(like susual, this long winded and doesn't always stick a point)
Every year (or so) I try and read one of favorite sets of books in and around Christmas.
My absolute favorites are of course "Zoey and Frannie" as wella s "Raise High the Roof beam Carpenter" by JD Salinger. I think I've read both maybe 10+ times in my life starting with "Catcher in the Rye" when I was 13 years old. I din't tackle the rest of his work till I was Frosh in College though, but his work has always been a return for me. My other favorite writer was JRR Tolkien, I started on the Hobbit in Jr High, and then hit the trillogy in mid high school followed by Unfinished Tales and Silmalarian in College.
Just over a year ago when the last of the Harry Potter books was released, an unfinished book of sorts from Tolkien was released as well called "Children of Huren."Now I had to put off the last of the Harry Potter's books tilll after the semster was done, but I picked upt hat Tolkien book and that was what I read last year about this time.
This year though, I was lazy, instead of reading I pulled out all three of the LOTR movies (I've picked them up used over the last couple of years) and watched them. I watched them plus all of the bonus materials, which is 12 disks with 2-3 hours on each. I'm completely geeked out at this point and nearly can't wait to get back to work in the morning.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
I feel Like an Ass
So today, my sister kind of tried to fix meup with a friend of hers. The whole time though, I couldn't take my eyes off of her mustache. Why the hell does anyone notice stuff like that why the hell did I get fixated on it? I feel bad for her now and tend to think, hell what the hell was I thinking? Anyway, I can't really think of anything else about her. She said something funny at some point too, but no, asshole me had to get fixated on the mustache.
Merry Holidays btw.
Merry Holidays btw.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
What was that?
So today we didn't have a snow day, but we did have a you can come in late day because of the several days of snow we've had here in Portland. Which was good, because I've had cabin fever for the last day or two and really wanted to get out. The drive in was pretty bumpy and I was one of the first to arrive. I had been baking off and on for two days with Xmass treats for everyone. Upon reaching the kitchen, the smell of rotting chicken hit me pretty hard. The cleaning crew hadn't come in over the weekend and Friday's lunch left overs were rotting. A Quick clean up was in order and the bags all closed and kitchen airing out. Tastie food treats out for those who ventured in. Check.
By the end of the day, most of the tasty treats were gone, except the brownies, which I spent the most time on.
By the end of the day, most of the tasty treats were gone, except the brownies, which I spent the most time on.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Snow Dayz
For the last three days we've had record snow fall here in Portland. Every day I've been driving in it and have been having the time of my life and appalled at the same time. On one hand, it's been fun as hell as you drive about and are never really quite in control. On the other hand, there's a record number of retards out there. I should point out that up until two years ago, I have never driven in snow. I've been in snow, but I was never the actual driver. All that having been said, I seem to know more then many I've seen on the roads of Portland over the last couple of days.
Things I know though:
IF you're afraid to be on the snowy icy road, don't go out in it. If you do, you're a retard.
Just because you have chains on, doesn't mean you are in control.
Don't drive too close to anyone and be careful passing because well you're not going to drive in a straight line.
Driving in chains in the highway, where the road was cleared days ago, means your chains are going to break and cause road hazards. As such, pull over and take them off.
Things I've been able to figure out:
Just because I have 4-wheel drive, doesn't mean my truck can go any place it wants too.
Little hills are bigger when they have a that much ice and snow on them.
82nd avenue is filled with retards before Xmass, even when we have a blizzard. (note- I should include myself in this retard class).
Pedestrians: Walking in the middle of the street can make sense because the ice is compacted. But you're retarded if you're walking in the middle of the street when cars are around and you expect them drive around you. Remember, drivers are only slightly in control. And if for only a second they are not, you're gonna lose big time. As such, don't be a retard, use the fucking side walk and help compact that ice yourself. But I can understand if you're on a side street and all, but on main bullivards? You're a complete retard if you're out in and amung traffic. Hopefully you haven't yet reproduced.
Cross Country Skiers: Probably the smartest people in Portland right now.
I mean this, not in facetious way either.
Things I know though:
IF you're afraid to be on the snowy icy road, don't go out in it. If you do, you're a retard.
Just because you have chains on, doesn't mean you are in control.
Don't drive too close to anyone and be careful passing because well you're not going to drive in a straight line.
Driving in chains in the highway, where the road was cleared days ago, means your chains are going to break and cause road hazards. As such, pull over and take them off.
Things I've been able to figure out:
Just because I have 4-wheel drive, doesn't mean my truck can go any place it wants too.
Little hills are bigger when they have a that much ice and snow on them.
82nd avenue is filled with retards before Xmass, even when we have a blizzard. (note- I should include myself in this retard class).
Pedestrians: Walking in the middle of the street can make sense because the ice is compacted. But you're retarded if you're walking in the middle of the street when cars are around and you expect them drive around you. Remember, drivers are only slightly in control. And if for only a second they are not, you're gonna lose big time. As such, don't be a retard, use the fucking side walk and help compact that ice yourself. But I can understand if you're on a side street and all, but on main bullivards? You're a complete retard if you're out in and amung traffic. Hopefully you haven't yet reproduced.
Cross Country Skiers: Probably the smartest people in Portland right now.
I mean this, not in facetious way either.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Black Wednessday
For those of you up here you might already know that my employer just axed a whole lot of folks. In many respects it was all of a sudden, but in some ways it wasn't. Let's be honest here, our economy sucks and I think most of know that there's a good chance where ever we work, that the axe is hanging over us.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Snow Days
Saturday night we had our company xmass party. I went prepared with not one, but two flaskes of whiskey (Irish and single malt scotch). The venue confiscated the scotch, but I had more then enough to share with everyone. I actually enjoyed going this year, last year wasn't really that enjoyable, mostly since I brought a date I think. This year I brought a former co-worker and introduced him as me "Heterosexual Life Mate" which got quite a a lot of laughs. I promised my friend not to make him the but of all jokes all evening in his presence, so he only had to hear once more. Leaving the venue, it was pretty fucking cold and some one joked about me now wearing shorts. Well I had worn shorts all day, but wasn't about to wear them that night and for good reason, it was fucking cold. So fucking cold it snowed an hour later.
The snow blanketed Portland with about 2-3 inches by morning. When it snows in Portland, everything shuts down. We only have a handful of snow clearing trucks, and they tend to go to the interstate first. Anyway, instead of meeting up with the family for lunch and doing laundry I spent the better part of the day working on a 8 page paper. How I hadn't already finished this stupid ass paper I don't know. But I did go outside a couple of times and snapped a picture of two:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/filmtwit/
I gotta add, most portland drivers know to stay off the road after it snows, but for those that do, most I hate to say are retards. I saw no more then 10 cars sliding around and stuck. Dumbasses.
Monday was great since I was able to sleep in for once. Work had pushed back working hours till 10:30. I came in early since I had some work I wanted to get done before anyone else got on me about it. I wasn't surprised to find that West side of Burnside was clear of ice and snow, while the ease end hadn't been touched. Turning off to 23rd I was stuck behind some woman in a Landrover Disco driving literally 5 miles per hour and straddling the bike lane. Fucking retard. First for buying the Disco and second for straddling the bike lane.
Anyway, the paper is done and so it school for a couple of weeks at least.
The snow blanketed Portland with about 2-3 inches by morning. When it snows in Portland, everything shuts down. We only have a handful of snow clearing trucks, and they tend to go to the interstate first. Anyway, instead of meeting up with the family for lunch and doing laundry I spent the better part of the day working on a 8 page paper. How I hadn't already finished this stupid ass paper I don't know. But I did go outside a couple of times and snapped a picture of two:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/filmtwit/
I gotta add, most portland drivers know to stay off the road after it snows, but for those that do, most I hate to say are retards. I saw no more then 10 cars sliding around and stuck. Dumbasses.
Monday was great since I was able to sleep in for once. Work had pushed back working hours till 10:30. I came in early since I had some work I wanted to get done before anyone else got on me about it. I wasn't surprised to find that West side of Burnside was clear of ice and snow, while the ease end hadn't been touched. Turning off to 23rd I was stuck behind some woman in a Landrover Disco driving literally 5 miles per hour and straddling the bike lane. Fucking retard. First for buying the Disco and second for straddling the bike lane.
Anyway, the paper is done and so it school for a couple of weeks at least.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
INto the Couv
Oh what a week!
Quick Recap: I finally got the truck threw DEQ and have the weekly laundry going too. Last Saturday I overloaded the electrical for my apartment and lost power to the looving room and kitchen. The electrical here is a nightmare, but nothing was lost other then food. But I'm spending the afternoon setting up the computer and tv again in the livingroom. I just have to careful of the microwave and heater I think?
Anyway, I've been following the local craiglist pretty religiously looking for canon lenes these days. I really want to upgrade my 70-200, but unless a used one comes up locally I'll be waiting till after xmass before I do buy the uber 70-200 2.8 is that I've been lusting after for years. But while following the local craiglist I've seen couple of deals come and go on several other cameras as well. One I called about a couple of weeks ago but had reservations. I don't really need it, but it kept coming back up and the guy talked about folks flaking on it. I did some investigating on it, and the actual camera body is a slight odity and I can understand folks not really wanting it. Anyway, on Friday he relisted it at a price I just couldn't say no to, especially with my bday tomorrow it would make the perfect gift to, well me! Anyway I gave him a call this afternoon expecting it to be gone and low and behold he still had it for sale so I asked if I could come and take a look at it. No problem,he'd be at home all day. He gave me directions to of all places, Vancouver Washington East Vancouver to be exact). AKA- Vantucky and/or The Couv. Honestly I think it's been years since I even took that bridge to nowhere. I hate say, I had some reservations and the thought of this camera being stolen came to mind. But the guy has had listed for literally a month, if it had been stolen, he would have been easy to catch. So it was off to the Couv.
The drive was rather easy, but ya know, once you're across the river the world seems to change. It's not liking when you go from the "City" to the "Suburbs" or to the "Country" type of change either. Vantucky is a real odity since it's a mixture of recent suburban sprawl, industry and farm land. The place reminds me of the Inland Empire back in California, jsut a lot colder and wetter. But the literally the same people you'd find down there you'd also find in Vancouver. So in the back of mind, I was hoping to run into someone like "Spock" who totally ruins my conception of who lives in a place like this. Anyway, the guy's house literally just a block away from local Fred Meyer so traffic really sucked right around his place. But I pull into block and their a guy, bigger then me with a RC off road monster truck racign that noisy ass thing up and down the block. I was tempted I hate to say to run the damn thing over mostly since he thought the thing owned the hood. I park and catch sight of the house, 5, count them, 5 vehicles in the driveway of 70's ear track ranch house. Ugh, I am in the IE, or the worse I'm in Victorville! The frotn door is open and their is a nasty ass coy pond in front with two cats stalking what's left of the poor fish. Did I mention that the front door was wide open and it's December 6th? It's actually a warm sunny December 6th btw.
ANyway I can hear kids, lots and lots of kids so when I knock on the door, there suddenly 4 kids and two women. I quickl ask that I was looking for Greg and was here to look a camera. Oh, "Greg just left torun an errand, let me give him a call". Great, fucking great! So she's on the phone and these 4 kids are now out in the front yard and playing and talking to me as if well, they've kown me all of thier lives. Holy shit, these kids are starved for attention. The oldest girl (age maybe 8 I would guess) keeps telling me her current life and how she likes to pick on her youngest sister. I hate to say it, but I am this point reminded of why I have taken the steps I have not to have had any kids in my own life. These kids were not bad or anything like that. But they honeslty craved attention and honeslty they should not be trying to get it fro a nearly 40 year stange male. I'm not sure how to say this, but if I didn't know me, I wouldn't leave kids with me. Anyway, about every 5 minutes one of the two women pops their head out to let me know Greg is on their way and to ask if I might want to buy a cat or a puppy. "Sorry, my apartment it small and I think my land lord would flip if I brought home a puppy". Oh that sounds about right, plus these fucking Pitbulls to boot.
If thei ris one breed of dogs I am exceedling wary of, it is Pitbulls. Now I've met some great Pitbulls in my life, but as whole, these is one seriously fucked up breed of dogs that humans have fucked up even more. It seems their have a small puppy breading farm out back. They get $200-$500 for each puppy. Honstly I want to run at this point. I am now inthe trashiest place I have been in quite a while which is odd, poor white people honestly scare me. I've honestly never felt scared in poor black or latino nighborhoods in my life. But poor white people put me edge. So while i'm waiting one of the women comes back out and now I get her life story. It seems they just loss their house and had to move in whith her sister. Honestly this makes a shit load of sense since the market has dropped out on real estate and all that. From what I get, this family was probobly the prime target of all that shit and they were able to bail from it finally last month. She hasn't worked in a bit, but her husband is still working at least. Their trying to unload all their excess stuff since it won't remotly fit the shared house nor do they want to keep paying for the storage unit.
About this time, dad comes home and god this guy is big. Not in a mean white trash way, just rounder then me and definitly not int he best of shape. He looks stressed out to boot. I'm actually feeling for him. He goes into one of the bedrooms (which loooks filled with crap) and emerges about 5 minutes later with the camera. It looks better in person then did in pictures. It works fine and I pay the man. Their is alook of relief. I suspect he's been dealing with flakes for weeks concerning getting rid of this camera.
Anyway, either I just bought stolen camera or I got a great deal on a camera no one wants!
Eitherway I have a Mamiya 645 medium format camera. Now to think of what the shit I can shoot with it?
Quick Recap: I finally got the truck threw DEQ and have the weekly laundry going too. Last Saturday I overloaded the electrical for my apartment and lost power to the looving room and kitchen. The electrical here is a nightmare, but nothing was lost other then food. But I'm spending the afternoon setting up the computer and tv again in the livingroom. I just have to careful of the microwave and heater I think?
Anyway, I've been following the local craiglist pretty religiously looking for canon lenes these days. I really want to upgrade my 70-200, but unless a used one comes up locally I'll be waiting till after xmass before I do buy the uber 70-200 2.8 is that I've been lusting after for years. But while following the local craiglist I've seen couple of deals come and go on several other cameras as well. One I called about a couple of weeks ago but had reservations. I don't really need it, but it kept coming back up and the guy talked about folks flaking on it. I did some investigating on it, and the actual camera body is a slight odity and I can understand folks not really wanting it. Anyway, on Friday he relisted it at a price I just couldn't say no to, especially with my bday tomorrow it would make the perfect gift to, well me! Anyway I gave him a call this afternoon expecting it to be gone and low and behold he still had it for sale so I asked if I could come and take a look at it. No problem,he'd be at home all day. He gave me directions to of all places, Vancouver Washington East Vancouver to be exact). AKA- Vantucky and/or The Couv. Honestly I think it's been years since I even took that bridge to nowhere. I hate say, I had some reservations and the thought of this camera being stolen came to mind. But the guy has had listed for literally a month, if it had been stolen, he would have been easy to catch. So it was off to the Couv.
The drive was rather easy, but ya know, once you're across the river the world seems to change. It's not liking when you go from the "City" to the "Suburbs" or to the "Country" type of change either. Vantucky is a real odity since it's a mixture of recent suburban sprawl, industry and farm land. The place reminds me of the Inland Empire back in California, jsut a lot colder and wetter. But the literally the same people you'd find down there you'd also find in Vancouver. So in the back of mind, I was hoping to run into someone like "Spock" who totally ruins my conception of who lives in a place like this. Anyway, the guy's house literally just a block away from local Fred Meyer so traffic really sucked right around his place. But I pull into block and their a guy, bigger then me with a RC off road monster truck racign that noisy ass thing up and down the block. I was tempted I hate to say to run the damn thing over mostly since he thought the thing owned the hood. I park and catch sight of the house, 5, count them, 5 vehicles in the driveway of 70's ear track ranch house. Ugh, I am in the IE, or the worse I'm in Victorville! The frotn door is open and their is a nasty ass coy pond in front with two cats stalking what's left of the poor fish. Did I mention that the front door was wide open and it's December 6th? It's actually a warm sunny December 6th btw.
ANyway I can hear kids, lots and lots of kids so when I knock on the door, there suddenly 4 kids and two women. I quickl ask that I was looking for Greg and was here to look a camera. Oh, "Greg just left torun an errand, let me give him a call". Great, fucking great! So she's on the phone and these 4 kids are now out in the front yard and playing and talking to me as if well, they've kown me all of thier lives. Holy shit, these kids are starved for attention. The oldest girl (age maybe 8 I would guess) keeps telling me her current life and how she likes to pick on her youngest sister. I hate to say it, but I am this point reminded of why I have taken the steps I have not to have had any kids in my own life. These kids were not bad or anything like that. But they honeslty craved attention and honeslty they should not be trying to get it fro a nearly 40 year stange male. I'm not sure how to say this, but if I didn't know me, I wouldn't leave kids with me. Anyway, about every 5 minutes one of the two women pops their head out to let me know Greg is on their way and to ask if I might want to buy a cat or a puppy. "Sorry, my apartment it small and I think my land lord would flip if I brought home a puppy". Oh that sounds about right, plus these fucking Pitbulls to boot.
If thei ris one breed of dogs I am exceedling wary of, it is Pitbulls. Now I've met some great Pitbulls in my life, but as whole, these is one seriously fucked up breed of dogs that humans have fucked up even more. It seems their have a small puppy breading farm out back. They get $200-$500 for each puppy. Honstly I want to run at this point. I am now inthe trashiest place I have been in quite a while which is odd, poor white people honestly scare me. I've honestly never felt scared in poor black or latino nighborhoods in my life. But poor white people put me edge. So while i'm waiting one of the women comes back out and now I get her life story. It seems they just loss their house and had to move in whith her sister. Honestly this makes a shit load of sense since the market has dropped out on real estate and all that. From what I get, this family was probobly the prime target of all that shit and they were able to bail from it finally last month. She hasn't worked in a bit, but her husband is still working at least. Their trying to unload all their excess stuff since it won't remotly fit the shared house nor do they want to keep paying for the storage unit.
About this time, dad comes home and god this guy is big. Not in a mean white trash way, just rounder then me and definitly not int he best of shape. He looks stressed out to boot. I'm actually feeling for him. He goes into one of the bedrooms (which loooks filled with crap) and emerges about 5 minutes later with the camera. It looks better in person then did in pictures. It works fine and I pay the man. Their is alook of relief. I suspect he's been dealing with flakes for weeks concerning getting rid of this camera.
Anyway, either I just bought stolen camera or I got a great deal on a camera no one wants!
Eitherway I have a Mamiya 645 medium format camera. Now to think of what the shit I can shoot with it?
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