tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-230812302024-03-08T10:08:55.856-08:00...méli-mélo...<b>On being a female construction worker in Vegas; plus working union, going to school, keeping a family, dealing with life, exploring the past, struggling between cultures, and somehow still having a few moments to write in this thing from time to time. Multi-lingual, but on the whole, written in English.</b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.comBlogger419125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-55765516217005167112009-05-11T12:03:00.000-07:002009-05-11T12:21:24.267-07:00Buffalo NY: ASES 2009!<b><br />My God, things have been hectic!<br><br />Lion King finished up the 1st week of May. Been back and forth between that, and another (100% fucked) job that really...I don't know how a job could get any worse...plus more PV calls coming in so I'm really hoping that I'll be able to start installing solar arrays full time coming up soon.<br><br />In the meantime, I'm attending ASES 2009, a solar power conference put on by the American Solar Energy Society. It's my 2nd year here, and I've got classes and seminars up the yin-yang but I absolutely <i>love</i> it. (Except the flight in, but I'll get to that later.) This time last year so much of the industry was still foreign to me, and now I'm finding that some of it is actually a review for me. What's strange is that guys with 10 years field experience are just learning the theory I learned before I touch a module for the first time. It's ego-boosting and humbling at the same time.<br><br />I went to Niagara Falls, and got pics of the falls and of the Nicola Tesla statue (I'm a geek, I know)...gonna head to Anchor Bar later in the week, and see what there is to see. I'm actually staying with a friend in a small town right outside Buffalo, but it saves me tons of money, plus I get to see her little town after hearing about it for like 5 years. I forgot to bring the cord to connect the camera to my laptop to get my pics on here so I'll have to do it when I get back but still...some good ones. :)<br><br />Okay my flight: I left Friday morning, and it started getting really turbulent sometime after we passed the Rockies -- which were amazing by the way. And it went from regular turbulent to OMG turbulent, where the it felt like a roller coaster and the pilot was like, "Um...we just called Chicago O'Hare and they said it's even worse to Cleveland so we're going to divert." So we diverted. Then undiverted. Then diverted, then snuck over to Cleveland anyway (like the storm wouldn't see us??), then waited, then waited...and waited...then we were going to connect straight to Buffalo, then they decided against it and we went to Newark (what a shitty little airport!) and after running from one gate to the next I barely made it to my connection to Buffalo and landed only an hour after I was originally supposed to. I think. Time zones are a bitch. And I slept for about 15 straight hours and awakened to a supposed "springtime" that felt more like a "dead of winter in Vegas" to me, but aside from all that...I've had a blast so far. :)<br><br />Oh, but I will say that the airline food I had was seriously above par. Kudos to scientific advances in that area because honestly, I've never in my life had better raisin bran, and that really says something.<br /><br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-83519770925832160132009-05-03T23:03:00.000-07:002009-05-11T11:58:10.346-07:00Lion King FTW!<b><br />Since the first week in January I've been on the remodel crew at Mandalay Bay, turning Mamma Mia! Theatre into Lion King Theatre. It was actually pretty demanding; the as-builts were completely wrong, for instance, since in-house apparently came in to change things as was needed and their version of as-builts didn't match what the architects gave us. I was in charge of turning over the dressing rooms, and I re-routed so many circuits, it isn't funny...and in one particular dressing room, not even ten minutes after I signed it over, it was decided that all the vanities were moving to opposite walls. This included the lighting and power circuits. It was maddening.<br><br />However, it was a good experience, nothing like the monotony of building towers that comprised much of my apprenticeship. I even liked coming to work, though alot of that had to do with who I was working with and working for. (My foreman, in his own words, is both firm and fair. I quite appreciate it.) But it came with an added bonus: comp tickets for a matinee show today.<br><br />Usually, when a theatre is turned over, the general foremen and foremen get comp tickets to see the show on a soft opening or final dress rehearsal. However, for whatever reason, Disney saw fit to give tickets to each person who worked on the project, plus a guest. I took my husband, of course. :) I was actually really surprised, since it's incredibly rare that we, as construction workers, are ever recognised; however, right before the show started, Thomas Schumacher (president of Disney's Theatrical Group) came on stage and thanked us for our hard work and dedication. It was really amazing.<br><br />But not as amazing as the show!<br><br /><i>"Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba!..."</i><br />I'd always adored the beginning of "Lion King": the Zulu chant, the animals making their way to Pride Rock...all of it. The full 3 minutes or whatever it is. So much so, that often I'd put in the DVD, watch that part, then take it out, as the rest of the movie has always been mediocre to me. But this show...somehow was a seamless African-themed Noh drama. Just breathtaking. And oddly, the character I liked least in the animated version -- Rafiki -- is now my favourite. I know it's going to sound girly, but I cried during the opening and ending. Just the beauty of it. I felt very close to Ogoun then...<br><br /><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-c318C5pd7U&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-c318C5pd7U&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br><br />Disney's Lion King: Las Vegas will open to the public in about a week, so far as I understand it. It's incredible, the cast here is vibrant and the theatre is basically new, since we basically rebuilt it from an empty shell. Mamma Mia! Theatre was, quite realistically, annihilated. So when in Vegas, check it out at Mandalay Bay...and try to get a lower level seat, there's all kinds of action that takes place in the aisles from time to time. I won't ruin it. :)<br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-18374516276223407602009-04-25T23:49:00.000-07:002009-04-26T00:05:25.377-07:00Photos from work.<b><br />The job I'm on is completely fucked. The following pics are not the reasons; they're the results.<br><br /><br /><IMG SRC="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h173/lilsparky357/mail-1.jpg" WIDTH="315" HEIGHT="365" ALT="Sexxxy dance!" BORDER="0"><br />He asked that I don't reveal his identity, and that's why I used the neck-down approach. Basically I was treated to a homoerotic pole dance, without the pole.<br><br /><br /><IMG SRC="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h173/lilsparky357/mail.jpg" WIDTH="315" HEIGHT="365" ALT="Skillz yo!" BORDER="0"><br />My apprentice Sam put his hoisting and rigging skills to good use; our Gatorades made it to the roof safely.<br><br /><br /><br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-737593682405792102009-04-14T22:27:00.000-07:002009-04-25T23:46:25.585-07:00Momentous!<b><br />Earlier today I attended the dedication ceremony of the new wind turbine at the Electrical JATC, the same from which I graduated nearly a year ago. It kinda transforms that apprenticeship hall into a renewables hub, what with the four solar arrays that were installed a few years ago as well. Senator Harry Reid was present, and tons of journalists. I was massively underdressed, since I came straight from work, but it was (gratefully) overlooked.<br><br />Wind power isn't my deal, I'm a dedicated solar whore, but it was still cool. In fact, our JATC's wind turbine was the first wind system in the state of Nevada to receive a rebate from NV Energy under their <a href="http://www.nvenergy.com/renewablesenvironment/renewablegenerations/">WindGenerations</a> program; that makes it a little extra awesome.<br><br />I'll try to get a photo up soon...it's just your run-of-the-mill SkyStream turbine but to me it's exciting. :)<br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-52487924641489338462009-04-11T21:51:00.000-07:002009-04-11T22:02:45.749-07:00Good day.<b>Well, I still have a job, for now. It's a good thing. Lion King has started rehearsals amd the performers are in and out of the theatre. We just try to make ourselves scarce. Either way, it's a paycheck.<br/><br/>I get to help mount a solar array tomorrow--yes, I'm aware it's Easter. We'll start with mounting the Unirac system and I'd really like to get some modules up, as well. The job might carry into next week but if the bulk of it's done tomorrow, then that gives me time before class starts up again. There's only a week or two we (as instructors) have between classes. Three days a week, for five hours each time, for 6-7 weeks is hard on anybody.<br/><br/>Since I'm attending ASES in Buffalo this year, I'll be out of town on Mother's Day. I worked it out with my mom and we did Mother's Day today. It was really nice: no drama, totally relaxing. We went to the International Market and really, I love it there. Not only food from all areas of the planet but dishes, furniture, clothing. I can literally spend hours there. (And today, we did.)<br/><br/>So a lovely relaxing day...I miss those. I don't forget, however, that life is good nonetheless. Amazing, sometimes. </b><br/><div class="iblogger-footer"><br clear="all"/><p style="text-align:right;font-size:10px;">[Posted with <a href="http://illuminex.com/iBlogger/index.html">iBlogger</a> from my iPhone]</p><br/></div><br />Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-50231599394084884322009-04-03T15:18:00.000-07:002009-04-03T15:20:22.359-07:00A little help from my iPhone...<b>So yeah. I've been über-busy lately. Aside from working my regular job (which, right now, is at the new Lion King Theatre at Mandalay Bay), I've started teaching classes in photovoltaics. A little extra cash helps in a time where work in construction has pretty much dried up completely for now. But also, I'm rarely home; there's no access to computers on my jobsite and although the JATC has computer access, it's restricted and honestly, I couldn't teach and blog at the same time anyway.<br/><br/>Enter the iPhone.<br/><br/>I downloaded an app called "iBlogger" which supposedly will let me blog via my iPhone...this is the test post and if it works, I'll be far more regular at posting again. The posts will likely be shorter, since I can really only type with one finger on this thing, but now the newest iPhone update allows a copy and paste function so...<br/><br/>Basically, I'm hoping this works so I can get back into blogging. I've seriously missed it.<br/><br/>Here goes nothing!</b> <div class="iblogger-footer"><br clear="all"/><p style="text-align:right;font-size:10px;">[Posted with <a href="http://illuminex.com/iBlogger/index.html">iBlogger</a> from my iPhone]</p><br/></div><br />Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-48767987163953078502009-03-12T00:30:00.000-07:002009-04-25T23:43:33.865-07:00Our PV class in the news!<b><br />Just a few hours ago, NBC Nightly News came in to film our photovoltaics class, as a national model in the renewables industry. It was really exciting. Cliff (my apprenticeship study-buddy) was interviewed; he's currently unemployed and the interview had to do with how taking solar classes is expected to help him gain and keep employment as an electrician. Snow was teaching, and he just happened to be going over the formula for sizing a PV system, so it looked extra impressive.<br><br />For anyone who wants to see the story, it'll air on MSNBC this Saturday. :)<br><br /><i>Edit: You can find the video <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/29497734#29696946">here</a>.</i> Enjoy!<br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-78020835574680426962009-01-26T19:17:00.000-08:002009-01-26T19:22:43.058-08:00Yeah. It's been over a month.<b><br />Somewhere in between working some overtime, extending the photovoltaic class by a week, a site survey, a job transfer, the need to switch from Coumadin to Lovenox, and life in general, I got drastically ill--likely due to exhaustion--and fell behind on blogging. Now I only need to edit my half-written posts, peppered with misspellings and completely devoid of capital letters and punctuation, and then I can publish.<br><br />I intend to get back into blogging pretty regularly again; my apologies for falling off the face of the planet and many thanks to those who checked in every once in awhile, and left comments. :)<br><br />Soon, I'll be up to date very soon...<br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-79156413426751680502008-12-16T16:04:00.000-08:002008-12-17T20:05:41.288-08:00School-related stuff.<b><br />Firstly, I've been put in charge of testing, in a roundabout way. I grade the exams, and from those exams, I take the most-missed questions and am currently forming a massive pop quiz. More like a pop exam. Now, these tests (including the pop exam) don't count for grades, they only serve to show the instructors and students what is lacking as far as given information goes. For instance, nearly half the class is confusing a string with an array. That's going on the pop exam. Unfortunately, I'll be grading them as well, so I'm sure that'll eat up an entire Saturday. Ah well.<br><br />Some other stuff too...There are other conventions coming, ReTech in February (in Vegas) and a CPV--or, concentrated PV--convention in San Diego sometime soon as well. Not sure I can swing another San Diego trip when ASES is in Buffalo this coming May. (Speaking of which, I need to get a new passport so I can go to Niagara Falls!) Just too many travel expenses. We'll see what happens; this could all hinge on whether I pass the NABCEP exam. Luckily, NABCEP is being proctored locally in March, so not only can I save big as far as travel, but I have more study time.<br><br />Completely unrelated, Logan's been around more. I've missed him. I hope he intends on coming back in a more permanent fashion sometime soon. We'll see, I guess...he's disappeared before. Maybe if I let it be known that Molly and Niven will be in charge of holiday care packages, he'll make his presence known... :)<br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-63006039926121000702008-12-13T19:31:00.000-08:002008-12-17T19:56:58.963-08:00Wish I'd been that brave.<b><br />I don't have too many regrets throughout my life, because I've learned that every experience--even the less than stellar ones--can serve to mold us and make us better, stronger, more resilient. However, the few regrets I <i>do</i> have center mainly of events before I was adopted. (Otherwise called the Before years. Easier for me to identify that way.) I've been told I shouldn't have regrets, that I was adopted at age 14 and anything I might find I regret can't be my fault, since I was, in essence, a child. And I understand that in an intellectual sense. I also understand that I'm looking back at those events with an adult mind that's capable of forming adult solutions.<br><br />Mais parce que j'ai été élevée de cette façon, puis j'ai connu seulement ce type de vie. Mon enfance était normal, et quand j'ai suspecté qu'il ait été erroné, je me suis forcée à le feindre étais encore okay. Néanmoins, j'ai été punie pour parler trop, et j'ai gardé des secrets. Parfois cela a signifié que d'autres enfants ont été blessés. C'était nécessaire...un cercle répugnant de la vie. J'ai peur: je souhaite que je pourrais échapper à cette vérité mais après 20 ans, je ne peux pas encore me cacher. Un certain jour que la porte ouvrira, et avec tant tristesse je sais que il n'y a pas assez de punition dans le monde pour ce que j'ai fait.<br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-1757254229364797272008-12-11T19:54:00.000-08:002008-12-14T15:47:04.656-08:00Highlights.<b><br />Since I've been absent:<br><br />~Recently I found (or rather, re-connected with) one of my first penpals I ever had, Marcia. We started writing when we were about 13, maybe 14 years old; she was from Bophuthatswana, an area now incorporated into South Africa. After only a few years we lost contact, but recently I tried looking her up on Facebook and amazingly, I found her, and she actually remembered me! We've been writing now, back and forth, for the past few weeks and it's pretty awesome how much we've changed over the years, and yet we've managed to be very alike in so many ways. She's extremely talented, and in the near future, I'll post some of her poetry. My brutal curiosity of Bantu peoples, cultures and languages is heightened.<br><br />~So, the Monday after I almost killed John with the pookie (fire putty) bucket, Clint and I worked on securing the cable out of the electrical room, down the hall, and into the elevator lobby. Drew (now my temp foreman--again) told me to be "gentle" in making holes in the wall, so I used a long-shaft screwdriver and made my hole with that, using my side-cutters to drive it into the drywall. There was a piece of 1/2" allthread sticking through at one point; as I used my side-cutters to hit the handle to drive it in, I noticed how close my wrist kept coming to that jagged end of allthread. I took off my work glove and wrapped it around my hand...the very next tap I made to teh screwdriver, two knuckles hit the allthread. It hurt but not too badly, but before I got a chance to finish the job, I saw blood spew out of my hand and down the wall, floor, ladder, all over my jeans...and let me say this was a finished project: painted, tiled, turned over to the owner. Oops. Not like I could help bleeding, but our employee manual lists gloves as a 100%-of-the-time safety item. Good thing the electrical rooms aren't high-traffic areas.<br><br />~Working between Jay & Drew lately...back and forth. No one really has enough work, so when one foreman runs out, I go to the other, and then back ad infinitum. At least I'm still employed, and I'm overjoyed at that, especially since I like both Jay and Drew as foremen. And aside from liking their personalities, neither treat me like an idiot, and both don't give me tasks that are too difficult, too dangerous, or too tedious for me. Which is always a bonus. Aside from the antennae job (supposedly) coming up, we have 5 or 6 PV jobs that should be getting underway in under a month...or so I'm told. I can hope, anyway.<br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-81493140984390658662008-12-10T21:56:00.000-08:002008-12-14T16:06:05.212-08:00Somewhere between lives.<b><br />Again, as is familiar to me, I am floating somewhere between my work life and school life and home life and family life and...therefore, I need mindlessness. But stay tuned, in the next day or so, I'm posting an awesome poem. Wish I could say I wrote it, but that would be a grave fallacy.<br><br /><br />Yeah so...I stole this meme from <a href="http://dopaminedreams.blogspot.com/">Gadfly</a>.<br />Info<br />[x] I am shorter than 5'4 (/163cm) <br />[x] I think I'm ugly sometimes.<br />[ ] I tan easily.<br />[x] I wish my hair was a different color. (that's why I dye it!)<br />[x] I have friends who have never seen my natural hair color.<br />[x] I have a tattoo.<br />[x] I am self-conscious about my appearance.<br />[ ] I have/I've had braces.<br />[x] I wear glasses/contacts.<br />[x] I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free.<br />[x] I've been told I'm attractive by a complete stranger.<br />[x] I have more than 2 piercings.<br />[x] I have piercing in places besides my ears.<br />[ ] I have freckles. <br /><br />Family<br />[x] I've sworn at my parents. <br />[x] I've run away from home.<br />[ ] I've been kicked out of the house.<br />[ ] My biological parents are together.<br />[ ] I have a sibling less than one year old.<br />[ ] I want to have kids someday.<br />[x] I've lost a child.<br /><br />School/Work<br />[x] I'm in school<br />[x] I have a job<br />[x] I've fallen asleep at work/school (that’s always charming).<br />[ ] I almost always do/did my homework.<br />[x] I've missed a week or more of school.<br />[ ] I failed more than 1 class last year.<br />[ ] I've stolen something from my job.<br />[x] I've been fired.<br /><br />Embarrassment<br />[x] I've slipped out a "lol" in a spoken conversation.<br />[ ] Disney movies still make me cry.<br />[ ] I've peed from laughing.<br />[x] I've snorted while laughing.<br />[x] I've laughed so hard I've cried.<br />[x] I've glued my hand to something.<br />[x] I've had my pants rip in public. <br /><br />Health<br />[x] I was born with a disease/impairment<br />[x] I've gotten stitches/staples.<br />[x] I've broken a bone.<br />[x] I've had my tonsils removed.<br />[x] I've sat in a doctor’s office/emergency room with a friend.<br />[ ] I've had my wisdom teeth removed. <br />[x] I had a serious surgery.<br />[x] I've had chicken pox.<br />[ ] I've had measles<br /><br /><br />Travel<br />[x] I've driven over 200 miles in one day.<br />[x] I've been on a plane.<br />[ ] I've been to Canada.<br />[x] I've been to Mexico.<br />[ ] I've been to Niagara Falls. (In May!)<br />[ ] I've been to Japan.<br />[ ] I've celebrated Mardi Gras in New Orleans.<br />[x] I've been to Europe.<br />[ ] I've been to Africa (hopefully in the next year!).<br /><br /><br />Experiences<br />[x] I've gotten lost in my city.<br />[x] I've seen a shooting star.<br />[x] I've wished on a shooting star<br />[ ] I've seen a meteor shower.<br />[ ] I've gone out in public in my pajamas.<br />[x] I've pushed all the buttons on an elevator.<br />[x] I've kicked a guy where it hurts.<br />[x] I've been to a casino.<br />[ ] I've been skydiving.<br />[x] I've gone skinny dipping<br />[x] I've played spin the bottle.<br />[ ] I've drunk a whole gallon of milk in one hour.<br />[x] I've crashed a car.<br />[ ] I've been skiing.<br />[x] I've been in a play.<br />[x] I've met someone in person from Myspace. <br />[ ] I've caught a snowflake on my tongue.<br />[ ] I've seen the Northern lights.<br />[ ] I've sat on a roof top at night.<br />[x] I've played chicken.<br />[x] I've played a prank on someone<br />[x] I've ridden in a taxi.<br />[x] I've seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show.<br />[x] I've eaten sushi.<br />[ ] I've been snowboarding.<br /><br /><br />Relationships<br />[ ] I'm single. <br />[ ] I'm in a relationship <br />[ ] I'm engaged. <br />[x] I'm married.<br />[ ] I've gone on a blind date.<br />[ ] I've been the dumped more than the dumper.<br />[x] I miss someone right now.<br />[x] I have a fear of abandonment.<br />[ ] I've gotten divorced.<br />[x] I've had feelings for someone who didn't have them back.<br />[ ] I've told someone I loved them when I didn't.<br />[x] I've kept something from a past relationship.<br />[x] I've had a crush on someone of the same sex.<br />[x] I've had a crush on a teacher. <br />[x] I've been kissed in the rain.<br />[x] I've hugged a stranger.<br />[ ] I have kissed a stranger.<br /><br />Honesty<br />[x] I've done something I promised someone else I wouldn't.<br />[x] I've done something I promised myself I wouldn't.<br />[x] I've snuck out of my house.<br />[x] I have lied to my parents about where I am.<br />[ ] I am keeping a secret from the world.<br />[x] I've cheated while playing a game.<br />[x] I've cheated on a test.<br />[x] I've run a red light.<br />[x] I've been suspended from school.<br />[x] I've witnessed a crime.<br />[x] I've been in a fist fight. <br />[ ] I've been arrested.<br /><br />Drugs/Alcohol<br />(Not sure how honest this section will be...)<br />[x] I've consumed alcohol<br />[x] I regularly drink.<br />[x] I've passed out from drinking.<br />[x] I have passed out drunk at least once in the past 6 months.<br />[x] I've smoked weed<br />[ ] I've taken painkillers when I didn't need them.<br />[ ] I've eaten shrooms.<br />[x] I've popped E.<br />[ ] I've inhaled Nitrous.<br />[...] I've done hard drugs.<br />[ ] I have cough drops when I'm not sick. <br />[x] I can swallow about 5 pills at a time no problem.<br />[x] I have been diagnosed with clinical depression.<br />[ ] I have been diagnosed with one or more anxiety disorder.<br />[x] I shut others out when I'm depressed.<br />[ ] I take anti-depressants.<br />[x] I am/ have been anorexic or bulimic.<br />[x] I've slept an entire day when I didn't need it.<br />[x] I've hurt myself on purpose.<br />[x[ I've woken up crying.<br /><br /><br />Death and Suicide<br />[ ] I'm afraid of dying.<br />[x] I hate funerals.<br />[x] I've seen someone dying.<br />[x] Someone close to me has attempted suicide.<br />[ ] Someone close to me has committed suicide.<br />[x] I've planned my own suicide.<br />[x] I've attempted suicide.<br />[ ] I've written a eulogy for myself. <br /><br /><br />Materialism<br />[ ] I own over 5 rap CDs. <br />[x] I own an iPod or MP3 player.<br />[ ] I have an unhealthy obsession with anime/manga.<br />[ ] I own multiple designer purses, costing over $100 a piece (I thought about checking this for comic effect).<br />[x] I own something from Hot Topic.<br />[ ] I own something from Pac Sun.<br />[ ] I collect comic books (I bought them when I was a kid).<br />[ ] I own something from The Gap.<br />[x] I own something I got on e-bay.<br />[ ] I own something from Abercrombie.<br /><br />Random<br />[ ] I can sing well.<br />[ ] I've stolen a tray from a fast food restaurant.<br />[ ] I open up to others easily.<br />[x] I watch the news.<br />[x] I don't kill bugs. <br />[x] I hate hearing songs that sacrifice meaning for the sake of being able to rhyme.<br />[x] I curse regularly.<br />[ ] I sing in the shower.<br />[ ] I am a morning person.<br />[ ] I paid for my cell phone ring tone.<br />[x] I'm a snob about grammar.<br />[ ] I am a sports fanatic.<br />[x] I twirl my hair.<br />[ ] I have "x"s in my screen name.<br />[ ] I love being neat. <br />[ ] I love Spam<br />[ ] I've copied more than 30 CD's in a day<br />[ ] I bake well.<br />[ ] My favorite color is either white, yellow, pink, red or blue<br />[ ] I've worn pajamas to school.<br />[ ] I like Martha Stewart.<br />[x] I know how to shoot a gun (I'll get better in time)<br />[ ] I am in love with love<br />[ ] I am guilty of tYpInG lIkE tHiS.<br />[x] I laugh at my own jokes.<br />[x] I eat fast food weekly.<br />[x] I believe in ghosts.<br />[ ] I am online 24/7, even as an away message.<br />[x] I've not turned anything in and still got an A in a certain class.<br />[x] I can't sleep if there is a spider in the room.<br />[x] I am really ticklish. (Tickling is a form of abuse.)<br />[x] I love white chocolate.<br />[x] I bite my nails.<br />[ ] I play video games.<br />[ ] I'm good at remembering names. <br />[ ] I'm good at remembering dates.<br />[ ] I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life.<br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-58315675414415190332008-12-08T21:44:00.000-08:002008-12-14T15:46:39.597-08:00Can't sleep.<b><br />Thinking, and my mind won't calm down.<br><br />My brother Remo's bullshit threshold has been broken; my parents seem to happen upon misfortune one after the next; my sister Amme is struggling with juggling her family and her job in America's present economy. My own worries seem so ridiculous, in light of all that. I remember what it is to feel hopeless and desperate, and am ecstatic that I'm not there now.<br><br />This time last year, I was overwhelmed with how I felt my life and worldview were changing. Much of it, if not all of it, seems natural and is second-nature to me now. More changes may be coming, as life has a funny way of making certain that happens, but...<br><br />I'm not certain that the changes in store for me are necessarily ones I'm comfortable with. However, I'm more aware of myself, and my capacity for inner strength plus my developing ability to create inner peace through meditation means that I am now better able to handle upcoming change. At least, better able than this time last year. I'm growing and progressing, and that's good. I suppose I just wish I could take a tiny glimpse into the future, to prepare myself. And I further suppose that a good many other people wish the same thing, so at least I know we're in the same boat.<br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-43670866526210053652008-12-07T20:36:00.000-08:002008-12-07T22:20:19.045-08:00Almost a tragedy.<b><br />First, here's my story on how I freaked out about the possibility of almost killing John on Friday. Not on purpose just...anyway. Read on.<br><br />Somehow, a speaker cable from the retail level got lost or removed, and we were only just notified when the techs were in the IDF room, putting all the low voltage shit in order. All the speaker cables from upper floors had to be routed down to the back-of-house level, which is the level below retail. Anyway, the retail level is finished and already turned over so we couldn't really go crazy and rip walls open and such; the best way we could think of to get it all done was to run it down an air shaft. A great idea, except that in order to keep it up to Code (strapping, fire caulking, etc) was for someone to get down into the shaft as well. A good 50 feet or so.<br><br />The shaft itself is full of rigid and thinwall conduit, feeders encased in flex, tons of deep and double strut to keep it strapped down. Not much room for anyone to crawl down, especially with an awkward safety harness. I was going to get in the Hole except that the strut crossbars were 6 feet apart and I couldn't comfortably or safely climb down, as short as I am...that left it to my toolie, John.<br><br />John slipped on his safety harness and shimmied down. Once he reached the proper level, I lowered the tool bucket to him with kite string. It was full of straps, his screwdriver, the fire putty knife, a pair of Kleins, the like. I lost control of the bucket for a few feet and panicked as it plummeted and I'll be honest, I freaked out. John said he was still okay, but there's no room for him to hide himself away in that shaft; if anything fell, it'd get him on the head. I was extra careful the rest of the way. Then I lowered the speaker cable to him so he could route that, and then I waited. There wasn't much I could do except wait until he was done securing everything, but once done, he asked for the fire putty.<br><br />Since the air shaft was fire-rated, it had to be fire caulked on the inside and outside. (I'm a diva with fire caulking, LOL.) Anyway, the bucket the putty was in weighed something like 40 pounds which really isn't bad at all but after losing control of the tool bucket, I was terrified. I lowered extremely slowly and wrapped the kite string around a post for extra security. About halfway down, I worried that perhaps I should be using 1/4" rope instead of kite string, but it was too late for that. After John positioned it, again all I could do was wait.<br><br />Finally he was ready for me to take the fire putty back up and so I did...or rather, I tried. Lowering a load is a hell of alot easier than raising it, at least for me. When I tried lifting it, I kept feeling the kite string slip through my gloved fingers. I briefly thought of taking my gloves off to better the grip but I knew that if I were to lose the load, that kite string would cut right through my hand. I hesitated and thought about my options. Leaving the putty in the air shaft was not an option, having John carry it back up while climbing the shaft was completely unfair, and dropping the bucket while attempting to raise it was unthinkable. After a few moments, I began wrapping the string around my hand as I raised it.<br><br />It was fine at first. Pull, wrap. Pull, wrap. It went slowly, but it was secure. The problem was this: that was a good 50 feet of kite string. As I wrapped it around my hand--then wrist, then arm--the weight on the end of the very thin string tightened it so much that I lost all feeling from my elbow, down. All feeling, that is, except an increasing raw pain everywhere the string was wrapped. Every time I wrapped it around my arm, it went against basic self-preservation instinct. I repeatedly called down to John, begging him to somehow shield himself from possible falling objects. About 10 feet below the concrete I was standing on, the bucket caught on some strut. I yanked it, and nothing happened. I started to panic. The pain in my arm was screaming at that point, my strength was running out, and I was afraid of both dropping the bucket onto John (effectively killing him) and the string being severed by a sharp edge of the strut, which would also cause the bucket to fall onto John. In my panic I yelled to him that it was stuck and I think he sensed that I was freaking out, cos he called out very calmly that it was all good, that I'm in control, that he knew I'd get it up with no problem. It was seriously frightening.<br><br />So I stopped, forcefully calmed myself, and wrapped the string a few more times around my arm as I ventured closer to the edge of the hole. Then, partially leaning into the darkness, I used my body to swing the string away from the strut as I quickly lifted it, which freed the bucket. I then lifted and wrapped as quickly as I could, and once I got it safely to my level, I kicked it as far away from the shaft as I was able so that I could focus on unwrapping. It took several minutes but in that time, John was able to collect everything else into the tool bucket...meanwhile, I found that the tightly coiled string had bruised and cut into my arm. Rope burns, while wicked-cool, aren't adorable.<br><br />The rest of the adventure was uneventful: John strapped the cable as he climbed back up, and I raised the tool bucket (which was remarkably light in comparison) for him as he ascended. All was good, we finished in the middle of lunch, and that was about it. We spent the rest of the day positioning everything to be ready for the next phase tomorrow. I kept quiet about my raw and swollen forearm; after all, I know that the alternative--losing the putty bucket--would be way fucking worse. I swear, I hope I never have that kind of desperate fear of maiming a coworker again. (Though this incident did teach me quite a few lessons...)<br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-62164009786295640312008-12-05T20:33:00.000-08:002008-12-05T20:54:58.601-08:00Yet another scattered post.<b><br />This week has been such a whirlwind of...everything...I don't even know how to begin.<br><br />I'm getting involved with teaching PV classes at our union JATC, so that we can get more of our electricians state certified. Maybe even nationally (NABCEP) certified, which would be awesome. It takes up alot of time, actually; it's two weeknights and a full Saturday for a month. They divide it up into 2 classes but still. I want to do it because, aside from the pay, I think it'll help me retain more. Y'know, I'll be going over the same shit over and over and it'll become second nature. And also, it'll get my contractor's name out to potential consumers. I mean, our photovoltaics department just started up an we simply aren't yet known for being involved in renewables. That'll change. :)<br><br />And now, a funny story. How many of you have seen "Pulp Fiction"? If you haven't, might as well skip this entire paragraph. Anyway, there was an issue with a side job another crew was doing. Something about it not being done it time, plus a failed inspection, plus a serious problem that needed troubleshooting. The foreman involved called one of the project managers for help, who promptly replied, "Hold tight, I'm sending Snow". Now, I heard this story from a tech who was there at the time; when he heard Snow was on is way, he referenced the afore-said movie by saying, "Oh fuck, you didn't say they were sending the Wolf!" And of course, that's not verbatim, but the point was made and everyone thought it was hilarious. I hadn't seen that movie in probably a decade, so I wasn't clear on what he meant, so I found the DVD and watched that scene and oh my God...it <i>fits</i>. If you know the scene, then you know Snow when he's in balls-to-the-wall mode: calm, firm, direct. He'll speak quickly and succinctly, expect no less than perfection, and may God help you if you're caught fucking off. I caught it immediately and I actually laughed out loud.<br><br />And now I realise what time it is, and I have preparation to get on before class tomorrow morning. Maybe someone will bring donuts. Maybe after class I'll have time to post about going in the Hole, and how I almost killed my toolie this afternoon. Yeah, work has been interesting this week.<br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-91454095465480950352008-12-03T20:43:00.001-08:002008-12-03T20:54:54.079-08:00OMG!! Ryan has a new baby girl!<b><br />My non-straight edge drinking/ study buddy from my apprenticeship years (LOL, only a few months behind me at this point) became a father for the first time a few days ago. I saw pics on his MySpace. They were beautiful.<br><br />There are a few people I really miss from school: Ryan of course, Cliff, Sanj, Mario, Lee, Alva, Pam, Wizzard...I mean there are alot, honestly. I still keep in contact with a handful via MySpace, texting, the occasional email or phone call. I don't work with anyone I turned out with, and most guys I spent those 5 years with are married and their wives, at times, are less-than-understanding. It's too bad.<br><br />So Ryan's baby made it safe and sound into the world, and I'm overjoyed for him. I can't wait to see him, his wife, and the new little one. I'll bring the beer.<br><br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-56741821006320752072008-11-30T15:32:00.000-08:002008-11-30T16:07:27.034-08:00Not entirely sure.<b><br />I haven't felt much like writing. Plenty has been going on lately, and really with the right motivation, I could detail them here. for some reason, however, I feel silent.<br><br />I spent the past week housesitting (and pet-sitting!), which is always a delight. I only worked three days that week, due to the holiday and the fact that there was absolutely <i>nothing</i> to do. We have another micro-remodel starting tomorrow but...still, very little work right now. I spent Thanksgiving with my family and, later in the evening, the in-laws, and it went about as flawlessly as any family get-together can be. My brother-in-law's birthday party was held at our house last night...for the most part, it went well, too. I even managed to work out the changes for sabbat decoration. But those are just events. Not to say that it didn't mean anything; I had a good time, but it's not much to write about, I guess.<br><br />My pensive nature has gotten me in trouble again. Just as in my previous post, about hiding aspects of oneself, I sat alone and found myself thinking a little too much. This time, about change. A family tradition my mom started years ago was the Thankful Tree, something we do every Thanksgiving. It's just some bare branches, and she cuts out different coloured leaves, one for each person. On one side, you write your name and the year; on the other side, you write what you're thankful for that year, and each year, all the leaves from all the previous years are hung on this Thankful Tree. It's cool, cos we have tons of leaves now, some filled out by those now deceased, and some by the kids...for instance, one of my nephews filled out one last year that said he was thankful for Batman. It was adorable.<br><br /><IMG SRC="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h173/lilsparky357/IMG_0011.jpg" WIDTH="380" HEIGHT="450" ALT="Happy!" BORDER="0"><br>The Thankful Tree<p><br />But anyway, this year I wrote that I was thankful for change. I realised that over the years, change has profoundly affected me, both positively and negatively. And what I mean by that is, no matter what happened to me in my life, the change that ensued redirected my life in a way that was necessary. There's been alot of trauma and alot of joy for me, as with anyone else, and it's just that I finally get it now. I understand that it's a natural part of existence...I just wish I'd known it sooner. It's a good thing I don't mind learning something new every day. :)<br /><br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-7676470781608551092008-11-23T20:44:00.000-08:002008-11-23T21:24:44.232-08:00Really knowing someone.<b><br />Alone now, and thinking: how well can I know someone? And how well would I want to know them?<br><br />I try to be very careful with what I reveal to others. I can be pretty candid on this blog, but in many cases, names, locations, even dates are changed. I don't want to be easily tracked. Things I don't want to be connected to at all simply aren't listed here, or anywhere else in writing. I've been known to lie on occasion to cover an undesirable truth.<br><br />I know I'm not the only one. Mark Twain said, "Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody", and I fully believe that. We all have secret lives, secret pasts, secrets loves and desires, secret hatreds, secret vices, secret talents. No one knows me fully, not one. I prefer it that way. And some have told me that to keep myself so compartmentalised robs me of my vitality but I find I encounter far less drama that way. I don't really believe in unconditional love under most circumstances; humans are simply not perfect and judge on bias, fear or envy.<br><br />It took a long time for me to understand how to gauge what parts of me were safe to show to others, and even longer for me to know which parts were safe for which types of people. And I know it makes sense to most everyone: we all have our home selves, our work and school selves, things of that nature. And of course we might censor ourselves around kids, or our parents or supervisors. We learn those things, mostly, as we grow up and realise the consequences for letting out the wrong part at the wrong time.<br><br />Nonetheless, sometimes I get to thinking about my own dark side, and what secrets I hold. I don't feel alone in sharing it with no one, because I know everyone is hiding aspects of themselves from me as well. But when I do think on what I hide--consciously and subconsciously--I can't help but to think about others, as well. I don't usually ask probing questions because I feel if I respect the privacy of others, they'll respect mine...however, I'm still curious. It's natural to be.<br><br />And then I think that perhaps it's best I don't know. Secrets are private for a reason. I only have to think about something deep inside me that might accidentally tumble out, and I can envision the responses, the aftermath...not good. So I can understand, of course. Everyone's in that exact same position. It's strange to me in a way, that we all have these aspects about us that are so guarded, and part of me thinks that if we all came out with it and lived honestly we'd be in a better place. But then rationality kicks in and honestly, we're all judgmental at some level, no one is 100% tolerant (or even close to it) so it'd never work.<br><br />We're all resigned to our hidden selves. I guess it doesn't matter really, because I'm not the only one hiding things. But the entire situation gets me in a pensive mood at times.<br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-40241986398410115302008-11-20T21:08:00.000-08:002008-11-20T21:12:51.460-08:00I stole this from Flynn.<b><br />The last two days at work have been comically fucked up, and due to where I work and blah blah blah I'm not sure how great an idea it would be to blog about it; also, I hesitate talking about Olivia's viewing or memorial service so instead I decided to steal from <a href="http://www.deviantempire.com/">Deviant Empire</a>:<br><br />Enjoy.<br><br />"I’m doing some early morning almost graveyard work in a pedestrian walkway on the nefarious Las Vegas Strip, and I’ve noticed two things between Monday and Today: people walking the strip between the hours of 2am and 6am are usually staggeringly drunk tourists and any sort of barricade, traffic cone, directional sign, or even someone standing in your way giving directions will be ignored, pushed aside, and generally walked over so that whatever death by cartoonish disfigurement that lies just beyond the imaginary line can be blissfully pursued. The absolute best (or worst) example of this was the lady that pushed her baby in a stroller over an orange traffic cone. Extra bonus information: there are more solo prostitutes walking north on the east side of the strip on between the hours of 2 to 4am Wednesday than there are on Monday."<br><br />Genius. I love the shit that comes out of his mind.<br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-18527988531604572212008-11-18T21:32:00.000-08:002008-11-18T21:32:01.725-08:00Winding journey: Part Two.<b><br />After struggling and being in a near-constant state of denial, I let my guard down a few years ago. The death of my son, Gabriel, shifted my entire world and I re-evaluated everything. Months after his death I investigated both Christianity and Paganism with renewed vigor; my time was spent reading countless books, websites online, and pamphlets. The Las Vegas Universalist Unitarian church was my gateway; I tried to accept UU ideals within Christianity and after a few months of that I gave up trying to lie to myself and came back to Paganism.<br><br />Fast-forward almost 2 years later and I'm involved with an incredible spiritual philosophy class, a church, and a philanthropic group, all grounded heavily in Paganism. I love it. I feel at home, and warm, and everything is <i>right</i>. I'm not really "out" about it in my public life; yes, here I just wrote but I haven't mentioned details and I'm somewhat anonymous in the Blogosphere. A few know at work, and a few friends. My husband pretty much figured it out over the summer and my mom found out by accident about a month ago. I wonder how their knowledge will affect family-heavy holidays coming up...I don't want drama and I'm happy to avoid the subject if they are kind enough to not bring it up.<br><br />The thing I don't understand is why there's so much animosity between peoples of different religions. The reactions of my mother and Tannah were somewhat expected: they were sad because according to their faith, I'm basically going to Hell. I can understand that reaction, actually. What I can't understand is anger, hatred, disappointment...why? I respect other faiths. I am absolutely intolerant of faith-bashing, and I strive to find beauty in any faith. Except...I make an exception for abusive, cultish groups. Mixing abuse and a false sense of Divinity is unfathomable. It disgusts me.<br><br />But anyway...it would be nice if I really could be open about my beliefs. Truly open. Yes, I think my family would still love me. Would there be some hidden fear or anger, however? As for in-laws, would I still be accepted? As for friends, crew mates, other random people: would I be treated differently? When, on the rare occasion, I wear my pentagram choker, I sometimes sense stolen glances and outright stares. I wonder sometimes if I should ask, but I'm not sure I want to know. It just floors me that some people, based on belief, can feel justified in intolerance, hostility, and outrage simply because another person believes differently. But that leads into another post on the savage inequality in America so...maybe later.<br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-53054724043279284862008-11-17T15:33:00.001-08:002008-11-18T19:11:52.315-08:00Much sadness.<b><br />I found out this morning that one of my crewmates, Tim (from when I was working for Papa G), lost his youngest daughter this weekend. I might post something more in a few hours but right now I'm somewhere between numb and weepy and that's a horrible combination for writing a blog post.<br><br /><i>Update:</i><br />Her name was Olivia. She had just turned 15 years old. When Tim talked about his daughters at work, there was usually a smile on his face: either he bragged about their accomplishments or teased a little, like when he told me once that I text-messaged almost as much as they did. When I heard that one of his daughters had died, I immediately looked for a reliable answer. Rumours are extraordinarily common on construction sites, but unfortunately this wasn't one of them. The news story was splashed across the front page of the "Nevada" section in our local paper.<br><br />Apparently she'd been a passenger in a truck that participated in a street race; the driver lost control, swerved, overcorrected, and flipped the truck, ejecting Olivia. She died at the scene.<br><br />Although I lost my son 3 years ago, it was different. I'd had a few days to prepare for his death before it happened...as much as one can prepare for a child's death. His death also wasn't so violent. And oddly, although I know in a sense what it's like, I can't say I know how Tim's feeling. I'm just really hurting for him and his family right now; I've worked with his brothers and they are all really excellent people. The entire thing is senseless and depressive and it's hard to accept.<br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-9568412343297155252008-11-16T18:46:00.000-08:002008-11-16T20:12:36.721-08:00Winding journey: Part One.<b><br />I won't get into the early history because if I did, it wouldn't be in English; I rarely write about my pre-adoption upbringing in English. And honestly, I might get into the early influences at a later date but I don't have the time to dwell on it right now. It's rather complicated.<br><br />Anyway, for the majority of my life I've been introduced to various religions, some for a longer period of time than others. All my experiences helped form me and form my ideas on Divinity, and I assure you, not all experiences were good. Nor were they all typical of what that particular faith had to offer. Some of these faiths showed themselves to me in their best light and some were revealed in a darkness that I now know to be caused by misunderstanding and confusion.<br><br />Two major paths I've walked off and on throughout the years are Christianity and Paganism, and with both I studied ideologies behind several denominations, for lack of a better word. In each path, there were good lessons and bad lessons, and with each path I gained knowledge and understanding, regardless. Until I was well into my 20s, my immediate family was passively Christian: we didn't attend church, and Christmas was strictly commercial in nature. We didn't pray before meals, or before bed, and I'm not even certain any of us owned a Bible. We lived, in a basic sense, by the Golden Rule, and that was the extent of it. After the intense religious experiences I had as a child, I searched tirelessly for a peaceful and healing faith to latch myself firmly onto. I found Christianity first, when I was 15 or so: I got obsessed, my family became a little concerned--which was a good thing--and the fire died down after perhaps a year and a half. I discovered Paganism, and told no one; but because of serious unresolved issues in childhood, I abandoned it abruptly after about a year. I cycled back and forth, and then felt only a tenacious connection to Divinity for years. I channeled it into Christianity, because my husband is Baptist and around that time my parents became practising Lutherans. I tried to feel the connection they felt, and prayed to understand. I was told I lacked faith, and that only by believing fully without exception and without questioning would I understand. I distanced myself from anything potentially "demonic", such as the Harry Potter series and Discovery Channel programs on Stonehenge.<br><br />I think it's because that almost immediately after abandoning Paganism, I still felt the draw. I still knew on some level that it had chosen me, as odd as it may sound to some. I fought it nonetheless, drawing on fearful childhood experiences and the idea that the draw I felt was not natural, but rather the work of the Devil. I prayed--though I didn't meditate, of course, as that was demonic--and fasted and read Christian literature. I went from pastor to minister to elder to priest for advice; I even went so far as to consider exorcism.<br><br />The point is coming, promise...Part Two is coming soon. Really soon.<br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-56703657296956980562008-11-15T20:27:00.000-08:002008-11-15T21:13:16.968-08:00Blood back on track y una boda muy divertida.<b><br />In adjusting my Coumadin intake, I feel tons better. Headache is gone, and even though I'm still pretty exhausted, I still managed to get the supplies for my fool-proof nutrition yummies <i>and</i> attend the wedding reception of one of Tannah's colleagues. They're Mexican, and very few of those in attendance spoke any English but it was fun nonetheless. As soon as we arrived we were offered drinks. They offered Bailey's to me--and no one else, so I was like "What, is that the güera drink or what?"--but really, I love Bailey's so I took it. There were Baja-style tacos for one (roach-coach style if you're in construction) and I'll be honest: I had the carne asada and carnitas tacos and they were excellent...then after that and some frijoles charros I tried my first cabeza taco. It wasn't something I think I'll try again; it tastes fine, but the texture was questionable. I have no doubt it was prepared properly because everything was spot on, just I think I'm not into cabeza, that's all.<br><br />In between me dancing like a fool to Banda Zeta and Banda Maguey (I loved them in high school!), the groom offered me a shot of a traditional tequila. He offered to make it girly for me and I declined, said I wanted it straight. He handed me a shot glass that, honestly, was twice as tall as I'm used to, but I didn't wuss out: I sucked a lime slice to ease the burn to come and chugged it. It was amazing: I didn't need the lime. It was incredibly smooth, no burn, and the warmth didn't hit me til several minutes later. However, it should be noted that when the warmth did hit me, it knocked me silly and all I wanted to do was find a coffee cake and devour it.<br><br />So in my drunken stupor I did manage to find a coffee cake on the way home, plus Terra Chips, plus all my fool-proof nutrition yummies. Part of my blood issues the past week have been due to improper diet, so I talked to a nutritionist. I said flat out I don't like eating during the workday because I get drowsy. I mean, I might have a Fruit Leather at break and a Tiger Milk protein bar at lunch but anything more and I'm worthless. So the nutritionist suggested a specific trail mix of sorts: plain granola, pumpkin seeds with shell, raw assorted nuts, small dark chocolate pieces, raisins and bite-size pieces of jerky (any sort). It was specific as to this type, because pre-made trail mixes often had too much sugar or vitamin K, for example. It's high protein so I don't become lethargic, I can eat a small handful every hour to stay satisfied, and its healthy too. I'm gonna try it out on Monday and see if it works. :)<br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-29008594384957930992008-11-14T16:39:00.000-08:002008-11-14T17:06:23.681-08:00Brilliant!<b><br />Just for a moment, roll this around in your brain: Homosexuals can't be married, therefore are denied what I see as basic rights compared to heterosexuals. That's as far as I understand it in the majority of the United States. Therefore, should gays pay the same taxes?<br><br />No really...think on it a bit. And don't just think on how they're being denied marriage, but also the ability to adopt children, for instance.<br><br />Melissa Etheridge has written <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2008-11-06/you-can-forget-my-taxes/">an amazing piece</a> that hit me, even though I'm not gay and admittedly I don't even understand how it must feel to be treated thusly, as a second-class citizen. The article is poignant and shows both a feeling of betrayal with frustration, but doesn't come out all pissy and "poor-me-I'm-the-victim" because I really hate that shit sometimes. Everyone should read this. I really have nothing further to add here; it's obvious as far as I'm concerned.<br><br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081230.post-73117117445369089322008-11-13T20:16:00.000-08:002008-11-13T20:24:34.493-08:00Blood-sickliness. :(<b><br />My weekly blood test, INR, was at only 1.1 and that explains alot. For the past few days I'm had such immense headaches that handfuls of 8-hour Tylenol wouldn't touch it. I've been unable to focus. And fatigue has been overwhelmingly fatigued. My INR is supposed to be 2.5 and 3.5; mine is exceptionally low. My hematologist was worried; asked that I counter it by taking a massive amount of Coumadin. Normally that works pretty well.<br><br />But now my eye is crazy-bloodshot...in fact, it looks like it exploded inside a little. My joints are sore, which one would think might be normal for a construction worker but this is different. Plus chest pain. I know I'm supposed to call the doctor with any "unusual symptoms" but I'm going to see how I feel in the morning.<br><br />Ah well. It's been a long time since my blood's been off-kilter. I'll deal with it.<br /></b>Flashtriggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01945806731450372205noreply@blogger.com2