i like it

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=2_HXUhShhmY&eurl=http://7.gmodules.com/ig/ifr?view=home&url=http://www.google.com/ig/modules/youtube_igoogle/v2/youtube.xml&nocache

I have ten minutes to blog and then I am absolutely going to bed. really. I must sleep pronto.

Item 1: I left work today to the sound of children screaming. In a moment I was braced for action, thrown back into my Tennyson day's when screaming is a precursor to a chili dog to the face or someone stealing your glasses. One hand on my spectacles, I looked around to ascertain the source of the bellows. I was delighted to find that the kids were laughing/ screaming in glee as a Dad ran through the snowy parking lot as quickly as possible, pushing the kiddos in a shopping cart. fun. I tried to catch up to see if I could get a ride too but they were too fast. golly.

Item 2: We are having another cold snap, with cloudy days and snow falling all day. Unfortunately there has not been a lot of accumulation. I am lodging a formal complaint against mother nature because I have not done any sledding this winter. We have an ideal set of railroad ties/planters that when lots of snow falls, you can carve out an amazing sled run (I have included a diagram). Last winter we had many a midnight sledding party. This year, nothing. I even hand shoveled the drive, using the wheel barrow to dump all the snow on the sled run, to no avail.



ten minutes are up.

went to the rodeo today. The girls laughed at me 'cause I kept cringing and yelping every time someone got thrown from a bucking bronco or bull (which was a lot). phew. If they did an MTV "Made" show for adults, I would want to be made into a barrel racer. Its kind of incredible. There was also a competition where they plopped children from ages 5 to 7 on top of a sheep and sent them off to see how long they could hang on. The kids got trampled and it was hilarious! but every one got a trouphy taller than themselves. I would say that is totally worth it. I liked the rodeo. Its like modern day jousting. but with steer.

"Do I smell like cat pee?"

This is the question I asked my co-worker today. Sometimes I get Post-Vashti-Stress-Disorder and I begin to think that I and everything around me smells like cat pee. It is rather traumatic.

(she said I didn't- phew)

Sometimes I have no words.

Sometimes I imagine my brain is like a space ship. There are lots and lots of ships flying around waiting to dock. If they don't dock they disappear into oblivion. Sometimes they don't know their docking order and get really mixed up. Sometimes they crash.

I just walked into LOST, the last half hour and I have no idea what is happening and the room is shrouded in silence that no one dare disturb. :) I will have to watch it tomorrow. Also the office from last week.

I have a fantastic plan for my weekend- which mainly includes the complete rearranging and organization of my bedroom. and laundry. lots of laundry. You know you want my life.

I am really really tired. and looking for something to give my day a little meaning...um...looking....looking...eh, to much effort.

Today Jon and I went snowboarding (well, I boarded, he skiied) I was awesome! (this statement of my skill level is relative to my previous snowboarding expedition- I never left the bunny slope, like for three hours). Today I mastered the green route. and I feel like someone beat me up. My tailbone hurts, my shoulders hurt, my knees are bruised and swollen (like really swollen), and I have a goose egg on my head where another snowboarder bonked me with her helmeted head as we were getting off the ski lift. And tomorrow we get to do it again. We are currently collapsed in exhaustion watching the Carolina game. I think I will go to bed very very soon.

Last night I went to a talk at the delightful Mercury Cafe called Eat Here Now- a discussion about urban gardening and food in Denver and the greater Colorado area. It was amazing. We got lost on the way (of course) and so I had to squeeze into a nook and strain to hear the happenings. I loved just listening to people talk about their passion of growing things and quoting Wendell Berry without heed. I got to talk with a guy who works with a group who helps people convert their lawns into urban, neighborhood gardens. Sigh. I could see my dream for a commune/farm/hostel/happy-gathering-place blooming before my eyes. I will grow things, I will spend my days in the dirt- whether that means on my windowsill or on some acreage. Life is all about community, people! Community and really good food that you know the name of who grew it for you. and really good books, life is about that too. and naps.

tonight, driving home, it was so pretty I almost liked the snow.

I really like going to the gym and working out while watching trashy tv shows. Tonight: the Bachelor and some of True Beauty. Fantastic. A funny thing happened while I was running, the dude next to me started talking to me and I was like, dude, I am running and have headphones on- why are you talking to me? He commented on us being the only two people still on treadmills, he commented on how many miles I ran, he commented on me not taking a break while running. um, okay, I am so glad you are impressed with my treadmill skills, but the headphones are still on dude. :) It was just kind of funny (and don't let my sassafras fool you, I was very nice to the intrusive man. Just let me run fool!)

****addendum to previous story*****

Yeah I totally screwed up my Thor story and left out the part that made it funny- The faux Thor, seeing the burglar, and realizing the prime opportunity he had before him, you know, being dressed like a god and all, charged the robber while brandishing his shield and sword and screaming a war cry that could be heard to Olympus. That is what made the robber hop out the window.

hehe.

my mouse always drifts to the left...slowly and with utmost certainty, it always moves to the left. I am watching cold mountain, such a sad movie. and crafting by the fire. I went outside real quick to get something from my car and the moon was so bright and beautiful. It made me wonder at how distracted I get in the inside of my house, working, playing, watching tv, that I forget how pretty it is outside. I can't remember what I was reading but yesterday, while reading this inspirational yet non-memorable text, I was struck with the possibility of life, that I can do whatever I wanted, that the rules that govern my life could be what I decided. Like, I could live with only what I need, I could open my home to whoever needs a safe place, I could be poor and happy, I could travel and learn from different people, I could feel free. and I could live under the moon.

Heard a great story:

A man came home to his apartment to a burglar robbing him. The robber, upon seeing the man return, was filled with fear and jumped out of the window. The man had just returned from a costume party and being over six foot tall and dressed like Thor, the god of thunder, had, given the robber's response, the desired effect. Apparently the robber had had a few drinks and was completely taken aback by the fact he had invaded the home of Thor. Amazing. Could you imagine a better opportunity to be dressed in such a costume?

I love Saturdays. I have committed to not getting out of my pajamas today. I am on the couch surrounded my blankets and books and I am going to snuggle until it is time for bed again. lovely.

My first week back has been a good one, lots of work to do but I made good leway. Andrea, who I work with, actually whispered when I was talking to a patient, "she sounds so grownup." Yep, I guess I do.

I am just chillin, nothing more to say.

oh and my theme song for 2009: Don't Stop Me Now by Queen

(I really love Queen but recently watched some live videos of them performing and decided I like to just hear them and not see them otherwise they kind of creep me out)

she'd say "I be a lady"

Today was, in the word's of Mary, a life maintenance day. Bills paid, errands run, laudry done, room cleaned (ish), etc etc etc. I must admit I feel a little anchor-less as I prepare to re-start daily life. I am not quite sure why. I have been trying to figure out what I can do to make my life (mostly my long work days) feel less draining and exhausting. At the end of most days I feel like I am searching for something to give my day meaning or purpose besides work. Mainly that search ends up with me watching TV too late into the night- which, you know, provides lots of meaning for my life. Speaking of which, I should probably turn it off and go to bed. I am also trying to be a person of greater integrity. For me, I think that means speaking my mind about what I can and cannot do, not avoiding conflict (this mainly means that I avoid things that I think may possibly create conflict or may result in someone saying something I may not like, projecting my own anxiety and insecurity on ANY situation that I feel the least bit unsure about), being honest and straight forward.

I think I think too much.

I am going to go to bed and read fluffy literature of no substance so my dreams will be equally fluffy and insubstantial.

what a difference a day makes

Today has been funny. Acutually yesterday was pretty funny too. Okay, I admit it- its always funny when I am around. (Funny- not necessarily fun)

Act 1: Christa in flight.

Today I missed my flight. I thought it left at 12 (I am looking at my email that says it was to leave at 12- I was not wrong) and when I got to the desk at 11 am to check in she said I was booked on a flight left at 10:42 am. WHAT! So after much typing on her computer she found me another flight on Northwest that would get me to Denver just an hour later. cool. But then I had to go stand in another line (I had been in line 1/2 hour already- you know, which made me miss my flight) and in that line the lady behind the counter got really confused and had to call the help line and was confusing me and scaring me and I thought I would get stranded in Detroit indefiniately. Finally she got me sorted and sent me through security where I was selected for a high security search where they went through all my bags and did the whole pat down shin dig. sweet. Once in Detroit I had ten minutes to get from gate A20 to A75 (see Christa run). I made it. Once in Denver I met up with Eric and we were going to bust a move and head to the nuggets game that night. But the baggage claim was so so late that they apologized and handed out vouchers for flight discounts. Finally we got the baggage and rushed to the game. phew.

Act 2: The Game

Megan received these sweet tickets from someone at church. The tickets were for the Nuggets/ Hornets game (the Hornets made me nostalgic), front row club seats and the tickets included 20 bucks each for concessions. Holler! The waitress came to ourseats, took our orders and brought us our food. If that wasn't exciting enough- its was 80s night. Everyone was decked out in mullets and day glow leotards. And...wait for it...VANILLA ICE PERFORMED AT HALF TIME! I can now die, my life complete. It was incredible.

Act 3: Back to Work.

I refuse to write this section. I don't believe in working.



I laughed a lot over the holidays and it was wonderful. I love people.

A year is but a blink of an eye...

A year in review. I recently realized that this will be the first time I have stayed in one location longer than a year, the first time since college, which doesn't really count because college is transition and moving, so really the first time ever that I have stayed in a place longer than a year. And I think it will be a good thing.

Here is a quick recap of 2008, first lines from the first blogs of each month.

January: again i am seized by a feeling so distinct and rare... i know exactly what i need to do.
February: i need a nap, a long one. maybe for a couple days.
March: eric and jessa and eli are moved in, things are being re arranged and un packed still but it is lovely to wake up to other voices and to have so many lovely people around.
April: tomorrow i am running the health shop solo. lets hope all goes well. i have my minimum training and a large amount of b.s. to help me sail through sat and sun. excellent.
May: yep, its May 1st and its a blizzard outside my window. what is wrong with Colorado?
June: so i am back from vacation and back into the routine.
July: pictures include: tall towers, the dragon, Ethan (who is ridiculously un-scared of heights), stain glass windows
August: Our adventures included:Picnicking in Boulder, Celestial Seasonings Tea Tour (thus the hairnets), exploring my favorite antique store, Hiking and a lovely breakfast on Mom's birthday, and a rainbow at the end of the trip
September: Jessa is nesting and I am sitting on the couch.
October: So as many of you know I like to instantly commit to some idea, career, or random inspiration.
November: There is a group of people that when I return to them I feel like I can see myself better and better recall who I want to become.
December: i cried a little.

and for the future- a bit about 2009:

Year of the Ox
Theme song: TBA
New Project 1: Marathon
New Project 2: Make Friends

I am ready for summer.

wait, what?

okay, so its December 15th. Like, really close to Christmas. And it doesn't feel like Christmas...at all. I think this mainly has to do with the fact for the first time in years I am not 1. working with kids or 2. helping to organize Christmas themed activities for a non-profit organization (aka making elf costumes with Bell House in the 'Mosa). I still have my elf costume. In an effort to evoke Christmas I declare that I am going to wear it. Everyday. Until Christmas. I have also decided to, in this moment, make gingerbread houses for Eric and I's joint birthday/ graduate student "yay-the-the-semester-is-over" extravaganza. Really the time to accomplish these tasks does not exist (Christa's work schedule: Tuesday 8am-8pm, Wednesday 8am-8pm, Thursday 8am-3pm Party=7pm) but, you know, some things just need to happen.

Friday was supposed to be my "celebrating the life of Christa" day but it looks like I may have agreed to do work related activities that day. I have no resistance to any request. Crap.

My life has been really uninteresting except I work a lot. And have been feeling pretty overwhelmed for the past three weeks. Its getting better, however. 2009 is the year of the ox or bull. This, apparently, means it will be a year dedicated to hard work and working hard. This, apparently, is a good thing if you know what you are working for but difficult if you don't. So I am going to figure out what I am working for or toward, so as to not be caught unawares. I will keep you posted.

I love fiction and stories. I happen to work with a lot of people who say they have a hard time reading fiction and I have to just look at them baffled and bemused. I cannot comprehend choosing non-fiction over fiction. I mean I have enjoyed my fair share of non-fiction but in no way does that trump a good work of fiction. 9 out of 10 times I will choose something completely made up over something that may possibly improve my mind.

yep. I will be home from Christmas Eve and fly back to Colorado on January 3rd, with a visit to Josh, Katrina, and Amelia (yay!) from the 30th to the 2nd.

Once I Had An Open Heart

http://www.slvdweller.com/index.php?/archives/2008/10/04/The-Government-Seems-To-Have-A-Hard-Time-Passing-Bills-About-Things-That-Are-Free.xhtml

Full-length video for Katey Sleeveless' song "The Government Seems To Have A Hard Time Passing Bills About Things That Are Free." Song written and performed by Katey Sleeveless. Directed by Katey Sleeveless and Eric Shiveley. Filmed and edited by Eric Shiveley. Edited on a TRS-80 Katey found in an abandoned rail car.

something to say

I sustained my most dramatic sewing injury this saturday. It is not uncommon (at least for me) to sew through my finger every now and then. Usually it is through a small bit of flesh, the needle pops in and out, no harm done but yet another piece of evidence collected for the case against a graceful Christa. However, this time the injury was a bit more dramatic (and, I think, humorous). I allowed my left middle finger (darn it for being longer than my other digits) to get a wee bit close the the sewing needle and the needle did indeed puncture my finger but it punctured enough flesh to cause the end of the needle to break once it exited the other end of my finger. Ow. Thankfully I was quick to pull my foot off the pedal but closer examination of the situation revealed that my finger was essentially trapped against the sewing machine, the broken end of the needle acting like the barb of a fishing hook. The nearest pair of scissors were in the middle of the floor and I couldn't move my finger due to the jammed bobbin (thus preventing me from using the thread cutter on the back of the machine to cut myself free). Yeah. I was home alone and finally figured out a way to stretch across the to the scissor without moving my poor little finger and scootching the scissors closer with my foot(10 points for a graceful Christa. A slight tangent: I have come to the conclusion that I am very capable of grace and coordination but only in uncommon circumstances, like scrambling boulders or precarious sewing situations. Please note that I managed to rescue myself AND not get any blood on my project). Once free I ran downstairs, doused my finger in peroxide and proceeded to remove the strands of thread from my finger. I almost wish I had taken a photo because it was so bizarre looking. The finger is healing well, though it may be suffering from PTSD and looks as if it had a violent run in with a mini vampire.

♫ http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c0cf508ff8/prop-8-the-musical-starring-jack-black-john-c-reilly-and-many-more-from-fod-team-jack-black-craig-robinson-john-c-reilly-and-rashida-jones

i cried a little.