15 throughout the course of the year and have completely changed my habits. I always have canvas bags with me, in the car, for groceries or even mall shopping. I've gotten a few other people to try this too. It was a great resolution. I need another one... just like it.
...is what I felt when I left a multi-league scrimmage on Sunday where I got to skate with gals I knew, complete strangers and those I admired all in the name of the "derby sisterhood." It was so much fun and just reminded me of all the reasons I love this sport.
Last night I went out to Chinese New Year's Dinner with some friends. It was a pretty typical Chinese restaurant found in a strip mall in the suburbs complete with it's very American-Chinese dinner menu, much like the one I worked in all throughout high school and parts of college. I loved it! It also reminded me of how many New Years I worked in that restaurant, until 10 p.m., only to have to be back the next day - usually a bitterly cold day. We headed back to Ballard to be "close to home" for the celebrations - walking to Danni's party. Of course, it was a great time, as it always is. I drink organic wine (yum) but it still managed to give me a headache (which was probably the champagne). We were part of a while elephant gift exchange, I hid some one's prize (because it was so damn cute and I had drank nearly a bottle of wine) and we got home around 3 a.m. Some friends stayed over and all started the new year with a big breakfast and chats about our resolutions... I haven't figured them out just yet.
Resolutions are hard because they have to be reasonable, achievable and hopefully do something to make your life or the lives of people around you better. Last year, my resolution was to not procure another plastic bag. I managed to procure about 15 throughout the course of the year and have completely changed my habits. I always have canvas bags with me, in the car, for groceries or even mall shopping. I've gotten a few other people to try this too. It was a great resolution. I need another one... just like it.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Pakistan, Cote d'Ivoire, Ireland
When I clicked on to CNN this morning to read that Benazir Bhutto was assassinated - I fell into a dumb disbelief and heaviness sank into my heart. It wasn't completely surprising based on the past attempts on her life but her determination to return to her country, even with her own problematic past, to make it a better place was to be admired. Any time there is a "democracy" and an opposition party, that opposition must be encouraged - even if one doesn't agree with it. It's painful to watch a country struggle and all of these people grieve for the person they thought could make it better. (Plus I have a soft spot in my heart of India and Pakistan with their tumultuous, problematic and rather rich history.)
One of the main reasons Cote d'Ivoire had a coup d'etat on December 24th, 1999 was because the 3rd party opposition had been thrown in prison - all of the leaders. The presidential candidate wasn't allowed in the country and the people doing the grassroots organizing were tossed in jail when the government, at midnight, revoked a parade permit (for a rally). It was impossible to tell thousands of people NOT to show up. That was in October and it was only a matter of time before the pot boiled over and it did. The initial coup was amazingly peaceful - considering this was the first time Cote d'Ivoire had ever done anything like this. Ivorians liked to compare themselves to their neighbors Sierra Leone - we will never be like that. Those savages. But it didn't take long for it to go from ok to pretty rotten.
When I was exiting a tomb in Egypt's Valley of the Kings, an Irish man asked me how it was. I told him how great the paintings where and the colors, etc. He asked me where I was from - I told him the Seattle, Washington, the USA. "Great place." And you? "Ireland." He went on to bitch about the British a bit and then came back to Seattle. "I would love to live there." Well, if you like the rain, it's perfect. "Yeah, you've got a great country, you know." Genuinely curious as to why he thought that I replied, why do you think so? "It's one of the last true democracies in the world. Really it is. Think about it. It's a great place."
When I clicked on to CNN this morning to read that Benazir Bhutto was assassinated - I fell into a dumb disbelief and heaviness sank into my heart. It wasn't completely surprising based on the past attempts on her life but her determination to return to her country, even with her own problematic past, to make it a better place was to be admired. Any time there is a "democracy" and an opposition party, that opposition must be encouraged - even if one doesn't agree with it. It's painful to watch a country struggle and all of these people grieve for the person they thought could make it better. (Plus I have a soft spot in my heart of India and Pakistan with their tumultuous, problematic and rather rich history.)
One of the main reasons Cote d'Ivoire had a coup d'etat on December 24th, 1999 was because the 3rd party opposition had been thrown in prison - all of the leaders. The presidential candidate wasn't allowed in the country and the people doing the grassroots organizing were tossed in jail when the government, at midnight, revoked a parade permit (for a rally). It was impossible to tell thousands of people NOT to show up. That was in October and it was only a matter of time before the pot boiled over and it did. The initial coup was amazingly peaceful - considering this was the first time Cote d'Ivoire had ever done anything like this. Ivorians liked to compare themselves to their neighbors Sierra Leone - we will never be like that. Those savages. But it didn't take long for it to go from ok to pretty rotten.
When I was exiting a tomb in Egypt's Valley of the Kings, an Irish man asked me how it was. I told him how great the paintings where and the colors, etc. He asked me where I was from - I told him the Seattle, Washington, the USA. "Great place." And you? "Ireland." He went on to bitch about the British a bit and then came back to Seattle. "I would love to live there." Well, if you like the rain, it's perfect. "Yeah, you've got a great country, you know." Genuinely curious as to why he thought that I replied, why do you think so? "It's one of the last true democracies in the world. Really it is. Think about it. It's a great place."
Monday, December 24, 2007
Convergence zones, Santa trackers and the Joy of Cooking...
North of Seattle, between Lynnwood and Everett is a "convergence zone" where the weather is particular hellish - kind of like the snowbelt that I grew up in. If it's starting to snow in Seattle, there are two inches in Lynnwood. If it pouring in Everett (and you're hydroplaning on the highway) it's started to dry up in Seattle - which is what happened last night as I was leaving speed skate - I left in a horrible storm to practice (and all I could think was though it's not "Beverly Hills, LA" I'm still dreaming of a white Christmas), and it was worse in Everett on my way back and as I hydroplaned across the freeway (just riding it out), I was wishing it was snow.
And the three hours I spend at work today, part of it was checking out MSN.com's Santa Tracker - which is pretty funny and rather creative:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22271869/?gt1=10645
And tonight, the apartment is sparkling clean. My roommate and I exchanged small gifts, while John Lennon sings "So this is Christmas (War is Over)", and I flip thru the Joy of Cooking as tomorrow I am preparing dinner for 10 "orphans". I couldn't ask for a better way to spend my Christmas - away from home. I've never made a whole turkey (just a breast) but all of the other delights I have perfected my own receipt for them. I can't wait! Christmas movies, songs, and the Joy of Cooking with friends.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)